51From George Washington to Robert Slaughter, 21 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I received yours of the 20th instant; and am glad of the judicious, regular step which you have taken—and judge it necessary you shou’d lose no time in marching the Detachmt up here; as we have received no intelligence which contradicts that formerly received a few days ago. A man arrived here from Fort-Cumberland who left that Garrison on the 16th instant: at which time there were great...
52From George Washington to Alexander Beall, 20 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 19th instant came to hand about noon this day—As there now remain but a few Indians here, who cou’d by no means be prevailed on to return towards Fort Cumberland, altho’ so much wanted on that Quarter; imagining we wished to sacrifice them by attempting to expose them to (what they think) certain destruction, they positively refused marching until they saw such numbers as wou’d...
53From George Washington to John Stanwix, 20 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 18th from the camp at Carlyle, I received about noon this day: at a time when I was examining (in company with His Majestys Agent for Indian Affairs) the french prisoner, brought to this place by Lt Baker and the cherokee indian. a copy of his examination I herewith enclose. You will find, Sir, from the tenor of his answers, that a large body of Indians was hourly expected at Fort...
54Court-Martial, 19 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
At a Regimental Court martial held at Fort Loudoun June the 19th 1757 Capt. Thos Waggener Presidt Lieut. Steenbergen M e m b e r s Lieut. Campbell Ensn Crawford Ensn Thompson Prisoners Wm Coffland Corpl of Capt. Lewis’s Company confin’d by Quarter Master Hamilton for laying out of Camp & disturbing the Inhabitants at an unreasonable Hour. Mary Hinch an Evidence against the Prisoner informs the...
55Memorandum, 17 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Stanwix Send Colo. Carlyle’s Letter to him. Inform him that the Enemy have Mortar’s—by the Indians Intelligence. AD , NN : Washington Collection. See the source note, Memoranda, 7 June 1757 . See GW to John Stanwix, 20 June 1757 .
56From 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...
57Memorandum, 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
58From 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...
59From 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...
60From 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...
61From 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...
62From 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...
63From 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...
64Memorandum, 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...
65Memoranda, 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...
66Memoranda, 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,...
67From 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...
68Enclosure 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...
69From 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...
70From 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...
71Memoranda, 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...
72From 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...
73Memorandum, 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 .
74From 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.”
75From 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...
76From 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...
77Memoranda, 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...
78Memoranda, 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...
79From 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.”
80From 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’...
81From 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...
82From 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...
83From 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...
84From 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. . . .”
85From 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. . . .”
86From 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...
87From 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...
88From 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...
89From George Washington to Edward Shippen, 28 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosd, is a true Copy of the Receipt which Jno. Spour has past to me, for Stores that he is to deliver you, agreeable to Colo. Stanwix Order. I am Sir Yr most Obedt Hble Servt ALS , PHi : Gratz Collection; LB , PPAmP : Edward Shippen Papers; LB , DLC:GW . Edward Shippen (1703–1781), the grandson of Edward Shippen (1639–1712), a speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly and president of its...
90From 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...
91From George Washington to Robert Jackson, 26 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
The following is a list of necessaries wanted for the public works at this place. I must beg the favour of you to send them up by the first waggon, if they are not already sent by the direction of Capt. Mercer. vizt 2 Barrels of 4d. Nails 2 Bar. of Span. Brown 1 ditto Flooring Brads 2 do spanish whiting 1 do 4d. Brads 1 do white-Lead 60 pairs of small HL Hinges 6 lb. Lampblack 40 ditto large...
92From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 24 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer of this is Sergeant Feint, a young fellow who went out with the first party of Cuttawba Indians, commanded by Captain Johny and taken near the french fort at the time we supposed and reported him to be killed, from the information which the Indians brought in. He made his escape from a small Delaware Town on a branch of Muskingum called white womans creek, in company with a Cuttawba...
93From George Washington to John Tulleken, 12 May 1757 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to John Tulleken, 12 May 1757. On 27 Oct. 1757 Tulleken wrote to GW : “Your very Agreable letter of the 12th of May I but very lately had the pleasure of receiveing.”
94From George Washington to William Smith, March–April 1757 (Washington Papers)
[ March-April 1757 ]. The text of this letter is printed as Document III of “The Capitulation of Fort Necessity.” There William Smith is tentatively identified as the addressee. On 3 Mar. 1757, while GW was in Philadelphia to attend Loudoun’s meeting with the southern governors, the printer James Chattin announced in the Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia) his intention to publish within two...
95From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 29 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
I make use of this as a less troublesome, the most effectual, and (I think) most expeditious method of recommending certain matters relative to the Regiment, &c. to your Honors notice—and to begin: The act of Assembly which subjected the Virginia troops to Martial Law, is now expired: and when in force, was altogether ineffectual for the purpose. It is I think quite obvious, that we can...
96From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 17 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
You are to remain with the Garrison at this place, ’till the maryland troops shall relieve you: As soon after as possible you are to march the virginia Troops to Fort Loudoun—taking care to carry all the virginia stores to that place, except a few tools which shou’d be sent to the Branch. But, if it shou’d so happen that there do not come waggons enough to carry off the whole at once; You must...
97From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 16 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
Your letter by Express, of the 8th Instant I fear has fallen into the hands of the common Enemy, for I never have seen it—The other of the 7th I this day received: and being exceedingly embarrassed to come at your Honors intentions, and really at a loss to know in what manner to act, in such perplexed and difficult circumstances—I called a council of Officers to my aid; the result of their...
98From George Washington to Richard Washington, 15 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
After so long Silence it may be expected I shoud introduce this Letter with an Apology for my seeming neglect, it is necessary to urge something in my defence I own Sir, that I may satisfy you it proceeds from a very different cause than the want of Inclination, and what can be so proper as the Truth. I have been posted then for twenty Months past upon our cold and Barren Frontiers, to perform...
99Enclosure: Invoice to Richard Washington, 15 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
Invoice of Sundry Goods to be Shipd by Mr Richd Washington of London for the use of G. Washington viz. A Marble Chimney piece of the Dimensions of the Inclosd (given by the Workmen) the Cost not to exceed 15 Guineas. N.B. let it be carefully packd. A Neat Landskip 3 feet by 21½ Inches—1 Inch Margin for a Chimy. 250 panes window Glass 11 by 9. Paper for 5 Rooms of the following Dimensions...
100From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 2 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
A letter which I received from Capt. Mercer, upon my return to Alexandria, informs me, that 95 Cutawba’s, beside 25 that are gone to Williamsburgh, are now in Winchester, waiting orders how to conduct themselves —That, according to custom they are in want of matchcoats, shirts, leggings, and all other necessaries. I shou’d be glad to receive your Honors particular directions with respect to...