CHAPTER Xni. 



1763. 



ROUT OF CUTLER'S DETACHMENT. — FATE OF THE 

 FOREST GARRISONS. 



While perils were thickening around the garri- 

 son of Detroit, the British commander-in-chief at 

 New York remained ignorant of its danger. In- 

 deed, an unwonted quiet had prevailed, of late, 

 along the borders and about the neighboring forts. 

 With the opening of spring, a sti'ong detachment 

 had been sent up the lakes, with a supply of pro- 

 visions and ammunition for the use of Detroit and 

 the other western posts. The boats of this convoy 

 were now pursuing their course along the northern 

 shore of Lake Erie ; and Gladwyn's garrison, 

 aware of their approach, awaited their arrival with 

 an anxiety which every day increased. 



Day after day passed on, and the red cross of St. 

 George still floated above Detroit. The keen-eyed 

 watchfulness of the Indians had never abated ; and 

 woe to the soldier who showed his head above the 

 palisades, or exposed his person before a loophole. 

 Strong in his delusive hope of French assistance, 

 Pontiac had sent messengers to M. Neyon, com- 

 mandant at the Illinois, earnestly requesting that a 



