English forts abandoned by command for that erected since the reduction of Chouaguen, on the site

of Old Fort Bull.

The Indians, informed that there was a garrison of 350 men in a Fort named Kouari situate on the said river about a quarter of a league from the Village of the Palatines 1 did not fail to exhibit fear, but M. de Belletre having told them that their Father did not despatch a picked detachment, so well selected, except to

make a blow of some

interest,

they recovered

their

courage and evinced a lively ardor, except some young Warriors and aged men who gave in, already fatigued by a weary march.

The four Savages sent to the Oneidas returned with the six warriors of that tribe who joined our detachment, and told M. de Belletre that they had no other will than that of their Father. On the 11th November at three o'clock in the afternoon M. de Belletre, preceded as was his

custom by the scouts crossed the River Corlaer [Mohawk] with his detachment, partly swimHe encamped at night fall in the woods a league ming, partly in the water up to the neck.

and a half from the first of the five forts that covered the Palatine Settlements. The 12th at three o'clock in the morning he gave his detachment the order of March and attack so as to surround the said live forts and the entire Palatine Village, consisting of sixty houses.

Though M. de Belletre knew that the English got notice the day preceding, yet that the may not receive the least check and to show them he would not rashly