"but that," added he, "will make no difference in your affairs." I was astonished that the General could think so: but I made no reply to him, and we talked of other matters. However, as I was stepping into my boat, some canoes appeared, and I came on shore again, and found they were the Indian deputies who were expected. This I thought a very happy incident for me; and having received proper powers and instructions I set out in good spirits from Cedar Point,[1] in Lake Erie, on the 26th of August, 1764, about four o'clock in the afternoon, at the same time that the army proceeded for Detroit. My escort consisted of Godefroi, and another Canadian, two servants, twelve Indians, our allies, and five Mohawks, with a boat in which were our provisions, who were to attend us to the swifts of the Miamis river, about ten leagues distant, and then return to the army. I had with me likewise Warsong, the great Chippawaw chief, and Attawang, an Uttawaw chief, with some other Indians of their nations, who had come the same day to our camp with proposals of peace. We lay that night at the mouth of the Miamis river.
I was greatly delighted on observing the difference of
temper betwixt these Indian strangers and those of my
old acquaintance of the five nations. Godefroi was employed
in interpreting to me all their pleasantries; and I
thought them the most agreeable ralliers I had ever met
with. As all men love those who resemble themselves,
the sprightly manners of the French cannot fail to recommend
them to these savages, as our grave deportment is
an advantage to us among our Indian neighbors; for it
is certain that a reserved Englishman differs not more
from a lively Frenchman than does a stern Mohawk
————
- ↑ Cedar Point was near the entrance to the Maumee River.—Ed.
