To George Washington from Thomas Walker, 30 June 1756
From Thomas Walker
Winchester June the 30 1756
Sr
As I am very unwell and our numbers decreasing here I propose going home tomorrow, & Shall go to Fredericksburg as soon as I am able to Settle my affairs there.1 I have given Mr Rutherford 216.17.8 in gold and paper which sum is as much or more than I had in my hands of the Publick money[.] when that is gone any sum may think proper to supply him with for the publick Service I will be answerable for. I have ordered him to engage a young Man to assist him. Seven of the Militia Deserted last night & I am doubtfull many more will follow them as some Gentemen below have been so imprudent as to offer for a Small Consideration to defend them aganst any dammage for Deserting. I am your most Humble Servt
Thomas Walker
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. Dr. Thomas Walker had extensive landholdings and business interests throughout Virginia, but by this time he seems to have been settled at Castle Hill in the Southwest Mountains of Albemarle County. This was part of a vast estate which had come under Walker’s control by his marriage in 1741 to Mildred Thornton Meriwether, widow of Nicholas Meriwether. Part of the house now standing was built by Walker in 1765, but there was undoubtedly an earlier house somewhere on the tract.