Even the dread of the Indians could not overcome in these men's hearts the keen and selfish greed for gain.

Clark instantly grasped the situation.

Seeing that while the court remained open he could get no volunteers, he on his own responsibility closed it off-hand, and proclaimed that it would not be opened until after he came back from his expedition.

The speculators grumbled and clamored, but this troubled Clark not at all, for he was able to get as many volunteers as he wished.

The discontent, and still more the panic over Bird's inroad, made many of the settlers determine to flee from the country, but Clark sent a small force to Crab Orchard, at the mouth of the Wilderness road, the only outlet from Kentucky, with instructions to stop all men from leaving the country, and to take away their arms if they persisted; while four fifths of all the grown men were drafted, and were bidden to gather instantly for a campaign.
[Footnote: Bradford MSS.] His Campaign against Piqua.
He appointed the mouth of the Licking as the place of meeting.