On 12 November 1778, Vincennes resident François Bosseron recorded the following items under the heading "1778 fournie au Capne Helm pour les Compagne des Etats": This flag was designed by Captain Leonard Helm, who held Fort Sackville until forced to surrender to Lieutenant Governor Henry Hamilton. Although historians are not sure exactly what it looked like, most US flags were based on the “stripes of rebellion.” Helm’s design was clear enough that Hamilton recognized two on his approach to Vincennes, one on a boat and one on the fort. One of these may have been Bosseron's flag, although Father Pierre Gibault may have brought a flag with him. Captain Helm had earlier brought an American flag to Ouiatenon, so it seems likely he would have also brought one to Vincennes. When Hamilton took t