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Letters to Washington. Vol. I., 1752-1756. Vol. II., 1756-1758. Vol. III., 1758-1770. Vol. IV., 1770-1774. Vol. V., 1774-1775. Each 8vo, $5.00, net.

HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN & COMPANY, BOSTON AND NEW YORK.

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The Riverside Press Electrotyped and printed by H. O. Houghton & Co. Cambridge, Mass., U. S. A.

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. V 1774, 1775 GENERAL INDEX

BOSTON AND NEW YORK HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN AND COMPANY The Riverside Press, Cambridge 1902

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

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CONTENTS OF VOLUME V

1774PAGE

FROM COLONEL WILLIAM PRESTON, MAY 27TH Surveying of Washington's Ohio lands—Boundary questions — Land warrants.1

FROM DOCTOR JOHN CONNOLLY, MAY 28TH Dunmore's war.3

FROM THOMAS EDEN & Co., MAY 31ST Tobacco sales.7

FROM DOCTOR JOHN CONNOLLY, JUNE 7TH Dunmore's war—Colonel Croghan's Indian grant.8

FROM CAPTAIN WILLIAM CRAWFORD, JUNE 8TH Dissolution of Virginia Assembly—Dunmore's war—Surveying of Washington's Ohio lands—New Virginia county.9

FROM MR. VALENTINE CRAWFORD, JUNE 8TH Dissolution of Virginia Assembly—Building of forts—Selling of Washington's servants—Dunmore's war—Lund Washington's Ohio land—Illness of Moses Crawford—Washington's agreement with William Stevens.12

FROM MR. VALENTINE CRAWFORD, JUNE 8TH Dunmore's war—Employment of Washington's servants as militia — Need of ammunition.16

FROM THOMAS NEWTON, JR., ESQRE., JUNE 27TH Price of flour at Norfolk.17

FROM THOMAS JOHNSON, JR., ESQRE., JUNE 28TH Boston Post Bill—Dissolution of Virgina Assembly—Office fees.18

FROM BRYAN FAIRFAX, ESQRE., JULY 3RD Mrs. Savage's annuity—Sale of land—Reasons for refusing candidacy to House of Burgesses—Non-importation Resolves—Parliament's right to tax colonies.19

FROM BRYAN FAIRFAX, ESQRE., JULY 17TH Excuse for non-attendance of Alexandria committee—Petition to the King—Political tenets—Non-importation Resolves—Parliament's right to tax colonies—Stamp Act—Tax on tea—Regulation of post office.22

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FROM MR. VALENTINE CRAWFORD, JULY 27TH Advertisement for runaway servant—Dunmore's war—Command of expedition—Selling of Washington's servants—Washington's mill.30

FROM BRYAN FAIRFAX, ESQRE., AUGUST 5TH Washington's reasons for not reading former letter to committee — Tenets of other Virginians—Boston Post Bill—Alteration of Massachusetts Charter—Act for transporting criminals to England for trial—Mistakes of majorities—Parliament's right to tax colonies — Tax on tea—Application of Virginia charters to situation — Distinction between tax for regulation of trade and for raising a revenue—Parliament's right to make laws for colonies—Earlier interpretation of Parliament's powers over colonies—English constitution — Non-importation Resolves—Criticism of General Gage.34

FROM THE COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE OF CHARLES COUNTY, MD., TO THE COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE OF FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA., AUGUST 9TH Prevention of landing of tea.44

FROM COLONEL WILLIAM PRESTON, AUGUST 15TH Indian attack on surveyors—Surveying of Washington's Ohio lands—Dunmore's war.46

FROM MR. GILBERT SIMPSON, AUGUST 20TH Building of mill—Dunmore's war.47

FROM LIEUTENANT ROBERT MACKENZIE, SEPTEMBER 13TH Criticism of New England attitude—Quartering of British troops in Boston—Washington's friends in London.49

FROM MAJOR WILLIAM CRAWFORD, SEPTEMBER 20TH Taking up of land for Washington—Dunmore's war—Colonel Cresap's claim—Vindication of Valentine Crawford—Boundaries of Virginia.51

FROM MR. GILBERT SIMPSON, SEPTEMBER 24TH Building of mill.53

FROM MR. VALENTINE CRAWFORD, OCTOBER 1ST Dunmore's war—Quartering of British troops at Boston—Exculpation of conduct in management of business.54

FROM BRYAN FAIRFAX, ESQRE., OCTOBER 27TH Sale of land.56

FROM THE FAIRFAX INDEPENDENT COMPANY, OCTOBER 19TH Purchase of military accountrements.56

FROM THE EARL OF STIRLING, OCTOBER 31ST Delaware lottery tickets.57

FROM JOSEPH BEEVERS, NOVEMBER 8TH Negotiation of bill.59

FROM MR. WILLIAM MILNOR, NOVEMBER 8TH Delivery of merchandise—James Tilghman—Peach-trees from Mr. Meredith.59

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FROM MR. GILBERT SIMPSON, NOVEMBER 9TH Building of mill—Partnership with Washington.60

FROM MAJOR WILLIAM CRAWFORD, NOVEMBER 14TH Dunmore's war—Treaty of Camp Charlotte—Attitude of Mingoes — Intelligence furnished by John Montour—Capture of Mingoes — Surveying of Washington's Ohio land—Purchase of Colonel Mercer's slaves—Colonel Cresap's claim—Death of Moses Crawford.61

FROM MR. WILLIAM MILNOR, NOVEMBER 29TH Military accountrements for Virginia companies—Enclosure of pamphlets.65

FROM COLONEL GEORGE MUSE, NOVEMBER 30TH Sale of bounty land.66

FROM ROBERT ADAM, ESQRE., DECEMBER 9TH Recommendation of Mr. Young.67

FROM THE PRINCE WILLIAM INDEPENDENT COMPANY, NOVEMBER 11TH Election of Washington as commander.68

FROM MR. GILBERT SIMPSON, DECEMBER 18TH Building of mill—Advantageous situation of mill.69

FROM THOMAS NEWTON, JR., ESQRE., DECEMBER 21ST Unsatisfactory collections—Sale of biscuit—Price of flour at Norfolk—Articles for John Parke Custis—Crew and anchor for Washington's brig.72

FROM BALFOUR & BARRAUD, DECEMBER 25TH Agreement for sale of flour and bread.73

FROM MR. WILLIAM MILNOR, DECEMBER 27TH Order on James Tilghman—Enclosure of pamphlets—Military accountrements for Virginia companies.74

FROM JAMES STEWART, DECEMBER 28TH Soliciting patronage for manufacturers.75

FROM WILLIAM GRAYSON, ESQRE., DECEMBER 27TH Military accountrements for Prince William Company.78

FROM COLONEL JOHN CARLYLE, DECEMBER 29TH Settlement of Augustine Washington's estate—Purchase of limestone.79

1775

FROM MR. WILLIAM MILNOR, JANUARY 3RD Military accountrements of Virginia companies—Sergeant Woelpper — Peace with Indians.80

FROM COLONEL GEORGE MUSE, JANUARY 6TH Sale of bounty land.81

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FROM EDMUND PENDLETON, ESQRE., JANUARY 10TH Purchase of Ohio lands—Virginia Assembly82

FROM THOMAS JOHNSON, ESQRE., JANUARY 17TH Manufacture of linen.83

FROM THOMAS JOHNSON, ESQRE., JANUARY 24TH Prorogation of Maryland Assembly—Potomac River Bill—General Charles Lee's plan—Attitude in Maryland.84

FROM EDWARD SNICKERS, JANUARY 26TH Sale of wheat from Colonel Mercer's estate—Recommendation of Mr. Reed—Recording of mortgage.87

FROM COLONEL WILLIAM PRESTON, JANUARY 27TH Surveying of Washington's Ohio lands—Dunmore's war.88

FROM COLONEL WILLIAM PRESTON, JANUARY 31ST Surveying of Washington's Ohio lands—Transylvania Company's purchase from Cherokees.89

FROM THE REVEREND WALTER MAGOWAN, FEBRUARY 3RD Sale of lottery tickets.91

FROM MR. DANIEL JENIFER ADAMS, FEBRUARY 4TH Conveyance of land—Lawsuit.92

FROM GEORGE MASON, ESQRE., FEBRUARY 6TH Illness of Mrs. Eilbeck—Plan for regulation of militia—Attitude of England—Choice of delegates to Convention—Collection of tithes for ammunition from non-residents of Fairfax.93

FROM MR. GILBERT SIMPSON, FEBRUARY 6TH Location of county seat of Youghiogheny—Building of mill.97

FROM MAJOR WILLIAM CRAWFORD, FEBRUARY 7TH Surveying and settling of Washington's Ohio lands—Acknowledgment of present.99

FROM WILLIAM GRAYSON, ESQRE., FEBRUARY 8TH Purchase of accoutrements for Prince William Company.100

FROM DOCTOR JOHN CONNOLLY, FEBRUARY 9TH Course to be pursued with Mingoes—Treaty of Camp Charlotte.101

FROM MR. JAMES CLEVELAND, FEBRUARY 13TH Illness of—Transportation of servants and stores to tract on Great Kanawha—Indian dissatifaction.102

FROM MR. JAMES CLEVELAND, FEBRUARY 15TH Difficulty in hiring servants.104

FROM MR. JACOB GOODING, FEBRUARY 16TH Building of mill.105

FROM MR. ALEXANDER COWAN, FEBRUARY 17TH Valentine Crawford's debt to Captain William McGachen.106

FROM GEORGE MASON, ESQRE., FEBRUARY 17TH Illness of Mrs. Eilbeck—Mr. Harper's mistake in purchase of powder—Payment for military accoutrements of Fairfax Company — Collection of tithes for ammunition—Potomac River Bill.107

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FROM GEORGE MASON, ESQRE., FEBRUARY 18TH Exculpation of intentions in plan for collecting tithes—Potomac River Bill—Denunciation abroad of American Revolution.110

FROM MR. WILLIAM MILNOR, FEBRUARY 21ST Military accoutrements of Virginia companies—Books of military exercises—Reëstablishment of health—Guns for Lund Washington and John Parke Custis.112

FROM THE HONBLE JOHN TAYLOE, FEBRUARY 22ND Settlement of Colonel Mercer's estate—Death of Philip Ludwell Lee.114

FROM THOMAS JOHNSON, JR., ESQRE., FEBRUARY 25TH Conveyance of land of Daniel Jenifer Adams in payment of debt — Law regulating loans in Maryland—Plan of General Charles Lee — Potomac River Bill.115

FROM WILLIAM AYLETT, ESQRE., FEBRUARY 26TH Request for relinquishment of lawsuit against John G. Fraser.118

FROM ROBERT H. HARRISON, ESQRE., FEBRUARY 26TH Mrs. Savage's annuity.120

FROM THE HONBLE GEORGE WILLIAM FAIRFAX, MARCH 2ND English ships still sailing to America—Purchase of horse for Washington—Sale of stock and furniture at Belvoir—Repairs at Belvoir—Sale of estate of Colonel John Mercer—Unpaid accounts — Shipment of tobacco—Settlement of The Bloomery partnership — American sympathizers in England—Review of militia in England.121

FROM SAMUEL ATHAWES, ESQRE., MARCH 3RD Shipment of tobacco.127

FROM CHARLES CARROLL, OF CARROLLTON, MARCH 3RD Pamphlet on culture of hemp.128

FROM MR. ROBERT MANDELL, MARCH 5TH Josias Adams' debt to John Glassford & Co.130

FROM GEORGE GRAY, MARCH 5TH Josias Adams' debt to.130

FROM MAJOR WILLIAM CRAWFORD, MARCH 6TH Transportation of servants and stores to tract on Great Kanawha — Taking up of land for Washington.130

FROM MR. WILLIAM MILNOR, MARCH 7TH Military accoutrements for Virginia companies—Inclosure of pamphlets.132

FROM GEORGE MASON, ESQRE., MARCH 9TH Potomac River Bill—Transylvania Company's purchase from Cherokees—Title of Crown to land beyond the Alleghanies—Virginia's western possessions—Payment to Mr. Mizzay—Collection of tithes for ammunition—Illness of George Mason, Jr.133

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FROM GEORGE MASON, ESQRE., MARCH 9TH Potomac River Bill—Illness of George Mason, Jr.—Collection of tithes for ammunition—Payment to Mr. Mizzay—Cherry-trees.135

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT MACKENZIE, MARCH 14TH Apology.136

FROM MR. DANIEL JENIFER ADAMS, MARCH 15TH Washington's assuming of Josias Adams' debts—Conveyance of land and personal effects—Costs of lawsuit—Request to sell slave in Maryland—Value of horse.137

FROM THOMSON MASON, ESQRE., MARCH 15TH Request to receive collections for.140

FROM THE INDEPENDENT COMPANY OF RICHMOND, MARCH 17TH Election of Washington as commander.140

FROM COLONEL THOMAS. CRESAP, MARCH 21ST Claim to land.141

FROM MR. VALENTINE CRAWFORD, MARCH 23RD Exculpation of conduct—Assistance to James Cleveland.142

FROM JAMES BALFOUR, ESQRE., MARCH 25TH Illness of—Shipment of flour—Appointment of O. Hanbury on committee to prepare petition to Parliament.144

FROM CAPTAIN HENRY MCCABE, MARCH 31ST Request for loan.145

FROM ALEXANDER H. SMITH, ESQRE., MARCH 31ST Delaware lottery tickets.146

FROM DENNIS STIPHENS, APRIL 3RD Exculpation of conduct.146

FROM MR. GILBERT SIMPSON, APRIL 3RD Building of mill—Vindication of Dennis Stephens.148

FROM WILLIAM GRAYSON, ESQRE., APRIL 5TH Military accoutrements of Prince William Company.150

FROM CAPTAIN EDWARD SNICKERS, APRIL 6TH Ownership of wheat—Sergeant Hughes.151

FROM GEORGE DIGGES, ESQRE., APRIL 7TH Purchase of salt.152

FROM CAPTAIN WILLIAM PRESTON, APRIL 9TH Payment for surveying.—Transylvania Company's purchase from Cherokees—Surveying of western land.152

FROM MR. JAMES CLEVELAND, APRIL 10TH Transportation of servants and stores to tract on Great Kanawha — Loss of Mr. John West's provisions and tools.153

FROM THOMAS CONTEE, ESQRE., APRIL 11TH Purchase of brigantine.156

FROM MR. JAMES TAYLOR, JR., APRIL 12TH Mr. Morton's affair.156

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FROM THOMAS NEWTON, JR., APRIL 12TH Sale of herrings—Current price of flour—Death of Mr. Balfour.157

FROM GOVERNOR DUNMORE, APRIL 18TH Illegal land patents.158

FROM MR. WILLIAM MILNOR, APRIL 18TH Military accoutrements for Virginia companies—Mount Vernon fishery—Removal to Arch Street.158

FROM COLONEL EDMUND PENDLETON, APRIL 21ST Mrs. Savage's annuity—Removal of powder from magazine at Williamsburg—Danger of slave insurrection.159

FROM MR. CHARLES YATES, APRIL 25TH Request for payment of subscription.161

FROM THE INDEPENDENT COMPANY OF FAIRFAX, APRIL 25TH Military accoutrements.161

FROM THE INDEPENDENT COMPANY OF SPOTSYLVANIA, APRIL 26TH Removal of powder from magazine—Proposal to march to Williamsburg — Need of powder.162

FROM THE INDEPENDENT COMPANY OF PRINCE WILLIAM, APRIL 26TH Proposal to march to Williamsburg.163

FROM THE INDEPENDENT COMPANY OF ALBEMARLE, APRIL 29TH Removal of powder from magazine—Proposal to march to Williamsburg.165

FROM ALEXANDER SPOTSWOOD, ESQRE., APRIL 30TH Request for commission in American army—Offer to serve gratis — Decision not to march to Williamsburg.166

FROM MR. JAMES CLEVELAND, MAY 12TH Transportation of servants and stores to tract on Great Kanawha — Escape of servants to Shawanese towns—Game—Fish—Cultivation of land—Purchase of tools and stock—Appraisement of buildings.166

FROM MR. JAMES CLEVELAND, MAY 21ST Capture of runaway servants—Need of corn and flour—Inquiry respecting American affairs.171

FROM MR. JAMES CLEVELAND, JUNE 7TH Cultivation of land—Appraisement of buildings—Capture of runaway servants—Need of provisions—Sale of servants—Indian dissatisfaction.172

FROM GENERAL HORATIO GATES, JUNE 22ND Military orders from Washington—Raising of riflemen—Commission as adjutant-general.174

FROM MR. VALENTINE CRAWFORD, JUNE 24TH Capture of runaway servants—Sale of servants—Transportation of stores to tract on Great Kanawha—Difficulties in locating and 0014xsettling Dr. Craik's bounty land—Arrest of Dr. Connolly—Affairs of Lund Washington.176

FROM MESSRS. MCKEAN & RODNEY, JUNE 29TH Recommendation of John Parke as volunteer.179

FROM RICHARD HENRY LEE, JUNE 29TH Battle of Bunker Hill—Death of Dr. Joseph Warren—Powder sent from Philadelphia—Indian neutrality—Adoption of military code of Massachusetts—Expedition against Canada—Military hospital—Enlistment of surgeons.180

FROM GENERAL PHILIP SCHUYLER, JULY 1ST Arrival of Connecticut troops—Expedition against Canada — Mutiny of British seamen—Governor Tryon—Commissions — Occupation of post in Highlands—Rejection of remonstrance in House of Commons.181

EXTRACT FROM GENERAL ORDERS OF COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, JULY 4TH184

CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENT185

ERRATA186

GENERAL INDEX187

00151

FROM COLONEL WILLIAM PRESTON.

FINCASTLE May 27th. 1774.

DEAR SIR

Agreeable to my Promise I directed Mr. Floyd an Assistant to Survey your Land on Cole River on his Way to the Ohio, which he did and in a few Days afterwards sent me the Plot by Mr. Thomas Hog. Mr. Spotswood Dandridge who left the Surveyors on the Ohio after Hog Parted with them, wrote me that Mr. Hog and two other Men with him had never since been heard of. I have had no Opportunity of writing to Mr. Floyd Since. Tho’ I suppose he will send me the Courses by the first Person that comes up, if so I shall make out the Certificate and send it down. This I directed him to do when we parted to prevent Accidents. But I am realy affraid the Indians will hinder them from doing any Business of Vallue this Season as the Company being only 33 and dayly decreasing were under the greatest Apprehension of Danger when Mr. Dandridge parted with them.

It has been long disputed by our Hunters whether Louisa or Cumberland Rivers was the Boundary between us and the Cherokees. I have taken the Liberty to inclose to you a Report made by some00162Scouts who were out by my Order; and which Sets that matter beyond a Doubt.1 It is say'd the Cherrokees claim the Land to the Westward of the Louisa & between Cumberland M [mutilated] and the ohio. If so, and our Government gives it up we loose all the most Valluable part of that Country. The Northern Indians Sold that Land to the English at the Treaty of Lancaster in 1744. by the Treaty of Logs Town in 1752 and by that at Fort Stanwix in 1768.00173At that Time the Cherrokees laid no Claim to that Land & how the[y] come to do it now I cannot imagine.

1 FINCASTLE COUNTY SCR.

Richard Stanton Edward Sharp Ephraim Drake, and William Harrel came before me a Justice of the Peace for the said County and made Oath on the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God: that Agreeable to Instructions given by Colo. William Preston to William Russell your Deponents were Employ'd as Runners to Scout to the Westward of Clinch Settlement; and to Reconnoitre the Rivers of Cumberland & Louisa so far down as to be able to Judge and return a Just account upon Oath Not only of the approach of an Enemy; but also a true account which of the aforesaid Rivers the Boundary Line Terminates on: which was Settled by Colo. Donalson between Virginia and the Cheerekees

In Obedience thereto Your Deponents Marched 15th Day of April towards Powells Valley and after geting there finding no fresh Indian Signs: Your Deponents Agreeable to Orders; did about four Miles below the mouth of the Upper North fork of Powells River begin to trace the Lines and with much Difficulty followed the Same crossing first Cumberland Mountain then falling on one fork of Cumberland River, Which the line kept down about Ten Miles, your Deponents there finding the Line Left the aforesd. watercourse did trace the Same crossing a Ridge of Mountains about a North North West Course till it Struck another branch of Cumberland called the North fork thence continuing near the Same course across the North for of Cumberland over another Mountain the Line Struck a fork of Louisa River, which Colo. Donalsons Company had marke[d] about Ten Miles down; Your Deponents then Marched down the same creek to where it emptyed into the main North fork of Louisa which is the longest of any of the branches of Said River; your Deponents farther Marched down the River till they came to Such Hunters Camps which from the Letters of their Names on trees fully Satisfied Your Deponents it is the Verry River Called by the Hunters Louisa Since called Kentucky which empties about seventy five Miles above the Falls into Ohio and your Deponents declare they afterwards Returned the most Suspected Ware Paths Indians used to travel through that Country but saw no fresh Signs; and farther your Deponents say they lost no more time than the Nature of the Journey did require and returned to their Homes the 6th Day of May

Sworn before me this 7th Day of May, 1774WM. RUSSELL[Brigadier-General Russell, whose son, Colonel William Russell, represented Fayette County in the Kentucky legislature from 1789 to 1823.]

I have wrote twice to his Lordship on this Subject. If it is not disagreeable to you I would take it as a great Favour if you would Converse with his Excellency on this Matter; and endeavour to have it considered in Council. Most of the officers have Entered their Lands below the Louisa; but I am almost certain the Surveyors will not Survey any there, untill they have further Instructions. My Reasons for taking Enter [mutilated] below that River was, that his Lordship gave Connolly and Warrenstaff Warrants for their Claims at the Falls; but I am doubtful that would not be a sufficient Warrant for me to Survey the Land & Sign Certificates.

Your taking some Trouble on this Head will be doing a great Service to the Officers, and a very particular Favour to

Dr Sir your most Obedt. and very hble Servt. WM. PRESTON

FROM DOCTOR JOHN CONNOLLY.1

1 This letter without a signature, and written in another hand, appears to have been dictated by Connolly.

FORT DUNMORE may 28th. 177 [mutilated]

DR. SIR/

The infinite confusion into which this country [mutilated] by our disagreement with the indians, has heretfore put it on [mutilated] power to continue a desirable correspondence with you, but [mutilated] importance00184of the Subject urges, and your interest may be par [mutilated] servicable; together with the pleasure I feel in maintaining an [mutilated] ctive intercourse with you, I snatch this moment to write [mutilated]

I have accq acquainted his Excellency Lord dunmore [mutilated] my Oppinion of matters here, in a concise manner; and oft [mutilated] which I judg'd necessary toward the advantage of this promi [mutilated] Settlement; & in order to evince the propriety of my argument [mutilated] transmitted a Coppy of my Journal Since the beginning of ou [mutilated] with the natives, which I apprehend his Lordship will lay [mutilated] the Honourable House – —

The Shawanese (Sir) have long since looked upon [mutilated] Commencing Settlements down the Ohio with a most jeal [mutilated] and have Frequently express'd their disapprobation—as they [mutilated] Remarkable for a haughty, violent & unthinking tribe; they [mutilated] latterly committed many Robberies & Murders upon different [mutilated] going down the River, and their impertinent answer to ou [mutilated] lence message1 sent to them by the Delawares in00195consequen [mutilated] what had happened to their people, together with their di [mutilated] perations for open Hostillities convinces me that chastise [mutilated] will ever prevail upon them to admit of a peacable Sit [mutilated] at the Kanhawa—If the Government mean to encourage [mutilated] ration down the River, so much coveted by people in Gen [mutilated] Stockade Fort at the Kanhawa is absolutely necessary to pr [mutilated] adventurers & prevent the Frequent interuptions to the cultiv [mutilated] the country, which otherwise inevitably will be the case [mutilated] distance from the Kanhawa across to the Kiscapoux Shaw [mutilated] is but inconsiderable it will constantly overawe them, [mutilated] that from thence, inroads may be expeditiously made into [mutilated] Country, & every purpose we may desire effectually accom [mutilated] as to the expence, I humbly presume it will be but Trifling for the Garrison might be defended by the Militia of the country who would undoubtedly fly there on every emergency – I also conceive (Sir) the [mutilated] Shawanese ought upon this occasion to be thoroughly chastised and convinced [mutilated] their insignificancy, which will in the first place prove exemplary to [mutilated] Contiguous Neighbours, and00206in the next place it will clearly point to [mutilated] that half doing nothing matters of this nature with Indians can never answer any Salutary purpose, for, had the Shawanese been so much under our Frowns Power as the Delawar's were, when Col: Bouquet marched into their country, their Language would not had have been so haughty to day, but on [mutilated] contrary would have been consonant to the tone of their more peacable [mutilated] ghbours. as I expect nothing but a war with them so i flatter my [mutilated] they may be convinced to their Sorrow, that their Rashness will Su [mutilated] punish them in drawing our just Resentment upon them, I have [mutilated] the Begining of this dispute worked with never ceasing hurry at [mutilated] place & now have it in a good posture of defence, so that for this Spot, I fear [mutilated] thing, but my heart melts for the distress of the people, who fly, in dire [mutilated] abandoning all their promising hopes—We have great numbes here, and I do Everything in my Power to comfort them, but the [mutilated] ing difficultys under which we Labour prevent me from giving [mutilated] the aid and comfort I could wish to afford. I have drawn together [mutilated] day one Hundred active men & ordered them to march down to whee [mutilated] Keeping near the River, so that they might be enabled to discovery any [mutilated] ts leading into the country, and I am in Great hopes they may [mutilated] nately meet Some of the Shawanese parties and defeat them, for [mutilated] the first impression made, greatly depends our Success toward a [mutilated] accommodation with the00217other Nations; a hint of which I gave all [mutilated] Officers of militia—I cannot conclude without assuring you that [mutilated] Government of Virginia having taken place at this critical [mutilated] has been the Sole preservative of the country, otherwise I [mutilated] imagine the whole Settlement must have been abandoned —

1 The Shawanese then delivered the following Answer to the Condolence Speeches and Message sent them: — “Brothers: (Captain Connolly, Mr. McKee, and Mr. Croghan,) We have received your Speeches by White Eyes, and as to what Mr. Croghan and Mr. McKee says, we look upon it all to be lies, and perhaps what you say may be lies also, but as it is the first time you have spoke to us we listen to you, and expect that what we may hear from you will be more confined to truth than what we usually hear from the white people. It is you who are frequently passing up and down the Ohio, and making settlements upon it, and as you have informed as that your wise people have met together to consult upon this matter, we desire you to be strong and consider it well. Brethren: We see you speak to us at the head of your warriors, who you have collected together at sundry places upon this river, where we understand they are building forts, and as you have requested us to listen to you, we will do it, but in the same manner that you appear to speak to us. Our people at the Lower Towns have no Chiefs among them, but are all warriors, and are also preparing themselves to be in readiness, that they may be better able to hear what you have to say. “You tell us not to take any notice of what your people have done to us; we desire you likewise not to take any notice of what our young men may now be doing, and as no doubt you can command your warriors when you desire them to listen to you, we have reason to expect that ours will take the same advice when we require it, that is, when we have heard from the Governour of Virginia.”—American Archives, Fourth Series, Vol. 1. p. 479.

I am with much Regard Dr Sir Your most Obedt. Servt.

FROM THOMAS EDEN & CO.

LONDON 31 MAY 1774 —

SIR —

Being without any of your favours since our last respects per Capt Boucher we have chiefly to hand you Account sales of the 4 hhds Tobo you favour'd us with per the Sim Nett proceeds to [mutilated] £14.17.2 which considering the quality & situation of our Markets, was the most we could obtain for them—Our prices are a little mended now particularly—real good Tobo sells very well —

We remain very Respectfully Sir Yr mo. huml. Servt: THOSS. EDEN & CO

00228

FROM DOCTOR JOHN CONNOLLY.

FORT DUNMORE June 7th. 1774.

DEAR SIR.

I have by the Bearer hereof acquainted His Lordship with the late Murders committed by the Savages upon our Inhabitants in this quarter: and at the same time, have taken the liberty to make a Requisition of assistance, & to recommend some Matters to His Lordship's consideration.

I shall here take the liberty of speaking to you, well knowing that you must be a competant Judge of measures necessary to be pursued, upon this critical occasion.—As the Shawanese have for these some years past constantly shook the Tomahawk over our heads, & threatened to strike should our People ever attempt to pass below the Kanhawa; a Stockade there for very many & obvious Reasons must be necessary, & another one opposite to Hokocking River; from which places we may be enabled to send terror into their Country for the present, & keep them from annoying our Settlements; & hereafter will forever deter them from daring to affront our Adventurers in the prosecution of their lawfull designs down the Ohio. Mr: Croghan intends going to Williamsburgh: you must well know how specious He is, but you may be assured that His business there is not for the publick good, but to answer private, & ungenerous designs; which I hope you will use your utmost to defeat 1—His principle View is to endeavour00239to secure his Indian Grant in Virginia, after the great Government Scheme is blown over; which like the Mountain in labor has bro't forth a Mouse. As He is specious where unknown He may impose & carry points; but I can assure you on the Word of a Man of Honor, that if the Legislature of Virginia listens to him, that He will involve the Colony, in trouble, & difficulties, nothing to its credit—I could unfold many matters scarcely credible, but I forbear.—I am afraid that the Shawanese have been told that they were to permit no People to Settle on the Ohio, below the Kanhawa. —

1 “Mr. Croghan, who has been grossly abused by our Bashaw [John Connolly], lately is gone to Williamsburg to represent every part of his conduct to the Governour and Council, in its true light; although others doubt, I am very certain Mr. Croghan is earnest and sincere respecting that intention, for he joins the rest of the inhabitants, in charging all our present calamity to the Doctor's account.”—Eneas Mackey to Governor Penn, American Archives, Fourth Series, Vol. i. p. 471.

This Place is in such confusion that I must beg leave to finish this hasty Scrawl by subscribing Myself.

Dr Sir Your obliged Frd & Servt: JNO: CONNOLLY.

FROM CAPTAIN WILLIAM CRAWFORD.

DEAR SIR/

SPRING GARDIN June ye 8th 1774

I recevd your Letters by Mr: Cristy dated 27th of May and I am Sory to[o] you seem to be in confusion as well as us,1 as that renders our Case more Deplorable.

1 It was on the 26th of May that Lord Dunmore dissolved the Virginia Assembly. and on the 27th that they met at the Raleigh tavern.

002410

Saterday Last we had Six person Killd on Dunkard Creek about ten Mils from the Mouth Cheat river on the west Sid of Monongahalia, and there is three mising, a Sunday a man ho Left a party is suposed to be Killd as he Went of to hunt Som horses and 5 guns was h[e]ard go of, and the horse he rood away returnd to the house where the party was, they Set out in Search of Enemies found the Mans Coat and Saw a Number of Tracks but cold not find the man

Our hole Country is in Forts, what is Left, but the Majr. Part is gon Over the Mountain

With Much a do I have prevaild on about Duzen of Famelys to Joyn me in a Fort Over again my house Which has bin Accomplished with Much Difiquelty and a Considerable Expence to me, and Val Crawford has Built an Other at the Same rate

It was with great Difiqueulty any Cold be prevaild to Stay, Such was the Panick that Sezed the people if Som thing is not Soon don, I am much afraid the hole Country must fall into the hands of the Enemies, the Dolaways1 Seem to be on our Sid as yeat, but then on them there is not much Dependence I beleve an Endien War is unavoidable

1 Delawares. The Delawares remained neutral throughout Dunmore's war.

I have bin on a Scouting party as Low as Grave Creek Since Mr Johnston Went Down to Williamsburg but cold [see] no Sign of any parties but as Soon as I Returnd a party Crossd the river that did that Mischef.

002511

Fort pit is Stockcaded in and they inhabitants of the town is about Picketing the town in, the[y] have about on[e] hundred Men fit for Arms in town and Fort Which I do not think Sufficient to Protect them places

I Shall take the opertunity of the first Scouting party Down the River and Comply with your requist in Regard to the round bottom and send you a plot and an other to Mr Lewis and then I have no dore Will be left Open for Disopintment

As to the Variation of the Compass it has bin taken by Mr Leet and Mr McClain from Mr Dickson and Masons Calculations and they find it to be 4d. 10m. Westerly and there Work I beleve may be Depended on as they are both Able Survayors

I am at a Loss what to Advise you to do or Val Crawford in regard to your People as tims I am Afraid will be very Troublesom I am Afraid Should that be the Case Litle would be don for your Advantigue, in Your Letter to V Crawford you Wrot Som of a Mistake in Laying a new County

I aprehended by Lord Dumore there was a new County intended on the west of the Mountain

Sir I am your most Huml Sarvent W CRAWFORD NB we are in Great want of Guns and Amonition

002612

FROM MR. VALENTINE CRAWFORD.

JACOBS CREEKE June 8th 1774

DEAR COLO

I Receved your Letter by Mr Cresley of the 27th of May and am Sorrey for the Sudint Braking up of the Esembly before they hitt on Som Method to Releve our Distress Situation Butt it is a happey Scurcumstance for us Lordonmore1 being So warm in our favour which gives us great Reselution to Stand our ground what few of us is Left though the Contra2 is very thin we have Bilt Sevrell Forts out Hear which wase a verey great Means of the people Standing there ground I have built one att My house and have got Som Men to garde it and Mr. Simson has Built a Fort att the place where they are Building of your Mill3 by the Esistence of His Neabours and part of your Carpenters and I have been there Severell times and have Encuraged him all I can to Stand his ground and I have Severell times oferd him all the Carpenters and all the Sarvants but he would not take aney of the Sarvants and but four of the best of the Carpenters his Reason for not taking of the Sarvents as there wase a great dale of Companey att the Fort and drink Midling plenty it would be out of his power to govern them and he Said they would Run away from him and as to Carpenters he and Stephens the Millwright had Engaged Som Carpenters them Selves before this Erouption broake out with the Indens and are Louth to discharge them and take in these you Engaged for me to take down the ohio002713or att Least aney More of them than Can Convenently work as he Says from the Noys of the Indens and the Crowds of people that Come to the Fort he Cant get Nothing don with the Small Number of hands he has but I will goe to Simson to Morrow-morning and Consult him farther on the afair and doe Every thing in My power for your Entrast the thoughts of Selling of the Sarvents Elarmed them verey Much for they dont want to be Sold but the hole of the Sarvents have had Som Short Spells of Sickness and Som others Cut them Selfes with an ax and Lay bye Som time and one of the best of Stephens Men Cut him Selfe with an adze the worst I Ever Saw aney body Cut in My Life So that he has Not been able to doe one Strok for Near one Month this hapened in digin the Canews I have Sent you a Scetch1 of Stephens article when I waite on Simson if he does Not take the Carpenters all I Shall Ether Sett them to building of a house att the big Meadows or discharge them Intirely for it Seems all Most Emposable to Ceep2 Men Close to bisness att a Fort where there is So meney people and So much Confusion if they Can doe Eney thing it Must be att the Medow as they will be to them Selfes and as Stevens Seems to be verey Loth to be discharged and Says he Left Som very good Jobs to Serve you

1 Lord Dunmore

2 Country.

3 This mill was built on the site of the present town of Perryopolis.

1 Sketch.

2 Keep.

and as on Sunday Evning about 4 Miles over over Monongalahela the Endens Murderd one famely Consisting of Six and tuck two boys prisoners and att another place the[y] Kild 3 which Makes in the hole002814Nine and two prisoners and if we had Not had forts Built there would Not [have] been ten Famelys of this Side of the Mountains Besides what wase at Fort pitt but we have Sent out Scouts after the Mourder[er]s but we have Not heard that they have falin in with them yeat and we have att this time att Least 300 Men out after the Indens Som of which is gon down to wheeling and I bleve Som is gon down as Low as the Litle Conaway So I am in hopes they will give them a Stom1 for Som of the Scouting Companey Say they will goe to there towns but they will get Scalps

1 Storm?

Mr George Mccormick who Carreys you this is to Return Emedently and will bring Me an answer to this as to your Neals2 and other things I have built [a] Strong Store house and Stored them up Safe and if we could hope for peace Soon I think No people Could Execute your bisness beter than thease sarvants as they will be Hardend to the ways of this Countra and they Seem verey well Satisfid and I bleve wont Run away or att Least Say they wont Run away from you but Sarve out there time honstly

2 Nails.

So I am der Sir your Most Hble Sert to Comand VALE CRAWFORD give My Love to Mr Lund washington and tell him his people is well but has Moved in to a fort Near his place3

3 Lund Washington's land on the Ohio is referred to in an entry in Washington's Journal October 15, 1770: “I Intended to have visited the Land which Crawford procured for Lund Washington this day also, but time falling short I was obligd to Postpone it.”

002915

My Son which I Sent down wase taken with a bad Spell of Sickness and has Never Returnd to Me which gives Me great uneasiness who I Sopose has got the other Letter you Mention for I have Never Receved one Line from you Sence I Left your house and have wrote you Severell More Letters then you have Receved But as I mentioned before I will goe to Simson tomorrow and I will write you what Ever we Conclude on as to Selling of the Sarvents Sarvents there apears to be but a por Chance as there is but few purches and who has a Little Cash Seems to Keep [it] to Bear his Expences in case he Should be oblige to Run Away as to My provisions that I bought for My Selfe and Men I have great part of [them] Stored up in a house att the river Near My Brothers Still hoping that we Should have News of peace and then to Start down the River But this Last acount from the Indens put out of all doupt our going down this Season and stephens Seems to be willing to be discharged on Condition you Will give him the offer of the Job when Ever you under take it again

I am yours V C1

1 The following is bound with this letter in the manuscripts: “Extract from an Article of Agreement made between George Washington Esqr. and William Stevens Febry. 21st. 1774

“And lastly said William Stevens doth hereby consent and agree, that if by sickness or any other unavoidable means he, or any of the five persons engaged by him shall loose any time, a deduction is to be made from his or their wages for the time so lost in proportion to what they are to receive.

“NB. The Agreement of Bennet Jenkins and Jason Jenkins is the same —”

003016

FROM MR. VALENTINE CRAWFORD.

VALE CRAWFORD June 8th 1774

DEAR SIR/ Sence I wrote you this Moment we Receved an acount of Several parteys of Indens Coming in to the Ihabsentences1 and yesterday Kild and Scalped one Man in Sight of the Fort on the Mon[on]ga[he]la of one of the vanmates2 and there wase two Men Sworen that they yesterday Saw 30 Indens and these two men Mett with about 30 Men of the Scouts about five Miles from the place where the Indens were Seen and Emedently pursued them But we have Not heard farther of them But the party that Murderd the famely as I wrote you in my other Letter wase ferlowd by one pigman [?] a young Man that Conneley apointed a Lutenant with a party of aBout 30 Men overtuck them and Releved Som prisoners and Retuck Sexteen horses and Mears3 and a good dale of plunder they had tuck from people houses but Kilk Now Indens there has been Severell parteys of Indens Seen within these two or three days and all Seem to be Making toward the Larrell hill or Mountain So that the people are afraid to travell the Road by geses4 Butt goes a Nigh way by Enden Creek or Rides in the Night to My Brothers and So He has Concluded to tak all your men and Sarvents into pay as Militia and Keep our ground tell we Can get Relefe from be Low Your Letter which I have Sho[w]n to Severell people has been of Infinite Sarvice to us as it incurags5 Meney people to Stand003117there ground in hopes of Relefe from what you wrote Butt there is one unhapy Surcomstance our Contra1 is verey Scarce of Emonition and arms and I have therefore tuck the Liberty to wright to you to get Me 2 quarters of a Hundred Caskes of powder and Send it as far as Balls Run to My Mothers2 or Colo Samuell Washington['s] or att Keyses Ferrey where I can get up here by pack horses I want Now Lead as we have a plenty of Lead up here So I beg of you to Esist with your Intrest as you are a better Judge of our distrass than all Most aney other Jentleman as you from your Letters to Me and My Brother Seem to be as well aquanted with our distrass as if you where here in person your Selfe So I beg of you to write to Me verey fully in your Next and I am dear Sir your

1 inhabitants.

2 inmates?

3 mares.

4 Gists?

5 encourages.

1 Country.

2 The mother of William and Valentine Crawford had long been a widow. Her maiden name was Onora Grimes. Crawford, her first husband, died when the two boys were young. She then married Richard Stephenson. Five sons and one daughter were born of the second marriage, when the second husband died. The mother, in her prime, as a woman of uncommon energy and great physical strength, yet kind in disposition, and very attentive to her children. She died in 1776.—BUTTERFIELD.

Most Sencer frend and Most Hble Servent VALEN CRAWFORD.

FROM THOMAS NEWTON, JR., ESQ.

NORFOLK June 27. 1774 —

SIR

Agreeable to my promise I now beg leave to inform you that I am of opinion flour will answer at this market; that is, it will sell for 16/8 & the freight.003218the two hundred barrells received whilst I was in Williamsburg is sold for that price & make no doubt that I cou'd dispose of as much more for the same. The bread still sticks on hand, tho I am in hopes it will go off in a short time. should you incline to send any down please to let it come by the first oppertunity as the season coming is no way favorable to this article. I am in hopes of establishing some constant customers for your flour, as I have at last prevailed on the bakers to make a tryall of some of it & the baker who has purchased has all flying to him for bread, which makes me think he will be glad of a constant supply. I am

Yr. Hble Servt. THOMAS NEWTON JR. NB. I have forwarded the the herrings to Coll Bassett

FROM THOMAS JOHNSON, JR., ESQ.1

1 This letter is addressed to “George Washington Esq Virginia To be left at Mr. Calverts”

ANNAPOLIS 28 June 1774 —

SIR

I take the Freedom to inclose you the Resolutions of our general Committee for the Province in the Bills respecting the Massachusetts Governmt. and the Act for blocking up the Harbour of Boston2—If our general Scheme of Conduct should be adopted by the Congress I think even so strict an Association003319will be kept by the people of Maryland with good Faith I have sanguine Hopes that your Colony will readily join in effectual Measures—I am sorry to hear that your abrupt Dissolution has thrown you into Difficulties about Officers Fees we have unhappily been for some Time much embarrassed about the Fees of Office here and as you may remember have had some Controversial Pieces on the Subject I preserved a paper which contains the last no Answer having been yet given to it and inclose it to you as indeed I would all on the Subject if I had them not from any Opinion the Matter may not be as well handled in Virginia as with us but from an Apprehension that any Thing on the Subject which may tend to an Investigation of the Truth will at this Time be agreeable to you. I have strong Expectations from Pensylvania but have heard Nothing material from New York.

2 The Maryland Convention was held at Annapolis June 22–25, 1774.

I am Sir Your most obedt. Servant THS. JOHNSON JUNR

FROM BRYAN FAIRFAX, ESQ.

TOWLSTON July the 3d: 1774.

DEAR SIR,

I am a little surprised that You had not reced my Letter relating to Doctor Savage when You wrote to Mr. Harrison. I wrote because it was necessary to consult You upon the occasion, tho' I believed you would be no more inclinable than myself to agree to any Arbitration. It seems to me a very odd practice003420this of obtaining Injunctions out of Court when the Equity of it can't appear sufficiently. It will be necessary to have an Answer ready before the next Court.

Till I could have an Opportunity of advising with You about a proper Fee to be paid Mr. Harrison who has taken some pains to do Mr. Savage Justice, I have paid him only the legal Fee of 16/3 and 10/3 which he paid to Mr. Waller for his Advice in regard to a particular part of the proceedings.

I shall be glad to know whether you may be inclinable at this time to purchase my Kittocktan Tract. I run round it last Fall and found it to contain 1400 Acres, 150 of which Mr. Threlkeld claims; the rents of it & of 100 Acres adjoining amounts to £27 per Annum, besides the Sum of 4£ to be paid by a Man I placed on the part Mr. Threlkeld claims in order to keep possession till He ascertains his Bounds, which I can't prevail wth him to do. I shall be willing to let you have it for what I owe to you & Mr. Custis. Altho' I think the price low, yet I must own it to be more than Mr. Threlkeld offers, which nothing will induce me to take but real necessity. If the Tennants could raise the money some of them would give almost as much I believe for one half of it. I am so much obliged to You for your Favours that I would let you have it cheaper rather than delay a Payment when Money is so scarce If you thought it ought to be sold for less.

Several Gentlemen of this County have been kind enough to propose me as a Candidate at the next003521Election. As it would give me a particular pleasure to serve with You, I have thought it very unlucky that it should happen at this time. I have been forced to decline it chiefly because I thought I could not give Satisfaction in general upon this Occasion.1 For I should think Myself bound to oppose violent Measures now. The Entering upon a Plan of having no Trade would be an arduous Undertaking, I mean if persisted in, and if once entered upon it ought to be strictly kept. I therefore think it would be more proper to try what Effect a petition might have towards obtaining a repeal of the Duty. I would willingly give the Parliament a fair Opportunity to do it, and therefore should be for a petition unaccompanied with any Threats or Claims (for we have already used them) and if such an Opportunity should be missed, we might then be better able to judge of their real Intention towards us. If the Parliament had ever so good a Right to lay a Tax on the Colonies which has [been] much disputed, it is certainly very unjust to exercise that Right; But in opposing this we should consider all the Consequences that may follow. Threatenings at this time I am of opinion will have no Effect: I think Whenever they are used they must be followed by a steady perseverance This must occasion so great Inconveniencess, that many will probably fall off and so by degrees the whole, which would bring us into Disgrace. For which reason I am for postponing it till the Effect003622of a Petition be first tryed. I don't speak upon my own Account, for I verily believe that there are not many if the Country entered into a general non Importation agreement, who would submit to greater hardships than myself. I should be for persevering to the End, and therefore slow in entering upon it.

1 Colonel John West had also declined to become a candidate for election to the House of Burgesses. George Washington and Major Charles Broadwater were elected to represent Fairfax County.

There are scarce any at Alexandria of my opinion, and tho' the few I have elsewhere conversed with on the Subject are so, yet from them I could learn that many thought otherwise, so that I believe I should at this time give general Dissatisfaction, and therefore it wd. be more proper to decline it even upon this Account as well as because it would necessarily lead me into great Expences which my Circumstances will not allow of. My Wife & Sally join me in Compliments to Mrs. Washington & I remain

DrSir Yr. most obliged & obedt. Servt.

BRYAN FAIRFAX.

FROM BRYAN FAIRFAX, ESQ.

BRYAN FAIRFAX July the 17th. 1774.

To GEORGE WASHINGTON, ESQR;

Having been twice lately at Alexandria, and the Business I am engaged in being liable to suffermuch by my Absence, I hope I shall be excused for not attending at this Time. As it is necessary however for every one to give his Sentiments on this occasion, I beg Leave to address myself in this manner to You,003723Sir, as Chairman of the Meeting, and hope it will answer as well as if I were personally present.1

1 This general meeting of the inhabitants of Fairfax County, over which Washington presided, was held in Alexandria July 18. The resolutions, then presented in the court-house by a committee appointed at a former meeting (July 5), are to be found entire in Force's American Archives, Fourth Series, vol. i. p. 597, and in Sparks's Writings of Washington, vol. ii. p. 488.

Some Resolves being prepared by the Committee, It is now proper to consider them, and to collect the general Sense of the Inhabitants on the Subject: and whatever legal Measures are determined on by the Majority ought to be conformed to by the rest, as a perfect Unanimity ought to appear among us.

I am precluded from saying a great deal of what I intended to mention at the first Meeting, by observing that a Petition to the King is now recommended as the first Step that ought to be taken at the Congress.

I could have wished that it had been the only Step taken by the Colonies at this time, as to give the Parliament a good Opportunity to repeal the Acts complained of would be the likeliest way to effect it. But this is not generally believed. On the contrary it is supposed that there is a regular System for enforcing the principle of Taxation. This is the very point on which our difference in opinion is founded. Those who believe in such a plan being determined on will readily approve of most of the measures proposed. Those who think with me that no such Intention plainly appears will rather postpone them to another Time. A Political opinion, as well as a religious one, is often formed by degrees. It is owing to a Train of Thoughts on the Subject003824of Contemplation, many of which escape the Memory so that they cannot be brought in support of one's Opinion; and this is the Reason sometimes, that of two Men of opposite Sentiments neither is able to convince the other; tho' different opinions are generally owing to a difference in Constitution &c: I will however make a few Remarks as to this point. The late Acts are thought to be a full Proof of the Parliament's Intention to enforce the Payment of Taxes. In considering this we should make an Allowances for the Prejudices of others. An Englishman however clear he may be in Opinion as to the Rights of Taxation, ought to consider the Motives from which an Opposition in America arises. He ought to consider that it springs from virtuous, tho' (as he may think) erroneous principles. In like Manner the Americans ought to consider the Majority of the english Parliament, or a great part, as acting from honest tho' erroneous principles. Could they, under the persuasion that they had a right to impose the Duty on Tea, avoid taking Notice of what had happened at Boston? However great their Exertion of Power has been, they might conceive themselves bound to protect their Trade, and to take some Measures similar to what they have done without a farther design to enforce the principle of Taxation. From the late Speeches it appears that some of those, who opposed the Repeal, did so, because of it's being unseasonable; and others, because they thought the Americans would be still encroaching, not because they were averse to it if a decent opportunity were given them. If this is the Case we003925deprive ourselves by hasty Resolutions of what we can never recover. It will be too late hereafter to petition. We must effect what we desire by compulsion. This must be the Work of years: for after what has already happened our Threats will not be hastily regarded. They must be convinced from Experience of our Perseverance; and we shall find It will require a great Exertion of Virtue for that Purpose. Whatever Corruption there may be in the Parliament, whatever unjust designs some Men may have, we ought to gain the Affections of those who mean well; we should strive to conciliate the Affections of the Nation, and make Allowance for their Prejudices. We should have an eye to the next Parliament, and avoid every measure that might justly exasperate the People. It is incredible how far a mild Behavior contributes to a Reconciliation in any dispute between Man & Man, and how much the Spectators are always engaged on the side of the Man of Moderation. It is the same in public Contentions. They who divest themselves of Resentment, and seem desirous of peace, go a great Way towards obtaining it. For these Reasons I ardently wish that no Resolves had been now entered into: But as most of the Colonies seem determined on them, and many Counties here are also entering into them; perhaps it would be prudent in this County to join also, as the Colonies ought to be unanimous. However, I hope it will be recommended, that, if a Petition should be agreed upon, and sent Home by the general Congress, No Conditional Resolutions, which may be004026formed at the time, should be published until it is known that the Petition has had no Effect. For we should otherwise destroy the very Intention of it. To petition and to threaten at the same time seems to be inconsistent. It might be of Service with the Ministry, if they have evil Designs, to know the Dispositions of the People here. I am sure that sufficiently appears from what has been already published. And if that appears, no Threatenings ought to accompany the Petition. It ought to be as modest as possible without descending to Meanness. There is one Expression then in one of our Resolves on this Subject, which I must object to; that is, a Hint to the King that if his Majesty will not comply, there lies but one Appeal.1 This ought surely to be erased. There are two Methods proposed to effect a Repeal; the one by Petition, the other by Compulsion. They ought then to be kept separate and distinct. And we shall find few for joining them together, but what are rather against the Former.

1 The 23d of the Fairfax County resolves is as follows: “Resolved, That it be recommended to the deputies of the general Congress to draw up and transmit an humble and dutiful petition and remonstrance to his Majesty, asserting with decent firmness our just and constitutional rights and privileges; lamenting the fatal necessity of being compelled to enter into measures disgusting to his Majesty and his Parliament, or injurious to our fellow-subjects in Great Britain; declaring, in the strongest terms, our duty and affection to his Majesty's person, family, and government, and our desire to continue our dependence upon great Britain; and most humbly conjuring and beseeching his Majesty not to reduce his faithful subjects of America to a state of desperation, and to reflect, that from our sovereign there can be but one appeal.”

As to the other great point of Dispute, whether we should have no Imports only, or we should debar ourselves from both Exports and Imports; If we004127should be forced to take some such Measures, I had rather vote for the latter as the more effectual, provided it can be done consistent with the Justice that is due to those to whom we are indebted. If we have Exports it is to be feared that the Ships which come for those Exports will bring Imports. We cannot store those Goods without acting illegally. If we wish to avoid a Civil War we must do Nothing illegal. We must depend on our own Virtue. On the other Hand, if we have no Exports, Provisions will be very cheap and plenty. Plenty of provisions, together with a great demand for Manufactures, will invite Manufacturers in great Numbers from any Country where they happen to be cheap from too great an Abundance: Thus we may meet with some Retribution for our Sufferings, and Great Britain some Diminution for her Injustice.

I come now to consider a Resolve which ought to be the most objected to, as tending more to widen the Breach, and prevent a Reconciliation than any other. I mean that wherein the Authority of Parliament is almost in every Instance denied. Something similar to this, tho' more imprudent, is the most exceptionable part of the Conduct of some in New England. It has been asserted in the House of Commons, that the Americans have been gradually encroaching; that as they have given up points we have insisted on more. The Fact is true as to Encroachment, but the Reason assigned is wrong. It is not because they have given up Points, but because they have not given them up, that we out of Resentment demand more than we at first thought004228of. But however natural it is to people incensed to increase their Claims, and whatever our Anger may induce us to say; In calm deliberations we should not insist on any Thing unreasonable. We have all along submitted to the Authority of Parliament. From the first Settlement of the Colonies I believe there never was an Act of Parliament disputed 'till the famous Stamp Act. It is a maxim in Law that all Acts made since the Settlement of the Colonies do not extend here, unless the Colonies are particularly named; therefore all Acts wherein they are included do extend here. When the Stamp-Act was repealed it was said, and I did not hear it contradicted, that the Americans objected to internal Taxes, but not to external Duties. When the Duty on Tea was laid as an external Duty we objected to it, and with some Reason, because it was not for the regulation of Trade, but for the express purpose of raising a Revenue. This was deemed a small encroachment on our first Demands. Some now object to the Authority which has established & regulated the Post-Office, a very useful Regulation. Others deny their Authority in regard to our Internal Affairs. If we go on at this Rate it is impossible that the Troubles of America should ever have an End. Whatever we may wish to be the Case, it becomes good Subjects to submit to the Constitution of their Country. Whenever a political Establishment has been settled, it ought to be considered what that is, and not what it ought to be. To fix a contrary principle is to lay the Foundation of continual Broils & Revolutions.

004329

The Parliament from Prescription have a Right to make Laws binding on the Colonies, except those imposing Taxes. From Prescription the Americans are exempted from Taxation. Let us stand upon good Ground in our Opposition, otherwise many upon Reflection may desert the Cause. Therefore I hope some Alteration will be made in the 2d. Resolve, or that Nothing under this Head will be mentioned.

Thus, Sir, I have made some Objections as it appeared incumbent on me to do, and hope that you will cause this Letter to be read as containing my Sentiments on this important Occasion.1

1 “Your letter of the 17th,” writes Washington in reply, “was not presented to me till after the resolutions (which were adjudged advisable for this county to come to), had been revised, altered, and corrected in the committee; nor till we had gone into a general meeting in the court-house, and my attention was necessarily called every moment to the business before us. I did, however, upon receipt of it, in that hurry and bustle, hastily run it over, and I handed it round to the gentlemen on the bench, of whom there were many; but, as no person present seemed in the least disposed to adopt your sentiments, as there appeared a perfect satisfaction and acquiescence in the measures proposed (except from Mr. Williamson, who was for adopting your advice literally, without obtaining a second voice on his side), and as the gentlemen, to whom the letter was shown, advised me not to have it read, as it was not likely to make a convert, and was repugnant, some of them thought, to every principle we were contending for, I forbore to offer it otherwise than in the manner above mentioned, which I shall be sorry for, if it gives you any dissatisfaction that your sentiments were not read to the county at large, instead of being communicated to the first people in it, by offering them the letter in the manner I did.”

I am with great Respect & Regard, Sir Yr. most obedt. Servt. BRYAN FAIRFAX

004430

FROM MR. VALENTINE CRAWFORD.

JACOBS CREEK July 27th 1774

DEAR COLO

on Sunday Evining or Munday Morning william ore one of the Most orderley Men I thought I had Ran away and has tuck a horse and other things as I have Sent you an advertisement of1 and I am Convinced he will Make for Som Ship in potomack River I have Sent two Men after them and furnished them with horses and Money and have wrote to My Brother Richard Stephenson in Berkeley and James Mccormick to Esco[r]t the Men I Sent to forward this Letter and advertisment to you I Should have fralowed him My Sellfe but all the Men Except Som old men are004531gon with My Brothers down to the Enden towns1 and Sence the Started there has been Seen Seen about the Monongahala Som parteys of endens a Coming in to the Enhabetance and we owerLey2 Expect them to Strike Somwhere the Indens has Kild and taken with in this ten days 13 people up about the forks of Cheat River which is about 25 Miles from Me and I would have folowd this Man My Selfe but I have the Charge of Both My Brothers fameley tell there Return and if I would Leve home the people would all give up My Fort and Move over the Mountains for I have above 200 people in My Fort att this time Cheifley women and Cildren for all the Men is gon to the towns and Ever Sen[c]e the Men Set off to the town Evrey bodys is flew to the Forts and it Seems to Me our Standing of our ground here a good Dele depends on the Sucsess of our Men that is gon agains the towns the govener wrote very Ernestly to Capt. Conely to give My Brother Wm Crawford the Comand of all the Men that Is gon against the towns3 which amount to about 700 men Encluding all the Militia that Came from Below and Conely him Selfe to Reside att Fort pitt Mjer Macdonald Came up here and is gon down [to] wheelin in order004632to take the Comand But I have Seen Severell Letters from Lordonmore2 both to My Brother and to Conely and he has Not Mentioned Macdonalds Name in them but I hered by Mr. Brown the express who told Me him Selfe that on thirsday Last he parted with Lordonmore att winchester and he wase to perseed amedently to this Neabour Hood Where I hope he will Reglate Maters him Selfe.

1 FIVE POUNDS REWARD.

Run away from the Subscriber living on Jacobs Creek near Steward Crossings in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania, on Sunday Night the 24th Inst. A Convict Servant Man named Wm: Orre the Property of Conl. George Washington, he is a well made Man about 5 foot to Inches high, and about 24 Years of Age, he was born in Scotland and talks that Dialect pretty much, he is of a Red Complection & very full Faced, with short Sandy coulard Hair, and very Remarkable Thumbs they being both crooked; he had on and took with him, an old Felt Hatt, bound with black Binding, one White Cotton Coat and Jacket with black Horn Buttons, one old brown Jacket, one pair of Snuff coulard Breeches, one pair of Trowzers made in Sailers Fash 1 on and they are made of Sail Duck and have not been washed, a pair of Red Leggins and Shoes tied with Strings, two Osnabrigs Shirts, and one Holland Shirt marked V. C. which he Stole and a Blanket. He Stole likewise a Black Horse about 14 hands high, branded on the near Shoulder and Buttock R. W. & shod before, he has neither Bridle nor Saddle that we know of, I expect he will make to some Seaport Town, as he has been much used to the Seas. Whoever takes up said Servant and Secures him, so that he and Horse may be had again, shall Receive the above Reward; or Three Pounds for the Man alone, and Reasonable Charges if brought home paid by Me---

VALE CRAWFORDfor CONL GEO. WASHINGTONJuly 25th 1774N. B. all Masters of Vessels are forbid taking him out of the Country on their Peril. —

V. C.

[This advertisement is not in Valentine Crawford's handwriting.]

1 This expedition was commanded by Major Angus McDonald, who was instructed to destroy the Shawanese or Wappatomica towns. In this he was easily successful, as the savage foe had fled when he reached their villages, but the Indians under Logan continued to harass the settlers long after the troops had returned to the fort at Wheeling.

2 hourly.

3 “It is highly necessary that you continue at Fort Dunmore, and I think therefore, that you could not do better than send Captain William Crawford with what men you can spare to join him, and to co-operate with Colonel Lewis, or to strike a stroke himself if he thinks he can do it with safety. I know him to be prudent, active, and resolute, and therefore very fit to go on such an expedition.”—Lord Dunmore to John Connolly, June 20, 1774, American Archives, Fourth Series, vol. i. p. 473.

1 Lord Dunmore.

I have Sold all the Men but two and I bleve Should have Sold them but the Man that is Run away had a verey Sore foot he Cut with an ax which wase Not Long well and John Smith wase Not well of the fould disorder which he had when he Left Your House I Sold peter Miller and John Wood to one Mr Edward Coke for £45 the Money to be aplied to use of building you Mill and I Sold Thomas Mcfarson and his Wife and James Low to Majer John Mccoluck and Mr James Enis for £65 pounds paible in Six Month with Interest from the date and My Brother Wm tuck Thomas White and the Boy John Knight and is Ether to pay you for them or Return them in Case you Could prosacute your design down the River and I taik John Smith and Wm Ore on the same terms So that In Justice I am acountable to you for the Man Iff he Is Never got But I Should have Sold Sold the hole of the Sarvents agreeable to your Letter if I Could a got Cash or good pay but the Confusion of times put it out of My power and out here we had one day peace and the Next day ware So it wase hard to Know how to act Even if you were here your Selfe for I have been Confind att home Ever Sen[c]e I004733Come up here I onley went down to Fort pitt a day or two and two of My own Sarvant and two Milition Men Ran away and I folowd them My Selfe and Koch them all down att bedford and brought them back and while I wase gon from home two of your Men John Wood and peeter Miller had Stole a quantity of bacon and bred and wase to a Started the verey Night I got home but a man of Mine discovered on them there design and I Sold them Emedently and I would have Sold the hole if I Could or delivered them to Mr Simson but he would Not be Concarnd with them att Eney Reate my waggon and team had been att worke att your Mill for Som time a halling of the timber Stone and Lime and Sand for your Mill and I went over to the [mill] to Esist in haling of Som of the Largest of the timber but the Leate Elarming acoumpt of the Indens the workemen has all Stopt and I have broate home My team and I ken [covered by seal] a pitey it wase Ever begun in these [covered by seal] Som times as it apears to me it will be a verey Expencive Job to you before it is done pay all the Carpentrs I brought out for you those Stopt the Sixth of May Except Som of them that wase att work att your Mill I Contnued them Longer but I pay them My Selfe I Shell obsarve your orders in Regard to Setling with the Carpentrs pray take all peans you Can in Advertising of this Man to prevent his geting off by water

So I am Sir your Most Hble Savent VALE: CRAWFORD

004834

FROM BRYAN FAIRFAX, ESQ.

TOWLSTON August the 5th.1774.

DEAR SIR,

I received your Favour of the 20th: of July, and must own that I thought it odd at first that my Letter was not read till I considered that I had no Right to have it done, as every one who chose it ought to have been present, and till I perceived by you Letter that the Committee were against it. If there had been no Reason for refusing it but a Persuasion that the Sentiments contained it it were erroneous I don't think it would have been a just one. I am satisfied with your Reasons as I had no Desire to make a Party or oppose my opinion to that of a large Majority; I sent it down, as I could not go in person without great Inconvenience, that I might not hereafter reproach myself with being silent on the Occasion. However I am inclined, since the Receipt of yours, to think I am mistaken about the Plan determined on at Home. You have no Reason Sir to doubt your opinion; It is I that have Reason to doubt mine when so many Men of superior Understanding think otherwise. It has in Fact caused me to examine it again & again; but if I was not convinced of an Error, it appeared to me that it shewed as much Cowardice in a Man not to maintain his opinions when real as Obstinacy to persevere in them contrary to Conviction. Mr. Williamson told me the other day that he found afterwards that there were a great many of his opinion in the Court House who did not care to speak because they thought it would be 004935to no Purpose; and it may be so, because a Person, present when he was telling me so, said he was at the Meeting and did secretly object to some of the Resolves but could not speak his Mind. That You may not think my Sentiments quite so singular as they appeared to be, I must observe, that the second Person's Opinion I heard after the Arrival of the Boston Port Bill was Mr. Dalton's, who asked me what I thought of it; whether I did not think that the Parliament were bound to do what they did or something like it to secure the Trade of their Merchants? If the same outrage had been committed in any foreign Port whether the Government could have acquiesced without demanding and enforcing Restitution? or something to this Purpose. And it really appeared to me then a distinct Thing from enforcing the Payment of the Duty. The next Person whose opinion I heard was Mr. Williamson's; and the next Mr. Henderson's, with this difference, that the Bostonians ought to have destroyed the Tea, but should have sent home the Payment for it immediately. But that the Government could not avoid taking the Steps &c. He joined with me in opinion that the People at Boston were blameable in their Behavior in other Respects; And when I expressed my Concern at the Bill then talked of for altering their Charter, he observed that the Measure might be necessary considering the factious Conduct of the people; and They have all along appeared to me to shew a different Spirit from the Rest of the Colonies; and if ever we have a civil War I think without some Check they will be at the head of it, and I can't005036conceive any thing Worse for America at present. I know not whether Mr. Henderson told me this in Confidence or not; In case He should I beg that You won't mention his opinion, altho' he don't reserve this Caution. By mentioning the word Check, I don't mean to approve of All or scarce one of the Measures lately exercised on N: England. A Charter should not be altered without the Consent or consulting with the Majority of the people, or upon some very flagrant or violent Occasions wherein the good of the whole is endangered. But even the consent of the whole ought to be obtained. No Constitution as I mentioned in my Letter should be altered unless the Consent of every part concerned can be had. We have no right to alter our Constitution without the consent of the King & Parliament. For the same Reason none of our Constitutions should be altered without our Consent: For the Parliament according to the opinion of good Civilians have no Right to alter the Constitution of England, without taking or obtaining a Sanction from the Voice of the people if it could be had; because the Constitution is fixed when the people's Representatives are chosen And therefore they must Act according to it and can't alter it. It may possibly be for the good of the Colony of Massachusetts to alter the Constitution Governor Hutchinson a Native and a Man of good Character advised it, it is true, but he may have too arbitrary Notions. As the People who first went to settle chose such a Form of Government and obtained it, they ought to be the best Judges of the Conveniencies or Inconveniencies attending it. I wish our's was altered005137with respect to the Council: but it is dangerous medling in it such Matters; it might be a bad precedent in troublesome times. And as to ye Act for transporting Criminals to England for Trial tho' I wish every man could obtain strict Justice, and that no man in civil Disputes should be tried till the Passions of Men have a little subsided, I dislike it as much as any Man; But in regard to the Boston Port Bill I own I have no objection to it, except to the Power given to the Crown of shutting up the Port after the Tea may be paid for. I can see no Difference between demanding Satisfaction first, and sending a Fleet to demand it with conditional orders to block up the Port upon Refusal, or till Satisfaction is made. I own too that I have been inclined to think that the Tea ought to have been paid for before the other Colonies had joined in Support of Boston; but I suppose I am wrong as so many others think otherwise. However upon this occasion I can't help mentioning, that at a very full Meeting of Gentlemen at York relating to the Middlesex Election that there were only two, one a namesake of mine, who dissented from the whole Assembly; consequently their opinions were very unpopular. And yet I have lived [to] see some coming over to their opinion and as strongly of their opinion; two of them at least, Mr. Harrison and Mr. Grayson, as ever they were of a contrary one. This Example (if this Assembly were mistaken) would serve to shew, if there were not Many Instances in History where large Bodies of Men have been mistaken, that a Man, however doubtful005238he may become when he perceives a great Number to think otherwise, ought not to be too hasty in giving up his opinion.

I have been uneasy to find, that any one should look upon the Letter sent down as repugnant to the principle we were contending for; and therefore when You have leisure I shall take it as a Favor if you will let me know wherein it was thought so. I must make an Apology for these long Letters which I trouble you with. I have scarce passed a day without anxious thoughts upon the Subject. I beg leave to look upon you as a Friend and it is a great Relief to unbosom ones thoughts to a Friend; besides, the Information and Correction to my Errors I may obtain from a Correspondence is a great Inducement to it; For I am convinced that no Man in the Colony wishes it's Prosperity more, would go Greater Lengths to serve it, nor is at the same time a better Subject to the Crown. Pray excuse these Compliments—They may be tolerable in a Friend.

I can't recollect any Expression that could give any Reason for the Supposition just mentioned. As to Taxes I was never of opinion that the Parliament had a Right to impose them, and hardly ever had a Doubt upon the Subject of their taking our Money from us without our Consent; Tho' as to the Duty on Tea I never was so clear in opinion as to sign any Paper in Opposition to the Right; but as it is certainly unjust, I may refuse to trade with a Nation exercising that Injustice even if the Right was ever so clear. But I don't remember that I mentioned005339any doubt upon the Subject. Since I got so far I have been reading King James's Charters to the first Virginia Companys at the End of Stith's History; there is one Expression in the 2d: Charter a Little different from the Quotation of it which I have in the House, and which I can't understand perfectly, at least without considering a subsequent Clause. Sect. 19. And for their further Encouragement, of our special Grace and Favour, we do, by these presents, for Us, our Heirs & Successors, Yield and Grant, to and with the said Treasurer and Company, and their Successsors, and every of them, their Factors and Assigns, that they and every of them shall be free of all Subsidies and Customs in Virginia, for the Space of one & twenty years, and from all Taxes and Impositions, for ever, (here the Quotation stops) upon any Goods or Merchandises, at any time or times hereafter, either upon Importation thither, or exportation from thence, into to our Realm of England, or into any other of our Realms or Dominions, by the said Treasurers and Company, and their Successors &c: Except only the five pounds per Cent due for Custom, upon all such Goods and Merchandises, as shall be brought or imported into our Realm of England, or any other of these our Dominions according to the ancient Trade of Merchants; &c. In the 21st. Sect. are these words (after directing what duties Strangers and foreigners are to pay over & their Successors, is, or hereafter shall be, to pay) And the same Sums of Money and Benefit as aforesaid for and during the Space of one and twenty years shall be wholly employed to the Benefit, Use, and Behoof of the said005440Colony and Plantation; And after the said one and twenty years ended, the same shall be taken to the use of Us, our heirs and Successors, by such Officers and Ministers, as by us our heirs and Successors, shall be thereunto assigned and appointed, as is specified in the said former Letters Patents.

I shall be glad of your opinion upon this. If you would read over all the Charters anew some Thoughts might occur on both sides of the Question. The distinction that was made some years ago in the Colonies between the Right to impose Duties for the Regulation of Trade which has been allowed, and the Right to impose Duties for raising a Revenue I don't understand so well as I wish to do, tho' I can see a great difference between the propriety or Justice in laying a small Duty or Duties for the former purpose, and a declared, or apparent Intention to raise a considerable Revenue by degrees.

There is a new opinion now lately advanced in Virginia that the Parliament have no right to make any or scarce any Laws binding on the Colonies. It has given me much Uneasiness. For altho' I wish as much as any one that we were legally exempted from it, yet I hold it clearly that we ought to abide by our Constitution. The common Consent and Acquiescence in the Colonies for such a Length of time is to me a clear Proof of their having a Right. And altho' it is said that it has only been exercised in Matters of Trade, it will be found to be a Mistake. The Act for the Alteration of the Style was unquestionably received and assented to—The Act for the Regulation of the Post-Office, I mean the first Act:005541the Act empowering Officers to enlist Servants just imported, and to pay the Owners for them; The Acts relating to the Provincial Troops the last War &c have no Relation to Trade; but they were enacted when the Acts of any single Assembly could not have answered the End. And upon these occasions they have been passed without the least Objection that ever I heard to the contrary. When I first heard the Subject of Taxation mentioned, a Tax was talked of to be laid by Parliament on the Lands in America. Colo. Mason who was present spoke as much as usual upon the Subject, upon the Im[pro]priety I believe of taxing Infant Colonies, and the nature or excessiveness of it compared to the value of Lands &c. but I did not hear him make one Objection as to the Right of Parliament. When I came afterwards to hear the Right called in Question I recollected the Conversation, and was surprised that I had not heard a Man of his understanding and readiness to find fault with every thing irregular, take Notice of it; And Tho' he may not have considered the Matter as a new point, yet it is a proof that the Idea of the Parliament having no Right to make any Laws for us had not ever entered into his Mind before. I saw Colo. Richard Henry Lee act as a Justice of the peace under the Act relating to Servants, and insist upon the Right he had to act on Shipboard because the Act of Parliament had given power to all Justices in America to act without confining them to their respective Counties. I have often heard mention made of uniting some of the Colonies by Act of005642Parliament, of some in Pennsylvania having thought of petitioning to have their Charter abrogated and a new Government formed. And all this without any Objection to the Right; which looks to me like a common Consent. But I am almost Unwilling to advance any Opinion now. I shou'd not, but in hopes that you will give me yours upon this Point.

By the first Charter granted to Virginia, the Council were to govern the Colony according to such Laws Ordinances and Instructions as they were to receive from the Crown. By the second Charter they were to be governed by such Laws Orders &c as should be made by the Council for the Colony appointed in & to reside in London; who were to make ordain and establish all Manner of Laws, Orders, Directions, Instructions, forms and Ceremonies of Governmt. and Magistracy, fit and necessary for the said Colony; and the first government was annulled. Pursuant to these Charters and the third the Council and Company in England made an Ordinance for holding an Assembly in Virginia, with power to make Laws, in the year 1721—with a proviso that no Law made was to be in force till it had obtained their Assent at Home.

When I have considered these Disputes I have often wished to know the Sentiments of the first Settlers here. In Capt. Smith's History there is mention of Taxes by the Parliament, and some one in Virginia, makes the same Objections to it as we do at this day. Much about the same time I perceive that the Assembly had petitioned the Parliament for Relief;005743They thought themselves ill used by the King—who I am mistaken in saying that the Assembly petitioned. It was the Company at Home, petitioned, being encouraged it is said by the Parliament having taken the Case of the Plantation Tobacco in Consideration. The Assembly petitioned the King to continue and even farther to confirm the Government, under which they then lived. But if the Government must be altered they desired &c. and in their Letter to the Lords of the Council they expressed a Desire that the Governors sent over might not have absolute Authority, but might be restrained to the Consent of the Council; and that they might still retain the liberty of their general Assemblies. This was the Style & Situation of our Ancestors in the Infancy of the Colony. The English Government was a long time arriving to Maturity also. I don't think the Constitution was properly settled till the Revolution. And then immediately were sown the Seeds of its Ruin. The Parliament then first began to borrow Money and consume in one year the amount of some year's Taxes. And within ten or twelve years Corruption was introduced in order to keep out the Tory Interest. I am very sorry we happen to differ in opinion. I hope however that our Sentiments will again coincide as in other Matters: I wish they could with regard to Storing the Goods. Perhaps it is only intended as a Threat to the Merchants. But if it is otherwise, and they should send any over, I am afraid that we shd. lie at the Mercy or Generosity of those Merchants whether they will apply to [the] Government for Troops to005844release those Goods or not. If the End could be answered otherwise it would be better. If there was Virtue enough in the Country to abstain from only half the Goods commonly consumed it might probably answer in a few years. If every man of Influence would encourage his Neighbour to persevere perhaps we might hold out; especially if the Names of those Merchants should be published who sell or import contrary to the Desire of the general Sense of the Country; As it might prevent others from doing the like. I am sorry to hear what you Mention of General Gage. I did not imagine he had been so weak as to call Resolutions not to trade with Great Britain by the name of Treason.

I must again apologize for this Letter, hoping You'l excuse it and believe that I am with great Regard.

Dear Sir Your most obedt. Servt. BRYAN FAIRFAX

FROM THE COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE OF CHARLES COUNTY, MD.

(To The Committee of Correspondence of Fairfax County, Virginia.)

PORTBO. Augst. 9th. 1774 —

GENT.

We are just informed of the Arrival of the Brige Mary & Jane Capt. Chapman from London with a large Quantity of Tea destined for Norfolk and Consigned005945to Neil Jamisson & Co. Geo & Jno. Bowness & Jno Laurence & Co.—The Brige. now lyes in Wecomicoe River in Maryland and we are informed will either sail to Norfolk & deliver the Tea or it will be sent in small Craft from where the Vessell now lyes. There is also a Quantity of Tea on board the above Vessell for several Gent on Potomack River, particularly Geo Town Bladensburgh, Chapticoe & Leonard Town and this place. We think it our duty to prevent any of it being Landed here & for that end have this day called a meeting; We think it not only our duty to obstruct its being Landed here, but also to Afford our Friends an opportunity of doing the same if they chuse to join in frustrating the destructive plan which seems to have been laid by the Consigners of that detestable Article, And for that purpose we have given information to George Town, Bladensburgh & Piscattaway & forwarded dispatches to Norfolk—And that you may be guarded be pleased to receive this intelligence from Gent Yr most Ob Servts. THE COMMITTEE OF CHARLES COUNTY it is imagined there will be an Attempt to Land it at Dumfries or Allexa. privately if they find they cannot do it in Maryland.1

1 The following is written upon the back of this letter: “Mr Clifford Be pleased to send your Boat over to Alexandria with this Letter, immediately on receit of it, with instructions to your people to deliver it into the hands of Mr Ro. Harrison, & you will very much Oblige Yr most Obt Servt. R Hooe

006046

FROM COLONEL WILLIAM PRESTON.

SMITHFIELD August 15th. 1774.

DEAR SIR.

Mr. Thomas Hog who brought the Platt of Your Land on Cole River from Capt Floyd in April last with two other Men has never since been heard of, so that there is no Doubt of their being killed or taken, but I fear the former is the Case. Capt. Floyd with three others came in last Saturday. The other Surveyors with a Party of Men are still out but there is some Reason to hope they are safe.

Mr. Floyd at my Request immediately made out your Plan which I have Recorded & takes this Opportunity to Send it to Colo. Fielding Lewis either to be forwarded to you or sent to Town as you choose. I had no Opporty to send it directly down, otherwise I should have done it & sent the Patent Fee & had it put in at Once.

The Bearer Mr. Nash lives in Faquier but he has given me his Positive Promise that he will send the Letter immediately to Fredericksburg

We are greatly harrased in this Country by the Enemy. A Small Party got in about ten Days ago & killed 5 Persons mostly Children & took three Prisoners, about 15 Miles from this Place; which is greatly Exposed. I began yesterday to build a Fort about my House for the Defence of my Family,

I am with great Esteem Dr Sir your most Obedt. & very hble Servt

WM. PRESTON

006147

FROM MR. GILBERT SIMPSON.

August:ye:20:1774: honoerd Sr This Coms To Let you know that your Mill is Likely To Goo By Christmas provided I Can Get Iron Which I Cannot Tell at This Time how it is Too Bee Got Without you Can Get it Waggond To Tittles or To The Little Meadows From Thens I Can Get it pact over on horsses: The Mill Work has Been Much Backend By By the War and Will I do Beleive Cost Neare one hundred pounds More Than She Would have doon had it Continued a pees But in all probabilaty it Will Soon Com Back again For Grain Will Likely Beear a high price This seven years To Come For provision is Ris To Great hight Which is To your Cost and My Great Fetuge 1 For I am Sum Times almost at My Wits End To Tell What To do But Shall allways Endevour To do For The Best as I Think your Mill Lys at Neare 230 Cost at This Time For Which I have Strant My Credet To a Great hight and I Beleive She Will Cost Neare 700 in The hool 2 But it is The Speech of almost all people That Sees The Work and The Convenins of the plase That They Would Bee hard To perswade To Take 3000 For her and 150 aCers of Land Joining her For She is Compleatly doon 3 So Far Sr It Being altogether out of My power To Com down I have Sent My Soon For006248Money For I Cant doo any longer Without and I hope you Will Send about 250 With him and Should Bee oblige To you To Caussion him To Bee Carefull in Coming out altho I have Given a Great Charge alreydey To him For he Will Goo Well armd and is a Good Guner and I do beleive he Would Not Lack Currage When put To The Shift and I know him To Bee a Steddey Sober Lad and There Will Bee Two or Three hearty Stout young Men With him So I beleive That There Will Not Bee The Lest danger of his Coming Safe your Blankits Weare all prest at Jolifs So I have Been Forst To Make all Shifts as I Could By Lodging The Work men on My own Beeds and Beed Cloths Which has Not Been No Small dammage To them Sr as To any Thing Concerning The War and other affairs My Soon Can Give you an account of Them and God Willing I intend down This Fall provided There is a pees Which at This Time Looks Likely So Sr No Mor But I hope These Lines Will Find your honour and all yours in perfect Good helth as I and My Famyly is at This Time Thanks To almighty God For The Same and I Remain yours To Command

1 Fatigue?

2 whole.

3 The mill here, which Crawford saw “go for the first time of its running” in the spring of 1776, was thoroughly repaired in the summer of 1859 by George Anderson. The tradition that Washington superintended in person the laying of the stone of its cellar is, of course, without foundation in fact.—BUTTERFIELD.

GILBT. SIMPSON YOUGHAGAHALEY FOORT TRIALL N:B: Your Mill has Twenty Eight Feet Fall

006349

FROM LIEUTENANT ROBERT MACKENZIE.1

1 Lieutenant Mackenzie, it will be remembered, had served as a captain in the Virginia regiment in the French war, and afterwards obtained a commission in the regular army.

BOSTON CAMP Septr. 13th. 1774

DEAR SIR

I am happy to take the Advantage of my Friend Mr. Atchison's Return to Virginia to pay my Respects where they are so much due as to yourself, especially as he expects to find you at Philadelphia engaged in the present important Affairs in America.2 No Class of People wish more cordially for a happy Accommodation than those of my Profession, and among them there is not one who is under stronger Obligations to do so than myself —

2 The Continental Congress was at this time in session at Philadelphia.

Mr. Atchison can sufficiently inform you of the State of this unhappy Province, of their tyrannical Oppression over one another, of their fixed Aim at total Independance, of the Weakness and Temper of the main Springs that set the whole in Motion, and how necessary it is that abler Heads and better Hearts shd. draw a Line for their Guidance: Even when this is done ’tis much to be feared they will follow it no further than where it coincides with their present Sentiments.

Amidst all these Jarrings we have until lately lived as in a Camp of Pleasure, but the rebellious and numerous Meetings of Men in Arms, their scandalous and ungenerous Attacks upon the best Characters in the Province, obliging them to save their006450Lives by Flight, and their repeated but feeble Threats to dispossess the Troops have furnished sufficient Reasons to Genl. Gage to put the Town in a formidable State of Defence, about which we are now fully employed, and which will be shortly accomplished to their great Mortification1 —

1 Charles Francis Adams (Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, iv. 69) states that this letter was written for the purpose of influencing Washington to oppose the policy of the Massachusetts delegates in Philadelphia, and that it was on its receipt that he “spent the afternoon with the Boston gentlemen” (Washington's Journal, September 28). “It seems to have settled all Washington's doubts, if he had any,” writes Mr. Adams, “for instead of noisy, brawling demagogues, meaning mischief only, he found the delegates plain, downright practical men, seeking safety from oppression, and contemplating violence only as a result of an absolute necessity forced on them by the government at home. The effect of this conference is made visible in his answer to MacKenzie.”

I shall endeavour to quit this disagreeable Scene when the Regiments retire into Quarters, and hope that going or returning from James's River to pay my Respects in Person —

Col. Robt. Stuart, Dr. John Stuart, and Col. Mercer were among the last Persons I parted with in London last April—I mention them as your Acquaintances—’Tho they all had a long Detail of Grievances, neither their Health or Spirits seem to have suffered at that Time —

I have the Honour to be Dear Sir Your very respectful and most obedient Servant ROBERT MACKENZIE Lieutt. 43d. Fort —

006551

FROM MAJOR WILLIAM CRAWFORD.

STEWART CROSSING, Sepr. 20th 1774

SIR

It has not bin in my Power Since your Letter cam to my hand requesting me to Run the Land Over again at the round bottom I am now agoing to Set out for our new Expedition1 and taking my Instruments With me and Shall Comply with you in Each Article as far as is in my Power

1 William Crawford, now a major, belonged to the northern division of Lord Dunmore's army, which was commanded by Colonel Adam Stephen, and which his Lordship accompanied to the scene of action. The southern division, commanded by General Andrew Lewis, was comprised of the borderers on the west and southwest of the Blue Ridge. The two divisions, each containing about fifteen hundred men, were to march by different routes to the mouth of the Great Kanawha, from which point the united army were to invade the Indian country northwest of the Ohio, and spare neither town nor person.

I have I belive as much Land Lying on the Litle Kanhaway as will mak up your [mutilated] antity you want that I intended to Lay [mutilated] Warrents on but if you want it you [mutilated] have it and I will Try to get Other Land for that porpuss it Lys about 15 or 20 Mils up the Litle Kanhaway on the Lower Side and is all ready Run out on Tract of about 3000 Som od acres the other about 2500 well Marked and bounded as Soon as I can return I will Send you the Draft maid out but has not time to have it don now I do not here any of Cresaps Cla[i]m now more then as no person Lives on that Land, or any any of your Land now Since the Endens broke out I Spoke to Lord Dunmore in regard to it, and him Claim in what manner your properly to its Claim and those people006652took possession of the Land1 [mutilated] it [mutilated] n make no [mutilated] ds you as you have the first Claim and a patent besids So that I belive it is out the power of any Person to PredjuDiss him against you

1 Crawford's meaning in this sentence is decidedly obscure.

I this day am Set out with the first Devision for the Mouth of Hockhaking and there to Arect a post on your bottom where the hole troops is to Rendevouse2 and from thence to Proceed to the Shawnee Towns if the Endiens do no[t] Comply with his Lordship's Terms which is to give 6 Hostages for there good beheaviour which I believe the [y] will do

2 When Lord Dunmore arrived at Wheeling he changed his plans, much to the discomfiture of the troops under General Lewis, who had already preceded him to the rendezvous at the mouth of the Great Kanawha, where the battle of Point Pleasant was fought. His Lordship sent Major Crawford with his company and the horses and cattle by land to the mouth of Hockhocking, to which point he, with the remainder of the northern divison, proceeded by water. Here he built a small stockade called Fort Gower, and marched on by land to within eight miles of the Shawnee town Chilicothe, on the Scioto.

Lord Dunmore has had a Confance3 with them but I do not [k] now what [mutilated] don as yeat but they will meet him [mutilated] where I belive we Shall Setle all matters

3 Conference.

Your Other matters here Mr young will inform you how they are Settled

Val Crawford Says Som person has bin indeaviouring to Predjudiss you against him about your bisness in his Care as far as I [k]now or belive he has don all he cold do for you, and has bin at much risk and Expence but you will be better able to Judge when you See his return

Lord dunmore has orders from home by the Last006753Mail to [take] charge of all the new Purches and to Exarsise the Law of Virginia till his royal Pleashure is farther nown I am Sir Your most [mutilated]

[mutilated] CRAWFORD

FROM MR. GILBERT SIMPSON.

September: ye: 24: 1774: Sr This Coms To Let you know That My Son Returnd Safe With The Money and I am Sorrey you Should Think The Cost of your Mill So high When it Was your own desire To Me To have her Compleatly don in all her Brantches and as to The Bignes of The house it was no desire Nor Thought of Mine To have So Large a building But Sr your Bill of Timbers I have To Tell that all The Rest of The Work Must be don according But Sr at all Events I Count you Wise in your own projecting The building in The Manner you did and I make No doubt But you Will Think your Money Well Laid out if plees God you Live To See her Compleatly don and I Shoul[d] Bee oblige To you To Write To Me how or in What Manner you Would Chuse To Let out your Mill When She is Reydey To bee Let So Sr I Conclude Myself your umble Servent To Command as Mr young Can Tell you all how Every Thing Stands at This Time

GILBT: SIMPSON YOUGAGAHALAY FORT TRIALL

006854

FROM MR. VALENTINE CRAWFORD.

FORT FINCASTLE1 otobr 1th 1774

1 Afterwards Fort Henry. This fort was situated on the site of the present city of Wheeling, W. Va.

DEAR SIR

In the Hurrey of My Bisness I have just time to give you a Line or two by Lord Donmore Express to Lett you Now how we goe on in this quarter with the Inden war Which is as follow—his Lord Ship Erived here yesterday with about 1200 Men 700 of which Came by water with His Lord Ship and 500 Come under My Brother william Com by Land with the Bulocks and his Lord Ship has Sent him with 500 Men and 50 pack horses and 200 Bulocks to Mee[t] Colo Lewis att the Mouth of Hockhocking Below the Mouth of the Litle Kenaway and he is to build a Stockade fort or a Large block house which he is to build in one of your bottoms below the Mouth of the Kenaway and his Lord Ship is to goe by water with the Rest [of the] Troups in a few days we where in hopes of a peace being Concluded between his Lord Ship and the Indens but on Wensday Morni[n]g Last we had Marked by the Indens one man and his wife and Several prisoners tacken of ten Miles Creeke which Elarmed his Lord Ship Much as the Indens had been pesable for Som time and Som of the differant Nations had Mett him att Fort Donmore and has promisd to Meet [him] att the Mouth [of] Hockken2 to aComadate a peace which we all hope for if we Can get it on good terms that we May be able to [be] Esisting you in Releving006955the poer Distrass Bostonins if the Report here is true that generall gage has Bumbaded the City of Boston which is a Most Elarming Circumstance and Calls on Every frend to the Liberty of his Contra [to] Exert them Selves at this time in our Contras Case1

2 Hockhocking.

1 Country's Cause.

you Seeme to Scencer2 Me hard in My Condoct of your bisness but times has been in great Confusion here with us and Som of the people I had to deale with wase vere grate vilons and tuck great advantages of the times I wrote you verey fully how your affairs in My hands wase and I hope you Excuse My Not giving of Mr young as Saterfactray acount of things as I Could Wish and I Most Solemly declar I Sent you Severell Litters which you Say Never Came to hand and you Likewise Make Mention of Som Letters you wrote Me which I have Never Seen I Expect to if pleas god I am Speard to bee down att your house by Crismas and to Remove those Reports you have heard of My Conduct and Setle Every thing as Much to your Satisfaction as in My power

2 Censure.

and I am dere Sir your Most Hble Sarvent VALE: CRAWFORD NB My trip down the River this Somer will Much Inable Me if you Should Chuse to send Me down on your bisness Next Spring in Case a pese is Concluded with the Indens give My Compliments to doctr Crage if you should see him

007056

FROM BRYAN FAIRFAX, ESQ.

TOWLSTON Octor. the 27th. 1774.

DEAR SIR

I have disposed of the Kittocktan Tract to Mr. Threlkeld for something more than you mentioned; but I would not have done it for £50 more if I had thought You wanted it and was not in immediate Want of Money.

I shall be glad to know what Sort of Money You would choose to receive and at what Rates, and when You sett off to Williamsburg that if possible I may wait on You in Time.

Our Compliments to Mrs. Washington & Mr. & Mrs. Custis,

I am Dear Sir Yr. most obedt. Servt. BRYAN FAIRFAX.

FROM THE FAIRFAX INDEPENDENT COMPANY.1

1 “Every County, besides, is now arming a Company of men, whom they call an Independent Company, for the avowed purpose of protecting their Committees, and to be employed against Government, if occasion require. The Committee of one County has proceeded so far as to swear the men of their Independent Company, to execute all orders which shall be given them from the Committee of their County.”—Lord Dunmore to the Earl of Dartmouth, December 24, 1774, American Archives.

ALEXANDRIA, Octr: 19th: 1774

SIR/

In compliance with an order made at a meeting of forty nine subscribers of the Fairfax Independant Company, we take the Liberty to request, (if it does007157not interfere with the more important business you are engaged in) that you will please to make some enquiries with regard to the furnishing the company with a pair of Colours, two Drums, two Fifes, and two Halberts, if they are to be had in Philadelphia, which may be sent round by the first Vessel for Alexandria.

We leave it to you, Sir, to determine whether it may be proper or necessary to vary from the usual Colours that are carried by the Regulars or Militia.

We are Sir with the greastest respect yr. most Obedt. hble Servts. WM RAMSEY ROB H: HARRISON JOHN FITZGERALD1

1 Colonel John Fitzgerald, the father of Elizabeth and Jane Fitzgerald [first, and second wife of Francis Lightfoot Lee], was a native of Ireland, who had settled at Alexandria some time before the Revolution, and had become a prosperous merchant of that town. During the war he served for some time upon General Washington's staff, and the friendship begun at that time appears to have continued throughout their lives. Very frequent mention is made in Washington's diary of visits to Colonel Fitzgerald at Alexandria. He was at one time mayor of that town. – EDMUND JENNINGS LEE, in Lee of Virginia.

FROM THE EARL OF STIRLING.2

2 Major-General William Alexander (called by courtesy Lord Stirling) was born in New York City in 1726; died at Albany, January 15, 1783. His father, James Alexander, claimed the right to the Scottish earldom of Stirling, which claim William Alexander made an unsuccessful attempt to establish before the House of Lords in 1756.

BASKENRIDGE (New Jersey) Octor. 31st. 1774

DEAR SIR

The Delaware Lottery haveing been drawn Last Month, I now; (which is as soon as the printer hath007258put it in my power) send you enclosed some of the printed List of the Numbers of the Tickets which have been so fortunate as to draw the prizes in that Lottery. On the foot' thereof you have the state of the Tickets sent you, out of which you will be pleased to deduct such Cash prizes as are due to any of the Tickets now in your possession; and then be pleasd to Transmit the Ballance due with those Tickets to James Cocke Esqre. (Williamsburg). you will be pleased at the same time or as soon as is Convenient to you to Transmit to James Cocke Esqr. or to myself the Names of the persons to be inserted in the Deeds for such Land prizes, as the Tickets you had have been fortunate enough to Draw; which shall be inserted Accordingly.—and am

Your Most Hume: Servt. STIRLING Colonel.. WashingtonDr. To Ticketsdelivered. 60. Cr. By do.returned42 18 at 10 dollars180

007359

FROM JOSEPH BEEVERS.

LONDON 8th Novemr. 1774.

SIR

The inclosed Bill, J Syms on Richd Ford & Co. sent hither by Mr Fairfax for Negociation, being protested for Nonpayment; it is his Desire that it be forwarded to you immediately. This Conveyance being the first is therefore made use of.

I am, for Mr Athawes Sir, Your very obedt Servt JOSEPH BEEVERS Copy

FROM MR. WILLIAM MILNOR.

PHILADA. 8th. Novemr. 1774

HONBL. SIR/

by this days post I have enclosed a bill lading to Mr. Addams for the goods on board of Capt. George Rowe he sailed from this place on fryday last, & perhap will Arrive Nearly as soon as this, you will find every Article in the Barrel No 5, except the Graplings, I blieve I have Omitted Nothing, my Wife has not met with any More Cruels yet, but will as soon as possible fullfill the Compliment wanted, any Commands, Sir, I shall with pleasure, readily Obey, & beg leave at present to subscribe

Your Most Obedt. Humble Servt — WM. MILNOR — NB. Mr James Tilghman is Arived & Called to see me yesterday I suppose he Writes you by this post —

the peach trees from Mr Meredith are on board Cap Rowe

007460

FROM MR. GILBERT SIMPSON.

November y: 9th 1774

SR I have sent my Son to you: for some money: to pay off the men that is at work at the Mill: which they want Clothing and Cannot get any Cloths for the want [of] money: the walls of [the] Mill is done and the Race is not done by Reason for the want [of] Powder by which it Could not be had: and the frame is all got but the Rafters and they are about them now: I expect the House will be done by the 10th of Next month and the Dam will be done in about 10 Days from this Date and the fore bay is all fraimed Ready to put Down: the work that is Done is Count'd the best of work. Mr Stephens is so Pertiqular about the Mill that he will have it Done in the best manner if he is a Little the Longer about it and hand is been very hard to get which it is backard the work: Sr. it is not in my Power to come Down for I cannot Leave the worke: and Provision very hard to get and I have Done my Utmost indeavor to foread the work all that in my Power lay Sr. I should be glad if you Could sent me Three Hundread Pound at Least: if you can by my Son for the money that I have sent to you will hardily pay the Expence that I have been at: and as to our Pardner Ship is all well Sr I made three Hundread Bushels of Corn I have nothing more to Relate to you & my Family is all well at Present

Sr I am your Humble Servant GILBERT SIMPSON

007561

FROM MAJOR WILLIAM CRAWFORD.

STEWARTS CROSSING November 14th. 1774

SIR

I yesterday returd from our Late Expedition against the Shawnees,1 and I think we may with Propriety Say we have had Great Sucksess as we have maid them Senceable of their Vileny and weekness, and I hop maid peace with them on such a footing as will be Lasting if we make them adhare to the termes of the agreement which is as follows

1 After the battle of Point Pleasant, October 10, 1774, General Lewis marched his division of the Virginia forces, according to orders received on the 9th, to join Lord Dunmore's division on the Pickaway plains. From this point the plan of action was to push forward and destroy the Indian towns. Upon their arrival, however, they found that the Shawnees had already sued for peace, and a treaty was in progress at Camp Charlotte, which was speedily effected. For the successful termination of the War Lord Dunmore received many letters of thanks and congratulation from the Virginians (American Archives, 4th series, vol. i. p. 1019), although later, probably on account of his attitude in the beginning of the Revolution, they questioned so seriously his motives in the management of this Indian War.

First they have to give up all the Prisoners taken ever by them in war both white People and Negro's and all the horses Stolen or taken by them Since Last War, and further no Endien for the futer is to hunt on the East side of the Ohio nor no white man one the West side as that seems to have bin the Cause of Som of the Disturbence between our people and them, and for the performence of the Same the have given up four Chief men to be Keept as Hostages for there futer behaviour Which is to be Releved yearly or as they may Chuse They Shawnees has Complyd with the Terms but the mingoes Did not Like the Conditions and had a mind to deceive us but Lord Dunmore007662discoverd there intentions which was to Slip of, while we was Setling matters with the Shawnees the mingoes intended to Slip of to the Lakes and take there Prisoners with them and horses which the had Stole1

1 It is well known that Logan, the Mingo chief, was not present at the treaty of Camp Charlotte, and that it was there that his famous speech is supposed to have been delivered to Lord Dunmore by Gibson. If so, its eloquence evidently made no impression on Major Crawford, for he does not refer to it.

Lord Dunmore ordered my self with 240 men to set out in the Night which was to march to a Town about 40 Miles Distant from our Camp & up Siotha, where we understood the hole of the mingoes was to Rendezvous at the Day following in order to pursue there Journey This inteligence came by Johnny Mounture2 Son of Captain Monture hom you formerly knew.

2 John Montour, son of Andrew Montour, a half-blood Indian, was a man of information and education, but a great savage. His father, whose Indian name was Sattelihu, was the oldest son of Madame Montour, a French-Canadian woman, and Roland Montour, a Seneca brave. Andrew, who was known to Washington, was a captain of a company of Indians in the English service in the Old French War, and rose to be a major. &mdash BUTTERFIELD.

from the number of Endiens there in our Camp, we marched out of camp under Pretence of going to Hockhaken for more Provisions few new of our seting of any how and none new where we was going to, till the Next Day, our march was performd with as much speed as Posable and arrived at a Town calld the Salt Lick town they ensuing night and at day break we got round the Town (or half) and the remainder was sent to a small town3 at half a miles007763distance, but unfortunetly one of our men was Discovered by the Endiens ho Lay out from the town at a distance at a Log which the man was Creeping up Which obblidged the man to Kill the Endien as he was discovered by them this hapned before daylight which did us much Damage as Chief part [of the Indians] maid there Eascap in the dark but we got 14 Prisoners and Killd 6 and wound Saveral more, got all there bagage and horses 10 of there Guns and two1 white Prisoners, the mount of the Plunder sold for £400 beside what was returnd to a mohake Endien that was there the hole [of the Mingoes] was ready for to start and was to have set of on that morning tha[t] we attackd them, Lord Dunmore has got 11 Prisoners and has Returned the rest to the nation, and the reast is to be returnd upon Complyence with his Lord ship Demand for other Perticequalors I refair you to Majr Connallys. Letter

3 Major Crawford probably means that they surrounded the town with one half their force, and sent the remainder, etc.

1 Butterfield (Washington-Crawford Letters) prints this “200,” inserting “two” in brackets; but it is plainly “two” in the manuscript, not 200.

I have Run your Land at the round bottom Again and will Send you a new Draft of it, by Val Crawford ho is to be at your house in a few Days at or before Christmass I would send it now but the Bearer cannot wait as he is on his Journey Them Drafts of Land on the Litle Kahaway I shall send them to you and Leve you at your Choyce to do as you Like

One faviour I would ask you if it did not sute, when Those Negros of Mercers are Sold and they are Sold at007864Creadit (12 months) I would be Glad to Purchess a boy and Girle about 14 or 15 years old Each or older if Such are Sold Tho I would not have you put your Self to any Trouble more for me than Sutes you1

1 Crawford, like Washington, was a slave-owner. At his death in 1782 he was possessed of several slaves. In that part of the trans-Alleghany country where Crawford lived, which was finally confirmed to Pennsylvania, no slaves were enumerated after the year 1800. &mdash BUTTERFIELD.

I spooke to Lord Dunmore about your Land at Charters and the round bottom and it hapned that Mr Cresap was present when we spooke of it Cresap was Laying Down his Claim and I was walking by Camp [He] wanted it run for him by a warrent which he had Purchest and [I] then told his Lordship the nature of your Claim before Cresaps farce2 upon which he said no more at that time but wanted me to Survay it for him also and return it

2 face.

I told him I cold not at any rate do such a thing as I had survayd it for you

We have Built you a house at your Land opposite the mouth of Hockhaking and Cleard about 8 acres of Land of all the Small Timber my Brother Val Crawford Says if you Proceed on in improving your Land next Summer he would Still do it for you as usel he has had the Misfortune to Loose his son Moses he Died with the Biles3 fever I am Sir your most Huml Sarvant

3 Bilious.

W,, CRAWFORD

007965

FROM MR. WILLIAM MILNOR.

PHILADA. Novr. 29th 1774 &mdash

HONBL SIR/

your favour of the 17th. Inst. came to hand on fryday last, I have made the strictest search, after a Sash and have sent the only one, that is to be had in this City, I am sorry to inform you, tis not intirely New tho', not much changed. I have bought it Conditionally if not approved of, to be sir returned by the first post & taken again, I had no Alternative, as no Other Could be had, the Epaulette is inclosed with the pamphlets &mdash the Gorget is Making, & will come by the Next post, &mdash after the strictest inquiry, I could find no Other Treatise on Military Dicipline, but the one I have sent you, &mdash I have enclosed you a Vile pamphlet said to be wrote by Dr. Cooper of New York, & likewise another small pamphlet called Strictures on the former, said to be wrote by General Lee of this City &mdash here I must beg youl. excuse my presumeing to exceed your Orders, as 'tis with an intintion to amuse. for if you have patience to read the first, I think you will be diverted with the last, &mdash

I have Applyed to two Gunsmiths, &mdash One palmer tells me he Can make one hundred by May next, And Nicholson says he Can make the like Number by March, they both agree in the price at £3..15.. this Currcy. Palmer says Mr Cadvalder had agreed With him for 100 at that price, a Jersy Musquet was brought to palmer for a patern, Mr. Shreive Hatter of Allexandira has one of that sort, which you008066may see, & if you Conclude to have any, please to inform me by the first post, as the Gunsmiths I blieve will soon be preengaged, & there is not one Musquet to be bought in this City at present, if you should Chose any Alteration, from that Musquet please to let us know &mdash Mr. Flexen assures me the Drums Coulers &c shall be ready to come with the first Vessels & you May be Assured I shall forward them by with the Utmost speed

I am Dear sir with the greatest respect, Your Most Obedt. humble Ser t WILLIAM MILNOR &mdash

FROM COLONEL GEORGE MUSE.

GEO. MUSE 30th Novr. 1774

SIR

As there is a peace with the Indians shall be Obliged to you to have Deeds Executed for the land I Exchang'd wth. you as soon as conveniancy will permit, in Order to have it saved, if you have an inclination to purchase please let me know by Mr Morton what you would give [mutilated] Acknowledge the receipt of 20£ by Colo. [mutilated] endleton for which I am Obliged to you, I Suppose Colo. Pendleton inform'd you that the deeds was Executed for the 80 Acres. from Sir yr. Most Hle. and Most Obedient Servt.

GEO. MUSE

008167

FROM ROBERT ADAM, ESQ.

ALEXANDRIA Decr. 9th. 1774

SIR

The bearer hereof Mr. Young is a young man that came a perfet Stranger to me about three years ago, enquireing for employmt. as an Assistant or Clerk And from his Appearance then I thought there was something promiseing in his looks or that bid fair for doing well haveing at that time no occation for any person myself I recomended him to Doctr. Ross who I had heard say wanted such a person, he was accordingly employed by him & has since that time till now been with the Doctr. & most part of the time at his Iron Works, till the floods last March Demolished greatly their Dams &c. &mdash his encouragement with the Doctr. being but small & his not haveing much Occation for any person in his way Induced him to Look out for Bussiness else where On my Return from you, he called upo me and made me acquanted with his Intentions of getting in to some other employ or trying what he could do for him self in Jamaica, Recolecting our Conversation Yesterday, I asked him how he would like a trip to the new Countrey1 and mentioned you wanting a trusty person for some months to Over look some hands you purposed sending there to make some improvements and give him just a little Sketch of your intentions that way, he very Frankly offered his best endeavours to serve in that way as far as he was Capable, I realy beleve he will suite you he is Smart and Active & has a pretty008268good turn for any thing I believe him to be a very Sober Young Man & Strictly Honest and from the Conversation I have had with [him] on that Subject I think he will Exert himself to give you entire Satisfaction in any Bussiness you entrust him with, he seems pleased with the plan, as he hopes after haveing done some Bussiness for you he might from his knowledge of these parts be able to procure a piece of Good Land for himself, which is very probable, he waits upon [you] with this, that you may have an opertunity of Converseing with him, I have said nothing to him of what encouragement you will give he will I believe leave that matter to your self till he gives you proof of his Abilitys and will sett out as soon as you please and in mean time would gladly be employed in any way to save his Expences he is a good Recountant and well acquanted with keeping books &mdash If you think he will answer your purpose it will give me particular pleasure in recomending him to youI am Sir

1 The country over the Alleghanies.

Your Most Obedient & very Humble Servant ROBERT ADAM

FROM THE PRINCE WILLIAM INDEPENDENT COMPANY.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY

Extracts from the Minutes of the independant Company of Cadets of the 11th: Novr. 1774. &mdash

WILLIAM GRAYSON Gentleman Chairman

Resolved that the Motto of this Company shall be, Aut liber, aut nullus.

008369

Resolved unanimously that Thomas Blackburn,1 Richard Graham2 and Philip Richard Francis Lee3 Gentlemen, do wait upon Collonel George Washington, and request of him to take the command of this Company as their Field Officer, and that he will be pleas'd to direct the fashion of their uniform; That they also acquaint him with the Motto of the Company which is to be fixed on their Colours.

1 Of “Ripon Lodge;” born in 1740, died in 1807. Thomas Blackburn was the son of Richard Blackburn, of Ripon, Yorkshire, England, and Mary Watts. One of his sisters married the Hon. Bushrod Washington.

2 Probably the son of John Graham, whose daughter Mary married Dr. William Wyatt in 1781, and father of George and John Graham, who held important offices during the administrations of Jefferson and Madison.

3 Captain in Continental army; wounded at the battle of Brandywine. Edmund Jennings Lee, in Lee of Virgnia, presumes that this Captain Philip Richard Francis Lee was the son of Richard Lee, of Maryland, who married first Sarah Brooke, second, Grace Ashton, daughter of Henry Ashton of Westmoreland County. As we find him here among the Virginia volunteers, this supposition is probably not correct.

per Order EVAN WILLIAMS4 Clk

4 Pierre Williams, sergeant-at-law, London, England, had three grandsons who emigrated to America: John settled in South Carolina; Otho in Maryland, and was ancestor of General Otho Holland Williams, of the Revolutionary Army, from Maryland; William located in Virginia.—HAYDEN. Evan Williams was probably descended from William.

FROM MR. GILBERT SIMPSON.

december; 18: 1774

Sr I am heartyly Sorrey To heare your uneaseyness Concerning Mills Costing so Mutch; as it is in all Likelyhood To Bee Complte and Strong in all Branches and I Make No doubt But She Will Grind With as Little Wayter as by Eyther Mill Within 150 Miles of her and The Setuation Wheareon She Stands is in all Likelehod of Becoming a popolus plase For I am Shure in My own Mind The Main Rood Will Bee Turnd Within008470one Quarter of Mile of her and There is The Convenens of haveing a Fine Rood To The River and and Good Ford in Time of Looe Water and only one Small Mile to The River and The Land Belonging To you is Most Level and Fine Meadows To Bee Maid and a Most Sutable plase For Stors publick hous or Bllack Sinth Shoops1 So That if at any Time Sr you or yours Should incline To Send out any proper person That is Well Calculated For Buisness With a pasel of Goods Sutable To The Cuntry I Make No doubt But your profets arriseing From The Whole Might Make you an ample Satisfaction in a very Ful2 years of Which I am Cleare in My own Mind The Mill Will Not Fail doing her part and as To Mr youngs Saying She Was Seatted of your Land it was altogether a Mistak For There is Neither part Nor parsel of her But What is on your own Land The Land of one George Smith Runs Near To her For Which Reason I agred With Smith To Take in Two acers of his Land as Near as We Could Gees Joining The Mill and Marked it out: it is True. She has alreydy Cost you double The Money I Ever Expect She Was To Cost and She Will Cost a Great deel More yet For Which Reason as all Things Mearly Taken out of The Fire To Get Tools all other Neserys3 Towards The Building of her has Given Me Such a years Troble and Loos of Time and hinderanse of My people and horses doing work on The plantation That in The Whole I Would Not under Take The Like again For The Beest Sixty Guineys That Ever008571I recived But would Sooner Eat hand Mill and Morter Beten Meal all The days of Life or Such as Mils affor in This Cuntry Which is No Better For Reayly it is only Wasting Time and grain To Goe To Such Mills But Need Must So That all This trouble of Mine is Just To have The Satisfaction of Eating of Better Bread heraeafter if I Should Live: But Sr Concidering your Costs is Vast Extensef and will Bee as I Money is Make No doubt But Mony has Been very dead This year in Curculation Neither Sr do I Beleive That your orchads Bears Gold of Tree kind But The almighty God has Blest With other orchads Which has Made Gold and I hope Will Continue To do so always For all Thinks in My oppinion offer To The advantag of your or yours intrist heareafter and Sr if Such gentlemen as you dont do Sumthing For The Benefit of a New Cuntry as Well as your own intrist Espe[cial]ly heare Wheare you have an immensd and Lasting Estate it Would Bee impossable For poor Men To Set Things on Foo[t] To There presen[t] or Futer advantage Sr all Things is [mutilated] ell as I Trust in The Great Sovren of all Things That you and all Belonging to you are and I Remain Sr your humble Ser To Command

1 Blacksmith Shops,

2 Few?

3 Necessaries.

GILBT. SIMPSON YOUGHAGUHALAY

008672

FROM THOMAS NEWTON, JR., ESQ.

NORFOLK Decr. 21– 1774.

SIR

I Received yours & am extreemly sorry for the disapointment at the meeting in October. I was not wanting in my endeavours to collect the whole that was due to you, but such was the scarcity of Cash that it cou'd not be got & beleive in generall the worst payments that ever were known was made at that meeting.

I will use my utmost endeavours to get your money by the meeting of the Assembly, tho I have little hopes of doing it before the Aprill Court. The biscuit I am afraid I shall never be able to to render you a satisfactory acct. of. Mr. Balfour refused it & I was obliged to get rid of it as I cou'd, but must defer the particulars relating to it untill I have the pleasure of seeing you & can only say that I have done for you as I should have done for myself & can assure you that that biscuit has given me more uneasiness than every disapointment I ever met with in my whole trade. Flour sells here at 2d superfine & 15/ Common payable in Aprill & June, tho (as you have experienced) we are often disapointed when the day of payment comes, therefore shall leave it altogether to yourself to choose whether you'l send any or not, if you should send any, I will do as well for you as lies in my power. I shall take due care of Mr. Custis wine when it comes to hand. I have hand in my care Mr. Custis desk & book case which I will send by the first oppertunity. Capt. Curtis of your Brig call'd008773here to get seamen & an anchor which I supply'd him with amount £20–2. to your debit, he desired me to inform you that his vessell was no worse than when he wrote you & that he should imidiately proceed to sea. The two Seamen run away from him in Potomack, Jno. Young & Robt. Scott he imagin'd had return'd to Alexa. by th was in hopes you'd make an example of them.

I am

Yr. Hble. Sert. THOS. NEWTON JUNR.

FROM BALFOUR & BARRAUD.1

1 James Balfour, see vol. iv. p. 124. “Last Thursday Mr. Robert Taylor of Norfolk to Miss Sally Barraud, eldest dau. of Mr. Daniel Barraud, merchant in that place.” &mdashVirginia Gazette, October 3, 1771. General Robert Barraud Taylor was the son of this marriage.

LITTLE ENGLAND2 25th. Decemr. 1774

2 On the west side of the river lived in these early days that very quiet character in our early history called William Capps, who resided at “Little England,” anciently known as Capp's Point, and who in 1619 represented Kecoughtan in the first American Legislature. &mdash Old Kecoughtan,William and Mary Quarterly.

SIR,

We have occasion for about a Thousand Barrs. flour & a few hundred Bars. of bread but it must be ready by the first day of March at farthest &mdash

We have sent Mr. Leonard Tarrant properly impowered, any bargain he may make with you shall be binding on us & faithfully comply'd with &mdash

one half to be paid at next April the other at June Courts

We have signed an agreement the quantity & price to be filled up by Mr. Tarrant &mdash We have a Ship that will be soon in your River to load &mdash

We are SirYour obt. Servts BALFOUR & BARRAUD &mdash

008874

please to send us by Mr. Tarrant ½ doz Bars. flour for our own use &mdash B. B.1

1 “Agreed between Coll George Washington and Balfour & Barraud to wit

The said Washington Agrees to deliver unto the said Balfour & Barraud at his Mill on Potomack one thousand Barrels of fine barr flour & [???] Barrels of good well baked biscuit for a long Voyage for which Balfour & Barraud agrees to pay at the rate of Sixteen Shillings per hundred for the Flour & at the rate of [???] per hundred for the bread, one half to be paid at April the other at June October Court next ensuing, the flour & Bread must be and is agreed to be all ready by the first day of March next.

Witness our hands and Seals this4th day of January 1775

BALFOUR & BARRAUD[???]GO. WASHINGTON[???]

Note.

It is agreed by Geo:Washington to lend his Boatto assist in getting the Flour fromthe Mill door to the Ship at the Mouthof the Creek.”

FROM MR. WILLIAM MILNOR.

PHILADA. Decem 27th. 1774

HONBLE SIR/

I recievd your favour yesterday with your Order on Mr. James Tilghman for £ 20..12..6 which I will deliver the first Oppertunity, & shall carefully comply with every request in your letter I have sent you herewith 7 pamphlets the Cost of which the whole are six shills. which I have Charged to your Acct, the Drums &c. Comes in Capt James Cobourn who sails from here, the latter end of this week, as he stops at Dumfries first, I shall order him to leave those for prince008975William with Mr. Wm. Grason agreable to your directions I am Dr sir in hast

Your Most Obdt. humle. Sert the post Just going ofWILLIAM MILNOR

FROM JAMES STEWART.

LONDON Decr 28th 1774. —

SR

I hope you will excuse this Freedom after you have time to Consider the purport of this Letter &mdash

Being One of the Correspondent members of the Society for the encouragement of Arts Manufactorys and Commerce in London and by my own knowledge and their Assistance I have made myself master of the Agriculture and in making and manufactoring the Articles hereafter mention'd (First Woad in Latin Glastum Sativum) or Satis Sativa) this Woad makes Indigo and is the verry foundation of all Colours in the Woolen Manufactory Particularly in Blacks and Blues this prepared Woad if Sold at 8d per pound will bring great proffits to ye planter and will to the Dyer Dye as much as a pound of the best Indigo this will be a verry great Help to our Woolen Cloth in America &mdash I have with great interest procured as much of the seed of woad as will plant 50 Acres of Land it has been kept a great secret amongst the manufactorys all over England they have 3 Crops in a year but in turkey they Often have 5 Crops & Our Virginia is much in the same Latitude the Ground is prepared the same as for Wheat it grows much about the size and Length of009076the Windsor Bean and the Tobacco Howes are Calculated well enough to prepare it for Market Every Acre of this Valuable Article will bring the farmer £20 Sterling Allowing it only sells at £20 per Ton One Hand will plant & attend to Acres but it is now in London 26 per Ton I have also the seed of Wooll and have the thorough knowledge of the Culture of it and use of it It is the fundamental die for yellow and pompadour both in Woolen Cotton & Linnen and yields great profit to the farmer it is sold in London at 5 Sh per Sheaf About the size of a Wheat Sheaf—I have also procured & have pack'd up 10,000 Plants of Madder in Latin Rubia Tinctorum I have made myself Master of the Culture & preparing it for the Market and have also all the materials for Manufactoring all the aforemention'd Articles—Madder is the Foundation of all Colours and there are great Quantities usd of it in London it is often sold from £10 to 14£ per Hundred Wt and no longer than last year I paid in Virginia 3 Shilling per pound, in England—It must be 3 years in the Ground before it can come to perfection now in Turkey its only 2 years therefore am in hopes in Virginia the same—I am verry certain our Lands in Virginia will each Acre produce about 2000 Wt the Land is prepard - the same as for wheat it is planted in Ridges the same as Celery is in Gardens —

I have Ship'd this useful commodity for our Country on Board the Randolph Capt Mc Nabb for James River which will sail about ye 20th Jany first I have great Variety of Valuable Seeds & Roots which I hope will be of service to the Country. —

009177

I have also sundry Spinning Machines for Spinning of Cotton yt spins 25 threads with one person this Machine I have invented myself & received ye Premium for it of the Society—I cannot conclude without giving you a more particular Acct of that Valuable Article of Madder as Madder is an Ingredient so very essential in dying of Cloth & staining of Linnen that neither of them two Manufactorys can be carry'd on without it it is of the Greatest Consequence to those Branches of Trade to have a Constant suply of that Valuable commodity & at as low a rate as possible—And not depend upon a Neighboring Country when it may be in their power to advance ye Price or with hold it from us, there can be no doubt of ye utility of Cultivating Madder in America when it is known that the Dutch have received from England for many years past upon an Average more than one Hundred & Eighty Thousand pounds per year, & as the Demand Increases undoubtedly our Neighbours the Dutch, Spanish & Ports, have Increased their Prices their is an Opening for America to become Master of this valuable Article I hope in two or three Years to be Able to furnish the Planters in Virginia with Plants to Plant 10,000 Acres. —

I shall refer you to enquire of my Characters & Abilities What I have set forth from Mr Robert Rutherford Mr Isaac Izens Colonel Stevens in Frederick County I intend propogating all the Foremention'd Articles for the Benefit of the Publick in America particularly in Virginia to Which place I am a Sincere Welwisher.

009278

The Parliament is broke up till the 19th of next Month but all the ministerial party are for using Ye American resentment (as the call it) by force God knows what will be the End of it but all hope you'll be steady in what you have undertaken & hope God will prosper you all. —

I Desire you will inform all the Gentlemen in your Neighborhood who are willing to become planters of any of the Aforemention'd Articles & I remain

Sr Your Most Obedt Humble Servt JAMES STEWART

FROM WILLIAM GRAYSON, ESQ.

DUMFRIES Decr. 27th. 1774

DEAR SIR

I had the honor of your favor of the 12th. of this instant, soon after it was wrote; which I should have immediately answered; but never had it in my power to convene the independant Company, till yesterday when it appear'd that several of the soldiers had purchas'd muskets in the Country, and that some others had imploy'd our own gunsmiths to make them proper arms.

The gentlemen of the Company return their thanks to you for your kind offer, and will be much oblig'd to you, to write to Philada. for forty muskets with bayonets, Cartouch boxes, or Pouches, and slings, to be made in such a manner, as you shall think proper to direct; I have not sent the subscription paper, but009379think I can venture to assure you, that the gunsmith who undertakes the business, will be paid on demand, as the subscribers are jointly & severally responsible for the whole; among whom there are a number of respectable gentlemen: Mr Robert Graham, who conveys this to you has promis'd to lodge yr. letter in the Post Office in Colchester this evening, that no time may be lost.

I am with great respect Yr. Most obedt. Servt. WILLM. GRAYSON. NB. Yr. Letter to Mr. Bullett I sent on the Saturday preceding Fairfax Court — W. G.

FROM COLONEL JOHN CARLYLE.1

1 Colonel Carlyle was one of the executors of the estate of Washington's brother Augustine.

JOHN CARLYLE Decr. 29 1774

SIR/

On my Looking over my Settlement with The Court I find it In March 1768 & the ballance then In my hands was 12l .. 19s .. 6d Curry. Since In Augt 1769 Mrs. Auge Washington gave an order Upon me to Mr Templeman for her Rent & I paid Mr Adams 60 Tobo. Clarks fees Since I have recover d from Danl Lawrence A ballance that was due the Estate In Loudon Court of 7:15.6 which is All that I have to Settle with the Estate —

I would have Sent you A Copy for yr Satisfaction009480but had not time, If you desire it I will doe the Same few days hence —

I am with Compts to yr Lady Yr Very Hble Sert JOHN CARLYLE P.S my Compts to Mr L: Washington & the barer has his book Yr Servant Staying in Town Longer than I Expected I have Since Seen the Captain who has the Lime Stone he Desires me to Acquaint You that he Expects to get Away In A few days & If You will take the Stone you may have the Whole at first Cost which He Says is 2/8½ Irish Sterling per Ton or English Sterlig is 1/1 In Ireland I am as Above Yrs J C.

FROM MR. WILLIAM MILNOR.

PHILADA January 3d. 1775 —

HBL SIR/

your favour 29th. Ulto. Came to hand last night, I engaged 40 Musquets this Morning, Mr Palmer says he will Certainly have them all ready by the first of Aprill the Cartouch boxes, I have agreed for, at a Dollar each—I intend having one Musquet & one Cartouch box finished & put on board of Capt. Cobourn, who is now ready to sail, but the navigation being intirely stop d, with the Ice must wait for the first slatch, the Drums Coulers & fifes are already on board, please to let me know whether you will have the Musquets Number'd, & whether any letters on009581them, this will be no additional Expence, the Cartouch boxes likewise may be letter d without Expence —

Mr. Wilper thanks you for the trouble you have taken in sending after his Money, he would be glad you would inform him, whether the governers peace, with the Indians may be depended on, as he doubts the Authenticity of the News papers.

My wife Joins me in the Complimts of the season wishing many happy New Years to you with your Lady, be pleased to remember me to Mr Lund Washington, & blive me to be Dr sir Your Most Obdt. Humbl Servt

WILLIAM MILNOR PS Capt Cobourn says that when he Comes Nearly Opisite to Mount Vernon he will hoist his Jack at his Mast head so that if you would chose to have the Drums &c for fairfax landed at your house may send the boat on board if not he will proceed to Allexandria with them

FROM COLONEL GEORGE MUSE.

[A Copy.]

CAROLINE Jany 6. '75.

SIR,

I rec'd your letter dated the 5th Decr by the hands of the Rev Andrew Watson, [?] I approve of the method of dividing the land between Capt Brenan [?] Doctor Craig & myself; and instead of deeds being made to me for the 2000 acres of land, you will please009682to make them in the name of my Son Battaile Muse as I have trusted my right to him, my infirmness and old age rendering it impracticable for me to go thro' these fatigues.

You may treat with my Son for the land who lives at Col Warner Lewis' in Gloucester County. There are some few expenses concerning the land. I hope you will settle them when matters are brot' to a conclusion, which, I hope, Sir may be done with all expedition.

Yr obedt servant GEO MUSE.

6 Jany 1775

FROM EDMUND PENDLETON, ESQ.

EDMD. PENDLETON Jany. 10th: 1775

DR SIR,

Mr. Valentine Crawford and Mr. John Neavill have given bonds to Mr. Benjamin Temple for £400. for Lands sold them on the Ohio, in which a brother of mine is Interested—the remote Situation of those Gentn. makes it difficult to know how to come at the money, and they think your Connection with that Country, & particularly wth. Mr. Crawford will enable you to serve them in it, as they would be happy in getting the money into your hands. They requested I would write you on the subject, and if it should be in your power to serve them without trouble or inconvenience, I shall esteem it a favr. & shall be glad of a line by Post of its probability.

I hope you found yr. Family well & are by this time recruited so as to make the Assembly Campaign009783in February. My Compts. to Mrs. Washington, Mr. Custis & his Lady. I am

Sir Yr. mo.hble Servt. EDMD. PENDLETON

FROM THOMAS JOHNSON, ESQ.

ANNAPOLIS 17 Jany 1775.

SIR

Mr. Normand Bruce of our province has lately done me the Favour of shewing me some very pretty Samples of Hempen Lint and Tow raised and prepared in his own ffamily without the help of a Mill or any such Engine and gave me the Reading a Manuscript pamphlet on the Subject—his Drift is to persuade people in general to manufacture coarse Linnens in earnest, to shew that Hemp is the proper Material for us to rely on much in preference of Flax on many Accounts, and to give the necessary Directions to effect it—from my Knowledge of the Gent. I can rely on what he asserts as Facts and so far as I can judge I think his Observations & Directions will prove very useful Something of the Kind is necessary with us and I suppose with you he wishes for your Encouragement of a Work so well intended and requests the Favour of you to advise him if you think any Number of Copies could readily be disposed of in your Parts—His not being personally acquainted with you prevented his writing to009884you himself and induced me to join him in his Request.

I am Sir Your most obedt hble Servant THS. JOHNSON JUNR.

FROM THOMAS JOHNSON, ESQ.

ANNAPO 24 Jany 1775.

DEAR SR.

Our printer assuring us in his last weeks paper that there would be a further prorogation of our Assembly and the very doubtful State of American Affairs induced me to think that Nothing would probably be attempted in your Assembly the ensuing Session. This Morning about 11 OClock I reced your two Letters by Mr. Stewart dated the 20 Instant and this Afternoon Mr. Ballendine came to see me on the Subject of them

I should have needed Nothing more than your Desire to have waited on the Gent. at Alexandria on Thursday if it was in my power but I am so circumstanced that I cannot oblige you My Time has been lately so much engrossed with Committee Business and Things of the kind that I have been obliged for a Week or ten Days past to be plodding over my Law Affairs every Oppertunity with more than common Assiduity and I shall with great Difficulty be able to get my Terms pleading done by the last Day of this Month against which Day they must be finished I believe owing to an Anxiety which I cannot009985quiet on public Matters I am in but an indifferent State of Health nor could I, if for that Reason alone, just now undertake the proposed journey with tolerable Convenience I had resolved therefore to send you off my Thoughts tomorrow which I do by Mr. Ballendine though the Time will not allow me to reduce them to the full Draft of a Bill and despairing of ever seeing Poto. made navigable on the plan I most wished it you may depend on my best Endeavours to get a Bill passed here similar to yours whether upon giving a ffee Simple in fiat & invariable Tolls or having the Tolls ascertained anew from Time to Time with onlye to a limitted profit per Cent in the Cost and Repairs of the Work or giving a Term only with a still higher profit. I may possibly be insensibly led by my own particular Interest to view the Advantages of Navigation on the River as more general and extensive than I ought but I really believe if I had not a ffoot of Land above the ffalls I should be as warm a ffriend to the Scheme Unless the our Assembly will so far assist us as to emit a Sum of Money for Loan to the Subscribers I do assure you I do not think that those on our Side who would most willingly subscribe will be able to do any Thing clever. I myself am in such a Situation that I cannot raise any Sum of Money without selling a part of the very Estate to be benefited by the Scheme on very low Terms at present in these Times and manny with whom I have spoke on the Subject are circumstanced as myself I should think nothing of risking a good deal and might prudently do it all Chances considered but in these Times010086many want to borrow and but few to lend Money I do not know where 500£ could be got on the Secty of 5000.

Genl Lees plan has been delayed some Time for a plate I am told it is now nearly doue & I hope to have the pleasure of sending you some Copies soon—There has been more Alacrity shewn by our people than I expected but we are but illy prepared with Arms &c I am apprehensive that the vigilance of the Govt. at home will make it necessary for us to turn our Thoughts towards an internal Supply of Materials1

1 At this time committees were forming, militia being raised, and taxes levied for arms and ammunition all over the country. Others there were in America who looked upon the advocates of liberty as a handful of reckless and dangerous fantics. “in the Philadelphia Papers,” writes a gentleman from Baltimore, January 27, 1775, “you will perceive that some persons in this Town have had the imbecility to approve of the frantick proceedings of certain men, who lately styled themselves Delegates to a Provincial Congress, (with the same truth and propricty, indeed, they might have called themselves Electors of the Holy Roman Empire,) abandoned to every sense of decency, propriety, and loyalty, have also in their turn, haberdashed certain Resolves extremely curious. This Town is chiefly settled by Scotch-Irish, (in liberality of sentiment at least three centuries behind even the other British subjects in America,) and it is a melancholy truth, that such are to a man, violently bent on supporting the good old cause (that is the cause of fanaticism and sedition,) by taking Arms against the best Government (with all its imperfections) on earth. You see, sir, they have ordered three thousand pounds of Powder, and twelve thousand pounds of Lead, to be immediately purchased. While I compassionate their delusion, I cannot forbear smiling at their insanity, and at their gasconades. They have assessed the immense sum of ten thousand Pounds currency, (by-the-bye, it is not yet raised, though they accept the humble sums of two Shillings and six Pence from subscribers,) to oppose an Empire, who, last war, for years, expended only the triffing sums of twenty millions Sterling annually.” Others again wrote: “We by no means desire to shake off our duty or allegiance to our lawful Sovereign, but on the contrary, shall ever glory in being the loyal subjects of a Protestant Prince, descended, from such illustrious progenitors … but if no pacifick measures shall be proposed or adopted by Great Britain, and our enemies will attempt to dragoon us out of those inestimable privileges, which we are entitled to as subjects, and to reduce us to a state of slavery, we declare that we are deliberately and resolutely determined never to surrender them to any power upon earth, but at the expense of our lives.” A less conservative element still was expressed by Adam Stephen writing to Richard Henry Lee: “Let us be firm, and the gates of hell cannot prevail against us. A handful of men in Canada, six broken Regiments from France, withstood, for five years, all the force of British Fleets and Armies, from home, and fifteen or twenty thousand Americans, every campaign. They gained several victories over us, and chance had a great hand in their reduction at last. What can we do, if united? We only want a Navy to give law to the world, and we have it in our power to get it.”

I am sr. with the greatest Regard Your most obedt. Servant THS: JOHNSON JUNR

010187

FROM EDWARD SNICKERS.

ED SNICKERS Janry 26. 1775

DER SER/

the whete I have all Redey halled to you of the Estate of Coll George mercer Comes to £70–10–0 besides the thrathing and what is to hall and you peaid me £18 pounds at the Sale and I Shald take it as a grait faver if you Cald Send me fifty pounds by the Barer ISac Edwards it will much oblige me as I wont to Settel with all the waginers and thrathers and as Soon as his whete is all Down I Shall Send the Remander of my one from Loudon amedetely and when you Return from the Esembly I will weaight on you to Settel the account of Mr mercers Estate all from youre most obedent

Humbil Sarvent ED SNICKERS NB if you are not Inployed with aman to Impruve youre Land I think Mr Reed wald be the Best man you Cald Git I am youres E S Mr Alexander has gote George Rice Securety for page and I have Gote the morgige to Gite Recorded I am yours E S

010288

FROM COLONEL WILLIAM PRESTON.

Jany 27th 1775

DEAR SIR

Your Letter of the 26th. Decr. came to Hand yesterday. I have inclosed a Certificate of the Survey made by Mr. Floyd at the Mouth of Cole River,1 But as the Members for this County set off two Days ago I shall not have an Opportunity of Sending this till Colo. Fleming goes down which I hear will be some time in February. I understand that worthy Gentleman intends to make Application to Your House for some Yearly Allowance from the Country for his being disabled in its Service; I would fain hope the same Notice will be taken of his Merit that has been to many other Officers who were Wounded in the Service of the Country on former Occasions.

1 Survey'd for Col. George Washington Assignee of Charles Myn Thurston a Lieutenant in the Virginia Regiment under the Command of Col. Byrd, By Virtue of the Governors Warrant, and agreeable to the Royal Proclamation of 1763. 2,000 acres of Land in Fincastle County, and bounded as follows. Viz. Beginning at a Sycamore at the mouth of a Draught on the bank of Cole River, marked GW. and running down the sveral Courses thereof and binding thereon 588 poles to its Junction with the Great Kanhawa, and up the several courses thereof and binding thereon 1400 poles to a Sycamore at the mouth of a small draught marked GW. then leaving the River S45°. W. 170 po. to the Hill side and along the same 660 poles to the beginning.

WM. PRESTON S. F. C.18th. Apl. 1774

There is no doubt but the Expence of the late Expedition, & the forces employed for the Protection of the Frontiers will be very great. But as the Frontiers were in a great Measure defended & the Enemy Subdued there is reason to hope not only the Peace will be lasting, but that the Expence will be paid with the greater Cheerfulness; and the rather as the Men010389engaged in the Service with uncommon Ardour, depending wholly on the Publick Faith, as there was no Money in hand for defraying any part of the Charge or given as encouragement to men to inlist. The former well known Justice and Generosity of the Assembly, together with the Safety of the Country from our old inveterate Enemies appeared to me to be the only Motives which induc'd Men to engage so readily in the Service.

I am Dr sir with great Esteem your most Obedt Servt WM. PRESTON

FROM COLONEL WILLIAM PRESTON.

FINCASTLE Jany. 31st. 1775

DR. SIR

I wrote to you some days ago inclosing a Certificate of your Survey at the Mouth of Cole River & intended to have sent the Letter by Colo. Fleming, but meeting with Capt. Meredith who intends to Town in a few Days I got the favour of him to be the Bearer.

Capt. Floyd came here last night & has drawn up his charge which with my Account, I have (at your Request) inclosed. The money may be paid to Mr. Trigg a Member for this County whose rect. shall be good against Mr. Floyd & Myself.

I make no doubt but Col Lewis has informed you of a large Purchase made by one Colo. Henderson of North Carolina from the Cherokees.1 Since I wrote010490to Colo. Lewis on this Subject I hear that Henderson talks with great Freedom & Indecency of the Governor of Virginia, Sets the Government at Defiance & says if he h once had five hundred good Fellows Settled in that Country he would not Value Virginia, that the Officers & Soldiers Who have Lands Surveyed there must h hold under him otherwise they shall not enjoy an Inch there. This & such like Stuff has a great Effect upon ignorant People & will be a Means to induce great Numbers to settle in that Country next Spring.

1 Richard Henderson, of Granville County, N. C., early in 1775, formed a company, designated as the Transylvania Company, to purchase from the Cherokees all their land lying south of the Kentucky River, embracing a large portion of the present States of Kentucky and Tennessee. Governor Martin and Lord Dunmore took immediate action to declare this purchase illegal under the Royal Proclamation of 1763, and directed that if Henderson, or any member of his company, attempted to take possession of these lands, they were to be seized, and fined or imprisoned. In spite of all opposition, however, the Transylvania Company took active steps to improve and settle the country purchased. Daniel Boone was employed to survey it and construct a fort, called by Colonel Henderson Fort Boone, of which he took possession April 20, 1775. On the 23d of the same month, fifty-four town lots were drawn for by lottery, and the town of Henderson, afterwards Boonsborough, Madison County, Ky., was thus begun. Henderson addressed a memorial to the Continental Congress in 1775, petitioning that Transylvania might be added to the United Colonies. For Henderson's Proposals, and the proclamations of Governors Martin and Dunmore, see North Carolina Colonial Records, vol. ix. pp. 1122, 1129, and 1169.

There is now at Wautag [mutilated] eighty Indians & upwards of 700 more are expected to the Treaty whi [mutilated] to be held there some time next Month in order to receive the Goods which now amount to eight waggon loads & to Confirm the Sale by Conveying the Land.1

1 The Transylvania purchase was concluded at the Sycamore Shoals Treaty, held on the Watauga River, March 17, 1775.

This in my Opinion will soon become a Serious Affair, & highly deserves the Attention of the Government. For it is certain that a vast Number of People are preparing to go out and Settle on this010591Purchase; and if once they get fixed there, it will be next to impossible to remove them or reduce them to Obedience; as they are so far from the Seat of Government. Indeed it may be the Cherokees will support them.

I am most respectfully Sir your very hble Servt: WM. PRESTON

FROM THE REVEREND WALTER MAGOWAN.1

1 Of St. James Parish, Anne Arundel County, Md. Washington's journals show that Mr. Magowan was a frequent visitor at Mount Vernon.

ST. JAMES'S 3d Feby 1775

SIR

Yours of the 30th. Decmr. I received the 15th. Ult: and should have sent the inclosed sooner, had I not expected to have received the Cash for the Tickets sold by me;2 it is not in my power at present to advise you of the names of those who had them, because the gentimn. to whom I delivered them sold them out afterwards, but shall ascertain them by the time that I come over to see you which shall be soon. I have inclosed two Orders one on Mr. Ross, the other010692on Mr. Gibson,1 being apprehensive that Mr. Ross may be out of the way, as I have not heard from him for three months past; by Mr. Ross's advertisement, the Debts contracted by him on Accot. of the Company are to be discharged by Mr. Gibson, who I hope will accept my Order, in case of his Absence.

1773. Jan. 6To 12 Tickets in the Delaware Lottery, belonging to Lord Sterlg. Numbd. from 5264 to 5275. Incluse a 10 dollrs.£8336 — ea & dispos'd of by you . pr. Letter ContraCr. 1775By your order on Mr. Hcctr. Ross Janyfor 120. Dollars. . £36.0.0 (Washington's Ledger.)

2 The Reve. Mr. MagowanDr

1 SIR

Please pay to Colo. George Washington or his order the Sum of one hundred and twenty Dollars on demand, and with the Same Debit the Accot. of

SirYour Hble. Servt.WALTER MAGOWAN3d. Feby 1775ToMR. JOHN GIBSONMercht. in Colchester

I hope you'll be kind enough to excuse my troubling you with the Order, which I woul'd not have done, if I had the Money by me. With my Compts. to your Lady, Mr. & Mrs. Custis, I am

Sir Your Much obliged Hble. Servt. WALTER MAGOWAN

FROM MR. DANIEL JENIFER ADAMS2

2 Son of Josias Adams, of Charles County, Md., and grandson of Francis Adams, of “Trooper's Rendezous.” Daniel J. Adams was major of the 7th Battalion Maryland Regulars in the Revolution. He married Anna, daughter of Timothy Hanson, of Kent County, Del., and died at Wilmington, Del., in 1796. He was a nephew of Daniel Jenifer.

PORTBACCO Feby. 4th. 1775

HONOUR'D SIR

Since I saw you last, I have Wrote to my Uncle at Anapolis Acquainting Him of my Sisters3 contending for the Land you Attach'd, He has Since Wrote to them Touching the Matter, and they are Agreed to give the Land up on conditions they can keep it010793this Year, as they are prepareing for a Crop and has Sav'd some Considerable Quantity of Wheat, and I immagine it will make no Odds with you, as it will be two late for to Rent the Land Out by the time you can have it Condemn'd I have desir'd Mr. Stones to let the Land be condemn'd next Court, if its your desire—Lately Stromatt has brought Sute Against me for the Bond that was Forfeited at Anapolis in the Loan Office, He was the cause of the Bonds being forfeited, and convinc'd was it defended properly He coul'd not recover it, Untill the Limited time of Payment, but you to Act as you think proper, as he will have an Undoubted right to fall on the Land as soon as He Obtains a Judgement, which will be next Court if it is not defended—am

3 Elizabeth Mason and Alma Adams.

Hon. Sir Your Most Obedient and Mo. Hum: Servt. DANL J. ADAMS1

1 In the schedule of property attached to Washington's will this land is described as 600 acreas in Charles County, Md., and quoted at $3600. In a note to this entry Washington says: “I am but little acquainted with this land, although I have once been on it. It was receiv'd (many years since) in discharge of a debt due to me from Daniel Jenifer Adams, at the value annexed thereto, and must be worth more.—It is very level, lyes near the River Potomack.”

FROM GEORGE MASON, ESQ.

GUNSTON HALL February 6th. 1775.

DEAR SIR,

My Friend Colo. Harrison (who is now at yr. House) promised to spend a Day or two with me on his way down. I beg the Favour of you to present my Compliments010894to Him; and excuse my being under the disagreeable Necessity of being from Home, until the latter End of this Week; when if He is not gone down, I shall be very glad to see Him here.—Poor Mrs. Eilbeck has had a Cancer on her Breast for several Months which has increased so much lately as to affect the whole Breast, upon which the Doctor has determined that there is a Necessity for extirpating it imediatly by amputation of the Breast, before any of the Roots or Fibres of the Cancer affect the Vital Parts; & when I came Home Yester from Alexandria, I found a Messenger here, desiring me to go over to-day upon this Occasion, Wth. my Daughter Nancy; I apprehend such an Opperation must be a very dangerous one, & therefore shall not care to leave Mrs. Eilbeck for two or three Days after it is perform'd. —

Inclosed you have a Copy of the plan I drew for embodying the people of this County; in which you'll be pleased to make such Alterations as you think necessary.—You will observe I have made it as general as I well cou'd, this I thought better at first than to descend to particulars to Uniform &c. which perhaps may be more easily done, when the Companys are made up.1 —

1 “Threatened with the Destruction of our antient Laws & Liberty, and the Loss of all that is dear to British Subjects & Freemen,—justly alarmed with the Prospect of impending Ruin,—firmly determined, at the hazard of our Lives, to transmit to our Children & Posterity those sacred Rights to which Ourselves were born; & thoroughly convinced that a well regulated Militia, composed of the Gentlemen Freeholders & other Freemen, is the natural Strength, and only safe & stable Security of a free Government, & that such Militia will relieve our Mother Country from any Expence in our Protection & Defence, will obviate the Pretence of a necessity for taxing us on that Account, & render it unnecessary to keep any standing Army (ever dangerous to Liberty) in this Colony. We the Subscribers, Inhabitants of Fairfax County, have freely & voluntarily agreed, & hereby do agree & solemnly promise to inroll & Embody ourselves into a Militia for this County, intended to consist of all the able-bodied Freemen from eighteen to fifty Years of Age, under Officers of their own Choice; & for that Purpose to form ourselves into distinct Companies of Sixty eight Men each; and so soon as the said Companies, or any of them in convenient neighbourhoods & Districts are completed, to chuse from among our Friends and Acquaintance, upon whose Justice Humanity & Bravery we can relie, a Captain, two Lieutenants, an Ensign & four Serjeants for each Company; every Captain respectively to appoint four Corporals & a Drummer for his Company, which Election of Officers is to be annual in any Company, if the Majority of the Company think fit; & whenever a sufficient Number of Companies shall be made up; all the said Companies are to be formed into a Regiment, under the Command of a Colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel, & Major, to be chosen by the Captains, Lieutenants & Ensigns of the said Companies; which Election of Field-Officers is to be annual also, if the Majority of the Officers think fit.—And such of us as have, or can procure Riphel Guns, & understand the use of them, will be ready to form a Company of Marksmen or Light-Infantry for the said Regiment, chusing our own Officers as aforesaid, & distinguishing our Dress, when we are upon Duty, from that of the other Companies, by painted Hunting-Shirts, and Indian Boots, or Caps; as shall be found most convenient.—Which Regulation & Establishment is to be preserved & continued, until a regular and proper Militia Law for the Defence of the Country shall be enacted by the Legislature of this Colony—And we do Each of us, for ourselves respectively, promise and engage to keep a good Firelock in proper Order, & to furnish Ourselves as soon as possible with, & always keep by us, one Pound of Gun Powder, four Pounds of Lead, one Dozen Gun-Flints, & a pair of Bullet-Moulds, with a Cartouch-Box, or powder-horn & Bag for Balls—That we will use our best Endeavours to perfect Ourselves in the Military Exercise & Discipline, & therefore will pay due Obedience to our Officers, & regularly attend such private & general Musters as they shall appoint—And that we will always hold Ourselves in Readiness, in Case of Necessity, Hostile-Invasion, or real Danger, to defend & preserve to the utmost of our Power, Our Religion, the Laws of our Country, & and the just Rights & Privileges of our fellow-Subjects, Our Posterity, & Ourselves, upon the Principles of the English Constitution.”—The above plan is bound in manuscript with George Mason's letter to Washington. It is also to be found in Force's American Archives, Fourth Series, vol. i. p. 1145.

010995

I suppose you have seen the King's Speech & the Addresses of both Houses in the last Maryland Paper; from the Style in which they Speak of the Americans, I think we have little Hopes of a Speedy Redress of Grievances; but on the Contrary we may expect to see coercive & vindictive Measures still pursued. It seems as if the King either had not received or was determined to take no Notice of the proceedings of the Congress —

011096

I beg my Comps. to Mrs. Washington & the Family at Mount-Vernon, and am

Dear Sir Yr. affecte. & obedt. Sert. G MASON

vid: postscript on

— another paper

P.S. I beg pardon for having almost forgot to say anything in Answer to yr. favr respecting the Choice of Delegates from this County to attend the Convention at Richmond. It appears to Me that the Burgesses for the County are our proper Representatives upon this Occasion; and that the best Method to remove all Doubt or Objection, as well as to save Trouble, will be for the County Committee to meet & declare make an Entry & Declaration of this, as their Opinion. —

Would it not be proper for the Committee of Correspondence to write to the two Mr. Fitzhughs, Mr. Turberville, & such other Gentlemen as live out of this County & have Quarters in it1 acquainting them wth: the ordr: of the Committee relative to the Payment of 3/ for each Tytheable, & desiring them to give their Overseers, or Agents here Orders accordingly? —

1 This probably refers to Henry Fitzugh, of “Eagle's Nest,” Stafford County, who among other estates owned “Ravensworth,” in Fairfax County; William Fitzhugh, of “Marmion,” Stafford County, who had also property interests in Fairfax; and John Turberville, who lived at that time in Westmoreland County, but on whose property in Fairfax near the Little Falls, the town of Turberville was established in 1798.

G M —

011197

FROM MR. GILBERT SIMPSON.

Febuary: ye: 6: 1775

SR

This Coms To acquaint you of a Sceem That is Now in hand Which is Concerning a County Court Being Fixt Which I understand Mr Crisop has Set on Foot and a Number of people has Sind The paypers To Carey it The Court To Reed Stoon Foort1 Which I am informd is Mutch out of the Center and a Most Mountanies part insomuch That There Can Bee No hopes of any Land Carrages pasing and Repasing Moreover The Situation of The plase Lies in a Mear hole Now heare Lies The Curcumstans of The Whool Matter I verely Beelieve it is Now in your power To have The Town on your Land For The Mejority inclines To to have it Neare your Mill and Reyly great Reason They have So To inclin For very Metarel Reasons For in The First palce There Coms The Best Rood on This Side Lorrel hill in The Nex The Situation Lies on a Most Butifull drye Sandey Rigs altogether to Take The Winters Soon2 attended With Three Fine Spring[s] and Within a Tue Roods3 There is Fine Eart[h] For Brick Sand and Lime is as Convenant as Cold Bee desird Without haveing it on The Spot and as For Meadow Land. There Cant Bee Less Than 300 acers of your own joining The Situation Besids What Belongs To other Men: and but one Small Mile To yough River and That Fine Level way and a Good Ford over The011298Rive[r] in Time of Loe Water and There is all probeble signs of iron owr But it has Never Been Sought after Then There is your Mill Which is Within one Quarter of a Mile Besids Just beloe her is Formd By Nature The most Conveniant Seats For Booth Fulling and Saw Mills1 Now Sr I hope you Will [take] it into your Most Wise Concideration and Set Things on a Right Foot and please To Let me know by Jams Cleveland When he Coms out For if you Cant Com out your Self Early in The Simmer Which I dont immagon you Can as I Expect your businis is Ergently upon other affairs Concerning the Good of Amerecay – Sr all is Well With Me Except one of my Little Sons Which has had The Slow Fever This Seven Weaks but is Now on The Mending hand Sr plase To Send by Jams Cleveland money To defray The Mill Costs Which I believe you are Tired of Sending and I am Sorey your Letter Never Came To me Concerning you provisions Which I am Certain has been a Stout Sum out of your Way For I Could have bought at Reasonable Rates So No more But I hope The Same God Will Continue To b[1]ess your Store011399as has blest of old as your out Goings is Great and I Remain your Most humble Servent To Command

1 Redstone Fort.

2 The meaning is here somewhat obscure.

3 Two Roads.

1 The site of the county court of Youghiogheny County was chosen December 8, 1776. It was located on the farm of Andrew Heath, on the Monongahela, nearly opposite what is now Elizabethtown, Allegheny County, Pa. Redstone Fort was on the site of Brownsville, Fayette County. The ancient county of Youghiogheny was formed, with Ohio and Monongalia, in 1776. The lines of these three counties were adjusted in 1778. When the boundary question of Pennsylvania and Virginia was settled, a large portion of Youghiogheny County fell within the limits of Pennsylvania, and became a part of the new county of Washington. In 1784 the attention of the Virginia court was called to “the destitute situation of that Small remnant of the County of Yohogany which still remains within the bounds of the Commonwealth,” as it was “without the Authority of Govt. civil or military.” (Calender of Virginia State Papers.) Being too small to form a separate county, it was added, in 1785, to Ohio County, and Youghiogheny became extinct.

GILBT. SIMPSON y [seal] River

FROM MAJOR WILLIAM CRAWFORD.

W: CRAWFORD Feby. ye. 7th 1775

SIR/

Your Letter by Mr Cleveland was Safe Delivered to me but I did not get the Letter you mentiond by Mr Willis till yesterday

I was out Survaying when Mr Cleveland cam over the mountain and he set of hom as soon as I cam hom and Matters was Settled I have got a memorandom of what is Wanting for your People Down the river and I shall have it ready against the time the com over the Mountain I would have Sent Down your plats by Mr Cleveland but he cold not wait till the cold be done but Val Crawford is coming to Williamsburgh and then you shall have the plats sent by him to you, he will be Down in a few days which will I hop sute you as well as he is coming and will call at Mount Vernon on his way down Sir I am at a Loss ho to return you thanks for your Generious Presant all that I can do any tim shall allways be don, if I can go Down the river when you com I will and if you will Let me know what you may want got ready it shall be don I have a neet Connoe that will Sute to run Down with or you may go by Land as there is a road Cut to Hock-hocking

0114100

I Shall write you more fully by Val Crawford as Mr. Cleveland is in great hast to go to you as he want to be up again as soon as posable I wis you all Happyness and I am your most

Hume Sarvant W: CRAWFORD

FROM WILLIAM GRAYSON, ESQ.

DUMFRIES Feby. 8th. 1775.

DR. SIR.

I have receiv'd your favor, and shall punctually attend to the contents; I have givn the Gentlemen notice to pay in their subscriptions to Wm. Carr, which I am confident will be done in a few days and of which I will further inform you at Fairfax Court;

The colours drums &c. have come safe to hand by Capt. Coburn; I shall be oblig'd to you to send the bill of costs, that Mr. Carr who has made a present of them to the company may have an oppertunity of paying for them: We have seen the gun sent from Philada., about which there are different opinions; it is however altogether submitted to you, to have the others made in whatever manner you judge most suitable;

I am with great respect Yr. Most Obedt. Servt. WILLM. GRAYSON

0115101

FROM DOCTOR JOHN CONNOLLY.

WINCHESTER Feby: 9th. 1775.

DEAR SIR.

I was this far determined to proceed to Williamsburgh, to lay before His Excellency some matters which concerned the interest of this Government, & the Frontiers in particular; but finding that my immediate return to Pittsburgh was indispensably necessary, I have despatched my Servant Express to my Lord, by whom I now write you. —

As His Lordship in the late treaty with the Indians, acquainted them, that He would, by a preparative Message let them know at what time it would suit Him to meet the Chiefs in the Spring at Pittsburgh, to settle every minute matter; & the destracted affairs of Government will now (I fear) put it out of his power to attend personally, I have requested, that His Excellency would let me know, how I should deport myself towards the Indians, & in what manner, I am to act with the prisoner Mingoes now in my Cus[to]dy; as they begin to think their Nation rather more severely dealt with, than the Shawanese, & without some proper measures are pursued, these troublesome People may again disturb our sittlements.—If I have proper orders how to proceed, everything may be extremely well adjusted, & I think much to the honor of [this] Government.

I have desired my Man to leave this letter in the office at Fredericksburgh to be conveyed to you as expeditiously as possible, & I hope I shall be favored with an Answer, & your opinion by the Return Express.

0116102

I have transmitted a Copy of the Treaty to his Excellency, & should have sent you one also, only as I have desired the Journal of the Expedition to be printed including the whole, I deemed it unnecessary.

I am Dr Sir Your most obedt. Servt. JNO: CONNOLLY.

FROM MR. JAMES CLEVELAND.1

1 Employed by Washington as manager of his business on the Ohio, January 10, 1775, and instructed to proceed with servants, necessary provisions, and tools, to settle a tract on the Great Kanawha of 10,990 acres. Owing to the illness of James Cleveland, the charge was in March intrusted to William Stevens, but was resumed by Cleveland in April of the same year.

February ye 13 - 1775

SIR)

I arrive'd home on Saturday Night ye 11th of the Said instant but with much Difficulty being taken very ill with the Slow Fever ye 7 of the Month and am worse since I came home and may Probably not be able to come to you for Some time

when I got over I found nothing purchas'd and I found it hard to get the commoditys on any terms I roed twelve or thirteen Days before I bought one individual and in this time I got intiligence of some I bougt the Corn and Bacon that you directed at least near the quantity but the greater Part of the Corn at 5 S per bushell the Bacon at 8 d per lb also 3 and ½ ⅛ bushels salt at 17 S3 6 d per bushel one Pair of Hand Mill Stones0117103at 20 S Casks agreed for to put the Corn and Salt in and Part of them Deliver'd and I laid all in at Gilber Simpsons; Concerning Mr Vauld Crofford the nails and tools that you gave me an accompt of that is there I could not get mov'd the going being so bad that nobody would engage to do it at that time1 Major Crofford is to have it done without fail one Coat two westcoats and 3 one Pair of Stockings Breeches not to be found Major Croffod has under taken to prepare the other things by the time they will be wanting without fail; Craft enough to carry the war[e]s having several ready made by him ten axes and four Mattocks and Irons for the Hand Mill Mr. Crofford having a plenty of Iron in Store is very glad to serve you the two Servants he is willing to give up Mr. Vaulentine Crofford chuses to keep his. Major M. Culluks Bond I have taken up and delivered as directed2

1 “If Mr Simpson has not already moved all the Tools, and necessarys which were carried out for me last spring, from Valo. Crawfords, let it be done as soon as you get out.”—Washington's Instructions for Mr. James Cleveland.

2 “As I am told that there are three of the servants which I sent out last spring still at Mr. Valo. Crawfords, and his Brother Captain Crawfords, ready to be employed in my service; you may direct them to stay where they are, and be ready again the 15th. of March, or if Gilbert Simpson wants hands for my mill work, let them be employed (instead of hir[e]lings) there till the 15th. of March aforesaid. ---

“As the rest of the servants were sold, and the money by this time become due I have desired Mr. Valo. Crawford if he has received it, to pay it to you, and if he has not to let you have the purchasers bonds, which give to Mr Simpson, and desire him to Collect the money and Apply it towards Payment of the mill Accounts.”—Instructions for Mr. James Cleveland.

I am your Hble. Servt JAMES CLEVELAND NB I received four half Joes of Vaulentine Crofford0118104and three half Joes one thirty Shillin bill and three Dollars of Major Crofford he has referd perticulars to me that I cannot relate at present Sir,

just as I had Seald the Letter Cap Rugel Sent Me Wourd that he Should Not brack up the Garrason Tho he has orders From Lord Dunmore Near Six Weackes so that you May Not Depend on My gitting the things I Rote you I had the Promis of he is a gwine to send to the Congress about it As the Indances does Not Seem SattesFied But I had rather Run the Chance of being Scart then to have so Many Scuuling in the Woods if they We are gone the game would Soon return again so I Conclud yours to Comand

JAMES CLEVELAND

FROM MR. JAMES CLEVELAND.

JAMES CLEVELAIN February ye 15th

SIR/

I being much Confusd in mind as well as indispos'd in body have not been able to give yuo a regular accompt of my Procedure I cannot get a common House Carpender under 6£ per Month good hunters is not to be had under 5£ per Month and Plantation Labourers 4£ or 4£ 10 S

I am yours to Command JAMES CLEVELAIN

0119105

FROM MR. JACOB GOODING.

FOUR MILE RUN1 febry 16) 1775

1 An entry in Washington's Ledger under “Coll. George Mercer,” and dated March 12, 1775, reads: “By your moiety of the Four Mile Run Tract . . 446 – –.” Washington bequeathed to George Washington Parke Custis “the tract I hold on four mile Run in the Vicinity of Alexandria containing one thousd two hundred acres more or less.” A facsimile of a survey of this tract made by Washington in 1799 is printed in G. W. P. Custis's Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington, p. 445.

SIR/

I have thought of the affair we were talking about & should have communicated my Proposals sooner but have been very unwell for some time past if you will advance me Five Hundd. Pounds Viz £100 – when I begin the Mill £100 more when she is half done & the other £800 when fit for work & give me a Lease for 100 Acres of Land adjoyning her during my Life & the Lives of my two children I will Build a Convenient Mill both for Mercht. & Country work & Perhaps a Saw Mill & if I think Country Manufactur'd Cloth is likely to be Encourag'd will also Build a good Fulling Mill—I & my Successors shall keep the works all in repair & pay your Forty Pounds per Annum—with this Proviso that on repaying you the sum you Advance within a certain time to be agreed on the rent shall be reduc'd Six per Ct. for Each Hundd. Pounds so paid —

I am convinc'd it will cost more than the sum I have mentioned to make the Improvments I intend but think I can doe with that & what I have, if the Proposals are worth your Acceptance Please let me Know & I will wait on you for if we agree I would0120106loose no time in Preparing for I woud willingly have her goe next fall I am Sir

Yr. most Hble Servt. JACOB GOODING

FROM MR. ALEXANDER COWAN.

BALTIMORE 17th. Febry. 1775

SIR)

Mr Valentine Crawford got Credit for Some Goods from Capt. William Mc.Gachen Some time ago on your Accot:: and promised to pay for them in a Short time after he Recd. them but a twelvemonth has now allmost elaps'd and have never heard from him—at Capt. Mc. Gachens departure for England he left me his Attorney, and beg'd I would request the favour of you to endeavour to get the Money for him, as he told me he was a manager for you in the Back woods, I hope it will not be a difficult Mater for You to procure payment from him, Inclosed you have his Accot.1 and Shall take it as a Singular favour if you will drop me a few Lines to let me know whither you will be able to effect it or not, as I am realy in great want of money at this present time.And Am

1 BALTO. March the 12th 1774Mr. Valentine CrawfordBot of William Mo. GachenTo Sundrys per. bill furnish'd---£22 .. 9 .. 9 ⅓To Int. on the above Accot. from the 12th. Augt.1774 till paid at 6 per Ct.---

Sir Your Most obt. hume. servt. ALEXR. COWAN

0121107

FROM GEORGE MASON, ESQ.

GUNSTON HALL Febry. 17th. 1775.

DEAR SIR.

I return'd from Maryland but last Night, not being able to leave Mrs. Eilbeck sooner, & don't know how quickly I may be called there again, as I think She is far from being out of Danger, & the Doctor has some Apprehensions of a Mortification. I will if I can, be at Alexandria on Monday;1 but it is uncertain, as well for the reason above mentioned, as that I am at this time unwell with a bad Cold & a little Pain in my Breast.

1 On Monday, February 20, the Fairfax Committee met to choose the delegates for the convention, at Richmond, of March 20, 1775.

I can't conceive how Mr. Harper cou'd make such a Mistake as to buy double the Quantity of Powder wanted for this County, when He had the Order in Writing signd by You & Me: if there is any Ambiguity in the said Writing (for I don't now recollect the Words) by which Mr. Harper might be led into such a Mistake, I think We are in Honour bound to take the whole off his Hands; otherwise it does not appear to Me that He can reasonably expect it; tho' I am exceedingly concern'd that any kind of Misunderstanding shou'd happen in an Affir, which must have given Mr. Harper a good deal of Trouble, & which I am convinced was undertaken by him merely from public Motives, & a Desire to oblige the Committee.—I remember your mentioning, in Conversation, to Mr. Harper, an Application made to You from Loudoun County to procure a Quantity of0122108Powder for their Committee, upon six Months Credit, & telling Him if it coud be purchased in Philadelphia upon such Credit, You wou'd see the Money paid when it became due; to which He answered that Powder was generally a ready-Money Article there, & at this time in particular, He did not imagine it cou'd be got upon Credit. I speak from Recollection (having had no Concern in that Affair) but as nearly as I can remember, this is the Substance of what passed between You & Him respecting the Loudoun Committee, & may possibly have occasioned the Mistake; at least I can account for it in no other way.

I have already paid Messrs. Mc. Crea & Maire half their Acct. and my half the Money due to Mr. Harper for the Articles ordered for Fairfax County, is at any Minute ready, having kept a Sum in Gold by Me for that Purpose, that Mr. Harper shou'd not be disappointed in the Payment; but if it will be attended wth. no Inconvenience to Him, it will suit Me better to make the Payment ten Days hence than now; because I think in that time I can collect a good Part of the Money from the People, and as the Collection will be partly in Paper Dollars & Pensilvania Money, which from Mr. Harper's Connections to the Northward, may suit him as well, or perhaps better than Gold, yet it will not replace the Gold wth. equal Convenience to Me; I mention this only as Matter of Mutual Convenience, at the same time making a point not to disappoint Mr. Harper; & I must beg the favour of You Sir to communicate this to0123109Him, that I may send up the Money whenever He wants it, without giving Him any Trouble on the Subject.

I shall send my Son George out imediatly to make what Collections He can, being furnish'd with a List of Tytheables for that Purpose: if You incline to do any thing of that kind, You shall have a Copy of the List, distinguishing those who have paid to Him. I think this Method will reimburse Us sooner, & save Commissions & Trouble to the Sherif—1

1 The Committee of Fairfax County, which had been organized on January 16, 1775, and was in session on the 17th and 18th (Washington presiding), had on the 18th resolved that it was “indispensably necessary that a quantity of Ammunition should be immediately provided,” and had recommended “that the sum of three Shillings per poll, for the purpose Aforesaid, be paid by, and for every tithable person in this County, to the Sheriff, or such other Collector as may be appointed, who is to render the same to this Committee, with a list of the names of such persons as shall refuse to pay the same, if any such there be.”—See Washington's Manuscript Diary, and Force's American Archives, Fourth Series, vol. i. p. 1145.

I had gone a good Way thro' the Bill for improving the Navigation of Potomack, before I went to Maryland, & am happy in finding that I had fallen into many of Mr. Johnston's Sentiments, [word erased] tho' I was a Stranger to them, 'til I recd. yr. Letter upon my Return last Night. I wish it was in my Power to spend a Day wth: him on the Subject. Some of his Remarks are not so intelligible to me as they would be, if I had all the Queries which He seems to answer. What He mentions of some kind of Jealousy least the Virginians should have some advantage, & that there should be some Equality between the Maryland & Virga. Subscriptions, I can have no Idea of.—What Matter is it whether the Majority of the Subscribers are Marylanders or Virginians if their Property is put upon an equal Footing, & the0124110Work is of general advantage to both Provinces? Nor can I think his Notion of Proportioning the Tolls to the average Profits [several words erased] can well be reduced to Practice. A Sufficient Sum can't be raised by those only who are locally interested; Men who are not, will not advance their Money, upon so great a Risque, but wth. Views of great & increasing Profit, not to depend upon future Alterations: the Tolls, to be sure, must be moderate, such as the Commodities will bear, with advantage to the Makers; it is probable for some Years they will Yield very little profit to the Undertakers, perhaps none; they must run the Risque of this, as well as of the utter Failure of the Undertaking, & surely if they Succeed they have a just Right to the increased Profits; tho' in Process of Time they may become very great: if I am not misinform'd, this is the Principle upon which every thing of this Nature has been succesfully executed in other Countrys.—My Paper will not Permit Me to add more at present, than that I amDr Sir

Yr. affecte. & obedt. Servt. G. MASON

FROM GEORGE MASON, ESQ.

GUNSTON-HALL Febry. 18th. 1775.

DEAR SIR.

I shall always think myself obliged to any Friend to communicate wth. Freedom & Candour whatever Doubts He may have of my Conduct towards him, as the most effectual means of preventing Misrepresentation;0125111and I hope You will believe Me when I assure that You have greatly misconstrued my Intentions in making the Collection I mentioned.1 Was either of Us to take the Advantage of receiving what He cou'd from those who are most able & willing to pay, leaving the other to scuffle as He cou'd wth. the Rest, it wou'd not only be unequal & ungenerous, but absolutely dishonest: the thing is self-evident, & needs no Proof. —

1 See ante, p. 109.

I thought that the Collection wou'd not be made by the Sherif 'til late in the Summer & that therefore collecting as much as We cou'd ourselves wou'd not only save Commissions, but expedite the Business, & reimburse Us so much the sooner. I had also another Reason; not finding that Similar Measures were adopted in the other Countys, I was, & still am of Opinion, that the Collection may be more easily made now than some time hence. I hinted Your taking the same Measures, & offered a Copy of the List of Tytheables, distinguishing such as had paid to Me: by these means I imagined We cou'd between Us, collect the greatest Part of the Money in two or three Weeks when a Dividend of what We had both received cou'd be easily made; leaving the Rest to be collected by the Sherif or by any other Person (if the Sherif refused) at his Leisure; & as I expected a good deal might be paid in Pensilvania Curcy. & paper Dollars, I thought, if Mr. Harper wou'd wait a few Days, I shou'd get such Money off my Hands (instead of being obliged to keep it upon my own Acct., without Injury to any one; for otherwise0126112the advancing or not advancing the Money just at this time, makes not a farthing odds to Me, having kept a Sum by Me on Purpose; and nothing cou'd be further from my Mind than the Idea of making a partial Collection for my own seperate Benefit; it cannot but give Me Concern that I shou'd be thought capable of such disingenuous Conduct. I may perhaps be blameable for not explaining Myself fully before; but in a Matter so palpable, I had no Conception that it was necessary. —

It has not been in my Power to do do anything, since I came from Maryland, towards the Potomack River Bill; but I will apply to it as soon as I can, & when finish'd forward it to You. —

By a Letter from Maryland Yesterday I am inform'd that his Majesty has ordered his Embassadors at the different Courts in Europe to declare his American Subjects in a State of Rebellion. —

I am, wth. my Comps. to Mrs. Washington & the Family at Mount Vernon, Dr Sir

Yr. affecte. & obdt. Servt. G MASON

FROM MR. WILLIAM MILNOR.

PHILADA. Febrey. 21st. 1775 —

HONBL SIR/

Your favour of the 22d. Janry. I have before me, As to Sashes, the Maker tells me, he thinks, he cannot get Silk Enough, for more than three, those he will have done in three weeks, they will come at Nine pounds each perhaps by the time they are done0127113we may find more Silk –. The Gorgets, Shoulder Knots &c I have bespoke & will send all, as soon as possible —

I enquired of Mr. Palmer how soon he could finish One hundred Stand more of Musquets, he says by the first of July, but he declares that by a true Estimate he finds, he has not a living price, tho, willing to finish the 40, agreable to Contract, he cannot engage any more, for less than four pounds each —

Nicholson, and Dunwick, would willingly engage them at the £3 .. 15, but I am told, they will neither be so punctual, nor have it in their power to finish them so well, if you should be pleased to order them, I shall act agreable to your directions —

The Books Containing the Mannual Exercise &c, I have sent to Boston for, & expect to receive them in three weeks—The Letter to Mr Ross, has been deliver'd & the Order excepted—I have the pleasure to inform you that I mended on riding & arrived safe at home on thursday1 & found my family well—I am with best respects & Complmts. to Mrs. Washington, Mrs. Custis & Miss Posey

1 Washington's diary shows that Mr. Milnor dined with him at Mount Vernon on the 8th of February, and on the 10th spent the night there.

Your Most Obedt. Hume Sert. PSWILLIAM MILNOR my respects to Mr Lund Washington & to Mr. Custis informing them their Guns will come by the first opertunity —

0128114

FROM THE HONORABLE JOHN TAYLOE.1

1 This letter without date is indorsed “The Hon John Tayloe Esq 22 Feb. 1775”—

DEAR SIR

Your favor of Nov: 20inst. reached me only the 8 instant when I found it on my way to Fredriksburg. I am heartily glad you concluded the troublesome business of setling Col. Mercers estate so well without any of my assistance which was greatly concerned that my bad health would not afford you from which I recovered by disuse of Coffee except a bad cold of which have but lately recovered though I am not conscious that I would have been of any use to you in this State & I am glad you concluded it so much to satisfaction as the distress of the times (should think) would sufficiently excuse any deficiency from the valuation in 1767 & doubt not you took such such securities as at this time are judged very good & I hope may prove so. Doubtless every precaution will be necessary in the buying of bills & I think they ought to be drawn payable to the persons to whom the money is due, for under such fickle times I shall be as averse to endorsing bills as you can be but think we may readily adopt the plan above. I am sorry to tell you that yesterday our country [lost] a good Councellor & able judge myself a good friend in the death of Philip Ludwell Lee Esq2—best compliments to your lady concludes Dr Sir

2 John Tayloe and Philip Ludwell Lee were closely associated as members of the Virginia Council from 1760 until the death of the latter in 1775. They were also members of the Ohio Company. One of John Tayloe's daughters (Rebecca) married Francis Lightfoot Lee.

Your obliged friend & obedient humble servant JOHN TAYLOE

0129115

FROM THOMAS JOHNSON, JR., ESQ.

ANNAPO 25 ffebry 1775.

SIR

Mr. Jacques last Night communicated to me your Letter to him I sent to the post Office early this Morning and got your Letter from thence of the 2d Inst. Mr Stewart generally sends me those Les1 when the postage is paid but omitted this which is the Occasion of my not having answered it—Your Suspicion or rather Information that Adams is wasting the Timber I am apprehensive is too well founded Major Jenifer's Discourse intimated as much as if he suspected or had heard the same and he promised to interfere as far as he could to prevent it. If Daniel J. Adams will not make a Conveyance of the Lands or and his Sisters are determined not to quit their pretentions to the Land which was not conveyed to old Adams in his Lifetime you will not be able to obtain a Remedy but in our Chancery Court the Delay and Trouble of pursuing which to save only about 100£ of your Debt after an Advance of near 500£ Sterl more appears to me to be scarce worth your while But I cannot think but Major Jenifer will, as he always said he would, prevail on the Sisters to do you Justice and if his Endeavours should not succeed I dare say it will be owing to the bad Conduct of D J Adams himself and the Influence he may have on0130116his Sisters. Our adjourned provincial Court is to sit the second Tuesday of next Month when I shall make use of the Oppty of talking with Majr. Jenifer and Mr. Stone together and will inform you of what passes on the Subject—The Loans in our Office are not for the 10 or 12 years that the Money circulates the Borrowers may pay in as soon as they please and the Counsols1 are left at Discretion to call in any particular Loan when they please whilst the Securities remain good they have not called in any but Securities may by the Act pay the Money at any Time they please have an Assignmt. of the Bond for their Use and stand in the same advantags. State as the Counsols themselves if the Money has been actually paid into the Office I think you would be obliged to an immediate Repayment if the Bond has been only changed I suppose the Counsols would permit another Change of the Bond and so discharge the person whose Name has been made use of I am very sorry that this Business of Adams has given and is likely to give you so much Trouble and you may be asured Sr. that it would be with very great pleasure to myself that I could oblige you in this or any thing else.

1 Letters.

1 Consols.

Genl Lees plan and Directions are not yet done if they are not likely to be soon finished I'll have a Manuscript Copy made for you—it is but short —

ffrom what I hear it is designed our Assembly should sit about the last of March against that Time I should be glad to have through Mr. Calvert's Hands or any other convenient Conveyance Colo. Masons0131117Estimate his Remarks and the other pages I sent you by Mr. Ballendine I shall in a Day or two go to Balt. and there hope to learn exactly what Opposition is intended to our late Road Law or Potowmack; from what I have yet under heard I expect some narrow designing Men intend to get the people of Balt and a part of this Count as well as of ffrederick County to petition for a repeal of the Road Law or to have such alterations made as will render it ineffectual—I have heard too that the Rogues intentions for this County are to be instructed by their Constituents to vote against any Improvement of potowmack but I do not believe that the people in general of this County are weak enough to be led into any Resolution which could reflect so much on themselves if I am mistaken & such an Instruction should be really made it will greatly embarrass me I am much averse from engaging in a more active Way in politicks but if petitions or Instructions should be sollicited either against the Improvemt. of our Roads or the River I must endeavour to counteract such proceedings if an Attempt should be made against either the Roads or River I wish both may be attacked at once which will explain the Motive as it truly is to shut out the Back people altogether from a Market. I shall most thankfully receive any further Information of any further Thoughts that may have occurred to you or Colo. Mason relative to clearing poto. and the Draft of the Bill itself if Colo. Mason has made [it] and if not I shall with pleasure do it as well as I am able—You will excuse Mr. Jacque's Silence and my taking up0132118the Subject of your Letter to him as his lame Arm will scarcely allow him to write his Name.

I am sr. Your most obedt. hble Servant TH JOHNSON JUNR.

FROM WILLIAM AYLETT, ESQ.1

1 Son of Philip and Martha (Dandridge) Aylett, and brother of John Aylett who married Elizabeth, daughter of Bartholomew Dandridge. William Aylett married Mary Macon, daughter of Colonel James Macon and Elizabeth, daughter of Augustine Moore.

KING WILLIAM Feby 26. 1775

DEAR SIR

At the request of John Gizage Frazer I apply'd to you in Williamsburg to sign a letter of license which most if not all his other creditors had acceded to, as he had given up all his property, & that their best chance of geting paid was from his future acquisitions, as he is well acquainted with, and has had repeated good offers of employment, in the West India trade. you answer'd me that you had put your demand into the hands of Mr Lyons and whatever he agreed to would be satisfactory to you. I then apply'd to Mr Lyons who did not choose to come into the measure without your express direction. Some time last week I was about delivering Mr Frazer up to the Sherrif as his Special Bail at your Suit, (as I did not choose to risque his going to the West Indias, where he intends going immediately in a Vessell that is to be consign'd him) but as Mr Lyon was present at the Court house, Mr Frazer desir'd I would again apply to him, and I receiv'd for answer, that0133119provided I would not let Mr Frazer know it, he would acquit me as Special Bail, tis that probably he might procure some kind of Security or that he might if successful & thinking me bound make a point of paying this debt first, but I at this time told Mr Lyons, that Mr Frazer had a letter from you, expressing your willingness to abide by his Mr Lyons determination. but Mr Frazer was mistaken, it was a letter from me wrote in Williamsburg informing him of your answer, as before mentioned. I have not since apply'd to Mr. Lyons for the promis'd acquital, expecting he will not be fond of taking any step without your permission in writing, altho I believe he is satisfied that you have no chance of geting paid by any other plan. and I have so good an Opinion of Frazer that I verrily believe he intends to pay his debts, if he is so fortunate as to have it in his power. and this altogether depends upon his having liberty to leave the Country, and as I have no Interest in it, it is too great a risque for me to run, indeed he does not desire it, but intends to acquit himself by the Insolvent Oath (which will mortify his Vanity) if he can not otherwise be at liberty. Your answer by the first post, directed to the post office Aylett's1 will much oblige me, I am with the highest respect & esteem Sir

1 Aylett's P. O. now exists in King William County.—Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 1894–95.

Your mo Obt Sert W AYLETT Mrs Aylett joins me in Compts. to self Lady, &c.,

0134120

FROM ROBERT H. HARRISON, ESQ.

ALEXANDRIA Feby 26. 1775

DEAR SIR

Your favor of the 24 I received, and having Examined the Record furnished by Mr Wagener, I find it is so full, and contains so clear a state of [mutilated] proceedings which have been had in the Cause, from the original Writ, down to the Execution & Sheriffs Return thereupon, that I cannot say any thing that will give you or Mr Pendleton a clearer Idea or conception of the matter: he will discover from the Extraordinary motion made about Entering Special Bail when the suit was first called the Errors filed upon obtaining a Verdict to arrest the Judgement, & finally the Injunction in Chancery, that the Doctor1 and his Counsel have practiced every possible manoeuvre to defer the payment of the money which Justice and Generosity call upon him [mutilated] dly for. Mr Pendleton will procure from the Secretaries office a Copy of his Bill in order have your & Mr Fairfax's Answer drawn, [mutilated] hich I flatter myself will do away every [mutilated] harge of Equity he may have Suggested, I am [mutilated] it will, for it [mutilated] this case he can have none I am D Sir

1 Doctor Savage.

with much regard Your Obligd Servt ROBT H. HARRISON PS. Should the Answer be drawn here It will be necessary to have these Proceedings Yrs R H H

0135121

FROM THE HONORABLE GEORGE WILLIAM FAIRFAX.

NEWTON March 2d: 1775

MY DEAR SIR

Your very obliging favor of the 15th of November last, I received only the 23d Ulto:. Immediately upon which, I wrote to London to know whether any Ships would be now sent to America, and have for answer, that one would Sail about the 8th instant.

Therefore I sett down to acquaint you, that I had, so far engaged a Horse for you, as only to wait this month for your directions, and its luckey enough they came in time, for I think I should have ventured to have given more than you seem to incline, tho' much under the Price before mentioned.—The uncertainty of your Return, from the Service of the Country, I suppose prevented either Mr. Peyton, or Willis waiting on You, indeed I should not like that they should be to troublesome. Mr. Willis may have his Reasons for Postponing the Sale, and Renting the House &c: to so late a Season as the 5th Decr:; but I should have thought (If the Stock was to be Sold) the time you fixed would have been more Eligable, indeed a better time for the whole. As to the Furniture Remaing: I can only repeat, that, unless we can gett near the Value of that in the Chinch Room, I should like to have it sent Over if Possible, meaning only the Curtains, Couterpains and Covers of the Chairs, and that entire in the Blue, or Dressing Room, I must beg your acceptance of, and the sooner its taken away the better. You kindly mentioned, some time ago, that the House at Belvoir leaked very much,0136122and that it was necessary to have it new Cover'd. Pray my good Sir direct Mr: Willis to gett it done, or whatever you may now, or hereafter think proper to be done in the best manner, you, I dare say, can Order the best Shingles from this the dismal, Plank may be either bought or sawed in the Neck to cover the Rooff: or other Services, for I would by all mean keep the House tight, and will without, whatever it may be within.

I am exceedingly sorry to hear, that you, & our Friend Colo. Tayloe were engaged in so disagreeable a business, as the Sale of poor Colo. Mercers Estate, it's what I apprehended, and do sincerely wish it may fetch as much as TB and Mr: Ballendine Estimated it at last Spring, when the Colonel sent it me, to put my name to it, which I was sorry to decline, as I felt much for Him, yett I thought I could not do it against my own Opinion, and give the Mortgagees cause to Censure Me hereafter

It astonishes me very much, my good Sir, to find that you have had so many Prov'd Accots. presented against me. You Sir, indeed I might almost say, the whole Colony knew, or heard of my intention of going to England, for Years, and its well known, that I Advertised it some time before [I] Embarked, desiring Persons, having any Claim to bring them in, in Order to be discharged, and I thought myself happy in Leaving few or no Debts unpaid. But no sooner than my Back is turned, and not able to Face these Artfull and ill designing People, they are brought in and above all are sworn to. I mention0137123these things my Friend, rather to justify myself a little to You, not to stop any just Debts being paid. and could ask Jonathan Stone, Bryan Allison &c. why they did not bring in their Accts: when I was present? which I absolutely say they did not. I must Confess my Book, or Ledger was not kept as I could have, and now wish it had been, yett I thought few excepting yourself, and Merchts. could be much more regular, in taking of Receipts, or minuiting in a little long Clasp Book, and a Marble cover'd one; the Money I paid, and also in keeping together such Accots: and Receipts, as I did not think worth raising an Accot: for.—I could say much more on this Subject, but I fear I have tired your patience already, and that I shall carry it beyond the bounds of a Letter, espetially when I am shortened as to time, being again called upon a Committee appointed to draw up a Petition to the C—n in favour of America. Therefore must only beg that You'll lett Mr: Peyton (if He has not them already) have the two little Books mentioned, the loose Accot: and Receipt, (for I cannot think of taking up either your, or your Clerks time) with directions to pay those that are just and right, without giving you the trouble, for I am truly and sincerely ashamed of the trouble you have had in my affairs, and I want Words to express my acknowledgment of them.—Here I must return a little, and inform you, that [I] Employ'd Jonathan Stone rather out of Charity, and lett him have Money, or Orders upon the Mercht: at Colchester whenever he wanted, and frequently was largely in advance, during which He told me as well, as he was able, a melancholy Tale of0138124his having a right to some Land in Maryland. I took Councel for him, and Employed Mr: Johnston who Pleaded in that Province, in Order that the poor Man should have justice, upon this He grew negligent, worked only part of days, and charged me with whole ones, often gave in a greater number of Rails than either Andrew Taws, or Daniel Stone, after him rendered an Accot: of, which I dare say can appears, and if He ment the Honest thing, He must acknowledge, that I had frequently offer'd him if any Ballce: there was, upon a just and fair settlement, if he could make it appear, I would pay it. But He was foolishly obstinate, and I did not care to be imposed upon, by paying for Services not performed. As to poor Honest Daniel Stone, He preferred Twenty Pounds, standing Wages, to a Share of the Crop, had it whenever he pleas'd, and often urged me to keep it in my hands to buy a young Negroe, which his heart seemed to be sett upon, but being disappointed. I indulged him with the one He fancied of mine the very morning I saw you last, at a less value than Mr: Willis sett her at, and then clos'd and Sign'd the Accot: so that I apprehend if Mr: Willis was to examine that Accot: he will find that fifteen or Sixteen pounds was not at that time due to Daniel, but would be the Janry: or Febry: following the time that his Wages commenced, and then I dare say I desired him to pay the Ballance, as indeed I would do every Mans, espetially an honest poor Labouer, who I never ment to injure, in my Life, but on the contrary have assisted many. – Pardon my good Sir this digression as I cannot help feeling the malignity of0139125such Accusers.—Now to return to your last I am sorry to find that Mr: Willis should give you the trouble of writing about the Tobacco, or any part of his Duty, tho' ultimately it may turn out to my Advantage that no more than seven Hhds: were Shipt, yett I wish that the whole had been sent, for this is the time I stand most in need.—I hope before this, that Mess Adam, Campbell & Dalton have ventured upon the Bloomery Accot: which I was anxious of doing Years ago, & applyed to Mess′′: Ross, Henderson and Lawson for that purpose, but owing to the difficulties of getting the parties together, or some other Cause, that I am a stranger to, It was omitted untill the day before we left Belvoir, when it was impossible to Enter upon so Perplexed a business. Mr: Campbell being then there readily offered his very kind assistance, I gave him the little Trunk, containing those Papers, and willingly consented to leave it to him, Mr: Dalton and others named in a peice of paper. If I mistake not, Mr: Dalton was in the House, the morning you & Lady, was so good as to come and see Us the day we Embarked, You possibilly may remember (as I do to my great uneasyness) that Mr: Willis only came the Eveng: before or that very morning, by which, things were left in such confusion, instead of his coming there to reside, as was my Plan.

What can, or dare I say, about the unhappy difference between this Country and America. That you are condemned by the M—y, and their dependents, and much Aplauded by ever [y] welwisher to the Antient and Constitutional Right of Englishmen,0140126whether on this, or the other side of the Atlantic; of which there are a great Majority in this County. You'l hear probabelly before this reatches you, what Steps have been taken, how supported, and defended, and at last how inconsistantly they have Acted in the great World, various are the Conjectures about the much talked of Motion,1 and sudden change, some thinks it proceeds from unfavourable Accounts from the Continent of Europe, some that they are frightened at the Expence, and others that it was only intend: to Intimidate, and cause a disension in the Colonys, But I rather think that they find they have gone far enough, that the Americans are not so easily Duped, and that a War cross the Atlantic will be the most expences one they have had, and the difficulty of raising the Supplys to support so unnatural a one. It is pretty certain that the M—r has lost ground, that many of his Friends did desert him upon the late Question, and such a jealousy has arose, that its thought, a change in the M—y must soon take Place.—God grant, that it may be for the better, worse I think it cannot be, consequently we all hope for an Amendment, yett I fear it never will happen while the Premier, has so many lucrative Places in his disposal, and People grow more and more Extravigant, However this We can, and I believe very justly say, that Law is on our side, for all the Law Lords that do not fill some high Office, and many great disinterested Gentn: in the Commons, are0141127in support of America, and by examining the List, you may find that many of the Worthies are sent from this part of the Kingdom.

1 Lord North's conciliatory motion, passed in the House of Commons (274 against 88), February 20, 1775.

It is reported in London, that you are Training the People of Virginia to the Use of Arms, I hope you do not find those of your own County the most defficient, or that they misbecome their new uniform. They are going to have a General Review of all the Militia here, but for what I know not, as it's not Customary, time only will shew the Event of all things, and God grant you, your Privilages and a happy and speedy Reconciliation upon Constitutional Principles, is the daily Prayer of Dear Sir

Your Affect: and Most Obliged humble Servt: G: W: FAIRFAX

FROM SAMUEL ATHAWES, ESQ.

LONDON 3d March 1775

DEAR SIR,

The very short Crop & Capt: Pendersons Conduct not proving altogether Satisfactory to myself nor many of my Friends has induced me to take 200 Hhds in the Liberty Capt: Outram I would have agreed for 50 or even 100 more but he could not accommodate me with them however if there should be a Surplus, there is another Ship going out which he is to have the Loading of & in which they are to be put on board He will apply to you for my good Friend The Honble: Geo: Wm. Fairfax Esqrs. Tobo. & I0142128doubt not, you will give him the necessary Instructions respecting them. The Revd. Mr. Moseley who I make no Question but you must have heard our mutual Friend mention, was with me this morning, he had seen them but a few Days ago, & has since had a Letter which he shew'd me, & I am happy in informing you they are both very well.

I am with Respect Dear Sir, Your very obedt. Servt — SAML: ATHAWES.1

1 This letter is duplicated in the manuscripts.

FROM CHARLES CARROLL, OF CARROLLTON.

ANNAPOLIS 3d. March 1775.

SIR/

Convinced of your attachment to your country, and of your desire to promote its prosperity, I write this letter to recommend to your patronage, a Pamphlet now in our Press on ye. culture, & management of Hemp. I am well acquainted with the author, who has told me, that his knowledge of ye. Subject is has not been learnt from Theory, but obtained by his own practical experience. I have read his little treatise over with attention; it pleased, & instructed me: it will be particularly useful, I think, to these Colonies at this time, and indeed at all others. It was read to several gentlemen of the Committee in this town,0143129who all so far expressed their approbation of ye. performance, that, they recommended it to be printed. Inclosed you have the first sheet, as a specimen, the only one, that is yet struck off. If you should think this Pamphlet will sell well in Virga., the gentleman, who superintends ye. press, proposes to send you several copies to be sold at your provincial meeting at Richmond, by which means the most advantageous method of cultivating & preparing hemp will be generally known throughout yr. Province, and I hope succesfully practised. The price of the Pamphlet will be half a crown our Currency: the purchasers will have no occasion to grudge the money if the [y] steadily pursue the directions of the author—How many copies do you imagine may be sold in Virga.? if you can form any computation of the number that may be disposed of it will be to me direction and guide how many to send. If you can conveniently carry with you to Richmond a parcel of these Pamphlets, it will save to the author ye. expence of a special Messenger to Richmond, and they may be sent from hence to your house; some trusty person may be pitched on at Richmond, who for a small commission will undertake to retail these Pamphlets. My father desires me to present his complts to you, accept also of mine, and believe me to be with real esteem

Sir/ Yr. most hum: Sert. CH. CARROLL OF CARROLLTON

0144130

FROM MR. ROBERT MANDELL.

PORTBACCO March 5th. 1775

SIR

I understand you have thought of undertaking the payment of the Debts of Josias Adams late of this County—If you do I will wait twelve Months for the Sum due John Glassford & Compys Store here, being thirteen pounds five Shillings & one farthing Currency & am

Sir Your mo. obed Servt. ROBERT MANDELL

FROM GEORGE GRAY.

PORTOBACCO 5 March 1775

SIR

I am inform'd by Mr Jenifer that you have some thoughts of Paying the Debts due from Josias Adams Deceasd If you Agree to the Proposal I will wait for what the Estate is due me Twelve Months from this Date I am with Respect

sir Your very Ob servt GEORGE GRAY

FROM MAJOR WILLIAM CRAWFORD.

STEWARTS CROSSINGS March ye 6th 1775

DR SIR/

Yours by Dotr. Connellys man dated Febry 24th I am sory for your in Convenency in regard to your0145131carying on your improvements on your Land as you seem to have bad Luck

any sarvice I can be of two You it shall be don with Cheerfulness

Mr Cleveland told me he Bought a nough for him and the hands imployd

and Bacson1 as much as was wanting axs. hoes and such Tools what was wanting I Shall See Provided for you and as I think Val. will be with you befor my son you and him can fix on what will be wanting You seemd to be at a Loos for Som Person to help out with your sarvants I cold not help you to a better hand than my son ho has com down for that porpose to asist your People out he is usd to Traveling and may be of Som sarvice in hastning there march out I have order'd him to be steedy to Each order you shall think proper to give him till he arrives here and then I shall see them set out from here my self and see that they are fited out with what they may [need] as far as in my Power See in that Mr Simpson of in regard to the County town2 Your place is Very near the Senter of the Country now but when the Country coms to be more Setled then your Chart[i]ers Land will be near the Senter of the Setlement but that will be a Matter to be setled when the Line is Determd betwen the two Provinces till then I do not think it will be worth while to do any thing about it

1 Bacon.

2 This should probably read, “See in that of Mr. Simpson in regard to the county town,” and refers to Gilbert Simpson's letter, p. 97, ante.

Inclosed you have two plats Which you must fix0146132Warrants to your self, and the dats also of the Warrants

They Land on the river I mentioned to you two men is Disputing with me about it they are Living on the Land and intend to give me som Trouble about it in your Letter seem not willing to Enter into any Disput If I can have the matter setled so as to sute you I will and if not I will Lay it on Land that will sute you as I [k]now of som that has no person Living on it or but mear Trifling improvements that can be Easeyly setled

The Land in the 2 plats is very good Land on the Little Kanaway as you cold wish Your other plat shall be sent to you be the first opertunity cold not get it run out now

I am Sir your most Hume. Sarvant W .. CRAWFORD

FROM MR. WILLIAM MILNOR.

PHILADA 7th. March 1775

HONBLE SIR/

I have Just been informd by Mr. Wiltbert of his going your way, I have Just to mention that the Sashes are all like to be done soon, Silk enough for the whole is procured, the Gorgets will be done about the same time the shoulder Knots are all finished, I hope I shall have them all to send by Peter Jones, he leaves this place on the 19th. Inst: I have sent you Two pamphlets, one is said to be the performance0147133of Mr Galloway, the other I know not the Auther he lashes those few who dared to publish the the sentiments of Many without their knowledg I am in hast Dr sir Your Most Obt

Hum bl Sert WILLIAM MILNOR

FROM GEORGE MASON, ESQ.

GUNSTON HALL March 9th. 1775.

DEAR SIR,

I have at last finished the Potomack River Bill; which I now send You, together with some very long Remarks thereon, & a Letter to Mr. Johnston; into which You'll be pleased to put a Wafer when You forward the other Papers to Him. – I also return the Act of Assembly, & Mr. Johnston's Notes, which You sent Me.—This Affair has taken Me five times as long as I expected; and I do assure You I never engaged in any thing which puzzled Me more; there were such a Number of Contingencys to provide for, & drawing of up Laws a thing so much out of my way—I shall be well pleased if the pains we have bestowed upon the Subject prove of any Service to so great an Undertaking; but by what I can understand, there will be so strong an Opposition from Baltimore, & the Head of the Bay, as will go near to prevent its passage thro' the Maryland Assembly, in any Shape it can be offered. —

I suppose You have heard of the late Purchase made by some north Carolina Gentlemen from the Cherokee0148134Indians, of all the Country between the Great Conhaway & the Tennissee Rivers—I think, considering this Colony has just expended abt: £100,000, upon the Defence of that Country, that this is a pretty bold Stroke of the Gentlemen—It is suspected some of our Virga: Gentlemen are privately concerned in it. —

I have always expected that the new fangled Doctrine lately broach'd, of the Crown's having no Title beyond the Alleghany Mountains 'til after the purchase at Fort Stanwix wou'd produce a thousand other Absurdities & Squabbles.—However, if I am not mistaken, the Crown, at that Treaty, purchased of the six Nations all the Lands as low as the Tenissee River. So now I suppose, we must have a formal Tryal whether the six Nations or the Cherokees had the legal Right; but whether this is to be done by Ejectment, Writ of Enquiry, Writ of partition, or what other process let those who invented this curious Distinction determine.—The Inattention of our Assembly to so grand an Object; as the Right of this Colony to the Western Lands, is inexcusable, & the Confusion it will introduce endless. —

If I knew when You set off for the Convention at Richmond, I wou'd trouble You wth. two or three Vira Curcy.. Bills, to make my second payment to Mr Mizzay, as I may not perhaps have an Opportunity of sending it in April.

We make but a poor Hand of collecting; very few pay, tho' every body promises, except Mr. Hartshorn, of Alexandria; who flatly refused: his Conscience I0149135suppose wou'd not suffer him to be concern'd in paying for the Instruments of Death.1 George has been very unwell for some Days past, as soon as He gets well, He intends up into the Forrest, where He has not yet been. —

1 William Hartshorn, a prominent merchant of Alexandria, was related to the Quaker family of the same name in New Jersey and Philadelphia.

The Family here join in their Compliments to Mrs. Washington, & the Family at Mount Vernon, with Dr Sir

Your affecte. Hble Servt. G MASON

FROM GEORGE MASON, ESQ.

GUNS [seal] HALL March 9th. 1775.

DEAR SIR

I had wrote the inclosed Letter last Night, & was Just sending my Man off with it, & the other Papers, when Your Messenger came; by whom You will now receive them, made up in within the Cover of the Acts of Assembly. —

I beg You to inform Mr. Johnston that the Bill I have drawn is intended only as a Ground-work, & that I desire every part of it may be submitted to his Correction. —

My Son George has been unwell some time, He went Yesterday wth. his Sister to Mrs. Eilbeck's, as soon as He returns, & has a little Leisure, He will make out a Copy of the List of Tytheables. You will be pleased to leave Directions Wth. Mr. Lund Washington about the Collection. We have had an0150136Opportunity of speaking to most of the Gentlemen out of the County, who have Tytheables in it, & they have promised to give Directions for the Payment; I don't now recollect any whom it will be necessary to write to, but Colo. Henry Fitzhugh of Stafford, & Mr. John Turbeville of Westmoreland. —

I take the Liberty of inclosing You £18 ..—Virga. Curcy., out of which I must beg the favour of you to pay to Mr. Nicholas, or Mr. Mizzay, £ 12 .. 10—Str: for my second payment in the Wine Compy: due the 1st. of May next, & take a Rect. accordingly: I had not Bills to come nearer the Sum; but the Balle. You can repay Me when You return.—I send You the Cherry Grafts You desire, but am afraid they are rather too forward: the bundle wth: the white stick in it is May-Dukes; the other the large black May Cherrys.—I am DrSir

Yr. affecte. & obdt Sert G MASON

FROM CAPTAIN ROBERT MACKENZIE.

NORFOLK March 14th. 1775.

DEAR SIR

I am truely concerned to find myself under a necessity to depart from Virginia without the Pleasure of having paid my Respects at Mount Vernon, which was one of the principal Objects I had in View leaving Boston, my only possible Attempt being frustrated by the pressing Necessity of a Friend, with whom I travelled, to return to James River sooner0151137than I intended. When I shall again have a Chance for this Honour depends upon Events too intricate to foresee at present, tho' I anxiously hope they will terminate so favorably as to allow me a longer Indulgence in the Course of next Year. In the mean Time I beg you will accept this as an Assurance of the permanent Respect and best Wishes of,

Dr Sir your most obedient and most humble Servant ROBERT MACKENZIE.

FROM MR. DANIEL J. ADAMS.

PORT–TOBACCO. March 15th. 1775.

SIR

Yours of the 8th. Instat, came safe to hand, wherein you mention, you have come to the resolution of taking upon your Self the payment of my Fathers debts, provided I will Suffer a Condemnation of the Attach'd Effects—join my Sisters in Conveying the Lands to you—& Surrender possession of the Negros &ca.

To all this I and my Sisters will comply with, but Sir I think it will be very Necessary for you to give from under your hand at the time of Conveyance, that there shall no debt, or debts, hereafter paid come Against me, or my Sisters, that my Fathers Estate is now liable to,—I am in hopes Sir, After my giving up every thing I have to you, you will Set me at liberty, for I do not think I am altogether acting the honest part, by giving up any all that I am worth to0152138you and my Other Creditors to go Intirely without, which if I was to give up to my Creditors and take the benefit of the Act,1 every Creditor would have an equal part, Agreeable to their Claim, which was my resolution to have Acted, but as you are such a considerable Looser, I am willing to make all Satisfaction I possibly can, and comply with the request of my Friends, and for my Other Creditors I must trust to Providence for their lenity & Favor, but I have little right to expect any Favor from them, as they do not Share a part with you, in the Estate. I have wated on Stromatt, and he gave me the Inclos'd to send to you, and tells me he does not expect any thing for his Travelling expences, but thinks it reasonable he Should be paid the Cost of Suit, which Mr. Clapham at Annapolis inform'd me woul'd be about five pounds common Curcy. and what the Cost of the Scinfacious [?] will be, I am not acquainted, but Stromatt told me it would be 3 or 4 Hundred pounds Tobacco, that paid off at 12/6 per Cwt.—As you Observe the Sooner Matters is Settled the better I am of your Oppinion, and am ready at any time to have Matters Executed,—I have wated on Some of the Creditors with your letters, and they Seem very well Satisfy'd with them —

1 Hening, vol. v. p. 537.

I have One favor to ask of your Hon'or, and would Strongly recommend it to you, to comply with my request, the Negroe you Attach'd was brought up in the Family, has always been a favorate Negroe in the Family, and has been much Indulg'd he has now a0153139Wife and Several Children which he Seems to have a great Affection for, and has declar'd Several times that he will Loose his life, or had rather Submit to Death than go to Virginia to leave his Wife a[nd] Children, and do immagine from his declirations that he has made he will be Troublesome to any Master in Virginia, tho as fine a Slave as any in Maryland if you will be kind enought to favor this Poor wretch, he can get a Master who will he is willing to Serve, and will give you more than he is Apprais'd to, which is a great price, the Fellow is About five or Six in. Thirty very hefty and well made, but Sickly, at times.

The Horse you Attach'd I Swap'd away last Fall, for another Horse and gave five pounds to boot, as the Horse you Attach'd was very Infurm and I was affraid he would not have got Over it, but you may have this Horse Valued, as he is worth considerably more than the Other, or if you will let him Stay on the Plantation till Plowing time is Over you may have him at the Same, the Other Horse was Valued to —

I should Immagine the best way to Act to Save expence Would be to have the Attachment Stop'd as Soon as Possible and for I and my Sisters to make the Land and Effects Over to you, which I should Suppose would give you as good a Weight as if they were Condemn'd by Law—I am Sir

Your Mo. Obt. & Mo. Hum Servt DANL. J. ADAMS

0154140

FROM THOMSON MASON, ESQ.1

1 Judge of the General Court of Virginia; born, 1733; died, 1785. Thomson Mason was a brother of George Mason, and the father of Stevens Thomson Mason.

RASBERRY PLAIN 15th March 1775

MY DEAR SIR

As I presume You intend shortly for Richmond Town, I have taken the Liberty of inclosing You a Note of Colo. T. Mann Randolphs, for Ninety one pounds two Shillings, including Interest, which I must entreat the Favour of You to receive for me; I must also beg your Care of the inclosed Letter to Captain James Gunn, who I have desired to pay You a Sum of Money for me, whatever You receive of those Gentlemen, I shall esteem it a singular Act of Kindness, if You will contrive to me on your Return by my Friend Mr Robert Hanson Harrison of Alexandria, or Mr. Alexander Henderson of Colchester. I sincerely wish You an agreeable Convention, and am Dear Sir with the greatest Respect

Your most obedt humble Servant THOMSON MASON

FROM THE INDEPENDENT COMPANY OF RICHMOND.

March 17th 1775 —

The Independant Company of Richmond County present their most respectful Compliments to Colo. Washington and beg leave to inform him that they have unanimously chosen him their Commander, should they be obliged to have recourse to Arms to defend their King and Country; they flatter themselves0155141from their Assiduity they shall be able to make a tolerable appearance some time in the Summer, and should look on themselves as highly honoured if the Colonel would be pleased to review them when most Convenient to him, in the mean time they would be glad to be favoured with any Instructions he should think proper to give, and Assure him they are with respect

His most hble servants THE COMPANY

FROM COLONEL THOMAS CRESAP.1

1 Colonel Thomas, like his son Captain Michael, was a well-known Indian trader. He emigrated from Yorkshire, England, when about fifteen years old. At thirty he married—Johnson, and at eighty years of age married a second time. J. J. Jacobs states (Life of Captain Cresap, p. 40) that when about one hundred years old Colonel Cresap performed a journey, partly by sea and partly by land, from his residence at Old Town to an island near Nova Scotia, and returned in safety.

SKIPTON Mar 21, 1775.

SR.

I have just now Received Yours of Feby 7 : last, wherein you tell me that the Executors of Your Brother have been lately informed ofmy having taken Possession of some Lands belonging to him, which Information is not true; for I only claim my Own which I have been always in Possession of, And the very Person who made that Complaint has Rented it of me these two Years past and being called on for Rent thinks to come off from paying by this Method and carrying a Falshood. I have been in peaceable Possession upwards of Twenty Years, and what Buildings there are on the Land which I claim, was0156142Built by me. Your Brother has a Lott adjoining to mine, which was mine, I having bought it of one Pindergras in the presence of several Gentlemen & paid him the Money down of the spot; after which he Sold it to your Bror. When Your Bror. came to understand the Matter, he informed me of it, and there being a good Understandg between him & me (& to prevent a Law-suit) I told him I wod. give him my Right to it, As Pindergras had run away and cod. not be come at, therefore must have lost his Money. This Complainant has Lived sevl Years on Your Brother's Land and Claims it as his Own.

I have no Objection to by or Sell, if You shod. have any inclination.I am Sr.

Yr. most Obedt. Servt. THS. CRESAP

FROM MR. VALENTINE CRAWFORD.

MOUNT VARNON March 23d 1775

DEAR COLO

I Came to this place on fryday Evening and I Should have Com down Sooner But I Never Receved your Drafts till a fews days before I Came down and thinking you Might be gon to the Congrass I thought it advisable to Send them to you by Capt. Rutherford as you Might Meet Mr Lewis there and have the plats Examenid by Lewis your Selfe

I hope you will Excuse My My Not bring down att1 My acounts and Expenses in Trancating2 of your bisness over the Mount [mutilated] as it is Not in0157143My power to Setle till I have Som Conversation with your Selfe and then I [mutilated] I am in great hopes Setle Every thing to your Satisfaction as I am informed there has been various Storeys told you In Regard to My Conduct but Had you been on the Spot your Selfe it would have Confused you to [have] heard the Complaints of the distresed poor people that Came to My fort and I frequenly Desired of Mr Simson to take the Sarvents and Employ them att worke att your mill [mutilated] and said they would Run away. [a line mutilated] and the Man that Run away I Sent two men after him and found Each of them Horses and Money to Bere there Expenses the one went to baltimore and the other down through virginia which were gon Near three weeks and I Could Not get the axact amount of there expencis but it will be verey modest. But I hope to be down Some time in June and I will I hope Setle Every thing to your Satisfaction and as you [have] Ever been a good frend to me and att1 My familey and am in hopes for your Kiness to Me you Shall Never Sufer as I am fully Convin[c]ed it will be in My power to pay Everey Man I owe one Shilling by Next fall if My Life is Spared if I Cant Reas that Money for fowler I will you may depend deliver My Selfe up to the gaol and Clear you but you May depend without Som unfortenat acidence hapen Me I Shall be able to [mutilated] Considerable Som by fall as I have got So much god Land for Saill that will Comand Money I Should have waited till you Com home but I wanted to get home Emedently and you0158144May depend Everey Esistance in My power I will give to Mr Cleveland in fiting of him out or down the River and when I Com down in June I will bring a State of Every thing I did for you and hope to give you full Satisfaction for Every frendship done for your frend and

1 bringing down all.

2 Transacting.

1 all.

Most Hble Sert VAL: CRAWFORD B I have Left your Honour a belt of peace Which I hope you will Receve from yrs V C

FROM JAMES BALFOUR, ESQ.

LITTLE ENGLAND March 25th. 1775

SIR

My Partner Mr, Barraud writes me that he has procur'd ev'ry thing in your Order that cou'd be got—I have been confin'd to my Bed for near Six Weeks occasion'd as the Old Women say by a Stone Bruise on my Heel be what bruise it may it had liked to have carry'd me to my long Home thank God I am now out of all danger tho' still confin'd to my Bed—this has retarded sometime sending for the Flour —

Our Brig George & Charlotte Capt. Wilkinson Barzey now calls for it—I am well convinc'd that the Flour will be ship'd in good Order with dispatch—shou'd Capt Barzey have occasion for any necessary's or money please to supply him which shall be return'd on demand with thanks by Sir with great respect & regard —

Your most Obt hum: Servt JAMES BALFOUR

0159145

March 26th. By Letter's this moment recd. from our Friend O. Hanbury Esqr. he is appointed by the North American Merchants & Traders one of a Committee of 23 to prepare & bring in a Petition to the House of Commons for a repeal of all the obnoxious American Acts in which he says they have the greatest prospect of Success —

FROM CAPTAIN HENRY McCABE.1

1 There is in Hening (vol. x. p. 488) an act authorizing Henry McCabe, only son of the author of the above letter, who died intestate in 1780, to dispose of his father's property in Loudoun County and in Alexandria.

ALEXANDRIA March 31st. 1775

SIR

Having Purchac'd A Farm Adjoining the Town of Leesburg, am in want of Some money to Assist in Purchaceing Horses, Implements of Husbandry &c. if you can Supply me with one hundred & fifty pounds, I will give you Security on the land; or on the Stone house in that Town, Or if you would rather Choose to be secured in this County will give you A Mortgage on my Houses in this place. Your Answer to Mr James Kirk will highly Oblige me I am with Difference & Regard, Truly

Sir Your Most hble Servt. HENRY MCCABE

0160146

FROM ALEXANDER H. SMITH, ESQ.

FREDERICK TOWN FREDERICK COUNTY 31st March—1775 —

SIR —

I some Time Past Purchased of the Reverend Mr Walter Magowan, a Parcell of Ticketts in Earl Stirling s Land and Cash Lottery, in the Provinces of New York and New Jersey, I am since Informed that the Lottery is drawn and that you have an Acct of the Prizes in the Lottery—I have therefore taken the Liberty to write to you upon this Subject, and shall be Extremely obliged to you to Favour me with a Line, and that you would give me some Information of the Prizes among those Tickets that you had the Disposal off—I hope your goodness will excuse this Fredom, as I am very remote from Mr Magowan, and should be glad to know the Fate of my Tickets, your Compliance in this request wil Particularly oblige Sir

Your Obet Hum Sert ALEXR. HAMILTON, SMITH Please to direct to Doctr Alex Hamilton Smith, in Frederick Town Frederick County, Maryland, to the cair of Mr Charlton —

FROM DENNIS STIPHENS.1

1 This name is so spelled in the signature and indorsement.

YAUGH RIVER

DENNISS STIPHENS April 3d. 1775

HONOUR'D SR.) I have had the mortification of Seing a letter from under your hand directed to Mr. Gilbert0161147Simpson dated march, the purport of which demonstrates, to me that I have incurd your displeasure greatly by Omiting my duty with Respect to your mill, What you particularly Seem to alledge is my Extravigance in drinking and also that She never will be finis. d which allegations I humbly acknowledge were they sufficiently Authenticated are Sufficient to fill you with Invitarecy and dislike to me, But Worthy Sr. as it is and has been an Antiently A Custom for the Sons of men first to be convicted and then Executed I would ask the favour of you to grant me a lot in those antient priveledges, As for Instance I do Aver and am ready to maintain that I have used the Utmost of my Endevours to Comply with Every thing that Should concur with Your Interest, and as for drinking I have drank nothing Spirituous Since the first day of January last Or before on any other mans money but my own which I think Every free man has a right to convert to whatever use he thinks most proper, I am Extreamly Sorry that your pen Should be thus Enslav. d or your mind perplex. d by malicious desighning persons to answer their purposes, I hav not the least reason to doubt Should you come out in august next which I understand you intend but you will look on your authaurity with an Eye of Contempt and not take in hand to asperce the charracter of any Individual in consequence of the like Slender Information, your water wheel is contained within the house and your plans Executed as direct as lay in my power and when She turns round those Bablers will thereby be Silenced, and your honour I hope be mutially Satisfied and0162148the Labourer who now is unworthy of the Character of a man be Restord, Be pleased to Consult Mr. John Ballendine a good man of the most celebrated character Void of partiallity Whether my abillities or quallifications are thus to be cald in question, Should you upon the whole after mature consideration on the matter look on it you are Imposed upon I have a partner at hand who will Jointly purchase your mill with a little Indulgence and Refund your money which you So greatly Commented upon I am Your most Obedt. humble servt.

DENNISS STIPHENS

FROM MR. GILBERT SIMPSON.

April ye 3: 1775

SR

I Reced your letter by Mr William Stephens dated in March in Which I find you are verey Much disturved at the Cost of your Mill and I find that after all My Care and troble To Serve you in a thing of this kind to the great disadvantage of my plantation as Well as the discruttion of my Bedind and houshold furneture and that all for Nothing Except that of incuring your ill Will and being Censured for Litely and Laishly Squading away your money pray What advantage do you immagon I Could Reap by Giveing men high Wages and kee[p]ing them idle. you Cant have forgot that you Sent a Bill of trust timber to bee Got of such a sise then how Was this house to bee built Without takeing the trust Within the0163149Walls and Sr you Cant have forgot tha[t] you Gave me Strict Char[g]e to git her built Strong and Compleat in all her br[a]nches and to have the Walls two storey high and to bee laid in Strong Lime marter Could you possably think Such a Mill Was to only Cost Three or Four hundred pounds No Sr heare is a three hundred pound Mill within about Seven Mils of this plase Which Was two years in building and only began to Grind Last Spring and is Now likely to drop to pesses and is a perpetual Cost and I make no doubt but in Les than Seven years She will Cost more than yours and then not Worth one hundred pounds and I Expect that yours in the Same Length of time Will not Cost Five pounds and I am Sorrey that Mr Stephens To heare him So Redeculd for he allway declard from the first to make her the most Compleat Mill and to go With the Lest Wayter that he Ever built and I believe he Will accomplish his desine in a Short thime for I must bee of oppinion not only of my own knowledg but by by of judgment of them that I beleive to bee judges and men thome have seen your Mill at home Who allows that there is no Compareson in the Workmanship and it is further said by them Who knows best the men that Stephens is able to teech this Same Barel [?] in all the Milwrights buseness but Sr I beleive that you must think that you are to have no Customers to this mill and by that meens never to Get yor own again but I Can inform you better for there is near or Quite Seventy familys Custom at this time depending on her but Sr When you Com to See and bee Clearly informd that you Will bee of0164150another way of th[i]nking but if your mind then Continues as it appears to bee at this time I have a partner at hand that With a Little indulges Will make you Whole With intrust and as for Mr Stephens he has not drank one of Sperets sens nine year but has always indevourd to bee as near your intirest as was in his power I have had very fue men imployd sens Last fall and fueer now and there fore have discharged non So Sr no more but am very Sorrey to think that all I gane is your displesure and that you dont as much as Wish me Good Lock in any of your Letters

I Remain your humble Servant GILBT SIMPSON YOUGH RIVER

FROM WILLIAM GRAYSON, ESQ.

DUMFRIES Apll. 5th. 1775.

DR SIR

I have the honor of your favor of the 2nd. of Aprill; in answer to which, it is the desire of our officers, that if they can't be furnishd with such sashes, as are proper, they would not incline to have any; but this matter is altogether left to yourself, as the person most capable of determining; with respect to the mode of conveying the arms from Philada to this place; I cannot at this time determine, the Company will meet on friday next; after which time, I will do myself the pleasure of informing you particularly on the subject; We are extremely obliged to you, for the book of exercise of 1764. Mr. Daviss does0165151not at present exercise the Company, but I will take care that the same shall be conformd to, in every instance, agreable to yr. orders,

I am with great respect Yr. Most Obedt. Servt WILLM. GRAYSON

FROM CAPTAIN EDWARD SNICKERS.

ED SNICKERS April 6 1775

DER SIR/

I Receved a letter from youre miller in Regard to the whete I Sent Last to youre mill whare in he is under Som mistake to think the whete Belonged to Mr Wormley for the whete wase my property but it Came from one of Mr Wormleys quarters as he wase in Due me for whete I Sent him Last fall from my plantation in Loudon to Soe and youre miller wase much in the Right to waye it and Give a Resait for what meaid it as Good as my one as I Shall be Sorry to Let you have Bad whete you have Got all my crope from Loudon now————

I have at Last Got Mr Hughes from Bondig and Got him to my hous and am with Regard youre Sincere frind and

Humbl Sarvnt ED SNICKERS NB when the herrins Runes I must Beeg you will Save me 20 Barrils of the first Running for which I will pay you the same price as I Did for the Last I am yours ES

0166152

FROM GEORGE DIGGES, ESQ.1

1 George Digges, of Warburton, Prince George County, was in the Maryland Senate in 1787. For genealogy of the Digges family, see William and Mary Quarterly, vol. i.

WARBURTON April 7. 1775.

DEAR SIR

My Father & Mr Hawkins will take four hundred Bushels of your Salt, & I will copy a few Advertisements to be put up in this Neighbourhood—your Vessel may come a long side of our Warf, which I apprehend would be more Conveniant for the people in the N that may want to purchase, The family Join in Complt. to all at MtVernon, with

Dear Sir Your Mos Ob Ser GEO DIGGES.

FROM CAPTAIN WILLIAM PRESTON.

WM. PRESTON April 9th. 1775.

DEAR SIR

Yours of the 27th. Ult. came to hand yesterday with my Fee & that to Mr. Floyd with which we are sattisfied.

Henderson I hear has made the Purchase & got a Conveyance of the great and Valluable Country below the Kentucky from the Cherokees. He and about 300 adventurers are gone out to take Possession, who it is said intends to set up an independant Government & form a Code of Laws for themselves. How this may be I cant say, but I am affraid the0167153steps taken by the Government have been too late. Before the Purchase was made had the Governor interfered it is beleived the Indians would not have sold. abt. 12 or 1300 of them met at the Treaty & I hear near one half went off much displeased, as they shared no part of the Goods given by the Company.

Mr. Floyd has sent you a Description of 3000 Acres of Land he surveyed last Summer and which has not been appropriated. Should this suit, let me know by a Line & I will make out a Certificate & send it to any Place you direct. As I imagine you will receive this before you set off for the Congress, you can send an Answer to the Care of Alexr Craig in Wms.burg at the meeting of the Merchants from whence I can readily get it

But if this Land will not answer your Purpose I can readily have a Tract Surveyed as Floyd sets off to morrow for the Ohio & I can when I receive your Letter have an Oppy. of writing to him. The Warrant should be lodged with me, if it is sent to Mr. Craig I can get it safe.

I am with profound Respect Dr Sir your most hble Servt. WM. PRESTON

FROM MR. JAMES CLEVELAND.

THE BANCKS OF THE YAUGHIOGY April 10th 1775

SIR/

With much Difictualy I got out the fifth Day of April to gilberts Simpsons; Wheare I found all the0168154Hands but under stood that ther Was but two Canneu—Next Day I Went to Majs Crawfords to see Stephenes & And Crawfords Stephenes told me that he had been there Tenn Days, gitting the tules I asket him how did you did Expect to git Down he said he had made the hands Digg one Weick,1 he said made three, I told him two of them seemed old he Told me that tha were the Canneus that weare Got last year For Col Gorge washington I asket him if he Could Not have Got Canneus made by this Time, he said he Could but Major Crawford deseved him by telling him from time to time, that he would Provid Canneus I Asket him if Crawford had faild In So Truth full a promis as he had made to me which you have been informed as you Came by my house I told him he wass to blame then I spock with Crawford But reserved but littel sattes faction then I spock with Mr pasten [?] and asket him what he had Done he told Me he had got the Corn that I ingaged for Mr young & bought bacon & made his Canneus and was Ready to go Down I left Crawfords & have got two More & have got all the bacon that is left & all The rest Except three Caskes of Corn left at Sympsons I am in hopes you Can Contrive to bring With you as I am Shore I shall want it as there Is but 21 Casks left the Caskes holds 3 1/2 busheles of Corn the bacon is all gone but 2 1/2 Casks

1 Week ?

SIR

Major Crawford Chues to keep John nite he has sent thomas White but he has such a Wound on0169155his foot that I Dont think proper to tack him Down with me he is baten very bad besides & has a very bad Name with all pursons Next he has but one Shirt So I have Directed Him to return home to Crawford again as he keeps the good & let him have the bad we have Got but 16 Axes & 8 hilling hoes two mataxes which Is Not tueles a nuf but I shall doe the best I Can While You Come out then Please to bring as much of Every thing as you thinck Proper vallaintine Crawford being from home Stepens has not Got All the things but as I have not had Time to Settele with him I Cant give you al Full a Count of matters as I might Doe one of the Cannues is to Pay for yet 22/6 is the prise one bell at 11/6 these I bought of Gilbert Sympson it being pennsylvania money Intend Down the river to Day if god Permits I am told that I Cant go tell rain Comes but I Intend To trie my best I am so furleaged [?] at this time That prohaps I may Not thinck of all that I Might Do No more at present but but If you Will Give me leave to Subcribe my Selef your Frind & humbel Sart JAMES CLEVELAND N B Please to let Mr John west know that That All his provisions is all lost & two of his Staves one of the best & the thura best As All of his things was lost & one Cros Cut Saw & Seven axes And one pot as I was about five miles from the plase I went to the Spot and have got all my things and Put them in one of the Cannues which is to Be Down this morning if my Cannues Can Swim I Shall go Down with them & Stevens & the remainder of the hands0170156I find I might leave one of the sarvents with Mr. Sympson as he Cant Travil & we are loded to the brim all most I have Directed him to sell him if he Cant to Put him to the mill to worck as Soon as he is abel So I Conclud your as above

FROM THOMAS CONTEE, ESQ.1

1 There is the strongest presumption that the Contees (about the time of their arrival closely connected with the family of Governor Seymour, and lately represented by the gallant John Contee, of Java) came also, originally, from France; though there is evidence of the fact that they had lived at Barnstaple, in Devonshire, as did some of the most distinguished Huguenots in other parts of England before their emigration to other countries. The arrival, however, of the Contees in Maryland was late. I doubt if it was before the year 1690.—G. L. DAVIS.

GEORGE TOWN April 11. 1775

SIR

I have Just received your Terms for the Brigantine Farmer and her Apparel, the New Boat Excepted, I agree to your proposal and Capt. Bradstreet will take her in Charge when or as Soon as you please. The Eighty pounds Bills will be paid you on receipt of the Vessel and the Cash you may rely on by or before the first day of May next. I am Sir your very humble Servant

THOS. CONTEE

FROM MR. JAMES TAYLOR, JR.2

2 Colonel James Taylor, of Midway, Caroline County, Va., eldest son of James and Alice (Thornton) Taylor, and grandson of James and Martha (Thompson) Taylor, married Elizabeth (Fitzhugh) Conway, daughter of John Fitzhugh, of “Belle Air,” and widow of Captain Francis Conway. Colonel Taylor, prominent himself in the politics of the day, was the father of General James Taylor, of Newport, Ky., and nearly related to General Zachary Taylor and James Madison.

JAMES TAYLOR JU. 12th. April 1775

SIR

I mentd. Mr. Mortons affair to Mr. Boylor & Mr. Lowry and they Absolutely refuse entering into any0171157engagements on that persons account, Mr. Boylor says he never was Applied to, nor knew such a thing was expected from him 'till I mentioned it to him the evening we parted in our return from Richmond I am

Sir Very Respectfully Your Servt. JAMES TAYLOR JU.

FROM THOMAS NEWTON, JR.

NORFOLK 12, April 1775

SIR

I Received your favor of 3d instant, I also have received the herrings 60 Bars of which I have sold at 15/ & am in hopes of getting clear of the remainder at the same price payable next October. the ship stuff is still on hand tho I hope to get ten shillings for it soon. I will endeavor to get a vessell to bring up the sand tho I am afraid I shall not procure it to be done under 5d or 6d the bushell . . superfine flour I think will answer here that is it now sells for 2d & freight, shou'd you incline to send any please to let it be soon. I am

Yr. Hble. Servt THOMAS NEWTON JR. Mrs. Balfour died on saturday last sunddenly —

0172158

FROM GOVERNOR DUNMORE.

WILLIAMSBURG 18th. April 1775

SIR

I have received your letter dated the 3d. Instant. The information you have received that the Patents granted for the Lands under the Proclamation of 1754 would be declared Null and Void, is founded on a report that the Surveyor who Surveyed those Lands did not qualify agreeable to the Act of Assembly directing the duty and qualification of Surveyors,1 if this is the Case the Patents will of Consquence be declared Null and void.

1 Hening, vol. vi. p. 33.

I am Sir Your most Obedient humble Servant DUNMORE

FROM MR. WILLIAM MILNOR.

PHILADA. April 18th. 1775

HONBLE SIR/

Your favour by Mr. Whilper as was well as2 that by yesterdays post, I have received, and I have acted exactly agreable to your directions, respecting the Sashes, as I forbid the Maker to proceed any farther with them, immediately on seeing the first he made, which I sent to Mr. Gilpin, the Arms are all ready to be sent Agreable to any directions that Comes —

2 was as well as.

I think you have not Mentioned the receiving the0173159Shoulder knots, which I sent some time agone by the post, & likewise the 6 Copies of Manual Exercise, The Gorgets I have not been able to get from the workmen yet, but I have them now in a persons hands who I blive will finish them soon —

I am glad to hear your people have began to fish but I was very much Alarmed yesterday, to see two of the Coopers returned, whom I had sent down to the assistance of James Lawrason, as I am sure he is very backward in his preparations, I think to be on my Journey down, the begining of Next week, I have no More to Add but that I have removed from the house you saw me in, up into Arch street Near the Corner of front street, where I am Much more pleasantly situated than before, & where, I hope, to have Company of Colonel Washington as often as it may suite him to Call while in Philada.1—I am with respect & Esteem

1 All the best and richest merchants dwelt under the same roofs with their stores, situated then in Water or Front Street. Some of the richest and genteelest merchants dwelt in Water Street till the year 1793, and several of them afterwards.—WATSON'S Annals of Philadelphia.

Dear Sir Your Obedt. Humble Servt WILLIAM MILNOR

FROM COLONEL EDMUND PENDLETON.

EDMD. PENDLETON Apl. 21. 1775.

DR. SIR

I have procured a Copy of Dr. Savage's Bill which I now inclose you with the other papers, as I imagine yr. Answer may be drawn above with more convenience to you. As to the Release he sets up, 'twil be necessary to set forth where it was made0174160by your consents, or on her privy examination in Court, so far as you are acquainted wth. the Facts. it will be time enough to have the Answer agt. October, & indeed I fear 'twil be of no use then, as all late Accounts from [mutilated] itain seem to promise Us other emploiment before that time. We have a loose Report that the Govr. has taken the Key of the Magazine, & that a sloop with a Company of Marines was lying in each of the Creeks, which it was supposed were to take the Arms & Ammunition from thence. Some of our Independants had a strong inclination to go immediately & secure the Arms & Ammunition.

I have as yet heard nothing from the Speaker fixing the time of our setting out, indeed from some disturbances in the City, by the Slaves I doubt whether he will go—I purpose however to set off at all events Wednesday morning .the 3d. & shall be glad to meet you at upper Mabrough thursday night.1 My Compts. to Mrs. Washington and the young pair. I am

1 On the morning of April 21 a delegation, consisting of the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and Common Council of Williamsburg, presented to Lord Dunmore, by Peyton Randolph, an address protesting against the secret removal of the powder from the magazine, and calling attention to the fact that they were threatened with a negro insurrection. The Governor replied that, “hearing of an insurrection in a neighboring county, he had removed the Powder from the Magazine where he did not think it secure, to a place where it would be in perfect security; and that, upon his word and honour, whenever it was wanted on any insurrection, it should be delivered in half an hour. That he had removed it in the night to prevent any alarm; and that Captain Collins had his express commands for the part he had acted. He was surprised to hear the people were under arms on this occasion, and that he should not think it prudent to put Powder into their hands in such a situation.—American Archives, Fourth Series, vol. ii. p. 372. This diplomatic reply so incensed the people that the learders had some difficulty in preventing the companies from marching upon the palace at Williamsburg.

Dr Sr. Yr mo hble Servt. EDMD. PENDLETON

0175161

FROM MR. CHARLES YATES.1

1 Son of Elias Yates, of Fredericksburg. Charles Yates was, in 1796, appointed one of the trustees of the charity school of Fredericksburg.

FREDS.BURG April 25th. 1775 —

Sir

Mr Robert Rutherford has put into my hands a Letter directed to you in Wmsburg, or in case of your not being there to Colo. F. Lewis—the purport of which is to request your paying me Fifty Pounds agreeable to the tenour of a Subscription you signed—and has put into my custody a Bond properly executed for repayment of said Fifty Pounds which I am to deliver on recpt. of the Money—Colo. F Lewis tells me he had your instructions to pay the above mentioned Sum to R. R. last Octor. but thinks it best to have them renewed & has desired me to apply to you for that purpose before you go to the Norward

Your directing Colo. Lewis to settle that much with me at Williamsburg will Oblige Sir

Your most Obedt hble Servt CHS. YATES.

FROM THE INDEPENDENT COMPANY OF FAIRFAX.

ALEXANDRIA April 25. 1775

SIR

We are under some doubt whether we did not agree at the last meeting2 to take the fashion of the Hunting Shirt Cap & Gaiters from you, and shall be glad to be informed by the return of Mr Johnson whether you Intend to send yours up that we may0176162get the fashion, or that you will give your direction about the same.

2 At Alexandria, April 15.

We are Sir very respectfully Your Most Obedt. Ser [mutilated] JAMES HENDRICKS GEO GILPIN ROB H HARRISON

FROM THE INDEPENDENT COMPANY OF SPOTSYLVANIA.

FREDERICKSBG. April 26th. 1775

SIR)

By intelligence from Williamsburg it appears that Capt. Collins of his Majesty s Navy at the head of 15 Marines carried off the Powder from the Magazine in that City on the night of Thursday last and conveyed it on board his Vessell by Order of the Governor. The Gentlemen of the Independant Company of this Town think this first Public insult is not to be tamely submitted to and determine with your approbation to join any other bodies of armed Men who are willing to appear in support of the honour of Virginia as well as to secure any the Military Stores yet remaining in the Magazine. It is proposed to March on Saturday next1 for Williamsburg properly accoutred as Light Horsemen.

1 April the 29th.

Expresses are sent off to inform the Commanding Officers of Companies in the adjacent Counties of this our Resolution & we shall wait prepared for your0177163Instructions & their assistance. We are Sir Your humble Servants

HUGH MERCER1 G. WEEDON2 ALEXANDER SPOTSWOOD3 JOHN WILLIS4——

1 General Hugh Mercer was at this time a practising physician in Fredericksburg. “His house, in which was his apothecary-shop, stood on the s.w. corner of Princess Ann and Amelia sts.: it was a long frame building, of antique architecture, and a story and a half in height.”—HOWE, Virginia History and Antiquities.

2 General George Weedon was commissioned a lieutenant in the Virginia regiment by Washington, July 26, 1757, and served through the Forbes campaign. During the interval between the French war and the Revolution, Howe tells us that he was an innkeeper in Fredericksburg.

3 General Alexander Spotswood, son of John and Mary (Dandridge) Spotswood, and grandson of Governor Alexander Spotswood, was born in Virginia, and died there December 20, 1818. He married Elizabeth Washington, a niece of George Washington.

4 Probably a grandson or grandnephew of Colonel Henry Willis, the founder of Fredericksburg, who married Mildred, only daughter of Lawrence and Mildred (Warner) Washington.

As we are not sufficiently supplied with Powder, it may be proper to request the Gentlemen who join us from Fairfax or Prince William, to come provided with an over pro portion of that Article.

FROM THE INDEPENDENT COMPANY OF PRINCE WILLIAM.

DUMFRIES 26th. Apl. 1775.

SIR

We have just received a letter from the Officers of the Independant Company of Spotsylvania which I have herewith inclos'd;5 I immediately call'd together0178164 this Company and had the vote put whether they would march to Williamsburgh for the purposes mentioned in that letter which was carried unanimously.

5FREDRICKSBURG 24th. April 1775.

SIR/

From undoubted Authority we receiv'd here this day Morning the very disagreeable Intelligence that in the Night of Thursday last, Capt. Collins Commander of one of his Majesty's Sloops of War by Command of his Excellency the Governor assisted by a Company of Marines carried off all the powder from the Magazine in the City of Williamsburg & deposited it on board his Vessell which lay at Burwell's fferry, about five miles below the City.

The said Authority informs us that the Corporn. of the City of Wms.burg addressed the Govr on that Occasion The people had receiv'd no Satisfaction nor are they likely to recover the powder tho' it is so very necessary for the security of the Country.

This being a day of Meeting the independt. Co. of this Town, they considered it necessary, to take the Matter into serious Considn. and are come to an unanimous Resolution that Submission to so arbitrary an Exertion of Government may not only prejudice the common Cause by introducing a suspicion of a defection of this Colony from the noble pursuit but will encourage the tools of despotism to commit further Acts of Violence in this Colony and more especially subject the Arms in the Magazine to the same fate of the powder.

In these sentiments this Compy. could but determine that a Number of public spirited Gentn. should embrace this opporty. of shewing their Zeal in the grand Cause by marching to Wms.bg to enquire into this Affair and there to take such steps as may best answer the purpose of recovering the powder & securing the Arms now in the Magazine to this End they have determined to hold themselves in readiness to march from this place as light horse on Saturday Morning and in the mean time to submit the Mre to the determn. of yours & the neighbouring Countys to whom Expresses are purposely forwarded We address you in the Name of our Co. as their Officers & are Sir Yr. very hble Servt

HUGH MERCERG WEEDONALEXR SPOTSWOODJNO WILLISTo CAPT. WM. GRAYSON(Copy)

I have nothing more to add but that we are Well assured you may depend on them either for that or any other service which respects the liberties of America. We expect yr. answer & determination by Mr. Daviss. We have the honor to be

Yr. Most Obedt. Servts. WILLM. GRAYSON. PHIL. RD. FRANS: LEE By order of the Co.

0179165

FROM THE INDEPENDENT COMPANY OF ALBEMARLE.

CHARLOTTESVILLE 29 April 1775

SIR/

The County of Albemarle in General & the Gentlemen Volunteers in particular are truly alarmed, & highly incensed with the unjustifiable proceedings of Lord Dunmore, who we are informed has Clandestinly taken possesion of our ammunition lodged in the Magazine, we should have attended at Fredericksburgh in order to have proceeded to Williamsburgh to demand a return of the powder, had the Alarm reached us before an account of Security being given for its delivery—however to assure you, & the world of our readiness, & willingness to resent every encroachment of Arbit[r]ary power, we now declare to you, should it be necessary, that the first Company of Independants for Albemarle will attend in Williamsburgh properly equiped (& if not to be obtained otherwise) to enforce an immediate delivery of the powder, or die in the Attempt, with respect we remain ready to obey your commands.

CHAS. LEWIS Capt. GEORGE GILMER Lieutt.1 JOHN MARKS Lieu 2nd.2

1 A member of the Albemarle Committee of Safety; married Eliza Anderson. Their son, Thomas Walker Gilmer, was Secretary of the Navy under Tyler.

2 The Marks family of Albemarle was connected with the Martins, Carrs, Lewises, Minors, Wallers, etc.

P.S. The Company will stand under arms all day on Tuesday waiting your answer &c

0180166

FROM ALEXANDER SPOTSWOOD, ESQ.

ALEXR SPOTSWOOD april 30th 1775

SR/ It is Immagin'd the first thing, that will Come on the Carpet at the Meeting of the Congress, Will bet that, of Establishing Regular Armies throughout the Continent on pay, if the such a prop thing, Shd. Take place, their is not the least doubt But youl have the Command of the Whole forces in this Collony &mdash and in that Case, Shall ever Esteem you as my greatest friend, if you'l use yr. Intrest in procureing me a Commission &mdash or Shd. the powr. of Chuseing officers, be vested in you &mdash & you Shd. think proper to Confer so great an honr. on me, as to Quallifying me, as one of yr. officers, you'l find me, as I have Always been, Ready to serve my Country, in the Glorious cause of liberty, at the Risk of my life & fortune Gratis —

I am extremely glad to inform you that after a Long debate it was at last agreed we Shd. not March to Williamsburg

I am with Respect yr obt St ALEXR SPOTSWOOD

FROM MR. JAMES CLEVELAND.

No 7May 12th 1775KANHAWA AT THE GREAT BEND

SIR

These Fue lines Comes to let you know that we are all Well & & & And on April 5 I Got to Gilbert Sympsons Whear I Found all the hands, & Nothing0181167Ready but What I Gave you & Account of but the Articles hear after menched;1 one Cannoe Made by your one hands, two Do Made last year; 9 Axes So I Bought one Cannoe of Sympson at 20/ And one more I Got Which Made Five With my one after I had got loaded I found I Could Not Tacke in all; So I left three barells of Corn which I hope you would bring with you, Cpt Crawford Came Down To Me just as I was ready to set of, & said he thought I was Loaded to Deap & Would have me to tack one of Mr John wests [canoes] I Ded Refuse to do it at First as my let Ter was Seald; but Remembring your In Structsions was to Consult him2 but I had reason to Wish I had Not For it was Stove, tho I Could Not See it So I Was obliged to leave hur he all so Prest me To tack white & he turns out well as yet I tuck him After the letter was Seald If you have got any of the letters They are all Numberd but the First & SeCont. on the 10 of The Same Instant I Inbarcket For the Canhawa but the Winds weare so high that I Could Not go above half time on the 18 of the Same Instant I had the miss Fortain to Loos the best Cannoe & Six barells of Corn one gun [?], on the 22 of the same Instant I got to the land then I sot the hands To helveing & fixen, that No time might be lost I proseded To Search0182168out a place I Spent three Dayes be Fore I Could Fix on the Spot Cald the great bend & on the 26 Day of The same Instant I got to the Spot Wheare I proseded as Directe[d] First the peach Carnals petatoes Seads Corn that Night Two of the Sarvents Run a way by warter I set out With Five hands & the Night after got back with them; on the 3 Day of This Instant Five of them Run a way I proseded with fore hand Down the ohio as low as giaudot [?] by this I thought I must have pst them then I made to search the Indians Shore wheare I got the head man & a rifel which he had stole from the camp he said thay set out for Pensacole [?] but saw me Pass them Thay Concluded to go to the Shawne town on great musk kingdom as he had been lost five Dayes from the rest I thought I Could ketch them before Thay Could git to the town So Marchet a Day but found I Could Not by the tracks I saw so I returnd To The Camp to provide For the jurney & this Day Sets out to the town With one hand the best Diat in the last viorge1 was warter And wild Weads Which Made Willum Skilling & one of Stefenes hands Give out & weare two Dayes & half before thay Made the Camp, the Sarvents keeps me & the hiord hands huntting of them I am bulding a house to lock them in of Nights as there is Nother Way to kep them tell you Come out & See What is to be Done For this Place Would Not Doe for Sarvints Was Not my Credet at Stack I should have given up For the time I loos is More then thay are Worth I have the porest set0183169of hands In flesh That I ever saw & at this time has but 28 bushells of Corn our Meat Is all out & Game is as Scase hear as it is in loudoun so that We have No meat & the fish would Not bite or there is None To bite you know how many hands you have hear Stefenes has got all his hands & I thinck thay are good I hired one hand so that you are abel to judg how long our Corn would last I have searcht my Sellf for game but finds there is None to Speak of in less then 25 or 35 miles & that right threw the hills Wheare Scarsell a man Can go I have been buy Warter But finds No game that the hunters are Not in fault I am Told fish would be very plenty soon if so I shall Want lines As I have hunters & game to be had at a great Distance I am Resolved to Mack all I Can by Skines when thay are in Season If We ketch fish I should be glad to have some flower but that or Corn Must be had for all hands & there is None to be had hear of What I have tell you Come out & See What you Can bring For us I have put betwen 15 & 20 acres in Corn Which is all I Can tend as I have but 8 hoes & them Stumps one of Which Is brock the lands hear is the Worst to Clear that Ever I saw I am a Mind to trie Which is the spediest way bulding or Clearing I am shore that Clearing is if it weare Not so bad with treaes Grubes & at this time the Weade & Grass is wast high & some more As I have Not got much done yet And am at a great Distance from it may appear to you that more might [have] been Done but you must not thinck that ther is any time lost white I am hear that Can be hope10184170had Not the Sarvents run a way I Mought have had more Done the peoples Cloes Would be wore out Except britches & hats by the faul Shues ma[y] be had hear

1 Mentioned?

2 “Engage upon the best terms you can, such, and so many Canoes as, are absolutely necessary to transport your Provisions and Tools down the River &mdash And to avoid the Expense of bags as much as Possible, try if one of the Canoes cannot be fitted up in such a Manner as to carry your corn and Bacon with the assistance of one or two only. &mdash Perhaps the Canoes built for me last year may again be got. &mdash Speak to Major Crawford on this head.” &mdash Washington's Instructions for Mr. James Cleveland.

1 voyage.

1 helped.

This Garroson I understand is to be brock up there is plenty of Mataxes for Sail Near 100 head of Cattel Fine Cowes And Calves Cpt Russel sayes he thincks thay would sell As high as 3 pound or three pound tenn Such I have Not Seen but I have No money or I would by some of them & Draw on you For the Cash I have had some talck with him about it he has promist To let Me have a Fue of them if I get them & you should Bring Flower out with you it Would Mack up For this Bead liven1 this Letter Would Come Soon to hand If you should Not aProve of it let me know it as soon as you Can as it Would bee about 5 or 6 weackes before thay are sold if I Find thay go at the price that some thincks thay would I shall try to by the roll2 What you would not Want I Would kep if you please but let me know by the first Letter you send to me I All so intend to by mataxes as I have but two there is No hilling hoes & we want some As We have Done one house & Directed to praise as we go I thinck I have three of the most Proper hands sworn before Cp Russell Majistrate of Finncasel County to apraise the Worck Done on this tract3

1 believing?

2 whole?

3 This letter is without a signature, but is indorsed “from Mr. James Cleveland.”

0185171

FROM MR. JAMES CLEVELAND.

No 9 &mdash May 21th 1775 &mdash KANHAWA GREAT BEND

SIR

I Am So well Sattisfied that you have Got the Last letter that I Shall Not right So Full as I Should If I thought that Could fail as I Give you a Full aCount of all My Prosedeurs & that the sarvents Plaged me Much At that Time Fore of them Ware gone to the Indanes town & that Day I Should Set out after them but Concluded To Send Stefenes after them & he Returnd to me Last Night With two of them & the Man that I have Sent with him as a pilet is gone one to the other town as these Two ware So fare Spent that thay Could hardell Git home & are know both of them Sick & So pore that if thay live Thay Would Not be abel to worck in less than tenn Dayes the best aCount I Can Give you is that one of them is Starved to Deth as he Could Not Swim thay Left him With out fire tacklen & as thay weare 17 Dayes out So that he Must be Dead but if he Should Git to any of the towns I shall Git him because I have Got Capt Russell to right to the king of the Indanes & he has promist if any of his hunters Comes a Cross him he Shall be brought in Safe but I thinck he is Dead for When the rest left him he Was all Most Spent his Name is Edward Cu [mutilated] & John baley & W brazer [?] & Charles Stefenes & Willum trase the head man, this trip he is a good hand or I would Sell him the other fore When I Stand by Cant Do as Much as he Can but tenn pounds is the most that I have been oferd for0186172ither of them & that Molisk [?] Pay so that I Do Not know What to Do but as thay Would Not stay at home & Good for Nothing When there & all the hiord hands wore out I am resolved to part With them tho you Would Be a loser the time after them is is more as I have Lost 49 Dayes after them besides Expences so that My Improvements is small as yet but small as there Are ther has been No lost time Nor shall Not bee While I live

I have got but 25 ½ bushells of Corn at this time & None to be had hear I hope you would be hear soon [?] And bring us Corn or flower & I thinck flower is As Cheap as Corn be Cause in broth it goes further & that is Chef of our Diat When we Can Git any thing to Mack it I am bulding know & hope to Right better to you Next time I have had so Much lost Time that my Worck Done is Not worth menching So I ConClude

your To Command JAMES CLEVELAND NB Pray let me know how Matters Stands betwen Great Britton & america

FROM MR. JAMES CLEVELAND.

June 7th 1775 CANHAWA GREAT BEND

SIR

These lines Comes to Let you know how I go one With improven First I Cleard & got in Corn abote018717320 or 25 acares or More Which is More then I rote Before I have bult as Much as Would be praised To about 160 Pounds by the Men that is to praise It as the lands is hard to Clear & rail timber very Schase [?] I find from Expearance that buldin is the Best Way I have rote So Much about the Sarvents That I Shall Say No more about them as I got All them from the Townes but one & the king Brought him a Cross the ohio to Fort blare but Before I Could git their he had Swam over So That I have him to go after a gain & as I have lost 60 od Dayes all ready I am resolved Not to Fetch him home again I Must Tack any thing I Can git again these that are hear I am a Bliged to Watch I rote to you that one of them Must be drownded but the indanes Saved his life So I have got him again the The time Lost And Expences is More then I Can sell them for I have but 12 bushells of Corn at this time & know Meat to be had & the hands threatenes to run a Way know & When there is No bread thay will Not stay so I thinck it best to Trie to git some Down & as I am a blige to send up to the botomes I have Sent three of the Sarvents To Major Crawford & Directed him to Sell them on the best Turmes he Can I have No Cash to Send for provisions but Gives & order on you Which I Expect will Doe if Not to bring the Corn I left at Sympsons & if got to leave & Exxact a Count of it & all That Thay bring so that When you Call for it you May know what stock I have Cpt. Russell Who has Assisted Me in Gitting of The Sarvents has all so promist Me Salt And some Meat & three Cowes tho it Tis Contrary To his Directions0188174the Letter No 9 I thought to a Bought all the Cattel but as the Indians At this time is Not sattesfied about the treaty And ar Ware en1 the white Skalpe that thay Got last year I Shall Not by any thing that I Can Do With thout the improvement seames Two Small Which mackes me Desiros that you Should Come out as soon as Possebele you Can. But if the affares of aMerica Would Not aMit of that Right very full to Me about your affares hear & all so let me know: affares is ther When you look at the Worck Done remember That fore of the hands has Done Nare Dayes Worck sence Thay Came hear & Lost time & know thay must go by Warter for it tis as Much as thay Can Doe to walck know about As I have menchioned in the letters before aBout Close Some of which Will Come to hand Be Cause I inClosed them To Mr John peak & pr favour of Mr Roberts Lewtenant So I Con Clude yours to Command

1 Wearing.

JAMES CLEVELAND

FROM GENERAL HORATIO GATES.2

2 Born in Malden, Essex County, England, in 1728; died in New York City, April 10, 1806.

TRAVELLERS-REST3 22th. June 1775

3 The name of General Gates's plantation in Berkeley County, Va.

DEAR GENERAL

Last night I was Honourd by the receipt of your Obliging Letter of 17th: Instant, I shall Obey your Commands with all possible Expedition,4 & hope to0189175be in Philadelphia Thursday next, & wish earnestly to find you there. I must take the Liberty to entreat it of you, not to leave the Congress, until you are provided not only with all the Powers, but all the Means, their Power can bestow, &mdash if it is indispensibly necessary you should leave Philadelphia before I get there, I hope to find with Colonel Harrison, your possitive & particular Commands, in regard to any business you may leave unsettled behind you &mdash the request for the Riffle Men was well received in this Province, and in Maryland, Major Stevenson Commands one of the Companys from hence, & I believe Capn: Morgan the other. both excellent for the Service, Col Cresap told me on Monday morning that his Son had Eighty Riffle Men ready to March, those go for one of the Companys from Maryland. &mdash Immediately upon the Arrival of your Express, I dispatch'd your Packets to your Brother, & Col: Stephen. if their Answers don't come in half an hour, I will bring them with me &mdash

4 Washington was unanimously elected Commander-in-Chief of the United Colonies, June 15, 1775.

My Grateful Thanks are most Respectfully due to the Congress, for the very Handsome manner in which they conferr'd their Commission1 &mdash

1 General Gates was commissioned, by the Continental Congress of June, 1775, adjutant-general, with the rank of brigadier-general. His was the first name proposed by Washington when asked to nominate officers for the Revolutionary Army, although he was later a member of the “Conway Cabal” that endeavored to supplant Washington in the chief command of the army.

I will not intrude more upon that Time, which is now so precious to you, only to assure you I will not lose a moment in paying you my personal attendance,0190176with the greatest respect for your Character, & the sincerest attachment to your Person, I am

Dear General Your most Faithfull, & Obedient Humble Servant, HORATIO GATES

FROM MR. VALENTINE CRAWFORD.

JACOBS CREEK June 24th 1775

DEAR SIR

I [am] verey Sorry to Enform you I Recved a Letter from Mr Cleaveland of the 7th of June where in in he seems to be in a good dale of Destress five of the Sarvents has Run away and plagued him a good dale the got to the Indens towns Butt by the Esesten1 of one Mr Duncan a trader he has got them again and he has sent three of them up By a Man he had hired with a Letter to My Brother willim or My Selfe to Sell them for you, but the man Sold them him Selfe Som where about wheeling on his way up and Never brought them to us for £20 pen Currency and give one years Credit which wase verry Low and he did Not Receve one Shilling which wase Contrary to Cleavelands orders to him as he wase to Raes Som Cash by the Sails for to purches provesons2 and I think it wod be advisable if the Men they are Sold tow is Nott good to take them from them and Sell them again but the Man Shant be0191177Stopt for want of Money for I will furnesh him and will Esest Mr Simson in geting Started as quick as posable with his Canew and provesons Mr Cleaveland Left Som Corn att Mr Simsons when he went down and I will get him Som Flower to Load his Canew Mr Cleaveland Sank a Canew a going down and Lost five or Six Casks of Corn and Severell other things and James Mccormick and Charles Morgan found a bag of Cloths and Severell other things a few days after as the wase a going [down] the River [and] deliverd them to Mr Cleaveland again as the New they belong to His Company By Som papers they found in the Bundle Mr Cleaveland dose Not Mention of geting Eney but the three Sarvents he he Sent to be Sold but Mr Duncan told Me yesterday att fort don More that he had got the hole five that Ran away Docter Crakes1 Manager has had very Bad Luck for in the Canew that wase Sunk he Lost all his papers and wase much att a Loss to find his Land or att Least to find the Corner trees but I have Sent him all the plats and Instructions I had from the docter Least a Letter I have wrote to him Should Miscarry you Can Enform him I hope to be down in Fairfax as Soon as Ever I Reap My harvest and will Setle all My accompts with you

1 Assistance.

2 provisions.

1 Craik's?

we had Chose Cometees out here and are a Rasing Independent Company and Regualate Maters the best we Can but an unhappy Confusion hapend the other day the pencelvanas Come to fort pitt and tuck Majer Coneley about Mid Night with the Sheriff0192178and about 20 men and Carred him as far [as] Ligonier the verey Night Before we wase to have the [meeting?] with the Indens1 and Severell of the pencelvania traders by the Indens story wase Indeavouring to put Ill in the Minds of the Indens But on Majer Coneley being taken the people of Shirtee Come in in a Companey and Seised three of the pencla Magistrats who where Concernd in taking of Coneley &mdash George Willson Joseph Speer and dedrick2 Smith and Sent them in an old Leakey Boat down to Fort fincastle under a gard Butt our Court had Now hand in this Butt it wase done by a Mob or Sett of Coneleys frends that Lives on Shirtees Creek

1 According to Connolly's own account (Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, vols, xii. and xiii), he had effected all that he desired, in this general meeting of the Indians, before he was arrested. His secret object was to enlist the savages on the side of royalty, and he claims to have had their promise of allegiance to the king.

2 devereux?

But there wase all the Members of our Cometee wrote a verey Sperited Letter to the gentlemen of pen Cometee to demand Coneley Back and all Signd and Sent it with an express on the Recpt of which they amedently Sent Majer Conely Back and things seemes to be a Little Moderated and I bleve the Indens wants Nothing but peace but it Seemd to Elarm [them] verey Much to here our grate Man wase Stole and Indeed it Elarmed us all verey Much as Majer Coneley wase the Man that had done and transacted all the bisness with them before Now other person wase So able to Setle bisness with them0193179as him So I hope you will Excux the Lenth of My Letter and

I am dr Sir your Most Hble Savet VALE: CRAWFORD NB pleas to give My Complements to Mr Lund Washington and tell him his people is well and in a verey good way to Make a good Crop of Corn V C

FROM MESSRS. MCKEAN & RODNEY.

PHILADELPHIA June 29th: 1775. &mdash

SIR,

The Bearer hereof Mr; John Parke has taken his degrees of Bachelor and Master of Arts in the College in this City, and studied the law under one of us (Mr. Mc;Kean) for almost four years &mdash He is an Ensign in the 2d. Battalion of the Militia here, and is desirous of serving his country as a Volunteer under you. He has frequently drawn his pen and is now resolved to draw his sword in support of the American cause. We therefore beg leave to recommend him particularly to your countenance and favor, and hope you will distinguish him agreeable to his merit as soon as an oppertunity of promotion presents.

0194180

We wish you health, success, happiness and every blessing Heaven can bestow, and are; Sir,

Your most obedient humble servants CÆSAR RODNEY1 THOS MC:KEAN2

1 Born in Dover, Del., October 7, 1728; died there June 29, 1784.

2 Born in New London, Chester County, Pa., March 19, 1734; died in Philadelphia, June 24, 1817.

FROM RICHARD HENRY LEE.3

3 Born in Stratford, Westmoreland County, Va., January 20, 1732; died in Chantilly, Va., June 19, 1794.

PHILADELPHIA 29th June 1775

DEAR SIR,

Nothing material has occurred since you left this place, except the imperfect accounts we have of the Charlestown battle, which upon the whole seems to have nothing unfavorable to our great cause, but the loss of Dr. Warren &mdash To an infant Country, it is loss indeed, to be deprived of wise, virtuous, and brave Citizens. I hope however, still to hear, that our Enemies have lost Characters very useful to them. We received the account of this engagement late on Saturday evening last, and a few of us immediately applied to, and prevailed with the Committee of this City, to dispatch 90 odd quarter Casks of powder to the Camp, which I hope will arrive safe and in good time.

We are this day informed in Congress that the six Nations and Canada Indians are firmly disposed to observe a strict nieutrality, and I think we shall endeavor to cultivate their friendship.

0195181

The Congress have been engaged these two days about the meeting and military regulations, and at last we shall adopt those of Massachusetts with very few alterations. You will see that we have again taken up the business of entering Canada, and have left the propriety of it to Gener. Schuyler. If it can be done, in a manner agreeable to the Canadians, it will certainly shut the door against dangerous tampering with the Indians on all our Western frontiers. Nothing has yet been done about a Military Hospital, and I suppose we shall wait for your return of the state of the Army &mdash Dr. Shippen says that three young Gentlemen here, perfectly compitent, will be ready when called on, to serve in the capacity of Surgeons

I have only to assure you, that it will always make me happy to hear from you, and that I am, with great regard, dear Sir. Your Affect. and obedient servant

RICHARD HENRY LEE

FROM GENERAL PHILIP SCHUYLER.1

1 Born in Albany, N. Y., November 22, 1733; died there November 18, 1804.

Saturday July 1st. 1775.

SIR

I do myself the Honor to advise your Excellency that the Connecticut Troops, that arrived in this Colony under the Command of Brigadier Wooster are encamped within two Miles of this Town, &mdash I have not yet had a Return of their Numbers as soon0196182as my Order for that Purpose is complied with I shall transmit it.

Inclose You Sir a Copy of the Resolutions of the Hono: the Continental Congress of the 27th. inst I shall prepare with all possible Dispatch to carry into Execution their Views and propose leaving this for Albany in my Way to Ticonderoga on Monday next.1

1 IN CONGRESS JUNE 27TH. 1775.

Resolved, That Major General Schuyler be directed to repair as soon as conveniently he can to the Posts of Ticonderoga and Crown Point to examine into the State thereof and of the Troops now stationed there and how they are supplied with Provision & Necessaries stores &mdash into the State also of the Sloop & other Navigation on the Lakes &mdash also to obtain the best Intelligence he can of the Disposition of the Canadians and Indians of Canada &mdash that he confer with Colo: Hinman & Colo. Arnold on the Subject of Colo. Arnolds Letter to this Congress and report as soon as possible the State of the whole as near as it can be ascertained to this Congress, And that he give Orders for the Necessary Preparation of Boats and Stores for Securing, to the United Colonies the Command of those Waters adjacent to Crown Point and Ticonderoga.

Resolved, That as Governor Carlton is making Preparations to invade these Colonies & is instigating the Indian Nations to take up the Hatchet against them. Major General Schuyler do his utmost Power to destroy or take all Vessels Boats or Floating Batteries preparing by said Governor or by his Order on or near the Waters of the Lakes.

Resolved, That if General Schuyler finds it practicable and that it will not be disagreeable to the Canadians, he do immediately take Possesion of St. John's Montreal and pursue any other Measures in Canada, which may have a Tendency to promote the Peace & Security of these Colonies.

Resolved, That if General Schuyler shall have Occasion for a larger Quantity of ready Money & Ammunition for Carrying on such Expedition, than he can in Convenient Time procure from the Provincial Convention of the Colony of New York, he do in such Case apply to the Governor of Connecticut for such Supplies as can be furnished by that Colony; and that Govr. Trumbull be desired to furnish such Supplies and that this Congress will make Provision for reimbursing the same.

A true Copy from the MinutesCHAS. THOMSON Secy.

Eight Transports with Troops, that have been at Sandy Hook since Thursday last are to sail from thence to Day, Reports prevail that the Men on Board have mutinied, that they refused to go to Boston, of this however I have not been able to get0197183any Certainty, Hand Bills have been introduced amongst them to encourage them to quit on the first favorable Opportunity a Service which must render them odious to all honest Men.

Governor Tryon's Conduct has hitherto been unexceptionable, and from the Information I have been able to procure, some of which I put great Confidence in, I have reason to believe that the Line he has chalked out for himself is such as we would wish he should hold.1

1 “Keep a watchful eye upon Governor Tryon, and, if you find him directly or indirectly attempting any measures inimical to the common cause, use every means in your power to frustrate his designs.” &mdash Washington to General Schuyler, June 25, 1775.

I believe the Commissions for this Department were already forwarded to You before my Letter (In Obedience to Your Order) to the Congress on that Subject arrived, If they are to be sent back, I beg of You to Order them to be directed to the President of the Provincial Convention here. &mdash

No Preparation has as yet been made to occupy a Post in the Highlands, by what I can learn the Provincial Convention have Doubts about the Propriety (which they have or mean to state to Congress) arising from the Want of Ammunition, to maintain the Post after it shall be completed.

A Ship from London in five Weeks advises that the Remonstrance sent by the Assembly of this Colony to the House of Commons has been rejected by them as containing Sentiments derogatory to the Rights of Parliament: This Manoevre has already had Salutary Effects, many whose Sentiments are friendly to America, but who differed as to the Mode0198184of procuring Redress, now publickly declare that they will no longer sit idle Spectators of their Country's Wrongs. &mdash That Success and Happiness equal to the Merit & Virtue of my General may crown all his Operations is the Wish of every honest American by none more sincerely than me,

I am Your Excellency's Most Obedt. & Most Hume. Servt. PH: SCHUYLER

HEAD QUARTERS, CAMBRIDGE, July 4th. 1775.1

1 From General Orders (MS.), vol. i. p. 3.

The Continental Congress having now taken all the Troops of the several Colonies, which have been raised, or which may be hereafter raised, for the support and defence of the Liberties of America; into their Pay and Service: They are now the Troops of the UNITED PROVINCES of North America; and it is hoped that all Distinctions of Colonies will be laid aside; so that one and the same spirit may animate the whole, and the only Contest be, who shall render, on this great and trying occasion; the most essential service to the great and common cause in which we are all engaged.

0199

CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENT

WITH the extract from the General Orders issued from Headquarters by General Washington, The Colonial Dames of America, with their Editor, announce that the closing epoch of this, the Colonial and ante-Revolutionary, period has been reached.

All the letters addressed to Washington, as contained in the manuscript collection in the Department of State at Washington, are herein most faithfully and exactly transcribed.

JANE J. BOUDINOT, JULIA LIVINGSTON DELAFIELD, ELIZABETH FISHER KING, Committee on Publication, C. D. A.

S. M. HAMILTON, Editor.

0200

ERRATA

“Hoy,” vol. i. p. 29, should read Hog.

“Vanbrohan,” vol. i. p. 29, should read Vanbrahan.

“Broraugh,” vol. i. p. 29, should read Bronaugh.

“1855,” vol. i. p. 70, should read 1755.

“Phillip,” vol. i. p. 315 n., should read Phillipse.

“Co. Walker,” vol. ii. p. 373, should read Col. Waller.

“R. Hubbard,” vol. iii. p. 7, should read E. Hubbard.

“T. Woodward,” vol. iii. p. 146, should read H. Woodward.

“Ld. Elibanty,” vol. iii. p. 193, should read Ld. Elibanks.

“Lord Bate's,” vol. iii. p. 215, should read Lord Bute's.

“Wm. M. Gachen,” vol. iii. p. 266, should read Wm. Mc.Gachen.

“Duke of Athole,” vol. iv. p. 114 n., should read Atholl.