Marinus Willett to John Jay, [before 27 April 1776]

[New York, before 27 April 1776]

Sir

I should have troubled you with this letter before now, had it not been for an indissposition that seized me immediately after my return from Philedelphia which tied me to my bed til two days ago–€”. The reason of my sending you the Inclosed is your asking me in the first conversation I had with you when at Philedelphia, whether I had seen Gen. Schuyler on my way from Canada, which by the manner and time of its being introduced appeared to me to convey an expectation of a recommendation from him if I merited it, whether this Conjecture is true or not is not very material, tho it has been a Spur to prompt me to trouble you with the inclosed Certified copy of a letter from Gen. Schuyler to our Provincial Congress. I acknowledge I do not leave myself intirly out of the Question in this affair, yet if this was realy the case I should count it my duty for the good of such as may come after me to endeavour by every means in my power to prevent em from receiving the like severe treatment that I have.–€”for, to be superceeded in the way I have been I cant help thinking upon your being asked seriously to reflect upon must appear to be an unnescesary as well as dissagreable evil.–€”I, for my part, have you will Naturly suppose thought something about it.–€”I have considered the reasons you gave for the Appointment of M r . Schuyler to a Majority and however insufficient the cause of that appointment may appear to me–€”. yet inasmuch as it was thought weighty enough by the Honorable Gentlemen into whose hands the right of communicating power is deposited I am dissposed to leave any farther consideration of that matter.

But how it came to pass that I should be superceeded by Cap tn . Benedect is truly Strange to me, nor can I conceive the Shadow of a cause for it from any part of that Gentlemans conduct which I have been able to come at, on the contrary the more I aim at investigating it, the more obscure it appears–€” 1

I am no way uneasy about your being disspleased at the incroachment I have made on your patience in this Tedious Harangue inacurate as it is–€”because I think I know enough of your candor, to convince me that you will rather be inclined to put a favourable, than an unfavourable construction on my intentions in it–€”I have only to add that if you should have an opportunity and think it right to grant me any futer appointment I shall not be willing to serve in any Military appo [ intment ] Capacity where I shall rank under the present Major Benedict–€”I am Sir most affectionatly

Marinus Willett

P.S. Believe me Sir we have a Number of Officers who are indeed Men of Approved Perserverance and Courage, who must be now on their way from Canada–€”who it will be the highth of ungenerousity not to provide for. I am Sorry there is reason to say that Gentlemen in office here are too much taken up about themselves to think of those worthies abroad.