Outstanding Battle of Tippecanoe Letter

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005

Autograph Letter Signed, “W.L. Thompson” 3p. quarto, Louisville, November 28, 1811, with integral leaf addressed to Walker Reid in Washington, Kentucky, with good content about war with the Indians, in some part: “...The different companies who went from this neighborhood & county returned a few days ago...a hundred & eighty of the whites were killed and wounded, and that probably not more thana hundred were killed. Forty were found dead on the ground, and many of the wounded died on their way to Vincennes. Amongst the killed are several of their bravest officers, Col. Daviess, Major Spencer, Capt. Owens of Shelby County, a Capt Berry of the Indiana Territory, all of whom were regarded as men of valor & their loss appears to be much regretted...Fifty four Indians were found dead on the field of battle, and more than double that number are supposed to have been killed. When the Prophets-Town was destroyed 30 fresh graves were seen there, one of which was opened, & was found to contain 3 Indians that had been killed in the Engagmenet. The others probably contained as many, sto that their loss must have been great. The Prophet, who has been the Cause of it all, was not in the battle, he staid at home, and promised assistance to the others by Withcraft & Conservation. They are all so much disappointed at his ill success, and so much exasperated at his conduct that they have been ever since in pursuit of him to kill him. Tecumseh, his brother, has been to the [wax seal hole] has raised a party of 300 of the Southern Indians who have just gone on to join the others. It is feared that on the Frontiers they will do a great deal of mischief. Our little army, both regulars & volunteer militia have done themselves great credit. It appears to be the prevailing opinion amongst the thorough read historians in this party of the country that so great a battle has never been recorded on the pages of history...” VG.

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