George Washington to Robert Jackson, August 2, 1755
[Mount Vernon, 2 August 1755]
To Mr Robt Jackson– Fredericksburgh Dr Sir
I must acknowledge you had great reason to be terrified with the first accts that was given of our unhappy defeat, and I must own, I was not a little surprisd to find that Governour Innis was the means of alarming the Country with a report of that so extraordinary nature , without having any better confirmation of the truth, than the story of an affrighted Waggeners Story 1 –Its true, we have been beaten–most shamefully beaten–by a handful of Men! who only intended to molest and disturb our March; Victory was their smallest expectation; but see the wondrous works of Providence! the uncertainty of Human things! We but a few moments before, believ–d our number–s almost equal to the Canadian Force, they only expected to annoy us: Yet, contrary to all expectation & human probability and even to the common course of things, we were totally defeated, sustain–d the loss of every thing; which they have got, are enrichen–d, by it and strengthned are accomodated by it them –this, as you observe, must be an affecting story to the Colony; and will, no doubt, license the tongues of People to censure those whom they think most blameably–which by the by, often falls very wrongfully. I join very heartily with you in believing that when this story comes to be related in future Annals, it will meet with ridicule or unbelief & indignation; for had I not been witness to the fact on that fatal Day, I shd scarce have give n credit to it even now. 2
Whenever it suits you to come into Fairfax I hope you will make your home at Mount Vernon. Please to give my Compts to all enquiring Friends; and I assure you nothing coud have added greater more to the satisfaction to of my safe return, than hearing of the friendly concern that w h as been expressed at on my suppos–d Death. 3 I am Dr Sir Yr most Obt Servt
G. W––n