George Washington's  Letters: 

During and following the revolution George Washington visited Schenectady at least three times. (These papers can be viewed in full screen format by clicking on the document to link to the Library of Congress web site.)


 

As relations with England worsened,  many colonists heeded the urgings of the First Continental Congress in 1774 to arm themselves.

 


GWtoSchCOC

July 13, 1775
Before the revolution Committees of Correspondence were established to keep patriots apprised of events on the frontier.  Here Washington writes to the Schenectady Committee about events in Tryon County.*

(*Under British rule, much of the central  part of the proto-state was known as "Tryon County".   Schenectady was part of Albany county.  Tryon County was the next county west and encompassed all of present day Montgomery and Fulton counties.)

 


GW092776


September 27, 1776
Washington, writes about barracks for a new company of regulars. His frustrations with Congress at this stage is also becoming evident. He speaks of bateaus, or small boats, being constructed in Schenectady, an idea that was later brought to the attention of Congress. The boats could be used to move north for an attack on Montreal or west against the British in the Mohawk Valley and the Iroquois.

 



February 26, 1776
Washington writes Philip Schuyler imploring him to procure for his troops, the kings arms stored in Schenectady under the governance of a major Duncan.  Washington offers to pay for these arms on delivery.

 



February 20, 1781
Washington was ever conscious of the hardships faced by his troops.  Here he writes Brigadier General James Clinton about  provisions for the garrison at Schenectady.

 


Copy of gwpapers

June 30, 1782
Letter written by Washington to the Dutch Reformed Church in June 1782 thanking them for their wishes and his warm reception.

He also writes the town officials and his officers.

 


Copy of gwpap6

July 9, 1782
Shortly after Washington's  visit  to Schenectady, he informs the Continental Congress: "a party of three or four hundred of the Enemy, consisting of British, refugees and savages  made an incursion down the Mohawk" and attacked and captured the last remaining mill in the "upper settlements."

 



August 8, 1796
Washington, now President,  is again concerned about the situation in upstate New York and writes to his friend Henry Glen about the travel times and best way to proceed from Schenectady to Fort Niagara.

 

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