185111 Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
A pleasant day . The first Day of Court. Nature and Truth or rather Truth and right are invariably the same in all Times and in all Places. And Reason, pure unbiassed Reason perceives them alike in all Times and in all Places. But Passion, Prejudice, Interest, Custom and Fancy are infinitely precarious. If therefore we suffer our Understandings to be blinded or perverted by any of these, the...
1852Memorandum respecting the Militia, 11 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 11th—Colo. Spotswood from Spotsylvania with 3 Field Officers 5 Captns 10 Subalterns and 130 private Men arrivd here & encampd in Colo. Woods Meadow. Colo. Henry Fitzhugh with 2 Captains 4 Subalterns 1 Clark 4 Sergts and 102 private also came to Town. as did 9 of the King George Deserter’s. The Prince William Militia were orderd to March to Morrow under the Comd of a Captn and 4 Sub. to...
1853Orders, 11 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
As there is a Report, that some Indians have been seen on the road between this and Enock’s—A party of Volunteers, about twenty-five, to parade immediately, to go and scour the woods between this and that place; and to return to-morrow. A Court Martial to sit immediately, for Trial of Sergeant Ferguson, and Thomas Lovell, Drummer. After Orders. The commanding Officers of the Militia [(]except...
1854From George Washington to William Fairfax, 11 May 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Fairfax, 11 May 1756. On 13 May 1756 Fairfax wrote to GW: “I had the Pleasure to receive Yrs of the 11th inst.”
185512 Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
Rambled about all Day, gaping and gazing.
1856Memorandum respecting the Militia, 12 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 12th—Was the first time I coud get a return of the Number of Carpenters that were among the Militia. In the Eveng abt 5 Oclock Lt Colo. Peyton with the Prince Wm Detacht marchd consistg of himself 1 Captn 4 Subalterns & 96 private as pr return. see his orders at large in my orderly Book. This day also the King George Militia had orders to March to Mendenhalls Fort to protect the...
1857Orders, 12 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Captains’ Guard is reduced. One Subaltern, one Sergeant, one Corporal, and twenty-one men, to mount Guard today. LB , DLC:GW .
1858From George Washington to William Cocks, 12 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Captain Baylis, of the Prince-William Militia, will give you this; and leave you a reinforcement of twenty men—with these, and the Detachment of your own company, which has now certainly rejoined you; you will be sufficiently able to send out several scouting parties: And it is my desire, you do your utmost to scour these parts, and protect the people. You will deliver Mr Baylie what...
1859Memorandum, 12 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A copy of the above Letter was also wrote to Captain John Ashby. LB , DLC:GW . See GW to William Cocks, this date .
1860From George Washington to Henry Peyton, 12 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed with the Detachment under your command, along the old waggon-road, until you come to Cockes’s Fort, on Pattersons Creek: where you are to leave a Subaltern, one Sergeant, and twenty men, to strengthen that Garrison. From thence you are to continue your march to Ashby’s Fort; which you are also to strengthen with the same number of men—and from there you are to...
1861From George Washington to Henry Peyton, 12 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are desired with the Detachment under your command, to proceed (on your arrival at the mouth of Patterson’s-Creek) as Escort to Governor Innis, to Fort Cumberland. Yours LB , DLC:GW .
1862From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 12 May 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Adam Stephen, 12 May 1756. On 19 May 1756 Stephen wrote to GW : “I reced yours of the twelveth.”
1863To George Washington from William Fairfax, 13–14 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I had the Pleasure to receive Yrs of the 11th inst. by Bryan Fx who I find is so well pleasd with the little military Atchievement He has experienct, that He is desirous of pursuing that Life. I have accordingly encouragd Him and to hope that You have Affection enough to give Him a Lieutenancy as no doubt there are some Vacancys and I heard the Governor tell one Matthew Bowyer (who applied for...
186412 [i.e. 13] Thurdsday. (Adams Papers)
Spent the Evening with Mr. Swan at home.
1865Memorandum respecting the Militia, 13 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 13th An express came from Colo. Peyton informg that a Sergt & 14 Men deserted last Night from him at Paris’s Fort and desireing a Reinforcement I was oblig⟨d⟩ to Countermand the Order’s to the King George Militia & to, then send them to join him with order’s to remain in Ashbys Fort and they accordingly Marchd 29 in number under Lieutt Nugent the rest were Sick & deserted. and this N, 4...
1866Orders, 13 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Washington has heard that the Soldiers are uneasy about their Pay—He takes this method to acquaint them, that they shall receive their full pay, so soon as the Pay master can come down, or they march to, Fort Cumberland. A Regimental Court Martial to sit immediately, for trial of John Robinson, Aaron Paul, and John Grant. LB , DLC:GW . According to GW’s orders on 15 May, James Clark...
1867From George Washington to Thomas Newgent, 13 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby Ordered, with the Detachment under your command, to proceed to join Colonel Henry Peyton and his party of Militia, with the utmost expedition; and take your Orders from him. Acquaint him that it is my desire, he leave you and your party in one of these Forts, he is ordered to reinforce. While you remain in the Fort, you are to take your orders from the commanding Officer there;...
1868Orders, 13 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Nathaniel Giles, James Joyce, and Edward Chatham, enlisted by Captain Christopher Gist—Philip Hands, enlisted by captain Peachey—on review, are found unfit for Service, and Discharged. After Orders. One Field Officer, four Captains, five Lieutenants, four Ensigns, twelve Sergeants; two hundred and three rank and file, of the Militia of Caroline, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Culpepper, are to...
1869Council of War, 14–15 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
At a Council of War, Held at Winchester, the 14th day of May, 1756; for considering and determining upon the necessary measures to be taken at this juncture with the Militia ordered here by His Honor, the Governor. Colonel George Washington, President. Colonel Spotswood } { Colonel Martin Colonel Baylor Colonel Thornton Members Colonel Lee Colonel Slaughter Colonel Fitzhugh Colonel Muse...
187013 [i.e. 14]. Friday. (Adams Papers)
Drank Tea at the Colonels.—Not one new Idea this Week.
1871Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 14 May 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1755–1756 (Philadelphia, 1756), p. 92. When Franklin returned to Philadelphia from Virginia in early May, he found the province at war with the Delaware Indians and the Assembly summoned two weeks ahead of the date to which it stood adjourned to consider further measures of defense, especially for the counties west of the...
1872Memorandum respecting the Militia, 14 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 14th The Orange Militia under Colo. Talliaferro consistg of 2 Field Officer’s 2 Captns 4 Subalterns & 100 private Men came to Town as did Colo. Barret with 130 Men from Louisa In the Evening of this day I summon’d all the Field Officers to meet, that we might advise and consult on the proper expedn to be taken with the Militia see a Copy of the proceedings in my orderly Book. in...
1873Orders, 14 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
As Colonel Washington has received some advices from Conogochieg; which render the march of the party of militia ordered yesterday, unnecessary—Those Orders are countermanded: and the Militia are not to march until Colonel Washington receives farther advice from the Governor. After Orders. All the Field Officers of the Militia are desired to attend at Colonel Washingtons Quarters, at half an...
1874To George Washington from Peter Hog, 14 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
On Saturday the 9th Instant I rec’d advice that the Tract of 7 Indians had been discovered at the house of Vanderpool on the head of this Rivr by two Men of the party detached from my Company for the protection of Mesrs Millers & Wilson’s Famillies; I immediatly ordered a Serjt to gett a party ready to March next Morng to Join the sd Detachmt & goe in Search of the sd Tracts But that Evening a...
187514 [i.e. 15]. Saturday. (Adams Papers)
A lovely Day. Soft vernal Showers. Exercise invigorates, and enlivens all the Faculties of Body and of mind. It arouses our Animal Spirits, it disperses Melancholy. It spreads a gladness and Satisfaction over our minds and qualifies us for every Sort of Buisiness, and every Sort of Pleasure.
1876Provincial Commissioners to Robert Hunter Morris, 15 May 1756 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library We are honoured with your several Letters of the 5th. 7th. 8th. 9th. 10th and 13th Instant, and have complied, as far as we are able, with every Request therein contained, excepting the Article of Tents, of which, we cannot be of Opinion that more are necessary, at this fine Season of the Year, than what will suffice for the Officers, and any of the Men that happen...
1877Memorandum respecting the Militia, 15 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 15th The Council being finis⟨hd⟩ the aforesd Number of Men were ordd to be draughted, & the remr to receive provision to carry them back & to be discharg’d. The said several draughts were orderd to get ready to March in the M[ornin]g to their respective Posts. AD , DLC:GW . See Memorandum respecting the Militia, 1–2 May 1756 . The Memorandum respecting the Militia, 14 May 1756 , gives the...
1878Orders, 15 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Court Martial to sit immediately for Trial of Thomas Hicks. James Clarke, who has accused Aaron Paul and John Robinson of Robbing him: must produce his Evidences to this Court Martial; in order to proceed on their Trial also. Else they will be Discharged. LB , DLC:GW . There were two James Clarks in the regiment on 13 July 1756. One, in David Bell’s company, was described as a 31–year-old...
1879George 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 .
1880Orders for the Militia, 15 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Orders for the Militia. The commanding Officers of the Militia left at this place, are to order all their Men to be under arms at Retreat-beating this Evening: and are to acquaint them, that if any of them desert, they will be immediately draughted as Soldiers into the Virginia Regiment. They are also to order them to lodge their arms in some secure place; and not suffer them to go about the...
188115 [i.e. 16]. Sunday. (Adams Papers)
A pleasant morning. The Week past was Court week. I was interrupted by Company, and the noisy Bustle of the publick Occasion, so that I have neither read or wrote any Thing worth mentioning.— Heard Mr. Thayer, and spent the Evening at Mr. Putnams, very sociably.
1882Memorandum respecting the Militia, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 16th The Cg Officers of each Militia (Culpeper excepted) reportd that severals of their Men had deserted—upon which I sent out to see if they coud be taken the Comy also reported that he had been trying & coud not procure a Waggon to transport the necessary stock of Provn & Am[munitio]n with them I was therefore obligd to postpone their March one day longer. By This time I had engagd 70...
1883Orders, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Court Martial to sit immediately, for trial of Richard Madden. The commanding Officers of the Militia, are to hold themselves in readiness to march very early to-morrow morning with their men, to their respective Stations. and must apply to the commissary for arms, ammunition and Provision. The provisions must be dressed to night, that no time be lost in the morning—at which time the...
1884George 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...
1885From George Washington to Nicholas Minor, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are immediately, upon receipt of this, with the men under your command, to march to Cocke’s-Fort, on Pattersons Creek; and there join him—You are to consult with Captain Cocke, and take his directions, in sending out frequent scouting parties, to scour the country, & make discoveries. It is expected that strict obedience will be paid these Orders; as they are in consequence of a Council of...
1886From George Washington to Thomas Waggener, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A party of the militia of Stafford, is ordered to Harnesses Fort; and will march to-morrow: as will a party of the culpepper Militia, to your upper fort. So soon as they arrive there, I would have you order down your men from that, to your station at Vanmeeters—as you will be posted there to assist the Inhabitants, with your Company and advice, in case of any alarms; and a second descent of...
1887From George Washington to Henry Peyton, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Detachment from King-George, under Lieutenant Newgent, is to be stationed at Ashby’s Fort; and you are to proceed with the whole of your Militia, to the Mouth of Little-Capecapon—and are not to station any of them at Cocke’s or Ashby’s Forts—as reinforcements from the other militia will be sent there. I expect a strict compliance with these Orders, and diligence in executing them; and...
1888From George Washington to Zachary Lewis, Jr., 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed with the Detachment under your command, to Captain Ashby’s Fort, on Pattersons Creek: and are to put yourself and party under his command. You are to be very circumspect on your march; and endeavour, as much as possible, to guard against a Surprize. Given at Winchester, May 16th 1756. LB , DLC:GW . Zachary Lewis’s commission as first lieutenant in the...
1889From George Washington to John Field, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed with the Detachment under your command, to the Upper Fort, on the South Branch (built by Captain Waggener) and post your men at that place. You are to use your utmost endeavours to protect the people from the insults of the Enemy; and encourage them by all fair means, to return to their Dwellings. You are to be particularly careful in seeing that no...
1890Memorandum, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A copy of the above Instructions was given to Lieutenant Hedgman, of the Stafford Militia; only he was ordered to Harness’s Fort. LB , DLC:GW . Lieutenant Hedgman could have been either of two brothers, William Hedgman (1732–1765) or George Hedgman (1734–1760), sons of Maj. Peter Hedgman (c.1700–1765), a member of the House of Burgesses for Prince William County from 1732 until 1740 and for...
1891From George Washington to William Woodford, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed with the Detachment under your command to the mouth of Sleepy-Creek; and chuse at that place, or in the neighbourhood thereof, the most convenient place to post your party: In doing which, consult the most judicious and knowing of the Inhabitants. You must get your men into some of the most tenable Houses; and endeavour to erect or throw up such necessary...
1892Memoranda, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A copy of the foregoing Instructions was given to Lieutenant Thomas, of the Orange Militia; only he was ordered to Mendenhalls’ Fort. A copy of these orders also given to Lieutenant Bebb, of the Louisa Militia; who was ordered to Henry Enocks’s. LB , DLC:GW . This memorandum follows immediately, in the letter book, GW’s instructions to William Woodford. Lt. Cornelius Thomas (d. 1775) of the...
189316 [i.e. 17] Monday. (Adams Papers)
The Elephant and the Lion, when their Strength is directed and applyd by Man, can exert a prodigious Force. But their Strength, great and surprizing as it is, can produce no great Effects, when applyed by no higher Ingenuity than their own. But Man, allthough the Powers of his Body are but small and contemptible, by the Exercise of his Reason can invent Engines and Instruments, to take...
1894Memorandum respecting the Militia, 17 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 17th Some time last Night an express from the So. Branch arrivd with letter’s from Ashbys Coc⟨ks⟩ & Pearsall’s Forts informg that a considerable body of Indian’s were abt again & had taken a prisr. Upon this all the Militia of Louisa & Stafford save 6 of the first & 8 of the latter deserted and the Caroline Detacht being reduc’d to 40 Rank & file the Spotsylvania to 22 and the Orange being...
1895Orders, 17 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A court martial to sit immediately for trial of Ezekiel Richardson. LB , DLC:GW . In the summer of 1756, Ezekiel Richardson, once an English sailor, was a 20–year-old soldier in Charles Lewis’s company of the Virginia Regiment. He was a drummer in Jacob Van Braam’s company at the surrender at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754, and by 1758 he had become the drum major of the 1st Virginia...
1896From George Washington to John Field, 17 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed with the utmost expedition to Job Pearsalls on the South-Branch: You will be joined by the Militia of Spotsylvania and Orange, who are to march with you to that place. When you arrive there, you are to summon a Council of War, of the Officers with you, and those already at the South Branch; and consult upon the most proper steps to be taken. If you find the...
1897From George Washington to Nicholas Minor, 17 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I would have you remain at Kirkendalls with your party until Colonel Peytons return to the Branch; and then march to the place directed in your former Orders; and take the advice of Captain Waggener, &c. how to act for the security and defence of the Inhabitants—Be very diligent and circumspect on your march or otherwise; and use every endeavour to prevent a surprize from the Enemy, as they...
1898From George Washington to Henry Peyton, 17 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I had yours last night; and observe your dangers from the Indians about the Neighbourhood. I would have you consult with Governor Innes upon the most expedient measures to pursue: and by all means, let me advise you never to be unguarded in case of a Surprize. I have had some conversation with people from the Branch since I wrote to you last; and find it more requisite to continue your command...
1899From George Washington to James Hamilton, 17 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Yours last night —Let nothing put you off your guard, and be prepared for the worst alarms. I would advise you to remain at Pearsalls until Captain [Colonel] Peytons return from escorting Governor Innes; and then you are to take Captain Minors’ post at Kirkendalls; as he is ordered at Colonel Peytons return, also to remove to the South-Branch. I hope there is no need of advising you to be...
1900After Orders, 17 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
After Orders. Lieutenant Thomas, with the Orange Militia, is ordered to Lieutenant Hedgmans post, as all his men have deserted except eight; who are to join the Spotsylvania Militia. Captain Woodford is ordered to Lieutenant Thomas’s post—Lieutenant Bebb, of the Louisa Militia, is to go in pursuit of his men, who deserted all except six men: These six are to join the Carpenters at work. LB ,...