George Washington Papers
Documents filtered by: Author="Van Sice, John"
sorted by: date (ascending)
Permanent link for this document:
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-05-02-0129

To George Washington from John Van Sice, 5 March 1790

From John Van Sice

Schenectady [N.Y.] March 5th 1790

Sir

Am Sensible of my presumption—when I trouble So great a personage with my little concerns, but the distressed circumstances of my family urges the necessity of craving your Interposition—I have from the commencement of the American War Served in Schenectady as a gun Smith for the Indians, for which I received no recompence, & of which I had the honor of informing your Excellency when last in Schenectady1—you was then pleased to express your Surprise at General Schuyler’s not paying me, Since he cou’d draw from Congress what Sums he pleased for the Use of the Indians, yet I must despair of ever reaping any benefit from my Services unless recommended by your Excellency; on whom rests my only dependance arising from the Christian disposition & great Qualities asscribed to your Excellency by all the World—I doubt not Sir of your being disposed to help me, but fear Multiplicity of matters of high importance will prevent your attending to it—⟨mutilated⟩ great Sir dreading to use the freedom of craving an answer—with the utmost respect your Excellency’s most Obedient Servt

John Van Sice Indain Interperter
During the late war, at Schonectendy

ALS, DNA: RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters.

In addition to his services as gunsmith, John Van Sice (b. 1726) also served during the war in Col. Cornelius Wynkoop’s regiment and in the Albany militia.

1Van Sice is referring to GW’s ceremonial trip to Albany, Saratoga, and Schenectady in June 1782 in the company of Gov. George Clinton. He visited Schenectady on 30 June.

Index Entries