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.

178 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [LAT. 24.
darkened and confused by procrastination. The late
regulation of our companies will occasion more regularity
in the paymaster's account, and be more satisfactory in
every shape, for the future. Besides, the gentlemen of
the Committee will find little trouble, or difficulty, in
looking over a short account, kept in a regular method,
plain and perspicuous, which is the very life of business.
I would again entreat your regard to my request, for
these and many other reasons.
I am, dear Sir, yours, &c.
TO GOVERNOR DINWIDDIE.
Winchester, 14 August, 1.756.
SIR,
The return of the express, that came with the account
of La Force's escape, (for which accident I am extremely concerned, and fear its consequences if he is
not retaken,) affords me an opportunity to inform you
of some occurrences, which have happened since my
last. *
Repeated complaints and applications from all quarters for men, but more especially from the garrisons,
which secure the communication with Fort Cumberland,
obliged me to order a company from Captain Waga Force, it will be remembered, was one of the prisoners taken in
the skirmish with Jumonville's party. He was capable, enterprising, active, and had been instrumental, before his capture, in exciting the Indians
to commit depredations on the frontiers. This was deemed a sufficient
reason, by the Governor of Virginia, for retaining him in custody, contrary
to the articles of capitulation at the Great Meadows. He was thrown into
the jail at Williamsburg. From this abode, after more than two years'
confinement, he had the address to escape, but was seized before he
had advanced far into the country, remanded to prison, and loaded with
irons.