The settlement of Illinois, 1778-1830Boggess, Arthur Clinton
History
The settlement of Illinois, 1778-1830
Boggess, Arthur Clinton
Illinois -- History -- 1778-1865
Col. Clark was much pleased with the appointment of Col. Todd, both
because civil duties were irksome to the conqueror and because of his
confidence in Todd’s ability.(22) Upon the arrival of the new
county-lieutenant, Clark called a meeting of the citizens of Kaskaskia to
meet the new officer and to elect judges. He introduced Col. Todd as
governor and said that he was the only person in the state whom he had
desired for the place. The people were told that the government, Virginia,
was going to send a regiment of regular troops for their defense, that the
new governor would arrange and settle their affairs, and that they would
soon become accustomed to the American system of government. In regard to
the election of judges, Clark said: “I pray you to consider the importance
of this choice; to make it without partiality, and to choose the persons
most worthy of such posts.”(23) The nine members of the court of
Kaskaskia, the seven members of the court of Cahokia, and the nine members
of the court of Vincennes, as also the respective clerks were French. Of
the three sheriffs, Richard Winston, sheriff of Kaskaskia, was the only
one who was not French.(24)
Military commissions were promptly made out, those of the districts of
Kaskaskia and Cahokia being dated May 14, 1779. So many of the persons
elected judges were also given military commissions that it seems probable
that the supply of suitable men was small. No fewer than fourteen such
cases occur. Of the militia officers appointed at Vincennes, P. Legras,
appointed lieutenant-colonel, had been a major in the British service, and
F. Bosseron, appointed major, had been a captain in the British
service.(25)
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