Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. II.djvu/60

38 LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS tucky, was commissioned major-general of the militia of that state, and given command of a de tachment that was sent to re-enforce Gen. William Hull, the news of whose surrender had not yet reached Kentucky. On September 2, while on the march, he received a brigadier-general s commis sion in the regular army, but withheld his accept ance till he could learn whether or not he was to be subordinate to Gen. James Winchester, who had been appointed to the command of the north western army. After relieving Fort Wayne, which had been invested by the Indians, he turned over his force to Gen. Winchester, and was returning to his home in Indiana when he met an express with a letter from the secretary of war, appoint ing him to the chief command in the northwest. "You will exercise," said the letter, your own dis cretion, and act in all cases according to your own judgment." No latitude as great as this had been given to any commander since Washington. Har rison now prepared to concentrate his force on the rapids of the Maumee, and thence to move on Maiden and Detroit. Various difficulties, however, prevented him from carrying out his design im mediately. Forts were erected and supplies for warded, but, with the exception of a few minor engagements with Indians, the remainder of the year was occupied merely in preparation for the coming campaign. Winchester had been ordered