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·~1*^ THE EMPLOYMENT OF INDIANS By IN THE WAR OF 1812. E. CitniKsiiANK. t . Prom tlie end of the Ameri<;an lievolution the importauce, and, indeed, the necessity, of preserving the friendship of the Indians of the Northwest was steadily kept in mind by the officers intrusted with the administration of ('anada. The organization of the Indian department which had been formed during the war was carefully maintained. Sir John Johnson, V. , ':: f whose family name was still a word to conjure with in the Indian world, was appointed supennten<lent, and Alexander McKee and John Butler resident deputies at Detroit and Niagara. No better choice could i)ossibly have been made. McKee and Butler were men of great force of character and undaunted courage, whose long experience, consummate tact, and intimate knowledge of Indian customs and dialects had gained uiuivaled influence. /^ST, when war seemed imminent, Lord Sydney, secretary o, .ite, remarked in a dispatch that the treatment of the Indians h<.cl always been liberal, but as the security of the province might dei)end on their conduct the supplies to them should be augmented rather than leave them discontented. Butler and McKee both died in 1706; the foriaer was succeeded by Johnstm's nephew, William 'laus, and the latter by Mattbew Elliot, who was remarkably well (jualitied for the post by experience, local knowledge, and influence. In 1808, when war again seemed almost inevitable, Claus was sent by Lieutenant Governor (lore to Amherstburg to ascertain the intentions of Indian tribes residing between the Ohio and Mis8i8sii)pi. On his arrival at that place he dispatched an interpreter to bring in the Shawanese chiefs and prophet, who took the lead in resisting the farther advance of settlers into the hxliau territory. The chiefs obeyed the summons in H. Doc. 291 321 21 (