He narrowly escaped being taken prisoner by a party of Ottawas and Canadians, who had come from Vincennes early in January, when the weather was severe and the travelling fairly good.

[Footnote: Haldimand MSS.

Hamilton's letter January 24, 1779.] He was at the time on his way to Cahokia, to arrange for the defence; several of the wealthier Frenchmen were with him in "chairs"-- presumably creaking wooden carts,--and one of them "swampt," or mired down, only a hundred yards from the ambush.

Clark and his guards were so on the alert that no attack was made.
Clark Receives News concerning Vincennes.
In the midst of his doubt and uncertainty he received some news that enabled him immediately to decide on the proper course to follow.

He had secured great influence over the bolder, and therefore the leading, spirits among the French.