The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-12-28

stated, that contract had been entered into
between Proctor and Tecumseh, that as soon
as the fort surrendered, which they considered
inevitable, Harrison should be given up to the
Indians, to be disposed of as they might see
proper. Harrison replied "Then General
Proctor can be neither a soldier nor man.
But II it shall ever be his IA Q 10 surrender 10
me, his life shall be protected, but will dress
him in peiicoat, and deliver him over to the
squaws, as being unworthy to associate with
men," On this story, sir, was founded an in
famous SANDER on General Harrison, and
base insult TO the ladies Of Chilicothe, fabr-
Gated by person whose name | will not
stoop to mention, and published by the admin
istraton press.
| II was not long after the successful defence
Of this Fort, that our honored nominee led his
victorious army into Fort Maiden, rccaptured
Detroit and the Territory surrendered by the
unfortunate Hull, and pursuing the enemy to
the Thames, subdued the united forces OF
Proctor and Tecumseh, and captured the en-
tire British army!
| The war having been thus gloriousy termi-
mated in his own district, Harrison repaired TO
Erie and rendered his services to the army
operating in that quarter. Unfortunately, the
Secretary Of War was there, who felt some
private griefs unredressed, and was moreover
envious Of the laurels which Gen. Harrison
had SO dearly, but justly won. being unwilling
to see another added to the wreath, he ordered
him TO repair to Ohio, where he had no further
duty to perform, having already brought the
war to close in that quarter. The order
was obeyed. He returned TO his family and
Immediately resigned his commission, decar-
ing that he could not honestly eat the bread of
the Government when he was denied the pri-
vilege Of rendering service in return. Here,
sir, terminated forever the brilliant military
career OF hero who had won many victories,
bit irho nerer lost a battle.
Now, sir, let us look at this distinguished
man in political and private life. Time for
bids 10 do more than name the stations he has
filled. When he resigned his first commits
sion, which was given him by the " Father Of
his Country" he was appointed Secretary Of
the Northwestern Territory. The Governor
being then absent, he was ear o6icio acting
Governor, and vested with all the Executive
power Of the Territory, which he executed
with great prudence, and to the appreciation of
the Government and people. In 1899, the
Territorial Legislature, myself being one of
Them, appointed him the delegate to repre-
sent the Territory in the Congress of the
United States. His election had been OPP
posed by a numerous class of men who had
purchased land from his father-in- law, and had
settled on and improved it. They had failed
to obtain a title from the vendor, and were at
the mercy Of Congress, liable to be dspos-
sessed at any moment. They wished to OBJ
tain presumption rights and other indugences.
1t was the interest and the anxious desire of
the vendor to defeat their object. On this ac-
count they entreated the Legislature not to
appoint Mr.. Harrison, believing that he would
be governed by the views of his father-in law,
and oppose their claims. He was, nothwith-
standing, chosen, and to the surprise of those
men, he volunteered in their cause, and,
though against his own ultimate interest, he
procured for them the boon they were so any,
ous to obtain.
AT the same session he procured the pass
ing Of an act requiring the public lands to be
surveyed and sold in small tracts. Under the
former law, it was impossible for poor man
to become purchaser from Government---he
was compelled to purchase from the specula-
tor at an advanced price. But by the amend
ment every poor man in the nation, if indus
trlous, might become an Independent free
holder and sir, il is public history, that thou
sands of thousands hare become so, and every
emgrant who now removes to the west from
any part of the Union, has the same privilege
The benefit which has been derived by the
Industrious poor, from that successful effort of
General Harrison, is beyond the power of
numbers to compute. Having accomplished
these important. objects in Congress, he re-
signed his seat and was appointed Governor
nf InIi III Al.
ment twelve years, with such ability, benig-
nifty, and success, that all that portion of its
present population, who resided there, under
his administration, look up to him as the po-
li,ca father of their state. We next find him
representing the people in the Legislature of
Ohio-then in the House of Representatives
OF the United States-ailcrward in the Senate
of the United States-and lastly we see him
the Ambassador of his Government at the
Court of the naughty Bolivar. In all these
stations he has received from the government
and the people, the plaudit of well done good
and faithful servant'-and it may be added,
this has been his only reward
Suffer me 10 say here, that il is the settled
aud publicly expressed opinion Of General
Harrison, that no man, however great, wise
and good, should be reelected President of
these United States. To the prevalence of
the opposite opinion he ascribes most of the
corruption and strife which have agitated and
disgraced the naton-and add, that if elect
ed, he will enter on the duties of the office,
having no griefs to avenge, and no obligations
to fulfil, in relation to individuals.
And now, sir, what more can add have
attempted to throw ray of light on the al
most forgotten life Of one of the most useful,
virtuous and patriotic citizens our country has
ever produced. From an intimate and conf
dental acquaintance with him, Of more than