voice of reason and moderation, it surely must be the present. I wish to embrace the idea, that neither disloyalty in His Majesty’s American subjects, or disaffection to the Mother Country, constitute any part of the present unnatural controversy; but that the contention flows from a mere misconception of constitutional principles. The Parliament, in their Resolution of the 27th of February, having made the first advance to a measure of accommodation, it would surely be glorious in the Americans to avail themselves of so important an opportunity in so noble a cause. In the present moment, were America to liberate the restraints she has laid on her commerce and constitutional authority, and through her Provincial Assemblies grant, suitable to the ease of their circumstances, supplies to the Mother Country for the protection of the whole British State, I am confident in my own mind the controversy would fall to the ground, and that many acts of conciliatory grace would be extended to America by Great Britain, which national honour cannot suffer to have torn from her by violence.

I am acquainted, in a despatch from the Earl of Dartmouth, that the Memorial and Representation of the General Assembly of this Province, were unfortunately blended with expressions containing claims, which made it impossible for Parliament, consistent with its justice and dignity, to receive it; yet the Petition to the King has been presented to His Majesty, who was pleased to receive it with the most gracious expressions of regard and attention to the humble requests of his faithful subjects in New-York; and I am authorized to say, that nothing can give greater satisfaction to the royal breast, than to see us again a happy and united people.

WILLIAM TRYON.

New-York, July 7, 1775.

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO CONTINENTAL CONGRESS.
[Read July 5, 1775.]

New-York, July 3, 1775.

SIR: Your letter of Saturday last, with the resolution of Congress of the same day, and copy of the military arrangements enclosed, was delivered me at five this morning.

Permit me, Sir, to observe, that the resolution seems to be founded on a supposition that the inhabitants in the neighbourhood of Ticonderoga are a people distinct from those called Green Mountain Boys, and that they are numerous; whereas the fact is, that most of the inhabitants in the north-eastern part of the County of Albany, and in the County of Charlotte, and who reside on what are commonly called the New-Hampshire Grants, are distinguished by the appellation of Green Mountain Boys; and although they are settled in an extent of country upwards of one hundred and thirty miles in length, from nearly as far south as Albany to forty or fifty miles north of Crown Point, yet so lately has that country begun to settle, that it will be difficult (as Colonel Allen observes) to raise five hundred men in it, although there are more inhabitants, but necessarily occupied in procuring subsistence for their families. Such of them as assisted in the reduction of Ticonderoga, and afterwards garrisoned it, are already returned to their respective habitations Hence, Sir, you will perceive that the troops in that quarter cannot be re-enforced, at any rate, by more than five hundred men, to be procured there, and those still to be levied.

From what information I have been able to procure, I suppose that the forces under Colonel Hinman’s command do not exceed thirteen hundred men, including those that occupy Fort George, the landing at the north end of Lake George, and the post at the Saw-mills, and such as are necessarily employed in transporting provisions, &c., from Albany, which will probably reduce them to eleven hundred and under; and if of these I leave two hundred to garrison Crown Point and Ticonderoga, the remainder will then exceed General Carleton’s regular Troops by about three hundred men only, a force very inadequate barely to attempt destroying his floating batteries, boats, and vessels, without hazarding the loss, not only of the command of the lakes, but of the fortresses in our possession on its banks. These observations I have taken the liberty to make, that Congress, by being more truly possessed of facts, may make a probable guess of the consequences that will follow an attempt which I conceive myself not at liberty to desist from making, without orders to the contrary. I shall leave this to-day, and order Brigadier Montgomery to follow as soon as possible.

Preparations are making here to fortify the pass in the Highlands. I had proposed that part of General Wooster’s corps should have gone on that service. If Congress intends that any of them shall be employed in that way, they will please to signify it, as they cannot otherwise, since the last order, be moved from New-York.

I am, Sir, most respectfully and very sincerely, your obedient and humble servant,

     PHILIP SCHUYLER.

To the Honourable John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress.

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO CONTINENTAL CONGRESS.
[Read July 7, 1775.]

New-York, July 3, 1775.

SIR: I did myself the honour to write you a few hours ago; since which I have conversed with Mr. Kirkland, one of the Indian Missionaries. The information he gives me of the temper of the Indians of the Six Nations; of Colonel Johnson’s, nefarious designs; of the conduct of some Roman Catholick Highlanders, resident in the County of Tryon, is so interesting, that I have taken the liberty to request him to repair to Congress with all despatch.

His influence with the Indians renders him capable, and I believe there is no doubt of his willingness, to serve his Country in this critical hour.

I am, Sir, most respectfully, your obedient and humble servant,

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esquire.

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.

New-York, July 3, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: I do myself the honour to enclose you an estimate of such stores, &c., as at present appear to me necessary to be forwarded to Albany; the pitch, oakum, and nails, I wish to have sent with all possible despatch. I am very certain that a variety of other articles will be wanted, which I shall be better able to ascertain after my arrival at Albany, for which place I propose setting out to-morrow.

I am informed that a considerable quantity of lead was found at Ticonderoga; but if it should not equal my expectations, I may be exposed to insurmountable difficulties. I therefore wish that at least half of the quantity which I have estimated, may be ordered up without delay, together with fifty casks of powder, which I am advised will be sent you from Philadelphia.

As it is probable, from the manoeuvres of Governour Carleton, that I shall speedily want a re-enforcement of Troops at Ticonderoga, and not being at liberty to remove the Connecticut Troops from hence, I entreat you will be pleased to forward whatever men may be levied in this Colony, immediately to Albany. without waiting until the corps are completed.

I hope, gentlemen, on every occasion, to be favoured with your advice. And, indeed, as the important charge conferred on me by the Continental Congress was done in deference to your polite and honourable (yet altogether unmerited) recommendation of me, I shall, with the fullest confidence, look up to you for your aid and countenance, at once to promote the publick service, and to prevent me from sinking under the weighty concerns of my office. And give me leave to assure you, that though I have the clearest conviction that I shall never be able equal the high opinion you have induced the Congress to entertain of me, yet no effort shall be wanting on my part to deserve it as far as possible, that I may not draw disgrace on you, my Country, or myself.

I am, gentlemen, with sentiments of the most profound respect, your most obedient and most humble servant,

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

The Gentlemen of the New-York Provincial Congress.

An estimate of Military Stores, Provisions, &c., to be sent to ALBANY,

Fifty swivel guns: 2 ton musket ball or lead: what powder can be spared: 2 dozen bullet-moulds: soldiers’ tents