Oh, where did I leave off? Oh yes, the cave. And the missing wife. Well, we will talk about the cave next time. This time…
So, as previously mentioned, Therese has gone missing after the birth of son Timothe Felix. Whether she was missing or not I can’t be sure of. All that is known is that she appears on no records. I assume if she did actually go missing that her children would have been living with family in Kaskaskia while Timothy was out floating (and rowing) up and down the Mississippi and Cumberland rivers, huntin’ and fishin’ and fur-tradin’. If she didn’t disappear then I guess we don’t have to wonder about the children. They would have been with her in Kaskaskia, doing whatever privileged kids back in those days did (which I imagine to be girls learning needlepoint and playing with porcelain dolls, boys playing war with their tin soldiers…).
In 1775 war was declared against Britain. According to Mrs. Whiteford, Timothy “established the first permanent camp in middle Tennessee.” However, he had returned to Vincennes by April of 1777. I haven’t found the letter online anywhere (I supposed I will actually have to order the microfilm reel to see it), but Mrs. Whiteford states that April 26, 1777 Timothy sent a letter to Boucherville with a postmark of Vincennes, Indiana. It was at this time that Timothy met with the British Lieutenant Governor Edward Abbott who had arrived at Vincennes on April 19, 1777 (source). Timothy became Abbott’s confidential messenger, though not for long.
Mrs. Whiteford writes:
“Timothe DeMonbreun did not remain long in the British forces, for in Draper MSS36J5 Timothe DeMonbreun makes a statement that he was with Colonel Clark on his expedition in the Illinois country. It is doubtful if he was present to help Clark retake Kaskaskia, on the night of July 4, 1778. The next day all Kaskaskia rallied to the American cause and took oath of allegiance to Virginia of America, from Father Pierre Gibault, their parish priest.”
My head is spinning looking at all of the information dealing with the retaking of Kaskaskia (Fort Sackville at the time). Since we aren’t focused on the squirmishes of the Revolutionary War itself, I won’t feel too bad about not going into detail. However, I will make note that the Colonel Clark referred to is Colonel George Rogers Clark.
By now Timothy has been made Lieutenant. In a letter written by Colonel John Montgomery (“founder” of Clarksville, Montgomery County, Tennessee…see how that worked out?) as a certificate of service (Kaskaskia Records, 1778-1790, Trustees of the Illinois State Historical Library, 1909):
“CERTIFICATE OF SERVICES OF TIMOTHE DE MONBRUEN
October 17, 1780
[Draper MSS., 50J70, – A.D.S]
Fort Clark Octr 17th 1780
TO ALL HOME IT MAY CONSARN
This May Certefy that Lt Mumbron haith Beheved him Self as a Frend to the Cause of America in Evey Respect and that he haith Been Readey at all Times on Eaney immergencey to do Every thing in his Power for the defence of his Cuntrey & at all times When Ever Called on By his Superior or Commanding officer turned out. When the Savages Came in order to Destroy the Cuntrey Last Spring he turned out With the formost to Repulce them. When I was ordered to Go on the Expodition up the Wabush he allso Went with the Greatest Chearfullness and when The Savages attacted Fort Gefferson when I Could Git But twelve Men to Go with Me he a Gain Ventered his life to the Releefe of that post. I Think When all These proofes are Considered that he oute to be aplaused by Every Good Man and Rewarded Acording to his Merrite. Geven under My hand
JNO MONTGOMERY
Lt Col Commandant”
So, this is about where everything gets a little crazy…or crazier? In 1780 Therese suddenly shows back up in the church records as being named a godmother. She also, along with Timothy, signed a power of attorney for the sale of their land in Vincennes. I can only assume that they then returned to Kaskaskia to live. But…
Timothy returned to the Cumberland Valley and went back to trading. Apparently he also got into some legal issues by selling liquor without a license. He was traveling between Kaskaskia and Nashville and had no money, as he had served under Clark for at least two years without a single cent of pay. After requesting pay and resignation, Timothy wrote directly to Colonel Clark on March 5, 1782 (Kaskaskia Records, 1778-1790, Trustees of the Illinois State Historical Library, 1909):
“MY GENERAL:
I had the honour to address myself to Major John William, your representative, ask him that either he grant my discharge or give me, in my quality of gentleman and officer in the service of the Republic of Virginia, which I have the honor to serve, my pay as lieutenant, in good money or merchandise, so that I might be able to maintain my family. Major Williams was able to grant me nothing but provisions for my subsistence as you will see by the answer herewith enclosed, which I have the honor to send to you. Therefore, my general, I trust that you will be able to help me, after you will have seen the certificate Colonel Montgomery and the answer of Major Williams concerning my services and their incapacity to recompense me for my services in spite of the good desires these gentlemen had to do so; and when you will have seen the zealous wish I still have to follow you on the expedition which you are going to make, if you are willing, however, to grant me the maintenance for my family so that I can be absent myself without leaving my family to the mercy of my friends, which is a thing of shame to a man of noble birth such as I am. I hope, my general, that, in depending on the zeal with which I desire to serve my country, I shall find in you all the resources which may be necessary for me, so that I can march with your confidence under your banners, under whose shelter a true soldier wishes for nothing else.
I have the honour to be with a profound respect, my general,
Your very humble and very obedient servant,
TIMOTHE DE MONBREUN, Lieutenant”
Way to pull out the Royalty card, Timothy.
Never fear, it appears that after writing at least one more letter, undated, to Clark that payment was received.
Now, the question we must ask ourselves: to which family was he referring?
Ah, yes, we haven’t quite gotten there yet, have we?
