Pontiac

(1720-1769)

   Born on the Ottawa River. An ally of the French during their struggles against the British colonists. In 1746 he and his Indians assisted the French at Detroit in an attack by northern tribes, and in 1755 he led the Ottawas when General Braddock was defeated. In 1763 began a campaign against the British; destroyed several forts from Lake Michigan to Niagara, and massacred their garrisons. Detroit then attacked and besieged for nearly a year, until relieved by Colonel Bradstreet; Pittsburg saved only by the timely arrival of Colonel Bouquet. Eight out of twelve fortified forts destroyed by Pontiac and his Indians. They were finally subdued by Sir William Johnson, who in 1766 concluded a treaty of peace. In 1769 assassinated by a Kaskaskia Indian.

   Index: Hd Rouses western tribes against British, 55; his rising quelled, 57; after effects of, 259.

   Bib.: Parkman, Conspiracy of Pontiac.