The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

156 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [BET. 24.
therefore, that you will give directions concerning this
matter.
I have written to the Assembly, setting forth the
great necessity of erecting a large and strong fort at this
place, to serve as a receptacle for all our stores, and a
place of refuge for the women and children in times of
danger. Were this work completed, the men would
upon any alarm, as they say themselves, immediately
lodge their families here, and turn out against the enemy.
But without some such place of defence, they must
always fly in the manner they have done, in order to
secure their wives and children.
This is the place generally fixed upon, as it has a free
and open communication with all the country from its
peculiar situation. It also secures the communication
with the neighbouring colonies, and is conveniently situated for procuring intelligence. This is now fully proved
by the experience I have had since I came here. From
the time the first murders were committed by the Indians, I have never missed of receiving intelligence of
their'motions, while Colonel Stephen has, in a manner,
lived in total ignorance. The reason is obvious. Fort
Cumberland is detached so far beyond the inhabitants,
that no person thinks of alarming it, but immediately,
upon the first fright, they retire within the settlements.
You will observe some parts of Colonel Stephen's letters, about reinforcements from the second division, and
the number of men, which were only meant as a finesse,
in case they should fall into the enemy's hands. The
letters, conveying the true accounts, were put into the
pummel of the saddle, as were mine to him.
I have been formerly, and am at present, pretty full
in offering my opinion and counsel upon matters, which
regard the public safety and interest. These have been
solely the object of all my thoughts, words, and actions;