Benedict Arnold letter to Philip Schuyler, 30 July 1776

Ticonderoga, 30 July, 1776.

DEAR GENERAL,

Your favor of the 20th instant I received last night. I am sorry to hear your treaty with the Indians is so long retarded. You must have an infinite deal of trouble with them, which I am fearful will prejudice your health ; and your presence is much wanted both at Skenesborough and this place. I wrote you from the former place on the 25th instant, at which time only two companies of carpenters were arrived, one from Philadelphia, and the other from Connecticut ; since which the whole have arrived, (o the number of two hundred. I left them such directions as I thought necessary, and orders to begin four row-galleys, nearly of the construction of those built in Philadelphia, to carry four pieces heavy and two pieces light cannon each. The two largest schooners are at Crown Point, the sloop goes this morning, and four gondolas will follow in two or three days. I intend to visit Skenesborough on Monday next. I shall be happy to accelerate the business all in my power, and to take as much trouble from off your hands as possible, as I am sensible you have more than your share of it.

A Frenchman, arrived here in fifteen days from St. Francois, confirms the intelligence respecting the Indians, and adds that all the tribes in Canada were determined on a neutrality; that the troops were busy in building bateaux and several large vessels at St. John s. General Carleton has given the French inhabitants notice of his intention of crossing Lake Champlain the last of August, or beginning of September, and that he should depend on their joining him. If we are supplied with the articles I wrote for, we shall soon be in a condition to give him a proper reception.

Inclosed is a return of the ordnance stores, shot, &c., &c., by which you will observe there are many articles wanting to complete the same, as also there is a great deficiency of shot in particular, grape, double-headed, chain, and round, which will be very serviceable among vessels and bateaux. More heavy cannon will be wanted for the row-galleys. The four now building will carry eight twenty-fours, and eight eighteens. Four others will be set up soon, and will require an equal number of guns. To supply the row-galleys and lines, we have only eleven pieces, and ten twelve-pounders, which may answer, though not so well as heavier guns. If they are substituted, eleven pieces will still be wanting, with shot, &c., which I wish may be sent up, if they can possibly be procured. With the approbation of General Gates I sent to Connecticut for three hundred seamen. The express had orders to call on you (if returned), and take your instructions in the matter. As it was uncertain, if you were returned, I wrote to Captain Varick desiring him to give the express a warrant on the Paymaster-General for one thousand pounds, to pay the bounty of the seamen, as the treasury was empty. lie has proceeded on to General Washington. We are informed, that of the four regiments coming from Boston, there is a very considerable number of seamen, who are daily expected. I am, &c.

BENEDICT ARNOLD.