224 BOUQUET IN THE INDIAN COUNTRY. [1764, Nov. 



peace would be granted to them on the same 

 conditions as to the rest. Thus encouraged, they 

 abandoned their design, and set out with Hghter 

 hearts for the English camp, bringing with them a 

 portion of their prisoners. When about half-way 

 on their journey, they were met by an Indian run- 

 ner, who told them that a soldier had been killed 

 in the woods, and their tribe charged with the 

 crime. On hearing this, their fear revived, and 

 with it their former purpose. Having collected 

 their prisoners in a meadow, they surrounded the 

 miserable wretches, armed with guns, war clubs, 

 and bows and arrows, and prepared to put them to 

 death. But another runner arrived before the 

 butchery began, and, assuring them that what they 

 had heard was false, prevailed on them once more 

 to proceed. They pursued their journey without far- 

 ther interruption, and, coming in safety to the camp, 

 delivered the prisoners whom they had brought. 



These by no means included all of their cap- 

 tives, for nearly a hundred were left behind, 

 because they belonged to warriors who had gone 

 to the Illinois to procure arms and ammunition 

 from the French ; and there is no authority in an 

 Indian community powerful enough to deprive the 

 meanest warrior of his property, even in circum- 

 stances of the greatest public exigency. This was 

 clearly understood by the English commander, and 

 he therefore received the submission of the Shaw- 

 anoes, at the same time compelling them to deliver 

 hostages for the future surrender of the remaining 

 prisoners. 



