rations were being made, Col. Clarke was
actively engaged in acquiring an ascendency over the neighboring
tribes of Indians; and in endeavors to attach them to the cause of the
United States, from principle or fear. The aid which had been voted
him, fell far short of [189] the contemplated assistance, and had not
yet arrived; but his genius and activity amply compensated for the
deficiency. In the heart of an Indian country,--remote from every
succour,--and in the vicinity of powerful and hostile tribes, he yet
not only maintained his conquest and averted injury, but carried
terror and dismay into the very strongholds of the savages.
Intelligence of the movement of Hamilton at length reached him, and
hostile parties of Indians soon hovered around Kaskaskias. Undismayed
by the tempest which was gathering over him, he concentrated his
forces, withdrawing garrisons from the other towns to strengthen this,
and made every preparation to enable him to endure a siege, and
withstand the assault of a powerful army. The idea of abandoning the
country never occurred to him. He did not despair of being able to
maintain his position, and he and his gallant band resolved that they
would do it, or perish in the attempt. In this fearful juncture, all
was activity and industry, when the arrival of a Spanish merchant who
had been at St. Vincents brought information of the reduced state of
Hamilton's army.[2] Convinced that a crisis had now arrived, Clarke
resolved by one bold stroke to change the aspect of affairs, and
instead of farther preparing to resist attack, himself to become the
assailant. For this purpose, a galley, mounting two four pounders and
four swivels, and having on board a company of men, was despatched,
with orders to the commanding officer, to ascend the Wabash and
station himself a few miles below St. Vincents, allowing no one to
pass him until the arrival of the main army. Garrisoning Kaskaskias,
with militia, and embodying the inhabitants for the protection of the
other towns, Colonel Clarke set forward on his march across the
country, on the 7th of February, 1779, at the head of one hundred and
thirty brave and intrepid men.[3]

Such was the inclemency of the weather, and so many and great the
obstacles which interposed, that in despite of the ardor, perseverance
and energy of the troops, they could yet advance very slowly towards
the point of destination. They were five days in crossing the drowned
lands of the