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 party of 50 men, accompanied by 27 sailors from the Belle's crew, resulting in 34 non-combatants being left behind. The majority of the men traveled by canoe with La Salle, while the Belle proceeded further out to sea. After three days, they encountered hostile Native Americans nearby.