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.”