the perpetual terror and losses of the inhabitants will I hope operate powerfully in our favor" [Footnote: See full copy of the letter in Mr.Martindale's excellent pamphlet, above quoted.];--so runs the letter.

At the same time the British commander in Canada was pointing out to his subordinate at Detroit that the real danger to British rule arose from the extension of the settlements westwards, and that this the Indians could prevent [Footnote: Haldimand MSS.

Haldimand to De Peyster, June 24, 1781.
Throughout the letters of the British officers at and near Detroit there are constant allusions to scalps being brought in; but not one word, as far as I have seen, to show that the Indians were ever reproved because many of the scalps were those of women and children.

It is only fair to say, however, that there are several instances of the commanders exhorting the Indians to be merciful--which was a waste of breath,--and several other instances where successful efforts were made to stop the use of torture.

The British officers were generally personally humane to their prisoners.]; in other words, the savages were expressly directed to make war on non-combatants, for it was impossible to attack a settlement without attacking the women and children therein.