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Clark Accomplishments

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Beginning on February 9, 1779, Clark and his men embarked for Vincennes 240 miles away through the now flooded region. The major faced a test of morality as the company trudged through frozen dirt and in freezing waters. In the rain, the troops sung to keep high hopes and when they were close enough to the village, Clark had to post a riflemen at the rear to encourage the tired individuals (Davis 98). Their ambitions rose when they captured an Indian hunting canoe carrying buffalo meat, corn, tallow, and kettles. After devouring their finds, the unit made it the final miles within eyesight of Fort Sackville on February 23(Davis 99). The Kentuckian Major promptly entered the village and took the main street, at the same time, Col. Hamilton …show more content…

For, he pursued the thought of attacking Fort Detroit itself. Unfortunately, when he requested supplies from Virginia, he was given nothing (“George Rogers Clark Biography”). Even worse, Clark provided the funds for his expeditions himself and the Legislature of Virginia refused to reimburse him for his services to the country. Becoming desperate, Clark resumed surveying and became associated with a declining meat-hunting business, he was dismally unable to get out of debt (Ketchum 3). There was a time when the State of Virginia sent Clark an honorary sword for his work, but he broke it in two in frustration. However in 1803, he was finally given 400 dollars and another sword, only Clark knew at this point, it was unnecessary as he informed the messenger: “Young man, when Virginia needed a sword, I found her one. Now I need bread.” (Ketchum 3). Near the end of his life, Clark had to have his leg amputated as a result of a serious burn, amazingly, he was distracted during the operation by military marches played outside. Since there was no anesthetic at this time, it was surprising that he was unaware of any

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