It was as if they were destined to meet, blood meets kidnapped family...

August 6, 1884

Olympia W T
August 6, 1884
My Dear Sir

I am sorry to have to tell you so little but I have been sick in bed for over 9 months & am in bed yet but thought I would have my wife write you what I could remember of Tecumseh, he was born about 1768 - after his parents had returned to Ohio, his father died - when he was 6 years old, he (Tecumsah) was placed under his older brother & sister I have forgotten their names. Father said Tecumsah would have been a greater & better man only for the influence his brother, the Prophet had over him; still he thought Tecumsah was one of the Bravest & noblist of men as a red man. Father was the Interpreter for Tecumsah when he treated with Wayne.

Well now he, Mr. Ruddell, is sick & cannot remember any more of Tecumsah & you will have to take our apology for not writing more or sooner. I thought all the time he Mr. Ruddell would be able to write himself but he is not & we do not know when he will.

Yours respectfully
Stephen D. Ruddell

PS - I think you can get more out of the History of Tecumsah as there is such a book.

August 26, 1884

Marcelline Ills Aug. 26, 1884
L. C. Draper, Esq.
My Dear Sir,

Your favor of July 3rd was received and contents duly noted as soon as it came to hand, but various circumstances has prevented my replying sooner. I have made 2 visits to my sister Mrs. Nichols on the subject of your enquiry. She says that there is nothing that she can remember to have heard father say about Tecumseh. She had received your letters & also a Book, 1 vol. of Wisconsin His. Society for which she returns thanks and would have written to you long since had she been able to write her self.