The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-02-25
THE BATTLE OF TIPPECAN0E.
Reasons Why the Scene of the Con-
hict Should Have a Monument.

To the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal:
/ notice in a recent issue of your paper
an article quoted from the Chicago Trib-
une commenting on the battle of Tippeca-
noe, in which it clearly appears that the
author does not fully understand the re-
lation of the early settlers to the Indian
tribes that inhabited Indiana Territory
in November, 1911. which Territory now
comprises the States of Indiana, Illinois,
Michigan and Wisconsin. The article, aft
er stating that "the Indians were not at
war with the whites" attempts to criticise
the military authorities in this language:
when the little army reached it destina-
ton, instead of attacking at once the
town and destroying it. went into camp
for the night" If the former statement is
true-and it is true-what possible right
had General Harrison to attack and de-
stroy their town at once? The doing of
just what the author complains of as not
having been done would have been a
wanton act of barbarity without parallel
in the dealings of the United States with
the Indian tribes that inhabited this coun-
try. The truth is little army was sent
to Prophetstown on an errand Of peace
just as the battleship Maine was sent to
Element of the misunderstanding between
the Indians and the white settlers were
proceeding satisfactorily when their chiefs
and our commander separated on the even
ing of Nov. 6, 1911, and both parties made
the most solemn promises that no acts of
until it was fully determined that their
differences could not be peaceably settled
The Indians treacherously violated this
solemn compact and made furious night
attack upon our little army on the morn
ing Of Nov. z. That, under the circum-
stances, our army successfully repealed the
assault and held the field against their
assailants makes the battle of Tippeca-
noe rank as one of the greatest, If not the
greatest of victories in Indian warfare
The results were all that could be ex-
pected from the victory. Thirty-eight dead
Indians left on the battlefield demonstrated
to the Indians the fallacy of the Prophet
them from harm; his town was destroyed
and his power completely broken. No one
understood the results better than the
Prophet himself, for he took up his abode
with little tribe on the headwaters of
Wildcat creek and never troubled the set
tiers thereafter.
and showed their appreciation of the
I1ppecanoe victory by providing in their
State Constitution for the permanent pres
ervation of --.e battlefield and naming
eleven counties in honor of the heroes Who
We're killed in and participated in the bat
tie. as also did Kentucky by naming large
II the author of the article alluded TO cam
not fully agree that the management was
the wisest. he certainly admire the
heroism of the soldiers who participated
In the battle. The country has recently
witnessed the laudation of Hobson as a
great hero, but suppose he had been dan
gerously or MORALLY wounded when he
started on his hazardous undertaking
would he have pressed on to final victory :?
/ believe that he would, but he was not
subjected 10 that test. Col. Spencer, who
commanded at Tippecanoe, near where
the high land terminates in an abrupt
point, was first wounded in the head and
continued 10 fight; afterward he was shot
through both hips, which brought him To
the earth: he was raised and continued
TO encourage his men, when he received a
shot through the body that Immediately
terminated his existence. The pioneers of
our State recognized his gallant struggle
and heroic death by naming both county
and county seat in honor OF Spencer.
Captain Warrick received a mortal wound
early in the fight. He had IL bandaged re-
turned TO his command and continued at
ITS head until the end of the fight though
he had but few hours to live. The most
distinguished man that lost his life In
the battle was Major Daviess. who was an
able lawyer, great orator and brother-in-
| law of Chief Justice Marshall. 40 milf
| tary feat could be more daring than his
| cavalry charge in the darkness against a
| savage and hidden foe. and while Illinois
| did not 60 as extensively into the naming
| of cities and counties I'm honor of the heroes
tucky. she did name one Of her counties