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French and Indian War

George Washington to Lord Fairfax, April 19, 1756

extracted from

The Official Records of Robert Dinwiddie, Volume II, R. A. Brock, editor
(Richmond: Virginia Historical Society, 1884), page 387.


Colonel George Washington to Lord Fairfax.
My Lord:

The inclosed is the Copy of a Letter that came to my Hands by Express this Instant, which I send, in Hopes that your Lordship will give Orders for raising not only a part of the Militia of this County, but of the adjacent ones also, and that with the utmost Expedition; otherwise, it is uncertain how far the Enemy may attempt to pursue their Victory. I have consulted Colo. Innis and the Officers of my Regiment, who are unanimous in Opinion that the Men I have here, which are only 50, should be detained till they are reinforced by the Militia for the defence of the Town, as it is more than probable that the Enemy may extend their Designs to this Place.

Notwithstanding I am sensible how much your Lordship will exert yourself on this Occasion, I can't help repeating that nothing but Dispatch can answer our present Purposes; for unless I can throw some Amunition into Edwards's Fort to Night, the Remainder of our Party and the Inhabitants that are there will more than probably fall a Sacrifice to the Indians, as the Bearer, who came off with the inclosed, assures Me that the Fort was surrounded, and that an Assault was expected to-Day.

I am Your Lordship's most ob'd't h'ble Serv't,
Go. Washington.

Winchester, April 19th, 1756.


French and Indian War Documents

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