Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (Vol 1 1904).djvu/294

288 and Beaver are gone with the message to the nations living further off. When the French had heard that the garrison, at Pittsburg, consisted only of 200 men, they resolved to go down from Venango, and destroy the English fort. So soon as the Indians at Kushkushking, heard of their intention, they sent a message to the French, desiring them to draw back; for they would have no war in their country. The friendly Indians have sent out parties with that intention, that if the French went on, in their march towards the fort, they would catch them, and bring them to the English. They shewed to Osten the place, where eight French Indian spies had lain near the fort. By their marks upon the place they learned that these eight were gone back, and five more were to come to the same place again. He told us further, that the Indians had spoke among themselves, that if the English would join them, they would go to Venango, and destroy the French there. We hear that the friendly Indians intend to hunt round the fort, at Pittsburg, and bring the garrison fresh meat. And upon this intelligence the general sent Captain Wedderholz with fifty men, to reinforce the garrison at Pittsburg.

25th.—The people in the camp prepared for a Christmas frolick; but I kept Christmas in the woods by myself.

26th.—To day an express came from Pittsburg to inform the general, that the French had called all the Indians in their interest together, and intended to come and destroy them there. ――――