Detroit was still besieged; but the Indians were beginning to weaken, and for the most part had given up hope of forcing the garrison to surrender.  They had been depending almost wholly on the settlement for sustenance, and provisions were running low.  Ammunition, too, was well-nigh exhausted.  They had replenished their supply during the summer by the captures they had made, by the plundering of traders, and by purchase or gift from the French of the Mississippi.  Now they had little hope of capturing more supply-boats; the traders were holding aloof; and, since the arrival of definite news of the surrender to Great Britain by France of the region east of the Mississippi, supplies from the French had been stopped.  If the Indians were to escape starvation they must scatter to their hunting-grounds.  There was another reason why many of the chiefs deemed it wise to leave the vicinity of Detroit.  They had learned that Major Wilkins was on his way from Niagara with a strong force and a fleet of bateaux loaded with ammunition and supplies.  So, early in October, the Potawatomis, Wyandots, and Chippewas held a council and concluded to bury the hatchet and make peace with Gladwyn.  On the 12th of the month a delegation from these tribes came to the fort bearing a pipe of peace.  Gladwyn knew from experience how little they were to be trusted, but he gave them a seemingly cordial welcome.  A chief named Wapocomoguth acted as spokesman, and stated that the tribes represented regretted ’their bad conduct’ and were ready to enter into a treaty of peace.  Gladwyn replied that it was not in his power to grant peace to Indians who without cause had attacked the troops of their father the king of England; only the commander-in-chief could do that; but he consented to a cessation of hostilities.  He did this the more willingly as the fort was short of food, and the truce would give him a chance to lay in a fresh stock of provisions.

As the autumn frosts were colouring the maples with brilliant hues, the Potawatomis, Wyandots, and Chippewas set out for fields where game was plentiful; but for a time Pontiac with his Ottawas remained, threatening the garrison, and still strong in his determination to continue the siege.  During the summer he had sent ambassadors to Fort Chartres on the Mississippi asking aid in fighting what he asserted to be the battle of the French traders.  Towards the end of July the messengers had returned with word from Neyon de Villiers, the commandant of Fort Chartres, saying that he must await more definite news as to whether peace had been concluded between France and England.  Pontiac still hoped; and, after his allies had deserted, he waited at his camp above Detroit for further word from Neyon.  On the last day of October Louis Cesair Dequindre arrived at Detroit from Fort Chartres, with the crushing answer that Neyon de Villiers could give him no aid.  England and France were at peace, and Neyon advised the Ottawas—­no