To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 5 September 1780
From Colonel Daniel Brodhead
Fort Pitt [Pa.] Sepr 5th 1780.
Dear General.
Yesterday the Indians killed two Men (of the frontier Inhabitants) on Robeson’s run in this County (Yoghagania) and fired at two Soldiers who were taking some Stores in a Canoe from hence to Fort Henry.1 One of them is wounded but neither of them fell into the Hands of the Enemy.
I would have sent out a party to pursue the Indians, but I have no provisions left, nor do I see any prospect of an adequate supply, as the Drought Still continues. and we have neither Money nor Credit to make purchases.
Colo. Clark has lately destroyed two of the Shawnese Towns, and killed Six Men & one Woman, And is returned to the Falls.2
If a sufficient quantity of Provisions Can be obtained I will yet visit the Wyondats by the first of November, and I believe the Country will be unanimous in joining me upon an Expedition.3 I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencies most Obedt Servt
Daniel Brodhead
LS, DLC:GW.
1. Moravian missionary David Zeisberger wrote in his diary entry for 10 Sept. that “3 Delaware Indians” arrived at Schonbrunn and “finally admitted that they had killed 2 White people a couple of miles from Pittsburgh but did not let their Scalps be seen” (, 538).
3. For GW’s reply, see his letter to Brodhead, 13 Oct., postscript.