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.

180 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [.ET. 24.
tain Stewart, of sixteen men deserting in a party.
Frequently two or three went off before, as they have
done from this place. We never fail to pursue, and use
all possible means to apprehend them; but seldom with
success, as they are generally aided and assisted by the
inhabitants. Two parties are now in pursuit of these
fellows, who have made'towards the northward to enlist with the recruiting officers in-Pennsylvania. Unless
a stop can be put to it, I fear we shall lose numbers of
our men.
A report prevailed in town yesterday, said to come
from a man, who had it from a person that was at Governor Morris's treaty with the Indians, and heard them
say, that a large body composed of different nations, and
headed by some French, intended to attack Fort Cumberland this fall. Reports of this kind often take rise
without good foundation; yet, as this is an affair of great
importance, the slightest intelligence ought not to be
discountenanced, especially when we consider that our
provision, and, what is still more valuable, all our ammunition and stores, are lodged in that defenceless place.
The consequence of a successful enterprise of this sort,
and the absolute impossibility (considering the weakness
of the place, badness of situation, and division of our
force) of preventing its falling, are, without previous
notice, motives sufficient for apprehending the worst.
Therefore, notwithstanding I enlarged upon this subject
in a former letter, I think it my duty to hint it again, and
to ask directions how I am to proceed.
It is true, I give no credit to this intelligence, because
I flatter myself such important information as this would
be communicated, in the most distinct and expeditious
manner, by Governor Morris; yet, it being an expedition they cannot fail of succeeding in, what should deter
them from attempting it? We have certain advice, that