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French in Michigan French Settlements
There was no Indian tribe to which many rovers of the lower classes had not joined themselves as adopted members. Many of these persons were not wanting in shrewdness, and they secured great influence. The retired officers seldom took up any intimate relationship with single tribes, but their sagacity and force of character made them acknowledged leaders of the white men, and gave them controlling influence among the Indians. They could at any time collect a formidable following for any enterprise they desired to attempt, and they were welcome guests among all the western tribes. Accordingly there is hardly any instance—if there is any—of any settlement, military, civil or religious, or of any expedition authorized by the government to explore the country, which had not been preceded by the visits of one or more of the distinguished adventurers, who did more than all others to extend the French power and reputation and maintain the French ascendency among the Indians.
Early Michigan
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