thus imprudently engaged, the other party of the Saukies started from
their hiding-places, and, running to the entrance of the strait, threw
up in an instant another fortification, and had the satisfaction to see
the whole force of their enemies thus circumvented and caught in a trap.
The Iroquese soon perceived the difficulty and danger of escape; they,
however, behaved with that extraordinary composure which is the peculiar
characteristic of this people on every occasion. The lakes were at that
time frozen over, yet not so hard as to permit them to effect a passage
over the ice; and though a thaw succeeded in a short time, it was
equally impracticable to pass by swimming or on rafts. Three days,
therefore, the Iroquese remained quiet in this disagreeable situation,
and, as if they had nothing to apprehend, diverted themselves all this
time with fishing. On the fourth morning they judged the ice
sufficiently dissolved to effect their escape; and therefore, cutting
down some trees which grew upon the strait, they formed them into rafts,
and embarked their whole force. But this could not be done without the
knowledge of the Saukies, who despatched a considerable body of warriors
to oppose their landing. It is unnecessary to relate all the horrid
particulars of the engagement which ensued; I will only mention, that
the Iroquese at length effected their landing with the loss of half
their number, and retreated precipitately to their own country, leaving
behind them all the furs and skins which they had taken in their
hunting. The share I had had in this success gained me the friendship of
all the nation, and, at my desire, they sent some of their young men to
guide me through the woods to the English settlements, and they took
their leave of me with every expression of esteem, and a considerable
present of valuable furs.

"These, gentlemen (with the exception of one adventure, when I was
attacked by three desperate-looking fellows, two of whom I killed, and
the other fled), are the most important and interesting events of my
life; and as I have already trespassed too long upon your patience, I
shall now hasten to draw my story to a conclusion. After this I was
employed in various parts of America and the West Indies during the rest
of the war. I suffered hardships and difficulties innumerable, and
acquired, as my father had foretold, a little wisdom at the price of a
considerable quantity of blood. When the war was ended,