Arizona republican., 1914-06-12
TRIAL OF GENERAL SCHUYLER

We are so used to looking upon the patriots of the war of 1776 as being so united, free from mercenary and all jealous ideas, and all working for the common cause, that it seems strange that such petty bickerings and backbitings should have been carried on as those which caused the court martial of General Schuyler
 Sometimes, as in the case of Gen eral Gates, the ambition and egotism of some of the leaders subdued their sense of honor and judgment. This man plotted first against the gallant Schuyler and later against Washing ton himself In June, 1775, he was appointed one of the four major generals who were named by con- gress. Accompanying Washington from Philadelphia, Schuyler was dis patched by Gates to command an army for the invasion of Canada. lie was not in favor of this idea, but there was not to reason why" but to do his duty In August he went to Ticonderoga with the object of placing that fort and Crown Point in q state of defense. Subsequently owing to ill-health, he was forced to give up the command to General Richard Montgomery.
 Nothing daunted by his sickness, Schuyler retired to Albany. directing the sending of food and arms, and keeping open the line of communica- tiOn. After the death of Montgomery and other leaders, the British army | under Burgoyne arrived in Canada | and the American army fell back 1 from Ticonderoga. Gates was then | placed in command, and believing himself to be in charge of the army gave orders that conflicted with those of Schuyler. Resenting this. Schuy- Ter earned the most bitter enmity of Gates, who straightway began to plot l and intrigue against the former lead CT. Gates for some time had beer absent from the army in Philadelphia using his influence to injure Schuy- Ter, whom he charged with neglect oi duty in permitting the evacuation o1 ! Fort Ticonderoga. Schuyler twice sent in his resignation, which was both times declined with word from congress that his services were re- quired.
 The general, still feeling that h, had been wronged, demanded court martial. For a whole year iustic, was denied him but he continued [, labor necessarily for the good of thu country, frequently appealing to con sress to bring him to trial.
 Subsequently,, on the first of Octo. Der, a court martial was assembled to try him at the home of Reed Fer Pawling, x. Y.
 The general accusation was, Neg lect of duty in not being present q | Ticonderoga to discharge the func | tions of his command from the middl of June, 1177. until it was no longe possible to maintain Fort Ticonder oga and Mount Independence, con sistent with the safety of the troop and stores, when he should hav' caused a retreat to be made for th preservation of both"
 In his defense, General Schuyle | brought in as evidence his letter books, showing several letters wIittel by him while he was sick. beggin, for an examination of conditions a the fort and declaring that the della, had chagrined and injured him.
 The trial itself lasted only thre days. Three witnesses were exam ined-General St Clair Lieutent Colonel Varick and Major Lansing After they were heard Schuyle closed his defense by a few remarks in which he briefly reviewed his ser
 vices, showing conclusively that iron the time he was superseded until tn first day of the court martial he ha, never ceased to labor, eXpending botl his time and private funds for tn success of the glorious cause he wa! upholding
 So utterly did he shatter the ac cusations that the court was not lon, in coming to a conclusive verdict
 He was not guilty of any neglect o duty in any way, that "the court ac quilted him with the highest honor and that all should know of th honor, the proceedings of said court martial be published"
 Washington and other general off
 cers were anxious to have him re sume his command of the North de
 partment, but he gave so absolute
 refusal that they could press him n
 longer. Congress allowed him to re
 tire and his private life was spen
 zealously serving his country in othe
 ways
 Tomorrow-Trial of Earl of