Here the troops landed, probably on the site of the present city of Cleveland; and Rogers was visited by a party of Ottawa Indians, whom he told of the conquest of Canada and of the retirement of the French armies from the country.

He added that his force had been sent by the commander-in-chief to take over for their father, the king of England, the western posts still held by French soldiers.

He then offered them a peace-belt, which they accepted, and requested them to go with him to Detroit to take part in the capitulation and 'see the truth' of what he had said.
They promised to give him an answer next morning.

The calumet was smoked by the Indians and the officers in turn; but a careful guard was kept, as Rogers was suspicious of the Indians.

In the morning, however, they returned with a favourable reply, and the younger warriors of the band agreed to accompany their new friends.