Philip Schuyler letter signed ("Ph: Schuyler"). Two pages of a bifolium, 8.25" x 12.75", Albany; February 1, 1776. Addressed to "Colonel [Alexander] McDougall". An extraordinary letter from Major General Philip Schuyler to Col. Alexander McDougall after the devastating Quebec Campaign. "...Necessity drives me to give my last Services to my Country... however my Dear Sir our Lives will be well expended in the Cause of our dear Country and we shall at least leave some Memory." An exceptionally passionate letter from a beleaguered Schuyler offering reassurance to Col. Alexander McDougall. Written on the heels of the disastrous invasion of Quebec, it reads, in part: "I can easily judge of your Situation by mine, I am now in Such a Condition that without a Relaxation from Business, I must sink under it. Every Body sees it and yet Necessity drives me to give my last Services to my Country – Congress refuses to send a Committee to my assistance, and Events are daily arising on which there is a Necessity of determining and I have not a soul to call upon for assistance – however my Dear Sir our Lives will be well expended in the Cause of our dear Country and we shall at least leave some Memory. Be not anxious in what Line you do your Duty, every Body knows your Sentiments, and all will conclude with me that wherever you are employed you will be of Service – If it depends on me you shall never quit New York whilst this Contest lasts; for altho' I wish you near me for many Reasons, yet I know how necessary for the good of the Common Cause it is that you should remain where you are. It is probably that the two Regiments in Canada have or will have all the Field Officers appointed out of the Gentlemen now in that province; you must therefore have one of the Regiments to be raised..." Signed, "Ph: Schuyler". At this time, Major General Philip Schuyler (1733-1804) was still reeling from the Battle of Quebec and the death of General Montgomery. Schuyler's deteriorating health kept him from actively serving in Canada, but his reputation was damaged by the failure nonetheless. Schuyler attempted to aid his army still stranded in Canada and divided his time between Albany and Ticonderoga. It was exhausting work, made worse by the force's disorganized retreat from Quebec. Schuyler requested aid from Congress in the form of a committee, referenced here, whose function would be to assist with the administrative and diplomatic issues arising between the American troops and Canadian civilians, but it wasn't granted until February 15, 1776. Col. McDougall had personal as well as professional reasons to be floundering after the expedition. He lost his eldest son, Jack (1753-1775), to camp fever in November 1775 due to the abysmal conditions of his winter encampment near Montreal. The campaign exacted a bitter price from both men, yet the ardent language used here by Schuyler illustrates the strength of his patriotic spirit. This remarkable letter is accompanied by a typed transcription and an engraving of Schuyler in uniform by T. Kelly. Condition: Near complete separation along integral fold. Strip of dried adhesive with some paper attachment along left edge on recto. Light edgewear with scattered soiling and foxing. Pencil notations and blue ink notation to address leaf. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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