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L. H. J.
Liber No. 48
June 28
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fell on the Inhabitants of this Province, and killed two Men and
one Woman who have been since found dead; eight other Persons
they have taken Prisoners and carried off. The Names of the Per-
sons who were murdered and left, are John Williams, his Wife and
Grandson; and with their Bodies was also found that of a French
Indian. The Persons carried off, are Richard Williams a Son of
John who was murdered, with two Children, one Dawson's Wife,
and four Children. Richard Williams's Wife, and two Brothers of
the young Man that is killed, have made their Escape. This Acci-
dent, I find, has so terrified the distant. Inhabitants, that many of
them are retiring and forsaking their Plantations. Another Letter
from Winchester in Virginia informs me, that a Party of Indians
have also attacked the Back Inhabitants of that Province, of whom
they have killed eleven, and carried away many Captives.
Apprehending the French would proceed in this Manner, as soon
as General Braddock and the Troops under his Command, should
have passed the Mountains, and being confirmed in my Opinion by
an Intimation in the General's Letter, I issued a Proclamation near
a Month since, cautioning the distant and other Inhabitants of this
Province, to be on their Guard, and unite for their common Defence
and Safety; at the same Time, I sent peremptory Orders and In-
structions to the Officers of the Militia of Frederick County, fre-
quently to muster and discipline their several Troops and Companies
once a Fortnight at least; and in case of an Alarm, that the Enemy
was approaching, or had fallen on the Inhabitants, to march out and
act either offensively or defensively, and use all Means to protect
and defend the Inhabitants from the Devastations of the French, or
their Indians: However, I find neither the Proclamation or Instruc-
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p. 110
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tions will be effectual, unless the Militia can be assured, that they
shall receive Satisfaction and Pay for the Time that they shall be
out on Duty. I should think it highly proper for us to have about a
Hundred, or at least a Company of Sixty Men, posted, or con-
stantly ranging, for some Time, on the Frontiers, for our Pro-
tection: In this I desire your Advice, and that you will enablt me
to support such a Number.
Gentlemen,
At the General's Request, and that I might receive early Intelli-
gence at this Time from the Camp and the Back Inhabitants, I have
engaged several Persons, between this Place and Wills's-Creek, to
receive and speedily convey any Letters that shall come to them
directed for the General or myself: I doubt not you will be con-
vinced of the Necessity of such a Measure, and provide for the
Expence thereof.
Hor.o Sharpe.
The House adjourns till 2 of the Clock.
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