461From George Washington to Robert Stewart, 4 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are to acquaint Captain Woodward, that it is my Orders that he Escort the provision-waggons from Conogochieg. I expect they will be there on Saturday next: and you are to see that they are loaded with all possible dispatch. Given at Winchester, May 4th 1756. LB , DLC:GW . For Henry Woodward’s movements, see GW to Nathaniel Milner, 4 May, n.1 . GW ordered Stewart on 3 May to join his troop...
462Orders, 5 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Court Martial to sit immediately for trial of John Grant, Drummer; Sergeants Richardson, Talman, and Whitecotton; and Timothy Conner, private. Three Subalterns and two Sergeants to go immediately in pursuit of Corporal Thomas, Deserter. Horses are to be hired or impress for this Duty. LB , DLC:GW . Recruited at Williamsburg in December 1754 by Robert Stewart, John Grant in July 1756 was a...
463From George Washington to Henry Woodward, 5 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I was not a little surprized to hear of the misbehaviour of your party last night at Jesse Pugh’s —He has been with me this morning, and complained that they killed his Fowls, pulled down one of his Houses for firewood; turned the Horses into his meadow and corn; destroyed them and his Fences. As I should imagine that your sense would direct you better, were it not absolutely contradicted by...
464Memorandum respecting the Militia, 6 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 6th: the Prince William Detachment consistg of ⟨8⟩ Officers and 121 private Men arriv’d here and abt an hour or two after them came Colo. Ewel. AD , DLC:GW . See Memorandum respecting the Militia, 1–2 May 1756 . Ewel was probably Bertrand Ewell (1715–1795) of Prince William County, vestryman of Dettingen Parish, justice of the peace, and county surveyor.
465Orders, 6 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
466Memorandum respecting the Militia, 7 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 7th Lieutenant Colo. Peyton came to Town —and Captn Joseph Murdock with 2 Officers and 20 Men from King George sent up by Colo. Champe, a detacht of 50 private left the County the rest deserted on their March. AD , DLC:GW . See Memorandum respecting the Militia, 1–2 May 1756 . Henry Peyton, lieutenant colonel of the Prince William County militia, insisted on marching with his men to...
467Orders, 7 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Three or four men that understand making cartridges, and are careful, to be put to that Duty immediately—An officer to see that no waste is made of the ammunition or paper, and that the men are Diligent. James Colley enlisted by Captain Gist, being unfit for Service; and Richard Best and Thomas Livings, being judged uncapable of Service by the Surgeon, are all discharged. The first Subaltern...
468From George Washington to William Stark, 7 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed immediately to Edwards’s Fort, to relieve Ensign Hubbard: and acquaint him, it is my Orders, that he proceed directly to this place. If your command there should want provisions, you are hereby empowered to purchase Beef, mutton, &c. upon the best terms; and draw upon the commissary for the money—Taking care to purchase only as you want; for it is uncertain,...
469Memorandum respecting the Militia, 8 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 8th The County Lieutt of Prince Wm Colo. Henry Lee arriv’d. this day we began to experience in a surpg degree the suparlative insolence of the prince Wm Detacht who made use of every mean’s to treat not only the Private Soldrs but the Officer’s of the Virga Regt ill and upon one of them being seasd and order’d to the guard House for abusg in the Most insolt manr & offg to ⟨ illegible ⟩ one...
470Orders, 8 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
471From George Washington to Robert Stewart, 8 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I received yours by the Bearer —As neither Captain Bell nor Captain Gist, can make out regular pay-rolls for their men; a months pay will be sufficient at this time to give them. If any officer is in want of pay, and not indebted to the country for Recruiting—Let him receive out of the Balance in your hands: but let them all know, that it will appear a little dark on their side, if they should...
472Memorandum respecting the Militia, 9 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 9th Captns Dalton Russel with the Volunteers & Militia set out on their return homewards. so tht there only remns of the Fx M. those who w: o: to the B. Abt 4 o’clock this Eveng I had an express from Colo. Slaughter infg me that he was then as far as Perkins’s with abt 200 of the Culpr Militia upon which I ordd him to remain there as the Town had more already in it than they cd lodge and...
473Orders, 9 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
As there are some Indians coming up to this place; and the ill consequence of giving them Liquor is well known to all who have ever heard of an Indian. It is Colonel Washingtons particular request and orders That none of the Officers, or any other person will pretend, upon any pretence whatever, to give them any money or spirituous liquor; as it will be impossible to make them serviceable, if...
474Memorandum respecting the Militia, 10 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 10th He came into Town & infd me that beside himself there were Officers whereof were Field Officers and private Men—and that by a late supply his number of arms were now abt 80. Colo. Bailor with 4 Field Offr⟨s⟩ 4 Captains 8 Subalterns & 8 Serts 8 Corpl and 170 Private arrivd at this place from Caroline County. AD , DLC:GW . See Memorandum respecting the Militia, 1–2 May 1756 . GW was...
475Orders, 10 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Regimental Court Martial to sit immediately, for Trial of George Forman, and John Collins. One Subaltern and twenty men, to parade as soon as the provisions are drawn, to march to Conogochieg, to escort some provision waggons up to this place. The Officer to wait on Colonel Washington for his orders—The cartridges now made in the Guard-house, to be returned immediately to the Magazine;...
476From George Washington to Robert Stewart, 10 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I have received yours this morning; and wonder you were not more explicit in the reasons you have for believing the Enemys return. You are sensible, the want of proper intelligence, retards and disappoints the necessary expedients for Defence and assistance. You must endeavour to procure Tools for the Carpenters; either from the inhabitants, or made by the Smiths there, upon the lowest terms:...
477After Orders, 10 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
After Orders. The party ordered to Conogochieg, is to be of the men enlisted by Captain Bell, Lieutenant Campbell, Ensigns Deane and Fleming; as they will be left there with their captain. And the men belonging to the other companies, now under Captain Bell, be brought up in their room—If there should be more men here belonging to those Officers, than the number ordered, they are all to go. As...
478From George Washington to Denis McCarty, 10 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed to Conogochieg with the party under your command; which being composed of Captain Bells men, you must leave with him, and Draught the same number out of Captain Gists men, if he has many there; if not, they are to be taken from the men of the other companies there; exclusive of Captain Stewarts and Bells: and with them escort to this place such waggons (loaded...
479Memorandum respecting the Militia, 11 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 11th—Colo. Spotswood from Spotsylvania with 3 Field Officers 5 Captns 10 Subalterns and 130 private Men arrivd here & encampd in Colo. Woods Meadow. Colo. Henry Fitzhugh with 2 Captains 4 Subalterns 1 Clark 4 Sergts and 102 private also came to Town. as did 9 of the King George Deserter’s. The Prince William Militia were orderd to March to Morrow under the Comd of a Captn and 4 Sub. to...
480Orders, 11 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
As there is a Report, that some Indians have been seen on the road between this and Enock’s—A party of Volunteers, about twenty-five, to parade immediately, to go and scour the woods between this and that place; and to return to-morrow. A Court Martial to sit immediately, for Trial of Sergeant Ferguson, and Thomas Lovell, Drummer. After Orders. The commanding Officers of the Militia [(]except...
481From George Washington to William Fairfax, 11 May 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Fairfax, 11 May 1756. On 13 May 1756 Fairfax wrote to GW: “I had the Pleasure to receive Yrs of the 11th inst.”
482Memorandum respecting the Militia, 12 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 12th—Was the first time I coud get a return of the Number of Carpenters that were among the Militia. In the Eveng abt 5 Oclock Lt Colo. Peyton with the Prince Wm Detacht marchd consistg of himself 1 Captn 4 Subalterns & 96 private as pr return. see his orders at large in my orderly Book. This day also the King George Militia had orders to March to Mendenhalls Fort to protect the...
483Orders, 12 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Captains’ Guard is reduced. One Subaltern, one Sergeant, one Corporal, and twenty-one men, to mount Guard today. LB , DLC:GW .
484From George Washington to William Cocks, 12 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Captain Baylis, of the Prince-William Militia, will give you this; and leave you a reinforcement of twenty men—with these, and the Detachment of your own company, which has now certainly rejoined you; you will be sufficiently able to send out several scouting parties: And it is my desire, you do your utmost to scour these parts, and protect the people. You will deliver Mr Baylie what...
485Memorandum, 12 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A copy of the above Letter was also wrote to Captain John Ashby. LB , DLC:GW . See GW to William Cocks, this date .
486From George Washington to Henry Peyton, 12 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed with the Detachment under your command, along the old waggon-road, until you come to Cockes’s Fort, on Pattersons Creek: where you are to leave a Subaltern, one Sergeant, and twenty men, to strengthen that Garrison. From thence you are to continue your march to Ashby’s Fort; which you are also to strengthen with the same number of men—and from there you are to...
487From George Washington to Henry Peyton, 12 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are desired with the Detachment under your command, to proceed (on your arrival at the mouth of Patterson’s-Creek) as Escort to Governor Innis, to Fort Cumberland. Yours LB , DLC:GW .
488From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 12 May 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Adam Stephen, 12 May 1756. On 19 May 1756 Stephen wrote to GW : “I reced yours of the twelveth.”
489Memorandum respecting the Militia, 13 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 13th An express came from Colo. Peyton informg that a Sergt & 14 Men deserted last Night from him at Paris’s Fort and desireing a Reinforcement I was oblig⟨d⟩ to Countermand the Order’s to the King George Militia & to, then send them to join him with order’s to remain in Ashbys Fort and they accordingly Marchd 29 in number under Lieutt Nugent the rest were Sick & deserted. and this N, 4...
490Orders, 13 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Washington has heard that the Soldiers are uneasy about their Pay—He takes this method to acquaint them, that they shall receive their full pay, so soon as the Pay master can come down, or they march to, Fort Cumberland. A Regimental Court Martial to sit immediately, for trial of John Robinson, Aaron Paul, and John Grant. LB , DLC:GW . According to GW’s orders on 15 May, James Clark...
491From George Washington to Thomas Newgent, 13 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby Ordered, with the Detachment under your command, to proceed to join Colonel Henry Peyton and his party of Militia, with the utmost expedition; and take your Orders from him. Acquaint him that it is my desire, he leave you and your party in one of these Forts, he is ordered to reinforce. While you remain in the Fort, you are to take your orders from the commanding Officer there;...
492Orders, 13 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Nathaniel Giles, James Joyce, and Edward Chatham, enlisted by Captain Christopher Gist—Philip Hands, enlisted by captain Peachey—on review, are found unfit for Service, and Discharged. After Orders. One Field Officer, four Captains, five Lieutenants, four Ensigns, twelve Sergeants; two hundred and three rank and file, of the Militia of Caroline, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Culpepper, are to...
493Council of War, 14–15 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
At a Council of War, Held at Winchester, the 14th day of May, 1756; for considering and determining upon the necessary measures to be taken at this juncture with the Militia ordered here by His Honor, the Governor. Colonel George Washington, President. Colonel Spotswood } { Colonel Martin Colonel Baylor Colonel Thornton Members Colonel Lee Colonel Slaughter Colonel Fitzhugh Colonel Muse...
494Memorandum respecting the Militia, 14 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 14th The Orange Militia under Colo. Talliaferro consistg of 2 Field Officer’s 2 Captns 4 Subalterns & 100 private Men came to Town as did Colo. Barret with 130 Men from Louisa In the Evening of this day I summon’d all the Field Officers to meet, that we might advise and consult on the proper expedn to be taken with the Militia see a Copy of the proceedings in my orderly Book. in...
495Orders, 14 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
As Colonel Washington has received some advices from Conogochieg; which render the march of the party of militia ordered yesterday, unnecessary—Those Orders are countermanded: and the Militia are not to march until Colonel Washington receives farther advice from the Governor. After Orders. All the Field Officers of the Militia are desired to attend at Colonel Washingtons Quarters, at half an...
496Memorandum respecting the Militia, 15 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 15th The Council being finis⟨hd⟩ the aforesd Number of Men were ordd to be draughted, & the remr to receive provision to carry them back & to be discharg’d. The said several draughts were orderd to get ready to March in the M[ornin]g to their respective Posts. AD , DLC:GW . See Memorandum respecting the Militia, 1–2 May 1756 . The Memorandum respecting the Militia, 14 May 1756 , gives the...
497Orders, 15 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Court Martial to sit immediately for Trial of Thomas Hicks. James Clarke, who has accused Aaron Paul and John Robinson of Robbing him: must produce his Evidences to this Court Martial; in order to proceed on their Trial also. Else they will be Discharged. LB , DLC:GW . There were two James Clarks in the regiment on 13 July 1756. One, in David Bell’s company, was described as a 31–year-old...
498Orders for the Militia, 15 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Orders for the Militia. The commanding Officers of the Militia left at this place, are to order all their Men to be under arms at Retreat-beating this Evening: and are to acquaint them, that if any of them desert, they will be immediately draughted as Soldiers into the Virginia Regiment. They are also to order them to lodge their arms in some secure place; and not suffer them to go about the...
499Memorandum respecting the Militia, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 16th The Cg Officers of each Militia (Culpeper excepted) reportd that severals of their Men had deserted—upon which I sent out to see if they coud be taken the Comy also reported that he had been trying & coud not procure a Waggon to transport the necessary stock of Provn & Am[munitio]n with them I was therefore obligd to postpone their March one day longer. By This time I had engagd 70...
500Orders, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Court Martial to sit immediately, for trial of Richard Madden. The commanding Officers of the Militia, are to hold themselves in readiness to march very early to-morrow morning with their men, to their respective Stations. and must apply to the commissary for arms, ammunition and Provision. The provisions must be dressed to night, that no time be lost in the morning—at which time the...
501From George Washington to Nicholas Minor, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are immediately, upon receipt of this, with the men under your command, to march to Cocke’s-Fort, on Pattersons Creek; and there join him—You are to consult with Captain Cocke, and take his directions, in sending out frequent scouting parties, to scour the country, & make discoveries. It is expected that strict obedience will be paid these Orders; as they are in consequence of a Council of...
502From George Washington to Thomas Waggener, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A party of the militia of Stafford, is ordered to Harnesses Fort; and will march to-morrow: as will a party of the culpepper Militia, to your upper fort. So soon as they arrive there, I would have you order down your men from that, to your station at Vanmeeters—as you will be posted there to assist the Inhabitants, with your Company and advice, in case of any alarms; and a second descent of...
503From George Washington to Henry Peyton, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Detachment from King-George, under Lieutenant Newgent, is to be stationed at Ashby’s Fort; and you are to proceed with the whole of your Militia, to the Mouth of Little-Capecapon—and are not to station any of them at Cocke’s or Ashby’s Forts—as reinforcements from the other militia will be sent there. I expect a strict compliance with these Orders, and diligence in executing them; and...
504From George Washington to Zachary Lewis, Jr., 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed with the Detachment under your command, to Captain Ashby’s Fort, on Pattersons Creek: and are to put yourself and party under his command. You are to be very circumspect on your march; and endeavour, as much as possible, to guard against a Surprize. Given at Winchester, May 16th 1756. LB , DLC:GW . Zachary Lewis’s commission as first lieutenant in the...
505From George Washington to John Field, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed with the Detachment under your command, to the Upper Fort, on the South Branch (built by Captain Waggener) and post your men at that place. You are to use your utmost endeavours to protect the people from the insults of the Enemy; and encourage them by all fair means, to return to their Dwellings. You are to be particularly careful in seeing that no...
506Memorandum, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A copy of the above Instructions was given to Lieutenant Hedgman, of the Stafford Militia; only he was ordered to Harness’s Fort. LB , DLC:GW . Lieutenant Hedgman could have been either of two brothers, William Hedgman (1732–1765) or George Hedgman (1734–1760), sons of Maj. Peter Hedgman (c.1700–1765), a member of the House of Burgesses for Prince William County from 1732 until 1740 and for...
507From George Washington to William Woodford, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed with the Detachment under your command to the mouth of Sleepy-Creek; and chuse at that place, or in the neighbourhood thereof, the most convenient place to post your party: In doing which, consult the most judicious and knowing of the Inhabitants. You must get your men into some of the most tenable Houses; and endeavour to erect or throw up such necessary...
508Memoranda, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A copy of the foregoing Instructions was given to Lieutenant Thomas, of the Orange Militia; only he was ordered to Mendenhalls’ Fort. A copy of these orders also given to Lieutenant Bebb, of the Louisa Militia; who was ordered to Henry Enocks’s. LB , DLC:GW . This memorandum follows immediately, in the letter book, GW’s instructions to William Woodford. Lt. Cornelius Thomas (d. 1775) of the...
509Memorandum respecting the Militia, 17 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 17th Some time last Night an express from the So. Branch arrivd with letter’s from Ashbys Coc⟨ks⟩ & Pearsall’s Forts informg that a considerable body of Indian’s were abt again & had taken a prisr. Upon this all the Militia of Louisa & Stafford save 6 of the first & 8 of the latter deserted and the Caroline Detacht being reduc’d to 40 Rank & file the Spotsylvania to 22 and the Orange being...
510Orders, 17 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A court martial to sit immediately for trial of Ezekiel Richardson. LB , DLC:GW . In the summer of 1756, Ezekiel Richardson, once an English sailor, was a 20–year-old soldier in Charles Lewis’s company of the Virginia Regiment. He was a drummer in Jacob Van Braam’s company at the surrender at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754, and by 1758 he had become the drum major of the 1st Virginia...