Shawnee Chief Tecumseh How the Two Main

¶ … Shawnee Chief Tecumseh [...] how the two main authorities on Tecumseh, John Sugden and David Edmunds, compare with each other? Sugden and Edmunds exhibit extremely divergent writing styles and approaches to their topics, yet, through their research and understanding of their topic, they both manage to convey the man Tecumseh, as well as his accomplishments. My poor Indians! My poor Indians! Oh, what will become of my Indians?'" Tecumseh (Tecumtha in the Native language) was born in an Indian village near Dayton, Ohio, in March 1768.

His name in Shawnee means "panther lying in wait." Because he was such a successful leader, many historians have recounted his life. "Of all the Indians in American history, he has always seemed the most admirable. His white contemporaries, both British and American, described him in glowing terms, and since his death historians have echoed their praises." John Sugden and David R. Edmunds have both written extensively about Tecumseh, his life, and his influence not only on the Indian nation, but on the whites as well.

Each man has a unique writing style, and each man tells the story of Tecumseh differently. Sugden's work is voluminous - an in-depth analytical look at Tecumseh's accomplishments and life. It is clear his research took time, and he attempted to locate everything he possibly could on Tecumseh and his activities. His writing style is extremely creative and descriptive, drawing the reader into the story and making him feel as if he were there, experiencing Tecumseh's trials and triumphs.

It also gives deep insight into the man, his motives for fighting with the British, and his motives for trying to unite the Indian nations. "He [President Harrison] will not be injured by the war. He may still sit in his town, and drink his wine, whilst you and I will have to fight it out." Tecumseh was a learned and skilled fighter, as Sugden's book clearly shows. The Americans admired him, even if they feared him.

"The Indians on the left, under the command of Tecumseh, fought with great obstinacy.'" Additionally, Sugden's book is a look at the entire life of Tecumseh, not only his "quest for leadership." Edmunds' story is also well written and compelling, and like Sugden, he gives personal glimpses into the man, made possible by his research and understanding of his topic.

Both men place thoughts and actions in the character's heads, and thought they could not have known what these historic people were really thinking, they had a very good idea through their immersion in their topic, they both understand the motivations and beliefs of the historic characters in the story, because of their intensive study of their subjects. The picture these two authors portray of Tecumseh the man, along with Tecumseh the leader is a deep look into a great chief.

Edmunds' look at the chief is a bit more historical and dry than Sugden's, and of course more focused in one area, Tecumseh's quest for unification between the tribes, and leadership. "Tecumseh championed a stronger, pan-tribal confederacy in while the members would labor for the benefit of all Indians, rather than for particular tribal interests." Another interesting divergence between the writers is their discussion of their own research into Tecumseh and his life, which most clearly illustrates the approach each man took toward his book.

Edmunds identifies his sources categorically and in great detail, while not mentioning his rationale or purpose behind his research. It is clear he completed a great deal of historical research, but his own foundation for the research is missing, thereby removing some of the man from his manuscript. Sugden on the other hand, makes it clear from the beginning of his book what he hopes to accomplish by writing it, and draws the reader into his methods and his rationale, which makes the book even more interesting and enlightening.

The diverse style of the two men closely follows this attention to their motivations for writing their books. Sugden is more emotional and personal in his writing style, while Edmunds is historical and meticulous, clearly addicted to the minute details of the research. The styles both have pluses, but Sugden's style seems more readable and riveting, while still presenting a great attention to detail. The man Tecumseh comes alive in the readings of all the authors. Besides being an excellent fighter, Tecumseh was a great speaker and organizer.

He traveled everywhere attempting to bring the Indian nations together to fight for their land and their way of life. Tecumseh was a fiery orator who traveled the Mississippi Valley in an effort to draw other tribes into his confederacy. On September 19, 1811, Tecumseh and his followers arrived in Tuckabatchee, the Creek capital. A delegation of thirty Cherokee including Major Ridge attended the meeting. Tecumseh pleaded with the group to return to the old ways until the confederacy was strong enough to resist the whites.

Tecumseh concluded his speech to the Creek and presented Big Warrior, a Creek leader, with a wampum belt and a war hatchet. As his story progresses, his fate seems inevitable and tragic. Here was a legend of a man, who had the foresight to understand his people needed to pose a united front against the white man to save their lands and their way of life.

"All the claims, stories, legends and myths are unconscious tribute to the greatness of Tecumseh" Tecumseh finally fought with the British against the Americans, after he failed to negotiate a land deal with then governor William Henry Harrison. "It is my determination, nor will I give rest to my body feet until I have united all the red men. (Statement to William Henry Harrison.)" The warrior became a Brigadier General in the British army before he died on the River Thames in Ontario.

"For a time during the short life of Tecumseh, American Indians had greater hope than ever before or since. Tecumseh gave them a consciousness of themselves as one people more than members of just one tribe." As Sugden notes, Tecumseh is popular with biographers, and numerous books have been written about the man. He asserts his book is the first true biography, and after reading other attempts, it seems his allegation is correct, or at least was at the time this book was written.

In conclusion, the two authors clearly have different.