Letter, 1874 Oct. 5, New Albany, to George Winter

Description:	LetterFrom: P.S. Shields, New Albany, October 5, 1874To: George WinterALS, 4 p. (one sheet, folded) (with typed transcription) Acknowledging G.W. letter of September 18, requesting Shields memories of his fathers statements about the Battle of Tippecanoe. U.S. Army arrived near Prophets Town the day before the battle. Indians invited a small squad, including General Harrison, to town for a friendly talk in the afternoon. During the talk, Indians took up offensive positions. Despite the Indians suggestion of another talk in the morning, Harrison expected them to attack during the night and so mounted a heavy guard. Due to a dark and rainy night, the Indians slipped past the sentries, giving the soldiers little time to form up before they were attacked. His fathers line was attacked three times, each charge accompaniedby a yell, and tomahawks were thrown. A nearby company retreated, pursued by Indians, but managed to kill some and drive them back. Harrison moved about, encouraging his troops. The Indians were routed by a charge after dawn. The battle took two hours, twenty minutes; 43 U.S. soldiers and 53 Indians were dead on the ground. Burial of the dead; shortage of provisions.
Origin:	1874-10-05
Created By:	Shields, P. S.
Contributor(s):	Winter, George, 1810-1876;
Publisher:	Tippecanoe County Historical Association
Source:	http://earchives.lib.purdue.edu/cdm/ref/collection/gwinter/id/775
Collection:	George Winter
Copyright:	Images in the George Winter Collection should not be used without written permission from the Tippecanoe County Historical Association. To obtain reproduction rights and prices, contact the Tippecanoe County Historical Association at info@tippecanoehistory.org
Subjects:	Tippecanoe, Battle of (Ind. : 1811) Indians of North America--Indiana Campaigns & battles Harrison, William Henry, 1773-1841

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