St. Clair, Arthur (1734-1818) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05166 Author/Creator: St. Clair, Arthur (1734-1818) Place Written: Cincinnati, Ohio Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 September 1791 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 30.1 x 18.9 cm. Order a Copy
Since St. Clair last wrote on 23 September, Colonel Oldham arrived with the Kentucky militia. Oldham brought a letter from General Charles Scott, which is enclosed (not included). Scott has doubts about the militia, but Oldham has been reassuring. As the militia was "called out by draught," Scott believes he will not be able to command another volunteer expedition. Speaks of a deluge of rain, which has impeded transportation of provisions and stores. The weather is better today and things are now moving. Says the Court of Inquiry has finished their business and that General Josiah Harmar has forwarded the proceedings. Will forward a duplicate at the next opportunity. Proposes to move the army on 28 September. Says he will probably send Knox one more letter from Fort Washington, as he has to still organize the militia. Docket notes that the letter was received 16 November. Written at Fort Washington.
Fort Washington Septr. 25th 1791
Sir,
Since I wrote to you on the 23d Colonel Oldham who is appointed to the command of the Kentucky Militia arrived and brought me the enclosed Letter from General Scott. You will see that the General has still some doubts, but I am assured by Colonel Oldham that the Militia will certainly be on, and I am persuaded General Scott will exert himself to obviate any difficulties that may yet exist about the Militia, although their being called out by draught has certainly broken on upon his own Expectations [of] commanding another volunteer Expedition, upon which he had set his Heart.
We have again been delayed with Rain for the last three day which has impeded the transportation of both Provisions and Stores from this Place, - this morning it has cleaned up, and things are again in motion.
Yesterday the Court of Enquiry finished their Business, and I have sent forward [strikeout] the Proceedings with this, which will be delivered by General Harmar, and a Duplicate which I requested the Court to cause to be made will be forwarded by the next Opportunity.
I propose that the Army shall move [2] on Wednesday the 28th when every thing I think will be forward enough for that purpose; but as the organization of the Militia before they march will necessarily call me back, you will most probably get one Letter more from this Place yet.
With great Respect and regard I have the honor to be
Sir
Your most obedient Servant
At. St. Claire
The honorable
Major General Knox
Secretary of War
[docket]
Fort Washington, 25 Sept 1791
Maj: Genl. St. Clair
Enclosed a letter from
Genl. Scott
Court of inquiry is finished
on Genl. Harmar, and
the proceeding forwarded
Recd. Nov: l 16 l
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