Fighting Island, and attack one of the king's ships,
laden with stores for the garrison. As the channel
obliged her to come within musket shot of the island,
where a large number of Indians had placed them-
selves, and the ship lay becalmed, they poured in
bullets, like hail, against her side, hoping to have
sunk her. But finding, after two days experiment,
their metal too light to effect their purpose, they
took to their canoes, and made to her with toma-
hawks in hand. Many got on board, notwithstand-
ing the efforts of the few mariners; and when all
were expecting death in a few minutes, the captain,
a resolute man, gave orders aloud, "Blow up the
ship" — he having powder on board; and one of the
Indians understanding English, terrified with the
horrid orders, gave the alarm quickly to his com-
panions, who instantly jumped off the vessel, some
into their canoes, and others into the water. Thus
the vessel, and many lives, were saved.

It is remarkable, that on the same day the before
mentioned attempt was made on Detroit, by Pon-
tiac; Michilimackinac, St. Josephs, and Presque-Isle
garrisons were all attacked, and carried by the In-
dians.

Last night, the musquetoes exceeded any
thing of the kind I ever experienced. Universal
complaint was murmured through the camp this
morning; by both house, tent, and ship lodgers; by
which it appeared, the attack was general. This
confirmed an account I heard in this country, of a
fortification being erected in New Spain, in the fore-
part of the year, which, on account of the incredible
number of these insects, which infested it, the troops
were obliged to abandon.