[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1931]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     TRIBUTE TO GEORGE ROGERS CLARK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN N. HOSTETTLER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2002

  Mr. HOSTETTLER. Mr. Speaker, the history of our great nation is built 
upon the shoulders of strong and passionate individuals whose lives 
teach us about the spirit of America.
  George Rogers Clark was such a man--his brave leadership during the 
Revolutionary War was crucial to the American colonies' success against 
the British, especially in the battle for America's western frontier.
  George Rogers Clark was born 250 years ago on November 19, near 
Charlottesville, Virginia and was an industrious young man who embraced 
the frontier lifestyle of Virginia and Pennsylvania.
  Clark worked on his father's farm until he studied to become a 
surveyor at the age of 19. He was on the road to success as a surveyor 
until his work was interrupted by Lord Dunmore's War, a dispute between 
several Indian warriors and settlers along the frontier.
  Clark joined an expedition to apprehend the warriors who started the 
attack, and he proved to be an effective leader as the troops traveled 
across the countryside.
  During this skirmish, he became familiar with the different Indian 
tribes and learned their customs, and displayed his ability to think 
strategically.
  After Lord Dunmore's War, George Rogers Clark also made significant 
gains for America by increasing the territory of the colonies through 
western exploration and founding towns in the frontier region of 
Kentucky.
  Through diplomatic efforts and advocacy with the colonial government 
of Virginia, Clark helped to protect the colonists who moved to the 
frontier. He utilized his knowledge of Indian customs to negotiate 
trade with Indian tribes.
  George Rogers Clark's excellent leadership skills also helped to 
ensure America's victory against the British during the Revolutionary 
War.
  Clark led a small band of soldiers along the Mississippi and Wabash 
rivers, capturing British outposts along the way.
  And during the harsh winter of 1778-1779, George Rogers Clark led a 
daring attack in order to recapture the British Fort Sackville in 
Vincennes, Indiana.
  Clark only had 200 men with which to accomplish this seemingly 
impossible task.
  The British were well-armed and fortified with many troops, but Clark 
tricked the British into thinking that the colonial militia was large 
and formidable.
  On February 25, 1779, the British surrendered Fort Sackville to 
George Rogers Clark and his soldiers. Afterwards, the British were 
forced to pull vital resources from their war in the eastern colonies, 
and the Americans were able to gain a foothold against the British in 
the western frontier.
  But Clark's leadership did not stop with the recapture of the fort at 
Vincennes--he continued to ensure America's victory by helping to 
control unrest in the western regions of the colonies.
  Even after the Revolutionary War, this patriot continued to serve his 
country by offering leadership to his community.
  George Rogers Clark was one of the unique individuals who helped 
shape our nation and give America its spirit.
  I offer H. Con. Res. 499 not only to honor George Rogers Clark, but 
also to honor the Hoosier community who has not forgotten Clark's 
heroism and has kept his courageous spirit alive in Vincennes.
  As Clark said of the Revolutionary War, ``Our cause is just . . . our 
country will be grateful.'' And we in Indiana are truly grateful for 
what George Rogers Clark and other patriots did for our state and for 
our country.

                          ____________________