George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, April 25, 1754
25th April 1754 Wills Creek [Md.]
Honble Sir,
Captain Trents Ensign Mr Ward this Day arrived from the Forks of Monongehele, 1 and brings the disagreeable account that the Fort on the Seventeenth Instant was surrender–d at the summons of Captain Contrecour to a Body of French consisting of upwards of one Thousand Men, who came from Vena[n]go with Eighteen pieces of Cannon, Sixty Battoes, and three Hundred Canoes: they gave him liberty to bring off all his men and working Tools, which he accordingly did the same Day.
Immediately upon this Information I called a Council of War to advise on proper measures to be taken in this Exigence; a Copy of whose resolves, with the proceedings I herewith inclose by the Bearer, who I have continued Express to your Honour for more minute Intelligence. 2
Mr Ward has the Summons with him, and a speech from the Half King which I also inclose with the Wampum: 3 He is accompanied by one of the Indians that is mentioned therein, who were sent to see where we were, what was our strength, and to know the time to expect us out; the other Young man I have prevailed upon to return to the Half King with the following Speech. 4
–Sachems Warriours of the Six united Nations; Shanoahs and Delawares, our Friends and Brethren:
–I received by the Bucks Brother 5 your speech, who came to us with the two young men five sleeps after leaveing you; We return you thanks from Hearts glowing with Affection for your steadfast adherence to us, for your kind speech, and for your wise Councils, and directions to the Bucks Brother.
[–]The Young man will inform you where he met a small part or our army advancing towards you, Clearing the Roads for a great Number of our Warriours that are immediately to follow with our Great Guns, our Ammunition, and our Provisions.
[–]I could not delay to let you know our Hearts and therefore have sent back one of the Young Men with this speech to acquaint you with them; while I have sent the other according to your desire to the Governour of Virginea with the Bucks Brother to deliver your speech and Wampum, And to be an Eye witness of the preparations we are makeing, to come in haste to support you, whose Interest is as dear to us as our Lives. We resent the usage of the treacherous French, and our Conduct henceforth will plainly shew to you how much we have it at Heart.
[–]I cannot be easye without seeing you, before our Forces meet at the Fork of the Roads, 6 and therefore have the greatest inclination that you and Esscruniata 7 or one of you meet me on the Road as soon as possible to assist us in Council. To Assure you of the good will we bare you; and to confirm the truth of what has been said, I herewith present you this string of Wampum that you may thereby remember how much I am Your Brother and Friend