Clement Biddle Reports on Expenditures "For Defense of [the] Frontiers" with Transmittal ALS

Clement Biddle
Philadelphia, PA, November 22 and 23, 1792

Clement Biddle Reports on Expenditures "For Defense of [the] Frontiers" with Transmittal ALS
ALS & DS

Clement Biddle document signed with transmittal ALS to Governor Thomas Mifflin. The document, written in a clerical hand, fills a sheet measuring 15.5" x 9.75"; ALS is 1p, 7.75" x 9.75" and is affixed to the front of the manuscript document. Philadelphia, letter is dated November 22, 1792, and the report is dated the next day. Biddle, serving as Quartermaster General for Pennsylvania, submits the expenditures of the state militia "for defence of the Frontiers" for the years 1791 and 1792. Expenditures are listed on the left, and the right side lists the amounts appropriated by state act of assembly as well as funds "recovered", allowed, or expected from the War Office of the United States. Together with Biddle's letter transmitting the report with explanation and advising that he will "shortly report…on the Claims of the militia of the western Counties for pay and rations while in Service…" Both items are signed, "Clement Biddle / QuerMer. Genl Penn." Although the ALS is on a separate sheet, it has been affixed to the report so that it presents as a single bifolium. Window mounted to an overall size of 8.625" x 11.125". Filing docket on verso in a clerical hand. Ex. Luhr's Collection, with typed transcripts on Lincoln Library letterhead. Flattened folds, with tape reinforcements along integral fold.

Although state militias were generally solely funded by their state, the western frontier of Pennsylvania bordered the theater of the Northwest Indian War. The federal government lacked the manpower, and in this instance, was relying on Pennsylvania's militia to protect the frontier against incursions. Per Biddle's report, Pennsylvania recovered £1,849, 12 shillings, 8 pence for the year 1791. The line amounts for 1792 were substantially higher. The increase is consistent with more engagement with Native forces that year.

Arthur St. Clair had suffered a disastrous loss at the Battle of the Wabash in November 1791. In response, President George Washington placed Anthony Wayne in command. Recognizing that his troops lacked discipline and training, Wayne spent nearly two years (1792–1794) drilling and training his forces in the principles of frontier warfare. Hence, the almost doubling in expenditures by the Pennsylvania militia in 1792 as the militia took a bigger role in providing for the defenses of the state.

Great content recording the interaction and cooperation between state and federal governments!

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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