Reluctance of the Government to Carry on the War.

It would be impossible to paint in too vivid colors the extreme reluctance of the Government to enter into, or to carry on, war with the Indians.  It was only after every other shift had been vainly tried that resort was had to the edge of the sword.  The United States would gladly have made a stable peace on honorable terms, and strove with weary patience to bring about a friendly understanding.  But all such efforts were rendered abortive partly by the treachery and truculence of the savages, who could only be cowed by a thorough beating, and partly by the desire of the settlers for lands which the red men claimed as their hunting grounds.

    Peace Envoys Sent to the Tries.

In pursuance of their timidly futile policy of friendliness, the representatives of the National Government, in the spring of 1792, sent peace envoys, with a flag of truce, to the hostile tribes.  The unfortunate ambassadors thus chosen for sacrifice were Colonel John Hardin, the gallant but ill-starred leader of Kentucky horse, who had so often and with such various success encountered the Indians on the field of battle; and a Federal officer, Major Alexander Trueman.  In June they started towards the hostile towns, with one or two companions, and soon fell in with some Indians, who on being shown the white flag, and informed of the object of their visit, received them with every appearance of good will.  But this was merely a mask.  A few hours later the treacherous savages suddenly fell upon and slew the messengers of peace. [Footnote:  American State Papers, iv., 238, 239, etc.; also Marshall.] It was never learned whether the deed was the mere wanton outrage of some blood-thirsty young braves, or the result of orders given by one of the Indian councils.  At any rate, the Indians never punished the treachery; and when the chiefs wrote to Washington they mentioned with cool indifference that “you sent us at different times different speeches, the bearers whereof our foolish young men killed on their way” [Footnote:  Canadian Archives, Indian affairs, M. 2, p. 224.  The Michigan and Wisconsin historical societies have performed a great service by publishing so many of these papers.]; not even expressing regret for the occurrence.

    Treachery of the Savages.

The truculent violence and bad faith of the savages merited severe chastisement; but the United States Government was long-suffering and of the forbearing to a degree.  There was no attempt to avenge the murder of the flag-of-truce men.  On the contrary, renewed efforts were made to secure a peace by treaty.  In the fall of 1792 Rufus Putnam, on behalf of the United States, succeeded in concluding a treaty with the Wabash and Illinois tribes, [Footnote:  American State Papers, iv., 338.] which at least served to keep many of their young braves out of actual hostilities.  In the following spring three commissioners—­Benjamin