Note 4 — CHRONICLES OF BORDER WARFARE (continued 5)
Reading edition
The originals of the correspondence between Clark and Hamilton are, with much other MS. material relative to the movements of Clark, in possession of the Wisconsin Historical Society. Hamilton’s letter, in a neat, scholarly hand, ran:
“Lieutenant Governor Hamilton proposes to Colonel Clark a Truce for three days, during which time he promises, there shall not be any defensive work carried on in the Garrison, on Condition Colol.. Clark shall observe on his part a like cessation from any offensive Work––
“He further proposes that whatever may pass between them two and any persons (mutually agreed upon to be) present, shall remain secret, till matters be finally concluded––
“As he wishes that whatever the result of their conference may be the honor and credit of each party may be considered, so he wishes to confer with Colol. Clark as soon as may be––
“As Colol. Clark makes a difficulty of coming into the Garrison, Lt. G. Hamilton will speak with him before the Gate––
Henry Hamilton.
“Feby. 24th. 1779––Fort Sackville––”
Clark’s gruff reply, in rugged, but not unclerical chirography, was as follows:
“Colonel Clark’s Compliments to Mr. Hamilton and begs leave to inform him that Col. Clark will not agree to any Other Terms than that of Mr. Hamilton’s Surrendering himself and Garrison, Prisoners at Discretion––
“If Mr. Hamilton is Desirous of a Conferance with Col. Clark he will meet him at the Church with Captn. Helms––
“Feby. 24th., 1779.
G. R. Clark.”––R. G. T.