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85 1723 "An old warrior of the Natchez nation is wantonly shot by one of the french soldiers at Fort Rosalie, & no further notice is taken of the outrage by the commanding officer than merely to reprimand the perpetrator of the deed. Previously to this occurrence the Natchez had rendered the French every kind office in their power. Their friendship & generosity had even rescued many of the french from famine & death. They now commenced hostilities against the French and would have completely exterminated the colonists of that part of the country, but for the timely interposition of an influential Chief who had been prevailed upon by the French to dissuade the Indians from a further prosecution of the war. Peace was accordingly re-established with upright intentions & the purest motives on the part of the Indians, but on that of the French with the view of gaining strength sufficient to crush & extirpate that innocent people at a blow. It is not a little surprising that Bienville, then Commandant General of Louisiana, who had ever been conspicuous for integrity & humanity, should have connived at this barbarous policy of his countrymen. Although he had ratified the treaty, he very soon marched to Fort Rosalie at the head of 700 men, attacked the unsuspecting & defenceless Indians and slaughtered them in their huts. This wanton waste of human blood lasted four days. The French deservedly lost forever the confidence of these truly generous Indians." Levys Ch: 90