1From George Washington to William Cocks and John Ashby, 10 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
In the summer of 1755, during Braddock’s expedition and after his defeat, Governor Dinwiddie issued a number of commissions for raising companies of rangers to patrol the Virginia frontier and offer some protection to its inhabitants. The ranger companies came under the command of GW in early September when he became colonel of the newly formed Virginia Regiment. These companies were never a...
2From George Washington to William Cocks, 23 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Orders to Captain William Cocks, of a Company of Rangers. Pearsall’s—October 23d 1755. You are hereby Ordered to remove with your Company from the place where you are now Quartered, to the Plantation of Nicholas Reasmer, in order to Escort Waggons to and from Fort Cumberland, and protect the Inhabitants, by sending out frequent Scouting Parties. You are to apply to Henry Vanmeater for Beeves,...
3From George Washington to William Cocks and John Ashby, 27 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered, to remain with your Companies at George Parkers’ Plantation, where you are to erect a Stockade Fort; in building of which, you are to follow Lieutenant Bacons Instructions; he being sent to direct and plan the same. As this is intended for the protection of the Country People, there is no doubt but they will assist all in their power, especially in providing Tools...
4From George Washington to William Cocks, 28 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby Ordered to repair to your Company with all possible dispatch. I have found it impracticable to procure Clothes for your men. I think none so proper for Rangers as Matchcoats; therefore would advise you to procure them. Those who have not received Clothing for the future will have their full pay, without stoppages; and those already made, will be repaid to them. Those who have...
5George Mercer to William Cocks, 14 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Washington has ordered the Commissary at Winchester to deliver you, from the public Stores there, thirty Blankets, thirty Shirts, thirty pair of Shoes, and the same quantity of Stockings. If you are not provided with them before you receive this; you are to send immediately down for them. The Things are calculated at the lowest prices; and ordered to be sold to the men at the following...