NOTE C.—[Page 60.]
The speech which we have here attributed to Tecumseh is reported by Hunter, in his “Manners and Customs of several Indian Tribes,” to have been delivered by Tecumseh in his presence to the Osages in Council, when wandering for the purpose of effecting a general union. We have given it in order to strengthen the view which we have taken of his policy.
Hunter thus speaks of Tecumseh and his speech:—
“He addressed them in long, eloquent and pathetic strains, and an assembly more numerous than had ever been witnessed on any former occasion, listened to him with an intensely agitated, though profoundly respectful interest and attention. In fact, so great was Tecumseh's eloquence, that the chiefs adjourned the council, shortly after he closed; nor did they finally come to a decision on the great question in debate, for several days afterward.
“I wish it was in my power to do justice to the eloquence of this distinguished man; but it is utterly impossible. The richest colours, shaded with a master's pencil, would fall infinitely short of the glowing finish of the original. The occasion and subject were peculiarly adapted to call into action all the powers of genuine patriotism; and such language, such gestures, and such feelings and fulness of soul contending for utterance, were exhibited by this untutored native of the forest in the central wilds of America, as no audience, I am persuaded, even in ancient or modern days, ever before listened to.”
The great question here alluded to, was whether or not they should give their assistance to the English.
NOTE D.—[Page 73.]
We have used the words camp and town as synonymous; they were literally so. Tippecanoe was at this time the Prophet's residence, and no sooner did he hear that the whites were marching upon his lands, than he began to place it in the best state of defence, and actually bestowed more labour upon it, than was ever before known to be done by Indians upon any fortification; and at the time we speak of, it was a regular encampment, fortified on every side.
NOTE E.—[Page 226.]
The following extract from a letter of the Commander of Fort Wayne, to an American Authority, which we find in that truly interesting work, “Thatcher's Indian Biography;” will serve to give the reader some faint idea of the exertions the Brothers were now making for the promotion of the great cause which lay so near their hearts.