168 INDIANA HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS 



be devised better calculated to arouse and excite them 

 than would a great National meeting of a National Agri- 

 cultural Society. 



If the plan of present action meets with favor, I have 

 an idea of enlisting as a Missionary in the cause, and 

 "going forth through the land seeking to do good." I 

 think I would "blow my trumpet" so loud that it would 

 disturb the slumber of some of the sluggards, if it did 

 not entirely awake them. I remain most respectfully, 



Solon Robinson. 



Lake C. H. la. February, 19, 1841. 



The Will: 

 A Western Tale, from Real Life 1 



[Indianapolis Semi-Weekly Journal, Mar. 19, 23, 26, 1841 2 ] 



[February ?, 1841] 

 You, sir, being a man of extensive legal knowledge, 

 are well aware of the great importance of that instru- 

 ment which is rightly called a last will, because men 

 are prone to defer the execution of so great and solemn 

 a duty until the last moment, and often then it is too 

 late. I wish I possessed the power to indite such an 

 article as would impress indelibly upon the minds of my 

 readers, the great and imperative duty of attending 

 to this one duty of life, while yet in the vigor of intellect. 

 Perhaps the recital of a little tale, which I have had in 

 my mind for several years, may not only serve to amuse 

 some of your readers, but it may awaken in the minds 

 of a few, the necessity of attending to this duty now. 



At the battle of Tippecanoe, in 1811, where more true 

 courage and chivalrous gallantry were exhibited by that 

 Spartan band, than could now be found in the entire 

 ranks of all the villifiers of the leader of the heroes who 



1 This is the first of Robinson's numerous stories and novels. As 

 far as known, it never appeared in book or pamphlet form. The 

 background and plot idea were used again in Me-won-i-toc (New 

 York, 1867), but with many changes in characters and story. 



* The Indianapolis Semi-Weekly Journal reprinted "The Will" 

 from the Daily Cincinnati Gazette of February 25, 26, and 27, 1841. 



