St. Clair, Arthur (1734-1818) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05161 Author/Creator: St. Clair, Arthur (1734-1818) Place Written: Fort Washington, Ohio Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 September 1791 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 30.3 x 18.3 cm. Order a Copy
Reports that he was able to advise Knox of the arrival of General Richard Butler and the last contingent of troops. Says the Kentucky militiamen are expected on 25 September. Will probably move from the camp on the Great Miami River on or before the 25 September. Writes, "I have been too sanguine in my Calculation of the time necessary for erecting the Fort there, but as soon as it is enclosed, and the shell of the Houses up, the Garrison will be able to compleat it for themselves before Winter." Notes the commissary has forward 100,000 rations to the camp. The quartermaster and court of enquiry will be ready to move everything from Fort Washington by 21 September. Sent this letter as contractors were going by light canoe to Pittsburgh and he thought it might get to Knox before his previous letter of the 18th. Tells Knox, "every possible Exertion shall be made to bring the Campaign to a speedy and happy Issue." Docket notes that the letter arrived on 13 October.
Fort Washington Sepr 18th. 1791
Sir,
On the 18th I had the honor to advertise you of the arrival of General Butler and the last of the Troops I had reason to expect for the campaign, and that I had heard of Captn Buels arrival; and to enclose the - last monthly Return. The Militia from Kentucky are expected on the 25th: It is probable that I shall move from the camp on the great Miami on or before that day, and they will follow, but I doubt I have been too sanguine in my Calculation of the time necessary for erecting the Fort there, but as soon as it is enclosed, and the shell of the Houses up, the Garrison will be able to compleat it for themselves before Winter. The company has sent forward to that Place about one hundred thousand - Rations, and the Quarter Master informs me that he - expects to move from hence every thing immediately - necessary in his department by the 21st and the Court of Enquiry will probably be over about the same time, so that I do not now see any thing that is likely to - impede us any farther. I have given you, Sir, this short View of our present Expeditions for your satisfaction, because this Letter, which goes by a light canoe of the Contractors to Pittsburgh, may possibly get to hand before that of the 18th. where they are detailed more [2] at large - to assure you, once more, that every possible Exertion shall be made to bring the campaign to a speedy and happy Issue - and that I am with the most [perfect] Regard.
Sir
your most obedient servant,
A. St. Clair
[address leaf]
The honorable
Major Genl. Knox
Secretary of War -
[docket]
Fort Washington, Sept 18 1791
Maj. Genl. St. Clair
Genl. Butler arrived on the 18h:
militia of Kentucky expected on the 25th
Recd Oct. 13
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