The short open-water season of the upper…
September 1679 CE
The short open-water season of the upper Great Lakes had compelled La Salle to depart for Green Bay on September 12, five days before Tonti's return.
They sailed from the Straits of Mackinac to an island (either Washington Island or Rock Island) located at the entrance of Lake Michigan’s Green Bay.
They anchor on the south shore of the island and find it occupied by friendly Potawatomis and fifteen of the fur traders La Salle had sent ahead.
The traders had collected twelve thousand pounds of furs in anticipation of the arrival of the Le Griffon.
La Salle decides to stay behind with four canoes to explore the head of Lake Michigan.