of June, of this year, visited his settlement on the Wabash to reclaim some horses which had been stolen from the whites.  At this time, the Prophet had not more than forty of his own tribe with him; and less than a hundred from others, principally Potawatamies, Chippewas, Ottawas and Winebagoes.  The Prophet announced his intention of making a visit to governor Harrison, for the purpose of explaining his conduct, and procuring a supply of provisions for his followers.  This, he insisted, could not be consistently withheld from him, as the white people had always encouraged him to preach the word of God to the Indians:  and in this holy work he was now engaged.

[Footnote A:  Governor Harrison’s Correspondence with the War Department.]

Some time in the month of July, the governor received a speech from the Prophet, sent to Vincennes by a special messenger.  It was cautious, artful and pacific in its character.  It deprecated in strong terms the misrepresentations which had been circulated in regard to the ulterior objects of the Prophet and his brother as to the whites; and renewed the promise of an early visit.  This visit was made in the month following, and was continued for two weeks, during which time he and the governor had frequent interviews.  In these, the Prophet, with his characteristic plausibility, denied that his course was the result of British influence.  His sole object, he alleged, was a benevolent one towards his red brethren; to reclaim them from the degrading vices to which they were addicted, and induce them to cultivate a spirit of peace and friendship, not only with the white people, but their kindred tribes.  To this sacred office, he insisted, with much earnestness, he had been specially called by the Great Spirit.  That he might the more successfully enforce the sincerity of his views upon the mind of the governor, he took occasion several times during the visit, to address the Indians who had accompanied him to Vincennes, and dwelt upon the great evils resulting to them from wars, and the use of ardent spirits.  It was apparent to the governor that the Prophet was a man of decided talents, of great tact, and admirably qualified to play successfully, the part he had assumed.  In order to test the extent of his influence over his followers, the governor held conversations with them, and several times offered them whiskey, which they invariably refused.  Looking to that amelioration of the condition of the Indians, which had long engaged his attention, the governor began to hope that the Prophet’s power over them might be turned to advantage; and that the cause of humanity would be benefited by sustaining rather than trying to weaken the influence of the preacher.  This impression was much strengthened by the following speech which the Prophet delivered to him, before the close of the visit.

“Father:—­It is three years since I first began with that system of religion which I now practice.  The white people and some of the Indians were against me; but I had no other intention but to introduce among the Indians, those good principles of religion which the white people profess.  I was spoken badly of by the white people, who reproached me with misleading the Indians; but I defy them to say that I did any thing amiss.