Philip Schuyler to John Hancock, referred to Wythe & Committee, 24 January 1776
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January 24 1776
Some of the Troops that accompanied me into Tryon County refused to move unless I promised pay for their Carriage and these same people insist upon pay as Minute Men. Many of the people however expect no pay for their Carriage nor for themselves. Expeditions of this Kind would be very expensive at this Rate. I cannot think that Congress intended pay for the Men on such Occasions. I shall with their Orders.
I have just now received a Letter from the Committee of Safety at New York inclosing Copies of the Resolutions of Congress of the 8th of January. They observe “That several Things are left indeterminate” in that Resolve which orders a large Quantity of provisions and Stores to be sent to Fort George: In answer I have wrote them that “I cannot believe Congress intended any Thing more by sending the Resolution to them than that they should supply me with what I might want: the almost Impossibility of sending a large Quantity from
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from New York to Fort George at this Season would countenance this Construction.
They have also wrote to me on the Subject of the Shipwrights, I have given them an Extract of what I have above said to Congress on the Occasion and requested that they would not send any until I applyed for them.
They also seem to think that they were to procure Battean-Men and ask what Wages are to be allowed them. I have promised to write to Congress on that [Accord?]. I believe they would be best got in the Vicinity of this place If Congress think so I wish to know what pay to allow to the Officers and Men.
Congress will please to attend to the Naval Department in this Quarter. Perhaps Commodore Douglas will remain. I could wish a Capt. Wynkoop to be employed under him. He is active and brave.
I am Sir
Most Sincerely
Your obedient Humble Servant
Ph. Schuyler
The Honorable John Hancock Esq. &c. &c.