4–10 March 1839

The Indo- American war of Brant and Ganse- voort, etc, illustrate as well as any other the uninventive, the inventive. All sit still in the fort, persuaded that the militia cannot meet the British regulars and the dreadful Indians. At last comes arestless,creativeman,some General Herkimer, or Captain Willett, and makes a sally to the woods to a distant fort, engages the Indians, beats them, and shows the stupidity of the former sitting. Instantly "they conquer who believe they can." God invents: God advances. The world, the flesh, and the devil sit and rot. Not less is all society an optical illusion to the young adventurer.' . . . Stay at home in God, and the whole population will do homage with cap and knee.