1301From George Washington to William Fleming, 28 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to repair to Captain Hogg’s Company at Fort Dinwiddie, with eight good men: as that Company is without a Surgeon, if you will do that duty, an allowance will be made you for it. You are to provide medicines, &c. upon the best terms you can. This Order I expect will be immediately complied with; and that no Delays be offered. You are to account with Captain Bell for your...
1302From George Washington to David Bell, 28 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
I have Ordered Ensign Fleming to Repair to Captain Hoggs Company with eight good men; which I expect you will see immediately complied with. He is to account with you for his recruiting money before he leaves you. You are hereby ordered, peremptorily, to be at this place with what men you have, or can enlist by the 1st of December. Your late disobedience of Orders has greatly displeased me—It...
1303From George Washington to Peter Hog, 28 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
I received yours of the 6th of October, inclosing the Returns of your Company, only this day. Ferguson was sent after you, but falling ill, by a Sore on his arm, was ordered to halt here, where he now remains unfit for Duty: therefore I have sent in his room. Sergeant Wilper has received from Fort Cumberland and this place, Arms and Clothing to complete your Company to the Establishment. He...
1304From George Washington to John Bacon, 28 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
As those Stockades on Pattersons Creek, are only intended by way of cover to the Rangers, and as a Receptacle now and then for Provisions; you are desired not to plan any work, which requires much time to execute—We have neither men nor Tools, to carry on the undertaking with vigour. I am &c. LB , DLC:GW . For GW’s instructions with regard to the fortifications on Patterson Creek, see GW to...
1305From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 29 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered, so soon as the Waggons arrive from Alexandria and Fort Cumberland, with Clothing and Arms, to see the men completely furnished with both; and march them immediately to Fort Cumberland; observing to take up all the Salt which the waggons, provided by the commissary, will carry. There will come down some of the country waggons, which must also be loaded up with Salt. As...
1306From George Washington to Charles Dick, 29 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are, so soon as you arrive here, to give such directions as you shall see necessary about driving the Cattle to Fort Cumberland—You are to send up Doctor Walker, or go yourself there, to see them killed and properly salted. Whichever of you remains here, must purchase such a quantity of Pork, as you imagine will be necessary for the Troops, upon the most reasonable terms you can; and...
1307Orders, 29 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
One Subaltern, one Sergeant, one Corporal, one Drummer and twenty-five private men, the Guard to-day—Captain Peachy is ordered to take upon him the command of the Recruits which arrived here under Lieutenant Hall and Ensign Price; who are also ordered to act under him, until further orders —Ensign Hedgeman, and the Recruits which arrived with him, are ordered to join Lieutenant King, and be...
1308George Mercer to John David Wilper, 30 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered, so soon as the Waggon arrives from the Fort, and you have got those necessaries you have an order for to proceed to join your Company immediately. If you arive at Augusta Court-House before Ensign Fleming with his Recruits, you are to wait his arrival. You are to deliver to his men arms and Clothes, as soon as he joins you, and then to make the best of your way to Fort...
1309To George Washington from Robert Hunter Morris, 31 October–1 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
Good Intelligences being of the utmost Consequences at this Juncture, and Mr Gist knowing more of Indians and of the Nature of the Country than any man here I have availd myself of his coming and desird him to go by Mr Weisers & consult with him in what manner to obtain true Accots of the Motions of the Enemy & to settle a Correspondance with You at Fort Cumberland. He will not be long detaind...
1310To Benjamin Franklin from John Harris, 31 October 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library Company of Philadelphia I inclose you the Deposition of a Person the Contents you please to observe. I have not yet moved my Family, not caring to discourage others. We Expect the Enemy every hour. I have cut holes thro’ my house and kept some Men to defend the same as I had information at Shawmokin that about 40 Indians were out many days from Fort Du Quesne to destroy my House...
1311From George Washington to Robert Spotswood, 31 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered, as soon as the Clothes and Arms arrive to furnish all the men who now Rendezvous at Fredericksburgh, with both; and march them immediately with the utmost dispatch to Fort Cumberland, to reinforce the Garrison. When you arrive at Winchester, you must provide your men with Cartridges. You are to be very careful and circumspect in your march; and see that your men do not...
1312George Mercer to John Fenton Mercer, 1 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to Rendezvous at Alexandria the first Day of December, with all the men you can raise by that time. Given &c. at Fredericksburg, November 1st 1755. N:B. Captain Joshua Lewis is allowed to the 1st of December, to Rendezvous at Alexandria. LB , DLC:GW .
1313From George Washington to Alexander Boyd, 1 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
As Colonel Stephen has brought £1000 which I wrote for to pay off the Troops, it will save you a journey to Williamsburg at this time: but I think it absolutely necessary that you should, after paying the Troops in Garrison, go into Augusta, to pay off Captain Hoggs Company, which is now complete; unless you can send the money by Mr McClenachan, or some safe hand from hence. The Recruits at...
1314From George Washington to John Jones or George Conway, 1 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby Ordered to deliver to Sergeant Wilper (taking his receipt for the same) for the use of Captain Hoggs Company, eight Regimental Coats, ten Waistcoats, ten pair of Breeches, nine Hats, eleven Shirts, as many pair of Stockings, and the same quantity of Shoes: You are also to deliver to the said Wilper, for the use of the said Company, twelve Musquets, twenty Bayonets, and ten...
1315To George Washington from Christopher Gist, 1 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
I have taken all the pains in My Power to find the true Intents of the Indians. Monnacatootha is return’d from the Six Nations, but is not yet come from Shamokin. but I understand he and the Other chiefs will On Sunday or Monday be at John Harrises Ferry where I intend god willing to Meet them. but I am to go to Conrad Wiser and get all he knows; I have the governors Letters to him on that...
1316From Benjamin Franklin to James Read, 2 November 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Morris Duane, Philadelphia, on deposit in Historical Society of Pennsylvania (1957) I receiv’d your Letter per Mr. Tea, and one just now per Express. I am glad to hear the Arms are well got up: They are the best that we could procure, I wish they were better. But they are well fortified, will bear a good Charge, and I should imagine they may do good Service with Swan or Buck Shot, if not...
1317To George Washington from Peter Hog, 3 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have the Return for Last Month I have been Oblidged to Inclose the Weekly Returns to the other field Officers as I am much put to it for papr by my bagage being not yet come up, tho’ it will be a month tomorrow Since Jno. Roe sett out for it. The Salt Lies still at Frederickbg and the Folks now Insist on having their beef Slaughter’d as they fall away greatly, the Severe frost...
1318To George Washington from Roger Morris, 3 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 17th Octr from Winchester I receivd from Gist, when I was down at Newcastle with Governor Morris. I own, I am at a loss what to say in answer to some particulars in your Letter; & shall only appeal to your Judgment, from what I say. I have not since we parted at Fort Cumberland, recievd a single Line from you; Orme indeed, had a Letter wherein you desird I would send you a Copy of...
1319From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Peters, [5 November 1755] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; photostat of ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The Bearers tell me that you have promis’d to furnish them with what Arms and Ammunition they have Occasion for, provided the Assembly will engage to pay for them. If the Governor judges it for the Publick Service to spare some of the few Arms at present to be got, to a Township so far within the Settlements, (as it may be, if...
1320To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Peters, 5 November 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Three of the Inhabitants of Laycock Township brought me your Letter of this morning and in answer The Governor orders me to tell you that whenever Arms and Ammunition are put into his hands he will dispose of them in the best manner he can for the publick Service. I am Sir Your humble Peters first wrote “subjected to,” but struck out the...
1321To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 6 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
There is nothing that I can inform you of for Certain. There is a very good Spirit, in the back Inhabitants of Pennsylvania, but a person to direct order and discipline are wanting much. The hurry of the Alarm disappointed us of Waggons; and I was on the point of marching to watkins Ferry to defend the Stores there. I cannot Learn that any person to be depended on, has Seen this Body of French...
1322To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Lee, [before 10 December 1775] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am very happy that my letter to Lord Thanet meets with your approbation. I send you here some crude notions of what ought be adopted. 1st A solemn league and covenant defensive and offensive to be taken by every man in America, particularly by those in or near the Sea Port Towns; all those who refuse, to have their estates confiscated for the public use,...
1323To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 7 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
Last night the Detachmt marchd with only Eight waggons at last; There is no more Salt here, of which I have acquainted Mr Dick, and desir’d him to forward the Quantity necessary, while the weather favourd us So much. The Cattle from Carolina fall away much, and unless They are Slaughterd soon, they will not be worth while—I have procurd Several Cooper’s Tools here, and mentiond what we want to...
1324Memorandum from Committee to Supervise Military Expenditures, 8–11 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
At a Committee held pursuant to an Act of Assembly Intituled “An Act, For raising the Sum of Forty Thousand Pounds for the protection of his Majestys Subjects in the Frontiers of this Colony.” November the 8th & 11th 1755. Resolved That the sum of £10,000 be lodged in the hands of Colonel George Washington as a Military Chest, out of which he is to pay the Pay Master, and Commissary; (& to...
1325George Mercer to William Daingerfield and John Dean, 8 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby Ordered to continue Recruiting until the 20th December next; at which time you are peremptorily ordered to Rendezvous, with what men you have raised, at Alexandria. I am &c. LB , DLC:GW . Assigned on 3 Sept. 1755 to William Peachey’s company in the Virginia Regiment as a newly appointed ensign, William Daingerfield was shifted to Henry Woodward’s company in the summer of 1756. A...
1326George Mercer to John Savage, 8 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
You will receive by Colonel Eyre £45 for Recruiting; and you are allowed a further day, until the 25th of December, for that Service; at which time it is expected you will, without fail, repair to your Rendezvous at Alexandria, with what men you can raise. You may assure all Deserters from the Regiment, that if they will surrender themselves to you, or return immediately to their Duty, they...
1327George Mercer to John Jones, 9 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washingtons Orders that you, until a Commissary arrives at Winchester, purchase all the Pork you can at the lowest rates, at the market price. If any news should come to Town concerning the Indians and French, or any Expresses from Pennsylvania; you are to hire an Express immediately, and send him down to Alexandria, with orders, that if he does not meet with Colonel Washington...
1328To George Washington from Robert Orme, 10 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
Just before I left Boston I received your very friendly and affectionate Letter be assured it met with that Return in my Mind which ever attends the Acknowledgement of a wished for Friendship[.] Your aimable Character made me desirous of your Acquaintance and your Acquaintance confirmed the Regard and Opinion your Character had imprinted in my Mind and be assured my dear George Distance...
1329Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 11 November 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1755–1756 (Philadelphia, 1756), pp. 19–21. Upon learning of Indian attacks at Penn’s Creek and other places in the Susquehanna Valley, Governor Morris summoned the Assembly for Nov. 3, 1755. He urged them to pass a militia law and provide funds for defense, although he cautioned them to “not waste your Time in offering me such...
1330Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 11 November 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1755–1756 (Philadelphia, 1756), p. 21. While Morris and his Council were considering the governor’s message to the Assembly of November 8, Conrad Weiser arrived with Scaroyady and other Indians who came with pleas of action to defend the frontier lest the few still loyal Indians defect or become the victims of their armed and...
1331From George Washington to Robert McKenzie, 11 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed immediately to Norfolk; where you are to use your utmost endeavours to enlist what able-bodied Men you can: You are to be at Alexandria the 25th of December, without fail. LB , DLC:GW . Robert McKenzie remained captain of his company until early fall 1761 when William Byrd III, GW’s successor as colonel of the Virginia Regiment, ordered him to report to the...
1332Memorandum, 11 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
Captain Cocke the same Instructions —except being ordered to any place where you have the greatest probability of success; and your Rendezvous to be at Winchester. LB , DLC:GW . GW to Robert McKenzie, 11 Nov. 1755 .
1333From George Washington to Thomas Walker, 11 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed with the utmost dispatch to Winchester, where you will receive the Orders left there by me, which you are, as soon as possible, to execute. The Cattle I shall leave entirely to you; to order up altogether or in small droves, as you shall think proper. You are to set up Advertisements, at all the most public places convenient to the Fort, for the Inhabitants to...
1334To Benjamin Franklin from William Alexander, 12 November 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library Genl. Shirley being informed by Mr. Scott one of [the] Waggon-Masters, that he has brot with him to this place all your Original Contracts for Waggons and Horses for the Late Genl. Braddock’s Army, with the receipts of the Money advanced in part payment of them, has directed them to be sent to you, to enable you to settle that account. I now send them to Mr. P V B...
1335George Mercer to James Craik, 13 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are to apply to Mr Prentis or Mr Withers, to know what time the Sloop will be ready to take in her lading: and you are to see the arms and ammunition carefully stowed in her, and immediately dispatch her. You are, after the Sloop is ladened and dispatched, to proceed immediately to Alexandria, where you will receive further Orders. Given &c. at Williamsburg 13th November, 1755. LB , DLC:GW...
1336Pennsylvania Assembly Committee: Report on Three Petitions, 14 November 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1755–1756 (Philadelphia, 1756), p. 54. The crucial Assembly session of November 1755 began under a deluge of petitions, mostly from frontier counties pleading for measures of defense against Indian attacks. Other representations, however, presumed to tell the Assembly how to fulfill its obligations, sometimes backing up...
1337[November 1755] (Adams Papers)
We had a severe Shock of an Earthquake. It continued near four minutes. I was then at my Fathers in Braintree, and awoke out of my sleep in the midst of it. The house seemed to rock and reel and crack as if it would fall in ruins about us. 7 Chimnies were shatter’d by it within one mile of my Fathers house. First entry in “Paper book No. 1” (D/JA/1), which is the first in the series of...
1338November 18th. 1755. (Adams Papers)
We had a severe Shock of an Earthquake. It continued near four minutes. I was then at my Fathers in Braintree, and awoke out of my sleep in the midst of it. The house seemed to rock and reel and crack as if it would fall in ruins about us. 7 Chimnies were shatter’d by it within one mile of my Fathers house. First entry in “Paper book No. 1” (D/JA/1), which is the first in the series of...
1339Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 18 November 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1755–1756 (Philadelphia, 1756), pp. 26–8. Replying to the Assembly’s message of November 11 six days later, Governor Morris agreed that the dispute over exemption of proprietary lands from taxation “must in the end be determined by His Majesty.” His message dealt entirely with the manner of presenting the question to the King...
1340Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 18 November 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1755–1756 (Philadelphia, 1756), p. 29. After Braddock’s defeat, deteriorating relations with the Indians became one of the most troublesome and pressing concerns of the Pennsylvania authorities and an added source of conflict between the governor and the Assembly. William Penn had established the policy of fair play toward the...
1341From George Washington to Robert Stewart, 18 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are to repair immediately to Winchester; in the neighbourhood of which you are to recruit your Troop to the establishment of men. You are not to go any distance from that Town, until further Orders, as you will have the care of the Recruits which rendezvous there. You are to direct Corporal Broughton, who has the charge of the Troop of Horses, to be particularly careful of them; and you...
1342From George Washington to George Fraser, 18 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are to remain at this place, in order to receive any Recruits which may come here, and forward up any Stores which may be wanted at the Fort. You may enlist all the men you can meet with here, without going out of Town (Servants and Apprentices excepted) and are not to discharge any Man after he is duly enlisted. If Captain Harrison should arrive here, without receiving any particular...
1343From George Washington to Austin Brockenbrough, 18 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are to proceed to those public places, where you have the greatest probability of success, and use your utmost endeavours to enlist what able-bodied men you can for his Majesty’s Service. You are not to enlist Servants or Apprentices, nor discharge any man after he is duly enlisted, upon any pretence whatsoever. In marching your Recruits to the place of Rendezvous, if there are any...
1344From George Washington to Alexander Boyd, 18 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
I have had advice of Captain Hogg’s Company at Fort Dinwiddie mutinying for want of their pay; which must be attributed entirely to your neglect: as I gave you orders in my last, to go, or send to that Fort, with the money for that Company. If you should not have sent it before this reaches you, you are to proceed immediately to that Fort, with two months’ pay. You are only to pay the...
1345From George Washington to Thomas Walker, 18 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
As Captain Hogg has purchased a sufficient quantity of Beef for his Company at Fort Dinwiddie, you are to send him sixty pounds by the paymaster, or any other safe hand, in order to pay for it. You are to acquaint him, that if that sum is not sufficient, that he is to draw on you for the balance: &c. LB , DLC:GW . On 8 Nov. Capt. Peter Hog estimated that he had on hand for the 1st company of...
1346From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 18 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
I came to this place on Sunday last and intended to proceed immediately up, but receiving your’s, and other Letters contradicting the reports lately transmitted, determined me to go to Alexandria where I shall wait a few days in hopes of receiving the express from General Shirley, who the Govornor sent to for Commission’s for the Field Officer’s. I beg that you will be particularly careful in...
1347From George Washington to George Fraser, 18 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are to see that no more Houses are made use of here, than are absolutely necessary for the Soldiers; and to have a house in which the Sick men are, belonging to Mrs Thornton, cleared, if it can be conveniently done. What absolute necessaries the Soldiers want, you must give an order for, and take a particular account of it, that it may be the easier settled. You are to be careful that no...
1348Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 19 November 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1755–1756 (Philadelphia, 1756), p. 30. While the Assembly was considering his amendments to the £60,000 tax and defense bill, Governor Morris asked for emergency funds for protecting the frontier in the interval which would pass before the still-contested appropriation bill could take effect. He also pressed for a bill...
1349To George Washington from Robert Stewart, 21 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
I arriv’d here last night where I found Colo. Stephens, Mr Boyd & Mr Gordon, and as the latter returns immediatly to Fort Cumberland Colo. Stephens thinks it unecessary to send any Express; I by Mr Gordon send for Serjt Hughs and a return of the Troop, which when recd will transmit ⅌ first oppy or by Express if any other Papers should ere then come to hand, there’s no Letters but those...
1350From George Washington to Denis McCarty, 22 November 1755 (Washington Papers)
I am very sorry you have given me occasion to complain of your conduct in Recruiting; and to tell you, that the methods and unjustifiable means you have practised, are very unacceptable, and have been of infinite prejudice to the Service: of this I am informed by many Gentlemen, as well as by all the Officers who were ordered to recruit in these parts: and am further assured, that it is next...