We have sent off a party of people by way of a scout, to find out, if possible, the route of the Indians, and to give us early intelligence.

Our ammunition is so scant, that we cannot furnish three hundred men so as to be able to make a stand against so great a number. In these deplorable circumstances, we look up to you For assistance, both in men and ammunition, to save this country from slaughter and desolation, which we beg you will not be backward to afford us as soon as possible.

We have ordered some of our companies up towards the Little Falls, who are to keep scouting parties out, and we intend to Keep sitting until such time as we can be convinced of our safety.

This is the more alarming to us, as we shall be obliged in a few days to begin with our harvests; men are there fore absolutely necessary.

We beg of you to forward this by express to Albany, and copies from there to the Provincial Congress and to General Schuyler. Mr. Deygert was obliged to promise not, to disclose he person’s name who informed him of the above; but be assured that the person is well acquainted with the Indians, and therefore, if found out, is in great danger.

We are, gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble servants. By order,

CHRISTOPHER P. YATES.

A general monthly return of the Army of the Associated Colonies in the Colony of New-York, under the command of Major-General PHILIP SCHUYLER

Staff.—1 Major-General, 2 Brigadier-Generals, 1 Brigade Major, 2 Aids-de-Camp, 1 Secretary, 1 Chaplain, 1 Surgeon, 2 Surgeon’s Mates.

Brigadier-Generals, Richard Montgomery, David Wooster. Brigade Major, . . . . . . . Aids-de-Camp, John McPherson, James Van Rensselaer. Secretary, Richard Varrick.

July 1, 1775.—A true Return, made from the Returns of the Officers commanding the several Corps above mentioned.

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Saratoga, July 15, 1775.

DEAR SIR: Since I did myself the honour to write your Excellency from New-York, nothing very material occurred until yesterday, when I received the enclosed letters. The accounts contained in that marked No. 1, are truly alarming, in the present defenceless state of the Counties of Tryon and Albany, and especially as the assistance I can afford them, either of men or money, is next to nothing, the few troops at Ticonderoga, &c., being at too great a distance, and not more than sufficient to guard the posts they occupy. I should have been at Ticonderoga this day, had not the information from Tryon County arrived, which may make my presence there absolutely necessary if it should be confirmed. I therefore propose remaining here until to-morrow, when I hope to be farther informed. I wish I may be able to proceed to Ticonderoga, as I am very much wanted there, the greatest confusion having taken place in the controversy between the officers claiming command in that quarter. Some have taken the liberty to disband troops; others refused to serve unless this or that particular person commanded; the sloop is left with out either captain or pilot, both of which are dismissed or come away; much provision wasted or embezzled, and on the 7th instant only one barrel of flour at Ticonderoga. I shall have an Augean stable to cleanse there.

I do myself the honour to enclose a return of the forces in the Colony. It is doubtless imperfect, as I have been under a necessity of forming it out of returns which were evidently so. I hope soon to send you a more complete one.

Be assured, my General, that I shall use my best endeavours to establish order and discipline in the troops under my command. I wish I could add that I had a prospect of much success in that way. It extremely difficult to introduce a proper subordination amongst a people where so little distinction is kept up.

Our accounts of the disposition of the Canadians and Canada Indians continue to be favourable, though the intelligence is not very authentick.

I am your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble servant,

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

To His Excellency General Washington, &c. &c. &c.

TRYON COUNTY COMMITTEE TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.

Tryon County, July 15, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: The persons appointed by your Congress to be officers to a company to be raised in this County, having declined, and returned their warrants to this Committee, we beg leave to recommend Christopher P. Yates to be Captain, Andrew Finck, Jr., and John Keyser, Jr., to be Lieutenants of the said company, who have accepted of the same, and by the request of this Committee have begun to enlist their men. Permit us to observe, that they are well affected to American liberty, and are competent to the task. We therefore beg than you will approve of them, and send them new warrants.

Your very humble servants. By order of the Committee,

NICH0LAS HERKIMER,

Chairman pro tempore.

To the Provincial Congress of New-York.

NEWBURY, GLOUCESTER COUNTY, COMMITTEE TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.

Newbury, New-York Province, July 15, 1775.

SIR: Your letter of the 31st of May I did not receive until the 14th instant, which was broke open and the General Association taken out. We have formed a County Committee, as also one in each Town and Precinct; also, we have chose Colonel Bayley to represent us in the Congress; The County seems be very well united, and firm to one another, and also in the cause of liberty; and I make no doubt but they will cheerfully join in whatever measures and directions the honourable Congress may point out from time to time.

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

JOHN TAPLIN.

To Peter V. B. Livingston, Esq., President of the Provincial Congress, at the City of New-York.