600. My Last Letter dated the 15th will inform you that
at the little Meadows the General finding it impracticable
for all the Troops to advance farther together selected 1 200
of the Best & proceeded with as much of the Artillery
Ammunition & provision as he thought necessary leaving
the main Body of the Convoy under the Command of Colonel
Dunbar who had Orders to join him as soon as possible.
The four Howitzers & 4 twelve Pounders & 14 Cohorns that
the General had with him with the Ammunition Baggage
& Provision are fallen into the hands of the Enemy, when
Colonel Dunbar (who I have reason to apprehend was about
40 miles behind the General) was apprized of this fatal Accident
finding the Troops extremely reduced & weakened by this
Action & Sickness he judged it impossible to attempt any
thing with them at that time with Probability of Success is
returning to Fort Cumberland with every thing- that he is able
to bring with him but as his Horses were reduced & much
enfeebled & many Carriages wanted for the wounded Men,
to prevent their falling into the hands of the Enemy he has
destroyed most of the Ammunition & the superfluous Provision
that was left to his Care Capt Orme does not describe to me
the Situation of the Place where the Battle happened how great
was the Number of the Enemy & whether they consisted
principally of regular Troops or Indians. When I received
this Account I was on my way to Fort Cumberland with a
Number of Gentn & Voluntiers who had entered into an Asso-
ciation to bear Arms & protect our Frontiers I shall now halt
at Frederickton & if I find the Troops are not well supplied
shall expend part of a Sum of Money (which the Council &
Gent" of the Country had subscribed upon the Assembly's
Refusal at their last Meeting to grant any Supplies) in pur-
chasing a Quantity of fresh Provisions & such things as I think
necessary for the Troops & escort them with such Men as I
can persuade to join me to Fort Cumberland where I expect
in case I go thither to find Colo Dunbar by that time arrived.
I shall then learn what he proposes to do & if he shall resolve
to make another Attempt before he can receive Instructions
|
Letter Bk.I.
p. 144
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