USA > Kentucky > A history of the commonwealth of Kentucky > Part 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
1
58
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
corps; and a detachment, little inferior in strength to that which had invaded the country, departed for this new conquest; if such acquisitions by mutual consent, can well be called so. The French party were commanded by their former militia officers, and all set off in high spirits at this new mark of confidence under the free government of Virginia. On the 6th of July, the expedition reached its destination before it was discovered by the inhabitants; their surprise, as might well be expected, was great, at this visit in hostile attitude. The cry of the Big Knife (the formidable appellation of the Virginians at that time) being in town, spread dreadful alarm among the helpless part of the little community; this, however, was soon allayed, when the gentlemen from Kaskaskia had an opportunity of narrating what had taken place at their own village, and the conduct of the Americans. The alarm of the people was soon conver- ted into huzzas for freedom and the Americans; and Major Bowman took possession of the British fort of Cahokia. The inhabitants in a few days took the oath of allegiance, and every thing promised the utmost harmony. This visit of our country- men soon dispersed a body of Indians, who were encamped in the neighborhood of Cahokia, at that time a place of considerable trade.
CHAPTER IV.
Plan against St. Vincents-Thanke of Virginia-St. Vincents revolts from the British- M. Girault-Illinois county-Negotiations with New Orleans-Indian negotiations.
But though Colonel Clark had met with a success so much beyond his means, and almost beyond his expectations; although the country was entirely subjected, and even attached, to the American government, yet his uneasiness was great. He was fully aware of the critical delicacy of his situation, and the ne- cessity of exerting all the address he was master of, to main- tain his position with service to his country, and honor to him- self. A close understanding was cultivated with the Spanish
59
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
officers on the opposite side of the Mississippi; as every influ- ence was required to counteract the extended agency and con- trol of the British; who had distributed the bloody belt and hatchet from Lake Superior to Detroit, and the Mississippi. In this long chain of intrigue with the Indians, post St. Vincents formed an important link; not only from the warlike character of the adjacent tribes, but from their contiguity to Kaskaskia, and the settlements of Kentucky. Yet it was utterly beyond the force at the command of Clark, "joined by every man in Ken- tucky;" he, therefore, resorted to other means. The American soldiers were instructed to speak of the Falls of Ohio, as the head quarters of the army, from which the present troops were only a detachment; that reinforcements were daily expected from that point, which was fortifying, and that when they arrived, more extensive military movements would take place. Some such artifice was necessary to excuse the apparent rashness of invading the Illinois, with so small a force. Courts of civil ju- risdiction were likewise established by Clark, which were held by French judges, freely chosen by the people, leaving an ap- peal to Clark. About this time, M. Cerre, who was mentioned before, uneasy that his family at Kaskaskia should be the only one placed under a guard, and fearful of venturing into the power of the American officer without a safe conduct; procured the recommendation of the Spanish Governor at St. Louis, as well as the commandant at St. Genevieve, supported by the in- fluence of the greater part of the citizens. for the purpose of ob- taining this security. It was all in vain; Colonel Clark peremp- torily refused it; and intimated that he wished to hear no more such applications; that he understood M. Cerre was "a sensible man," and if he was innocent of the charge of inciting the In- dians against the Americans, he need not be afraid of deliver- ing himself up. This backwardness would only increase the suspicion against him. Shortly after this expression of Clark's sentiments, M. Cerre, to whom they were no doubt communicated, repaired to Kaskaskia, and without visiting his family, imme- diately waited on Colonel Clark; who informed him that the crime with which he stood charged was encouraging the In-
-
60
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
dians in their murders and devastations on our own frontiers. An enormity, whose perpetrators, continued the American commander, it behooved every civilized people to punish, whenever they got such violaters of the laws of honorable war- fare within their power. To this accusation, M. Cerre frankly - replied, that he was a mere merchant, and had never been con- cerned in affairs of State beyond what the interests of his busi- ness required; moreover, his remote position had prevented him from understanding the merits of the war, now raging be- tween the United States and Great Britain. He defied. he said, any man to prove, that he had encouraged the Indian barbari- ties; while many could be produced, who had heard him express his disapprobation of all such cruelties; though, at the same time, it was necessary to inform Colonel Clark, that there were numbers indebted to him, who might, by his ruin, seek to dis- charge their pecuniary obligations to him. In fine, this emi- nent French merchant declared his willingness to support the strictest inquiry into the only heinous charge against him. This was every thing the American officer required; he desired M. Cerre to retire into another room. while he sent for his accu- sers; they immediately attended, followed by the greater part of the inhabitants. M. Cerre, was summoned to confront them, the former immediately shewed their confusion at his appearance; the parties were told by Colonel Clark, that he had no disposition to condemn any man unheard; that M. Cerre was now present. and he (Clark) was ready to do justice to the civilized world by punishing him if guilty of inciting the Indians to commit their enormities on helpless women and children. The accusers be- gan to whisper to one another and retire: until but one was left of six or seven at first; this person was asked for his proof, but he had none to produce, and M. Cerre was honorably ac- quitted, not more to his own satisfaction, than to that of his neighbors and friends. He was then congratulated by Colonel Clark upon his acquittal. and informed. that although his be- coming an American citizen, would be highly acceptable, yet if he did not sincerely wish to do so, he was perfectly at liberty to dispose of his property, and to remove elsewhere. Cerre de-
61
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
lighted at the fair and generous treatment he had met with, immediately took the oath of allegiance and became a "most valuable" friend to the American cause.
So successful was the management of Clark, that whether he bribed, or whether he punished, both methods were made con- ducive to the public interest. In this case he seems to have kept up an appearance of rigor for the very opportunity of en- hancing the indulgence, he wished and determined to exercise: reserve in favors, was a common feature of his policy. As an exhibition of Colonel Clark's tact in governing under the criti- cal circumstances in which he was placed, this detail has been thought necessary. The narration has now arrived at the com- plete reduction of the French settlements, in the present State of Illinois; not more by the force of arms than by the adroit policy of the American commander, and the good disposition of the inhabitants. The American government, too, was then in alliance with their ancient countrymen, whose dominion, no doubt, still clung affectionately round their hearts. In this way was reduced the ancient town of Kaskaskias, which had been settled two years before the city of Philadelphia, now flourish- ing so nobly under the auspices of American liberty; as dis- tinguished for her fame in learning and in the arts, as she is re- nowned for her virtues and opulence. While to exhibit the fluctuating condition of things, Kaskaskia, her predecessor planted under the protection of a powerful monarchy, numbers but ninety-six persons,* and is almost a deserted village, filled with ruins of the nicest masonry. Colone! Clark, with his brave officers and men, on the 23d of November, 1778, was voted the thanks of the House of Delegates, "for their extraordinary reso- lution and perseverance in so hazardous an enterprise, and for the important services thereby rendered their country."
Post. St. Vincents still continued to occupy the thoughts of Clark, as a point of great importance to the safety of his present position, and to the extension of the Virginia dominion. "It was never" he says, "out of my mind;" it had indeed occupied his thoughts; it has been seen in his first descent down the Ohio,
* Census of 1830. F
62
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
and was only relinquished at that time from his weakness. His early inclinations were revived by his success at Kaskas- kia, and he sent for M. Gibault, the Roman Catholic priest of his village, as well as that of St. Vincents. This gentleman, who subsequently received the public thanks of Virginia, for his distinguished services, had been steadily attached to the Ameri- can cause; he readily gave Colonel Clark every information he desired; told him that Governor Abbot had lately gone on busi- ness to Detroit, and that a military expedition from the Falls against St. Vincents, which Clark pretended to meditate, was scarcely necessary. He indeed offered, if it met the approba- tion of Colonel Clark, to "take the business on himself, and he had no doubt of his being able to bring that place over to the American interest without" he said, "my being at the trouble of marching against it." Nor is it unfair to believe, that this patriotic priest must have taken into consideration the interests of his parishioners, by endeavoring to save them, if possible, from the chances of military spoil and violence.
The generous and equal spirit which the ancient church of Rome had so rightfully, yet so rarely has met at the hands of Protestant conquerors, and the benificent administration of Clark, all united no doubt, to propogate the American influence, and extend its arms. To these offers of M. Gibault, Clark most readily acceded; for it was the fondest wish of his heart, yet he scarcely ventured to believe he should realize it; and, more- over, at the desire of the clergyman, a Dr. Lafont was associated as a temporal member of the embassy. The principal charge was, however, in the hands of M. Gibault. On the 14th of July, the French gentlemen, accompanied by a spy of Clark's, an additional security which he seems scarcely ever to have ne- glected in his enterprises, set off for St. Vincents, or *O. Post, as it was very often called. After full explanations of the state of affairs between the priest and his flock, in two or three days, the inhabitants threw off the British government, and assem- bling in a body at the church, they, in the most solemn manner, took the oath of allegiance to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
* A corruption of Au Poste.
-
63
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
A commandant was elected, and the American flag immediately displayed over the fort, to the astonishment of the Indians. Thus again fell another of the French villages established about 1735, owing to the pure good will of the inhabitants towards the American government; and another barrier of counteract- ing influence over the barbarous hostilities of the Indians, was gained for Kentucky. The savages were told by their French friends, "that their old Father, the King of France, was come to life again, and was mad with them for fighting for the English; that if they did not wish the land to be bloody with war, they must make peace with the Americans."
About the Ist of August, M. Gibault and party, returned with the joyful intelligence, of having peaceably adjusted every thing at St. Vincents in favor of the American interest; no less to the astonishment of Clark, than to his gratification, and that of the inhabitants of Kaskaskia. A new source of perplexity now opened itself on Clark; it was the expiration of the three months for which his troops had been enlisted. But the discre- tionary powers so wisely lodged with an officer acting on so remote a stage, and under such embarrassing difficulties, de- termined him not to divest himself of the only American power, on which he could rely upon any emergency; and to strain his authority, for the preservation of that interest, for which it was conferred upon him. He, therefore, re-enlisted his men upon a new footing, raised a company among the na- tive inhabitants, commanded by their own officers, established a garrison at Kaskaskia under the command of Captain Wil- liams, and another at Cahokia, under that of Captain Bowman. Colonel William Linn, who had accompanied the expedition as a volunteer, now took charge of the troops who wished to re- turn, and was the bearer of orders from Colonel Clark, to es- tablish a fort at the Falls of Ohio. This order was executed by building a stockade fort at the termination of the present Twelfth street. on the casterly side of the large ravine, that opens to the river at that point .* Here was planted the
. The fort here mentioned was, in 1782, succeeded hy a larger one, built by the regular' troops, assisted by the militia from all the settled parts of the district. It was situated be-
---- 3
64
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
thrifty germ of Louisville, now the emporium of Kentucky, and which seems fairly destined to grow with the countless pros- perity of this great republic, with whose remotest commerce and continued union, she is vitally connected. Captain John Montgomery was dispatched to Richmond, in charge of M. - Rocheblave, the British commandant of Kaskaskia.
In regard to this officer, who expressed himself with great bitterness of the Americans, and the natives who had sided with them, Colonel Clark exerted himself very much, to pro- cure a restoration to Mrs. Rocheblave, of his slaves, that had been seized as public plunder. This was attempted by inviting him to a dinner with some of the officers, as well as with his acquaintance, where this restitution was, it seems, to have been offered; but it was entirely frustrated by the violent and insulting language of the former commandant; he called them a parcel of rebels, and provoked such indignation that he was immediately sent to the guard house; all further thoughts of sav- ing his slaves were now abandoned. They were subsequently sold for the amount of five hundred pounds, and the proceeds divided among the troops as prize money. The Governor of Vir- ginia was informed of the whole of Clark's proceedings, and the appointment of a civil commandant was desired by him, who should take charge of the political affairs of this secluded portion of the Commonwealth. In consequence of this recommendation, an act was passed in October, 1778, establishing the county of Illinois, and embracing within its boundary all the chartered limits of Virginia, west of the Ohio river. There was also au- thorized the raising of a regiment of five hundred men, and the opening communications with New Orleans for their support.
tween the present Sixth and Eighth streets, on the northern side of Main street, inmedi. ately on the lank of the river."In honor of the third republican Governor of Virginia. the fort was called Fort Nelson. Seventh street passed through the first gate opposite to the head quarters of General Clark. The principal military defence mi this part of the country deserves a few more particulars. It contained about an acre of ground, and was surrounded by a ditch eight feet deep and ten feet wide, intersected in the middle by a row of sharp pickets: this duch was surmounted by a breast work of log pens or enclosures, filled with the earth obtained from the dutch, with pickris ten feet high planted on the top of the breast work. Next to the river, pickers alone were dermed sufficient, added by the long slope of the river bank. Some of the remains of these pickets were dog up in the summer of 1932, in excavating the cellar of Mr. John Love's stores on Mua street oppo site to the Louisville Hotel. There was artillery in the fort, particularly a donble forti fied brass piece, which was captured by Clark at Vincennes. This piece played no incon. siderable part in the military operations of this period, insignificant as it may appear to the eyes of a regular oulitary critic.
.
65
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
Colonel John Todd, who afterwards lost his life with so much regret, at the battle of the Blue Licks, received the appointment of civil commandant and Lieutenant Colonel of the county; a mark of much honorable confidence in a new and distant pro- vince of Virginia. About the middle of August, Captain Leon- ard Helm was appointed by Colonel Clark commandant at St. Vincents, and "agent for Indian affairs in the department of the Wabash." This officer was particularly recommended to Clark for his knowledge of the department, and by the general prudence of his character. As Clark intended to place a strong garrison at this post, when the reinforcements, which he ex- pected from Virginia should arrive, Captain Helm was made fully acquainted with his plans, and received his utmost confi- dence.
Near the post of St. Vincents, there was a chief by the name of Tobacco's son whose name appears in the deed to the Wa- bash Company in 1775, as Tabac .* This chief was compli- mented by his countrymen with the title of the Grand Door of the Wabash, as the Great Pontiac, or Pondiac, used to be called the Grand Door of St. Joseph's; and nothing of impor- tance respecting the Wabash country was undertaken with- out the consent of the former chief. To conciliate him and win over his influence, Captain Helm was instructed to use every exertion: messages had indeed been interchanged by Colonel Clark with this chief, through M. Gibault, on his late mission. This intercourse was renewed by Captain Helm, soon after his arrival at St. Vincents, where he was received by acclamation on the part of the people. In an Indian council opened by the American agent with the Grand Door, he deli- vered him a friendly talk from Colonel Clark, inviting him to unite with the Big Knife, and his old Father. the king of France. To this letter, with the usual circumspection of the Indian cha- racter, the chief declined giving an answer, until he had assem- bled his councillors; although he was glad to see oue of the Big Knife chiefs. It was true, he had fought together with the Eng- lish, yet he had thought they always looked gloomy ; in all this
+ Land Law of the United States. 916. F *
.
66
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
intercourse, the Grand Door observed the ceremony of the most courtly dignity, in which he was exactly followed by Captain Helm; so that it was several days before the council was con- cluded. At length Captain Helm was invited to attend a meet- ing of the chiefs, in which Tobacco's son informed him, that "the sky had been very dark with the war between the Big Knife and the English; but now it was cleared up. The Big Knife was in the right, and perhaps if the English conquered them, they might serve the Indians in the same way." Tobacco then jumped up, struck his breast, and said, "he had always been a man and a warrior, and now he was a Big Knife, and would tell the red people to bloody the land no more for the English;" he then shook Captain Helm by the hand, and his example was followed by all his chiefs to the great advantage of the whites. This chief is said to have remained a true friend to the Ameri- cans, until his death; which happened about two years after, when, at his desire, he was buried with the honors of war, near the fort of Cahokia. The conduct of Tobacco had a wide in- fluence over the chiefs on the Wabash as high as the Weanti- non, Quitanon, or old Wea towns, all of whom followed the example of their Grand Door, in making peace with the Ameri- cans. These negotiations, together with others equally impor- tant, effected by Colonel Clark at Cahokia, in a short time under- mined the British influence through a large portion of these regions. The co-operation of the French interest was essen- tially productive of these valuable results; the Indians implicitly confided in their representations, and through them, the Indians became thoroughly alarmed at the power of the Americans. The treaties held by Clark commenced about the Ist of Septem- ber, and were conducted with a dignity and efficiency, as well as attended with such remarkable circumstances as to deserve a place in this history.
Colonel Clark had always thought the policy of inviting the Indians to treat, was founded in a mistaken estimate of their character; they always interpreted, he believed, such invita- tions as evidences either of fear or weakness, or both. He, therefore, studiously avoided every invitation of the sort; and
67
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
waited for the Indians to request a treaty; while he fought them fiercely and energetically until they did so. He had, moreover, made himself intimately acquainted with the French and Spanish modes of treating the Indians, and had long been devoted to the study of the Indian character. In consequence of this, he determined to guard against spoiling the Indians, as had been too much the case with the English at treaties; and to use the strictest reserve, and grant presents with a nig- gardly hand, as wrung from him, rather than as spontaneous and willing gratifications. The ceremonies of this first and ancient council of our countrymen, with these remote sons of the forest, are worth recording. The various parties were as- sembled, white and red; the chief who was to open the council, as the Indians were the solicitors, advanced to the table at which Colonel Clark was sitting, "with the belt of peace in his hand, another with the sacred pipe; and a third, with fire to kindle it; after the pipe was lighted. it was presented to the heavens, then to the earth, and completing a circle, was presented to all the spirits, invoking them to witness what was about to be done. The pipe was now presented to Colonel Clark, and afterwards to every person present." After these formalities the speaker addressed himself to the Indians as follows: "Warriors, you ought to be thankful that the Great Spirit has taken pity on you, has 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, (meaning the British emissaries;) but we will take up the bloody hatchet no more against the Big Knife; and we hope, that as the Great Spirit has brought us together for good, as he is good, so we may be received as friends; and peace may take the place of the bloody belt." The speaker then threw in the middle of the room, the bloody belt of wampum, and flags, which they had received from the Bri- tish, and stamped upon them in token of their rejection. To this address, Clark very guardedly and distantly replied. that "He had paid attention to what had been said, and would the next day give them an answer, when he hoped the hearts of all people would be ready to receive the truth; but be recom-
68
HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
mended them to keep prepared for the result of this council, upon which their very existence as nations depended. He de- sired them not to let any of our people shake hands with them, as peace was not yet made; and it was time enough to give the hand, when the heart could be given also. An Indian chief- replied, that "such sentiments were like men, who had but one heart, and did not speak with a forked tongue." The council then rose until the next day, when Clark delivered the follow- ing address to the assembled Indians, which is taken literally from the memoir of Colonel Clark. "Men and warriors: Pay attention to my words. You informed me yesterday, that the Great Spirit had brought us together, and that you hoped, that as he was good, it would be for good. I have also the same hope, and expect that cach party will strictly adhere to whatever may be agreed upon, whether it shall be peace or war; and henceforward prove ourselves worthy of the attention of the Great Spirit. I am a man and a warrior, not a counsellor; I carry war in my right hand, and in my left, peace. I am sent by the Great Council of the Big Knife, and their friends, to take posses- sion of all the towns possessed by the English in this country, and to watch the motions of the Red people : to bloody the paths of those who attempt to stop the course of the river; but to clear the roads from us to those that desire to be in peace; that the women and children may walk in them without meeting any thing to strike their feet against. I am ordered 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 causes 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 yourselves to be. prove it by adhering faithfully to the party, which you shall believe to be entitled to your friendship, and not shew yourselves to be squaws.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.