General Harrison was now commander-in-chief of the Western armies. He had established temporary headquarters at Franklinton, and was busily engaged in collecting and forwarding supplies toward the lakes. Douglas was greatly pleased to learn of his beloved commander’s presence in the village, and immediately repaired to his quarters. The general was surprised and delighted to see him, and said:
“Ross Douglas, I can’t express how glad I am to meet you again—to see you alive and well. When you fell into the hands of the Indians at Tippecanoe, I gave you up for lost. You appear as one from the grave. Where have you been, how did you escape, and what of your faithful comrades?”
Briefly Ross told of his capture and escape, carefully avoiding all mention of La Violette and Bradford. General Harrison listened attentively to the narrative, uttering frequent exclamations of surprise and incredulity. When the younger man had concluded, the older remarked:
“And your comrades—Farley and the Wyandot—you don’t know their fate?”
“I do not,” Ross answered sadly. “But they are dead, or prisoners among the Winnebagoes.”
“Too bad—too bad!” the general murmured feelingly. “They were noble fellows and devoted to you——”
Then with animation:
“But your dog—the bloodhound that was your constant companion?”
“He’s in the village with me.”