Why did many white people misunderstand the function and status of indian chiefs?

Because back then, they compared the function and status of indian chiefs with the function of status of a king that they usually see.
A king ruled from above, whose words must always be obeyed. An indian chiefs on the other hand, rules from the middle. Even though he is still a respected figure, most tribe members still see their chief as someone with the same status.

"d. the battle of quebec began the french and indian war and the attack on fort duquesne ended it." is your answer this is because the war and attack included washington and his people.