2221To John Adams from Richard Cranch, October 1756 (Adams Papers)
Tho’ I acknowledge that one ought never to be asham’d to speak the truth; yet I find my self much inclin’d to it, when I’m about to tell you that I have two of your very kind and ingenious Letters by me unanswer’d. I assure you sir, that my neglect arises not from any want of esteem for my Friend, but (to tell another ungratefull truth) from downright dullness; I must wait with patience for...
2222Orders, 1–9 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
The men to parade to-morrow morning as usual, for Divine Service. Lieutenant Baker with his Detachment to march at the Revilé beating to-morrow morning. A Return to be made out of the Virginia Regiment, with every Officer, appointment, and pay, or any other allowances they may have; with the number of men in each company. As it is to be transmitted to The Right Honble the Earl of Loudon; it is...
2223Provincial Commissioners: Orders for Payment, [4 October 1756–5 November 1756] (Franklin Papers)
DS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The last orders for payments under the £60,000 act of Nov. 27, 1755, were signed by the provincial commissioners July 22, before Franklin’s return from New York. They were unable to issue any more orders until early October, when funds provided by the £30,000 act of September 21 became available. The thirty-eight orders signed between October 4 and...
2224Enclosure: Officers of the Virginia Regiment to Adam Stephen, 6 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Coppy of The Officers (of the Virginia Regimt) Letter. To Lieut. Collo. Adam Stephen Commandr at Fort Cumberland dated October the 6 1756. Sir. To our no small Astonishment We (last night) perus’d a Paper in the Virga Gazette intitled the Centinel No: X. The Contents of Which are so Scandalous and altogether so Unjust, that We think it a Duty incumbent on Us, Who have the least Regard for...
2225Return of the Virginia Regiment, 9 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Return of the Virginia Regiment whereof George Washington Esqr. Commander of all the Virginia Forces is Colonel Winchester October 9th 1756. Field officers and Captains Lieutenants Ensigns Staff officers non Commissioned officers Effective Rank and File Serjeants Drummers Fit for Duty Sick Command Total George Washington Colonel John Mcneil Capt. Lieutenant James Roy James Livingston...
2226Orders, 10 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
LB , DLC:GW .
2227Memorandum, 10 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
N.B. This day Captain Mercer set out for Williamsburgh. Colonel Washington has now been on his journey to Augusta &c. since the 29th September. LB , DLC:GW . Mercer was going down to the general court to give evidence in the case against the counterfeiter James Knap and to testify in James Lemen’s trial. See GW to Dinwiddie, 4 Aug. 1756, n.23 , and Orders, 22, 23 Aug. 1756 .
2228From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 10 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
This day, within five miles of the Carolina line, as I was proceeding to the southermost Fort in Halifax; I met Major Lewis on his return from the Cherokees, with seven men, and three women only of that nation. The causes of this unhappy disappointment, I have desired him to communicate, that your Honor may take measures accordingly. This account is sent by Express, to give the earliest...
2229To George Washington from Augustine Washington, 16 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
I came down here the first of the Court, to consult yr friends on that unlucky 10th Centinel the author of which I think has reason to keep his name concealed for being so general in his reflections on a sett of Gentlemen who deserves better treatment at his hands &c. Was not the paper to go further than our own Colony I am sensible it wou’d not be worth your while giving yr self the lest...
2230From John Adams to Richard Cranch, 18 October 1756 (Adams Papers)
In my last you remember I desired your sincere Opinion of the new Resolution I had taken, but as you have not yet been so kind as to send it, I must beg your patience while I tell you my sincere opinion of it. The Law, I take to be a very difficult and a very extensive Science and to acquire any considerable degree of knowledge in the Theory and of skill in the Practice, a serene head, a large...
2231From George Washington to David Lewis, Jr., 18 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
Lieutenant Bullet, who commands at this place in the absence of Captain Hogg, tells me, that he applied to you for a few men to join such parties as this Garrison can afford, to range the woods, and assist the inhabitants in securing their Grain, gathering their Corn, &c. and that you have refused to aid him. I conceive if you did so, it must have proceeded from a misapprehension of his...
2232From John Adams to Charles Cushing, 19 October 1756 (Adams Papers)
I look upon myself obliged to give you the reasons that induced me to resolve upon the study and profession of the law, because you were so kind as to advise me to a different profession. When yours came to hand I had thoughts of preaching, but the longer I lived, and the more experience I had of that order of men, and of the real design of their institution, the more objections I found in my...
2233Orders, 23 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washington’s positive orders to the Officer of the Day—to Captain Stone, and all overseers of the public works, not to suffer any man to straggle from his work, on any pretence whatever; as they are constantly running about the Streets, when they shou’d be employed. Therefore no man is to be seen in town without a ticket in writing from his overseer, setting forth the reasons of...
2234From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 23 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
Last night I returned from a very long and troublesome jaunt on the Frontiers, as far as Mayo; where affairs seem to be in a dangerous situation: and to add to our misfortunes, I find our neighbourhood here on the wing—you and your Garrison, in great distress & danger. The Enemy ravaging the country about Conogochieg, stony-run, and South-Branch—Loud and general complaints for protection—few...
2235Orders, 24–26 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
The workmen on the Fort are to continue henceforth, ’till retreat beating every night. The Quarter-master is to deliver Blankets for each Sentry that is kept out at night: which are to be given to each relief, and taken care of for that purpose. LB , DLC:GW .
2236To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 26 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
I recd Your Letter from Augusta & observe its Contents —the Behaviour of the Militia is very unaccountable, & am convinc’d they are under no Command; I order’d Part of the Militia to the Frontiers & there to remain till reliev’d by others, which I propos’d shou’d be done in a monthly manner, & so to be continued by a proper Rotation, instead thereof they go & come at their own Pleasure, & many...
2237Orders, 27–28 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
As Colonel Washington is to hold conference with the catawba Indians, betwixt eleven & twelve o’clock —He desires all the Officers in town to attend at that time. and during the time of conference, he orders a Sergeant & Drummer to beat through the Town, ordering all Soldiers & Towns people to use the Indians civilly and kindly; to avoid giving them liquor; and to be cautious what they speak...
2238To George Washington from Andrew Lewis, 28 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
I Received a Letter from Capt. Paris Deated the 21t of ⟨thi⟩s Month, he tels me that he Sent for Guns and other Necessarys for the Indians with him. the Indians are highly pleased with the Arms and the Large preparations made for them the wareour proposed sending a Runar to the Nation with one of the guns, and Likewis to Aqueant them what is provided for them. he makes no Dout of a great...
2239Orders, 29–30 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Guard to be reduced to a corporal and six men. The men to parade at 12 o’clock to-morrow, on beating the Long Roll, to attend prayers. LB , DLC:GW .
2240Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 29 October 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1756–1757 (Philadelphia, 1757), pp. 23–4. When the newly elected Assembly met to organize on October 14, Governor Denny informed it that “several weighty Affairs” required their immediate attention: viz., an embargo on food, clothing, and warlike stores to possessions of France; provision for transporting and quartering British...
2241Adam Stephen’s Council of War and George Washington’s Comments, 30 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Council of War, held at Fort Cumberland October 30th 1756. in pursuance of an order received from Colonel George Washington; agreeable to an order from Governor Dinwiddie; to consult whether it is most for the advantage of His Majesty’s Service, to keep or demolish Fort-Cumberland. Present. Lieut. Colo: Adam Stephen, President. Capt. Wm Bronaugh } { Capt. Hen. Woodward Capt. Robt Spotswood...
2242Orders, 31 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
Officers commanding Companies to set about making out their pay-rolls, in order to have them ready; as Captain Mercer is expected in town this night. So soon as the waggons arrive in town they are to be employed on the Fort; as they can not possibly go to-morrow. LB , DLC:GW . Aide-de-camp George Mercer went to Williamsburg on 10 October both to appear at the general court to testify in the...
2243To George Washington from John McNeill, 31 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday Mr McClanachan, Colo. Stewart, & Captn Brackanridge Came home here from Willg, and they report, that they made enquirie of the Gover: how they were to be paid for their Servts, and that the Govr deny’d he had given any orders to Inlist Servts nor would have any concern in the matter, I can find by them they are design’d to Cause me some Trouble, therefor Shall be much Oblidg’d if...
2244Orders, 1–5 November 1756 (Washington Papers)
Lt Lowry with one Sergeant & 25 men, to parade at 12 o’clock; and march as an Escort for the waggons. The men to be picketted; taking those who are least useful at the works. Detail for the party— The Colonel’s company 4 } Capt. Mercers 11 25 Rank & file Lt Williams’s 10 The Quarter-master to deliver out arms for all the waggoners; taking their receipts for them. LB , DLC:GW . See Orders, 31...
2245Provincial Commissioners: Orders for Payment [November 23–December 29, 1756] (Franklin Papers)
DS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania After the return of the provincial commissioners from the Easton Indian conference they resumed their regular sessions and began again to issue orders for money payments on November 23. By December 28 the end of their available funds was once more in sight and on that day and the next they authorized a few large payments, including one which turned over...
2246Mutiny Act, [4 November 1756] (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted (in part only) from The Statutes at Large of Pennsylvania from 1682 to 1801 , V (Wm. Stanley Ray, State Printer of Pennsylvania, 1898), 266–8. The Mutiny Act passed on April 15, 1756 (see above, VI , 434–7), expired by its own limitation on October 30. Two days before that event Franklin brought in a bill, by leave of the House, to renew the law for a short term. With nearly a...
2247From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 5 November 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Pierpont Morgan Library; also extract: The Royal Society The above is a Copy of my last, and I now send the two second Bills of Steevens and Ludwell. I wrote then in great Hurry, being just setting out for the Frontiers, to visit some of the Forts with the Governor; a long Journey. Since our Return, I have scarce had a Moment’s Time to write to my Friends, the Assembly sitting twice a...
2248To George Washington from Robert Stewart et al., 5 November 1756 (Washington Papers)
We are inform’d that a vagancy has lately happen’d in your Regiment, by the Resignation of Ensign McCarty, and begs leave to Recommend the Bearer Mr Speake, a young Gentn who has ever since he join’d us, made the study of his Profession the principal object of his care and attention; he has with chearfulness undertaken and with the utmost Spirit and alacrity executed, every kind of Duty that...
2249Orders, 6–9 November 1756 (Washington Papers)
The men to parade to-morrow at 12 o’clock, at long-roll beating, to attend prayers. Lt Williams to take his tour of Duty with the other Officers. To-morrow being the anniversary of His Majestys Birth-day; the men to be drawn up at 12 o’clock, and marched to the Fort, there to fire three vollies, which is to be taken from the cannon—officers to appear in their Regimentals; and the Soldiers to...
2250From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 9 November 1756 (Washington Papers)
In mine from Hallifax I promised your Honour a particular detail of my remarks and observations, upon the situation of our Frontiers, when I arrived at this place. Altho’ I was pretty explicit in my former, I can not avoid recapitulating part of the subject now : as my duty, and its importance for redress, are strong motives. From Fort-Trial, on Smith’s river, I returned to Fort-William, on...
2251Enclosure: Proposal for Frontier Forts, 9 November 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Plan of the number of Forts, and strength necessary to each, extending entirely across our Frontiers, from South to north. Names of the forts, or persons Commandg in ’em. On what waters placed Distance from each other in miles No. of men Garrisoning each Capt. Harris Mayo 20 Galloway Smith’s-river 15 miles 20 Terry
2252From George Washington to John Robinson, 9 November 1756 (Washington Papers)
I am just returned from a tedious and troublesome tour around our frontiers which has afforded me many unpleasing views of the melancholy condition of our countrymen: arising chiefly from the indolence and irregularity of the militia, posted in different places for their protection. I have always made it a principle of duty to promote the interest and Service of my Country by every endeavour,...
2253Draft of a Speech for William Denny, [12 November 1756] (Franklin Papers)
AD : Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission At the Council meeting following receipt of the Assembly message urging him to meet the Indians in spite of Lord Loudoun’s orders not to, Denny was distressed to learn that the Indians insisted the conference be held in Easton. He agreed unwillingly to go, declaring it “rediculous” to leave the comforts of Philadelphia “to humour the Indians,”...
2254To George Washington from William Peachey et al., 12 November 1756 (Washington Papers)
On the 5th or 6th of October, We met with a papr in the Virginia Gazette intitled the Centinel N : 10, wherein some person or persons have undertaken to callumniate Us in the most vile & scandalous Manner, on which We address’d ourselves to Lieutt Collo. Stephen (a Copy of which Address You have herewith) desiring him to apply to the Governr for Redress, but as his Honour has not thot propper...
2255Orders, 13–14 November 1756 (Washington Papers)
The Soldiers to parade to-morrow at 11 o’clock, to hear prayers: and this to be a standing order for the future. The Officers are no longer to take their tour of Duty in overlooking the workmen—Ensign Smith is appointed for that purpose, and to be exempt from all other duty. No orders upon the Commissary, Quarter-master or any other person or persons for necessaries for the work or work-men to...
2256From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 13 November 1756 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from William Duane, ed., The Works of Dr. Benjamin Franklin , VI (Philadelphia, 1817), 14. I wrote to you a few days since, by a special messenger, and inclosed letters, for all our wives and sweethearts; expecting to hear from you by his return, and to have the northern newspapers and English letters, per the packet; but he is just now returned without a scrap for poor...
2257Draft of a Speech for William Denny, [15 November 1756] (Franklin Papers)
Copy : Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Teedyuscung, responding to Denny’s “Question in plain Terms” about land fraud on November 13, said that French influence with the young braves was the principal cause of the Indian attacks in Pennsylvania. Then, being pressed on the land question, he made the dramatic accusation the anti-proprietary interest, and especially the Quakers, had...
2258From George Washington to Peter Hog, 15 November 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Peter Hog, 15 Nov. 1756. On 8 Dec. 1756 Hog wrote to GW: “I am favoured with yours of the 15th.”
2259Enclosure: Minutes of the Council, 15 November 1756 (Washington Papers)
At a Council held Novemr 15th 1756. Present The Governor John Blair Peter Randolph William Nelson Philip Ludwell Esqrs. Thomas Nelson Mr Commissary Philip Grymes William Byrd Esqr. The Governor was pleased to communicate to the Board a Letter from Colonel Washington dated at Winchester the Ninth of November, with his Observations on the Situation of our Frontiers; and inclosing a Copy of the...
2260To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 16 November 1756 (Washington Papers)
Yr Letter of the 9th I recd with a Report of Yr Journey along our Frontiers—The abuses mention’d in Yrs I have been made acquainted with from several Hands, but I expected You wou’d have been more particular in regard to the Officers neglecting their Duty, & the different Forts not being properly garrison’d with Men, nay witht their Officers: this vauge Report makes it impossible for me to...
2261To George Washington from John Robinson, 16 November 1756 (Washington Papers)
I reced your Favours by the Express and am extremely sorry to find you are made so uneasy in your Duty; while you are venturing your Life and fortune for the good of your Country, to be aspersed and censured by a vile and Ignorant Scribler, I must confess is sufficient to raise the indignation of every Gent. of Spirit, and no Man can blame you for Shewing a proper Resentment at it, but my Dear...
2262Draft for a Speech by William Denny, [17 November 1756] (Franklin Papers)
Draft: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission On November 16, Teedyuscung replied to Denny’s speech of the day before, emphasizing again that the delusion of the young braves by the French was “the first and principal Cause” of the Indian attacks in Pennsylvania, though the land frauds he had mentioned reluctantly made “the Blow fall quicker and heavier.” He then explained that he could...
2263From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 22 November 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Duplicate: Pierpont Morgan Library; also extract: The Royal Society Since mine of the 5th Instant, a long one, per Capt. Snead, I have receiv’d the Air Pump and Apparatus per Rankin. There is some Breakage, of which shall send an Account per next Ship, to have the Glasses renew’d. We are exceedingly oblig’d to you for your Care in the Affair, and return you cordial Thanks. I am just return’d...
2264Pennsylvania Assembly: Message to the Governor, 24 November 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1756–1757 (Philadelphia, 1757), pp. 32–3. After renewing the Mutiny Act and appointing members to attend the Easton conference on November 4, the Assembly had adjourned to the 22nd. On November 23, Franklin and Joseph Galloway were appointed to draft a message requesting copies of such proprietary instructions “as relate to...
2265From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 24 November 1756 (Washington Papers)
At this place, on my way to Williamsburgh, I received your Honor’s letter of the 18th instant: and shall take care to pay the strictest obedience to your orders and the opinion so far as I can. The Detachment ordered from Winchester, exceeds, I believe, the number of enlisted we have there; and the Drafts, which made our strength at that place to consist of about 160 men, will leave us in 7...
2266Orders, 29–30 November 1756 (Washington Papers)
A Return to be given in immediately of the number of men in this town, distinguishing the Drafts from the enlisted Soldiers; and mentioning the strength of the two companies. LB , DLC:GW . GW had recently returned to Winchester from Alexandria. For the count of soldiers, see GW to Dinwiddie, 2 December . For a listing of the draftees discharged, see Memorandum, 4 Dec. 1756 .
2267Timothy Horsfield to the Provincial Commissioners, 29 November 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Received the Cash £21 4 s . for the Account per Mr. Edmonds for which I Return my harty thanks. Would now Inform you that when the Indians returnd from the Treaty they came thro Bethlehem and One of them Named John Smaling Was taken Sick. We Lodgd him and Wife in a Shed Made of Boards &cr. having no Better place to put them. I Visited him and found he was...
2268To Benjamin Franklin from Augustus Gottlieb Spangenberg, 29 November 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives of the Moravian Church, Bethlehem To wait on you at Bethlehem, on your Return from Easton to Philadelphia, would have been a great Satisfaction to many of us, who have the Honour of your Acquaintance. I flatter myself with the Opinion, that you would not have pass’d by, had your Affairs permitted any longer stay in the Country. And now I take this Opportunity of letting you Know...
2269From George Washington to John Carlyle, 30 November 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to John Carlyle, 30 Nov. 1756. On 2 Dec. 1756 Carlyle wrote to GW : “I was favd with yours of the 30th Ulto.”
2270To Benjamin Franklin from [Elizabeth Hubbart], [c. December 1756] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Now for the Story I promised in my last; and I wish I had the nack of teling it in such a maner, as to afford you as many Hearty Laugh’s, as I have had on the Occation. You must know then, that Littel mischievous Urching Cupid, has got a mighty odd whim in his Head, he has new strung his Bow, and let fly one of his Keenest Arrows directly ame’d; at the Heart...