The distance, as the route led, was about a hundred and
seventy miles. On account of an open and rainy winter all the
basins and flat lands were inundated, often presenting leagues of
water ranging in depth from a few inches to three of four feet.
Cold winds blew, sometimes with spits of snow and dashes of sleet,
while thin ice formed on the ponds and sluggish streams. By day
progress meant wading ankle-deep, knee-deep, breast-deep, with an
occasional spurt of swimming. By night the brave fellows had to
sleep, if sleep they could, on the cold ground in soaked clothing
under water-heavy blankets. They flung the leagues behind them,
however, cheerfully stimulating one another by joke and challenge,
defying all the bitterness of weather, all the bitings of hunger,
all the toil, danger and deprivation of a trackless and houseless
wilderness, looking only eastward, following their youthful and
intrepid commander to one of the most valuable victories gained by
American soldiers during the War of the Revolution.
Colonel Clark understood perfectly the strategic importance of
Vincennes as a post commanding the Wabash, and as a base of
communication with the many Indian tribes north of the Ohio and
east of the Mississippi. Francis Vigo (may his name never fade!)
had brought him a comprehensive and accurate report of Hamilton's
strength and the condition of the fort and garrison.
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