From Benjamin Franklin to Philip Schuyler, 17 April 1776
To Philip Schuyler
AL:8 New York Public Library
At Mr. Wyng’s. April 17. 76
Dear Sir
We are all concern’d to hear of your Indisposition, and join in requesting you earnestly to take care of your self. We purpose staying here as you advise in your kind Note of this Morning. We left all well at your House: The Sergeant has a Letter that I brought for you: Mrs. Schuyler requests that you would send him back as soon as may be. I return inclos’d the Papers you favour’d us with. Our Respects to Mr. Chase: I desire him to send back my Mare by the Sergeant.9 Our best Wishes attend you. I am, Dear Sir
We have sent forward Mr. Chase’s Bed and Portmanteau Trunk, on a Supposition that he intends not to return hither.
Gen. Schuyler
Endorsed: April 17th: 1776 From Dr Franklin
8. The closing salutation and signature appear to have been cut or torn off.
9. Five days earlier the General had been suffering from scurvy; by the time the commissioners joined him it had given way to or was accompanied by ague, from which their medicines cured him. Force, 4 Amer. Arch., V, 872, 1098. On the 17th, when they were en route to Fort George from Fort Edward, he sent a message that the lake was not yet open, and suggested that they stop at Wing’s tavern, midway between the two forts; this they did, except for Chase, and continued their journey the next day. Carroll, Journal, pp. 48–9. By the messenger BF returned the dispatches that Schuyler had enclosed with his letter above of April 13. Why Chase went with the messenger is not clear.