“It is a fact, that for many years the current of emigration, as to the tribes east of the Mississippi, has been from north to south.  This is owing to two causes; the diminution of those animals from which the Indians procure their support; and the pressure of the two great tribes, the Chippewas and Sioux, to the north and west.  So long ago as the treaty of Greenville, the Potawatamies gave notice to the Miamis, that they intended to settle upon the Wabash.  They made no pretensions to the country, and their only excuse for the intended aggression was, that they were ‘tired of eating fish and wanted meat.’  It has already been observed that the Sacs had extended themselves to the Illinois river, and that the settlements of the Kickapoos at the Peorias was of modern date.  Previously to the commencement of the present war, a considerable number had joined their brethren on the Wabash.  The Tawas from the Des Moins river, have twice made attempts to get a footing there.

* * * * *

“The question of the title to the lands south of the Wabash, has been thoroughly examined; every opportunity was afforded to Tecumseh and his party to exhibit their pretensions, and they were found to rest upon no other basis than that of their being the common property of all the Indians.  The Potawatamies and Kickapoos have unequivocally acknowledged the Miami and Delaware titles.”

CHAPTER XI.

Tecumseh participates in the battle of Brownstown—­commands the Indians in the action near Maguaga—­present at Hull’s surrender—­general Brock presents him his military sash—­attack on Chicago brought about by Tecumseh.

On the 18th of June, 1812, the congress of the United States made a formal declaration of war against Great Britain.  This gave a new aspect to affairs on the north-western frontier; and at the first commencement of hostilities between these two powers, Tecumseh was in the field, prepared for the conflict.  In the month of July, when general Hull crossed over from Detroit into Canada, this chief, with a party of thirty Potawatamies and Shawanoes, was at Malden.  About the same time there was an assemblage at Brownstown, opposite to Malden, of those Indians who were inclined to neutrality in the war.  A deputation was sent to the latter place, inviting Tecumseh to attend this council.  “No,” said he, indignantly, “I have taken sides with the King, my father, and I will suffer my bones to bleach upon this shore, before I will recross that stream to join in any council of neutrality.”  In a few days he gave evidence of the sincerity of this declaration, by personally commanding the Indians in the first action that ensued after the declaration of war.[A]

[Footnote A:  Anthony Shane.]