Poughkeepsie, September 16, 1780.
Dear Sir:
The great scarcity of wheat before harvest, and the drought since,
has prevented the agent appointed to collect the supply required from
this State, to deliver it to the Issuing Commissary; and we are at
least ten thousand barrels in arrears; the wheat for all which is
already assessed, a considerable quantity of it brought to the mills
to be manufactured, and the remainder daily collecting. Hence, unless
a second drought should prevail, our deficiency can be made good in
the course of a month: and this may be relied on. But should the
army actually be in operation, I do not _make a doubt_ but that the
hand of Government will be laid on all in the country; and, in that
case, a constant supply can be kept up so as to complete to thirty
thousand barrels, and perhaps half as much more, should Congress
order the quota of Pennsylvania (if she deigns to furnish any) to be
sold, and the money transmitted to this State. Exclusive of the wheat
already assessed to complete our quota of flour, the inhabitants of
Tryon County, and the western part of Albany, are threshing. This the
Legislature has ordered to be purchased for a State Magazine, should we
not be able to purchase the whole. The whole may, however, be obtained,
and without delay, if an operation takes place: to procure flour casks
is the greatest difficulty. I wish those at West Point were ordered
to be immediately put in order: those, and an aid of bags, may be
necessary.
I have communed with the Governor on the subject of M’Henry’s wish. He
is very much disposed to use his influence on the occasion, but doubts
if he should be able to obtain a Lieutenancy, unless the Ensigns that
now are, could all be provided for. If M’Henry merely wants military
rank for the campaign, and will not accept of an Ensigncy, the Governor
can, and will, give him a Lieutenant-Colonelcy in the State Levies,
which will always give him rank in our militia, and, consequently, in
the army, when the militia is in the field. But this must be determined
before the Legislature rises. Please, therefore, to desire M’Henry to
write me on the subject without delay, and to assure him of the best
services in my power.
If I knew when you would be at Fishkill, if you pass that way, I would
meet you there. Or if I believed it would not be disagreeable to the
General, I would go to Hartford, as I wish to see the other Sachem.
A spirit favorable to the common cause, has pervaded almost both
Houses. They begin to talk of a Dictator and Vice Dictators, as if
it was a thing that was already determined on. To the Convention to
be held at Hartford, I believe I shall be sent, with instructions to
propose that a Dictator should be appointed.
I have just seen Van Schaick’s whim. There is not one Lieutenancy
vacant.
I have had the inclosed several days with me, for want of a conveyance.
Please to dispatch the bearer as expeditiously back as you can.
Compliments to all.
I am, dear Sir, affectionately yours, etc.,
Ph. Schuyler.
Colonel Hamilton.