This spring the Museum at Ft. Ticonderoga, (Essex Co., NY), purchased a collection of 72 manuscripts, all of which have to do with the business, military & personal affairs of Philip SKENE (1725-1810). The museum now has a total of about 300 Skene documents. This collection is available to researchers, and some of the documents may be displayed at the Fort. Born a Scot, Skene later joined the British army, and served during the Seven Years' War (French & Indian War) in the Champlain Valley. As a reward for his loyal and distinguished service, in 1759 he was given a land grant of 34,000 acres. Later on he purchased 26,000 more acres along Lake Champlain. He established a home in what is today Whitehall, Washington Co., NY (then Skenesborough). A thorough businessman, Skene built foundries, sawmills and shipyards in the area. In the collection of papers is a series of letters written between Skene and General John Burgoyne. According to those who have studied this correspondence, Burgoyne fully informed Skene of his plans to invade the Champlain Valley in 1777. Apparently, had the British won the war, Skene expected to be made Governor of New York. Just as an aside... the City of Whitehall is working hard to beautify the downtown area, esp. all along the canal. They're doing a great job of it, too! More and more tourists who travel the canal in boats are taking the time to stop at Whitehall to look around. There are a couple of restaurants along there now also. Best regards, Susan