University of Virginia Library

8. VIII.
(Page 36.)

George Rogers Clarke was a remarkable man. He was one of the noblest
of the sons of Virginia, so prolifie in heroes and statesmen. His talents were
of a high order, his military genius unsurpassed by that of any man of his
age. He seems to have possessed a number of qualifications that are but
rarely combined in the character of one person, and a versatility not often
found united with a sound judgment. To great quickness of perception, and
clearness of mind, Clarke added a solidity of judgment, a boldness of thought,

and a vigour of action, that carried every thing before them. The boldness of
his designs, the promptness of his decisions, the rapidity of his movements, surprised
his friends as well as his enemies, inspiring fear on the one hand, and
confidence on the other. It was remarked of him that his actions always had
the appearance of rashness, until the results were developed, and then they
seemed to have been conceived in consummate prudence, and profound sagacity.
He was very successful in his military enterprises, some of which were
brilliant. His campaign against Kaskaskia and Vincennes, has seldom been
excelled; there was a boldness, a completeness, an unity, in the plan, a
coolness and brilliancy in the execution that would have done honour to the
most accomplished leader. His appearance and manners were prepossessing
and commanding. On ordinary occasions his address is said to have been dignified
and winning, but in his moments of anger there was a sternness in his
aspect that was terrific. Hence his sway over common minds, which were alternately
allured by his cordiality, and overawed by his energy. Among the
Indians his name was powerful. His rapid marches, and his successes, in his
campaigns against him, made him extensively known and feared, while those
who approached him in friendship, were won by his manners.