Journey to Sackville

Captain Joseph Bowman’s field journal indicates that on February 8th, 1779, only three days into their trip to Fort Sackville, they “Marched early through the waters, which we now began to meet in those large and level plains, where, from the flatness of the country [the water] rests a considerable time before it drains off; notwithstanding which, our men were in great spirits, though much fatigued.” By the 17th, the weather has gotten colder and Bowman is less optimistic, recording that they “Found the country all overflowed with water. We strove to find the Wabash. Traveled till 8 o'clock in mud and water, but could find no place to encamp on.” The day before the force arrived at Vincennes, Bowman made a short and desperate notation: “No provisions yet. Lord help us!”

Click Here to hear George Rogers Clark’s perspective on the journey to Fort Sackville.