The Battle of Tippecanoe

PREFACE

Among the earthly spots that mark the rise or fall of some distinguished hero, but few are more memorable than the Battle Ground. The unpretentious little village which bears its name, should it exist until the close of history, can add nothing to the perpetuity already vouchsafed the memory of events that transpired there long ago.

Well nigh a century has passed sine the battle of Tippecanoe was fought. It wrought immediate and significant changes in the conditions of races and governments for the period that followed, and those results have hound favor and appreciation in the public mind. Many tributes have been paid the brave men who fell on that field, and the American people have recognized the renown won by the heroic leader in that fierce fight. He was taken from successful contests on the field of battle and elevated to the chief office within the gift of man. Affairs of government in which his life performed a potent part, fill many chapters of our Country's history.

Nor does the close of his career mark the end of political events that have gathered impulse and power, or grew in sentiment so generously supplied from the fountain of cherished annals surrounding the name of Tippecanoe.

The year but recently closed renewed and revived the history of that field. Another president is now presiding over the destinies of this Republic, whose warmest personal and party friends refer to the Hero of Tippecanoe with reverence and pride.

     Reed Beard
     Lafayette, Ind., August 1, 1889

CONTENTS
Chapter I Chapter II Chapter III Chapter IV Chapter V Chapter VI Chapter VII Chapter VIII Chapter IX Chapter X Chapter XI Chapter XII	The Prophet Tecumseh The Confederacy The March to Prophet's Town The Battle Incidents of the Battle Effect of the Battle The Battlefield Tippecanoe in Politics The Campaign of 1888 Roll of Companies Indian Warrior's Reflections	13 21 25 47 59 69 75 85 89 97 102 122

ILLUSTRATIONS
Illustration of Author William Henry Harrison The Prophet Tecumseh Indian War Dance Indian Weapons Present Site of Prophet's Town Plan of Tippecanoe Camp Prophet's Rock and Rattle-Snake Cave Burnett's Creek and Battle Ground from the West The Battle Ground, From the Northeast A Battle-Scarred Oak Benjamin Harrison	Frontispiece 12 16 20 30 38 46 58 68 74 86 92 99

"On Wabash, when the sun withdrew,
and chill November's tempest blew,
Dark rolled thy waves, Tippecanoe,
Amidst that lonely solitude.
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But Wabash saw another sight;
A martial host, in armor bright,
Encamped upon the shore that night,
And lighted up her scenery."
Song-Tippecanoe

"Bold Boyd led on his steady band,
With bristling bayonets burnished bright.
What could their dauntless charge withstand?
What stay the warriors' matchless might?
Rushing amain they cleared the field;
The savage foe constrained to yield
To Harrison, who, near and far
Gave form and spirit to the war."
Battle of Tippecanoe

"Sound, sound the charge ! spur, spur the steed,
And swift the fugitives pursue:
Tis vain: rein in -- your utmost speed
Could not o'ertake the recreant crew.
In lowland marsh, in dell or cave
Each Indian sought his life to save;
Whence peering forth with fear and ire,
He saw his Prophet's town on fire."

To
General Benjamin Harrison
President of the United States
This Volume
Is Respectfully Dedicated
by the
Author

W. H. Harrison

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