Lack of Provisions

100%

No 33 Dear Sir - Fort Washington 3d Novemr 1791 I steal a moment to let you know where I am. I came here under a special General Order, and to perform a very important service - the supplies of provisions were so tardy that before I left Camp, for several days only a quarter of a pound of flour was issued to the men - and the day I came away the last ounces was expended. The cause was as we all long ago predicted - want of means to transport the provisions. I was detached charged with enlarged powers and hitherto I have succeeded, so has the arrival in Camp of more than forty thousand rations of flour sent forward on my own horses. The Army have again moved and are very probably while I am writing in vein of the object of their original destination. I hope in my next to be able to congratulate you and on the compleat conquest of the Miami Town. I expect the horses down from your place belonging to the New Contractors. I have engaged them a to assist me in the immediate transportation of provisions and I [mean?] to send them on with full loads, the day they arrive. By my advice Mr Ernest has sent into Kentucky by Express to procure Two hundred more fresh horses compleatly filled to enable him to get on provisions to the Army as their great [missing text} from honer, until Duess con- tract ends - if these arrive in the time I have allowed - we shall have the means in our hands to compleat the supply until the 1st of January next. I have employed more than three hundred of my horses in the transportation of the single article of flour. Whisky is out of the question - their has been none in Camp for a long time. Make my compliments to Mrs Craig, the General and his family and all friends. I received your letters by Buell and Bailie - thank you for the care you have taken - shall see one of the days when many matters of importance shall be communicated. till, then, adieu.
Sincerely your friend Samuel Hodgdon Major Craig

Type

Autograph Letter Signed

Description

Inability to transport provisions to men has left them at want of basic necessities. Contractors immediately requested to transport adequate provisions. Conquest of Miami town is the goal.

Date

11/03/1791

Recipient

Sent from

Fort Washington

Document number

1791110336001

Page start

1

Notable persons

Isaac Craig
Samuel Hodgdon
contractors
Mrs. Craig
General
Buell
Bailie

Notable locations

Fort Washington
Miami town
frontier
territory
camp
Kentucky

Notable items

special general order
supplies of provisions
flour
want of means
transportation
enlarged powers
rations
horses
whiskey