Beschreibung:

SCHUYLER, Philip John Major General, Continental Army . Autograph letter signed ("Ph: Schuyler") to Colonel Richard Varick, Albany, 21 September 1777. 1 pages, folio, integral autograph address panel, seal tear, small hole at top of page 1 not affecting text, otherwise fine. VICTORY AT FREEMAN'S FARM AND DISCORD BETWEEN GATES AND BENEDICT ARNOLD. A letter in which the former commander in the northern theater expresses elation at the American success over Burgoyne in the first battle of Saratoga (19 September): "I am exceedingly happy that the affair of the 19th has turned out so much to an advantage." However, news of the disagreements between General Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold at Saratoga had reached Schuyler: "A report prevails that a second fricas has happened between Genl. Gates and Genl. Arnold, but the Occasion is not mentioned." Schuyler, resentful at being replaced by Gates as Commander of the forces at Ticonderoga, naturally favors Arnold when he writes: "I hope it is not of such a nature as to Oblige that Gallant Officer to leave the army. If he does I shall be very far indeed from being so easy as I feel myself In the reflection that he is with you. Pray advise me what has happened." He concludes: "...Pray where is Gen: Lincoln? and what accounts have you from him?" Gates and Arnold were bitterly at odds, and the Commander had relieved Arnold of command, but he remained with the army until the next phase of the battle, on 7 October. Without any authority, Arnold joined the battle at Bemis Heights, and personally led an attack on the British entrenchments and two redoubts manned by Hessians. Varick was a supporter of Arnold and became his A.D.C. in August 1780, long after Arnold had started spying for the British. He remained unaware of Arnold's treason until it was exposed by Andr's capture.