236 TREACHERY OF PONTIAC. [1763, Mat. 



the fire was returned with steadiness, and not 

 without effect. The Canadian engages of the fur- 

 traders retorted the Indian war-whoops with outcries 

 not less discordant, while the British and provin- 

 cials paid back the clamor of the enemy with 

 musket and rifle balls. Within half gunshot of 

 the palisades was a cluster of outbuildings, behind 

 which a host of Indians found shelter. A cannon 

 was brought to bear upon them, loaded with red-hot 

 spikes. They were soon wrapped in flames, upon 

 which the disconcerted savages broke away in a 

 body, and ran off yelping, followed by a shout of 

 laughter from the soldiers.^ 



For six hours, the attack was unabated ; but as 

 the day advanced, the assailants grew weary of 

 their futile efforts. Their fire slackened, their 

 clamors died away, and the garrison was left once 

 more in peace, though from time to time a solitary 

 shot, or lonely whoop, still showed the presence of 

 some lingering savage, loath to be balked of his 

 revenge. Among the garrison, only five men had 

 been wounded, while the cautious enemy had suf- 

 fered but trifling loss. 



Gladwyn was still convinced that the whole affair 

 was a sudden ebullition, which would soon subside ; 

 and being, moreover, in great want of provisions, 

 he resolved to open negotiations with the Indians, 

 under cover of which he might obtain the neces- 

 sary supplies. The interpreter. La Butte, who, 

 like most of his countrymen, might be said to hold 



1 Ponliac MS. Pern. Gaz. No. 1808. MS. IjQiier — Gladwyn to Am- 

 herst, May 14, etc. 



