Full text of "Vincennes in picture and story. History of the old town, appearance of the new. Full colonial history, including George Rogers Clark's own account of the capture of the village"

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THE COMPILER

VINCENNES

In Picture and Story.

HISTORY OF THE OLD TOWN.
APPEARANCE OF THE NEW.

FULL COLONIAL HISTORY, INCLUDING GEORGE
ROGERS CLARK'S OWN ACCOUNT OF
THE CAPTURE OF THE VIL-
LAGE FROM THE
BRITISH.

ALSO A SHOWING OF THE

Manufacturing and Business
Interests,

WITH COPIOUS ILLUSTRATIONS.

COMPILED BY

J. IP. HODGE,

19O2.

VINCENNES IN PICTURE AND STORY

Photo by Totenslev-

KNOX COUNTY COURT HOUSE. Cost over $362,000

vhor

Wncennes in Picture and Jtory

The City of Vincennes, which will form the
subject of the following sftetch, is situated on
the Wabash river, 120 miles above where its
waters join with those of the beautiful Ohio. It
is almost equi-distant from the two great cities
of St Louis and Cincinnati, being 150 miles al-
most directly east of the former, and 192 miles
directly west of the latter, on the line of the
Baltimore & Ohio South-Western R. R., and
south 236 miles from Chicago. It is 117 miles
southwest from Indianapolis, and fifty-one
miles north of Evansville. It is the southwest-
ern terminus of the Indianapolis & Vincennes
railroad, a part of the Pennsylvania system,
and the midway point on the Evansville &
Terre Haute Railroad. It is also the northern
terminus of the old Cairo & Vimcerines road,
now a part of the Big Four system.

It is a beautiful city of twelve thousand peo-
ple, largely engaged in manufacturing indus-
tries, which are, however, so far in the out-
skirts, in the main, as to interfere little with
the beauty of the city or the pleasure and com-
fort of its inhabitants.

Having thus located and briefly described
our subject, our attention! will now be directed
to its history proper and more will be said of
the present city, its advantages and prospects
in another place.

CHAPTER I.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
It is perhaps quite generally known that
Vincennes is one of the oldest settlements of
the West. It is also known in a vague sort of
way that it figured to some extent in the opera-
tions of the Revolutionary war. It is probably
not so generally known, however, how great a
part the "Old Post" played in the game of war
which resulted in the birth of the great nation
on which the jealous eyes of the whole earth
are turned to-day. In view of the importance
its conquest assumed in the treaty of Paris,
in 1783, it is deeply to be regretted that its
early histoiy is enshrouded im misty doubt and

uncertainty due to the want of official records
and authentic historical data.

In his e/forts to present to his readers a
worthy and reliable account of the early set-
tlement, growth and development of the city
of VinJcennes, the compiler of this history has
spent much time and labor and has consulted
numerous authorities important among which
are Judge Law's "History of Vincennes;" Hon.
Win. H. English's "Conquest of the Territory
Northwest of the River Ohio and Life of George
Rogers Clark," and the "History of Indiana," as
published in House Miscellaneous Documents,
of the 50th congress; also a pamphlet entitled
"Vincennes," by Hon. H. S. Cauthorn.. In this
connection he desires to acknowledge valuable
assistance rendered him by Hon. Henry S.
Cauthorn, Dr. Hubbard M. Smith and Mr. Ed-
ward L. Townsley, of the city.

The city derives its name from a Canadian of-
ficer, Francis Morgan de Vincenne, who, there
is some reason to believe, planted the first
French settlement here in the year 1702. It
is not, however, due to this circumstance that
the city bears his name. It had up to the year
1736 been knk>wn variously as "The Post, "Old
Post," "Au Post," "Post Ouabache," "St
Francis Xavier Post." etc., no name having,
apparently, been officially promulgated. De
Vincenne, who was a resident of the town and
probably a post officer, accompanied an expe-
dition against the Chickasaw Indians. The
French were defeated and De Vincenne was
among the captured, scorning to leave the
wounded. His heroic conduct on this occasion
when he was burned at the stake, caused his
praises to be sung to that extent that his name
was given the post, without any formal action,
but by a spontaneous movement which met
with a general acceptance. Ttat the first set-
tlement on the Wabash on the ?ite of Vincennes
was made by French traders from Canada
there seems to be no doubt, vrhatever. Under
whose leadership and at what date are mat-

colonial enterprizes which
were undertaken by the
French in America, two con-
siderations doubtless operated
to induce the settlement at
Vincennes. The strengthen-
ing and extension of the trade
and empire of France, and
the spread of the Christian re-
ligion, as taught by the estab-
lished church of that country.
It is well kniown that in the
latter part of the seventeenth
century they attempted the
construction of a cordon of
posts to connect their settle-
ments in Canada with those
on the Mississippi, -and the
Old Post may have had its
origin as far back as that, in
this effort.

ters which do not seem capable of being re-
duced to any degree of certainty. As in all the

At the time when the light
of history throws its first dim
rays upon the site of our be-
loved little city of the pres-
ent, there was located here
an Indian village called
"Chip-pe-co-ke" or "Brush
Wood." No doubt the exist-,
ence of this village was the
moving consideration for the
settlement at this point for
dual reason that it gave the
priest an opportunity to con-
vert the savage denizens of
the valley and furnished the
thrifty trader an opportunity
to traffic with the natives.

Judge Law in his address
before the "Vincennes His-
torical and .Antiquarian Soci-
ety," delivered in 1839, by
a most plausible argument
arrives at the conclusion that
the settlement here must
have been made about 1710.
Quoting from a volume of
"Letters Edifying and Curi-
ous," published in Paris in
1761, and from a letter therein
contained written toy "Father
Gabriel Marest, Missionary of the company of
Jesus, to Father Germon, of the same com-

B
g

O
U

Z
z

VINCENNES IX PICTURE AND STORY

pany," dated at Kaskaskia, Illinois, Nov. 12,
1712, says: 'The French having lately estab-
lished a fort on the river Wabash, demanded a
missionary, and Father Mermet was sent to
them." From the statement that the fort has
been built, Judge Law arrives at the conclusion
that the settlement must have been made a
year or so previous to the date of the letter.

In a memoir of M. de Denomville, on the
French limits in North America, dated March
8, 1688, it is stated that the French at that time
had divers establishments on the river Missis-
sippi "as well as on the Oyo, Ouabache, etc.,
which flow into the said river Mississippi."
This is taken from the "Paris Documents"
which are copies of the "originals in the ar-
chives of the department of the marin/e and the
colonies in the archives of the department of
war, and in the Royal library of Paris."

nin passant it may be as well to note the fact
that there appears to be good authority for the
statement that the society before which Judge
Law delivered this discourse in 1839 had in the
early part of the nineteenth century fixed the
date 1680 as that of the first French settlement
here. Onl what they based their conclusions is
not known at the present day.

Judge Law sees no reason to doubt that the
post mentioned in Father Marest's letter was
the one afterwards variously known as "Au
Post," "The Post," and "Post Vincennes."

The statement is made in the 'History of In-
diana" previously referred to, published by au-
thority of Congress, that "after La Motte Cad-
illac founded a permanent settlement at Detroit,
and about the close of 1702, Sieur Juchereau, a
Canadian officer, assisted by the Missionary
Mermet, made an attempt to establish a post
on the Ohio, near the mouth of that river; or
according to some on the Wabash at the site
which is now occupied by Vincentnes." Two
anecdotes are there related as told by Father
Mermet in connection with this settlement,
which Judge Law connects with his later date
of 1710. One of these related to a religious
controversy with the medicine men of the In-
dian village: the other to an epidemic malady
of malignant type from which the Indians suf-
fered and with which neither the "Big Medi-
cine's" sorcery nor the good priest's knowledge
was able to cope. In their extremity the poor,
ignorant red men determined on an effort to ap-
pease the evil spirit by a great sacrifice of

dogs. The rest is told in Bishop Brute's lan-
guage:

"Forty of these poor animals, innocent as
they were of the cause of the epidemic, were
immolated, and carried on poles in solemn pro-
cession around the fort While the procession
was moving, the jugglers were uttering excla-
mations, which as recorded by Father Mermet
were as follows: 'Manitou of the French, do
not kill us all! Softly, softly then! Do not
strike too hard. Spare us ere we all die.'
Then turning to the father (Mermet) they
would say 'O, Manitou, truly thou hast life and
death in thy sack. Keep in death and give out
life.' " It is added that "the Indians soon
moved away from the place of mortality, Mer-
met retired to the village of Kaskaskia, and
the Sieur Juchereau abandoned the sickly post.

In the narrative last referred to it is stated
that the total French population within the
province from Lake Michigan to the Gulf of
Mexico did not exceed four hunldred in 1713,
three years" after the date fixed by Judge Law
for the settlement of Vincennes, from which we
may infer that at all events the population of
Vincennes must have been exceedingly limited.

But we find another bit of evidence in favor
of the date 1762 for the settlement at the "Old
Post," in the petition of the French inhabitants
thereof to General Gage in 1772, in which they
allege, in response to a proclamation previously
issued by General Gage, commanding them "to
retire, at their choice, into some one of the
colonies of his majesty, where they will be re-
ceived and treated as the other subjects of his
majesty." They claim in their petition that
they hold their lands by "sacred titles;" that
the French settlement at this place was of
'seventy years' standing," and that their lands
had been granted by order and under protec-
tion of "his most Christian Majesty," the King
of France. To this petition Gen. Gage trans-
mitted the following reply:

"New York, April 2d, 1773.

"Gentlemen: I have received your letter of
the 14th of September last, with the representa-
tions annexed, which I intend to cause in a
few days to be transmitted to the fleet of his
Majesty.

"As you claim your possession by sacred ti-
tles, insinuating that your settlement is of
seventy years' standing, and that the lands
have been granted by order and under protec-
tion of his most Christian Majesty, it is nee-

VINCEXNES IN PICTURE AND STORY

essary that His Majesty should be informed
very particularly on these points: and it is> im-

5
o

e
&

S
O

portant to you to giye con-
vincing proofs of all that
you allege in this respect.

"To this end I have to de-
mand, without delay, the
name of every inhabitant at
Yincennes and its neighbor-
hood, and by what title each
one claims; if it is by con-
cession, the year of the con-
cession must be added, as
the name of the officer who
made it, and the name of the
governor-general who ap-
proved and confirmed it
with (illegible word, probab-
ly "page" or "number";) also
of the records where each
concession shall have been
registered. That the report
which I expect may be bet-
ter understood, I annex here-
to a form, which I beg you
to follow exactly, and to put
me as early as possible in a
position to push forward
your business.
I am, Gentlemen,

Your most humble,
And obedient servant,
THOMAS GAGE.

"Mr. de St. Marie, and the
other inhabitants settled at
Post Vincenues."

It is worthy of remark!
that the seventy years' ten-
ure of lands at the
Post" would carry these pe-
titioners back exactly to the
date alleged in the history of
Indiana, heretofore referred
to as that of the arrival of
Sieur Juchereau and his fol-
lowers, with Father Merniet
1702.

Father Merniet subse-
quently died at Kaskas-
kia, but whether he ever
returned to Viucennes

we are not told.
On the subject of the date of settlement it

VIXCEXXES IX PICTURE AND STORY

may be further said the Count de Volney, who
was here in 1796, and who talked with many
of the old settlers, gives it as his opinion that
the settlement was made in 1735. The facts
and circumstances before related, however,
render it altogether probable his estimate is
too conservative and that the correct date is
many years prior.

CHAPTER II.

THE JESUIT MISSIONARIES.

The noble fortitude, perseverance and endur-
ance exhibited by these learned missionaries
of the Jesuit order are worthy the admiration
of the world, and did more, perhaps, toward
conquering the wilderness, so far as it was
done by the French than all other agenteies. No
other nation had so litle trouble with the In-
dians as the French and we can readily believe
the Christly deportment, unselfish devotion to
the relief of suffering, exhibited by their de-
voted priesthood, did more than all other agen-
cies to produce that happy state of affairs.

As throwing some light on their labors anld
the manner in which they gained so great an
-ascendancy over the natives we quote below
from a letter written from Kaskaskia, by Fath-
er Marest, giving an account of a journey
through the wilderness. He thus describes the
character of the country over which he trav-
eled in making a journey from Kaskaskia to
Michilimackinac: "We have marched," says
the Rev. Father, "twelve days without meet-
ing a single human creature. Sometimes we
found ourselves in vast prairies of which we
could not see the boundaries through which
there flowed many brooks and rivers, but with-
out any path to conduct us. Sometimes we
were obliged to open a path through thick for-
ests, through bushes and underwood filled with
briars and thorns. Sometimes we had to pass
through deep marshes in) which we sank up to
the middle. After being fatigued through the
day we had the earth for our bed or a few
leaves exposed to the wind, the rain, and all
the injuries of the air."

Writing of the customary religious exercises
at Kaskaskia. Father Marest says: "The fol-
lowing is the order we observe each day in
our mission: Early in the morning we assem-
ble the catechumens at the church, where they
have prayers; they receive instruction and
chant some canticles. When they have retired,
mass is said, at which all the Christians as-

sist, the men placed on one side and the wom-
en on the other; then they have prayers, which
are followed by giving them a homily; after
which each one goes to his labor. We then
spend our time in visiting the sick to give them
the necessary remedies, to instruct them, and
to console those who are laboring under any
affliction.. After noon the cathechising is held,
at which all are present, Christians and
catechumens, men and children, younig and old,
and where each, without distinction of rank or
age, answers the questions put by the mission-
ary. As the people have no books and are nat-
urally indolent, they would shortly forget the
principles of religion! if the remembrance of
them were not recalled by these almost con-
tinual instructions. In the evening all assem-
ble again at the church to listen to the instruc-
tions which are given, to hear prayers and to
sing praise hymns. * * * These hymns are
their best insti uctions, which they retain more
easily, since the word's are set to airs with
which they are familiar and which they like."

Could anything be more calculated to gain
and retain an ascendancy over any people than
such a course of instruction and such devotion
and service to the sick and suffering? Is it
any wonder' that wherever the Jesuit mission-
ary went there was for the most part a friendly
greeting and that he gained this not only for
himself but for his associates and followers?

But if the picture painted by the Count de
Volney in 1796 of the conditions prevailing at
Vincennes on the occasion of his visit of that
date be a true one the vigilance of the priest-
hood hereabout must have been somwhat re-
laxed. Mr. Volney says: "My stay at Vin-
cennes afforded me some knowledge of the In-
dians who were assembled to barter away the
produce of their red hunt. There were four
or five hundred of them, men, women) and
children, of various tribes, as the Weas, Peor-
ias, Sawkies, Peankeshaws and Miamis. The
men and women roamed all day about the
town merely to get rum; for which they eager-
ly exchanged their peltry, their toys, their
clothes, and at length, when they had parted
with their all, they offered their prayers and
entreaties never ceasing to drink rill they had
lost their senses."

It should be remembered, however, that this
was long after the conquest of the country by
George Rogers Clark, and in the meantime
there had come into the vicinity many traders

VIXCENNES IN PICTURE AND STORY

of English extraction over whom and whose
dealings with the natives the Jesuit mission-
aries could have no control. A further rea-
son/ for the more abundant flow of rum Is
found in the fact that communication with the
settlements was at this time far easier than in
the time of Fr. Marest.. A few years later, in

Photo by Ttnvnsley.

Jesuitical priesthood certainly render it prob-
able that it is possible even at this day to find
the facts. We are, however, compelled at the
present to content oneselves with conjecture as
to the lapse of a quarter of century or more
until the year 1749 when the first entry appears
in the records of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral.

VINCENNES AND EVANSVILLE BELLES

1805, Governor Harrison, in a letter addressed
to Governor Tiffin, of Ohio, said: "The dread-
ful effects which have beem produced among
our Indian neighbors by the immense quanti-
ties of ardent spirits which have been poured
in upon them by our citizens, have long been
known and lamented by every fiiend of hu-
manity."

But these digressions find us far ahead of
our story. Let us return to the early years of
the eighteenth century. They give us little but
conjecture it is true, but we are safe in sur-
mising that the Piankeshaw villages in the vi-
cinity of Vincennes were not strangers to the
zealous priests whose labors were begun al-
most with the dawns of the century and that if
we know nothing of the events of that period
it is probably due to the fact that the archives
of the order in France have not been searched
by a competent historian sufficiently interested
to delve so deep as would be required. The
thorough system of reports required of the

It was made by Father Meurin, who appears to
have arrived here at that date. We are told
that in the course of the next year, 1700, a
small fort was built and that the white popu-
lation was considerably increased in the course
of the years 1754-55-56 by the arrival of immi-
grants from Kaskaskia, Detroit, Canada amd
New Orleans.

It will be remembered that it was in the last
year mentioned, 1854, that war was precipitated
between France and England, known in Eng-
lish history as the French and Indiani war.
Washington leading a force against Fort Du
Quesne suffered his first disaster, at Fort Ne-
cessity, Great Meadows, being compelled to
capitulate to De Villiers, the French command-
ant, who generously permitted his little army
to retire toward the English settlements. This
war resulted in victory for the English arms
and the cession of Canada and the territory
westward to the Mississippi, to England, by
"( treaty of 1763. *

Felix Bouchie, who died in Vincennes at an advanced age, in 1897, related an experience his grand-
father, Vetal Bouchie, had with the Indians during this war. He came to Vincennes from Canada in 1760.
Young Bouchie, who was a man of herculean proportions, applied to Mrs. Cardinal, a widow, for work,
and was engaged to assist in mowing a meadow south of town, in the vicinity of the elevation known
as "Bunker Hill." While at work in company with another white man and two negro slaves, they
were set upon by a party of Indians, who had approached by the well known stratagem of moving
bushes held in front of them. At the moment of the discovery of the Indians, who had taken the precau-

VINCENNBS IN PICTURE AND STORY

CHAPTER III.
UNDER ENGLISH RULE.

The first official act affecting the repose of the
French settlement was a proclamation issued
by General Gage in 1772 which read as follows:

'By his Excellency, Thomas Gage, Lieutenant
General of the King's armies, colonel of the
twenty-second regiment, general commanding
in chief all the forces of his majesty in North
America, etc., etc., etc.,

'Whereas, many persons, contrary to the posi-
tive orders of the King upon the subject, have
undertaken to make settlements beyond the
boundaries fixed by the treaties made with the
Indian nations, which boundaries ought to
serve as a barrier between) the whites and the
said nations; and a great number of persons
have established themselves, particularly on
the Ouabache, where they lead a Wandering
life, without government and without laws, in-
terrupting the free course of trade, destroy-
ing the game anid causing infinite disturbance
in the country, which occasions considerable
injury to the affairs of the King, as well as to
those of the Indians his majesty has been
pleased t:> order, and by these presents orders
are giver* in the name of the King, to all who
have established themselves on the lands upon
the Ouabache, whether at St. Vincent or else-
where, tD quit those countries without delay,
and to retire at their choice, into some one of
the colonies of bis majesty, where they will be
received and treated as the other subjects of
his majesty. Done and given at headquarters,
New York. Signed with our hand, sealed with
our seal at arms, and countersigned by our
secretary, this 8th of .April, 1772. By order of
the King.

"THOMAS GAGE.
"By His Excellency, G. Maturin, Sec."

It was this proclamation which drew forth

the protest and petition from the inhabitants
of Vincennes, to which reference was made
above, in which they claimed a seventy years'
tenure of their lands at "Old Post."

The ostensible grounds upon which this or-
der of Gen. Gage was issued were by nto means
the real reason for its promulgation. It was in
pursurance of a policy inaugurated in 1763, by
a proclamation from King George, which for-
bade his subjects from making any purchases
or settlements whatever, or taking possession
of any of the lands "beyond the sources of any
of the rivers which fall into the Atlantic Ocean
from the west or northwest," and at the sug-
gestion of the "English Board of Trad* and
Plantations," the British government took
measures to confine the English settlements in
America to such a distance from the seacoast
as that those settlements should be within the
reach of the trade and commerce of Great
Britain." In line with this policy the govern-
ment rejected the propositions of various per-
sons and companies who desired to establ'sh
colonies in the west.

The jealousy of the English people and gov-
ernment of their colonies was already mani-
festing itself in various oppressive policies and
measures designed to repress their growth and
confine the benefits of their commerce to the
English people. The nuclei furnished by the
French settlements within the imhibited terri-
tory provided a potent attraction to enterpris-
ing Englishmen and Americans to lead them in-
to infractions of the English policy, hence the
determination) to remove the French population.
No doubt the policy thus inaugurated would
have been carried out and the "Old Post" and
other French settlements depopulated but for
the fact that the events supervening gave the
English government all it could attend to and
more in the eastern section of its domain.

tion to get between them and the village, the Indians rushed upon them. The negroes escaped by taking
to the swamp: the other white man was killed and Bouchie captured after a brave resistance, which
resulted in his being beaten into insensibility. He was carried south, and when he recovered conscious-
ness was many miles away and on the west side of the Wabash. After several days march, during which
he was greatly maltreated', they reached an Indian village, where he became the special charge of aj
old squaw. He took pains to placate her and she soon became attached to him. Finally she came to Mm
one night with the announcement that the Indians in council had determined that he must die, and
token of it had buried their tomahawks in a tree. She bade him follow her and led the way 'to a
thicket, where she concealed him and where she promised to feed him. At dusk the next day she ap-
peared with the news that a white man had come to the camp and wanted to buy him. He returned
with her to camp to find a French trader on his way to Fort Mobile. He was duly delivered to the
trader, who later told him that he was on friendly terms with the Indians, and seeing their tomahawks
buried in the tree rightly interpreted the circumstance to mean that a white man was to be killed and
had determined to secure his release. This he had done at a cost of thirty horses. He conducted
Bouchie into the vicinity of an English fort and then disappeared. Bouchie was arrested as a spy by the
English and kept in confinement until the fort later fell into the hands of the French, when he made
his way back to Vincennes and married Mrs. Cardinal's daughter, residing here till his death, leaving
numero'us respectable descendants. I

V1NUENNES IN PICTURE AND STORY

H
U

Croghan's Journal is authority for the state-
ment that "in 1765 the total number of French
families within the limits of the Northwestern
territory (comprising the settlements about De-
troit, those near the Wabash and the colony in
the neighborhood of Fort Chartres), did mot

probably exceed six hundred. Of these fami-
lies about eighty or ninety resided at Post Vin-
cennes."

Pursuant to a policy of conciliation adopted
toward its Canadian subjects with a view to
the approaching colonial troubles, and in re-

VINCENNES IN PICTURE AND STORY

sponse to a memorial presented by the inhabi-
tants of Quebec, the government of that colony
was made commensurate with its former boun-
daries under the French regime. This included
"all the upper countries, known under the
names of Michilimackinac, Detroit, and other
adjacent places as far as the Mississippi." And
thus the inhabitants of Vincennes again passed
under the government of the French (now ow-
ing allegiance to Great Britain) colony of Que-
bec. By an act of parliament, passed in 1774,
the British government guaranteed the French
inhabitants "the free exercise of their religion
and to the Catholic clergy those rigthts which
were agreeable to the articles of capitulation
at the time of the surrender of Canada and its
dependencies." The same act of parliament
removed from the French inhabitants the ob-
ligation of trial by jury in civil cases, to which
they exhibited a great antipathy.

Tthis act was viewed with alarm and jealousy
by the English colonists, who saw in it an ef-
fort to enlist the sympathies of the French sub-
jects of Great Britain in behalf of that country
in the event of war. And in fact their estimate
of its design and effect were by no means with-
out foundation, as the French colonists, in the
early days of the war, ardently supported the
British government, and we are told that "at
the French settlements northwest of the Ohio
Indian war parties were often supplied with
arms and ammunition and sent to assail the
western frontiers of the English colonies."

In 1775, Louis Viviat, a merchant of the Illi-
nois country, began negotiations with the Pian-
keshaw Indians for the purchase of two large
tracts of land lying on both side of the Wa-
bash, one north of Vincennes and reaching as
far south as "Point Coupee (about twelve
leagues above Post St. "Vincent," the other from
the "mouth of White river, where it empties it-
self Into the Wabash (about twelve leagues be-
low Post St. Vincent), then down the Ouabache
river, by the several courses thereof, until it
empties itself into the Ohio river/' These two
tracts were to extend on the Illinois side of the
river thirty leagues back and on the Indiana
side forty leagues "(the intedmediate space of
twemty-four leagues, or thereabouts, between
point Coupee and the mouth of the "White river
aforesaid, being reserved for the use of the in-
habitants of Post St. Vincent aforesaid, with
the same width or breadth on both sides of the
Ouabache river, as is hereby granted in the

two other several tracts of land above bound-
ed and described.)"

The negotiations conducted by Viviat were
on behalf of an association) called the "Wabash
Land Co.," and were conducted with eleven
Piankeshaw chiefs. A deed conveying this im-
mense and wealthy domain was eventually exe-
cuted and delivered, in consideration of "Four
hundred blankets, twenty-two pieces Stroud,
two hundred and fifty shirts, twelve gross of
star gartering, one hundred and twenty pieces
of ribbon, twenty-four pounds of vermillion,
eighteen pairs of velvet housings, one piece of
malton, fifty-two fusils, thirty-five dozen buck-
horn-handle knives, forty dozen couteau knives,
five hundred pounds of brass kettles, ten thous-
and gun flints, six hundred pounds of gun pow-
der, two thousand pounds of lead, four hun-
dred pounds of tobacco, forty bushels of salt,
three thousand pounds of flour, three horses;
also the following quantities of silver ware,
viz: Eleven very large armands, forty wrist-
bands, six wholemoons, six half moons, nine
ear wheels, forty-six large crosses, twenty-nine
hairpipes, sixty pairs of earbobs, twenty dozen
small crosses, twenty dozen nosecrosses and
one hundred and tem doz-en brooches, the re-
ceipt whtreof is hereby acknowledged," etc.
The lands which this deed purported to convey
for this trifling consideration amounted to no
less than 37,497,600 acres and worth to-day, at
a conservative estimate, leaving out of consider-
ation city and town valuations, $1,200,000,000.
The approach of hostilities between the colo-
nists and Great Britain soon after distracted
the attention) of the people from all matters of
this character and it was not until the year 1780
that further steps were taken in reference to
this grant. In that year the Wabasn Land
Company and the Illinois Land Company, an
association that had in a similar manner at-
tempted to grab large holdings in the Illinois
country, consolidated their interests under the
name of the "United Illinois and Wabash Land
Companies," and sought a confirmation of their
several grants at the hands of congress. TheL'
petitions were denied but they kept up the fight
for thirty years, until 1810; to no purpose, how-
ever, as congress refused to acknowledge the
validity and binding force of the grants.

In the month of May, 1777, in response to a
proclamation from Edward J. Abbott, British
commandant many of the inhabitants of Post
Vincennes took the oath of allegiance to Great

VINCEXXES IX PICTURE AXD STORY

Britain. The oath taken was that prescribed
by the British parliament and is as follows:

"I, A. B., do sincerely promise and swear
true allegiance to His Majesty, King George,
and him will defend to the utmost of my power,
against all traitorous conspiracies, and attempts
whatsoever, which shall be made against his
person, crown or dignity; and I will do my ut-
most endeavors to disclose and make known
to his Majesty, his heirs and successors, all
treasons and traitorous conspiracies and at-
tempts, which I shall know to be against him
or any of them; and all this I do swear with-
out any equivocation, mental evasion or secret
reservation; and renouncing all pardons and
dispensations from any power or person to the
contrary. So help me God."

It was about this time that Lieutenant Gov-
ernor Hamilton began to send from Detroit
messages and proclamations to the various
French trading posts within the territory north-
west of the Ohio river as well as to the various
Indian villages within the same territory, de-
signed to incite a border warfare against the
frontier settlers in Kentucky, Ohio and Penn-
sylvania. In these proclamations Governor
Hamilton offered rewards for scalps and gave
no encouragement to the Indians to bring in
prisoners. Hence, it often happened the In-
dians would take prisoners on their forays
and compel them to carry the plunder they
stole into the vicinity of the English post and
then tomahawk and scalp them in order to
claim the hellish reward.

CHAPTER IV.

EXPEDITION OF COL. GEORGE ROGERS
CLARK.

In the spring and summer of 1778 was or-
ganized, chiefly in Kentucky, an expedition
fraught with the most important consequences

COL. GEORGE ROGERS CLARK

From an OifPainfing in Vincennes University Chapel.

to the country northwest of the Ohio, and in-
deed to the entire country in rebellion, and hav-
ing its culmination in the capture of Vin-
cennes by a small band of hardy frontiersmen,
after incredible suffering and hardship, under
the leadership of the gallant and daring Col.
George Rogers Clark.*

George Rogers Clark, a young man of
only 25 years, conceived the daring en-
terprise of marching through the wilder-
ness to Kaskaskia and Vincennes and captur-
ing those posts from the British, who he knew
to be responsible for the depredations from
which the frontier settlements had suffered so
greatly. Securing authority from Governor

*George Rogers Clark, the hero of this expedition, on whose valiant deeds rested the demands of
of the Americans for the cession of the territory northwest of the Ohio, comprising the States of Illi-
nois, Indiana and Michigan , was born in Albemarle County. Va., November 19, 1752. His middle name
was his mother's patronymic. He was of prominent family on both sides of the house, both the Clarks
and the Rogerses being people of wealth and influence. Several on both sides gained distinction in the
revolutionary war. One brother of George Rogers became a lieutenant colonel in the Continental armies.
The birthplace of George Rogers Clark was two miles east of Charlottsville, and one and a half miles
from Monticello, the home of Jefferson in later life, and two and a half miles northeast of Shadwell,
where Jefferson was born. They were doubtless playmates in boyhood, and certain it is that in later
life Jefferson retained the strongest attachment and friendship for Clark. Like the Father of his Coun-
try, young Clark became a surveyor, and in 1771, at 'the age of nineteen years, crossed the mountains for
the purpose of following his vocation and also with a view to locating some lands for himself. He lo-
cated a claim In Ohio, twenty-five or thirty miles below the present site of Wheeling, and spent sev-
eral years In its vicinity, making occasional visits home, carrying glowing accounts of the country,
which did much to induce immigration thither. Unconsciously he was fitting himself for the brilliant
career that was in store for him. The situation of the settlers In this part of the territory was very un-
satisfactory, owing to a doubt which existed as to whether or not they owed allegiance to, and were en-
titled to the protection of, the State of Virginia. To settle this point Clark, in 1776. agitated the ques-
tion and called a meeting at Harrodsburg. Ky. Clark was elected as one of two delegates to represent
the settlements in the Virginia House of Delegates. This was not exactly what Clark had had in mind,
but he determined to accept. The journey to Williamsburg. then capital of Virginia, began shortly after-

YIXOEXXES IX PICTURE AND STORY

Patrick Henry, of Virginia, to organize a force
and proceed according to bis proposed plan
Clark proceeded to Kentucky and began to re-
cruit bis force, leaving arrangements for a part
of his proposed army of 350 to be recruited
in Virginia. Almost every conceivable obstacle
presented itself to prevent realization of his
hopes. Of the four companies he expected from
Virginia but one arrived. On learning to what
region they were bound these deserted, almost
to a man. So that when he got ready to start
he could muster less than half the proposed
number. Nothing daunted, however, and with
a merve and determination such as mark the
truly great commander, he struck into the wil-
derness, headed for Kaskaskia.

Limitations of space forbid our giving an
account of the march of Col. Clark to Kas-
kaskia and its easy capture, 'however in-
teresting it would prove. It must suffice to
say that departing on the 24th of June, 1778,
he passed from Louisville down the Ohio
river, leavinig it at a point a short distance
above Fort Messac, which stood near the pres-
ent little city of Metropolis, 111.; that he se-
cured guides and made an uneventful march
across the country, arriving at Kaskaskia on
the evening of the Fourth of July, and by

great tract and address succeeded in getting his
men over the river and taking the British gar-
rison by surprise, while the inmates were
asleep. Quickly every resident of the town
was disarmed and precautions taken to pre-
vent an alarm being sent to neighboring vil-
lages, should the people of Kaskaskia be so
disposed.

With a great display of severity, Clark threw
a few of the leading citizens of the town into
irons and made threats of dire vengeance
against them should the people transgress his
regulations or show a disposition to aid the
English in any manner, and after he had, as
he conceived, worked them up to a feeling of
distress and fear sufficient for his purposes, he
appeared to relent, on the discovery that their
unfriendliness was due to false allegations and
misrepresentations on the part of the English.
He thus surprised them and gained their con-
fidence in a degree that amounted to enthusi-
asm. This served materially to strengthen his
hands in his approaching campaign against
Vincennes, as we shall see from his own ac-
count. The arrests were made on the morning
of the fifth of July.. Soon afterwards M.
Gibault, the village priest, accompanied by five
or six of his aged parishioners, appeared be-

ward, in company with his colleague. It led through rough and sparsely settled country, full of hostile
Indians. They arrived in November, to find the Legislature adjourned. Clark's colleague returned home
immediately, but Clark, determined to accomplish something toward the end for which he had come to the
capital, called upon the Governor, Patrick Henry. Governor Henry, though sick, received him graciously
and gave him an attentive hearing. Among the things Clark demanded was 500 pounds of gunpowder.
The Governor gave him a letter to the Executive Council, from whom he at first received a denial. By
a skillful combination of threats and diplomacy he finally carried his point and had the satisfaction of
delivering to his harrassed countrymen the powder they so much needed. At this time, though not
twenty-five years of age, Clark had already acquired so strong a hold upon the confidence, respect and
affections of the people of Kentucky that they looked to him as their natural leader in all matters of
public concern.

Clark and his colleague attended the next session of the Virginia Legislature, and, though denied seats
as members of that body, they were permitted to lay their business before it and succeeded in getting
their settlement erected" into the County of Kentucky. Clark early discovered that the troubles of the fron-
tier colonists were largely due to the commandants of the British posts in Illinois and Indiana, and de-
termined on their reduction, but kept his plans to himself. In the summer of 1777 he had sent two young
hunters as spies, with specific Instructions, to Kaskaskia, to learn the strength of the garrison and such
other information as would be of value, but without Imparting to them his designs. The information re-
ceived was most satisfactory and made Clark all the more anxious to undertake the enterprise. While
In attendance on the Legislature, in 1777. he used his eyes and ears to the best advantage aud finally,
at an opportune moment, laid his plans before Governor Henry. The latter was pleased with the
Idea and brought Clark's plan to the attention of the Council, where it was so warmly received that he
had little trouble In getting matters adjusted, and on the second day of January, 1778, he received his
"instructions, 1,200 Virginia paper currency, and an order on Pittsburg for boats, ammunition, etc."

After the events 'related in this narrative relative to the expedition against Kaskaskia and Vin-
cennes. Clark did further honorable service to his country, but seems to have been the subject of bitter
animosity and to have been frequently misunderstood and misrepresented, and It is a grief to relate that
he died at the home of a sister near Louisville, deprived of the rights his services to Virginia and
the whole country sholud have made them glad to grant him. Moneys withheld from him for many years
when he was a feeble, impoverished old man, were paid his heirs after his death. Retiring to a cabin
on his grant of lands north of the Ohio, near Louisville, In the platted town of Clarksville, he lived alone
for many years, save for occasional visits of old friends. Here, ft is pitiable to relate, he fell into habits
of great dissipation, and here when alone one day about the year 1808, he suffered a stroke of paralysis
and fell so near the fire that his left leg was burned to such an extent as to render its amputation
necessary. Though he lived for ten years after that date, he never walked again. His left leg gone
and his right one paralyzed, he was a helpless cripple. He was taken to the home of his sister, wife of
Major Craghan, near Louisville, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying February 13, 1818. It
is related that on the occasion of the amputation of his leg, anaesthetics being unknown, at the re-
quest of Clark music on drums and fifes was played, to which Clark kept time. When the music
ceased he asked, "Well, is it off?" having apparently been unconscious of the operation.

VINCBNNES IN PICTURE AND STORY

Photo by Shores.

VINCENNES ON A CIRCUS DAY. 3 Views at 2d and Main

fore Col. ' Clark and
stated that as the in-
habitants expected to
be separated, perhaps
never to meet again, it
was their desire that
habitants expected to be
meet at their church
and bid each other fare-
well. Disclaiming any
desire or intention to in-
terfere in any manner
with their religion or
worship. Clark gave
the permission sought,
but warned them not to
attempt to leave the vil-
lage. At the close of
the meeting a deputa-
tion headed by the
good priests again
waited upon Col. Clark.
They stated that "their
present situation was
the fate of war, and
that they could submit
to the loss of their prop-
erty, but they solicited
that they might not be
separated from their
wives and children, and
that some clothes and
provisions might be al-
lowed for their sup-
port." Feigning great
surprise at this prayer
of the affrighted popu-
lace, Clark exclaimed,
as he says in his me-
morial: "Do you mis-
take us for savages? I
am almost certain you
do from your language.
Do you think Ameri-
cans intend to strip
women and children
and take the bread
out of their mouths T'
"My countrymen," con-
tinued he, "disdain to
make war on helpless
innocence. It was
to prevent the hor-
rors of Indian butch-

VINCENNES IN PICTURE AND STORY

ery upon our wives and children that we have
taken arms and penetrated into this remote
stronghold of British and Indiani barbarity, and
not the despicable prospect of plunder. Now
that the King of France had united his power-
ful armies with those of America, the war
would not, in all probability, continue long, but
the inhabitants of Kaskaskia were at liberty
to take which side they pleased, without the
least danger to either their property or their
families. Nor would their religion be any
source of disagreement, as all religions were
regarded with equal respect in the eye of the
American law, and that any insult offered it
would be immediately punished. And now, to
prove my sincerity, you will please inform your
fellow citizens that they are quite at liberty
to conduct themselves as usual, without the
least apprehension. I am mow convinced, from
what I have learned since my arrival among
you. that you have been misinformed and pre-
judiced against us by the British officers; and
your friends who are in confinement shall be
immediately released." The result of this
stroke of policy on) the part of the brilliant
young officer was electric. The gloom that
had overspread the village was dissipated in an
instant; the news of the Franco- American
treaty, added to Clark's magnanimous conduct,
induced the imhabitants quickly to take the
oath of allegiance to the State of Virginia.
Their arms were restored to them and a volun-
teer company of French militia was immedi-
ately placed at Clark's disposal and accom-
panied Captain Bowman when he marched to
the capture of Cahokia.

CHAPTER V.

OLARK MAKES PREPARATIONS TO SE-
CURE YINCENNES.

"Post Vincennes never being out of my
mind," says Clark, "and from some things that
I had learned, I had some reason to suspect
that M.. Gibault, the priest, was inclined to the
American interest previous to our arrival in
the country. He had great influence over the
people at this period, and Post Vincennes was
under his jurisdiction. I made no doxibt of his
integrity to us. I sent for him und had a long
conference with him on the subject of Post
Vincennes. In answer to all my queries, he
informed me that he did mot think it worth my
while to cause any military preparation to be
made at the Falls of the Ohio for the attack

of Post Vincennes, although the place was
strong, and a great number of Indians in its
neighborhood, who, to his knowledge, were
generally at war that Governor Abbott had,
a few weeks before, left the place on some
business to Detroit that he expected that
whem the inhabitants were fully acquainted
with what 'had passed at the Illinois, and the
present happiness of their friends, and made
fully acquainted with the nature of the war,
that their sentiments would greatly change
that he knew that his appearance there would
have great weight, even among the savages
that if it was agreeable to me he would take
this business on himself, and had no doubt of
his being able to bring that place over to the
American interest without my being at the
trouble of marching against it that his busi-
ness being altogether spiritual, he wished that
another person might be charged with the
temporal part of the embassy, but that he
would privately direct the whole; and he named
Doctor Lafont as his associate.

"This was perfectly agreeable to what I had
been secretly aimimg at for some days. The
plan was immediately settled, and the two
doctors, with their intended retinue, among
whom I had a spy, set about preparing for
their journey and set out on the 14th of July,
with an address to the inhabitants of Post
Vincenes, authorizing them to garrison their
own town themselves, which would convince
them of the great confidence we put- in them,
etc. All this had its desired effect. Mr.
Gibault and his party arrived safe, and, after
spending a day or two in explaining matters
to the people, they universally acceded to the
proposal, (except a few emissaries left by Mr.
Abbott, who immediately left the country),
and went in a body to the church, where the
oath of allegiance was administered to them in
the most solemn manner. An officer was elect-
ed, the fort immediately garrisoned, and the
American flag displayed, to the astonishment
of the Indians, and everything settled far be-
yond our most sanguine hopes. The people
here began to put on a new face, and to talk
in a different style, and to act as perfect free-
men. With a garrison of their own, with the
United States at their elbow, their language
to the Indians was immediately altered. They
began as citizens of the United States, and in-
formed the Indians that their old father, the
King of France, was come to life again, an<7

VIXCEXXES IX PICTURE AXD STORY

was mad at them for fighting for the English,
that they would advise them to make peace
with the Americans as soon as they could,
otherwise they might expect the land to be
very bloody, etc. The Indians began to think
seriously. Throughout the country this was
generally the language they got from their an-
cient friends of the Wabasli and Illinois.

"Through the means of their correspondence
spreading among the nations, our batteries be-
gan now to play in a proper channel. Mr. Gi-
bault and party, accompanied by several gentle-
men of Post Vincennes, returned to Kaskaskia,

POST OFFICE. Rural Carriers Ready to Start

about the first of August, with the joyful news.
During his absence on this business, which
caused great anxiety in me, (for without the
possession of the post all our views would
have been blasted), I was exceedingly engag-
ed in regulating things in the Illinois. The re-
duction of these posts was the period of the
enlistment of our troops. I was nt a great loss
at this time to determine how to act, and how
far I might venture to strain my authority. My
instructions were silent on many important
points, as it was impossible to fors'ee the
events that would take place.

"To abandon the country, and all the prospects
that opened to our view in the Indian depart-

ment at this tUne, for the want of instruction
in certain cases, I thought, would amount to a
reflection on government, as having no confi-
dence in me. I resolved to usurp all the author-
ity necessary to carry my points. I had the
greater part of our (troop) re-enlisted on a dif-
ferent establishment commissioned French of-
ficers in the country to command a company of
the young inhabitants; established a garrison
at Cahokia, commanded by Captain Bowman;
and another at Kaskaskia, commanded by Cap-
tain Williams. Post Vincennes remained in the
situation as mentioned.

"Col. William
Linn, who had ac-
companied us a
volunteer, took
charge of a party
that was to be
dis c h a r g e d on
their arrival at
the Falls, and or-
ders were sent
for the removal
of that post to
the mainland.
Captain John
Montgomery was
dispatched to
government with
letters. * * * I
again turned my
attention to Post
Vincennes. I
plainly saw that
It would be high-
ly necessary, to
have an Ameri-
can o tH c e r at

that post. Captain Leonard Helm appeared
calculated to answer my purpose; he was past
the meridian of life, and a good deal acquainted
with the Indian! (disposition). I sent him to
command at that post; and also appointed him
agent for Indiana affairs in the department of
the Wabash. * * * About the middle of August
he set out to take possession of his new com-
mand.

"An Indian chief called the Tobacco's Son, a
Piankeshaw, at this time resided in) a village
adjoining Post Vincennes.

"This mam was called by the Indians, 'The
Grand Door to the Wabash;' and as nothing of
consequence was to be undertaken by the

VINCENNES IN PICTURE AND STORY

league om the Wabash without his assent, I dis-
covered that to win him was an object of sig-
nal importance.

"I sent him a spirited compliment by Mr.
Gibault; he returned it. I now by Captain
Helm, touched him on the same spring that I
had done the inhabitants, and sent a speech
with a belt of wampum; directing Captain
Helm how to manage, if the chief was pacific-
ally inclined, or otherwise. The captain arrived
safe at Post Vincennes, and was received with
acclamations by the people. After the usual
ceremony was over, he sent for the Grand
Door, and delivered my letter to him. After
having it read, 'he informed the captain that he
\\jas happy to see him, one of the Big Knife
chiefs, in- this town It was here that he had
joined the English against him; but as the
contents of the letter was a matter of great
moment, he could not give an answer for some
time that he must collect his counselors on
the subject; and was in hopes the captain
would be patient.

"In short, he put on all the courtly dignity that
he was master of; and Captain Helm, following
his example, it was several days before this
business was finished, as the whole proceeding
was very ceremonious. At length the captain
was incited to the Indian council, and informed
by the Tobacco that they had maturely con-
sidered the case in hand, and had got the
nature of the war between the English and us
explained to their satisfaction; that, as we
spoke the same language, and appeared to be
the same people, he always thought that he
was in the dark as to the truth of it; but now
the sky was cleared up; that he found that the
Big Knife was in the right: that perhaps, if the
English conquered, they would serve them in
the same manner they had intended to serve
us; that his ideas were quite changed; and that
he would tell all the people on the Wabash to
bloody the land no more for the English. He
jumped up, struck his breast, called himself a
man and a warrior, said that now he was a Big
Knife, and took Captain Helm by the hand.
His example was followed by all present, and
the evening was spent in merriment. Thus
ended this valuable negotiation, and the saving
of much blood. * * * In a short time, almost
the whole of the various tribes of the different
nations along the Wabash, as high as the
Ouiatenon, came to Post Vincennes and fol-
lowed the example of the Grand Door chief;

and as expresses were continually passing be-
tween Captain Helm and myself the whole
time of these treaties, the business was settled
to my satisfaction and greatly to the advantage
of the public. The British interest daily lost
ground in this quarter, and in a short time our
influence reached the Indians on the river St.
Joseph, and the border of Lake Michigan!. The
French gentleman at the different posts that
we now had possession of, engaged warmly in
our interest. They appeared to vie with each
other in promoting the business; and through
the means of their correspondence, trading
among the Indians, and otherwise, in a short
time, the Indians of the various tribes inhabit-
ing the region of Illinois, came in great num-
bers to Cahokia, in order to make treaties of
peace with us. From the information they gen-
erally got from the French gentlemen (whom
they implicitly believed) respecting us they
were truly alarmed; and, consequently, we
were visited by the greater part of them with-
out any invitation from us: of course we had
greatly the advantage, in making use of such
language as suited our (interest). Those treaties
which commenced about the last of August,
and continued between three and foiyr weeks,
were probably conducted in a way different
from any other known in America at that time.
I had been always convinced that our general
conduct with the Indians was wrong; that in-
viting them to treaties was considered by them
in a different manner to what we expected, and
imputed, by them, to fear; and that giving
them great presents confirmed it. I resolved
to guard against this, and I took great pains
to make myself acquainted fully with the
French and Spanish methods of treating In-
dians, and with the manners, gen'ius, and dis-
position of the Indians in general. As in this
quarter they had not been spoiled by us, I was
resolved that they should not be. I began the
business fully prepared, having copies of the
British treaties."

At the first great council, which was opened
at Cahokia, am Indian chief with a belt of peace
in his hand, advanced to the table at which
Colonel Clark was sitting; another chief, bear-
ing the sacred pipe of the tribe, went forward
to the table; and a third chief then advanced
with fire to kindle the pipe. When the pipe
was lighted it was figuratively presented to the
heavens, then to the earth, anfl then to all the
good spirits; thus invoking the heavens, the

VINCENNES IN PICTURE AND STORY

earth and all the good spirits to witness what
was about to be done. After the observance of
thes*e forms, the pipe was presented to Clark,
and afterward to every person present. An
Indian speaker then! addressed the Indians as
follows: "Warriors, you ought to be thankful
that the Great Spirit has taken pity on you, and
cleared the sky and opened your ears and
hearts, so that you may hear the truth. We
have been deceived by bad birds flying through
the land; but we will take up the bloody
hatchet no more against the Big Knife; and

existence as a nation, depended, etc., and dis-
missed them not suffering any of our people
to shake hands with them, as peace was not
concluded, telling them it was time enough to
give the hand when the heart could be given
also. They replied that 'such sentiments were
like men who had but onto heart, and did not
speak with a double tongue.' The next day I
delivered them the following speech: 'Men and
Warriors! pay attention to my words. You in-
formed me yesterday that the Great Spirit had
brought us together, and that you hoped, as He

POST-OFFICE, POSTMASTER AND EMPLOYES

we hope as the Great Spirit has brought us to-
gether for good, as He is good, that we may be
received as friends, and that the belt of peace
may take the place of the bloody belt."

"I informed them," says Clark, "that I had
paid attention to what they had said; and that
on the next day I would give them an answer,
when I hoped the ears and hearts of the peo-
ple would be open to receive the truth, which
should be spoken without deception. I advised
them to keep themselves prepared for the re-
sult of this day, on which perhaps their very

was good, that it would be for good. I have
also the same hope, and expect that each party
will strictly adhere to whatever may be agreed
upon whether it be peace or war and hence-
forward prove ourselves worthy the attention
of the Great Spirit. I am a man and a war-
rior not a counselor. I carry war in my
riglit hand, and in my left, peace. I am sent by
the great council of the Big Knife, and their
friends, to take possession of all the towns pos-
sessed by the English in this country; and to
watch the motions of the red people; to bloody

YIXCEXXES IX PICTURE AND STORY

the paths of those who attempt to stop the
river; but to clear the roads from us to those
who desire to be in peace, that the women and
children may walk in them without meeting
anything to strike their feet against. I am or-
dered to call upon the Great Fire for warriors
enough to darken the land, and that the red
people may hear no sound, but of birds who
live on blood. I know there is a mist before
your eyes. I will dispel the clouds, that you
may clearly see the cause of the war between
the Big Knife and the English; then you may
judge for yourselves which party is in the
right. And if you are warriors as you profess
to be, prove it by adhering faithfully to the
party which you shall believe to be entitled to
your friendship, and not show yourselves to the
squaws.

"The Big Knives are very much like the Red
People; they don't know how to make blankets,
and powder, and cloth. They buy these things
from the English from whom they are sprung.
They live by making corn, hunting arid trade,
as you and your neighbors, the French, do.
But the Big Knives, daily getting more numer-
ous, like the trees in the woods, the land be-
came poor, and hunting scarce; and having but
little to trade with, the women began to cry at
seeing their children naked, and tried to learn
how to make clothes for themselves. They soon
made blankets for their husbands and children
and tne men learned to make guns and powder.
In this way we did not want to buy so much
from the English. They then got mad with us
and sent strong garrisons through our country;
as you 'see they have done among you on the
lakes and among the French. They would not
let our women spin, nor oitr men make powder,
nor let us trade with anybody else. The Eng-
lish said we should buy everything from them;
and, since we had got saucy, we should pay two
bucks for a blanket, which we used to get for
one; we should do as they pleased; and they
killed some of our people to make the rest fear
them. This is the truth and the real cause of
the war between the English and us, which did
not take place for some time after this treat-
ment. But our women became hungry and
cold, and continued to cry. Our young men got
lost for want of counsel to put them in the
right path. The whole land was dark. The old
men held down their heads for shame, because
they could not see the sun; and thus there was

mourning for many years over the land. At
last the Great Spirit took pity on us, and kin-
dled a great council fire, that never goes out,
at a place called Philadelphia. He then stuck
uown a post and put a war tomahawk by it,
and went away. The sun immediately broke
out; the sky was blue again: and the old men
held up their heads and assembled at the fire.
They took up the hatchet, sharpened it, and
put it into the hands of our young men, ordered
them to strike the English as long as they
could find one on this side of the great waters.
The young men immediately struck the war
post and blood was shed. In this way the war
began; and the English were driven from one
place to another until they got weak, and then
they hired you Red People to fight for them.
The Great Spirit got angry at this, and caused
your old father, the French king, and other
great nations, to join the Big Knives and fight
with them against all their enemies. So the
English have become like deer in the woods;
and you may see that it is the Great Spirit that
has caused your waters to be troubled, because
you have fought for the people he was mad
with. If your women and children' should now
cry, you must blame yourselves for it and not
the Bi^ Knives.

"Yon can now judge who is in the right. I
have already told you who I am. Here is a
bloody belt and a white one; take which you
please. Behave like men; and don't let your
being surrounded by Big Knives, cause you to
take up the one belt with your hands while
your hearts take up the other. If you take the
bloody path, you shall leave the town> in safety,
and may go and join your friends the English.
We \vill then try, like warriors, who can put
the most stumbling blocks in each other's way,
and keep our clothes longest stained with
blood. If on the other hand you should take
the path of peace, and be received as brothers
to the Big Knives, with their friends, the
French, should you them listen to bad birds
flying through the land, you will no longer de-
serve to be counted as men, but as creatures
with two tongues that ought to be destroyed
without listening to anything you might say.
As I am convinced you never heard the truth
before, I do not wish you to answer before you
have taken time to counsel. We will, therefore,
part this evening; and when the Great Spirit
shall bring us together again, let us speak and

VINCENNES IN PICTURE AND STORY

think like men with but one heart and one
tongue.

"The n greater part of them would
have been destroyed in the course of the night,
as the greater part of our men lay within thirty
yards of the walls; and in a few hours were
covered equally to those within the walls, and
much more experienced in that mode of fight-
ing. * * * Sometimes an irregular fire, as
hot as possible, from different directions was
kept up for a few minutes, and then only a
continual scattering fire at the ports as usual,
and a great noise and laughter immediately
commenced in different parts of the
town by the reserved parties, as if they
had only fired on the fort a few minutes for
amusement, and as if those continually firing
at the fort were only regularly relieved. Con-
duct similar to this kept the garrison' constant-
ly alarmed. They did not know what moment
they might be stormed or (blown up), as they
could plainly discover that we had thrown >ip
some intrenchments across the streets, and ap-
peared to be frequently very busy under the
bank of the river which was within thirty feet
of the walls. The situation of the magazine
we knew well. Captain Bowman began some
works in order to blow it up in case our ar-
tillery shouM arrive, but as we knew that we
were daily liable to be overpowered by the
numerous bands of Indians on ths river, in
case they had again joined the enemy (the cer-
tainty of which we were acquainted with), we
resolved to lose no time, but to get the fort
in our possession as soon as possible. If the
vessel did not arrive before the ensuinig night,
we resolved to undermine the fort, and fixed on
the spot and plan of executing this work,
which we intended to commence the next day.
The Indians of different tribes that were
iminical. had left the town and neighborhood.
Captain Lamotte continued to hover about it,
in order, if possible, to make his way good in-
to the fort. Parties attempted in vain to sur-
prise him. A few of his party were taken, one
of which was Maisonville, a famous Indian
partisan. Two iads that captured him, tied
him to a post in the street and fought from
behind him as a breastwork supposing that
the enemy would not fire at them for fear of
killing him. as he would alarm them by his
voice. The lads were ordered, by an officer
who discovered them at their amusement, to
untie their prisoner and take him off to the
guard, which they did; but were so inhuman

as to take part of his scalp on the way. There
happened to be no other damage. As almost
the whole of the persons who were most ac-
tive in the department of Detroit, were either
in the fort or with Captain Lamotte, I got ex-
tremely uneasy for fear that he would not fall
into our power knowing that he would go off
if he could not get into the fort in the course
of the night. Finding that, without some un-
forseen accident, the fort must inevitably be
ours, and that a reinforcement of twenty men,
although considerable to them, would not be
of great moment to us in the present situation
of affairs, and knowing that we had weaken-
ed them by killing or wounding many of their
gunners, after some deliberation we concluded
to risk the reinforcement in) preference of his
going again among the Indians; the garrison
had at least a month's provision, and if they
could hold out, in the course of that time he
might do us much damage. A little before day
the troops were withdrawn from their positions
about the fort, except a few parties of observa-
tion, and the nring totally ceased.

"Orders were given, in) case of Lamotte's ap-
proach, not to alarm or fire on him, without a
certainty of killing or taking the whole. In
less than a quarter of an hour he passed with-
in ten feet of an officer and a party that lay
concealed. Ladders were flung over to them,
and as they mounted them our party shouted.
Many of them fell from the top of the walls
some within), and others back; but as they
were not fired on, they all got over much to
the joy of their friends. But, on considering
the matter, they must have been convinced
that it was a scheme of ours to let them in,
and that we were so strong as to care but lit-
tle about them or the manner of their getting
into the garrison. * * * The firing imme-
diately commented on both sides with double
vigor, and I believe that more noise could not
have been made by the same number of men
their shouts could not be heard for the fire-
arms, but a continual blaze was kept around
the garrison, without much being done until
about daybreak, when our troops were drawn
off to posts prepared for them, about sixty or
seventy yards from the fort. A loophole then
could scarcely be darkened, but a rifle ball
would pass through it. To have stood to their
cannon would have destroyed their men, with-
out a probability of doing much service. Our
situation was nearly similar. It would have

VINCENXES IN PICTURE AND STORY

been imprudent in either party to have wasted
their men, without some decisive stroke re-
quired it.

"Thus the attack continued until about nine
o'clock of the twenty-fourth. Learning that
the two prisoners they had brought in the day
before had a considerable number of letters
with them. I supposed it an express that we
expected about this time, which I knew to be
of the greatest moment to us, as we had not
received one since our arrival in the country

Photo by Shores

impending storm that now threatens you, I or-
der you immediately to surrender yourself,
with all your garrison, stores, etc., etc. For
if I am obliged to storm, you may depend on
such treatment as is justly due a murderer.
Beware of destroying stores of any kind, or
any papers or letteis that are in your possess-
ion, or hurting one house' in town for, by
heavens! if you do, there shall be no mercy
shown you.
(Signed) G. R. CLARK."

BICYCLE RACES THE START

and not being fully acquainted with the char-
acter of our eniemy, we were doubtful that
those papers might be destroyed to prevent
which, I sent a flag (with a letter) demanding
the garrison.."

Following is a copy of the letter which was
addressed by Colonel Clark to Lieutenant
Governor Hamilton on this occasion:

"Sir: In order to save vourself from the

The British commandant immediately re-
turned the following answer:

" 'Lieutenant-Governor Hamilton begs leave
to acquaint Colonel Clark, that he and his gar-
rison are not disposed to be awed into any
action unworthy British subjects.'

"The firing then commenced warmly for a
considerable time, and we were obliged to be
careful in preventing our men from exposing

VINCEXNES IN PICTURE AND STORY

themselves too much, as they were now much
animated having been refreshed during the
flag. They frequently mentioned their wishes
to storm the place and put an end to the busi-
ness at once. * * * The firing was heavy
through any crack that could be discovered in
any part of the fort. Several of the garrison
got wounded, and no possibility of standing
near the embrasures.

'Toward the evening a flag appeared with
the following proposals:

" 'Lieutenant-Governor Hamilton proposes to
Colonel Clark a truce for three days, during
which time he promises there shall be no de-
fensive works carried on in the garrison, on
condition that Colonel Clark shall observe, on
his part, a like cessation of any defensive
work: that is, he wishes to confer with Colonel
Clark as soon as can be, and promises that
whatever may pass between them two, and
another person, mutually agreed upon to be
present, shall remain secret till matters be fin-
ished, as he wishes that whatever the result
of the conference may be, it may tend to honor
and credit of each party. If Colonel Clark
makes a difficulty of coming into the fort, Lieu-
tenant-Governor Hamilton will speak to him
by Ihe gate.

(Signed) HENRY HAMILTON.

24th February. 1179.'

"I was at a great loss to conceive what rea-
son Lieutenant-Governor Hamilton could have
for wishing a truce of three days, on such
terms as he proposed. Numbers said it was a
scheme to get me into their posession. I had
a different opinion, and no idea of his possess-
ing such sentiments; as an act of that kind
would infallibly ruin him. Although we had
the greatest reason to expect a reinforcement
in less than three days, that would at. once put
an end to the siege, I yet did not think it pru-
dent to agree to the proposals, and sent the
following answer:

" 'Colonel Clark's compliments to Lieutenant-
Governor Hamilton, and begs leave to inform
him that he will not agree to any terms other
than his surrendering himself and garrison
prisoners at discretion. If Mr. Hamilton is
desirous of a conference with Colonel Clark, he
will meet him at the church, with Captain
Helm.

(Signed) G. R. CLARK.'

February 24th, 1779.'

"We met at the church, about eighty yards

from the fort, Lieutenant-Governor Hamilton,
Major Hay, Superintendent of Indian affairs,
Captain Helm, their prisoner, Major Bowman
and myself. The conference began. Hamil-
ton produced terms of capitulation 1 , signed, that
contained various articles, one of which was
that the garrison should be surrendered on
their being permitted to go to Pensacola on
parole. After deliberating on every article, I
rejected the whole. He then wished that 1
would make some proposition. I told him
that I had no other to make than what I had
already made that of his surrendering as pris-
oners at discretion. I said that his troops had
behaved with spirit that they could not sup-
pose that they would be worse treated in con-
sequence of it that if he chose to comply with
the demand, though hard, perhaps, the sooner
the better that it was in vain to make any
proposition to me that he, by this time, must
be sensible that the garrison would fall; that
both of us must (view) all blood spilt for the
future, by the garrison, as murder; that my
troops were already impatient anid called aloud
for permission to tear down and storm the
fort, if such a step was taken, many, of course,
would be cut down, and the result of an en-
raged body of woodsmen breaking in, must be
obvious to him; it would be out of the power
of an American officer to save a single man.
Various altercations took place for a consider-
able time. Captain Helm attempted to mod-
erate our fixed determination. I told him he
was a British prisoner, and it was doubtful
whether or not he could, with propriety, speak
on the subject. Hamilton then said that
Helm was from that moment liberated, and
might use his pleasure. I informed the cap-
tain that I would not receive him on such
terms; that he must return to the garrison, and
await his fate. I then told Lieutenant-Gover-
nor Hamilton that hostilities should not com-
mence until five minutes after the drums gave
the alarm. We took our leave, and parted but
a few steps, when Hamilton stopped and po-
litely asked me if I would be so kind as to
give him any reasons for refusing the garrison
on any other terms than those I had offered.
I told him I had no objections in giving my
real reasons, which were simply these: that I
knew the greater part of the principal Indian
partizans of Detroit were with him; that I
wanted an excuse to put them to death, or
otherwise treat them as I thought proper; that

VINCEXXES IN 1 PICTURE AND STORY

H j.

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Ho.
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(X,

VINCENNES IN PICTURE AND STORY

the cries of the widows and the fatherless, on
the frontiers, which they had occasioned, now
required their blood from my hands, and that
I did not choose to be so timorous as to diso-
bey the absolute commands of their author-
ity, which I looked upon to be next to divine;
that I would rather lose fifty men, than not
to empower myself to execute this piece of
business with propriety; that if he chose to
risk the massacre of his garrison for their
sakes, it was his own pleasure, and that I
might, perhaps, take it iato my head to send
for some of those widows to see it executed.
Major Hay, paying great attention, I had ob-
served a kind of distrust in his countenance,
which in a great measure influenced my con-
versation during this time. On my concluding,
'Pray sir,' said he, 'who is it that you call In-
dian partizans?' 'Sir I replied, 'I take Major
Hay to be one of the principal.' I never saw
a man in the moment of execution so struck as
he appeared to be, pale and trembling, scarcily
able to stand. Hamilton blushed, and, I ob-
served, was much affected at bis behavior.
Major Bowman's countenance sufficiently ex-
pressed his disdain for the one, and his sorrow
for the other. * * * Some moments elapsed
without a word passing on either side. From
that moment my resolutions changed respect-
ing Hamilton's situation. I told him that we
would return to our respective posts; that I
would consider the matter and let him know
the result: no offensive measures should be
taken in the meantime. Agreed to, and we
parted. What had passed, being made known
to our officers, it was agreed that we should
moderate our resolutions."

In the course of the afternoon of the 24th,
the following articles were signed, and the
garrison capitulated:

"(1) Lieutenant-Governor Hamilton engages
to deliver up to Colonel Clark, Fort Sackville,
as it is at present with all the stores, etc.

"(II) The garrison are to deliver themselves
as prisoners of war; and march out with their
arms and accouterments, etc.

"(Ill) The garrison to be delivered up at ten
o'clock to-morrow.

"(IV) Three days' time to be allowed the
garrison to settle their accounlts with the in-
habitants and traders of this place.

"(V) The officers of the garrison to be al-
lowed their necessary baggage, etc.

"Signed at Post St. Vincent (Vincennes), 24th
Feb'y., 1779.

"Agreed for the following reasons: The re-
moteness from succor; the state and quality of
provisions, etc., unanimity of officers and men
in its expediency, the honorable terms allowed,
and lastly, the confidence in a generous enemy.

(Signed) HENRY HAMILTON,

Lieut.-Gov. and Superintendent."

"The business being now nearly at an end,
troops were posted in several strong houses
around the garrison, and patroled during the
night to prevent any deception that might be
attempted. The remainder on duty lay on their
arms, and, for the first time for many days
past, got some rest. During the siege I got
omly one man wounded, not being able to lose
many I made them secure themselves well.
Seven were badly wounded in the fort, through
ports. * * * Almost every man had conceived
a favorable opinion of Lieutenant-Governor
Hamilton I believe what affected myself,
made some impression on the whole and I
was i>appy to find that he never deviated, while
he stayed with us, from that dignity of con-
duct that became an officer in his situation. The
morning of the 25th approaching, arrangements
were made for receiving the garrison, (which
consisted of seventy-nine men,) and about ten
o'clock it was delivered in form; and every-
thing was immediately arranged to the best
advantage. * * * On the 27th, our galley ar-
rived, all safe the crew much mortified, al-
though they deserved great credit for their dili-
gence. They had, on their passage, taken up
William Myres, express from government. The
dispatches gave much encouragement: Our own
battalion was to be completed, and an addi-
tional one to be expected in the course of the
spring."

CHAPTER VIII.

CLARK CAPTURES HAMILTON'S BOATS-
PLANS AGAINST DETROIT EARLY
EVENTS FOLLOWING.
On the 26th of February, the next day after
the surrender of Governor Hamilton, Clark,
having information of the approach of a de-
tachment with clothing and provisions from
Detroit which was coming by boats down the
Wabash. dispatched sixty men under command
of Captain Helm, Major Boseron and Major Le-
Gras to intercept and capture them. This
force proceeding in three armed boats about

VINCENNES IN PICTURE AND STORY

120 miles up the Wabash, surprised and cap-
tured the enemy wifh their supplies in seven
boats. These boats, containing supplies to the
value of about $50,000, were manned by forty
men who were made prisoners.

Col. Clark states that the goods, with the ex-
ception of about $4,000 worth, were divided

Photo by Shores.

VINCENNES METROPOLITAN POLICE.

among the soldiers, that amount being retained
to clothe an expected reinforcement.

Clark's eyes now turned longingly 'toward
Detroit, which he knew to be in a poor state
of defense, and he was anxious to organize an
expedition for its capture, but, embarrassed by

his prisoners, doubtful as to the attitude of
many tribes of Indians, he was in a auandary.
However, the Indians soon began to show a
pacific disposition and a number of the tribes
came to him. with overtures of peace, and
treaties were concluded.

On the 7th of March a detachment of twenty-
five men, under com-
mand of Captains
Williams and Rog-
ers, set out with the
British officers and.
eighteen privates to
conduct them to
Kentucky, whence
they were forwarded
to Virginia under
command of Captain
Rogers, who re-
ceived orders after
he reached the Falls.
Relieved in some
measure by the de-
parture of a part of
prisoners, Clark took
every possible means
to organize his de-
sired expedition
against D e t r o i t.
Promised reinforce-
ments were delayed
and Clark was con-
fronted with the
necessity of postpon-
ing his enterprise.
He made the best
possible use of the
time, however, pre-
paring the minds of
the French people of
Detroit for his ap-
pearance. The com-
pany of French vol-
unteers from De-
troit, who had been
made prisoners with
Hamilton, and who
expected to be sent
into the states and held as prison-
ers of war, w r ere lectured and paroled,
supplied with boats, arms and provisions and
told to return 'home. They did -so and so pleased
were they with their treatment that they be-
came loud in' the praise of the Americans and

Mayor Greene in Rear

VIXCEXXE3 IX TICTURE AXU STORY

created at Detroit a strong pro-American senti-
ment.

By a masterful strategy Clark had contrived
to create an exceedingly strong sentiment at the
Old rost in favor of the Detroit expedition,
while assuming an attitude of indifference or
disapproval, with a view to preventing prema-
ture knowledge of his intentions reaching that
post. In furtherance of this design, on the 20th
Df March he "set sail" on board his galley and
five armed boats, with seventy men, for Kas-
kaskia, where he arrived safely a few days
later. Lieutenant Brashear was left in com-
mand of the garrison of forty picked men, Cap-
tain Helm commandant of the town, superin-
tendent of Indian affairs, etc.

From Kaskaskia Clark directed war to be
made from Vincennes against the Delawares,
who were settled at the forks of the White
River and who had become troublesome and
had committed a number of murders. Deter-
mined to give them a lesson that would im-
press all the tribes, he ordered that no quarter
should be shown the warriors, but that women
and children should be spared. So merciless
and vigorous was the campaign that the Dela-
wares were quickly brought to terms, but, hav-
ing once broken their treaty, Clark refused to
treat with them unless they could induce some
of the neighboring Indians to become sureties
in 1 their behalf. This the Tobacco's son agreed
to do, and peace was restored.

A rendezvous had been appointe


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