From George Washington to George Fraser, 27 January 1756
To George Fraser
[27 January 1756]
To Lieutenant George Frazier of the Virginia Regiment.
Sir,
You are really appointed to Captain Hoggs Company as Captain Peachy told you; and I am sorry to say, as it is disagreeable to you, that you must abide by this regulation; and repair to the Company with all convenient dispatch.1
If it is absolutely necessary for you to go by Fort Cumberland; I must recommend diligence, as your presence may be wanting—As to your having Fort Duty this year, it is no other than what I expect we all shall have (I see no prospect of taking the Field:) and if I judge right, you may have as good an opportunity to reap Laurels on Jackson’s River, as at any other Station on our Frontiers; along which I expect the Troops will all be posted.
Since you mention how much Captain Hogg and Son2 are addicted to disputation; I think it my duty to caution you against it. For if any difference arises, by which the Public Service is in the least retarded; the Offender shall certainly answer it to a General Court Martial; and undergo the utmost rigour of the Sentence.
It is possible, Captain Hogg’s Company may be marched on a certain Expedition ordered by the Governor; should this be the case, you are to remain at the Garrison until his return; and as soon as that happens, relieve Lieutenent McNeil, and order him to join his Troop.3
G:W.
LB, DLC:GW.
1. On 5 Dec. 1755 GW instructed Fraser to remain at Fredericksburg, but in his general order of 9 Jan. 1756 GW revealed that Fraser was being assigned to Peter Hog’s 1st company at Fort Dinwiddie on Jackson River, to replace Lt. John McNeill. Fraser did not join Hog. He resigned from the regiment instead (Stephen’s Regimental Return, 31 May 1756, DLC:GW).
2. The copyist may have written “Son” for Woodson. On 15 Dec. 1755 Dinwiddie urged Hog to “let no Disputes or Contentions” with Capt. Obadiah Woodson “prevent or interrupt this necessary Service” (15 Dec. 1755, ViHi: Dinwiddie Papers). In 1777 when Hog added a codicil to his will, his sons James and Peter were minors, and another son, Thomas, was born before his death in 1782.
3. Hog was soon to embark on the Sandy Creek expedition with Maj. Andrew Lewis. GW wrote Hog on 10 Jan. that McNeill had been assigned to Robert Stewart’s company of light horse and he should report to Stewart as soon as Fraser arrived at Fort Dinwiddie to relieve him.