plan of murder.  The man has been condemned by a court on the evidence as it stood, and he is now awaiting execution.

“I have before me Colonel Visscher’s partial report of the battle of Oriskany.  Your name is not mentioned in this report, but, knowing you as I believe I do, I am satisfied that you did your full duty in that terrible affair; although, in your report to me by Oneida runner, you record the action as though you yourself were a mere spectator.

“I note with pleasure your mention of the gallantry of your riflemen, Mount, Murphy, and Elerson, and have reported it to their company captain, Mr. Long, who will, in turn, bring it to the attention of Colonel Morgan.

     “I also note that you have not availed yourself of the
     war-services of the Oneidas, for which I beg to thank you
     personally.

     “I recall with genuine pleasure my visit to your uncle, Sir
     Lupus Varick, where I had the fortune to make your
     acquaintance and, I trust, your friendship.

“Mrs. Schuyler joins me in kindest remembrance to you, and to Sir Lupus, whose courtesy and hospitality I have to-day had the honor to acknowledge by letter.  Through your good office we take advantage of this opportunity to send our love to Miss Dorothy, who has won our hearts.

     “I am, sir, your most obedient,
     Philip Schuyler,
     Major-General.

     “P.S.—­I had almost forgotten to congratulate you on your
     merited advancement in military rank, for which you may thank
     our wise and good Governor Clinton.

“I shall not pretend to offer you unasked advice upon this happy occasion, though it is an old man’s temptation to do so, perhaps even his prerogative.  However, there are younger colonels than you, sir, in our service—­ay, and brigadiers, too.  So be humble, and lay not this honor with too much unction to your heart.  Your friend,

     “Ph.  Schuyler.”

I sat for a while staring at this good man’s letter, then opened the next missive.

     “Headquarters, department of the north, Stillwater, August
     12, 1777.

     “Colonel George Ormond, on Scout: 

“Sir,—­By order of Major-General Gates, commanding this department, you will, upon reception of this order, instantly repair to Varick Manor and report your arrival by express or a native runner to be trusted, preferably an Oneida.  At nine o’clock, the day following your arrival at Varicks’, you will leave on your journey to Stillwater, where you will report to General Gates for further orders.

“Your small experience in military matters of organization renders it most necessary that you should be aided in the formation of your regiment of rangers by a detail from Colonel