SW_GH1804_092

We stopped a short time to view the remains of Fort Defiance. This fort was built by Gene-ral Wayne, in the course of his march to attack the Indians. The situation is very beautiful and commanding, at the junction of the river Great Au Glaize with the Miami. The two rivers make a large body of water, the width being about two hundred yards. A Canadian trader only resides here. We also went on shore several times to visit Indian towns and camps. Great numbers of Indians are settled upon the banks of the Miami; they are chiefly of the Ottoway and Shawnese tribes. They appeared pleased at receiving visitors. Their children were very antic, and seemed to leap for joy on seeing us land; doubtless from a hope of receiving some presents. The hunters are returning to their towns, and many of their wigwams are stocked with peltry, dried raccoon, and jerk venison. They are on their way to the foot of the rapids. The women are mostly employed in knitting bags and belts and in making moccasins. A considerable number of Indians are on the river in bark canoes loaded with peltry. They are on the way to the foot of the rapids and other places for the purpose of exchanging their peltry with the traders for goods. Most of the wigwams we have seen to-day are covered with rushes sewed together, which are procured from the shores of Lake Erie, and so put together, that the covering will turn any fall of rain. An Indian house is