Michigan historical collections. [Vol. 17]

INTERVIEWS WITH INDIANS, ETC., JUNE.

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ship; that the power did not lay with us-but we believed the commissioners were sincerely disposed for peace. There also came to our
lodgings, a party of the Chipawas-an old chief and several warriors, one
of whom had a human scalp, with beautiful fair curled hair on it, tied
to his ear. These were some of those, who, a day or two before, had
treated us so roughly. A white man who stood near us at that time,
and understood their language, told us they had a desire to have our
scalps. They appear to be a terrible nation, fierce, insolent and warlike; and, I believe, exceedingly injured by their intercourse with the
white people, especially the French, many of whom are little more
refined than they. Their almost incessant importunity for rum, made
the interview not so agreeable. We mostly evaded giving them liquor,
and substituted pipes and tobacco, to put them off.
16th. First of the week. Went to meeting, where a large number
of the inhabitants of the town, and military men, assembled. I believe
it was a solid season, and truth's testimony was exalted over all opposition; notwithstanding rawness and dark insensibility were painfully
prevalent. We came to our lodgings, and dined with two Wyandot
chiefs, who had been to see us the preceding evening.-They behaved
with decency at table, equal to any of us; handled their knife and fork
well, eat moderately, drank two glasses of wine, and through the whole
conducted with a decorum that would do honour to hundreds of white
people. We afterwards went down the river in col. England's boat,
about six miles, to the house of Judge Powell, where we had appointed
a meeting. wThe Judge and his family being gone to England, his
steward had kindly offered his house. A considerable number convened,
and I was comforted in a belief that the everlasting gospel was
preached in Canada. After which we returned to our lodgings.
17th. This morning there were many unfavourable reports respecting
the hostile dispositions of the Indians, passing on to the treaty. The
circumstances of things appear very critical and alarming. Even our
personal safety is called in question, and much doubted, unless the
commissioners have very extensive powers. As I was writing in the
chamber where I lodged, two Wyandots, much in liquor, came up into
the room, and teased me for rum. I put them off. After some time
they laughed, shook hands and departed-at which I was glad, as I
was alone. Dined with capt. England, capt. Leaburn, maj. Andrews,
and several other military gentlemen, and two of their ladies. They
were very courteous and polite.
18th. We wrote a letter two days ago, in order to hasten the commissioners to come forward to this place, being more contiguous to