George Washington Papers
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James Innes to GW or James Mackay, 5 July 1754

James Innes to GW or James Mackay

Winchester 5 July 1754 Eleven Oclock

Gentlmen

I have this moment received your Express & am verey glade to find you are Joined. I wish My Regemt, with the New York Companeys were arrived here they are upon ther march, nor cann I laren the reason of there so long Stay att Bell Haven you may depend I will make all the heast in my Power to join you[.] If you Should be Oblidged to retire you must demolish your Works other ways it is making a Cover for the enemie I have forwarded your Express to the Troops on there march.1 It is what I daily expected they would by a Strong Detatchment inquare about there partey Lost.2 pray leave no room for A Surprize but be vigilant. & depend We will make them retire in there turne I long to be with you & this would be a fine Oppertunity to prevent there returning to there forte. I wish you good Sucess & am your Most Hue Servtt

James Innes

ALS, DLC:GW.

1The “Express” Innes received from GW and forwarded to the troops on the march has not been found, but Adam Stephen later recalled that soon after GW’s council of war reached the decision on 30 June to make a stand at Fort Necessity, “and having certain Intelligence that the Yorkers had arrived at Alexandria about twenty days before . . . and a flying Report, that they had got to Will’s Creek on their March to join us . . . an Express was sent to inform them of our Station and hasten them to our Assistance” (Maryland Gazette [Annapolis], 29 Aug. 1754).

2The party of French soldiers sent out from Fort Duquesne was taken by GW on 29 May. See GW’s three letters of 29 May 1754 to Dinwiddie [letter 1, letter 2, letter 3].

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