The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-10-22
THE -TIPPECANOE FIGHT.
a Glorious Contest, Which Ii Worthy of All
Possible Honor.

a OlOf1OuS contest, Wn1cn Is worthy OF All
Possible Honor.
Washington Special.
The two days gathering, nominally in memory
of Governor Hsrrison's victory over Tacumseh's
brother, ssvsnty-seven years ago. just held on
the old battle ground, labors under the dead
vantage. viewed simply as an ami versary, of
being decidedly premature. The defeat of the
renowned Shawneese chief really occurred on
the 7th of November; but ss this date is Of no
use for the present political canvass the present
alleged celebration Of 1t was quietly squeezed
three weeks ahead of time.
The historical incident itself, however, was
well worthy of honor, aud in no simply partisan
way. General Harrison did not scruple TO trace
the war with Tecumseh and his brother, the
Prophet, to the Vaccinations of officers and
traders In the Northwest. In his address to the
Legislative Council and House of Representa-
tives of Indiana Territory, OF which be was then
Governor, he gave this account Of it:
No person who is in the least acquainted with the
history of Indian affairs upon our northwestern front
Ter for some years past can be at any loss for the
source Of all this mischief, or will hesitate to believe
that the Prophet is a tool of British fears or British
ayarice, designed for the purpose Of forming a COM
bination of the Indians. which, in case of war between
that power and the United States, may assist them in
the defense of Canada, or as the means of keeping
back our settlements, and, by rendering US suspected
and hated by, the natives, secure to themselves a
continuance of the valuable fur trade, which they
have 80 long engrossed.
Whatever the facts as to the instiratiou of the
0lllCUltlcSs 1cCuuScu suCCG6utQ III lOrnlUR n con-
federscy Of the Northwest tribes to try to check
the white mans progress, and General Harrison,
perceiving the danger, aroused the settlers to
arms. Putting himself at the head OF a force of
regulars and militia. he reached the Wabash
early in October, and thence proceeded to the
settlement occupied by Elskwatawa, the Proph-
ct, and encamped on the Tippecanoe river.
There. instead of attacking the Indians, he gave
opportunity for a peaceful parley; but before
dawn Of the day on which it was TO have been
held, the Indians, under the Prophet, Tecu Gseh
being absent, attacked his camp. 1t happened
that Harrison himself was awake waiting for
daylight and talking with his staff, and the
troops quickly formed TO repe, the rush of the
Indians, the first stress of which same upon the
left, where Barton's regulars were posted. Col.
Owen was shot down by the side of Harrison,
who was conspicuous for bravery, and Colonel
Daviess was killed while charging with his dra-
goons. The outcome was the complete defeat Of
the Indians and the consequent ruin o. Tecum.
seh's plan.
During the war with Great Britain, which
broke out a few months later, Harrison had
the army of thaWest, while the army of the
center was under General Dearborn, and the
army of the North under General Wade Hamp-
ton. In this war Teeumseh took part with his
Indians on the British side, and The white and
the Indian general met each other on more than
one field. AT the Maumee Rapids, In 1913, Har-
rison was attacked in Fort MeiRs by q mixed
force OF British and Indians under Proctor and
1ecumsen, VINO were driven away. In October
OF the same year an American armv under Han
rison, having crossed into Canada. fought o
sharp battle on the Thames River with Proctor
and Tecunseh, IN which the famous Indian
chief was killed ana Proctor put to fight. Yet
whom. many years later. General Harrison be-
came = candidate for the presidency, it was
chiefly to his early victory that popular enthusi-
asm reverted, and under the name of 'Old Tip
pecanos' he marched On TO his famous political
triumph. Tippeeanoe. 10 fact. was q battle to be
proud Of, since the forces were far more nearly
equal than was usual in combats with Indians,
and the assailants had had all the advantages Of
a treacherous night attack. yet were defea ted
with severe loss.