Title: To George Washington from James Innes, 27 September 1754
From: Innes, James
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Camp Moun[t] Pleasant [Md.] 27th Septr 1754

Your favour of the 22d from Alexa. I recd & shou’d be extreamly glade to see you at Winchester, was it any way consistant with my situation to leave this without orders, with which you’ll please aquaint Major Carlyle and that he would forgive me for not writing to him for I realy have not the time without delaying the Express, if the Governr hath orderd your Regiment here it would be very imprudent in me to Countermand them Especialy as I expect Governr Sharp with his Forces very soon and tho it be now turning towards Winter I would propose the doing something to forward the Service in the Spring. I have with great difficulty labourd hard and only with a few Tools found in this neighbourghood brought in from the Meadows on which I seized. I have erected a Puntion Fort which when Compleated must of Course be of good Service in this part of the Province, as well as to the present Expedition. notwithstanding when Governr Sharp and you join us I propose if we agree to goe thirty miles or more to the Westward to do something of the same kind there, tho by last nights advice I have Account the French have gather’d three Hundred Indians to their Fort, since Mr Lyon my Messinger came from that, which was the 21st Curtt[.] To what purpose these Indians are I know not, but if to pay us a visit. I should be Glad of Your good Company. I observe what you write in regard to Ranking with His Majestys Troops and I do assure you they are they same with me, and now afresh as Captain Rutherford is arrived with respect to my Commission from Governr Dinwiddie. but my Commission from His Majesty being the Oldest leaves no room to cavil so all that subsides and tho. I have the Command with the greatest harmoney. as things are Circumstanced at present I undergoe Fatigue. Plagued & Continualy harrassed in that station more then if otherways, to all which I freely submitt tho not for any obligation the Commitee hath lay’d upon me. as I have the present service at heart and would do anything in my

Power to help the opperation of every Part, that you should do duty seperatly and live in good harmonie untill His Majestys Pleasure is known I will take the labouring our upon myself do double duty by giving out seperate orders, if any better expedient can be found shall be very ready to concur. poor Capt. Stobo is sent to Mount Real and will be kept there till he is exchanged, the Chiefest Reason I can give for this, I am afraid as he wrote two Letters to ⟨You⟩ and them Letters were opend at Mr Croughans and to Publickly Spoke of and handed aboute the Knowledge thereof came to the Commanding Officers knowledge, and he is strongly watch’d ever since, so that the wou’d not so much as let Mr Lyon see him, I am sorry to hear many of Your People are sick but thank God we are all well here and live in Cover, only I am obliged to spare so⟨me⟩ of my Rum as we want Spirits as the cold weather comes on. I am with my Complimtts to all Friends Dr Sir Yor most Humble Servtt

James Innes

P.S. Mr Splidolph wrote me a letter ⟨some⟩ time agoe about His Commission ⟨I have⟩ no objection please Aquaintt him. Your Recommendation will be sufficient for him to Act untill he arrives hear when he will certainly have one if you appoint him.


Title: To George Washington from James Mackay, 28 September 1754
From: Mackay, James
To: Washington, George

Camp Mount Plesant near Wills Creek [Md.]28 Sepr 1754
Dear Sir

About a fortneight ago I went down to Penselvania and on my Return about Three days ago I Was favourd wt yours Without a date[.] I am Sorry to faind your assambly met to So litle purposs. Govr Morris is arrivd at Philadelphia by this time he Was at New York thess ten days they are in hops of grate matters when there new assambly meets (which is to be Elected the first of Octr) as they are every where endevoring to get out the Quakars.
I had Several despuits about our Capitulation but I Satisfyd every Person that mentiond that Subject as to the artickle in Questan, that they Were owing to a bad Interpretar and Contrary to the translation made to us when we signd them, We are now fortifying our Selves here, and I am affraid no prospect of going farther this Wintar. Capt. Rutherford who Commands one of the New York Compys is Just arrivd from England and cam up with me from Philadelphia, he Expects that

Govr Dinwiddie Will have Sum particular Instructions by Govr Dobs which Will enable him to proseed more Vegorusly, but I belive all will be two late for this year I have no mor to add for we have at presant pace and Plenty. The Genn With me Joins in our Compliments to you and the officers of your Corps I am Dr Sir your Most Affectionate Humble Servt

James Mackay


Title: To George Washington from Horatio Sharpe, 1 October 1754
From: Sharpe, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Sir
Annapolis [Md.] 1 Octr 1754

I am sorry to learn that any Person has represented, any Expressions or Observation of mine concerning the late Engagement to You in such a light as may give You cause for the least uneasiness. indeed at seeing some things inserted in the Publick papers soon after the Action, & at hearing other Stories that were propagated, & which for want of a more timely Confutation, made an impression on many Minds; I might perhaps have observed that if the measures taken before & the Terms accepted upon the Engagement were really as we had them represented to us, I was apprehensive the Action might be attended with evil Consequences, & woud but little encrease the Reputation of the Gentlemen who had been principally concerned therein. that such Conclusions were by many People drawn, I beleive You cannot be much surprized if You are not an entire Stranger to the Stories & Representations that were at that time received; but after some of the Gentlemen who had

been Witnesses of the Affair had honourably submitted an Account thereof to the publick, & Circumstances were made known, & the Actor’s Conduct scrutinized, it appeared in a more Advantageous View & many found themselves disposed to exculpate who had been forward to condemn Your Behaviour & I beleive There were few Readers in whom a Different Description of the same Action did not raise different Sensations, & induce them to entertain very dissimilar Sentiments of the Agents: the Prejudices they had before contracted I make no doubt but they again divested themselves of, & Your Reputation again revived. for my own part I assure You I am not insensible of the Difficulties You had to encounter, & I do not by the Issue of that Enterprize in the least measure the Merit of the Gentlemen concerned therein. that the Blame with respect to the Terms of Capitulation does not lye at Your Door concurrent Circumstances would have inclined me to think, had You not made such Professions as confirm me in my opinion. Your writing to me with so much freedom & such engenuity is highly agreeable, & I make no doubt but Your future Behaviour will convince the World of the Injustice done You by the Suspicions they have entertained. as You express an Intention to be at Annapolis e’er long You will excuse my being more prolix & particular in answering Your Letter. But I should be glad You would detain those Evidences at Belhaven if the Regiment leaves that place before the Beginning of next Month, because I cannot possibly have the reputed Rioters brought to a Tryal in St. Mary’s County before that time. I am Sr Your very Humble Servt

Horo Sharpe


Title: To George Washington from John Ridout, 14 October 1754
From: Ridout, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Annapolis [Md.] October 14. 1754.

The Receipt of Yours by the Express Yesterday His Excellency desires me to acknowledge; which that I do so briefly You will be kind enough to excuse & attribute to my being in some hast to make preparations for accompanying the Governor to Williamsburgh, for which place He is just about to embark, & from the Contents of Your Letter expects to have the pleasure of seeing You there also. in the mean time beleive me with great Regard Your most obedt & most humb. Servant

J. Ridout


Title: Invoice, 23 October 1754
From: Bacon, Anthony
To: Washington, George

[23] October 1754

Invoice of Goods Shipd by Anthony Bacon on board the Ruby Captn Edward Ogle pr Maryland, on Acct and risque, and by order of Jno. Carlyle Esqr.

      [£] [s] [d]
       s. d.

      Bought of
      1 Gold Shoulder Knott
      2. 8.

      Lucy Hatton.
      6 Yards gold Regim Lace 10/6
      3. 3. 0

      £5.11.

      Ditto of John Towers
      24 rich gold Embroidd Loops 3/3
      3.18

      4½ yds plated gold Vellum 16d
        6

      2 doz. 4 gold wyre Cô 6/
       14

      2 dozn brs      Do. 3/
        6

      ¼ Oz. gold Thread 10/
        2. 6

      4 large Shammy Skins 20d
        6. 8

      2 yds Buckram 1/

      2

      1 yd fine glaz’d Irish 14d
      1. 2

      1 yd Pocket fustian 12d
      1

      1 pr Stay take 4d
        4

      1 oz. light col[ore]d Silk 2/6
      2. 6

      1 Rich Crimson Ingr[ained] silk Sash
      3  5

      9  5  2

      Bought of Jacob Hewett
      10 yds best brod blue Allipeen 2/
      1

      2½ yds Do. Man’s Crimson Velvet 26/
      2 18  6

      3 18  6

      Bought of Saml Towers
      4 dozn fash. gilt Coat Buttn 1/2
      4 8

      4½ dozn ditto Breast 7d
      2 7

      7  3

      Bought of Mauduits & Co.
      3½ yds superf[in]e d[ou]ble dy’d Scarl. Cloth
      3 13  6

      2 yds Ditto blue 18/
      1 16

      5  9  6

      Bought of
      1 Hat 16s. gold Lace 20/
      1 16

      Loxham
      Box
      10

      1 16 10

      Box 2/6 Entry, Cocket, & Searcher’s Fees 3/6
      6

      Porterage, Wharfage, & Lighterage 1/ Freight 16/
      17

      Primage 1/ Bills Lading 1/ Commissions 17/
      19

      28.10. 3

London 23d Octr 1754. E[rrors] E[xcepted]

Antho. Bacon


Title: From George Washington to John Robinson, 23 October 1754
From: Washington, George
To: Robinson, John

[Williamsburg, 23 October 1754]
To the Speaker of the House of Burgesses. Sir,

Nothing could have given me, and the Officers under my command, greater satisfaction, than to have received the thanks of the House of Burgesses, in so particular and honourable a manner, for our Behaviour in the late unsuccessful Engagement with the French at the Great-Meadows; and we unanimously hope, that our future Conduct in the Service of our Country, may entitle us to a continuance of its approbation. I assure you, Sir, I shall always look upon it as my indispensable duty to endeavour to deserve it.
I was desired, by the Officers of the Virginia Regiment, to offer their grateful thanks for the Honour which has been confered

upon them; and hope the enclosed will be indulgently received, and answer their, and the intended purpose of, Sir, Your most hble Servant,

Go: WashingtonOctob. 23, 1754.


Title: From George Washington to John Robinson and the House of Burgesses, October 1754
From: Washington, George
To: Robinson, John,House of Burgesses

[October 1754]
To the Worshipful, the Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses.

We, the Officers of the Virginia Regiment, are higly sensible of the particular Mark of Distinction, with which you have honoured Us, in returning your Thanks for our Behaviour in the late Action: and can not help testifying our grateful Acknowledgments, for your high sense, of what We shall always esteem a Duty to our Country, and to the best of Kings.
Favoured with your Regard, We shall zealously endeavour to deserve your Applause; and, by our future actions, strive to convince the Worshipful House of Burgesses, how much We Esteem their Approbation; and; as it ought to be, Regard it, as the Voice of our Country. Signed for the whole Corps.

Geo: Washington


Title: Account with the Colony of Virginia, October 1754
From: Washington, George
To:

[October 1754]

      Dr                    The Country in Acct—with George Washington

      Cr

       1754

      Apl 6
      To Expences of the Regimt at Edward Thompsons in Marching up
        2 16 6
      May31

      8
      To Bacon for Do of John Vestal at Shenandoah & Ferriages over
        1  9
      By Cash of Majr Carlyle—
        23 12 9

      10
      To Cash to B. Hamilton for discovering the plot of 4 Soldrs to Desert
        1  4

      To Cash to Mr Wood
       17  6 8

      By Do of the Right Honble the Ld Fairfax
       110

      To Do for Enlisting Thomas Kitson
        1  6 3

      To Do for Enlisting Barnaby Evans
        1  6 3

      To Do to a joiner for a Standard
          4  1½

      By Do of Captn Stobo wch was found in Colo. Frys posn
        45  3

      To Do to a Blacksmith for mending a Wag[on]
          7 6

      To Do for an Acct of Brickners Expencs to Belh[ave]n with Recrutes in Feb. last
      4 6

      To an Express at Edwards’s
          2 6

      By Do of Colo. Muse in pt of what he had of Colo. Fry

      To Cash at the So. B[ranc]h for necescerys
          7 9

      4  6

      To Cash to Jacob Arrans at Enlisting N.B. this person was one of Capt. Trents Men, Master of the Indian Language & perfectly acquainted with all the ways & Mountns betwn this and the Fork
        4  6 8

       183  1 9

      Edward Lucas—another
        3  1 6

      To Cash to John McGuire at Enlisting
        1  6 3

      To Do to John Smith at Do
        1  6 3

      To Do to John Baker at Do
        1  6 3

      To Do to Wm Cromwell D[eput]y C[ommissar]y to buy Cattle
       18  8 4

      To Enlisting John Lee
        1  6 3

      To Cash for Flour
       19 14 7¾

      To an Express
        4  8 0

      To Cash to Mr Croghon
       21 10 0

      To Do for Flour
       17  4 0

      To Do to Wm Jenkins for a Formal Express
        0 15 10

      To Enlisting of James Bowman Thomas
        1  6 3

      To Do pd for Bacon
        1  2 1½

      To hire of my Horse to Ward & Saddle & Bridle lost
        2 10

      To my Expences in Riding to & from Wmsburg after the late Engagement
       10 15

      To Expences in comeing down Potomack River for Canoes Men hire &c. this was undertaken by the perticular desire of Colo. Charles Carter
        4 10 6

      To an Express from Alexa. to Winchester
        1 10

      To Sundry small disbursemts wch I cannot recollect or Acct for having lost all my papers in the Engagement

      July 29th
      To Cash to an Express for Money from Williamsburg
        3 13 1

      By Cash of Majr Carlyle to distribute among the Soldiers of the Virginia Regiment & Capt. McKays Independent Company by order of the Committee allowg each man one pistole
      320  0 10

      To Do lost in the wt of £600 braught by the sd Express
        1 11 3

      To the payment of the Regiment as pr pay Bill
      798 13 4

      1st
      To a pistoll bounty Money to 218 Soldrs as pr List
      234  7

      1
      To 98 Do to Capt. McKay as pr Receipt & pr Order
      105  7

      14th
      To Cash to Carson for apprehending two Deserters & Charges pr Do as pr Re⟨ceipt⟩
        5  3 6

      20
      To Do to Capt. Mercer for recruiting as pr Acct
        6 14  9

      22
      To Do to Lieutenant James Towers as pr Do
        5  1 8

      To Do to Frances Self for his Expence and trouble in finding Arms sold by Deserted Soldiers
        2 15 0

      By Cash of his Honour the Governer pr Express
      600  0  0

      To Do to Constable for assisting him
        1  1 6

      27
      To do to Mr Bullet for Recruiting as pr Accompt
       18 13 2

      By Do of Majr Carlyle
      500  0  0

      Sepr 4th
      To Do to John May for his expences in persuit of Deserters
        0 10 0

      £1420 0 10

      To do to Charles Smith for . . Do
        1  5 0

      To Do for Enlisting 2 recruits with expences
        3 18 3

      5
      To do pd Daniel Cincheloe for Deserter
        2  3 0

      To Do pd Sergeant Trotter for his Expences in p[ursuin]g of Desers
        0 12 6

      To Do pd Charles Callineaux his recruiting Expences
        0 14 4½

      10
      To Do Sergnt Carter for his Expences in following Deserters
          8 9

      To Do to Capt. Hogg as pr Accompt for 2 recruits
        2 12 0

      To Do to a Negroe for finding 2 Muskets supposd to be lost ever since last May
        0  7 6

      To do for Wm Scot a new Recruit & Charges
        1 11 3

      19
      To do to Henry Hardin for b[ringin]g a Deserter as pr Rect
       2  3

      To Do to Capt. Lewis and the Detachment under his Comd sent to Augusta by the Governors Order—see the pay Bill for that purpose
      155 15 6

      Octr 2d
      To Do to Capt. Polson in part for his Comys pay to the 29th of Sept. pr Receipt
       20  1 8

      To Do to Captn Hogg for pr Do . . . pr Receipt
       14 19 7

      To Do to Capt. Mercer for Do as pr Do
       15  5

      To Do Capt. Polson Expences to Wmsburg as an Express & for Cash wch he pd for a wounded Soldier
      6  9  0

      1411 16  7½

      1420  0  10

      £  8  4  2½


Title: From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 15 November 1754
From: Washington, George
To: Fitzhugh, William

To Colo. William Fitzhugh.Dear Sir,
Belvoir, November 15th 1754

I was favoured with your letter, from Rousby-Hall, of the 4th Instant. It demands my best acknowledgments, for the particular marks of Esteem you have expressed therein; and for the kind assurances of his Excellency, Governour Sharp’s good wishes towards me. I also thank you, and sincerely, Sir, for your friendly intention of making my situation easy, if I return to the Service; and do not doubt, could I submit to the Terms, that I should be as happy under your command, in the absence of the General, as under any gentleman’s whatever: but, I think, the disparity between the present offer of a Company, and my former Rank, too great to expect any real satisfaction or enjoyment in a Corps, where I once did, or thought I had a right to, command; even if his Excellency had power to suspend the orders received in the Secretary of Wars’ Letter; which, by the bye, I am very far from thinking he either has or will attempt to do, without fuller Instructions than I believe he has: especially, too, as there has been a representation of this matter by Governour Dinwiddie, and, I believe, the Assembly of this State; we have advices, that it was received before Demmarree obtained his Letter.
All that I presume the General can do, is, to prevent the different Corps from interfering, which will occasion the Duty to be done by Corps, instead of Detachments; a very inconvenient way, as is found by experience.
You make mention in your letter of my continuing in the Service, and retaining my Colo.’s Commission. This idea has filled me with surprise: for if you think me capable of holding a Commission that has neither rank or emolument annexed to it; you

must entertain a very contemptible opinion of my weakness, and believe me to be more empty than the Commission itself.
Besides, Sir, if I had time, I could enumerate many good reasons, that forbid all thoughts of my Returning; and which, to you, or any other, would, upon the strictest scrutiny, appear to be well-founded. I must be reduced to a very low Command, and subjected to that of many who have acted as my inferior Officers. In short, every Captain, bearing the King’s Commission; every half-pay Officer, or other, appearing with such commission, would rank before me; for these reasons, I choose to submit to the loss of Health, which I have, however, already sustained (not to mention that of Effects) and the fatigue I have undergone in our first Efforts; than subject myself to the same inconveniences, and run the risque of a second disappointment. I shall have the consolation itself, of knowing, that I have opened the way when the smallness of our numbers exposed us to the attacks of a Superior Enemy; That I have hitherto stood the heat and brunt of the Day, and escaped untouched, in time of extreme danger; and that I have the Thanks of my Country, for the Services I have rendered it.
It shall not sleep in silence, my having received information, that those peremptory Orders from Home, which, you say, could not be dispensed with, for reducing the Regiments into Independant Companies, were generated, hatched, & brought from Will’s-Creek. Ingenuous treatment, & plain dealing, I at least expected—It is to be hoped the project will answer; it shall meet with my acquiescence in every thing except personal Services. I herewith enclose Governour Sharp’s Letter, which I beg you will return to him, with my Acknowledgments for the favour he intended me; assure him, Sir, as you truly may, of my reluctance to quit the Service, and of the pleasure I should have received in attending his Fortunes: also, inform him, that it was to obey the call of Honour, and the advice of my Friends, I declined it, and not to gratify any desire I had to leave the military line.
My inclinations are strongly bent to arms.
The length of this, & the small room I have left, tell me how necessary it is to conclude, which I will do as you always shall find—Truly & sincerely, Your most hble Servant,

Geo. Washington.
Nov. 15th 1754


Title: Editorial Note
From:
To:

Lawrence Washington died on 26 July 1752. By the terms of his will, half of his slaves went to his widow Ann for her lifetime and the other half to his daughter and only living descendant, Sarah Washington (1750–1754). In Dec. 1752 Lawrence’s widow married George Lee (1714–1761) of Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, and 2 years later her daughter died. As heirs to their niece’s estate, Lawrence’s five brothers became the owners of half of Lawrence Washington’s slaves while George Lee remained the owner of the other half during his wife’s lifetime. Because apparently no division of slaves between Mrs. Lee and her daughter Sarah was ever made while Sarah was living, on 10 Dec. 1754 after Sarah’s death Lawrence Washington’s slaves were divided between George Lee and the five Washington brothers. At the same time, or shortly thereafter, the brothers divided their half of the slaves among themselves. Both of these divisions of slaves are printed here. In 1761, at Ann Lee’s death, the brothers inherited the other half of Lawrence Washington’s slaves and divided these among themselves. Sometime after this last division was made GW gathered the papers he had collected and filed them together. On the document that he used as a cover for all of his papers regarding Lawrence’s slaves,

GW wrote the following endorsement: “Papers relating to the several divisions made in my brother Lawrence’s Negroes, first between Col. G. Lee, who intermarryed with the widow, and the brothers of the deceased Lawrence, and afterwards the division of the Negroes belonging to Col. G. Lee’s part among the brothers.” The Birch catalog’s brief description reads: “Dated December 10, 1754. Folio, 2 pages. All in the handwriting of George Washington at the age of 22, with a fine signature in the body of the document.” Although GW dated this document 10 Dec. 1754, he of course wrote the endorsement sometime after the final division was made. Also filed by GW with these papers were at least two other “divisions” of Negro slaves. One is apparently the 1761 division, docketed by GW “2d Division of part of my decd Brothr Lawrencs Negroes. among myself, & youngr Brother’s” (NjP: De Coppet Collection). The other list, without any docket or date, lists 49 named slaves, plus 2 unnamed slave children, plus 4 other slaves whose names are missing due to damage to the document.


Title: I., 10 December 1754
From: Washington, George
To:

[10 December 1754]

Memorandum
The Division of the Slaves of the late Lawrence Washington Esqr. as made pursuant to the last Will and Testament of the Said Lawrence is hereunto annexd: and that Moiety of the said Slaves, the use of which by the Will aforesaid was devis’d to the Widow of the said Law[renc]e during her Life, George Lee Esqr. of Westmoreland County who Intermarried with the said Widow doth hereby acknowledge to have receiv’d—The other Moiety; which by the Death of the said Lawrence’s daughter Sarah, is to descend according to the true Intent of the Will to the several Devisees therein mention’d; They also acknowledge to have receiv’d as pr this Division, and agree on both sides to abide thereby in pursuance of the Testators direction, true

meaning, and Intention In Witness whereof they have set their Hands and Seals this Tenth day of Decemr 1754.
Test

      George Lee

      W. Fairfax

      Ann Lee

      Go. Wm Fairfax

      Robt Mirrie

      Augst. Washington

      John Dalton

      John Turberville
      Thomas Plummer
      G. Washington

      Sarah Carlyle
      John Carlyle

      Bryan Fairfax ⟨for⟩ A.W.


Title: II., 10 December 1754
From: Washington, George
To:

[10 December 1754]

A Division of the Negros made, and agreed to between Colo. George Lee and the Brothers of the deceasd Majr Lawrence Washington the 10th day of December Anno Domini 1754–

      Colo. Lee &ca part
      The Estates part

      Old Moll
      £25
      Phebe
      £35

      Lawrence
      60
      Peter
      60

      Ben
      40
      Pharrow
      40

      Will
      40
      Abram
      40

      Frank
      40
      Couta
      40

      Barbara
      40
      Nell
      40

      Moll
      25
      Sall
      25

      Milly
      20
      Bella
      20

      Hannah
      15
      Barbara
      15

      Penny
      10
      Anteno
      10

      Will
      10
      Sando als Dicer
      10

      Nan
      15
      Aaron
      15

      Nan
      31
      Judah
      35

      James
      40
      Ned
      40

      Dula
      40
      Camero
      40

      Dublin
      40
      Sambo
      40

      Acco
      40
      Sando
      40

      Harry
      40
      Scipio
      35

      Roger
      40
      Tomboy
      40

      Grace
      40
      Lett
      40

      Phillis
      40
      Jenny
      40

      Kate
      40
      Judah
      40

      Ceasaer
      25
      Tom
      15

 Farrow—1 Month Old—

Charles—4–7½ high

         Doll
          3–4 Do

          Sue
          2–11½ Do

          George
          3–7½ Do

          Lydia
          3–5½ Do

          Murreah
          5 Months Old

          Glasgow---------

Phill
f[eet] I[nches]

Tom
 4–1 high

Prince
 3–7½ Do

Betty
 3–1 Do

Lucy
 4–1 Do

Sam
 2–9 Do

Tom
 4 Months Old

Tobey
 1 Month Old

      31
      31


Title: Lease of Mount Vernon, 17 December 1754
From: Washington, George,Lee, George,Lee, Ann
To:

[17 December 1754]

This Indenture made this seventeenth day of December in the year of our Lord God One thousand Seven Hundred & fifty four Between George Lee of the County of westmorland and Colony of Virginia Gentleman and Ann his wife of the one part and George Washington of the County of King George and Colony aforesaid Gentleman of the other part Witnesseth that the said George Lee and Ann his wife for and in Consideration of the Rents and Covenants hereinafter Expressed and Reserved hath Demised set and to Farm Let and by these presents for themselves their Heirs Executors administrators and Assigns doth Demise set & to Farm Let unto the said George Washington his heirs and Assigns all them two messuages Tenements or parcels of Land the one scituate one Little Hunting Creek the other on Doeg Creek in the County of fairfax whereof Lawrence Washington Late of the County of Fairfax Esqr died Siezed and Possesd and Whereof the said Ann Lee Late the Widdow & Relict of the said Lawrence Washington Esqr. is Tenant for Life in Virtue of the Last will and Testament of the said Lawrence also one Water Grist Mill on part of the said Lands and Tenements Erected Together with the following Negroe slaves Viz: Nan. James Dula Grace Dublin Harry Roger Phillis Kate Ceasar Charles Farrow Doll Sue: George Lydia Murreah & Glasgow To Have and to hold the said two Tracts of Land Water Grist Mill with all and Singular the Appurtenancies thereunto Belonging Together with the said negroe slaves unto the said George Washington his heirs and Assigns and to his and their own proper use and Behoof from the day of the date of these presents for and during the Natural Life of her the said Ann Lee Yielding and Paying yearly and Every year during the said Term unto the said George Lee his Certain Attorney Heirs Executors administrators or Assigns on the Twenty fifth day of December the sum or Quantity of Fifteen thousand pounds of Tobacco in fifteen Hogsheads to be Delivered out—at one or some of the Warehouses in the County of Fairfax or as much Current money of Virginia in Lieu thereof as will be Equal there to at twelve shillings and six pence Current money for Every Hundred Weight of Tobacco at the Election of the

said George Washington his Heirs or Assigns (the first rent to grow due on the twenty fifth day of December in the year one thousand Seven Hundred & Fifty five).
But if it should so happen that any of the above Negroe slaves should Die during the said Term hereby granted then and in that Case the said yearly rent of Fifteen thousand shall not be all paid but the following Deduction therefrom shall be made Viz. for Every Labouring Negroe man slave so Dying a Deduction of one thousand pounds of Tobacco shall be made (Except the Negroe man named Ceasar and for him only five Hundred pounds of Tobacco) and for Every negroe woman Slave so Dying the sum of Eight hundred pounds of tobacco and so on as often as any of the said Slaves shall Die And the said George Lee and Ann his wife for themselves their Heirs Executors & Assigns doth Covinant promise and Agree to & with the said George Washington his Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns that under the rents and Covenants above Expressed and Comprized it shall & may be Lawfull to and for the said George Washington his heirs & Assigns into the said Demised premises with the Appurtenancies to Enter Possession of the said Slaves to take and during the Natural Life of the said Ann Lee the same To have hold use Occupie Possess and Enjoy without the Let suite Trouble molestation Interruption Eviction or Denial of them the said George Lee and Ann his wife their or Either of their Heirs Executors administrators or assigns And further: the said George Washington for himself his heirs Executors administrators and Assigns doth Covenant promise and grant to and with the said George Lee and Ann his wife their Heirs Executors administrators and Assigns that he the said George Washington the aforesaid Annual Rent unto the said George Lee and Ann his wife their Certain Attorney Heirs Executors &c. During the said Term and on the days and times above Expressed will well and Truly Content & pay And Lastly the said George Washington for himself his Heirs &c. doth Covenant & grant to and with the said George Lee And Ann his wife that In Case the said Yearly rent should be Behind and unpaid for the space of five Months—After the sames Becomes due at any time: and there should not be found upon the said Demised premises Sufficient to Levie the same by Distress that then it Shall & may be Lawfull for the said George & Ann his

wife during the Life of the said Ann into the said Demised premises again to re:enter the said Slaves into their possession to re:take and the same to hold as if this Lease had never been made In Testimony whereof as well the said George Lee & Ann his wife as the said George Washington hath hereunto set their hands & seals the day and year first above Written
George Lee
Ann Lee
Go: Washington
Memorandum, The Eleniation above of Delivering out of one or sum of the Warehouses in the County of Fairfax, the Quantity of Tobacco aforesaid is Just [.] Sealed and Delivered In the presence of W: Fairfax John Dalton Denis McCarty At a Court held for the County of Fairfax 17. December 1754
George Lee Gent. and Ann his Wife (she being first privately Examined & thereto consenting) and George Washington Gent. acknowledged this Lease which is thereupon admitted to record
Test
P. Wagener Clk


Title: To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 20 December 1754
From: Dinwiddie, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Williamsburg] decr 20th [1754]

I recd Yr Letter but at prest cannot order You the Money You say due you as Adjutt[.] wn the Council meets I shall let them know Yr Demd & if they agree with me it will be pd—I am Sir Yr humble Servt


Title: To George Washington from Adam Stephen, January–February 1755
From: Stephen, Adam
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
[Jan.–Feb. 1755]

It is with the greatest Chearfulness that I comply with your Desire in letting the Soldiers enjoy your Gratuity mention’d to Capt. Perouny: Believe me, Sir, we well always Set a high value upon every Mark of your Esteem, and for my own part it gives me the Greatest uneasiness to have Reason to believe that I do not Enjoy the same Share of your Confidence and friendship that I once was happy in: Depend on it, Sir, my Constant Endeavours Shall be to deserve it.
Our Orders for marching are postpon’d, and as I foresee no bad Consequence from it, I hope the pleasure of Seeing you in Town. The Humour of Soldiers at Pay time prevents my Seeing you to day, or I would have done myself the pleasure to Wait on you. I offer my Complemts to Colo. Fairfax, His Lady & Miss Fairfax, and Am with Regard Dr Sir, Your own

Adam Stephen


Title: To George Washington from Robert Orme, 2 March 1755
From: Orme, Robert
To: Washington, George

[Williamsburg, 2 March 1755]
A Copy Of Captn Robt Orme’s first Letter toG.WashingtonSir

The General having been informd that you exprest some desire to make the Campaigne, but that you declind it upon some disagreeableness that you thought might arise from the Regulation of Command, has orderd me to acquaint you that he will be very glad of your Company in his Family, by which all inconveniences of that kind will be obviated.
I shall think myself very happy to form an acquaintance with a person so universally esteem’d and shall use every oppertunity of assuring you how much I am Sir Your most Obedt Servant &[ca.]

Robt Orme aid de Camp
Williamsburg March 2d 1755


Title: From George Washington to Robert Orme, 15 March 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Orme, Robert

[Mount Vernon, 15 March 1755]
To Robert Orme Esqr. aid de Camp to the His Exy GeneralB. Williamsburgh In answer to the foregoing—

Sir,

I was not favourd with your agreeable polite Letter (of the Ins⟨t⟩ un 2d) till Yesterday; acquainting me with the notice his Excellency Genl is pleased Braddoc⟨k⟩ to honour me with, by kindly desireing my Company in inviting me to become one of his Family. the ensuing campayn Its is true Sir that I have, ever since I declind a my late command in this Service, expressd an Inclination to serve ⟨erasure⟩ t the Ensueing Campaigne as a Volunteer; and this inclination believe me, Sir, is not a little encreasd since its is likely to be conducted by a Gentleman of the Generals great, good Character Experien⟨ce.⟩:
But, besides this, and the laudable desire I may have to serve (with my poor best abilitys) my King & Country, I must be ingenuou⟨s⟩ enough to confess , that I am not a little biassd by selfish, and siniste⟨r⟩ views considerat⟨ns.⟩—t To be ex plain, Sir, I wish for nothing more earnestly, than to attain a small degree of some knowledge i on the Military Art Profession: and, believeing a more favourable oppertunity cannot be wishd offer, than to serving e under a Gentleman of his Excellencys known Generl Braddock⟨’s⟩ ability ies and experience, it does as you may rea ⟨ erasure ⟩sonably imagine suppose, not a little contribute to influence me in my choice.
But Sir, as I have taken the liberty so far, to discourse thus to express my sentimts so

freely, I shall beg your Indulgence yet a little longer, while I say add, that the only bar that which can check me in the pursuit of these my desires is object, is the inconveniences that must necessarily arise, as result from, some proceedings in a late space—(I mean wch happen’d a little befor⟨e⟩ the the Generals arrival) had & wch, in some measure had abated the edge ardou⟨r⟩ of my Intentions desires and determined me to lead a life of greater inactivity, and retirement into which I was just entering at no small expence; the business whereof must greatly suffer in my absence when your favor was presented to me. But, as I shall do myself the pleasure honor of waiting upon his Excellency so as soon as I hear of his arrival at Alexandria (and woud sooner, was I certain where to find him,) till which, I shall decline saying any thing further on this head till then; begging you’ll be kind enough will be pleased to assure him ⟨erasure⟩ that I shall always retain a grateful Sense of the favour he was kindly with which he is pleasd to offer me honor me;, and that I shoud have embraced this oppertunity of writing to him, had I not some little time ago wrote recently addressed a congratulatory Letter to him on his safe arrival in this Country I &ca, and as I flatter myself you will favour me in making a communicating my on of these Sentiments herein, it will need no other mentn or repetition.
You do me a singular favour in proposing an acquaintance, which It cannot but be attended with the most agreeable Intimacy on my side flattering prospect of intimacy on my part; as you may already experience perceive by the familiarity

and freedom with which I now assume to treat you enter upon this corrispondence; a freedom, which, even if it is disagreeable you must ⟨erasure⟩ excuse, as I shall may lay the whole blame of it at your door for encourageing me to throw of the formality that restraint which otherwise might have appeard been more obvious in my deportmt on this such an occasion. The hope of shortly seeing you will be an ex[c]use for my not adding more than that I shall endeavour to approve myself worthy of your friendship, and that I beg to be esteemd Your most Obedient Servant

Go: Washington
Mount Vernon March ⟨15th⟩ 1755


Title: To George Washington from Robert Orme, 3 April 1755
From: Orme, Robert
To: Washington, George

An Answer to the foregoing
Dear Sir[3 April 1755]
I communicated your desires to the General who expresses the greatest satisfaction in having you of our Party and Orders me to give his Compliments and to assure you his Wishes are to make it agreeable to yourself and consistant with your Affairs and therefore desires you will so settle your business at home as to join him at Wills Creek if more convenient for you and whenever you find it necessary to return he begs you will look upon yourself as entire Master, and judge of what is proper to be done.
Pray present my Duty to my Father and assure him if Filial Obedience and honour for a Parent can secure his Affection I am extreamely safe.
I long with impatience to have you of our Family that I may have frequent oppertunity’s to assure you with how much sincerety I am Dr Sir Yr most obedt Servant &[ca]

R. Orme
Apl the 3d 1755

Mr Shirley desires his Compliments.


Title: From George Washington to William Byrd, 20 April 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Byrd, William

[Mount Vernon, 20 April 1755]
To The Honble William Bird Esqr.Westover
Honble Dr Sir

I was am sorry it was not in my power to wait upon you at Westover last Christmas—I had enjoy’d much real satisfaction even

in the thought of doing it when an unexpected accident put it intirely out of my power to comply either with my promise, or Inclination; both of which equally urg’d prompted me to make the is Visit.
I am now prepareing for, and shall in a few days sett off, to serve the in the ensueing Campaigne; with different views from what , however, from those I had before; for here, if I can gain any credit, or if I am entitled to the least ⟨erasure⟩ countenance and esteem, it must be from serving my Country with a free voluntary will out fee or rewd; for I can very truely say I have no expectation of reward but the hope of meriting the love of my Country, and friendly regard of my acquaintances; and as to any prospect either—To merit its esteem—and the good will of my friends is the sum of my ambition, having no prospect of att[o]baining a Comn, I have none, as I am pretty being well assur’d it is not in Genl Braddocks power to give such an one as I woud accept off; as I am told The commd of a Compa. is the highest Comn that is invested in his gift. He was so obliging as to desirde my Company this Campaigne, has honour’d me with particular marks of his Esteem, and has kindly envited me into his Family; a Circumstance which will ease me of that expence, which s that otherwise, woud unavoidably must have accrued in furnishing a proper stores Camp Provision equipage &ca; whereas the expence cost will now be easy, (comparitively speaking) as baggage Horses, Tents, & some other necessarys will constitute the whole of the charge. Tho’ I mean to say, Yet, to leave a Family just settling, and in the utmost confusion & disorder (as mine is in at present) will be the means of my using my is not a pleasing thing & may be hurtful

private Fortune very greatly, but however this may happen be this as it may, it shall be no hindrance to my making this Campaigne. I am Sir with very gt esteem, Your most Obt Servt

Go: Washington
Mount Vernon 20th Apl 1755


Title: From George Washington to John Robinson, 20 April 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Robinson, John

[Mount Vernon, 20 April 1755]
To Jno. Robinson Esqr. Speakerof the House of Delegates VirginiaDear Sir

I little expected when I wrote you last that I shoud so soon engage

in another Campaigne; but in this I hope doing it I may be allowd to claim some small share of some merit; if it is consider’d that the sole motive wch envites me to the Field, is, the laudable desire of servg my Country; and & not for the gratification of any ambitious or lucrative ends plans.; this, I flatter myself, will manifestly appear by my going a Volunteer, without expectation of reward, or prospect of attaining a Command; as I am confidantly assur’d it is not in Genl Braddocks power to give a Comn that I woud accept. Perhaps with many others, the above declaration might be look’d upon as a piece of self sufficient merit; construed into self applause which, being unwilling to loose, I choose to proclaim it myself—but by you Sir, I hope expect it will be taken viewed in a different light, because you have who seem’d to sympathized in my disappointments, and lent your friendly Aid to reinstate me in a suitable Command; which mark of your approbation was not The recollection of which can never be  lost upon one, who is always a mind that is not in sensible off, and but always ready to acknowledge an obligations; and tThis is the reason why I am so much more expressive in unreserved in the expression of my Sentiments to you, than I should choose to be to the World whose Censures, and Criticisms often place the best good design’s in the worst a bad light; and give a different turn to the best of Action’s; bBut to be ingenuous, I must confess I had other Intention’s in writing you this letter for, and if there is any merit in going out upon such terms as I do my case, I was unwilling to loose it

among my Friends, who without this exposition of facts might conceive that I did not doubt might be made to believe I had some advantageous offer’s that had engaged my Services, when in reallity it is very [far] from it the case is otherwise; for ⟨erasure⟩ I expe[c]t to be a considerable looser in my private Affairs, by going—Its true, I have been importuned to make this Campaigne by Genl Braddock in (as a member of his Family) who I suppose imagined conceiving, I suppose, that the small knowledge I have (had an oppertunity of acquiring) of the Country, Indians, &ca was worthy of his notice; and therefore thought I might be ⟨erasure⟩ useful to him in ⟨erasure⟩ing the progress of this Expedition.
Colo. Carter Burwell, the last Assembly, upon hearing that I had lost 50 Odd pounds during my appointt acting as Paymaster desir’d I wd petition the Committee of War to have it refunded, assurg me at the same time that he woud sollicit the Gentn in my behf use his endeavors that the matter should be attended to.; I declind it then, thinking it might not be well receivd, as I had been allowd a Comn; but if he shoud propose it at a future meeting, and it does not appear to carry with it the a face of unreasonableness, I hope yo. will do me the favour to 2d him—I must own after meeting with the endulgences I did, I shd not have askd this, had it not been propos’d by a Member, and had I not been so considerable a looser before in the Service, in loosg many valuable Papers, cloathg, Horses, & sevel other things; some of which, & of no inconsiderable value neither, I card out entirely for the publick use, & forebore meng of it till this before as I knew you were greatly Pesterd with complaints

of this sort from Officers that were less able to bear them, tho’ their losses were much more inconsiderable than mine; for I had, unfortunately, got my baggage from Wills Creek but a few days before the Engagemt in wch I also had a valuable Servt Wounded, who died in a few days soon after. I thought it expedient just to mention these Facts that you might turn them to any advantage you saw ee proper, or to drop it altogether, if you think it the least unreasonable the applican is at all improper. I heartily wish a happy Issue to all your Resolves and am Sir Yr most Obt Servt

Go: Washington
Mount Vernon 20th Apl 1755


Title: From George Washington to William Fairfax, 23 April 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, William

[Mount Vernon, 23 April 1755]
To The Honble Wm Fairfax Esqr.prest at WilliamsburghDear Sir,

I cannot think of quitting Fairfax without embracing this last oppertunity of bidding you farewell.
I shall this day set out for Wills Creek, where I expect to meet the

Genl, and to stay—I fear too long, as our March must be regulated by the slow movements of the Train, which I am sorry to say, I think, will be tedious in advancing—very tedeous indeed—answerable to the expectation s I have long conceivd predicted, tho’ few believ’d.
Alexandria has been honourd with 5 Governours in Consultation—A happy favorable presage I hope, not only of the success of this e Expedition, but for our little Town of the future greatness of this Town; for surely, such honours must have arisen from a meeting must have been occasioned by the Commodious, and pleasant situation of this e place, the best constitutional qualitys for Popularity, which prognosticates population and the encrease of a (now) flourishing Trade.
I have had the Honour to be introduced to the several Governours; and of being well receiv’d by them all; especially Mr Shirley, whose Character and appearance has perfectly charmd me, as I think his every word, and every Action discovers something of in him the fine Gentn, and great Politician. I heartily wish the same such unanimity may prevail amongst us, as appeard to Reign exist between him and his Assembly; when they, to expidate the Business, and to forward his journey here hither, sat till eleven, and twelve o’clock at every Nights.
It will be needless as I know your punctuality requires no repetition’s stimulus, to remind you of an Affair abt which I wrote sometime ago—therefore, I shall only beg my compliments to Mr Nicholas and his Lady, and to all Friends who think me worthy of their enquirys. I am Dear Sir Yr most Obedient Servt

Go: Washington
Mount Vernon 23d of Apl 1755


Title: From George Washington to Sarah Cary Fairfax, 30 April 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, Sarah Cary

[Bullskin Plantation, 30 April 1755]
To Mrs Fairfax—BelvoirDear Madam

In order to engage your corrispondance, I think it expedient, just is incumbent on me to deserve it; which I shall endeavour to do, by embracing the earliest, and every oppertunity, of writing to you.
It will be needless to expatiate dwell on the pleasures that a communication corrispondence of this kind will would afford me, as it shall let it suffice to say—a corrispondance with my Friends is the greatest satisfaction I expect to enjoy, in the course of the Campaigne, and that none of my Friends are able to convey more real delight than you are—to whom from none shall I derive such satisfaction as from yours—for to you I stand indebted for so many many Obligations.
If an old Proverb can claim my belief, I am will apply to my case I shall certainly close ⟨erasure⟩ est share of with success—for surely no Man ever could have made a worse beginning than I have done: out of 4 Horses which we I brought from home, one was I have killd outright, and the other 3 are renderd unfit for use; so that I have been detaind here three days already, and how much longer I may continue to be so, ⟨erasure⟩ the Womb of time must only can discover.
I must beg my Compliments to Miss Hannah Fairfax, Miss Dent, and any other’s that think me worthy of their enquirys. I am Madam Yr most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington
Bullskin Apl the 30th 1755


Title: From George Washington to William Fairfax, 5 May 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, William

[Winchester, 5 May 1755]
To The Honble Wm Fairfax Esqr.BelvoirDear Sir

I overtook the General at Frederick Town in Maryld and from thence we proceeded to this place, where we shall remain till the arrival of the 2d Division of the Train, (which we hear left Alexandria on Tuesday last); after that, we shall continue our March to Wills Creek, from whence it is imagined we shall not stir till the latter end of this Month for want of Waggons, and other conveniences to Transports our Baggage &ca over the Mount⟨n.⟩
You will naturally conclude that to pass through Maryld (when no business object requird it) was an uncommon, & extraordinary rout for the Genl, and Colo. Dunbarr’s Regiment to this place; but at the same time t The reason, however, was obvious to say, that t Those who promoted it had rather have that the communication

should be opened that way, than through Virginia; but I now believe the eyes of the General are now open, & the Imposition has too evidently appeard, for the Imposer’s to subject us to the same Inconveniences again detected—consequently the like will not happen again. Please to make my Compts to Colo. G: to whom I shall write by the next oppertunity, and excuse haste—I am Sir Yr most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington
Winchester 5th of May 1755


Title: From George Washington to Thomas, Lord Fairfax, 6 May 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax of Cameron, Thomas Fairfax, sixth baron

[Winchester, 6 May 1755]
To The Right Honble The Lord Fairfax—Greenway CourtMy Lord

I have had the misfortune to loose 3 of my Horses since I left home; and not bringing money enough to buy other’s, and to answer all contingent the contingent expences that may arise in the course of the Campaigne, I have made bold to sollicit your Lordships assistance; the granting of which, will infinitely oblige me.
About 40 or 50£ will supply my wants, and for which this sum I shwou’d gladly pay your Lordship Interest, beside many thanks for the favour, as I am greatly distress’d disconcerted at this present, not being able to proceed well witht conveniently without such aid..
The Genl sets out to morrow, and proceeds directly to Wills Creek; which, together with the hurry of Business, thats has happend since we came to Town this place, has been a mean’s of depriving me of the pleasure of waiting upon your Lordship, as I intended to have done—please to make my Comp⟨ts⟩ to Colo. Martin. I am Yr Lordships most Obedt & most Humble Servt

Go: Washington
Winchester 6th of May 1755


Title: From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 6 May 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, John Augustine

[Winchester, 6 May 1755]
To Mr Jno. Auge WashingtonMount VernonDear Jack Brother

A very fatiegueing Ride; and long round about brought me to the General (the day I parted with you) at Frederick Town; —This is a small Village 15 Miles below the blew Ridge ion the Maryland—side of Potomac from thence we proceeded to this place, where we have halted since Saturday last, and shall depart for Wills Creek to morrow.

I find there is no probality of Marching the Army from Wills Creek till the latter end of this Month, or the first of next; so that you may imagine time will hang heavy you may easily guess then how heavily time will hang upon my hands.
I have meeet with a familiar much complaisance in this Family, especially from the General; who I hope to please without withou⟨t⟩ ceremonious attentions or difficulty, for I may say add it can scarce not be done with them as he uses, and requires less ceremony than you can well easily conceive.
I have orderd the Horse Gist to Bullskin, and my own here, if serviceable; otherwise you must have them both carrd down whe⟨n⟩ Countess is sent up: I have conceivd a good Opn of the horse Gist, therefor⟨e⟩ I hope you will not let him want for proper care & good usage, if he shd be s[en]t instead of the Greys; which will be the case if they are able to perform the Journey.
I hope youll will have frequent oppertys to expatiate upon to particularise the State of my Affairs, wch will ⟨erasure⟩ admr no small degree of much satisfn to a Person in my situation—At present I have nothing to add but my Compts to all friends, particularly to the good worthy Family at Belvoir who I hope to hear are in good health. I am Dr Jack Yr Affe Brother

Go: Washington
Winchester May 6th 1755


Title: To George Washington from Allan Macrae, 13 May 1755
From: Macrae, Allan
To: Washington, George

Dumfries May 13: 1755
Dr Sr

Your dissinterested friendship for the Young Man I venturd to Recomend to your notice on a former Occasion, Encourages me to apply to you once more in his behalf. As I see every day almost, produces new Councills & new Regulations, I know not what may be his Fate, as he is without an Aquaintance, or Friend, & as You will now have Opptys of making Observations on his Conduct, I fondly flatter myself you’ll do his Merit justice—& in this hope I leave him to you.
I have by this Conveyance sent him the Governrs Speech, & the Latest Accots we have this way from Brittain, tho’ I imagine they Cannot be new to you, who must have, not only the best, but Earliest intelligence. It may be agreeable to you if you have no later accts to know Miss Hanah & Mr Bryan Fairfax passd this on fryday in their Way to Westmoreland when The Belvoir Family were well, & yesterday I had a Messenger from Nomony when your Sister Lee &c. were well.

Colo. Fitzhugh was at Aquia two Days attending a survey on some of his Lands in Dispute with Peyton, as soon as it was finishd he went off full of Spirit & Zeal for the Service the Generall had Comissd him to Execute.
Our hopes are very Sanguine, which are still heightned by the Expedition, & regularity with which the Army seem to proceed. Mr Dobbs seems to have some Stout fellows at Alexanda, not a Despicable reinforcement.
As you have my Warmest Wishes, none woud more Sincerly rejoice at any Good fortune which Shoud arrive to you, as thers none who is with greater Sincerity Yr Friend than

Allan Macrae


Title: From George Washington to Sarah Fairfax Carlyle, 14 May 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Carlyle, Sarah Fairfax

[Fort Cumberland, Md., 14 May 1755]
To Mrs CarlyleAlexandriaDear Madam

As I have no higher expectation in view gratification than an intimate corrispondance with my Friends, I hope, in that, I shall not be disappointed; especially by you and Mrs Fairfax, who was were pleasd (tho’ seldom) to honour me with yours letters last time year.
We arrived here the 10th, and for ought I know may Halt till the 10th of next Month, before we receive Waggon’s &ca to transport our Baggage and Stores to the Aligany.

We have no news in the Camp to that can be ing entertain you with, at present, but I hope to be furnish’d with something agreeable against my next, when I shall not fail to communicate it: Interim, I am Dr Madam—Yr most Obedt & most Hble Servt

Go: Washington
Fort Cumberland 14th of May 1755

This Letter was not sent.


Title: From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 14 May 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, John Augustine

[Fort Cumberland, Md., 14 May 1755]
To Mr Jno. Auge WashingtonMount VernonDear Jack Brother

As wearing Boots is quite the Mode, and mine are in a declining State; I must beg the favour of you to procure me a pair that is good, and neat, and send them to Major Carlyle, who I hope will contrive them as quick as my necessity requires.
I see no prospect of moving from this place soon; as we have neither Horses nor Waggons enough, and no forage for them to subsist upon but except what is expe[c]ted from Philidelphia; therefore, I am well convinced that the trouble and difficulty we must encounter in passing the Mountain for want of proper conveniences, will equal all the other Interruptions difficulties of the Campaigne; for I conceive the March of such a Train of Artillery in these Roads to be a tremendous undertaking: As to any danger from the Enemy I look upon it as a trifling, for I believe

they French will be obligd to exert their utmost Force to repel the attacks to the Northward, where Governour Shirley and other’s with a body of 8,000 Men will annoy their Settlements and attempt their Forts.
The Genl has appointed me one of his aids de Camps, in which Character I shall serve this Campaigne, agreeably enough, as I am thereby freed from all commands but his, and give his Order’s to all, which must be implicitly obey’d. I have now a good oppertunity, and shall not neglect it, of forming an acquaintance which may be serviceable hereafter, if I can shall find it worth while pushing to my Fortune in the Military way. line.
I have wrote to my two female corrispondants by this oppertunity, one of which Letters I have inclos’d to you, & beg yr deliverance off it. I shall expect a Succinct particular acct of all that has happen’d since my departure. I am Dear Jack Yr most Affecte Brothr

Go: Washington
Fort Cumberland 14th of May 1755

The above Letter was not sent.


Title: To George Washington from Edward Braddock, 15 May 1755
From: Braddock, Edward
To: Washington, George

Camp at Fort Cumberland [Md.] May 15. 1755
Instructions to George Washington Esq.

1. You will repair to Hampton in Virginia with as much expedition as may be; and ⟨immedi⟩ately upon your Arrivel there you will apply ⟨to⟩ John Hunter Esqr. for the Sum of Four tho⟨usand⟩ pounds Sterling, for which you will receive ⟨mutilated⟩ from Mr Johnston, Deputy paymaster, paya⟨ble⟩ to yourself.
2. You will acquaint Mr Hunter from me that His Majesty’s Service under my direction, requires the further Sum of ten thousand pounds Sterling, to be sent to Fort Cumberland at this place, within the Space of two Months at farthest from this day, to be entrusted to the Care of such person as he shall choose for that purpose, who upon his a⟨rrival⟩ at the Fort with it, shall have a proper ⟨mutilated⟩ appointed him for the safe Custody of it.
3. You will also acquaint Mr Hunter that ⟨mutilated⟩ he shall Send with the said Money shall ⟨mutilated⟩ reasonable Allowance for his Trouble; and that ⟨the⟩ Expence of Insurance and all other Charges t⟨hat⟩ may necessarily attend the Sending it shall be allow’d.
⟨4.⟩ You will continue at Hampton no longer than two Day’s at the farthest, and if you cannot in that time get the whole Sum of four thousand pounds from Mr Hunter, you will return to me as speedily as may be with such part of it as you shall be able to receive.
5. You will take care to bring me a positive Answer from Mr Hunter, whether I may depend upon ten thousand Pounds being sent to Fort Cumberland by the time mention’d in these Instructions.

E. Braddock


Title: From George Washington to John Hunter, 16 May 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Hunter, John

[Winchester, 16 May 1755]
To Jno. Hunter Esqr.HamptonSir

I have Orders from the Genl, and Instructions from Mr Johnston, the Dy Paymaster Genl to receive 4,000£s Sterg at the rate of £4.0.7¼ pr Oz.; which will they say suffice for the present contingencies. I have therefore dispatchd this express, with orders to make all imaginable haste to you, who I am told will imediately repair to Wmsburg with the money, and pay it there, according to contract. I must beg your utmost diligence in this affair as I have Order’s not to wait, because

the whole Army will halt at Wills Creek till I return, at an immense expence.
I have Letter’s from the Genl and Paymaster, with Bills and proper Instruction’s; all of which I shall deliver when I have the pleasure of meeting you, which & this I expect will be (in Williamsburg) on Wednesday next, as I am now upon my way down, and shall delay no time. I am &ca on the journey.

G.W——n
Winchester 16th May 1755


Title: From George Washington to James Balfour, 16 May 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Balfour, James

[Winchester, 16 May 1755]
To Mr Belfour—Partr to Colo. HunterHamptonSir

If Colo. Hunter shd be from home, I hope you will open this my Lett. to see to him and attend to the Contents—that you may dispatch a messenger to him in that case immediately to prevent his trouble in getting the 10 or 15 Thd Pounds mentd required in a former Letter—but repair immediately to Wmsburg with the 4,000£ which is all I am to receive at prest. I am Sir your’s &ca.

Winchester 16th May 1755


Title: From George Washington to Robert Orme, 22 May 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Orme, Robert

[Claiborne’s Ferry, 22 May 1755]
To Robt Orme Esqr. Aid de CampWills CreekDear Sir

In pursuance of His Excellencys Commands, I proceeded to this place with all convenient dispatch; But, as I apprehd, and very justly Truely, that the getting and posting Horses at proper Stages, in order to expedate my return, woud occasion some delay I dispatchd an express from Winchester to Hampton advising Colo. Hunter of my business, and desiring him to meet me in Williamsburg with the money: which sd express I tThis day met I met the Express on his return from there, with a verbal message from Govr Dinwiddie informing me that Colo. Hunter set out to the Northward last Week for money, and won’tud not be returnd in less than 14 or 15 Days; & that my journey will prove abortive: in all probability would be fruitless: however this may happen be, I shall Continue down on till I have other information; but thought it first expedient (as I compleatly believe the report myself myself) to give you thise earlyiest intelligence notice of it that the Genl may determine take his measures accordingly.
As I am fatiegued and a good deal disordered by constant riding (in a droughth that has almost destroyd this part of the Country) I shall proceed more slowly back, unless I am fortunate enough, contrary to expectation, to receive the money, and in that case I shall hurry back with the utmost dispatch.

If His Excellency finds it necessary that the money must shou’d be had, he has nothing more to do than intimate the same to me; when I shall return back from any place that an express can meet me with his Orders. My Compts attds Morris, Shirley and other Friends of our Party in Camp. I am Dr Sir Yrs &ca

G. W——n
Claybourn’s Ferry 8 Oclock Thursday Mg


Title: From George Washington to Robert Orme, 23 May 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Orme, Robert

[Williamsburg, 23 May 1755]
To the SameDear Sir

Since writg from Claybourn’s Ferry by the Late express, I arrivd at this place and have met Mr Belfour; who, I believe, will be able with the assistance of the Govr and some other of his Fr[i]ends, to procure the money against by the morning; which will enable me to set out out at that time and I hope to get to by tuesday to reach Winchester by Tuesday Night next; from whence, I shall proceed to the Camp with all possible dispatch.
As Colo. Hunter is gone to the Northward I coud get no positive answer concerning the further sum of Ten thousand pounds (which he was desird to send to Wills Creek) but Mr Belfour his partner thinks it may be depended upon. I shall, before I leave Town get his answer in writing, and deliver it safe on my arrival Interim I am Sir

Williamsburg Friday Noon

Return to page 22.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Washington, 27 May 1755 [letter not found]
From: Washington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

 Letter not found: from Samuel Washington, 27 May 1755. On 14 June GW wrote to his brother Samuel: “I receivd Your’s of the 27th of May.”


Title: From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 28 May 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, John Augustine

[Winchester, 28 May 1755]
To Mr Jno. Auge WashingtonMount VernonDear Jack Brother

I came to this place last Night, and was greatly disappointed at not finding the Cavalry according to promise: I am obligd to wait till it does arrive, or till I can procure a guard from the Militia, either of which I suppose will detain me two days; as you may, with almost equal success, attempt to raize the Dead to Life again, as the force of this County; and that from Wills Creek cannot be expected in less than the aforementiond time without they are now upon their March.
The Droughth in this County, if possible, exceeds what we see below; so that, it is very reasonably conjectur’d, they wont make Corn to suffice the People supply the Inhats; and as for Tobacco, they decline all thoughts have given up the expectation of making any.
The Inhabitants of this place abound in News, but as I apprehend it is founded upon as much truth baseless a foundation as some I heard ion my way down, I think it advisable to forego the recital till a little better authority confirms the report and tThen you may expect to have a succinct acct narative of it.
I should be glad to hear that you live in perfect Harmony and good fellowship with the family at Belvoir, as it is in their power to be very serviceable upon many occasion’s to us as young beginner’s: I woud advise your visiting there often as one Step towards it

the rest, if any more is necessary, your own good sense will sufficient dictate; for to that Family I am under many obligation⟨s⟩ particularly to the old Gentleman.
Mrs Fairfax and Mrs Spearing having expressd an Inclination to hear whether I had a wish to be informed of the time, and manner of my reaching ⟨ erasure ⟩ this place (with my charge safe) you may therefore acquaint them that, I met with no other Interruption, than what procd from the difficulty of gettg Horses after I found her’s for want of Shoes hers (Mrs Fairfax’s) grew lame, I was oblig’d to get a fresh horse one every 15 or 20 Miles, which render’d the journey tiresome tedeous[.] I shoud have receivd greater relief been more refreshed from the fatiegues of my journey, and my time woud have been spent much more agreeably had I halted below rather than in this vile hole instead of being delay’d in this place; but I little imagin’d I shoud have had occasion to wait for a Guard who ought to have waited for me; if either must have waited at all.
I have given Colo. Fairfax an Order upon you for £8.17.5 which please to pay, as it is on acct of a horse wch I bought of Neale some time ago. You will receive Inclosd, Bowee’s receipt for Harry, and I shoud be glad, if you have any oppertunity, that you woud demand My the Bond which I had have given, and coud not receive at payment of the time I paid the money; this receipt you may put into my rece[i]pt dra⟨w.⟩ My Compliments attend my Friends who I wish health and happiness to, very sincerely; I am Dear Jack Your most Affectionate Brother

G. W——n

P.S. As I understand your County the County of Fairfax is to be divided, and that Mr Alexander intends to decline serving it, I shoud be glad if

you coud fish out come at Colo. Fairfax’s Intention’s, and let me know whether he purposes to offer himself as a Candadite; If he does not, I shoud be glad to stand take a pole, if I thought my chance tolerably good. Majr Carlyle mention’d it to me in Williamsburg in a bantering way and askd how I shoud like to go it, saying at the same time, he did not know but they might send me when I might kneow nothing of the matter, for one or ’tother of the Counties. I must own confess I shoud like to go for either, in that manner, but more particularly for Fairfax, as I am a resident there. I shoud be glad if you coud discover Major Carlyles real Sentimts on this head also those of Mr Dalton, Ramsay, Mason, &ca wch I hope & think you may do witht disclosing much of mine; as I know yr own good sense can furnish you with means enough without letting it proceed immediately from me contrivances. If you do should attempt any thing in this matter pray let me know by the first oppertunity how you have succeeded in it; & how those Gentlemen stand affected; if they seem inclinable to promote my Interest, and things shoud be drawing to a crisis you then may declare my Intentions & beg their assistance—If on the Contrary you find them more inclind to favour some other, I wd have the Affair entirely subside dropped. Parson The Revd Mr Green’s, and Captn McCartys Interests in this matter woud be of Consequence; & I shoud be glad if you coud sound their Pulses upon that occasion; conduct the whole, till you are satisfied of the Sentimts of those I have mention’d, with

an air of Indifference & unconcern; after that you may regulate your conduct accordingly to circumstances. Captn West the present Burgess, and our Friend Jack West, coud also be servicable if they had a mind to assist the Interest of Dear Jack Your loving Brother

G. Washington
Winchester 28th May 1755


Title: Memorandum, 30 May–11 June 1755
From: Washington, George
To:

[30 May–11 June 1755]

May 30th
Upon my return from Williamberg I found that Sir Jno. St Clair, with Majr Chapman & a Detachmt of 500 Men were gone on had marched to the Little Meadows in ordr to prepare the Roads, erect establish a small Fort Post, and to lay a Deposit of Provision’s there. The 2d of June Mr Spendelowe discoverd a communication from Fort Cumberland to the Old Road leadg to the crossing of the Yohiegany avoiding Aligany witht xing thoseat Enormous Mountains which had provd so prejudical destructive

to our Waggon Horses. This intercourse communication was opend by the along a branch of Wills Creek & finished by the 7th, When Sir Peter Halkett with the first Brigade of the Line began their its March, and Incampd within a Mile of the old Road; which is abt 5 Miles from the Fort the same Day.⟨erasure.⟩ This Encampt was first of all calld by the Name of the Grove Camp, but was but afterwards alterd to that of Spendelowe’soe’s Camp.
This Day also Captn Gates’s Independant Compy, the remaining Companies of the Provencial Troops, and the whole Park of Artille[r]y were orderd to hold themselves in readiness to March at an hour’s warng under the Comd of Lieutt Colo. Burton; which and they accordingly did so on the 9th followg; and with gt difficulty got up to Sir Peter Halketts Brigade at Grove or Spendeloes Camp the same day. The difficulty arising in of thise March, by too gt a from the number of Waggon’s, was the Occasion of ’d a Council being calld so soon as the Genl arrivd of War to be held upon the arrival of the Genl (with Colo. Dunbar’s Regemt) the same day at this Camp; In which this Council it was determind to retrench the number of Waggon’s and to increase the transportation by Pack the pack Loads, for horses; in order thereto, the Officer’s were calld together, and the Genl represented to them the necessity there was to procure all the horses it was possible for his Majesty’s Service; advisd them to send back such of their Baggage as they coud do witht—and apply the Horses (which by that mean’s woud become Spare ’d) to carry provis[i]on’s for the Army, which was accordingly done This they accordingly did with great chearfulness and zeal.


Title: From George Washington to William Fairfax, 7 June 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, William

[Fort Cumberland, Md., 7 June 1755]
To the Honble Willm Fairfax Esqr.BelvoirHonble Sir

I arrivd with my charge safe in Camp the 30th of last Month, after waiting a Day and piece in Winchester expecting the Cavalry to Escort me up; in which I was being Disappointed, and I was obligd to make use of a small Guard of the Militia of Frederick. Cty.
The General, by frequent breaches of Contracts, has lost all degree of Patience; and for want of that consideration temper, & moderation which shoud be used by a Man of Sense upon these occasion’s, will, I fear, represent us home in a light we little deserve; for instead of blameing the Individuals as he ought, he

charges all his Disappointments to a publick Supineness; and looks upon the Country, I believe, as void of both Honour and Honesty; we have frequent dispu⟨tes⟩ on this head, which are maintaind with warmth on both sides especially on his, who is incapable of Arguing witht; or giving up any point he asserts, let it be ever so incompatable with Reason or commonsense. There is a Line of Communication to be opend from Pensylvania to the French Fort De Quisne Duquisne, along wch we are to receive, after a little time, all our Convoys of Provisions &ca; and to give all manner of encouragement to a People who ought rather to be chastisd for their insensibility of their own to danger, and disobedienceregard of their Sovereigns expectation. They it seems are to be the Chosen favored people, because they have furnishd what their absolute Interest alone indueced them to do, that is 150 Waggons, and an Equivalent number of horses.
Majr Chapman with a Detachment of 500 Men & the Quarter Master General, Marchd two or three Days ago before I arrived ⟨erasure⟩ here, to prepare open the Roads and lay a deposit of Provisions in a small Fort which they are to Erect at the Little meadows.
To morrow Sir Peter Halkett with the first Brigade is to begin their March; and on Monday the General with the 2d will follows.
Our Hospital is fill’d with the Sick, and the number’s increase daily, with the bloody Flux, which has not yet provd Mortal to many. General Innis has accepted of a Commission to be Governour of Fort Cumberland Fort, where he is to reside, and will Shortly receive another to be hang man, or something of that kind & for which he is equally qualified. By a Letter recd from Governor Morris of Pennsylvania we have advice that a Party of three hundd Men passd Oswego on their way to

Fort Duquisne, and that another, and larger Detachment was expected to pass that place every moment. By the Publick accts from Pensylvania we are assur’d that 900 Men hasve certainly passd Oswego, to reinfor[c]e the French on Ohio, so that from these ⟨erasure⟩ accts, we have reason to beleive that we shall have more to do than go up the Hills to and come down again.
We are impatient to hear what the power’s at home are doing; whether Peace or war is like to be the event issue of all these Preparations. I am Honble Sir Yr most Obedt Servt

Go: W——n
Camp at Wills Creek 7th of June 1755


Title: From George Washington to Mary Ball Washington, 7 June 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Mary Ball

[Fort Cumberland, Md., 7 June 1755]
 To Mrs Washingtonnear FredericksgHonourd Madam

I was favourd with yours Letter by Mr Dick, and am sorry it is not in my power to provide you with either a Dutch man Servant, or the Butter as agreeably to you desire, for w We are quite out of that part of the Country where either are to be had, as there are being few or no Inhabitants where we now lie Encampd, & butter cannot be had here to supply the wants of the Camp. army.
I was am sorry it was not in my power to call upon you as I went to, or came returned from Williamsburg to’ther Day, which I should have done if t The business I went upon, which was for money (viz: money for the army), woud have not sufferd me to have made one an hour’s delay.
I hope you will spend the chief part of your time at Mount Vernon as you say have proposed to do where I am certain every thing will be orderd as much for your satisfaction as possible, in the Situation we are in. there.
There is a Detachment of 500 Men Marchd from this Camp towards the Aligany, to prepare the Roads &ca and it is imagin’d the main body will move now in abt 5 days time. As nothing else, that is remarkable, occur’s to me, I shall conclude, after

begging my love and Compliments to all Friends Dear Madam Yr most Affecte and Dutiful Son

Go: Washing⟨ton⟩
Camp at Wills Creek 7th June 1755


Title: From George Washington to John Carlyle, 7 June 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Carlyle, John

[Fort Cumberland, Md., 7 June 1755]
To Major CarlyleAlexandaDear Sir

I take this oppertunity, as it is the last I can expect before we leave this place, of enquiring after your health, which I hope is greatly amended since I saw you in Williamsburg. I have not time, as we are now very much hurried, to communicate very particularly the little News that is stirring in the Camp; from whence, before I arrivd, was Detachd a body of 500 Men under the Command of Major Chapman & the Quarter Master General, who are to prepare the Roads and lay a Deposit of Provision’s at the Little Meadows; where they are to Erect some kind of Defensive Works to secure our convoys. Tomorrow Sir Peter Halkett with the first Brigade is to March off, and abt the Monday following the Genl and the 2d Brigade will move from hence. We have no certain accts of the French on the Ohio; but have advises by Letter from Governor Morris of Pennsylvania that a body of three hundd past Oswego, and that a still larger body was hourly expected, so that I apprehend we shall not take possession of Fort Duquisne so quietly as was ⟨erasure⟩ imagind.
The Inclosd is to my good Friend Mrs Carlyle, who I hope will not suffer our former corrispondance to drop; my sincere wishes and Compliments attends all enquiring Friends; and I am Dr Sir Yr most Obedt Servt

G. W——n
Fort Cumberland June 7th 1755


Title: From George Washington to Sarah Fairfax Carlyle, 7 June 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Carlyle, Sarah Fairfax

[Fort Cumberland, Md., 7 June 1755]
To Mrs CarlyleAlexandriaDear Madam

As I have no higher expectation in view gratification than an intimate Corrispondance with my Friends, I hope in that I shall not be disappointed; especially by you and Mrs Fairfax, who was were pleasd (tho seldom) to honour me with your’s last time. favors last Campaign.
I arrivd here in tolerable health tho something fatiegued with the journey; and found that Sir Jno. St Clair whasd Detachd Marched with 500 Men to amend the Roads, that the main body might pass move with the greater ease; who This I suppose will be all in motion by happen on Tuesday next.
Please to make my Compliments agreeable to Mrs Spearing who has my most sincere & hearty wishes for the gratification of every thing her Heart can desire. I am Dear Madam Yr most Obedt & most Hble Servt

Go: Washington
Camp at Wills Creek 7th of June 1755


Title: From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 7 June 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, John Augustine

[Fort Cumberland, Md., 7 June 1755]
To Mr Jno. Auge WashingtonMount VernonDear Jack Brother

As much as I am hurried as I am at present, I cant think of leaving this place without writing to you; tho I have no time to be particular. I was Escorted by 8 Men of the Militia from Winchester to this place Camp; which 8 Men were 2 Days assembling; but I believe they woud not have been more than as many seconds dispersing if I had been attacked. Upon my arrival here, I found that Sir Jno. St Clair with a body of 500 Men were had Marchd to prepare the Roads, lay a deposit of Provisions at the little Meadows, and to erect some kind of defensive work there.
Tomorrow Sir Peter Halket with the first Brigade begin Begin their March, and on monday the General and the 2d will follow. We have no certain acct intelligence from the Ohio: but have advices from Philidelphia that a body of 300 French: passd Oswego in o their way to Fort Duquisne, and that a larger Detachment was hourly expected. A Captn of Sir Peter’s Regimt with several of the common Soldiers of the different Corps has died have died since our Incampmt here, and many others are now sick with a kind of Bloody Flux. I wrote to you from Winchester a Letter which I & hope you have receivd it—I and shoud be glad of an answer as soon as possible; any Letter’s to me, directed to the care of Mr Cox at Winchester, will be certain of a conveyance[.] I am Dr Jack Yr most Affe Brothr

G.W.
Camp at Wills Creek 7th of June 1755

Go to page 36.


Title: To George Washington from John Augustine Washington, 8 June 1755 [letter not found]
From: Washington, John Augustine
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Augustine Washington, 8 June 1755. On 14 June GW wrote to his brother Jack: “I receivd Your’s of the 8th Instant.”


Title: From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 14 June 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, John Augustine

[Martin’s Plantation, Md., 14 June 1755]
To Mr Jno. Auge WashingtonMount VernonDear Jack Brother

I receivd Your’s of the 8th Instant from Fredericksburg, and am sorry to find that Allan is become importunate for a Debt of

so short standing; but it is the way of the World, & therefore not to be wonderd at.
I am pleasd to find that you have a prospect of settling thate affair with Patrick Kendrick, and shoud be very glad to hear you entertaind hopes of disrecovering my young Mare, as I had conceivd high expectation’s of her. My Negro’s Cloaths I hope you will take care to get in time, and employ Cleo’s leizure hour’s in makg them. I am exceeding⟨erasure⟩ly rejoyc’d that Tobo is likely to keep up its price, and doubt not but you’ll endeavour to make the most of mine, & of every thing else I have entrusted to your care, as you know how necessary it is & what entire ⟨erasure⟩ confidence I repose in your managemt.
I receivd a Letter Yesterday from my Brothr Saml who desires a division of our deep run tract of Land this fall, which I am will be very agreeable to me and I shall abide by any settlement you shall make on my behalf. in this business.
As I have wrote to you twice since the first Inst., I shall only add that the difficulty’s arising in our March from havg a number of Waggon’s, will, I fear, prove an insurmountable obstacle unless some scheme can be fallen upon to retrench the Waggon’s, & increase the back Loads no. of Bat Horses which is what I recommended at first, & I believe is now found to be the most salutary means of transporting our Provision’s & Stores to the Ohio. I am Dr Jack yr &ca Camp at George’s Creek 14th June 1755
P:S: I have been able to procure Townshend Washington a Comn to be assistant Comy with pay at 5/: Sterg pr Day and Anthony Strother a pair of Colour’s in Colo. Dunbars Regiment.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Washington, 14 June 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Samuel

[Martin’s Plantation, Md., 14 June 1755]
To Mr Saml WashingtonStafford CtyDear Saml Brother,

I receivd Your’s Letter of the 27th of May, and assure you that nothing is more agreeable to me than to ⟨erasure⟩ havge our Deep run Tract of land divided; nor nothg is more agreeable satisfactory than for my Brothr Jno. to act on my behalf, whose conduct in the affair I shall abide by; so that you You will therefore have nothing now more to do but than consult with him abt the time, and endeavour to get it done upon as cheap terms as possible.
I am excessively hurried, therefore have not time to be particular

in informing you of the occurrances that have or may happend, or are likely to happen; we have got thus far, and shall continue onto Fort Duquisne; where, I hope the dispute will soon be decided, and then I shall be able to give you a more particular acct. Pray make my Compts to my Sister & to Colo. Champes Family. I am Dr Saml yr &ca
Camp at George’s Creek 14th June 1755

P.S. I have been able to procure Townshend Washington a Commission to be assistant Comy with pay of 5/. Sterg per Day also Anthony Strother a pair of Colours in Colo. Dunbar’s Regiment.


Title: To George Washington from Roger Morris, 23 June 1755
From: Morris, Roger
To: Washington, George

Dear Washington
[Squaw’s Fort, Pa., 23 June 1755]

I am desird by the General, to let you know that he marches, to morrow, & next day, but that he shall halt, at the Meadows two or three days, It is the Desire of every particular in the Family, & the Generals positive Commands to you, not to stirr, but by the Advice of the Person under whose Care you are, till you are better, which we all hope will be very soon—This I can personally assure you, that you may follow the Advice of Dr Murdoch Surgeon to Col: Dunbarr, to whom I know you are recommended as a proper Man, by Dr Stephen. Yours &c.

Roger Morris

Camp at this Side of the Youghangany—Monday five o’Clock in the Afternoon.


Title: To George Washington from William Fairfax, 28 June 1755
From: Fairfax, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Wmsburg 28th June 1755

I rec’d your Favor of the 7th inst. which I Show’d to our particular Friends. We rejoyce at your safe Return with the necessary Cash wanted to begin your Progress and are concernd at the G—s unreasonable Impatien⟨ce and⟩ the unmerited Censure of our Want of public Zeal to answer all his Demands. We allow He may know his Wants, and We are the Judges to know our Ability in the Supply. If We are misrepresented home, our Correspondents will acquaint Us therewith and give Us an Opportunity to acquit our Selves of any unjust Complaints—G: Fx writes to Me, that He thinks himself obligd to go as far as Will’s Creek in quest of and to get Enquiry of his Plowman and Horses, unduly taken from the Plow and carried away without a Valuation and perhaps without Remedy. Will any military Officer take Such a violent Method in Great Britain with Impunity! If so, I do not understand what I read in the Articles of War. We shall be a little impatient till We can know

You have passd the rugged, and Sometimes thought, impassable Mountains calld the Allegany and have descended into the fertile Plains of the Ohio, driving back the French to their narrow Limits in Canada—The Ho. of Burgesses are now in Debate and forming a Lottery Bill as the most probable Means of raising Money to defray the public Contingencys, Others imagine a Land-Tax would be more Effectual. Our latest advices inform that the King embarqu’d for Hanover the 29th of April—The Duke at the Head of the Regency. A French Squadron from Brest Sayld to the Wtern Parts of Ireland, Sr Edwd Hawke & Adml Boscawen gone after them. The Bearer Capt. Shaw lately from England, last from So. Carolina is recommended by the Duke as an Officer worthy of General Braddock’s Regards and goes to receive his Commands. I can doubt but your Merit prevents You from being Maltreated on Accot of your endeavoring to vindicate your Countrymen wherein They may be fairly vindicated. Please to make my kind Complts to Capt. Cholmondly, Lt Locke and Such other Officers as appear to think Me worthy of their Remembrance. Yr Mother & Family are well and Send their Several Greetings, desiring often to know of yr Welfare & Progress. I am dear Sr Your faithful & affecte Friend &c.

W: Fairfax


Title: From George Washington to Robert Orme, 30 June 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Orme, Robert

[Great Crossing of the Youghiogheny, Pa., 30 June 1755]
To Robt Orme Esqr. Aid de Camp—Wills CreekDear Orme

I came to this Camp on thursday last, with the Rear of Colo. Dunbar’s Detacht and shoud have continued on with his Front, to day, but was prevented by Rain.
My Fevers are very moderate, and I hope are near a Crisis; terminating when I shall have nothing to encounter but excessive weakness , which is excessive; and the difficulty of getting to you arising therefrom—but this miss; which I would not fail in doing ere before you reach Duquisne, for 500£; but however I have no doubt now of doing this, as I am moving on slowly and the General has given me his word and of honour, in the most solemn manner that it shall be effected.
As the Doctr think’s it imprudent for me to use much exercise for 2 or 3 days, it will prevent retard the rapidity of my movements; my coming up[;] therefore, I shoud be glad to be advisd of your Marches from Gists, and how you are likely to get on; for you may rest assurd, that Colo. Dunbar cannot get move from his present Incampment in less than two or three Days; and I believe really, it will be as much as he possibly can do to reach the Meadows at all; so that you will be greatly advancd before us. him. I am too weak to add more than my Compts to the Genl the Family, &ca & again to desire that you will oblige me in the above request, and advise devise the most effectual means for me to join you. I am Dr Orme Your most Obt Servt

Go: Washington
Great Crossing June 30th 1755


Title: To George Washington from Roger Morris, June 1755
From: Morris, Roger
To: Washington, George

[June 1755]

If Mr Washington would bring up Jervais the groom, the General would be [willing.]

Roger Morris


Title: From George Washington to James Innes, 2 July 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Innes, James

[Scalping Camp, Pa., 2 July 1755]
To Govr Innis of Fort CumberlandDear Sir

I shoud take it infinitely kind, if you wd be good enough to dispatch, by the first safe oppertunitys after they come to hand any Letters’s that you

may receive either to, or from me; for I have been greatly surprisd and disappointed at not r[e]ceiveing any Letter’s from my Friends since I came out; and must impute it to miscarriage, somewhere, for I am certain it cannot be owing altogether to their not writing.
I have been excessively ill, but am now recovering from violent Fevers & Pains, of wch my disorder consisted.
The Doctors forbid mye to writing, as very injurious to my health, therefore I cannot have the pleasure of giving you a particular acct of our situation &ca, but I shall refer you to Mr Caton, who has had an oppertunity of seeing the whole. & judging for himself. I am Yr most Obt Servt

G. Washington
Camp between the gt xing and great Meadows July 2d 1755


Title: Memorandum, 8–9 July 1755
From: Washington, George
To:

[8–9 July 1755]

N.B. The 8th of July I rejoined (in a covered Waggon) the advanced division of the Army under the immediate Comd of the General. On the 9th I attended him on horse back tho. very weak and low—on this day he was attacked and defeated by a party of French & Inds. adjudged not to exceed 300—When all hope of rallying the dismayed troops & recovering the ground, our provisions & Stores were given up I was ordered to Dunbars Camp.


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Strother, 9 July 1755
From: Strother, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Fred[e]r[icksburg] July 9th 1755

The extraordinary favour you have conferd on me and my Son, in procureing him a Commission on the establishment calls for our most gratefull Acknowledgments, which give me leave to assure you I shall ever retain a sense of. When I was at Alexandria I could not be informd for certain whether you were to go out, and indeed must own my Attention was so taken up with so unusuall a sight that I never once thought of applying to you for your interest, which neglect you have been too generous to resent.
Our friends here are all well, your sister Lewis has got another son—I wish you health and prosperity & am Sir Yr most obliged Humble servt

Anthony Strother


Title: From George Washington to James Innes, 17 July 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Innes, James

[Little Meadows, Md., 17 July 1755]
To Governour Innis—Fort Cumberland Sir

Captn Orme being confind to his Litter & not well able to write, has desir’d me to acknowledge the receipt of your’s; He begs the favour of you to have the room that the Genl lodgd in prepard for Colo. Burton, himself, and Captn Morris; who are all wounded; also, that some small place may be had convenient for Cooking; and that, if any fresh Provn and other suitable necessarys for persons in their infirm condition can be had, that you will be kind enough to engage it. He also begs, that, you will order the present wch was sent by Governour Morris to the Genl and his Family, into the care of Mr A. le Roy the Steward, who is sent on for that, and other purposes. The Horses that carry the wounded Gentn in Litters are so much fatiegued that we dread their performance, therefore it is desird, that you will be kind enough to send out 8 or 10 fresh horses for their relief, which will enable us to reach the Fort this Evening. I doubt not but you have had an acct of the poor Genls death by some of the affrighted Waggoners, who ran off without taking leave. I am Sir Yr most Obt Servt

Go: W——n
Little Meadows 15th July 1755


Title: From George Washington to Mary Ball Washington, 18 July 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Mary Ball

[Fort Cumberland, Md., 18 July 1755]
To Mrs Washingtonnear Fredg Honour’d Madm

As I doubt not but you have heard of our defeat, and perhaps have had it represented in a worse light (if possible) than it deserves; I have taken this earliest oppertunity to give you some acct of the Engagement, as it happen’d within 7 miles of the French Fort on Wednesday the 9th Inst.
We Marchd onto that place witht any considerable loss, havg only now and then a stragler pickd up by the French Scoutg Indns. When we came there, we were attackd by a body of French and Indns whose number (I am certain persuaded) did not exceed 300 Men; our’s consisted of abt 1,300 well armd Troops; chiefly of the English Regular Soldiers, who were struck with such a panick, that they behavd with more cowardice than it is possible to conceive; The Officers behav’d Gallantly in order to encourage their Men, for which they sufferd greatly; there being near 60 killd and wounded; a large proportion out of the number we had! The Virginia Troops shewd a good deal of Bravery, & were near all killd; for I believe out of 3 Companys that were there, their is scarce 30 Men left alive; Capt. Peyrouny & all his Officer’s down to a Corporal was killd; Capt. Polson shard near as hard a Fate, for only one of his was left: In short the dastardly behaviour of thos⟨e⟩ they call regular’s, exposd all other’s that were inclind to do their duty to almost certain death; and at last, in dispight of all the efforts of the Officer’s to the Contrary, they broke, and run as Sheep pursued by dogs; and it was impossible to rally them. The Genl was wounded; of wch he died 3 Days after; Sir Peter Halket was killd in the Field: where died many other brave Officer’s; I luckily escapd witht a wound, tho’ I had four Bullets through my Coat, and two Horses shot under me; Captns Orme & Morris two of the Genls Aids de Camps, were wounded early in the Engagemt which renderd

the duty harder upon me, as I was the only person then left to distribute the Genls Orders, which I was scarcely able to do, as I was not half recovered from a violent illness that had confin’d me to my Bed, and a Waggon, for above 10 Days; I am still in a weak and Feeble condn which induces me to halt here 2 or 3 Days in hopes of recovg a little Strength, to enable me to proceed homewards; from whence, I fear I shall not be able to stir till towards Sepr, so that I shall not have the pleasure of seeing you till then, unless it be in Fairfax; please to give my love [to] Mr Lewis and my Sister, & Compts to Mr Jackson and all other Fds that enquire after me. I am Hond Madm Yr most Dutiful Son

G. W——n

P.S. You may acqt Priscilla Mullican that her Son Charles is very well, havg only recd a slight wd in his Foot wch will be curd witht detrimt to him in a very small time. We had abt 300 Men killd and as many, ⟨o⟩r more, wounded; and this chiefly done by our own Men.


Title: From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 18 July 1755
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, John Augustine

[Fort Cumberland, Md., 18 July 1755]
To Mr Jno. Auge WashingtonMount VernonDear Jack Brother

As I have heard since my arrivl at this place, a circumstantial acct of my death and dying Speech, I take this early oppertunity of contradicting both the first, and of assuring you that I ⟨ illegible ⟩ of the livg by the miraculous care of I have not, as yet, composed the latter. But by the all powerful dispensatns of Providence, that I have been protected me beyond all human expectation; probability & expectation for I had 4 Bullets through my Coat, and two Horses shot under and yet me yet although death was levelling my companions on every side of me. escaped unhurt.
We have been most scandalously beaten by a trifling body of men; but fatiegue, and the want of tim⟨e⟩, will prevents me from ⟨erasure⟩giveing you any of the ⟨erasure⟩ details untill I have the happiness of seeing you at home Mount Vernon; which I now most ardently wishd for, since we are drove in thus far. A Weak, and Feeble State of Health, obliges me to halt here for 2 or 3 days, to recover a little strength, that I may thereby be enabled to proceed homewards with more ease; You may expect to see me there on Saturday or Sunday Se’night, which is as soon as I can well be down as I shall take my Bullskin Plantation’s in my way. Pray give my Compts to all my Fds. I am Dr Jack Yr most Affecte Brothr

G. W——n
Fort Cumberld 18th July 1755


Title: To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 26 July 1755
From: Dinwiddie, Robert
To: Washington, George

Dear Washington
July 26th 1755

The dismal Defeat of our Forces by such a handful of Men gives me very great Concern, as also for the Death of the Genl & so many brave Officers entirely owing to the dastardly Spirit of the private Men their Panick I suppose made them deaf to all Commands & in course was the Bane of all our Misfortunes[.] The train of Artillery being in the Enemy’s Possessn is a monstrous Misfortune; however I was glad to receive Yr Letr & that You came safe off witht any Wound after Yr gallant Behavr on which I congratulate You & thank You for the Acct You gave me of the Engagemt but I suppose You cd not tell the Numbr of the Enemy that were killed—But pray Sr wth the Numbr of Men remaing is there no Possibility of doing somethg the other Side of the Mounts. before the Winter Months—I have wrote Colo. Dunbar on this head & if the private Men have got over their Panick I think they may do a good deal as I suppose many of the Fr. will immediately go up the River Ohio as they will not expect any Attack from this so soon after the late Defeat. Pray write me Yr Opinion thereon. I have call’d the Assembly & do not doubt of their concuring with me in any Thg reasonable for the Service. I have order’d three Compas. of Rangers to the Frontiers: but surely You must Mistake. Colo. Dunbar will not march to Winter Qrs in the Middle of Sumer, & leave the Frontiers of his Majesty’s Colonies open witht proper Fortificats. & exposd to the Invasions of the Enemy, no! he is a better Officer & I have a different Opinion of him—I shall wait wth Impatience an Answer to my Letr to him by this Exps—I thank You for the List of Officers kill’d & Wounded, it gives me much Concern to observe so many brave Men in a manner Murder’d for defect of the private Men’s not doing their Duty. I sincerely wish You Health & Happiness & am with great Respect Sr Yr o. h. S.