The Indian warrior Tecumseh, who fell in the late American war, was
not only an accomplished military commander, but also a great natural
statesman and orator. Among the many strange, and some strongly
characteristic events of his life, the council which the American
General Harrison held with the Indians at Vincennes, in 1811, affords an
admirable instance of the sublimity which sometimes distinguished his
eloquence. The chiefs of some tribes had come to complain of a purchase
of lands which had been made from the Kickafoos. The council effected
nothing, but broke up in confusion, in consequence of Tecumseh having
called General Harrison “a liar.” During the long talks which took place
in the conference, Tecumseh having finished one of his speeches, looked
round, and seeing every one seated, while no seat was prepared for him, a
momentary frown passed over his countenance. Instantly General Harrison
ordered that a chair should be given him. Some person presented one, and
bowing, said to him, “Warrior, your father, General Harrison, offers
you a seat.” Tecumseh’s dark eye flashed. “My father!” he exclaimed
indignantly, extending his arms towards heaven; “the sun is my father,
and the earth is my mother; she gives me nourishment, and I repose upon
her bosom.” As he ended, he suddenly seated himself on the ground.