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Details
SCHUYLER, Philip John, Major General, Continental Army. Autograph letter signed ("Ph: Schuyler") TO GEORGE CLINTON, Governor of New York, Albany, 8 August 1777. 1 pages, folio, very slight fold separations.
SCHUYLER REPORTS NEWS OF THE BATTLE OF ORISKANY
A month after the American evacuation of Fort Ticonderoga, Schuyler, commanding the northern armies, passes on early reports of the costly British ambush of General Herkimer and an American contingent at Oriskany (6 August). Travelling from Stillwater "to meet some Indians who have Business with me," he has received "a Letter from [Connecticut] Governor Trumbull" reporting on "what Reinforcements of Militia we are likely to have from Connecticut...An express arrived with a letter from Capt Dygerth of the Militia...that we have sustained a considerable Loss in Tyron County, I wish It was in my Power to march a Body of Men to the Relief of Fort Schuyler [later Stanwix], but I have unfortunately none to send. Yesterday the Time [enlistments] expired of a Regiment of Continental Troops, which had been engaged for a twelve Month in the State of New Hampshire & they marched off, nor could I prevail on one to remain, Alltho' I offered twenty Dollars Bounty, if they would engage until the 1st of December, the Militia will follow these about Sunday or Monday next."
With Burgoyne's army only 24 miles away, Schuyler alienated the New England factions within the region by detaching troops to strengthen Fort Schuyler [Stanwix]. In fact, two days before this letter--unknown to Schuyler--Congress had voted to relieve him of his command. With Burgoyne's expeditionary army on the march, Horatio Gates was despatched to replace the unfortunate Schuyler, arriving in time to command the American armies at Saratoga a month later.
SCHUYLER REPORTS NEWS OF THE BATTLE OF ORISKANY
A month after the American evacuation of Fort Ticonderoga, Schuyler, commanding the northern armies, passes on early reports of the costly British ambush of General Herkimer and an American contingent at Oriskany (6 August). Travelling from Stillwater "to meet some Indians who have Business with me," he has received "a Letter from [Connecticut] Governor Trumbull" reporting on "what Reinforcements of Militia we are likely to have from Connecticut...An express arrived with a letter from Capt Dygerth of the Militia...that we have sustained a considerable Loss in Tyron County, I wish It was in my Power to march a Body of Men to the Relief of Fort Schuyler [later Stanwix], but I have unfortunately none to send. Yesterday the Time [enlistments] expired of a Regiment of Continental Troops, which had been engaged for a twelve Month in the State of New Hampshire & they marched off, nor could I prevail on one to remain, Alltho' I offered twenty Dollars Bounty, if they would engage until the 1st of December, the Militia will follow these about Sunday or Monday next."
With Burgoyne's army only 24 miles away, Schuyler alienated the New England factions within the region by detaching troops to strengthen Fort Schuyler [Stanwix]. In fact, two days before this letter--unknown to Schuyler--Congress had voted to relieve him of his command. With Burgoyne's expeditionary army on the march, Horatio Gates was despatched to replace the unfortunate Schuyler, arriving in time to command the American armies at Saratoga a month later.