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...
1251Orders, 14 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Lieutenant Williams for the Day. Parole Abington. A Return to be given in immediately of the Smiths belonging to Captain Waggeners Command; who are to assist in cleaning the Publick Arms here in Store; the Officer of the Day is to visit the Smiths at work on the arms, and to see that they do not neglect their Business—He is also to visit the Guard and Recruits, and see that no irregularities...
1252To George Washington from William Prentis and William Withers, 14 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is an Invoice of Sundrys shipped on board the Nancy consigned Mr Chas Dick of Fredericksburgh; which were purchased by us by Order of the Governor for the Use of the Virginia Regiment. We are Sir Your most Hble Servts LS , DLC:GW . William Prentis (d. 1765) was an important storekeeper in Williamsburg, and William Withers (1731–1802) was Dinwiddie’s secretary. They appear to have been...
1253Orders, 15 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Captain Woodward for the Day—Parole Bedford. Tomorrow one Subaltern, one Sergeant, one Corporal, one Drummer, and twenty five private men, for the Guard—The Recruits to be completely armed, as far as they will go—The orders given at Fredericksburgh, to have the Rolls called three times a day, are always to be observed; and the Officers are, at calling the Rolls in the Evening, to see that the...
1254To George Washington from Christopher Gist, 15 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
I got home last night af getting Business Settled with proper Certificates Recorded &c. Colo. Dunbar with the Army took Shiping at Amboy 9 days this day for Albany and whither after I cannot tell Som people would Not be sorry ⟨if⟩ It was to heaven. Yor Name is more talked off in Pensylvenia then any Other person of the Army and every body Seems willing to Venture under your command and if you...
1255From Benjamin Franklin to [Elizabeth Hubbart?], [16 October? 1755] (Franklin Papers)
ALS (fragment): American Philosophical Society [ Missing ] Altar, to be an Anvill; the two Hearts, Yours and Katy’s. And when they are welded together and made one, let that same Cupid fly with it to Your very affectionate PS Mrs. Franklin happens to see this Letter before I close it, and tells me I have not rightly interpreted the Seal. She agrees that the two Hearts on the Altar represent...
1256From Benjamin Franklin to John Hunter, [16 October 1755] (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society I could not avoid meeting the Assembly, who are now Sitting, but must rise in two or three Days, when I purposed to proceed for Virginia; But your Letter to Mr. Nelson mentioning your Intention of being here in ten Days, and being very desirous of seeing you in order to settle our Money Account and concert Measures relating to a farther Supply of Cash to...
1257From Benjamin Franklin to William Johnston, 16 October 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society I have settled Col. Hunter’s Account and find a Ballance in my Hands of £835 0 s . 3½ d . Pensilvania Currency, which shall be paid to your Orders, if you find it necessary to draw on me. I enclose you a Copy of a Letter I have just received from General Shirley, with a Copy of his Warrant to you for the Payment of such Sums to me as the Waggon Affair may...
1258From Benjamin Franklin to Catharine Ray, 16 October 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Favour of the 28th of June came to hand but the 28th of September, just 3 Months after it was written. I had, two Weeks before, wrote you a long Chat, and sent it to the Care of your Brother Ward. I hear you are now in Boston, gay and lovely as usual. Let me give you some fatherly Advice. Kill no more Pigeons than you can eat. Be a good Girl, and don’t...
1259From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, 16 October 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I sent you last Week per Capt. Dole 92 Reams of Demi Printing Paper, best, in two Cases, and 98 Ream of brown; which I hope will come safe to hand, and to a good Market. The Printing Paper to be sold at 15 s . and the Brown at 6 s . this Currency, the lowest. My Love to your Wife and Children. I am Your loving Uncle [ Crossed out: ] P.S. I shall order...
1260From George Washington to John Hall and John King, 16 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
I received yours, and am as much surprized at your delay in repairing to your Rendezvous, as being at a loss for Orders after you did arrive there. I Order, that upon the receipt of this, you march the Recruits immediately to this place, where Clothes and Ammunition will be provided: for your provision is sent to meet you on Martin Hardens’ Road, by which you are ordered to march. If Captain...