The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution, Vol. 1 (of 2): or, Illustrations, by Pen And Pencil, of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics, and Traditions of the War for Independence — John Shaqi
The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution, Vol. 1 (of 2): or, Illustrations, by Pen And Pencil, of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics, and Traditions of the War for IndependenceLossing, Benson John
History
The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution, Vol. 1 (of 2): or, Illustrations, by Pen And Pencil, of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics, and Traditions of the War for Independence
Lossing, Benson John
United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783
was charged by Washington with the command of the army in the province
of New York, and directed to secure the lakes and prepare for invading
Canada. He was taken sick, and the command devolved on Montgomery.
During 1776, he was active in Indian affairs, and in perfecting the
order and discipline of the northern army. For causes quite
inexplicable, he was superseded, in effect, by Gates in March, 1777, but
was reinstated in May. Again, when Burgoyne drove St. Clair from
Ticonderoga, and prudence caused General Schuyler to retreat with his
army from Fort Edward down the Hudson River, calumny, that had
successfully poisoned the minds of the Eastern people and the militia,
became so clamorous for his removal, that Congress placed Gates again in
charge of the army in August. Injured and insulted, the patriot still
continued to devote his services and his fortune in aid of his country.
He demanded a court of inquiry, and its verdict, acquitting him of all
blame, conferred as much honor upon him as his successes won at
Saratoga. He was urged by Washington to accept military command, but he
preferred to lend his aid to his country in another way. He was a member
of the old Congress under the Confederation; and after the adoption of
the Constitution of the United States, he was a senator from New York,
with Rufus King. He was again a senator, in place of Aaron Burr, in
1797. He died at Albany, November 18th, 1804, aged 71 years. He has two
daughters still living-Elizabeth, the venerable widow of General
Alexander Hamilton, and now (1849) ninety-two years of age; and
Catharine, his youngest daughter, widow of the late Major Cochrane, of
Oswego, son of Dr. Cochrane, the distinguished Surgeon General of the
Revolutionary Army. See page 199, Vol. II.
Schuyler and Gates.-- Advance of Burgoyne.-- Condition of the
Continental Army
039nature, sought the aid of his counsel and his sword. But he
encountered a smaller mind than his own, and both counsel and sword were
refused. He was coldly received by the adjutant general, who was deeply
offended because Congress had not allowed him to retain his command. A
brave soldier always seeks the post of greatest danger; and General
Schuyler, not doubting the courage or devotion of Gates, offered him the
command of Ticonderoga, the point where the first conflict with Burgoyne
would inevitably take place, and where the first laurels were to be won.
But the pride of Gates stifled his patriotism. He refused to serve under
Schuyler, and, at his own request, had leave to withdraw from the
department, where, indeed, he had done literally nothing.
All was terror and alarm among the inhabitants of the north, as Burgoyne
victoriously swept Champlain from St. John's to Crown Point, and with
his formidable force, daily augmented by loyalists and savage allies,
prepared to beleaguer the strong fortress of Ticonderoga.
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