Philip Schuyler letter to George Washington, 13 January 1776

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Albany, 13 January, 1776.

I wish I had no occasion to send my dear General this melancholy account. My amiable friend, the gallant Montgomery, is no more ; the brave Arnold is wounded; and we have met with a severe check in an unsuccessful attempt on Quebec. May Heaven be graciously pleased that the misfortune may terminate here ! I tremble for our people in Canada ; and no thing, my dear Sir, seems left to prevent the most fatal consequences, but an immediate reinforcement that is nowhere to be had but from you; and the only route, that which I have pointed out in my letter to Congress, copy of which you have inclosed. Nor do I think that a less number than I have mentioned will suffice. Should your Excellency think proper to send the troops, you will please to let me know it by express, that I may send provisions to Onion River.

Congress has wrote to me on the subject of my request to retire. Our affairs are much worse than when I made the request. This is motive sufficient for me to continue to serve my country in any way I can be thought most serviceable; but my utmost can be but little, weak and indisposed as I am. The clothing is gone to Cambridge.

I am your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

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    Author:
    Philip John Schuyler

    Source:
    Correspondence of the American Revolution; Being Letters of Eminent Men to George Washington, from the Time of His Taking Command of the Army to the End of His Presidency, Volume I., Jared Sparks, 1853