A STRUGGLE began in 1760, in which the English had to contend with a more powerful Indian enemy than any they had yet encountered. Pontiac, a chief renowned both in America and Europe, as a brave and skilful warrior, and a far-sighted and active ruler, was at the head of all the Indian tribes on the great lakes. Among these were the Ottawas, Miamis, Chippewas, Wyandotts, Pottawatomies, Winebagoes, Shawanese, Ottagamies, and Mississagas. (139) 1 After the capture of Quebec, in 1760, Major Rodgers was sent into the country of Pontiac to drive the French from it. Apprized of his approach, Pontiac sent ambassadors to inform him that their chief was not far off, and desired him to halt until he could see him "with his own eyes." When Pontiac met the English officer, he demanded to know the business which had brought him into his country, and how he dared to enter it without his permission. The major told him he had no designs against the Indians, but only wished to expel the French; and at the same time, he delivered him several belts of wampum. Pontiac replied, "I stand in the path you travel until to-morrow morning," and gave the major a belt. This communication was understood to mean, that the intruder was not to march further without his leave. Next day, the English detachment was plentifully supplied with provisions by the Indians, and Pontiac giving the commander the pipe of peace, assured him that he might pass through his country unmolested, and that he would protect him and his party. As an earnest of his friendship, he sent one hundred warriors to aid in driving the cattle belonging to the party, and then accompaniod the major as far as Detroit, effectually securing him from the fury of the Indians who had been in the service of the French. The northwestern tribes retained a hatred of the English after the fall of the French power in America; and Pontiac's schemes received the ready support of these hardy warriors. Concealing his enmity until he had united these tribes, and arranged his system of warfare, Pontiac completely deceived the English into a feeling of security. In his transactions during the war, he displayed his superiority over all other Indian chiefs. He appointed a commissary, and issued bills of credit, all of which he carefully redeemed. These bills were made of bark, on which was drawn the article wanted, with the figure of an otter, the insignia of the Ottawas. Pontiac also endeavored to prevent his people from using European commodities and having intercourse with the whites. In 1763, Major Rodgers sent a bottle of brandy to him, which his counsellors advised him not to drink. But with true greatness he exclaimed, "It is not in his power to kill him who has so lately saved his life." Several traders brought news to the fort at Michilimackinak that the Indians meditated hostilities; but Major Etherington, who was commander of the garrison, would believe nothing of it. Nor were any precautions taken when about four hundred Indians, apparently with friendly intent, assembled in the vicinity. On the 4th of June, the Indians, as if for amusement, began to play a game at ball. Such was the exciting character of the game, that a number of the garrison went out to see it. Sud |