1763, Mat.] FORT MIAMI. 277 



excuses, so consolatory to the sufferers, might prob- 

 ably have been founded in truth, for these savages 

 were of a character less ferocious than many of the 

 others, and as they were farther removed from the 

 settlements, they had not felt to an equal degree 

 the effects of English insolence and encroachment. 

 Close upon these tidings came the news that 

 Fort Miami was taken. This post, standing on the 

 Eiver Maumee, was commanded by Ensign Holmes. 

 And here I cannot but remark on the forlorn situa- 

 tion of these officers, isolated in the wilderness, 

 hundreds of miles, in some instances, from any 

 congenial associates, separated from every human 

 being except the rude soldiers under their com- 



speak to me, and Immediately bound me, when I got to their Cabbin and 

 I soon found some of my Soldiers in the same Condition : They told me 

 Detroit, Miamis, and all them Posts were cut oflf, and that it was a Folly 

 to make any Resistance, therefore desired me to make the few Soldiers, 

 that were in the Fort, surrender, otherwise they would put us all to 

 Death, in case one man was killed. They were to have fell on us and 

 killed us all, last night, but Mr. Maisongville and Lorain gave them wam- 

 pum not to kill us, & when they told the Interpreter that we were all to 

 be killed & he knowing the condition of the Fort, beg'd of them to make 

 us prisoners. They have put us into French houses, & both Indians and 

 French use us very well : All these Nations say they are very sorry but 

 that they were obhged to do it by the Other Nations. The Belt did not 

 Arrive here 'till last night about Eight o'Clock. Mr. Lorain can inform 

 you of all Just now Received the News of St. Joseph s being taken, 

 Eleven men killed and three taken Prisoners with the Officer : I have 

 nothing more to say, but that I sincerely wish you a speedy succour, and 

 that we may be able to Revenge ourselves on those that Deserve it. 

 " I Remain, with my Sincerest wishes for your safety, 

 " Your most humble servant, 



" Edwd Jenkins. 



« N.B. We expect to set off in a day or two for the Illinois." 

 This expectation was not fulfilled, and Jenkins remained at Ouatanon. 

 A letter from him is before me, written from thence to Gladwyn on the 

 29th July in which he complains that the Canadians were secretly advis- 

 ing the Indians to murder aU the EngUsh in the West. 



