SW_GH1804_132

ing been greatly improved in warlike discipline, and in the use of European firearms, by serving under the French commanders in former wars, they adhered to any pacific agreements no longer than their fears or their interests restrained them; and rested in the determination never to abandon their lands northwest of the Ohio river. They had defeated General Harmer, with the loss of the greater part of his army, on the banks of the St. Joseph's river in 1791; and an ex-pedition sent against them shortly after, under the command of General St. Clair, was com-pletely routed. In this engagement the Little Turtle,* * Michikiniqua, was the Indian name of this chief. so often alluded to in the foregoing pages, was the commander-in-chief of the Indian forces, and displayed feelings of humanity to-wards his retreating foes, of which few exam-ples have been furnished in the history of Indian warfare, and which reflects honor on his cha-racter. On beholding the white soldiers fleeing before the exasperated Indians, and at every moment cut down by the weight of their tomahawks, his heart revolted at the sight, and ascending an eminence, he gave the singular signal cry, which com-manded his men to cease from further pursuit and return to their camps; he also sent out mes-sengers to inform them, wherever scattered, that they must be satisfied with the carnage,