Philadelphia, December 14, 1791
Dear Sir:
Unfortunate and melancholy as the event is, which has given rise to your communication of the 81 instant, I sincerely thank you for it.
Since the receipt of your letter official account of the defeat is come to hand, and is herewith enclosed.2 As the whole of it went to Congress, it was thought best to expunge no part of that which should be given to the public; otherwise the throwing away of Arms, and some other things would have been with-held.
With sincere regard and affection, I am etc.3
1 Lee’s letter, in the Washington Papers, is dated Dec. 16, 1791.
2 St. Clair’s report of his defeat was addressed to the Secretary of War and dated Nov. 9, 1791 No copy of it is now found in the Washington Papers. It is printed in the American State Papers.
On January 31 Lear wrote to Knox, returning St. Clair’s letter "which the President thinks it would be well to publish." This letter of January 31 is recorded in the "Letter Book," and a weak press copy is also in the Washington Papers.
3 From the "Letter Book" copy in the Washington Papers.