Imprisonment at Fort Sackville

Over the winter of 1778-1779, Vigo traveled to Vincennes to resupply the American division that had gone to hold the fort. Unfortunately, Vigo had not received word that the British had captured the fort on December 17th, and instead of being greeted by Captain Helm, he was met by Lt. Governor Henry Hamilton. After being initially captured and taken prisoner by Hamilton’s troops, he was soon released on the condition that he would travel straight back to St. Louis and do nothing that would harm the British on his way. Evidently, Hamilton did not realize the extent of Vigo’s involvement with the Americans.