18013 Monday. (Adams Papers)
I was mistaken one Day in my reckoning. A pleasant Day. Spent the Evening and supped at Mr. Maccartys. The Love of Fame naturally betrays a man into several weaknesses and Fopperies that tend very much to diminish his Reputation, and so defeats itself. Vanity I am sensible, is my cardinal Vice and cardinal Folly, and I am in continual Danger, when in Company, of being led an ignis fatuus Chase...
1802Memorandum respecting the Militia, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 3d 100 of the aforesd Militia under the Captns Minor and Hamilton were ordd to March for the Branch the rest to join a Scoutg Party of the Regt that was orderd to search Back Ck &ca. AD , DLC:GW . See Memorandum respecting the Militia, 1–2 May 1756 . See Evening Orders, 3 May 1756 . Back Creek, a few miles to the west of Winchester, flowed in a northerly direction into the Potomac River.
1803Orders, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A General Court Martial, to consist of five Captains and eight Subalterns; to sit immediately for Trial of Sergeant Nathan Lewis—Captain Stewart, President—who is to wait on Colonel Washington for his Orders. Mr Kirkpatrick, Judge-Advocate—all Evidences to attend. After Orders. Lieutenant John Hall is appointed Judge-Advocate for this Court-Martial, instead of Mr Kirkpatrick. After issuing a...
1804Court-Martial, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
At a Genl Court Martial held at Winchester May 2d [3d] 1756 Capt. Robert Steuart, President. Capt. Woodward } { Capt. Spotswood Capt. Lewis Capt. Harrisson Lieut. Stark Members Capt. Bullett Lieut. Blagg Lieut. Eustace Lieut. Lomax Lieut. Williams Lieut. Lowry Lieut. King Serjeant Nathan Lewis accused for retreating with a party of Men without orders and not going to the assistance of Capt....
1805Evening Orders, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Evening Orders. The General Court Martial, whereof Captain Stewart was President, is dissolved. Colonel Washington approves of the Sentence of the Court— was unanimous in opinion, that Sergeant Nathan Lewis, for his misbehaviour, in running away with his Party, should suffer Death. The three eldest Captains, eight Subalterns, ten Sergeants, one Drummer, and an hundred Rank & File, to hold...
1806From George Washington to Robert Stewart, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are Hereby ordered to repair to Maidstone, the place where your Troop is Quartered; and remain there until further orders. You are to hold a Court Martial for punishing the ring-leading mutineers of your Troop. You will receive two hundred & sixty-four pounds, eighteen shillings and a penny, for payment of your own Troop, and the other Detachments at that place. And you are to see that the...
1807From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I received your two Letters of the 23d and 26th ultimo. I have sent down an indian scalp which was taken off at the place where Captain Mercer had his Engagement. He was found thrust under some rocks, and stones piled up against them. They have reason to believe there were more killed, from the quantity of blood found on the ground, where the Indians fired from; and from other discoveries of...
1808To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I am sincerely concern’d for Your Situation from the many flying Parties of French & Indians, but I hope before this reaches You a large body of Militia are at Winchester to reinforce You, & if possible to drive the Enemy over the Allegany Mountains; besides the Militia there are to be Drafts from each County to compleat Your Regiment to 1500 or 2000 Men, but I fear it will be a Month before...
1809To George Washington from Peyton Randolph, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Some public spirited Gentlemen have done me the honor to fix upon me as their leader, till we can come to the place where you command; when we shall be very glad to follow such orders, as you shall think most conducive to the public good. Our number, I guess, will be about thrree hundred, & we hope to have the pleasure of seeing you before the last of this Month. I am Dear Colo. yours to...
1810To George Washington from John Robinson, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I received your favour by the Express and am extremely concerned to hear of the distress the poor Inhabitants of Hampshire and Frederick are in but am in hopes from the Steps that are now taking here they will be soon releived and encouraged to return to their habitations, You will receive a Letter from the Attorney, by which you will find that he at the head of a Company of Gent. Voluntiers...
18114 Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
Let any man, suppose of the most improved understanding, look upon a watch, when the Parts of it are separated. Let him examine every Wheel and spring seperately by itself. Yet if the Use and Application of these springs and Wheels is not explained to him, he will not be able to judge of the Use and Advantage of particular Parts, much less will he be able, if he sees only one wheel. In like...
1812Memorandum respecting the Militia, 4 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 4th The Partys Marchd Captn Hamilton was ordd to consult Pearsal & the Kirkendal for the proper place to fix his Company at below the Trough and Captn Minor to advise wt. Colo. Vanmeter & Captn Wagr for Fixg above see their Instns in my orderly book dated May the 4th. Captn Dalton with his Volunteers and the rest of the Militia march’d with the Scoutg Partys of the Regt he had orders to...
1813Orders, 4 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
As Colonel Washington has received certain advice of the Militia of some of the adjacent counties, being on their march near this place—It has prevented his going out with the party ordered yesterday—and those orders are countermanded. The eldest Captain, six Subalterns, six Sergeants, one Drummer, and one hundred rank and file, are to march immediately upon the scout. The Captain to wait upon...
1814From George Washington to Henry Woodward, 4 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are with your party under command, to proceed up the new-road to Fort Cumberland, as far as Back-Creek: when you come there, you must take down these waters, and scour the woods down the Creek, until you come to potomac River; detaching small reconnoitring parties into the Mountains. You are to use all possible precaution in your Search; and above all things, to guard against a Surprize....
1815From George Washington to John Dalton, 4 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to join with the Volunteers and Militia under your command; the Detachment sent with Captain Woodward, to scour Back-Creek, &c. He is directed to proceed down the said creek, until he comes to Potomack River; and then to march to Conogochieg to get provisions. When you arrive there, you must consult with the Inhabitants the best place to post the Militia at, under...
1816From George Washington to James Hamilton, 4 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to repair with the Detachment under your command, to Job Pearsals and John Kirkindalls; with whom you are to consult and advise upon the proper place to make your Head-Quarters. You are to take care to provide your Company with necessary provisions, agreeable to the Act of Assembly. And you are to be careful in sending out frequent scouting parties: and to use your...
1817From George Washington to Nicholas Minor, 4 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed with the Detachment under your command, as far as Colonel Henry Vanmeeters, on the South Branch; and when there to consult with him and Captain Waggener, on the properest place to fix your Head Quarters, for the protection of the Inhabitants of those waters. And you are to be careful in seeing that your company is provided with provisions, as the act of...
1818After Orders, 4 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
After Orders. The first Subaltern for Duty, to get ready immediately to go to Cunningham-Fort, and wait upon Colonel Washington for orders. LB , DLC:GW . Cunningham’s fort was located twelve miles north of Winchester and about five miles from Mills Gap in the North Mountain. It was Ens. Nathaniel Milner whom GW ordered there, this date.
1819From George Washington to Nathaniel Milner, 4 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed to Cunningham-Fort, and there to use your utmost endeavours to engage one or two good woodsmen to serve as pilots to the Detachment under Captain Woodward. I have been told that a Son of Colonel Morgan, now at that place, will answer the intention full well; him you are to endeavour to get—If they insist upon certain pay before they stir, you must engage it to...
1820From George Washington to Robert Stewart, 4 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are to acquaint Captain Woodward, that it is my Orders that he Escort the provision-waggons from Conogochieg. I expect they will be there on Saturday next: and you are to see that they are loaded with all possible dispatch. Given at Winchester, May 4th 1756. LB , DLC:GW . For Henry Woodward’s movements, see GW to Nathaniel Milner, 4 May, n.1 . GW ordered Stewart on 3 May to join his troop...
1821To George Washington from William Fairfax, 4 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter by Butler the Express was presented by the Governor & read in Council and immediately after Sent to the Ho. of Burgesses. A Vessel fraughted wth Gunpowder &c. has been already sent to Fredericksburg under Dr Walker’s Care for yr Direction, and another is Since orderd wth 500 Arms, half Barrls of Gun Powder of which I am to have for our County fifty small Arms & Powder &c. wanted. I...
18225 Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
A very cold Day. Drank Tea at the Colonels. Spent the Evening at the Majors.
1823Orders, 5 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Court Martial to sit immediately for trial of John Grant, Drummer; Sergeants Richardson, Talman, and Whitecotton; and Timothy Conner, private. Three Subalterns and two Sergeants to go immediately in pursuit of Corporal Thomas, Deserter. Horses are to be hired or impress for this Duty. LB , DLC:GW . Recruited at Williamsburg in December 1754 by Robert Stewart, John Grant in July 1756 was a...
1824From George Washington to Henry Woodward, 5 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I was not a little surprized to hear of the misbehaviour of your party last night at Jesse Pugh’s —He has been with me this morning, and complained that they killed his Fowls, pulled down one of his Houses for firewood; turned the Horses into his meadow and corn; destroyed them and his Fences. As I should imagine that your sense would direct you better, were it not absolutely contradicted by...
18256 Thurdsday. (Adams Papers)
A cold day. Spent the Evening and supped at Mr. Putnams.
1826Memorandum respecting the Militia, 6 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 6th: the Prince William Detachment consistg of ⟨8⟩ Officers and 121 private Men arriv’d here and abt an hour or two after them came Colo. Ewel. AD , DLC:GW . See Memorandum respecting the Militia, 1–2 May 1756 . Ewel was probably Bertrand Ewell (1715–1795) of Prince William County, vestryman of Dettingen Parish, justice of the peace, and county surveyor.
1827Orders, 6 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
18287 Fryday. (Adams Papers)
Spent the Evening and supped at Mr. Maccartys. A mans observing the Flux of the Tide to Day, renders it credible that the same Phenomenon may be observed tomorrow. In the same manner, our Experience that the Author of Nature has annexed Pain to Vice, and Pleasure to Virtue, in general I mean, renders it credible that the same or a like Disposition of Things may take place hereafter. Our...
1829Memorandum respecting the Militia, 7 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 7th Lieutenant Colo. Peyton came to Town —and Captn Joseph Murdock with 2 Officers and 20 Men from King George sent up by Colo. Champe, a detacht of 50 private left the County the rest deserted on their March. AD , DLC:GW . See Memorandum respecting the Militia, 1–2 May 1756 . Henry Peyton, lieutenant colonel of the Prince William County militia, insisted on marching with his men to...
1830Orders, 7 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Three or four men that understand making cartridges, and are careful, to be put to that Duty immediately—An officer to see that no waste is made of the ammunition or paper, and that the men are Diligent. James Colley enlisted by Captain Gist, being unfit for Service; and Richard Best and Thomas Livings, being judged uncapable of Service by the Surgeon, are all discharged. The first Subaltern...
1831From George Washington to William Stark, 7 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed immediately to Edwards’s Fort, to relieve Ensign Hubbard: and acquaint him, it is my Orders, that he proceed directly to this place. If your command there should want provisions, you are hereby empowered to purchase Beef, mutton, &c. upon the best terms; and draw upon the commissary for the money—Taking care to purchase only as you want; for it is uncertain,...
18328 Saturday. (Adams Papers)
Went a Shooting with Mr. Putnam. Drank Tea with him and his Lady.
1833Memorandum respecting the Militia, 8 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 8th The County Lieutt of Prince Wm Colo. Henry Lee arriv’d. this day we began to experience in a surpg degree the suparlative insolence of the prince Wm Detacht who made use of every mean’s to treat not only the Private Soldrs but the Officer’s of the Virga Regt ill and upon one of them being seasd and order’d to the guard House for abusg in the Most insolt manr & offg to ⟨ illegible ⟩ one...
1834Orders, 8 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
1835From George Washington to Robert Stewart, 8 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I received yours by the Bearer —As neither Captain Bell nor Captain Gist, can make out regular pay-rolls for their men; a months pay will be sufficient at this time to give them. If any officer is in want of pay, and not indebted to the country for Recruiting—Let him receive out of the Balance in your hands: but let them all know, that it will appear a little dark on their side, if they should...
1836To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 8 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 3d I recd Yesterday, & observe its Contents. I have recd the Indian Scalp & I doubt not but many more were killed in that small Skermish. I am glad the Indians are gone over the Mountains, but I cannot think they were so numerous as represented, unless they have prevailed on the Twightwees to join with them; I am of Opinion if You cou’d send a Message to them by some trusty...
1837Enclosure: Death Warrant, 8 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Virginia to wit Whereas Nathan Lewis hath been legally tryed by a Court Martial, held at Winchester, on the Second Day of this Instant and convicted of Cowardice and Disobedience to the Commands of his Officer which is a Breach of the twelveth Article of War. These are therefore in His Majesty’s Name to require You that on the Day of between the Hours of Ten and Twelve in the Forenoon of the...
18389 Sunday. (Adams Papers)
Since last Sunday I have wrote a few Papers of the Spectators, read the last Part of Butlers Analogy, wrote out the Tract upon personal Identity, and that upon the nature of Virtue. A poor Weeks Work! Spent the Evening at Mr. Greenes. These tracts were appended to Butler’s Analogy of Religion .
1839Memorandum respecting the Militia, 9 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 9th Captns Dalton Russel with the Volunteers & Militia set out on their return homewards. so tht there only remns of the Fx M. those who w: o: to the B. Abt 4 o’clock this Eveng I had an express from Colo. Slaughter infg me that he was then as far as Perkins’s with abt 200 of the Culpr Militia upon which I ordd him to remain there as the Town had more already in it than they cd lodge and...
1840Orders, 9 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
As there are some Indians coming up to this place; and the ill consequence of giving them Liquor is well known to all who have ever heard of an Indian. It is Colonel Washingtons particular request and orders That none of the Officers, or any other person will pretend, upon any pretence whatever, to give them any money or spirituous liquor; as it will be impossible to make them serviceable, if...
1841To George Washington from George William Fairfax, 9 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Upon hearing the many Alarming Accots at Williamsburg, I hasten’d away as soon as possible, tho. there was some particur Acts I should have been glad to have seen pass’d, as they were Relative to our Militia, But upon my arrival, I found the Militia ordered out by Colo. Carlyle, whove Marched many days before; otherwise I believe I should have Accompanied them. Your letter dated at Winchester...
1842To George Washington from William Fairfax, 9 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter to the Governor, G. Fx, and what accompanied them from Colo. Carlyle &c. describing the calamitous State & Condition of Hampshire & Frederick Countys, And Some Apprehensions of the blood thirsty and savage Enemy’s near Approaches to Shannondoah River and the blue Ridge, both the Council and Ho. of Burgesses thought it necessary the Governor should issue his Orders for half the...
184310 Monday. (Adams Papers)
A pleasant Day.
1844Memorandum respecting the Militia, 10 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 10th He came into Town & infd me that beside himself there were Officers whereof were Field Officers and private Men—and that by a late supply his number of arms were now abt 80. Colo. Bailor with 4 Field Offr⟨s⟩ 4 Captains 8 Subalterns & 8 Serts 8 Corpl and 170 Private arrivd at this place from Caroline County. AD , DLC:GW . See Memorandum respecting the Militia, 1–2 May 1756 . GW was...
1845Orders, 10 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Regimental Court Martial to sit immediately, for Trial of George Forman, and John Collins. One Subaltern and twenty men, to parade as soon as the provisions are drawn, to march to Conogochieg, to escort some provision waggons up to this place. The Officer to wait on Colonel Washington for his orders—The cartridges now made in the Guard-house, to be returned immediately to the Magazine;...
1846From George Washington to Robert Stewart, 10 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I have received yours this morning; and wonder you were not more explicit in the reasons you have for believing the Enemys return. You are sensible, the want of proper intelligence, retards and disappoints the necessary expedients for Defence and assistance. You must endeavour to procure Tools for the Carpenters; either from the inhabitants, or made by the Smiths there, upon the lowest terms:...
1847After Orders, 10 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
After Orders. The party ordered to Conogochieg, is to be of the men enlisted by Captain Bell, Lieutenant Campbell, Ensigns Deane and Fleming; as they will be left there with their captain. And the men belonging to the other companies, now under Captain Bell, be brought up in their room—If there should be more men here belonging to those Officers, than the number ordered, they are all to go. As...
1848From George Washington to Denis McCarty, 10 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed to Conogochieg with the party under your command; which being composed of Captain Bells men, you must leave with him, and Draught the same number out of Captain Gists men, if he has many there; if not, they are to be taken from the men of the other companies there; exclusive of Captain Stewarts and Bells: and with them escort to this place such waggons (loaded...
1849To George Washington from Thomas Gage, 10 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I received your obliging Favor of The 14th of April, a few Days ago; & return you many Thanks for the good News you Sent me, of The Defeat of a Body of Indians, by one of your Partys; which tho’ no decisive Affair, nor attended with great Slaughter; may produce very good Effects, & I make no Doubt but it will give new Life & Courage to your People: The many Defeats we have had, & The Terrors...
1850Provincial Commissioners: Orders for Payment, [11 May–16 June 1756] (Franklin Papers)
DS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania After Franklin’s return from Virginia he resumed attendance at meetings of the provincial commissioners on May 11 and continued regularly until he left for New York about June 18. The sixty-six orders for money payment signed during this period are listed below in the same form as those signed earlier (see above, pp. 392–6). Orders which Franklin did not...