A Little Girl in Old Detroit | Page 9

had not Mr.
Bellestre provided this home for them?
The woman had hardly put away the dishes, which were almost as
much of an idol to her as the child, when Jeanne came flying back.
"Yes, hurry, hurry, Pani! They are all ready. And Madame De Ber said
Marie should not go out on such a day unless you went too. She called
me feather headed! As if I were an Indian chief with a great crown of
feathers!"
The child laughed gayly. It was as natural to her as singing to a bird.
Pani gathered up a few last things and looked to see that the fire was
put out.
Already the streets were being crowded and presented a picturesque
aspect. Inside the stockade the chemin du ronde extended nearly around
the town and this had been widened by the necessity of military
operations. Soldiers were pouring out of the Citadel and the Fort but
the colonial costume looked queer to eyes accustomed to the white

trimmings of the French and the red of the British. The latter had made
a grander show many a time, both in numbers and attire. There were the
old French habitans, gay under every new dispensation, in tanned
leathern small clothes, made mostly of deer skin, and blue blouses, blue
cap, with a red feather, some disporting themselves in unwonted finery
kept for holiday occasions; pretty laughing demoiselles with bright
kerchiefs or a scarf of open, knitted lace-like stuff with beads that
sparkled with every coquettish turn of the head; there were Indians with
belted tomahawks and much ornamented garments, gorgets and collars
of rudely beaten copper or silver if they could afford to barter furs for
them, half-breed dandies who were gorgeous in scarlet and jewelry of
all sorts, squaws wrapped in blankets, looking on wonderingly, and the
new possessors of Detroit who were at home everywhere.
The procession formed at the parade in front of the Fort. Some of the
aristocracy of the place were out also, staid middle-aged men with
powdered queues and velvet coats, elegant ladies in crimson silk
petticoats and skirts drawn back, the train fastened up with a ribbon or
chain which they carried on their arms as they minced along on their
high heeled slippers, carrying enormous fans that were parasols as well,
and wearing an immense bonnet, the fashion in France a dozen years
before.
"What is it all about?" asked one and another.
"They are to put up a new flag."
"For how long?" in derision. "The British will be back again in no
time."
"Are there any more conquerors to come? We turn our coats at every
one's bidding it seems."
The detachment was from General Wayne's command and great was
the disappointment that the hero himself was not on hand to celebrate
the occasion; but he had given orders that possession of the place
should be signalized without him. Indeed, he did not reach Detroit until
a month later.

On July 11, 1796, the American flag was raised above Detroit, and
many who had never seen it gazed stupidly at it, as its red and white
stripes waved on the summer air, and its blue field and white stars
shone proudly from the flag staff, blown about triumphantly on the
radiant air shimmering with golden sunshine.
Shouts went up like volleys. All the Michigan settlements were now a
part of the United Colonies, that had so bravely won their freedom and
were extending their borders over the cherished possessions of France
and England.
The post was formally delivered up to the governor of the territory.
Another flag was raised on the Citadel, which was for the
accommodation of the general and his suite at present and whoever was
commandant. It was quite spacious, with an esplanade in front, now
filled by soldiers. There were the almost deafening salutes and the blare
of the band.
"Why it looks like heaven at night!" cried Jeanne rapturously. "I shall
be an American,--I like the stars better than the lilies of France, and the
red cross is hateful. For stars are of heaven, you know, you cannot
make them grow on earth."
A kindly, smiling, elderly man turned and caught sight of the eager,
rosy face.
"And which, I wonder, is the brave General Wayne?"
"He is not here to-day unfortunately and cannot taste the sweets of his
many victories. But he is well worth seeing, and quite as sorry not to be
here as you are to miss him. But he is coming presently."
"Then it is not the man who is making a speech?--and see what a
beautiful horse he has!"
"That is the governor, Major General St. Clair."
"And General Wayne, is he an American?"

The man gave an encouraging smile to the child's eager inquiry.