USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > The annals of Albany, Vol. VII > Part 15
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The delegate chosen by this body to represent the city and county of Albany, was Philip Schuyler.
There does not seem to be any transaction recorded in the Minutes of the Convention having special reference to Albany.
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PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
This body met in the city of New York on the 22d of May, 1775. The deputies for the city and county of Albany produced a certificate of the committees of the city and nineteen out of the twenty districts of the coun- ty, by which it appears that the following persons were elected deputies for the said city and county:
Robert Yates, Walter Livingston,
Abraham Yates,
Robert Van Rensselaer,
Volkert P. Douw,
Henry Glenn,
Jacob Cuyler,
Abraham Ten Broeck,
Peter Silvester,
Francis Nicoll.
Dirck Swart, *
On the 1st of June a letter from the subcommittee of the city and county of Albany, covering a number of papers relating to the state of the country, was received bearing date May 26th; after enumerating which, they proceed to state :
" We now shall take notice of the New York commit- tee's letter to us, of the 28th instant, enclosing the reso- lution of the Continental Congress, from which we find that the reduction of Ticonderoga by our forces is ap- proved of, and recommending us to proceed with all pos- sible dispatch, with a sufficient body of forces etc., to the northward, and to remove the canon and 'stores from Ticonderoga to the south end of Lake George. We are now busy to raise two companies, cach composed of fifty men, in order to go up on said expedition, whom we expect will be in readiness to march in two or three days. But, gentlemen, there are a number of very material difficulties that immediately arise. We have no ammu-
* Did not appear.
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nition ; all the powder already gone up, with what we can possibly collect, yet among us, will not amount to above 2501b. And with so small a quantity it is impos- sible for us to do anything of consequence. Nor can we possibly conceive how the Provincial forces can maintain these northern posts, or withstand the attack of the British troops from Quebec, who are, from the best intelligence we collect, preparing as fast as possible to come down, in order to retake those places from us-an enterprise, if by them undertaken and completed, will introduce our enemies into the very bowels of our country. We beg of you, gentlemen, without delay to take these important matters into your most serious and immediate considera- tion, and afford us the necessary assistance in this our distressed situation; and send us up, with all possible speed, a sufficient quantity of powder, without which nothing can possibly be done. We likewise stand in need of blankets, pitch, tar, oakum, nails, spikes, gin, ropes, camp kettles, intrenching tools, &c., and some rice, oatmeal and barley &c. Also, for the sloop and schooner, two mates, two gunners, two gunners' mates, two boat- swains, and eighteen seamen, agreeable to Col. Arnold's list; copy enclosed, No. 15. All which you will be pleased to cause to be sent up to us with all possible des- patch.
" We would beg you likewise to take into considera- tion some mode or plan for raising and paying our forces. The one which we have adopted here pro hac vice, until you conclude upon a better one. we enclose you a copy.
To which the following reply was made:
" IN PROVINCIAL CONGRESS, "At New York, June 1st, 1775.
" GENTLEMEN-Agreeable to the minute of the Grand Congress, we (being unable as you know to garrison Ticonderoga, Crown Point or Fort George, ) made appli. cation to the eastern Colonies for their assistance. In our letter to Governor Trumbull, of Connecticut, we desire him to order troops on that service, and inform him that it is our intention that the commanding officer of those troops should be the commander of the forts by them
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garrisoned. We moreover request him, to give orders to such officer to use great diligence to prevent any inroads into Canada, This morning we have received his Honor's and the Assembly's answer, of which we send you a copy.
" You will find that one thousand men are already on their way to the frontier country; their commanding officer is Colo. Hinman, wherefore we beg you will inform all persons in that part of the country of his appoint- ment.
.
" We have at present no powder in this city, nor can we possibly tell you when we shall have any. The rea- son of this uncertainty is, that the British Ministry have taken measures to prevent supplies of powder from com- ing to America, from any part of Europe. But you will easily see that though such attempts may delay, they cannot prevent us from getting some. Should the Indi- ans again mention their uneasiness on the subject of pow- der, it will, as we conceive, be proper to mention to them the endeavor of Great Britain to hinder both them and us from obtaining any.
"We have received your despatches of the 26th ulto., and already forwarded copies to the Grand Congress.
We are, gentlemen,
" Your most obedient, hum. servants.
" To Doct'r. Samuel Stringer, Chairman of
the Sub-Committee of the City and County of Albany."
On the 6th June the following letter from the commit- tec at Albany was read :
Albany Committee Chamber, 2d June, 1775.
GENTS .- In consequence of a letter from this commit- tee to Govr. Trumbull, dated 27th ult. we received his answer of the 30th, whereof you have a copy enclosed, and from which it appears that you have sent them a re- solve with a request to send up forces to Ticonderoga, &c., in consequence whereof, one thousand of them are now on their way. You will therefore be pleased to send up with all possible despatch, a sufficient supply of pro-
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visions (except flour, peas and bread, which we can sup- ply them with) and other necessaries, for which purpose we send you enclosed a copy of a list from Colo. Arnold's letter to us of the 29th ult.
" We have, in the alarm above, raised several com- panies to go up to Ticonderoga, &c. two of which are on their way up. This we did in consequence, first, of the resolution of the Continental Congress of the 18th ulto .; secondly, of the letter from the New York committee, enclosing said resolve, dated the 20th ult .; and thirdly, Colo. Arnold's letter to us requiring immediate assistance. But on our receipt of the above letter from Govr. Trum- bull, we are in great doubts with respect to our men already raised in this county, and those who stand ready to march up. . As we know not the nature of the resolve you have sent to Govr. Trumbull, and hisletter contains a clause that these one thousand forces are to continue at Ticonderoga, &c. until relieved by the troops from this Colony, &c.
" We should be extremely glad to have plain, explicit instructions from time to time, that we need not wander astray, and act contrary to your intentions and the gen- eral good of the public.
" There are some troops (twelve in number) taken by the Provincial Forces from St. John's, who are now in this city, and who daily call upon this committee for the common necessaries of life-but can give the commis- sioners or agents no directions in the premises, as these instructions from you will not warrant them to supply them with provisions, although they have been hitherto supplied out of the Provincial Store. But we would be glad of your resolution on this matter, and let us know whether we should supply these troops any longer, or let them be supported from the provisions here in the King's Store; and upon the whole, what would you have us do with them, as they are only a burthen to us. Please to take these matters into your immediate consideration, and send us your resolution in consequence thereof, and you will oblige, gent. " Your most humble servt.
(" By order of the committee,)
SAML. STRINGER, Chairman, P. T.'
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Provincial Congress.
Ordered, That the powder which Mr. Peter T. Curte- nius has in his custody, be sent to the committee at Al- bany, to be by them retained; and that Mr. Curtenius write to the committee and acquaint them therewith.
Ordered, That the gentlemen who are Deputies for the city and county of Albany, and Mr. Richard Lawrence, be a committee to prepare a draft of an answer to the letter this day received from the committee at Albany, and that they make report with all convenient speed.
June 7th, 1775
The order of the day being read, the Congress resumed the consideration of the letter from the Delegates of this Colony, at the Continental Congress, and after some time spent therein, the Congress unanimously resolved and agreed, that Collo. Philip Schuyler is the most proper person in this Colony to be recommended as a major- general, and Richard Montgomerie, Esqr. as a brigadier- general. And
Ordered, That Mr. Scott and Mr. Morris be a commit- tee to prepare and report the draft of a letter to our Delegates at the Continental Congress, informing them of our sentiments on this subject, and the reasons of our choice.
The committee appointed for that purpose, reported à draft of a report of additional artificers and stores to be forwarded to Ticonderoga. The same was read and agreed to, and is in the words and figures following, to wit:
" The committee having considered the requisition on this colony, made by Colo. B. Arnold, commandant at Ticonderoga, for provisions, stores, &c. transmitted to this Congress by the committee of Albany, and at the same time compared it with the list of supplies already ordered to be sent, do report that the following additional stores, &c. ought to be provided and sent :
12 ship carpenters and caulkers. 1 do 2 do 100 fathoms
2 gun smiths
2 blacksmiths.
2 masons.
40 lb. sewing twine.
10 doz of sail and colt rope needles.
20 broad axes.
1 doz. palms.
,
4 ps ravens duck.
100 hatchets.
1 do 14 do each.
10 men of the train of artillery. 1 coil 22 inch rope.
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Provincial Congress.
50 spades.
50 hoes.
The iron work for 4 gins and blocks; S falls for do. of 44 inch rope.
2 seines, 30 fathom long, capt. 12 feet, and arms 6 feet deep, of coarse twine, meshes 1 2 inches square.
2 doz. nail hammers.
1 fagot of steel.
" As to the oxen, carts, &c. mentioned in the said re- quisition, your committee are of opinion that those can be procured in the neighbourhood of that post."
Ordered, That a copy thereof be made and delivered to Peter T. Curtenius, and that he be desired to obtain the said artificers, men and stores, and forward the same to Albany with all possible despatch.
The same committee also reported the draft of a letter to the committee of Albany, which was read and approved of, and is in the words following, to wit:
"NEW YORK PROVINCIAL CONGRESS, June 7th, 1775.
"GENT .- Before this comes to hand you will be fur- nished with our directions, dated Ist inst. We are con- vinced of the necessity of giving you explicit instructions respecting your conduct, but the variety of business in which this Congress has been engaged, and the time which is necessarily taken up in our friendly intercourse with the Continental Congress and the Colony of Connecticut, does necessarily occasion at times an apparent delay in our directions to you. We highly approve of your zeal and activity in raising troops, but request you not to pro- ceed in making farther levies, until further orders.
" The two companies raised in our county, and already on their march, you will suffer to proceed to join the forces at Ticonderoga ; but must observe to you, that by the di- rections of the Continental Congress, their pay will stand on the same footing with that of the eastern Colonies, without allowing bounties or clothing to the men ; and that they are to continue in the service until the last day of December next, unless the Continental Congress shall di- rect that they be sooner disbanded.
" Those companies which are under your direction formed, and not sent up, you will continue in pay, if your
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engagement with them will not justify your discharging them, and request that you send to this Congress a return of the officers and men in each company.
" The troops taken at St. John's, who are with you, should remain at liberty, and they may probably be of service in instructing your inhabitants the military exer- cise. If they refuse earning their bread, in this or any other way, it is, however, the intention of this Congress that they shall receive their subsistence out of the Colony provisions. .
" Enclosed we send you a copy of a letter from the Con- tinental Congress, and their resolve respecting the appoint- ment of commissaries for receiving supplies of provisions at Albany.
" Enclosed is also a copy of a resolve of the Grand Congress to discourage any incursions into Canada, but this has in some measure been anticipated by a former resolution of this House, (already published, ) as well as your request respecting our letter to Govr. Trumbull, a copy of which has been sent you by Colo. Ten Broek.
" We are, &c."
Ordered, That a copy of the said letter to the commit- tee of Albany -be engrossed, signed by the President, and transmitted.
The gentlemen appointed a committee for that purpose, reported drafts of two several letters to the Delegates of this Colony, at the Grand Continental Congress, which were severally read and approved, and are in the words following, to wit:
" PROVINCIAL CONGRESS, " New York, June 7th, 1775. " To the Delegates in Congress.
" GENTLEMEN-The Colonies of Massachusetts and Connecticut have formed their respective armies, and nominated to the general command of them. The suppo- sition that in case a continental army should be established by authority of your respectable body, their officers will be permitted to preserve their respective ranks, appears to us highly probable. In this view, we think it not im-
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probable that we shall be called on for a recommendation to fill the offices in the military appointment of this Colony. We take the liberty for the present, to furnish you with our sentiments on the appointment of a major and briga- dier-general, and submit them to your superior wisdom, either for use or concealment: our only motive is to pre- vent a delay that might otherwise be occasioned by an opinion you may entertain of the necessity of asking our sentiments on that subject.
"Courage, prudence, readiness in expedients, nice per- ception, sound judgment, and great attention-these are a few of the natural qualities, which appear to us to be proper. To these ought to be added an extensive acquaint- ance with the sciences, particularly the various branches of mathematic knowledge, long practice in the military art, and above all a knowledge of mankind. On a general, in America, fortune, also, should bestow her gifts, that he may rather communicate lustre to his dignities,-than re- ceive it ; and that his country, in his property, his kindred and connections, may have sure pledges that he will faith- fully perform the duties of his high office, and readily lay down his power when the general weal requires it. Since we can not do all that we wish, we will go as far towards it as we can. And, therefore, you will not be surprised to hear, that we are unanimous in the choice of Colo. Philip Schuyler and Capt. Richard Montgomerie, to the offices of major and brigadier generals. If we knew how to recom- mend them to your notice more strongly than by telling you that after considering the qualifications above stated, these gentlemen were approved of, without a single dissent, our regard to the public service would certainly lead us to do it in the most forcible terms. Nor will we enter into a minute detail of the characters and situations of two gentlemen, with whom our Delegates can not but be ac- quainted. In a word, we warmly recommend them, be- cause we have no doubts but that their appointment will give general satisfaction.
Mr. John N. Bleecker sent in a return of stores and provisions which have been received at Albany from New York, of the quantities forwarded to Fort George, and of
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such as yet remain at Albany or have been there expended. The said return was read and filed.
A letter from John Bay, Secretary of the committee of Albany, was read, and is in the words following, to wit;
" Albany, 16th June, 1775.
"SIR-By order of the committee of this city and county, of the 15th inst, you have enclosed a copy of a letter from the Revd. Samuel Kirkland, missionary among the Onida Indians.
"I am, Sir, your humble servt. "JOHN BAY, Secry. P. T.
[This letter of Mr. Kirkland's related the manner in which Col. Johnston forbade his missionary labors, under a jealousy of his influence with the Indians in favor of the liberal party.]
A letter from the committee at Albany was read, and is in the words following, to wit :
Albany, 17th June, 1775.
" GENT .- You have enclosed, by order of the committee, a request of Adonijah Strong. (Deputy Commissary,) to the committee of this city and county.
" I am gent. your humble servt, " JOHN BAY, Secry. P. T."
The request of Adonijah Strong mentioned and enclosed in Mr. Bay's letter, being read,
Ordered, That the same be put on the file.
A letter from the committee at Albany was read, and is in the words following, to wit:
" ALBANY COMMITTEE CHAMBER, June 21st, 1775.
" GENTLEMEN-Mr. Dirck Swart, a member of this board, who is just returned from Crown Point, brings us the following intelligence : That one Mr. Hay, who lives about forty miles up Lake Champlain, came down to Crown Point, who told Colo. Benedict Arnold, and others, that he had been at Montreal for some flour; that Governor Darleton had him seized and confined for several days; hat by the interposition of the English merchants of that
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Provincial Congress.
place, he received liberty to return home, and that the merchants, who procured him the pass from the Lieutenant- Governor, desired him to go down to Crown Point and Ticonderoga with all speed, and communicate to the com- mander of those fortresses that the French Cachnawaga Indians had taken up the hatchet, but that they refused to go out upon any scouts, until nine of their men who were then out returned, and that Governor Carleton was giving them presents daily.
" We are very sorry to inform you that from a number of corroborating circumstances, we have but too much rea- son to believe the above information to be true, and more especially as the troops, which amount to about six hun- dred men, suffer no persons coming up the lake to pass St. John's, if they can avoid it, where they are building floating batteries and boats, Mr. Swart also acquaints us that Mr. Hay said that Governor Carleton had asked the English merchants to take up arms against the Yankees, (to make use of his own phraseology,) that the merchants refused, upon which he told them he would set the town on fire, which the merchants said he was welcome to do; and added they could carry as much fire as himself. Mr. Hay also desired Mr. Swart, if he should happen to meet Mr. Price, he should request him not to proceed, as the English merchants in Canada conceive it unsafe for him.
" The forces above are in no proper state of defence, principally owing to the scarcity of powder, of which article we have not been able to send up more with the supply we have received from you, than three hundred and fifty pounds, which quantity is altogether insufficient to answer the purposes intended, and of little service in case of an attack. We can further inform you, this city is not half supplied, nor have the frontier inhabitants either powder or arms, for which applications have been and daily are making to us. We must therefore beg you will afford us all the assistance in your power, and send us per the first opportunity, such an additional quantity as you can con- veniently spare.
" We must also beg of you to send us seventy-eight blankets, for so many of the men enlisted in this county,
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who are now at Fort George, without any. As also some money to pay the companies, as they are very uneasy and threaten to desert; two of their officers are now in town, and declare that they dare not return without some cash to satisfy their men.
" We thought it our indispensible duty to inform you of these matters; therefore, send them you per express.
" We are, gent. " Your very humble servts. " By order of the Committee.
" SAML. STRINGER, Chairman.
" To the gentlemen of the Provincial
Congress of the Colony of New York."
Ordered, That Mr. Peter T. Curtenius purchase seventy- eight blankets and forward the same to the committee at Albany, with all possible dispatch. And,
Ordered, That Mr. Abraham Yates write a private let- ter to the committee, in answer to their letter.
A draft of a letter to John N. Bleecker and four other persons, formerly appointed agents at Albany, was read and approved, and is in the words following:
" IN PROVINCIAL CONGRESS, " New York, June 29th, 1775. 5
" GENTLEMEN-We have received a letter from Mr. Elisha Phelps of the 22d instant, informing us, that in the absence of Mr. Bleecker, he was refused the provisions and stores left in his custody, and designed for the troops at Lake Champlain, &c.
" You will perceive by the enclosed copy of an order of the Continental Congress, that the appointment of Com- missary in that department, is left to the disposal of that government, or the General of the forces of Connec- ticut.
" And it appears to us by a letter from Governor Trum- bull, dated the 19th instant, that Mr. Phelps is appointed Commissary, and that he doubts not he will conduct with prudence and good satisfaction; that he has directed him to correspond with Col. Hinman, to employ persons al- ready engaged, especially George Palmer, Esqr.
[ Annals vii.] 19
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Provincial Congress.
*"' You will please, therefore, to deliver up to him, or his order, all the supplies of provisions and stores in your hands and custody for the said forces, and take his receipt for every thing you deliver him, and send us an account of all such stores as you have issued to the troops or shall deliver to the said Commissary, and your account of ex- penses to this time.
" To the Commissaries at Albany,
" Appointed by the Provincial Congress."
" Philadelphia, 30th June, 1775.
" P. S. Since writing the above, the Congress have requested the Com. of Philadelphia, immediately to send forward 50 quarter casks of powder; it set out this day, consigned to the committee of Elizabeth Town, who will send it to Dobbs's ferry-you will provide for its being im- mediately taken from thence and carried to Albany, for the use of the troops at Ticonderoga and Crown Point. " To PETER VAN BRUGH LIVINGSTON, Esqr,
President of the Provincial Congress at New York."
Mr. Pye offered to go to Dobbs's ferry to take care of the powder mentioned in the letter from the New York Delegates ; and thereupon an order was signed by the Pre- sident pro tempore, and delivered to Mr. Pye as the bear- er, directing the person or persons who shall have the said powder to deliver it to Mr. Pye, taking his receipt for the same. And also another order was made, signed as afore- said, and delivered to Mr. Pye, directing him to deliver the said fifty quarter casks of powder to such person or master of a sloop as may have an order from this Con- gress for that purpose.
A draft of a letter to the committee of the city of Al. " bany concerning the said 50 quarter casks of powder, was read and approved of, and is in the words following, to wit:
" PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. " New York, July 3d, 1775.
" GENTLEMEN-You will receive by the bearer 50 quar- ter casks of gunpowder, sent from Philadelphia by the Continental Congress, for the use of the forts at Crown- point and Ticonderoga, You are sensible of the necessity
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of forwarding it with all possible dispatch and safety, and will doubtless duly attend to a matter of so much import- ance.
" We are, gentlemen, your humble servts. "By order of the Provincial Congress.
" To SAMUEL STRINGER, Esqr. Chairman of
the Committee at Albany."
Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, signed by the President pro tempore, and delivered to the Albany members, to be transmitted by such skipper as they shall direct to stop for and receive the said powder.
A letter from General Schuyler was read, and is in the words following, to wit:
New York, July 3d, 1775.
" GENTLEMEN-I do myself the honour to enclose you an estimate of such stores, &c, as at present appear to me necessary to be forwarded to Albany. The pitch, oakum and nails, I wish to have sent with all possible dispatch. I am very certain that a variety of other articles will be wanted which I shall be better able to ascertain after my arrival at Albany, for which place I propose setting out tomorrow.
" I am informed that a considerable quantity of lead was found at Ticonderoga ; but if it should not equal my ex- pectations, I may be exposed to insurmountable difficulties. I, therefore, wish that at least half of the quantity which I have estimated, may be ordered up without delay, to- gether with 50 casks of powder, which I am advised will be sent you from Philadelphia.
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