Saratoga, Oct. 19th, 1780.
Dear Sir:
Your favor of the 12th inst., I had the pleasure to receive last night. Major Carlton, as you will have heard, has been down to the vicinity of this place, at the head of eight hundred British, about two hundred enlisted tories, and as many Indians. Fort Ann and Fort George fell into his hands; he burnt Kings and Queensborough townships, and the north part of this district, to within five miles of my house. The three months’ men have evacuated Fort Edward, so that I have nobody between me and the enemy except two poor families, and about one hundred militia with me; on the 17th about one hundred and fifty of the enemy burnt Balstown, which lies about twenty miles below me and about twelve miles west of the road leading to Albany; another party is about eighteen miles east of me, where they have burnt about ten houses. The very valuable settlement of Schoharie, which lays west of Albany, was also entirely consumed on the 17th instant. Thus are we surrounded from every quarter, and the inhabitants flying down the country. I believe my turn will be in a few days, unless troops are sent up. Carlton is at Ticonderoga and Mount Independence, and waits a reinforcement, which is momentarily expected; my informant says he intends a second tour to destroy the settlements on this river, as far as to where the Mohawk River falls into it, which is about twenty-four miles below this. I most sincerely wish that some continental troops were hastened up for the protection of the county. I entreated Van Schaick to remain.
P. Schuyler.
Col. Hamilton, from
Gen’l Schuyler.
HARRISON TO HAMILTON.
October 27, 1780.
My Dear Hamilton:
We are only leaving Philadelphia. The most flattering attentions have been paid to Meade and myself, and such as would not permit us to progress before, unless we had shown ourselves entirely disregardless of the great world. Besides, motives of a public nature concurred to make us stay thus long. From all I have seen and heard, there is a good disposition in Congress to do all they can for the army and the public interest; and there are many very sensible men among them. In general, they are most warmly attached to the General; and his recommendations will have their weight while the same spirit prevails. It is said there has been infinitely more harmony among them for some time past, than has appeared since the first years of their appointment. I am not, however, without some apprehension, that if they proceed in the case of Lee, etc., the MONSTER (PARTY) may show itself again, and that we may have a second edition of the measures adopted in the instance of Deane. Our friends Sullivan and Carroll have been of great service: and gentlemen who are, or pretend to be, in the secrets of the cabinet, say they have contributed immeasurably, by their independent conduct, to destroy the EASTERN ALLIANCE. Bland is very clever, and without question wishes to push on in the true and right road. Grayson says this is the best Congress we have had since the first. Our dear Laurens respects many of the members: and General Greene’s appointment, I believe, is entirely consonant to the wishes of Congress in general, though we have heard there were members much disposed, if facts had not been so obstinate, to excuse General Gates. The former is here, and I suppose will set out in a day or two. Meade and I will serve him all we can. We have done what we could already. Apropos, you delivered him my letter. Our finances are entirely deranged, and there is little or no money in the treasury. I believe they are a subject of much consideration and puzzlement. The supplies of the army are also matters of present attention, but I don’t know what will be done. I hope we shall, by Christmas, have some clothing from the West Indies, if the moth have not destroyed it: a quantity, it is said, has been lying there. It is much to be wished that General Greene were at the South. The delegates from that quarter think the situation of Cornwallis delicate, and that by management, and a proper application and use of the force there, the late check given Furguson might be improved into the Earl’s total defeat. This, I fear, is too much even to hope. The sending the Baron is considered, as far as I have heard, perfectly right, and Lee’s corps give great satisfaction. I am just about to mount my horse, and therefore shall say but little more. Laurens will write unto you in a few days, I suppose, and communicate any new occurrences. My love to the lads of the family. The same to you. May you be long happy. My most respectful compliments to the General.
Most truly and affectionately,
Rob. H. Harrison.