401From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 18 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
It gave me infinite concern to find in yours by Governour Innis, that any representations should inflame the Assembly against the Virginia Regiment; or give cause to suspect the morality and good Behaviour of the Officers. How far any of the individuals may have deserved such invidious reflections, I will not take upon me to determine; but this I am certain of; and can call my conscience, and...
402From George Washington to John Robinson, 18 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
It gave me infinite concern to hear by several letters that the Assembly are incensed against the Virginia Regiment; and think they have cause to accuse the Officers of all inordinate vices; but more especially of drunkenness and profanity! How far any one individual may have subjected himself to such reflections, I will not pretend to determine: but this I am certain of; and can with the...
403Orders, 19 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Guard is immediately to be reinforced to a full third part of the men in Town fit for Duty—and the eldest Subaltern to mount. He is to see that three or four good hands are immediately set to making Cartridges, and that they do not waste the ammunition or paper—and that his Guard have their arms in good order. The other officers are to inspect the arms of the rest of the men, and see that...
404From George Washington to Thomas, Lord Fairfax, 19 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed is the Copy of a Letter that came to my Hands by Express this Instant, which I send in Hopes that your Lordship will give Orders for raising not only a part of the Militia of this County, but of the adjacent ones also, & that with the utmost Expedition otherwise it is uncertain how far the Enemy may attempt to pursue their Victory—I have consulted Colo. Innis & the Officers of my...
405From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 19 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Since writing my Letter of Yesterday’s date the inclosd came to hand by which your honr will be informd of a very unlucky affair. I immediately consulted Colo. Innis and such Officers of my own Regiment as were at this place on the necessary steps to be taken: they unanimously advisd that I shoud remain here with the 50 Recruits that are in Town for the defence of the place till the Militia...
406From George Washington to Henry Harrison, 19 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to repair to Joseph Edwards’s Fort, and there to take upon you the command of all those different parties that are at that place. You are to use your utmost endeavours to protect the people, and be very circumspect in your conduct; taking care to do nothing without first advising with your Officers, and receiving their counsel. You are to be very careful that you are not...
407Orders, 20 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
All the men off Duty, are to go out immediately to assist the towns’ people in cutting down the Bushes about Town. LB , DLC:GW .
408From George Washington to William Stark, 20 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I received yours, dispatched last night by Express, about two o’clock this morning. There is ammunition already sent up, but I send you more now. I hope ere this, Captain Harrison is safe arrived with you. Let him know it is my Orders, that he return the Horses he took up with him, per the first safe hand that is coming down: and that he transmit me constantly, what intelligence he may...
409From George Washington to Henry Harrison, 20 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I congratulate you on your safe arrival at Fort-Edward—If Ensign Hubbard applies to you for a reinforcement, you are to detach to his assistance a party of ten men: and if you have the same application from Homer’s-Fort, let them have the like number; and a small quantity of ammunition, if it can be spared. Yours LB , DLC:GW . See GW to Harrison, 19 April 1756, notes 1 and 2 . Horner’s, or...
410From George Washington to Edward Hubbard, 20 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
You will receive by the Bearer as much powder as I think will suffice: Ball, according to your own account, you have enough of. I am informed by the Bearer, that the Inhabitants at Enochs’s (where your party is garrisoned) are desirous of moving. I would therefore recommend that you may, if you can convey them, and such Stores as are in your custody, to retreat to Edwards’s. If you find this...
411Orders, 21 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Court Martial to sit immediately, to try those who were confined for being absent from their alarm-post last night. Captain Stewart, President. I do hereby promise to any persons who engage now to go out as Volunteers, without any expectation of pay; that they shall be furnished with provision and ammunition from the public Stores, sufficient for the time they shall be upon the Scout—To draw...
412From George Washington to Thomas, Lord Fairfax, 21 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
By several Expresses just arrived from the Officers and Inhabitants between this and Fort Cumberland, their situation seems most deplorable; for they have neither provision, nor a sufficient force at either place, to go out to collect any; and consequently, must run themselves into the jaws of the Enemy, or perish in their places with Hunger: and I dare believe your Lordship is sensible, that...
413From George Washington to Henry Lee and William Fairfax, 21 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I have just now received several Expresses who bring the most shocking accounts of the distressed condition, not only of the few poor families that yet remain back of this place; but of the Rangers that Garrison the small Forts: as nothing but a large and speedy reinforcement can save them from utter destruction! I must desire that you will not lose one moment in drawing together all the men...
414From George Washington to Daniel Fitzhugh, 21 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
You will please, immediately on receipt hereof, to send up upon Horses, what powder belonging to the Country may be at Fredericksburgh—Should there be none of the Countrys, get two Barrels from the Merchants; which charge to my Accompt. If that quantity can not be procured, send any lesser quantity that can be got. I beg you will lose no time herein; by which you will oblige Yours LB , DLC:GW...
415From George Washington to Edward Hubbard, 21 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby desired if possible, to retreat with what men and provision you have to Edwards’s; and to Escort what families have put themselves under your protection. But if you find this impracticable without a reinforcement, on your applying to Captain Harrison at Edwards’s, a Detachment will be sent to assist you. You are not to fail in bringing off all the Stores you can. I am &c. LB ,...
416From George Washington to Henry Harrison, 21 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
It is out of my power at this juncture to supply you with any Provision. Therefore I would have you apply to Edwards, to whom I write. Acquaint him, that whatever he expends, he shall receive a reasonable satisfaction for: and hint to him, that without his compliance the Garrison now there, must depart to this place. You are likewise ordered (on Mr Hubbard, at Enocks, signifying his want of...
417From George Washington to Joseph Edwards, 21 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Captain Harrison informs me, his Provision will fall short in a few days. It is impossible for one at this time to grant him a supply. I must desire, therefore, you would assist him. For whatever he expends, I will take care you shall receive a reasonable satisfaction. If you fail in this point, I am under an absolute necessity of Ordering his Detachment to this place. Yours &c. LB , DLC:GW ....
418Orders, 22 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
419From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 22 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
This encloses several letters, and the minutes of a Council of War, which was held upon the receipt of them. Your Honor may see to what unhappy straits the distressed Inhabitants as well as I, am reduced. I am too little acquainted, Sir, with pathetic language, to attempt a description of the peoples distresses; though I have a generous soul, sensible of wrongs, and swelling for redress—But...
420From George Washington to David Bell, 22 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Waggons will be sent down to Conogochiege to bring some provisions to this place. Let the chief part of their loads be Flour; and put some Beef and Fish into each waggon—Take care to reserve a sufficient quantity for your own and Captain Gist’s Company, for a month. Captain Gist and you must remain at Conogochieg until further Orders: you must not neglect to procure as many Canoes as possible....
421Advertisement, 22 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I do promise and engage to all good Woodsmen, &c. who will enter into the Service of their Country now, for a month or longer; if they will subject themselves to military discipline, for the time they engage and undertake to do Soldiers Duty, and obey my Orders—That they shall receive soldiers’ pay, ammunition and Provision, and be discharged at the time agreed on. Given &c. April 22, 1756. LB...
422From George Washington to Charles Carter, 22 April 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Charles Carter, 22 April 1756. On 27 April Carter wrote to GW : “I recd yr Second and third of the 22d of this instant.”
423Orders, 23 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
424From George Washington to Henry Harrison, 23 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
It has been determined here in a Council of War, that it would be most advisable for you to repair to this place; as a small party would defend Edwards’s Fort. In consequence of which you are hereby ordered to proceed (as soon as you are joined by Ensign Hubbards party) to this place: and escort such of the inhabitants as are willing to come to this place. You must acquaint the people at...
425From George Washington to Edward Hubbard, 23 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
It has been determind here in a Council of War, that it would be most advisable for you to evacuate your Fort at Enocks’s; destroy it, and join Captain Harrison at Edwards’s, with your party, stores, and the inhabitants. As we are not acquainted with their situation at Cox’s, it was thought best that you should send the Sergeant there, a conditional order to join you at Enocks’s, or keep...
426Orders, 24 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Evening Orders. Captain Stewart is to see that the Carpenters and all the Soldiers off Duty, set to work to-morrow morning by day-break, on the Breast-Work begun at the Court-House; and that they are diligent. He is to order some of the Subalterns (if necessary) to assist him, in visiting and directing the workmen. LB , DLC:GW . On 6 May 1756 “Daniel Hiver & Carpenters” were paid £6 12s. 3d....
427From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 24 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Not an hour, nay, scarcely a minute passes, that does not produce fresh alarms and melancholy accounts. So that I am distracted what to do! nor is it possible for me to give the people the necessary assistance for their defence; upon account of the small number of men we have, or is likely to be here, for sometime. The Inhabitants are removing daily; and in a short time will leave this County...
428From George Washington to John Robinson, 24 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I received yours by Mr Kirkpatrick, and am sorry to hear the Reflections upon the conduct of the Officers. I could wish that their names had been particularized; that justice might be done to the innocent, and guilty! For, it is extremely hard that the whole Corps should suffer the most un-genteel reproaches, for the inadvertance and misconduct of a few. The deplorable situation of...
429Orders, 25 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
430From George Washington to David Bell, 25 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
As the roads at present are so much infested, I do not think it safe to send the things you wrote for until another opportunity. I must desire that you will be very diligent, and guard against a Surprize from the Enemy, as they will certainly attact you, if they find it possible to surprize you. You are to detach Ensign Crawford with twenty men, to reconnoitre the Country towards Hites, on...
431Orders, 26 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Regimental Court Martial to sit immediately for Trial of George Livingston. Lieutenant Eustace, President. LB , DLC:GW . George Livingston seems not to have remained in the Virginia Regiment, for his name has not been found on any of the company size rolls or payrolls after this date. GW promoted Hancock Eustace of Northumberland County from ensign to lieutenant in September 1755. Eustace,...
432From George Washington to Henry Harrison, 26 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
If you receive this before you leave Edwards’s, I would have you proceed with a Detachment of yours, in your way to his, by Darby McIvers, who, with his Servant, &c. is killed by the Enemy—and endeavour, if the Bearer can shew you their bodies, to have them Buried. You must endeavour to bring off the Cattle, &c. of the Inhabitants about there if possible, if you do not hear that the Enemy are...
433Memorandum, 26 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Commissary at Conogochieg is ordered to deliver Mr Grub five days Flour, for forty men. LB , DLC:GW . There were several families named Grubb living in the lower, or northern, end of the Shenandoah Valley at this time.
434From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 26 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I received your several Letters yesterday, and am very glad to hear that all our Garrisons are safe. We every day expect very strong reinforcements and as soon as they arrive, shall scour all the woods between this and Fort Cumberland: and put what is possible to spare into the Garrisons: But, until I have effected the first plan, can not possibly join you; as it would be of the worst...
435Orders, 27 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
436From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 27 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I sent an Express to Fort Cumberland on Tuesday last, who is just returned with the enclosed Letters; which I send, to prevent the trouble of extracting a part. In my letter to Colonel Stephen, I did, among other things, inform him of the accusations laid to his charge; and that he must expect to have the matter enquired into: your Honor will see what he says upon the subject. Desolation and...
437From George Washington to John Robinson, 27 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
In my last I omitted to observe one thing touching the defence of our Frontiers by a chain of Forts; and it is this. If the Province of Maryland makes no provision for its Frontiers, we shall have a long unguarded space, quite open and defenceless, from Wills Creek to the mouth of Shanandoah: where the Enemy may have (and have already given proof of) free Egress and Regress in crossing...
438Orders, 28–29 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Washington Orders, that no Officer presume on any pretence whatever, to impress any Horse, &c. without first applying to him for a warrant or order. And as complaint has been made, that the Soldiers do take horses without leave; He desires the Officers to be very careful, that no such thing is done for the future: and to warn the Soldiers, that they shall be severely punished, if it...
439Orders, 30 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Court martial to sit immediately for Trial of John Colins, corporal, and Richard Dun. LB , DLC:GW . There was a John Collins at this time in Capt. David Bell’s company. Bell’s company size roll of 13 July 1756 indicates that Collins was formerly an English sailor, 26 years old, who had enlisted at Yorktown in February 1756. Collins was again ordered before a court-martial on 10 May 1756. A...
440Memorandum respecting the Militia, 1–2 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
On Thursday the 29th of May [April] 1756 divers expresses being first sent to the County Lieutenants of Fairfax Prince William and Culpeper Mr Dalton at the head of 31 Volunteer’s and 54 Militia from Fairfax came to Town. the same day I receivd an express from Captn Broadwater at the Gap of the Short Hills informing me that himself and the Captns Ramsay[,] Minor and Hamilton with abt 100 Men...
441Orders, 1 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Return to be given in immediately of the whole number of men of the Virginia Regiment now in this Town; and those that are fit for Duty. After Orders. A Captain, two Subalterns, three Sergeants, three corporals, one Drummer, and forty-five private men to mount Guard tomorrow morning, at eight o’clock. Every Officer in town to make out his Recruiting accompts; observing the former Rules and...
442Memorandum respecting the Militia, 2 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 2d The aforesd detacht of 25 arrivd which made in the whole, includg Volunteers (but of these 13 returnd) 173 Men. AD , DLC:GW . See Memorandum respecting the Militia, 1–2 May 1756 . See ibid., in which GW reported that between 29 April and 2 May 119 Fairfax County militiamen and 54 volunteers arrived in Winchester.
443Orders, 2 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A General Court Martial, to consist of four Captains, and five Subalterns, to sit immediately for trial of Lieutenant Lomax, of the Virginia Regiment —Captain Stewart, President—Mr Kirkpatrick, Judge Advocate. The President to wait on Colonel Washington for his Orders—All Evidences to attend: another Captain is ordered to the Court Martial—The youngest Subaltern to be taken off. LB , DLC:GW ....
444From George Washington to Robert Stewart, 2 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
By Virtue of the Power and Authority to me given and granted, by the Honorable Robert Dinwiddie Esquire, Governor of Virginia; I do Hereby constitute and appoint you President of a General Court-Martial, to sit between the hours of eight and three; for trial of Lieutenant John Lomax, of the Virginia Regiment; accused of neglect of Duty, in not covering the Retreat of a Detachment under command...
445After Orders, 2 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
After Orders. A Return to be given in immediately of the Detachments from Fort-Cumberland, Cocke’s and Ashby’s Forts; by the Officers; of what necessaries the men want—which will be delivered them immediately. They are also to return the number of men each of those Officers has under command; and they shall receive a months’ pay for each man. The General Court martial, whereof Captain Stewart...
446Evening Orders, 2 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Evening Orders. The General Court Martial, whereof Captain Woodward was President, is dissolved—and Colonel Washington approves of the Sentence of the Court, in regard to Fling and Clarke; who lost their arms. Sergeant Lewis is to have a further Hearing. LB , DLC:GW .
447Memorandum respecting the Militia, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 3d 100 of the aforesd Militia under the Captns Minor and Hamilton were ordd to March for the Branch the rest to join a Scoutg Party of the Regt that was orderd to search Back Ck &ca. AD , DLC:GW . See Memorandum respecting the Militia, 1–2 May 1756 . See Evening Orders, 3 May 1756 . Back Creek, a few miles to the west of Winchester, flowed in a northerly direction into the Potomac River.
448Orders, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A General Court Martial, to consist of five Captains and eight Subalterns; to sit immediately for Trial of Sergeant Nathan Lewis—Captain Stewart, President—who is to wait on Colonel Washington for his Orders. Mr Kirkpatrick, Judge-Advocate—all Evidences to attend. After Orders. Lieutenant John Hall is appointed Judge-Advocate for this Court-Martial, instead of Mr Kirkpatrick. After issuing a...
449Court-Martial, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
At a Genl Court Martial held at Winchester May 2d [3d] 1756 Capt. Robert Steuart, President. Capt. Woodward } { Capt. Spotswood Capt. Lewis Capt. Harrisson Lieut. Stark Members Capt. Bullett Lieut. Blagg Lieut. Eustace Lieut. Lomax Lieut. Williams Lieut. Lowry Lieut. King Serjeant Nathan Lewis accused for retreating with a party of Men without orders and not going to the assistance of Capt....
450Evening Orders, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Evening Orders. The General Court Martial, whereof Captain Stewart was President, is dissolved. Colonel Washington approves of the Sentence of the Court— was unanimous in opinion, that Sergeant Nathan Lewis, for his misbehaviour, in running away with his Party, should suffer Death. The three eldest Captains, eight Subalterns, ten Sergeants, one Drummer, and an hundred Rank & File, to hold...