Title: From George Washington to Gabriel Jones, 29 July 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Jones, Gabriel

Dear Sir,
Camp at Fort Cumberland 29th July 1758.

Permit me to return you my sincerest thanks for your great assistance at the late Election; and to assure you, that I shall ever return a lively sense of the favour. I am extreme sorry that you neglected your own Election in Augusta by this means—but I hope you are secure in Hampshire.
Our Expedition seems overcast with too many Ills to give you any satisfaction in a transient relation of them. God knows whats intended, for nothing seems ripe for Execution—backwardness, & I woud (if dard) say more, appears in all things. To morrow, I am summon’d to a conference with Colo. Bouquet on the Rays Town Road, when I shall warmly urge the advancd Season, and every other Argument that the Important Matter requires, to hurry things forward—and shall endeavour to obtain leave (if possible) to advance on with the Virginians to the Crossing at least, opening the Road & Constructing Posts as we go. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Robert Rutherford, 29 July 1758 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Rutherford, Robert

Letter not found: to Robert Rutherford, 29 July 1758. On 31 July Rutherford wrote to GW: “I Received Your kind favour of the 29th.”


Title: To George Washington from Charles Smith, 30 July 1758
From: Smith, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fort Loudoun July the 30th 1758

I Received Your favour July the 25th by Mr Campbel’s man, the Inclosed I have Sent Down by a Safe Hand, and according to Your Directions I have Sent by the bearer Six plates and a dish, I received a Letter the Date of the 20th Inst. from the Governor of Virginia wherein he has Informed me that Lord Fairffax and Captn Rutherford has wrote to him, Concerning

the 20 Rangers that was Stationed here, which has Given Displeasure To the Inhabitants, But he Say’s Let what measures will be taken it Gives Dissatisfaction to one or another, for which he blames Captn Rutherford and his Officers very much, and Say’s he Can’t See that they are out of their duty at all as they are Paid by the Province, he Immagin’s they Can be Ordered To any part for the Good of the Country, & as there Is a Quantity of the Country Stores at Winchester he thinks it Necessary that the Same twenty Shall Continue as a Guard, as it is not In his power to have them Reliev’d by the Millitia or any Other Effective Men, Else he would Freely do it, he has also wrote To Lord Fairffax & Captn Rutherford, and Says he is Informed that the Company is More out of their duty by being Stationed by Sixes and Sevens at Particular houses, as he Immagin’s that noe person ought to be Indulged more than another, he Says if Lord Fairffax has Ninety miles of the Frontiers Diserted, he Immagin’s it to be his own Ground, and he may have as many Commissions as he pleases to Raise in his own County, of the Millitia, but he Immagin’s them all to be a Dissatisfyed People, and No Person whatsSoEver Can please them, Captn Rutherford thinks it Necessary to Divide his Company into three parts, and order one of them to make this place their Randisvous, and Constantly keep rangeing Under the Mountains, and on the Watters of Cape Capon and To return With what Inteligence they Can Get, In Every Two or three days, which I believe will be Greater Sattisfaction to the men, to have one of their own officers with them, it will answer the Intent of Guarding the Stores Near as well as to have them Constantly Garrisoned here, as their return may be Every two days.
The Governor has Ordered me to Carry on the well and Close the Buildings, and then to make a return of what is Next wanting to be done, but has not Mentoned one word about money, to Carry on those buildings it is not an Easie matter to Carry on So heavy Buildings without Subsistance, but Still I must be Contented & obey Orders, but Could wish times Better.
Thare is 25 of the Caralinians here & has not one Gun among them & I Dont know in What Manner they will Get up to Fort Cumberland I have Inclosed an Axact Return of All The Spare Arms left here beloning to the Contry—Colo. Wood Still

Very Bad yet with the Gout & is not able to write, but Begs to be Remember’d to You, as Well as Your Hume Servt

Chs Smith


Title: To George Washington from Robert Rutherford, 31 July 1758
From: Rutherford, Robert
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Winchester 31st of July 1758

I Received Your kind favour of the 29th in a Large Packet. the other Letters therein Contained, I have given Mostly with my own hand. and shall take Particular Care that the remainder be delivered Punctualy, also to make known to your friends in genl how deeply you are Possess’d of Gratitude.
Too Sensible of your Good intentions towards my Self and Company as well towards the whole of the Distriss’d frontier Inhabitants, which has been clearly manifested in every of your actions; it was with the greatest reluctancy that I urged you further on the Subject, as I was truly Conscious that nothing in your Power wou’d be wanting for the Common Good, but when you Consider the Strong incitements I had for So doing I hope you will be good Enough to Pardon it in me.
I am Sincerely touch’d to find my Doubts of an inglorious, Campain (or an attempt of a Campain) So greatly increased by the Most immoderate delays which Seem to attend it—I fear our Country has Lavished a Large Sum for Little or no Purpose

—in short, there Appears so great an infatuation throughout the whole that I have realy almost Lost hope of a Person’s either gaining Credit or giving Sattisfaction; for, even this new man at the Helm, Seems to be already Prepossess’d, and Certainly entertains the most inconsistant Notion of the Frontiers, that ever enter’d the Mind of Man—I am indeed oblig’d to Say, that it wou’d give me Real Pleasure to See you injoy your Estate in a Private Capacity; Since I See no other Prospect, Than, that, of your noble and greatly Laudable design (in taking on you the Toilsom Post you now hold) at Last Baffle’d and all your Zealous Efforts Prove fruitless—May the Power infinite direct you for the best and Protect you is the ardent wish of Dear Sir your Most obedt Hble Sert

R. Rutherford


Title: From George Washington to Francis Halkett, 2 August 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Halkett, Francis

[Fort Cumberland, 2 August 1758]
To Francis Halkett—Brigade MrMy dear Halkett.

I am just returnd from a Conference held with Colo. Bouquet. I find him fixd—I think I may say fix’d, upon leading you a New way to the Ohio; thro. a Road, every Inch of it to cut, at this advancd Season, when we have scarce time left to tread the beaten Tract; universally confessd to be the best Passage through the Mountains.

If Colo. Bouquet succeeds in this point with the General—all is lost!—All is lost by Heavens!—our Enterprize Ruind; & We stopd at the Laurel Hill for this Winter—not to gather Laurels by the by, desirable in ⟨their effects⟩—The Southern Indians turn against Us—and these Colonies become desolate by such an Acquisition to the Enemy’s Strength.
These are the Consequences of a Miscarriage, and a Miscarriage the Consequence of the Attempt—I have drawn my Reason’s out at large, and now send them to Colo. Bouquet—He desird I woud do so that he might forward them to the General, shou’d this happen you may Judge of their weight.
I am uninfluencd by Prejudice—having no hope or fears but for the Genral Good—That be assurd of—and my Sincere Sentiments are spoke on this occasion. I am Dear Halkett Most Affectionately Yr Obedt

Go: Washington
Camp at Ft Cumbd 2d of August 1758


Title: To George Washington from Francis Halkett, 2 August 1758
From: Halkett, Francis
To: Washington, George

Dear Washington
Camp at Carlisle [Pa.] 2d August 1758

I Received your letter, & Returns from Fort Cumberland. as to my giveing you my advice about the covers for your locks, I think you are the properest judge what can be done at F. Cumberland, being immediately upon the Spot, and we can send you no assistance from hence, as many as can, I would provide, those you cannot, their is no helpe for, their Blankets will always be a greate safety to them.
It is necessary the Troops from Virginia should have a Brigade Major the same as Pinsylvania, and the General expects that you will be provided with one against you join, it is entirely a Provintial afair, & to be of your own appointing, the recommendation General Forbes leaves to you, if it is to be Stewart, he must be as Captain to your Battalion, & Brigade Major, an other Officer must be appointed Captain to the Troop, he already holds two Commissions, both as Captain in your Battalion & of the light Troop, his haveing more would be inconvenient. Major Shippen has ten shillings pr day extrordinary, allowd him by the Commissioners of Pinsylvania: for being Brigade Major.
Make my appology to Captain Stewart for not being able to write to him at this time, he will send his Return of the Troop to me, the same as he did with General Braddock, as he is a distinct Corps, the detachment that he sent down to Lancaster, are all sent to Reas town.
The General has been much afflictd with the Flux, he still is extreamly weak, but I am in hopes he will soon be able to set out for Reas town. I am Dear Washington Your most obedient Servant and ever well wisher

Francis Halkett


Title: To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 2 August 1758
From: Stephen, Adam
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Camp at Raes Town August 2d 1758

It gives me great Concern to acquaint you that Liut. Lawson & two men of your Regiment are down in the Small pox—It first discoverd it self yesterday, when I immediatly Set about Building an Hospital at a distance from Camp to receve the Infected—and reconnoitred ground for a New Camp for the Virginians, which is to be mov’d to day 2 miles S.E. of this Place—All the men taken with the disease shall be movd to the Hospital immediatly where they will have a particular guard of men who have had the Small Pox; a Docr & Nurses to Stay with them, without any Correspondence with us. I am in hopes that in a fortnight, following this method the disease will disappear—I would advise you to have Capt. Flemings Company in camp by them selves, least they Should have Carryd the Infection to Fort Cumberland.
Yesterday Sr John St Clair marchd with Seven days provisions to the Westwd escorted by 160 men and forteen light Horse.
Munday afternoon about 2½ miles from the Camp on Cumberland Road Michael Scully was driving in two horses; when an Indian presented his Gun at him, which missed fire—Scully Springing forward in Surprise, found another Savage within ten paces of him, who did the Same, and his Gun also missed fire. The Indian immediatly run up with his Tomhawk, when Scully Shot him within four paces of him; Another Indian made at Scully directly, whom he knocked down with the Butt of his Gun; and was that Instant Seisd by the third, who wounded him twice in the head with a hanger & cut Slightly across his Face with his Scalping knife, with an Intent to carry off his Scalp; Scully being Very Strong Siesd him & throwd him down on the Other—gave him a Stroke with his Gun, & run off imagining there was more, and Came into Camp with two wounds in his head, a Scratch with a knife over his face, a wound in his Arm, one in his hand defending his head, one in his Thigh & a wound with a tom hawk in his Leg which he receivd in Running Off—Mr Chew & the Indians sent out, believe one of the Indians killed & that the Story is true having seen where Scully had Struggled &c.

Col. Bouquet orders me to desire you’ll be so good as send out Capt. Poseys Company to Bridge & Mend Some of the Road leading to this place from Fort Cumberland. I am with respect Sir your most Obt huble Sert

Adam Stephen

P.S. Capt. Blag mentiond his Forage money to me You only sent him as a Sub[altern].


Title: To George Washington from Henry Bouquet, 3 August 1758
From: Bouquet, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Raystown, 3 August 1758]

I had the pleasure of two Letters from you this morning, and as one of them was upon a most important subject, I read it with great attention, as every thing that has been so seriously considered by you deserves my utmost regard, your arguments are clear, and delivered with that openess and candour that becomes a Gentleman and a Soldier, but give me leave my Dear Sir to answer you in the same stile. At the same time that I was favourd with your Letter, I received one from the General, with express Orders to begin to open the road from this place across the Allegeny Mountains, and as I shall allwayes oblige the directions

of a Superiour Officer with readiness, there was no room left to hesitate, In the present case I shall execute them with the greater pleasure, as Col. Burd who is this Moment arrived from Edmund Swamp, Whether he had accompanied Sr John St clair, assures me that a very good Waggon road may be made with ease and speed through the Gap that we have lately discovered, and this is the joint opinion of every person who went, they also agree that there are great numbers of fine springs the whole way, and good food for Horses so far as they have yet gone, Sir John went forward this morning, and sent me back word by a person coming from Major Armstrong, that as far as he had gone he found the road good, and every other thing answering our expectations I cannot therefore entertain the least doubt that we shall all now go on hand in hand and that the same zeal for the service that has hitherto been so distinquishing a part of your character will carry you by Reas Town over the Alligeny Mountains to Fort du Quesne


Title: To George Washington from Christopher Hardwick, 3 August 1758
From: Hardwick, Christopher
To: Washington, George

Hond Sir
Bullskin August 3d 1758

Your’s of the 13th Ulto I have Received by Mr Smith, I have done my Endeavours to get you a satisfactory Acct about the flour, but can get no other than what you have Already got, but that Mr Perkins received one order from you to the Baker for 200 Wt & accordingly Deliverd it, his Miller also says that several persons at Different Times came from you to him for flour, & that he Accordingly Deliverd it to them not knowing or thinking that there wou’d be any after Disputes about it, yr Waggoner Brought fifteen Barrels of Flour from Mill & left it between the smith’s shop & yr Stable, of which I have found Ten Barrels & Deliverd them to the Contractr. ⟨Illegible⟩ can give no Acct of the other five, your people ⟨are⟩ all in good health, and am Glad to inform you that we ⟨had a v⟩ery good Rain on Monday last, We have not had any ⟨of⟩ any Consequence since the Season in May last, in the Drought there was a great deal of our Tobo burnt up, & our Corn suffer’d pritty much, but we are as well of as our Neighbours, Notwithstanding, We reserved our plants, & planted them on Monday & Tuesday last, & do hope, if we have Seasonable Weather that we shall make some Tobo. The Stray Creatures that were on the plantation last year & which I posted are now come back again, & the Mare has got a young Colt, they are troublesome to me as they were last year, so that I am forced to hamper the Mare, & keep her in an Inclosure to keep her & her Colts out of Mischief. please to let me know what I must do with them, ’tis dangerous for me to keep them as I am sure they were stolen from me last year. We have a good harvest I Conclude with my Sincere wishes for yr Success & Safe return and am yr most humble & Obedient Servt

Christopher Hardwick

P.S. pray Send me an answer by the first opportunity.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Prather, 4 August 1758
From: Prather, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
Old Town [Md.] August the 4th 1758

Agreable to my Instructions from his Excelency Horatio Sharpe Ime orderd to write to you for an Escort, with waggons; to take Ninteen Lode of his Majesties stores from this to Fort Cumbd & I shall Like wise wate here with Eight men to assist with them up & Shall want Provision sent with the Waggons as we have none but what I borrow. Am with Respect Your Most Obedient Humbel St

Henry Prather


Title: To George Washington from Robert Stewart, 4 August 1758
From: Stewart, Robert
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Cresap’s [Md.] August 4th 1758

Last night 37 Waggons with Muskett Ball came here from Fort Frederick 18 of which were unloaded here and returns to Fort Frederick for more the other 19 proceeds to Fort Cumberland, Govr Sharpe desir’d Captain Ware Commandg the Escort to apply to me for a small Reinforcement to the Convoy now going to Fort Cumberland I have added a Serjeant & 12 to it which makes it near 50 Effectives. Lieut. Pretter remains here with 7 Men & no Provisions, he applied to me for a supply and as he has so few and these quite in want I have agreed to supply him till I receive your orders he informs me that the 19 Waggons that’s now going up to Fort Cumberland is to return to morrow for the Ball left here and that he by Govr Sharpe’s orders has applied to you for an Escort for them—If you think proper I imagine it would be a good way to Releive the Grass Guard to morrow in place of next day, the Waggons to come down with new Guard & to return Loaded with the old, which would save a Command for that purpose.
Many of the Boxes are in very bad order and some of the Ball lost by their own acknowledgement.

I wrote by almost every opportunity that’s gone to Winchester for these 3 weeks past for hair to Stuff our Saddles but could get none, by which many of the horses backs are almost ruin’d, our Jaunt to Rays Town added no less than six to that Number, the whole wou’d soon be hurt without I can remove the cause therefore sent off Serjeant Boltimore and Hencock last night to Winchester for hair and new Scabbards for the Swords which they are in great want off, this I hope you’ll approve off as it’s absolutely necessary.
If anything new or interesting has occurr’d will be vastly oblig’d by your droping me a line—I beg you will offer my Complemts to Colo. Byrd & the rest of the Gentn and beleive me ever to be With the highest Esteem & greatest Deference My Dear Colonel Your most Affecte & mos. Obt hble Servt

Robert Stewart


Title: From George Washington to Francis Fauquier, 5 August 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Fauquier, Francis

To Governor Fauquier
Honble SirFort Cumberld Camp 5th August 1758.   Your favour of the 20th Ulto I was honourd with the day before Yesterday. I am sorry to find Mr Smith has not sent you a return of the Arms—nor Mr Ramsay one of the Provision’s. I

will write to both those Gentlemen ⟨for⟩ the reason. Inclosd is a return of the first Regiment.
I neglected till now—purposely—since my last of the 10th Ulto—to give your honour any acct of Our Expedition; hoping at last to be furnishd with something agreeable; being disappointed in this, I am sorry to inform you that we are still Incampd here, and have little prospect of de-camping, unless a fatal Resolution takes place of opening a New Road from Rays Town to Fort Duquesne—in this event—I have no doubt but we shall be honourd with a full share of the labour, as we have already been in opening a Communication from hence to Rays Town, and doing the principal part of the Work at that place.
I am just returnd from a Conference held with Colo. Bouquet on this occasion. The General lying indisposd at Carlyle—In the conference I urgd, in the most perswasive terms I was Master of, the advancd Season as an argument against new discoveries. I pressd also—the difficulties of cutting a ⟨erasure⟩ over these Mountains—the length of time it must require to do it—the little time left for that Service—the moral certainty of its obstructing Our March—and the miscarriage of the Expedition from that cause—and lastly—I endeavourd to represent the distressd Condition the Colonies woud be reduced to, consequent thereupon—In fine, I said, and did every thing to avert a ⟨erasure⟩ that seemd to forebode our manifest Ruin—this is the light it appeard in—I pray Heaven my Fears may prove imaginary only—but the thoughts of opening a Road 100 Miles in length—over Mountains almost inaccessable, at this advanced Season, when there is already a good Road made—a Road universally confessd to be the best that either is, or can be found any where thrô these Mountains, prognosticates something—⟨erasure⟩.
I have now drawn up a Representation of real Facts to be presented to the General—in which I think, the advantages of going the old Road, and the moral certainty of failing in the new are so clearly demonstrated, that it must strike every unbiass’d Mind, as the greatest perspicuity, & impartiallity runs through the whole account.
The small Pox getting among the Troops, is another unpromising Circumstance attending the Expedition. An Officer and two Men of my Regiment are down with it at Rays Town.

from this short narrative of our affairs your honour may draw conclusions: you may depend upon the acct being genuine—free from exagerations—and flowing from a Mind deeply affected at the prospect before Us. I hope, as I once before said—that I see matters in a false point of view; and, that my Apprehensions for the Consequence of opening a new Road are Groundless—my next perhaps may declare—I am with all due Respect Yr Honrs most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I was this moment presented with a Letter from Colo. Bouquet telling me, that the General had directed the other Road to be opend; I expect therefore to be Orderd that way immediately—Order’s are not yet arrivd.

Go: W——n


Title: To George Washington from George William Fairfax, 5 August 1758
From: Fairfax, George William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Belvoir Augt 5th 1758

I have scarcely time to acquaint you, That I was Yesterday at Mount Vernon to Visit Mr Patterson, who consulted me about taking up the upper Floors, as you gave him no orders about them, whereupon I had them clean’d in order to View them the

better, and found most of them very uneaven and several defective planks, upon which I made Patterson calculate the difference of Expence between New laying them & intire new, which you’l see is too trifling to hesitate a moment provided you choose either. Undoubtedly they may do with a little plaining, but that cant bring them even, or make them of a piece with the rest of the House. If you prefer a new Floor, there must be new Doors also, So that we beg you’l consider this matter and lett us have your directions—This word reminds me of breaking one of yours, which we hope youl pardon, But it was upon seeing full imploy for the joiners, and that it would take too much of their time That I took the liberty to hire a hand to paint the House, which is suffering for want of it—I think the Chimneys above are to much contracted, and would be better were they inlarged. For if you remember they are taken in, but whether to prevent Smoaking or for a Stove you perhaps can best tell, and the only one that can direct us—I have the pleasure to acquaint you That you have some of the finest Tobacco & Corn I have seen this Year and a pritty full Crop of both, which I believe is more than any in this or the next County can say. But yett we want much rain to make it, and the Grass spring, for I have never seen so Melancholy a Prospect. It is reported pritty confidently that our Fleet has Landed a body of Troops under the Command of the Duke of Marlborough at St Malow or near it, and taken Seven Ships of War all the Privateers and many Transports, but I hope soon to see if confirmed and some further particulars.
Mrs Fairfax, Miss Cary, Hannah & the Miss Dents joins in their best wishes with Dear Sir Your most Obedt and very humble Servt

Wm Fairfax


Title: To George Washington from Charles Smith, 5 August 1758
From: Smith, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fort Loudoun Augt 5th 1758

I Receivd Your Favour by the Indians Which According to Your Orders I have Furnised the Carrolinia Detachment with Armes & Ammonition; Your Over Sear & myself went Yesterday to Capt. Parkins’es to see if we Could Get any Intiligence of the Remainder Part of Your Flwor which the Miller Informes me that by Your Orders Lestways Bishops that he was to Deliver to Smith the Baker 200 Wt, & to Severral Different People besids further he says that Your Waggoner at Different Times, Carryed Large Baggsfulls of Flowr Down to Your Quarter, I Can Realy Git no Further Sattisfaxtion then before but beleivs they have Actted Very Cearliss in the Matters, Your Peter smith has been Extreamely ill with the Plurycy but is some What Mended, I have Inclos’d another Small Accot that I have Paid Colo. Hite on the Accot of the Ellextion I Don’t know Weather I have Acted Prudent or not but is Paid of all Accots that was Contracted at that time which Will not amount to more than Forty Pounds; the 25 Pound You left with me, is allmost made Use of, In Paying the Miner as there was Eight Pound Due before You went away the Smiths Accot will Run Prety High in Makeing & Pointing the Orgors for the Well, I have been Oblige to Pay a Doctor for Attending the Sick in the Fort, I Should be mutch Oblige to You to Inform me, in what Manner I am to be Supplyd with Subsistance my Money being allmost out the Governor wrote Very kind to me & Desires as I will still Carry on the Building but is Never Mentioned one Word about Money, I am Dr Sir Your Freind & Very Hble Servt

Chs Smith

I have Inclosd Your News Paper & the Rest of the Gentlemens I Jest now Recevd orders from General Forbes to Deliver in an Axact [account] of all the Storse & Workeing Tools at Winchester.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Stewart, 5 August 1758
From: Stewart, Robert
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
Cresap’s [Md.] augt 5th 1758

I last night had the pleasure of receiving your very agreeable and obliging favour by Mr Gist, 15 of the men that he brought down with him Join’d to the old Guard Escorts the waggons with the Remainder of the Ball to Fort Cumberland.
Jenkins with a Corporal & 6 Horse set out from here highly pleas’d with his Escort[.] I gave the Corporal orders to see him over Spring Gap Mountain and much farther as the old Gentn should judge necessary[.] as there’s no Signs of the Enemy lately discover’d I hope he’ll get down save.
Last night Tom Join’d me without arms and destitude of every necessary, I have return’d McKinzie of Capt. Woodward’s Compy in his room but as McKinzie did not care to part with his Regimentals I’m at loss how to get a Coat & Jacket for Tom as many of our men must soon, one way or other be provided for I imagined a Coat and Jacket might be spar’d without any inconvenience to the Service.
The Intelligence of our affairs you are pleas’d to favour me with gives me the deepest concern—Our once well grounded hopes will too probably be Blasted and the Glorious Prospect that once appear’d so full in view will I dread be intersepted by Clouds of Gloomy Disappointments But as Genl Renchild told Peter the Great it is our Bussiness to obey—I wish to Heaven it was possible you cou’d have a Conference with the General—My heart Bleeds—I dare not proceed—I ever am with the most perfect & unalterable esteem & regard My Dear Colo. your mo: affecte & mo: obt hble Servt

Robert Stewart

Please offer my Complemts to Colo. Byrd &Ca.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Bouquet, 6 August 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Bouquet, Henry

Dear Sir,
Camp at Fort Cumberland 6th August 1758.

The Generals Orders, or the Orders of any Superior Officer will, when once given, be a Law to me. I shall never hesitate in obeyg them—but, till this Order came out, I thought it Incumbent upon me to say what I coud to divert you (the Commanding Officer present) from a resolution of opening a new Road, of which I had the most unfavourable reports, and believd from the hight of the Hills—the steepness of them—the uneveness of the Ground in general—and what above all principally weigh’d with me, the shortness of the Season, that it was impossible to open a Road in time to answer our purpose. I am still of this opinion partly from my own observations of the Country—& partly from the Information of as good judges as any that will be employd. My Duty therefore to his Majesty, and the Colony whose Troops I have the honour to Command, obligd me to declare my Sentiments upon the occasion with that candour and freedom of which you are witness; If I am deceivd in my opinion, I shall acknowledge my Error as becomes a Gentlemen led astray from judgement, & not by prejudice in opposing a measure so conducive to the Publick Weal as you seem to have conceivd this to be⟨.⟩ If I unfortunately am right; my Conduct will acquit me of having dischargd my Duty on this Important Occasion; on the good success of which, Our All, in a manner depends.
I have repaird the Road over the Mountain at this place as Sir

Jno. St Clair desird. I had also sent the 2d Company of Artificers to make Bridges on the Rays Town Road according to your Orders transmitted by Colo. Stephen to me. ’twas Yesterday before I coud get them in, & to day they March.
Nineteen Waggons came here Yesterday Loaded with Ball (Musket Ball) from Fort Frederick. 18 more left their loads at the Old Town, and are gone back. the first 19 Waggons and an Escort are gone to bring up their Loads and will be here to day. I can’t send you a return of the Contents having receivd none.
The Waggoners are constantly applying for Grain—I shoud be glad if you woud direct how I am to act in this case.
Inclosd is a return of Provisions wanting to serve Us till our next Convoy arrives from Winchester we have not above 5 days Flour upon hand. I shall therefore send the Waggons to Rays Town tomorrow for this Article &ca—after they return from the old Town.
Twelve Tents was the Number I returnd for, & they are arrivd safe.
If you approve of it, I would send 50 Men the length of the great Xing to waylay the Road thereabouts: I think it the most eligable method of getting a Prisoner for Intelligence; the Enemy are watchful when they are near our Garrison’s, and it is too far and unsafe, to bring one from their own. I am Dear Sir Yr most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Bouquet, 7 August 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Bouquet, Henry

Dr Sir
Camp at Fort Cumberland 7th Augt 1758

Captn Waggoner with 50 Men & 19 Waggon’s wait upon you for Provisions agreeable to my Yesterday’s Return.
A Letter which I have just receivd from Mr Walker tells me, that the Convoy may be expected at Pearsalls the 15th; and desires that the Escort (already consisting of 75 Men) may be reinforcd; as the Waggon’s and Cattle will cover a large space of Ground.
Pray what will you have done with those Waggons when they come up, also with these now going for Provision’s when they return from Rays Town.
I was this Instt favourd with your’s pr Express⟨.⟩ I am not surprizd to hear the Enemy are about, but was greatly so to find them idle so long—I shall this moment send out a Party to waylay the Road. I am pleasd you have directed it, I wrote for leave to do the same thing Yesterday.
Inclosd is a Return of the Shott &ca that have been brought to this place since my arrival here. I am Dr Sir Yr most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Robert Stewart, 7 August 1758 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Stewart, Robert

Letter not found: to Robert Stewart, 7 Aug. 1758. On 8 Aug. Stewart wrote to GW: “Early this morning I had the very great pleasure of recg your very acceptable Letter of yesterday.”


Title: From George Washington to Christopher Hardwick, 8 August 1758 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Hardwick, Christopher

Letter not found: to Christopher Hardwick, 8 Aug. 1758. On 26 Aug. Hardwick wrote to GW: “Yours of the 8th Instant Came to hand the 20th.”


Title: To George Washington from Robert Stewart, 8 August 1758
From: Stewart, Robert
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
Cresaps [Md.] Augt 8th 1758

Early this morning I had the very great pleasure of recg your very acceptable Letter of yesterday, Covering Major Halkett’s of the 2d Inst., and with infinite satisfaction observe that fresh mark of your sincere Friendship, and would be quite happy by Fortune’s presenting me with opportunities of testifying the high sense which my grateful heart will ever retain of it.
I need not say how happy I should be in being with you but from the Majr’s method of mentioning it I imagine it might not be agreeable, and perhaps might be made use off as an acquittance from other Promises—On the other hand should anything happen the General for whose Recovery I begin to be afraid I should be very unhappy in the Horse—I have wrote at large to the Majr on the Subject which I enclose you open, when you peruse it be so good as to Seal & forward it if it, can remain undetermin’d till you receive an answer it’s well if not without inconvenience I must give up thoughts of it and trust to

Promises as usual—O! Wretched Dependance! how severe are your Laws, and how miserable your Votarys! Would Heaven be pleas’d to extricate me from your Clutches no fair Promises nor Gilded Prospects should ever tempt me to venture in your reach—But notwithstanding unerring Experiense has taught me how little the Promises of the Great are to be depended on yet alas! it’s all I have to Trust to—After having wasted so much of my Youth, impaird my Constitution and sunk the means of getting a livelyhood in another way, I with horror behold myself plung’d in greater uncertaintys than when I first Enter’d the Service. But such are often the Fruits of Ambition—Should I survive the war my ruin appears inevitable.
As the Officer who came to Relieve Mr Gist did not get here till near Reville Beating Mr Gist thought it would be imprudent to set out before Evening, but as he proposes leaving Fort Cumberland before day to morrow makes no doubt of overtaking Capt. McKenzie.
Tom waits on you for your Orders for a Coat & Jacket, I will furnish him with Shirts, Stockgs &Ca and as there must soon be many more Coats than men I imagine a Coat & Jackett might readily be spard he is extremely willing to be put under Stoppages till your accot against him is paid.
As the Grass here begins to grow scarce, I send all the Horses to a Plantation about half a mile from hence for 5 or 6 hours every day, and reserves what remains here for the Sheep & Horned Cattle—I ever am with the highest Esteem & greatest Deference My Dear Colonel Your most Affecte & Most Obliged hble Servt

Robert Stewart

Please offer my Complemts to Colos. Byrd & Mercer.


Title: From George Washington to John Carlyle, 9 August 1758 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Carlyle, John

Letter not found: to John Carlyle, 9 Aug. 1758. On 22 Aug. Carlyle wrote to GW: “I Was favd with yours of the 9h.”


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Bosomworth, 9 August 1758
From: Bosomworth, Abraham
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Camp at Rays Town 9th Augst 1758

I received your Canteens by the Waggons which brought up the Artillery & delivered them immediately to the Care of Capt. Stewart who informs me he forwarded them by Lt Campbell the day they arrived, I wish you could have had them sooner, they cost £3.19.0 at Philada & 18/ for their Carriage to Carlisle the Ballance due you shall repay when I have the pleasure of seeing you again I’m afraid somebody has made free with two mustard Bottles as there seems a Deficiency I had no particular accot of the Contents therefor cant say what number of bottles there were Coll Stephens is on Command upon the road over the Hills with a Detachment of 500 men from the whole, the remaining Companies of your Regt all march to morrow upon the same Duty & Coll Byrds. I believe I may with some Certainty tell you that the Destination of all the Troops is this way, I know that will not be agreeable to you and My Friend Coll Byrd but we must Submit[.] Sr Jno. and some Engineers have reconnoitred as far as Lowalhannan (within 50 miles of Du Quesne) and report it practicable to make a very good road, superior to Braddock’s, The Genl was to sett off the 5th from Carlisle we have two Waggoners scalped & two wounded betwixt this & Lyttleton

by two Separate Parties of Enemy Indians I have sent off two different Parties of Cherokees from hence to endeavour to intercept them excuse extreme hurry and believe me with all Sincerity Yr most Obliged Hble Servt

A. Bosomworth

Yesterday 48 of the Cherokees went away to their Nation.


Title: To George Washington from John St. Clair, 9 August 1758
From: St. Clair, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Camp at Reas Town Augt 9th 1758

Mr Long the Waggon Mr of Maryland arrived here last night with 18 Waggons, which are to be loaded this day and shall set off for fort Cumberland with about 50 Waggons empty, these with Mr Longs 18 are to return to this place loaded as follows, which I beg you will give directions about.

                  Waggons

                  350 Boxes Muskett Ball 14 in a Waggon
                  25

                  200 Eight Inch Shells 30 in a Waggon
                  7

                  700 Royal Shells 100 in a Waggon
                  7

                  39

What Waggons Remain are to be loaded with Corn or Oats, and lest the Baggs be insufficient I have sent 700 Bushel Sand bags which are not to be used but in case of Necessity.
The Convoy of 18 Waggons which are now on the Road from fort frederick to fort Cumberland are to be forwarded to this place, and the Convoy that is said to be at Pearsalls the 15th are likewise to be sent on from fort Cumberland to this place. We are in great want of Grindstones ours not being come from fort frederick if you cou’d spare us a Couple, I should be much obliged to you, they may be replaced to you immediately. If you can send us any Entrenching Tools it will very much accelerate our Work. I am with great Regard Dear Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant.

John St Clair

P.S. you may give the Waggoners for 4 Horses 6 Bushells of Corn for 14 Days.


Title: From George Washington to Charles Smith, 9 August 1758 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Smith, Charles

Letter not found: to Charles Smith, 9 Aug. 1758. On 15 Aug. Smith wrote to GW: “I Receiv’d your Favour Aug. 9th.”


Title: To George Washington from Henry Bouquet, 10 August 1758
From: Bouquet, Henry
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Reas Town Camp 10th Aug: 1758

Capt. Possey’s Company is marched upon the Road, and as the Small Pox broke out some days ago in your Regt I have Sent them all wth Col. Stephens over Allegheny Hill: The first Battn

of Pensilvania will follow them and we shall have about 1200 Men in the distance of 36 miles.
The Road will be cut to morrow night to the foot of the mountain, where different Parties are to join to cut the Gap, and join the Division wth Col. Stephens.
I have Sent you Provisions, and the Waggon Master has his Directions for his Load, I beg of you to give the necessary orders to expedite that Convoy, Sir John has wrote you upon it and given directions for the forrage to be issued to the Waggoners.
Your men have lefft their Coats here, but as this Expedition goes on So Slowly, I am afraid the Winter will overtake us, before you can get your Cloathing again; for my Part I have Sent for the Coats of the R.A. and make them were them: Please to give your orders to L. Col. Stephens on that Subject. They could be lefft at Loyal Hanning our first deposite and would be at hand at all Events.
Besides the two Waggoners Scalped and the two missing, one of our Escorts was attaked the Same day had two men wounded, but lost none; another man riding down was shot thru the thigh; but Saved by immediate assistance: I hope that Some of those rascals will fall in wth Some of our Party.
We have lost 50 of our Indians, but I don’t look on them to be of great Service if we are once over the Mountains, which will shortly be the Case.
As our Troop of Light Horse is too much harassed by continual Service, I desire you will Send me half of Capt. Stuart’s Troop, with one or two of his Officers, as you may think necessary to take care of them.
I expect daily the General or his orders to march mySelf to Loyal Hanning; We find happily less difficulty in opening the Road than we imagined[.] To this moment the choice of Roads has not contributed to retard the Expedition: The artillery horses are So harrassed that they can not move for 8 days.
No Letters nor News from the Settlements—a Letter from Boston 24th July makes no mention of Louisburg, which I do not like.
5600 men under the Comand of Brig. General Stanwix are marched to the Carrying Place upon Mohawk River, to oppose a great Body of french coming down, that Way.

Please to write to Mr Walker to Send us as soon as possible a Supply of Cattle: The Calculations upon Paper will Starve us.
If the Tools from Fort Frederic are Sent to Cumberland, Send them to us. I am Dr Sr Your most obedt hble servant

Henry Bouquet

If you have any miners please to order them here.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Walker, 11 August 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Walker, Thomas

To Thomas Walker—Commissary
Dear SirCamp at Fort Cumberland 11th Augt 1758
I receivd a Letter from Colo. Bouquet last Night containing the Paragraph following.
“Please to write to Mr Walker to send Us as soon as possible a supply of Cattle: The Calculation upon Paper will starve Us.”
I have lost no time in transmitting this to you. I expect Orders every moment for Marching the Virga Troops to Rays Town, that being the Rout determind on for the Army. They have already workd on the Road to be opend from thence to Fort Duquesne and flatter themselves with getting a better than Genl

Braddocks—they may do so—and I shall believe it when I am an eye witness to it.
In my last I gave you my thoughts of the Expedition—they are not alterd from any thing I have since seen. I wish you were well & among Us. none woud be more rejoicd to see you than Dr Sir Yr most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I shall send a Party to meet the Convoy at Pearsalls the 15th.


Title: From George Washington to Robert Stewart, 11 August 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Stewart, Robert

To Captn Stewart—of the Light Horse
My dear StewartCamp at Fort Cumberland 11th Augt 1758.
I am sorry to transmit an Order that will give you pain. but must nevertheless tell you, that the ⟨erasure⟩ came in a Letter from Colo. Bouquet to me last Night.
“As our Troop of light Horse is too much harrassd by continual Service. I desire you will send one half of Captn Stewarts Troop, with one or two of his Officers, as you may think necessary to take care of them.”
As the Colo. gives me a discretionary power to send one or two—one must be his Lot—& that I think shoud be your Cornet—as Mr Crawford is appointed to the Troop pro-tempore only he shoud be put to little Inconvenience.
It will be scarce worth your while, to confine yr self with the other half of the Troop; I shoud be glad therefore to have your Company at this place, as I think you may trust to Mr Crawfords care—however, in this case, pursue yr own Inclination’s.
Your Letter to Majr Halkett got to Rays Town in less than 24 hours after you writ it. I shall appoint no Person to do Brigade Majrs Duty till I hear more from that Gentleman, as you may be assurd in this as in all things else, I have the strongest Inclination to serve you; being D[ea]r Stewart with most unfeigned truth Yr Affecte Friend & Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John St. Clair, 13 August 1758
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, John

Dear Sir
Camp at Fort Cumberland 13th Augt 1758

Your favour of the 9th I was honourd with the 11th—39 Waggons are loaded with Stores according to your desire; 8 others contain 160 Bushels of Indian Corn, which with 94 deliverd to 47 Waggoners returning to you (two Bushels to each) and 18 More to the Maryland Waggon Master takes all the Grain we have save about 60 Bushels reservd for the light Horse, Captn Stewart telling me it was your Orders he shoud have grain.
The Maryland Waggons under Mr Long will go with an Escort (intended to reinforce that with the Convoy from Winchester) to Pearsalls for the Grain at that place; with which they shall proceed to Rays Town when that Convoy does; according to Orders.
We have neither Grindstones or Intrenching Tools at this place.
I offer you my sincere congratulation’s upon your safe return from Loyal hanning—and upon the discovery of a good Road—which I hear you have made. I am with very great regard Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Bouquet, 13 August 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Bouquet, Henry

Dr Sir
Camp at Fort Cumberland 13th Augt 1758.

The Waggon’s met with all possible dispatch in loading, but being assurd that the Horses were not able to return till today, I did not Order them of sooner.
My Soldiers Cloathing, unluckily, are sent to this place. if I March that way I shall take them along; with those of that part of the Regiment now under my care, since we are likely to make so late a Campaigne of it.
I sent Orders to Captn Stewart to detach half his Troop under an Officer to you—they are not yet arrivd from the Grass Guard 15 Miles of.
I wish with all my Soul you may continue to find little difficulty in opening your Road—I am certain if you find much, you will not have time for any other Service this Campaigne.
I detachd Captn McKenzie with 4 Officers & 75 Rank and file to way-lay the Road at the great Crossing—from him a Sergeant and 4 Active Woodsmen of my Regiment were to proceed to Fort Du-quesne so that I am in great hopes we shall be able to get some Intelligence of the Enemy’s Strength at that place.
I coud wish most sincerely that our Accts from the Northward were clearer, & more favourable than they appear to be—If you have any Intelligence from Ticonderago I shoud be extreame thankful for the Acct. we have expectd hourly to hear that Louisburg is in Our hands—pray heaven we may not be disappointed at last.
I transmitted your request of Cattle to Mr Walker pr Express—No Tools are yet arrivd from Fort Frederick. nor have we any Minor’s at this place—there were one or two pretty good ones in my own Company—and where that Company is you are the best judge. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I must beg the favr of you to forward the Inclosd to Majr Lewis, it regards the Cloathg of my Regiment.


Title: To George Washington from John Patterson, 13 August 1758
From: Patterson, John
To: Washington, George

Honourable Sr
Alexandria August the 13th 1758

I have got the outside of the House finishd, the Closets excepted, & that by not having plank; which Mr Balendine has got a bill for, but having no dependance on his word, shall strive if posible to finish the inside, according to expectation (in case hands can be got) I have tryd my friends in raising & kivering, the House but those men cannot be prevaild upon to asist me longer, having business of there own to be done. Having consulted Col. Fairfax concerning the old floors up Stairs, pasage floor also; informs me, he would write & have your answer; its just the Nail holes of the latter, looks but indiffirent; but the Joynts makes amends for that; & in me would be base to take it up, when I am confident, its not in my power to lay a better one, the Stuff of it being dry, & when playnd over will have much a better look. As to the former floors Col. Fairfax will write his opinion of them. I Likwise consulted Mr Triplet of the Plan, he says its not in his power to do it, this year, as there is Bricks to be made, & as to the other jobs he can compleat. In regard to pleacing the Stairs up to the Garret, I do not intend to adapt them in the Room mentiond, in the last Letter, but opposite to the head of the old Stair Caise, takeing them off from the store room that was; & shall advise with Col. Fairfax in this point, as in every other article. I hope to give your Hon. a greater sadisfaction by my actions then words, & shall allways remain with the greatest respect; Your Honours Most obligd, Most Hble & Obedient Servt

John Patterson


Title: From George Washington to Henry Bouquet, 18 August 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Bouquet, Henry

Dear Sir,
Camp at Fort Cumberland 18th Augt 1758.

I am favourd with yours of Yesterday, intimating the probability of my proceeding with a Body of Troops on G[eneral] B[raddock’s] R[oa]d and desiring my retaining for that purpose a Months Provisions at this place, a thing which I shoud be extreme fond of, but as I cannot possibly know what quantity of Provisions may be necessary for that time, without knowing the

Number of Men I may probably March with, and when it is likely we may leave this, I hope you will be pleasd to give me the necessary Information on this head. as also how this place is to be Garrisond & what Provision’s & Stores shoud be left here.
I have talkd a good deal with Kelly upon the Nature of the Intervening ground from the new R—d to B——and from what he says, I apprehend it impractacable to effect a junction with the Troops on the new R—d till We advance near the S[al]t L[ic]k which is no great distance from F[ort] D[u]Q[uesne]. and how far it may be advisable to send a small Body of Troops so near the Enemy at so great a distance from the Army, without any kind of Tools (which is certainly Our case) for repairing the Roads, or throwing up any kind of Defence in case of Need I shall not presume to say. but I cannot help observing, that all the Guides and Indian’s are to be drawn from hence, and that the greatest part of my Regiment is on the other Road; so that I have but few remaining with me of the first Regiment, and 8 Companies of the Second only whose Officers and Men can be supposd to know little of the Service, and less of the Country. and near, or I believe quite, a fifth part of them Sick. I thought it incumbent on me to mention these things that you might know our Condition; at the same time I beg leave to assure you, that nothing will give me greater pleasure than to proceed with any number of Men that the General or yourself, may think proper to Order.
With regard to keeping out a Succession of strong Parties on this R—d from the Troops here, I must beg leave to observe, that we have not so much as one Carrying Horse to take Provi[sio]ns out upon—being under a necessity t’other day of pressing five Horses from some Country men (that came to Camp on Business) before I coud equip Captn McKenzie’s Party for a 14 days March. That we have not an Oz. of Salt Provision’s of any kind here, and that it is impossible to preserve the Fresh (especially as we have no Salt neither) by any other means than Barbacuing it in the Indian manner; in doing which it looses near a half, so that a Party who receives 10 days Provisions will be obligd to live on little better than 5 days allowance of Meat kind—a thing Impractacable. A great many of Colo. Byrds Men are, as I before remarkd, very sickly. the rest become low Spirited and dejected. of course the greatest share of that Service must

fall upon the 4 Companies of the first Regiment. This Sickness, and depression of Spirits cannot arise I conceive from the Situation of Our Camp which is undoubtedly the most healthy & best Air’d in this Vicinity, but is causd I apprehend by the change in their way of living (most of them till now having livd in ease & Affluence)—and by the Limestone Water & Air—the Soldrs of the 1st wd be sickly like those of the 2d Regt was it not owing to some such Causes as these.
Captn McKenzie’s Party is not yet return’d. I will advertise you of his discoveries if any are made by him.
We have Reason to believe that Parties of the Enemy are about Us likewise—Yesterday afternoon a Waggoner had his Horse shot under him abt 3 Miles from hence.
The Convoy from Winchester has been detaind much longer than was expected. Mr Walker desird a Party to reinforce the Escort at Pearsalls (30 Miles distant) the 15th Instt which was accordingly sent, but I have since been informd that the Waggons did not leave Winchester till a few days ago.
We have no Indian Goods of any kind here. It gives me great pleasure to hear that the General is getting better, and expected soon at Rays Town.
Colo. Byrd joins me in his Compliments to you. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: Invoice from Thomas Knox, 18 August 1758
From: Knox, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Bristol 18th Augt 1758.

Invoice of Sundries Shipd by Thomas Knox on the Nugent
Only John Copithorn Master for Virginia on Acct & risque of
Collo. George Washington there vizt

                  6 white stone soop Dishes
                  .15.

                  3 dozn plates ½ Soop
                  .10. 6

                  3 punch Bowls
                  1.11. 6

                  2 two Quart ditto
                  .17.

                  1 two Quart ditto colourd
                  . 7. 6

                  4 three pint ditto enameld
                  1. 1. 4

                  2 large quart ditto
                  . 9.

                  Box
                  . 2.

                           20 M each
                           11 lb.
                           8d.
                           Nails 3/3

                           10 M
                           22 lb.
                           20
                           ditto 5/11

                           20 M
                            5
                           4
                           ditto 1/10

                            5 M
                            7½
                           6
                           ditto 2/5

                  6.10.

                  2.19. 2

                 1.16. 8

                 .12. 1

                  Two Casks
                  . 4.

                  15 dble Loaves Gr. 1.0.19

                  Tr. 5 Nt 1.0.14 @ 11d.
                  5.15. 6

                  20 single Ditto Gr. 1.2.25½

                  T. 8½ Nt 1.2.17 9d.
                  6.18. 9

                  Cask
                  . 2.

                  11 doz. & 7 Bottles Beer @ 5/
                  2.17.11

                  10 do & 8 ditto Cyder @ 5/6
                  2.18. 8

                           1 dozn broad Hoes No. 3

                           1 ditto narrow Do
                            3

                           ½ ditto Grubbg do
                            3

                           1 ditto Logwood Axes
                            3

                  1. 5.

                  1. 3.

                  .15.

                 1.10.

                  Cask
                  . 1. 4

                  1 lb. Nutts 8.8 1 lb. Cinnamon 15/
                  1. 3. 8

                  ½ Cloves 6.3 3 fig blue 3/6
                  . 9. 9

                  1 Mace 16 10 best Turky Coff. @ 5/
                  3. 6.

                  6 Hyson Tea @ 16/
                  4.16.

                  6 Fine Green Do @ 10/
                  3.

                  12 Canistrs for Tea 6/ 1 dito for Coffee 3/

                  Cask 2/
                  .11.

                  6 Grindstones Wt 7.3.6 @ 30/ pr Ton
                  .11. 6

                  1 Mahagony Card Table
                  1. 2.

                  Matt & Packing
                  . 2.

                  two Compleat setts Shoe Brushes
                  . 2.

                  0.2.6 Soap
                  1. 1. 0

                  Box & charge of Debenture
                  . 5. 8

                  6 Scyths @ 2/6
                  .15.

                  6 Scythstones 1/3 4 Curry Combs 3/4
                  . 4. 7

                  4 Brushes 3/ @ Box 8d.
                  . 3. 8

                  2 Setts Counters for Quadrille
                  . 7. 9

                  1 dozn Watch glasses
                  . 6.

                  Box
                  .  . 3

                  20 lb. Chocolate 4/6
                  4.10.

                  Box
                  . 1. 6

                  4 Cheeses Wt 0.2.0 26/
                  .13.

                  Cask
                  . 1. 8

                           ½ ps. fine Cambrick
                           No. 1

                           ½ ps. ditto
                              2

                           1 ps. Linnen 25 yds
                              4 12d.

                           1 ps. ditto 27 yds
                              3 15

                           1 ps. ditto 24 yds
                              2 4/

                           42 Yds Ell wide Sheeting     2/8

                           46 Yds ditto
                             8 3/

                           10 Ells Linn[e]n Wrapper     8d.

                           8 Ells Rolls
                              4½

                           4 dozn plaid Hose
                           1

                  1. 8.

                  1.13.

                  1. 5.

                  1.13. 9

                  4.16.

                  5.12.

                  6.18.

                  . 6. 8

                  . 3.

                  2. 4.

                  ½ do w[hi]te thr[ea]d 2 30/ ¼ Scotch do 1 17d.
                  1.11. 5

                  2 Oz. ditto 2 13d.  1 Oz. ditto do 3 9d.
                  . 1.10

                  1 Oz. ditto 4 11d.  1 do do 5 18d.
                  . 2. 5

                  1 ditto do 6 21d.  ¼ do do 7 9d.
                  . 2. 6

                  ¼ do Machg do 8d. 18d. ½ gr[oss] Shirt B[utto]ns 9 9d.
                  . 2. 3

                  ½ do do 10 14d. 2 dozn Cards 11 17/
                  .18. 2

                  Gr. 0.3.18 Raisons Tr. 12 nt 0.3.6 @ 36/
                  1. 9.

                  63 lb. Currts @ 50/ & Cask 1/
                  2. 9.

                  56 lb. Almonds 84/ & Box 1/4
                  2. 9. 4

                  11 lb. Mustard 14d. & Jar 1/8
                  .13. 6

                  £ 99. 9. 9

                  Charges

                  Entry, City dues and fees
                  .18.

                  Halling 4/ Shipg 2/ Bills of Loadg 1/6
                  . 6. 6

                  primage pd the Captn as Customary
                  1. 1.

                  Insurd £50 at 12 Gs. prCt policy 5/6
                  6.11. 6

                  8.17.

                  £108. 0. 9

                  Commissn 2½ prCt
                  2.14.

                  £111. 0. 9

                  4 Cheeses Wt 0.2.0 26/
                  .13.

                  Cask
                  . 1. 8

Errors Excepted Thomas Knox


Title: From George Washington to Henry Bouquet, 19 August 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Bouquet, Henry

Dear Sir
Camp at Fort Cumberland Augt 19th 1758

This afternoon the Party Commanded by Capt. McKinzie return’d without being able to discover anything of the Enemy’s motions, they waylaid the Road for several days near the great Crossings and intended to have advanc’d quite to that Post, had not their Provisions entir’ly spoil’d, notwithstanding every method and the utmost pains for it’s preservation was taken; some of their advanc’d Sentrys had nearly kill’d a small Party of 3 Cherrokee Indians, returning from War—this small Party went from hence upwards of six weeks ago and this is the 4th Day since they left Fort DuQuesne, the Environs of which they long watch’d, at length was oblig’d to cross the Ohio, where they kill’d two Squaws, whose Scalps they brought in here; they say there are a good many women & Children on that side the River, but very few men either French or Indians at the Fort—Capt. McKinzie says there’s no signs of the Enemy’s having been lately on G. Braddock’s Road so far as he proceed on it, Serjeant Scot and 4 private of his Party went on to Fort Du Quesne so soon as they return will transmit you any Intelligence they may procure.
I should be extremely glad to receive some Bacon or Salt Provisions of some kind, without which it will be impossible for any Party I can send out to answer the propos’d end.
The Convoy from Winchester was yesterday at the North River (five days March for them from hence) so that we cannot expect them in less than 5 or 6 days especially as they lost some horses. I am with Regard Dear Sir Your Most Obt Hume Servant

Go: Washington

A Party of Abt 90 Marylanders under Captn Beal Escorting a few Store Waggons, is this Momt arriv’d—I shall forward them to Rays Town to morrow agreable to Sir Jno. St Clairs Order’s. Yrs &ca

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Ramsay, 19–20 August 1758
From: Ramsay, William
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Camp near Rays Town Augt 19[–20]th 1758

Your requests obliges me. I hope they are intended to do justice to our injur’d Colony, this I have long wish’d for; We have bled freely, yet are made hewers of Wood & drawers of Water—Colo. Bouquet is gon this day to view the road up the Mountain. The Genl is expected on Tuesday. ’Tis generaly tho’t, L. Hannin will be the ne plus Ultra of our Operations this Campaign. I shall endeavor to inform myself speedily of the several things you mention, tho; many may be very accurately got from the Philadela Gazette, this I shall take pleasure in & always of Obliging you. The restoration of your health and its continuance, will be among my chief felicitys. My next will give you what facts I can collect & the whole I hope when I have the pleasure of seeing you—’till then farewell & trust me I am Dr Sir Your Affte & obliged H. Servt

Wm Ramsay

20th The Colo. return’d last Night, the road clear’d to the Top of the Mountain & said to be much better than representd. a Letter now in Camp from a Gentn of Credt in Lancaster says, we may rest asured, Louisburg was in our possession the 1st Inst. of this I wish you joy—I am as before yrs &c.

Wm Ramsay


Title: From George Washington to John Carlyle, 20 August 1758 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Carlyle, John

Letter not found: to John Carlyle, 20 Aug. 1758. On 22 Aug. Carlyle wrote to GW: “I Was favd with yours of the . . . 20t. Int.”


Title: From George Washington to John Kirkpatrick, 20 August 1758 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Kirkpatrick, John

Letter not found: to John Kirkpatrick, 20 Aug. 1758. On 23 Aug. Kirkpatrick wrote to GW: “I am no less honour’d than entertaind by your kind Letter of the 20th.”


Title: To George Washington from Henry Bouquet, 21 August 1758
From: Bouquet, Henry
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Reas Town Camp 21st Augt 1758

I Send you 20 Pack horses for the use of your Scouting Partys, wth Pork. Your Convoy will I hope arrive Soon, and restore Plenty in your Empty Stores.
If the 3 Cherokees Acct could be depended upon, The French must have a Camp concealed near the Fort, as they have certainly received a Reinforcemt I Expect Some Intelligs. from the Several Partys actually out.
I had last night a Letter from the General, who is, thank God, better than he has been for Six Weeks. Nothing will prevent his journey, but his extreme Weakness; he proposes to Set out to morrow from Shippensburg.
I went Saturday to the Top of the Allegheny Hill where I had the Satisfaction to See a very good Road. 20 loaded Waggons went up without doubling their Teams: and proceeded as far as Edmunds Swamp: To morrow the Road will be cut 3 miles beyond Kickeny Pawlins, Remains 13 to Loyal Hannon.
The 23d Inst: 1500 men are ordered to take Post there, and as I remain here with about 800 men, I beg you will Send me the Marylanders and Pensilvanians, who might be with you.
Our affairs to the Northward are in a bad situation. There is a flying Raport, of Louisburg being in our hands but I doubt of it.

Mr Hoops who goes to Cumberland, will give directions for the number of Battoes wanted from Virga. I am Dr Sr Your most obedt hble servt

Henry Bouquet

Be so good as to send me for the Genl an Exact Return by companys of every man under your Comand. My Compls. to Col. Byrd. I received last night the inclosed.


Title: From George Washington to George William Fairfax, 22 August 1758 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, George William

Letter not found: to George William Fairfax, 22 Aug. 1758. On 1 Sept. Fairfax wrote to GW: “I have this instant recd yours of the 22d . . . Ultimo.”


Title: To George Washington from Colby Chew, 22 August 1758
From: Chew, Colby
To: Washington, George

Sir
Rays Town Augst 22d 1758

As I think it my duty to Report any thing to you that is Extraordenary I take the Fredom to Inclose you a Journald that I kept from the time I Reced my Orders tell I Returnd, Which is as Exact a one as the place Would Permit of pray Excuse my Freedom and believe me to be Dr Colo. your most Obt Servt

Coleby Chew


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Bosomworth, 23 August 1758
From: Bosomworth, Abraham
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Camp at Rays Town 23d Augst 1758

I have scarce been able (from a Sprain in my Wrist) to hold a Pen for this sometime past, or Would have done myself the pleasure of writing oftener, the Current News I made shift to

scrawl to Colo. Byrd once or twice which I desired him to acquaint you with. Colo. Burd of the 2nd Battn Pennsylvs. Major Grant with a Detachment of 300 Highlandrs and all the Royal Americans march this day to take Post at Loyalhannan, The General still remains below for the recovery of his health and I presume will not move till the road is cut to our Advance Post, Every thing has but a bad Aspect with Genl Abercromby, His Troops are intrenchd at Fort Wm Henry, Montcalm has an Incampment within 16 miles of him wch Coll Haviland is gone to attack, Bradstreet is gone with 4000 men as is supposed to Frontinac; The two Parties of Cherokees which were out at the French Fort are returned Ensn Chew was with them they had a very fair & full view of it there are about 200 or 300 Indians there & as many White men no New Works at all abt 18 pieces of Cannon I dare say no Reinforcement is yet arrived from the Northward. I wish you may soon join us & am Dr Sir Yr most Obedt Servt

A. Bosomworth

N.B. There is a Grand Treaty going to be held with all the Ohio Indians & those as far as the lakes in Septr which will be an excellent Diversion if accomplished.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Bouquet, 23 August 1758
From: Bouquet, Henry
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Reas Town Camp 23d Augt 1758

The Governors in America have no Comand of the Troops even of their own Province as soon as they are joined wth any other of his Majestys Forces, unless they have a Comission from the Commander in Chief for that Purpose.
I have commanded the Forces at Philada and at Charles Town, tho’ the Governor was Capt. General in his Province, and was intirely independant from them.
Governor Sharpe will not expect to have the Comand as Governor, and as Lieut. Col. he can not; and would not I Suppose choose to serve in that Rank: Therefore you are very Right in Keeping it.
I Send Capt. Trent to bring here the Indians wth you.
The Intelligences received by Lieuts. Allen and Chew of your Regt are full and very Satisfactory. I am Dear Sir Your most obedt Hble Servant

Henry Bouquet


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Chew, 23 August 1758
From: Chew, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
New Londn [Conn.] Augst 23d 1758

I assure you my not having a single Line from you for a Very Long time gives me no small Pain. I make no doubt but you are much ingaged however one moment may be afforded to an old Friend.
inclosed you have all the news I can send you and I congratulate you on the same. it is not a tryfling Blow to the Grand Monarch the taking of Louisburgh with so many ships of war in the

Harbour—I hope we may give them many more as weighty strokes and that Very soon—I Earnestly Pray for your success and am not out of hopes of some good Accots Comming shortly from the Neighbourhood of Ticondoroga—I Pray you to give my Love to my Brother, and all Friends. Accept of a Large Portion of the same with my best Respects your self and be assured that I am my Dear sir Your Afectionate Obedt Servt

Jos. Chew


Title: To George Washington from John Kirkpatrick, 23 August 1758
From: Kirkpatrick, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Alexandria 23d Augt 1758

I am no less honour’d than entertaind by your kind Letter of the 20th which has had a speedy passage hither—and gives me the wish’d for intelligence of Your good Health, amid all your Anxieties, and Troubles—May it long continue—& improve with a full enjoyment of all your wishes—whether in the Active attempts to Liberty—and Honour—or in the Passive Paths of Virtue, Peace and Pleasure.
You have a large share of Sympathy from me—coud it avail to change the Situation of Affairs—or my ineffectual Wishes add any thing to the Service of my Country—which, now more than ever calls aloud For Reddress—In vain does your Generous Zeal, oppose the Torrent of headstrong prejudice or attempt to clear the Mists of Mistaken Parties—it has long been the luckless fate of Virginia, to fall a Victim to the Views of her Crafty Nighbours—and Yield her honest efforts to promote their common interest—at the expence of much Blood and Treasure—while her Sincerity Justified her Measures—We now, can only bewaill that Blindness—and wish for happier times—which seem at so remote a distance—that it is rather to be wish’d than expected.
Your kind detail of the Delays and disapointments that attend You, are extremely acceptable—and we all acknowledge the favour—Coud it suit your Leisure to give us an Account of the Roads from Phila. to Rays Town—thence to Du Quesne—their

distance—and how passable for Carriages—&c.—a better notion can be form’d of this Surprising folly—when laid in Contrast to the old Roads—A particular list of Your Army would likewise oblidge—and what other intelligence you are pleas’d to Communicate—as we shall be better Judges of the Injustice offer’d by the Pensilvanians—who are all in all.
To drop the dull topick of Politicks—and touch the subject of Social entertainment—woud require a readier genius, to dress the insipid Occurancies so as to Yield you any degree of Satisfaction—but to take them according to your own Arrangemt—Love, reigns with gentle sway—and rarely in this Age, warms the heart beyond the common degree of Fondness—hence, this defficiency of Romantick Lovers—Knight Errants—&c. in short his influence is Seldom seen, till Lust bring to light, his sly insinuations—How to account for this Coolness towards Conjugation—I must leave you to be informd by the learn’d—However, as an exception I hear Charles Eskridge—intends to Batter down the Virgin Gates of Miss Guley’s Garrison in a little time[.] The Surrender being suspended till Monsr Ramsay the Commandant—consent to the Terms of Capitulation—Charles’s Colo. vizt C——le resists the scheme with fruitless arguments—I know none with Child—you care much for but Some, who wish for it—Coud the Villainous fellow Shame be dispensed with—I Am almost induced to believe Our Friend B. Fairfax has some thoughts of Softening his Austerity in the Arms of some fair Nymph—coud he reconcile the Toying, Triffling, Billing, Sports of Love—to the Solemnity and Gravity of his Deportment—Amusement’s, & Joys unbecoming the Dignity of his Philosophic Temper—tho’ I can’t think he has any inherent aversion to what Some estime the end of Creation.
I am hurried to Conclude because Cowper who brout me Yours carries this to Winchester—& waites for me—I have resolved on paying a Visit to my native Country, & may probably take the first Occasion in 3 Weeks or a Month hence—however shall do my self the pleasure of Writing You before I go—& give you a Direction for me—that when it shall please you to honour me wt. a Letter—I may not suffer a disapointment by miscarriage—I am not resolved to continue at home but there—here, or Whereever Fortune fixes me—I Am extreamely Yours

in every respect—as in Duty I ought—& always will be Dear Sir Your Very Much Oblidged & Obedt Hume Servt

Jno: Kirkpatrick


Title: To George Washington from Humphrey Knight, 23 August 1758
From: Knight, Humphrey
To: Washington, George

Sir
Mount Vernon Augst the 23d 1758

Yesterday we had a very fine rain which has wet things to the Roots. Ellse we have had None before this Sumer, to Do Corn mutch Servis We have a very likely Cornfeild I beleive the best In the parts, As to Tobco we have a good Deal mising but it is the worst of the ground I hope to make a smart Crop of Tobco if weather premits, I should be Glad to no what Quantanty of wheat you would have Sewd, Our people has bin very Sickley ned and Ruth is Sick now, & betty but I hope no Dainger Our Stock is all well. I have taken Some people out of The Crop and put to work on the New meadow which we be gun last Fall, and Shall get it dun as fast as I Can not hurting the Crop the mill has not gone this 4 or 5 weeks past, Willm Gates and Nathon Williamson two of your Tenants has Given notice that theyr Going of, As to the rest they Seem to wont to Stay If your Hnr thinks proper they Should I have Got all the rents in as I shall get this year, Ben Williamson Will Nation Wm Gates Neither of

them has paid all their rents, John Crook has paid none, the widow [Elizabeth] Ransom Did not pay Quite all hers, plese to send word if any of the Tenants is to be movd that wonts to stay or if the places that is void must be rented again because Severall Sponsable people is after them I am Sir Your Most Hble Servt to Comd

Humphry Knight

The place of Nathon Williamsons is on that track of Land you bought of Mr Dorrell lies over the road against the Orchard where the widow Ransom lives.

H. K.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Bouquet, 24 August 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Bouquet, Henry

Dear Sir
Camp at Fort Cumberland 24th August 1758.

Your favour of the 21st Instt accompanied by the 20 Pack Horses with about 3000 lbs. of Salt Pork came safe to hand.
I had the pleasure likewise of receiving yours of the 23d the Generals happy recovery affords me vast Satisfaction, and am glad the New Road turn’s out so much to your Liking.
The Convoy from Winchester arrivd here yesterday in the Evening—they set out with 468 Beeves, 9 were killd on the

Road and 411 were deliverd at this place, the rest were lost on the Road; but as the Officer sent immediately back after them we are in hopes the greatest part of them will be found.
As only 26000 lb. of Flour came up (which is not quite a Months Provision’s for the Troops here) I have according to your orders detaind it, likewise 90 Beeves, the rest sets out early to Morrow Morning as does all the Forage except 60 Bushels of Corn.
When the Convoy got within 6 Miles of this place 3 Cuttawba Men & 2 Squaws contrary to the Advice of the Officers, set on before the Convoy for this Garrison, and soon after were fird upon by about 10 or 12 of the Enemy who Killd Captn Bullen and Captn French, & wounded one of the Squaws. The loss we sustain by the death of these two Indian Warriors is at this Juncture very considerable as they were very remarkable for their bravery, and attachment to Our Interest—particularly poor Bullen, whom (and the other) we buried with Military Honours. The rest of the Cuttawbas, & what Nottoway’s and Tuscarora’s that are here sets out to Morrow with the Waggon’s for Rays Town.
As we had Intelligence of several Parties of the Enemy being about I detach’d Parties different way’s in hopes of coming up, or cutting of the Retreat of some of them but without any effect—at same time I reinforcd the Convoy with 50 Men.
There are several Waggon’s which came up here with the Flour, that I am at a loss what to do with.
Sergeant Scot (mentiond in a late Letter) this day returnd. He, when within 2 Miles of Fort Duquesne came upon a few fresh Tracts making Inwards which he followd, apprehending that they were just at hand, till his Provision’s were expended; and was thereby obligd to return without making any discoveries worth mentioning—I am glad Mr Chew & Mr Allan has been able to give you Accts so agreable.
Captn Woodward of the first Regiment 3 Subs. & 75 Rank & File Marches tomorrow with 12 day’s Provision’s to waylay the Road in the same manner as Captn McKenzie did.
Inclosd are exact Returns of Our Strength here. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Humphrey Knight, 24 August 1758
From: Knight, Humphrey
To: Washington, George

Sir
Mount Vernon Augst the 24th 1758

Yesterday your waggoner Came Down from Your Quartrs in fredrick with one mair and four Colts and Delivered em to John Allton Colo. Carlyle tells me you mention to him that we Neglect righting to you I shall Evedently make it apear if I live to see your Honr that I have lodgd Severall letters in Alexandria to be Sent to yr Hnr, but I find Severall has miscarried Tuesday Last we had a very fine rain which is all the rain we have had this Sumer that has bin to mutch acct, we planted our Crop all over but wont of rain Causes a Deal to be wonting but it hapens to be the worst of the ground that is wonting we have the best Cornfield I beleive in our Parts our stock is all well our people has bin Sickley and Ned and Ruth is Sick now but I hope no Dainger of Loosing them, I beleive we have as good a Crop of Tobco groing as any in the County the great house goes on as brisk as Posable the paintr has bin painting 3 Days our Carptrs is now giting leaths to Leath the great house and Shall Leath it[.] Mr Pattason Tells me he will see it is well Dun, I Keep all the people I Can spair out of the Crop making the new meadow which we begun last fall, I shall stick Close to your business and work your people I hope to your Satisfaction[.] Our mill has bin no Servis to us this 4 or five weeks and More I Dair Say for wont of water the miller says. I am Sir Yr Most Hble Servtt to Comd

Humphrey Knight

We have made a very fine Crop of Oats and Only Seven and Six pence Cost in mo⟨w⟩ing we have thrasht all our wheat with our ane people We have now in the barn thrasht about 40 bushels of old Wheat and about 25 of New Never was any Destroyd of Either, As to what your Honr would have Sewd this fall I am Quite a strainger to and as Mr John washington has Not Cum up yet I must aply to your Honr for your Advise I Could Make what wheat I Plesad if I was to Sew at Mudy hole but where you plese, plese to wright word where you would have it Sewd and what Quantanty.

H. Knight


Title: To George Washington from Richard Vernon, 24 August 1758
From: Vernon, Richard
To: Washington, George

honble Sir
Fort Pearsall augt 24th 1758

I hope no Eval will accrue from my detaining a Letter derected To you So Long by me, When had opertunety to Send it Sooner but humbly hope the Severity of my Disorder will plead my Excuse—Mr McCullouch must apply to Sir John for Cash To Discharge the branch forrage acct; Mr Walker hath wrote only, for What Will be Sufficien To discharge The debts allredy Contracted below—I Could not by any means bring a Total of the forrage Recd below—Mr Walker much ailing and in a hurry home, bundled up all The peapers I had Relating To Three Large Quantetys of forrage before I had Entered them in my book.
please To Charge The Waggon masters To have all the Wagns Well-Secured both Sides & Ends that no horses Can Teare Their bags; and Cover the Seames in the bottoms of The wagns underneath The Lode To prevent the baggs from falling or working in, which if the do, the motion of the wagn will Soon

weare holes and lose the Grain—much dammage hath been Sustaind that way notwithstanding Repeated Orders ware Given to have the Waggons Secured as above.
Please allso To order The wagn M[aste]rs To bring in all The Empty baggs both flower and forrage baggs and Deliver Them To The Commissarrys proper To Receive Them.
There are Three men from Culpeper Which Mr Walker and mySelf are under promises To That They Shall not be oblig’d any farther Then fort Cumberland. I beg your honr may pay a regard To our Reputations.
I hope youl not blaim me for ordering The Teams To be Well fed This Time—one Team Well fed will do you more Sarvice in yr march out, Then Two That are meanly fed and its the Good of The Sarvice I have at hart—I hope no person of Knowledge or That is To be Regarded will Sensure me for The Loss of So many Cattle—I had no Gard assign’d me which was Exceeding ill usage Nither Should I have Left Edwards’s Til next day and So push’d on To Pearsalls under my own Gard in one day; had not Several Gentlemen Laid Down many Reasons Why I Sould Joyn them That night—but I hope The most of Those beeves will be Recover’d agn.
Thus Dr Sir I Conclude a most Imperfect Letter besceeching The Great Disposer of Events To Defend and prospor you Through all perrils and fitagues of war Bring you of Victorious at The Close and Long Continue you The Delight of all well Effected Virginians. I am Sir your most oblig’d hble Sert

Richd Vernon


Title: To George Washington from Henry Bouquet, 26 August 1758
From: Bouquet, Henry
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Reas Town Camp 26th Augt 1758

I had last night your favour of the 24th. 308 Beeves were brought here, and as 320 had been Sent from Cumberland 12 must have been lost—They are extremely bad, and I hope we Shall have no more Such Cattle from the Contractors.
I expect to day your Convoy wth the Indians I regret extremely the Loss of poor Bullen, which very truly is a great one at this juncture.
If there is any Team fit for Service in the Waggons that brought you the flour, I beg you will Keep them in the Service, and Send them here, where we have employment for them.
The first division of the artillery is over the Allegheny, and had no Stop or difficulty to go over the Gap: The Road will be cut to night to the foot of L. Hill, and in three days Sir John promises to be over to Loy. H.
The Second division will follow immediatly and I expect wth impatience the arrival of the General to move on mySelf. We must Shortly enter upon action, and I Know that we have time enough to carry our Point, if we meet with no new difficultys.
The first Point to Settle is the disposition of your Troops, of which I Shall inform you immediatly Please to Keep constant Partys upon your Road. I am wth great truth My Dear Sir Your most obedt humble Servant

Henry Bouquet

If Mr Hoops Should want any Escort, I beg you will furnish him one.
Mr Fraser went to Cumberland for two days and I have not Seen him Since.
In Case you Sent any Waggons this Way, he could take the opportunity of removing his family which he told me was his Intention.
My Compliment to Col. Byrd. am very Sorry of his Indisposition.

H. B.

Any Troops not belonging to your two Regts who could come to you, Please to order them all here.


Title: To George Washington from Christopher Hardwick, 26 August 1758
From: Hardwick, Christopher
To: Washington, George

Honorable Sir
Bullskin August 26th 1758

Yours of the 8th Instant Came to hand the 20th. I wou’d have wrote to you as often as you Desire, but that I have nothing material to Mention so often to write to you about, neither have I at this time any agreeable News or acct to Send to you in regard to our Crop the Weather being so excessive Dry, had not one Shower of rain since my Last Letter to you ’till Sunday last, makes me fear it will be but a poor Crop, tho. Better with you than with any other in our Neighbourhood, our last planting is but very small by the Drought & a great deal of it burnt up—According to your Directions I have sent the Mare with her four Colts to Mount Vernon, & wrote to John Alton to take particular Care of them, I shall have the Wheat Threshed out as soon as possible, people won’t ⟨mutilated⟩ hired to thresh at this Time, nor can I spare any of our own people ⟨mutilated⟩o it, as yet, Please to let me know what Quantity of wheat you’l have Sowed this year, your people are all well, I have nothing else material to Mention but am with due Respect Sir your most Humble & Obedient Servant

Christopher Hardwick

P.S. Sir please to write to me by the first opportunity concerning the Wheat.


Title: From George Washington to John Carlyle, 27 August 1758 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Carlyle, John

 Letter not found: to John Carlyle, 27 Aug. 1758. On 1 Sept. Carlyle wrote to GW: “Yours of the 27 Augt Is Now before Me.”


Title: From George Washington to George William Fairfax, 27 August 1758 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, George William

Letter not found: to George William Fairfax, 27 Aug. 1758. On 1 Sept. Fairfax wrote to GW: “I have this instant recd yours of the . . . 27th Ultimo.”


Title: From George Washington to Christopher Hardwick, 27 August 1758 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Hardwick, Christopher

Letter not found: to Christopher Hardwick, 27 Aug. 1758. On 3 Sept. Hardwick wrote to GW: “I have Received yours of the 27th Ulto.”


Title: To George Washington from Charles Smith, 27 August 1758
From: Smith, Charles
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Fort Loudoun Augt 27th 1758

I have inclos’d you three Weekly Returns Wherein you will se what strengt I am off, at this time.
There is one Christopher Hencely a Deserter from the First Virga Regt I have taken up he Promises for the time to come to be a very Dutifull Soldier but Did not Imagin any officers would a Meddleed with him, as he had been out of the servis so Long He Left us with Six more from the Dunkers just before the Scrumage at the Great meadoes.
by a Letter yesterday from the Governour, Wherein he says you inform’d him that I had about 20£ Left with me to Finnish the Well & to Close in the Buildings; the Miners Accot is come to more than that sum allready but still we continue for the want of water makes Duty very hard, as I am still ordered to carry on the well I Emagin you k[n]ow best how the Blacksmith’s is to come at their Parts as these Parts Runs Prety High.
Hardwick was here Yesterday & tels me there is a Worse Prospect this Year for a Crop as he Ever see. I Persuaided him if he had not constant work for the Negroes to set some of them to cuting of Wood for the Iron Workes.
we have no News here worth Relating as I Refaire it to the Papers sent up.
The Raingers still keep on the Scout & have not Put them in my Weekly Returns to You but shall take your advice before I send to the Governour as he thinks it Nessary as they Should Guarde the Stors but Let Duty be Ever so hard I Would sooner have them away then shuch a Grumling.

So many Men being Sick in this Garrison as I am Oblige to Advance a Prety Deal, for Doctrs Medisens & other Necessary as they cant Possible Do with out—some with the Flucks Rumatics Fits Sore leggs, & the Foul Deseas it cant be supposd that these men can be savd with out sufficient care takien of them & I being not a gudge the Doctrs may Impose on me, as they think Proper.
I have no more to add as all Friends is Weell believe I am Dr Sr Your Friend & very Hhble Servt

Chas Smith


Title: From George Washington to Henry Bouquet, 28 August 1758
From: Washington, George
To: Bouquet, Henry

Dear Sir
Camp at Fort Cumberland 28th Augt 1758.

Your favour by Mr Hoops has in some measure revivd a hope that was almost extinguishd—of doing something this Campaign—We must doubtless expect to encounter many difficulties in opening a new Road thrô bad Grounds in a Woody Country of which the Enemy are possest but since you hope our point may be carried I woud feign expect the Surmounting these obstacles—’tis a melancholy reflection thô to find there is

even a doubt of Success when so much is depending—& when in all Human probability we might have been in full possession of the Ohio by Now, if rather than running ourselves into the difficulties and Expence of cutting an entire new Road the distance we have first & last Braddock’s had been adopted.
Every one knows what coud have been done the old Road—few can guess what will be the new, their being not only the difficulties of the Road to encounter, but the chance of a French Re-inforcement also. but it is useless to add on this head—I shoud rather Apologize for what I have said.
All the Waggon’s at this place fit for Service, comes to you under the Escort orderd for Mr Hoops.
Any Troops not of Virginia, shall be forwarded to you according to Order—and I coud wish most sincerely that our Rout was fixd that we might be in Motion, for we are all of Us most heartily tird, & Sick of Inactivity. Colo. Byrd in particular is really Ill.
Frazer having left this with the Convoy must be with you e’er now. I am very glad to hear that your Artillery pass the Alligany with so much ease.
A Letter which Colo. Byrd reced from the Genl of the 19th Instt gives room to imagine that the destination of the Virginia Troops will be fixd upon so soon as he arrives at Rays Town, as he then expresses a desire of seeing Colo. Byrd and I there immediately.
Mr Walker was a long time as he informd me, under doubtful Orders in regard to his purchase of Cattle; so that he was obligd at last to pick up what he coud get at a short warning; which is I believe, the real Reason of the Cattle not being so good as they otherwise might be. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Ramsay, 29 August 1758
From: Ramsay, William
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Camp near Rays Town Augt 29th 58.

Inclos’d I send you the best intelligence I cou’d get & tho. not precisely to a day, I fancy near the truth; tho. the publick papers will give a better Accot. The Accot of Cape Breton, Hawk, and St Maloes, I beleive may be depended on—I shall continue to keep a journel of ev’ry occurrence while I stay here, but my dear friend I’m heartily tir’d, & my business calls me home. I wish you ev’ry happiness & am Dr Sr Yr Affect. H. Servt

Wm Ramsay


Title: To George Washington from Henry Bouquet, 30 August 1758
From: Bouquet, Henry
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Reas Town Camp 30th Augt 1758

I have your favour of the 28th and am very glad to have it in my Power to relieve you of that long inactivity which you so justly complain of.
The Generals orders are that you march with the Virginia Troops actually under your Command, by Braddock’s Road and that you take Post at the Salt Li[c]ke, that Strong natural Encampment described us once by Sr John Our advanced Partys on this Way will take Post beyond the Chesnut Ridge, and will look for the Shortest Communication wth you.
I beg you will let me Know what you may want in ammunition &ca Provisions you must have for Six Weeks from the day of your departure, including 3 Weeks of fresh Meat or live Cattle.
I Shall Send you a Proportion of Intrenching Tools and compleat your men at 100 Rounds Each.
As we have no Waggons here, I can not See that you will be able to march before the 8th of 7ber and if you could by your Interest procure a number of Waggons from Virginia they would be of great Service, were they 100: The last Teams you

have had from Winchester are very good, but before I received Your Orders, I had Sent them to Carlisle. These 100 additional Waggons or Part of them could be loaded wth what flour cou’d be got in Virga, the Rest with Indian Corn, proceed to Cumberland, where they would find further orders, according to Circumstances—and either go to the Ohio by your Road or this as would be found most convenient.
The first good Waggons that will come up, I shall Send you, with what you may want.
The General was to Set out yesterday from Shipp: and I hope will be here in a few days: It will be very necessary that you See him; as Soon as I Know the day of his arrival, you Will be informed. Prepare in the meantime your Queris, &ca.
If you will have Packhorses to carry Provisions besides the Waggons, you may have any number of them, but they can not easily carry Pork, Liquor, or Tools, otherwise you would have had little occasion of incumbering your march wth Waggons.
Let me Know in how many days you could be there, either wth Pack horses only, or with Waggons.
The Ration is fixed at 7 lb. flour and 7 lb. fresh Beef per Week, and in lieu of Beef five Pounds of Pork and one Pint of Rice, or in lieu of Pork, four Pounds of Bacon and also one Pint of Rice.
A Head of Bullock is given here for 5 lb. and the Heart for two.
I write you in a great hurry, not to differ a moment informing you, of your happy delivery. I Shall let you Know, how the Fort is to be garrisoned. I believe it will be by 250 men of the Militia of Maryland, commanded by the Governor himself.
Your Sick Should be Sent to the Genl Hospital here, or lefft at Cumberland, if they can be well attended there, your Sentiment upon that.
If you have any hopes of getting Waggons from Virginia, how could they be escorted to Cumberland without weakening you?
I have had the misfortune to have One Express to the General intercepted last Week. I can hear nothing of the two Light Horse, the Carreers, whether deserted, Killed, or taken: and yesterday ano⟨mutilated⟩ Express from our advanced Post deserted wit⟨mutilated⟩ Letters: Therefore the French may pretty well be informed of our Proceedings: I am ashamed that they

Succeed in all their Scouting Partys and that we never have any Success in ours.
My Compliments to Col. Byrd, I Shall be very glad to See you here, and am with great truth Dr Sir Your most obedt humble Servant

Henry Bouquet

Our Troops will be to morrow at L. H——n: Louisburg was taken the 26th. We shall make a feu de Joye, fire also at Cumberland. Keep the above disposition of your Troops Secret till you hear more about it.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Bouquet, 31 August 1758
From: Bouquet, Henry
To: Washington, George

Dr Sr
Reas Town Camp 31st Augt 1758

The officer who commands the Escort you Sent wth Mr Hoops having not been near me I did not know till this moment that there was one, and adventured a Letter to you last night by a man going in the night, which I would be very Sorry should be intercepted.
The Beeves lost in driving are to be paid by the Crown, upon Certificate that they have been lost; Therefore I beg you will order the Commanding officers who escorted them from Winchester, and from Cumberland to give such Certificate.
If you have any Person acquainted wth the Country between the Salt Like and the old trading Path by Reastown, Inquire of the Shortest distance between the two Roads and of the nature of the Ground, where the Junction could be made. I am wth a Sincere Regard Dear Sir Your most obedt hble Servant

Henry Bouquet


Title: To George Washington from William Ramsay, 31 August 1758
From: Ramsay, William
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Camp near Rays Town Augst 31st 1758.

Since my last nothing remarkable hath occurr’d, only an express sent by Colo. Burd from the Mountains, is suppos’d to be gon to Fort Du Quesne. This may be of very ill consequence indeed. It seems this fellow was for sometime a Prisoner amongst them & had the character of a great villain, yet was made one of the Pensylvania light horse, & intrusted it seems with affairs of

such moment; how imprudt this was, needs no comment. Another sent down to the Genl is tho’t, to be taken.
Amidst this gloom of ill fortune & delays, we have the strongest asurances of Louisburg being ours, that our Fleet ravages the Coast of France & that we may hope some important blow may be struck there, God grant this, for I’m affraid, as I hinted before, Loyal Hannan will be our outmost effort this year. The Genl was to leave Shippensburg at yesterday, but I am affraid, he neither is, nor will be able to get here this season. I cannot divine why Men born down with age & infirmities & thereby renderd incapable of action, shou’d be imploy’d in affairs of such momt & in a Country that requires robustness to bear fatigue, & resolution to excute with celerity this interprize; especialy as we have great reason to suppose, chief part of their force were imployd to Oppose Genl Abercrombie, & how dear Genl Braddock’s delays cost us.
I daily hope to be releas’d from this place, my affairs realy call me home, tho: my stay will be short there, for I must soon set out for Williamsburg, where you may probably have some affairs to transact which the greatest care shall be taken of if intrusted to me. Yesterday an old Indian named Cassatee, who was sent abt three Weeks ago from this place, has been at Loggs Town & some other adjacent ones, & has brot with him three Indians of the Six nations, but what they report has not transpir’d. I have nothing further to add, but a tender of any service in the power of Dr Sir Your very H. Servt

Wm Ramsay