The journal of Major George Washington, sent by the Hon. Robert Dinwiddie, Esq; His Majesty's lieutenant-governor, and commander in chief of Virginia, to the commandant of the French forces on Ohio. : To which are added, the governor's letter, and a translation of the French officer's answer.

COPY of his Honour the GOVERNOR'S Letter to the Commandant of the French Forces on the OHIO, sent by Major Washington.

SIR,

_THE Lands upon the River Ohio, in the West|ern Parts of the Colony of Virginia, are so no|toriously known to be the Property of the Crown of Great-Britain, that it is a Matter of equal Concern and Surprize to me, to hear that a Body of French Forces are erecting Fortresses, and making Settlements upon that River, within his Majesty's Do|minions.

The many and repeated Complaints I have received of these Acts of Hostility, lay me under the Necessity, of sending, in the Name of the King my Master, the Bearer hereof, George Washington, Esq one of the Adjutants General of the Forces of this Dominion, to complain to you of the Encroachments thus made, and of the Injuries done to the Subjects of Great-Britain, in open Violation of the Law of Nations, and the Treaties now subsisting between the two Crowns.

If these Facts are true, and you shall think fit to justify your Proceedings, I must desire you to acquaint me, by whose Authority and Instructions you have lately marched from

Canada, with an armed Force, and invaded the King of Great-Britain's Territories, in the Manner complained of; that according to the Purport and Resolution of your An|swer, I may act agreably to the Commission I am ho|noured with, from the King my Master.

However Sir, in Obedience to my Instructions, it be|comes my Duty to require your peaceable Departure; and that you would forbear prosecuting a Purpose so in|terruptive of the Harmony and good Understanding, which his Majesty is desirous to continue and cultivate with the most Christian King.

I persuade myself you will receive and entertain Ma|jor Washington with the Candour and Politeness natural to your Nation; and it will give me the greatest Satis|faction, if you return him with an Answer suitable to my Wishes for a very long and lasting Peace between us.

I have the Honour to subscribe myself,

SIR,

Your most obedient, Humble Servant, ROBERT DINWIDDIE.

Williamsburg, in Virginia, October 31st, 1753.