^ORTER^S JOURNAL. 



71 



srble. Every thing now bore the appearance of war ; the 

 Taeehs and Happahs could talk and think of nothing else, 

 and I found it policy to keep this spirit alive, as it was 

 likely to secure their friendship. Apprehensive however 

 of a change of disposition on their part, I now conceived 

 the design of constructing a fort, not only as a protection 

 to our village and the harbour, but as a security to the 

 Taeehs against further incursions ; and while it enabled us 

 to give to them the most ample protection, would place 

 them perfectly in our power, in the event of any hostility 

 on their part. The place I had fixed on has been in some 

 measure described as well suiting the purpose. We had 

 an abundance of old water-casks, which, when filled with 

 dirt, would afford an excellent breastwork, and small guns 

 which we could conveniently mount. But before the 

 commencement of this undertaking, I considered it advise- 

 able to obtain the consent of the tribes of the valley. I 

 had for some time past intended leaving my prizes here as 

 the most suitable place to lay them up, and this fort v/ould 

 give them additional security. Besides, 1 believed that the 

 possession of this island might at some future period be of 

 importance to my country, and I was desirous of rendering 

 her claim to it indisputable. With these objects in view, 

 I called on Gattanewa, and inquired of him and his people, 

 who had assembled, whether they had any objections to my 

 constructing the fort. They informed me that they were 

 much pleased with my intention, as it would enable me to 

 give them more effectual protection, and requested that 

 they might be permitted to assist in its construction. 1 

 now required to know of them whether they would always 

 be faithful to the American flag, and assist us in opposing 

 our enemies. They replied that they had placed them- 

 selves entirely under my protection and control, that our 

 enemies should be their enemies, that they would always 

 receive my countrymen as brethren among them, and as 

 far as lay in their power prevent our enemies from coming 

 among them, knowing them to be such. I had frequently 

 informed them of our being at war with Great Britain, and 

 now explained to them the nature of our government, on 

 which Gattanewa requested that they might not only be 

 our friends and brothers, but our countrymen. I promised 

 Ihem that they should be so, and that they should be adopt- 



