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. 209
quantity of flour to Fort Cumberland, where you and
your whole company are to remain.
I expect you will pay due regard to this order, and
put it in execution with the utmost alacrity, as it is in
consequence of express directions from the Governor
and Council. I heartily commiserate the poor, unhappy
inhabitants, left by this means exposed to every incursion of a merciless enemy, and I wish it were in my
power to offer them better support, than good wishes
will afford. You may assure the settlement, that this
unexpected, and, if I may be allowed to say it, unavoidable step was taken without my concurrence or knowledge; that it is an express order from the Governor,
and can neither be evaded nor delayed. Therefore,
any representations to me of their danger, and the necessity of continuing troops among them, will be fruitless; for, as I before observed, I have inclination, but
no power left, to serve them. It is also the Governor's
order, that the forts be left standing for the inhabitants
to possess if they think proper. *
I am, Sir, yours, &c.
TO GOVERNOR DINWIDDIE.
Fort Loudoun, 19 December, 1756.
SIR,
Your letter of the 10th came to hand the 15th; in
consequence of which I despatched orders immediately
to all the garrisons on the Branch,to evacuate their forts,
repair to Pearsall's, where they would meet the flour
from this place, and escort it to Fort Cumberland. I
* An order in the same terms was likewise sent to the commanders of
several other forts.
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