Other grievances came closer home. For two years the West had been
disturbed by Indian wars and intrigues for which the English officers
and agents in Canada were held largely responsible. In 1811 Governor
Harrison of Indiana Territory defeated the Indians at Tippecanoe. But
Tecumseh was even then working among the Creeks, Cherokees, and other
southern tribes with a view to a confederation which should be
powerful enough to put a stop to the sale of land to the advancing
white population. A renewal of the disorders was therefore momentarily
expected. Furthermore, the people of the Southwest were as usual on
bad terms with their Spanish neighbors in Florida and Texas; they
coveted an opportunity for vengeance for wrongs which they had
suffered; and some longed for the conquest of Spanish territory. At
all events, war with England was the more welcome because Spain, as an
ally of that power, was likely to be involved.
Nowhere was the news received with greater enthusiasm than at
Nashville; and by no one with more satisfaction than by Andrew
Jackson.
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