. The Indian Wars, 1784-1787 165 



large tracts of land, not for settlement, but to hold 

 until it should rise in value. On the other hand, 

 the Americans complained no less bitterly of the 

 French as a fickle, treacherous, undisciplined race, 

 in close alliance with the Indians, and needing to be 

 ruled with a rod of iron. 39 It is impossible to rec 

 oncile the accounts the two parties gave of one an 

 other's deeds; doubtless neither side was guiltless 

 of grave wrongdoing. So great was Clark's repu 

 tation for probity and leadership that both sides 

 wrote him urgently, requesting that he would come 

 to them and relieve their distress. 40 One of the 

 most fruitful sources of broils and quarrels was the 

 liquor trade with the Indians. The rougher among 

 the new-comers embarked eagerly in this harmful 

 and disreputable business, and the low-class French 

 followed their example. The commandant, Mon 

 sieur J. M. P. Legrace, and the Creole court forbade 

 this trade; a decision which was just and righteous, 

 but excited much indignation, as the other inhabi 

 tants believed that the members of the court them 

 selves followed it in secret. 41 



In 1786 the ravages of the Indians grew so seri 

 ous, and the losses of the Americans near Vincennes 

 became so great, that they abandoned their outlying 



89 State Department MSS., No. 56. J. Edgar to G. R. 

 Clark, Nov. 7, 1785. Draper MSS. Petition of Americans of 

 Vincennes to Congress, June i, 1786. 



40 Draper MSS. Petition to G. R. Clark from Inhabitants 

 of Vincennes, March 16 1786. 



41 Do., John Filson; MS. Journey of Two Voyages, etc. 



