It occurs to me, that if you were to dress a company or two of true woodsmen, in Indian style, and let them make the attack, with screaming and yelling, as the Indians do, it would have very good consequences.

1777.

TOW-CLOTH HUNTING-SHIRTS.

The Continental Congress recommends my procuring, from the colonies of Rhode Island and Connecticut, a quantity of tow-cloth, for the purpose of making Indian or hunting-shirts for the men, many of whom are destitute of clothing.

It is designed as a species of uniform, both cheap and convenient.

1775.

MODE OF INDIAN WARFARE.

However absurd it may appear, it is nevertheless certain, that five hundred Indians have it more in their power to annoy the inhabitants, than ten times their number of regulars. Besides the advantageous way they have of fighting in the woods, their cunning and craft, their activity and patient sufferings, are not to be equalled. They prowl about, like wolves; and, like them, do their mischief by stealth. They depend upon their dexterity in hunting, and upon the cattle of the inhabitants, for provisions.

*Col. Daniel Morgan.

1756.

INDIANS TO BE OPPOSED TO INDIANS.

Unless we have Indians to oppose Indians, we may expect but small success.

1756.

A small number, just to point out the wiles and tricks of the enemy, is better than none.

1756.

THE WAR TO BE CARRIED INTO THEIR OWN COUN

TRY.

My ideas of contending with the Indians, has been uniformly the same. I am clear in the opinion, that the cheapest, (though this may also be attended with great expense,) and most effectual mode of opposing them, where they can make incursions upon us, is to carry the war into their own country; for, supported on the one hand, by the British, and enriching themselves with the spoils of our people, they have every thing to gain, and nothing to lose, while we act on the defensive; whereas, the direct reverse would be the consequence of an offensive war on our part.

1779.

MARKSMEN.

Great care should be observed, in choosing active marksmen. The manifest inferiority of inactive per

sons, unused to arms, in this kind of service, (although equal in numbers,) to men who, have practised hunting, is inconceivable. The chance against them, is more than two to one.

1756.

MODE OF ATTACKING INDIANS.

I suggest, as general rules that ought to govern our operations, to make, rather than receive, attacks, attended with as much impetuosity, shouting, and noise, as possible; and to make the troops act, in as loose and dispersed a way as is consistent with a proper degree of government, concert, and mutual support.

It should be previously impressed upon the minds of the men, whenever they have an opportunity, to rush on, with the war-whoop and fixed bayonet. Nothing will disconcert and terrify the Indians, more than this.

1779.

INDIAN TREACHERY.

Great caution is necessary, to guard against the snares which their treachery may hold out.

Hostages are the only kind of security to be depended on.

EMPLOYMENT OF INDIANS, IN WAR.

By a resolve of Congress, I am empowered to employ a body of four hundred Indians, if they can be procured upon proper terms.

Divesting them of the savage customs exercised in their wars against each other, I think they may be made of excellent use, as scouts and light troops, mixed with our own parties.

I propose to raise about one half the number, among the southern, and the remainder, among the northern, Indians.

The Oneidas have manifested the strongest attachment to us, throughout this dispute, and therefore, I suppose, if any can be procured, they will be most numerous. Their missionary, Mr. Kirkland, seemed to have an uncommon ascendency over that tribe; and I should therefore be glad to see him accompany them.

1778.

VI. ACQUISITION OF TERRITORY.

The English Government has sufficient reason to consider the French in North America, as the best guardians of the submission of their colonies.

PETER KALM, 1756.

The cabinet of Versailles was compelled by good policy, to regard the supremacy of England over Canada, as a valuable source of inquietude and jealousy to the Americans. The neighborhood of a formidable enemy, necessarily enhanced the value which they attached to the friendship and support of the French monarch. L. DI SEVELINGUES.

The French court, though mortified by the loss of Canada, was by no means insensible of the disadvantageous position in which Britain was placed, relatively to her own colonies, by the acquisition of it. In the commencement of their revolutionary struggle, the Americans besought the aid of France, not only to free them from the yoke of Britain, but to enable them to conquer Canada, Nova Scotia, and Florida. JAMES GRAHAME.

EMANCIPATION OF CANADA.

The Emancipation of Canada, is an object which Congress have much at heart.

1778.

ACCESSION OF CANADA.

It is a measure much to be wished; and, I believe, would not be displeasing to the body of the people.