George Washington to John Augustine Washington, May 14, 1755
[Fort Cumberland, Md., 14 May 1755]
To Mr Jno. Auge Washington Mount Vernon Dear Jack Brother
As wearing Boots is quite the Mode, and mine are in a declining State; I must beg the favour of you to procure me a pair that is good, and neat, and send them to Major Carlyle, who I hope will contrive them as quick as my necessity requires. 1
I see no prospect of moving from this place soon ; as we have neither Horses nor Waggons enough, and no forage for them to subsist upon but except what is expe[c]ted from Philidelphia; 2 therefore, I am well convinced that the trouble and difficulty we must encounter in passing the Mountain for want of proper conveniences, will equal all the other Interruptions difficulties of the Campaigne; for I conceive the March of such a Train of Artillery in these Roads to be a tremendous undertaking: As to any danger from the Enemy I look upon it as a trifling, for I believe the y French will be obligd to exert their utmost Force to repel the attacks to the Northward, where Governour Shirley and other–s with a body of 8,000 Men will annoy their Settlements and attempt their Forts. 3
The Genl has appointed me one of his aid s de Camp s , 4 in which Character I shall serve this Campaigne, agreeably enough, as I am thereby freed from all command s but his, and give his Order–s to all, which must be implicitly obey–d. I have now a good oppertunity, and shall not neglect it, of forming an acquaintance which may be serviceable hereafter, if I can shall find it worth while push ing to my Fortune in the Military way . line .
I have wrote to my two female corrispondants by this oppertunity, one of which Letters I have inclos–d to you, & beg yr deliverance of f it . 5 I shall expect a Succinct particular acct of all that has happen–d since my departure. I am Dear Jack Yr most Affecte Brothr
Go: Washington
The above Letter was not sent. 6