Tecumseh.

Battle of Tippecanoe.

different tribes were united, and a spirit of animosity was 1811 stirred up against the white inhabitants. Tecumseh maintained that the country belonged to the red men in common, and that no portion of it could be sold without the consent of all; that no one tribe had any more right to sell its land than it had to darken the bright rays of the sun.

In the autumn of 1811, the outrages committed by Tecumseh and his followers, induced the government to send General Harrison, then governor of the Indiana territory, with a small force, to negotiate, if possible, but to fight if no redress could be obtained. Arrived at Tippecanoe, their principal town, a deputation of the chiefs met him.* An agreement was made that neither party should commence hostilities before the next day, when a conference should be held.

In violation of this engagement, the American camp was furiously attacked before daybreak. Not feeling confidence in the promises of the Indians, the Americans had slept on their arms, and made a vigorous resistance. Great slaughter took place on both sides. The Indians were finally dispersed. At the time of this battle, Tecumseh was in the south, endeavoring to induce other Indians to join the confederacy. Having burned Tippecanoe, and laid waste the surrounding country, from which his opponents were obliged to retreat, Harrison returned to the settlements.

*At the commencement of this interview, when Tecumseh first came into the presence of General Harrison, the latter directed a chair to be handed him, which was done, with the remark of the American interpreter, "Your father desires you to sit down." The immediate reply of this remarkable chieftain is characteristic of his eloquence and of his proud spirit. Raising his hand aloft, he said, "My father? The sun is my father, and the earth my mother, and on her bosom I will repose;" at the same time taking his seat upon the ground in the usual Indian mode.

Mission of John Henry.

1812

Early in 1812, John Henry, a resident of Canada, gave information to the Secretary of State, that in 1809 he had been employed by the governor-general of Canada, as a secret agent in the United States. Documents and papers were submitted by him, which were laid by the President before Congress. From these it appeared that he had been instructed to proceed to Boston, to confer with those who were opposed to the restrictions laid by the American government on commerce; to obtain information of the true state of affairs in that part of the Union, which from various causes would possess great influence and probably lead the other States; and to observe the state of public opinion with regard to a war with England. He was also to learn whether the Federalists, in case they gained the ascendency, would exert their influence. to bring about a separation of the Union; and in case of such an event, whether they would look to England for assistance, or be disposed to enter into a connection with that nation. The mission of Henry was entirely unsuccessful; and the British government consequently refused the required remuneration. He therefore made a full disclosure of the facts to the American government, and received for the information the sum of fifty thousand dollars.

This intrigue removed still farther the prospect of an amicable adjustment with England; and preparations for war continued. On the 20th of Fifth month, (May,) a sloop-of-war arrived from London with the intelligence that no prospect existed of a change in the measures of Great Britain toward this country. On the 1st of Sixth month, (June,) the Presi dent sent a message to Congress, in which he set forth the various injuries received from that nation, and recommended for their early deliberation, the question whether the United States should continue passive under these progressive usurpations, or whether force should be opposed to force.

Declaration of war.

The message was seriously considered with closed doors. 1812 On the 18th, an act was passed declaring war with the United Kingdoms of Great Britain and Ireland. For the prosecution of the war the President was authorized to issue treasury notes to an amount not exceeding five millions of dollars, and additional duties were imposed on all goods, wares and merchandise imported from foreign places.

The declaration was condemned by a considerable portion of citizens, who believed that an adjustment of all disputes might have been obtained by further negotiations, and that such a step was unwise at this time, as the nation was not prepared for war. Many believed, also, that the expenses and sufferings which war must occasion, would more than counterbalance the advantages sought to be obtained. Decided opposition was made to it in the New England States, where much distress was occasioned by the suppression of their commerce. Several commercial cities protested against the measure, while in others the act was received with illuminations and rejoicings. A majority of the people were favor able to the war,

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Invasion of Canada.

WAR OF 1812.

Retreat of General Hull.

1812 Ir is not designed to give a minute account of the three years' war with Great Britain. The time will come when such records shall have fallen from their present importance and, divested of all false glory, shall sink into insignificance before the truly noble achievements of humanity.

The plan of operations at the commencement of the war, was to garrison and defend the seaboard, and to attack the British posts in Upper Canada, with the design of invading and conquering Lower Canada.

General William Hull, then governor of Michigan territory, received command of the army appropriated for the invasion of Canada. Having entered the province, he issued a proclamation, offering peace and protection to such Canadians as should remain at home, but threatening extermination to those found in arms, associated with the Indians. Many joined his standard, or returned to their homes relying on his promise of protection.

After considerable delay, and nothing special having been attempted, information was received that the post of Mackinaw had surrendered to a large body of British and Indians, who were marching south. General Hull immediately retreated to Detroit. Here he awaited the approach of a force of British and Indians superior to his own, from the fort at Malden, on the Detroit river. A white flag was hung out in

His surrender.

Attack on Queenstown.

token of a wish to capitulate, and Hull's whole force, the 1812 fortress and the entire territory of Michigan, were surrendered to the British.

The American troops had anticipated an easy victory, and were greatly indignant at the unexpected submission of General Hull. When released by an exchange of prisoners, the government brought him to trial by a court-martial in 1814. He was sentenced to death for cowardice and neglect of duty, but subsequently pardoned in consideration of former services.

The surrender of Michigan left the north-western frontier exposed to the incursions of the British and Indians. The neighboring States were alarmed, and nearly ten thousand volunteers, under the command of General William Henry Harrison, marched toward the territory of Michigan. Many difficulties were encountered, arising in part from the undisciplined state of the army, and winter set in without anything being accomplished, excepting incursions into the territory of the Indians, who, instigated by British agents, had generally become hostile.

In Eleventh month, (Nov.,) an attack was made on Queenstown, in Upper Canada. The Americans were at first successful, and gained possession of the fort. It was, however, retaken by the British, after a severe engagement, and a heavy loss on both sides in killed and wounded. Of one thousand Americans who crossed into Canada, but few escaped.

In the latter part of the same month a third invasion of Canada was attempted. An army of four thousand five hundred men was assembled, and a day fixed for their embarkation. The British appearing on the opposite shore of the Niagara, with a formidable force, the crossing of the troops was postponed, and finally abandoned for the season.