From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 17 May 1776
To Major General Philip Schuyler
New York 17th May 1776
Dear Sir
I this Morning received Your Favor of the 13th Inst. with Its Inclosures, Conveying Intelligence of the Melancholly Situation of our Affairs in Canada; & am not Without My Fears, I confess, that the Prospect we had of possessing that Country of such Importance in the present Controversy is almost Over, or at best,1 that It will be Effected with much More Difficulty and Effusion of Blood than were Necessary, had our Exertions been timely applied. However we Must Not despair, a Manly & spirited Opposition can only ensure Success, & prevent the Enemy from Improving the Advantage they have Obtained. I have forwarded the Letters to Congress,2 & their Answer to You & the Honble Commissioners I will transmit You, as soon as they come to Hand.
I am fully sensible that this unfortunate Event has greatly deranged Your Schemes, & will involve You in Difficulties only to be Obviated by Your Zeal & Assiduity, which I am well satisfyed will not be wanting in this or any other Instance where the Good of Your Country require them.
Notwithstanding the most diligent Pains; but a small Part of the Nails You wrote for, is Yet Collected, Nor will there be a possibility of Getting more than half the Quantity; the Qr Master expects that they will be here to Day When they will be instantly forwarded with the five Tons of Lead. I am, Dr Sir, with sentiments of Much Esteem & Regard, Your most Obedt servt
Go: Washington
P.S. The Nails are Embarked 27 & ½ Casks, You have the Account & Quality, also 5 Tons of Lead & Thomas Warner’s Receipt.3
LB, NN: Schuyler Papers; LB, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. The letter-book copy in DLC:GW reads “at least.”
2. See GW to Hancock, this date.
3. This may be Lt. Thomas Warner who was commissioned in Col. John Lasher’s New York militia regiment in June 1776 and in the 3d New York Regiment in November 1776. The account and receipt have not been identified.