ng what they would do when they got about
the enemy. They now began to view the main Wabash as a creek, and made
no doubt but such men as they were could find a way to cross it. They
wound themselves up to such a pitch that they soon took Post Vincennes,
divided the spoil, and before bedtime were far advanced on their route
to Detroit. All this was, no doubt, pleasing to those of us who had more
serious thoughts.

We were now convinced that the whole of the low country on the Wabash
was drowned, and that the enemy could easily get to us, if they
discovered us, and wished to risk an action; if they did not, we made no
doubt of crossing the river by some means or other. Even if Captain
Rogers, with our galley, did not get to his station agreeable to his
appointment, we flattered ourselves that all would be well, and marched
on in high spirits.

The last day's march through the water was far superior to anything the
Frenchmen[431-3] had an idea of. They were backward in speaking; said
that the nearest land to us was a small league called the Sugar Camp, on
the bank of the [river?]. A canoe was sent off, and returned without
finding that we could pass. I went in her myself, and sounded the water;
found it deep as to my neck. I returned with a design to have the men
transported on board the canoes to the Sugar Camp, which I knew would
spend the whole day and ensuing night, as the vessels would pass slowly
through the bushes. The loss of so much time, to men half-starved, was a
matter of consequence. I would have given now a great deal for a day's
provision or for one of our horses. I returned but slowly to the troops,
giving myself time to think.

On our arrival, all ran to hear what was the report. Every eye was fixed
on me. I unfortunately spoke in a serious manner to one of the officers.
The whole were alarmed without knowing what I said. I viewed their
confusion for about one minute, whispered to those near me to do as I
did: immediately put some water in my hand, poured on powder, blackened
my face, gave the war-whoop, and marched into the water without saying a
word. The party gazed, and fell in, one after another, without saying a
word, like a flock of sheep. I ordered those near me to begin a favorite
song of theirs. It soon passed through the line, and the whole went on
cheerfully. I now intended to have them transported across the deepest
part of the water; but, when about waist deep, one of the men informed
me