The Battle of Tippecanoe was fought
on November 7, 1811, between United States forces led by Governor
William Henry Harrison of the Indiana Territory and forces of
Tecumseh's growing American Indian confederation led by his brother,
Tenskwatawa. In response to rising tensions with the tribes and threats
of war, an American force of militia and regulars set out to launch a
preemptive strike on the headquarters of the confederacy. The battle
took place outside Prophetstown, at the confluence of the Tippecanoe
and Wabash Rivers.
Although the Americans were
victorious both tactically (as they held their ground and Prophetstown
was destroyed the next morning) and strategically (Tecumseh's
confederacy never recovered), the win was costly as the tribes attacked
with fewer men and sustained fewer casualties. The battle was the
culmination of rising tensions in a period sometimes called Tecumseh's
War, which continued until Tecumseh's death in 1813. In addition to
serving as an important political and symbolic victory for the American
forces, Tippecanoe dealt a devastating blow to Tecumseh's confederacy,
which never regained its former strength. Public opinion in the United
States blamed the Native American uprising on British interference and
helped catalyze the War of 1812, which broke out only six months later.
EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE BATTLE
INDIANA TERRITORY Indian News Vincennes (In. Ter) June 23, 1810
The editor thinking he could not
resent anything more acceptable to his readers than a particular
account of the causes of alarm which has existed here for some days,
waited on Governor Harrison for the purpose of procuring information
and was favored with the following:
Since early in May, the governor has
been possessed of information communicated by Indian traders and by
friendly Indians, that the Shawnee Prophet was again exciting the
tribes of the Wabash to war against the U. States, and indeed that it
was actually agreed upon by all the tribes west of that river; this
information was communicated to the government, and was the cause of
the detachment of troops being sent here which we mentioned in our
last.
Early in May also, the interpreter
maintained by the government amongst the Delawares arrived here, to
inform the governor that the tribe had heard of the hostile movements
of the Prophet, and that they had determined to send a solemn embassy
to the tribes west of the Wabash, to warn them of the danger of
listening to the advice of the Prophet. The governor did
everything in his power to strengthen them in this resolution, and
composed a speech for them to deliver to the other tribes. This it
appears was faithfully delivered, and it is more than probable, that to
the influence of the Delawares, and the impression made by them on the
minds of the other Indians, - the war has been averted.
From the 10th to the 18th instant,
the governor was informed through various channels, that the Indians
were collecting in very great numbers about the Prophet; that the
Miamies had been so intimidated as to agree to attend his council –
that the Wyandots had come into his schemes, and they had agreed with
him – that everything that had been done between the white people and
the Indians, since the treaty of Greenville was void and good for
nothing, and that they were determined to stop the progress of the
white settlements.
About the 9th or 10th inst., an
Indian came to Mr. Dubois (a French gentleman who lives about a mile
from this town) in the dead of night, and told him that his friendship
for him, had induced him to come for the purpose of advising him by all
means to remove over the Mississippi with his family, as he might
expect trouble if he remained where he was. The old Piankashaw chief,
Gouble, came also to the governor and asked his permission to retire
over the Mississippi, observing that he heard nothing from the Indians
above, but the cry of war – that he was old and did not wish to have
any share in it – that he wanted to retire to a place of safety – the
next day he informed the governor that a particular plan had been laid
by the Prophet for the surprise of this town, and told him what the
plan was – about this time also, a boat which had been sent up the
Wabash with the annuity of salt for the Indians returned – the master
informed the governor that the Prophet and the Kickapoo tribe had
refused to receive the eight barrels of salt destined for them – that
the Prophet’s brother had insulted him in the grossest manner (the
Prophet being present) shaking him violently by the hair as well as
some other of his crew, and asking them whether they were Americans
(they were all young Frenchmen.)
Mr. Brouillette, a trader who was
suspected of being in the employment of the government was also
insulted, made to deny that he was an American, and his house
immediately plundered of his provisions and other articles. The Prophet
sent word to the governor “That his people should not come any nearer
to him, that they should not settle on the Vermillion river – he smelt
them too strong already.”
The governor being loath to create an
alarm until there should appear an absolute necessity for it, from the
great injury that it might produce by stopping the emigration to the
country, and perhaps driving off some of the frontier settlers, had not
hitherto made public any part of the information he had received - but
as the danger appeared to him to be extremely threatening, on the 18th
inst., he assembled 17 or 18 of his leading citizens, viz. – The
Secretary of the Territory, a Judge of the Supreme court, the
Representatives of the county of Know, the Register of the Land Office,
county Officers, merchants, &c. and having laid before them the
information he had received, requested their advice upon the subject of
taking measures for putting the country in a state of defense. This was
unanimously advised, as well as the immediately ordering two companies
of militia into actual service.
While those measures were progressing
a principal Potawatomie chief arrived, being sent as the representative
of 15 villages west of the Wabash, to inform the Governor that they had
abandoned the Prophet and had thrown away the tomahawk which he put in
their hands. This revolution in their minds was produced by the
forcible representation of the Delaware deputies above mentioned to a
council which was convened the latter end of May, somewhere in the
neighborhood of St. Joseph of Lake Michigan. The governor assures the Editor, that
the chief who brought the above information is entirely to be depended
upon, his fidelity to the U. States, and personal friendship for him,
having been manifested in every transaction with the Indians since the
treaty of Greenville.
Two young Frenchmen arrived from Fort
Wayne last night, as they passed the town of the prophet, they were
desired by Mr. Brouillette, to inform the governor that everything,
appeared to be quiet above the prophet’s town, but that another council
was shortly to be held – there are not more than 400 warriors a the
village where the prophet resides, and the governor thinks that the
whole number which still adhere to him does not exceed twice that
number. – notwithstanding the above favorable appearances, we
understand that the governor will not countermand the order for turning
out the militia, until he discovers what measures will be taken by the
prophet upon the defection of his followers.
June 30 – Mr. Brouillette, arrived
here yesterday from the prophet’s town where he had been for some
months. The information he brings is, that the prophet’s designs
have been, as far as he can ascertain, entirely baffled for the present
by the defection of the tribes mentioned in our last – but that he is
confident his enmity against the United States remains the same as
ever. That the account of the number of warriors which he sent to the
governor some time since as being under the direction of the prophet,
(viz. 3000) and was probably exaggerated, was received from the prophet
himself. That since the defection created by the Delawares, there
does not appear to him to be more than six hundred and fifty
immediately about him. That another deputation had arrived on the
23d inst. From the Delawares, and that the speech they delivered had
greatly enraged the prophet. Mr. Brouillette is of opinion that
there is a constant communication between some persons in Vincennes and
the prophet.
This appears to be probable from the
following circumstance: when Mr. Brouillette was coming off, the
prophet made him a declaration concerning the governor, which a
respectable gentleman in this town also (in a conversation between some
persons of this town) some days before it was communicated by the
prophet to Brouillette. [The Centinel, Gettysburg, Pa August
15 1810]
From the Western Sun Vincennes, Indiana Territory,
August 25, 1810
The Editor has taken some pains to
inform himself of the substance of what has passed at the councils
which have been lately holden by Governor Harrison, with the Indians in
this town. Tecumseh, the brother of the
celebrated Prophet, arrived on the 12th inst., accompanied by 70
warriors. He came in consequence of a message which was lately
sent by the governor to the Prophet, by Mr. Barron, in which the
Governor attempted to show him the folly of making was upon the United
States; that he was ready to listen to any grievances of which he had
to complain; and particularly, that if he could show that any other
tribe, than those who were parties to the late treaties, had any just
claim to the lands ceded by those treaties, that they should be
immediately given up. Tecumseh occupied the great part of several
days in exhibiting his complaints against the United States.
But on Monday last he recapitulated
and exaggerated all the injuries which the Indians had received from
the whites, particularly, the murder of the Moravian Indians during the
revolutionary war – that of the Delaware chief Cornstock, &c&
he declared, he did not know how he ever could be friends with them
again. With respect to the lands, he asserted, that the Great
Spirit had given them as common property to all the Indians, and that
they could not, nor would not be sold without the consent of all.
That all the tribes of Indians upon the continent formed but one
nation; that if the government would not give up the lands that were
purchased from the Miamis, Delawares, Pottawattamies, &c, that
those who were united with him, were determined to fall upon those
tribes and destroy them. That they were determined to have no more
chiefs, but in future to have everything done under the direction of
the warriors. In short, his whole speech was full of hostility
from beginning to end; and we believe the most incredulous of those who
have heretofore refused to attach any credit to the information we have
heretofore received of the hostile design of this confederacy, and who
were present at the delivery of this speech, are fully convinced of
their error.
The governor in his answer controlled
the conduct of the United States towards their Indian neighbors, with
the other civilized powers and proceeded to show the justice with which
the most significant tribes were treated by them. What he said
had been interpreted in the Shawano language, and Mr. Barron was about
to explain it to the Potawatomies and Miamis, when Tecumseh sprang upon
his feet, with a number of his warriors, and armed with war clubs,
tomahawks, &c stopped the interpreter and declared that what the
governor had said was false. Gen. Gibson, who understands the Shawano
language and apprehending that some violence was intended requested
Lieut. Jennings to make a guard of 12 men, which was at some little
distance, stand to their arms. As soon as the guard was brought
up, and the Shawano speech interpreted to the governor, he informed
Tecumseh, that he would hold no further conference with him, and broke
up the council.
On the succeeding morning the Shawano
earnestly requested a further interview with the governor, and upon his
making an apology for his conduct the day before, through the
interpreter, his request was complied with – measures were however
taken to prevent any ill effects from his insolence, lest he should
have a body of followers secreted in the neighborhood, ready to join
those who were with him. Two companies of militia were ordered in from
the country, and Capt. Jones’s company of this town, ordered to parade
morning and evening, and to keep themselves ready for action. The
governor and several of his friends also attended the council well
armed.
Tecumseh’s conduct was upon this
occasion however, very different from what it had been at any other
previous meeting, though firm and intrepid, he said nothing that was
insolent. He had previously told the interpreter that he had been
informed by white men that the people were equally divided, half in
favor of his pretentions and the other half adhering to the Governor
and he now repeated it council. He said that “two Americans had
paid him a secret visit, one in the course of last winter, and the
other lately and had informed him that Governor Harrison had purchased
the lands without the consent of government, and that one half of the
people were opposed to the purchase; that the Governor had only two
years more to remain in office, and if he (the Shawnie) could prevail
upon the Indians who sold the lands, not to receive their annuities for
that time, that then the Governor would be displaced, and a good man
appointed in his room, who would restore to the Indians all the lands
which had been purchased of them.” After Tecumseh had finished his
speech, a Wyandot, a Kickapoo, a Potawatomie, an Ottoway, and a
Winnebago, severally spoke and declared that their tribe had entered
into the Shawanie confederacy, and would support the principles laid
down by Tecumseh, who they appointed their leader.
At the conclusion of the council, the
Governor informed Tecumseh that he would immediately transmit his
speeches to the President and as soon as his answer arrived he would
send it to him – but as a person had been appointed to run the boundary
line, he wished to know whether there would be any danger in his
proceeding. He answered that they (his party) were determined
that the old boundary line should continue, and that the crossing it
would be attended with bad consequences.
The Governor replied, that since he
had been candid enough to avow this, he would be equally so with him;
the President he was convinced would never allow that the lands on the
Wabash were the property of any other tribes than those who had
occupied and lived upon them since the white people first came into
America, and as the title to the lands lately purchased were derived
from those tribes by fair purchase, he might rest assured that the
rights of the United States would be supported with the sword.
We always have been of opinion that
the confederacy which has been formed by the prophet, was the effect of
British intrigue; and we have never doubted that the secret agents of
that power, which are known to exist in every part of America, but
particularly in the Indiana country, gave it all the countenance in
their power. But we could scarcely prevail upon ourselves to
think that any American was engaged in this nefarious project; we fear,
however, that it is but too true, and if the speech which we understand
was made by the chief of the Wea tribe, to Capts. Floyd and Whitlock,
of the U. States troops be correct, we fear there is some deep laid
scheme of villainy on foot to abnegate from us that hitherto faithful
tribe.
The Editor has conversed with
Governor Harrison, and is happy in being able to assure his fellow
citizens that it is the Governor’s opinion, that notwithstanding the
strong talk of Tecumseh, there is less danger of an Indian war than
there was some weeks ago. He had every reason to believe that the
Prophet’s party is losing ground, and that as soon as they find that
the United States are determined to take
possession of the new purchase, they will give up every idea of
contending for it.
The Governor has ordered on a
detachment of troops, consisting of one hundred and twenty men, which
are upon the Ohio, and which were made subject to his order by the
Secretary of War, and it is his intention, if the government approves
of it, to establish one or two strong posts upon the Wabash above this. [The Centinel, Gettysburg PA, October
10, 1810]
St. Louis, June 27, 1811
Perhaps some of our readers will
imagine, when they read the following statements, that, like the
shepherd’s boy in the fable, we are inclined to cry wolf, wolf, when no
danger is near; the alarm has recently been given several times before
and measures had been taken to frighten the wolves from the fold with
effect. But in the present instance, they have burst the
enclosure and immolated some victims; this we hope will awaken the
shepherds to a sense of their danger. M. Labne, Indian Interpreter, at
Chicago, informs that “the savages are preparing for hostilities, that
war is the language of all the red people. Two brothers of the
wife of Main Poe, with a small party, seized about twenty horses on the
Kaskaskia river. These robbers are Pottawatomies and live in the
Prairie Due Corban, near Peorias, on the Illinois river.” An old
Pottawatomie, who has abandoned his tribe and resides near this place
(St. Louis) says, that his son has just returned from the Prophet’s
town, and the numerous Indian villages on the southern borders of the
Lakes. The Prophet calculates on being able to collect all the
Pottawatomies and Saukies, two thirds of the Kekapoos, a considerable
number of the Ottoways and a small portion of the Shawnees. Two or
three hundred of these Indians have gone, by invitation to Fort Malden,
for arms and ammunition.
Since writing the above we are told
that the small party sent in pursuit of the Indians who committed the
murder on Clinton Hill, have returned. They overtook them on the
road to their village in a prairie, three days north of the scene of
blood. The savages fled towards a grove, but their prisoner, seeing
relief so near, jumped off her horse and ran to meet her friends.
As soon as this was observed by her captors, they wheeled and one of
them endeavored to dispatch her by sinking his war hatchet in her neck
and back. The girl dodged at each blow and came off with flesh
wounds, very deep gashes! We understand that one of the white men
was shot through the thigh in the attack. Of five men who
pursued, only two came into action, the other three is is said, behaved
in the most dastardly manner, so much so that three or four
Pottawatomies kept the field and called out in their mode of defiance,
“will you swap a fight.” The taking a prisoner has alarmed the
frontier extremely as it is a sure indication of war. [The Centinel, Gettysburg, PA August
7 1811]
On Saturday last, the inhabitants
residing on Wood river, were thrown into consternation by a murder
being perpetrated within the sound of the drum of Belle Fountaine. As a Mr. Price and another man were
ploughing on his farm a little distance above the mound of the
Missouri, on the east side of the Mississippi, they observed three or
four Indians enter the field. Not liking their appearance they
prepared to return to the family. In this Price was prevented by
one of the Indians getting between him and his horse, who came up
crying bon jour, bon jour. The savage stretched out his hand and
Price have him his, who grasped it fast, whilst with the other seized
his gun. Price at this moment stood gazing at the ghastly savage
in stupefied horror, without attempting to recover his gun, but was
relieved from further anxiety by another Indian shooting him through
the heart. His companion being unarmed, mounted his horse and
fled, not without receiving a severe wound by a shot from one of these
infernal banditti.
The party which was collected to
protect the neighborhood, found Price’s body most mangled, with three
scalps taken from his head.
Yesterday anther account reached town
of there being found in the lower extremity of Clinton Hill, the body
of a white man put in pieces and a number of horses stolen from that
quarter. Surely these transactions should impel the governors of
the territories to provide against the impending storm. Block
houses are erecting on the frontier settlements of Illinois and the
people have obtained a loan of 50 muskets from this town. We
expect to hear of prompt measures being immediately taken by Governor
Edwards to repel any further attack. . [The Centinel, Gettysburg, PA August
7 1811]
Vincennes, July 6, 1811
On Tuesday evening last a militia
officer with ten men, arrived at this place from Kaskaskia with
dispatches from Gov. Edwards to Gov. Harrison and others, for the
secretary of war, to be put into the post office here. The
information brought by this commander is extremely unpleasant and we
fear there is little room to hope that a rupture with the Indians can
be avoided. After the murder of the man mentioned in our paper of the
15th ultimo, one man has been killed, another mortally wounded in Wood
river township, above Cahokia. It is also certain that an Indian
was mortally wounded on the Mississippi above St. Louis, in an attempt
that was made by five of them to board a ferry boat in which a party
was crossing that river. But the most distressing news is the
account of the murder of three whole families, on the frontiers of
Randolph county in the Illinois. This news had not reached
Kaskaskia when the above party left that place. However, we fear
it is but too true. No doubt exists but that these hostilities proceed
from the Shawanne Prophet. It is believed that the banditti of
Pottawatomies and other tribes on the Illinois river are entirely
devoted to him.
The above events prove the
correctness of the policy pursued by our executive last year and should
silence every murmur of discourse and will we think, convince the
general government of the impropriety of admitting so large a body of
Indians, professedly hostile, longer remaining on our immediate
frontiers. We flatter ourselves such measures will be taken as
well immediately for the future silence even every rumor of hostilities
– the present safely and future prosperity of our country, as well as
the policy of the U.S. requires it. . [The Centinel, Gettysburg, PA August
7 1811]
Lexington, August 20, 1811
The detachment of the United States
troops which lately descended the Ohio under the command of Col. Boyd,
arrived at New Port on the 9th inst., and will proceed to Vincennes, if
Governor Harrison should require assistance in quelling the
Indians. The strength of this force is said to be 500 men, in
good health and high spirits – fully sufficient to intimidate or
disperse the unfriendly Indians and to quiet the apprehensions of the
frontier inhabitants. [The Centinel, Gettysburg, PA
September 11, 1811]
Indian War Georgetown, Ken, August 28, 1811
Volunteers, Attention Governor Harrison will move from
Vincennes about the 20th of September with an army of militia and
Colonel Boyd’s regiment and Major Floyd’s battalion of regulars to
chastise the Prophet and his tribe who live up the Wabash. The
Kentucky troops not being called on, it is proposed that such men as
choose will form a corpse of volunteer cavalry and proceed to the place
of rendezvous; each man having a good horse and armed with a sword,
pistols and knife. Those choosing to volunteer are
requested to send a note to Col. Daviess, in Lexington by mail. The Uniform – A hat or cap covered
with bearskin, blue cloth coattee and pantaloons, boots and spurs (and
a pair of mackasons of ranned leather, * soaled, in each man’s baggage.) [The Centinel, Gettysburg, PA
September 25, 1811]
Extract of a letter from an officer
in Col. Boyd’s regiment of U.S. troops, Dated Newport, Kentucky, Aug. 24, 1811
“Late advices from Gov. Harrison of
the Indiana Territory, urge the troops immediately to Vincennes on the
Wabash. The public papers have contained some details of the
cruelties and menaces of the Indians in that quarter. Positive
orders have been issued from the war office to attack, if their hostile
indications are continued. In anticipation of real service, we
have been practicing firing for several days with ball cartridges at a
target and performed beyond expectation. The troops created in me
confidence that they would acquire honor in the event of a
conflict. We are ordered to prepare 64,000 ball cartridges.”
“The distance from this place to
Vincennes by water is 700 miles and the nearest direction through the
woods 200. Since I have been writing, Captain Welsh, of our
regiment has expired. He has been ill of a fever for about 10
days, but received every care and attention. He will be buried
this afternoon with military honors. Our garrison may be
considered healthy for the season.” [The Centinel, Gettysburg, PA
September 25, 1811]
From the Pittsburgh Gazette, Sept 6,
1811
Indian War
The Argus, printed at Frankfort, (K)
August 28, 1811 says “We have been favored with a perusal of a letter
from Gov. Harrison (dated at Vincennes) to his friends in this
place. The substance of which is that about the 20th of Sept next
he expected to go against the Indians with a force of 1500 regulars and
militia. We presume the President of the United States has
determined to remove the Prophet or at least to manifest to our Indian
neighbors a disposition to correct their various outrages on our
frontiers. The Governor does not anticipate any fighting.
Col. Boyd, with about 500 regulars, has moved towards Vincennes
preparatory to this expedition.
The Kentucky Gazette of the 27th ult.
Says, “A number of volunteers from Lexington will set out in a few days
for Vincennes.” [The Centinel, Gettysburg, PA
September 25, 1811]
Chambersburg, Sept. 24, 1811
Arrived in this borough, on Saturday
evening last, seven Indians of the Ottoway nation, accompanied by Mr.
Ryley, as Interpreter. The principal chief if Kemeneshawgun
Blackbird and the others are sons of chiefs of that nation; they are on
their route to the city of Washington. It is said they are a
deputation appointed by the Ottoways, Chippeways and Pottawatamies,
relative to the league which the Prophet (or Shawnee chief) wished to
establish with these nations against the U.S. which it appears they
have rejected. -- F. Rep. [The Centinel, Gettysburg, PA October
2 1811]
Dayton, (O) Sept. 19, 1811
We received the following
intelligence from a gentleman just from Fort Wayne, who was present at
the council.
Governor Harrison fearing that the
Prophet and his party were gaining ground and knowing their hostile
disposition towards the United States, in the latter part of August
dispatched a messenger (Mr. Dubois) to Fort Wayne to assemble the
Miamies in order to ascertain their sentiments respecting the Prophet
and his pretensions. Couriers were dispatched and on the third of
September, the Miames to the number of about 350 met at Fort Wayne,
agreeable to the plan of Governor Harrison and for the purpose of
receiving a speech which the Governor had forwarded to that place.
At 3 o’clock, p.m. they met at the
public training house, accompanied by the officers and citizens of the
place; A very long and friendly speech from Governor Harrison was read
by John Shaw, Esq. assistant Indian agent and delivered to them in
their own language by Capt. William Wells. The greatest order was
observed while the speech was delivering and the Chiefs required until
next morning for answering it. At 10 o’clock, a.m. they met again at
the store house and from the frequent acclamations of the Indians the
day before to the Governor’s speech, it was confidently expected that
they would be unanimously well disposed towards the United
States. But these hopes were illusory for upon a division taking
place, they were nearly equally divided.
Laprussier, a Wea Chief, made a very
eloquent speech in answer to the Governor’s and as he said for the
nation. It is entirely evasive in every particular on which the
Governor had wished their sentiments and more intended to quiet the
public mind than as an expression of their views. After he had
done speaking, agreeable to a preconcerted plan, his young men fell to
dancing for the purpose of confounding and putting an end to the
council but this was with some difficulty stopped by Captain Wells and
order to be restored.
Mr. Dubois in order to draw from
Laprussier an unequivocal avowal of his object observed that it was the
governor’s wish to know by his return whether he was the friend of the
Prophet or Great Father. Laprussier replied that he and his party
were friendly to the Prophet and that they would defend their rights to
a man and die sooner than surrender their land agreeable to the last
treaty.
The Little Turtle remonstrated
against such conduct; contrasted their present situation with their
condition at the late war, observing that if they were unable to
sustain a war at that time, when assisted by the British, what could
they do now? He made a long speech, in which he observed that the
engagements made at the treaty of Greenville were yet fresh in their
minds, and that the Miames wished to be considered in the same light
they were then.
Silver Heels, a Massassinway Chief
followed in a very long and able speech, remarking that he always
detested the Prophet’s conduct and advised his young men not to follow
him. Charley, an Eel River Chief and the
White Loon, a Wabash Chief expressed the same opinion. Olcemet, a Pottawatomie chief from
Elk’s Heart, observed as the Turtle did, that the treaty at Greenville,
was fresh in their minds; that they and the Miamies were friends from
their infancy; that the sentiments of one were those of the others;
this he said was the language of all the Pottawattamies inhabiting the
Lake from Chicago to the eastward, notwithstanding some of their young
men have committed murders on the whites, contrary ot their chief’s
advice and that the chiefs were determined that the depredations of
individuals should not be charged to the nation.
We stop the press to give place to
the foregoing information, which we received from a gentleman on whom
we can rely. Laprussier on parting observed to the Turtle that
the moment he heard that any of the tribes had accepted the annuities
of the late treaty, he and his party would strike. So that there
appears to be a probability of a war among the Indians. [The Centinel, Gettysburg, PA October
16, 1811]
Nashville, Tenn. Oct. 15, 1811
A report has reached town, by a
gentleman from Shelbyville, that a courier from Col. Joseph H. Davies,
Kentucky, to the Governor, states that he had a reencounter with the
Indians on the Wabash. He commanded 800 mounted dragoons and on
their approach the Indians, 1500 strong, fired on him and killed 14 of
his men. A charge was immediately made on the Indians and victory
ensued, leaving 200 killed on the field of battle. The Indians
fired but once and dispersed. This is very glorious news and we
hope the mail papers will confirm it.
Indian Expedition The last accounts we have received
from the Indians of the Wabash, (says the Kentucky Argus, of the 23d
October) states, that they had embodied to the number of about 2,200
and had assumed a very hostile attitude.
Governor Harrison and his troops had
advanced against them to the distance of about 70 miles from Vincennes
and had erected a fort, which at the last dates, was so well fortified
as to leave no room to apprehend immediate danger from the
Indians. The Indians had, however, forbid the further advance of
Harrison and his party; and also informed them they should not retreat
from the fort – as an earnest of their sincerity, they had shot one of
the sentinels. In consequence of these hostile appearances, Gov.
Harrison has written to Gen. Wells of Jefferson county and the
commanding officer of Shelby county in this state requesting them to
raise as many as 500 volunteers at least, with the utmost
dispatch. Gen. Wells, we understand, had mustered about 180
volunteers on Friday last, and was expected to leave Louisville on
yesterday for Vincennes with his men. The officers of the militia
of Shelby, met in Shelbyville on Friday last for the purpose of
consulting on the propriety of Gov. Harrison’s request and it is
believed if Gov. Scott will commission the officers who may be chosen
by the volunteers and sanctions this mode of raising men, more than a
sufficient number will march immediately to the aid of Gov.
Harrison. Gov. Scott has been waited on by a messenger sent by
Gen. Wells; but we have not heard the result of the mission.
Since writing the above, we have
understood the Shelby militia mustered on yesterday and that Col.
Abraham Owen and Major S. White volunteered their services as
captains. We have not learned what number of men volunteered, but
it is presumed each of those officers will raise a company.
Thompson Taylor, Esq. of Jefferson county has volunteered his services
and has raised about 40 volunteers and if the Governor will commission
him, there is no doubt but he will raise a company of men. We are
inclined to believe the number of Indians said to be embodied (2,200)
is exaggerated; we do not suppose more than half that number are
embodied. [The Centinel, Gettysburg, PA October
23, 1811]
THE BATTLE
From Chillicothe, Nov. 23, 1811
Battle with the Indians
A severe battle is reported to have
been fought between Governor Harrison and the Indians, and from the
information we have been enabled to collect, we are inclined to believe
our army has been unsuccessful. The Post Master at this place
received the following note from the Post Master at Lexington, written
on the way just as the mail was closing on the 18th instant: “A
bloody battle has been fought by Harrison and the Indians. They
lost about an equal number, thought our loss is men of merit.”
In addition to the above, we have
been favored with the following extract of a letter from a gentleman in
Louisville, to his friend in this place, dated the 16th inst. “I
have just heard from our little army against the Indians. This
was post day and it is impossible to depict to you the expressions of
anxiety in the place – the whole of them being interested for the fate
of a child, husband or friend, in the engagement.
I must here give loose to a falling
tear for the fate of our and your much lamented friend, James
Summerville, who heroically fought and heroically died in the cause of
the country that he was but a stranger in. This intelligence may
be relied on my dear sir. I got it in a letter from a brother of
mine who was at his side defending himself when it happened. They
were in a mess together and my brother having received a part of his
education from Mr. Sommerville and knowing him to be a particular
friend of every part of my family, was the reason why he mentioned him
in particularly.
My brother gives an account of 176 of
our men killed and wounded. Did I know where to direct a letter
to the father of Mr. Sommerville, I would have written him.* When we
who are strangers to this young man have such feeling for his loss,
what must those of his parents be. From my soul I sympathize with
them.”
* The parents of Mr. Sommerville
reside within a few miles of this place. [The Centinel, Gettysburg, PA
December 4, 1811]
Louisville, Ken, Nov 15, 1811
We stop the press to announce the
important intelligence brought by Dr. John M. Scott who arrived this
evening directly from Vincennes. This gentleman has politely
favored us with the following particulars of a battle between the
troops under Gov. Harrison and the Indians. Captain Dubois of
Vincennes, arrived at this place express from the Gov. states that on
the 7th instant, the Prophet and his party, consisting of about 700
Indians, after professing friendship on the6th in the evening, that
they would the next morning come into the camp of Governor Harrison
with a white flag and take him by the hand in friendship, made an
attack on his army about 4 o’clock on the morning of the 7th, and
continued the battle until 6, when they were put to flight. There
were left dead on the ground about 50 or 60 Indians, with some
wounded. It is supposed they suffered considerably in their
wounded, but the number is not known as the Indians are in the habit of
carrying off together with as many of their dead as possible. The Governor sustained an injury as
report says, of about 120. Some say there were 160 or 70 killed
and wounded.
The Governor in a letter to Dr. Scott
states that among the killed were Col. A. Owen of Shelby county, Ken
aid to the Governor; Col. Joseph H. Davies, of Lexington; Col Isham
White, formerly the U. States agent of the Saline Salt works; Capt. S.
Spencer of Corrydon, (I.T.) and his two subalterns, Captain Warrick,
Thomas Randolph, Esq. and Mr. Mahon of Vincennes. That the Prophet’s town was burnt on
the morning of the8th instant, the corn, amounting as was supposed to
about 5000 bushels, was taken or destroyed – that he expected to
commence his march on the 9th to Vincennes but it would be slow on
account of the wounded and the precautions necessary to prevent
annoyance from the enemy.
Captain Dubois reports that Captain
Berry was also killed in the engagement – that the troops under the
Governor’s command behaved with great bravery. Too much cannot be
said in favor of Col. Boyd’s regiment of regulars, and Major Floyd’s
detachment who sustained the heat of the action and acquitted
themselves like heroes. Indeed, the whole army did wonders,
considering the disadvantages under which they labored; for an attack
was not contemplated by the troops generally, after the professions
made by the Indian chiefs on the 6th.
That Col. Davies lived nine hours
after the action and that Capt. Bane of the regular troops was not
dead, but expected to die every moment from his wounds. That the
Governor received a shot through his hat, which scratched the skin on
the side of his head and had his horse wounded. Judge Taylor of
Jeffersonville, by the side of the Governor had his horse killed, which
fell on him and he remained in that situation until relieved by a
person pulling the horse off him. It will be particularly noticed that
the troops under Gov. Harrison did not exceed the number of the Indians
at the time of the engagement, he having been obliged to leave troops
at the different forts on his ways up.
Another account says “the army of the
Governor had lain for three days within two hundred yards of the
Prophet’s town. The Indians were there in readiness for battle
but they were not attacked. The administration had forbidden an
attack to be made. The Governor had not the permission to act as
circumstances and the occasion should dictate. It was in vain
that Col. Davies, urged the propriety of attacking the Indians in open
day, and thus at once effecting the object of the campaign and securing
the army from nocturnal incursion and consequent slaughter. The
Governor could not transcend his instructions. The Indians made
overtures of adjustment. The administration had sent out the army
to treat, - not to fight.
On the morning of the 7th inst., they
were to bring to the Governor’s camp the white flag and settle all
differences. On that fatal morning, at 4 o’clock, the Indians
having (strange to tell) without exciting alarm, put to death the
picket guards (in all 26 men) made their attack upon the governor’s
army in their tents. It was then that Colonel Davies charged upon
the thickest ranks and displayed such valour as under happier auspices,
might have been greatly serviceable to his country. But his
efforts were unavailing. He received three balls to his breast
and fell from his horse. He expired in about nine hours.” [The Centinel, Gettysburg, PA
December 4, 1811]
To be included http://www.genealogytrails.com/main/natives/1811newsitems.html (Articles from January 1, 1812)
The following accompanied the letter
of Gov. Harrison, as published in our last.
A General Return of the killed and
wounded of the army under the command of His Excellency William Henry
Harrison, Governor and Commander in Chief of the Indiana Territory, in
the action with the Indians, near the Prophet’s Town, November 7, 1811.
Killed – One aid-de-camp, one
captain, two subalterns, one sergeant, two corporals, thirty privates. Wounded, since dead – One major, two
captains, twenty two privates. Wounded – Two lieut. Colonels, one
adjutant, one surgeon’s mate, two captains, three subalterns, nine
sergeants, five corporals, one musician, one hundred and two privates. Total of killed and wounded – 188
Names of Officers Killed and Wounded
as per General Return
General Staff Killed – Col. Abraham Owens,
aid-de-camp to the commander in chief.
Field and Staff Wounded – Lieut. Col. Joseph
Bartholomews, commanding Indiana militia infantry; Lt. Col. Luke Deker,
of Do.; J. H. Daviess, since dead, commanding a squadron of dragoons;
Dr. Edward Scull of the Indiana militia, Adjutant James Hunter of
mounted riflemen.
U.S. Infantry, Including the Late
Capt. Whitney’s Rife Company Wounded – Capt. W. C. Bean, acting
major, since dead; Lt. G. P. Peters; Lt. George Gooding; Ensign Henry
Burchstead.
Co. Decker’s Detachment of Indiana
Militia Wounded – Captain Jacob Warwick,
since dead.
Major Well’s Detachment of Mounted
Riflemen Wounded – Capt. Frederick Gauger
Capt. Spencer’s Company, Including
Lt. Berry’s Detachment of Mounted Riflemen Killed – Captain Spier Spencer; First
Lt. Richard McMahan; Lt. Thomas Berry
Nathl. F. Adams Adjt. of the Army [The Centinel, Gettysburg, PA,
January 22, 1812]
EVENTS AFTER THE BATTLE
Vincennes, 4th Dec. 1811
Sir – I have the honor to inform you
that two principal chiefs of the Kickapoos of the Prairie arrived here
bearing a flag on the evening before last. They informed me that
they came in consequence of a message from the chief of that part of
the Kickapoos which had joined the Prophet, requiring them to do so and
that the said chief is to be here himself in a day or two. The
account which they give of the late confederacy under the Prophet is as
follows:
The Prophet with his Shawanoes is at
a small Huron village about twelve miles from his former residence, on
this side the Wabash, where also are twelve or fifteen Hurons.
The Kickapoos are encamped near the Tippicanoe. The Potawatamies have
scattered and gone to different villages of that tribe. The
Winebagoes had all set out on their return to their own country
excepting one chief and nine men who remained at their former
village. The latter had attended Tecumseh in his tower to the
southward and had only returned to the Prophet’s town the day before
the action. The Prophet had sent a message to the Kickapoos on
the Prairie to request that he might be permitted to retire to their
town. This was positively refused and a warning sent to him not
to come there. He then sent to request that four of his men might
attend the Kickapoo chief here. This was also refused.
These chiefs say on the whole, that
all the tribes who lost a warrior in the late action, attribute their
misfortune to the Prophet alone. That they constantly reproach
him with their misfortunes and threaten him with death. That they
are all desirous of making their peace with the United States and will
send deputations to me for that purpose as soon as they are informed
that they will be well received. The two chiefs further say that
they were sent by Governor Howard and General Clark sometime before the
action to endeavor to bring off the Kickapoos from the Prophet’s town –
that they used their best endeavors to effect it but unsuccessfully.
That the Prophet’s followers were fully impressed with a belief that
they could defeat us with ease – that it was their intentions to have
attacked us at Fort Harrison if we had gone no higher – that Racoon
creek was then fixed on and finally Pine creek and that the latter
would probably have been the place if the usual route had not been
abandoned and a crossing made higher up. That the attack made on our
sentinels at Fort Harrison was intended to shut the door against
accommodation – that the Winebagoes had forty warriors killed in the
action and the Kickapoos eleven and ten wounded. They have never
heard how many Potawatomies and other tribes were killed. That
the Potawatomie chief left by me on the battle ground is since dead of
his wounds, but that he faithfully delivered my speech to the different
tribes and warmly urged them to abandon the Prophet and submit to my
terms.
I cannot say, sir, how much of the
above may be depended on. I believe however, that the statement
made by the chief is generally correct, particularly with regard to the
present disposition of the Indians. It is certain that our
frontiers have never enjoyed more profound tranquility than at this
time. No injury of any kind that I can hear of has been done
either to the persons or property of our citizens. Before the
expedition not a fortnight passed over without some vexatious theft
being committed. The Kickapoo chiefs certainly tell an untruth
when they say there were but eleven of this tribe killed and ten
wounded. It is impossible to believe that fewer were wounded than
killed. They acknowledge however that the Indians have never
sustained so severe a defeat since their acquaintance with the white
people. I have the honor to be with great
respect for your humble servant, Wm. Henry Harrison. P.S. The Chief of the Vermillion
Kickapoos has this moment arrived. Hon. Wm. Eustis, Sec’y of War [The Centinel, Gettysburg, PA,
January 22, 1812]
Indian News To the Editors of “Liberty Hall” Fort
Wayne, Nov. 30, 1811
The annual meeting of the Indians at
this post for the purpose of holding their annual conference and
receiving the annuities due to them from the U. States, took place on
the 22d inst. The Delawares, Stawanoes, Miamies, Potawatomies and
Eelriver Miamies were represented by the ancient and respectable chiefs
of those tribes. The meeting was not near as numerous as in
former years, owing to the late period at which their annuities reached
this post and owing to the general alarm which pervaded and still
pervades the Indian country in consequence of the battle recently
fought on the Wabash.
During an acquaintance of many years
with the Indians of this agency, I have not seen more friendship and
good will manifested than at the late meeting. They renewed with us all
their former engagements, declaring their firm determination to
maintain inviolate the several treaties now in force. They
disclaim all agency in the late hostile attack and entered into an
arrangement among themselves to remove the Indians from the Prophet
back to the several tribes to which they belonged. I engaged, in the
name of the government that all those who should return to their former
homes and conduct themselves peaceably in future, should be pardoned
and their offences no more remembered.
All the information respecting the
battle, which has reached this post has been derived from the
Indians. The last account was by a friendly chief,
Winnemau, or the Catfish of the Potawatomies. It appears that the
Kickapoos, Winebagoes and Potawatomies, the very Indians whom the
Prophet so lately commanded had him in custody. That they charged
him with the whole misfortune and were determined to kill him. He
preached up to his followers before the battle that the Great Spirit
would render the arms of the Americans unavailing; that then bullets
could make no impression on the Indians; that it would be total
darkness among the Americans so that they could not see the enemy and
light as day with the Indians. With these impressions firmly riveted in
their minds, they proceeded to the attack. They soon found their
mistake when they saw their people began to fall and then they began to
upbraid their leader with having deceived them.
He then began to sing and call on the
Almighty and told the Indians to fight on – that it would soon be as he
had said. Finally, finding that none of his promises were likely to be
fulfilled, the poor deluded wretches took to flight and abandoned the
ground. It does not appear that they were pursued. Such of the
Indians as remained wounded on the field were agreeably to the Indian
account, humanely treated by Governor Harrison.
The Prophet is now about 40 years of
age; Tecumseh his brother is about 50. They are brothers by the
same father and mother. Neither of them were chiefs in their
nation previous to their separation from the Shawanoes, which was about
six or seven years ago. Their father was chief of the Kickapoo
tribe. Tecumseh has been a warrior of note, and was in almost all
the actions during the former Indian wars with us. The Prophet never
was known as a warrior. The Indians of his tribe lately told me
that in the action with General Wayne he ran away and never halted
until he came to Detroit. We are told that he did not attempt
fighting in the late attack on Gov. Harrison but kept a distance from
danger.
All the accounts we have had agree
that the Indians are determined to kill him and his brother. On
this head I have told them that they (the Prophet and his brother) were
in their hands and that whatever punishment they might think proper to
inflict on them would be agreeable to the President of the United
States – that we held the ancient and legitimate chiefs who were
parties to all our treaties, responsible for the peace of the county;
that if the war became for general than at present, our troops would
enter their country at all points and would not be able to distinguish
between friends and enemies; that now was the time to act and crush any
further attempts among the disaffected.
I have very good reason to believe
that no further mischief will ensure and that the Prophet’s followers
well return to their respective tribes. After the army moved
away, the Indians returned to the battle ground, dug up the bodies of
our dead, stripped them and left them lying above ground. The
Indians state that the militia burned their houses and their corn and
add that they understood it was contrary to the orders of Gov.
Harrison. My impression at this time is that the Indians will
assassinate the Prophet and his brother and that peace will
ensue. In my speech to them at this place, offering in the name
of the President pardon and forgiveness to all those who should
immediately abandon their leader, return home and conduct themselves
peaceably in future, I excepted the Prophet and his brother, declaring
that we could not on any temrs suffer such villains to reside within
the limits of our authority. It was proposed to deliver them up
here or at Vincennes.
This offer I declined accepting and
told the Indians we left the punishment of those persons entirely to
themselves and calculated confidently on their justice. In the action,
agreeably to their account, there were 28 Indians killed and a number
wounded, some of whom are since dead. The whole of the Prophet’s force at
the time of the action did not exceed 250 fighting men. These were
chiefly Kickappoos and Winebagoes, with a few Shawanese and
Potawatomies. There was not a single Miamie or Delaware with
them. The public may rest assured that the late attack on our
troops is an much disapproved of by the bulk of the Indians and by the
whites, and that there is not any danger to be apprehended at present
on any part of our frontier. The government agents at our several
stations throughout the Indian country will give early information of
any approaching danger and until such information is received, our
citizens may rest in safety.
John Johnston Indian Agent [The Centinel, Gettysburg, PA,
January 22, 1812]
Chillicothe, Jan. 1, 1812 The Shawanee Prophet a Prisoner
A gentleman of intelligence and
respectability from Cincinnati, who passed through New Market (Highland
county) on Friday evening last informs us that he saw a gentleman
direct from the Indiana territory who informed him that he had
conversed with some members of the legislature of that territory, who
communicated the important facts – that the Prophet was surrendered a
prisoner to Governor Harrison by some Indian chiefs; that Tecumseh, his
brother, was to be surrendered also, in like manner and that the Indian
chiefs stated that in the late engagements on the Wabash, the Indians
lost 214 killed, besides a number wounded. The Centinel, Gettysburg, Pa ,
January 29 1812
