tributed the presents, got our canoes into the water, and left the Renards in the most friendly manner.
After seven days journey we arrived at La Prairie des Chiens,[1] where we found the merchants' peltry, in packs, in a loghouse guarded by captain Longlad and some Indians, who were rejoiced to see us. After resting some time, we took out about three hundred packs of the best skins, and filled the canoes. Sixty more which remained, we burnt, to prevent the enemy from taking them, having ourselves no [152] room to stow any more, and proceeded on our journey back to Michillimakinac. About five days after our departure, we were informed that the Americans came to attack us, but to their extreme mortification we were out of their reach. Seventeen days after leaving La Prairie des Chiens, we arrived at Lac les Puans, where we found a party of Indians encamped. The next day we embarked, and arrived at Michillimakinac, after an absence of eighty days. Soon after my return, I waited on the commanding officer, expecting payment for my services; but was referred for satisfaction to the Indian traders, from whom I never received any compensation.
By this means I was left destitute even of the necessaries
of life; but I did not remain long in this uncomfortable
situation, for I soon found protection and support among
the Indians; but as their assistance would not afford the
means to appear in civil society, I was under the necessity
of soliciting friendship from the merchants, to enable me
to return to Montreal, which I fortunately obtained. I
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- ↑ This must mean seven days' journey either from Mackinac or Green Bay, for Prairie du Chien is situated at the confluence of the Wisconsin with the Mississippi. On the early settlement of Prairie du Chien, which was named for a chief of the Fox tribe called "Chien," see Wisconsin Historical Collections, ix, pp. 282-302.—Ed.
