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French in Michigan French Settlements
The northern Ottawas and Chippewas had control of the largest fur country which was accessible in that direction, and the posts near the southern end of lake Michigan commanded the remainder of the western business. The French posts in Michigan and westward left very little to be gathered by the New York traders, and they determined, as there was then peace between France and England, to push forward their agencies and endeavor to deal with the western and northern Indians in their own country. The French government not only plainly asserted the title of France, but as plainly threatened to use all requisite force to expel intruders. Anticipating correctly that the English would attempt to make lake Huron from the east without passing up Detroit river, DuLuth placed his fort at the outlet of the lake into the St. Clair river. About the same time an expedition was planned against the Senecas, and the chivalric Tonty, commanding LaSalle's forts of St. Louis and St. Joseph, of lake Michigan, and LaDu-rantage, the veteran commander of Mackinaw, were employed to bring down the French and Indian auxiliaries to take part in the war.
Early Michigan
Page 17
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