Page:Henry Adams' History of the United States Vol. 2.djvu/425

406 the western country from the Union was universally expected. Already, within three months of his arrival, he put his finger on the men who were to accomplish it. Destréhan, he said, was a man of high merit; "but being only moderately ambitious, and head of a numerous family,—having acquired, too, a great personal esteem,—he is not likely to become the principal mover in innovations which are always dangerous without a combination of evidently favorable chances. It is still less likely that he will ever be the instrument of strangers who should seek to excite troubles for their personal advantage." As for Sauvé, much inferior to his colleague in abilities, he would be guided by Destréhan's influence. Derbigny was different. "Young still, with wit, ready expression, and French manners, I believe him to be greedy of fortune and fame; I suspect that every rôle will suit him, in order to acquire the one or the other; but there are men of more importance whom circumstances are taking to Louisiana."

Then Turreau, for the information of Talleyrand, drew a portrait of the military commander of Upper Louisiana, who had his headquarters at St. Louis, and whose influence on future events was to be watched.


 * "General Wilkinson is forty-eight years of age. He has an amiable exterior.  Though said to be well-informed in civil and political matters, his military capacity is small.  Ambitious and easily dazzled, fond of show and