<P> The spread of disease from European contact was not always accidental . Europeans arriving in the Americas had long been exposed to the diseases, attaining a measure of immunity, and thus were not as severely affected by them . Therefore, disease could be an effective biological weapon . </P> <P> During the French and Indian War, Jeffery Amherst, 1st Baron Amherst, Britain's commander in chief in North America discussed the use of smallpox to wipe out their Native American enemy . In his writings to Colonel Henry Bouquet about the situation in western Pennsylvania, Amherst suggested that the spread of disease would be beneficial in achieving their aims . Colonel Bouquet confirmed his intentions to do so . </P> <P> This event is well known for the documented instances of biological warfare . British officers, including the top British commanding generals, ordered, sanctioned, paid for and conducted the use of smallpox against the Native Americans . As described by one historian, "there is no doubt that British military authorities approved of attempts to spread smallpox among the enemy", and "it was deliberate British policy to infect the indians with smallpox". </P> <P> In this instance, as recorded in his journal by sundries trader and militia Captain William Trent, on June 24, 1763, dignitaries from the Delaware tribe met with Fort Pitt officials, warned them of "great numbers of Indians" coming to attack the fort, and pleaded with them to leave the fort while there was still time . But the commander of the fort refused to abandon the fort . Instead, the British gave as gifts two blankets, one silk handkerchief and one linen from the smallpox hospital, to two Delaware delegates after the parley, a principal warrior named Turtleheart, and Maumaultee, a Chief . The tainted gifts were, according to their inventory accounts, given to the Indian dignitaries "to Convey the Smallpox to the Indians". </P>

The british introduced which disease to the native american tribes after the french and indian war