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.