“Do not think that the red coats can protect you; they are not able to protect themselves.  They do not think of going to war with us.  If they did, you would in a few moons see our flag wave over all the forts of Canada.

“What reason have you to complain of the Seventeen Fires? have they taken any thing from you—­have they ever violated the treaties made with the red men?  You say that they purchased lands from them who had no right to sell them:  show that this is true, and the land will be instantly restored.  Show us the rightful owners of those lands which have been purchased—­let them present themselves.  The ears of your father will be opened to your complaints, and if the lands have been purchased of those who did not own them, they will be restored to the rightful owners.  I have full power to arrange this business; but if you would rather carry your complaints before your great father, the President, you shall be indulged.  I will immediately take means to send you with those chiefs which you may choose, to the city where your father lives.  Every thing necessary shall be prepared for your journey, and means taken for your safe return.”

Tecumseh was present when the interpreter delivered this speech.  The Prophet made no reply to it, but promised to send one by his brother, who intended, in a few weeks, to make a visit to governor Harrison.  In conversation, however, with the interpreter, the Prophet strongly disavowed the idea that he had any hostile intentions; but at the same time declared, that it would not be practicable long to maintain peace with the United States, unless the government would recognize the principle, that the lands were the common property of all the Indians; and cease to make any further settlement to the north and west.  “The Great Spirit” continued he, “gave this great island to his red children; he placed the whites on the other side of the big water; they were not contented with their own, but came to take ours from us.  They have driven us from the sea to the lakes:  we can go no further.  They have taken upon them to say, this tract belongs to the Miamis, this to the Delawares, and so on; but the Great Spirit intended it as the common property of us all.  Our father tells us, that we have no business upon the Wabash, the land belongs to other tribes; but the Great Spirit ordered us to come here, and here we will stay.”  He expressed himself, in the course of the conversation, gratified with the speech which the governor had sent him; saying, he recollected to have seen him, when a very young man, sitting by the side of general Wayne.

Some of the Indians, then at the Prophet’s town, appeared to be alarmed at the arrival of the interpreter, and professed themselves dissatisfied with the conduct of their leaders.  Tecumseh told him, that in making his promised visit to the governor, he should bring with him about thirty of his principal warriors; and as the young men were fond of attending on such occasions, the whole number might probably be one hundred.  The Prophet added, that the governor might expect to see a still larger number than that named by his brother.