The Journeys of Rene Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, Volume 1 Page: 39 of 330

LA SALLE

the midst of the camp, and asked me what
I came for. I gave them to understand
that the Illinois were under the protection
of the King of France and of the Governor
of the country, and that I was surprised
that they wished to break with the French,
and not to continue at peace. All this time
skirmishing was going on on both sides,
and a warrior came to give notice that their
left wing was giving way, and that they
had recognized some Frenchmen among the
Illinois, who shot at them. On this they
were greatly irritated against me, and held
a council on what they should do with me.
There was a man behind me with a knife
in his hand, who every now and then lifted
up my hair. They were divided in opinion.
Tegantouki, chief of the Isonoutouan, [Senecas]
desired to have me burnt. Agoasto,
chief of the Onnoutagues, [Onandagas]
wished to have me set at liberty, as a friend
of M. de la Salle, and he carried his point.
They agreed that, in order to deceive the
Illinois, they should give me a necklace of
porcelain beads to prove that they also were
children of the Governor, and ought to unite
and make a good peace. They sent me to
deliver this message to the Illinois. I had
much difficulty in reaching them, on account
of the blood I had lost, both from my wound
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