THE LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICES OF ARTHUR ST. CLAIR SOLDIER OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR; PRESIDENT OF OF THE NORTH-WESTERN TERRITORY WITH HIS CORRESPONDENCE AND OTHER PAPERS ARRANGED AND ANNOTATED BY WILLIAM HENRY SMITH Vol. I CINCINNATI ROBERT CLARKE & CO PREFACE. It is evident, from the popular interest manifested in the centennial celebrations of the past six years, that the principles involved in the Revolutionary War are no less dear to the American heart to-day than when Lord Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, October 19, 1781, and that whatever contributes to a more thorough understanding of that remarkable contest; whatever tends to bring into clearer view the labors and the sacrifices of the principal characters-Washington and his faithful associates-will receive a hearty welcome. The first of these volumes presents new material covering the period of the war and the ensuing years of political uncertainty down to the time when Arthur St. Clair retired from the President's chair of the Continental Congress. In some respects, it is cumulative of the facts contained in the Writings of Washington as to the privations and sufferings, the patriotism and courage of the Continental soldiers; and on that account has a certain value. But the reader will find new evidence bearing on disputed points and a new presentation of facts heretofore misrepresented, notably concerning the enterprises on the Delaware in December, 1776, and the evacuation of Ticonderoga and Mount Independence in the following year, whereby it is hoped something more than the shadow of justice is rendered at last to the memory of one of Washington's most loyal friends. The correspondence betweeen St. Clair and President Reed, and between St. Clair and Washington, is especially interesting, as it presents in bold and striking colors the difficulties that con stantly beset the commander-in-chief, arising from short enlistments, want of a treasury, the jealousies of the States, and inefficiency of the central authority. That a people living in communities with distinct governments, without experience in military affairs, without a common treasury, without arms other than those provided for the protection of their own homes, without organized means of defense, should have the temerity to contest the field with a powerful kingdom, having unlimited financial resources and trained soldiery, was remarkable. But more remarkable was the exhibition of self-control and wisdom, after the demoralization of an eight years' war, which established a national government, acceptable to the thirteen distinct communities-founded a republican government upon the rock of constitutional law. The same wisdom, contemplating an extension of the blessings of free government, even before the Union was sealed, formed and established an Ordinance for the government of the vast territory lying north-west of the river Ohio, containing every principle and privilege essential to the happiness and greatness of a people. From the presidency of the body that created this famous Ordinance, Arthur St. Clair passed to the control of the government under it. Of the actual work done by Governor St. Clair in laying the foundations of government under the Ordinance of 1787, little is known. The information that has come down to us has been fragmentary and unofficial. The second volume of this work is an attempt to supply this defect. The large amount of wholly new material employed in it has been obtained from various sources-from the papers left by General St. Clair and preserved by his family, from the archives of the State and War Departments, and from private sources. It will be expected that reference should be made here |