A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents. Volume 4, part 1: William Henry Harrison
History
A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents. Volume 4, part 1: William Henry Harrison
Harrison, William Henry, 1773-1841; Presidents -- United States; United States -- History -- Sources; United States -- Politics and government
William Henry Harrison
March 4 to April 4, 1841
William Henry Harrison
William Henry Harrison, third and youngest son of Benjamin Harrison, one
of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was born at Berkeley,
Charles City County, Va., February 9, 1773. Was educated at Hampden
Sidney College, Virginia, and began the study of medicine, but before he
had finished it accounts of Indian outrages on the western frontier led
him to enter the Army, and he was commissioned an ensign in the First
Infantry on August 16, 1791; joined his regiment at Fort Washington,
Ohio. Was appointed lieutenant June 2, 1792, and afterwards joined the
Army under General Anthony Wayne, and was made aid-de-camp to the
commanding officer. For his services in the expedition, in December,
1793, that erected Fort Recovery he was thanked by name in general
orders. Participated in the engagements with the Indians that began on
June 30, 1794, and was complimented by General Wayne for gallantry in
the victory on the Miami on August 20. On May 15, 1797, was made captain
and given the command of Fort Washington. While there he married Anna,
daughter of John Cleves Symmes. Resigned his commission on June 1, 1798,
peace having been made with the Indians, and was immediately appointed
by President John Adams secretary of the Northwest Territory, but in
October, 1799, resigned to take his seat as Territorial Delegate in
Congress. During his term part of the Northwest Territory was formed
into the Territory of Indiana, including the present States of Indiana,
Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin, and he was appointed its governor and
superintendent of Indian affairs, which he accepted, and resigned his
seat in Congress. Was reappointed successively by Presidents Jefferson
and Madison. He organized the legislature at Vincennes in 1805. Held
frequent councils with the Indians, and succeeded in averting many
outbreaks. On September 30, 1809, concluded a treaty with several tribes
by which they sold to the United States about 3,000,000 acres of land on
the Wabash and White rivers. This and former treaties were condemned by
Tecumseh and other chiefs, and an outbreak became imminent, which was
averted by the conciliatory course of the governor. In the spring of
1811 Indian depredations became frequent, and Governor Harrison
recommended the establishment of a military post at Tippecanoe, and the
Government consented. On September 26 Harrison marched from Vincennes
with about 900 men, including 350 regular infantry, completed Fort
Harrison, near the site of Terre Haute, Ind., on October 28, and leaving
a garrison there pressed on toward Tippecanoe. On November 6, when near
that town, was met by messengers demanding a parley, and a council was
proposed for the next day. At 4 o'clock the following morning a fierce
attack was made by the savages; at daybreak the Indians were driven from
the field. For this victory he was highly complimented by President
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