George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 14 June 1776

To Major General Philip Schuyler

New York June 14. 1776.

Dear Sir

I was favored with Yours of the 10th instant with Its several Inclosures.1 The stroke meditating by the Indians against our Frontier Inhabitants, is what I have long thought would happen, as they were not Engaged in our Interest; But I am in full Hopes You will be able to repel their hostile Designs & Convince them of their Imprudence in Joining our Enemies without the least Cause of Quarrell. As to Intrenching Tools I have directed2 the Qur Master to send up some as early as possible, But in Respect to what You say about Cannon & Ammunition I am at a Loss whether It is intended as an Application or Not. I do not know that any [of the former] have been requested but for the Armed Vessels in the Lakes, or any of the latter but what has been sent for the Canada Expedition.3 I wish You to explain the Matter & that Your Requisitions for Necessaries may be always certain & explicit both as to Quantity & Quality.

As to the Militia4 to reinforce the Army in Canada & for keeping open the Communication with that Province or a Part of them, will probably be on their march before long, I think It will be adviseable for You to write the Different Governments furnishing them, of the Routs they should take & of the Places proper for their Rendezvous.

I wrote You Yesterday & on the 9th Instant to which I refer You for full answers to All Yours between the 21st Ulto & Your last. I am Dr Sir, With Esteem, Your most Obedt servt

Go: Washington

LB, NN: Schuyler Papers; LB, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

1The letter-book copy in DLC:GW includes here the words, “by last nights post.”

2The letter-book copy in DLC:GW reads “I shall direct.”

3The words within square brackets are taken from the letter-book copy in DLC:GW.

4The letter-book copy in DLC:GW reads “As the Militia.”

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