|
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
Book, page 131 / 199 Tecumseh and Indian confederation--Aid given by Elskawata--Doings at the Prophet's Town--Great Indian Council at the West--Red Jacket's claim for precedence of the Senecas--His adherence to the United States--Hostilities encouraged by British Agents--Warriors gathered at Prophet's Town--Visited by Gen. Harrison at the head of his troops--Hostilities disclaimed-- Surprised by a sudden attack--Indians defeated--War proclaimed against England--Indians take sides--Unfavorable commencement--Different successes --Part taken by Red Jacket. Sixteen years had intervened since the treaty of peace, concluded with the Indians at Greenville, by General Wayne in 1795. During this time friendly relations had been maintained with the various Indian tribes, who were in correspondence with the United States. This period had not closed, however, ere the ambitious designs of an active and influential chief, began to wear the appearance of open hostility. The possession of rare mental endowments, together with physical qualifications, that were the means of extending his renown, as an intrepid brave, far beyond the boundaries of his own tribe, rendered the name of Tecumseh, a rallying word for the dusky warriors, even among the remote wilds visited by the Indian. Tecumseh entertained the ambitious project, at various times a favorite design with the Indian, of uniting all their tribes at the West and South-west, in one strenuous endeavor, to resist the further advance of the whites into their country, and of forming here a confederacy, similar to that which had existed among the Iroquois. In these views he was greatly assisted and strengthened by the influence and efforts of his brother, Elskawata. Elskawata, on the death of Penagashega, an aged and revered prophet, very adroitly assumed the sacred office of this Indian saint, and began to proclaim himself, as a delegated messenger of the Great Spirit to his people. He commenced his career among the Shawnees, the people of his tribe, as early as 1805. But not content with so narrow a sphere for his endeavors, he went from tribe to tribe, and assembled as he was able, different
|
Knowledgerush Search
|
|
Contact Us
| Privacy Statement & Terms of Use
|