292 BLOCKADE OF DETROIT. [1763, July. 



in a wide ring. One part was occupied by the 

 Canadians, among whom were several whose with- 

 ered, leathery features proclaimed them the patri- 

 archs of the secluded little settlement. Opposite 

 these sat the stern-visaged Pontiac, with his chiefs 

 on either hand, while the intervening portions of 

 the circle were filled by Canadians and Indians 

 promiscuously mingled. Standing on the outside, 

 and looking over the heads of this more dignified 

 assemblage, was a motley throng of Indians and 

 Canadians, half breeds, trappers, and voyageurs, 

 in wild and picturesque, though very dirty attire, 

 Conspicuous among them were numerous Indian 

 dandies, a large class in every aboriginal com- 

 munity, where they hold about the same relative 

 position as do their counterparts in civilized society. 

 They were wrapped in the gayest blankets, their 

 necks adorned with beads, their cheeks daubed with 

 vermilion, and their ears hung with pendants. They 

 stood sedately looking on, with evident self-compla- 

 cency, yet ashamed and afraid to take their places 

 among the aged chiefs and warriors of repute. 



All was silent, and several pipes were passing 

 round from hand to hand, when Pontiac rose, and 

 threw down a war-belt at the feet of the Canadians. 



" My brothers," he said, " how long will you suf- 

 fer this bad flesh to remain upon your lands ? I 

 have told you before, and I now tell you again, 

 that when I took up the hatchet, it was for your 

 good. This year the English must all perish 

 throughout Canada. The Master of Life com- 

 mands it ; and you, who know him better than 



