entative, to meet the flag.

"The usual salutations were exchanged, then Colonel Elliott said, 'I
am instructed to demand the instant surrender of the fort, to spare
the effusion of blood, which we cannot do should we be under the
necessity of reducing it by our powerful force of regulars, Indians,
and artillery.'

"'My commandant and the garrison,' replied Shipp, 'are determined to
defend the post to the last extremity, and bury themselves in its
ruins rather than surrender it to any force whatever.'

"'Look at our immense body of Indians,' interposed Dixon. 'They cannot
be restrained from massacring the whole garrison, in the event of our
undoubted success.'

"'Our success is certain,' eagerly added Chambers.

"'It is a great pity,' said Dixon, in a beseeching tone, 'that so fine
a young man as you and as your commander is represented to be, should
fall into the hands of the savages. Sir, for God's sake surrender, and
prevent the dreadful massacre that will be caused by your resistance!'

"'When the fort shall be taken there will be none to massacre,' Shipp
coolly replied, for it was not long since, at Fort Meigs, he had had
dealings with the same foe. 'It will not be given up while a man shall
be able to resist.'

"He was just turning to go back to the fort, when an Indian sprang
from a bushy ravine near at hand and tried to snatch his sword from
him. The indignant Shipp was about to despatch the Indian, when Dixon
interfered. Then Croghan, who was standing on the ramparts watching
the conference, called out, 'Shipp, come in, and we'll blow them all
to ----!' At that, Shipp hurried into the fort, the flag was returned,
and the British immediately opened fire from their gunboat and the
five-and-a-half-inch howitzer which they had landed, beginning the
attack before proper arrangements could be made.

"It seems the Indians had had an alarm and let the British know of it.
A Mr. Aaron North, knowing nothing of the proximity of British or
Indians, was riding through the wood, drawing near the fort on the
other side of the Sandusky, when he discovered a large body of Indians
scattered along the river bank and half concealed by the bushes. He
wheeled his horse and fled in the direction of Seneca. The startled
Indians fired several shots after him, but without hitting him. The
Indians doubtless told the British of all this, and Proctor thought
the horseman a messenger to Harrison to inform him of the attack upon
Fo