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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Life of Tecumseh, and of His Brother the
+Prophet, by Benjamin Drake
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Life of Tecumseh, and of His Brother the Prophet
+       With a Historical Sketch of the Shawanoe Indians
+
+
+Author: Benjamin Drake
+
+Release Date: April 8, 2005  [eBook #15581]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE OF TECUMSEH, AND OF HIS
+BROTHER THE PROPHET***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Wallace McLean, Leonard Johnson, and the Project
+Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+LIFE OF TECUMSEH, AND OF HIS BROTHER THE PROPHET;
+
+With a Historical Sketch of the Shawanoe Indians
+
+by
+
+BENJAMIN DRAKE
+
+Author of _The Life of Black Hawk_, _Tales from the Queen City_, &c. &c.
+
+Cincinnati:
+Printed and Published by E. Morgan & Co.
+Stereotyped by J.A. James,
+Cincinnati.
+
+1841
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+Many years have elapsed since the author of this volume determined to
+write the life of TECUMSEH and of his brother the PROPHET, and actually
+commenced the collection of the materials for its accomplishment. From
+various causes, the completion of the task has been postponed until the
+present time. This delay, however, has probably proved beneficial to
+the work, as many interesting incidents in the lives of these
+individuals are now embraced in its pages, which could not have been
+included had it been put to press at an earlier period.
+
+In the preparation of this volume, the author's attention was drawn, to
+some extent, to the history of the Shawanoe tribe of Indians: and he
+has accordingly prefixed to the main work, a brief historical narrative
+of this wandering and warlike nation, with biographical sketches of
+several of its most distinguished chiefs.
+
+The author is under lasting obligations to a number of gentlemen
+residing in different sections of the country, for the substantial
+assistance which they have kindly afforded him in the collection of the
+matter embraced in this volume. Other sources of information have not,
+however, been neglected. All the histories, magazines and journals
+within the reach of the author, containing notices of the subjects of
+this memoir, have been carefully consulted. By application at the
+proper department at Washington, copies of the numerous letters written
+by general Harrison to the Secretary of War in the years 1808, '9, '10,
+'11, '12 and '13, were obtained, and have been found of much value in
+the preparation of this work. As governor of Indiana territory,
+superintendant of Indian affairs, and afterwards commander-in-chief of
+the north-western army, the writer of those letters possessed
+opportunities of knowing Tecumseh and the Prophet enjoyed by no other
+individuals.
+
+In addition to these several sources of information, the author has
+personally, at different times, visited the frontiers of Ohio and
+Indiana, for the purpose of conversing with the Indians and the
+pioneers of that region, who happened to be acquainted with Tecumseh
+and his brother; and by these visits, has been enabled to enrich his
+narrative with some amusing and valuable anecdotes.
+
+In the general accuracy of his work the author feels considerable
+confidence: in its merit, as a literary production, very little. Every
+line of it having been written while suffering under the depressing
+influence of ill health, he has only aimed at a simple narrative style,
+without any reference to the graces of a polished composition. B.D.
+
+Cincinnati, 1841.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+HISTORY OF THE SHAWANOE INDIANS
+
+CATAHECASSA, or BLACK-HOOF
+
+CORNSTALK
+
+SPEMICA-LAWBA, the HIGH HORN; or, CAPTAIN LOGAN
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF TECUMSEH.
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+Parentage of Tecumseh--his sister Tecumapease--his brother Cheeseekan,
+Sauweeseekau, Nehasseemo, Tenskwautawa or the Prophet, and
+Kumakauka
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+Birth place of Tecumseh--destruction of the Piqua village--early habits
+of Tecumseh--his first battle--effort to abolish the burning of
+prisoners--visits the Cherokees in the south--engages in several
+battles--returns to Ohio in the autumn of 1790
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+Tecumseh attacked near Big Rock by some whites under Robert
+M'Clelland--severe battle with some Kentuckians on the East Fork of the
+Little Miami--attack upon Tecumseh in 1793, on the waters of Paint
+creek--Tecumseh present at the attack on fort Recovery in
+1794--participates in the battle of the Rapids of the Maumee, in
+1794
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+Tecumseh's skill as a hunter--declines attending the treaty of
+Greenville in 1796--in 1796 removed to Great Miami--in 1798 joined a
+party of Delawares on White river, Indiana--in 1799 attended a council
+between the whites and Indians near Urbana--another at Chillicothe in
+1803--makes an able speech--removes with the Prophet to Greenville, in
+1805--the latter commences prophecying--causes the death of Teteboxti,
+Patterson, Coltos, and Joshua--governor Harrison's speech to the
+Prophet to arrest these murderers--effort of Wells the U.S. Indian
+agent to prevent Tecumseh and the Prophet from assembling the Indians
+at Greenville--Tecumseh's speech in reply--he attends a council at
+Chillicothe--speech on that occasion--council at Springfield--Tecumseh
+principal speaker and actor
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+Governor Harrison's address to the Shawanoe chiefs at Greenville--the
+Prophet's reply--his influence felt among the remote tribes--he is
+visited in 1808 by great numbers of Indians--Tecumseh and the Prophet
+remove to Tippecanoe--the latter sends a speech to governor
+Harrison--makes him a visit at Vincennes
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+Tecumseh visits the Wyandots--governor Harrison's letter about the
+Prophet to the Secretary of War--British influence over the
+Indians--Tecumseh burns governor Harrison's letter to the chiefs--great
+alarm in Indiana, in consequence of the assemblage of the Indians at
+Tippecanoe--death of Leatherlips, a Wyandot chief, on a charge of
+witchcraft
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+Governor Harrison makes another effort to ascertain the designs of
+Tecumseh and the Prophet--Tecumseh visits the governor at Vincennes,
+attended by four hundred warriors--a council is held--Tecumseh becomes
+deeply excited, and charges governor Harrison with falsehood--council
+broken up in disorder--renewed the next day
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+Alarm on the frontier continues--a Muskoe Indian killed at
+Vincennes--governor Harrison sends a pacific speech to Tecumseh and the
+Prophet--the former replies to it--in July Tecumseh visits governor
+Harrison at Vincennes--disavows any intention of making war upon the
+whites--explains his object in forming a union among the
+tribes--governor Harrison's opinion of Tecumseh and the Prophet--murder
+of the Deaf Chief--Tecumseh visits the southern Indians
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+Governor Harrison applies to the War Department for troops to maintain
+peace on the frontiers--battle of Tippecanoe on the 7th of
+November--its influence on the Prophet and his followers
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+Tecumseh returns from the south--proposes to visit the President, but
+declines, because not permitted to go to Washington at the head of a
+party--attends a council at fort Wayne--proceeds to Malden and joins
+the British--governor Harrison's letter to the War Department relative
+to the north-west tribes
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+Tecumseh participates in the battle of Brownstown--commands the Indians
+in the action near Maguaga--present at Hull's surrender--general Brock
+presents him his military sash--attack on Chicago brought about by
+Tecumseh
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+Siege of fort Meigs--Tecumseh commands the Indians--acts with
+intrepidity--rescues the American prisoners from the tomahawk and
+scalping knife, after Dudley's defeat--reported agreement between
+Proctor and Tecumseh, that general Harrison, if taken prisoner, should
+be delivered to the latter to be burned
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+Tecumseh present at the second attack on fort Meigs--his stratagem of a
+sham-battle to draw out general Clay--is posted in the Black Swamp with
+two thousand warriors at the time of the attack on fort
+Stephenson--from thence passes by land to Malden--compels general
+Proctor to release an American prisoner--threatens to desert the
+British cause--urges an attack upon the American fleet--opposes
+Proctor's retreat from Malden--delivers a speech to him on that
+occasion
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+Retreat of the combined British and Indian army to the river
+Thames--skirmish at Chatham with the troops under general
+Harrison--Tecumseh slightly wounded in the arm--battle on the Thames on
+the 5th of October--Tecumseh's death
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+Critical examination of the question "who killed Tecumseh?"--colonel
+R.M. Johnson's claim considered
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+Mr. Jefferson's opinion of the Prophet--brief sketch of his
+character--anecdotes of Tecumseh--a review of the great principles of
+his plan of union among the tribes--general summary of his life and
+character
+
+
+
+
+HISTORY
+
+OF THE
+
+SHAWANOE INDIANS.
+
+
+There is a tradition among the Shawanoes, in regard to their origin,
+which is said to be peculiar to that tribe. While most of the
+aborigines of this country believe that their respective races came out
+of holes in the earth at different places on this continent, the
+Shawanoes alone claim, that their ancestors once inhabited a foreign
+land; but having determined to leave it, they assembled their people
+and marched to the sea shore. Here, under the guidance of a leader of
+the Turtle tribe, one of their twelve original subdivisions, they
+walked into the sea, the waters of which immediately parted, and they
+passed in safety along the bottom of the ocean, until they reached this
+island.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: History of the Indian Tribes of North America, by James
+Hall and J. L. McKinney, a valuable work, containing one hundred and
+twenty richly colored portraits of Indian chiefs.]
+
+The Shawanoes have been known by different names. The Iroquois,
+according to Colden's history of the "Five Nations," gave them the
+appellation of Satanas. The Delawares, says Gallatin, in his synopsis
+of the Indian tribes, call them Shawaneu, which means _southern_. The
+French writers mention them under the name of Chaouanons; and
+occasionally they are denominated Massawomees.
+
+The orthography of the word by which they are generally designated, is
+not very well settled. It has been written Shawanos, Sawanos, Shawaneu,
+Shawnees and Shawanoes, which last method of spelling the word, will be
+followed in the pages of this work.
+
+The original seats of the Shawanoes have been placed in different
+sections of the country. This has doubtless been owing to their very
+erratic disposition. Of their history, prior to the year 1680, but
+little is known. The earliest mention of them by any writer whose work
+has fallen under our observation, was in the beginning of the
+seventeenth century. Mr. Jefferson, in his "Notes on Virginia," says
+that when captain John Smith first arrived in America a fierce war was
+raging against the allied Mohicans, residing on Long Island, and the
+Shawanoes on the Susquehanna, and to the westward of that river, by the
+Iroquois. Captain Smith first landed on this continent in April, 1607.
+In the following year, 1608, he penetrated down the Susquehanna to the
+mouth of it, where he met six or seven of their canoes, filled with
+warriors, about to attack their enemy in the rear. De Laet, in 1632, in
+his enumeration of the different tribes, on either side of the Delaware
+river, mentions the Shawanoes.--Charlevoix speaks of them under the
+name of Chaouanons, as neighbors and allies in 1672, of the Andastes,
+an Iroquois tribe, living south of the Senecas. Whether any of the
+Shawanoes were present at the treaty[A] made in 1682, under the
+celebrated Kensington elm, between William Penn and the Indians, does
+not positively appear from any authorities before us; that such,
+however, was the fact, may be fairly inferred, from the circumstance
+that at a conference between the Indians and governor Keith, in 1722,
+the Shawanoes exhibited a copy of this treaty written on parchment.
+
+[Footnote A: "This treaty," says Voltaire, "was the first made between
+those people (the Indians) and the Christians, that was not ratified
+with an oath, and that was never broken."]
+
+To the succeeding one made at Philadelphia, in February, 1701, the
+Shawanoes were parties, being represented on that occasion, by their
+chiefs, Wopatha, Lemoytungh and Pemoyajagh.[A] More than fifty years
+afterward, a manuscript copy of this treaty of commerce and friendship,
+was in the possession of the Shawanoes of Ohio, and was exhibited by
+them. In 1684, the Iroquois, when complained of by the French for
+having attacked the Miamis, justified their conduct on the-ground, that
+they had invited the Santanas (Shawanoes) into the country, for the
+purpose of making war upon them.[B] The Sauks and Foxes, whose
+residence was originally on the St. Lawrence, claim the Shawanoes as
+belonging to the same stock with themselves, and retain traditional
+accounts of their emigration to the south.[C] In the "History of the
+Indian Tribes of North America," when speaking of the Shawanoes, the
+authors say, "their manners, customs and language indicate a northern
+origin; and, upwards of two centuries ago, they held the country south
+of Lake Erie. They were the first tribe which felt the force and
+yielded to the superiority of the Iroquois. Conquered by these, they
+migrated to the south, and from fear or favor, were allowed to take
+possession of a region upon the Savannah river; but what part of that
+stream, whether in Georgia or Florida, is not known; it is presumed the
+former." Mr. Gallatin speaks of the final defeat of the Shawanoes and
+their allies, in a war with the Five Nations, as having taken place in
+the year 1672. This same writer, who has carefully studied the language
+of the aborigines, considers the Shawanoes as belonging to the Lenape
+tribes of the north. From these various authorities, it is apparent
+that the Shawanoes belonged originally to the Algonkin-Lenape nation;
+and that during the three first quarters of the seventeenth century,
+they were found in eastern Pennsylvania, on the St. Lawrence, and the
+southern shore of Lake Erie; and generally at war with some of the
+neighboring tribes. Whether their dispersion, which is supposed to have
+taken place about the year 1672, drove them all to the south side of
+the Ohio, does not very satisfactorily appear.
+
+[Footnote A: Proud's History of Pennsylvania.]
+
+[Footnote B: Colden.]
+
+[Footnote C: Morse's Report.]
+
+Subsequently to this period, the Shawanoes were found on the Ohio river
+below the Wabash, in Kentucky, Georgia and the Carolinas. Lawson, in
+his history of Carolina in 1708, speaks of the Savanoes, removing from
+the Mississippi to one of the rivers of South Carolina. Gallatin quotes
+an authority which sustains Lawson, and which establishes the fact that
+at a very early period in the history of the south, there was a
+Shawanoe settlement on the head waters of the Catawba or Santee, and
+probably of the Yadkin. From another authority it appears, that for a
+time the Shawanoes had a station on the Savannah river, above Augusta;
+and Adair, who refers to the war between the Shawanoes and Cherokees,
+saw a body of the former in the wilderness, who, after having wandered
+for some time in the woods, were then returning to the Creek country.
+According to John Johnston,[A] a large party of the Shawanoes, who
+originally lived north of the Ohio, had for some cause emigrated as far
+south as the Suwanoe river, which empties into the Gulf of Mexico. From
+thence they returned, under the direction of a chief named Black Hoof,
+about the middle of the last century, to Ohio. It is supposed that this
+tribe gave name to the Suwanoe river, in 1750, by which name the
+Cumberland was also known, when Doctor Walker, (of Virginia) visited
+Kentucky.
+
+[Footnote A: I Vol. Trans. Amer. Antiquarian Society.]
+
+Of the causes which led the Shawanoes to abandon the south, but little
+is known beyond what may be gleaned from their traditions. Heckewelder,
+in his contributions to the American Philosophical Society, says, "they
+were a restless people, delighting in wars, in which they were
+constantly engaged with some of the surrounding nations. At last their
+neighbors, tired of being continually harassed by them, formed a league
+for their destruction. The Shawanoes finding themselves thus
+dangerously situated, asked to be permitted to leave the country, which
+was granted to them; and they immediately removed to the Ohio. Here
+their main body settled, and then sent messengers to their elder
+brother,[A] the Mohicans, requesting them to intercede for them with
+their grandfather, the Lenni Lenape, to take them under his protection.
+This the Mohicans willingly did, and even sent a body of their own
+people to conduct their younger brother into the country of the
+Delawares. The Shawanoes finding themselves safe under the protection
+of their grandfather, did not choose to proceed to the eastward, but
+many of them remained on the Ohio, some of whom settled as far up that
+river as the long island, above which the French afterwards built fort
+Duquesne, on the spot where Pittsburg now stands. Those who proceeded
+farther, were accompanied by their chief, named Gachgawatschiqua, and
+settled principally at and about the forks of the Delaware, between
+that and the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill; and some, even
+on the spot where Philadelphia now stands; others were conducted by the
+Mohicans into their own country, where they intermarried with them and
+became one people. When those settled near the Delaware had multiplied,
+they returned to Wyoming on the Susquehannah, where they resided for a
+great number of years."
+
+[Footnote A: The Shawanoes call the Mohicans their _elder brother_, and
+the Delawares their _grandfather_.]
+
+Chapman, in his history of Wyoming, states, that after the Shawanoes
+were driven from Georgia and Florida, they built a town at the mouth of
+the Wabash, and established themselves in it. They then applied to the
+Delawares for some territory on which to reside. When granted, a
+council was held to consider the propriety of accepting the offer of
+the Delawares. On this question the Shawanoes divided--part of them
+remained on the Wabash,--the others, composing chiefly the Piqua tribe,
+formed a settlement in the forks of the Delaware. Alter a time, a
+disagreement arose between them and the Delawares, which induced the
+former to remove to the valley of the Wyoming, on the Susquehannah, on
+the west bank of which they built a town, and lived in repose many
+years. Subsequently to the treaty held at Philadelphia, in 1742,
+between the governor and the Six Nations, the Delawares were driven
+from that part of Pennsylvania; and a portion of them also removed to
+the Wyoming valley, then in possession of the Shawanoes, and secured
+the quiet occupancy of a part of it; built a town on the east bank of
+the river, which they called Waughwauwame, where they lived for some
+time, on terms of amity with their new neighbors.
+
+During the summer of 1742, count Zinzendorf of Saxony, came to America
+on a religious mission, connected with the ancient church of the United
+Brethren. Having heard of the Shawanoes at Wyoming, he determined to
+make an effort to introduce Christianity among them. He accordingly
+made them a visit, but did not meet with a cordial reception. The
+Shawanoes supposed that the missionary was in pursuit of their lands;
+and a party of them determined to assassinate him privately, for fear
+of exciting other Indians to hostility. The attempt upon his life was
+made, but strangely defeated. Chapman relates the manner of it, which
+he obtained from a companion of the count, who did not publish it in
+his memoirs, lest the United Brethren might suppose that the subsequent
+conversion of the Shawanoes was the result of their superstition. It is
+as follows:
+
+"Zinzendorf was alone in his tent, seated upon a bundle of dry weeds,
+which composed his bed, and engaged in writing, when the assassins
+approached to execute their bloody commission. It was night, and the
+cool air of September had rendered a small fire necessary for his
+comfort and convenience. A curtain, formed of a blanket, and hung upon
+pins, was the only guard to his tent. The heat of this small fire had
+aroused a large rattlesnake, which lay in the weeds not far from it;
+and the reptile, to enjoy it the more effectually, had crawled slowly
+into the tent, and passed over one of his legs, undiscovered. Without,
+all was still and quiet, except the gentle murmur of the river, at the
+rapids about a mile below. At this moment, the Indians softly
+approached the door of his tent and slightly removing the curtain,
+contemplated the venerable man, too deeply engaged in the subject of
+his thoughts to notice either their approach, or the snake which lay
+before him. At a sight like this, even the heart of the savages shrunk
+from the idea of committing so horrid an act; and, quitting the spot,
+they hastily returned to the town, and informed their companions, that
+the Great Spirit protected the white man, for they had found him with
+no door but a blanket, and had seen a large rattlesnake crawl over his
+legs without attempting to injure him. This circumstance, together with
+the arrival soon afterwards of Conrad Weizer, the interpreter, procured
+the count the friendship of the Indians, and probably induced some of
+them to embrace Christianity."
+
+When the war between the French and the English occurred in 1754, the
+Shawanoes on the Ohio took sides with the former; but the appeal to
+those residing at Wyoming to do the same, was ineffectual. The
+influence of the count's missionary efforts had made them averse to
+war. But an event which happened soon afterward, disturbed the peace of
+their settlement, and finally led to their removal from the valley.
+Occasional difficulties of a transient nature, had arisen between the
+Delawares and the Shawanoes at Wyoming. An unkind feeling, produced by
+trifling local causes, had grown up between the two tribes. At length a
+childish dispute about the possession of a harmless grasshopper,
+brought on a bloody battle; and a final separation of the two parties
+soon followed. One day, while most of the Delaware men were absent on a
+hunting excursion, the women of that tribe went out to gather wild
+fruits on the margin of the river, below their village. Here they met a
+number of Shawanoe women and their children, who had crossed the stream
+in their canoes, and were similarly engaged. One of the Shawanoe
+children having caught a large grasshopper, a dispute arose with some
+of the Delaware children, in regard to the possession of it. In this
+quarrel, as was natural, the mothers soon became involved. The Delaware
+women contended for the possession of the grasshopper on the ground
+that the Shawanoes possessed no privileges on that side of the river. A
+resort to violence ensued, and the Shawanoe women being in the
+minority, were speedily driven to their canoes, and compelled to seek
+safety by flight to their own bank of the stream. Here the matter
+rested until the return of the hunters, when the Shawanoes, in order to
+avenge the indignity offered to their women, armed themselves for
+battle. When they attempted to cross the river, they found the
+Delawares duly prepared to receive them and oppose their landing. The
+battle commenced while the Shawanoes were still in their canoes, but
+they at length effected a landing, which was followed by a general and
+destructive engagement. The Shawanoes having lost a number of their
+warriors before reaching the shore, were too much weakened to sustain
+the battle for any length of time. After the loss of nearly one half
+their party, they were compelled to fly to their own side of the river.
+Many of the Delawares were killed. Shortly after this disastrous
+contest, the Shawanoes quietly abandoned their village, and removed
+westward to the banks of the Ohio.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Chapman]
+
+After the Shawanoes of Pennsylvania had fallen back upon the waters of
+the Ohio, they spread themselves from the Alleghenies as far westward
+as the Big Miami. One of their villages was seventeen miles below
+Pittsburg: it was called Log's Town, and was visited by Croghan, in
+1765. Another, named Lowertown, also visited by the same traveler,
+stood just below the mouth of the Scioto. It was subsequently carried
+away by a great flood in that river, which overflowed the site of the
+town, and compelled the Indians to escape in their canoes. They
+afterwards built a new town on the opposite side of the river, but soon
+abandoned it, and removed to the plains of the Scioto and Paint creek,
+where they established themselves, on the north fork of the latter
+stream. They had also several other villages of considerable size in
+the Miami valley. One was "Chillicothe," standing near the mouth of
+Massie's creek, three miles north of Xenia. Another, called Piqua, and
+memorable as the birth place of TECUMSEH, the subject of our present
+narrative, stands upon the north-west side of Mad river, about seven
+miles below Springfield, in Clark county. Both of these villages were
+destroyed in 1780, by an expedition from Kentucky, under the command of
+general George Rogers Clark.
+
+After the peace of 1763, the Miamis having removed from the Big Miami
+river, a body of Shawanoes established themselves at Lower and Upper
+Piqua, in Miami county, which places, being near together, became their
+great head-quarters in Ohio. Here they remained until driven off by the
+Kentuckians; when they crossed over to the St. Mary's and to
+Wapakanotta. The Upper Piqua is said to have contained, at one period,
+near four thousand Shawanoes.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: John Johnston.]
+
+From the geographical location of the Shawanoes, it will be perceived
+that they were placed under circumstances which enabled them, with
+great facility, to annoy the early settlements in Kentucky; and to
+attack the emigrants descending the Ohio. In this fierce border war,
+which was waged upon the whites for a number of years, and oftentimes
+with extreme cruelty, the Delawares, Wyandots, Mingoes and Miamis,
+united: the Shawanoes, however, were by far the most warlike and
+troublesome.
+
+The Shawanoes were originally divided into twelve tribes or bands, each
+of which was sub-divided into families, known as the Eagle, the Turtle,
+the Panther, &c., these animals constituting their _totems_. Of these
+twelve, the names of but four tribes are preserved, the rest having
+become extinct, or incorporated with them. They are, 1st. the
+Mequachake,--2d. the Chillicothe,--3d. the Kiskapocoke,--4th. the
+Piqua. When in council, one of these tribes is assigned to each of the
+four sides of the council-house, and during the continuance of the
+deliberations, the tribes retain their respective places. They claim to
+have the power of distinguishing, at sight, to which tribe an
+individual belongs; but to the casual observer, there are no visible
+shades of difference. In each of the four tribes, except the
+Mequachake, the chiefs owe their authority to merit, but in the last
+named, the office is hereditary. Of the origin of the Piqua tribe, the
+following tradition has been recited:[A] "In ancient times, the
+Shawanoes had occasion to build a large fire, and after it was burned
+down, a great puffing and blowing was heard, when up rose a man from
+the ashes!--hence the name Piqua, which means a man coming out of the
+ashes." Mequachake, signifies a perfect man. To this tribe the
+priesthood is confided. The members, or rather certain individuals of
+it, are alone permitted to perform the sacrifices and other religious
+ceremonies of the tribe.[B] The division of the tribe into bands or
+totems, is not peculiar to the Shawanoes, but is common to several
+other nations. One of the leading causes of its institution, was the
+prohibition of marriage between those related in a remote degree of
+consanguinity. Individuals are not at liberty to change their totems,
+or disregard the restraint imposed by it on intermarriages. It is
+stated in Tanner's narrative, that the Indians hold it to be criminal
+for a man to marry a woman whose totem is the same as his own; and they
+relate instances where young men, for a violation of this rule, have
+been put to death by their nearest relatives. Loskiel, in his history
+of the Moravian missions, says, the Delawares and Iroquois never marry
+near relatives. According to their own account, the Indian nations were
+divided into tribes for the sole purpose, that no one might, either
+through temptation or mistake, marry a near relation, which is now
+scarcely possible, for whoever intends to marry must take a person of a
+different totem. Another reason for the institution of these totems,
+may be found in their influence on the social relations of the tribe,
+in softening private revenge, and preserving peace. Gallatin, on the
+information derived from a former Indian agent[C] among the Creeks,
+says, "according to the ancient custom, if an offence was committed by
+one or another member of the same clan, the compensation to be made, on
+account of the injury, was regulated in an amicable way by the other
+members of the clan. Murder was rarely expiated in any other way than
+by the death of the murderer; the nearest male relative of the deceased
+was the executioner; but this being done, as under the authority of the
+clan, there was no further retaliation. If the injury was committed by
+some one of another clan, it was not the injured party, but the clan to
+which he belonged, that asked for reparation. This was rarely refused
+by the clan of the offender; but in case of refusal, the injured clan
+had a right to do itself justice, either by killing the offender, in
+case of murder, or inflicting some other punishment for lesser
+offences. This species of private war, was, by the Creeks, called, 'to
+take up the sticks;' because, the punishment generally consisted in
+beating the offender. At the time of the annual corn-feast, the sticks
+were laid down, and could not be again taken up for the same offence.
+But it seems that originally there had been a superiority among some of
+the clans. That of the Wind, had the right to take up the sticks four
+times, that of the Bear twice, for the same offence; whilst those of
+the Tiger, of the Wolf, of the Bird, of the Root, and of two more whose
+names I do not know, could raise them but once. It is obvious that the
+object of the unknown legislation, was to prevent or soften the effects
+of private revenge, by transferring the power and duty from the blood
+relatives to a more impartial body. The father and his brothers, by the
+same mother, never could belong to the same clan, as their son or
+nephew, whilst the perpetual changes, arising from intermarriages with
+women of a different clan, prevented their degenerating into distinct
+tribes; and checked the natural tendency towards a subdivision of the
+nation into independent communities. The institution may be considered
+as the foundation of the internal policy, and the basis of the social
+state of the Indians."
+
+[Footnote A: Stephen Ruddell's manuscript account of the Shawanoes, in
+possession of the author.]
+
+[Footnote B: John Johnston.]
+
+[Footnote C: Mitchell.]
+
+One mode of ascertaining the origin of the Indian tribes, and of
+determining their relation to each other, as well as to other races of
+mankind, is the study of their language. This has, at different times,
+engaged the attention of several able philologists, who have done much
+to analyze the Indian languages, and to arrange in systematic order,
+the numerous dialects of this erratic people. The results of the
+investigation of one[A] of the most learned and profound of these
+individuals, may be summed up in the three following propositions:
+
+1. "That the American languages in general, are rich in words and in
+grammatical forms, and that in their complicated construction, the
+greatest order, method and regularity prevail.
+
+2. "That these complicated forms, which I call _poly synthetic,_ appear
+to exist in all those languages, from Greenland to Cape Horn.
+
+3. "That these forms appear to differ essentially from those of the
+ancient and modern languages of the old hemisphere."
+
+[Footnote A: Mr. Duponceau.]
+
+In a late learned dissertation[A] on this subject, it is stated that in
+nearly the whole territory contained in the United States, and in
+British and Russian America, there are only eight great families, each
+speaking a distinct language, subdivided in many instances, into a
+number of dialects belonging to the same stock. These are the Eskimaux,
+the Athapascas (or Cheppeyans,) the Black Feet, the Sioux, the
+Algonkin-Lenape, the Iroquois, the Cherokee, and the Mobilian or
+Chahta-Muskhog. The Shawanoes belong to the Algonkin-Lenape family, and
+speak a dialect of that language. It bears a strong affinity to the
+Mohican and the Chippeway, but more especially the Kickapoo. Valuable
+vocabularies of the Shawanoe language have been given by Johnston and
+by Gallatin in their contributions to the American Antiquarian Society,
+which may be consulted by those disposed to prosecute the study of this
+subject.
+
+[Footnote A: Mr. Gallatin.]
+
+The Shawanoes have been known since the first discovery of this
+country, as a restless, wandering people, averse to the pursuits of
+agriculture, prone to war and the chase. They have, within that period,
+successively occupied the southern shore of lake Erie, the banks of the
+Ohio and Mississippi, portions of Georgia, Florida, Tennessee,
+Kentucky, and eastern Pennsylvania; then again the plains of Ohio, and
+now the small remnant of them that remains, are established west of
+Missouri and Arkansas. They have been involved in numerous bloody wars
+with other tribes; and for near half a century, resisted with a bold,
+ferocious spirit, and an indomitable hatred, the progress of the white
+settlements in Pennsylvania, western Virginia, and especially Kentucky.
+The Shawanoes have declined more rapidly in numbers[A] than any other
+tribe of Indians known to the whites. This has been, and we suppose
+justly, attributed to their wandering habits and their continual wars.
+Although one of their villages is said once to have contained four
+thousand souls, their present number does not exceed eighteen hundred.
+They have ever been considered a courageous, powerful and faithless
+race; who hare claimed for themselves a pre-eminence not only over
+other tribes, but also over the whites.[B] Their views in regard to
+this superiority were briefly set forth by one of their chiefs at a
+convention held at fort Wayne, in 1803.
+
+[Footnote A: John Johnston.]
+
+[Footnote B: General Harrison considers the Shawanoes, Delawares and
+Miamis, as much superior to the other tribes of the west.]
+
+"The Master of Life," said he, "who was himself an Indian, made the
+Shawanoes before any other of the human race; and they sprang from his
+brain: he gave them all the knowledge he himself possessed, and placed
+them upon the great island, and all the other red people are descended
+from the Shawanoes. After he had made the Shawanoes, he made the French
+and English out of his breast, the Dutch out of his feet, and the
+long-knives out of his hands. All these inferior races of men he made
+white and placed them beyond the stinking lake.[A]
+
+"The Shawanoes for many ages continued to be masters of the continent,
+using the knowledge they had received from the Great Spirit in such a
+manner as to be pleasing to him, and to secure their own happiness. In
+a great length of time, however, they became corrupt, and the Master of
+Life told them that he would take away from them the knowledge which
+they possessed, and give it to the white people, to be restored, when
+by a return to good principles they would deserve it. Many ages after
+that, they saw something white approaching their shores; at first they
+took it for a great bird, but they soon found it to be a monstrous
+canoe filled with the very people who had got the knowledge which
+belonged to the Shawanoes. After these white people landed, they were
+not content with having the knowledge which belonged to the Shawanoes,
+but they usurped their lands also; they pretended, indeed, to have
+purchased these lands; but the very goods they gave for them, were more
+the property of the Indians than the white people, because the
+knowledge which enabled them to manufacture these goods actually
+belonged to the Shawanoes: but these things will soon have an end. The
+Master of Life is about to restore to the Shawanoes both their
+knowledge and their rights, and he will trample the long knives under
+his feet."
+
+[Footnote A: Atlantic Ocean.]
+
+It has been already stated that, for a series of years, the several
+tribes of Indians residing in the territory now forming the state of
+Ohio, made violent opposition to the settlement of the whites, west of
+the Alleghanies. Among the most formidable of these were the Shawanoes.
+The emigrants, whether male or female, old or young, were every where
+met by the torch, the tomahawk and the scalping-knife. The war-cry of
+the savage was echoed from shore to shore of the beautiful Ohio, whose
+waters were but too often reddened with the blood of women and
+children. Many of those who escaped the perils of the river, and had
+reared their log-cabins amid the cane-brakes of Kentucky, were doomed
+to encounter the same ruthless foe, and fell victims to the same
+unrelenting cruelty. While the feelings are shocked at these dreadful
+scenes of blood and carnage, and the Indian character rises in hideous
+deformity before the mind, it is not to be forgotten that there are
+many mitigating circumstances to be pleaded in behalf of the
+aborigines. They were an ignorant people, educated alone for war,
+without the lights of civilization, without the attributes of mercy
+shed abroad by the spirit of christianity. They were contending for
+their homes and their hunting grounds--the tombs of their
+forefathers--the graves of their children. They saw the gradual, but
+certain, encroachments of the whites upon their lands; and they had the
+sagacity to perceive, that unless this mighty wave of emigration was
+arrested, it would overwhelm them. They fought as savage nature will
+fight, with unflinching courage and unrelenting cruelty. But it was not
+alone this encroachment upon their lands, which roused their savage
+passions. The wanton aggressions of the whites oftentimes provoked the
+fearful retaliation of the red-man. The policy of the United States
+towards the Indians has generally been of a pacific and benevolent
+character; but, in carrying out that policy, there have been many
+signal and inexcusable failures. The laws enacted by congress for the
+protection of the rights of the Indians, and to promote their comfort
+and civilization, have, in a great variety of cases, remained a dead
+letter upon the statute book. The agents of the government have often
+proved unfaithful, and have looked much more to their own pecuniary
+interests, than to the honest execution of the public trusts confided
+to them. Nor is this all. There has ever been found upon the western
+frontiers, a band of unprincipled men who have set at defiance the laws
+of the United States, debauched the Indians with ardent spirits,
+cheated them of their property, and then committed upon them
+aggressions marked with all the cruelty and wanton bloodshed which have
+distinguished the career of the savage. The history of these
+aggressions would fill a volume. It is only necessary to recall to the
+mind of the reader, the horrible murder of the Conestoga Indians, in
+December 1763, by some Pennsylvanians; the dark tragedy enacted on the
+banks of he Muskingum, at a later period, when the Moravian Indians, at
+the three villages of Schoenbrun, Salem, and Gnadenhuetten, were first
+disarmed and then deliberately tomahawked by Williamson and his
+associates; the unprovoked murder of the family of Logan; the
+assassination of Bald Eagle, of the gallant and high-souled Cornstalk,
+and his son Elinipsico: we need but recall these, from the long
+catalogue of similar cases, to satisfy every candid mind, that rapine,
+cruelty and a thirst for human blood are not peculiarly the attributes
+of the American Indian.
+
+But there are still other causes which have aroused and kept in
+activity, the warlike passions of the Indians. They have been
+successively subjected to English, Dutch, French and Spanish influence.
+The agents of these different powers, as well as the emigrants from
+them, either from interest or a spirit of mischievous hostility, have
+repeatedly prompted the Indians to arm themselves against the United
+States. The great principle of the Indian wars, for the last seventy
+years, has been the preservation of their lands. On this, the French,
+English and Spanish have in turn excited them to active resistance
+against the expanding settlements of the whites. It was on the
+principle of recovering their lands, that the French were their allies
+between the commencement of hostilities with the colonies, in 1754, and
+the peace of 1762; and subsequently kept up an excitement among them
+until the beginning of the revolution. From this period, the English
+took the place of the French, and instigated them in a similar manner.
+Their views and feelings on this point, may be gathered from their own
+words:
+
+"It was we," say the Delawares, Mohicans and their kindred tribes, "who
+so kindly received the Europeans on their first arrival into our own
+country. We took them by the hand and bid them welcome to sit down by
+our side, and live with us as brothers; but how did they requite our
+kindness? They at first asked only for a little land, on which to raise
+bread for their families, and pasture for their cattle, which we freely
+gave them. They saw the game in the woods, which the Great Spirit had
+given us for our subsistence, and they wanted it too. They penetrated
+into the woods in quest of game, they discovered spots of land they
+also wanted, and because we were loth to part with it, as we saw they
+had already more than they had need of, they took it from us by force,
+and drove us to a great distance from our homes."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Heckewelder's historical account of the Indians.]
+
+It is matter of history, that for a period of near seventy years after
+it was planted, the colony of William Penn lived in peace and harmony
+with the neighboring Indians, among whom were bands of the warlike
+Shawanoes. It was an observation of this venerable and worthy man, when
+speaking of the Indians, that "if you do not abuse them, but let them
+have justice, you will win them, when there is such a knowledge of good
+and evil." His kind treatment to them was repaid by friendly offices,
+both to himself and his followers. The Indians became indeed the
+benefactors of the colonists. When the latter were scattered in 1682,
+and without shelter or food, they were kind and attentive, and treated
+them as brothers.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Clarkson's Life of Penn.]
+
+Proud, in his History of Pennsylvania, when explaining the aversion of
+the Indians to christianity, attributes it to the character and conduct
+of the whites residing near or among them, "many of whom were of the
+lowest rank and least informed of mankind, who flowed in from Germany,
+Ireland and the jails of Great Britain, or who had fled from the better
+inhabited parts of the colony, to escape from justice." The proceedings
+of the assembly of Pennsylvania show that, as early as 1722, an Indian
+was barbarously killed by some whites, within the limits of the
+province. The assembly proposed some measures for the governor's
+consideration in regard to the affair; and mentioned the repeated
+requests of the Indians, that strong liquors should not be carried nor
+sold among them. In a treatise published in London, in 1759, on the
+cause of the then existing difficulties between the Indians and the
+colonists, we find this paragraph. "It would be too shocking to
+describe the conduct and behavior of the traders, when among the
+Indians; and endless to enumerate the abuses the Indians received and
+bore from them, for a series of years. Suffice it to say, that several
+of the tribes were, at last, weary of bearing; and, as these traders
+were the persons who were, in some part, the representatives of the
+English among the Indians, and by whom they were to judge of our
+manners and religion, they conceived such invincible prejudices against
+both, particularly our holy religion, that when Mr. Sargeant, a
+gentleman in New England, took a journey in 1741, to the Shawanoes and
+some other tribes living on the Susquehanna, and offered to instruct
+them in the christian religion, they rejected his offer with disdain.
+They reproached Christianity. They told him the traders would lie and
+cheat." In 1744, governor Thomas, in a message to the assembly of
+Pennsylvania, says, "I cannot but be apprehensive that the Indian
+trade, as it is now carried on, will involve us in some fatal quarrel
+with the Indians. Our traders, in defiance of the laws, carry
+spirituous liquors among them, and take advantage of their inordinate
+appetite for it, to cheat them of their skins, and their wampum, which
+is their money." In 1753 governor Hamilton appointed Richard Peters,
+Isaac Norris and Benjamin Franklin, to hold a treaty with the Indians
+at Carlisle, Pennsylvania. In the report of these commissioners they
+say: "But in justice to these Indians, and the promises we made them,
+we cannot close our report, without taking notice, that the quantity of
+strong liquors sold to these Indians, in the places of their residence,
+and during their hunting season, have increased to an inconceivable
+degree, so as to keep these poor creatures continually under the force
+of liquors, that they are thereby become dissolute, enfeebled and
+indolent when sober; and untractable and mischievous in their liquor,
+always quarreling, and often murdering one another." Some of the chiefs
+at this treaty said, "these wicked whisky-sellers, when they have once
+got the Indians in liquor, make them sell their very clothes from their
+backs. In short, if this practice is continued, we must be inevitably
+ruined; we most earnestly, therefore, beseech you to remedy it."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Proud's History of Pennsylvania.]
+
+This brief sketch of the early intercourse between the colonists and
+the aborigines of this country, is not over-drawn, nor is it at all
+inapplicable to the period which has elapsed since the formation of the
+federal government. With an insatiable cupidity and a wanton disregard
+of justice, have the lands and property of the Indians been sought by
+citizens of the United States. The great agent of success in this
+unholy business, has been ardent spirits, by means of which their
+savage reason has been overthrown, and their bad passions called into
+action. The class of reckless and desperate characters, described by
+Proud, have hung upon the western frontiers, for the purpose of preying
+upon the Indians. If government itself be not to blame, for want of
+good faith towards this miserable race, is it not highly culpable for
+not having, by the strong arm of physical power, enforced the salutary
+laws, which from time to time, have been enacted for their protection?
+Impartial posterity will, we apprehend, answer this question in the
+affirmative.
+
+The Shawanoes engaged in the war between the French and English, which
+commenced in 1755, and was terminated by the peace of 10th February,
+1763. In this contest they took sides with the former, and rendered
+them essential service. They committed many depredations on the
+frontier settlements of Pennsylvania and Virginia. The peace of 1763,
+between France and England, did not terminate the Indian war against
+the colonies. The Indians were displeased with the provisions of this
+treaty, especially that which ceded the provinces of Canada to Great
+Britain. This dissatisfaction was increased when the British government
+began to build forts on the Susquehanna, and to repair or erect those
+of Bedford, Ligonier, Pittsburg, Detroit, Presque Isle, St. Joseph and
+Michilimakinac. By this movement the Indians found themselves
+surrounded, on two sides, by a cordon of forts, and were threatened
+with an extension of them into the very heart of their country. They
+had now to choose whether they would remove to the north and west,
+negociate with the British government for the possession of their own
+land, or take up arms for its defence. They chose the last alternative;
+and, a war of extermination against the English residents in the
+western country, and even those on the Susquehanna, was agreed upon and
+speedily commenced. Many of the British traders living among the
+Indians were murdered; the forts of Presque Isle, St. Joseph and
+Mackinac, were taken, with a general slaughter of their garrisons;
+while the forts of Bedford, Ligonier, Niagara, Detroit and Pitt, were
+barely preserved from falling into their hands. The contest was
+continued with resolute and daring spirit, and with much destruction of
+life and property, until December, 1764, when the war was brought to a
+close by a treaty at the German Flats, made between Sir William
+Johnston and the hostile Indians. Soon after the conclusion of this
+peace the Shawanoes became involved in a war with the Cherokees, which
+continued until 1768, when, pressed hard by the united force of the
+former tribe and the Delawares, the southern Indians solicited and
+obtained a peace.[A] For the ensuing six years, the Shawanoes remained
+quiet, living on amicable terms with the whites on the frontiers: in
+April, 1774, however, hostilities between these parties were renewed.
+
+[Footnote A: Thatcher's Indian Biography.]
+
+It is not our purpose in the present sketch of this tribe, to present a
+detail of all their conflicts with the whites; but the "Dunmore war,"
+(as it is generally called,) of 1774, having been mainly prosecuted by
+Shawanoes, one of their distinguished chiefs having commanded in the
+battle of Point Pleasant, and another, Puckecheno, (the father of
+Tecumseh,) having fallen in this engagement, would seem to render a
+full account of the border feuds of this year, not out of place in the
+present narrative.
+
+In the latter part of April, 1774, a report that the Indians had stolen
+some horses, from the vicinity of Wheeling, alarmed the whites who were
+making settlements on the Ohio below that place. For greater safety
+they immediately assembled on Wheeling creek, and learning that two
+Indians were with some traders above the town, they went up the river,
+and without stopping to enquire as to their guilt, deliberately put
+them to death. On the afternoon of the same day, they found a party of
+Indians on the Ohio, below Wheeling creek, on whom they fired, and
+killed several. The Indians returned the fire and wounded one of the
+assailing party. It is admitted by all the authorities on this subject,
+that the two Indians killed above Wheeling, were shot by men under the
+command of colonel Michael Cresap. Mr. Jefferson, in his Notes on
+Virginia, states that the second attack, in which one of Logan's family
+is alleged to have been killed, was also headed by Cresap; and, in this
+he is sustained by Doddridge, Heckewelder and others; but it is denied
+by Jacob. "Pursuing these examples," says Mr. Jefferson, "Daniel
+Greathouse and one Tomlinson, who lived on the opposite side of the
+river from the Indians, and were in habits of friendship with them,
+collected at the house of Polk, on Cross creek, about sixteen miles
+from Baker's bottom, a party of thirty-two men. Their object was to
+attack a hunting party of Indians, consisting of men, women and
+children, at the mouth of Yellow creek, some distance above Wheeling.
+They proceeded, and when arrived near Baker's bottom they concealed
+themselves, and Greathouse crossed the river to the Indian camp. Being
+among them as a friend, he counted them and found them too strong for
+an open attack with his force. While here, he was cautioned by one of
+the women not to stay, for that the Indian men were drinking; and
+having heard of Cresap's murder of their relatives at Grave creek, were
+angry; and she pressed him in a friendly manner to go home; whereupon,
+after inviting them to come over and drink, he returned to Baker's,
+which was a tavern, and desired that when any of them should come to
+his house, he would give them as much rum as they could drink. When
+this plot was ripe, and a sufficient number of them had collected at
+Baker's and become intoxicated, he and his party fell on them and
+massacred the whole except a little girl, whom they preserved as a
+prisoner. Among them was the very woman who had saved his life by
+pressing him to retire from the drunken wrath of her friends, when he
+was playing the spy in their camp at Yellow creek. Either she herself
+or some other one of the murdered women was the sister of Logan; there
+were others of his relations who fell at the same time. The party on
+the opposite side of the river, upon hearing the report of the guns,
+became alarmed for their friends at Baker's house, immediately manned
+two canoes and sent them over. They were met by a fire from
+Greathouse's party, as they approached the shore, which killed some,
+wounded others, and obliged the remainder to return. Baker subsequently
+stated, that six or eight were wounded and twelve killed."
+
+The settlers along the frontier, satisfied that the Indians would
+retaliate upon them, for these unprovoked aggressions, either returned
+to the interior of the country, or gathered in forts, and made
+preparation for resistance. The assembly of the colony of Virginia
+being then in session, an express was sent to the seat of government,
+announcing the commencement of hostilities with the Indians, and asking
+assistance. In the month of May, the excitement among the Indians was
+still further increased by the murder of the Delaware sachem, "Bald
+Eagle," and the wounding of "Silver Heels," a popular chief of the
+Shawanoe tribe. Bald Eagle was an aged, harmless man, who was in the
+habit of visiting the whites on the most friendly terms. At the period
+of his death, he was returning alone, in his canoe, from a visit to the
+fort at the mouth of the Kanawha. The individual who committed the
+murder, having scalped him, placed the body in a sitting posture in the
+canoe and suffered it to float down the stream, in which condition it
+was found by the Indians. Silver Heels was returning from Albany to the
+Ohio, having been to that city as the voluntary escort of some white
+traders, who were fleeing from the frontiers. He was fired upon and
+dangerously wounded while crossing Big Beaver in a canoe. Such were
+some of the causes which called into action the vindictive feelings of
+the Indians.
+
+The distinguished Mingo chief, Logan, was roused to action by the
+murder of his relatives at Yellow creek; and in the course of the
+summer, led some war parties against the whites, and destroyed several
+families. The Earl of Dunmore, then governor of the colony of Virginia,
+made arrangements for a campaign against the Indians, but it was not
+until September, that his forces were brought into the field. He
+ordered three regiments to be raised west of the Blue Ridge, the
+command of which was given to general Andrew Lewis. A similar army was
+assembled from the interior, the command of which the Earl assumed in
+person. The mouth of the Great Kanawha was the point at which two
+divisions of the army were to meet; from whence, under the command of
+governor Dunmore, they were to march against the Indian towns on the
+north side of the Ohio. General Lewis' division amounted to eleven
+hundred men, most of whom were accustomed to danger, and with their
+officers, familiar with the modes of Indian warfare. On the eleventh of
+September, general Lewis moved from his camp, in the vicinity of
+Lewisburg, and after a march of nineteen days, traversing a wilderness
+through the distance of one hundred and sixty-five-miles, he reached
+the mouth of the Kanawha, and made an encampment at that point. Here he
+waited several days for the arrival of governor Dunmore, who, with the
+division under his command, was to have met him at this place.
+Disappointed in not hearing from Dunmore, general Lewis despatched some
+scouts, over land to Pittsburg, to obtain intelligence of him. On the
+ninth of October, and before the return of these scouts, an express
+from Dunmore arrived in camp, with information that he had changed his
+plan of operations; and intended to march directly against the Indian
+towns on the Scioto; and directing general Lewis to cross the Ohio and
+join him. Preparations were making to obey this order, when, about
+sunrise, on the morning of the tenth, a large body of Indians was
+discovered within a mile of the camp. Two detachments were ordered out
+by general Lewis, to meet the enemy, one under the command of colonel
+Charles Lewis, the other under colonel Fleming. The former marched to
+the right, some distance from the Ohio, the latter to the left, on the
+bank of that stream. Colonel Lewis had not proceeded half a mile from
+the camp, when, soon after sunrise, his front line was vigorously
+attacked by the united tribes of the Shawanoes, Delawares, Mingoes,
+Ioways, and some others, in number between eight hundred and one
+thousand. At the commencement of the attack, colonel Lewis received a
+wound, which in the course of a few hours proved fatal: several of his
+men were killed at the same time, and his division was forced to fall
+back. In about a minute after the attack upon Lewis, the enemy engaged
+the front of the other division, on the bank of the Ohio, and in a
+short time, colonel Fleming, the leader of it, was severely wounded,
+and compelled to retire to the camp. Colonel Lewis' division having now
+been reinforced from the camp, pressed upon the Indians until they had
+fallen back in a line with Fleming's division. During this time, it
+being now twelve o'clock, the action continued with unabated severity.
+The close underwood, the ravines and fallen trees, favored the Indians;
+and while the bravest of their warriors fought from behind these
+coverts, others were throwing their dead into the Ohio, and carrying
+off their wounded. In their slow retreat, the Indians, about one
+o'clock, gained a very advantageous position, from which it appeared to
+our officers so difficult to dislodge them, that it was deemed
+advisable to maintain the line as then formed, which was about a mile
+and a quarter in length. In this position, the action was continued,
+with more or less severity, until sundown, when, night coming on, the
+Indians effected a safe retreat.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Official Report, xii. vol., Niles Register.]
+
+McClung, in his valuable Sketches of Western Adventure, in describing
+this sanguinary battle, speaks of the Indians fighting from behind a
+breastwork; Stone, in his Life of Brant, says the Indians were forced
+to avail themselves of a rude breastwork of logs and brushwood, which
+they had taken the precaution to construct for the occasion. There must
+be some mistake in regard to this breastwork, as it is evident from the
+circumstances of the case, that the Indians could not, before the
+battle, have erected one so near the camp without discovery; and after
+the action commenced, it was too fiercely prosecuted for a rampart of
+this kind to have been thrown up.
+
+In regard to the number killed on either side, there is no very certain
+information. Doddridge, in his Notes on the Indian wars, places the
+number of whites killed in this action at seventy-five, and the wounded
+at one hundred and forty. Campbell, in his History of Virginia, says
+the number of whites who were killed was upwards of fifty, and that
+ninety were wounded, which is probably near the truth. The Indian force
+engaged in this action has been estimated by different writers, at from
+eight hundred to fifteen hundred men. It is probable that the number
+did not exceed eight hundred. They were led on by some bold and warlike
+chiefs, among them Cornstalk, Logan, Elenipsico, Red Eagle, and
+Packishenoah, the last of whom was killed. Cornstalk, the chief in
+command, was conspicuous for his bravery, and animated his followers in
+tones which rose above the clash of arms; and when a retreat became
+necessary, conducted it so successfully and with so much delay, as to
+give his men an opportunity of bearing off all their wounded and many
+of the killed, whose bodies were thrown into the river. The loss of the
+Indians was never ascertained. One of the historians already quoted,
+speaks of it as "comparatively trifling." The character of our troops,
+many of whom were experienced woods-men, familiar with Indian fighting,
+the long continuance of the action--from the rising to the going down
+of the sun--the equality in numbers and position of the contending
+parties, the known usage of the Indians in hiding their dead and
+carrying off the wounded, the number of killed found on the battle
+ground the following day, and the severe loss of the Virginians, all
+forbid the idea that the loss of the enemy could have been trifling.
+The Ohio and Kanawha rivers afforded them opportunities for concealing
+their dead, while the plan of retreat,--alternately giving ground and
+renewing the attack,--was no doubt adopted for the purpose of gaining
+time to remove the wounded across the Ohio. It is fair to assume that
+the loss of the Indians was not far short of that sustained by the
+whites.
+
+All circumstances considered, this battle may be ranked among the most
+memorable, and well contested, that has been fought on this continent.
+The leaders, on either side, were experienced and able, the soldiers
+skilful and brave. The victorious party, if either could be so called,
+had as little to boast of as the vanquished. It was alike creditable to
+the Anglo-Saxon and the aboriginal arms.
+
+After the Indians had recrossed the Ohio, they marched to the valley of
+the Scioto, and encamped on the east side of that stream, about eight
+miles north of where Chillicothe now stands. Here a council was held to
+decide upon their future movements. Cornstalk, although true to the
+interests of the Shawanoes, was the friend of peace, and had been
+opposed to making the attack on the troops of general Lewis. Being
+overruled, he entered into the action determined to do his duty. He now
+rose in the council and demanded, "_What shall we do now? The Long
+Knives are coming upon us by two routes. Shall we turn out and fight
+them_?" No reply being made to his questions, he continued, "shall we
+kill all our women and children, and then fight until we are all killed
+ourselves?" The chiefs were still silent. Cornstalk turned round, and
+striking his tomahawk into the war-post standing in the midst of the
+council, said with his characteristic energy of manner, "_Since you are
+not inclined to fight, I will go and make peace_."
+
+In the meantime the earl of Dunmore, having procured boats at fort
+Pitt, descended the river to Wheeling, where the army halted for a few
+days, and then proceeded down the river in about one hundred canoes, a
+few keel boats and perogues, to the mouth of Hockhocking, and from
+thence over land, until the army had got within a few miles of the
+Shawanoe camp. Here the army halted, and made a breastwork of fallen
+trees, and entrenchments of such extent as to include about twelve
+acres of ground, with an enclosure in the centre containing about one
+acre. This was the citadel, which contained the markees of the earl and
+his superior officers.[A] Before the army of Dunmore had reached this
+point, he had been met by messengers from the Indians suing for peace.
+General Lewis, in the meantime, did not remain inactive. The day after
+the battle he proceeded to bury his dead, and to throw up a rude
+entrenchment around his camp, and appoint a guard for the protection of
+the sick and wounded. On the succeeding day he crossed the Ohio with
+his army, and commenced his march through a trackless desert, for the
+Shawanoe towns on the Scioto. Governor Dunmore, having determined to
+make peace with the Indians, sent an express to general Lewis, ordering
+him to retreat across the Ohio. The order was disregarded, and the
+march continued until the governor in person, met the general and
+peremptorily repeated it. General Lewis and his troops, burning with a
+desire of avenging the Indian massacres, and the loss of their brave
+companions in the late battle, reluctantly obeyed the command of
+Dunmore; and turned their faces homewards. When the governor and his
+officers had returned to their camp, on the following day, the treaty
+with the Indians was opened. For fear of treachery, only eighteen
+Indians were permitted to attend their chiefs within the encampment,
+and they were required to leave their arms behind them. The conference
+was commenced by Cornstalk, in a long, bold and spirited speech, in
+which the white people were charged with being the authors of the war,
+by their aggressions upon the Indians at Captina and Yellow creek.
+Logan, the celebrated Mingo chief, refused to attend, although willing
+to make peace. His influence with the Indians made it important to
+secure his concurrence in the proposed treaty. Dunmore sent a special
+messenger, (colonel John Gibson,) to him. They met alone in the woods,
+where Logan delivered to him his celebrated speech. Colonel Gibson
+wrote it down, returned to Dunmore's camp, read the speech in the
+council, and the terms of the peace were then agreed on. What those
+terms were, is not fully known. No copy of the treaty can now be found,
+although diligent enquiry has been made for it. Burk, in his History of
+Virginia, says, that the peace was on "condition that the lands on
+_this side of the Ohio_ should be for ever ceded to the whites; that
+their prisoners should be delivered up, and that four hostages should
+be immediately given for the faithful performance of these conditions."
+Campbell, in his History of Virginia, says, the Indians "agreed to give
+up their lands on this side of the Ohio, and set at liberty their
+prisoners." Butler, in his History of Kentucky, remarks that, "such a
+treaty appears at this day, to be utterly beyond the advantages which
+could have been claimed from Dunmore's expedition?" This is undoubtedly
+a reasonable conclusion. The statement in Doddridge, that "on our part
+we obtained at the treaty a cessation of hostilities and a surrender of
+prisoners, and nothing more," is most probably the true version of the
+terms of this peace. If an important grant of land had been obtained by
+this treaty, copies of it would have been preserved in the public
+archives, and references in subsequent treaties, would have been made
+to it; but such seems not to have been the case. The conclusion most
+be, that it was only a treaty for the cessation of hostilities and the
+surrender of prisoners.
+
+[Footnote A: Doddridge's Indian Wars.]
+
+There have been various speculations as to the causes which induced
+governor Dunmore to order the retreat of the army under general Lewis,
+before the treaty was concluded. However desirous of a peace, the
+presence of an additional force would only have rendered that result
+more certain. It was believed by some of the officers of the army, and
+the opinion has been held by several writers since, that after governor
+Dunmore started on this expedition, he was advised of the strong
+probability of a war between Great Britain and her colonies; and that
+all his subsequent measures were shaped with a reference to making the
+Indians the allies of England in the expected contest. On this
+supposition, his conduct in not joining general Lewis at the mouth of
+the Kanawha, in risking his own detachment in the enemy's country, and
+in positively forbidding the other wing of the army from uniting with
+his, at camp Charlotte, has been explained. There are certainly
+plausible grounds for believing that governor Dunmore at this time, had
+more at heart the interests of Great Britain than of the colonies.
+
+Soon after the conclusion of this war, the Shawanoes, with other tribes
+of the north-western Indians, took part with England in the war with
+the colonies; nor did the peace of 1783 put an end to these
+hostilities. The settlement of the valley of the Ohio by the whites,
+was boldly and perseveringly resisted; nor was the tomahawk buried by
+the Indians, until after the decisive battle at the rapids of the Miami
+of the lakes, on the 20th of August, 1794. The proximity of the
+Shawanoe towns to the Ohio river--the great highway of emigration to
+the west--and the facility with which the infant settlements in
+Kentucky could be reached, rendered this warlike tribe an annoying and
+dangerous neighbor. Led on by some daring chiefs; fighting for their
+favorite hunting-grounds, and stimulated to action by British agents,
+the Shawanoes, for a series of years, pressed sorely upon the new
+settlements; and are supposed to have caused the destruction of more
+property and a greater number of lives, than all the other tribes of
+the north-west united. They participated in most of the predatory
+excursions into Kentucky. They were present at the celebrated attack on
+Bryant's station; they fought with their characteristic bravery in the
+battle of the Blue Licks, and participated in colonel Byrd's hostile
+excursion up Licking river, and the destruction of Martin's and
+Riddle's stations. In turn, they were compelled to stand on the
+defensive, and to encounter the gallant Kentuckians on the north side
+of the Ohio. Bowman's expedition in 1779, to the waters of Mad river;
+Clark's in 1780 and 1782, and Logan's in 1786, to the same point;
+Edwards' in 1787, to the head waters of the Big Miami; and Todd's in
+1788, into the Scioto valley--not to name several minor ones--were
+chiefly directed against the Shawanoes; and resulted in the destruction
+of two or three of their principal villages, but not without a fierce
+and bloody resistance. The Shawanoes were likewise found in hostility
+to the United States, in the campaigns of Harmar, St. Clair and Wayne.
+They united in the treaty of Greenville, in 1795; and with the
+exception of a few who fought at Tippecanoe, remained at peace with
+this government until the war with Great Britain, in 1812, in which a
+considerable body of them became the allies of the latter power. Some
+of the tribe, however, remained neutral in that contest, and others
+joined the United States, and continued faithful until the peace of
+1815.
+
+
+WEYAPIERSENWAH, OR BLUE JACKET.
+
+In the campaign of general Harmar, in the year 1790, Blue Jacket--an
+influential Shawanoe chief--was associated with the Miami chief, Little
+Turtle, in the command of the Indians. In the battle of the 20th of
+August 1794, when the combined army of the Indians was defeated by
+general Wayne, Blue Jacket had the chief control. The flight previous
+to the battle, while the Indians were posted at Presque Isle, a council
+was held, composed of chiefs from the Miamis, Potawatimies, Delawares,
+Shawanoes, Chippewas, Ottawas and Senecas--the seven nations engaged in
+the action. They decided against the proposition to attack general
+Wayne that night in his encampment. The expediency of meeting him the
+next day then came up for consideration. Little Turtle was opposed to
+this measure, but being warmly supported by Blue Jacket, it was finally
+agreed upon. The former was strongly inclined to peace, and decidedly
+opposed to risking a battle under the circumstances in which the
+Indians were then placed. "We have beaten the enemy," said he, "twice,
+under separate commanders. We cannot expect the same good fortune
+always to attend us. The Americans are now led by a chief who never
+sleeps. The night and the day are alike to him; and, during all the
+time that he has been marching upon our villages, notwithstanding the
+watchfulness of our young men, we have never been able to surprise him.
+Think well of it. There is something whispers me, it would be prudent
+to listen to his offers of peace." The councils of Blue Jacket,
+however, prevailed over the better judgment of Little Turtle. The
+battle was fought and the Indians defeated.
+
+In the month of October following this defeat, Blue Jacket concurred in
+the expediency of sueing for peace, and at the head of a deputation of
+chiefs, was about to bear a flag to general Wayne, then at Greenville,
+when the mission was arrested by foreign influence. Governor Simcoe,
+colonel McKee and the Mohawk chief, captain John Brant, having in
+charge one hundred and fifty Mohawks and Messasagoes, arrived at the
+rapids of the Maumee, and invited the chiefs of the combined army to
+meet them at the mouth of the Detroit river, on the 10th of October. To
+this Blue Jacket assented, for the purpose of hearing what the British
+officers had to propose. Governor Simcoe urged the Indians to retain
+their hostile attitude towards the United States. In referring to the
+encroachments of the people of this country on the Indian lands, he
+said, "Children: I am still of the opinion that the Ohio is your right
+and title. I have given orders to the commandant of fort Miami to fire
+on the Americans whenever they make their appearance again. I will go
+down to Quebec, and lay your grievances before the great man. From
+thence they will be forwarded to the king, your father. Next spring you
+will know the result of every thing what you and I will do." He urged
+the Indians to obtain a cessation of hostilities, until the following
+spring, when the English would be ready to attack the Americans, and by
+driving them back across the Ohio, restore their lands to the
+Indians.[A] These counsels delayed the conclusion of peace until the
+following summer.
+
+[Footnote A: Amer. State Papers, vol. 5, p. 529. Stone's Life of Brant,
+vol. 2, p.392.]
+
+Blue Jacket was present at the treaty of Greenville in 1795, and
+conducted himself with moderation and dignity. Upon his arrival at that
+place, in excuse for not having met general Wayne at an earlier period,
+he said, "Brother, when I came here last winter, I did not mean to
+deceive you. What I promised you I did intend to perform. My wish to
+conclude a firm peace with you being sincere, my uneasiness has been
+great that my people have not come forward so soon as you could wish,
+or might expect. But you must not be discouraged by these unfavorable
+appearances. Some of our chiefs and warriors are here; more will arrive
+in a few days. You must not, however, expect to see a great number.
+Yet, notwithstanding, our nation will be well represented. Our hearts
+are open and void of deceit."
+
+On the second day of the council, Blue Jacket made a remark, showing
+the relation subsisting between the Shawanoes and some other tribes, to
+which allusion has been made already.
+
+"Brothers: I hope you will not take amiss my changing my seat in this
+council. You all know the Wyandots are our uncles, and the Delawares
+our grandfathers, and that the Shawanoes are the elder brothers of the
+other nations present. It is, therefore, proper that I should sit next
+my grandfathers and uncles. I hope, younger brothers, you are all
+satisfied with what your uncles said yesterday, and that I have done
+every thing in my power to advise and support you."
+
+At the conclusion of the treaty Blue Jacket rose and said:
+
+"Elder Brother, and you, my brothers, present: you see me now present
+myself as a war-chief to lay down that commission, and place myself in
+the rear of my village chiefs, who for the future will command me.
+Remember, brother's, you have all buried your war hatchet. Your
+brothers, the Shawanoes, now do the same good act. We must think of war
+no more.
+
+"Elder Brother: you see now all the chiefs and warriors around you,
+have joined in the good work of peace, which is now accomplished. We
+now request you to inform our elder brother, general Washington, of it;
+and of the cheerful unanimity which has marked their determination. We
+wish you to enquire of him if it would be agreeable that two chiefs
+from each nation should pay him a visit, and take him by the hand; for
+your younger brothers have a strong desire to see that great man and to
+enjoy the pleasure of conversing with him."
+
+We are indebted to major Galloway of Xenia, for the following anecdote
+of this chief:
+
+"In the spring of 1800, Blue Jacket and another chief, whose name I
+have forgotten, boarded for several weeks at my father's, in Green
+county, at the expense of a company of Kentuckians, who engaged Blue
+Jacket, for a valuable consideration, to show them a great silver mine,
+which tradition said was known to the Indians, as existing on Red
+river, one of the head branches of the Kentucky. A Mr. Jonathan Flack,
+agent of this company, had previously spent several months among the
+Shawanoes, at their towns and hunting camps, in order to induce this
+chief to show this great treasure. At the time agreed on, ten or twelve
+of the company came from Kentucky to meet Blue Jacket at my father's,
+where a day or two was spent in settling the terms upon which he would
+accompany them; the crafty chief taking his own time to deliberate on
+the offers made him, and rising in his demands in proportion to their
+growing eagerness to possess the knowledge which was to bring untold
+wealth to all the company. At length the bargain was made; horses,
+goods and money were given as presents, and the two chiefs with their
+squaws, were escorted in triumph to Kentucky, where they were feasted
+and caressed in the most flattering manner, and all their wants
+anticipated and liberally supplied. In due time and with all possible
+secrecy, they visited the region where this great mine was said to be
+emboweled in the earth. Here the wily Shawanoe spent some time in
+seclusion, in order to humble himself by fastings, purifications and
+_pow-wowings_, with a view to propitiate the Great Spirit; and to get
+His permission to disclose the grand secret of the mine. An equivocal
+answer was all the response that was given to him in his dreams; and,
+after many days of fruitless toil and careful research, the mine, the
+great object so devoutly sought and wished for, could not be found. The
+cunning Blue Jacket, however, extricated himself with much address from
+the anticipated vengeance of the disappointed worshippers of Plutus, by
+charging his want of success to his eyes, which were dimmed by reason
+of his old age; and by promising to send his son on his return home,
+whose eyes were young and good, and who knew the desired spot and would
+show it. The son, however, never visited the scene of his father's
+failure; and thus ended the adventures of the celebrated mining company
+of Kentucky."
+
+
+CATAHECASSA, OR BLACK-HOOF.
+
+Among the celebrated chiefs of the Shawanoes, Black Hoof is entitled to
+a high rank. He was born in Florida, and at the period of the removal
+of a portion of that tribe to Ohio and Pennsylvania, was old enough to
+recollect having bathed in the salt water. He was present with others
+of his tribe, at the defeat of Braddock, near Pittsburg, in 1755, and
+was engaged in all the wars in Ohio from that time until the treaty of
+Greenville, in 1795. Such was the sagacity of Black Hoof in planning
+his military expeditions, and such the energy with which he executed
+them, that he won the confidence of his whole nation, and was never at
+a loss for _braves_ to fight under his banner. "He was known far and
+wide, as the great Shawanoe warrior, whose cunning, sagacity and
+experience were only equalled by the fierce and desperate bravery with
+which he carried into operation his military plans. Like the other
+Shawanoe chiefs, he was the inveterate foe of the white man, and held
+that no peace should be made, nor any negotiation attempted, except on
+the condition that the whites should repass the mountains, and leave
+the great plains of the west to the sole occupancy of the native
+tribes.
+
+"He was the orator of his tribe during the greater part of his long
+life, and was an excellent speaker. The venerable colonel Johnston of
+Piqua, to whom we are indebted for much valuable information, describes
+him as the most graceful Indian he had ever seen, and as possessing the
+most natural and happy faculty of expressing his ideas. He was well
+versed in the traditions of his people; no one understood better their
+peculiar relations to the whites, whose settlements were gradually
+encroaching on them, or could detail with more minuteness the wrongs
+with which his nation was afflicted. But although a stern and
+uncompromising opposition to the whites had marked his policy through a
+series of forty years, and nerved his arm in a hundred battles, he
+became at length convinced of the madness of an ineffectual struggle
+against a vastly superior and hourly increasing foe. No sooner had he
+satisfied himself of this truth, than he acted upon it with the
+decision which formed a prominent trait in his character. The temporary
+success of the Indians in several engagements previous to the campaign
+of general Wayne, had kept alive their expiring hopes; but their signal
+defeat by that gallant officer, convinced the more reflecting of their
+leaders of the desperate character of the conflict. Black Hoof was
+among those who decided upon making terms with the victorious American
+commander; and having signed the treaty of 1795, at Greenville, he
+continued faithful to his stipulations during the remainder of his
+life. From that day he ceased to be the enemy of the white man; and as
+he was not one who could act a negative part, he became the firm ally
+and friend of those against whom his tomahawk had been so long raised
+in vindictive animosity. He was their friend, not from sympathy or
+conviction, but in obedience to a necessity which left no middle
+course, and under a belief that submission alone could save his tribe
+from destruction; and having adopted this policy, his sagacity and
+sense of honor, alike forbade a recurrence either to open war or secret
+hostility.
+
+"Black Hoof was the principal chief of the Shawanoe nation, and
+possessed all the influence and authority which are usually attached to
+that office, at the period when Tecumseh and his brother the Prophet
+commenced their hostile operations against the United States. Tecumseh
+had never been reconciled to the whites. As sagacious and as brave as
+Black Hoof, and resembling him in all the better traits of savage
+character, he differed widely from that respectable chief in his
+political opinions. They were both patriotic in the proper sense of the
+word, and earnestly desired to preserve the remnant of their tribe from
+the destruction that threatened the whole Indian race. Black Hoof,
+whose long and victorious career as a warrior placed his courage far
+above suspicion, submitted to what he believed inevitable, and
+endeavoured to evade the effects of the storm by bending beneath its
+fury; while Tecumseh, a younger man, an influential warrior, but not a
+chief, with motives equally public spirited, was, no doubt,
+unconsciously biassed by personal ambition, and suffered his hatred to
+the white man to master every other feeling and consideration. The one
+was a leader of ripened fame, who had reached the highest place in his
+nation, and could afford to retire from the active scenes of warfare;
+the other was a candidate for higher honors than he had yet achieved;
+and both might have been actuated by a common impulse of rivalry, which
+induced them to espouse different opinions in opposition to each
+other."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: History of the Indian Tribes of N. America.]
+
+When Tecumseh and the Prophet embarked in their scheme for the recovery
+of the lands as far south as the Ohio river, it became their interest
+as well as policy to enlist Black Hoof in the enterprise; and every
+effort which the genius of the one and the cunning of the other, could
+devise, was brought to bear upon him. But Black Hoof continued faithful
+to the treaty which he had signed at Greenville, in 1795, and by
+prudence and influence kept the greater part of his tribe from joining
+the standard of Tecumseh or engaging on the side of the British in the
+late war with England. In that contest he became the ally of the United
+States, and although he took no active part in it, he exerted a very
+salutary influence over his tribe. In January, 1813, he visited general
+Tapper's camp, at fort McArthur, and while there, about ten o'clock one
+night, when sitting by the fire in company with the general and several
+other officers, some one fired a pistol through a hole in the wall of
+the hut, and shot Black Hoof in the face: the ball entered the cheek,
+glanced against the bone, and finally lodged in his neck: he fell, and
+for some time was supposed to be dead, but revived, and afterwards
+recovered from this severe wound. The most prompt and diligent enquiry
+as to the author of this cruel and dastardly act, failed to lead to his
+detection. No doubt was entertained that this attempt at assassination
+was made by a white man, stimulated perhaps by no better excuse than
+the memory of some actual or ideal wrong, inflicted on some of his own
+race by an unknown hand of kindred colour with that of his intended
+victim.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: James Galloway.]
+
+Black Hoof was opposed to polygamy, and to the practice of burning
+prisoners. He is reported to have lived forty years with one wife, and
+to have reared a numerous family of children, who both loved and
+esteemed him. His disposition was cheerful, and his conversation
+sprightly and agreeable. In stature he was small, being not more than
+five feet eight inches in height. He was favored with good health, and
+unimpaired eye sight to the period of his death, which occurred at
+Wapakonatta, in the year 1831, at the age of one hundred and ten years.
+
+
+CORNSTALK.
+
+The reader of these pages is already familiar with the name of
+Cornstalk, "the mighty Cornstalk, sachem of the Shawanoes, and king of
+the Northern Confederacy." His conduct in the memorable battle of Point
+Pleasant establishes his fame as an able and gallant warrior. He
+carried into that action the skill of an accomplished general, and the
+heroism of a dauntless brave. Neither a thirst for blood, nor the love
+of renown, ever prompted him to arms. He was the open advocate for
+honorable peace--the avowed and devoted friend of the whites. But he
+loved his own people and the hunting grounds in which they roamed; and,
+when his country's wrongs demanded redress, he became the "thunderbolt
+of war," and avenged the aggressions upon his tribe with energy and
+power. He fought, however, that peace might reign; and, after the
+battle in which he so highly distinguished himself, was the first among
+his associated chiefs to propose a cessation of hostilities. While he
+mourned over the inevitable doom of the Indians, he had the sagacity to
+perceive that all efforts to avert it, were not only useless, but, in
+the end, reacted upon them with withering influence.
+
+He has been justly called a great and a good man. He was the zealous
+friend of the Moravian missions; and warmly encouraged every effort to
+ameliorate the moral and physical condition of his people. "His noble
+bearing," says Mr. Withers, "his generous and disinterested attachment
+to the colonies, when the thunder of British cannon was reverberating
+through the land, his anxiety to preserve the frontier of Virginia from
+desolation and death, (the object of his visit to Point Pleasant,) all
+conspired to win for him the esteem and respect of others; while the
+untimely and perfidious manner of his death, caused a deep and lasting
+regret to pervade the bosoms even of those who were enemies to his
+nation; and excited the just indignation of all towards his inhuman and
+barbarous murderers." The strong native powers of his mind had been
+more enriched by observation, travel and intercourse with the whites,
+than is usual among the Indian chiefs. He was familiarly acquainted
+with the topography and geography of the north-west, even beyond the
+Mississippi river, and possessed an accurate knowledge of the various
+treaties between the whites and the Indian tribes of this region, and
+the relative rights of each party.
+
+At the treaty with Dunmore, he made a speech alike creditable to his
+love of country and his sense of justice. He pourtrayed, in living
+colors, the wrongs inflicted upon the Indians by the colonists, and
+placed in strong contrast the former and present condition of his
+nation, the one being happy and prosperous, the other degraded and
+oppressed. He spoke in a strain of manly boldness of the repeated
+perfidy of the white people; and especially, of the unblushing
+dishonesty of the traders; and, finally concluded by proposing as one
+of the fundamental provisions of the treaty, that no commerce with the
+Indians should be carried on for individual profit, but that honest men
+should be sent among them by their white brother, with such things as
+they needed, to be exchanged, at a fair price, for their skins and
+furs: and still further, that no "fire-water," of any kind, should be
+introduced among them, inasmuch as it depraved his people and
+stimulated them to aggressions upon their white brethren.
+
+As an orator, the fame of Cornstalk stands high. Colonel Benjamin
+Wilson, an officer in Dunmore's campaign, in 1774, who was present at
+the interview (at camp Charlotte) between the chiefs and the governor,
+in speaking of Cornstalk, says, "when he arose, he was in no wise
+confused or daunted, but spoke in a distinct and audible voice, without
+stammering or repetition, and with peculiar emphasis. His looks, while
+addressing Dunmore, were truly grand and majestic, yet graceful and
+attractive. I have heard the first orators in Virginia,--Patrick Henry
+and Richard Henry Lee,--but never have I heard one whose powers of
+delivery surpassed those of Cornstalk."
+
+The treaty at camp Charlotte did not bring much repose to the frontier.
+In the course of the two years succeeding it, new difficulties arose
+between the Indians and the inhabitants of western Virginia. Early in
+the spring of 1777, several tribes joined in an offensive alliance
+against the latter. Cornstalk exerted all his influence to arrest it,
+but in vain. Sincerely desirous of averting war, he resolved to
+communicate this condition of affairs to the Virginians, in the hope
+that they might dissipate the impending war-cloud. This information he
+determined to give in person. Taking with him Red Hawk, and one other
+Indian, he went secretly to the fort at Point Pleasant, with a flag of
+peace, and presented himself to the commander of that post. After
+stating to him the object of the mission, and fully explaining the
+situation of the confederate tribes and their contemplated attack upon
+the whites, he remarked, in regard to his own, "the current sets (with
+the Indians,) so strong against the Americans, in consequence of the
+agency of the British, that they (the Shawanoes) will float with it, I
+fear, in spite of all my exertions." No sooner had this information
+been given to the commander, captain Matthew Arbuckle, than he decided,
+in violation of all good faith, to detain the two chiefs as hostages,
+to prevent the meditated attack on the settlements. This he did; and
+immediately gave information to the executive of Virginia, who ordered
+additional troops to the frontier. In the mean time, the officers in
+the fort held frequent conversations with Cornstalk, whose intelligence
+equally surprised and pleased them. He took pleasure in giving them
+minute descriptions of his country, its rivers, prairies and lakes, its
+game and other productions. One day, as he was drawing a rude map on
+the floor, for the gratification of those present, a call was heard
+from the opposite shore of the Ohio, which he at once recognized as the
+voice of his favorite son, Elenipsico, a noble minded youth, who had
+fought by his father's side in the battle of Point Pleasant. At the
+request of Cornstalk, Elenipsico crossed over the river, and joined him
+in the fort, where they had an affectionate and touching meeting. The
+son had become uneasy at his father's long absence; and regardless of
+danger, had visited this place in search of him. It happened on the
+following day that two white men, belonging to the fort, crossed over
+the Kanawha, upon a hunting excursion; as they were returning to their
+boat, they were fired upon by some Indians in ambush, and one of the
+hunters, named Gilmore, was killed, the other making his escape. The
+news of this murder having reached the fort, a party of captain Hall's
+men crossed the river and brought in the body of Gilmore; whereupon the
+cry was raised, "let us go and kill the Indians in the fort." An
+infuriated gang, with captain Hall at their head, instantly started,
+and in despite of all remonstrance, and the most solemn assurances that
+the murderers of Gilmore had no connection whatever with the imprisoned
+chiefs, they persisted in their cruel and bloody purpose, swearing,
+with guns in their hands, that they would shoot any one who attempted
+to oppose them. In the mean time, the interpreter's wife, who had been
+a captive among the Indians, and had a feeling of regard for Cornstalk
+and his companions, perceiving their danger, ran to the cabin to tell
+them of it; and to let them know that Hall and his party charged
+Elenipsico with having brought with him the Indians who had killed
+Gilmore. This, however, the youthful chief denied most positively,
+asserting that he came unattended by any one, and for the single
+purpose of learning the fate of his father. At this time captain Hall
+and his followers, in despite of the remonstance and command of captain
+Arbuckle, were approaching the cabin of the prisoners. For a moment,
+Elenipsico manifested some agitation. His father spoke and encouraged
+him to be calm, saying, "my son, the Great Spirit has seen fit that we
+should die together, and has sent you here to that end. It is his will,
+and let us submit; it is all for the best;" and turning round to meet
+the assassins at the door, was shot with seven bullets, and expired
+without a groan. The momentary agitation of Elenipsico passed off, and
+keeping his seat, he met his death with stern and heroic apathy. Red
+Hawk manifested less resolution, and made a fruitless effort to conceal
+himself in the chimney of the cabin. He was discovered and instantly
+shot. The fourth Indian was then slowly and cruelly put to death. Thus
+terminated this dark and fearful tragedy--leaving a foul blot on the
+page of history, which all the waters of the beautiful Ohio, on whose
+banks it was perpetrated, can never wash out, and the remembrance of
+which will long outlive the heroic and hapless nation which gave birth
+to the noble Cornstalk.
+
+
+SPEMICA-LAWBA--THE HIGH HORN,
+
+generally known as
+
+CAPTAIN LOGAN
+
+In September, 1786, captain Benjamin Logan, of Kentucky, led an
+expedition of mounted men from that state against the Shawanoes, on the
+north side of the Ohio, and destroyed the Machachac towns on the waters
+of Mad river. Most of the warriors happened to be absent from the
+villages when the invading army reached them. About thirty persons were
+captured, chiefly women and children. After the slight resistance which
+was made by the Indians had ceased, captain Logan's men were both
+annoyed and endangered by some arrows, shot among them by an invisible
+but not unpractised hand. After considerable search, in the tall grass
+around the camp, an Indian youth was discovered, who with his bow and a
+quiver of arrows, had concealed himself in a position from which he
+could successfully throw his darts against the enemy: that intrepid boy
+was Logan, the subject of the present biographical sketch. He likewise
+was made prisoner, and with the others carried to Kentucky. The
+commander of the expedition was so much pleased with the bold conduct
+of this boy, that upon returning home, he made him a member of his own
+family, in which he resided some years, until at length, at a council
+for the exchange of prisoners, held on the bank of the Ohio, opposite
+to Maysville, between some Shawanoe chiefs and a deputation of citizens
+from Kentucky, our young hero was permitted to return to his native
+land. He was ever afterwards known by the name of Logan.
+
+Of the family of this distinguished individual, we have been enabled to
+glean but few particulars. In M'Afee's History of the Late War, and in
+Butler's History of Kentucky, he is represented to have been the son of
+Tecumseh's sister: this is manifestly an error; there was no
+relationship between them, either by blood or marriage.
+
+Logan was a member of the Machachac tribe of the Shawanoes, and was
+elevated to the rank of a civil chief on account of his many estimable
+qualities, both intellectual and moral. He was a married man, and left
+behind him a wife and several children--requesting on his death bed
+that they might be sent into Kentucky, and placed under the patronage
+of his friend, colonel Hardin, who had married the daughter of his
+early patron, captain Logan. This, however, was not done, owing to
+objections interposed by the wife. The personal appearance of Logan was
+remarkably good, being six feet in height, finely formed and weighing
+near two hundred pounds.
+
+From the period of his residence in Kentucky, to that of his death,
+Logan was the unwavering friend of the United States. He was
+extensively and favorably known on the frontier of Ohio, and the
+Indiana territory; and, immediately after the declaration of war
+against England in 1812, he joined the American service. He acted as
+one of the guides of general Hull's army to Detroit; and, prior to the
+actual investment of fort Wayne,--an account of which will be presently
+given--he was employed by the Indian agent at Piqua, on an important
+and delicate mission. The Indians around fort Wayne were giving
+indications of a disposition to abandon their neutrality. This rendered
+it expedient that the women and children then at that point, should be
+removed within the inhabited portions of Ohio. John Johnston, the
+Indian agent at Piqua, knowing Logan intimately, and having great
+confidence in his judgment as well as his fidelity, selected him to
+perform this duty. He was accordingly furnished with a letter to the
+commandant of that fort, in which assurances were given, that the
+persons about to be removed might confidently rely upon the discretion
+and enterprise of Logan. He proceeded on his mission, and executed it
+successfully: bringing into Piqua--near one hundred miles distant from
+fort Wayne--twenty-five women and children; the former, without an
+exception, bearing testimony to the uniform delicacy and kindness with
+which he treated them. Deeply impressed with the dangerous
+responsibility of the office he had assumed, he is said not to have
+slept from the time the party left fort Wayne, until it reached Piqua.
+
+We next hear of Logan, in connection with the memorable siege of fort
+Wayne. This post, which was erected in 1794, stood at the junction of
+the St. Joseph's and St. Mary's rivers, and, although not within the
+limits of Ohio, its preservation was all-important to the peace and
+safety of our north-western frontier. Having been built of wood, it
+was, in 1812, a pile of combustible matter. Immediately after the
+surrender of general Hull, in August, 1812, the Indians, to the number
+of four or five hundred, closely invested this place. The garrison at
+that time, including every description of persons, amounted to less
+than one hundred persons, of whom not more than sixty or seventy were
+capable of performing military duty. These were commanded by captain
+Rhea, an officer who, from several causes, was but ill qualified for
+the Station. His lieutenants were Philip Ostrander and Daniel Curtis,
+both of whom, throughout the siege, discharged their duty in a gallant
+manner.
+
+At the time of the investment of this place, there was a considerable
+body of Ohio troops in the neighborhood of Piqua. These had been
+ordered out by governor Meigs, for the relief of Detroit; but, upon
+hearing of the surrender of that place, their course was directed
+towards fort Wayne. They were, however, almost in a state of
+disorganization, and manifested but little ardor in entering upon this
+new duty. Perceiving this state of things, and aware that the fort was
+in imminent danger, a young man, now major William Oliver, of
+Cincinnati, determined upon making an effort to reach the garrison.
+Young Oliver was a resident of fort Wayne, and was on his return from a
+visit to Cincinnati when, at Piqua, he learned that the place was
+besieged. He immediately joined a rifle company of the Ohio militia;
+but seeing the tardy movements of the troops, in advancing to the
+relief of the fort, he resolved in the first place to return with all
+possible expedition, to Cincinnati, for the purpose of inducing colonel
+Wells, of the 17th U.S. infantry, to march his regiment to the relief
+of the fort; and, in the second place, to make an effort to reach it in
+person, that the garrison might be encouraged to hold out until
+reinforcements should arrive. When Oliver arrived in Cincinnati, he
+found that general Harrison had just crossed the Ohio, from Kentucky,
+and assumed the command of the troops composing the north-western army.
+He called upon the general, stated the condition of things on the
+frontier, and avowed his intention of passing into the fort in advance
+of the reinforcements. The general informed him that the troops then at
+Cincinnati would be put in motion that day, and marched with all
+practicable expedition to the invested point. This was on the 27th of
+August; on the 31st Oliver overtook the Ohio militia at the St. Mary's
+river. Here he learned that Adrian and Shane, two experienced scouts,
+had been sent in the direction of fort Wayne, and had returned with
+information that the hostile Indians were in great force on the route
+to that place. On the next day, general Thomas Worthington, of
+Chillicothe, who was then on the frontier as Indian commissioner,
+seeing the great importance of communicating with the garrison,
+determined to unite with Oliver in the attempt to reach it. These two
+enterprising individuals induced sixty-eight of the Ohio troops and
+sixteen Shawanoe Indians, among whom was Logan, to accompany them. They
+marched eighteen miles that day, and camped for the night at Shane's
+crossing.
+
+Next morning they again moved forward, but in the course of the day,
+some thirty-six of their party abandoned the hazardous enterprise, and
+returned to the main army. The remainder pursued their route, and
+encamped that evening within twenty-four miles of fort Wayne. As the
+party was not strong enough in its present condition to encounter the
+besieging enemy, general Worthington was very reluctantly induced to
+remain at this point, while Oliver, with Logan, captain Johnny and
+Brighthorn, should make an effort to reach the fort. Being well armed
+and mounted, they started at daybreak next morning upon this daring
+adventure. Proceeding with great caution, they came within five miles
+of the fort, before they observed any fresh Indian signs. At this point
+the keen eye of Logan discovered the cunning strategy of the enemy: for
+the purpose of concealing their bodies, they had dug holes on either
+side of the road, alternately, at such distances as to secure them from
+their own fire: these were intended for night watching, in order to cut
+off all communication with the fort. Here the party deemed it advisable
+to leave the main road, and strike across the country to the Maumee
+river, which was reached in safety at a point one and a half miles
+below the fort. Having tied their horses in a thicket, the party
+proceeded cautiously on foot, to ascertain whether our troops or the
+Indians were in possession of the fort. Having satisfied themselves on
+this point, they returned, remounted their horses, and taking the main
+road, moved rapidly to the fort. Upon reaching the gate of the
+esplanade, they found it locked, and were thus compelled to pass down
+the river bank, and then ascend it at the northern gate. They were
+favored in doing so by the withdrawal of the hostile Indians from this
+point, in carrying out a plan, then on the point of consummation, for
+taking the fort by an ingenious stratagem. For several days previous to
+this time, the hostile chiefs under a flag of truce, had been holding
+intercourse with the garrison; and had, it is supposed, discovered the
+unsoldier-like condition of the commander. They had accordingly
+arranged their warriors in a semicircle, on the west and south sides of
+the fort, and at no great distance from it. Five of the chiefs, under
+pretence of treating with the officers of the garrison, were to pass
+into the fort, and when in council were to assassinate the subaltern
+officers with pistols and knives, concealed under their blankets; and
+then to seize captain Rhea, who, in his trepidation, and under a
+promise of personal safety, would, they anticipated, order the gates of
+the fort to be thrown open for the admission of the besiegers. The
+plan, thus arranged, was in the act of being carried into execution at
+the moment when Oliver and his companions reached the gate. In speaking
+of the opportune approach of this party, lieutenant Curtis says, "the
+safe arrival of Mr. Oliver at that particular juncture, may justly be
+considered most miraculous. One hour sooner or one later, would no
+doubt have been inevitable destruction both to himself and escort: the
+parties of Indians who had been detached to guard the roads and passes
+in different directions, having all at that moment been called in, to
+aid in carrying the fort. It is generally believed by those acquainted
+with the circumstances, that not one hour, for eight days and nights
+preceding or following the hour in which Mr. Oliver arrived, would have
+afforded an opportunity of any probable safety." Winnemac, Five Medals,
+and three other hostile chiefs, bearing the flag under which they were
+to gain admittance to the fort to carry out their treacherous
+intentions, were surprised by suddenly meeting at the gate, Oliver and
+his companions. Coming from different directions and screened by the
+angles of the fort, the parties were not visible to each other until
+both were near the gate. On meeting, they shook hands, but it was
+apparent that Winnemac was greatly disconcerted; he immediately wheeled
+and returned to his camp, satisfied that this accession of strength to
+the garrison--the forerunner, in all probability, of a much larger
+force--had defeated his scheme. The others of his party entered the
+fort, and remained some little time, during which they were given to
+understand that Logan and his two Indian companions were to remain with
+the garrison. Oliver, in the mean time, having written a hasty letter,
+describing the condition of the fort, to general Worthington; and the
+Indians being equipped with new rifles from the public stores, they
+prepared to leave the fort without delay. Fortunately their movements
+were not observed by the enemy, until they had actually started from
+the garrison gate. They now put spurs to their horses and dashed off at
+full speed. The hostile Indians were instantly in motion to intercept
+them; the race was a severe and perilous one, but Logan and his
+companions cleared the enemy's line in safety, and this accomplished,
+his loud shout of triumph rose high in the air, and fell like music
+upon the ears of the beleaguered garrison. The party reached general
+Worthington's camp early the next morning, and delivered Oliver's
+letter to him. Notwithstanding the perilous condition of the garrison,
+however, the Ohio troops delayed moving for its relief, until they were
+overtaken by general Harrison, who, with his reinforcements, was unable
+to reach the fort until the twelfth. In the mean time the Indians kept
+up an incessant firing, day and night, upon the fort, killing on one
+occasion, two of the garrison who passed out of the gate on police
+duty. Several times the buildings of the fort were set on fire by the
+burning arrows which were shot upon them, but by the vigilance of the
+garrison in extinguishing the flames, a general conflagration was
+prevented. Some days after the arrival of Oliver, the Indians appeared
+to be making preparations for some uncommon movement, and one
+afternoon, just before night-fall, succeeded in getting possession of
+one of the trading houses standing near the fort. From this point they
+demanded a surrender of the garrison, under a promise of protection;
+and with a threat of extermination if they were compelled to carry the
+fort by storm: they alleged, further, that they had just been
+reinforced by a large number of warriors, some pieces of British
+cannon, and artillerists to man them. Their demand being promptly
+refused, they immediately closed in upon the fort, yelling hideously,
+firing their guns and also a couple of cannon. Every man in the fort
+capable of doing duty, now stood at his post, having several stands of
+loaded arms by his side. They were directed by the acting lieutenant,
+Curtis,[A] not to fire until the Indians had approached within
+twenty-five paces of the fort: the fire was at length opened upon the
+entire Indian lines, and in a manner so destructive, that in twenty
+minutes the enemy retreated with the loss of eighteen of their
+warriors, killed. It was discovered, subsequently, that the cannon used
+on this occasion by the Indians, had been made of wood by some British
+traders who were with them; one of the pieces burst upon the first, and
+the other on the second, fire.
+
+[Footnote A: Captain Rhea, by common consent, was suspended for
+incapacity, and lieutenant Ostrander was on the sick list.]
+
+The day before general Harrison reached this place, the Indians
+concentrated at a swamp, five miles south of the fort, for the purpose
+of giving him battle; but after reconnoitering his force, and finding
+it too strong for them, they fell back, passing by the fort in great
+disorder, in the hope, it is supposed, of drawing out the garrison,
+under a belief that they, (the Indians,) had been defeated by general
+Harrison's army. To promote this idea, they had, while lying at the
+swamp, kindled extensive fires, that the rising volume of smoke might
+be mistaken for that which usually overhangs the field of battle. This
+device proving unavailing, the Indians, after a vigorous investment,
+running through more than twenty days, withdrew forever from the siege
+of fort Wayne.
+
+The enterprise of young Oliver, just related, reflected the highest
+credit on his bravery and patriotism: being wholly voluntary on his
+part, the moral heroism of the act was only surpassed by its fortunate
+results; as it prevented, in all probability, the fall of an important
+frontier post, and saved its garrison from the tomahawk and scalping
+knife. So hazardous was the effort deemed, indeed, that experienced
+frontier's-men endeavored to dissuade him from the undertaking; and
+even Logan considered it one of great peril; but when once resolved
+upon, he gallantly incurred the hazard of the deed, and showed himself
+worthy of the trust reposed in him.
+
+In November of this year, general Harrison directed Logan to take a
+small party of his tribe, and reconnoitre the country in the direction
+of the Rapids of the Maumee. When near this point, they were met by a
+body of the enemy, superior to their own in number, and compelled to
+retreat. Logan, captain Johnny and Bright-horn, who composed the party,
+effected their escape, to the left wing of the army, then under the
+command of general Winchester, who was duly informed of the
+circumstances of their adventure. An officer of the Kentucky troops,
+general P., the second in command, without the slightest ground for
+such a charge, accused Logan of infidelity to our cause, and of giving
+intelligence to the enemy. Indignant at this foul accusation, the noble
+chief at once resolved to meet it in a manner that would leave no doubt
+as to his faithfulness to the United States. He called on his friend
+Oliver, and having told him of the imputation that had been cast upon
+his reputation, said that he would start from the camp next morning,
+and either leave his body bleaching in the woods, or return with such
+trophies from the enemy, as would relieve his character from the
+suspicion that had been wantonly cast upon it by an American officer.
+
+Accordingly, on the morning of the 22d he started down the Maumee,
+attended by his two faithful companions, captain Johnny and
+Bright-horn. About noon, having stopped for the purpose of taking rest,
+they were suddenly surprised by a party of seven of the enemy, amongst
+whom were young Elliott, a half-breed, holding a commission in the
+British service, and the celebrated Potawatamie chief, Winnemac. Logan
+made no resistance, but with great presence of mind, extending his hand
+to Winnemac, who was an old acquaintance, proceeded to inform him, that
+he and his two companions, tired of the American service, were just
+leaving general Winchester's army, for the purpose of joining the
+British. Winnemac, being familiar with Indian strategy, was not
+satisfied with this declaration, but proceeded to disarm Logan and his
+comrades, and placing his party around them, so as to prevent their
+escape, started for the British camp at the foot of the Rapids. In the
+course of the afternoon, Logan's address was such as to inspire
+confidence in his sincerity, and induce Winnemac to restore to him and
+his companions their arms. Logan now formed the plan of attacking his
+captors on the first favorable opportunity; and whilst marching along,
+succeeded in communicating the substance of it to captain Johnny and
+Bright-horn. Their guns being already loaded, they had little further
+preparation to make, than to put bullets into their mouths, to
+facilitate the reloading of their arms. In carrying on this process,
+captain Johnny, as he afterwards related, fearing that the man marching
+by his side had observed the operation, adroitly did away the
+impression by remarking, "me chaw heap tobac."
+
+The evening being now at hand, the British Indians determined to encamp
+on the bank of Turkeyfoot creek, about twenty miles from fort
+Winchester. Confiding in the idea that Logan had really deserted the
+American service, a part of his captors rambled around the place of
+their encampment, in search of blackhaws. They were no sooner out of
+sight, than Logan gave the signal of attack upon those who remained
+behind; they fired and two of the enemy fell dead--the third, being
+only wounded, required a second shot to despatch him; and in the mean
+time, the remainder of the party, who were near by, returned the fire,
+and all of them "treed." There being four of the enemy, and only three
+of Logan's party, the latter could not watch all the movements of their
+antagonists. Thus circumstanced, and during an active fight, the fourth
+man of the enemy passed round until Logan was uncovered by his tree,
+and shot him through the body. By this time Logan's party had wounded
+two of the surviving four, which caused them to fall back. Taking
+advantage of this state of things, captain Johnny mounted Logan--now
+suffering the pain of a mortal wound--and Bright-horn--also wounded--on
+two of the enemy's horses, and started them for Winchester's camp,
+which they reached about midnight. Captain Johnny, having already
+secured the scalp of Winnemac, followed immediately on foot, and gained
+the same point early on the following morning. It was subsequently
+ascertained that the two Indians of the British party, who were last
+wounded, died of their wounds, making in all five out of the seven, who
+were slain by Logan and his companions.
+
+When the news of this gallant affair had spread through the camp, and
+especially after it was known that Logan was mortally wounded, it
+created a deep and mournful sensation. No one, it is believed, more
+deeply regretted the fatal catastrophe, than the author of the charge
+upon Logan's integrity, which had led to this unhappy result.
+
+Logan's popularity was very great; indeed he was almost universally
+esteemed in the army, for his fidelity to our cause, his unquestioned
+bravery, and the nobleness of his nature. He lived two or three days
+after reaching the camp, but in extreme bodily agony; he was buried by
+the officers of the army, at fort Winchester, with the honors of war.
+Previous to his death, he related the particulars of this fatal
+enterprise to his friend Oliver, declaring to him that he prized his
+honor more than life; and, having now vindicated his reputation from
+the imputation cast upon it, he died satisfied. In the course of this
+interview, and while writhing with pain, he was observed to smile; upon
+being questioned as to the cause, he replied, that when he recalled to
+his mind the manner in which captain Johnny took off the scalp of
+Winnemac, while at the same time dexterously watching the movements of
+the enemy, he could not refrain from laughing--an incident in savage
+life, which shows the "ruling passion strong in death." It would
+perhaps be difficult in the history of savage warfare, to point out an
+enterprise the execution of which reflects higher credit upon the
+address and daring conduct of its authors, than this does upon Logan
+and his two companions. Indeed a spirit even less indomitable, a sense
+of honor less acute, and a patriotic devotion to a good cause less
+active, than were manifested by this gallant chieftain of the woods,
+might, under other circumstances, have well conferred immortality upon
+his name.
+
+The Shawanoe nation has produced a number of distinguished individuals,
+besides those who have been noticed in this brief sketch of that
+people. The plan of our work does not permit a more extended
+enumeration of them. When a full and faithful history of this tribe
+shall be written, it will be found, we think, that no tribe of
+aborigines on this continent, has given birth to so many men,
+remarkable for their talents, energy of character, and military
+prowess, as the Shawanoe.
+
+Under a treaty held at the rapids of the Miami of the lakes, in 1817,
+by Duncan McArthur and Lewis Cass, commissioners on the part of the
+United States, for extinguishing Indian titles to lands in Ohio, the
+Shawanoes ceded to the government the principal portion of their lands
+within the limits of this state. After this period they resided
+principally on the reserve made by them at and around Wapakanotta, on
+the Auglaize river. Here the greater part of them remained, until
+within a few years past, when, yielding to the pressing appeals of the
+government, they sold their reserved lands to the United States, and
+removed west of the Mississippi.
+
+For a number of years prior to their final departure from Ohio, the
+society of Friends, with their characteristic philanthropy towards the
+Indians, maintained a mission at Wapakanotta, for the purpose of giving
+instruction to the Shawanoe children, and inducing the adults to turn
+their attention to agricultural pursuits. Notwithstanding the wandering
+and warlike character of this tribe, such was the success attending
+this effort of active benevolence, that the Friends composing the
+Yearly Meetings of Baltimore, Ohio and Indiana, still continue a
+similar agency among the Shawanoes, although they are now the occupants
+of the territory lying beyond the distant Arkansas.
+
+Whether the new position west of the Mississippi, in which the Indian
+tribes have been placed, will tend to promote their civilization,
+arrest their deterioration in morals, or their decline in numbers, we
+think extremely problematical. Should such, however, be the happy
+result, it may be anticipated that the tribe which has produced a
+Logan, a Cornstalk and a Tecumseh, will be among the first to rise
+above the moral degradation in which it is shrouded, and foremost to
+exhibit the renovating influences of Christian civilization.
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF TECUMSEH.
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+  Parentage of Tecumseh--his sister Tecumapease--his brothers
+  Cheeseekau, Sauweeseekau, Nehasseemo, Tenskwautawa or the Prophet,
+  and Kumskaukau.
+
+
+There are not wanting authorities for the assertion that both the
+Anglo-Saxon and Creek blood ran in the veins of TECUMSEH.[A] It has
+been stated that his paternal grandfather was a white man, and that his
+mother was a Creek. The better opinion, however, seems to be, that he
+was wholly a Shawanoe. On this point we have the concurrent authority
+of John Johnston, late Indian agent at Piqua; and of Stephen Ruddell,
+formerly of Kentucky, who for near twenty years was a prisoner among
+the Shawanoes. They both possessed ample opportunities for ascertaining
+the fact, and unite in asserting that Puckeshinwa, the father of
+Tecumseh, was a member of the Kiscopoke, and Methoataske, the mother,
+of the Turtle tribe of the Shawanoe nation.
+
+[Footnote A: The Indian orthography of this name is Tecumtha, but the
+public have been so long under a different impression, that no attempt
+has been made in this work to restore the original reading.]
+
+The parents of Tecumseh removed from Florida to the north side of the
+Ohio, about the middle of the eighteenth century. The father rose to
+the rank of a chief, and fell in the celebrated battle of the Kanawha,
+in 1774, leaving six sons and one daughter. Of these, one or two were
+born at the south, the others within what now constitutes the state of
+Ohio. They will be briefly noticed in the order of their birth.
+
+Cheeseekau, the eldest, is represented to have taken great pains with
+his brother Tecumseh, laboring not only to make him a distinguished
+warrior, but to instil into his mind a love of truth, and a contempt
+for every thing mean and sordid. Cheeseekau fought by the side of his
+father in the battle of Kanawha; and, some years afterwards, led a
+small band of Shawanoes on a predatory expedition to the south,
+Tecumseh being one of the party. While there, they joined some
+Cherokees, in an attack upon a fort, garrisoned by white men. A day or
+two before the attack, Cheeseekau made a speech to his followers, and
+predicted that at such an hour, on a certain morning, they would reach
+the fort, and that he should be shot in the forehead and killed; but
+that the fort would be taken, if the party persevered in the assault,
+which he urged them to do. An effort was made by his followers to
+induce him to turn back, but he refused. The attack took place at the
+time predicted, and Cheeseekau fell. His last words expressed the joy
+he felt at dying in battle; he did not wish, he said, to be buried at
+home, like an old woman, but preferred that the fowls of the air should
+pick his bones. The fall of their leader created a panic among the
+assaulting party, and they suddenly retreated.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Stephen Ruddell's manuscript narrative.]
+
+Tecumapease, known also by the name of Menewaulakoosee, was a sister
+worthy of her distinguished brother Tecumseh, with whom, up to the
+period of his death, she was a great favorite. Sensible, kind hearted,
+and uniformly exemplary in her conduct, she obtained and exercised a
+remarkable degree of influence over the females of her tribe. She was
+united in marriage to a _brave_, called Wasegoboah, (stand firm,) who
+fell in the battle of the Thames, fighting courageously by the side of
+his brother-in-law, Tecumseh. In 1814, Tecumapease visited Quebec, in
+company with some other members of her tribe, from whence, after the
+close of the war between this country and England, she returned to the
+neighborhood of Detroit, where, not long afterwards, she died. Tecumseh
+is represented to have entertained for her a warm affection, and to
+have treated her, uniformly, with respect. He was in the habit of
+making her many valuable presents.
+
+Sauwaseekau, is supposed to have been born while his parents were
+removing from the south to the Ohio. Concerning him few particulars
+have been preserved. He stood well as a warrior, and was killed in
+battle during Wayne's campaign in 1794.
+
+The fourth child, TECUMSEH, or the Shooting Star, is the subject of
+this biography.
+
+Of the fifth, Nehaseemo, no information has been obtained.
+
+The two remaining children, Laulewasikaw, called after he became a
+prophet Tenskwautawa, and Kumskaukau, were twins. Such is understood to
+have been the statement of the former, in giving the family pedigree.
+Other authorities[A] say that Tecumseh, Laulewasikaw, and Kumskaukau
+were all three born at the same time. The last named lived to be an old
+man, and died without distinction.
+
+[Footnote A: John Johnston and Anthony Shane.]
+
+Laulewasikaw, as will appear in the course of this work, lived to
+attain an extraordinary degree of notoriety. He became, under the
+influence of his brother Tecumseh, a powerful agent in arousing the
+superstitious feelings of the north-western Indians, in that memorable
+period of their history, between the year 1805, and the battle of
+Tippecanoe, in 1811, which dissolved, in a great measure, the charm by
+which he had successfully played upon their passions and excited them
+to action. The character and prophetical career of this individual will
+necessarily be fully displayed in the progress of this work. There is,
+however, one trait of his character which may be appropriately
+mentioned in this place--his disposition to boast, not only of his own
+standing and importance, but also of the rank and respectability of the
+family to which he belonged. As an instance of this peculiarity, and of
+his tact in telling a plausible tale, the following narration may be
+cited. It is an ingenious mixture of truth and fiction; and was written
+down by the gentleman to whom it was related by Laulewasikaw. The
+language is that of the individual to whom the narrative was made.
+
+"His paternal grandfather, (according to his statement of the family
+pedigree) was a Creek, who, at a period which is not defined in the
+manuscript before us, went to one of the southern cities, either
+Savannah or Charleston, to hold a council with the English governor,
+whose daughter was present at some of the interviews. This young lady
+had conceived a violent admiration for the Indian character; and,
+having determined to bestow herself upon some 'warlike lord' of the
+forest, she took this occasion to communicate her partiality to her
+father. The next morning, in the council, the governor enquired of the
+Indians which of them was the most expert hunter; and the grandfather
+of Tecumseh, then a young and handsome man, who sat modestly in a
+retired part of the room, was pointed out to him. When the council
+broke up for the day, the governor asked his daughter if she was really
+so partial to the Indians, as to prefer selecting a husband from them,
+and finding that she persisted in this singular predilection, he
+directed her attention to the young Creek warrior, for whom, at first
+sight, she avowed a decided attachment. On the following morning the
+governor announced to the Creeks that his daughter was disposed to
+marry one of their number; and, having pointed out the individual,
+added, that his own consent would be given. The chiefs at first very
+naturally doubted whether the governor was in earnest; but upon
+assuring them that he was sincere, they advised the young man to
+embrace the lady and her offer. He was not so ungallant as to refuse;
+and having consented to the fortune that was thus buckled on him, was
+immediately taken to another apartment, where he was disrobed of his
+Indian costume by a train of black servants, washed, and clad in a new
+suit, and the marriage ceremony was immediately performed.
+
+"At the close of the council the Creeks returned home, but the young
+hunter remained with his wife. He amused himself in hunting, in which
+he was very successful, and was accustomed to take a couple of black
+servants with him, who seldom failed to bring in large quantities of
+game. He lived among the whites until his wife had borne him two
+daughters and a son. Upon the birth of the latter, the governor went to
+see his grandson, and was so well pleased, that he called his friends
+together, and caused thirty guns to be fired. When the boy was seven or
+eight years old his father died, and the governor took charge of the
+child, who was often visited by the Creeks. At the age of ten or
+twelve, he was permitted to accompany the Indians to their nation,
+where he spent some time; and two years after, he again made a long
+visit to the Creeks, who then, with a few Shawanoes, lived on a river
+called Pauseekoalaakee, and began to adopt their dress and customs.
+They gave him an Indian name, Puckeshinwau, which means _something that
+drops_; and after learning their language, he became so much attached
+to the Indian life, that when the governor sent for him he refused to
+return."
+
+Such is the pleasant and artful story, narrated with solemn gravity by
+Laulewasikaw, to emblazon the family pedigree by connecting it with the
+governor of one of the provinces: and here, for the present, we take
+our leave of the "Open Door."
+
+The band of Shawanoes with whom Puckeshinwau and his family emigrated
+to the Ohio, established themselves, in the first place, in the valley
+of the Scioto, from whence they subsequently removed to the waters of
+Mad River, one of the tributaries of the Great Miami. After the death
+of Puckeshinwau, his wife Methoataaskee, returned to the south, where
+she died at an advanced age, among the Cherokees. She belonged to the
+Turtle tribe of the Shawanoes, and her name signifies, _a turtle laying
+eggs in the sand_. That she was a respectable woman, is the testimony
+of those who knew her personally: that she was naturally a superior
+one, may be fairly inferred from the character of at least a part of
+her children.
+
+With this brief account of an aboriginal family, highly reputable in
+itself, but on which the name of Tecumseh has conferred no small degree
+of distinction, we now proceed to the immediate subject of this memoir.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+  Birth place of Tecumseh--destruction of the Piqua village--early
+  habits of Tecumseh--his first battle--effort to abolish the burning
+  of prisoners--visits the Cherokees in the south--engages in several
+  battles--returns to Ohio in the autumn of 1790.
+
+
+Some diversity of opinion has prevailed as to the birth place of
+Tecumseh. It is generally supposed, and indeed is stated by several
+historians to have been in the Scioto valley, near the place where
+Chillicothe now stands. Such, however, is not the fact. He was born in
+the valley of the Miamis, on the bank of Mad River, a few miles below
+Springfield, and within the limits of Clark county. Of this there is
+the most satisfactory evidence. In the year 1805, when the Indians were
+assembling at Greenville, as it was feared with some hostile intention
+against the frontiers, the governor of Ohio sent Duncan McArthur and
+Thomas Worthington to that place, to ascertain the object and
+disposition of these Indians. Tecumseh and three other chiefs agreed to
+return with these messengers to Chillicothe, then the seat of
+government, for the purpose of holding a "talk" with the governor.
+General McArthur, in a letter to the author of this work, under date of
+19th November, 1821, says, "When on the way from Greenville to
+Chillicothe, Tecumseh pointed out to us the place where he was born. It
+was in an old Shawanoe town, on the north-west side of Mad River, about
+six miles below Springfield." This fact is corroborated by Stephen
+Ruddell, the early and intimate associate of Tecumseh, who states that
+he was "born in the neighborhood of 'old Chillicothe,' in the year
+1768." The "old Chillicothe" here spoken of was a Shawanoe village,
+situated on Massie's creek, three miles north of where Xenia now
+stands, and about ten or twelve miles south of the village pointed out
+by Tecumseh, to general McArthur, as the spot of his nativity. This
+village was the ancient Piqua of the Shawanoes, and occupied the site
+on which a small town called West Boston has since been built. The
+principal part of Piqua stood upon a plain, rising fifteen or twenty
+feet above the river. On the south, between the village and Mad River,
+there was an extensive prairie--on the north-east some bold cliffs,
+terminating near the river--on the west and south-west, level timbered
+land; while on the opposite side of the stream, another prairie, of
+varying width, stretched back to the high grounds. The river sweeping
+by in a graceful bend--the precipitous rocky cliffs--the undulating
+hills with their towering trees--the prairies garnished with tall grass
+and brilliant flowers--combined to render the situation of Piqua both
+beautiful and picturesque.
+
+At the period of its destruction, Piqua was quite populous. There was a
+rude log fort within its limits, surrounded by pickets. It was,
+however, sacked and burnt on the 8th of August, 1780, by an army of one
+thousand men from Kentucky, after a severe and well conducted battle
+with the Indians who inhabited it. All the improvements of the Indians,
+including more than two hundred acres of corn and other vegetables,
+then growing in their fields, were laid waste and destroyed. The town
+was never afterwards rebuilt by the Shawanoes. Its inhabitants removed
+to the Great Miami river, and erected another town which they called
+Piqua, after the one that had just been destroyed; and in defence of
+which they had fought with the skill and valor characteristic of their
+nation.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: For this sketch of Piqua, the author is chiefly indebted
+to his venerable friend, Major James Galloway, of Xenia, Ohio.]
+
+The birth of Tecumseh has been placed by some writers in the year 1771.
+Ruddell states that it occurred in 1768, three years earlier, and this,
+we think, is probably the true period. His early boyhood gave promise
+of the renown of his maturer years. After the death of his father,
+which occurred when he was in his sixth year, he was placed under the
+charge of his oldest brother, Cheeseekau, who taught him to hunt, led
+him to battle, and labored zealously to imbue his mind with a love for
+truth, generosity, and the practice of those cardinal Indian virtues,
+courage in battle and fortitude in suffering. From his boyhood,
+Tecumseh seems to have had a passion for war. His pastimes, like those
+of Napoleon, were generally in the sham-battle field. He was the leader
+of his companions in all their sports, and was accustomed to divide
+them into parties, one of which he always headed, for the purpose of
+fighting mimic battles, in which he usually distinguished himself by
+his activity, strength and skill.[A] His dexterity in the use of the
+bow and arrow exceeded that of all the other Indian boys of his tribe,
+by whom he was loved and respected, and over whom he exercised
+unbounded influence. He was generally surrounded by a set of companions
+who were ready to stand or fall by his side.[B] It is stated that the
+first battle in which he was engaged, occurred on Mad River, near where
+Dayton stands, between a party of Kentuckians, commanded by colonel
+Benjamin Logan, and some Shawanoes. At this time Tecumseh was very
+young, and joined the expedition under the care of his brother, who was
+wounded at the first fire. It is related by some Indian chiefs that
+Tecumseh, at the commencement of the action, became frightened and
+ran.[C] This may be true, but it is the only instance in which he was
+ever known to shrink from danger, or to loose that presence of mind for
+which he was ever afterwards remarkably distinguished.
+
+[Footnote A: Stephen Ruddell's MS. account.]
+
+[Footnote B: Anthony Shane.]
+
+[Footnote C: A similar statement is made in regard to the first battle
+of the celebrated Red Jacket.]
+
+The next action in which Tecumseh participated, and in which he
+manifested signal prowess, was an attack made by the Indians upon some
+flat boats, descending the Ohio, above Limestone, now Maysville. The
+year in which it occurred is not stated, but Tecumseh was not probably
+more than sixteen or seventeen years of age. The boats were captured,
+and all the persons belonging to them killed, except one, who was taken
+prisoner, and afterwards burnt. Tecumseh was a silent spectator of the
+scene, having never witnessed the burning of a prisoner before. After
+it was over, he expressed in strong terms, his abhorrence of the act,
+and it was finally concluded by the party that they would never burn
+any more prisoners;[A] and to this resolution, he himself, and the
+party also, it is believed, ever afterwards scrupulously adhered. It is
+not less creditable to the humanity than to the genius of Tecumseh,
+that he should have taken this noble stand, and by the force and
+eloquence of his appeal, have brought his companions to the same
+resolution. He was then but a boy, yet he had the independence to
+attack a cherished custom of his tribe, and the power of argument to
+convince them, against all their preconceived notions of right and the
+rules of warfare, that the custom should be abolished. That his effort
+to put a stop to this cruel and revolting rite, was not prompted by any
+temporary expediency, but was the result of a humane disposition, and a
+right sense of justice, is abundantly shown by his conduct towards
+prisoners in after life.
+
+[Footnote A: Stephen Ruddell.]
+
+The boats were owned by traders. The number of whites killed in the
+engagement has not been ascertained. In the attack upon them, Tecumseh
+not only behaved with great courage, but even left in the back ground
+some of the oldest and bravest warriors of the party. From this time
+his reputation as a brave, and his influence over other minds, rose
+rapidly among the tribe to which he belonged.
+
+About the year 1787, Cheeseekau and Tecumseh, with a party of
+Kiscopokes, one of the tribes of the Shawanoe nation, moved westward on
+a hunting and predatory expedition. They made a stand for some months
+on the waters of the Mississinnaway, and then crossed over to the
+Mississippi, opposite the mouth of Apple creek, where they encamped and
+remained for eight or nine months. From thence they proceeded towards
+the Cherokee country. On their route, while opposite fort Massac, they
+engaged in a buffalo chase, during which Tecumseh was thrown from his
+horse, and had his thigh broken.[A] This accident detained them for
+some months at the place where it occurred. So soon as he had
+recovered, the party, headed by Cheeseekau, proceeded on their way to
+the country of the Cherokees, who were then at hostilities with the
+whites. With that fondness for adventure and love of war, which have
+ever marked the Shawanoe character, they immediately offered assistance
+to their brethren of the south, which being accepted, they joined in
+the contest.
+
+[Footnote A: Shane thinks both thighs were broken, Ruddell says but
+one.]
+
+The engagement in which they participated was an attack upon a fort,
+the name and position of which were not known to our informant. The
+Indians, it is well known are always superstitious, and from the fact
+of Cheeseekau, having foretold his death, its occurrence disheartened
+them, and in despite of the influence of Tecumseh and the Cherokee
+leaders, who rose above the superstition of their comrades, the attack
+was given up, and a sudden retreat followed.
+
+Tecumseh, who had left the banks of the Miami in quest of adventures,
+and for the purpose of winning renown as a warrior, told the party that
+he was determined not to return to his native land, until he had
+achieved some act worthy of being recounted. He accordingly selected
+eight or ten men and proceeded to the nearest settlement, attacked a
+house, killed all the men in it, and took the women and children
+prisoners. He did not immediately retreat, but engaged in some other
+similar adventures. During this expedition he was three times attacked
+in the night in his encampment; but owing to his good judgment in the
+choice of his camping ground, and his habitual watchfulness when in an
+enemy's country, no advantage was gained over him. On one occasion,
+while encamped in the edge of a cane-brake on the waters of the
+Tennessee, he was assaulted by a party of whites, about thirty in
+number. Tecumseh had not lain down, but was engaged at the moment of
+the attack, in dressing some meat. He instantly sprang to his feet, and
+ordering his small party to follow him, rushed upon his foes with
+perfect fearlessness; and, having killed two, put the whole party to
+flight, he losing none of his own men.
+
+Tecumseh and his party remained at the south nearly two years,
+traversing that region of country, visiting the different tribes of
+Indians, and engaging in the border forays which at that period were
+constantly occurring between the whites and the native possessors of
+the soil. He now determined to return home, and accordingly set out
+with eight of his party. They passed through western Virginia, crossed
+the Ohio near the mouth of the Scioto, and visiting the Machichac towns
+on the head waters of Mad River, from thence proceeded to the Auglaize,
+which they reached in the fall of 1790, shortly after the defeat of
+general Harmar, having been absent from Ohio upwards of three years.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+  Tecumseh attacked near Big Rock by some whites under Robert
+  M'Clelland--severe battle with some Kentuckians on the East Fork of
+  the Little Miami--attack upon Tecumseh in 1793, on the waters of
+  Paint creek--Tecumseh present at the attack on fort Recovery in
+  1794--participates in the battle of the Rapids of the Maumee, in
+  1794.
+
+
+From the period of his return, until August of the following year,
+1791, Tecumseh spent his time in hunting. In the autumn of this year,
+when information reached the Indians, that general St. Clair and his
+army were preparing to march from fort Washington, into their country,
+this chief headed a small party of spies, who went out for the purpose
+of watching the movements of the invading force.[A] While lying on
+Nettle creek, a small stream which empties into the Great Miami,
+general St. Clair and his army passed out through Greenville to the
+head waters of the Wabash, where he was defeated. Tecumseh, of course,
+had no personal participation in this engagement, so creditable to the
+valor of the Indians, and so disastrous to the arms and renown of the
+United States.
+
+[Footnote A: Stephen Ruddell.]
+
+In December, 1792, Tecumseh, with ten other warriors and a boy, were
+encamped near Big Rock, between Loramie's creek and Piqua, for the
+purpose of hunting. Early one morning, while the party were seated
+round the fire, engaged in smoking, they were fired upon by a company
+of whites near treble their number. Tecumseh raised the war-whoop, upon
+which the Indians sprang to their arms, and promptly returned the fire.
+He then directed the boy to run, and in turning round a moment
+afterwards, perceived that one of his men. Black Turkey, was running
+also. He had already retreated to the distance of one hundred yards;
+yet such was his fear of Tecumseh, he instantly obeyed the order to
+return, indignantly given him, and joined in the battle. Two of the
+whites were killed--one of them by Tecumseh--before they retreated.
+While pursuing them Tecumseh broke the trigger of his rifle, which
+induced him to give up the chase, or probably more of the whites would
+have fallen. They were commanded by Robert M'Clelland. Tecumseh lost
+none of his men; two of them, however, were wounded, one of whom was
+Black Turkey.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Anthony Shane.]
+
+In the month of March, 1792, some horses were stolen by the Indians,
+from the settlements in Mason county, Kentucky. A party of whites to
+the number of thirty-six, was immediately raised for the purpose of
+pursuing them. It embraced Kenton, Whiteman, M'Intire, Downing,
+Washburn, Calvin and several other experienced woodsmen. The first
+named, Simon Kenton, a distinguished Indian fighter, was placed in
+command. The trail of the Indians being taken, it was found they had
+crossed the Ohio just below the mouth of Lee's creek, which was reached
+by the pursuing party towards evening. Having prepared rafts, they
+crossed the Ohio that night, and encamped. Early next morning the trail
+was again taken and pursued, on a north course, all day, the weather
+being bad and the ground wet. On the ensuing morning twelve of the men
+were unable to continue the pursuit, and were permitted to return. The
+remainder followed the trail until eleven o'clock, A.M., when a bell
+was heard, which they supposed indicated their approach to the Indian
+camp. A halt was called, and all useless baggage and clothing laid
+aside. Whiteman and two others were sent ahead as spies, in different
+directions, each being followed by a detachment of the party. After
+moving forward some distance, it was found that the bell was
+approaching them. They halted and soon perceived a solitary Indian
+riding towards them. When within one hundred and fifty yards, he was
+fired at and killed. Kenton directed the spies to proceed, being now
+satisfied that the camp of the Indians was near at hand. They pushed on
+rapidly, and after going about four miles, found the Indians encamped,
+on the south-east side of the east fork of the Little Miami, a few
+miles above the place where the town of Williamsburg has since been
+built. The indications of a considerable body of Indians were so
+strong, that the expediency of an attack at that hour of the day was
+doubted by Kenton. A hurried council was held, in which it was
+determined to retire, if it could be done without discovery, and lie
+concealed until night, and then assault the camp. This plan was carried
+into execution. Two of the spies were left to watch the Indians, and
+ascertain whether the pursuing party had been discovered. The others
+retreated for some distance and took a commanding position on a ridge.
+The spies watched until night, and then reported to their commander,
+that they had not been discovered by the enemy. The men being wet and
+cold, they were now marched down into a hollow, where they kindled
+fires, dried their clothes, and put their rifles in order. The party
+was then divided into three detachments,--Kenton commanding the right,
+M'Intire the centre, and Downing the left. By agreement, the three
+divisions were to move towards the camp, simultaneously, and when they
+had approached as near as possible, without giving an alarm, were to be
+guided in the commencement of the attack, by the fire from Kenton's
+party. When Downing and his detachment had approached close to the
+camp, an Indian rose upon his feet, and began to stir up the fire,
+which was but dimly burning. Fearing a discovery, Downing's party
+instantly shot him down. This was followed by a general fire from the
+three detachments, upon the Indians who were sleeping under some
+marquees and bark tents, close upon the margin of the stream. But
+unfortunately, as it proved in the sequel, Kenton's party had taken
+"Boone," as their watch-word. This name happening to be as familiar to
+the enemy as themselves, led to some confusion in the course of the
+engagement. When fired upon, the Indians instead of retreating across
+the stream as had been anticipated, boldly stood to their arms,
+returned the fire of the assailants and rushed upon them. They were
+reinforced moreover from a camp on the opposite side of the river,[A]
+which until then, had been unperceived by the whites. In a few minutes
+the Indians and the Kentuckians were blended with each other, and the
+cry of "Boone," and "Che Boone," arose simultaneously from each party.
+
+[Footnote A: M'Donald, in his interesting "Biographical Sketches," of
+some of the western pioneers, says this "second line of tents" was on
+the lower bottom of the creek and not on the opposite side of it.]
+
+It was after midnight when the attack was made, and there being no
+moon, it was very dark. Kenton perceiving that his men were likely to
+be overpowered, ordered a retreat after the attack had lasted for a few
+minutes; this was continued through the remainder of the night and part
+of the next day, the Indians pursuing them, but without killing more
+than one of the retreating party. The Kentuckians lost but two men,
+Alexander McIntire and John Barr.[A] The loss of the Indians was much
+greater, according to the statements of some prisoners, who, after the
+peace of 1795, were released and returned to Kentucky. They related
+that fourteen Indians were killed, and seventeen wounded. They stated
+further, that there were in the camp about one hundred warriors, among
+them several chiefs of note, including Tecumseh, Battise, Black Snake,
+Wolf and Chinskau; and that the party had been formed for the purpose
+of annoying the settlements in Kentucky, and attacking boats descending
+the Ohio river. Kenton and his party were three days in reaching
+Limestone, during two of which they were without food, and destitute of
+sufficient clothing to protect them from the cold winds and rains of
+March. The foregoing particulars of this expedition are taken from the
+manuscript narrative of general Benjamin Whiteman, one of the early and
+gallant pioneers to Kentucky, now a resident of Green county, Ohio.
+
+[Footnote A: The father of the late Major William Barr, for many years
+a citizen of Cincinnati.]
+
+The statements of Anthony Shane and of Stephen Ruddell, touching this
+action, vary in some particulars from that which has been given above,
+and also from the narrative in McDonald's Sketches. The principal
+difference relates to the number of Indians in the engagement, and the
+loss sustained by them. They report but two killed, and that the Indian
+force was less than that of the whites. Ruddell states that at the
+commencement of the attack, Tecumseh was lying by the fire, outside of
+the tents. When the first gun was heard he sprang to his feet, and
+calling upon Sinnamatha[A] to follow his example and charge, he rushed
+forward, and killed one of the whites[B] with his war-club. The other
+Indians, raising the war-whoop, seized their arms, and rushing upon
+Kenton and his party, compelled them, after a severe contest of a few
+minutes, to retreat. One of the Indians, in the midst of the
+engagement, fell into the river, and in the effort to get out of the
+water, made so much noise, that it created a belief on the minds of the
+whites that a reinforcement was crossing the stream to aid Tecumseh.
+This is supposed to have hastened the order from Kenton, for his men to
+retreat. The afternoon prior to the battle, one of Kenton's men, by the
+name of McIntire, succeeded in catching an Indian horse, which he tied
+in the rear of the camp; and, when a retreat was ordered, he mounted
+and rode off. Early in the morning, Tecumseh and four of his men set
+off in pursuit of the retreating party. Having fallen upon the trail of
+McIntire, they pursued it for some distance, and at length overtook
+him. He had struck a fire and was cooking some meat. When McIntire
+discovered his pursuers, he instantly fled at full speed. Tecumseh and
+two others followed, and were fast gaining on him, when he turned and
+raised his gun. Two of the Indians, who happened to be in advance of
+Tecumseh, sprung behind trees, but he rushed upon McIntire and made him
+prisoner. He was tied and taken back to the battle ground. Upon
+reaching it, Tecumseh deemed it prudent to draw off his men, lest the
+whites should rally and renew the attack. He requested some of the
+Indians to catch the horses, but they, hesitating, he undertook to do
+it himself, assisted by one of the party. When he returned to camp with
+the horses, he found that his men had killed McIntire. At this act of
+cruelty to a prisoner, he was exceedingly indignant; declaring that it
+was a cowardly act to kill a man when tied and a prisoner. The conduct
+of Tecumseh in this engagement, and in the events of the following
+morning, is creditable alike to his courage and humanity. Resolutely
+brave in battle, his arm was never uplifted against a prisoner, nor did
+he suffer violence to be inflicted upon a captive, without promptly
+rebuking it.
+
+[Footnote A: Or Big Fish, the name by which Stephen Ruddell, then
+fighting with Tecumseh, was called.]
+
+[Footnote B: John Barr, referred to in a preceding note.]
+
+McDonald, in speaking of this action, says:
+
+"The celebrated Tecumseh commanded the Indians. His cautious and
+fearless intrepidity made him a host wherever he went. In military
+tactics, night attacks are not allowable, except in cases like this,
+when the assailing party are far inferior in numbers. Sometimes in
+night attacks, panics and confusion are created in the attacked party,
+which may render them a prey to inferior numbers. Kenton trusted to
+something like this on the present occasion, but was disappointed; for
+when Tecumseh was present, his influence over the minds of his
+followers infused that confidence in his tact and intrepidity, that
+they could only be defeated by force of numbers."
+
+Some time in the spring of 1793, Tecumseh and a few of his followers,
+while hunting in the Scioto valley on the waters of Paint creek, were
+unexpectedly attacked by a party of white men from Mason county,
+Kentucky. The circumstances which led to this skirmish were the
+following. Early in the spring of this year, an express reached the
+settlement in Mason, that some stations had been attacked and captured
+on Slate creek, in Bath county, Kentucky, and that the Indians were
+returning with their prisoners to Ohio. A party of thirty-three men was
+immediately raised to cut off their retreat. These were divided into
+three companies, of ten men each;--Simon Kenton commanding one,--Baker
+another, and James Ward the third. The whole party crossed the Ohio
+river at Limestone, and aimed to strike the Scioto above the mouth of
+Paint creek. After crossing this latter stream, near where the great
+road from Maysville to Chillicothe now crosses it, evening came on, and
+they halted for the night. In a short time they heard a noise, and a
+little examination disclosed to them that they were in the immediate
+vicinity of an Indian encampment. Their horses were promptly taken back
+some distance and tied, to prevent an alarm. A council was
+held,--captain Baker offered to go and reconnoitre, which being agreed
+to, he took one of his company and made the examination. He found the
+Indians encamped on the bank of the creek, their horses being between
+them and the camp of the whites. After Baker's report was made, the
+party determined to remain where they were until near daylight the next
+morning; and then to make an attack in the following manner. Captain
+Baker and his men were to march round and take a position on the bank
+of the stream, in front of the Indian camp: captain Ward was to occupy
+the ground in the rear; and captain Kenton one side, while the river
+presented a barrier on the fourth, thus guarding against a retreat of
+the Indians. It was further agreed that the attack was not to commence
+until there was light enough to shoot with accuracy. Before Kenton and
+Ward had reached the positions they were respectively to occupy, the
+bark of a dog in the Indian camp was heard, and then the report of a
+gun. Upon this alarm, Baker's men instantly fired, and captains Kenton
+and Ward, with their companies, raising the battle cry, rushed towards
+the camp. To their surprise, they found Baker and his men in the rear,
+instead of the front of the Indians, thus deranging the plan of attack,
+whether from design or accident is unknown. The Indians sent back the
+battle cry, retreated a few paces, and treed. It was still too dark to
+fire with precision, but random shots were made, and a terrible
+shouting kept up by the Indians. While the parties were thus at bay,
+Tecumseh had the address to send a part of their men to the rear of the
+Kentuckians for the horses; and when they had been taken to the front,
+which was accomplished without discovery, the Indians mounted and
+effected their escape, carrying with them John Ward, the only one of
+their party who was shot. This individual, a white man, had been
+captured when three-years old, on Jackson, one of the tributaries of
+James river, in Virginia. He had been raised by the Indians, among whom
+he had married, and reared several children. He was the brother of
+James Ward, one of the leaders of this expedition, and died of his
+wound a few days after the engagement, as was subsequently ascertained.
+No Indian was killed in this skirmish, and but one of the Kentuckians,
+Jacob Jones, a member of Baker's detachment. No pursuit of the Indians
+was made from this point, nor did they prove to be the same party who
+had been engaged in the attack upon the Slate creek station.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: For the foregoing details of this little expedition, the
+author is indebted to captain James Ward, of Mason county, Kentucky,
+who commanded one of the detachments on this occasion.]
+
+In McDonald's Sketches, it is stated that "three Indians were killed in
+this action; and that when fired upon by their assailants, they dashed
+through the creek, and scattered through the woods, like a flock of
+young partridges."
+
+On these points, the worthy author of the "Sketches" has undoubtedly
+been misinformed. The Indians lost but one man, John Ward; and after
+having treed, maintained their ground until they had adroitly obtained
+possession of their horses, and then succeeded in making their escape,
+carrying off not only the wounded man, but also the women and children
+who were with them when attacked. This we learn from authorities before
+us, on which reliance may be placed.[A] By one of these, it appears
+that there were but six or seven warriors in the party; and, that when
+the attack was made, Tecumseh called out to them that the women and
+children must be defended, and it was owing to his firmness and
+influence that the assailants were kept at bay until the horses of his
+party were secured, and the necessary arrangements made for a hasty
+retreat.
+
+[Footnote A: Anthony Shane. Stephen Ruddell.]
+
+After this engagement, it is not known that Tecumseh was a party to any
+warlike movement, until the summer of the following year. He returned
+to the waters of the Miami, and spent his time in hunting, for which he
+had a great fondness, and in which he was generally more successful
+than any other member of his tribe.
+
+After general Wayne assumed the command of the north-western army, he
+caused a fort to be built on the spot where the unfortunate defeat of
+his predecessor, general Arthur St. Clair, had occurred. This fort was
+named Recovery.
+
+In the summer of 1794, an attack was made upon it by a numerous body of
+Indians, among whom was Tecumseh. They were accompanied by a British
+officer, and some artillerists, furnished with fixed ammunition, suited
+to the calibre of some field pieces which the Indians had taken from
+general St. Clair, at the time of his defeat.[A] In referring to this
+attack and the movements of general Wayne, Withers, in his "Chronicles
+of Border Warfare," says:
+
+"Before the troops marched from fort Washington, it was deemed
+advisable to have an abundant supply of provisions in the different
+forts in advance of this, as well for the support of their respective
+garrisons, as for the subsistence of the general army, in the event of
+its being driven into them, by untoward circumstances. With this view,
+three hundred pack horses, laden with flour, were sent on to fort
+Recovery; and as it was known that considerable bodies of the enemy
+were constantly hovering about the forts, and awaiting opportunities of
+cutting off any detachments from the main army, major McMahon, with
+ninety riflemen under captain Hartshorn, and fifty dragoons under
+captain Taylor, was ordered on as an escort. This force was so large as
+to discourage the savages from making an attack, until they should
+unite their several war parties, and before this could be effected,
+major McMahon reached the place of his destination.
+
+"On the 30th of July, as the escort was about leaving fort Recovery, it
+was attacked by a body of one thousand Indians, in the immediate
+vicinity of the fort. Captain Hartshorn had advanced only three or four
+hundred yards, at the head of the riflemen, when he was unexpectedly
+beset on every side. With the most consummate bravery and good conduct,
+he maintained the unequal conflict, until major McMahon, placing
+himself at the head of the cavalry, charged upon the enemy, and was
+repulsed with considerable loss. Major McMahon, captain Taylor and
+cornet Torrey fell, upon the first onset, and many of the privates were
+killed or wounded. The whole savage force being now brought to press on
+captain Hartshorn, that brave officer was forced to try and regain the
+fort; but the enemy interposed its strength to prevent this movement.
+Lieutenant Drake and ensign Dodd, with twenty volunteers, marched from
+the fort, and forcing a passage through a column of the enemy, at the
+point of the bayonet, joined the rifle corps at the instant that
+captain Hartshorn received a shot which broke his thigh. Lieutenant
+Craig being killed, and lieutenant Marks taken prisoner, lieutenant
+Drake conducted the retreat; and while endeavoring for an instant to
+hold the enemy in check, so as to enable the soldiers to bring off
+their wounded captain, himself received a shot in the groin, and the
+retreat was resumed, leaving captain Hartshorn on the field.
+
+"When the remnant of the troops came within the walls of the fort,
+lieutenant Michael, who had been detached at an early period of the
+battle by captain Hartshorn to the flank of the enemy, was found to be
+missing, and was given up as lost; but while his friends were deploring
+his unfortunate fate, he and lieutenant Marks, who had been taken
+prisoner, were seen rushing through the enemy from opposite directions,
+towards the fort. They gained it safely, notwithstanding they were
+actively pursued, and many shots fired at them. Lieutenant Marks had
+got off by knocking down the Indian who held him prisoner; and
+lieutenant Michael had lost all of his party but three men."
+
+[Footnote A: For this fact see general Harrison's Address on the 50th
+Anniversary of the first settlement of Ohio.]
+
+The official letter of general Wayne giving an account of this action,
+places the loss of the whites at twenty-two killed and thirty wounded.
+"The enemy," continues the report, "were soon repulsed with great
+slaughter, but immediately rallied and reiterated the attack, keeping
+up a very heavy and constant fire, at a more respectable distance, for
+the remainder of the day, which was answered with spirit and effect by
+the garrison, and that part of major McMahon's command that had
+regained the fort. The savages were employed during the night (which
+was dark and foggy,) in carrying off their dead by torchlight, which
+occasionally drew a fire from the garrison. They nevertheless succeeded
+so well, that there were but eight or ten bodies left on the field, and
+those close under the influence of the fire from the fort. The enemy
+again renewed the attack on the morning of the first inst., but were
+ultimately compelled to retreat with loss and disgrace from that very
+field, where they had upon a former occasion, been proudly victorious."
+
+Tecumseh fought in the decisive battle between the American troops
+under general Wayne, and the combined Indian forces, which occurred on
+the 20th of August, 1794, near the rapids of the Miami of the lakes. It
+is not known whether he attended the council, the evening previous to
+the engagement, in which the advice of Little Turtle, the Miami chief,
+was overruled by the influence of the Shawanoe chief, Blue Jacket. The
+former was opposed to giving battle on the following day; the latter in
+favor of it. As a _brave_ of distinction, Tecumseh took the command of
+a party of Shawanoes in the engagement, but had no participation in the
+plan of the attack, or the mode of carrying it into execution. At the
+commencement of the action, he was in the advance guard with two of his
+brothers. After fighting for some time, in attempting to load his
+rifle, he put in a bullet before the powder, and was thus unable to use
+his gun. Being at this moment pressed in front by some infantry, he
+fell back with his party until they met another detachment of Indians.
+Tecumseh urged them to stand fast and fight, saying if any one would
+lend him a gun, he would show them how to do it. A fowling-piece was
+handed to him, with which he fought for some time, until the Indians
+were again compelled to give ground. While falling back, he met another
+party of Shawanoes, and although the whites were pressing on them, he
+rallied the Indians, and induced them to make a stand in a thicket.
+When the infantry pressed close upon them, and had discharged their
+muskets into the bushes, Tecumseh and his party returned their fire,
+and then retreated, until they had joined the main body of the Indians
+below the rapids of the Miami.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Anthony Shane.]
+
+In this memorable action, which gave victory to the American arms, and
+humbled the north-western Indians, William Henry Harrison and Tecumseh
+were for the first time opposed to each other in battle. They were both
+young, and indeed nearly the same age, and both displayed that courage
+and gallantry which ever afterwards signalized their brilliant and
+eventful lives.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+  Tecumseh's skill as a hunter--declines attending the treaty of
+  Greenville in 1795--in 1796 removed to Great Miami--in 1798 joined a
+  party of Delawares on White river, Indiana--in 1799 attended a
+  council between the whites and Indians near Urbana--another at
+  Chillicothe in 1803--makes an able speech--removes with the Prophet
+  to Greenville, in 1805--the latter commences prophecying--causes the
+  death of Teteboxti, Patterson, Coltes, and Joshua--governor
+  Harrison's speech to the Prophet to arrest these murderers--effort of
+  Wells, the U.S. Indian agent, to prevent Tecumseh and the Prophet
+  from assembling the Indians at Greenville--Tecumseh's speech in
+  reply--he attends a council at Chillicothe--speech on that
+  occasion--council at Springfield--Tecumseh principal speaker and
+  actor.
+
+
+In the spring of the year 1795, Tecumseh was established on Deer creek,
+near where Urbana now stands, and engaged in his favorite amusement of
+hunting. This was more as a pastime than a matter of business. The love
+of property was not a distinguishing trait of his character; on the
+contrary, his generosity was proverbial among his tribe. If he
+accumulated furs, they, or the goods which he received in return for
+them, were dispensed with a liberal hand. He loved hunting because it
+was a manly exercise, fit for a _brave_; and, for the additional
+reason, that it gave him the means of furnishing the aged and infirm
+with wholesome and nourishing food. The skill of Tecumseh in the chase
+has already been adverted to. While residing on Deer creek, an incident
+occurred which greatly enhanced his reputation as a hunter. One of his
+brothers, and several other Shawanoes of his own age, proposed to bet
+with him, that they could each kill as many deer, in the space of three
+days, as he could. Tecumseh promptly accepted the overture. The parties
+took to the woods, and at the end of the stipulated time, returned with
+the evidences of their success. None of the party, except Tecumseh, had
+more than twelve deer skins; he brought in upwards of thirty--near
+three times as many as any of his competitors. From this time he was
+generally conceded to be the greatest hunter in the Shawanoe nation.
+
+In the course of the summer of this year, 1795, he commenced raising a
+party of his own, and began to style himself a chief. He did not attend
+the treaty of Greenville, held by general Wayne, on the 3d of August,
+1795, with the hostile Indians, but after its conclusion, Blue Jacket
+paid him a visit on Deer creek, and communicated to him the terms on
+which peace had been concluded.
+
+Tecumseh remained at this place until the spring of 1796, when he
+removed with his party to the Great Miami, near to Piqua, where they
+raised a crop of corn. In the autumn he again changed his place of
+residence, and went over to the head branches of White Water, west of
+the Miami, where he and his party spent the winter; and in the spring
+and summer of 1797, raised another crop of corn.
+
+In the year 1798, the Delawares, then residing in part, on White river,
+Indiana, invited Tecumseh and his followers, to remove to that
+neighborhood. Having accepted this invitation, and made the removal, he
+continued his head quarters in the vicinity of that nation for several
+years, occupied in the ordinary pursuits of the hunter-life--gradually
+extending his influence among the Indians, and adding to the number of
+his party.
+
+In 1799, there was a council held about six miles north of the place
+where Urbana now stands, between the Indians and some of the principal
+settlers on Mad River, for the adjustment of difficulties which had
+grown up between these parties. Tecumseh, with other Shawanoe chiefs,
+attended this council. He appears to have been the most conspicuous
+orator of the conference, and made a speech on the occasion, which was
+much admired for its force and eloquence. The interpreter, Dechouset,
+said that he found it very difficult to translate the lofty flights of
+Tecumseh, although he was as well acquainted with the Shawanoe
+language, as with the French, which was his mother tongue.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: James Galloway, of Xenia.]
+
+We next hear of Tecumseh, under circumstances which show the confidence
+reposed in him by the white settlers on the frontier.
+
+In the month of April, 1803, Thomas Herrod, living sixteen miles
+north-west of Chillicothe, was shot, tomahawked, and scalped, near his
+own house. The Indians were suspected of having committed this deed; a
+wanton and cruel retaliation was made upon one of them, (guiltless no
+doubt of that particular crime,) and the settlement in the Scioto
+valley and north-west of it, was thrown into a state of much
+excitement. The Indians fled in one direction and the whites in
+another. For the purpose of ascertaining the facts in the case, and
+preventing further hostilities, several patriotic citizens of
+Chillicothe mounted their horses, and rode into the Indian country,
+where they found Tecumseh and a body of Indians. They disavowed all
+knowledge of the murder of Herrod, and stated, explicitly, that they
+were peaceably inclined, and disposed to adhere to the treaty of
+Greenville. Tecumseh finally agreed to return with the deputation from
+Chillicothe, that he might in person, give similar assurances to the
+people of that place. He did so, and a day was fixed on, when he should
+make an address upon the subject. A white man, raised among the
+Indians, acted as interpreter. Governor Tiffin opened the conference.
+"When Tecumseh rose to speak," says an eyewitness, "as he cast his gaze
+over the vast multitude, which the interesting occasion had drawn
+together, he appeared one of the most dignified men I ever beheld.
+While this orator of nature was speaking, the vast crowd preserved the
+most profound silence. From the confident manner in which he spoke of
+the intention of the Indians to adhere to the treaty of Greenville, and
+live in peace and friendship with their white brethren, he dispelled,
+as if by magic, the apprehensions of the whites--the settlers returned
+to their deserted farms, and business generally was resumed throughout
+that region."[A] This incident is of value, in forming an estimate of
+the character of this chief: it exhibits the confidence reposed in him
+by he white inhabitants on the frontier. The declaration of no other
+Indian could thus have dissipated the fears of a border war, which then
+pervaded the settlement.
+
+[Footnote A: Colonel John M'Donald.]
+
+Some time during this year, a stout Kentuckian came to Ohio, for the
+purpose of exploring the lands on Mad River, and lodged one night at
+the house of captain Abner Barrett, residing on the head waters of Buck
+creek. In the course of the evening, he learned with apparent alarm,
+that there were some Indians encamped within a short distance of the
+house. Shortly after hearing this unwelcome intelligence, the door of
+captain Barrett's dwelling was suddenly opened, and Tecumseh entered
+with his usual stately air: he paused in silence, and looked around,
+until at length his eye was fixed upon the stranger, who was
+manifesting symptoms of alarm, and did not venture to look the stern
+savage in the face. Tecumseh turned to his host, and pointing to the
+agitated Kentuckian, exclaimed, "a big baby! a big baby!" He then
+stepped up to him, and gently slapping him on the shoulder several
+times, repeated with a contemptuous manner, the phrase "big baby! big
+baby!" to the great alarm of the astonished man, and to the amusement
+of all present.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: James Galloway.]
+
+In the early part of the year 1805, a portion of the Shawanoe nation,
+residing at the Tawa towns on the headwaters of the Auglaize river,
+wishing to re-assemble their scattered people, sent a deputation to
+Tecumseh and his party, (then living on White river,) and also to a
+body of the same tribe upon the Mississiniway, another tributary of the
+Wabash, inviting them to remove to the Tawa towns, and join their
+brethren at that place. To this proposition both parties assented; and
+the two bands met at Greenville, on their way thither. There, through
+the influence of Laulewasikaw, they concluded to establish themselves;
+and accordingly the project of going to the Auglaize was abandoned.
+Very soon afterwards, Laulewasikaw assumed the office of a prophet; and
+forthwith commenced that career of cunning and pretended sorcery, which
+enabled him to sway the Indian mind in a wonderful degree, and win for
+himself a name on the page of history. A concise notice of his
+prophetical achievements is subjoined. While it serves to display his
+individual character and endowments, it also presents an interesting
+and instructive phase of aboriginal character.
+
+It happened about this time that an old Shawanoe, named Penagashega, or
+the Change of Feathers, who had for some years been engaged in the
+respectable calling of a prophet, fell sick and died. Laulewasikaw, who
+had marked the old man's influence with the Indians, adroitly caught up
+the mantle of the dying prophet, and assumed his sacred office. He
+changed his name from Laulewasikaw, to Tenskwautawau,[A] meaning the
+Open Door, because he undertook to point out to the Indians the new
+modes of life which they should pursue. In the month of November, of
+this year, he assembled a considerable number of Shawanoes, Wyandots,
+Ottaways and Senecas, at Wapakonatta, on the Auglaize river, when he
+unfolded to them the new character with which he was clothed, and made
+his first public effort in that career of religious imposition, which,
+in a few years, was felt by the remote tribes of the upper lakes, and
+on the broad plains which stretch beyond the Mississippi. At this time
+nothing, it is believed, was said by him in regard to the grand
+confederacy of the tribes, for the recovery of their lands, which
+shortly afterwards became an object of ambition with his brother; and,
+in the furtherance of which he successfully exerted his power and
+influence, as a prophet. In this assemblage he declaimed against
+witchcraft, which many of the Indians practised and still more
+believed. He pronounced that those who continued bewitched, or exerted
+their arts on others, would never go to heaven nor see the Great
+Spirit. He next took up the subject of drunkenness, against which he
+harangued with great force; and, as appeared subsequently, with much
+success. He told them that since he had become a prophet, he went up
+into the clouds; that the first place he came to was the dwelling of
+the Devil, and that all who had died drunkards were there, with flames
+issuing out of their mouths. He acknowledged that he had himself been a
+drunkard, but that this awful scene had reformed him. Such was the
+effect of his preaching against this pernicious vice, that many of his
+followers became alarmed, and ceased to drink the "fire-water," a name
+by which whiskey is significantly called among the Indians. He
+likewise, declaimed against the custom of Indian women intermarrying
+with white men, and denounced it as one of the causes of their
+unhappiness. Among other doctrines of his new code, he insisted on a
+community of property--a very comfortable regulation for those, who
+like himself, were too indolent to labor for the acquisition of it. A
+more salutary and rational precept, and one which he enforced with
+considerable energy, was the duty of the young, at all times and under
+all circumstances, to support, cherish and respect the aged and infirm.
+He declaimed with vehemence against all innovations in the original
+dress and habits of the Indians--dwelt upon the high claims of the
+Shawanoes to superiority over other tribes, and promised to all his
+followers, who would believe his doctrines and practice his precepts,
+the comforts and happiness which their forefathers enjoyed before they
+were debased by their connection with the whites. And finally
+proclaimed, with much solemnity, that he had received power from the
+Great Spirit, to cure all diseases, to confound his enemies, and stay
+the arm of death, in sickness, or on the battle field.
+
+[Footnote A: In the remaining pages of this work this person will be
+called the Prophet, the name by which he is most generally known.]
+
+Such is the superstitious credulity of the Indians, that this crafty
+impostor not only succeeded for a time, in correcting many of the vices
+of his followers, but likewise influenced them to the perpetration of
+outrages upon each other, shocking to humanity. If an individual, and
+especially a chief, was supposed to be hostile to his plans, or doubted
+the validity of his claim to the character of a prophet, he was
+denounced as a witch, and the loss of reputation, if not of life,
+speedily followed. Among the first of his victims were several
+Delawares,--Tatepocoshe (more generally known as Teteboxti,) Patterson,
+his nephew, Coltos, an old woman, and an aged man called Joshua. These
+were successively marked by the Prophet, and doomed to be burnt alive.
+The tragedy was commenced with the old woman. The Indians roasted her
+slowly over a fire for four days, calling upon her frequently to
+deliver up her charm and medicine bag. Just as she was dying, she
+exclaimed that her grandson, who was then out hunting, had it in his
+possession. Messengers were sent in pursuit of him, and when found he
+was tied and brought into camp. He acknowledged that on one occasion he
+had borrowed the charm of his grandmother, by means of which he had
+flown through the air, over Kentucky, to the banks of the Mississippi,
+and back again, between twilight and bed-time; but he insisted that he
+had returned the charm to its owner; and after some consultation, he
+was set at liberty. The following day, a council was held over the case
+of the venerable chief Tatepocoshe, he being present. His death was
+decided upon after full deliberation; and, arrayed in his finest
+apparel, he calmly assisted in building his own funeral pile, fully
+aware that there was no escape from the judgment that had been passed
+upon him. The respect due to his whitened locks, induced his
+executioners to treat him with mercy. He was deliberately tomahawked by
+a young man, and his body was then placed upon the blazing faggots and
+consumed. The next day, the old preacher Joshua, met a similar fate.
+The wife of Tatepocoshe, and his nephew Billy Patterson, were then
+brought into the council house, and seated side by side. The latter had
+led an irreproachable life, and died like a Christian, singing and
+praying amid the flames which destroyed his body. While preparations
+were making for the immolation of Tatepocoshe's wife, her brother, a
+youth of twenty years of age, suddenly started up, took her by the
+hand, and to the amazement of the council, led her out of the house. He
+soon returned, and exclaiming, "the devil has come among us, (alluding
+to the Prophet) and we are killing each other," he reseated himself in
+the midst of the crowd. This bold step checked the wild frenzy of the
+Indians, put an end to these cruel scenes, and for a time greatly
+impaired the impostor's influence among the Delawares.
+
+The benevolent policy of the governor of Indiana Territory (William
+Henry Harrison,) towards the Indian tribes, had given him much
+influence over them. Early in the year 1806, and so soon as he had
+heard of the movements of the Prophet, and the delusion of the
+Delawares in regard to witchcraft, he sent a special messenger to them
+with the following speech. Had it reached them a little earlier, it
+would probably have saved the life of the aged Tatepocoshe.
+
+"My Children:--My heart is filled with grief, and my eyes are dissolved
+in tears, at the news which has reached me. You have been celebrated
+for your wisdom above all the tribes of red people who inhabit this
+great island. Your fame as warriors has extended to the remotest
+nations, and the wisdom of your chiefs has gained for you the
+appellation of grandfathers, from all the neighboring tribes. From what
+cause, then, does it proceed, that you have departed from the wise
+counsels of your fathers, and covered yourselves with guilt? My
+children, tread back the steps you have taken, and endeavor to regain
+the straight road which you have abandoned. The dark, crooked and
+thorny one which you are now pursuing, will certainly lead to endless
+woe and misery. But who is this pretended prophet, who dares to speak
+in the name of the Great Creator? Examine him. Is he more wise or
+virtuous than you are yourselves, that he should be selected to convey
+to you the orders of your God? Demand of him some proofs at least, of
+his being the messenger of the Deity. If God has really employed him,
+he has doubtless authorized him to perform miracles, that he may be
+known and received as a prophet. If he is really a prophet, ask of him
+to cause the sun to stand still--the moon to alter its course--the
+rivers to cease to flow--or the dead to rise from their graves. If he
+does these things, you may then believe that he has been sent from God.
+He tells you that the Great Spirit commands you to punish with death
+those who deal in magic; and that he is authorized to point them out.
+Wretched delusion! Is then the Master of Life obliged to employ mortal
+man to punish those who offend him? Has he not the thunder and all the
+powers of nature at his command?--and could he not sweep away from the
+earth a whole nation with one motion of his arm? My children: do not
+believe that the great and good Creator of mankind has directed you to
+destroy your own flesh; and do not doubt but that if you pursue this
+abominable wickedness, his vengeance will overtake and crush you.
+
+"The above is addressed to you in the name of the Seventeen Fires. I
+now speak to you from myself, as a friend who wishes nothing more
+sincerely than to see you prosperous and happy. Clear your eyes, I
+beseech you, from the mist which surrounds them. No longer be imposed
+upon by the arts of an impostor. Drive him from your town, and let
+peace and harmony once more prevail amongst you. Let your poor old men
+and women sleep in quietness, and banish from their minds the dreadful
+idea of being burnt alive by their own friends and countrymen. I charge
+you to stop your bloody career; and if you value the friendship of your
+great father, the President--if you wish to preserve the good opinion
+of the Seventeen Fires, let me hear by the return of the bearer, that
+you have determined to follow my advice."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Quoted from Dawson's Historical Narrative of the civil and
+military services of William Henry Harrison.]
+
+Among the Miamis, the Prophet was less successful in establishing an
+influence than with the Delawares; while over the Kickapoos he gained,
+for a time, a remarkable ascendency,--greater, indeed, than he ever
+established in his own tribe. Most of the Shawanoe chiefs were opposed
+to him, and even complained to the agent at fort Wayne, that his
+conduct was creating difficulties among the Indians.
+
+We have met with no evidence that Tecumseh favored the destruction of
+the Delawares, whose unhappy fate has been detailed. On the contrary,
+it is stated by a credible authority,[A] that he was opposed to it.
+
+[Footnote A: Anthony Shane.]
+
+Throughout the year 1806, the brothers remained at Greenville, and were
+visited by many Indians from different tribes, not a few of whom became
+their followers. The Prophet dreamed many wonderful dreams; and claimed
+to have had many supernatural revelations made to him. The great
+eclipse of the sun which occurred in the summer of this year, a
+knowledge of which he had by some means attained, enabled him to carry
+conviction to the minds of many of his ignorant followers, that he was
+really the earthly agent of the Great Spirit. He boldly announced to
+the unbelievers, that on a certain day, he would give them proof of his
+supernatural powers, by bringing darkness over the sun. When the day
+and hour of the eclipse arrived, and the earth, even at mid day, was
+shrouded in the gloom of twilight, the Prophet, standing in the midst
+of his party, significantly pointed to the heavens, and cried out, "did
+I not prophecy truly? Behold! darkness has shrouded the sun!" It may
+readily be supposed that this striking phenomenon, thus adroitly used,
+produced a strong impression on the Indians, and greatly increased
+their belief in the sacred character of their Prophet.
+
+In April, 1807, Tecumseh and his brother had assembled at Greenville
+about four hundred Indians, most of them highly excited by religious
+fanaticism; and ready, it was feared, for any enterprise on which these
+brothers might be disposed to lead them. Considerable apprehension was
+entertained for the safety of the frontiers, and several fruitless
+efforts were made to ascertain the ulterior objects of the leaders.
+William Wells, then Indian agent at fort Wayne, despatched Anthony
+Shane, a half-blood Shawanoe, with a communication to Tecumseh and the
+Prophet, requesting them and two other of their chiefs, to visit him at
+fort Wayne, that he might read to them a letter which he had just
+received from their great father, the President of the United States.
+
+A council being called, Shane made known the object of his mission.
+Tecumseh, without consulting with those around him, immediately arose
+and said to the messenger, "go back to fort Wayne, and tell captain
+Wells, that my fire is kindled on the spot appointed by the Great
+Spirit above; and, if he has any thing to communicate to me, _he_ must
+come _here_:--I shall expect him in six days from this time." With this
+laconic, but dignified reply, the conference ended. The agent at fort
+Wayne declined waiting on Tecumseh, in person, but on the appointed
+day, sent Shane back to Greenville, with a copy of the President's
+communication, contained in a letter from the Secretary at War; the
+substance of which was, that Tecumseh and his party being established
+within the limits of the governor's purchase from the Indians, they
+were desired to remove to some point beyond the boundaries agreed upon
+by the treaty of Greenville; and, in case of their compliance, the
+government would afford them assistance, until they were properly
+established at their new post. A second council was assembled, and the
+communication fully interpreted to those present. Tecumseh felt
+indignant that captain Wells had not visited him in person. He arose
+deeply excited, and turning to his followers, addressed them in a long,
+glowing and impassioned speech, in which he dwelt upon the injuries the
+Indians had received from the whites, and especially the continued
+encroachments of the latter upon the lands of the red men: "These
+lands," said he in conclusion, "are ours: no one has a right to remove
+us, because we were the first owners; the Great Spirit above has
+appointed this place for us, on which to light our fires, and here we
+will remain. As to boundaries, the Great Spirit above knows no
+boundaries, nor will his red people acknowledge any."
+
+Of this speech no copy has been preserved. Shane speaks of it as a
+masterpiece of Indian eloquence--bold, argumentative and powerful. It
+was delivered with great vehemence, and deep indignant feeling. After a
+moment's pause, Tecumseh turned to the messenger and said, with that
+stately indifference of manner, which he could so gracefully assume
+when in council, "if my great father, the President of the Seventeen
+Fires, has any thing more to say to me, he must send a man of note as
+his messenger. I will hold no further intercourse with captain Wells."
+
+The Prophet, who seldom lost an opportunity of vaunting himself before
+his followers, then rose, and addressing captain Shane, said, "why does
+not the President send to us the greatest man in his nation? I can talk
+to him--I can bring darkness between him and me--nay more, I can bring
+the sun under my feet, and what white man can do this?" With this
+self-glorification, the council terminated.
+
+The excitement continued to increase, and at the close of May, it was
+estimated by the agent at fort Wayne, that not less than fifteen
+hundred Indians, had within a short time, passed and repassed that
+fort, in making visits to the Prophet. Many of these were from distant
+points on the lakes. Councils were assembled, runners with pipes and
+belts of wampum, went from tribe to tribe, and strong evidence of some
+uncommon movement among the Indians became quite apparent. The British
+agents were active in fomenting this excitement, and in extending the
+influence of Tecumseh and his brother, whose ulterior objects were
+carefully concealed from the agents of the United States, and such
+Indian chiefs as were known to be friendly to our government.
+
+In the month of August, on the testimony of several persons familiar
+with Indian affairs, then residing in the north-western portions of the
+state, the Indians at fort Wayne and at Greenville, who were supposed
+to be under the influence of the Prophet, amounted to between seven and
+eight hundred, most of them equipped with new rifles. These facts being
+communicated to the governor of Ohio, he directed his attention to the
+subject, and, in the early part of September, despatched Thomas
+Worthington and Duncan McArthur, to Greenville, for the purpose of
+holding a conference with the Prophet and Tecumseh, and ascertaining
+the object of their assembling so large a body of Indians, within the
+limits of the cession of land made by them at the treaty of 1795. These
+commissioners left Chillicothe on the 8th of September, and reached
+Greenville on the 12th, where they were courteously received by the
+Indians. They were fortunate in securing the services of Stephen
+Ruddell, as their interpreter, who had resided for seventeen years
+among the Indians, and was familiar with the Shawanoe language. On the
+day of their arrival, the commissioners were invited to a general
+council of the Indians, at which the letter of the governor was read,
+and interpreted to the Shawanoes, Potawatamies and Chippewas. This was
+followed by an address from the commissioners, referring to the past
+relations between the United States and the Indians, the policy pursued
+towards the latter by Great Britain, and the importance of their
+remaining neutral, in case of a war between that country and the United
+States. On the following day, Blue Jacket, who, it was announced, had
+been authorized by all the Indians present, to speak for them, replied
+to the commissioners as follows:
+
+"Brethren--We are seated who heard you yesterday. You will get a true
+relation, as far as we and our connections can give it, who are as
+follows: Shawanoes, Wyandots, Potawatamies, Tawas, Chippewas,
+Winnepaus, Malominese, Malockese, Secawgoes, and one more from the
+north of the Chippewas. _Brethren_--you see all these men sitting
+before you, who now speak to you.
+
+"About eleven days ago we had a council, at which the tribe of
+Wyandots, (the elder brother of the red people) spoke and said God had
+kindled a fire and all sat around it. In this council we talked over
+the treaties with the French and the Americans. The Wyandot said, the
+French formerly marked a line along the Alleghany mountains, southerly,
+to Charleston, (S.C.) No man was to pass it from either side. When the
+Americans came to settle over the line, the English told the Indians to
+unite and drive off the French, until the war came on between the
+British and the Americans, when it was told them that king George, by
+his officers, directed them to unite and drive the Americans back.
+
+"After the treaty of peace between the English and Americans, the
+summer before Wayne's army came out, the English held a council with
+the Indians, and told them if they would turn out and unite as one man,
+they might surround the Americans like deer in a ring of fire and
+destroy them all. The Wyandot spoke further in the council. We see,
+said he, there is like to be war between the English and our white
+brethren, the Americans. Let us unite and consider the sufferings we
+have undergone, from interfering in the wars of the English. They have
+often promised to help us, and at last, when we could not withstand the
+army that came against us, and went to the English fort for refuge, the
+English told us, 'I cannot let you in; you are painted too much, my
+children.' It was then we saw the British dealt treacherously with us.
+We now see them going to war again. We do not know what they are going
+to fight for. Let us, my brethren, not interfere, was the speech of the
+Wyandot.
+
+"Further, the Wyandot said, I speak to you, my little brother, the
+Shawanoes at Greenville, and to you, our little brothers all around.
+You appear to be at Greenville to serve the _Supreme Ruler_ of the
+universe. Now send forth your speeches to all our brethren far around
+us, and let us unite to seek for that which shall be for our eternal
+welfare, and unite ourselves in a band of perpetual brotherhood. These,
+brethren, are the sentiments of all the men who sit around you: they
+all adhere to what the elder brother, the Wyandot, has said, and these
+are their sentiments. It is not that they are afraid of their white
+brethren, but that they desire peace and harmony, and not that their
+white brethren could put them to great necessity, for their former arms
+were bows and arrows, by which they got their living."
+
+The commissioners made some explanations in reply, when they were told
+that the Prophet would assign the reasons why the Indians had settled
+at Greenville. "He then proceeded to inform us," says the report, "that
+about three years since, he became convinced of the error of his ways,
+and that he would be destroyed from the face of the earth, if he did
+not amend them; that it was soon after made known to him what he should
+do to be right; that from that time he constantly preached to his red
+brethren the miserable situation they were in by nature, and endeavored
+to convince them that they must change their lives, live honestly, and
+be just in all their dealings, kind towards one another, and their
+white brethren: affectionate towards their families, put away lying and
+slandering, and serve the Great Spirit in the way he had pointed out;
+never think of war again; that at first the Lord did not give them the
+tomahawk to go to war with one another. His red brethren, the chiefs of
+the Shawanoes at Tawa town, would not listen to him, but persecuted
+him. This produced a division in the nation; those who adhered to him,
+separated themselves from their brethren at Tawa town, removed with and
+settled where he now was, and where he had constantly preached the
+above doctrines to all the strangers who came to see them. They did not
+remove to this place because it was a pretty place, or very valuable,
+for it was neither; but because it was revealed to him that the place
+was a proper one to establish his doctrines; that he meant to adhere to
+them while he lived; they were not his own, nor were they taught him by
+man, but by the Supreme Ruler of the universe; that his future life
+should prove to his white brethren the sincerity of his professions. He
+then told us that six chiefs should go with us to Chillicothe."
+
+The commissioners left Greenville entirely convinced of the sincerity
+of the Prophet in his declaration of pacific intentions towards the
+United States.[A] Four chiefs, Tecumseh, Blue Jacket, Sti-agh-ta, (or
+Roundhead) and Panther, accompanied them to the seat of government, for
+the purpose of holding a conference with the governor; and giving him
+assurances that the Indians were not assembling at Greenville for the
+purpose of making war upon the frontiers. These chiefs remained about a
+week in Chillicothe, in the course of which a public council was held
+between them and the governor. Stephen Ruddell acted as the
+interpreter. Tecumseh was the principal speaker; and in the course of
+the conference, made a speech which occupied three hours in the
+delivery.
+
+[Footnote A: See Report of Commissioners to governor Kirker, 22d Sept.
+1807, published in the United States Gazette, for that year.]
+
+His great object was to prove the nullity of the treaties under which
+the whites claimed the country north and west of the Ohio. He seemed to
+have a familiar knowledge of all the treaties made with the western
+tribes; reviewed them in their order, and with the most intense
+bitterness and scorn, denounced them as null and void. This speech is
+described by one[A] who heard it, as possessing all the characteristics
+of a high effort of oratory. The utterance of the speaker was rapid and
+vehement; his manner bold and commanding; his gestures impassioned,
+quick and violent, and his countenance indicating that there was
+something more in his mind, struggling for utterance, than he deemed it
+prudent to express. While he fearlessly denied the validity of these
+_pretended_ treaties, and openly avowed his intention to resist the
+further extension of the white settlements upon the Indian lands, he
+disclaimed all intention of making war upon the United States. The
+result was, a conviction on the part of the governor, that no immediate
+danger was to be apprehended from the Indians, at Greenville and fort
+Wayne; and, as a consequence, the militia which had been called into
+service were ordered to be disbanded, and the chiefs returned to their
+head quarters.
+
+[Footnote A: John A. Fulton, formerly mayor of Chillicothe,
+communicated by general James T. Worthington.]
+
+In the autumn of this year, a white man by the name of Myers, was
+killed a few miles west of where the town of Urbana now stands, by some
+straggling Indians. This murder, taken in connection with the
+assemblage of the Indians under Tecumseh and the Prophet, created a
+great alarm on the frontier, and actually induced many families to
+remove back to Kentucky, from whence they had emigrated. A demand was
+made by the whites upon these two brothers for the Indians who had
+committed the murder. They denied that it was done by their party, or
+with their knowledge, and declared that they did not even know who the
+murderers were. The alarm continued, and some companies of militia were
+called out. It was finally agreed, that a council should be held on the
+subject in Springfield, for the purpose of quieting the settlements.
+General Whiteman, major Moore, captain Ward and one or two others,
+acted as commissioners on the part of the whites. Two parties of
+Indians attended the council; one from the north, in charge of
+McPherson; the other, consisting of sixty or seventy, came from the
+neighborhood of fort Wayne, under the charge of Tecumseh. Roundhead,
+Blackfish, and several other chiefs, were also present. There was no
+friendly feeling between these two parties, and each was willing that
+the blame of the murder should be fixed upon the other. The party under
+McPherson, in compliance with the wishes of the commissioners, left
+their arms a few miles from Springfield. Tecumseh and his party refused
+to attend the council, unless permitted to retain their arms. After the
+conference was opened, it being held in a maple grove, a little north
+of where Werden's hotel now stands, the commissioners, fearing some
+violence, made another effort to induce Tecumseh to lay aside his arms.
+This he again refused, saying, in reply, that his tomahawk was also his
+pipe, and that he might wish to use it in that capacity before their
+business was closed. At this moment, a tall, lank-sided Pennsylvanian,
+who was standing among the spectators, and who, perhaps, had no love
+for the shining tomahawk of the self-willed chief, cautiously
+approached, and handed him an old, long stemmed, dirty looking earthen
+pipe, intimating, that if Tecumseh would deliver up the fearful
+tomahawk, he might smoke the aforesaid pipe. The chief took it between
+his thumb and finger, held it up, looked at it for a moment, then at
+the owner, who was gradually receding from the point of danger, and
+immediately threw it, with an indignant sneer, over his head, into the
+bushes. The commissioners yielded the point, and proceeded to business.
+
+After a full and patient enquiry into the facts of the case, it
+appeared that the murder of Myers, was the act of an individual, and
+not justly chargeable upon either party of the Indians. Several
+speeches were made by the chiefs, but Tecumseh was the principal
+speaker. He gave a full explanation of the views of the Prophet and
+himself, in calling around them a band of Indians--disavowed all
+hostile intentions towards the United States, and denied that he or
+those under his control had committed any aggressions upon the whites.
+His manner, when speaking, was animated, fluent and rapid, and made a
+strong impression upon those present. The council terminated. In the
+course of it, the two hostile parties became reconciled to each other,
+and quiet was restored to the frontier.
+
+The Indians remained in Springfield for three days, and on several
+occasions amused themselves by engaging in various games and other
+athletic exercises, in which Tecumseh generally proved himself
+victorious. His strength, and power of muscular action, were remarkably
+great, and in the opinion of those who attended the council,
+corresponded with the high order of his moral and intellectual
+character.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Dr. Hunt.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+  Governor Harrison's address to the Shawanoe chiefs at Greenville--the
+  Prophet's reply--his influence felt among the remote tribes--he is
+  visited in 1808 by great numbers of Indians--Tecumseh and the Prophet
+  remove to Tippecanoe--the latter sends a speech to governor
+  Harrison--makes him a visit at Vincennes.
+
+
+The alarm caused by the assembling of the Indians at Greenville, still
+continuing, governor Harrison, in the autumn of this year, sent to the
+head chiefs of the Shawanoe tribe, by John Conner, one of our Indian
+agents, the following address:--
+
+"My Children--Listen to me, I speak in the name of your father, the
+great chief of the Seventeen Fires.
+
+"My children, it is now twelve years since the tomahawk, which you had
+raised by the advice of your father, the king of Great Britain, was
+buried at Greenville, in the presence of that great warrior, general
+Wayne.
+
+"My children, you then promised, and the Great Spirit heard it, that
+you would in future live in peace and friendship with your brothers,
+the Americans. You made a treaty with your father, and one that
+contained a number of good things, equally beneficial to all the tribes
+of red people, who were parties to it.
+
+"My children, you promised in that treaty to acknowledge no other
+father than the chief of the Seventeen Fires; and never to listen to
+the proposition of any foreign nation. You promised never to lift up
+the tomahawk against any of your father's children, and to give him
+notice of any other tribe that intended it: your father also promised
+to do something for you, particularly to deliver to you, every year, a
+certain quantity of goods; to prevent any white man from settling on
+your lands without your consent, or to do you any personal injury. He
+promised to run a line between your land and his, so that you might
+know your own; and you were to be permitted to live and hunt upon your
+father's land, as long as you behaved yourselves well. My children,
+which of these articles has your father broken? You know that he has
+observed them all with the utmost good faith. But, my children, have
+you done so? Have you not always had your ears open to receive bad
+advice from the white people beyond the lakes?
+
+"My children, let us look back to times that are past. It has been a
+long time since you called the king of Great Britain, father. You know
+that it is the duty of a father to watch over his children, to give
+them good advice, and to do every thing in his power to make them
+happy. What has this father of yours done for you, during the long time
+that you have looked up to him for protection and advice? Are you wiser
+and happier than you were before you knew him; or is your nation
+stronger or more respectable? No, my children, he took you by the hand
+when you were a powerful tribe; you held him fast, supposing he was
+your friend, and he conducted you through paths filled with thorns and
+briers, which tore your flesh and shed your blood. Your strength was
+exhausted, and you could no longer follow him. Did he stay by you in
+your distress, and assist and comfort you? No, he led you into danger,
+and then abandoned you. He saw your blood flowing and he would give you
+no bandage to tie up your wounds. This was the conduct of the man who
+called himself your father. The Great Spirit opened your eyes; you
+heard the voice of the chief of the Seventeen Fires, speaking the words
+of peace. He called to you to follow him; you came to him, and he once
+more put you on the right way, on the broad smooth road that would have
+led to happiness. But the voice of your deceiver is again heard; and
+forgetful of your former sufferings, you are again listening to him.
+
+"My children, shut your ears, and mind him not, or he will lead you to
+ruin and misery.
+
+"My children, I have heard bad news. The sacred spot where the great
+council fire was kindled, around which the Seventeen Fires and ten
+tribes of their children, smoked the pipe of peace--that very spot
+where the Great Spirit saw his red and white children encircle
+themselves with the chain of friendship--that place has been selected
+for dark and bloody councils.
+
+"My children, this business must be stopped. You have called in a
+number of men from the most distant tribes, to listen to a fool, who
+speaks not the words of the Great Spirit, but those of the devil, and
+of the British agents. My children, your conduct has much alarmed the
+white settlers near you. They desire that you will send away those
+people, and if they wish to have the impostor with them, they can carry
+him. Let him go to the lakes; he can hear the British more distinctly."
+
+At the time of the delivery of this speech, the head chiefs of the
+Shawanoes were absent from Greenville. The Prophet, after listening
+patiently to it, requested the interpreter to write down the following
+answer, which was transmitted to the governor.
+
+"Father,--I am very sorry that you listen to the advice of bad birds.
+You have impeached me with having correspondence with the British; and
+with calling and sending for the Indians from the most distant part of
+the country, 'to listen to a fool that speaks not the words of the
+Great Spirit, but the words of the devil.' Father, those impeachments I
+deny, and say they are not true. I never had a word with the British,
+and I never sent for any Indians. They came here themselves to listen,
+and hear the words of the Great Spirit.
+
+"Father, I wish you would not listen any more to the voice of bad
+birds; and you may rest assured that it is the least of our idea to
+make disturbance, and we will rather try to stop any such proceedings
+than to encourage them."
+
+The appeal of the governor, as may be inferred from the evasive and
+cunning answer of the Prophet, produced no change in his measures, nor
+did it arrest the spread of the fanaticism among the Indians which his
+incantations had set afloat. The happiness of the Indians was the great
+idea which Tecumseh and his brother promulgated among their followers
+as being the object of their labors. This was to be attained by leading
+more virtuous lives, by retaining their lands, and in simply doing what
+the government of the United States had frequently urged upon them,
+effecting an extended and friendly union of the different tribes. These
+plausible reasons, backed by the superstitious belief of the Indians in
+the inspired character of the Prophet, and the insidious efforts of the
+British agents, in fomenting discontent among them, were sufficient to
+keep alive the excitement, and even extend the circle of its influence.
+Thus ended the year 1807.
+
+The reader may learn the extraordinary success of the Prophet in
+spreading his influence among the remote tribes, by a reference to the
+narrative of Mr. John Tanner. This man had been taken captive in Boone
+county, Kentucky, when a boy; had been raised by the Indians, and was
+at this time, living among the Ojibbeways, who reside far up the lakes.
+
+News reached that remote tribe that a great man had arisen among the
+Shawanoes, who had been favored by a revelation of the mind and will of
+the Great Spirit. The messenger bearing this information to them,
+seemed deeply penetrated with the sacred character of his mission. Upon
+his arrival among them, he announced himself after a mysterious
+silence, as the forerunner of the great Prophet, who was shortly to
+shake hands with the Ojibbeways, and explain to them more fully his
+inspired character, and the new mode of life and conduct which they
+were hereafter to pursue. He then gravely repeated to them the
+Prophet's system of morals; and in a very solemn manner, enjoined its
+observance. So strong was the impression made upon the principal men of
+the Ojibbeways, that a time was appointed and a lodge prepared for the
+public espousal of these doctrines. When the Indians were assembled in
+the new lodge, "we saw something," says Mr. Tanner, "carefully
+concealed under a blanket, in figure and dimensions bearing some
+resemblance to a man. This was accompanied by two young men, who, it
+was understood, attended constantly upon it, made its bed at night, as
+for a man, and slept near it. But while we remained, no one went near
+to it, or raised the blanket which was spread over its unknown
+contents. Four strings of mouldy and discolored beads were all the
+visible insignia of this important mission.
+
+"After a long harangue, in which the prominent features of the new
+revelation were stated, and urged upon the attention of all, the four
+strings of beads, which we were told were made of the flesh of the
+Prophet, were carried with, much solemnity, to each man in the lodge,
+and he was expected to take hold of each string at the top, and draw
+them gently through his hand: This was called shaking hands with the
+Prophet, and was considered as solemnly engaging to obey his
+injunctions, and accept of his mission as from the Supreme. All the
+Indians who touched the beads had previously killed their dogs; they
+gave up their medicine bags, and showed a disposition to comply with
+all that should be required of them."
+
+The excitement among the Ojibbeways continued for some time; they
+assembled in groups, their faces wearing an aspect of gloom and
+anxiety, while the active sunk into indolence, and the spirit of the
+bravest warriors was subdued. The influence of the Prophet, says Mr.
+Tanner, "was very sensibly and painfully felt by the remotest
+Ojibbeways of whom I had any knowledge: but it was not the common
+impression among them, that his doctrines had any tendency to unite
+them in the accomplishment of any human purpose. For two or three years
+drunkenness was much less frequent than formerly; war was less thought
+of; and the entire aspect of things among them was changed by the
+influence of this mission. But in time these new impressions were
+obliterated; medicine-bags, flints and steels, the use of which had
+been forbidden, were brought into use; dogs were reared, women and
+children beaten as before; and the Shawanoe Prophet was despised."
+
+With the beginning of the year 1808, great numbers of Indians came down
+from the lakes, on a visit to the Prophet, where they remained until
+their means of subsistence were exhausted. The governor of Indiana,
+with the prudence and humanity which marked his administration,
+directed the agent at fort Wayne, to supply them with provisions from
+the public stores at that place. This was done, and from his
+intercourse with them he came to the conclusion that they had no
+hostile designs against the United States. About this time, Tecumseh
+made a visit to the Mississinaway towns, the immediate object of which
+could not be clearly ascertained. That it was connected with the grand
+scheme in which he was engaged, is probable from the fact that the
+Indians of that region agreed to meet him and the Prophet on the
+Wabash, in the following June, to which place he had at this time
+resolved to move his party. Mr. Jouett, one of the United States'
+Indian agents, apprehended that this meeting would result in some
+hostile action against the frontiers; and, as a means of preventing it,
+and putting an end to the influence of the Prophet, recommended to the
+governor that he should be seized and confined. The proposition,
+however, was not entertained.
+
+In the spring of this year, 1808, Tecumseh and the Prophet removed to a
+tract of land granted them by the Potawatamies and Kickapoos, on
+Tippecanoe, one of the tributaries of the Wabash river. They had not
+been long at their new residence before it became apparent that the
+Prophet had established a strong influence over the minds of the
+surrounding Indians, and there was much reason for believing that his
+views were hostile to the United States. The governor still confided in
+the fidelity of the Delawares and the Miamis; but he apprehended, that
+although disbelievers in the Prophet's divine mission, they might be
+turned from the line of duty from a fear of his temporal power. When he
+had established himself upon the banks of the Tippecanoe, the Prophet
+drew around him a body of northern Indians, principally from the
+Potawatamies, Ottowas and Chippewas. To this, the Miamis and Delawares
+had strong objections; and a deputation of the latter was sent to the
+Prophet on the subject. He refused to see them himself, but Tecumseh
+met them; and after a solemn conference, they returned to their tribe
+with increased apprehensions of the combination at Tippecanoe, which
+was now uniting warlike sports with the performance of religious
+duties.[A] The Delawares decided in council to arrest the progress of
+this rising power, but in vain. Strong in the moral force with which
+they were armed, the two brothers were not to be driven from their
+purpose of planting the banner of union, which they were now holding
+out to the tribes, upon the waters of the Wabash. The sacred office
+which the Prophet had impiously assumed, enabled him to sway many
+minds, and in doing so, he was effectively sustained by the personal
+presence, tact and sagacity of his brother. From his youth, Tecumseh
+had been noted for the influence which he exercised over those by whom
+he was surrounded. Hence, when the chiefs of the Miamis and Delawares,
+who were disbelievers in the Prophet's holy character, set out to
+prevent his removal to the Wabash, Tecumseh boldly met them, and turned
+them from their purpose. This was done at a moment when the number of
+the Prophet's followers was greatly reduced, as we gather from the
+statement of the agent, John Conner, who in the month of June, of this
+year, visited his settlement on the Wabash to reclaim some horses which
+had been stolen from the whites. At this time, the Prophet had not more
+than forty of his own tribe with him; and less than a hundred from
+others, principally Potawatamies, Chippewas, Ottawas and Winebagoes.
+The Prophet announced his intention of making a visit to governor
+Harrison, for the purpose of explaining his conduct, and procuring a
+supply of provisions for his followers. This, he insisted, could not be
+consistently withheld from him, as the white people had always
+encouraged him to preach the word of God to the Indians: and in this
+holy work he was now engaged.
+
+[Footnote A: Governor Harrison's Correspondence with the War
+Department.]
+
+Some time in the month of July, the governor received a speech from the
+Prophet, sent to Vincennes by a special messenger. It was cautious,
+artful and pacific in its character. It deprecated in strong terms the
+misrepresentations which had been circulated in regard to the ulterior
+objects of the Prophet and his brother as to the whites; and renewed
+the promise of an early visit. This visit was made in the month
+following, and was continued for two weeks, during which time he and
+the governor had frequent interviews. In these, the Prophet, with his
+characteristic plausibility, denied that his course was the result of
+British influence. His sole object, he alleged, was a benevolent one
+towards his red brethren; to reclaim them from the degrading vices to
+which they were addicted, and induce them to cultivate a spirit of
+peace and friendship, not only with the white people, but their kindred
+tribes. To this sacred office, he insisted, with much earnestness, he
+had been specially called by the Great Spirit. That he might the more
+successfully enforce the sincerity of his views upon the mind of the
+governor, he took occasion several times during the visit, to address
+the Indians who had accompanied him to Vincennes, and dwelt upon the
+great evils resulting to them from wars, and the use of ardent spirits.
+It was apparent to the governor that the Prophet was a man of decided
+talents, of great tact, and admirably qualified to play successfully,
+the part he had assumed. In order to test the extent of his influence
+over his followers, the governor held conversations with them, and
+several times offered them whiskey, which they invariably refused.
+Looking to that amelioration of the condition of the Indians, which had
+long engaged his attention, the governor began to hope that the
+Prophet's power over them might be turned to advantage; and that the
+cause of humanity would be benefited by sustaining rather than trying
+to weaken the influence of the preacher. This impression was much
+strengthened by the following speech which the Prophet delivered to
+him, before the close of the visit.
+
+"Father:--It is three years since I first began with that system of
+religion which I now practice. The white people and some of the Indians
+were against me; but I had no other intention but to introduce among
+the Indians, those good principles of religion which the white people
+profess. I was spoken badly of by the white people, who reproached me
+with misleading the Indians; but I defy them to say that I did any
+thing amiss.
+
+"Father, I was told that you intended to hang me. When I heard this, I
+intended to remember it, and tell my father, when I went to see him,
+and relate to him the truth.
+
+"I heard, when I settled on the Wabash, that my father, the governor,
+had declared that all the land between Vincennes and fort Wayne, was
+the property of the Seventeen Fires. I also heard that you wanted to
+know, my father, whether I was God or man; and that you said if I was
+the former, I should not steal horses. I heard this from Mr. Wells, but
+I believed it originated with himself.
+
+"The Great Spirit told me to tell the Indians that he had made them,
+and made the world--that he had placed them on it to do good, and not
+evil.
+
+"I told all the red skins, that the way they were in was not good, and
+that they ought to abandon it.
+
+"That we ought to consider ourselves as one man; but we ought to live
+agreeably to our several customs, the red people after their mode, and
+the white people after theirs; particularly, that they should not drink
+whiskey; that it was not made for them, but the white people, who alone
+knew how to use it; and that it is the cause of all the mischiefs which
+the Indians suffer; and that they must always follow the directions of
+the Great Spirit, and we must listen to him, as it was he that made us:
+determine to listen to nothing that is bad: do not take up the
+tomahawk, should it be offered by the British, or by the long knives:
+do not meddle with any thing that does not belong to you, but mind your
+own business, and cultivate the ground, that your women and your
+children may have enough to live on.
+
+"I now inform you, that it is our intention to live in peace with our
+father and his people forever.
+
+"My father, I have informed you what we mean to do, and I call the
+Great Spirit to witness the truth of my declaration. The religion which
+I have established for the last three years, has been attended to by
+the different tribes of Indians in this part of the world. Those
+Indians were once different people; they are now but one: they are all
+determined to practice what I have communicated to them, that has come
+immediately from the Great Spirit through me.
+
+"Brother, I speak to you as a warrior. You are one. But let us lay
+aside this character, and attend to the care of our children, that they
+may live in comfort and peace. We desire that you will join us for the
+preservation of both red and white people. Formerly, when we lived in
+ignorance, we were foolish; but now, since we listen to the voice of
+the Great Spirit, we are happy.
+
+"I have listened to what you have said to us. You have promised to
+assist us: I now request you, in behalf of all the red people, to use
+your exertions to prevent the sale of liquor to us. We are all well
+pleased to hear you say that you will endeavor to promote our
+happiness. We give you every assurance that we will follow the dictates
+of the Great Spirit.
+
+"We are all well pleased with the attention that you have showed us;
+also with the good intentions of our father, the President. If you give
+us a few articles, such as needles, flints, hoes, powder, &c., we will
+take the animals that afford us meat, with powder and ball."
+
+Governor Harrison, if not deceived by the plausible pretences and
+apparently candid declarations of the Prophet, was left in doubt,
+whether he was really meditating hostile movements against the United
+States, or only laboring, with the energy of an enthusiast, in the good
+work of promoting the welfare of the Indians. Having received a supply
+of provisions, the Prophet and his followers, at the end of a
+fortnight, took leave of the governor and returned to their head
+quarters, on the banks of the Tippecanoe.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+  Tecumseh visits the Wyandots--governor Harrison's letter about the
+  Prophet to the Secretary at War--British influence over the
+  Indians--Tecumseh burns governor Harrison's letter to the
+  chiefs--great alarm in Indiana, in consequence of the assemblage of
+  the Indians at Tippecanoe--death of Leatherlips, a Wyandot chief on a
+  charge of witchcraft.
+
+
+During the autumn of this year, 1808, nothing material occurred with
+the Prophet and his brother, calculated to throw light upon their
+conduct. The former continued his efforts to induce the Indians to
+forsake their vicious habits. The latter was occupied in visiting the
+neighboring tribes, and quietly strengthening his own and the Prophet's
+influence over them. Early in the succeeding year, Tecumseh attended a
+council of Indians, at Sandusky, when he endeavored to prevail upon the
+Wyandots and Senecas to remove and join his establishment at
+Tippecanoe. Among other reasons presented in favor of this removal, he
+stated that the country on the Tippecanoe was better than that occupied
+by these tribes; that it was remote from the whites, and that in it
+they would have more game and be happier than where they now resided.
+In this mission he appears not to have been successful. The Crane, an
+old chief of the Wyandot tribe, replied, that he feared he, Tecumseh,
+was working for no good purpose at Tippecanoe; that they would wait a
+few years, and then, if they found their red brethren at that place
+contented and happy, they would probably join them.[A] In this visit to
+Sandusky, Tecumseh was accompanied by captain Lewis, a Shawanoe chief
+of some note, who then engaged to go with him to the Creeks and
+Cherokees, on a mission which he was contemplating, and which was
+subsequently accomplished. Lewis, however, did not finally make the
+visit, but permitted Jim Blue Jacket to make the tour in his place.
+
+[Footnote A: Anthony Shane.]
+
+In April of the year 1809, the agent of the United States at fort
+Wayne, informed governor Harrison, that it had been reported to him
+that the Chippewas, Potawatamies and Ottawas, were deserting the
+standard of the Prophet, because they had been required to take up arms
+against the whites, and to unite in an effort to exterminate all the
+inhabitants of Vincennes, and those living on the Ohio, between its
+mouth and Cincinnati--it being the order of the Great Spirit; and that
+their own destruction would be the consequence of a refusal. The agent
+did not think, however, that hostilities were likely to ensue, as he
+was informed there were not more than one hundred warriors remaining
+with the Prophet. The governor, however, had information from other
+sources, that although there might be but that number of warriors at
+the Prophet's village, there were, within fifty miles of his
+head-quarters, four or five times that number, who were devoted to him
+and to his cause. Under these circumstances, he decided to organize
+forthwith, under previous orders from the War department, two companies
+of volunteer militia, and with them to garrison fort Knox--a post about
+two miles from Vincennes--then the general depot of arms and
+ammunition, for the use of the neighboring militia. The agent at fort
+Wayne was accordingly directed by the governor to require the Delaware,
+Miami and Potawatamie tribes, to prevent any hostile parties of Indians
+from passing through their respective territories. This they were bound
+to do, by a stipulation in the treaty of Greenville. But no hostile
+movements, (if any had been meditated,) were made by the Prophet, and
+before the close of the month of May, most of his warriors had
+dispersed, and all apprehension of an attack from the Indians was
+dispelled.
+
+In the month of July, in reply to a letter from the Secretary of War,
+on the subject of the defence of the north-western frontier, governor
+Harrison, in reference to the Prophet, says:
+
+"The Shawanoe Prophet and about forty followers, arrived here about a
+week ago. He denies most strenuously, any participation in the late
+combination to attack our settlements, which he says was entirely
+confined to the tribes of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers; and he
+claims the merit of having prevailed upon them to relinquish their
+intentions.
+
+"I must confess that my suspicions of his guilt have been rather
+strengthened than diminished at every interview I have had with him
+since his arrival. He acknowledges that he received an invitation to
+war against us, from the British, last fall; and that he was apprised
+of the intention of the Sacs and Foxes, &c. early in the spring, and
+was warmly solicited to join in their league. But he could give no
+satisfactory explanation of his neglecting to communicate to me,
+circumstances so extremely interesting to us; and towards which I had a
+few months before directed his attention, and received a solemn
+assurance of his cheerful compliance with the injunctions I had
+impressed upon him.
+
+"The result of all my enquiries on the subject is, that the late
+combination was produced by British intrigue and influence, in
+anticipation of war between them and the United States. It was,
+however, premature and ill-judged, and the event sufficiently manifests
+a great decline in their influence, or in the talents and address, with
+which they have been accustomed to manage their Indian relations.
+
+"The warlike and well armed tribes of the Potawatamies, Ottawas,
+Chippewas, Delawares, and Miamis, I believe, neither had, nor would
+have, joined in the combination; and although the Kickapoos, whose
+warriors are better them those of any other tribe, the remnant of the
+Wyandots excepted, are much under the influence of the Prophet, I am
+persuaded that they were never made acquainted with his intentions, if
+these were really hostile to the United States."
+
+In the latter part of the year 1809, under instructions from the
+President of the United States, governor Harrison deemed the period a
+favorable one to extinguish the Indian title to the lands on the east
+of the Wabash, and adjoining south on the lines established by the
+former treaties of fort Wayne and Grousland. A council was accordingly
+held, in the latter part of September, at fort Wayne, with the Miami,
+Eel river, Delaware and Potawatamie tribes, which resulted in the
+purchase of the land above mentioned. A separate treaty was made with
+the Kickapoos, who confirmed the grants made at the above treaty, and
+also ceded another tract. In making these treaties, governor Harrison
+invited all those Indians to be present, who were considered as having
+any title to the lands embraced within them.
+
+Throughout the remainder of the year 1809, things remained quiet with
+Tecumseh and the Prophet. The number of their followers was again on
+the increase; and, although no overt acts of hostility against the
+frontier settlements were committed, there was a prevalent suspicion in
+that quarter, that the Indians entertained sinister designs towards the
+whites. The events of the early part of the year 1810, were such as to
+leave little doubt of the hostile intentions of the brothers. In the
+latter part of April, governor Harrison was informed, upon credible
+authority, that the Prophet was really instigating the Indians to acts
+of hostility against the United States; and that he had under his
+immediate control about four hundred warriors, chiefly composed of
+Kickapoos and Winnebagoes, but embracing also some Shawanoes,
+Potawatamies, Chippewas, and Ottawas. The traders among them attributed
+this hostile feeling to British influence. That the followers of the
+Prophet had received a supply of powder and ball from the English
+agents, was generally admitted. They refused to buy ammunition from our
+traders, alleging that they were plentifully supplied from a quarter
+where it cost them nothing. About the middle of May, it was ascertained
+that the number of warriors with the Prophet, amounted to more than six
+hundred men, and there were reasons to apprehend that his influence had
+kindled a hostile feeling among several of the tribes to the west and
+north of his head quarters. A meeting of Indians having been appointed
+to take place about this time, on the St. Joseph's river, governor
+Harrison made an appeal to them through the Delawares, in which he
+forcibly pointed out the unhappy results that would certainly follow
+any attack upon the United States; and cautioned the friendly tribes,
+upon the dangers to which they would be subjected, in consequence of
+the difficulty of discriminating between friends and enemies, in case a
+war should occur. In July the governor was authorized by the Secretary
+of War, to take such steps as he might deem necessary for the
+protection of the frontier; and, at the same time was informed that
+some troops had been ordered to Vincennes to keep in check the hostile
+Indians of that quarter.
+
+Fresh apprehensions were now felt for the safety of the frontiers. The
+Prophet, it appears, had gained over to his cause the Wyandot tribe,
+whose councils had always exerted a strong influence among the Indians.
+To this tribe had been committed the preservation of the Great Belt,
+the symbol of union among the tribes in their late war with the United
+States; and also the original duplicate of the Greenville treaty of
+1795. The Prophet sent a deputation to the Wyandots requesting
+permission to examine the provisions of that treaty, and artfully
+expressing his astonishment that they, who had ever directed the
+councils of the Indians, and who were alike renowned for their talents
+and bravery, should remain passive, and see the lands of the red men
+usurped by a part of that race. The Wyandots, pleased with these
+flattering speeches, replied, that they had carefully preserved the
+former symbol of union among the tribes; but it had remained so long in
+their hands without being called for, they supposed it was forgotten.
+They further replied, that weary of their present situation, they felt
+desirous of seeing all the tribes united in one great confederacy: that
+they would join such a union, and labor to arrest the encroachments of
+the whites upon their lands, and if possible recover those which had
+been unjustly taken from them. This reply of the Wyandots was exactly
+suited to the objects of the Prophet; and he lost no time in sending
+his heralds with it, in every direction. The Wyandots soon afterwards
+made a visit to Tippecanoe; and in passing thither, had a conference
+with some of the Miami chiefs, to whom they showed the great belt, and
+charged them with having joined the whites in opposition to their red
+brethren. The Miamis at length concluded to join in a visit to the
+Prophet, and also invited the Weas to join with them.
+
+About this time, the governor was informed by an aged Piankishaw,
+friendly to the United States, that the Prophet had actually formed a
+plan for destroying the citizens of Vincennes by a general massacre;
+and that he boasted that he would walk in the footsteps of the great
+Pontiac. From another source the governor learned that there were
+probably three hundred Indians within thirty miles of the Prophet's
+quarters; and that although their proceedings were conducted with great
+secrecy, it had been discovered that they were determined to stop the
+United States' surveyors from running any lines west of the Wabash.
+Other evidences of approaching hostilities were not wanting. The
+Prophet, and the Kickapoos who were at his village, refused to accept
+the salt which had been sent up to them as a part of their annuities,
+and after it had been put upon the shore, the carriers were not only
+required to replace it in their boat, but whilst doing so, were treated
+with rudeness, and ordered to take the salt back to Vincennes. They
+were Frenchmen, or in all probability they would have been treated
+still more harshly.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Governor Harrison's letters to the War Department.]
+
+In the early part of July, governor Harrison received a letter from
+John Johnston, Indian agent at fort Wayne, in which he says:
+
+"A person just arrived, who it appears has lost himself in his route to
+Vincennes, affords me an opportunity of announcing to you my return to
+this fort. I was delayed on my journey in attending to the
+transportation of the public goods; and on my arrival in the state of
+Ohio, I had learned that the Prophet's brother had lately been at work
+among the Shawanoes, on the Auglaize; and, among other things, had
+burned your letter delivered to the chiefs at this place last fall. I
+accordingly took Wapakonetta in my route home, assembled the chiefs,
+and demanded the reason why they had suffered such an improper act to
+be committed at their door. They disavowed all agency in the
+transaction, and their entire disapprobation of the Prophet's conduct;
+and concurring circumstances satisfied me that they were sincere. The
+white persons at the town informed me that not one of the chiefs would
+go into council with the Prophet's brother, and that it was a preacher
+named Riddle, who took the letter to have it interpreted, and that the
+brother of the Prophet took it from his hand, and threw it into the
+fire, declaring, that if governor Harrison were there, he would serve
+_him_ so. He told the Indians that the white people and the government
+were deceiving them, and that for his part, he never would believe
+them, or put any confidence in them; that he never would be quiet until
+he effected his purpose; and that if he was dead, _the cause_ would not
+die with him. He urged the Indians to move off to the Mississippi with
+him, saying, that there he would assemble his forces. All his arguments
+seemed to be bottomed on the prospect of hostilities against our
+people. He made no impression on the Shawanoes, and went away much
+dissatisfied at their not coming into his views. I consider them among
+our best friends. I indirectly encouraged their emigration westward,
+and told them their annuity should follow them. They appear determined
+to remain, and are much attached to the town and the improvements,
+which are considerable."
+
+Notwithstanding the Prophet appears in all these recent transactions,
+to be the prominent individual, it is certain that a greater one was
+behind the scene. In the junction of the Wyandots with the Prophet, may
+be seen the result of Tecumseh's visit to that tribe, in the previous
+year, at Sandusky, an account of which has been already given. In
+regard to the salt annuity, the Prophet knew not what course to pursue,
+until he had consulted with his brother. Tecumseh, burning the
+governor's letter, and the threat, that if he were present he should
+meet the same fate, were acts in keeping with his bold character, and
+well calculated to maintain his ascendancy among the Indians. While the
+Prophet was nominally the head of the new party, and undoubtedly
+exercised much influence by means of his supposed supernatural power,
+he was but an agent, controlled and directed by a master spirit, whose
+energy, address and ceaseless activity, were all directed to the
+accomplishment of the grand plan to which he had solemnly devoted his
+life.
+
+The information which flowed in upon governor Harrison, from different
+quarters, relative to the movements of Tecumseh and the Prophet, and
+the number of their followers, were such as to induce him to make the
+most active preparations to meet the impending storm. A meeting of the
+citizens of Vincennes was held on the subject, two companies of militia
+were called into active service, and the rest were directed to hold
+themselves in readiness for the field. Alarm-posts were established,
+and other measures adopted, especially for the preservation of
+Vincennes, which appeared to have been fixed upon as the first point of
+attack.
+
+Toward the close of June, Winnemac, at the head of a deputation of
+Potawatamies, visited the governor at Vincennes, for the purpose of
+informing him of the decision of a council, held at the St. Joseph's of
+lake Michigan, which had been attended by all the tribes of that
+quarter, and by a delegation from the Delawares. This deputation was
+present for the purpose of dissuading the Indians from joining the
+Prophet. The duty appears to have been faithfully performed by them.
+They protested in strong terms, against the schemes of the Prophet and
+his brother, and induced, it is believed, these tribes to give up all
+idea of joining them. Winnemac was directed to inform the governor, of
+the determination to which they had come, and also, to lay before him
+the plans of the Prophet. According to the information before the
+council, Detroit, St. Louis, fort Wayne, Chicago and Vincennes, were
+all to be surprised. Efforts were making to persuade the tribes
+residing on the Mississippi, to unite in the confederacy. It further
+appeared, that the followers of the Prophet, drawn as they were from
+all the tribes, embraced but few, if any of the peace chiefs, while not
+a few of the war chiefs, or the leaders of small parties, were
+enrolling themselves under his standard. Winnemac stated to the
+governor, that the Prophet had actually suggested to his young men, the
+expediency of murdering all the leading chiefs of the surrounding
+tribes, on the plea that their own hands would never be untied until
+this was done. They, he said, were the men who sold their lands, and
+invited the encroachments of the whites.
+
+About the period of Winnemac's visit, an Indian belonging to the Iowa
+tribe, told general Harrison, that two years before, a British agent
+visited the Prophet, and delivered a message to him. The object was to
+induce the Prophet to persevere in uniting the tribes against the
+United States, but not to make any hostile movement, until the signal
+was given him by the British authorities. From this Iowa, and others of
+his tribe, the governor ascertained that the Prophet had been
+soliciting them and other tribes on the Mississippi to join the
+confederacy. To these the Prophet stated, in his plausible manner, that
+the Americans were ceaselessly and silently invading the Indians, until
+those who had suffered most, had resolved to be driven back no farther;
+and that it was the duty of the remote tribes upon whose lands the
+march of civilization had not yet pressed, to assist those who had
+already lost theirs, or in turn a corresponding calamity would follow
+upon them. This, the Prophet declared, he was directed by the Great
+Spirit of the Indians to tell them, adding, that this Great Spirit
+would utterly destroy them, if they ventured to doubt the words of his
+chosen Prophet.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: General Harrison's official correspondence--Dawson's
+Historical Narrative.]
+
+On the first of June, a Wyandot chief, called Leatherlips, paid the
+forfeit of his life on a charge of witchcraft. General Harrison
+entertained the opinion that his death was the result of the Prophet's
+command, and that the party who acted as executioners went directly
+from Tippecanoe, to the banks of the Scioto, where the tragedy was
+enacted. Leatherlips was found encamped upon that stream, twelve miles
+above Columbus. The six Wyandots who put him to death, were headed, it
+is supposed, by the chief Roundhead. An effort was made by some white
+men who were present to save the life of the accused, but without
+success. A council of two or three hours took place: the accusing party
+spoke with warmth and bitterness of feeling: Leatherlips was calm and
+dispassionate in his replies. The sentence of death, which had been
+previously passed upon him, was reaffirmed. "The prisoner then walked
+slowly to his camp, partook of a dinner of jerked venison, washed and
+arrayed himself in his best apparel, and afterwards painted his face.
+His dress was very rich--his hair gray, and his whole appearance
+graceful and commanding." When the hour for the execution had arrived,
+Leatherlips shook hands in silence with the spectators. "He then turned
+from his wigwam, and with a voice of surpassing strength and melody
+commenced the chant of the death song. He was followed closely by the
+Wyandot warriors, all timing with their slow and measured march, the
+music of his wild and melancholy dirge. The white men were likewise all
+silent followers in that strange procession. At the distance of seventy
+or eighty yards from the camp, they came to a shallow grave, which,
+unknown to the white men, had been previously prepared by the Indians.
+Here the old man knelt down, and in an elevated but solemn tone of
+voice, addressed his prayer to the Great Spirit. As soon as he had
+finished, the captain of the Indians knelt beside him, and prayed in a
+similar manner. Their prayers of course were spoken in the Wyandot
+tongue. * * * * After a few moments delay, the prisoner again sank
+down upon his knees and prayed as he had done before. When he had
+ceased, he still continued in a kneeling position. All the rifles
+belonging to the party had been left at the wigwam. There was not a
+weapon of any kind to be seen at the place of execution, and the
+spectators were consequently unable to form any conjecture as to the
+mode of procedure, which the executioners had determined on, for the
+fulfilment of their purpose. Suddenly one of the warriors drew from
+beneath the skirts of his capote, a keen, bright tomahawk--walked
+rapidly up behind the chieftain--brandished the weapon on high, for a
+single moment, and then struck with his whole strength. The blow
+descended directly upon the crown of the head, and the victim
+immediately fell prostrate. After he had lain awhile in the agonies of
+death, the Indian captain directed the attention of the white men to
+the drops of sweat which were gathering upon his neck and face;
+remarked with much apparent exultation, that it was conclusive proof of
+the sufferer's guilt. Again the executioner advanced, and with the same
+weapon, inflicted two or three additional and heavy blows. As soon as
+life was entirely extinct, the body was hastily buried, with all its
+apparel and decorations; and the assemblage dispersed."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Mr. Otway Curry, in the Hesperian for May, 1838.]
+
+One of Mr. Heckewelder's correspondents, as quoted in his Historical
+Account of the Indian Nations, makes Tarhe, better known by the name of
+Crane, the leader of this party. This has been denied; and, the
+letter[A] of general Harrison on the subject, proves quite conclusively
+that this celebrated chief had nothing to do with the execution of
+Leatherlips. Mr. Heckewelder's correspondent concurs in the opinion
+that the original order for the death of this old man, was issued from
+the head quarters of the Prophet and his brother.
+
+[Footnote A: Published in the Hesperian for July, 1838.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+  Governor Harrison makes another effort to ascertain the designs of
+  Tecumseh and the Prophet--Tecumseh visits the governor at Vincennes,
+  attended by four hundred warriors--a council is held--Tecumseh
+  becomes deeply excited, and charges governor Harrison with
+  falsehood--council broken up in disorder--renewed the next day.
+
+
+For the purpose of ascertaining more fully the designs of the Prophet
+and his brother, governor Harrison now despatched two confidential
+agents to their head quarters at Tippecanoe. One of these agents, Mr.
+Dubois, was kindly received by the Prophet. He stated to him that he
+had been sent by governor Harrison to ascertain the reason of his
+hostile preparations, and of his enmity to the United States; that his
+conduct had created so much alarm, that warriors both in Kentucky and
+Indiana were arming for service, and that a detachment of regular
+troops was then actually on its way to Vincennes: that he was further
+authorized by the governor to say, that these preparations were only
+for defence; that no attempt would be made against him, until _his_
+intention to commence hostilities could be doubted no longer. The
+Prophet denied that he intended to make war, and declared that on this
+point he had been unjustly accused: that it was by the express commands
+of the Great Spirit that he had fixed himself there; and that he was
+ordered to assemble the Indians at that spot. When urged by the agent
+to state the grounds of his complaints against the United States, he
+replied, the Indians had been cheated of their lands; that no sale was
+valid unless sanctioned by all the tribes. He was assured that the
+government would listen to any complaints he might have to urge; and
+that it was expedient for him to go to Vincennes and see governor
+Harrison on the subject. This he declined doing, giving as a reason,
+that on his former visit to him, he had been badly treated. Mr. Dubois
+met at the Prophet's town with some Kickapoos, with whom he was
+acquainted. They seemed to regret having joined the Prophet, and
+admitted that they had long suspected that it was his wish to go to war
+with the United States. War was undoubtedly his intention, but whether
+against the United States or the Osage nation, they were unable to say
+with certainty. Mr. Dubois, on this trip, visited the Wea and Eel river
+tribes, and found them apprehensive that war would ensue, and that they
+would find themselves involved in it.
+
+The letter of general Harrison to the Secretary of War, detailing the
+results of this mission, concludes with the following remarks upon the
+principles long and stoutly contended for by Tecumseh, that the Indian
+lands were the common property of all the tribes, and could not be sold
+without the consent of all.
+
+"The subject of allowing the Indians of this country to consider all
+their lands as common property, has been frequently and largely
+discussed, in my communications with your predecessor, and in a
+personal interview with the late President. The treaties made by me
+last fall were concluded on principles as liberal towards the Indians,
+as my knowledge of the views and opinions of the government would
+allow. For although great latitude of discretion has always been given
+to me, I knew that the opinion of Mr. Jefferson on the subject went so
+far as to assert a claim of the United States, as lords paramount, to
+the lands of all extinguished or decayed tribes, to the exclusion of
+all recent settlers. Upon this principle, the Miami nation are the only
+rightful claimants of all the unpurchased lands from the Ohio to the
+Illinois and Mississippi rivers. But, sir, the President may rest
+assured that the complaint of injury, with regard to the sale of lands,
+is a mere pretence suggested to the Prophet by British partisans and
+emissaries."
+
+Early in July, some of the Prophet's followers descended the Wabash to
+a point below Terre Haute, and stole several horses. A few days
+afterwards, governor Harrison ascertained from a party of Indians who
+were on a visit to Vincennes, that the Sacs and Foxes had taken up the
+hatchet, and declared themselves ready to act with the Prophet,
+whenever it should be required. It was further stated, that a Miami
+chief, who had just returned from his annual visit to Malden, after
+receiving his usual stipend of goods, was addressed by the British
+agent, Elliot, in these words: "My son, keep your eyes fixed on me--my
+tomahawk is now up--be you ready, but do not strike till I give the
+signal."
+
+About the same time, the governor, in the hope of staying the movements
+of the Prophet, or at least of ascertaining the amount of his forces,
+forwarded to him by a confidential interpreter, the following speech:
+
+"William Henry Harrison, governor and commander-in-chief of the
+territory of Indiana, to the Shawanoe chief, and the Indians assembled
+at Tippecanoe:
+
+"Notwithstanding the improper language which you have used towards me,
+I will endeavor to open your eyes to your true interests.
+Notwithstanding what white bad men have told you, I am not your
+personal enemy. You ought to know this from the manner in which I
+received and treated you, on your visit to this place.
+
+"Although I must say, that you are an enemy to the Seventeen Fires, and
+that you have used the greatest exertions with other tribes to lead
+them astray. In this, you have been in some measure successful; as I am
+told they are ready to raise the tomahawk against their father; yet
+their father, notwithstanding his anger at their folly, is full of
+goodness, and is always ready to receive into his arms those of his
+children who are willing to repent, acknowledge their fault, and ask
+for his forgiveness.
+
+"There is yet but little harm done, which may be easily repaired. The
+chain of friendship which united the whites with the Indians, may be
+renewed, and be as strong as ever. A great deal of that work depends on
+you--the destiny of those who are under your direction, depends upon
+the choice you may make of the two roads which are before you. The one
+is large, open and pleasant, and leads to peace, security and
+happiness; the other, on the contrary, is narrow and crooked, and leads
+to misery and ruin. Don't deceive yourselves; do not believe that all
+the nations of Indians united, are able to resist the force of the
+Seventeen Fires. I know your warriors are brave, but ours are not less
+so; but what can a few brave warriors do, against the innumerable
+warriors of the Seventeen Fires? Our blue coats are more numerous than
+you can count; our hunters are like the leaves of the forest, or the
+grains of sand on the Wabash.
+
+"Do not think that the red coats can protect you; they are not able to
+protect themselves. They do not think of going to war with us. If they
+did, you would in a few moons see our flag wave over all the forts of
+Canada.
+
+"What reason have you to complain of the Seventeen Fires? have they
+taken any thing from you--have they ever violated the treaties made
+with the red men? You say that they purchased lands from them who had
+no right to sell them: show that this is true, and the land will be
+instantly restored. Show us the rightful owners of those lands which
+have been purchased--let them present themselves. The ears of your
+father will be opened to your complaints, and if the lands have been
+purchased of those who did not own them, they will be restored to the
+rightful owners. I have full power to arrange this business; but if you
+would rather carry your complaints before your great father, the
+President, you shall be indulged. I will immediately take means to send
+you with those chiefs which you may choose, to the city where your
+father lives. Every thing necessary shall be prepared for your journey,
+and means taken for your safe return."
+
+Tecumseh was present when the interpreter delivered this speech. The
+Prophet made no reply to it, but promised to send one by his brother,
+who intended, in a few weeks, to make a visit to governor Harrison. In
+conversation, however, with the interpreter, the Prophet strongly
+disavowed the idea that he had any hostile intentions; but at the same
+time declared, that it would not be practicable long to maintain peace
+with the United States, unless the government would recognize the
+principle, that the lands were the common property of _all_ the
+Indians; and cease to make any further settlement to the north and
+west. "The Great Spirit" continued he, "gave this great island to his
+red children; he placed the whites on the other side of the big water;
+they were not contented with their own, but came to take ours from us.
+They have driven us from the sea to the lakes: we can go no further.
+They have taken upon them to say, this tract belongs to the Miamis,
+this to the Delawares, and so on; but the Great Spirit intended it as
+the common property of us all. Our father tells us, that we have no
+business upon the Wabash, the land belongs to other tribes; but the
+Great Spirit ordered us to come here, and here we will stay." He
+expressed himself, in the course of the conversation, gratified with
+the speech which the governor had sent him; saying, he recollected to
+have seen him, when a very young man, sitting by the side of general
+Wayne.
+
+Some of the Indians, then at the Prophet's town, appeared to be alarmed
+at the arrival of the interpreter, and professed themselves
+dissatisfied with the conduct of their leaders. Tecumseh told him, that
+in making his promised visit to the governor, he should bring with him
+about thirty of his principal warriors; and as the young men were fond
+of attending on such occasions, the whole number might probably be one
+hundred. The Prophet added, that the governor might expect to see a
+still larger number than that named by his brother.
+
+Upon the return of the interpreter to Vincennes, the governor, not
+wishing to be burthened with so large a body of Indians, despatched a
+messenger to Tecumseh, requesting that he would bring with him but a
+few of his followers. This request, however, was wholly disregarded;
+and on the 12th of August, the chief, attended by four hundred
+warriors, fully armed with tomahawks and war-clubs, descended the
+Wabash to Vincennes, for the purpose of holding the proposed
+conference. From a family letter written by captain Floyd, then
+commanding at fort Knox, three miles above Vincennes, under date of
+14th of August, 1810, the following extract is made, referring to this
+visit of the chieftain and his war-like retinue.
+
+"Nothing new has transpired since my last letter to you, except that
+the Shawanoe Indians have come; they passed this garrison, which is
+three miles above Vincennes, on Sunday last, in eighty canoes; they
+were all painted in the most terrific manner: they were stopped at the
+garrison by me, for a short time: I examined their canoes and found
+them well prepared for war, in case of an attack. They were headed by
+the brother of the Prophet, (Tecumseh) who, perhaps, is one of the
+finest looking men I ever saw--about six feet high, straight, with
+large, fine features, and altogether a daring, bold looking fellow. The
+governor's council with them will commence to-morrow morning. He has
+directed me to attend."
+
+Governor Harrison had made arrangements for holding the council on the
+portico of his own house, which had been fitted up with seats for the
+occasion. Here, on the morning of the fifteenth, he awaited the arrival
+of the chief, being attended by the judges of the Supreme Court, some
+officers of the army, a sergeant and twelve men, from fort Knox, and a
+large number of citizens. At the appointed hour Tecumseh, supported by
+forty of his principal warriors, made his appearance, the remainder of
+his followers being encamped in the village and its environs. When the
+chief had approached within thirty or forty yards of the house, he
+suddenly stopped, as if awaiting some advances from the governor. An
+interpreter was sent requesting him and his followers to take seats on
+the portico. To this Tecumseh objected--he did not think the place a
+suitable one for holding the conference, but preferred that it should
+take place in a grove of trees,--to which he pointed,--standing a short
+distance from the house. The governor said he had no objection to the
+grove, except that there were no seats in it for their accommodation.
+Tecumseh replied, that constituted no objection to the grove, the earth
+being the most suitable place for the Indians, who loved to repose upon
+the bosom of their mother. The governor yielded the point, and the
+benches and chairs having been removed to the spot, the conference was
+begun, the Indians being seated on the grass.
+
+Tecumseh opened the meeting by stating, at length, his objections to
+the treaty of fort Wayne, made by governor Harrison in the previous
+year; and in the course of his speech, boldly avowed the principle of
+his party to be, that of resistance to every cession of land, unless
+made by all the tribes, who, he contended, formed but one nation. He
+admitted that he had threatened to kill the chiefs who signed the
+treaty of fort Wayne; and that it was his fixed determination not to
+permit the _village_ chiefs, in future, to manage their affairs, but to
+place the power with which _they_ had been heretofore invested, in the
+hands of the war chiefs. The Americans, he said, had driven the Indians
+from the sea coast, and would soon push them into the lakes; and, while
+he disclaimed all intention of making war upon the United States, he
+declared it to be his unalterable resolution to take a stand, and
+resolutely oppose the further intrusion of the whites upon the Indian
+lands. He concluded, by making a brief but impassioned recital of the
+various wrongs and aggressions inflicted by the white men upon the
+Indians, from the commencement of the Revolutionary war down to the
+period of that council; all of which was calculated to arouse and
+inflame the minds of such of his followers as were present.
+
+The governor rose in reply, and in examining the right of Tecumseh and
+his party to make objections to the treaty of fort Wayne, took occasion
+to say, that the Indians were not one nation, having a common property
+in the lands. The Miamis, he contended, were the real owners of the
+tract on the Wabash, ceded by the late treaty, and the Shawanoes had no
+right to interfere in the case; that upon the arrival of the whites on
+this continent, they had found the Miamis in possession of this land,
+the Shawanoes being then residents of Georgia, from which they had been
+driven by the Creeks, and that it was ridiculous to assert that the red
+men constituted but one nation; for, if such had been the intention of
+the Great Spirit, he would not have put different tongues in their
+heads, but have taught them all to speak the same language.
+
+The governor having taken his seat, the interpreter commenced
+explaining the speech to Tecumseh, who, after listening to a portion of
+it, sprung to his feet and began to speak with great vehemence of
+manner.
+
+The governor was surprised at his violent gestures, but as he did not
+understand him, thought he was making some explanation, and suffered
+his attention to be drawn towards Winnemac, a friendly Indian lying on
+the grass before him, who was renewing the priming of his pistol, which
+he had kept concealed from the other Indians, but in full view of the
+governor. His attention, however, was again directed towards Tecumseh,
+by hearing general Gibson, who was intimately acquainted with the
+Shawanoe language, say to lieutenant Jennings, "those fellows intend
+mischief; you had better bring up the guard." At that moment, the
+followers of Tecumseh seized their tomahawks and war clubs, and sprung
+upon their feet, their eyes turned upon the governor. As soon as he
+could disengage himself from the armed chair in which he sat, he rose,
+drew a small sword which he had by his side, and stood on the
+defensive. Captain G.R. Floyd, of the army, who stood near him, drew a
+dirk, and the chief Winnemac cocked his pistol. The citizens present,
+were more numerous than the Indians, but were unarmed; some of them
+procured clubs and brick-bats, and also stood on the defensive. The
+Rev. Mr. Winans, of the Methodist church, ran to the governor's house,
+got a gun, and posted himself at the door to defend the family. During
+this singular scene, no one spoke, until the guard came running up, and
+appearing to be in the act of firing, the governor ordered them not to
+do so. He then demanded of the interpreter, an explanation of what had
+happened, who replied that Tecumseh had interrupted him, declaring that
+all the governor had said was _false_; and that he and the Seventeen
+Fires had cheated and imposed on the Indians.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Dawson's Historical Narrative.]
+
+The governor then told Tecumseh that he was a bad man, and that he
+would hold no further communication with him; that as he had come to
+Vincennes under the protection of a council-fire, he might return in
+safety, but that he must immediately leave the village. Here the
+council terminated. During the night, two companies of militia were
+brought in from the country, and that belonging to the town was also
+embodied. Next morning Tecumseh requested the governor to afford him an
+opportunity of explaining his conduct on the previous day--declaring,
+that he did not intend to attack the governor, and that he had acted
+under the advice of some of the white people. The governor consented to
+another interview, it being understood that each party should have the
+same armed force as on the previous day. On this occasion, the
+deportment of Tecumseh was respectful and dignified. He again denied
+having had any intention to make an attack upon the governor, and
+declared that he had been stimulated to the course he had taken, by two
+white men, who assured him that one half of the citizens were opposed
+to the governor, and willing to restore the land in question; that the
+governor would soon be put out of office, and a good man sent to fill
+his place, who would give up the land to the Indians. When asked by the
+governor whether he intended to resist the survey of these lands,
+Tecumseh replied that he and his followers were resolutely determined
+to insist upon the old boundary. When he had taken his seat, chiefs
+from the Wyandots, Kickapoos, Potawatamies, Ottawas, and Winnebagoes,
+spoke in succession, and distinctly avowed that they had entered into
+the Shawanoe confederacy, and were determined to support the principles
+laid down by their leader. The governor, in conclusion, stated that he
+would make known to the President, the claims of Tecumseh and his
+party, to the land in question; but that he was satisfied the
+government would never admit that the lands on the Wabash were the
+property of any other tribes than those who occupied them, when the
+white people first arrived in America; and, as the title to these lands
+had been derived by purchase from those tribes, he might rest assured
+that the right of the United States would be sustained by the sword.
+Here the council adjourned.
+
+On the following day, governor Harrison visited Tecumseh in his camp,
+attended only by the interpreter, and was very politely received. A
+long conversation ensued, in which Tecumseh again declared that his
+intentions were really such as he had avowed them to be in the council;
+that the policy which the United States pursued, of purchasing lands
+from the Indians, he viewed as a mighty water, ready to overflow his
+people; and that the confederacy which he was forming among the tribes
+to prevent any individual tribe from selling without the consent of the
+others, was the dam he was erecting to resist this mighty water. He
+stated further, that he should be reluctantly drawn into a war with the
+United States; and that if he, the governor, would induce the President
+to give up the lands lately purchased, and agree never to make another
+treaty without the consent of all the tribes, he would be their
+faithful ally and assist them in the war, which he knew was about to
+take place with England; that he preferred being the ally of the
+Seventeen Fires, but if they did not comply with his request, he would
+be compelled to unite with the British. The governor replied, that he
+would make known his views to the President, but that there was no
+probability of their being agreed to. "Well," said Tecumseh, "as the
+great chief is to determine the matter, I hope the Great Spirit will
+put sense enough into his head to induce him to give up this land: it
+is true, he is so far off he will not be injured by the war; he may sit
+still in his town and drink his wine, whilst you and I will have to
+fight it out." This prophecy, it will be seen, was literally fulfilled;
+and the great chieftain who uttered it, attested that fulfilment with
+his blood. The governor, in conclusion, proposed to Tecumseh, that in
+the event of hostilities between the Indians and the United States, he
+should use his influence to put an end to the cruel mode of warfare
+which the Indians were accustomed to wage upon women and children, or
+upon prisoners. To this he cheerfully assented; and, it is due to the
+memory of Tecumseh to add, that he faithfully kept his promise down to
+the period of his death.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: In Marshall's History of Kentucky, vol. 2. p. 482, there
+is a speech quoted as having been delivered by Tecumseh at this
+council. We are authorised, on the best authority, to say that it is a
+sheer fabrication. No such speech was delivered by him at the council.]
+
+Whether in this council Tecumseh really meditated treachery or only
+intended to intimidate the governor, must remain a matter of
+conjecture. If the former, his force of four hundred well armed
+warriors was sufficient to have murdered the inhabitants and sacked the
+town, which at that time did not contain more than one thousand
+persons, including women and children. When in the progress of the
+conference, he and his forty followers sprung to their arms, there
+would have been, in all probability, a corresponding movement with the
+remainder of his warriors encamped in and around the village, had he
+seriously contemplated an, attack upon the governor and the
+inhabitants. But this does not appear to have been the case. It is
+probable, therefore, that Tecumseh, in visiting Vincennes with so large
+a body of followers, expected to make a strong impression upon the
+whites as to the extent of his influence among the Indians, and the
+strength of his party. His movement in the council may have been
+concerted for the purpose of intimidating the governor; but the more
+probable supposition is, that in the excitement of the moment, produced
+by the speech of the governor, he lost his self-possession, and
+involuntarily placed his hand upon his war-club, in which movement he
+was followed by the warriors around him, without any previous intention
+of proceeding to extremities. Whatever may have been the fact, the bold
+chieftain found in governor Harrison a firmness of purpose and an
+intrepidity of manner which must have convinced him that nothing was to
+be gained by an effort at intimidation, however daring.
+
+Soon after the close of this memorable council, governor Harrison made
+arrangements for the survey of the land purchased at the treaty of fort
+Wayne, under the protection of a detachment of soldiers. About the same
+time, "a young Iowa chief, whom the governor had employed to go to the
+Prophet's town to gain information, reported, on his return; that he
+had been told by an old Winnebago chief, who was his relation, that the
+great Belt which had been sent round to all the tribes, for the purpose
+of uniting them, was returned; and he mentioned a considerable number
+who had acceded to the confederacy, the object of which was 'to confine
+the great water and prevent it from overflowing them.' That the belt
+since its return had been sent to the British agent, who danced for joy
+at seeing so many tribes had joined against the United States. That the
+Prophet had sent a speech to his confedrates not to be discouraged at
+the apparent defection of some of the tribes near him; for that it was
+all a sham, intended to deceive the white people; that these tribes
+hated the Seventeen Fires; and that though they gave them sweet words,
+they were like grass plucked up by the roots, they would soon wither
+and come to nothing. The old Winnebago chief told him with tears in his
+eyes, that he himself and all the village chiefs, had been divested of
+their power, and that everything was managed by the warriors, who
+breathed nothing but war against the United States.[A]"
+
+[Footnote A: Dawson's Historical Narrative.]
+
+Governor Harrison, in his address to the legislature of Indiana, in the
+month of November of this year, refers to the difficulties with the
+Indians at Tippecanoe; and bears testimony to the fact, that the
+Prophet and Tecumseh were instigated to assume a hostile attitude
+towards the United States, by British influence. He says,
+
+"It is with regret that I have to inform you that the harmony and good
+understanding which it is so much our interest to cultivate with our
+neighbors, the aborigines, have for some time past experienced
+considerable interruption, and that we have indeed been threatened with
+hostilities, by a combination formed under the auspices of a bold
+adventurer, who pretends to act under the immediate inspiration of the
+Deity. His character as a Prophet would not, however, have given him
+any very dangerous influence, if he had not been assisted by the
+intrigues and advice of foreign agents, and other disaffected persons,
+who have for many years omitted no opportunity of counteracting the
+measures of the government with regard to the Indians, and filling
+their naturally jealous minds with suspicions of the justice and
+integrity of our views towards them."
+
+That our government was sincerely desirous of preserving peace with
+these disaffected Indians, appears from the following extract of a
+letter from the Secretary of War, to governor Harrison, written in the
+autumn of this year. "It has occurred to me," said the Secretary, "that
+the surest means of securing good behavior from this conspicuous
+personage and his brother, [the Prophet and Tecumseh] would be to make
+them prisoners; but at this time, more particularly, it is desirable
+that peace with all the Indian tribes should be preserved; and I am
+instructed by the President to express to your excellency his
+expectations and confidence, that in all your arrangements, this may be
+considered, (as I am confident it ever has been) a primary object with
+you."
+
+During the autumn, a Kickapoo chief visited Vincennes, and informed the
+governor that the pacific professions of the Prophet and Tecumseh were
+not to be relied on,--that their ultimate designs were hostile to the
+United States. At the same time governor Clark, of Missouri, forwarded
+to the governor of Indiana information that the Prophet had sent belts
+to the tribes west of the Mississippi, inviting them to join in a war
+against the United States; and, stating that he would commence the
+contest by an attack on Vincennes. Governor Clark further said, that
+the Sacs had at length joined the Tippecanoe confederacy, and that a
+party of them had gone to Maiden for arms and ammunition. The Indian
+interpreter, at Chicago, also stated to governor Harrison, that the
+tribes in that quarter were disaffected towards the United States, and
+seemed determined upon war. One of the surveyors, engaged to run the
+lines of the new purchase, was driven off the lands by a party of the
+Wea tribe, who took two of his men prisoners: thus closed the year
+1810.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+  Alarm on the frontier continues--a Muskoe Indian killed at
+  Vincennes--governor Harrison sends a pacific speech to Tecumseh and
+  the Prophet--the former replies to it--in July Tecumseh visits
+  governor Harrison at Vincennes--disavows any intention of making war
+  upon the whites--explains his object in forming a union among the
+  tribes--governor Harrison's opinion of Tecumseh and the
+  Prophet--murder of the Deaf Chief--Tecumseh visits the southern
+  Indians.
+
+
+The spring of 1811 brought with it no abatement of these border
+difficulties. Early in the season, governor Harrison sent a boat up the
+Wabash, loaded with salt for the Indians,--that article constituting a
+part of their annuity. Five barrels were to be left with the Prophet,
+for the Kickapoos and Shawanoes. Upon the arrival of the boat at
+Tippecanoe, the Prophet called a council, by which it was decided to
+seize the whole of the salt, which was promptly done--word being sent
+back to the governor, not to be angry at this measure, as the Prophet
+had two thousand men to feed; and, had not received any salt for two
+years past. There were at this time about six hundred men at
+Tippecanoe; and, Tecumseh, who had been absent for some time, on a
+visit to the lakes, was expected daily, with large reinforcements. From
+appearances, it seemed probable that an attack was meditated on
+Vincennes by these brothers, with a force of eight hundred or one
+thousand warriors; a number far greater than the governor could
+collect, even if he embodied all the militia for some miles around that
+place. He accordingly wrote to the Secretary of War, recommending that
+the 4th regiment of U.S. troops, then at Pittsburg, under the command
+of colonel Boyd, should be ordered to Vincennes; at the same time
+asking for authority to act offensively against the Indians, so soon as
+it was found that the intentions of their leaders were decidedly
+hostile towards the United States.
+
+Under date of June 6th, governor Harrison, in a letter to the war
+department, expresses the opinion that the disposition of the Indians
+is far from being pacific. Wells, the agent at fort Wayne, had visited
+the Prophet's town, relative to some stolen horses, and certain
+Potawatamies who had committed the murders on the Mississippi. Four of
+the horses were recovered, but Tecumseh disclaimed all agency in taking
+them, although he acknowledged that it was done by some of his party.
+Tecumseh openly avowed to the agent his resolute determination to
+resist the further encroachments of the white people. In this letter
+the governor remarks, "I wish I could say the Indians were treated with
+justice and propriety on all occasions by our citizens; but it is far
+otherwise. They are often abused and maltreated; and it is very rare
+that they obtain any satisfaction for the most unprovoked wrongs." He
+proceeds to relate the circumstance of a Muskoe Indian having been
+killed by an Italian innkeeper, in Vincennes, without any just cause.
+The murderer, under the orders of the governor, was apprehended, tried,
+but acquitted by the jury almost without deliberation. About the same
+time, within twenty miles of Vincennes, two Weas were badly wounded by
+a white man without the smallest provocation. Such aggressions tended
+greatly to exasperate the Indians, and to prevent them from delivering
+up such of their people as committed offences against the citizens of
+the United States. Such was the fact with the Delawares, upon a demand
+from the governor for White Turkey, who had robbed the house of a Mr.
+Vawter. The chiefs refused to surrender him, declaring that they would
+never deliver up another man until some of the whites were punished,
+who had murdered their people. They, however, punished White Turkey
+themselves, by putting him to death.
+
+On the 24th of June, soon after the return of Tecumseh from his visit
+to the Iroquois and Wyandots, for the purpose of increasing his
+confederacy, governor Harrison transmitted to him and the Prophet,
+together with the other chiefs at Tippecanoe, the following speech:
+
+"Brothers,--Listen to me. I speak to you about matters of importance,
+both to the white people and yourselves; open your ears, therefore, and
+attend to what I shall say.
+
+"Brothers, this is the third year that all the white people in this
+country have been alarmed at your proceedings; you threaten us with
+war, you invite all the tribes to the north and west of you to join
+against us.
+
+"Brothers, your warriors who have lately been here, deny this; but I
+have received the information from every direction; the tribes on the
+Mississippi have sent me word that you intended to murder me, and then
+to commence a war upon our people. I have also received the speech you
+sent to the Potawatamies and others, to join you for that purpose; but
+if I had no other evidence of your hostility to us, your seizing the
+salt I lately sent up the Wabash, is sufficient.
+
+"Brothers, our citizens are alarmed, and my warriors are preparing
+themselves; not to strike you, but to defend themselves and their women
+and children. You shall not surprise us as you expect to do; you are
+about to undertake a very rash act; as a friend, I advise you to
+consider well of it; a little reflection may save us a great deal of
+trouble and prevent much mischief; it is not yet too late.
+
+"Brothers, what can be the inducement for you to undertake an
+enterprise when there is so little probability of success; do you
+really think that the handful of men that you have about you, are able
+to contend with the Seventeen Fires, or even that the whole of the
+tribes united, could contend against the Kentucky Fire alone?
+
+"Brothers, I am myself of the long knife fire; as soon as they hear my
+voice, you will see them pouring forth their swarms of hunting shirt
+men, as numerous as the musquetoes on the shores of the Wabash;
+brothers, take care of their stings.
+
+"Brothers, it is not our wish to hurt you: if we did, we certainly have
+power to do it; look at the number of our warriors to the east of you,
+above and below the Great Miami,--to the south, on both sides of the
+Ohio, and below you also. You are brave men; but what could you do
+against such a multitude?--but we wish you to live in peace and
+happiness.
+
+"Brothers, the citizens of this country are alarmed; they must be
+satisfied that you have no design to do them mischief, or they will not
+lay aside their arms. You have also insulted the government of the
+United States by seizing the salt that was intended for other tribes;
+satisfaction must be given for that also.
+
+"Brothers, you talk of coming to see me, attended by all your young
+men; this, however, must not be so; if your intentions are good, you
+have no need to bring but a few of your young men with you. I must be
+plain with you; I will not suffer you to come into our settlements with
+such a force.
+
+"Brothers, if you wish to satisfy us that your intentions are good,
+follow the advice that I have given you before; that is, that one or
+both of you should visit the President of the United States, and lay
+your grievances before him. He will treat you well, will listen to what
+you say, and if you can show him that you have been injured, you will
+receive justice. If you will follow my advice in this respect, it will
+convince the citizens of this country and myself that you have no
+design to attack them.
+
+"Brothers, with respect to the lands that were purchased last fall, I
+can enter into no negotiations with you on that subject; the affair is
+in the hands of the President, if you wish to go and see him, I will
+supply you with the means.
+
+"Brothers, the person who delivers this, is one of my war officers; he
+is a man in whom I have entire confidence: whatever he says to you,
+although it may not be contained in this paper, you may believe comes
+from me.
+
+"My friend Tecumseh! the bearer is a good man and a brave warrior; I
+hope you will treat him well; you are yourself a warrior, and all such
+should have esteem for each other."
+
+Tecumseh to the governor of Indiana, in reply:
+
+"Brother, I give you a few words until I will be with you myself.
+
+"Brother, at Vincennes, I wish you to listen to me whilst I send you a
+few words, and I hope they will ease your heart; I know you look on
+your young men and young women and children with pity, to see them so
+much alarmed.
+
+"Brother, I wish you now to examine what you have from me; I hope that
+it will be a satisfaction to you, if your intentions are like mine, to
+wash away all these bad stories that have been circulated. I will be
+with you myself in eighteen days from this day.
+
+"Brother, we cannot say what will become of us, as the Great Spirit has
+the management of us all at his will. I may be there before the time,
+and may not be there until the day. I hope that when we come together,
+all these bad tales will be settled; by this I hope your young men,
+women and children, will be easy. I wish you, brother, to let them know
+when I come to Vincennes and see you, all will be settled in peace and
+happiness.
+
+"Brother, these are only a few words to let you know that I will be
+with you myself, and when I am with you I can inform you better.
+
+"Brother, if I find that I can be with you in less time than eighteen
+days, I will send one of my young men before me, to let you know what
+time I will be with you."
+
+On the second of July, governor Harrison received information from the
+executive of Illinois, that several murders had been committed in that
+territory; and that there were good grounds for believing these crimes
+had been perpetrated by a party of Shawanoes. The governor had been
+previously informed that it was the design of the Prophet to commence
+hostilities in Illinois, in order to cover his main object--the attack
+on Vincennes. Both territories were in a state of great alarm; and the
+Secretary of War was officially notified, that if the general
+government did not take measures to protect the inhabitants, they were
+determined to protect themselves.
+
+In a letter under date of Vincennes, 10th July, 1811, governor Harrison
+writes as follows to the Secretary of War.
+
+"Captain Wilson, the officer whom I sent to the Prophet's town,
+returned on Sunday last. He was well received, and treated with
+particular friendship by Tecumseh. He obtained, however, no
+satisfaction. The only answer given was, that in eighteen days Tecumseh
+would pay me a visit for the purpose of explaining his conduct. Upon
+being told that I would not suffer him to come with so large a force,
+he promised to bring with him a few men only. I shall not, however,
+depend upon this promise, but shall have the river well watched by a
+party of scouts after the descent of the chief, lest he should be
+followed by his warriors. I do not think that this will be the case.
+The detection of the hostile designs of an Indian is generally (for
+that time) to defeat them. The hopes of an expedition, conducted
+through many hundred miles of toil and difficulty, are abandoned
+frequently, upon the slightest suspicion; their painful steps retraced,
+and a more favorable moment expected. With them the surprise of an
+enemy bestows more eclat upon a warrior than the most brilliant success
+obtained by other means. Tecumseh has taken for his model the
+celebrated Pontiac, and I am persuaded he will bear a favorable
+comparison, in every respect, with that far famed warrior. If it is his
+object to begin with the surprise of this place, it is impossible that
+a more favorable situation could have been chosen, than the one he
+occupies: it is just so far off as to be removed from immediate
+observation, and yet so near as to enable him to strike us, when the
+water is high, in twenty-four hours, and even when it is low, their
+light canoes will come fully as fast as the journey could be performed
+on horseback. The situation is in other respects admirable for the
+purposes for which he has chosen it. It is nearly central with regard
+to the tribes which he wishes to unite. The water communication with
+lake Erie, by means of the Wabash and Miami--with lake Michigan and the
+Illinois, by the Tippecanoe, is a great convenience. It is immediately
+in the centre of the back line of that fine country which he wishes to
+prevent us from settling--and above all, he has immediately in his rear
+a country that has been but little explored, consisting principally of
+barren thickets, interspersed with swamps and lakes, into which our
+cavalry could not penetrate, and our infantry, only by slow, laborious
+efforts."
+
+The promised visit of Tecumseh took place in the latter part of July.
+He reached Vincennes on the 27th, attended by about three hundred of
+his party, of whom thirty were women and children. The council was
+opened on the 30th, in an arbor erected for the purpose, and at the
+appointed time the chief made his appearance, attended by about one
+hundred and seventy warriors, without guns, but all of them having
+knives and tomahawks, or war clubs, and some armed with bows and
+arrows. The governor, in opening the council, made reference to the
+late murders in Illinois, and the alarm which the appearance of
+Tecumseh, with so large an armed force, had created among the people on
+the Wabash. He further informed Tecumseh that, whilst he listened to
+whatever himself or any of the chiefs had to say in regard to the late
+purchase of land, he would enter into no negociation on that subject,
+as it was now in the hands of the President. The governor, after
+telling Tecumseh that he was at liberty to visit the President, and
+hear his decision from his own mouth, adverted to the late seizure of
+the salt, and demanded an explanation of it. In reply, the chief
+admitted the seizure, but said he was not at home, either this spring
+or the year before, when the salt boats arrived; that it seemed
+impossible to please the governor: last year he was angry, because the
+salt was refused, and this year equally so, because it was taken. The
+council was then adjourned until the following day. When it was again
+opened, a Wea chief made a long speech, giving the history of all the
+treaties which had been made by the governor and the Indian tribes; and
+concluded with the remark, that he had been told that the Miami chiefs
+had been forced by the Potawatamies to accede to the treaty of fort
+Wayne; and that it would be proper to institute enquiries to find out
+the person who had held the tomahawk over their heads, and punish him.
+This statement was immediately contradicted by the governor, and also
+by the Miami chiefs who were present. Anxious to bring the conference
+to a close, the governor then told Tecumseh that by delivering up the
+two Potawatamies who had murdered the four white men on the Missouri,
+last fall, he would at once attest the sincerity of his professions of
+friendship to the United States, and his desire to preserve peace. His
+reply was evasive, but developed very clearly his designs. After much
+trouble and difficulty he had induced, he said, all the northern tribes
+to unite, and place themselves under his direction; that the white
+people were unnecessarily alarmed at his measures, which really meant
+nothing but peace; that the United States had set him the example of
+forming a strict union amongst all the Fires that compose their
+confederacy; that the Indians did not complain of it, nor should his
+white brothers complain of him for doing the same thing in regard to
+the Indian tribes; that so soon as the council was over, he was to set
+out on a visit to the southern tribes, to prevail upon them to unite
+with those of the north. As to the murderers, they were not at his
+town, and if they were, he could not deliver them up; that they ought
+to be forgiven, as well as those who had committed some murders in
+Illinois; that he had set the whites an example of the forgiveness of
+injuries which they ought to follow. In reply to an enquiry on the
+subject, he said he hoped no attempt would be made to settle the new
+purchase, before his return next spring; that a great number of Indians
+were coming to settle at Tippecanoe in the autumn, and they would need
+that tract as a hunting ground, and if they did no further injury, they
+might kill the cattle and hogs of the white people, which would create
+disturbances; that he wished every thing to remain in its present
+situation until his return, when he would visit the President, and
+settle all difficulties with him. The governor made a brief reply,
+saying, that the moon which they beheld (it was then night) would
+sooner fall to the earth, than the President would suffer his people to
+be murdered with impunity; and that he would put his warriors in
+petticoats, sooner than he would give up a country which he had fairly
+acquired from the rightful owners. Here the council terminated. In a
+day or two afterwards, attended by twenty warriors, Tecumseh set off
+for the south, on a visit to the Creeks and Choctaws. The governor was
+at a loss to determine the object of Tecumseh, in taking with him to
+Vincennes, so large a body of his followers. The spies said that he
+intended to demand a retrocession of the late purchase, and if it was
+not obtained, to seize some of the chiefs who were active in making the
+treaty, in presence of the governor, and put them to death; and in case
+of his interference, to have subjected him to the same fate. Many of
+the neutral Indians entertained the opinion that he meditated an attack
+upon Vincennes. If such was the case, his plan was probably changed by
+observing the vigilance of governor Harrison and the display of seven
+or eight hundred men under arms. It is questionable, however, we think,
+whether Tecumseh really meditated violence at this time. He probably
+wished to impress the whites with an idea of his strength, and at the
+same time gratify his ambition of moving, as a great chieftain, at the
+head of a numerous retinue of warriors.
+
+The day after the close of this council, the governor wrote to the War
+Department. The following is a part of his communication.
+
+"My letter of yesterday will inform you of the arrival and departure of
+Tecumseh from this place, and of the route which he has taken. There
+can be no doubt his object is to excite the southern Indians to war
+against us. His mother was of the Creek nation, and he builds much upon
+that circumstance towards forwarding his views. I do not think there is
+any danger of further hostility until he returns: and his absence
+affords a most favorable opportunity for breaking up his confederacy,
+and I have some expectations of being able to accomplish it without a
+recourse to actual hostility. Tecumseh assigned the next spring as the
+period of his return. I am informed, however, that he will be back in
+three months. There is a Potawatamie chief here, who says he was
+present when the message from the British agent was delivered to the
+Prophet, telling him that the time had arrived for taking up arms, and
+inviting him to send a party to Malden, to receive the necessary
+supplies. This man is one of the few who preserve their independence.
+
+"The implicit obedience and respect which the followers of Tecumseh pay
+to him, is really astonishing, and more than any other circumstance
+bespeaks him one of those uncommon geniuses which spring up
+occasionally to produce revolutions, and overturn the established order
+of things. If it were not for the vicinity of the United States, he
+would, perhaps, be the founder of an empire that would rival in glory
+Mexico or Peru. No difficulties deter him. For four years he has been
+in constant motion. You see him to-day on the Wabash, and in a short
+time hear of him on the shores of lake Erie or Michigan, or on the
+banks of the Mississippi; and wherever he goes he makes an impression
+favorable to his purposes. He is now upon the last round to put a
+finishing stroke to his work. I hope, however, before his return that
+that part of the fabric which he considered complete, will be
+demolished, and even its foundations rooted up. Although the greater
+part of his followers are attached to him from principle and affection,
+there are many others who follow him through fear; and he was scarcely
+a mile from town, before they indulged in the most virulent invectives
+against him. The Prophet is impudent and audacious, but is deficient in
+judgment, talents and firmness."
+
+The following anecdote illustrates the coolness and self-possession of
+Tecumseh, not less than the implicit obedience that was paid to his
+commands by his followers.
+
+A Potawatamie, called the Deaf Chief, was present at the late council.
+After it was closed, he stated to the governor, that had he been called
+upon during the conference he would have confronted Tecumseh, when he
+denied that his intentions towards the United States were hostile. This
+declaration having been repeated to Tecumseh, he calmly intimated to
+the Prophet, that upon their return to Tippecanoe, the Deaf Chief must
+be disposed of. A friend of the latter informed him of his danger, but
+the chief, not at all intimidated, returned to his camp, put on his
+war-dress, and equipping himself with his rifle, tomahawk and scalping
+knife, returned and presented himself before Tecumseh, who was then in
+company with Mr. Baron, the governor's interpreter. The Deaf Chief
+there reproached Tecumseh for having ordered him to be killed,
+declaring that it was an act unworthy of a warrior. "But here I am
+now," said he, "come and kill me." Tecumseh making no answer, the
+Potawatamie heaped upon him every term of abuse and contumely, and
+finally charged him with being the slave of the red-coats, (the
+British.) Tecumseh, perfectly unmoved, made no reply, but continued his
+conversation with Mr. Baron, until the Deaf Chief, wearied with the
+effort to provoke his antagonist to action, returned to his camp. There
+is some reason for believing that the Prophet did not disobey his
+orders: the Deaf Chief was never seen again at Vincennes.
+
+Of the result of the mission of Tecumseh to the southern tribes, we
+have no detailed information. Hodgson, who subsequently travelled
+through this country, in his "Letters from North America," says:
+
+"Our host told me that he was living with his Indian wife among the
+Creeks, when the celebrated Indian warrior Tecumseh, came more than one
+thousand miles, from the borders of Canada, to induce the lower Creeks,
+to promise to take up the hatchet in behalf of the British, against the
+Americans, and the upper Creeks whenever he should require it: that he
+was present at the midnight convocation of the chiefs, which was held
+on that occasion, and which terminated after a most impressive speech
+from Tecumseh with a unanimous determination to take up the hatchet
+whenever he should call upon them. This was at least a year before the
+declaration of the last war."
+
+In the "History of the Tribes of North America," there is an
+interesting notice of this visit of Tecumseh.
+
+"The following remarkable circumstance may serve to illustrate the
+penetration, decision and boldness of this warrior chief. He had been
+south, to Florida, and succeeded in instigating the Seminoles in
+particular, and portions of other tribes, to unite in the war on the
+side of the British. He gave out that a vessel, on a certain day,
+commanded by red-coats, would be off Florida, filled with guns and
+ammunition, and supplies for the use of the Indians. That no mistake
+might happen in regard to the day on which the Indians were to strike,
+he prepared bundles of sticks, each bundle containing the number of
+sticks corresponding to the number of days that were to intervene
+between the day on which they were received, and the day of the general
+onset. The Indian practice is to throw away a stick every morning; they
+make, therefore, no mistake in the time. These sticks Tecumseh caused
+to be painted red. It was from this circumstance that in the former
+Seminole war, these Indians were called 'Red Sticks.' In all this
+business of mustering the tribes, he used great caution; he supposed
+enquiry would be made as to the object of his visit; that his plans
+might not be suspected, he directed the Indians to reply to any
+questions that might be asked about him, by saying, that he had
+counselled them to cultivate the ground, abstain from ardent spirits,
+and live in peace with the white people. On his return from Florida, he
+went among the Creeks in Alabama, urging them to unite with the
+Seminoles. Arriving at Tuckhabatchee, a Creek town on the Tallapoosa
+river, he made his way to the lodge of the chief called the Big
+Warrior. He explained his object, delivered his war-talk, presented a
+bundle of sticks, gave a piece of wampum and a hatchet; all which the
+Big Warrior took. When Tecumseh, reading the intentions and spirit of
+the Big Warrior, looked him in the eye, and pointing his finger towards
+his face, said: 'Your blood is white: you have taken my talk, and the
+sticks, and the wampum, and the hatchet, but you do not mean to fight:
+I know the reason: you do not believe the Great Spirit has sent me: you
+shall know: I leave Tuckhabatchee directly, and shall go straight to
+Detroit: when I arrive there, I will stamp on the ground with my foot,
+and shake down every house in Tuckhabatchee.' So saying, he turned and
+left the Big Warrior in utter amazement, at both his manner and his
+threat, and pursued his journey. The Indians were struck no less with
+his conduct than was the Big Warrior, and began to dread the arrival of
+the day when the threatened calamity would befal them. They met often
+and talked over this matter, and counted the days carefully, to know
+the time when Tecumseh would reach Detroit. The morning they had fixed
+upon, as the period of his arrival, at last came. A mighty rumbling was
+heard--the Indians all ran out of their houses--the earth began to
+shake; when at last, sure enough, every house in Tuckhabatchee was
+shaken down! The exclamation was in every mouth, 'Tecumseh has got to
+Detroit!' The effect was electrical. The message he had delivered to
+the Big Warrior was believed, and many of the Indians took their rifles
+and prepared for the war.
+
+"The reader will not be surprised to learn, that an earthquake had
+produced all this; but he will be, doubtless, that it should happen on
+the very day on which Tecumseh arrived at Detroit; and, in exact
+fulfilment of his threat. It was the famous earthquake of New Madrid,
+on the Mississippi. We received the foregoing from the lips of the
+Indians, when we were at Tuckhabatchee, in 1827, and near the residence
+of the Big Warrior. The anecdote may therefore be relied on. Tecumseh's
+object, doubtless was, on seeing that he had failed, by the usual
+appeal to the passions, and hopes, and war spirit of the Indians, to
+alarm their fears, little dreaming, himself, that on the day named, his
+threat would be executed with such punctuality and terrible fidelity."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+  Governor Harrison applies to the War Department for troops to
+  maintain peace on the frontiers--battle of Tippecanoe on the 7th of
+  November--its influence on the Prophet and his followers.
+
+
+The late council at Vincennes having failed in producing any
+satisfactory results, and Tecumseh having gone to the south for the
+avowed purpose of extending his confederacy, the alarm among the
+inhabitants of Indiana continued to increase. Public meetings were
+held, and memorials forwarded to the President, invoking protection,
+and requesting the removal of the Indians from the Prophet's town; the
+memorialists being "fully convinced that the formation of this
+combination, headed by the Shawanoe Prophet, was a British scheme, and
+that the agents of that power were constantly exciting the Indians to
+hostility against the United States." The President accordingly placed
+the 4th regiment U.S. infantry, commanded by colonel Boyd, and a
+company of riflemen, at the disposal of governor Harrison. The
+Secretary of War, under date of 20th October, 1811, in a letter to him,
+says: "I have been particularly instructed by the President to
+communicate to your excellency, his earnest desire that peace may, if
+possible, be preserved with the Indians; and that to this end, every
+proper means may be adopted. By this, it is not intended that murder or
+robberies committed by them, should not meet with the punishment due to
+those crimes; that the settlements should be unprotected, or that any
+hostile combination should avail itself of success, in consequence of a
+neglect to provide the means of resisting and defeating it; or that the
+banditti under the Prophet should not be attacked and vanquished,
+provided such a measure should be rendered absolutely necessary.
+Circumstances conspire, at this particular juncture, to render it
+peculiarly desirable that hostilities of any kind, or to any degree,
+not indispensably required, should be avoided."
+
+On the seventh of August the governor informed the secretary that he
+should call, in a peremptory manner, on all the tribes, to deliver up
+such of their people as had been concerned in the murder of our
+citizens; that from the Miamis he should require an absolute disavowal
+of all connection with the Prophet; and that to all the tribes he would
+repeat the declaration, that the United States have manifested through
+a series of years, the utmost justice and generosity towards their
+Indian neighbors; and have not only fulfilled all the engagements which
+they entered into with them, but have spent considerable sums to
+civilize them and promote their happiness; but if, under those
+circumstances, any tribe should dare to take up the tomahawk against
+their fathers, they must not expect the same lenity that had been shown
+them at the close of the former war, but that they would either be
+exterminated or driven beyond the Mississippi.
+
+In furtherance of this plan, the governor forwarded speeches to the
+different tribes, and instructed the Indian agents to use all possible
+means to recall them to a sense of duty. He also wrote to the governors
+of Illinois and Missouri, on the subject of the border difficulties, in
+the hope that a general and simultaneous effort might avert an appeal
+to arms.
+
+In the month of September, the Prophet sent assurances to governor
+Harrison of his pacific intentions, and that his demands should be
+complied with; but about the same time some horses were stolen in the
+neighborhood of his town, and the whites who went in pursuit of them
+were fired upon by the Indians. Early in October the governor moved,
+with a considerable body of troops, towards the Prophet's town, with
+the expectation that a show of hostile measures would bring about an
+accommodation with the Indians of that place. On the 10th of October,
+one of the sentinels around his camp was fired on by the Indians, and
+severely wounded. About the same time the Prophet sent a messenger to
+the chiefs of the Delaware tribe, who were friendly to the United
+States, requiring, them to say whether they would or would not join him
+in the war against them; that he had taken up the tomahawk and would
+not lay it down but with his life, unless their wrongs were redressed.
+The Delaware chiefs immediately visited the Prophet, for the purpose of
+dissuading him from commencing hostilities. Under these circumstances
+there seemed to be no alternative for governor Harrison, but to break
+up the Prophet's establishment. On the 27th, the Delaware chiefs
+returned to the camp of the governor, and reported that the Prophet
+would not listen to their council, and had grossly insulted them. While
+at the Prophet's town, the Indians who had wounded the sentinel,
+returned. They were Shawanoes and near friends of the Prophet; who was
+daily practising certain pretended rites, by means of which he played
+upon the superstitious feelings of his followers, and kept them in a
+state of feverish excitement. On the 29th, a body of twenty-four Miami
+chiefs were sent by governor Harrison, to make another effort with the
+Prophet. They were instructed, to require that the Winnebagoes,
+Potawatamies and Kickapoos, should leave him and return to their
+respective tribes; that all the stolen horses in their possession
+should be delivered up; that the murderers of the whites should either
+be surrendered or satisfactory proof offered that they were not under
+his control. These chiefs, however, did not return, and there is reason
+to believe that they were induced to join the confederacy at
+Tippecanoe.
+
+On the 5th of November, 1811, governor Harrison, with about nine
+hundred effective troops, composed of two hundred and fifty of the 4th
+regiment U.S. infantry, one hundred and thirty volunteers, and a body
+of militia, encamped within ten miles of the Prophet's town. On the
+next day, when the army was within five miles of the village,
+reconnoitering parties of the Indians were seen, but they refused to
+hold any conversation with the interpreters sent forward by the
+governor to open a communication with them. When within a mile and a
+half of the town a halt was made, for the purpose of encamping for the
+night. Several of the field officers urged the governor to make an
+immediate assault on the village; but this he declined, as his
+instructions from the President were positive, not to attack the
+Indians, as long as there was a probability of their complying with the
+demands of government. Upon ascertaining, however, that the ground
+continued favorable for the disposition of his troops, quite up to the
+town, he determined to approach still nearer to it. In the mean time,
+captain Dubois, with an interpreter, was sent forward to ascertain
+whether the Prophet would comply with the terms proposed by the
+governor. The Indians, however, would make no reply to these enquiries,
+but endeavored to cut off the messengers from the army. When this fact
+was reported to the governor, he determined to consider the Indians as
+enemies, and at once march upon their town. He had proceeded but a
+short distance, however, before he was met by three Indians, one of
+them a principal counsellor to the Prophet, who stated that they were
+sent to know why the army was marching upon their town--that the
+Prophet was desirous of avoiding hostilities--that he had sent a
+pacific message to governor Harrison by the Miami and Potawatamie
+chiefs, but that those chiefs had unfortunately gone down on the south
+side of the Wabash, and had thus failed to meet him. Accordingly, a
+suspension of hostilities was agreed upon, and the terms of peace were
+to be settled on the following morning by the governor and the chiefs.
+In moving the army towards the Wabash, to encamp for the night, the
+Indians became again alarmed, supposing that an attack was about to be
+made on the town, notwithstanding the armistice which had just been
+concluded. They accordingly began to prepare for defence, and some of
+them sallied out, calling upon the advanced corps, to halt. The
+governor immediately rode forward, and assured the Indians that it was
+not his intention to attack them, but that he was only in search of a
+suitable piece of ground on which to encamp his troops. He enquired if
+there was any other water convenient besides that which the river
+afforded; and an Indian, with whom he was well acquainted, answered,
+that the creek which had been crossed two miles back, ran through the
+prairie to the north of the village. A halt was then ordered, and
+majors Piatt, Clark and Taylor, were sent to examine this creek, as
+well as the river above the town, to ascertain the correctness of the
+information, and decide on the best ground for an encampment. In the
+course of half an hour, the two latter reported that they had found on
+the creek; every thing that could be desirable in an encampment--an
+elevated spot, nearly surrounded by an open prairie, with water
+convenient, and a sufficiency of wood for fuel.[A] The army was now
+marched to this spot, and encamped "on a dry piece of ground, which
+rose about ten feet above the level of a marshy prairie in front
+towards the town; and, about twice as high above a similar prairie in
+the rear; through which, near the foot of the hill, ran a small stream
+clothed with willows and brush-wood. On the left of the encampment,
+this bench of land became wider; on the right, it gradually narrowed,
+and terminated in an abrupt point, about one hundred and fifty yards
+from the right bank."[B]
+
+[Footnote A: M'Afee's History of the Late War.]
+
+[Footnote B: Ibid.]
+
+The encampment was about three-fourths of a mile from the Prophet's
+town; and orders were given, in the event of a night attack, for each
+corps to maintain its position, at all hazards, until relieved or
+further orders were given to it. The whole army was kept during the
+night, in the military position which is called, lying on their arms.
+The regular troops lay in their tents, with their accoutrements on, and
+their arms by their sides. The militia had no tents, but slept with
+their clothes and pouches on, and their guns under them, to keep them
+dry. The order of the encampment was the order of battle, for a night
+attack; and as every man slept opposite to his post in the line, there
+was nothing for the troops to do, in case of an assault, but to rise
+and take their position a few steps in the rear of the fires around
+which they had reposed. The guard of the night consisted of two
+captain's commands of forty-two men, and four non-commissioned officers
+each; and two subaltern's guards of twenty men and non-commissioned
+officers each--the whole amounting to about one hundred and thirty men,
+under the command of a field officer of the day. The night was dark and
+cloudy, and after midnight there was a drizzling rain. It was not
+anticipated by the governor or his officers, that an attack would be
+made during the night: it was supposed that if the Indians had intended
+to act offensively, it would have been done on the march of the army,
+where situations presented themselves that would have given the Indians
+a great advantage. Indeed, within three miles of the town, the army had
+passed over ground so broken and unfavorable to its march, that the
+position of the troops was necessarily changed, several times, in the
+course of a mile. The enemy, moreover, had fortified their town with
+care and great labor, as if they intended to act alone on the
+defensive. It was a favorite spot with the Indians, having long been
+the scene of those mysterious rites, performed by their Prophet, and by
+which they had been taught to believe that it was impregnable to the
+assaults of the white man.
+
+At four o'clock in the morning of the 7th, governor Harrison, according
+to his practice, had risen, preparatory to the calling up the troops;
+and was engaged, while drawing on his boots by the fire, in
+conversation with general Wells, colonel Owen, and majors Taylor and
+Hurst. The orderly-drum had been roused for the purpose of giving the
+signal for the troops to turn out, when the attack of the Indians
+suddenly commenced upon the left flank of the camp. The whole army was
+instantly on its feet; the camp-fires were extinguished; the governor
+mounted his horse and proceeded to the point of attack. Several of the
+companies had taken their places in the line within forty seconds from
+the report of the first gun; and the whole of the troops were prepared
+for action in the course of two minutes; a fact as creditable to their
+own activity and bravery, as to the skill and energy of their officers.
+The battle soon became general, and was maintained on both sides with
+signal and even desperate valor. The Indians advanced and retreated by
+the aid of a rattling noise, made with deer hoofs, and persevered in
+their treacherous attack with an apparent determination to conquer or
+die upon the spot. The battle raged with unabated fury and mutual
+slaughter, until daylight, when a gallant and successful charge by our
+troops, drove the enemy into the swamp, and put an end to the conflict.
+
+Prior to the assault, the Prophet had given assurances to his
+followers, that in the coming contest, the Great Spirit would render
+the arms of the Americans unavailing; that their bullets would fall
+harmless at the feet of the Indians; that the latter should have light
+in abundance, while the former would be involved in thick darkness.
+Availing himself of the privilege conferred by his peculiar office,
+and, perhaps, unwilling in his own person to attest at once the rival
+powers of a sham prophecy and a real American bullet, he prudently took
+a position on an adjacent eminence; and, when the action began, he
+entered upon the performance of certain mystic rites, at the same time
+singing a war-song. In the course of the engagement, he was informed
+that his men were falling: he told them to fight on,--it would soon be
+as he had predicted; and then, in louder and wilder strains, his
+inspiring battle-song was heard commingling with the sharp crack of the
+rifle and the shrill war-whoop of his brave but deluded followers.
+
+Throughout the action, the Indians manifested more boldness and
+perseverance than had, perhaps, ever been exhibited by them on any
+former occasion. This was owing, it is supposd, to the influence of the
+Prophet, who by the aid of his incantations had inspired them with a
+belief that they would certainly overcome their enemy: the supposition,
+likewise, that they had taken the governor's army by surprise,
+doubtless contributed to the desperate character of their assaults.
+They were commanded by some daring chiefs, and although their spiritual
+leader was not actually in the battle, he did much to encourage his
+followers in their gallant attack. Of the force of the Indians engaged,
+there is no certain account. The ordinary number at the Prophet's town
+during the preceding summer, was four hundred and fifty; but a few days
+before the action, they had been joined by all the Kickapoos of the
+prairie, and by several bands of the Potawatamies, from the Illinois
+river, and the St. Joseph's of lake Michigan. Their number on the night
+of the engagement was probably between eight hundred and one thousand.
+Some of the Indians who were in the action, subsequently informed the
+agent at fort Wayne, that there were more than a thousand warriors in
+the battle, and that the number of wounded was unusually great. In the
+precipitation of their retreat, they left thirty-eight on the field;
+some were buried during the engagement in their town, others no doubt
+died subsequently of their wounds. The whole number of their killed,
+was probably not less than fifty.
+
+Of the army under governor Harrison, thirty-five were killed in the
+action, and twenty-five died subsequently of their wounds: the total
+number of killed and wounded was one hundred and eighty-eight. Among
+the former were the lamented colonel Abraham Owen and major Joseph
+Hamilton Davies, of Kentucky.
+
+Both officers and men behaved with much coolness and
+bravery,--qualities which, in an eminent degree, marked the conduct of
+governor Harrison throughout the engagement. The peril to which he was
+subjected may be inferred from the fact that a ball passed through his
+stock, slightly bruising his neck; another struck his saddle, and
+glancing hit his thigh; and a third wounded the horse on which he was
+riding.
+
+Peace on the frontiers was one of the happy results of this severe and
+brilliant action. The tribes which had already joined in the
+confederacy were dismayed; and those which had remained neutral now
+decided against it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+  Tecumseh returns from the south--proposes to visit the President, but
+  declines, because not permitted to go to Washington at the head of a
+  party--attends a council at fort Wayne--proceeds to Malden and joins
+  the British--governor Harrison's letter to the War Department
+  relative to the north-west tribes.
+
+
+During the two succeeding days, the victorious army remained in camp,
+for the purpose of burying the dead and taking care of the wounded. In
+the mean time, colonel Wells, with the mounted riflemen, visited the
+Prophet's town, and found it deserted by all the Indians except one,
+whose leg had been broken in the action. The houses were mostly burnt,
+and the corn around the village destroyed. On the ninth the army
+commenced its return to Vincennes, having broken up or committed to the
+flames all their unnecessary baggage, in order that the wagons might be
+used for the transportation of the wounded.
+
+The defeated Indians were greatly exasperated with the Prophet: they
+reproached him in bitter terms for the calamity he had brought upon
+them, and accused him of the murder of their friends who had fallen in
+the action. It seems, that after pronouncing some incantations over a
+certain composition, which he had prepared on the night preceding the
+action, he assured his followers, that by the power of his art, half of
+the invading army was already dead, and the other half in a state of
+distraction; and that the Indians would have little to do but rush into
+their camp, and complete the work of destruction with their tomahawks.
+"You are a liar," said one of the surviving Winnebagoes to him, after
+the action, "for you told us that the white people were dead or crazy,
+when they were all in their senses and fought like the devil." The
+Prophet appeared dejected, and sought to excuse himself on the plea
+that the virtue of his composition had been lost by a circumstance of
+which he had no knowledge until after the battle was over. His sacred
+character, however, was so far forfeited, that the Indians actually
+bound him with cords, and threatened to put him to death. After leaving
+the Prophet's town, they marched about twenty miles and encamped on the
+bank of Wild Cat creek.
+
+In a letter to the war department, dated fourth of December, governor
+Harrison writes:
+
+"I have the honor to inform you that two principal chiefs of the
+Kickapoos of the prairie, arrived here, bearing a flag, on the evening
+before last. The account which they give of the late confederacy under
+the Prophet, is as follows: The Prophet, with his Shawanoes, is at a
+small Huron village, about twelve miles from his former residence, on
+this side of the Wabash, where also were twelve or fifteen Hurons. The
+Kickapoos are encamped near the Tippecanoe, the Potawatamies have
+scattered and gone to different villages of that tribe. The Winnebagoes
+had all set out on their return to their own country, excepting one
+chief and nine men, who remained at their former villages. The Prophet
+had sent a messenger to the Kickapoos of the prairie to request that he
+might be permitted to retire to their town. This was positively
+refused, and a warning sent to him not to come there. These chiefs say
+that the whole of the tribes who lost warriors in the late action,
+attribute their misfortune to the Prophet alone; that they constantly
+reproach him with their misfortunes, and threaten him with death; that
+they are all desirous of making their peace with the United States, and
+will send deputations to me for that purpose, as soon as they are
+informed that they will be well received. They further say, that the
+Prophet's followers were fully impressed with a belief that they could
+defeat us with ease; that it was their intention to have attacked us at
+fort Harrison, if we had gone no higher; that Racoon creek was then
+fixed on, and finally Pine creek, and that the latter would probably
+have been the place, if the usual route had not been abandoned, and a
+crossing made higher up; that the attack made on our sentinels at fort
+Harrison was intended to shut the door against accommodation; that the
+Winnebagoes had forty warriors killed in the action, and the Kickapoos
+eleven, and ten wounded. They have never heard how many of the
+Potawatamies and other tribes were killed."
+
+With the battle of Tippecanoe, the Prophet lost his popularity and
+power among the Indians. His magic wand was broken, and the mysterious
+charm by means of which he had for years, played upon the superstitious
+minds of this wild people, scattered through a vast extent of country,
+was dissipated forever. It was not alone to the character of his
+prophetic office that he was indebted for his influence over his
+followers. The position which he maintained in regard to the Indian
+lands, and the encroachments of the white people upon their hunting
+grounds, increased his popularity, which was likewise greatly
+strengthened by the respect and deference with which the politic
+Tecumseh--the master spirit of his day--uniformly treated him. He had,
+moreover, nimble wit, quickness of apprehension, much cunning and a
+captivating eloquence of speech. These qualities fitted him for playing
+his part with great success; and sustaining for a series of years, the
+character of one inspired by the Great Spirit. He was, however, rash,
+presumptuous and deficient in judgment. And no sooner was he left
+without the sagacious counsel and positive control of Tecumseh, than he
+foolishly annihilated his own power, and suddenly crashed the grand
+confederacy upon which he and his brother had expended years of labor,
+and in the organization of which they had incurred much personal peril
+and endured great privation.
+
+Tecumseh returned from the south through Missouri, visited the tribes
+on the Des Moins, and crossing the head waters of the Illinois, reached
+the Wabash a few days after the disastrous battle of Tippecanoe. It is
+believed that he made a strong impression upon all the tribes visited
+by him in his extended mission; and that he had laid the foundation of
+numerous accessions to his confederacy. He reached the banks of the
+Tippecanoe, just in time to witness the dispersion of his followers,
+the disgrace of his brother, and the final overthrow of the great
+object of his ambition, a union of all the Indian tribes against the
+United States: and all this, the result of a disregard to his positive
+commands. His mortification was extreme; and it is related on good
+authority, that when he first met the Prophet, he reproached him in
+bitter terms for having departed from his instructions to preserve
+peace with the United States at all hazards. The attempt of the Prophet
+to palliate his own conduct, excited the haughty chieftain still more,
+and seizing him by the hair and shaking him violently, he threatened to
+take his life.
+
+During the ensuing winter, there was peace on the frontiers. In the
+month of January, 1812, Little Turtle, the celebrated Miami chief,
+wrote to governor Harrison, that all the Prophet's followers had left
+him, except two camps of his own tribe, and that Tecumseh had just
+joined him with only eight men; from which he concluded there was no
+present danger to be apprehended from them. Shortly afterwards,
+Tecumseh sent a message to governor Harrison informing him of his
+return from the south; and that he was now ready to make the promised
+visit to the President. The governor replied, giving his permission for
+Tecumseh to go to Washington, but not as the leader of any party of
+Indians. The chieftain, who had been accustomed to make his visits to
+Vincennes, attended by three or four hundred warriors, all completely
+armed, did not choose to present himself to his great father, the
+President, shorn of his power and without his retinue. The visit was
+declined, and here terminated the intercourse between him and governor
+Harrison.
+
+Early in March, the peace of the frontiers was again disturbed by
+Indian depredations; and in the course of this and the following month,
+several families were murdered on the Wabash and Ohio rivers. On the
+15th of May, there was a grand council held at Mississiniway, which was
+attended by twelve tribes of Indians. They all professed to be in favor
+of peace, and condemned the disturbances which had occurred between the
+Indians and the settlers, since the battle of Tippecanoe. Tecumseh was
+present at this council and spoke several times. He defied any living
+creature to say that he had ever advised any one, directly or
+indirectly, to make war upon the whites: it had constantly been his
+misfortune, he said, to have his views misrepresented to his white
+brethren, and this had been done by pretended chiefs of the
+Potawatamies, who had been in the habit of selling land to the white
+people, which did not belong to them. "Governor Harrison," he
+continued, "made war on my people in my absence: it was the will of God
+that he should do so. We hope it will please God that the white people
+will let us live in peace. We will not disturb them, neither have we
+done it, except when they came to our village with the intention of
+destroying us. We are happy to state to our brothers present, that the
+unfortunate transaction that took place between the white people and a
+few of our young men at our village, has been settled between us and
+governor Harrison; and I will further state, that had I been at home,
+there would have been no bloodshed at that time."
+
+In the month of June, following this council, Tecumseh made a visit to
+fort Wayne, and sought an interview with the Indian agent at that
+place. Misfortune had not subdued his haughty spirit nor silenced the
+fearless expression of his feelings and opinions. He still maintained
+the justice of his position in regard to the ownership of the Indian
+lands, disavowed any intention of making war upon the United States,
+and reproached governor Harrison for having marched against his people
+during his absence. The agent made a long speech to him, presenting
+reasons why he should now become the friend and ally of the United
+States. To this harangue, Tecumseh listened with frigid indifference,
+made a few general remarks in reply, and then with a haughty air, left
+the council-house, and took his departure for Malden, where he joined
+the British standard.
+
+In taking leave of that part of our subject which relates to the
+confederacy of Tecumseh and the Prophet, and the principle on which it
+was established, we quote, as relevant to the case, and as an
+interesting piece of general history, the following letter from
+governor Harrison to the Secretary of War:
+
+_"Cincinnati, March 22_, 1814.
+
+"Sir,--The tribes of Indians on this frontier and east of the
+Mississippi, with whom the United States have been connected by treaty,
+are the Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanoes, Miamis, Potawatamies, Ottawas,
+Chippewas, Piankashaws, Kaskaskias and Sacs. All but the two last were
+in the confederacy which carried on the former Indian war against the
+United States, that was terminated by the treaty of Greenville. The
+Kaskaskias were parties to the treaty, but they had not been in the
+war. The Wyandots are admitted by the others to be the leading tribe.
+They hold the grand _calumet_ which unites them and kindles the council
+fire. This tribe is nearly equally divided between the _Crane_, at
+Sandusky, who is the grand sachem of the nation, and Walk-in-the-Water,
+at Brownstown, near Detroit. They claim the lands bounded by the
+settlements of this state, southwardly and eastwardly; and by lake
+Erie, the Miami river, and the claim of the Shawanoes upon the
+Auglaize, a branch of the latter. They also claim the lands they live
+on near Detroit, but I am ignorant to what extent.
+
+"The Wyandots of Sahdusky have adhered to us through the war. Their
+chief, the Crane, is a venerable, intelligent and upright man. Within
+the tract of land claimed by the Wyandots, a number of Senecas are
+settled. They broke off from their own tribe six or eight years ago,
+but received a part of the annuity granted that tribe by the United
+States, by sending a deputation for it to Buffalo. The claim of the
+Wyandots to the lands they occupy, is not disputed, that I know of, by
+any other tribe. Their residence on it, however, is not of long
+standing, and the country was certainly once the property of the
+Miamis.
+
+"Passing westwardly from the Wyandots, we meet with the Shawanoe
+settlement at Stony creek, a branch of the Great Miami, and at
+Wapauckanata, on the Auglaize. These settlements were made immediately
+after the treaty of Greenville, and with the consent of the Miamis,
+whom I consider the real owners of these lands. The chiefs of this band
+of Shawanoes, Blackhoof, Wolf and Lewis, are attached to us from
+principle as well as interest--they are all honest men.
+
+"The Miamis have their principal settlement at the forks of the Wabash,
+thirty miles from fort Wayne; and at Mississinaway, thirty miles lower
+down. A band of them under the name of Weas, have resided on the
+Wabash, sixty miles above Vincennes; and another under the Turtle on
+Eel river, a branch of the Wabash, twenty miles north-west of fort
+Wayne. By an artifice of Little Turtle, these three bands were passed
+on general Wayne as distinct tribes, and an annuity granted to each.
+The Eel river and Weas, however, to this day call themselves Miamis,
+and are recognized as such by the Mississinaway band. The Miamis,
+Maumees or Tewicktowes, are the undoubted proprietors of all that
+beautiful country which is watered by the Wabash and its branches; and
+there is as little doubt that their claim extended at least as far east
+as the Scioto. They have no tradition of removing from any other
+quarter of the country; whereas all the neighboring tribes, the
+Piankishaws excepted, who are a branch of the Miamis, are either
+intruders upon them, or have been permitted to settle in their country.
+The Wyandots emigrated first from lake Ontario, and subsequently from
+lake Huron--the Delawares from Pennsylvania and Maryland--the Shawanoes
+from Georgia--the Kickapoos and Potawatamies from the country between
+lake Michigan and the Mississippi--and the Ottawas and Chippewas from
+the peninsula formed by lakes Michigan, Huron and St Clair, and the
+strait connecting the latter with Erie. The claims of the Miamis were
+bounded on the north and west by those of the Illinois confederacy,
+consisting originally of five tribes, called Kaskaskias, Cahokias,
+Peorians, Michiganians, and Temorais, speaking the Miami language, and
+no doubt branches of that nation.
+
+"When I was first appointed governor of Indiana territory, these once
+powerful tribes were reduced to about thirty warriors, of whom
+twenty-five were Kaskaskias, four Peorians, and a single Michiganian.
+There was an individual lately alive at St. Louis, who saw the
+enumeration made of them by the Jesuits in the year 1745, making the
+number of their warriors four thousand. A furious war between them and
+the Sacs and Kickapoos, reduced them to that miserable remnant, which
+had taken refuge amongst the white people of the towns of Kaskaskias
+and St. Genevieve. The Kickapoos had fixed their principal village at
+Peoria, upon the south bank of the Illinois river, while the Sacs
+remained masters of the country to the north.
+
+"During the war of our Revolution, the Miamis had invited the Kickapoos
+into their country to assist them against the whites, and a
+considerable village was formed by that tribe on Vermillion river, near
+its junction with the Wabash. After the treaty of Greenville, the
+Delawares had, with the approbation of the Miamis, removed from the
+mouth of the Auglaize to the head waters of White river, a large branch
+of the Wabash--and the Potawatamies, without their consent, had formed
+two villages upon the latter river, one at Tippecanoe, and the other at
+Chippoy, twenty-five miles below.
+
+"The Piankishaws lived in the neighborhood of Vincennes, which was
+their ancient village, and claimed the lands to the mouth of the
+Wabash, and to the north and west as far as the Kaskaskias claimed.
+Such was the situation of the tribes, when I received instructions from
+President Jefferson, shortly after his first election, to make efforts
+for extinguishing the Indian claims upon the Ohio, below the mouth of
+the Kentucky river, and to such other tracts as were necessary to
+connect and consolidate our settlements. It was at once determined,
+that the community of interests in the lands amongst the Indian tribes,
+which seemed to be recognized by the treaty of Greenville, should be
+objected to; and that each individual tribe should be protected in
+every claim that should appear to be founded in reason and justice. But
+it was also determined, that as a measure of policy and liberality,
+such tribes as lived upon any tract of land which it would be desirable
+to purchase, should receive a portion of the compensation, although the
+title might be exclusively in another tribe. Upon this principle the
+Delawares, Shawanoes, Potawatamies, and Kickapoos, were admitted as
+parties to several of the treaties. Care was taken, however, to place
+the title to such tracts as might be desirable to purchase hereafter,
+upon a footing that would facilitate the procuring of them, by getting
+the tribes who had no claim themselves, and who might probably
+interfere, to recognize the titles of those who were ascertained to
+possess them.
+
+"This was particularly the case with regard to the lands watered by the
+Wabash, which were declared to be the property of the Miamis, with the
+exception of the tract occupied by the Delawares on White river, which
+was to be considered the joint property of them and the Miamis. This
+arrangement was very much disliked by Tecumseh, and the banditti that
+he had assembled at Tippecanoe. He complained loudly, as well of the
+sales that had been made, as of the principle of considering a
+particular tribe as the exclusive proprietors of any part of the
+country, which he said the Great Spirit had given to all his red
+children. Besides the disaffected amongst the neighboring tribes, he
+had brought together a considerable number of Winnebagoes and
+Folsovoins, from the neighborhood of Green Bay, Sacs from the
+Mississippi, and some Ottawas and Chippewas from Abercrosh on lake
+Michigan. These people were better pleased with the climate and country
+of the Wabash, than with that they had left.
+
+"The Miamis resisted the pretensions of Tecumseh and his followers for
+some time; but a system of terror was adopted, and the young men were
+seduced by eternally placing before them a picture of labor, and
+restriction as to hunting, to which the system adopted would inevitably
+lead. The Potawatamies and other tribes inhabiting the Illinois river
+and south of lake Michigan, had been for a long time approaching
+gradually towards the Wabash. Their country, which was never abundantly
+stocked with game, was latterly almost exhausted of it. The fertile
+regions of the Wabash still afforded it. It was represented, that the
+progressive settlements of the whites upon that river, would soon
+deprive them of their only resource, and indeed would force the Indians
+of that river upon them who were already half starved.
+
+"It is a fact, that for many years the current of emigration, as to the
+tribes east of the Mississippi, has been from north to south. This is
+owing to two causes; the diminution of those animals from which the
+Indians procure their support; and the pressure of the two great
+tribes, the Chippewas and Sioux, to the north and west. So long ago as
+the treaty of Greenville, the Potawatamies gave notice to the Miamis,
+that they intended to settle upon the Wabash. They made no pretensions
+to the country, and their only excuse for the intended aggression was,
+that they were 'tired of eating fish and wanted meat.' It has already
+been observed that the Sacs had extended themselves to the Illinois
+river, and that the settlements of the Kickapoos at the Peorias was of
+modern date. Previously to the commencement of the present war, a
+considerable number had joined their brethren on the Wabash. The Tawas
+from the Des Moins river, have twice made attempts to get a footing
+there.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"The question of the title to the lands south of the Wabash, has been
+thoroughly examined; every opportunity was afforded to Tecumseh and his
+party to exhibit their pretensions, and they were found to rest upon no
+other basis than that of their being the common property of all the
+Indians. The Potawatamies and Kickapoos have unequivocally acknowledged
+the Miami and Delaware titles."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+  Tecumseh participates in the battle of Brownstown--commands the
+  Indians in the action near Maguaga--present at Hull's
+  surrender--general Brock presents him his military sash--attack on
+  Chicago brought about by Tecumseh.
+
+
+On the 18th of June, 1812, the congress of the United States made a
+formal declaration of war against Great Britain. This gave a new aspect
+to affairs on the north-western frontier; and at the first commencement
+of hostilities between these two powers, Tecumseh was in the field,
+prepared for the conflict. In the month of July, when general Hull
+crossed over from Detroit into Canada, this chief, with a party of
+thirty Potawatamies and Shawanoes, was at Malden. About the same time
+there was an assemblage at Brownstown, opposite to Malden, of those
+Indians who were inclined to neutrality in the war. A deputation was
+sent to the latter place, inviting Tecumseh to attend this council.
+"No," said he, indignantly, "I have taken sides with the King, my
+father, and I will suffer my bones to bleach upon this shore, before I
+will recross that stream to join in any council of neutrality." In a
+few days he gave evidence of the sincerity of this declaration, by
+personally commanding the Indians in the first action that ensued after
+the declaration of war.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Anthony Shane.]
+
+Early in August, general Hull, then in Detroit, was notified by express
+that a company of Ohio volunteers, under the command of captain Henry
+Brush, with provisions for the army, were near the river Raisin, and
+needed an escort, as it had been ascertained that some British and a
+considerable body of Indians, under the command of Tecumseh, had
+crossed from Malden to Brownstown, with a view to intercept this
+convoy. General Hull, after some delay, gave a reluctant consent to the
+colonels of the Ohio militia, that a detachment of troops might march
+to the relief of colonel Brush. Major Van Horne, with a small body of
+men, started as an escort to the mail, with orders to join captain
+Brush at the river Raisin. He set off on the fourth of August, marching
+that evening as far as the river De Corce. On the next day, captain
+McCullough of the spies, was killed by some Indians. In the course of
+the succeeding one, near Brownstown, the detachment under major Van
+Horne was suddenly attacked by the Indians, who were lying in ambush.
+Apprehensive of being surrounded and entirely cut off, the major
+ordered a retreat, which was continued to the river De Corce, the enemy
+pursuing them to that point. Our loss was seventeen killed, besides
+several wounded, who were left behind. Among the former were captains
+Ulry, Gilchrist, Boersler, lieutenant Pents, and ensign Ruby. The loss
+of so many officers resulted from their attempts to rally the men. The
+loss of the enemy was supposed to be equal to that sustained by major
+Van Horne. There were about forty British soldiers and seventy Indians
+in this engagement, the latter being commanded by Tecumseh in person.
+
+After general Hull had ingloriously retreated from Canada, he detached
+colonel Miller, with majors Van Horne and Morrison, and a body of
+troops, amounting to six hundred, to make a second effort to reach
+captain Brush. They were attended by some artillerists with one six
+pounder and a howitzer. The detachment marched from Detroit on the
+eighth, and in the afternoon of the ninth the front guard, commanded by
+captain Snelling, was fired upon by a line of British and Indians,
+about two miles below the village of Maguaga. At the moment of the
+attack, the main body was marching in two lines, and captain Snelling
+maintained his position in a gallant manner, until the line was formed
+and marched to the ground he occupied, where the whole, except the rear
+guard, was brought into action. The British were entrenched behind a
+breast-work of logs, with the Indians on the left covered by a thick
+wood. Colonel Miller ordered his whole line to advance, and when within
+a short distance of the enemy, fired upon them, and immediately
+followed it up by a charge with fixed bayonets, when the whole British
+line and the Indians commenced a retreat. They were vigorously pursued
+for near two miles. The Indians on the left were commanded by Tecumseh,
+and fought with great bravery, but were forced to retreat. Our loss in
+this severe and well fought action was ten killed and thirty-two
+wounded of the regular troops, and eight killed and twenty-eight
+wounded of the Ohio and Michigan militia. The full extent of the force
+of the enemy is not known. There were four hundred regulars and
+Canadian militia, under command of major Muir, and a considerable body
+of Indians under Tecumseh. Forty of the latter were found dead on the
+field: fifteen of the British regulars were killed and wounded, and
+four taken prisoners. The loss of the Canadian militia and volunteers,
+was never ascertained, but is supposed, from the position which they
+occupied in the action, to have been considerable. Both major Muir and
+Tecumseh were wounded. The bravery and good conduct of the latter, in
+this engagement, are supposed to have led to his being shortly
+afterwards appointed a brigadier general, in the service of the British
+king.
+
+When Detroit was captured, on the 16th of August, Tecumseh was at the
+head of the Indians. After the surrender, general Brock requested him
+not to allow his men to ill-treat the prisoners, to which he replied,
+"no! I despise them too much to meddle with them."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Book of the Indians, by S.G. Drake.]
+
+"Tecumseh was an excellent judge of position; and not only knew, but
+could point out the localities of the whole country through which he
+passed. His facility of communicating the information he had acquired,
+was thus displayed before a concourse of spectators. Previously to
+general Brock's crossing over to Detroit, he asked him what sort of a
+country he should have to pass through, in case of his proceeding
+farther. Tecumseh, taking a roll of elm bark, and extending it on the
+ground by means of four stones, drew forth his scalping knife, and with
+the point presently etched upon the bark a plan of the country, its
+hills, rivers, woods, morasses and roads; a plan which, if not as neat,
+was for the purpose required, fully as intelligible as if Arrowsmith
+himself had prepared it. Pleased with this unexpected talent in
+Tecumseh, also by his having, with his characteristic boldness, induced
+the Indians, not of his immediate party, to cross the Detroit, prior to
+the embarkation of the regulars and militia, general Brock, as soon as
+the business was over, publicly took off his sash, and placed it round
+the body of the chief. Tecumseh received the honor with evident
+gratification; but was next day seen without his sash. General Brock
+fearing something had displeased the Indian, sent his interpreter for
+an explanation. The latter soon returned with an account, that
+Tecumseh, not wishing to wear such a mark of distinction, when an
+older, and as he said, abler warrior than himself, was present, had
+transferred the sash to the Wyandot chief, Roundhead."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: James' Military Occurrences of the Late War.]
+
+On the 15th of August, the garrison of Chicago, situated in the
+south-western bend of lake Michigan,--consisting of about seventy men,
+with some women and children,--were attacked by a large body of
+Indians, who had been lying around the fort for some time, professing
+neutrality. The whole were either murdered or taken prisoners. The
+garrison, under the direction of captains Heald and Wells, having
+destroyed the fort and distributed the public stores among the Indians,
+was about to retreat towards fort Wayne. As the Indians around Chicago
+had not yet taken sides in the war, the garrison would probably have
+escaped, had not Tecumseh, immediately after the attack upon major
+Vanhorn, at Brownstown, sent a runner to these Indians, claiming the
+victory over that officer; and conveying to them information that
+general Hull had returned to Detroit; and that there was every prospect
+of success over him. This intelligence reached the Indians the night
+previous the evacuation of Chicago, and led them at once, as Tecumseh
+had anticipated, to become the allies of the British army.
+
+At the period of colonel Campbell's expedition against the
+Mississinaway towns, in the month of December, Tecumseh was in that
+neighborhood, with about six hundred Indians, whose services he had
+engaged as allies of Great Britian. He was not in the battle of the
+river Raisin on the 22d of January. Had he been present on that
+occasion, the known magnanimity of his character, justifies the belief
+that the horrible massacre of prisoners, which followed that action,
+would not have taken place. Not only the savages, but their savage
+leaders, Proctor and Elliott, would have been held in check, by a chief
+who, however daring and dreadful in the hour of battle, was never known
+to ill-treat or murder a prisoner.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+  Siege of fort Meigs--Tecumseh commands the Indians--acts with
+  intrepidity--rescues the American prisoners from the tomahawk and
+  scalping knife, after Dudley's defeat--reported agreement between
+  Proctor and Tecumseh, that general Harrison, if taken prisoner,
+  should be delivered to the latter to be burned.
+
+
+Fort Meigs, situated on the south-east side of the Miami of the lakes,
+and at the foot of the rapids of that stream, was an octagonal
+enclosure, with eight block houses, picketed with timber, and
+surrounded by ditches. It was two thousand five hundred yards in
+circumference, and required, to garrison it with efficiency, about two
+thousand men. It was constructed under the immediate superintendence of
+colonel E. D. Wood, of the corps of engineers, one of the most
+scientific and gallant officers of the late war. This post, which was
+established in the spring of 1813, was important not only for the
+protection of the frontiers, but as the depot for the artillery,
+military stores and provisions, necessary for the prosecution of the
+ensuing campaign. These circumstances could not fail to attract the
+attention of the enemy; and the commander of the American army was not
+disappointed in supposing that fort Meigs would be the first point of
+attack, upon the opening of the spring, by the combined forces of
+Proctor and Tecumseh.
+
+In the latter part of March, intelligence reached this post that
+Proctor had issued a general order for assembling the Canadian militia
+at Sandwich, on the 7th of April, to unite in an expedition against
+fort Meigs. This information gave a fresh impulse to the efforts then
+making to render the fort, which was still in an unfinished state, as
+strong as possible. On the 8th of April, colonel Ball arrived with two
+hundred dragoons; and on the 12th general Harrison reached the fort
+with three hundred men from the posts on the Auglaize and St. Mary's.
+Vigorous preparations were now made for the anticipated siege. On the
+19th, a scouting party returned from the river Raisin, with three
+Frenchmen, who stated that the British were still making arrangements
+for an attack on this post; and were assembling a very large Indian
+force. They informed general Harrison that Tecumseh and the Prophet had
+reached Sandwich, with about six hundred Indians, collected in the
+country between lake Michigan and the Wabash. This intelligence removed
+the apprehension entertained by the general, that the Indians intended
+to fall upon the posts in his rear, while Proctor should attack fort
+Meigs. On the 26th, the advance of the enemy was discovered at the
+mouth of the bay; and on the 28th, the British and Indian forces were
+found to be within a few miles of the fort. At this time, only a part
+of the troops destined for the defence of the place, had arrived; but
+the remainder, under the command of general Green Clay, of Kentucky,
+were daily expected. So soon as the fort was actually invested by the
+Indians, an express was sent by the commander-in-chief, to inform
+general Clay of the fact, and direct his subsequent movements. This
+dangerous enterprise--for the Indians were already in considerable
+numbers around the fort--was undertaken and successfully executed by
+captain William Oliver,[A] a gallant young officer belonging to the
+commissary's department, who, to a familiar acquaintance with the
+geography of the country, united much knowledge of Indian warfare.
+Attended by a white man and a Delaware Indian, Oliver traversed the
+country to fort Findlay, thence to fort Amanda, and finally met with
+general Clay at fort Winchester, on the 2d of May, and communicated to
+him general Harrison's instructions.
+
+[Footnote A: Now Major William Oliver, of Cincinnati. It is but an act
+of justice to this gentleman to state that, for the voluntary
+performance of this service, he refused all pecuniary compensation.
+General Harrison subsequently, in a letter to major Oliver, in relation
+to this service, says, "To prevent the possibility of these orders
+coming to the knowledge of the enemy, they could not be committed to
+writing, but must be communicated verbally, by a confidential officer.
+The selection of one suited to the performance of this important trust
+was a matter of no little difficulty. To the qualities of undoubted
+patriotism, moral firmness, as well as active courage, sagacity and
+prudence, it was necessary that he should unite a thorough knowledge of
+the country through which the troops were to pass, and of all the
+localities of the position upon which they were advancing. Without the
+latter, the possession of the former would be useless, and the absence
+of either of the former might render the latter not only useless, but
+in the highest degree mischievous. Although there was no coincidence
+between the performance of this duty and those which appertained to the
+department of the staff in which you held an appointment, [the
+commissariat] I did not long hesitate in fixing on you for this
+service."]
+
+Soon after Oliver had started on this enterprise, the gunboats of the
+enemy approached the site of old fort Miami, on the opposite side of
+the river, about two miles below fort Meigs. In the course of the
+ensuing night they commenced the erection of three batteries, opposite
+the fort on a high bank, about three hundred yards from the river, the
+intermediate space of ground being open and partly covered with water.
+Two of them were gun batteries, with four embrasures, and were situated
+higher up the river than the fort; the third was a bomb battery, placed
+a short distance below. Early the next morning, a fire was opened upon
+them from the fort, which, to some extent, impeded the progress of the
+works. On the morning of the 30th, the enemy, under a heavy and
+somewhat fatal fire from the guns of the fort, raised and adjusted
+their cannon, while at the same time, a number of boats filled with
+Indians were seen crossing to the south-eastern side of the river.
+
+On the morning of the first of May, the British batteries were
+completed; and about ten o'clock, the enemy appeared to be adjusting
+their guns on certain objects in the fort. "By this time our troops had
+completed a grand traverse, about twelve feet high, upon a base of
+twenty feet, three hundred yards long, on the most elevated ground
+through the middle of the camp, calculated to ward off the shot of the
+enemy's batteries. Orders were given for all the tents in front to be
+instantly removed into its rear, which was effected in a few minutes,
+and that beautiful prospect of cannonading and bombarding our lines,
+which but a few moments before had excited the skill and energy of the
+British engineer, was now entirely fled; and in its place nothing was
+to be seen but an immense shield of earth, which entirely obscured the
+whole army. Not a tent nor a single person was to be seen. Those canvas
+houses, which had concealed the growth of the traverse from the view of
+the enemy, were now protected and hid in their turn. The prospect of
+_smoking us out,_ was now at best but very faint. But as neither
+general Proctor nor his officers were yet convinced of the folly and
+futility of their laborious preparations, their batteries were opened,
+and five days were spent in arduous cannonading and bombarding, to
+bring them to this salutary conviction. A tremendous cannonading was
+kept up all the rest of the day, and shells were thrown until 11
+o'clock at night. Very little damage, however, was done in the camp;
+one or two were killed, and three or four wounded; among the latter was
+major Amos Stoddard, of the first regiment of artillery, a survivor of
+the revolution, and an officer of much merit. He was wounded slightly
+with a piece of shell, and about ten days afterwards died with the
+lock-jaw.
+
+"The fire of the enemy was returned from the fort with one eighteen
+pounder with some effect, though but sparingly, for the stock of
+eighteen pound shot was but small, there being but three hundred and
+sixty of that size in the fort when the siege commenced; and about the
+same number for the twelve pounders."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: M'Affee.]
+
+Throughout the whole of the second day the firing was continued with
+great spirit, but without doing much damage on either side. General
+Harrison, in anticipation of a transfer of the enemy's guns to the
+other side of the river, and the establishment of batteries to play
+upon the centre or flanks of the camp, had directed the construction of
+works calculated to resist such an attack; and they were in a state of
+considerable forwardness on the morning of the third, when, from the
+bushes on the left of the fort, three field pieces and a howitzer were
+suddenly opened upon the camp by the enemy. The fire was returned with
+such effect, that general Proctor was soon compelled to change his
+position. His batteries were again opened on the camp from another
+point, but without doing much injury. On the fourth, the fire of the
+enemy was renewed, but with less energy than on the previous days, the
+result, it is supposed, of a belief that their efforts to reduce the
+fort would fail. General Harrison was waiting the arrival of general
+Clay with his reinforcements. Late in the night of the fourth, captain
+Oliver, accompanied by majors David Trimble and ---- Taylor, with
+fifteen Ohio militia, having left general Clay above the rapids,
+started in a boat for the fort, that the commanding general, by knowing
+the position of the reinforcements, might form his plans for the
+ensuing day. The effort to reach the fort under the existing
+circumstances was extremely dangerous. Captain Leslie Combs had already
+attempted it, and failed. He had been sent by colonel Dudley, upon his
+arrival at Defiance, to inform general Harrison of the fact. With five
+men, the captain approached within a mile of the fort, when he was
+attacked by the Indians, and compelled to retreat after a gallant
+resistance, in which nearly all his companions were killed. When Oliver
+drew near the fort, the night was extremely dark, and he was only
+enabled to discover the spot by the spreading branches of a solitary
+oak tree, standing within the fortification. The boat was fired upon by
+the sentinels of the fort, but on their being hailed by captain Oliver,
+no further alarm was given. After landing and wading over a ravine
+filled with water, the party groped their way to one of the gates, and
+were admitted. Tecumseh and his Indians were extremely vigilant, and,
+at night, usually came close to the ramparts for the purpose of
+annoying our troops, as opportunity might offer. So soon as general
+Harrison had received the information brought by captain Oliver and his
+companions, he made his arrangements for the ensuing day. Captain
+Hamilton, attended by a subaltern, was immediately despatched up the
+river in a canoe with orders to general Clay. The captain met him at
+daylight five miles above the fort, the boats conveying the
+reinforcements having been delayed by the darkness of the night.
+Captain Hamilton delivered the following order to general Clay. "You
+must detach about eight hundred men from your brigade, and land them at
+a point I will show you about a mile or a mile and a half above camp
+Meigs. I will then conduct the detachment to the British batteries on
+the left bank of the river. The batteries must be taken, the cannon
+spiked, and the carriages cut down; and the troops must then return to
+their boats and cross over to the fort. The balance of your men must
+land on the fort-side of the river, opposite the first landing, and
+fight their way into the fort through the Indians. The route they must
+take will be pointed out by a subaltern officer how with me, who will
+land the canoe on the right bank of the river to point out the landing
+for the boats."[A] As soon as these orders were received by general
+Clay, who was in the thirteenth boat from the front, he directed
+captain Hamilton to go to colonel Dudley, with orders to take the
+twelve front boats and execute the plan of the commanding general on
+the left bank of the river; and to post the subaltern with the canoe on
+the right bank, at the point where the remainder of the reinforcement
+was directed to land. It was the design of general Harrison while the
+troops under Dudley were destroying the enemy's batteries on the
+north-west side of the river, and general Clay was fighting the Indians
+above the fort on the south-east side, to send out a detachment to take
+and spike the British guns on the south side.
+
+[Footnote A: M'Affee.]
+
+General Clay ordered the five remaining boats to fall behind the one
+occupied by him; but in attempting to do so, they were driven on shore,
+and thus thrown half a mile into the rear. The general kept close to
+the right bank, intending to land opposite to the detachment under
+Dudley, but finding no guide there, and the Indians having commenced a
+brisk fire on his boat, he attempted to cross to the detachment. The
+current, however, was so swift, that it soon carried him too far down
+for that project; he therefore turned back, and landed on the right
+bank further down. Captain Peter Dudley, with a part of his company,
+was in this boat, making in the whole upwards of fifty men, who now
+marched into camp without loss, amidst a shower of grape from the
+British batteries and the fire of some Indians. The boat with their
+baggage and four sick soldiers, was left, as the general supposed, in
+the care of two men who met him at his landing, and by whom he expected
+she would be brought down under the guns of the fort. In a few minutes,
+however, she fell into the hands of the Indians. The attempt which he
+had made to cross the river, induced colonel Boswell, with the rear
+boats, to land on the opposite side; but as soon as captain Hamilton
+discovered the error under which he was acting, he instructed him to
+cross over and fight his way into camp. When he arrived at the south
+side, he was annoyed on landing by the Indians; and as soon as his men
+were on shore, he formed them and returned the fire of the enemy; at
+the same time he was directed by captain Shaw, from the commanding
+general, to march in open order, through the plain, to the fort. As
+there was now a large body of Indians on his flank, general Harrison
+determined to send out a reinforcement from the garrison to enable him
+to beat them. Accordingly, Alexander's brigade, a part of Johnson's
+battalion, and the companies of captains Nearing and Dudley, were
+ordered to prepare for this duty. When the Kentuckians reached the
+gates of the fort, these troops were ready to join them. Having formed
+in order--colonel Boswell being on the right,--they marched against the
+Indians, who were superior to them in numbers, and at the point of the
+bayonet, forced them into the woods to the distance of half a mile or
+more. Such was the ardor of our troops, in the pursuit, that it was
+difficult, especially for the Kentucky officers, to induce their men to
+return.
+
+General Harrison had now taken a position on one of the batteries of
+the fort, that he might see the various movements which at this moment
+claimed his attention. He soon perceived a detachment of British and
+Indians passing along the edge of the woods, with a view to reach the
+left and rear of the corps under Boswell: he forthwith despatched his
+volunteer aid, John T. Johnston, to recall the troops under Boswell
+from the pursuit. Johnston's horse having been killed before he
+delivered this order, it was repeated through major Graham, and a
+retreat was commenced: the Indians promptly rallied and boldly pursued
+them for some distance, killing and wounding a number of our troops. So
+soon as the commanding general perceived that colonel Dudley and his
+detachment had reached the batteries on the northern bank of the river,
+and entered successfully upon the execution of the duty assigned them,
+he ordered colonel John Miller of the regulars to make a sortie from
+the fort, against the batteries which the enemy had erected on the
+south side of the river. The detachment assigned to colonel Miller,
+amounted to about three hundred and fifty men, composed of the
+companies and parts of companies of captains Langham, Croghan,
+Bradford, Nearing, Elliott, and lieutenants Gwynne and Campbell of the
+regular troops; the volunteers of Alexander's battalion; and captain
+Sebree's company of Kentucky militia. Colonel Miller and his men
+charged upon, the enemy, and drove them from their position; spiked the
+cannon at their batteries, and secured forty-one prisoners. The force
+of the enemy, thus driven and defeated, consisted of two hundred
+British regulars, one hundred and fifty Canadians and about five
+hundred Indians, under the immediate command of Tecumseh, in all more
+than double the force of the detachment under colonel Miller. In this
+sortie, captain Sebree's company of militia, was particularly
+distinguished. With the intrepid bravery and reckless ardor for which
+the Kentucky troops are noted, they plunged into the thickest ranks of
+the enemy, and were for a time surrounded by the Indians, who gallantly
+pressed upon them; but they maintained their ground, until lieutenant
+Gwynne,[A] of the 19th regiment, perceiving their imminent peril,
+boldly charged upon the Indians, with a portion of captain Elliott's
+company, and released captain Sebree and his men from their dangerous
+situation. Had the force of colonel Miller been something stronger, he
+would probably have captured the whole of the enemy, then on the south
+side of the river. The British and Indians suffered severely, being
+finally driven back and thrown into confusion. As colonel Miller
+commenced his return to the fort, the enemy rallied and pressed with
+great bravery upon his rear, until he arrived near the breast-works. A
+considerable number of our soldiers were left dead on the field, and
+several officers were wounded.
+
+[Footnote A: Major David Gwynne, now of Cincinnati.]
+
+Colonel Dudley's movements on the north side of the river, are now to
+be noticed. A landing was effected by his detachment, which was
+immediately marched off, through an open plain, to a hill clothed with
+timber. Here the troops were formed into three columns, colonel Dudley
+placing himself at the head of the right, major Shelby leading the
+left, and captain Morrison, acting as major, the centre. The distance
+from the place where the detachment was formed in order, to the point
+to be attacked, was near two miles. The batteries were engaged in
+cannonading camp Meigs, when the column led by major Shelby, being a
+few hundred yards in advance of the others, rushed at full speed upon
+those having charge of the guns, and carried them without the loss of a
+single man. When the British flag was cut down, the garrison of fort
+Meigs shouted for joy. The grand object of the enterprise having been
+achieved, the general, who was watching the movements of the
+detachment, made signs to them to retreat to their boats; but to his
+great surprise, and in express disobedience of the orders transmitted
+through colonel Hamilton, our troops remained at the batteries, quietly
+looking around, without spiking the cannon, cutting down the carriages
+or destroying the magazines. This delay proved fatal to them. The
+general, alarmed for their safety, now offered a very high reward to
+any individual who would bear fresh orders to colonel Dudley and his
+men, to return to their boats and cross over the river to the fort. The
+service was undertaken by lieutenant Campbell. "About the time when the
+batteries were taken a body of Indians, lying in ambush, had fired on a
+party of spies under captain Combs, who had marched down on the extreme
+left of the detachment. Presently colonel Dudley gave orders to
+reinforce the spies, and the greater part of the right and centre
+columns rushed into the woods in confusion, with their colonel among
+them--to fight the Indians, whom they routed and pursued near two
+miles. The left column remained in possession of the batteries, till
+the fugitive artillerists returned with a reinforcement from the main
+British camp, and attacked them. Some of them were then made prisoners,
+others fled to the boats, and a part, who were rallied by the exertions
+of their major, marched to the aid of colonel Dudley. The Indians had
+also been reinforced, and the confusion in which major Shelby found the
+men under Dudley, was so great as to amount to a cessation of
+resistance; while the savages, skulking around them, continued the work
+of destruction in safety. At last a retreat commenced in disorder, but
+the greater part of the men were captured by the Indians, or
+surrendered to the British at the batteries. The gallant but
+unfortunate colonel Dudley, after being wounded, was overtaken and
+despatched with the tomahawk. The number of those who escaped and got
+into the fort, out of the whole detachment, was considerably below two
+hundred. Had the orders which colonel Dudley received, been duly
+regarded, or a proper degree of judgment exercised on the occasion, the
+day would certainly have been an important one for the country, and a
+glorious one for the army. Every thing might have been accomplished
+agreeably to the wishes and intentions of the general, with the loss of
+but few men. When the approach of the detachment under Dudley was
+reported to Proctor, he supposed it to be the main force of the
+American army, from which he was apprehensive that he might sustain a
+total defeat: he therefore recalled a large portion of his British and
+Indians from the opposite shore. They did not arrive, however, in time
+to partake in the contest on the north side."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: M'Affee.]
+
+After the fighting had ceased on the fifth, the British general sent a
+flag to the fort by major Chambers, and his introduction to general
+Harrison was succeeded by the following significant dialogue:
+
+"_Major Chambers._ General Proctor has directed me to demand the
+surrender of this post. He wishes to spare the effusion of blood.
+
+"_General Harrison._ The demand, under present circumstances, is a most
+extraordinary one. As general Proctor did not send me a summons to
+surrender on his first arrival, I had supposed that he believed me
+determined to do my duty. His present message indicates an opinion of
+me that I am at a loss to account for.
+
+"_Major Chambers._ General Proctor could never think of saying anything
+to wound your feelings, sir. The character of general Harrison, as an
+officer, is well known. General Proctor's force is very respectable,
+and there is with him a larger body of Indians than has ever before
+been embodied.
+
+"_General Harrison._ I believe I have a very correct idea of general
+Proctor's force; it is not such as to create the least apprehension for
+the result of the contest, whatever shape he may be pleased hereafter
+to give it. Assure the general, however, that he will never have this
+post _surrendered_ to him upon any terms. Should it fall into his
+hands, it will be in a manner calculated to do him more honor, and to
+give him larger claims upon the gratitude of his government than any
+capitulation could possibly do."
+
+The siege was continued, but without any very active efforts against
+the fort, until the morning of the 9th of May, when the enemy retreated
+down the bay, leaving behind them a quantity of cannon balls, and other
+valuable articles.
+
+The force under general Proctor amounted, as nearly as could be
+ascertained, to six hundred regulars, eight hundred Canadian militia,
+and about eighteen hundred Indians. The number of troops under general
+Harrison, including those which arrived on the morning of the fifth,
+under general Clay, was about twelve hundred in all. The number fit for
+duty did not, perhaps, equal eleven hundred.
+
+The number of the American troops killed and massacred on the north
+side of the river, was upwards of seventy. One hundred and eighty-nine
+were wounded, and eighty-one killed, in the two sorties from the fort.
+The loss of the British and Indians, in killed and wounded, could never
+be satisfactorily ascertained. That it was very considerable, there can
+be no doubt.
+
+The enemy brought against fort Meigs a combined army of near three
+thousand men, under Proctor, Elliott and Tecumseh, and prepared, by a
+train of artillery, for vigorous operations. These were prosecuted with
+skill and energy. The Indians, led on by the daring Tecumseh, fought
+with uncommon bravery, and contributed largely to swell the list of our
+killed and wounded. It is said, that the sagacious leader of the Indian
+forces did not enter upon this siege with any strong hopes of ultimate
+success; but having embarked in it, he stood manfully in the post of
+danger, and took an active, if not a leading part, in planning and
+executing the various movements which were made against the fort. The
+spirit with which these were prosecuted may be in part inferred from
+the fact, that during the first five days of the siege, the enemy fired
+upon the fort with their cannon, fifteen hundred times,[A] many of
+their balls and bombs being red-hot, and directed specially at the two
+block houses containing the ammunition. These shots made no decided
+impression upon the picketing of the fort, but killed or wounded about
+eighty of the garrison.
+
+[Footnote A: Brown's History of the Late War.]
+
+It has been already stated that the distinguished leader of the
+Indians, in this assault upon camp Meigs, entered upon it with no
+sanguine hopes of success. His associate, general Proctor, however, is
+said to have entertained a different opinion, and flattered himself and
+his troops with the prospect of splendid success and rich rewards. In
+case of the reduction of the fort and the capture of its garrison, the
+British general intended to assign the Michigan territory to the
+Prophet and his followers, as a compensation for their services; and
+general Harrison was to have been delivered into the hands of Tecumseh,
+to be disposed of at the pleasure of that chief.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: M'Affee.]
+
+One of the public journals of the day[A] states that this proposition
+originated with Proctor, and was held out as an inducement to Tecumseh,
+to join in the siege. General Harrison subsequently understood, that in
+case he had fallen into Proctor's hands, he was to have been delivered
+to Tecumseh, to be treated as that warrior might think proper: and in a
+note to Dawson's Historical Narrative, the author of that work says,
+"There is no doubt that when Proctor made the arrangement for the
+attack on fort Meigs with Tecumseh, the latter insisted and the former
+agreed, that general Harrison and all who fought at Tippecanoe, should
+be given up to the Indians to be burned. Major Ball of the dragoons
+ascertained this fact from prisoners, deserters and Indians, all of
+whom agreed to its truth." Whatever may have been the actual agreement
+between Proctor and Tecumseh in regard to general Harrison and those
+who fought with him at Tippecanoe, it is hardly credible that this
+chief had any intention of participating in an outrage of this kind,
+upon the prisoners. Tecumseh may possibly have made such an arrangement
+with Proctor, and announced it to the Indians, for the purpose of
+exciting them to activity and perseverance, in carrying on the siege;
+but that this chief seriously meditated any such outrage, either
+against general Harrison or his associates, is not to be credited but
+on the best authority. It will be recollected that Tecumseh, when but a
+youth, succeeded by his personal influence, in putting an end to the
+custom of burning prisoners, then common among a branch of the
+Shawanoes. In 1810, at a conference with general Harrison, in
+Vincennes, he made an agreement that prisoners and women and children,
+in the event of hostilities between the whites and the Indians, should
+be protected; and there is no evidence that this compact was ever
+violated by him; or indeed, that through the whole course of his
+eventful life, he ever committed violence upon a prisoner, or suffered
+others to do so without promptly interfering for the captive. To
+suppose, then, that he really intended to permit general Harrison, or
+those who fought with him on the Wabash, to be burned, would have been
+at variance with the whole tenor of his life; and particularly with his
+manly and magnanimous conduct at the close of the assault upon fort
+Meigs.
+
+[Footnote A: The Chillicothe Fredonian.]
+
+The prisoners captured on the fifth, were, taken down to Proctor's
+head-quarters and confined in fort Miami, where the Indians were
+permitted to amuse, themselves by firing at the crowd, or at any
+particular individual. Those whose taste led them to inflict a more
+cruel and savage death, led their victims to the gateway, where, under
+the eye of general Proctor and his officers, they were coolly
+tomahawked and scalped. Upwards of twenty prisoners were thus, in the
+course of two hours, massacred in cold blood, by those to whom they had
+voluntarily surrendered. At the same time, the chiefs of the different
+tribe were holding a council to determine the fate of the remaining
+captives, when Tecumseh and colonel Elliott came down from the
+batteries to the scene of carnage.
+
+A detailed account of the noble conduct of the former in regard to
+these captives is contained in the following extract from a letter,[A]
+upon the accuracy of which reliance may be placed. The writer, after
+contrasting the brave and humane Tecumseh with the cruel and reckless
+Proctor, says:
+
+"The most unfortunate event of that contest, I presume you will admit
+to have been the defeat of colonel Dudley. I will give you a statement
+made to me by a British officer who was present. He states, that when
+colonel Dudley landed his troops, Tecumseh, the brave but unfortunate
+commander, was on the south side of the river, annoying the American
+garrison with his Indians; and that Proctor, with a part of his troops
+and a few Indians, remained on the opposite side at the batteries.
+Dudley attacked him, and pursued him two miles. During this time,
+Harrison had sent out a detachment to engage Tecumseh; and that the
+contest with him continued a considerable length of time, before he was
+informed of what was doing on the opposite side. He immediately
+retreated, swam over the river and fell in the rear of Dudley, and
+attacked him with great fury. Being thus surrounded and their commander
+killed, the troops marched up to the British line and surrendered.
+Shortly afterwards, commenced the scene of horrors which I dare say is
+yet fresh in your memory; but I shall recall it to your recollection
+for reasons I will hereafter state. They (the American troops) were
+huddled together in an old British garrison, with the Indians around
+them, selecting such as their fancy dictated, to glut their savage
+thirst for murder. And although they had surrendered themselves
+prisoners of war, yet, in violation of the customs of war, the inhuman
+Proctor did not yield them the least protection, nor attempt to screen
+them from the tomahawk of the Indians. Whilst this blood-thirsty
+carnage was raging, a thundering voice was heard in the rear, in the
+Indian tongue, when, turning round, he saw Tecumseh coming with all the
+rapidity his horse could carry him, until he drew near to where two
+Indians had an American, and were in the act of killing him. He sprang
+from his horse, caught one by the throat and the other by the breast,
+and threw them to the ground; drawing his tomahawk and scalping knife,
+he ran in between the Americans and Indians, brandishing them with the
+fury of a mad man, and daring any one of the hundreds that surrounded
+him, to attempt to murder another American. They all appeared
+confounded, and immediately desisted. His mind appeared rent with
+passion, and he exclaimed almost with tears in his eyes, 'Oh! what will
+become of my Indians.' He then demanded in an authoritative tone, where
+Proctor was; but casting his eye upon him at a small distance, sternly
+enquired why he had not put a stop to the inhuman massacre. 'Sir,' said
+Proctor, 'your Indians cannot be commanded.' 'Begone' retorted
+Tecumseh, with the greatest disdain, 'you are unfit to command; go and
+put on petticoats.'"
+
+[Footnote A: This letter is from Mr. Wm. G. Ewing, formerly of Piqua,
+O., and is addressed, under date of May 2d, 1818, to John H. James,
+Esq. now of Urbana.]
+
+This was not the only occasion on which Tecumseh openly manifested the
+contempt which he felt for the character and conduct of general
+Proctor. Among other instances, it is stated by an officer of the
+United States' army, in a letter, under date of 28th September,
+1813,[A] that in a conversation between these two commanders of the
+allied British army, Tecumseh said to Proctor, "I conquer to save, and
+you to murder;"--an expression founded in truth, and worthy of the
+magnanimous hero from whose lips it fell.
+
+[Footnote A: Niles' Register.]
+
+There is another incident connected with the defeat of Dudley, which
+justice to the character of Tecumseh requires should be recorded.
+Shortly after he had put a stop to the horrid massacre of the
+prisoners, his attention was called to a small group of Indians
+occupied in looking at some object in their midst. Colonel Elliott
+observed to him, "Yonder are four of your nation who have been taken
+prisoners; you may take charge of them, and dispose of them as you
+think proper." Tecumseh walked up to the crowd, where he found four
+Shawanoes, two brothers by the name of Perry, Big Jim, and the Soldier.
+"Friends," said he, "colonel Elliott has placed you under my charge,
+and I will send you back to your nation with a talk to our people." He
+accordingly took them on with the army as far as the river Raisin, from
+which point their return home would be less dangerous, and then
+appointed two of his followers to accompany them, with some friendly
+messages to the chiefs of the Shawanoe nation. They were thus
+discharged under their parole, not to fight against the British during
+the war.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+  Tecumseh present at the second attack on fort Meigs--his stratagem of
+  a sham-battle to draw out general Clay--is posted in the Black swamp
+  with two thousand warriors at the time of the attack on fort
+  Stephenson--from thence passes by land to Malden--compels general
+  Proctor to release an American prisoner--threatens to desert the
+  British cause--urges an attack upon the American fleet--opposes
+  Proctor's retreat from Malden--delivers a speech to him on that
+  occasion.
+
+
+After abandoning the siege of fort Meigs, general Proctor and Tecumseh
+returned to Malden, where the Canadian militia were disbanded, and the
+Indians, who had not already left the army, for their respective
+villages, were stationed at different cantonments. The Chippewas
+preferred going home; the Potawatamies were placed six miles up the
+river Rouge; the Miamis and Wyandots at Brownstown and up the Detroit
+river, as far as Maguaga. They were successively employed by the
+British commander as scouts, a party being sent regularly, once a week,
+to reconnoiter fort Meigs, and other points in that vicinity. They
+planted no corn and hunted but little, being regularly supplied with
+provisions from Detroit and Malden.
+
+Early in July, the allies of the British again made their appearance in
+the vicinity of fort Meigs. Dickson, an influential Scotch trader among
+the Indians, having returned from the north-west with a large body of
+savages, general Proctor was urged to renew the attack on the fort, and
+it was accordingly done.
+
+Late on the evening of the 20th of July, the garrison discovered the
+boats of the British army ascending the river. On the following morning
+general Clay, now in command of this post, despatched a picket guard of
+ten men to a point three hundred yards below the fort, where it was
+surprised by the Indians, and seven of the party either killed or
+captured. The combined army of British and Indians, were soon
+afterwards encamped on the north side of the river, below the old
+British fort Miami. For a short time, the Indians took a position in
+the woods, in the rear of the fort, from which they occasionally fired
+upon the garrison, but without doing any injury. In the night, captain
+William Oliver, accompanied by captain M'Cune, was sent express to
+general Harrison, then at Lower Sandusky, with information that fort
+Meigs was again invested; and, that the united force of the enemy did
+not fall far short of five thousand men. The general directed captain
+M'Cune to return to the fort, with information to the commander, that
+so soon as the necessary troops could be assembled, he would march to
+his relief. The general doubted, however, whether any serious attack
+was meditated against the place. He believed, and the result showed the
+accuracy of his judgment, that the enemy was making a feint at the
+Rapids, to call his attention in that direction, while Lower Sandusky
+or Cleveland, would be the real point of assault. On the 23d Tecumseh,
+with about eight hundred Indians, passed up the river, with the
+intention, as general Clay supposed, of attacking fort Winchester: this
+movement, as was subsequently ascertained, being also intended to
+deceive the commander of the fort. On the 25th the enemy removed to the
+south side of the river, and encamped behind a point of woods which
+partly concealed them from the view of the garrison. This, taken in
+connection with other circumstances, led general Clay to think that an
+effort would be made to carry the post by assault. Early on the morning
+of the 26th captain M'Cune reached the fort in safety. In the afternoon
+of that day, the enemy practised a well devised stratagem for the
+purpose of drawing general Clay and his troops from their fastness. On
+the Sandusky road, just before night, a heavy firing of rifles and
+muskets was heard: the Indian yell broke upon the ear, and the savages
+were seen attacking with great impetuosity a column of men, who were
+soon thrown into confusion; they, however, rallied, and in turn the
+Indians gave way. The idea flew through the fort that general Harrison
+was approaching with a body of reinforcements; and the troops under
+general Clay seized their arms, and with nearly all the officers in the
+garrison, demanded to be led to the support of their friends. General
+Clay was unable to explain the firing, but wisely concluded, from the
+information received in the morning by captain M'Cune, that there could
+be no reinforcements in the neighborhood of the fort. He had the
+prudent firmness to resist the earnest importunity of his officers and
+men, to be led to the scene of action. The enemy finding that the
+garrison could not be drawn out, and a heavy shower of rain beginning
+to fall, terminated their sham-battle. It was subsequently ascertained
+that this was a stratagem, devised by Tecumseh, for the purpose of
+decoying out a part of the force under general Clay, which was to have
+been attacked and cut off by the Indians; while the British troops were
+to carry the fort by storm. But for the opportune arrival of the
+express in the morning of this day, and the cool judgment of the
+commander, there is great reason to suppose that this admirably planned
+manoeuvre would have succeeded; which must have resulted in the total
+destruction of the garrison, the combined force of the enemy, then
+investing fort Meigs, being about five thousand in number, while the
+troops under general Clay were but a few hundred strong. The enemy
+remained around the fort but one day after the failure of this
+ingenious stratagem, and on the 28th embarked with their stores, and
+proceeded down the lake.
+
+As had been anticipated by general Harrison, immediately after the
+siege was raised, the British troops sailed round into Sandusky bay,
+while a portion of the Indians marched across the land, to aid in the
+meditated attack upon fort Stephenson, at lower Sandusky. Tecumseh, in
+the mean time, with about two thousand warriors, took a position in the
+great swamp, between that point and fort Meigs, ready to encounter any
+reinforcement that might have been started to the relief of general
+Clay, to fall upon the camp at Seneca, or upon Upper Sandusky,
+according to circumstances. The gallant defence of fort Stephenson by
+captain Croghan, put a sudden stop to the offensive operations of the
+army under Proctor and Tecumseh; and very shortly afterwards
+transferred the scene of action to a new theatre on the Canada shore,
+where these commanders were, in turn, thrown upon the defensive.
+
+Immediately after the signal defeat of general Proctor at fort
+Stephenson, he returned with the British troops to Malden by water,
+while Tecumseh and his followers passed over land round the head of
+lake Erie and joined him at that point. At this time, an incident
+occurred which illustrates the character of Tecumseh, while it shows
+the contumely with which he was accustomed to treat general Proctor,
+who did not dare to disobey him. A citizen of the United States,
+captain Le Croix, had fallen into the hands of Proctor, and was
+secreted on board one of the British vessels, until he could be sent
+down to Montreal. Tecumseh had a particular regard for captain Le
+Croix, and suspected that he had been captured. He called upon general
+Proctor, and in a peremptory manner demanded if he knew any thing of
+his friend. He even ordered the British general to tell him the
+_truth_, adding, "If I ever detect you in a falsehood, I, with my
+Indians, will immediately abandon you." The general was obliged to
+acknowledge that Le Croix was in confinement. Tecumseh, in a very
+imperious tone, insisted upon his immediate release. General Proctor
+wrote a line stating, that the "king of the woods" desired the release
+of captain Le Croix, and that he must be set at liberty; which was done
+without delay.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Alden Collection.]
+
+Discouraged by the want of success, and having lost all confidence in
+general Proctor, Tecumseh now seriously meditated a withdrawal from the
+contest. He assembled the Shawanoes, Wyandots and Ottawas, who were
+under his command, and declared his intention to them. He told them,
+that at the time they took up the tomahawk and agreed to join their
+father, the king, they were promised plenty of white men to fight with
+them; "but the number is not now greater," said he, "than at the
+commencement of the war; and we are treated by them like the dogs of
+snipe hunters; we are always sent ahead to _start the game_: it is
+better that we should return to our country, and let the Americans come
+on and fight the British." To this proposition his followers agreed;
+but the Sioux and Chippewas, discovering his intention, went to him and
+insisted that inasmuch as he had first united with the British, and had
+been instrumental in bringing their tribes into the alliance, he ought
+not to leave them; and through their influence he was finally induced
+to remain.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Anthony Shane.]
+
+Tecumseh was on the island of Bois Blanc, in the Detroit river, when
+commodore Perry made the first display of his fleet before Malden. He
+appeared much pleased at the appearance of these vessels, and assured
+the Indians by whom he was surrounded, that the British fleet would
+soon destroy them. The Indians hastened to the shore to witness the
+contest, but the harbour of Malden presented no evidence that commodore
+Barclay intended to meet the American commander. Tecumseh launched his
+canoe, and crossed over to Malden to make enquiries on the subject. He
+called on general Proctor, and adverting to the apparent unwillingness
+of commodore Barclay to attack the American fleet, he said "a few days
+since, you were boasting that you commanded the waters--why do you not
+go out and meet the Americans? See yonder, they are waiting for you,
+and daring you to meet them: you must and shall send out your fleet and
+fight them." Upon his return to the island, he stated to the Indians,
+with apparent chagrin, that "the big canoes of their great father were
+not yet ready, and that the destruction of the Americans must be
+delayed for a few days."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Ibid.]
+
+When the battle was finally fought, it was witnessed by the Indians
+from the shore. On the day succeeding the engagement, general Proctor
+said to Tecumseh, "my fleet has whipped the Americans, but the vessels
+being much injured, have gone into Put-in Bay to refit, and will be
+here in a few days." This deception, however, upon the Indians, was not
+of long duration. The sagacious eye of Tecumseh soon perceived
+indications of a retreat from Malden, and he promptly enquired into the
+matter. General Proctor informed him that he was only going to send
+their valuable property up the Thames, where it would meet a
+reinforcement, and be safe. Tecumseh, however, was not to be deceived
+by this shallow device; and remonstrated most urgently against a
+retreat. He finally demanded, in the name of all the Indians under his
+command, to be heard by the general, and, on the 18th of September,
+delivered to him, as the representative of their great father, the
+king, the following speech:
+
+"Father, listen to your children! you have them now all before you.
+
+"The war before this, our British father gave the hatchet to his red
+children, when our old chiefs were alive. They are now dead. In that
+war our father was thrown on his back by the Americans; and our father
+took them by the hand without our knowledge; and we are afraid that our
+father will do so again at this time.
+
+"Summer before last, when I came forward with my red brethren and was
+ready to take up the hatchet in favor of our British father, we were
+told not to be in a hurry, that he had not yet determined to fight the
+Americans.
+
+"Listen! when war was declared, our father stood up and gave us the
+tomahawk, and told us that he was then ready to strike the Americans;
+that he wanted our assistance, and that he would certainly get our
+lands back, which the Americans had taken from us.
+
+"Listen! you told us at that time, to bring forward our families to
+this place, and we did so; and you promised to take care of them, and
+they should want for nothing, while the men would go and fight the
+enemy; that we need not trouble ourselves about the enemy's garrisons;
+that we knew nothing about them, and that our father would attend to
+that part of the business. You also told your red children that you
+would take good care of your garrison here, which made our hearts glad.
+
+"Listen! when we were last at the Rapids, it is true we gave you little
+assistance. It is hard to fight people who live like ground-hogs.
+
+"Father, listen! our fleet has gone out; we know they have fought; we
+have heard the great guns; but we know nothing of what has happened to
+our father with one arm.[A] Our ships have gone one way, and we are
+much astonished to see our father tying up every thing and preparing to
+run away the other, without letting his red children know what his
+intentions are. You always told us to remain here and take care of our
+lands; it made our hearts glad to hear that was your wish. Our great
+father, the king, is the head, and you represent him. You always told
+us you would never draw your foot off British ground; but now, father,
+we see that you are drawing back, and we are sorry to see our father
+doing so without seeing the enemy. We must compare our father's conduct
+to a fat dog, that carries his tail on its back, but when affrighted,
+drops it between its legs and runs off.
+
+"Father, listen! the Americans have not yet defeated us by land;
+neither are we sure that they have done so by water; _we, therefore,
+wish to remain here and fight our enemy, should they make their
+appearance._ If they defeat us, we will then retreat with our father.
+
+"At the battle of the Rapids, last war, the Americans certainly
+defeated us; and when we returned to our father's fort at that place,
+the gates were shut against us. We were afraid that it would now be the
+case; but instead of that, we now see our British father preparing to
+march out of his garrison.
+
+"Father, you have got the arms and ammunition which our great father
+sent for his red children. If you have an idea of going away, give them
+to us, and you may go and welcome, for us. Our lives are in the hands
+of the Great Spirit. We are determined to defend our lands, and if it
+be his will, we wish to leave our bones upon them."
+
+[Footnote A: Commodore Barclay, who had lost an arm in some previous
+battle.]
+
+General Proctor, in disregarding the advice of Tecumseh, lost his only
+opportunity of making an effective resistance to the American army. Had
+the troops under general Harrison been attacked by the British and
+Indians at the moment of their landing on the Canada shore, the result
+might have been far different from that which was shortly afterwards
+witnessed on the banks of the Thames. Of the authenticity of this able
+speech, there is no doubt. It has been the cause of some surprise that
+it should have been preserved by general Proctor, and translated into
+English, especially as it speaks of the commander of the allied army in
+terms the most disrespectful. We are enabled to state, on the authority
+of John Chambers, Esq. of Washington, Kentucky, who was one of the aids
+of general Harrison in the campaign of 1813, that the speech as given
+above, is truly translated; and was actually delivered to general
+Proctor under the circumstances above related. When the battle of the
+Thames had been fought, the British commander sought safety in flight.
+He was pursued by colonels Wood, Chambers, and Todd, and three or four
+privates. He escaped, but his baggage was captured. Colonel Chambers
+was present when his port-folio was opened, and among the papers, a
+translation of this speech was found. In remarking upon the fact
+subsequently, to some of the British officers, they stated to colonel
+Chambers that the speech was undoubtedly genuine; and that general
+Proctor had ordered it to be translated and exhibited to his officers,
+for the purpose of showing them the insolence with which he was treated
+by Tecumseh, and the necessity he was under of submitting to every
+species of indignity from him, to prevent that chief from withdrawing
+his forces from the contest or turning his army against the British
+troops.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+  Retreat of the combined British and Indian army to the river
+  Thames--skirmish at Chatham with the troops under general
+  Harrison--Tecumseh slightly wounded in the arm--battle on the Thames
+  on the 5th of October--Tecumseh's death.
+
+
+Shortly after the delivery of the speech quoted in the foregoing
+chapter, a considerable body of Indians abandoned general Proctor, and
+crossed the strait to the American shore. Tecumseh himself again
+manifested a disposition to take his final leave of the British
+service. Embittered by the perfidy of Proctor, his men suffering from
+want of clothes and provisions, with the prospect of a disgraceful
+flight before them, he was strongly inclined to withdraw with his
+followers; and leave the American general to chastise in a summary
+manner those who had so repeatedly deceived him and his Indian
+followers. The Sioux and Chippewas, however, again objected to this
+course. _They_ could not, they said, withdraw, and there was no other
+leader but Tecumseh, in whom they placed confidence: they insisted that
+he was the person who had originally induced them to join the British,
+and that he ought not to desert them in the present extremity.
+Tecumseh, in reply to this remonstrance remarked, that the battlefield
+had no terrors for him; he feared not death, and if they insisted upon
+it, he would remain with them.
+
+General Proctor now proposed to the Indians to remove their women and
+children to McGee's, opposite the river Rouge, where they would be
+furnished with their winter's clothing and the necessary supplies of
+food. To this proposition, Tecumseh yielded a reluctant assent;
+doubting, as he did, the truth of the statement. When they were about
+to start, he observed to young Jim Blue-Jacket, "we are now going to
+follow the British, and I feel well assured, that we shall never
+return." When they arrived at McGee's, Tecumseh found that there were
+no stores provided for them, as had been represented. Proctor made
+excuses; and again pledged himself to the Indians, that if they would
+go with him to the Thames, they would there find an abundance of every
+thing needful to supply their wants; besides a reinforcement of British
+troops, and a fort ready for their reception.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Anthony Shane.]
+
+The retreat was continued towards the Thames. On the second of October,
+when the army had reached Dalson's farm, Proctor and Tecumseh, attended
+by a small guard, returned to examine the ground at a place called
+Chatham, where a deep, unfordable creek falls into the Thames. They
+were riding together in a gig, and after making the necessary
+examination, the ground was approved of; and general Proctor remarked,
+upon that spot they would either defeat general Harrison or there lay
+their bones. With this determination Tecumseh was highly pleased, and
+said, "it was a good place, and when he should look at the two streams,
+they would remind him of the Wabash and the Tippecanoe." Perhaps no
+better position could have been chosen for meeting the American army
+than this place presented. The allied force of British and Indians, had
+they made a stand upon it, would have been protected in front by a deep
+unfordable stream, while their right flank would have been covered by
+the Thames, and their left by a swamp. But general Proctor changed his
+mind; and leaving Tecumseh with a body of Indians to defend the passage
+of the stream, moved forward with the main army. Tecumseh made a prompt
+and judicious arrangement of his forces; but it is said that his
+Indians, in the skirmish which ensued, did not sustain their previous
+reputation as warriors. It is probable, however, that their leader did
+not intend to make any decided resistance to the American troops at
+this point, not being willing that general Proctor and his army should
+escape a meeting with the enemy. In this action Tecumseh was slightly
+wounded in the arm by a ball. General Harrison, in his official report
+of this affair, says:
+
+"Below a place called Chatham, and four miles above Dalson's, is the
+third unfordable branch of the Thames: the bridge over its mouth had
+been taken up by the Indians, as well as that at M'Gregor's mills, one
+mile above--several hundred of the Indians remained to dispute our
+passage, and upon the arrival of the advanced guard, commenced a heavy
+fire from the opposite bank of the creek, as well as that of the river.
+Believing that the whole force of the enemy was there, I halted the
+army, formed in order of battle, and brought up our two six pounders,
+to cover the party that were ordered to repair the bridge. A few shot
+from these pieces soon drove off the Indians, and enabled us in two
+hours to repair the bridge and cross the troops. Colonel Johnson's
+mounted regiment being upon the right of the army, had seized the
+remains of the bridge at the mills, under a heavy fire from the
+Indians. Our loss upon this occasion was two killed, and three or four
+wounded; that of the enemy was ascertained to be considerably greater.
+A house near the bridge, containing a very considerable number of
+muskets, had been set on fire; but it was extinguished by our troops
+and the arms saved."
+
+Tecumseh and his party overtook they main army near the Moravian towns,
+situated on the north side of the Thames. Here he resolved that he
+would retreat no further; and the ground being favorable for forming
+the line of battle, he communicated his determination to general
+Proctor, and compelled him, as there is every reason for believing, to
+put an end to his retreat, and prepare for meeting the pursuing army.
+After the Indians were posted in the swamp, in the position occupied by
+them during the battle, Tecumseh remarked to the chiefs by whom he was
+surrounded, "brother warriors! we are now about to enter into an
+engagement from which I shall never come out--my body will remain on
+the field of battle." He then unbuckled his sword, and placing it in
+the hands of one of them, said, "when my son becomes a noted warrior,
+and able to wield a sword, give this to him." He then laid aside his
+British military dress, and took his place in the line, clothed only in
+the ordinary deer-skin hunting shirt.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Anthony Shane, and colonel Baubee of the British army.]
+
+The position selected by the enemy was eminently judicious. The British
+troops, amounting to eight or nine hundred, were posted with their left
+upon the river, which was unfordable at that point; their right
+extended to and across a swamp, and united them with the Indians, under
+Tecumseh, amounting to near eighteen hundred. The British artillery was
+placed in the road along the margin of the river, near to the left of
+their line. At from two to three hundred yards from the river, a swamp
+extends nearly parallel to it, the intermediate ground being dry. This
+position of the enemy, with his flank protected on the left by the
+river and on the right by the swamp, filled with Indians, being such as
+to prevent the wings from being turned, general Harrison made
+arrangements to concentrate his forces against the British line. The
+first division, under major general Henry, was formed in three lines at
+one hundred yards from each other; the front line consisting of
+Trotter's brigade, the second of Chiles', and the reserve of King's
+brigade. These lines were in front of, and parallel to, the British
+troops. The second division, under major general Desha, composed of
+Allen's and Caldwell's brigades, was formed _en potence_, or at right
+angles to the first division. Governor Shelby, as senior major general
+of the Kentucky troops, was posted at this crotchet, formed between the
+first and second divisions. Colonel Simrall's regiment of light
+infantry was formed in reserve, obliquely to the first division, and
+covering the rear of the front division; and, after much reflection as
+to the disposition to be made of colonel Johnson's mounted troops, they
+were directed, as soon as the front line advanced, to take ground to
+the left, and forming upon that flank, to endeavor to turn the right of
+the Indians. A detachment of regular troops, of the 26th United States
+infantry, under colonel Paul, occupied the space between the road and
+the river, for the purpose of seizing the enemy's artillery; and,
+simultaneously with this movement, forty friendly Indians were to pass
+under the bank of the stream to the rear of the British line, and by
+their fire and war-cry, induce the enemy to think their own Indians
+were turning against them. At the same time, colonel Wood had been
+instructed to make preparations for using the enemy's artillery, and to
+rake their own line by a flank fire. By refusing the left or second
+division, the Indians were kept _in the air_, that is, in a position in
+which they would be useless. It will be seen, as the commander
+anticipated, that they waited in their position the advance of the
+second division, while the British left was contending with the
+American right. Johnson's corps consisted of nine hundred men, and the
+five brigades under governor Shelby amounted to near eighteen hundred,
+in all, not exceeding two thousand seven hundred men.
+
+In the midst of these arrangements, and just as the order was about to
+be given to the front line to advance, at the head of which general
+Harrison had placed himself with his staff, colonel Wood approached him
+with intelligence, that having reconnoitered the enemy, he had
+ascertained the singular fact, that the British lines, instead of the
+usual close order, were drawn up at _open order_. This fact at once
+induced general Harrison to adopt the novel expedient of charging the
+British lines with Johnson's mounted regiment. "I was within a few feet
+of him," says the gallant colonel John O'Fallon, "when the report of
+colonel Wood was made, and he instantly remarked, that he would make a
+novel movement by ordering colonel Johnson's mounted regiment to charge
+the British line of regulars, which, thus drawn up, contrary to the
+habits and usages of that description of troops, always accustomed to
+_the touch_, could be easily penetrated and thrown into confusion, by a
+spirited charge of colonel Johnson's regiment." This determination was
+presently made known to the colonel, who was directed to draw up his
+regiment in close column, with its right fifty yards from the
+road--that it might be partially protected by the trees from the
+artillery--its left upon the swamp, and to charge at full speed upon
+the enemy.
+
+At this juncture, general Harrison, with his aids-de-camp, attended
+likewise by general Cass and commodore Perry, advanced from the right
+of the front line of infantry, to the right of the front column of
+mounted troops, led by colonel James Johnson. The general, personally,
+gave the direction for the charge to be made. "When the right battalion
+of the mounted men received the first fire of the British, the horses
+in the front column recoiled; another fire was given by the enemy, but
+our column getting in motion, broke through the enemy with irresistible
+force. In one minute the contest was over. The British officers seeing
+no prospect of reducing their disordered ranks to order, and seeing the
+advance of the infantry, and our mounted men wheeling upon them and
+pouring in a destructive fire, immediately surrendered."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Official Despatch.]
+
+Colonel Richard M. Johnson, by the extension of his line, was brought
+in contact with the Indians, upon whom he gallantly charged, but was
+unfortunately severely wounded by the first fire of the enemy, and was
+immediately taken off the field, not, however, it has been stated,
+until he had despatched an Indian by a pistol shot. The fire of the
+Indians having made some impression upon Johnson's men, and upon the
+left of Trotter's brigade, general Harrison despatched an order to
+governor Shelby to bring up Simrall's regiment to reinforce the point
+pressed by the Indians; and then the general passed to the left, to
+superintend the operations in that quarter. The governor, however, had
+anticipated the wishes of his commander, being in the act of leading up
+the regiment, when the order reached him. He and the general met near
+the crochet, where after a severe contest of several minutes, the
+battle finally ceased. The particulars of the charge made by colonel
+Johnson on the Indians, are thus given by an intelligent officer[A] of
+his corps. In a letter to the late governor Wickliffe of Kentucky,
+under date of Frankfort, September 7, 1840, he says:
+
+"I was at the head or right of my company, on horseback, waiting
+orders, at about fifty or sixty yards from the line of the enemy.
+Colonel Johnson rode up and explained to me the mode of attack, and
+said in substance, 'captain Davidson, I am directed by general Harrison
+to charge and break through the Indian line, and form in the rear. My
+brother James will charge in like manner through the British line at
+the same time. The sound of the trumpet will be the signal for the
+charge.' In a few minutes the trumpet sounded, and the word 'charge'
+was given by colonel Johnson. The colonel charged within a few paces of
+me. We struck the Indian line obliquely, and when we approached within
+ten or fifteen yards of their line, the Indians poured in a heavy fire
+upon us, killing ten or fifteen of our men and several horses, and
+wounded colonel Johnson very severely. He immediately retired. Doctor
+Theobald, of Lexington, (I think) aided him off."
+
+[Footnote A: Captain James Davidson, of Kentucky.--See Cincinnati
+Republican.]
+
+The loss of the Americans in this battle was about twenty killed and
+between thirty and forty wounded. The British had eighteen killed and
+twenty-six wounded. The Indians left on the ground between fifty and
+sixty killed; and, estimating the usual proportion for the wounded, it
+was probably more than double that number.
+
+The British official account of this action is not before us. In a
+general order under date of Montreal, November 21, 1813, the adjutant
+general of the English forces, bears testimony to the good conduct of
+the Indian warriors, who gallantly maintained the conflict under the
+brave chief Tecumseh. This tribute to the Indians and their leader is
+well merited. Had general Proctor and his troops fought with the same
+valor that marked the conduct of Tecumseh and his men, the results of
+the day would have been far more creditable to the British arms. It has
+already been stated that Tecumseh entered this battle with a strong
+conviction on his mind that he should not survive it. Further flight he
+deemed disgraceful, while the hope of victory in the impending action,
+was feeble and distant. He, however, heroically resolved to achieve the
+latter or die in the effort. With this determination, he took his stand
+among his followers, raised the war-cry and boldly met the enemy. From
+the commencement of the attack on the Indian line, his voice was
+distinctly heard by his followers, animating them to deeds worthy of
+the race to which they belonged. When that well known voice was heard
+no longer above the din of arms, the battle ceased. The British troops
+having already surrendered, and the gallant leader of the Indians
+having fallen, they gave up the contest and fled. A short distance from
+where Tecumseh fell, the body of his friend and brother-in-law,
+Wasegoboah, was found. They had often fought side by side, and now, in
+front of their men, bravely battling the enemy, they side by side
+closed their mortal career.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Anthony Shane.]
+
+James, a British historian,[A] in his account of the battle of the
+Thames, makes the following remarks upon the character and personal
+appearance of Tecumseh.
+
+"Thus fell the Indian warrior Tecumseh, in the 44th year of his age. He
+was of the Shawanoe tribe, five feet ten inches high, and with more
+than the usual stoutness, possessed all the agility and perseverance of
+the Indian character. His carriage was dignified, his eye penetrating,
+his countenance, which even in death, betrayed the indications of a
+lofty spirit, rather of the sterner cast. Had he not possessed a
+certain austerity of manners, he could never have controlled the
+wayward passions of those who followed him to battle. He was of a
+silent habit; but when his eloquence became roused into action by the
+reiterated encroachments of the Americans, his strong intellect could
+supply him with a flow of oratory that enabled him, as he governed in
+the field, so to prescribe in the council. Those who consider that in
+all territorial questions, the ablest diplomatists of the United States
+are sent to negociate with the Indians, will readily appreciate the
+loss sustained by the latter in the death of their champion. * * * *
+Such a man was the unlettered savage, Tecumseh, and such a man have the
+Indians lost forever. He has left a son, who, when his father fell, was
+about seventeen years old, and fought by his side. The prince regent,
+in 1814, out of respect to the memory of the old, sent out as a present
+to the young, Tecumseh, a handsome sword. Unfortunately, however, for
+the Indian cause and country, faint are the prospects that Tecumseh the
+son, will ever equal, in wisdom or prowess, Tecumseh the father."
+
+[Footnote A: Military Occurrences of the Late War.]
+
+Mr. James (p. 295,) asserts, that Tecumseh was not only scalped, but
+that his body was actually _flayed_, and the skin converted into
+razor-straps by the Kentuckians. We fear there is too much truth in
+this statement. It is confirmed by the testimony of several American
+officers and privates, who were in the battle of the Thames. It is
+painful to make an admission of this kind, but truth forbids the
+suppression of a fact, when fairly established, however revolting to
+the feelings of humanity, or degrading to a people. That there was any
+general participation of our troops in this inhuman and revolting deed,
+is not for a moment to be supposed. That it was the act of a few vulgar
+and brutish individuals, is, we think, just as certain, as that the
+great mass of the army were shocked at its perpetration. It is to be
+regretted that the names of the persons who committed this outrage have
+not been preserved, that their conduct on this occasion might have been
+held up to universal condemnation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+  Critical examination of the question "who killed Tecumseh?"--colonel
+  R. M. Johnson's claim considered.
+
+
+Tecumseh was a determined and subtle enemy of the United States, and
+during the palmy days of his bold career, wielded an influence over the
+north-western Indians which belonged to no other chief. His death was
+consequently an important circumstance in relation to the peace and
+safety of the frontiers. But whether he fell by a pistol shot from a
+field officer, or a rifle ball from a private soldier, however
+interesting as a matter of personal history, is certainly not one of
+national importance. Nevertheless, the question by whose hands he fell,
+has engaged public attention to some considerable extent ever since the
+memorable battle of the Thames. Its discussion has not been confined to
+the immediate friends of the several aspirants for the honor of having
+slain this distinguished warrior; it has enlivened the political
+canvass, and the halls of legislation; occupied the columns of journals
+and magazines, and filled no inconsiderable space on the pages of
+American and British histories. Under such circumstances, and as
+directly connected with the present biography, a fair presentation of
+all the testimony bearing on the case will now be attempted. It may at
+least gratify the public curiosity, if it do not definitively settle
+the long pending question in relation to the actual _slayer of
+Tecumseh_.
+
+M'Affee, in his History of the Late War, says, Tecumseh "was found
+among the dead, at the point where colonel Johnson had charged upon the
+enemy, in person, and it is generally believed, that this celebrated
+chief fell by the hand of the colonel. It is certain that the latter
+killed the Indian with his pistol, who shot him through his hand, at
+the very spot where Tecumseh lay; but another dead body lay at the same
+place, and Mr. King, a soldier in captain Davidson's company, had the
+honor of killing one of them."
+
+Brown, in his history of the same war, says, that "colonel Johnson,
+after receiving four wounds, perceived the daring Tecumseh commanding
+and attempting to rally his savage force; when he instantly put his
+horse towards him, and was shot by Tecumseh in the hand, as he
+approached him. Tecumseh advanced with a drawn weapon, a sword or
+tomahawk, at which instant the colonel, having reserved his fire, shot
+his ferocious antagonist dead at his feet; and that too, at the moment
+he was almost fainting with the loss of blood and the anguish of five
+wounds."
+
+The statement of Shawbeneh, a Potawatamie chief, lately published in
+the "Chicago Democrat," goes to prove that Tecumseh was wounded in the
+neck; and telling his warriors that he must die, rushed forward to kill
+colonel Johnson. Shawbeneh saw him fall, having been shot by the
+colonel, just as his arm had reached the necessary height to strike the
+fatal blow. Shawbeneh says that colonel Johnson was riding a large
+white horse, with occasionally a jet black spot. He further states that
+Tecumseh's body was not mutilated by the American troops.
+
+The testimony of another Potawatamie chief, Chamblee, as furnished us
+by captain Robert Anderson, of the U.S. army, is to this effect:
+
+He saw Tecumseh engaged in a personal rencontre with a soldier armed
+with a musket; that the latter made a thrust at the chief, who caught
+the bayonet under his arm, where he held it, and was in the act of
+striking his opponent with his tomahawk, when a horseman rode up, and
+shot Tecumseh dead with a pistol. The horseman had a red feather,
+(plume) in his hat, and was mounted on a spotted or red-roan horse; he
+further says, that he saw the body of Tecumseh a day or two after the
+battle, and that it was not mutilated.
+
+In a work entitled "History of the Indian Tribes of North America,"
+there is the following note:
+
+"A Potawatamie chief was thus questioned: Were you at the battle of the
+Thames? Yes. Did you know Tecumseh? Yes. Were you near him in the
+fight? Yes. Did you see him fall? Yes. Who shot him? Don't know. Did
+you see the man that shot him? Yes. What sort of looking man was he?
+Short, thick man. What color was the horse he rode? Most white. How do
+you know this man shot Tecumseh? I saw the man ride up--saw his horse
+get tangled in some bushes--when the horse was most still, I saw
+Tecumseh level his rifle at the man and shoot--the man shook on his
+horse--soon the horse got out of the bushes, and the man spurred him
+up--horse came slow--Tecumseh right before him--man's left hand hung
+down--just as he got near, Tecumseh lifted his tomahawk and was going
+to throw it, when the man shot him with a short gun (pistol)--Tecumseh
+fell dead and we all ran."
+
+Mr. Garrett Wall, of Kentucky, who participated in the battle of the
+Thames, says:
+
+" ---- The men by this time had collected in groups; and it was remarked
+that colonel R. M. Johnson was dead, but I contradicted the report;
+also, that the great Indian commander, Tecumseh, was slain; I asked by
+what authority? I was told that Anthony Shane, who had known him from a
+small boy, said so, and had seen him among the slain. In a short time I
+saw Shane with a small group of men, walking towards a dead Indian; as
+he approached the body, I asked him if he knew that Indian. He said it
+was, in his opinion, Tecumseh; but he could tell better if the blood
+was taken from his face. I examined the Indian. He was shot in the left
+side of the breast with several balls or buck shot, all entering near
+and above the left nipple. There was also a wound in his head, too
+small for a rifle ball to make."
+
+Atwater, in his History of Ohio, remarks, that two Winnebago chiefs,
+Four-Legs and Carymaunee, told him, that Tecumseh, at the commencement
+of the battle of the Thames, lay with his warriors in a thicket of
+underbrush on the left of the American army, and that they were, at no
+period of the battle, out of their covert--that no officer was seen
+between them and the American troops--that Tecumseh fell the very first
+fire of the Kentucky dragoons, pierced by thirty bullets, and was
+carried four or five miles into the thick woods and there buried by the
+warriors, who told the story of his fate.
+
+In 1838, a writer in the Baltimore American published Black Hawk's
+account of the fall of Tecumseh. It is as follows:
+
+" ---- Shortly after this, the Indian spies came in and gave word of the
+near approach of the Americans. Tecumseh immediately posted his men in
+the edge of a swamp, which flanked the British line, placing himself at
+their head. I was a little to his right with a small party of Sauks. It
+was not long before the Americans made their appearance; they did not
+perceive us at first, hid as we were by the undergrowth, but we soon
+let them know where we were, by pouring in one or two vollies as they
+were forming into line to oppose the British. They faltered a little;
+but very soon we perceived a large body of horse (colonel Johnson's
+regiment of mounted Kentuckians) preparing to charge upon us in the
+swamp. They came bravely on; yet we never stirred until they were so
+close that we could see the flints in their guns, when Tecumseh,
+springing to his feet, gave the Shawanoe war-cry, and discharged his
+rifle. This was the signal for us to commence the battle, but it did
+not last long; the Americans answered the shout, returning our fire,
+and at the first discharge of their guns, I saw Tecumseh stagger
+forwards over a fallen tree, near which he was standing, letting his
+rifle drop at his feet. As soon as the Indians discovered that he was
+killed, a sudden fear came over them, and thinking the Great Spirit was
+angry, they fought no longer, and were quickly put to flight. That
+night we returned to bury our dead; and search for the body of
+Tecumseh. He was found lying where he had first fallen; a bullet had
+struck him above the hip, and his skull had been broken by the butt end
+of the gun of some soldier, who had found him, perhaps, when life was
+not yet quite gone. With the exception of these wounds, his body was
+untouched: lying near him was a large fine looking Potawatamie, who had
+been killed, decked off in his plumes and war-paint, whom the Americans
+no doubt had taken for Tecumseh for he was scalped and every particle
+of skin flayed from his body. Tecumseh himself had no ornaments about,
+his person, save a British medal. During the night, we buried our dead,
+and brought off the body of Tecumseh, although we were in sight of the
+fires of the American camp."
+
+James, a British historian,[A] after describing the battle of the
+Thames, remarks:
+
+"It seems extraordinary that general Harrison should have omitted to
+mention in his letter, the death of a chief, whose fall contributed so
+largely to break down the Indian spirit, and to give peace and security
+to the whole north-western frontier of the United States. Tecumseh,
+although he had received a musket ball in the left arm, was still
+seeking the hottest of the fire, when he encountered colonel Richard M.
+Johnson, member of congress from Kentucky. Just as the chief, having
+discharged his rifle, was rushing forward with his tomahawk, he
+received a ball in the head from the colonel's pistol. Thus fell the
+Indian warrior, Tecumseh, in the forty-fourth year of his age. * * * *
+The body of Tecumseh was recognized, not only by the British officers,
+who were prisoners, but by commodore Perry, and several American
+officers."
+
+[Footnote A; "Military Occurrences of the Late War between Great
+Britain and the United States, by William James, 2 vols. London,
+1818."]
+
+This writer adds, that Tecumseh was scalped and his body flayed by the
+Kentuckians.
+
+In Butler's History of Kentucky, there is a letter from the reverend
+Obediah B. Brown, of Washington city, then a clerk in the general
+post-office, under date of 18th September, 1834, in which the writer
+says, in substance:
+
+That colonel Johnson, while leading the advance upon the left wing of
+the Indians, saw an Indian commander, who appeared to be a rallying
+point for his savage companions, and whose costume indicated the
+superiority of his rank; that colonel Johnson, sitting upon his horse,
+covered with wounds and very feint with the loss of blood, and having a
+pistol in his right hand loaded with a ball and three buck-shot,
+thought that the fate of the battle depended upon killing this
+formidable chief, and he accordingly rode round a fallen tree for this
+purpose; that the chief, perceiving his approach, levelled his rifle
+and shot the colonel in the left hand; that the colonel continued to
+advance upon him, and at the moment when the Indian was raising his
+tomahawk, shot him dead with his pistol; that this deed spread
+consternation among the savages, and with hideous yells, they began
+from that point their retreat; that as soon as the battle ended, the
+Indian killed by colonel Johnson was recognized as Tecumseh; and before
+the colonel had so far recovered from the effects of his wounds as to
+be able to speak, word ran through the army that he had killed
+Tecumseh; and finally, that a medal was taken from the body which was
+known to have been presented to this chief by the British government.
+Mr. Brown further states, that a conversation which he had with Anthony
+Shane, some years since, strengthened his belief that Tecumseh fell by
+the hand of colonel Johnson; that Shane told him he went, after the
+battle, to the spot where it was reported the colonel had killed an
+Indian, and there he saw the dead body of Tecumseh, and that he must
+have been killed by a horseman, as a ball and three buck-shot had
+entered the breast and passed downwards; that he could not be mistaken
+as to the body of Tecumseh, as he had a remarkable scar upon his thigh,
+which, upon examination, was found as he had described it.
+
+By recurring to the foregoing statements, it will be seen that eight
+Indians have borne testimony in relation to the death of Tecumseh. Of
+these, four assert that he was killed by the first fire from the
+American line; and four that he fell by the hands of a horseman, some
+time after the commencement of the action. One of these witnesses
+states that Tecumseh was shot in the neck; another, that he was hit
+above or in the eyes; two others that he was killed by a ball in the
+hip; and again two others, that he was pierced by thirty bullets on the
+first fire of our troops. Three of these witnesses testify that the
+body of the fallen chief was mutilated by taking the skin from off the
+thigh, and three that it was not. One of them saw the body the day
+after the action, lying on the battle ground; a second bears witness
+that it was buried on the spot the night of the battle; and a third,
+that it was carried four or five miles into the woods, and there
+interred. A further examination of the testimony will show that these
+eight witnesses concur but in one single point,--that Tecumseh was
+killed in the battle of the Thames. As to the nature of his wounds, the
+mutilation of his body, the time when, the spot where, and by whose
+hands, he fell, these various statements are wholly irreconcilable with
+each other, and leave the main question involved in additional doubt
+and obscurity.
+
+As the claim of colonel Johnson to the honor of having killed Tecumseh,
+has been recently and earnestly urged upon the public consideration, we
+propose, even at the risk of some repetition, to examine in detail the
+testimony which bears upon this point.
+
+It will be recollected that the Potawatamie chief, whose narrative is
+quoted from the "History of the Indian Tribes of North America,"
+testifies that Tecumseh met his death by a wound above or in the eyes;
+and, that upon his fall the Indians ran. If these statements be true,
+Tecumseh could not have been killed by colonel Johnson, as will be
+satisfactorily established in the course of this examination.
+
+Shawbeneh, another Potawatamie chief, states that Tecumseh was mortally
+wounded in the neck, before he rushed upon the individual who killed
+him. All the other witnesses, except one, say that Tecumseh remained
+stationary, and that the horseman who fired the fatal shot, advanced
+upon him.
+
+Chamblee, the third Potawatamie who testifies in the case, states that
+Tecumseh was engaged in a personal conflict with a soldier armed with a
+musket, when a horseman, on a spotted horse, rode up and shot him dead
+with a pistol. This account is not sustained by any other witness.
+
+Captain M'Affee, who belonged to the mounted regiment, and who has
+written a history of the late war, says, it is _generally believed that
+Tecumseh fell by the hand of colonel Johnson_; but the historian
+candidly admits that there was another dead Indian at the spot where
+Tecumseh lay, and that Mr. King, of captain Davidson's company, killed
+one of them. It May be questioned whether there is or ever has been any
+_general belief_,--whatever vague reports may have been
+circulated,--that colonel Johnson killed this chief; but even if such
+were the case, it does not by any means establish the allegation.
+
+Brown, another historian of the late war, says, in general terms, that
+Tecumseh advanced upon the colonel with a sword or tomahawk, and that
+the colonel shot him dead. Tecumseh wore no sword in that action, nor
+did he advance upon colonel Johnson. Mr. Brown cites no authorities for
+his loose and general statements.
+
+Garrett Wall testifies that he went to the spot where he was told
+colonel Johnson had fought, and there questioned Anthony Shane about
+the dead Indian before them. Shane remarked that he could tell better
+whether it was Tecumseh, if the blood was washed from the face. It does
+not appear that this was done, nor that Shane became satisfied as to
+the identity of the dead Indian. Mr. Wall infers that Tecumseh fell by
+a shot from colonel Johnson, because it was so reported, and because
+they both led their warriors to the charge, and the desire of victory
+brought them together. Mr. Wall cites no evidence to prove that the
+body over which Shane was doubting, fell by the colonel--a link in the
+chain of testimony, altogether important in making out his case.
+
+The Rev. Obediah B. Brown, however, at Washington, is by far the most
+precise in his statements, of all the witnesses. But it is proper,
+before entering upon the examination of his testimony, to state that he
+was not at the battle of the Thames; and that his letter, in regard to
+Tecumseh's death, was written in 1834, more than twenty years after the
+action was fought, and upon the eve of a political campaign, in which
+his friend, colonel Johnson, was an aspirant for a high and honorable
+office. Mr. Brown, it is further proper to add, derived his information
+from "several persons," but he has inadvertently omitted the names of
+all but one.
+
+He commences by saying, that colonel Johnson saw an Indian known to be
+a chief by his costume. Now it has been already shown that Tecumseh
+entered the action dressed in the plain deer-skin garb of his tribe,
+having nothing about him which would indicate his rank. The colonel
+thought, continues Mr. B., that the fate of the day depended upon the
+fall of this chief. The question might be asked whether the thoughts of
+colonel Johnson, at this particular juncture, became known to the
+witness by a logical process of ratiocination, or by a direct personal
+communication from his distinguished friend? He states further, that
+the colonel rode up within a few feet of the chief, received his fire,
+and then shot him dead with his pistol. This act, says the witness,
+caused the savages to retreat in consternation: now, the fact is well
+established, that the Indians, at this very point, fought bravely for
+twenty or twenty-five minutes after colonel Johnson was compelled, by
+his wounds, to leave the scene of action: it is further stated by Mr.
+B. that before the colonel was so far recovered from his wounds, as to
+be able to speak, it ran through the army that he had killed Tecumseh.
+Mr. Wall, who was in the action, says, that after colonel Johnson had
+retired from the contest, and was lifted from his horse, he said to
+those around him, "my brave men, the battle continues, leave me, and do
+not return until you bring me an account of the victory." Thus it would
+seem that the colonel, within a few minutes after receiving his last
+wound, was giving orders to his men, and in the mean time, according to
+Mr. B., "word ran through the army that he had killed Tecumseh." This
+is more remarkable, when it is recollected, that the only person,
+except the commanding general, who could identify the fallen chief, was
+Anthony Shane, and he was in a different part of the field, (on the
+bank of the Thames) and did not visit this part of the line until the
+action was entirely over! The witness further states, that no other
+chief of high rank was killed in this part of the line, but Tecumseh.
+Anthony Shane says that Tecumseh's brother-in-law, and principal chief,
+Wasegoboah, was killed ten or fifteen steps from where Tecumseh fell.
+Black Hawk also testifies, that near Tecumseh, there was lying a large,
+fine looking Potawatamie, decked off in his plumes and war-paint, whom
+the Americans mistook for Tecumseh. Mr. B. says that a medal was taken
+from the body of the Indian killed by colonel Johnson, which was known
+to have been presented by the British government to Tecumseh. Where is
+the authority for this? When Shane was examining the body, and so much
+in doubt whether it was Tecumseh as to require the blood to be washed
+from the face, before he could decide with certainty, where was this
+medal, which of itself would have settled the question of identity? It
+is singular, that neither Shane nor Wall speaks of a medal. Mr. B. says
+that Tecumseh was killed by a ball and three buckshot, fired by a
+horseman, and as colonel Johnson was the only person in that part of
+the battle who fought on horseback, his pistols being loaded with a
+ball and three buckshot, settles the question, that the colonel killed
+Tecumseh. Again, the question may be asked, how Mr. B. knows the fact
+as to the manner in which these pistols were loaded? And if they were
+so loaded, who can say whether the chief was killed by this shot, the
+wound in the eyes, that in the neck, or the one in the hip? But again;
+colonel Johnson was not the only person who fought on horseback in this
+part of the battle. He led a "forlorn hope" of twenty men, all mounted;
+while on his left was Davidson's company of one hundred and forty men,
+also on horseback. Mr. Wall, who was one of the "forlorn hope," says,
+"the fighting became very severe, each party mingling with the other."
+Finally, Mr. B. closes his testimony with the remark, that it was well
+known and acknowledged, by the British and Indians, at the time, that
+Tecumseh received his death from the hand of colonel Johnson, as
+appears by James' History of the Late War. It is stated by the
+historian here cited, that colonel Johnson shot Tecumseh in the
+head--that the body was recognized not only by the British officers who
+were prisoners, but by commodore Perry and several other American
+officers: Mr. James also expresses his surprise that general Harrison
+should have omitted, in his official letter to the War Department, to
+mention the death of this chief. Now, we have the authority of several
+American officers, of high rank, for stating, that these British
+officers were not, on the evening of the day on which the action was
+fought, in that part of the line where Tecumseh fell; and that early on
+the ensuing morning, they were taken to a house two miles below the
+battle ground, and from thence to Detroit, without returning to the
+scene of their defeat, Mr. James is, therefore, incorrect on this
+point, as he certainly is, in saying that commodore Perry and other
+American officers recognized the body of Tecumseh. The commodore had
+never seen this chief prior to the afternoon of the battle in which he
+fell. General Harrison, it is believed, was the only American officer
+in the engagement, who had a personal knowledge of Tecumseh. The day
+after the battle, the general, attended by several of his officers,
+visited the battle ground. The body of the Indian, supposed to be that
+of Tecumseh, was pointed out to him, but owing to its swollen
+condition, he was unable to say whether it was Tecumseh, or a
+Potawatamie chief, who usually visited Vincennes in company with him:
+he felt confident it was one of the two, but further than this could
+not pronounce with certainty. Mr. James and Anthony Shane are Mr.
+Brown's chief witnesses. The first states that Tecumseh was shot with a
+musket ball in the arm, and finally killed by a ball in the head from
+colonel Johnson's pistol: the second testifies that he fell by a ball
+and three buckshot which entered his left breast, and that he was
+wounded in no other part: the former says that Tecumseh's body was
+literally flayed--the latter, that only a small piece of skin was cut
+from one of his thighs.[A] It remains for Mr. Brown to reconcile these
+glaring discrepancies in the testimony of his own witnesses. If this
+dissection of Mr. Brown's elaborated letter, presents him more in the
+light of the partizan advocate than that of the faithful historian, we
+are not responsible for it; and if he has failed to establish the fact
+that colonel Johnson killed Tecumseh, he must probably look for the
+reason of that failure in the weakness of his claims, rather than in
+any lack of zeal in advocating the colonel's cause.
+
+[Footnote A: See James Military Occurrences, and Anthony Shane's
+Narrative.]
+
+Our analysis of the testimony which has at different times been brought
+before the public, tending to establish the supposition that Tecumseh
+fell by the hands of colonel Johnson, is now closed; and we think it
+will be admitted, in reviewing the case, that the claims of the colonel
+have not been satisfactorily established, either by direct or
+circumstantial evidence. But we have further testimony to offer on this
+point.
+
+It is proved by a number of witnesses, and among them several who are
+relied upon to establish the fact, that colonel Johnson killed
+Tecumseh, that upon the fall of this chief, the action ceased and the
+Indians fled.
+
+Even the reverend Mr. Brown admits such to have been the case. Now, we
+propose to show that colonel Johnson was wounded and retired from the
+scene of action at its commencement; and that the contest lasted for
+twenty or thirty minutes afterwards. As to the first point, captain
+Davidson, who was by the side of colonel Johnson, says, "We struck the
+Indian line obliquely, and when we approached within ten or fifteen
+yards of their line, the Indians poured in a heavy fire upon us,
+killing ten or fifteen of our men and several horses, and wounding
+colonel Johnson very severely. He immediately retired."[A] Colonel
+Ambrose Dudley says, "As I passed to the left, near the crochet, after
+the firing had ceased on the right, I met colonel R.M. Johnson passing
+diagonally from the swamp towards the line of infantry, and spoke with
+him. He said he was badly wounded, his gray mare bleeding profusely in
+several places. The battle continued with the Indians on the left. The
+infantry, with some of colonel R. M. Johnson's troops mixed up
+promiscuously with them, continued the battle for half an hour after
+colonel Johnson was disabled and had ceased to command his men."[B]
+Doctor S. Theobald, of Lexington, Kentucky, one of the surgeons to the
+mounted regiment, says, "colonel Johnson was wounded in the onset of
+the battle. I had the honor to compose one of his 'forlorn hope,' and
+followed him in the charge. It is impossible, under such circumstances,
+to estimate time with precision; but I know the period was a very brief
+one from the firing of the first guns, which indeed was tremendously
+heavy, till colonel Johnson approached me covered with wounds, but
+still mounted. I think he said to me, I am severely wounded, which way
+shall I go? That I replied, follow me, which he did: and I conducted
+him directly across the swamp, on the margin of which we had charged,
+and to the point where doctor Mitchell, surgeon-general of Shelby's
+corps, was stationed. Some one hundred and fifty or two hundred yards
+in the rear, colonel Johnson was taken from his horse. He appeared
+faint and much exhausted. I asked him if he would have water, to which
+he answered, yes. I cast about immediately for some, but there was none
+at hand, nor any thing that I could see to bring it in, better than a
+common funnel, which I saw lying on the ground, and which I seized and
+ran to the river, (Thames) a distance probably of one hundred yards or
+more; and closing the extremity of the funnel with my finger, made use
+of it as a cup, from which I gave him drink. In a few minutes after
+this, Garret Wall, who also composed one of the 'forlorn hope,' and was
+thrown from his horse in the charge, came and solicited me to return
+with him to the ground on which we had charged, to aid him in
+recovering his lost saddle-bags. I assented. We crossed the narrow
+swamp, to which I have before alluded, and had not progressed far,
+before we came to the body of one of our men who had been killed, and
+who I recognized as Mansfield, of captain Stucker's company: a little
+further, that of Scott, of Coleman's company; and progressing some
+forty or fifty steps (it may have been more,) in advance of that, we
+found our venerable and brave old comrade, colonel Whitley, who was
+also of the 'forlorn hope.' Near him, in a moment, I well remember to
+have noticed, with a feeling and exclamation of exultation, the body of
+an Indian; and some twenty or thirty steps in advance of this, another
+Indian, which last was afterwards designated as the body of Tecumseh. I
+distinctly recollect, that as we returned to make this search, the
+firing was still kept up some distance off on our left"[C]
+
+[Footnote A: Cincinnati Republican, 30th September, 1840]
+
+[Footnote B: See Cincinnati Republican, 30th September, 1840. ]
+
+[Footnote C: Dr. Theobald's letter, dated 27th November, 1840, in
+possession of the author of this work.]
+
+Testimony on these points might be multiplied, but could add nothing to
+the force of that which is here cited. The letter of Dr. Theobald is
+conclusive as to the time when colonel Johnson was wounded, and the
+period during which the action continued after he retired from the
+battle ground. It seems the colonel was disabled at the beginning of
+the action with the Indians, and immediately rode from the field; that
+the action lasted for near half an hour; that Tecumseh fell at or near
+the close of it; and that he could not, therefore, have fallen by the
+hand of colonel Johnson. Whether the leader of the "forlorn hope" can
+claim the credit of having actually killed an Indian chief on this
+memorable day, is not the immediate question before us: that he acted
+with dauntless bravery, in promptly charging the Indian line, during
+the brief period which he remained unwounded, is universally admitted;
+but that he is entitled to the honor, (if such it may be called,) of
+having personally slain the gifted "king of the woods," will not be so
+readily conceded.
+
+James, the British historian, from whose "Military Occurrences" we have
+already quoted, having charged general Harrison with designedly
+omitting, in his official report, all reference to the death of
+Tecumseh, leaves the inference to be drawn by the reader, that the
+omission was prompted by a feeling of envy towards colonel Johnson, who
+had done the deed. It is due to the cause of truth, not less than to
+the reputation of the American commander, that this charge should be
+impartially examined. It is true, that the official account of the
+battle of the Thames does not mention the death of Tecumseh, and the
+propriety of this omission will be sufficiently obvious from the
+following narrative.
+
+General Harrison and Anthony Shane, so far as it is known, were the
+only persons in the American army who were personally acquainted with
+Tecumseh. It is possible that some of the friendly Indians, commanded
+by Shane, may have known him; but it does not appear that any of them
+undertook to identify the body after the battle was over. Shane was
+under the impression, on the evening of the action, that he had found
+the body of Tecumseh among the slain; but, as Mr. Wall testifies,
+expressed himself with caution. General Harrison himself was not, on
+the following day, enabled to identify with certainty the body of this
+chief, as appears from the testimony of a member of the general's
+military family, which we here quote, as having a direct bearing on the
+question under consideration:
+
+"I am authorised," says colonel Charles S. Todd,[A] "by several
+officers of general Harrison's staff, who were in the battle of the
+Thames, to state most unequivocally their belief, that the general
+neither knew nor could have known the fact of the death of Tecumseh, at
+the date of his letter to the war department. It was the uncertainty
+which prevailed, as to the fact of Tecumseh's being killed, that
+prevented any notice of it in his report. On the next day after the
+battle, general Harrison, in company with commodore Perry and other
+officers, examined the body of an Indian supposed to be Tecumseh; but
+from its swollen and mutilated condition, he was unable to decide
+whether it was that chief or a Potawatamie who usually visited him at
+Vincennes, in company with Tecumseh; and I repeat most unhesitatingly,
+that neither commodore Perry nor any officer in the American army,
+excepting general Harrison, had ever seen Tecumseh previously to the
+battle; and even though he had recognized the body which he examined to
+be that of the celebrated chief, it was manifestly impossible that he
+could have known whether he was killed by Johnson's corps, or by that
+part of the infantry which participated in the action. No official or
+other satisfactory report of his death, was made to him by those
+engaged on that part of the battle ground where he fell. It was not
+until after the return of the army to Detroit, and after the date of
+general Harrison's despatches,[B] that it was ascertained from the
+enemy, that Tecumseh was _certainly_ killed; and even then the opinion
+of the army was divided as to the person by whose hands he fell. Some
+claimed the credit of it for colonel Whitley, some for colonel Johnson;
+but others, constituting a majority, including governor Shelby,
+entertained the opinion that he fell by a shot from David King, a
+private in captain Davidson's company, from Lincoln county, Kentucky.
+In this state of the case, even had the fact of Tecumseh's death been
+fully ascertained, at the date of general Harrison's letter, it would
+have been manifestly unjust, not to say impracticable, for the
+commander-in-chief to have expressed an opinion as to the particular
+individual to whose personal prowess his death was to be
+attributed."[C]
+
+[Footnote A: One of the aids of general Harrison, and inspector-general
+of the United States army, during the late war.]
+
+[Footnote B: Early on the 7th, general Harrison left the army under the
+command of governor Shelby, and returned to Detroit. His report of the
+battle, was dated on the 9th. The army did not reach Sandwich, opposite
+Detroit, until the 10th.]
+
+[Footnote C: See Louisville Journal.]
+
+In taking leave of this branch of our subject, it may be remarked, that
+the strong terms of approbation in which general Harrison, in his
+official account of the battle of the Thames, speaks of the bravery and
+bearing of colonel Johnson in the conflict, should have shielded him
+from the suspicion that any unkind feeling towards that officer was
+allowed to sway his judgment in the preparation of his report.
+
+We now proceed to give some testimony in favor of other individuals,
+whose friends have claimed for them the credit of having slain
+Tecumseh. It has been already stated, that before our army left the
+field of battle, it was reported and believed by many of the troops,
+that colonel Whitley, of Johnson's corps of mounted men, had killed the
+Indian commander in the action of the Thames. The only testimony, in
+confirmation of this report, which has fallen under our observation, is
+contained in the two following communications. The first is a letter
+from Mr. Abraham Scribner, now of Greenville, Ohio, under date of
+September 8th, 1840. The writer says--"I had never seen Tecumseh, until
+the body was shown to me on the battle ground on the river Thames: by
+whose hand he fell must always be a matter of uncertainty. My own
+opinion was, the day after the battle, and is yet, that Tecumseh fell
+by a ball from the rifle of colonel Whitley, an old Indian fighter: two
+balls passed through colonel Whitley's head, at the moment that
+Tecumseh fell; he (colonel Whitley,) was seen to take aim at the Indian
+said to be Tecumseh, and his rifle was found empty."
+
+The second is from colonel Ambrose Dudley, of Cincinnati, under date of
+24th February, 1841, and is in the following words:
+
+"The morning after the battle of the Thames, in company with several
+other persons, I walked over the ground, to see the bodies of those who
+had been slain in the engagement. After passing from the river a
+considerable distance, and the latter part of the way along what was
+termed a swamp, viewing the slain of the British army, we came to a
+place where some half a dozen persons were standing, and three dead
+Indians were lying close together. One of the spectators remarked, that
+he had witnessed that part of the engagement which led to the death of
+these three Indians and two of our troops, whose bodies had been
+removed the evening before for burial. He proceeded to point out the
+position of the slain as they lay upon the ground, with that of our
+men. He said old colonel Whitley rode up to the body of a tree, which
+lay before him, and behind which lay an Indian: he (the Indian,)
+attempted to fire, but from some cause did not succeed, and then
+Whitley instantly shot him. This Indian was recognized by one of the
+persons present as Tecumseh: the next Indian was pointed out as having
+killed Whitley; then the position of another of our troops who killed
+that Indian, and the Indian who killed him, with the position of the
+man who shot the third Indian--making three Indians and two Americans
+who had fallen on a very small space of ground. From the manner of the
+narrator, and the facts related at the time, I did not doubt the truth
+of his statement, nor have I ever had any reason to doubt it since. The
+Indian pointed out as Tecumseh, was wearing a bandage over a wound in
+the arm, and as it was known that Tecumseh had been slightly wounded in
+the arm the day before, while defending the passage of a creek, my
+conviction was strengthened by this circumstance, that the body before
+us was that of Tecumseh."
+
+The reader will decide for himself how far this testimony sustains the
+plea that has been raised for colonel Whitley. It is certainly clear
+and to the point, and presents a plausible case in support of his
+claim.
+
+Mr. David King is the other individual to whom reference has been made
+as entitled to the credit of having killed the great Shawanoe chief. He
+was a private in captain James Davidson's company of mounted men,
+belonging to Johnson's corps. The statement given below in support of
+King's claim, was written by the editor of the Frankfort (Ky.)
+Commentator, and published in that journal in 1831. It is given on the
+authority of captain Davidson and his brother, two highly respectable
+citizens of Kentucky, both of whom belonged to colonel Johnson's
+mounted regiment, and were in the battle of the Thames. We have omitted
+the first part of this statement as irrelevant to the point in issue.
+
+"While these things were acting in this part of the field, and towards
+the close of the action, which did not last long--for though much was
+done, it was done quickly--when the enemy was somewhat thinned and
+considerably scattered, and our men were scattered amongst them, Clark,
+one of the men mentioned above, suddenly called out to his comrade,
+David King, to 'take care of the Indian that was near to him.' The
+warrior turned upon Clark; at the same instant, King fired at him with
+Whitley's gun, and lodged the two balls which he knew it was loaded
+with, in the chieftain's breast--for when Whitley fell, King threw away
+his own gun, and took the better one and the powder horn of the old
+Indian fighter. The Indian droped upon King's fire:--'Whoop--by G----'
+exclaimed King, 'he was every inch a soldier. I have killed one d----d
+yellow bugger,' and passed on. Giles saw this occurrence as well as
+Clark, and so did Von Treece--they were all together. From the
+commencement of the fight, the voice of an Indian commander had been
+distinctly heard and observed by our soldiers. About this time it
+ceased, and was heard no more: _Tecumseh was dead._ Presently a cry of
+'_how! how!_' was raised among the Indians; upon which they turned and
+fled, pursued by our soldiers.
+
+"Upon the return of the volunteers from the pursuit, King proposed to
+Sam Davidson, his friend and relative, and to other comrades, to go
+round with him by the spot where he had killed the Indian, because he
+wanted to get his fine leggins. They had noticed a particular tree and
+a log, near to which the Indian fell. They found the tree without
+difficulty, but the body was not discovered quite so readily; but King
+insisted that it must be somewhere thereabouts. Sam Davidson first
+discovered it. It was lying behind a tree, face downward. '_Here he
+is_,' said Davidson, 'but I see no wound upon him.' '_Roll him over_,'
+said King, 'and if it is my Indian, you will find two bullet holes in
+his left breast.' It was done; and there were the two bullet holes, an
+inch apart, just below the left pap--the same, no doubt, where King's
+balls had entered. The Indian, from his dress, was evidently a chief.
+His fanciful leggins, (King's main object in hunting out the body,) his
+party-colored worsted sash, his pistols, his two dirks, all his dress
+and equipments, were the _undisputed_ spoils of King. He kept one of
+the dirks, the sash, and moccasins for himself; the rest he distributed
+as presents among his messmates.
+
+"Now, _it was this very Indian_, which was afterwards identified by
+those who had known him, as TECUMSEH--_this and no other_."
+
+This testimony, coming as it does from a highly respectable quarter,
+would seem to be conclusive in favor of the claim of King. It contains,
+however, statements which, if true, greatly weaken its force; and,
+indeed, in our opinion, dissipate at once the idea that the Indian
+killed by King was Tecumseh. The narrative states that "the Indian,
+from his dress, was evidently a chief. His fanciful leggins, his
+party-colored worsted sash, his pistols, his two dirks, all his dress
+and equipments, were the undisputed spoils of King." Now, if there be
+any one fact connected with the fall of Tecumseh which is fully and
+fairly established upon unimpeachable authority, it is, that he entered
+the battle of the Thames, dressed in the ordinary deerskin garb of his
+tribe. There was nothing in his clothes, arms or ornaments, indicating
+him to have been a chief. On this point the testimony of Anthony Shane
+is explicit; and his statement is confirmed by colonel Baubee of the
+British army, who was familiarly acquainted with Tecumseh. This
+officer, the morning after the action, stated to one of the aids of
+general Harrison, that he saw Tecumseh just before the battle
+commenced, and that he was clothed in his usual plain deer-skin dress,
+and in that garb took his position in the Indian line, where he
+heroically met his fate. The testimony in favor of Mr. King's claim,
+while it proves very satisfactorily that he killed an Indian, is
+equally conclusive, we think, in establishing the fact that that Indian
+was not the renowned Tecumseh.
+
+With the statement of one other person, upon this vexed question, we
+shall take our final leave of it. Major William Oliver, of Cincinnati,
+in a communication to the author, under date of 23d December, 1840,
+says:--
+
+"In 1819, I lodged with Anthony Shane, at what was then called 'the
+Second Crossing of the St. Mary's.' I had known Shane intimately for a
+long time, indeed, from my first settlement at fort Wayne, in 1806. In
+speaking of the battle of the Thames, and the fall of Tecumseh, he
+said, the most authentic information he had obtained upon this point,
+was from two brothers of his wife, who were in the battle, and near the
+person of Tecumseh when he fell. They stated, in positive terms, that
+Tecumseh was shot by a private of the Kentucky troops; and Shane seemed
+so well satisfied with the truth of their statement, that he informed
+me it was entitled to belief."
+
+To John Johnston, of Piqua, late Indian agent, and others, Shane, at
+this early period, expressed the opinion that Tecumseh did not fall by
+the hands of the commander of the mounted regiment. The reader of this
+volume will recollect, that long subsequent to the period when these
+opinions were expressed, and upon the eve of a political campaign, in
+which colonel R.M. Johnson was a candidate for a high and honorable
+office, Anthony Shane is represented by the reverend O.B. Brown, as
+having stated to him his belief, that Tecumseh did meet his death by a
+shot from the colonel. Shane, who, we believe, is now deceased,
+sustained, through life, a character for integrity. Whether, in his
+latter years, his memory had failed him, by which he was led to express
+these contradictory opinions, or whether Mr. Brown misunderstood the
+import of his language, when talking upon this matter, we shall not
+undertake to decide. The reader who feels an interest in the point at
+issue will settle the question for himself, whether, under the peculiar
+circumstances of the case, the early or late declarations of Shane were
+the genuine expression of his belief on this subject.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+  Mr. Jefferson's opinion of the Prophet--brief sketch of his
+  character--anecdotes of Tecumseh--a review of the great principles of
+  his plan of union among the tribes--general summary of his life and
+  character.
+
+
+Mr. Jefferson, in a letter to John Adams,[A] says: "The Wabash Prophet
+is more rogue than fool, if to be a rogue is not the greatest of all
+follies. He rose to notice while I was in the administration, and
+became, of course, a proper subject for me. The inquiry was made with
+diligence. His declared object was the reformation of his red brethren,
+and their return to their pristine manner of living. He pretended to be
+in constant communication with the Great Spirit; that he was instructed
+by Him to make known to the Indians that they were created by Him
+distinct from the whites, of different natures, for different purposes,
+and placed under different circumstances, adapted to their nature and
+destinies; that they must return from all the ways of the whites to the
+habits and opinions of their forefathers; they must not eat the flesh
+of hogs, of bullocks, of sheep, &c., the deer and buffalo having been
+created for their food; they must not make bread of wheat, but of
+Indian corn; they must not wear linen nor woollen, but dress like their
+fathers, in the skins and furs of animals; they must not drink ardent
+spirits; and I do not remember whether he extended his inhibitions to
+the gun and gunpowder, in favor of the bow and arrow. I concluded, from
+all this, that he was a visionary, enveloped in their antiquities, and
+vainly endeavoring to lead back his brethren to the fancied beatitudes
+of their golden age. I thought there was little danger of his making
+many proselytes from the habits and comforts they had learned from the
+whites, to the hardships and privations of savagism, and no great harm
+if he did. We let him go on, therefore, unmolested. But his followers
+increased until the British thought him worth corrupting, and found him
+corruptible. I suppose his views were then changed; but his proceedings
+in consequence of them, were after I left the administration, and are,
+therefore, unknown to me; nor have I ever been informed what were the
+particular acts on his part, which produced an actual commencement of
+hostilities on ours. I have no doubt, however, that his subsequent
+proceedings are but a chapter apart, like that of Henry and Lord
+Liverpool, in the book of the Kings of England."
+
+[Footnote A: Jefferson's Correspondence, vol. 10. p. 171.]
+
+Mr. Jefferson's account of the Prophet's "budget of reform," is correct
+as far as it goes: it embraced, however, many other matters, looking to
+the amelioration of savage life. Whatever may have been his original
+object, in the promulgation of his new code of ethics, there is enough,
+we think, in the character and conduct of this individual to warrant
+the opinion, that he was really desirous of doing good to his race;
+and, that with many foibles, and some positive vices, he was not
+destitute of benevolent and generous feelings. That in assuming the
+character of a prophet, he had, in connection with his brother,
+ulterior objects in view, is not to be doubted. It so happened, that
+the adoption of his doctrines was calculated to promote harmony among
+the tribes; and this was the very foundation of the grand confederacy,
+to which he and Tecumseh were zealously devoting the energies of their
+minds.
+
+After the premature and, to the Indians, disastrous battle of
+Tippecanoe, the Prophet began to fall into obscurity. The result of
+that action materially diminished the wide spread influence which he
+had attained over his countrymen. The incantations, by means of which
+he had played upon their imaginations, and swayed their conduct, lost
+their potency. The inspired messenger of the Great Spirit, as he openly
+proclaimed himself, had boldly promised his followers an easy victory
+over their enemies. A battle was fought--the Indians were defeated--and
+the gory form of many a gallant, but credulous "brave," attested that
+the renowned Prophet had lost, amid the carnage of that nocturnal
+conflict, his office and his power.
+
+At the time when this battle was fought, Tecumseh was on a mission to
+the southern Indians, with the view of extending his warlike
+confederacy. He had left instructions with the Prophet, to avoid any
+hostile collision with the whites; and from the deference which the
+latter usually paid to the wishes of the former, it is not probable
+that the battle would have occurred, had not extraneous influence been
+brought to bear upon the leader. The reason assigned by the Prophet to
+his brother, for this attack upon the army under general Harrison, is
+not known; but some of the Indians who were in this engagement,
+subsequently stated that the Winnebagoes forced on the battle contrary
+to the wishes of the Prophet. This is not improbable; yet, admitting it
+to be true, if he had taken a bold and decided stand against the
+measure, it might, in all probability, have been prevented. The
+influence of the Prophet, however, even at this time, was manifestly on
+the wane, and some of his followers were beginning to leave his camp.
+He doubtless felt that it was necessary to do something to sustain
+himself: a signal victory over the whites would accomplish this end;
+and hence he consented the more readily, to the wishes of the
+Winnebagoes, that an attack should be made, in the hope that it would
+prove successful.
+
+Within a few months after this battle, war was declared against England
+by the United States. Tecumseh and the Prophet, discouraged in regard
+to their union of the tribes, decided on joining the British standard.
+The love of fighting, however, was not a remarkable trait of the
+Prophet's character. He won no military laurels during the continuance
+of that war; and although in the vicinity of the Moravian town on the
+5th of October, 1813, he did not choose to participate in the action at
+the Thames. After the return of peace, he resided in the neighborhood
+of Malden for some time, and finally returned to Ohio: from whence,
+with a band of Shawanoes, he removed west of the Mississippi, where he
+resided until the period of his death, which occurred in the year 1834.
+It is stated, in a foreign periodical,[A] that the British government
+allowed him a pension from the year 1813, to the close of his life.
+
+[Footnote A: The United Service Journal--London.]
+
+In forming an estimate of the Prophet's character, it seems unjust to
+hold him responsible for all the numerous aggressions which were
+committed by his followers upon the property and persons of the whites.
+His first proselytes were from the most worthless and vicious portion
+of the tribes from which they were drawn. "The young men especially,
+who gathered about him, like the young men who brought on the war of
+King Philip, were wrought up until the master spirit himself, lost his
+control over them; and to make the matter worse, most of them were of
+such a character in the first instance, that horse stealing and house
+breaking were as easy to them as breathing. Like the refugees of
+Romulus, they were outcasts, vagabonds and criminals; in a great degree
+brought together by the novelty of the preacher's reputation, by
+curiosity to hear his doctrines, by the fascination of extreme
+credulity, by restlessness, by resentment against the whites, and by
+poverty and unpopularity at home."[A] To preserve an influence over
+such a body of men, to use them successfully as propagandists of his
+new doctrines, and, at the same time, prevent their aggressions upon
+the whites, who were oftentimes themselves the aggressors, required no
+small degree of talent; and called into activity the utmost powers of
+the Prophet's mind. In addition to these adverse circumstances, he had
+to encounter the opposition of all the influential chiefs in the
+surrounding tribes; and a still more formidable adversary in the
+poverty and extreme want of provisions, which, on several occasions,
+threatened the total disruption of his party, and undoubtedly led to
+many of the thefts and murders on the frontiers, of which loud and
+frequent complaints were made by the agents of the United States. In a
+word, difficulties of various kinds were constantly recurring, which
+required the most ceaseless vigilance and the shrewdest sagacity on the
+part of the two brothers to obviate or overcome. The Prophet had a
+clear head, if not an honest heart; courteous and insinuating in his
+address, with a quick wit and a fluent tongue, he seldom came out of
+any conference without rising in the estimation of those who composed
+it. He was no warrior, and from the fact of his never having engaged in
+a battle, the presumption has been raised that he was wanting in
+physical courage. With that of cowardice, the charge of cruelty has
+been associated, from the cold-blooded and deliberate manner in which
+he put to death several of those who were suspected of having exercised
+an influence adverse to his plans, or calculated to lessen the value of
+the inspired character which he had assumed. Finally, it may be said of
+him, that he was a vain, loquacious and cunning man, of indolent habits
+and doubtful principles. Plausible but deceitful, prone to deal in the
+marvellous, quick of apprehension, affluent in pretexts, winning and
+eloquent, if not powerful in debate, the Prophet was peculiarly fitted
+to play the impostor, and to excite into strong action, the credulous
+fanaticism of the stern race to which he belonged. Few men, in any age
+of the world, have risen more rapidly into extended notoriety; wielded,
+for the time being, a more extraordinary degree of moral influence, or
+sunk more suddenly into obscurity, than the Prophet.
+
+[Footnote A: North American Review.]
+
+TECUMSEH was near six feet in stature, with a compact, muscular frame,
+capable of great physical endurance. His head was of a moderate size,
+with a forehead full and high; his nose slightly aquiline, teeth large
+and regular, eyes black, penetrating and overhung with heavy arched
+brows, which increased the uniformly grave and severe expression of his
+countenance. He is represented by those who knew him, to have been a
+remarkably fine looking man, always plain but neat in his dress, and of
+a commanding personal presence. His portrait, it is believed, was never
+painted, owing probably to his strong prejudices against the whites.
+
+In the private and social life of Tecumseh there were many things
+worthy of notice. He was opposed, on principle, to polygamy, a practice
+almost universal among his countrymen. He was married but once; and
+this union, which took place at the age of twenty-eight, is said to
+have been more in compliance with the wishes of others than in
+obedience to the unbiassed impulse of his feelings or the dictates of
+his judgment. Mamate, his wife, was older than himself, and possessed
+few personal or mental qualities calculated to excite admiration. A
+son, called Pugeshashenwa, (a panther in the act of seizing its prey,)
+was the only fruit of this union. The mother died soon after his birth,
+and he was left to the care of his aunt, Tecumapease.[A] This son is
+now residing with the Shawanoes west of the Mississippi, but is not
+distinguished for talents, or renowned as a warrior. The British
+government, however, since the death of Tecumseh, has recognized its
+obligations to the father by the extension of an annual stipend to the
+son.
+
+[Footnote A: Recollections of John Johnston, and Anthony Shane.]
+
+From his boyhood, Tecumseh was remarkable for temperance and the
+strictest integrity. He was hospitable, generous and humane; and these
+traits were acknowledged in his character long before he rose to
+distinction, or had conceived the project of that union of the tribes,
+on which the energies of his manhood were fruitlessly expended. He was,
+says an intelligent Shawanoe, who had known him from childhood, kind
+and attentive to the aged and infirm, looking personally to their
+comfort, repairing their frail wigwams when winter approached, giving
+them skins for moccasins and clothing, and sharing with them the
+choicest game which the woods and the seasons afforded. Nor were these
+acts of kindness bestowed exclusively on those of rank or reputation.
+On the contrary, he made it his business to search out the humblest
+objects of charity, and in a quick, unostentatious manner, relieve
+their wants.
+
+The moral and intellectual qualities of Tecumseh place him above the
+age and the race in which his lot was cast. "From the earliest period
+of his life," says Mr. Johnston, the late Indian agent at Piqua,
+"Tecumseh was distinguished for virtue, for a strict adherence to
+truth, honor, and integrity. He was sober[A] and abstemious, never
+indulging in the use of liquor nor eating to excess." Another
+respectable individual,[B] who resided for near twenty years as a
+prisoner among the Shawanoes, and part of that time in the family of
+Tecumseh, writes to us, "I know of no _peculiarity_ about him that
+gained him popularity. His talents, rectitude of deportment, and
+friendly disposition, commanded the respect and regard of all about
+him. In short, I consider him a very great as well as a very good man,
+who, had he enjoyed the advantages of a liberal education, would have
+done honor to any age or any nation."
+
+[Footnote A: Major James Galloway, of Xenia, states, that on one
+occasion, while Tecumseh was quite young, he saw him intoxicated. This
+is the only aberration of the kind, which we have heard charged upon
+him.]
+
+[Footnote B: Mr. Stephen Ruddell.]
+
+Tecumseh had, however, no education, beyond that which the traditions
+of his race, and his own power of observation and reflection, afforded
+him. He rarely mingled with the whites, and very seldom attempted to
+speak their language, of which his knowledge was extremely limited and
+superficial.
+
+When Burns, the poet, was suddenly transferred from his plough in
+Ayrshire to the polished circles of Edinburg, his ease of manner, and
+nice observance of the rules of good-breeding, excited much surprise,
+and became the theme of frequent conversation. The same thing has been
+remarked of Tecumseh: whether seated at the tables of generals McArthur
+and Worthington, as he was during the council at Chillicothe in 1807,
+or brought in contact with British officers of the highest rank, his
+manners were entirely free from vulgarity and coarseness: he was
+uniformly self-possessed, and with the tact and ease of deportment
+which marked the poet of the heart, and which are falsely supposed to
+be the result of civilization and refinement only, he readily
+accommodated himself to the novelties of his new position, and seemed
+more amused than annoyed by them.
+
+The humanity of his character has been already portrayed in the pages
+of this work. His early efforts to abolish the practice of burning
+prisoners--then common among the Indians--and the merciful protection
+which he otherwise invariably showed to captives, whether taken by
+himself or his companions, need no commendation at our hands. Rising
+above the prejudices and customs of his people, even when those
+prejudices and customs were tacitly sanctioned by the officers and
+agents of Great Britain, Tecumseh was never known to offer violence to
+prisoners, nor to permit it in others. So strong was his sense of
+honor, and so sensitive his feelings of humanity, on this point, that
+even frontier women and children, throughout the wide space in which
+his character was known, felt secure from the tomahawk of the hostile
+Indians, if Tecumseh was in the camp. A striking instance of this
+confidence is presented in the following anecdote. The British and
+Indians were encamped near the river Raisin; and while holding a talk
+within eighty or one hundred yards of Mrs. Ruland's house, some Sauks
+and Winnebagoes entered her dwelling, and began to plunder it. She
+immediately sent her little daughter, eight or nine years old,
+requesting Tecumseh to come to her assistance. The child ran to the
+council house, and pulling Tecumseh (who was then speaking) by the
+skirt of his hunting-shirt, said to him, "Come to our house--there are
+bad Indians there." Without waiting to close his speech, the chief
+started for the house in a fast walk. On entering, he was met by two or
+three Indians dragging a trunk towards the door: he seized his tomahawk
+and levelled one of them at a blow: they prepared for resistance, but
+no sooner did they hear the cry, "dogs! I am Tecumseh!" than under the
+flash of his indignant eye, they fled from the house: and "you," said
+Tecumseh, turning to some British officers, "are _worse_ than dogs, to
+break your faith with prisoners." The officers expressed their regrets
+to Mrs. Ruland, and offered to place a guard around the house: this she
+declined, observing, that so long as that man, pointing to Tecumseh,
+was near them, she felt safe.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: On the authority of colonel John Ruland.]
+
+Tecumseh entertained a high and proper sense of personal character--was
+equally bold in defending his own conduct, and condemning that which
+was reprehensible in others. In 1811, he abandoned his intention of
+visiting the President, because he was not permitted to march to
+Washington at the head of a party of his warriors. As an officer in the
+British army, he never lost sight of the dignity of his rank, nor
+suffered any act of injustice towards those under his command to pass
+without resenting it. On one occasion, while the combined British and
+Indian forces were quartered at Malden, there was a scarcity of
+provisions, the commissary's department being supplied with salt beef
+only, which was issued to the British soldiers, while horse flesh was
+given to the Indians. Upon learning this fact, Tecumseh promptly called
+on general Proctor, remonstrated against the injustice of the measure,
+and complained, indignantly, of the insult thus offered to himself and
+his men. The British general appeared indifferent to what was said;
+whereupon, the chief struck the hilt of Proctor's sword with his hand,
+then touched the handle of his own tomahawk, and sternly remarked, "You
+are Proctor--I am Tecumseh;" intimating, that if justice was not done
+to the Indians, the affair must be settled by a personal rencontre
+between the two commanders. General Proctor prudently yielded the
+point.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: On the authority of the Rev. Wm. H. Raper.]
+
+But few of the numerous speeches made by Tecumseh have been preserved.
+Tradition speaks in exalted terms of several efforts of this kind, of
+which no record was made. All bore evidence of the high order of his
+intellectual powers. They were uniformly forcible, sententious and
+argumentative; always dignified, frequently impassioned and powerful.
+He indulged neither in sophism nor circumlocution, but with bold and
+manly frankness, gave utterance to his honest opinions. Mr. Ruddell,
+who knew him long and intimately, says, that "he was naturally
+eloquent, very fluent, graceful in his gestures, but not in the habit
+of using many; that there was neither vehemence nor violence in his
+style of delivery, but that his eloquence always made a strong
+impression on his hearers." Dr. Hunt, of Clark county, Ohio, has
+remarked, that the first time he heard Henry Clay make a speech, his
+manner reminded him, very forcibly, of that of Tecumseh, in the council
+at Springfield, in the year 1807, on which occasion he made one of his
+happiest efforts.
+
+Our present minister to France, Mr. Cass, has said, with his usual
+discrimination, that "the character of Tecumseh, in whatever light it
+may be viewed, must be regarded as remarkable in the highest degree.
+That he proved himself worthy of his rank as a general officer in the
+army of his Britannic majesty, or even of his reputation as a great
+warrior among all the Indians of the north-west, is, indeed, a small
+title to distinction. Bravery is a savage virtue, and the Shawanoes are
+a brave people: too many of the American nation have ascertained this
+fact by experience. His oratory speaks more for his genius. It was the
+utterance of a great mind roused by the strongest motives of which
+human nature is susceptible; and developing a power and a labor of
+reason, which commanded the admiration of the civilized, as justly as
+the confidence and pride of the savage." There was one subject, far
+better calculated than all others, to call forth his intellectual
+energies, and exhibit the peculiar fascination of his oratory. "When he
+spoke to his brethren on the glorious theme that animated all his
+actions, his fine countenance lighted up, his firm and erect frame
+swelled with deep emotion, which his own stern dignity could scarcely
+repress; every feature and gesture had its meaning, and language flowed
+tumultuously and swiftly, from the fountains of his soul."
+
+Another writer, Judge Hall, long resident in the west, and devoted to
+the study of aboriginal history, has thus summed up the character of
+this chief:
+
+"At this period the celebrated Tecumseh appeared upon the scene. He was
+called the Napoleon of the west; and so far as that title was deserved
+by splendid genius, unwavering courage, untiring perseverance, boldness
+of conception and promptitude of action, it was fairly bestowed upon
+this accomplished savage. He rose from obscurity to the command of a
+tribe to which he was alien by birth. He was, by turns, the orator, the
+warrior and the politician; and in each of these capacities, towered
+above all with whom he came in contact. As is often the case with great
+minds, one master passion filled his heart, prompted all his designs,
+and gave to his life its character. This was hatred to the whites, and,
+like Hannibal, he had sworn that it should be perpetual. He entertained
+the same vast project of uniting the scattered tribes of the west into
+one grand confederacy, which had been acted on by King Philip and
+Little Turtle. He wished to extinguish all distinctions of tribe and
+language, to bury all feuds, and to combine the power and the
+prejudices of all, in defence of the rights and possessions of the
+whole, as the aboriginal occupants of the country."
+
+It may be truly said, that what Hannibal was to the Romans, Tecumseh
+became to the people of the United States. From his boyhood to the hour
+when he fell, nobly battling for the rights of his people, he fostered
+an invincible hatred to the whites. On one occasion, he was heard to
+declare, that he could not look upon the face of a white man, without
+feeling the flesh crawl upon his bones. This hatred was not confined,
+however, to the Americans. Circumstances made him the ally of the
+British, and induced him to fight under their standard, but he neither
+loved nor respected them. He well understood their policy; they could
+not deceive his sagacious mind; he knew that their professions of
+regard for the Indians were hollow, and that when instigating him and
+his people to hostilities against the United States, the agents of
+Britain had far less anxiety about the rights of the Indians, than the
+injuries which, through their instrumentality, might be inflicted upon
+the rising republic. This feeling towards the whites, and especially to
+the people of the United States, had a deeper foundation than mere
+prejudice or self-interest. Tecumseh was a patriot, and his love of
+country made him a statesman and a warrior. He saw his race driven from
+their native land, and scattered like withered leaves in an autumnal
+blast; he beheld their morals debased, their independence destroyed,
+their means of subsistence cut off, new and strange customs introduced,
+diseases multiplied, ruin and desolation around and among them; he
+looked for the cause of these evils and believed he had found it in the
+flood of white immigration which, having surmounted the towering
+Alleghenies, was spreading itself over the hunting grounds of Kentucky,
+and along the banks of the Scioto, the Miami and the Wabash, whose
+waters, from time immemorial, had reflected the smoke of the rude but
+populous villages of his ancestors. As a statesman, he studied the
+subject, and, having satisfied himself that justice was on the side of
+his countrymen, he tasked the powers of his expansive mind, to find a
+remedy for the mighty evil which threatened their total extermination.
+
+The original, natural right of the Indians to the occupancy and
+possession of their lands, has been recognized by the laws of congress,
+and solemnly sanctioned by the highest judicial tribunal of the United
+States. On this principle, there is no disagreement between our
+government and the Indian nations by whom this country was originally
+inhabited.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: 6 Wheaton's Reports, 515.]
+
+In the acquisition of these lands, however, our government has held
+that its title was perfect when it had purchased of the tribe in actual
+possession. It seems, indeed, to have gone farther and admitted, that a
+tribe might acquire lands by conquest which it did not occupy, as in
+the case of the Iroquois, and sell the same to us; and, that the title
+thus acquired, would be valid. Thus we have recognized the principles
+of international law as operative between the Indians and us on this
+particular point, while on some others, as in not _allowing_ them to
+sell to individuals, and giving them tracts used as hunting grounds by
+other tribes beyond the Mississippi, we have treated them as savage
+hordes, not sufficiently advanced in civilization to be admitted into
+the family of nations. Our claim to forbid their selling to
+individuals, and our guarantying to tribes who would not sell to us in
+our corporate capacity, portions of country occupied as hunting
+grounds, by more distant tribes, can only be based on the right of
+discovery, taken in connection with a right conferred by our superior
+civilization; and seems never in fact to have been fully acknowledged
+by them. It was not, at least, admitted by Tecumseh. His doctrine seems
+to have been that we acquired no rights over the Indians or their
+country either by discovery or superior civilization; and that the
+possession and jurisdiction can only be obtained by conquest or
+negociation. In regard to the latter, he held that purchase from a
+single tribe, although at the time sojourners on the lands sold, was
+not valid as it respected other tribes. That no particular portion of
+the country belonged to the tribe then within its limits--though in
+reference to other tribes, its title was perfect; that is, possession
+excluded other tribes, and would exclude them forever; but did not
+confer on the tribe having it, the right to sell the soil to us; for
+that was the common property of all the tribes who were near enough to
+occupy or hunt upon it, in the event of its being at any time vacated,
+and could only be vacated by _the consent of the whole_. As a
+conclusion from these premises, he insisted that certain sales made in
+the west were invalid, and protested against new ones on any other than
+his own principles.
+
+It must be acknowledged that these views have much plausibility, not to
+grant to them any higher merit. If the Indians had been in a nomadic
+instead of a hunter state, and in summer had driven their flocks to the
+Allegheny mountains--in winter to the banks of the Wabash and Tennessee
+rivers, it could scarcely be denied that each tribe would have had an
+interest in the whole region between, and as much right as any other
+tribe to be heard on a question of sale. The Indians were not
+shepherds, wandering _with_ their flocks of sheep and cattle in quest
+of new pastures, but hunters, roaming after deer and bison, and
+changing their location, as the pursuit from year to year, or from age
+to age, might require. We do not perceive a difference in principle in
+the two cases; and while we admit the difficulty of acquiring their
+territory on the plan of Tecumseh, we feel bound also to admit, that as
+far as its preservation to themselves was concerned, his was the only
+effective method.
+
+In its support he displayed in council the sound and logical eloquence
+for which he was distinguished--in war the prowess which raised him
+into the highest rank of Indian heroes.
+
+At what period of his life he first resolved upon making an effort to
+stop the progress of the whites west of the mountains, is not certainly
+known. It was probably several years anterior to the open avowal of his
+plan of union, which occurred in 1805 or '6. The work before him was
+herculean in character, and beset with difficulties on every side; but
+these only quickened into more tireless activity his genius and his
+patriotic resolution. To unite the tribes as he proposed, prejudices
+must be overcome, their original manners and customs re-established,
+the use of ardent spirits utterly abandoned, and finally, all
+intercourse with the whites cut off. Here was a field for the display
+of the highest moral and intellectual powers. He had already gained the
+reputation of a brave and sagacious warrior, a cool headed, upright and
+wise counsellor. He was neither a war nor a peace chief, and yet he
+wielded the power and influence of both. The time had now arrived for
+action. To win savage attention, some bold and striking movement was
+necessary. He imparted his plan to his brother, a smart, cunning and
+pliable fellow, who adroitly and quickly prepared himself for the part
+he was appointed to play, in this great drama of savage life. Tecumseh
+well understood, that excessive superstition is every where a prominent
+trait in the Indian character, and readily availed himself of it.
+Suddenly, his brother begins to dream dreams, and see visions, he is an
+inspired Prophet, favored with a divine commission from the Great
+Spirit; the power of life and death is placed in his hands; he is the
+appointed agent for preserving the property and lands of the Indians,
+and for restoring them to their original, happy condition. He commences
+his sacred work; the public mind is aroused; unbelief gradually gives
+way; credulity and wild fanaticism begin to spread in circles, widening
+and deepening until the fame of the Prophet, and the divine character
+of his mission, have reached the frozen shores of the lakes, and
+overrun the broad plains which stretch far beyond the Mississippi.
+Pilgrims from remote tribes, seek, with fear and trembling, the
+head-quarters of the mighty Prophet. Proselytes are multiplied, and his
+followers increase in number. Even Tecumseh becomes a believer, and,
+seizing upon the golden opportunity, he mingles with the pilgrims, wins
+them by his address, and, on their return, sends a knowledge of his
+plan of concert and union to the most distant tribes. And now commenced
+those bodily and mental labors of Tecumseh, which were never
+intermitted for the space of five years. During the whole of this
+period, we have seen that his life was one of ceaseless activity. He
+traveled, he argued, he commanded: to-day, his persuasive voice was
+listened to by the Wyandots, on the plains of Sandusky--to-morrow, his
+commands were issued on the banks of the Wabash--anon, he was paddling
+his bark canoe across the Mississippi; now, boldly confronting the
+governor of Indiana territory in the council-house at Viacennes, and
+now carrying his banner of union among the Creeks and Cherokees of the
+south. He was neither intoxicated by success, nor discouraged by
+failure; and, but for the desperate conflict at Tippecanoe, would have
+established the most formidable and extended combination of Indians,
+that has ever been witnessed on this continent That he could have been
+successful in arresting the progress of the whites, or in making the
+Ohio river the boundary between them and the Indians of the north-west,
+even if that battle had not been fought, is not to be supposed. The
+ultimate failure of his plan was inevitable from the circumstances of
+the case. The wonder is not that he did not succeed, but that he was
+enabled to accomplish so much. His genius should neither be tested by
+the magnitude of his scheme, nor the failure in its execution, but by
+the extraordinary success that crowned his patriotic labors. These
+labors were suddenly terminated in the hour when the prospect of
+perfecting the grand confederacy was brightest. By the battle of
+Tippecanoe--fought in violation of his positive commands and during his
+absence to the south,--the great object of his ambition was frustrated,
+the golden bowl was broken at the fountain; that ardent enthusiasm
+which for years had sustained him, in the hour of peril and privation,
+was extinguished. His efforts were paralyzed, but not his hostility to
+the United States. He joined the standard of their enemy, and fought
+beneath it with his wonted skill and heroism. At length the contest on
+the Thames was at hand. Indignant at the want of courage or military
+skill, which prompted the commander of the British forces to shrink
+from meeting the American army on the shore of lake Erie, he sternly
+refused to retreat beyond the Moravian towns. There, at the head of his
+warriors, he took his stand, resolved, as he solemnly declared, to be
+victorious, or leave his body upon the field of battle, a prey to the
+wolf and the vulture. The result has been told. The Thames is
+consecrated forever, by the bones of the illustrious Shawanoe
+statesman, warrior and patriot, which repose upon its bank.
+
+In whatever aspect the genius and character of Tecumseh may be viewed,
+they present the evidence of his having been a remarkable man; and, to
+repeat the language of a distinguished statesman and general, who knew
+him long and intimately, who has often met him in the council and on
+the field of battle, we may venture to pronounce him, one of those
+uncommon geniuses which spring up occasionally to produce revolutions,
+and overturn the established order of things; and, who, but for the
+power of the United States, would, perhaps, have been the founder of an
+empire which would have rivalled that of Mexico or Peru.
+
+
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+E. MORGAN & CO.
+
+BOOKSELLERS & STATIONERS.
+
+Publishers, Printers and Binders,
+
+No. 131 Main Street,
+
+Cincinnati.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+They have in their Printing establishment a careful and experienced
+Superintendent, and five POWER PRESSES in good order, propelled by
+water, each of which can throw off daily, five thousand impressions;
+and have also superior facilities for drying and pressing sheets as
+fast as printed.
+
+The style of Printing done on their Power Presses can be seen by
+examining Judge M'Lean's Reports, Howard's Reports, Cincinnati in 1841,
+and the Life of Tecumseh;--the Eclectic Series of School Books, and
+Music books, published by Truman & Smith;--the Family Magazine, a large
+8vo. with many plates, and the Political Text-book, a small 32mo.,
+published by J.A. James &, Co.;--the Farmer and Gardener, the Texian
+Emigrant, and Watts' Psalms and Hymns, published by George Conclin.
+
+E.M. & Co. have also an extensive BINDERY, with a first rate Ruling
+Machine, under the charge of a skillful workman; and, in addition to
+binding and re-binding books in any manner that may be wanted, are
+prepared to make every description of BLANK BOOKS, ruled to any
+pattern, and bound in the neatest and most substantial manner. Their
+style of binding blank work may be seen in the Commercial, Franklin,
+and Lafayette banks.
+
+[Symbol: hand] Circulars, Cards, Bills of Lading, Notes and Check
+books, printed at the shortest notice;--and Blank forms of any kind
+printed, ruled and bound to order.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE OF TECUMSEH, AND OF HIS BROTHER
+THE PROPHET***
+
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