170 BRADSTREET'S ARMY ON THE LAKES. [1764, July. 



beyond the Mississippi, had their representative in 

 this general meeting. 



Though the assembled multitude consisted, for 

 the most part, of the more pacific members of the 

 tribes represented, yet their friendly disposition 

 was by no means certain. Several straggling 

 soldiers were shot at in the neighborhood, and it 

 soon became apparent that the utmost precaution 

 must be taken to avert a rupture. The troops were 

 kept always on their guard ; while the black muz- 

 zles of the cannon, thrust from the bastions of the 

 fort, struck a wholesome awe into the savage 

 throng below-. 



Although so many had attended the meeting, 

 there were still numerous tribes, and portions of 

 tribes, who maintained a rancorous, unwavering 

 hostility. The Delawares and Shavvanoes, how- 

 ever, against whom Bouquet, with the army of the 

 south, was then in the act of advancing, sent a 

 message to the effect, that, though they had no fear 

 of the English, and though they regarded them as 

 old women, and held them in contempt, yet, out of 



desiring him to satisfy his hunger with tlie carcass of the dog. The 

 snake was unpropitious, and the wind increased. Another chief sacrificed 

 another dog, with the addition of some tobacco. In the prayer which 

 acconipanied these gifts, he besought the snake, as before, not to avenge 

 upon the Indians the insult which he had received from myself, in the 

 conception of a design to put him to death. He assured the snake that I 

 was absolutely an Englishman, and of kin neither to him nor to them. 



*' At the conclusion of this speech, an Indian, who sat near me, 

 observed, that if we were drowned it would be for my fault alone, and 

 that I ought myself to be sacrificed, to appease the angry manito ; nor 

 was I without apprehensions, that, in case of extremity, this would be my 

 fate ; but, happily for me, the storm at length abated, and we reached the 

 island safely." — Henry, Travels, 175. 



