Governour Trumbull to General Schuyler

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Lebanon, February 14, 1776.

SIR: Sunday, 11th instant, at ten o' clock, received two letters, of the 8th, from General Washington. Nothing new in the camp before Boston. At one o' clock, Mr˙ Bennet delivered me yours of the 5th, and at sunset an express arrived with the letter from General Lee, of the 7th, a copy of which I give myself the pleasure to enclose. The intelligence it contains is both pleasing and interesting. I did not think fit to disband Colonel Ward' s Regiment, until I was made acquainted with the reception met by General Lee, on his going into the city of New-York; so that, immediately, I was abler to order the same forward to his assistance, agreeable to his requisition. The variety of business, for these two days past, occasioned my detaining Mr˙ Bennet till this time.

On my receiving the resolutions of Congress to raise a battalion to go to the assistance of our friends in Canada, I recalled my first Proclamation, gone out for that purpose, and issued a second, corresponding with the intentions of Congress. I conceive, its being done so early, it will prove no detriment to the service. Your care and prudence in the settlement of the rolls, and the rate of fifteen miles a day, from where the soldiers were dismissed to their respective Captain' s place of abode, will meet the approbation of Congress. The encouragement given by Congress will incline all who are able to furnish themselves with arms. I shall give directions, so that no more will be expected from you than the number mentioned in your last, most probably not so many. I shall attend to the mode adopted by you for the payment, according to an appraisement of the arms that were delivered into the Continental stores by soldiers from this Colony. Colonel Burrell' s Regiment will much easiest march through Albany. Have appointed Mr˙ Adonijah Strong to make provision for their march to that city, there to be supplied out of the Continental stores; and, to prevent confusion or multiplicity of accounts, have appointed a trusty person, Mr˙ William Lawrence, or some trusty person our Treasurer shall employ, to attend and pay the men, according to the Continental allowances, and keep clear accounts and vouchers. Whether the sleds or sleighs from hence will incline to go

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It gives me great pleasure to hear our little corps before Quebeck continue closely to blockade that city. This is true bravery. It must convince Lord North that Americans are not all poltroons. Your sentiments are extremely just. The conduct of Divine Providence towards the United Colonies, in this unhappy contest, hitherto, is very marvellous, and affords abundant matter for our rejoicing, with thankfulness to Him who is the Supreme Director of all events, for his salvation, and in hope of that which is future. I wish you better health, and the opening of the Spring may restore.

I am, with great truth and regard, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

JONATHAN TRUMBULL.