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Correspondence of Governor Sharpe. 397
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had been particularly instructed to keep up a constant Corres-
pondence with us all & my Friend Sr Iohn joined me in repre-
senting to him the ill Consequence that might attend his
marching so suddenly from Fort Cumberland without advising
the Neighbouring Governors thereof, for my own part I said
I had not waited for a Lettr from him tho I should have
esteemed his Writing as a Favour but as 1 had learnt before I
came thither that he had left or was about to leave the Frontiers
I had taken some & should on my Return towards Annapolis
take more effectual Measures for the Safety of the People
under my Care, & that no doubt Governor Dinwiddie & Mr
Morris would have done the same had they been advised or if
they should accidentally hear of the Step which he was about
to take. Soon after I left the Camp he begun his March but
had not proceeded far before Colo Innes (whom General
Braddock had appointed Governor of Fort Cumberland) sent
after him desiring a Reinforcement, the Provincial Troops that
were left being not supposed a sufficient Garrison for the
Defence of the Fort; the Lettr was writ with great freedom
& the Penman did not seem to have considered what phrases
would be most agreeable to the Gentlemen to whom t'was
addressed the Colonel I beleive took no notice of it but con-
tinued his March & soon afterwards received General Shirley's
Orders to proceed to Albany with all possible Expedition.
Sr Wm Iohnson is not as you seem to expect to have the Com-
mand of the Provincial Troops that are raising in the Eastern
Colonies for another Expedition against Crown Point, That
is to be given to Colo Winsloe who commanded the New
England Troops last Summer in Nova Scotia. I cannot learn
what Character he bears as an Officer but he is much esteemed
in New England & it is said the Eastern Colonies have resolved
to raise for him near 9000. Sr Wm Iohnson will concern him-
self only with the Indians which is his proper Sphere, I beleive
the Indians that he leads are to act in Conjunction with the
Regulars & the Iersey Regiment on the Lakes this Summer
I have been informed that to support his Interest among the
Indians of the Six Nations, he had almost spent his Fortune
therefore it gives me pleasure to hear that his Services have
been rewarded in the manner you mention. I am inclined to
think General Shirley must be weary of his Command & will
resign without much Reluctance, the News of his being super-
ceeded will not I beleive be unwelcome to the Troops or the
Inhabitants of N York but I fear the people of the Massa-
chusetts Bay will not be so well satisfied with any Gentn that
might be appointed his Successor in that Governt General
Braddock was ordered before he left England to disembark the
Regiments in Virga & proceed directly towards Fort Du Quesne
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Letter Bk. III
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