412 HISTORY or 



To his excellency, Thomas Wharton, Esq. 



Mountjoy, 28th Dec, 1777.* 



Dear sir; — I was favored with yours of the 12th 

 instant, but the enemy being then out, prevented me from 

 acknowledging it sooner. 



I can't help expressing both surprise and concern, at 

 the councils directing the clothing collected in this state 

 into the hands of the Clothier general- — especiahy after 

 being informed that the other states were collecting 

 clothing for the use of their troops ; clothing for the 

 Eastern troops has actually arrived — they are now com- 

 fortable, whilst ours are perishing. 



His excellency is also informed that Governor Henry 

 of Virginia, has ordered on clothing for the troops of that 

 state, which he expects every hour. 



Thus sir, whilst other states are exerting every power 

 (under a resolve of Congress) to provide for their own 

 troops only — you are following the generous course of 

 providing for the whole — this sir, is being generous out 

 of time — it is an old adage, that a man ought to be just^ 

 l>efore he can be permitted to be generous — the case 

 applies in full force here. Supply the immediate wants 

 of your own troops first — then give scope to your 

 generosity. 



Enclosed is an estimate of the cost of 650 suits of 

 uniform, which Mr. Zantzinger has provided for the 

 troops of that state. He is in great want of money. I 



* Secretary's Office, Harrisburg, Oct. 11, 1843. 



Mr. I. D. Rupp— Sir: Your letter of the 9th instant was re* 

 eeived, and in reply I would inform you that it appears from 

 the letters you mentioned, that General Wayne Tiad his camp 

 fftMountjoy, in Lancastcf county, during the winter of 1777 

 jtnd 1778. Very respectfully, yours, 



Chas. M'Clure. 



