New-York tribune., 1868-11-11
GEN. WILLI1N HENRY H1RRISON.

To me Edifor OF The Tribune.
SIR: An article. entitled VIM. Henry HARRISON
by James Parton lately appeared in The Nelc- York
Ledqcr in which the author has cast an unexpected
and unmeritcd reflection on the military services OF
deceased patriot whose fame is dear TO his country
and especially To his felowsodIers III the war OF
1872. ask place in your columns in reply to tbis
attack; first. because Mr. Parton is regarded
instructive writer. and supposed to be acquainted
with the career of our prominent ctizens-having
written two volumes upon the life of Aaron Burr and
three volumes upon the life of Andrew Jackson. and
brief sketches of many of the earlier Presidents-and
because the calumny has obtained awide circulation
through paper which reaches the hreslde Of prob
ably half million of families. many of whom never
read general history. and. therefore, may regard
this article "a veritable
Mr. Parton undertakes to give brief sketch Of
Gen Harrison's life, but omts two incidents cacu-
lated to reflect honor upon his character soldier
and as a statesman. He ~ not mentioned tho gal
liant aid-de-camp of the immortal Wayne. IN the
memorable campaign of 1874 nor az the Secretary Of
the North Western Territory. often acting as Gov
ernor; nor as the first Delegate in Congress from
that Territory. whore ho acquired the title of
Father Of the Land System" which enabled the
men of tho "log-cabins' 10 secure each homo
pass over the insinuation. in his account OF the
battle OF 1ppecanoe that the Indians pointed out his
ground for encampment. when there is abundant ey
dence for the assertion that IT selected by three
of his officers Major Waller Taylor Major Marston
Clark, and Col VIM. Piattl. and proceed to notice
the particular passage which claim TO DO inconsist
ent with all well-authentcated history He says
"The war OF 1912 ensued. Harrison commissioned
Major General Before he had rendered much serioe ia
his Dar considering himself aggeved by the secretary
OF War he resigned ms commission ana retired 70 private
life"
have itacised the words which ara 80 obcctiona-
be and remark that this unmiltary conduct OF Sec
reary Armstrong. which caused Gen. Harrlsons res
gnaton occurred in the Spring Of 1914, and consc-
quently, in the opinion Of Mr.. Parton. prior to that
time Gen Harrison had not rendered much service IN
the war though it involves the whole period OF his
participation in it. Let the histories Of the war,
written by men OF the West acquainted with the
subject. speak:
Gen McAfee. an officer in the war; in referring to
his appointment says:
"The services which he required to perform were
In the opinion OF old. experienced and able officers the
extensive aud arduous thar had ever been required
from any military commander In America. The endless
number Of posts and scattered settlements when ne was
Of da aa SS hs eoendDg With
difficulties almost insurmountable In the man expedl-
ton against Maiden were sufficient to employ all the
time and talents and resources, OF the greatest military
genius at the head ofa well-apponted army
Two other officers of that war published lin 1siO)
what has never been contradicted. They say
"As the Commander-inChief OF the North Western
Army, Harrison ntrusted with more extensive
and responsible than have been conhdod To any
officer in our country Washington alone excepted The
command assigned to him embraced an immense extent
OF territory with frontier o several hundred miles IN
length stretching along the lakes then In possession Of
the enemy with harbors inets and rivers admirably
suited favor their attacks upon scattered border
settlements To defend this extended line Of frontier.
the commanders forces chiefly undsc plned militia
entirely wanting experience III the hed-en-
gagged for short terms OF service, and held In
obedence more by personal influence than the force Of
authority But IL not 10 the defense alone VI this
district that Gen Harrisons duties were confined lie
directed by his Government TO act Extensively against
the enemy by re!akng Detroit and capturing the upper
officers and soldiers aided by large body OF North.
Western Indians Detroit ag9 Canada were separated
from Gen. Harrlsons Source OF troops, munitions Of war
and provisions by trackless ana swampy wilderness
without roads aud presenting almost insnperabe OBJ
saces to the transportation Of Of army supplies while at
adapted TO the peculiar mode OF warfare pracccd by
the bold and ferocious Indians Notwithstanding these
manifold difficulties in about one year from tho time
when he was invested with the chief command OF the
from his extended military district retook Detroit
feated the combined army or Proctor and Tecumthe
the Thames the nRpSTmGsst s Canada and
the Niagara frontier"
Does Mr Parton consider this statement of facts
as not implying much serice' In proof of its accu
racy LET the records Of the nation be consulted In
his annual report to Congress- IN December, 1878,
President Madison speaks of the operations Of Gen.
HarrsOns army in the following terms:
"The success Lake Erie having opened passage
territory VI the the officer commanding the
North Western Army transferred the war thher, and
rapidly pursuing the hostile troops efDg with their
savage associates forced general actou which quickly
terminated in the capture OF the British and the dsper
sion OF the savage force. This result Is sgnay hon0r
BILE TO Maoren Harrison by whose military talents IL
was pre- repared; 10 Col lR. NJ Johnson and his mounted
volunteers whose impetu0us onset gave decisive bow
10 the ranks OF the and 10 the spirit OF the yolun
teer militia equally brave and patriotic, who bore In
teresting part the scene especially the chief
magistrate OF Kentucky at the head OF them whose hero
isu, signalzed III the which established the indie
pendence OF his country sought. at advanced age,
share bardsps and battles for maintaining Its rights
and IT. safety.
In 1918. the Senate by an unanimous vote. the
House concurring with only one dissenting voice
passed the following:
RSsoired BY the Senate and House OF Representa-
tiyes OF the United States OF America In Congress
sembed that the thanks of Congress be- and they
hereby presented to MaiorGcn. William Henry Harrison
and isaac Shelby. late Governor OF Kentucky. and
through them the officers and men nnder their com
maud for their giany aud good conduct IN defeating
tAs combined Dut, aud iudau forces under Major Gen