To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 2 August 1776
From Major General Philip Schuyler
German-Flatts [N.Y.] august 2d 1776
Dear Sir
Lieutenant McMichel, who has been on a Scout to Oswego has just now delivered me a paper, of which the inclosed is a Copy1—If the Intelligence it contains should be true a Reinforcement would be necessary in this Quarter—I dare give no Orders about the Removal of the old Sergeant at Oswego, until the Treaty is over—I have ordered Scouts to be continually kept towards Oswego and should try to procure some of the best affected Indians to make further Enquiry into the matter, and give Your Excellency the Earliest Advice. I am Dr Sir Most respectfully Your Excellen[c]ys Most Obedient Humble Sert
Ph: Schuyler
ALS, DLC:GW; LB, NN: Schuyler Papers.
1. Edward McMichael, a lieutenant in Col. Elias Dayton’s 3d New Jersey Regiment, says in the enclosed undated report that he “was informed at Oswego, that three Regiments of ministerial troops had arrived at Oswegatchie at which place they were joined by a Number of Tories, and Indians, under the Command of Colo: Johnston [Guy Johnson], & was to embark immediately on board two armed vessels, Batteus and Canoes, and proceed to Oswego, at which Place they was to be joined by Colo: [John] Butler with all the Indians under his Command; and likewise by [Lieutenant] Colo: Coldwell [John Caldwell] with what Regulars could be spared from Niagara: They intend repairing Oswego Fort, as quick as possible, in Order that they might hold a Treaty with the Indians, and be able to defend themselves against any Attack—immediately after the treaty they are to march with all their force against Fort Stanwix and the German-Flatts at the latter of which places they intend to fortify (if they proceed) they are likewise to fortify at Johns-Town and to secure all the provision they can; Was likewise informed that the main Army under the Command of General Burgoyne was marching to Crown-Point and Tyonderoga to beseige those places. Was further informed that an Indian Man, named Thomas Davis, was sent from Niagara by Colo: Butler, (as a Spy) to the German-Flatts and he is to inform said Butler of the Particulars that passes at the German-Flatts during the treaty.
“This Intelligence came from a Person that resides at Oswego that was a Serjeant in the Regulars last war, and likewise from a party of Indians which I conversed with that had left Colo: Johnston four days before, and had came as spies” (DLC:GW).
For McMichael’s desertion to the enemy later this month, see Schuyler to GW, 16 August.