326 MICHILLIMACKINAC. [1761. 



were nominal Catholics. They were all somewhat 

 improved from their original savage condition, liv- 

 ing in log houses, and cultivating corn and vegeta- 

 bles to such an extent as to supply the fort with 

 provisions, besides satisfying their own wants. 

 The Ojibwas, on the other hand, were not in the 

 least degree removed from their primitive barbar- 

 ism.^ 



These two tribes, with most of the other neigh- 

 boring Indians, were strongly hostile to the English. 

 Many of their warriors had fought against them in 

 the late war, for France had summoned allies from 

 the farthest corners of the wilderness, to aid her in 

 her struggle. This feeling of hostility was excited 

 to a higher pitch by the influence of the Canadians, 

 who disliked the English, not merely as national 

 enemies, but also as rivals in the fur-trade, and 

 were extremely jealous of their intrusion upon the 

 lakes. The following incidents, which occurred in 

 the autumn of the year 1761, will illustrate the 

 state of feeling which prevailed : — 



At that time, although Michillimackinac had been 

 surrendered, and the French garrison removed, no 

 English troops had yet arrived to supply their place, 

 and the Canadians were the only tenants of the fort. 

 An adventurous trader, Alexander Henry, who, 

 with one or two others, was the pioneer of the 

 English fur-trade in this region, came to Michil- 

 limackinac by the route of the Ottawa. On the 

 way, he was several times warned to turn back, 



1 Many of these particulars are derived from memoranda furnished by- 

 Henry R. Schoolcraft, Esq. 



