The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-03-07
HARRIsON's MILITARY CONDUCT.
LETTER OF GENERAL Realm BEALL. OF
ONO, TO A FRIEND IN PENNSYLVANIA.


WOOSTER. WAYNE County, (o) Feb. z 1910
Dear Sir: Your letter Of the 4th Instant, asking me
for narrative Of the character which General Harrison
sustained during my acquaintance with him. was ecev-
ed by this days mall and hasten TO comply with your
request by saying that fortyseven years last summer
which in the year 1892, WILLIAM HENRY HARRi-
and myself were ensigns in General Wayne's army,
then encamped Pl,tsburg-he in his 9Th and IN my
23d year OF age-at which time ard place my acquaIn-
lance with him commencsd and continued without IN
terruption, other than those occasions incident to
state OF war until the year 1894 during which time he
sustained the reputation OF accomplished young gen.
,leman, and was distinguished az discreet, vlglant,
prompt humane, liberal, and brave officer; and an
evidence Of his humanity and berallty, upon all occa-
sions when any Of his soldiers sick, he would
visit them person. and that every possible aiten-
ton paid to them that they required and, although
hospital stores and medical aid furnished at the
public expense for the OF the sick, he never failed
to inquire the efect'of their application, and il he
considered that something more necessary Tor the
relief OF the sick soldier, his purse always open to
the last shilling purchase tea coffee, sugar, or such
articles paatable and nourlshing to the poor
sick man. Ia word, his good conduct was so con-
spcuous every particular to attract the notice and
appreciation Of General Wayne to that degree to IN
dnce him to appoint him Of his alds.de-camp; IN
which situation he continued until the Generals death,
which long after the treaty with the Indians Of
Greenvle, which ensued the defeat Of the combined
forces Of Indians and British, battle at the foot Of
the Rapids OF the Miami Of the Lake, aud which gave
repose and safety hanassed and bleeding West
ern counTy-on which occasion Harrison rendered his
country essential and signal service in the prompness
with which he communicated the Generals orders for
every part OF the army engaged IN the conflict; to
which he not only received the thanks OF the General
ia person, but was also commended by him TO the De-
partment OF War Thus far, II IS presumed, his cha
stands only fair but praseworhy, as it is
well known that foreign TO the character OF Gen.
Wayne to paronize SLOUGH or applaud coodrd From
1894 to 1911, although had personal interview with
General Harrison, his public Secretary OF The
Northwestern Territory, Delegate 10 Congress for and
from the Northwestern Territory, Governor Of Indiana
Indian agent, &c. quite familiar to me. and his
conduct highly approved both by the Government and
the People for the skill republican simplicity. and strict
integrity with which he discharged the various duties
In 1912, after Hul's surrender, William Henry Har-
rson's military fame as the disciple Of Wayne and He
Of Tippoca noe pointed him out to President Madl-
the proper person to regain the ground which
had lost by the surrender Of Hull, and to chasse
and subdue the enemy for the murders and depredations
committed by them deienceless frontiers and
for this purpose he appointed Major General and
Commander in Chief Of the Northwestern Army. His
acceptance Of this appointment hailed by the whole
West the harblnger OF good news, OF glad dings,
restoring that confidence which was lost IN the military
army Of the nation by Hulis surrender, because Harr
sons military fame a host OF itself; and under this
character had the satisfaction Of meeting with him ia
camp, with brigade Of militia under my command. on
the frontiers Of this State IN the autumn OF 1872 and
under his command continued until my tour expired,
when the voice Of my country called me to ocrupy
another station Did he dlsappoInt the inst expecta
tons Of his country! answer, no. Did he not fully
answer their most sangune expectations by subdung
their enemy and restoring peace and security TO har
raised and bleeding frontier The answer is in the
affirmative as the history Of The day hath truly and
faithfully recorded In his capacity OF Major General,
when met him for the first time after lapse Of twen-
" eight years found him to be the mild urbane
person which constituted his youthful character when
moving in a humble sphere Of lIfe possessing and
exercising those ines,imabe qualities that adorn the
gentleman, the soldier and poor mans friend easy Of
access and ready and willing at all times to alleviate
the Of suffering humanity, for which his porse
has been exhausted aud his life often and repeatedly
endangered; IN a word, IS Col Johnson, who Is now
the Vice President Of the United States declared in
Congress when Harrison achieved his last victory
the enemy, that "He had fought battles than any
other General Of the American Army, and that he
er lost battle" is true; and that he has done
aud risked more for the good Of the nation and re-
ceived less in proportion than any man living less
true aud cannot be denied by any who disposed
to do Justice TO the Patriot and Benefactor Of human
kind.
Gen Harrison possesses many more excellent traits
of character, upon which should be pleased dllse.
But the present length Of this letter admonlshes to
forbea Suffice TO say that his services appear to be
peculiarly fitted and destined by Providence TO be called
into action upon great anu EXTRAORDINARY
And although we not In state OF war; TO call Tor
aid in his capacity the disciple Of Wayne, we most
assuredly in state Of distress 10 pecunsry point
Of view and therefore call upon him in his capacity,
as the experienced and practical disciple oil Washing.
ton Jefferson and Madison, the science OF political
economy to replace the handspring aud balance wheel
of our political machinery, which heretofore yielded
much profit this nation, and which has been suffered
to run down and rendered than useless by the
objectionable neglect OF the presen, incumbent.
'rcl your neghbors that prospects Of obtaining
Hsrrson's services at this momeDtous crisis brighten
every day, aud bid much srer than when he before re-
cel,ed eight thousand OF majority In this State
Those who call Harrison coward, and say that he is
not qualified for the office Of President Of the United
States know not the man, not actuaied by those
principles which govern the Patriot.
And, in conclusion. | constrained 10 say that,
should he be called conduct the helm Of for the