112 THE SIEGE OF DETROIT RAISED. [1763-1764. 



backs of the squaws, were their only shelter. 

 Encamped at intervals by the margin of some 

 frozen lake, surrounded by all that is most stern 

 and dreary in the aspects of nature, they were sub- 

 jected to every hardship, and endured all with 

 stubborn stoicism. Sometimes, during the frosty 

 night, they were gathered in groups about the 

 flickering lodge-iire, listening to traditions of their 

 forefathers, and wild tales of magic and incanta- 

 tion. Perhaps, before the season was past, some 

 bloody feud broke out among them ; perhaps they 

 were assailed by their ancient enemies the Dahco- 

 tah ; or perhaps some sinister omen or evil dream 

 spread more terror through the camp than the 

 presence of an actual danger would have awakened. 

 With the return of spring, the scattered parties 

 once more united, and moved towards Detroit, to 

 indulge their unforgotten hatred against the Eng- 

 , lish. 



Detroit had been the central point of the Indian 

 operations ; its capture had been their favorite pro- 

 ject; around it they had concentrated their greatest 

 force, and the failure of the attempt proved disas- 

 trous to their cause. Upon the Six Nations, more 

 especially, it produced a marked effect. The 

 friendly tribes of this confederacy w^ere confu'med 

 in their friendship, while the hostile Senecas began 

 to lose heart. Availing himself of this state of 

 things, Sir William Johnson, about the middle 

 of the winter, persuaded a number of Six Nation 

 warriors, by dint of gifts and promises, to go out 

 against the enemy. He stimulated their zeal by 



