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Letters to Washington. Vol. I., 1752–1756. Vol. II., 1756–1758. Vol. III., 1758–1770. Each 8vo, $5.00, net.

HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN & COMPANY, BOSTON AND NEW YORK.

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Letters to Washington AND ACCOMPANYING PAPERS

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY OF THE COLONIAL DAMES OF AMERICA

EDITED BY

STANISLAUS MURRAY HAMILTON

Editor of the Writings of James Monroe

VOL. III 1758–1770

BOSTON AND NEW YORK

HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN AND COMPANY The Riverside Press, Cambridge 1901

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COPYRIGHT, 1901, BY THE COLONIAL DAMES OF AMERICA ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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CONTENTS OF VOLUME III

1758PAGE

FROM CAPTAIN CHARLES SMITH, JULY 30TH Captain Rutherford's rangers — Building at Fort Loudoun — Carolinians.1

FROM ROBERT RUTHERFORD, ESQURE, JULY 31ST Letters delivered — Fears for the campaign.3

FROM MAJOR FRANCIS HALKETT, AUGUST 2ND Gun-locks at Fort Cumberland — Appointment of Brigade Major — Illness of General Forbes.5

RETURN OF THE VIRGINIA DETACHMENT UNDER LIEUTENANT-COLONEL STEPHEN, AUGUST 2ND7

FROM COLONEL ADAM STEPHEN, AUGUST 2ND Smallpox — Departure of Sir John St. Clair — Indian attack — Military orders.8

FROM MR. CHRISTOPHER HARDWICK, AUGUST 3RD Plantation affairs.9

FROM COLONEL HENRY BOUQUET, AUGUST 4TH Military orders.11

FROM COLONEL JOHN CARLYLE, AUGUST 4TH Inclosing letter — Tobacco exported.11

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, AUGUST 4TH Forwarding of ammunition — Grass guard — Military needs.12

FROM HENRY PRATHER, AUGUST 4TH Transportation of military stores.14

FROM CAPTAIN CHARLES SMITH, AUGUST 5TH Ammunition furnished Carolina detachment — Personal affairs — Election accounts — Military accounts — Military orders.14

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, AUGUST 5TH Transportation of ammunition — Need of clothes — Fears for the campaign.16

FROM WILLIAM FAIRFAX, ESQRE, AUGUST 5TH Rebuilding of Mount Vernon — Agricultural news — Military rumors.17

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FROM COLONEL JOHN CARLYLE, AUGUST 8TH Tobacco exported — Affairs at Mount Vernon — Price of tobacco.18

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, AUGUST 8TH Military orders — Dissatisfaction — Departure of Captain Gist — Pasturage.19

FROM CAPTAIN A. BOTOMWORTH, AUGUST 9TH Transportation of troops — New road — Indian attacks — Cherokees.22

FROM COLONEL SIR JOHN ST. CLAIR, AUGUST 9TH Transportation of ammunition — Need of grindstones and entrenching tools.23

FROM COLONEL HENRY BOUQUET, AUGUST 10TH Transportation of troops — New road — Commissary affairs — Clothing — Indian attacks — Indian desertions — Military orders — General Forbes expected — Affairs at the North.24

PRICES AND RATES OF SUTLER'S GOODS AND LIQUORS AT REAS TOWN, AUGUST 10TH27

FROM MR. JOHN PATTERSON, AUGUST 13TH Rebuilding of Mount Vernon.28

FROM COLONEL THOMAS WALKER, AUGUST 14TH Commissary affairs — Fears for the campaign — Illness.29

FROM CAPTAIN CHARLES SMITH, AUGUST 15TH Commissary affairs — Illness of Mr. Walker — Building at Fort Loudoun — Pay-roll inclosed — Descrtion — Illness — Rangers.30

FROM WILLIAM RAMSAY, ESQRE., AUGUST 17TH General Forbes expected — New road — Delays — Military orders.33

FROM COLONEL HENRY BOUQUET, AUGUST 17TH Arrival of wagons — Military orders — Distance and condition of road — Reconnoitring — Indians — Transportation of troops and provisions — Affairs at the North — General Forbes — Illness.34

FROM WILLIAM RAMSAY, ESQRE., AUGUST 19TH Dissatisfaction — New road — General Forbes expected — Reduction of Louisburg.36

FROM COLONEL HENRY BOUQUET, AUGUST 21ST Commissary affairs — French encampment — General Forbes — New road — Military orders — Affairs at the North — Military returns.38

FROM COLEBY CHEW, AUGUST 22ND Inclosing journal.39

FROM COLONEL JOIIN CARLYLE, AUGUST 22ND Tobacco sales — Fears for the campaign — Rebuilding of Mount Vernon — Mr. Ramsay.43

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FROM CAPTAIN CHARLES SMITH, AUGUST 22ND Delivering of letters — Reduction of Louisburg.45

FROM COLONEL BOUQUET, AUGUST 23RD Command of colonial troops — Military affairs.46

FROM CAPTAIN BOTOMWORTH, AUGUST 23RD Troops at Loyal Hannon — General Forbes — Affairs at the North — Strength of Fort Du Quesne — Treaty with Ohio Indians.47

FROM HUMPHREY KNIGHT, AUGUST 23RD Plantation affairs.48

FROM JOSEPH CHEW, ESQURE., AUGUST 23RD Reduction of Louisburg.49

FROM JOHN KIRKPATRICK, AUGUST 23RD Friendly — Delay in military affairs — Social — Intended departure to England.50

FROM RICHARD VERNON, AUGUST 24TH Apology — Accounts — Commissary affairs.52

FROM HUMPHREY KNIGHT, AUGUST 24TH Plantation affairs — Rebuilding of Mount Vernon.54

FROM CHRISTOPHER HARDWICK, AUGUST 26TH Plantation affairs.56

FROM COLONEL BOUQUET, AUGUST 26TH Commissary affairs — Indians — Death of Indian (Captain Bullen) — Transportation of troops.57

FROM CAPTAIN CHARLES SMITH, AUGUST 27TH Military returns — Deserters — Building at Fort Loudoun — Rangers — Illness.58

FROM WILLIAM RAMSAY, ESQURE., AUGUST 29TH Arrival of Highlanders — New road — Cost of forwarding provisions — Transportation of timber — Illness — General Forbes — Provisions in store — Appraisement of horses and wagons — Reduction of Louisburg — Destruction of transports.60

FROM COLONEL BOUQUET, AUGUST 30TH Marching orders — General Forbes expected — Commissary affairs — Garrison at Salt Lick — Disposal of sick — Expresses intercepted — Reduction of Louisburg.62

FROM WILLIAM RAMSAY, ESQURE., AUGUST 31st Desertion of express to the French — Reduction of Louisburg — General Forbes — Arrival of Indians.65

FROM COLONEL BOUQUET, AUGUST 31ST Fears interception of letters — Commissary affairs — Roads.66

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FROM WILLIAM FAIRFAX, ESQRE., SEPTEMBER 1ST Rebuilding of Mount Vernon — Plantation affairs — Reduction of Louisburg.67

FROM COLONEL JOHN CARLVLE, SEPTEMBER 1ST Goods imported — Military affairs — Death of Indian (Captain Bullen) — Incloses letter for Mr. Ramsay — Clothes sent by Burris.70

FROM HUMPHREY KNIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2ND Letters miscarried — Plantation affairs — Rebuilding of Mount Vernon.72

FROM MR. JOHN PATTERSON, SEPTEMBER 2ND Letters miscarried — Rebuilding of Mount Vernon.75

FROM MR. CHRISTOPHER HARDWICK, SEPTEMBER 3RD Letter miscarried — Plantation affairs.77

FROM CAPTAIN CHRISTOPHER GIST, SEPTEMBER 3RD French spies.79

FROM MR. JOHN KIRKPATRICK, SEPTEMBER 3RD Intended departure for Scotland — Desires correspondence.79

FROM WILLIAM RAMSAY, ESQURE., SEPTEMBER 3RD Sir John St. Clair and Lieutenant-Colonel Stephen — Colonel Dagworthy — General Forbes — Reduction of Louisburg.81

FROM COLONEL BOUQUET, SEPTEMBER 4TH Military orders — French reinforcements — Maryland militia — Disposal of sick — Marching orders — Ammunition and provisions — Need of wagons — Colonel Byrd's indispotion — Colonel Mercer — General Forbes.82

FROM CAPTAIN CHARLES SMITH, SEPTEMBER 7TH Accounts — Building at Fort Loudoun — Deserters — Pay-roll — Illness — Forwarding of letters, baggage, and provisions — Death of Colonel John Spotswood and Colonel Bussell — Poor crops predicted — Loss of mare.85

FROM COLONEL ADAM STEPHEN, SEPTEMBER 9TH Need of clothes and bayonets — Complaint against Sir John St. Clair — Virginia troops.87

RETURNS FROM FORT PEARSALL, SEPTEMBER89

FROM MR. J. D. WILPER, SEPTEMBER 9TH Military return destroyed — Requests money — Cattle89

FROM DR. HUGH MERCER, SEPTEMBER 10TH Transportation of provisions — General Forbes expected.90

FROM DR. HUGH MERCER, SEPTEMBER 11TH Forwarding of provisions — General Forbes and Colonel Bouquet expected.91

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FROM JOSEPH CHEW, ESQURE., SEPTEMBER 11TH Military affairs at the North.92

FROM WILLIAM RAMSAY, ESQRE., SEPTEMBER 12TH Illness of General Forbes — Commissary affairs — Indian attack — Major Grant's departure for Fort Du Quesne — Sir John St. Clair.93

FROM THE HONBLE SPEAKER ROBINSON, SEPTEMBER 13TH Acts of Assembly relative to Virginia forces — Military delays.94

FROM LIEUTENANT-COLONEL ADAM STEPHEN, SEPTEMBER 13TH Fort at Loyal Hannon — Clothing for soldiers — Intercepting of letters.96

FROM JOHN KIRKPATRICK, ESQRE., SEPTEMBER 14TH Friendly.96

FROM LIEUTENANT-COLONEL ADAM STEPHEN, SEPTEMBER 14TH Provisions and transportation — Departure of Major Grant — Movements of enemy — Dispute with Sir John St. Clair.98

FROM BRYAN FAIRFAX, ESQRE., SEPTEMBER 15TH Personal affairs.99

FROM WILLIAM FAIRFAX, ESQRE., SEPTEMBER 15TH Rebuilding of Mount Vernon — Augustine Washington — Journey to Hampton — Virginia troops — Illness of Colonel Byrd.100

FROM DR. HUGH MERCER, SEPTEMBER 15TH Arrival of General Forbes — Transportation of provisions.102

FROM GENERAL FORBES, SEPTEMBER 16TH Commissary affairs — Illness.103

FROM THE HONBLE GOVERNOR FAUQUIER, SEPTEMBER 16TH Acknowledging inclosures — Action of Assembly — Payment of the forces — Speech to the Council and House of Burgesses — Appointment of Major of Brigade.103

FROM CAPTAIN CHARLES SMITH, SEPTEMBER 18TH Building at Fort Loudoun — Desertions — Treatment of prisoners — Transportation of supplies — Pay-rolls.106

FROM PRESLEY THORNTON, ESQRE., SEPTEMBER 26TH Friendly.109

FROM THE HONBLE GOVERNOR FAUQUIER, OCTOBER 7TH Defeat of Major Grant — Blankets and commissions forwarded — Magazine destroyed at Fort Cumberland — Expresses to be furnished with money.111

FROM JOSEPH CHEW, ESQRE., OCTOBER 11TH Death of Coleby Chew.113

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FROM CAPTAIN CHARLES SMITH, OCTOBER 12TH Forwarding supplies — Building at Fort Loudoun — Horses advertised — Accounts.114

FROM WILLIAM RAMSAY, ESQRE., OCTOBER 17TH Military rumors — Acts of Assembly relative to Virginia forces — Cherokees — Commissary affairs.117

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT MCKENZIE TO CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART Duncards — Indian attack.118

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, OCTOBER 17TH Ignorance of affair at Loyal Hannon — Provisions and forage.120

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, OCTOBER 22ND Washington's march — Forwarding of letters — Marching orders — Major Wells to command at Reas Town — Military supplies — Virginia forces continued in service — Pennsylvania Assembly — C. W. Steuart.120

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, OCTOBER 24TH Transportation of military supplies — Recovery of Lieutenant Duncanson.122

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, OCTOBER 25TH Commissions — Transportation of troops and provisions.123

FROM COLONEL ANDREW LEWIS, OCTOBER 31ST Condition as a prisoner — Captain Stobo — Captain Vanbraam.124

FROM THE HONORABLE GOVERNOR FAUQUIER, NOVEMBER 4TH Acts of Assembly relative to Virginia forces — Payment of forces.125

FROM CAPTAIN CHARLES SMITH, NOVEMBER 16TH Money supplied to expresses — Forwarding of letters — Pay-rolls — Accounts — Complaint against Hardwick — Return of garrison.127

FROM COLONEL BOUQUET, NOVEMBER 16TH Military supplies — Military orders.128

FROM BRIGADE-MAJOR FRANCIS HALKETT, NOVEMBER 21ST Opening of road — Supplies and provisions.130

FROM THE HONBLE GOVERNOR FAUQUIER, NOVEMBER 22ND Payment of Virginia forces.131

FROM CAPTAIN CHARLES SMITH, DECEMBER 2ND Accounts — Movements of 2nd Virginia regiment — Frederick militia.131

FROM MR. CHRISTOPHER HARDWICK, DECEMBER 12TH Receipt for supplies.132

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FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, DECEMBER 12TH Arrival of baggage — Accommodations for the sick — Condition of garrison — Illness — Ranger's duty — Asks appointment to adjutancy of militia — Expresses gratitude.133

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, DECEMBER 20TH Returns of regiment — Accounts — Condition of regiment — Ineffectual recruiting — Ranger's duty — Asks leave of absence.135

FROM DR. JAMES CRAIK, DECEMBER 20TH Arrival at Winchester — Illness — Medicine needed — Resignation of Washington — Accounts.137

FROM CAPTAIN JOHN HALL, DECEMBER 22ND Interrupted correspondence — Lack of news — Death of Baker and Campbell.139

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, DECEMBER 29TH Expresses gratitude — Dispute with Colonel Stephen — Apology for opening letter — Rumor of appointing Colonel Stephen to command of regiment — Address of Virginia officers to Washington.140

THE ADDRESS OF THE OFFICERS OF THE VIRGINIA REGIMENT, DECEMBER 31ST143

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, DECEMBER 31ST Departure of Colonel Stephen — Condition of Virginia regiment — Orderly book — Fort Pitt — Movements of the enemy — Indian attack — Friendly — Washington's successor.146

1759

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, JANUARY 16TH Congratulations on Washington's marriage — Effect of Washington's resignation — Expresses gratitude — Confusion of commissions — Despondency — Desires to purchase company — Campaign of 1759 — Garrison at Fort Pitt — Desertion — Commission in Royal Americans.150

FROM THE HONBLE GOVERNOR FAUQUIER, FEBRUARY 7TH Appointment of Captain Stewart.154

FROM JOHN KIRKPATRICK, ESQRE., MARCH 19TH Fall of Fort Du Quesne — Lack of news — Continuance of correspondence — Doctor Craik — Lands on the Ohio — Military affairs in Europe.154

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART March to Fort Pitt — Friendly.157

FROM MR. JOHN GRAHAM, SEPTEMBER 14TH Inclosing copies of land records.158

FROM COLONEL GEORGE MERCER, SEPTEMBER 16TH Apology — Lands on the Ohio — Affairs at Pittsburg — Movements0012xof the French — Fort Pitt — Captain Bullitt — Acknowledgement of congratulations on appointment — Restores Washington's horse — Captain Waggener.158

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, SEPTEMBER 28TH Defence of the military — Captain Bullitt — Garrison at Fort Pitt — Plan of the fort — Scenery — The Ohio Indians — Trade with the Indians — Asks influence to procure Adjutancy — Despondency — Accounts — Accepts invitation — Captain Waggener.163

1760

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, JANUARY 25TH Reasons for going to Williamsburg — Asks aid in the purchase of a company.170

FROM CAPTAIN GEORGE MERCER, FEBRUARY 17TH Office of surveyor of lands on the Ohio — Captain Bullitt — Colonel Stephen — Expedition against Quebec.172

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, MARCH 8TH Acknowledgements — Acts of Assembly relative to Virginia regiment.176

FROM HILL, LAMAR & HILL, MARCH 28TH Inclosing bill of lading — Brisk demand for wines.177

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, APRIL 14TH Indian attack — Rumored plans for military action — Condition of Virginia regiment — Colonel Stephen — Unsuccessful recruiting — Personal plans.178

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, MAY 14TH Endeavors to engage gardener for Washington — Exorbitant charges — Meeting of Assembly — Project to enable veterans of Virginia regiment to retire on half pay.180

FROM MR. CHRISTOPHER HARDWICK, MAY 18TH Plantation affairs.182

FROM MR. ANTHONY STROTHER, MAY 18TH Land title.183

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, JUNE 3RD Endeavors to engage gardener for Washington — Washington's failure to reach Assembly in time — Expedition against Cherokees — Command of expedition — Expedition against Detroit — Rumors of attack — Action of Indians.183

FROM THE REVEREND ANDREW BURNABY, JUNE JAN 4TH Friendly — Marriage of Speaker — Death of Mrs. Burwell — Illness of General Braxton.186

FROM THE HONBLE JOHN ROBINSON, JUNE 8TH Colonel Thomas Moore's debt.187

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FROM COLONEL THOMAS MOORE, JUNE 9TH Deferring payment of debt.188

FROM THOMAS H. MARSHALL, ESQRE., JUNE 21ST Sale of land.188

FROM THE REVEREND ANDREW BURNABY, JUNE 23RD Expressing thanks for letters of introduction — Fishing party — Description of Philadelphia — Siege of Quebec — Alarming rumors — General Amherst — Marriage of Mr. Duche to Miss Hopkinson — Thunderstorms in America.189

FROM MR. CHRISTOPHER HARDWICK, AUGUST 1ST Price of cattle — Plantation affairs.191

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT MACKENZIE, AUGUST 12TH Asks letter of recommendation to General Amherst — Building of forts at Venango and Presque Isle — Indians passive.193

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, OCTOBER 2ND Movements of enemy — Rumored attack — Death of Engineer Du Plesis — Expedition against Quebec — Expedition against the Cherokees — Praise of Colonel Byrd — Personal plans — Complaint of injustice and partiality — Interrupted correspondence.195

1761

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, FEBRUARY 13TH Intercepted letters — Reasons for not going to Mount Vernon — Colonel Stephen — Elections — Gabriel Jones.200

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, MARCH 12TH Military affairs. — Election.203

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, MARCH 12TH Military affairs — Condition of Virginia regiment — Proposal to reorganize the regiment.204

FROM GEORGE BOWDON, MARCH 24TH Recommending Captain Marshall — Disposal of tobacco.210

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, APRIL 6TH Expedition against the Cherokees — Officers — Jacob Vanbraam211

FROM THE REVEREND ANDREW BURNABY, APRIL 14TH Expressing obligation — Terms of peace — Royal marriages — Colonel Fairfax — Colonel Ludwell — The ebbing and flowing well — Appointment of Colonel Thornton — Changes in English ministry.213

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, JUNE 10TH Washington's election — Military affairs — Marching orders — Colonel Grant — Appointment of General Monckton — Appointment of General Amherst — Movements of the French.215

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FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, JULY 7TH Movements of regiment — Colonel Grant's engagement near Etchoe — Effect of delay in commissary department — Mr. Kennedy.218

ATTAKULLAKULLA'S SPEECH TO COLONEL BYRD, JULY 7TH220

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, JULY 20TH Movements of regiment — Attakullakulla — Conclusion of Cherokee war — Illness.223

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, SEPTEMBER 17TH Illness of Washington — Doctor McLean — Rumors of peace — Personal affairs.225

FROM THE REVEREND ANDREW BURNABY, DECEMBER 16TH Washington's illness — The ebbing and flowing well — English politics — M. Bussy — Lord Down.227

FROM J. DAVENPORT Personal affairs — Plantation affairs.229

1762

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, JANUARY 25TH Illness — Act of Assembly recompensing officers of Virginia regiment.231

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, FEBRUARY 26TH Friendly — Colonel Stephen — Disbanding of Virginia regiment — Apology.233

FROM HILL, LAMAR & HILL, FEBRUARY 28TH Inclosing bill of landing.235

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, MARCH 19TH Disbanding of Virginia regiment — Personal movements — Raising of new troops — Personal affairs.236

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, NOVEMBER 15TH Desires appointment as bearer of despatches to England relative to raising new troops.238

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, DECEMBER 14TH Illness of Mrs. Washington — Effort to procure a gardener for Washington — Expressing gratitude — Recompense to officers — Personal affairs.242

1763

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, JANUARY 18TH Delayed departure — General Monckton — Personal plans — Intended departure for England.245

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FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, MARCH 2ND Personal plans — Treaty of peace — Desires loan — Governor Morris — Sir Jeffrey Amherst.248

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, JUNE 6TH Acknowledging loan — Expressing gratitude — Personal affairs — General Monckton — General Amherst — Indian uprising.251

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, SEPTEMBER 3RD Delayed departure — Personal plans — Affair near Bushy Run — Militia — Colonel Stephen.254

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, OCTOBER 13TH Postal service — Indians — Delayed departure — Praise of Washington.258

FROM THE REVEREND ANDREW BURNABY, DECEMBER 14TH Acknowledgments — Journey through France — Description of Leghorn — Florence — Expected arrival of Duke of York — Italians.259

1764

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, JANUARY 14TH Stormy voyage — Personal plans — Association for settling the Island of St. Johns — Marriage of Prince of Brunswick — American affairs in England — General Amherst — General Monckton.262

FROM WILLIAM GACHEN, JUNE 6TH Executes commission for seed — Personal plans.266

1765

FROM THE REVEREND ANDREW BURNABY, APRIL 29TH Difficulty in sending letters to America — Invitation — Preparations to receive Arch-Duke and Duchess — The Tuscans — The Corsicans — Governor Ellis.267

FROM LITTLETON EYRE, ESQRE, JUNE 5TH Synopsis of will of John Custis.269

FROM CROSBIES & TRAFFORD, AUGUST 3RD Inclosing bills and invoices.271

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, AUGUST 18TH The Earl of Egmont — The Island of St. Johns — Draining the Dismal Swamp — The stamp tax.273

FROM MR. JOSEPH DAVENPORT, OCTOBER 16TH Plantation affairs.280

FROM COLONEL GEORGE MASON, DECEMBER 23RD Landlord and tenant rights.282

SCHEME FOR REPLEVYING GOODS AND DISTRESS FOR RENT283

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1766

FROM MR. WILLIAM HUNTER, FEBRUARY 15TH Recommending Captain Rabeman.286

FROM COLONEL BERNARD MOORE, OCTOBER 21ST Money affairs.287

FROM COLONEL THOMAS MOORE, OCTOBER 21ST Deferring payment of debt.288

FROM COLONEL BERNARD MOORE, DECEMBER 29TH Intention to sell plantation in King William County.291

1767

FROM DR. WILLIAM SAVAGE, MAY 25TH Inability to keep appointment.293

FROM MR. HUGH STEPHENSON, JULY 1ST Inability to keep appointment — Spinning woman.294

FROM CAPTAIN WILLIAM CRAWFORD, SEPTEMBER 29TH Purchase of land on the Ohio — Indian possessions — Mason and Dixon line — Neale & Company's grant — Ohio Company — Indian trading — Maryland back line.295

FROM JOHN ARMSTRONG, ESQRE., NOVEMBER 3RD Mode of obtaining Pennsylvania land on the Ohio — Mason and Dixon line — Card playing — Indian uprising.302

1768

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, MARCH 10TH Appointed Comptroller of Customs to Jamaica — Return of loan — Voyage to Jamaica — Description of Madeira.307

FROM MR. GABRIEL JONES, MARCH 25TH Account against William Strother's estate.311

FROM COLONEL THOMAS MOORE, APRIL 30TH Payment of bond.312

FROM MR. GABRIEL JONES, MAY 3RD Fears of miscarriage of former letter.313

FROM COLONEL THOMAS MOORE, MAY 12TH Payment of bond.313

FROM THE REVEREND JONATHAN BOUCHER, JUNE 13TH Education of John Parke Custis — Intention to remove to Annapolis.314

FROM THE REVEREND JONATHAN BOUCHER, JUNE 16TH Education of John Parke Custis.316

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FROM WILLIAM SAVAGE, ESQRE., JULY 3RD Relinquishment of bond by Mrs. Savage.318

FROM THE REVEREND JONATHAN BOUCHER, JULY 15TH Indisposition of John Parke Custis.320

FROM BRYAN FAIRFAX, ESQRE., JULY 20TH Relinquishment of bond by Mrs. Savage — Invitation to Towlston.321

FROM BRYAN FAIRFAX, ESQRE., JULY 30TH Relinquishment of bond by Mrs. Savage.323

FROM THE REVEREND JONATHAN BOUCHER, AUGUST 2ND John Parke Custis — Private versus public education — Opinion as to particular attention to be shown Master Custis.324

FROM THE REVEREND JONATHAN BOUCHER, SEPTEMBER 5TH Illness of John Parke Custis.328

1769

FROM CAPTAIN WILLIAM CRAWFORD, JANUARY 7TH Acknowledging money — Lands on the Ohio — Purchase of negro escaped from the Indians.329

FROM THE REVEREND JONATHAN BOUCHER, JANUARY 11TH Illness — Reopening of school — Mr. Magowan — Mr. Coutts.332

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART, JANUARY 25TH Unhealthfulness of climate — Appointment of deputy — Gratitude — Officers of Virginia regiment — Discontent in the colonies — Miscarriage of letters — Settlement of St. Johns — Suit against Van Rensselaer — Doctor Cockburn.333

FROM CAPTAIN JOHN POSEY, JANUARY 28TH Requesting loan of bricks — His daughter Amelia.341

FROM GEORGE MASON, ESQRE, APRIL 5TH Resolves of the merchants in Philadelphia — Measures to be adopted — Difficulties in tobacco-raising colonies — Advisability of not breaking all connection with England — The Virginia vestry.342

FROM GEORGE MASON, ESQRE., APRIL 23RD Alterations in plan of association — Commission in Williamsburg — Reasons for alterations.345

“OLD PAPERS RESPECTING THE NON-IMPORTATION OF BRITISH GOODS”346

FROM SAMUEL GIST, ESQRE., JUNE 17TH Announcing death of Mr. Capel Hanbury — Soliciting trade.356

FROM THOMAS H. MARSHALL, ESQRE., JUNE 18TH Exchange of land.356

FROM EDMUND PENDLETON, ESQRE., JULY 3RD Opinion on wills of Lawrence and Augustine Washington.358

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FROM THE REVEREND JONATHAN BOUCHER, JULY 20TH Inclosing educational accounts — John Parke Custis' improvement — Miss Boucher — The dancing school.359

FROM FIELDING LEWIS, JR., ESQRE., SEPTEMBER 15TH Purchase of slaves.361

FROM COLONEL FIELDING LEWIS, SEPTEMBER 16TH Fielding Lewis, Jr. — Severe storms — Elections.362

FROM MR. MOSES MONTGOMERIE, OCTOBER 5TH Mrs. Savage's annuity.363

FROM CAPTAIN WILLIAM CRAWFORD, OCTOBER 13TH Surveying of land.364

FROM MR. ROBERT ALEXANDER, OCTOBER 27TH Payment of sum due Fielding Lewis, Jr.364

FROM CAPTAIN DANIEL McCARTY, DECEMBER 6TH Land records — Vestry — Mrs. Posey — Mrs. Johnston — Land in Loudoun.365

FROM THE REVEREND JOSIAH JOHNSON, DECEMBER 20TH Appointment of William Crawford as surveyor of officer's land.366

FROM THE REVEREND JAMES HARROCKS, DECEMBER 21ST Appointment of William Crawford as surveyor of officer's land.367

1770

FROM DE BERDTS, LEE, & SAYRE, JANUARY 27TH Soliciting trade.368

FROM THOMAS H. MARSHALL, ESQRE., MARCH 8TH Misunderstanding about exchange of land.369

APPENDIX

[Copies of the following wills are preserved among the manuscript letters to Washington.]

WILL OF JOHN CUSTIS, DECEMBER 3RD, 1708373

WILL OF JOHN WASHINGTON, JANUARY 22ND, 1697/98383

WILL OF MARTHA HAYWARD, MAY 6TH, 1697386

WILL OF LAWRENCE WASHINGTON, MARCH 11TH, 1697/98388

WILL OF AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON, APRIL 11TH, 1743392

WILL OF LAWRENCE WASHINGTON, JUNE 20TH, 1752398

FROM CAPTAIN CHARLES SMITH. 00191

FORT LOUDOUN July ye. 30th. 1758

SIR/I Received Your favour July ye. 25th. by Mr. Campbel's man, the Inclosed I have Sent Down by a Safe Hand, and According to your Directions I have Sent by the bearer Six plates and a dish, I received a Letter ye. 20th. Inst. from the Governor of Virginia wherein he has Informed me that Lord Fairffax and Captn. Rutherford has Wrote to him, Concerning ye. 20 Rangers that was Stationed here which has Given Displeasure To the Inhabitants, But he Say's Let what measures will be taken it Gives Dissatisfaction to one or another, for which he blames Captn. Rutherford and his Officers Very much, and Say's he Can't See that they are out of their duty at all as they are Paid by the Province, he Immagin's they Can be Orderred To any part for the Good of the County, & as there Is a Quantity of the Country Stores at Winchester he thinks it Necessary that the Same twenty Shall Continue as a Guard, as it is not In his power to have them Reliev'd by the Millitia or any Other Effective Men, Else he would Freely do it, he has also Wrote To Lord Fairffax & Captn. Rutherford, and Says he is Informed that the Company00202 is More out of their duty by being Stationed by Sixes and Sevens at Particular houses, as he Immagine's yt. no person ought to be Indulged more than another, he Says if Lord Fairffax has Ninety miles of ye Frontiers Diserted, he Immagin's it to be his own Ground, and he may have as many Commissions as he pleases to Raise in his own County, of ye. Millitia, but he Immagin's them all to be a Dissatisfyed People, and no Person whatsSoEver Can plese them, Captn.. Rutherford thinks it Necessary to Divide his Company into three parts, and order one of them to make this place their Randisvows, and Constantly Keep rangeing Under the Mountains, and on the Watters of Cape Capon, and To return with what Inteligence they Can Get, In Every Two or three days, which I believe will be Greater Satisfaction to the men, to have one of their own Officers with them, it will answer the Intent of Guarding Ye. Stores Near as well as to have them Constantly Garrisoned here, as their Return may be Every two days.

The Governor has Ordered me to Carry on the Well and Close the Buildings, and then to make a Return of what is Next wanting to be done, but has not mentioned one word about money, to Carry on those buildings it is not an Easie matter to Carry on So heavy Buildings without Subsistence, but Still I must be Contended & obey Orders, but Could wish times Better.

Thare is 25 of the Caralinians here & has not one Gun among them & I Dont know in What manner they will Get up to Fort Cumberland I have00213Inclosed an Axact Return of all the Spare Arms left here belonging to the Country — Colo Wood Still Very Bad yet with the Gout & is not able to write, but Begs to be Remember'd to You, as Well as Your Hum Servt.

CHS. SMITH

FROM ROBERT RUTHERFORD, ESQ.

WINCHESTER 31st. of July 1758

DEAR SIR

I Re˜cd your kind favour of the 29th. in a Large Packet, the other Letters therein Contained, I have given mostly with my own hand, and shall take Particular Care that the remainder be delivered Punctually, also to make known to your friends in genl. how deeply you are Possess'd of Gratitude1 —

1 See Washington's letters to Gabriel Jones and to Colonel James Wood, Writings of Washington, Ford, vol. ii. pp. 58, 59.

Too Sensible of your Good intentions towards my Self and Company as well towards the whole of the Distressed frontier Inhabitants, which has been clearly manifested in every of your actions; it was with the greatest reluctancy, that I urged you further on the Subject, as I was truly Conscious that nothing in your Power wou'd be wanting for the Common Good, but when you Consider the Strong incitements I had for so doing, I hope you will be good Enough to Pardon it in me —

I am Sincerely touch'd to find my Doubts of an inglorious Campain, (or an attempt of a Campain)00224So greatly increased by the Most immoderate delays which Seem to attend it — I fear Our Country has Lavished a Large Sum for Little or no Purpose — in short, there Appears so great an infatuation throughout the whole, that I have realy almost Lost hope of a Person's either gaining Credit or giving Sattisfaction: for even this new man at the Helm, Seems to be already Prepossess'd and Certainly entertains the most inconsistent notion of the Frontiers, that ever enter'd the Mind of Man1 — I am indeed Oblig'd to Say that it would give me Real Pleasure to See you injoy your Estate in a Private Capacity; Since I See no other Prospect, than, that, of your noble and greatly Laudable design (in taking on you the Toilsom Post you now hold) at Last Baffled and all your Zealous Efforts Prove fruitless — May the Power infinite direct you for the best and Protect you is the ardent wish of

1 Washington, as well as all in correspondence with him, appears at this time to have been greatly discouraged over the delay attending the expedition. As the season advanced this feeling increased, until even General Forbes himself despaired of reaching Fort Du Quesne in season. On the 11th of November a council was held at Loyal Hannon, over which the general presided, where it was decided that, on account of the lateness and severity of the season, it would not be expedient to proceed farther during this campaign. Information of the indefensible condition of Fort Du Quesne, brought in camp by three prisoners on the 13th, however, entirely changed their plans. On the 15th of November they set out, opening the road as they went. They arrived on the 23th, to find the fort, of which they took possession, destroyed by fire and descerted by the enemy. Washington, writing on the 28th to Governor Fauquier, says: “The enemy, after letting us get within a day's march of the place, burned the fort, and ran away (by the light of it) at night, going down the Ohio by water, to the number of about 500 men — from our best information.”

Dear Sir your Most obedt. Hble Servt. R. RUTHERFORD

00235

FROM MAJOR FRANCIS HALKETT.

CAMP AT CARLISLE 2d. August 1758.

DEAR WASHINGTON

I Received your letter, & Returns from Fort Cumberland. — as to my giving you my advice about the covers for your locks, I think you are the properest judge what cane be done at F. Cumberland, being immediately upon the Spot, and we can send you no assistance from hence, as many as can, I would provide, those you cannot, their is no helpe for, their Blankets will always be a great safety to them.1 —

1 “DEAR HALKET, — … It is morally impossible to get at this place covers for our gun-locks; having nothing but neats hydes to make them of, and an insufficiency of those to answer the purpose — The Commissarys ask 18/ a piece for them. Pray give me your advice on this case… . Yours most affectionately, GEO: WASHINGTON.”

It is necessary the Troops from Virginia — should have a Brigade Major the same as Pensylvania, and the General expects that you will be provided with one against you join, it is intirely a Provincial affairs, & to be of your own appointing, the recommendation General Forbes leaves to you, if it is to be Stewart, he must be as Captain to your Battalion, & Brigade Major, an other Officer must be appointed Captain to the Troop, he already holds two Commissions, both as Captain in your Battalion, & of the light Troop, his having more would be inconvenient. — Major Shippen has ten Shillings pr day extraordinary, allowd him by the Commissioners of Pinsylvania, for being Brigade Major.

00246

Make my appology to Captain Stewart for not being able to write to him at this time, he will send his Return of the Troop to me, the same as he did with General Braddock, as he is a distinct Corps, the detachment that he sent down to Lancaster, are all sent to Reastown. —

The General has been much afflicted with the Flux, he still is extreamly weak, but I am in hopes he will soon be able to set out for Reas town.1 I am Dear Washington

1 Early in July General Forbes contracted camp dysentery, from the effects of which he never entirely recovered; but he never lost his characteristic energy and indomitable will. He continued in command of the expedition during the entire campaign, discharging his duties stretched upon a litter slung between two horses, in this condition he performed the perilous journey from Loyal Hannon to Fort Du Quesne. He returned to Philadelphia January 14, 1759, and died in that city March to. In a letter to Governor Fauquier of November 28, Washington bore testimony to the conduct of this gallant soldier, saying: “General Forbes is very assiduous in getting these matters settled upon a solid basis, and has great merit for the happy issue to which he has brought our affairs, infirm and worn down as he is.”

On the site of old Fort Du Quesne stands to-day the rich and prosperous city of Pittsburg. To John Forbes, William Pitt (after whom Forbes named it), and to George Washington, with his Virginians, it is indeed a noble monument.

Your most obedient Servant and ever well wisher FRANCIS HALKETT

00257 Commissd. OfficersStaffNon Commissd.Effective Rank & FileSince last Return Presenton CommdTo Mount CompaniesColo.Lt. Colo.Majr.Capts.Lts.Ens.Capts.Lieuts.EnsignesAdjuts.Qr. MastersSurgeonsMatesSerjts.FiftsDrumsSerjts.DrumsFit for dutySickOn Commd.on Pubk. WorkCamp Colr. menPrisonersTotallSerjts.Corpl.Private Colo. Washingtons...11.......12221.51516106.882348 Lt. Colo. Stephens.1..2...1....3.11.5851456.883256 Maj. Lewises..1.21.......3.2..5241726.813349 Capt. Rt. Stewarts....11.1.....3.21.5441546.832351 Capt. Bulletts....211......3.21.5561826.872352 Capt. Walts. Stewarts...11..11....422..5752046.921354 Capt. Fieldses....211......4......17.79..96... Totall.112114222...1224114.3274610010636.6151317310 Visiting officer Lt. BakerE. Hubbard Lt. Adj.

A Daily Return of the Virginia Detachmt. Under the Command of Lt. Colo. Stephens Camp at Raystown August the 2d. 1758 ∼

00268

FROM COLONEL ADAM STEPHEN.

CAMP AT RAES-TOWN August 2d. 1758

DR. SIR

It gives me great Concern to acquaint you that Lieut Lawson & two men of your Regiment are down in the Small Pox — It first discovered it self yesterday, when I immediately Set about Building an Hospital at a distance from Camp to receve the Infected — and reconnoitred ground for a New Camp for the Virginians, which is to be mov'd to day 2 miles S-E of this Place — All the men taken with the disease shall be movd to the Hospital immediately where they will have a particular guard of men who have had the Small Pox; a Doct & Nurses to Stay with them, without any Correspondence with us. I am in hopes that in a fortnight, following this method, the disease will disappear — I would advise you to have Capt. Flemings Company encamp by themselves, least they Should have Carryd the Infection to Fort Cumberland —

Yesterday Sr. John St. Clair marchd with Seven days provisions to the Westwd. escorted by 160 men and forteen Light Horse —

Munday afternoon about 2½ miles from the Camp on Cumberland Road Michael Scully was driving in two horses; when an Indian presented his Gun at him, which missd fire — Scully Springing forward in Surprise, found another Savage within ten paces of him, who did the Same, and his Gun also missd fire, The Indian immediatly run up with his Tomhawk, when Scully Shot him within four paces of him. Another Indian made at Scully directly, whom00279he knocked down with the Butt of his Gun; and was that Instant Seisd by the third, who wounded him twice on the head with a hanger & cut Slightly across his Face with his Scalping knife, with an Intent to carry off his Scalp; Scully being Very Strong Seisd him & throwd him down on the Other — gave him a Stroke with his Gun, & run off imagining there was more, and Came into Camp, with two wounds in his head, a Scratch with a knife over his face, a wound in his Arm, one in his hand defending his head, one in his Thigh & a wound with a Tomhawk in his Leg which he received in Running Off — — Mr. Chew & the Indians sent out; believe one of the Indians killed & that the Story is true having seen where Scully had Struggled &c —

Col Bouquet orders me to desire you'll be so good as send out Capt. Poseys Company to Bridge & Mend Some of the Road leading to this place from Fort Cumberland. I am with respect

Sir, Your most Obt. hble. Ser ADAM STEPHEN

P.S. Capt. Blag mentiond his Forage money to me you only sent him as a Sub.

FROM MR. CHRISTOPHER HARDWICK.

BULLSKIN August 3d. 1758 —

HOND. SIR

Your's of the 13th. Ulto. I have Received by Mr. Smith, I have done my Endeavours to get you a satisfactory002810 Acct. about the flour, but can get no Other than what you have already got, but that Mr. Perkins received one order from you to the Baker for 200Wt. & accordingly Deliver'd it, his Miller also says that serveral persons at Different Times came from you to him for flour & that he Accordingly Deliver'd it to them not knowing or thinking that there wou'd be any after Disputes about it, yr. Waggoner Brought fifteen Barrels of Flour from Mill & left it between the smith's shop & yr. Stable, of which I have found Then Barrels & Deliver'd them to the Contractr. & can give no Acct. of the other five, — your people are all in good health, and am Glad to inform you that we had a very good Rain on Monday last, we have not had any of any Consequence since the Season in May last, in the Drought there was a great deal of our Tobo. burnt up, & our Corn suffer'd pritty much, but we are as well of as our Neighbours, notwithstanding, we reserved our plants, & planted them on Monday and Tuesday last, & do hope, if we have Seasonable Weather that we shall make some Tobo., The Stray Creatures that were on the Plantation last year & which I posted are now come back again, & the mare has got a young Colt, they are troublesome to me as they were last year, so that I am forced to hamper the mare, & keep her in an Inclosure to keep her & her Colts out of Mischief, plese to let me know what I must do with them, 'tis dangerous for me to keep them as I am sure they were Stolen from me last year, we have a good harvest I Conclude002911with my Sincere wishes for yr Success & safe return and am yr. most humble & Obedient Servt.

CHRISTOPHER HARDWICK

P. S. pray send me an answer by the first Opportunity.

FROM COLONEL HENRY BOUQUET.

CAMP NEAR REAS TOWN 4th. August, 1758.

DEAR SIR

I forgot to mention in my Letter of Yesterday your Second Company of Artificers, which I beg you will Send here with their Tools, Tents & Baggage.

By the Waggon which brought here the Cloathing for Capt. Field's Company, I send 12 Tents for the four Comps of your Regt. at Cumberland; I think it is the number wanted, but if I was mistaken having not the Return under my hand, Please to let me know how many more will compleat you

I am Dr. Sir Your most obedt. hble Servant HENRY BOUQUET

FROM COLONEL JOHN CARLYLE.

ALEXR. Augt. 4th. 1758

DR. SIR

The Inclosed I took out of the Mail going to Wm.burg Expecting it Woud Meet a Reader Passage003012to You from hence I Send it Up to the Care of Mr. Smith —

I have the Pleasure to Acquaint You that Copethorn is Arrived Safe at Bristoll tho' its said he has Damaged Sum of his Tobacco —

We have No News here Yr. Work seem to Me Goes on Well Mrs. Carlyle & Mr. Dalton Joyn Me In Compts & am

Dr. Sir Yr. Very Hble Sert. JOHN CARLYLE

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

CRESAP'S August 4th. 1758 —

DEAR SIR

Last night 37 Waggons with Muskett Ball came here from Fort Frederick 18 of which were unloaded here and returns to Fort Frederick for more the other 19 proceeds to Fort Cumberland, Govr. Sharpe desir'd Captain Ware Commandg. the Escort to apply to me for a small Reinforcement to the Convoy now going to Fort Cumberland I have added a Serjeant & 12 to it which makes it near 50 Effectives Lieut. Pretter remains here with 7 Men & no Provisions, he applied to me for a supply and as he has so few and these quite in want I have agreed to supply him till I receive your orders he informs me that the 19 waggons that's now going up to Fort Cumberland is to return to morrow for the Ball left here and that he by Govr. Sharpe's orders has applied to you for an Escort for them — If you think proper I003113imagine it would be a good way to Relieve the Grass Guard1 to morrow in place of next day, the waggons to come down with new Guard & to return Loaded with the old, which would save a Command for that purpose —

1 Good pasturage was an essential feature of encampments, and as well as the horses was most carefully guarded.

Many of the Boxes are in very bad order and some of the Ball lost by their own acknowledgment

I wrote by almost every opportunity that's gone to Winchester for these 3 weeks past for hair to Stuff our Saddles but could get none, by which many of the horses backs are almost ruin'd, our Jaunt to Rays Town added two less than six to that Number, the whole wou'd soon be hurt without I can remove the cause therefore sent off Serjeant Baltimore and Hensock last night to Winchester for hair and new Scabbards for the Swords which they are in great want off, this I hope you'll approve off as it's absolutely necessary —

If any thing new or Interesting has occurr'd will be vastly oblig'd by your droping me a line — I beg you will offer my Complimts. to Colo. Byrd & the rest of the Gentn. and believe me ever to be With the highest Esteem & greatest Deference

My Dear Colonel Your most Affecte. & Mot. Obt. Hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART

003214

FROM HENRY PRATHER.

OLD TOWN July August the 4th. 1758.

SIR

Agreable to my Instructions from his Excellency Horatio Sharpe Ime ordered to write to you for an Escort, with Waggons; to take Nineteen Lode of his Majesties stores from this to Fort Cumbld. & I shall Like wise waste here with Eight men to Assist with them up & Shall want Provision sent with the Waggons as we have none but what I borrow

Am with Respect your Most Obedient Humbel St. HENRY PRATHER

FROM CAPTAIN CHARLES SMITH.

FORT LOUDOUN Augt. 5th. 1758

SIR

I Receivd. Your Favour by the Indians Which According to Your Orders I have Furnished the Carolina Detachment with Armes & Ammonition, Your Over Sear & myself went Yesterday to Capt. Perkinse's to see if we Could Get any Intelligence of the Remainder Part of Your Flwor which the Miller Informes me that by Your Orders Lestways Bishops that he was to Deliver to Smith the Baker 200,Wt. & no Several Different People besids further he says that Your Waggoner at Different Times, Carryed Large Baggfulls of Flour Down to Your Quarter, I Can Realy Git no Further Sattisfaxtion003315then before but belivs they have Actted Very Cearliss in the Matter, Your Peter smith has been Extreamely ill with the Plurycy but is some What mended, I have Inclos'd another Small Accot. that I have Paid Colo. Hite on the Accot. of the Ellextion I Dont know Weather I have Acted Prudent or not but is Paid of all Accots. that was Contracted at that time which Will not amount to more than Forty Pounds, the 25 Pound You left with me, is allmost made Use, of, In Paying the Miner as there was Eight Pound Due before You went away the Smiths Accot. will Run Prety High in Makeing & Pointing the Orgors for the Well, I have been Oblige to Pay a Doctor for Attending the Sick in the Fort, I Should be mutch Oblige to You to Inform me, in what Manner I am to be Supplyd with Subsistance my Money being allmost out the Governor wrote Very kind to me & Desires as I will still Carry on the Building but is Never Mentioned one Word about Money, I am Dr. Sir Your Friend & Very Hble Servt.

CHAS. SMITH

I have Inclosd Your News Paper & the Rest of the Gentlemens I Jest now Recavd. orders from General Forbes to Deliver us an Axacte of all the Stores & Working Tools at Winchester —

003416

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

CRESAPS augt. 5th. 1758

MY DEAR SIR

I last night had the pleasure of receiving your very agreeable and obliging favour by Mr. Gist, 15 of the men that he brought down with him Join'd to the old Guard Escorts the waggons with the waggons with the Remainder of the Ball to Fort Cumberland

Jenkins with a Corporal & 6 Horse set out from here highly pleas'd with his Escort I gave the Corporal orders to see him over Spring Gap Mountain and much farther as the old Gentn. should judge necessary as there's no Signs of the Enemy lately discover'd I hope he'll get down save —

Last night Tom Join'd me without arms and destitude of every necessary, I have return'd Mc.Kenzie of Capt. Woodward's Compy. in his room but as Mc.Kenzie did not care to part with his Regimentals I'm at loss how to get a Coat & Jacket for Tom as many of our men must soon, one way or other be provided for I imagined a Coat and Jacket might be spar'd without any inconvenience to the Service —

The Intelligence of our affairs you are pleas'd to favour me with gives me the deepest concern — Our once well grounded hopes will too probably be Blasted and the Glorious Prospect that once appear'd so full in view will dread be intersepted by Clouds of Gloomy Disappointments But as Genl. Renchild told Peter the Great it is our Business to obey — I wish to Heaven it was possible you cou'd have a Conference with the General My heart Bleeds — I dare not003517 proceed — I ever am with the most perfect and unalterable Esteem & Regard

my Dear Colo. Your mo: Affectt. & mo: Obt. hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART

Please offer my Complemts. to Colo. Byrd & Ct.

FROM WILLIAM FAIRFAX, ESQ.

BELVOIR Augt. 5th. 1758

DEAR SIR

I have scarcely time to acquaint you That I was Yesterday at Mount Vernon to Visit Mr. Patterson, who consulted me about taking up the upper Floors, as you gave him no orders about them, whereupon I had them clear'd in order to View them the better, and found most of them very uneven and several defective plank, upon which I made Patterson calculate the difference of Expence, between New laying them & intire new, which you'l see is too trifling to hesitate a moment provided you choose either.

Undoubtedly they may do with a little plaining, but that cant bring them even, or make them of a piece with the rest of the House. If you prefer a new Floor, their must be new Doors also, So that we beg you'l consider this matter and lett us have your directions — This word reminds me of breaking one of yours, which we hope you'l pardon, But it was upon seeing full imploy for the joiners, and that it003618 would take too much of their time That I took the liberty to hire a hand to paint the House, which is suffering for want of it — I think the Chimneys above are to much contracted and would be better were they inlarged. For if you remember they are taken in but whether to prevent Smoaking or for a Stove you perhaps can best tell, and the only one that can direct us — I have the pleasure to acquaint you, That you have some of the finest Tobacco & Corn I have seen this Year and a pritty full Crop of both which I believe is more than any in this or the next County can say. But yett we want much rain to make it, and the Grass spring. for I have never seen so melancholy a Prospect. It is reported pritty confidently that our Fleet, has Landed a body of Troop under the Command of the Duke of Marlborough at St. Maloa or near it, and taken Seven Ships of War all the Privateers and many Transports, but I hope soon to see it confirmed and some further particulars

Mrs. Fairfax Miss Cary Hannah & the Miss Dents join in their best wishes with Dear Sir

Your most Obedt. and very humble Servt. WM. FAIRFAX

FROM COLONEL JOHN CARLYLE.

ALEXR. Augt. 8th. 1758

DR. SIR

I Wrote You A few days Ago & Acquainted you that the Newgent Only Capt. Copethorn had gote Safe home tho' had damaged A little of his Tobacco003719 (Yours I hope & Mine are out of that Quantity) to the Above Letter I desire to be referr'd & Now I have Very little to Say more than that I wou'd not Lett an Oppertunity Slip Without Giveing you the Trouble of A few lines to keep Up A Correspondence So Agreeable to Me —

Yr. house I am to let this day is Cover'd In & believe Everything their Goes on well (as Col Fairfax tells Me) You have the Only Good Crop In these parts In both Tobacco & Corn —

Tobacco Continues at 25/ per Ct. & If any Number of Ships Comes In Next Year I do not know What price it May Be — We have No News here, Mr. Dalton & All yr. Acquaintances Mrs. Carlyle Amongst the first. Wish & Pray for yr. Safe return As does yr. rely Affectionet & obliged Hble Servant.

JOHN CARLYLE

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

CRESAPS Augt. 8th. 1758

MY DEAR SIR

Early this morning I had the very great pleasure of recg. your very acceptable Letter of yesterday, Covering Major Halkett's of the 2d. Inst., and with infinite satisfaction observe that fresh mark of your sincere Friendship, and would be quite happy by Fortune's presenting me with opportunities of testifying the high sense which my grateful heart will ever retain of it1 —

1CAMP AT FORT CUMBERLAND, August 11, 1758.

MY DEAR LIEUTENANT, — I am sorry to transmit an order that will give you pain, but must nevertheless tell you that the following came in a letter from Colo. Bouquet to me last night. “As our troop of light-horse is too much harassed by continual service, I desire you will send me half of Captain Stewart's troop, with one or two of his officers, as you may think necessary to take care of them”. As the Colonel gives me a discretionary power to send one or two, one must be his lot; and that I think should be your Cornet, as Mr. Crawford is appointed to the Troop pro tempore only, he should be put to little inconvenience. — It will be scarcely worth your while to confine yourself to the other half of your troop; I should be glad, therefore, to have your company at this place, as I think you may trust to Mr. Crawford's care. However in this case, pursue your own inclinations.

Your letter to Major Halkett got to Raystown in less than 24 hours after you wrote it. I shall appoint no person to do Brigade-Major's Duty, until I hear from that Gentleman, as you may be assured in this, as in all things else I have the strongest inclination to serve you; being Dear Stewart, with most Unfeigned truth your affectionate friend, and obedient servant,GEO: WASHINGTON.

003820

I need not say how happy I should be in being with you but from the Majr's. method of mentioning it I imagine it might not be agreeable, and perhaps might be made use off as an acquittance from other Promises — On the other hand should any thing happen the General for whose Recovery I begin to be afraid, I should be very unhappy in the Horse — I have wrote at large to the Majr. on the Subject which I inclose you open, when you peruse it be so good as to Seal & forward it if it can remain undetermin'd till you receive an answer it's well if not without inconvenience I must give up thoughts of it and trust to Promises as usual — O! wretched Dependance! how severe are your Laws, and how miserable your Votarys! Would Heaven be pleas'd to extricate me from your Clutches no fair Promises nor Gilded Prospects should even tempt me to venture in your reach But notwithstanding unerring Experience has taught me how little the Promises of the Great are to be depended on yet alas! it's all I have to Trust to — After having wasted so much of my Youth, impair'd my Constitution and sank the means of getting a livelyhood in another way, I with horror003921 behold myself plung'd in greater uncertaintys Than when I first Enter'd the Service But such are often the Fruits of Ambition — Should I survive the war my ruin appears inevitable

As the Officer who came to Relieve Mr. Gist did not get here till near Reville Beating Mr. Gist thought it would be imprudent to set out before Evening, but as he proposes leaving Fort Cumberland before day to morrow makes no doubt of overtaking Capt. McKenzie.

Tom waits on you for your orders for a Coat & Jacket, I will furnish him with Shirts, Stockgs. & Ce. and as there must soon be many more Coats than Men I imagine a Coat & Jackett might readily be spard he is extremely willing to be put under Stoppages till your accot. against him is paid —

As the Grass here begins to grow scarce, I send all the Horses to a Plantation about half a mile from hence for 5 or 6 hours every day, and reserves what remains here for the Sheep & Horned Cattle —

I ever am with the highest Esteem & greatest Deference

My Dear Colonel Your most Affecte. & Most Obliged hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART

Please offer my Complemts. to Colos. Byrd & Mercer

004022

FROM CAPTAIN A. BOTOMWORTH.

CAMP AT RAYS TOWN 9th. Augst. 1758

DEAR SIR

I recd. your Canteens by the Waggons which brought up the Artillery & delivered them immediately to the Care of Capt. Stewart who informs me he forwarded them by Lt. Campbell the day they arrived. I wish you could have had them sooner, they cost £3.19.0 at Philada./ & 18s for their Carriage to Carlisle the Ballance due you Shall repay when I have the pleasure of seeing you again I'm afraid somebody has made free with two mustard Bottles as there seems a Deficiency, I had no particular accot. of the Contents therefor cant say what number of bottles there were Colo. Stephens is on Command upon the road over the Hills with a Detachment of 500 men from the whole, the remaining Companies of your Regt. all march to morrow upon the same Duty & Colo. Byrds. I believe I may with some Certainty tell you that the Destination of all the Troops is this way, I know that will not be agreeable to you and my Friend Colo. Byrd but we must Submit Sr. Jno. and some Engineers have reconnoitred as far as Lowalhannan1 (within 50 miles of Du Quesne) and report it practicable to make a very good road, superior to Braddock's, the Genl. was to set off the 5th. from Carlisle we have two Waggoners Scalped and two wounded betwixt this & Lyttleton by two Separate Parties of Enemy Indians I have sent off two different Parties004123 of Cherokees from hence to endeavour to intercept them excuse extreme hurry and believe me with all Sincerity

1 Loyal Hannon.

Yr. most Obliged Hble Servt. A. BOTOMWORTH

Yesterday 48 of the Cherokees went away to their Nation.

FROM COLONEL SIR JOHN ST. CLEAR.

CAMP AT RAYS TOWN Augt. 9th. 1758

DEAR SIR

Mr. Long the Waggon Mr. of Maryland arrived here last night with 18 Waggons, which are to be loaded this day and shall set off for fort Cumberland with about 50 Waggons empty, these with Mr. Longs 18 are to return to this place loaded as follows, which I beg you will give directions about.

Waggons

350 Boxes Muskett Ball 14 in a Waggon25

200 Eight Inch Shells 30 in a Waggon7

700 Royal Shells 100 in a Waggon7

39

What Waggons Remain are to be loaded with Corn or Oats, and lest the Baggs be insufficient I have sent 700 Bushel Sand bags which are not to be used but in case of Necessity.

The Convoy of 18 Waggons which are now on the Road from fort frederick to fort Cumberland are to be forwarded to this place, and the Convoy that is said to be at Pearsalls the 15th. are likewise to be sent004224 on from fort Cumberland to this place. We are in great want of Grindstones ours not being come from fort frederick if you cou'd spare us a Couple, I shoud be much obliged to you, they may be replaced to you immediately. If you can send us any Entrenching Tools it will very much accelerate our Work.

I am with great Regard Dear Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant JOHN ST. CLAIR

P. S. you may give the Waggoners for 4 Horses 6 Bushells of Corn for 14 Days

FROM COLONEL HENRY BOUQUET.

REAS TOWN CAMP 10th. Aug: 1758

DEAR SIR

Capt. Possey's Company is marched upon the Road, and as the Small Pox broke out some days ago in your Regt. I have Sent them all wth. Col. Stephens over Allegheny Hill: The first Batt. of Pensilvania will follow them and we shall have about 1200 Men in the distance of 36 miles.

The Road will be cut to morrow night to the foot of the mountain, where different Parties are to join to cut the Gap, and join the Division wth. Col Stephens.

I have Sent you Provisions, and the Waggon Master has his Directions for his Load, I beg of you to give the necessary orders to expedite that Convoy,004325 Sir John has wrote you upon it and given directions for the forrage to be issued to the Waggoners.

Your men have lefft their Coats here, but as this Expedition goes on So Slowly, I am afraid the Winter will overtake us, before you can get your Cloathing again; for my Part I have Sent for the Coats of the R. A.1 and make them wear them: Please to give your orders to L Col Stephens on that Subject. They could be lefft at Loyal Hanning our first deposite and would be at hand at all Events.

1 Royal Americans.

Besides the two Waggoners Scalped and the two missing, one of our Escorts was attacked the Same day had two men wounded, but lost none: another man riding down was shot thro' the thigh: but Saved by immediate assistance: I hope that Some of those rascals will fall in wth. Some of our Parties.

We have lost 50 of our Indians, but I don't look on them to be of great Service if we are once over the Mountains, which will Shortly be the Case.

As our Troop of Light Horse is too much harassed by continual Service, I desire you will Send me half of Capt. Stuart's Troop, with one or two of his Officers, as you may think necessary to take care of them.

I expect daily the General or his orders to march my-Self to Loyal Hanning : We find happily less difficulty in opening the Road than we imagined. To this moment the choice of Roads has not contributed to retard the Expedition: The artillery horses are So harrassed that they can not move for 8 days.

004426

No Letters nor News from the Settlements — a Letter from Boston 24th. July makes no mention of Louisburg, which I do not like.1

1 “I could wish most sincerely that our accounts from the northward were clearer, and more favourable than they appear to be. If you have any intelligence from Ticonderoga I should be extremely thankful for the account thereof. We have expected hourly to hear that Louisburgh is in our hands. Pray Heaven, we may not be disappointed at last.” — Washington in reply, August 13.

5600 men under the Comand of Brig. General Stanwix are marched to the Carrying Place upon Mohawk River, to oppose a great Body of french coming down that Way.

Please to write to Mr. Walker to Send us as soon as possible a Supply of Cattle: The Calculation upon Paper will Starve us.

If the Tools from Fort Frederic are Sent to Cumberland, Send them to us.

I am Dr. Sr. Your most obedt. hble servant HENRY BOUQUET.

If you have any miners Please to order them here2

2 “No tools are yet arrived from Fort Frederick, nor have we any miners at this place: There were one or two pretty good ones in my own company; and where that company is you best can tell.” — Washington's answer.

004527 Prices & Rates atReas TownLoyall Hannonthe Ohio £ “ S “ D£ “ S “ D£ “ S “ D Madeira Wine pr. Gallon…0 “ 18 - 0 “1 “ 0 “ O1 “ 2 “ O Vedonia do “ do …- 11 --11 -- 12 - West India Rum do……10……11.6…13… Spiritsdo……12……13.6…15… Shrubdo…1..7…1..10…1..13… Shrub Punch for 3 Pints……2.3…2.3…3… Fruit dodo……2.3…2.3…3… Sangoreedo……2.3…2.3…3… Mimmdo……1.3…1.6…1.10 Single Refind Sugar pr lb.…2..…2.3…2.6 Brown do…do..…1.3…1.6…1.9 Hard Soapdo..…1.4…1.7…1.10 Tamarindsdo..…2……2.3…2.6 Candlesdo..…1.6…1.9…2… Shoes pr Pair…8……9……10… English Cheese pr Pound……1.6…1.9…2… Chocolate…do…2.6…2.10…3.2 Coffeedo…1……1.11…2.2 Bohea Tea..do…12……13……14… Writing Paper pr Quire…2……2.3…2.6 Mustard pr Bottle…1.9…2……2.3 Pepper pr Pound…5……5.6…6… Wine Vinegar…10……12.6…15… Cyder..dodo…3……4……5… Salad Oyl pr Bottle…5……6……7… Indian Blankits1..0.01..2.61..5… Pigtail Tobacco pr Pound……1.6…1.9…2… Leaf..do..do9…1……1.3 Prick..do..do9…1……1.3 Butterdo…1.3…1.6…2… Gammonsdo…1.1…1.3…1.6 Smoak'd Beef..do…1……1……1.2 Neats Tongues.do…1……1.3…1.6 American Cheese do10…1……1.3 Whiskey pr Gallon…5……6.6…8… American Rum do…5……6.6…8…

A Copy of the Prices & Rates of Sutlers Goods & Liquors Settled at Reas Town Augt. 10th. 1758. By Order of Colo. Bouquet Commanding Officer

Dry Goods to be Sold at 25 pr ct. at Reas Town allowing 4d. pr Pound for Carriage to Reas Town 50 Pr. Ct. at Loyall Hannon & 75 pr Ct. at the Ohio upon the Invoices and all Charges to Reas Town.

All the Suttlers are to provide a Dinner & Supper for the Officers of the Corps to which they belong (they giving in their004628 Rations & paying Sixpence a day for Cooking and Likewise for what Liquor they Drink

Signed JAMES BURD Colo. 2d B. P. R. President & approved by me HENRY BOUQUET

FROM MR. JOHN PATTERSON.

ALEXANDRIA August ye. 13th. 1758

HONOURABLE SR.

I have got ye. outside of ye. House finishd, ye. Closets excepted, & that by not having plank; which Mr. Balendine has got a bill for, but having no dependance on his word, shall strive if posible to finish ye. inside according to expectation (in case hands can be got) I have tryd my friends in raising, & kivering, ye. House but those men cannot be prevaild upon to assist me longer, having business of there own to be done. Having consulted Col. Fairfax concerning ye. old floors up Stairs, pasage floor also, informs me, he would write & have your answer, its just ye. Nail holes of ye. latter, looks but indifferent, but ye. Joynts makes amends for that; & in me would be base to take it up, when I am confident, its not in my power to lay a better one, ye. Stuff of it being dry, & when playnd over will have much a better look. As to yr. former floors Col. Fairfax, will write his opinion of them. I Likwise consulted Mr. Triplet of ye. Plan, he says its not in his power to do it, this year, as there is Bricks to be made, & as to ye. other004729 jobs he can compleat. In regard to pleacing ye. Stairs up to ye. Garret, I do not intend to adopt them in ye. Room mentiond, in ye. last Letter, but opposite to ye. head of ye. old Stair Caise, takeing them off from ye. store room that was; & shall advise with Col. Fairfax in this point, as in every other article. I hope to give your Hon. a greater sadisfaction by my actions than words, & shall allways remain with ye. greatest respect, Your Honours Most obligd, Most Hble. & Obedient Servt.

JOHN PATTERSON1

1 The following item in Washington's Ledger is in connection with the repairing or rebuilding of the Mount Vernon mansion: “Sept. 15, 1759. By the amount of your [Patterson's] Acct. for work on my House &c. Including all charges against me to this day. — £ 328.0.5.”

FROM COLONEL THOMAS WALKER.

WINCHESTER, August ye. 14 1758

DEAR COLO.

This day the Waggons set off from Pearises and about five Hundred Beef Cattle are to set off tomorrow. I am surprised at Colo. Bouquets Paragraph as I have Letters from Mr. Hoops of very Late Dates in one of which he writes that he has 600 Beef Cattle of 500 Each & in another that Yeiser has Sent up 400 That I need only send those gathered there not being an occasion for so much expedition, as he had before desired & I have no Orders for any further Purchase as yet. If I had timely Orders & money I am persuaded you need not fear Wanting Cattle Hogs & Sheep for six months from this time.

004830

It gives me great concern to find by you that we have so little Hopes of doing any thing to our Credit or advantage. Por Virginia will not for some time be able to make such another Struggle for the Common good As it is said our next Crop of Tobacco will be at Least 250,000 Pounds Sterling short of a Common one. It is impossible for me to Join you I am now reduced to a mere Scelleton not able to walk without Crutches & have not yet got clear of My disorder. This afternoon I intend Homewards on a Litter where I have hopes of recovering some flesh & strength.

Was I in health it would give me pleasure to see you though would not make the Campaign in any office of Drudgery.

That things may take a more Favourable turn than in all Human Probability can be expected & that the Virginians may be rewarded as I expect they merrit is the Prayer of

Dear Sir your Most Humble Servt. THOS. WALKER

FROM CAPTAIN CHARLES SMITH.

FORT LOUDOUN August 15th. 1758

DR. SIR

I Receiv'd your Favour Augt. 9th. Concerning The Ten Barrels of Flower, I have spoken to Mr. Walker about it he tels me he Dont know as he Receiv'd it or not, but says he will Settle with me as soon as he Gets a Supply of Money as he at this Time Intirely without, Mr. Walker Lyes Extreamly ill with the Rumetizem,004931 I am a Makeing a Letter this Day to Carry him Home.

As it is not in your Power to Supply me with Any more money to Carry on Publick Work at this Place notwithstanding Every Man that is able shall still Labour Sooner than the Building Shall Suffer —

I have Inclos'd a Pay Rol for the Month of July For Subsistance & Working Pay to Mr. Boyd & hav Inclos'd a Recet. to him in your Letter as it will be most Proper for you to Receive the Money & Inclose it in a Letter to me by Boras or some other safe hand1 —

11 Augt. 1758

Receivd.

of Allexd. Boyd Pay Master of the Firs Virga. Regt. the sum of Sixty Eight Pound Eleven Shillings & Ten Pence as Subsistance & Working Pay for the Month of July for the Soldiers Left at Fort Loudoun under the Comd. of Lieut. Chs. Smith. as Witness my hand

To

Mr. Boyd when the

money Receivd.

Your inclos'd Letters I have sent by a Very safe hand, The Soldier you Wrote to me about that come off with the Cherokeys, is now gone with them to their Nation, & was seen Carrying of a New Drum belonging to the Virga. Regt. I have Advertised them but I believe to Little Purpose, there is Richd. Bolton and Old Soldier who You Discharged is Returned to this Place & Begs Your Clemency to stay here & Receive subsistance as a Soldier, as he is in a Poor Condition, & no one to Apply to but You, I Should be Glad to know Your Pleasure in this Case — There is four of the Carolina Detachment Left here with me Sick one among them Charles Allsbery a005032Deserter from the 1st. Virga. Regt. but not being able to march.

The Twenty Raingers Who was Ordered to Garrison This Fort is now a Rainging from this Place to the Head of mill Creek & From there a Cross to Back Creek take their Rout through Hoop Peticoat Gap & Returns to this Place Every two Days Wherein they Give me & Accot. of any Discoveryes made — the Reason to my Leting them Rainge is to Give Satisfaction to the Common sort of People tho I must Needs say it is no Matter where they are for the Good they do only having the Name of Rainger. I Should be Glad of Your Advice in this Case, When any of them Deserts & is Brought Prisoners to me if I Should send for there Officers & have them Tryd there is three of them Prisoners now, Mr. Rutheford & myself took Last Night a Going off with a Party of Indians With there Hair Cut & Painted & Got Presents from Capt. Guest as Indians but I have them now safe —

This Day I have but Fifteen men in the Garrison Fit for Duty out of Fifty Six Rank & File —

Colo. Wood's is Very ill with the Gout but offers his Complyments to You I have nothing Particular to add be sure that I am Dr. Sir

Your Most Obedient Hble. Servt. CHS. SMITH

005133

FROM WILLIAM RAMSAY, ESQ.

CAMP NEAR RAYS TOWN Augt. 17. 1758

DR. SIR

Nothing of moment has Occurr'd since I came here, otherwise wou'd have inform'd you. The Genl. expected ev'ry day, this expectation has existed many. The road up the Allegeny Mountains so far as clear'd (by information) is Steep, Stony & of very difficult access, even Alpine difficultys, attend the lightest carriages How the Artillery &c. will be got up this & the Laurel Hill, must be left to better judges and time to determine. I am sorry to hear these delays & proceedings gives you so much uneasiness, tho', 'tis owing to your zeal for the common cause & good of your Country, your prudence, your great desire to serve your Country and being not in the least culpable, shou'd & I hope will support you, in this & ev'ry cause you imbark in. I need not tell you that however grating orders are to the brave & active, those of superiors must be obey'd. It is very probable after the Genls. arrival, a few days may bring you here. Adieu my Dr. Sir & believe I wish you content & happy & am Your

Affect. & obdt. Servt. WM. RAMSAY

005234

FROM COLONEL HENRY BOUQUET.

REAS TOWN CAMP 17th. Aug. 1758

DR. SIR

The Waggons are arrived safe to this Place, and the Detachmt. of Light Horse.

As it is not impossible (between us) that a Body of Troops under your Command Should march by B — Route, you will keep at Cumberland a Stock of Provisions for one Month, when your Convoy joins, and the Rest is to be forwarded to Reas Town.

As it is highly necessary to keep the Ennemy in doubt about our Roads, The General desires that you continue sending Strong Partys along, with orders to reconnoitre where the Junction of the two Roads could be made. I hear by Kelly who is gone from Loy: H — to the Salt Lick that it is about 16 miles a cross from that Post to the End of Chesnut Ridge where this Path goes: and the Woods So open that without cutting, Carrying horses may easily go thro', all pretty level —

Every one of your Partys, (who are to succeed one another constantly) are to detach Small Partys to reconnoitre the Ennemys, take if possible a View of their Works, and if they could get a Prisoner, know What Reinforcement they either have received, or do expect.

I am impatient to know what Success your first Party has met with, as I can hear nothing from the Indians and all the Partys I have continually Sent out.

The Woods about us are full of little Partys of005335Indians, and I know that they have discovered our New Road, which go on pretty well. — To morrow or next Day, The Waggons will be at Edmunds Swamp 32 mile from here, and I hope the worste part of the Route. The rest to L — H — will not take 8 days, and I keep all our Carrying horses and Waggons constantly employed in Sending Provisions forward We have 1600 men over the mountains, and Several Partys out, besides one of 100 Men that Set out to morrow.

If the french have received their Reinforcements as I Suspect, They will not fail to Send white men out, and we Shall Soon hear of Some Skirmishes.

The Accounts of Louisburg are very good, and I make no doubt, that the Place is actually or will fall Shortly in our hands.

It Seems that the operations to the Northward are turned upon the defensive, a very bad Circumstance for us, as the Ennemy can Send any Number of Troops this way.

All the Vacancies at Louisburg and at Lake George are immediately filled up.

Capt. Graham is made major to the Highlanders Beckwith major to the 46 Eyres Lieut. Col. and West major to ye. 55. Munster — Major to the Royal Amer:

The General is at Shippensburg, and on his way to join us, but is Still So weak that he can not travel very fast.

I hear that your Camp is very Sickly and I think it would be proper to move to another Ground, wherever005436 you find it convenient, without going to far from the Fort.

I am Dr. Sr.

Your most obedt. hble Servant H. BOUQUET

Pray my Compliments to Col. Byrd P: S: as Soon as the Catawba &c. join you Let them be forwarded here. If by chance your Indians had lefft any Stores, Please to Send them to us as we have little or nothing and chieffly no Blanketts to give them

FROM WILLIAM RAMSAY, ESQ.

CAMP NEAR RAYS TOWN Augt. 19th. 1758

DR. SIR Your requests obliges me. I hope they are intended to do justice to our injur'd Colony, this I have long wish'd for; We have bled freely, yet are made hewers of Wood & drawers of Water —

Colo. Bouquet is gon this day to view the road up the Mountain. The Genl. is expected on Tuesday. 'Tis generally tho't, L Hannin will be the ne plus Ultra of our Operations this Campaign. I shall endeavor to inform myself speedily of the several things you mention, tho; many may be very accurately got from the Philadela Gazette, this I shall take pleasure in & always of Obliging you. The restoration of your health and its continuance, will be among my chief005537felicitys. My next will give you what facts I can collect & the whole I hope when I have the pleasure of seeing you —

'till then farewell & trust me I am

Dr. Sir Your Affe. & Obliged H Servt. WM.. RAMSAY turn over

20th.

The Colo. return'd last Night, the road clear'd to the Top of the Mountain & said to be much better than representd. a Letter now in Camp from a Gentn. of Credt. in Lancaster says, we may rest assured, Louisburg was in our possession the 1st Inst. of this I wish you joy1

1 “The taking of Louisbourg [July 27, 1758] was an event the most desired by all our colonies; that harbour had always been a recepticle convenient to the enemies privateers, who infested the English trade in North America. It was the most effectual blow which France had received from the commencement of the war. By the taking of Louisbourg, the last the only place from whence she could carry on the cod-fishery; and the only place she had in a convenient situation for the reinforcements that were sent to support the war in the other parts of America; and with Louisbourg fell the island of St. John's and whatever other inferior stations they had for carrying on the fishery towards Gasperie and the bay De Chaleurs, which our ships soon after this event entirely destroyed. It is incredible how much this success in America, joined to the spirit of our other measures, operated to raise our military reputation in Europe, and to sink that of France, and consequently how much it influenced our most essential interests, and those of our allies.” — Annual Register, 1758. “The fall of the French stronghold,” says Parkman, “was hailed in England with noisy rapture. Addresses of congratulation to the king poured in from all the cities of the kingdom, and the captured flags were hung in St. Paul's amid the roar of cannon and the shouts of the populace. The provinces shared these rejoicings. Sermons of thanksgiving resounded from New England pulpits. At Newport there were fireworks and illuminations. … At Philadelphia a like display was seen, with music and universal ringing of bells. At Boston ‘a stately bonfire like a pyramid was kindled on the top of Fort Hill which made a lofty and prodigious blaze,' though here certain zealous patriots protested against celebrating a victory won by British regulars and not by New England men. At New York there was a grand official dinner at the Province Arms in Broadway, where every loyal toast was echoed by the cannon of Fort George; and illuminations and fireworks closed the day.” — Parkman's Montcalm and Wolfe, vol. ii. p. 52.

I am as before Yrs &c WM.. RAMSAY

005638

FROM COLONEL HENRY BOUQUET.

REAS TOWN CAMP 21st. Aug. 1758

DEAR SIR

I Send you 20 Pack horses for the use of your Scouting Partys, wth. Pork. Your Convoy will I hope arrive Soon, and restore Plenty in your Empty Stores. If the Cherokees Acct. could be depended upon, The French must have a Camp concealed near the Fort, as they have certainly received a Reinforcemt. I Expect Some Intelligces. from the Several Partys actually out.

I had last night a Letter from the General, who is, thank God, better than he has been for Six Weeks. Nothing will prevent his journey, but his extreme Weakness; he proposes to Set out to morrow from Shippensburg.

I went Saturday to the Top of the Allegheny Hill where I had the Satisfaction to See a very good Road. 20 loaded Waggons went up without dobbling their Teams: and proceeded as far as Edmunds Swamp: To morrow the Road will be cut 30 miles beyond Kickony Pawlins, Remains 13 to Loyal Hannon:

The 23d. Inst. 1500 men are ordered to take Post there, and as I remain here wth. about 800 men, I beg you will Send me the Marylanders, and Pensilvaniens, who might be wth. you:

005739

Our affairs to the Northward are in a bad situation, There is a flying Raport of Louisburg being in our hands but I doubt of it.

Mr. Hoops who goes to Cumberland, will give directions for the number of Bullocs wanted from Virga.

I amYour most obedt. hble Dr. Sr.Servt. HENRY BOUQUET

Be So good as to Send me for the Genl. an Exact Return by Companys of every man, under your Comand. My Compl: to Colo. Byrd, I received last night the inclosed.

FROM COLEBY CHEW.1

1 Brother of Joseph Chew.

RAYS TOWN Augst. 22d. 1758

SIR

As I think it my duty to Report any thing to you that is Extraordenary I take the Fredom to Inclose you a Journall that I kept from the time I Reced. my Orders till I Return'd, Which is as Exact a one as the place Would permit of pray Excuse my Freedom and believe me

to be Dr. Colo. Your most Obt. Servt. COLEBY CHEW

Journal.

Monday August the 7th. 1758

I Set of from Rays town by order of Colo. Boquet With a party of indians & White men to make What Discoverys I could of the strenth & situation of the Enemy to the Westward & proceeded005840 as far this night as the Shawanese Cabbins abt. 8 miles S 80 W — Tuesday the 8th. We continued our Course a long the Old Traiding Path Crossing the Alligany Ridge & encamped — at Edmunds Swamp 12 miles N. 70 W — Wednesday 9th. We marched abt. 9 miles N 60 W to Quimahony Creek at Which place we continued thursday ye. 10th. — Friday the 11th. We proceeded Early in the morning on our Way crossed the Lauril Ridge & came to & Encampment at the Loyal: hannon Old Town 15 miles N 55 W---

Saturday the 12th. We continued on our way along the Old Tradg. path Which kept for ten or twelve miles for the most part a long the low Ground of the loyalhannon, tho it sometimes turned off from the River & Crossed some Ridges & points of hills — the high land is well Timberd the Ridges not high, the low Ground of the River & in general of all the Creeks: Very bushy & thick. We this Day Discoverd some Very late sign of Indians 15 miles N 60 W---

Sunday the 13th. we marched very early & continued on tell 10 oClock When our indians halted to Conger as they had all the Day seen a fresh sign of Indians; the low Grounds & Swamps were Very thick & Bushy: We Sent out Scouts Who continued out tell Near Dark Which Occasioned us to Encamp there that Night. We Were informed by the scouts that the Enemy had gone on directly towards F. Duquesne: this Afternoon When the Sun was a bout an hour high we hear 12 Cannon fired as we imagined at F: D: 5 m: N 80 W —

Monday the 14th. We continued our march & sent out Scouts who could not discover the fresh Signs of indians Except those that had gone along the path but heard several guns fired The Path Went over a Great many Ridges Well Timberd 7 m Course Near W. Tuesday the 15th. We marched Very Early and Came in Abt. 3 miles from our camp to a large path that came from the Northward into the Old Traiding path in Which we saw the Tracks of a great many Indians going Both Ways: We imagine the guns that our Scouts heard yesterday were fired by a party that was going a long this Road. Several: horses some of Which were shod had been along this path yesterday toward F: D: The Way was good: the Ridges low & well timbered005941but all the Branches very thick With crab Trees & White Haws: 12 miles W: as the provision was Near spent the Indians this Night held a Council in which it was Determined that all Except my self a Serjt. & five indians should Return.

Wednesday the 16th. We sent Back those that were to Return & proceeded on our way being only seven in Number : We came to where a large party of Indians had been abt. to Days a goe I imagine from the size of their Encampment abt. 100. They had Cleared five or six feet Square Very clean & had left in five pieces of Bark with two or three pipe fulls of Tobacco in Each piece : It is Abt. It is Abt. 6 miles from our last Camp to this place the path But in different Crossing many Ridges & Course Abt. N 80 W — N B : the hills End at this place & it is a plain Country from here to F : D : We here left the Old Tradg. path & went abt. 3 miles : N W : then turned : S W : crossed the path & kept a Course S 70 W till we Were within two miles of : F : D : then went to the N of W : & came to an Old indian Town on the Ohio Abt. 1½ m. Above the Fort We had a Very good View up & Down the River : We saw some Cattle grasing on an Island Down the River : We hid our selves in a thickett till the indians had conjured and painted after Which we Went Down The River Within ¾ of a m : of the F. then turned S. E. & went up on a stony Ridge where the Chief Warriour took his conjuring Implements & tyed them abt. the Necks of three young men indians & told them they could not be hurt : Round my Neck he Tyed the Otter Skin in Which the Conj'g. : Implements had been kept & round the Serjts. neck he tyed a Bag of Paint that had been kept with the Implements, he then told us that not one of us could be shot for those things Would turn the Balls from us — He then made us Strip ourselves of all our Cloaths Except our Breech Clouts & mocasons, then shook hands With us & told us to go & fight like men for nothing could hurt us. The first View had of the fort was from the Banks of the Ohio but a Great Distance : we saw one Batteau two Cannoes, there were indians in the latter fishing. We were there in a pasture fenced in With Trees sett one on another. We saw by the Tracks that this pasture, the farthest part of Which is only abt. ¾ m : from F : D : was much frequented by indians. from Which I Could make no Great Discovery006042 Except of the Number of tents till Almost sun seting at Which Time I let the Indians know that I wanted them to Accompany me to the top of a Ridge that Run Down in the forks Directly towards the F : but they disliked the proposal & refused as they were in great Expectations of geting a Scale there — however When they saw that I was Determined to go & had proceeded on towards the place they followed me — from the top of this Ridge I had an extraordinary good View as it was considerably higher than the F & scare half mile Distant from it, there were fifty or sixty tents pitched on the Ohio abt. 100 yards from the Fort & there are several houses on Monongahala. there were Neither Cannoes nor Batteaus in this that I Could perceive, nor Could I discover any New Works abt. the fort. I do imagine the men parade in the Fort as I saw them going in at Retreat Beating but from What I Saw I do not judge that they have above 300 Frenchmen, the Indians kept a continual Hooping but I Could not see their Camp unless the Tents I mentioned were pitched for them Which I judge were from the fires & the Appearance of the people at them whom by their looks, noise &c. I imagine to be Indians — I could see no Sign of a Camp or Buildings on the other Side of either of the Rivers — After Dark the Indians got to Singing & Dancing from their noise I judge them to be Abt. fifty in Number all which the Cherokees told me were Shawnese. As I have taken a plan of the place & Fort as well as I could upon a Separate paper, I shall make no mention of it here---

This march had we kept the path would have been Abt. 12 miles the Course Abt. N : 80 W — The Ohio Runs near S : 20 : W : the monongahala at the mouth from Near : E : From the top of this Ridge I moved to another place nearer to the monongahala but could make no further Discovery From this place we went back to the Chief Warriour & after some consultion a greed to return home — upon Which we came abt. a mile & Near the Tradg path encamped — We heard the Indians singing & Dancing all night---

Thursday 17th. As soon as Day break we began our march which we continued Very fast till 1 oClock in Which time we came about 30 miles & overtook our party that was ordered back We006143then made a short half & refreshed our selves after which we continued our march together & came Abt. 12 miles Abt. 2 miles before we encampt we came upon some fresh Tracks that came along the path Eastwards---

Fryday the 18th. we continued on our Way pursuing the Tracks that we Came on last Night. The low grounds & Branches I mentioned in my Journal as I went towards F : D : are Very low & liable to be Overflowed & consequently Very moist & Soft so that I am a fraid a Road tho' them Will be Very indifferent for Carriages We followed the Tracks till night When we encamped abt. 4 miles from the Camp at Quimahony Creek —

Saterday the 19th. We marched Early in the morning & came to the camp Where we found that it was Ensn. Allens party that we had tracked & that they they arrived a Camp But last Night —

FROM COLONEL JOHN CARLYLE.

ALEXR. Augt. 22d. 1758

DR. SIR

I Was favd. with yours of the 9th. & 20 Int. In Answer to the former you have A Letter from Me to Mr. Simons. Yr. Other covers the rect. of my two last & am Glad I had it In my power to give you the Satisfaction of Copethorns Safe Arrival, the General Accounts of Sales for Tobacco this Yr. has been from 7 to 10£ per hhd & its the received Opinion it must be higher, The Prospect at Present being So bad that All Agree this Whole Colony will Not make more The 10000 hhds. & those that Can will keep up their Tobacco for a Price & by All Accounts from home their is No Quantity on hand —

The Present Prospect of any Thing being done this Year To the Wt.ward Seems very bad but as I006244am a prejudiced Person Agt. Sum of the Gt — Men on that Comand, I dare not find fault Least I Should not make Proper Allowances, I am greatly Obliged to you for Yr. Account of Affairs, & heartily am Sorry for Yr. & many other Gentns. Situation Who If they had Leave wou'd be of Service to a Country that has done all (nay more than was( In Their power to Carry on The Warr to Advantage —

Colo Fairfax has Wrote You lately, as Also has Jno. Pattinson Relateing Your Buildings. It must be from Sum Currious Eye or Sumthing of that kind that hinders Your Not Receiveing Letters from him, for I have Seen Several & have forwarded Sum As to Knight I cannot Say So much for As I donot So Often Converse With him only In General I am told Youl make A Good Crop & What of It I have Seen You have the best Corn & Tobacco In this County & dare Say Jno. Pattinson has your Interest At heart as much As If it Was his Own —

Nothing New has happen'd here Since You left this the Ladys here & at Belvoir desires their Compts. to You — They Joyn Colo Fairfax (who is here) Mr. Dalton & me In hearty Wishes for Yr. Health & Safe Return to a Life of Ease & Plenty — I am

Dr. Sir Yr. obliged Hble Sert. JOHN CARLYLE

P. S Mr. Ramsay is much Wanted at Winchester & here & dayly Expected — Yrs. &c

J. C.

The Inclosed Letter for Mr. Ramsay Contains Matters006345 of Moment to him & Us & If his Come Away Wch We Are In hopes he is We desire Youd Inclost. it back to us — Excuse this Trouble from

Yrs. &c C & D1

1 Carlyle & Dalton.

FROM CAPTAIN CHARLES SMITH.

FORT LOUDOUN Augt. 22. 1758

DR SIR

I Receiv'd Your Favour Dated the 20th. — & have sent Down Your Inclos'd Letters to Alexandria by Mr. Cooper —

You say I Did very Rong in Keeping Govenours Faiuquars Letter to Governour Sharp so Long, & then sending it to you I can assure You to my knowledg I Never see the Letter but allways takes the Greatest Care of there Letters, as Well as Yours Which I Shall Resarve as Part of My Care —

I Receivd. a Letter From Governour Sharp Dated the 18th. Wherein he Informs me that it is Reported, as Lewes Burg was given up the 22d. of Last Month — but with What Foundation he knows not —

it Gives me a Deal of Sattesfaction to here that You & the Rest of the Gentn. Lives so agreable to Your one testes, it is more then I can say, for this is the Dulest Place You ever See,

I hav Wrote to hardewick at Every Oppertunity to Answer Your Letters, as I am sensibel he ought006446 so to do, I am in Hast, & no more to ad, believe I am Your

Friend & Very Humbe. Servt. CHS. SMITH

P. S. Nothing is hapened since Last Return, & when I send the Papers You shall have an Exact Accot. of the Whole, C. S.

FROM COLONEL BOUQUET.

REAS TOWN CAMP 23d. Aug 1758.

DEAR SIR

The Governors in America have no Comand of the Troops even of their own Province as soon as they are joined wth. any other of his Majestys Forces: unless they have a Comission from the Commander in Chief for that Purpose

I have commanded the Forces at Philada and at Charles Town, tho' the Governor was Capt. General in his Province, and was intirely independent from them.

Governor Sharpe will not expect to have the Comand as Governor, and as Lieut Col. he can not; and would not I suppose choose to serve in that Rank: Therefore you are very Right in keeping it.1

1 See Ford's Writings of Washington, vol. ii. p. 83.

I send Capt. Trent to bring here the Indians wth. you.

006547

The Intelligences received by Lieuts. Allen and Chew of your Regt. are full and very Satisfactory

I am Dear Sir Your most obedt. Hble. Servant HENRY BOUQUET

FROM CAPTAIN BOTOMWORTH.

CAMP AT RAYS TOWN 23d Augt. 1758

DEAR SIR/ I have scarce been able from a Sprain in my Wrist to hold a pen for this sometime past, or would have done myself the pleasure of writing oftener, the Current News I made shift to scrawl to Colo. Byrd once or twice which I desired him to acquaint you with. Colo. Burd of the 2nd Batn. Pennsylvs. Major Grant with a Detachment of 300 Highlanders and all the Royal Americans march this day to take Post at Loyalhannon, The General still remains below for the recovery of his health and I presume will not move till the road is cut to our Advance Post. Every thing has but a bad aspect with General Abercromby, His Troops are intrenched at Fort Wm. Henry, Montcalm has an Incampment within 16 miles of him wch. Col. Haisland is gone to attack, Bradstreet is gone with 4000 men as is supposed to Frontinac; The two Parties of Cherokees which were out at the French Fort are returned Ensn. Chew was with them they had a very fair & full view of it there are about 200 or 300 Indians there & as many White men no New Works at all abt. 18 pieces of Cannon I dare say no Reinforcement is yet arrived006648from the Northward. I wish you may soon join us & am Dr. Sir Yr. most obedt. Servt.

BOTOMWORTH

N. B. There is a Grand Treaty going to be held with all the Ohio Indians & those as far as the Lakes in Septr. which will be an excellent Diversion if accomplished.

FROM HUMPHREY KNIGHT.

MOUNT VERNON, Augst. the 23d 1758

SIR/ Yesterday we had a very fine rain which has wet things to the Roots. Ellse we have had None before this sumer, to Do Corn mutch servis We have a very likely Corn field I believe the best in the parts, As to Tobco. we have a good Deal mising but it is the worst of the ground I hope to make a smart Crop of Tobco. if weather premits, I should be Glad to no what Quantanty of wheat you would have savd, Our people has bin very sickley ned and Ruth is sick now, & betty but I hope no Dainger Our Stock is all well, I have taken some people out of The Crop and put to work on the new meadow which we begun last fall) and shall get it in use again as I can not hurting the crop the mill has not gone this 4 or 5 weeks past, Willm Gates and Nathan Williamson two of your Tenants has Given notice that theyr. Going of, As to the rest they seem to want to stay If your Hnr. thinks proper they should I have Got all the rents in as I shall get this year, Ben Williamson,006749Will Nelson Wm. Gates Neither of them has paid all their rents, John Crook has paid none, the widow Ransom Did not pay Quite all hurs, plese to send word if any of the Tenants is to be movd: that wants to stay or if ye places that is void must be rented again because several sponsible people is after them I am Sir your Most Hble Servt. to Comd.

HUMPHREY KNIGHT

The place of Nathan Williamsons is on that track of Land you bought of Mr. Dorrell lies over ye road against the Orchard where ye widow Ransom lives

H. K.

FROM JOSEPH CHEW, ESQ.

NEW LONDN., Augt 23d 1758.

DEAR SIR

I assure you my not having a single Line from you for a Very Long time gives me no small Pain, — I make no doubt but you are much engaged however one moment may be afforded to an Old Friend,

inclosed you have all the news I can send you and I congratulate you on the same, it is not a tryfling Blow to the Grand Monarck the taking of Louisburgh with so many ships of war in the Harbour — I hope we may give them many more as weighty strokes and that very soon — I earnestly pray for your success and am not out of hopes of some good accounts Coming shortly from the neighbourhood of Ticonderoga. I pray you to give my Love to my Brother and all Friends. Accept of a large portion006850of the same with my best Respects yourself and be assured that I am my Dear Sir

Your affectionate obedt Servt JOS. CHEW

FROM JOHN KIRKPATRICK, ESQ.

ALEXANDRIA 23rd. Augt. 1758.

DEAR SIR/ I am no less honour'd than entertained by your kind Letter of the 20th. which has had a speedy passage hither — and gives me the wished for intelligence of your good Health, amid all your Anxieties, and Troubles — May it long continue — & improve with a full enjoyment of all your wishes — whether in the active attempts to Liberty and Honour — or in the passive paths of Virtue, peace and pleasure.

You have a large share of sympathy from me — coud it avail to change the situation of affairs — or my ineffectual Wishes add any thing to the service of my country — which now, more than ever, calls aloud for Redress — In vain does your Generous Zeal, — oppose the Torrent of headstrong prejudice or attempt to clear the Mists of Mistaken Parties — It has long been the luckless fate of Virginia, to fall a Victim to the Views of crafty neighbours and yield her honest efforts to promote their common interest — at the expense of much Blood and Treasure — While her Sincerity Justified her measures — We now, can only bewail that Blindness — and wish for happier006951times — which seem at so remote a distance — that it is rather to be wished than expected

Your kind detail of the Delays and disappointments that attend You, are extremely acceptable — and we all acknowledge the favour — Could it suit your leisure to give us an Account of the Road from Phila. to Rays Town — thence to Du Quesne — their distance — and how passable for carriages — &c. — a better notion can be form'd of this surprising folly — when laid in Contrast to the old Roads — A particular list of Your Army woud likewise oblidge — and what other intelligence you are pleas'd to communicate — as we shall be better Judges of the Injustice offered by the Pensilvanians — who are all in all.

To drop the dull topick of politicks — and touch the subject of social entertainment — woud require a readier genius, to dress the insipid occurancies so as to yield you any degree of Satisfaction — but to take them according to your own Arrangemt. — Love, reigns with gentle sway — and rarely in this Age warms the heart beyond the common degree of Fondness — hence, this defficiency of Romantick Lovers Knight Errants — &c. in short his influence is seldom seen. However as an exception I hear Charles' Eskridge intends to Batter down the Gates of Miss Guby's affections in a little time, The Surrender being suspended till Monsr. Ramsay the commandant consent to the Terms of Capitulation — Charles' Colo. vizt., C — le resists the scheme with fruitless arguments. I am almost induced to believe our Friend B. Fairfax has some thoughts of softening his austerity007052in the arms of some fair Nymph — coud he reconcile the Toying, Triffling, Billing Sports of Love to the Solemnity and Gravity of his Deportment — Amusements and joys unbecoming his Philosophic Temper — tho' I cant think he has any inherent aversion to what some esteem the end of Creation.

I am hurried to Conclude because Cowper who brought me yours carries this to Winchester — & waits for me. I have resolved on paying a visit to my native country & may probably take the first occasion in 3 weeks or a Month hence — however shall do myself the pleasure of writing You before I go — & give you a Direction for me — that when it shall please you to honor me with a Letter, I may not suffer a disappointment by miscarriage — I am not resolved to continue at home — but — there — here — or Wherever Fortune fixes me — I am extremely Yours in every respect — as in Duty I ought — & always will be dear Sir Your very much oblidged &

Obed: Hume. Servt. JNO: KIRKPATRICK

FROM RICHARD VERNON.

FORT PEARSALL Augt. 24th. 1758.

honble. Sir I hope no Eval will accrue from my detaining a Letter derected to you So Long by me, when had opertunety to send it sooner but humbly hope the Severity of my Disorder will pleed my Excuse — Mr. Mc. Cullouch must apply to Sir John for Cash to Discharge the Branch forrage Acct. Mr. Walker hath wrote only for what will be sufficien007153to discharge the debts allredy Contracted below — I could not by any means bring a Total of the Forage Recd. below. Mr. Walker much ailing and in a hurry home, bundled up all the papers I had Relating to Three Large Quantitys — Forage before I had Entered them in my book —

please To Charge The Waggon masters To have all the Wagns. well secured both sides and ends That no Horses can teare their Bags; and cover the Seames in the bottoms of The wagns. underneath the Lode to prevent the bags from falling or working in which if they do, the motion of the wagn. will soon weare holes and lose the grain — Much damage hath been sustained that way notwithstanding repeated orders ware given to have the wagons secured as above — Please allso to order the wagn. Masters to bring in all the Empty baggs both flower and forrage baggs and Deliver them To The Commissarys proper to Receive Them —

There are three men from Culpepper which Mr. Walker and myself are under promises to that they shall not be obligd any farther than Fort Cumberland. I beg your honr. may pay a regard To our Reputations.

I hope You'l not blaim me for ordering the Teams To be well fed this time — one Team well fed will do you more Sarvice in yr. march out, Then two that are meanly fed and its the Good of the Sarvice I have at hart — I hope no person of Knowledge or that is To be Regarded will Sensure me for the Loss of so many Cattle — I had no Gard assign'd me which was Exceeding ill usage — Nither Should I007254have left Edwards's Til next day and so push'd on to Pearsalls under my own Gard in one day; had not several Gentlemen laid down many Reasons why I should joyn them that night — but I hope the most of those beeves will be recovered again.

Thus Dr. Sir I Conclude a most Imperfect Letter beseeching The Great Disposer of Events to Defend and Prosper you Through all perrils and fatigues of War Bring you of Victorious at the close and Long Continue you the Delight of all well Effected Virginians — I am Sir your most oblig'd hble Servt.

RICHD. VERNON

FROM HUMPHREY KNIGHT.

MOUNT VERNON Augst the 24th. 1758

SIR/ Yesterday your Waggoner came down from your Quartrs. in Fredrick with one mair and four colts and Delivered em to John Allton Colonel Carlyle tells me you mention to him that we Neglect righting to you. I shall Evedently make it appear if I live to see your Honr. that I have lodgd. Severall Letters in Alexandrea. to be sent to your Hnr., but I find Severall has miscarried Tuesday Last we had a very fine rain which is all the rain we have had this Summer that has bin to mutch acct, we planted our Crop all over but want of rain Causes a Deal to be wanting but it happens to be ye. worst of the ground that is wanting we have the best Cornfield I believe in our Parts Our stock is all well our people has been sickly and Ned and Ruth is sick now but I hope no danger of Loosing them I believe we have as good a007355crop of Tobo. growing as any in ye. County. the great house goes on as brisk as Posable the paintr has bin painting 3 Days Our Carpentr. is now giting leaths to Sheath ye Great house and shall Sheath it Mr. Patterson tells me he will see it well Dun, I keep all the people I can spair out of the Crop making the new meadow which we begun last fall, I shall Stick Close to your business and work your people I hope to your Satisfaction Our mill has been no sarvis to us this 4 or five weeks and more I Dair say for want of water ye. miller says I am Sir yr. Most Hble. Servtt. to Comd

HUMPHREY KNIGHT

We have made a very fine Crop of Oats and only Seven and sixpence Cost in Mowing. We have thrasht all our wheat with our one people. We have now in the barn thrasht about 40 bushels of old wheat and about 25 of New — Never was any destroyed of either As to what your Honr. would have sewd this fall I am quite a stranger to and as Mr. John Washington has not cum up yet I must aply to your Honr. for advise. I could make what wheat I pleased if I was to sew at Mudy Hole1 but007456where you please. Please to wright word where you would have it sewd and what Quantaty.

1 One of Washington's farms. It contained four hundred and seventy-six acres, situated on the road from Mount Vernon to Alexandria; divided into seven “fields and clover lots.” It was Washington's practice to number, in each division of his four farms (Union, Dogue-Run, Muddy-Hole and River Farms), the separate fields or lots. By this means his overseers were enabled in his absence to follow closely his careful and minute directions regarding his crops and their proper rotation. Throughout Washington's life he took an active interest in and direction of his farms. He excelled in that art as in the other duties to which he was called by Divine Providence; and his tables of rotation of crops, etc., would serve to-day as models for the agriculturist. From no class of correspondence did he, in later years, derive more satisfaction than in that with Sir Arthur Young on topics relative to practical and scientific agriculture.

H. KNIGHT.

FROM CHRISTOPHER HARDWICK.

BULLSKIN August 26th., 1758.

HONBLE SIR/

Your's of the 8th. Instant came to hand the 20th.. I wou'd have wrote to you as often as you Desire, but that I have nothing material to Mention so often to write to you about, neither have I at this time any Agreeable News or Acct. to send to you in regard to our Crop the Weather being so excessive Dry, had not one Shower of rain since my Last Letter to you ’till Sunday last, makes me fear it will be but a poor Crop, ’tho. Better with you than with any other in our Neighbourhood, our last planting is but very small by the Drought & a great deal of it burnt up — According to your Directions I have sent the Mare with her four Colts to Mount Vernon, & wrote to John Alton to take particular Care of them: I shall have the Wheat Threshed out as soon as possible, people wont [mutilated] hired to thresh at this Time, nor can I spare any of our own people [mutilated] it, as yet. Please to let me know what Quantity of wheat you'l have sowed this year, your people are all well, I have nothing else material to Mention but am with due Respect Sir your most

Humble & obedient Servant CHRISTOPHER HARDWICK

P. S. Sir please to write to me by the first opportunity concerning the wheat —

007557

FROM COLONEL BOUQUET.

REAS TOWN CAMP 26th Aug. 1758.

DEAR SIR

I had last night your favour of the 24th. 308 Beeves were brought here, and as 320 had been sent from Cumberland 12 must have been lost. They are extremely bad, and I hope we shall have no more such Cattle from the Contractors.

I expect to-day your Convoy with the Indians. I regret extremely the loss of poor Bullen which very truly is a great one at this juncture.

If there is any team fit for service in the Waggons that brought you the flour, I beg you will Keep them in the Service, and send them here, where we have employment for them.

The first division of the artillery is over the Allegheny, and had no Stop or difficulty to go over the Gap: the Road will be cut tonight to the foot of L. Hill and in three days Sir John promises to be over to Loy. H The second division will follow immediately and I expect wth. impatience the arrival of the General to move on myself: We must shortly enter upon action, and I know that we have time enough to carry our Point, if we meet with no new difficulties.

The first Point to Settle is the disposition of your Troops, of which I shall inform you immediately — Please to keep constant Partys upon your Road. I am with great truth my dear Sir your most obed & humble servant

HENRY BOUQUET

007658

If Mr. Hooper Should want any Escort I beg you will furnish him one.

Mr. Fraser went to Cumberland for two days and I have not seen him Since.

In case you sent any Waggons this Way, he could take the opportunity of removing his family Which he told me was his Intention.

My compliments to Colo. Byrd, Am very sorry of his Indisposition.

H. B.

Any troops not belonging to your two Regts. who could come to you, Please to order them all here.

FROM CAPTAIN CHARLES SMITH.

FORT LOUDOUN, Aug 27th. 1758.

DR. SIR/ I have inclosed you three Weekly Returns Wherein you will se what strengt I am off, at this time.

there is one Christopher Hencely a Deserter from the First Virga. Regt. I have taken up. he promises for the time to come to be a very Dutifull Soldier but did not Imagin any officer would a meddled with him, as he had been out of the servis so long he Left us with Six more from the Dunkers just before the Scrummage at the Great meadow.

by a Letter yesterday from the Governour wherein he says you inform'd him that I had about 20 £ left with me to finnish the Well & to Close in the Buildings, the Miners Account is come to more than that007759sum all ready but still we continue for the want of water makes Duty very hard, as I am still ordered to carry on the well I Imagin you know best how the Blacksmiths is to come at thier Parts as their Parts runs pretty high.

Hardwick was here Yesterday & tels me there is a Worst Prospect this Year for a Crop as ever he see, I Persuaided him if he had not constant work for the Negroes to set some of them to cuting of Wood for the Iron Workes.

we have no News here worth Relating as I Refaire it to the Papers sent up.

the Raingers still Keep on the Scout & has not Put them in my Weekly Returns to you but shall take Your advice before I send to the Governour as he thinks it necessary as They Should Guarde the Stors but Let Duty be Ever so hard I would sooner have them away than shuch a Grumbling.

so many men being Sick in this Garrison as I am Oblig'd to Advance a Prety Deal for Doctrs. Medisens & other Necessary — as they cant Possibly do without — some with the Flucks Rumatics Fits Sore Leggs, & the Foul Deseas it cant be suppos'd that these men can be sav'd. without sufficient care taken of them and I being not a gudge the Doctrs. may Impose on me, as they think Proper.

I have no more to ad as all Friends is Well believe I am Dr. Sr. Your Friend & very Hhbl. Servt. CHAS SMITH

007860

FROM WILLIAM RAMSAY, ESQ.

CAMP NEAR RAYS TOWN Augt. 29th. 58.

DR SIR

Inclos'd I send you the best intelligence I cou'd get & tho; not precisely to aday, I fancy near the truth; tho; the publick papers will give a better Account of Cape Breton, Hawk, and St. Maloes, I believe may be depended on. — I shall continue to keep a jounal of ev'ry occurence while I stay here, but my dear friend I am heartily tir'd, & my business calls me home.

I wish you ev'ry happiness & am Dr. Sr. Yr. affect. H. Servt. WM RAMSAY.

[Intelligence inclosed in Mr. Ramsay's letter.]

4th. or 6th. June The Highlanders landed at Philadelphia, Abt. the 25th. or 28 July, part came to the Camp near Rays Town abt. the 10th. June, the train arrived at Philadelphia. Abt. the 1st. Aug. At the Camp near Rays Town.

The Virginians open'd the Road from abt. 10 Miles this side of Shippys Town to Rays Town, 70 Miles.

N. B. — The Pensylvanians clear'd part of the road the Virginians were on, but it cost the Virginians three days labor to make the same passable —

N. B. By persons of undoubted veracity & in the imploy of Pensylvania, do publickly assert, that the new road from Shippys Town to the Camp, is worse than any part of the old road from Fort Cumberland to Fort Du Quesne —

007961

The Crown pays carriage of Provisions from Philadelpa. & I dare say costs gorty shillings per hundred —

Augt. 23d. Highlanders, Royal Americans & second Battalion of Pensylvanians Marched & escorted 2. 12 pounders, 2 Six pounders & sundary Provisions towards Loyal Hannon.

26th. 5 or 6 Waggons sent from the Camp near Rays Town to Loyal Hannon with Shingles, Quere — is not this imprudt when they have plenty of fine Timber & Workmen on the spot —

Soldiers here very Sickly & die fast —

27th The General suppos'd to be yet at Shippys Town. The old Camp broke up & remov'd near the Fort where I am inform'd a breast Work is to be thrown up.

Augt. 22d. Provisions in store. Vizt. at Carlisle, Shippys Town, Fort Loudoun, & Littleton & Rays Town & with the advanc'd Troops are as follows Vizt.

54 days Flour, 32 days Salt Provisions, & 21 days Rice no dependance on Salt Provisions.

N. B. I heard some Persons of Credit Publickly declare that the Waggons employ'd in the Kings Service in Pennsylvania were Apprais'd upon an Average to £20 above the intrinsic worth.

They further said they knew Horses bought a few days or hours before Appraisement, valued by the Appraisers to £9 & £15 wch. only cost 50/ & 60/. Honest Appraisers & a disinterested Colony —

28th. Louisburg surrendered the 26th. July — the Garrison Prisoners of War.

008062

Six French Ships of War taken by Hawk & 100 Transports St. Maloes in France said to be destroyed with all their Privateers, Docks Yards &c.

The Genl. at Shippys Town.

“NOTE. St. Maloes if destroy'd, is the fruits of our secret expedition, & indeed the first fruits — ”

FROM COLONEL BOUQUET.

REAS TOWN CAMP 30th Aug 1758.

DEAR SIR

I have your favour of the 28th. and am very glad to have it in my Power to relieve you of that long inactivity which you so justly complain of.1

1 In response to Washington's melancholy reflections on the campaign.

The Generals orders are that you march with the Virginia troops actually under your Command, by Braddock's Road, and that you take Post at the Salt Like,2 that Strong natural Encampment described us once by Sr. John. Our advanced Partys on this Way will take Post beyond the Chestnut Ridge, and will look for the shortest Communication wth. you.

2 Salt Lick Creek, now known as Sewickly Creek, — JONES. Washington did not, however, repair to Salt Lick. He did not march from Fort Cumberland until the 21st of September. “If it were possible that I could march with carrying horses only, and those good, I could be at the place you mention in six days: But if I am encumbered with waggons it will probably be 10 days; and if the teams are bad, there is no guessing at the time. … I am very desirous of a conference with the General before I march as there may be many things necessary to settle, I shall lose no time in attending him when I have notice of his arrival.” — Washington's answer; from Washington's Letter Book, iv. p. 135.

I beg you will let me know what you may want in ammunition &c. Provisions you must have for Six Weeks from the day of your departure, including 3 weeks of fresh Meat or live Cattle.

008163

I shall send you a Proportion of Intrenching tools and Compleat your Men at 100 Rounds each.

As we have no Waggons here, I cannot See that you will be able to march before the 8th. of 7ber and if you could by your Interest procure a number of Waggons from Virginia they would be of great Service, were they 100: The last Teams you have had from Winchester are very good, but before I received Your Orders, I had Sent them to Carlisle. These 100 additional Waggons or Part of them could be loaded wth. what flour cou'd be got in Virga. The Rest with Indian Corn, proceed to Cumberland, where they would find further orders, according to Circumstances and either go to the Ohio by your Road or this as would be found most convenient.

The first good Waggons that will come up I shall Send you, with what you may want.

The General was to Set out yesterday from Shippys and I hope will be here in a few days. It will be very necessary that you See him; as soon as I know the day of his arrival, you will be informed. Prepare in the meantime your Queris &c.

If you will have Pack horses to carry Provisions besides the Waggons, you may have any number of them, but they cannot easily carry Pork, Liquor or Tools, otherwise you would have had little occasion of incumbering your march with waggons.

Let me know in how many days you could be there, either wth. Pack Horses only, or with Waggons.

The Ration is fixed at 7lb. flour and 7lb. fresh Beef per Week, and in lieu of Beef five Pounds of Pork and one Pint of Rice, or in lieu of Pork, four pounds of Bacon and also one Pint of Rice.

008264

A Head of Bullock is given here for 5lb. and the Heart for two.

I write you in a great hurry, not to differ a moment informing you, of your happy delivery. I shall let you know, how the Fort is to be garrisoned. I believe it will be by 250 men of the Militia of Maryland, commanded by the Governor himself.

Your Sick Should be Sent to the Genl. Hospital here, or lefft at Cumberland, if they can be well attended there. Your sentiment upon that.

If you have any hopes of getting Waggons from Virginia, how could they be escorted to Cumberland without weakening you?

I have had the misfortune to have had One Express to the General intercepted last Week. I can hear nothing of the two Light Horse, the Carriers, whether deserted, killed or taken; and yesterday another Experss from our advanced Post deserted with Letters; Therefore the French may pretty well be informed of our Proceedings: I am ashamed that they Succeed in all their Scouting Partys and that we never have any Success in ours.

My Compliments to Col. Byrd. I shall be very glad to see you here, and am with great truth Dr. Sr. your most obedt. humble servant

HENRY BOUQUET

Our troops will be tomorrow at L—H—n. Louisburg was taken the 26th. We shall make a feu de joie, fire also at Cumberland. Keep the above disposition of your troops Secret till you hear more about it.1

1 It may be of interest to note that the original letter, although over a century old, yet retains, attached to it, an excellent impression in red wax of Colonel Bouquet's seal. It is an indication of the excellent care taken of these manuscripts.

008365

FROM WILLIAM RAMSAY, ESQ.

CAMP NEAR RAYS TOWN August. 31st 1758.

DR. SIR

Since my last nothing remarkable hath occurr'd, only an Express by Colo. Burd from the Mountains, is suppos'd to be gon to Fort Du Quesne. This may be of very ill consequence indeed, It seems this fellow was for sometime a Prisoner amongst them, & had the character of a great willain, yet was made one of the Pennsylvania Light Horse, & intrusted it seems with affairs of such moment; how imprudt. this was, needs no comment. Another sent down to the Genl. is tho't, to be taken.

Amidst this gloom of ill fortune & delays, we have the strongest assurances of Louisburg being ours, that our Fleet ravages the Coast of France & that we may hope some important blow may be struck there, God grant this, for I'm affraid, as I hinted before, Loyal Hannan will be our utmost effort this year. The Genl. was to leave Shippenburg at yesterday, but I am affraid he neither is, nor will be able to get here this season. I cannot divine why Men born down with age & infirmities & thereby rendered incapable of action, should be imploy'd in affairs of such momt. & in a Country that requires robustness to bear fatigue, resolution to execute with celerity this enterprise; especially as we have great reason to suppose, chief part of their force were employ'd to008466 Oppose Genl. Abercrombie, & how dear Genl. Braddock's delays cost us.

I daily hope to be releas'd. from this place; my affairs really call me home, tho; my stay will be short there, for I must soon set out for Williamsburg, where you may probably have some affairs to transact Wch the greatest care shall be taken of if intrusted to me. Yesterday an old Indian named Capatee, who was sent about three Weeks ago from this place, has been at Loggs Town & some other adjacent ones, & has bro't. with him three Indians of the Six nations, but what they report has not transpir'd. I have nothing further to add, but a tender of any service in the power of Dr. Sir

Your very H. Servt. WM RAMSAY

FROM COLONEL BOUQUET.

REAS TOUN CAMP 31st. Aug 1758.

DR. SR.

The Officer who commands the Escort you sent wth. Mr. Hoops having not been near me I did not know till this moment that there was one, and adventured a Letter to you last night by a man going in the night, which I would be very sorry should be intercepted.

The Beeves lost in driving are to be paid by the Crown, upon Certificate that they have been lost, Therefore I beg you will order the commanding officers who escorted them from Winchester, and from Cumberland to give such Certificates.

008567

If you have any Person acquainted wth. the Country between the Salt Like and the old trading Path by Reastown, Inquire of the shortest distance between the two Roads and of the nature of the Ground, where the Junction could be made

I am with a sincere Regard Dear Sir Your most obedt hble. Servant HENRY BOUQUET

FROM WILLIAM FAIRFAX, ESQ.

BELVOIR Septr. 1st 1758

DEAR SIR

I have this instant rec d. yours of the 23d. & 27th. Ultimo. The first Mrs. Fairfax undertakes to answer, as I dont care to detain the bearer, and having several Culpeper People now waiting upon business — You may depend Sir. that Mr. Patterson shall have all the Assistance I am able to give him, and shall do all I can to forward his Work. But I begin to doubt whether it will be finished before we may reasonably expect you down. One very great reason for my thinking so is. The goods from York are not arrived, neither do I know when they will, altho' I have wrote to your Brother John & Mr. Ambler if possible to hasten them up. —

Your Overseer has housed some Tobacco and by the help of a late very soaking rain, I hope he will secure a good Crop of both Corn and Tobaco:, which is more than any I hear can boast of. For I never Remember so very dry a Season, and 'till this late blessed rain, there was not a green blade of Grass008668 to be seen on my Plantation, and every thing began to wither, indeed most of my Pear, and many of my Apple Trees are dead (and I am sorry to say your two Chestnuts before the House) But thank God the face of things begin to revive. But never so as to make in Genl. more than quarter Crops.

Knowing that you have the Philadelphia Papers more frequent and regular than we, I think it needless to recite the particulars of the reduction of Louisburg, and some advantages gained in Europe. And shall only rejoice with you and every Loyal and well affected Person, upon having the Dunkirk of America in our hands, and at so little loss of blood. I was going to Expatiate upon its Advantages, 'till I recollected it was needless to one of your knowledge of the Continent. And being called upon by an impatient Man at my Elbow, which I hope will be a sufficient Apology to conclude with all our Compliments, and to wish you and our Countrymen may return with Laurels sufficient to Perpetuate their Names to the latest Ages, I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedient and very humble servt. WM. FAIRFAX.

P. S. As there is no dependence on Mr. Ballendine, I shall endeavour to get Plank for the Floors elsewhere, otherwise to see whether we can do without, and make the old look as well as possible. I am really sorry the Ladies wont dispense my going with them to Hampton, but I will put it off as long as I can in hopes of seeing the goods from York (which I believe will be about three weeks hence.

008769

MOUNT VERNON, Sept. 1st. 17581

1 On last sheet of letter commenced at Belvoir.

DEAR SIR, As soon as I despatched the People upon business, I thought it best to come over here to see whether anything was necessary to have your further advice upon, for indeed the Oftener I come over the more I think it really necessary. For with regard to the Garrett Stairs I am a loss unless I know whether you intend that for Lodging Apartments for Servts. If not the Stairs may be carried from the left hand room, which you design for Lumber, without making it publick. But if it is for Lodging 6 feet by 12 off from the old Store Room will make a retired Stair, and leave a Closet with the Window of 8 by 12 which if not sufficient you may make a good Room for the same uses above, and leave your Chamber entirely clear. If the Little Stairs (which will be directly opposite to you when you land from the other) will be an Eye-sore you may put a door which will make it uniform. The Landing you know is bad narrow & will be almost filled with Door, so that we shall be glad to know whether you intend only the small Vacancies between them to be Papered, or the part, supposing where ours is stocoid) to be also. I plainly see Mr. Triplett cannot do your work, before the Frost, for what with Poseys and Major Wests work, He has not begun with the underpinning, but shall write to him immediately, and if he dont come shall employ any I can get. He now, and but lately said he could not have time, and that your Carpenters must do the008870 larthing Work Sir that you know ought to be done before the Frosts — And I am sorry to say you'l find it necessary to repair all your out Houses. But enough of this for fear you should be unesay. And I will endeavour to direct for the best.

FROM JOHN CARLYLE.

ALEXANDRIA Sept 1, 1758

DR. SIR/

I wrote you about Eight days Ago to the Care of Lut. Smith Also Two days Ago Another Letter Inclosing You Several from Mr. Patterson, Knight & Jno. Alton wch. Suppose You have recd. & to which desire to be referr'd, Yours of the 27 Augt. Is Now before Me & In answer I have not recd. one Letter for You or Myself Since the Last I Sent You Six weeks Ago from Mr. Rd. Washington When I doe Shall Send them forward Immediatly I owed Mr. Washington Abt. Sixteen pds. & I recds. & I recd. from Mr. Meldrum Abt. Twenty-five Wch With yr. Money I remitted him In one bill of 93£ by Two Ships of this Fleat I Shall by Sum Oppertunity Write to Mr Lewis If the Goods Comes Up their to Immediatly Send them Over to Eaves Warehouse & to Acquaint Me therewith & I Will Send for them, We have Very little Intercourse With York they may Lay their Twelve Months before an Oppertunity May offer of Your Getting them If A Vessel is Not directed to call for them on purpose had they been Sended At Either Hampton or Norfolk We have008971 Oppertunitys Weekly — We have Occasion to Send our Schooner down to Norfolk Soon & If I do not have Sum Acct. Abt. them before Will direct the Captain to Call for them —

I Answered Mr. Simons Letter & Sent it Open to You In my Letter abt. Ten days Ago —

We doubt not Long before this you have rejoyced On the News of Cape Brittoon being In our hands & With So Small A Loss The Good Effects from it may be to keep the French at home to Guard their own Country & Inable Genl. Abercromby to make Another & more Successful Attempt & If you cou'd once gett out We are Still In hopes the Ohio Will fall an Easey Pray to You (wch God Grant) —

I am Extream Sorrey for our Loss In Capt. Bullen He was the Indian I had the greatest Opinion of for his Truth to English Nation —

On Your Return from Rays Town or When it Suits Your Time the favour Of A Letter Shall be Gratefully Esteemed — Mrs. Carlyle Mr Dalton & all yr. Friends here Joyn in Good Wishes & Am — Dr. Sir Yr Very Affectionet Hble Sert.

JOHN CARLYLE

P.S. I have made free to put A Letter Under your cover for Mr. Ramsay Wch Please Send him If he's Not at Ft. Cumberland by A Speciall Messinger the Expence of Wch. he'l readily pay — Yrs. &c.

J. C.

It is Extream Wett Weather & Burris In his Shirt I Recolected I had the Suit of Cloaths that was At Williamsburg I therefore Lett him have them to Carrey Up & Deliver to You.

009072

FROM HUMPHREY KNIGHT.

MOUNT VERNON: Sepbr the 2d: 1758

SIR I Receivd yours and I am very sorry you have not Receid. all the Letters I have sent, I can Evedently make it apear that I have wrote six and Lodgd, to be carried up to you but sending some has miscarried I shall write the oftner for the futer I must Needs think you want to hear from your Estate often Especially this year as mr John Washington is Absent, but I hope all things will be taken cair of that your Honr was pleasd to Intrust me with,1 as to our Crop I believe we have as good as any in the County our corn is Exceeding good according to the Drouth of the summer and I Dont see a better crop of Tobco. any where than we have got we have not housd above a room yet, but shall cut very fast now, we have about 50 thousand that will soon be In the house the other a smaller Size but I hope will be good Yesterday we had a very fine rain which has set the Mill to work again She has lain IDle chieff of the Sumer but I hope will want water no more this fall, I hope we shall make a hhd. a shear if the fall turns out favourable our negros has been very Sickly but lost none 2 or 3 is Sick now but I hope soon will get out our Stock is all well we have raisd Eight Calves this Summer which is all we009173 had Dropt, As to the oats I think we shall make 300 bushels and I hope more I believe theyr. the best sort, As to ye Carpentrs I have minded em all I posably could, and has whipt em when I could see a fault Old Kit is a very poor hand at any thing, the great house has took a vast Deal of Sawing work besides a vast Deal of other work which the Carptrs Did, puling Down the old works and Raising the new which was a long time about and puling ye nails out of ye shingles making Scaffield for the workmen as to puling Down the old plastering and leaths out of ye rooms I made the home house people Do and all other work as they could, ye Carptrs has repaird some old Tobco. houses at muddyhole and mended ye. mill house set up some hhds. and built a new Quartrs. at muddy hole, which I wrote to you before to A Quint your Hr. the misfortune we had in loosing the Quartr by fier ye Scantlin for the great house is all got out of white oak which made it abundance ye Teadiousn. to get, Searching ye woods to get all white oak this Day we Counted ye sheep their is 65 old sheep and 48 Lambs I beleive no Mistake The Carpentrs now is geting leaths to leath the great house and has got a great part of them they are to leath it Mr. Patterson tells me he will see it is well Dun, and hurry em about it we shall keep no more about it than Needfull I have taken other work for em to Do when that is Dun, as to the wheat our one people has thrasht it out and safe headed in hhds. their is 45 bushels of old wheat the Rest went in Colo Carlyles Sloop which was 168 bushels which I wrote to you before As to the new wheat we009274 Sewd but 5 bushels which has made about 20 bushels the old field ground will not bring wheat worth while Sewing I have 70 thousand Tobco hills which we tended Last year at muddy hole and this year I have put it in Corn and it is very fine Corn I gave it a good Distance on purpose to sew it in wheat I purpose Soon to Sew it, it will bring as good wheat as the ground in fredrick the Drouth has bin so Despart it was not posable to plow the old fields in time for wheat besides it is Useless to Sew mean ground Sir I hope your opinion will agree with mine in that affair I shall wait some time hoping for your answer Mr Grymess. Vessell first and last had nine hhd of Tobco. of yours from hunting Creek wairhouse I have got in all the Rents I can and has paid Moxleys order that was in ye hands of Mr. piper and taken in ye order, I have paid the leavies and other Small Accts which I was oblidgd to pay I hope no Extravagant Charges I shall Receive all the money I can for you and take cair of it after I Receive it I cant posable now Draw up the acct of my Receiving and paying for you, but I will Imeadiatly Draw it up and inclose it in a letter and send it up I shall Drive on making ye meadow we begun last Fall but I am scar'd it wont stand I am Sir Your Most Hble Servant to Commd

1 This is the last letter from Humphrey Knight to his employer: the faithful steward was soon to finish his labors. In Washington's Ledger, opposite his account, is the following: “Note, this Humphrey Knight was an Overseer of mine & died while his second crop was growing — his share of which it is supposed coud. not amount to so much as the Ballce. of the Acct. for which he is here credited — viz — £ 30. 15. 9½” Knight's term of service was from June 20, 1757, to about September 9, 1758.

HUMPHREY KNIGHT

Will Gates & Nathan Williamson is design'd. to move of your land. Sir I was oblidge to let Burrus have 2/6 shillings before he would go away:

H. K.

009375

FROM MR. JOHN PATTERSON.

SATURDAY MORNING MOUNT VERNON Sepr. ye 2nd 1758

HONOURABLE SIR

I understand you have not recd. Letters that I wrote, its certainly by some bad management, for I readly comply'd in puting Letters in Col. Carlyle's Store, & directed to ye. care of Lieutenant Smith &c. I asure you Sir its not true any negligence of mine, for as you are pleas'd to desire hereing how your building goes on, I think its a satisfaction more than otherwise. In my last I wrote ye outside of ye House being finish'd, ye Closets excepted, that by reason of not having flooring plank; which Mr. Balendine has got a Bill of. I shall have ye Old dineing room, with ye Room ajacent to it finish'd, about ye ninth of this Inst. I will have ye Doors ready at ye sd. time. The goods from York is not ariv'd, but Col. Fairfax informs me he will do his endeavor to procure them as soon as possible; that Gent. asits me withhis advice, & every other article lyes in his power, for certainly I would be at a stop in laying floor if he had not supply'd me with flooring Bords as there were none to be had here about. For fear ye. last letter has been miscarried Mr. Triplet cant do ye. two Houses and Yard in all this year, as Bricks is to be made for them, & at ye same time having ye House to Plaster. And as your Hon. seem'd to be urgent in having them finish'd off directly, I inclos'd your letter to Col. Fairfax to know his opinion of it, he writes its best to have ye underpinning, & all ye outside work to be done first, But I009476imagine he does not include those two little Houses (for if so) ye Plastering of ye great House would not of consequence be done against your return, as Mr. Triplet cant even lath to Plaster on, having work elsewhere engaug'd; as he did not know of those Houses &c. sooner, and as he will direct ye Carpenters to lath it will be equally as well. He has finish'd ye top of ye Chimney's some time ago & when finish'd Major West's House intends here. I layd befor him ye disappointment that may accrue from ye Work not being finish'd, but he seems to be positive in compleating ye Plastering & underpinning against ye last of Novr. Col. Fairfax advisd me to employ a person to paynt ye House, as I had as much Joiner's work as I could do in ye time, & with his consent agreed with a man for four Shill. per day, & in my next will let you know how ye Paynt, & Paynting goes on.

As to my being positive in fixing a time to have ye whole finish'd, its not in my power, but may add without vanity its out of ye power of man to stick more diligent, & take all proper means I am master of to forward ye whole, & shall always make it my study, to Oblidge Your Honour & remain Your Honours.

Most Oblidg'd, Most Humble Servt. JOHN PATTERSON P. S.

I make all ye enquiry that posible for hands likewise gives directions to my acquaintance to do ye same, & if no accidents happens hopes with ye men I have got to finish ye House towards ye last of Novr.

009577

FROM MR. CHRISTOPHER HARDWICK.

BULLSKIN September 3d. 1758

HONBLE SIR

I have Received yours of the 27th. Ulto. by wch. I find you have not received my last Letter to you, in which I have given an Acct. of the Crop both of Tobacco & Corn lest it shou'd miscarry I also send you an Acct. thereof. viz. — The Tobo. is very Backward on Acct. of the Drought, as also the Corn, We have hous'd I believe about fifteen Hundred which I wou'd rather was still out, if it wou'd allow it, as it might have been better since the late Rain we have had on Thursday & Friday last what is out is much better since the late Rain.

In regard to the Oats, we have made but a very small Crop By Reason of the Drought also, not more I believe than about Twenty Bushels out of Ten Bushels Sowing. I cant get any one at present to Thresh the wheat without giving an Extraordny. price which is a penny half penny more than usual, & if you'l have it Thresh'd at that price I shall get it done, as I cant spare any of our own people to do it, the Tobo. being so Latter that they can't be spared from it. I have sent the Mare & four Colts to Mount Vernon, we have lost no horses nor anything else since you have been gone, Mr. Smith has Employ'd the Waggon last Week at the Fort, & Employs it also this Week, I have wrote to Mr. Snickers abt. the Mares, his answer is that the Mare he sold you, had Bought of one Samuel Givens in Augusta County,009678to whom he wrote about her to make a strict enquiry for her and if found that he should be well rewarded, & says also that if the Mare you had of Capt. Lindsey is not stopt, she will come up to the Blue Ridge within about nine miles of where he lives, & if she does that he will secure her for you.

your Negroes are all well, except Adam & old Bland. Adam has had the fever & Ague & now is troubled with a Swelling in his Throat, but is getting better. We have two Oxen here, for which I dont see any use, More so as we have Horses Enough to do any Business we have to do, Also they are very troublesome to the Neighbours Destroying their Corn &c. &c. if you approve of it, I shall fatten them & make them fit for Market, as we have Six head more that I can make fit for the Market, since I have sent the Mare & Colts to Mount Vernon there has been one Pritchard with me who lays Claim to them, I asked him how he came by them last Winter, he told me they were brought to him by a Man whose Name he does not know, if you Remember I have told you that one of the Waggon Horses went off with them last Winter. I Desired the Man to write to you about them as the year & a Day was Expired in posting them, —

I have wrote to you always when I had any thing material to mention to you, & shall Continue so to do, —

Our last planting is Just the same since planted by reason of the long Drought we have had, 'till this last rain, & am afraid it will never come to any perfection009779— but shall do my Endeavours to make the most I can of it.

I am with due Respect yr. most humble & Obedient Servt. CHRIS. HARDWICK

FROM CAPTAIN CHRISTOPHER GIST.

CAMP AT RAYS TOWN, Sepr. 3d: 1758

DR SIR

I am Sorry to inform you we have at this time in camp three French Spys as I take them to be, at Least they have been takeing our people Prisoners & at this time one of them, has 3 English Prisoners & I am afraid all I can & have Said will be of no weight, with those in command here never the less I shall press every thing I think for our good. pray forward the inclosed

Dr Sir yr Most Hum Servt. CHRIST. GIST

FROM MR. JOHN KIRKPATRICK.

ALEXANDRIA 3d. Sepr. 1758

DEAR SIR

A few days ago I had the pleasure of Writing you — and now avail myself of an opportunity to Winchr. to inform You of my intentions of taking the Benefit of the Convoy which will sail the 20th. instant — and not having the opportunity afterwards of addressing You perhaps, — Let me Offer my Warmest Wishes and sincerest Complements of Respect which are the just tribute of Gratitude — for the many instances of009880Your Friendship and Affection — and beg a Continuance of that Honour your Agreable Correspondence has and will always confer upon Me — A letter will find its way to me — at Kirkcudbright — the County Town of Galloway in the South of Scotland — from whence Doctor Craik and I derives the honour of our Births — should Monsr. François, forbear his polite importunitys of Visiting the Kingdom of his Grand Monarque in my passage — I propose to make a short stay — and return to share the Pleasures of a Possession upon the Ohio — which Your Successfull Attempts I hope will bring About this Fall — At all Events, may Providence in a Peculiar manner protect You in every point of Your Life and Crown Your Troubles with Content & Honour — I need not assure You how much pleasure I shall derive from Your Correspondence — as News from a far Country is a proverbial proof — how much more, from a person of Your Rank & Distinction — whom Merit and Fame has justly made a worthy Object of Esteem — At Convenience Condescend, Dear Sir, to please me with accounts of Your Health &c. — intermixt with remarks on the Publick Affairs — to which you have been so warmly & Justly attached to your lasting Honour — Perhaps a letter from You may reach me e're I leave the Country — in the Mean while Believe me with Consumate Affection & Real Regard

Dear Colonell Your Very Obt. and Much Obliged H. Servt. JNO. KIRKPATRICK

009981

Please inform Doctr. Craik of my Sailing — in case he should not have reced. my Letters — because he has Commands homewards —

FROM WILLIAM RAMSAY, ESQ.

CAMP NEAR RAYS TOWN, Septr. 3d.1 1758

1 This letter, dated the 3d, is indorsed by Washington “Sept. 13th,” although as Ramsay's letter of the 12th appears to follow it, the indorsement is probably incorrect.

DEAR SIR

Yours of yesterday I have, you ought to have no uneasiness, you are not the cause of any delay, your friends, & even those of ev'ry Core, 2 who know you only by Character, wish for you. I presume you know Lt. Col. Stephens has been under an arrest for some time by Sr. John Wildair,3 Stephens says he is010082right & will not be releasd without a publick justification, even Lieut Colo. Loyd of the Pensylvanias has taken the Command from the B---ly,1 this has mortified him much, & probably may humble his pride. To morrow Colo. Dagworthy marches with his Tatterdemalions & by report is to advance towards Fort Du Quesne, & there to throw up a breast work, or make some place of defence. The Genl. not yet come. the 1st. inst. we had Sixty one Guns fir'd & three feu de joys for taking Louisburg. I wish Capt. Woodward ev'ry success, also Sergt. Scott. I shall make evry remark in my power, but I hope to see you soon —

2 Probably intended for “corps.”

3 Sir John St. Clair appears to have been so designated by Mr. Ramsay on account of his tempestuous disposition, which also showed itself in his attitutde during the Braddock campaign. The Commissioners from Pennsylvania write of him to the Governor that he “stormed like a lyon rampant,” and that he in his accusation that Pennsylvania was retarding the expedition, declared “that he would kill all kinds of cattle, carry away horses, burn houses &c. and that if the French defeated them in consequence of the delays of this Province, he would, with his sword drawn, pass through it, and treat the inhabitants as traitors to his master.” In regard to this later quarrel between Colonel Stephen and himself, however, General Forbes writes to Colonel Bouquet, September 23, 1758, “Sir John St. Clair says that if I say he was in the wrong to Colonel Stevens, he will readily acknowledge it. I do not choose meddling, but I think Colonel Stevens might act, and trust to Sir John's acknowledgement.” Sir John St. Clair was appointed in October, 1654, Deputy Quarter-Master General of all the forces in America, with rank of Colonel, and arrived in this country on the 10th of January, 1755. Sargent, in his Braddock's Expedition, says, “St. Clair remained for a long time in service in America. On the 20th March, 1756, he was made a Lieut. Col. of the 60th; in Jan., 1758, the local rank of Colonel in America was bestowed on him; and on Feb. 19th, 1762, he was made a full Colonel. He is said to have dwelt near Tarbet in Argyleshire. At the defeat he was shot through the body, under the right pap, but soon recovered.”

1 Bully?

I am Dr. Sir Yours Most Affectly WM RAMSAY

FROM COLONEL BOUQUET.

REAS TOWN CAMP 4th. September 1758

DEAR SIR

I detained your Express in Expectation of receiving a Letter from the General which is just come to hand, he Sets out to day, and orders me to go to our advanced Post, where there is Some appearance of an attack, and as soon as their Intrenchmts. are raised, and the necessary dispositions made for the Communication I am to return here. It seems by his Intelligences that the French expects a large body of Indians from beyond the Lakes, and as it is not in their Power to keep them long, he judges that010183they could be prevailed upon to make a Push at our Head.

He desires me to inform you that the Militia of Maryland and Governor Sharpe himself will be the 10th. at Cumberland, where you will leave no Body who is able to go upon the Expedition. That Militia is to be victualled, and to have some Liquor.

As we have no Accomodation here for your Sick, you will leave them in the Fort, where I shall Send a Surgeon and Medicines, wth. furnitures of the General Hospital, Please to let me know their Number; and to order a Sufficient number of Women to attend as Nurses, they will be paid.

I cannot fix the day of your march as it depends on two things out of my Power, the arrival of the General, and a Sufficient Number of Waggons, to Send you from here Provisions, Tools Liquor &c.

I am sensible that your March would be more Expeditious had you only carrying Horses, but we have no Keggs for Pork nor Boxes for the Tools, therefore you must have at least 28 Waggons which will be chosen among the best, They will not make a long line.

Your march will be covered by our advanced Post and 300 of the best Woodsmen, and the Indians who are marched to day under Comand of Lt. Col. Dagworthy, and are to be advanced nearer to the fort, Keeping continually Spyes and little Partys about it to give Intelligence of the Enemy's motions: When you are upon your march, I will propose to the General to send 500 men from our Deposite to take Post at the Salt Like, and help you to fortify your Camp.

010284

I hear that the most dangerous Place for an attack upon you would be from Lead Stone Creek, as the Ennemy has boats and would go up Mononghehela, It would therefore not be improper to have that Side reconnoitred before you march by, and as it is at a great distance of the Roads, you would have time to make the necessary dispositions, and prevent a Surprise, the only thing I am in fear of with our new Soldiers.

Here is the Calculation I make for your Ammunition, and Provision 20 Rounds carried by Each man, and 80 in Reserve will require

24Barrills of Powder in2 Waggons 53Boxes of Muskett Balls4 do. Flints Tools2 do. Liquor and Salt2 do. 20,000lbs Pork for 4 Weeks16 do. Rice1 do. 42,000lbs of flour210 horses. 50Heads of Cattle.

I make the Computation for 1000 Effective, including the Waggoners, Drivers, &c. and I propose 4 Weeks of Pork as I think live Cattle a very precarious thing.

If I have omitted any article, I beg you will let me know it. We are entirely stopped for Want of Waggons, and if it is possible to get any in Virga. and Maryland, they would be of infinite service; We have a considerable quantity of forrage on the So. branches which they could carry to Cumberld.1

1 Edward Shippen, writing on May 28, 1758, from Lancaster, Pa., to his son, Major Joseph Shippen, states that he was “engaged to send off at six o'clock A. M. of Tuesday morning 60 waggons to Col. Bouquet at Carlisle, which he shall be a little puzzled to do, as drivers are very scarce and saucy since the late enlistment. — Toner's Forbes Expedition of 1758.

010385

I am very sorry of Col. Byrd's Indisposition, I hope he will be able to march wth. his Regt. My best Wishes attends him

I desired Col. Mercer who will have the Comand here to inform you of the General's arrival.

I am wth. a Sincere Regard

Dear Sir

Your most obedient hble Servant HENRY BOUQUET

FROM CAPTAIN CHARLES SMITH.

FORT LOUDOUN Sept. 7th 1758

DR SIR/

your Letter of the first come safe to my hand, which I sent the Inclos'd Emediately to Hardwick & Desired him at the same time to write you Every Particular

I have kept, an Exact Accout. of your smith's work Done for the Public & Privet People, I have Wrote to the Governour for a small Supply, to Discharge some Diferent Accots. Against the Contry & with all to buy some Necessaryes Shuch as nales, to Shingle the Barrax as I have most of my Timbers in —

The stone work of the south Bast End is intirely Droping out & without a Preaty Deal of Labour, the Whole must Fall before Winter as I have stone & Lime if you think Proper I will Employ a mason to010486Rectefie the same an on as Reasonable Terms As Can be got —

you never wrote to me concerning Christopr. Hensley a Deserter from Your Regt. from the great Meadoes the Yr. of 54 he is an Exstronary Good hand for Assisting about the Buildings at this Place as there is, an Absolute Necessity to keep some men Labouring —

am I to make my Pay ‘Roles for the Month of Augt. concluding Davis Trottor Allsberg Bolton Hensley who has Recvd. no Subsistence since been here

The men is very Sickly here with Different Disorders I employ'd a Docr. for some time but has Discharg'd him by Reason his being Extravagant & noing but Little of Phisick

I Receiv'd your trunk by the waggons which I will take care to send Down by the firs safe Oppertunity.

I was oblig to keep Burris one Day after he came from Alexandrey, there being many Gentlemen at cort [court?] wanting to write to their friends at camp & withall to send the Last Papers up, I have kept a hors Burris Woode1 Down here very Poor, which most People says he is yours, & as Mr Hughs wants to send his Rideing horse Down I have sent one for Bagage for him —

1 Probably intended for “rode.”

I Receiv'd a Desertion Yeasterday Name David Davis who belong'd to Colo. Stephen's Detachmt. which I shall send up by Lieut. King

I have sent you Eight Dozn. eggs & 6lb of Allmonds,010587by Lieut. King which I hope will Get safe to hand, if you should want any Particular Necessary's up by the convoy of waggons I hope you will make free of writing to me Mentioning the Particulars —

I Emagin you have heard of poor Colo. Spotward Dying about seven Days ago & old Colo. Russell is dead.

by all Accot. there is a worse Prospect of corn & Tobacco as ever has been in Virginia

I have Inquire'd of Everyone about your mare but can get no Account of her, it is talkt of by some People the man you bought her off keeps her in Possession which I am Desiread not to advertise her yet, & to send a Private Peson [person] to his house I intend this Day to Concult with Mrs. Sniggers & see if I can get him to go up, I am informd a Mare you bough of Capt. Linsey's son is gone to her old walks on Spout Run this I shall Inquire into

your Peter is extreamly ill I believe with the Pleurisy, I have Hired a Dutch Smith for a few Days, until he gets better

we have got the well 103 Feet Deep, but no likelewhood of water yet, I have no more to add, but Dr Sir. Believe

I am Your Friend & most Obedt.

Hhble. Servt. CHS. SMITH

010688

FROM COLONEL ADAM STEPHEN.

CAMP ON LOYAL HANNON Septr. 9th. 1758

SIR,

Please to send up the mens Cloaths & Bayonets; The Season approaches which requires the Use of Both —

Your men in the Detachment have been greatly harrassed since the first of June; on which we Left Winchester by Sr John St Clairs Orders — Without any from Genl Forbes, or Col Bouquet, nay contrary to their intention as the Latter informed me; we are all obliged to the Qr. Mr. Genl. for that; as likewise for his particular regard for having us at Work rather [than] any other troop. His fondness in this respect, with his daring to Call us Mutineers; occasion'd a difference betwixt us which at present lies under the determination of Genl Forbes, Upon Whom Sr John waits, all the Way from Laurel Hill, to give his reasons for his behavior — The Cloaths belonging to my Company were sent to Fort Cumberland, those of the Other Companies were Left, in store at Raystown — You have no reason to Alter your Opinion of the Rout of the Army. — I can make it Appear that the Virginians have Contributed their Utmost to forward his Majestys Service — I inclose you a Return of the Detachmt, and am with Respect,

Sir, your most Obt. huble. Sert. ADAM STEPHEN

010789 REGMT.COMPE.ON COMMISSION OFFICIEREFFECTIFR RANCK & FILESINCE RETURNLEAST JOIND Sergt.DrumRanck & FileSickon Comd.on public workon ForlowRecrutingPrisonersTottallRecrutingDeadDesartedDischardSergt.DrumRanck & File Majr. Lewis1................ Capt. Waggoner..6.............. The 1.Capt. McNeill..1.............. Capt McKenzie..4.............. Capt. Bates..2.............. The 2.Capt. Ln. Justice..1........1..... 1.14......15.1.....

A Return of the Invallet, under my Comd at Fort Pear Sall, September the [date mutilated] 1758.

NB: In Cludet me Self and one Corpt. of Capt. McNiells Compy.

John David Wilper Sergt.

FROM MR. J. D. WILPER.

FORT PEAR SALL the 9 of Setber 1758.

HONNORABLE COLLONEL

I sent the 21. of augst, a Return of the Garrission in this fort, the Gentlmen Who tack the return with him, Come in a Spall hast regin1 on the road, So that the return, git so pasth, and all torn to Pieces, here by I Sent another one to you, Capt Mc kensie Call one of his men away to Join his Compy again, it is all Well here, I mus Pagk [beg] your Parton,010890for what I Want to Trouble your Honr. it is now 3 Mounths June. July. and augst. that I recd. no monye, [money] I do not [k] now, from how I shall recd. me monye, I sent r Letter to Lt. Wm. Fliming, about it, I never git annye [any] anderws [answer] again, I pagk the favour of your honr. to favour me Whit Some monnye I be in Graet Niet [need] of it, Here you obleigt me most, and I be In Duty bound for ever, to you —

1 This is a literal copy. What the gentleman came in it is difficult to fathom.

JOHN DAVID WILPER.

S. P.

your horss and Cow are not Come this Way, if the Come up, Whe will not miss to tack them up, I aquint your Honr. that I tack one the Contery Cow up, and the Bill Cavf, Here Son, So Son as she hat Caft, I Will Sent here to you, it is a fein Cow,1

1 The remarkable postscript of Sergeant Wilper may possibly be interpreted as follows: “your horse and cow are not come this way, if they come up, we will not miss to take them up. I acquaint Your Honor that I took one, the County cow up, and the bull calf, her son. So soon as she has calved I will send her to you. It is a fine cow.”

FROM DR. HUGH MERCER.2

2 Dr. Hugh Mercer was born and educated in Scotland. He entered the army during the French and Indian war, and served until its close. In the Revolution he again became a soldier, and rose to the rank of general. He was fatally wounded at the battle of Princeton. Congress, on the 8th of April, 1777, resolved that a monument be erected to his memory, and his son be educated at the expense of the government.

CAMP AT REAS TOWN Septr 10th 1758 —

SIR,

I am favoured with Yours and have sent to collect all our Packhorses (for the Waggons are gone forward) and propose sending off forty, if so many are to be found, loaded with Flower —

010991

They will be at CumberLd on Teusday night, and a further suply, may be afterwards sent when the General's pleasure is known with regard to your march —

I could have wished to inform you of the Generals arrival here, We looked for him Yesterday, but understood in the Evening that he remained at Fort Loudon on friday Morning, with little probability of his disorder permitting him to march for sever1 Days —

1 The ink in the original of this letter has become so faint that the remainder of the word “several” is entirely obliterated.

I am Sir Your most obedt. humble Servt. HUGH MERCER.

FROM DR. HUGH MERCER.

CAMP AT REAS TOWN 11th Septr. 1758

SIR,

I have sent thirty Packhorses and one Waggon loaded with Flour, amounting to about Seven Thousand Wt.; More would have been sent, had horses or Waggons been here; —

By intelligence from Major Halket I find the General leaves Loudon to day, so that Colonel Bouquet may be expected from the Westward before, the Genl arrives here; And a further suply sent your forces, if their stay at CumberLd makes it necessary —

I am Sir Your most obedt Servt HUGH MERCER

011092

FROM JOSEPH CHEW, ESQ.

NEW YORK Septr. 11th. 1758

DEAR SIR

I arrived here a few days agoe from New London and still find Cause of Complaint against you having had not a single Line from you for a Very long time. I make many Allowances for the Hurry you must be in and the Place where you are —

I have the Pleasure to inform you that Govr. Delancey last night Recd. An Express from Albany giving him an Accot. of Colo Broadstreets taking Fort Frontinack with all the Vessells on Lake Ontario two of which is Loaded with Furs &c just arrived from Niagara — this is a Glorious stroak. Cuts off all Communication with their Western settlements & Forts & will I hope make the Conquest of Duquesne Easie of which I impatiently Expect to hear —

Inclosed is a news paper to which I must Refer you the Post being just Ready to set out, and my head something out of order having Set up late last night and finished several Bottles to the health of Colo. Broadstreet and his Army — our Worthy friend Mr Robinson his good Lady and Family are All well and speak of you with the great Affection, believe me at all times to be with the greatest truth my Dear sir

Your Affectionate JOS CHEW P.S.

Please to give my Love to my Brother, who I hope behaves well /

011193

FROM WILLIAM RAMSAY, ESQ.

RAYS TOWN CAMP Septr. 12th. 1758

DEAR SIR

The General I believe yet at Loudoun very ill & Weak, some say worse than ever, tho; Capt. Cameron who kindly call'd just now to say how do you, says, he is expected tomorrow. This Gentn. with the rest, has the highest Idea of your kind entertainment & manner of living —

I am affraid provisions cannot be well spar'd from this place at this juncture. It is not in my power to get Waggons here, I must request, you will be kind enough to furnish Mr Hite with a small Escort for two Waggons, I have order'd him to send immediatly on your granting my request — What I have to send is Wine Shrub Lo. Sugr. Vinegar, Candles &c &c. It is not from any advantage from the sale of Wine, but that you may be better supply'd & to give content. The Enemy has scalp'd one Highlander & Captivated one Virginian & one Shamokin, about five Miles from LowalHanan Major Grant with 1000 Virgs. Highlanders and Royal Americans are gon to Fort Du Quesne1 Sir John is gon to Philadelphia to engage 150 Waggons, some say he does not return. I wish you health & evry happiness we in reason ought to desire & am

1 Major Grant requested of Colonel Bouquet permission to withdraw five hundred men from the work of cutting the new road, and proceed with them to Fort Du Quesne, ostensibly to reconnoitre; but the ambitious major appears to have secretly enterained a scheme of achieving alone the downfall of the French fort.

Dear Sir Your Aft. HServt. WM.. RAMSAY

011294

FROM THE HON. SPEAKER ROBINSON.

Sept. 13, 1758.

DEAR SIR/

Tho' I must acknowledge I had no right to expect it, a letter from you before you marched from Rays Town would have given me great pleasure and satisfaction;1 and as I not only should hear of your own Situation but that of the Forces in general, and whether there was any real design of making an attack on Fort Duquesne this Season which we much doubt here, The Assembly met the 12th. of September, and from the long delay of the March of the Forces, and the partiality they imagined shewn to Pensylvania, were not in a very good humor, and not thinking any attempt would be made on Fort Duquesne so late in the Year, they passed an Act to withdraw the first Regiment from the Regulars after the first of Decr. and station them upon the Frontiers of this Colony for the Protection of the Inhabitants but upon some Letters that the Govr. received, abt. a fortnight after that Assembly broke up, assuring him that an Attempt would be made, He thought it proper to call the Assembly again, and they accordingly met on Thursday last, when he laid the Letters before them, which they immediately took into Consideration, and that no blame might be laid to this Colony, for the failure of the Expedition which they imagined some people would be glad of having an Opportunity of doing, they proceeded with a dispatch never before known, and in three days passed an Act to empower the Govr. to continue the Forces in the pay of this011395Colony on that Service till the first of Janry. if the Expedition was not over before that time, this was done, not from any Expectations many of us had that an Attempt would be made, after so many repeated delays, to reduce the Fort at this Season, but as I said before that the blame might not lie at our door, but to be charged upon them who I fear will too justly deserve it. a strange fatality surely governs all our Counsells, what else could occasion such delays, whereby such large Sums have been expended without any Advantage to the Common Cause, and so many brave men perish with cold & sickness who if led to the Enemy would have done their Country Service, I am perplexed and tried with finding out reasons for such unaccountable Conduct, for such it is to me, and shall endeavour to think no more of it, till I see the Event, which I am afraid will not be very favourable, I heartily pity our poor men who must be now very illy provided to stand the Severity of the Season, I wish they were all back, for I really expect nothing from their continuing longer there, that they may have things that are now absolutely necessarily for them, I wish my fears may be groundless and that the Fort may be in our possession before this reaches you, as the taking of it is of the greatest Consequence to this Colony. I heartily pray that the Lord of Hosts will defend & protect You and am

1 Washington did not leave Raes Town until the 14th of October. He reached Loyal Hannon on the 23d.

Dr. Sir Your very Affecte. Friend JOHN ROBINSON

011496

FROM LIEUTENANT-COLONEL ADAM STEPHEN.

CAMP ON LOYAL HANNON Sepr. 13th 1758

SIR,

We have fortifyd this place; & taken post ten miles to the westward on Kishiminatos,1 about forty miles from Fort du Quesne. In obedience to Col Bouquets Commands I wrote you by Sergt. Boynes to send up the mens Cloathing, but humbly Conceive, that Blanket Coats would suit Better than any that can be got for your Regiment. — You will be so good as to excuse me for not being particular about our Situation & designs; as I cannot depend on your getting Letters that I write — Some of great importance wrote by others; have fallen into the hands of the Enemy I offer my Compliments to the Gentlemen with you and am with respect,

1 The name Kiskaminities was by some applied to the Loyal Hannon. Later it has been restricted to the stream between the junction of the Kiskaminities and the Allegheny River and the forks of the Loyal Hannon and the Conemaugh rivers. — J. M. TONER.

Sir, Your most Obt. hbe St ADAM STEPHEN

FROM JOHN KIRKPATRICK, ESQ.

ALEXANDRIA 14th Sepr. 1758

MY DEAR COLO./

I snatch a moment before I take horse, to tell you the pleasure I have received by intercepting Your very kind favour of the 11th. directed for Kirkcudbright — and return you my hearty thanks for the trouble011597you have taken in favouring me wt a Detail of Your Situation, and Circumstances, for attempting Du Quesne — it is a further proof of the friendship I possess, — which yields me unequall'd pleasure — and I have only to Conjure a Continuance of that agreeable correspondence, to confirm it, in my absence from this Country —

I am touch'd with sincere grief to leave You and a few Friends, whose Intimacy & Friendship have attach'd me with ties of the warmest Affection — And nothing would make it tollerable, without the hopes of Returning, and the pleasure of hearing of my Friends happiness when Absent — persist then Dear Sir, in kind Offices of Communication, by all opportunities — for nothing will afford me more real Delight — or confer greater Honour —

My Departure will interupt that immediate intelligence, I have hitherto had — of the progress in the Campaign — but, I have this satisfaction in return, that My Authority will be more Authentick — and give better satisfaction in Matters of Importance when they Occurr —

I am concern'd at the Uneasiness this Summers Expedition has given you — whose Attentions were impartially, and prudently attach'd for the Common Good — in every circumstance you have engaged in — and Now have only My wishes that Heaven may may turn your troubles, to an Honourable & Happy issue — which in the highest Degree, is the just reward for your Zeal & Merit —

Health & Happiness attend you, & a peculiar protection from all Dangers that Life in every circumstance011698is Subject to — are the fervent & Unfeigned prayers of Your Most Obliged & Obedt. Hume. Servt.

JNO. KIRKPATRICK

FROM LIEUTENANT-COLONEL ADAM STEPHEN.

CAMP ON LOYAL HANNON Sepr. 14th 1758

SIR,

This is brought to Raystown Camp, by a detachmt. of Invalids from the Troops on their side the mountains —

In primeval times, you remember our state of provisions at Gists house, from that you can judge of present Circumstances —

To testify our Inclination to post the service we have sent down our Own horses to Raystown for a supply —

You can judge how much that will Avail —

Majr. Grant march'd the Eight with a Chosen detachmt. of 800 including Officers. — In three days we Expect interesting Advice from him.

The Enemy have evacuated Venango, & the Fort on the head of Riviere de Beuf —

The Genls Indisposition prevented his Answering the Sollicitations made him to determine the dispute Sr John St Clair as Qr Mr Genl & I, had about Command; & Col Bouquet has therefore ordered me to take upon Me the Command of the Detachmt. again; promising that, as far as depends on him; it shall not prevent redress for any Insult offer'd me or the Gentlemen under my Command — It is a doubt011799with me whether it is necessary to send up the Cloaths or not — I am with respect

Sir, your most Obt hubl Sert. ADAM STEPHEN

FROM BRYAN FAIRFAX, ESQ.

BELVOIR, Sepr. the 15th. 1758,

DEAR SIR,

In Answer to your Enquiry I can scarce say whether I am alive or dead: I have been so long disorder'd both in Mind and Body that I am really between both. Disappointments in Love & repeated Colds have reduced me much; however tho' I am sensible of the Follies of this Life I am no ways desirous of leaving them: I had rather bear the Slings and Arrows of outrageous Fortune than venture upon the unknown Regions of Eternity. The Prospect is gloomy even when viewed by a Mind that thinks itself prepared for the Journey; but how dismal it must appear to those who are unprepared for it! As this is Case there seems to be no Wonder why we are so unwilling to leave this World of Troubles and Anxieties.

I am concerned Sir to find you want Employment for from Experience I know a State of Idleness to be very disagreeable. Such a close Confinement and such a constant Round of Inactivity must prove very irksome to one capable of Action; and if you0118100had complained more of the Follies of this Life and the Uncertainty of it's Enjoyments; in your present Situation Sir I should not have been surprised at it.

As we have now begun I shall be extremely proud to cultivate a Correspondence, and if you choose to give me your Sentiments on the Campaign whatever you desire to be kept secret shall remain so —

My best Wishes, Sir, attend You to the Woods of Action; and that you may return in Safety is the sincere Desire of

Yr. most obedt. Servt. BRYAN FAIRFAX. We have heard Nothing of my Brother since he left N. York —

FROM WILLIAM FAIRFAX, ESQ.

BELVOIR Septr. 15th, 1758

DEAR SIR

Your favour of the 12th inste: I had the pleasure to receive last Night, and was sorry your last Messenger neglected so much of your business as to oblige you to send a second.

The detention of your goods is really a very great disappt., for nothing can be done (I mean finished) till the Glass is in, consequently you cant expect the Work can be done by the time you expected. But I will spur Patterson on to gett everything preparative for there coming — I am glad you approve of our0119101Plan for the Garret Stairs being diffident of our own in many cases — And as this may be the last Opportunity I may have, should be glad to have your positive directions about the Passage Floor, which seems to stand very well, but the Nail marks always will remain, — for in all things shall endeavour to make your Directions the Standard and follow them as near as Possible —

Mr. Triplett has certainly used you ill, for he might have put the work a good deal forwarder by doing only a part of his. But he promises to do better, and was the things but arrived from York, I should please myself with the hopes of seeing the whole carried on properly.

Your Brother Auge kindly Visited me the other day, to advise me of his intention of Sailing with the London Flat the 24th. inst. from York, and would have wrote to you, but was obliged to attend Mr. Chapman about business of importance, therefore hoped you would excuse him.

Few things have occurred since my last worthy your Observation; neither have we any other Newes, than that you see in the Northward papers — so shall, to convince you that your business wont stop my Journey to Hampton, inform you that the 25th. is fixed for our departure, and hope to Return in time to Rejoice in your successes —

I am sorry to hear that you have such Mortality in your Troops, and that desertion is yett as prevalent among them, and more so to find that Colo Byrd is so dangerously ill. To whom, his Lieutt. Colo. and0120102the rest of my acquintance, I desire you'l present my best wishes, and accept those of

Dear Sir Your most Obedt. and very humble Servt. W. FAIRFAX

FROM DOCTOR HUGH MERCER.

CAMP AT REAS TOWN 15th Sept. 1758

SIR

I have the Pleasure to inform you that General Forbes arrived yesterday at Juniata Crossing, and is looked for here by twelve OClock; It is but this minute I understood he had left Fort Loudoun; It seems the Generals health exceeds our Expectations, as he bears the Journey well & has proceeded with great expedition these two days past1 — Your Letters were forwarded immediately on my receiving them —

1 General Forbes arrived at Raes Town on the 15th of September.

Some live Stock will be sent by the Return of the Party of Virga Troops from hence, & I propos'd conveying you a Quantity of Flour under the same Escort, but am prevented by an unexpected demand from our advanced Posts; Col Bouquets anxiety on account of supplies of Provisions oblidges me to employ even the Artillery Horses for transporting the Flour — I mention this, that What Horses & Waggons can be mustered up at Cumberland may be sent here if you find a further supply necessary —

I am Sir, Your most obedt humble St. HUGH MERCER

0121103

FROM GENERAL FORBES.

[A Copy.]

RAESTOWN 16 Sept. 1758

SIR,

I have the favor of yours of the 12th. and I am told Mr Rutherford's complaint is occasioned by Col Bouquet's having refused some cattle of Mr Walker's, that really was not fit to be used in our way, and therefore Col B. gave orders not to purchase any more such.

I am extremely obliged to you for your good wishes of recovery which I now really stand in need of, being quite as feeble now as a child almost — however here I am and I hope profit daily — I am sorry to hear my poor friend Cl. Byrd has been very bad. I wish he were able to come here where I should hope to prove a better physician than he will probably meet with at Fort Cumberland. They tell me here that you threaten us a visit soon, which I should be glad of whenever it happens, being very sincerly

Yr most obedt. JO. FFORBES.

FROM THE HON. GOVERNOR FAUQUIER.1

1 Francis Fauquier, appointed Lieutenant-Governor to succeed Dinwiddie, February 10, 1758, arrived in the colony in June following; died March 3, 1768. — Brock.

WILLMSBURGH Sepr. 16th. 1758

SR.

I am obliged to you for the particular Acct. you have sent me of the State of our Affairs, wch. Irecd by Jenkins on the 9th. with Mr. Gists Letter (by Wch. it appears he is not very solicitous to make such a0122104Return) and a Copy of your Correspondence wth. Coll. Bouquet: All Wch. tend to corroborate the Opinion we had before entertain'd of your Zeal for the Service of this Colony. I have not returned Coll. Bouquet's Letter, as the Assembly Wch. are not convened may perhaps call for it: but it shall be returned to you whenever you desire it.

Since it is determined to go by Loyal hanning, I hope the Difficulties attending that Road are not so great as apprehended, that the Army may reach Fort Du Quesne this year; otherwise I much fear whether the Ardor this Colony has shewn to support the War will continue for another Year, the Flame being a little stifled by the inactivity of this Campaign. But one glorious stroke will reanimate us. My Interest here can yet be of no Consideration, yet I will use my Endeavours wth. the Assembly that our Troops may not be weaken'd for another year but I much doubt of my Success.

The Treasury is exhausted and I cannot yet say what the assembly will do to replenish it. Arrears must undoubtedly be paid; and you may be assured the first Money that comes there shall be applyed to the Payment of the Army, that they may not have any Room for Discontent from that Quarter.

I have directed the Letters I have recd from you and Coll. Byrd to be laid before the Assembly as you will see by my Speech1 Wch. I send your herewith, and0123105must wait their pleasure in Relation to the Major of Brigade, as I have it not in my power to issue such a0124106Commission the number of Officers being limited by the last Act of Assembly by Wch. the second Regiment was raised. I shall always recommend it to them, to let you have everything that is necessary for the Service.

1 GENTLEMEN OF THE COUNCIL, MR. SPEAKER, AND GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF BURGESSES,

I have deferred calling you together as long as the exigencies of Government would permit me, being desirous of accommodating your particular Affairs to the Concerns of the Public, as much as possible; and if these had not demanded it I should not have given you this Trouble now, merely to notify you, in this Place, His Majesty's Appointment of me to succeed to the Honorable Robert Dinwiddie, Esq.; as Lieutenant-Governor of this his Colony and Dominion of Virginia, an Honor and Trust conferred on me to which it behoves me to pay the greatest Attention and Regard.

That I may, in some Measure, merit this Honor, and answer to this Confidence which His Majesty has most graciously been pleased to repose in me: it becomes equally my indispensable Duty to provide for the Prosperity and Well-being of this Colony, and to promote the Honor and Dignity of His Majesty and the Crown of Great-Britain in all its Branches and Appendages. If I, on my Part, steadily pursue the First, I make not the least Doubt, from the many great and recent Proofs you have given of your Fidelity and unshaken Loyalty, but that you, on your Parts, will heartily and chearfully concur with me in all Measures which may tend to establish and strengthen the Last.

It is my earnest Wish that a perfect Harmony may at all Times subsist between us: and to this Purpose it shall be my constant Endeavour to consult the Happiness of the People committed to my Charge, by taking Care that effectual and speedy Justice be rendered to all His Majesty's Subjects in Virginia, as far as in me lies; and by all other means which may conduce to that desirable End. But whatever Assurances I may give of my future Conduct, I am very sensible that I shall be judged of by my Actions: These are the Tests by which you, as reasonable Men, will form your Opinion of me, and will hereafter either give me, or withold from me your Confidence. To this Test I hope I shall always be willing to submit.

By Letters I have lately received from the Army, which I have ordered to be laid before you, it is doubtful whether the great End of our Wishes can be obtained this Year, but the Operations of this Campaign tend at least to prepare Matters for an early Attack the next.

Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses,

The Part you have so nobly taken in the present War, by granting the large Sums of Money you have done in Support of His Majesty's Arms, and the common Cause, has given great Satisfaction, and is worthy the Imitation of our neighbouring Colonies; but sorry am I to say, that the Sums already given, great as they are, are insufficient for the Purposes for which they were designed, and for the Services actually entered upon, and more will be necessary to make good the Deficiencies now subsisting from the Expences already incurred: I am confident that the bare mentioning these Circumstances will be a sufficient Inducement to you to have the greatest Attention to the Distresses of our Country; and I hope that what is necessary to be raised, will be done in the Manner the least burdensome possibly to the People.

Gentlemen of the Council, and of the House of Burgesses,

I would not willingly detain you long at this Time, yet my Inclinations to serve this Colony are so ardent that I cannot help recommending one Thing to you, which, from the many Representations that have already been made to me (short as the Time is since my Arrival here) appears to me to demand and merit your most serious Consideration, and in our present Situation not to admit of the least Delay, as the Defence of the Colony, the Protection of the Property, nay the very Lives of our People depend upon it; I mean the Revisal of the Militia Law, which, notwithstanding the many Alternations it has undergone, and Amendments it has received, still wants some great Regulations to make its Use for the Defence of the Colony bear some Proportion to the Expence it creates. The Letters which I have received on this Subject, and my Answers to them, shall be ready to be laid before you whenever you shall call for the same.

Unanimity and Despatch give Vigor to all public Resolutions; on this Account I earnestly recommend them to you, and they will also most assuredly bring with them the additional Pleasure of your being able, by their Means, to return the sooner to your respective Counties, where your Presence, if not necessary will certainly, be acceptable.

I have detained Jenkins till the House of Burgesses have taken the affair of the Regiments into Consideration and voted their Subsistence, for all the Money before granted was exhausted. I hope your Men are not uneasy but it was impossible for me to provide for their pay before. Mr. Boyd may have £5000 whenever he pleases to come or send for it as I have wrote to him this Day.

We are impatient to have frequent News from your Quarter in the present Situation of Affairs.

I amSr. Wth. great Esteem Yr. Very Hum. Sert. FRAN. FAUQUIER Sepr. 29th.

FROM CAPTAIN CHARLES SMITH.

FORT LOUDOUN Sepr. 18 1758

DR. SIR,

Your Letter of the 12th, came safe to Hand. According to Your Desire I Immediately sent the Inclos'd Down to hardwick —

0125107

I have Imploy'd a man of Skill to Assist me in Doing the stone worke of ye. Bastiane which I am affraid it will be a very Troublesom undertakeing as all the old work must be Taken away & new Pillars rais'd, you may be sure there is no Soldier here fit for Duty but what is kept constantly at Labour to keep things in Repair —

Now I have wrote to Saml Givings for the Brand & markes of your Black Mare, & then will take Every Method, I can to get them. I will Advertise them at Every Publick Place, I can think off —

The Horse that Burris rode Down is a Light bay about 14 Hands high, favours a horse I have seen you have no brand's, only some white hairs Groing on the top of his Neck the Reason of my Stoping him — Burris first told me he was Your's & you Lent him & afterwards Offered him for Sale, hardwick says he Does not know him to be Yours —

Your Peter has mended very Little since my Last but is able to do some small Trifles in the Shop

Hardwick has been a Speaking to me that he is Realy Intended to Leave Your Inploy as soon as his time is up — Your Waggoner John behaves Extreamly ill, & Consults his own Interest more than Yours —

I have got one of your waggons & Neagre [nigger] addam to Drive for the Publick, & some Imploy I get about Town that is when it can be spard from the Quarter —

As there is many of the officers Looses men by Desertion, Writes to me Desireing, to Advertise them at £2 Reward, I must Certainly pay Ye. Money when any0126108Soldier Deliver'd to me as a Deserter, & they haveing my Advertisement I take a Receipt for the money I advance that I know, but I should be vastly oblige to you for your advice, in Leting me know, how I Shall be Repaid; as I have sent Advertisemts. to all Parts of Virga. & some to North Carrolina this I look upon to be my Duty when Requir'd for the good of the publick, I Receive one of the Ist. Virga. Regt. Deserter from Lieut King's Commd. of the 10th. & 3 belonging to the north Carolinia Detachment (that Scoundral) Hansley after being pardin'd Deserted Last night as I am in a Hurry, of writeing an answer to the Governour's Letter I hope you will Excuse my not sending you the weekly Returnes, but there is nothing happened Extraordenory Since my Last only Receivd. 4 Deserters, hansley Deserted & one Dead of the old Regt. —

it make our Duty Very hard to keep so many Prisoners I think it would be very Advisable to Clap them to Labour as there is a Nessaity at this time —

Mr. Rutherford will have about, 30, or 40, Waggons Ready to start from this Place of the 22d. Loaded with Flwor & Forrage, but is at a Loss what to do for a Guard of Men if you think Proper I can spare the 20 Raingers as far as pierce halls, but must have your advice in this Case —

I have Inclos'd my Pay Role for the Month of Augt. for Subsistance & Working Pay, concludeing myself as SuperIntendent of the Publick work — there is David Davis of Colo: Stephen's Compn. Richd. Trotter of Capt. Woodwards Compy. has not Receivd. any0127109Subsistence for — 6 Months, Past, I Did not know if it was Advisable or not to Put them in my Pay Roles or not, but have at the bottom — without you spake to Mr. Boyd Concerning the men that is Join'd me sence your Departure he will not send whats Due to them —

As Mr. Redeford1 has Aplied to me for a Guard to go up with the Waggons as Lord Farfax denys sending One of the Militia & the teams Lying here at Expence Loaded with forrage I thought its Nessasary for the good of the Service to Send Express to You to know if I am to Send the 20 Rangers that is under my Command as far as Piercealls Or not I beg for an imediate Answer as the Waggons Lyes here upon Expence

1 Rutherford.

The Express from Alexandria has not Return'd as Yet I am Dear Sir

Your Very Humble. Servt. CHS. SMITH

FROM PRESLEY THORNTON, ESQ.2

2 Colonel Presley Thornton, son of Anthony and Winifred (Presley) Thornton, grandson of Francis and Alice (Savage) Thornton, and great-grandson of William Thornton, of Gloucester and Stafford, represented Northumberland county in the House of Burgesses from 1748 until he was appointed to the Council in 1760. Colonel Thornton was twice married. His second wife was Charlotte Belson, adopted daughter of John Tayloe, of Mount Airy. He died December 8, 1769, in the forty-eighth year of his age, leaving two sons and three daughters, Elizabeth, Peter Presley, Winifred, Presley, and Charlotte. He was a grandson of Peter Presly, from whom, through his mother, Colonel Thornton inherited Northumberland House.

WMSBURG 26 Sepr. 1758.

MY DEAR COLO.

To hear of the welfare of my Friend will always give me great Satisfaction, but your kind Letter of0128110the 8th. Sept. has afforded infinite Pleasure, as in a paragraph of a Letter you some time ago wrote to Colo. Tayloe you mention'd my being unmindful of you, by not answering a Letter that you had wrote to me soon after I had the Pleasure of seeing you last, wch. I have never received therefore I must believe it has fallen into the Hands of the envious, I shou'd be pleased if I cou'd find out the person, & will endeavor to do it, tho' I am afraid it will be a difficult task.

Your kind wishes for my Happiness deserve my most thankful acknowledgements, mine you have, with unfeigned sincerity, and I am truly concern'd to find that the prospect of yours is so distant. I can only wish & that I will do most ardently that success may attend all your undertakings (& that soon) of wch. Happiness must be the consequence.

I wou'd write to you the resolutions of the House of Burgesses but none of them as yet are completed. I am inform'd that the Govr. detains Jenkins until they are, that you may be fully advised of them, and my Business obliges me to be absent for a few days, & lest he shou'd be sent off before my return, I shou'd have been wanting in my Friendship to you, if I was not to write, tho' it shou'd be nothing more than to assure you that I am with the greatest Truth

My dear Colo. Your Mo: Afft. Obedt. Servt. PRESLEY THORNTON.

0129111

FROM THE HON, GOVERNOR FAUQUIER.

W.S BURGH Oct. 7th. [mutilated]

SR./

I read your Dispatches containing the [mutilated] able Accts. of the Check we received before Fort du Quesne as forwarded by Lieutt. Smith from Fort Loudoun on [mutilated] 2d. instant, and laid them immediately before the House who are still debating, one Day resolving on one Sch [mutilated] the next, on another in Relation to Military affairs [mutilated] that nothing is yet determined upon.

Our Loss is great if we consider the brave Off [mutilated] men who fell, but if we think only of numbers [mutilated] inconsiderable, and can be of no great Consequ [mutilated] for by the Behaviour of your Men they shew they [mutilated] not to be soon daunted: They have acted in the Man [mutilated] that was expected from them, and in wch. I don't doubt they will continue to act, and so merit, and meet the applause of their Country.1

1 In the disastrous affair of September 14, in which Major Grant was defeated, the Virginians under Captain Bullitt behaved with great fortitude. Colonel Bouquet, writing to General Amherst, September 17, says, “At last our men yielded, and there remained only a scene of confusion, notwithstanding all the efforts of Major Grant to rally them. They would have been cut to pieces probably had not Captain Bullet of the Virginians, with 100 men, sustained the combat with all their power, until, having lost two-thirds of his men, he was driven to the shore of the river, where he found the poor Major. He urged him to retire, but he said he would not quit the field of battle as long as there was a man who would fight. My heart is broke (said he) I shall never outlive this day.”

I have ordered the Blankets up to Winchester to be delivered as soon as possible that you may repay0130112the General those he furnish'd you with. And have sent up the blank Commissions you desired, and dont doubt but you will fill them up according to merit.

The same Messenger who brot. yours brought also an acct. of the blowing up a Magazine at Fort Cumberland wch. surely was owing to Neglect somewhere; for I should think it highly improper that every Officer should have free Admission into a Magazine, and suppose it is some particular Officers Duty, whether Store keeper or other [mutilated] to go in; and fetch what is wanted from Magazines [mutilated] this is the Case at present I think Inquiry ought to [mutilated] made where the Neglect lay, if it is not a Rule, I think [mutilated] ht to be made one.1

1 Washington replied to this that “Govt. Sharpe, in person, commanded a Garrison of Militia (from his Province) at Fort Cumberland, when the Magazine was blown up; and had I believe his Store-keeper included in the blast.”

[mutilated] ry to give you any additional Trouble, but must [mutilated] you will give orders, that whoever is sent down to [mutilated] wth. Expresses may be furnish'd with Money in advance to proceed on his Journey, for want of which Davis a Soldier in your Regiment (I think) who brought the Dispatch to me, came almost dead having lain three nights in the Woods Almost without Sustenance. He having no Money, no House would receive him, or supply him wth. common necessaries of Life. This can [mutilated] no hardship on any Body as they are sure to have it allow'd and repaid.

0131113

I most sincerely wish you better and speedy Success, being

wth. great Esteem Yr. very Hum Servt FRAN: FAUQUIER

[mutilated] Davis applyed to Lieut. Smith

[mutilated] money and was refused, at least his Desire was without Effect.

FROM JOSEPH CHEW, ESQ.

NEW LONDON Octr. 11th. 1758

DEAR SIR

it is Very hard for me to tell you the Great uneasiness I have Labour'd under since Last Post — on Accott. of the Affair near Fort Duquesne. where it is said our Troops commanded by Majr. Grant where Repulsed with the Loss of many Virginians amongst whom I am informed my Poor Brother makes one1 — I pray you my Dear Friend to let me know how that matter was and what Fate my Dear Brother met0132114if the Circumstances of it have Come to your knowledge — I have Very Little hopes that he is on this side death but hope his behavour merrited a Better Fate. — all his Letters have been full of Expressions of Gratitude towards you and I flater my self had he Lived his Actions would have Corresponded with them — as it is I Pray you to believe my heart overflows with greatfull sentiments in his behalf and that I am my Dear Sir

1 List of officers killed or missing from the action near Fort Duquesne, September 14, 1758. From The Shippen Papers.

Royal Americans.Lieut. Billings, Lieut. Ryder, Ensign Rhor, Ensign Jenkins.

Highlanders.Major Grant, Captain Munro, Captain A. Mckenzie, Captain McDonald, Lt. Alex. McKenzie, Lieut. Colin Campbell, Lieut. Wm. McKenzie, Lieut. Rod'k McKenzie, Lieut. Alex. McDonald, Ensign John McDonald.

Ist Virginia Reg't.Major Lewis, Lieut. Baker, Lieut. Campbeli, Ensign Allen, Ensign Chew, Ensign Guest.

Marylanders.Lieut. McCrea.

2nd Battalion of Pennsylvania.Ensign Haller.

Your most obed Servt JOS CHEW

FROM CAPTAIN CHARLES SMITH.

FORT LOUDOUN Octr. 12 1758

DR. SIR/

I Receivd. Yours from Rays Town bareing no Date, but an Answer to mine of the 18th. of Sepr. Lieutt. Swearingen with 20 Rangers in Compy. with Lieutt. Slawter & 20 of the Culpepper Militia is a Guard to the Waggons as far as Fort Cumberland as there was no Others to be had.

I have Imploy'd two Very good Masons to Assist in Underpinning the Bastion which we have Laboured at this ten days past. I Could not Ingage any Person of Skill for Less than 5s/Pr. Day for Each & finding them Diet —

I have Advertis'd Your two Mares in the Virga. Gazite & at Fredricksburgh & Several Other Places at 20s/ Each Mention'd Stray'd away On the the first of June, from Colo. Spotswoods, the Mare You0133115Bought from Capt. Linsey is a bright Bay & about 14 hands high well Sett, a Trotter, & Branded with fore S s —

The One You bought from Saml. Givends is a black Mare Trotts, About 14 hands & a ½ high no brands, but a Small Star in her forehead, & a Small S on her near shoulder —

I have sent the Horse I Stopt from Burris to Your Quarter, I have Imploy'd Your Waggon 7 Days in fetching Stone, Lime & Water for the Masons & Timber for Covering the Barricks which is done for the Publick, I have Imploy'd her 5 Days more for the Towns People, at 10s/ pr. Day. & now must imploy her a few Days, in fetching Cole Wood for Your Smiths & after that I shall have more Business for Different People, as for Your Smiths work I have not time to give You a full Account but Shall take Care to Let You know Every Particular in my Next —

the Country People about here is Very Uneasy to find there Accounts not to Pass at Williamsburgh for Plank, Iron, Steal & Many Other Nessasarys that I was Desired by You to Contract in the behalf of the Country. to furnish those Nessasarys for the Use of the Publick Work I believe the Sum due, when You Left this Place, Amounted to £217 for Waggonage & all —

the £25 You Left with me I have Paid to the Miner which I have taken his Recept. for & he has near £20 More due besides what I am in Debt for Cartridges Paper Brimstone for Matches Smiths Work & Masons & Waggonage must at Least amount to £140 —

0134116

I wrote to the Governour for a Small Supply of Money, Where he Return'd in his Letter, as You left £25 with me to furnish the Well & Cover all the Buildings, You must be Sencible there was 8 Or 10£ due to the Miner When You Left this & his Work since is Amounted to near £40 the Masons Near £12 & many Other Expences that must be Paid the Governour & Council Seems to think that I have Run the Country to this Expence by no Ones Orders but my One, as they imagine by Your Letter Leaveing me £25 would Compleat the whole, I am Still Desired by them not to Let any of the Building Suffer, & Carry On the Well, I will Leave You to be a Judge if You think Workmen is to be had Or any Nessasarys got without Money therefore I have Advanced some Money of my Own Credit, I am now desired by the Council to Let them know by whose Orders I Contracted, but at the Same time they have Promised to Pay what is Due, as What is Done was highly Nesasary for the Good of the Country, I Shall Just send all Accounts Against the Country Down, & then if they Order me to Carry On the Well they must Raise more Money —

I have Ingaged 30 Bushels of hair for You & Shall send them Down by the first Oppertunity to Your House in farfax —

I have sent You the Exact Return of this Garrison inclos'd with some Letters, I have no News worth Notice —

I am Dr. Sir Your Most Obedient & Very Humble. Servt. CHAS. SMITH

0135117

FROM WILLIAM RAMSAY, ESQ.

WMSBBURG Octr. 17th 1758

DEAR SIR

We have no News of late only repeated Accots. of the King of Prussia's beating Count Daun, wch is generaly believ'd. The 1st. Virga. Regimt. had like to have been broke by a Vote of the House, but the Old and Judicious, carried it against the Young Members by a Majority of five. however they have so far prevail'd, that unless the Regimt. return into this Colony by the 1st. of Decr. next & guard our Frontiers, they are to be no longer in the pay of this Colony. There is to be no Lieut. Colo. Quarter Master, Adjutant nor Chaplain, & the yearly allowance for your Table is voted away. This is tho't, a meanpeice of Parsimony and condemn'd in general & indeed their whole proceedings relative to that Regimt. —

They have voted 57,000 Pounds to pay of the Arrears & the Regmt. till the 1st. day of Decr. next.

Tis reported the Govr. has reciev'd advice, that the Cherokees are much irritated against the County of Bedford & are determin'd to be revenged for some men killed by those people, but tis tho't, shou'd they attempt this, the Creeks may be play'd upon them, who only want an Oppty, for they have been hardly restrain'd by the Govr. of So. Carolina from doing it some time ago — The Govr. is in general well Spoken off. Mr. Hite says, Messrs. Barr & Slough has disappointed me in 10 Hhds of Rum & 3 pipes of Wine I engag'd them to bring me from Philadelphia,0136118this I am affraid will cause Mr. Hite & Mr. Hayton to labor under great difficulys, to supply properly, the Regimt. so well as I wou'd wish — The great Credt. I was oblig'd to give, the Regimt. being not duely paid, I hope will be obviated when the Cash arrives, your good offices so farr as you can, will be very obliging. My business down here I am affraid will not be attended with Success, no Money in the Treasury & making the New will be attended with delay.

Your friends rejoic'd to hear you were well & wishes a safe return, amongst whom none more sincerely than

Your affect. H Servt. WM. RAMSAY

19th

A report prevails in Town, that Admiral Hardy has taken near the Mouth of St. Lawrence two 50 gun French Ships and many regulars conveyed in a large Number of Transports; they were intended for Louisburg, but being inform'd by a fishing Vessel that it was taken, they bent their course that way. This is very fortunate if true.

W. R —

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT MCKENZIE.

SIR —

I am glad to find by your Lettr. to Capt. Waggener that the Duncard Doctr. is not escaped, which we took here for granted. There is not a Man upon the0137119Branch that can positively undertake to pilot the Party to his Settlemt. & at this Time of the Year it is very dangerous to go such a Distance & over such bad Mountains witht. a proper Guide. I wish you would undertake to send him up immeadiately, & if his Bail is not yet released I will be bound to return him safe, or bring a certain Certificate to prove that the Country will suffer Nothing from him for the future. I am to command the Party, & am therefore more anxious for its Success — I am sure the Good of the Service necessarily requires his Presence. —

A Party of 8 Indians fell upon two Hunters abt. Sunsett. They fired 4 shot at the Enemy but upon seeing the rest (three only being seen at first) they run off two different Ways both untouched. One is come in the other missing — I shall endeavor to know what is become of him in the Morng. — The man missing is Lane, the other Cox —

I am Sir Yr. Mor. obedt. Saturday Night)ROBT. McKENZIE

Addressed. — On his Majty Service To --- Robt. Stewart Esqr. Commanding at Fort Loudoun —

0138120

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

CAMP AT REAS TOWN Octr. 17th. 1758

DEAR SIR

Since my last nothing remarkable has come to my knowledge — ’ere now I imagine you'll have a perfect accot. of the affair at Loyalhannan which here still remains an impenetrable Secret —

Stalnaker brought up some Cabbages & Potatoes for you which I in your name sent to the Generals — Colo. Byrd has procur'd some Forrage for your Cow & Calf and we will take particular care of them — As the weather is good and Waggons arrives very fast I flatter myself with the hopes of being with you soon — I beg you will please present my Complemts. to the Docrs. McNeil & Mc Kenzie and give me leave to subscribe myself

With the most perfect Esteem

My Dear Colo. Your truly affectionate & Most Obliged hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

CAMP AT REAS TOWNOcr. 22d. 1758

MY DEAR SIR

I had the pleasure of receiving your kind favour of the 16th. Inst. and am extremely sorry your March prov'd so disagreeable and doubly so at its cause1 unless the Weather continues good I dread the consequences —

1 The almost impassable condition of the road.

0139121

Your Letter for Winchester I deliver'd Jenkins who sets out this morning yours by Mr. Chew will be sent by the first Conveyance for Philadelphia —

Yesterday Orders were issued for the Troops & Artillery to March to morrow so that I flatter myself with the hopes of being with you soon —

Majr. Wells who is left to Command here promises to take the greatest care in forwarding any Letters that may come up for you after we March —

Speirs & Smith have got a thousand Shirts and engages to supply any qty. of Flannels, half thicks Shoes and Stockgs. and thinks they can get you about 200 Blankets in 6 or 7 days but the Blankets they cannot engage for and would be glad to know as soon as possible what qty. of each kind you will want — to whom they will deliver the Goods & how they are to be sent up I have with difficulty prevail'd upon them not to part with any till they hear from you —

Colo. Byrd is inform'd from below that your Regiment is to be kept up and that his will be kept in Pay during the Campaign whatever time it may continue

The Assembly of Pensylvania have voted another hundd. Thousand Pounds — C W. Steuart is by the Doctor's Advice and the Generals Permission gone to N. York Colo. Byrd & Sr. John has given him an unlimited leave.

Colo. Byrd desires his Complemts. may be made you & that he wrote to Govr. Fauquier the cause of your not being able to write to him — Mercer is not yet come up — your Cow will come up with us —0140122Please offer my Complements to our Officers & allow me the pleasure of Subscribing myself with the greatest Esteem —

My Dear Colo. Your most Affece. & most Obt. hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

CAMP AT REAS TOWN Ocr. 24th 1758

MY DEAR SIR

A Light Horseman was just setting out for Loyal hannan with an Accot. of what things could be procur'd here in a short time for our Men when yours of of the 21st. Inst. by Mr. Grant came to hand upon rect. of it I immediately applied to the General for a Party to Winchester to Escort up the Necessaries but he told me it was impossible — therefore I gave the Returns to Speirs & Smith with Directions to send up what of the things could be immediately got by Capt. Waggener and the rest which is expected in 5 or 6 Days to follow Majr. Wells is to send them up to Stony Creek and the Commanding officer there to forward them — I wrote to Capt. Waggener to give Speirs a List of Necessaries the Men of his Detachmt. may want that they may be sent up at the same time — I have ordered Blue Duffils half thicks & Flannel for the Coats Jackets & Breeches & Leggins and 100 Shirts & 150 Blankets more than in the Returns — As we are just going to March I beg0141123you'll forgive my hurry &ca. & allow me to be on all occasions with unalterable Esteem —

My Dear Colonel Your truly Affecte. & Most Obliged hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART

please make my Complemts. to all our Gentn. Mr. Duncanson's Recovery affords me infinite Joy1 I have not a minute to spare else would write to him — I have wrote to his brother about him.

1 Lieutenant Duncanson had been wounded in the action at Loyal Hannon, October 12.

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

CAMP AT RAYS TOWN Octr. 25th. 1758

MY DEAR COLONEL

Just now an Express arriv'd from Winchester with the Inclos'd Letter, the Cover of the Governour's was quite to Pieces before it came to hand I observe it contains some Commissions I hope mine is amongst them as nobody here has any accots. from Virginia I beg you'll be so good as to let me know the News by first oppy

I wrote you yesterday Just as I was getting ready to March relative to Necessaries for the Men and as no oppy has since occurrd I send it Inclos'd notwithstanding the hurry in which it was wrote as its now late and the Express that brings you this sets out before Day in the morning —

Colo.'s Montgomerie and Byrd March'd yesterday — the Light Horse and Grenadeers waits with the0142124General who defer'd Marching till this day which prov'd too rainy — The last Division of the Artillery March'd this forenoon but I fear the heavy rains will greatly retard its progress

Colo. Mercer with the last of the Waggons and Pack Horses will be in to morrow and its said we shall then have a sufficient Quantity of Provisions

An Express for Philadelphia sets out to morrow morning by him I send your Letter for Mr. Chew — No news of any kind are stirring at this place — as the General will push on when he sets out I hope to have the pleasure of Joining you soon and in the mean time I beg leave to Subscribe myself with the highest & most unfeigned Esteem

My Dear Sir Your truly Affecte. & Most Obliged hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART

FROM COLONEL ANDREW LEWIS.

MONTREALL October ye 31st. 1758

DR. SIR

I have the hapiness of Aquanting you that I am in perfect helth — and tho I had the Misfortun of being made prisoner the 14 Last month, ame as hapy and much more So, than should have Expected under Such Sircomstances. Nothing this Country Can afford but I have in plenty — with the greatest Complesance —

The time as well as mannar of my Being releved0143125I ame a Strangear to. — Cash I have non nither know I how to get a Suply unless you be So good as to procure a Bill of Exchange which may inable me to Draw my pay — Cloaths I must if posable have, and Should any Gentleman in this place advance me Cash for that purpos I should be Sorry to leve this Country with out paying him —

Colo. Skilar by home1 I have the pleasure of Sending this, has promised if you Send the Bill to him he will Send it So that I shall have it —

1 Whom?

I supos I shall be Soon Sent to Qubeck where I shall have the pleasure of Seeing Capts. Stobo and Vanbram I here they are in good helth —

pray make my Best Complements to all the officers of my aquentance — I ame Your Most Obedt. Hble. Servant

ANDW. LEWIS

FROM THE HON. GOVERNOR FAUQUIER.

WMSBURGH Novr. 4th. 1758

SR./

By an Act of the last Assembly the Regiment under your Command was remanded back to Virginia to protect the Frontiers, and in that Case they were provided for; but if they were not permitted to return by the first of December their pay from this Colony was to stop from that Day. Some other saving schemes were obliged to be complyed with, for fear the whole should be given up.

By a Letter I received from Coll. Byrd I find the Army will be in the Heat of Action, and the Fate of0144126Fort du Quesne depending at that Time, I have therefore summoned an Assembly to meet on Thursday the tenth instant, in order to prolong the Time for both the Regiments to remain in the Field in Conjunction with the rest of his Majesties Forces. This is the only Step I could take to prevent the Ruin of the whole Expedition, and save this Colony from the Censure They would lie under as being the sole Cause of the Miscarriage of the whole; If the Fort should not be reduced by that Day.

I make no Doubt but that the Resolves of this Assembly will be favourable to our Wishes; as they have always proved themselves strenuous Asserters of his Majesties Rights. Whatever they are, you shall have them by Express as soon as they are known.

Mr. Turner who brought me Letters from the Army carries five Thousand pounds up with him for the Payment of the Regiments. Whether this is sufficient I do not at all know, as I have had no Account either from Mr. Boyd, or Major Peachey of what would be necessary: however it will serve to stop a present gap, and more shall be sent on the first Notice. But I desire you will give Orders to the paymasters to send down an Acct. of the Time to wch. the Forces are paid and what more will be wanting to compleat their pay to the first of December.

I long to see you returned Victorious, that I may have the pleasure of taking you by the Hand, and assuring you with what Truth and Regard

I am Sr. Yr. Very Hum. Servt. FRAN: FAUQUIER

0145127

P. S. As the Money of the new Emission that is signed is in two large Notes for the purpose of Payment of the Troops; Captn. Turner will remain here till the Assembly meets, so I have sent this Letter by [obliterated] of the last Messenger who came from the General.

F: F:

FROM CAPTAIN CHARLES SMITH.

FORT LOUDOUN Novembr. 16th. 1758

DR. SIR

I Receivd Yours the 30th of Octr. Likewise one of the 5th. Inst. that of the 30th. mentions Supplying Expresses with money that I have Done Allways Allso. I have Convinced the Governer that what Davis told him was Entirely falce —

Your Letters I allways Distributed Likewise Yr Trunk with 20 Bushels. of havie, I have sent to Colo. Carlyle which I have Receivd. his Answer —

According to Yr. Orders of the 5th. Inst. I have mad out my Pay Rolls for Subsistance & Working Pay Ready to Settle with Mr. Turner when comes from WmSburg —

I am not able to give You a full Accot. of the Sum yr. Blacksmiths has Earnt yet but with Great Care & Driving I am Pretty Sure I Shall make them Earn one Hundred Pounds Cleare in a Year —

Your Waggoner John is come to me with a Sad Complaint against hardwick he says hardwick beats him & Abuses him at Shutch a Rate he Cant Stay with him & hinders him from Takeing Care of Yr. horses by the Reason. of his takeing in Sundry horses0146128belonging to Sundry People to Winter, I have sent John home again to his business & Declair'd I would Informe You of the Matter, John has Apply'd to me for Money to Get him Cloathes for the Winter I let him have Twenty Shillings & Did not Care to let him have a Great Sum untill I new Yr. Pleasure —

Sergt. Wilper Sends his Returnes to me & Desires to know in what Manner himself & Detachmt. under him is to be Paid or who to Apply to, as there Chiefly naked for Shoes & Stockings, I have sent an Axact Returne of this. Garrison Inclosd. Yr. Man Peter is takeen very ill with the flooks, but I hope no Danger — I am in hast & no more to add, but Dr. Sir I wish You Safe Returne at this Place again, & believe I am Yr. Friend & Very Humble. Servt.

CHS. SMITH —

N.B. Colo. Wood & Colo. Hite & all Yr. Friends about Town Desires to be Remembered to you,

C. S.

FROM COLONEL BOUQUET.1

1 Addressed. — On his Majesty's Service

To

Colonel Washington

Commanding the Troops to

ye Westward

CAMP AT LOYAL HANNAN 16th Novr 1758

DEAR SIR

I am directed by the General to inform you that he had receiv'd your Letter, and Sends you 42 falling axes which could not be collected Sooner.

The General thinks that Col. Armstrong is not0147129upon the good Road, Therefore desires that you Send Capt. Shelby to blaze the road before you and bring Col. Armstrong's Party in it.

The distance of his last Encampment being only 16 miles from here, does not answer our Purpose and the General wishes that you would join him, (in cutting the Road) to day, and march together or his Detachmt. before you as you may think best. and mark out an Incampment at about 20, or 22 miles from here, as we had agreed, where you are to Stay intrenching your Camp untill Col Montgomery joins you;

You will then take the necessary Tools and march wth. a Sufficient force to the heads of Turtle Creek where you [mutilated]1 Camp — leaving to Col. Montgomery's Brigade the Road to cut to you.

1 The mutilated parts of the original of this letter appear to have been burned.

The Beeves for your four days meat go wth. Col. Montgomery's Brigade, and I shall bring wth. me a Supply for Col. Armstrong's Party, whose men are to join their respective Corps as they come up.

I hope to be wth. you as Soon as Col. Montgy. tho' I Set out only to morrow.

I am Dr. Sr. Your most obedt hble Servant H. BOUQUET

P. S. as the Troops behind you have no Tools, the General desires that nothing be left undone upon the Road, of what you judge necessary; & begs you would get a Chimney built for him, in Each of the extreme [multilated]1 Camps.

1 The mutilated parts of the original of this letter appear to have been burned.

0148130

FROM BRIGADE-MAJOR HALKETT.12

1 Washington's indorsement — Genl. Forbes — by Brigade Majr. Halket.

2 Addressed — On His Majestys Service

To

BRIGADIER WASHINGTON on his

March

WASHINGTON CAMP 21st November 1758

SIR

In consequence of your letter, the General has ordered out a Working, & Covering party from Col: Bouquets Brigade, who are to begin at the Camp, and open the Road upon Capt. Shelbys Blazes till they meet your party. The Commissary has orders to have the provisions for the men of your Brigade ready to deliver immediately upon your Returning to Camp, and to set it apart by Corps, which will make as little delay as it is possible, the numbers he Calculates by the Return you sent back to the General when on his March, so any errors as they must be small, can easily be rectifyed upon your coming in The General desires that you will Reconoitre the length of the old Path, & begin to open the Road as near to it as you think you may venture to do so that the two parties may finish it this day & send him an account by the Light Horse man of the nature of the Country — Fifty Felling axes which are all that are good ones, with a proportion of Shovels, & Pickaxes are given to this Party I am Sir

Your most obedient humble Servant FRANCIS HALKETT Brigade Major

0149131

FROM THE HON. GOVERNOR FAUQUIER.

WMSBURGH Novr. 22d. 1758

SR./

Jenkins brought me yours of the 30th. Octr. and 5th. instant. I hope this will find you full of Joy and all Difficulties removed that those represented you to be involved in. I hope Captn. Turner who left this place on Tuesday the 14th, with the provision the Assembly made for impowering me to keep the Regiments a Month longer abroad, and £5000 for Pay of the Forces has reach'd the Army some Days before the first of December, that the Commander in chief, you, and the rest of the Forces might be fully apprized of the Determination of the Assembly before it was too late. I have nothing particular to add but my most hearty good wishes for your Success, being with great Regard

Sr. Yr. Very Hum. Servt. FRAN: FAUQUIER

FROM CAPTAIN CHARLES SMITH.

FORT LOUDOUN, Decembr. 2d. 1758 —

DR. COLO.,

As You wrote to me in Yr. Last Concerning Deischargeing Different People's Accots. that had Money Due by the Contry for Services Done at this Place, Every Person that brought there Accots. in to Me I0150132Sent Down to Williamsburgh Which they past and is Now Discharg'd.

Your Accots. of Smith's Worke & Waggonage is Past & the Money is Now in My hands, for Smiths Worke Amounts upwards of £50, Waggonage upwards of £10, I have Drawn the Whole Accots. between You & I I shall be Ready to Settle with You at any time by Writeing or Self present,

there is a Number of the 2d. Virga. Regt. come Down to Me but by Whose Orders I know knot, there in Great need of a Doctor but to Imploy one I am afraid to do as I have no Orders but at the same time has Receivd. them in to the fort & Draws provision as they Others untill further Orders of Your's or Some Other Commanding Officer —

I have no News Worth Notice but as all Your friends in this place is Well & Daily Wishing to heare of the Reduction of Fort Dequzne. & Your Safe Returne at this place as they Immagin there Greatly Imposd upon in this County as there is Orders come up to Draught the Milisa of the Above sd. County, I am Dr. Sir,

Your Most Obedient & Very Humble. Servt. CHS. SMITH

FROM MR. CHRISTOPHER HARDWICK.

Decr. 12th. 1758

One Marke & Tent Table (Iron Screw to Do Missing) 4 Camp Stools Bedstead, 2 Mattrases, 4 Blankets, 6 Pack Saddles (one of Which Miles Carrys with him)01511332 Oyl Cloths, 2 Candle Sticks 1 Pr. Snuffers, 1 Pr. Curtins, 1 Bottle Oyl 5 Cups & Six Saucers (some of which have peaces broke out of them) 2 Tumblers, 1 Do. Broke, 3 Table Cloths, 2 Pr. Sheets, 1 Box of Candles, 1 Curry Comb & Brush, 1 Pr. Saddle Bags, 3 horse Beels (one of Which is at Winchester) 1 Cag of Wine, 13 Plates 1 Bason, 1 Blanket Coat, 4 Wanteys, Hors Shoes & Nails, 2 Boxes, 2 Pr. Legings 1 Copper kettle (the Cover missing Miles says it is at Winchest. 1 Tin Quart Mug, 1 Tea Kettle, 1 Small Tent 1 Tomehock 2 Delph Bowls 7 Knives 9 Forks — Part of a Bottle of Musterd — some Spices, 2 Pewter much bent Dishes, 7 Table Spoons, 3 Tea Do. 2 Pieses of Supe [soap] 3 Neats Tongs —

Decr. 12th. 1758

I have Recd. the before Mentiond things (except such as is excepted in the Memorandom) I say Recd. Pr. Me

CHRISTOPHE HARD WICK

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

WINCHESTER Decem. 12th 1758

DEAR SIR

The Baggage arriv'd here the night before last but the horses so low and jaded as they could not proceed before this day I have sent Keating & two others to see it safe to the Quarter —

There's no place to receive the Sick and that there should be no Surgeon or Nurses to take care0152134of the Sick & wounded appears shockingly Barbarous —

Mr. Smith says there's no materials to finish the Barracks & no money to procure them, those that stays in the Fort must suffer greatly for want of Wood & water — As the men are in great want of Necessaries would you think proper to have the Shirts and Stockgs. in the Store issued to them —

Mr. Boyd got here last night, he parted with our Troops at Reas Town, and says that before he left them eight or nine had Parished with Cold, and that the Sick Encreas'd fast —

My Fever still continues and nobody here that can give me the smallest Relief nor is it diminish'd by the Intelligence we had of the Assembly's Determination about our Regt. (if it now may be call'd one) the very name of Ranger is horrible. its Duty if well executed insupportable by at least 9/10ths. of the Human Species, its nature inconsistent with order & Discipline and that Brave Corps equally Distinguish'd by their Discipline and Intrepidity before the Enemy will too probably dwin[d]le to a Licentious Crowd — As I would willingly make every effort to secure some kind of Retreat from what I so much dislike I would (if it should not appear like an abuse of that good nature & disinterested Friendship so often Demonstrated in my behalf) Beg you would be so good as to use your Interest with the Governor to make me an Adjutant to the Militia this the late Governor often told me should be a back door for me in case I should be disappointed in my military expectations, which (he0153135added) could not well happen I am told there is a Vacancy and a total ignorance of the Service must render some of those that enjoy them very unequal to the office — I know how disagreeable it is to ask a favour of a great man and nothing but dire necessity could induce me to beg your doing it — from the present Circumstances of Affairs and your Situation in Life I'm persuaded such a favour at this juncture would not be refus'd you I am really ashamed at my giving such great & frequent trouble indeed it seems odd I should give you the most who is best dispos'd to do for me, tho' that is natural cause

I shall ever retain the most grateful sense of the manifold Friendly & obliging offices you have been pleas'd to do me, to merit which, will always comprehend a share of his ambition who is with the most perfect & unalterable Esteem

My Dear Colo. — Your most Affecte. & Most Obliged hble Servant ROBERT STEWART

My present situation will I hope render an appology for my writing &ca. badly unnecessary —

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

FORT LOUDOUN Decem 20th.1758

DEAR SIR

Inclos'd are Returns of the First V. Regt. and the Stores here, the former left for you to sign the other0154136 sign'd by Mr. Smith — I likewise take the liberty of Inclosing you a Copy of my accots. relative to the Troop, if any thing can be done I hope you will Please remind the Governor and Assembly that I nor my Officers have never received any Pay, allowance for Horses, Bat or Forrage Money and the high Pay and Emoluments the Pensylvania Horse Officers receiv'd tho' each of them Drew Pay in the Foot agreeable to the different Ranks, they therein held — Your placing the manifold Essential Services the Horse perform'd in the Course of the Campaign of which the Foot were incapable in a Just point of view to the Assembly might probably alter their Sentiments and produce the desir'd Effect.

The wretched Situation want of Cloathing, necessaries, a long series of uncommon of uncommon hardships severe Duty and even want of needfull Food & rest has reduc'd your Regiment to makes no small addition to the horrible Impression the last Campaign has given the 2d. V. Regt. of a Military Life, and as yet render'd our utmost Efforts in Recruiting any of them abortive — I humbly conceive that if any Recruits can be got it must be where they are Strangers to the melancholy Condition our men are in We yesterday had them under Arms and the miserable and shameful appearance they made was really moving It certainly would be for the Interest of the Country either to have them immediately cloath'd, properly equipt as Soldiers and render'd fit for Service or Disbanded as in their present deplorable Situation they are an Expence and can be of no real use, and Dejection, murmurs and Desertion0155137must be the inevitable consequences of this unaccountable Neglect

I long till I know what you have or can do in that affair I sollicited you for in my last by Miles, as the very thoughts of being a Ranger is insupportable, tho' I am creditably inform'd that these Compys are very beneficial and that some of the Ranging Capts. make more money than ever you did by the Regt. But surely he that wou'd for the sake of money swerve from the Principles of Honr. does not merit the Title of Officer and for my own part I solemnly Declare I would rather serve in the Ranks than deviate from my Honr. But as you are perfectly acquainted with my Sentiments, the Circumstances I am under and am fully satisfied with your Inclination towards me will add no more on this Subject —

If the Assembly sits soon I should be extremely glad to get Liberty to go down for a few days and in the meantime I beg leave to Subscribe myself With the most perfect Esteem

My Dear Colo Your Most Affecte. & Most Obliged hble Servt ROBERT STEWART

FROM DOCTOR JAMES CRAIK.

WINCHESTER Decr. 20th. 1758

DEAR SIR

We arrived on saturday last after a fatigueing & most severe march — The men & officers both0156138suffer'd very much from hunger & cold — Many of our men were obliged to be left at Raes Town & other places on the road through sickness; numbers of which, I fear will never see this place — Great numbers are dayly flocking to the Hospital; and what is still more dreadfull not one medicine to give them for their relief — I heard when I came down the Surgn. was broke — Yet rather than let brave fellows suffer — I have despatched an Express to Fridricksburg for some material things; at my own risk —

If the Troops are keept up medecines must be had for them — Therefore have inclosed a list of the most necessary Articles, And those will be immediately wanted — for what I sent for; were but few, & I doubt much if they can be got at Fridricksburg — As you are present; Remonstrating the hardships the men ly under when sick for want of proper Accomodations, such as beding, Barley, Oatmeal, Sugar &c) probably they might be redress'd — We are very anxious here to know the fate of the Troops, and who will be Commander. When the Regiment meets with that irreparable lose, of loseing you — The very thoughts of this lyes heavy on the whole whenever they think of it — and dread the consequence of your resigning — I would gladly be advised by you whether or not you think, I had better continue, if they choose to keep me untill my Medecines come from England; or whether I had better resign directly — for I am resolved not to stay in the service when you quit it — The Inhabitants of this place press me much to settle here — I likewise0157139would crave your advice whether or not you think I had better except of their importunities — or settle in Fairfax where you was so kind as to offer me your most friendly assistance — I hope you'll pardon my freedom in giving you this trouble — For as I have experienced so much of your friendship, and received so much friendly countenance from you — I cannot help consulting you on this occasion as my most sincere friend —

I am extremely sorry to hear your bad state of health remain'd with you when here — However I flatter myself with the hopes that you are well — And that as the fatigues of war are now mostly over, you will recover dayly —

By Mr. Boyd I have sent down all my Accots. that were not settled, & hope now to clear off all old scores — If you don't expect to be up soon; would beg the favour of a line from you — I ever am with the greatest Respect & Sincerity

Dr. Sir Your most obliged & obedt. huml. Servt. JAS. CRAIK

FROM CAPTAIN JOHN HALL.

LAKE GEO. Dr. 22d. 1758

DEAR SIR/

this is the 4th. Lr. I have wrote you ye. Campn. for all wch. have not been so happy as to receive one in return —

I cant acct. for the Loss of yr. favr. any other way than by attributg. it to Business, wch. your Warfare0158140must naturally involve you in — an active mind like yours steadily bent on a glorious pursuit, ought not to be wean'd to a more trifling Attention, yt. as to this point I freely absolve you, earnestly hoping, when you have devested yourself of Business, you'l once more look on me in the Numr. of yr. Acquaintance.

What may they be the fate of our Arms yr. way I know not, but I hope for Success, not more through a Spirit of Patriotism, or the principles of a Soldier, than a Certainty of its throwing an additional Lustre, on the Man I esteem.

I read with infinite regret, the Loss of poor Baker & Campbell, I think the Bullets fly your Way as ours — They seem more to be directed by Envy, than guided by fate —

Its out of my Power to write any news — & Its none to tell you I am with sincere Affection Yr. Mot. obt. hbl Servt. JNO. HALL

PS/

My kind Coms. Wait on Majr. Hackett & Col. Bird to whom I now wri [mutilated] pardon the freedom of the inclos

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

FORT LOUDOUN Decem. 29th. 1758

DEAR SIR

Your affectionate and obliging Letter of the 18th Inst. I with infinite pleasure received the very genteel0159141manner in which those fresh marks of your disinterested Friendship are therein given at once Demonstrate your refin'd Sentiments of that Celestial virtue so rarely found genuine in this world and your steady perseverance in the prosecution of it — If I know anything of myself I think no distance of time or place can ever diminish that gratitude with which my heart overflows for the particular manner in which you have long been pleas'd to take notice of me —

About 9 days ago Lt. Colo. Stephens arrived here, I immediately waited on him, shew'd him your Orders and offer'd to give them up to him as Commanding Officer but he before several Officers said that as he understood that the Assembly had voted away the Lt. Colo. he would no further be concern'd with the Command, only to Sign the Discharges of the Drafts upon which I retain'd the Command till yesterday he without giving me the least notice, order'd the Adjutant to make him a Return of the Regiment, and that Jenkins might be got ready to go to Williamsbg. — as I knew him, was at no loss to account for this extraordinary Behaviour, and plainly saw his Intentions by Signing the Discharges and Transmitting the Returns was to make it appear to the Governor and you that he Commanded while I did the Duty, therefore I desir'd he would either take the Sole Command or no part of it, the former he made choice off, as his being reduc'd was not given out in Orders, and I suppose till then he will be entitled to his Pay — should be vastly glad to know0160142from you what is done in that affair and whether he is an officer in your Regiment or not? or if he is what his Rank is?

The Inclos'd came here 2 days ago and as I knew the hand & that it could contain nothing relative to your private affairs I thought it better to open it and see if it was necessary to send an Express with it — if I have done amiss I beg you'll forgive me — my being formerly accustom'd to it in similar cases could alone have induc'd me to use that freedom on this occasion — no Letter came along with it except the Inclos'd for Docr. Hay; one of the Expresses that went from here proceeded no further than Reas Town where he found the Inclos'd Letters & forwarded those he had for the General by an Express he there met with going to Loyalhann

It's whisper'd here that Lt. C. Stephens has receiv'd a Letter from one of the Council intimating the Governor's intention of giving him the Regts. whenever you Resign — I need not tell you how alarming this is to the Corps but as I did not till Just now know of this oppy. I'm oblig'd to write you in a great hurry but as an Express will set out in a few days with an address from the Officers to you will write you more at leisure The fear of losing you has struck a general Grief & Dejection in both officers and Soldiers the men have already begun to Desert — no doubt Colo. Stephens has sent you an accot. of the Situation of affairs here I take the Liberty of sending the Inclos'd Advertisements0161143to be Publish'd and begs leave to subscribe myself with the highest Esteem & most perfect Regard

My Dear Colo. Your most affecte. & Most Obliged hble servt. ROBERT STEWART

TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, ESQR Collo. of the Virginia Regiment & Commander of all the Virginia Forces —

FORT LOUDOUN Decr. 31st. 1758

The humble Address of the Officers of the Virginia Regiment.

SIR,

We your most obedient and affectionate Officers, beg leave to express our great Concern, at the disagreeable News we have received of your Determination to resign the Command of that Corps, in which we have under you long served.

The happiness we have enjoy'd, and the Honor we have acquir'd, together with the mutual Regard that has always subsisted between you and your Officers, have implanted so sensible an Affection in the Minds of us all, that we cannot be silent on this critical Occasion.

In our earliest Infancy you took us under your Tuition, train'd us up in the Practice of that Discipline, which alone can constitute good Troops, from the punctual Observance of which you never suffer'd the least Deviation.

Your steady adherance to impartial Justice, your0162144 quick Discernment and invarable Regard to Merit, wisely intended to inculcate those genuine Sentiments, of true Honor and Passion for Glory, from which the great military Atcheivements have been deriv'd, first heighten'd our natural Emulation, and our Desire to excel. How much we improv'd by those Regulations, and your own Example, with what Alacrity we have hitherto discharg'd our Duty, with what Chearfulness we have encounter'd the several Toils, especially while under your particular Directions, we submit to yourself, and flatter ourselves, that we have in a great measure answer'd your Expectations.

Judge then, how sensibly we must be Affected with the loss of such an excellent Commander, such a sincere Friend, and so affable a Companion. How rare is it to find those amable Qualifications blended together in one Man? How great the Loss of such a Man? Adieu to that Superiority, which the Enemy have granted us over other Troops, and which even the Regulars and Provincials have done us the Honor publicly to acknowledge. Adieu to that strict Discipline and order, which you have always maintain'd! Adieu to that happy Union and Harmony, which has been our principal Cement!

It gives us an additional Sorrow, when we reflect, to find, our unhappy Country will receive a loss, no less irreparable, than ourselves. Where will it meet a Man so experienc'd in military Affairs? One so renown'd for Patriotism, Courage and Conduct? Who has so great knowledge of the Enemy we have to deal with? Who so well acquainted with their0163145Situation & Strength? Who so much respected by the Soldiery? Who in short so able to support the military Character of Virginia?

Your approv'd Love to your King and Country, and your uncommon Perseverance in promoting the Honor and true Interest of the Service, convince us, that the most cogent Reasons only could induce you to quit it, Yet we with the greatest Deference, presume to entreat you to suspend those Thoughts for another Year, and to lead us on to assist in compleating the Glorious Work of extirpating our Enemies, towards which so considerable Advances have been already made. In you we place the most implicit Confidence. Your Presence only will cause a steady Firmness and Vigor to actuate in every Breast, despising the greatest Dangers, and thinking light of Toils and Hardships, while lead on by the Man we know and Love.

But if we must be so unhappy as to part, if the Exigencies of your Affairs force you to abandon Us, we beg it as our last Request that you will recommend some Person most capable to command, whose Military Knowledge, whose Honor, whose Conduct, and whose disinterested Principles we may depend upon.

Frankness, Sincerity, and a certain Openness of Soul, are the true Characteristics of an Officer, and we flatter ourselves that you do not think us capable of saying anything, contrary to the purest Dictates of our Minds. Fully persuaded of this, we beg Leave to assure you, that as you have hitherto been the actuating Soul of the whole Corps, we shall at0164146all times pay the most invariable Regard to your Will and Pleasure, and will always be happy to demonstrate by our Actions, with how much Respect and Esteem we are,

Sir. Your most affectionate & most obedt. humble Servants

GO. WEEDON

HENRY RUSSELL

JNO. LAWSON

GEO: SPEAK

WM. WOODFORD

JOHN MCCULLY

JOHN SALLARD

W HUGHES

WALT CUNINGHAM

WILLIAM COCKE

DAVID KENNEDY

JAS. CRAIK, Surgeon

JAMES DUNCANSON

JAS. ROY

ROBERT STEWART

JOHN MC. NEILL

H: WOODWARD

ROBT. MCKENZIE

THOS. BULLITT

JOHN BLAGG

NATHAL. GIST

MORDI. BUCKNER

WM. DAINGERFIELD

WM FLEMING

LEONARD PRICE

NATHL. THOMPSON

CHS. SMITH

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

FORT LOUDOUN Decem. 31st. 1758

DEAR SIR

In my last of the 29th Inst. by Mr. Smith the Interpr. I inclos'd you a Letter from Colo. Bouquet and inform'd you of some things which I beg leave to remind you off the afternoon of that day Colo. Stephens went out of Town when he returns I don't know —

As the Season for taking the Field will soon draw near, there cannot be much time to loose in commencing0165147the necessary preparations for what share Virginia may Judge necessary to bear in the operations of the next Campaign — There are many bad men in the Regiment and it will take a great many good ones to compleat it — the best of our men are greatly dispirited by their want of Clothes — Discontents and Desertion has already begun and how soon they can be effectually suppress'd without removing the cause is hard to determine; these added to the almost insuperable Difficulties of Recruiting and the sad pass that Service is arriv'd at may possibly require the attention of the Legislature to provide an expedient adequate to its exigency — Tents Bill of Arms, Camp Colrs Kettles &Ca. will be wanted — an Armourer to repair the number of arms that are here out of order would be necessary —

There is no money for Recruiting nor any Contingent Fund. No way of Paying Expresses, Defraying the Expences of Parties Detach'd after Deserters, giving Rewards for apprehending them, horse hire &Ca. without sending the Accots. down the Country which greatly clogs and retards the Service — There was no Provision made for supplying the Hospital and Guards with Wood and this Garrison with Water those urgent wants would admit of no delay and I was indispensably oblig'd to hire a Waggon to draw Wood and a Sledge and 2 Horses to draw Water this I hope will meet with your approbation and be paid for by the Country you know the great distance we are now at from Wood and Water and the difficulty of carrying them at this rigorous Season by Naked men —

0166148

Some Compys. had very few of the Drafts whose time of Service was limited others a great many of them, mine had by much the largest share of them some Regulation in this affair you may perhaps Judge necessary — Many of the officers have applied for leave to go down the Country for a few weeks to have a little Relaxation from Duty after the great Fatigues they have lately gone thro' and enjoy the Company of their Friends and Relations, But as my Command is so accidental and temporary I thought it would be taking too much upon me to grant their requests tho' they appear'd so reasonable Lieut. Buckner in particular begs to be indulg'd — Be pleas'd to favour me (or the Commanding Officer here) with your Orders on this Head —

You omitted to send up your Orderly Book I fear I shall not be able to collect the Orders from the time you spoke off — Poyne till within these two days has been disabled from writing by a Rheumatism if you think proper to have your Book brought up I will get it done in the best manner I can or if you please to have what of these orders can be got put in a Book by themselves it shall be done —

Last night Lieut. Gist, Sergeant Ostin (who Mr. Gist got from the Indians) and three men on Furloueh with Liberty to stay at this place only 3 days arriv'd here in 7 days from Pittsburg where Fort Barracks & Store Houses were erected, three Months Provisions laid in and three Months more on the Road — this Fort is 120 feet in the interior Square with four Bastions in each of which they have got a small Mortar Mounted — the Barracks Form the Curtains0167149and the Bastions are Stockaded — the Duty there is hard and our Men suffers vastly for want of Clothes — The Indians informs our peole that 150 of the French went down the River with the Cannon and 350 more (the remainder of the Garrison) went up to Venango where they now are and from whence (the Indians add) a Body of Troops will pay our Garrison a visit whenever the River is open — Mr. Gist says that night before he left Pittsbg. an Indian came there to inform them that a Runner had just arriv'd at the Cuscuskus Town with an accot. that a considerable Body of the Twittwees had Attack'd a French Settlement near Fort Detroit, Burn't two small Villages to the Ground and put all their Inhabitants Men Women and Children to Death not sparing even one of those that Surrender'd So formidable a Nation's having heartily imbarked in a war against the French will probably effect a happy exchange in that Quarter — and if we improve those advantages which Heaven has presented us with and act with proper viguor and Expedition What may not be done next Campaign?

I'm afraid I have tir'd you with the tedious length of this Letter which insensibly grew longer than I intended it — The absence of that immense pleasure of your constant Company and Conversation in which I have been so long happy and which I dread I will in a great measure be forever depriv'd off so sensibly affects me that I cannot refrain from indulging myself when I write to you — If we must be so wretched as to loose you I cannot think of remaining in this Service — That your highest expectations0168150may be fully answer'd by a change of Life — that you continue the Darling of a grateful Country for the many eminent Services you have render'd her, that you may constantly enjoy new Scenes of Pleasure, Health, Prosperity all the Sweets of a Retired Life and every requisite that must necessarily concur in the completion of your Felicity are the most ardent wishes of him who is with the greatest and most unalterable Esteem & Regard

My Dear Colonel Your Most Affectionate & most Obliged Servt. ROBERT STEWART

P. S. It was unanimously agreed on by all the Officers that at least a Captain ought to wait on you with our Address which is the reason of Capt. Mc.Neil's going down to you —

Should not our Address have its fervently wish'd for effect about which we are under the greatest uneasiness Colo. Fitshaugh would be the most agreeable successor his Publick Character exhibits him in so distinguish'd a Light that he has already attract'd our attention and in him we believe we should have some small Reparation for the inexpressible Loss we should sustain by the Loss of You —

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART

FORT LOUDOUN Janry. 16th. 1759

DEAR SIR

I had the extreme pleasure of receiving your very agreeable favour by Mr. Boyd and beg leave to present 0169151 my hearty Congratulations on your happy union with the Lady that all agree has long been the just object of your affections — May you long enjoy all the Felicity you propos'd by it, or that Matrimony can possibly afford — Be so good as to offer my Complements in the most respectful and obliging Terms to Your Lady (a new Stile indeed) and tho' she had rob'd me and many others of the greatest satisfaction we ever had or can enjoy in this Service yet none can be more sollicitious for her happiness — 1

1 Washington was married to Martha Custis, widow of Daniel Parke Custis and daughter of John Dandridge, January 6, 1759.

The regret, dejection and grief your Resignation has occasion'd in the whole Corps is too melancholy a Subject to enter on at this Juncture will therefore wave it. —

I am at a loss for words to express the grateful sense I have for the particular manner in which you have been Pleas'd to Interest yourself in my welfare and your constant attention to its promotion, I know it to be so entirely the pure dictates of sincere Friendship, that acknowledgements are not only unnecessary but troublesome But how can I silence Gratitude? — The Govrs. answer was candit polite and obliging, tho I think from it we may naturally infer that long Service claims no particular exertion of his Power to reward it — You see with what freedom I write the secret Sentiments of my mind — I had concerted a Plan for resuming another way of Life had that you propos'd taken place, but it like all my other Schemes however apparently well laid is render'd0170152abortive — I have long been the sport of an adverse Fortune and dreads I must lay my accots. with living and dying so —

On the 7th Inst. my appointment to a Lieuty in the Royal Americans was given in publick Orders at Carlyle by General Forbes and an Express sent next day with a Commission for me (but by a mistake of Major Halket's Blains was Inclos'd to me) with Orders to Join the Division of the first Battalion with which we did Duty last Campaign as soon as my Affairs will permit me — I need not inform you how disagreeable that Corps is to me, and that all my often well grounded hopes of Military Preferment is too likely to terminate in a pittance barely sufficient to keep Soul and Body together — It sometimes happens that when Provincial Officers gets inferior Commissions in the Service, that they are suffer'd to retain their Commands in the Provincial Pay, of this, I know two Instances vizt. Colo. Glazier of the N. York Regiment and Colo. Parker of the N. Jersey Regiment both Lieuts. in the R. Americans; and as I will if Colo. Stephen should not get our Regt. be a Field Officer in course, the Governor's Interest and yours would probably procure me an Indulgence of this kind, which would make me excessively happy, as I should thereby be not only freed from doing Subs. Duty render'd doubly disagreeable by being under the Orders of many I have long Commanded which would be gratting to the last degree, But in time enable me with the Price of my Lieutenancy and a small assistance from my Friends to Purchass a Compy. the Summit of my0171153present ambition — But if this or what I sollicited you for cannot possibly be obtain'd, what will you advise me to do? to enter at my time of Life, youngest Lieut. in His Majesty's Service and spin out the remainder of an unfortunate Life in want and Toils or search for an obscure livelyhood in some private Business — I have not nor wou'd not mention this to any other upon Earth. —

Six days ago General Forbes left Lancaster on his way to Philadelphia where General Amherst waits his arrival it's said to concert the Plan of operations for next Campaign — when the several Detachments of Highlanders, R Americans and Pensylvanians that are March'd for Pittsbg. arrives there it's Garrison will consist of near 800 Effectives — There's nothing new here — We have lost 8 Men by Desertion — Jenkins goes down with a Letter from the Genl. to the Govr. I by him send his Honr. a Return of the Regt. in which there's little alteration from the last I sent you — I long to hear from you and ever am with the highest Esteem and most entire regard

My Dear Colo. Your most Affectionate & Most obliged hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART

P. S. I leave it to you to mention my having got a Commission in the American Regt. to the Govr.

0172154

FROM THE HON. GOVERNOR FAUQUIER.

WMS.BURGH Feb. 7th. 1759

SR.

Captain Stewart was very sure of succeeding in his Wish, as I shall always have pleasure in gratifying you, in any thing I dare say you will ever ask of me, and in obliging the Gentlemen of the Army. As for the other Affair we will talk of it when we meet I shall have no Objection. Mrs. Fauquier and my Son are well and join in Their Complits. We all wish you and Mrs. Washington as well as you wish each other in which perhaps you are not now on a par. I should be glad Captn. Stewart would see the Regiment Station'd as he is second in Command before he leaves it. at least the posts to the Southward.

I am Yr. Very Hum. Servt. FRAN: FAUQUIER

FROM JOHN KIRKPATRICK, ESQ.

KIRKCUDBRIGHT March 19th, 1759

DEAR SIR

I should come short of the duty I owe you, if I omitted to cultivate your correspondence by an opportunity now offering from Whitehaven — by wc. I make free to convey my warmest and kindest wishes for Your health and happiness —

Since my return I have been pretty much confin'd thro' the tenderness of my constitution and the0173155inclement season of the year, which prevented me hitherto from enjoying that pleasure I promised myself amongst my friends and acquaintances — and cuts me short of that intelligence to be met with from Virginia and other Places relative to public affairs — however, we had a speedy and particular account of your success at Du Quesne1 — which fell at length an easy prey — after the numberless risks your person happily escaped — let me give you joy on this occasion — and welcome the wishfull prospects of Peace that must undoubtedly result from this circumstance, to the Poor and oppressd inhabitants of Virginia — whose calamities and sufferings deserve Royal sympathy — however disregarded and misrepresented they have hitherto been I have not learn'd further particulars than the reduction of the place — and leaving Capt. Waggener in it with 300 Men — What the remainder of the forces are employ'd in — What your destiny and inclination leads you to — or what are intended by the General this ensuing summer I am quite unacquainted — As to your own dispositions, whether you incline to mix again in military matters, and share the honours & dangers of another Campaign — or prefer the peacefull enjoyment of that happiness you have helped to restore, to a retired life — Your are equally my concern — and my best prayers are ever attending you —

1 Fort Du Quesne was evacuated by the French, and taken a peaceful possession of by the English and American troops November 25, 1758.

The favour of your Letter with accounts of the0174156roads and forces was vastly acceptable and entertaining to many — Could you contine to oblidge me with a letter now and then — it would be a great honour — and if I coud contribute any thing towards your service while here — nothing would please more than to be employ'd —

I have not heard from Doctr. Craik since I arrived, by this time I suppose he is sufficiently tired of Fighting, and no doubt has prudently pitch'd his tent — in some of his own tennements — where he can, have & hold it, to him and his, forever — He and some others of my friends promis'd me a Plantation, or two in the Plains of Pittsbourgh but I fancy they forgot me — The Pensilvanians I suppose will reap the fruits of this Harvest — which the Virginians have Long toild and Labourd for — I saw Plainly the whole Campaign, was favourd For them —

There is nothing new to tell you of — Preparations are making For large fleets and expeditions — Guardaloupe you wou'd hear is taken — and Martinico expected — The forces in Germany have not left Winter Quarters —

I conclude with Assurances of Real regard & Unfeigned esteem — Dear Sir

Your Very Obt. & Oblidged Servt. JNO. KIRKPATRICK

0175157

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.1

1 This letter without date is placed here on account of the reference to Mrs. Washington, although in the original we find it bound in vol. ii. with the letters of 1757.

MY DEAR SIR

Yesterday about noon we arriv'd at this place where the loss of some Waggon Horses, want of Provisions for the Waggoners, and Forrage for the Horses oblig'd me to remain last night, I this morning sent to Reconnoitre Cedar Creek which is found immensely swell'd by the heavy Rains and deem'd impassable, so that we are likely to remain here at least for this Day.

I flatter myself that the Success of your excursion yesterday was such as to make up in some measure for the disagreeable Ride you must have had, I need not tell you how happy a Line from you after the Election is over would make me, and when you get to Mount Vernon I beg you'll be so good as to offer my Respectfull Complimts. in the warmest and most obliging Terms to Your Lady and my hearty Thanks for her highly valued present May Heaven Bless You with every thing you desire, or wish, & be assured that I am and ever shall remain with the most unalterable Esteem & Supreme Regard

My Dear Colonel Your Most Affecte. & Most Obliged hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART.

0176158

FROM MR. JOHN GRAHAM.

QUANTICO 14th Septr. 1759

SIR/

I received your letter of the 10th Inst. and have Sent you a Copy of Spencer's Deed to Osborn the original Deed, is marked on the Record, delivered to Wade. There are no Deeds Recorded in this office from Spencer to French or Manley, I have Searched for them very carefully, I apprehend they may have purchased from Some person that Spencer conveyed to, tho' we cannot feind any such conveyance —

You have a true Copy of the courses of Harrison's land from the record, we examined them when Copied, and have again, compared them, with the paragraph in your letter, the course is thence 70d. wt. 22 Po. without mentioning whether it is No. or South, I hope this will come Safe, my fee for the Copies is not yet due1 — I am with respect

1 By a lease dated 30 July, 1708, Francis Spencer leased to William Harrison, 200 acres of land on Dogue River. William Spencer in 1739 gave a release to Lawrence Washington for 200 acres of land in Prince William County, and in 1739 a similar release was given for land in the same county by George Harrison. — Ford.

Sir Your most Obedt. Servt. JOHN GRAHAM

FROM COLONEL GEORGE MERCER.

WINCHESTER Septr. 16th. 1759

DEAR SIR

I know you will excuse Me for addressing you on so coarse so comon Paper, when I assure you tis the best our Town affords.

0177159

Had your Favor reached my Hands a few Minutes later, I shoud have lost this Opportunity of acknowledging the Receipt of it; for my Express was already mounted.

You are not the first Person that has been deceived by the Gentlemen in Black,1 but whoever gave you such Information must have done it with a premeditated Design to lye, or something as bad; for I really have not been at Prince William Court these three Years, nor have I even crossed the Blue Ridge since last June; but Sir I allow it a sufficient Apology for your not writing, as I coud say many Things to you that I cannot put upon Paper, & in particular concerning the Land.

1 Lawyers?

Your Proposal concerning an Entry on the Ohio I am fully of Opinion will answer; indeed it is what I had before determined upon, and am much rejoiced that you propose to be a Partner in the Scheme. I had obtained Leave to be at Williamsburg on the Meeting of the Assembly in November, with no other View, than that of securing to myself so much Land as I was entitled to by the Governor's Proclamation;2 which allowed Us such Terms that We cant possibly lose by it — and as I determined to go to England this Year, I thought it proper to settle that Point before I embarked. it must be of Service in Time to come — Lands on the Ohio will be valuable. You may bid Me do any Thing you think necessary till We meet at Williamsburg, no Doubt you will be there on the Assembly, then We may surely secure it to ourselves. Gist I believe knows0178160the Country well, therefore woud be a good Partner. I have the Copy of all our Entries We made with Gist now by Me — he told me, he had entered Them for Us; but I know not whether it woud be of any Advantage to Us, if he has done it. As We shall meet at Williamsburg, we will leave no Stone unturned to secure to ourselves this Land,1 I cant think of any previous Step that will be necessary, but shoud any occur to You, that I can execute pray inform Me of Them.2 As to News —

2 Dinwiddie's proclamation of 1754.

1 Washington's land on the Ohio amounted to 32,373 acres. He describes these lands in 1794 as “the cream of the country in which they are, that they were the first choice of it, and that the whole is on the margin of the rivers [Ohio and Great Kenawha] and bounded thereby for fifty-eight miles.”

2 Colonel George Mercer was appointed surveyor of the lands on the Ohio November 10, 1759, and agent for the Ohio Company in London in 1763.

All is well — and quiet on the Ohio — Single Persons come from Pittsburg down. The Savages come in to the General in great Numbers begging Remission of their Sins, and Forgiveness for past Offences. The General told Me, there were Sometimes 1000 there at once — The French, you certainly must have heard, have evacuated and burnt their Forts at Venango — Presque Isle, and Le Boeufe, and retired to Detroit.

We are going to build a very respectable Fort at Pittsburg, of Brick, to contain 4000 Men on Emergency, and capable of holding out against Shells — as 'tis to be covered —

Bullitt is imediately to appear before 12 & a President — as tis generally supposed poor Tom was intimadated (to use his own Word) when his Party was attacked — God knows whether he was or not0179161but he made his Escape — with a Guard for his sacred Person, in a most percipitate Manner, consisting of about 60 of his Men — The Remainder were almost cut to Pieces — there were only 60 of the Enemy, and Bullitts Comand consisted of 100 Rank & File — but he took Care of 60 of Them — 21 or 22 of the remaining 40 were killed, & tho they were so hotly engaged, Bullitt never returned to the Charge — notwithstanding the most earnest Entreaties of his Men — Thus the Story is told by the two Officers whom Bullitt left in the Scrape — I hope it will turn out better, but I always supposed Bullitt more capable of being comanded, than comanding — I have thought him brave — but this Tale tells badly —

I am much obliged to Mr. & Mrs. C — for their good Wishes, tho I must confess I am not sorry they were disappointed in their Expectations — I can, as Affairs have turned out, and I am safely recovered, offer no other Apology to Them for not being so complaisant as they expected — than as one of the Family had once deceived Me, I thought it was my Turn then to take the Advantage — tho I really cant charge myself with ever promising either of Them that I woud die — therefore they have nothing to object to Me upon the Occasion.

Pray Sir don't think for what I have said concerning them, that my Acknowledgements to you on this Head are less sincere, for I really am obliged to you here, as well as for your Compliments on my late Appointment — You wish Me much, when you desire I may derive as much Honor & Profit, as0180162Fatigue and Anxiety from my Office. I shall do my utmost that the General may not be deceived in the Confidence he has reposed in me — but no Profit I can make, can equal the Trouble I am obliged to go thro — tis true I coud not be deceived in the Affair, as I well knew the Duty — and I will say 'twas against my Inclination that I entered upon it but I found a Refusal woud disoblige the General &c so I acquiesced, but never did my Mind war more against my Hands, than when I received the Comission — As I have got it tho, I must do the best — I'll take care not to err thro Neglect. Indeed I found if I woud not concern myself that no Part of the Trade woud come to this Colony. and I believe it was in Consequence of some Letters I had taken upon me to write the General concerning the Roads Travelled &c that I was ordered up to have a Conference with him.

If you have Wheat Rye Corn or Oats Cattle, Sheep or Hogs to dispose of there is a Ready & great Market for Them here, and will continue for two or three Weeks — Till We lay in our Winter Stock —

While I was on the So Branch a Man brought in your grey Horse, and upon my Return here Yesterday waited on Me & offered to swear he was mine, nay even reminded of the Place & Time I bought him, and that I had paid so many Pieces of Money which I took out of my left Pocket with my right Hand for him; indeed I coud scarce persuade him I had Transferred my Right & Title of him to you — I wanted him to take him down, but he woud not,0181163so I tipped the Fellow a Crown, & shall send him down to your Quarter to Day by a soldier,

Capt. Waggener is here on his Way to Williamsburg, from whence he expects to return a Field Officer.

If I shoud write you often, & such long Letters, I believe you woud soon desire a Stop to Them, but I have wrote on many Points the next shall be shorter. Even here tho I must add one Line.

[mutilated] beg youl present your Lady with my [mutilated] and assure you as I have often before that I am

Dear Colonel Your Friend & very hble Servant G. MERCER

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

CAMP AT PITTSBURGH Sepr. 28th. 1759

MY DEAR SIR/

A few days ago I with inexpressible pleasure receiv'd your Affectionate & most obliging favour of the 30th. July from Mount Vernon. — I'm sorry that the Noble Profession of Arms, so much rever'd in all Ages, is become the Subject of Ridicule to the most ignorant & foolish Tattlers & newsmongers amongst the Mob; tho' its no small alleviation of the intended Injury that these vain Speculative Arbiters of Military Actions, can neither add to, nor diminish from, their intrinsick value; which will always be ascrib'd to them by ye knowing & Judicious part of0182164Mankind, and from them receive the grateful acknowledgements & just Tribute due to genuine Merit. — I flatter'd myself that our distance from the Inhabitants, would have prevented, Bullets Affair from being exhibited amongst them in that Light in which its generally beheld in this Army, where it's talk'd off in such a manner that some of our Officers have refus'd to Rank with him. A Court of Enquiry is soon to sit on it, which most imagine will only be a Prelude to a General Court Martial; I wish to God for his sake & that of the Corps it may turn out very differently from what many think it will —

We have here besides the Artillery, the Ist. Battn. of R. As., 656 R & F. of ours, part of our Artificers and the Ist. Battn. of Pens. are daily expected; and by the great pains the General has taken, his indefatigable application to Bussiness & constant Regard to the Interest of the Service, we seem to run no risque of wanting, & will be able to maintain a respectable Garrison at this place in the Winter. The Troops here are incessantly employed on the Works, expediting which, engages the General's closest attention; he himself overlooks them every Day (sundays not excepted) almost from Reville to Retreat Beating; and as many Guards are now become unecessary, very few are Mounted, and these Reliev'd but once a week — This Fort, which is yet but in embryo, will when finish'd, be the grandest that has yet been in this new World, but it will require much Time, great perseverance and immense Labour: — The Engineers & indeed almost every body else, are so0183165extremely Bussie that I cannot for some Time possibly procure a proper Plann of it, but that you may form some Idea of it I Inclose you a Rough Sketch, done with a Pencil & without Rule &ca. and so soon as I can get a proper one, will do myself the pleasure of Transmitting it to you; it's hoped the three Bastions on the Land side and all the Barracks will be finish'd this year and the rest will be Stockaded till next Spring.

Our Camp at present resembles a Military Colony, where Labour, Industry and Arms, go hand & hand; you can't cast your Eye any where, without seeing, Tradesmen & handicrafts of various kinds at work, and often the same Men alternatively Soldiers & Mechanicks, this hight'ned by a view of three glorious Rivers, and the many Beauties Nature has been so lavish in adorning this place and it's Environs, forms a most delightfull Prospect, terminated by high romantic Mountains, which nearly encircle it! in fine the more I see of this Charming Country, the more I'm enamour'd with it, which leads me to enquire after what Steps have been taken in securing to us, those Lands which poor Capn. Gist was to have enter'd for us, I hope the needfull is done, they surely will soon be very valueable. —

The Indians not only of this Voisinage, but of several remote Nations beyond the Lakes, are of the best Disposition towards us, & sincerely inclin'd to enter into & cultivate a strict & permanent Friendship with us, they have already brought us near Fifty of their Captives & Promise to Deliver up the whole at a Grand Treaty to be held here in about three0184166weeks — We find the Ohio Indians, (compos'd of Scatter'd & Detach'd Parties from different Tribes) to be much more numerous than they ever were thought to be, notwithstanding the great Loss they acknowledge to have sustain'd on our Frontiers, These call'd Delawares, are now eight hundred fightg. men, which is accounted for by their Junction with the little Tribes, that at different Times went from the interior Settlements of our Province; the Shawaneese are likewise more powerfull than we imagin'd, tho' we cannot yet exactly ascertain their Numbers: Both those Nations are greatly incens'd against you, who they call the Great Knife & look on you to be the Author of their greatest misfortunes; the Delawares confess they had 50 of their best Warriors Kill'd and many disabled, the Shawaneese have also had a very considerable Loss, they have between them just Detach'd 64 Warriors agt. the Cherokees, which at this Juncture, may be productive of very desirable consequences. If it is true that the Creeks & Cherokees have enter'd into a League against us I tremble for our Southern Colonies! as from what the Ohio Indians have done, we may easily conceive, what the united Force of such Warlike & Formidable Nations can effect to our Prejudice. — In the mean Time we here enjoy Peace & tranquillity, and the Pens. ever attentive to Gain & tenatious of their Interest, carry on an extensive and most advantageous Furr Trade with the Savages, conducted under such prudent Regulations, as cannot fail of Success & producing immense Fortunes, so easy a Road to0185167attaining which, is now so plainly pointed out, that I'm astonish'd our Province remain dormant & inactive, We certainly have many Public Spirited Gentn. and some of them who must have an Inclination to advance the Interest of their Country by increasing their private Fortunes, What can be the reason that none of them embrace so favourable an opportunity of accomplishing so desireable an End?

On the 5th. of this Month I wrote you a long Letter from Legonier, which I sent under Cover to Lieut. Smith and desir'd him to forward it to you by Express, But in case it has contrary to my expectations miscarried I beg leave to recapitulate the Heads, of the disagreeable Subjects on which it was wrote, & which are, That I was & still am under great uneasiness about my own private Affairs for by the Regulations of the Army, I cannot without Purchass (which is impracticable) hope to arrive at a Compy. in less than Twenty or Thirty years — I'm already an old Fellow, and my Constitution impair'd by Fatigues and Sickness, and after the Rank I have so long enjoy'd, doing the Duty off and living on the scanty Pay of a Subn. for the remainder of my life, would make me extremely miserable, & involve me in insuperable Difficulties, the very thoughts of which, are mortifying beyond conception; on the other hand, to give up a certainty tho' a pittance, and live under the constant apprehensions of being sent adrift towards the Decline of Life, might be construed imbecility of mind & want of Prudence; therefore could your Friendly Interest in my behalf added to Colo.0186168Byrd's which he is exerting to the utmost, procure me the vacant Adjutancy of the Militia it would effectually extricate me out of this sad Dilemma, & be a competency Wt. which I would contentedly live in a Country where my Freinds & connextions are too Dear to me to think of giving up, and (as I wrote you) if you could get me Commission for it, the Pay to Commence when the Regt. is reduc'd, it would make me quite happy, and I think I may without vanity venture to Promise, that I would execute the Duty with more propriety & skill than it has been done by most who have lately fill'd that Office; If this can possibly be obtain'd, I will not hesitate a moment in what step to take when Order'd to Join the Battn., which I must soon expect; But if you have no well grounded hopes of my Success, I again entreat you, that you will not loose any Time in sending me your Advice (on which I rely infinitely more than on my own Judgment) what I shall I do?

Some Letters from General Amherst's Camp, says that three Regiments are to be rais'd in America, and Colo. Byrd immediately offered his Interest with that General for a Compy. to me, But I have been so often amus'd with Golden Dreams of a similar Nature, that I look on every thing of the kind, in the same manner as I do on a Gilded Cloud, which affords for a moment an agreeable sensation but is soon eradicated by an overcast Horizon, and gloom and Disappointment naturally succeeds — I begin to wish sincerely that I had never aspir'd at Military Preferment But its now too late and making the0187169best Retreat I can seems to be most eligible Expedient that remains for me to prosecute, and almost despair of doing it, tho' Covered by the constant & close fire of your Friendship — Pardon my Dear Colonel, the freedom I use, and the tedious length of this scribble which has insensibly swell'd beyond its proper limits. —

Inclos'd I remit you £16 10 — £15 of which is for your Tent and the rest for 3 Pack Saddles, there was five came up from your Quarter, but 2 of them belong'd to me, & were by mistake carried down there (when we return'd into Quarters) along with your Baggage. —

I am vastly oblig'd by your Lady's kind remembrance of me and your Joint Invitation to pass part of the Winter at Mount Vernon should I go down the Country I shall certainly do myself the pleasure of paying my Respects to you both at your Seat where in that Event I promise myself much pleasure from the enjoyment of your agreeable Company, I beg you will be so good as to present my Respectfull Complemts. to Mrs. Washington and tell her that our Freinds at Mount Vernon is a constant Toast in this Camp — I ever am with the most perfect Esteem & unalterable Regard

My Dear Colonel. Your truely Affecte. & Sincerely Obliged hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART

0188170

P. S. I inform'd you in my last that Capn. Waggener had got leave to remain down the Country till the Regt. return'd into Quarters, and was apprehensive that assisted by his Freinds Steps. Lettrs., my absence, and your distance from Town, he might possibly attempt something to the prejudice of my present Rank in ye Regt. —

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

WILLIAMSBG Janry. 25th 1760

MY DEAR SIR

When I recd. the Inclos'd I propos'd to have done myself the pleasure of delivering it with my own hands, and in person return'd my unfeign'd thanks for your Friendly & Affectionate Epistle by Finnie, which had taken the Tour of Fort Cumberland, Pittsbg. Legonier &Ca. before I recd. it at Winchester, But deferr'd waiting on you at Mount Vernon till after I had visited this City for the two following reasons vizt. Ist. Colo. Byrd was of opinion that your prior applications in my behalf back'd by his subsequent ones in the most pressing Terms would take place of any he had made in favour of Colo. P ---2d. as Finnie for many reasons had little room to expect a continuation of his, he would take a small matter for it, tho' I had no opinion of the Ist., the 2d. carried a shew of probability, therefore hasten'd hither, But found both equally ill grounded, and learn'd that I have no chance happen what will, as 4 oyrs. besides P were mention'd as having a prior Right, so that after having spent much Time &0189171thought in concerting a thousand different difficult Plans for steering thro' the remainder of an unfortunate Life I find myself reduc'd to the sad alternative of being & continuing a Sub: (than which nothing can to me be more horrible) or running some risque of making my best Friends suffer by using their aid towards the Purchass of a Compy., and as ten thousand concurring circumstances Demonstrates the Noble motives that actuated you to make me the Generous offer of your Friendly assistance, I concluded the last to be the most eligible I have therefore wrote to Colo. Byrd & to Majr. Gates to give in my Name at Head Quarters for the Purchass of a Compy. or Capt. Lieuty. and in cas either should come as low down amongst the Subs. as Ime [I am] to transmit me the earliest Intelligence of it, in which Event Colo. Hunter has engag'd to negotiate the money part provided he can have proper Security of being soon reimburs'd. I have told them I would prefer the Capt. Lieuty. as Rank is the principal Object of my ambition and as I could accomplish the Payment of it without the aid of Friends, But if good Fortune of which I have hitherto enjoy'd so small share should bring a Compy. as low down in the Line I beg you'll be so good as to Inclose me a Letter for Colo. Hunter informing him that in case I can have an oppy. of Purchassing a Compy. you will pay him £300 Sterg. which my dear Colo. is a great Sum But as my future Happiness depends upon it and when I solemnly Declare which I now do by every thing thats Sacred to a Christian and an Officer that no method consistent with Hon — will0190172be unassay'd to reimburse you the Principle & Interest as soon as possible and to prevent your suffering in case I should fall I would fain hope you will not hesitate to grant this great favour of which and the manifold others you have conferr'd upon me I shall ever retain the most Just and gratefull sense — I would say much on these Subjects but my Heart is full — I fear I'm too unreasonable —

Please Direct for me at Petersburgh where I Recruit — I'm told the Assembly will sit in about six weeks hence against wch. Time I shall be here to wait your arrival Be so good as to present my Respectfull Complemts. to your Lady and allow me to Subscribe myself

With the highest Esteem and most perfect Regard My Dear Colonel Your unalterably Affectionate & Most Obliged hble. Servant ROBERT STEWART

FROM CAPTAIN GEORGE MERCER.

WINCHESTER Febr. 17th. 1760.

DEAR COLONEL —

I have just received a Letter from Bullitt wrote in his own Style, concerning my Application for the Surveyor's Place on the Ohio, affirming that I was told, “when I applyed thro Washington to the Comissary, that the Place was engaged to him” this you know to be false, and I am sure he never heard so; you may well remember our Conversation on the Occasion, in going down to the Capitol,0191173We both guessed, there had been some Kind of Promise, but agreed that it was right for Me to wait on the Comissary again next Day as he had directed Me —

Bullitt has wrote Me the Place is to be divided and each of us to have a District; he has already fixed on his, & writes Me for my Approbation of it, tho at the same Time he says, “this I believe you may readily agree to, as I have got an Order entered by the Socioty of the College nigh to that Purpose” — I need write Nothing to convince you of the Modesty of a Man you know so well, yet if youl give Me Leave I'll beg your Patience to read the Proposal he has made Me in his own Words — “&ca as prior in Application expect for my Department all the Lands from a Line run from the Head of the Potomack, to the Head Spring of the Cheat River thence down the Channel of said River to Pittsburg, including all the Land from said Line & River to the Bound of the Northern Neck, Maryland & Pennsylvania — and on the North Side of the Ohio, to go the Channel of said River down to the Wabash, thence up that, to Lake Erie, including all the Land between said River and New England, then you have all the Land South West of Monongahela to Carolina and on the other side the Wabash, as far as Virga extends, this I believe you may readily agree to, as I have got an Order entered by the Socioty of the College, nigh to that Purpose,” but by Way of Conclusion farther adds — “In Case the British Plantations are not extended over the Ohio, these are not to be the Bounds of our Division” Now Dear Sir I would beg the Favor0192174of you to be my Friend on this Occasion, as Bullitt is to be down at the Assembly to direct them what to do, (Kennedy says) no Doubt he will endeavor to get the Affair settled as he thinks proper, indeed he has wrote Me that he expects Me down there for that Purpose. My Business calls Me to Phila., it is impossible I can attend, nay coud I, I woud still ask you for this Kindness on my Behalf — The least I think I can expect if the Office is to be divided between Us, that I should have a Vote on the Occasion, as well as Bullitt, for from the Acquaintance I have with that Man, I dont think his Abilities or any Thing else, entitle him to a Superiority over Me, indeed I shoud think myself capable of any Meanness, were I to submit to be under his Direction in any Particular — Stephen is to be down at the Assembly too, not only to direct Them, but also to back Bullitt — he rubs his hands, shrugs his shoulders, and says he knows if Tom gets the Place he will serve a Friend — Tho I was once very easy about this Affair, I cant say now but it woud give Me the greatest Joy imaginable to disappoint these mighty Schemers — they are to have all the best Land on the Ohio &c in Partnership — The Plan has been long concerted, and they already think Themselves absolute Proprietors — tho Ill be crucified if they'll leave the two Men to themselves, if ever they describe its Bounds and Situation by Chain & Compass —

I have wrote Bullitt that he may depend I'll do all I can, to have at least a Refusal of a Place, as well as himself, & that I shoud beg the Favor of my Friend0193175Washington's Assistance — It woud vex Me much to be disappointed in any Thing I attempted by him & his Friend Stephens. I shall also write the Comissary on this Occasion.

I beg Pardon for using this Freedom with you, and after so much upon my own Affairs, allow Me Sir to assure you, that it will give Me Pleasure to oblige You in every Particular, when my Situation in Life may afford an Opportunity. You may depend upon my utmost Care in executing the orders you have already favored Me with in Regard to your Man, I expect to be called from hence every Hour, and shall return again as soon as possible.

Do you not think it will be proper to put the Council in Mind of our Memorial concerning the Land; I coud wish the Point were settled.

There is a Report here of Montreal being taken by Genl. Johnson with his Indians, it comes from Pittsburg, and as We are told here was brought there by a Mohawk Indian whom Johnson sent with the News to General Stanwix.

My best Compliments wait on Mrs. Washington and I am

Dear Sir Your obliged & obedient hble Servant G. MERCER

0194176

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

WILLIAMSBG. March 8th. 1760

MY DEAR SIR

With a heart that overflows with Gratitude I return my most unfeign'd thanks for that fresh mark of your true Friendship and Noble generosity to me, so amply evinc'd in your's of the 20th Ulto which I yesterday had the infinite pleasure of receiving, But I should never forgive myself if I should by making use of your uncommon goodness, in the least degree embarrass, much less cause a material disappointment in the prosecution of your affairs, therefore my dear Sir let me entreat you not to think of being off any Bargain or do anything that might cause the most distant risque of a Bill's returning for I solemnly declare it would give me much more uneasiness to be instrumental in occasioning either, than to continue a Sub. for ever — besides there's but a very small chance for my procuring a Purchass supposing me possessed of never so much Money another reason is that by a Memorial we have given in to the Assembly (which is referrd to the next Session) we have great room to hope that we will when reduc'd receive Half Pay or an equivalent to it these reasons added to the strong Attachment I have to this Colony which a number of concurring circumstances obliges me to Love, has determin'd me to apply for Leave to Sell out, or, if that can't be obtain'd to Resign.

The Assembly has voted Twenty thousand Pounds to support the Regt. till next Novem — and 300 Men till the following April if the Govenor should0195177Judge it necessary to keep up that Numr., It's said the Assembly will rise in 4 or 5 days — We have no other News of any kind here that can merit your notice and as the Bearer (who assures me you will receive this in 3 Days) is just setting out have only Time to beg you that you will be so good as to render my Respectfull & most obliging Complemts acceptable to your Lady and be assur'd that I am & ever will be With the warmest & most Gratefull sense of your vast Friendship

My Dear Colo Your Most Affecte & Most Obliged hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART

FROM HILL, LAMAR & HILL.

MADEIRA 28th. March 1760

SIR

Agreeable to an order we received from Messrs. Cary & Co. inclosed you have a Bill of Loading for a pipe of wine which altho' very dear we hope will prove Satisfactory after Standing a Summer to show its quality in which as well as the Color we have endeavored Carefully to please you. The demand for new wines having been pretty brisk & the expectation of a Wt. India Convoy touching here make the Portuguese stand out for such extravagant prices as the English Factory have hither to been obliged to pay.

0196178

At bottom you will observe the Cost for which we shall value on Messrs. Cary &Co.

We are with much respect to you & Mrs. Washington Sir

Your most ready & obliged Friends HILL LAMAR & HILL

No. 914,

a pipe of wine£26. 10.

10 pCt. for the Virga. gauge.2 13

£29. 3 /Stg

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

WINCHESTER April 14th. 1760

MY DEAR SIR

Next day after parting I got here, where I found Colo. Byrd and Paddy is to join him in a few days; I hope 'ere now Bishop is with you, Colo. Byrd says you must send the General a man in his room — Major Lewis by Express informs the Colo. that on the 30th. Ulto. Capt. Gist was at Bryant's attack'd by a Body of Cherrokees which he by the advantage of some Houses that he avail'd himself off Beat them off and took a Scalp, the Majr. adds that 4 different Posts were attack'd in one day, at 3 of which the Enemy were repuls'd, but had not learn't the Fate of the 4th. these incursions according to custom spreads much terror amongst the Inhabitants, and leaves us no room to doubt what part our old allies are determined to act. —

I hear that Genl Morton is appointed to Command in this Quarter, that a Post is to be establish'd at0197179Presque Ile and the Conquest of Detroit undertaken; But as it's fear'd (notwithstanding of what we hear'd) that Pensylvania will do little if any thing; Maryland as usual nothing, and a great part of our Regiment (whose strength is vastly diminish'd by Death Desertion & Sickness) will probably be employ'd on the Fronteers I dread this Plan will be greatly obstructed if not render'd impracticable.

I'm extremely sorry to find the Regiment in so bad a situation Steps.1 (whose gone to Pensylvania to Buy Land) employ'd several of the Soldiers on his own Plantation, in driving Cattle &Ca. and many have had Furloughs of whose return there's little probability; Scarce a man has a Bayonet, Lock Cover, Hammer Cap, Brush or Picker; Order and Discipline much neglected, the Adjutant laid up with a broken Leg, the Sergt. Majr. several Sergts. Corpls. and many private down with the small Pox — we have only 166 fit for Duty at this place, tho' we have 4 Compys. & some from 3 more so that we must cut a very poor Figure both as to numr. & appearance. By the Colos. orders I have since my arrival been constantly employ'd in exer'sing them seeing them Drill'd and in endeavouring to get things restor'd some Order But almost every Day adds to the disagreeable Prospect my own affairs present me with, since my arrival I had the mortification to learn that none of 8 Recruits which I enlisted at so great an Expence ever got to the Battn. nor can I hear that any of the 14 I sent from Virginia is got to the Regiment, those that undertook to Recruit for me spend0198180a great deal of my Money without doing me any Service, and I'm well assur'd that Bouquet is determin'd to make a point of my Joining him immediately or giving up my Commission But for the reasons we talk'd over I will depend on my Virga. Half Pay tho' a disappointment therein and my late misfortunes would leave me quite destitute, in fine the Train of perplexing embarrassments I have long been and never more than now involv'd in would make an honble. Passage to anothr. World not disagreeable.

1 Stephens.

I beg you will be so good as to present my Complemts. in the most respectfull and obliging Terms to Your Lady & allow me the pleasure of subscribing myself with unbiass'd Esteem & unalterable Regard

My Dear Colo. Your Most Affecte. & Ever Obliged hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART

Excuse haste.

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

WINCHESTER May 14th 1760

MY DEAR SIR

Three Days after I parted with you I got a Man to Inlist in the room of Allen, for about 50/. Expence, and wheneve[r] the Compys. from Augusta arriv'd I found out Allen, but every argument I could use could not prevail upon him to engage for more than two years, nor would he take less than £20 — per ann. his Terms are so extremely unreasonable that I have not apply'd for his Discharge, as I'm persuaded you0199181will not have him at such an exorbitant rate, I cannot hear of any other of the Proffession in the Regt. I shall write to Capt. McKenize to enquire for one amongst the troops at Pittsburg —

We are here to our great surprise inform'd that the Assembly is to meet on the 19th. Inst. in consequence of some Intelligence from So. Carolina — Various are our Conjectures — We are all impatience! most are of opinion that the Regt. will be compleated and [a] new one rais'd; should this affair whatever it may be, cause any considerable change in our Military Affairs, I hope you will be so good as to have an Eye towards me, if it should be judg'd necessary to have a Major of Brigade, surely my long Services and having acted already in that Capacity gives me an indubitable right to it, in preference to any other, and much more so to Mr. Irwine —

Colo. Byrd writes to the Governor on the Half Pay Scheme, and from the opinion of the House last Session our hopes are rais'd high and very sanguine, It would be a vast encouragement for us to have some Provision made for our future support before we enter on a new S[c]ene of Dangers and Fatigues perhaps of the most horrible nature we have ever encounter'd — Colo. Byrd has taken upon him to prevent my obeying Orders for Joining the R As for 8 or 10 Days longer, and if it was possible for you in that Time or a few Days more to inform me what I may hope or fear from the Half Pay Scheme it would be of the last Importance to me — I am really asham'd to be so extremely troublesome to you, but0200182when you know that my welfare or misery depends on the determination I must make I flatter myself it will appologise for it I ever am with the highest Esteem and invariable Regard

My Dear Colonel Your most Gratefull & Most Affecte. hble Servt. — ROBERT STEWART

Be so good as to present my humble respects to your Lady I hope she is got perfectly recover'd —

FROM MR. CHRISTOPHER HARDWICK.

BULSKIN May 18th 1760

SIR)

we are disapinted in sending two Wagings down Magnis Talt has declind coming down & Mr Crafords waginner Refus'd to Carey the two mars [mares] down So that I was fosed to send down nat with them which I Cud very elley Spare I am in hops I shall soon be able to see about my beseness we have no more people taken with the Small pox as yet nor I am in hops shant I have prepared them acording to your orders & the doctors structions & are all well but the two that had the Small pox & Fortin & Wing & they seame to be very mulch amnded [amended] I beg you will Disspach nat as soon as posable — . I am your most obednt Humble servant

CHRISTOPHER HARDWICK

0201183

FROM MR. ANTHONY STROTHER.

FRED18th. May. 1760

SIR —

I reciev'd yours, in answer to which I can only say that I think that land was conveyd to your Father by Mr. John Grant and his wife,1 and the money there ariseing was paid to me as Guardian to my Brothers Children to whom I paid it as the came of age, so that I fear I shall be brought in my self, however as your right seems to be very clear, I only desire youl let it lye till I can consult the Gentlemen who married those Children who I will prevail on if possible either to refund the money, or submit it on the terms we did our dispute. they live at a great distance so that it will probably be a month or two before I can inform you what can be done.

1 See will of Augustine Washington, Appendix.

I am

Sr. Your most Humb: sert. ANTHONY STROTHER2

2 Indorsement by Washington: “Respg. ye. Land bot. of his Brotrs. Estate.”

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

WINCHESTER May June 3rd 1760

MY DEAR SIR

In my last by Colo. Martin I inform'd you that I had Inlist'd a Man to Serve in Allen's room, but that the extreme unreasonable Terms which Allen insisted on prevented my applying for his Discharge till I heard from you, I have since wrote to Capt. McKenzie to see if he could possibly procure a good man for your purpose upon reasonable Terms.

0202184

It was with great concern I was inform'd that you did not get timeous notice of the sitting of last Assembly as I am convinc'd beyond any doubt, how much the General Service and the Interest of this Colony in particular suffer'd in being thereby depriv'd of that salutary Advice which must naturally result from your Military knowledge and great experience which probably would have prevented the Planning of an Expedition1 that a thousand Circumstances concurr in rendering impracticable, and tho' it does not become a person so short sighted and ignorant of Politicks to discant upon the proceeding of so august a Body yet as a Solider I think I may presume to say, that to attempt with a handfull of raw undisciplined (I don't know what to call them) Men to carry on so long an Expedition and penetrate into the Country of so warlike and formidable people who from the Nature of the Ground in general their numbers & mode of warfare have so vast a superiority, and push headlong without establishing Posts, forming Magazines & no chance of securing a Retreat is contrary to all Military Rules & carries no probability of Success, tho' its miscarriage would be productive of the most alarming & fatal consequences — Colo. Byrd has prudently refus'd the Command of it and told Stes.2 as he was 2d in Command he might wait on the Governor about it, what his going down will produce I know not and as you so well know the man will not trouble you with any of my conjectures — yet I cannot help fearing much for its consequences, for if they go on I think there's0203185a moral certainty of their failing, and if they do not an immense sum will be sunk without deriving any honr. or advantage from it —

1 The expedition against the Cherokees.

2 Stephens.

Another of our Companies Marches to morrow for augusta, with the remainder which will not exceed 150 fit for Duty Camp. Colrs. Hatchet and Batmen included we March the Day followg. for Pittsbg. with this trifling Party which is not a sufficient Guard for our Colrs. & Baggage we are to Escort a large Convoy and repair General Bradocks Road — General Mockton is to be at Carlisle on the 5th. Inst. and it's said he proposes to push the Expedition against Detroit with great vigour. But I wish his operations may not be obstructed by the Ohio & Lake Indians for our last accots. from Pittsbg. say that an Indian alarm'd that Garrison with an accot. that a very considerable Force would soon Attack that place and our Friendly Indians (as they call them) to man slip'd off without giving Crochan1 or any other the least previous notice of it — and a few Days ago an Express was Kill'd & Scalp'd between Legonier & Pittsbg. —

1 Croghan.

I shall with great pleasure embrace every oppy. of transmitting you the earliest and best Intelligence I can procure of our proceedgs. Operations and Intentions and need not inform you how happy I should be by hearing often from you, I beg you will be so good as present my most hble respects to your Lady in the warmest & most obliging manner, that every requisite may concurr in forming your lasting and0204186mutual Felicity are the most ardent wishes of him who entertains the most entire regard for you & is with unalterable Esteem

My Dear Colonel Your ever Affecte. Gratefull & Obliged hble Servant ROBERT STEWART

FROM THE REV. ANDREW BURNABY.1

1 The Rev. Andrew Burnaby, A. M., Vicar of Greenwich, was the author of a small publication which appeared in London in 1775, entitled, Travels Through the Middle Settlements in North America, in the years 1759 and 1760. With Observations upon the State of the Colonies. His descriptions of the country are quaint and original. In one of his notes he says: “In several parts of Virginia the ancient custom of eating meat at breakfast still continues. At the top of the table, where the lady of the house presides, there is constantly tea and coffee; but the rest of the table is garnished out with roasted fowls, ham, vension, game and other dainties. Even at Williamsburg, it is the custom to have a plate of cold ham upon the table; and there is scarcely a Virginian lady who breakfasts without it.” Mr. Burnaby appears several times in the course of his travels to have visited at Mount Vernon.

[A Copy.]

WILLIAMSBURG June 4, 1760.

SIR,

I arrived here yesterday and take the first opportunity of writing to thank you & Mrs. Washington for the many civilities I received at Mount Vernon. It gives me some concern when I consider the obligations I am under in Virginia to think how I shall be able to return them: indeed I am afraid it will only be in my power to retain a proper sense of them; which I always shall do.

I have the pleasure to acquaint you that your friends in these parts are all well. They enquire after you, particularly the Govr. and Mrs. Fauquier,0205187and even to regret very much that Mrs. Washington & yourself are so far from Williamsburg.

We have little or no news — there having been no late arrivals either from Engd. or the Northward. The Speaker was married I believe last week: on which occasion nothing appeared but youth and gaiety. The new married couple are now gone to their seat in the country. As a counterpart to this, I find that Mrs. Burwell of James River was buried a few days ago; that Gen. Braxton has been dying of a pleurisy; but is now something better; I believe out of danger.

Yr. much obliged & humble servt. A. BURNABY.

FROM THE HON. JOHN ROBINSON.

June 8th. 1760

DEAR SIR /

My friend Colo. Thomas Moore has applied to me, to assist him with a Sum of Money, to discharge a Debt due to You which he is very anxious of doing, and was it in my power at this time, I would readily advance the Sum he wants, but it realy is not, if your Affairs would permit you to wait a little longer for it, I will engage to see you paid in Six Months. I am with my Compliments to Mrs. Washington

Dr. Sir Your Affece. Friend and hble Servt. JOHN ROBINSON

0206188

FROM COLONEL THOMAS MOORE.1

1 Brother of Colonel Bernard Moore, of “Chelsea,” King William Country.

[A Copy.]

KING WM June 9. 1760

SIR,

According to my promise in my last, I sent over to the Speaker who sent me the enclosed for you. I am very sorry if your not receiving the money immediately should be any disadvantage to you, but I have done all in my power to get it for you, and as the demand at first was what I did not expect, so was I the less prepared for it. However I hope a few months will not make any great alteration in your affairs.

I am your obed. Servt. THOS. MOORE.

FROM THOMAS H. MARSHALL, ESQ.2

2 Thomas Hanson Marshall, whose home on the Potomac (Marshall Hall) is still in a fine state of preservation, was one of Washington's immediate neighbors. He was commissioned Captain in the Continental army March 7, 1776.

MARYLAND the 21st. of June. 1760 —

SIR / Your's of the 20th. Instant I Recd. this Day. I have not the Least thought, (nor Ever had) of making Sale of Any Part of my Land in Virga unless I had an opportunity of Purchasing Immediately (Lands) Joining to me in Maryland, which there is not the Least Prospect off Just now, as the Lands are in the hands of Genn. who have not the Least thought of making Sale thereoff; —

Captn. Posey was mentioning to me sum short Time0207189Past, that he had agreed to Let Mr. French have the Woodland (Tract of Land) he bought of your Brother, for the Same he gave for it; on which I told Captn. Posey (in a Bantr.) that I must Let Mr. French have that Slipe of mine which run by Mrs. Manleys As Immagend he would give me a great Price for it, as it Lay Verry Convent. & was well stocked with Timbr. tho At the Same Time hand not the Least thought of offoring Said Land; I am Sensable how your Lands Surround mine, & Probabilly will In a short Time be more so, However Sir / If I should have an oppertunity of Purchasing Lands In Maryland Conveniant, would willingly sell my Land in Virga; if this should Happin, or if I should Incline to Sell my Land In Virga. at Any rate, you may Depend on my Giving you the Refusal &c

I am With Great Regard Sir Your Most Hble servt. THOS. HAN. MARSHALL

FROM THE REV. ANDREW BURNABY.

PHILADELPHIA June 23d. 1760. — —

SIR

I arrived here the 15th. past, after an Agreeable journey; and desire you will think me extremely obliged to you for the favour you did me in sending me to Annapolis, and by the letters you gave me to recommend me. I had not an Opportunity of seeing Mr. Sharp; but Dr. Macleane has behaved with the0208190greatest Politeness to me, introduced me to General Stanwix by Mr. Doe his Aid de Camp, and contrived for me to go on a fishing Party with about 15 or 16 Ladies & 8 or 10 Gentlemen to the Schuilkill. We dined Upon a Turtle &c drank Tea in the Afternoon & returned in the Evening. Philadelphia is beyond my Expectation; and when I consider that it contains near 20,000 Inhabitants of Many Nations and Religions; that it Employs one Year with Another 350 Vessels; that it has a well regulated Police; and is in beauty, Trade, Riches, not inferior to many cities in Europe, I am lost in Admiration of that Great Man Mr. Penn, who by his Wisdom and vast foresight, has been able to accomplish such things. I believe I shall set out for New York either Wednesday or thursday, shall stay there about a Week, and from thence to Boston for about the same time, from Whence in about a Month I shall expect to see England, where I shall hope to have the pleasure of hearing from you very soon. — — We have very little News here; the Seige of Quebec is certainly raised; and it is said we have taken about half a dozen store ships; from Whence it is hoped the Remains of the French Army must certainly be reduced to the greatest distress. The Merchants in this Place were much Alarmed the other day by hearing that Many of their flags of truce Ships to the Value of better than 100 000 £ sterling were taken in the West Indies; this Evening however they have recovered their looks a little, as a Vessel from Jamaica has brought them an Account that About Eleven are already Acquitted. ---

0209191

General Amherst has not yet left Albany, at least he had not, when the last accounts arrived; People begin to Wonder. One of the Miss Hopkinsons (perhaps you may know her) was married last thursday to Mr. Duchè a Young Clergyman here. This I think is everything that can possibly come under the Article of News, Unless I was to tell you of a very violent thunder Gust which happened last Monday & struck two or three horses in Town here; though this to an American has very little Novelty in it;1 for which reason, Sir, I believe I must desire you to make My Compliments to Mrs. Washington, & conclude by Assuring You that I am with the greatest respect

1 In summer there are frequent and violent gusts, with thunder and lightning; but as the country is very thinly inhabited, and most of the gentry have electrical rods to their houses, they are not attended with many fatal accidents. — Burnaby's Travels in North America.

Your Much Obliged, Most Obedient, and Most Humble servant A. BURNABY

FROM MR. CHRISTOPHER HARDWICK.

August 1th 1760

SIR) BULSK'N

You wrot to me bout Beaves Cattle Sells Considerable dearer than ever I knew them & are scase to be had at any rate I am told Beafe at Winshester Sels at Six pence pr pound So that I dont know as yet whether there is any to be bought as small Common Cows pricess between three & four pounds each I dont know what quntety [quantity] you may want0210192we have five stears & two Charmen baron Cows which one of them hant had a Calf this two years which may be mad extroney good Beaf If you think that will not be anofe let me know what quntety to purchis as I Shall be glad too oblige you. I shall take Care to Save what sweat sented Tobaco seed You want of each sort — we have got our Harvest safe in stouts of about two or three hundred Sheves in a place well Hudderd — the hind wheals of the wagin is doted So that one of the fellows is brok out & we have her to Carey to the wagner to gtt her mended if She Can or new ons made & as son as that Can be done I shall take Care to gtt it in & Cornelos has promist to Stak it for me —

I Sent Fortin & Winey som meale last Sunday when I herd Fortin was as bad as ever & Winey Sum better our Summer Crop Coms on very fast as the weather has benn very seasenable the Tobaco grows mutch larger than last last yeare we are over the higt of toping & shall be quit by the last of next week done. we have all the three Colts salted three times a week when they dont com I have them fetcht up but they are often up every day leatly [lately] I forgot to inform you in my last letter that blease bay mare I boug at Anderson outcry has got as likely a Hors Colt as any I have seen this yeare. I am hartely Sory to tell you of my unhappy misfortin I am as yet not Capable to do any thing but am in hops I soon shall Jams Maser follows my Derictons in every thing & gows on very well I am in hops we shall make as0211193mutch as Ever we have yet I am your Humble servant to Command

CHRISTOPHER HARDWICK

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT MACKENZIE.

CAMP AT VENANGO Augt. 12th 1760

DEAR SIR

Though I have as small a Title as any Person whatever to the least Share of your Esteem, yet, by often observing with what Pleasure you seize all Opportunities of using your good Offices for the Assistance of others, I dare to address you and to sollicit your Interest in an Affair of the greatest Importance to me, which from your Benevolence alone I hope to obtain. —

My Relations in Europe have procured recommendatory Letters from Ld. Barrington, Ld. Elibanks & Colo. Douglass, to General Amherst in my Behalf & have engaged Colo. Robertson & Capt. Abercrombie, his first Aid de Camp, to present them, and to back them with all their Influence. They have desired me to send a Memorial to the Genl., which I have accordingly done, & to apply to you for a Testimony of my Behaviour, while under your Command. This is the Favour Wch. I have to request; and if my Conduct has ever merited your Approbation, I hope you will do me the Justice to declare it to Genl. Amherst, or in any other Manner, Wch. you think will be equally conducive to my Interest — As soon as I can get Genl. Monctons Liberty I shall repair to the Head Quarters0212194of the Army; & lest such a Step should hurt me in Virginia, I have wrote very fully to the Governor on the Subject, desiring to know what I may expect in the Colonys Service at the Reduction of the Regt; if Nothing, I have begged the Honour of a Letter from him to Genl. Amherst, & by a Memorial to his Council have sollicited the same Favour from them. In every Thing I have acted agreeable to the Advice of my Friends, and though my Expectations are far from being pleasing, I am under a Necessity either to disoblige them, or to accept of whatever their Interest may procure for me. —

I am with Major Stewart, erecting a Post at this Place, which is to be a Block House, extended by a Ditch & covered Way — Colo. Bouquet with 250 Pensilvs. is doing the same at Presqu' Isle. The Indians are very passive, and except four Men killed and taken the other Day at the Lake, we have not met with the least Disturbance from them this Campaign —

I should be glad to hear from you as soon as possible under Cover to Major Gates; and shall esteem it a singular Favor to be ranked among the Number of Dear Sir

your Friends & very humble Servants ROBERT MACKENZIE1

1 Washington's reply.

MOUNT VERNON Novr. 20th 1760

DEAR SIR,

Had your Letter of the 17th. of August come to my hands before the 18th. Instt. I should not have given you the trouble of perusing my answer to it at this late Season. — I am sorry you shoud think it necessary to introduce a request that is founded upon Reason and equity with an Apology, to me — had you claimd that as a Right, which you seem rather to ask as a favour I should have thought myself wanting in that justice which is the distinguishing Characteristick of an Honest Man to have with held it from you. —

But how to answer your purposes and at the same time avoid the Imputation of Impertinence, I am I must confess, a little more at a loss to determine. — That Genl. Amherst may have heard of such a person as I am, is probable: And this I dare venture to say is the Ultimate knowledge he has of me; how then should I appear to him in an Epistalory way and to set down and write a Certificate of your behaviour carries an Air of formality that seems more adapted to the Soldiery than Officers. I must therefore beg the favour of you to make what use you please of this Letter. —

For, Sir, with not more pleasure than truth, I can declare to you, and to the World, that while I had the honour of Commanding the Regiment your Conduct both as an Officer and Gentleman were unexceptionable good; and in every Instance as far as I was capable of judging discerning such, as to have merited applause from better judges. Since my time Colo. Byrd has been witness to your Behaviour and his Letters Recommendatory must I am persuaded do you more service than my sanguine endeavours can — Altho he, nor no other Person, is more sensible of your worth, nor more Inclined to contribute their best Offices towards the Completion of your wishes than

0213195

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

CAMP AT VENANGO 2d October 1760

MY DEAR SIR

Since my last long Letter from this place I recd. Intelligence from the neighbouring Indians that they discover'd where a large Body of the Enemy had just passed about 28 Miles above us and seem'd to bend their course this way, a Delaware spoke to some of their Savages who told him they were off a large Party design'd for this place, I at 2 oClock this morning Detach'd an officer & 20 alert Virgs. with some six nation & Delaware Indians to Reconnoitre the different Paths & Passes leading towards where the Enemy were seen & to Scour our Environs, they are just return'd without making any other Discovery than where a few Indians lay on the top of an adjacent eminance which overlooks our Camp nor can I conceive the Enemy to be now in condition0214196 to undertake any thing serious or send out more than a few Scalping Parties, however we have got into a tolerable Posture of Defence against Musketry and ready for them come as soon as they will some of their Scalpers have been frequently about us at different Times but as yet have not been able to get the least advantage, tho the nature of this Service obliges me to have small Parties sometimes Detain'd a considerable distance from Camp nor have we sustained the smallest Loss except that of our Engineer poor Du Plesis who on the 2d. Ulto. Detach'd to Reconnoitre French Creek, he & the few that were with him have not been heard off for upwards of 3 weeks his Loss is more sensibly felt as the construction of Works cannot be carried with such propriety as they would have been under the direction of so able an Engineer, nor is it now in my power to have the pleasure of presenting You with Planns of our different Posts nor the Draft of this River which I Promised in my last —

You will undoubted receive the accots. of the Success of His Majesty's Army (under the Orders of The Generals Amherst & Murray and the great probability there is in their succeeding in Enterprises still more Glorious which must terminate in the totall Reduction of the French Territories in this part of the Globe) in a speedier Channel than I from this remote Post could convey them I will not therefore trouble You with a less perfect repetition of them —

We are here extremely impatient to hear something of our Virginia Expedition our last accots. from0215197that Quarter was in a Letter I recd. from Colo. Byrd Dated at Campbell's Augt. 10th. I cannot imagine he will proceed after he is inform'd that Fort Loudoun the principal Object of his Destination is surrender'd to the Savages, and I would fain hope that War will now attract some part of the Ministry's attention and that such measures will be concerted as that our ulterior Operations against them will end in their extirpation, than which nothing could more effectually promote Our General Interest with the Indians and give them the most tremendous opinion of our Prowess All the Savage Nations would then be convinc'd beyond doubt how carefully they ought to cultivate our Friendship and how much our just resentment was to be dread this Measure would undeniably cost an immensity of Blood and Treasure but the happy and permanent Good that would certainly result from it would amply repay all —

In the different Letters I had the Pleasure to write You from Pittsburgh & this place I inform'd You how happy we are under the Orders of so consumate an Officer & so fine a Gentleman as our General appears to be and the genteel Politeness of His Behaviour particular marks of which and indeed of real kindness he has been Pleas'd to Honr. me with of which unlook'd for lucky incident I avail'd myself to procure a continuation of both my Commissions notwithstanding that Colo. Bouquet in the name of the Corps warmly sollicited for my being Order'd to Join the Battalion but as I hitherto have been no Favorite of Fortune's I did not think it prudent to0216198trust to any of Her superficial smiles and therefore I have applied for Liberty to sell and if I cannot be indulg'd therein to Resign being determined to attach myself solely to our own Regt. and rely upon the Generosity of the Colony which I have so long had the Honr. to Serve for a future Subsistence, tho' I with great regret observe that my Interest there declines, this declension is evinc'd by an Order Mr. Boyd tells me the Governor has given for my returning my Major's Pay for last Campaign when I did the entire Duty of that Office with such assiduity and punctuality as to give perfect satisfaction to the Colo. of the Regt. and all my Superiors in the Line, this unexpected Stroke astonish me the more as it is most certain that Major Lewis drew Pay as Majr. from the Date of his Major's Commission tho' Major Stobo was in fact Major of the Regt. and that as Majr. Lewis was till his Imprisonment to Majr. Stobo what I was to Majr. Lewis during his detention with the Enemy, consequently if Major Lewis had then a right to Majrs. Pay the same reasons entitled me to it from the Date of my Majority till Major Lewis rejoin'd the Regt. which was all I did or desired to but another recent Instance in my favour places this (if possible) in still a stronger & more striking view vizt. Lt. Colo. Peachy drew Pay as Majr. from the Date of his Major's Commission in our Regt. till the Day of his Promotion in the Fronteer Battn. tho' he never did the least Duty nor even Join'd our Regt. as Majr. but notwithstanding the combin'd force of these (I hope) coercive Arguments I recd. the Orders of the Commander In Chief of the Colony Troops for it.0217199I would by no means desire You to ask a Favour from Govr. Fauquier because I know how disagreeable it would be to You but if I have a right to that Pay and that I have Imagine is obvious by the above State of the Affairs It cannot be deem'd a favour to procure Justice or to rectify a mistake to which I ascribe this Order therefore I doubt but your good offices will be us'd in obtaining a Countermand to it. When I applied for the Majority I endeavoured to represent the hardship of Major Peachy's having got it and told the Governor that Rank was what I chiefly regarded but that I should do the sole of that fatigueing Duty without Pay when there was two Precedents so clearly in my favour for drawing it I never imagin'd would admit of the least hesitation.

I am extremely uneasy at your long and uncommon silence I have not been favour'd with a Scrape from you since the Date of the Letter you wrote me from Bulskin the Day after parting — I am certain that either your Letters have miscarried or which is infinitely worse the want of Health prevents your writing how happy it would make me to be assured that You and your Family are well for God's sake releive me from my vast uneasie apprehensions on this Head —

I cannot even guess at where I shall be order'd to this Winter — I beg you will be so good as to present my Respectfull Complemts. in the warmest and most obliging Terms to Your Lady & the Children0218200and believe me unalterably to be With the most sincere & perfect Esteem & Regard

My Dear Colonel Your Most Affectionate & Most Obliged Servt. ROBERT STEWART.

All the Officers of this little Camp offer their best Respects particularly Mc.Neill & McKenzie Pray excuse inaccuracy &ca. being hurried

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT. STEWART.

WINCHESTER 13th. Febry. 1761

MY DEAR SIR

I arrivd here the 11th Inst. after the most severe and longest Campaign I ever Serv'd and the excessive pleasure I enjoy by hearing of your welware [welfare] rises in proportion to the great uneasiness I from a dread of the reverse was long under, not only, by the uncommon Secession of your so much desir'd, till then uninterrupted, & truely valueable Correspondence, but, my not being able to learn any thing of you, and tho' I was very sensibly affected by this misfortune, an unalterable persuasion of your incapacity (without the clearest reasons) of dropping a Friendship which I esteem one of the greatest Blessings of my Life, would not suffer me even to suppose a possibility of its proceeding from any other cause, than the miscarriage of one of our Letters, and it is with inexpressibly satisfaction I find0219201my opinion thereon so well grounded for our mutual Friend Craik tells me that you did me the favour to write to me which Letter he gave to Heath but Heath cannot recollect to whom at Pittsburgh he deliver'd it, I suspect the villainous curiosity of some mean Scoundl. for robbing me of the pleasure the rect. of it would have afforded me, nor am I free from apprehension of the many Letters I in the course of last Campaign wrote you, their having met with the same Fate, should that be the case, I flatter myself, that those generous Sentiments of Friendship, so eminently conspicuous in every part of your Behavior to me, for a space that fills a considerable share of Life, has render'd every Avenue to your Heart impregnable to every suspicion of neglect or Ingratitude in me, for it is with great Truth I assure you, that I never let slip one opportunity of transmitting you every occurrence which I imagin'd could in any degree entertain or amuse you —

I had resolv'd after a few Days rest to have waited on You at Mount Vernon, but I am informd that you are going to Annapolis, and is to be here soon, which frees me from the pain that would inevitably arise from asking for Leave of absence from Steps. who I'm certainly inform'd is incessantly employ'd in traversing this County and with indefatigable pains practices every method of making Interest with it's Inhabitants for Electing him their Representative in Assembly, his claims to disinterestedness, Public Spirit and genuine Patriotism are Trumpeted in the most turgid manner; it's said he will reduce these0220202shining Virtues to practice (for it's undeniable that if his pretensions to them had ever an existence it must have been in Idea) by Introducing various Commerical Schemes, which, are to diffuse Gold & opulency thro' Frederick, and prove (I suppose) as Sovereign a Remedy against Poverty and Want as Glen's red Root was in removing hunger and imbecility from our Horses in Campaign 58 when they were destitute of Forrage and Sustenance of every kind, But however strange & chimerical these nonentity's may appear to common sense, yet by his striking out of the beaten Road he has attracted the attention of the Plebeians, whose unstable Minds are agitated by every Breath of Novelty, whims and nonsense, yet with his speculative Wealth and an immensity of Flummery he has brought over many, which and some groundless Reports gave me extreme uneasiness till I was certain that the Leaders and all the Patrician Families remains firm in their resolution of continuing for You, But tho' there is every appearance of your going with a greater Majority at the next than you did at the last Election, yet as in affairs of that Nature it is difficult to form a certain Judgement from appearances, I conceive your own presence, as soon as you can conveniently come, would highly conduce to fix it beyond the most distant doubt —

I was astonish'd to hear that Jones is suspected of becoming an opposer, But in that Event (which I can hardly believe) it would appear that he is actuated by the most selfish motives, and I'm persuaded that the cause of his opposition will be shewing your0221203watchfull care for whatever might affect your Constituents, promote in place of diminishing your Interest with them — I need not tell you how happy McNeill and I are in arriving at a Juncture when the Flame of Burgessing kindles every Breast —

I hope to have the great pleasure of seeing you soon and I beg you'll be so good as to offer my Complemts. in the most respectfull and obliging Terms to Your Lady & the Children & believe me ever to be with the highest Esteem and most perfect Regard

My Dear Colonel Your most Affecte. & Most Obliged hble Servt ROBERT STEWART

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

WINCHESTER 12th. March 1761 —

MY DEAR COLO

Agreeable to your desire I send you Inclos'd a List of such things as the Regiment is most and in immediate want off, I could not get an accot. of their cost but it may be known from the Commissioners examining the Regimental Accots. who no doubt are poss'd of the original accots. Colo. Byrd gave in — I likewise transmit you my Sentiments on the affairs we talk'd off at parting, which I fear you'll think are exprest with more zeal and freedom than Judgement and discretion

On my return there I talk'd over the several0222204things you mention'd to me with our particular Friends, and Craik Woodrow and Jacob Hight makes an excursion to the lower part of the County tomorrow Ss.1 continues indefatigable and I'm inform'd intends to make use of every method to arrive at his point de vue but nothing can raise the most remote suspicion of your Interest's being immutably establish'd — I wish Colo Byrd was here — I shall be impatient till I have the pleasure of a Line from you & am unalterably

1 Stephens.

My Dear Colo Your's most affectly. ROBERT STEWART

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

WINCHESTER 12th. March 1761 —

MY DEAR COLONEL

I on many accots. am encourag'd to take the liberty of Inclosing You a List of several indispensably requisite Accoutrements and Necessaries for the Regiment, which are not yet provided, and which we ought to receive previously to our Marching, it is needless to inform you of who so perfectly knows their utility & how much the Men would be Distress'd by wanting them, which, and their small Expence consider'd, it's more than probable, that The Assembly will Order their being immediately furnish'd; there are several other things wanted, to complete us for the Field, particularly Tents and0223205Bayonets, but it's probable the Crown will supply us with Tents, and the Nature of the Service we are likely to be employ'd in, will in some measure dispense with Bayonets, we can make Lock Covers of Cow Hides, and Hammer Slatts of Deer Skines &ca. —

It is with infinite concern I observe, that, various unfortunate circumstances seems to have concurr'd in rendering the Regiment incapable of making that Figure and doing that Service, which it has always been remark'd for, and which will naturally be expected from it. The mean unmilitary Cloathing provided for the non Commission'd and Rank & File, plain Hats, and Leggins of different Colrs., has caus'd a general murmur discontent and heartburning and greatly depress'd that spirit hitherto constantly exerted in eclipsing other Provincials, and even vying with The Kings Troops, in uniformity, in appearance, exactitude, regularity, firmness and Intrepidity in executing the most arduous essential Duties of Soldiers, hence it's evident, how much that Spirit ought to be encourag'd and cultivated, and with what care every thing tending to damp or diminish it should be avoided, as it's certain, that to it's happy effects, & to Discipline are owing that establish'd good Character of our Troops, which redounds no less to the Cr. of the Colony than the Honr. of the Corps — I believe its' allow'd that Rewards and Punishments are the principal Springs of human Actions, and Experience evinces their particular influence over the whole Rotine of a Soldr.

The number of our good Men are by Death, accidents and numerous infirmities vastly reduc'd, what0224206good Men remains, under their present uneasiness and dejection mix't with Invalids and raw Recruits, cannot be suppos'd capable of doing much, and as its' a most incontestable Fact, that, a few good Men well Disciplin'd and properly equipt are infinitely superior to a much greater number of bad Men, or even to themselves, when mix't with bad Men, I think it follows, that Discharging all our bad Men would highly conduce to the Interest of the Service, and I have always thought that the number of raw undisciplin'd Recruits with which we commonly take the Field diminish, instead of increasing our real strength, as it is impossible, that even Officers of Address, application and Experience, can without Time, inspire the Peasant or Mechanick with knowledge of and Love for Arms, and so precipitate a transition from ease and plenty to the Toils and Hardships of the Field, makes them appear intolerable and induces them to seek the most infamous means of abandoning a way of Life which under these Dificulties seem insupportable; to that, and the encouragement they find in the misplac'd compassion of the Inhabitants are chiefly owing the great and scandalous Desertion peculiar to the Corps, such of them as do not Desert, in place of doing Service, require some of our nonCommission'd Officers and best Men to take care of them, and bring them up when they lack behind on a March bore down with the weight of Fatigues which till inur'd to them they are unable to bear, nor can that viguor, exact obedience, emulation and desire to excell, so requisite in Soldiers, be expected from such0225207Men, who in place of shewing an arduor for Action will dread it, and too probably communicate their fears to those in the Ranks with them, nor would such an Event be new or surprising, as we know that the Roman Legions have under the Orders of an able Officer retir'd in a confusion, which took its' rise from the timid Skreams of one private Soldier, probably a Recruit. History furnishes numberless instances of a similar nature, tho' not so striking yet sufficiently so, to shew the absolute necessity of taking every precaution to prevent Disorder in the Face of the Enemy, I therefore humbly conceive, that nothing can be more injurious to the Regt. than deferring the Recruiting Service till near the openning of the Campaign, which has always been the case, I know that in defence of this method its' alledg'd, that, as the continuance of the Regt. is always uncertain, fitting it up before its' continuance can be certainly known, would be run'ing a risque, of incurring a great and unnecesary Expence, but when its' consider'd that in case of our being disbanded, these Recruits could be turned over to the Regular Troops, for as much, or near it, as they cost the Colony, and that if the Colony should have occasion for them, they would be of more Service than double their numr. pick'd up of any sort in a hurry, and Join'd Just at or before our taking the Field, these Objections would consequently be remov'd; and instead thereof, Beating Orders1 were issued in0226208the Fall, the officers employ'd in that Service would have Time to make a proper choice, and bring them to the Regt. in the Winter, and undoubtedly it is in Winter Quarters, that Recruits ought to be Drill'd and initiated into an exact habitude of doing their Duty, which the Service requires them to understand and not to learn when they Join the Line; practice would make it easy and familiar, and create a confidence in themselves, and would naturally facilitate their performing with alacrity (when mix't with Soldiers) what they were before taught even [in] the Face of the Enemy's Fire; whereas, by our present Method Recruits are instantly remov'd from Tilling the Ground and Tradesmen's Shops to the Camp, where Novelty disconcerts and Regularity appears to them impracticable —

1 Orders to gather in recruits: “That each Captain shall, by beat of Drum or otherwise, Raise Thirty men; Each Lieutenant Eighteen, and each Ensign, Twelve men.” — General Instructions for Recruiting Officers.

We have a numr. of Men quite wore out, and unfit for Service, and consequently of great disservice, as its' certain that they are as large an Expence as the same of good Men would be off, and a dead weight upon the Regiment by including them in it's Effectives —

The Gross of our Arms have from the Nature of our Service always suffer'd extremely in the Field of course in constant want of repairs, which have hitherto been neglected till late in the Spring when any Armourers that can be got are hir'd at an exorbitant rate, and as these Fellows are not Subject to the Articles of War and do not attend us in the Field, they may be suppos'd to be more anxious in getting Money than doing their Duty well; this misfortune which is productive of very great ones, might0227209be easily prevented, by appointing a Soldier bred to that Bussiness Armourer to the Regt., and supplying him with a Carriage anvil, Bellows and other necessary Implements, by which means our Arms would be kept in constant good Order, and at much less Expence to the Province. —

These things may to many appear too trivial to merit the notice of the Legislature, but you well know, that the good of the Service is more frequently obstructed by inattention to the small Details of it, than, by what appears to those unacquainted with its nature to be of the greatest consequence, that the most minute thing in it, becomes, important by viewing it's consequences, and that the neglecting the smallest affairs commonly produce Capital Errors —

But this Scrible has insensibly become longer than I intended, by setting down things as they occurr'd, without regard to Order or conciseness, knowing that with you, Form or Dress makes no difference — Military Knowledge & approv'd abilities for instiling the most salutary Regimental Regulations uniting with the Senator in you, naturally points you out as the properest person to represent them to that House, which is the Source from which every advantage of that kind, we can reasonably hope for, must originally flow, and allow me my dear Colo. to assure you, that, I do not propose these reformations from any vain desire of Interesting myself in things however obvious in themselves may (perhaps with Justice) be deem'd above my Sphere, and would come with greater propriety from0228210severals in the Corps whose Rank, Genius and knowledge of our Profession gives them a better title to represent them to you in your Publick Character, Zeal for the good of the Service, and a fear of their being omitted by them, alone have prompted me to hint them to you on the foot of that Intimacy that to my inexpressible pleasure has so long subsisted between us and than a continuance of which nothing can more effectually promote his Felicity who ardently wish you everything that can forward and accomplish the completion of yours & ever is with the highest Esteem and most perfect Regard

My Dear Sir Your most Affectionate & Most Obliged hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART

FROM GEORGE BOWDON.

LIVERPOOL 24 March 1761

COLL. WASHINGTON SIR

This I hope will be Convey'd to you by Capt John Marshall in the Snow Virginian, who is again destined into Potomac River by Mesrs. Crosbies & Trafford to make farther Interest in the Tobacco Comm. way — and as I shall transact this branch of Business for these Gentlemen, I take this oppertunity in Acquainting you as well as my other Friends, that if you'll be kind enough to favour Capt Marshall with a few Hheads of your Tobacco's upon Tryal perticu‐lar0229211 care will be taken in the Disposal of them to the best advantage, any orders you give for Goods will be punctually comply'd with, and I make no doubt but you will meet with such encouragement as will enable you to ship another year, In Short you may rest yourself Assur'd that do you chuse to make Tryal of these Gentlemen Nothing shall be wanting to render you or any other Shipper all the satisfaction that is in the power of

Sir Yr. Most obedt. Hble Servant For Messrs Crosbies & Trafford GEO: BOWDON

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

WINCHESTER 6th April 1761 —

MY DEAR COLO

I have just had the great pleasure of receiving your agreeable Favour of the 27th Ulto. and am glad that there is some prospect of the Regiment's being supplied with these necessaries —

Capt McKenzie to the great Joy of the Corps has just rejoin'd us, by him we learn that Colo Byrd is appointed to Command the Expedition against the Cherokees,1 and that a Demand of a thousd. more Men is made upon Virga if complied with, it will cause several changes in our Military Affairs and as0230212no doubt but Colo. Byrd will have a Staff, a hint from you in my favr. might [be] of great Service to me, I do not mean as to B Majr. as Paddy1 will have that, and I not envy it, but as the Gross of his Army will consist of raw Troops an Adjutant Genl. or an Officer to do that Duty will become the more necessary, and tho' the Colony will make no Provision for anything [of the] kind yet as all Contingencies are to be paid by the Crown the Officer Commanding in Chief could without any inconveniency make that matter easy — I have given the Colo. a distant hint — he has been very kind by applying unask'd to Genl. Amherst for my remaining with him and succeeded —

1 The Cherokees at this time had become very aggressive. In May, 1760, the Virginia Assembly appropriated £32,000 for the fitting out of an expedition against them; and in the following October passed an act withdrawing the Virginia forces from the north, and concentrating the strength of the entire regiment upon this troublesome and powerful nation.

1 Major Andrew Lewis.

There is vast uneasiness and heart burnings amongst our Officers on accot. of a Report (which gains Credit) that Capt. Van Braham2 is to have Rank as oldest Capt. in the Regiment notwithstanding that no Vacancy has been kept for him and that no mention was made of him, much less any exception made in his favour in any one of the many Promotions that were made since he left the Corps (if it can with propriety be call'd the same Corps) some of the Officers seem determin'd to leave no Stone unturn'd to retain their present Rank and its' too probable the consequences of his coming will prove fatal to some. I am vastly hurried & must beg you'll forgive the inaccuracy &Ca. of the above I ever am Wt. the most perfect Deference & regard

2 Jacob Vanbraam.

My Dear Colo. Your Most Affecte. & mo: Obliged Servt. ROBERT STEWART.

0231213

N.B. I would not have anything said abt. V Brams. affairs till it comes from Colo. Byrd who will be applied to on the Subject

FROM THE REVEREND ANDREW BURNABY.

LONDON, April 14th. 1761

DEAR SIR,

I should not have been so long in England without writing to you, had it not happened that I was undertermined whether I should not return to Virginia again: but as I am now come to a fixed determination to continue in these parts, I do myself the pleasure of writing this, to return you my sincerest thanks for all the favours you showed me in America, and with the hopes that you will give me the pleasure of hearing from you, when you may happen to be disengaged from any Affairs of greater consequence: for believe me, Sir, to the Obligations you have already laid me under, it is impossible you can add any greater, than by honouring me so far as to let me hear of yr. Wellfare and happiness. - - - The transactions of these parts are so little interesting to any Inhabitant of Yours, except in the Article of Politics, that I persuade myself you will readily Excuse my omitting to give you any Account of them. We talk much of a peace, and a Congress is appointed at Augsburg; but whether it will come to a ratification, must be left I believe to time to determine. The terms are said to be, in general, the keeping of N. America, and giving up Guadaloupe.0232214The Kings Marriage with the Princess of Brunswick, Sister to the hereditary Prince, is certainly Agreed Upon, and will be speedily compleated. And it is said that the Lady Augusta is to have the hereditary Prince, supposing him not to be killed; which there is a report of. The Coronation is to be in October. Your Neighbour Col: Fairfax is in London I believe, as I saw him the other day: the Ladies are in Yorkshire. I don't think you will see them in Virginia of one while. — Col: Ludwell is, I think, in a declining way; he is at present in London. — When I was last at Mount Vernon, you told me of a Natural Curiosity Near Winchester, namely an Ebbing and flowing Well, I shall take it as a very particular favour, if when you go into those parts again you will make some observations upon it, as 1st. how it is situated? Whether near any high Mountain? if there is any descent from the Well? to What height the Water May Ascend? if it rises and falls regularly? and at What Period of time? how long the time of the flux, and how of the Ebb? if there is any intermediate Space when it may be quite at rest? Whether the Well is some Natural Cavity, or dug for the Uses of any Plantation? Whether When it rises or falls, it begins Slowly and is Accelerated or how it proceeds? In short as exact an Account of the Curiosity as you can; and if you will be so good as to send me a detail of it, I shall think myself extremely obliged to you.1 — You have probably0233215heard before this that Col: Thornton is appointed of the Council. He had a promise of it some time ago which I believe I informed you of. Ld. Halifax is appointed to Ireland. Ld. Sandys to the board of Trade. What alteration this may make in the Colony Affairs, I will not pretend to say: though I should think not a deal: Any more than the Other Ministerial Changes, and Lord Bute's being at the head of the Ministry, - - - I shall hope to hear soon from you, and if you should send me an Acct. of the Well, desire you will send duplicates of the letter. I desire you will make my best Compliments to Mrs. Washington, and all my friends you may fall in with, and believe me to be, dear Sir,

1 Mr. Burnaby used this information in a publication which appeared in London in 1775. “Sixteen miles north-east of Winchester, a natural cave or well, into which, at times, a person may go down to the depth of 100 or 150 yards; and at other times, the water rises up to the top, and overflows plentifully. This is called the ebbing and flowing well, and is situated in a plain, flat country, not contiguous to any mountain or running water.” — Burnaby's Travels in Virginia.

Your most Obliged most Obedient and Most humble servant ANDW. BURNABY.

P. S. I have wrote in a very Slovenly way to you being under an Engagement to go out, but hope you will be good enough to Excuse it.

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

CAMP NEAR STAUNTON June 10th. 1761

MY DEAR SIR,

I had the extreme pleasure to receive your most affectionate Letter containing the Joyous accot. of the0234216Election1 than the pleasing circumstances of which nothing could have afforded more solid satisfaction Two days preceedg. the 18th. the Adjutant applied to me for leave to return to Winchester which I absolutely refus'd, however in about 20 hours an Express brought me a positive Order for his immediate return poor Price (tho under previous Recruiting Orders) was Order'd to Join me forthwith, the Day after his Junction I was by an Express from Colo. Byrd directed to send a carefull Officer to James River and gladly embrac'd that oppy. of sending Price down. You may be sure that Broughton shall not suffer by his Zeal for your Interest —

1 A copy of the poll taken at the election of burgesses in Frederick County, May 18, 1761, prepared by Thomas Wood, one of the poll-takers, shows that Washington received 505 votes, Colonel George Mercer 400, Colonel Adam Stephen 294, Mr. Robert Rutherford 1, Colonel John Hite 1, and Henry Brinker 1.

After a tedious and disagreeable March of 23 Days I arriv'd here where I found Colo. Byrd to whom I gave a full State of our Regimental Affairs whilst in Quarters, our Lt. Colo.2 lately Join'd us and to my great surprize he and Hughes are of the Colos. Family. Want of Provisions and Forrage detain'd us here these 12 Days and tho' I can't learn that there is much of the former nor any of the latter procur'd We March tomorrow morning for the Advance Post and after our Invalids are Discharg'd I believe our R & File will not exceed 700 including Batmen & Camp Colr. Men this you'll say is a small number for the execution of our intended Operations If I may be allow'd to form any Judgement of our Affairs in this Quarter it is that our Fate will0235217solely depend upon that of Lt. Colo. Grants who must ere now be far advanc'd.1

2 Adam Stephen.

1 Colonel Grant had arrived at Fort Prince George May 27, 1761, with one regiment from England, two companies of light infantry from New York, one regiment of South Carolina provincials, and many Indian allies. On the 7th of June he began his march through the Cherokee country, burning their towns, and driving the savages before him.

By an Express from Philadelphia we have the agreeable accots. of General Monckton's promotion to the Rank of Major General on the Establishment and Governor in Chief of New York. It's said he is invested with the Supreme Command of N. America and General Amherst to that of the West Indies, a large Embarkation to be made from this Continent all the Ships fit for Transports taking up & 14 Battalions Encamp't on long Island. there is a Report that the French are coming up the Myssissippi with 700 Batteaux, its thought either to Join the Southern Indians or attack Pittsbg. tho' its not probable they can send so formidable an armament yet a much less considerable one will cut out hot work for us whatever happens in the course of our Campaign you may depend upon my doing myself the great pleasure of transmitting you the earliest and best Intelligence I can in the mean Time I beg my most humble Respects to your Lady and Family and that to my last Breath I shall remain with the highest and most perfect Esteem

My Dear Colo Your most Affecte most Obliged & Most Obedient hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART

0236218

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

CAMP BEFORE FORT CHISWELL July 7th. 1761 —

MY DEAR COLo.

I did myself the great pleasure to write you by Mr. Jo: Watson from the Camp near Staunton from which we mov'd the day following, and after a tedious and fatigueing March we arriv'd last week at this our most advanc'd Post, about three hundred Miles from Winchester —

Major Lewis March'd from hence yesterday with 3 Compys. to open the Road leading to Holston's River, the Colo. myself and 5 Compys. will follow in 2 or 3 Days. Lt. Colo. Stephen with the 2 remaining Compys. will stay here some Time to forward up Provisions — We have yet heard nothing certain of the North Carolina Troops — the last Intelligence of the Enemy (now of an ancient Date) say they had some Skermis with the Troops under the Orders of Lt. Colo. Grant and were Assembling their whole Force to give him Battle on the issue of which I conceive our Fate will greatly depend1 the obstructions our Operations met with by delays in the Contractors Department are very unlucky as it now appears impracticable for us to get near the Enemys Country in Time to co-operate with Colo. Grant which I understood was to have been the principal Object of our destination, for in the Event of his being foil'd or by any means be obliged to Retreat we will have0237219to cope with the united Force of all their various Settlements, to which you'll I believe readily grant our small number encumber'd with Stores, Baggage, Sick and diminish'd by the Garrisons of several little Posts is inadequate, but we have this comfort that in the event of the worst we cannot with Justice be censur'd and if contrary to expectation we should prove victorious we will derive the more honr. from it. We are in daily expectation to receive accots. of a very interesting nature from Colo. Grant when they arrive or when anything occurs that can merit your notice I will be happy in transmitting you the best information I can.

1 Five miles from the Cherokee town of Etchoe, near the spot of Colonel Montgomery's defeat the preceding year, Colonel Grant had a long, but successful, engagement with the savages.

Mr Kennedy informs me that a resolution is taken to bring Suit against him for something he drop't about a certain horse affair and as it's so long since these extraordinary affairs were transacted he fears it will be difficult to evince them, without the assistance of a paper you receiv'd in Winter 581 and as a Copy of which would be of the highest importance to him I hope you will be able to procure it against next Winter I beg you'll be pleas'd to tender my most respectfull and obliging Complemts. to your Lady and Family & believe me ever to be

1 Vol. ii., page 260.

With the highest Esteem & most perfect & unalterable regard

My Dear Sir Your most Affecte. most Obliged & Most Obedt. hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART

0238220

Attakukulla's1 Speech to Colonel Byrd, July 7, 1761.

1 Attakulla-kulla (Little Carpenter), a prominent warrior among the Cherokees, and the avowed friend of the English.

As I was Sent out by You a Messenger, to Deliver Your talk to the head Men of our Nation, and to bring You in an exact Acct. of The Disposition of The People in Regard to The present war, of all Their Transactions, & News Stiring among them, I am now Return'd for that Purpose and Shall be Very Open & Sincere in Telling You every Thing I know. Two Days before I set out two of our People came in from The Northward, where having talk'd with The head men of The Northern Nations gave us to understand, They intended to Strike the wite people again and were Desirous that all the Red people might unite, and as They Look'd upon Them to be Nothing, it would be easie to Distroy Them. — They Desir'd The Cherokees to be strong in The War and Not by any Means to listen to Peace, That They would join them heartily, and had sent word to all The French Down the River to Lend Their assistance.

That they would soon fall upon all The Forts which The white People had taken from The French, Not to Lurk about Them, but to Surprize and cut them off all at once, Then they would fall upon The Northern Colonies, while the Cherokees should Attack the Carolin's.

That they had sent Large belts of Wampum to Invite the Creek, Chekasaus,2 Choctaws &c. to Ingage with them in falling upon The English. — I do not tell this as a truth but only as News which I heard and this is all I know from The Northward.

2 Chickasaws.

A man who had been in the Creek Nation and Lately Return'd Inform'd me, that the People of that Nation had Lately kill'd all their Traders, & had taken up The Hatchett.

N. B. Afterwards he said he believ'd This to be true; but That Two Towns Nearest to Albaney Remain'd Neuter, gave Shelter to The Traders that escap'd, and Did this by The advice of the French who Disswad'd them from entering into a war, as they were Not able to Supply them with Necessaries.

when I heard that Col. Grant was coming with a Number of0239221Warriers towards the Nation I went to Keowe to Meet him he was Not came up so far, and After I had Staid as Long as I Could to get home in The time Limitt'd for my Return, I Set out for Chota again.

Before I had got far I recd. a Message from Col. Grant, Desiring me to Stay untel he came up, as he had Something Materiall to say to me. I accordingly Return'd and at his talk he told me That he well knew my Attachment to the English, and the Service I had already Done them, on which Acct. he had The Greater friendship for me, and was so Desirous to see me that he Intended to Visit me in my Own Town this Summer to talk to The head Men, That he came as friend not as an Enemy, & that all the people might Remain in the greatest safety at home provid'd they would behave in The same amicable manner, Neither Molesting him nor any of the white people in Any Place whatever, if they Did he was Determine'd to kill them all and for that Reason Desir'd me to go back through the Towns immediately, Acquaint them of his talk'd [of] Resolution and then Return to Meet him in ten Days.

I accordingly went home and told Occonnerstota Otoseita The Standing Turkey and all the head Men who had been Active in The War what Col. Grant said to me, they were all Sensible of Their Error, Confess'd the English had always Spoken The truth to them, in saying That they Never should Ingage in a war against them, if they Did they would Loose all Their trade be Naked for want of Cloaths, and in fine be all Cut off, which They now saw would be the Consaquence, wherefore they were Determined to stay at home & Leave the Young Warriors to Themselves (they Refus'd) Though I prest Them to go with me to Col. Grant Alledging they were afraid. I then went of alone and the Second Day Met a Man who came from the Lower Towns Who told me I might save myself The Trouble of going Down for They had two Days before had a Battle with The White people. I immediately upon this Return'd & Determined Never to Interfere in The publick Affairs again, but Leave Every one to follow his Own Inclination.

I have since understood that it was Beemers Son in Law who Attacd. The white People, That he took a Little Flower from Them which was on Horses, but upon the coming up of Col. Grants0240222Indians Immediately Run away with the Loss of Four Men & two women Kill'd, I did not hear of his taking any white mens Scalps upon This all The Indians below the Valley betook Themselves to The woods whose Towns Col Grant Intirely Destroy'd, & all in The Valley Likewise went off except a few Old men and Women Beemer himself went with his gang to settle in a small Town Near the Creek Nation call'd Chota — Since this I have Not heard of Col. Grant, Nor have Seen The Least Appearance of War —

The People are so starv'd for Provision That Several have been found Dead in The Paths, & were Reduc'd to kill Their Horses for Subsistance.

While I was at Keowe a Northern Indian Warrior wth Col. Grant took me by the hand, Said he esteem'd me as a friend & after some talk gave me a Twist of Tobo. Saying all Your People are sick give Them this Tobo. to Smoak, it is good Phisick, will Soon make Them well, bring Their Senses to Them again, and will make Them Think of The English as I do.

This is all I have to Tell You, believe it to be true, if it were Ten times worse I should Acquaint you with it. —

In Conversation afterwards he Mention'd That The great Warrior and Some Others had been to Visit The French talk'd Humerously Humourdly of Their Poverty giving Them Buffaloe Skins instead of Cloathing, That a French Governer (I Sopose Orleans) Advis'd Them as his Children to come & see him after but above all things not to War with either the English or them, and it was Their Interest to Remain in peace.

That Many of the Cherokees who came into Keowe Settled Their were treated very Friendly.

Desir'd to have a full talk from Col. Byrd whom The nation Generally esteem'd a friend who always told Them The Truth, That when he Caried it home & gave it to the Head men he would go to Col. Grant & Offer his Service to carry any Letter The Col. would send by him & Return with it Imediately. —

the above is the substance of the Carpenter's Talk which very incorrectly wrote my own Indisposition havg. oblig'd me to employ a Serjeant to set it down.1

1 This paragraph is in Captain Stewart's handwriting.

0241223

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

CAMP AT STALNAKER'S ON HOLSTEIN RIVER 20th. July 1761 —

MY DEAR COLO.

Two days after the Date of my last. we March'd from Fort Chiswell (where Stephen, Woodward & their Compys. remain) and after a March of six Days we Joind Majr Lewis at this place where I understand a Post is to be Built —

On the 16th. two runners from the little Carpenter came into Camp, the Day following himself with 42 of his Friends Encampt about ½ a mile without our advanc'd Sentries, on the 18th. he, Willynawa,1 the Swallow's Nephew & 5 others of some distinction waited on Colo. Byrd and deliver'd a Talk a Copy of it as well as I can recollect you have Inclos'd. I think the Carpn. shews some address in forming (by his Intelligence) an union of all the Savage Nations against us to deter us from leaving our own Fronteers, and the French Governor refin'd Policy in discouraging the Cherokees from carrying on the War from which the French can derive no essential advantage and may in Time terminate in the destruction of their Southern Settlements as being the surest method by which we can put an end to the Indian War — a Fever which has confin'd me some Days to my Tent prevented my hearing Colo. Byrd's answer, but I learn he was very concise, gave them to understand that nothing but their making Peace with Colo. Grant could prevent their destruction to accelerate wch he (Colo. Byrd)0242224was Marching into their Nation, and as they valued their preservation seriously to prosecute the means of procuring Peace.1

1 Willianawaugh of Tohoe.

1 Attakulla-kulla repaired immediately to Colonel Grant at Fort Prince George and sued for peace. Colonel Grant furnished him with a guard to Charlestown, where the Cherokee monarch in a speech of great pathos presented the sufferings and destruction of their nation, and asked that peace be granted them. His request was not refused, and the war against the Cherokees thus ended.

We yet know nothing of the Numrs. or Situation of the N. Carolina Troops, or whether they are to Join us — We hear that all our Recruiting Parties are got to Reed Creek with only fifty eight recruits.

We have twelve Officers, a number of the non Commission'd and near a hundred private out of the 8 Compys. here ill with a Fever which seems to be Epedemick and it's fear'd will go thro' the whole we have not yet got near the numr. of Carriages or horses necessary to carry us on, nor one Grain of Forrage, our next Post is to be a Big Island and our last at Broad River forty Miles from the Imperial City of Chota. But how our small numbers are to make Roads, Construct Posts, furnish Escortes &ca. &ca. for so great a distance & with the trivial remains Conquer a formidable Nation is to me quite a Mystery! But the will of the Great be done —

It is with great difficulty I am able to write being excessively out of order which obliges me to conclude by begging you'll forgive the incoherency of the above Scrawl, that you'll be so good as to offer my Respectfull and obliging Complemts. to your Lady & believe [me] ever to be With the most perfect Esteem & unalterable Regard

My Dear Sir Your Most affecte. & Most Obliged hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART

0243225

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

PHILADELPHIA Sepr 17th 1761 —

MY DEAR SIR

I arrived here last Saturday in Compy. with Doctor Stuart who laid a State of your case before Doctor Macleane and now send you their opinions But as the changes to which your Disorder are Subject and the distance of Time and Place may probably in some measure destroy the efficacy of what they prescribe I would earnestly beg leave to recommend your coming here as soon as the circumstances of your affairs can possibly permit for when I consider the advantages you must derive from being under the immediate care of the most eminent and universally acknowledg'd ablest Physician on the Continent in a place where you could enjoy variety of agreeable Compy. &ca. as well as from change of air I cannot help again repeating my entreaties of your loosing none of that valueable Time requisite to re-establish your Health with which no Business however important ought to be put in competition —

This place is at present very barren of News, this Days Paper which I enclose you contains what little there is except a Report of a Peace which it's hop'd will turn out groundless,1 — nothing as yet has transpired0244226with regard to the destination of the Troops Encampt on Staten Island but a man of war is daily expected from England with Despatches for the General —

1 “No other news stirring, than that everybody thinks we are at the eve of peace. All Canada, and the country down as far as Louisiana, but not Louisiana itself, to be ceded to the English, as also Minorca, and we are to release Gaudaloupe, and all other conquests, to the French.” — Edward Shippen to Colonel Burd, October 3, 1761, Shippen Papers.

I have applied to General Monckton for leave to attend him as a Volunteer on the intended Expedition (in case our Governor will agree to it) I have likewise requested his Interest to procure me the Purchass of a Compy. and in the event of my Success will give you the earliest Intelligence of it — I propose to set out for Camp in a few Days from whence I will do myself the pleasure to write you whatever I can pick up that may merit your notice — I am extremely anxtious to know how you do and were it not that writing may be disagreeable in your present situation I would beg a line if ever so short by every oppy. for this place Directed to the Care of Messrs. Macleane & Stuart for I'm persuaded you will not hesitate to believe that nothing could make me so happy as an accot. of your perfect Recovery which I with all my Soul most ardently wish — Please offer my Respectfull Complemts. to your Lady

I ever am with the most perfect & unalterable Regard

My Dear Colonel Your most Affectionat & Most Obliged hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART

0245227

FROM THE REVEREND ANDREW BURNABY.

LEICESTERSHIRE, Decr: 16th. 1761

ASFORDBY NEAR MELTON-MOWBRAY

DEAR SIR,

I received the favour of your letter dated the 27th. of July, some time ago; which would have given me much greater pleasure had it brought me a better account of your health; I hope however you are perfectly recovered, and that if you come to England, which I can assure Dear Sir would be greatly to my wish, it will be upon some much better Errand than ill health. - - - I am much obliged to you for the Account you give me of the Cavern; I think it very curious, and long to have the other particulars of it. - - - Since I wrote last to you, we have had many alterations in these parts. The Kings Marriage, Coronation, and Mr. Pitts resignation you have doubtless been informed of. This last, it is thought, will be attended with great consequences. The City seems to lament the loss of him, and probably will be backward in subscribing to the Supplies. The Spaniards are making prodigious preparations, but still profess great friendship for us; However we are guarding agst: them. Lord Bristol, it is said, is recalled from Madrid; and Lord Tyrawley going in his stead. The Ministry here is still unsettled. The French talk high of invading us; They are manning all their fleets; but we think it is impossible to Escape us. The Nation seems to regret that we suffered Bussy to come to England; Every thing is laid to his Charge; It is thought even that the French0246228had no intention of making peace; and only sent him to make divisions amongst us; He is said to have negociated a loan during his stay here for the French King, and to have made a great fortune himself in the funds. Whether this is true or not, I will not pretend to say: It is certain he is one of the Cleverest, most artfull Men in Europe; but yet he was watched so strictly, that one would think it impossible he could do so much mischief in so short a time.Our Armies in Germany are going into Winter quarters; Nothing decisive has been struck in that Quarters; Nothing decisive has been struck in that Quarter. I don't know whether you ever saw Lord Downs1 Character who was unfortunately killed there the last Campaign; It is rekoned so just, and is at the same time so fine, that I shall make no Apology for giving it you whether you have or not.

1 Henry Pleydell, Lord Downe, born April 8, 1727, commanded the 25th regiment of foot at the battle of Campen, near Wesel, October 16, 1760, where he received a wound from which he died the following December.

The Writer speaking of our surprising the French Camp near the Convent of Campen, Says; —

“On this Occasion the English Nation regretted “the loss of one of its most shining ornaments in the “death of Lord Down, who whilest his gratefull “Sovereign was destining him to higher honours, “received a Mortal Wound in this battle. He was a “person of free and pleasurable life; but of an Excel-“lent understanding, amiable manners, and the most “intrepid Courage. In the beginning of this War “he had a considerable Share in rousing a Martial “Spirit amongst the young people of rank in England,0247229“And having long showed them by a gallant “Example how to fight, he at last by a Melancholy “one, shewed them how to dye for their Country.” —

I am much Obliged to you and Mrs. Washington for your partiality and good wishes for me, I desire you will both accept of my unfeigned thanks and most sincere respects; and believe me to be, what I really am, dear Sir,

Your most faithfull and Obedt. Servant ANDW. BURNABY —

FROM MR. J. DAVENPORT.1

1 A miller for many years employed by Washington as overseer.

SR. I Received yours By Giles and do not hesitate a moment to Say I Gladly Embrace the offer of going to york for I like the Description of the plantation in every particular but that of the Marshes & that does not amount to 1/100 of an objection and as to the part of the Country I am Very fond of because I of Late Seem determed to marry and there I immagine I may probably meet with Some Girl that may make an agreeable Wife and in the Back woods there is Very few (of my Rank) that I think I Could live with at any Rate---

I Could not Sell the foder at any Rate. I got the tops and Cheif of Blades at the uper place and all at the Lower one is Lost by the frost to about 7 or 8 thousand C [obliterated] hills my hemp I have Roted all that grew at the uper place to about two acres and0248230that Lies at the water Side & will be put in to day and By than that comes out Shall get that up from the other place and as I have made another pond I can put it all in at once I have found by Experience that your Observations on the Roting hemp are Very Just. only mine Stays in Longer I have Sent you down two parcels the course is of the Smallest Sort that Grew about the house was in the water 7 or 8 days the other is of that that grew near McCarmicks was in 8 ½ Days I have Broke about 100 lb by way of Trial and if we donot mend upon practice it will be Very Tedious the best hands not Breaking above 10lb. a day — The Tobaco you may depend I will Send down as Soon as possible Connell will be down next week I expect wth. the flour and the Next Trip Shall be the Tobaco or Sooner If I can get another waggon

I have a Little Corn bit by the frost am Sr. yr. Very Hbl. Sert. JO DAVENPORT

P. S. Colo. fairfax and I had Some talk about his placees in frederick. but did not agree. he left it to me to See whether I Could not better myself. and if not agreed to Leave it to you to Settle the Lay. But I prefer this place if it is to be had. and if it is Not perhaps I may Get the Colos. afterwards. & if I do not I Shall not much regard the disappointment

J D

I have thrashed about 50 Bushels of wheat Since you was up and Doubt it will not turn out So well as I Expected

0249231

The cow that was Left by the way was Left at old dods. and is one of the Best in the Stock. therefore I Should Suppose not fit Swap.

however if you think fit Send word by Connell and I will fetch her up immediately

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

AT DOCTOR WALKER'S IN ALBEMARLE COTY. Janry. 25th 1762

MY DEAR SIR

Soon after our last very mortifying Parting I was attack'd with a Rheumatism which confind me till some Time after I had the infinite pleasure to hear of your being so much recover'd as to be in condition to return home — So soon as I got able to ride I went to Petersburgh where I put myself under the Direction of Doctor Jamison from whose skill I deriv'd considerable advantage and on the sitting of the last Assembly I returned to Williamsburgh where I had the further great satisfaction to hear of your being almost well —

You would no doubt have heard of the Proceedings of the last Assembly with regard to the Corps,10250232but tho' it was vastly short of our expectations yet we had the great satisfaction to see the most eminent Men in the Country warmly espoused our Cause which we esteem a propitious Omen that portends better Success in the next effort our Friends may exert in our Favour — we miss'd your Friendly Offices excessively — I would fain have applied for Liberty to have return'd to Camp by the way of Mount Vernon but as I was by various and unforeseen accidents detain'd from the Regiment much longer than I expected I could not with any Grace ask it — whenever we go to the right about which in all probability will happen in about two Months nothing shall rob me of the Happiness I promise myself from seeing you perfectly recover'd at your own House — I am this far in my way to Join the Regiment from whence I will do myself the pleasure to write you more fully —

1 An Act for giving Recompense to the Officers of the Virginia Regiment. — “Whereas the regiment in the service of this Colony will shortly be disbanded, and the officeres thereof, by their bravery, and the hardships they have undergone, have recommended themselves to their country, and therefore called on this general assembly for some recompense in consideration thereof, which deserves the attention of the publick, although it cannot in the present circumstances of the colony be proportioned to their merit, or the inclination of this assembly, Be it therefore enacted, by the Lieutenant-Governour, Council, and Burgresses, of this present General Assembly, and it is hereby enacted, by the authority of the same, that as soon as the said regiment shall be disbanded, John Robinson. Esquire, treasurer of this colony, or the treasurer for the time being, appointed by or pursuant to an act of assembly, shall out of the money now remaining in his hands, or that shall hereafter come into the treasury, arising from bills of exchange drawn or to be drawn in pursuance of an act of assembly made in the last year of the reign of his late majesty king George the second, entitled, An act for appointing persons to receive the money granted or to be granted by the parliament of Great-Britain to his majesty for the use of this colony, pay to the several commissioned officers of the said regiment hereafter named, that is to say, the honourable colonel William Byrd, lieutenant-colonel Adam Stephen, major Andrew Lewis, captains Robert Stewart, John McNeil, Henry Woodward, Robert McKenzie, Thomas Bullet, John Blagg, Nathaniel Gist, Mordecai Buckner, captain-lieutenant William Dangerfield, lieutenants William Fleming, Leonard Price, Charles Smith, George Woodon, Jethro Sumner, John Lawson, William Woodford, Joseph Fent, John Sallard, Thomas Gist, Alexander Boyd, William Hughes, David Kennedy, Robert Johnson, Walter Cunningham, William Cocke, Alexander Menzie, Larkin Chew, Reuben Vass, and John Cameron, ensigns Henry Timberlake, Philip Love, John Sears, Burton Lucas, David Long, Alexander McLangham, George McNight, and Surgeon John Stewart, one full year's pay, over and above what shall be due to them until the disbanding the said Regiment.” — HENING.

That Heaven may Bless you with the Re-establishmt. of perfect good Health and confer on you every thing else that can contribute to compleat your Felicity are the most fervent wishes of him who ever0251233is with the most perfect Esteem and unalterable Regard

My Dear Colonel Your most Affectionate & Most Obliged hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART

I Beg you'll be so good as to offer my Respectfull Compliments in the most obliging Terms to Mrs Washington

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

FORT LEWIS Febry. 26th. 1762

MY DEAR SIR

Your most acceptable Favour of the 31st Decemr. I this Day had the very great pleasure to receive and as you therein make no mention of your Disorder I would fain flatter myself with the pleasing hope of your being quite recover'd than a confirmation of which nothing could afford me more real Joy — I had not the good Fortune to receive that you was Pleas'd to write me from Colo. Bassets — In my last from Doctor Walkers I inform'd you of the several unforeseen accidts. that rob'd me of the pleasure of waiting on you at Mount Vernon there's nothing I wanted more than the pleasure of a Confab — I have many things to inform you off which I'm persuaded will surprise you but as nothing Travels on Paper in this part of the World without great Danger from Robbrs. and Highwaymen or rather lurking Barbarians 0252234who are possess'd with an infernal Passion for Pillaging others of what can do themselves no Service, I will defer mentioning some things till I have the Happiness of seeing you which I am at all Events determin'd to enjoy before I leave this Country — Stephens is busy in Discharging the Men and indefaticably Industrious in Recruitg. them for an Independant Compy. in His Majesty's Service for the Protection of the Frontiers — I confess this Scheme of his astonish me and notwithstang that Govr. Fauquier exerts his utmost Efforts in Sts. favour, that Genl. Monckton (who knows Sts.) is absent and that the Men can at this juncture be got — yet I cannot conceive that Genl. Amherst will give a Compy. to a man who has made such a Fortune by the Service and overlook others who have suffer'd so severely by it, however his assurances from Mr. Fauqr. are so strong that he has nam'd his Subs. & Serjts. Cameron, Gist and Menzie are to be his Subs, — Mr. Fauqr. has by Express wrote him a Publick and Private Letter the First which he hands about is full of warm Thanks for his and the Corps Service, the other I am told contains the stronger assurances of his Interest to Serve & promote him amongst other things says that Sts. Scheme is so rational that he cannot see how the Genl. can be off and that he (ye. Governr.) soon hopes to congratulate Sts. on his getting an Indept. Compy. — If so what Perquisites will he not make from his Compy. and the Indian Trade &ca.

The last Division of the Regt. will be Disbanded0253235abt. the 18th. of next Month, I then will go to the warm Springs (about 80 Miles from hence) to remove (if possible) the Rheumatism with which I have of late been much afflicted. I propose to be at Williamsburgh towards the last of April and should I not have the pleasure of seeing you there will certainly see you before I embark — I am asham'd of the above confus'd ill wrote Scrawl but when you know that I write upon my Knee, with Frosen Ink, in an open Smoaky Hut, crowded with noisy people you will forgive it — I beg my most obliging and Respectfull Complements to your Lady That Heaven may Bless you with Health and everything else that render you truely Happy are the most fervent wishes of

My Dear Colo Your unalterably Affecte. & Gratefull ROBERT STEWART

I would not have wrote you till I had found more Time & some better conveniency but Mr. Lucas who goes thro' Alexa. is just setting out I would not slip an oppy. of sendg. you my best respects —

FROM HILL, LAMAR & HILL.

MADEIRA 28th. Feby. 1762

SIR

Inclosed you have a Bill of Loading for a pipe of pale wine shiped by order of Messrs. Moorey Cary &0254236Compy. — which we doubt not proving to your Satisfaction a few months hence having been carefully selected. It is 40/per pipe cheaper than the particular wines of last year & promises to be much better than any we saw of the former vintage

We shall value on those Gent. for the Cost as at bottom.

We are very respectfully, Sir Your most obliged humb. Servts. HILL LAMAR & HILL

No. G W A 1

A pipe of wine£28 - 0 - 0

10 per Ct. for Virga. gauge—2 .. 16 .. 0

£30 ..16 .. / Stg.

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

STAUNTON March 19th. 1762 —

MY DEAR COLO

I did myself the pleasure to write you from Doctor Walker's, I have since from Fort Lewis acknowledg'd the rect. of your extreme Friendly and affecte. Letter of the 31st December. —

A number of our Officers are by Orders assembled here to Settle some Regimental Affairs, which we have just finish'd, and now the Virginia Regt. exists no longer, I wish they have not been premature in Disbanding a Corps which might have been very Serviceable in prosecuting a War that does not yet seem to draw to a conclusion — I set out to morrow or next Day for the hot Springs in this County in0255237hopes that the efficacy of their Waters will effectually readicate my Rheumatism & reestablish my Health I propose to stay three or four weeks at the Springs & will then proceed to Winchester on my way to Mount Vernon and as I can by no means think of leaving this Country without enjoyg. the happiness of your Compy. for a few Days I would be much oblig'd by your sending me a Line to the next Winchester Court, informing me whether it is most probable I should find you at Home or at Williamsburgh about the latter end of April —

We have just receiv'd accots. from Phila. that Sir Jeffry Amherst has made a requisition of a considerable Body of Troops (or rather Men) from all the different Colonies, if this should be true our Assembly will undoubtedly be call'd, and something may occur that will cause a material change in Affairs — I would gladly avail myself of any Expedient that could extricate me out of the very mortifying alternative of Joining The Royal Americans as a Sub: or quiting the Service — should a Body of Men be rais'd I imagine it would be no very difficult matter to get me Introduc'd into pretty high Rank, for I cannot think that Colo. Byrd will Serve again, Stepn. makes sure of a Compy. in the Service and Colo Lewis has repeatedly declar'd that he never will Serve unless a permanent Provision is made for him, under these circumstances the great object of my endeavours must be to prevent Mr. Peachy's getting Superior Rank which for reasons that will instantly occurr to you I could not Submit to — Whatever may cast up I'm well assur'd that you will have a Freindly Eye towards0256238me — The Speaker who possesses a real regard for you would I conceive be the most certain Channel, for by a proper exertion of his Interest which is very prevailing at the Palace, any reasonable point might be carried. Should you not be at the Assembly yourself may I beg your writing by a certain oppy. to him on this Subject —

There is nothing here new or entertaining — I most ardently wish you every thing that make you supremely happy and ever am with the most exalted and unalterable Esteem

My Dear Sir Your most Affecte. & Most Obliged hble Servt ROBERT STEWART

I Beg my most Respectfull and obliging Complemts. to Mrs Washington —

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

CAMP AT STANSTID Novemr. 15th 1762

MY DEAR SIR

Since parting with you I have view'd the Plan I laid before you with the closest attention, and the reasons for attempting the execution of it are so vastly corroborated by your approbation, that I am stimulated with the keenest fervour to essay the Success of the first essential step, previously necessary to my appearing at Head Quarters — In the0257239event of our disolution as a Corps I am perfectly convinc'd that, that Friendship so often employ'd in my behalf is now exerting it's best endeavours in accomplishing the primary Object, on which the Fate of my ulterior efforts must greatly depend — But should the Regt. be kept up till the King's pleasure relative to our being taken into His more immediate Pay can be known, do you think it impracticable for me to obtain the honr. of bearing the Despatches on that Subject to the Ministry? or if the first proposal is to be made at Head Quarters to go there, near which I think I have a Friend whose great Interest and powerful Connections would render his good offices very prevailing. This expedient has occurr'd to me by a proposal made to me by severals of the Regt. for Detailing an Officer to London to prosecute with that assiduity which the pleasing view of Promotion would leave no room to doubt, the most spirited perseverance in representing our Sufferings and Services — Should the War continue the Difficulties in raising new Regts. and Recruitg. those whose Effectives have been so much diminish'd by severe Service will be so great and the advantages resulting from taking a Regiment, rais'd tolerably Disciplin'd and already in America, must appear so strikingly obvious, that the Ministry would on a proper Representation probably go into it, as a Measure highly conducive to the Interest of the Service, and at the same Time give an opportunity of obliging perhaps some of the Great Families in Britain by making Field Officers of some of their Sons, Brothers or near Relations who may now0258240be Capts. in the Army, for 'tis certain that no Provincial Officers will at once be exalted to the Rank of Field Officers in the Service —

If Sir Jeffrey should of himself take us into the Pay of the Crown I would immediately rejoin the Regt. — At any rate it seems to be pretty certain that the Colony will not retain us much longer in their Pay But supposing that we are kept up for the Winter I appeal to you or any other Military Judge whether the absence of Lt. Colo. in Winter Quartrs. can be of any prejudice to the Service. If it cannot, if our standing even for that Time is doubtfull, if my going to London properly recommended may be of Service to the Corps in case the war continues and at all Events be of Service to myself, all which is very probable, I would fain hope the Governor may be prevail'd upon to honr. me with his Letters to the Secretary of State; I can assure you that my being absent on this Service would be so infinitly remote from giving any umbrage to the Officers that many of them earnestly desire it — As my going to the Metropolis this Winter (where I think I could thro' the means of the Earles Bute and Loudon and some others of distinction in the army and about Court form a tolerable Interest) is of the utmost Importance to me, I doubt not but you'll be readily induc'd to forgive my anxious sollicitude about this most Interesting and decisive affair on the Success of which, in all human probabilty will greatly depend my future welfare or Misery, and will certainly be my derniere resource for making a vigorous push in the Military, on which, my heart is so much set — 0259241In the happy Event of your Succeeding I would be extremely glad to receive the Letters open or under flying Seals that the General may be the more easily prevail'd on — and that no Time may be lost McNeil or Weedon will immediately send a Servant or an Express with them —

May Heaven Bless you my dear Colonel and amply reward you for your steady and vivid Regard for

Your Truely Gratefull & mo: Affecte. ROBERT STEWART Allow me to remind you of the Bearer's Affair, as you know him to be ancient & Faithfull Servant to the Colony P. S. If you can possibly procure the Governrs. Letters I would be glad to receive some kind of Certificate from you specifying the Time I have been under your Command and my Behaviour during that Time Be so good as to make my Complemts. to Colo. Byrd for a Letter of the same kind while he Commanded the Regt. which I cannot imagine he will deem any great Favour, and am persuaded that Genl. Gage will not hesitate to write nor will Genl. Monckton I'm pretty certain as well as severals of Rank in America — in fine I am resolv'd to spare no pains nor leave nothing unessay'd that yield even the most distant chance of promoting the Success of my Plann —

0260242

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

LEWIS'S PLANTATION Decemr. 14th. 1762

MY DEAR COLLO.

I a few days ago had the pleasure to receive your obliging favour from Hoe's Ferry and am under the greatest concern for the return of your Lady's Indisposition, I would fain hope that the skill of the Faculty, your return and the excellent Weather will effect her recovery and perfectly reestablish her Health an accot. of which would afford me immense Joy — After rect. of yours I lost no Time in endeavouring to procure some of the Disbanded Soldiers to undertake your work in the manner you mention but so intoxicated were they with their temporary Liberty and the enjoyment of a few Shillings they had just recd. & which they were squandering in riot and Drunkenness that they were quite deaff to all proposals of that nature — Mr. Lewis whose Plantation is within ½ Mile of the Ground on which we were encamp't could not for double Price prevail upon any of them to get a few Rails of which he was in great want, they swore they would not strike a stroke for any man till they should partake of the Christmass Frolicks, and then perhaps some of them would call upon you, however I with some difficulty prevail'd upon the Bearer Allen (who has been at Redstone Creek ever since Campaign 58) to wait upon you, in order to view the Ground in your Garden and propose the Terms upon wch. he will Serve you in Quality of Gardr. But with this Preliminary article of not Settling till after the approaching Holydays —

0261243

I yesterday Evening by Mr. Posey recd. your extreme kind favour from Williamsburgh and am really at loss for words to convery adequate Ideas of that pure Regard & genuine Gratitude your firm and uninterrupted Goodness has indelibly impress'd in my heart which is replete and will over flow with the warmest sentiments of the most exalted Esteem for you my best of Friends & dearest of acquaintances, Your own Letter is drest in that Stile and exhibits that ease candour and energy that clearly evinces it's proceeding immediately from the heart and is perfectly adapted to answer the Intention in the most efficacious manner — there are two Expressions in the Governs. which I apprehend must take of the force and in a great measure destroy the end of a Recommendation, But as you Justly observe the Peace which will probably be concluded before I can make use of it will render every effort of this Nature ineffectual.

You no doubt have heard that the Assembly has given each Field Officer £100 — each Captt. 75 & each Sub: £50 for the Expence they were at in Field Equipage & given all Six Months Pay — that they are to address The Throne in our Behalf & to grant a Sum to defray the Expence of the Officers that may be appointed to present the Address. Public rewards of Military Services conferr'd in so in genteel a manner must in future Wars be productive of the most happy consequences — I am told that B — t1 according to his wonted modesty deems himself a proper person to present the address — for my part tho' I0262244had previously determin'd on going home, yet a conscious inability of conducting myself with that propriety and address the representative of a Corps should display deterr'd me from dropping the most distant hint even to my greatest Intimates in the Regimt. — So many favourable Circumstances must concur to attract the notice of the Great so many difficulties to be encounter'd which I fear a Peace will make quite insuperable and leave no glimmering Ray of hope for getting any thing done for the whole — Major Mc.Neill is daily expected with the Cash whenever he arrives I will set out for Head Quarters & will soon be able to determine whether I shall continue a Soldier or recommence Mohair,1 in the Event of a Peace, I think the latter will be the most eligible as then in the Military way even hope the unfortunate's last comfort will be cut off — I believe I need not say with how much reluctance I must leave the Country without enjoying even a single hour's Coversation with him I of all others esteem the most to prevent this misfortune I as long as I possibly could carefully avoided going to Fredericksbg. at length the Colo. Ss. illness at disbanding of the Regt. indispensably requir'd my going over 2 or 3 Times therefore would not run the most distant risque of a mere possibility of conveying the Infection to any of that Family whose happiness will ever be dear to me — God knows my dear Colo. if ever we shall meet again but this I am absolutely certain off that the longest absence will not diminish that pure Affection & superlative Regard I have for you & I am too0263245well acquainted with the warmth of your Heart & the sincerity of your Friendship to imagine that the one can ever cool or the other abate. May Heaven Bless you & Mrs. Washington with Health & every thing else you desire or may be necessary in completing yr. Felicity an accot. of wch. especially from yourself will always [be] an essential part of his who will ever remain with Supreme Esteem My Dear Sir Your Truely Affecte. Gratefull & mo: Obliged Servt

1 Bullett?

1 A mercantile life.

ROBERT STEWART this Paper is so greasy that I fear you will hardly make out what is wrote on it

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

NEW YORK Janry. 18th. 1763

MY DEAR COLO

Two Days ago I arrived here, after a tedious Journey render'd doubly disagreeable by the excessive badness of the Roads & the extreme rigour of the weather, I was detain'd three Days at the River Susquhana, which was fill'd with such quantitys of driving Ice, as to make it impracticable for Boats, it at length shut up, and I at some risque cross'd upon the Ice. —

On my arrival at this place, I immediately waited upon Genl Monckton, who I found the same warm Friend I left him, he prevented my application, by enquiring what my Plan was, regretted my being so long unprovided for, and in the genteelest manner offer'd his best offices in promoting the Success of0264246whatever I might deem the most eligible, I therefore without reserve communicated my Intentions to him, which he approv'd off, and instantly applied in person to Sir Jeffery for his leave, for my going to London, where I shall carry G. Ms. warmest Recommendations: my Plan is, to propose to the Ministry (amongst whom I hope to find 2 good friends in Lord Bute and Mr. Charles Townsend) to raise in America at my own Expence a Battalion of 5 Compys. on condition of being made Major Commandant & having the appointment of the Officers which of late have been the common Terms, and however aspiring this may appear, yet I am assur'd by the most knowing here that the great demand for Men (for all thoughts of a Peace seems now to have vanish'd) the insuperable difficulties of getting them at home, the powerful Recommendations I shall carry with me, my Rank in the best of Provincial Corps, long Services &ca. so well attested and strongly enforc'd, will more than probably secure the Success of my Plan — You'll by this Time pronounce me too sanguine, But allow me my dear Sir to assure you that Series of Disappointments sometimes when my hopes were rais'd to the highest pinnacle by the most flattering Prospect of Success have convinc'd me beyond any possibility of doubt how incompatial with reason & repugnant to common Prudence it would be to place my happiness on any unattain'd terrestial Blessing however alluring & near it may appear, yet as this yields a good probability I am willing to essay one vigourous Effort, and if I should not arrive at the summit of my views I may perhaps reach a Compy.0265247at the worst I can get a Purchass there with more facility than here; I am therefore getting in readiness to embark with the next Packet which will ('tis imagin'd Sail in about ten days) — I hope I need not tell you how happy you will make me by charging me with the execution of any thing you may have to do in London: I have tolerable knowledge of most things you can want from thence, and I am certain that none can take greater care in executing them well, as the immense pleasure of obeying the Commands of the Person I so highly revere, will infinit'ly more than compensate for any pains it's possible to be taken Your Letters will find me by the underneath Direction — I beg my warmest Complemts. & most hble Respects to Your Lady and Family, Could my most ardent Wishes or anything else within the utmost limit of my ability avail, nothing should be wanting to completion of your Joint Felicity, which will always promote mine God Bless You My dear Colonel & believe me ever to be with the most exalted Regard

Your Most Affecte. & Most Obliged hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART Please Direct for me To the Care of Messrs. Levern & Stuart at the Corner of Eagle Street In great Jermyne Street London

Nothing new or entertaining here, I will do myself0266248the great pleasure to write you again before I embark —

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART

NEW YORK March 2d. 1763 —

MY DEAR COLO.

On the 18th. of Janry. I did myself the pleasure to write you a long Letter from hence, which by Post I sent under Cover to Mr. Ramsay at Alexandria, and which I hope has long since got to hand, In that I inform'd you of the Plann I had form'd for my Promotion, the encouragement I met with, and the high probability there was of Success; for sometime thereafter my affairs under the auspices of Genl. Monckton wore a very promising aspect, and the different Steps previously necessary and leading to the commencement of my Operations were by his good Offices so far effected that I would have been ready to have embark'd with the first Packet when the dire accots. of the Cessation Thunder'd on my disconcerted Mind and at once annihilated my Plann and Blasted my well grounded hopes, an event the more alarming to me, as at that Juncture it was so unexpected that the most sagacious here made no doubt of our Serving at least another Campaign,1 which would have done for me, But as despondency can be of no Service and is often the mark of a weak mind, I would be willing like the drowning man to exert the remains of my enfeebled Strength in strugling0267249against the stream of adversity and as I foresaw the impossibility of getting anything done for me here I persever'd in the resolution I had taken of going home where I am told I shall have a much better chance to Purchass a Compy. or if that should fail a Civil Employment, But my leave of absence has for various assign'd reasons been put off from Time to Time tho' that Genl. Mn. applied in person no less than three different Times — By my long detention here (where I am Subjected to an inevitable Expence I can very ill bear) I have not only lost perhaps the best oppy. for applying at home, but lost an oppy. of embarking on a Commercial Scheme, which my Mercantile Friends had a considerable Time ago concerted, and which I was either to have enter'd on or declin'd by the Ist. of last Febry. You may perhaps think I ought to have Sold out or Resign'd — the Ist. impossible as none will Buy in the Americans till their Fate is knowen and as to the 2d. when you consider that what I expect for my Lieuty. must constitute a very considerable part of the Pittance I have to depend on, I'm persuaded you will think that a measure repugnant to prudence, so that I am oblig'd to make a Virtue of a necessity & wait with Patience — I am assur'd that the next Packet (which is daily expected) will bring Orders for the arrangement of the Troops &Ca. & that I then will most certainly go home, where I will too probably stand in great need of that aid which you have often been Pleas'd to offer with that Polite candour and sincere warmth peculiar to genuine Friendship, which I with the less difficulty prevail upon myself to use0268250as all Danger of Death (except in the common way) is now over & consequently yields me a much fairer Prospect of reimbursing you than I had in the war. But as I am not certain that I shall have reason for it the Favour I would now Beg is that you will be so good as to give me a Letter of Credit upon your Correspondent in London for Four Hundred Pounds Sterling in case I should want it,1 You may probably be surpris'd at my now applying for more than I did 3 years ago, to remove which, I will only inform you that Capt. Wood one of Genl. Mns. aid de Camps who arriv'd from London a few Days ago says that the price of Compys. rose £500 — before he came away and this you may absolutely rely on, that I will take up as little as I can upon your Letter & that no Expedient consistent with honr. will [be] left unessay'd to Pay you as soon as possible, But as all human affairs are precarious I would likewise beg that the Sum I may Draw upon you for may be so enter'd in your Books that in the Event of your Death (which I pray Heaven may long prevent) your Heirs would not have it in their Power to distress me, One Copy of the Letter of Credit to be sent by first Ship from Virginia under Cover to me0269251Directed agreeable to my last or to the Care of Messrs. Richard Oswald & Compy. Merchts. in London, another Copy under Cover to me here and to be forwarded by Mr. Beverly Robinson by first Packet — I will not attempt to Trouble you with appologizing for this freedom as I so perfectly know your Sentiments for which I hope Heaven will reward you & enable me to prove worthy of it —

1 The definitive treaty of peace was concluded at Paris, February 10, 1763.

1 “I wish my dear Stewart that the circumstances of My Affairs would have permitted me to have given you an order upon any Person — in the world I might add — for £400 with as much ease & propriety as you seem to require it, or even for twice that sum if it woud make you easy; … I do not urge these things [his own indebtedness] my dear Sir in order to lay open the distresses of my own Affairs, on the contrary they should forever have remained profoundly secret to your knowledge did it not appear necessary at this time to acquit myself in yr esteem, & to evince my inability of exceeding £300 a sum I am now labouring to procure by getting money to purchase Bills of that amt to remit to yourself, that Mr Cary may have no knowledge of the transaction since he expected this himself, and for which my regard for you will disappoint him — A Regard of that high nature that I could never see you uneasy without feeling a part and wishing to remove the cause.” — Washington to Stewart, April 27, 1763.

I am persuaded it will give you pleasure to know that your old Acquace. Governor Morris is appointed Govr. of No. Carolina — It is conjectur'd here that the Commander in Chief will visit Virginia this Spring Not a word of News here — I hope to have the extreme pleasure of hearing from you before I'm long in London I beg my most obliging & Respectfull Complemts. to your Lady & Family & ever am with Superlative Regard

My Dear Sir Your Most Affecte. & mo: Obliged hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

NEW YORK June 6th. 1763

MY DEAR COLO

Both your favours of the 27th April & 2d. May, Covering your Bills for £302 – – Sterg I recd from Mr. Robinson last week and would have instantly acknowledg'd the rect. of them but that I knew the Bearer would set out for Virginia in a few days which is a better and perhaps a safer conveyance than by Post0270252the irregularity of which I have long since been convinc'd off — But where shall I find words to convey an adequate Idea of those emotions which your most Affectionate Letters has caus'd in a heart replete with the most lively Sentiments of genuine Gratitude or how can I sufficiently admire that exalted Friendship which absence the bane of common Friendships encrease, which is invigorated by difficulties, and shines with additional lustre when put to the severest trial? — the most pleasing reflections certainly result from viewing that uncommon Species of happiness I enjoy in having such a Friend, yet it gives me the deepest concern that my unhappy Situation in Life forc'd me to do what has Subjected you to many inconveniencies to lessen them in some degree I will leave no expedient unessay'd and will not use the Bills for myself till every thing else has fail'd

Since my last I have not been able to get any thing done I have been put off from the arrival of one Packet to another at length was told that I must remain here till the distribution and arrangement of the Troops arrives for which there is yet no Order tho' a man of war with them has been for some time expected — had Sir Jeff. told General Monckton when he first applied for me that I could not go home I would have sold our which I could then have done without much difficulty and in all probability would 'ere now have either been provided for in the Service or Settled in Business But by giving me hopes from Time to Time he has not only involv'd me in that perplexity inseperable from uncertainty but Subjected me to a very heavy Expence a great part of which I0271253might have shunn'd by going into the Country could I have foreseen that my stay in this very extravagant place would have been near so long — my Recommendations grown obsolete, the Time for Military Promotion gone I fear never to return in my Time — a Commercial Plann my Mercantile Friends had concerted for me defeated by my not being able to engage in it at or near the Time stipulated for its commencement in fine I have too much reason to dread that his extraordinary procrastination will be productive of very fatal consequences to me But it seems Fortune is not yet tir'd of persecuting me I must therefore submit and endeavour to bear it with all the firmness I can, use all means and strain every nerve to extricate myself out of this accursed State of Attendance & Dependance worse than no Life —

We have nothing new or entertaining here — General Monckton has obtain'd his Majesty's permission to visit his native Country 'tis thought that he will soon return to releive Genl Amherst in the supreme Command who they say has likewise applied for leave to go home I wish to God he had been gratified in his desire some time ago — All the Officers of the Army here are extremely impatient for the arrival of the man of war, those of the old Regiments in a State of uncertainty with regard to their destination and those of the young Regiments as to their Fate — Whenever I know what is to become of me which a short time must now determine I will do myself the pleasure to write you and in the mean Time I beg you'll be pleas'd to offer my Respectfull0272254Complements in the warmest and most Obliging manner to your Lady and Family that Heaven may Bless you and them with every requisite of happiness are his most fervent wishes who is and ever will be with supreme Regard and Esteem

My Dear Sir Your Most Affectionate & Most Obliged hble Servt ROBERT STEWART PS. June 7th It is said that the Savages of some of the back Countries have cut off one of our small Posts near Lake Huron Garrisond by 15 R. Ams. commd. by Ensign Mosser and it is very certain that last night Orders were issued from Head Quarters for the Light Infantry of the 17th. 42 & 77 Regiments to hold themselves in readiness to March at the shortes notice under the Orders of Major Allan Campbell of the Royl. Highlanders

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.

PHILADELPHIA Sepr. 3rd. 1763

MY DEAR SIR

I had the extreme pleasure to receive your very Affecte. Favour Covering your 2d. Sett of Bills —

From the Date of my last I was kept in daily expectations of getting leave to go to England, and put off writing to you in hopes I should have been able to have wrote you something decisive with regard0273255to my affairs, but Sir Jeff always found new reasons for my detention, I could not by any means obtain his Liberty, nor did he give me an absolute denial, but kept me in the most painfull suspence, and disagreeable attendance, from the middle of last Jany. till the latter end of last Month, at length when I little expected it he gave me his leave in writing accompanied by a heap of Friendly professions (which I set down for nothing) and as the place where I had suffer'd so much uneasiness had long since become perfectly disagreeable to me I embrac'd the earliest oppy. of getting away, and arriv'd here yesterday to take my Passage in a Ship which I was told would sail in a few days for London but I find that none will sail from hence in less than three weeks, for that place where I still continue determ'd to make a vigourous effort for a Compy. I readily foresee the most insuperable difficulties with which the Peace has obstructed the road to Military preferment But as I think I can rely upon Genl Monckton's Interest and some others of distinction and as the necessary Regulations for the due Government of the Conquered Countries will occasion a number of new Appointments both Civil and Military I would fain hope I shall be able to procure something genteel at any rate it is my last resource — should I fail the attempt will indeed be against me but in my situation I think it would be timidity rather than prudence not to make a Trial —

The Engineers Gordon and Basset are here and present their Complemts. to you they have both obtain'd0274256leave to go home; Basset acted as aid de Camp in that very fortunate Affair near Bussie Run1 and extols the firm coolness uns[h]aken intrepidity and vast alacrity of the Highlanders which compos'd that little Army even to a hyperbole — certain it is that nothing could be more fortunate for these Colonies than the hardly to be hop'd for Success of that day, as the very existence of the back Country depended on the safety of that Convoy for ('tis said) that Fort Pitt and consequently all it's dependencies must have fallen for want of Provisions and Ammunition the consequences of which especially to the midle Colonies would have been dreadfull beyond description, there may be reasons for neglecting a Post of such vast importance which was the cause of the last war and which has cost Great Britain and Her Colonies so much Bloud and Treasure to acquire and maintain and on whose safety the Lives and Properties of so many Thousands of His Majesty's Subjects depended, But Success gives the most alureing gloss even to the most egregious Blunders2 —

1 Immediately after peace was concluded with France in 1763, there was a general uprising of the western tribes of Indians, who, after capturing nearly all the frontier forts, united in a fierce attack upon Fort Pitt. Captain Ecuyer, in command there, held the fort under an exhausting blockade for over a month. Colonel Bouquet, who was sent to his relief, was attacked by, but overcame, the savages at Bushy Run, within twenty miles of Fort Pitt, near the headwaters of Turtle Creek.

2 “Things being in that situation I received orders to march with the above troops, the only force the General could collect at that time for the relief of this fort [Fort Pitt], which was in great want of provisions, the little flour they had being damaged.

“In that pressing danger the provinces refused to give us the least assistance. Having formed a convoy, I marched from Carlisle the 18th. of July with about 460 rank and file, being the remains of the 42d and 77th regiments, many of them convalescents. I left thirty men at Bedford, and as many at Ligonier, where I arrived on the 2d instant. Having no intelligence of the enemy, I determined to leave the waggons at that post, and to proceed with 400 horses, loaded with flour, to be less incumbered in case of an action.

“I left Ligonier on the 4th, and on the 5th instant, at 1 o'clock P. M., after marching seventeen miles, we were suddenly attacked by all the savages collected about Fort Pitt. I shall not enter into the detail of that obstinate action, which lasted till night, and beginning early the 6th continued till 1 o'clock when at last we routed them. They were pursued about two miles, and so well dispersed that we have not seen one since; as we were excessively distressed by the total want of water, we marched immediately to the nearest spring without enquiring into the loss of the enemy, who must have suffered greatly by their repeated and bold attacks in which they were constantly repulsed. Our loss is very considerable. Of the 42d: Captain-Lieutenant Graham, Lieutenant McIntosh, Rangers Lieutenant Randall killed. 42d: Captain John Graham, Lieutenant Dun Campbell wounded. 77th: Lieutenant Donald Campbell. Volunteer People: killed, 50; wounded, 60; in all, 110.” – Colonel Bouquet to Major Gladwin, August 28, 1763, Bouquet Papers.

0275257

The noble expedient they have fallen on in Virga. to employ the Militia in order to save Money and perform actual Service would do honr. to the most sublime Military genius and I think exceeds even the wise heads of the Assembly here — Some torgid accounts of the mighty Atchievements of Ss.1 Parties have already reach'd this place, but his Letters do not make that impression they used to do —

1 Stephens.

I propose to go into the Country for a few weeks till the Ship gets ready in order to avoid Expences and need not say how happy you would make me by a Line by Post or otherwise, In the mean Time I beg my most Respectfull and Affecte. Complemts. to your Lady and Family & ever am with the highest Esteem & most perfect regard

My Dear Colo Your Most Affecte. & Most Obliged hble Servt. ROBERT STEWART

0276258

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT STEWART.1

1 Inclosing letter of September 3.

PHILADELPHIA Octr. 13th 1763

MY DEAR COLO

On my return from the Country I happen'd to call at the Post Office to see if there was any Letters for me and to my great surprise found the Inclos'd which I sent upwards of 5 weeks ago by an acquaintance's Servant (for I have had none of my own these six months) to the Office, the Postmasrs. boy insists it was only deliver'd a few days ago and as the Gentn and his Servant is gone to the West Indies I can make nothing of it — surely such infamous neglect (to call it by no worse name) would not pass with impunity in any other part of the Globe — Since writing the Inclos'd nothing material has occurr'd in this Quarter but what you must be made acquainted with before this can reach you especially as it comes by our Acquaintance Mr Watson who generally finds it difficult to part with his Friends, will not therefore Trouble you with a dry Detail of Stale News —

I am told by some Officers lately from Head Quarters that the Indian Commotions begin to be look'd upon in a more serious light and that the Great Skygusta has said at his own Table that the publick will soon be satisfied with regard to these Affairs I could on this occasion be almost tempted to borrow a phrase of old Glenn's but —

I have returnd from the Country in order to embark but I find it is a false alarm for tho' the Ship is Loaded the Sails bent and to appearance everything0277259ready for the Sea yet something detains the Super Cargoe that will prevent our Sailing for some days and tho' I have been so long habituated to disappointments that ought by this Time to have made me quite a Stoick yet I cannot help being anxious for our Departure as I ardently long to see my native Isle from which I have been so long absent tho' alas! to very little purpose — Basset is gone in the Packet (too expensive a Conveyance for me) and Gordon and I go together — I cannot refrain from intimating the particular pleasure I derive from the warm respectfull manner in which many of your old acquaintances in the Army frequently mention you particularly Gordon who you would think quite extravagant on the pleasing theme — I beg my warmest and most respectfull Complemts. to your Lady I unalterably am with transcendent Regard

My dear Sir Your Most Affecte & Most Obliged hble Servt ROBERT STEWART May I beg the favour of you to present my Complemts. to Mr. Kirkpatrick — R. S —

FROM THE REVEREND ANDREW BURNABY.

LEGHORN Decr. 14th. 1763 —

DEAR SIR,

Few things give a susceptible mind more real satisfaction, than to find Oneself remember'd by those0278260one esteems. This satisfaction I had a few days ago by receiving a very kind letter from you dated the 14th. of August past. I assure you Nothing could flatter me more, as it was a proof to me of the continuance of your friendship; and Nothing give me greater pleasure, as it brought me an Account of your and Mrs. Washingtons Welfare.

Give me leave to thank you both for the kind congratulations you make me upon my present situation; I find it extremely Agreeable; and have never had better health or better spirits than since I came here. I took the rout of France in my journey, and made some stay at Paris. I had an Opportunity of visiting most of the King's palaces, and of seeing the cheif curiosities; I passed through the following Cities; Boulogne; Montruil, Abbeville; Amiers; Lyons, Avignon; Nismes; Monpelier; Aix; and Marseilles. Here I embarked upon the Mediterranean, and came to Leghorn by Sea; My whole journey took me up near three Months. You must not expect a description of places, for it would take up a Volume: I shall only say of Leghorn; that it is a small, neat, pretty fortifyed city; containing about 40,000 Inhabitants, which consist of all Nations under the Sun. I have an Excellent house here, and a comfortable Appointment. At the same time I meet with every mark of Civility and Attention. I have an Opportunity of being absent about two Months Every Summer, which will find me occasion in a few years of seeing all Italy. This last, I went to Florence, Luca, Pisa, and Pistoya: the former of these places is magnificent,0279261and stored with the finest Curiosities in the World.

We are at present in expectation of the Duke of York; he is now at Genoa. His arrival will make this place very gay; though gayety is a thing we seldom want here; for we have Opera's, Batledo's, Music, Balls, Masques, all the Year round. Some of these things I attend now and then; but in general am too serious to keep up with the Italians; the business of their lives is amusement and dancing;1 they have lost all the Spirit of the Romans, and you cannot find the least traces of the Antient Italia, except in the quickness of parts which distinguishes its Natives. However the fine Climate, fine Arts, sweet language, and remains of Antiquity, make it upon the whole so entirely to my taste, that without something very extraordinary or extremely advantageous, I shall be perfectly satisfied to continue here great part of my life. What will still add to my satisfaction will be the pleasure of hearing from my friends in America now and then, for I assure you I shall never forget them; and there is None I shall remember with More Affection than yourself and Mrs. Washington; I wish you both Every happiness this life can furnish, and beg leave to assure you that I0280262remain, dear Sir, with great sincerity, Your very faithfull and Obedient Servant

1 Mr. Burnaby, in his Travels in Virginia, describes the “jiggs” of the Virginians, and notes th