The life and times of Philip Schuyler

Front matter

CORNELL

UNIVERSITY

LIBRARY

Chapter I. Page

The Commahbeb or Troops at Qcbbec— WoosTeb's Letter to SonnT-

LER. — SOHUTIjER'S REPLT. —TARDINESS OF CONGRESS IN SENDING TROOPS TO

THE Northern Department. — Designs op the British Ministry foreshadowed. — Movements of Tories in Trton County. — Sohuyxer's Proceedings against Them.— Congress commends Him.— EESPONSisrLities laid on schuyler, by congress and new york.— political labors.— Confidence in Schuyler's Zeax, Ability, and Integrity.— Jealousies appear,— euptubb between sohuyleb and woosteb.— schuyleb sympa- THIZES WITH WoosTEB.— New Military Arbangements. — The Militaby Sebtice in Canada 13

Chapter II

Misconceptions of a Historian.— PERiLOtrs Condition op the American Army in Canada.— Arnold's Forces there.— The Siege op Quebec maintained BY Aknold.^His Promotion. — Efports to reinporce the Army IN Canada .^Difficulties in the Way op Supplies.— Change in the Feelinqs of the People op Canada toward the Patriots.— Conduct op Wooster and Arnold the Cause.— Appbcted Contempt for the Besiegers, BUT REAL Fear of them. — The Small-Pox auong the Troops. — Wooster and Arnold exchange Places. — The Six Nations and Sir John Johnson. — Schuyler takes Measures to keep the Indians Neutral. — Conduct op British Prisoners. — A Committee of Congress depart for Canada. — Object op their Mission, and their Powers. — Their Perilous Voyage to Albany.— Entertained by General Schuyler at Albany AND Saratoga. — Their Journey to Lake George and Ticonderoga. — Schuyler AND General Thomas.— Cheering News sent into Canada.— Voyage op the Commission down Lake Champlain. — The Bodily Sufferings op Schuyler. —His Deportment. — Demoralization op the' Army.— Arrival of the Commission at Montreal.— A Council op War.— Gloomy Condition of Appairs in Canada told by the Commissioners. — They decide TO withdraw the Troops.— Franklin returns to PhtladelphiA — 98

Chapter III

Sohutleb's Great Labors considered. — Vexatious Selfishness displayed.—Sectional AND Personal Jealousies in Congress.— Their Spasmodic Legislation.— Thet besoltb mobe than they do.— Dbead of a Standing Aemt a Vicious Bugbeab.— Washington sends Eeinfobce- MENTS to Schuyler.— General Thomas at Quebec.— The Weak American Force there.— Approach of British Eeinforoembnts.- The Siege of Quebec abandoned.— AEBrvAL of British Ships and Troops.- They Chase the Americans.— Schuyler's Perplexities.- Washinqton Hope-

VI CONTEJSTS.

PAGE rUL.— SOHnTI.l!EnNGENEROUBLT BLAMED FOR THE EETEESES IN CANADA. —

Slandebs Plentiful.— SPBcifio Charges against Sohutlek.— Washington's Indignation on account of them.— Schutleb asks for a Court OF iNQUiEr.— Sir John Johnson's Perfidt.- Attempt to capture Sir John.— He escapes. — Johnson Hall taken Possession op by Colonel Dayton.—Ladt Johnson A2(d Tories taken to Albany.— Perilous Joubney OF Johnson and his Followers to Canada ^3

Chapter IV

The Post at the Cedabs REmpoKOED.— Colonel Bedel at Montreal.— The Post at the Cedars threatened.— Reinporcbments sent. —A Battle near the Cedars.— Surrender of the Post.— Arnold goes to

THE ReLIEP of his TROOPS. — COMPELLED TO AGREE TO THE TERMS OF SURrender.—congress refuses to ratipt them. — arnold treats colonel Bedel badly.- The Conduct of the Latter tindicated.— The Retreating Americans prepare to leave Canada.- Death of General Thomas. —He is succeeded by General Sullivan. — Schuyler still hopeful.— Congress acts too late. — Reluctance to employ Indians.- Schuyler proposes a Conference with the Six Nations, and is directed to hold one.— Sullivan joins the Army, and is hopeful.— Sends Troops against the approaching British.— Sullivan's hopeful Letters Illusive.— His Troops are beaten. — Retreat of the Americans to St. John's, and TUBNCE to Isle-aux-Noix.— Final Retreat to Crown Point.^Dreadful Condition op the Army.— Cause op its Failure. — Washington summoned TO Philadelphia. — Board op War established. — General Gates ordered TO TAKE Command op the Army in Canada. — Sullivan retires.—

OaTES ASPIRES TO THE COMMAND OP THE NORTHERN DePARTMBNT.-HiS IN

STBUCTIONS.— Clashing Authority. — Schuyler sees a Rival in Gates. — Records of a Conference between Schuyler and Gates. — Congress LOWERS Gates's Assumptions. — ^Intrigues in favor of Gates, in and out OF Congress.- Schuyler's Friends 'J'2

Chapter V

The Declaration of Independence.— Its Transmission to the Army. — Arrival op German Troops, hired by the British Government. — Schuyler's Activity and Varied Labors,— Orders Gondolas to be built.- A Canal proposed.- Goes to the German Flatts to confer with the Six Nations.— Deplores Dissensions in the Army. — Tardiness of the Indians.— Opening of the Conference.- General Schuyler's Speech to THE Indians.- The Six Nations pledge themselves to be Neutral.— War Vessels on Lake Champlain. — The Royal Savage. — Arnold as Commodore.— List of Armed Vessels. — Crown Point abandoned, and why.— Censures because of that Abandonment. — Gates's Spirited Reply. — Schuyler's Letter to Washington, and the Latter's Reply.— Schuyler's Indignant Letters to Congr^Iss. — He urges a Committee of In- QUTBT.- He talks of resigning his Office.— Schuyler's Enemies and Friends at Work. — A Committee of Investigation appointed.— President Hancock's Sympathy.— Schuyler insulted by Congress.— His Spirited Letter to that Body. — Events at Charleston, and Battle on Long Island.— Battles in the Vicinity of New York. — British Fleet IN Narraganset Bay 102

CONTENTS. Vii

CHAPTEE VI.

PAGE

THE HnonG OP Qbrman Tboops.— The tekms op the Contract.— Theik Abbitai. in Canada.— Ship-bdilding on Lake Champlain. — The Babges

EMPLOYED BY THE BkITISH.— AmEEICAN VESSELS BuiLT.- SoODTING.- AK- NOLD GOES DOWN I/AEB ChaMPLAIN WITH A FLOTILLA.— AU AB8UKD MOVE- MENT. — ADVANCE OP THE Beitish Flotilla. — Naval Battle on Lake Champlain.— Its desperate character. — The A31EBICANS defeated.— British possess Crown Point, and abandon it.— Bubgoybe Succeeds Carleton. — Depabtubb op the American army. — ^Attempts to strengthen Ticondeboga.— Schuyler' s patriotism displayed. — A paction in Congress resolved to put Gates in the place op Schuyler. — Schuyler's FLANS POR THE ENSUING WINTER.— LaDY JOHNSON.— OBSTRUCTIONS IN

THE Hudson Eivee 131

Chapter VII

Washington's Triumph at Teenton. — Battle of Princeton. —Winter Quarters.- Schuyler's Letter on Affaibs in his Department. — His

PBEPARATIONS FOR THE NEXT CAMPAIGN.- He VISITS THE NEW TORK CON- VENTION.—THE Salt Springs of Central New York.— Weakness op the

TiCONDEROGA GARRISON— SCHUYLER's APPREHENSIONS.— EFFORTS AT Ee-

CEUiTiNG.- Gates and his friends intriguing against Schuyler. — A Pretext for superseding Schuyler. — Gates placed in Command of the Noethern Department 153

CHAPTEE VIII.

The New Tokk Convention ESPOuaE the cause of ScmmER.— Appoint hih

A DELEGATE IN CONGRESS.— Hb TAKES HIS SeAT.— MADE CHIEF OF THE

MajTABT IN Pennstivania. — Gates in Albany.— His hypocrisy and

MEANNESS.— A COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY APPOINTED.— ScHUYLER DETERMINED

TO RESIGN. — Urged by friends not to do so.— Change in the sentiments OP Congress. ^His memorial to Congress. — Schuyler vindicated and ordered to resume the Command of the Northern Department. — Settles his accounts. — ^Hia public reception at Albany.— Gates indignant.— His Insulting letters.— He aspires to the Chief Command of the Armies 168

CHAPTEE IX.

Gates in ill-humor.— He gobs to the Hall of Congress and is admitted TO the Floor. — His conduct there described by eye-witnesses.— Schuyler prepares to receive the British — Ticondbroga still weak. —Vermont seeks Separate Independence.— Gates's neglect of the Indians. — His Speech to them.— Schuyler's improved health.— Instructions to General St. Clair at Ticonderoga.— Rumored movements op Burgoyne. — Schuyler calls for Reinforcements.- Civil affairs in New York.— Organizing the State under a Constitution.— Schuyler holds a Council at Ticondbroga. — Its Bangers. — Appearance of a British Fleet before it. — Burgoyne in Chief Command of the Forces. Holds a Feast with the Indians. — His Speech to them. — Debate in Parliament Concerning the employment of Savages. — General Schuyler calls for Help.— Washington then watching General Howe.— Helps Schuyler all he can 183 ■

VIU CONTENTS.

CHAPTEE X.

West. — Exhortation to the People. — Occupation of a commanding position by the british.— evacuation of tloondeeoga by the americans.—the flight and pursuit.— battle at hubbabdton. — destruc- TION OP PROPERTY AT SkENESBOROUGH — ScHUTLER ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR THE DISASTER. — WlLD RUMORS. — THE EVACUATION OF TlOONDEROOA A

Mystery AT First 183

CHAPTEE XI.

Schuyler's enemies active. — He is held Responsible for the loss of

TiCONDEBOGA. — SAMUEL ADAMS DECEIVED. — AlARM SPREAD BY AbMY FUGI- TIVES.— ^British advance to Fort Anne. — A Battle there.— Account of THE Battle at HuBBAftDTON. — St. Claib's Wanderings. — Elation of the British.— Buegoyne's Proclamation.- Schuyler's Counter Peoclama- TioN. — Buegoyne's Indian Allies.— Schdylee disputes the Beitish Advance.— Conduct of the Militia.— Uttee weakness of Sohuylee's Force.— Schuyler asks for the Assistance of Brigadiers.- Generals Arnold and Lincoln sent to him.— Despondency of the People !

CHAPTEE XII.

Burgoyne moves toward the Hudson River.— Schuyler's obstructions retard his movements. — cavillings concerning the northern depart- MENT.—SoHUYLBE Cheered by Washington.- His enemies bust.— Correspondence WITH Friends.— St. Claie and his Officers take the responsibility of the Evacuation of Ticonderoga.— Effects of Slanders.— Congress deaf to Schuyler's appeals for reinforcements. — Revelation of THE situation OF AFFAIRS TO THE NEW YORK COUNCIL OF SAFETY.—

He makes the same revelations to Washington.— Reinforcements ORDERED.— Movements of the British against Philadelphia 235

CHAPTEE XIII.

Schuyler's Army below Fort Edward.— Burgoyne's general advance

Misapprehensions about Fort Edwaed.— The story of the Death of Jane McCeea.— Schuylee fai.ls back first to Saratoga, and then to Stillwater. — Congratulates George Clinton on his election to the office of Governor of the State of New York.- Burgoyne at Fort Edward. — Trouble with his savage allies. — He heabs op the Siege of Fort Schuyler. — A movement doavn the Hudson imperative. — Sends an Expedition to BENNmoTON for Supplies.- The People of New England AROUSED.— General Staek ballies his Teoops.— He eefuses to join the NoETHEEN Aemy.— Action of Genebal Schuylee and of Congbess on that eefusal 235

CONTENTS. IX

CHAPTER XIV.

PAGE PBBPABATIONS fob BATTIiE NEAR BENNINaTON.— THB BATTLE OF BENHINGTON.

— The Ajhbbioans Victorious. — The People jotfitl. — Stark thakked BT Congress. — Invasion of the Mohawk Valley begitn.— General

HSRKOfEB AND BBANT. — RESULT OF THEIR MEETING. — ThE NEUTRALITY OF

THE Mohawks at an end.— Alarm in the Mohawk Valley.— Fort Schuyler (Stanwix) Intested.— The Garrison determined.— St. Leqee's Proclamation.—The People more Courageous 265

CHAPTER XV.

Herkimer hastens to the Relief of Fort Schuyler.— Battle at Obis- KANY. — The brave Herkimer wounded. — The fierceness of the battle. —The Americans Victorious.— The Siege of Fort Schuyler continued. The Garrison obstinate.— Colonel Willett's rebuke of a British officer.— Demand for a Surrender contemptuously Refused.— A Proclamation BY Tory leaders.— Word sent to General Schuyler.- He SENDS Arnold with Troops to the Relief of Fort Schuyler 877

CHAPTER XVI.

General Arnold's Troops.— .A successful Trick.— The Indians frightened AND RUN. — Retreat of the Besiegers. — Arnold's Counter Proclamation.—The Repulse from Fort Schuyler, and the Defeat at Bennington, cripple Burgotne.— His hopes wane.— His great Perplexity.—The Patriots encouraged.— Schuyler falls back to the Mouth of the Mohawk. — Victory over Burgoyne assured.— The Gates faction triumphant. — Gates supersedes Schuyler in Command of the Northern Department.— Schuytjsr's Patriotism unmoved by Ill-usage. — A Noble Letter to Congress !

CHAPTER XVII.

General Schuyler the victim of a Conspiracy.— Gates and his Friends Schuyler''s persistent Enemies. — Their Malicious Conduct, — Action of Congress on the subject of Schuyler's Removal. — Letters to Schuyler. ■'—Impertinent Letter to Washington from Gates's friends. — Washington resents it.— Schuyler receives Gates cordially. — Gates treats HI5I Contemptuously. — Schuyler patriotically serves his country without a Command.— Sympathizing Letters to Schuyler.— Schuyler urges an Investigation. — His Trial and honorable Acquittal.—Elected to a Seat in Congress !

chapter XVIII.

ScEnjYLBR's Clean Record. — Letter of General Glover. — Schuyler's HiLiTARY Character never Assailed for more than Sixty Years.- Daniel Webster's Opinion of Him. — The Lips of Slander SILENT.- His Character attacked by an eminent Historian.— Nature

OP THE ATTACK. — Hl9 CHARACTER DEFENDED. — ScHUYLER's RESIGNATION

ACCEPTED. — Review of his Military Career i

X u u JN i ji JN i a.

CHAPTEE XIX.

PAGH

The Incompetbnot op Congress.— fePLUENCE of Fokeign OFrioEBS.— Ample

HELP afforded TO GATES. — HiS FOOLISH LETTER TO BURGOTira;. — BUR-

gotne's reply. — Strength of Gates's Armt. — He adtancbs to Bbmis' Heights.— BxTRQOYNE crosses the Hudson at Saratoga, and moves Southward.—Schuyler GIVES HIS Services to his Country.— Influences the Indians.— Gates**s Jealousy of Schuyler and Arnold.— Disposal of the American and British Armies.— Preparations for Battle.— First Battle on Bemis' Heights.— The Victory gained by Arnold in spite of Gates, — They Quarrel.— Arnold persuaded to Remain 333

CHAPTER XX.

Burootne in a desperate condition. — Eeceives a Message from Sir Henry Clinton promising Aid.— Encouraged by Howe's Victory on the Brandywine.— Clinton deceives General Putnam.— He attacks and captures Forts Clinton and Montgomery.— A Spy with a Note from Clinton to BimooTNE.- A Marauding Fleet gobs up the Hudson.— Kingston Burnt. —Arnold urges Gates to attack Burgoyne. —Gates repels his "impertinent MEDDLING."— BURGOYNE PERPLEXED.— PREPARES FOR BaTTLE. —

Second Battle on Bemis' Heights.— Arnold not allowed to engage in IT.— He goes in spite of Gates, and again is a Leader to Victory.— Gates's ignoble conduct 353

CHAPTER XXI.

Death and Burial op the British General Praser.- Burgoyne's shattered ARMY RETREAT TO SARATOGA. — PURSUED BY THE AM ERIC ANS. -DE- STRUCTION OP Schuyler's property. —Burgoyne vainly attempts a Further Retreat, — He proposes to Surrender. — The conditions fixed. —Surrender of Burgoyne.— The hospitality of General Schuyler described by the Baroness de Riedesel — Trumbull's Picture of the Surrender.— The Prisoners and Trophies. — A contrast.— The disposal OF THE Prisoners.— Burgoyne and his Suite, and Major-General Riedesel, ENTERTAINED BY SCHUYLER IN ALBANY.- BURGOYNE'S TRIBUTE TO

Schuyler's generosity. — ^Anecdote 353

CHAPTER XXII.

Effects of the Surrender of Burgoyne.— Gates's Pride Aj>rD Meanness. — Wilkinson BEFORE Congress.— Gates dreams op superseding Washingson.~He attempts to defeat the Commander-in-Chtep's Plans.— Hamilton SENT TO GATESWITH ORDERS.— He DEFEATS A SCHEME IN WHICH PUTNAM WAS USED AS A TOOL. — A GATES FACTION TRY TO RUIN WASHINGTON. — " CON-

way's Cabal. "^Gates at the Head op a new Board of War. — A Winter Campaign against Canada. — Effort to seduce Lafayette. — The Expedition ABANDONED. — LAPAYETTE DISCOVERS THE WICKEDNESS OP THE

Conspirators.— Conciliatory Bills and Commissioners. — The French Alliance.— Schuyler's Services as Commissioner for Indian Affaieb. — He serves his Country without Pat.— A Council with the Indians.— The majority of the Six Nations hostile. — Preparations for War with THEM. — Brant and his War parties. — The British retreat from Philadelphia. — Battle of Monmouth. — Events in Rhode Island, — Schuyler defeats a new project for Invading Canada.— He takes his Seat in Congress.— He is continually consulted by Washington and Congress gsg

COS^TENTS. Xi

CHAPTER XXIII.

PAGE

Indian Atbooities cai.l fob Chastisement.— Suu-ivan's Campaign into THE Genesee Country. — The bbbadful ketribution by the Indians.— Marauders on the Coast. — Sir John Johnson penetrates to the Mohawk Valley. — Governor Cunton sends Troops against him. — He successfully Retreats.—Extra Session of the New York Legislature.— General Schuyler much at Washington's Head-quarters. — Colonel Hamilton and Miss Schuyler. — General Schuyler hastens to Albany. —New Intasions threatened. — Gives information continually.— Invasions from the West and North.— Invaders driven out of the Mohawk Valley and its vicinity. — Political Movements in Vermont. — Schuyler's Services appreciated there.— Intention of the Invasions. —The Treason of Arnold.- The War in the South 401

CHAPTER XXIV.

The National Finances. — Robert Morris and General Schuyler.— Attempt to Abduct Schuyler. — ^His Plate carried off and heard prom. — Threats of another Invasion from the North. — General Stark stationed at Saratoga.— The Surrender op Cornwallis.— Its peaceful TENDENCY.— End op the War. — Treaty of Peace.^Evacuation of New York by British Troops.— Washington Resigns his Commission.— Seditious Movements at Newburg.— Patriotism op the Army.- Washington's Influence 410

CHAPTER XXV.

The Government of New York.— General Schuyler a Member op its Senate. — Yet Chairman op the Board op Commissioners for Indian Affairs.- Survbtor-Genebal of the State.— He secures Justice foe the friendly Indians.— Schuyler has no faith in the Confederation op States.— Favors measures fob a strong National Government. — Inspires Hamilton with desires for the same .^Hamilton's views op good Government. — Schuyler chosen a delegate to a Convention at Hartford.—Defects op the Articles op Confederation. — Two National Conventions.— The second one forms our National Constitution.— Schuyler's Plan op Government.— The leaders in the National Convention.—Convention IN THE State op New York to consider the New Constitution.— It ratifies that instrument.- Celebration in honor op

THE EVENT AT ALBANY.— THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE NATION LAID 428

CHAPTER XXVI.

Cessation of Political Strife.— Lettee feom Washington to Sohutlek. — Eetival of the Strife.— Paeties in New York.- The form of Government IN THAT State.— SoHCTLEE A Member of the Council of Appointment.—First members of the National Congebss. — An Unsuccessful Coalition.— SoHUTLER elected U. S. Senator.— He favors Hamilton's

FINANCIAL SCHEMES —SCHUTLER DEFEATED ET AARON BURR.- EFFECTS OF

THE French Revolution.— Jefferson's suspicions.— The Federalist and Republican parties.- Reign of Terror in France.— Effects of Feench

XU CONTENTS.

/ PAGE

Demockact in America.—" Citizen " Genet.— His interpbbencb inpdblio

AFFAIRS— WASmNSTON'S NEUTBAUTT PROCLAMATION.— FRENCH PBITATEERS.

—Genet recalibd.— New York Politics.— Jay's Treaty.— SoHnTiER's Plan of Reform.— Chosen to a Seat in the 0. S. Senate. — Letter from Washington to Schuyler 445

CHAPTEE XXVII.

schtrriier's canal projects.— claims to their paternity considered.— Elkanah Watson and his canal projects.— His journets op observation. —Canal Act.— Canal Companies formed.— Schuyler chosen President OF THEM.— Weston and Brunel, engineers, employed.— Thomas Eddy AND THE Erie Canal. — Schuyler's later explorations.— His Afflictions. —Death op GtEneral Hamilton. — Its effects upon Schuyler. ^His letters ON THE SUBJECT.- Death and Funeral of General Schuyler. — Monument erected to his memory. — His person and character.- His usefulness estimated by a contemporary 464