1841To George Washington from George William Fairfax, 9 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Upon hearing the many Alarming Accots at Williamsburg, I hasten’d away as soon as possible, tho. there was some particur Acts I should have been glad to have seen pass’d, as they were Relative to our Militia, But upon my arrival, I found the Militia ordered out by Colo. Carlyle, whove Marched many days before; otherwise I believe I should have Accompanied them. Your letter dated at Winchester...
1842To George Washington from William Fairfax, 9 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter to the Governor, G. Fx, and what accompanied them from Colo. Carlyle &c. describing the calamitous State & Condition of Hampshire & Frederick Countys, And Some Apprehensions of the blood thirsty and savage Enemy’s near Approaches to Shannondoah River and the blue Ridge, both the Council and Ho. of Burgesses thought it necessary the Governor should issue his Orders for half the...
184310 Monday. (Adams Papers)
A pleasant Day.
1844Memorandum respecting the Militia, 10 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 10th He came into Town & infd me that beside himself there were Officers whereof were Field Officers and private Men—and that by a late supply his number of arms were now abt 80. Colo. Bailor with 4 Field Offr⟨s⟩ 4 Captains 8 Subalterns & 8 Serts 8 Corpl and 170 Private arrivd at this place from Caroline County. AD , DLC:GW . See Memorandum respecting the Militia, 1–2 May 1756 . GW was...
1845Orders, 10 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Regimental Court Martial to sit immediately, for Trial of George Forman, and John Collins. One Subaltern and twenty men, to parade as soon as the provisions are drawn, to march to Conogochieg, to escort some provision waggons up to this place. The Officer to wait on Colonel Washington for his orders—The cartridges now made in the Guard-house, to be returned immediately to the Magazine;...
1846From George Washington to Robert Stewart, 10 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I have received yours this morning; and wonder you were not more explicit in the reasons you have for believing the Enemys return. You are sensible, the want of proper intelligence, retards and disappoints the necessary expedients for Defence and assistance. You must endeavour to procure Tools for the Carpenters; either from the inhabitants, or made by the Smiths there, upon the lowest terms:...
1847After Orders, 10 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
After Orders. The party ordered to Conogochieg, is to be of the men enlisted by Captain Bell, Lieutenant Campbell, Ensigns Deane and Fleming; as they will be left there with their captain. And the men belonging to the other companies, now under Captain Bell, be brought up in their room—If there should be more men here belonging to those Officers, than the number ordered, they are all to go. As...
1848From George Washington to Denis McCarty, 10 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed to Conogochieg with the party under your command; which being composed of Captain Bells men, you must leave with him, and Draught the same number out of Captain Gists men, if he has many there; if not, they are to be taken from the men of the other companies there; exclusive of Captain Stewarts and Bells: and with them escort to this place such waggons (loaded...
1849To George Washington from Thomas Gage, 10 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I received your obliging Favor of The 14th of April, a few Days ago; & return you many Thanks for the good News you Sent me, of The Defeat of a Body of Indians, by one of your Partys; which tho’ no decisive Affair, nor attended with great Slaughter; may produce very good Effects, & I make no Doubt but it will give new Life & Courage to your People: The many Defeats we have had, & The Terrors...
1850Provincial Commissioners: Orders for Payment, [11 May–16 June 1756] (Franklin Papers)
DS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania After Franklin’s return from Virginia he resumed attendance at meetings of the provincial commissioners on May 11 and continued regularly until he left for New York about June 18. The sixty-six orders for money payment signed during this period are listed below in the same form as those signed earlier (see above, pp. 392–6). Orders which Franklin did not...
185111 Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
A pleasant day . The first Day of Court. Nature and Truth or rather Truth and right are invariably the same in all Times and in all Places. And Reason, pure unbiassed Reason perceives them alike in all Times and in all Places. But Passion, Prejudice, Interest, Custom and Fancy are infinitely precarious. If therefore we suffer our Understandings to be blinded or perverted by any of these, the...
1852Memorandum respecting the Militia, 11 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 11th—Colo. Spotswood from Spotsylvania with 3 Field Officers 5 Captns 10 Subalterns and 130 private Men arrivd here & encampd in Colo. Woods Meadow. Colo. Henry Fitzhugh with 2 Captains 4 Subalterns 1 Clark 4 Sergts and 102 private also came to Town. as did 9 of the King George Deserter’s. The Prince William Militia were orderd to March to Morrow under the Comd of a Captn and 4 Sub. to...
1853Orders, 11 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
As there is a Report, that some Indians have been seen on the road between this and Enock’s—A party of Volunteers, about twenty-five, to parade immediately, to go and scour the woods between this and that place; and to return to-morrow. A Court Martial to sit immediately, for Trial of Sergeant Ferguson, and Thomas Lovell, Drummer. After Orders. The commanding Officers of the Militia [(]except...
1854From George Washington to William Fairfax, 11 May 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Fairfax, 11 May 1756. On 13 May 1756 Fairfax wrote to GW: “I had the Pleasure to receive Yrs of the 11th inst.”
185512 Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
Rambled about all Day, gaping and gazing.
1856Memorandum respecting the Militia, 12 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 12th—Was the first time I coud get a return of the Number of Carpenters that were among the Militia. In the Eveng abt 5 Oclock Lt Colo. Peyton with the Prince Wm Detacht marchd consistg of himself 1 Captn 4 Subalterns & 96 private as pr return. see his orders at large in my orderly Book. This day also the King George Militia had orders to March to Mendenhalls Fort to protect the...
1857Orders, 12 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Captains’ Guard is reduced. One Subaltern, one Sergeant, one Corporal, and twenty-one men, to mount Guard today. LB , DLC:GW .
1858From George Washington to William Cocks, 12 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Captain Baylis, of the Prince-William Militia, will give you this; and leave you a reinforcement of twenty men—with these, and the Detachment of your own company, which has now certainly rejoined you; you will be sufficiently able to send out several scouting parties: And it is my desire, you do your utmost to scour these parts, and protect the people. You will deliver Mr Baylie what...
1859Memorandum, 12 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A copy of the above Letter was also wrote to Captain John Ashby. LB , DLC:GW . See GW to William Cocks, this date .
1860From George Washington to Henry Peyton, 12 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed with the Detachment under your command, along the old waggon-road, until you come to Cockes’s Fort, on Pattersons Creek: where you are to leave a Subaltern, one Sergeant, and twenty men, to strengthen that Garrison. From thence you are to continue your march to Ashby’s Fort; which you are also to strengthen with the same number of men—and from there you are to...
1861From George Washington to Henry Peyton, 12 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are desired with the Detachment under your command, to proceed (on your arrival at the mouth of Patterson’s-Creek) as Escort to Governor Innis, to Fort Cumberland. Yours LB , DLC:GW .
1862From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 12 May 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Adam Stephen, 12 May 1756. On 19 May 1756 Stephen wrote to GW : “I reced yours of the twelveth.”
1863To George Washington from William Fairfax, 13–14 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
I had the Pleasure to receive Yrs of the 11th inst. by Bryan Fx who I find is so well pleasd with the little military Atchievement He has experienct, that He is desirous of pursuing that Life. I have accordingly encouragd Him and to hope that You have Affection enough to give Him a Lieutenancy as no doubt there are some Vacancys and I heard the Governor tell one Matthew Bowyer (who applied for...
186412 [i.e. 13] Thurdsday. (Adams Papers)
Spent the Evening with Mr. Swan at home.
1865Memorandum respecting the Militia, 13 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 13th An express came from Colo. Peyton informg that a Sergt & 14 Men deserted last Night from him at Paris’s Fort and desireing a Reinforcement I was oblig⟨d⟩ to Countermand the Order’s to the King George Militia & to, then send them to join him with order’s to remain in Ashbys Fort and they accordingly Marchd 29 in number under Lieutt Nugent the rest were Sick & deserted. and this N, 4...
1866Orders, 13 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Washington has heard that the Soldiers are uneasy about their Pay—He takes this method to acquaint them, that they shall receive their full pay, so soon as the Pay master can come down, or they march to, Fort Cumberland. A Regimental Court Martial to sit immediately, for trial of John Robinson, Aaron Paul, and John Grant. LB , DLC:GW . According to GW’s orders on 15 May, James Clark...
1867From George Washington to Thomas Newgent, 13 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby Ordered, with the Detachment under your command, to proceed to join Colonel Henry Peyton and his party of Militia, with the utmost expedition; and take your Orders from him. Acquaint him that it is my desire, he leave you and your party in one of these Forts, he is ordered to reinforce. While you remain in the Fort, you are to take your orders from the commanding Officer there;...
1868Orders, 13 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Nathaniel Giles, James Joyce, and Edward Chatham, enlisted by Captain Christopher Gist—Philip Hands, enlisted by captain Peachey—on review, are found unfit for Service, and Discharged. After Orders. One Field Officer, four Captains, five Lieutenants, four Ensigns, twelve Sergeants; two hundred and three rank and file, of the Militia of Caroline, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Culpepper, are to...
1869Council of War, 14–15 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
At a Council of War, Held at Winchester, the 14th day of May, 1756; for considering and determining upon the necessary measures to be taken at this juncture with the Militia ordered here by His Honor, the Governor. Colonel George Washington, President. Colonel Spotswood } { Colonel Martin Colonel Baylor Colonel Thornton Members Colonel Lee Colonel Slaughter Colonel Fitzhugh Colonel Muse...
187013 [i.e. 14]. Friday. (Adams Papers)
Drank Tea at the Colonels.—Not one new Idea this Week.
1871Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 14 May 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1755–1756 (Philadelphia, 1756), p. 92. When Franklin returned to Philadelphia from Virginia in early May, he found the province at war with the Delaware Indians and the Assembly summoned two weeks ahead of the date to which it stood adjourned to consider further measures of defense, especially for the counties west of the...
1872Memorandum respecting the Militia, 14 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 14th The Orange Militia under Colo. Talliaferro consistg of 2 Field Officer’s 2 Captns 4 Subalterns & 100 private Men came to Town as did Colo. Barret with 130 Men from Louisa In the Evening of this day I summon’d all the Field Officers to meet, that we might advise and consult on the proper expedn to be taken with the Militia see a Copy of the proceedings in my orderly Book. in...
1873Orders, 14 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
As Colonel Washington has received some advices from Conogochieg; which render the march of the party of militia ordered yesterday, unnecessary—Those Orders are countermanded: and the Militia are not to march until Colonel Washington receives farther advice from the Governor. After Orders. All the Field Officers of the Militia are desired to attend at Colonel Washingtons Quarters, at half an...
1874To George Washington from Peter Hog, 14 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
On Saturday the 9th Instant I rec’d advice that the Tract of 7 Indians had been discovered at the house of Vanderpool on the head of this Rivr by two Men of the party detached from my Company for the protection of Mesrs Millers & Wilson’s Famillies; I immediatly ordered a Serjt to gett a party ready to March next Morng to Join the sd Detachmt & goe in Search of the sd Tracts But that Evening a...
187514 [i.e. 15]. Saturday. (Adams Papers)
A lovely Day. Soft vernal Showers. Exercise invigorates, and enlivens all the Faculties of Body and of mind. It arouses our Animal Spirits, it disperses Melancholy. It spreads a gladness and Satisfaction over our minds and qualifies us for every Sort of Buisiness, and every Sort of Pleasure.
1876Provincial Commissioners to Robert Hunter Morris, 15 May 1756 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library We are honoured with your several Letters of the 5th. 7th. 8th. 9th. 10th and 13th Instant, and have complied, as far as we are able, with every Request therein contained, excepting the Article of Tents, of which, we cannot be of Opinion that more are necessary, at this fine Season of the Year, than what will suffice for the Officers, and any of the Men that happen...
1877Memorandum respecting the Militia, 15 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 15th The Council being finis⟨hd⟩ the aforesd Number of Men were ordd to be draughted, & the remr to receive provision to carry them back & to be discharg’d. The said several draughts were orderd to get ready to March in the M[ornin]g to their respective Posts. AD , DLC:GW . See Memorandum respecting the Militia, 1–2 May 1756 . The Memorandum respecting the Militia, 14 May 1756 , gives the...
1878Orders, 15 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Court Martial to sit immediately for Trial of Thomas Hicks. James Clarke, who has accused Aaron Paul and John Robinson of Robbing him: must produce his Evidences to this Court Martial; in order to proceed on their Trial also. Else they will be Discharged. LB , DLC:GW . There were two James Clarks in the regiment on 13 July 1756. One, in David Bell’s company, was described as a 31–year-old...
1879George Mercer to Thomas Walker, 15 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are to receive into the Stores, all the Public arms which are now in the possession of the Militia of the several counties, which are to be discharged. LB , DLC:GW .
1880Orders for the Militia, 15 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Orders for the Militia. The commanding Officers of the Militia left at this place, are to order all their Men to be under arms at Retreat-beating this Evening: and are to acquaint them, that if any of them desert, they will be immediately draughted as Soldiers into the Virginia Regiment. They are also to order them to lodge their arms in some secure place; and not suffer them to go about the...
188115 [i.e. 16]. Sunday. (Adams Papers)
A pleasant morning. The Week past was Court week. I was interrupted by Company, and the noisy Bustle of the publick Occasion, so that I have neither read or wrote any Thing worth mentioning.— Heard Mr. Thayer, and spent the Evening at Mr. Putnams, very sociably.
1882Memorandum respecting the Militia, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
May 16th The Cg Officers of each Militia (Culpeper excepted) reportd that severals of their Men had deserted—upon which I sent out to see if they coud be taken the Comy also reported that he had been trying & coud not procure a Waggon to transport the necessary stock of Provn & Am[munitio]n with them I was therefore obligd to postpone their March one day longer. By This time I had engagd 70...
1883Orders, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Court Martial to sit immediately, for trial of Richard Madden. The commanding Officers of the Militia, are to hold themselves in readiness to march very early to-morrow morning with their men, to their respective Stations. and must apply to the commissary for arms, ammunition and Provision. The provisions must be dressed to night, that no time be lost in the morning—at which time the...
1884George Mercer to Thomas Walker, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
As the Militia of the several Counties will march to-morrow morning; Colonel Washington desires you will prepare every thing—that they may not be delayed. You must lay in a sufficient Stock of provisions, to carry them to their Stations—and some spare ammunition: if you think a waggon, &c. necessary, they must be provided—and direct them how they are to be supplied afterwards. Let the spare...
1885From George Washington to Nicholas Minor, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are immediately, upon receipt of this, with the men under your command, to march to Cocke’s-Fort, on Pattersons Creek; and there join him—You are to consult with Captain Cocke, and take his directions, in sending out frequent scouting parties, to scour the country, & make discoveries. It is expected that strict obedience will be paid these Orders; as they are in consequence of a Council of...
1886From George Washington to Thomas Waggener, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A party of the militia of Stafford, is ordered to Harnesses Fort; and will march to-morrow: as will a party of the culpepper Militia, to your upper fort. So soon as they arrive there, I would have you order down your men from that, to your station at Vanmeeters—as you will be posted there to assist the Inhabitants, with your Company and advice, in case of any alarms; and a second descent of...
1887From George Washington to Henry Peyton, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Detachment from King-George, under Lieutenant Newgent, is to be stationed at Ashby’s Fort; and you are to proceed with the whole of your Militia, to the Mouth of Little-Capecapon—and are not to station any of them at Cocke’s or Ashby’s Forts—as reinforcements from the other militia will be sent there. I expect a strict compliance with these Orders, and diligence in executing them; and...
1888From George Washington to Zachary Lewis, Jr., 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed with the Detachment under your command, to Captain Ashby’s Fort, on Pattersons Creek: and are to put yourself and party under his command. You are to be very circumspect on your march; and endeavour, as much as possible, to guard against a Surprize. Given at Winchester, May 16th 1756. LB , DLC:GW . Zachary Lewis’s commission as first lieutenant in the...
1889From George Washington to John Field, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed with the Detachment under your command, to the Upper Fort, on the South Branch (built by Captain Waggener) and post your men at that place. You are to use your utmost endeavours to protect the people from the insults of the Enemy; and encourage them by all fair means, to return to their Dwellings. You are to be particularly careful in seeing that no...
1890Memorandum, 16 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
A copy of the above Instructions was given to Lieutenant Hedgman, of the Stafford Militia; only he was ordered to Harness’s Fort. LB , DLC:GW . Lieutenant Hedgman could have been either of two brothers, William Hedgman (1732–1765) or George Hedgman (1734–1760), sons of Maj. Peter Hedgman (c.1700–1765), a member of the House of Burgesses for Prince William County from 1732 until 1740 and for...