It is desirable that the present note should be read in connection with the sixth chapter of this volume, containing the account of General Schuyler's expedition to Johnstown in February, 1776, for the purpose of disarming the Tories of Tryon County, and of arresting Sir John Johnson. The immediate causes of that expedition, aside from the information of a wretch named Connell, do not appear with sufficient distinctness to divest the proceedings of General Schuyler of a character almost of harshness. But while the author has entertained little, if any, doubt, that Congress had good and sufficient reasons for directing the expedition, and Schuyler for his energetic execution of his orders, the reasons for the urgency of the movement have never transpired. Since the preceding sheets were from the press, however, the author has received copies of certain documents from the archives of the British Government, which reflect all the light upon the subject that can be desired. After the perusal of these papers, the propriety of the measure, if it ever has been, can no longer be questioned:—

"Governor Tryon to Lord George Germaine.
"On board H. B. M. Ship, Dutchess of Gordon,}
New-York Harbor, 3d Jan. 1776.}

"My Lord,

"The gentleman who delivered me the enclosed letter from Sir John Johnson, assured me that by Government's complying with its contents, Sir John could muster five hundred Indians to support the cause of government, and that these, with a body of regulars, might retake the forts. If Sir John had the title of Superintendent of Indian Affairs, it would give the greatest weight to his Majesty's Indian affairs—the Indians having the greatest affection for the son of their late benefactor. I wish your Lordship may think as favorably of Sir John's proposals as I do," &c. &c.

[Enclosure in the above.]

"Sir John Johnson to Governor Tryon.

"Sir—I hope the occasion and intention of this letter may plead my excuse for the liberty I take, in introducing to your Excellency the bearer hereof, Captain Allan M^cDonnell, who will inform you of many particulars which cannot at this time be safely communicated in writing. The distracted and convulsed state that this unhappy county is now worked up to, and the situation that I am in here, together with the many obligations our family owe to the best of sovereigns, induce me to fall upon a plan that may, I hope, be of service to the country, the propriety of which I entirely submit to your Excellency's better judgment, depending on that friendship which you have been pleased to honor me with, for your advice on, and representation to His Majesty, of what I propose. Having consulted with all my friends in this quarter, among whom are many old and good officers, I have come to the resolution of forming a battalion, and have named all the officers, most of whom have a good deal of interest in their respective neighborhoods, and have seen a great number of men ready to complete the plan. We must, however, not think of stirring, until support and supplies of many necessaries to enable us to carry our design into execution are received—all which Mr. M^cDonnell will inform your Excellency of I make not the least doubt of the success of this plan, should we be supported in time. As to news, I must beg leave to refer you to Mr. M^cDonnell, who will inform you of every thing that has been done in Canada, that has come to our knowledge. As I find by the papers you are soon to sail for England, I despair of having the pleasure to pay my respects to you, but most sincerely wish you an agreeable voyage, and a happy sight of your family and friends.

"I am, your Excellency's Most obedient, humble servant, John Johnson."

It was beyond doubt the organization and other preparations indicated in the preceding letter, some knowledge of which must have transpired, that induced Congress to direct the expedition into Tryon County, referred to above, which was so vigorously executed by General Schuyler, as narrated in the sixth chapter of the present volume. And the same Allan M^cDonnell, who, with Sir John Johnson, was one of the negotiators with General Schuyler on that occasion, was the secret emissary sent by Sir John, one month before, to negotiate with Governor Tryon. Thus the whole matter in respect to that expedition is explained.

APPENDIX.