From George Washington to Andrew Montour, 19 September 1755
To Andrew Montour
[Fort Cumberland, Md., 19 September 1755]
To Captain Montour.
Sir,
The number of the Virginia Forces is considerably augmented, and I have again taken them under my Command.
I am therefore very desirous of seeing you here; and the more so, because I have it in my power to do something for you in a Settled way, which I hope will be agreeable to you. You have, much contrary to my inclinations, been tossed about from place to place, and disappointed in your just Expectations: which Inconveniences I will Remedy, as much as lies in my power.
I desire you will bring some Indians along with you; which will put it more in my power to Serve you—They shall be better used than they have been, and have all the kindness from us they can desire.
If you think it proper to bring Mrs Montour along with you,1 she shall Receive the best Usage, and be provided for. I am &c.
G:W.
LB, DLC:GW.
1. Andrew Montour was married several times. His first wife, a granddaughter of the Delaware sachem Allumapees, had died earlier, and he seems to have been married twice more, first to an Indian woman called by the English name Sarah and later to an Indian called Catherine. It is uncertain whether the wife mentioned here is Sarah or Catherine. Montour’s wife sometimes traveled with him. Conrad Weiser noted the presence of Montour’s wife at the making of the Treaty of Aughwick in 1754, and in Nov. 1755 Montour’s wife and children were left for a time with the English.