Philip Schuyler letter to George Washington, 28 June 1777

Albany, 28 June 1777; 11 o clock, A. M.

DEAR SIR,

Your Excellency's favor of the 20th instant I had the honor to receive at Saratoga, in the evening of the 26th. I am this moment favored with a letter of the 25th instant from General St. Clair, copy whereof I herewith transmit. Should an accident happen to the garrison of Ticonderoga, and General Burgoyne make a push to gain the south part of the Lake, I know of no obstacle to prevent him. Comparatively speaking, I have not a man to oppose him; the whole number at the different posts at and on this side of the Lake, including the garrisons of Fort George and Skenesborough, not exceeding seven hundred men, and these I cannot draw away from their several stations, in every one of which they are already much too weak. It is therefore highly necessary that a strong reenforcement should, without delay, be sent me. If the sloops are not yet sent to bring the troops your Excellency has ordered to be kept in readiness at Peekskill, I shall push them off without delay.

As it is not probable that we shall in time be supplied with field-pieces from the eastward, I must entreat that the reinforcements may bring some up with them.

I have this moment also received a letter from Mr. Deane, the Indian Interpreter, an extract whereof I inclose to you. As the information tallies exactly with what I had before, it leads me to conclude that an irruption will be made from the [westward].

I shall apply for the aid of the militia of this and the neighbouring States, but I fear it will not be very powerful, as many must be necessarily left at home.

I have received a letter from the Commissary-General, which I think neither so temperate or decent as it should be. I shall take the first leisure hour to transmit you a copy, with my answer, in which, I believe, it will be evinced from authentic returns, that the scarcity of provisions in this department is, in a great measure, if not altogether, to be imputed to a want of attention in the persons whose duty it was to supply this department. I am, dear Sir, with great regard and esteem, Your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

P. S. I have sent an express to General Putnam to hasten on the troops your Excellency had ordered to be in readiness for this quarter.

Since writing the above I have received another letter from General St. Clair, a copy whereof is in closed. I am in pain about Fort George, but have no troops to throw in, and some time will necessarily elapse before the militia can be got to march.