not to try to parry the strokes they themselves dealt.  Clark, who knew the savages well, scoffed at the idea that a vigorous blow, driven well home, would rouse them to desperation; he realized that, formidable though they were in actual battle, and still more in plundering raid, they were not of the temper to hazard all on the fate of war, or to stand heavy punishment, and that they would yield very quickly, when once they were convinced that unless they did so they and their families would perish by famine or the sword. [Footnote:  State Department MSS., No. 56, p. 282.  G. R. Clark to R. H. Lee.] At this time he estimated that some fifteen hundred warriors were on the war-path and that they were likely to be joined by many others.

    Anarchy on the Wabash.

The condition of affairs at the French towns of the Illinois and Wabash afforded another strong reason for war, or at least for decided measures of some kind.  Almost absolute anarchy reigned in these towns.  The French inhabitants had become profoundly discontented with the United States Government.  This was natural, for they were neither kept in order nor protected, in spite of their petitions to Congress that some stable government might be established. [Footnote:  State Department MSS., No. 30, p. 453, Dec. 8, 1784.  Also p. 443, Nov. 10, 1784.  Draper MSS.  J. Edgar to G. R. Clark, Oct. 23, 1786.] The quarrels between the French and the intruding American settlers had very nearly reached the point of a race war; and the Americans were further menaced by the Indians.  These latter were on fairly good terms with the French, many of whom had intermarried with them, and lived as they did; although the French families of the better class were numerous, and had attained to what was for the frontier a high standard of comfort and refinement.

    Quarrels between French and Americans.

The French complained with reason of the lawless and violent character of many of the American new-comers, and also of the fact that already speculators were trying by fraud and foul means to purchase large tracts of land, not for settlement, but to hold until it should rise in value.  On the other hand, the Americans complained no less bitterly of the French, as a fickle, treacherous, undisciplined race, in close alliance with the Indians, and needing to be ruled with a rod of iron. [Footnote:  State Dept.  MSS., No. 56.  J. Edgar to G. R. Clark, Nov. 7, 1785.  Draper MSS.  Petition of Americans of Vincennes to Congress, June I, 1786.] It is impossible to reconcile the accounts the two parties gave of one another’s deeds; doubtless neither side was guiltless of grave wrongdoing.  So great was Clark’s reputation for probity and leadership that both sides wrote him urgently, requesting that he would come to them and relieve their distress. [Footnote:  Draper MSS.  Petition to G. R. Clark from Inhabitants of Vincennes, March 16, 1786.] One of the most fruitful sources