1011To 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...
1012College of Philadelphia: Additional Charter, 14 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Additional Charter of the College, Academy, and Charity-School of Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania . Philadelphia: Printed by B. Franklin and D. Hall, 1755. (Historical Society of Pennsylvania) The first charter of the Academy of Philadelphia was granted on July. 13, 1753. A few months later Provost William Smith and Vice-provost Francis Alison suggested that the trustees get an amendment...
1013To Benjamin Franklin from William Shirley, Junior, 14 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; extract printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1754–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), p. 175. May 14, 1755 Two sentences from this unlocated letter are printed in the Pennsylvania Assembly’s reply, Sept. 29, 1755, to Governor Morris’ charge, September 24, that the Assembly had done little to support Braddock’s expedition (see below, p. 207). On the same day...
1014From George Washington to Augustine Washington, 14 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I left home the 24th of last Month, and overtook the General at Frederick Town in Maryland: from whence we proceeded by slow Marches to this place; where, I fear, we shall remain some-time for want of Horses and Carriages to convey our Baggage &ca over the Mountains; but more especially for want of Forage; as it cannot be imagin’d that so many Horses as we require, will be subsisted without a...
1015From 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...
1016From George Washington to Sarah Fairfax Carlyle, 14 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
As I have no higher expectation in view gratification than an intimate corrispondance with my Friends, I hope, in that, I shall not be disappointed; especially by you and Mrs Fairfax, who was were pleasd (tho’ seldom) to honour me with yours letters last time year . We arrived here the 10th, and for ought I know may Halt till the 10th of next Month, before we receive Waggon’s &ca to transport...
1017From 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...
1018From George Washington to Sarah Cary Fairfax, 14 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I have, at last, with great pains and difficulty, discover’d the Reason why Mrs Wardrope is a greater favourite of with Genl Braddock’ s than Mrs Fairfax; and met with more respect at the late review, in Alexandria. The cause I shall communicate, after rallying you for neglecting the means that introduced her to his favour which, to say truth was, in part means which produced the effect—and...
1019Memorandum, 15–30 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
The 15th of May I was sent to Colo. Hunter for a Suppely of Money of 4,000£ Sterling, and arrivd as far as Winchester on my way thither the day following, from whence I dispatch’d an express to him ⟨ erasure ⟩ (fearing he might be out), to provide that sum, and to meet me with it at Williamsburg with it, and p P roceeded myself thro Fairfax, where I was detaind a Day in getting Horses. At...
1020Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 15 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1754–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), pp. 91–2. Conditions on the ships bringing German immigrants to Pennsylvania were often nothing short of frightful. Eager to come to America, lured by baseless promises of mercenary “soul-sellers,” the redemptioners poured down the Rhine Valley into Rotterdam, where profit-hungry captains packed...
1021To 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,...
1022From 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....
1023From George Washington to James Balfour, 16 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
If Colo. Hunter shd be from home, I hope you will open this my Lett. to see to him and attend to the Contents — that you may dispatch a messenger to him in that case immediately to prevent his trouble in getting the 10 or 15 Thd Pounds mentd
1024Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 17 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1754–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), pp. 94–7. The Assembly met on May 12 pursuant to its adjournment. They voted Franklin their thanks for his services to the army, resolved to defray the costs of the roads being built through Cumberland County to Wills Creek and the Monongahela, paid a few bills, replied to Governor Morris’...
1025From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Hunter Morris, [18 May? 1755] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Pennsylvania Archives , series I , II , 297. On May 10 General Braddock sent his assistant quartermaster general Matthew Leslie into Pennsylvania to buy oats, corn, and other forage, and wrote Governor Morris asking him to assist, especially with money. Leslie delivered the letter personally on May 16; the governor advanced £500 and sent Secretary Peters to...
1026Robert Hunter Morris to the Assembly Committee, 19 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I herewith send you a letter I received on fryday last from Genl. Braddock desiring my assistance to Mr. Leslie who he has sent into this Province to Purchase a quantity of oats for the use of the army under his command, part of which Mr. Leslie tells me he has given directions to contract for in the back countys. I cannot but think it will be for the...
1027Pennsylvania Assembly Committee to Robert Hunter Morris, 19 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The money put into the hands of the Committee of Assembly (to whom the Governor is pleas’d to direct his letter) for the purchase of Provisions and other necessaries for the service of the Kings Troops, is all laid out, and expended agreeable to the Trust reposed in them. And we have no Power over any other Publick money, nor can procure any, as the...
1028Israel Pemberton to John Fothergill, [19 May 1755] (Franklin Papers)
Extract: American Philosophical Society The Light in which Friends here are represented on your Side of the Water is cause of painful Consideration to many of us; Some of our Friends in your City, were so kind by Capt. Messnard to send us two or three of those Scandalous Pamphlets which are stiled a State of the Province. It has justly alarmed all ranks of People here to find we have some...
1029To Benjamin Franklin from William Shirley, Junior, 20 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; extract printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1754–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), p. 175. May 20, 1755 A sentence from this unlocated letter is printed in the Pennsylvania Assembly’s reply, Sept. 29, 1755, to Governor Morris’ charge, September 24, that the Assembly had done little to support Braddock’s expedition (see below, p. 208).
1030To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Dunbar, 21 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; extract printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1755–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), p. 175. May 21, 1755 Two sentences from this unlocated letter are printed in the Pennsylvania Assembly’s reply, Sept. 29, 1755, to Governor Morris’ charge, September 24, that the Assembly had done little to support Braddock’s expedition (see below, pp. 208–9).
1031To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Hunter Morris, 21 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from extract in Stan V. Henkels, Catalogue No. 1256 (April 21, 1920), p. 16. I forget to tell you that if possible I would have the waggons set off with the forage on Tuesday or Wednesday next, … See above, p. 50. But note that the advertisement for wagons (see below, p. 59) said they should set out on Thursday, May 29.
1032From Benjamin Franklin to William Shirley, 22 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Archives Mr. Norris not being in Town, your Excellency’s Letter of the 14th Instant per Express, was delivered to me. I immediately conven’d the Committee, and communicated the Contents. In answer, they desire me to acquaint your Excellency with the State of the Provisions they have procured, which is as follows. They have purchased but 500 Barrels of Pork. It is all of the...
1033Advertisement for Wagons, 22 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , May. 22, 1755 Forty-One Waggons are immediately wanted, to carry each a Load of Oats and Indian-Corn from Philadelphia to Wills’s Creek, for which they are to be paid at their Return Twelve Pounds each Waggon. Protections and Passes will be given the Waggoners by Authority of the General, to prevent their being impressed, or detained after Delivery of...
1034From 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...
1035To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Peter Halkett, 23 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; extract printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1754–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), pp. 175–6. May 23, 1755 Two sentences from this unlocated letter are quoted in the Pennsylvania Assembly’s reply, Sept. 29, 1755, to Governor Morris’ charge, September 24, that the Assembly had done little to support Braddock’s expedition (see below, p. 209). Sir Peter...
1036From George Washington to Robert Orme, 23 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
Since writg from Claybourn’s Ferry by the Late express, I arrivd at this place and have met Mr Belfour; who, I believe, will be able with the assistance of the Govr and some other of his Fr[i]ends, to procure the money against by the morning; which will enable me to set out out at that time and I hope to get to by tuesday to reach Winchester by Tuesday Night next;
1037From Benjamin Franklin to Edward Shippen, 24 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress In addition to supplying wagons Franklin contributed to Braddock’s campaign by helping to organize the construction of a road between army headquarters at Fort Cumberland on Wills Creek and the Pennsylvania back settlements. In March 1755 at Sir John St. Clair’s behest, Governor Morris appointed James Burd and four other commissioners to survey a route westward from...
1038To George Washington from Samuel Washington, 27 May 1755 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Samuel Washington, 27 May 1755. On 14 June GW wrote to his brother Samuel : “I receivd Your’s of the 27th of May.”
1039Pennsylvania Hospital Cornerstone Inscription, [28 May 1755] (Franklin Papers)
AD : Pennsylvania Hospital By midsummer of 1754 the Hospital’s resources were sufficient to allow the Managers to plan for a building. A lot was purchased, September 11. Plans drafted by Samuel Rhoads, one of the Managers, providing that one third of the projected building should be erected at this time, were presented on January 25; and on March 10 these plans and estimates were approved by...
1040From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 28 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I came to this place last Night, and was greatly disappointed at not finding the Cavalry according to promise: I am obligd to wait till it does arrive, or till I can procure a guard from the Militia, either of which I suppose will detain me two days; as you may, with almost equal success, attempt to raize the Dead to Life again , as the force of this County; and that from Wills Creek cannot be...
1041To——, 29 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
LS and draft minutes: Yale University Library The Committee hereby acquaint you that the House have resolved to defray the Expence of the cutting of the Roads requird, so that you may go on with that Affair freely. If there should come any orders to you from the Generall for wheat, the Committee desire you would send him any quantity he desires of that which was bought for the Publick above...
1042From Benjamin Franklin to Edward Shippen, 29 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Princeton University Library The Committee have just ordered 100 Dollars into the Hands of the Governor to be sent to you for Advance Money to such Labourers as need it, going to Work on the Road. My Compliments (not now to your Fire Side, but) to your cool Parlour. With much Respect, I am, Sir, Your most obedient Servant We purpose to send 60 Waggon Load of Forage next Week to the Camp....
1043To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Braddock, 29 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; extract printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1754–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), p. 175. May 29, 1755 A sentence from this unlocated letter was quoted in the Pennsylvania Assembly’s reply, Sept. 29, 1755, to Governor Morris’ charge, September 24, that the Assembly had done little to support Braddock’s expedition (see below, p. 208). Doubtless this was...
1044Memorandum, 30 May–11 June 1755 (Washington Papers)
May 30th Upon my return from Williamberg I found that Sir Jno. St Clair, with Majr Chapman & a Detachmt of 500 Men were gone on had marched to the Little Meadows in ordr to prepare the Roads, erect establish a small Fort Post , and to lay a Deposit of Provision’s there. The 2d of June Mr Spendelowe discoverd a communication from Fort Cumberland to the Old Road leadg to the
1045Pass for John Bickner and John Myfeld, 30 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ADS : American Philosophical Society Persons volunteering to work on the military road in Cumberland County (see above, p. 60) received passes for their journey. Five signed by Franklin have been located. The earliest, that to Bickner and Myfeld, May 30, is printed here. The others were issued to the following: Frederick Mutzenstein, May 31. ADS : Harvard College Library Michael Christian and...
1046To George Washington from Roger Morris, June 1755 (Washington Papers)
If Mr Washington would bring up Jervais the groom, the General would be [willing.] Frederic R. Kirkland, Letters on the American Revolution in the Library at “Karolfred Frederic R. Kirkland, ed. Letters on the American Revolution in the Library at “Karolfred.” 2 vols. Philadelphia and New York, 1941–52. ,” 2 : 8; ALS , sold by Sotheby, Parke-Bernet, No. 4588E, item 181, New York, N.Y. The...
1047From Benjamin Franklin to Edward Shippen, 2 June 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : G. Willing Pepper, Philadelphia (1956) I am sorry it so happened that you had no Money put into your Hands for the Affair of the New Road; for Laverty and Coleman’s Return for want of a little Assistance, will, I am afraid, discourage many that intended to go. The Committee, on Sight of your Letter to the Governor, ordered 100 Dollars into his Hands to be sent to you, which I hope you...
1048From Benjamin Franklin to Daniel Fisher, [4 June 1755] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, XVII (1893), 271. Mr. Franklin’s compliments to Mr. Fisher and desires the favor of his Company to drink Tea at 5 o’clock this afternoon. Daniel Fisher ( fl . 1720–1755) visited America in 1722, returned to England, but came back, settling with his family at Williamsburg, Va., 1750. He came to Philadelphia in May...
1049From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Peters, 5 June 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Stanford University Library I sent Mr. Burd’s Letter and yours which were given me by the Speaker yesterday, to Mr. Fox, who lives nearest to me of any of the Members of Assembly. I am not well enough to go about the Town in this extreme hot weather; but some of the Members having been kind enough to visit me, I find they are of Opinion that the Application to them is quite improper. As...
1050From George Washington to William Fairfax, 7 June 1755 (Washington Papers)
I arrivd with my charge safe in Camp the 30th of last Month, after waiting a Day and piece in Winchester expecting the Cavalry to Escort me up; in which I was being Disappointed, and I was obligd to make use of a small Guard of the Militia of Frederick. Cty. The General, by frequent breaches of Contracts, has lost all degree of Patience; and for want of that consideration temper , & moderation...
1051From George Washington to George William Fairfax, 7 June 1755 (Washington Papers)
I had not the pleasure of receiving your favour till after my return from Williamsburg, when it was not in my power to be so serviceable in the affair of your Horses as I coud have wish ’d ; for they were sent out with a Detachment of 500 Men a few days before. I made immediate enquiry, and application for them; and believe I shall be able, notwithstanding our gt want of Horses, to procure...
1052From George Washington to Mary Ball Washington, 7 June 1755 (Washington Papers)
I was favourd with your s Letter by Mr Dick, and am sorry it is not in my power to provide you with either a Dutch man Servant , or the Butter as agreeably to you desire, for w W
1053From George Washington to John Carlyle, 7 June 1755 (Washington Papers)
I take this oppertunity, as it is the last I can expect before we leave this place, of enquiring after your health, which I hope is greatly amended since I saw you in Williamsburg. I have not time, as we are now very much hurried, to communicate very particularly the little News that is stirring in the Camp; from whence, before I arrivd, was Detachd a body of 500 Men under the Command of Major...
1054From George Washington to Sarah Fairfax Carlyle, 7 June 1755 (Washington Papers)
As I have no higher expectation in view gratification than an intimate Corrispondance with my Friends, I hope in that I shall not be disappointed; especially by you and Mrs Fairfax, who was were pleasd (tho seldom) to honour me with your’s last time. favors last Campaign. I arrivd here in tolerable health tho something fatiegued with the journey; and found that Sir Jno. St Clair w h a s d
1055From George Washington to Sarah Cary Fairfax, 7 June 1755 (Washington Papers)
When I had the pleasure to see you last, you expressd an Inclination a wish to be informd of my safe arrival at Camp, with the charge that was entrusted to my care; but at the same time desird requested that it might be communicated in a Letter to some body friend of your s acquaintance : This I took as a Gentle rebuke and polite manner of forbidding my corrisponding with you; and conceive...
1056From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 7 June 1755 (Washington Papers)
As much as I am hurried as I am at present, I cant think of leaving this place without writing to you; tho I have no time to be particular. I was Escorted by 8 Men of the Militia from Winchester to this place Camp ; which 8 Men were 2 Days assembling; but I believe they woud not have been more than as many seconds dispersing if I had been attacked. Upon my arrival here, I found that Sir Jno....
1057To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Timothy, 8 June 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society ’Tis almost an Age since I have a Letter from you: I have however received 56 Reams of Demy Paper by Capt. McFunn, with a Promise of a State of my Account at your Return from Maryland, which must again beg you’ll let me have. Your Application to the Study of the Electrical Arcana, and public Affairs, I make no Doubt, very often prevents your Writing; but I...
1058To George Washington from John Augustine Washington, 8 June 1755 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Augustine Washington, 8 June 1755. On 14 June GW wrote to his brother Jack: “I receivd Your’s of the 8th Instant.”
1059Oaths of Trustees and Officers of the College, [10 June 1755] (Franklin Papers)
DS : University of Pennsylvania Archives I A.B. do sincerely promise and swear, That I will be faithful and bear true Allegiance to his Majesty King George the second. So help me God. I A.B. do swear, That I do from my Heart abhor, detest and abjure, as impious and heretical, that damnable Doctrine and Position, That Princes excommunicated or deprived by the Pope, or any Authority of the See...
1060From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Norris, 12 June 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania June 12th 1755 pd £100. 0. 0 Cash 50. 0. 0 Notes £150. 0. 0. Please to send me One hundred and Fifty Pounds on Account of the Committee. It should be Paper Money, as it is to go up to Mr. James Wright: and Paper will be the best Carriage. Some of it may be in the new Bills. The Post goes in an Hour. Let Jemmy bring it, if you please, as my Niece can...