Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1840-04-06

which mus, result TO that country from those ex-
ertions we cannot for moment withhold our
need Of applause"
And the Legislature Of Kentucky, ON motion OF
Mr. Crittenden,
" Resolved, That in the late campaign against
the Indians on the Wabash Governor VIM. III.
Harrison has in the opinion of this Legislature, be-
haved like hero, patriot aud general and that
for his COOL deliberrte, skifu and gallant conduct
in the late battle Of Tippecanoe, he well deserves
the warmes thanks OF the nation"
MAJOR GENERAL THE KENTUCKY MILITIA.
The tranquility which followed the battle Of
Tippecanoc was the lu which precedes tie storm.
War with Great Britain was about to commence,
and was actually declared on the 18th June, 1912.
In anticipation Of it, the Lake Indians in the U.
S., always kept under pay by Great Britain, and
those in Upper Canada sub Jet to her immediate |
authority, stood ready to dash a moments warn
ing on The inhabitants OF Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. |
When the war came it found the Northwest with |
out any important garrsoned posts on the frontier,
except Detroit, without military depots and mill |
tary stores, Or munitions OF war; but il found the
brave and hardy population, OF all classes and cen
dtions, full OF zeal in their countrys defence, and
prompt to rush to the field. II became the hume
date duty Of all in authority in the West to arm
and embody the people suitable to the public ex
igency, under the leadership of general of tried
courage and ability. Every eye was insnctively
he was by reclamation called TO head the Ameri-
can arms in the Northwest.
Looking to the pcrils which threatened the coun-
try Gov. Harrison, in concert with Gov. Edwards
Of Illinois, and Gov. Scott Of KY. had for some
time past been exertnp ihimse indeatrably to
prepare the people and the Government for the
struggle. Soon after war was declared, he repair
ed TO Frankfort, at the earnest request of Gov.
Scott, to confer in regard t1rtNv-1sPosiiiou To be
made rthe troops Of Kentucky. He was received
with most hatering Testimonials of the respect and
affection Of The inhabitants. The first object was
to succor Detroit, which it was Immediately ap.
pretended the British would speedily attack with
all the force at heir disposal. In fact, the news
quickl camc first of the surrender Of Chicago aud
Macklnac, aud then that the BRUSH had summon.
ed the Northern tribes for the scige Of Detroit
If this place fell, an immense frontier, including
Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana,
Illinois aud Missouri, would be left exposed at the
mercy OF n remorscless foe. This catastrophe
there was but too much reason tn dread.
Gen. HUI had already sent an express To hast.
en- up rcnOrcemcnts from Kentucky. AZ the same
time letters came from several Of the principal of
hcers OF The grrson exposing Their want of
confidence in their commander, nnd the npprchcn-
sion occasoncd by bis miserable arrangements and
apparent imbccihty and cownrdicr, mud express.
ing the common wish that Gov. Harrison should
accompany the reinlnrccmrni1, ln that wish the
people OF Kentucky warmly conoufted. Gov. Scot
hAd lcNtd u lufcc ul more lhhl pO'U mlllllh ana
volunteers, commanded by some OF the hblrat men
and most experienced officers ~ The stale, 1000 of
which were ordered to march Ia Detroit lor immc
dntc Hrtvioe, Their FEELING was universal that
the command should be given a. Harrison, To
accomplish this object. 40 The powefs held by him
under tho Federal Gnvefnhisnt were ooutued 10
the Territories, aud tho nnne but citizen of Ky.
could hold command n hot militia. YET. yehlinp
10 the eSsenees Of The o0easuH. aud fortified by
the advice ol Gov, Shelby, Judge Todd, MIR Clay
aud others. Gov, Scott gave "a Harrison hrepef
commission oi Major General 10 Tho militia ol
Kentucky, aud authorized him a. lahe command
oi the detachment destined Tor Dhtb
In the midst Of tho preparations Wlieh this 70,
hponniblc ard most honorable trust imposed on
General Harrison. intelligence Of Ike dsplaccul
and onwnrdly surrender 81 brif,iil had arrived,
aud spread confederation TAT hnd wide through
the country. This event only served 10 tcdoubc
the exertions and zeal OF both officers and men.
Universal disappointment ensucd, VIXEN it become
known, that ignorant alike Of The fall OF Detroit
and of the proceedings in Kentucky, General
Winchester, OF the regular army wHs appointed
by the Government 90 take the %pmuSnd. And
though General Harrison received the appoint
ment Of Brigader General in the army of the u
nited States he declined accept or act under H.
until he could learn whether his acceptance would
make him subordinate to General Winchester In
this, he did but conform to the wishes of those
around him, who were reconclled To march under
Winchester only by the expectation thai, when
all the facts should be known to the War De-
partment, Harrison would be confirmed in the
command. For by this time, says McAfiee, che
had completely secured the confidence of every
soldier in the army. He was affable and coure-
Gus in his manners and interchangeable IN his aten
ton to every branch OF business. His soldiers
seemed TO anticipate the wishes OF their general
it was only necessary 10 be known that he wished
something done, and all were anxious 10 risk
their lives in its accomplishment His men
would have fought better and suffered more with
him, than with any other generaln America"
Nevertheless, though considering his command
under existing circumstances as merely provis-
| onal, General Harrison, learning that FortWayne
| was invested by a large body OF Indians, would
not allow any consideration personal to himself
| TO impede the public service, and without wait
ing for orders from the Government, he hasteued
to the relief OF that pace by the way OF Dayton
and Piqua. He reached that place on the l2tI
September. His troops were in fine spirits, and
! he confidently anticipated successful issue To The
expected encounter; hut he found the beseigina
army had abandoned its position and fed at his
approach.
Previous to the arrival of Gen. Winchester he
continued 10 employ himself in various measures
to strike terror into the hostile Indians Some de
tached Independent operations OF this class also
! occurred IN he same autumn; such as Inc galIan
defence of Fort Harrison by Captain [now Gen.
Zachary Taylor, attacked by body OF kickapoos
and Wnnebagoes; the expedition Of Genera
Hopkins Of Kentucky against the Ind ans on the
/ Wabash; and that OF Gov. Edwards and Colone
Russell to the head of Peoria Lake.
i On giving up the command Gen. Harrison re-
tired from the army to resume his duties as Gov
of Indiana having then entered the field only be
cause here was no other officer take the com
mand, and eheerlully acquiescing in the decision
afterwards of the Governaie~- ~ bestOw it al
Gen. Winchester
(lUJsRemaindcr rext week.
n = rAcCS AMMAN nTNc :, \ =, -