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CHAPTER X.

 

WARS OF THE OJIBWAYS WITH THE IROQUOIS AND O-DUG-AM-EES, OR FOXES.

 

Warfare between the Ojibways and Iroquois—Ojibways, Pottawatumies, Ottaways, and Wyandots join in alliance against the Iroquois, to open the route to Quebec—Iroquois driven from Canada—Tradition of the last battle fought between the Ojibways and Iroquois—The French favor the Algic tribes against their enemies—War between the Ojibways and O-dug-am-ees or Foxes—Tradition of the old hunter—He with his family are attacked by the Foxes—Indian fight—Revenge of the old hunter—Foxes are driven from the Wisconsin—They retire to the Mississippi and ask to be incorporated with the O-sau-kies.

 

Besides carrying on an inveterate and exterminating warfare with the powerful Dakotas and cruel Foxes, the Ojibways were obliged to keep up their ancient feud with the Naudoways, or Iroquois, towards the east. For a time the powerful confederation of Six Nations prevailed against the Algic tribes who had taken possession of the great northern chain of lakes, mostly through their having been first supplied with fire-arms by the Dutch and British of New York.

They became possessed of the country bordering the Ottaway River, and effectually barred their enemies from communication with the French who resided on the St. Lawrence. Their anxiety to open the road to the white traders, in order to procure fire-arms and their much coveted commodities, induced the Ojibways, Ottaways, Pottawatumies, Osaukies, and Wyandots to enter into a firm alliance. They sent their united forces against the Iroquois, and fighting severe and bloody battles, they eventually forced them to retire from Canada.