1To George Washington from Adam Stephen, January–February 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is with the greatest Chearfulness that I comply with your Desire in letting the Soldiers enjoy your Gratuity mention’d to Capt. Perouny: Believe me, Sir, we well always Set a high value upon every Mark of your Esteem, and for my own part it gives me the Greatest uneasiness to have Reason to believe that I do not Enjoy the same Share of your Confidence and friendship that I once was happy...
2To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 25 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
Sunday about 9 O’Clock two Indians took a fuzee from a Boy within musket Shot of the Sentry in the Bottom as you pass Will’s Creek —They took hold of him and asked him to go along—why they did not kill him I cannot Say, but upon his refusing they gave him a Couple of Blows with their Fist—And upon his retiring a little, they Shot two Arrows into him, the wounds are but slight—He Roard out...
3To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 27 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
This morning One Packton a Hunter came in quite Spent, being pursued by Indians in Sight of our Sentrys, and having been chas’d five days from the grounds about the Extremity of the Road upon which the Pensylvanians were Employ’d. The Savages pursued him so close, that the Sentry at the Magazine heard him hollow; upon which a party of The Guard was detached, and brought him in. The Man is well...
4To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 4 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Matters are in the most deplorable Situation at Fort Cumberland—Our Communication with the Inhabitants is Cut Off. By the best Judges of Indian Affairs, it’s thought there are at least 150 Indians about us—They divided into Small parties, have Cut Off the Settlement of Patersons Creek, Potowmack, Above Cresops, and the People on Town Ck about four miles below his house, —They go about and...
5To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 6 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
There is nothing that I can inform you of for Certain. There is a very good Spirit, in the back Inhabitants of Pennsylvania, but a person to direct order and discipline are wanting much. The hurry of the Alarm disappointed us of Waggons; and I was on the point of marching to watkins Ferry to defend the Stores there. I cannot Learn that any person to be depended on, has Seen this Body of French...
6To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 7 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
Last night the Detachmt marchd with only Eight waggons at last; There is no more Salt here, of which I have acquainted Mr Dick, and desir’d him to forward the Quantity necessary, while the weather favourd us So much. The Cattle from Carolina fall away much, and unless They are Slaughterd soon, they will not be worth while—I have procurd Several Cooper’s Tools here, and mentiond what we want to...
7To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 22 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
I had just finish’d my Letter of this date when Capt. Stewart deliver’d me Yours of the 18th Inst. The Men I am in great hopes will answer Your Expectations They Shoot extreamly well, but are much harass’d at present with the Cattle—I make the Butchers, Cutters, Salters, & Coopers wait on McLean for Orders every morning—and a Return is made to me every night of what work is done. To keep...
8To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 29 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Commissary has arrived, and I suppose You will learn a State of his Affairs by his Letter. I was as Active as I could be, in hurrying up Salt. I would have been at Fort-Cumberland two days ago, but have been employd in the disagreeable Service of Apprehending Deserters—Four, out of a gang of 20 Banditti, all with Arms and ammunition, are apprehended, We are in hot pursuit of the rest,...
9To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 3 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
I recev’d Your Letter of the 28th Ult. and am very sorry at the cause of Your uneasiness from the Conduct of Yr Officers Sent to recruit; and chearfully approve your resolution to Convince them, that there is more, or at least ought to be, in an Officer than that of the Name, which Some of them Seem to acquiesce in, without assuming the Conduct or Activity which is absolutely necessary to...
10To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 9 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed are the Returns of the State of the Regiment, and Beeves killed and on hand. I think it would be adviseable the Govrs of N. Carolina, and Maryland should be acquainted with the Resolution of our Government, concerning the Provisions necessary for their Companies. You only desired me to acquaint them, that they were not to be Supply’d out of our Stock, Please to give me peremptor...
11To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 21 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
I suppose Majr Lewis informed You that the Valley at the mouth of Pattersons Creek did not extend above 800 yards from hill to hill. I went up to Ashby’s and Saw Mr Boyd pay the men—He sold us some Liquor for our Detachmt as the weather was Cold, and we found that three months pay was due to some of his Men whilst others were paid off to the 4th inst. I really do not like the mouth of the...
12To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 23 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
Such a Spirit of Revenge and Indignation prevaild here, upon hearing you were insulted at the Fairfax Election, that we all were ready and violent to run and tear Your Enemies to pieces. As I imagine my self interested in all that Concerns you, I cannot forbear telling you that it would have been far better to have acquainted me with your Intention of Standing Candidate for Frederick, my...
13To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 26 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
The State of the Regiment is much the Same as at last Return. Capt. Peachy is a good deal Better—Mr Lowry pines after the Babby, and has been of no Service here, the gentlemen who are best acquainted with him, tell me they are of Opinion he is tired of the Service, and Being a Malingeror here, I gave him leave to Wait on you to inform how he stood affected. I had the honour to dine at the head...
14To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 30 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
I received yours of the 28th by Jenkins and will do myself the honor to wait on you as soon as the accounts you order are made out, which will be without delay. I will likewise sound C. D. on the topics you mention and am with great respect Yr most obedt Sprague transcript , DLC:GW . It was Capt. John Dagworthy who was to be sounded out.
15To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 18 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to your Commands I reconnoitred to Ross’s mill on the South-Branch—from that to Fort Lewis, and found it may be made very easily a good Waggon Road. Waggons have been carried that way already. only four miles which may be Cut by a Single Company in a day. I also reconnoitred the ground on Pattieson’s Ck and found a ⟨ mutilated ⟩ Convenient place for a fortress, about a mile and a...
16To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 31 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
I forgot to acquaint you, that The Governor, when I was at Williamsburgh, desird if possible, to procure Some Indians of Repute among their Tribes, to carry a message amongst the Confederate Nations of the Twightwees, To Sound their Intentions, know their Affection to the English, and how far they are attached to the French. I wrote him afterwards that Captain Trent had promis’d to procure...
17To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 29 March 1756 (Washington Papers)
There is no remarkable Occurrence on this Quarter since my last, only the Murder of Ensign Gordon for the particulars of which, I refer you to Capt. Stewart. I regret him much, as he was a diligent Officer, Staunch, and firmly attach’d to the Virginia Interest, and had a particular Regard for You. I have learn’d that you have been a long Journey, purely to pay your Compliments, and hear Some...
18To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 29 March 1756 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd you have the montly Return—George Hedgeman resigned last month. Captain Gist is the only Officer who, as [I] hear, has had good Success in recruiting—I have sent him, at his Earnest Request, £100 to pay off Some Expences on the Recruits left in Maryland. The Sickness continues among the men, and I have a thought of fiting up the New Store for an hospital, but wants your Orders how to...
19To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 30 March 1756 (Washington Papers)
The inclos’d is a Rough, but Exact Copy of Mr Boyd’s Accounts. The First Contains the Disbursements from The 1st of Septr to The 1st of January. The Other The disbursemts for January & February and Arrears. The Balance in Mr Boyd’s hands is £311.5.3½ which I shall desire him to Apply to the Paymt of the Officers for Janr. & Febry—not forgetting to Settle their Recruiting Accts which Balances...
20To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 4 April 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Adam Stephen, 4 April 1756. In JHB, 1752–1755, 1756–1758 H. R. McIlwaine and John Pendleton Kennedy, eds. Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia . 13 vols. Richmond, 1905–15. , 366, is the following entry: “The Governor has commanded me to lay before your House, a Letter from Colonel Washington dated at Winchester the 7th Instant, inclosing a letter to him from...
21To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 19 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I reced yours of the twelveth—I am sorry that I did not receive yours from Quantico dated March 25th untill my Boy Came Up —I would have turned the Table directly, to the great Confusion of a cringing Tatling Set, whom I cannot easily forgive. However I gave up nothing; I had my own guard, my Own report, I orderd Out all detachmt and gave them all their Instructions. The Old Gentleman meddles...
22To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 29 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You have no doubt heard of the Party of Volunters who went out under command of Colo. Cressop; He returned about noon with about 60 of them & Six of the Nottawaies—About bare Camp, his men mutinied, Some were for one thing and some for another—Lt Gist went from this place with him, with Eighteen men of the Regimt and Seven Indians—In Compliance with the mutinous tempers of the men rather than...
23To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 31 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you Saturday last, concerning Cressop’s Party, who has behavd very ill, and about the Skirmish Mr Gist’s Party had with the French and Indians. The Enemy was observed to Dispatch a Runner towards the Crossing immediatly on their meeting our Party—Lieut. Gist brought off the men very prettily, but with the Loss of four, as You will see in the Return —Both parties behaved with great...
24To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 25 July 1756 (Washington Papers)
Nothing Remarkable has occurred in this neighbourhood since You left us. I think we omitted, My lord, at the beginning of Our Address, you will Please to Observe before you Send it off, and likewise Write to the governor and Some of the Council to charge Mr Ludwel to support & inforce it. I heard once from the Branch Since, but expect you have all the reports from that Quarter before this...
25To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 1 August 1756 (Washington Papers)
It appears to me that the Works unanimously agreed to here in Consequence of the Assemblys Resolution cannot be Carried on untill more of the Draughts come up; The present disposion will never answer. Mr Milner cannot afford an Escort to Capt. McKenzie, He divided, cannot furnish one as far as Ensign Thompson’s. At Sellars plantation are XVIII f. f. D. I have wrote to Capt. Waggener to send...
26To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 17 August 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Adam Stephen, 17 Aug. 1756. On 6 Sept. 1756 GW wrote to Stephen: “Yours of the 17th . . . August I received.”
27To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 23 August 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Adam Stephen, 23 Aug. 1756. On 6 Sept. 1756 GW wrote to Stephen : “Yours of the . . . 23d August I received.”
28To George Washington from Adam Stephen, April 1757 (Washington Papers)
I have had an opportunity of knowing Mr Kenndy perfectly well, and always found him diligent and carefull—by which means I am of opinion there was not one Single ounce of provisions lost through his neglect whilst he resided at Fort Cumberland. ALS , DLC:GW . GW has docketed this: “Recommendation of Sergt Davd Kennedy.” For the dating of this, see George Mercer et al. to GW, c.April 1757 ....
29To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 20 August 1757 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that the two Companies of your Regiment under my Command are well—They are well disciplin’d and have this advantage of all other troops in America that they know the parade as well as prussians, and the fighting in a Close Country as well as Tartars. We are all peace & Quietness on this Quarter, But notwithstanding Some of your Officers have not escap’d being...
30To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 22 April 1758 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment arrived, and find your orders to march, which shall be Complyd with; tho’ The President gave directions for refreshing the men and Paying them off here —As soon as the men are on their March I will come on, and hope the pleasure of Seeing you thursday night; in the mean time; I am with Respect, Sir, your most Obt Hube Sert ALS , DLC:GW . Lt. Col. Adam Stephen and Capt. George...
31To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 28 June 1758 (Washington Papers)
We arrived at this place on the 24th with 500 of the Pennsylvanians. Col. Bouquet designs a place of Some Strength hereabouts—From Shippensburg to Fort Loudon 22 miles[;] from that to F. Littleton extreamly bad Road hilly & Stony 20 miles[;] From that to Juniata where there is built a Small Stocado 18 miles[;] From that post to Raystown Camp 14 miles[.] The road from Loudon to Juniata worse by...
32To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 6 July 1758 (Washington Papers)
I congratulate You on Your Arrival at Fort Cumberland; It would have saved Us a deal of trouble to have taken the Same Route. From 800, which is about our Number here, besides Capt. Field’s Company There is about 200 on Guard & 150 at the different Works every day. The Engineers have made Choice of a piece of Ground very much resembling that on which F. Cumberland Stands, only not So strong. A...
33To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 13 July 1758 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd is a Return of the Strength of the Six Companies at this Place. I wish you would order by the first Opportunity Breech-Clouts for the men; Send the Paymaster and the Store Accounts, in order the Officers of Companies might have time to Settle those matters before the Genl Arrives, when Some of us will be Orderd to pass the mountains, & perhaps have no Opportunity of Joining again,...
34To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 14 July 1758 (Washington Papers)
I wrote yesterday, intended by Capt. Bosomworth but was out when he sett off. Nothing new Since, only two men have deserted Viz. John Clandinnon a damnable tall fellow & Adam Clandinnon his brother inlisted lately by Lt Charles Smith—I have sent Advertisements through pennsylvania, & have trusted to the Officers of their Companies to send you by this Opportunity. I have thirteen of Capt....
35To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 19 July 1758 (Washington Papers)
Col. Bouquet was at first in a great dillemma betwixt his great inclination to serve you, & the Attachment he has to regularity, duty & discipline. He is sensible the Enemy we deal with is Active and Enterprizing, & thinks himself answerable for What happens in your absence: But as he is really a good man, & willing to Oblige; His Inclination to Serve you gaind the Superiority, and He has such...
36To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 27 July 1758 (Washington Papers)
There is nothing new here—By last accounts the General was indisposd & had not left Carlisle, on Sunday. By all reports, there has been a great miscarriage at an Enemy’s post calld the Saw-Mill within two miles of Ticonderogo—We have no distinct account of the affair, nor is it known here, who Commanded the Attack; It is imagind that the Advanced Party, or rather First Division, made too great...
37To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 2 August 1758 (Washington Papers)
It gives me great Concern to acquaint you that Liut. Lawson & two men of your Regiment are down in the Small pox—It first discoverd it self yesterday, when I immediatly Set about Building an Hospital at a distance from Camp to receve the Infected—and reconnoitred ground for a New Camp for the Virginians, which is to be mov’d to day 2 miles S.E. of this Place—All the men taken with the disease...
38To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 9 September 1758 (Washington Papers)
Please to send up the mens Cloaths & Bayonets; The Season approaches which requires the Use of Both. Your men in the Detachment have been greatly harassed Since the first of June; on which we Left Winchester by Sr John St Clairs Orders—Without any from Genl Forbes or Col. Bouquet, nay Contrary to their intention as the Latter informed me; We are all obliged to the Qr Mr Genl for that, as...
39To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 13 September 1758 (Washington Papers)
We have fortifyd this place, & taken post ten miles to the westward on Kishiminatos, about forty miles from Fort du Quesne —In obedience to Col. Bouquets Commands I wrote you by serjt Poynes to send up the mens Cloathing, but humbly Conceive, that Blanket Coats would suit Better than any that can be got for your Regement. You will be so good as to excuse me for not being Particular about our...
40To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 14 September 1758 (Washington Papers)
This is brought to Raystown Camp, by a detachmt of Invalids from the Troops on this side the mountains. In primaval times, you remember our state of provisions at Gists house, from that you can judge of present Circumstances. To testify our Inclination to post the service we have sent down our Own horses to Raystown for a supply. You can judge how much that will Avail. Majr Grant marchd the...