George Washington to David Bell, 25 April 1756

[Winchester, 25 April 1756]

To Captain David Bell commanding at Conogogee. Sir,

As the roads at present are so much infested, I do not think it safe to send the things you wrote for 1 until another opportunity. I must desire that you will be very diligent, and guard against a Surprize from the Enemy, as they will certainly attact you, if they find it possible to surprize you.

You are to detach Ensign Crawford 2 with twenty men, to reconnoitre the Country towards Hites, on Opekon; and towards Bullskin, or wherever he finds these Inhabitants have retired to: 3 He is to act rather as a reconnoitring party, than as an Offensive one. Yours &c.

G:W.