Original - North Central Michigan College Library

I found the island inhabited by a largevillage of Indians, whose behavior was at firstfull of civility and kindness. I bartered awaysome small articles among them in exchangefor fish and dried meat; and we remained uponfriendly terms till, discovering that I was anEnglishman, they told my men that theIndians at Michilimackinac would not fail tokill me, and that therefore they had a right toa share of the pillage. Upon this principle, asthey said, they demanded a keg of rum, addingthat if not given them they would proceed totake it. I judged it prudent to comply; oncondition, however, that I should experience atthis place no further molestation.The condition was not unfaithfully observed;but the repeated warnings which I had now receivedof sure destruction at Michilimackinaccould not but oppress my mind. I could noteven yield myself, without danger, to thecourse suggested by my fears; for my provisionswere nearly exhausted and to return was,therefore, almost impracticable.The hostility of the Indians was exclusivelyagainst the English. Between them and myCanadian attendants there appeared the mostcordial good-will. This circumstance suggestedone means of escape, of which by the adviceof my friend Campion I resolved to attemptavailing myself; and which was that of puttingon the dress usually worn by such of the Canadiansas pursue the trade into which I had34