General Washington to General Schuyler

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Camp at Cambridge, September 8, 1775.

DEAR SIR: I have received your favour of the 31st of August, and am much engaged in sending off the detachment, under Colonel Arnold, upon the plan contained in mine of the 20th ultimo. A variety of obstacles has retarded us since the express returned with yours of the 27th of August, from Albany; but we are now in such forwardness that I expect they will set out by Sunday next, at furthest. I shall take care, in my instructions to Colonel Arnold, that, in case there should be a junction of the detachment with your Army, you shall have no difficulty in adjusting the scale of command.

You seem so sensible of the absolute necessity of preserving the friendship of the Canadians, that I need say nothing on that subject, but that a strict discipline, and punctual payment for all necessaries brought to your camp, will be the most certain means of obtaining so valuable and important an end. I shall inculcate the same principle most strongly upon our Troops who go from hence, as that on which their safety, success, and honour, entirely depend.

I am truly concerned that your supplies and appointments are so far short of your expectations; but I trust you will have a feeble enemy to contend with, and a whole Province on your side — two circumstances of great weight in the scale. Your situation for some time must be so critical and interesting, that I hope you will not fail giving me constant information of your motions and success. My best wishes attend you.

Believe me, with much truth and regard, dear Sir, your very obedient servant, GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To General Schuyler.