To John Jay from Robert Troup, 25 August 1777
From Robert Troup
Head-Quarters Van Schaick’s Island Aug. 25 1777.
My dear Sir,
Had I heard of your Return from Philadelphia, I should not have omitted acquainting you with every material Circumstance that passed in this Department, since my Arrival here. But conceiving you are now at Kingston, I cannot dispense with the Pleasure of sending you the following Copy of a Letter, from Col. Gansevoort to Genl. Arnold, dated Fort-Schuyler Aug. 22 1777. this Day received by Express.
“This Morning at 11 oClock I began a heavy Canonade upon our Enemies Works which was immediately returned by a Number of Shells and Cannon. About 3 o’Clock several Deserters came in who informed me that Genl. St Leger with his Army was retreating with the utmost Precipitation: soon after which I sent out a Party of about sixty men to enter their Camps, who soon returned and confirmed the above Accounts.”
“About 7 o’Clock, this Evening, Honjost Schuyler,1 arrived here, and informed me that Genl. Arnold with two thousand Men, were on their March for this Post, in Consequence of which I send you this Information.”
Gen. Arnold in his letter, of the same Date, says that they left a considerable Quantity of Baggage and all their Tents. He has also detached 1000 Men who are to make a forced March, & if possible, attack their rear. It is his opinion they will retire into Canada, and make no more Attempts to gain the Command of the Mohock River.
Should his Predictions prove true what obligations do we owe to Genl. Herkemer and Cols Gansevoort and Willett! The former has clearly shewn the formidable Prowess of Militia when headed by a gallant Commander: and the latter have proved to a Demonstration, that Forts may be maintained, when they are defended with Spirit.
When the Wings of Burgoyne’s Army are thus completely routed it will not be a very hazardous Undertaking, to disturb his Main Body. This will be attempted as soon as our Reinforcements come in. One fortunate Stroke might not only put an End to the War in this Department, but also induce Sir William Howe to carry the Remainder of his vanquished Army to England. I am, dear Sir, &ca.
R Troup
My Respects to your Brother & all Friends.
ALS, NNC (EJ: 7175). Addressed: “The Honble John Jay Esqr / Kingston.” Endorsed by JJ.
1. Johannes Justus (Hon Yost) Schuyler (d. c. 1818) was a reportedly mentally ill or mentally disabled Loyalist resident of the Mohawk Valley who had close ties to the Indians and spoke their language. Captured by American forces and condemned to death, he was instead employed by General Benedict Arnold to convince the British and Indian forces besieging Fort Stanwix (Fort Schuyler) that Arnold was marching against them with a large force. Hon Yost’s exaggerations led to the desertion of St. Leger’s Mohawk allies and ultimately to his retreat to Fort Oswego and then to Montreal. Hon Yost apparently similarly overestimated Arnold’s forces in his report to Col. Peter Gansevoort at Fort Stanwix, as Arnold’s actual force was about 900 men. , 2: 266–67.