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80 Correspondence of Governor Sharpe.
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Letter Bk. I.
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rather remained near Monongahela about 60 Miles on this Side
the small Fort which had been surrendered expecting the
Arrival of the Forces from Carolina & New York, by which
Reinforcement they hoped to be able to make the French re-
linquish their late Conquest, while Affairs were in this Situation
in the Beginning of Iune, Intelligence being brought Mr
Washington that a Party of about 30 Men from the french
Camp were coming to intercept some Provisions that were
bringing from Virginia for his use, He ordered out a Detach-
ment, who fell in with the French & after a few Blows made
near the whole Party Prisoners who are still in Virginia. But
soon was this small Advantage repayed by a heavy Misfortune
for on the 3rd of July Mr Washington being in the Situation
above mentioned was alarmed with the News of 900 French
Troops being on their March to attack him which before
Eleven o Clock he found too true, when he was really sur-
rounded by such a number as he had learnt were on their
march having not any fortification or Entrenchment to protect
his Men, he was after near 100 of his men had been either
killed or disabled, obliged to accept Terms the same Evening,
which were not very honourable as yr Ldp will observe by a
Copy of the Capitulation herewith inclosed. The News of this
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p. 59
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Defeat soon reached Govr Dinwiddies Ears & immediately
thereupon He renewed his Sollicitations for our assistance
without which he could not again look the Enemy in the face
before Winter, which would be of fatal Consequence, as it was
unlikely that their Assembly would proceed to raise any more
forces unless we would shew a Disposition to support them in
the Enterprize. By this I was induced to meet our Assembly
the 16th Inst. & prevailed with them so far as to send up a Bill
for supporting the Virginians with £6000: at my assenting
to which I hope yr Ldp will not be displeased, nor that I have
issued Commns yesterday for raising a Company or two of
Men in yr Ldp's Governt by which we hope the Virginians will
be reinforced enough to take the Field again before Winter.
Yr Ldp's several Instructions that I had the honour lately to
receive it shall be my study to fulfill & immediately on the
Receipt of them I delivered according to yr Ldps Order yr
gracious Answers to the Addresses of both Houses of Assem-
bly transmitted to yr Ldp soon after my Arrival.
I am &c.
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