1From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 29 May 1754 (Washington Papers)
To answer your Honour’s Letter of the 25th by Mr Birney —I shall begin with assuring you, that nothing was farther from my intention than to recede, thô I then pressd and still desire that my Services may be voluntary rather than on the present Pay—I am much concernd that your Honour should seem to charge me with ingratitude for your generous, and my undeserved favours, for I assure you Honble...
2From George Washington to Carter Burwell, 20 April 1755 (Washington Papers)
From the goodness kindness of your offer last Assembly, I flatter myself you will be kind enough so obliging as to acquaint the Gentlemen of the Committee (at th is eir next meeting) with the loss I sustaind during my Appointment as Paymaster to the Virginia Forces (either by Robery, or neglect of charging) and so far favour my Pretensions as to sollicit them in my behalf, which I am convinced...
3From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 20 August 1754 (Washington Papers)
Mr Peyrouney solliciting for leave to attend the Assembly, hoping to have some allowance made for his loss of Cloaths &ca which he sustaind in common with us all, and being not thoroughly cur’d of his Wounds which has hitherto render’d him unfit for Duty I thought it proper to indulge him in his request, and he now comes for the purpose aforesaid —By him I again take the Liberty of...
4Advertisement, 28 August 1754 (Washington Papers)
Whereas a great many false Reports have been raised, by Deserters from the Virginia Regiment, that they were discharged from said Regiment, had Leave to be absent for a Time, or that the Regiment was entirely broke: By which feign’d Stories, they have been allowed to pass free and unmolested. This is, therefore, to give Notice, that all Soldiers who are found two Miles distant from the Camp or...
5Poetry, 1749–1750 (Washington Papers)
AD , DLC:GW . For background on this document, see the editorial note to GW to Ann Washington, Sept.–Nov. 1749 . No evidence has been found that GW composed this work. This is an acrostic for Frances Alexander.
6From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 10 June 1752 (Washington Papers)
Being impatient to know Colo. Fitzhugh’s result; I went to Maryland as I returned Home He is willing to accept of the Adjutancy of the Northern Neck, if he can obtain it on the terms he proposes; which he hardly expects will be granted Him: The inclosed is his Letter, wherein I believe he inform’s of his intention. He told Me, he would, when conveniency admitted, build a House in Virginia, at...
7III., 1757 (Washington Papers)
I am really sorry, that I have it not in my power to answer your request in a more satisfactory manner. If you had favored me with the journal a few days sooner, I would have examined it carefully, and endeavoured to point out such errors as might conduce to your use, my advantage, and the public satisfaction; but now it is out of my power. I had no time to make any remarks upon that piece,...
8Memorandum, 8–9 July 1755 (Washington Papers)
N.B. The 8th of July I rejoined (in a covered Waggon) the advanced division of the Army under the immediate Comd of the General. On the 9th I attended him on horse back tho. very weak and low —on this day he was attacked and defeated by a party of French & Inds. adjudged not to exceed 300 —When all hope of rallying the dismayed troops & recovering the ground, our provisions & Stores were given...
9From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 29 May 1754 (Washington Papers)
Since writing the other, I have still stronger presumption, indeed almost confirmation that they were sent as Spyes, and were order’d to wait near us till they were truely informd of our Intention’s, situation, strength, &ca and were to have acquainted the Commander therewith and laid lurking near for Reinforcements before they served the Summon’s if it at all. I doubt not but they will...
10To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 1 June 1754 (Washington Papers)
Mr Geo. Croghan, a Gent. well acquainted with Indn. Affairs is engag’d by me to serve His My as an Interpreter. I therefore desire You to shew him a proper regard & in such Matters relating to the Delivery of Presents, wt You may have to negotiate with the Half King & the Inds. in the British Alliance & Int[eres]t You will consult him. I am Sr Yr most humble Servt LB , ViHi : Dinwiddie Papers....
11From George Washington to William Fairfax, 23 April 1755 (Washington Papers)
I cannot think of quitting Fairfax without embracing this last oppertunity of bidding you farewell. I shall this day set out for Wills Creek, where I expect to meet the Genl, and to stay—I fear too long, as our March must be regulated by the slow movements of the Train, which I am sorry to say, I think, will be tedious in advancing —very tedeous indeed—a nswerable to the expectation s I have...
12From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 6 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
A very fatiegueing Ride; and long round about brought me to the General (the day I parted with you) at Frederick Town; —This is a small Village 15 Miles below the blew Ridge i o n the Maryland — side of Potomac from thence we proceeded to this place, where we have halted since Saturday last, and shall depart for Wills Creek to morrow. I find there is no probality of Marching the Army from...
13From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, August 1754 (Washington Papers)
As I wrote so lately and fully, to you by Mr Polson, on the subject of the Orders I had received, I have little to add now, only to acqaint your Honour, that as far as it is in my power, I shall endeavour to comply with them: what Men we can, we do enlist; but to send Officers into different parts for that purpose, would be unavailing, as they neither have money, nor can get any. I have given...
14Court Case, 3 December 1751 (Washington Papers)
3 Dec. 1751. “Ann Carrol and Mary McDaniel Servts of Fredericksburgh, being Committed to the Goal of this County by William Hunter Gent., on Suspicion of Felony, & Charged with robing the Cloaths of Mr George Washington when he was washing in the River some time last Summer, the Court having heard Severall Evidences Are of Oppinion that the said Ann Carroll be discharged, & Admitted an...
15To George Washington from George Mason, 29 July 1752 (Washington Papers)
I came Home ⟨ mutilated ⟩ Yesterday, when I re⟨ mutilated ⟩ Me with the time of Yr Brother ⟨ mutilated ⟩ neral, & desiring my Attendance. I am very sorry it did not come to ⟨ mutilated ⟩ Hands sooner; had I known it in ⟨ mutilated ⟩ I wou’d by no means have refused the last peice of Respect to the Memory of a Gentleman, for whom, when alive, I had a sincere Regard. I most heartily condole You...
16From George Washington to James Innes, 17 July 1755 (Washington Papers)
Captn Orme being confind to his Litter & not well able to write, has desir’d me to acknowledge the receipt of your’s; He begs the favour of you to have the room that the Genl lodgd in prepard for Colo. Burton, himself, and Captn Morris; who are all wounded; also, that some small place may be had convenient for Cooking; and that, if any fresh Provn and other suitable necessarys for persons in...
17To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 26 July 1755 (Washington Papers)
The dismal Defeat of our Forces by such a handful of Men gives me very great Concern, as also for the Death of the Genl & so many brave Officers entirely owing to the dastardly Spirit of the private Men their Panick I suppose made them deaf to all Commands & in course was the Bane of all our Misfortunes[.] The train of Artillery being in the Enemy’s Possessn is a monstrous Misfortune; however...
18From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 31 May 1754 (Washington Papers)
Since my last we have arrived at this place, where 3 days agoe we had an engagemt wth the French that is, between a party of theirs & Ours; Most of our men were out upon other detachments, so that I had scarcely 40 men under my Command, and about 10, or a doz. Indians, nevertheless we obtained a most signal Victory. The Battle lasted abt 10, or 15 minutes, sharp firing on both sides, when the...
19From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 3 June 1754 (Washington Papers)
The Half King with abt 25 Familys contg near 80 Person’s including women and children arriv’d here last night. He has given me some acct of the Twigtwee’s, Wyendotts and several other Nations of Indians which I have transmitted to your Honour by an express as you enquird circumstancially in your last and I was then unable to give any acct at all of them. The French early in the Spring sent a...
20From George Washington to William Fairfax, 5 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I overtook the General at Frederick Town in Maryld and from thence we proceeded to this place, where we shall remain till the arrival of the 2d Division of the Train, (which we hear left Alexandria on Tuesday last); after that, we shall continue our March to Wills Creek, from whence it is imagined we shall not stir till the latter end of this Month for want of Waggons, and other conveniences...
21To George Washington from Allan Macrae, 13 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
Your dissinterested friendship for the Young Man I venturd to Recomend to your notice on a former Occasion, Encourages me to apply to you once more in his behalf. As I see every day almost, produces new Councills & new Regulations, I know not what may be his Fate, as he is without an Aquaintance, or Friend, & as You will now have Opptys of making Observations on his Conduct, I fondly flatter...
22From George Washington to James Innes, 4 September 1754 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to James Innes, 4 Sept. 1754. On 8 Sept. 1754 Innes wrote to GW : “Your favour of the 4th Septr I received.”
23I., 10 December 1754 (Washington Papers)
Memorandum The Division of the Slaves of the late Lawrence Washington Esqr. as made pursuant to the last Will and Testament of the Said Lawrence is hereunto annexd: and that Moiety of the said Slaves, the use of which by the Will aforesaid was devis’d to the Widow of the said Law[renc]e during her Life, George Lee Esqr. of Westmoreland County who Intermarried with the said Widow doth hereby...
24To George Washington from Robert Jackson, 1752 (Washington Papers)
Last Night your Servt carried over what things were left also the last loaf of Double refind Sugar in my possession, if coarse single Refined will do for second rate gentry who may visit you as a Planter you may have 20 ct more. Your acct shall be transcribed as soon as possible from the beginning—but it so happens that my present Aid-du-Campe is a little intoxicated & incapable of Duty. You...
25From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 18 July 1755 (Washington Papers)
As I am favourd with an oppertunity, I shoud think myself inexcusable, was I to omit givg you some acct of our late Engagemt with the French on the Monongahela the 9th Inst. We continued our March from Fort Cumberland to Frazer’s (which is within 7 Miles of Duquisne) witht meetg with any extraordinary event, havg only a stragler or two picked Up by the French Indians. When we came to this...
26To George Washington from Sarah Cary Fairfax, Ann Spearing, and Elizabeth Dent, 26 July 1755 (Washington Papers)
After thanking Heaven for your safe return I must accuse you of great unkindness in refusing us the pleasure of seeing you this night I do assure you nothing but our being satisfied that our company would be dissagreable should prevent us from trying if our Legs would not carry us to Mount Virnon this Night, but if you will not come to us to morrow Morning very early we shall be at Mont...
27To George Washington from James Innes, 8 September 1754 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 4th Septr I received this moment but as yett have not Seen Major Stephens. as for my giving you Orders to proseed here I cannot See to what purpose without you have your Regiment Complete, here being Suffiscent to guard the place if I had any Tools to work with to throw up a proper Intrinchment. I have mounted Five Guns which is all I cann do. Nor cann I gett as much as A...
28To George Washington from Charles Carter, 5 June 1754 (Washington Papers)
We had the agreable news of the victory obtaind by the Partie under your Command I heartily congratulate you and all the Brave gentlen that were of the company. From this happy begining I am lead to hope you will soon make those cruel men know that numbers can’t support an unrighteous cause God grant you may be blest with the like success and drive them Out of our Colony I had this affair in...
29From George Washington to John Carlyle, 14 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I Overtook the General at Frederick Town in Maryld and proceeded with him by way of Winchester to this place; which gave him a good oppertunity to see the absurdity of the Rout, and of Damning it very heartily. Colo. Dunbars Regiment was also oblig’d to re cross over at Connogogee and come down within 6 Miles of Winchester to take the new Road up, which gave me infinite satisfaction to Wills...
30To George Washington from William La Péronie, 5 September 1754 (Washington Papers)
As I imagine you By this time, plung’d in the midst of dellight heaven can aford: & enchanted By Charms even stranger to the Ciprian Dame I thought it would Contribue a litle to the variety of yours amusement to Send you few lines to peruse. I shan’t make Bold to describe the procedings of the house, which no doute you have had already some hint of. I only will make use of these three...
31III., 1754 (Washington Papers)
No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 Peter Pharrow Abram Ned Sambo Jenny Tomboy Sando Scipio Camero Phebe Couta Lett Nell Judah
32To George Washington from William Nelson, 22 February 1753 (Washington Papers)
I have received yours of the 12th Instant, in which you express a Desire to be removed to the Adjutancy of the Northern Neck. I think the Thing so reasonable that I wish you may succeed: however, I presume You are not unaquainted, that two Gentlemen have apply’d for it, & both strongly recommended; yet, Reason I hope will always prevail at the Board over Interest & Favour, upon which Principle...
33To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, January 1754 (Washington Papers)
E ditorial N ote The reports that GW made to Dinwiddie upon his return from his mission to the French commandant reinforced the governor’s conviction that no time was to be lost in taking action against French encroachment on the Ohio. Dinwiddie had held a British vessel, the Speedwell , in port pending GW’s return from the Ohio and at once notified Holderness and the Board of Trade that the...
34From George Washington to Benjamin Grymes, 31 July 1755 (Washington Papers)
I do n’t remember not recollect to have receivd more than one letter from you, and that I shoud have answerd sooner ; but knowing that I cou’d give you no satisfactory acct myself, of your Bed &ca, I thought it more advisable to desire Doctr Walker to enquire of Mr Gist, and of Colo. Cresap (at whose Ho. I perfectly remember the great Tent was left) concerning them, and to let you know their...
35To George Washington from John Robinson, 15 September 1754 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to acquaint You that the House of Burgesses have taken particular Notice of the Bravery of Yourself, and the rest of the Officers and Soldiers under your command, in the gallant Defense of your Country, and have ordered me to return you their Thanks for it, which I cant do better than by transcribing the Order. “Ordered, That the Thanks of this House be given to Colo....
36From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 10 June 1754 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 1st, 2d, & 4th Ulto I receivd by the Post and return your Honour my hearty thanks for your kind congratulation on our late success—which I hope to improve without risquing the imputation of rashness or hazarding what a prudent conduct woud forbid. I rejoice that I am likely to be happy under the Command off an experienced Officer and a Man of Sense —it is what I have most ardently...
37To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 24 June 1754 (Washington Papers)
The agreeable and long wished for News of the detachments under the Command of Major Muse and Capt. McKay having joined you in time to prevent the Success of any Attacks from the french was very satisfactory to me; whose mind was continually alarmed with the Apprehensions of your being forced to another battle when unprepared for it. The Triton arrived here the 22d with the two Companies from...
38From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 14 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
As wearing Boots is quite the Mode, and mine are in a declining State; I must beg the favour of you to procure me a pair that is good, and neat, and send them to Major Carlyle, who I hope will contrive them as quick as my necessity requires. I see no prospect of moving from this place soon ; as we have neither Horses nor Waggons enough, and no forage for them to subsist upon but except what is...
39From George Washington to John Hunter, 16 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I have Orders from the Genl, and Instructions from Mr Johnston, the Dy Paymaster Genl to receive 4,000£s Sterg at the rate of £4.0.7¼ pr Oz.; which will they say suffice for the present contingencies. I have therefore dispatchd this express, with orders to make all imaginable haste to you, who I am told will imediately repair to Wmsburg with the money, and pay it there , according to contract....
40Instructions from Robert Dinwiddie, 30 October 1753 (Washington Papers)
Instructions for George Washington Esqr. Whereas I have receiv’d Information of a Body of French Forces being assembled in an hostile Manner on the River Ohio, intending by force of Arms to erect certain Forts on the said River, within this Territory & contrary to the Peace & Dignity of our Sovereign the King of Great Britain. These are therefore to require & direct You the said George...
41To George Washington from Christopher Gist, 23 February 1754 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Christopher Gist, Monongahela, Pa., 23 Feb. 1754. A newspaper quotation of this letter reads: “An Indian who was taken Prisoner from the Chickasaws by the Six Nations some Years ago, has been this Year to see his Friends there; in his Passage up the Ohio, fell in with a Body of near 400 French coming up the River; he parted with them below the Falls, and then came, in...
42From George Washington to Augustine Washington, 2 August 1755 (Washington Papers)
The pleasure of your Company at Mount-Vernon always did, & always will, afford me infinite satisfaction but at this time I am too truely sensible how needful the Country is of the assistance of all its Members, to desire have a wish to hear that any are absent from the assembly . I most sincerely wish that harmony & Unanimity may prevail amongst you in all your Councils , and that a happy...
43To George Washington from Philip Ludwell, 8 August 1755 (Washington Papers)
I most heartily congratulate your safe return from so many Dangers & Fatigues & by this Time I hope you are well enough recovered to give us the pleasure of seeing you here which all your Friends are extremely desirous of. The House has voted 1200 Men but it is very probable they will determine at last for 4000. In Conversation with the Govr about it, I said if this should be done, I supposed...
44From George Washington to James Innes, 22 September 1754 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to James Innes, 22 Sept. 1754. On 27 Sept. 1754 Innes wrote to GW : “Your favour of the 22d from Alexa I recd.”
45To George Washington from Sarah Carlyle, 17 June 1754 (Washington Papers)
I Received your Letter dated the 15 May, Which gave me both pleasure and pain, the first to heare of your health, the latter to be Informed of the many Risques you run, but am hopeful your good Constitution and a kind protecter will bring you out of them all as it has In the last Ingagement preserved you from harm. If I thought my Letters were Agreeabel to you I wou’d continew a Correspondence...
46To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 27 June 1754 (Washington Papers)
Yr Letter without Date I recd am sorry You have occasion to complain for want of Flouer &ca it gives me much Uneasiness, & have wrote strongly to Majr Carlyle to prevent any such Complaints for the Future, & I hope You will have no room to complain for the want of Provisions or Ammunition having desired that the last may be immediately sent out. Before this reaches You I doubt not Colo. Innes...
47To George Washington from Edward Braddock, 15 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
1. You will repair to Hampton in Virginia with as much expedition as may be; and ⟨immedi⟩ately upon your Arrivel there you will apply ⟨to⟩ John Hunter Esqr. for the Sum of Four tho⟨usand⟩ pounds Sterling, for which you will receive ⟨ mutilated ⟩ from Mr Johnston, Deputy paymaster, paya⟨ble⟩ to yourself. 2. You will acquaint Mr Hunter from me that His Majesty’s Service under my direction,...
48From George Washington to Robert Orme, 22 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
In pursuance of His Excellencys Commands, I proceeded to this place with all convenient dispatch; But, as I apprehd, and very justly Truely , that the getting and posting Horses at proper Stages, in order to expedate my return, woud occasion some delay I dispatchd an express from Winchester to Hampton advising Colo. Hunter of my business, and desiring him to meet me in Williamsburg with the...
49From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 3 March 1754 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Robert Dinwiddie, Belvoir, 3 Mar. 1754. On 15 Mar. 1754 Dinwiddie wrote to GW : “Yr two Letters of the 3d & 7th Currt I recd.” At this time GW had returned from a largely unsuccessful attempt to raise men in Frederick County and was engaged in recruiting men and supplies in Alexandria. See also GW to Dinwiddie, 7 Mar. 1754 .
50Memorandum, 2 August 1755 (Washington Papers)
Fairfax ... Officers 31st 1st Militia Prince Wm 4 5 } September Culpeper 8 9 Stafford 12 13 King George 15 16 Westmoreland 19 20