This morning thirty carpenters left this to repair to Skenes-borough, by the way of Ticonderoga, in order to construct gondolas, although nothing is prepared for building them. I hope, nevertheless, to finish one in a short time, at least I will do everything in my power to complete it the soonest possible; and for that purpose I shall leave this to-morrow to put all in train. Since General Sullivan’s departure, I have finished sixty batteaus; nor shall I cease until I am advised by your Excellency that no more troops are coming this way.

I wish a person that understood the construction of the best gondolas was sent up express to me; for although they should not be able to get down the falls of Chambly, yet they will be of service on Lake Champlain, should our Army be obliged to retreat. The vessels we have there (except the Royal Savage) are of very little force.

Enclose your Excellency my orders to Colonel Dayton, his letters, and other papers, relative to the transactions in Johnstown. Mr. Yates, the Secretary of Indian Affairs, will transmit you the speeches of the Indians and the answers to them.

I am just informed that Genera! Thomas has taken the small-pox. He is at Chambly, and in rather a dangerous way.

I have not yet had any return from Canada, either of the Army, the provisions, or stores, nor the least information from any officer in command, of the disaster that befell Colonel Bedel at the Cedars; but I fear it is too true, as it is confirmed by several persons arrived since I wrote this letter, who left Montreal on Sunday, the 26th.

I am informed by persons of good credit that about one hundred persons, living on what are commonly called the New-Hampshire Grants, have had a design to seize me as a Tory, and perhaps still have. There never was a man so infamously scandalized and ill treated as I am; and I hope Congress will publickly do me that justice which I thank your Excellency for having done me in your letter of the 21st, if that respectable body is convinced (of which I make no doubt) of my zeal and attachment to the cause of my injured country.

I am, dear sir, ever most sincerely your Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant,

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

To His Excellency General Washington.

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE COMMITTEE OF ALBANY.

Saratoga, May 14, 1776.

GENTLEMAN: Mr. Duer is capable of giving you some important information with respect to the intentions of the forces in this and the neighbouring Counties. I could wish that a Secret Committee was appointed to receive his intelligence. And lest a delay should be occasioned in taking proper measures to counteract our enemies, I have furnished him with sundry papers, to be made use of if you should judge it expedient; be will lay them before the gentlemen you may appoint for their inspection, and if the measure be approved, they may be sealed and delivered as directed.

Mr. Duer will be under the necessity of concealing the names of the persons who have given him and me the information, as the parties have my word and honour for it; but he is ready to give his information upon oath with respect to what has been delivered by affidavit or otherwise.

I am, gentlemen, with great esteem, your obedient, humble servant,

PHILIP SCHUYLER

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL SULLIVAN.

Saratoga, May 14, 1776.

DEAR SIR: Some time ago an information on oath was lodged with me against Sir John Johnson, charging him with hostile intentions against us; this has since been confirmed by further information from persons whom I am not at liberty to name.

Judge Duer, who has taken one of the examinations, and was present at another, will inform you more particularly. This has induced the enclosed order to Colonel Dayton, whom I beg you will detach with three hundred of his most alert men, to execute this business, and to order the Commissary-General to furnish him with six days’ provision, and carriages to convey it, and to prepare to send more if there should be occasion. It is necessary that Sir John Johnson should not be apprized of their real design, and I have therefore written him on the subject of moving the Highlanders from Tryon County, which you will please to peruse, seal, and send to him by express the soonest possible.

To General Sullivan.

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO SIR JOHN JOHNSON.

Fort George, May 15, 1776.

SIR: The elder Mr. McDonald, a chief of that part of the clan of his name now in Tryon County, has applied to Congress that those people with their families may be moved from thence and subsisted. You will therefore please to advise them to prepare and be ready to come to Johnstown whenever the troops shall arrive there, who are ordered to conduct them to Albany, that they may not experience any insult that might be offered by intemperate people.

I am, sir, your humble servant,

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

To Sir John Johnson, Bart.

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO VOLKERT P. DOUW.

Saratoga, May 14, 1776.

DEAR SIR: Having received information, supported by affidavits, that Sir John Johnson, slighting the engagements he entered into with me last winter, is making hostile preparations, it is my duty to put it out of his power to carry them into execution, by securing his person; for which I have given orders, as likewise for the removal of the Highlanders, on request of their chief, Mr. McDonald. This latter will be the reason given for the march of the troops to Johnstown, that they may not be insulted by imprudent people.

These intended operations will make it indispensably necessary that you should immediately inform the Mohawks that some troops are going to Johnstown, but that no evil will thence result to them; and it is also absolutely necessary that you and Mr. Gates should move up with the troops, and as soon as Sir John is apprehended, inform the Indians, as well the other nations as the Mohawks, of the reasons which occasioned it, and which will be given you by Mr. Duer, who took one of the affidavits, and who was present at the examination of another person. I need not recommend that the greatest secrecy is necessary, your own good judgment will point that out.

To Volkert P. Douw, Esq.

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO COLONEL DAYTON.

Saratoga, May 14, 1776.

SIR: General Sullivan will order you to proceed to Johnstown with a detachment of the regiment under your command. On your arrival there you will take up your quarters at the house of Gilbert Tice, inn-holder, and give notice to the Highlanders who live in the vicinity of the town to repair to it; and when any number are collected you will send off their baggage, and infirm women and children, in wagons, for which you will apply to the Committee of the County of Tryon, or some of them. You will make an exact list of the men, women and children, distinguishing those under five years old, and those from five and under twelve, from those beyond that age; copies of which you will transmit me; you will give the strictest order that no abuse be given to the persons of these people, and that all their effects be secured in such a manner that the most trifling part of their property may not be destroyed.

After having secured the Highlanders, you will let Sir John Johnson know that you have a letter from me, which you are ordered to deliver to him in person, and beg his attendance to receive it. If he comes, as soon as you have delivered the letter and he has read it, you are immediately to make him close prisoner, and carefully guard him, that he may not have the least opportunity to escape. When you have done this, you are to repair to his house, taking him with you, and after having placed proper sentinels to prevent any person belonging to the family from carrying in or out papers, you are to examine his papers in his own presence and in the presence of William Duer, Esq., who