General Washington to General Schuyler

v3:1368

Cambridge, November 5, 1775.

DEAR SIR: Your favour of the 26th ultimo, with the enclosures, containing an account of the surrender of Fort Chambly, was an excellent report, but somewhat incomplete for want of Montgomery' s letter, which (a copy) you omitted to enclose. On the success of your enterprise so far I congratulate you, as the acquisition of Canada is of unmeasurable importance to the cause we are engaged in.

No account of Arnold, since my last. I am exceeding anxious to hear from him, as he was expressly ordered, in case of any discouraging event, to advertise me of it immediately.

I much approve your conduct in regard to Wooster. My fears are at an end, as he acts in a subordinate character. Intimate this to General Montgomery, with my congratulations on his success, the seasonable supply of powder, and wishes that his next letter may be dated from Montreal. We laugh at his idea of classing the Royal Fusileers with the stores. Does he consider them as inanimates, or as a treasure? If you carry your arms to Montreal, should not the garrison of Niagara, Detroit, &c., be called upon to surrender, or threatened with the consequences of a refusal? They may, indeed, destroy their stores, and, if the Indians are aiding, escape to Fort Charires; but it is not very probable.

The enclosed Gazette exhibits sundry specimens of the skill of the new commander in issuing proclamations, and a proof, in the destruction of Falmouth, of the barbarous designs of an infernal Ministry. Nothing new has happened in this camp. Finding the Ministerial troops resolved to keep themselves close within their lines, and that it was adjudged impracticable to get at them, I have fitted six armed vessels, with design to pick up some of their store-ships and transports. The rest of our men are busily employed in erecting of barracks, &c.

I hope, as you have said nothing of the state of your health, that it is much amended, and that the cold weather will restore it perfectly. That it may do so, and you enjoy the fruit of your summer' s labour and fatigue, is the sincere wish of, dear Sir, yours, &c˙,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To Major-General Schuyler, Northern Department.