To George Washington from John Baylor, 7 June 1756
From John Baylor
New Market June the 7th 1756
Dear Sir
I should be guilty of the blackest Ingratitude did I not duly acknowledge the many Civilities I rec’d from you when in Winchester where I would often visit you far as it is were not my Presence at this Season of the year absolutely necessary on my Plantan. With great Reluctance I have heard that many of our Militia have deserted I shall pursue every necessary Step to have them apprehended & reconvey’d to you.
My Compts to all the Gentln Officers particularly Capt. Mercer whose Behaviour I was glad to find differ so widely from a Representation given them by some of our wise or rather wrong headed legislative Body.1 Proud I am to hear Majr Stevens answers the Char[acte]r I gave you of him2 & that he may persevere in his Assiduity will be very agreeable to Dear Sr Yr most Obedt &c.
J. Baylor
ALS, ViU.
John Baylor, Caroline county lieutenant, came to Winchester on 10 May 1756 with a contingent of his militia and remained for about a week.
1. For the reports of misconduct among GW’s officers, see William Fairfax to GW, 14 April, n.7, and John Robinson to GW, 17 April 1756, n.1.
2. Joseph Stevens of the Caroline militia came up with Baylor on 10 May and was made an overseer of the work at the fort in Winchester.