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Albany, August 29, 1775.
GENTLEMEN: I am at present stationed in Albany, by General Schuyler, to forward the troops that arrive here to Ticonderoga; and it gives me pain to inform you that Col˙ Clinton arrived here with the other field-officers, and six Companies of his Battalion, five of which are armed, but in bad repair. They have been supplied with blankets at this place; other necessaries are wanted.
Colonel Van Cortlandt is also arrived here with five Companies of Holmes' s Battalion, who have not arms sufficient to supply one Company, and are totally destitute of all tents, accoutrements, and other necessaries, saving their regimental coats. We shall endeavour to procure as many
As General Schuyler is returned to Ticonderoga, this matter, I conceive, comes within my province; and I should ever accuse myself of inhumanity, and a want of love to my Country, should I be backward in giving you a true account of the situation and distress of these Companies, when I consider how much they are wanted at the forts above. I therefore look up to you, and beg that you will, without delay, send up such or so many arms, tents, blankets, and other necessaries, as will supply those Companies, so that they may be forwarded with the greatest despatch.
I must also inform you the men are much discontented for want of their pay, and do assure you that the service greatly suffers. There is scarce any thing to be heard in the camp but mutinies. I have for that purpose wrote to Mr˙ Jonathan Trumbull, Jun˙, who I am informed is appointed Deputy Paymaster-General, which letter I enclose you, as I do not know where he is at present. I beg, therefore, that you will forward it to him by express.
I am very happy, however, to inform you, that notwithstanding the clamours and discontents of my men at first, there are at present nine of my Companies up at Ticonderoga, with the other two field-officers, in actual service, and the last will march to-morrow.
I am, Gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant,
GOOSE VAN SCHAICK.
Colonel Van Schaick to New-York Congress
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stand of arms as possible, upon terms of the resolve published by you, but am very well persuaded that the number will fall greatly short of the numbers wanted to supply the Companies that are now here, and those expected.