1From George Washington to David Bell, 14–15 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
It is my Orders that you send out Scouting Parties of the Light Horse as often as it can possibly be done, without too much fatiguing them. And you must order them to scour the Woods round for six or seven miles: as I am informed they never proceeded more than three or four miles upon any of their Scouts, heretofore. LB , DLC:GW .
2George Mercer to Robert Rutherford, 14–15 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washingtons orders, that you load a Waggon immediately with provision, and send it off to Joseph Edwards’s, for the party there. I am &c. LB , DLC:GW . On 12 April GW had ordered John Fenton Mercer to return with his detachment to Joseph Edwards’s.
3Orders, 15 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
A trusty Sergeant, and ten private men to parade immediately, and escort the Waggon with provision to Joseph Edwards’s. LB , DLC:GW . See George Mercer’s orders to Reuben Vass, this date .
4George Mercer to Reuben Vass, 15 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby Ordered with your party to escort a Waggon with provision, &c. to Joseph Edwards’s, for the men there. You are to be particularly careful, that nothing is taken or lost out of the Waggon, while under your care; as a particular account will be transmitted to Captain Mercer of the load—and you are to be as expeditious as possible in getting up. When you arrive there, you are with...
5George Mercer to John Fenton Mercer, 15 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
As Colonel Washington has great reason to believe, from some accounts he has received, that the Indians now rendezvous, and have their prisoners on the back of the Warm-spring mountain. You are hereby ordered to march with the men under your command; a Draught from Lieutenant Blagg’s Party (leaving only a Sergeant and ten men at Edwards’s) the party under Sergeant Vass, who brings up the...
6To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 15 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter by Jenkins I recd & it’s now before the House of Burgesses. I have reason to expect they will pass a Law for a Draught from the Militia to augment the Forces to 2000 tho’ they are very slow in their Proceedings. I am very sorry for the Acct You give of those Miscreant barbarous Murders; I hope You have sent a proper Reinforcemt to Conegachege, & for the present, with the assistance...
7To George Washington from William Withers, 15 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
The enclos’d Letter from Gov. Sharpe relatg to the Murder of Lieut. Gordon was omitted to be forwarded with the Governor’s, therefore by his Orders I write, to desire You wou’d inform Yourself of the Affair & direct the Evidences to attend at Frederick Court in Maryland agreeable to Gov. Sharpe’s Letter. I am Sir Your most humble Servt ALS , DLC:GW . GW learned of Ens. George Gordon’s murder...
8Orders, 14 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
9To George Washington from William Fairfax, 14 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Yr Letter to the Governor has been read in Council, but as no Shipping has arriv’d since your Departure the Genl Assembly is at some Loss what to propose, debate on and finish —Some Jealousies interrupt the good Agreement wisht for—Your Appointment of an Aid de Camp & Secretary is thought extraordinary and think the Committee will not allow Pay for —The Ho. of Burgesses adjourn to Monday next...
10To George Washington from Thomas Walker, 14 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
As The Committee have not Settled my accounts with Mr Kilpaterick I shall endeavour to settle them my self, for the following reasons to wit. As I have the Vouchers here it will be attended with trouble & Hazard to carry them up to fort Cumberland, & when that is done they must be brought here again. The Road from the blue ridge to the Fort being at this time dangerous is a further reason for...
11George Mercer’s Orders, 13 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Troops now in Town to hold themselves in readiness to march to Fort-Cumberland at the least warning. It is Colonel Washingtons particular Orders, that for the future the Sergeant of the Guard do not presume to quit his Guard upon any pretence whatsoever, until he is Relieved. Colonel Washington has been pleased to order Edward Chatten, confined for losing his cartridges, to be released....
12Orders, 11–12 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Officers are to examine the arms, ammunition, &c. of the men, immediately. They are to have all the muskets discharged by some good marksman, in order to see if they are straight, those that are not, are immediately to be carried to the Smith to put them in order. They must also examine the locks and ram-rods, and see that they are fit for Service—They must see that all the men are...
13From George Washington to David Bell, 12 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
If you find it impossible to procure a sufficient number of canoes to transport the Stores at Conogchieg to Fort Cumberland at one Trip[,] you are to endeavour to engage as many as you can, to be in readiness against Captain Gists return: and then proceed with them, and those that come with Captain Gist, to Fort Cumberland. Captain Gist is to remain at Conogochieg with his Party, until further...
14From George Washington to John Fenton Mercer, 12 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
If this overtakes you on cape-capon, or any of its waters, you are immediately to return to Joseph Edwards’s, on Great Cape-capon: and there wait with your party, until you receive further orders from me. You are, immediately upon your arrival at J. Edwards’s, to make a Return, and dispatch it by Express immediately to me at this place; of the number your party consists of; and how they are...
15Orders, 10 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Sentence of the Court-Martial, whereof Captain Peachy was President, is approved: and Richard Denny is to receive his punishment at Retreat-Beating to night. LB , DLC:GW . Richard Denny (born c.1730), a soldier in Capt. William Bronaugh’s company, enlisted in Feb. 1756 and was from Northumberland County. Denny was probably the sentinel mentioned in GW’s Orders, 9 April, who had let the...
16From George Washington to David Bell, 10 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
As the Inhabitants of the place seem much alarmed, and under continued apprehensions of being attacked—It is my Orders, that you keep out constant Scouting Parties of the Light Horse, &c. in order that you may receive timely notice of the approach of the Enemy; which you are immediately to communicate to the Inhabitants. If you think you can strengthen the place where you are, by throwing up...
17Orders, 9 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Regimental Court Martial to sit immediately to enquire whether John Hogan, and William Bond, are guilty of the crimes laid to their charge—and to try the Sentinel, who let William Field, who was confined for desertion, escape from the Guard. Captain Peachy, President. The Officers to see that the Recruits now in Town are exercised twice every day: They are to order all the men to appear...
18From George Washington to Robert Hunter Morris, 9 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I had scarce reachd Williamsburg, before an express was after me with news of the French & Indians advancing within our Settlements, and doing incredable mischief to the Inhabitants which obligd me to postpone my business there, and hurry to their assistance with all expedition: when I came to this place I found everythings in deep confusion: and the poor distressd Inhabitants under a general...
19Orders, 8 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Officers now in Town, to give in a Return immediately of the Recruits they brought to Rendezvous, since they were last sent out: and are to have them drawn up, in order to be passed by Colonel Washington. Captain Peachy to see this done, and wait upon the Colonel, to let him know when they are ready. Sergeant Hughes is to march to Conongochieg immediately, with fifteen men from this Town....
20George Mercer to Robert Rutherford, 8 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Deliver Major Hite what arms, ammunition, &c. he may want, for the party going under his command against the Indians; he passing his Receipt for the arms, and obliging himself to deliver them again into the Store here, unless the men are killed by the Enemy, and the arms lost by that means. LB , DLC:GW . Major Hite was either Abraham Hite (1729–1790) or John Hite (d. 1792), both sons of the...
21George Mercer to Robert Rutherford, 8 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Deliver Sergeant Hughes one days provision for ten men; one Tent, some cartridge paper, and three pair of Shoes for his Detachment. LB , DLC:GW .
22George Mercer to John Blagg, 8 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
As there is a stronger party of the militia now to join you than was expected, Colonel Washington Orders, that, if upon a consultation with the Inhabitants of the place and the officers of the Militia, it is thought best to pursue the Enemy, you join them with your party. You are to observe your first Orders, to send all the intelligence you can procure of the Enemy. I am &c. LB , DLC:GW . In...
23From George Washington to David Bell, 8 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
To Captain David Bell. of the Virginia Regiment. You are Hereby Ordered to proceed immediately to Conogochege; and are there to take upon you the Command of the Troops now stationed there, for defence of the Stores, &c.—You are to endeavour with all possible expedition, to procure a sufficient number of Batteaus and Canoes (assisted by those which are already gone up with Captain Gist) to...
24To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 8 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
You formerly had a Commission to appoint Courts Martial, as that was not explicit enough, but rather a Repetition of the Act of Assembly. I therefore send You enclos’d an Order to appoint such Courts when You shall see proper, & it’s agreeable to Colo. Innes’s Order from General Braddock. I hope the Affairs of the Regimt are not in so bad a Condition as represented here. The Assembly were...
25Orders, 7 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Washington orders a Return to be given in immediately of the number of Recruits in Town; their arms and Clothes. After Orders. A Subaltern and twenty men to parade immediately to march to Joseph Edwards’s. The Officer to see that the Party is provided well with ammunition. Lieutenant Blagg for this Command: who will receive his Orders from the aid de camp. LB , DLC:GW . GW rode into...
26From George Washington to John Blagg, 7 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are Hereby ordered to proceed with the party under your command, with the utmost expedition to Joseph Edwards’s on Great Capecapon; where you are to remain, and endeavour to procure what intelligence you can, and transmit to me from time to time. I would by no means have you go in pursuit of the Enemy, unless you are joined by such parties of the Militia, as you judge from the intelligence...
27From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 7 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here yesterday and think it advisable to dispatch an Express (notwithstanding I hear two or three are already sent down) to inform you of the unhappy situation of Affairs on this Quarter. The Enemy have returned in greater numbers; committed several murders not far from Winchester; and even are so daring as to attack our Forts in open day; as your Honor may see by the enclosed...
28From George Washington to John Robinson, 7 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here yesterday and though not a little fatigued, and incessantly hurried by the afflicting news from the back inhabitants, who are hourly importuning me for assistance, which is not in my power to give—I can not omit this favourable opportunity to give some account of the gloomy aspect that things bear at present. And I am sorry to say, that unless there are speedy and vigorous...
29From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 7 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I am very much surprized to hear that the Officers with the Detachments from Fort Cumberland, are returned without meeting with the Enemy: as they were committing their depredations and cruelties in all parts at that time, even as low as Sleepy-Creek. It is determined here by Lord Fairfax and others of the militia, that a number of them shall be raised to march out and scour the Country—They...
30Commission, 7 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Robert Dinwiddie Esqr His Majesty’s Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of the Colony and Dominion of Virginia. To George Washington Esqr: By Virtue of the Power and Authority to me given and granted by His Majesty I do hereby authorize and impower You to hold and appoint Courts Martial for the Tryal of Non-commissioned Officers and Soldiers as Colonel and Commander in Chief of the...
31From George Washington to William Shirley, 4 April 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Shirley, 4 April 1756. On 16 May 1756 Shirley wrote to Horatio Sharpe: “Three Days ago I was favour’d with your Letter dated the 10th of April inclosing one from Colonel Washington to me dated the 4th together with another from yourself dated the 14th of the same month” ( Lincoln, Shirley Correspondence Charles Henry Lincoln, ed. Correspondence of William Shirley:...
32To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 4 April 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Adam Stephen, 4 April 1756. In JHB, 1752–1755, 1756–1758 H. R. McIlwaine and John Pendleton Kennedy, eds. Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia . 13 vols. Richmond, 1905–15. , 366, is the following entry: “The Governor has commanded me to lay before your House, a Letter from Colonel Washington dated at Winchester the 7th Instant, inclosing a letter to him from...
33To George Washington from Peter Hog, 3 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is the Return for this Month of my Company. I arrived here this Evening with the Greatest part of the Men I Carried out, greatly fatigued & mostly reduced with famine & a flux however Mr Fleming thinks that Rest & Regular Diet will recover Most of them; & therefor has returned but one Sick of those that are present. Majr Lewis no Doubt will Inform you of the State of the Ill Concerted...
34To George Washington from John Robinson, 31 March–2 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I am under some difficulty in giveing my Advice in your present situation, as I think your presence may be necessary in both Places, tho. from the complaints I have heard from some Gent., who perhaps know nothing of the Matter, of the Behaviour of some of the Officers at the Fort, and the Opinion they have that things would be conducted much better if you was present, and the Apprehensions...
35To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 30 March 1756 (Washington Papers)
The inclos’d is a Rough, but Exact Copy of Mr Boyd’s Accounts. The First Contains the Disbursements from The 1st of Septr to The 1st of January. The Other The disbursemts for January & February and Arrears. The Balance in Mr Boyd’s hands is £311.5.3½ which I shall desire him to Apply to the Paymt of the Officers for Janr. & Febry—not forgetting to Settle their Recruiting Accts which Balances...
36Enclosure: Horatio Sharpe to Robert Dinwiddie, 30 March 1756 (Washington Papers)
I send this to acquaint You with an unhappy Affair that I am told has lately happened at the Mouth of Conegochiege within this Province; I have my information only from Report, but by what I can learn there was a Party of Colonel Washington’s Regiment posted somewhere in Virga opposite the place abovementioned; Lieutenant Gordon who commanded it on some Account or other came over into Maryland...
37To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 29 March 1756 (Washington Papers)
There is no remarkable Occurrence on this Quarter since my last, only the Murder of Ensign Gordon for the particulars of which, I refer you to Capt. Stewart. I regret him much, as he was a diligent Officer, Staunch, and firmly attach’d to the Virginia Interest, and had a particular Regard for You. I have learn’d that you have been a long Journey, purely to pay your Compliments, and hear Some...
38To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 29 March 1756 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd you have the montly Return—George Hedgeman resigned last month. Captain Gist is the only Officer who, as [I] hear, has had good Success in recruiting—I have sent him, at his Earnest Request, £100 to pay off Some Expences on the Recruits left in Maryland. The Sickness continues among the men, and I have a thought of fiting up the New Store for an hospital, but wants your Orders how to...
39From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 25 March 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Adam Stephen, 25 Mar. 1756. On 19 May 1756 Stephen wrote to GW : “I am sorry that I did not receive yours from Quantico dated March 25th.”
40Enclosure: Jean-Daniel Dumas to Alexandre d’Agneau Douville, 23 March 1756 (Washington Papers)
Dumas Capitaine d’infanterie Commandt—De la Belle Riviere Et ses dependances. Il Est Ordonnie au sieur douville Enseigne En second de partie à la tête d’un detachment de Cinquante sauvages pour aller observer les mouvemens des Ennemis sur les derrieres du fort Cumberlan. Il Satachera à harceler leurs Convois et tentera de Bruler leurs magazins de Canagiechuic si Cette Expédition Est...
41To George Washington from William Shirley, 5 March 1756 (Washington Papers)
Governor Dinwiddie at the Instance of Colonel Washington having referred to me concerning the right of Command, between him and Capt. Dagworthy, and desiring that I would determine it, I do therefore give it as my Opinion that Capt. Dagworthy who now acts under a Commission from the Governor of the Province of Maryland, and where there are no regular Troops join’d, can only take Rank as...
42To George Washington from Joseph Chew, 4 March 1756 (Washington Papers)
I find by the Papers that you Arrived in Boston the Fryday after we Parted, and I hope had an agreable journey Considering the Severity of the weather. The many agreable objects you there met with I conclude prevented my having a Line from you by the Post, this you can Very Easily Settle by Spending one day at New London when you Return. I Engaged a Good Boatman to Call on me this day when I...
43To George Washington from Robert Orme, 2 March 1756 (Washington Papers)
I writ to you the very day I sailed from America to convince you I left the Continent with all those Sentiments of Friendship towards you I ever professed I hope now to convince that I retain the same and shall ever have the greatest Happyness in the Continuance of it. Letters from America had made the Generals Character as odious in this Country as there but since my Arrival and my having...
44To George Washington from Landon Carter, 26 February 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer Mr John Lawson having heard of nothing to discourage his Military inclination now comes to put himself in the Situation of a Cadet he is of a Family in Lancaster descended from the Steptoes by the mother side and I have told him that there are many waiting before him but as I learn there are three vacancys in the Company of Ensigns the number standing before him will be fewer[.] I...
45Memorandum, 2–3 February 1756 (Washington Papers)
John Sellers, Enlisted by Ensign Deane, was this day discharged; as not being legally Enlisted. LB , DLC:GW .
46From George Washington to John Kirkpatrick, 3 February 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are to remain at this place until my return; unless you receive orders to the contrary from me. The Pay-Master and Commissary will apply to you for some money; and you are according to their demands on you, to pay them out of the money in your hands; reserving about eight hundred pounds—You are also to pay off the Officers and men now in town, before they march. Given at Alexandria, this...
47To George Washington from Peter Hog, 3 February 1756 (Washington Papers)
Incolsed are the pay Rolls for the Months of Decr & January you will See I have abt £4 in my hand over the pay Bill But Advanced Serjt McCully a dbloon when he went after the Deserters, the Men grumble to have half their pay Stopt for his Charges, and he thinks hard that he has not his Charges[,] horse hire & the pistole Reward which Last the Men think can only be Stopt In Justice from their...
48From George Washington to John Blagg, 2 February 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are Hereby ordered to proceed with the utmost dispatch to Winchester; there to take upon you the Command of the Troop of Light Horse, and such other Soldiers as you shall find Quartered there. You are to govern yourself strictly by the orders which you will receive there inclosed by Captain Stewart; he being directed to leave you the same orders which he received, when posted to that...
49From George Washington to John Dean, 2 February 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are to take under your command all the men now quartered in this town; and proceed with the utmost dispatch to Watkins’s Ferry; there to relieve Lieutenant Lomax and his party, who are to march directly to Fort-Cumberland, to join their respective Companies there. Lieutenant Lomax will give you a copy of his Instructions; by which you are to govern yourself. If Captain Stewart is still at...
50From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 2 February 1756 (Washington Papers)
I can but return my very hearty thanks for your kind condescension in suffering me to wait upon General Shirley; as I am very assured it was done with intention to favour my Suit. There is as yet an unanswerable argument against our taking the Field, which I forgot to mention in my last; that is, the want of a Train of Artillery; and, what is full as necessary, Engineers to conduct the Affair,...