Page:History of the Ojibway Nation.djvu/207

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LOVE OF THE OJIBWAYS FOR THE FRENCH.
197

“hostility of the Indians was exclusively against the English," this circumstance suggested to him a prospect of security in securing a Canadian disguise, which eventually enabled him to complete his journey.

He arrived at Michilimackinac, where he found his difficulties to increase, and where he fully learned the nature of the feelings which actuated the minds of the Ojibways against the occupation of their country by the English, nor were his apprehensions allayed, till he received a formal visit from the war chief of the eastern section of the tribe, who resided at Michilimackinac. Mr. Henry describes this man as a person of remarkable appearance, of commanding stature, and with a singularly fine countenance.

He entered the room where the traveller was anxiously awaiting the result of his visit, followed by sixty warriors dressed and decorated in the most formal and imposing fashion of war. Not a word was spoken as they came in one by one, seated themselves on the floor at a signal from the chief, and began composedly to fill and smoke their pipes. The Ojibway chieftain meanwhile looking steadfastly at the trader, made various inquiries of his head boatman, a Canadian. He then coolly observed that "the English were brave men and not afraid of death, since they dared to come thus fearlessly among their enemies."

When the Indians had finished smoking their pipes, the chief took a few wampum strings in his hand and commenced the following harangue:—

"Englishman! It is to you that I speak, and I demand your attention!

"Englishman! You know that the French king is our father. He promised to be such; and we, in return, promised to be his children. This promise we have kept.

"Englishman! It is you that have made war with this