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. 299
is to be done with the wagons expected up in our next
convoy? I cannot exactly predict their number, but I
suppose the provisions, forage, and stores, cannot employ less than fifty.
I am, with very great regard, your most obedient and
obliged humble servant.
TO COLONEL BOUQUET.
Camp, near Fort Cumberland, 25 July, 1758.
DEAR SIR,
I do not incline to propose any thing, that may seem
officious, but would it not facilitate the operation of the
campaign, if the Virginia troops were ordered to proceed
as far as the Great Crossing, and construct forts at the
most advantageous situations as they advance, opening the
road at the same time? In such a case, I should be
glad to be joined by that part of my regiment at Raystown. Major Peachey, who commands the workling
party on Braddock's road, writes to me, that he finds
few repairs wanting. To-night I shall order him to
proceed.as far as Savage River, and then return, as his
party is too weak to adventure further.
We have received advice that our second convoy, of
more than seventy wagons, will be at the South Branch
to-day, where I expect they will be joined by other
wagons with forage. They will all proceed to this place
immediately.
I shall most cheerfully work on any road, pursue any
route, or enter upon any service, that the General or
yourself may think me usefully employed in, or qualified
for, and shall never have a will of my own, when a duty
is required of me. But since you desire me to speak
my sentiments freely, permit me to observe, that after