He took 50 men, plus the Belle's crew of 27 sailors, leaving behind 34 men, women, and children. Most of the men traveled with La Salle in canoes, while the Belle followed further off the coast. After three days of travel, they learned of hostile Native Americans in the area.
La Salle led a group of 50 men, along with 27 sailors from the Belle's crew, leaving behind 34 non-combatants. The majority of the men paddled canoes with La Salle, while the Belle sailed ahead off the coast. After three days, they encountered hostile Native Americans in the vicinity.