Title: Roll of George Washington’s Company, 1 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To:

   A Roll of Colonel Washington’s Company   August 1st 1756

                  Enlisted

                  Size

                  When
                  Where

                  Number
                  Mens Names
                  Month
                  Year
                  County &ca
                  Abode
                  Age
                  Feet
                  Inches
                  Occupation
                  Country
                  Description

                  1
                  John Sallard
                  Septemr
                  1755
                  Richmond
                  Richmond
                  25
                  5
                  10
                  Joiner
                  Virginia
                  Fair and freckled with redish Hair, genteely made

                  2
                  John Belford
                  Decemr
                  1755
                  Fort Cumbd

                  25
                  5
                  7½
                  Weaver
                  Ireland
                  Brown, with black curling Hair, quick in Speech & of a lively Counte.

                  3
                  Peter Tulley
                  July
                  1756
                  Winchester
                  Fredericksg
                  32
                  5
                  7
                  Barber
                  Ireland
                  Fair and well made with Sandy Hair

                  4
                  Saml Langsworth
                  Septemr
                  1755
                  Norfolk
                  Norfolk
                  25
                  5
                  11
                  Tanner
                  Jersey
                  Well made and brown, with dark brown Hair and Complexion

                  5
                  Wm Stuart Packet
                  Septemr
                  1755
                  Richmond
                  Richmond
                  25
                  5
                  11½
                  Planter
                  Virginia
                  Brown Complexion, proportionably made but Slender

                  6
                  Simon Robinson
                  Septemr
                  1755
                  Stafford
                  Stafford
                  24
                  5
                  6
                  Bricklayer
                  England
                  Fair Complexn wt. brownish hair his Knees rather inclg Inwards

                  7
                  James Campbell
                  Decemr
                  1754
                  Stafford
                  Stafford

                  8
                  Edward Whitehead
                  March
                  1754
                  Norfolk
                  Norfolk
                  25
                  5
                  8
                  Baker
                  Ireland
                  Brown with dark Hair

                  9
                  Launder Hughs
                  July
                  1756
                  Winchester

                  18
                  5
                  10¼
                  Planter
                  Virginia
                  Fair with Scar on the left side of his upper Lip

                  10
                  John Hill
                  May
                  1756
                  Winchester
                  Spotsylvaa
                  26
                  5
                  7¼
                  Taylor
                  England
                  Brown Complexion and Hair with his right Thumb Broke

                  11
                  Arthur Dent
                  January
                  1755
                  Stafford
                  Stafford
                  35
                  5
                  5
                  Planter
                  England
                  Brown, & lame in his Right Thigh by a Wound.

                  12
                  Abel Mason
                  October
                  1755
                  Accomack
                  Accomack
                  23
                  5
                  9
                  Planter
                  Virginia
                  Brown Complexion and Hair.

                  13
                  Thomas Napp
                  March
                  1754
                  Wmsburg
                  Wmsburg
                  23
                  5
                  7½
                  Shearman
                  England
                  Brown Complexion and Hair.

                  14
                  John Nugent
                  March
                  1756
                  Maidstone
                  Maryland
                  32
                  5
                  7¾
                  Butcher
                  Ireland
                  Brown & a blemish in his left Eye: wt. a joint of the little Finger & Thumb shott off

                  15
                  Francis Roberts
                  Septemr
                  1755
                  Amelia
                  Amelia
                  22
                  5
                  9
                  Carpenter
                  Virginia
                  Brown Complexion & hair, and a likely Personage

                  16
                  Benja. Smith
                  June
                  1756
                  Willmsburg
                  Suffolk
                  27
                  5
                  5
                  Bookbinder
                  England
                  Fair Complexion

                  17
                  John Trigg
                  Novemr
                  1754
                  King & Queen
                  Kg & Queen
                  25
                  5
                  7¼
                  Planter
                  Virginia
                  Complection and Hair Brown

                  18
                  John Robinson
                  ⟨May⟩
                  1756
                  Winchester

                  21
                  5
                  4¼
                  Carpenter
                  England
                  Fair Complexion

                  19
                  Thomas Brown
                  October
                  1755
                  Charles City

                  22
                  5
                  6½
                  Planter
                  Ireland
                  Brown, and much Pitted with the Small Pox

                  20
                  James Davis
                  April
                  1756
                  Maidstone

                  20
                  5
                  5
                  Planter
                  Ireland
                  Sandy redish colourd Hair

                  21
                  George Hill
                  July
                  1756
                  Winchester

                  29
                  5
                  7¼
                  Planter
                  Ireland
                  Brown with Black Hair

                  22
                  Robert Nash
                  August
                  1756
                  Winchester
                  Northumd
                  25
                  5
                  6
                  Carpenter
                  Virginia
                  Brown hair and Complexion

                  23
                  Joseph Briggs
                  March
                  1756
                  Maidstone

                  21
                  5
                  8
                  Planter
                  Pensylvania
                  Brown hair, pitted with the Small Pox, & affected in his right Shoulder

                  24
                  Jno. McMillon
                  Decemr
                  1754
                  Westmoreld
                  Westmoreld
                  33
                  5
                  9
                  Planter
                  Virginia
                  Brown hair & complexion, thin Visage, and a durty look

                  25
                  Jno. Robinson Junr
                  Octr
                  1754
                  Fredericksg
                  Fredericksg
                  20
                  5
                  3½
                  Planter
                  Scotland
                  Brown Complexion, & dark hair

                  26
                  Lachlan McLean
                  January
                  1755
                  Prince Wm
                  Prince Wm
                  24
                  5
                  8
                  Planter
                  Scotland
                  Brown with dark hair.


Title: Speech to the Tuscarora Indians, 1 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To: Tuscarora Indians

[Winchester, 1 August 1756]
To King Blunt, Capt. Jack, and the rest of the Tuscorora Chiefs—Brothers, & Friends,

This will be Deliverd you by our Brother Tom, a Warrior of the Nottoways, who with others of that Nation, have distinguished themselves in our service this summer, against our Cruel and perfidious Enemys—The intent of this, is, to Assure you of our real Friendship and Love—and to confirm & Strengthen that chain of Friendship, which has subsisted between us for so many ages past, a Chain like ours, founded on Sincere Love, and Friendship, must be strong and lasting, and will I hope endure while Sun & Stars give Light.
Brothers, You can be no strangers to the many Murders & Cruelties, committed on our Country Men & Friends, by that False & Faithless people the French, who are constantly endeavouring to corrupt the minds of our Friendly Indians—and have Stirr’d up the Shawnese & Delawares, with severall other nations to take up the hatchet against us—And at the head of many of these Indians have invaded our Country, laid waste our lands, plunder’d our plantations, Murdered defenceless Women & Children, & Burn’t & destroy’d whereever they came—which has enraged ⟨our⟩ Friends the Six Nations, Cherokees, Nottoways, Cattawbas, and all our Indian Alies, and prompted them to take up the Hatchet in our deffence, against these disturbers of the Common peace.
I hope, Brothers, you will likewise take up the Hatchet, against the French & their Indians, as our other Friends have done, and Send us some of your Young Men, to protect, our Frontiers, and go to War with us, against our restless and Ambitious Foes—And to encourage Your brave Warriors, I promise to furnish them wt. Arms, Ammunition, Cloths, provision, and every necessary for War, And the Sooner you Send them to our assistance, the greater mark will you give us of your Friendship—& the better shall we be Enabled to take just Revenge of their Cruelties.
May You Live Long, a happy & prosperous people, and may we act with mutual Love & Friendship—While Rivers run, or Trees grow—is the Sincere Wish, of Your Friend and Brother—

G.

In confirmation of the above, & in hopes of your Complyance wt. my request, I give you this String of Wampum.


Title: To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 1 August 1756
From: Stephen, Adam
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Fort Cumberland [Md.] August 1st 1756

It appears to me that the Works unanimously agreed to here in Consequence of the Assemblys Resolution cannot be Carried on untill more of the Draughts come up; The present disposion will never answer.
Mr Milner cannot afford an Escort to Capt. McKenzie, He divided, cannot furnish one as far as Ensign Thompson’s. At Sellars plantation are XVIII f. f. D. I have wrote to Capt. Waggener to send the men belonging to this garrison, but Imagine he has been prevented by parties of the Enemys about—I have omitted sending a monthly return in case of Accident; we want thirty of our Complemt & have Nineteen Sick. These Circumstances considered, makes it appear to me preposterous, to build in so many different places when we cannot keep the Communication open, nor maintain to advantage the Works already raisd.
The resolve to build the Chain, has certainly been Consequent to a Resolution of the House determining a Certain number of men, but as that has unhappily fail’d; The other must of Course; and cannot be Expected. It was upon a Supposition of the Draughts arrival, or of the Continuance of the Militia on the Frontiers, that I gave my Opinion relating to erecting Forts.

The Militia has brought disgrace upon our Arms and are in a great measu[re] useless, but could have defended a Fort, whilst the Regimt or Rangers, went in pursuit of the Enemy.
Unless such a body of men are kept together at any of the Forts as can spare a Detachmt to cope with any party of the Enemy we cannot Protect the Inhabitants, nor Answer the end intended by raising Troops. Such Petty Divisions Invite the Enemy to watch and hang about, well knowing that after weakening them by picking up some straglers, they have a chance for reducing the Whole.
They show themselves by way of Bravado at the Small garrisons as they pass & repass to destroy the Inhabitants, and as this insulting Behaviour escapes with impunity, it increases their insolence and demonstrates that Forts without a Sufficient number of men to defend them & Scour the Country about, are a useless Burthen to the province; whereas were there a Body of men in them, from which a Detachmt could be Constantly out, we would take off a number of the Enemy, & it would be impossible for them to get below us with impunity, to Annoy the Inhabitants. We are entirely out of Rum, Wine & several medicines, a List of which I have desird Mr Johnston to send to Docr Craik, which I beg you’ll please to order up as soon as possible. I have been obligd to send Mr Feint to Ashbys where five men are ill of a fever that prevails there. Parties of the Enemy are Constantly about, one of about 20 Encamp’d latly within half a mile of The Fort; near the place where the Picket of the Left was posted last year. I have the honour to be, Sir, your most Obt huble Servant

Adam Stephen


Title: Orders, 2–3 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To:

York.
[2, 3 August 1756]Winchester: Monday, August 2d 1756.

A Return to be given in early to-morrow, of all the men in town who are not employed on the public work; in which the Adjutant must be very particular that there is not the least mistake.
The Commissary and Quarter-master are expressly ordered, during Colonel Washington’s stay here, not to deliver any Provisions or Stores, without orders from him, signed by the aid de camp: and in his absence, these orders must always be signed by the commanding Officer—No other Orders or Returns will be allowed of. All Returns for Provision, &c. are to be signed by a commissioned officer, commanding the Company or Detachment, &c. before they are brought to Colonel Washington—and they are desired to be very particular in examining those returns; that no more men are drawn for, than really belong to the Company.

Zealand.
Winchester, Tuesday, August 3, 1756.

The Officer of the Guard for the future is to attend at the Fort, and keep the men constantly at their work.


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 3 August 1756 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Letter not found: to Benjamin Franklin, 3 Aug. 1756. On 19 Aug. 1756 Franklin wrote to GW: “I have your Favours of July 23. and Aug. 3.”


Title: To George Washington from Robert McKenzie, 3 August 1756 [letter not found]
From: McKenzie, Robert
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Robert McKenzie, 3 Aug. 1756. On 5 Aug. 1756 GW wrote to McKenzie: “I wrote you yesterday; since which I have received yours of the 3d instant.”


Title: Orders, 4 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To:

Aberdeen.
Winchester: Wednesday, August 4th 1756.


Title: From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 4 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To: Dinwiddie, Robert

[Winchester, 4 August 1756]
To The Honorable Robert Dinwiddie, Esq. Governor of Virginia.Honble Sir,

Giving the necessary Orders and Directions about the chain of Forts to be built on the Frontiers, has kept me so closely employed, that I could not write fully to your Honor until this. But I have got that trouble now pretty well off my hands, as I have dispatched orders, plans and tools to all the officers appointed to that Duty. By the enclosed Council held at Fort Cumberland, your Honor will see our determination there, and where it is necessary to erect the Forts.
Although we have not kept strictly to the Act of Assembly, I hope it will be overlooked; as I am sensible this will be the best chain that can possibly be erected for the defence of the people, and that the Assembly aimed at that—but, being unacquainted with the situation of the Country had fallen into an error, agreeable to this Council the chain is ordered to be built.
Your Honour by the enclosed Rolls of the companies may see their present establishment; and I send you a copy of their former one, agreeable to your orders; together with the number

of Drafts from each County, delivered at Fredericksburgh But many of them deserted on their march to this place, and after their arrival here: So we are short of that number now: what remain, are divided among the Companies, to make them equal.
Captains Hogg and Waggeners Rolls I can not yet send, as they are not come to hand.
The two vacant companies, Captain Savage and the late John Mercer’s, as I had your Honours approbation for the Field Officers having companies, are disposed of to Colonel Stephens and myself—The next vacancy the Major must fill.
I am very glad your Honour intends to order the Draughts now to be made, to be sent here—Prince-William, Fairfax and Culpeper, are more convenient to this place than Fredericksburgh—Then their being ordered here saves a ninety miles march.
I make no doubt your Honour has ere this heard of the Defeat of Lieutenant Rutherford, of the Rangers, escorting an Express to me at Fort Cumberland; and of the dastardly behaviour of the militia, who ran off without one half of them having discharged their pieces, altho’ they were apprized of the ambuscade by one of the flanking party, before the Indians fired upon them; and ran back to Ashby’s Fort, contrary to orders, persuasions, threats, &c. They are all ordered in so soon as the people have secured their Harvest—Those of King-George and Caroline are already here, the rest I expect shortly. Through the passive Behaviour of their Officers, they have been very refractory. Captain Stewarts Troop has for these twelve months past, and must still continue to do Duty on Foot. Their pay is very great—I should be glad of your Honours orders in regard to them, whether they are to be continued? I think with the number of men we have, there is but a poor prospect of finishing our Forts in time; and a much worse of defending our Frontiers properly—and I would be glad some expedient could be fallen upon to augment it.
There is an Act of Parliament to allow all Servants to enlist, and the owners to be paid a reasonable allowance for them: if we had this priviledge, we could soon complete the Regiment; and I doubt not but his Majesty would order them to be paid for, if we enlisted, as soon as for the Regulars: nay, shou’d he not, the ten pounds fine thro’ the Country would go a considerable

way towards it. And this we may depend upon, if we have not this liberty granted us, the Servants will all run off to the Regular Officers, who are recruiting about us—and that would be to weaken our Colony much, when it could receive no immediate benefit from it, but only be benefited in a general way. For my part I see no other expedient. Now your Honour sees plainly the effect the act of Assembly, in regard to the Draughts, has had; and how little our strength has been augmented by that scheme—and in three or four months we shall not be the better for them—then they are to be discharged!
I am confident, if we had had authority to enlist Servants, the Regiment would have been complet ere this; and with little trouble—for many have offered, and many have been discharged after enlisting. Mr Kirkpatrick will deliver your Honour a list of the preferments in my Regiment, with the dates of the Officers commissions—There are five or six more still waiting. Lieutenant Stark has followed Fraziers example, upon the like occasion; being appointed to Captain Hoggs Company.
I have sent Lieutenant Bullet to relieve Lieutenant McNeill; whose seniority entiles him to Captain Lieutenancy: and he has my promise when a vacancy happens to have his commission antedated, and to take his proper rank in the Regiment; as I take him to be a very diligent good officer, and as he was overlooked in the promotions, this indulgence has been promised him.
I could wish we were clear of Fort Cumberland—It takes a great part of our small force to garrison it: and I see no service it is to our Colony; for since the Indians have drove the Inhabitants so low down, they do not hesitate to follow them as far as Conogochieg and this place—There have been several families murdered within two miles of the mouth of Conogochieg, on the Maryland side, this week—and Fort Cumberland is now so much out of the way, that they seldom hear of those things, within a month after they are done. Our men want many necessaries, until the arrival of their Regimentals, which can not be had without sending to Philadelphia: and the great loss we shall suffer by sending them our paper-money, has prevented my purchasing these things until the men are almost naked. I should be glad your Honour would send me a Letter of Credit to Mr Allen, or some person there; or Gold, or Bills;

for we can not afford to put up with the loss of sending paper money—which I am credibly informed, may be bought up in Philadelphia for fifteen per cent their currency; so that the least we wou’d lose by that traffic, would be ten per cent.
We are in great want of Drums here, and none can be bought; we now have many young Drummers learning here—so I must beg you will please to order some immediately from Williamsburgh to us, for we can not do without them.
The Rangers are still paid out of the money in my hands—I never received but one hundred pounds from Lord Fairfax, or Colonel George.
Captain Gist has some accompts against the Country for necessary Services—I doubt not your Honor will consider the justice of them; and assist the poor man in the affair; as he is put to great inconveniences for want of the money—has been obliged to advance his own, as far as it would go—and people to whom he owes Balances upon that account, are daily threatning him with Suits.
Captain McNeil writes me, that out of the three companies of Rangers on the Frontiers of Augusta, which ought to be one hundred and twenty men, there are not thirty: I hope your Honour will have that affair enquired into.
I am to be summoned against one Napp for making counterfeit paper-money here, I desire your Directions, whether I must appear or not—it may, perhaps, be at a time when I am much wanted here.
I could by no means bring the Quakers to any Terms—They chose rather to be whipped to death than bear arms, or lend us any assistance whatever upon the Fort, or any thing of self-defence. Some of their friends have been security for their appearance when they are called for; and I have released them from the Guard-House until I receive further orders from your Honour—which they have agreed to apply for.
I am informed there has been application made to your Honor, for the discharge of some of the Militia who enlisted here—as the case may have been represented to your Honor in a wrong light by prejudiced persons, I shall give you a true state of it, from my own knowledge.
After the Militia were fixed on to march to their different posts, it was common for twenty or more to desert of a night: In

consequence of which I despatched the Militia Officers with what remained, and some of my own Officers in pursuit of these Deserters, who apprehended seventeen or eighteen of them, and brought them to town. The Militia had then marched—To send these men after them I was certain would not answer—to avoid that, was the cause of their desertion; and I could not spare men to send an Escort with them to their different parties—and, if I had let them pass unpunished, it would have occasioned all the Militia at work on the Fort to desert. So I thought it most advisable to punish them, to deter the rest, and prevent a second Fault in them; and accordingly ordered them twenty lashes each; and then intended to have set them to work on the Fort.
When they had marched from the Guard-house (where several had enlisted before any punishment was ordered them) some of the officers applied for money, and said all the militia would enlist; which I gave them, and at the same time a charge, to use no unfair means or threats, which they engaged.
In order to prevent any, I sent out Captain Mercer to acquaint them with my charge to the Officers, and to tell them, that if any unfair means had been made use of to engage them to take the money, to declare it, and they should be allowed to return it; and further be acquainted with the indulgence allowed them by act of Parliament; and that they had a right to return the money within twenty-four hours, if they should repent of what they had done in that time: They all declared their willingness to enlist—said no unfair means had been made use of, and that it was better to enlist at once, than to be subject to be draughted every week: when they were Soldiers, they knew what to depend upon—which they could not before—as their being draughted at an unseasonable time might ruin them. They used the same arguments again to Captain Mercer, when he read the Articles of War to them; and he again repeated what he had told them before in the morning; as I have been assured by several of the officers then present.
The men have always appeared well satisfied, and never have made the least complaint; nor will not, I am sensible, if, they are not persuaded to it by the people below. They have now been enlisted upwards of ten weeks, and are very good men, upon the whole.

I dare say your Honour will judge the men to be fairly enlisted, and that they are no ways entitled to a Discharge; which will be applied for by some Gentlemen below; But I shall take your Honours directions on that point.
In obedience to your Honours commands, to incorporate the Rangers into the Regiment; I gave Furloes to the Captains (who both desired it) knowing they would oppose any measures to enlist the men; and then sent some of my officers, to use their influence to engage the men—Their success I have not yet heard of—but should be glad to know if you approve of this method, or will direct any other—As Rangers, under the present Establishment, they are of no use or benefit to the Country: This, I believe, your Honour, as well as the Country, have long since been convinced of.
I have supplied the Nottoway Indians with some necessaries, and have allowed them to take their arms with them; but they have received no pay, and say, they were promised a Bitt per day.
Captain Tom has promised to go to the Tusks with a Speech and Wampum, which I have given them—He says they have an hundred fighting men to spare—They would be a great assistance to us, if they could be engaged to come.
Besides the men on the Rolls sent your Honour, there are about one hundred Draughts, not disposed of in the different Companies which are at work on the Fort, and garrisoning some of the country Forts.
I have just received your Honours letter of the 12th ultimo. If Mr Tumberlake will enter as a volunteer in the Regiment, and wait, as others have done, his turn, I shall be glad to serve him: But I can not pretend to put him over young gentlemen who have served some months at their own expense, waiting preferment; without orders from your Honour; as such things have caused the greatest discontent and confusion in the Regiment already.
I observe your Honors proposal to Lord Loudon, of carrying on an Expedition against the Ohio. I have always thought it the best and only method to put a stop to the incursions of the Enemy; as they would then be obliged to stay at home, to defend their own possessions. But we are quite unprepared for such an undertaking: If it is fixed upon, now is the time for buying up

Provisions and laying them in at the most convenient place. The pensylvania butchers are buying quantities of Beef here, which should be put a stop to, if we are to march towards the Ohio—If we are still to remain on the defensive, and garrison the chain of Forts; Provision must be laid in at each of them—and I much fear, if we march from the Frontiers, all the inhabitants will quit their Plantations. Your Honours sentiments and orders on this head, will be very agreeable to me—and shall be punctually complied with. By the latest advices from Augusta, it is thought, that these outrages were committed by the Cherokees—There have been no accounts of any thing since the first attempt, but still I think it wou’d not be improper to keep the Militia on the Frontiers to oppose a second: and if your Honor should think it proper to order them to assist on the Forts to be built in augusta, I think they could not better employ their time. I am &c.

G:W.
Winchester, August 4th 1756.


Title: From George Washington to Robert McKenzie, 4 August 1756 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: McKenzie, Robert

Letter not found: to Robert McKenzie, 4 Aug. 1756. On 5 Aug. 1756 GW wrote to McKenzie: “I wrote you yesterday.”


Title: From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 4 August 1756 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Stephen, Adam

Letter not found: to Adam Stephen, 4 Aug. 1756. On 5 Aug. 1756 GW wrote to Stephen: “Yesterday I wrote you.”


Title: From George Washington to John Robinson, 5 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To: Robinson, John

[Winchester, 5 August 1756]
To John Robinson Esquire, Treasurer. Dear Sir,

I hope you will not be surprized at my sudden demands for money, nor at the uncommon length of this Epistle.
The five thousand pounds last received went chiefly in paying arrears which were due the Soldiers for near two months before—Discharging sundry accompts for necessaries for the Regiment; with many other things, as will appear per accompts. And the disappointments I have so often met with in settling my accompts with the Gentlemen of the Committee, and laying sundry matters before them for their approbation, oblige me to be more particular and prolix in this letter.
I flatter myself that my accompts will appear in so clear a light that there can arise no scruple in the settlement; and that they may be adjusted in as full and distinct a manner by Mr Kirkpatrick, as if I were present myself—There were some objections made to a few trifling articles before (none of which I

believe exceeded twenty shillings,) for want of receipts—In this I own I was a little remiss, sometimes paying horse-hire for a day or two, and such like incidental charges for the use of the Public, without thinking it very material to draw receipts; indeed I have often made those payments at times when I had no opportunity of being thus particular: But I believe the whole amount of these does not exceed five pounds—and since that time, I have not parted with a six-pence without. The Paymaster I have sent down to evince any doubts that may arise in his accompts: I believe they are strictly just, tho’ a little broken and irregular—representing our disjointed service in a true state. This was impossible to be avoided: Tho’ if you will consider, Sir, the disagreeable services we have been engaged in—The extent of ground and people to be defended and the division of our Force in recruiting, marching, counter-marching, and garrisoning of Forts; guarding Stores, &c. which rendred them so extremely difficult to pay, as well as to supply with such necessaries and conveniences, as to render the Service tolerably supportable. Mr Boyd was obliged to pay the men when and where, he could meet with them; without adhering to that regular form which ought to be observed. The Commissary stands charged with £  which I have not had an opportunity to settle. Upon my return from Fort Cumberland a few days ago, I found him retired at his own house, indisposed; but received a letter informing that the money was just expended—This I have no doubt of, knowing the demands he has had on account of Provisions for the Draughts and militia (occasioned by our whole stock being laid in at Fort Cumberland by the Governors orders; which renders it useless to all the forces on this side;) waggonage of all the Flour and Stores from Conogochieg, to secure them here—Purchasing of Tools, &c. for erecting the public works—ordered by act of Assembly, &c. &c.
All accompts that appeared extravagant, or not clear in other respects, or that I conceived I had no power to settle; I have refered them to the Gentlemen of the Committee. Among these is Finnies, for money advanced the Soldiers while he was recruiting: This accompt may be, and doubtless is just; yet as it happened at a time when I had no concern with the Forces—it is not to be expected I can have any knowledge of the matter: Therefore, unless it was to meet with yours or the concurrence

of the Committee, I should not care to pay it. Moses Quales, who gives Mr Finnie an order upon you for five pounds eighteen shillings, was among those who escaped from the overthrow of General Braddock, but was slain in Captain Mercers Defeat.
Captain McKenzies account for the hire of a vessel to transport his Recruits to Alexandria, I did not care to allow without directions: Tho’ several officers have petitioned in the same manner—because they were to receive two Pistoles a man, and eight-pence per day subsistance, as a full allowance (tho’ quite too small) until they came to the Rendezvous. The article of Rugs, he should be allowed. Doctor Shepherd also prefers an account, for attending and administring to sundry Recruits, while they lay at Alexandria; as does Doctor Halkerson, for those at Fredericksburgh. These accompts you will please to have examined, and deliver your sentiments thereon.
Ensign Fleming has, at my request, acted as Surgeon to Captain Hoggs Company—He encloses an accompt—Pray order what you think sufficient for his trouble. Lieutenant Bakers accompt is also among these, for twenty-three pounds, nine shillings and eleven pence—Expences in going for and bringing the Nottoway Indians—In this I must crave directions. I could not get a more particular accompt than the one now sent; he being on command. Captain Gist also has divers times entreated me, in the most interesting manner, to intercede in his behalf, that he may get the balance of his accompt; his distresses calling aloud for all the assistance that all these sums can contribute. I do not know really, who to apply to for this purpose, or whose right it is to pay the accompt, but it is certainly wrong not to pay him at all. If a hearty zeal for the interest of this Colony—many losses in serving it—and true distress can recommend him to any favour, he certainly merits indulgence. When he offers his accompt to the Governor—His Honour bids him go to the Committee, and the Gentlemen of the Committee think the Governor should pay it. So that the poor man suffers greatly, and would be glad to know his doom at once, as it has been so long depending. Many applications have been made to me for the Ferriages of the Forces in passing Shanandoah, Capecapon, the South-Branch, &c. I should be glad to know whether they are to be paid, and at what rates. I could

heartily wish the Governor and Committee would resolve me, whether Fort Cumberland is to be garrisoned with any of the virginia forces, or not: It lies in a most defenceless posture: and I do not care to be at expence in erecting new, or repairing the old works, until I am satisfied in this point.
This place at present contains all our provisions and valuable Stores—and is not capable of an hours defence, if the enemy were to bring only one single half-pounder against it; which they might do with great ease on horse-back. Besides it lies so remote now from this, as well as the neighbouring Inhabitants—and at the same time is not a whit more convenient than Cockes Fort, on Pattersons Creek, to the enemy; which is twenty-five miles nigher this way. That it requires as much force to keep the communication open to it, as a Fort at the Meadows would do; and employs 150 men, who are a dead charge to the Country, as they can be of no other use than just to protect and guard the Stores; which might as well be lodged at Cox’s—indeed better—for these reasons—it would be more contiguous to this, to the inhabitants, and to the enemy, if we should ever carry an Expedition over the mountains, by opening a road the way the Indians have blazed. A strong Garrison there would not only protect the Stores, but also the few remaining inhabitants on the Branch; and at the same time way-lay and annoy the enemy as they pass and re-pass the Mountains—Whereas those at Fort Cumberland, lying out in a corner, quite remote from the inhabitants, where the Indians always repair to do their Murders, can have no intelligence of any thing that is doing—but remain in total ignorance of all transactions. When I was down, I applied to the Governor for his particular and positive directions in this affair: The following is an exact copy of his answer. “Fort Cumberland is a Kings Fort, and built chiefly at the charge of the Colony; therefore properly under our direction, until a Governor is appointed.” Now whether I am to understand this, aye or no, to the plain, simple question asked, vizt Is the Fort to be continued or removed? I know not. But in all important matters, I am directed in this ambiguous and uncertain way.
Great and inconceivable difficulties arise in the executions of my commands, as well as infinite loss and disrepute to the Service by my not having power to pay for Deserters. I would

therefore humbly recommend it to the consideration of the Committee, whether it would not be more for the interest of the Country (I am sure it would of the Service) were I allowed to pay these demands, rather than have them levied in the public claims. Many of our Deserters are apprehended in maryland, and some in Pensylvania; and for the sake of a reward, are brought hither—But when they are to receive certificates only, that they are entitled to 200 Lbs. of Tobacco, and those certificates to be given in to a Court of claims, there to lie perhaps until they are quite forgot—Gives so much dissatisfaction, that many I believe, rather than apprehend one, wou’d aid fifty to escape; and this too among our own people. By this means the Country loses numbers of men: consequently the sums of money which each man costs, besides many incident charges, such as horse-hire—expences in sending after and advertising them. Another thing I should be glad to know, and that is, whether the act of Assembly prohibits the whole Forces, or only the Draughts from marching out of Virginia—and whether it is contrary to Law, even to take the Draughts out, provided it is done with their own will. If we can not take any of the Forces out of the Colony—the disadvantges the Country may labour under, are not to be described; for the enemy in that case, may commit the most unheard-of Crueties, and by stepping across Potomack, evade the pursuit, and mock our best endeavours to scourge them. The inconveniences that arise from paying the Soldiers in large Bills, are not to be conceived—we are obliged afterwards to give the pay of two or three Soldiers to one man—he, ten to one else, drinks, games, or pays it away; by which means the parties are all dissatisfied, and perpetually complaining for want of their pay. It also prevents them from laying out their pay for absolute necessaries—and obliges them many times to drink it out: For they put it into the Tavern-keepers hands, who will give no change, unless they consent to take the greatest part in liquor—In short, for five shillings cash, you may at any time purchase a months pay from the Soldiers; in such contempt do they hold the currency. Besides small bills (if the thing is practicable) I should be extremely glad to receive some part of the money in spanish and portugal gold and silver. There are many things wanted for the use of the Regiment which can not be had here, and may at Philadelphia: but their undervaluing of our

money, has prevented my sending thither. When I went to Fort Cumberland, I left fifty pounds with Captain Peachy, to pay the workmen once a week, as I had usually done; which money, with some of his own, he was robbed of—and the most diligent search has not been successful in getting the least intelligence of it.
I should be glad to know whether I am to suffer this loss, or whether I may with propriety charge it to the Country? At the repeated instances of the Soldiers, I must pay so much regard to their representations, as to transmit their complaints. They think it extremely hard, as it is indeed, Sir, that they who perhaps do more duty, and undergo more fatigue and hardship from the nature of the Service, and situation of the Country, than any Troops upon the Continent beside, should be allowed the least pay, and smallest encouragements in other respects. The Carolinians received british pay, the marylanders I believe do the same—Pennsylvania is exorbitant in rewarding their Soldiers—the Jerseys and New Yorkers, I do not remember what it is they give; but the New-England Governments give more than a shilling per day, our money; besides an allowance of Rum, peas, tobacco, ginger, vinegar, &c. &c.
Our Soldiers complain that their pay is insufficient even to furnish Shoes, shirts, stockings, &c. which their officers, in order to keep them fit for duty, oblige them to provide. This they say deprives them of the means of purchasing any of the conveniences or necessaries of life; and obliges them to drag thro’ a disagreeable Service, in the most disagreeable manner. That their pay will not afford more than enough (if that) to keep them in clothes, I should be convinced of for these reasons—if experience had not taught me: The british Soldiers are allowed eight-pence sterling per day, with many necessaries that ours are not and can buy what is requisite upon the cheapest terms and lie one half the year in camp or garrison, when they can not consume the fifth part of what ours do in continual marches over Mountains, rocks, rivers, &c. is computed to receive only  per day. Then, Sir, is it possible that our men, who receive a fourth less; have two-pence per day stoppages for their regimental clothing; and all other stoppages made that british Soldiers have, and are obliged, by being in continual action, to lay in triple the quantity of ammunition and Clothes, and at double the price, should be able to clear Quarters? It is

not to be done: and this is the reason why the men have always been so naked and bare of clothes.
And I dare say you will be candid enough to allow, that there are few men who would choose to have their lives exposed, without some view or hope of Reward, to the incessant insults of a merciless enemy?
Another thing there is which gives them great uneasiness—and that is, seeing no regular provision made for the maimed and wounded. They acknowledge the generosity of the Assembly; and have the highest veneration for that respectable House: They lo[o]k with gratitude on the care that has been taken of their Brother-Soldiers—But say, this is only an act of will, and another Assembly may be much less liberal. We have no certainty that this generosity may continue; consequently can have nothing in view but the most gloomy prospects—and no encouragement to be bold and active; the probable effects of which are and wounds, which no sooner happen, and they unfit for Service, than they are discharged, and turned upon an uncharitable world to beg, steal or starve! In short, they have a true sense of all that can happen; and do not think slightly of the fatigues they encounter in scouring these mountains, with their provisions on their backs, lying out and watching for the enemy, with no other covering or conveniency to shelter them from the inclemency of the weather, than trees and rocks! The old Soldiers are affected, and complain of their hardships and little encouragement, in piteous terms; and give these as reasons for so much desertion. The money that is given in paying for Deserters, expresses horse-hire, losses, and abuse of Horses, would go a great length toward advancing their pay; which I hope would contribute not a little towards removing the cause of this expence. I would not have it here understood tho’, that I mean to recommend any thing extraordinary, no—I would give them british pay, and entitle them to the same priviledges during their stay in the Service, and as a reward or compliment for their toil, rather than a matter of right. Were the country to give them one suit of regimental clothes a year, without receiving the twopence stoppage, it would be a full allowance, and give great content and satisfaction. All they want (they say) is to be entitled to the priviledges and immunities of Soldiers; of which they are well informed, by some who have been a number of years in the

army: then they should think it no hardship to be subject to the punishments and fatigues. Were this done, and an order given by the Committee, empowering me to provide for them according to the rules and customs of the army—I then should know what I was about; and could do it without hesitation or fear; and am convinced, to the satisfaction and interest of the Country. As the case now stands—we are upon such odd Establishment, under such uncertain regulations, and subject to so much inconvenience, that I am wandering in a wilderness of difficulties, and am ignorant of the ways to extricate myself, and to steer for the satisfaction of the Soldiers or myself. Having no certain rules for the direction of my conduct, I am afraid to turn to this hand or to that, lest it should be censured. If such an order as I before spoke of was to issue from your Board; I would then immediately provide upon the best terms, a Quantity of all kinds of Ammunition, clothes, &c. for the use of the Regiment, and deliver them out to each company, as their wants required—taking care to deduct the value of all such things from their pay. By this means the Soldiers are always provided and fit for Duty, and do it chearfully: and the country sustains no other loss than advancing and lying out of the money for a few months, to lay in those Stores—as this money is always restored by the Soldiers again.
I have hitherto been afraid to advance any sums of money for this salutary purpose; and always bought at extravagant prices; and have been obliged to send to different parts, ere they could be had: which has also contributed to the cause of their nakedness. The Officers are almost as uneasy and dispirited as the men—doing every part of duty with langour and indifference. When they are ordered to provide themselves with suitable necessaries—they complain of uncertain Establishment, and the probability of being disbanded, and so things rendered useless. So that I really, most heartily wish for a change. The Surgeon has entreated me to mention his case; which I shall do by enclosing his letters—He has behaved extremely well; and discharged his duty, in every capacity, since he came to the Regiment. He has long discovered an inclination to quit the Service, the encouragement being so small; and I believe would have done it, had not the Officers, to shew their regard for, and willingness to detain him, subscribed each one days pay, in

every month; this, as they are likely to be so much dispersed, and can receive no benefit from him, they intend to withdraw (he says) and therefore begs me to solicit the Gentlemen of the Committee in his behalf; otherwise he shall be obliged to seek some other method of getting his livelihood.
If it is thought necessary to establish an Hospital, I believe there can scarcely be a doubt but that this is the place: and then I hope he will be appointed Director, with advanced pay—whether or not, I could really wish his pay or perquisites was encreased, for the reasons he gives.
I beg, Sir, with very great earnestness, that the Gentlemen of the Committee will communicate their sentiments fully upon all these several matters; and approve or disapprove of every thing therein. I only wait to know their intention, and then act in strict conformity thereto. Since writing the preceding pages I find, on examining Mr Boyds accompts, that he has unadvisably paid Mr Finnie what arrears were due Quales—But having already appealed for approbation of the Committee in this and other accompts, which I had no distinct knowledge of, or concern in—I yet submit to your determination; and Mr Finnie must abide by your judgment; and refund, if found reasonable. If the Committee find my accompts satisfactory and distinct, as I have no doubt of it, it would be a great obligation, if they would make a final settlement to that date, and begin a new accompt; as it wou’d be the means of keeping matters more clear and intelligible hereafter: For long accompts and references to doubtful points, instead of gaining any light, are but darkened and confused by procrastination. The late regulation of our Companies, will occasion more regularity in the paymasters accompt, and be more satisfactory in every shape for the future. Besides, the Gentlemen of the Committee will find little trouble or difficulty in overhauling short accompts, kept in a regular method; plain and perspicuous—which is the very life of business. I would again entreat your regard to my request, for these and many other reasons. I am Dr Sir, Your &c.

G:W.
Winchester, August 5th 1756.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Waggener, 5 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To: Waggener, Thomas

To Captain Thomas Waggener On the South-Branch.Sir,
[Winchester, 5 August 1756]

I have so many places and people to defend; so great calls from every quarter for men, and so little prospects for getting any—that I find it impossible to comply with the act of Assembly, and opinion of the council of War, in building the chain of Forts on the frontiers—You must therefore, notwithstanding all the orders which have heretofore been given, immediately despatch Captain Bell with his whole Company to Captain Cox’s Fort, where he is to remain himself with twenty men, taking command of said fort, and escorting all Expresses, waggons, &c. to and from Fort-Cumberland, as far as Ashbys and Pearsalls[.] The rest of his men he is to divide into two equal parts; one of which, with his Ensign, is to march to, and be stationed at Kirkendalls, for the protection of the people there. The other party, with a trusty Sergeant is to march to, and put themselves under the direction of the officer commanding at Ashby’s, in order to strengthen that Garrison, and enable them to afford escorts with the greater safety. Your own and the two remaining Companies, you are to dispose of in the most elligible manner, for the protection of the inhabitants above the Trough; and I could most earnestly wish that you would, if the thing is practicable, erect a Fort in that Settlement; twenty miles above your upper Fort, that the people in those parts may be sheltered from the Enemy; and that we may so far as is possible, shew our willingness to comply with the Laws of our Country, that direct this chain.
I wrote you yesterday, desiring that all the captains would be punctual in making me exact weekly Returns, to be signed by themselves and officers, of the state and strength of their companies;

and must here repeat those orders—as I am fully resolved to suspend the first Captain or commander of a company, that neglects in sending me them; or that is careless in correcting or returning them exact, tho’ they may vary but a man.
All the militia that are not already marched, must be immediately ordered down, to call at this place to lodge their arms. I am Yours &c.

G:W.
Winchester, August 5th 1756.


Title: From George Washington to Robert McKenzie, 5 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To: McKenzie, Robert

To Captain Robert McKenzie—at Cox’s Fort.Sir,
[Winchester, 5 August 1756]

I wrote you yesterday; since which I have received yours of the 3d instant, and observe the contents. I find it impossible with the few men I have to erect a chain of Forts on the frontiers; as the Assembly have ordered, and the Council of the 10th instant, advised: For which reason, and to relieve yours, as well as the complaints of others, the enclosed to Captain Waggener covers Instructions to Captain Bell, to march with his company immediately to Cox’s Fort; where he is to remain with twenty men, to cover and secure all convoys, expresses, &c. that are passing and repassing to and from Fort Cumberland; as you are likewise to do betwixt him and Edwards’s. The remainder of Captain Bells’ men are to be divided into two parties; one of

which is to strengthen the garrison at Ashby’s, for the aforesaid purposes, while the other with his Ensign, remains at Kirkendalls, for the protection of that Settlement. By this means you will be eased from that duty; and by drawing off your Force left at Cox’s (which you are to do, so soon and not before Captain Bell arrives there) you will be enabled with your whole company to oppose the enemy, and afford the stronger Escorts. I would urge it as very necessary to erect a covert-way to secure your water, which might be done with great ease and tolerable security, with nothing more than a common fence eight or ten feet deep, covered at top: It should be a staked fence and strait, two stakes drove in the ground a foot asunder, at the distance of a rails length from the water, and filled in close, will be sufficient proof against musquetry.
What relief to afford, or how to direct you concerning your provisions, I know not. The Commissary whose business it is, has been absent this month: while you have grain in the fort you can not suffer; tho’ put to difficulty in getting it ground. Your meat make Pearsall buy, and in his Fields; his protection was one motive among others, of your being there; and he can do no less for your present support. What store of provisions is wanting, must be laid in, so soon as the Governor directs, to whom I have wrote.
I had no opportunity of directing further about the Rangers—but you are now to acquaint Mr Lemon, that he is to remain at his Fort, and act as Lieutenant to the Rangers, until further orders: and when he has retired from that, he may seek a Service which he more prefers, since he has refused my offer. Tell him also not to stir from thence at his peril, until he has leave; if he does, I will arrest him for disobedience of orders, and try him so soon as he arrives here. In my letter of yesterdays date, I desired that you would be punctual in sending me exact weekly returns, to be signed by yourself and officers, of the strength and state of your company: and do again repeat that order; as I am fully resolved to suspend the first captain or commander of a company who fails in sending them regularly to me—or is negligent or careless in making them out; if an error is found of one single man, I will do it. By my returns of the strength of the Regiment, companies of Rangers, &c. and by the size-rolls delivered by each Officer—I can make only 926

men, while Mr Boyd makes 1080 paid—what am I, or what is the Governor, who examines these returns, to think of them? Sure, the most favourable construction that can be made of this is, that the Officers have very little concern in the management of their companies, to suffer such idle and different returns. I am &c.

G:W.
Winchester, August 5th 1756.


Title: From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 5 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To: Stephen, Adam

[Winchester, 5 August 1756]
To Lieutenant-Colonel Adam Stephen, at Fort Cumberland.Sir,

Yours of the 20th ultimo and 1st instant, I have just received. I am sorry to hear you even mention recalling Captain McKenzie from his Post. It must have been an extraordinary occasion that would have reconciled me to that proceeding; which wou’d have left Cox’s, Pearsalls and Kirkendalls Forts quite defenceless—to strengthen a Garrison which was only intended to defend the Stores, and might be protected by 100 against musquetry as well as by more; and all the men we have

could not save it against any thing else. I have in order to strengthen the several Garrisons, that maintain the communication with Fort Cumberland, ordered Captain Bell to march to Cox’s, and there remain with twenty men; while the rest of his company is equally divided, one part to strengthen Ashby’s; the other, to protect the Inhabitants at Kirkendalls: By this means McKenzie’s Company will be kept ent[i]re at Pearsalls, and enable him to furnish the stronger Escorts. I hope you will mention that matter to Rutherford, which we talked of at Fort-Cumberland, about recruiting the Rangers: The Militia now can neither serve nor disserve us; for they are by the Governors directions, all called in. The views of the Enemy are designed against the lower Inhabitants—They have laid maryland and pennsylvania waste, as low as Carlyle; the inhabitants of which place we are told, are flying with the utmost consternation: They have made an attempt on the virginia side; killed one, and captivated another on the Conogochieg road, four miles hitherwards; but retreated back, for how long a time, God knows. I communicated the contents of yours to the Doctor, concerning the medicines; and he will send them up so soon as procured—at present he has none of them.
Having occasion to write to Captain Waggener, I have ordered him to despatch the men belonging to your Garrison, immediately. Yesterday I wrote you, and desired that all the Captains would be punctual in making me weekly returns, signed by themselves and Officers; signifying the state & strength of their companies; and shall here repeat these orders; because I am fully resolved to suspend the first Captain (or commander of a Company) that fails in this point; or that is negligent and incorrect in making them out, tho’ they may err but in one man.
By my Returns of the Regiment including Drafts, Scouts and Rangers, I can only make 926 men; while Mr Boyd, exclusive of Captain Hoggs company, has issued pay for 1080. What am I, or what are the Governor and Committee, before whom all those widely different returns must be laid for examination, to think of them?
Sure the least they can say is, that is unhappy for the Country to have officers so little acquainted with the management of their companies, as to make returns to me for 926 men only—and others to the Paymaster for 1080. You desire to have a map

sent you of the lakes, &c. I have none but Evans’s, which you have also: nor have I heard a Syllable from Major Lewis, altho’ Mr Jones is now here from Augusta; nor any thing about an Engagement on the Lakes. I am &c.

G:W.
Winchester, August 5th 1756.


Title: To George Washington from Robert McKenzie, 9 August 1756 [letter not found]
From: McKenzie, Robert
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Robert McKenzie, 9 Aug. 1756. On 13 Aug. 1756 GW wrote to McKenzie: “Yours of the 9th enclosing a return of your company, I have received.”


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Waggener, 10 August 1756
From: Waggener, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Harness’s Fort Augt 10th 1756

I had got as far as this Place in my way to the Upper Tract; And Imediatly upon Rect of your Letters, I held a Counsel of War, The Resolve of which you have Inclosed, together with a Return of each Compy on the Branch, Capt. Feild with 30 of his Men are willing to Remain at the Upper Fort till Decr, so I Cant Station the Men at the Difft Forts, untill I know, whether his Staying will be agreeable to you or not—Since I wrote you last their has been a Man killed and Scalp’d within half a Mile of the Town Fort, And Two of his Sons taken Prisoners—the Men

belonging to Fort Cumberland went off Sunday last. And Capt. Bell Marches Imediatly to his Station—I am Sr yr most Obedt hue Servt

Thos Waggener


Title: Enclosure: Council of War, 10 August 1756
From: Council of War
To:

At a Council of War held at Fort Harness  August 10th 1756

Present the following Members
Capt. Thomas Waggener President

                  Capt. Thomas Cocke

                  Capt. Wm Bronaugh

                  Capt. Robert Spotswood

                  Capt. David Bell

                  Lt Walter Steuart
                  Member
                  Lt John Edwards Lomax

                  Lt John King
                  Lt Mordecai Buckner

                  Ensn Dean

                  Ensn Smith

                  Ensn Sumner

The President produced to the Council Orders from Colo. Washington of the 5th & 7th of August that the President & the two remaining Companys are to be disposed of in the most eligible manner for the protection of the Inhabitants above the Trough, & as the Militia Stationed upon the Branch are determined to leave their Stations directly, We judging the Welfare of our Country requires that as many of the Inhabitants as possible remain on the Branch, which without protection it will be impossible to Detain.
It is therefore the opinion of the Council that the Forces Detached from the Regiment and now upon the Branch ⟨be⟩ Stationed at the Forts occupied by the Militia, & that without a further Supply of Men it will be impracticable to proceed in building the Chain of Forts Ordered. We are likewise Informed that the upper Inhabitants that is those twenty miles above Capt. Waggeners upper Fort is without a Mill, & that neither meal or flour can be had without sending a Detachment at least twenty Miles for it, so that the whole except Capt. Bells Company remains here ’till further Orders.


Title: Orders, 11–12 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To:

Hartford.
[11, 12 August 1756]Winchester: Wednesday, August 11th 1756.

Inverness.
Winchester: Thursday, August 12th 1756.

Captain McNiel and Lieutenant Blagg; two Sergeants and thirty rank and file, to parade immediately—The Captain to wait on Colonel Washington for his orders.
A court-martial to sit immediately for trial of Thomas Dunchow; and to enquire about some Blankets which were found in some of the country peoples houses.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Waggener, 12 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To: Waggener, Thomas

[Winchester, 12 August 1756]
To Captain Thomas Waggener, on the South-Branch. Sir,

I received yours by Express—and concur in sentiments with the officers of your council: Save that I would have a Subaltern and twenty or twenty-five men sent to the upper Tract, to assist the Settlers in erecting a Fort[.] In this I presume they will give all imaginable assistance; as it is solely intended to promote their safety. If Captain Field’s militia will remain contented, it is agreeable to the Governors orders and my inclination; but I wou’d not have them compelled, or any unfair arguments used to influence their choice.
I received the Returns, but they are yet imperfect; at least not conformable to the Governors desire; as wanting the names of the Subaltern officers to each, and remarks at the bottom of the variations which may have happened since the last. These returns should be regularly entered in a Book for that purpose;

not only for the satisfaction of the officers of the company, but for transmitting copies to me, in case of miscarriages which often happen.
I want a Size-roll of your company, sent me per the first opportunity. My compliments attend the Gentlemen officers. I am &c.

G:W.
Winchester—August 12th 1756.


Title: Orders, 13 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To:

Kinsale.
Winchester, August 13th 1756. Friday


Title: To George Washington from William Fairfax, 13–16 August 1756
From: Fairfax, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Belvoir. 13th[ - 16] Augt 1756

I had the renew’d Pleasure to receive your Epistle brought down by Captn Mercer. I suppose the Govrs Orders to dismiss our Militia after Harvest were conditional in Case You had Men enô in the Regiment to garrison the little Fortresses and repel the skulking invading Enemy. However I am glad the Militia are on their Return, thô by their many and frequent Desertions They discover that a good public Spirit is not among them. I have issued Orders for apprehending in Hopes to have them punishd, but they find Favor, get private Hints and are conceald. War was proclaimd at Wmsburg last Satturday, so that

[we] may dayly expect Directions to proclaim the same in each County; and wish It may animate our young Men and encline Them to enlist and compleat your Regiment—I have before told You, that Lord Fx was formerly acquainted with the Earl of Loudon, and will no doubt at your Request mention You to Lord Loudon, and according to it’s good Reception You may proceed to Address in behalf of the Regiment which will likely be continued and Subsisted at least during War. I also advise your Sending a Plan of the Fort You are erecting which I suppose is to have a Ditch and enclosd with strong Pallisados. It is whisperd that the N. England Forces under Genl Winslow have declard their Dislike to be commanded by or receiving Orders from Genl Abercrombie who it’s said to avoid any Interruption to the public Service expected from that Corps, wavd his Right; but how that Matter will be carried on now Lord Loudon is arriv’d, perhaps the News Papers of next Week will give some Intelligence; and heartily wish We may then be informd of General Blakeney’s Success against the formidable Attacks of the Marshal D. de Richlieu; for the Loss of that important Island of Minorca would greatly lessen the British Interest & Influence in the Mediterranean. And further if We should make Conquests at Crown-Point &c. unless We could Seize all the Neutral and controverted Islands I know not what valuable Acquisitions We should refuse to restore in Exchange for Minorca; as Port Mah[o]n has been found greatly useful and necessary to our Navy being oblig’d before that Possession in 1708 to refit and winter our Ships destind for the Mediterranean, at Lisbon.
16. August.
This Day Capt. Mercer favourd Us with his Company. He says You sent some Posts ago an Address to Lord Loudon in behalf of your Regiment. As it is very probable his Lordship at his first Arrival and some Time after, may have such Multiplicity of Business as not to admit a requisite Attention to your So early an Address; which if You find by being unnoticed, A kind and favorable Letter from Lord Fx may give You a successful Introduction; and perhaps Colo. Gage &c. at your Request may mention You in a genteel Manner natural to that worthy Gentleman. As the Address was not recommended from Wmsburg, I doubt P.L. may’nt think proper to espouse it.

I am greatly obligd and thankful for your appointing Bryan in Capt. Mercer’s Company, trusting He will improve all Opportunitys towards acquiring useful Knowledge in the Military Science and show his Gratitude for your Favors.
Capt. Mercer says, your Soldiers working on the Fort are paid Six pence extraordinary a Day. I paid the Soldiers at Providence sixteen pence stg each Day They workt. I therefore think on your Representation of the hard and painful Service in hot Weather the Committee would allow a reasonable Quantity of Rum and Sugar twice a Week for their Refreshment & Encouragemt.
That You may enjoy good Health, Contentment, and Fruition of your Hopes is the Sincere Wish of Dr Sir Yr affecte and obedt Servt
W: Fairfax


Title: Orders, 14 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To:

Limerick.
Winchester, Saturday, August 14th 1756.

John Keaton discharged.


Title: From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 14 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To: Dinwiddie, Robert

[Winchester, 14 August 1756]
To the Honble Robert Dinwiddie, Esqre Governor of Virginia. Honble Sir,

The return of the Express that came with La Force’s escape (for which accident I am extremely concerned; and fear its productions if he is not retaken) affords me an opportunity to inform your Honor, of some occurrences which have happened since my last.
Repeated complaints and applications from all quarters for men; but more especially from the Garrisons which secure the communication with Fort Cumberland (a place very useless in itself, and expensive to the Country; containing an hundred & fifty men solely employed in guarding the Stores, which could be better defended at any other place) obliged me to order a company from Captain Waggeners Detachment for none else cou’d spare a man—to re-inforce and enable those Garrisons to send Escorts with waggons and expresses, going to and returning from Fort Cumberland. This reduced Captain Waggeners Command to a number insufficient to disperse parties among the Settlers, & retain a strength to conduct the Buildings—Therefore the grand point then turned on this; whether he was to neglect the Inhabitants and build the Forts, or neglect the Forts, and mind the Inhabitants.
His Council were of the latter opinion unanimously, and sent to know my sentiments; which I own, corresponded with theirs, for these reasons. First, I look upon it that the protection of the Inhabitants, was the motive for ordering these Forts; and to lose them while we are at work, is perverting the intention. Secondly—we have built some and altered other Forts, as far south on the potomack waters, as any Settlers have been molested; and there only remains one body of Inhabitants, at a place called the Upper Tract; which needs a guard upon these waters—and thither I have ordered a party.
After this, if I am not misinformed, there is nothing but a continued series of mountains uninhabited, until we get over on James-River waters, not far from that Fort, which takes its name from your Honour; down which, to Mayo-river, Captain Hogg, by your Honours orders, is to have the direction of. If I

have done amiss, in not adhering to the letter of the law; I hope your Honour will intimate the same, and give directions how I am to proceed.
There have been two or three men killed & scalp’d at different places since my last—tho’ every precaution has been taken to prevent it. The fatiguing Service, low pay, & great hardships in which our men have been engaged cause notwithstanding the greatest care and vigilance to the contrary, great and scandalous desertions. Yesterday I received an account from Captain Stewart, of sixteen deserting in a party—frequently, two or three went off before, as they have done from this place. We never fail to pursue, and use all possible means to apprehend them; but seldom with success: as they are generally aided and assisted off by the Inhabitants. There are now two parties in pursuit of these Fellows, who have made towards the Northward, to enlist with the Recruiting Officers in Pennsylvania, &c. I fear without a stop can be put to it, we shall lose numbers of our men. A Report prevailed in town yesterday, said to come from a man who had it from a person who was at Governor Morris’s treaty with the Indians, and heard them say, that a large body composed of different nations, and headed by some French, intended to attack Fort Cumberland this Fall. Reports of this kind often take rise without good foundation: yet as this is an affair of great importance, the slightest intelligence ought not to be discountenanced; especially when we consider that our provision and what is still more valuable, all our ammunition and Stores, are lodged in that defenceless place. The consequence of a successful enterprize of this sort, and the absolute impossibility (considering the weakness of the place, badness of situation, and division of our Force) to prevent its falling, are, without previous notice, motives sufficient to apprehend the worst. Therefore, notwithstanding I enlarged on this subject in a former letter, think it my duty to hint this again; and to get Directions how I am to proceed. It is true, I give no credit to this intelligence, because I flatter myself such important information as this, would be communicated, in the most distinct and expeditious manner by Governor Morris—Yet, as I before said, it being an Expedition they can not fail of succeeding in, what should deter them from attempting it? We have certain advice that two of our Deserters have reached Fort Du Quesne

and were heard to speak in high terms before they went of (but this not known ’till after they were gone) of the reward that would be got for communicating the weakness of the works and Garrison at Fort Cumberland. All the militia are returned save thirty from Culpeper; who stay willingly with Captain Fields.
As a general meeting of all the persons concerned in the Estate of my Deceased Brother, is appointed to be held at Alexandria, about the middle of September next, for making a final |Settlement of all his affairs—and as I am very deeply interested, not only as an Executor and Heir to part of his Estate, but also in a very important Dispute subsisting between Colonel Lee, who married the Widow, and my Brothers and self, concerning advice in the Will—which brings the whole personal estate in question—I say, as this is a matter of very great moment to me—I hope your Honour will readily consent to my attending this meeting provided no disadvantage is likely to arise during my absence; in which case, I shall not offer to quit my command. If War is to be declared at this place, I should be glad if your Honor wou’d direct the manner: I know there is ceremony required, but the order I am ignorant of. I am &c.

G:W.
Winchester, August 14th 1756.


Title: Orders, 15 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To:

Success.
Winchester, Sunday, August 15th 1756.

As His Majestys declaration of War against the French King will be proclaimed to-morrow, the Soldiers will be excused from work—and are ordered to appear in the most decent and neat manner; and to be ready to attend at the Long-roll.


Title: To George Washington from David Bell, 15 August 1756 [letter not found]
From: Bell, David
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from David Bell, 15 Aug. 1756. On 6 Sept. 1756 GW wrote to Bell: “I received yours of the 15th August.”


Title: Orders, 16–17 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To:

Monmouth.
[16, 17 August 1756]Winchester, Monday, 16th August, 1756.

The officer for the Day to-morrow, to assemble all the men on the publick work, to parade in the Fort, and work there in filling up the Bastions, &c. and none to be detached to the woods, unless the Colonel gives orders.
It is the Colonels positive orders, that no Soldier go half a mile from Quarters without written orders: If any are found acting contrary, they will be confined and tried as Deserters.
Several complaints have been made by the inhabitants in and about Town, that the Soldiers go into their Orchards and Gardens, and destroy their Fruit & Herbs. It is therefore ordered, that no Soldier presume to commit such outrageous practices, under pain of being punished according as the articles of war direct. Officers to see their mens arms clean before they load them; and not to be loaded ’till the officers review them.

Nantz.
Winchester, Tuesday 17th August, 1756.

A court martial to sit immediately for trial of John Conn, and Samuel Thomas, of Captain Mercers’ Company.


Title: To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 17 August 1756 [letter not found]
From: Stephen, Adam
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Adam Stephen, 17 Aug. 1756. On 6 Sept. 1756 GW wrote to Stephen: “Yours of the 17th . . . August I received.”


Title: Orders, 18 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To:

Ostend.
Winchester, Wednesday 18th August 1756.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 19 August 1756
From: Dinwiddie, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
Williamsburg Aug. 19th 1756

Yr Letter of the 4th I recd & note it’s Contents—I observe You have been much engag’d in settling the proper Plans for the Chain of Forts propos’d to be built; & I doubt not the Places You have fix’d on are the most proper as You know the Situation of the Cotry You are the best Judge thereof.
With Concern I see the Roll of Yr Companies & I am sorry they are so deficient in Numbers, the Officers by no means compli’d with their Promises & Engagemts when they recd their Commissions; & the Draughts from the Militia much short of my Expectation, & indeed the laying the Fine of 10£ on those that wou’d not march out entirely defeated the Law, & was much against my Opinion, but I was glad of any Law that had a Prospect of augmentg the Forces; but even with that Inconvenience, the Affair has been poorly conducted in the different Counties the dastardly Spirit in our common People, & the want of proper Rule in the Officers, has been of very bad Consequence to our Affairs.
I approve of Your disposal of the two vacant Companies to Yourself & Colo. Stephens—I shall be glad the Draughts made after the return of the Militia be as You desire those from

Prince Wm Fairfax & Culpeper to march directly to Winchester, & please write to the Comanding Officers accordingly, as I am so much hurried that I have not Time, You may write in my Name.
I am sorry for the Behavior of the Militia that were with Lieut. Rutherfurd, the Officers are deficient in keeping them under strict Command. Till an Expedition is concerted to the Ohio Capt. Steuart’s Company must do Duty on Foot, & their Pay must be reduced during that Time, & You may assure them as soon as the Troop is again form’d they Pay shall be accordingly augmented as at first.
The building the Forts is a necessary Work, but the protecting the Frontiers is more essential; therefore I would recommend as much as You possibly can to have Your Men at Call on any apparent Danger, tho’ I fear it will be impracticable when divided at such distance, unless You appoint a proper Place for a general Rendezvous on any Alarm given which You are the ⟨on⟩ly Judge of from Your Knowledge of the Country.
If You can enlist Servants agreeable to the Act of ⟨Par⟩liamt the Master of such Servant shall be paid for the Time they have to serve in Proportion to the first Purchase, but I think You shoud be careful not to enlist any Convicts who probably may be fractious, & bad Examples to the others, & I wish this may have the desir’d Effect for I cannot think of any Method to raise Men till the Assembly meets & that at present is very uncertain.
I am glad You have thot of Lieut. McNeil who I believe is a very deserving Man. As to Fort Cumberland, it’s a King’s Fort & a Magazine for Stores, it’s not in my Power to order it to be deserted, & if we did it wou’d encourage the Enemy to be more audacious; when Ld Loudoun comes here which I expect will be about the 20th of Nov. he has full Powers to do what he thinks proper & a Representation to him will be regular, at present it must be properly supported with Men, & I think from the Plan of Your Forts one of them is not above  Miles distant from Fort Cumberland.
I observe You mention Your Men want many Necessaries; I do not touch the Public Money, I shew’d Your Letter to the Speaker & I suppose he will answer it—I told him I thot the Men shou’d be paid the full 8d. ⅌ Day witht any Deduction, which is agreed to, & that the new Cloathing on arrival be given

them by way of Encouragement, & I hope this Step will raise their Spirits & engage them to the discharge of their Duty with Alacrity; if You had sent Word what they mostly wanted might be purchas’d here, as I suppose the Cloathg will be here before Xtmas.
If I hear of any Opportunity I shall send You two Drums, but I suppose you may have the old ones mended, the Associators had two which were left at Winchester or Fredericksburg, which You shou’d call for—I now write to Colo. Fairfax to pay You the Balla. in his Hands of 600£ he had of me—I know Nothing of Capt. Gist’s Accts probably they may be with the Committee, I shall be glad to do him any good Offices in my Power.
The Acct Capt. McNeil writes You about the Rangers in Augusta I believe is Truth & shall take Care when they come to be paid, having several Informations to the same purpose.
I believe You will not be summon’d on Napp’s Affair if Witnesses sufficient without You can be procured as I shall be glad You were here about the 20th of Nov. when I expect the Earl of Loudon—I desire You will order Lieut. Hall down here the 14th of Octr to be Evidence against Mr Hedgeman who has treated my Character in a villanous manner, & with great Injustice & I am determin’d to make an Example of him.
A great Body of Quakers waited on me in regard to their Friends with You, praying they may not be Whipped, u⟨se⟩ them with lenity, but as they are at their own Expence I wou’d have them remain as long as the other Draughts.
I have had no proper Application in regard the Militia that have enlisted & if they do I shall give little Attention to it, as from what You mention they enlisted without any Compulsion, & took the Money without Objection, or offering to return the same in twenty four Hours—The incorporating the Rangers with the Regiment will be very agreeable, if done with their Consent, & I hope by Arguments You may be able to prevail on them, for the Fund apropriated for paying them as Rangers is exhausted; they will now receive 8d. ⅌ Day & a Suit of Cloaths as soon as they arrive without paying for them.
The Nottoway Inds. are not return’d, I think they shd be paid to encourage the Tuscarraros to our Assistance—Mr Timberleak,

if he inclines to serve as a Volunteer, must wait the course of Preferment with the other Young Gentlemen.
I wrote fully to Ld Loudoun about an Expedition to the Ohio, but his Attention to the Affairs to the Noward is so great, that I cannot expect any Thing of that kind to be done this Year, but when he comes here I shall have an Opportunity of speaking fully on that & several other Matters.
I cannot tell how to prevent the Pensylvania Butchers driving of our Cattle, unless You threaten them in a Military Manner; it’s a Grievance that shou’d be amended & therefore what prudent Steps You take to prevent it, I shall support You therein—And no doubt Provisions must be purchas’d for the Regiments & the Forts, I shall speak to the Treasurer on that Subject, & a Commissary must be appointed, I shall therefore press the giving of Money to purchase Provisions of all kinds.
I did hear of one Cherokee’s being with the other Indians that took Vass’s Fort, & I understand there are numbers of each different Tribe & they assume the Name of Allegany Indians. I have not heard from Major Lewis since he left this, I sent a Messenger to the Cherokees about five Weeks ago & expect his return very soon, I hope he will bring Nothing but what may be agreeable—Pray cannot You procure a trusty Indian or two to go to the Twightwees to endeavour to keep them in our Interest, & to let them know the Number of Warriors the Great King the other Side of the Water has sent for our mutual Protection? such a Message I conceive will be of great Service.
I have order’d three Forts in Halifax & one in Bedford to be built by the Militia, & garison’d by them for some Time—Colo. Stewart of Augusta proposed, & sent the Sketch for fourteen Forts to be garrison’d by 700 Men, but I took no Notice of it, waiting for Capt. Hog’s report of what he thinks may be necessary, & to be Manag’d with Frugality, for the People in Augusta appear to me so Selfish, that private Views & Interest prevails with them without due Consideration of the Public Service, which makes me much on my Guard with them.
I have sent up a new Como. of the Peace for Frederick County, & I have wrote Ld Fairfax to apply to the Court to curtail the Tipling Houses, which is of great Prejudice to our Men, & I hope this will have the desir’d effect; I doubt not You sent Yr

Drum about the Town forbiding them to trust Your Men, or entertaing them at improper Hours, if guilty that You will take them into Custody, this may probably terrify them.
I doubt not You are strongly solicited for Men on every Alarm; Your own Prudence must direct You in sending Parties out; I am Weekly solicited from Augusta & the other frontier Counties to the Soward, & I am oblig’d to write many Letters to the Commandg Officers to assist the Frontier Settlements—I am convinc’d from the Number of Men You have it’s difficult to give attention to all Complaints & Solicitations.
The Militia that Ld Fairfax order’d to range about Conegachege, may be continued as long as You may think them absolutely necessary—I think I have fully answer’d Your Letter & in what I may be deficient Your own Prudence must supply—War was proclaim’d here the 7th & I order’d Mr Walthoe to enclose You a Copy to be proclaimed at the head of Your Companies, & to be sent to Fort Cumberland & in case of miscarriage I send You a printed Copy—Pray God it may be attended with Success, in all our Operations at Home & abroad.
Have You order’d the Guns at Rock Creek to be brought to Winchester?
Your Accounts I think have pass’d the Committee & I have given my Warrant for £5000—I wish You Health & Success in all Your Operations & I remain Sir Your humble Servant

Robt Dinwiddie

P.S. When the Draughts are discharg’d in Decr the number of private Men will be very few, in course there must be a reduction of Officers, as each Company shoud not be less than fifty, but I shall speak to You on this head when You come here.
Ensn Fleming with Ct. Hog has wrote me for Leave to come here to settle some private Affairs; if You think proper to indulge him I shall approve of it.


Title: To George Washington from John Kirkpatrick, 19 August 1756
From: Kirkpatrick, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir.
Williamsbg Augt 19th 1756

Capt. Cocks after a Melancholy stay of ten days, Spent in Murmur, Silence, Complaints, Grief, and Remorse, hurrys homewards to taste true happiness in Content & retirement, protesting never to risque his fortune to the Caprice of Committeemen hereafter—declaring his Loss & Sufferings were never to be repaired, nor expects any Satisfaction by his being Shifted from Man to Man, for Money—The Governr sends him to the Committee, they return him to the Governor, & he Referrs to Lord Fairfax, & the Colonell—However his Complaints are, both the Governor & Committee have delt Generously by him.

By this Muddy Mortall, I thought it incumbent to advise You, that I shall be detain’d a Couple of days longer in town, being obliged to leave a Copy of all Accounts as they now have been examind, & Stand stated in Your Book, so that the next Comittee, will have easy work with you—We was exceeding Lucky in a Committee of Rationall & intelligent Beings, who Soon dispatch’d every thing with great Judgement, & Resolved £5000, shoud be sent you—As I am not inform’d what were all their Results—I can only hint at Some, as their discontinuing the 2d. for Clothing, & 2d. ⅌ Month for the Surgeon—from all the Men encreased Dr Craiks pay to 10/ order’d him £50 to defry his extra. expence of Medicines, & promis’d he shoud Suffer nothing at the Years end in that article &c. &c. You’ll be fully inform’d from the Speaker of Every circumstance—He has promised to compleat the Cash to day, but I am afraid it will be in the old Stamp of 4 & 5 pounders. On Saturday we Shall doubtless leave the Town. Not a Syllable of News to write You.
Excuse haste—I Am with Due Defference & Esteem Sir, Your Much Obliged & Most Obt Hume Servt

Jno. Kirkpatrick


Title: Enclosure: Minutes of the Committee for Supervising Expenditures, 17–18 August 1756
From: Committee for Supervising Expenditures
To:

At a Committee held. August 14. 17; & 18. 1756Col. Washingtons Accounts were examined
The Article of £50 stolen from Cap. Peachy referred to the Assembly

                  3.
                  19.

                  due from G. Hedgman to be got from him

                  6.
                  10.

                  paid to Jenkins to be got back

                  11.
                  18.
                  8.
                  due from Francis Triplett to be stop’d out of his Pay

                  5.
                  7.
                  6
                  paid by N. Smith to Carlyle & Dalton to be got from them

                  6.
                  15.

                  due from Geo. Gordon to be stop’d out of his pay

                  10.
                  13.

                  due from Henry Harrison
                  same

                  219.
                  3.
                  8
                  due from Geo. Mercer
                  same

                  12.
                  18.

                  due from Joseph Stevens
                  same

                  6.

                  due from Bryan Fairfax
                  same

                  24.
                  14.

                  due from John Ashby
                  same

Patric Flougherty to be allowed a reasonable price for his Horse if really killed.
The stoppage of 2d. ⅌ day for Clothing and 2d. ⅌ Month to the Surgeon to cease.
The Surgeons pay to be augmented to 10/ ⅌ Day.
The Surgeon to be paid £50. to reimburse his extraordinary Expence for Medecines & to recruit his Chest.
Col. Washington is desired to hire a House at Winchester for an Hospital for the Sick and to purchase Necessarys for them

                  To pay Chris. Gists balance of
                  £95.
                  3.
                  5

                  Lieut. Baker
                  20.

                  Ensign Fleming
                  10.

                  Doc. Shepherd
                  5.

                  Cap. McKenzie
                  1.
                  2.
                  6

                  Edward Snikers
                  4.
                  14.
                  3

Also to pay Ferry Keepers such Allowances as he thinks reasonable.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 20 August 1756
From: Dinwiddie, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
Williamsburg Aug. 20th 1756

Since writing You Yesterday The Express I sent to the Cherokees arrived & they have engag’d to send us 150 Warriors, who I expect with Major Lewis in about a Fortnight; I shall order the Majr to march them to Winchester to be under Your direction.
The Cherokees & Catawbas are at prest strongly attach’d to our Interest; the Catawba King is gone to Chas Town So. Carolina & on his return he promises to send fifty of his Warriors—I am greatly hurried & have only Time to write the above. I remain Sir Your humble Servant

Robt Dinwiddie

P:S: Pray write to Mr Mason to know if he has any Guns fit for Inds. or any other Person of Yr acquaintce.


Title: Orders, 21 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To:

Ramsgate.
Winchester, Saturday 21st August 1756.

All the Soldiers to parade to-morrow morning at the long-roll—They are to be marched by the Sergeants of their respective companies to the Fort, to attend Divine Service. The officers are desired to see that their men are clean, and dressed in the best and most Soldier-like manner they can, before they are marched from the parade.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 21 August 1756
From: Dinwiddie, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
Williamsburg Aug. 21st 1756

Yours of the 14th Inst. I just now recd. La Force was taken two Days after he made his escape & is properly secur’d—No doubt Your Men will be fully employ’d in garrisons &ca. I have in my former given You my Opinion in regard to Fort Cumberland, & now I am of Opinion that You shou’d send for some of the Stores from thence to Winchester for fear of Accidents or an Attack of the Enemy against that Place; & I agree with You that it’s absolutely necessary, as much as with prudence You can, to protect the Inhabitants, & I approve of the Disposition of Your Forces & doubt not Capt. Hog will take proper Measures in building Forts for security of the Frontiers of Augusta—You may be assur’d the Enemy will endeavour to make Incursions & destroy our People where they know we are weakest, or least provided to receive them.
I hope the New Establishmt of the Pay of Your Men will give them Spirits & engage them to do their Duty, they are now on better Terms than the Regulars & hope for the Future You will

not have many Desertions, those from Ct. Steuart will be publish’d in our Gazette, but I fear to no Purpose.
I doubt not but the Enemy will endeavour to attack Fort Cumberland, but if properly inform’d, witht Cannon they may be repell’d, but I have no Acct from Gov. Morris about it, & therefore hope it’s only Surmise or a false Alarm, however be removing some of the Stores to Winchester I think will be proper.
The two Deserters to Fort Du Quesne gives me much Concern & from thence I think is the greatest Danger but I am told most of their People are gone to the No[rth]w[ar]d to assist in the Defence of Niagara & Crown Point, to keep proper Lookouts that way is absolutely necessary—I hope the Militia sent to their Counties will be draughted & sent to You.
As Yr private Affairs require Your Attendance at Alexandria the middle of next Month, I cannot refuse You liberty of absence, leaving proper Orders to the Commandg Officer & making Your Stay there as short as possible—The Method You are to declare War, is at the head of Your Companies with three Vollies of Small Arms for his Majesty’s Health & a successful War.
I pray God protect You & Your Men from all Assaults of the Enemy & I am sincerely Sir Your most humble Servant

Robt Dinwiddie


Title: Orders, 24–25 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To:

Ulster.
[24, 25 August 1756]Winchester, Tuesday, 24th August 1756.

Woolwich.
Winchester, Wednesday 25th August, 1756.


Title: To George Washington from David Bell, 25 August 1756 [letter not found]
From: Bell, David
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from David Bell, 25 Aug. 1756. On 6 Sept. 1756 GW wrote to Bell: “I received yours of the 25th.”


Title: To George Washington from John Kirkpatrick, 25 August 1756
From: Kirkpatrick, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir.
Falmouth 25th August 1756.

Thus far from Williamsburg and pritty much fatigued—On friday evening had the pleasure of receiving yours, and agreable to your desire copied the Governors, Deliver’d it, and woud have Shown it to the Speaker had he not left the Town that fore noon—The Governor at that time told me (tho’ I

imagine he has since wrote you) that he had no Objections of any kind to your Attendence at Alexandria, & that he coud wish The Cherokee & Cataubas, who are on their way to You, were Arrived before you left Winchestr, as there is Some Ceremony in the Reception of Such Chaps—As to other particulars You’ll be better inform’d from the Governors & Speakers Letters—vizt the Deductions from the Soldiers being discontinued—the Settlement of Referr’d Accots—The Office of Muster Master to be distinct from the Paymaster—The increase of Doctr Craiks pay—& promise of Support in Medicines, so as he shall be no looser—The fitting & preparing a house wt. necessarys for the Sick—Reasonable allowance at all ferrys, & a promise of Supporting You Genteelly in every Expence you may be induced to in the Service—&c. &c. with other things that I can’t inform you of.
You woud learn by Capt. Cox that All your Accots were pass’d & approved, & that transcribing the whole transactions woud detain me 2 or 3 days after him—The Speaker gave me the Cash on Friday, Composed of Large Bills as usuall, his Appology he has no Doubt wrote you, on Saturday the Governor went to York, I finish’d the Accots that Afternoon, left them wt. Mr Palmer—& next Morning waited On the Govr for his Dispatches to you—wc. Consists of 2 letters—that Morning Mr Boy’d was to Settle an Accot wt. his Honr wc. had been delay’d by the Govr from day to day, & after all woud have Nothing to say in it, tho’ he had entertain’d Mr Boy’d wt. promises of Settling it, till at last referr’d him to the Committee after they had Disolved for three days.
Out of the £5000, I have Disbursed these Sums following, I hope not Disagreable to you—Vizt

                  To Mr Boyd Paymaster
                  £215.13.

                  To Mr Chas Dick his Acct ⅌ Recet
                  275.13.

                  To Finnie, Quales’s premium
                  5.—

                  To J. Kirkpatrick, in part of pay
                  43.14.

                   £540—

                  Cash ⅌ Mr Boyd—
                  335 Sheets a £12.

                  £4020.

                  117 Sheets a £3.15
                  }

                  & Loose Bills 25s
                  440

                  in all

                  4460—

                  £5000—

Lt Walter Stewart Sent me the inclosed List of Workers on the Roads, thro’ mistake I fancy—There is nothing of news to inform You, I inclose the Gazette—A Barren piece—Everybody is in Suspense about Minorca, So uncertain are all accounts—tho’ wishing for Confirmation to Capt. Browns.
Mr Boy’d Sets out to day for Winchester, and I, under favour of your kind indulgence Bend towards Alexandria, where a few days recess, I hope will Serve my purpose—& then make my best Dispatch to Attend you—I send a Lock for the Little Box—better than the former—Please acquaint Capt. Mercer I brout up his horse from Capt. Dansies—in good Order & Sent him to his Fathers ⅌ his Brother James—I Am wt. unfeign’d Esteeme Dr Sir Your Most Obedient & Much Oblig’d Hum. servt

Jno. Kirkpatrick

To Receive from Mr Boy’d—vizt The Leger—The Receipt book—a Bundle of Accots Recets & Capt. Hogs papers—4 letters for Yourself—2 qrs. Gilt paper, for Capt. Stewart.


Title: Orders, 26–28 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To:

Zantum.
[26, 27, 28 August 1756]Winchester, Thursday 26th August, 1756.

The Quarter master is to collect all the Baggs he can and deliver them to waggons which are going down to Alexandria this Evening for Salt.

Yarmouth.
Winchester, Friday 27th August 1756.

The officers who have command of companies, to make out pay-rolls for their men, for the months of July and august, without any stoppage for clothing, &c. An exact pay-roll must also be given in, of the days that each man has wrought at sixpence. In this return, the officers must take particular care to charge for no more days than the men have actually worked. These returns to be given in to-morrow morning, at 10 o’clock.

Zank.
Winchester, Saturday 28th August, 1756.


Title: Orders, 29 August 1756
From: Washington, George
To:

Abercrombie.
Winchester, Sunday 29th August, 1756.

The men that came down under captain Spotswood, are to be set to work on the Fort to-morrow—The Sergeants of that command, are every day to take down the names of those who work; and will be paid the same as the Soldiers here have received. A General court martial to sit to-morrow morning at 9 o’clock: which is to consist of four Captains and five Subalterns; to try John Belford, Sergeant, for Theft! and Jane Belford for the same crime—Captain Mercer, President—Doctor James Craik, Judge-Advocate.