George Rogers Clark (1752 – 1818)
American pioneer and military officer credited with winning the Northwest Territory during the American Revolution.
Page 1 of 1
Our cause is just . . . our country will be grateful"
My name is Clark, and I have come out to see what you brave fellows are doing in Kentucky and to lend you a helping hand, if necessary.
I carry in my right hand war, and peace in my left... Here is a bloody belt and a white one. Take which you please.
Never was a person more mortified than I was at this time, to see so fair an opportunity to push a victory; Detroit lost for want of a few men.
If a country were not worth protecting, it was not worth claiming.
I know the case is desperate, but, sire, we must either quit the country or attack Mr. Hamilton. No time is to be lost. Was I sure of a re-enforcement I should not attempt it. Who knows what fortune will do for us? Great things have been effected by a few men well conducted. Perhaps we may be fortunate. We have this consolation that our case is just, and that our country will be grateful and not condemn our conduct, in case we fall through; if so, this country as well as Kentucky, I believe, is lost.
I have given the United States half the territory they possess, and for them to suffer me to remain in poverty, in consequence of it, will not redound much to their honor hereafter.
Page 1 of 1