The governor himself -- the 'Big Mountain,' as they called him--would extend to them a welcoming hand and take part in their feastings and councils.

At the inland trading-posts the Indians were given goods for their winter hunts on credit and loaded with presents by the officials.

To such an extent did the custom of giving presents prevail that it became a heavy tax on the treasury of France, insignificant, however, compared with the alternative of keeping in the hinterland an armed force.

The Indians, too, had fought side by side with the French in many notable engagements.
They had aided Montcalm, and had assisted in such triumphs as the defeat of Braddock.

They were not only friends of the French; they were sword companions.
The British colonists could not, of course, entertain friendly feelings towards the tribes which sided with their enemies and often devastated their homes and murdered their people.