Description

Description: This interesting letter shows that networking was an important part of obtaining a high level military appointment during the War of 1812. Peter P. Schuyler wrote to his Congressman and acquaintance, Harmanus Bleecker, on January 17, 1812, to say "It appears now to be reduced to a certainty that the Bill for raising an additional force will or has already become as law." The bill Schuyler referred to, an Act of the 12th Congress ‘to raise an additional military force’ had indeed just passed the week before.

In light of that new opportunity, Schuyler wrote, "I must therefore ask you to add another favor to those which you have already conferred on me," and requested that Bleecker immediately renew his application to be promoted to Colonel in the Army. "I presume a recommendation made in the manner you mention, in your favor of the 9th just now before me, and in one of your other letters, will be very proper." Schuyler then expresses his dismay "that the old and new Army are not put on the same establishments," but goes on to request that Bleecker send him a copy of the actual bill, as all he currently has to go by is "the imperfect accounts published." 

He signs the letter with a flourish: "I am Dear Sir, with respect and esteem your most obdt. servt. P.P. Schuyler," then adds a postscript that makes it seem as though his promotion may have been a foregone conclusion by that point: "I have said nothing as to what Corps I would give the preference. I will leave it to the President and Senate."  

Schuyler (1776-1825) was indeed promoted to Colonel in the Additional Military Force (13th Regiment, Infantry), on March 12, 1812, and served in the Northeast. After the death of his first wife, he remarried and moved his family to a plantation near Natchez, Mississippi. He was Treasurer of the state of Mississippi from 1818-1821.

Written on two pages of a single sheet of plain writing paper that was folded to create an integral address leaf. Measures approximately 9.75" x 15.75" when unfolded. Address leaf is postmarked Albany, Jan 17 in black ink. Item #A00660. 

Condition: There is a bit of toning, some scattered soil(esp. on the address leaf) and a torn area on a blank portion of the address leaf, caused by opening the wax seal (flap of paper is still attached to the seal). Some small separations at the folds have been neatly repaired with archival tissue/tape. In good condition overall.