have to shield you from the savages? The British are employing every means to engage those Indians in war."
Clark knew there was powder at Pittsburg. One hundred and thirty-six kegs had just been brought up by Lieutenant William Linn with infinite toil from New Orleans, the first cargo ever conveyed by white men up the Mississippi and Ohio.
"We will lend you the powder as to friends in distress, but you must be answerable for it and pay for its transportation."
Clark shook his head,—"I cannot be answerable, nor can I convey it through that great distance swarming with foes."
"We can go no farther," responded the Council, concluding the interview. "God knows we would help you if we could, but how do we even know that Kentucky will belong to us? The assistance we have already offered is a stretch of power."
"Very well," and Clark turned on his heel. "A country that is not worth defending is not worth claiming. Since Virginia will not defend her children, they must look elsewhere. Kentucky will take care of herself."
His words, that manner, impressed the Council. "What will Kentucky do?"
To his surprise, the next day Clark was recalled and an order was passed by the Virginia Council for five hundred pounds of gunpowder, "for the use of said inhabitants of Kentucki," to be delivered to him at Pittsburg. Hardly a month old was the Declaration of Independence when the new nation reached out to the west.
"Did you get the powder?" was the first greeting of young William Clark as his brother re-entered the home in Caroline.
"Yes, and I fancy I shall get something more."
"What is it?" inquired the little diplomat, eager as his brother for the success of his embassy.
"Recognition of Kentucky." And he did, for when he started back Major Clark bore the word that the Assembly of Virginia had made Kentucky a county. With
