George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 19 April 1756

Winchester April 19th 1756

Honble Sir

Since writing my Letter of Yesterday–€™s date the inclosd 1 came to hand by which your honr will be informd of a very unlucky affair.

I immediately consulted Colo. 2 Innis and such Officers of my own Regiment as were at this place on the necessary steps to be taken: they unanimously advisd that I shoud remain here with the 50 Recruits that are in Town for the defence of the place till the Militia are raisd that we may thereby compose a Formidable body and march out against the Enemy. 3

This engagemt happend within 20 Miles of Winchester; and the Sergeant 4 who brought the account assures me that they have Reason to imagine that their numbers are greater than the Letter informs. he says that there were many French amongst them & that the chief part of the whole were mounted on Horses; so that there is great probability that they may have a design upon this place.

I have sent an express to Lord Fairfax with a copy of Starkes Letter; 5 and wrote to him as your honour will see by the inclosd, to raise the Militia with all expedition: but alass! that is a poor resource, a very unhappy dependance! Tho. our only one at present. I have not time to add more than that I shall endeavour to do the best I can till we have assistance, & that I am Yr Honours most Obt Hble Servt

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