One of these bands brought in as captive Colonel Francis
Vigo, of St. Louis, a Spaniard by birth, an American by adoption,
a patriot to the core, who had large influence over both Indians
and Creoles in the Illinois country.
Colonel Vigo was not long held a prisoner. Hamilton dared not
exasperate the Creoles beyond their endurance, for he knew that
the savages would closely sympathize with their friends of long
standing, and this might lead to revolt and coalition against
him,--a very dangerous possibility. Indeed, at least one of the
great Indian chieftains had already frankly informed him that he
and his tribe were loyal to the Americans. Here was a dilemma
requiring consummate diplomacy. Hamilton saw it, but he was not of
a diplomatic temper or character. With the Indians he used a
demoralizing system of bribery, while toward the whites he was too
often gruff, imperious, repellant. Helm understood the whole
situation and was quick to take advantage of it. His personal
relations with Hamilton were easy and familiar, so that he did not
hesitate to give advice upon all occasions. Here his jovial
disposition helped him.
"You'd better let Vigo return to St. Louis," he said. They had a
bowl of something hot steaming between them. "I know him. He's
harmless if you don't rub him too hard the wrong way. He'll go
back, if you treat him well, and tell Clark how strong you are
here and how foolish it would be to think of attacking you.
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