Washington's Men in Winchester

STEWART STREET Winchester VA

1758 October 5 Stewart Street Winchester VA named after Captain Robert Stewart,

First posted on Friends of Fort Loudoun Winchester VA 9/11/16

by Jim Moyer posted 9/20/2016, 9/21/16, 12/19/16, 12/26/2016, 1/21/2017, 3/28/2017, 7/11/2017

There’s a lot here. Read in sections. 🙂

We strongly aver :

That Stewart Street is named after Captain Robert Stewart of the Virginia Regiment under Colonel George Washington in the French and Indian War.

STEWART STREET, 1758 ADDITION

September 21, 1758

James Wood submits addition to Winchester, with Stewart Street.

October 5, 1758

House of Burgess approves addition containing Stewart Street among others

1777 map made by a Hessian Prisoner captured the day after George Washington famously crossed the Delaware to attack Trenton on Christmas Day. This prisoner’s map indicates some of the streets in James Wood’s 1758 addition to Winchester still weren’t formed by 1777. Click on picture to enlarge. The overlay of the modern street and the captions and map work compiled and designed by Wilbur S Johnston.

Source:

Pages 46-47, 81-82. Garland R. Quarles author. “Winchester, Virginia Streets, Churches, Schools” published by Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society, compiled in 1996 of Streets 1958, Churches 1960, and Schools 1964.

This 1777 map still doesn’t show Stewart Street has been built yet.

James Wood submitted Stewart Street and others for approval in 1758 to the House of Burgesses.

He’s got a street named after him, but he still has no Wikipedia entry.

Come to think of it, neither does James Wood, the founder of Winchester.

James Wood put Stewart’s name on a street in his 1758 addition to Winchester.

Although James Wood doesn’t have a Wikipedia entry — he does have a plaque and an estate still.

Now let’s give you a story.

Next time you drive down Stewart Street Winchester VA, think of the story of the CURT REPLY.

And of Captain Robert Stewart.

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/99-01-02-11671

From the beginning, Stewart was with Washington

And they still are – two streets parallel – Washington and Stewart streets – in Winchester VA.

From Fort Necessity battle 1754 to Braddock’s final end 1755 ;

to commanding and helping build Fort Loudoun 1756 -1758 ;

to helping build other forts ;

to GW loaning money to Robert Stewart so he could buy a commission for a rank in the British Army ;

to the Forbes Campaign ;

to even after GW resigned at end of 1758;

and even after Robert Stewart is appointed to Jamaica in 1768 and on to 1769.

and then a gap . . .

and while no one is hearing from Stewart

his name is still in the list of men due to receive land for their service in 1754.

But,

after this gap

Robert Stewart surfaces to ask George Washington a favor.

See 93 letters between George Washington and Robert Stewart from 1755 to 1769 and then after a gap of about 15 years (which spans the War of Independence) Robert Stewart resumes correspondence in 1783.

That gap in time? As big as the Atlantic.

1783, Stewart RESURFACES to write a letter to GW.

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/99-01-02-11115

————————————————————————-

Now the Story of the “CURT REPLY”:

Quarles writes:

“In 1783, after the Revolution, he [Robert Stewart] wrote to Washington asking for an appointment as consul or military agent for the now independent states.

Washington’s curt reply was that posts of “honor and profit” would go to those who had served “with halters about their necks.” ”

end quote.

Source:

Pages 46-47, 81-82. Garland R. Quarles author. “Winchester, Virginia Streets, Churches, Schools” published 1996 by Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society, from previous separate publications of Streets 1958, Churches 1960, and Schools 1964

Hereafter that source is referenced as Quarles.

But is Washington’s letter to his old friend

THAT curt?

Washington replies to Robert Stewart:

“You may be assured Sir that I should ever feel pleasure in rendering you any Service in my power;

but I will not be so uncandid as to flatter your expectations,

or give you any hope of my doing it in the way you seem to expect—

In a contest, long, arduous & painful; which has brought forth the abilities of Men in Military and Civil life and exposed them with Halters abt their Necks—

not only to common danger but many of them to the verge of poverty & the very brink, of Ruin; justice requires, & a grateful Governmt certainly will bestow, those places of honor & profit which necessity must create, upon those who have risked life fortune & Health to support its cause—

but independent of these considerations I have never interfered in any Civil appointments;

and I only wait (and with anxious impatience) the arrival of the Definitive Treaty, that I may take leave of my Military Employments and by bidding adieu to Public life—forever—enjoy the Shades of retirement that ease & tranquillity to which,

for more than Eight years, I have been an entire stranger & for which a mind which has been constantly on the stretch during that period & perplexed with a thousand embarrassing Circumstances—oftentimes without Ray of light to guide it, stands much in need.”

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/99-01-02-11671

That is one LONG sentence. Linger on that.

So . . . after having received a very very long letter from Stewart, Washington shows his surprise at such a letter after 15 years’ silence.

15 Years.

A titantic epoch of events in that time.

And for what? A request for favor.

GW’s shorter letter could be construed as curt in the manner of the times, a very much disguised and civilized rejection, even though GW ends his letter with an invitation to Robert Stewart to visit Mt Vernon.

Yet, GW remembers

Memories from youth – vivid, an imprint.

GW remembers strongly this time of the French and Indian War, a time that forged himself and his men. The shared experience of that motivates GW’s reply to Adam Stephen while in the heart of the Independence fight in the battle for NYC.

On July 20, 1776 GW responds to Adam Stephen’s letter observing 2 anniversaries of July 3, 1754 Fort Necessity and July 9, 1755, The Braddock Defeat — both events where Capt Robt Stewart was prominent .

“I did not let the Anniversary of the 3d or 9th of this Instt pass of without a grateful remembrance of the escape we had at the Meadows and on the Banks of Monongahela.2 the same Provedence that protected us upon those occasions will, I hope, continue his Mercies, and make us happy Instruments in restoring Peace & liberty to this once favour’d, but now distressed Country.”

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-05-02-0298

That reply to Adam Stephen is consistent with what GW wrote 17 years ago to Capt Robert Stewart and the officers of the Virginia Regiment of the French and Indian War:

“…that I always thought it, as it really was, the greatest honor of my life to command Gentlemen, who made me happy in their company & easy by their conduct:

secondly, that had every thing contributed as fully as your obliging endeavours did to render me satisfied, I never should have been otherwise,

or have had cause to know the pangs I have felt at parting with a Regiment,

that has shared my toils, and experienced every hardship & danger, which I have encountered. …”

Back to GW’s letter replying to Our Capt Robt Stewart:

You decide. Read the whole letter here:

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/99-01-02-11671

So, is this street named after Captain Robert Stewart?

Quarles writes that this street is named after Captain Robert Stewart of Colonel George Washington’s VA Regiment of the French and Indian War.

Source:

http://www.librarything.com/author/quarlesgarlandr

Capt Robert Stewart was in charge of Winchester and of Fort Loudoun for 2 periods, prior to James Wood submitting the Winchester addition containing Stewart Street to the Virginia House of Burgesses.

Stewart put in Command of Winchester by GW:

January 9, 1756 to May 3, 1756

See letter by GW to Stewart

GW ordering Stewart to leave Winchester for Fort Maidstone

June 6, 1757 to March 31, 1758

See letter to Joshua Lewis to relieve Stewart at Fort Maidstone and have Stewart come to Fort Loudoun. And see explanation why in GW’s letter to Dinwiddie. The Forbes expedition gets underway and Stewart is pulled from Fort Loudoun.

September 21, 1758 James Wood submits Addition to House of Burgesses, a Stewart Street being one of the named streets presented in that addition.

October 5, 1758 House of Burgesses approves plan

This is NOT a still photo.

Navigate the Google Car with your Mouse or Touch Screen on Stewart Street or where-ever you want to roam.

DISAMBIGUATION – WHICH STEWART?

There are several Stewarts who can confuse us.

First, there’s the same named Robert Stewart of South Carolina. Not the same as our Robert Stewart.

South Carolina Robert Stewart died in 1776. Our Robert Stewart resumed contact with GW in 1783 after a hiatus of 15 some years.

Which brings us to “Steward.” If you clicked on the South Carolina Robert Stewart link, you’ll see in the first opening line, if it hasn’t been corrected yet, the author misspelled Stewart as Steward. If we can do that now, so could anyone in the past who had multiple spellings for many words before Noah Webster (1758-1843) came along to standardize American English.

This misspelled Steward shows up in these places:

July 1754 roster at Fort Necessity

24 July 1758 GW’s election win to House of Burgesses

Finally, there is a John Stewart

a tavern owner in Winchester VA.

But James Wood’s addition to the town and his street name choices mostly involved names of men in this war against the French and Indians.

He picked, Braddock, Washington, Wolfe, Boscawen, Stewart, and Fairfax who was a County Lieutenant of Frederick Co (like a head mayor except of a county) and whose duty involved the local militia at times. Click on the names for a biography.

An anomaly, it would be, to pick a Tavern Owner. Less prestigious and much more questionable to pick a tavern owner. And since Captain Stewart was head commander of the town and later of Fort Loudoun, Captain Robert Stewart would be a more meaningful choice.

About the TIMELINE

The timeline below, will confirm Capt Robert Stewart’s presence in Winchester and in the surrounding area.

The timeline indicates Stewart had connections to Col George Washington during his election campaign of July 1758. Both were away from Winchester involved on the Forbes Campaign during the election. GW did get permission to be in Winchester at the election, but decided to keep his attention on the Forbes Campaign.

James Wood was the campaign manager and the campaign treasurer was Lt Charles Smith who working on Fort Loudoun while Stewart commanded the fort.

Robert Stewart helped escort two other campaign helpers, John McNeill and Dr. James Craik (one of the 2 doctors was present at GW’s death and who was with GW at the beginning of his adventures on the frontier).

Sources:

Hereafter referred to as Quarles.

French & Indian War in Frederick County, Virginia: With the Forts of the French & Indian War on the Northwestern Frontier. By Norman L. Baker. Published by Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society, 212 pages, extensively illustrated, and indexed, 2000-2008.

Hereafter referred to as Baker’s Forts

Fort Loudoun: Washington’s Fort in Virginia by Norman L. Baker

French & Indian War Foundation, 90 pages, illustrated, referenced, and indexed, 2006.

Hereafter referred to as Baker’s Fort Loudoun Book

Founders Online list of letters between Robert Stewart and GW

http://founders.archives.gov/search/Correspondent%3A%22Stewart%2C%20Robert%22%20Correspondent%3A%22Washington%2C%20George%22

1754 Proclamation

http://www.sos.ky.gov/admin/land/resources/legislation/Documents/Proclamation%20of%201754.pdf

More context on the February 19, 1754 Proclamation

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-01-02-0031#GEWN-02-01-02-0031-fn-0012

TIMELINE

FORT NECESSITY

July 3, 1754

First, about the picture: Unknown Artist – The Darlington Collection of Engravings at the University of Pittsburgh . . . an engraving depicting the evening council of George Washington at Fort Necessity

Robert Stewart is on the Roster at Fort Necessity.

There is a Steward, a misspelling that is repeated later in GW’s election in 1758.

https://www.nps.gov/fone/learn/historyculture/roster.htm

This event nets Robert Stewart rights to Indian Land years later.

Lt Gov Dinwiddie’s 1754 promise of land out west to the men who signed up for duty in 1754 and not to those who signed up later , took 30 some years to fulfill such promise because:

The Indian Wars continued even after 1763
The 1763 Proclamation drew a boundary preventing white settlement of Indian land
After lifting that boundary, survey and recording that land took time.
The Indian Wars rebelled against moving that 1763 line to the 1768 Stanwix Treaty line
Even after the Battle of Point Pleasant 1774, some Shawnee joined the Cherokee to fight

In 1773, Robt Stewart is to receive 400 acres, a 1754 promise by proclamation of Lt Gov Dinwiddie for service in that year only. But by 1773 Robert Stewart has fallen out of contact with GW between 1769 and 1783.

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-09-02-0319

2. For the recent action taken regarding lands for the men of the Virginia Regiment of 1754 under Robert Dinwiddie’s proclamation, see GW to Lord Dunmore and Council, c.3 Nov.,

“From George Washington to Lord Dunmore and Council, 3 November 1773

To Lord Dunmore and Council [c.3 November 1773]

The whole quantity of 200000 Acres of Land granted by the Hon: Robt Dinwiddie’s Proclamation of the 19th of Feby 1754 being now fully obtaind (within the number of Surveys limitted) and the last Certificates thereof lodgd in the Secretarys Office, I take the liberty, humbly to inform your Excellency and Honrs that the Surveys formerly made, are already Patented agreeably to an Order of Council of the 6th of Novr 1772,1 and that the Certificates lately returnd, & unappropriated, are for . . . .” and this letter goes on to list names and amounts of land, one of whom is our Robert Stewart.

Source:

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-09-02-0283

Stewart’s Braddock Connection

July 9, 1755

This 18 July 1755 letter by GW to Lt Gov Dinwiddie lists the wounded.

Captain Robert Stewart of the Light Horse is listed but not as wounded.

First, a note about the picture:

The dying Braddock retreats to the mountains above Uniontown, where he dies July 13, 1755. Steel engraved print published by Johnson & Miles, New York, based on the original painting by Alonzo Chappel, and reproduced in the book, Our Country. A Household History for All Readers, by Benson J. Lossing, LL.D. (New York: Henry J. Johnson, 1879).

“GW recalled many years later that he put the fatally wounded general “in a small covered Cart, which carried some of his most essential equipage,” and “with some of the best Troops” took him back across the lower of the two Monongahela fords that they had crossed earlier in the day.”

Source is from : Founders Online footnote to a GW Memorandum 8–9 July 1755.

This article alleges Robert Stewart helped carry the dying Braddock on his Sash. The decorative sash had a very useful function: to carry a wounded officer off the field of battle.

The title of this piece:

“The case of Lieutenant Colonel Robert Stewart : a captain in a regiment, raised by the King’s orders, in Virginia.”

http://search.lib.virginia.edu/catalog/uva-lib:2144918

The above link seems to lend credence to the story below. These links have not been vetted or researched. They are offered here only as a jumping point for more investigation.

“At length, as he mounts a fifth horse, a bullet passes through his right arm and lodges itself in his lungs. He falls from his horse into the arms of Captain Robert Stewart, of the Virginia Light Horse. The mortally wounded General asks to be left amid the dead and dying on the scene of slaughter, but Captain Stewart and another Virginian officer assisted by Braddock’s servant. Bishop, later carry him from the field in his military scarf.”

https://prickettsfort.wordpress.com/category/captain-robert-stewart/

More About Braddock’s Sash

George Washington’s version of his own role in assisting they dying Braddock:

WINCHESTER VA

Capt Robert Stewart is in charge of Winchester and of Fort Loudoun two periods, prior to James Wood putting his name on street in his 1758 addition to Winchester.

[WINCHESTER, 8 JANUARY 1756]

Evening Orders.

Captain Stewart is to draught out of his Recruits, men enough to complete his Troop to the Establishment; the rest he is to march to town to-morrow, and deliver them over to Lieutenant Bullett, who with Ensign Thompson, is to march them and the Recruits, now in this town, to Fort Cumberland.

He is to set out on Saturday; and proceed by the following Rout: viz.

Saturday the 10th to Jesse Pughs

Sunday the 11th to Henry Enochs

Monday the 12th to Friend Cox’s

Tuesday the 13th to [ ] Cressaps.

Wednesday the 14th to Fort-Cumberland.

This Detachment must receive to-morrow, at 12 o’clock, from the Commissary, twelve Rounds of Cartridges, and six days provision.

The Commissary is to pack up all the Arms here which want repairing, carefully in a Chest; and send them by the first opportunity to Fort Cumberland.

LB, DLC:GW.

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-02-02-0274

January 9, 1756 to May 3, 1756

August 1, 1757 to March 31, 1758

January 9, 1756

Robert Stewart in charge of Winchester when Lt Col Adam Stephen went to Fort Cumberland.

And for another reason.

Washington needs to go to Boston. Why?

Why?

Doesn’t he need to prepare for the anticipated Indian attacks this spring?

Dagworthy is the reason why.

The Dagworthy Controversy.

http://www.mountvernon.org/digital-encyclopedia/article/dagworthy-controversy/

Washington needs to plead his case, in person instead of by letter, to the Supreme Commander of all North America, Gov Shirley of Massachusetts, to decide if a Colonel of a Virginia Regiment is subservient to a Captain who claims an out of date commission from the British Army.

The trip starts February 1, 1756 from Alexandria to Boston, then ends in Winchester VA, April 7, 1756 with Washington getting numerous reports of Indian attacks everywhere.

Washington writes Capt Robert Stewart:

“You are hereby ordered to remain in this town [Winchester VA] until further Orders,”

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-02-02-0280

George Mercer to Robert Stewart

[Alexandria, 14 January 1756]

To Captain Robert Stewart. of the Virginia Regiment, at Winchester.
Sir,

Colonel Washington desires, (if Captain Cockes, of the Company of Rangers, should apply for any necessaries) you to order the Commissary to deliver him thirty Blankets, thirty Shirts, thirty pair Shoes, and the same quantity of Stockings. If you have not got the Horse for the Troop, which Colonel Washington left at old Edwards’s; you must send him word to contrive him to you by the first opportunity. The Commissary to deliver the same kinds and sorts as he delivered Captain Ashby’s Company. I am &c.

G:M. aid de camp.

Alexandria: January 14th 1756.

Source:

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-02-02-0293

BOSTON TRIP

February 1, 1756 to April 6, 1756

Capt Robert Stewart and Captain George Mercer, aide de camp, travel with GW to Boston and back.

1. GW was on his way from New York to Boston to see Gov. William Shirley when he and his companions, George Mercer and Robert Stewart, both captains in the Virginia Regiment, stopped at Joseph Chew’s. GW apparently traveled from New London by water and arrived with his party in Boston on 27 Feb.

Source: Founders Online Footnote

https://founders.archives.gov/?q=Volume%3AWashington-02-02&s=1511311112&r=325#GEWN-02-02-02-0320-fn-0001

THWARTED ATTACK

April 7th 1756

Fort Maidstone with its Magazine of munitions (often referred to as Conocheague in all it various misspellings) was the object of an attact that was thwarted.

About FORT MAIDSTONE

Captain Robert Stewart is still commanding Winchester VA at time of this attack. But on May 3, 1756, fifteen days before construction of Fort Loudoun begins, Stewart is ordered to protect and garrison Fort Maidstone.

http://www.wvencyclopedia.org/articles/2049

Street View of Watkins Ferry Historical sign at Fort Maidstone area.

https://goo.gl/maps/rqzPZpgLUNn

Colonel Washington writes from Winchester to Lt Gov Dinwiddie:

Since writing the above, Mr. Paris,4 who commanded a Party, as per enclosed list, is returned; who relates that, upon the North-River he fell in with a small body of Indians which he engaged, and after a dispute of half an hour, put them to flight—Monsieur Donville, commander of the party, was killed and scalped, and his Instructions found about him; which I enclose.5 We had one man killed, and two wounded—Mr Paris sends the Scalp by Jenkins; and I hope, although it is not an Indians, they will meet with an adequate reward, at least, as the Monsieurs is of much more consequence.6

The whole party jointly claim the reward; no person pretending solely to assume the merit.

Your Honor may in some measure penetrate into the daring designs of the French by their Instructions; where Orders are given to burn, if possible, our Magazine at Conogochieg, a place that is in the midst of a thick settled Country.

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-02-02-0332-0001

Location of the Capture?

longitude latitude 39.33973, -78.50555

Click on this link.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1trymtX5rGYDjQ_tYJUvv63wqc1M&hl=en

Then click on magnifying glass.

Type in : Capture of Douville’s orders

Continuing the Chronology:

Stewart presides over Court Martial

Stewart leaves Winchester next day

May 2, 1756

From GW To Captain Robert Stewart, of the Virginia Regiment, both in Winchester

By Virtue of the Power and Authority to me given and granted, by the Honorable Robert Dinwiddie Esquire, Governor of Virginia;

I do Hereby constitute and appoint you President of a General Court-Martial, to sit between the hours of eight and three; for trial of Lieutenant John Lomax, of the Virginia Regiment; accused of neglect of Duty, in not covering the Retreat of a Detachment under command of Captain John Mercer, engaged with the French and Indians nigh Edwards’s Fort, the 18th ultimo.

In so doing, this shall be your warrant. Given under my Hand and Seal at Winchester, this day of May 1756.

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-03-02-0065

More on the Battle of Great Cacapon causing this Court Martial to be held in Winchester VA:

http://frenchandindianwarfoundation.org/event/battle-of-the-great-cacapon/

More on the Court Martials following the Battle of the Great Cacapon near Fort Edwards near Capon Bridge WV:

http://jimmoyer1.wixsite.com/fortloudounva/cowardice-at-the-battle-of-great-cacapon

LEAVE WINCHESTER VA

No sooner has Capt Robt Stewart fulfilled his obligations at presiding President of a court martial, the next day he must leave Winchester for Conococheague (Maidstone).

From January 9 to May 3 in 1756, Capt Robert Stewart was commander of forces in Winchester VA when GW was on his trip to Boston to see Gov Shirley, then overall NorthAmerican Commander, to request a decision on hiearchy of ranks resulting from the Dagworthy Controversy.

http://frenchandindianwarfoundation.org/event/dagworthy-reason-for-a-trip/

FORT MAIDSTONE

Capt Robert Stewart was in charge of this area from

May 3, 1756 to July 31, 1757.

A note about the interchangeable names for this area.

Maidstone was specifically on the Virginia side of the Potomac directly across from today’s town of Williamsport on the Maryland side of the Potomac. Conococheague is the long and large creek on the Maryland side emptying in to the Potomac.

The area was a depot for supplies, food, magazine of munitions.

This area was interchangeably referenced in letters as either Maidstone or Conococheague.

May 3, 1756

GW writes to Captain Robert Stewart, of the Virginia Regiment:

You are Hereby ordered to repair to Maidstone, the place where your Troop is Quartered; and remain there until further orders.

You are to hold a Court Martial for punishing the ring-leading mutineers of your Troop.

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-03-02-0074

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-03-02-0087

GW ordered Capt. Henry Woodward with 6 subalterns, 6 sergeants, and 100 men to march to Back Creek from Winchester and then down the Potomac to Conococheague (Maidstone), on this date.

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-03-02-0086

May 8, 1756

From GW To Captain Robert Stewart at Maidstone.

If you are not apprehensive of the Enemys destroying the Flour at Stoddarts Fort in any short time, I would let it remain there; and send up a party to see that it is properly secured.4

I must desire you will put your Works at Maidstone, in as good a posture of Defence as possible. To do which, borrow or hire Tools of the Country-people; for there are none of any kind at this place.

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-03-02-0098

May 10, 1756

From GW To Captain Robert Stewart. of the Light Horse, at Conogochieg (Maidstone).

I would desire you to be careful how you employ that Doctor2—The Country has great objections to those occasional Quacks—whose only study is to swell their Bills, and to make their profit of the Country—Let him be used as seldom as possible; as I believe he can administer not a deal of comfort to those indisposed, if one may judge by his Sobriety!

2. “That Doctor” may be Dr. Andrew Crawford of Frederick County. An Andrew Crawford witnessed Capt. Christopher Gist’s company payroll for July 1756 at Conococheague (see Christopher Gist to GW, 30 July 1756, n.1).

Source:

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-03-02-0106

May 26, 1756

Evening Orders by GW to the Commissary, confirming Capt Robt Stewart at Maidstone, aka Conogochieg (Conococheague).

The Commissary by the first conveyance to Conogochieg, is to send Captain Stewart, commanding Officer at that place, six axes, eight blankets, three bayonets, and twelve cartouch-boxes.

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-03-02-0178

June 2, 1756

Col George Washington at Winchester VA writes to To Captain Robert Stewart. of the Light-Horse, at Conogochieg. (aka Maidstone)

The Assembly have resolved that their Troops shall not march out of the Colony: whether this is binding on the whole, or only the Draughts, I know not; therefore I would not advise your going into Maryland, unless it be to procure some manifest advantage to Virginia; in keeping the Enemy out of it &c. To range for and search them in another province, I can not think consistent with the intention of the Assembly

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-03-02-0190

June 20, 1756

Capt Robt Stewart writes from Maidstone to GW about Rollin’s Tippling House:

“One Rollins2 who keeps a little tippling House here is in some measure the cause of that infamous and pernicious practice when I first arrived here I sent a Serjeant to him desiring him at his Perril not to sell Liquor to the Soldiers, this he paid no regard to…”

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-03-02-0208-0001

That same Letter has more details, but here’s a roster list:

5. from Founders Online footnote:

3 companies at Maidstone Stewart listed 20 June:

34 rank and file in his own company,

37 in David Bell’s, and

30 in Christopher Gist’s.

Deserters in prison

1 from Stewart’s

5 were from Bell’s.

Return of 28 May there had been

1 deserter from Stewart’s company,

10 from Bell’s, and

2 from Gist’s.

Captains Stewart and Bell, Lt. John Campbell, ensigns John Deane and William Crawford, and 6 noncommissioned officers were at Maidstone with 101 soldiers. Captain Gist was in Winchester

Source:

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-03-02-0208-0001#GEWN-02-03-02-0208-0001-fn-0005

June 23, 1756

Capt Robt Stewart writes from Maidstone to GW about the continuing alcohol problem:

One Day Rollines who was much insens’d at a stop’s being put to his selling Liquor to the Soldiers was cursing all the Officers in the grosset terms and said many audacious provoking things, upon which Serjeant Hughes told him that if were not for the Law he would whip him, Rollines replied that he would take no advantage of the Law desir’d one of the Inhabitants here to be his second & strip’t, then he & Hughes went at it and Hughes gave him a most sincere Drubbing—Rollines never complaind to me nor did he apply to you till after he found that Govr Sharp would not hear his Scandulous falsehoods against the Virga Officers2

Source:

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-03-02-0213

July 12, 1756

Orders creating the 6th Company under Captain Robert Stewart.

From Founders Online Footnote:

Robert Stewart’s troop of light horse: William Hughes, enl. 4 Nov. 1754 in Virginia, 26, 5′7″, English; David Kennedy, enl. 16 Nov. 1754 in Virginia, 23, 5′7″, merchant, Scottish; William Broughton, enl. 12 Mar. 1754 in Virginia, 23, 5′8″, tailor, Virginian (30 July 1756, DLC:GW).

John Winterbottom (enl. 13 May 1755, 27, 5′8″, farmer, English) was a corporal in the company through June 1756 when he was sent back to Lt. Col. Thomas Gage. See Stewart to GW, 23 June 1756, n.6, 3 July 1756, n.3 [Colo. Gage desires I would send back Winterbottom one of my Corporals who I had from his Regimt to Train the Troop Horses. 6. According to Stewart’s company size roll of 11 May 1756, Cpl. John Winterbottom enlisted in the Virginia forces on 13 May 1755 as the Braddock expedition got underway. He was English, 27 years old, and a farmer. GW apparently advised or instructed Stewart to comply with Gage’s wishes, for on 3 July Stewart reported that he had “sent off” Winterbottom.].

Stewart’s 30 July 1756 size roll names Robert Tunstell as his third sergeant. Tunstell, 30, 5′6″, Yorkshire blacksmith, enl. 9 Mar. 1755 in Virginia.

This Order of July 12, 1756 also makes sure that no Sergeant or Corporal rank can be taken away unless by order of the Colonel or by Court Martial: “Sergeants and Corporals;8 who are not to be broke or changed, but by the Sentence of a Court Martial—or particular orders from the Colonel: as such practices have made great confusion in the Regiments…”

July 30, 1756

From Christopher Gist Conegocheeg [Md.] 30th July 1756, also known as Maidstone writing to GW:

“…I should be obliged to You for your Interest to Mr Welder to be Deputy Commissary at Maidstone if any occasion for one there. “

4. This was probably the company clerk, S. S. Welder. Welder was probably also “the Bearer” of the letters, receipts, and accounts from Gist as well as of the letter from Capt. Robert Stewart of this date.

Source:

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-03-02-0276

July 30, 1756

Capt Robt Stewart at Fort Maidstone writes to GW:

Yours of the 27th & 28th Inst. I was favour’d with1—Since my last the Enemy have been within five Miles of us on the opposite side of the River where they kill’d one Man & Captivated three Children, the day before yesterday Nine Indians were seen on the Main Road they have attempted nothing on this side the River nor has any of our Parties who are constantly out yet had the good Fortune of seeing any of them—These last Murders & Depredations have struck a vast Panic into the people on the other side . . .

Source:

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-03-02-0277

July 31, 1756

Robert Stewart writes from Maidstone to GW:

“Tho’ I wrote you yesterday by Capt. Gist’s Clerk, by whom I sent my Roll & Receipts for the Months of May & June yet judge it necessary to write you again by this Express as I have now certain Intelligence of the Enemy’s having got in the Virginia side of the Potomack. About 9 oClock last night one of our Sentrys Fir’d (he affirms at two Indians who was creeping up to view the Entrenchment) upon which we immediately got to our alarm Posts but as no Attack ensued, …”

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-03-02-0280

November 6, 1756

Robert Stewart at Fort Maidstone, a munitions depot

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-03-02-0383

May 20, 1757

Robert Stewart who is already at Fort Maidstone is officially re-confirmed to stay at Fort Maidstone

June 19, 1757

Robert Stewart Ordered to build Fort at Sleepy Creek, still commanding Fort Maidstone

June 20, 1757

Gov Shirley visits Fort Maidstone on his way to building Fort Frederick

July 30, 1757

Robert Stewart reports of indian attacks nearby

FORT LOUDOUN Winchester VA

Captain Robert Stewart back in Winchester

to be commander of Fort Loudoun

From June 6, 1757 to March 31, 1758

JUST TO REVIEW

2 PERIODS CAPT ROBT STEWART IN WINCHESTER VA

January 9, 1756 to May 3, 1756

See letter by GW to Stewart

GW ordering Stewart to leave Winchester for Fort Maidstone

June 6, 1757 to March 31, 1758

September 21, 1758 James Wood submits Addition to House of Burgesses, a Stewart Street being one of the named streets presented in that addition.

October 5, 1758 House of Burgesses approves plan

BACK TO TIMELINE

2ND TIME STEWART IN WINCHESTER VA

and this time while Fort Loudoun is being built

June 6, 1757 to March 31, 1758

August 1, 1757

Founders Online notes that Robert Stewart filled out a Return, a roster on that date while assigned to Fort Loudoun.

Sept, Oct, Nov 1757 … Dec 1757 … Jan Feb Mar 1758 –

the months George Washington was away (except for some brief visits) from Fort Loudoun, fighting off dysentary.

William Fairfax Funeral

GW must have left Fort Loudoun 24 September 1757 to go to William Fairfax’s funeral (who died 3 September 1757). Source: Page 266, George Washington – A Biography, Volume 2 Young Washington by Douglas Southall Freeman, published 1948 by Charles Scribner’s Sons.

He wrote Mary Ball Washington from Mount Vernon on 30 Sept. that he was returning that afternoon to Winchester.

For GW this time meant

Fairfax funeral
Peachy telling of complaints in Williamsburg
Hamilton stealing and selling inventory
ATkin indian affairs bad
throughout it all GW dealing with Dysentary
and Dinwiddie is leaving

THEFT AT FORT LOUDOUN WINCHESTER VA

September 27, 1757

This also quite a letter from Capt Robt Stewart to GW.

Much info on the town folk allegedly stealing Virginia Regiment equipment.

“…several Officers spent the whole night in searching many of the Houses in Town & some in its Neighbourhood and several things belonging to the Regiment were found;4 …” Source: http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-04-02-0270

3. In late September 1757 John Hamilton [who was appointed 12 July 1756 Quartermaster, head of supplies] fled from Fort Loudoun when discovery of his dishonest handling of regimental supplies became imminent. Shortly thereafter GW reported that Hamilton “had been several years a Sergeant in one of His Majesty’s Regiments: in which character he served 3 years under me: during that time, he gave such signal proofs of his Bravery and good Behaviour, as bound me, in honour and gratitude, to do something for him” (GW to John Stanwix, 8 Oct. 1757).

November 1757

Capt Robt Stewart informs Dinwiddie, that GW had dysentery for the last 3 mos.

For the next 4 mos, GW was at Mt Vernon.

Listing the months: Sept, Oct, Nov 1757 … Dec 1757 Jan Feb Mar 1758

Source:

p 43, Norman Baker’s Fort Loudoun

From Robert Stewart at Fort Loudoun Novemr 24th 1757 writes GW:

“When big with the hopes of your speedy Recovery. . .”

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-05-02-0038-0001

Feb 23, 1757

Lt Charles Smith (while Robert Stewart commanded Fort Loudoun) writes GW about fort construction.

p 42 Baker’s Fort Loudoun Book

Capt Robt Stewart 88 men (Aug 1, 1757) w/ GW’s men 91 (Aug 28,1757) working on Ft Loudoun.

Capt Joshua Lewis (who took over Thos Cocke’s company) had relieved Capt Robt Stewart at Fort Maidstone.

ONE PUNCH KILLS A MAN

Sept 1757

Lt Charles Smith punch kills a man.

Lt Charles Smith the supervisor of Construction, gets in trouble, punches a man in a tavern in Fredericksburg VA and kills him, but is exonerated.

Captain Stewart is commanding Ford Loudoun when this incident occurred.

Sources:

Page 42 Baker’s Fort Loudoun Book

Washington Papers, Vol 4, pages 418-419, maryland gazette Sept 22, 1757

p 43 Baker’s Fort Loudoun Book

Capt Robt Stewart informs Dinwiddie in Nov 1757, that GW had dysentery for the last 3 mos.

STEWART LEAVES FORT LOUDOUN

March 31, 1758

Lieutenant Thomas Bullitt succeeded Capt Robt Stewart as commander of Fort Loudoun during GW’s absence, wrote Gov Wm Denny of PA about the large number of Indian allies coming to Fort Loudoun and moving off to the war front to join the Forbes Expedition.

GEORGE WASHINGTON’S FIRST WIN

July 24, 1758

George Washington lost his first election in 1755, but wins this one.

Robert Stewart bringing back 2 heros of that election campaign John McNeill and Dr. James Craik

The rolls show Robert Stewart voted for GW and Mr Hugh West and not for the other 2 candidates, Col Thos Bryan Martin and Capt thos Swearingen. The confusion on spelling Robert Stewart’s name as Steward also shows up in the 1754 Fort Necessity Roster as well.

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-05-02-0273-0006

This was the election James Wood stood in GW’s stead. A picture of James Wood carried in a chair celebrating is shown here. Lt Charles Smith the supervisor of construction of Fort Loudoun while Robert Stewart commanded the fort, was GW’s campaign treasurer buying all the alcohol. And Robert Stewart provided escort for the “2 heroes” who helped GW on his campaign. GW stayed away working with the Forbes Expedition on its approach to attacking Fort Duquesne.

From Robert Stewart Cresaps [Md.] July 25th 1758 8 oClock P.M.

From the bottom of a heart that overflows with Joy I beg leave to offer my Congratulations on your happy Election!

Source:

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-05-02-0270

More on this July 1748 Election:

http://frenchandindianwarfoundation.org/event/washington-wins-first-election-1758-house-of-burgesses/

STEWART STREET, 1758 ADDITION

September 21, 1758

James Wood submits addition to Winchester, with Stewart Street.

October 5, 1758

House of Burgess approves addition containing Stewart Street among others

Source:

This 1777 map still doesn’t show Stewart Street has been built yet.

James Wood submitted Stewart Street and others for approval in 1758 to the House of Burgesses.

Back in Winchester VA

REQUEST TO BE ADJUTANT

December 12, 1758

Last letter of October 25, 1758 is from Stewart at Raystown, later named Fort Bedford. This next letter indicates Stewart is back in Winchester VA.

We have found no mention by Stewart of the street named after him. For that matter no mention by Washington either.

From Founders Online footnote:

From Winchester VA, Stewart first wrote GW on 12 Dec. 1758 about becoming one of the adjutants of the Virginia militia, a lucrative post that GW once held. Stewart did not receive the appointment. The vacancy was filled by William Peachey, who also had been a captain in GW’s Virginia Regiment.

In this same letter is an update on Fort Loudoun’s construction. The Mr Smith, is probably Charles Smith, the one who ran construction when Capt Stewart commanded Fort Loudoun and the same one who was treaurers of GW’s 1758 election, buying alcohol for the voters:

“Mr Smith says there’s no materials to finish the Barracks & no money to procure them, those that stays in the Fort must suffer greatly for want of Wood & waterMr Smith says there’s no materials to finish the Barracks & no money to procure them, those that stays in the Fort must suffer greatly for want of Wood & water . . .”

And in same letter is a report of sickness at “Reas Town” aka Raystown, later named Fort Bedford. And Stewart reports he is sick with fever too.

Source:

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-06-02-0140

Capt Robt Stewart does not want to be a Ranger.

He writes from Fort Loudoun Decembr 20th 1758:

“…the very thoughts of being a Ranger is insupportable, tho’ I am creditably inform’d that these Compys are very benificial and that some of the Ranging Capts. make more money than ever you did by the Regt. But surely he that wou’d for the sake of money swerve from the Principles of Honr does not merit the Title of Officer and for my own part I solemnly Declare I would rather Serve in the Ranks than deviate from my Honr. . . .”

December 29, 1758

Has George Washington just resigned?

The universe of the Virginia Regiment is disturbed.

Fort Duquesne is no more.

Now the threat of the French is gone from this area.

The war is still on elsewhere.

And who knows what the Indians will continue to do on their own?

So the Virginia Regiment still needs a leader.

And Captain Robert Stewart, while commanding Fort Loudoun, is much alarmed.

Could it be that Adam Stephen takes GW’s place?

Lt Colonel Adam Stephen just lost his command.

The Assembly voted there should be only one Colonel for the Virginia Regiment.

And as far as Adam Stephen knows, George Washington is still the Colonel

But there’s a rumor.

Did GW resign ?

Maybe Captain Robert Stewart could take that position?

And soon came out on December 31, 1758 a most beautiful appreciation signed by the men of Fort Loudoun with lament for the now gone leadership of a man like GW.

Captain Robert Stewart writes from Fort Loudoun, Decembr 29th 1758 his take on Lt Col Adam Stephen’s behavior:

About 9 days ago Lt Colo. Stephens arrived here. I immediatly waited on him, shew’d him your Orders and offer’d to give them up to him as Commanding Officer

but he before several Officers said that as he understood that the assembly had voted away the Lt Colo. he would no further be concern’d with the Command,2

only to Sign the Discharges of the Drafts upon which I retain’d the Command till yesterday

he without giving me the least notice, order’d the Adjutant to make him a Return of the Regiment, and that Jenkins might be got ready to go to Williamsbg—

as I knew him, was at no loss to account for this extraordinary Behaviour,

and plainly saw his Intentions by Signing the Discharges and Transmitting the Returns was to make it appear to the Governor and you that he Commanded while I did the Duty,

therefore I desir’d he would either take the Sole Command or no part of it, the former he made choice off, as his being reduc’d was not given out in Orders,

and I suppose till then he will be entitled to his Pay—should be vastly glad to know from you what is done in that affair and whether he is an officer in your Regiment or not? or if he is what his Rank is?

Later on 23 January 1759

Founders Online Footnote:

Lt Gov Fauquier (appointed 26 January 1758, took office 5 June 1758) wrote William Byrd on 23 Jan. 1759: “Colonel Washington has resigned his Command of the Virginia Forces (and is married to his agreeable Widow) This Command is intended for you, on Condition the Assembly, when it meets in February will restore the Officers and put the Regiment upon the former Establishment” (Reese, Fauquier description begins George Reese, ed. The Official Papers of Francis Fauquier, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, 1758–1768. 3 vols. Charlottesville, Va., 1980–83. description ends , 1:158–59)

Capt Robert Stewart goes to Pittsburgh

Camp at Pittsburgh [Pa.] Sepr 28th 1759

Stewart Describes the 3 Rivers Area:

Our Camp at present resembles a Military Colony, where Labour, Industry and Arms, go hand & hand; you can’t cast your Eyes any where, without seeing, Tradesmen & handicrafts of various kinds at work, and often the same Men alternatively Soldiers & Mechanicks, this hightned by a view of three glorious Rivers, and the many Beauties Nature has been so lavish in adorning this place and it’s Environs, forms a most delightfull Prospect, terminated by high romantic Mountains, which nearly encircle it: in fine the more I see of this Charming Country, the more I’m enamour’d with it,

which leads me to enquire after what Steps have been taken, in secureing to us, those Lands which poor Capn Gist was to have enter’d for us, I hope the needful is done, they surely will soon be very valueable.4

Fort Venango

August 9, 1760

Was our Captain Robert Stewart the Major Robert Stewart in this link?

The purpose of Fort Venango was to protect the passage from French Creek to the Allegheny River. The British intended for it to replace Fort Machault, which the French had destroyed when they retreated from the Ohio Valley in 1759.

On Aug. 9, 1760, Major Robert Stewart arrived to erect Franklin’s second fort, Fort Venango, nearer the mouth of French Creek. It was one of the forts in a chain for which Fort Pitt was the general headquarters. The great Indian chieftain Pontiac saw that settlers and land speculators continued to push westward and feared the eventual destruction of the Indian way of life. In 1763 all the western Indian tribes joined together in the Indian War known as Pontiac’s Conspiracy and attacked all the posts west of Lake Erie simultaneously. Nothing remained of Fort Venango but piles of smoldering embers. The British Army never returned.” Text from “Walking Tours of Historic Franklin, Franklin Rotary Club”, 1990.

For many years afterwards the ruins of Fort Venango plainly indicated its destruction by fire.

http://www.forttours.com/pages/fortvenango.asp

Robert Stewart writes GW from Winchester VA on April 14th 1760.

Founders online footnote discusses Robert Stewart holding a lieutenancy in the Royal American Regiment (and was that the commission Stewart borrowed money from GW to buy?) while holding his rank in the Virginia Regiment simultaneously under Colonel Byrd III.

Founders Online footnote that Stewart sent up recruits.

On 7 April, Capt. John Joseph Schlösser, commander of the company of the Royal American Regiment in which Stewart held a lieutenancy, wrote Col. Henry Bouquet: “A convoy of recruits arrived today from Mr Stouart of Virginia. He writes me that there are 14, but there are only twelve”

Founders Online Footnote.

But here it looks our Captain Robert Stewart is a Major on this expedition while also a Lieutenant in Royal American Regiment. And it is our Robert Stewart who is instrumental in building Fort Venango or supervising the start of its construction, given the dates mentioned in this section: April 9 in Venango. April 14 in Winchester VA.

Stewart was not sent

on Col. William Byrd’s

futile expedition

to Fort Loudoun [now in Tennessee] ;

instead, he went north

with a small detachment

of the Virginia Regiment

from Winchester

to forts Pitt and Venango

as part of

Gen. Robert Monckton’s command.

Stewart went by the title

of major in this campaign

More on the Rank and the Commission and the Loan from GW.

From Link:

http://www.genfiles.com/stewart/setting-the-record-straight-on-major-robert-stewart/

The Virginia Regiment was formed in 1754 at the beginning of the French & Indian War as the first professional militia in the colonies. Robert Stewart was a Captain commanding its company of light horse under George Washington, who became a close friend. He participated in the march to Fort Duquesne and at Braddock’s Defeat, and at various times commanded two of the chain of frontier forts, Fort Pitt and Fort Loudoun. On Washington’s recommendation he was made Brigade Major in 1758. However, Stewart desired a military career in the regular army. After his mentor and friend Washington resigned from the Virginia Regiment, Robert Stewart obtained a commission as a Lieutenant in the regular army’s Royal Americans. His commanders allowed him to retain both commissions and to continue as Major in the Virginia Regiment. (It does not appear that he ever actively served in the regular army.) By the time the Virginia Regiment was disbanded in 1762 he was a militia Lt. Colonel and hoping to achieve a higher rank in the Royal Americans than the Lieutenancy he still held.

Unable to transfer his militia rank into the regular army he decided, as was the custom, to purchase a higher rank. He borrowed £302 from George Washington in 1763 and left for London, never to return. He was unable to realize his ambition, in part due to an unspecified illness (possibly malaria) contracted during his service, and paid Washington back in 1768, the same year he was appointed controller of customs in Kingston, Jamaica. His health compelled a return to England and his letter to Washington in January 1769 from London was the last Washington heard of him for many years. A letter by Washington to a friend in London in 1774 mentions that he has not heard from Stewart in several years.

NEW YORK CITY

New-York Janry 18th 1763

After a day of 3 days of ice on the Susquehanna, Robt Stewart arrives in New York to go to London. Robt Stewart writes GW writes of his plan to go to London to ask for 5 Companies of Men and the rank of Major Commandant of that force.

Source:

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-07-02-0111

New York March 2d 1763

Stewart still in NY, writes to GW, his hopes to command new companies as a Major were destroyed by the news of a possible peace treaty. But he is still going to go to London anyway even if it means getting a civilian position and leaving the military. But to still purchase a commission in the British Army? He needs money to try that angle.

I would have been ready to have embark’d with the first Packet when the dire accots of the Cessation2 Thunder’d on my disconcerted Mind and at once annihilated my Plann and Blasted my well grounded hopes, an event the more alarming to me as at that Juncture it was so unexpected that the most sagacious here made no doubt of our Serving at least another Campaign, which would have done for me, But as dispondency can be of no Service and is often the mark of a weak mind, I would be willing like the drowning man to exert the remains of my enfeebled Strength in strugling against the stream of adversity and as I foresaw the impossibility of getting any thing done for me here I persever’d in the resolution I had taken of going home where I am told I shall have a much better chance to Purchass a Compy or if that should fail a Civil Employment,

THE LOAN REQUEST

I would now Beg is that you would be so good as to give me a Letter of Credit upon your Correspondent in London for Four Hundred Pounds Sterling in case I should want it, You may probably be surpris’d at my now applying for more than I did 3 years ago,5 to remove which, I will only inform you that Capt. Wood one of Genl Mn’s aid de Camps6 who arriv’d from London a few Days ago says that the Price of Compys rose £500 before he came away and this you may absolutely rely on, that I will take up as little as I can upon your Letter & that no Expedient consistent with honr will [be] left unessay’d to Pay you as soon as possible, But as all human affairs are precarious I would likewise beg that the Sum I may Draw upon you for may be so enter’d in your Books that in the Event of your Death (which I pray Heaven may long prevent) your Heirs would not have it in their Power to distress me, One Copy of the Letter of Credit to be sent by first Ship from Virginia under Cover to me Directed agreeable to my last or to the Care of Messrs Richard Oswald & Compy Merchts in London,7 another Copy under Cover to me here and to be forwarded by Mr Beverly Robinson, by first Packet…

4. Stewart is referring to his lieutenant’s commission in the Royal American, or 60th Regiment.

5. On what occasions GW offered Stewart financial aid is not known, but in his letter to GW of 25 Jan. 1760, Stewart refers to the sum of £300 sterling that GW was to lend him. See also GW to Robert Cary & Co., 27 April 1763, enclosed in GW to Stewart of the same date, and GW to Stewart, 2 May 1763.

LINK FOR ALL ABOVE FOR THE LOAN REQUEST

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-07-02-0115

KINGSTON JAMAICA

Repayment of Debt

January 25, 1769

The Physician who I have chiefly employ’d in this Island (where I in general have been Sick and at best rather enjoy the absence of pain than good Health) has given it as his opinion that a perfect Recovery from my Bilious Disorder with which I am so much afflicted is not to be hoped for but in a Cold Climate, I have therefore resolved to embark for England the first good opporty after the vernal Equinox

Source:

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-08-02-0123

Kingston in Jamaica March 10th 1768

From Robt Stewart to GW

“I was at length appointed Comptroller of his Majesty’s Customs in this place, an Office which I was inform’d was a very reputable one and worth at least a thousand Sterling ann:—the first part of the information I found Just, but I have the mortification to find that the value of my Office is by the openning the free Ports in this Island and by some late regulations in the Revenues diminished near a half;

I likewise informed you that your old Acquaintance and my very good Friend Mr Macleane had directed me to desire you would Draw upon him at sixty days sight for the amount of the money you was generously pleas’d in the handsomest and most Friendly manner to advance to me, before I left N. America,

I likewise desired that you would please address your Bills for that Sum to Lauchlin Macleane Esqr. in Queen ann Street, Cavendish Square London.2

Source:

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-08-02-0051

GW IMMEDIATELY USES THE CREDIT

This is almost like electronic exchange, without any extra step of receiving a payment.

From George Washington to Laughlin Macleane

Mount Vernon in Virginia June 6th 1768

In a Letter of the 10th of March which I recd from Colo. Robt Stewart in Jamaica, he directs me to draw upon you for a sum of money which I lent him in 1763—I accordingly do so in favour of Robt Cary Esqr. & Co. for £302 Sterg which was the nett amount of two Bills (exclusive of Intt wch I have no intention of charging) remitted him at that time.1

Source:

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-08-02-0068

From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 6 June 1768

Mt Vernon 6th June 1768

Inclosd you will receive a Bill of Excha: on Laughlin Mcacleane Esqr. for £302 Sterg out of wch this Char[io]t may be paid for, & the Balle carrd to the Credit of my Acct Currt3

Source:

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-08-02-0069

THE PROMISE OF LAND

Most of George Washington’s men of 1754 are still pursuing the 1754 promise of land. Some were in the Ohio Company.

1773

Robt Stewart to receive 400 acres, but by then Robert Stewart was not in contact with GW between 1769 and 1783.

Source:

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-09-02-0319

2. For the recent action taken regarding lands for the men of the Virginia Regiment of 1754 under Robert Dinwiddie’s proclamation, see GW to Lord Dunmore and Council, c.3 Nov.,

From George Washington to Lord Dunmore and Council, 3 November 1773

To Lord Dunmore and Council

[c.3 November 1773]

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-09-02-0283

==============================================

NOTES FROM BAKER’S FORT LOUDOUN BOOK

TIMELINE DETAIL

BIG REORGANIZATION Mercer retains his Captaincy. Others lose their Company. 16 May 1757 Lt Gov Dinwiddie writes to GW, that the Virginia Regiment has been too costly and top heavy with officers and so per the reorganization plan adopted by House of Burgesses on April 20, 1757, that, “…The said Regiment shall Consist only of ten Companies, of one hundred Men each—that all the Captains but Seven, be reduced1—Those I have thought proper to continue, are Captains Mercer[George Mercer], Waggoner [Thomas Waggener], Stewart [Robert Stewart], Joshua Lewis [Joshua Lewis], Woodward [Henry Woodward], Spotswood [Alexander Spotswood], and McKenzie [Robert McKenzie] …”

Losing their companies would be Captains David Bell, William Bronaugh, Thomas Cocke, Henry Harrison, Charles Lewis, John Savage.

The Virginia Regiment was reduced from 16 Companies to 10.

Five Companies to protect Virginia.

at Fort Loudoun

100

Men commanded

by Yourself

at Maidstone

Men commanded

by Capt. Stewart

at Edwards’s

Men Do

by a Subaltern

at Pearsalls

Men Do

by Capt. McKenzie

In the Nighbourhood of Butter Milk Fort.

Men. Commanded

by Capt. Waggener.

at Dickenson’s

Men Commanded

by Major Lewis

at Vauss’s

Men Do

by Capt. Woodward

450

“Four of the said Companies be sent to the Assistance of South-Carolina, ” is part of House of Burgesses’ five resolutions on 20 April 1757.

“One Company to garison the Fort lately built in the Cherokee Country… , ” is part of House of Burgesses’ five resolutions on 20 April 1757.

Another Big Change:

George Washington loses the job of talking to the Indians.

Conjecture: With all the complaints by the Indians and complaints by Washington and his men regarding the mishandling of presents for the Indians, Lt Gov Dinwiddie decides to put someone else in charge of handling the Indians.

George Washington and his Regiment is to discontinue any parley, any communications with the Indian allies. Edmond Atkin from South Carolina is to take over that job, with a title similar to the one given Sir William Johnson who handles the northern Indian allies. The Act of Union in 1707 gave opportunity to many Scots, possibly similar on a surface level to Affirmative Action policies of today.

From Norman Baker’s Fort Loudoun

p25

Maryland Gov visited Capt Robert Stewart at Fort Maidstone told Washington in a letter June 20, 1757?

p26

1757

After returning to Winchester, following the visit with Gov Sharpe at Fort Frederick, [between July 15 and July 19] Washington dispatched plans to Capt Peter Hog, Thomas Waggener and Robert Stewart for the forts he had ordered them to build on the Virginia frontier.

Augusta County Council of War responded on July 23 recomming 14 forts on the head waterss of the South Branch on south side of Roanoke River below Roanoke VA.

Capt Stewart commanding at Maidstone, was ordered to build the Sleepy Creek fort on the south side of the Potomac between the fort at Maidstone and Cox’s Fort at the mouth of the Little Cacapon River.

p 28

July 30 1757 Capt Stewart at Maidstone wrote GW that indian raiding parties are in area.

Within 5 miles, on maryland side, killing one man, capturing 3 children

Next day Stewart reported sentries at Fort Frederick have been fired on

one man had been scalped between that fort and Fort Maidstone

see info on Mercer to add to the Mercer page, lists the people in Mercer’s 76 soldier company on the return of August 2 1756 and Mercer saying bahamas pays 16 pence and these soldiers they pay 6 pence to his own solders. p29

p42 hunt letterdown the William Fairfax speaks well of the Fort Loudoun construction, see foot note 50

p 42

Lt Charles Smith punch kills a man.

Washington Papers, Vol 4, pages 418-419, maryland gazette Sept 22, 1757

p 42

Capt Robt Stewart 88 men (aug 1, 1757) w/ GW’s men 91 (Aug 28,1757) working on Ft Loudoun.

Capt Joshua Lewis (who took over Thos Cocke’s company) had relieved Capt Robt Stewart at Fort Maidstone.

p 43

Capt Robt Stewart informs Dinwiddie in Nov 1757, that GW had dysentery for the last 3 mos.

For the next 4 mos, GW was at Mt Vernon

Sept, Oct, Nov 1757 … Dec 1757 Jan Feb Mar 1758

p 43

Feb 23, 1757

Lt Charles Smith writes GW

3rd barracks completely covered in

last barracks framed preparing to be raised, but in need of barrel of nails (double tens)

joiners work completed on 2nd barracks

parapet on last curtain is u

last bastion layed over with logs – roofed over to protect provisions in storage there

2 ambuziers (embrasures)done on that last bastion, 4 more embrasures to go

almost out of iron and plank

Stone masons sick since you’ve been away October? November 1757?

(stone masons probably were needed for the chimneys at this point)

blacksmith behaved well

p 44

March 31, 1758

Captain Lieutenant Thomas Bullitt succeeded Capt Robt Stewart as commander of Fort Loudoun during GW’s absence, wrote Gov Wm Denny of PA

that 400 Indians at Fort Loudoun

that 300 Cherokee were equipped and sent out 12 days earlier – March 19, 1758

April 2, 1758

GW returns to Fort Loudoun, Bullitt is sent to Patterson’s Fort

April 9, 1758

GW writes 400 indians gone to war, that 140 more were expected today at Fort Loudoun

Christopher Gist, deputy agent for Indian Affairs in Winchester VA recorded this same week that 174 indians were in town and another 343 had gone to war

April 12, 1758

VA Assembly created the 2nd VA Regiment… and an aside – militia to be be hired to staff the forts while the 2 VA Regiments

an aside – GW wanted Fort Loudoun to be the rendezvous but instead Raystown where they build Fort Bedford.

GW refuses Sir John St Clair request for his old friend Lt Charles Smith to build a ford across the Potomac at Friend Cox’s crossing – saying he will help provided materiel but cannot lend labor away from building FT Loudoun

p 45

May 3, 1758

Lt Col Adam Stephen, Captain George Mercer return to Fort Loudoun from South Carolina.

Capt Robt Rutherford of the rangers to be at Fort Loudoun

South Carolina militia Maj Joseph Stevens to take over completion of construction of fort

May 24, 1758

links found unrelated but interesting for later use

http://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/guides/brockresults.asp

gifts from Norman Baker to Handley Library Archives

http://www2.youseemore.com/handley/contentpages.asp?loc=84

2 books by Norman L Baker

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4232009.Norman_L_Baker

It begins with the birth of the last French & Indian War, with the atrocities and aggression of the French and their Indian allies; to the defeats of Fort Necessity and the army of General Braddock; the brutal war on Virginia’s frontier settlements; the dark days of continued defeat of Virginia’s forts, its military, its settlers and the massacres, to the final turnaround and the defeat of the French at Fort Duquesne and the resurgence of conflict during Pontiac’s War. Contains the most extensive and comprehensive study of the forts of Virginia’s northwestern frontier, while highlighting the other forts along Virginia’s extended frontier.

George Washington Bio

From Douglas Southall Freeman's Young George Washington, Volume 1, published 1948, Charles Scribner's Sons:

From Douglas Southall Freeman's Young George Washington, Volume 2, Pages 239-240, published 1948, Charles Scribner's Sons:

Fort Loudoun Winchester Virginia
Designed & built by Colonel George Washington
1756-1758

Also related events 1752-1764 before and after French & Indian War

Washington's Men in Winchester

1758 October 5 Stewart Street Winchester VA named after Captain Robert Stewart,

George Washington Bio

From Douglas Southall Freeman's Young George Washington, Volume 2, Pages 239, published 1948, Charles Scribner's Sons:

Washington's Men in Winchester

1758 October 5 Stewart Street Winchester VA named after Captain Robert Stewart,

George Washington Bio

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From Douglas Southall Freeman's Young George Washington, Volume 2, Pages 239, published 1948, Charles Scribner's Sons: