The Journal of the Pontiac Conspiracy is one of the most detailed records of the 1763 siege of Fort Detroit, led by the Ottawa leader Pontiac. The journal describes daily events inside the fort and shares news, rumors, and updates about Pontiac’s efforts outside the fort walls. It was likely written by Robert Navarre, a French official who worked in Detroit under both French and British rule. Navarre had served as a tax collector, judge, and notary. He also acted as a translator between British officials and Indigenous nations because he spoke several Indigenous languages. Even though he did not live inside the fort, his role gave him access to important information.
Navarre’s account spans from May to July 1763 and includes military actions, personal observations, and details about life during the siege. The journal was written in French and later translated into English. Historians believe Navarre wrote it from his home near Detroit, not far from the fort. His position and education helped him record events with great detail and accuracy. The journal remains an important primary source for understanding what happened during Pontiac’s resistance and the early conflicts between Indigenous nations and the British after the French and Indian War.
Glossary:
notary: a person who has permission from the government to watch people sign important papers and make them official