George Washington Papers
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From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 21 December 1779

To Major General Arthur St. Clair

Head Quarters Morristown 21st Decr 1779

Dr Sir

Since I spoke with you some circumstances have changed the appearance of the two matters we talked over. The article of provision looks more promising,1 and the hard weather may delay the sialin[g] of the enemy.2 You will therefore, if agreeable, use the present time for the purpose of your request.3 I am Dr [Sir] Your obt & hble servt.

Df, in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

1. For concerns over potentially catastrophic provision shortages, see GW to Samuel Huntington, 15 Dec., and Circular to the States, 16 December.

2. GW is referring to an anticipated major British detachment from New York (see his letter to Huntington, 29 Nov., and n.1 to that document; see also Henry Lee, Jr., to GW, 30 Nov., n.4).

3. St. Clair’s “purpose” has not been identified.

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    Washington Papers
    Title
    From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 21 December 1779
    Author
    Washington, George
    Recipient
    St. Clair, Arthur
    Date
    21 December 1779

    Reference

    Cite as
    “From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 21 December 1779,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-23-02-0518. [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 23, 22 October–31 December 1779, ed. William M. Ferraro. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2015, p. 681.]

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