From George Washington to William Fleming, 21 July 1756
To William Fleming
[Winchester, 21 July 1756]
To Ensign William Fleming, at Fort-Dinwiddie.
Sir,
Yours of the 24th ultimo—With regard to your and Captain Bells Accompts, I did not chuse to concern, but ordered it to the arbitration of six Captains; who have awarded fifteen pounds in favour of Captain Bell; as you will see by the original enclosed.1
The reason of this award, was your not complying with Captain Bells orders, to be at Albemarle-Court-House on the day appointed: by which neglect, Captain Bell was hindered from ordering you elsewhere by the Instructions he had received from me, to be at the place of Rendezvous precisely—and was obliged to send Mr Campbell off without you—consequently your stay there gave occasion for so much Desertion, to Captain Bells and the Countrys loss.2
You must continue in the capacity of Surgeon and furnish what necessary medicines are requisite for the Company—for which, and your trouble, you may be assured of satisfaction. I shall in a little time lay your accompt before the Committee; and learn of them what recompence you are to receive. As for your Instruments, the Country would be better pleased to pay for the use, than the property of them. The two-pence per month is a perquisite of the regimental Surgeon from every Soldier in it, for purchasing medicines.3 I am Yours &c.
G:W.
LB, DLC:GW.
William Fleming (1727–1795), a surgeon, was ordered by GW on 28 Oct. 1755 to join Peter Hog’s company at Fort Dinwiddie. He had served as ensign in that company since that time.
1. Neither Fleming’s letter of 24 June nor GW’s enclosure has been found.
2. For information about David Bell’s problems with Fleming, see GW to Bell, 28 Oct. 1755, n.1.
3. Robert Dinwiddie’s instructions to GW on 14 Aug. 1755 had included the order to deduct “two Pence ⅌ Month from each Non-Commissioned Officer and Private Man, for the Surgeon to purchase Medicines.” See also the Memorandum from the Committee to Supervise Military Expenditures, 8–11 Nov. 1755, printed in the , 2:163–64.