2161To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 21 August 1756 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 14th Inst. I just now recd. La Force was taken two Days after he made his escape & is properly secur’d—No doubt Your Men will be fully employ’d in garrisons &ca. I have in my former given You my Opinion in regard to Fort Cumberland, & now I am of Opinion that You shou’d send for some of the Stores from thence to Winchester for fear of Accidents or an Attack of the Enemy against...
2162To George Washington from Thomas Waggener, 21 August 1756 (Washington Papers)
I Received Yours of the 12th Instant, And am glade to find you so far Approve of our Proceeding. Lieutn. Lomax with 20 Men are gone to the Upper Tract—Capt. Feild & 30 of his Compy Remains at the Upper Fort. and are very willing to Remain to the first of Decer, those that have Returnd left their Arms with me, as Winchester was far out of their way, in going home—Capn Spotswood I have orderd...
2163Orders, 22–23 August 1756 (Washington Papers)
A court of enquiry, to consist of all the Officers in town, to sit immediately, to enquire into the complaint of Daniel Bevan, Soldier in Captain Mercers company, against James Lemon, Tavern-keeper, for striking and abusing him. The parties, with their Evidences, to be summoned to attend—The court must also award the Damages against the Offender. LB , DLC:GW . Daniel Bevans, a 21–year-old...
216422 Sunday. (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I compleated a Contract with Mr. Putnam, to study Law under his Inspection for two years. I ought to begin with a Resolution to oblige and please him and his Lady in a particular Manner. I ought to endeavour to oblige and please every Body, but them in particular. Necessity drove me to this Determination, but my Inclination I think was to preach. However that would not do. But I set...
216523 Monday. (Adams Papers)
Came to Mr. Putnams and began Law. And studied not very closely this Week.
2166Pennsylvania Assembly: Address to William Denny, 23 August 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives, 1755–1756 (Philadelphia, 1756), p. 130. The Assembly minutes, August 19, record: “The House being informed, that the Gentleman who is appointed to succeed our present Governor, is now on the Road hither from New-York, and will be in Town some Time To-morrow, Adjourned to Five a Clock To-morrow Afternoon.” In the rush to honor...
2167Philadelphia City Regiment: Address to William Denny and Reply, [23 August? 1756] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , August 26, 1756. To the Honourable William Denny , Esq; Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania, and Counties of New-Castle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, The Address of the Officers of the Regiment and Artillery Company of the City of Philadelphia. May it please your Honour , We heartily congratulate your Honour on your safe Arrival and Accession to...
2168To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 23 August 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Adam Stephen, 23 Aug. 1756. On 6 Sept. 1756 GW wrote to Stephen : “Yours of the . . . 23d August I received.”
2169Orders, 24–25 August 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
2170To Benjamin Franklin from William Parsons, 25 August 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society The inclosed is the Copy of a Bill which I had given over for lost as Mr. Kilbey protested it the next Fall after it was drawn. But I have lately heard that Richd. Nugent the Drawer is still an Officer in one of the Regiments now in the Service either against Crown Point or at Oswego. And I have been informed that Mr. Stevens (or Stevenson) at Albany has...
2171To George Washington from David Bell, 25 August 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from David Bell, 25 Aug. 1756. On 6 Sept. 1756 GW wrote to Bell : “I received yours of the 25th.”
2172To George Washington from John Kirkpatrick, 25 August 1756 (Washington Papers)
Thus far from Williamsburg and pritty much fatigued—On friday evening had the pleasure of receiving yours, and agreable to your desire copied the Governors, Deliver’d it, and woud have Shown it to the Speaker had he not left the Town that fore noon —The Governor at that time told me (tho’ I imagine he has since wrote you) that he had no Objections of any kind to your Attendence at Alexandria,...
2173Orders, 26–28 August 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Quarter master is to collect all the Baggs he can and deliver them to waggons which are going down to Alexandria this Evening for Salt. The officers who have command of companies, to make out pay-rolls for their men, for the months of July and august, without any stoppage for clothing, &c. An exact pay-roll must also be given in, of the days that each man has wrought at sixpence. In this...
2174From Benjamin Franklin to Catharine Ray, 26 August 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I receiv’d your very agreable Line [of] the 2d. Inst. in which you tell me you would write me a long Letter, but that you expect soon to see me in Boston. I know not now when I shall enjoy that Pleasure, being more involv’d in publick Affairs than ever: so that I cannot be so long out of the Province as such a Journey requires; therefore, dear Girl, write...
2175To George Washington from Robert Carter Nicholas, 28 August 1756 (Washington Papers)
Since writing of the within Letter I’ve prevail’d with myself & Colo. Digges to wait on the Governour & represented Mr Roberts’s Case to him; he left the Matter entirely to us & agreed that he might be discharged if We could procure another Man to go up in his Room; this I’m afraid will not be in our Power; We have however pass’d our Words that Roberts shall surrender himself to you, to be...
217629 Sunday. (Adams Papers)
29 Sunday.
2177From John Adams to Richard Cranch, 29 August 1756 (Adams Papers)
I am set down with a Design of writing to you.—But the narrow Sphere I move in, and the lonely unsociable Life I lead, can furnish a Letter with little more than Complaints of my hard fortune. I am condemnd to keep School two Years longer. This I sometimes consider as a very grievous Calamity and almost sink under the Weight of Woe.—But shall I dare to complain and to murmur against Providence...
2178Orders, 29 August 1756 (Washington Papers)
The men that came down under captain Spotswood, are to be set to work on the Fort to-morrow—The Sergeants of that command, are every day to take down the names of those who work; and will be paid the same as the Soldiers here have received. A General court martial to sit to-morrow morning at 9 o’clock: which is to consist of four Captains and five Subalterns; to try John Belford, Sergeant, for...
2179From George Washington to Thomas, Lord Fairfax, 29 August 1756 (Washington Papers)
It is with infinite concern I see the distresses of the people, and hear their complaints, without being able to afford them relief. I have so often troubled your Honour for aid from the Militia, that I am almost ashamed to repeat my demands—nor should I mention them again, did I not think it absolutely necessary at this time to save the most valuable and flourishing part of this county from...
2180From George Washington to George Mason, 29 August 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to George Mason, 29 Aug. 1756. On 13 Sept. 1756 Mason wrote GW : “Your Favour of the 29th Augt did not come to my Hands till Yesterday.”
2181Orders, 30 August–1 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Washington being inclined upon all occasions to shew his willingness to serve the deserving and industrious men of his Regiment: and at the same time, resolved to punish in the most exemplary manner, all irregularities in the ill-disposed—Takes this method to acquaint the workmen who ordered their pay to be discontinued, when they did not work, in order to prevent counterfeit sickness,...
2182Pennsylvania Assembly: Address to the Governor and Reply to the Governor’s Message, 31 August 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives, 1755–1756 (Philadelphia, 1756), p. 134. In undertaking his responsibilities as governor, Denny summoned the Assembly to the council chamber on August 24 to hear a speech reminding it of his duty to protect the province, of the special responsibility of Pennsylvania in the war, since it had been declared in consequence of French...
2183From John Adams to John Wentworth, September 1756 (Adams Papers)
I brought a few Ideas with me when I first came to this Town, that grew in the luxurious soil of Cambridge. These I have dispersd among my Friends, and you have had your share. Be contented, therefore, now with such as grow at Worcester. It is a political Climate and the soil produces state Reflections as rank as hogweeds in a Garden. After the melancholly Accounts from the Mediterranean and...
2184Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital: Address to William Denny and Reply, [1 September 1756] (Franklin Papers)
MS Minutes: Pennsylvania Hospital At its meeting on Aug. 28, 1756, the Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital noting that “it may be expedient to address our new Governor Denny on his arrival,” appointed Franklin, Evan Morgan, Israel Pemberton, and Samuel Rhoads to draft the message. The Board approved it on September 1 and waited on Denny as a body the same afternoon to present the...
2185To Benjamin Franklin from William Shipley, 1 September 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; also copy: “Dr. Templeman’s Transactions,” Royal Society of Arts, London I am order’d to acquaint you, that the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce have unanimously elected you a Corresponding Member; and it gives the Society a singular Pleasure to place upon their List a Gentleman whose publick Spirit and uncommon Abilities...
2186To George Washington from Thomas, Lord Fairfax, 1 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
Yours I receivd last night wth the melancholly account of the People on Potomack deserting their Plantations; I had orderd Captain Paris to releive Cap. Caton with Thirty six Men from several Companies of these parts, as I had notice of the disagreement between him & Captain Sweringen, who has alway done every thing in his power to occasion confusion if his advice was not taken in every thing....
2187Orders, 2 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
2188To George Washington from Beverley Robinson, 2 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
Your favour inclosing the address of your Regiment I Received, and immediately sent the address Covered by a line or two of my own to Capt. Cuningham first Aid De Camp to Lord Loudoun, and two Days ago Received the following Answer from him (Viz.) “I Received your Lettr with Col. Washingtons Address inclosed, to which my Lord will Return an Answer Very soon. We are so much Hurried that I have...
2189Orders, 3 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
2190To George Washington from William Fairfax, 3 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
On Monday the 30th August past We held here a Council of War and had the single Men present drawn up in a Line and being askt if Any inclind voluntarily to enter into his Majesty’s Service, None offering We proceeded to call over the Lists given in by the respective Captains whereby above Sixty not appearing and no reasonable Excuse made for their Non attendance I have issued Warrants to have...
2191Orders, 4–6 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Detachment under command of Captain Spotswood to be ready to march to-morrow, as soon as Mr Rutherford has loaded the waggons. John Stewart Tavern-keeper, having made complaint of very gross abuse and ill treatment received from Lieutenant Williams and Ensign McCarty—All the officers in town are to sit immediately to enquire into the complaint—Captain Mercer, President—Both parties to have...
2192From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 6 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 17th & 23d August I received —Mr Boyd is just returned from Williamsburg, settling his accompts, and getting a supply of cash—He will be with you to pay you off. I am in hopes our men for the future will be better satisfied, as the Committee have allowed them 8d. per day and their clothes, without any stoppages or deductions. The Governor expects this encouragement will engage the...
2193From George Washington to Thomas Waggener, 6 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
I received yours by Captain Spotswood. I was obliged to order the waggons down to Alexandria for Salt, as we had none in store here; which no doubt has detained them longer than you expected. Enclosed I return your Size-roll, as it is not agreeable to the Instructions—a particular description of the men was the chief intent of them, and that you have not attempted. I desire you will make it...
2194From George Washington to David Bell, 6 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
I received yours of the 15th August; which I had answered before I received yours of the 25th —I am sorry the Rangers seem to dislike the Service so much, but am still in hopes, the encouragement given by the committee will have some weight with them. They have allowed our Soldiers 8d. per day, with [no] deductions for clothes or Surgeon: A General Hospital is established for their reception...
2195Orders, 7–8 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
2196To Benjamin Franklin from William Clapham, 7 September 1756 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission The Bearer Michael McGuire inlisted as a private Soldier for the Term of three Months in the Service of the Province, he has not only during that time behav’d himself soberly and well as a Soldier but has also been particularly useful as an Overseer and Carpenter in the Building the Fort, the Term of his Inlistment expir’d a Month ago and as...
2197To Benjamin Franklin from William Clapham, 8 September 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission This Post which is in my Opinion of the utmost Consequence to the Province is already defensible against all the Power of Musquetry, but as it is from the Nature of its Situation expos’d to a more formidable Descent from the West Branch it ought I think to be render’d still stronger, for which Purpose a greater Number of Horses and Teams...
2198From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 8 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
I received your favours of the 19th 20th and 21st ultimo; and wrote immediately to the commanding officers of the Counties of Prince-William, Culpeper and Fairfax, to march their Drafts to this place. There are none of them yet arrived; nor do I know whether they are made. Your Honors letter of the 19th mentions, that I may enlist Servants agreable to the act of Parliament; but as I have not...
2199From George Washington to Peter Hog, 8 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
By Captain McNiel I received only a part of yours, dated the 31st July; what became of the remainder, you perhaps know best, and from what I received am little satisfied in point of your recruiting charge. The same objection prevails, that you charge subsistance for these men, from their enlisting until their arrival at Augusta Court-House, altho’ they were furnished here with provisions to...
2200Orders, 9–13 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
Michael O’Neal, recruited by Ensign McCarty, and John Reeves, Thomas Hartley, John Wilcox, recruited by Captain Mercer; were reviewed and passed. A Court martial to sit immediately, at 10 o’clok, to try all prisoners that shall be brought before them. LB , DLC:GW . There is no evidence that GW was at Winchester after 8 Sept. until his return from Mount Vernon on 27 September. GW’s entries in...
2201From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Pownall, [9 September 1756] (Franklin Papers)
Extract: Huntington Library; Public Record Office, London The circular Letter You show’d me the Draft of, explaining the Particulars of what Assistance was required and expected from the Colonies to the King’s Forces, has not been communicated to the Assembly; Nevertheless, I have now the Pleasure to tell You, that an Act yesterday passed the House, and I believe will receive the Governor’s...
2202Documents on the £60,000 Excise Bill, 13–16 September 1756 (Franklin Papers)
I. Reprinted from Minutes of the Provincial Council of Pennsylvania , VII (Harrisburg, 1851), 249 (cited as Pa. Col. Recs .). II. Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1755–1756 (Philadelphia, 1756), pp. 145–6. III . Pa. Col. Recs ., VII , 250. IV. Votes , 1755–56, pp. 147–9; Pa. Col. Recs .,
2203To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 13 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 8th I recd last Night—I am affraid the Draughts from Prince William, Culpeper & Fairfax are not made agreeable to expectation, as I hear many of the Young Men have made their Escape & do not appear at the Musters. Sir, I mention’d in my Letter of the [1]9th Ulto to enlist Servants agreeable to the Act of Parliament; that of Act of Parliamt I wrote from Yr Letter to me, I...
2204To George Washington from George Mason, 13 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
Your Favour of the 29th Augt did not come to my Hands till yesterday: as I did not see the Messenger who brought it, who I understood call’d at my Building on his Way to Fredericksburg, I shall keep this, a Day or two, to see if he will call for an Answer as he returns from thence; if he does not, I shall send it to Mount Vernon, & beg the favr of Yr Brother to convey it by the first Safe Hand...
2205Orders, 14–22 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
George Field, Thomas Nevill, Peter Simmonds, and Thomas Ope, recruited by Captain Mercer, were reviewed, and passed. The men to parade to-morrow morning at beating the long roll, with their arms and ammunition clean and in good order, and to be marched by the Sergeants of the respective companies to the Fort, there to remain until prayers are over. An orderly Drummer to remain at the...
2206To George Washington from John Kirkpatrick, 22 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
I had your favour at Noon, before Which the Express had set out for Mount Vernon, after giving him half a Dollar for Expences. The uneasiness you Lye under from the Vain Babling of Worthless, Malicious, Envious Sycophants, give me much Concern—Conscious of a Due & Honorable Discharge of Your Duty, (as undoubtedly you Must be) Their Censure, & Scurrility loses it’s force & Venom by Your Silent...
2207To George Washington from William Ramsay, 22 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
Yours to Mr Kirkpatrick I have just perus’d, of my truth yo. may depend on, & that I wish my Capacity was equal to my inclination of advising you for the best. Know Sir, that ev’ry Gentn in an exalted Station raises envy, & ev’ry person takes the Liberty of judging, or rather determining (witht judging) from Appearances, (or information) without weighing circumstances, or the proper causes, on...
2208Pennsylvania Assembly Committee: Report on the Governor’s Instructions, 23 September 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1755–1756 (Philadelphia, 1756), pp. 154–60. Though the chief executive officer in colonial Pennsylvania was commonly called governor and is so designated in these volumes, he was in fact a deputy of the Proprietors in England who were themselves legally the governors of the province. He was obliged by law and by personal bond...
2209From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 23 September 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Duplicate: Pierpont Morgan Library I enclose three Bills, viz. A second for £50 Sterling, drawn by Thos. Saul on Wm. Baker. A first — £20 — — Mary Steevens—Alexr. Grant. A first — £30 — — Philip Ludwell Wm. Bowden. When paid, please to Credit my Account with them. I am Yours most affectionately P.S. We agree perfectly well with the Governor, but are very angry with the Proprietors and the...
2210Orders, 23 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
Ensign Price to march the men under his command to-morrow morning, to their respective cantonments. The Quarter-master to provide a lock & key for the Town-house, and secure all the windows above and below with hides; and to employ the Drummers, and those of the Sentry now on guard, are likewise to assist to clean out the house. LB , DLC:GW . See the source line note, Orders, 9–13 Sept. 1756 ....