getting it passed without Ca[vi]1 or Opposition. The stroke was too delicate and refined to be readily perceivd on a Cursory reading; but I think it will be felt where I wish it to be fully understood." .

I forgot to mention that I find some difficulty in getting leave for you to appoint a third Aid de Camp. The Example seems to be dreaded. you know my Rule is never to push a point till I am sure of Success; nor to loose sight of one which is worthy of pursuite; so that you must not conclude that it is unattainable, because it is not already accomplished.

believe me to be

Dear Sir with great Consideration and Regard
Your most obedient and very humble Servant

Major General Schuyler

JAS. DUANE

520. WILLIAM DUER TO PHILIP SCHUYLER.1

My dear General,

PHIA. June 19th 1777.

I embrace the earliest Opportunity of returning my Part of acknowledgement for your Letter of the 9th June to myself and Colleagues. I had no doubt when you left this Place but you would find Affairs in your Quarter in a distracted Situation; but I doubt not from your Perseverance and attention you will be able to arrange them, and to extricate yourself from the Difficulties which now surround you.3

Yesterday Major Genl. Gates arrived in Town, and about 12 oClock at Noon Mr. Sherman inform'd Congress that he was waiting at the Door, and wished Admittance. Mr. Paca desir'd to know for what Purposeto which friend Roger replied to communicate Intelligence of importance. He was accordingly usher'd in, and after some awkward ceremony, sat himself in a very Easy Cavalier Posture in an Elbow Chair, and began to open his Budget.

The intelligence he communicated was that the Indians were Extremely friendly, much delighted with seeing French officers in our Service, and other common place stuff which at present I cannot recollect. Having thus gone through the Ostensible Part of the Plan, he took out of his Pocket some scraps of Papers, containing a Narrative of his Birth Parentage and Education Life Character, and Behavior. He inform'd the House that he had quitted an easy and happy Life to enter into their Service from a pure Zeal for the Liberties of America, that he had strenuously exerted himself in its Defence; that in some Time in May last he

5 See no. 518, note 4, ante.

[520] N. Y. Pub. Lib., Schuyler Papers, no. 575; Harvard Univ. Lib., Sparks MSS., LX. 128 (copy).

2 Schuyler left Philadelphia May 28. See no. 504, note 3, ante.

3 See no. 511, ante.

4 See nos. 517, 519, ante.

5

was appointed to a Command in the Northern Department, and that a few days since without having given any Cause of Offence, without Accusation, without Trial, without hearing, without Notice, he had received a Resolution by which he was in a most disgraceful Manner superseded in his Command. Here his Oration became warm and contain'd many Reflections upon Congress, and malicious Insinuations against Mr. Duane, whose Name he mentioned, and related some Conversation which he said had pass'd betwixt him, and that Gentleman on his Way to Albany. Here Mr. Duane rose, and addressing himself to the President, hoped that the General would observe order and cease any Personal applications, as he could not in congress enter into any Controversy with him on the subject of any former Conversation. Mr. Paca caught the Fire, and immediately moved that the General might be ordered to withdraw; I seconded the motion, observing that the Conduct of the General was unbecoming the House to endure, and himself to be guilty of. Mr. Jerry Dysen, Mr. Sherman, and some others of his Eastern Friends rose, and endeavour'd to palliate his Conduct, and to oppose his Withdrawing; on this Mr. Middleton Mr. Burke, Colo. Harrison and two or three others arose, and there was a General Clamour in the House that he should immediately Withdraw all this While General stood upon the Floor, and interposed several Times in the Debates which arose on this Subject. however the Clamour encreasing he withdrew. A Debate then ensued concerning the Propriety of the General's Conduct, and that of the Members who contrary to the Rules of Parliament, contended for the Propriety of his staying, after a Motion had been made and seconded that he should withdraw. The Want of Candor in Mr. Sherman who asked for his Admittance on the Pretence of his giving the House Intelligence was much inveigh'd against, but he bore it all with a true Connecticut stoicism. Congress at length came to the Determination that Genl. Gates should not again be admitted on the Floor, but that he should be inform'd that Congress were ready, and willing to hear by Way of Memorial any Grievances which he had to complain of. here this Matter ended-not, as you will observe to his Credit, or Advantage.

It is impossible for me to give you an Idea of the unhappy Figure wh. G. G. made on this Occasion. His manner was ungracious, and Totally void of all Dignity, his Delivery incoherent and interrupted with frequent Chasms, in which he was pering over his scattered Notes, and the Tenor of his Discourse a Compound of Vanity, Folly, and Rudeness. I can assure you that notwithstanding his Conduct has been such as to have eradicated from my Mind every sentiment of Respect, and Esteem for him, I felt for him as a man, and for the Honor of human Nature wishd him to withdraw before he had plunged himself into utter Contempt. You will perhaps think it was improper in me to second the Motion that he should

5 It is not altogether certain which one of the delegates is here alluded to under the nickname of "Jerry Dysen", but James Lovell's known attachment to Gates suggests him as the one probably meant. The origin of the name likewise remains obscure, but it may have arisen from some parallel in Lovell's career to that of the British politician Jeremiah Dyson (1722-1776; see Dict. Nat. Biog., VI. 299).

be orderd to withdraw, but I plainly saw that he was brought in with an Intention to brow beat the New York Members, whom he considers as his Mortal Enemies, and I was determin'd to let him see that it was indifferent to me whether I offended him, or not.

Perhaps he may take it into his head to call me out, as he quitted the House with the utmost Indignation. should this be the Case I am determin'd not to she [1]ter myself under Priviledge, being convinced of the Necessity there is to act with Spirit, to enable me to discharge with Fidelity the Trust reposed in me.

I have the Pleasure to inform you that with some Difficulty We have counteracted the Acts of our Eastern Neighbors, and have got Mr. Jacob Cuyler appointed Deputy Commissary Genl. of Purchases in the Northern Department. As it is of infinite Consequence to the Wellfare of the Army under your Command, and to the Maintenance of the Credit of the Continental Money in our State, that a Person of Probity and Skill should exercise that Department, I hope he will not hesitate to accept this Appointment.

The Appointment is 150 Drs. per month and 6 or 4 Rations per Day (I forget which). As soon as the Commissary's Estab'. is printed I shall immediately forward it.".

Dear Sir,

521. JOHN ADAMS TO JAMES WARREN.1

Yours of the 5th inst. is before me.2.

PHILADELPHIA, June 19, 1777

You must not decline your Appointment to the Navy Board. If you should, I know not who will succeed. Congress have passed no order for a constant Residence at Boston. No doubt the most of your Time will be taken up at Boston, but you need not renounce your Native Town and County. It is a Board of very great Importance. I hope your Commissions and Instructions will be soon forwarded. The Cause of their Delay so long is the same, I suppose, that has retarded all other marine affairs-Causes, which it would be thought inexpedient to explain.

We are much embarrassed here, with foreign officers. We have three capital Characters here, Monsr. de Coudray, General Conway, and Monsr De la Balme. These are great and learned Men. Coudray is the most promising officer in France. Coudray is an officer of Artillery, Balme of Cavalry, and Conway of Infantry. Coudray has cost us dear, his Terms are very high, but he has done us such essential service in France, and his Interest is so great and so near the Throne, that it would be impolitick, not to avail ourselves of him.

6 Cf. nos. 517-519, ante. See the Bibliographical Notes, Journals, IX. 1085.

[521]1 Warren-Adams Letters, I. 332.

2 The letter is in Warren-Adams Letters, I. 326.

3 See nos. 480, 485, ante, and no. 540, post.

4 See nos. 501, 514, ante, and no. 525, post.

522. JAMES DUANE TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.1

My dear Friend,

PHILADELPHIA 24th June 1777
Tuesday 2

From many circumstances you may judge that our State and its interests were at a very low ebb in a certain assembly. To add to our misfortune several of our old friends-Hooper, Hughes, E Rutledge, Harrison, Reade, Stone, Chase, etc. etc. were absent and most of their seats filled with strangers. The affairs we had to conduct required great address, as some of them were embarassed with uncommon difficulties: my brethren indulged me in the cautious and deliberate plan which I thought necessary; and in concealing even our feelings, by degrees we became acquainted with the new members to which the hospitable and cheerful manner we lived in contributed-for it was no time to consult parsimony. We made it a rule not to crowd our complaints upon Congress which would have fatigued and disgusted; but to confine our attention to a single point till it was accomplished: keeping every other subject in the deepest reserve.

We were told from several quarters that it was too late to expect any attention with respect to Schuyler. Indeed Congress had gone very far to make this embarassment inextricable; but that integrity, love of justice and candor, which ever distinguished this great Council when it consisted of a full representation, in the end, surmounted every obstacle, and the utmost of our wishes were answered.

The Commissary's department was our next object: the flagrant abuses which had crept into it called aloud for reformation; and we esteemed it of the utmost moment that the purchasing commissary who had our markets in his power should be a fellow citizen of approved abilities and integrity. A plan has accordingly been adopted; not altogether so perfect as could be wished, but we shall not lose sight of its further improvement. Our friend Jacob Cuyler is appointed the purchasing commissary for the northern department which we esteem a public benefit.*

The illiberal restraint put upon our Trade by our Eastern Brethren and a proper reprobation of so unfriendly a proceeding from the only authority which could have weight, claimed a share of our attention. I think we have some merit in obtaining the resolution of Congress upon this subject which is already transmitted to the Council of Safety. It's operation, tho' obvious, was not perceived by those whom it most concerned; and the House warmed by a pathetic description of our distresses, our perseverance, and our merit, were disposed to give us every possible indulgence: of which the partial grant of 2000 bushels of salt when that commodity is so very scarce and dear, is no contemptible proof.

[522]1 N. Y. Pub. Lib., Bancroft Coll., Livingston Papers, I. 431 (copy).

5

2 Additions to this letter were made June 26, 28, 29, July 1, 2. These additions

will be found under their respective dates.

3 See nos. 453, 461, 472, 483, 495, 502, 504, 511, 515, 517-520, ante.

4 See the Journals, June 10, 18, and nos. 517-520, ante, 529, 543, post.

5 Cf. nos. 518, note 4, 519, ante.

Sir,

523. THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS (JOHN HANCOCK) TO THE PRESIDENT OF DELAWARE (JOHN MCKINLEY).1 PHILADA. June 25th. 1777.

I have the Pleasure to inform you that Congress highly approve of the Zeal and Alacrity of the Militia of your State.

From the recent Alteration in the State of our Affairs, and the Reasons urged in your Letter, the Congress have been induced to come into the enclosed Resolve for the Discharge of your Militia. I do myself the Honour to forward a Warrant on your Loan Offices for 10,000 Dollars for their Pay.2

524. JAMES DUANE TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.1

June 26th Thursday

My dear Sir What preceeds has lain by me for want of a good conveyance. This day 2 came on before a committee of the whole Congress the case of our Revolters on which we were heard with great attention. Some of our Eastern friends unluckily for them drew on the merits of our Title, tho' the Congress had only to do with the exercise of jurisdiction. Thus challenged I seized the opportunity of explaining the subject at large which I happened to understand much better than any of my opponents, tho' one of them boasted that he had expended two quires of paper upon it. I had the pleasure of observing that I made a suitable impression, and out of the House rec'd the compliments of several of the members for the light, they were pleased to say I had with perspicuity and candor, thrown upon a dispute which to that time had remained in utter obscurity. This explanation closed the debate: and the members of our State are desired to propose for consideration such resolutions as we think will be satisfactory to New York, and become the justice dignity and impartiality of Congress. unless an opportunity offers of sending forward these despatches, you will probably know the event before they are closed."

525. SAMUEL ADAMS TO RICHARD HENRY Lee.1

My dear Sir

PHILADA June 26 1777.

We are going on within Doors with Tardiness enough. A Thousand and [one] little Matters too often throw out greater ones. A

[523] Mass. Hist. Soc., Hancock Letter-Book, VI. 218; Library of Congress, Papers Cont. Cong., no. 58, pt. II., p. 214. The letter is addressed to "Mr. President McKinley, at Wilmington, in the State of Delaware".

2 See the Journals, June 24; also ibid., Apr. 25, 29, May 9 (p. 343 n.), 19, 27,

June 10, 16. Cf. nos. 486, 487, ante.

1524] This is an addition to the letter of June 24, no. 522, ante.

2 According to the Journals, this discussion took place June 25. Cf. no. 525, post. In regard to an earlier stage in the affair, see nos. 428, 431, 445, 453, 464, 465, ante. 3 See nos. 526, 532, 533, post.

[525]1 Writings of Samuel Adams (ed. Cushing), III. 376; Am. Phil. Soc., Lee Papers.