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Robert Dinwiddie to William Fairfax

Date: January 1754
Call number: F222 V81 C67 Ser3 v.3 p. 51
Transcription:

S.r [Sir]

Y. fav.o by Maj.r Washington gave me much Pleasure, as I was in some Pain for him. His report has convinc'd some People of the certainty of the French building Forts, & their further Intention to cme doen the Ohio to build more Fortresses, & to take Possess:n of these valuable Lands. A Regim.t of Volunteers w.d have been very agreeable to me, but looking into the Militia Law, there is no pro[vision] for paying them under that denominat.n therefore have Comision'd Maj.r Washington to enlist 100 Men from the Militia of Augusta & Frederick; Capt. Wm. Trent had my Com.o to enlist 100 more among the Traders &ca. these two Compas: to march directly after rais'd, to protect & assist them in building the Fort. And as I have call'd the assembly to meet the 14th of next M.o I hope they will enable me to raise 100 Men more to go out early in the Spring, & I shall write to the neighbouring Govrs to assist us, which if they do with a Spirit, these Forces with the Conjunctn of our friendly Ind.s I hope will make a good Appearance on the Ohio & be able to defeat the Designs of the French—We shall be in want of Y.r good Advice when the House meets, but as You are not well & to come in Apr. I think Y.r Recomendatn I have with Pleasure appointed Majr Carlisle Comissary of Stores & Provisions; but as the Flurry of the Affairs of the Publick prevents my giving him so dist.t Instruct.s as are requisite; I recommend him to consult You in every Thing for the Service of the Publick under his Care, I therefore desire You will be aiding with Y.r Advice, that there may be nothing wanting for the imediate Dispatch of M.r Washington.

I have the Affairs of the Ohio much at Heart, if the Burgesses come in good Temper to do what is their Duty to the Crown, & in Protect:n of their Coty I hope we shall be able to convince the French we are not always slow in our Motions. A Letter from you to Lord Fairfax will facilitate the raising of the Men in Frederick County I am heartily fatigu'd. My Wife & two Girls join me in sincere respects to You & Yrs & I am sincerely SR [Sir] Y.r Affect. H. Serv.t