SCHUYLER, Philip John (1733-1804), Major General, Continental Army . Autograph letter signed ("Ph:Schuyler") to George Clinton (1739-1812), Ticonderoga, 24 July 1775. 2½ pages, docketed on page 4. In superb original condition. SCHUYLER TAKES CHARGE OF THE CANADA INVASION. A gracious, jocular letter from the newly arrived Commander of the Northern Department (appointed 15 June), to friends in the Continental Congress. From Ticonderoga, captured only two months previously in a daring night attack on the British garrison, Schuyler describes at length the nature of the soldiers of the garrison; and expresses dismay at their "want of subordination and discipline." Arriving at 11:00 a.m. on the 8th "at the landing place at the North end of Lake George (the place where every necessary for the army must be landed and therefore a post of importance)," which he had ordered "to be guarded by as many men as could find Shelter," his boat was hailed by a sentinel, "and on being informed that I was in it, he quitted his post to go and awake the Guard who were all so closely embraced in the downy arms of sleep that he had no success. I then marched with my aid de camp and came to a barn which The Centinel challenged but suffered me to come up to him." Most of the 100-man guard, he discovered, was asleep, "and I am confident that I might have run my Bayonet into every man of both Guards, set fire to the Block Houses destroyed a large Boat that was building, and all the stores. I hope however to create in time a proper sense of duty; they are not disorderly they are good-looking men and I have the fullest confidence that they will fight. The Colonel is a decent, and a modern man," but the officers are unused to command, though "great allowance must be made to men who at home are all equals." He goes on to describe the health of the garrison, and adds, "I wished to have wrote to Mr. E. Rutledge but I really have no time as yet, please to make my compliments to him and to the rest of the gentlemen [in Congress] Please desire Mr. Chase to kiss Miss Shay's fair hand for me, her lips are sacred, this commission you would perhaps rather execute. Desire Miss Col. Ross to inform Miss Robertson that I am as much in love with her as ever, that the lock is religiously guarded. Langdon may embrace Miss Bradford if he is not already eloped." Schuyler's preparations for the Canada invasion were nearly complete when an attack of gout made it necessary for Richard Montgomery to take command; Schuyler returned to Albany.
SCHUYLER, Philip John (1733-1804), Major General, Continental Army . Autograph letter signed ("Ph:Schuyler") to George Clinton (1739-1812), Ticonderoga, 24 July 1775. 2½ pages, docketed on page 4. In superb original condition. SCHUYLER TAKES CHARGE OF THE CANADA INVASION. A gracious, jocular letter from the newly arrived Commander of the Northern Department (appointed 15 June), to friends in the Continental Congress. From Ticonderoga, captured only two months previously in a daring night attack on the British garrison, Schuyler describes at length the nature of the soldiers of the garrison; and expresses dismay at their "want of subordination and discipline." Arriving at 11:00 a.m. on the 8th "at the landing place at the North end of Lake George (the place where every necessary for the army must be landed and therefore a post of importance)," which he had ordered "to be guarded by as many men as could find Shelter," his boat was hailed by a sentinel, "and on being informed that I was in it, he quitted his post to go and awake the Guard who were all so closely embraced in the downy arms of sleep that he had no success. I then marched with my aid de camp and came to a barn which The Centinel challenged but suffered me to come up to him." Most of the 100-man guard, he discovered, was asleep, "and I am confident that I might have run my Bayonet into every man of both Guards, set fire to the Block Houses destroyed a large Boat that was building, and all the stores. I hope however to create in time a proper sense of duty; they are not disorderly they are good-looking men and I have the fullest confidence that they will fight. The Colonel is a decent, and a modern man," but the officers are unused to command, though "great allowance must be made to men who at home are all equals." He goes on to describe the health of the garrison, and adds, "I wished to have wrote to Mr. E. Rutledge but I really have no time as yet, please to make my compliments to him and to the rest of the gentlemen [in Congress] Please desire Mr. Chase to kiss Miss Shay's fair hand for me, her lips are sacred, this commission you would perhaps rather execute. Desire Miss Col. Ross to inform Miss Robertson that I am as much in love with her as ever, that the lock is religiously guarded. Langdon may embrace Miss Bradford if he is not already eloped." Schuyler's preparations for the Canada invasion were nearly complete when an attack of gout made it necessary for Richard Montgomery to take command; Schuyler returned to Albany.
Try LotSearch and its premium features for 7 days - without any costs!
Be notified automatically about new items in upcoming auctions.
Create an alert
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
