Fish kill 27th Sepr 1776
[Extract]
...with respect to [Esek] Hopkins ー you have but one way left, appoint an Admiral ー but dont flatter yourself that even that will bring about a resignation. A sense of honour must exist where in dignity produces a sacrifice of interest ー If you have not the courage or interest to carry this as the next wise step sell your ships to private adventurers2...
...Our affairs to the Norward are pretty favourable tho' we had an alarm last week in consequence [of] which all the militia of the northern counties marched but are since returned ー had you built some vessels on Lake Ontario as p orders we shd have been perfectly safe on that quarter, upon which alone in my opinion we are accessibleー3
1. Robert R. Livingston Papers 1765-1776, LC.
2. Referring to congressional censure of Esek Hopkins. Ford, ed., JCC, V, 660-62.
3. Ibid., 539, 542, Schuyler was given a recommendation by Congress on July 11, 1776 to "take proper steps for erecting a fort at Oswego and building gallies on Lake Ontario."
