left in the fort as commandant with a garrison of 40 men and masons and carpenters necessary for the buildings which he was

recommended to hasten.

There remained only 26 sick in the fort, most of whom were wounded in

the legs ascending the rapids.

On the 27 th they got to within three leagues of Riviere de la Famine [Black River J, and on the 28 th at the mouth of that of Onnontague, our scouts reported having seen the trails of nine men.

As this river is extremely narrow, 50 scouts were detached on each side, and the army proSome had seen the trails of thirty to forty men, and the But two leagues could be made this day, others a canoe which had been only recently abandoned. and three the next. M. le Comte and M. de Vaudreuil with the troops and a battalion of militia occupied the northern, and Messrs. de Callieres and de Ramezay with the remainder passed on the 29 th

.

ceeded only according to their reports.

southern side.

It would be useless to

attempt describing the rapids of this river

;

the difficulties

could not be understood, since by marching from morning until night five leagues only could be

made in two days.

The portage of all the batteaux, canoes and baggage commenced, it being impossible to pass M. le Comte de Frontenac, who expected to pass on foot like the others, was borne in his canoe by fifty savages singing and uttering yells of joy. The battalions who could not make this Carrying place passed it the day following. Four leagues were travelled, the road being 30 th