101From George Washington to John Robinson, 23 October 1754 (Washington Papers)
Nothing could have given me, and the Officers under my command, greater satisfaction, than to have received the thanks of the House of Burgesses, in so particular and honourable a manner, for our Behaviour in the late unsuccessful Engagement with the French at the Great-Meadows; and we unanimously hope, that our future Conduct in the Service of our Country, may entitle us to a continuance of...
102From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 15 November 1754 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured with your letter, from Rousby-Hall, of the 4th Instant. It demands my best acknowledgments, for the particular marks of Esteem you have expressed therein; and for the kind assurances of his Excellency, Governour Sharp’s good wishes towards me. I also thank you, and sincerely, Sir, for your friendly intention of making my situation easy, if I return to the Service; and do not...
103I., 10 December 1754 (Washington Papers)
Memorandum The Division of the Slaves of the late Lawrence Washington Esqr. as made pursuant to the last Will and Testament of the Said Lawrence is hereunto annexd: and that Moiety of the said Slaves, the use of which by the Will aforesaid was devis’d to the Widow of the said Law[renc]e during her Life, George Lee Esqr. of Westmoreland County who Intermarried with the said Widow doth hereby...
104II., 10 December 1754 (Washington Papers)
A Division of the Negros made, and agreed to between Colo. George Lee and the Brothers of the deceasd Majr Lawrence Washington the 10th day of December Anno Domini 1754– Colo. Lee &ca part The Estates part Old Moll £25 Phebe £35 Lawrence 60 Peter 60 Ben 40 Pharrow 40 Will 40 Abram 40 Frank
105Lease of Mount Vernon, 17 December 1754 (Washington Papers)
This Indenture made this seventeenth day of December in the year of our Lord God One thousand Seven Hundred & fifty four Between George Lee of the County of westmorland and Colony of Virginia Gentleman and Ann his wife of the one part and George Washington of the County of King George and Colony aforesaid Gentleman of the other part Witnesseth that the said George Lee and Ann his wife for and...
106From George Washington to Robert Orme, 15 March 1755 (Washington Papers)
I was not favourd with your agreeable polite Letter (of the Ins⟨t⟩ un 2d) till Yesterday; acquainting me with the notice his Excellency Genl is pleased Braddoc⟨k⟩ to honour me with, by kindly desireing my Company in inviting me to become one of his Family. the ensuing campayn It s is
107From George Washington to Robert Orme, 2 April 1755 (Washington Papers)
The arrival of a good deal of Company (among whom is my Mother, alarmd with at the report of my intententions to attend ing your Fortunes)—prevents me the pleasure of waiting upon you to day as I had intended; I therefore, I beg that you’ll be kind enough to make my compliments & excuse, to the Generl; who I hope to hear is greatly recoverd from his indisposition; and recruited sufficiently to...
108From George Washington to William Byrd, 20 April 1755 (Washington Papers)
I was am sorry it was not in my power to wait upon you at Westover last Christmas—I had enjoy’d much real satisfaction even in the thought of doing it when an unexpected accident put it intirely out of my power to comply either with my promise, or Inclination; both of which equally urg’d prompted me to make th e
109From George Washington to Carter Burwell, 20 April 1755 (Washington Papers)
From the goodness kindness of your offer last Assembly, I flatter myself you will be kind enough so obliging as to acquaint the Gentlemen of the Committee (at th is eir next meeting) with the loss I sustaind during my Appointment as Paymaster to the Virginia Forces (either by Robery, or neglect of charging) and so far favour my Pretensions as to sollicit them in my behalf, which I am convinced...
110From George Washington to John Robinson, 20 April 1755 (Washington Papers)
I little expected when I wrote you last that I shoud so soon engage in another Campaigne; but in this I hope doing it I may be allowd to claim some small share of some merit; if it is consider’d that the sole motive wch envites me to the Field, is, the laudable desire of servg my Country; and & not for the gratification of any ambitious or
111From George Washington to William Fairfax, 23 April 1755 (Washington Papers)
I cannot think of quitting Fairfax without embracing this last oppertunity of bidding you farewell. I shall this day set out for Wills Creek, where I expect to meet the Genl, and to stay—I fear too long, as our March must be regulated by the slow movements of the Train, which I am sorry to say, I think, will be tedious in advancing —very tedeous indeed—a nswerable to the expectation s I have...
112From George Washington to Sarah Cary Fairfax, 30 April 1755 (Washington Papers)
In order to engage your corrispondance, I think it expedient, just is incumbent on me to deserve it; which I shall endeavour to do, by embracing the earliest, and every oppertunity, of writing to you. It will be needless to expatiate dwell on the pleasures that a communication corrispondence of this kind will would afford me, as it shall
113From George Washington to William Fairfax, 5 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I overtook the General at Frederick Town in Maryld and from thence we proceeded to this place, where we shall remain till the arrival of the 2d Division of the Train, (which we hear left Alexandria on Tuesday last); after that, we shall continue our March to Wills Creek, from whence it is imagined we shall not stir till the latter end of this Month for want of Waggons, and other conveniences...
114From George Washington to Thomas, Lord Fairfax, 6 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I have had the misfortune to loose 3 of my Horses since I left home; and not bringing money enough to buy other’s, and to answer all contingent the contingent expences that may arise in the course of the Campaigne, I have made bold to sollicit your Lordships assistance; the granting of which, will infinitely oblige me. About 40 or 50£ will supply my wants, and for which this sum I sh w ou’d...
115From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 6 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
A very fatiegueing Ride; and long round about brought me to the General (the day I parted with you) at Frederick Town; —This is a small Village 15 Miles below the blew Ridge i o n the Maryland — side of Potomac from thence we proceeded to this place, where we have halted since Saturday last, and shall depart for Wills Creek to morrow. I find there is no probality of Marching the Army from...
116From George Washington to Mary Ball Washington, 6 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I came to this place last Saturday, and shall set out to morrow with the General for Wills Creek; where I fear we shall wait some time for a sufficient number of Waggons to transport us our Provns Baggage &ca over the Mountains. I am very happy in the Generals Family, as I am being treated with a complaisant Freedom which is quite agreeable; so that I to me & have no reason to doubt the...
117From George Washington to Augustine Washington, 14 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I left home the 24th of last Month, and overtook the General at Frederick Town in Maryland: from whence we proceeded by slow Marches to this place; where, I fear, we shall remain some-time for want of Horses and Carriages to convey our Baggage &ca over the Mountains; but more especially for want of Forage; as it cannot be imagin’d that so many Horses as we require, will be subsisted without a...
118From George Washington to John Carlyle, 14 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I Overtook the General at Frederick Town in Maryld and proceeded with him by way of Winchester to this place; which gave him a good oppertunity to see the absurdity of the Rout, and of Damning it very heartily. Colo. Dunbars Regiment was also oblig’d to re cross over at Connogogee and come down within 6 Miles of Winchester to take the new Road up, which gave me infinite satisfaction to Wills...
119From George Washington to Sarah Fairfax Carlyle, 14 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
As I have no higher expectation in view gratification than an intimate corrispondance with my Friends, I hope, in that, I shall not be disappointed; especially by you and Mrs Fairfax, who was were pleasd (tho’ seldom) to honour me with yours letters last time year . We arrived here the 10th, and for ought I know may Halt till the 10th of next Month, before we receive Waggon’s &ca to transport...
120From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 14 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
As wearing Boots is quite the Mode, and mine are in a declining State; I must beg the favour of you to procure me a pair that is good, and neat, and send them to Major Carlyle, who I hope will contrive them as quick as my necessity requires. I see no prospect of moving from this place soon ; as we have neither Horses nor Waggons enough, and no forage for them to subsist upon but except what is...
121From George Washington to Sarah Cary Fairfax, 14 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I have, at last, with great pains and difficulty, discover’d the Reason why Mrs Wardrope is a greater favourite of with Genl Braddock’ s than Mrs Fairfax; and met with more respect at the late review, in Alexandria. The cause I shall communicate, after rallying you for neglecting the means that introduced her to his favour which, to say truth was, in part means which produced the effect—and...
122Memorandum, 15–30 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
The 15th of May I was sent to Colo. Hunter for a Suppely of Money of 4,000£ Sterling, and arrivd as far as Winchester on my way thither the day following, from whence I dispatch’d an express to him ⟨ erasure ⟩ (fearing he might be out), to provide that sum, and to meet me with it at Williamsburg with it, and p P roceeded myself thro Fairfax, where I was detaind a Day in getting Horses. At...
123From George Washington to John Hunter, 16 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I have Orders from the Genl, and Instructions from Mr Johnston, the Dy Paymaster Genl to receive 4,000£s Sterg at the rate of £4.0.7¼ pr Oz.; which will they say suffice for the present contingencies. I have therefore dispatchd this express, with orders to make all imaginable haste to you, who I am told will imediately repair to Wmsburg with the money, and pay it there , according to contract....
124From George Washington to James Balfour, 16 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
If Colo. Hunter shd be from home, I hope you will open this my Lett. to see to him and attend to the Contents — that you may dispatch a messenger to him in that case immediately to prevent his trouble in getting the 10 or 15 Thd Pounds mentd
125From George Washington to Robert Orme, 22 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
In pursuance of His Excellencys Commands, I proceeded to this place with all convenient dispatch; But, as I apprehd, and very justly Truely , that the getting and posting Horses at proper Stages, in order to expedate my return, woud occasion some delay I dispatchd an express from Winchester to Hampton advising Colo. Hunter of my business, and desiring him to meet me in Williamsburg with the...
126From George Washington to Robert Orme, 23 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
Since writg from Claybourn’s Ferry by the Late express, I arrivd at this place and have met Mr Belfour; who, I believe, will be able with the assistance of the Govr and some other of his Fr[i]ends, to procure the money against by the morning; which will enable me to set out out at that time and I hope to get to by tuesday to reach Winchester by Tuesday Night next;
127From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 28 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I came to this place last Night, and was greatly disappointed at not finding the Cavalry according to promise: I am obligd to wait till it does arrive, or till I can procure a guard from the Militia, either of which I suppose will detain me two days; as you may, with almost equal success, attempt to raize the Dead to Life again , as the force of this County; and that from Wills Creek cannot be...
128Memorandum, 30 May–11 June 1755 (Washington Papers)
May 30th Upon my return from Williamberg I found that Sir Jno. St Clair, with Majr Chapman & a Detachmt of 500 Men were gone on had marched to the Little Meadows in ordr to prepare the Roads, erect establish a small Fort Post , and to lay a Deposit of Provision’s there. The 2d of June Mr Spendelowe discoverd a communication from Fort Cumberland to the Old Road leadg to the
129From George Washington to William Fairfax, 7 June 1755 (Washington Papers)
I arrivd with my charge safe in Camp the 30th of last Month, after waiting a Day and piece in Winchester expecting the Cavalry to Escort me up; in which I was being Disappointed, and I was obligd to make use of a small Guard of the Militia of Frederick. Cty. The General, by frequent breaches of Contracts, has lost all degree of Patience; and for want of that consideration temper , & moderation...
130From George Washington to George William Fairfax, 7 June 1755 (Washington Papers)
I had not the pleasure of receiving your favour till after my return from Williamsburg, when it was not in my power to be so serviceable in the affair of your Horses as I coud have wish ’d ; for they were sent out with a Detachment of 500 Men a few days before. I made immediate enquiry, and application for them; and believe I shall be able, notwithstanding our gt want of Horses, to procure...
131From George Washington to Mary Ball Washington, 7 June 1755 (Washington Papers)
I was favourd with your s Letter by Mr Dick, and am sorry it is not in my power to provide you with either a Dutch man Servant , or the Butter as agreeably to you desire, for w W
132From George Washington to John Carlyle, 7 June 1755 (Washington Papers)
I take this oppertunity, as it is the last I can expect before we leave this place, of enquiring after your health, which I hope is greatly amended since I saw you in Williamsburg. I have not time, as we are now very much hurried, to communicate very particularly the little News that is stirring in the Camp; from whence, before I arrivd, was Detachd a body of 500 Men under the Command of Major...
133From George Washington to Sarah Fairfax Carlyle, 7 June 1755 (Washington Papers)
As I have no higher expectation in view gratification than an intimate Corrispondance with my Friends, I hope in that I shall not be disappointed; especially by you and Mrs Fairfax, who was were pleasd (tho seldom) to honour me with your’s last time. favors last Campaign. I arrivd here in tolerable health tho something fatiegued with the journey; and found that Sir Jno. St Clair w h a s d
134From George Washington to Sarah Cary Fairfax, 7 June 1755 (Washington Papers)
When I had the pleasure to see you last, you expressd an Inclination a wish to be informd of my safe arrival at Camp, with the charge that was entrusted to my care; but at the same time desird requested that it might be communicated in a Letter to some body friend of your s acquaintance : This I took as a Gentle rebuke and polite manner of forbidding my corrisponding with you; and conceive...
135From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 7 June 1755 (Washington Papers)
As much as I am hurried as I am at present, I cant think of leaving this place without writing to you; tho I have no time to be particular. I was Escorted by 8 Men of the Militia from Winchester to this place Camp ; which 8 Men were 2 Days assembling; but I believe they woud not have been more than as many seconds dispersing if I had been attacked. Upon my arrival here, I found that Sir Jno....
136From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 14 June 1755 (Washington Papers)
I receivd Your’s of the 8th Instant from Fredericksburg, and am sorry to find that Allan is become importunate for a Debt of so short standing; but it is the way of the World, & therefore not to be wonderd at. I am pleasd to find that you have a prospect of settling th at e affair with Patrick Kendrick, and shoud be very glad to hear you entertaind hopes of dis re covering my young Mare, as I...
137From George Washington to Samuel Washington, 14 June 1755 (Washington Papers)
I receivd Your ’s Letter of the 27th of May, and assure you that nothing is more agreeable to me than to ⟨ erasure ⟩ hav g e our Deep run Tract of land divided; nor nothg is more agreeable satisfactory than for my Brothr Jno. to act on my behalf, whose conduct in the affair I shall abide by;
138From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 28 June–2 July 1755 (Washington Papers)
Immediately upon our leavg the C. at Geors. Ck the 14th Inst. (from whe I wrote to yo.) I was siezd wt violt Fevers & Pns in my hd wch con[tinue]d wtout the lt Intermisn till the 23 follg when I was reliev’d by the Genls absolty ordering the Phyns to give me Doctr Jas Powder; wch is s (one of the most excelt mede in the W.) for it gave me immee ease, and removed my Fevrs & othr Compts in 4...
139From George Washington to Robert Orme, 30 June 1755 (Washington Papers)
I came to this Camp on thursday last, with the Rear of Colo. Dunbar’s Detacht and shoud have continued on with his Front, to day, but was prevented by Rain. My Fevers are very moderate, and I hope are near a Crisis; terminating when I shall have nothing to encounter but excessive weakness , which is excessive; and the difficulty of getting to you arising therefrom—but this miss ; which I would...
140From George Washington to James Innes, 2 July 1755 (Washington Papers)
I shoud take it infinitely kind, if you wd be good enough to dispatch, by the first safe oppertunitys after they come to hand any Letters’s that you may receive either to, or from me; for I have been greatly surprisd and disappointed at not r[e]ceiveing any Letter’s from my Friends since I came out; and must impute it to miscarriage, somewhere, for I am certain it cannot be owing altogether to...
141Memorandum, 8–9 July 1755 (Washington Papers)
N.B. The 8th of July I rejoined (in a covered Waggon) the advanced division of the Army under the immediate Comd of the General. On the 9th I attended him on horse back tho. very weak and low —on this day he was attacked and defeated by a party of French & Inds. adjudged not to exceed 300 —When all hope of rallying the dismayed troops & recovering the ground, our provisions & Stores were given...
142From George Washington to James Innes, 17 July 1755 (Washington Papers)
Captn Orme being confind to his Litter & not well able to write, has desir’d me to acknowledge the receipt of your’s; He begs the favour of you to have the room that the Genl lodgd in prepard for Colo. Burton, himself, and Captn Morris; who are all wounded; also, that some small place may be had convenient for Cooking; and that, if any fresh Provn and other suitable necessarys for persons in...
143From George Washington to Mary Ball Washington, 18 July 1755 (Washington Papers)
As I doubt not but you have heard of our defeat, and perhaps have had it represented in a worse light (if possible) than it deserves; I have taken this earliest oppertunity to give you some acct of the Engagement, as it happen’d within 7 miles of the French Fort on Wednesday the 9th Inst. We Marchd onto that place witht any considerable loss, havg only now and then a stragler pickd up by the...
144From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 18 July 1755 (Washington Papers)
As I am favourd with an oppertunity, I shoud think myself inexcusable, was I to omit givg you some acct of our late Engagemt with the French on the Monongahela the 9th Inst. We continued our March from Fort Cumberland to Frazer’s (which is within 7 Miles of Duquisne) witht meetg with any extraordinary event, havg only a stragler or two picked Up by the French Indians. When we came to this...
145From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 18 July 1755 (Washington Papers)
As I have heard since my arrivl at this place, a circumstantial acct of my death and dying Speech, I take this early oppertunity of contradicting both the first , and of assuring you that I ⟨ illegible ⟩ of the livg by the miraculous care of I have not, as yet, composed the latter. But by the all powerful dispensatns of Providence, that I have been protected me beyond all human expectation
146From George Washington to Robert Orme, 28 July 1755 (Washington Papers)
I arrived at Home the day before yesterday, without meeting with an Egachee, or any other remarkable event. I calld at Belhaven on purpose ly to acquaint Majr Carlyle with your desire, who will use all possible means to procure a Vessel though I fear it will be somewhat difficult to do it at present, as the Shipping have are most of them employ’d, in transporting the Tobo from the difft...
147From George Washington to Benjamin Grymes, 31 July 1755 (Washington Papers)
I do n’t remember not recollect to have receivd more than one letter from you, and that I shoud have answerd sooner ; but knowing that I cou’d give you no satisfactory acct myself, of your Bed &ca, I thought it more advisable to desire Doctr Walker to enquire of Mr Gist, and of Colo. Cresap (at whose Ho. I perfectly remember the great Tent was left) concerning them, and to let you know their...
148From George Washington to Robert Jackson, 2 August 1755 (Washington Papers)
I must acknowledge you had great reason to be terrified with the first accts that was given of our unhappy defeat, and I must own, I was not a little surprisd to find that Governour Innis was the means of alarming the Country with a report of that so extraordinary nature , without having any better confirmation of the truth, than the story of an affrighted Waggeners Story —Its true, we have...
149From George Washington to Augustine Washington, 2 August 1755 (Washington Papers)
The pleasure of your Company at Mount-Vernon always did, & always will, afford me infinite satisfaction but at this time I am too truely sensible how needful the Country is of the assistance of all its Members, to desire have a wish to hear that any are absent from the assembly . I most sincerely wish that harmony & Unanimity may prevail amongst you in all your Councils , and that a happy...
150From George Washington to the County Lieutenants, 2 August 1755 (Washington Papers)
I intend myself the honour of waitg upon your County, in order to exercise the Militia thereof ; and shoud be glad if you woud appoint your Officer’s to meet me at the Court Ho., or some other convenient place with a Firelock, Ammunition, &ca on the of September next, and the Militia properly accoutre’d, the day following. I am Sir Yr most Obt Servt LB (original), DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . See...