General Schuyler to President of the Congress

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Ticonderoga, October 5, 1775.

SIR: Yesterday morning I received a letter from General Montgomery, enclosing sundry papers, copies of which (Nos˙ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , and 5 , together with a copy of another letter, No˙ 6 , received this morning, and which was written before that marked No˙ 1) I now do myself the honour to transmit you.

I am very apprehensive of disagreeable consequences arising from Mr˙ Allen' s imprudence. I always dreaded his impatience of subordination; and it was not until after a solemn promise, made me in the presence of several officers, that he would demean himself properly, that I would permit him to attend the Army; nor would I have consented then, had not his solicitations been backed by several officers.

By the enclosed return, No˙ 7 , Congress will perceive what troops have joined the Army since I left it, and what provisions, &c˙, have been forwarded to it. The Canadians destroy a great quantity of provisions, and much waste is committed by our people, in despite of every order issued to prevent it. The expense of this article will amaze Congress. However, if the issuing Commissaries had done their duty, and obeyed the orders that were given them by the Commissary-General or me, I should have had it in my power to have detected every Quartermaster, or other, who has drawn a greater quantity of provision than what was due, and the Regiments might have been charged with it.

Such crowds of sick are daily returning from the Army, that although I had thoughts of leaving General Wooster' s corps at Albany, I have found it necessary to order them up.

I wish I could comply with General Montgomery' s requisition

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The Paymaster-General is now here, and very much indisposed indeed. He proposed to resign the employment, as he is apprehensive that he will not be able again to cross the Lakes. I am fully convinced that it will be the case; but as a new appointment during this campaign will be introductory of confusion, I have requested him to return to Albany, and have taken the liberty to give him an order to appoint a Deputy. The Paymaster-General' s appointment, I understand, will not afford of his paying a Deputy. I mention this, that Congress may signify their pleasure on the subject.

Should Congress approve of having the troops that are or have been employed in this department paid by rolls, drawn in the form of the enclosed, it will be necessary that I should be furnished with the accounts of what pay only has been advanced to them; for which purpose, an order should go to the Governour of Connecticut, Massachusetts-Bay Congress, that of New-York, and that of New-Hampshire, to furnish me with the accounts, specifying the persons' names to whom money has been advanced by their order.

On further consideration, I find this order will be necessary, even if Congress should not think proper to adopt my mode of payment; for I labour under difficulties in complying with applications for money, as I do not know but I may overrun the mark.

The first one hundred thousand Dollars issued to Mr˙ Trumlull are expended; and as I shall have large calls on me, from Canada and other quarters, I beg leave to mention the necessity there is of a fresh supply to the military chest in this department.

I am rather better than when I did myself the honour to write you last, having yesterday, for the first time, ventured to ride out two or three hundred yards.

Should I receive your orders to engage troops for the winter service, I propose to give the offers of commissions to the officers of the Army as they stand in rank, unless you direct otherwise, which I hope will be agreeable.

I am, Sir, most respectfully, your Honour' s most obedient and most humble servant,

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

To the Hon˙ John Hancock, Esq.