So he released the prisoner and sent him in ahead, with a letter to the people of Vincennes.

By this letter he proclaimed to the French that he was that moment about to attack the town; that those townspeople who were friends to the Americans were to remain in their houses, where they would not be molested; that the friends of the king should repair to the fort, join the "hair-buyer general," and fight like men; and that those who did neither of these two things, but remained armed and in the streets, must expect to be treated as enemies.

[Footnote: Clark's "Memoir."] Surprise of the Town.
Having sent the messenger in advance, he waited until his men were rested and their rifles and powder dry, and then at sundown marched straight against the town.

He divided his force into two divisions, leading in person the first, which consisted of two companies of Americans and of the Kaskaskia creoles; while the second, led by Bowman, contained Bowman's own company and the Cahokians.

His final orders to the men were to march with the greatest regularity, to obey the orders of their officers, and, above all, to keep perfect silence.