1201Memorandum, 3–5 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Ensign Deckiezer’s Day of Rendezvous is prolonged to the twentieth Instant—October. LB , DLC:GW .
1202From George Washington to Thomas Waggener, 3 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Instructions for Captain Waggener. As the Service at present will not allow of Colonel Stephen, as was first intendend; you are hereby ordered, to follow the within Instructions, which were designed for him. If your Leisure will admit, while you command here, you are to frequent the publick places hereabout, and endeavour to Enlist what men you can for the Service. As all the Officers...
1203From George Washington to Francis Triplett, 3 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby Ordered to Repair to all the publick Places, where you have the greatest probability of Success; and are to use your utmost Endeavours, to Enlist Men for His Majesty’s Service under my Command: and you are to observe such farther Directions as are contained in the General Instructions herewith given You: and are by no means to exceed the time appointed for your Rendezvous here....
1204From George Washington to John Carlyle, 3 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby Ordered, to give out of the Stores left under your care by the English Troops, Beds, Blankets, &c. to the Officer appointed to take care of the Recruits; taking his Receipt for the same, for the number Delivered. You are also Ordered, to deliver the allowance of Flour out of the Virginia Stores, and Beef from the Irish Beef left in your care, by Robert Leake Esquire. Any...
1205From George Washington to David Bell, 3 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
As His Majesty’s Service requires that the Garrison at Fort Cumberland should be Strengthened; You are hereby Ordered, to march your Recruits to that place immediately, and to put yourself under the Command of Lieutenant Colonel Stephen, or in his absence, the Officer commanding the Fort. Given under my hand, this 3d of October 1755. LB , DLC:GW .
1206William Plumsted to the Overseers of the Poor, 4 October 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography , XXXV (1911), 251. There is several wife’s and widdows I understand in town whose husbands are wounded and killed in the late defeat, they are destitute of all necessarys and many unable to support themselves and children. I want to speak with some of you on this subject for which I ordered the bearer to acquaint you...
1207To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 4 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Matters are in the most deplorable Situation at Fort Cumberland—Our Communication with the Inhabitants is Cut Off. By the best Judges of Indian Affairs, it’s thought there are at least 150 Indians about us—They divided into Small parties, have Cut Off the Settlement of Patersons Creek, Potowmack, Above Cresops, and the People on Town Ck about four miles below his house, —They go about and...
1208To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, [5 October 1755] (Franklin Papers)
Transcript of fragment: Rosenbach Foundation Speaker Isaac Norris entered a long note on an interleaved sheet in a copy of Poor Richard improved , 1755, following the calendar for December. He first copied an advertisement from the Antigua Gazette or Public Advertiser , Aug. 12, 1755, in which George Thomas, former governor of Pennsylvania and now governor of the Leeward Islands, defended...
1209Memoranda, 5 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Captain John Mercers Day of Rendezvous is prolonged to the 20th Instant. October the 5th 1755. Arrived at Fredericksburgh, in my way to Williamsburgh. LB , DLC:GW .
1210Orders, 6 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
As Captain George Mercer of the Virginia Forces, has been appointed aide de camp to Colonel Washington, and declared in Publick Orders at Fort Cumberland—To prevent any Disputes or delays of Orders, which may be issued by him. It is also thought proper to acquaint all Officers, &c. at this place, with the said appointment; and that all Orders which come from him, are to be as punctually...
1211From George Washington to Henry Woodward, 6 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby Ordered, to proceed with the Detachment under your Command to Fort Cumberland, according to the Route prescribed in the General Orders: You are to provide yourself at this place, with Sufficient Ammunition for your Detachment, as there is none at Winchester —When you arrive at Winchester, you are to procure a Waggon to assist you to Fort Cumberland. You are to apply to the...
1212From George Washington to the Ordinary Keepers, 6 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Orders to the Ordinary-Keepers, on Captain Woodwards Route to Fort Cumberland. You are hereby Ordered and strictly Required, to make proper provisions of Meat, Bread, &c. for Sixty men one day: they will be at your House on the Day of October, on their March to Fort Cumberland: and I will see you paid a reasonable allowance. Friday: October 6th 1755 . A Copy of the above sent to Mr Picket,...
1213To George Washington from Peter Hog, 6 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I send you the Weekly & Monthly Returns, by which you will Observe their is no Variation in the State of the Company the Drum[me]r is not Yet Come so that I imagine he is either Sick or has deserted, the party Mentd in the Monthly Return was Sent to Green Briar to protect some of the Inhabitants in Securing their Crops they all Intend to goe out during the Winter if they can be...
1214From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 7 October 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I receiv’d your Favour of the 17th June per Mr. Winslow, with a Paper inclos’d, that has given me very great Pleasure. I thank you for it sincerely, which is all I can now do, being just setting out on a Journey to Virginia. I fear I cannot at present be impartial enough to give you a just State of our Provincial Disputes. I am perhaps too much engag’d in...
1215From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Partridge, [7 October 1755] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; I : extracts reprinted from Connecticut Historical Society Collections , XVII (1918), 183; II : extract: American Philosophical Society. On October 25 Franklin wrote Richard Partridge, London agent for the Pennsylvania Assembly and for other colonies, saying in the opening sentence that he was enclosing a copy of an earlier letter sent by Captain Joy (see below, p. 230). Neither...
1216From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 7 October 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : The Scheide Library, Princeton, N.J.; duplicate: University of Toronto Library Mr. Hall has wrote to you for a Fount of English, and a Fount with a Longprimer Face on a smaller Body for the Gazette, on my Account. Inclosed is a Bill for £109 8 s . 4 d . Sterling, drawn on the Revd. Mr. Saml. Chandler, which I doubt not will be readily paid. I know not well how my Account stands with you,...
1217Memorandum, 7 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
From hence I set out on the 7th to Williamsburgh; and from Todds Ordinary wrote the following, in answer to a Letter I received from Major Lewis. LB , DLC:GW . GW traveled from Fredericksburg to Dr. George Todd’s ordinary in Caroline County, on the stage road. Andrew Lewis’s letter has not been found.
1218George Mercer to Andrew Lewis, 7 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
I am Ordered by Colonel Washington to acquaint you, that there is Clothing at Winchester, for which he sends an Order on the Store keeper there. If any of the men can not march without Shoes; you must apply to Mr Dick, who has a Quantity. He desires that Captain Waggener would proceed immediately to Alexandria his Orders are left there with Major Carlyle. I am Yours, LB , DLC:GW .
1219George Mercer to Storekeeper, 7 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washington’s orders, that you Deliver to Captain Woodward Clothes, for the Detachment of men under his command; taking his Receipt for the number he receives. LB , DLC:GW .
1220To George Washington from Landon Carter, 7 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Captain Peachey calling to give me the Compliment of his departure gives me opportunity of acknowledging the obligation you laid on me in the favour by Mr Brockenbrough. And you must give me leave to encrease the debt by a further recommendation of Mr Peachey From experience I say his Merit has intitled him to every respect I can shew him and I shall forever acknowlege myself mistaken if he...
1221To Benjamin Franklin from John Read: Power of Attorney, 8 October 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Printed form, with MS insertions in blanks: American Philosophical Society Know all Men by these Presents, That I John Read of the County of York in Pensilvania, one of the Waggon Masters in the late Expedition under General Braddock Have constituted, made and appointed, and by these Presents do constitute, make and appoint, my trusty and loving Friend Benjamin Franklin of Philadelphia...
1222Memorandum, 8 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
From hence I continued my journey to Colonel Baylors, when I was overtaken by an Express sent from Colonel Stephen, informing, that a Body of Indians had fallen on the Inhabitants, killed many of them, destroyed and Burnt several of their Houses. Thereupon wrote to the Governor, and returned immediately to Fredericksburgh; and wrote a second Letter to the Governour, one to the Speaker, &c. LB...
1223From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 8 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
I arrived at this place in less than three hour’s after I wrote you from Colo. Baylors, and some small time after the arrival of Colo. Stephen who brings a worse acct than he related in his Letter; but as he is the bearer I shall be less prolix refering to him for paticular’s. I shall set out this Evening for Winchester where I expect to be join’d by the Recruits from Alexandria and this place...
1224From George Washington to John Robinson, 8 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Being much hurried, I shall refer you to Colonel Stephen for Particulars; who brings a melancholy account of our Back-Settlers. He waits on you for some money to pay the Recruits, and answer such immediate Charges as may arise before I can see you in Williamsburgh; which can not be now, until about the 8th or 9th of November; at which time I should be glad to see you there, and to Receive such...
1225From George Washington to Andrew Lewis, 8 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are to March all the Recruits, now Rendezvousing in Fredericksburgh, under the conduct of the following Officers: viz. Captain Henry Woodward, Captain Charles Lewis; Lieutenants John Edward Lomax, and Peter Steenbergen; Ensigns Hubbard and George Weedon, to Winchester immediately; using the utmost Dispatch in your March. You are to leave Orders with Captain Spotswood, to Recruit...
1226From George Washington to Thomas Waggener, 8 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby Ordered to proceed to Alexandria, with all possible Dispatch, and to take all the men there under your Command; which, with what Officers you shall think necessary for the number, you are to March immediately to Winchester, when you will receive further Orders. You are to provide them at Alexandria with Arms, as far as they will go—ammunition, &c.—if there is any ammunition...
1227From George Washington to Henry Lee, 8 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
As I understand Lord Fairfax has had great reason to order one hundred of the Militia of your County to march, to assist in the protection of our Frontiers; I must desire, that you will see that they come on Horse-back: as they will thereby be enabled to make Dispatch, and to carry Provisions with them, which must be done, as the scarcity of Bread between this and Fort Cumberland, renders it...
1228From George Washington to John Carlyle, 8 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
From the concurring Accounts from Will’s-Creek, we have reason to believe, that a greater number of men is wanting than what we are able to Muster at present: it would therefore be advisable to order a Troop of Horse of your County, to hold themselves in Readiness to March at an hours warning, in case they should receive such Orders from Lord Fairfax, with whom I expect to be, as soon as the...
1229From George Washington to Thomas Waggener, 8 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
After appointing what Officers you think most proper to your Command; I would have you leave some Officer whom you think most capable, to Recruit about Alexandria; and to Receive the Recruits which shall be sent to that Rendezvous; with Orders, that as soon as he shall collect a Party of about twenty Men, he is to send them off to Winchester, with a Subaltern or a Trusty Sergeant. If there...
1230Memorandum, 10 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
At this place I pressed Horses, and Rode immediately to Lord Fairfax’s and Winchester; and finding every thing in the utmost confusion, and no certain accounts of the Enemy; I hired two Scouts to go to the Branch, and Endeavour to procure Intelligence: by them I wrote as followeth. LB , DLC:GW . GW was in Fredericksburg. They were probably James Sands and Power Hazel. See GW to William Cocks...
1231From George Washington to William Cocks and John Ashby, 10 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
In the summer of 1755, during Braddock’s expedition and after his defeat, Governor Dinwiddie issued a number of commissions for raising companies of rangers to patrol the Virginia frontier and offer some protection to its inhabitants. The ranger companies came under the command of GW in early September when he became colonel of the newly formed Virginia Regiment. These companies were never a...
1232From George Washington to William Vance, 10 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Hearing that you had quit the Branch, which will not only Discourage those left Behind, but also terrify the Lower Inhabitants, and occasion all of them to abandon their Plantations. I do hereby Strictly Order and Require of you, to Halt at Joseph Edwards’s on Cacapehon, until further Orders; unless you should be drove from thence by Superior Force. You will be quickly joined there by Numbers...
1233Press Warrant, 10 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Press Warrant. viz. By Virtue of the Power and authority to me given, as Commander in Chief of all the Forces now Raised &c. I do hereby Impower you, Powell Hazel, to impress any Horse or Horses, for His Majesty’s Service, for the better transporting yourself to and from the Fort, wherein William Vance and Company are Given under my hand, this 10th of October, 1755. A Copy of this was given...
1234Orders, 10 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Orders for the Recruits of the two Companies of Rangers. Winchester: October 10th 1755. One Corporal and Seven men to Mount a Guard, which is to be Relieved at Sun-set to-morrow. A Centry is to be placed over the Magazine and Gun powder. Lieutenants Limon and Rutherford, are to take it by turns, to examine the State of the Recruits, and see that they commit no Irregularities. An Orderly man is...
1235From George Washington to Thomas Bryan Martin, 10 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Captain Harden arrived in about half an hour after you went away, and informs me, he has about Seventeen Men coming to Town. This I thought proper to acquaint you of, that you may advise with his Lordship, whether with these Rangers in Town, the Twenty odd you spoke off, and those Captain Smith thinks he is sure of getting, it would not be necessary to attempt Something—I have sent off these...
1236George Mercer to Thomas Waggener, 10 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washingtons Orders, that you, with the Detachment under your Command, make all possible Dispatch to Winchester: The Times are such as require your presence with your command, very much. He makes no doubt, but you have complied with his Orders, as to the Arms and Ammunition; as well as in every other Respect, So orders me to conclude, Recommending Dispatch to you. I am, &c. LB ,...
1237George Mercer to John Carlyle, 10 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washingtons Orders, that all the Soldiers Clothing be sent up immediately, as there are very few here, and Recruits expected up every moment, who will, he expects, be almost naked, and unfit for Service until they are Clothed. He desires you will make up the Quantity of Powder: Captain Waggener brings four hundred pounds, and Lead Ball or mould-shot proportionably. There is no...
1238From George Washington to John Jones, 10 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Instructions to Mr Commissary Jones. You are to proceed to Conogogee immediately; where I expect you will meet with the Waggons you yesterday engaged, by the Return of Mr Defever, Conductor of the Train. There should be at Conogogee Thirty Boxes of Musket Ball; these you are to bring with you. If there is any Powder in Store, you are also to bring it, and a Cask of Flints. You are to Load the...
1239From George Washington to Andrew Montour, 10 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
I wrote some Time ago a Letter of Invitation from Fort Cumberland, desiring yourself your Family and Friendly Indians to come & reside among Us, but that Letter not coming to Hand, I am induced to send a second Express with the same Invitation; being pleased that I have it in my Power to do something for You on a better Footing than ever it has been done—I was greatly enraptur’d when I heard...
1240From George Washington to Christopher Gist, 10 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Before I got to Williamsburgh, the Commissions were chiefly disposed of; yet having you strongly in my mind (which occasioned an earnest solicitation) I succeeded in procuring the only Commission that was vacant, i.e. to be Captain of a Company of Scouts. This is attended with equal Honour, Rank and Profit, with the other Captains; but will be accompanied with more Fatigue; which you will not...
1241Orders, 10 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
To the Officer appointed to Receive the Recruits at Alexandria. As the situation of our affairs here may detain me longer than I expected, which will prevent me from coming through Alexandria, in my way to Williamsburgh. You are hereby strictly ordered to send (in case I am not at your Rendezvous by the first of November, at night,) an Express to Fredericksburgh, informing me what Officers...
1242From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 11–14 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
As I think it my indispensible duty to inform you particularly of my proceedings, and to give the most plain and authentic acct from time to time of our situation, I must acquaint your Honour that immediately after giving the necessary Orders at Fredericksburg and dispatching expresses to hurry the Recruits from Alexandria, I rid post to this place passing by Lord Fairfax’s who was not at...
1243From George Washington to John Hardin and Thomas Lemen, 11 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Orders Given to Captain Harden, commanding the Militia; and Lieutenant Lemon, commanding the Rangers, at Winchester, October 11th 1755. As I have been informed that there are Indians lurking about the Plantation of Stephen Julian, it is my Orders, that you, with the men under your command, proceed there very ealy to-morrow morning, and Scour all the woods and suspicious places thereabouts,...
1244From John Adams to Nathan Webb, with Comments by the Writer Recorded in 1807 (Adams Papers)
All that part of Creation that lies within our observation is liable to Change. Even mighty States and kingdoms, are not exempted. If we look into History we shall find some nations rising from contemp tible beginnings, and spreading their influence, ’till the whole Globe is subjected to their sway. When they have reach’d the summit of Grandeur, some minute and unsuspected Cause commonly...
1245Memorandum, 12 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Orders given Captain Harden and Lieutenant Lemon yesterday, are countermanded, and they are now to wait until further Orders. LB , DLC:GW .
1246From George Washington to Thomas Lemen, 13 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Recruits belonging to the Companies of Rangers, are to march immediately; and make the best of their way to the South-Branch; where they are to join their respective Companies. Given under my Hand, October 13th 1755. LB , DLC:GW .
1247Memorandum, 13 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Recruits which come under the command of Lieutenant Campbell, are to have arms immediately delivered them—A Corporal and seven men of the said Recruits, for Guard. LB , DLC:GW . John Campbell went recruiting after GW named him lieutenant and assigned him to Capt. David Bell’s company of the Virginia Regiment at Williamsburg on 3 Sept. Campbell, who later served in Capt. Robert Stewart’s...
1248Memorandum and Advertisement, 13 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
An inconceivable Panick which prevailed amongst the people of this County, induced me to write the following Advertisement. Whereas divers timorous persons run through the Country and alarm its Inhabitants by False Reports, of the Indians having attacked and destroyed the Country, even Winchester itself, and that they are still proceeding—This is to give Notice to all people, that I have great...
1249To George Washington from Peter Hog, 13 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
I am Oblidged to send this wt. the Weekly Return under Cover with other Letters to Colo. Stevens the Barracks are finished. But not a Tree cut down further than we Used, for want of Iron to make Axes, all being Employed in getting timber for the Cooper who began Yesterday. Majr Lewis has not yet Sent up the Salt Iron &c. nor doe I hear that he spoke to any person on this side the Ridge to...
1250From George Washington to John Ashby, 14 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Orders for Captain John Ashby, of a Company of Rangers. It is my express Orders, that you do not presume to March your Company down on any pretence whatsoever, unless compelled by the Enemy. Clothes will be sent up immediately to you, which you may distribute to the most needy of your Company; and money I shall bring up to pay them off, if wanted. Given under my hand, at Winchester, October...