26361From 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...
26362From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 16 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
All my Ideal hopes, of raising a Number of Men, to scour the adjacent Mountains, have vanished into Nothing. Yesterday was the appointed Time, for a general Rendezvous of all who were willing to accompany Me, for that desirable End; and only 15 appeared: so that I find myself reduced, to the farther Necessity, of waiting at this Place a few Days longer, till the Arrival of a Party, which was...
26363From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 24 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Not an hour, nay, scarcely a minute passes, that does not produce fresh alarms and melancholy accounts. So that I am distracted what to do! nor is it possible for me to give the people the necessary assistance for their defence; upon account of the small number of men we have, or is likely to be here, for sometime. The Inhabitants are removing daily; and in a short time will leave this County...
26364From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 29 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
Mr Atkins delay is productive of numberless ill consequences. I am teased incessantly by the Indians to know when he will come; and have put them off so long, that their patience is quite exhausted; and several of them are going off without waiting his arrival. Among these are three who I must beg leave to recommend to your Honors particular notice—The first is Capt. Aires, about Hixayoura; a...
26365From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 2 February 1756 (Washington Papers)
I can but return my very hearty thanks for your kind condescension in suffering me to wait upon General Shirley; as I am very assured it was done with intention to favour my Suit. There is as yet an unanswerable argument against our taking the Field, which I forgot to mention in my last; that is, the want of a Train of Artillery; and, what is full as necessary, Engineers to conduct the Affair,...
26366From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 25 April 1754 (Washington Papers)
Captain Trents Ensign Mr Ward this Day arrived from the Forks of Monongehele, and brings the disagreeable account that the Fort on the Seventeenth Instant was surrender’d at the summons of Captain Contrecour to a Body of French consisting of upwards of one Thousand Men, who came from Vena[n]go with Eighteen pieces of Cannon, Sixty Battoes, and three Hundred Canoes: they gave him liberty to...
26367From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 10 December 1756 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Mercer returned the 7th with sixteen of the Deserters; the other two escaped his diligence. They confirm the suspicion of Mr McCarty’s villany, by confessing, he had inveigled them with promises of protection, rewards, and good usage! and a deep-laid plan was concerted for accomplishing his base designs, binding each individual with an oath to follow him; to stand true to each other in...
26368From 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...
26369From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 9 May 1754 (Washington Papers)
I acquainted your Honour by Mr Ward with the determination’s, which we prosecuted in 4 Days after his Departure, as soon as Waggons arrived to convey our Provisions. The want of proper Conveyances has much retarded this Expedition, and at this time, unfortunately delay’d the Detachment I have the Honour to command—Even when we came to Wills Ck my disappointments were not less than before, for...
26370From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 21 August 1754 (Washington Papers)
The bearer hereof Mr Wright discovering an Inclination to the Art Military, & having in some Measure made it his Study I have taken the liberty to recommend him to your Honour for one of the Vacancy’s in the Virginia Regiment; this I do with more assurance of succeeding, as Mr Wrights Character for good Sense and Sobriety, will render him worthy the favour you may please to confer, and I dare...
26371From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 18 May 1754 (Washington Papers)
I receiv’d your Honour’s favour by Mr Ward, who arrivd here last Night just as two Indians from the Ohio Did—Which Indian’s contradict the Report of the French having receivd reinforcements, thô they agree that 800 Men are very shortly expected: those that are there, are busily employd in Erecting the Fort which they have remov’d to the point I recommended for the Countrys use, whose Walls...
26372From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 27 May 1754 (Washington Papers)
The 25th Ult. by an Express from Colo. Fry I receiv’d the News of your Honour’s arrival at Winchester and desire of seeing the Half King and other Chiefs of the 6 Nations —I have by Sundry Speeches and messages invited him Monacatoocha &ca to meet me and have reason to expect he is on his Road as he only purposd to settle his People to planting at a place choose on Monongehele Yaughyaughgane...
26373From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 24 October 1757 (Washington Papers)
To The Governor. Honble Sir. [Fort Loudoun] Octob. 24th 1757. Your favour of the 19th instant was delivered to me this evening. The raising a company of Rangers, or augmenting our strength in some other manner, is so far necessary, that without it, the remaining inhabitants of this (once fertile and populous valley) will scarcely be detained at their dwellings ’till the Spring. And, if there...
26374From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 19 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
Since writing my Letter of Yesterday’s date the inclosd came to hand by which your honr will be informd of a very unlucky affair. I immediately consulted Colo. Innis and such Officers of my own Regiment as were at this place on the necessary steps to be taken: they unanimously advisd that I shoud remain here with the 50 Recruits that are in Town for the defence of the place till the Militia...
26375From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 29 May 1754 (Washington Papers)
The bearer hereof, Monsieur Druillong, with Monsieur LaForce and two Cadets I beg leave to recommend to your Honour’s particular Notice as Prisoner’s of War, and Officer’s whom I had the Honour of taking. I have assur’d them they will meet with all the Respect and favour due to their Charactr and Personal merit: and I hope they will do me the justice to acquaint your Honour that I neglected no...
26376From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 19 December 1756 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 10th came to hand the 15th. In consequence whereof I dispatched orders immediately to all the Garrisons on the Branch to evacuate their Forts, and repair to Pearsalls, where they wou’d meet the Flour &c. from this place; & to escort it to Fort Cumberland. I expect the provisions purchased for the support of these Forts, and now laying in bulk, will be wasted and destroyed,...
26377From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 29 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
I make use of this as a less troublesome, the most effectual, and (I think) most expeditious method of recommending certain matters relative to the Regiment, &c. to your Honors notice—and to begin: The act of Assembly which subjected the Virginia troops to Martial Law, is now expired: and when in force, was altogether ineffectual for the purpose. It is I think quite obvious, that we can...
26378From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 23 May 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Robert Dinwiddie, 23 May 1756. On 27 May 1756 Dinwiddie wrote to GW : “Your two Letters of the 23rd I recd last Night.” Only one of the two has been found.
26379From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 12 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed is a return of the Subaltern Officers and Cadets in the Virginia Regiment, set down according to their seniority. I think it proper to send this to your Honor that you may be enabled to fill up the Commissions below, if you prefer, it, rather than sending blank ones to the officers who have resigned their commissions at different times, of which your Honor has been informed. Since...
26380From 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...
26381From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 17 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
Last night by return of the express who went to Captn Montour I receivd the Inclosd from Mr Harris at Susquehanna —I think no means shd be neglected to preserve what few Indians still remain in our Interest, for wch Reason I shall send Mr Gist so soon as he arrives (which I expect will be today) to Harris’s Ferry in hopes of engageing, and bringing with him the Belt of Wampum, and other...
26382From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 8 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
I arrived at this place in less than three hour’s after I wrote you from Colo. Baylors, and some small time after the arrival of Colo. Stephen who brings a worse acct than he related in his Letter; but as he is the bearer I shall be less prolix refering to him for paticular’s. I shall set out this Evening for Winchester where I expect to be join’d by the Recruits from Alexandria and this place...
26383From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 17 September 1757 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 2d instant came safe to hand: and Jenkins’s sickness has prevented my answering it sooner. I apprehend, that 13 of the 29 Draughts from Lunenburg have deserted, as 16 only have arrived here; and I have no accounts of any more being upon their march. Your Honor may observe by the enclosed list of Deserters: all of whom have left the Regiment since the last return I sent, and...
26384From 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...
26385From 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...
26386From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 2 December 1756 (Washington Papers)
When I wrote your Honor from Alexandria, I expected to have been at or near Fort Cumberland by this; but upon coming here, and expecting waggons & provisions in readiness to go up with this escort, I received the enclosed from the commissary—which I send to evince that no delays or protracting of orders proceeds from me. The returns of our Strength, which I called in so soon as I arrived, is...
26387From 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...
26388From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 5 November 1757 (Washington Papers)
To The Governor. Honble Sir. [Fort Loudoun] Novem. 5th 1757 Duty to my country and His Majesty’s interest, indispensably requires, that I again trouble your Honor on the subject of Indian affairs here; which have been impeded and embarrassed by such a train of mismanagement, as a continuance of which must inevitably produce the most melancholy consequences. The sincere disposition the...
26389From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 12 June 1757 (Washington Papers)
Since closing my packet for your Honor of this date, I have received by Express, from Fort Cumberland the agreeable news of Lt Bakers return to that place with 5 scalps & one french officer, prisoner. Two other officers were also made prisoners; but one of them being wounded and unable to march, the Indians killed; and the other they served in the same manner soon after: and both contrary to...
26390From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 22 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
This encloses several letters, and the minutes of a Council of War, which was held upon the receipt of them. Your Honor may see to what unhappy straits the distressed Inhabitants as well as I, am reduced. I am too little acquainted, Sir, with pathetic language, to attempt a description of the peoples distresses; though I have a generous soul, sensible of wrongs, and swelling for redress—But...
26391From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 7 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here yesterday and think it advisable to dispatch an Express (notwithstanding I hear two or three are already sent down) to inform you of the unhappy situation of Affairs on this Quarter. The Enemy have returned in greater numbers; committed several murders not far from Winchester; and even are so daring as to attack our Forts in open day; as your Honor may see by the enclosed...
26392From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 3 August 1757 (Washington Papers)
Your favours of the 13th & 18th ultimo, with the commissions, Warrants, and money, I have received. The Indian accompts I have so often mentioned, and which your Honor says you do not understand, are expences which have accrued on account of provisions, as they have marched from place to place (for they will not eat salt-meat; but kill fresh wherever it is to be found) Liquor, unavoidably to...
26393From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 24 September 1757 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter which I received from Captn McKenzie. Since my last, the different parties I detached in quest of the Enemy (who committed the late depradations in this neighbourhood) are returned; after having prosecuted the most probable measures, and exerted their utmost efforts in vain, in endeavouring to come up with, and prevent the enemys escape: nor is it in any degree...
26394From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 7 March 1754 (Washington Papers)
If the Vessel your Honour hir’d of Colo. Eyre has not left York, or Mr Carlyle’s Norfolk and Hampton We should be glad to have as many Tints sent up as can be spard, for there is no proper Linnen to make them of here and would be difficult to get done if there was[.] We also are much in want of Cutlasses, Halbards, Officer’s half Pikes, Drum’s &ca which I am inform’d are in the Magazine that...
26395From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 28 September 1756 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here last night, and find things in the peaceable state I left them on this Quarter; and therefore set out tomorrow for Augusta. As Mr Walker has declined, it is absolutely necessary to have a Commissary immediately appointed, who should have express orders where, and for what number of men, to lay in Provisions; and should be furnished with cash before he sets out, as every thing...
26396From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 5 October 1757 (Washington Papers)
To Governor Dinwiddie Honble Sir, [Fort Loudoun] Octobr 5th 1757. Both of your Honors letters of the 24th ultimo I received by Jenkins: and as I can not now send a proper monthly return of the Regiment for want of the remarks of the officers at the outposts, I enclose your Honor an exact return, however of our effective strength, and how disposed of, which will at present answer the end...
26397From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 25 June 1756 (Washington Papers)
I was in hope that by Garrisoning the Forts with part of the Militia, we should have been able to have mustered a greater number of Soldiers to work upon the Forts that are to be built: But I am under the greatest apprehensions, that all who are now up will desert: They go off in twenties—and all threaten to return, if they are not relieved in a very short time, or discharged. Many...
26398From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 18 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
It gave me infinite concern to find in yours by Governour Innis, that any representations should inflame the Assembly against the Virginia Regiment; or give cause to suspect the morality and good Behaviour of the Officers. How far any of the individuals may have deserved such invidious reflections, I will not take upon me to determine; but this I am certain of; and can call my conscience, and...
26399Enclosure: Horatio Sharpe to Robert Dinwiddie, 30 March 1756 (Washington Papers)
I send this to acquaint You with an unhappy Affair that I am told has lately happened at the Mouth of Conegochiege within this Province; I have my information only from Report, but by what I can learn there was a Party of Colonel Washington’s Regiment posted somewhere in Virga opposite the place abovementioned; Lieutenant Gordon who commanded it on some Account or other came over into Maryland...
26400From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 30 May 1757 (Washington Papers)
The Indians are so dissatisfied at Mr Atkins’ delay, that I am obliged to send this Express to beg the favor of your Honor to hurry him up immediately, or to give Orders in what manner the Present shou’d be disposed of, which arrived here two days ago from Mr Donald. If one or the other of these is not done, and in a very short time too; it will not be in my power to prevent their going off...
26401From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 18 May 1754 (Washington Papers)
I am heartily concerned, that the officers have such real cause to complain of the Committee’s resolves; and still more to find my inclinations prone to second their just grievances. I have endeavoured, as far as I was able, to see in the best light I could the trifling advantages that may accrue; yet nothing prevents their throwing down their commissions, (with gratitude and thanks to your...
26402From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 11–14 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
As I think it my indispensible duty to inform you particularly of my proceedings, and to give the most plain and authentic acct from time to time of our situation, I must acquaint your Honour that immediately after giving the necessary Orders at Fredericksburg and dispatching expresses to hurry the Recruits from Alexandria, I rid post to this place passing by Lord Fairfax’s who was not at...
26403From 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...
26404From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 27 August 1757 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 13th by Mr Boyd, I have received. The Draughts from Lunenburg are arrived, to the number of 16; which does not replace the Soldiers that have deserted since my last. So prevalent is this infamous practice yet. The Draughts, when they were divided among the eight companies in July, completed them to 86 rank and file, and there remained over and above 40 workmen, which I...
26405From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 2 April 1757 (Washington Papers)
A letter which I received from Capt. Mercer, upon my return to Alexandria, informs me, that 95 Cutawba’s, beside 25 that are gone to Williamsburgh, are now in Winchester, waiting orders how to conduct themselves —That, according to custom they are in want of matchcoats, shirts, leggings, and all other necessaries. I shou’d be glad to receive your Honors particular directions with respect to...
26406From Thomas Jefferson to Le Comte Diodati, 29 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Aug. 29. reached me on the 18th. of Feb it inclosed a duplicate of that written from Brunswick five years before, but which I never recieved, or had notice of, but by this duplicate. be assured, my friend, that I was incapable of such negligence towards you as a failure to answer it would have implied. it would illy have accorded with those sentiments of friendship I entertained...
26407From Thomas Jefferson to Diodati, 3 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
In taking leave, my dear Count, of the country which united our residence, and which procured me the happiness of your society, I cannot omit to express to yourself and Madame la comtesse Diodati my most affectionate Adieux. I had left you with very different expectations, and were it not that I am told I may be more useful here, I would have used the liberty allowed me of returning there...
26408From Thomas Jefferson to Diodati, 20 January 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Monsieur Jefferson a eté tres affligé de n’avoir pas eté rendre ses devoirs a Monsieur le comte et Madame la Comtesse Diodati: mais ç’a eté causé par une autre affliction qui a manqué d’etre bien grave. Son enfant, qui a eu la fievre depuis deux mois (avec une courte intermission seulement) l’a eu très dangereusement les dernieres semaines. Depuis trois ou quatre jours pourtant un mieux s’est...
26409From Thomas Jefferson to Diodati, 3 August 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Je viens de recevoir, mon chere Monsieur, l’honneur de votre lettre du 24. Juillet. La peine avec laquelle je m’exprime en Francois feroit que ma reponse seroit bien courte s’il ne m’etoit pas permis de repondre que dans cette langue. Mais je sçais qu’avec quelque connoissance de la langue Angloise vous meme, vous aurez une aide tres suffisante dans Madame la comtesse que j’ose prier d’ajouter...
26410From Benjamin Franklin to John Diot, 28 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received your favour of the 22d Instant. inclosing the Packet of Mr. Butlers and Mr. Galwey’s Papers with the receipt for those sent to Mr. Clonard, and am extreamly oblig’d by your Care in sending them. As to the Trunks of Clothes, as they are advertised for sale, it seems to be best that the Person who desires to have them, and to whom I have sent the...