Beschreibung:

SCHUYLER, PHILIP, General, Continental Army . Autograph letter signed ("Ph:Schuyler") to Col. Richard Varick, Albany, N.Y., 25 September 1777. 2 pages, folio, 237 x 197 mm. (12.7/8 x 7.5/8 in.), integral blank. [ With: ] A brief autograph note of the historian Benson J. Lossing regarding the preceding letter, dated 1888. ON THE EVE OF SARATOGA: SCHUYLER PRAISES "MY GALLANT FRIEND" BENEDICT ARNOLD A prophetic letter written six days after the Continental victory at Bemis Heights, in which Burgoyne's army was repulsed, and not long before Burgoyne's final surrender at Saratoga. Schuyler extends his congratulations and praises Arnold, whom Varick served as aide-de-camp: "...I am pleased to hear that my gallant friend General Arnold has determined to remain until a Battle shall have happened or Gen: Burgoyne retreats. Every body that I have yet conversed with on the subject of the dispute between Gates & him thinks Arnold has been extremely ill-treated. I wonder at Gates's policy, he may probably be indebted to him [Arnold] for the Glory he may acquire by a victory, but perhaps he is so sure of success that he does not wish the other [Arnold] to come in for a share of it..." Schuyler has seen published letters between Gates and Burgoyne: "the former is treated with great severity by the latter." He closes with warm regards for Varick's "preservation, and wish you a happy sight of Saratoga..." (2)