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MICHIGAN CHAPTER 12 Complete Defeat of the Savages
These buildings were soon in flames driving the warriors into the open where they were easily picked off by the sharpshooters in the fort. The firing was kept up for about six hours and then the attacking party withdrew. The losses upon the Indian side were not definitely known. Five men in the fort had been wounded, none fatally. La Butte, a French interpreter who was on friendly terms with the Indians, was sent by Gladwin to the camp of Pontiac to express the surprise of the commandant at the attack and to say that he would be glad to treat with the chieftain for any redress of real grievances. Two old French residents, Chapoton and Godefroy, volunteered to accompany the messenger and aid in arranging an understanding. The envoys were received by Pontiac with apparent cordiality. He said little or nothing, but from his manner La Butte was convinced that he was not implacable. Upon his return to the fort he suggested that Major Campbell, second in command to Gladwin who was believed to have the good-will of the savages, should be sent to their camp to continue the negotiations. Campbell was quite willing to go, though Gladwin suspected treachery. He set out, however, accompanied by Lieutenant McDougall, a junior officer, with La Butte and a number of
Frenchmen. They arrived at the camp of Pontiac which they found in a state of great turmoil and excitement. Major Campbell addressed the chief in the most conciliatory terms. He was listened to in silence, but no response was made. Time passed and all sat silent until Campbell began to feel uneasy at the aspect of things. At length he arose and expressed his intention to return to the fort. Thereupon Pontiac told him that he would stay with his red brothers as a prisoner. Several of the warriors made a movement to murder him on the spot. Bat this Pontiac prevented.
MICHIGAN
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