2451From George Washington to John Stanwix, 28 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
Your Orders of the 23d instant I was favoured with this morning; and have complied therewith as punctually as possible. The following is a List of the particulars which John Spour hath passed his receipt to me for; and promised to deliver to Edward Shippen Esquire (at Lancaster) agreeable to your direction. 10 Barrels Gun-powder 6 lb. round-shot 3 Tons of Lead 12,000 musket-flints There is...
2452From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 29 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
Mr Atkins delay is productive of numberless ill consequences. I am teased incessantly by the Indians to know when he will come; and have put them off so long, that their patience is quite exhausted; and several of them are going off without waiting his arrival. Among these are three who I must beg leave to recommend to your Honors particular notice—The first is Capt. Aires, about Hixayoura; a...
2453From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 30 May 1757 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Duane, Works , VI , 18–20. I have before me yours of the 9th and 16th instant; I am glad you have resolved to visit sister Dowse oftener; it will be a great comfort to her, to find she is not neglected by you, and your example may, perhaps, be followed by some other of her relations. As Neddy is yet a young man, I hope he may get over the disorder he complains of,...
2454From Benjamin Franklin to Isaac Norris, 30 May 1757 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society After waiting here above Seven Weeks for the Sailing of the Pacquet, the Time of her Departure is no more ascertain’d now than it was the Day of our Arrival. The Pacquets it is now said are all three to sail with the Fleet; the two first to be dismiss’d soon after the Fleet is at Sea; the third to go with the Fleet to the Place of Rendezvous, and not to be...
2455From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 30 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
The Indians are so dissatisfied at Mr Atkins’ delay, that I am obliged to send this Express to beg the favor of your Honor to hurry him up immediately, or to give Orders in what manner the Present shou’d be disposed of, which arrived here two days ago from Mr Donald. If one or the other of these is not done, and in a very short time too; it will not be in my power to prevent their going off...
2456From George Washington to John Robinson, 30 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
We receive fresh proofs every day of the bad direction of our Indian affairs. It is not easy to tell what expences have arisen on account of these Indians; how dissatisfied they are, and how gloomy the prospect of pleasing them appears, while we pursue our present system of management. I therefore beg leave to propose a plan, which I know is exactly agreeable to the french policy of treating...
2457To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 1 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 24th May I received, Serjt Fent has given a pretty good Accott of his remarks at Fort Du Quesne &ca & appears to be a well behav’d Man—I’m sorry to acquaint You that the Bill for Supplies was rejected by the Councill but the Ho: of Burgesses are prepairing another which I hope will have a better Fate, they propose augmenting the forces, but ’till they vote Suplies nothing can be...
2458To George Washington from John Hall, 1 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I have to inform you I have been at this Place this 7 days. I have made use of all my Credentialls, & got admitted to an Interview with his Lordship—he seem’d much displeas’d at my leaving the Virginia Regiment, & I believe t’was owing to the Influence of yr kind Lr he did not reject me, being apprehensive I presume too favourable a Reception might encourage others of that Chore to revolt. I...
2459David Hall’s Remittances to England, 1757–1765 (Franklin Papers)
MS account book: American Philosophical Society [June 2, 1757] The partnership agreement with David Hall, Jan. 1, 1748, provided that Hall was to pay one half the net income of the printing office to Franklin at every monthly clearing of accounts. Apparently such strict regularity did not prove feasible and Franklin did not insist upon it. During his prolonged trip to England, however, he did...
2460From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 2 June 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have just received yours of the 29th [past. I have made] fresh Enquiry about the Clothes and [Sugar but have yet to] hear a Syllable of them. The brass [Engine at length] came by itself, and was deliver’d to the [ ? ] House, with the three small Parts belonging [to it] by a tall Man whom she does not know; but no Clothes, Sugar, or anything else. There...
2461From Benjamin Franklin to Ezra Stiles, 2 June 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Having waited here near Eight Weeks for a Passage to England, we are at length told we shall certainly sail tomorrow. For your Amusement I enclose you a Copy of a Letter I lately sent to a philosophical Friend in Carolina. I shall not forget your Thermometer, and shall be glad to hear from you when in England. I am, Dear Sir, with great Esteem, Your most obedient...
2462William Franklin to Elizabeth Graeme, 2 June 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library By one Accident or other we are still in N. York. But I know not how to complain of my Detention; for has it not afforded me the Pleasure of another Letter from my Betsy. A Letter for which I cannot be enough thankful. I must answer it in short; the Time of our Departure being now positively fix’d to this Afternoon. The Name of our Pacquet is, The General Wall ,...
2463From George Washington to Commanding Officer on the South Branch, 2 June 1757 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Commanding Officer on the South Branch, 2 June 1757. On 3 June 1757 GW wrote to the Commanding Officer on the South Branch : “In my letter to you of yesterdays date. . . .”
2464From George Washington to Andrew Lewis, 2 June 1757 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Andrew Lewis, 2 June 1757. On 3 June 1757 GW wrote to Lewis : “In a letter which I wrote to you yesterday. . . .”
2465From George Washington to Commanding Officer on the South Branch, 3 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
In my letter to you of yesterdays date, I enclosed you one to Major Lewis; desiring him not to bring the Indians down if he cou’d possibly avoid it. Since that, the Honble Mr Atkin, superintendant of indian Affairs, has arrived here; and is desirous to hold a conference with them as soon as possible. The enclosed is to inform Maj: Lewis thereof: and I desire you will send it to the upper part...
2466From George Washington to Andrew Lewis, 3 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
In a letter which I wrote to you yesterday, I desired that the Indians might not be brought to this place if it cou’d possibly be avoided: Since which, the Honble Edmund Atkin, Esquire; superintendant of Indian Affairs, is arrived; and desires to hold a conference with them here. No bad consequences are likely to ensue by bringing them from the Frontiers (of which, however, you are to judge...
2467From Benjamin Franklin to [Peter and Mary Franklin], [4 June 1757] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; extracts reprinted from Parke-Bernet Galleries Catalogue, Sale No. 134 (Oct. 25–6, 1939), p. 26, no. 133; and Charles D. F. Burns Catalogue, No. B937/1, p. 22, no. 672. I enclose you an Order of Cousin James’s on Mr. Collins for 35 Dollars. Please to receive them, and send them per first safe hand to my Wife. If you can get it in Gold, it may be enclosed in a little Packet and...
2468From George Washington to Joshua Lewis, 6 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Instructions for Capt. Lewis. By George Washington Esquire, Colonel of the Virginia Regiment, &c. &c. [Fort Loudoun] June the 6th 1757. You are ordered to take under your command the men belonging to your own company, together with those joined thereto by a late Order; as also those (now) of Capt. Spotswood’s company: and, with Lieutenants Lomax and Steenburgen, and Ensign Thompson, with four...
2469To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 6 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I recd Yr Letter of the 30th Ulto ⅌ Ct. Gist—I am sorry the Indians are so refractory, which I conceive is entirely owing to Capt. Mercer’s promising them Presents, which he had no Power or Authority to do—Those Indians had a sufficient Supply at Bedford Court House agreeable to the Treaty; but their Avarice is such that if they had all their Expectations, they wou’d demand more, & it is a...
2470Memoranda, 7 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Before Majr Lewis goes to his Post in Augusta—Peruse carefully the Contents of Captn Hogs Letters and direct him how to act in the affair. also require him to enquire particularly into the State of that Company & inform me what necessarys they are deficient in thro. what means this became so —Sundry sml accts sent by Bullet allowd. Ditto 7th Answer Captn Hogs Letters fully by the Officer who...
2471From George Washington to Peter Hog, 7 June 1757 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Peter Hog, 7 June 1757. On 7 June 1757 GW writes in his Memoranda : “I have promisd him [Hog] in a Letter of this date to do it.”
2472From George Washington to John David Wilper, 7 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Instructions for John Davd Wilper—Sergeant in the Virginia Regiment. By George Washington Esq. Colonel of the Virginia Regimt and Commander of all the Virginia Forces. [Fort Loudoun] The 7th June, 1757. You are hereby ordered to take charge of the Cherokee Indians, whereof Warhatclie and Yautanou are Chiefs, and to conduct them in the nearest and best way you can from this place, thro’...
2473To George Washington from Richard Bland, 7 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving your Letter by Mr Gist: and I assure you, I should look upon it as a singular Felicity, if I could contribute towards perfecting any Scheme, for the advantage of my Country: my Endeavours, so far as my Influence will reach, shall never be wanting. I had the mortification to find the Majority of our House, against the most vigorous measures, for effectually...
2474Memoranda, 8 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Get the Prices of all the Soldiers Cloathg from Colo. Carlyle—with a reasonable advance; and give it to each Captain with Orders to examine his Company’s necessary Roll once a Week (every Saturdy) witht Fail and to make stopages for every thing difficient besides punishing the Soldiers for neglect of Duty this to be done before they are paid. Order also that each Sergeant of a Comy have a...
2475Enclosure II: Court of Inquiry, 9 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
At a Court of Enquiry held at Fort Loudoun June 9th 1757 to enquire why Lieut. Campbell did not according to Colo. Washingtons Orders proceed with the Detachment that was destin’d for South Carolina. Capt. Robert Stewart President Capt. Bell M e m b e r s Capt. Lieut. McNiel Lieut. Lomax Ens. Thompson Ens. Crawford Ens. Roy Ens. Russell Lieut. Campbell being ask’d whether he had received Colo....
2476Memorandum, 10 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Write the Officers on the Branch not to furnish the Indians with Horses—if they do they may answer the Expense. AD , NN : Washington Collection. See source note , Memoranda, 7 June 1757 . See GW to Robert McKenzie, 11 June 1757 .
2477From George Washington to John Baylor, 10 June 1757 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to John Baylor, 10 June 1757. On 20 June 1757 Baylor wrote to GW : “Yrs of the 10th I rec’d.”
2478From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 10 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Your letters of the 23d ultimo and 2d [1st] instant are received. Mr Atkin will write your Honor by this opportunity; therefore my observations shall be principally confined to Indian Affairs. In the first place, I fear that, the different colonies struggling with each other for their assistance, will be productive of very great Evils; and, in the end, introduce insupportable expence to these...
2479From George Washington to John Robinson, 10 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
A person of a readier pen and having more time than myself, might amuse you with the vicissitudes which have happened in the Indian Affairs since Mr Atkin came up. I acknowledge my incompetency and therefore shall only observe that the Indians have been pleased and displeased oftener than they ought to have been. And that they are gone off (that party under Warhatclie, I mean) in different...
2480To George Washington from James Baker, 10 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I Yesterday returned to this place with the Cherokees and have the Satisfaction to acquaint you that on the 5th Instant we fell on two Tracks about 35 Miles beyond the three Forks of Yohagany in a small path that led towards this place, we had not followed those Tracks above eight or Ten Miles, before we met 10 Frenchmen returning from a Scout, our foremost Indian discovered them first and sat...
2481Memoranda, 11 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Send to him the proceedings of the Enquiry Court upon Lt Campbell. Ditto—Instructns to the Offrs of Out Pos⟨ts⟩. Not to provide any Indians with Horses but in extraordinary Cases nor to hold any conferences & treatys with them or to make them any Promises—nor give them liquor. Mr King—Ditto Tell him to take up all the Horses brot by the Indians from the Indians & to take great pains in having...
2482From George Washington to Robert McKenzie, 11 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
The exorbitant expence, and bad precedent of giving to every Indian who is pleased to demand it, a Horse to ride, compel me to tell you, that a stop must be put to the practise, or the officer who directs it will be made liable for the cost. The Country will not allow it; Nor are you to give them liquor, but upon extraordinary occasions. I have the pleasure to inform you, that you are one of...
2483Memoranda, 12 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Write to him in behalf of the Govr to know whether he can furnish the Virginia Troops with arms. Also ask him what Batmen are allowd to a Company in thier Service—and what to each Officer. June 12 to be done in Winchester Have the Prisoners tryd to morrow. Enquire of the Officers Ensign Perts Character—The Officers refusing to Rank with him. AD , NN : Washington Collection. See source note,...
2484From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 12 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed is a return of the Subaltern Officers and Cadets in the Virginia Regiment, set down according to their seniority. I think it proper to send this to your Honor that you may be enabled to fill up the Commissions below, if you prefer, it, rather than sending blank ones to the officers who have resigned their commissions at different times, of which your Honor has been informed. Since...
2485Enclosure I: List of Junior Officers in the Virginia Regiment, 12 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
If your Honor is pleased to promote the Officers &c. according to their seniority, and present Rank in the Regiment: They will then, if there are twelve companies, stand as follows. Lieutenants Lieutenants 13 Peter Steenburgen 1 Capt. Lt Jno. McNeil 14 John Campbell 2 Christopher Gist 15 John King 3 Thomas Bullet 16 James Baker 4 Walter Stewart 17 Nathanl Gist 5 Hancock Eustace 18 Mordecai...
2486From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 12 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Since closing my packet for your Honor of this date, I have received by Express, from Fort Cumberland the agreeable news of Lt Bakers return to that place with 5 scalps & one french officer, prisoner. Two other officers were also made prisoners; but one of them being wounded and unable to march, the Indians killed; and the other they served in the same manner soon after: and both contrary to...
2487From George Washington to James Baker, 12 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I embrace this opportunity of congratulating you upon your safe return; and of thanking you, for the Services you have done the public, in your late scout and skirmish. I was greatly surprized at not receiving an account of this matter from yourself: but am satisfied, there was some particular reason why I did not: For I can not believe that you, who have behaved so well in one respect, wou’d...
2488Memoranda, 13 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Draughts: Not to receive any but what is fit for the Service; reject all that are old—Subject to Fits—and otherwise infirm. Keep Copy’s of all the Receipts given for the Men: take exact lists of their Names—Countys they Come from hight Age Complection &ca so soon as they are receivd. Give the Officer who receives them a Copy of the Act to govern himself by. Dont let him give receipts either...
2489Memorandum, 14 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Stanwix. Send him Colo. Carlyles Letter. Write him abt Lieutt Bakers Success. That the People come in pretending to be from Captn Spotswoods party must be Deserters. That Our Assembly have voted 80,000 for raising 1200 Men &ca. That I shoud be glad to know whether the Officers Servants are allowd Provisions. how the Officers themselves are allowd. that is in regard to the quantity or any...
2490To George Washington from John Dagworthy, 14 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Six Cherokee Indians who just now came from Fort Du Quesne, say that six days ago they saw a large body of troops march from that garrison, with a number of waggons & a train of artillery, & by their route, must intend an attack on this garrison. I am, Sir, Yr most humble servt Sprague transcript , DLC:GW . For further details of the report of a French invasion, see James Livingston to GW, 14...
2491To George Washington from James Livingston, 14 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I am desird by Capt. Dagworthy to accquaint you that their is a great body of the Enemy one their way too these frontiers where they intend is not Certain the Intellegince Comes from 6 of Capt. Spotswoods party that arrivd hear about 3 oClock this afternon, Says Capt. Spotswood left them 10 days ago these 6 Seprated themselfs from the Rest and went to Fort De Quisnie where they Stay’d Some...
2492From George Washington to John Stanwix, 15 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you, that a scouting party, consisting of 5 Soldiers, and 15 Cherokee Indians, who were sent out the 20th ultimo, towards the Ohio, under Lt Baker, returned the 8th instant to Fort Cumberland with 5 scalps, and a french Officer prisoner; having killed two other Officers of the same party. Mr Baker met with this party (10 french, 3 Officers) on the head of...
2493From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 16 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
This instant the enclosed letters came to my hands —I have not lost a moments time in transmitting them to you, as I look upon the intelligence to be of the utmost importance. If the enemy are coming down in such numbers and with such a train of artillery as we are bid to expect, Fort Cumberland must inevitably fall into their hands, as no timely efforts can be made to relieve the Garrison. I...
2494Council of War, 16 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Virginia At a Council of War held at Fort Loudoun, Thursday, the 16th day of June, at 2 o’clock in the morning, 1757. Colonel George Washington, President Captn Thomas Waggener M e m b e r s Capt. Robt Stewart Capt. McNeill Captain Gist Lieutenant Campbell Lt Buckner Ensign Crawford Ensign Roy Ensign Russell. The Colonel laid before the council a Letter from Capt. Dagworthy, and another which...
2495Memorandum, 16 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
The following account sent to Colo. Stanwix and Governor Dinwiddie together with the Council of War. The number of men fit for Duty in the Virginia Regiment, exclusive of the Detachment gone for Carolina—where stationed, and the distance of each Garrison from this place. Men Miles At Fort Loudoun 100 At Maidstone 60 distance 36 At Edwards 16 do 22 At Pearsals 35 do 50 At Fort Pleasant
2496From George Washington to Andrew Lewis, 16 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I have just received intelligence from Capt. Dagworthy and Major Livingston, that they were informed by six cherokee indians, of a large body of French and Indians being on their march towards Fort Cumberland. You are therefore ordered to use every method (by means of the indians &c.) to gain intelligence of the real design and approach of this body of the Enemy: and if you find that they are...
2497From George Washington to John Dagworthy, 16 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I have seen your Letter, and have dispatchd Copy’s of it by good Expresses to Governor Dinwiddie, Govr Sharpe, Colo. Stanwix and the County Lieutenants of four Countys; so that I have no manner of doubt, but a very considerable Force will be with you in a very little time. I have dispatchd the bearer to inform you of this, that it may give Spirit to your Garrison. I heartily wish you all the...
2498From George Washington to William Fairfax, Henry Lee, and Culpeper County Lieutenant, 16 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Copy of a Letter sent to the County-Lieutenants of Fairfax, Prince-William, and Culpeper. Gentlemen. Fort Loudoun: June 16th 1757. This moment the enclosed is come to my hand, with another letter much more particular, but too long for me to copy, as I think no time shou’d be lost in transmitting intelligence of this important nature. Three Indians are come in wounded, and saw the french army...
2499From George Washington to Horatio Sharpe, 16 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
This Moment the inclos’d Letters came to My hands: I have not lost a moments time in Transmitting them to you—as I look upon the Intelligence to be of the utmost Importance. If the Enemy is coming down in Such Numbers, and with such a train of Artillery as we are bid to Expect Fort Cumberland Must inivitably fall in to their hands as no Efforts can be timely Made to save it. I Send you Sir a...
2500From George Washington to John Stanwix, 16 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
This Moment the Inclosed Letters came to my Hands. I have not lost a moments time in transmitting them to you, as I look upon the Intelligence to be of the utmost Consequence, If the Enemy is coming down in such Numbers and with such a Train of Artillery as we are bid to expect. Fort Cumberland must inevitably fall into their Hands as no Efforts can be timely made to save it. I send you Sir a...