Letter from General Schuyler to General Thomas

v6:711

Ticonderoga, June 4, 1776.

DEAR SIR: You will, before this reaches you, have received the resolutions of Congress, which I transmitted you by Captain Hicks; and although I make no doubt but that, agreeable to this order, every foot of ground will be disputed with the enemy, yet as you may be under the necessity of retreating, I wish you to take measures for bringing away from Montreal all the goods you possibly can, and especially all the nails, giving a receipt therefore and pledging the faith of the Colonies for the payment. I am informed that it has been recommended by the honourable Commissioners of Congress to seize and send into the Colonies all such persons as have been notoriously disaffected to them; a measure which appears to me absolutely necessary for the preservation of such of our friends as are or may fall into the enemy' s hands in the course of this contest.

I was in hopes that flour would have been procured in Canada in sufficient quantities for the Army; but learning from officers that came down, that you were in great distress for want of that article, I immediately ordered a quantity from Albany. Upwards of a hundred barrels leave this day, and you will henceforth have a daily supply; but as the garrison here is too weak to keep up the communication, you must send up as many batteaus as you possibly can.

Please to send all the prisoners that are in Canada, either upon their parole or otherwise, to this place, to be forwarded to Albany.

The very heavy expense, as well as the difficulty of procuring provisions for your Army, should induce the greatest care of that important article. I have issued orders of the 26th February, which, if strictly complied with, will have the most salutary consequences. Please to issue them. I have no copy with me, but Mr˙ Swart has, of whom you can get them.

I am, dear sir, your most obedient humble servant,

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

To General Thomas, or Officer commanding the Army in Canada.