226 The Winning of the West 



any rate the title was accepted by all the Indians 

 as applying to their most determined foes among 

 the colonists; and finally, after we had become a 

 nation, was extended so as to apply to Americans 

 generally. 



The war that now ensued was not general. The 

 Six Nations, as a whole, took no part in it, while 

 Pennsylvania also stood aloof; indeed at one time 

 it was proposed that the Pennsylvanians and Iro- 

 quois should jointly endeavor to mediate between 

 the combatants. 6 The struggle was purely between 

 the Virginians and the Northwestern Indians. 



The interests of the Virginians and Pennsylva- 

 nians conflicted not only in respect to the ownership 

 of the line, but also in respect to the policy to be 

 pursued regarding the Indians. The former were 

 armed colonists, whose interest it was to get actual 

 possession of the soil ; 7 whereas in Pennsylvania the 

 Indian trade was very important and lucrative, and 

 the numerous traders to the Indian towns were 

 anxious that the redskins should remain in undis- 

 turbed enjoyment of their forests, and that no 

 white man should be allowed to come among them ; 

 moreover, so long as they were able to make heavy 

 profits, they were utterly indifferent to the well- 

 being of the white frontiersmen, and in return in- 

 curred the suspicion and hatred of the latter. The 

 Virginians accused the traders of being the main 



6 Letter of John Penn, June 28, 1774. "Am. Arch.," IV, 

 Vol. IV. 



7 "Am. Archives," do., 465. 



