Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1840-06-05
Proceedings OIl the PreseM-
tatiOn Of u Bald Eagle
10 General Harrison.


eagle was caught near the site Of Fort
Meigs. 1t was determined by some Of
the comrades Of Old Tip, during that
memorable siege, to present the superb
bird to the old Hero. Accordingly il
was done, and the following are the
proceedings as copied from the "Fm
cennes Gazette" of April l8, I84O.--
The reply Of General Harrison is most
excellent, and will be read with interest.
Address Of Major Garrison.
GEN. HARRISON This Eagle, the
emblem bird of our country, was pres
cnt, and performed n conspicuous part at
the great Convention Of the ireemen Of
Ohio, held at CoIumbuso on the 22d OF
February. 1t was captured in Craw-
ford Co., not far distant from the spot
once occupied by Fort Meigs. Alter
the adjournment O! the Convention, il
was delivered TO Judge Burgoyne and
myself, Of the Hamilton county delega-
ton, by Mr.. McGilI, in behalf Of the
Crawford Delegation, to be presented
10 the patriot soldier and citizen Of North
Bend. That duty we now have the
honor of performing, by placing IN your
posse ssion this bird OF Liberty.
The fact, sir, OF It's capture in the
neighborhood of Fort MGigs, will re-
call TO your mind, as it doubtless does
10 that Of our friends, Majors Oliver and
Gwynne, who with myself were by your
side during the defence of that post,
several incidents which occurred, in the
course of the ever memorable seige OF
May, 1918.
1 well rccollect, sir, that the first
twenty four pound shot tired by the com
bined forces under Proctor aud Tecum-
sch, passed through your tent another
ball carried of the head Of the br.ve
McCollock, standing by your side ; sub
scqucmly, when the bombs Of the enc
my were falling thick around US, and our
own batteries we're gallanlly and eflec-
tualIy returning their fire, the emblem
Bird of America, noble Eagle, passed
slowly over the length of our bastions
waving his expanded wings as If in tri-
umpb, but u short distance above the flag
which bore its image. So stricken al
omen Of coming success; electrified each
heart, inspired each breast with fresh
confidence, and instantly the shout Of
victory, rose above the din Of battle and
burst upon the wondering ears OF our
fierce assailants.
/ May it not be, sir, that the Eagle
now before W., is the same bird ol LIB
erty that lowered over our little army
on that memorable day, and that II
has been signalIy preserved TO witness
the freemen of this land, led on by the
gallant defender of Fort Meigs, owe
the spo,lsmen and vcneral possessors o
our Republican Insttuions'
| In conclusion, sir, il is the wish Of th'
Crawford county deleg alton that this pa
triarchal Eagle should be an inmate o
your Log Cabin, and pensioner upon
your bounty, until it is more able TO wing
its way, over the land OF freedom. But
when fitted for its native air, that II be
set at liberty.
We, sir who know, need no pledge
that this request will be complied with
! The brave and noble hearted Genera
who keeps himself poor by supplying tn
wants OF the soldiers who fought by hi
side, at the Battle of the Rapids Of tn
Maumee, in 1894, u, Tippecanoe, a
Fort Meigs, and at the ! hames, wi
never keep in bondage the eagle Of hi
country.
After the close Of this address, tn
frecborn bird was conveyed 10 Genera
Harrison, who in making reply, give
us the best account OF the memorabf
sor,ie on that occasion. His reply is a
follows:
Reply Of Gen. Harrison.