alluded was opened, for the purpose of conveying the
necessary supplies.

The buildings of the fort consisted chiefly of block-houses,
the internal accommodations of which were fully in keeping
with their rude exterior, being but indifferently provided
with the most ordinary articles of comfort, and fitted
up as the limited resources of that wild and remote
district could supply. The best and most agreeably situated
of these, if a choice could be made, was that of the
commanding officer. This building rose considerably
above the others, and overhanging that part of the rampart
which skirted the shores of the Huron, commanded a full
view of the lake, even to its extremity of frowning and
belting forest.

To this block-house there were two staircases; the
principal leading to the front entrance from the
barrack-square, the other opening in the rear, close
under the rampart, and communicating by a few rude steps
with the small gate that led upon the sands. In the lower
part of this building, appropriated by the commanding
officer to that exclusive purpose, the official duties
of his situation were usually performed; and on the
ground-floor a large room, that extended from front to
rear of the block-house on one side of the passage, had
formerly been used as a hall of council with the Indian
chiefs. The floor above this comprised both his own
private apartments and those set apart for the general
use of the family; but, above all, and preferable from