On another occasion the enemy entered the esplanade to steal horses.  Not finding them in the stable, as they had expected, they made themselves amends for their disappointment by stabbing all the sheep in the stable and then letting them loose.  The poor animals flocked towards the fort.  This gave the alarm—­the garrison was aroused—­parties were sent out, but the marauders escaped unmolested.

* * * * *

The inmates of the fort experienced no farther alarm for many weeks.

On the afternoon of the 7th of August, Winnemeg, or Catfish, a
Pottowattamie chief, arrived at the post, bringing despatches from
General Hull.  These announced the declaration of war between the United
States and Great Britain, and that General Hull, at the head of the
Northwestern army, had arrived at Detroit; also, that the island of
Mackinac had fallen into the hands of the British.

The orders to Captain Heald were, “to evacuate the fort, if practicable, and, in that event, to distribute all the United States’ property contained in the fort, and in the United States’ factory or agency, among the Indians in the neighborhood.”

After having delivered his despatches, Winnemeg requested a private interview with Mr. Kinzie, who had taken up his residence in the fort.  He stated to Mr. K. that he was acquainted with the purport of the communications he had brought, and begged him to ascertain if it were the intention of Captain Heald to evacuate the post.  He advised strongly against such a step, inasmuch as the garrison was well supplied with ammunition, and with provisions for six months.  It would, therefore, be far better, he thought, to remain until a reinforcement could be sent to their assistance.  If, however, Captain Heald should decide upon leaving the post, it should by all means be done immediately.  The Pottowattamies, through whose country they must pass, being ignorant of the object of Winnemeg’s mission, a forced march might be made, before those who were hostile in their feelings were prepared to interrupt them.

Of this advice, so earnestly given, Captain Heald was immediately informed.  He replied that it was his intention to evacuate the post, but that, inasmuch as he had received orders to distribute the United States’ property, he should not feel justified in leaving it until he had collected the Indians of the neighborhood and made an equitable division among them.

Winnemeg then suggested the expediency of marching out, and leaving all things standing—­possibly while the Indians were engaged in the partition of the spoils, the troops might effect their retreat unmolested.  This advice was strongly seconded by Mr. Kinzie, but did not meet the approbation of the commanding officer.

The order for evacuating the post was read next morning upon parade.  It is difficult to understand why Captain Heald, in such an emergency, omitted the usual form of calling a council of war with his officers.  It can only be accounted for by the fact of a want of harmonious feeling between himself and one of his junior officers—­Ensign Ronan, a high-spirited and somewhat overbearing, but brave and generous young man.