Letter from General Washington to General Schuyler

v4:192

Cambridge, December 5, 1775.

DEAR SIR: Your much esteemed favour of the 22d ult˙, covering Colonel Arnold' s letter, with a copy of one to General Montgomery, and his to you, I received yesterday morning. It gave me the highest satisfaction to hear of Col˙ Arnold' s being at Point-Levi, with his men in great spirits after their long and fatiguing march, attended with almost insuperable difficulties, and the discouraging circumstance of being left by one-third of the troops that went on the expedition. The merit of this gentleman is certainly great, and I heartily wish that fortune may distinguish him as one of her favourites. I am convinced that he will do every thing that his prudence and valour shall suggest, to add to the success of our arms, and for reducing Quebeck to our possession. Should he not be able to accomplish so desirable a work with the forces he has, I flatter myself that it will be effected when General Montgomery joins him, and our conquest of Canada be complete.

I am sorry to find you so much plagued and embarrassed by the disregard of discipline, confusion, and want of order among the troops, as to have occasioned you to mention to Congress an inclination to retire. I know that our complaints are too well founded, but I would willingly hope that nothing will induce you to quit the service, and that in time, order and subordination will take the place of confusion, and command be rendered more agreeable. I have met with difficulties of the same sort, and such as I never expected. But they must be borne with. The cause we are engaged in is so just and righteous, that we must try to rise superior to every obstacle in its support, and therefore I beg that you will not think of resigning, unless you have carried your application to Congress too far to recede.

I am, dear sir, with great esteem and regard, yours, &c˙,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

Major-General Schuyler.