rum, adding, that if not given them, they would proceed to take it. I judged it prudent to comply; on condition, however, that I should experience, at this place, no further molestation,

The condition was not unfaithfully observed; but the repeated warnings which I had now received, of sure destruction at Michilimackinac, could not but oppress my mind. I could not even yield myself, without danger, to the course suggested by my fears; for my provisions were nearly exhausted, and to return, was, therefore, almost impracticable.

The hostility of the Indians was exclusively against the English. Between them, and my Canadian attendants, there appeared the most cordial good will. This circumstance suggested one means of escape, of which, by the advice of my friend, Campion, I resolved to attempt availing myself; and which was, that of putting on the dress, usually worn by such of the Canadians as pursue the trade into which I had entered, and assimilating myself, as much as I was able, to their appearance and manners. To this end, I laid aside my English clothes, and covered myself only with a cloth, passed about the middle; a shirt, hanging loose; a molton, or blanket coat; and a large, red, milled worsted cap. The next thing was to smear my face and hands, with dirt and grease; and, this done, I took the place of one of my men, and, when

Indians approached, used the paddle, with as much skill as I possessed. I had the satisfaction to find, that my disguise enabled me to pass several canoes, without attracting the smallest notice.

In this manner, I pursued my voyage to the mouth, or rather mouths, of the Missisaki, a river which descends from the north, and of which the name imports, that it has several mouths, or outlets. From this river, all the Indians, inhabiting the north side of Lake Huron, are called Missisakies. There is here a plentiful sturgeon-fishery, by which those, that resort to it, are fed during the summer months. On our voyage, we met several Missisakies, of whom we bought fish, and from whose stock we might easily have filled all our

canoes.

From the Missisaki, which is on the north shore of Lake Huron, to Michilimackinac, which is on the south, is reckoned thirty leagues. The lake, which here approaches Lake Superior, is now contracted in its breadth, as well as filled with islands. From the mouth of the river Des Français, to the Missisaki, is reckoned fifty leagues, with many islands along the route. The lands everywhere, from the island of La Cloche, are poor; with the exception of those of the island of

where

Manitoualin, a hundred miles in length, they are generally good. On all the islands, the Indians cultivate small quantities of maize.

From the Missisaki, we proceeded to the O'tossalon, and thence across the lake, making one island after another, at intervals of from two to three leagues. The lake, as far as it could be seen, tended to the westward, and became less and less broad.

The first land, which we made, on the south shore, was that called Point du Détour, after which, we passed the island called Isle aux Outardes, and then, leaving on the right, the deep bay of Boutchitaouy came to the island of Michilimackinac, distant, from Isle aux Outardes,

*The Isle Manitoualin was formerly so described. It is now known, that there is no island in Lake Huron, of a hundred miles in length, and that the Manitoualin are a chain of islands. The French writers on Canada, speak of the Isle Manitoualin, as inhabited, in their time, by the Amikoues (Amicways, Amicawac), whom they called a family (and sometimes a nation), deriving its origin from the Great Beaver, a personage of mythological importance. The name Manitoualin, implies the residence of Manitoes, or genii, a distinction very commonly attributed to the islands, and sometimes to the shores, of Lakes Huron and Superior, and of which, further examples will present themselves, in the course of these pages.

† Also written, Tessalon, Thessalon, and des Tessalons.

three leagues. On our way, a sudden squall reduced us to the point of throwing over the cargoes of our canoes, to save the latter from filling; but the wind subsided, and we reached the island in safety.

The land, in the centre of this island, is high, and its form somewhat resembles that of a turtle's back. Mackinac, or Mickinac, signifies a turtle, and michi (mishi), or missi, signifies great, as it does also, several, or many. The common interpretation, of the word, Michilimackinac, is the Great Turtle. It is from this island, that the fort, commonly known by the name of Michilimackinac, has obtained its appellation.

On the island, as I had been previously taught to expect, there was a village of Chipeways, said to contain a hundred warriors. Here, I was fearful of discovery, and consequent ill-treatment; but after inquiring the news, and, particularly, whether or not any Englishman was coming to Michilimackinac, they suffered us to pass, uninjured. One man, indeed, looked at me, laughed, and pointed me out to another. This was enough to give me some uneasiness; but, whatever was the singularity he perceived in me, both he and his friend retired, without suspecting me to be an Englishman.

CHAPTER IV.

Fort Michilimackinac. Chipeways, of the Island of Michilimackinac—their appearance—demeanour—and treatment of the Author. Otawas, of the village of L'Arbre Croche—their condition— their treatment of the Author and others. Arrival of a British garrison.

LEAVING, as speedily as possible, the island of Michilimackinac, I crossed the strait, and landed at the fort, of the same name. The distance, from the island, is about two leagues. I landed, at four o'clock in the afternoon.

Here, I put the entire charge of my effects into the hands of my assistant, Campion, between whom and myself it had been previously agreed, that he should pass for the proprietor; and my men were instructed to conceal the fact, that I was an Englishman.

Campion, soon found a house, to which I retired, and where I hoped to remain in privacy; but the men soon betrayed my secret, and I was visited by the inhabitants, with great show of civility.