To John Jay from Philip Schuyler, 30 June 1777
From Philip Schuyler
Albany June 30th 1777
Dear Sir
Your favor of the 20th Instant I recieved on the 26th. and I have not been Able to Snatch a moment to give you a line in answer.1
General Scott I am Informed has a majority of votes for the Chair,2 If so he has played his Cards better than was Expected.
The Enemy have opened the Ball in every Quarter. It is pretty Certain that they will pay us a visit from the westward as well as from the North;3 I am in much pain about Tyonderoga. little or nothing has been done there this Spring however. If the Garrison Escapes, or If It does not and we get a reinforcement from below and are Spiritedly seconded by the Militia we Shall prevent them from penetrating on this Side of the Lakes. It would greatly Inspire the people with Confidence to see the whole Council of Safety here. As I shall be to the northward somebody ought to be here to give advice and Assistance to Our people In the western Quarter. I therefore earnestly wish to see You & your Brethern— My Compliments to all friends. I am Dr Sir Very sincerely Your Most obedient Humble Servant
Ph. Schuyler
Honor. John Jay Esqr. &ca
ALS, NNC (EJ: 7113). Endorsed.
1. JJ to Schuyler, 20 June 1777, above.
2. John Morin Scott, one of Schuyler’s rivals in the New York gubernatorial race in 1777.
3. Major General John Burgoyne (1722–92) returned to America in the spring of 1777 with authorization for an offensive in New York. Burgoyne reached Quebec in May and began his advance from St. Johns to Lake Champlain in the third week of June. Burgoyne’s aim was to seize control of the Lake Champlain-Hudson River route to Albany. The western prong of this offensive, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Barry St. Leger (1737–89), did not begin until the end of July.