American Indian Allies Help Regain the Fort

Just prior to Helm’s arrival at Fort Sackville, the British Lt. Governor Henry Hamilton at Detroit received word about Clark’s successes at Kaskaskia and Cahokia, noting in his journal for August 6th, 1778 that “Mr. Francis Maisonville arrived at Detroit from the Ilinois, with an account of the attack of Kaskaskia by the Americans...no opposition made by the inhabitants.”

Upon hearing the news of Clark’s victories, Hamilton readied a force to march South. In addition to his British regulars, he notes that many of his French and Indian allies would accompany him on the trip. Hamilton’s attention to Indian cultural practices continued to serve him well. On August 23rd, he writes that: 

“The Ottawas, Chippoweys, and Pouteouattamies were called to council, who told me they would accompany me-- The Hurons who were also to have come, were prevented by bad weather but on the 24th Dawatong or Sastaharitze and other Wyndatts came and offerd their services, which were accepted....This day receiv'd the Volunteers from the several companies of Militia in the settlement to be formed into two detachments, under the name of volunteer chasseurs.”

Starting on October 7, Hamilton took his forces across Lake Erie, down the Maumee River, and then portaged to Wabash River, which they took down to Vincennes, a journey of 600 miles. On December 17th, Hamilton and his allies had arrived at Fort Sackville and took it without firing a shot. Hamilton reports that: 

“In this miserable picketted work called a fort, was found scarce anything for defense, the want of a well was sufficient to evince its being untenable... the Company of rascal volunteers 70 in number having to a man deserted on our approach, and left Captain Helm with only three Virginians for a Garrison...I allowed him liberty on giving his parole, and assurance that he would not by letter or otherways give any intelligence to the Americans.”

Thus, the British regained control of the Fort by the end of 1778.

How did Hamilton’s past relationships with American Indians benefit him? Was it smart for Hamilton to allow Captain Helm out on parole? Was Helm trustworthy? Would he keep his promise to Hamilton?