351General Instructions for Recruiting, 9 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
General Instructions for the Recruiting Officers of the Virginia Regiment. First: That no Officer shall enlist any Servant or Apprentice; nor discharge any man, after he is duly enlisted: neither are they empowered to impress Horses, &c. Secondly; That no Officer shall enlist any men under sixteen, nor above fifty years of age: nor are they to list men under five feet, four inches high; unless...
352From George Washington to Robert Stewart, 9 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to remain in this town until further Orders: when you are to receive and pass receipts for all the good Recruits which are brought to town. So soon as any Recruits come in, you are to review them; and if you find any that do not answer the instructions, you are immediately to discharge them. You are to be very particular in observing the day the Recruits are delivered...
353Orders, 10 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
Winchester. Saturday, January 10th 1756. Yesterdays Orders for Lieutenant Colonel Stephens’ march, are countermanded, and postponed until to-morrow; when he and the Officers are to set out for Fort Cumberland. Captain Stewart is to send off Sergeant Hughes, and one or two men of the Troop, upon Troop Horses, in pursuit of John Emre and David Christian, who deserted last night. Captain Bell is...
354From George Washington to Thomas Walker, 10 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
Instructions for Mr Commissary Walker. You are to lay in at Cockes and Ashby’s Forts, three months provision. As I can not yet determine where Store and Smoke-Houses are to be built; I would have you do the best you can, until you hear from me again. You are to provide three or four months provision to be carried on horse-back. If the Flour at Conongogee, should be demanded by the Kings...
355From George Washington to David Bell, 10 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are to proceed to Fort Dinwiddie, to settle your Recruiting Accompt with Ensign Fleming. You are then to proceed to the borders of Carolina, or other places where you may hear of Deserters; and use your utmost endeavours to apprehend them. You must make application to all the civil Officers; who will assist you in apprehending and conveying them to the Regiment. You are to employ your time...
356From George Washington to Peter Hog, 10 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
Since writing you by Major Lewis, I have received yours; enclosing Returns of the eighth and fifteenth of December. In your letter, you speak of Johnstons claim to a discharge, as mentioned in a former letter—that letter I never received —and know of no pretence he can have, unless disobedience of Orders and other villanous practises, are sufficient grounds to claim a discharge. As he deserted...
357From George Washington to Alexander Boyd, 10 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are, out of the public money in your hands, to pay off all the Troops of the Virginia Regiment to the first of this instant with what arrears are due both Officers and Soldiers. After doing that, if you do not receive a supply of cash from me; and should not have sufficient in your hands to pay the whole, this present months pay; you are, in order to keep the Soldiers quiet, only to pay...
358From George Washington to Robert Rutherford, 10 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are to have regard to such order and Orders as you shall receive from Captain Stewart, relating to Provisions, Stores, &c. and deliver none without his directions, or the directions of a Superior Officer, during my absence. If any fresh provisions or other necessaries are wanted for the Hospital; you are to provide them, upon receiving an order for that purpose from Captain Stewart. You...
359Memorandum, 11–14 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
Jacob Funckhouser received his discharge at William West’s, January 11th as Ensign Buckner had taken John Berry in his room. LB , DLC:GW .
360From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 13 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
Majr Lewis being at Winchester when your Letter came to hand was immediately dispatchd to Augusta to take upon him the command of the Troops destin’d against the Shawnesse Town with orders to follow such directions as he shoud receive from you. this scheme thô I am apprehensive will prove abortive as we are told that those Indians are removd up the River—into the Neighbourhood of Du-quisne. I...
361Orders, 14 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
All the Recruits in Town are to be completed to six days provision; and are to-morrow to march to Winchester, under the command of Ensign Deane; who is to see that they commit no irregularities on their march. They are to Halt two days at Winchester, and then to proceed on their march to Fort Cumberland: they will receive provision at Winchester for that purpose. The rest of the Officers here...
362After Orders, 14 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
After Orders The Soldiers in town are not to march until further Orders—They are to remain here under the command of Ensign Deane, who is to be very careful that they commit no irregularities. He is to have the Rolls called over thrice every day; and if any of them desert, he is to send in pursuit of them immediately. The other Officers in town are to set out to-morrow for Fort Cumberland. LB...
363From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 14 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
When I was down the Committee among other things resolved that the Maryland and Carolina Companies shoud not be supported with our Provisions—This Resolve (I think) met with your Approbation; upon which I wrote to Colo. Stephen desiring him to acquaint Capt. Dagworthy thereof, who paid slight Regard to it, saying it was in the Kings Garrison and all the Troops had an equal Right to draw...
364From George Washington to Charles Lewis, 27 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
The first of march I appointed for the general Rendezvous; as I conceived a plan of operations for the ensuing Campaign would be concerted and ordered by that time: However, yours is Hereby prolonged until the twentieth of that month; at which time, without a further prolongation, you are ordered to repair to Winchester without fail. I am greatly astonished at Mr Starke’s behaviour, but more...
365From George Washington to George Fraser, 27 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are really appointed to Captain Hoggs Company as Captain Peachy told you; and I am sorry to say, as it is disagreeable to you, that you must abide by this regulation; and repair to the Company with all convenient dispatch. If it is absolutely necessary for you to go by Fort Cumberland; I must recommend diligence, as your presence may be wanting—As to your having Fort Duty this year, it is...
366Memorandum, 30 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
Ensign James Roy appointed to Captain John Mercers Company: and a copy of the above Letter sent him. LB , DLC:GW . The “above Letter” in the letter book is that of George Mercer to Denis McCarty, 30 Jan. 1756 .
367From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 1 February 1756 (Washington Papers)
If you find that a good road by Ross’s Mill can be so easily cut; the sooner it is set about the better. As the Governor is still silent concerning what I represented about building a Fort on Pattersons Creek; I would have you desist, at least for a while—and erect such Buildings as are absolutely necessary at Fort Cumberland, and no more. You may depend upon it, I shall take proper notice of...
368From George Washington to Thomas Walker, 1 February 1756 (Washington Papers)
As the contention about the command is risen to the disagreeable height it now is; and would probably, if not timely prevented, be attended with very bad consequences to the public: I solicited leave, which is obtained, to visit the General, and represent all those matters to him. And accordingly I set out on monday next. When I saw you last, you proposed as a thing which you believed might be...
369Memorandum, 2–3 February 1756 (Washington Papers)
John Sellers, Enlisted by Ensign Deane, was this day discharged; as not being legally Enlisted. LB , DLC:GW .
370From George Washington to John Blagg, 2 February 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are Hereby ordered to proceed with the utmost dispatch to Winchester; there to take upon you the Command of the Troop of Light Horse, and such other Soldiers as you shall find Quartered there. You are to govern yourself strictly by the orders which you will receive there inclosed by Captain Stewart; he being directed to leave you the same orders which he received, when posted to that...
371From George Washington to John Dean, 2 February 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are to take under your command all the men now quartered in this town; and proceed with the utmost dispatch to Watkins’s Ferry; there to relieve Lieutenant Lomax and his party, who are to march directly to Fort-Cumberland, to join their respective Companies there. Lieutenant Lomax will give you a copy of his Instructions; by which you are to govern yourself. If Captain Stewart is still at...
372From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 2 February 1756 (Washington Papers)
I can but return my very hearty thanks for your kind condescension in suffering me to wait upon General Shirley; as I am very assured it was done with intention to favour my Suit. There is as yet an unanswerable argument against our taking the Field, which I forgot to mention in my last; that is, the want of a Train of Artillery; and, what is full as necessary, Engineers to conduct the Affair,...
373From George Washington to John Kirkpatrick, 3 February 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are to remain at this place until my return; unless you receive orders to the contrary from me. The Pay-Master and Commissary will apply to you for some money; and you are according to their demands on you, to pay them out of the money in your hands; reserving about eight hundred pounds—You are also to pay off the Officers and men now in town, before they march. Given at Alexandria, this...
374From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 25 March 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Adam Stephen, 25 Mar. 1756. On 19 May 1756 Stephen wrote to GW : “I am sorry that I did not receive yours from Quantico dated March 25th.”
375From George Washington to William Shirley, 4 April 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Shirley, 4 April 1756. On 16 May 1756 Shirley wrote to Horatio Sharpe: “Three Days ago I was favour’d with your Letter dated the 10th of April inclosing one from Colonel Washington to me dated the 4th together with another from yourself dated the 14th of the same month” ( Lincoln, Shirley Correspondence Charles Henry Lincoln, ed. Correspondence of William Shirley:...
376Orders, 7 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Washington orders a Return to be given in immediately of the number of Recruits in Town; their arms and Clothes. After Orders. A Subaltern and twenty men to parade immediately to march to Joseph Edwards’s. The Officer to see that the Party is provided well with ammunition. Lieutenant Blagg for this Command: who will receive his Orders from the aid de camp. LB , DLC:GW . GW rode into...
377From George Washington to John Blagg, 7 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are Hereby ordered to proceed with the party under your command, with the utmost expedition to Joseph Edwards’s on Great Capecapon; where you are to remain, and endeavour to procure what intelligence you can, and transmit to me from time to time. I would by no means have you go in pursuit of the Enemy, unless you are joined by such parties of the Militia, as you judge from the intelligence...
378From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 7 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here yesterday and think it advisable to dispatch an Express (notwithstanding I hear two or three are already sent down) to inform you of the unhappy situation of Affairs on this Quarter. The Enemy have returned in greater numbers; committed several murders not far from Winchester; and even are so daring as to attack our Forts in open day; as your Honor may see by the enclosed...
379From George Washington to John Robinson, 7 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here yesterday and though not a little fatigued, and incessantly hurried by the afflicting news from the back inhabitants, who are hourly importuning me for assistance, which is not in my power to give—I can not omit this favourable opportunity to give some account of the gloomy aspect that things bear at present. And I am sorry to say, that unless there are speedy and vigorous...
380From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 7 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I am very much surprized to hear that the Officers with the Detachments from Fort Cumberland, are returned without meeting with the Enemy: as they were committing their depredations and cruelties in all parts at that time, even as low as Sleepy-Creek. It is determined here by Lord Fairfax and others of the militia, that a number of them shall be raised to march out and scour the Country—They...
381Orders, 8 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Officers now in Town, to give in a Return immediately of the Recruits they brought to Rendezvous, since they were last sent out: and are to have them drawn up, in order to be passed by Colonel Washington. Captain Peachy to see this done, and wait upon the Colonel, to let him know when they are ready. Sergeant Hughes is to march to Conongochieg immediately, with fifteen men from this Town....
382From George Washington to David Bell, 8 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
To Captain David Bell. of the Virginia Regiment. You are Hereby Ordered to proceed immediately to Conogochege; and are there to take upon you the Command of the Troops now stationed there, for defence of the Stores, &c.—You are to endeavour with all possible expedition, to procure a sufficient number of Batteaus and Canoes (assisted by those which are already gone up with Captain Gist) to...
383Orders, 9 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Regimental Court Martial to sit immediately to enquire whether John Hogan, and William Bond, are guilty of the crimes laid to their charge—and to try the Sentinel, who let William Field, who was confined for desertion, escape from the Guard. Captain Peachy, President. The Officers to see that the Recruits now in Town are exercised twice every day: They are to order all the men to appear...
384From George Washington to Robert Hunter Morris, 9 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I had scarce reachd Williamsburg, before an express was after me with news of the French & Indians advancing within our Settlements, and doing incredable mischief to the Inhabitants which obligd me to postpone my business there, and hurry to their assistance with all expedition: when I came to this place I found everythings in deep confusion: and the poor distressd Inhabitants under a general...
385Orders, 10 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Sentence of the Court-Martial, whereof Captain Peachy was President, is approved: and Richard Denny is to receive his punishment at Retreat-Beating to night. LB , DLC:GW . Richard Denny (born c.1730), a soldier in Capt. William Bronaugh’s company, enlisted in Feb. 1756 and was from Northumberland County. Denny was probably the sentinel mentioned in GW’s Orders, 9 April, who had let the...
386From George Washington to David Bell, 10 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
As the Inhabitants of the place seem much alarmed, and under continued apprehensions of being attacked—It is my Orders, that you keep out constant Scouting Parties of the Light Horse, &c. in order that you may receive timely notice of the approach of the Enemy; which you are immediately to communicate to the Inhabitants. If you think you can strengthen the place where you are, by throwing up...
387Orders, 11–12 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Officers are to examine the arms, ammunition, &c. of the men, immediately. They are to have all the muskets discharged by some good marksman, in order to see if they are straight, those that are not, are immediately to be carried to the Smith to put them in order. They must also examine the locks and ram-rods, and see that they are fit for Service—They must see that all the men are...
388From George Washington to David Bell, 12 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
If you find it impossible to procure a sufficient number of canoes to transport the Stores at Conogchieg to Fort Cumberland at one Trip[,] you are to endeavour to engage as many as you can, to be in readiness against Captain Gists return: and then proceed with them, and those that come with Captain Gist, to Fort Cumberland. Captain Gist is to remain at Conogochieg with his Party, until further...
389From George Washington to John Fenton Mercer, 12 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
If this overtakes you on cape-capon, or any of its waters, you are immediately to return to Joseph Edwards’s, on Great Cape-capon: and there wait with your party, until you receive further orders from me. You are, immediately upon your arrival at J. Edwards’s, to make a Return, and dispatch it by Express immediately to me at this place; of the number your party consists of; and how they are...
390From George Washington to David Bell, 14–15 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
It is my Orders that you send out Scouting Parties of the Light Horse as often as it can possibly be done, without too much fatiguing them. And you must order them to scour the Woods round for six or seven miles: as I am informed they never proceeded more than three or four miles upon any of their Scouts, heretofore. LB , DLC:GW .
391Orders, 14 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
392Orders, 15 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
A trusty Sergeant, and ten private men to parade immediately, and escort the Waggon with provision to Joseph Edwards’s. LB , DLC:GW . See George Mercer’s orders to Reuben Vass, this date .
393From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 16 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
All my Ideal hopes, of raising a Number of Men, to scour the adjacent Mountains, have vanished into Nothing. Yesterday was the appointed Time, for a general Rendezvous of all who were willing to accompany Me, for that desirable End; and only 15 appeared: so that I find myself reduced, to the farther Necessity, of waiting at this Place a few Days longer, till the Arrival of a Party, which was...
394Enclosure I, 16 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Scheme for forming the Quota of Virga Troops 2000 into two Battalions of ten Companies each as the best & chexapest Method Officers following Pay pr Day 1 Colonel who is to have the Command of the whole & have a Compa. £1 10. 0 2 Lieut. Colonels for 1st & 2d Battalion each a Company each 17. 6 2 Majors—with Companies also 15. 0 15 Captains each a Company 10.
395Enclosure II, 16 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Present Establishment of the Virginia Regiment with the pay of each Officer &c.— Pay per Day 1 Colonel £1. 10. 0 1 Lieutenant Colonel 17. 6 1 Major 15. 0 16 Captains 10.
396From George Washington to John Robinson, 16 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
When I wrote you last, I was in high hopes of being by this time at the head a large party scouring the Allegany Hills. But the timidity of the Inhabitants of this County is to be equalled by nothing but their perverseness. Yesterday was the time appointed for all to meet who were inclined to join for this desirable end, and only fifteen came; some of whom refused to go but upon such terms as...
397Orders, 16 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Court martial to sit immediately for trial of John Garland and Thomas Hope, confined for fighting. Lieutenant Gist is to give in a Return immediately of the Recruits he brought to Town last night: with their names, age, size, &c. Sergeant Clunis to see that the man who is employed in straightening the arms, keep close to his Business; and is to order him all the assistance he can. The Troops...
398Orders, 17 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
399From George Washington to John Fenton Mercer, 17 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
As the great rains have prevented your march on the expedition Ordered: You are to halt at the place where you now are, until the Waters are passable: and then proceed to Enoch’s Fort and no farther; and remain there until you receive further Orders from me. You must endeavour to procure some good Woodsmen, well acquainted with the place; and honest people, to send out as Spies to the Springs...
400Orders, 18 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Court Martial to sit immediately for Trial of Sergeant Waters, and John Garland. LB , DLC:GW . John Garland, a 32–year-old Virginian, was listed on Robert Spotswood’s size roll of 13 July 1756 as having been enlisted on 1 Feb. 1756 in North Carolina. Garland was later transferred to Woodward’s company. GW mentioned a Sergeant Waters earlier (see GW’s Orders for 8 Jan. 1756 ), and this may be...