1731From George Washington to Thomas, Lord Fairfax, 19 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed is the Copy of a Letter that came to my Hands by Express this Instant, which I send in Hopes that your Lordship will give Orders for raising not only a part of the Militia of this County, but of the adjacent ones also, & that with the utmost Expedition otherwise it is uncertain how far the Enemy may attempt to pursue their Victory—I have consulted Colo. Innis & the Officers of my...
1732From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 19 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Since writing my Letter of Yesterday’s date the inclosd came to hand by which your honr will be informd of a very unlucky affair. I immediately consulted Colo. Innis and such Officers of my own Regiment as were at this place on the necessary steps to be taken: they unanimously advisd that I shoud remain here with the 50 Recruits that are in Town for the defence of the place till the Militia...
1733From George Washington to Henry Harrison, 19 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to repair to Joseph Edwards’s Fort, and there to take upon you the command of all those different parties that are at that place. You are to use your utmost endeavours to protect the people, and be very circumspect in your conduct; taking care to do nothing without first advising with your Officers, and receiving their counsel. You are to be very careful that you are not...
1734To George Washington from William Stark, 19 April 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Stark, 19 April 1756. On 20 April 1756 GW wrote to Stark : “I received yours, dispatched last night by Express, about two o’clock this morning.”
173519 [i.e. 20] Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
A lovely Day after the Storm. Drank Tea at Major Chandlers. Walked with the Coll. to his Saw-mill Farm.
1736Orders, 20 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
All the men off Duty, are to go out immediately to assist the towns’ people in cutting down the Bushes about Town. LB , DLC:GW .
1737From George Washington to William Stark, 20 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I received yours, dispatched last night by Express, about two o’clock this morning. There is ammunition already sent up, but I send you more now. I hope ere this, Captain Harrison is safe arrived with you. Let him know it is my Orders, that he return the Horses he took up with him, per the first safe hand that is coming down: and that he transmit me constantly, what intelligence he may...
1738From George Washington to Henry Harrison, 20 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I congratulate you on your safe arrival at Fort-Edward—If Ensign Hubbard applies to you for a reinforcement, you are to detach to his assistance a party of ten men: and if you have the same application from Homer’s-Fort, let them have the like number; and a small quantity of ammunition, if it can be spared. Yours LB , DLC:GW . See GW to Harrison, 19 April 1756, notes 1 and 2 . Horner’s, or...
1739From George Washington to Edward Hubbard, 20 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
You will receive by the Bearer as much powder as I think will suffice: Ball, according to your own account, you have enough of. I am informed by the Bearer, that the Inhabitants at Enochs’s (where your party is garrisoned) are desirous of moving. I would therefore recommend that you may, if you can convey them, and such Stores as are in your custody, to retreat to Edwards’s. If you find this...
174020 [i.e. 21] Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
Charming Weather. The Fields begin to look verdant. The leaves begin to shew themselves on the apple Trees, and Blossoms on the peach Trees. Drank Tea at Mr. Putnams. Spent the Evening at the Majors.
1741Orders, 21 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Court Martial to sit immediately, to try those who were confined for being absent from their alarm-post last night. Captain Stewart, President. I do hereby promise to any persons who engage now to go out as Volunteers, without any expectation of pay; that they shall be furnished with provision and ammunition from the public Stores, sufficient for the time they shall be upon the Scout—To draw...
1742Council of War, 21 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
At a Council of War, Held at Winchester, 21st of April. Present Colonel George Washington, President. Governor Innis } { Captain Stewart Captain Mercer Lieutenant Eustace Members Captain Peachy Lieutenant Lowry Lieutenant Hall Lieutenant Gist Lieutenant King Colonel Washington having called the several above members, laid before them the disagreeable accounts he just then received by various...
1743From George Washington to Thomas, Lord Fairfax, 21 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
By several Expresses just arrived from the Officers and Inhabitants between this and Fort Cumberland, their situation seems most deplorable; for they have neither provision, nor a sufficient force at either place, to go out to collect any; and consequently, must run themselves into the jaws of the Enemy, or perish in their places with Hunger: and I dare believe your Lordship is sensible, that...
1744From George Washington to Henry Lee and William Fairfax, 21 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I have just now received several Expresses who bring the most shocking accounts of the distressed condition, not only of the few poor families that yet remain back of this place; but of the Rangers that Garrison the small Forts: as nothing but a large and speedy reinforcement can save them from utter destruction! I must desire that you will not lose one moment in drawing together all the men...
1745From George Washington to Daniel Fitzhugh, 21 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
You will please, immediately on receipt hereof, to send up upon Horses, what powder belonging to the Country may be at Fredericksburgh—Should there be none of the Countrys, get two Barrels from the Merchants; which charge to my Accompt. If that quantity can not be procured, send any lesser quantity that can be got. I beg you will lose no time herein; by which you will oblige Yours LB , DLC:GW...
1746From George Washington to Edward Hubbard, 21 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby desired if possible, to retreat with what men and provision you have to Edwards’s; and to Escort what families have put themselves under your protection. But if you find this impracticable without a reinforcement, on your applying to Captain Harrison at Edwards’s, a Detachment will be sent to assist you. You are not to fail in bringing off all the Stores you can. I am &c. LB ,...
1747From George Washington to Henry Harrison, 21 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
It is out of my power at this juncture to supply you with any Provision. Therefore I would have you apply to Edwards, to whom I write. Acquaint him, that whatever he expends, he shall receive a reasonable satisfaction for: and hint to him, that without his compliance the Garrison now there, must depart to this place. You are likewise ordered (on Mr Hubbard, at Enocks, signifying his want of...
1748From George Washington to Joseph Edwards, 21 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Captain Harrison informs me, his Provision will fall short in a few days. It is impossible for one at this time to grant him a supply. I must desire, therefore, you would assist him. For whatever he expends, I will take care you shall receive a reasonable satisfaction. If you fail in this point, I am under an absolute necessity of Ordering his Detachment to this place. Yours &c. LB , DLC:GW ....
1749To George Washington from Landon Carter, 21 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Mr Swaringham intending up tomorrow for Winchester gives me an opportunity of expressing my great concern for the Death & Defeat of Capt. Mercer and for the dismal apprehension that those who yet Survive the Indian Massacre must necessarily be under And indeed my friend I must add that this Concern is greatly aggrevated when I find by your letter to Colo. Carter that you have suffered your...
175021 [i.e. 22] Thurdsday. (Adams Papers)
Cloudy, black morning. Cleared away very pleasant about 9. Dined at Capt. Stearns’s, with the Officers of the Militia in this Place. Spent the Evening at Mr. Greenes.
1751Orders, 22 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
1752From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 22 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
This encloses several letters, and the minutes of a Council of War, which was held upon the receipt of them. Your Honor may see to what unhappy straits the distressed Inhabitants as well as I, am reduced. I am too little acquainted, Sir, with pathetic language, to attempt a description of the peoples distresses; though I have a generous soul, sensible of wrongs, and swelling for redress—But...
1753From George Washington to David Bell, 22 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Waggons will be sent down to Conogochiege to bring some provisions to this place. Let the chief part of their loads be Flour; and put some Beef and Fish into each waggon—Take care to reserve a sufficient quantity for your own and Captain Gist’s Company, for a month. Captain Gist and you must remain at Conogochieg until further Orders: you must not neglect to procure as many Canoes as possible....
1754Advertisement, 22 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I do promise and engage to all good Woodsmen, &c. who will enter into the Service of their Country now, for a month or longer; if they will subject themselves to military discipline, for the time they engage and undertake to do Soldiers Duty, and obey my Orders—That they shall receive soldiers’ pay, ammunition and Provision, and be discharged at the time agreed on. Given &c. April 22, 1756. LB...
1755From George Washington to Charles Carter, 22 April 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Charles Carter, 22 April 1756. On 27 April Carter wrote to GW : “I recd yr Second and third of the 22d of this instant.”
1756To George Washington from Charles Carter, 22 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Your favour without date came to my hands yesterday; from a conversation with Lt Rutherfold I judge it was wrote on sunday last from which circumstance I conclude you had not seen Mr Kirkpatrick nor Capt. Stewart who I believe could have satisfied you that the House of Burgesses have the Greatest expectations from yr Personall appearance on our Frontiers and are so farr from imputing any...
175722 [i.e. 23] Fryday. (Adams Papers)
A pleasant Day. I can as easily still the fierce Tempests or Stop the rapid Thunderbolt, as command the motions and operations of my own mind. I am dull, and inactive, and all my Resolution, all the Spirits I can muster, are insufficient to rouse me from this senseless Torpitude. My Brains seem constantly in as great Confusion, and wild disorder, as Miltons Chaos. They are numb, dead. I have...
1758Orders, 23 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
1759Council of War, 23 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
At a Council of War, Held at Winchester, April 23d 1756 Colonel George Washington, President. Present, Governor James Innis– Captain Mercer } { Captain Peachy Members Captain Stewart Lieutenant Eustace Lieutenant Hall Lieutenant Gist Lieutenant Lowry Colonel Washington asked the opinion of the Council, whether it was most elligible to evacuate the small Stockade at Enocks’s, and draw all the...
1760From George Washington to Henry Harrison, 23 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
It has been determined here in a Council of War, that it would be most advisable for you to repair to this place; as a small party would defend Edwards’s Fort. In consequence of which you are hereby ordered to proceed (as soon as you are joined by Ensign Hubbards party) to this place: and escort such of the inhabitants as are willing to come to this place. You must acquaint the people at...
1761From George Washington to Edward Hubbard, 23 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
It has been determind here in a Council of War, that it would be most advisable for you to evacuate your Fort at Enocks’s; destroy it, and join Captain Harrison at Edwards’s, with your party, stores, and the inhabitants. As we are not acquainted with their situation at Cox’s, it was thought best that you should send the Sergeant there, a conditional order to join you at Enocks’s, or keep...
1762To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 23 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Your Letr of the 19th by Mr Rutherfurd came to my Hands Tuesday last, but Yours of the 16th by Express did not reach me till the day after. I am heartily sorry for the Death of Capt. Mercer, & the other poor Men that were killed with him, it appears to me that the Enemy drew them out after them, pretending to fly, in order to destroy them from their lurking Places; but it surprizes me that we...
176323 [i.e. 24] Saturday. (Adams Papers)
A cloudy morn. All my Time seems to roll away unnoticed. I long to study sometimes, but have no opportunity. I long to be a master of Greek and Latin. I long to prosecute the mathematical and philosophical Sciences. I long to know a little of Ethicks and moral Philosophy. But I have no Books, no Time, no Friends. I must therefore be contented to live and die an ignorant, obscure fellow. A...
1764Orders, 24 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Evening Orders. Captain Stewart is to see that the Carpenters and all the Soldiers off Duty, set to work to-morrow morning by day-break, on the Breast-Work begun at the Court-House; and that they are diligent. He is to order some of the Subalterns (if necessary) to assist him, in visiting and directing the workmen. LB , DLC:GW . On 6 May 1756 “Daniel Hiver & Carpenters” were paid £6 12s. 3d....
1765From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 24 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Not an hour, nay, scarcely a minute passes, that does not produce fresh alarms and melancholy accounts. So that I am distracted what to do! nor is it possible for me to give the people the necessary assistance for their defence; upon account of the small number of men we have, or is likely to be here, for sometime. The Inhabitants are removing daily; and in a short time will leave this County...
1766From George Washington to John Robinson, 24 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I received yours by Mr Kirkpatrick, and am sorry to hear the Reflections upon the conduct of the Officers. I could wish that their names had been particularized; that justice might be done to the innocent, and guilty! For, it is extremely hard that the whole Corps should suffer the most un-genteel reproaches, for the inadvertance and misconduct of a few. The deplorable situation of...
176724 [i.e. 25] Sunday. (Adams Papers)
Astronomers tell us, with good Reason, that not only all the Planets and Satellites in our Solar System, but all the unnumbered Worlds that revolve round the fixt Starrs are inhabited, as well as this Globe of Earth. If this is the Case all Mankind are no more in comparison of the whole rational Creation of God, than a point to the Orbit of Saturn. Perhaps all these different Ranks of Rational...
1768Orders, 25 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
1769From George Washington to David Bell, 25 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
As the roads at present are so much infested, I do not think it safe to send the things you wrote for until another opportunity. I must desire that you will be very diligent, and guard against a Surprize from the Enemy, as they will certainly attact you, if they find it possible to surprize you. You are to detach Ensign Crawford with twenty men, to reconnoitre the Country towards Hites, on...
1770To George Washington from William Fairfax, 26–27 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I rec’d your Favor with the enclosd Estimate of your present Corps and proposd Regulation for 2000 Men to be formd into two Battalions. Those I have talkt with Seem to approve of the Scheme and wish it may be Effected. The Proceedings below Stairs go on slowly notwithstanding on hearing of the many and repeated Invasions of our Enemys, They appear alarmd and are for immediate Dispatch, Yet a...
177125 [i.e. 26] Monday. (Adams Papers)
The Reflection that I penned Yesterday, appears upon the review to be weak enough. For 1st. we know not that the Inhabitants of other Globes have sinned. Nothing can be argued in this manner, till it is proved at least probable that all those Species of rational Beings have revolted from their rightful Sovereign.—When I examine the little Prospect that lies before me, and find an infinite...
1772Orders, 26 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Regimental Court Martial to sit immediately for Trial of George Livingston. Lieutenant Eustace, President. LB , DLC:GW . George Livingston seems not to have remained in the Virginia Regiment, for his name has not been found on any of the company size rolls or payrolls after this date. GW promoted Hancock Eustace of Northumberland County from ensign to lieutenant in September 1755. Eustace,...
1773From George Washington to Henry Harrison, 26 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
If you receive this before you leave Edwards’s, I would have you proceed with a Detachment of yours, in your way to his, by Darby McIvers, who, with his Servant, &c. is killed by the Enemy—and endeavour, if the Bearer can shew you their bodies, to have them Buried. You must endeavour to bring off the Cattle, &c. of the Inhabitants about there if possible, if you do not hear that the Enemy are...
1774Memorandum, 26 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Commissary at Conogochieg is ordered to deliver Mr Grub five days Flour, for forty men. LB , DLC:GW . There were several families named Grubb living in the lower, or northern, end of the Shenandoah Valley at this time.
1775From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 26 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I received your several Letters yesterday, and am very glad to hear that all our Garrisons are safe. We every day expect very strong reinforcements and as soon as they arrive, shall scour all the woods between this and Fort Cumberland: and put what is possible to spare into the Garrisons: But, until I have effected the first plan, can not possibly join you; as it would be of the worst...
1776To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 26 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I recd Yr Letter by this Express last Night, & this Morning laid all the Letters before the House of Burgesses & really it gives me very great uneasiness & Concern to observe the dismal Situation our back Settlers are in—And when I consider the Slowness of the House in raising Men—I have sent Expresses to the Counties of Frederick Fairfax, Prince Wm Culpeper, Orange Stafford Spotsylvania,...
177726 [i.e. 27] Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
We had a few soft, vernal Showers to Day.
1778Orders, 27 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
1779From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 27 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I sent an Express to Fort Cumberland on Tuesday last, who is just returned with the enclosed Letters; which I send, to prevent the trouble of extracting a part. In my letter to Colonel Stephen, I did, among other things, inform him of the accusations laid to his charge; and that he must expect to have the matter enquired into: your Honor will see what he says upon the subject. Desolation and...
1780From George Washington to John Robinson, 27 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
In my last I omitted to observe one thing touching the defence of our Frontiers by a chain of Forts; and it is this. If the Province of Maryland makes no provision for its Frontiers, we shall have a long unguarded space, quite open and defenceless, from Wills Creek to the mouth of Shanandoah: where the Enemy may have (and have already given proof of) free Egress and Regress in crossing...