Sketcli of Vha Life of Qei\. ^I'llU-m Henry Harrison, 1840. ^JRk. ■%^ "V' RALi WIL,IiIAM IlEj\KY IIAMKISOi^, CA1TDIDAT3 or TUS PS0PL3 For I^resltlent or tUe U'itlled Slates. PtfBLlSUED AT THE OFITCK OF TIIR "BAI/n»l0IlG rATUlOT.*' Printed by Savtuel Sands, IKIO. A SKETCH 07 TUB LIFE AND PUBLIC SKRVICES OF l^cii. WILI.IAM flEI^ilY HAKtll^Oi^ The prominent position now occupied by I General Harrison before the American peoplPv renders it peculiarly proper that a brief sketch of his life and public services should be laid before his fellovv-cilizens; for although his public act3, both in a civil and military capaci- ty, have been for the lasting glory and honour of our whole country, yet in consequence of his having resided for the greater part of his lile among the patriotic and chivalric inhabi- tants of the western states, they are more fa- miliar with his history than those who reside in the east and north. It was this acquain- tance with the man, or rather — to make use of the endearing appellation by wliich he has been wniversally known — it was this acquaintance with the VVashington of the West, thai has there produced such a general and ardent feeling in his favour; that the people havo, in uiis, and join the army destined to the defence of the Ohio frontier. The war in this part of our country was then assuming a very alarming aspect. The Indian tribes, who had been in the service of Great Britain, during our revolutionary struggle, had not yet laid down the tomahawk ; but sliU per- listed Jh thcti- ruthless hostilirtee, aud in ihe almost daily commissioH of their savage atro- cities. From tlie year 178S, when Great Bri- tain acknowledged our independence, and war witli the mother country ceased, up to the year 1791, it was estimated that more than fifteen hundred oi our hardy borderers had fallen vic- tims to the rifle and sralping knife of their savage foes. Our northwestern frontier pre- sented an appalling scene of rapine, conflagra- gration, and wanton destruction of life and property. Many of our border settlements had been crushed in their infancy, and all had been retarded in their growth. Expedition after expedition, fitted out to oppose them, had met with the most disheartening losses ; and finally a gallant army under Brigadier Gen- eral Harmer, whicli had been sent expressly to chastise these savages, had been signally de- feated by them, and almost annihilated. Of the few experienced officers, who escaped from Harmer's defeat, nearly all, worn out with the fatigues of a seivice so harrassing, and shrink- ing from a warfare of so dangerous and bar- barous a nature, had resigned their commis- sion ; and a feeling of dismay began to pervade the whole community. Such was the gloomy aspect of affairs, when (lie ardent and generous patriotism of young Harrison prompted him to give up the com- forts and luxuries that surrounded him at home, and peri^ his life ill defence of his fellow-coun- trymen. lie received the commission of an ensign in the United States artillery, in the autumn of the year 1791, when only eighieen } ears of age ; and hastened immediately to join his re- giment, which was then stationed at Fort Wash- ington, lie arrived at thai post a few days af- ter the unfortunate defeat ot General St. Clair, near th« ftliami villages, by the confederate Indians under the command of the celebrated chief, Little Turtle. This disastrous defeat, in which St. Claires army was destroyed, with the loss of nearly a thousand men, killed or taken prisoners, left the whole of our north- 'western frontier exposed to the ravages ol a i«erciless enemy, and added greatly to the gen- eral consternation before exi-itinji. In this stale of things, our goverrmient faw the necessity of adopting immediate and fffi- cient means to put an end to this savage con- flict. Another army was promptly rai-sed, and the command given toGeneral Antlior)v Wavne — a gallant and skilful oillcer, who had earned a brilliant reputation in Ifie Kevotutionary War. Wayne's Legion, as his army was called in the new organization, asBembled at Pitts- burg, in the sunimer of ]19^ \ and in the en- suing month of November, they left that place, and went into winter quarter^, at Legjunville, on the Ohio, 22 miles below Pitttbur|f. About this time Harrison was promoted to lieutenant; and shortly after, he joined Wayne'a Legion. His fearlessness and energy, with his strict attention to discipline, soon attracted the notice of his commander-in-chief, himself a bold and daring soldier and a rigid disciplin- arian ; and General Wayne, not long after his arrival, selected him as one of his aids-de-camp, at the age of nineteen. We iia^e entered thus minutely into this detail, because we tvish to point it out at how early an age, and in what trying times, young Harrison was thought worthy of honourable distinction. Lieutenant III»rison acted as aid to General Wayne during the whole of the ensuing cam- paigns J and his bravery and gallant conduct throughout were such, that he was repeatedly oflicially noticed in terms of the highest enco- mium. The war was conducted by General Wayne with all the cool daring of a veteran soldier, and the sagacitj of a prudent general — until finally, on the 20ih of August, 1794, he fought the bloody and desperate batde of the Miami, in vvliich the confederated Indians, with their allies, were totally defeated. Their heavy losses in this battle so disheartened the Indians, th.at, a few months after, they entered into negotiations for a treaty of peace, giving hostages for their good faidi — and thus, with the close of this war, were extinguished what may be considered the last embers of our rev- olutionary struggle. In his despatch to tha Secretary of War, after this decisive victorjv General AVayne, in mentioning those whose good conduct made them conspicuous on this occasion, says — ''My faithful and gallant aids- de-camp, Captains De Butts and T. Lewis, and LiEUTE.N'ANT H.\URiso.v, with the Adju- tant-g^d-.-ieral. Major Mills, rendered die most essential service, by ccmmunicaiing my orders in every direction, and by their conduct and bravery exciting the troops to press for vic- tory." Soon after this battle, Lieutenant Harrison received the commission of a captain, and was placed in command of Fort Washington — the most important station on the western frontier. He remained in the army tdl the close of the year 1797, when, as there was no longer an opportunity to serve his country in the field, he rcsigneil his commission, to commence [lis career of civil services. He was almost immediately appointed secretary, and ex-pjficxoy lieutcnant-goTernor ol the Northwestern terri- tory ; wiiich then embraced the whole extent of our country lying northwest «f the Ohio river — thus receiving his first civil appoint- ment in that part of our country which he had perilled his life to defend. While in this station, he entered so warm- ly into the interests of the people, and his in- diligence aixl Hie kindiiess aiwl urbanky of his manners rendered him so popular, that when, in the following year, they became en- titled to representation in the councils of the nation, they almost unanimously elected him their first delegate to Congress. Mr. Harrison was, at this time, about 26 years of age. He look his seat in the House of Represen- tatives, at llie first session of the sixth Con- gress, in December, 1799. There weie then in Congress some of the ablest and most en- lightened statesmen, and some of the most eloquent men, our country has ever produced. Yet in this severe ordeal, the abilities and man- ly energies of Mr. Harrison soon commanded universal respect. At this period, the all-en- grossing subject in the West, and one in which our whole country had a deep interest, was the sale of our public lands. The manner in which these lands had been hitherto disposed of, had created great dissatisfaction among the people. They had been sold only in large tracts ; the smallest of which included, at least, four thousand acres. Our hardy yeomanry, with limited pecuniary means, were thus shut out from all chance of competition with weal- thy speculators and grasping monopolists, in the purchase of these lands — the poorer emi- grants were becoming disheartened at the chill- ing prsspects before them, and the settlement of Uie new country was greatly retarded. Fully aware of the impolicy and injustice of this state of things, and true to the trust confided in him, Mr. Harrison's earliest legislative ef- forts were made to overthrow this pernicious system. He aroused the attention of Con- gress to the consideration of this important subject, and evinced so intimate an acquain- tance with the facts and business details con- nected with it, that he was appointed chairman ot a committee raised to examine into and re- port on die existing mode of disposing of the public lands. After a proper investigation, he presented a report, accompanied by a bill, the principal object of which was to reduce the size ol the tracts of public land offered for sale, to such a smaller number of acres as would place them within the reach of actual settlers. This masterly report, which was the joint pro- duction of himself and Mr. Gallatin, together with the great ability and eloquence with which he defended his bill from the powerful opposition it encountered in the House, gained Mr. Harrison a reputation rarely attained by so young a statesman. The bill was carried tri- umphantly in the House, and finally, after some amendments, passed the Senate. The result was, that the public lands, instead of being of- fered only in large tracts, of which four thou- sand acres was the smallest size, were now to be sold in alternate sections and half sections — the former containing 640, and the latter 320 acres each. The point gahied waa of imm^i«e importance, since, from the low price of thesa lands, and the small amoimt of purchase mo- ney required to be paiil, they were now wiih- iii the reach of nearly all the poorer emigrants and actual settlers, who felt a natural desire to own the fee simple of their homes, and of the lands they subdued from the wilderness. Thou- sands of the hardy and industrious farmers of our Northern and Widdle Slates, and many of the poorer planters of llie South, availed them- selves of the fair field wlrich was now opened for emigration and enterprise ', and we may justly consider this happy result, which Mr. Harrison was so instrumental in producing, as one of the leading causes of the rapid settle- ment and prosperity of our Western country- In the year 1800, the Northwestern territo- ry was divided. That part of the old territo- ry, included within the present boundaries of Ohio and Michigan, retained its former name; and the immense extent of country northwest of this, was made a separate territory, and re- ceived the name of Indiana. Soon after this division had taken place, Mr. Harrison resign- ed his seat in Congress, and was appointed governor of the new territory. This appoint- ment gave ofreat satisfaction to the people of Indiana, with whom the patriotic exertions of Mr. Harrison had rendered him deservedly popular ; and it was, at the same time, the strongest evidenceof the confidence wilh which the General Government relied upon his integ- rity, prudence, and capacity for civil govern- ment. The extent of Indiana was almost bound- less. The small population it then contained was thinly scattered through a vast wilderness, and only three settlements of any note existed within its territory. One of these was at Vin- cenues, the capital ; another at the Falls of the Ohio, one hundred miles distant from Vircen- nes •, and the third was on the Misslosippi, at a distance of more than two hundred miles from the capital. The communication between these remote points was, at all times, dilhcuU and toilsome, and often attended wilh great danger. There existed no practicable roads, and nearly all the intermediate country was occupied 'by the Indians, or overrun by their hunting-parties. Most of those savage tribes, though professing to be friendlv, were resdess and dissatisfied ; and their leading chiefs still nursed a moody hope of revenge for the mor- tifying defeat they had sustained, six years be- fore, at the battle of the Miami. Artful and treacherous, numerous, warlike, and thirstingr for plunder, they kept this remote frontier in continual excitement and alarm. The angry feelings of our hardy borderers were frequent- ly roused by some robbery or atrocious vio- lence committed by the more evil-disposed a- 6 mong their sarage neiglibors, and quarrels oft- en ensued, wliicli threatened the peace of the 'niiole coniniiinity. Such was the existing state of things in In- diana Territory, when filr. Harrison was ap- pointed to llie administration of its govern- ment. As governor of a frontier territory so peculiarly situated, IMr. Harrison was invested with civil powers o( the most important nature, as well as with miliiary authority. Besides the or(lin.ury power which he held, ex oj/icio, as governor, he had the sole power of divid- ing the district into counties and townshipH, and was appointed the general superintendent of Indian afliiirs. He had likewise the unusu- al power of conferring on a numerous class of individuals a legal title to large grants of land, on whicli they before held merely an equita- ble claim. IJis sole signature was suflicient, without any o.hcr formality, to give a valid ti- tle to these extensive and vulua!)le tracts of land. Possessed of this immense power, op- portunities were continually before him of accumulating a princely fortune; but the .-cm pulous sense of honour, which has always characterized Mr. Harrison, would never per- mit hitu to speculate in lands over which he had any control. And it is a fact worthy of note, that during the whole time thai he held this important trust, he never availed himself of his peculiar adr ntages to acquire a single acj '^f land ; — no shadow of uspicion ever doub 1 his disinterestedness, and not a mur- mur ever accused him of partiality, or even of unnecessary delay, in the perfoimance of this delicate duty. We mention this only to show, that the integrity of Mr. Harri.MJii is nut merely theoretical but practical ; aud^rhal it has always shone with the purest lustre when assailed by the strongest tempialions. .In 1803, iMr. Jederson appointed Governor Harrison sole "commissioner to enter into any treaties which may lie necessary with any In- dian tribes, northwest «>f die Ohio, and within the territory f.f the United Slates, on the suli- ject ollheir boundaries or lands." By viriiie ol this, or a similar auihorilv, diiiini: 'lie sul)- se(pienl cour.-e of his ai!niinisiiaii.)n, Hairi.-'on efli cird thirteen impor'anl treaties wiili the dincreiii tribes, on ihe mostadvaniaijcoiis leriiis- and obiaiiied fioin ihein, at various times, the cession o( larfp tracts of land, amonniinir, m all, to more tlian sixty millions of acres, and cnd)racing n largt portion (d the rieiiesl region in onr couiitrr. In their hrqucnt intercourse \\i;h Gorcr- nor Harrison, ibe Iiirlian.^ had harned to re- sped Ins undaunKd firintie.vs, and were, at ih. same lime, connliatcd by hi.-* kindness ofnian- licr and rnnsiderate Imln nianep. This, uidi liis intimiiio know hdgf; (.filu- Iiidi;;ii rharac- ler, is the tiuc secret of the remarkable suc- cess that has uniformly attended every treat? he has attempted to eflect. The various and arduous duties of the gov- ernor of Indiana required, for this ofiice, aman of very superior abilUits — one possessed of stern integrity and prudent moderation, accom- panied by the nos; unwavering firmness. Such a man Governor Harrison, in the long course of his administration, fully proved himself to be. The plainest evidence of this, to those who are not familiar with the history of Indi- ana during this period, is the fact, that, for l/iirleen ycars^ at every successive exj)iration of his term of office, he was re-appointed, at the earnest solicitation of the people of tiie ter- ritory, and with tlie public expression of the most flattering approhatinn on the part of our chief executive. And iliis too, notwiihsland- iiig the entire change which had taken place within that lime in the ruling politics of' the country — his first appointment having been made by Mr. Adams, his second and third by Mr. Ji illr.-on, and his fourth by i\Ir. IMadison. Tlie following extract from the re.«oluijon, u- naniinoue-ly passed by die House of Represen- taiives of Indiana, in the year 1809, request- ing the re-appointment of Governor Hairison, will show the estimate which a long acquain- tance had taught them of his worth : — '•They (the House of Represeniatives) can- not forbear recommending to, and requesting of, the President and Senate, most earnestly in their own names, and in the names of their Cfuistitueiits, the re-appointment of their pres- ent governor, William lienry Harrison, — be- cause he possesses ihe good wishes and afl'ec- lions of a great majority of his fellow-citizens ; — because they believe him sincerely attached to the Union, ihe prosperity of the United Stales, and the a(lininislration of its govern- ment-, — because ihey believe him in a supe- rior degree capable of promoting the interest of our territory •, from long experience and la- boriousatleniion to its concerns, from his in- diunce over the Indians, and wise and disin- terested manafremciu ojiliat department; and iiecause they have confidence in his virtues, tab lit?, ami repuldicanism." If necessary, we miubl fill a gnodiv v(dume with extracts from public documents (tfn sim- ilar nature ; but « bat slroiioer proof iban this could we have of the popularity of Governor Harrison, and (d' the entire confidence widi which the jk <>|)!e relied on his integrity and a- biliiy as a sialesinan .' In die year 1805, the celebrnted Indian chief, Terumibe, and his notorious brother, the Sliawaiic-o projihet, 01-li- wa-chi-ca, (soine- limcs called Kls-kwa-law-a.) began to create 'lisiui bailees on the frontiers of Indiana. Te- cumibe was a bold and ciarinjr warrior; saga- cious in council and foriiiiilable in battle. The prophet ViZ3 a sUrewd impostor ; cunnino:, aiiful, and treaclierous; — and ihey were lea- gued together by the tie of mutual interests, and a common hatred to the whites. The object of these crafty intriguers was to form, by their own influence and the aid of foreign emissaries, a combination among all the Norllnveslern tribes of Indians — will) the hope, that by a si- multaneous attack, they might destroy all the whiles, or force them from the Valley of the Mississipjji. But their designs were soon known to Governor Harrison, and, aware of his dangerous situation, his prudence and wise policy enabled him, for several years, to hold liis savage neighbors in check. The follow- ing extract from a speech, which he delivered to the legislature of [ndiana, in 1S09, will eerve to show that he fully understood the na- ture and cause af the excitement then existing among the Indians — ''Preseating, as we do," said Governor liai rison, "a very extended fron- tier to numerous and warlike tribes of the ab- origines, the state of our relations with them must always form an important and interesting feature in our local politics. It is with regret that I have to inform yon, that the harmony and good understanding which it is so much our interest to cultivate with those our neigh- bours, have, for some time past, experienced a considerable interruption, and that we have in- deed been threatened with hostilities', by a combination formed under the auspices of a bold adventurer, who pretended to act under the immediate inspiration of the Deity. His character as a prophet would not, however, hare given him any very dangerous influence, if he had not been assisted by the intrigut^s and advice of foreign agents?, and other disai fected persons, who have for years omitted no opportunity of counteracting the measures of the government withjegaid to the Indians, and filling iheir naturally jealous minds with sus- picions of thejuslice aud integrity of our views towards them." Two years subsequent to thi?, in 1811, from petty aggressions, the Indians proceeded to more open violence, and acts of decided hos- tiliiy. The war whoop was again heard yell- ing within the limits of the territory, and ev- ery day brought fresh accounts of the perpe- tration of thoL'C atrocious deeds of depredation and murder, which always gives the first inti- mation of a savage war. From motives ol hu- manity as well as policy. Governor Harrison had always endeavoured to avoid a war with the Indians ; but when this result became un- avoidable, he promptly adopted the most ener- getic i!>sasure« within his limited resources, 10 place the territory in a posture of defence. At his own earnest request, and at the solicita- tion of the people, the President, soon after, di- rected him to march with an armed force to- wards ike principal place of reixlezvous of i!ic liostile Indians, the Prophet's town, on the Wabash, near the moudi of the Tip[)ecanoe — where this crafty impostor had assembled a body of more than a iliousand fierce warriors, ready to obey his will. Governor Harrison immediately assembled five hundred of the militia and volunteers of In- diana. These with a regiment of United States infantry, consisting of three hundred and fifty men, commanded by Colonel Boyd, and a small body of volunteers from fCentucky, constituted his whole available force — amounting in all to about nine hundred efFtctive men. As soon as he had disciplined these troops, and trained both the regulars and militia in tl-.e Indian mode of warfare, he took up his line of march towartis the Propliei's town. He left Fort Harrison, on the Wabash, about sixty miles above Vincenne?, on the 2Sih of October, IS 11. Profiting by his own early experience, [this was seventeen years after the battle of Miami,] and tlie remembered exam- ple of his old friend and commander, General Wayne, his march througii a wild country to Tippecanoe, was conducted with so mucii skill and prudence, tlvit he avoided all dan- ger of ambuscade or surprise from the savage foe. On the 6th of November, the army ar- rived within five or six miles of tlie Prophet's town. According to tlie in?1ruei!on5 he had received fron the Presidcn,^.CiiOvcrB«f Harri- son imraediatel;^ sent in a flag of truce, to ep- deavoT to open an jmicable negotiation, iih the hosiilu Indian? To tliid overture,, the Proplict returned a deceitful reply — he pro- fessed the most pacific intention.', and agreed to meet Harrison the next day in cat. »4ci!, with his chiefs, to settle dofiititely the terms of 1) ace. But H.irrison knew too well ihfl trerch- ery of his anful antagonist to allow himself to be deceived by his specious professions, or lulled into any fancied security, ffc carefully selected the most eligible and defensible posi- tion for his encampment, and ordered his troops to lie upon their arms all night, that they might be in readiness, at a moment's warning, to rei)el any sudden attack of the enemy. The sequel proved that these precautions were wisely adopted — An anxious iiiglii passed a- way without interruption ; but al)oul four o'clock, on the following morning, two hours before d;iy light, a sentinel at one of the out- posts discovered an Indian creeping stealthily towards the camp. He immediately gave the alarm, and almost at the same instant, u strong body of the enemy rushed towards the en- campment, with the most savage yells. They made a furious charge on the left of the camp ; and so sudden and desperate was their onset, that the ouard gtalioned in that quarter, gave way, at first, to their fierce assailants. But flese brave Iroops *oon raJlifd, and retrk-ved 5hr ground ihey Lad lo.t. TliP ramp fire^ were exiinijiii.hcd vviih all pos^hle hasir, and the battle was nrnv wajre,! on mt.rc f(|Mal tr'rm* Our gallant troops fo,iu|,! „j,h tf,e moMrlarinff intrepidity, and their )=avai:e Coes evinred a des- perate valour worihy (da belter cause. The battle raged with area I fury till the dawn of day, when a simidtaiipoiis charge was made upon the enemy, on either flank, and ihev were speedily put to fl.ifht, wiih great Ios« find the battle terminated. D-irmt; aU this time' the ra|.^e Prophet hid been seated at a saf.'dis-' Jance from the field of battle, chaniincr a Mar- ^ong, and promising viclorv to his" deluded breifiren. The battle of Tippecanoe was one of the moM spirited and best f.Might actions recorded in the annals of our rndiaii wars. The num- ber.* and the weapr.ns on eiihcr Mde were near- ly fqnal ; and the Indians, contrary to their usual custom, fought lK-!,d to hand, and with the fierce.n bravery. Everv man in this battle encountered his share of danger, hut no m^n was in more personal peril than Governor Harrison himself— well known to manv of -he Indians and the object of their pecnIiaV attack .—his fearless ,and unshrinking exposure makes It seem almost a miracle Uiat he should" hare escaped un wounded. In rcferrintr to the coo ness and intrepidity of Governor Harrison, on ihi. occasion, we cannot refrain from mak- ing the (ollow.ng extracts from a journal pub- l.shed in 1 8 J fi, by a private s..|dier; who fought 'n tlM.s battle, and who could have bad no "in- tfrested motives for his publication :-''Gene- ral ]Jarrison,"he says.^received a shot ihronal, -e run of h,., hat. In t.he heal of the action -is voice was frequently |,eard, and easily dis- tmgmshed, g,v,ng bi.s orders in the same calm, cool and collected manner, with which we had been used to receive them on drill or pa- rade. I he confidence of the troops in dfe Genera wa-s unlimited." The same writer n speaking of Harr,son'« kirulnes.s ,o the ol-' ;.ers,andhis,nnnenceoverthem, remarks 1 ♦He appeared not dispo.^ed to de.amanv nan ;'«n.s, lusn.Hination; being endowed "bva- ..re with a heart as humane as brave, i , Z frequent addre..es to the mditia, his elo, Mas forn.ed to nersuade ; „pp.„ls were ma.le o reason as well as feeling,' 'and „ever w tliey made m vain." An incident that occurred al thi» time is worth recording. The night before te;.! le an .nd.v,,,„, belonging to the camp, w.. had been rn.ssmg, was arrested near the Gov- ernor .. marquee, under very suspicious cir- cntuMances. Ho „,, ,,,,, l^. „ ,^,,,,.1^ , or de,ert,on to the enemy, and for an atte , o assassinate the Governor. SufT.cient ev,- uence was found to convict Inm, and he was «n encedto d^a.h ; yei .uch were the humane eelin^s of [farrison, that he could not induce '• mself to si.n the onler for his execution! ■As the criminal attempt had been made aaain.t 'MS own life, he felt bim.^elr privileged to Ex- ercise his benevolence towards ,he%.n-ender, and the mi.^gn,debev ha^«^''' Governor vv.ll Harrison has, m the opinion of this le. t,M«la,ure, behaved like a hero a ;,a/r, ,/ a m a j;jc.al ; and that for his cool, dHiberat,k.,! K and gallant comhict, in the late ba tie f ^rwec..oe,hedeservesthe,c....Mhani::f 'I'liis encomium came from those whose trends and neighbours had participated m tl e 'Hie campaign, and who wericonslquenv fa- J\ar was declared against Great Britain in ' '- Irior to this event, nritish agents had, »or a long tunc, been tampering wah the dia- d eontented InJians within our territory, and had bribed them uilh present?, and furnished them with fire-arms, to indnre them to renew their hosfilities against our conntry. The crafty and daring Tecumilie, too, was once more in the fiehi. Urged on by his savage eloquence, by (heir own native love for war and plunder, and by the atrocious intrigues of foreign agents, the northwestern Indians again raised the war- whoop, and commenced llieir barbarous sys- tem of warfare. Their cruel murders and depredations became of frequent occurrence, and the wai|in|r of bereaved mothers and or- phans, and the bitter complaints of those who had escaped from the conflagration of their plundered homes, excited the commiseration ofonr hardy borderers, and roused a general feeling of indignation. Such was the state o( e.vcitement in our frontier settlements in the summer of 1812. Immediately after the declaration of war, our western gorernors promptly adopted every measure in their power, for the defence of their respective states and territories. But conscious of ilie great abilities and experience of Harri- son, they placed the utmost reliance on his counsels, and looked on him as the leader, un- der whom they might hope for success against the common enemy. He aided Governor Ed- wards in placing the frontier of Illinois in a posture of defence, and soon after, was invited by Governor Scott, of Kentucky, to a confer- ence in relation to the Kentucky troops, which had been raised for the defence of the f^rontier. He accepted this invitation, e-nd met Governor Scott at Frankfort ; where he was received with the acclamations of the people, and with the highest civil and military honours. These public marks of the high estimation in which Harrison was held by the people, were short- ly after followed by proofs still more flatter- ing, of their confidence in his patriotism, his a- bilities, and his military skill. Governor Scott had levied an armed force of more than five thousand militia and volun- teers, commanded by some of the ablest men and most experienced officers in the Slate. Two thousand of these troops were ordered for immediate service ; and they had no soon- er learned that they were destined to march to the aid of their fellow-countrymen on the fron- tier, than they at once unanimously expressed the most earnest desire to be placed under the command of Governor Harrison. This desire was responded to by the wishes of the peo- ple throughout the State. The laws of Ken- tucky, however, would not permit any other than a citizen, to hold a command in the state militia. In this dilemma, Governor Scott con- sulted with the venerable Shelby, (the gover- nor elect,) the Hon. Henry Clay, and other distinguished citizens of the state ; and by their unanimous advice he gave Harrkon a brevet commission of major-general in the Kentucky militia, with express authoritv to take command of the gallant troops about to march to the frontier. This was a bold and unprecedented measure, but one that gave un- bounded satisfaction to both sohhcrs and citi- zens, and one fully warranted by the peculiar exigencies of the case. These lacls speak volumes in favour of (he remarkable popular- ity which General flarrison enjoyed in a pm- idalion of brave and chivalric people. Al)nnt this time the cowardice and imbecil- ity of General Hull tamely surrendered to the British the important post of Detroit, with the gallant force which composed its garrison. This event spread consternation, far and wide, through the western country, and greatly in- creased the difficulty and arduous nature of Governor Harrison's duties. He immediately organized die brave troops under his com- niand, and commenced a course of rigid dis- cipline and military training; with the confi- dent hope of retrieving the disasters conse- quent upon the cowardly surrender of Detroit. Soon after, he was appointed a brigadier- general in the service of the United States. But, as the chief command of the western ar- my was conferred on General Winchester, Har- rison declined accepting the commission ten- dered him, and gave up his command, to re- turn to Indiana, and resume the duties of his territorial government. General Winchester was an old revolution- ary soldier, and a brave and mcritous officer; but one who was not, like Harrison, posses.sed of the enthusiastic confidence of the army, Governor Harrison exerted every eiTort in his power to reconcile the troops to this chamre. But soon after he left then, their displeasure at having been deprived of their favourite com, mander was not confined to murmurs, but cre- ated disaffection and almost mutiny. No sooner was the President made aware of the condition of the army, and of the almost unanimou-i wishes of tiie western people, than he immediately appointed Harrison, in place of Winchester, coinmandcr-in-rhief of the northwestern army. The despatch conveying- this appoinUnent, overtook him on his way to Indiana, and he returned without delay to the army. The powers conferred on Harrison, as com-, mander-in chief of the northwestern army, were of great extent, and he was left to exercise them according to his own unrestricted Judg- ment. In the dispatch containing this appoint- ment, dated September 17th, 181-2, the Secre- tary of War says :— 'Tou will command such means as may be .practicable — exercise your own discretion, and act in all cases according to your own judgement"— thus conferring up- 10 on him exlraoruinary and almost Hnlimited power. We refer to thi?, merely that we may liere notice ilie remarliablc fact, that, ihoiigli vested with unusual powers, General Harrison was never known, durin;; the whule of his command, to exercise his amhorily in an un- just or oppressive mantier. His measures were energetic, but always qualilied by his chnrac- teristic moderation and liumanity, and by a re- gard for the feelings of even the meanest soldier in his camp. The duties that devolved on General Har- rison, in his new stalitm, were arduous be- yond description. The troops under his com- mand, tliough brave, were mostly inexperienced and undisciplined recruits •, and the army was badly equipped, and nearly destitute of bag- gage and military stores. Willi these limited mcaus, and imder these unfcivourabe circum- stances, lie was required to defend an immense extent of frontier, stretching along the shores of the great northern lakes, whose numerous harbours and rivers were easy of access to the enemy. In addition to this, the roads leading to those points which most rcquirerl defence, ivere nearly impassable, and lay, for hundreds of miles, through a wiUlerness swarming wiih hostile Indians, and through gloomy and dan- gerous swamp*, where tlie troop?, though litde encumbered with baggage, could advance but slowly, and with great fatigue. Under all these dilhcultics, the spirits of the soldiers were sus- tained by llie presence and e.\ample of their favourite commander — who animated them in • their fatigues, and cheerfully endured the .same liardships and privations which they eneoun- lered. The autumn and early part of the winter were spent in active and laborious preparations for the approaching summer campaign — roads were cut, depots formed, forts built, and a few expeditions were sent out to proti^cl our out- p()st«, and keep the enemy in check. One of these expeditions, consisting of a detacbment of six hundred men, under Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, was .•^ent by General Harrison a- gainsl a fortified Indian village, from which our troops had suni'reil mm h annoyance. This ciilcrprisc wa.s conducted with great skill aud fuccess. The village was attacked in llic most gallant manner, and, after a desperate ac- lioii of more than an hour, was carried at the point t)f tlie havonet. From the general order issued by llarnsoii, on the return of this ex- pedition, we make the f(»llowing extract, which will convey ffune idea of llie lni'i;ane and gen- rntus frelings, ilial have always characterized both his pnlilic ar.i! [irivale conduct, .\firr awardini' llicjo gall inl troops the hiizh meed of praise which dieir bravery had won, he gocH on to sav, — '"But llie character of this gallant detachment, exiiibiting as it did, per- severance, forlitt^Je, and bravery, would, how- ever, be incomplete, if, in the midst of victory, they had forgotten t!ie feelings of humanity. It is with the sincerest pleasure that the Gen- eral has heard, thai the most punctual obedi- ence was paid to his orders, in not only saving all the women and children, but in sparing all die warriors who ceased to resist, and that even when vigorously attacked by the enemy, the claims of mere)' prevailed over every sense of their own danger, and this heroic band respect- ed the lives of tlieir prisoners. Let an ac* count of murdered innocence be opened in the records of heaven, against our enemies alone. The American soldier will follow the exam- ple of liis government ; and the sword of the one will not be raised against the fallen and helpless, nor the gold of the other be paid for the scalps of a massacred enemy." What a contrast do these noble sentiments present to the atrocious conduct of the British General, Pro.ctor — wh^jjat the cruel massacre at Hasin River, and elsewhere, basely permitted unre- sisting prisoners of war to be butchered, by hia savage allies, in cold blood. Lnte in the season the army went into win- ter quarters at their strongly fortified position on the banks of the Miami, near the rapids, which was Ciiiled Camp !\Ieigs, in honour of the patriotic governor of Ohio. Leaving the army at tliat station. General Harrison pro- ceeded to Cmcinnali, to procure reinforcements of men, and supplies of provisions and milita- ry stores, for the approaching campaign. But early in the spring, intelligence was received ihal the British were making extensive pre- parations, and concentraling a large force of regular soldiers, Canadians, and Indians, to besiojiG Fort iMei^^s. On obtaining this infor- mation, General Harrison hastened to his camp, and exerted the most strenuous ellorts, to pre- pare for this threatened attack of the enemy. His presence cheered the troops, and he in- spired them with fresh ardour, oii the approach of the enemv, by an eloquent address, in which lie alluded modestly, but in the most animat- ing manner, to the neighbouring baltle-lield, wtiere General Wayne had gained the brdlianl victory of the !\liami, and where he himself had won the briglitesl of his earlier laurels. On the Q8;li of April, 18 1. S, the scoula broui'lit in inle!li"^oncc of the arrival of ihe en- emy. On the same ilay a strong force ol Brit- ish and Indians ascended the river in boats, and disniiliarkcd, parily on the southeastern shore, anil parily on the op[)osite side of the river. Here tliey immediately commenced the conslrnc'.ion oftlircc powerful batteries. Cor- rrsponding traverses were made widiin the Fori, aiil every approacii of llie enemy was met and foiledj with consummate skill and bravery. 11 n tlie first of May, the batteries of the en- being completed, tfiey opened a heavy oiiading, wliich was returned with equal ir from the Fort. Tliis cannonading was niied without intermission for five days; • wing to the skilful tlispositions of Gene- [arrison, it was allemied willi very little on our side. 1 the fifth of May, a gallant reinforcement enliickians, under General Clay, fought way to the camp; and Harrison availing elf of this occurrence, promptly ordered ■lie to be made from the Fort to destroy batteries of the enemy. The detachment 'ed to this service, consisted of three hun- and fifty men, a part of whom were reg- ■, and the remainder volunteers and Ken- y militia, under llie'commaiul of Colonel 3r, of the United Slates army. These 3 troops attacked a body of British regu- and Indians, of more than double their ber;but the impetuosity of their charge irresistable, and ai"ter a severe struggle, drove the enemy from the batteries. They ed the cannon, took a large nuaiber of )ners, and having fully accomj)lished their ct, returned in triumph to the Fort. This c Vv'as one of the most sanguinary and des- te actions fought during the whule war — its brilliant success was richl}' merited, by ntrepid gallantry of the brave troops en- d in it. hvvarted by the skilful dispositions of ITar- 1, and by the battle, or rather succession iitles, fought on the fifth. Proctor was com- ;d to abandon the siege of Fort Meigs ; and lie eighth of May, he broke up his camp, retreated in disappointment and disgrace. Iius terminated tlie glorious defence of Meigs. Harrison, soon after, left Gen- Clay in command of that important post, unwearied iti his exertions, proceeded to s difficult and arduous duties, at other ex- ^d stations. he unceasing efforts of the British, and the ess s[)irit of Tecumthe, alloweii our troops little time to recover from their severe fa- ss. \n less than two months after the e of Fort ]\!eigs had been abandoned, the ans assembled a formidable body of more five thousand warriors, under their most (i chiefs, and ngain threatened an attack hat fortress. On recciviug this intilli- -e. General Harrison, with a small body of liars, hastened to Fort Meigs, by forced dies, and fortunately arrived there before enemy. Leaving a reinforcement with eral Clay, he returned without delay to liii e ciclive duties. )uriiig the wIkjIo of this interesting cam- n, ilie vigilance and the intrejiidity of Gen- Harrison, with the bravery of his soldiers, enableti nim to keep a far superior force of the enemy in check, and to protect the wide ex- tent of our exposed frontier. At about the period when the enemy invested Fort Meigs for the second time, they made a desperate attack on Fort Stephenson, a tempo- rary depot at Lower Sandusky, which was bravely and successfully defended by Major Croghan, of the regular service. We lay before our readers the following short extracts from an address to the public, relative to this affair, which was voluntarily published by the general, field, and staff o.'Ii- cers of General Harrison's army. After ex- pressing their "regret and surprise, that char- ges as improper in form as in substance, should have been made against General Harrison, du- ring the recent investment of Lower Sandus- ky," they go on to say :— '-He who belie vea iliat with our disposable force, and under the circumstances which then occurred, General Harrison ought to have advanced upon the en- emy, must be left to correct his opinion in the school of experience. "On a review of the course then adopted, we are decidedly of the opinion, that it was such as was dictated by military wisdom, and by a due regard to our circumstances, and to the situation of the enemy. * * * * And witli a ready acquiescence, beyond the mere claims of mil- itary duty, we are prepared to obey a general, whose measures meet our most deliberate ap- probation, and merit that (»f his country." The chivalrous and noble-spirited Crogiian, who was one of the signers of the above ad- dress, about the same lime published anotiier paper on this subject, dated from Lower San- dusky, in which he says :— '•! have with much regret seen in some of the public prints such misrepresentations respecting my refusal to e- vacuate this post, as are calculated not only to injure me in the estimation of military men, but also to excite unfavourable impressions aa to the propriety of General Harrison's conduct relative to this affair. '•His character a? a military man is too well established to need my approbation or siippf)rt. But his public service etitiik-^ him at least to common justice. This affiir does not furnish cause ofreproacii. if public opinion has been lately mi.sled respecting his late conduct, it will require but a moment's cool, di-|)a5sion- ate refieclion, to convince tiiom ol iti propri- ety. The measures recent J tj adnj ted bi/ him, so far J mm deserving censure, are Ike clear- est jproofs of his keen penetration and able generalship.'*^ Disai>poinled in their hopes of j)!uiider, and dispirited by the nnrnerou-i dcf;'ais ihpy had Ml^•tained, the savage allien of the British had become discontented ; the second siege of Fort Meigs had been abandoned, and graducillv the ^ n ^nemy entirely withdrew from our territory, and concentrated their forces at Maiden, their principal stronghold in Upper Canada. It will thus be seen, thai the skill with which Gene- ral Harrison had conducted his defensive op- erations, the only resource left him in the face of a superior foe, had been eminently success- ful ; and had not only protected our widely extended frontier, but had eventually forced the enemy to retire, mortified and humbled by defeat, from our country. The activity and enterprise of General Har- rison, did not long permit the en«my to rest, after their reireat from our territory. He im- mediately commenced preparations for carry- ing the war into their own country, and form- ed his plan for the capture of Maiden, and the conquest of Upper Canada. Commodore Perry hail been instructed to co-operate with General Harrison, with the fleet under his command, and by a happy co- incidence, that gallant hero gained his glori- oui victory on Lake Erie, and captured the en- lire squadron of the enemy, just about the time when General Harrison had matured his plans for the invasion of Canada. On the 27ih of September, the troops em- barked at Sandusky Bay, and advanced towards Maiden, expecting to find the British and in- roughi in intelltgence of the dicposiiions Proc- tor had made. Harrison, wfth the rapfd ile- cision of an able general, instantly availed him- self of the error of his opponent, and ordered Colonel Johnson to charge the enemy's line in column, with his regiment of mounted Ken- tuckians. The extended and weakened line of the enemy could olfer but a feeble resistance to the charge of these gallant troops; who dashed through their ranks, with overwhelming impetuosity, and formed and attacked them in the rear. Panic-struck by this bold and un- expected manoeuvre, and at being assailed both in front and rear, the British threw down their arms in dismay, and the whole army was cap- tured, with the exception of a few who escap- ed by an early flight with Proctor. The In- dians attacked our troops on the left, and fought with great fierceness and daring, until repulsed with great slaughter. The decisive and important battle was ihns fought and won, in a space of time almost in- credibly short, and with a very trifling loss only on our side. All the baggage of the en- emy, and their valuable military stores, to- gether with the ofllcial papers of Proctor, fell into our hands ; and several pieces of brass cannon, which had been taken from the Brit- ish in our revolutionary victories, but which Hull had shamefully surrendered at Detroit, were again captured from our ancient foe. The united force of the British regulars and Indians engaged in this battle, amounted to more than 2800 — the number of our troops was less than 2500 — and those were princi- pally militia and volunteers. The venerable Governor Shelby commanded the Kentucky volunteers in this battle, and General Cass, the lale secretary ol war, and the heroic Perry, acted as volunteer aids to General Harrison. This brilliant victory, following up the rapture of their fleet on Lake Erie by the gallant Per- ry, entirely destroyed the force of the enemy in Upper Canada, and put an end to the war on our northwestern frontier. On receiving the news of this glorious e- venl, the thanks of Congress were expressed to General Harrison in llie warn)csl manner. Among many others, whose grateful feelings found utterance on this occasion, the Hon. LangdonCheves observed, on the floor of Con- gress-, that — '>The victory ol Harrison was such as would have secured to a Boman gene- ral in the best days ol the Republic, the hon- ours of a triumph." A senti-nrnl which was fully responded to, in ihu comjdimentary no- tices which he received from every part of the union. Having entirely defeated the enemy in Up- per Canada, General Harrison advanced wi.* n part of his army, to the Niagara frontier, and thence to Sackeli's Harbour, where he left the troops, and proceeded to the seat of gov- la 4rnmen4. On Ms way tiither, he passed through New York and Philadelphia; in which cities he was received with the most flatteiing marks of public honour and distinction. Af- ter the necessary delay of a few days at Wash- ington, General Harrison proceeded to Ohio, where important duties required his presence. In the plan for" the ensuing campaign, to the surprise and regret of the public, General Har- rison was designated fur a service, far inferi- or to that which he had a right to expect. Regardless of the memorable victories which this gallant and experienced ofRcer had won, and unmindful of the various and important services which he had rendered to his country, the Secretary of War saw fit to assign lo him the command of a district, where he would be compelled lo remain inactive, while others were appointed to those more arduous duties, which he had heretofore ftdfilled with so much honour to himself, and to the nation. As if still unsatisfied with the insult which he had offered to General Harrison, the secretary of war, on the 25lh of April, 1814, appointed a eubordinate officer to a separate command within his district, and notified him to that ef- fect. On the receipt of this notification, Gen- eral Harrison instantly addressed a letter to the secretary, tendering his resignation, with a no- tification thereof to the president. "As soon as Governor Shelby heard of the resignation of General Harrison, he lost no lime in ad- dressing the president in his usual forcible terms, to prevent his acceptance of it ; but un- fortunately for the public interests, the presi- dent was then on a visit to Virginia, to which place the letters from General Harrison and Governor Shelby were forwarded, and that of the latter was not received until after the Sec- retary, Armstrong, without the previous CONSENT OF THE PRESIDENT, had assumed to himself the high prerogative of accepting the resignation. The president expressed his great regret that the letter of Governor Shelby had not been received earlier, as in that ease the valuable services of General Harrison would have been preserved to the nation in the ensu- 55* nig campaign In this resignation, General Harrison evinced the true . patriotism and disinterestedness, which always marked his conduct. He would cheerfully liave devoted his services to his country, even in an appointment inferior to that which should have been assigned to him — but he was loo hig«!)-principle(l lo retain his rank, by yielding assent to a measure, which he considered lo be subversive of military or- der and discipline ; and though his own for- tune had been shattered by the neglect of his private affairs, for the benefit of the public, yet * DawBon- he scorned lo receive the pay and emolumenf^ of his ofhce, when he was no longer permitted to perform its duties actively and iionourably, it would be difficult, at ihis period, lo trace oul the true motives that induced the secreta- ry of war lo the unjustifiable course he pursu- ed in this aflkir. But some knowledge of those events of the war in which be bore a pan, with a little in sight into human nature, would suggest that the leading causes which prompt- ed him, were the envy and jealousy, which » narrowminded man would naturally feel, on contrasting his own feeble efforts, and abortive attempts, with the consummate skill, the bril- liant victories, and the almesl uniform success- es of another. That he had acted in an arbi- trary and unwarrantable manner, was after- wards clearly proved. And in the investiga- tion which took place in Congress in the wii>- ter of 1816—17, it become so evident that Gen- eral Harrison had been treated with great in- justice by the war department, that a resolution' giving him a gold medal and the thanks- OF CONGRESS, was passcd with but one dis- senting voice in both houses of Congress. The leading events in the campaigns of 18 12-- 13, — the gallant defence of Fort Meigs^ and the decisive victory of the Thames, are lasting memorials of General Harrison's mili- tary genius. Yet, for these isolated actions, he deserves far less praise than for the skilful operations, and the Fabian policy, which led lo these and other successes. The prudent care and indefaii^able exertions, by which he provided for his «rmy in a wild and devastated country — the promptness and unwearied ac- tivity, with which he met and defeated the schemes of his antagonists — and the admirable- skill, with which he held in check an enemy far snpeiior ill numbers, and with a small force protected an extended line of frontier, and guarded the lives and properly of thousands of his fellow-citizens, betokened a genius of the highest order, with a vigorous mind eonstanl- ly on the alert. Soon after his resignation, in the summer o. 1814, Mr. Madison evinced his unabated con- fidence in the abilities and integrity of General Harrison, by appointing him to treat with the Indians, in conjunction with his old compan- ions in arms. Governor Shelby and General Cass. And in ihe following year, he was pla- ced at the head of another commission, ap- pointed lo treat with the northwestern tribes. The advantageous treaties made in both these cases, afforded new instances of the unfailing success, that has always attended General Har- rison's negotiations with the Indians. In 1816, he was elected, by a large major- ity, a member of the House of Representatives in Congress, from Ohio. In this station he 14 BGrved, greatly to his own lionour, and to the satisfaction of his constituents, until 1S19; when, on the expiration of his term of service, he was chosen to the Senate of the Stale Le- gislature. In 1824, he was elected a Senator of the U- nited States from Ohio. While serving' in this high station, he commanded universal re- spect. His views as a statesman were liberal and extended, — his remarkable readiness in debate «oon rendered him a prominent mem- ber, — and the nervous and impassioned elo- quence, and clasjical felicity of illustration with which he enforced his arguments, gain- ed him much influence. In ISC3, he was appointed by I\rr. Adams Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Pieiiipo- tenliary to the Hepublic of Colombia. He ac- cepted this appointment, and repaired, without delay, to the scene of his duties, where he was received wiih every demonstration of respect. He found tb.i.s iuihap[)y country in a deplora- ble condiiion — the people ignorant of their right.«, and almost in a state of anarchy, and Bolivar apparently about (o assume the despot- ic power of a mdilary dictator. Shocked at this stale of things, with the frankness of an old soldier, he wrote his celebrated letter to Bcdivar, from which, as we have not space for tiie whole letter, we take liie liberty of quoting the following extracts : "I contend," said General Harrison, "that the strongest of all governments is that which is most free. We consider that of the United Stales as the strongest, precisely because it is l!ie most free. It possesses the faculties, e- qually to protect itself from foreign force, or internal convnUion. In both it has been suf- ficiently tried. In no country on earth would an !;rmo(l opposition to the laws be sooner or more etTcciualiy put down. Not so much from the terrors of the guillotine and the gibbet, as from the aroused determination of the nation, exhibiting their strength, and convincing the factious that their cause was hopeless." * * * # 'In bestowing the palm of merit, the world lias become wiser than formerly. 'I'he suc- cessful warrior is no longer regarded as enti- tled to the first place in the temple of fame, 'ralcnls of this kind have become too common, and too often used for mischievous purpose.*, to be regarded as they once were. In this cn- liglilened aire, the mere hero of the field, and the successful leader of armies, may, for the moment, attract attention. But it wdl be such as is bestowed on the passing meteor, whose hiazo iis no longer remembered, when it is no jtiiifTcr seen. To bu ealeemeJ eminenllv great, it is necesjj.irv to be rmincnlly good. The qualiiicd of the hero and the general must bv devoted to the advantage of mankind, beforf he will be permitted lo^assume the tide of their* benefactor; and the station which he will hold in their regard and afleclions will depend, not upon the number and splendour of his viclo-; ries, but upon the results and the use he may' make of the influence he acquires from them." '•if the fame of our Wasiiington depended upon his military achievem'ents, would the common consent of the world allow him the pre-eminence he possesses? The victories at Trenton, Monmouth, and York, brilliant asi they were, exhibiting as they certainly did the' highest grade of military talents, are scarcely thought of. The source of the veneration| and esteem which is entertained for his char- acter, by every description of politicians, the monarchist and aristocrat, as well as the re- publican, is to be found in his undeviating and exclusive devoledness to the interest of his country. No selfish consideration was ever suflered to intrude itself into his mind. P^or his country he conquered; and the unrivalled and increasing prosperity of that country is constantly adding fresh glory to his name." We regret that our limits will not permit us to insert liie whole of this vigorous and beau- tiful production. But the few passages we have quoted, contain a fair specimen of the no- ble sentiments which characterize this letter and give evidence of the pure republican prin- ciples, which have ever distinguished this em- minent statesman. General Harrison remained in Colombia but a short time, iiaving been recalled by the pres- ent administration, soon after it came into pow- er. Since his return from this mission, he has lived in comparative retirement, in Ohio, the state of his adoption. With the most enticing opportunities of accumulating wealili, during his long government of Indiana, and superiK- tendency of Indian afTiirs, he acquired none ; his honest and scrupulous integrity was proo/ against the golden temptations. His time aim best energies were devoted to the service of his country, and his own interests were ever, with him, a secondary consideration. He there- fore retired without the spoils of oflice, and with only a competency barely siiflicicnl for his sujiporl; but rich in a rejjulation nnihm- mcd by a single tarnish, and in the honour and respect of all his fellow citizens. General Harrison is now sixl^-five years of age ; (about six years younger than President Jackson ;) but such have been the activity and temperate habits of his past life, tliat he enjoys his moral and physical energies in remarka- ble vigour. In person he is tall and thin ; his features are irregular, Initliis eyes are dark, keen and penelraiing ; his forehead is oxpan- Id slve ; Lis moHlh peculuiily l/uliculive of firin-i tagcs of William Monry lIani?on ; such lias ness and genius ; and liis coiii*enance is high- been his course thus far ihrough life ; and such ly expressive of intelligence and benevolence. is now the bright promise, to a realization of His manners are plsin. (rank and unassuming, which we may fafely look forward, should the and his disposition is cheerful, kind and ge nerous, almost to a fault. In his private inter- course, he is beloved and esteemed by all who know liim. In the various civil and military ofTices he has held, he has always been mod- erate and forbearing, yet firm and true to his trust. No oilier commander has ever been more popular with our militia, and the true secret of this cannot be better explained than people see (it to place him in ollice. The friends of General Harrison found no claim on \\\s military services. His own sen- timents on this subject we have already quot- ed; and his friends would scorn, as much as ke would, any ailemj)t to dazzle a single one of his fellow citizens by the glory of his mili- tary renown, brilliant though it be. They would rather point to his numerous civil ser- by his own reply, when asked how he had I vices, in ihe forty years he has devoted to his gained this inlluence : "By treating them," country ; to the various and important oflkes said he, "with affection and kindness, by al- he has so ably filled — in the territorial gov- vays recollecting that they were my fellow ernments, in ihe Legislature of his own slate, citizens, whose feelings 1 was bound to res- land in the House of Representatives and Sen- pect ; and by sharing wilh tliem, on every oc- j ate of the United Steles ; and to the high order casion, the liardships which they were obliged of abilities displayed in his speeches in Con- to undergo." gi"css, in his public acts, and in his voluminous In the republican institutions of our country, I public correspondence. And we here take hirth and parentage are comparatively of very occasion to say, iliat all his letters and public little importance ; and no candidate for public pajiers have been exclusively written by him- favour can found ihereon the slightest claim to 'self-, and tlial so far from his having called iiu the respect or the support of his fellow cili- the mental aid of another, to prepare his mes- zens. iVe have happily shaken off the thrall- sages and despatches, as some of our ilisiin- ing prejudices of the old world, and a tiiie to guislied men have condescended to do, he has oflice and honoiabls distinction is not wilh us I never even employed an amanuensis, to per- liereditai) ; but every man must earn his own form the manual labor of his correspondence, good name, and his claim to the favour of the ^ His ruling principles through life, appear to people, by his own good deeds. Yet, aware, have been, an ardent lore for his country, and as every one must be, of the powerful influ-'an earnest desire to serve her best interests ; ence of early education, it is worthy of remaik, wiih a devotion to the pure republican max- as well as gratifying to know, that a candi- date for public oflice, in whom we feel an in ims ol the J-levohilion, always luiwavering and consistent ; unlike the scheming politi- teresl, passed all the early years of his life with cians of a • more modern school, whoso own the bnghiesi examples consiandy before iiim ] interest is the polar star that guides them, and under the parental tuition ©f one of those I whatever may betide their country, illustrious patriots, whose memory is revered With tried patriotism, wilh abilities of the by everj true-hearted American, ll is pleas- i highest order, with iiilfgrily pure ns ihe uusul- ing to know, that his first political .sentiments 'lied snow, and with ihe truest republican were imbibed in a school of the purest repub- j principle?, William Henry Harrison is novir lican principles. And when we trace up the i before his fellow citizens, as a candidate for career of this individual, from the spring-time the highest office in their gift. In the long of his youth, to the summer of his manhood : course of his public life, lie lias always been a and to the early autumn of his years, and see staunch advocate ofpopiilar ri^jhts, and is ihere- ihose principles closely adhered to throughout, j fore truly the candidate of iha pei.'ple. He we can scarcely resist the conviction, that his comes before them, not with a crowd of pam- fulure course will be consistent wilh the past ; I pered and slill-grasping ofikials to inlrigi;e and that, with matured abilitic?, he will be and bribe for him, but wiih ilie iioide frunk- etill more conspicuous for his republican prin- ness of an honorable and high-minded man, ciples, his moileration in oflice, his firm intrg- williiiir and de.«irous to be judged im|>ariia!ly ritv, and his extended and enlightened views as a statesman. Such were the caily advan- by his fellow citizens, and n-ady to abide by their honest decision. 16 ^hC IjVS Cfibtn mtd I^urd CU< On the 7ih November, 1811, he gained thfi clcr Ctmdiilatc. Gen. Harrison, when parting froin a regiment oChis great victory of TIPPECANOE. On the mil September, 1812, he was ap- soldiers, just after the Indian war, said to them: 'Gen-' poi'i'ed by Ma(lisr)n. Commander-iii-Cliief of llemen, if you ever come to Vincennes, you will al 'be North Western Armr. Ways find a plaie and a knife and fork al my table,' On the 1st May, 1813, the siege of Fori and 1 assure you tiiat you w'xWnererfmd my door shut Meigs commenced — la.xted five days, and was und the string of the latch pulled in. ' ilerminated bv the brilliant and successful 5or-» r^^=--— -^^^'^^~ • ^^^BH^^^^^T" • iJ Zn ^''^ "f Gen. riarrisdii. On the 3 1st July, 18 13, the battle of Fori Sipphenson occurred. On the 5ih October, ! SI. S, be aained the ■splendid victory of die THAMES,^ over the Briii-'h and Intliaus under Proctor. In 1814, be was appointed 1>y Madison one • f llic Commis.'iioiiers to treat with the In- ilians,iin(l in ilic same jear, vriili his colleagues CJov. Shelby and Gen. Gas.?, concluded the celebrated treaty of Greenville. In 1815, he was again appointed such Com* missioner, with Gen. Mc Arthur and Mr. Gra- ham, and nefj^otiated a treaty at Detroit. In 1816, he was elected a member of Con* iiress. In January, 18 IS, he introduced a resohilion in honor of Kosciusko, ;uid snjtported it in one of tlie most ieelinjj, classical and eloqnerrl speeches ever delivered in the House of He-' presentatives. In 1819, he was elected a member of ths Ohio Sen ale. In 1824, he was elected Senator in Cori- gress, and was" appointed in 1825, Chairmarj-. of the Military Committee, in place of Gen. Jackson, who had resigned. Ih 18-27, he was ajipoinlcd Minister to Co- lombia, and in 1829, wrote fiis immortal Iflier to Bolivar, the deliverer of South America. 01 him Col. Johnson (Vice-President) thus spoke in the House of liejirescntatives whilst a member of that body : "'Ol the career of Gen. Harrijon F need not .>ly dislinguisli- ed in the held. During the late war, he was lotiiier in actual service than any olh&r Gen- eral Oinrer ; be wai*, peihaj).s, oflener in ac- tion than any cnic of them, and never smlain- ed n dtfeat?'* Such is the man, who still enjoying bis im- tariiished fajne" and gbiry, and standing on a proud and lofty eminence, where neither mal- The above represents the veleian U.UililSuN, as he now lives,a Private Ct/jjeji, in the ai t of welcom- ing an old soldier into his Cabin, T\here he had some friends al dinner. He introduced liim thus— "Gen- tlemen, here is one of my old cumrades who lias done battle for his country, and lie will take a teal wilii us at table." The Soldier, tiius introduced, was receiv- ed with open arms and joyful hearts, by ilie company. AN ELOqUKNTlUKCORl}. William II. Hakkiso.v was born in Virgi- nia on tlie {(ill February,' f773. In 1791, when 19 ytars of age, he was ap- pointed by Washington an Ensign in our in- fant army. In 1792, be v.as |)rnn-if)led to the rank of Lieutenant ; and in 1 79.'j, joined the legion un- der Gen. Wayne, and in a few days thereafter, was selected by him as one ol bis Aids. On the 24ih of August, 1794, he distin- guished himself in the battle of the Miami, and elicited the most llullering written aj)pro- batioii of Gl'II. V\'ayne. In I79.'j, be was made a Captain, and was jilaced in command of Fort Wa.-binglon. In 1797, be was appointed, l>y Presiflenl Adams, Secretary of the North Western Ter- ritory and ex ojficio Lt. Governor. In 1798, he was chosen a ilelegate to Con- gress. In 1801, he was appointed Governor of In- iana, and in the same year, President Jell'er- )n appointed him sole Commissioner b)r treat- g with lliu Iniliuns. In 1809, he was le appointed Governor of ui!; iitn tELiVEREU I ! tdtana by Madison. ice or envy can assail him, Is i) )w summoned by bis gralf fill couniiymen to leave i!ie quiet walk* of private life to guide ilie councils of the n:iti()n, "and ddiver tlie country fnun the diingeis uhich encomjiass it." Ano he will i