The French here were hostile to the incoming British, and feared lest they might now lose the profitable trade with New Orleans.

It was this region that Gage was determined to occupy.
Already an effort had been made to reach Fort Chartres.
In February 1764 Major Arthur Loftus had set out from New Orleans with four hundred men; but, when about two hundred and forty miles north of his starting-point, his two leading boats were fired upon by Indians.

Six men were killed and four wounded.

To advance would mean the destruction of his entire company.

Loftus returned to New Orleans, blaming the French officials for not supporting his enterprise, and indeed hinting that they were responsible for the attack.