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 1. ] THE FRENCH WAR. 317
TO GENERAL FORBES.
Camp, on Chestnut Ridge, 11 o'clock at night,
15 November, 1758.
SIR,
An express from Colonel Armstrong affords me an
opportunity of informing you, that we arrived here about
four o'clock this afternoon. I immediately ordered working parties on the road, that no time might be lost in
working it; but I fear I shall not proceed so fast as you
could wish, since, after all my delays, and waiting for
tools, Captain Fields was able to get but forty-two axes.,
These, and the others that are here, shall be employed
to-morrow at daylight to the best advantage. The road
intended is but very slightly blazed. It may be necessary to send Captain Shelby forward to prevent mistakes.
This camp is about six miles from Loyal Hanna,
where the new road strikes out.* I am, &c.
TO GENERAL FORBES.
Camp, near Bushy Run, 17 November, 1758.
SIR,
After the most constant labor from daybreak till night,
we were able to open the road only as far as this place,
about six miles from our last camp. Captain Shelby
here overtook us, and presented me with your and
Colonel Bouquet's letters. A junction with Colonel
Armstrong this morning would have prevented the good
effects of a fortified camp to-night, and retarded our
operations a day at least; for which reason I desired
e On leaving Loyal Hanna the command of a division, or brigade, devolved on Colonel Washington. From that date the returns were made to
him as Brigadier.
AA