Call Number:

C1550

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

• 1 box
• 0.21 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Philip Schuyler Letters, Box and Folder Number; Manuscripts Division, Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1775 (inclusive)

Creator:

Schuyler, Philip John, 1733-1804

Form:

Correspondence -- 18th century

Abstract:

This collection consists of eight letters and documents written by Philip J. Schuyler to Captain Cornelius Van Dyke, Colonel Goose Van Schaik, Richard Varick, and Reverend [Eilardus] Westerlo. Most of the letters were written from Ticonderoga, as well as from Saratoga and Albany, July 24 1775–December 1775.

Philip John Schuyler (1733-1804) was a general in the American Revolutionary War and a U.S. Senator from New York. He was born in Albany, New York, to a third-generation Dutch American family. In 1775 he was elected to the Continental Congress and served until he was appointed a Major General of the Continental Army. Schuyler was elected to the First U.S. Congress in 1789 and served until 1791 when he lost his seat to Aaron Burr (1756-1836). Schuyler was married to Catherine Van Rensselaer, with whom he had 15 children (8 surviving into adulthood) including Elizabeth Schuyler, who became the wife of Alexander Hamilton.

Philip John Schuyler (1733-1804) was a general in the American Revolutionary War and a U.S. Senator from New York. He was born in Albany, New York, to a third-generation Dutch American family. In 1775 he was elected to the Continental Congress and served until he was appointed a Major General of the Continental Army. Schuyler was elected to the First U.S. Congress in 1789 and served until 1791 when he lost his seat to Aaron Burr (1756-1836). Schuyler was married to Catherine Van Rensselaer, with whom he had 15 children (8 surviving into adulthood) including Elizabeth Schuyler, who became the wife of Alexander Hamilton.

A collection of eight documents including autographed letters and drafts from General Philip John Schuyler related to preparations at Fort Ticongeroga for the invasion of Quebec, 1775. This invasion was the first major military initiative by the newly formed Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Five of the letters are written to Colonel Goose Van Schaik, and one each to Captain Cornelius Van Dyk, Richard Varick, and Reverend [Eilardus] Westerlo.

In his letter to Captain Cornelius Van Dyck from Fort Ticonderoga on July 24, General Schuyler orders him to move his men back to post at Schenectady and prepare them for eventual conflict. Writing to Colonel Goose Van Schaik from Saratoga on August 19, Schuyler orders him to dispatch a retinue to Fort Stanwix and to remain there until further orders. On October 14 General Schuyler writes again, acknowledging receipt of powder. Another letter from November 9 instructs Van Schaik to proceed to Fort George as he anticipated the early return of the troops from Canada. The draft letter to Reverend Westerlo, who was pastor of the Dutch Reformed Church in Albany, where Schuyler most likely worshipped, asks Westerlo to "pray for a Speedy and happy reconciliation with the Mother Country."