1To Benjamin Franklin from George Mercer, 4 April 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I took the Liberty to wait on you to consult you upon some Quaeries which were sent me from the Stamp Office, which I confess myself incapable to answer. As I would wish to have the Matter properly represented, and am convinced Sir there is no one so capable to instruct me as yourself, I must beg you’ll give me Leave to wait on you to morrow Morning at any...
2George Mercer to Thomas Waggener, 2 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
As Colonel Washington has been informed by Governour Dinwiddie, that you was Dispatched from Williamsburgh before the Seventeenth of last month, with Orders to proceed here immediately; he is much surprized at your Delay, and can only attribute it to Sickness; as he imagines you would not, at this time, when your presence is so necessary, have been absent so long, unless some such accident had...
3George Mercer to Andrew Lewis, 7 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
I am Ordered by Colonel Washington to acquaint you, that there is Clothing at Winchester, for which he sends an Order on the Store keeper there. If any of the men can not march without Shoes; you must apply to Mr Dick, who has a Quantity. He desires that Captain Waggener would proceed immediately to Alexandria his Orders are left there with Major Carlyle. I am Yours, LB , DLC:GW .
4George Mercer to Storekeeper, 7 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washington’s orders, that you Deliver to Captain Woodward Clothes, for the Detachment of men under his command; taking his Receipt for the number he receives. LB , DLC:GW .
5George Mercer to Thomas Waggener, 10 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washingtons Orders, that you, with the Detachment under your Command, make all possible Dispatch to Winchester: The Times are such as require your presence with your command, very much. He makes no doubt, but you have complied with his Orders, as to the Arms and Ammunition; as well as in every other Respect, So orders me to conclude, Recommending Dispatch to you. I am, &c. LB ,...
6George Mercer to John Carlyle, 10 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washingtons Orders, that all the Soldiers Clothing be sent up immediately, as there are very few here, and Recruits expected up every moment, who will, he expects, be almost naked, and unfit for Service until they are Clothed. He desires you will make up the Quantity of Powder: Captain Waggener brings four hundred pounds, and Lead Ball or mould-shot proportionably. There is no...
7George Mercer to Robert Spotswood, 16 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
To Captain Robert Spotswood, of the Virginia Regiment. It is Colonel Washingtons Orders, that you acquaint all the Officers appointed to Rendezvous at Fredericksburgh, the 20th instant, that they have now a farther time allowed them, until the 15th of November; when it is expected, they will appear there without delay. You are to observe the Orders you received from Major Lewis. Yours &c. LB ,...
8George Mercer to Andrew Lewis, 18 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washingtons Orders that you send a Subaltern and Twenty men with Commissary Jones, to bring in the Waggons which he shall shew them. If the owners should presume to resist, or refuse letting them come, it is his express orders that the Officer bring them in Prisoners. LB , DLC:GW .
9George Mercer to John David Wilper, 30 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered, so soon as the Waggon arrives from the Fort, and you have got those necessaries you have an order for to proceed to join your Company immediately. If you arive at Augusta Court-House before Ensign Fleming with his Recruits, you are to wait his arrival. You are to deliver to his men arms and Clothes, as soon as he joins you, and then to make the best of your way to Fort...
10George Mercer to John Fenton Mercer, 1 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to Rendezvous at Alexandria the first Day of December, with all the men you can raise by that time. Given &c. at Fredericksburg, November 1st 1755. N:B. Captain Joshua Lewis is allowed to the 1st of December, to Rendezvous at Alexandria. LB , DLC:GW .
11George Mercer to William Daingerfield and John Dean, 8 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby Ordered to continue Recruiting until the 20th December next; at which time you are peremptorily ordered to Rendezvous, with what men you have raised, at Alexandria. I am &c. LB , DLC:GW . Assigned on 3 Sept. 1755 to William Peachey’s company in the Virginia Regiment as a newly appointed ensign, William Daingerfield was shifted to Henry Woodward’s company in the summer of 1756. A...
12George Mercer to John Savage, 8 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
You will receive by Colonel Eyre £45 for Recruiting; and you are allowed a further day, until the 25th of December, for that Service; at which time it is expected you will, without fail, repair to your Rendezvous at Alexandria, with what men you can raise. You may assure all Deserters from the Regiment, that if they will surrender themselves to you, or return immediately to their Duty, they...
13George Mercer to John Jones, 9 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washingtons Orders that you, until a Commissary arrives at Winchester, purchase all the Pork you can at the lowest rates, at the market price. If any news should come to Town concerning the Indians and French, or any Expresses from Pennsylvania; you are to hire an Express immediately, and send him down to Alexandria, with orders, that if he does not meet with Colonel Washington...
14George Mercer to James Craik, 13 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are to apply to Mr Prentis or Mr Withers, to know what time the Sloop will be ready to take in her lading: and you are to see the arms and ammunition carefully stowed in her, and immediately dispatch her. You are, after the Sloop is ladened and dispatched, to proceed immediately to Alexandria, where you will receive further Orders. Given &c. at Williamsburg 13th November, 1755. LB , DLC:GW...
15George Mercer to Henry Campbell, 11 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are to be particularly careful of the waggons &c. under your charge, and are to see that centinels are kept over them. If any just complaint is made of the misbehaviour of the party under your command, upon their march, you will be punished by a Court Martial—You are to see that the waggoners do not loiter or idle their time, but make the utmost dispatch to Winchester. So soon as you...
16George Mercer to John Fenton Mercer, 16 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are immediately, upon receipt hereof, to repair to Winchester, where you will meet with Colonel Washington, and receive further orders. I am &c. Alexandria: December 16th 1755. N:B. A Copy left at Alexandria, and another sent to Stafford, to him there. LB , DLC:GW . John Mercer went from Alexandria to Williamsburg on 5 Dec. to settle his military accounts, remained there until 16 Dec., and...
17George Mercer to Thomas Walker, 22 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
Deliver Captain Bells and Ensign Thompsons Recruits, four days provision; being in all, eighteen men. Deliver John Beard, five days, and John Campbell, of Captain Gist’s Company, four days provision. Deliver Francis Madden four days d[itt]o. LB , DLC:GW .
18George Mercer to Thomas Walker, 23 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
Deliver Sergeant Campbell and his Party (eleven in number) three days provision. LB , DLC:GW . This was almost certainly Sgt. Henry Campbell, whom George Mercer ordered on 11 Dec. to conduct wagons up from Alexandria and who deserted at Winchester on 24 Dec. after being accused of stealing from the wagons. It is unlikely that he is Hugh Campbell, a sergeant in Capt. William Bronaugh’s company.
19George Mercer to Thomas Walker, 24 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
Deliver five men, two days provision; Captain Bronaugh’s Recruits—Deliver the Detachment of Light Horse, being thirteen men, two days provision. LB , DLC:GW .
20George Mercer to Thomas Walker, 25 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washingtons Orders, that you provide the Sick with all necessaries the Surgeons shall apply to you for; of which you are to make a charge. LB , DLC:GW .
21George Mercer to Robert Johnston, 26 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washingtons Orders, that you examine into the case of William Mitcalfe, and report if you think he is subject to Fits: Mr Roy will assist you. It is the opinion of Messieurs Johnston and Roy, that he is not addicted to Fits; and fit enough for Duty. LB , DLC:GW . Mr. Johnston was probably the Robert Johnston (d. 1763) who appeared before the Frederick County court on 6 Jan. 1756...
22George 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...
23George Mercer to Robert Stewart, 14 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Washington desires, (if Captain Cockes, of the Company of Rangers, should apply for any necessaries) you to order the Commissary to deliver him thirty Blankets, thirty Shirts, thirty pair Shoes, and the same quantity of Stockings. If you have not got the Horse for the Troop, which Colonel Washington left at old Edwards’s; you must send him word to contrive him to you by the first...
24George Mercer to Mordecai Buckner, 14 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
As Colonel Washington is doubtful that some of the men, to whom you delivered Shoes, Stockings, Shirts, &c. here, have received them a second time at Winchester—Desires you will examine the Commissary’s Book there; and if you find any such, give a list of them to the Pay-Master; in order that he may stop the value of them next pay-day. As soon as you receive this, you are to continue your...
25George Mercer to Denis McCarty, 30 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a Commission, appointing you an Ensign in the Virginia Regiment. Colonel Washington has been pleased to appoint you to Captain Bronaugh’s Company—You are therefore ordered to act in that Company, until further orders. Yours &c. LB , DLC:GW .
26George 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...
27George 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 .
28George 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...
29George 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....
30George 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.
31George 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...
32George 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...
33George Mercer to Robert Rutherford, 16 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washingtons Orders that you (as soon as you conveniently can) give in an exact Return of all the Stores of what kind soever you have in charge. In this Return you must be very particular. If you have occasion for any of the Sergeants to assist you; apply to Captain Peachy for one. LB , DLC:GW . As assistant commissary Robert Rutherford made a return of stores at Winchester on 18...
34George Mercer’s Orders, 19–20 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
After Orders. No Soldier is to fire his piece, under pain of the severest punishment, without orders. The Sergeant-Major is to go through the Town, and acquaint the towns’ people, that it is Colonel Washingtons particular desire, that none of them fire off their guns (as it will be impossible to know when an alarm happens) without applying to Captain Peachy for leave; who will allow them, if...
35George Mercer to Thomas Walker, 15 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are to receive into the Stores, all the Public arms which are now in the possession of the Militia of the several counties, which are to be discharged. LB , DLC:GW .
36George Mercer to Thomas Walker, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
As the Militia of the several Counties will march to-morrow morning; Colonel Washington desires you will prepare every thing—that they may not be delayed. You must lay in a sufficient Stock of provisions, to carry them to their Stations—and some spare ammunition: if you think a waggon, &c. necessary, they must be provided—and direct them how they are to be supplied afterwards. Let the spare...
37George Mercer to Joshua Lewis, 26 June 1756 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washingtons Orders that you send off all the Officers at Fredericksburgh to this place—except one Subaltern, whom you are to keep there in case more draughts should arrive. What Draughts are now with you, must be marched up by the Officers coming to this place. Lieutenant Lowry is the Subaltern who is to remain with you. I am &c. LB , DLC:GW . For the recruits being conducted to...
38To George Washington from George Mercer, 24 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
Thursday and Friday last came to Town 148 Cherokees, with Major Lewis, and yesterday I spoke to them, as they did not chuse an Interview sooner. Wauhatchee the Head Warriour, after I had told him among many other things, that I was sorry we had not timely Notice of their Coming, that the Governour would have ordered the necessary presents for them, but they might depend upon every thing they...
39To George Washington from George Mercer, 26 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
Since my last to you, we have held Council after Council every day with the Indians. They seem at last pretty well satisfied, and a Party of them sett out this Day to War; the others will follow so soon as they get their Shoes made. There is a great Scarcity of Deer Skins, and I am obliged to send thro’ the whole County to provide them. Inclosed are two Letters from the Head Warriours to the...
40To George Washington from George Mercer et al., April 1757 (Washington Papers)
In Case Mr Hamilton should, according to his Desire, be remov’d to any other Station than that he is now in, we would recommend to your Notice Mr Kennedy who by his Diligence, Modesty and Complacency has gained the Esteem of all the Officers that have been acquainted with him since he has done the Duty of Commissary & whom we all think worthy to be prefered to the Post Mr Hamilton bears and...
41To George Washington from George Mercer, 17 August 1757 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you Viâ Philadelphia a few Days after my Arrival, but as We have certain Advice of that Vessel’s calling in at Cape Francois, I set down to write you the same as near as I can guess, only adding the News that We have had in the Interim. No Doubt youl expect a particular and authentic Account of this Place and its Inhabitants—I shall endeavor to satisfy you in both as far as my...
42To George Washington from George Mercer, 2 November 1757 (Washington Papers)
Tho. I have not been favored with an Answer to one of the many Letters I have wrote you since I came here, yet I will not let any Opportunity slip, agreeable to my Promise; as I shall attribute this, to your Letters miscarrying, for I woud not suppose but you have wrote. Notwithstanding every Precaution which the Governor pretended he had taken, to have Us regularly paid, We have already been...
43To George Washington from George Mercer, 12 July 1758 (Washington Papers)
The four Days Provision We brought from Fort Cumberland, exclusive of Monday, will be exhausted to morrow Night, and as I am so little advanced and no Waggon Road to Raes Town, I find it impossible to send there for a Supply. I have detached a Serjeant & 15 Men with three Waggons which I beg you will dispatch to Me again to Day with Provision, I imagine what those three Waggons will bring may...
44To George Washington from George Mercer, 27 July 1758 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Bouquet has directed the Command to return to you, but desires Me to remain here till the General arrives who is expected this Day. This Camp furnishes no News. We expect to hear of a Party of Shawnesse & Delawares having joined you, one of the Pennsylvania Light Horse having assured Us that he saw 30 or 40 come in the Day he left Fort Cumberland. I am Dr Sr Your most obedt humble...
45To George Washington from George Mercer, 16 September 1759 (Washington Papers)
I know you will excuse Me for addressing you on so coarse so common Paper, when I assure you tis the best our Town affords. Had your Favor reached my Hands a few Minutes later, I shoud have lost this Opportunity of acknowledging the Receipt of it; for my Express was already mounted. You are not the first Person that has been deceived by the Gentlemen in Black; but whoever gave you such...
46To George Washington from George Mercer, 17 February 1760 (Washington Papers)
I have just received a Letter from Bullitt wrote in his own Style, concerning my Application for the Surveyor’s Place on the Ohio, affirming that I was told, “ when I applyd thro. Washington to the Commissary, that the Place was engaged to him ” this you know to be false, and I am sure he never heard so; you may well remember our Conversation on the Occasion, in going down to the Capitol, We...
47To George Washington from George Mercer, 28 March 1770 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from George Mercer, 28 Mar. 1770. On 7 Nov. 1771 GW wrote to Mercer : “I have been favourd with two Letters from You—one of them dated the 28th of March 1770.”
48To George Washington from George Mercer, 18 December 1770 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you from hence about two Months since, at the Request of Mrs Savage, praying you to do, what her own Letter now she says repeats, and enforces. I believe the poor Woman has but a bad Time of it, as she is amongst other Things, at the tender Age of three score & ten, denied the Use of Pen Ink Paper & Romances, and a frequent Use of the Strap is substituted in the Place of those...