To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 8 April 1779
From Major General Philip Schuyler
Albany April 8th 1779
Dear Sir
Yesterday I received a letter from Mr Deane copy whereof is Inclosed1 And another I have transmitted to Congress and urged the necessity of Supplying the Indians with some Cloathing &c. even If they should not be called Into Active Service.
Colo: V. Schaick is to Command in the Enterprize against Onondaga The troops are on the March to Fort Schuyler and the Measures taken such as to Afford a good prospect that the Enemy will be surprized.2 I have the honor to be with perfect respect & Esteem Dr Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servant
Ph: Schuyler
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. The enclosed copy of a letter from James Deane to Schuyler, dated 29 March at Fort Schuyler, N.Y., reads: “Colonel Louis arrived here this Afternoon from Oneida and brings an Account that he has received undoubted Intelligence that Joseph Brandt is gone with a very large Belt of Wampum to the seven Tribes in Canada—He is sent to call those Indians to Oswego where Colonel Butler is to meet them with what Force he can collect of Indians Tories &c. and to take post as soon as the Season will permit—In Consequence of which Intelligence Louis is now on his Way to Canada and leaves this to Morrow—He determines, if possible, to frustrate the Designs of the Enemy as to his Countrymen and prevent their being imposed on by the Arts of Brandt—Should any Military Operations be carried on to the Westward in which the Assistance of our Indian Allies will be required, I beg Leave to observe to the Commissioners that a Quantity of Indian Goods paint &c. will be found necessary” (DLC:GW).
2. For the results of this expedition, see Schuyler to GW, 27 April, n.1.