The Indians in it were of a low type--sunk in savagery and superstition.
A leader such as Pontiac naturally appealed to them.

They existed by hunting and fishing--feasting to-day and famishing to-morrow--and were easily roused by the hope of plunder.

The weakly manned forts containing the white man's provisions, ammunition, and traders' supplies were an attractive lure to such savages.

Within the confederacy, however, there were some who did not rally round Pontiac.
The Ottawas of the northern part of Michigan, under the influence of their priest, remained friendly to the British.

Including the Ottawas and Chippewas of the Ottawa and Lake Superior, the confederates numbered many thousands; yet at no time was Pontiac able to command from among them more than one thousand warriors.
In close alliance with the Confederacy of the Three Fires were the tribes dwelling to the west of Lake Michigan--the Menominees, the Winnebagoes, and the Sacs and Foxes.