About this time, the governor was informed by an aged Piankishaw, friendly to the United States, that the Prophet had actually formed a plan for destroying the citizens of Vincennes by a general massacre; and that he boasted that he would walk in the footsteps of the great Pontiac.  From another source the governor learned that there were probably three hundred Indians within thirty miles of the Prophet’s quarters; and that although their proceedings were conducted with great secrecy, it had been discovered that they were determined to stop the United States’ surveyors from running any lines west of the Wabash.  Other evidences of approaching hostilities were not wanting.  The Prophet, and the Kickapoos who were at his village, refused to accept the salt which had been sent up to them as a part of their annuities, and after it had been put upon the shore, the carriers were not only required to replace it in their boat, but whilst doing so, were treated with rudeness, and ordered to take the salt back to Vincennes.  They were Frenchmen, or in all probability they would have been treated still more harshly.[A]

[Footnote A:  Governor Harrison’s letters to the War Department.]

In the early part of July, governor Harrison received a letter from John Johnston, Indian agent at fort Wayne, in which he says: 

“A person just arrived, who it appears has lost himself in his route to Vincennes, affords me an opportunity of announcing to you my return to this fort.  I was delayed on my journey in attending to the transportation of the public goods; and on my arrival in the state of Ohio, I had learned that the Prophet’s brother had lately been at work among the Shawanoes, on the Auglaize; and, among other things, had burned your letter delivered to the chiefs at this place last fall.  I accordingly took Wapakonetta in my route home, assembled the chiefs, and demanded the reason why they had suffered such an improper act to be committed at their door.  They disavowed all agency in the transaction, and their entire disapprobation of the Prophet’s conduct; and concurring circumstances satisfied me that they were sincere.  The white persons at the town informed me that not one of the chiefs would go into council with the Prophet’s brother, and that it was a preacher named Riddle, who took the letter to have it interpreted, and that the brother of the Prophet took it from his hand, and threw it into the fire, declaring, that if governor Harrison were there, he would serve him so.  He told the Indians that the white people and the government were deceiving them, and that for his part, he never would believe them, or put any confidence in them; that he never would be quiet until he effected his purpose; and that if he was dead, the cause would not die with him.  He urged the Indians to move off to the Mississippi with him, saying, that there he would assemble his forces.  All his arguments seemed to be bottomed on the prospect of hostilities against our people.  He made no impression on the Shawanoes, and went away much dissatisfied at their not coming into his views.  I consider them among our best friends.  I indirectly encouraged their emigration westward, and told them their annuity should follow them.  They appear determined to remain, and are much attached to the town and the improvements, which are considerable.”