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

Sir
[5 January 1758]

I am very Clearly of Opinion that by whatsoever Deeds you purchase by you will be Intituled to the same Quantity of Land and to have it Laid off in the same manner that Darrill ought to have had it Laid off: however to make you Easie in that particular & to Avoid any the Least Dispute you may have your Deeds So Drawn as totally to remove all Difficulties. I wish you all the pleasures the present times can Yield and am Your hle Servt

G. Johnston


Title: To George Washington from Robert Carter Nicholas, 5 January 1758
From: Nicholas, Robert Carter
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir.
Williamsburg 5th Jany 1758

Capt. McKenzie handed me yr Letter, which inclosed sundry Papers relating to yr Dispute with Mr Strother. Mr Power, poor Man, is gone from Home to try for the Recovery of his Health, which I fear will never be restored to him; Mr Wythe is also out of Town, so that I can’t with any Exactness say when we shall have an Opportunity of giving an Award; however I’ll get it done as soon as I can. I am very glad to hear of yr Recovery from so dangerous an Illness. If you’ve any good News ’twou’d be kind to tell it me; The Govr & his Family it is Thought will embark on Saturday next. I wish you many happy Years & am Dr Sir, Yr most obt humble Sert

Ro. C. Nicholas.


Title: From George Washington to Richard Washington, 8 January 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Richard

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon, 8 Jany 1758

I wrote you a Letter of the 26th Ultimo; since which I have had an oppertunity of seeing the great damage China is apt to come to in its transportation to this Country (unless much care is used in the Package) which has determind me to desire you if this gets to hand time enough for that purpose, to send me instead of what was directed in a former Invoice 2 dozn Dishes (properly sorted) 2 dozn deep Plates, and 4 dozn Shallow Ditto that allowance may be made for breakage pray let them be neat and fashionable or send none.
I shall be very glad to send my Goods by the first oppertunity—together with a true state of the Acct between Us. I am Dr Sir, Yr Most Affecte & Obedt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Stanwix, 13 January 1758
From: Stanwix, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Lancaster [Pa.] Janry 13th [1758]

it is with great Pleasure I own the favour of your obliging letter by Capt. Stewart and am much rejoyced to hear of your

being in a fair way of recovery wch is wish’d for by all your friends both for their own sakes as well as that of your Country whose services you are known to have so much at heart.
I am told from my Friends in England that his Majesty intends me an Old Regiment but whether it is to be here or in Europe is not certain, as these things are often talked of a long time before done that may possibley be my case. I have a strong notion that I shall come toward Winchester but hope the Spring will be a little advanced first, if this should happen propose great satisfaction to myself in having the Opportunity of consulting with you on any service I may be Ordered upon, beg you will believe that I am with great truth Dr Sir your most Obedt & most humble Servt

John Stanwix


Title: From George Washington to John Blair, 30 January 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Blair, John

[Fredericksburg, 30 January 1758]
To The Honble John Blair, EsquireHonble Sir,

Hearing of the Governors’ departure for England; I think it a duty incumbent on me to inform your Honor, that I lingered a long time under an illness which obliged me to retire from my command (by the Surgeons advice, and with the Governors approbation;) and that I am yet but imperfectly recovered from it: which is the cause that detains me from my Duty.
I have many accompts to settle with the country committee, and should be glad to obtain leave to come down for that purpose now. This being the proper season, as our Frontiers are quiet.
I also want to receive money, for contingent Expences, before

I return to Winchester; as there are several demands of the Public, that I shou’d be glad to be provided against. And further—I shall, at that time, have an opportunity of laying before your Honor, a state of the frontier Settlements; a matter worthy of great attention; as the well-being of the people depends upon seasonable and well-concerted measures for their defence!
If your Honor has any Orders for the Troops, under my command, please to favour me with them, and they shall be forwarded up; while I come down myself, for the purposes aforesaid. I am, with great Esteem, Your Honors most obedient, Hble Servant,

G:W.
Fredericksburgh: January 30th 1758.


Title: To George Washington from John Baylis, 30 January 1758
From: Baylis, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
30th Jan. 1758

I send you here Inclosed an Advertisement such as contains fewer Lines then the other you saw & answers my purpose equally as well.
I am not naturaly Inclined to expose the Foibles of mankind because many of them happen in the course of my own Actions, but in this case I am too sensibly touched to content myself without giving to my Acquaintances a circumstantial acct of the whole affair, which must consequently expose those who were conserned in it as well as the Intolarable Insolence & cowardice of Alixand. Woodrow who has no way Left to contradict this Just Asspertion but by shewing the World to the contrary.
Your Observation in Regard to the Officers not being perticularized was Just, which you must Remember I gave up & confessed my error, & told you I would Rectify it But putting yrself in a passion & openly espousing the causes of the Officers before you knew whether they were Justly or unjustly charged.

this I say accompanied with such a Menacing Air to a Person whom you are sensible always preserved the greatest Regard for you, was a Little Imprudent and unjustifiable.
It’s certain some of yr Officers behave I’ll if the following hints have the least conection with Truth.
I can prove the Soldiers who came to my Lodgings to Mob me said (upon my asking Questions) they had good Backers & that their Officers sent them. Which seem’d true to me, for in conversation with the Officers, after that, I never heard a Soldier blamed for it nor no care was taken to punish them for their Insolence, till the Sherriff Complained to a Majestrate, who Ordered the Offending soldiers to Goal for want of Security for future good behaviour.
Indeed Capt. Bullett behaved well in every thing but a Neglect of punishing the soldiers, he Dispersed himself After I sent for him. Tho’ he appeared Ready (upon complaint made as aforesaid to put the Offenders under Military punishment).
I can prove sundry ungentleman like Actions as well as Words, droped from Some of yr Officers, Which did not escape my Notice & Inteligence.
Their abusing Lord Fairfax by setting Woodrow on & speaking disrespectfully of him as well as Threatg his person, they must upon mature Deliberation, condemn themselves for. It was observed that one Mr Cooper went from my Lodgings in the Night & got most Inhumanly Beaten by the soldiers for no other Offence but that they thought it was I—so I was credibly Informed. This Sir is far from a curcumstantial Acct which if delivered minutely would confirm as bad an oppinion of the matter as I have.
I have in this narrow Detail confined myself to truth without exagerating the matter. truly the Motive of these Lines is to gratify yr Request & keep up that good Harmony that usually subsisted between us, & Hope that a few Hot & ungarded words, from both sides, will not make the least breach in friendship between us. Please favour me with a Line by the first oppertunity intimateing yr sentiments on the Matter. I am Sir with (the ussual) Respect yr Most Obedt Humble Servant

John Baylis


Title: Enclosure: John Baylis’s Advertisement, 28 January 1758
From: Baylis, John
To:

28th Jany 1758

Whereas Alixander Woodrow under the encouragement & Imediate protection of a party of the Rigemental Subaltern Officers then at Winchester on Wednesday the 28th of December 1757 at Night did challange the subscriber to Fight a Duel.
Therefore (to avoid prolixity) I take this short Method to Inform the World that I waited on the said Alixander Woodrow next Morning with my sword & Pistol’s in order to give or take sattisfation conformable to the Punctilio’s of Honour. But was surprized to find he would not fight & even denyed he had ever

challanged me. From this I hope the Judicious part of the World will allow me the Liberty to say without censure, that the said Alixander Woodrow is an Arrant coward, & has no way Left to wipe of the Odium but Re-assume the challange first given & carry it to a necessary Length to Retrieve his Honour.

John Baylis


Title: From George Washington to John Blair, 31 January 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Blair, John

To Mr President Blair[Fredericksburg, 31 January 1758]
Honble Sir,
I wrote to your Honor yesterday—Since which your favor of the 25th is come to hand. I am greatly distressed to know what conduct to observe with regard to the Indians that are coming to our assistance. I wou’d, notwithstanding the ill state of health I am in, go directly to Winchester, cou’d I flatter myself that the Service wou’d reap any real advantage from it; but as I am not entrusted with the management of Indian Affairs, farther than directing their war-routs’ (and even here, they are governed by caprice & whim rather than by real design) I am of opinion, I should only share in Mr Gists embarrassments, without rendering him the desired assistance Because, if he informs me rightly, he is in no wise prepared for the reception of such a party, either with arms or proper Goods, and how he can be timely supplied with either, I know not: But this I am certain of; that, were I on the spot, all their disappointments would be attributed to me: as they look upon the commanding officer to be culpable in all those cases.
Never was any thing more unlucky, perhaps, than these Indians coming at this time having very little to apprehend, and the season being too rigorous to admit of incursions into the Enemys country. If they were sent out to war it is more than probable that they wou’d return to their nation as soon as they came in; by which means we should need their assistance in the Spring, when they wou’d be of infinite service in offensive or defensive measures; and to feed and clothe them thro’ the winter, if they cou’d be prevail’d with to stay, wou’d be attended with great expence.

Upon the whole, it appears to be a very ill-judged step, the sending them in at this time and an affair of so much importance, that I do not care to meddle in it, without particular Instructions from your Honor.
I have dispatched a special messenger to Mr Gist, apprizing him of this matter: and shall wait at this place for your Orders, as to my own conduct. I am &c.

G:W.
Fredericksburgh: the 31st Jany 1758.


Title: From George Washington to Christopher Gist, 31 January 1758 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Gist, Christopher

Letter not found: to Christopher Gist, 31 Jan. 1758. On 3 Feb. 1758 Gist wrote to GW: “yours of the 31st Ultimo I recd.”


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Knox, January 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Thomas

Sir,
Mount Vernon January 1758

I wrote to you on the 26th and 30th Ultimo and Addressd Copies since which I have receivd my Bills of Lading for 14 Hogheads Tobo—one of which is Inclosd—I have also receivd my Goods from the Recovery, and cant help again complaining of the little care taken in the purchase: Besides leaving out one half, and the most material half too! of the Articles I sent for, I find the Sein is without Leads, Corks and Ropes which renders it useless—the Crate of Stoneware dont contain a third of the Pieces I am chargd with, and only two things broke—and every thing very high Chargd. It woud be in my power, coud I be upon any degree of certainty that my Tobo woud suit the Bristol Market, to Ship you a pretty large Quantity annually, but I apprehend the quality & Management will scarce meet an adequate price—what I have on board the Nugent is of this sort, and all of the present Years growth; the Sales of which will probably determine my future Shippg—If I can get any of my Tobo Rents in time enough for yr Ships I shall Recomd them to your Care also.
In my last I desird two pair of Workd Ruffles at a guinea each

pair—if workd Ruffles shoud be out of fashion send such as are not, and to the things wrote for in my last add these following viz.

A Neat Mahay Card Table—wch may serve for a dressg one.
2 dozn Packs of playg Cards
2 setts Counters for Quadrille
1 dozn watch Cristals better than an Inch & half Diameter
50 lb. best Raisons
50 lb. best Currents
50 lb. Almonds in the Shell
1 Cask best bottled Cyder
½ dozn fashio[nabl]e China Bowls from a large to a Midlg Size
½ dozn deep white Stone Dishes sortd
3 dozn Plates deep & Shallow.

Your sending these things together with those wrote for in my last by the first Vessel will very much Oblige Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Christopher Gist, 3 February 1758
From: Gist, Christopher
To: Washington, George

D. Sir
Winchester Febuy 3d 1758

yours of the 31st Ultimo I recd this day, am very much Oblig’d to you for the Acct of the Indians being on their March, Some flying repot we had before which few Credited, your account is all we have for certain as yet.
I have made up the Accts for the last year and Sent them down by Mr Cromwell with a Return of all the goods on hand to the Last day December last. very little has been Disposed off Sence. Blankets guns and Ammonition is none excpt 12 guns in the last cargo and they very bad. but as you are going to Williamsburg you will See the returns with President Blair, you

will then be a Judge what May be Nessary, for the ensuing Season.
As to the Price of Goods left in My hands by Mr Atkin I cant Say, what the a mount May be, but I think I Could have bought as Much and as good for £300—if the Governor Says they are worth £1000 it may be so, I have render’d the Acct where they are and how Disposed off to the President. Inclos’d is my Ac[c]t for Recruiting I have Sent Certificate of Jacob Sowers omitted in my Accts Sent please to get it for the Poor Man Pray Excuse hast I am with the Kindest wishes for your helth—Dr Sir Yr Most Humle & obedt Servt

Christr Gist


Title: To George Washington from John Blair, 5 February 1758
From: Blair, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Wmsburgh Feby 5th 1758.

Your two Letters of 30th & 31st Ult. were brought to me by yor Express, on Friday afternoon; by whom, being desirous to consult, I sent them to Mr Nelson immediatly, (his horse & he being well able, he said, to go on) but he & Mr Secretary happening to be out of Town, I did not get them back till this afternoon, with their Advice.
As to your Several Reasons for leave to come hither we think them very cogent; and therefore, as I apprehend no damage can be expected to arise from it, and strong reasons for admitting it, You have my Leave to come to Williamsburgh for the Purposes mention’d in yor first.
As to the Contents of yor second, expressing yor concern at such a Number of Indians coming to us, at such an unseasonable Time; we wish the Spring had been advanced first, & the rigour of Winter over, before they came; but as Col. Read in his

of the 3d Ult. says that a Runner was come to him with the News of 7 or 800 of them being but five days march behind him, and we have yet no certain Intelligence of them, I see no dependance on it. Once Mr Adam Dickinson from Augusta who came to me the 28th Ult. for some Arms & Ammunition for his Son John, Captain of a Company of Rangers, told me he heard that 600, were at Col. Reads, and that they were going to my Lord Loudoun, but that afterwds he heard it was a Company of 40 or 50, only, & that the rest were behind; of which however we have no certainty. On the Report of their going to my Lord, Sir John St clair seem’d pleased, & said my Lord would make them wellcome; and by Mr Nelson’s advice I have writ, by that Mr Dickinson, to Mr Gist, (as I intended to write to you) to encourage the Indians (of any number) to go to my Lord, who would receive & reward them well: and I desire you will press it upon him. But we are much surprised to hear that Mr Gist is in no wise prepared to receive them, as our late Govr told us that he had above a £1000. pounds worth in Indian Goods left in his hands for such purpose. I desire a particular Accot of what he has. We do not imagine their numbers will be any thing near so large as talkt of, and I hope they will not come this good while yet, unless they are going to my Lord. They are said to be Creeks & Cherokees together.
Col. Read represented his want of Ammunition in the Magazine he built last year, to comply with Majr Lewis’s orders to the severall Captains under him. Whereupon by advice of the Council I sent up to the Glebe als. Osburns 6. Barls of Powder ten Boxes of Shot 200 lb. wt in Each, making 2 Ton of Shot, wch is more than sufficient for the Powder, but he wanted Shot for the Powder he had by him. I likewise sent up to Capt. Dickinson 100 lb. of Powder & 200 lb. of Lead to supply his company, and also ten Muskets wth Bayonets & Cartouches, 20 Swords, 200. Gunflints, & 8 Trading Kettles for their Use.
We have hired two Transports to bring back our Two Companys from So. Carolina & are providing a large quantity of Bread & Flour to be sold there to pay off their arrears to their coming away, & they are to be landed at Fredericksburgh.
I have not add, but my hearty wishes for your perfect recovery, & to assure you that I am Sir Yor most humble Servant

John Blair, P.

We hear Colo. Young has got his Commission come for this Government.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Chew, 11 February 1758
From: Chew, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
N[ew] London [Conn.] Febry 11th 1758

I wrote you by the last Post to which must now Cheifly Refer you, this being just to beg your Pardon for the freedom I have taken to direct a small Box to you for my Brother. this Box will be forwarded to you by Mr William Coxe of Phila. who will at the desire of Mr Robinson send you a Line acquainting you by what Oppertunity & which way it is sent, if we have any thing new I Shall take Care to advise you and am with great Respect Dear Sir Your Very Obedt Servt

Jos. Chew


Title: From George Washington to Sarah Cary Fairfax, 13 February 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, Sarah Cary

Dear Madam
M:V: Feby 13th 1758

The Inclosd came to my hands this moment—Colo. Carlyle desird after I had perusd the Papers, that I woud send them to you—but as he did at the same time inform me that his Letter coverd one from Colo. Fairfax (on whose safe arrival we offer our Congratulations) I have not delayd a moment in forwarding them—When you are at leizure to favour us with a visit we shall endeavour to partake as much as possible of the Joy you receive on this Occasion.
My Brother & Sister join me in their Compliments to you and the Young Ladies. I am Yr most Obedt & Obligd Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. When you have read the Papers we shoud be glad of the oppertunity of Perusing them.


Title: To George Washington from John Hall, 14 February 1758
From: Hall, John
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Suffolk in Virga Feby 14th 1758

I have yr acceptable favr from Mt Vernon—& I sincerely rejoyce at yr beginning to master the Indisposition Mr Boyd acquaints me you have long labour’d under—I hope to meet you perfectly recover’d & I shall impatiently wish to hear of yr being at Wmsburgh.
Will you excuse the Liberty of intruding a Subject not so agreable as many others—I’ve this day receivd a Lr from Col. Gage & There cite his happy Paragrh (I must acquaint you of a Resolution lately taken to raise a regt of light Infantry under my command & in wch Corps Ld Loudoun has appointed you a Lieut.) with a Grace truly becoming that Gn he waves the honour of the Obligation & throws it on another—& dont think I flatter you when I say to the more happy Influence of a third Person I owe my present rise.
him I look upon as my Patron & Benefactor—Accept the kind Wishes of a heart replete with Gratitude for evr’y future blessing—I am in great haste to send of[f] my recruits—heres a Captain 3 Subs. & recruiting Partys from this new Chore now moving to this Place. I am Yrs sincerely.

Jno. Hall


Title: From George Washington to John Blair, 20 February 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Blair, John

To The President
Honble Sir,Mount-Vernon, the 20th February, 1758.
I set out for Williamsburgh the day after the date of my letter by Jenkins; but found I was unable to proceed, my fever and pain encreasing upon me to an high degree, and the Physicians assured me, that I might endanger my life in prosecuting the journey. In consequence of this advice, I returned back to this place again, and informed your Honor of the reason of my detention by the Post, whom I met with on the road, and who I have since understood, never lodged my letter in the Post-Office at Fredericksburgh; which is the cause of my writing this second one to the same purport. Whenever I shall be sufficiently able to attempt the journey again, I can not say: but shall delay no time after I am in a condition to perform it. I am your Honor’s &c.

G:W.


Title: To George Washington from Charles Smith, 23 February 1758
From: Smith, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fort Loudoun February the 23d 1758

I have had the Happiness, of Seeing the Letter you wrote, To Doctor Craig, and am Sorry to hear of your being so Much Indisposed in your Health, and I must own that I am at Present

much disturbed in my mind, by Majr Baylist who Has blasted my Character in A most Cruel manner, Without the least reason, It’s true when Majr Baylist Was Last in town there was Some disturbance between Him and Mr Fells, Majr Baylist and I never had any Words to gather, which I have Sufficient proff of, I have Wrote to Majr Baylist Concerning it, and Shall Soon Convince him that I am not the Man he takes me to be—I deny the Name of a Riortor or a Coward, Which I hope to Have liberty to get Satisfaction, and you Need not to fear but, I will Clear it up with Honour, and with Shame to him.
Concerning the work at Fort Loudoun has gone on tolerable Well in your Absence the third Barrack is Intirely Covered In, and the Last one now aframing in Order to raise. the Parapet on the Last Curtain is up, the Last Bastian Is Lay’d Over with logs and two of the ambuziers [embrasures] done and now is about the Other four, we have done all the joyners Work in the Second Barrack, We are in Great want of a Barrell of Double tens for the Last Barrack we not having One, Our Stone Masons has been Sick Ever Since you have been away, and our Stone Work is much Behind hand. The well has been allmost full of Water But now is Cleared and they are at Work in it A Gain And there is Near Ninety foot deep. I Cant Say that there Is any Likelyhood of Any Spring, We are almost out of Iron and plank, and am afraid I Shall find it very difficult to be Supply’d without a small quantity Of money to pay them of the old arrears I have advanc’d all the money I Can possibly Spare.
The Black Smiths belonging to the publick work has behav’d Exstreamly well. I Should Send you the particulars of The Work they have done but being in haste and my Books not being Settled, Sr I am your most Humble. Servt

Chs Smith


Title: To George Washington from Beverley Robinson, 1 March 1758
From: Robinson, Beverley
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
New York 1st March 1758

Inclosed is a Letter from my friend Joseph Chew of New London which he Desires me to forward to you, he has also sent me a Trunk for his Brother Coleby in your Regiment, and Desires I will forward it to some Gent. in Philadelphia who will send it from thence to your Care, as Mr Chew is noted for being a most obliging person in things of this Sort and seems Very Desirous his Brother Should get the Trunk, I must beg you’l Excuse his taken the Liberty of Troubleing you about it. I shall Send it tomorrow by the Stage Boat to the Care of Mr William Coxe in Philada and Desire him to write you a Line to Acquaint you by whom or what way he sends it from thence.
No Doubt you are Acquainted with the Expedition under the Direction of Lord How he has 2500 or 3000 picked men given him to make an Attack on Ticondaroga, we have no Accot of his having Marched from Albany, but as we have had fine weather for this week past make no Doubt he is Marched and Dare say every thing will be Done on his part, Lord Loudoun has Lately meet the New England governors at Hartford in Connecticut, and from thence is gone on to Boston, what to do there the Lord Knows.
an Expedition your Way under the Command of general Webb is talked off, and Mr Byrd is gone to South Carolina & so to the Cherokee Indians to get a number of them to Joyne us.
Inclosed you have a Supplement to our News paper giving the good Accot of the Brave King of Prussia.
Mrs Robinson & her Little Boys are very well, she Desires her Compts to you. I beg you will Remember me to Capt. Mercer, and believe me to be Dr Sr Yr Afft. Humble Srt

Bev: Robinson


Title: To George Washington from John Smith, 2 March 1758
From: Smith, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Winchester 2d Mch 1758

I am just returned from my Exile & have but a Short time to write to you (being desirous to see my Family after so long a Captivity) and therefore shall write as breif as I can. I was Sir Ordered by my Lord Louden to wait on Colo. Stannacks whose Orders is that I should Consult with you concerning the defence of this Colony and not meeting with you at Winchester desire you’l meet me at Augusta Court house or at Williamsburg by the 20th of this Instant (were I am Obliged to be) to pursue the above Orders. Or if you shall be so indisposed that you could not Attend desire you’l send one of your Officers according to the Time mentioned above to Consult the same I should have been Glad to see you myself but being so long from my Family am very Desireous to see them and therefore I can only at this Time subscribe my Self Sr Yr very Hble Servt

Jno. Smith


Title: From George Washington to Sarah Cary Fairfax, 4 March 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, Sarah Cary

Dear Madam
Mount Vernon [4 March 1758]

Letters which I have just receivd from the President, and others from Winchester render it necessary for me to set out for Williamsburg tomorrow—If you, or any of the young Ladies have Letters to send, or other Commands that I can execute, I shoud be glad to be honourd with them, and you may depend upon my punctuality—please to accept my Compliments yourself, & offer them to the young Ladies, and believe that I am with great truth & Sincerity Dr Madam Yr most Obedt & Obligd

Go: Washington

Saturday Morng


Title: From George Washington to John Stanwix, 4 March 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Stanwix, John

My dear Collo.
Mount Vernon 4th March 1758

Your favours of the 13th Jany and 24th Ulto with part of a Letter from Lord Loudoun was this day deliverd me; in the latter you condescend to ask my opinion of Major Smith: Is not his Plan a sufficient testimony of his Abilities? Can there be a better Index to the Man than his scheme for reducing the Enemy on Ohio? and his expeditious March of 1000 Men to Detroit? surely he intended to provide them first with Wings, to facilitate their Passage over so Mountainous & extensive a Country; else whence comes this Flight?

As I am unacquainted with the Navigation of those Rivers he purposes to traverse, so consequently, I cannot be a Competent judge of the Plausability of his Scheme; but the distance is so great, and that thrô an Enemy’s Country, (for we have too much Reason to believe the Indians on Ohio are Enemies to Us) that I must look upon it as a Romantick whim that may subsist in Theory, but must fail in practice; for if we are strong enough to attempt the Reduction of the Ohio what necessity is there for Our making such a Compass about, and leaving Fort Duquesne behind Us which is the Scource from whence proceeds all our Ills—and if we are too weak to attempt this place, what have we to expect by leaving it in Our Rear but absolute Destruction; while the French have the Indians at Command.
These Sir are my Sentiments on Major Smiths Plan—and in regard to the Person, if I have been rightly informd in the matter, he actually had a Commission to Command a Ranging Company and obtaind that Commission by making promises he never coud Comply with. He was judged by those better acquainted with him than I, to be quite unfit to Command even a Company; and lost the Blockhouse by suffering his Men to go from, and return to him at pleasure; which the Indians remarking, made their advantage of, and attack’d his Works when he was left in it with a very few Men, and unable to defend it—It is nevertheless agreed on all hands that he made a gallant defence, but I never heard of any Capitulation that was granted him.
I have never had the pleasure of seeing Major Smith but have been favourd with a Letter from him wherein he politely professes some concern at hearing of my Indisposition, and not meeting with me at Winchester; but desires at the same time that I will attend him at his House in Augusta—about 200 Miles from this! or in Williamsburg by the 20th Instt when I suppose he intends to Honr me with his Orders.
I have never been able to return to my Command since I wrote to you last—my disorder at times returning obstinately upon me in spight of the efforts of all the Esculapion Tribe I have yet had an oppertunity of trying—At times I have been reducd to great extremity, and have now some Reason to apprehend an approaching Decay being visited with several Symptoms of that Disorder—I am under a strict Regimen, and

shall set of to morrow for Williamsburg to receive the Advice of the best Physicians. My Constitution I believe has receivd great Injury, and as nothing can retrieve it but the greatest care, & most circumspect Conduct—As I now see no prospect of preferment in a Military Life—and as I despair of rendering that immediate Service which this Colony may require of the Person Commanding their Troops, I have some thoughts of quitting my Command & retiring from all Publick Business, leaving my Post to be filld by others more Capable of the Task; and who may perhaps, have their Endeavours crownd with better success than mine has been. Wherever I go, or whatever becomes of me I shall always feel the sincerest, & most affecte regard for you—and am Dr Sir Yr most Obedt & Obligd Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Blair, 8 March 1758 [letter not found]
From: Blair, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Blair, 8 Mar. 1758. On 10 Mar. 1758 Blair wrote to GW: “I send you Letter of the 8. Instt.”


Title: To George Washington from John Blair, 10 March 1758
From: Blair, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Wmsburgh March 10th 1758th

The Bearer James Holloway is a Soldier in your Regiment sent from York County & under Capt. Lewis at Patterson’s Fort, but being very infirm got a Furlow from his Captain for 3 Months, wch was continued by the Governor for 2 more. I thought of discharging him, but waited in hopes of seeing you to do it. He says he has received but 2 months pay, if so there is 6. mos. pay due to him & better. He now applies for a discharge for his Bror John & himself, on consideration of his having enlisted two men before Mr Smith a Justice of York which he will Shew you, and of his delivering them to you at his own Expence, which I think may be accepted, as their antient Father wants John’s assistance & James can be of no use to you. But as he could not travell with them without Money & he had been at abt 40s. Expence upon them, I have furnished him with £5. from the Treasury, wch you will deduct from their wages; unless you think any part of it due to him for enlisting one in his room who I am perswaded you would have discharged as useless. One of them John Carter says he has 10. Guineas due to him from Capt. Whelden of a Ship at Holts, wch as he is enter’d into his Majestys Service he hopes the Captain will be obliged to pay him; if you can be of any service to him in it, it will be kind, & help to equip him with Linnen &ca—By him I send you Letter of the 8. Instt but shall write again on the Supject lest that should miscarry. I give him too a Letter for One George Speake an Ensign in your Regiment that came to me t’other day by an Express from Lord Loudoun—I heartily wish you health & am Sir Your most Obedt hble Servt

John Blair, P.

James tells me he knows of 5 Deserters in Northumberland wch with Assistance he could take up. & believes he could enlist some more men if he had direction for it.


Title: To George Washington from John Stanwix, 10 March 1758
From: Stanwix, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Lancaster [Pa.] 10th March 1758

I was on the 8th Favour’d with your Obliging and find your judgment tally wth Lord Loudouns & mine in reguard to Major Smiths wild schem. shall not trouble you with a long leter upon it but toucth upon a Theme much more interesting wch is the State of your health wch I am much concern’d to hear is in so bad a Condition as to put you upon resigning your Command wch I am very sure will not be so well filled for the Interest of the Country in General and for my own wishes in particular, but be that as it may no one can more ardently wish for every thing that may be agreable to you. am sorry to tell you that I hear Lord Loudoun is to go home & Lord George Sackville to command in his room with many other Alterations, that a very large Fleet is expected & seven Thousand men. as I have not seen any papers since the Arrivale of a twenty Gun ship at New York with dispatches, can only give you an imperfect sketch of what is talk’d on and beg you will believe that I am very truly Dr Sir your most Obed. humble Servt

John Stanwix


Title: From George Washington to Richard Washington, 18 March 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Richard

Dear Sir,
Williamsburg 18 March 1758

Since my last of the 8 Jany I have receivd your favour of the 9th of Septr preceeding together with an Invoice and Acct Currt but the carelessness of the Captn prevented their coming to my hands till near Six Weeks after his arrival: and the Goods got home but a few days ago. I suppose I shoud not have receivd them at all, had I not been at great pains and expence myself to Send them up. So unaccountably Indolent is Captn Dick! The Powder I have not receivd—and the Cyder was all lost.
The China came without any breakage, for which Reason I must counter order the addition to it desird in my last, & instead thereof beg you’ll send me a Sumpture Saddle, Bridle &ca compleat for Furniture; with a sett of Holster Caps and a housing of fine blew Cloth, with a small edging of Silver Embroidery round them. My expectation of a large Crop of Tobo has fallen greatly short; However, besides those you have an Acct of already, I shall put on board a Vessell of Mr Grymes’s to

your Consignment about 15 Hhds which I hope you will make the most of and least She may (being a very large Ship) lye sometime in the Country I shall remit you a Bill of Exchange, so soon as I can meet with a good one, of about £50 or 60; which with my other remittances and the £50 Insurance savd in the Integrety Captn Thompson may go to my Credit.
I have been much afflicted by Sickness since last Fall, and am not yet recoverd, but hope I am now in a fair way of regaining my health—I shoud always be glad to hear of your prosperity and am Dr Sir, Very Affectely Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Blair, 2 April 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Blair, John

To The President—written on the road to Winchr
Honble Sir,April 2, 1758
The Bearer, unfortunately pursuing me, insted of continuing on from Fredericksburgh (when he heard that I had passed that place in my way to Alexandria) is the cause of the enclosed being detained so long from your Honor. The business which carried me by Alexanda, was partly of a public and partly of a private nature; and I embraced this opportunity of accomplishing both, doubting whether another might offer, before I should be obliged to take the field.
The enclosed papers contain matters of a most important and interesting nature. The subject is explicitly handled; for which reason I shall urge nothing more on it, than to recommend, in the most pressing and submissive manner, the necessity of providing for the reception of our Indian Friends. The consequence of inviting these people to our assistance, and their finding us so unprepared when they come, may be destructive of our Interest; it being the cause already of much murmurring and discontent.
These People are too sensible of their importance, to be put off with vague promises.
I do not know at whose Expence those numerous parties of Indians, are to be furnished, whether at the charge of the southern colonies in general, or this Government in particular? But of this I am fully satisfied, that, until such time as the indian agent, or some other person, is invested with Power, and the means also of laying in suitable necessaries for them; we shall never be in a condition, either of fitting them for war, or giving them content. For, although much money hath been laid out for Goods to present them with, yet those presents have been so injudiciously chosen, that, when they have been offered to the Indians, they have laughed at, and refused them. I have no other motive for representing this matter so freely to your Honor,

than as the Assembly are about to sit, that those Inconveniences, if they should appear such, being fully represented, may be redressed.
I have now, Sir, to apologize for my paper, &c. The Bearer overtook me on the road within less than a days ride of Winchester; and being unwilling to detain the enclosed, put into the first house to dispatch him, which was unprovided with paper—except such as could be taken from a Book; and such is made use of by Your Honors’ Most obed. Servant,

G:W.


Title: From George Washington to Beverley Robinson, 5 April 1758 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Robinson, Beverley

Letter not found: to Beverley Robinson, 5 April 1758. On 16 April 1758 Robinson wrote to GW: “Your favour of the 5th Instant came to hand last Night.”


Title: From George Washington to Richard Washington, 5 April 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Richard

Dear Sir,
Winchester. 5th April 1758

Captn Whiting is arrivd & my Letters by him are come to hand, but not the Goods: the latter I apprehend is in bad order as I understand the Captn enterd a protest immediately upon his arrival—The Locks and Hinges I fear are slight if I am to

judge their Sizes & price—The Sword pr Captn Nicholson I have receivd.
The Inclosd is a Bill of Excha. for £100 Sterlg 60 of wch the Cash is receivd must go to the Credit of Lord Fairfax. Mr Carlyle will send the others of the same Tenor and write fully on the matter. I lodgd the other day £72.10s. with Fieldg Lewis Esqr. to buy me a Bill of £50 and hope you will receive that also in a very short time as he had hopes of purchasing of Mr Hunter upon Lyde of London.
You will perhaps think me a crazy fellow to be ordering and Counterordering Goods almost in a breath. It was but the 18th Ultimo from Williamsburg that I wrote you Via Bristol, advising the arrival of my Goods pr Captn Dick & desiring you woud desist sending me the China wrote for in a Letter of the 8th Jany and in lieu thereof to send me a compleat sett of Horse Furniture I must here beg you will forbear sending either as I am now provided with the latter but dispatch the following things by the first Ship bound to any part of Virginia (Viz.)

A Compleat hunting Saddle & Bridle with two neat Sadle Cloths to cost 40/ the whole.
As much of the best superfine Blue Cotton Velvet as will make a Coat Waistcoat & Breeches for a Tall Man with a fine Silk button to suit it & all other necessary Trimmings & Linings together with Garters for the Breeches.
Six pr of the very neatest Shoes (viz.) 2 pr double Channel pumps—2 pair turnd Ditto & 2 pr Stitchd Shoes to be made by one Didsbury on Colo. Beilers Last but to be a little wider over the Instep.
Six pairs Gloves, 3 pr of wch to be proper for Riding & not to have Stiff Tops—the whole larger than the middle size.

I shoud be extreamely glad to have the above things in as soon as possible If they go either to York or James River, recommend the Package to Peyton Randolph Esqr. Attorney Genl Wmsburg and he will see that they are forwarded. This Letter is intended to go by the Packet from New York, and the Post is just setting out for that place which prevents my adding more than that I am Dear Sir, with great truth and Sincerity Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. You are pleasd to Dub me with a Title I have no Pretensions to—that is—the Honble.


Title: From George Washington to Beverley Robinson, 6 April 1758 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Robinson, Beverley

Letter not found: to Beverley Robinson, 6 April 1758. On 21 May 1758 Robinson wrote to GW: “I Received . . . yours of the 6th.”


Title: To George Washington from John St. Clair, 7 April 1758 [letter not found]
From: St. Clair, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John St. Clair, 7 April 1758. On 12 April 1758 GW wrote to St. Clair: “Your favour of the 7th from Philadelphia I had the pleasure to receive this Evening.”


Title: From George Washington to John Blair, 9 April 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Blair, John

To The President[Fort Loudoun, 9 April 1758]
Honble Sir,
Since my last of the 2d instant, nothing remarkable has occurred: But, having an opportunity, by the Sheriff of this County, I enclose your Honor returns of the Regiment for the months of January and February. Those for March, are not yet come to hand from the several out-posts; for want of which a general return can not be made. About 400 Indians had come to this place before I arrived, and the most of them (accompanied by some Officers and Soldiers) are gone out to war. One hundred and forty more are expected in to-day; and numerous

other parties we hear are upon their march to join us: So that Colo. Byrd will, in a manner, find the Business done to his hands, when he gets to their nation—if he proceeds that length.
I wish we may be able to detain those People still: but I fear it will be a difficult matter, without an early campaign, of which I am sorry to see so little prospect. I shall impatiently expect your Honors’ Instructions about assembling the Regiment; as it will be of great service to have them rendezvous some short time before they enter upon the campaign; many things being requisite to prepare, which can not be so well accomplished whilst we remain in the present dispersed situation. Indeed it is necessary for the ease of the Troops; some of them having a march to perform of more than 2,00 miles before they join the main Body of the Army, if it shou’d even happen at this place. I am with great Respect, Your Honors most obedient Hble Servant,

G:W.
Fort Loudoun, April 9th 1758.

P.S. I have written to Major Lewis concerning Captn Hogg, as your Honor desired.


Title: From George Washington to John Stanwix, 10 April 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Stanwix, John

To Brigadier-General Stanwix
Dear Sir,Ft L[oudoun] April 10th 1758.
Pe[r]mit me, at the same time I congratulate you (which I most sincerely do) upon the promotion you have met with, and justly merited; to express my Concern at the prospect of parting with you. I can truly say, it is a matter of no small regret to me! and that I shou’d have thought myself happy in serving this campaign under your immediate command. But every thing I hope, is ordered for the best; and it is our duty to submit to the will of our Superior. I must nevertheless beg, that you will add one more kindness to the many I have experienced, and that is, to mention me in favorable terms to General Forbes (if you are acquainted with that Gentleman) not as a person who would depend upon him for further recommendation to military preferment, for I have long conquered all such expectancies (and serve this campaign merely for the purpose of affording my best endeavours to bring matters to a conclusion) but as a person who would gladly be distinguished in some measure from the common run of provincial Officers; as I understand there will be a motley herd of us.
Nothing can contribute more to His Majesty’s Interest in this Quarter, than an early campaign, or a speedy junction of the Troops to be employed in this Service. Without this, I fear the Indians with difficulty will be restrained from returning to their nation before we assemble; and in that event, no words can tell how much they will be missed. It is an affair of great importance, and ought to claim the closest attention of the Commanding Officer; for, on the assistance of these people, does the security of our march very much depend.
There should be great care taken, also, to lay in a supply of proper Goods for them: The Indians are mercenary; every service of theirs must be purchased: and they are easily offended, being thoroughly sensible of their own importance. Upwards of 5,00 are already come to this place, the greatest part of whom are gone to war: many others are daily expected, and we have neither arms nor clothes (proper) to give them: nor indeed is it reasonable to expect, that the whole expence accruing on account of these people, should fall upon this Government—

which hath already in this, as well as in many other respects, exerted her utmost abilities for His Majestys Interest, and in the present case, shares only an equal proportion of the advantages arising from Indian Services. These crude thoughts are hastily thrown together: if you find any thing contained in them which may be useful, be pleased to improve them for his Majestys interest.
The latitude which you have hitherto allowed me—joined to my zeal for the Service, have encouraged me to use this freedom with You Sir, which I should not chuse to take, unasked, with another.
If it is not inconsistent, I should be glad, before I con[c]lude to ask, what regular troops are to be employed under Brigad. Gen. Forbes, and when they may be expected? also, where they are to rendezvous? Ft Frederick, I hear, is mentioned for this purpose, &, in my humble opinion, a little improperly: In the first place, because the country people all around are fled, and the troops will, consequently, lack those refreshments so needful to Soldiers. In the next place; I am fully convinced there never can be a road made between Fort Frederick and Fort Cumberland that will admit the transportation of carriages: for I have passed it with many others, who were of the same opinion. And, lastly—because this is the place to which all Indian parties, either going to, or returning from war, will inevitably repair. I am, with most sincere Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient, and obliged humble Servant,

G:W.


Title: To George Washington from James Baker, 10 April 1758
From: Baker, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Patterson’s April 10th 1758.

Yesterday in the afternoon as Mr Miller & 2 or 3 Countrymen more was riding from hear to Jenkins’s about 4 Miles from this, they were fired at by Cocks & Lane who was lying under the fence, the Countrymen came in on a full gallop and inform’d me that they were fired on by some Indians. I immediately sent out Lieut. Weedon with a Command of Men who followed their Tracts ’till dark, returning home I sent Ensign Chew out again this Morning to Reconniter on the other side the Mountain where he fell on their Tracts, and after pursuing them about 10 Miles he found a Beef that they had killed and cut out the Toungue and part of the hind Quarters he continued following them about a Mile further and discovered a smoke in the hollow of a Mountain coming nigh perceived them Bacueing their Meet [(]they being acquipt every way like Indians and as he had followed their Tracts from pretty near the place where Lieut. Weedon left them last Night had great reason to believe they were Enemy) and imediately fired on them. Lane was killed Dead and Cocks Mortally wounded, they brought to Bells Fort,

where he left him with a Serjt & ⟨mutilated⟩ Men, he confes’d it was their own fault & blame know one else but themselves for the Accident. I am Sir Your mo. Obt Servt

J. Baker


Title: From George Washington to John St. Clair, 12 April 1758
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, John

Sir
Fort Loudoun 12th of April 1758

Your favour of the 7th from Philadelphia I had the pleasure to receive this Evening. It gave the Officers here present and myself, a very sensible pleasure to find your Sentiments corrispond with ours on the measures taken with the Cherokee Indians. and we are not less pleasd to find you determind to Interest yourself for the well ordering of these Important matters; on the good regulation of which so much depends.
Great pains has already been taken to encourage the Indian Scouts to preserve their Prisoners. some Officers and Volunteers in the Regiment have gone out to War with these Parties for this salutary end; but the hard Frosts, and exceeding deep Snows upon the Aligany Mountains, has forc’d most of them back again.
I have desird Mr Gist deputy Agent of Indian Affairs to transmit you an exact return of the Number of Indians that have Marchd from this to War. what now remain here. and such as he has undoubted reason to expect; together with a Succinct Account of Indian Affairs in general that you may thereby be enabled to judge of our Situation, & to enform General Forbes of it.
As yet I have receivd no Orders from Mr Blair on the head you mention; nor have we receivd any advice of the arrival of our two Companies from Carolina. A return of our Strength for February, and how the Troops are Posted, you will find inclosd: the returns from the Out Posts for March are not yet come to hand, but I believe little alteration has happen’d since the last. Those Men returnd upon Command are small Parties detachd among the Country People to encourage them to Plant and improve their Farms; without this precaution the whole Country woud have been depopulated. I shall communicate your desires on the Score of Forrage and Waggons to the Inhabitants of this Neighbourhood; but at the same time I woud not advise you to put much dependance on them. the cold backward Spring has causd a great scarcity of Provender (Hay especially). and the Country don’t abound much in Waggons.
We are highly pleasd at the prospect of seeing Sir John once

more among us: The Officers have desird me to testifie this, and very heartily join with me in offering their best good wishes to you. I have the pleasure to subscribe myself Yr most Obedt & most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Francis Halkett, 12 April 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Halkett, Francis

To Major Halkett—
My dear Halkett.Ft Loud[oun] 12th Aprl 1758.
Are we to have you once more among us? and shall we revisit, together, a hapless spot, that proved so fatal to so many of our (former) brave companions? Yes! and I rejoice at it; hoping it will now be in our power to testify a just abhorrence of the cruel Butcheries exercised on our friends, in the unfortunate Day of Genl Braddock’s Defeat; and moreover to shew our Enemies, that we can practise all that lenity and compassion of which they only boast, without affording any adequate proofs at all.
To cut short: I really feel a degree of satisfaction upon the prospect of meeting you again, altho’ I have scarce time to tell you so, as the Express is waiting. I am, with most sincere Regard, Dr Sir, your &c.

G:W.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Gage, 12 April 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Gage, Thomas

To The Honble Thomas Gage
Dear Sir,Ft Loudoun, 12th Aprl 1758.
With a great deal of sincerity I thank you, for the notice you have been pleased to take of Mr Hall. And, if possible, I more sincerely congratulate you upon the promotion you have justly met with, yourself.
I wou’d now, altho’ I think modesty will scarcely permit me to ask it, beg the favour of you to mention me to Genl Forbes (if you are acquainted with that Gentleman:) I mean not, Sir, as one, who has favors to ask of him—on the contrary, having entirely laid aside all hopes of preferment in the military line, (and being at present induced to serve this campaign from abstract motives, purely laudable.) I only wish to be distinguished in some measure from the general run of provincial Officers, as I understand there will be a motley herd of us! This, I flatter myself, can hardly be deemed an unreasonable request, when it is considered, that I have been much longer in the Service than any provincial officer in America.
I most sincerely wish you success in whatever Enterprize you may go upon; and with the most affectionate regard, I am, Dr Sir, Your most obedt and obliged Humble Servant,

G:W.


Title: To George Washington from Beverley Robinson, 16 April 1758
From: Robinson, Beverley
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
New York 16th Apr. 1758

Your favour of the 5th Instant came to hand last Night by the post. Inclosing a Letter for Mr Richd Washington in London, which shall be taken care of & forwarded by the Earl of Halifax Packet, Capt. Rand who it is imagined will sail soon.
The york Bill you Inclosed will over pay the postage of your Letter there being no Charge paid on Letters sent from this by the Packets to England, so that all the Expence Attending your Letter is the postage from Fort Loudoun here. Sr Charles Hardy is off Louisburgh with 8 or 9 Sail of the Line, & hope he will be able to prevent any Succors geting into that place.
Mrs Robinson & family are very well & Desire their Compts to you as does Mr & Mrs Morris and your Most Obligd Humble Sert

Bev: Robinson


Title: From George Washington to John Blair, 17 April 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Blair, John

To the President.
Honble Sir.Fort Loud[oun] the 17th Aprl 1758.    An unlucky, but unavoidable accident happened in the neighbourhood of Pattersons fort the other day.
The Proceedings of an examining Court of Officers on that occasion (which are herewith sent) will bring your Honor acquainted with the circumstances. I caused a very strict enquiry to be made into the conduct of Mr Chew, that equal justice might be done to the dead and to the living; and it appeared, that Mr Chew had acted with great spirit and activity in pursuing the tracts of those People, and that in shooting them (altho’ it was unlucky in the event) he had done nothing that was not strictly warrantable; Lane & Cox appearing both in dress, disguise, and Behaviour, to be no other than Indians.
I think it encumbent on me to be informed by Your Honor, how the Regiment under my command, is to be furnished with Tents, ammunition, cartridge-paper, and many other requisites that may be wanted in the course of the campaign. We expect it is here to be furnished with all those articles, from His Majesty’s Stores; but it is necessary for me to learn this from Your Honor.
Captn Joshua Lewis, of the Virginia Regiment, has applied to me for leave to resign, urging as a reason, that his interest lies in the navy, and if longer neglected, it may be very detrimental to him: He has therefore, obtained my consent to do so, and my promise of mentioning the thing to your Honor.
Captn Lt Thomas Bullett will in this event, by seniority, succeed to his Company, which, with the Death of Lt Milner, and the removal of Mr Wm Henry Fairfax to the northward, cause two or three vacancies (to be filled up, I hope, by the volunteers who have served for that purpose) and some promotions of Ensigns, to Lieutenants; which will require at least half a dozen

blank commissions. I therefore beg the favor of your Honor, to send them to me; and you may depend, that in filling them, I shall have strict regard to justice, and will act conformably to the rules of the army. I have at this time, four or five blank commissions of Governor Dinwiddie’s signing, but they are now useless.
The last Assembly in their Supply Bill, provided for a Chaplain to our Regiment; for whom I had often very unsuccessfully applied to Governor Dinwiddie. I now flatter myself, that your Honor will be pleased to appoint a sober, serious man for this Duty. Common decency, Sir, in a camp calls for the services of a Divine; and which ought not to be dispensed with, altho’ the world should be so uncharitable as to think us void of Religion, & incapable of good Instructions.
I now enclose a monthly Return for march; and am, Honble Sir, Your most obedient, Humble Servant,

G:W.

Honble John Blair Esqre


Title: From George Washington to John St. Clair, 18 April 1758
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, John

Sir John St Clair.
Sir.Ft L[oudou]n the 18th April, 1758.
Your letter of the 13th, addressed to Capt. Bullett, came to my hands about an hour ago. I have not words to express the great pleasure I feel, at finding General Forbes and yourself so heartily disposed to please the Indians, who are our steady friends, and valuable allies.
Mr Gist will send you a return of the number of Indians who have come to our assistance: of what nations they are composed, how many are gone to war; and what number is yet expected in. and I shall enclose you a Return of the Virginia Regiment, for the month of march last. The Indians seem hearty in our cause, and full of spirits at the prospect of an Expedition, which they have long been wishing for. But I fear the rendezvous of the Troops at the mouth of Conogochieg, will give them some disgust; because, from long use, this place is become perfectly known and familiar to them: and it is here they repair upon every occasion: Here, also, all their scouting parties, that are gone to war, will return: And at this place, the earliest intelligence of occurrencies on the frontiers, will always arrive.
I have taken great pains to encourage all that have gone to war, since my return here, to take each a prisoner; and, if they should get more than one, to keep them asunder; which they have promised to do.
That part of your Letter relative to the building Flats, I have communicated to Lt Smith, and we shall endeavour to get plank and other materials in readiness; but at the same time I must observe, that all the men of this Garrison are employed (by authority of this Government) in finishing the works here; and I

do not know how far my conduct may be justified in withdrawing them from them, as I have received no orders from the President to regard any instructions but his own.
I now flatter myself, that this Settlement will be able to furnish a pretty number of Waggons, & willingly; but what quantity of Forage may be had, I am unable to say. I have, however, made your desires known to the People on this occasion.
I have advice, that our Assembly have voted 2,000 men for the Expedition; which are to be commanded by Genl Forbes, besides Militia for the security of the frontiers: and that they have also voted an additional fund of £6,000 for Indian Expences.
Your Express with Letters of the 7th came safe to this place on the 12th in the Evening: and was dispatched early, next morning. I am, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant,

G:W.


Title: To George Washington from John St. Clair, 20 April 1758
From: St. Clair, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia April 20th 1758

I received your agreeable Letter of the 12th by the return of the Express I sent to Winchester, it was very acceptable News to General Forbes, Major Halkett and my self to hear you was so well as to be able to make the Campaign with us.
This Letter goes by one Riker, I have not time to write to you so fully as I woud choose, but Mr Rutherford is here I shall write to you more fully he sets out in a day or two.
Be so good as tell Mr Gist that I received his Letter last night & have received orders from Genl Forbes to provide every thing the Indians may want. I have sent to Winchester about 60 fuzies wt. 100 Match Coats. and am now about collecting 300 Arms more with other Indian goods, all which shall be sent from hence so soon as possible. The Arms are good.
The Bearer is in a great hurry to be gone so that I must conclude with being Dear Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant

John St clair.


Title: From George Washington to Andrew Lewis, 21 April 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Andrew

To Major Lewis—
Sir,Fort L[oudou]n April 21st 1758.
I do not yet know, whether any of the Levies raised by the newly appointed Officers, in consequence of the late act of Assembly, will fall to our share; and as we want about 130 men to complete the virginia Regiment; I earnestly recommend, that you will use the most efficacious means in your power to recruit your quota in Augusta, and its Borders: Farther than this District I wou’d not have you send Officers recruiting, as they must be ready to join you as soon as the Troops are ordered to this place. I have no money to send you for this purpose (which is a misfortune) but you may give the Recruits the strongest assurances, in my name, that they shall, upon their arrival at this place, receive each man £10. and a suit of clothes, advantage of the Recruits for the new Regiment.
I would have you send Lt Crawford directly to this place; he is well acquainted in those parts; and I hope from such encouragement, will be able to pick up some clever fellows.
I have so often, and so earnestly recommended the due practise of the Soldiers in their Exercises, that it is needless, I hope, to urge it again to in this letter. But I must desire, that you will take great pains to get all your Arms straightened, and the men taught to shoot well at Targets, as that is an highly necessary qualification in our Service.
I offer my Compliments to Captn McNeill, and all the Officers: & am, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant,

Go:W.


Title: From George Washington to William Henry Fairfax, 23 April 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, William Henry

Dear Sir
Fort Loudoun 23d of April 1758.

I shoud have been greatly puzzled to have found an excuse for my silence if I had ever receivd any of those many favours Captn Stewart tells me you were kind enough to intend for me. I assure you Sir, no pleasure woud greatly have exceeded that arising from the receipt of your Letters but I never had the satisfaction of getting more than one, and that just containd an Account of your Reception and resolution of entering a Volunteer in the 44th Regiment upon which I had determind to write to Colo. Gage in your favour when I heard you had purchasd in Brags. I never got a Line from Captn Stewart during his absence thô he several times wrote to me such villainous usage does Letters meet with from People who are impertinently inquisitive.
This Colony have voted 2000 Men for the Expedition to be Commanded by General Forbes, besides Militia to protect their Frontiers. Already have 700 Indians marchd to this place, and other Parties of them daily expected; so that without some signal

Interposition of Providence against us, we have I think, no great Reason to despair of Success.
I hope Sir, if it shoud ever lye in my power to serve you here, or elsewhere in any shape whatever, you will freely Command me; for be assurd I don’t offer my Services as an unmeaning compliment only, I am sincerely disposd to do you every kindness that may lye in my power, being very truely.
Captn Stewart informing me that you had not met with regular remittances from Colo. Carlyle (which I suppose may be attributed to miscariage of Letters) I have taken the liberty of sending you by Mr Chew, and to the care of Beverley Robinson Esqr. a small sum to clear Quarters with, knowing the impossibility of your living upon your Pay. I beg, that you will put yourself to no kind of inconvenience to ⟨return the money, to have⟩ it Seven years hence will suit my purposes as well as the present time. I am with most sincere esteem Dr Sir Yr affecte Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Forbes, 23 April 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Forbes, John

Sir
Fort Loudoun 23d of April 1758.

Permit me to return you my sincere, and hearty thanks for the honour you were pleasd to do me in a Letter to Mr President Blair; and to assure you, that to merit a continuance of the good opinion you seem to entertain of me, shall be one of my Principal Studies; for I have now no ambition that is higher, and it is the greatest reward I expect for my Services in the Ensuing Campaigne.
It gives me no small pleasure to find we have an Officer of your universal good Character, and consummate Prudence to Command in this Expedition: and it is with equal degree of pleasure I congratulate you on the promising prospect of a glorious Campaigne⟨.⟩ The Indians seems to anticipate our success in joining Us so soon with 700 of their Warriors, of whose good Inclination’s to assist his Majesty’s Troops, Captn Bosomworth who held a Conference with their Chiefs, can fully inform you, and to whom I shall refer. There are two things I can find thô, that will contribute greatly to their ease, and contentment of Mind; namely, an early Campaigne, and plenty of Goods; these are matters they frequently remind Us of in their publick Councils, as well as private conferences.
I have receivd no Orders yet to Assemble the dispersd Companies of the Virginia Regiment, some of whom are two hundred Miles distant from this, and destitute almost of every necessary proper to a Campaigne; so that I fear we shall make a very shabby appearance at the General Rendezvous. We are in great want of Tents, having none to Incamp our Troops as they arrive: and this place cant yet furnish Barracks, nor the Town Quarters for them. I am Sir with very great Respect Yr Most Obedt and most Obligd Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Blair, 24 April 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Blair, John

To The President.[Fort Loudoun, 24 April 1758]
Honble Sir,
Your letter of the 19th instant, intended to come by Colo. Stephen, was delivered me to-day, about noon, by Express. As there are several matters contained in it of an interesting nature, I chose to be aided in my determinations, by the advice of my Officers; and have enclosed, your Honor their, and my opinion on the several heads.
I cou’d by no means think of executing (willingly) that discretionary power, with which you were pleased to invest me, of ordering out the Militia. It is an affair, Sir, of too important and delicate a nature, for me to have the management of; for much discontent will be the inevitable consequence of this Draught.

Your Honor will no longer be at a loss for a Return, after you receive my letter by Jenkins; and, lest any accident may have happened to that, I herewith enclose another for the same month.
When the Relief for our outposts in augusta, marches, Major Lewis, who commands on that Quarter, should be advised thereof, and he will order them to their stations.
That was a most extraordinary request of Colo. Mercer, concerning the exchange of Officers; and calculated, it should seem, rather to breed confusion, and to gratify his own vanity, than to benefit the other Regiment.
There is not an Ensign there, that would not rather quit the Service, than accept of a company in the other Regiment; so much do they disapprove Colo. Mercer’s proposal; and I have neither inclination nor power to force their compliance.
Captn Rutherford’s company was raised and posted on this quarter by Governor Dinwiddie’s express orders, and can be more useful here than any other men whatever, being all sons of the neighbouring farmer’s, men of property, young active, and entirely acquainted with the woods on these frontiers: Whereas, if they go to the southward, they will be utter strangers to the enemys haunts, and of no more use there than the militia of an adjacent County; while their places here must be supplied by Militia equally ignorant of these woods, as they will be of any others, besides giving them an useless march of 2,00 miles, and exposing the frontiers in the mean time. Another reason may be urged: their property all lies in this County: Interested motives induced them to enlist, and to be vigilant in defending it: and, I believe, they would desert, rather than go to the southward.
If your Honor will please to remember, it was one among the last questions I had an opportunity of asking, if I shou’d send parties a recruiting? You replied, that, as the Assembly was so near meeting, you wou’d defer giving any directions on that head. and, as I had no money for that purpose, I hope it will not seem surprizing, that we have recruited but a few men since; and that I have been waiting for Orders to complete the Regiment. I shall now use my best endeavours, with what few officers can be spared from the Garrisons (which will be very few, indeed!) dispersed as we are.

I shall also be under a necessity of sending down for money to carry on this Service; and should be glad that your Honor wou’d order it to be ready immediately, to prevent delay of the officer, who will set off to-morrow, or the next day after, at the farthest. I am &c.

G:W.
Ft Loudoun, the 24th April, 1758.


Title: Council of War, 24 April 1758
From: Washington, George,Council of War
To:

[Fort Loudoun, 24 April 1758]

The Proceedings of a Council of Officers held at Fort Loudoun April 24th 1758 to consider whether it was most for the Interest of the Service or whether it was practicable to comply with the Instructions contain’d in a Letter from the President of Virginia to Colo. Washington.

                  Officers PresentColo. George Washington PresidentMembers

                  Capt. Lieut. Bullett
                  Lieut. Campbell

                  Lieut. King
                  Lieut. Buckner

                  Lieut. Thompson
                  Lieut. Smith

                  Lieut. Roy
                  Ensign Russell

1st That Part of the President’s Letter in which he advises Colo. Washington to incorporate Part of the Officers and Non Commission’d Officers of his Regiment with the second Regiment, and to take Part of them into his was considered and it was unanimously agreed that the first Regiment would receive a greater Detriment thereby than the Second would gain an Advantage as the Officers (were they exchang’d) would not have sufficient Time to discipline the new raised Regiment and our Non Commissioned Officers & Soldiers would with Reluctancy change their officers to be Commanded by those they must be convinced were intirely ignorant of the Duty either of Officer or Centinel and it is also imagined that such a change would be look’d on as an Imposition by the Officers who might be order’d into the Second Regiment.
2dly—We considered the Abstract from Brigadier General Forbes his Letter and find that the Performance of but a small part there of can be in the power of the Commanding or other Officers of this Regiment for as our Troops cannot March (by express orders from the President) from the Places at which they are Station’d till they are relieved by Militia it is impossible to assemble them so soon as the General desired; for the time is past and no orders issued even for the assembling of the Militia nor for the same Reason till we are relieved can we quit our Post to attempt clearing the Road nor do we know wch way the General intends to march as there are different Roads.
3dly—We considered that part of the Letter in which he leaves a discretonary power in the Hands of Colo. Washington in draughting the Militia and we verily believe that were he to order out the Militia of the frontier Counties (who always have been taken out on every Immergency) it would be productive of an almost General Mutiny—besides the disadvantage in Case of an Invasion on the south-western Parts of the Colony as the Militia in those Counties would be present to assist the Militia that

were ordered from the Interior Counties and in case he orders the Militia from the lower parts of the Country we think that they would be so long assembling and Marching that Colo. Washington might be blamed (if not by the Colony) by the General who desired the Companys of this Regiment to be at this place by the 20th of this Inst.—tho’ the Colo. has received no orders about it till this day. Besides Colo. Washington ought to have the County-Muster Rolls before it will be possible for him to make an equitable Draught of the Militia to relieve the Garrisons nor can he (as he has not the Acts of Assembly, nor himself or any of us know the Act past in June last) either call out or appoint such Officers as is there directed & as the President orders.
Upon the whole it appears to be an affair so interesting to the Colony; so nice & of such importance for the Service of His Majesty—that (as it will take only three or four days more to assemble the Militia) it is our unanimous opinion that it is more adviseable for the President or his Council to give orders to the Militia and proper directions concerning those things that we have had in consideration than us to determine on them.


Title: From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 24 April 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Stephen, Adam

To Lt Colonel Stephen.
Sir[Fort Loudoun] April 24th 1758.
I have this instant, and not before, received Orders from the President to complete the Regiment under my command. But, as no money is yet come for that salutary purpose, I am at a loss how to act. However, that no time may be lost, or blame laid at my door; I desire that you will send as many officers on this Service as can be spared from your command; and let them recruit about Fredericksburgh and the parts adjacent. You will no doubt take care to direct them, to enlist such men as will not finally be refused. Let the officers give a little advance, and an order upon me for the balance of the levy-money, to each recruit; which shall be paid to them immediately upon their arrival. They are to enlist upon the same footing with the new-raised regiment—with this advantage, to the recruit—that he will receive clothing immediately upon his coming here. For other necessary directions I must rely on you; being extremely hurried and not able (therefore) to write fully to you at this time.
I entreat you to forward a letter herewith sent, to the President, with the utmost expedition—not one moment should be lost. I am, Sir, Your most obed. Servant,

G:W.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Waggener, 25 April 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Waggener, Thomas

Capt. Waggener
Sir:Fort Loudoun, the 25th of April, 1758.
I received Orders yesterday from the President, to direct the Captains of the Virginia Regiment to complete their companies, with all possible expedition, to 1,00 Rank & File. Ten pounds, bounty-money, are to be allowed to each recruit; the Officers (reasonable) Expences borne, and the men so enlisted, to be discharged, the first day of December next: which is greater encouragement than hath been given before; and I hope will be the means of procuring us the complement we want, speedily.
I must desire, you will send an officer or two to this place for the above purpose, if you can spare them; and use your utmost endeavours to pick up what able-bodied men you can upon the Branch.
Inform all the Officers under your care, that this is expected of them; & strictly charge them to enlist no men but those entirely fit for the Service.
I have no money to send you, having received none from below; but if you can muster up a little for advance, you may give each Recruit an order on me for the balance of his £10 and it shall be duly paid.
There is another encouragement which I forgot to mention at first, and that is; clothing, which they will receive.
Doctor Johnston is sent for down. I am, Sir, Your most obed. Servant,

G:W.


Title: From George Washington to John Blair, 26 April 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Blair, John

To The President of Virginia[Fort Loudoun, 26 April 1758]
Honble Sir,
Having wrote fully to your Honor on the 24th past, I have little to offer at this time[.] I then thought to have sent an Officer for money, but all of them that can be spared from the several Garrisons, must be employed in recruiting. I have therefore ordered Mr Gist, a volunteer in my Regiment, to wait upon your Honor for this purpose.
I have not as yet received any Returns from Colo. Stephen; but hear that he wants near 30 men to complete the companies he commands; if so, we shall, in the whole, want 1,50 men of our complement; to recruit which will require £1,500 levy-money, besides officers expences, and other incidental charges, that must I dare say amount to near £3,00 more. The £6,00 which I received on your Honor’s warrant, for contingencies, is just expended, there being many more demands upon me than I could have apprehended, for waggonage and other services done the public in my long absence (which was occasioned by sickness.) On account of those payments, I shall send down by Mr Boyd, about the first of next month, when he goes for the Regiments pay.
In the mean time I beg leave to assure your Honor, that I am Your most obedient humble Servant,

G:W.
Ft Loudoun, the 26th April, 1758.


Title: From George Washington to Andrew Lewis, 26 April 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Andrew

To Major Lewis.
Sir.[Fort Loudoun] April 26th 1758.
I have this instant and not before, received the Presidents orders to direct the Captains of the 1st Virginia Regimt to compleat their Companies with all possible expedition, to 1,00 Rank & file each.
The enclosed is a copy of the Instructions which I have given

the Officers sent out from this place. You may give the same to yours; with this only difference—that all the Officers you can possibly spare for this service, be directed to rendezvous, the 10th of may, at Staunton, if you shall not have marched before for this place; and to follow you as fast as possible, if you have.
I have received no money yet to carry on this Service; but shall this day send down to Williamsburgh for some.
You are not to delay a moment in marching to this place, after you are relieved; and orders, I believe, are issued to the Militia for that purpose. Take great care to distribute the militia properly, according to the numbers that may come out. I scarcely know what direction to give you about the Country Stores (ammunition and Tools, I mean) as I can not tell in what manner the Militia will be provided with those Things. The tools, I think, if they are not absolutely necessary there, ought to be brought to this place: as they certainly will be wanted here. The Pay-master will appoint a time to meet your Companies payrolls at Staunton; and you must punctually observe it. I am &c.

G:W.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Gist, 26 April 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Gist, Thomas

To Mr Thomas Gist—Cadet[Fort Loudoun, 26 April 1758]
Sir.
You are forthwith to set out for Williamsburgh, and make all possible dispatch to that place. When you arrive there, wait on the Honble the President with my letter, and these Instructions: and take his directions what further to do. If you should be charged with a sum of money to bring to this place, take particular care of it, and return with as much expedition as possible; for the money is much wanted—You are to keep an exact account of your necessary expences, and give it in upon your return, to me, and it shall be allowed to you. Given under my hand, at Fort-Loudoun, this 26th day of April, 1758.

G:W.

Instructions for Mr Gist


Title: From George Washington to Beverley Robinson, 27 April 1758 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Robinson, Beverley

Letter not found: to Beverley Robinson, 27 April 1758. On 21 May Robinson wrote to GW: “Yours of the 27th Apr. I Received.”


Title: From George Washington to John St. Clair, 27 April 1758
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, John

Dear Sir John.
Fort Loudoun 27th of Apl 1758.

The Post calling suddenly upon me, only allows time to acknowledge the receipt of your obliging favour by Rinker: and to inform you, that I did on the 24th Instt receive the Presidents Orders to observe any directions you might be pleasd to honour me with: also to tell you, that the two Companies of the Virginia Regiment from Carolina are at Fredericksburg, and expected here in a day or two.
I have made known the contents of your Letter to Mr Gist, who thinks himself highly oblig’d in the care you have taken of Indian Affairs. We do all we can to keep them in temper, but I have still fearfull apprehension notwithstanding the solemn assurances of the Chiefs to the contrary, that many of them, especially the young Men, will return home if the Troops are long assembling; and this not proceed from any dissatisfaction they may take, but from the Nature of the People.
It gave me real pleasure to hear from you, that my Company this Campaigne was desird by the General, Sir John, and Major Halkett. I shall think my self quite happy, if I shoud continue to stand well in your good Opinions to the end of the Campaigne; for I have long since given over expecting any other reward for my endeavours in the Service, than what arises from a Consciousness of doing my duty. and from the good liking of my Friends thereupon. I am Sir with very great regard Yr most Obedt & Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Basset, 27 April 1758
From: Basset, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fort Frederick [Md.] 27th April 1758

I am sent here by Sr John St Clair to repair the Roads &c. on both Sides of the Potowmack; to forward which Service he told me he had ordered 200 of the Virginia Troops to take Post at Enoch’s: whenever this is done you’ll please to let me know & I shall be ready to attend them.
Lieut. Shelby, who is employd to buy Forrage, has contracted for some Oats & Indian Corn to be delivered at Capt. Caton’s on your Side of the Potowmack. As it may be a Week or ten Days before he can send for it, & as he thinks it a dangerous Place he desired I would mention it to you; being assured that, if you think it necessary, you will order a small Guard there from Patterson’s Fort or elswhere. I am, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servt

T. Basset Engineer


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Waggener, 30 April 1758
From: Waggener, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fort Hopewell Aprill 30th 1758.

I should have comply’d with your orders in Sending an officer or two Recruiting, but it’s Imposible to do It without leaveing some of the Forts without an officer, There’s Not two at any place but this & Capt. McKenzies. I recd a Letter From Mr Boyd who inform’d me, it was yr orders for an officer From Each company to come Down for the pay, which accordingly I have sent. Capt. McKenzie Petision’d to go him self and Settle his Pay Roll’s with Mr Boyd, As Mr Gist is but Just Returnd with the Indianes, & very much Fatigued, the Particulars Of his Discovery’s you’ll be inform’d of by Capt. McKenzie.
Your Recruiting o⟨rders⟩ shall be Punktually Obey’d. But beleive few, or no⟨ne wi⟩ll Inlist on the Branch, as they Say they are doing their ⟨mutilated⟩ the same service, as if Inlisted, As for the charges against Lt Steenbergen, the Officers that Come Down will give them in to you. I am Sir Your most Obedt Humble Servt

Thos Waggener


Title: From George Washington to John St. Clair, 1 May 1758
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, John

Dear Sir
Fort Loudoun May 1st 1758.

The Inclosd came to my hand about five days ago by Express from Fredericksburg, but as it was addressd to you at this place, and I had hopes of seeing you here very shortly I shoud have detaind it till your arrival, had not Mr Rutherford told me you

might make some Stay at Lancaster and desird all Letters might be directed to you at that place.
Nothing particular has occurrd since my last, I shall therefore embrace this oppertunity of asking your advice and directions how, and what sort of conveyances I am to provide for Carrying our Regimental Stores, and Companies Baggage. &ca and what allowances are made for these purposes. I shoud not trouble you on this head now, were I not affraid it may be too late when you arrive here. We are upon a very unsettled establishment, the Country having made no provision for the Expences of a March; but expect, and I believe are very willing that we shoud be governd in these Cases by the Rules observd in the Regular Troops. I am sorry to give you so much trouble at a time when I am truely sensible you are greatly hurried and engagd in more important Affairs but the earnest enquiries of my Officers concerning these matters partly moves me to do it.
I never got recruiting Orders till the 24th Ulto and then receivd no Money for that purpose; I sent of immediately for some and shall use my best endeavours to get compleated. As our Detachments at the Out Posts are to wait till the Militia relieves them I fear it may be some time yet before I get the Regiment together. The President gave me a discretionary power to order an equitable draft of the Militia, but it was a vague ⟨one⟩, and the matter in itself ⟨is⟩ important, and ticklish for me to manage so deeply in. I am with very great regard Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Since writing the above I have heard, that a Party of Indians (among whom was Lieutt Gist) are come in from an Excursion they made to Fort Duquesne and have got two Scalps if this is a fact so soon as I can get a particular acct I will transmit it to you.

G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to David Franks, 1 May 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Franks, David

To David Franks Esquire[Fort Loudoun, 1 May 1758]
Sir:
I shall be much obliged, if You would provide for me, and send immediately to this place, by the Bearers waggon, the following articles: vizt
As much green half-thicks’s, as will make indian-leggings for 1,000 men: if green can not be had, get white; if there is not enough of that, then get any other colour.
Two proper English pack-saddles, for carrying field-baggage on; and four wanteys suited to ditto. Three leading-halters—A travelling lettercase, with stands for ink, wafers, &c.—A pair of light shoe-boots, round toes, without linings, and jockey-tops—made of thin, english calf-skin, by the enclosed measure—A hair-cloth, to go under a field-bed. Half a dozen china cups & saucers.
Unless those articles come to hand speedily, they will be useless to me. Mr White, I believe, can furnish the Leggings, if you have them not by you; and may be usefully employed in providing the other Things (Boots and china excepted.) I sent a few weeks ago for 4 Pack-saddles; and the dutch man who undertook to procure them, brought common saddles, such as indian traders generally use, that were of little service to me.
Please to send your accompt with these things, and the money shall be paid to your order, or lodged with any person in this place, whom you shall think proper to direct.

I must beg to know how our paper-money passes with you; for I suppose I shall be under the necessity of paying in that currency, having little of another kind with us. I hope you will excuse the liberty I have here taken, without first knowing whether it would be agreeable to you. I am Sir, your most obedient, humble Servant,

G:W.
May the 1st 1758.


Title: To George Washington from John Blair, 2 May 1758 [letter not found]
From: Blair, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Blair, 2 May 1758. On 4–10 May GW wrote to Blair: “After due deliberation on your Honors letter of the 2d.”


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Basset, 4 May 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Basset, Thomas

To Mr T. Basset—Engineer.
SirFort L[oudou]n May 4th 1758.
Your letter of the 27th ultimo came to my hands only last night. I have received no Orders yet for marching 2,00 men to Enoch’s; when I do, you shall be informed thereof. I am Sir, Your most obedient, humble Servant,

G:W.


Title: From George Washington to John St. Clair, 4 May 1758
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, John

Dear Sir
Fort Loudoun May 4th 1758.

I have now had an oppertunity of Examining Ucahula, an Indian Warrior that brought in the Scalps mentiond in my last. His acct is nearly the following.
That about the first of last Month Lieutt Gist with 6 Soldiers and 30 Indians left the South Branch of Potomack River, and after a tedious March (occasiond by deep Snows on the Mountains) they got upon the Waters of Monongahela, where Mr Gist by a fall from a steep Bank got lamd & was renderd incapable of Marching. that the white Men and some Indians stayd with him and the remainder of the Indians divided into three small parties and proceeded whin He Ucahula with two others went down the Monongahela in a bark Canoe and landed on the No. Side not far from Fort Duquesne—That they lay there conceald

two days to make discoveries and if possible to get a prisoner, but no favourable oppertunity offering to accomplish the latter they attack’d a Canoe in which two Frenchmen were Fishing, both of whom they killd & Scalpd in sight of some other Frenchmen also a fishing.
This Indian’s Acct of Fort Du-quesne corrisponds with most others I have heard, vizt that it is strong on the Land side, but stockado’d only where it Faces the Ohio. It does not appear from his information, that there are many Men there; nor that they have thrown up any New Works. He saw a Party on the other side the River which he supposd to be newly come, because, there were several Canoes near them and they seemd to be busied in putting up bark Huts which however were not many & only two Tents pitch’d.
When he got about 15 Miles this side Fort Duquesne he came upon a large Indian Incampment, & Tracts steerg towards Virginia; and after the Parties had Joind & were Marching in Lieutt Gist came upon the Tract of another large Party pursuing the same course—these parties have since fallen upon the back Inhabitants of Augusta County and destroyd near 50 persons besides an Officer & 18 Men of Captn Hogs Rangg Company who we suppose (for I have no advice from him) we sent to the Country People’s Assistance. So soon as I got notice of this I orderd a Detachment from the Regimt and some Indians that were equipd for War to March & endeavour to intercept their retreat if they are not too numerous. I have also engagd Ucahula with a small party of brisk Men to go immediately to Fort Duquesne and try to get a Prisoner. He seems confident of Success; and promises to be back in 20 days at farthest.
The two Virga Companies from Carolina came to this place Yesterday. inclosd is a return of their Strength. I am Sir Yr most Obedt & Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington