Patrick Henry’s Secret Orders
Two years into the war, Clark received secret orders from Virginia Governor Patrick Henry to attack British forts in the West, such as Kaskaskia, Cahokia, and Sackville. Clark notes in his memoir that he arrived in Williamsburg, VA on December 10, 1777, and “communicated my views to Governor Henry.” While he notes that, “The governor and council so warmly engaged in the success of this enterprise,” Governor Henry didn’t want to issue the orders publicly and risk having the British catch wind of the endeavor. Henry issued vague public orders, Clark noted, “wherein I was authorized to raise men for the defense of Kentucky.” But on January 2nd, 1778, Clark received his official, secret instructions:
“You are to proceed with all convenient speed to raise seven companies...of fifty men each...and with this Force attack the British post at Kaskasky... If you are so fortunate therefore as to succeed in your Expedition, you will take every possible Measure to secure...whatever may advantage the state....and during the whole Transaction you are to take especial care to keep the true Destination of your Force secret. Its success depends upon this.”
With instructions in hand, Clark was able to recruit four companies, led by Captains John Montgomery, Joseph Bowman, Leonard Helm and William Harrod. Clark’s forces met at Red Stone (present-day Brownsville, Pennsylvania) on the Monongahela River.
How long would Clark’s orders stay secret? Would he be able to accomplish his task?