Chapter 7 of the History of Southern Illinois

CHAPTER SEVEN

P. 79 CLARK’S CONQUEST OF THE ILLINOIS COUNTRY

CONDITIONS IN ILLINOIS—CLARK‘S EXPEDITION TO THE ILLINOIS COUNTRY

—PUBLIC INSTRUCTIONS TO GENERAL CLARK—PRIVATE INSTRUCTIONS—DOWN THE

RIVER—ACROSS SOUTHERN ILLINOIS—CAPTURE OF KASKASKIA—

COUNTY OF ILLINOIS

Hostilities in the Revolutionary war were well advanced by the spring of 1776. Washington had driven the British troops from Boston, Fort Ticonderoga had been captured by Americans and the patriot army was everywhere very active.

The British maintained quite large detachments of British regulars in Canada, about the upper lakes, and in New York city and Boston. There never were many regulars stationed at Vincennes, Cahokia, or at Kaskaskia or Fort Chartres.

CONDITIONS IN ILLINOIS

When Fort Chartres was first constructed by Lieut. Boisbriant in 1719, the structure was half or three-quarters of a mile from the river; but as time passed the river channel changed its course and came nearer and nearer to the fort. In the early part of the year 1772, a flood of the Mississippi undermined the south side of the wall of the fort and portions thereof tumbled into the river. The garrison is said to have made its way across the submerged lands and took refuge on the hills near Prairie du Rocher, and later to have taken up their quarters at Kaskaskia. Pittman was in Kaskaskia probably as a royal engineer with the army under Col. Fraser which reached Fort Chartres December 4, 1765, and remained in that region three or four years. He was in Kaskaskia at that time and has left quite a description of the village. He says of this place: “The principal buildings are the church and Jesuits’ house which has a small chapel adjoining to it; these as well as some other houses in the village, are built of stone. . . . Sixty-five families reside in this village, besides merchants, other casual people, and slaves. The fort, which was burnt down in October, 1766 (no doubt while Pittman was in that region), stood on the summit of a high rock opposite the village, and on the other side of the river; it was an oblongular quadrangle of which the exterior polygon measured two hundred and ninety by two hundred and fifty feet; it was built of very thick squared timber, and dovetailed at the angles. An officer and twenty soldiers are quartered in the village. The officer governs the inhabitants under the direction of the commandant at Fort Chartres.

Here are also two P. 80 companies of militia.” This quotation from Pittman will help us to settle a matter of uncertainty relative to the occupation of Fort Gage by the British troops when they abandoned Fort Chartres in 1772 on account of high water. They were evidently not stationed in Fort Gage which was burned in 1766 since there is no record of its ever having been rebuilt

The Jesuits were suppressed in France in 1764 and in 1766 their plantation, brewery, and cattle in Kaskaskia were all sold by the French government, the purchaser being Monsieur Beauvais said to have been the richest man about Kaskaskia. The government at that time no doubt took possession of the Jesuits’ house and other property held by the order in the town which no doubt included the monastery. The public buildings evidently became the headquarters of the British army when it moved from Fort Chartres in 1772. It was here they were quartered about fifty soldiers, when they were ordered to leave for Canada at the outbreak of the Revolutionary war. There were no British troops at Kaskaskia and probably not at any other point in the Illinois at the coming of George Rogers Clark.

We have already called attention to the inroads of the savages into the country between the Alleghenies and the Ohio river. The state of Virginia had already furnished the Kentuckians with 500 lbs. of powder and a quantity of lead. With these munitions the Kentuckians had been able to protect themselves against these inroads. George Rogers Clark had studied these Indian attacks and was convinced that these inroads from north of the Ohio were the result of an understanding between the Indians and the British commandants at Kaskaskia, Vincennes, and Detroit.

In the summer of 1777, Clark sent two spies, Moore and Dunn, to Kaskaskia to determine the true situation and to bring a report of the military strength of the place. They returned in due season and “reported great activity on the part of the militia as well as the most extended encouragement to the Indians in their barbarous depredations upon the Kentucky frontier.” With this information to confirm his own judgment in the matter he began active measures for the conquest of the entire northwest territory.

CLARK’S EXPEDITION TO THE ILLINOIS COUNTRY

George Rogers Clark left Kentucky October 1, 1777, for Virginia to lay his plans before the authorities for the conquest of the British posts northwest of the Ohio. The people of Kentucky were very loath to let him go as they feared he would join the Continental army and his help be lost to them. But he told them he would return to them which he had fully determined to do. Major Clark remained in Williamsburg several weeks settling the accounts of the Kentucky militia and gathering the temper of the Virginia authorities. On December 10th he felt he was on safe ground and he laid his plans before Governor Patrick Henry. The governor was in perfect harmony with the plans except he feared for a detachment of soldiers in so distant a region. He consulted with his advisers and after many conferences with Clark and his council the plans were all matured. P. 81

PUBLIC INSTRUCTIONS TO GENERAL CLARK

On January 2, 1778, Col. Clark received two sets of instructions relative to his proposed expedition to the Illinois country. One set he was to make public for the purpose of securing recruits for the defense of Kentucky. These instructions were as follows:

“Lieutenant Colonel George Rogers Clark: You are to proceed, without loss of time, to enlist seven companies of men, officered in the usual manner, to act as a militia under your orders. They are to proceed to Kentucky, and there to obey such orders and directions as you shall give them, for three months after their arrival at that place; but to receive pay, etc., in case they remain on duty a longer time.

“You are empowered to raise these men in any county in the commonwealth; and the county lieutenants, respectively, are requested to give you all possible assistance in that business.

“Given under my hand at Williamsburg, January 2nd, 1778.

“P. Henry.”

PRIVATE INSTRUCTIONS

“Virginia in Council, Williamsburg, January 2d, 1778. Lieutenant Colonel George Rogers Clark: You are to proceed with all convenient speed to raise seven companies of soldiers, to consist of fifty men each, officered in the usual manner, and armed most properly for the enterprise; and with this force attack the British fort at Kaskaskia.

“It is conjectured there are many pieces of cannon and stores, to considerable amount, at that place, the taking and preservation of which, would be a valuable acquisition to the state. If you are so fortunate, therefore, as to succeed in your expedition, you will take every possible measure to secure the artillery and stores, and whatever may advantage the state.

“For the transportation of the troops, provisions, etc., down the Ohio; you are to apply to the commanding officer at Fort Pitt for boats; and during the whole transaction you are to take especial care to keep the true destination of your force secret—its success depends upon this. Orders are therefore given to secure the two men from Kaskaskia. Similar conduct will be proper in similar cases.

“It is earnestly desired that you show humanity to such British subjects and other persons, as fall in your hands. If the white inhabitants at that post and the neighborhood will give undoubted evidence of their attachment to this state (for it is certain they live within its limits), by taking the test prescribed by law, and by every other way and means in their power, let them be treated as fellow citizens, and their person and property duly secured. Assistance and protection against all enemies whatever shall be afforded them, and the commonwealth of Virginia is pledged to accomplish it. But if these people will not accede to these reasonable demands, they must feel the miseries of war, under the direction of that humanity that has hitherto distinguished Americans, and which it is expected you will ever consider the rule of your conduct, and from which you are in no instance to depart.

“The corps you are to command are to receive the pay and allowance of militia and to act under the laws and regulations of this state now in force, as militia. The inhabitants of this post will be informed p. 82 by you, that in case they accede to the offers of becoming citizens of this commonwealth, a proper garrison will be maintained among them and every attention bestowed to render their commerce beneficial, the fairest prospects being opened to the dominions of France and Spain.

“It is in contemplation to establish a post near the mouth of the Ohio. Cannon will be wanted to fortify it. Part of those at Kaskaskia will be easily brought thither, or otherwise secured, as circumstances will make necessary.

You are to apply to Gen. Hand for powder and lead necessary for this expedition. If he can’t supply it, the person who has that brought from Orleans can. Lead was sent to Hampshire, by my orders, and that may be delivered to you.

“Wishing you success,

I am, sir,

Your humble servant,

“P. Henry.”

Clark was to proceed to Fort Pitt where he should be provided with boats, powder and other necessaries. Here he was also to gather some troops. Recruiting officers were dispatched throughout western Virginia and Kentucky to raise seven companies of fifty men each. Among those who assisted in raising troops were Major William B. Smith, Capt. Leonard Helm, Capt. Joseph Bowman, Capt. William Ramrod, Capt. Dillard, Capt. Joe Montgomery.

DOWN THE OHIO

Upon the arrival of Clark at Fort Pitt, not being able to reveal his real objective, he found considerable opposition to his plans. He was told that it would be far better to transport the people of Kentucky over the mountains into Virginia than to attempt to defend them in their scattered homes. Again there was opposition to his expedition because it was threatening to take men from the Atlantic coast, who ought to be available for the greater conflict then waging on that side.

On May 12, 1778, Clark left Brownsville, Pennsylvania, on the Monongahela, and in ordinary flat boats with a few men floated past Fort Pitt and on past Wheeling. At both places he took on supplies. Early in June the little party arrived at the “Falls of the Ohio.” Here where the present site of Louisville, Kentucky, stands, on Corn Island, he constructed a temporary fort and the better to cover his designs planted a crop of corn. Here he was joined by the enlistments which had been made throughout western Virginia and Kentucky. Clark felt that he could not longer keep his secret and therefore revealed his true mission to the officers and men. There were some desertions, but out of those left Clark organized four companies of about fifty men each.

On the 24th of June, 1778, Clark left his encampment on Corn Island for his final journey down the Ohio. About twenty families were left on Corn Island. These had accompanied Clark from the vicinity of Pittsburg. They remained on the island and guarded some supplies which Clark left at that place. Just before starting down the river, Gen. Clark received a letter from Colonel John Campbell P. 83 of Fort Pitt notifying him of the alliance that had been recently formed between France and the United States. The statement is made that the expedition “shot the falls” during an eclipse of the sun. Near the mouth of the Tennessee Gen. Clark captured some hunters, one of whom was John Duff. These hunters had lately been to Kaskaskia and could give Clark just the information that he wanted. They were induced to accompany the expedition down the river.

Ten miles below the mouth of the Tennessee river, on the north side of the Ohio, stands the remains of Old Fort Massac. In 1778 the fort was probably in good repair but not occupied.

GENERAL GEORGE ROGERS CLARK

Here Clark disembarked. He hid his boats in the mouth of a small stream which enters the Ohio from Massac county a short distance above the fort. The expedition now made preparation to march overland to Kaskaskia. Four days’ rations were provided as it was thought the trip could be made within that time, the distance being about ninety miles.

ACROSS SOUTHERN ILLINOIS—CAPTURE OF KASKASKIA

There is considerable local interest as to the route Clark took from Fort Massac to Kaskaskia. The distance on a straight line is less than one hundred miles. But by any route which Clark could P. 84 have taken the distance was not less than one hundred and ten or one hundred and twenty miles.

There can be little doubt that the hunters whom Clark captured near the mouth of the Tennessee river, knew the different trails which led from Fort Massac and Golconda and the mouth of the Wabash, to Kaskaskia. There were two routes from Fort Massac to the prairies of Williamson county. One led from Fort Massac a little to the east of north until it came into the Golconda Kaskaskia route somewhere west of the town of Golconda. This route after joining the Golconda route turned westward, passed near Allen’s Springs postoffice and near Dixon’s Springs, thence northwest near “Mill Stone Knob,” through the Ozarks by way of Moccasin Gap, through the old village of Reynoldsburg, on near the crossing of the Paducah branch of the Illinois Central and the Big Four at Parker City, near the city of Marion and on to the village of Bainbridge.

The second route went northwest from Fort Massac, keeping between the ponds and swamps which drain into Big Bay creek on the right and those which border the Cache river on the left. This route passed out of Massac county at the extreme northwestern corner, in Sec. 5, Town 14 5., R. 3 E. It passed near the Forman postoffice and probably led over the hill upon which Indian Point is situated (An old road long since abandoned can be seen here). From Indian Point the route ran about two miles west of Vienna, Johnson county, a couple of miles east of the thriving village of Buncombe, thence over the Ozarks through Buffalo Gap which is at least one hundred and fifty feet lower than the rest of the Ozarks, on through Goreville leaving Marion to the right and joining the Golconda route at Bainbridge three and one-half miles west of Marion Williamson county.

Clark’s memoirs state that the third day from Fort Massac the guides got lost and there were some who thought they had turned traitor to their trust. Clark told the principal guide, one John Saunders, that if he did not find the “Hunter’s Road” which led into Kaskaskia from the east that he would have him put to death. This probably meant that Clark knew he was far enough to strike the Golconda trail. This could not have been in Pope county for that junction was only fifteen miles east of north of Fort Massac. So the argument is quite conclusive that Clark went by way of Indian Point and Buffalo Gap and that he knew they ought to reach the Golconda road at the end of the third day. The guide found the road and the army was probably soon encamped the third night out, near the town of Bainbridge. The first night the camping ground was probably on Indian Point, eighteen miles from Fort Massac. The second night’s camp was at a spring two miles north of Pulley’s Mill, and twenty miles north of Indian Point, The third day, owing to getting lost they did not make more than twelve miles of progress.

On the fourth day the little army moved west and a little north and crossed Crab Orchard creek northeast of Carbondale three miles. Big Muddy was crossed at the northwest corner of Town 9 S. R. 1 W. —four miles due east of Murphysboro. From the crossing of Big Muddy to Ava, thence to Campbell Hill in the northwest corner of Jackson county. From here by Shiloh Hill, and Wine Hill, crossing St. Mary’s river at Bremen Station, all in Randolph. The fourth night out they probably camped at six or eight miles northwest of P. 85 Murphysboro, and the fifth night at St. Mary’s river. The next day, which was the 4th of July, is their sixth day out. They reached the outskirts of Kaskaskia early in the evening.

As soon as night came on the army moved west and reached the Kaskaskia river about a mile above the town. On the east side of the river they found a farm house in which was a large family, who were made prisoners. From this family it was learned that the militia had been called out the day before but finding no cause for alarm, they had dispersed. Boats were secured and the army rowed to the west side of the Kaskaskia. Clark says this took two hours.

It was now probably as late as ten or eleven o’clock in the night. Clark now divided his army into two divisions, one of which was to scatter throughout the town and keep the people in their houses, and the other, which Clark himself commanded, was to capture the fort in which the commander, Chevalier de Rocheblave, was asleep. In a very short time the task was finished and the people disarmed. The soldiers were instructed to pass up and down the streets, and those who could speak French were to inform the inhabitants to remain within their houses. The Virginians and Kentuckians were in the meantime keeping up an unearthly yelling, for the people of Kaskaskia had understood that Virginians were more savage than the Indians had ever been, and Clark was desirous that they should retain this impression. The French of Kaskaskia called the Virginians “Long Knives.”

On the morning of the 5th, the principal citizens were put in irons. Shortly after this Father Gibault and a few aged men came to Clark and begged the privilege of holding services in the church, that they might bid one another goodbye before they were separated. Clark gave his permission in a very crabbed way. The church bell rang out over the quiet but sad village and immediately every one who could get to church did so, At the close of the service Father Gibault came again with some old men to beg that families might not be separated and that they might be privileged to take some of their personal effects with them for their support. Clark then explained to the priest that Americans did not make war on women and children, but that it was only to protect their own wives and children that they had come to this stronghold of British and Indian barbarity. He went further and told them that the French king and the Americans had just made a treaty of alliance and that it was the desire of their French father that they should join their interests with the Americans. This had a wonderfully conciliatory effect upon the French. And now Clark told them they were at perfect liberty to conduct themselves as usual. His influence had been so powerful that they were all induced to take the oath of allegiance to the state of Virginia. Their arms were given back to them and a volunteer company of French militiamen was formed.

Kaskaskia was captured on July 4, 1778. On the morning of the 5th occurred the incident previously referred to relative to the conduct of the priest, etc. Evidently very early in the day quiet was restored and better relations were established between captors and captives. The treaty of alliance between France and the United States was explained, and immediately the oath of allegiance to Virginia was taken by the people. On the same 5th of July an expedition was planned P. 86 for the capture of Cahokia. Captain Bowman with his company, or probably a portion of it, and a detachment of the French militia under French officers, together with a number of Kaskaskia citizens made up the army. Reynolds says they rode French ponies. The distance was sixty miles and the trip was made by the afternoon of the 6th. At first the people of Cahokia were greatly agitated and cried “Long Knives!” “Long Knives!” But the Kaskaskia citizens soon quieted them and explained what had happened at Kaskaskia only two days before. The fort at Cahokia may have contained a few British soldiers or some French militia. In either case they quietly surrendered. The oath of allegiance was administered to the people and the citizens returned to Kaskaskia.

For the first few days of Clark’s stay in Kaskaskia he and his men talked about the fort at the falls of the Ohio and of a detachment of soldiers they were expecting from there every day. This was done for the purpose of making an impression upon the people of Kaskaskia. Clark was a shrewd diplomatist as well as a good soldier, and he suspected that Father Gibault was at heart on the side of the Americans. By conversation Clark learned that the priest was the regular shepherd of the flock at Vincennes, and evidently had very great influence with the people there. Clark therefore talked of his expedition against Vincennes from the fort at the falls of the Ohio. Father Gibault then told Clark that while the post at Vincennes was a very strong one and that there were usually many Indians about that place, that just at this time, the lieutenant governor or commandant, Edward Abbot, was not at Vincennes but was in Detroit. He also told Clark that there were no soldiers there except probably a few citizen officers and that he had no doubt if the people there knew the real nature of the conflict between England and the colonies, and that France had joined against the hated British, there would be no opposition to Clark and his purposes. The priest further suggested that he himself would head an embassy to Post Vincennes for the purpose of attempting to secure the allegiance of the people there to the American cause.

This was the most cheering word that had come to Clark in all his first days at Kaskaskia. An expedition was immediately planned. The priest should be accompanied by a citizen of Kaskaskia, Doctor John Baptiste Lafont. The two gentlemen were accompanied by several attendants, among whom was a spy who had secret instructions from Clark.

They departed the 14th of July, and reached Vincennes safely. The priest had no difficulty in making it clear to the people that France was on the side of the Americans. The commander, Governor Abbot, had recently gone to Detroit and there was no one in military command. They all took the oath of allegiance to Virginia. They also organized a militia company and took possession of the fort, over which the flag of Virginia floated, much to the wonder of the Indians. The Indians were told that the old French king, their father, had come to life, and if they did not want the land to be bloody with war they must make peace with the Americans.

On August 1, Father Gibault and his companions returned to Kaskaskia and reported the success of their mission.

Clark was busy just then reorganizing his little army. The term of enlistment of the soldiers was drawing to a close, and he saw that P. 87 unless he could reenlist his men, all the good that had been accomplished would go for naught. Clark succeeded in reenlisting about a hundred of his little army while the rest were to be mustered out at the falls of the Ohio, their places being filled with enlistments from the French militia. Captain Bowman was made military commandant at Cahokia, Captain Williams had charge at Kaskaskia, Captain Helm was sent to Vincennes to take charge and Captain Linn was sent with the soldiers who did not reenlist to the falls of the Ohio, while Captain Montgomery was sent with Chevalier de Rocheblave and dispatches, to Williamsburg. It had been Colonel Clark’s intention to treat with great consideration his distinguished captive, but M. Rocheblave behaved so rudely that he was sent a prisoner to Virginia, his slaves were confiscated and sold for 500 pounds sterling and the money distributed among the soldiers.

Colonel Clark by early fall restored order and obedience in all the Illinois country. He soon found the need of civil courts. The courts established by Wilkins under the British occupation had gone into “innocuous desuetude.” Rocheblave had given little if any attention to civil administration. Colonel Clark made inquiry as to the customs and usages of the people and decided to organize courts for the adjustment of claims and disputes. Accordingly Captain Bowman held an election in Cahokia at which the citizens voted and elected judges, one of which was Captain Bowman. Later, judges were elected at Kaskaskia and at Vincennes. Colonel Clark himself constituted the appellate court, and from a letter afterward written to Jefferson he must have been quite busy in this line of work for he says, referring to this matter of being relieved from civil duties, “the civil department of the Illinois had heretofore robbed me of too much of my time that ought to be spent in military reflection. I was now likely to be relieved by Col. John Todd. I was anxious for his arrival and happy in his appointment, as the greatest intimacy and friendship has subsisted between us. I now saw myself rid of a piece of trouble that I had no delight in.”

This extract is from a letter written by Clark to Jefferson when he heard that Col. John Todd had been selected to administer civil government in the Illinois country.

COUNTY OF ILLINOIS

The people of Virginia were soon aware of the success of the Clark expedition. The common people were of course greatly surprised, and the officials who had stood back of the enterprise were greatly relieved and delighted. The legislature in session in October took steps to extend civil government over the newly conquered country.

In October, 1778, the legislature of Virginia took the following action creating the county of Illinois:

All the citizens of the commonwealth of Virginia who are already settled or shall hereafter settle on the western side of the Ohio shall be included in a distinct county, which shall be called Illinois county; and the governor of this commonwealth with the advice of the council may appoint a county lieutenant or commander-in-chief, during pleasure, who shall appoint and commission as many deputy commandants, militia officers, and commissaries, as he shall think proper in the different districts, during pleasure; all of whom, before they enter into office P. 88 shall take the oath of fidelity to this commonwealth and the oath of office, according to the form of their own religion.

And all civil officers to which the inhabitants have been accustomed necessary for the preservation of the peace, and the administration of justice, shall be chosen by a majority of the citizens in their respective districts to be convened for that purpose by the county lieutenant or commandant, or his deputy, and shall be commissioned by the said county lieutenant or commander-in-chief.

The “house of delegates” which was the lower branch of the legislature shortly after the creation of the county of Illinois took the following action:

IN THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES

Monday, the 23d Nov., 1778.

Whereas, authentic information has been received that Lieutenant Colonel George Rogers Clark, with a body of Virginia militia, has reduced the British posts in the western part of this· commonwealth on the river Mississippi and its branches, whereby great advantage may accrue to the common cause of America, as well as to this commonwealth in particular:

Resolved, That the thanks of this house are justly due to the said Colonel Clark and the brave officers and men under his command, for their extraordinary resolution and perseverance in so hazardous an enterprise, and for their important services to their country.

E. RANDOLPH,

Attest: C.H.D.

In accordance with the provisions of the law creating the county of Illinois west of the Ohio river, the governor of Virginia, Patrick Henry, appointed John Todd, Esq., a judge of the Kentucky court, as county lieutenant or commander-in-chief of the newly created county. We shall hear more of John Todd and his work later.

Colonel Clark in the month of September was busy making treaties with the Indians. He met them in council at Cahokia. Treaties were made with the Piankeshaws, Oniatenons, Kickapoos, Illinois, Kaskaskias, Peorias, and probably others.

Captain Helm took possession of Vincennes about the middle of August. By the middle of November or earlier, word had reached Detroit that Captain Helm was in possession of the fort at Vincennes. An expedition was planned under the command of Lieutenant Governor Henry Hamilton, to retake the fort. He must have started from Detroit by the earlier part of November, for on the 4th of December, he had reached Fort Oniatenon. From here he writes to General Haldiman, the governor of Canada. Hamilton says he has about 200 Indians with him and hopes no more will join him. He was then on his way to capture Vincennes, which he says he has heard is quite short of provisions. He reached Vincennes December 18, 1778.

The capture of Vincennes by Hamilton is so full of the humorous side of war that it will bear repeating. When Captain Helm was sent by Clark to take command at Vincennes he relied upon the fidelity of the. militia of the village for assistance in case of an attack. When he heard of the approach of Hamilton he fired the signal for the assembling P. 89 of the militia, but very few came, and these deserted when Hamilton's army came in sight. There were left in the fort (Fort Sackville) only two men, Captain Helm and an American by the name of Henry. Helm and Henry planted a cannon heavily loaded in the gateway of the fort and awaited Hamilton's coming. Hamilton asked for a consultation which resulted in Helm's surrender of the fort provided his army should be permitted to march out with the honors of war. This was granted and Hamilton's army of thirty British regulars, fifty Canadians, and four hundred Indians, was drawn up in line to receive the surrendered army with the courtesies of military regulations. When everything was in readiness, Captain Helm and private Henry, with drawn sword and flag flying came marching out and formally surrendered Fort Sackville, its brave defenders, and its munitions of war. Captain Helm and Henry were held prisoners of war in Fort Sackville.

Word soon reached Colonel Clark of the loss of Vincennes, and he now felt himself in a very perilous situation. Vincennes was lost, Virginia had not sent him a dollar with which to purchase supplies, the money he had was of no value, the Indians from the Canadian border were making their appearance around Cahokia and Kaskaskia, and discouragement stared him in the face.

In this extremity a real patriot came upon the scene. This man was Colonel Francis Vigo, a native of Mongovia, Sardinia. He had served in the Spanish army but was now a rich merchant of St. Louis. He sympathized with the American cause and was so deeply interested in Clark that he supplied his army with clothing and provision to the extent of above $20,000, which was never repaid during Colonel Vigo's lifetime.

Colonel Vigo proffered his services to Colonel Clark. Clark sent him over to Vincennes to see what the situation was. He was captured and would have been severely punished by Hamilton if it had not been for fear of the French, Indians, and Spanish, all of whom were great friends to Vigo. He was released and returned to St. Louis, and immediately came to Kaskaskia to inform Colonel Clark of the true situation. This was that Hamilton had a strong detachment of soldiers at Fort Sackville with cannon and plenty of munitions of war. Vigo also reported that the French inhabitants were quite favorable to the American cause and would render any assistance they could. And again Vigo reported that just as soon as the spring season opened that Colonel Hamilton was intending to attack Colonel Clark at Kaskaskia.

A conference was called of all the officers then around Kaskaskia. Captain Bowman came from Cahokia with his small force of soldiers and the first impulse was to get ready for a siege if Colonel Hamilton should attack. This plan was finally abandoned, for Colonel Clark said—”If I do not take Hamilton he will take me.”

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