The
Indians hated the English, as much as they had loved the French.
Pontiac, the ruling spirit of the forests at this time, was a most
powerful and statesmanlike chief. When he found that his friends, the
French, had lost their power, he sought to unite the Indian tribes
against the English colonies, and to destroy the English garrison at
Detroit by strategy.
He was chief of the Ottawas, but possessed great influence over several
other tribes. Pontiac believed, and that truly, that the establishment
of English colonies would be fatal to the interests of the Indian race.
He strode through the forests like a giant, inciting the tribes to war.
He urged a union of all the Indian nations from the lakes to the
Mississippi for the common defense of the race.
There lived near Detroit a beautiful Indian girl, called Catharine. The
English commander, Gladwyn, was pleased with her, and showed her many
favors, and she formed a warm friendship for him.
One lovely day in May, this girl came to the fort and brought Gladwyn a
pair of elk-skin moccasins. She appeared very sad.
"Catharine," said Gladwyn, "what troubles you to-day?"
She did not answer at once.
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