To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 8 April 1756
From Robert Dinwiddie
Williamsburg Apr. 8th 1756
Sir
You formerly had a Commission to appoint Courts Martial, as that was not explicit enough, but rather a Repetition of the Act of Assembly. I therefore send You enclos’d an Order to appoint such Courts when You shall see proper,1 & it’s agreeable to Colo. Innes’s Order from General Braddock.
I hope the Affairs of the Regimt are not in so bad a Condition as represented here. The Assembly were greatly inflamed being told that the greatest Immoralities & Drunkenness have been much countenanced and proper Discipline neglected;2 I am willing to think better of our Officers, & therefore suspend my Judgement till I hear from You. I desire You will keep them properly employ’d in Patroling the Woods & if possible to scalp some of the barbarous Enemy to prevent & discourage the inhuman Murders in our back Settlements. Majr Lewis & his Men are return’d having done nothing essential. I believe they did not know the Way to the Shawnesse Towns; I expect him in Town to give a proper Acct of his March &ca. I wish You Health & hope to see You here soon. I remain Sir Your Friend & humble Servt
Robt Dinwiddie
LS, DLC:GW; LB, ViHi: Dinwiddie Papers.
2. For GW’s indignant reaction to these charges, see his letter to Dinwiddie of 18 April. For reference to current gossip about GW himself at this time, see Charles Carter to GW, 22 April 1756, n.2.