Great as were many of the western Indian warriors, none was greater than
Pontiac, a chief whose fame was not only spread throughout America, but
widely diffused in Europe. He was the chief of all the Indians on the
chain of lakes: the Ottawas, to which he belonged, the Miamis, Chippewas,
Wyandots, Pottawatomies, Winnebagoes, Shawanese, Ottagamies, and
Mississagas, all of which tribes afterwards were led by Tecumseh. Pontiac
is said to have possessed a majestic and princely appearance, so pleasing
to the Indians, and this in part accounts for his popularity among them.
In 1760, after the capture of Quebec, Major Rogers was sent into the
country of Pontiac to drive the French from it. Being informed of his
approach, Pontiac sent word to him to wait until he came to him. The
major waited, and when Pontiac came, that chief asked him why he entered
his dominions without permission. The major answered that he came not
against the natives but the French; and at the same time gave the chief
several belts of wampum; whereupon Pontiac replied, “I stand in the path
you travel until to-morrow morning.” By this was meant that he must
not proceed until the next morning. Upon an offer of the Indian, Major
Rogers bought a large quantity of parched corn, and other provisions.
The next day Pontiac offered him every facility for the undertaking.
Messengers were sent to the different tribes to assure them that the
English had his permission to pass through the country, and he even
accompanied the major and troops as far as Detroit. He was noted for the
desire of knowledge, and while the English were in his country, he was
very curious in examining their arms, clothes, &c., and expressed a wish
to go to England. He said that he would allow white settlements within
his domains; and was willing to call the king of England _uncle_ but not
master. He further told the soldiers that they must behave themselves
peaceably while in his country, or he would stop the way.
Pontiac had distinguished himself at Detroit and Michillimackinac.
When the French gave up Canada (1760), their Indian allies still
preserved their hatred towards the English, and as Pontiac was the most
considerable enemy of that nation, the adjacent tribes _all came_ to him
as a support against them. Pontiac had advanced farther in civilization
than any of the neighbouring chiefs: he appointed a commissary during
the war of 1763, called Pontiac’s war; and issued bills of credit, on
each of which was pictured the thing desired, and the figure of an otter,
the symbol of his tribe. In 1763 Major Rogers sent a bottle of brandy to
him, which Pontiac was counselled not to drink, as it probably contained
poison. But with the greatest magnanimity he exclaimed, “It is not in his
power to _kill him_ who has so lately saved his life.”