Lincoln telegraph. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1836-1846, 1840-04-30
DEMOCRATIC WING NOMINATIONS.
Original Corresponds nce .
WILLIAM III. HARRISON.
n U NJ D E II SIX .


There being but little more to fear from the
efforts of the British in Upper Canada, General
Harrison, after leaving brigade under General
Cass in Michigan territory, proceeded with the
remainder of the army to Buffalo and Sackett
Harbor. At this place he left the troops and
proceeded to Washington thence he went to
I Ohio, in conformity with the wishes of President
Madison, who considered his presence in that
4 State as of much Importance, with respect to
the filing up of the regiments that were to be
enlisted in the western States, for services dur
ing the succeeding war.
The campaign for 1918 was now over. In the
plan for that of 1914, General John Armstrong
then Secretary of war, simply appointed General
Harrison to the command of the eighth military
dstrct-an unimportant station-and intrusted
all active service to others He also designated
an inferior officer within IIarrson's district for a
certain duty, and ordered him to take troops from
the district without consulting or informing his
commander General Harrison, on learning this
breach of all military etiquette and consideration
on the part of the secretary, addressed letter to
the department in which he rendered the resgna-
| ton of his commission, and another to the Pres
| ident, explaining his reasons for so doing. On
hearing this Governor Shelby of Kentucky sent
an earnest remonstrance to government against
acceptance of the resignation. But the President
unfortunately was absent in Virginia at the time,
and during his absence the Secretary of War
took upon himself to accept the resignation of
General Harrison, and forward him his discharge.
Mr. Madison subsequently expressed much regret
and chagrin at the circumstance, but it could not
be helped
But although the connection of General Harri-
son with the army was thus severed, he did not
continue long without being employed in the
public service. In the summer of 1914, it being
found necessary to appoint commission to treat
with the Indian tribes in the Northwest General
''~~-;snn, Governor Shelby and General Cass,
were selected to conduct the negotiation. They
succeeded in forming, in the same year, the treaty
of Greenville, called from the place where it
was concluded, In 1915, after peace had been
established, General Harrison was placed at the
head of the commission to treat with many of the
most important tribes among the Indians.
In 1916 he was elected to Congress from Ohio,
to fill vacancy and for the succeeding two years
After the expiration of this term he became a
member of the State Senate, and IN 1894 was
chosen a member of the Senate of the United
States. During his Congressional career, he gave
proofs that he was gifted with as much of wisdom
for the Senate, as in his military life, he had
shown courage and judgment in the field. The
measures he introduced into Congress were judi
cious and important, and the eloquence and pow
er with which he urged their adoption command
ed general respect. These measures were many,
but as principal among them may be named-the
reform of the Militia Systematic recognition of
the independence of the Spanish American re-
publics-the introduction of uniformity in the
pension system-and the relief of the INDECENT or
disabled soldiers of the Revolutionary and late
wars. While in Congress he demanded an inves-
tgaton into his military conduct, in consequence
of some imputations sedulousiy cast thereon by
his enemies, which investigation resulted greatly
to his honor, and he was presented with gold
medal, by an unanimous vote of both branches
save one dissenting voice in the House
In 1928, he received from President Adams,
the appointment of Minister Plenipotentiary to
the Republic of Columbia but he had little time
to exercise the duties of his station, having been
recalled by General Jackson, Immediately upon
his elevation to the Presidency. Upon his return
he retired to his farm in Ohio, where he has since
lived at one time filling the office of Clerk of the
County Court.
This hasty and imperfect sketch of General
Harrison life, cannot be better concluded th9n
with the following extract from Cushing's biog-
raphy,
"Such, without enlarging to refer to other
trusts Of less general importance at differ
ent periods confined to General Harrison,
have been the great public employments,
which. in the course of his diversified and
eventful life, he has been called to fill, with
honor to himself and to the Union.
The traits of character, which dlstin-
euished him in those employments. have
been described briefly, as they came sue
cessively in review. Some of these traits,
Of personal nature, deserve to be more
distinctly spoken Of by themselves.
Disinterestednes and integrity in pecun-
iary matters have marked all his actions.
As Governor of Indiana and as superin-
|tendent of Indian Affairs, large sums of
money passed through his hands to be dis
bursed at his discretion, and with few OF
tho checks nov provided Ga referspce to