Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Schuyler, Philip John (1733-1804) to Richard Varick

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01529 Author/Creator: Schuyler, Philip John (1733-1804) Place Written: German Flatts, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: August 7,1776 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 33 x 20.5 cm. + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 28.6 x 21.7 cm Order a Copy

Written to Connecticut Governor Trumbull and General David Waterbury of Connecticut shortly after General Schuyler led the controversial retreat from Crown Point. Says he received their letters of 4 and 5 August 1776, along with their enclosures. Asks them to send iron and spikes and any other supplies they might think the army will need. Says he is "greatly surprised" that money has not arrived and says he will not be to blame if it doesn't arrive. Says they can borrow on his credit as long as they can, but to keep track of who they are borrowing from in his name. Note at bottom of recto appears to be signed by someone, but the name is illegible. The name of Captain Richard Varick, Schuyler's military secretary, is written at the bottom. Full length black and white engraving of Philip Schulyer included.

At the battle of Valcour Bay, 11 October 1776, between the Americans and the British, General Waterbury was second in command to Benedict Arnold, and was captured with his vessel, the "Washington." The statement of General James Wilkinson, who was not present during the action, that Waterbury struck his colors without firing a shot, is contradicted by Arnold, who, in his report of the engagement to General Horatio Gates, says that Waterbury fought with distinguished gallantry, his vessel being hulled several times.

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