Robert Stewart to George Washington, 5 December 1755

Winchester 5th Decem. 1755

Sir

I sent to the Fort for a Return of the Troop, and was informd that it was included in the General Return, which was regularly Transmitted You; 1 however if you choose to have a seperate Return of the Troop including the small Detachmt at the Grass Guard, 2 You–€™ll Please singifie it by Mr Boyd–€™s return hither, and I shall be particularly carefull in having it done exactly to your Orders.

As Colo. Stephens has been here ever since my arrival, 3 and has no doubt fully advis–€™d you of the occurrences in these Quarters I will not Trouble you with a Detail of them.

The Backwardness of the Populace, and a prevalent Spirit of opposition, to the Service in some of whom better might be expected, has render–€™d my utmost Efforts to compleat the Troop in a great measure ineffectual; with all my Industry, and all the address & vigilence Hughs is master off, have only been able to procure five Recruits in near two weeks; this has determin–€™d me (with consent & advice of the Lieut. Colo.) to send Hughs with a Drum into the Back Counties of Penselvania & Mariland with Letters to some Gentn with whose assistance I make no doubt of his meeting with Success.

I expect Sr William Bickly here in ten Days, with some Recruts for me; I hope by the time limited for Hughs–€™s return (vizt a month from this Date) is elaps–€™d, I shall be compleated at least to my Establishment; notwithstanding the Troop–€™s suffering so much by Desertion, and should be vastly glad timious Orders were given for our Arms & Accutremts as having them sometime before taking the Feild, would greatly facilitate the Training of the Men & Horses, which you know is absolutely essential to their being Serviceable. 4 I am with Respect Your Mo. Obt hble Servt

Robert Stewart