west of the mountains, by uniting all the Indian tribes against the Americans; and spent years in passing from tribe to tribe, exciting the prejudices and awakening the hatred of the red people. The prospect of a war between the two countries, induced the British agents to favor the designs of this intrepid adventurer; and accordingly, we find, that during a few years immediately preceding that war, the hostilities of the Indians had become more frequent and audacious than ever.

General Harrison, a distinguished soldier, a gentleman of high spirit, and great vigor of mind, who was now governor of the Indiana territory, found full employment for all his talents and prudence, in guarding against the designs of Tecumseh. We cannot attempt even an outline of the negociations, the intrigues, and the manœuvres, which followed in rapid succession, during several years of apparent peace, but of actual war, between the American people on the frontier, on one side, and the Indians, directed by British officers, on the other. The government of the United States, had resolved to win the friendship of the Indians, by kindness and forbearance, and to allure them, if possible, to practice the arts of civilization. The territorial governors were instructed accordingly; and while a scene of active depredation was acting along the whole frontierwhile the tomahawk was drenched in gore, and the conflagration of the settler's cabin continued to be perpetrated, the President of the United States was writing to General Harrison to preserve peace, to use the arts of persuasion, and to avoid hostilities as long

as possible. This policy, though generous, and resulting from the noblest spirit of philanthropy, was mistaken. It sacrificed the lives of our citizens, and rendered the savage more audacious.

Council after council was held; in each of which the conduct of the Indians became more equivocal; at one, it was friendly; at another, evasive; at a third, insolent; at one moment they begged for peace; at another, threatened war. At last, the collection of a large force by Tecumseh, induced the government to place a military force under the orders of General. Harrison, who moved with promptness, but with consummate prudence, into the Indian country. A bold and admirably planned attempt was made to surprise his camp, which was completely defeated by the coolness of the troops, and the admirable precautions of their distinguished leader. The engagement which took place on this occasion, is known as the battle of Tippecanoe; and we hesitate not to say, that on no occasion, have the arms of our country been more skillfully directed, or the honor of her flag more successfully vindicated.

During the years of 1812,'13, and '14, the whole line of frontier was exposed to the ravages of the British and Indians; and it was nobly defended. In no part of the United States, was the government sustained with more promptitude and cheerfulness, than in the west-the weakest section of the Union. A call for troops, was never made in vain, to the western people. The successes of Jackson and Harrison are well known. Peculiar circumstances have thrown a halo of glory around the name of the former, which

has obscured the merits of the latter; but in history, the brilliant achievements of these gallant leaders will stand together, and demand an equal tribute of applause from a grateful country. ·

It is enough to say, that since that period, the frontier has been at peace, with the exception of a few slight and unimportant disturbances, which have been rapidly quelled. The Indians have learned to feel our power, and their own weakness; and our fellow citizens, who are settled on the utmost verge of the population, feel now no alarm from the proximity of their savage neighbors.

We shall push these historical inquiries no farther. Our object has been to suggest the leading topics of interest, in western history, for the benefit of such as might feel disposed to engage in more extensive researches, in this delightful field. To all such, we say, that it will amply reward them. It is the history of a hardy and gallant people, struggling in the infancy of their political institutions, against adversity, gloom, and danger; displaying throughout the whole, the noblest traits of courage, prudence, and humanity, and finally achieving the most brilliant success that has ever crowned the exertion of persevering enterprise.

END OF VOLUME FIRST.