Clark's own words reveal at once the situation and the character of the man. "I was sensible," he says, "of the impression it would have on many, to be taken near a thousand (miles) from the body of their country to attack a people five times their number, and merciless tribes of Indians, then allies and determined enemies to us. I knew that in my case was desperate, but the more I reflected on my weakness the more I was pleased with the enterprise."

To quote Mr. English again: "He had encountered unexpected obstacles and disappointments from the time his recruiting commenced. He had estimated that the complete success of his enterprise required a force of five hundred men. … and here he was with less than two hundred. … It was a turning point, not only in his life, but, possibly, in the destiny of his country, for if the expedition had broken up then who knows what would have been the future of the vast territory northwest of the Ohio River, or where would have been the present boundaries of the United States? … He realized that inaction was now his greatest danger, and that an immediate movement against the enemy was the best and only way to hold his forces and win success."