From George Washington to John Stanwix, 8 July 1757
To John Stanwix
[Fort Loudoun] July 8th 1757.
Copy of a letter to Colo. Stanwix
Dr Sir,
The enclosed was wrote the 28th ulto upon Mr Atkins giving me notice that he shou’d send an Express to you the next day.1 But, the important affairs in which he is continually engaged, have detained the express day after day ’till now.
Nothing remarkable has happened in this quarter. We continue to discover tracks and signs of the enemys parties, but none appear to be numerous: nor have they done any mischief lately. Outassity,2 with about 30 Indians, &c. and an Officer from my Regimt are marched from this, and intend, if they shou’d not meet with the enemy sooner, to go the length of Fort du Quesne.
We have received about 210 Draughts towards compleating this Regiment, and sustained great loss by desertion. More men are expected, and I do not know what we shall do, for want of arms for them.
When the hurry of this Duty is over (which I expect will be before August) I shou’d be much obliged, cou’d I obtain your permission to be absent about 10 days, to settle some private affairs of very great consequence to me—You may be assured, Sir, I shall make no ungenerous use of your indulgence if my request is granted; and that I shall not quit my post if there is even an appearance of danger.3 I am Sir Your &c.
G:W.
LB, DLC:GW.
1. GW ended up sending to Stanwix three letters at once, dated 28 June, 8 July, and 15 July. See the last of these for GW’s explanation.
2. For Ostenaco’s arrival in Virginia, see Dinwiddie to GW, 16 June 1757.
3. GW wrote Dinwiddie on 10 June for permission to be absent so that he could try once again to meet with his brothers and George Lee to settle Lawrence Washington’s estate. (See GW to Dinwiddie, 23 Sept. 1756, for an earlier attempt to meet.) Dinwiddie denied his request in his letter of 24 June which GW did not receive until 10 or 11 July. See also GW’s comments on Dinwiddie’s refusal, GW to Dinwiddie, 11 July 1757, and Stanwix’s ready assent, 20 July 1757.