Meanwhile the southern tribes along the border were comparatively
quiet. That they well knew a colossal struggle between the two
white races was pending and were predisposed to ally themselves
with the stronger is not to be doubted. French influence had long
been sifting through the formidable Cherokee nation, which still,
however, held true in the main to its treaties with the English.
It was the policy of the Governors of Virginia and North Carolina
to induce the Cherokees to enter strongly into the war as allies
of the English. Their efforts came to nothing chiefly because of
the purely local and suicidal Indian policy of Governor Glen of
South Carolina. There had been some dispute between Glen and
Dinwiddie as to the right of Virginia to trade with the
Cherokees; and Glen had sent to the tribes letters calculated to
sow distrust of all other aspirants for Indian favor, even
promising that certain settlers in the Back Country of North
Carolina should be removed and their holdings restored to the
Indians. These letters caused great indignation in North
Carolina, when they came to light, and had the worst possible
effect upon Indian relations. The Indians now inclined their ear
to the French who, though fewer than the English, were at least
united in purpose.
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