Without any exaggeration, I look upon the Northern Indians to be the most formidable of any uncivilized body of people in the world. Hunting and war are their sole occupation, and the one qualifies them for the other; they have few wants, and those are easily supplied; their properties of little value, consequently, expeditions against them, however successful, cannot distress them, and they have courage sufficient for their manner of fighting, the nature and situation of their countries require not more.

—SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON

Diary of the Siege of Detroit, ix-x

The chronicles of the American borders are filled with the deeds of men who, having lost all by the merciless tomahawk, have lived for vengeance alone; and such men will never cease to exist so long as a hostile tribe remains within striking distance of an American settlement.

—FRANCIS PARKMAN

The Conspiracy of Pontine, II, 117

I mean to destroy the English and leave not one upon our lands.

—PONTIAC

The Conspiracy of Pontiac, I, 251