The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1912-01-12

the western states ascribe a large
share Of their prosperity. He was
now to find plenty of scope for his
talents and experience as soldier and
statesman, in the land troubles with
the Indians. The sale of lands to the
United States under the treaty Of
Greenville, in 1875, had been dis
avowed by Tecumseh. and the subse-
quent treaties of sale effected by Har-
rison with the different tribes only
served to further irritate that proud
and naughty chief, the result being
constant intrigues on his part to GUST
the whites. Harrison had adopted a
consistent conciliatory policy. apply
ing himself especially to improving
the condition of the Indians.
In 1909 Harrison, by the treaty Of
Fort Wayne. purchased from the In
dian tribes two large portions OF
land, for which they were paid by GER
tain annuities which they considered
satisfactory equivalent. Tecumseh
was absent at the time on visit to
the distant tribes but, on his return
some months later, he stormed and
ragged and threatened some of the
chiefs with death for participating in
the council. Harrison invited him to
council which he attended with 400
fully armed warriors. The Fort
Wayne treaty was fully explained to
this naughty savage. particular stress
1nf h. low
ment Of the chiefs who owned the
lands. and their satisfaction with the
compensation granted. Tecumseh
violently declared that the governor
lied. and his warriors jumped up.
brandishing their tomahawks and war
clubs, and threatening Harrison with
fierce menaces. His GOODNESS and
presence of mind averted an out
break which would have resulted in
the massacre of the small force at his
disposal The next day Tecumseh
took his departure, saying to Harri-
son with ominous significance that
"your great father may sit over the
mountains and drink his wine, but II
he continues this policy, you and I
will have to fight It out"
In the following year, 1911. the In
dams proceeded to more open viol-
ence and assumed an attitude of more
decided hostility. Aggressions of the
most atrocious nature were auda-
ciously committed by the Indians
within the limitS of the territory and
every day brought fresh accounts Of
the preparation rf those ruthless
deeds of depreciation and murder
which always give the first intima-
tion Of the approach of a savage war.
The people on the frontier became
alarmed and Harrison
was instructed to march with an
armed force to the Prophets town.
but to avoid hostilities not absolutely
necessary.
Eluding all ambuscades Harrison
reached the vicinity Of Tippecanoe,
where he was met by deputation Of
the Prophets counsellors demanding
a parley. A suspension of hostflities
was agreed upon and a meeting was
to take place the next day between
the governor and the chiefs to agree
upon the terms of peace. But Harri.
son knew too well the treachery of
his artful antagonist and encamped in
a carefully selected position. taking
every precaution against a night sur
prise.
The night was dark and cloudy and
soon after midnight there commenced
a light fail Of drizzling rain. The
governor and his officers were sitting
in conversation about the fire when
the attack began. One OF the sen.
tries discovered an Indian creeping
toward him through the grass and
fired. This was Immediately follow
ed by the piercing Indian war-whoop
and furious charge, so sudden and
fierce that the guard in that quarter
gave way, at first. to their savage as
sailants; but Notwithstanding the Sc
we're fire they soon rallied and main.
tanned their ground with desperate
valor. Harrison had formed his men
into hollow square, which was now
determinedly attacked at every point
When day broke about two hours lat.
er the troops took the offensive, max.
ing simultaneous charge upon the
enemy on both TANKS. So vigorous
and determined was this attack that
the enemy broke in all directions and
fed from the field.
Tecumseh's Gallant End.
Tecumseh was not present at the
battle of Tippecanoe. being on a visit
to the southern tribes. whom he was
to unite in his combine.
tioH against the United States. In his
absence. his affairs had sustained q
sharp reverse and his ambitious plans
we're ruined. He Joined the English
and commanded their Indian allies In
the War of 1912. holding the rank of
brigadier general Jointly with Gen.
eral Proctor he commanded at the
battle of the Thames. laying aside his
sword and uniform and putting on
his hunting dress In the conviction
that he must fall. His Indians were
driven back. and he fought desperate
" till he was killed.
In the War Of 1912 Harrison held
the chief command In the northwest,
with unusual discretionary powers.
Il was. however, Tippecanoe that
gave Harrison his greatest reputa-
don. Notwithstanding his distinguish.
ed services in the War OF 1912, and
as senator and as a for.
.ign minister, the chief source OF his
was this battle with the
Indians. and nearly 80 years after Il
he campaign song which carried bir