They were primarily farmers, hunters, Indian fighters--not scholars; and their petition was couched in English that was at times a little crooked; but the idea at any rate was perfectly straight, and could not be misunderstood.

They announced that if they were admitted they would cheerfully cooperate in every measure to secure the public peace and safety, and at the same time pointed out with marked emphasis "how impolitical it would be to suffer such a Respectable Body of Prime Riflemen to remain in a state of neutrality" during the then existing revolutionary struggle.[23] Armed with this document and their credentials, Clark and his companion set off across the desolate and Indian-haunted mountains.

They travelled very fast, the season was extremely wet, and they did not dare to kindle fires for fear of the Indians; in consequence they suffered torments from cold, hunger, and especially from "scalded" feet.

Yet they hurried on, and presented their petition to the Governor[24] and Council--the Legislature having adjourned.

Clark also asked for five hundred-weight of gunpowder, of which the Kentucky settlement stood in sore and pressing need.