General Washington to General Schuyler

v2:973

Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 10, 1776.

DEAR SIR: I am now to acknowledge your favour of the 1st instant, and to inform you that the two Sachems of the Caughnuagas, with Mr˙ Deane, the interpreter, have been with me, and spent three or four days. I showed them every civility in my power, and presented them with such necessaries as our barren stores afford and they were pleased to take. I also had them shown all our works upon this island, which I had manned to give ' em an idea of our force, and to do away the false notions they might have imbibed, from the tales which had been propagated among ' em. They seemed to think we were amazingly strong, and said they had seen enough without going to our posts in Jersey, or to the other side of Harlem river. They took their departure yesterday morning, and I hope with no unfavourable impressions.

Your favour of the 6th came to hand this day by Mr˙ Bennet. I have communicated the contents, so far as it respects the boards, to General Mifflin, who has resumed the office of Quartermaster-General, on Mr˙ Moylan' s resignation and the application of Congress. He will write you to-morrow about them, and will send the sum you require by the return of Mr˙ Bennet.

It gives me great pleasure to hear the army is so well supplied with provision, and I would fain hope, that if the enemy do not effect any thing in this or the next month, that they will not attempt to pass the lakes till early in the spring, by which time perhaps we may be able to recruit our army, though I have my fears that the business will not go on with the ease and expedition that I could wish. I have done all I could, and urged strongly the propriety of giving the soldiers a suit of clothes annually; how Congress will determine on the subject I know not. I have also advised the raising of the officers' pay.

We are again deprived of the navigation of this river by three ships of war, two of forty-four and the other of twenty guns, with three or four tenders, passing our chevaux-de-frise yesterday morning, and all our batteries, without any kind of damage or interruption, notwithstanding a heavy fire was kept up from both sides of the river. I have given directions to complete the obstructions as fast as possible, and I flatter myself if they allow us a little time more, that the passage will become extremely difficult, if not entirely insecure. Their views I imagine are chiefly to cut off our supplies, and probably to gain recruits.

I am, dear sir, &c,

GO˙ WASHINGTON.

To Major-General Schuyler, Northern Department.