991Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 9 April 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1754–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), p. 87. Scaroyady, the Oneida chief who represented the Six Nations in their dealings with the Ohio Indians, after reporting to Governor Morris at Philadelphia on March 31, complained bitterly that the English were niggardly in making presents, compared with the French, who gave the Indians fine...
992To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Browne, 12 April 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Medical Observations and Inquiries (London), I (1757), 75–80. I will give you as exact a description of my sister’s case as I can. First she complained of a slow fever, and then of sudden stitches in her side; which she would compare to the prick of a pin; and would slap her side with her hand, which never failed giving her relief for some time. She then began to...
993From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 13 April 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We got well over here last Night about 8 aClock. I believe I shall not return the same Road with the Company, but go round by Winchester, and so to Carlisle, in order to settle the Posts, which the Assembly agreed to Support for a Year between the Camp and Philadelphia. My Love to all. I have receiv’d sundry Pacquets of Newspapers here from England, which I...
994From George Washington to William Byrd, 20 April 1755 (Washington Papers)
I was am sorry it was not in my power to wait upon you at Westover last Christmas—I had enjoy’d much real satisfaction even in the thought of doing it when an unexpected accident put it intirely out of my power to comply either with my promise, or Inclination; both of which equally urg’d prompted me to make th e
995From George Washington to Carter Burwell, 20 April 1755 (Washington Papers)
From the goodness kindness of your offer last Assembly, I flatter myself you will be kind enough so obliging as to acquaint the Gentlemen of the Committee (at th is eir next meeting) with the loss I sustaind during my Appointment as Paymaster to the Virginia Forces (either by Robery, or neglect of charging) and so far favour my Pretensions as to sollicit them in my behalf, which I am convinced...
996From George Washington to John Robinson, 20 April 1755 (Washington Papers)
I little expected when I wrote you last that I shoud so soon engage in another Campaigne; but in this I hope doing it I may be allowd to claim some small share of some merit; if it is consider’d that the sole motive wch envites me to the Field, is, the laudable desire of servg my Country; and & not for the gratification of any ambitious or
997Memorandum of Wagon Accounts, 23 April 1755 (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society Much of Franklin’s thought and energy in the spring and summer of 1755 went into military affairs. His part in Braddock’s expedition is a familiar story, for he related its principal features in his memoirs. Setting out from Alexandria, Va., Braddock reached Frederick, Md., on April 21, on his way to the army’s rendezvous at Fort Cumberland on Wills Creek....
998From George Washington to William Fairfax, 23 April 1755 (Washington Papers)
I cannot think of quitting Fairfax without embracing this last oppertunity of bidding you farewell. I shall this day set out for Wills Creek, where I expect to meet the Genl, and to stay—I fear too long, as our March must be regulated by the slow movements of the Train, which I am sorry to say, I think, will be tedious in advancing —very tedeous indeed—a nswerable to the expectation s I have...
999Advertisement for Wagons, 26 April 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Broadside: American Philosophical Society; also Boston Public Library Whereas 150 Waggons, with 4 Horses to each Waggon, and 1500 Saddle or Pack-Horses are wanted for the Service of his Majesty’s Forces now about to rendezvous at Wills’s Creek; and his Excellency General Braddock hath been pleased to impower me to contract for the Hire of the same; I hereby give Notice, that I shall attend for...
1000From Benjamin Franklin to Susanna Wright, [28 April 1755] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Collection of the late Frank J. Mather., Jr., Princeton, N.J. (1955); also transcript: John L. W. Mifflin, Middlebush, N.J. (1955) I thought from the first, that your Proposal of calling the several Townships together, was very judicious. I was only at a Loss how to get them call’d by some Appearance of Authority. On the Road from your House hither, I considered that at the Court of Oyer...
1001Deborah Franklin to Peter Collinson, 30 April 1755 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Huntington Library Mr. Franklin is from home, and can not have by this Conveyance an Opportunity of answering your Favours by the last Ships. I have forwarded your Letters to Mr. Elliot, Mr. Bartram, Mr. Barton and Mr. Franklin. My Husband is now in the Back Counties, contracting for some Waggons and Horses for the Army, which tho’ so much out of his Way, he was obliged to undertake, for...
1002From George Washington to Sarah Cary Fairfax, 30 April 1755 (Washington Papers)
In order to engage your corrispondance, I think it expedient, just is incumbent on me to deserve it; which I shall endeavour to do, by embracing the earliest, and every oppertunity, of writing to you. It will be needless to expatiate dwell on the pleasures that a communication corrispondence of this kind will would afford me, as it shall
1003To Benjamin Franklin from Harbanus Ashebriner: Contract for a Wagon and Horses, 2 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Printed form with MS insertions in blanks: Yale University Library I Harbanus Ashebriner of Parradice Township . in the County of York and Province of Pennsylvania, do hereby agree and promise that I will, on the Terms hereunder mentioned, provide one good Waggon with four able Horses and a Driver, to be at Wills’s Creek in Virginia, with as much Oats, Indian Corn, or other Forage as I...
1004From George Washington to William Fairfax, 5 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I overtook the General at Frederick Town in Maryld and from thence we proceeded to this place, where we shall remain till the arrival of the 2d Division of the Train, (which we hear left Alexandria on Tuesday last); after that, we shall continue our March to Wills Creek, from whence it is imagined we shall not stir till the latter end of this Month for want of Waggons, and other conveniences...
1005Advertisement to Wagoners, 6 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Broadside: Yale University Library Notice is hereby given to all who have contracted to send Waggons and Teams, or single Horses from York County to the Army at Wills’s Creek, that David M’Conaughy and Michael Schwoope of the said County, Gentlemen, will attend on my Behalf at York Town on Friday next, and at Philip Forney’s on Saturday, to value or appraise all such Waggons, Teams and Horses,...
1006From George Washington to Thomas, Lord Fairfax, 6 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I have had the misfortune to loose 3 of my Horses since I left home; and not bringing money enough to buy other’s, and to answer all contingent the contingent expences that may arise in the course of the Campaigne, I have made bold to sollicit your Lordships assistance; the granting of which, will infinitely oblige me. About 40 or 50£ will supply my wants, and for which this sum I sh w ou’d...
1007From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 6 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
A very fatiegueing Ride; and long round about brought me to the General (the day I parted with you) at Frederick Town; —This is a small Village 15 Miles below the blew Ridge i o n the Maryland — side of Potomac from thence we proceeded to this place, where we have halted since Saturday last, and shall depart for Wills Creek to morrow. I find there is no probality of Marching the Army from...
1008From George Washington to Mary Ball Washington, 6 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I came to this place last Saturday, and shall set out to morrow with the General for Wills Creek; where I fear we shall wait some time for a sufficient number of Waggons to transport us our Provns Baggage &ca over the Mountains. I am very happy in the Generals Family, as I am being treated with a complaisant Freedom which is quite agreeable; so that I to me & have no reason to doubt the...
1009To Benjamin Franklin from William Shirley, Junior, 10 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; extract printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1754–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), p. 175. May 10, 1755 A sentence from this unlocated letter is printed in the Pennsylvania Assembly’s reply, Sept. 29, 1755, to Governor Morris’ charge, September 24, that the Assembly had done little to support Braddock’s expedition (below, p. 207). William Shirley, Jr....
1010To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Dunbar, 13 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; extract printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1754–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), p. 175. May 13, 1755 A sentence from this unlocated letter is printed in the Pennsylvania Assembly’s reply, Sept. 29, 1755, to Governor Morris’ charge, September 24, that the Assembly had done little to support Braddock’s expedition (below, p. 208). Thomas Dunbar (d. 1767),...
1011To George Washington from Allan Macrae, 13 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
Your dissinterested friendship for the Young Man I venturd to Recomend to your notice on a former Occasion, Encourages me to apply to you once more in his behalf. As I see every day almost, produces new Councills & new Regulations, I know not what may be his Fate, as he is without an Aquaintance, or Friend, & as You will now have Opptys of making Observations on his Conduct, I fondly flatter...
1012College of Philadelphia: Additional Charter, 14 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Additional Charter of the College, Academy, and Charity-School of Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania . Philadelphia: Printed by B. Franklin and D. Hall, 1755. (Historical Society of Pennsylvania) The first charter of the Academy of Philadelphia was granted on July. 13, 1753. A few months later Provost William Smith and Vice-provost Francis Alison suggested that the trustees get an amendment...
1013To Benjamin Franklin from William Shirley, Junior, 14 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; extract printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1754–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), p. 175. May 14, 1755 Two sentences from this unlocated letter are printed in the Pennsylvania Assembly’s reply, Sept. 29, 1755, to Governor Morris’ charge, September 24, that the Assembly had done little to support Braddock’s expedition (see below, p. 207). On the same day...
1014From George Washington to Augustine Washington, 14 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I left home the 24th of last Month, and overtook the General at Frederick Town in Maryland: from whence we proceeded by slow Marches to this place; where, I fear, we shall remain some-time for want of Horses and Carriages to convey our Baggage &ca over the Mountains; but more especially for want of Forage; as it cannot be imagin’d that so many Horses as we require, will be subsisted without a...
1015From George Washington to John Carlyle, 14 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I Overtook the General at Frederick Town in Maryld and proceeded with him by way of Winchester to this place; which gave him a good oppertunity to see the absurdity of the Rout, and of Damning it very heartily. Colo. Dunbars Regiment was also oblig’d to re cross over at Connogogee and come down within 6 Miles of Winchester to take the new Road up, which gave me infinite satisfaction to Wills...
1016From George Washington to Sarah Fairfax Carlyle, 14 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
As I have no higher expectation in view gratification than an intimate corrispondance with my Friends, I hope, in that, I shall not be disappointed; especially by you and Mrs Fairfax, who was were pleasd (tho’ seldom) to honour me with yours letters last time year . We arrived here the 10th, and for ought I know may Halt till the 10th of next Month, before we receive Waggon’s &ca to transport...
1017From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 14 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
As wearing Boots is quite the Mode, and mine are in a declining State; I must beg the favour of you to procure me a pair that is good, and neat, and send them to Major Carlyle, who I hope will contrive them as quick as my necessity requires. I see no prospect of moving from this place soon ; as we have neither Horses nor Waggons enough, and no forage for them to subsist upon but except what is...
1018From George Washington to Sarah Cary Fairfax, 14 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I have, at last, with great pains and difficulty, discover’d the Reason why Mrs Wardrope is a greater favourite of with Genl Braddock’ s than Mrs Fairfax; and met with more respect at the late review, in Alexandria. The cause I shall communicate, after rallying you for neglecting the means that introduced her to his favour which, to say truth was, in part means which produced the effect—and...
1019Memorandum, 15–30 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
The 15th of May I was sent to Colo. Hunter for a Suppely of Money of 4,000£ Sterling, and arrivd as far as Winchester on my way thither the day following, from whence I dispatch’d an express to him ⟨ erasure ⟩ (fearing he might be out), to provide that sum, and to meet me with it at Williamsburg with it, and p P roceeded myself thro Fairfax, where I was detaind a Day in getting Horses. At...
1020Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 15 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1754–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), pp. 91–2. Conditions on the ships bringing German immigrants to Pennsylvania were often nothing short of frightful. Eager to come to America, lured by baseless promises of mercenary “soul-sellers,” the redemptioners poured down the Rhine Valley into Rotterdam, where profit-hungry captains packed...
1021To George Washington from Edward Braddock, 15 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
1. You will repair to Hampton in Virginia with as much expedition as may be; and ⟨immedi⟩ately upon your Arrivel there you will apply ⟨to⟩ John Hunter Esqr. for the Sum of Four tho⟨usand⟩ pounds Sterling, for which you will receive ⟨ mutilated ⟩ from Mr Johnston, Deputy paymaster, paya⟨ble⟩ to yourself. 2. You will acquaint Mr Hunter from me that His Majesty’s Service under my direction,...
1022From George Washington to John Hunter, 16 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I have Orders from the Genl, and Instructions from Mr Johnston, the Dy Paymaster Genl to receive 4,000£s Sterg at the rate of £4.0.7¼ pr Oz.; which will they say suffice for the present contingencies. I have therefore dispatchd this express, with orders to make all imaginable haste to you, who I am told will imediately repair to Wmsburg with the money, and pay it there , according to contract....
1023From George Washington to James Balfour, 16 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
If Colo. Hunter shd be from home, I hope you will open this my Lett. to see to him and attend to the Contents — that you may dispatch a messenger to him in that case immediately to prevent his trouble in getting the 10 or 15 Thd Pounds mentd
1024Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 17 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1754–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), pp. 94–7. The Assembly met on May 12 pursuant to its adjournment. They voted Franklin their thanks for his services to the army, resolved to defray the costs of the roads being built through Cumberland County to Wills Creek and the Monongahela, paid a few bills, replied to Governor Morris’...
1025From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Hunter Morris, [18 May? 1755] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Pennsylvania Archives , series I , II , 297. On May 10 General Braddock sent his assistant quartermaster general Matthew Leslie into Pennsylvania to buy oats, corn, and other forage, and wrote Governor Morris asking him to assist, especially with money. Leslie delivered the letter personally on May 16; the governor advanced £500 and sent Secretary Peters to...
1026Robert Hunter Morris to the Assembly Committee, 19 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I herewith send you a letter I received on fryday last from Genl. Braddock desiring my assistance to Mr. Leslie who he has sent into this Province to Purchase a quantity of oats for the use of the army under his command, part of which Mr. Leslie tells me he has given directions to contract for in the back countys. I cannot but think it will be for the...
1027Pennsylvania Assembly Committee to Robert Hunter Morris, 19 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The money put into the hands of the Committee of Assembly (to whom the Governor is pleas’d to direct his letter) for the purchase of Provisions and other necessaries for the service of the Kings Troops, is all laid out, and expended agreeable to the Trust reposed in them. And we have no Power over any other Publick money, nor can procure any, as the...
1028Israel Pemberton to John Fothergill, [19 May 1755] (Franklin Papers)
Extract: American Philosophical Society The Light in which Friends here are represented on your Side of the Water is cause of painful Consideration to many of us; Some of our Friends in your City, were so kind by Capt. Messnard to send us two or three of those Scandalous Pamphlets which are stiled a State of the Province. It has justly alarmed all ranks of People here to find we have some...
1029To Benjamin Franklin from William Shirley, Junior, 20 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; extract printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1754–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), p. 175. May 20, 1755 A sentence from this unlocated letter is printed in the Pennsylvania Assembly’s reply, Sept. 29, 1755, to Governor Morris’ charge, September 24, that the Assembly had done little to support Braddock’s expedition (see below, p. 208).
1030To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Dunbar, 21 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; extract printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1755–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), p. 175. May 21, 1755 Two sentences from this unlocated letter are printed in the Pennsylvania Assembly’s reply, Sept. 29, 1755, to Governor Morris’ charge, September 24, that the Assembly had done little to support Braddock’s expedition (see below, pp. 208–9).
1031To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Hunter Morris, 21 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from extract in Stan V. Henkels, Catalogue No. 1256 (April 21, 1920), p. 16. I forget to tell you that if possible I would have the waggons set off with the forage on Tuesday or Wednesday next, … See above, p. 50. But note that the advertisement for wagons (see below, p. 59) said they should set out on Thursday, May 29.
1032From Benjamin Franklin to William Shirley, 22 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Archives Mr. Norris not being in Town, your Excellency’s Letter of the 14th Instant per Express, was delivered to me. I immediately conven’d the Committee, and communicated the Contents. In answer, they desire me to acquaint your Excellency with the State of the Provisions they have procured, which is as follows. They have purchased but 500 Barrels of Pork. It is all of the...
1033Advertisement for Wagons, 22 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , May. 22, 1755 Forty-One Waggons are immediately wanted, to carry each a Load of Oats and Indian-Corn from Philadelphia to Wills’s Creek, for which they are to be paid at their Return Twelve Pounds each Waggon. Protections and Passes will be given the Waggoners by Authority of the General, to prevent their being impressed, or detained after Delivery of...
1034From George Washington to Robert Orme, 22 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
In pursuance of His Excellencys Commands, I proceeded to this place with all convenient dispatch; But, as I apprehd, and very justly Truely , that the getting and posting Horses at proper Stages, in order to expedate my return, woud occasion some delay I dispatchd an express from Winchester to Hampton advising Colo. Hunter of my business, and desiring him to meet me in Williamsburg with the...
1035To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Peter Halkett, 23 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; extract printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1754–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), pp. 175–6. May 23, 1755 Two sentences from this unlocated letter are quoted in the Pennsylvania Assembly’s reply, Sept. 29, 1755, to Governor Morris’ charge, September 24, that the Assembly had done little to support Braddock’s expedition (see below, p. 209). Sir Peter...
1036From George Washington to Robert Orme, 23 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
Since writg from Claybourn’s Ferry by the Late express, I arrivd at this place and have met Mr Belfour; who, I believe, will be able with the assistance of the Govr and some other of his Fr[i]ends, to procure the money against by the morning; which will enable me to set out out at that time and I hope to get to by tuesday to reach Winchester by Tuesday Night next;
1037From Benjamin Franklin to Edward Shippen, 24 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress In addition to supplying wagons Franklin contributed to Braddock’s campaign by helping to organize the construction of a road between army headquarters at Fort Cumberland on Wills Creek and the Pennsylvania back settlements. In March 1755 at Sir John St. Clair’s behest, Governor Morris appointed James Burd and four other commissioners to survey a route westward from...
1038To George Washington from Samuel Washington, 27 May 1755 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Samuel Washington, 27 May 1755. On 14 June GW wrote to his brother Samuel : “I receivd Your’s of the 27th of May.”
1039Pennsylvania Hospital Cornerstone Inscription, [28 May 1755] (Franklin Papers)
AD : Pennsylvania Hospital By midsummer of 1754 the Hospital’s resources were sufficient to allow the Managers to plan for a building. A lot was purchased, September 11. Plans drafted by Samuel Rhoads, one of the Managers, providing that one third of the projected building should be erected at this time, were presented on January 25; and on March 10 these plans and estimates were approved by...
1040From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 28 May 1755 (Washington Papers)
I came to this place last Night, and was greatly disappointed at not finding the Cavalry according to promise: I am obligd to wait till it does arrive, or till I can procure a guard from the Militia, either of which I suppose will detain me two days; as you may, with almost equal success, attempt to raize the Dead to Life again , as the force of this County; and that from Wills Creek cannot be...