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...
1781To George Washington from Charles Carter, 27 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I recd yr Second and third of the 22d of this instant since which I have not had leisure to answer it I am now in the Country Com[mitt]ee. and have just Stole a moment to tell you all I can learn is that a few of the youths in the service have been at times imprudent and drank too Freely and in their cups have said what none of them in their sober moments would willingly own I think as you...
1782Orders, 28–29 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Washington Orders, that no Officer presume on any pretence whatever, to impress any Horse, &c. without first applying to him for a warrant or order. And as complaint has been made, that the Soldiers do take horses without leave; He desires the Officers to be very careful, that no such thing is done for the future: and to warn the Soldiers, that they shall be severely punished, if it...
178327 [i.e. 28] Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
A cool but pleasant morning. Dined at Mr. Paines. Drank Tea at Mr. Putnams. Walked with him to his Farm. Talked about all Nature.
178428 [i.e. 29] Thurdsday. (Adams Papers)
Fast day. Heard Mr. Maccarty. Spent the Evening at Mr. Putnams. Our proper Business in this Life is, not to accumulate large Fortunes, not to gain high Honours and important offices in the State, not to waste our Health and Spirits in Pursuit of the Sciences, but constantly to improve our selves in Habits of Piety and Virtue. Consequently, the meanest Mechanick, who endeavours in proportion to...
1785To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 29 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 24th was delivered me by Capt. Peachy, which Letter with his Information gives me great Pain & Uneasiness for the back Settlements, & Your present distress’d Situation, I have & continue to do every Thing in my Power for Your relief. The Militia of ten Counties are ordered to march directly for Winchester, Small Arms, Powder Shott &ca have been sent from this to...
178629 [i.e. 30] Fryday. (Adams Papers)
A hazy, dull Day. Reading Milton. That mans Soul, it seems to me, was distended as wide as Creation. His Powr over the human mind was absolute and unlimited. His Genius was great beyond Conception, and his Learning without Bounds. I can only gaze at him with astonishment, without comprehending the vast Compass of his Capacity.
1787Orders, 30 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Court martial to sit immediately for Trial of John Colins, corporal, and Richard Dun. LB , DLC:GW . There was a John Collins at this time in Capt. David Bell’s company. Bell’s company size roll of 13 July 1756 indicates that Collins was formerly an English sailor, 26 years old, who had enlisted at Yorktown in February 1756. Collins was again ordered before a court-martial on 10 May 1756. A...
1788[May 1756] (Adams Papers)
A rainy Day. If we consider a little of this our Globe we find an endless Variety of Substances, mutually connected with and dependent on Each other. In the Wilderness we see an amazing profusion of vegetables, which afford Sustenance and covering to the wild Beasts. The cultivated Planes and Meadows produce grass for Cattle, and Herbs for the service of man. The milk and the Flesh of other...
1789To George Washington from Landon Carter, May 1756 (Washington Papers)
The bearer of this will God willing be my son Landon whose inclinations for the Army have been before discovered but then I had no relish for it because I foresaw in the Number of Masters and one ignorant director many things would fall to an officers lot to account for when every truth received no credit that should be admitted for misadventure for these reasons I put him by but now under an...
1790Memorandum respecting the Militia, 1–2 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
On Thursday the 29th of May [April] 1756 divers expresses being first sent to the County Lieutenants of Fairfax Prince William and Culpeper Mr Dalton at the head of 31 Volunteer’s and 54 Militia from Fairfax came to Town. the same day I receivd an express from Captn Broadwater at the Gap of the Short Hills informing me that himself and the Captns Ramsay[,] Minor and Hamilton with abt 100 Men...
179130 [April, i.e. 1 May] Saturday. (Adams Papers)
A rainy Day. If we consider a little of this our Globe we find an endless Variety of Substances, mutually connected with and dependent on Each other. In the Wilderness we see an amazing profusion of vegetables, which afford Sustenance and covering to the wild Beasts. The cultivated Planes and Meadows produce grass for Cattle, and Herbs for the service of man. The milk and the Flesh of other...
1792Orders, 1 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Return to be given in immediately of the whole number of men of the Virginia Regiment now in this Town; and those that are fit for Duty. After Orders. A Captain, two Subalterns, three Sergeants, three corporals, one Drummer, and forty-five private men to mount Guard tomorrow morning, at eight o’clock. Every Officer in town to make out his Recruiting accompts; observing the former Rules and...
1793May. 1756. 1 [i.e. 2] Sunday. (Adams Papers)
Last night we had rain all night accompanied with a very high Wind, and the storm continues. Heard Mr. Camel Campbell of Oxford. About noon cleard away. I think it necessary to call my self to a strict account, how I spend my Time, once a week at least. Since the 14th of April I have been studying the 1st Part of Butlers Analogy. Spent the Evening at home with Mes srs . Camel, Green. Copious...
1794Memorandum respecting the Militia, 2 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 2d The aforesd detacht of 25 arrivd which made in the whole, includg Volunteers (but of these 13 returnd) 173 Men. AD , DLC:GW . See Memorandum respecting the Militia, 1–2 May 1756 . See ibid., in which GW reported that between 29 April and 2 May 119 Fairfax County militiamen and 54 volunteers arrived in Winchester.
1795Orders, 2 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A General Court Martial, to consist of four Captains, and five Subalterns, to sit immediately for trial of Lieutenant Lomax, of the Virginia Regiment —Captain Stewart, President—Mr Kirkpatrick, Judge Advocate. The President to wait on Colonel Washington for his Orders—All Evidences to attend: another Captain is ordered to the Court Martial—The youngest Subaltern to be taken off. LB , DLC:GW ....
1796From George Washington to Robert Stewart, 2 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
By Virtue of the Power and Authority to me given and granted, by the Honorable Robert Dinwiddie Esquire, Governor of Virginia; I do Hereby constitute and appoint you President of a General Court-Martial, to sit between the hours of eight and three; for trial of Lieutenant John Lomax, of the Virginia Regiment; accused of neglect of Duty, in not covering the Retreat of a Detachment under command...
1797Court-Martial, 2 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
At a General Court-Martial, Held at Winchester, the second day of May, 1756. Captain Robert Stewart, President. Captain Woodward } { Captain Lewis Captain Spotswood Members Captain Harrison Lieutenant Stark Lieutenant Hall Lieutenant Bullet Lieutenant Eustace Lieutenant John Lomax, accused of neglect of Duty, in not covering the Retreat of a Detachment, under command of Captain John Mercer,...
1798After Orders, 2 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
After Orders. A Return to be given in immediately of the Detachments from Fort-Cumberland, Cocke’s and Ashby’s Forts; by the Officers; of what necessaries the men want—which will be delivered them immediately. They are also to return the number of men each of those Officers has under command; and they shall receive a months’ pay for each man. The General Court martial, whereof Captain Stewart...
1799Court-Martial, 2 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Commission, after the Form of that to Captain Stewart, was given to Captain Woodward. The Court met—vizt Captain Woodward, President. Captain Spotswood } { Captain Harrison Captain Lewis Members Lieutenant Blagg Lieutenant Bullet Lieutenant Eustace Lieutenant Lowry Ensign McCarty After hearing the Evidences for and against Sergeant Nathan Lewis’s Behaviour—The Court was divided; and could...
1800Evening Orders, 2 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Evening Orders. The General Court Martial, whereof Captain Woodward was President, is dissolved—and Colonel Washington approves of the Sentence of the Court, in regard to Fling and Clarke; who lost their arms. Sergeant Lewis is to have a further Hearing. LB , DLC:GW .