The first was, by an attempt to accomplish the passage
of the river Sinclair during some dark and boisterous
night, when the Indians would be least likely to suspect
such an intention: it was at this point that the efforts
of their enemies were principally to be apprehended; but
if, under cover of storm and darkness, they could accomplish
this difficult passage, they would easily gain the Detroit,
and thence pass into lake Erie, at the further extremity
of which they might, favoured by Providence, effect a
landing, and penetrate to the inhabited parts of the
colony of New York. The other alternative was,--and he
left it to themselves to determine,--to sink the vessel
on the approach of winter, and throw themselves into the
fort before them, there to await and share the destiny
of its gallant defenders.
With the generous enthusiasm of their profession, the
noble fellows had determined on the latter course. With
their officer they fully coincided in opinion, that their
ultimate hopes of life depended on the safe passage of
the Sinclair; for it was but too obvious, that soon or
late, unless some very extraordinary revolution should
be effected in the intentions of the Indians, the fortress
must be starved into submission.
Pages:
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455