The French traders, who had undoubtedly been instrumental in goading the Indians to hostilities, had now the trade of the Wabash and lower Ohio, and of the tributaries of both, in their own hands.

No British trader could venture into the region with impunity; the few who attempted it were plundered and murdered.
The scene of hostilities now shifts to the north.

Next to Detroit the most important fort on the Great Lakes west of Niagara was Michilimackinac, situated on the southern shore of the strait connecting Lakes Huron and Michigan.

The officer there had supervision of the lesser forts at Sault Ste Marie, Green Bay, and St Joseph.

At this time Sault Ste Marie was not occupied by troops.