The chief was not a despot, but the president of a council, and in war would not be given the command unless he was the most capable captain.

Every man was a soldier, and, under the perpetual stress of possible war, had to be a trained, self-denying athlete.

The _pas_ were, for defensive reasons, built on the highest and therefore the healthiest positions.

The ditches, the palisades, the terraces of these forts were constructed with great labour as well as no small skill.

The fighting was hand to hand.