War interrupted trade and cut down profits, and the British endeavored to keep the different tribes at peace among themselves, and even with the Americans.

Moreover they always discouraged barbarities, and showed what kindness was in their power to any unfortunate prisoners whom the Indians happened to bring to their posts.

But they helped the Indians in all ways save by open military aid to keep back the American settlers.
They wished a monopoly of the fur trade; and they endeavored to prevent the Americans from coming into their settlements.

[Footnote: _Do._ John Hay to Haldimand, Aug.

13, 1784; James McNeil, Aug 1 1785.] English officers and agents attended the Indian councils, endeavored to attach the tribes to the British interests, and encouraged them to stand firm against the Americans and to insist upon the Ohio as the boundary between the white man and the red.