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.

76 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [iET. 23.
Major Carlyle, who, I hope, will contrive to forward
them, as quickly as my necessity requires.
I see no prospect of moving from this place soon, as
we have neither horses nor wagons enough, and no forage, except what is expected from Philadelphia; therefore, I am well convinced, that the trouble and difficulty
we must encounter in passing the mountains, for the
want of proper conveniences, will equal all the difficulties of the campaign; for I conceive the march of such
a train of artillery, in these roads, to be a tremendous
undertaking. As to any danger from the enemy, I look
upon it as trifling, for I believe the French will be
obliged to exert their utmost force to repel the attacks
to the northward, where Governor Shirley and others,
with a body of eight thousand men, will annoy their settlements, and attempt their forts.
The General has appointed me one of his aids-decamp,* in which character I shall serve this campaign
agreeably enough, as I am thereby freed from all commands but his, and give his orders, which must be
implicitly obeyed.
I have now a good opportunity, and shall not neglect
it, of forming an acquaintance, which may be serviceable
hereafter, if I find it worth while to push my fortune in
the military line.
I have written to my two female correspondents by
this opportunity, one of whose letters I have enclosed
to you, and beg your deliverance of it. I shall expect
a particular account of all that has happened since my
departure.
I am, dear Jack,
Your most affectionate brother.
* This appointment was proclaimed to the army in general orders, on
the 10th of May.