The Pontiac Manuscript
This begins section 2 of the Pontiac Manuscript
It is true that you have done us no personal violence, but you are certainly doing us wrong by kill-
ing our animals. When yon have killed them all, how do you expect us to work our land for sowing and making bread? Again, if in killing them you would not spoil half, you would have more profit. They would last you longer, and we would not lose everything. When you enter our houses you do so with raised tomahawk, as if you wished to kill us, while asking for something to eat. Whenever you have asked, have we ever refused ? You no longer speak to us as brothers, but as masters; and you treat us as we do our slaves. Since when is it that you have. seen the Indians commanding the French? Is this what you promised your father Bellestre, when he went away, that you would love and assist your brothers, the French? Revenge your insults which have been made to you ! We do not stand in your way; but remember that we are all brothers and children of your great father, the king of France.
