1Editorial Introduction (Washington Papers)
In making GW colonel of the regiment that was constituted, or reconstituted, in Virginia as a consequence of Braddock’s defeat, Robert Dinwiddie issued to GW three documents: a Commission, his Instructions, and a Memorandum. The only copy of the Commission found is in Dinwiddie’s letter book, in the hand of his clerk William Withers. It is dated 14 August. There are also letter-book copies of...
2I. Commission, 14 August 1755 (Washington Papers)
By Virtue of H: Majesty’s Royal Com[missi]o[n] & Instructs. appointg me Lt Gr & Commander in Chief in & over this his Colony & Dominion of Virga with full Power & Authority to appoint all Officers both Civil & Military within the same—I reposg especial Trust in Yr Loyalty Courage & good Conduct, do by these Presents appoint You Colonel of the Virga Regimt & Commander in Chief of all the Forces...
3II. Instructions from Robert Dinwiddie, 14 August 1755 (Washington Papers)
Instructions for Colonel George Washington Commander in Chief of the Virginia Regiment. Whereas the French have unjustly invaded His Majesty’s Lands on the Ohio, and have sent flying Parties of French and Indians, to robb, and murder our back Settlers to the Westward, which the Legislature of this Dominion having seriously taken into their Consideration, and voted Money for the Protection of...
4III. Memorandum from Robert Dinwiddie, 14 August 1755 (Washington Papers)
Take a particular Acct of the Clothing at Majr Carlyles & those at Winchester & send me an acct of the Whole. The Provisions that remain at Alexa[ndri]a belonging to this Colony, is to be shipt for New York, desire Mr Carlyle to hire a small Sloop for that Purpose, & have the Pork & Beef Trimd & pickled. Consign the same to Robinson Esqr. & desire Remittans. in Flour—speak to the Treasurer for...
5To George Washington from George Mason, 21 August 1755 (Washington Papers)
I fully intended to have waited on You this Evening at Belvoir, but find myself so very unwell after my Ride from Court, that I am not able to stir abroad. I have taken the Liberty to inclose You two Bills for £300 . . . Ster: drawn by Mr Paymaster Genl Johnston on Colo. Hunter, & an Ordr on Govr Dobbs from his Son for £18.15. Ster: also a Letter for Colo. Hunter, & another for his Honr our...
6To George Washington from Robert Orme, 25 August 1755 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter gave me infinite Pleasure as every Mark of your Friendship & Remembrance ever will do for believe me I shall ever however seperated cultivat⟨e⟩ as close an Intercourse as our Distance will permit. I thought you very long before you writ and feard some Accident which your ill State of Health at parting from us seem to confirm. The Part of your Letter mentioning the Reflections upon...
7To George Washington from John Martin, 30 August 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Under Sherif of this County Carries Down three Deserters which were taken up here and as they are of our Brave Blues, I most Earnestly Intreat your Interest in Procuring a Pardon for them. Smith has a Sweetheart & 2 Children here & Barker a Wife which I Presume were the Loadstones that Attracted them. Permit me now Sir to Congratulate on Your Late Escape & the Immortal Honr you have Gain’d...
8General Instructions for Recruiting, 1–3 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
General Instructions for the Recruiting Officers of the Virginia Regiment. Septr 1755. First; That each Captain shall, by beat of Drum or otherwise, Raise Thirty men; Each Lieutenant Eighteen; and each Ensign, Twelve men. Secondly: That each Captain shall appoint proper Persons to act as non—commissioned Officers, during their Recruiting Service: But those noncommissioned Officers, so...
9Memorandum, 3 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
All the Officers then present received the foregoing Instructions, and money for Recruiting; and some of them were appointed to act ’till further Orders, as followeth: viz. To Captain Spotswoods Company, Lieutenant Lomax and Ensign Carter, were ordered to do Duty as Subalterns: and to Captain Harrison—Lieutenant John Hall; Ensign Nathaniel Thompson. To Captain Lewis: Lieutenant Peter...
10To George Washington from Joseph Ball, 5 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is a Sensible Pleasure to me to hear that you have behaved yourself with such a Martial Spirit in all your Engagements with the French Nigh Ohio. Go on as you have begun; and God prosper you. We have heard of General Bradock’s Defeat. Every Body Blames his Rash Conduct. Every body Commends the Courage of the Virginians and Carolina men: which is very Agreable to me. I desire you, as you may...
11Memorandum, 6 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
At the same time, the Instructions given to the other Subalterns were the same with these, differing only in this Respect; those who were ordered to Rendezvous at Fredericksburgh, were to apply to Mr Dick for orders, in case the Field Officer for that place was not arrived; and those who were ordered to Alexandria, were to apply to Mr Carlyle. After issuing the aforesaid Orders, I set out for...
12From George Washington to Peter Hog, 6 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
By the new Appointment and Regulations, you stand as eldest Captain in the Virginia Regiment; which I hope will be agreeable: I have therefore sent you your Commission, and orders to Relieve Captain Lewis; which I expect will be immediately complied with, his presence at Fredericksburgh being much wanted. As these kind of Orders will admit of no Delay; I must again repeat, that I expect your...
13From George Washington to Peter Hog, 6 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby Ordered, and strictly commanded, to repair immediately, upon the Receipt of this, to Jackson’s River, or the Head-Quarters of Captain Lewis’s Company; and there take upon you the Command of said Company. You are therefore to be very punctual in obeying such Orders as have or may be given, by the Governour; and such as you shall receive, from time to time, from me: And above all;...
14From George Washington to Andrew Lewis, 6 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Country have come to a Resolution, to Raise Sixteen Companies, to be Formed into a Regiment; the command of which they have honoured me with; and were kind enough to allow me the Liberty of appointing my Field Officers. In consequence of which I have commissioned you, Major, and must desire you will, so soon as Captain Hogg arrives, to take the command of your Company; repair to...
15From George Washington to Andrew Lewis, 6 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered, to repair to Fredericksburgh immediately upon the arrival of Captain Hogg; who is to take the command of your Company: And upon applying to Mr Dick, you will meet with your Commission and Instructions—You must, before you quit your Company, be careful in collecting an exact Return of the Effectives, and non-effectives; the State of their Arms of all sorts; the...
16Memorandum, 6 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
After this, I sent to Mr Dick and finding him irresolute and indetermined, whether to continue to act as Commissary or no; I took an opportunity to write as followeth, in order to receive a written answer. LB , DLC:GW .
17From George Washington to Charles Dick, 6 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
I called at your Store last night, in order to converse farther with you, concerning the Commission of Commissary; but not meeting with you there, I have taken this method of desiring to be better informed of your Sentiments; I have enclosed you a Copy of that article of my Instructions, which empowers me to appoint another , in case you do not act; that you may see by what authority I am...
18Memorandum, 6 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
Mr Dick hereupon Resolved, to act until a Meeting of the Committee in October—and Received the following Orders. LB , DLC:GW .
19From George Washington to Charles Dick, 6 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
Orders for Mr Commissary Dick You are hereby ordered, to ascertain as near as possible the Country’s Debts, that they may be transmitted to the Governour. You are to Lay in Provisions at Winchester, Fredericksburgh and Alexandria, as they arrive, and to send up a Quantity of Salt for Curing the Beef at Fort Cumberland—Also to procure Coopers to make Casks for Pickling the Beef. You are to...
20From George Washington to Andrew Lewis, 6 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
Instructions for Major Lewis. 1st So soon as you arrive in Town, you are to take upon you the Command of the Troops that are Recruited, and brought in from the different Counties by the several Officers: and after Reviewing, you are to Receive and reject such men as fall under the enclosed Instructions; which were delivered to each Recruiting Officer, to Regulate his Conduct by. 2dly You are...
21From George Washington to Robert Spotswood, 6 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
As soon as you arrive in Town with your Recruits, you are to put yourself under the Command of Major Andrew Lewis, or the Field Officer appointed for that Rendezvous: and you are to be strictly obedient to all such lawful Commands, as you shall from time to time receive from him: and particularly to observe, that the Muster Rolls of your Men are regularly called three times a day, and that...
22Memorandum, 6 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
A Copy of these Orders was also enlosed for Captain’s Lewis and Harrison, and Lieutenant Lowry, and Ensign Weedon. From hence I proceeded to Alexandria, and left the following Orders. LB , DLC:GW . Carter Henry Harrison (1732–1796), son of Benjamin Harrison (d. 1745) of Berkeley plantation, was “laid up with the Fever & Ague” for a time ( Dinwiddie to GW, 18 Oct. 1755 ). As late as 18 Nov. he...
23To George Washington from Charles Dick, 6 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
I wish I had been at Home when you was pleased to call last Night. it might have saved this Trouble of writing, However as you desire I now send You all the Information I can as to the Commission as Commissary, Which I think I had from the same Authority you seem to have Yours, and with very full powers and Instructions. Agreeable to which Mr Walker & my Self embarkd in the Affair, happily...
24From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 11 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
Instructions for Lieutenant Colonel Stephen. 1st So soon as you arrive in Alexandria, you are to take upon you the command of the Troops that are Recruited and brought in from the different Counties, by the several Officers; and after reviewing them, you are to receive and reject, such men as fall properly under the enclosed Instructions, which were delivered each Recruiting Officer, to...
25From George Washington to William Peachey, 11 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby Ordered, as soon as you arrive in Town with your Recruits, to put yourself under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Adam Stephen, or the Field Officer appointed to that Rendezvous: and you are to be strictly obedient to such Lawful Commands as you shall from time to time receive from him; and particularly to observe, that the Muster Roll of your Men is regularly called three...
26Memorandum, 11 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
A Copy of these Instructions was also left for the other Officers appointed to this Rendezvous; and the following Letters wrote. LB , DLC:GW . For the officers assigned to rendezvous at Alexandria under Lt. Col. Adam Stephen, see GW’s Memorandum of 3 Sept. 1755 .
27From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 11 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
After waiting a day or two at Fredericksburgh, writing Orders for the Recruiting Officers appointed to that Rendezvous, and dispatching an Express for Major Lewis, who I have ordered Captain Hogg to relieve; I set out for this place in order to examine the Clothing, Provisions, &c.; an exact Return of which I herewith send. I also enclose your Honour a List of such Things as Major Carlyle can...
28From George Washington to John Robinson, 11 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
After a small Halt at Fredericksburgh, to issue out Orders to the Recruiting Officers appointed to that Rendezvous, I proceeded to this place, in order to collect a Return of the Provisions, Clothing, &c. that were lodged here; an exact Copy of which I herewith send you. I find after the Soldiers have their short allowances, there will arise great inconveniences, if Stores of Clothing are not...
29To George Washington from John Robinson, 14 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
I received your favour by the Express, anduch approve of the Method you propose of supplying the men with Necessaries, and doubt not but the Committee will readily agree to it, at our next meeting, when I shall mention it to them, as to the other Matters you mention, I am satisfied that they will appear so reasonable, upon consideration, to the Committee, that they will not hesitate about...
30Memorandum, 15 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
After giving the necessary Orders, and collecting Returns of the Provision, Clothing, &c. at this place, and Stores at Rock-Creek, I continued to Winchester, where I arrived on the fourteenth, and sent for John Mercer, late Lieutenant of the Light Horse, and acquainted him and Deckiser, of their Promotion: appointed Deckiser to act as Ensign under him; gave them Money, Recruiting Instructions,...
31From George Washington to George Gordon, 15 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby Ordered, and appointed to act as Cornet of the Light Horse, until further Orders: you are therefore to repair immediately to the Troop, and take the Command thereof, until the arrival of Captain Stuart; and I do hereby Order and require strictly, them and each of them, to obey you as their Cornet. Given under my hand at Winchester, the fifteenth of September, 1755. LB , DLC:GW ....
32From George Washington to George Gordon, 15 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
Instructions for Ensign Gordon. 1st You are immediately upon your coming to the Troop, to dispatch a trusty Corporal with the enclosed Letter to the Store-Keeper at Connogogee, ordering him to receive an answer, and to proceed thence with all imaginable Dispatch to me, at Fort Cumberland. 2ly You are to collect and send to me, by the said Corporal, an exact Return of your Men; the State of...
33From George Washington to John Jones, 15 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
I have sent the Bearer (of the Light Horse) to desire an exact Return of all the Things and Country’s Stores which are in your possession; and must desire, that you will be very particular in the Quantity and Quality of all Things, and send it immediately. I am your &c. LB , DLC:GW . John Jones, the storekeeper at Conococheague, served the Virginia Regiment as a commissary in this area until,...
34From George Washington to David Bell, 15 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
If it happens that I am not in Winchester when you arrive there with your Recruits; You are hereby ordered to put yourself &c. under the Command of the oldest officer then present; observing particularly, all such Directions as you shall from time to time receive from him. But, if it should so fall out, that you are the first that arrive there, or if you should be the oldest Officer there; you...
35Orders, 15 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
Instructions for the Commanding Officer at Winchester. 1st So soon as you arrive in Town, you are hereby Ordered to take upon yourself the Command of the Recruits Raised and brought in by the several Officers appointed to that Rendezvous; and to keep it until another Officer arrive, who shall be Senior to yourself in Rank: then and in that case, you are immediately to give up the command, and...
36Memorandum, 17 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
From thence I continued to Fort Cumberland, and took upon me the Command of the Troops there; issuing the Daily Orders, and giving such Instructions and Directions, as appeared necessary. LB , DLC:GW . GW presumably received “A Daily Return of the Nine american Companys Fort Cumberland Sepr 17th 1755” shortly after his arrival at the fort and before issuing his orders of that date, in which he...
37Orders, 17 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
Ensign Forgie for the Day. Parole Success. Fort Cumberland: September 17, 1755. George Washington Esquire, is by His Honor Governour Dinwiddie, appointed Colonel of the Virginia Regiment, and Commander in Chief of all the Forces that now are, and shall be Raised &c. &c. Captain Adam Stephen is appointed Lieutenant Colonel; and Captain Andrew Lewis, Major of the same Regiment—Captain George...
38Memorandum, 17 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
Lieutt Colo.—Adam Stephen Andrew Lewis—Major Captains Lieutenants Ensigns 1st Peter Hogg 2 Jno. McNeill 12–1st Thomas Carter 2 George Mercer 3 William Starke 3d–2 [Edward] Hubbard 3 Thomas Waggener 4
39To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 17 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
I recd yrs of the 11th with Acct of the Clothg & Provis[ion]s I suppose You will find some more Clothg at Winchester for the Acct at Alexaa belong. to me comes short of my Acct—I have had 500 Shirts made here & 100 Tents—I think you may engage from Mr Carlyle the white Shirts, Shoes, Hatts & the white Yearn Hose. Mr Dick has 84 Doz. of Soldiers Stock[ings] come in wch if he will sell...
40To George Washington from John Jones, 17 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
Its impossible to Return an exact Accot of whats on hand as to perticulars, I haveg no delivery nor could not get any. Mr Thos Walker gott an estimate of the provisions Vizt. which I think comes near the purpose an exact Return Shall be deliverd Mr Dick on Wednessdays next of whats been deliverd in my time as likewise Ed above of whats on hand. I’m Sr Yr Most Obedt Hbl. Servt ALS , DLC:GW ....
41Orders, 18 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
Ensign Buckner, Officer for the Day. Parole Diligence. Fort-Cumberland: September 18th 1755. Lieutenant Bronaugh is promoted as a Captain in the Virginia Regiment. All the Men of the Virginia Troops are to be formed into two Companies, which are to be commanded by Captains Savage and Bronaugh, ’till further Orders. Captain Savage, Lieutenant Blegg, and Ensign Smith, to take care of Captains...
42After Orders, 18 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
After orders. The commanding Officers of Companies, are this Evening to Recommend such Men of their Companies, as they think fit for Sergeants, and Corporals for the new Companies. It is desired, that none of the officers will recommend any, but such as they can vouch for their Behaviour. LB , DLC:GW .
43From George Washington to Joshua Lewis, 18 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
Whereas the Service Requires a number of Men to be Raised, with all convenient Dispatch—You are hereby ordered to Repair as soon as possible to Annapolis, and other publick Places in Maryland, and there to use your utmost Endeavours in Recruiting Men for His Majesty’s Service, under my Command—taking particular care, to do nothing contrary to your Recruiting Instructions. You are to send your...
44From George Washington to Hancock Eustace, 18 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are, until further Orders, appointed to act as Lieutenant in Captain Joshua Lewis’s Company, and are to observe such Orders as you shall receive from him, unless contradicted by your Recruiting Instructions, or any Orders which you shall receive from me hereafter. You are to proceed to any Place where your Captain shall send you; and are to use your utmost Endeavours in recruiting Men for...
45Memorandum, 18 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
Ensign Buckner was ordered to act as Ensign under Captain Lewis, and Received the same Orders. LB , DLC:GW . See the orders to Hancock Eustace of this date .
46Memorandum, 18 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
Lieutenant Starke received the same Orders as Lieutenant Eustace; and ordered to continue in Captain Cockes Company, until further Orders. LB , DLC:GW . Lt. William Stark of the Virginia Regiment was probably the William Stark who was born c.1735, the son of William and Mary Bolling Stark of Prince George County. In Jan. 1755 Stark was serving as a lieutenant in the Virginia forces, and he...
47From George Washington to Thomas Cocke, 18 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
Whereas the Service Requires a number of Men to be Raised with all convenient Dispatch: You are hereby ordered to Repair as soon as possible to these publick Places, where you have the greatest prospect of meeting with Success, avoiding as much as you can, going where other Officers have been before; and there use your best Endeavours, in Recruiting Men for His Majesty’s Service, under my...
48To George Washington from John Defever, 18 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
Return of the stores Belonging to the Royal Trane of Artillery Left at Fort Cumberland: viz: Tumbril 1 Cover’d Waggons 15 Sling Cart Compleat 1 Round Shot with Wooden Bottoms 6 pts 100 Tin Cases fill’d with iron shot & 12 pts 112 Fix’d with Wooden Bottoms 6 pts 392 Grape shot with Wooden Tampeons and pins Compleat for Howitzers 8
49Orders, 19 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
Lieutenant McManners, Officer for the Day. Parole England. Fort Cumberland: September 19th 1755. All the Men of the two Companies formed Yesterday, are to distinguish their Firelocks by some particular mark, which the Subaltern Officers of the Companies are to enter in a Book, which they are to keep for that purpose—And if any man changes or loses his Firelock, or other Arms, he is to be...
50Memorandum, 19 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Officers Ordered yesterday to attend, Received their General Instructions, and the following Particular Ones. LB , DLC:GW . GW’s orders to Joshua Lewis , Hancock Eustace , and Thomas Cocke , and memoranda regarding Mordecai Buckner and William Stark , all dated 18 Sept. 1755, follow immediately after this document in the letter book, suggesting that they were not delivered until 19 Sept.