To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 7 July 1777
From Major General Philip Schuyler
Stilwater [N.Y.] Monday July 7h 1777
Dear Sir
I have this Moment received a Letter from General Learned, Copy whereof I do myself the Honor to inclose.1
I am extremely apprehensive that the greater part of the Garrisons of Tyonderoga and Mount Independance is in the Enemy’s power and if they make a push they may do what they please, as I have not above 700 Continental Troops to oppose them with, and, I fear, not above twice that Number of Militia—I cannot doubt but that we have lost every piece of Cannon we had there, so that I am now left with a few small pieces not a sufficient Number even for the two Schooners on Lake George.
I evidently foresee that all this part of the Country will soon be in their power, unless we are speedily and largely reinforced.
I am in the utmost Distress for Want of provisions of the Meat Kind—Much of the Beef now forwarding being spoiled—I shall do every Thing that is left in my power to do, and hope the best. I am Dr Sir—most respectfully Your Excellency’s obedient hble Servant
Ph: Schuyler
LS, DLC:GW; LB, NN: Schuyler Papers; copy, enclosed in GW to Hancock, 10 July 1777, DNA:PCC, item 153; copy, DNA:PCC, item 170.
1. The enclosed copy of Ebenezer Learned’s letter to Schuyler, written at Fort Edward, N.Y., on Monday, 7 July 1777, to inform Schuyler of the “most disagreeable News of our people’s leaving Ticonderoga,” contains a copy of a letter that he received that morning from Capt. Benjamin Farmam at Fort Ann, N.Y.: “I have it from the Revd Mr [Jonathan] Allen Chaplain to Colo: [Seth] Warner’s [Additional Continental] Regiment, who left Skene’s Yesterday [6 July] at about 5 O’Clock, that the Enemy followed them and that our Vessels fought them smart for almost two Hours, after which were obliged to return by Land—The Enemy are at Skene’s and are soon expected here—By the best Information there are about 500 of our Men retiring this Way—I am in Want of Ammunition as soon as possible. We have no Thought of leaving this post at present—We are in Want of provision also of Carriages to carry off some Baggage” (DLC:GW). Learned adds that he had ordered ammunition and entrenching tools for the troops at Fort Edward and had forwarded provisions to Fort Ann. The Americans abandoned Fort Ann on 8 July 1777, however.