he
give us any without receiving the pay for them on the spot!

We informed him what our Great Father had told our chiefs at Washington,
and contended that he could supply us if he would, believing that our
Great Father always spoke the truth. The war chief said the trader could
not furnish us on credit, and that he had received no instructions from
our Great Father at Washington. We left the fort dissatisfied and went
to camp. What was now to be done we knew not. We questioned the party
that brought us the news from our Great Father, that we could get credit
for our winter supplies at this place. They still told the same story
and insisted on its truth. Few of us slept that night. All was gloom and
discontent.

In the morning a canoe was seen descending the river, bearing an
express, who brought intelligence that La Gutrie, a British trader, had
landed at Rock Island with two boat loads of goods. He requested us
to come up immediately as he had good news for us, and a variety of
presents. The express presented us with tobacco, pipes and wampum. The
news ran through our camp like fire through dry grass on the prairie.
Our lodges were soon taken down and we all started for Rock Island. Here
ended all hopes of our remaining at peace, having been forced into war
by being deceived.

Our party were not long in getting to Rock Island. When we came in sight
and saw tents pitched, we yelled, fired our guns and beat our drums.
Guns were immediately fired at the island, returning our salute, and a
British flag hoisted. We loaded, were cordially received by La Gutrie,
and then smoked the pipe with him. After which he made a speech to
us, saying that he had been sent by Col. Dixon. He gave us a number of
handsome presents, among them a large silk flag and a keg of rum. He
then told us to retire, take some refreshments and rest ourselves, as he
would have more to say to us next day.

We accordingly retired to our lodges, which in the meantime had been put
up, and spent the night. The next morning we called upon him and told
him we wanted his two boat loads of goods to divide among our people,
for which he should be well paid in the spring in furs and peltries. He
consented for us to take them and do as we pleased with them. While our
people were dividing the goods, he took me aside and informed me that
Colonel Dixon was at Green Bay with twelve boats loaded with goods, guns
and ammunition. He wished to raise a party immediately