Documenting United States History

Document 4.2 The Diary of William Trent

1763

William Trent (1715–1787) was a British merchant who served as an officer for the Virginia

militia during the French and Indian War (1754–1763). This excerpt from Trent’s journal

describes the siege of Fort Pitt (in what is now Pittsburgh, Pennsvlvania), during Pon-

tiac’s Rebellion, when native peoples west of the Appalachian Mountains revolted against

British settlement in territories formerly held by the French.

[July 27, 1763]

Fifty-seven Indians all on horseback were seen from the fort, going down the

road and some on foot. Soon after some were seen returning, some appeared in

Hulings field cutting some wheat with their knives and a scythe[.] [W]e imagine

they are hungry.

prACTICIng historical Thinking

Identify: Describe the changes in territorial holdings in the two maps.

Analyze: Analyze how the changing territorial holdings could influence the European

relationships with Native Americans. (Consult your textbook or class notes if needed.)

Evaluate: Using your textbook and classroom notes and lessons, determine whether

Native Americans gained advantages from the war. Explain your response.

TopIC I | Challenging an empire 89

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