To John Jay from Philip Schuyler, 29 April 1779
From Philip Schuyler
Albany April 29th: 1779.
Sir
Yesterday I was honored with your Excellency’s Letter of the 20th covering the Act of Congress permitting my Resignation— I embrace the Opportunity of an Express to his Excellency General Washington to acknowledge the Receipt of it.1
The Distance at which Messrs. Wolcott and Edwards reside from this place will not often permit those Gentlemen to afford Mr. Dow their Aid on the Business of the Indian Department and as the late Event at Onandaga will probably occasion a Meeting with the Indians,2 it seems therefore necessary that the Board should be strengthened by a person residing in this City or its Vicinity— In the present critical Conjuncture I shall continue to act in order to give Time for the Appointment of another—lest an Injury should arise to the public by my immediately declining the Business.
Be pleased Sir, to assure Congress that, altho’ unjustly calumniated, persecuted and deeply injured in public Life, I retire with the solid Consolation which is inseperable from a clear Conviction of my Consciousness that I have on all Occasions endeavored to serve my Country with Integrity, Zeal and Alacrity, and as the Weal of my Country is the first Wish of my Heart, that I stand ready to promote its Interest as a private Citizen and will with Chearfulness execute any Commands conducive to that great End.3 I have the Honor to be with perfect Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servt
Ph. Schuyler
Since writing the above Lt. Colonel Willett is arrived from Fort Schuyler—4 He informs me, that a considerable Body of Indians will soon repair to this place— He wishes me to mention that in the Copy which Colonel Van Schaick sent me of the proceedings against Onondaga, Afternoon was, by Mistake inserted in Every Instance where it ought to be Forenoon, and so vice versa.
His Excellency John Jay Esqr. President &c.
ALS, DNA: PCC, item 153, 3: 442 (EJ: 11063). Endorsed by Charles Thomson: “Letter from gen. Schuyler / April 29. 1779 / Read May 10. / Referred to the Comte. / on indian Affairs—/ Mr. Sherman.”
1. JJ to Schuyler, 20 Apr. 1779, DNA: PCC, item 14, 93 (EJ: 1338). Enclosed in that letter was the 19 Apr. resolution of Congress accepting Schuyler’s resignation on a motion by Samuel Adams and John Witherspoon. , 13: 473.
2. The Onondagas, one of the Six Nations of the Iroquois, suffered destruction of their villages in April 1779 by Colonel Goose Van Shaick. This raid preceded Sullivan-Clinton expeditions against the Iroquois.
3. On 16 Nov. 1779 Schuyler returned to Congress as a delegate from New York State. , 15: 1272.
4. Lieutenant Colonel Marinus Willett was especially aware of the Indian movements in the area, having just taken part in the raid against the Onondagas.