My principal concern arises from an apprehension, that you will impute my refusal of your request to other motives than those I have expressed; but I beg you to be assured, I am only influenced by the reasons which I have mentioned.
I am, dear Sir,
Your obedient, humble servant,
G. Washington.
Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton.
SCHUYLER TO HAMILTON.
Saratoga, April 29, 1781.
My Dear Sir:
The troops here are destitute of meat, and I fear will abandon the post; the inhabitants in consternation, and preparing to fly, since they have heard of the arrival of some of the enemy’s shipping at Crown Point. Flour we can procure for the present, I having, on my own account, purchased one hundred barrels about twelve miles from this. If beef is sent up so as to enable the troops to remain, an engineer will be absolutely necessary to construct two or three small fortifications.
I am, dear Sir,
Most affectionately and sincerely,
Yours, etc., etc.,
Ph. Schuyler.