CHAPTER VIII. 



1687. 



DENONVILLE AND THE SENECAS. 



Treachery of Denonville. — Iroquois Generosity. — The Invad- 

 ing Army. — The Western Allies. — Plunder of English 

 Traders. — Arrival of the Allies. — Scene at the French 

 Camp. — March of Denonville. — Ambuscade. — Battle. — Vic- 

 tory. — The Seneca Babylon. — Imperfect Success. 



A host of flat-boats filled with soldiers, and a 

 host of Indian canoes, struggled against the rapids 

 of the St. Lawrence, and slowly made their way to 

 Fort Frontenac. Among the troops was La Hon- 

 tan. When on his arrival he entered the gate 

 of the fort, he saw a strange sight. A row of posts 

 was planted across the area within, and to each 

 post an Iroquois was tied by the neck, hands, and 

 feet, " in such a way," says the indignant witness, 

 " that he could neither sleep nor drive off the 

 mosquitoes." A number of Indians attached to the 

 expedition, all of whom were Christian converts 

 from the mission villages, were amusing themselves 

 by burning the fingers of these unfortunates in 

 the bowls of their pipes, while the sufferers sang 

 their death songs. La Hontan recognized one of 

 them who, during his campaign with La Barre, 

 had often feasted him in his wigwam ; and the 



