To George Washington from Joseph Chew, 15 August 1757
From Joseph Chew
New York Augst 15th 1757
Dr Sir
This just serves to inform you that since my last this Country has been in a Continued Allarm and hurry[.] you will see by the inclosed that the French have made themselves masters of Fort Wm Henry[.] the Accot I send you has the greatest appearance of truth, but there is as yet no Certainty what Terms the Fort was surrender’d upon or who of that Garrison are safe[.]1 I will write you again before I leave New York and as soon as I can Come at the truth, our friend Beverley is gone to Albany. Please to forward the inclosed to my Brother2 and be Assured that I am with the sincerest Love and Respect Dear Sir Your Obedt Affectionate
Jos. Chew
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. Chew last wrote GW on 8 August. The one-page enclosure in Chew’s hand and dated 15 Aug. is on the whole an accurate description of Montcalm’s siege of Fort William Henry and the terms of capitulation. See Beverley Robinson to GW, 8 Aug. 1757, n.1, for a brief description of the siege.
2. The “inclosed” intended for Colby Chew, who at this time was in the Cherokee country, has not been found.