ort. Several of the
garrison got wounded, and no possibility of standing near the
embrasures. Toward the evening a flag appeared with the following
proposals:--

"Lieutenant-governor Hamilton proposes to Colonel Clark a truce for
three days, during which time he promises there shall be no
defensive works carried on in the garrison, on condition that
Colonel Clark shall observe, on his part, a like cessation of any
defensive work,--that is, he wishes to confer with Colonel Clark as
soon as can be, and promises that whatever may pass between them
two and another person mutually agreed upon to be present shall
remain secret till matters be finished, as he wishes that, whatever
the result of the conference may be, it may tend to the honor and
credit of each party. If Colonel Clark makes a difficulty of coming
into the fort, Lieutenant-governor Hamilton will speak to him by
the gate.

"(Signed) HENRY HAMILTON.
"24th February, 1779."

I was at a great loss to conceive what reason Lieutenant-governor
Hamilton could have for wishing a truce of three days on such terms as
he proposed. Numbers said it was a scheme to get me into their
possession. I had a different opinion and no idea of his possessing such
sentiments, as an act of that kind would infallibly ruin him. Although
we had the greatest reason to expect a reenforcement in less than three
days, that would at once put an end to the siege, I yet did not think it
prudent to agree to the proposals, and sent the following answer:--

"Colonel Clark's compliments to Lieutenant-governor Hamilton, and
begs leave to inform him that he will not agree to any terms other
than Mr. Hamilton's surrendering himself and garrison prisoners at
discretion. If Mr. Hamilton is desirous of a conference with
Colonel Clark, he will meet him at the church with Captain Helm.

"(Signed) G. R. C.
"February 24th, 1779."

We met at the church, about eighty yards from the fort,
Lieutenant-governor Hamilton, Major Hay, superintendent of Indian
affairs, Captain Helm, their prisoner, Major Bowman, and myself. The
conference began. Hamilton produced terms of capitulation, signed, that
contained various articles, one of which was that the garrison should be
surrendered on their being permitted to go to Pensacola on parole. After
deliberating on every article, I rejected the whole.

He then wi