CHAPTER II 



THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CONQUERED FRENCH 

 SETTLEMENTS, 1779-1783 



THE Virginian Government took immediate 

 steps to provide for the civil administration 

 of the country Clark had conquered. In the fall 

 of 1778 the entire region northwest of the Ohio 

 was constituted the county of Illinois, with John 

 Todd as county-lieutenant or commandant. 



Todd was a firm friend and follower of Clark's, 

 and had gone with him on his campaign against 

 Vincennes. It therefore happened that he received 

 his commission while at the latter town, early in 

 the spring of '79. In May he went to Kaskaskia, to 

 organize the county ; and Clark, who remained mili- 

 tary commandant of the Virginia State troops that 

 were quartered in the district, was glad to turn over 

 the civil government to the charge of his old friend. 



Together with his commission, Todd received a 

 long and excellent letter of instructions from Gov- 

 ernor Patrick Henry. He was empowered to choose 

 a deputy-commandant, and officers for the militia; 

 but the judges and officers of the court were to be 

 elected by the people themselves. He was given 

 large discretionary power, Henry impressing upon 

 him with especial earnestness the necessity to "cul- 

 VOL. VI. (217) J 



