Arthur St. Clair

Arthur St. Clair (March 23, 1734-1736?–August 31 1818) was the ninth President of the Continental Congress under the Articles of Confederation, holding office from February 2, 1787 to October 29, 1787. He was preceded in office by Nathaniel Gorham and succeeded by Cyrus Griffin. He was also a general in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, and the only territorial governor of Ohio.

Revolutionary War

After this event St. Clair broke with the British government and, in January, 1776, took a commission in the Continental Army, as a Colonel of Pennsylvania militia. He was appointed a Brigadier General in August of 1776, and was sent by George Washington to help organize the New Jersey militia. He took part in Washington's crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas night 1776 before the Battle of Trenton. Many biographers credit St. Clair with the strategy which led to Washington's capture of Princeton, New Jersey in the following days.

Related Topics:
1776 - Continental Army - George Washington - New Jersey - Delaware River - Christmas - Battle of Trenton - Princeton, New Jersey

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In April of the same year, St. Clair was sent to defend Fort Ticonderoga. Unfortunately, his small garrison, could not resist John Burgoyne's force in the Saratoga Campaign. He was foced to withdraw at the Battle of Ticonderoga on July 5, 1777. He was able to withdraw his foces and continue resisting the advance. In 1778 he was court martialed for the loss of Ticonderoga. The court exonerated him, and he was returned to duty. St. Clair was at Yorktown, Virginia when Charles Cornwallis surrendered.

Related Topics:
Fort Ticonderoga - John Burgoyne - Saratoga Campaign - Battle of Ticonderoga - July 5 - 1777 - 1778 - Yorktown, Virginia - Charles Cornwallis

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St. Clair was a member of the Pennsylvania council of censors in 1783 and was elected a delegate to the Continental Congress from November 2, 1785 until November 28, 1787. He was President of the United States in Congress assembled when Shays' Rebellion took place.

Related Topics:
1783 - Continental Congress - November 2 - 1785 - November 28 - 1787 - Shays' Rebellion

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