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SIM'.KtH OF MK.
OK OHIO.
/? reply to Mr. Di n< an. on the bill proridine
for th, civil and diplomat,,- expense* of ho
cernment for the year IS40.
[fUNCUrDED. |
The member from Hamilton spoke "iiu'liof
" Federal party," and -federalist*. 1,1 J)
mured to consider the term as a reproach U>
everv person and party to whom he applied it.
This " calling oj names," Mr. < hainnan, re
minds me of my' school boy days. At that pe
riod, if any two urchins happened to " tall out,
,t became a matter of strife to see which should
call the other by the hardest name. I his prac
tice, however, was not resorted to when the as
sailant could find any thing more substantial
with which to reproach his adversary. If the
fellow had ever done any thing wrong, he was
,uld of it at once. Hut if he had a ways con
ducted himself honorably, then, sir, he was as
saulted with most terrible name*.
It the member from Hamilton can tmd nothing
cWe wherewith to nssail the \\ big i>artv than
mere name*. I do not know that I shall object to
his using them at any time which may suit his
whim There is no accounting for tin- laney ot
individuals. 1 understand the member l.imsell
|,;,ve descended from a very respectable Scotch
divine, who. I am told, was a federal)*! during
the late war. 1 can only speak from informa
ti( n ; and, as the member is not in his seat, I
am denied the privilege of putting any inquiry
to him on the subject. My information, how
??vt r, comes from a source entitled to orruit.
suppose him to have been educated by a In deral
father. He now acts with Messrs. Hut hanan,
Wall, Williams, and Hubbard, of the Senate,
and with many very honorable members of this
House, all of whom are regarded as leaders ot
his party, and who, in days of Federalism, were
always considered "high-toned Federalist*.
Yet ihe member app? ared to have a sort ol whim
which prompted bun to call the whole party
with which he acts " Democrat*," while lie
spoke of Messrs. Clay-, Crittenden, Hives, Tall
madge, White, and other 'Whigs of the two
Mouses -of Congress, as " Federalist*,'' in com
mon with all who sustain General Harrison for
flip Presidency. Now, sir, I shall make but a
very brief answer to the remarks of the member
al>out Federalists and Democrat*. The term
'? Federalists" was originally adopted by those
who were in favor of the " Confederation of the
States.'' It was afterwards applied to those who
were in favor of bestowing large powers upon
the General Government in preference to the
State Governments, and in time it was extended
to embrace all w ho were in favor of increasing
the power* and patronage ol Government and
Government officers. About the year 171S the
term 41 Democrat" took it< rise in this country.
Ai first it was understood in it- most unlimited
sense. It was supposed to refer to the Jacobin
ism of France! and as expressive of the princi
|i|e that the proper government was the popular
voice unrestrained by Constitution or law. In
tune it came to be understood as descriptive ol
those politicians who were in favor of retaining
in the hands of the People all powers not ahso
lulely necessary to be delegated lor the purpose
of sustaining the Government.
After the close of the war, when Mr. Monroe
came into power, the Federal party was dis
bursed. The strength of the Federal Govern
ment had been I'ullv tested ; and it bad been
found adequate to all emergencies. The mem
bers of the Federal party were afterwards ar
ranged on both sides ol all political questions.
Such was also the case with the Democrats.
Hoth paTties then lost their identity. I hey
were succeeded by Adams men. ( lav men, and
i 'rawford men. After the election of the younger
Adams they were characterized as Adams men
and Jackson met), and in time these terms gave
way to those of " H'/mV" and "Administration
inch." Among the former and among the latter
are to be found Federalists, Democrats, Clay
men, Adams men, Jackson men, and Crawford
men. I do not, therefore, myself, perceive the
propriety of attempting to attach the name of
??Fed era r to either of the present political par
ties. Yet, as the Government organ and the
member from Hamilton are in the constant ha
bit of attempting to characterize the \\ lug party
.is Ihe Federal party, perhaps we might as well
look to the definitions I have alluded to, and test
tli" character of the parties by their act* awl
rote*. Which of the present political parties
lias, for the last twelve years, been found on the
side of the People, and which has been en
eaged in strengthening the Federal kxecutive
and the Federal Government ? The people, by
their constitutional representatives, passed the
bill for making the Maysville road, and Gen.
fackson, disregarding the voice of the People,
vetoed it. Who sustained him, and who were
found on the side of the People? When the
People said they desired a rc charter of the |
I'nited States Bank, and General Jackson said i
he was opposed to it, who were found sustaining
the Executive, and who were w ifh the People ?
When the Federal Executive, in defiance of the
People dismissed from office a man who refused
(0 be subservient to hi* will, without regard to
the voice of the nation, and usurped to himself
imwers never before claimed by any President,
md denied the right of Congress to control the
fund< of the nation, who, then, were the Demo
erats that supported the rights of the I eople,
;?ul who were the Federalist* that supported
tin usurpations of the Executive ? " hen < on
gress, as the constitutional organ of the nation,
passed a law for restoring the deposites, and the
Federal Executive disregarded the action ol
< 'ongress entirely, and neither approved nor re
turned the bill, as by the Constitution he w..
bound to do, where were the Democrat* and
where the Federalists f The Federal Execu
tive has three times recommenced the passage
of the Sub treasury bill. The people have three
times rejected the measure. II is again urged
and sustained in accordance with the Executive
wish, and in total disregard of the voice of the
People of these States. Who now sustain the
Executive will, and who obey the People's voice?
THE MADISONIAN.
VOL. HI.?NO. 107.] WASHINGTON CITY, SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 1840. [WHOLE NO. 30u.
Ami now, when the IVopIt' are speaking in tones
of thunder upon this subject so destructive to
their interests, who, tlmik you, will he found on
the side of the Executive, und arrayed against
the wish of the People I 1 am nol prepared to
think the member himself will go so far at this
time as to insist that democracy consist* in op
poring the People and in strengthening the
Federal K.revutive.
A few weeks only have elapsed since we saw
every member of the party in power voting that
the printing o! this House should not be doue
l?V such person as would do it the cheapest; and
saying, substantially, by their vote, that the peo
ple shall he taxed for tin- support of a partisan
paper, which most of them despise. Is that de
mocracy? Do members supjiose that the intel
ligent freemen of this natiou are to be misled hy
the repetition of empty naifies, regardless of the
votes and acts of their public servants 7 1 he
time is coming, and now is, when public men
will he judged by their work* and "known by
their fruits." .
Another grave charge, which was made by
the member from Hamilton, U, lhat the sup
oorter* o f iieneral Harrison opposed the late
war. This charge, I believe, aUo rests upon
mere assertion, unsustained by proof. Resting,
as it does, upon the word of th*1 member. I urn
much embarrassed as to the mode of meeting it.
I can speak, however, what I know in regard to
it The district which I have the honor to repre
sent eoutains, probably, from 90,0(10 to 100,000
inhabitants. It will, 1 think, give General Har
rison a majority of at least 0,000 votes. I have
lived within the district thirty-four years, and
am general!) acquainted with the people. I can
sav, with much pleasure, that, among all the
supporters of General Harrison in that district,
i am unable to point to an individual who op
posed the late war. I regret that the member is
nut in his seat; 1 would have inquired who of
the supporters of General Harrison opposed the
war ? Did he mean to include the W hig Sena
tors or the Whig members of this House I I
can'hardly suppose he would be willing to in
elude in his charge either ot the honorable gen
tlemen from Kentucky, (Messrs. Underwood
and Green,) who. I understand, tought so gal
lantly at Fort Meigs, under General Harrison,
and whose blood mingled with the soil of the
Maumce valley, while death, with all its hor
rors, and in all its varied forms, was visible on
every side. They are now charged with op
posing the war in which they bled. At the time
of General Hull's surrender, I lived with my
father in the county in which 1 still reside. I he
regiment within the limits of which 1 lived ex
tended over a territory of perhaps thirty miles in
length and fifteen in width, and contained pro
bably four hundred and fifty men. These men
were ordered out en masse; every able-bodied
man between eighteen and forty-five years ot
age was called on to protect our frontier. \\ ith
them old men of sixty and lads of sixteen inarch
ed forth at their country's call. My honorable
predecessor, with whom most of the committee
are acquainted, was as punctual and faithful in
serving bis country then as he was while a
member here, and as he now i< in sustaining
General Harrison. The regiment to which
have alluded was first in the fi?ld, and preceded
the other troops, and took up a position within
the territory infested with savage loes. As early
as the 25th of September, one halt the regiment
marched forward and took possession ol the
stockade, subsequently called Fort Stephen-on.
From that point a small l?ar,V advanced to
Portage river. (1 am aware, Mr. t hairman,
that you may think ine digressing, but I intend only
to follow out the charge in detail.) One-hall of
the regiment was lying at Camp Avery, under
the command of a aallant officer. Ylate Hon.
Uichard Hayes,) now no more. YY lule he lived,
he opposed the present party in power, and in lb.iU,
used Ins efforts and influence in favor of the
brave General under whom lie served. Another
part were at Fort Stephenson, under charge ol a
highly esteemed officer, (Major h razier,) who
long since left that country, but I know not
whether he now lives to take part in the present
political contest, if so, I have no doubt lie will
be found under the broad banner of " Harrison
mid KeJ'onn." A company of some forty men
were sent forward to Portage river, under the
command ot ;i most tearless otlicer und upright
citizen, (Captain Parker,) who. I believe, is as
vigilant now in convincing and converting what
few Administration men are to be found in his
neighborhood as he then was in searching out
the enemies of his country. On the evening of
the 28lli September, the spies brought to Camp
Avery intelligence of a body of Indians having
been discovered on the peninsula north of San
dusky bav. Volunteers were called for, and
most of the men then iu camp able for duty
turned out. There were seventy-two in all.
I knew them, and am still acquainted with most
of them. The captain, lieutenant, the non
commissioned officers and men, nearly all are
vet residents of my district, and, I believe, are
all Harrison men ; at least I am unable to name
a single man among them who supports Mr,
Van fiuren. They left camp at evening, march
ed all night, and the next day encountered an
enemy far superior in numbers, and lost, in
killed and wounded, one-sixth ol their men.
Twice they were furiously attacked by a supe
rior force in one day, and twice they defeated
their enemies. Their leader. Captain ( otton,
and I believe, most of his men, still live to put
forth their efforts once more for their country s
benefit. Among those who fell on that day were
mv friends and companions. '1 he bodies of my
comrades were buried in rude graves amid the
gloomy forest, which yet spreads its shade over
their uncoffinrd and slightly covered remains.
The story of their fall is still related by those
who were with them. But, I believe it has tie
ver vet been told on paper. 1 beg pardon tor the
digression. I have alluded to these facts, in
part, to do justice to some of the supporters of
General Harrison, as well as to show the foun
dation of the charge made by the member from
Hamilton. 1 was then a lad of sixteen. My
father had been a soldier of the Revolution. Me
was too infirm for hard and active service ; but,
feeliiif that our frontier was in danger, he did
not hesitate to send his son. 1 was dismissed
from the paternal residence with the prayers of
a tender mother for my safety. Equipped with
my gun and knapsack, I joined the regiment to
which I have alluded ; and perhaps 1 may he ex
cused for saying that 1 continued with them un
til th<?y wen* regularly discharged. But, sir,
myself and comrades are now said to have op
posed the late war. Mr. ('hairman, I regret that
the member who made this charge i-. not in his
seat. I desire very much to inquire where he
was at the time I have mentioned. 1 should
feel much obliged by hearing from him how he
si'pported the war. The member was aware
that 1 intended to address the committee, and
must consequently have expected me to reply to
his speech of yesterday. But he is unfortunate
ly absent. The member. 1 understand, was a
resident during the war of the district which I
now have the honor to represent. I am not in
formed of the services which he rendered, or
indeed, whether he could say as much in proof
of hi- patriotism as an honorable member did
the other day when he boasted ot having had a
brother in the service. I have no recollection
of seeing the member with the army, although
I was well acquainted with his neighbors,
think no young man of that day who ventured
bevond the protection of his mother, would urge
that the supporters of General Harrison oppose'
the war. Such a charge would not likely be
mad. by any one who ventured sufficiently
near the enemy to become acquainted with (.en
Harrison or In* troop?. 1 think it will never be
made by a tolditr, or any one possessing the
generous spirit which usually characterizes tnos*
who art- willing to meet the enemies of then
country.
I have now said all I intended to say iu reply
to the charges ol' the member against the Whig
party. I i-hall proceed to notice some things
lie has stated against Gen. Harrison. The mem
ber says, " General Harrison is in favor of and
has voted for a law authorizing the ?nle oj
the poor man into bondage and degrading sla
ter y." To the people of Ohio any answer
whatever to this charge is unnecessary. It is,
however, gravely brought forward on this Boor
by the member from General Harrison's district,
and therefore demands an answer. In the year
1820 our State was suffering severely under the
pecuniary embarrassment which spread itself
through the nation. Thieves and pickpockets
appeared *.o increase, while the pecuniary dis
tress prevailed. If a man stole a less sum than
twenty five dollars or committed any other mi
nor ottence, his only punishment was a fine and
imprisonment in the county jail. The expense
of apprehending, keeping, and try iug offenders
constituted no small item in our public expendi
tures. But when an idle vagabond had stolen
the sheep or picked the pocket of the honest, iu
dustrious citizen, and was convicted of it, he
was generally found destitute of property and
unable to pay the costs of his conviction ; or, if
he had property, he usually found means to se
crete it from the officers of justice. I he conse
quence was, that the expense was paid from the
county funds. Thus ihe honest and industrious
citizen, after loosing his property or his money
by a vagabond thief, was compelled to contribute
of his money to pav the expense of convicting
the offender. This was considered a hardship,
and a law was introduced providing that such
offender should pay the expenses arising Irotn
his own turpitude, by lal>oring for suth person as
would pay the highest pi ice for his work. I he
sheriff was authorized to sell the services of
such convicted offender to the person who would
pay the highest sum therelor, until the fine and
costs of prosecution should be paid.
The bill passed the House of Representatives
by a large majority. It was supported by the best
and ablest men in our State. When it came to
the Senate, a motion was made to strike out the
section making the provisions to which I have
alluded. On this motion to strike out, General
Harrison, with many of our best men, voted in
the negative. Of this vote the member Irom
Hamilton complains. General Harrison prefer
red having offenders pay the expense of their
own crimes, even if they were compelled to /?
bor for it. At this principle, gentlemen seem
horrified. For my own part I have no such sym
pathy for those who commit depredations upon
the community as to desire they should be
screened from all proper punishments, not except
in" the punishment of labor. Among those
who voted with General Harrison was the Hon.
Aaron Wheeler, from my own county. Our
people fully justified him. Indeed, 1 do not be
lieve a man in that county could have been found
willing to raise the objection against bun which
is now brought against General Harrison. My
highly esteemed predecessor, (liou. E. \> in tile
sev.) known to this committee and to the nation,
voted for the measure. The Hon. Ell Baldwin
voted with General Harrison. Hew/as the V an
Buren candidate for Governor ol Ohio in
I think there was not a Whig editor in that
State so forgetful of self-respect as to assail
Judge Baldwin for his vote.
Such. sir. are the different sentiments ol the
two political parties. While General Harrison
was a candidate at the last Presidential election
the charge now brought forward was heralded
forth in every partisan paper that opposed him.
The charge was brought to the ears of every
elector, and our people made a suitable res[
The verdict of our State was such as I sup
posed would forever silence further attempts to
stigmatize General Harrison for that vote. 1
believe few papers or few politicians can .be
found there who are willing to renew the at
tack Perhaps there may be more hopes ol
success here. Time will .determine the ques
""tIic member from Hamilton was not satisfied
with his attacks upon the W lug party and the
civil qualifications ..I General Harrison, but It It
it Ins duty to go further, and to assail bis vuh
tanj reputation. Perhaps nothing is so dear to
the soldier who has fought Ins country s battles
as his military fame. He would rather you
would assail his life than tear from Ins brow Ins
well-earned laurels. , ,
Honor, renown, and glory, constitute the sol
dier's reward. For these he labors and toils
for these lie encounters fatigues, privations, and
hardships; for these he meets dangers and
braves death amid the battle's rage. II, when
he has done this, and retires to private lite, you
disrobe him of the honor lie has justly earned,
you take from him the reward lor which he lias
labored, and rob liiin of all he holds dear in lile.
If the charges rest upon the assertion ol an in
dividual, we should examine the situation of
such individual. We should inquire whether he
be a judge of military operations. Has he been
bred to the profession of arms? Has he ac
quired military fame himself? Has he served
bis country in times of peril and ol danger . Is
he acquainted with the difficulties attending the
operations of an army ? Has he ever stood in
battle and faced his country's foes in moments
of trial? And if wc find the charge emana
ting from an individual who "never set a squad
ron in the field"?who never saw an army oi
men in actual service?and who never even stu
died the theory of war?why, sir, we should be
very likely to disregard his attempts to detract
from the fair fame of a war-worn veteran. W e
ought also to understand whether the charges
were made when the facts referred to were no
torious. and understood by all; or whether they
were brought forward after the lapse of much
time and upon the eve of an important election,
at which the person charged is expected to be a
candidate. , ,
A^ain' it is important for us to know whether
the charges be made by one who can have no
othet object than the public good; or whether
they emanate from the mere political partisan
The committee will recollect that, some time
since, iny colleague informed us that he was a
"regular physician," holding a diploma in due
form. We are thus officially informed ol his
qualifications to handle the lancet or the
bo.r but it docs not follow that he is equally I
iiuali'fied to command an army or conduct a war.
I will suppose it to he a historical fact witti
which we are all acquainted, that the member
now making the charges against Gen. Harrison
was not in the service during the late war. ?
regret that he is not in the House, as I intended
to inquire of him particularly as to that point.
As he IS absent, however, I will state that the
best intelligence that I possess would indicate
that lie was never in the service, and was iypi
present to witness anv of the difficulties which
(Jen 11 had to encounter. He was in a situation
probably to form a deliberate opinion. I lc was
so far removed from the scene of operations as to
be entirely out of danerr of the enemy. H ,a
perhaps important, for the purpose of forming a
correct opinion, that a man should feel no appre
hension for his personal safety; but I insist that
it i? necessary, for the purpose of duly appreci
ating the services of Gen Harrison, and ot
forming a correct opinion of his merits, that a
man should have at least some experience in
military life; he should know the difficulties ot
wading through the "Black Swamp," of sleeping
upon the ground in cold weather, of inarclun?
without rations, of the difficulties of providing
food for men and forage for horses in mat dense
wilderness. He should understand the difficul
ties to be Overcome and the dangers to be en
countered. On these points, I believe, the hon
orable gentlemau who makes tlus attack has had
no experience.
Sir, there are members of thin House, who
act with the party to which the member from
Hamilton belongs, who possess intelligence in
regard to the military services of Gen. Harrison
derived from personal observation. The honor
able gentleman from Missouri, (Mr. Miller,)
not now in his seat, I suppose was with Ge
neral Harrison during the campaign in 181II.
He |H>ssessed advantages favorable to the
formation of a correct opinion. He was
an eye-witness and a conspicuous actor in
the important events of that campaign. At the
memorable sortie of Fort Meigs he commauded
the troops who boldly marched to the mouth of
tlie litilish cannon, drove back the enemy, and
spiked his guus. On that day he proved him
self a soldier of gallant bearing. lias that hon
orable member ever been hearu to censure Gen.
Harrison? No. sir; not all the feelings of po
litical strife would ever tempt a brace and gene
rous man wantonly to attack the military repu
tation of our country's benefactor. This busi
ness of assailing Gen. Harrison has been left to
memberi who were at a distance from the scene
of operations, and under the protection of their
mothers, while Gen. Harrison was engaged in
conquering the Rritish army, and driving the
Indians from our frontiers.
I will now look to the charges which themein
ber has been pleased to bring; forward against
General Harrison's military character. The
first important charge is, that the Senate of the
United States, oil taking up the joint resolution
of thanks to General Harrison and Gov. Shelby,
and directing gold medals to be struck commemo
rative of the capture of the British army, ordered
the name of Gen. Harrison to be stricken out. It
is unquestionably true that the Senate were not
then all of them prepared to bestow upon Gen.
Harrison the hign honors contemplated by the
resolution. There were then, as there are now,
and always have been, men who were ready and
willing to accuse any one acting in the exalted
station which Gen. Harrison filled. From these
charges no man of elevated, standing ever es
caped, and probably never will. The work of
detraction and slander has too many votaries for
us to hope that merit or virtue will long remain
unassailed.
There were at that time those who. from some
motive or other, attacked the reputation of Gen.
Harrison. While there was an objection ex
isting in the minds of any member unfavorable
to the character of General Harrison, it would
have been highly improper to have passed the
resolution. It was accordingly delayed Inqui
ry was made; the reports proved unfounded ; all
were satisfied as to the perfect jntegrity, patri
otism, ability, and gallantry of General Harri
son, and the following resolution was unani
mously adopted :
" Ursolced iy the Senate unit House af He\>resenta
lives of the United States <>f Amerit-a in < 'oiwress as
sembled, That the thank* of Congress lie. anil they
are hereby, presented to Major General William Hen
ry Harrison and Isaac Shelby, lale Governor ol Ken
tucky, and through them to the officers and men un
der their command, for their gallantry and good con
duct in defeating the combined British and Indian
forces under Major General Proctor, on the Thames,
in Upper Canada, on the 5th day of October, I HI 3,
capturing the British army, with tneir baggage, camp
equqiage, and artillery, and that the President of the
United States lie requested to cause two gold medals
to l>e struck emblematical of this triumph, and present
ed lo General Harrison and Isaac Shelby, late Gover
nor of Kentucky."
The gentleman seems toadmit that the unani
mous voice of Congress was a conclusive refu
tation of the unfavorable reports against Gene
ral Harrison, and showed them unfounded.?
But he speaks of the delay as unfavorable to the
reputation of General Harrison. Sir. the de|av
was occasioned by false and unfounded reports.
Could General Harrison, in any degree, lie held
responsible for the slander of others ? 1 think
not. I cannot conceive that he is in any man
ner censurable for the attacks now made upon
him on this floor; nor do 1 see that he could
then be blamed for the slander of those who as
sailed him. When he was assailed, he or his
friends met the charge, and exposed the calum
ny. Such is their duty at this day, and it i- a
duty which, I trust, will be at all times promptly
and cheerfully performed.
The next charge is that ''General Harrison
has been censured for encamping his troops at
Tippecanoe upon a narrow piece of ground so
surrounded with deep marsh a> almost to rut ojf
retreat in rune of surprise." The member
omitted to inform us from whom this censure
comes. The chnrge, if true, will have but little
weight with those who believe the object of the
expedition to fight. Those who think the ar
my was marched from Vincennesto Tippecanoe
for the purpose of retreating before a savage
foe, will, of course, place more sties, upon the
charge. I believe it a fact susceptible of proof
that General Harrison never retreated in the pre
sence of his enemv. He had received no exam
ples of that kind from General Wayne, under
whom he served while young. Nor was the idea
ol retreating from Indians entertained in that
day. From such an enemy retreat was supposed
to he out of the question. It was sure death.?
This plan of retreating fmm Indians is an im
provement of the present age, and perhaps has
arisen from connecting the study of physic with
that of Indian warfare. Perhaps the world may
be enlightened bv a work devoted to this sub
ject. It might be useful in our "Florida cam
paign*."
But the member speaks of a " narrow piece
of ground so surrounded with deep marsh as
almost to cut off retreat." 1 have examined the
battleground of Tippecanoe with some interest.
Some one or two miles, perhaps, below the site
of the Tippecanoe village, the Wabash river
runs nearly west, as I should judge ; from one
t>? two miles north of the river and nearly parallel
with it is a timbered country ; a point of timber
ed land juts out from this body of timber towards
the river in the form of a narrow peninsula; on
the west of this grove and near to it is a run of
pure water; east of it and some sixty rods from
it is a small sluggish stream parsing through a
wet marshy prairie ; the two small streams unite
some distance below the grove; on every side of
this grove, except the north, is an open prairie,
with nothing to protect the assailants, nor is there
any marsh except on the east. This ground be
ing dry, affording wood and water, was selected
by Col. Taylor and Col. Clark for the encamp
ment. The army were encamped in hollow
square within this grove, and were assailed by
the Indians who approached from the surround
ing prairie without shelter. I think it would be
difficult for the member to put an army on better
ground in that region. I have never seen the
defects of the encampment pointed out except
the marsh spoken of by the member as being an
interruption in case of a retreat. But it so hap
pened that the marsh was situated in front,
whereas a retreat is usually to the rear. I hope
some one skilled in these things will favor the
public with a specification of the other defects
of the camping ground. History has not re
corded them, nor has science vet detected them.
The member further says that "General Har
rison has been censured for permitting the ene
my to select his camp-ground.'" I have just
described the ground on which the army were
encamped ; and I presume all will be surprised
that the Indians should put our men within the
grofe of trees and take (he open prairie (/iftn
I
selves. Well, Mr. Chairman, this --aim- qucs
I ion perplexed me until I reflected that Indians
have doctor** to teaeli the arl of war as well a -
white men. The member, however, appeared
unwilling to make the direct charge himself, hut
s|K>ke 01 it as having heen made by others. If
lie were present, I should inquire whether lie hi
tended to be understood as repeating on this
floor a charge in which he did not believe. 1
think he would liardly admit that to be the ca-e
I then suppose that he spoke what he believed to
be true. I take is-?ue upon the point, and rail for
his proof. He having repeated the charge, must
he held responsible for its correctness. 11 is n
legal principle that " he who repeats a slander
is held responsible as author." But I am aware
that no proof ever has been or ever will be given
to sustain the charge. I will refer the member,
for his own information, to the speech of our
colleague from Montgomery, and the testimony
of Col. Taylor, who says, " The snot lor en
campment was selected bv Col. Clarke and my
self. We were directed by General Harrison to
examine the country up and down the cteek
until we could find a suitable place. In a lion
time we discoveied the place on which the at my
encamped, and to which it was conducted li)
us. .No intimation wis given by the Indian*
of their wish that we should i ncamp there. v<r
could they ixissibly hare known it here the
army would encamp until it took place I his
testimony has been twenty -three years before
the public, and no man has yet presumed to di
pute its perfect accuracy. I also predict that the
member will not now contradict it although lie
may repeat perhaps what some bar-room politi
cian raav have said through ignorance or malice;
yet neither he nor any other of General Hani
son's assailants, I think, will presume to question
the veracity of Col. Taylor
My colleague referred to certain resolutions
passed by a portion of the officers of the Ohio
militia in 1813. My colleague from Chilicothe
fully explained this subject at the time the gen
tlemau brought it forward. There wtre several
regiments oT militia from our State with the
army when they were about to cross into Cana
da. General Harrison thought his force suffi
cient without them; and the difficult ol supply
ing troops iu Canada was great. He therefore
discharged the Ohio militia. They# had hoped
10 share iu the glorv of conquering the Briti-h
army and of taking Fort Maiden. In this they
were disappointed. Smarting under their dis
appointment, they passed the resolutions alluded
to, which stated iu substance that they did not
understand the policy of the commanding Gene
ral. The result, however, showed General Har
rison's policy to be correct. His lorce wai
abundantly sufficient to capture the British and
defeat their Indian allies. The aid of the Ohio
militia could have rendered our army no service ;
, and it is difficult for ine to find the least possible
| ground for censure of General Harrison. In
deed, the gentleman did not attempt to show
that any blame could attach to General Harrison.
But his object appeared to be to show that these
officers were dissatisfied at the time. Such
was undoubtedly the case; but why it should be
now introduced into a congressional debate is a
matter not so easily understood. Had General
Harrison put our nation to the unnecessary ex
pense of supplying and paying these troops lor
the forty days (for which time they entered the
service) he would surely have merited censure.
But the member has gone beyond all hi- a?so
ciates in this work, and declares that " (ieneraI
Harrison was never in battle." That " there
was no battle at Tippecanoe. '1 hat it was a sur
prist and a defeat of the American army. Mi
Chairman. I sat iu almost breathless silence, ex
pecting he would go one step further, and denv
there had ever been any such man as General
Harrison. I understand the term battle to be
?? the hoatHe engagement of the principal part
of an army at the same time. ' At least, such
I believe to be the definition of authors. How
ever, I know not how the late writers on medi
cine may define the term battle. General llai
rison's army were all engaged at the same time
for the space of not less than two hours, it his
tory be true. The inemberylso asserts that the
battle at Tippecanoe was a .-furprise. These as
sertions arc made, hut no proof is given. Ma
jor O'Fallen and others who were present agree
that the army were encamped in a hollow square,
with proper sentinels, guards, nnd out-po-.t-.-r
The men slept upon their arms with musket*
loaded, bayonets fixed, and cartridge boxes slant?.
The officers too had their side-arms girded on.
The hour of four o'clock iu the morning had
nearly arrived; the commanding General was
upon his feet in full dress, and his aids by his
side, when the enemy approached, drove in the
out po-ts and sentinels, and commenced a ge
neral attack. This the member terms a ski
prise. He has not, however, told iu what par
ticular the surprise consisted. The attack was
surely expected. The army were perfectly pre
pared, and every officer and man was at his oo-t
The member goes still further, and, without
showing any proof or making any explanations,
asserts, upon his own responsibility, that the
battle of Tippecanoe was a defeat oi our army
Here, too, lie has dealt in generalities, and care
fully avoided particulars. The object of the
expedition was the destruction of the Indian
town at Tippecanoe. The town was burned
on the same morning of the battle, so that the
object of the expedition was effected. The In
di'ans made the attack, were repulsed; and
fled, leaving their dead in possession ol our
troops, There was no deft at, except with the
Indians, so far as concerns the battle. General
Harrison lost no baggage, had no men taken
prisoners, kept possession ol the field, buried In
dead, and. having burned the town and fully ac
complished his purpose, returned in peace to
Yincennes. This the member calls a deficit ;
but in this application of the term he stands en
tirely alone.
The member, alter detaining the committee
a considerable time, and having charged Gen.
Harrison with a dereliction of duty in the selec
tion of his encampment, and of permitting the
Indians to direct him as to the place; having
avowed, upon his own authority, that the battle
at Tippecanoe was a surprise; that oui army
was defeated?having. I say, declared these
things in his official capacity, and sent them
forth to the nation and the world, he proceeded
to state that these were matters, so far as they
related to the battle of Tippecanoe, thai ur
knows nothing *Bot'T.' On this point I admit
his perfect correctness. The proot is entirely
conclusive. I admit its force, and will not con
test his accuracy.
The member from Hamilton also censures
Gen. Harrison for the orders which he issued to
Major Croghan, for the abandonment of Fort
Stephenson. That post, dignified by the name
of tort, was a mere stockade. It was well known
that heavy artillery fiotn the high plains in its
reai, would soon render it untenable. Hence
the order fiom Gen. Harrison to Major Croghan.
saying, " should the British troops approach you
in force with cannon, and you can discover them
in time to retreat, you will do so." The Rfiti^h,
however, did not disembark their cannon, noi
take them upon the heights in rear of the fort,
but attempted to use them on boaid their boats
while lying in the river. This error of th- ent
my proved fatal to their expedition'.
The opinion of military men in the service,
and who understand all the circumstances ap
pears to have been in direct opposition to that
of the member now making this charge ... peak
ing of the order of Gen Harrison they say :
"On ? review of the course then adopted ve
are decidedly of opinion that xt tr?? ?.?* as
was dictated by military wisdom. Thi* was
the judgment ofGro, Cass, Col Wells, Ce>l. Ow
ens. Col Paul, Col. ISurtlott, and many other gal
lant officer*. unioiig whom was Major Tod, now
resident of the district which I represent. At the
memorable sortie ol Kort Mi it;- he hud distin
guished himself under Col Miller, while charg
ing the British batteries, lie lung served as
judge of the Supreme Court of Ohio, and preaj
dent of tlx' Common Plea*. Hit judgme nt and
opiuin, like all the others, will prow as satisfac
toiy to the people of their acejuaintance as the
opinion of the honorable member at this day.
And the gallant Croglufti, speaking on the same
subject hi connexion with Gen Harrisou. say#'
"7%e measures adoptetl by hull, so far front
deterring censure, ar$ the clearest proofs of
hie keen perception and able generalship '
Vet. it seems that the opinion of the honorable
member differs from that of Gen. Cas?, Major
Craghwi, ami others who were present How
tar the standing of thu-e oflicers, or of Gen
Harrison, will s>ufT? r from these attacks, is sub
mitted t?i the People of this nation.
But, Mr. Chairman, 1 regret that the member
did not stop here. He lias, however, none fur
ther, and assailed the conduct of Geu. Harrison
at tin' battle of the Thames. In doing this, he
has, by his own word, unaccompanied with prool
or reference to any proof whatever, stated facts
at variance with history, and opposed to the
word of those who were present and took part
in tin battle That Col. Johnson fought brave
ly, and performed with great gallantry every duty
letjuirca of him, liar; never been denied or doubt
ed. But when tin honorable member attempt-,
to how ih.'t Col Johnson devised the plan of
attack, and that he suggested it to General
Harrison, ami when he denies that General
Harrison was in the battle at the time, and
attempts to prove that he was a mile in the rear
during the whole battle, ?' and that he had no
'more to do with it than John liodgers who
was burned at the stake."1 as hs stated, I feel
that these bold assertion- should be examined.
The member, after - tatintj the situation of the
British army before the commencement of the
battle, averred that " Col. Johnson, with hi?
mounted men, fii-t overtook the enemy, and
were 111 advance of the infantry three or four
miles."1 Col. O'Fallen, who was one ot the
aids of Gen. Harrison, say0, "The American
forces were formed in order of battle, General
Trotter's brigade in front, Col. Paul's regu
lars, with the artillery, near his right, and Col.
Johnson's mounted regiment on the left of
Trotter's as a reserve." How the member
should place Col. Johnson's regiment three or
four miles in front of Trotters brigade, while
Col. O'Fallen, who passed the orders for forming
the troop?, put them on the left of Gen Trot
ter's brigade, is not easily discovered. Either
Col. O'Fallen is in error, or the member has mis
apprehend'd the facts Cdl. O'Fallen was on
the ground at the time, and I believe no man
who was there has y< t attempted any correction
of his statement; and I think it may fairly be
presumed that all corrections will continue to
come from those who were far from the scent
of action.
The member sav=., ?' Soon as- Col. Johnson
di c ivered the enemy and his position, he formed
his troop Occ.
Col. ^'Fallen state; that "after Col. Wood
reported the position of the British army to Ge
neral Harrison, Col. Johnson's regiment uert
ordered to tin front, supported on his. rear by
Gen. Trotter's brigade."
The member vtates tltat at the time of Col
Johnson's charge upon the enemy Gen Har
ri-on was with the infantry, about a mile in the
rear.
| Col John Chambers, lately a member of thin
House w as also I'd to Gen. Harrison at the bat
tle ol the Thames. He states that General
Harrison gave the word of command for Col.
Johnson's regiment to '' i iiakoe," and accompa
nied them until they received the enemy's hre,
"and then passed rapidly to the left, where the
Indians still ohstinutely maintained the j>
Col. O'Fallen. speaking of the situation of Gen.
Harrison during the battle, says it was ''a posi
tion considered by all as the most exposed and
dangerous within the lines of our anny, and
where the battle was warmly contested by the
Indians until they discovered the surrender of
the whole liritish regular force.''
Col. Smith, another of Ge n Harrison's aids,
speaking of the po-ition of Gen. Harrison du
ring the battle, says, "The conflict here was
sharp and animated and contiuued so for somi<
time. With the exception of the charge made
by Col. Johnson,s regiment, Gen. Harrison wa
in the most exposed end dangerous parts of
the battle
One would suppose that the statement of three
distinguished officers like those mentioned was
not to be contradicted in plain, direct, and posi
tive terms without some proof to support
the denial. Yet the member is not satisfied
with denying that den. Harrison was in the
battle of the Thames, but he goes further, and
denies in peisitive and absolute terms that " Oen.
Harrison was in battle at anytime during the
iror," and defies Gen. Harrison's friends to.
prove 'hat he was. 1 shall call no other wit
nesses nor shall I furnish othei proofs than
those referred to, until I hear something more
convincing than the assertion of a gentleman
who was hundreds of miles ik-tant at the time,
and who sustains his assertion with no prool of
any kind whatever.
One further point advanced by the member
deserves notice. It is the attempt made by him
to implies the public mind with the opinion that
Col. Johnson devised the plan of attack, and
44 obtained permission from Gen Harrison to
charge the t.ne?iy" " while (as he stated) Gen.
Harriettn hint about as much to do uith the
command in the net inn us John Rodgers. who
litis burnt at the stake' This charge which is
directly opposed to the histoiical intelligence of
every man who ha- examined the history of the
late war, was most fully and perfectly answered
by my colleagues, ('Mr Corwm and Mr. Goode.)
Vet u is again asserted. The attack is repeat
ed w ith a determination and perseverance not
often \vitncs-,< d. 15ut no proof is referred torn
support of the charge. ,\o man then present
sustain- it, and no hi-torv jus-tifie- it in any de
gree. Vet the naked insertion ii made; and
although it be unsustained by any proof what
ever, I will beg leave to detain the committee a
moment while I compare it with the testimony
of tho-e officers who were prcent and partici
pated in th battle. Cdfe Chamber , to whom I
nav# before iei> rred, sav -
As to the iitsU'im-ot that ' the cntiro plsn of ope
rations was projected l>y Col Johnson,' it is. like the
charge that Urn Harrison was at no tiu.e ill the bat
tle.'/u/f utterly fain The idea of charging tha
enemy with the mounted men win exclusively Gen
Harrison's I was present when he first snnounecd
it, anil know that Col Johnson wa* then at the hr?d
of his command, rind wu not consulted on the sub
ject, until after Gen. Hirrison hud expressed his <le
termination to make the charge; and if it is intended
to state that the plan of operation" of ihr campaign,
or the order of l>attle, was projected t>y Col. Johnson,
it ii equally untrue ; and I am icry confident that h?
hail not and never will give the slightest sanction to
such statements
Colonel O'Fallen says;
"At the battle of the Thames, Col Charles S.
Tod, afterwards Inspector General of the Northwest
ern Array, and myself, ?*'ere the regular aids-de-camp
of Grn ltarri?oii Major" John Chamber* and John
Speed Smith were the volunle.-r aid*. The battle)
!!? i? wrll known, took place on the ri^ht bank of the
river Thames, near the Moravian village. A short
ili'tancr from thi* place, and whilst '>ur troops were in
rspid pursuit of the enemy, General Harrison referred
information from an advanced party that ths British
arid Indian forces had halted, and seemed to be await
ing us for battle Whi n within half a mileoftho
enemy after the American forces were formed in ths
order of battle, Gen Trotter's brigade in front of Coi.
Paul's regulars, with the artillery near hi* ri^ht. Col.
Johnson'* mounted regiment on the left of Trotter,
as a reserve, and the residue of the KentuoJtv voluo
tccm covering the left flank and rear, Col Wood, of
the KnginecT Corps, who, by order of General Harri
son, had approached, unobserved by them, sufficiently ?
neai the front line of the enemy to ascertain their pe>
sition and the order in which they were drawn up
reported that the British troops, in order to occumtb*