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 I.] THE FRENCH WAR. 263
The last alarm occasioned a great many of the inhabitants of this county to go off, and vast numbers are
still moving. I fear that, in a short time, this very valuable valley will be in a great measure depopulated.
What further steps to take, and how to obviate so serious a misfortune, I am quite at a loss. As I have
hitherto neglected nothing within the compass of my
power, it is very evident, that nothing but vigorous offensive measures, next campaign, can save the country,
at least all west of the Blue Ridge, from inevitable
desolation.
Since writing the above, the express, whom I sent to
Major Lewis, is come in, and brings returns of those
companies; so that you will now receive proper monthly
returns for July and August. By these you will see,
that our total strength amounts to thirty-two commissioned officers, forty-eight non-commissioned, and seven
hundred and three rank and file; whereof twenty officers, thirty non-commissioned, and four hundred and
sixty-four rank and file, are employed in this county and
Hampshire. But six women are always allowed to a
company, who draw provisions; and the officers receive more or less according to their respective rank, as
you will see by the estimate received from Colonel
Stanwix, and forwarded to you some time ago; which
must be considered in the calculation. I am, &c.
TO COLONEL STANWIX.
Fort Loudoun, 8 October, 1757.
DEAR SIR,
I am favored with an opportunity by Mr. Livingston,
to acknowledge the receipt of your agreeable favor of
the 19th ultimo; and to inform you of a very extraordi