CHAPTER XVII. 



1763. 

 THE MASSACRE. 



The following morning was warm and sultry. It 

 was the fourth of June, the birthday of King 

 George. The discipline of the garrison was re- 

 laxed, and some license allowed to the soldiers.* 

 Encamped in the woods, not far off, were a large 

 number of Ojibwas, lately arrived ; while several 

 bands of the Sac Indians, from the River Wiscon- 

 sin, had also erected their lodges in the vicinity. 

 Early in the morning, many Ojibwas came to the 

 fort, inviting officers and soldiers to come out and 

 see a grand game of ball, which was to be played 

 between their nation and the Sacs. In consequence, 

 the place was soon deserted by half its tenants. 

 An outline of Michillimackinac, as far as tradition 

 has preserved its general features, has already been 

 given ; and it is easy to conceive, with sufficient 

 accuracy, the appearance it must have presented 

 on this eventful morning. The houses and bar- 

 racks were so ranged as to form a quadrangle, en- 

 closing an extensive area, upon which their doors 



1 The above is Henry's date. Etherington says, the second. 



