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Rh found the lack of axes a serious handicap, there being but one ax to three workmen. Yet these discouragements were not as disheartening as the continual dearth of provisions. This undermined discipline, perseverance, loyalty, and honor. Desertions became more alarmingly frequent, but men who were not fed could not work and would not march. As half-rations, and those exceedingly poor, became the necessary order of the day, the army slowly melted from under the discouraged St. Clair. Every night found the army smaller and yet more discouraged. In vain St. Clair beseeched Hodgdon to hurry on provisions. But the contractor's horses were