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 .
18013 Monday. (Adams Papers)
I was mistaken one Day in my reckoning. A pleasant Day. Spent the Evening and supped at Mr. Maccartys. The Love of Fame naturally betrays a man into several weaknesses and Fopperies that tend very much to diminish his Reputation, and so defeats itself. Vanity I am sensible, is my cardinal Vice and cardinal Folly, and I am in continual Danger, when in Company, of being led an ignis fatuus Chase...
1802Memorandum respecting the Militia, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 3d 100 of the aforesd Militia under the Captns Minor and Hamilton were ordd to March for the Branch the rest to join a Scoutg Party of the Regt that was orderd to search Back Ck &ca. AD , DLC:GW . See Memorandum respecting the Militia, 1–2 May 1756 . See Evening Orders, 3 May 1756 . Back Creek, a few miles to the west of Winchester, flowed in a northerly direction into the Potomac River.
1803Orders, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A General Court Martial, to consist of five Captains and eight Subalterns; to sit immediately for Trial of Sergeant Nathan Lewis—Captain Stewart, President—who is to wait on Colonel Washington for his Orders. Mr Kirkpatrick, Judge-Advocate—all Evidences to attend. After Orders. Lieutenant John Hall is appointed Judge-Advocate for this Court-Martial, instead of Mr Kirkpatrick. After issuing a...
1804Court-Martial, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
At a Genl Court Martial held at Winchester May 2d [3d] 1756 Capt. Robert Steuart, President. Capt. Woodward } { Capt. Spotswood Capt. Lewis Capt. Harrisson Lieut. Stark Members Capt. Bullett Lieut. Blagg Lieut. Eustace Lieut. Lomax Lieut. Williams Lieut. Lowry Lieut. King Serjeant Nathan Lewis accused for retreating with a party of Men without orders and not going to the assistance of Capt....
1805Evening Orders, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Evening Orders. The General Court Martial, whereof Captain Stewart was President, is dissolved. Colonel Washington approves of the Sentence of the Court— was unanimous in opinion, that Sergeant Nathan Lewis, for his misbehaviour, in running away with his Party, should suffer Death. The three eldest Captains, eight Subalterns, ten Sergeants, one Drummer, and an hundred Rank & File, to hold...
1806From George Washington to Robert Stewart, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are Hereby ordered to repair to Maidstone, the place where your Troop is Quartered; and remain there until further orders. You are to hold a Court Martial for punishing the ring-leading mutineers of your Troop. You will receive two hundred & sixty-four pounds, eighteen shillings and a penny, for payment of your own Troop, and the other Detachments at that place. And you are to see that the...
1807From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I received your two Letters of the 23d and 26th ultimo. I have sent down an indian scalp which was taken off at the place where Captain Mercer had his Engagement. He was found thrust under some rocks, and stones piled up against them. They have reason to believe there were more killed, from the quantity of blood found on the ground, where the Indians fired from; and from other discoveries of...
1808To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I am sincerely concern’d for Your Situation from the many flying Parties of French & Indians, but I hope before this reaches You a large body of Militia are at Winchester to reinforce You, & if possible to drive the Enemy over the Allegany Mountains; besides the Militia there are to be Drafts from each County to compleat Your Regiment to 1500 or 2000 Men, but I fear it will be a Month before...
1809To George Washington from Peyton Randolph, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Some public spirited Gentlemen have done me the honor to fix upon me as their leader, till we can come to the place where you command; when we shall be very glad to follow such orders, as you shall think most conducive to the public good. Our number, I guess, will be about thrree hundred, & we hope to have the pleasure of seeing you before the last of this Month. I am Dear Colo. yours to...
1810To George Washington from John Robinson, 3 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I received your favour by the Express and am extremely concerned to hear of the distress the poor Inhabitants of Hampshire and Frederick are in but am in hopes from the Steps that are now taking here they will be soon releived and encouraged to return to their habitations, You will receive a Letter from the Attorney, by which you will find that he at the head of a Company of Gent. Voluntiers...
18114 Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
Let any man, suppose of the most improved understanding, look upon a watch, when the Parts of it are separated. Let him examine every Wheel and spring seperately by itself. Yet if the Use and Application of these springs and Wheels is not explained to him, he will not be able to judge of the Use and Advantage of particular Parts, much less will he be able, if he sees only one wheel. In like...
1812Memorandum respecting the Militia, 4 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 4th The Partys Marchd Captn Hamilton was ordd to consult Pearsal & the Kirkendal for the proper place to fix his Company at below the Trough and Captn Minor to advise wt. Colo. Vanmeter & Captn Wagr for Fixg above see their Instns in my orderly book dated May the 4th. Captn Dalton with his Volunteers and the rest of the Militia march’d with the Scoutg Partys of the Regt he had orders to...
1813Orders, 4 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
As Colonel Washington has received certain advice of the Militia of some of the adjacent counties, being on their march near this place—It has prevented his going out with the party ordered yesterday—and those orders are countermanded. The eldest Captain, six Subalterns, six Sergeants, one Drummer, and one hundred rank and file, are to march immediately upon the scout. The Captain to wait upon...
1814From George Washington to Henry Woodward, 4 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are with your party under command, to proceed up the new-road to Fort Cumberland, as far as Back-Creek: when you come there, you must take down these waters, and scour the woods down the Creek, until you come to potomac River; detaching small reconnoitring parties into the Mountains. You are to use all possible precaution in your Search; and above all things, to guard against a Surprize....
1815From George Washington to John Dalton, 4 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to join with the Volunteers and Militia under your command; the Detachment sent with Captain Woodward, to scour Back-Creek, &c. He is directed to proceed down the said creek, until he comes to Potomack River; and then to march to Conogochieg to get provisions. When you arrive there, you must consult with the Inhabitants the best place to post the Militia at, under...
1816From George Washington to James Hamilton, 4 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to repair with the Detachment under your command, to Job Pearsals and John Kirkindalls; with whom you are to consult and advise upon the proper place to make your Head-Quarters. You are to take care to provide your Company with necessary provisions, agreeable to the Act of Assembly. And you are to be careful in sending out frequent scouting parties: and to use your...
1817From George Washington to Nicholas Minor, 4 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed with the Detachment under your command, as far as Colonel Henry Vanmeeters, on the South Branch; and when there to consult with him and Captain Waggener, on the properest place to fix your Head Quarters, for the protection of the Inhabitants of those waters. And you are to be careful in seeing that your company is provided with provisions, as the act of...
1818After Orders, 4 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
After Orders. The first Subaltern for Duty, to get ready immediately to go to Cunningham-Fort, and wait upon Colonel Washington for orders. LB , DLC:GW . Cunningham’s fort was located twelve miles north of Winchester and about five miles from Mills Gap in the North Mountain. It was Ens. Nathaniel Milner whom GW ordered there, this date.
1819From George Washington to Nathaniel Milner, 4 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed to Cunningham-Fort, and there to use your utmost endeavours to engage one or two good woodsmen to serve as pilots to the Detachment under Captain Woodward. I have been told that a Son of Colonel Morgan, now at that place, will answer the intention full well; him you are to endeavour to get—If they insist upon certain pay before they stir, you must engage it to...
1820From George Washington to Robert Stewart, 4 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are to acquaint Captain Woodward, that it is my Orders that he Escort the provision-waggons from Conogochieg. I expect they will be there on Saturday next: and you are to see that they are loaded with all possible dispatch. Given at Winchester, May 4th 1756. LB , DLC:GW . For Henry Woodward’s movements, see GW to Nathaniel Milner, 4 May, n.1 . GW ordered Stewart on 3 May to join his troop...