In one respect Clark's expedition was sadly lacking in its
equipment for the march. It had absolutely no means of
transporting adequate supplies. The pack-horses were not able to
carry more than a little extra ammunition, a few articles of
clothing, some simple cooking utensils and such tools as were
needed in improvising rafts and canoes. Consequently, although
buffalo and deer were sometimes plentiful, they furnished no
lasting supply of meat, because it could not be transported; and
as the army neared Vincennes wild animals became scarce, so that
the men began to suffer from hunger when within but a few days of
their journey's end.
Clark made almost superhuman efforts in urging forward his
chilled, water-soaked, foot-sore command; and when hunger added
its torture to the already disheartening conditions, his courage
and energy seemed to burn stronger and brighter. Beverley was
always at his side ready to undertake any task, accept any risk;
his ardor made his face glow, and he seemed to thrive upon
hardships. The two men were a source of inspiration--their
followers could not flag and hesitate while under the influence of
their example.
Toward the end of the long march a decided fall of temperature
added ice to the water through which our dauntless patriots waded
and swam for miles. The wind shifted northwesterly, taking on a
searching chill.
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