Courtesy of The Filson Historical Society, Clark, George Rogers letter to George Mason, 19 November 1779. The Filson Historical Society, Louisville, Ky
Description
George Rogers Clark wrote this letter to his friend, George Mason. In the letter, Clark describes his recollections of his campaign fighting in Illinois. Clark gives detailed accounts of his dealings with British Governor Hamilton and his brutality toward American Indians.
Full Transcript of George Roger Clark's Letter to George Mason
Transcribed Excerpt from George Roger Clark's Letter to George Mason
Source-Dependent Questions
- Clark says in this letter that his goal in having American-Indian prisoners executed was to show them that the English could not protect them. Clark also said that he succeeded in his goal. How would you characterize Clark's leadership based on his disregard for the life of prisoners?
- In writing about the incident involving the execution of prisoners, historian Barnard Sheehan writes, "Clark offered various accounts of the incident, all of them quite matter-of-fact. He seemed to consider the atrocity fully warranted; certainly he expressed no regret over it... he argued that it had been necessary." What should leaders take into account before they take an action that would hurt people? How should we judge or interpret the actions of leaders who have taken actions that hurt people?
- According to historian James Fisher, one of Clark's biographers, William English, "avoided the question of Clark's own barbarism.” What would motivate a biographer to avoid negative aspects of their subject? Do you think biographers should only write about the positives? Why or why not?
Citation Information
Clark, George Rogers letter to George Mason, 19 November 1779. The Filson Historical Society, Louisville, Ky. Courtesy of The Filson Historical Society