The Battle of Tippecanoe

William Henry Harrison led his "army" of volunteers toward the Indian settlement of Tippecanoe in late 1811.  He was able to lead his forces with a few hundred yards of the headquarters of Tecumseh's brother, the Prophet, called Prophetstown.  Tecumseh was traveling south to Creek country to gain their support for his confederation of tribes. 

Harrison's arrival was unexpected and was met with professions of peace and the wish to negotiate with the Americans, but Harrison didn't believe there was anything to discuss.  He agreed to a council the next day.  He also knew of the natives propensity to attack in the early morning hours so he took steps to prepare.

At four in the morning of November 7th, he awoke his men.  They barely got their boots on before rifle shots were heard, followed by the Indian war cry.  Before the men could get out of their tents, the natives were upon them.  It was rifle butt and tomahawk hand-to-hand combat for two hours. 

Sixty-one of Harrison's officers and men were killed, 127 suffered serious injury.  The Indian losses were few.  Harrison actually owed his life to the fact that in the confusion early on, he mounted a bay horse rather than his own white stallion.  The rider of that horse was one of the first shot. 

On November 8th when they arrived at the Prophetstown, it was deserted but fully stocked, proving that the natives had fled in a hurry.  After much needed supplies were gathered, Harrison ordered the village burned.  He set out for Vincennes,  leaving a company of men at Fort Harrison (present day Terre Haute).  He believed that Tecumseh's backbone of the confederation was broken and that he and his brother would soon surrender to the United States.

The legislatures of Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois formally thanked Harrison for his service.  It was the glamour of Tippecanoe that 30 years later carried Harrison into the White House.

Next time...No surrender!
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Today in Pioneer History: "On May 13, 1607, the Jamestown settlers arrive along the west bank of the James River in Virginia to found the settlement of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America.  The first colonial council was held with seven settlers who were chosen and sealed in a box by King James 1.  Edward Wingfield was the first president, and council members included Captain John Smith.