Letter from General Schuyler to General Washington, June 25

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Albany, June 25, 1776 — 1 o' clock A˙ M.

DEAR GENERAL: About an hour ago General Arnold, who is arrived here from Canada, sent me a letter from General Sullivan, enclosing one from General Arnold, to him, another of Colonel Hazen, and a third from Lieutenant-Colonel Antill; copies of all which I do myself the honour to enclose. The grief I feel on the evacuation of Canada by our troops is greatly alleviated by the little loss sustained in the retreat, and the hope I have that we shall maintain a superiority on the Lakes.

Your Excellency will observe that General Schuyler intimates that farther than the Isle-aux-Noixhe could not retreat without your Excellency' s or my orders; previous to which he observes that the Council of War were unanimous for coming to Crown Point. I do not hesitate to say that I wish he had retreated, at least as far south as Point-au-Feror Isle-la-Motte, as I am afraid the enemy will throw themselves between him and the broad part of Lake Champlain, and render it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to send on a supply of provisions, as they can, with light cannon, and even with wall-pieces, command the waters from shore to shore in most places, for six miles south of Isle-aux-Noix, and in many even with musketry.

Did not the danger of remaining there, especially with an Army broken and spiritless, and who wish so much to come further south, that the officers (as General Arnold informs me) have already in a body entreated him to come away, appear to me too great to admit of the delay of waiting your Excellency' s orders, I should not send mine for a further retreat until your pleasure could be known; but I trust I shall be justified in doing it, and yet I believe the order will meet the Army on this side of Isle-aux-Noix.

Be pleased to order up six anchors and cables for the gondolas that are constructing, of the size of what is called the small anchor and cable of an Albany sloop.

I shall immediately write to Governour Trumbull to procure fifty ship carpenters, if he can, and send for a like number to the Massachusetts-Bay.

If any Dutch mill-saws can be procured at New-York, be pleased to order up four dozen, with six dozen of files for

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I am, dear General, with every sentiment of esteem and respect, your Excellency' s most obedient humble servant,

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

To General Washington.