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191 to throw it over the goal. this is antagonized by the defenders of this goal and in the contest the ball falls to or is knocked to the ground where it is picked up on the stick by another player of the new saying [?] and he starts with it to be beaten lock and robbed of the ball. in this way the rough sport continues till one or the other side carry the ball and hurl it over the goal of their opponents when the game is [?]. and with it the wager or stake. In these games of La. Crosse large bets are made. The contestants bring and deposit in a heap articles of clothing. furs. and all things of value to the indians there on the stake and are won or lost with the issue of the play. On one occasion the British lost a fort and the live of many men through a game of La Crosse. It occurred in this way. The Elgish [sic] held the fort at Mackinaw. in the latter part of the eighteenth century. The indians had grievances that they were awaiting an opportunity to avenge. It occurred that the British commandant Major Etheringten. determined upon celebrating the Kings natal day with proper ceremony. and it was agreed by the crafty indians that on that day their young men would play a game of ball out side the fort for the diversion of the white men to this the Major agreed. The night was spent by the indians in preparing for the capture they sharpened their knives and made everything ready. In the morning with their weapons concealed under their cloths. they flocked to the fort the women carrying arms and weapons under their blankets took their stand near the gate of the fort. Upward of a hundred chosen men from each side formed the indian players. The cannons of the fort had been discharged in salute to the king and the game began The "stakes" were made up. as the play continued the players moved further and further from the gate of the fort carrying with them in the excitement the white garrison. who stood unarmed [?] watching the game. The ball was then gradually carried back toward the open gates and in an instant the ball was thrown within the fort and a rush made to regain it. And in the fort the play ceased and throwing off their blankets the women produced the weapons and with a "war whoop". the indians rushed upon the english ad butchered and scalped them to a man. The Commendant was captured The love which the indians had for the french saved them and it is said not a single french man was hurt. So vigorous is the play that the ball shall it fall in a lake or river. will be followed by the eager sportsmen. who will plunge in and swim for the ball.. This game is now seldom played. by the Ojibway except in Canada where they have match games with the Canadians and half breeds. The Dakota game is similar to this except in the form of the stick