Schuyler, Philip John (1733-1804) to Richard Varick
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06332 Author/Creator: Schuyler, Philip John (1733-1804) Place Written: Albany, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 September 1777 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 32 x 19.7 cm Order a Copy
Writes that he is pleased that General Benedict Arnold will remain and believes Arnold was ill treated by Continental General Horatio Gates at first Battle of Saratoga, 19 September 1777. Gates and Arnold clashed over strategy and Gates removed Arnold from second-in-command. " ... my gallant friend, General Arnold, has determined to remain until a battle shall have happened or Gen. Burgoyne retreats ... [Gates] will probably be indebted to him for the glory he may acquire by a victory, but perhaps his is so very sure of success that he does not wish the other to come in for a share of it." Mentions reading the correspondence between Gates and British General John Burgoyne in the Philadelphia papers. With later handwritten summary by B. J. Lassing of events surrounding this letter.
On 7 October 1777 at the second Battle of Saratoga, Arnold assumed command of the troops in spite of Gates's orders and repulsed Burgoyne as Schuyler predicted in this letter.
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