The prudence and caution of his policy have already been
made manifest in the two several council scenes with the
chiefs recorded in our second volume. It may appear
singular, that, with the opportunity thus afforded him
of retaining the formidable Ponteac,--the strength and
sinew of that long protracted and ferocious war,--in his
power, he should have waved his advantage; but here
Colonel de Haldimar gave evidence of the tact which so
eminently distinguished his public conduct throughout.
He well knew the noble, fearless character of the chief;
and felt, if any hold was to be secured over him, it was
by grappling with his generosity, and not by the exercise
of intimidation. Even admitting that Ponteac continued
his prisoner, and that the troops, pouring their destructive
fire upon the mass of enemies so suddenly arrested on
the drawbridge, had swept away the whole, still they were
but as a mite among the numerous nations that were leagued
against the English; and to these nations, it was evident,
they must, sooner or later, succumb.
Colonel de Haldimar knew enough of the proud but generous
nature of the Ottawa, to deem that the policy he proposed
to pursue in the last council scene would not prove
altogether without effect on that warrior.
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