Battle of Vincennas
On February 6, 1779, the general Roger Clark went to Vincennes with 127 volunteers, part of their volunteers were from the French militia. Clark led his men across to the state of Illinois, about 180 miles they traveled. Although it was not a cold winter it rained a lot, and the plains were often covered with several inches of water. Provisions were carried on packhorses, additional by wild game the men shot as they traveled. He had a plan that was to inform the people of the village that he intended to take the fort that night. He announced that any who wanted to cooperate with his plan would stay in their houses and anyone found outside would be considered hostile. The captured French hunter carried the message to the village and to the surprise and delight of the Americans there was silence from the fort. Of course Clark did not reveal to the hunter the size of his actual force but hinted that it numbered approximately 1,000 men.
On the 23rd, Clark assembled his men. He marched them in two small groups, one led by him and the other by another captain. The groups marched along with drums beating and banners flying. He repeated this plan several times, thus giving the impression that his force was indeed about 1,000 men. The plan worked and Clark was careful not to let the towns people actually see any but a small group of men at any one time. In the night the group gained the heights southwest of the town. Even with all the big deal, the fort did not appear alerted. The rest of the men occupied the town.On 25 February, Hamilton's defense force of 79 men marched out of the fort. Clark's men raised the American flag over the fort and renamed it Fort Patrick Henry. Therefore Clark sent Hamilton, seven of his officers, and 18 other prisoners to Williamsburg.
On January 29, 1779 Clark decided that he needed to launch a surprise winter attack on Vincennes before Hamilton could recapture the Illinois country in the spring. He wrote and quoted to Governor Henry:
"I know the case is desperate; but, sir, we must either quit the country or attack Mr. Hamilton. No time is to be lost. Were I sure of a reinforcement, I should not attempt it. Who knows what fortune will do for us? Great things have been effected by a few men well conducted. Perhaps we may be fortunate. We have this consolation, that our cause is just, and that our country will be grateful and not condemn our conduct in case we fall through. If we fail, the Illinois as well as Kentucky, I believe, is lost".
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