182181[Benjamin Franklin?] to ——, 6 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Extract printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , January 8, 1756. Jacob Levan, Esq; was sent by us to hear the Particulars of the Affair at Gnadenhutten, and fearing to go alone, sent Fifty-six Men over the Mountains on Saturday Evening, and on Sunday followed them with seventeen more. As soon as they got to the Top of the Hill, they saw all the white People running up, and the Indians running on...
182182Orders, 6 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to Colonel Washington, that Ensign Dekeyser has been guilty of a breach of the twenty-third article of War; by behaving in a manner unbecoming the character of a Gentleman, and an Officer—He is ordered to appear before a Court of enquiry, which will sit to examine into the complaint to-morrow at ten of the clock. The Court to consist of nine Officers; none under...
182183Memorandum, 6 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
Wrote to Ensign Buckner at Alexandria, to take John Berry, a Servant of Mr William West, who is willing to enlist; and to give up Jacob Funkhouser in his place. LB , DLC:GW . William West operated an ordinary in Fairfax County (now Loudoun County), and Mordecai Buckner was the quartermaster for the Virginia Regiment. GW noted in a Memorandum of 11–14 Jan. that the exchange of Funkhouser for...
182184Memorandum, 6 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
It was the judgment of the Court of Enquiry this morning held upon Thomas Norris; that he is legally and duly enlisted; as per copy of proceedings. LB , DLC:GW . After Thomas Norris “acknowledged he took the [enlistment] money but did not take it with an intention of being a Soldier,” the court chose to accept the word of the witnesses Lt. Walter Steuart and Sgt. William Hughes that Norris...
182185To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Hunter Morris: Commission, 5 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society When Franklin and the other commissioners met Governor Morris in Reading on January 1, they all intended to take part in an Indian treaty at Carlisle before returning to Philadelphia, but news of a fresh disaster changed their plans. Indians had surprised and routed a military company at Gnadenhütten (see immediately above), again leaving the entire...
182186Orders, 5 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
Ensign Polson being appointed in Colonel Gage’s Regiment, has Colonel Washington’s leave to resign his Commission in the Virginia Regiment. A Court of Enquiry to sit to-morrow at nine o’clock; to examine whether Thomas Norris, recruited by Sergeant Hughes, is duly enlisted. Lieutenant Colonel Stephen, President. All Evidences to attend. LB , DLC:GW . For John Polson’s subsequent military...
182187Orders, 4 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
Christopher Scully, recruited by Ensign Dekeyser, is to receive Arms, Clothes, &c. to-morrow. The Troops are to receive four days provision to-morrow. LB , DLC:GW .
182188To George Washington from Thomas Bryan Martin, 4 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer hereof Capt. Bailis is now going up to Joyn the Prince Wm Detatchment, by Order of Colo: Lee he Applyd to me for a discharge which I Refusd, as I daly Expect to hear from you. He Informs me that the Men are almost Naked and as the Expence of mentaining them is very great, I think they ought to be discharged, as soon as it can be done with Safty. I am Sir Your very Humbl. Servt ALS ,...
182189William Hays to Robert Hunter Morris and the Provincial Commissioners, 3 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Extract printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , January 8, 1756. I am sorry to inform you, by these Lines, of the bad News of our Defeat at Gnadenhutten. The Day you left Bethlehem, December 31, I set out as soon as possible, and marched with the Waggons about ten Miles, and I continued my March early next Morning, and proceeded with Safety, till I came within about two Miles of Gnadenhutten,...
182190Orders, 3 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Guard is to be regularly relieved every morning at ten o’clock. The Drummer must observe to beat, at the appointed times, the following Beats. Revelé at day-break; Troop, at ten o’clock; Retreat at sun-set; and Tattoo, at nine o’clock at night. An Officer is to see that the above Orders are duly executed. This Tour of Duty to begin with the eldest Captain; and to continue through the rest...
182191From George Washington to Thomas Walker, 3 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
Let Ensign Smiths Recruit have Clothes, arms, &c. LB , DLC:GW .
182192Memorandum, 1–2 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
Patrick Laden has leave to be absent on Furlough, until Sunday night. LB , DLC:GW .
182193Orders, 2 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
Three Recruits belonging to Captain Stewart, and one to Captain Bell, are to receive arms, Clothes, &c. After Orders. The Commissary is to deliver three days provision; Clothes arms, &c. to sixteen Recruits belonging to Captain Stewart. LB , DLC:GW .
182194From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 1 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library A happy New Year to you, and all Friends. We arrived here, all well, about two Hours ago. Capt. Coultas tells me he purposes to start early in the Morning, so as to be at Philadelphia to morrow Evening. I have only time to write this Line, just to acknowledge the Receipt of your agreable Letters, Sally’s, Dr. Bond’s, Mr. Hughes’s, &c. and to promise particular...
182195From George Washington to Robert Hunter Morris, 1 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry it has not been in my power to acknowledge the receipt of yours until now. At the time that your Letter came to Winchester, I was at Williamsburgh; before I got back, it was conveyed thither; and so from place to place has it been tossing almost until this time. There is nothing more necessary than good intelligence to frustrate a designing Enemy: and nothing that requires greater...
182196Orders, 1 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
Three days provisions to be delivered to the Troops tomorrow at twelve o’clock. Captain Stewart is to give orders to have a Sentry over the Forage, to prevent any waste: and a moderate allowance be given out every morning, and no more. Captain Stewart is to visit his Guard twice a-week; to see that these orders are duly executed. LB , DLC:GW .
182197[Harvard and Worcester, 1751-1755] (Adams Papers)
The two last years of my Residence at Colledge, produced a Clubb of Students, I never knew the History of the first rise of it, who invited me to become one of them. Their plan was to spend their Evenings together, in reading any new publications, or any Poetry or Dramatic Compositions, that might fall in their Way. I was as often requested to read as any other, especially Tragedies, and it...
182198Poor Richard Improved, 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Poor Richard improved: Being an Almanack and Ephemeris … for the Year of our Lord 1755 . … By Richard Saunders, Philom. Philadelphia: Printed and Sold by B. Franklin, and D. Hall. (Yale University Library) It is a common Saying, that One Half of the World does not know how the other Half lives . To add somewhat to your Knowledge in that Particular, I gave you in a former Almanack, an Account...
182199Orders, 31 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
As there has issued Orders several times for every Officer to provide himself with a proper Regimental Dress (which dress is also particularly described:) Colonel Washington is a good deal surprized to find that some Officers are yet unprovided; and declares, that if they do not immediately procure them, or such thereof as can be had—it will be looked upon as disobedience of orders, and will...
182200From George Washington to Christopher Gist, 31 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed to those public Places where you have the greatest probability of success; and continue Recruiting until the first day of March; at which time it is expected you will repair to this place. You are, with some trusty person, to send your Recruits here, so soon as you raise a squad of five or ten men; and the person with whom you entrust them, is to take a...
182201From Benjamin Franklin to Conrad Weiser, Jonas Seely, and James Read, 30 December 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Grand Lodge F. and A.M. of Pennsylvania We are just on the Point of setting out for Bethlehem, in our Way to Reading, where we propose to be (God willing) on Thursday Evening. The Commissioners are all well, and thank you for the Concern you express for their Welfare. We hope to have the Pleasure of finding you well. No News this Way, except that Aaron Depui’s Barn was burnt last Week,...
182202Orders, 30 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Commissary is immediately to engage eight waggons to be sent to the Quarter-Master at Alexandria, to bring Stores, &c. from that place: and he is to make a Report, as soon as he has engaged that number. A Sergeant and six men to pile up the Cannon Ball that be scattered before the magazine; and the Sentry there is to have Orders, not to let them be thrown about again. After Orders Whereas...
182203To George Washington from Robert Duncanson, 30 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Early opportunity I had of being acquainted with you, will I hope Excuse my writing you at this time in favour of my Brother who being a stranger to you, has Carry’d Recommendations from Gentlemen who have the Honour to share some part of your friendship, & I wou’d fain flatter myself that after he is known to you, youll have no Reason to blame them; Lieutent Stewart on acct of the...
182204To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 30 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
I received yours of the 28th by Jenkins and will do myself the honor to wait on you as soon as the accounts you order are made out, which will be without delay. I will likewise sound C. D. on the topics you mention and am with great respect Yr most obedt Sprague transcript , DLC:GW . It was Capt. John Dagworthy who was to be sounded out.
182205Provincial Commissioners: Instructions to William Parsons, 29 December 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: New York Public Library Instructions to Major Parsons You are immediately to raise and take into Pay for one Month a Company of Foot consisting of 24 Men, to be employ’d as a Garrison, Guard and Watch for the Town of Easton, who shall be allow’d at the Rate of 6 Dollars per Month, with Arms and Ammunition, and 15 lb. of Bread and Meat per Week and a Gill of Rum per Day for each Man. You...
182206Orders, 29 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Officers of each Company when the Roll is called thrice a-day, are also to see that the Recruits have their arms clean and in good order and that they always appear at roll calling with all their accoutremements. They are also to see that all the men appear tight and clean, with their hats always cock’d. Two or three Officers are to examine the prisoners and see if their handcuffs are too...
182207From George Washington to John Ashby, 29 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
As I am informed of several Soldiers having deserted your Company. You are hereby ordered to pursue them with all possible dispatch; and use your utmost endeavours to apprehend and secure them. Given &c. at Winchester 29th December, 1755. LB , DLC:GW .
182208From George Washington to Thomas Rutherford, 29 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to repair to the Company immediately, and use your utmost endeavours to keep it under due regulation, until the return of Captain Ashby. So soon as you arrive there, you are to acquaint Captain Lewis, it is my Orders that he with his party, return to Fort Cumberland. Given &c. at Winchester, the 29th of December 1755. LB , DLC:GW .
182209After Orders, 29 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
After Orders. The Commissary is to give in immediately an accompt of all the Blankets, Shirts, Shoes, and Stockings in the Store. N:B. Samuel Boyd, Soldier in Captain Ashby’s Company of Rangers, is discharged on the petition of the Reverend Mr Gordon, and a promise to find another man in his stead. James Dunbar is likewise discharged; as it appears he was drunk, and not duly enlisted by...
182210From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 28 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
Captn John Mercer only returnd last night from Williamsburg and brings no satisfactory answers to any thing I questiond the Governor upon. The express that was sent to Genl Shirley is returnd, without seeing him: however the Governor writes that he expects answers to his Letters by Colo. Hunter, who is now at New York and waits the arrival of the Genl at that place. The Governor is very...
182211Orders, 28 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Recruiting Officers now in town are to make out their accompts and deliver them to morrow at ten o’clock—They are to charge two Pistoles for each man received at the place of Rendezvous; and eight-pence per day for their maintenance: no other charges will be allowed. Three Recruits that Ensign Smith reviewed and passed this day, are to be furnished with Clothes, Arms, &c. A Court of...
182212From George Washington to William Cocks, 28 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby Ordered to repair to your Company with all possible dispatch. I have found it impracticable to procure Clothes for your men. I think none so proper for Rangers as Matchcoats; therefore would advise you to procure them. Those who have not received Clothing for the future will have their full pay, without stoppages; and those already made, will be repaid to them. Those who have...
182213From George Washington to John Ashby, 28 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
I am very much surprized to hear of the great irregularities which were allowed of in your camp. The Rum, although sold by Joseph Coombs, I am credibly informed, is your property. There are continual complaints to me of the misbehaviour of your Wife; who I am told sows sedition among the men, and is chief of every mutiny. If she is not immediately sent from the camp, or I hear any more...
182214From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 27 December 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I receiv’d yours of the 24th with Pleasure [since it?] acquainted me of your and the Family’s Welfare. [I] am glad to hear that the Companies are forming in Town and chusing their Officers, and hope the Example will be followed throughout the Country. We all continue well, but much harrass’d with Business; after many Difficulties and Disappointments we...
182215Memorandum, 27 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
William Crawford received his Commission as Ensign in the Company of Scouts commanded by Captain Christopher Gist; who had money delivered him to Recruit with; the General Instructions, and the same private Instructions that were given the Officers at Alexandria the third instant (only the opportunities of Elections were omitted) and was ordered to Rendezvous here the fourteenth of February...
182216From George Washington to Andrew Lewis, 27 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
In pursuance of Commands from the Governor to me, you are hereby ordered to proceed to Augusta, and there to take upon you the command of Captain Hogg’s Company; three Companies of Rangers, and such Cherokee Indians as you shall find there; and march them to such place or places, and obey such order or orders, as the Governor shall direct. Given under my Hand &c. at Winchester, December 27th...
182217From George Washington to Peter Hog, 27 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you fully the 28th ultimo; since when I have only received two returns; one of the twenty-sixth, the other of the twenty-ninth of November; by which I find you still want men to complete your Company. The present allowance for Recruiting is two Pistoles per man, and eight-pence per day subsistance from the time of their attestation, until they are received at Quarters; and no men are...
182218Orders, 26 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washingtons Orders, that the Recruiting Officers who arrived in town yesterday do give in a Return immediately of the number of men they have recruited since the 4th instant. They are to be drawn up to-morrow at ten o’clock to be reviewed, and have the Articles of War read to them. A Court of Enquiry to sit immediately to examine whether William Mitcalfe, recruited by Ensign...
182219Court of Inquiry, 26 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
A Court of Enquiry held upon William Mitcalfe whereof were Members viz. Major Lewis, President Captain Stewart, Captain Bronaugh, Captain Lewis, Captain Bell, Lieutenant Bullett, Ensigns Thompson and Polson. It was the Judgment of the Court, that the said Mitcalfe was regularly enlisted and attested; and was sober when he received the money. LB , DLC:GW .
182220George Mercer to Robert Johnston, 26 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washingtons Orders, that you examine into the case of William Mitcalfe, and report if you think he is subject to Fits: Mr Roy will assist you. It is the opinion of Messieurs Johnston and Roy, that he is not addicted to Fits; and fit enough for Duty. LB , DLC:GW . Mr. Johnston was probably the Robert Johnston (d. 1763) who appeared before the Frederick County court on 6 Jan. 1756...
182221After Orders, 26 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
After Orders. The Deserters now confined in the Guard-House, are to be immediately handcuffed; and to be supported with bread and water only. LB , DLC:GW . Sgt. Henry Campbell and two soldiers deserted on Christmas Eve and were retaken on Christmas Day. See the Orders and After Orders of 25 Dec. 1755 .
182222To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 26 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
The State of the Regiment is much the Same as at last Return. Capt. Peachy is a good deal Better—Mr Lowry pines after the Babby, and has been of no Service here, the gentlemen who are best acquainted with him, tell me they are of Opinion he is tired of the Service, and Being a Malingeror here, I gave him leave to Wait on you to inform how he stood affected. I had the honour to dine at the head...
182223To George Washington from Thomas Walker, 26 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
I have got most of the Cattle slaughtered except those that were under the care of Shepherd & Perry, and to my great satisfaction assure you those we now kill are better than they were in august, Occasioned by the Corn remai[ni]ng in the Fields of the poor unhappy Familys that are Slaughtered or captivated by our Savage enemys. Most of Shepherds & Perrys I am in hopes to keep alive at a small...
182224[Benjamin Franklin?] to ——, 25 December 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Extract printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , January 1, 1756. Governor Morris and the commissioners appointed in the £60,000 money act worked diligently to organize more effective measures against the continuing Indian attacks. By December 4 they had decided to rely chiefly upon a fort to be erected at Shamokin (at the forks of the Susquehanna; now Sunbury) from which ranging parties would be...
182225George Mercer’s Orders, 25 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washington’s Orders, that Ensigns Polson and Thompson, Corporals McDonald and Broughton, do immediately go in pursuit of Sergeant Campbell and two men who deserted last night; and use all possible means to apprehend and bring them back. As an encouragement for apprehending them, the Colonel promises a reward of twenty-shillings for each of them, to the two Corporals. N:B. That...
182226George Mercer to Thomas Walker, 25 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washingtons Orders, that you provide the Sick with all necessaries the Surgeons shall apply to you for; of which you are to make a charge. LB , DLC:GW .
182227George Mercer to Thomas Walker, 24 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
Deliver five men, two days provision; Captain Bronaugh’s Recruits—Deliver the Detachment of Light Horse, being thirteen men, two days provision. LB , DLC:GW .
182228Orders, 23 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Soldiers who received their discharge yesterday, are to attend at the Head-Quarters at 2 O’Clock; and they will receive some money to bear their expences home. They are not to be allowed to take their Regimentals with them; but, if they are very naked, may take their Blankets. Although there were express orders given for Returns being made regularly every morning, none have yet been given...
182229George Mercer to Thomas Walker, 23 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
Deliver Sergeant Campbell and his Party (eleven in number) three days provision. LB , DLC:GW . This was almost certainly Sgt. Henry Campbell, whom George Mercer ordered on 11 Dec. to conduct wagons up from Alexandria and who deserted at Winchester on 24 Dec. after being accused of stealing from the wagons. It is unlikely that he is Hugh Campbell, a sergeant in Capt. William Bronaugh’s company.
182230To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 23 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
Such a Spirit of Revenge and Indignation prevaild here, upon hearing you were insulted at the Fairfax Election, that we all were ready and violent to run and tear Your Enemies to pieces. As I imagine my self interested in all that Concerns you, I cannot forbear telling you that it would have been far better to have acquainted me with your Intention of Standing Candidate for Frederick, my...