General Schuyler to General Washington

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Ticonderoga, November 22, 1775.

I have the happiness, my dear General, to enclose you a letter from Colonel Arnold, and a copy of one of his to General Montgomery, with a copy of that gentleman' s to me. Whatever may be Colonel Arnold' s fate at Quebeck, his merit is very great, in marching such a body of troops through a country scarcely trodden by human foot. May Heaven still continue to smile on our arms, until we have obtained that justice which is so justly our due.

I momently expect a Committee of Congress. The gentlemen left Philadelphia on the 11th instant.

I lament that I cannot return any boats to St˙ John' s, as I am left almost alone here. Nothing can surpass the impatience of the troops, from the New-England Colonies, to get to their firesides. Near three hundred of them arrived a few days ago, unable to do any duty. But as soon as I administered that grand specifick, a discharge, they instantly acquired health, and, rather than be detained a few days to cross Lake George, they undertook a march from here of two hundred miles with the greatest alacrity.

Our Army requires to be put on quite a different footing. Gentlemen in command find it very disagreeable to coax, to wheedle, and even to lie, to carry on the service. Habituated to order, I cannot without the most extreme pain see that disregard of discipline, confusion, and inattention, which reigns so general in this quarter, and am therefore determined to retire. Of this resolution I have advised Congress.

I am, dear Sir, with the most unfeigned sentiments of esteem and respect, your Excellency' s most obedient and most humble servant, PHILIP SCHUYLER.

General Washington.