moonev] THE CONFERENCE WITH HARRISON 685 



future to enlist them also in his confederacy. In 1809, however, rumors 

 of an approaching outbreak began to till the air, and it was evident 

 that the British were instigating the Indians to mischief in anticipa- 

 tion of a war between England and the United States. Just at this 

 juncture the anger of Tecumtha's party was still further inflamed by 

 the negotiation of treaties with four tribes by which additional large 

 tracts were ceded in Indiana and Illinois. The Indians nowrefusedto 

 buy ammunition from the American traders, saying that they could 

 obtain all they wanted for nothing in another quarter. In view of the 

 signs of increasing hostility, Governor Harrison was authorized to take 

 such stepsas might be necessary to protect the frontier. Tecumthahad 

 now gained over the Wyandot, the most influential tribe of the Ohio 

 region, the keepers of the great wampum belt of union and the lighters 

 of the council fire of the allied tribes. Their example was speedily 

 followed by the .Miami, whose adhesion made the tribes of the Ohio and 

 the lakes practically unanimous. The prophet now declared that he 

 would follow in the steps of Pontiac, and called on the remote tribes 

 to assist those on the border to roll back the tide which would other- 

 wise overwhelm them all. In return, the Sauk and Fox sent word that 

 they were ready whenever he should say the word. 



In the summer of 1810, according to a previous arrangement, Tecum- 

 tha, attended by several hundred warriors, descended the river to Yin- 

 cennes to confer with Governor Harrison on the situation. The con- 

 ference began on the L5th of August and lasted three days. Tecum- 

 tha reiterated his former claims, saying that in uniting the tribes he 

 was endeavoring to dam the mighty water that was ready to overflow 

 his people. The Americans had driven the Indians from the sea and 

 threatened to push them into the lakes: and, although he disclaimed 

 any intention of making war against the United States, he declared his 

 fixed resolution to insist on the old boundary and to oppose the further 

 intrusion of the whites on the lauds of the Indians, and to resist the 

 survey of the lands recently ceded. He was followed by chiefs of five 

 different tribes, each of whom in turn declared that he would support 

 the principles of Tecumtha. Harrison replied that the government 

 would never admit that any section belonged to all the Indians in com- 

 mon, and that, having bought the ceded lauds from the tribes who were 

 first found in possession of them, it would defend its title by arms. To 

 this Tecumtha said that he preferred to be on the side of the Americans, 

 and that if his terms were conceded he would bring his forces to the 

 aid of the United States in the war which he knew was soon to break out 

 with England, but that otherwise he would be compelled to join the 

 British. The governor replied that he would state the case to the Pres- 

 ident, but that it was altogether unlikely that he would consent to the 

 conditions. Recognizing the inevitable, Tecumtha expressed the hope 

 that, as the President was to determine the matter, the Great Spirit 

 would put sense into his head to induce him to give up the lands, adding, 



