“After I give the signal,” Clark continued, “you are to run through the streets telling the people in French that the Long-Knives have taken Kaskaskia. And tell them to stay inside their homes. If they venture outside they will be shot.” Clark’s voice became sterner than before. “Now then, not one of you is to talk to any of the inhabitants. I want no conversation with them. Is that clear?”
“Yes, sir,” the men answered in chorus.
Immediately Colonel Clark set out, leading his own division through dark, silent streets toward the fort. The two captains started with their men for the assigned positions. For Jim and Willie it was an eerie experience to march through the dark streets, then wait—wait in silence for the hoped-for signal.
After what seemed an endless time to the boys, three rifle shots rang out from the fort. These meant that Colonel Clark and his men had captured Commandant Philip de Rochblave and his fort without any resistance.
Then what yelling and screaming went up in all parts of the town. Those men speaking French tried to out-yell other Long-Knives shouting Clark’s orders in English. As Willie ran through the streets shouting his orders, Jim kept beside him, beating his drum with all his might.
Jim thought he’d better keep track of Willie so he wouldn’t escape. Willie, however, showed no signs of wanting to leave the Long-Knives, but kept shouting Clark’s orders over and over. They kept up this din all night and were so excited they never thought of sleep.
The next morning the streets were deserted save for Clark’s troops now doing guard duty in various parts of town. Jim and Willie were still together and Jim was surprised to see what a beautiful place Kaskaskia was.
In the center of town was a large grass-covered square, with narrow streets leading out from it. From here Jim saw the American flag was indeed flying from the old fort. There were a few stone houses here and there, but most of them were wooden with pointed, thatched roofs and chimneys at either end.
While Jim was admiring the town, someone called, “Come on, boys. Breakfast is ready.”