Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates

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Albany, October 1, 1776.

DEAR SIR: Yesterday I received a letter from General Washington, enclosing a paper containing some information respecting the strength and intentions of the enemy in Canada Copies of both I now enclose.

It is probable that a blow is meditated on the communication. The garrison at Fort George is too weak to encounter a vigorous attack, and as the fate of the army depends on the regularity of the supplies, you will please to detach a battalion to its support, which may again join you in time, should General Arnold be unable to keep the Lake. A sufficiency of batteaus should for that purpose be kept at Fort George.

If it should be left to you to appoint a General Officer to command here, permit me to hint that St˙ Clair, I believe, would be as agreeable as any, as you will not be able to spare Arnold. Whoever it is, my aid, if necessary, shall not be wanting. I have not had a letter from Congress, in answer to any of mine, since July. I feel this slight very sensibly, and have already and shall continue to resent it.

I am informed that Congress has resolved on raising eighty-eight battalions during the war; to give twenty dollars bounty, and a gratuity in land to officers and soldiers; eight-ninetieths of a dollar is to be allowed in lieu of a ration to officers. How they have come to estimate it so low, I know not.

Some more cordage left this yesterday, and the remainder is momently expected, and shall be forwarded without delay.

I am, dear General, very sincerely, your obedient, humble SERVANT,

PH˙ SCHUYLER.

To the Hon˙ General Gates.