Washington City, Dec. 21
The following message from the President of the United States, enclosing governor Harrison's two letters to the secretary at war, on the subject of the late engagement with the Indians on the Wabash, was laid before congress on Thursday.
To the senate and house of representatives of the United States
I lay before Congress two letters received from governor Harrison of the Indiana territory, reporting the particulars and the issue of the expedition under his command, of which notice was taken in my communication of Nov. 5.
While it is deeply lamented that so many valuable lives have been lost in the action which took place on the 7th ult., Congress will see with satisfaction the dauntless spirit and fortitude victoriously displayed by every description of the troops engaged, as well as the collected firmness which distinguished their commander on an occasion requiring the utmost exertions of valor and discipline.
It may reasonably be expected that the good effects of this critical defeat and dispersion of a combination of savages, which appears to have been spreading to a greater extent, will be experienced not only in a cessation of the murders and depredations committed on our frontier, but in the prevention of any hostile incursions otherwise to have been apprehended.
The families of those brave and patriotic citizens who have fallen in this severe conflict, will doubtless engage the favorable attention of congress.
James Madison
Washington, Dec. 18, 1811
