1763.] INDIANS AS A MILITARY PEOPLE. 193 



as to form a permanent and effective army of such 

 materials. The wild love of freedom, and impa- 

 tience of all control, which mark the Indian race, 

 render them utterly intolerant of military discipline. 

 Partly from their individual character, and partly 

 from this absence of subordination, spring results 

 highly unfavorable to continued and extended mil- 

 itary operations. Indian warriors, when acting in 

 large masses, are to the last degree wayward, ca- 

 pricious, and unstable ; infirm of purpose as a mob 

 of children, and devoid of providence and fore- 

 sight. To provide supplies for a campaign forms 

 no part of their system. Hence the blow must be 

 struck at once, or not struck at all; and to post- 

 pone victory is to insure defeat. It is when acting 

 in small, detached parties, that the Indian warrior 

 puts forth his energies, and displays his admirable 

 address, endurance, and intrepidity. It is then that 

 he becomes a truly formidable enemy. Fired with 

 the hope of winning scalps, he is stanch as a blood- 

 hound. No hardship can divert him from his 

 purpose, and no danger subdue his patient and 

 cautious courage. 



From their inveterate passion for war, the Indians 

 are always prompt enough to engage in it ; and on 

 the present occasion, the prevailing irritation gave 

 ample assurance that they would not remain idle. 

 While there was little risk that they would capture 

 any strong and well-defended fort, or carry any 

 important position, there was, on the other hand, 

 every reason to apprehend wide-spread havoc, and 

 a destructive war of detail. That the war might 



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