SCHUYLER, Philip John, Major General, Continental Army . Autograph letter signed ("Ph: Schuyler") to Richard Varick, Deputy Mustermaster General , Albany, N.Y., 15 September 1777. 1 page, folio, integral autograph address panel (offset from old portr...

SCHUYLER, Philip John Major General, Continental Army . Autograph letter signed ("Ph: Schuyler") to Richard Varick, Deputy Mustermaster General , Albany, N.Y., 15 September 1777. 1 page, folio, integral autograph address panel (offset from old portrait), small defects. NO ALLIANCE WITH FRANCE "UNTIL IT SHALL BE BEYOND A DOUBT THAT THE INDEPENDENCY CAN BE MAINTAINED." Schuyler, relieved of his command in August, after the loss of Fort Ticonderoga to Burgoyne, pleads with Varick for critical news: "...In this state of anxiety & surprise we must beg you to Continue giving all the Information you can." Concerned over Howe's march on Philadelphia, he continues: "We have not a word of what is doing below between Gen: Washington & Sir William Howe " Interestingly, on the subject of French aid, he adds that "Yesterday I received a letter from France...not a word of a war between France and England I believe America will not recieve any aid in that way until it shall be beyond a doubt that the Independency can be maintained...Excuse me to Major Livingston for not answering his letter...I have a number of Indians about me."