Now On View: Letters Related to Matthew Clarkson

These three letters from 1782 describe Matthew Clarkson’s dedication to the independence of the United States. Clarkson, a Continental Army officer from New York, served at Saratoga, Savannah, Charleston, and Yorktown. Following Yorktown, he hoped to do more in the service of his country. Clarkson and his friend William Stephens Smith wrote a letter to General George Washington requesting permission to join French and Spanish forces fighting against the British in the Caribbean. General Washington admired their commitment and wrote about Clarkson in particular in multiple letters, two of which are on display. However, the British defeat of the French Navy at the Battle of the Saintes (April 9-12, 1782) dealt a major blow to the French and Spanish efforts in the Caribbean. Despite Washington’s support, Clarkson remained with the Continental Army.

The letters are now on view in the Oneida Nation Atrium.