2501From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 16 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
This instant the enclosed letters came to my hands —I have not lost a moments time in transmitting them to you, as I look upon the intelligence to be of the utmost importance. If the enemy are coming down in such numbers and with such a train of artillery as we are bid to expect, Fort Cumberland must inevitably fall into their hands, as no timely efforts can be made to relieve the Garrison. I...
2502Council of War, 16 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Virginia At a Council of War held at Fort Loudoun, Thursday, the 16th day of June, at 2 o’clock in the morning, 1757. Colonel George Washington, President Captn Thomas Waggener M e m b e r s Capt. Robt Stewart Capt. McNeill Captain Gist Lieutenant Campbell Lt Buckner Ensign Crawford Ensign Roy Ensign Russell. The Colonel laid before the council a Letter from Capt. Dagworthy, and another which...
2503Memorandum, 16 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
The following account sent to Colo. Stanwix and Governor Dinwiddie together with the Council of War. The number of men fit for Duty in the Virginia Regiment, exclusive of the Detachment gone for Carolina—where stationed, and the distance of each Garrison from this place. Men Miles At Fort Loudoun 100 At Maidstone 60 distance 36 At Edwards 16 do 22 At Pearsals 35 do 50 At Fort Pleasant
2504From George Washington to Andrew Lewis, 16 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I have just received intelligence from Capt. Dagworthy and Major Livingston, that they were informed by six cherokee indians, of a large body of French and Indians being on their march towards Fort Cumberland. You are therefore ordered to use every method (by means of the indians &c.) to gain intelligence of the real design and approach of this body of the Enemy: and if you find that they are...
2505From George Washington to John Dagworthy, 16 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I have seen your Letter, and have dispatchd Copy’s of it by good Expresses to Governor Dinwiddie, Govr Sharpe, Colo. Stanwix and the County Lieutenants of four Countys; so that I have no manner of doubt, but a very considerable Force will be with you in a very little time. I have dispatchd the bearer to inform you of this, that it may give Spirit to your Garrison. I heartily wish you all the...
2506From George Washington to William Fairfax, Henry Lee, and Culpeper County Lieutenant, 16 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Copy of a Letter sent to the County-Lieutenants of Fairfax, Prince-William, and Culpeper. Gentlemen. Fort Loudoun: June 16th 1757. This moment the enclosed is come to my hand, with another letter much more particular, but too long for me to copy, as I think no time shou’d be lost in transmitting intelligence of this important nature. Three Indians are come in wounded, and saw the french army...
2507From George Washington to Horatio Sharpe, 16 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
This Moment the inclos’d Letters came to My hands: I have not lost a moments time in Transmitting them to you—as I look upon the Intelligence to be of the utmost Importance. If the Enemy is coming down in Such Numbers, and with such a train of Artillery as we are bid to Expect Fort Cumberland Must inivitably fall in to their hands as no Efforts can be timely Made to save it. I Send you Sir a...
2508From George Washington to John Stanwix, 16 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
This Moment the Inclosed Letters came to my Hands. I have not lost a moments time in transmitting them to you, as I look upon the Intelligence to be of the utmost Consequence, If the Enemy is coming down in such Numbers and with such a Train of Artillery as we are bid to expect. Fort Cumberland must inevitably fall into their Hands as no Efforts can be timely made to save it. I send you Sir a...
2509To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 16 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowledge the Receipt of Yrs of the 10th but I am so much hurried that I cannot answer it, but as Mr Boyd is daily expected by him I shall write You more fully. Otassity of Ostenaker, conducts thirty Cherokees to You with Intention to go out against the Enemy; I think he is a brave Indian, & talks much of Majr Lewis; I believe he may be prevail’d on to stay with his People all the...
2510Memorandum, 17 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Stanwix Send Colo. Carlyle’s Letter to him. Inform him that the Enemy have Mortar’s—by the Indians Intelligence. AD , NN : Washington Collection. See the source note, Memoranda, 7 June 1757 . See GW to John Stanwix, 20 June 1757 .
2511To George Washington from John Dagworthy, 17 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday in the Evening Six Indians arrived from Fort Du Quesne who left that Place last Sunday & Brought with them two Scalps which they took within a hundred yards of the Fort, I learn from them that the Fireing of the Cannon & Small Arms which I mentioned in my last was occasioned by a large Scouting Party leaving that Place to come this way, they say the Indians who came in before made a...
2512To George Washington from William Fairfax, 17 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I receiv’d yr Express this Morning at Belvoir in Compa. with Mr & Mrs Carlyle and soon after set off hither to consult with Majr West, the Captains Ramsay, Dalton, Terrett &c. On which have sent Orders to have the Several Companys to meet at different Rendezvous to morrow and Sunday, in hopes of making therefrom a Detachment of an hundred Men to meet at Mr Wm West’s on Monday night or Tuesday...
2513To George Washington from Edward Shippen, 17 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure to receive your favour of 28 ult. by John Spore and Company waggoners with the Ammunition for His Majestie’s use, but there came a hundred and One Barrels of Gun Powder; and instead of 3 Tons of Lead, specified in the Receipt given you by Spore, there were but 48 boxes, designed at Home I Suppose, to contain One hundred pounds gross or 112 lb.: and I See that Mr Hamilton the...
2514To George Washington from John Stanwix, 18 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I recd both yours of the 15th & 16th of June, by the Favour of Colonel Armstrong & some hour’s before that had recd intelligence from Capt: Dagworthy & Capt. Beal of their intelligence of the Motion of the French & Indians towards Fort Cumberland, on the receipt of which I directly apply’d to the Magistrates here for Waggons, for the Baggag artillery, Ammunition and Provisions: & the moment...
2515Court-Martial, 19 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
At a Regimental Court martial held at Fort Loudoun June the 19th 1757 Capt. Thos Waggener Presidt Lieut. Steenbergen M e m b e r s Lieut. Campbell Ensn Crawford Ensn Thompson Prisoners Wm Coffland Corpl of Capt. Lewis’s Company confin’d by Quarter Master Hamilton for laying out of Camp & disturbing the Inhabitants at an unreasonable Hour. Mary Hinch an Evidence against the Prisoner informs the...
2516To George Washington from Edmond Atkin, 19 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
When the Swallows People came to Town this afternoon, with the Young French Officer their Prisoner, they came strait to my Lodgings, to pay their Compliment; and soon after carried him away to their own, to eat some Victuals, Hunger being uppermost in their Thoughts. In the Evening, before I would put you to the Trouble to attend (as I had determined to examine him then in the presence of...
2517To George Washington from Alexander Beall, 19 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
the enclosed Letters Came from Collo. Stanwix about 11 oClock this Night, and I have Immediatly Dispatched them to you, as the Collo. writes in a Very Importunate manner for intilligence, I Shall Send a Strong party out to Fort Cumberland to morrow, tho. we want Indians Very much for Such Service, and if a few Could be Spared this way, I Apprehend it would be Very much for the Bennefit of the...
2518To George Washington from William Fairfax, 19 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
This is intended to be delivered You by Bryan Fx who is appointed by Commission Captain of one of the two detacht Companys of our Militia which its hopd will amount to the Number of fifty private Men each, and Sufficient at this Time to answer yr Expectation from Us. I sent immediate Notice to Colo. Hy Lee to act the needful with the Pce Wm Malitia, and Yrs for Govr Sharpe Sent over to Mr...
2519To George Washington from John Kirkpatrick, 19 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I share in the anxiety and concern that you must undoubtedly undergo in the present melancholy prospect and very warmly wish a happy issue—Shoud my service be requisite in any shape at this juncture, I shall be glad to know it, and will immediately obey with the greatest chearfulness in whatever you are pleased to command. This County sends 120 Men to your asistance, tho’ experience gives but...
2520To George Washington from Thomas Waggener et al., 19 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
We understand that Mr Atkins has either complain’d or intends to complain to you that we had the Insolence to desire one of the Cherokee Warriours with the french Prisoner to come & drink a Glass of Wine with us, if it is so, we shou’d be very much oblig’d to you if you wou’d inform that Gentleman that as our Officers & Men risk’d their Lives in taking of the Prisoner, we are entitled to speak...
2521From George Washington to Alexander Beall, 20 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 19th instant came to hand about noon this day—As there now remain but a few Indians here, who cou’d by no means be prevailed on to return towards Fort Cumberland, altho’ so much wanted on that Quarter; imagining we wished to sacrifice them by attempting to expose them to (what they think) certain destruction, they positively refused marching until they saw such numbers as wou’d...
2522From George Washington to John Stanwix, 20 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 18th from the camp at Carlyle, I received about noon this day: at a time when I was examining (in company with His Majestys Agent for Indian Affairs) the french prisoner, brought to this place by Lt Baker and the cherokee indian. a copy of his examination I herewith enclose. You will find, Sir, from the tenor of his answers, that a large body of Indians was hourly expected at Fort...
2523To George Washington from John Baylor, 20 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Yrs of the 10th I rec’d & have by the Bearer sent yr Mare which I make not the least Doubt of being in Foal & you are kindly welcome to send a couple of Mares yearly to my Horses. When we come to recounting Favours I find my self so largely yr Debtor that I shall allways insist on yr commanding with Freedom any & every Thing wherin I can be Serviceable. Sorry I am for the unhappy Fall of one...
2524To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 20 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Yr Letter by Express, I received last Night, & I am sorry for the Intelligence it brings of such a No. of French & Indians marching from Fort Du Quesne, and it’s more than probable their Design is agst Fort Cumberland, and am sorry that Garrison is in so poor a Condition for Defence, & I really fear it is in the Enemys Hands before this can reach You. If so they probably will proceed to fort...
2525To George Washington from Robert Slaughter, 20 June 1757 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Robert Slaughter, 20 June 1757. On 21 June 1757 GW wrote to Slaughter: “I received yours of the 20th instant.”
2526From George Washington to John Stanwix, 21 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you by Express last night, I have received a letter from Capt. Dagworthy (a copy of which I enclose;) and have had an opportunity of examining the Indians, who brought him the last intelligence, myself. They unanimously agree, there is a large party of french and indians marched from fort du quesne; but, whether they are destined against the frontiers of virginia, maryland or...
2527From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 21 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I this day received the enclosed from Capt. Dagworthy: The Indians mentioned therein are likewise got here with their scalps: and altho’ I believe from several circumstances that the Enemy are bringing down no Artillery—Yet, as they all agree that a formidable body of french and indians is certainly on their march down; and as it is impossible to know what province they will make an eruption...
2528From George Washington to Robert Slaughter, 21 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I received yours of the 20th instant; and am glad of the judicious, regular step which you have taken—and judge it necessary you shou’d lose no time in marching the Detachmt up here; as we have received no intelligence which contradicts that formerly received a few days ago. A man arrived here from Fort-Cumberland who left that Garrison on the 16th instant: at which time there were great...
2529To George Washington from John Robinson, 21 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
It gave me great Concern that Capt. Gist went back without carrying a Letter from me in Answer to your several Favours, which he should not have done had I known any thing of his going, but I never had the Pleasure of seeing him after he delivered your Letter, in Compliance to your request in his behalf, I spoke to the Managers for carrying on the Trade with the Indians the only thing that was...
2530To George Washington from John Stanwix, 22 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
had I Not had a letter last night from Capt. Dagworthy Fort Cumberlands being safe and the Intelligence of Artillery, Waggons &c. &c. &c. being a Mistake, should have march’d this morning every thing being ready, but was stopd some days for want of Carriages, and it will be always the Case here in this deserted Country as I shall ever be obliged to Carry my Provisions tent Ammn &c. so that at...
2531To George Washington from John Stanwix, 22 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you a letter this morning about 6 O’Clock since which I have the Favour of your’s of the 20th with the Examination of the French Officer your Prisoner for which I [am] extreemly obliged to you, shall only add to what I say’d in the morning that I highly approve of The Council of War you held and think your Fort Loudoun the properest place to make a Stand for which reason it was there I...
2532To George Washington from David Ross, 23 June 1757 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from David Ross, 23 June 1757. On 25 June 1757 GW wrote to Ross: “I was this day favoured with yours of the 23d instant.”
2533From George Washington to Nicholas Minor, 24 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
To Captn Nicholas Minor, of the Fairfax Militia. By George Washington Esqre Colonel of the Virginia Regiment, and commander of all the Virginia forces. You are with the company of Mil[iti]a under your command, to march with all convenient expedition from hence to Patterson’s Fort: From whence you are to send out parties for the protection of that neighbourhood[.] You are to maintain a proper...
2534From George Washington to John Stanwix, 24 June 1757 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to John Stanwix, 24 June 1757. On 11 July 1757 Stanwix wrote to GW: “had I had any Opportunity of returning an Answer to the Favour of yours of the 24th of June. . . .”
2535To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 24 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I cd not answer yr several Letters till now, I’ve wrote to Mr Atkin abt the Indians, & he must know better than I can how to manage ’em—Capt. Pearis having accepted a Comisso. from Govr Sharpe any Expectations from this Colony, his Conduct has been bad, so I think it’s a good riddance of him. As to Bat-Men I presume My Ld overlook’d that Article, but on return from me he’ll be more particular,...
2536Memoranda, 25 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
The Govr. Inclose the Govr Doctr Ross Letter abt the Provision at Fort Cumbd & desire his explicit directions how to act in the Affair. Inform him in what manner the Militia came to this place—witht Arms &ca. That it is impossible so heavy a piece of Work as Fort Loudoun can be ⟨ illegible ⟩. Govr Whether I am right in delivering our ammunition &ca to the Militia. I ought to be furnishd with...
2537From George Washington to Henry Lee and Culpeper County Lieutenant, 25 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
This will serve to acquaint you, that I have received subsequent intelligence to that transmitted to you; which contradicts the report of the enemys having carried down a train of artillery, and that they have taken Ray’s-town-road; by which it is imagined their intention is more probably against Pennsylvania than this province. Therefore I hope that the Militia may not be immediately...
2538From George Washington to Orange County Lieutenant, Henry Fitzhugh, and John Spotswood, 25 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Copy of Letters to the County Lts of Orange, Stafford and Spotsylvania-counties. Gentlemen, As the Governor informs me, that in consequence of the intelligence we received of the Enemys motions, he had ordered up a third of the Militia of several counties, amongst which yours are included. I send this to acquaint you, that I have received a subsequent account, by which it appears, that they...
2539From George Washington to John Bell, 25 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I have sent the enclosed to Colonel Lee, open to you, that you may peruse it, and afterwards transmit it immediately to him. As I have many Expresses to dispatch, I am puzzled to procure Horses for that service. I send you enclosed, letters for the County Lieutenants of Stafford and Spotsylvania, which I must desire you will forward with the utmost expedition; as it may be the means of...
2540From George Washington to David Ross, 25 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I was this day favoured with yours of the 23d instant. I think your proposals relative to the provisions at Fort Cumberland quite equitable. But as the management of them properly belongs to Mr Walker; I do not choose to interfere in the business without Governor Dinwiddie’s instructions. I have therefore enclosed your letter to His Honor, that he may be the better able to give explicit...
2541From George Washington to William Fairfax, 25 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Your favors of the 17th & 19th instant I have received. Captains Fairfax & Minor arrived here with their companies on tuesday last. The latter I have sent to Pattersons and Mendenhalls; small forts lying under the North-mountain and much exposed to the incursions of the Enemy. The storm which threatned us with such formidable appearances is, in a manner, blown over. It arose in a great measure...
2542From George Washington to William Lightfoot, 26 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
By George Washington Esqre Colonel of the Virginia Regiment, and Commander of the Virginia Forces You are with the Militia under your command, to march from hence to Back-Creek, and carefully range it quite down to its mouth. From thence you are to march to New-kirks fort where, and in its neighbourhood, you are to remain ’till further Orders. You are to maintain strict discipline among your...
2543To George Washington from William Fairfax, 26 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I have receiv’d yr Favour by Danl Jenings, and am pleasd that the Enemy have not made any nearer Approaches with a considerable Body, so as to require a further Reinforcement of our Militia, especially as the Detachment sent You proves difficult for your Supplying Them wth the necessary Provisions &c. which We could not procure & accomadate them With at the Several Distances they were drafted...
2544From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 27 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured with yours of the 16th instant by the cherokee warrior, autasity, who I am in hopes will be of service to us. I hinted to Mr Gun your Honors’ proposals. He seemed surprized, and said you well knew he wou’d not serve for Lieutenants pay. I do not understand he has much to say with the Indians. Yours of the 20th came safe to hand. and as I wrote to you, by Jenkins concerning the...
2545To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 27 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I recd Yrs of the 21st ⅌ Jenkins —& am glad the first Intelligence of the French & Indians formidable March with Artillery, Waggons &ca proves false; that they will continue to send scouting Parties to harrass these Colonies, I always expected, & probably they may now increase their Numbers to make a strong Push; but still as it’s Indian News, who cannot count Numbers, I wou’d gladly hope they...
2546Memoranda, 28 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Whether Officers who are sent express, or upon any other Duty, where Horses are indispensably necessary are obligd to furnish them, or have them provided at the Expence of the Publick. 28 Mr Fielg Lewis Write to him for a looking Glass. 28th The Govr The Contractors should have Instructions to engage Provisions before the Season advances too far—there are I am told, Persons employd in Augusta...
2547From George Washington to John Stanwix, 28 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your two favors both of the 22d instant. We were reinforced upon the late alarm, by 170 militia from the adjacent counties; one half of them unarmed, and the whole without ammunition or provision. Had you, Sir, in consequence of Captn Beale’s suggestions, ordered me to reinforce Ft Cumberland, with part of my Regiment, I shou’d have given you proof of my...
2548To George Washington from Archibald Cary, 28 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
By Capt. Bell I receiv’d yours and am Greatly oblig’d to you, for your Good Intentions to Serve him, and must beleive that the hopes the Gover. his Given him is due to you. Notwithstanding I hold no Milatary Commn I thought it my Duty to do all I Could to raise the Men due from our County for the presant Service and I judg’d those most proper who would Volantaryly Inlist, I Apply’d to the...
2549To George Washington from Henry Lee, 28 June 1757 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Henry Lee, 28 June 1757. On 30 June 1757 GW wrote to Lee: “I have received yours of the 28th instant.”
2550Memoranda, 29 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Detach’d Posts To use every endeavour to learn their Men to shoot well & be good Marksmen. Draughts 29th Choose out of them a number that have been well usd, & practisd in shooting let them be likely Men. Majr Lewis desire him and the Officers to encourage and treat the drafts kindly that they may not at first imbibe any prejudices &ca to the Service. Regiment Each Company in it is to have the...