A short time after the surrender of Quebec, General Amherst sent an armed force to the leading post, Detroit, to receive its submission, and that of the other forts on the frontier. This body was under the command of Major Robert Rogers of New Hampshire, who had acted a prominent part in the war, and who gained still greater fame (though unfortunately it was afterward tarnished) in the Revolution at the head of his famous Rangers. Major Rogers coasted along southern Lake Erie late in the autumn of 1760. For a time the weather was crisp and pleasant, but when near the site of the present city of Cleveland, a cold, dismal storm broke, and the party put ashore and went into camp until the skies should clear. While resting, a score of Ottawa Indians visited the camp. They were led by a chief of striking appearance, whose identity Rogers suspected the moment he saw him. The officer had had dealings with red men, and none knew better than he how to treat with them. He showed the visitors every courtesy, and put on a meekness which it is safe to say he was far from feeling. He had heard of Pontiac, who now stood before him, and knew him to be one of the foremost of his race. The veteran meant to win his good will, if such a thing were possible. Pontiac asked by what right these white soldiers dared to enter the country which belonged to him. Rogers explained that the war which had been going on for several years (and in which the great chief had played so honorable a part) was now ended by the victory of the English over the French. Rogers was on his way to Detroit to tell the news to the French commandant there, who would give up the post to the English, as soon as he learned the truth. There was no way of getting to Detroit except by passing through the country of the mighty Pontiac; he assured the great and good chief that no harm should be done to any of his people; he hoped he would not take offence, for the visitors would go back to their homes as soon as their task was over. Meanwhile he begged Pontiac to accept a few slight tokens of the good will of their Father across the water.