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.

288 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [.ET. 26.
the mercy of an ungovernable and refractory militia.
Fourthly, this is important, if for no other reason than
to preserve the materials lying there for finishing the
works.
Tenthly, I conceive we shall be ordered to take with
us the greatest part of the ammunition now at Fort
Loudoun. It will be necessary, therefore, to have a
supply laid in at that place for the use of the frontier
garrisons.
Eleventhly, in a late letter I endeavoured to point
out, in what manner the service would be benefited, by
continuing Rutherford's rangers in the parts they at
present occupy, and sending the militia of Prince William to the Branch. I again recommend it, for the reasons then given, and for many others, which might be
given.
I must now conclude, with once more begging, that
your Honor will hasten some speedy determination on
these several matters. From what Sir John St. Clair
has written, from my orders, and from the statement
here made, I conceive it must sufficiently appear, that
the greatest despatch is necessary. The success of our
expedition will, in a manner, depend on its early commencement. Every delay, therefore, may be attended
with pernicious consequences.
The Indians, glad of any pretence for returning home,
will make use of delays for a handle; and a spirit of discontent and desertion may spring up among the new
levies for want of employment.
These are matters obvious to me, and my duty requires, that I represent them in this free and candid
manner.* I am your Honor's most obedient and most
humble servant.
* As the government in England had determined to prosecute offensive
operations on the southern frontiers, great preparations had been contem