THE FALL OF THE LESSER FORTS While Fort Detroit was withstanding Pontiac's hordes, the smaller forts and block-houses scattered throughout the hinterland were faring badly.

On the southern shore of Lake Erie, almost directly south of the Detroit river, stood Fort Sandusky--a rude blockhouse surrounded by a stockade.

Here were about a dozen men, commanded by Ensign Christopher Paully.

The blockhouse could easily have been taken by assault; but such was not the method of the band of Wyandots in the neighbourhood.

They preferred treachery, and, under the guise of friendship, determined to destroy the garrison with no risk to themselves.
On the morning of May 16 Paully was informed that seven Indians wished to confer with him.