Title: From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 24 September 1757
From: Washington, George
To: Dinwiddie, Robert

[Fort Loudoun, 24 September 1757]
To Governor DinwiddieHonble Sir

Enclosed is a copy of a letter which I received from Captn McKenzie.
Since my last, the different parties I detached in quest of the Enemy (who committed the late depradations in this neighbourhood) are returned; after having prosecuted the most

probable measures, and exerted their utmost efforts in vain, in endeavouring to come up with, and prevent the enemys escape: nor is it in any degree surprizing: for, when the vast extent of country; the scattered and distant manner in which the Inhabitants are settled; the nature of the ground, and disposition of the Enemy we have to cope with, are collectively considered: it is next to impossibility that any of our parties should ever see the enemy, except when they possess such advantages as render their victory certain. The inhabitants of this valuable and very fertile valley, are terrified beyond expression. Some have abandoned their plantations; and many are packing up their most valuable effects, in order to follow them. Another irruption into the heart of this Settlement will, I am afraid, be of fatal consequence to it. I was always perswaded, and almost every day affords new matter for confirming me in the opinion, that the enemy can, with the utmost facility, render abortive every plan which can be concerted upon our present system of Defence; and that the only method of effectually defending such a vast extent of mountains covered with thick woods, as our frontiers, against such an enemy; is by carrying the war into their country. And I think I may, without assuming uncommon penetration, venture to affirm, that, unless an Expedition is carried on against the Ohio next spring; this country will not be another year in our possession.
Sickness, and the different parties, which the distressed situation of affairs here obliged me to detach from this Garrison, so greatly retard the works, that finishing even the principal parts of them, before the winter sets in will, I am afraid, prove impracticable.
I understand there are a mortar and a number of shells for it, at Williamsburgh, which wou’d be of infinite service here, tho’ of little or none where they are. We have a quantity of round and grape-shot for six-pounders; but no cannon to use them. A few pieces of that size wou’d be a great addition to our strength; and as this is the only place we have (were it finished) where a stand cou’d be made, in case of any formidable attack; I conceive nothing in our power shou’d be omitted to make it as defensible as we can.
Mr Rutherford is not yet returned. Enclosed is a list of the

killed and captured by the enemy, when last down. This is sent to Fredericksburgh, in order to go by post. I am &c.

G:W.
Fort Loudoun: Septr 24th 1757.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 24 September 1757
From: Dinwiddie, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Williamsburg] Septr 24th 1757

Yours of the 17th ⅌ Jenkins I recd—Ive wrote Colo. Read about the Lunenburg Draughts. I’m sorry to see the List of so many Deserters & I’m fully of Opinion that those that recd the Bounty, Cloaths & Arms ought to be outlaw’d & the Desertion of the Person that was condemn’d & afterwards pardon’d appears to me so villanous that I can’t prescribe any Rule to keep ’em together, but gt Severities, & to employ ’em in the most laborious Work with Guard o’er ’em—The Reason I wanted so earnestly the Return of our Men, was chiefly to know the No. of Men wth Yo. to enable Me to contract for their Provisions, as there must be one at Winchester & another in Augusta, let me know the No. to be suppli’d with Provisions immediately from Winchester—I did not expect but wish’d yr Compys cd be compleated to 100 each; at the Court I shall consult with the Councell in regard to Capt. Gist, & the Paymt of Demands, for the Indns, Mr Rutherford gave in an Accot—I don’t want to load Yo. wth any troublesome Affairs—What I wrote was the C[redito]rs to give in the Amo. of their Accots to be sent to the Committee—I sent up some Drums lately, I beleive there are a few more left that may be sent, when Opportunity offers for the Indns—I’m sorry for the repeated bad News from the Branch, & I’ve a Petition from thence sign’d by a gt No. of People, & I

don’t know how to assist ’em further than in the following Manner; the Assembly voted for 300 Rangers, 200 I order’d to be rais’d for the Frontrs of Augta 100 more I shall be glad if can be rais’d & properly officer’d for yr Frontrs, which I desire may be done, & if Capt. Hogg is up yr Way I shall be glad to give him the Command of ’em, & keep ’em in Parties to range the Woods—As to Mr Kennedys return of the Provisions left at ft Cumberland, I desire Yo. may settle that Affair wth Mr Ross in the best Manner Yo. can As the Fish was left there I think Yo. can’t charge ’em wth it as it’s but a Trifle. The Mony Yo. recd from the Pay-master & £68.13.8 pd Yo. by Colo. G:W: Fairfax, carry to the Cr[edit] of the Country in your Accot of Incidents &ca. As I’m afraid we shall never see Capt. Spotswood again Yo. may appoint Lieutt John Mcneal to his Compy with Provison if he returns he may be replac’d, tho’ I see no Probability of it, & inclos’d Yo. have Como. for Mr Henry Fairfax to be Lieutt in the Regimt, to please Yo. I have ordd it to be fill’d up here, but I can see no Difference if Yo. had done it by my Order—I’m surpri⟨sed⟩ at Colo. Stanwix’s Silence, I wrote him some Time since, but have had no Answer. I spoke to Mr Rutherford to send a particular Accot of the Provisions on hand, & I desire Yo. to consult wth him how long it may be suffict for maintaining your Men—Yr other Letter of the 17th I perus’d, I wod gladly hope there is no Truth in it, I never Heard of it before, or did I ever conceive Yo’d have sent down any Alarms witht proper Foundation, however I shall shew it to Colo. Corbin when he comes to Town, but I’d advise Yo. not to give Credit to ev’ry idle Story Yo. hear, for if I was to notice Reports of difft kinds I sd be constantly perplex’d—My Conduct to Yo. from the Begining was always Friendly, but Yo. know I had gt Reason to suspect Yo. of Ingratitude, which I’m convinc’d your own Conscience & reflection must allow I had Reason to be angry, but this I endeavour to forget, but I can’t think Colo. Corbin guilty of wt is reported—However as I’ve his Majesty’s Leave to go for England I propose leaving this in Novr & I wish my Successor may shew Yo. as much Friendship as I’ve done. I wish Yo. Health & Happiness & am Sr Yr m. h. S.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 24 September 1757
From: Dinwiddie, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
Williamsburg Septr 24th 1757

After closing my Letter to You of this Date I recd Yours of the 20th by Brinker giving Acct of the miserable Distress our Frontier Inhabitants are in, which gives me the greatest Concern & Uneasiness—Really it is not in my Power to do more for defence against the Incursions of our barbarous Enemies, than to recommend Your speedy executing my Orders to You, for raising a Company of Rangers to consist of 100 Men &ca to effect which I pray You to exert Yourself.
I agree to Lieutt Fell’s Resignation, & Your appointg Mr Chew—You will observe what I write about Ct. McNeill in my former. I remain Sir Your humble Servant

Robt Dinwiddie


Title: To George Washington from Robert Stewart, 27 September 1757
From: Stewart, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fort Loudoun Sep. 27th 1757

Yesterday afternoon an unexpected occurrence brought in part a very extraordinary Scheme of Villainy to Light—The Girl kept by the Quartermasr had some difference with Bonnel a soldier that waited on Hamilton, Bonnel reported that Hamilton in Compy with Jones (late Serjt) went off wt. an intention

not to return; upon which I order’d a Court of enquiry & Inclose you a Copy of it’s Proceedings from which & various hints I receiv’d in different Channels concluded it possible to make further Discoveries by getting Hamilton’s House and those of his intimates Search’d, the preparative steps thereto I conducted wt. the utmost secrecy & after a number of Warrants were Sign’d by Justice Speake the only Constable in Town (Thos Wood) refus’d to act nor was one in Town would serve his Country in that Office till Mr Woodrow very generously accepted & with indefaticable assiduity executed it, he accompanied by several Officers spent the whole night in searching many of the Houses in Town & some in its Neighbourhood and several things belonging to the Regiment were found; those in whose possession the things were found was this day brought before the Justices Swearingin, Linsey & Speake who Bound them over to the next Court as they were at a loss how to act for want of the Laws relative thereto Inclos’d is a Copy of their proceedgs. Lieut. Buckner and the Adjutant went off last night to Kay’s Ferry where it’s said some things are conceald but are not yet returnd.
As theres no Quarter Masr and the Stores in the greatest Confusion I judg’d it expedient to postpone their removal till your further orders.
Twenty Cherrokee Warriours and a Squaw arriv’d here this Evening I heard of their coming last Sunday and desir’d Mr Gist to acquaint his Father by Express of it which he says he did but no accots from the Father[.] The few Indians that were here before went out to meet the 20 just arriv’d, they had some Conversation together, none of them would come into Town but Encampd on a rising near it. Burras says that they told him Capn Gist stays away designedly and thinks the Cherrokees not good.
Lieut. Campbell brought back Walker—he saw another four Deserters amongst the R. Americans in Lancaster but the Commanding Officer there refus’d to deliver him up. I am With the highest Esteem & Respect Dear Sir Your most Assured & Very Obedient humble Servt

Robert Stewart


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Knox, 28 September 1757 [letter not found]
From: Knox, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Thomas Knox, 28 Sept. 1757. On 26 Dec. 1757 GW wrote to Knox: “Your favour of the 28th September came to hand the 20th Instt.”


Title: From George Washington to Richard Peters, 30 September 1757
From: Washington, George
To: Peters, Richard

Dear Sir
Mount Vernon, in Virginia Septr 30th 1757.

Permit me to recommend Colo. Fairfax (the bearer of this) to your Friendly notice while he stays in Philadelphia. He is Son of our late President (who is but just dead) and nearly related to the present Lord Fairfax Proprietor of this Neck. Business calling him to England, he is proceeding hence to New York, hoping to get a Passage in the Packet or some Ship of War; & being a Stranger in your City wanted Introduction: to whom then can I better Introduce him than the agreeable Mr Peters. I hope in doing this I make use of no unwelcome liberty—if I do—your genteel treatment of myself made me assume it—and must

plead my Excuse. My best respects is tenderd to the Governor and I am with great truth Yr most Obedt and Obligd Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Mary Ball Washington, 30 September 1757
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Mary Ball

Mount Vernon Sept 30 1757

Honored Madam—Your letter by Mr. Smith I received on my way to Col Fairfax’s funeral; in answer to that part relative to my Bro’r Charles’ Marriage I shall observe, that if there is no other objection than the one you mention, it may soon be removed; and that Mrs Thornton if she believes I am capable of taking these ungenrous advantages, knows little of the principles which govern my conduct:—however I suppose Mrs Thornton is actuated by prudent Motives and therefore would be safe.—If she will get any Instrument of writing drawn I will sign it provided it does not effect me in other respects than her Daughters Fortune, if my Brother dies under Age.
I have waited till now, expecting the arrival of my Negros Cloaths from Great Britain; but as the season is advancing, and risks attending them I can no longer depend, and therefore beg the favour of you to choose me about 250 yds Oznbitgs 200 yds of cotton 35 pr Plad Hoes and as much thread as is necessary in Mr Lewis’ Store if he has them if not in Mr Jackson’s and send them up by Jno who comes down with a Tumbler for that purpose.
I set out this afternoon on my return to Winchester.
I offer my Love to Charles, and am Hon’d Madam, Yr. most Dutiful and affect’e Son

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Richard Washington, September 1757
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Richard

Dear Sir,
[September 1757]

Be pleasd over and above what I wrote for in a Letter of the 15th April and 10th Instt to send me one dozn strong Chairs of about fifteen Shillings price the bottoms to be exactly made by the Inclosd Dimension’s and of three different colours to suit the paper of three of the bed chambers (also wrote for in my last)—I must acquaint you Sir with the Reason of this request. I have one dozn Chairs that were made in the Country neat but too weak for common sitting[.] I therefore purpose to take the bottoms out of those and put them into these now Orderd while the bottoms which you send will do for the former and furnish the Chambers: for this Reason the Workman must be very exact, neither making the bottoms larger nor Smaller than the demension’s otherwise the change cant be made—be kind enough to give directions that these Chairs equally with the others and Tables be carefully packd and Stowed, without this Caution they are liable to infinite damage. I am Dr Sir, Yr Most Obedt &ca

Go: Washington


Title: List of Officers, 1–24 October 1757
From: Washington, George
To:

A List of Oficers & The Dates of their Commissions

[c.1–24 October 1757]

                  Captains &their Names
                  Dates of ComnsMonth  day  Year
                  Lieutenants &their Names
                  Dates of ComnsMonth  day  Year
                  Ensigns&their Names
                  Dates of ComnsMonth  Day  Year

                  Mercer
                  Augt   15  1755
                  McNeill Capt. Lieut.
                  August   18  1755
                  Roy
                  Jany   31  1756

                  Waggener
                  Ditto   16  Ditto

                  Stewart
                  Ditto   18  Ditto
                  Bullett
                  Ditto   20  Ditto
                  Duncanson
                  June   28  Ditto

                  Lewis
                  Ditto   23  Ditto
                  Steuart
                  Ditto   21  Ditto
                  Sumner
                  Ditto   29  Ditto

                  Woodward
                  Ditto   25  Ditto
                  Blagg
                  Ditto   22  Ditto
                  Russell
                  Ditto   30  Ditto

                  Spotswood
                  Ditto   26  Ditto
                  Lomax
                  Ditto   26  Ditto
                  Lawson

                  McKenzie
                  Septr    4  Ditto
                  Steenburgen
                  Ditto   27  Ditto
                  Speake
                  July     10  1757

                  Campbell
                  Ditto   30  Ditto
                  Fell Resignd
                  Ditto   11  Ditto

                  King
                  Septr      3  Ditto
                  Woodford
                  Ditto   13  Ditto

                  Baker
                  Ditto    4  Ditto
                  Starke
                  Ditto   25  Ditto

                  Gist
                  Octr      1  Ditto
                  Joseph Feint

                  Buckner
                  June   29  1756
                  Coleby Chew
                  Octr      1  Ditto

                  Dangerfield
                  May     25  1757

                  Hubbard
                  Ditto   26  Ditto

                  Milner
                  Ditto   Ditto  Ditto

                  Flemming
                  Ditto   Do   Ditto

                  Price
                  Ditto   Do   Ditto

                  Thompson
                  July    24   Ditto

                  Smith
                  Ditto   25   Ditto

                  Weeden
                  Ditto   26   Ditto

                  Crawford
                  Ditto   27   Ditto


Title: From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 5 October 1757
From: Washington, George
To: Dinwiddie, Robert

To Governor Dinwiddie
Honble Sir,[Fort Loudoun] Octobr 5th 1757.
Both of your Honors letters of the 24th ultimo I received by Jenkins: and as I can not now send a proper monthly return of the Regiment for want of the remarks of the officers at the outposts, I enclose your Honor an exact return, however of our effective strength, and how disposed of, which will at present answer the end proposed, equally well. I likewise send you enclosed the return of provisions, specifying the time they will serve. I am informed, “the contractor is to lay in the provisions for the Troops in New-Hampshire [Hampshire Co.], at this place: That he is to have 6d. a man per diem, for the whole he supplies: and that he is not to pay those who must inevitably be employed in issuing out the provisions at the different Garrisons.”
This information, I flatter myself, is without foundation; as it is beyond doubt, that provisions cou’d be purchased in Hampshire, where the troops are quartered, for half of what the contractor has for laying them in here: and that the amount of the waggonage and other charges of transporting these provisions from hence to N. Hampshire, will exceed the whole cost of the provisions, if purchased there; not to mention the great risque, trouble of Escorts, &c. &c.
The assistant-commissaries must still be continued, or some persons in their room, who, under the direction of a principal, wou’d have purchased the provisions upon as good terms as any Contractor. Besides, the Commissary used to act as waggon-master, supply the different Garrisons with candle, made from the tallow of the country’s beaves; and do many things for the good of the Service, not to be expected from a contractor.
I shall take the earliest opportunity of communicating your Honors intentions, respecting the Ranging company, to Captn Hogg, who I am informed is lying ill, in consequence of a bite of a snake, at Dickensons Fort; and will I fear be unable to raise the men. I am afraid, the recruiting 100 men, will be found a

very difficult task. I am quite at a loss how to act, as you did not inform me upon what terms they are to be levied and supported: what bounty-money to allow; what pay to engage the Officers and men; how clothed and supported; what the Officers pay, and what kind of commissions they are to have?
Mr Robert Rutherford, late deputy-commissary here, says, that he could raise the men in a shorter time than any other: and, from his universal acquaintance on the frontiers; and the esteem the people in general have for him, I am apt to believe he could raise them as soon as any person whatever.
If they should have the same bounty allowed by the Assembly for recruits, I shall want money for that purpose. The £68.13.8d. I received from Colo. Fairfax of the countrys money, I accounted with the committee for in april last. Enclosed is a copy of the last letter I received from Colo. Stanwix.
The enemy continue their horrid devastations in this settlement. Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Capt. Josha Lewis: Immediately on receipt of Capt. Lewis’s, Capt. McNeill, 3 Subalterns, 4 Sergeants, and 70 rank and file, marched up to act in conjunction with Captn Lewis. The day before Captn Lewis was attacked, 20 cherokees headed by one of the principal warriors of that nation, marched from hence to the South-Branch; which with the Troops under Captns Waggener and McKenzie, will I hope secure that Quarter.
So soon as Captn McNeill returns, I will order him up to his company, to which I have, by your orders, appointed him: as I have Mr Chew, in room of Mr Fell.
When Mr Atkin went from here, he carried Mr Gist and the indian Interpreter with him; since several parties of cherokees have been here, by which I and my officers were involved in inconceivable trouble; as we had neither an interpreter nor a right to hold conferences with them; nothing to satisfy their demands of things, of which they were in the greatest need; nor liberty to procure them. These warlike, formidable people, altho’ they seem to have a natural, strong attachment to our interest, will I am afraid, be induced, by such treatment, to hearken to the pressing solicitations of the French who (by the latest & best accounts, copies of which I enclose) are making them vastly advantageous offers. The chief of the cherokee party who went last to the Branch (& who is said to be a man of great weight

among that nation) was so incensed against what he imagined neglect and contempt, that, had we not supplied him with a few necessaries, without which he cou’d not go to war, he threatned to return, fired with resentment, to his nation—In short; I dread that, by the present management of indian affairs, we are losing our interest of that people, the preservation of whose friendship is of the last importance to the colonies in general, and this in particular. I am sorry to acquaint your Honor, that Hamilton, the Quarter-master, hath misbehaved egregiously embezzling and disposing (in a clandestine manner) of some of the Regimental Stores; and afterwards running away, and carrying a man of the Regiment with him. He had leave to go to alexandria to order up some of the Stores left there; and managed his affairs with such cunning, that he was gone too long to be pursued, before he was suspected.
Enclosed is a copy of the proceedings of the court of Enquiry—Several things were found at many different houses; and the Majistrates did not behave consistently with their Duty.
I do not know that I ever gave your Honor cause to suspect me of ingratitude, a crime I detest, and wou’d most carefully avoid. If an open, disinterested behaviour, carries offence, I may have offended: Because I have all along laid it down as a maxim, to represent facts, freely and impartially; but no more to others than I have to you, Sir.
If instances of my ungrateful behaviour had been particularized, I would have answered to them. But I have long been convinced, that my actions and their motives, have been maliciously aggravated.
As your Honor purposes to leave the colony in November, I should be glad of liberty to go down to Williamsburgh towards the last of this month, or first of the next, if nothing should intervene, to settle some accompts which your Honor and the committee, which may not be done in so satisfactory a manner after you are gone.
The last alarm occasioned, a great many of the Inhabitants in this county to go off, whereupon vast numbers are still moving—I fear that in a short time this very valuable valley will be in a great measure depopulated: and what farther steps to take, and how to obviate so great a misfortune, I am quite at a loss: As I have hitherto neglected nothing in the compass of my

power, it is very evident, that nothing but vigorous offensive measures (next campaign) can save the Country; at least all west of the Blue-ridge, from inevitable desolation!
We are in great want of a Quarter-master to take care of the Stores: and I really do not know of a fit person, unless your Honor will please to bestow the office upon Mr Kenedy. He acted sometime as Quarter-master-Sergeant; then as Commissary; and I believe is better acquainted with the Duty than any one we can get. He bears a good character, & is acquainted with figures.
The Dunkard Doctor’s gave me notice of his intentions to wait upon your Honor again for his release. I in a late latter transmitted an information of the french Deserters (who came from Ft Cumberland) against them; and think it my duty further to add, that I firmly believe they are employed as spies, and are useful to the french. Of this all the frontier inhabitants seem convinced; and are so apprehensive of the consequences, that it has caused numbers to remove; and will cause a general terror among them, if this person is suffered to return, and the others to remain out there. For which reason I shou’d really be glad to receive orders to bring the others in: ’Tis better provided they do not assist the enemy, to bring them in, than to keep a whole country in perpetual uneasiness on their account.
Mr Rutherford set about making his return, the moment your Honors’ letter came to hand, and but this instant has finished it; having every thing to measure and weigh, in order to be exact.
Since writing the foregoing, the Express which I sent to Major Lewis is come in, and brings returns of those companies; so that your Honor will now receive proper monthly returns of our strength for July & August; by which you will see that our total strength amounts to 32 commissioned officers, 48 non-commissioned, and 703 rank & file; whereof 20 officers, 30 non-commissioned, and 464 rank and file, are employed in this county and Hampshire. But there are always 6 women allowed to a company, who draw provisions: and the officers receive more or less according to their respective rank; as your Honor would see by the estimate I received from Colo. Stanwix, and inclosed you some considerable time ago: which must be allowed for in the calculation.

I have this instant received letters from Captains’ Waggener and McKenzie, by Express: The first writes, that two men were killed, captured about 2 miles from his fort. The other says, that a cherokee party, just as they were setting out to go to Capt. Waggener’s, heard that Pearis was at Fort Cumberland, and marched to him.

G:W.


Title: To George Washington from Gabriel Jones, 6 October 1757
From: Jones, Gabriel
To: Washington, George

Memorandum:
[Winchester, 6 October 1757]

That, upon coming to Winchester, Capt. Stewart applied to, and informed me that warrants had been taken out against sundry persons, inhabitants of Winchester, in the act of Assembly, for buying, and receiving the clothes and arms of the Soldiers belonging to the Virginia Regiment And that three of the Majistrates, to wit, John Lindsay, Thomas Swearingem, and Thomas Speake, had the same under consideration, and proceeded so far as to examine Witnesses, and to state the facts, but did not give any judgment against the Offenders. Upon which I advised him to apply to any other three majistrates, and demand a judgment either of acquittal or condemnation.
He did so in my hearing; and the majistrate (Mr Lindsay,) to whom the application was made, desired to postpone the matter until Mr Swearingham came to town, which he expected wou’d be either that night, or the morning following. The next day, pursuant to the aforesaid appointment, Capt. Stewart in my presence, again demanded of Mr Lindsay his judgment; he trifled for some time, and then pretended to proceed to judgment, by hearing two of the parties. Capt. Stewart then told him, he came for his judgment, and not for a re-hearing; notwithstanding

which he still went on; and in hearing what one of the parties had to say, and examining another person for him, tho’ not upon oath, he acquitted him: Another person accused, he acquitted; first swearing him to answer such questions as shou’d be asked him—upon which Mr Lindsay declined proceeding further, alledging, that Captn Stewart wou’d not prosecute any further, he being only just gone out of the room: I replied, he was mistaken, if he thought so; Capt. Stewart did not refuse to prosecute, but imagined he had no occasion to stay any longer in the room. And then I desired him, on behalf of the said Stewart, to proceed against the other persons: He made sundry excuses, and among others, that it was a weighty matter, & he did not care to go on; that he should be glad of the assistance of Mr Cox, another Majistrate, but that he was gone out of town: But, being told he was returned, and he might have his assistance, he then said, he had much rather have help from Mr Swearingem; but being told it was uncertain what time said Mr Swearingem would come, he then said he wou’d not proceed; for Mr Swearingem had the papers (at least some of them) and so broke up.

Gabriel Jones
Winchester, Octob. 6th 1757.


Title: From George Washington to John Stanwix, 8 October 1757
From: Washington, George
To: Stanwix, John

   To Colo. Stanwix
   Dr Sir,[Fort Loudoun] Octob. 8th 1757.
I am favoured with an opportunity by Mr Livingston, to acknowledge the receipt of your agreeable favour of the 19th ultimo; and to inform you of a very extraordinary affair which has happened at this place; namely, the desertion of our Quarter-master. This infamous fellow, as he has proved himself,

after having disposed, in a clandestine manner, of many of our regimental stores; being called upon to settle his accompts (not that I, or any officer in the Regiment, had the least suspicion of the scene of roguery he was carrying on) pretended, that he cou’d not come to an exact settlement, without going to Alexandria, where some of the Stores yet lay. Several of our Soldiers deserting at the same time (being the time when Lt Campbell called upon you) he was sent in pursuit of them, which (for we had no doubt of his honest intentions) afforded him the desired opportunity of making his escape. He was ordered, too, to take Alexandria in his return. His villainy was not laid open before his departure; and was at last only accidentally discovered. This person, John Hamilton, had been several years a Sergeant in one of His Majesty’s Regiments: in which character he served 3 years under me: during that time, he gave such signal proofs of his Bravery and good Behaviour, as bound me, in honor and gratitude, to do something for him. And I therefore got him promoted to be Quarter-master, as he was acquainted with the Duty, and capable (I thought) of discharging it.
We have had several visitations from the Enemy, and much mischief done, since my last to you: about the 17th ultimo there were upwards of 20 persons killed only 12 miles from this Garrison: and notwithstanding I sent a strong Detachment from hence to pursue them; and ordered the passes of the mountains to be way-laid, by commands from other places; yet we were not able to meet with these Savages.
On friday sennight a body of near, or quite an hundred, fell upon the inhabitants along the great road, between this and Pennsylvania, got 15 more. The mischief would have been much greater, had not an Officer and 20 men of the Regiment, who were then out, fallen in with, and engaged the enemy: finding, however, that his party was over-powered, and like to be surrounded, he retreated to a stockade, not far distant; in which they were besieged for 3 hours: but the firing communicated an alarm from one habitation to another, by which means most of the families were timely apprized of their danger, and happily got safe off. Our party killed one Indian (whose scalp they obtained) and wounded several others.
I exert every means in my power to protect a much distressed country: But it is a task too arduous! To think of defending a

frontier as ours is, of more than 350 miles extent, with only 7,00 men, is vain and idle: especially when that frontier lies more contiguous to the enemy than any other.
I am, and have for a long time been, fully convinced, that if we continue to pursue a defensive plan, that the country must be inevitably lost. You will be kind enough, Sir, to excuse the freedom with which I deliver my sentiments; and believe me to be (for I really am) with unfeigned truth and regard, Your most obedt Hble Servant,

G:W.

N.B. These constant alarms, and perpetual movements of the Soldiers of this Garrison, have almost put a total stop to the progress of the public works at this place.


Title: To George Washington from William Denny, 9 October 1757
From: Denny, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia 9th Octr 1757.

Inclosed is a Copy of Sir William Johnson’s Letter delivered to me by the Person who conducted the Cherokees to this City by which you will perceive that they are upon an important Errand and should not be delayed one moment. I desire that you will be so good as to mention the Day and Hour they arrive with you, This Province chearfully bears the Expenses of their Journey to Winchester.
I make no Doubt of their receiving from you as kind Treatment as they have met with here and that they will be enabled to perform the rest of their Journey with satisfaction, safety and Dispatch. I am Sir your most humble servt

William Denny.


Title: Enclosure: William Johnson to William Denny, 25 September 1757
From: Johnson, William
To: Denny, William

Sir.
Albany [N.Y.] 25th September 1757

Four Deputies from the Cherokee Indians who were sent by their Chief on a visit of Friendship to the Six Nations, with whom they have had a meeting at my House and by whom they are charged with a Message and invitation in conjunction with me to their Nation and others to the Southward in our Alliance, to hold a Congress at my House in order to renew and strengthen their mutual alliance and friendship—These Deputies are now setting off from hence for their own Country accompanied by some Indians of the Six Nations. They will pass thro’ your Province and City, and as their speedy delivering the Message they are charged with may be a point of considerable Moment to his Majesty’s Interest and Service. I beg leave to recommend it to you to do what lays in your power to forward their Journey, to prevent them and the Indians who accompany them from being delayed by any imprudant Quantity of Liquour being given them, as this may oversee the Advantages hoped for from their Journey. I am Sir, with the Greatest esteem, Your most humble Servant

Wm Johnson


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Bullitt et al., 10 October 1757
From: Bullitt, Thomas,Lomax, John Edward,Fleming, William,Crawford, William,Speake, George
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fort Young Octobr 10th 1757

As we are well assured You take pleasure in distinguishing Merit where ever it is found. We beg leave to recommend to Your notice a Person not altogether unworthy of it[.] If we may

Judge from the diligence & Fidelity he has shewn in a low Station we may still expect he will support his Characture in a higher where he will meet with frequenter Opportunities to exert himself & do Justice to Our Recommendation.
That we may not impose on Your Judgement through Partiality we shall endeavoure Justly to draw his Characture & Pretentions to preferment.
His Education seems to have been a Good Country Education he writes a Good hand & is Accquainted with figures. his Courage We beleive is indisputable, His Conduct as farr as We can Judge from many Months Observation is faultless. he was made a Sergt when forces were first levied in this Collony, in which Station he has serv’d with Vigilence & Obedience ever Since. By Majr Lewiss Order he has acted as Commissary for near a twelve Month, as he understands there are some Vacancies at present, And as it is not without president he hopes You will remember him which we beg leave to inforce, as he had some expectancy before.
From this description we hope You imagine the Person we would recommend to Your Favour is John McCully.

Thos Bullitt
John Edd Lomax
Wm Fleming
Wm Crawford
Geo: Speake


Title: To George Washington from George William Fairfax, 17 October 1757
From: Fairfax, George William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
New York Octr 17th 1757

After a very Plesant journey we arrived here the 12th instt, and had the good fortune to find the Packet here, since which I have spent my time very agreeabelly with those Gentn you where so kind to introduce me to by Letter, and found those very servicable at Philadelphia.
A Packett from Falmouth arrived Yesterday with certain Accots that the Duke of Cumberland was forced to a Battle with the French Army, which lasted three days. The second he gained great advantage, and would have carried the day had not Marshial Richlieu joined them with 20 M fresh Men, which turned the Scale, and obliged the Duke to retreat to Hemlin, which he did in great Order and with such Conduct that even the Enemy applauds him. They are Enterd into Hanover and appointed a Governor for that Electrate, and its wisperd from the Fort where his Ldship resides, That the French King has sent to our Court, threating that if Hawks Fleet put to Sea they will destroy Hanover with Fire and Sword, and the Capt. of the Packet assures us that his Fleet was at Spithead the 1st of Septr—which I fear will have a bad tendancy, and perplex our good old King.
Since writing, a Gentn has sent me a Paper confirming the Action mentioned with other Newes, which youl have in the next Philadelphia Paper, to which I must refer, being just called upon to prepair to Embark with about fourteen Passengers severall of which are Officers.
Colo. Provoe has resignd, Ld Charles Hay still under an Arrest at Halifax, and much blaimed. Sr John St Clair just upon his last legs. And tomorrow his Ldship Embarks for Albany where it seems Genl Webb has demanded a Court of Inquire, after which its thought his Ldship will soon return to this Place, having orderd several Regiments into Winter Quarters. Therefore you must not look for, or expect any thing from this Quarter. And we hear nothing of our Fleet of Luisburg, So that

I fear this Campaign will end as the last. I am in great hast Dear Sir Your Affect. and very humble Servt

G:W. Fairfax

I understand neither Colo. Young or Monroe where in Fort Wm Henry during the Siege, and that the command of it devolved on a Militia Officer who had not so much as an Engineer, and that the Signal to surrender was made from the intrenchments, and that the Fort Commanded their ground.


Title: From George Washington to Hugh Waddell, 23 October 1757
From: Washington, George
To: Waddell, Hugh

Sir
Fort Loudoun Octr 23d 1757

Inclosed is a Copy of a Letter from Sir Wm Johnson to Governour Denny, and of a Letter from Governor Denny to me, relative to the Indians that this accompanies.
I Herewith send Ensign Roy of my Regiment, to see them properly provided with Necessaries for their Journey as far as your Fort and doubt not for the reasons specified in the inclosed, of your doing every thing in your Power to render the remainder of their Journey, as expeditious and agreeable as Circumstances will admit of. I am sir your most humble servt

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Roy, 23 October 1757
From: Washington, George
To: Roy, James

Instructions for Mr Roy.[Fort Loudoun, 23 October 1757]
Sir
You are immediately to proceed from hence with the party of cherokee & northern Indians now here, to Captain Waddell’s fort, or the nearest Garrison (otherwise) in N. Carolina, taking the safest and best road.
When you arrive there, you are to deliver them over to Captn Waddell, or the officer commanding the Garrison, at which you shall deliver them.
In your march you are to use your utmost endeavours in getting the Indians accommodated with provisions and other necessaries—You are to be particularly careful to procure those necessaries on the best terms; keeping the most exact accompts of all your disbursments; and taking receipts for every farthing you pay.
After having delivered over the Indians, you are to apply to him for some deserters from the virginia regiment, which I am informed he has entertained; and of which you have herewith a list.
Shou’d he hesitate at delivering them up, you are to demand his reasons for so illegal a proceedure in writing. It being not only expressly contrary to an Article of War; but evidently detrimental to His Majestys general interest: and which I will not fail to represent to the Commander in chief.
But, shou’d he deliver them up (as I am apt to believe he will) you are to apply to him for an Escort for them to the first Garrison in this colony.
You are to make the greatest expedition, and rejoin this Garrison as soon as the nature of the service, to which you are now ordered, will admit. Given &c. Octo. 23d 1757.

G:W.


Title: From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 24 October 1757
From: Washington, George
To: Dinwiddie, Robert

To The Governor.
Honble Sir.[Fort Loudoun] Octob. 24th 1757.
Your favour of the 19th instant was delivered to me this evening.
The raising a company of Rangers, or augmenting our strength in some other manner, is so far necessary, that without it, the remaining inhabitants of this (once fertile and populous valley) will scarcely be detained at their dwellings ’till the Spring. And, if there is no Expedition to the westward then—nor a force more considerable than Virginia can support, posted on our frontiers (if we still adhere to our destructive, defensive schemes) there will not, next campaign I dare affirm, be one soul living on this side the Blue-Ridge the ensuing autumn; unless it be the Troops in Garrison, and a few inhabitants of this town, who may shelter themselves under the protection of this fort. This I know to be the immovable determination of all the Settlers of this county; which, to give a more succinct account of than I cou’d in writing, was the principal among many other reasons that induced me to ask leave to come down. It was not to enjoy a party of pleasure I wanted leave of absence: I have been indulged with few of those, winter or Summer! I must here add; that an incredible number of Inhabitants has fled in consequence of the two last incursions of the Enemy, [(]of which your Honor has already been advertised.) And that I have taken indefatigable pains, and found it no easy task to prevail on the bulk of the country to wait the consultations of this winter, and the event of this Spring. I do not know on whom this miserable and undone people are to rely for redress—If the Assembly are to give it to them, it is time that measures were concerting—if we are to seek it of the Commander in chief, it is time our Grievances were made known to him: for, as I before said, another campaign, such as was the last, will depopulate this country. Then, let the consequences be considered, where are we to

get supplies of provisions for our armies, when this valley, which is the only support of them, is entirely abandoned to an Enemy, which by that means will be entirely possest of every thing necessary to pursue their conquest: and that the adjacent counties will fly much faster, than this, not being half so well settled, is a fact indisputable.
I shall also add, what I did not in my last (lest it shou’d be thought I spoke from prejudice) that Capt. Hogg is the most unfit person in the world, to raise and command a company of Rangers. He in the first place is generally disliked—were he not, he has neither activity, spirit, or knowledge enough of the woods, to answer this end. And again; the men most proper for such an undertaking, would be backward to enlist under him, fearing his discipline: whereas, I conceive, a person in some degree upon a level with themselves, wou’d have it in his power to engage for the good pay which is offered: Huntsmen, who have been used to arms from their childhood, and in a particular manner acquainted with the country from which many have been drove.
These are my reasons against Capt. Hogg, and in behalf of some such person as Mr Rutherford—to whom I have no particular attachment, or desire to serve. He refuses to accept of the second command. I have expressed my sentiments upon this latter, as well as the first affair, with the utmost candour and sincerity; in doing which I conceive I have done no more than my duty—The whole is submitted to your Honors better judgment.
Yesterday arrived here the Indians spoken of in the enclosed (copies of letters which came with them, to me.) I purchased four Horses, bridles and saddles, for £14 and send them off today, escorted by an officer who is charged with the care of conducting them thro’ this Colony. The Cherokees that were on the Branch, are on their return to their nation, having left this for that purpose several days ago. They met (about 8 miles beyond Ft Cumberland) a party of Indians under command of a french cadet, whom they engaged; the french cadet was killed and scalped—his orders found—which Captn Dagworthy detained without even sending me a copy of them. I understand however, he was ordered to take a view of Fort-Cumberland,

and then proceed into the Inhabitants, to kill, captivate, and lay waste the country.
Mr Kenedy I shall appoint in the place of Mr Hamilton. I am your Honors’ most obedt hble Servt

G:W.

P.S. Your Honor has not mentioned what pay the officers commissioned and non-commission’d, are to have.
I cou’d settle the provisions in dispute at Ft Cumberland, with Doct. Ross upon no other terms than these: He is to replace the flour and so much of the Beef as the marylanders used at this place, and to pay for the flour and Beans—The remainder of the Beef I must have transported to the Branch.


Title: From George Washington to Joshua Lewis, 24 October 1757
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Joshua

Sir
[c.24 October 1757]

I am strongly importun’d by Capn Swearengen to place a small Command at Strouds Fort if you think it for the Interest of the Service & can possibly spare the Men yr complying Wt. these requests will be agreeable to me I’m still off opinion that Dividg yr Command into small Parties will be better than Keepg any No. of them together—I send you this Inclos’d to Cap⟨n⟩ Swearengen who I have Directed to consult wt. you on the Subject.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 24 October 1757
From: Dinwiddie, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
Williamsburg Octr 24th 1757

I wrote You by Jenkins to which be refer’d. As I have contracted with Mr Ramsay to supply the Forces in the Pay of this Country, that are in the Counties of Frederick & Hampshire, I enclose You a Copy of the Contract, that You may see the several Articles thereof properly perform’d, & I am convinc’d this Contract will be a great Saving to the Country—& if Mr Ramsay shou’d at any Time have occasion to transport any Provisions to the Forts in Hampshire, You are to grant him a proper Escort; he is to furnish the Inds. with fresh Proviss. so that You will have no Trouble on these Affairs.
Several People have applied to me for the Bounty on taking up Deserters, which I cannot pay till I have an Acct from You of receiving those People from the Cunstables, which I desire You will send me by first Opportunity, that they may be paid in order to encourage others to take them up.
This comes by Mr Richd Smith the Indn Interpreter, who is to rema. at Winchester till the Indians come in, with whom he is to go out to War—Mr Gist is to take Care of the Indian Goods apropriated for Presents, which he is to dispose of on occasion in the same Method Mr Atkins did.
The Duncard’s Petition was heard before me & the Council, & Yr Letter in regard thereto, & as the People on the Frontiers are uneasy with them, believing them to be Spies, it was resolv’d that You send a Party out to bring in the other two Brothers, with their Cattle & Horses & any Thing they have that they conveniently can bring with them, & to remain among the Inhabitants durg the present War, after which to be restored to their Lands, which Order You are to comply with in the most prudent Manner. I remain Sir Your humble Servant

Robt Dinwiddie


Title: From George Washington to John Robinson, 25 October 1757
From: Washington, George
To: Robinson, John

John Robinson esqre—Speaker
Dear Sir,[Fort Loudoun] October 25th 1757.     I applied to the Governor for leave to come down in order to settle my accompts before he left the country, and to represent the melancholy situation of our distressed frontiers—which no written narrative can so well describe, as a verbal account, to a judicious person, inclined to hear. In a verbal account, the questions resulting from one relation beget others, ’till matters are perfectly understood: Whereas, the most explicit writing will be found deficient. But His Honor was pleased to deny his leave, thinking my request unreasonable; and that I had some party of pleasure in view.
I have, in a letter by this conveyance, endeavoured to sit, in as clear a point of light as I am able, the situation of our frontiers, & the disposition of the Inhabitants, to the Governor; and shall endeavour also in as succinct a manner as possible, to make you sensible of both. In doing which, it will be necessary to observe to you, that the inhabitants of this fertile, and (once) populous valley, are now become our most western settlers—save the few families that are forted on the Branch—that the Enemy have, in great measure, ceased committing hostilities on the Branch, and fallen upon the people of this valley—and that a considerable part of them have already removed.
This, by persons unacquainted with the country, and the enemy we have to deal with, may be attributed to the cowardice of the inhabitants, and inactivity of the Soldiers: But, by others will be imputed to neither. No troops in the universe can guard against the cunning and wiles of Indians. No one can tell where they will fall, ’till the mischief is done, and then ’tis in vain to pursue. The inhabitants see, and are convinced of this; which makes each family afraid of standing in the gap of danger, and by retreating one behind another, they depopulate the country, and leave it to the Enemy, who subsist upon the plunder. This, Sir, is a matter of fact, which you may depend on from me: and further—if we pursue a defensive plan next campaign there will not, by autumn, be one soul living on this side the Blue-ridge, except the Soldiers in Garrison, and such of the Inhabitants as may seek shelter therein. This, Sir, I know to be the immovable

determination of the people: and believe me, when I tell you, that I have been at great pains, before I cou’d prevail on them to wait the consultations of this winter, and the event of Spring.
I do not know on whom those miserable, undone people, are to rely for redress: If the Assembly are to give it to them, it is time that measures at least were concerting—and not when they shou’d be going into execution; as has always been the case. If they are to seek it from the Commander in chief, it is time our grievances were made known to him—For, I can not forbear repeating again, that, while we pursue defensive measures, we pursue inevitable ruin; the loss of the Country being the inevitable & fatal consequence! There will be no end to our troubles, while we follow this plan; and every year will increase our expence. This, my dear Mr Speaker, I urge, not only as an officer, but as a friend, who has property in the Country, and is unwilling to loose it. This it is, also, that makes me anxious for doing more than barely represent; which is all that is expected of an officer commanding.
It is not possible for me to convey a just sense of the posture of our affairs: It wou’d be vanity to attempt it: I therefore content myself with entreating you to use your influence to prevent such delays as we have hitherto met with, if you think this affair depends upon the Assembly. If you conceive the Assembly have done what they are able, & that recourse must be had elsewhere; I am determined, as I will neither spare cost or pains, to apply to Colo. Stanwix (who commands on this Quarter; with whom I am acquainted, and from whom I have received several kind and affectionate letters,) for leave to wait on him with an account of our circumstances. Thro’ this means, perhaps, we may be able to draw a little of Lord Loudouns attention to the preservation of these colonies.
Pray let me have your sentiments in respect to these affairs—I have not time to put my thoughts on these matters in a proper dress: The Bearer is in waiting, and I am in other respects hurried. But the truth of what I have asserted, believe me, is unquestionable; as well as that I am, with the most affectionate Regards, Your most obt Servant, & friend,

G:W.


Title: To George Washington from Joshua Beall, 25 October 1757 [letter not found]
From: Beall, Joshua
To: Washington, George

 Letter not found: from Joshua Beall, 25 Oct. 1757. On 1 Nov. 1757 GW wrote to Beall: “Your favour of the 25th ultimo was delivered me today.”


Title: From George Washington to David Hall, 26 October 1757
From: Washington, George
To: Hall, David

Fort Loudoun, Octr 26th 1757

If the Lancaster Post insists upon half a crown for each Paper, we shall be oblige to you for paying it him; but I think it is a most exorbitant demand for so small additional trouble.
If you hear nothing from Us before the end of the Quarter you will then drop the Paper and send me your acct which shall be immediately paid by Sir Yr most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Joshua Beall, 1 November 1757
From: Washington, George
To: Beall, Joshua

[Fort Loudoun, 1 November 1757]
To Captn Jos: Beale. of the Maryland Troops—Ft FredkSir,

Your favour of the 25th ultimo was delivered me to-day—If you had been more explicit in relating the circumstances of the abuse you were pleased to complain of, I shou’d have been better enabled to judge of the fact. But, after confessing, as you have done, that you made no enquiry at all into the affair, I am not more surprized at your making the complaint, than I am at a loss how to redress it.
I hope you will do me the justice to believe, that I never countenance commissioned, much less n. commissioned, officers, or private men, in irregular and disorderly Behaviour: especially in matters that may interrupt the good harmony subsisting, or which ought to subsist between troops of the different Governments.
It hath been my study to cultivate unanimity and a quet correspondence among them, and to prevent every thing which might have had a contrary tendency.
Henry Williams, the Sergeant, of whom you complain, belongs to Capt. Lewis’s Company, and is posted not far from your Garrison. If, therefore, you will produce testimony of this outrage

to his Captain, he will see that satisfaction is made to the injured party.
The enclosed directs you there. I am, Sir, Your most ob. St

G:W.
Ft Loudoun, Novr 1st 1757.


Title: From George Washington to Joshua Lewis, 1 November 1757
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Joshua

To Captain Joshua Lewis[Fort Loudoun, 1 November 1757]
Sir,
Captn Beale, of the maryland troops having complained to me, that Sergeant Williams, of your company, had mal-treated a soldier or two under his command (coming Express to this place.) I desire you will, if Captn Beale produces evidence of this outrage, have the matter enquired into, that justice may be administered to the injured, and offending parties. I am Sir, Your most obedt Hble Servant,

G:W.
Fort Loudoun—November 1st 1757.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 2 November 1757
From: Dinwiddie, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
Williamsburg Novr 2d 1757

Yr Letter of the 24th Ulto I recd—And as You observe the absolute Necessity of having a Company of Rangers, I agree to the raising sixty, seventy or 80 Men to be Commanded by Mr Rutherfurd, but You must be certain of his raising the Men, not to load the Country with a Charge, as formerly, without Men to the different Companies; I do not doubt of Yr keeping them strictly to their Duty—his Pay, with first and second Lieutt’s to be the same as the Officers in Your Regiment—& as the private Men are to have 12d. ⅌ Day they are to have no enlisting Money or Clothing, & if possible they are to furnish their own Arms, but if they cannot You are to supply them by delivering a Number to Ct. Rutherfurd, on his Receipt to restore them Casualties excepted; & they are to be provided with Provisions by the Contractor; this I hope will encourage the Settlers to rema. on their Plantations.
I always was strongly of Opinion that an Offensive War was most eligible, & have repeatedly urg’d it, thô always disappointed,

& before I leave this I shall endeavor again to represent it to his Lordship.
You did very right in furnishing the Cherokees from Pensylvaa with Horses &ca I wonder Ct. Gist writes Nothing of the Indians that were on the Branch, returning Home; I hope they did not go disgusted.
As formerly, I leave the Settlemt with Dr Ross, entirely to YrSelf, & what You do therein will be approv’d of—I am much indispos’d—I remain Sir Your mo. humble Servant

Robt Dinwiddie

Yr Care in havg proper Lts for Ct. Rutherfurd will be for the Public Ser.


Title: To George Washington from John Robinson, 3 November 1757
From: Robinson, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Wmsburgh Novr 3. 1757.

I received your favour by Brinker, and am sensibly affected with the Miserable Situation of the unhappy People in your part of the Country, and am greatly concerned at the uneasiness I know you suffer on their Acct in not having it [in] your Power to prevent their Miseries, or put a stop to the cruel and inhuman Murders committed upon them, I, and every Body else, must agree with you, that the acting offensively is the only method of doing it, and of the Impossibility of guarding against the Wolfish cuning of the Savages by keeping the Men in Forts and Garrisons; I had Occasion to wait on the Govr soon after I received your Letter, when I asked his Honor if he had not received a Letter from You, he told me he had, and asked the same Question of me to which I answered in the Affirmative, and informed him of the Contents, his answer was that he was always of Opinion that an attempt ought to have [been] made last Summer to take Fort Du Quesne, and annoy the Enemy in their Settlements, and that he had pressed Lord Loudon two or three times on the Subject, but his Lordship told him that he had received a Plan of Operations from home and that he would not deviate from it; The Govr at the same time told me that he should send a Commission to Rutherford to raise a Company of Rangers to consist of Eighty men, which he hoped would be of some use in preventing the Savages from coming so far down to destroy the inhabitants, for my part, I confess I expect no great Matters from them, I was this Morning told that the Govr should say part of the Royal American Regiment was upon their march to our Frontiers, but he mentioned nothing of it to

me, His Honor is at this time almost wholy taken up with settleing his Affairs for his departure, as he expects a Man of War every day to carry him, We have not yet heard who is to succeed him, God send it may be some Body better acquainted with the unhappy Business we have in hand, and by his Conduct and counsel dispel the heavy cloud at present hanging over this distressed and unhappy Country, till which happy Event, I beg my dear Friend, you will bear, so far as a Man of Honor ought, the discouragement and Slights you have too often met with and continue to serve your Country, as I am thoroughly convinced you have always hitherto done, in the best manner you can with the small assistance that is afforded You—I sincerely wish You all happiness and especially that you may [be] speedily eased from that Anxiety which a generous Spirit must labour under from not having it in his Power to relieve the distresses of his unhappy Countryman. I am Dr Sir Your Most Afft. Friend and Servant

John Robinson


Title: From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 5 November 1757
From: Washington, George
To: Dinwiddie, Robert

To The Governor.
Honble Sir.[Fort Loudoun] Novem. 5th 1757
Duty to my country and His Majesty’s interest, indispensably requires, that I again trouble your Honor on the subject of Indian affairs here; which have been impeded and embarrassed by such a train of mismanagement, as a continuance of which must inevitably produce the most melancholy consequences.
The sincere disposition the Cherokees have betrayed to espouse our cause heartily, has been demonstrated beyond the most distant doubt: and if rewarded in the manner in which that laudable and meritorious disposition entitles them to, wou’d, in all human probability, soon effect a favourable change in the present (apparently) desperate situation of this poor, unhappy part of His majesty’s Dominions. But, in the stead of

meeting with that great encouragement which the essential Services of that brave people undoubtedly merit; several of them, after having undergone the rudest toils and fatigues of an excessively long march—destitute of all the conveniences, and almost necessaries of life—and, (to give us still more convincing proofs of their strong attachment to our interest) in that very situation, went to war; and in the way behaved nobly (from which we reaped a signal advantage;) and, when they returned here with an enemys’ scalp, Baggage, and other trophies of Honor, they must have gone home without any kind of reward or thanks—or even provisions to support them on their march—justly fired with the highest resentment for their mal-treatment—had not I and my Officers strained a point, procured them some Things of which they were in absolute want, and made it the object of our care, in various respects, to please them.
Another party of those Indians since very opportunely arrived to our assistance, at the very juncture the enemy made an irruption into this settlement, pursued their tracks, came up with 3 of them, two of whom they scalped, and wounded the third. They are now returned from this pursuit and are nearly in the same situation with those above-mentioned. I applied to Captn Gist in their behalf; and told him I must represent the matter to your Honor. But he assures me that he has neither Goods to reward them, money to procure them; or even an Interpreter; which totally incapacitates him for doing any kind of service. If so (which I have no reason to doubt), it is surprizing that any man shou’d be entrusted with the negotiating of such important affairs, and not be possess’d of the means to accomplish the undertaking: By which he, and several others who receive high pay from virginia, are not only rendered useless, but our Interest with those Indians is at the brink of destruction. Whenever a party arrives here, they immediately apply to me: But I have neither any thing to give them, nor any right to do it. Nor is there any body to inform them, to what these and their other disappointments is owing: which reduces me to such a dilemma as I wou’d most gladly be extricated from.
I must likewise beg leave to mention to your Honor once more, the vast hardships many of the poor people groan under here, having been so long kept out of the money which the

country owes them on account of the Indians. When I proposed going down to Williamsburgh, many of them brought their accompts to me, which I intended (had you given me liberty) to have laid before your Honor. I mention this circumstance, not with any view of being employed in examining and paying off those accompts (which for many reasons I can, by no means, undertake) but in hope that your Honor will be pleased to give directions to, and denominate some person for that purpose, for the neglect of which so many poor peop[l]e greatly Suffer. I am Yr’s &c.

G:W.


Title: Robert Stewart to Robert Dinwiddie, 9 November 1757
From: Stewart, Robert
To: Dinwiddie, Robert

Honble Sir
Fort Loudoun Novr 9th 1757

For upwards of three Months past Colo. Washington has labour’d under a Bloudy Flux, about a week ago his Disorder greatly increas’d attended with bad Fevers, the day before yesterday he was seiz’d with Stitches & violent Pleuretick Pains upon which the Docr Bled him and yesterday he twice repeated the same operation. This Complication of Disorders greatly perplexes the Doctr as what is good for him in one respect hurts him in another, the Docr has strongly Recommended his immediatly changing his air and going to some place where he can be kept quiet (a thing impossible here) being the best chance that now remains for his Recovery, the Colo. objected to following this advice before he could procure Yr Honrs Liberty but the Docr gave him such reasons as convinc’d him it might then be too late and he has at length with reluctance agreed to it, therefore has Directed me to acquaint Yr Honr (as he’s not in condition to write himself) of his resolution of leaving this immediatly and of his reasons for doing it which I have now the honor to do.
Yr Honr’s Letter of the 24th Ulto (by Smith) did not reach the Colo. till the afternoon of the 6th Instant he has since sent a Copy of Yr Contract with Mr Ramsay to the Commandg Officer

of each Garrison in this and Hampshire Counties and issued the necessary Orders relative thereto.
there’s no Deserters been brought to the Regiment by Constables or others for which the Colo. has not paid Rewards In consequence of your Orders the Colo. has Commanded Captn Waggener to Form as strong a Party as he can by Detachments from the different Garrisons on the Branch to bring in the Duncards But he humbly conceives it would have been prudent to have confin’d the Duncard Doctr till the Return of this Party as it’s more than probable that if he’s disaffected to our Government which many violently suspect he and his Brothers will immediatly move to Fort Duquesne, give the Commanding officer there Intelligence of our Intentions and thereby enable him to Form some Plan for the Destruction of our Party But as the Colos. Orders were positive he did not choose to defer the Execution of them.
When I last had the honor of writing You I inform’d Yr Honor of my Intentions of applying to Lord Loudoun so soon as [I] could hear of His Lordship’s going into Winter Quarters I have since communicated my Intentions to Colo. Washington, who was Pleas’d to approve of it but exprest some Inclination to have Yr Honrs approbation to my leave of absence to Wait on His Lordship wherever He may be, this I flatter myself You will be Pleas’d to do which will much oblige &ca

Robert Stewart


Title: Invoice from Richard Washington, 10 November 1757
From: Washington, Richard
To: Washington, George

London 10th Novr 1757.

Invoice of Sundry Goods Shipd by Richd Washington on board the Peggy and Elizabeth, Jno. Whiting Master, bound to Virginia, on the proper Acct and risque of the Honble Geo. Washington.

                  No. 1—A Cask
                  £ . 2.

                  3 Six Inch brass casd Locks complt a 6/6
                  .19.6

                  3 Seven Inch ditto ditto a 7/6
                  1. 2.6

                  3 seven Inch brass coverplate ditto a 9/6
                  1. 8.6

                  3 eight Inch ditto ditto a 10/6
                  1.11.6

                  5 pr brass side Hinges with Screws a 5/
                  1. 5.

                  4 pr ditto lath ditto with knobs a 6/
                  1. 4.

                  3 pr ditto larger ditto a 6/6
                  .19.6

                  2 pr ditto larger ditto a 7/6
                  .15.

                  A Case
                  .12.

                  96 Yds blue embost Paper, wte Mosaic a 10d.
                  4.  .

                  8 dozn Borders to ditto a 9d.
                  . 6.

                  96 yds green embost Paper a 9d.
                  3.12.

                  8 dozn borders to ditto a 9d.
                  . 6.

                  96 yds yellow embost paper a 9
                  3.12.

                  8 dozn Borders to ditto a 9
                  . 6.

                  96 yds India figurd Paper a 6
                  2. 8.

                  8 dozn Borders to Ditto a 9
                  . 6.

                  96 yds Chintz paper a 4
                  1.12.

                  8 dozn Borders to Ditto a 9
                  . 6.

                  144 Yds Crimson embost paper wte Masaic a 10
                  6.  .

                  12 dozn borders to ditto a 9d.
                  . 9.

                  A Set of best painted Ornaments for a Ceiling qty 32 Square yds a 2/6
                  4.  .

                  A Set of Papier Maché for ditto
                  5. 9.

                  A Case
                  . 8.

                  A fine new Viend Marble Chimy ps. Slab and Covins qty 31 feet a 5/
                  7.15.

                  A pr of Plinths to ditto 10/  6 pr Iron Cramps to fix do 18d.
                  .11.6

                  Two neat Mahagony Tables, 4 f.—6 I. Square two flaps each & all the feet to move, to join with hooks &ca
                  6.10.

                  Packing, and Battening ditto
                  . 6.

                  12 Mahay best gothick Chairs, wt. Pincushion Seats, stufft in the best manner & coverd with horse hair
                  12.12.

                  packing the Chairs in 6 parcells
                  . 6.

                  A Case wt. partitions
                  . 4.

                  250 Squares best Crown glass 172½ feet a 11d.
                  7.18.1

                  28 lb. putty for ditto a 3
                  . 7.

                  A Case sent pr Captn Nicholson
                  . 1.

                  A fine strong Silver pierced, Boat Shell two edgd Sword Silver & gold gripe, spare & false Scabbard &ca
                  7. 7.

                  A Green Silk Hussar Belt and Buckle
                  .15.

                  A Red Morocco do and ditto
                  . 7.

                  £87.19.1

                  To Entry Custom, Searchrs fees, Cartg Porterg Wharfg & Shipping Charges
                  1.18.

                  To Freight, Primage & Bills of Lading
                  3. 4.6

                  £93. 1.7

                  Commissn 2½ prCt
                  2. 6.6

                  £95. 8.1

                  To £100 Insure on the above a £5.5/ prCt & policy
                  5.10.6

                  Commission ½ prCt
                  .10.

                  Warranted with Convoy
                  £101. 8.7

                  N.B. In Case No. 2. A Neat Landscape—after Claude Lorrain
                  3.15.6

                  £105. 4.1

                  E Errors

Richd Washington


Title: From George Washington to Charles Green, 13 November 1757
From: Washington, George
To: Green, Charles

Reverend Sir
Alexandria Novr 13th 1757

Necessity (and that I hope will apologize for the trouble I must give you—) obliges me to ask the favour of a visit—that I may have an oppertunity of consulting you on a disorder which

I have lingerd under for three Months past—It is painful to me to write—Mr Carlyle will say the rest—I shall only add, that I am with very great esteem Yr most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 14 November 1757
From: Dinwiddie, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
Williamsburg Novr 14th 1757

Yr Letter of the 5th I duly recd & I am much surpriz’d at what You write that the Indn Affairs have been impeeded by a Train of Mismanagemt when I consider Mr Atkin’s Report that he had established every Thing in regard to those People in a most regular Manner I have wrote the Necessary to Ct. Gist on that Head, & order’d up a Quantity of Goods from Petersburg for that Service which I hope will be at Winchester before this reaches You—I have it much at Heart to encourage the Cherokees & did not doubt but Mr Atkin had agreeable to his Declaratn fix’d every Thing in proper Order, if any Deficiency I hope the Goods sent up will supply; & Ct. Gist writes that he sent away the last 20, & nine that came before, tolerably pleas’d, by the Advance of some Goods; & You write that with the advice of Yr Officers You stretch’d a Point in supplyg them with some Necessaries, which I suppose was more than what Ct. Gist had given them.
I am glad the last Party had the Success of scalping two & wounding a third of the Enemy, they are to be applauded & rewarded for their Service—Gist complains he has no Goods which surprizes me, when Mr Atkin says he left upwards of 800£ in Goods, with him; I believe they were design’d for the Catawbas, but on Occasion they shd be made use of for those Indians that may come to our Assistance, & those for the Catawbas may hereafter be compleated, as the Country has sent Home for a large Quantity.
The Interpreter Smith left this a Month ago contrary to my Opinion Mr Atkin sent him by Augusta but I hope he is with You long before this reaches You[.] Gist’s Employmt is to take Care of the Inds. & to deliver them Presents with Discretion, &

he has Goods for that Purpose, if not restrain’d by Mr Atkin’s Instructions, but I suppose he now writes him fully how to act.
Mr Boyd carried up Money to pay Ct. Gist & the others employ’d by Mr Atkin till the 14th of last Month: the Neglect or Delay of the Interpreter has occasion’d some Difficulties entirely owing to Mr Atkin sending him by Augusta, but I hope he is now with You.
I have formerly wrote You to know the Demands of the poor People on Acct of the Inds. which I dare say is but a Trifle if any Thing, Mr Boyd carried up Money for several of them; Gordon’s Acct was paid, Brinker was also pd—& a Person from the So. Branch carried up Money to pay several Accts there; & if any is now due it is the People’s own Fault in not giving them to Mr Boyd. There has been a considerable Sum pd this Court on that Acct—besides 220 to Mr Atkin for the Inds. Expences durg his Time, & indeed I was in hopes there was no more due. I am with Respect Sir Your mo. humble Servant

Robt Dinwiddie


Title: To George Washington from William Peachey, 14 November 1757
From: Peachey, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richmond County 14th November 1757

I received yr kind Letter of the 18th September about a Week ago, the Sight of which caused at almost the same Instant both a pleasing and disagreable Sensation; a pleasing, that I had so agreable a Frd and Correspondt; a disagreable, that I had once enjoy’d the Company of that Frd whom I had scarcely known to be such, but I lost the Sweets of a Friendship I had long and greatly desired, by being undr the Necessity of leaving that Pt of the World, where alone I cou’d meet with that Friend—In poor Spotswood I lost a Man I loved as a Brother—I lament the untimely Fate of Bullit, Both of whom I am convinced wou’d have made good Soldiers in any other Service but that of Virginia, where a Man must either push himself into the jaws of Death, & that too without the least hopes of Redemption, or be subject to the Calumnious Tongues of a Sett of base Traducers, whose Knowledge does not extend further than phaps the Information of a parcell of dastardly Cowards, who through Fear, Laziness, or Indolence, joined with a dirty hoggish Disposition, have deserted the Virga Regimt & tell a pack of scandalous Lyes to screen themselves, which as effectually answers the End as Gunpowdr does to throw a Ball out of a Cannon.
Your Letter tells me you wish I had been continued in the Regiment; Ay, I wish so too with all my Heart, at least till I had had an Oppertunity to convince the World I was not affraid to face the most dreadfull Enemy of humane Life, when necessary—Your Letter also says, Can’t you get one of the additional Companys? I believe I coud; What then? Can I think that Colo. Washington wou’d desire me to come into the Regiment upon such Terms (viz. The Loss of my Rank) No, I believe he knows me too well & is more my Friend, for if I shoud, I shoud imagine that not only the Officers but every Soldr in the Corps wou’d point me out for a Fool & Beggr who coud no other wise subsist—Thô I confess frely that some of the Follys of the Army too soon crept on me, for which I now condemn myself, can you think that my Foibles were glaring enough to have subjected me to the extream ill Treatment I met with in the Reduction? I am upon a Scheme in which I woud take yr advice; If I coud procure Letters recommendatory from the leading Men

of this Colony with one from yrself to Lord Loudoun, What Service do you think it woud be of to me in the military Way to the Norwd. Might not I expect a Commission of some Sort in a few Mos. provided there was a small Matter of Cash in the Way; for, you must know that tho. I have a Sufficiency to live genteely on at Home, my Estate woud not long hold out in the Volenteering Way, nor shod I ⟨see⟩ to advance much for a Commission as I have Children to provide for; yr Sentiments frely on the Matter will be taken as a particular Favour.
There’s a flying Report here that some Expedition is on Foot on yr Quarter, that Colonel Stanwicks has order’d the Virga Troops to join him shortly at Ray’s Town, if so, do give me Notice as soon as possible, for I am determined if a thing of that kind shoud happen before I am otherwise provided for, to have one Brush with you as a Volenteer.
Upon a second application to the Governr about my Arrears, he insists that Mr Boyd has the Money for those purposes & he had nothing to do with it, so that if I don’t get the Cash thrô their means, I suppose I must go without it altogether—N.B. he saw the Certificate.
I was going to conclude, but I can’t help giving yo. a piece of conversation that pass’d not long since between the Governr and my Bror the Clerk of Amelia, says his Honr “Well Master Peachey how does your Bror the Captn do? I do assure yo. Mastr Peachey I am very sorry he is reduced, for I understand he was a very usefull Man, but it was not my Fault, I assure you I coud not help it, for it came in Turn” and all this he said without the Things being mention’d or even Thought of by my Brother—Now what do you think of this? I shall now conclude with this assurance, that I am with sincere Respect Dr Sir Yr Affect. Frd & Most obedt Servant

Willm Peachey


Title: From George Washington to Sarah Cary Fairfax, 15 November 1757
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, Sarah Cary

Dear Madam
Mount Vernon 15th Novr 1757.

I have lingerd under an Indisposition for more than three Months; and finding no relief above, on the contrary, that I daily grew worse, I have followd ⟨m⟩y Surgeons advice to leave the place, & try what effects ⟨f⟩resh Air and Water may have upon my disorder.
On Sunday last I arrivd here, and on Yesterday Mr Green was so kind to favour me with a visit & prescribd to me. He forbids the use of Meats, and substitutes Jelly’s and such kind of Food for a constancy: now, as my Sister is from home and I have no Person that has been usd to making these kind of things; and no directions; I find my self under a necessity of applying to you for yr rec[eip]t Book for a little while, and indeed for such materials to make Jellys as you think I may not just at this time have. for I cant get Hartshorn Shavings any where. I must also beg the favour of you to lend me a Pound, or a smaller quantity if you can’t spare that, of Hyson Tea. I am quite out & cannot get a supply any where in these parts. please also to lend me a bottle or two of Mountain, or Canary Wine Mr Green directs me to drink a Glass or two of this every day mixd with Water of Gum Arabic.
Pray make my Compliments acceptable to the Young Ladies of Your Family, and believe me to be Dr Madam Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Robert Stewart, 20 November 1757 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Stewart, Robert

Letter not found: to Robert Stewart, 20 Nov. 1757. On 24 Nov. 1757 Stewart wrote to GW: “. . . Jenkins handed me your very obliging & affectionate Epistle of the 20th Inst.”


Title: To George Washington from Robert Stewart, 24 November 1757
From: Stewart, Robert
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Fort Loudoun Novemr 24th 1757

When big with the hopes of your speedy Recovery indulging myself in the pleasing thought and impatiently expecting the agreeable accot Jenkins handed me your very obliging & affectionate Epistle of the 20th Inst. But how great was my Disappointment on Accot of the bad State your obstinate & deeply rooted Disorder has reduc’d you to? I easily conceive how disagreeable it must be to a person of sense to be laid under a necessity of paying a due deference to the Pompuous Grimace and formal Prescriptions of the Learn’d Faculty under whose hands you have the misfortune of being, but I hope My Dear Colo. that not only regard to Self Preservation but to your Country in general and the Regiment in particular will induce you implicitly to obey every order your Physicians may Judge necessary for the Conservation of that Life all Justly rate so high and for which you are undoubtedly in some measure answerable to your Country—I Beg you’ll Pardon this Freedom which proceeds from the deep Concern I’m under.
By the Inclos’d from ⟨Mr Rut⟩herford you’ll observe his Success—Capn Swearingen requests you’ll send him a Line signifying that the Rangers will not be Incorporated into the Regiment and if you cou’d limit the time of their Service it would greatly accelerate the Recruiting—Cunningham (of the Mill) says that Mr Ross Bargain’d with him for a qty of Flower to be Deliver’d here, and that the Contractor won’t receive it he begs to be inform’d what to do? Capn Trent wants to know if you’ll

be Security for the Indian Goods Capn Gist wants from him? Bush says the things you order’d for the Artillery will amount to a pretty large Sum, he daily expects them and as he’s to pay ready money for them begs you’ll Please give orders for Paying him—In consequence of the Inclos’d from Capn McKenzie I sent up the Dun[ke]r Docr which I hope you’ll approve off—no accots of the Enemy since—The Works goes on here as well as can be expected, both your Smith & Trigg have been sick for several Days but are now got to work again—Mr Boyd arriv’d some time since with four Months Pay 2 of which he has paid I Beg you’ll ⟨mutilated un⟩easiness from the affairs on the Frontier as they are in as good a Posture as can reasonably be hop’d for.
Agreeable to your Desire I have wrote to Colo. Stanwix (who is now mov’d to Lancaster.) Inclos’d is a Copy thereof likewise of my last to the Governor and his answer by which you’ll observe he Orders me to send him a List of the Deserters that were brought back to the Regiment and to whom the Rewards were paid? this I cannot do unless you’ll Please send it me from your Cash or Rect Book His Honr has given his approbation to my going to the Northd and when I reflect how far the Season is already advanc’d how much time it will require to perform my part in the Event of Success the Difficulties Delays may occasion and how vastly improbable my ever having such another chance I begin to Dread I have stay’d too long, therefore requests you’ll be Pleas’d to give me your Leave and would it not fatigue you too much a Letter to His Lordship and another to Captn Cunningham would be of infinite Service to me as you must be suppos’d to know me (as a Soldier) better than any that have Recommended me I would ⟨mutilated⟩s give you so much trouble in your present Situation did not this seem to be my last Effort for being extricated out of that disagreeable uncertainty in which I have so long liv’d and were I not morally certain your Letters wou’d be of vast advantage to me.
I Return you Mr Smith’s Letter, Magazine &C. with a List of what have and will beyond doubt Subscribe I will exert myself in getting all I can—I’m vext I have tir’d you with the tedious length of this will only add my most fervent Wishes for your speedy Recovery which would make everybody here immensely

happy particularly him who ever is With the most perfect Esteem & respect Dear Sir Your most Affectionate & Most Obliged hble Servt

Robert Stewart

As for Election ⟨mutilated⟩ thing goes on in all Quart⟨mutilated⟩sfaction—no accots ⟨mutilated ne⟩w Governr.


Title: Enclosure I: Robert McKenzie to Robert Stewart, November 1757
From: McKenzie, Robert
To: Stewart, Robert

Sir
Saturday Night [November 1757]

I am glad to find by your Lettr to Capt. Waggener that the Duncard Doctr is not escaped which we took here for granted. There is not a Man upon the Branch that can positively undertake to pilot the Party to his Settlemt & at this Time of the Year it is very dangerous to go such a Distance & over such bad Mountains witht a proper Guide. I wish you would undertake to send him up immeadiately, & if his Bail is not yet released I will be bound to return him safe, or bring a certain Certificate to prove that the Country will suffer Nothing from him for the future. I am to command the Party, & am therefore more anxious for its Success—I am sure the Good of the Service necessarily requires his Presence.
A Party of 8 Indians fell upon two Hunters abt Sunsett. They fired 4 Shot at the Enemy but upon seeing the rest (three only being seen at first) they run off two different Ways both untouchd. One is come in the other missing—I shall endeavor to know what is become of him in the Morng—The man missing is Lane, the other Cox. I am Sir Yr Most obedt

Robt McKenzie


Title: Enclosure II: Robert Dinwiddie to Robert Stewart, 15 November 1757
From: Dinwiddie, Robert
To: Stewart, Robert

Sir
Williamsburg Novr 15th 1757

I recd Your Letter by Jenkins last Night—The violent Complaint Colo: Washington labors under gives me great Concern, it was unknown to me or he shou’d have had Leave of Absence sooner, & I am very glad he did not delay following the Doctr’s Advice, to try a change of Air, I sincerely wish him a speedy Recovery.
I observe what You write in regard to the Contractor, & Instructions given to Capt. Waggoner all which I approve of—I desire You will in Your next give me a List of Deserters recd & to whom the Money was paid, as I have been much troubled with Applications for the Reward; it is wrong to pay the Constables, for they are not the People that apprehend them.
I wrote You lately about Yr waiting on Lord Loudoun, & if You obtain Colo. Washington’s Consent I shall not object to Your

going to the No[rth]wd as You propose, & heartily wish You Success. I am Respectfully Sir Your most humble Servant

Robt Dinwiddie


Title: Return of the Virginia Regiment, 1 December 1757
From: Washington, George
To:

A Return of the 8 Compys of the Virga Regimt on the Frontiers of that Colony Decemr 1st 1757

                  Officers Present

                  Commissiond
                  Staff
                  non Commd
                  Effective Rank and File
                  Wanting to Compleat

                  Companies
                  Colo.
                  Major
                  Captains
                  Lieutenants
                  Ens.
                  Adjutants
                  Qtr Mastr
                  Surgeon
                  Mate
                  Serjts
                  Drumrs
                  Fit for Duty
                  Sick
                  on Commd
                  on furlough
                  Recruiting
                  Total
                  Serjeants
                  Drums
                  Rank & File

                  Colo. Washingtons
                  1

                  2
                  1
                  1
                  1
                  1

                  4
                  2
                  58
                  6
                  13
                  2

                  79

                  21

                  Major Lewis

                  1

                  2
                  1

                  4
                  2
                  78
                  1
                  14
                  1

                  94

                  6

                  Captn Waggenner

                  1
                  2
                  1

                  1
                  4
                  2
                  35
                  1
                  38
                  1

                  75

                  25

                  Captn Stewart

                  1
                  2
                  1

                  3
                  2
                  52
                  8
                  14

                  74
                  1

                  26

                  Capt. McNeill

                  1
                  2
                  1

                  4
                  2
                  41
                  7
                  25
                  1

                  74

                  26

                  Capt. Joshua Lewis

                  1
                  2
                  1

                  4
                  2
                  38
                  2
                  36
                  1

                  77

                  23

                  Capt. Woodward

                  1
                  1
                  1

                  4
                  2
                  72
                  2

                  74

                  26

                  Capt. McKenzie

                  1
                  2
                  1

                  3
                  2
                  24
                  8
                  48

                  80
                  1

                  20

                  Draughts not Compad

                  26
                  10
                  10

                  46

                  Total
                  1
                  1
                  6
                  15
                  8
                  1
                  1
                  1
                  1
                  30
                  16
                  424
                  45
                  198
                  6

                  673
                  2

                  173

                  A State of the Strength of Each Company & where Station’d

                  Colo. WashingtonsCapt. Stewarts & the Draughts
                  }
                  At Fort Loudoun[,] Detacht 1 Serjt & 15 rank & file to Capt. Lewis Stephens, To Edward’s Fort 9 Rank & File[,] to Baldwins Fort 9 Rank & File

                  Major Lewis at Dickinsons Fort or Fort Yong Detach’t 1 Serjt & 11 Rank & file To Fort Dinwiddie

                  Capt. Jno. McNiell[,] Do, Ens. Stark with 1 Serjt & 19 Rank & file at Cloyds Fort & 5 Rank & file at Fort Dinwiddie

                  Capt. Woodward at Fort Littleton, or Fort Vause

                  Capt. Waggenner at the Town Fort, Lieut. Steenburgen with 1 Serjt & 19 Rank & file at Powers Mill, 1 Serjt & 9 Rank & file at Harness Fort, & 9 Rank & file at Fort Hollond

                  Capt. Josha Lewis at Pattersons Fort Lt Baker 1 Serjt & 15 Rank & file at Mendenhalls Fort, 6 Rank & file at Bells Fort 5 rank & file at Evans’s Fort 5 Rank & file at Smalls fort & 5 rank & file at Catons

                  Capt. McKenzie at Pearsalls Fort Lt King 1 Serjt & 3 Rank & file at Fort Pleasant


Title: To George Washington from George William Fairfax, 6 December 1757
From: Fairfax, George William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
London Decr 6th 1757

I arrived here the 25th of last month since which there has not been an Opportunity to America, And now the conveyance so uncertain that I hope you’l excuse this short Epistle, and permitt me good Sir to acquaint you that our applycations remains doubtfull, And that its difficult to have a hearing by reason the

great ones are so much taken up with affairs of much greater consequence.
The Parliament meet the 1st of this instant, and Unanimously concurred in very Loyal Addresses, and with a firm resolution to Aid the Victorious King of Prussia who has Surpassed all Expectation and I hope yett will give the French a more definative stroke.
Their has been a Court of Enquiry on the late Secret Expedition, and the other day a Court Martial fixed to try Genl M—t &ca. In short it ingrosses the whole Legislature, so that those in America are not thought of, But its suggested by some that there will be great alteration there and that Ld Geo. Sackvile may be expected, but this is a Secret, The Duke has certainly resign’d, Sr John Legonier and two more appointed Feild Marshals, and the former created an Irish Peer.
The Parliament will Adjourn for the Holydays, when I shall go with Mr Fairfax into Kent, and afterwards to Yorkshire where I shall tarry till the approch of the Spring, in which time if you have any other Commands it will give me pleasure to Execute them.
When matters are more Ripe, I will take time to give you a particular Accot till when I remain with the greatest Esteem Dear Sir Your Affect. and very humble Servt

Go: Wm Fairfax


Title: To George Washington from William Henry Fairfax, 9 November 1757
From: Fairfax, William Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
New-York, Decr the 9th 1757

As you shewed your Desire for my Welfare by your kind Recommendation to Capt. Cunningham; I think it necessary to apologize for not acquainting you sooner with my Reception and Situation here. I was very kindly received by Lord Loudoun, but as I was in daily Expectations of joining some Regiment either as a Volunteer or commissioned Officer, I was willing to acquaint you with my being well received & well settled at the same time. My being well settled was chiefly owing to Capt. Cunningham. For after delivering my Letters to his Lordship; I intended to have returned to Virginia & serve in your Regt till his Lordship should think proper to give me a Commission. At this time Capt. Cunningham was so ill that I could not see him. But when I delivered him your Letter, & acquainted him with my Intentions, he insisted so strongly upon my continuing with the Forces here; that I immediately laid aside all thoughts of returning to Virginia then; & determined to do nothing without his Advice, while I continued near him. I accordingly went up a

Volunteer to the 44th Regt wch was then encamped at Albany. When I arrived there I was informed that about 100 Volunteers were at that time following the Army here; many of them very well recommended either by Service or Interest, who must all have been provided for before me had I waited till a Commission was given me. This made me embrace the first Opportunity of purchasing; wch happened in a few Days after my Arrival at Albany by a Vacancy in the 28th Regt to wch Lord Loudoun very willingly consented. I am now waiting here for Orders when to join the Regt (wch is at Beau:sejour) or to go on any other Duty. My Commission cost 200£ Sterling wch is the settled Price here, & 100£ more for a Lieutenancy, unless by a private Bargain. I imagine, Sir, that the Vacancy occasioned by my Resignation would be filled up in Consequence of Captn Cunningham’s Letter to you after my Arrival here, Which was the Reason of my not sending a formal Resignation. I am sorry to have received a Commission in a Regt in wch I have done no Service. However my being appointed will save the Expence of an Officer during the time I had Rank in the Regt—I have been with Major Levingston very much since his Arrival in these Parts; who desired me to acquaint you with his being here. He went with me up to Albany; where he was with my Lord Loudoun; who examined him very particularly about the Number, Pay, Cloathing &c. of the Forces in the Pay of the Southern Colonies. He talks much in favour of the Virginia Regt in all Companies, & sometimes makes Comparissons between them & the Regts here, disadvantageous to the latter. I am, Sir, Your much obliged humble Servt

Willm Hy Fairfax

Capt. Cunningham is now recovered.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Knox, 26 December 1757
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Thomas

Sir,
Mount Vernon Virga 26th December 1757

Your favour of the 28th September came to hand the 20th Instt. My Goods, that is such part as you have sent me I am told will be round from Rappahannock River shortly—I can’t help expressing great concern, and some Surprize at your not sending the following Articles, which were Included in an Invoice sent the 18th Jany last, the Receipt of which you acknowledge (viz.)

4 dozn plaid Hose
½ dozn Scythes & Stones
4 Curry Combs & Brushes
1 Dozn Weeding Hoes
1 dozn narrow & ½ dozn Grubg Do
20M 8d. Nails
20M 10d. Ditto—10M 20d.
20M 4d. Ditto 5M 6d. and
1 Dozn Logwood Axes.

These are Articles Sir, I greatly wanted, and must now be obligd to buy in the Country for this years use at exorbitant prices and that perhaps after sending over good part of the Country before they can be procurd.
On board the Nugent Only I have 14 Hogsheads Tobo of the best Mountn Sweetscented—your best endeavours in the Sales will be exerted I hope in my favour—Tobo of the like kind, sent by my acquaintances to the London Market commands great prices, and this of mine made upon the same sort of Land as theirs is and handled equally as Neat will, I flatter myself, sell full as high in that of Bristol.
The nett proceeds of this Latter, and Balle of the former Tobo please to pay to Mr Richd Washington of London, who is directed to draw upon you to the amount. Please also to Insure one hundd pounds on the 14 Hogsheads, a Sum much less than the value of the Tobacco but I choose to risk part—I doubt not of hearing from you soon & receiving Accounts of Sales, & Acct Currt. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

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Title: From George Washington to Richard Washington, 26 December 1757
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Richard

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon, Decr 26th 1757

I have been under concern for sometime past at your long Silence; and have been put to many Shifts, and some Expence for want of my Goods: I have wrote you several times and addressd Copies, to which be referd.
I have now to inform you that finding no Ships for London and despairing of oppertunities of consigning to yourself; I have put on board the Nugent Only, Captn Copythorne for Bristol, fourteen Hhds of best Sweet Scented Tobo (this years Crop) and Consignd them to Mr Knox who I have drawn upon for some few things and desird him to pay the Balle of this as also of some former Tobos into your Hands—I shall Ship more in the first Vessells for London, or else where if I find the Markets favourable—I hope you will take the first oppertunity of sending me (if you have not already done it) all the Goods which, from time to time I have wrote for, and Inclose at the same time my Acct Currt. I am, with great Esteem Dr Sir, Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Servt

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Title: To George Washington from Sampson Darrell, 28 December 1757
From: Darrell, Sampson
To: Washington, George

Sir
28th Decembr 1757

I send you inclod Joseph West Deed to Darrell, also the Cources of Matthew Thomsons Patten. The Land has never been yet layed off, So that the line to give the three hundred acres must be run. as for Spencers line no Boddey Knowes it so well as Robert Stevens, who was our pilet on the Survay[.] I will git Mr Mason to come and lay Down that line. I am Sir Your Hble Servt

Sampson Darrell


Title: From George Washington to George Johnston, 5 January 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Johnston, George

Sir
[Mount Vernon] Jany 5th 1758

I have not leizure at this time, to enquire into the Right Mr Darrell pretends to have of altering the form of the Land I bought of him—I shoud be glad therefore to know, if I receive Deeds according to the present Courses & bounds, whether it will invalidate in any degree, my claim at a future prosecution of it. I am Yr most Obedt Servt

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