is probable that they camped on what is now the St. Louis Trace Road on one of the northeastern tributaries of the Fox. The day after, an early start was made in order that the famed Embarras might be reached before nightfall. It can well be believed that an intense, hushed excitement prevailed. The success of the invasion must depend on a swift surprise; it was probable that all would be lost if the approach was discovered; for, the Wabash being out of banks, the enemy, doubtless well supplied with boats, would have Clark's band at their mercy. The provisions were fast giving out; surrender or starvation stared Clark in the face if discovered. Accordingly, Commissary Kennedy with three guides was sent forward "to cross the river Embarrass," Clark wrote in his Memoir, " . . and, if possible, to get some vessels in the vicinity of the town [Vincennes], but principally if he could get some information." "About an hour, by sun, we got near the river Embarras," Bowman wrote in his Journal; "Found the country all overflowed with water." The Embarras was reached near Lawrenceville
