The first knowledge Clark had of it was in January when the alarming report followed him to one of the French villages that the British were marching on Kaskaskia. The oncoming army proved to be a scouting party from Vincennes that, on discovery, turned promptly back, but it confirmed a suspicion in Clark's mind aroused by the fact that for some time he had received no word from Captain Helm. It invested the situation with a new danger. How strong a force Hamilton might have he did not know, and it was more than probable that a march against Kaskaskia would be next in order. His own position was disheartening. News of his success had been sent to the seat of government in Virginia and he had expected reinforcements, but not even a word in return had he received. The term of enlistment of his men having expired, and his instructions being silent on this and other contingencies that arose he had tided over these difficulties by, as he says, "usurping all the authority necessary to carry my points." But his military force had been depleted until there were but little more than a hundred of the American soldiers, and how far the French militia could be depended on when it came to a real test was problematic.