St. Clair, Arthur (1734-1818) to Joseph Reed
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03720 Author/Creator: St. Clair, Arthur (1734-1818) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 November 1779 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 29.9 x 18.4 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses difficulties obtaining clothing and related supplies. Wonders where French support is, but is unconcerned. "Our patience is fairly exhausted and we begin to doubt the Existence of the Count D'Estaing his Fleet and even Georgia or Carolina. It is certainly very unaccountable but the delay that he has met with is not I believe any great misfortune to us." Has unconfirmed reports of troop movements in New York.
Joseph Reed was the president of the supreme executive council of Pennsylvania. He had previously served as a general and a member of the Continental Congress.
Arthur St. Clair was a Major General in the Continental Army, later President of the Continental Congress and the first Governor of the Northwest Territory.
Jean Baptiste Charles Henri Hector, Comte d'Estaing, was a French Vice Admiral sent with twelve battleships and fourteen frigates to assist the colonies during the American Revolution. Also the Marquis de Saillans.
West Point Novr. 6th 1779
Sir
This will be delivered by Colonell Hampton who now goes to Philadelphia agreeable to your Desire the Matter of the Expence he having agreed to take upon himself - It is hard however and I have given him some Encouragement that it would probably be paid by the state.
Gen.l Wilkinson is not yet returned, but from what I learn about the Cloathing from the Eastward he will not be able to make good his Intentions in our favour which will render every Exertion the more necessary and I think you will not be disapointed in Colonell Hamptons assistance.
I mentioned Lining and Trimming for the Sirgeants Coats bifore - I have mentioned them also to the Colonell and disired him to let me know when they may be expected.
Our Patience is fairly exhausted, and we begin to doubt the Existence of the Count D'Estaing his Fleet and even Georgia or Carolina - It is certainly very unaccountable, but the Delay that he has met with [2] is not I believe any great Misfortune to us. A Report prevails that the Garrison of Rhode Island did not Debark at New York but were there joined by a Number of Troops and sailed [struck: some time ago] [inserted: immediatly] the whole Numbers gone amounting to about eight Thousand but this wants confirmation and as it is one of those Things we generally think ought to be done it does not gain Credit.
I am with great Respect
Sir
Your most obedient Servant
Ar. St. Clair
[docket]
Genl St Clair to Govr. Reed
West Point - Novemr. 6th 1779
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