The attack Lachine massacre

daniel d auger de subercase

on rainy morning of august 5, 1689, iroquois warriors used surprise launch nighttime raid against undefended settlement of lachine. traveled saint lawrence river boat, crossed lake saint-louis, , landed on south shore of montreal island. while colonists slept, invaders surrounded homes , waited leader signal when attack should begin. attacked homes, breaking down doors , windows, , dragging colonists outside, many killed. when of colonists barricaded within village s structures, attackers set fire buildings , waited settlers flee flames.

according 1992 article, iroquois, wielding weapons such tomahawk, killed 24 french , took more 70 prisoners. other sources, such encyclopædia britannica, claim 250 settlers , soldiers lost lives during “massacre.” iroquois wanted avenge 1,200,000 bushels of corn burned french, since unable reach food stores in montreal, kidnapped , killed lachine crop producers instead. lachine main departure point westward-traveling fur traders, fact may have provided motivation mohawk attack.