The "Tecumseh Stone"

The "Tecumseh Stone". . Tradition has it that the Indian leader Tecumseh stood upon this stone to deliver a final address to the British at Amherstburg after the Battle of Lake Erie. Donated in 1939, it originally stood near the corner of Dalhousie and Gore Streets. In his speech Tecumseh asserted, in part:, Father, listen...You always told us to remain here and take care of our lands. It made our hearts glad to hear that was your wish; our great father the king is the head, you represent him. You always told us you would never draw your foot off the British ground; but now, father, we see you drawing back, and we are sorry to see our father doing so without seeing the enemy. We must compare our father's conduct to a fat animal, that carries its tail upon its back; but when affrighted, it drops it between its legs and runs off., Father. You have got the arms and ammunition which our great father sent for his red children. If you have any idea of going away, give them to us and you may go and welcome. For us, our lives are in the hands of the Great Spirit; we are determined to defend our lands; and if it is his will we wish to leave our bones upon them, Nonetheless, when the British under Major-General Henry Procter abandoned Fort Malden in late September of 1813. Tecumseh and his followers reluctantly accompanied them. Overtaken by the Americans, the British and Indians from Malden were defeated in the Battle of the Thames on October 5, 1813. Tecumseh was killed in the engagement.