An'
fortunately before the crisis is over the hull thing is sure set
right, and the men is where they oughter be."
How true this was the nation was just beginning to learn. The
fools in command were already demonstrated, and the summer of
1813 was replete with additional evidence. May, June, and July
passed with many journeyings for Rolf and many times with sad
news. The disasters at Stony Creek, Beaver Dam, and Niagara were
severe blows to the army on the western frontier. In June on Lake
Champlain the brave but reckless Lieutenant Sidney Smith had run
his two sloops into a trap. Thus the Growler and the Eagle were
lost to the Americans, and strengthened by that much the British
navy on the lake.
Encouraged by these successes, the British north of Lake
Champlain made raid after raid into American territory,
destroying what they could not carry off.
Rolf and Quonab were sent to scout in that country and if
possible give timely notice of raiders in force.
The Americans were averse to employing Indians in warfare; the
British entertained no such scruples and had many red-skinned
allies. Quonab's case, however, was unusual, since he was
guaranteed by his white partner, and now he did good service, for
he knew a little French and could prowl among the settlers
without anyone suspecting him of being an American scout.
Pages:
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418