To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 10 June 1777
From Major General Philip Schuyler
Albany June 10th 1777
Dear Sir
Last evening two Canadians who had been sent into Canada returned from thence, they Left it the 24th of may having remained three days at St Dennis, the Intelligence they bring is Contained in the Inclosed paper which after perusal Your Excellency will Please to Transmit to Congress.1
I cannot believe that there are so many Troops in Canada as they report, nor do I believe that General Borgoine was there on the 10th Of may, Colo. McLean I believe to be at New York;2 If it be true that two Regiments moved from St Dennis and St Charles Towards the Little river, which I understand is 18 Leagues below Montreal, and that two others were preparing to move from St Ours to Quebec,3 it is Probable that they and more will Leave Canada to reinforce General Howe, this would seem Certain if Borgoine was really arrived and had brought no Reinforcements.
Four Canadiens are daily expected In, who will Probably bring me Intelligence some thing more to be depended upon. I am Dear Sir respectfully Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant
Ph: Schuyler
LS, DLC:GW; LB, NN: Schuyler Papers.
1. This enclosure has not been identified.
2. Gen. John Burgoyne arrived at Quebec from England on 6 May, and Col. Allan Maclean arrived there from New York on 26 May (see Burgoyne to George Germain, 15 May 1777, , 14:78–79, and Guy Carleton to Germain, 27 May 1777, ibid., 97).
3. These three towns were on the Richelieu River north of Chambly. The Little River (now Rivière du Sot) enters the St. Lawrence River about fifty miles below Quebec.