The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-02-25


CALAMITY stood their ground Upon the frs
alarm, the Governor mounted his horse and
proceeded to the point of attack, and finding
the line weakened there, ordered up two com.
panies from the rear centre to reinforce it
Meanwhile, the. camp-fres had been cxtin.
guished so as not 10 afford light TO the Indi-
ans AS the Governor rode across the camp
Major Joseph H. Dayiess, oc Kentucky, one
OF the most popular men Of the West, asked
permission to charge body Of indians, con-
cealed behind some trees near the left of the
front line; In attempting this brave exploit
he fell, as did also Colonel Isaac White, oil
Indiana, who served as volunteer under him
Alter which, the charge was repeated and the
Indians dlslodged from their cover by Capt
Smelling. Perceiving the attack now to be
severely ielt on the right flank, the Governor
led up another company to reinforce it, while
doing WHICH. his aid Colonel Owen, of Ken
lucky, fen by his side. BY this time, the bat
tie had become general, and was maintained
on all SIDES with desperate valor, until the
day dawned, when the right and left TANKS
having been further strengthened a simula-
neous charge was made against the Indians
on each side, who were thus put to flight with
great loss, and glorious victory crowned the
tolls and dangers Of the American troops.
Without taking very active part in the
contest, the Prophet remained secure on a
near eminence, chanting war song and ami
mating his followers with the assurance of
miraculous aid from the Great Spirit in their
favor. SO as TO ensure to them victory. Tc-
cumlhe hipsef was not present. being. at the
South, endeavoring TO combine the tribes in
that quarter against the United States. But,
animated by tho Prophet, the Indians fought
with desperate and unprecedented valor,
hand to hand, SO as to render the battle Of
1lppecanoc one of the most memorable and
decisive engagements ever fought between
the Indians and the whites. The Indians ct
tackled boldly, advancing and retrealng by a
rafting sound, made with deer hoofs -They
were encountered with corresponding yaIor
and resolution by Ilarrison's brave and spl-
rited men. The Governor himself was I'M
wearied III his exerions, personally inspect
ing and cooperating in all the operations of
the engagement, ordering every important
movement, repeatedly leadingahe troops into
action as any change of their position became
requisite, and sharing all the perils Of the bat
tie not only equally with the rest, but more SO,
because his person was more conspicuous, on
horseback, known TO every Indian. His in
trepidity and self-possession were admired by
all. In the heat of the action, says the pub
lished journal Of Adam Walker, a private sol
der in the battle, /" His voics was heard, and
easily distinguished, giving his orders in the
same cool and collected manner, with which
he had been used to receive them on drill or
parade. The confidence of the troops in the
General was unlimited"
Indeed his exposure in the field, was not
the only danger he incurred If tie Indians
had met him in council as they at first contem-
plated, it was part Of their plan to assassl-
nate him; and two Winnebagoes had underta-
ken the enterprise. When afterwards the Pro-
phct concluded to attack the Americans, a
negro was engaged TO enter the camp and
murder the Governor but he was detected
in the attempt, whilst waiting near the Go
vernor's marquee and afterwards tried, con-
victed of the purpose, and sentenced to be
shot. But as the negro lay tied and staked TO
the ground awaiting the hour of execution,
the Governor could not resist the emotions of
pity which his appearance excited, and order
ed him to be discharged; thus evincing the
most compassionate feelings in association
with the highest resolution and courage.
The victory Of Tippecanoe was justly
deemed of the greatest importance to the
country. If Harrison had been beaten, the
triumphant bands of the Prophet reinforced
by other tribes recruited to his standard by
the influence of Tecum,he, would have pour
ed upon the settlements, tonahawk in hand,
consipning the whole frontier 10 massacre and
confederation The decisive blow struck at
Tippecanoe, not only broke the power Of the
openly hostile, but at once decided the waver-
ing and quelled the rising spirit Of the dis
conlented and restored peace and quiet to
the exposed and alarmed frontier, Indeed,
the battle field of Tippecanoe, where Harri-
son and the militia of Indiana, and the volun-
teers of Kentucky, won imperishable honors,
has become as classical ground in the memory
of all patriotic hearts, and is now to be re-
garded as one Of the monuments of the glory
Of the west.
We shall be prepared, therefore, TO learn,
that in his message to Congress, soon after
wards, Mr.. Madison said
"Congtess will see. with satisfaction, tho dauntless
spirit aud fonuds, VIGOROUSLY displayed by every de-
.cripon OF the troops engaged well the collected
frtnhess which distinguished their commander, on an
occasion requiring the utmost cxer,ion OF yaor and DIS
cplne. 1t may reasonably be expected That the good
effects VI critical defeat and dispersion Of combiua-
ton OF savsges which appears have been spreading
to greater extent, will be experienced not only IN the
cessation of the murders, and deprcdatons committed
Oh frontier, but IN the prevention of any hostile IN
cursions otherwise TO have been spprehendcd"
The Legislature Of Indiana, in their adj
dress, said:
"The House of Representatives of Indiana Territory,
in then name and IN behalf OF their constituents,
most cordially recprocste the congratulations OF your
EScecncy the glorious result OF the late sangp'hary
conflict with the Shawnee Prophet and the tribes Of
Indians confedcrated with him; when see displayed