Philip Schuyler to George Washington, 20 June 1781
From Philip Schuyler
Poughkeepsie [N.Y.] June 20th 1781
Dear Sir
I have this moment the Honor of Your Excellencys favor of yesterdays date by Colo: Pickering.1
Altho my credit has already been Considerably extended for the public, Yet persuaded that no serious operation can be prosecuted against New York without the batteaux stated as necessary,2 I shall chearfully attempt to have one hundred constructed at albany, and am in hopes that I shall be able to procure carpenters and the necessary materials (Oakam and nails excepted) on a Credit to the middle or latter end of October next, but it will be impossible for me to fullfil my engagements unless Congress or the Financier General can at or before that Period enable me to do It, but as the building of these craft cannot without materially contravening your Excellency’s views be postponed until advice can be received on the subject from Philadelphia, I shall immediately dispatch a person to albany with the necessary directions to prosecute the business with celerity and follow myself in a few days, and Intreat Your Excellency to request Congress to take the necessary steps to reimburse me by the time stated.3
The batteaux proposed to be built may on emergency carry forty five men, but thirty five is what they are calculated for, the expence of building them was formerly estimated at 35 to 40 dollars and If I can personally superintend the business which I propose I believe they will not now exceed that altho wages are higher than they were then.4
Happy If I shall have it in my power in any way to promote the public service. I have to entreat Your Excellency to lay your commands on me without the least hesitation.5 I am Dear Sir with Great respect and Very Sincerely Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Huml. Servt
Ph: Schuyler
ALS, DLC:GW; copy, enclosed in GW to Samuel Huntington, 28 June, DNA:PCC, item 152; copy, DNA:PCC, item 169.
1. See GW to Schuyler, 19 June.
2. For allied plans to attack the British around New York City, see The Wethersfield Conference and Aftermath, 14 May–16 June, editorial note.
3. For this request, see GW to Huntington, 28 June. Robert Morris, superintendent of finance, then wrote Schuyler from Philadelphia on 21 July that he had received from Congress a copy of Schuyler’s “letter to His Excy the General of the 20th June.” Morris promised to “chearfully provide the four thousand hard Dollars you think will be wanted to pay the Carpenters you have employed to build Batteaux; this money shall be ready by the time you mention that is by the 15th October so as to enable you to make payment between that date and the 1st Novr. and if you have between this and then opportunities of getting Money for drafts on me you had best draw payable at that time or even sooner if necessary and I will honor your drafts” (, 1:367–68).
4. For additional boat construction specifics, see Schuyler to GW, 25 June.