G. Etherington letters

Collection

Identifier: VAULT box-Ayer-MS-277

Staff Only

Abstract

Seven letters, in French, June 10-July 14, 1763, written by Capt. George Etherington during the period of his captivity at L'Arbre Croche to Charles Langlade at Fort Michilimackinac. Correspondence concerns the assignment of command of the fort to Langlade and instructions for its operation, the ransom of captive British soldiers, English traders held at the fort, wampum for the Ojibwa, and the assistance of the Ottawa chief, La Fourche.

Dates

Creation: 1763

Creator

Etherington, G. (George), 1722 or 1723-1802 (Person)

Language of Materials

Materials are in French.

Biography of George Etherington

British captain of the Royal American Regiment commanding Fort Michilimackinac when it was attacked and taken by the Ojibwa Indians, June 2, 1763. Most of the captured, including Etherington, were given up to the northern Ottawa and taken by them to L'Arbe Croche (now Cross Village, Mich.). Charles Langlade, the nephew of the Ottawa chief, La Fourche, remained at the fort and assumed command. He was instrumental in saving the lives of the English captives and securing the neutrality of the northern Ottawa in the general uprising led by Pontiac against the British. Etherington and his fellow prisoners were afterwards ransomed by Lt. James Gorrell, commander of the British garrison at Green Bay.