GENERAL SCHUYLER TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

[Read June 6, 1776. Referred to Mr. Sherman, Mr. Wythe, Mr. Sergeant, Mr. F. Lee, and Mr. Gwinnet]

Fort George, May 31, 1776—10 in the evening.

SIR: At eight this evening I was honoured with your despatches of the 24th instant. I have already prepared my letter for General Thomas, which, with copies of the resolutions of Congress and the money you sent, will go off at daybreak to-morrow morning.

The resolutions of Congress have given me new life, although I by no means desponded at the, unlucky accidents which have lately occurred in Canada. I have been long and deeply impressed with a just sense of the importance of maintaining our ground in Canada. It was, therefore, a most pleasing circumstance to me to see General Thompson’s brigade followed by that of General Sullivan. If possible, I wish to see another succeed the last. I have thought it prudent to prepare for its conveyance across the lakes, having built, since General Sullivan left me on the 24th instant, sixty batteaus, which are now in this lake; nor am I under any apprehensions of supplying the Army in Canada with provisions, provided it is sent up to Albany in sufficient quantities; for although it is an arduous task, perseverance, close attention, and hearty good will, can surmount a variety of obstacles.

By accounts received this afternoon from officers returning from Canada, I learn that General Sullivan must have arrived at St. Johns this day, with all his brigade, except Colonel Dayton’s Regiment, which is still in Tryon County, and where, I find, it is the opinion of the Committee of Albany as well as mine, that it is necessary he should remain at least for the present.

I enclose you a return of provisions sent lately into Canada. The quantity of flour is small, because I was advised by the honourable Commissioners and General Arnold, that it could be procured there; and yet the officers returning from thence inform me that our Army is in great straits for it. I wish Mr. Price had complied with my request, and made me frequent returns; but I have unfortunately never received a single line from him since he left this place.

You will excuse me if I refer you to my letter of this date to my worthy General, for sundry other matters. I assure you I do not take this liberty without reluctance, and it does not arise from indolence; you will therefore readily excuse me for it.

A deluded set of people have branded me with a character which my soul abhors, which I trust my conduct from early youth has given the lie to, and which it will continue to do in future; but that man is not worthy of holding an honourable station in the glorious cause of America who does not sensibly feel and resent an attack upon his reputation. In these sentiments I have requested my General for an inquiry to be made into my conduct. His soul is above the meanness of suspicion, for his feelings are the most delicate; and although his opinion does me the most ample justice, yet it is a natural wish that my innocence should be made as publick as the charge against me, which has been industriously propagated, and ere this has probably reached every quarter of that country to the preservation of which my all is devoted. Be assured, sir, that nothing shall be wanting on my part to fulfil the views of Congress in every matter committed to my charge. The intermitting fever has left me, my health is restored, and I am capable of undergoing any fatigue. As soon as I return from Skenes-borough, whither I am going to give directions about the gondolas, I shall proceed to Albany, and employ proper persons to purchase whatever I shall think the Army may stand most in need of.

The Deputy Commissary-General, in a letter of yesterday’s date, informs me that no more pork is left at Albany. Our Army now in Canada and on the communication requires daily fifty barrels of pork and something more of flour, including the extra expenditures; I wish, therefore, that a regular and constant supply should be kept up. The Hospital is gone into Canada with a tolerable assortment; but as many of the sick return to this place and Ticonderoga, it is necessary to make some provision for them, and I wish medicines may be sent up, as we have none of any kind.

General Thomas is at Chambly, ill of the small-pox, and, as I am informed, in rather a dangerous way. Where General Wooster is I know not; my last accounts say on the way to this country. General Arnold is gone against the Eighth Regiment and Indians, whom he has obliged to retreat. I have, therefore, requested the Commissioners to open the letters directed to General Thomas in case of his death.

I am, dear sir, with every sentiment that respect and esteem inspire, your most obedient, humble servant,

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esquire, &c., &c.,

Return of Stores and Provisions received, forwarded, expended, and what remains in Store, MAY 31, 1776.

Fort George, May 31, 1776.

To the Honourable Philip Schuyler, Esq., Major-General in the Army of the United Colonies.

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Fort George, May 31, 1776.

DEAR SIR: Your Excellency’s letter of the 22d instant was delivered me last evening. I learn with particular satisfaction that Congress has requested your attendance to advise with them on the measures necessary to be adopted for the present campaign. I foresee many salutary consequences from this step.

Although I have transmitted you some further disagreeable accounts from Canada since the date of your favour, yet I hope they will be the last. By a letter from General Thompson, I find he was ordered to repossess himself of Deschambault, with one thousand six hundred men; and that he was to leave Sorel (where General Thomas was arrived) on the 20th. He laments, however, that Colonel Greaton’s Regiment had been inoculated for the smallpox.

An hour after I had despatched my last of the 28th, thirteen of our staunch friends the Oneidas, arrived here, with a speech from the Sachems, informing me that some of the Six Nations had gone from Niagara in order to join our enemies; and that they were on their way to Canada, to prevent the defection of the Canadian tribes. They remained here a few hours and then proceeded.