76 The Winning of the West 



cupation of the territory was feasible, 28 though both 

 he, and especially Jefferson, recognized the impor- 

 tant bearing that its acquisition would have upon 

 the settlement of the Northwestern boundary, when 

 the time came to treat for peace. Probably Clark 

 himself had not at first appreciated all the possibili- 

 ties that lay within his conquest, but he was fully 

 alive to them now and saw that, provided he could 

 hold on to it, he added a vast and fertile territory 

 to the domain of the Union. To the task of keep- 

 ing it he now bent all his energies. 



The time of service of his troops had expired, and 

 they were anxious to go home. By presents and 

 promises he managed to enlist one hundred of them 

 for eight months longer. Then, to color his staying 

 with so few men, he made a feint of returning to the 

 Falls, alleging as a reason his entire confidence in 

 the loyalty of his French friends and his trust in 

 their capacity to defend themselves. He hoped that 

 this would bring out a remonstrance from the inhab- 

 itants, who, by becoming American citizens, had 

 definitely committed themselves against the British. 

 The result was such as he expected. On the rumor 



28 In his secret letter of instructions he orders Clark to be 

 especially careful to secure the artillery and military stores 

 at Kaskaskia, laying such stress upon this as to show that he 

 regarded the place itself as of comparatively little value. In 

 fact, all Henry's order contemplated was an attack on "the 

 British post at Kaskasky." However, he adds, that if the 

 French are willing to become American citizens, they shall 

 be fully protected against their foes. The letter earnestly 

 commands Clark to treat not only the inhabitants, but also 

 all British prisoners, with the utmost humanity. 



