Schuyler, Philip John (1733-1804) to James Duane
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02544 Author/Creator: Schuyler, Philip John (1733-1804) Place Written: Saratoga, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 November 1776 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 32.4 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Major General Schuyler to Duane as a New York delegate to the Continental Congress. References Duane's letter that was delivered 26 November. Says he had to abandon the fortress on York Island because the enemy's strength was overwhelming. Defends his actions as the best he could have done in the situation confronting him. Compares himself favorably to Washington's defeat in New York in August 1776 saying "I wish Gen: Washington had adhered to his own opinion and rejected the Intemporate advice of people of more prowess than Wisdom. In such a situation of ours It is now Eligible slowly to follow Fabius." Schuyler is recommending avoiding combat to preserve the army, a strategy that Washington would adopt. Gives intelligence of three counties that wish to break away from New York. These counties comprise what would become Vermont. Says they should not be allowed to break away asking "would it be amiss If Every state had It In their power to Call for the aid of such troops as they might warrant of any raised therein for the purpose of quelling Internal disorders." Wants to go to Philadelphia, but if Duane, Livingston, or Jay don't go, he will delay his trip a few days. Asks his compliments be sent to Livingston and Jay. Says General Horatio Gates has brought trouble on himself in New Jersey by getting involved in internal squabbles.
Saratoga Nov 27th, 1776.
Dr Sir
I am greatly obliged by your favor which was delivered me yesterday -
After having been under the necessity of quitting York Island and found that our Cheaveaux-du-frize did not prevent the enemy's ships from coming up the north river, I could not conceive what Induced us to risk so many men and such a considerable quantity of cannon & military stores in a fortress which it was easy to foresee must be taken whenever seriously attacked, especially as there was not the least probability that our army would be able to come to its relief. It is easy to make such [illegible] when Events have Justified them, and it would Also be ungenerous. If I had not made the same observations to Several gentlemen some time before we experienced this misfortune,- I wish Gen: Washington had adhered to his own opinion and rejected the intemperate advice of people of more prowess than Wisdom. - In such a situation: of ours it is more Eligible [inserted: slowly] to follow Fabius than precipitately[2] want out of any troops raised [illegible] for the purpose of quelling internal disorders,
of who which first [Kill] by the 100th of Decemb [text loss] on my way to Philadelphia; but [struck: was less] [inserted: if] you Mr Livingston Mr Jay do not go [do them] I would rather postpone my journey a few days pray make my compliments to these 2 Gentlemen I have not had a line from the former since his of the 24th October [stuck: and] [inserted: I hope] mine [to] answer to it satisfyed him that I would not take a stop prejudicial to the Common cause.
Gen: Gates is gone down I fear he [struck: died] brought himself into trouble with the state of N Jersey by ordering Colo: Wymes to be dummed only, or rather by taking upon himself to justify those who were at the bottom of it.
Adieu, fair Dear Sir
Very Sincerely
Your much obliged [illegible] Serv
Ph: Schulyer
To: Mr: James Duane Esq
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