Lot 242
[St. Clair, Arthur] Re The Disastrous St Clair Expedition, Nov. 4, 1791. Document signed by Cadwalladu Evans, Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means, 2pp (recto/verso) plus address leaf, 13 x 8", Philadelphia, Feb. 16, 1798 To John Donnaldson, Comptroller General, investigating the financing of the ill-fated Arthur St. Clair expedition, in which St. Clair, who had served as President of the Continental Congress, Major General in the Continental Army, and first Governor of the Northwest Territory, suffered an ignominious defeat at the hands of the Miami Indians near Ft. Wayne on Nov. 4, 1791. This (not Custer's defeat at the battle of the Little Big Horn) was the worst defeat that the United States suffered at the hands of Indian opposition. It is estimated that the U.S. suffered close to an astonishing 900 casualties. Unlike Custer, St.Clair survived the "Massacre" and lived the rest of his life in disgrace.
In this document, the committee questions the Comptroller General as to whether money appropriated for this expedition was kept by those involved. In small part:"…In what situation are the debts due from A.St. Clair …By the report of the Paymaster General (M.Dallas) to the Committee of Ways and means…it appears that he had retained a considerable sum of money put into his hands for supporting the Western Expedition…. " Very good; boldly penned, with several easily-repaired fold splits.
Estimated Value $500 - 1,000.
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