History tells us that just when Clark halted his
command almost in sight of Vincennes--just when hunger was about
to prevent the victory so close to his grasp--a party of his
scouts brought in the haunch of a buffalo captured from some
Indians. The scouts were Lieutenant Beverley and Oncle Jazon. And
with the meat they brought Indian kettles in which to cook it.
With consummate forethought Clark arranged to prevent his men
doing themselves injury by bolting their food or eating it half-
cooked. Broth was first made and served hot; then small bits of
well broiled steak were doled out, until by degrees the fine
effect of nourishment set in, and all the command felt the fresh
courage of healthy reaction.
"I ain't no gin'ral, nor corp'ral, nor nothin'," remarked Oncle
Jazon to Colonel Clark, "but 'f I's you I'd h'ist up every dad
dinged ole flag in the rig'ment, w'en I got ready to show myself
to 'em, an' I'd make 'em think, over yander at the fort, 'at I had
'bout ninety thousan' men. Hit'd skeer that sandy faced Gov'nor
over there till he'd think his back-bone was a comin' out'n 'im by
the roots."
Clark laughed, but his face showed that the old man's suggestion
struck him forcibly and seriously.
"We'll see about that presently, Oncle Jazon. Wait till we reach
the hill yonder, from which the whole town can observe our
manoeuvres, then we'll try it, maybe.
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