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.

282 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [JET. 26.
TO SIR JOHN ST. CLAIR.*
Fort Loudoun, 27 April, 1758.
DEAR SIR JOHN,
The post, calling suddenly upon me, only allows me
time to acknowledge the receipt of your obliging letter,
and to inform you, that I have received Mr. President's
orders to obey any command you shall be pleased to
honor me with; also to tell you, that the two companies
from Carolina were at Fredericksburg, and may be expected here daily.
I have made known the contents of your letter to
Mr. Gist, who thinks himself extremely obliged by the
care you have taken of Indian affairs. We do all we
can to keep the Indians in temper, but I have still apprehensions, that many of them will return home, if the
troops are long in assembling.
It gave me real pleasure to learn from you, that my
company was desired by the General, Sir John, and
Major Halket. I shall think myself quite happy, if I
should be able to retain the good opinion, which they
seem to entertain of me; for I have long despaired of
any other reward for my services, than the satisfaction
arising from the esteem of my friends.
I am, with great regard, yours, &c.
TO MAJOR FRANCIS HALKET.
Fort Loudoun, 11 May, 1758.
DEAR SIR,
I am this day favored with yours of the 4th instant,
and should have thought myself extremely culpable and
* Sir John St. Clair was quartermaster-general to the forces under
General Forbes.