Washington was not directly responsible for any of these shortcomings; he very wisely left to the Secretary of War, Knox, the immediate control of the whole matter, seeking to avoid all interference with him, so that there might be no clashing or conflict of authority [Footnote: State Dep.MSS., Washington Papers.

War Dept.Ex.

C., Washington to Knox, April 1, 1791.]; but he was of course ultimately responsible for the little evil, no less than for the great good, done by his administration.
Incompetence of St.Clair.
The chief blunder was the selection of St.Clair.As a commander he erred in many ways.

He did not, or could not, train his troops; and he had no business to challenge a death fight with raw levies.

It was unpardonable of him to send back one of his two regular regiments, the only trustworthy portion of his force, on the eve of the battle.