St. Clair, Arthur (1734-1818) to Charles Wilkins Lexington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.10235 Author/Creator: St. Clair, Arthur (1734-1818) Place Written: Lexington, [Massachusetts] Type: Manuscript letter Date: 24 August 1791 Pagination: 1 p. ; 38.2 x 23.2 cm. Order a Copy
Writes concerning the purchase of horses for the troops. States "in consequence of no person's appearing at Fort Washinton on the part of the Contractors to make provision for the transportation of the flour & for the Army, I had been obliged to take it upon myslef, and had ordered...an Agent, to provide the horses and carriages that would be necessary." Appeares to be a mix-up in ordering horses, so asks Lexington to "suspend your purchases of horses until you hear again." Noted as a copy. Watermarked "Watt & C Patent Copyin[g]." Letterpress copy.
St. Clair was the ninth President of the Continental Congress under the Articles of Confederation, serving from 1787-1787. He was also a general in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, the highest-ranking officer, as a major-general, in the US Army (1791-1792), and the only territorial governor of Ohio.
Major General St Clair Lexington August 24th 1791
to
Mr Charles Wilkins Lexington Copy
Sir,
When I saw your last which was on the 20th or 21st instant, I informed you that in consequence of no person's appearing at Fort Washington on the part of the Contractors to make provision for the transportation of the flour &c for the Army, I had been obliged to take it upon myself, and had ordered Mr Ludlow who is an Agent, to provide the horses and carriages that would be necessary. - Mr Ludlow has informed me by a letter dated the 2d instant which I received to day that Mr Ernest has empowered you to purchase four hundred horses on account of the contractors for the same purpose, he having been directed by the contractors to transport the supplies for the Army. Mr Ludlow informs me further that he has given you notice that a full supply of horses are provided under the authority given to him by me, and that the arrangements he has made will be effectual. I have therefore to desire that you will suspend your purchases of horses untill you hear again from Mr Ernest, whom I expect to find at Fort Washington on my return. otherwise the Contractors will be put to great and unnecessary expense, and the horses will remain upon your hands until they direct the manner they may be disposed of.
I am, Sir,
Your humble Servant
(Signed) Ar St Clair
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