Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1836-09-01

tDctroit, several OF the officers OF Hull
army wrote TO their friends in Cincin-
matt, and also to the Governor Of Ken
lucky, stating their entire want Of con-
6dence in their commander, and
their apprehension Of some disastrous
consequence, from bis miserable ar
arrangements. and apparent imbecility
and eowardice. These letters also de-
clared il TO be the general wish OF The
army that Gov. Harrison should accom-
ipany the reinforcements which were
Expected. The troops also who were
marching from Kentucky to join the
army on the frontier, were extremely
anxious to have him as their comman.
der, bu! his authority as Governor of
Indiana. did not authorize him to COM
mand any troops which were not in
tended TO act in his territory. This
circumstance presented Q serious OBJ
stacle TO the qualification Of the wishes
of the army, and il was duly appre-
ciated by Gov. Scott. A Consultation
was held by him with some OF the
most distinguished men Of Kentucky,
and among others Mr.. Clay. as to the
course which should DO sdopted.-
These gentlemen unanimously resolved
10 recommend 10 Governor Scott to
commission Governor Harrison, as .
Major General by brevet in the Ken
lucky militia, and TO authorize him to
take the command Of the troops now
about TO proceed to reinforce Hull
The objections to this course were not
without weight. Gov. Harrison was
not citizen Of Kentucky, and the
laws Of that State would not sanction
the appointment Of any other than one
Of her own citizens, 70 such an office;
and moreover major general had al
ready been appointed for that division,
and the Law authorized the appointment
OF but one. But on the other hand,
his appointment was wished for most
ardently by the whole army on the
frontier, and the same desire was felt
by the Kentucky militia, and the 4th
u. S. Regiment In particular which had
acquired so much fame under Harrison
at TiPpecanoe, were eager TO see their
old commander again ct the head
These considerations, together with
his own knowledge Of Gen. Hsrrisonss
splendid military talents. finally deter
mined Gen. Srott tn confer upon him
the brevet commission Of Major Gen.
eral Of the Kentucky militia; and the
appointment was hailed by the army
with the most enthusiastic Joy.
The disgraceful surrender OF Hull
having defeated the immediate object
Of the campaign. Gen. Harrison's du-
ties became even more delicate and
arduous than they would Otherwise
have been. He commenced . system
of organization and diSciPlinet to which
he devoted & degree Of severe attention
and personal labor, under which moth
ing but patriotic devotion to his c0un-
try could have sustained him. His
own enthusiasm was communicated TO
those around him, and the troops look
led up 10 him with confidence as the
IMAM who was destined TO lead them TO
victory. lie was alTable AID kind in
his manners. and interchangeable in his
attention TO business. Has soldiers be-
came devoted 60 him. They were
anxious 10 anticipate his wishes, and IL
was only necessary 90 know that he
desired any thing to be done, and they
were ready 10 risk their lives IA its
accomplishment. This mutual conf
dence and affection between the officer
and soldier. is essential TO ensure
prompt obedience and efficient action.
and we hazard little 10 asserting that
IL was not the least Of those causes
which contributed to The brilliant sue
cess of Jackson in the South, and Ilar-
rison in the North West:
On the 18th Of September, 1912.
the President assigned 70 Gen. IIsri-
son the command Of the North Yves
tern Army, which, 20 addition to the
Irregular troops and rangers, consisted
Of Volunteers from kentucky, Ohio
Virginia and pennsylvania.
! We shall not attempt 10 follow Gen.
Harrison through sll the vicissitudes Of
an arduous campaign. The difficult
hes which he bed 20 encounter were
Of no ordinary character, aud imposed
on him a weight Of duty which &c.
qusred an union ofall the qualities thai
constitute an able leader The com.
maud bestowed on him was The mos
important and extensive ever entrusted
10 any officer under tho United States
! Government Washington and Greer
excepted. The territory assigned "a
him was very large, and contained al
endless number ~ posts, and scatter
ed settlements. which be vas required
10 defend against numerous bordes d
Indians, st the Same time ilIl be car
ned on the regular operations u the
campaign against . Nell disciplined
British army. His forces were raw
uadiseipliued militia, fou q ardor
selfdesoiion and patriotism, bot Whol
" destitute Of the hsbits Or experiences
II the soldier. The c0mmissariai d
The army aas WFeichedly appointed
and slmost without organization. and
the General found himself called upof
Z 10 aci IN Ire wilderness. &c from ths
country fF0m which bic supplies mus