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.

PART 1.] THE FRENCH WAR. 201
Your Honor has had advice of two spies, that were
taken at Fort Cumberland; one of whom they quickly
hung up as his just reward, being a deserter; the other
was sent to Governor Sharpe, to give information of the
infernal practices followed by some of the priests of that
province, in holding correspondence with our enemy.
I am, &c.
N. B. I am just setting out for Fort Cumberland.
TO GOVERNOR DINWIDDIE.
Alexandria, 24 November, 1756.
SIR,
At this place, on my way to Williamsburg, I received
your Honor's letter of' the 16th instant.* I shall take
to the commissary to get a chaplain, but he cannot prevail with any person
to accept of it. I shall again press it to him."
* For some reason, which does not appear, Governor Dinwiddie received the preceding letter in no very good humor. This will be manifest
by the following extracts from his iReply, which are requisite also to explain some parts of Colonel Washington's rejoinder.
" The abuses mentioned in yours I have been made acquainted with
from several hands; but I expected you would have been more particular
in regard to the officers neglecting their duty, and the different forts not
being properly garrisoned with men, -nay, without their officers. This
vague report makes it impossible for me to call on the delinquents.'"
" I am of opinion the string of forts proposed is only weakening our
strength, and will be a poor defence to our frontiers. I hope you will keep
the Indians properly employed. Major Lewis has orders to send up the
Cherokees. You seem to attribute neglect to me, in not having proper
conductors. The charge is unmannerly, as I did what I thought proper.
though disappointed by the villanous traders."
" If you-had sent down the amount of money due for the servants enlisted,
I would have given a warrant for the money. It is probable I might have
refused payment to the masters of some of the servants enlisted, for want
of certificates, but never said you did not act properly in enlisting them."
" In regard to a chaplain, you should know, that his qualification and the
bishop's letter of license should be produced to the commissary and myself;
but this person is also nameless.
"I received the opinion of the council of war in regard to Fort CumbreVOL. II. 26