I have taken some time to consider this point, and cannot
think, that Capt Dagworthy, who now acts under a Provincial
Commission, has any Right to the Command as there are no
Regular Troops join'd with those Troops now at Fort Cumber-
land, which would be the only Circumstance, that could occa-
sion a Dispute concerning the Right of Provincial Field
officers to Command, in preferrence to Captains bearing Com-
missions from his Majesty.
I should have sent my orders to Capt Dagworthy thro' my
Aid de Camp, but as you have proposed to me to give him
such as would effectually remove the occasion of the dispute,
I cant but hope you will still do it; and I think besides, as he
now acts under a Provincial Commission; it will be more reg-
ular that they should be transmitted to him from you.
With respect to the Command of Fort Cumberland, I am
informed by Capt Morris my Aid de Camp that the late
General Braddock had private Instructions from His R H the
Duke to put it in a Condition to contain a Garrison of 200
Men and that he appointed Col. Inne's Govr of it which was
given out in orders, if that be so, the matter must remain on
the same foot he put it upon.
I am very sorry to find that the Recruiting officers enter-
taining Indented Servants, is likely to produce an Insurrection
in your Government; as the officers have assured me that it
will not be in their power to execute his Majesty's orders for
augmenting their Regiments to 1000 each in time for his
Service, without my taking of the Restraint, I had lay'd them
under in that respect, I cant revoke my late Orders for taking
it off without being Guilty of a Breach of my Duty to his
Majesty; and I cant but hope that your Honour and the
Magistrates will have authority enough within your Govern-
ment to prevent the bad Effects, you seem in your Letter to be
apprehensive of.
I must beg leave to referr you to the inclosed Copy of my
Letter to Govr Morris for my Sentiments at large upon this
point.
I am with great Regard
Sir, Your Honour's most obedient
Humble Servant
W Shirley
Extract of a Letter from Governor Dinwiddie
to General Shirley dated Ianuary 23d 1756.
Governor Sharpe has not answer'd your Excellency's Inten-
tions in removing the Dispute between Col: Washington &
Capt Dagworthy; he has order'd him to keep the Command
of the Fort, wch he does in an absolute manner; we have
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