Rutherford's Rangers
We want to make note of a gap of time when no official Ranger company operated in Frederick and Hampshire ounties
in Virginia from summer of 1756 to late into November 1757.
Lt Gov Dinwiddie authorized the creation of a Ranger Company to be headed by Robert Rutherford in a letter to Colonel George Washington on 2 Nov 1757.
It was not fully recruited until late November 1757.
There's always more.
Skip around.
Read bits and pieces.
Compiled by Jim Moyer 11/28/2021, notes on equipment by Mark Buhl 11/30/2021, updated 7/16/2024, 7/17/2024
Table of Contents
List of Ranger Companies before Summer 1756
After assuring himself of the assembly’s support, Dinwiddie sent up to Lord Fairfax officers’ commissions for two companies of rangers of 50 men each to be raised and to serve in Frederick and Hampshire.1
The assembly promptly voted £2,000 for the support of the rangers with the assumption that there would be three companies of rangers, one in Hampshire and two below in Augusta.
Dinwiddie explained that he had already sent commissions to Martin and Fairfax to raise two companies in Hampshire and Frederick, the area of greatest danger.
He would, however, instruct Col. James Patton, county lieutenant, to raise another company in Augusta, “where Captain [Andrew] Lewis now is, with Fifty Men of our Forces,” and put the company under the command of “old Capt. Smith.”2
Patton was murdered on 31 July 1755 on his return home; and in Augusta, after reconvening the assembly in the wake of Braddock’s defeat, Dinwiddie issued commissions for at least four new companies of rangers on the frontier:
on 11 Aug 1755. to John Smith for a company in Augusta
in addition to “the Coy comanded by Capt. Preston”;
to Nathaniel Terry on 13 Aug 1755. for a company in Lunenburg County;
to Samuel Overton on 14 Aug 1755. for one in Hanover County,
and on 20 Aug 1755. to John Phelps for one in Bedford County.3
Exactly how many companies of rangers had in fact been raised by the time GW took command of all the Virginia forces at the beginning of September 1755 is uncertain;4
but in the days before GW took over, Dinwiddie more than once referred to his six companies of rangers, four (or five) in Augusta and two “ordered” in Hampshire and Frederick.5
Of the 24 rangers that Cocks listed as being in his company in mid-October 1755, 9 had joined by 1 Sept. 1755,
and Ashby reported that he recruited 6 of his 33 men in August 1755 and the remainder in September 1755 and October 1755.
2 Ranger Companies in Hampshire County:
The 2 companies in Hampshire County then garrisoned 2 forts both built on the Patterson Creek, one valley west of the South Branch of the Potomac where the Virginia Regiment built some forts.
Fort Ashby and Cocks Fort were first garrisoned alternately by Rangers and the Virginia Regiment. Both those forts were on the Patterson Creek one valley west of the South Branch of the Potomac River where Fort Pearsall and Fort Pleasant and many other forts sat on that river. Jeremiah Smith's and Robert Pearis' forted homes were of 2 militia leaders who had some success against the enemy. All other forts shown here were garrisoned by the Virginia Regiment. This Map is not a complete map of all the forts in this area. See Google Maps Frontier Forts published by Jim Moyer.
When GW took Command:
By September 1755, those Ranger Companies had to coordinate their activities under Colonel George Washington but stayed separate from the Virginia Regiment. On 14 August1755, GW was appointed overall commander of all military forces, not just the Virginia Regiment
and then in 14 Sept 1755 assumed control arriving in Winchester VA.
More Ranger companies were created:
for Augusta County and areas south. For that list see this Founders Online editors note:
Exactly how many companies of rangers had in fact been raised by the time GW took command of all the Virginia forces at the beginning of September is uncertain;4 but in the days before GW took over . . .
Dinwiddie more than once referred to his six companies of rangers, four (or five) in Augusta and two “ordered” in Hampshire and Frederick.5
Of the 24 rangers that Cocks listed as being in his company in mid-October, 9 had joined by 1 Sept.,
and Ashby reported that he recruited 6 of his 33 men in August and the remainder in September and October.
The Military Heirarchy:
County Lieutenants
were required to raise militia. Each county had a County Lieutenant. "In 1634 . . . lieutenants were added to the monthly court structure especially “to take care of the warr against Indians.”"
The Militia
were the lowest in the military hierarchy. No uniforms. No pay. No Supplies.
The Virginia Regiment
was uniformed, paid, and supplied by the House of Burgesses.
The Rangers
were not uniformed nor supplied unless in real need, but they did get paid by the House of Burgesses.
Colonel George Washington who was designated commander of all these military forces, not just the Virginia Regiment. And all had short enlistment times, except for the officers of the Virginia Regiment.
The Gentlemen's Association.
One more quasi militia group developed. They called themselves the Gentleman's Association. Founders Online notes : "Apparently the Association of Gentlemen chose not to traverse Virginia’s frontier to select the sites for forts as Dinwiddie had indicated they would. See Dinwiddie to GW, 3 May, n.6, 8 May, and GW to Adam Stephen, 18 May 1756. See also GW to Dinwiddie, 25 June 1756. -- Source: Footnote 3 in this link: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-03-02-0200
Rutherford Family
See more on who the Rutherford family was.
They held influential positions and land.
Robert Rutherford's Dad was the first Sheriff of Frederick Co VA.
Robert Rutherford and his brother Thomas can sometimes be confused because both of them held similar jobs at different times.
Thomas was a Ranger under Ashby's ranger company in 1755 and was a deputy commisary after Robert had that job.
Robert became Captain of a Ranger company in 1757, so Rutherford's Rangers here refers to Robert Rutherford.
There's a Rutherford sister who married James Wood the founder of Winchester VA. When widowed she retained ownership of the land on the corner of Cork and Braddock streets in Winchester VA where the George Washington Office Museum still sits. She sold it to her brother Rutherford in 1759.
Robert Rutherford started the first store in Winchester VA, according to Kercheval in his History of the Valley of Virginia, 6he edition, page 176.
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.Robert Rutherford (1728–1803)
was an old friend of GW from the French and Indian War,
during which Rutherford had served as a
deputy commissary for the Virginia forces, 1755–57,
and then as captain of a Virginia ranger company [1757-1758]
Rutherford was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, 1766–76;
all five Virginia conventions, 1774–76;
the Virginia state senate, 1776–90;
and the U.S. House of Representatives, 1793–97.
Source:
His brother, Thomas Rutherford,
Founders Online Footnote 5.
His brother, Thomas Rutherford, also was well known to GW, having served as a Virginia ranger officer, Indian agent, and deputy commissary during the French and Indian War.
Founders Online Footnote 2.
Thomas Rutherford was lieutenant of John Ashby’s 2d company of rangers. GW recommended him to Dinwiddie for an ensign’s commission in the Virginia Regiment on 12 June 1757, but instead Dinwiddie appointed him Indian agent to conduct the Catawba Indians to British forts on the western frontier. Rutherford served as an Indian agent under Christopher Gist from July 1757 until the fall of 1758, when he became deputy to Commissary Thomas Walker. In 1761 he was elected a burgess for Hampshire County, and he served continuously in the Virginia Assembly until 1769.
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Sources:
Thomas Rutherford was Sheriff of Frederick Co VA from 11/7/1770-1/5/1772.
He is brother to Robert Rutherford.
Their Dad, Thomas Rutherford, was the first Sheriff of Frederick Co VA 11/11/1743-3/6/1745
Thomas Rutherford the Father
And a Thomas Rutherford
was first sheriff of Frederick Co VA.
He was the father of the 2 brothers, Robert and Thomas mentioned above.
If young Thomas was born after Robert, then young Thomas would have been an age of 15 years old or less in 1743.
The father, Thomas Rutherford, was appointed First Sheriff of Frederick Co VA 11/11/1743 to 3/6/1745
Captain Thomas Rutherford, Sr. (d. 1760), first High Sheriff of Frederick County 11/11/1743 to 3/6/1745, sold to Washington the Bullskin property
The daughter of the elder Thomas Rutherford was James Wood's widow. She sold in 1759 to her brother, the younger, surviving Thomas the property around George Washington’s Office Museum.
See Link: The father was a founder of Frederick County sworn in by Morgan Morgan November 14, 1743, five years after the original creation of Frederick County March, 1738.
Ranger Equipment
Mark Buhl,
in the previous picture above,
is a living history interpreter.
He writes this of his equipment
in portraying a Ranger:
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"This is an example
of what a Ranger
might have carried in the field.
Starting at the top left:
bedroll and line,
canteen,
musket,
cook kit,
personals with flint and steel for fire ,
boiler,
fishing kit,
ball molds,
food pokes,
gun maintenance tools,
lead ingots."
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See more on Rutherford's complaints and requests that his Rangers not be forced into the Virginia Regiment or to be forced to garrison the forts (which later did happen).
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The letter below makes mention of how many are to be recruited, how they are to be paid and supplied.
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This Blog compiled and authored by Jim Moyer 11/28/2021 with notes on equipment by Mark Buhl 11/30/2021, updated 7/16/2024
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Creation of Rutherford's Rangers
Letter To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie,
From Robert Dinwiddie Williamsburg Novr 2d 1757
Sir Yr Letter of the 24th Ulto I recd—
Absolute Necessity
And as You observe the absolute Necessity
of having a Company of Rangers,
I agree to the raising sixty, seventy or 80 Men
to be Commanded by Mr Rutherfurd,
but You must be certain of his raising the Men,
not to load the Country with a Charge,
as formerly,
without Men to the different Companies;
How Paid?
I do not doubt of Yr keeping them strictly to their Duty—
his Pay, with first and second Lieutt’s to be the same as the Officers in Your Regiment—&
as the private Men are to have 12d. ⅌ Day1
How Supplied?
they are to have no enlisting Money or Clothing, &
if possible they are to furnish their own Arms,
but if they cannot
You are to supply them by delivering a Number to Ct. Rutherfurd,
on his Receipt to restore them Casualties excepted; &
they are to be provided with Provisions by the Contractor;2
Support the Inhabitants from Fleeing
this I hope will encourage the Settlers to rema. on their Plantations.
Offense better than this Defense I always was strongly of Opinion that an Offensive War was most eligible, & have repeatedly urg’d it, thô always disappointed, & before I leave this I shall endeavor again to represent it to his Lordship.
Cherokee You did very right in furnishing the Cherokees from Pensylvaa with Horses &ca I wonder Ct. Gist writes Nothing of the Indians that were on the Branch, returning Home; I hope they did not go disgusted.
As formerly, I leave the Settlemt with Dr Ross, entirely to YrSelf, & what You do therein will be approv’d of—I am much indispos’d—I remain Sir Your mo. humble Servant
Robt Dinwiddie
Yr Care in havg proper Lts for Ct. Rutherfurd will be for the Public Ser.
Founders Online Footnotes:
LS, DLC:GW; LB, ViHi: Dinwiddie Papers.
1. The men in the Virginia Regiment were paid 8d. per day.
2. For William Ramsay’s appointment as contractor, see John Kirkpatrick to GW, 17 Sept. 1757, n.3.
Source:
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Problems recruiting for Rutherford's Rangers
To George Washington from Robert Rutherford,
22 November 1757
From Robert Rutherford Winchester the 22d of Novr 1757
Sir
It is much against my desire, to give you trouble in your Circumstance; but as I am informed that it is your Misfortune not to be freed of Publick Business even now: I write you the Present Circumstance of the Company. I imagine by this time they are about 40 and as the Enemy is discovered Nigh Capn McKenzy’s, have Ordered Lieutt Swearingin with the men recruited by him, to scour the woods about back Creek &c. and to Send Out Scouts along the banks of Potomack Capecapon & the warm springs to make discoveries and have Ordered Lieutt McDowell to act in the Same Manner in the District of Ceeder Creek.1
but among the Populace (ever grossly Ignorant) there seems to Prevail Some Objections that retard the Speedy raising the Company, which I hope you can readily remove—
Notwithstanding they have been assured to the Contrary in the Strongest terms.
they are Possess’d of a Notion that they are to be ensnared into the Regiment So that if you Can Certify 2. or 3 Words under Your hand that they are not inlisted as Soldiers or to Serve as Such in Keeping Garrisson, Mounting Guards, &c. but only to act as Rangers under their own officers,
it wou’d greatly facilitate, and Expedite the Matter, or if they Cou’d be inlisted at First for 12. Months, it wou’d be infinitely the best Scheem & wou’d render it in my Power to make my own Choice of men imediately, and shou’d always be able to Keep the Company Compleate, as very few of those, wou’d ever Leave the Company while their Service Shou’d be wanting.2
I greatly regret your Indisposition. Sincerely wish you a Safe recovery, and am with Just Esteem Sir your most Obt Hble Sert
R. Rutherford ALS, DLC:GW.
Founders Online footnotes
1. Capt. Robert McKenzie’s company was stationed on the South Branch, at Job Pearsal’s.
The Swearingen who was a lieutenant in the ranger company that Rutherford was raising was Thomas Swearingen, the son of Capt. Thomas Swearingen, the justice of the peace and burgess from Frederick County.
Joseph McDowell of the Frederick County militia was also a lieutenant in Rutherford’s ranger company.
The Warm Springs in Frederick County, now Berkeley Springs, W. Va., was west of Sleepy Creek on Warm Spring Run a few miles from the Potomac River.
2. For the terms of enlistment of William Preston’s company of rangers in Augusta County, see Dinwiddie to GW, 19 Oct. 1757, n.2.
Source:
Rutherford's Complaints on ranging
From Robert Rutherford Winchester 6th June 1758 Sir Agreeable to what Past when last I had the Honr of Confering with You—Inclosed are copys of the Instructions which I have given to the officers Acting under me1—by which You’ll discover that they are Divided & Weekend in such a maner that Puts them intirely in the Power of the Enemy as they must consty Range—besides they cannot Be of the same sirvice to the Inhabitants being unable to Oppose a strong Party that may sudinly Rush into the Country—
You will further Discover that all the support that the whole of the upper part of the County has, is Ensign Fry & 25 of the Rangers.
Where as it is Absolutely Necessary that Different Partys of the Militia should be in those Parts—Namely at the fine New Mill formerly Lewis Stephens’s—Holemans Fort & Pennywitz Mill as the Inhabitants cannot subsist Except those Mills & that Fort is Kept up2
—& small Numbers at Each place would answer the End together With the Inhabitants—which would enable Mr Frys Party to join Lt Mcdowell, & then they could Range in a strong Body—Pray give me Leave to say it is absolutely Necessary for Militia to be Stationed at the affore said places Other wise the Communication Between Winchester & Augusta will be Emediately Cut off—I am truly sensible Nothing in your Power will be Wanting—I have Done every thing in Mine.
Am Obliged to set out to consult some skilful Physition. May the Guardian Powers Protect you my Worthy Friend & give me leave Dear Sir to subscrib my self Your Most Obliged Huble Sert Rt Rutherford
LS, DLC:GW.
Founders Online footnotes
1. The enclosures included Rutherford’s orders to ranger lieutenant Joseph McDowell, 22 May, to ranger ensign Samuel Fry, 22 May, and to ranger lieutenant Thomas Swearingen, 23 May (DLC:GW). All three officers were residents of Frederick County.
2. Lewis Stephens (Ludwig Steffen) lived on Cedar Creek which flows south into the North Fork of the Shenandoah River at present-day Strasburg about twenty miles south of Winchester.
Pennywitt’s Mill was on Mill Creek which runs into the North Fork of the Shenandoah about forty miles southwest of Winchester in what is now Shenandoah County. Holman’s fort was either on the North Fork of the Shenandoah opposite where Holmans Creek runs into the river several miles south of Mill Creek or it was a few miles up Holmans Creek from the river.
John Pennywitt, a Huguenot and a miller, came to the Shenandoah Valley from Pennsylvania to build one of the first flour mills in this region. Daniel Holman, for whom the creek on which he lived was named, was one of the first white settlers in this part of the Valley.
Source:
Rutherford Complaint on garrisoning Fort Loudoun
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To George Washington from Robert Rutherford, 2 July 1758
From Robert Rutherford Winchester the 2d of July 1758 Dear Sir
The Stationing of the Rangers in Fort Loudoun gives Such general discontent to the Inhabitants
that it obliges me to apply to you to Countermand the orders, or direct me how to apply to have it done—for I am from being a Person of as much Interest, as any among the Common People, become almost Liable to be Stoned. In short it is so opposite to the Terms of inlisting the Company, and the engagements made with the Men & the People in general at the time of their inlisting, that I am not Surprized it Produces things of this nature.1
The Inhabitants (whom I have taken Care to inform that those orders were Contrary to your desire) rely wholy on you for redress as also does the Company and as the turns of affairs Since the Issuing those orders are reasons Sufficient for revoking of them shall hope for your Interposition in this Case, as the Inhabitants of Messanutting and the whole of the upper Part of the County are intirely gone off, which I very Plainly foresaw, for Some2
time Past, and it will be the Case here if every endeavour is not used to Support and Comfort the People, as the greatest Pannick now Prevails.
Whatever I have done was with a veiw to Serve the Country, and have altogether depended on you for Protection and am Sensible, that far as Justice is on my Side I may depend on your favour; and it Coud never be offered to me more timely, than in this Distress’d Sircumstance.
I am sorry to give you this trouble, but am forced by meer Extreemity, and as you are at Present blessd with Health, I hope it will Sit Light on you, which may every toil you are now intering into and the Hours Pass cheerfully, till you injoy the inexpressible Sattisfaction of Compleat Victory and return with wreaths of Laurel Elate with Youth and Success to your friends and fortune to Compleat and forward which may the Guardian Powers aide is the unfeign’d wish of Dear Sir Yr greatly affectionate and Most obt Hble Sert
R. Rutherford
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. See Jacob Hite to GW, 29 June, John Hite to GW, 2 July 1758, and notes.
2. Rutherford wrote “Pome.”
Source:
Note: The annotations to this document, and any other modern editorial content, are copyright © The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia. All rights reserved.
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Letters between Rutherford and Washington
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A Historical Sign is Wrong
This sign is wrong.
Wrong Rutherford.
Should be Thomas Rutherford, not Robert Rutherford.
Wrong date.
Should be July 1756, not August 1756.
But . . . We do not wish to demean the efforts of previous historians and researchers.
Uncovering detail is far more easy today.
One can sit at home in their pajamas and find proof online.
Many websites have collected information from various libraries and archives and put them online.
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RUTHERFORD’S “DEFEAT” HISTORICAL SIGN
Compiled and written by Jim Moyer April 2015, updated 8/30/16, 10/2/2017, 4/15/2018, 5/4/18, 5/5/2019, 9/24/2019, 12/3/2021
This sign should say:
“Lieutenant Thomas Rutherford, with company of Rangers, was attacked by the French and Indians and withdrew to the safety of this fort, July 1756.”
This link allows you to navigate around the sign.
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This sign sits at intersection of Routes 28 and 46 in Fort Ashby WV.
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Also the word “defeat” in this historical marker sign is questionable because it implies men being killed or taken hostage, neither of which is verified. But the word “defeat” is justly chosen because Washington called it a “Defeat.”
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The Story:
On a mission of transporting mail, they were attacked and the men panicked.
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Lieutenant Thomas Rutherford and some of his men withdrew to safety of Fort Ashby.
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The battle may have continued to the fort.
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The sign is based on
Ansel’s writings?
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Captain Ashby had not been at his for on Patterson’s Creek many months until he learned that undisciplined men make poor soldiers.
About August 1, 1756, a courier arrived at Fort Ashby carrying dispatches for Colonel Washington who was then at Fort Cumberland.
Since the Patterson’s Creek area was infested with Indians at the time, the messenger requested that a detail of soldiers be furnished to conduct him to the Maryland fort, as he was afraid to make the journey alone.
Captain Ashby then selected about sixteen men, all from a militia detachment stationed at his fort, to accompany the messenger, and he named one of his subordinate officers, Lieutenant Robert Rutherford, to take command of this party.
After beginning the twelve-mile march to Fort Cumberland, Rutherford and his troops experienced no trouble until they were along Turner’s Run within a mile or so of Short Gap, when they were suddenly fired upon by a band of Indians lying in ambush near the road.
The militia acted quickly, without hesitation and in unison – they all turned and fled back to Ashby’s at full speed without taking the trouble to fire a shot. Lieutenant Rutherford ordered, threatened and even begged his men to stand and fight but without avail.
Left alone, he could do nothing more than follow his flying men. What became of the courier is not recorded, but he probably made his escape with the others, as there is no record that anyone was killed or wounded.
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FROM “FRONTIER FORTS ALONG THE POTOMAC AND ITS TRIBUTARIES” BY WILLIAM H ANSEL, JR.
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Why the Wrong Month
is on the sign
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25 July 1756 is the date of a letter Lt Col Adam Stephen writes to Col Washington of the “defeat” and the subsequent failure of the escort to bring the mail.
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“The Detachmt of militia at Ashby’s, absolutely refusd to Escort the Express to this place, and am afraid never will get over the pannick which Seiz’d them under Command of Mr Rutherford.3 “
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Lt Col Stephen, colorfully calling this letter a “memorandy”, adds, “One of them named Croucher has always behavd well, and came up with the express in the night4—Pray Urge the necessity of having more men, the Militia will add to our disgrace but nothing to our Strength.”
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Letter From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 4 August 1756:
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This date of this letter is a possible reason for the mistake of the wrong month on the sign.
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Washington writes:
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“I make no doubt your Honour has ere this heard of the Defeat of Lieutenant Rutherford, of the Rangers, escorting an Express to me at Fort Cumberland; and of the dastardly behaviour of the militia, who ran off without one half of them having discharged their pieces, altho’ they were apprized of the ambuscade by one of the flanking party, before the Indians fired upon them; and ran back to Ashby’s Fort, contrary to orders, persuasions, threats, &c.8 They are all ordered in so soon as the people have secured their Harvest..”
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The word “ere” assumes some time lapse. Washington assumes someone has already sent a post to Lt Gov Dinwiddie. News takes some time to travel, even if it is bad news. Also Stephens’ letter referencing this incident is dated July not August.
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From the footnote on above link: Thomas Rutherford, lieutenant in John Ashby’s company of rangers, was in command at Ashby’s fort of what remained of Ashby’s rangers while Ashby himself was on furlough.
For an account of Thomas Rutherford’s military career, see GW’s Orders, 10 Oct. 1755, n.2.
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Why the Wrong Rutherford
is on the Sign
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Adam Stephen's letter:
“The Detachmt of militia at Ashby’s, absolutely refusd to Escort the Express to this place, and am afraid never will get over the pannick which Seiz’d them under Command of Mr Rutherford. “
The reference to “militia at Ashby’s” establishes the “Command Mr Rutherford” as Thomas.
Founders Online footnote to this letter:
3. Thomas Rutherford, lieutenant in John Ashby’s company of rangers, was in command at Ashby’s fort of what remained of Ashby’s rangers while Ashby himself was on furlough. For a description of the “pannick,” see GW to Dinwiddie, 4 Aug. 1756. For an account of Rutherford’s military career, see GW’s Orders, 10 Oct. 1755, n.2.
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George Washington’s letter:
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To Lieutenant Thomas Rutherford. Of The second Company of Rangers..
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You are hereby ordered to repair to the Company immediately, and use your utmost endeavours to keep it under due regulation, until the return of Captain Ashby.
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So soon as you arrive there, you are to acquaint Captain Lewis, it is my Orders that he with his party, return to Fort Cumberland. Given &c. at Winchester, the 29th of December 1755.
The 2nd company of Rangers is Ashby’s and Lt Thomas Rutherford is in it.
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Apparently the Association of Gentlemen chose not to traverse Virginia’s frontier to select the sites for forts as Dinwiddie had indicated they would. See Dinwiddie to GW, 3 May, n.6, 8 May, and GW to Adam Stephen, 18 May 1756. See also GW to Dinwiddie, 25 June 1756.
CHRONOLOGY:
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Thomas Rutherford, appointed first High Sheriff of Frederick Co VA
He is father of the two brothers, Robert and Thomas
Appointed
Thomas Rutherford
11/11/1743 —- -3/6/1745
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Letter by Washington is to a ” Lieutenant Thomas Rutherford of the 2nd Company of Rangers headed by “Captain Jack,” aka John Ashby.
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January 10, 1756
. Thomas’ brother Robert Rutherford was Assistant Commissary to Commissary Thomas Walker.
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5 October 1757
Robert Rutherford, who was assistant Commissary, is now picked to raise a new Ranger company on 5 October 1757 —- more than a year after his brother Thomas had his “defeat” in July 1756.
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In between, those 2 dates,
10 January 1756 and
the Thomas Rutherford’s
“defeat”
occurs July 1756.
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Robert Rutherford raise a new militia:
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Colonel Washington writes to Lt Gov Dinwiddie, 5 October 1757, “Mr Robert Rutherford, late deputy-commissary here, says, that he could raise the men in a shorter time than any other: and, from his universal acquaintance on the frontiers; and the esteem the people in general have for him, I am apt to believe he could raise them as soon as any person whatever.3“
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Col Washington again recommends Robert Rutherford to resurrect a company of rangers 24 October 1757 and lists reasons against a Captain Hogg and that Robert Rutherford will not accept being 2nd in command to Captain Hogg.
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Lt Gov Dinwiddie writes Col Washington 2 November 1757, approving Robert Rutherford:
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“Yr Letter of the 24th Ulto I recd—And as You observe the absolute Necessity of having a Company of Rangers, I agree to the raising sixty, seventy or 80 Men to be Commanded by Mr Rutherfurd…”
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Robert Rutherford writes Col Washington 22 November 1757, needing assurances:
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“…there seems to Prevail Some Objections that retard the Speedy raising the Company, which I hope you can readily remove—Notwithstanding they have been assured to the Contrary in the Strongest terms. they are Possess’d of a Notion that they are to be ensnared into the Regiment So that if you Can Certify 2. or 3 Words under Your hand that they are not inlisted as Soldiers or to Serve as Such in Keeping Garrisson, Mounting Guards, &c. but only to act as Rangers under their own officers, it wou’d greatly facilitate, and Expedite the Matter, or if they Cou’d be inlisted at First for 12. Months…”
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Note signing of letter “R. Rutherford.”
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Rutherford’s Rangers did garrison Fort Loudoun in 1758 to cover for Colonel George Washington’s troops engaged in Forbes Expedition.
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May 28, 1758
George Washington writes to President Blair, asking what was to be the future of Fort Loudoun, since every preparation and expense was dedicated towards the Forbes campaign. Washington states several reasons for appointing Lt Smith be left in charge. Norman Baker, page 46.
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St Clair also recommends to President Blair that 12 or 18 men be left behind to take care of the Fort and its provisions. Norman Baker, page 46.
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June 24, 1758
Just before Washington leaves, he orders Lt Charles Smith to command Fort Loudoun and do the following:
1. Take over 20 of Capt Robt Rutherford’s 20 worst rangers
2. Two sentries in front of the southern bastions facing town
3. Move sick from Bryan Bruin’s place to the barracks in the fort.
3, Wm Henry, the fort’s armorer clean and store weapons
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July 1, 1758
Lt Smith reported 28 soldiers left at fort. Rutherford’s rangers didn’t stick around at the fort, causing trouble in town for John Hite to register a formal complaint.
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. All correspondence between
George Washington
and
Robert Rutherford
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THOMAS RUTHERFORD
Meanwhile, Robert’s brother, Thomas Rutherford, is no longer with the disbanded 2nd Company of Rangers under Ashby. Thomas Rutherford has been appointed by Lt Gov Dinwiddie in June 1757 “to conduct the Catawba Indians to British forts on the western frontier. Rutherford served as an Indian agent under Christopher Gist from July 1757 until the fall of 1758,”
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Then to make matters MORE CONFUSING
Thomas Rutherford takes his brother Robert’s former position of deputy to Commissary Thomas Walker sometime after August 15, 1758. In 1761 he was elected a burgess for Hampshire County, and he served continuously in the Virginia Assembly until 1769.” Thomas later followed his father’s footsteps and became Sheriff of Frederick County, 11/7/1770 to 1/5/1772.
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Will provide a link to a list of names of Captain John Ashby’s 2nd Company of Rangers. Stay tuned.
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Why does the sign mistakenly refer to a Robert Rutherford?
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Confusion of names within the Rutherford family is the short answer.
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Washington knew well the whole Mercer family, just as he knew the whole Rutherford family.
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Washington also knew the Rutherford family.
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He knew the father, Thomas, and his two sons, Robert and Thomas.
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The Father, Capt Thomas Rutherford:
Captain Thomas Rutherford, Sr. (d. 1760), first High Sheriff of Frederick County 11/11/1743 to 3/6/1745, sold to Washington the Bullskin property and who originally owned the property on which stands Washington’s Office on Braddock and Cork Streets in Winchester. Later the daughter of the elder Thomas Rutherford and who had married James Wood Sr and who was widowed in 1759, gave back to her brother, the younger, surviving Thomas the property around Washington’s Office. See Link: The father was a founder of Frederick County sworn in by Morgan Morgan November 14, 1743, five years after the original creation of Frederick County March, 1738.
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Deputy Commissary Robert Rutherford:
MORE THAN A YEAR LATER after his brother Thomas’ “Defeat”, Washington proposes Robert Rutherford to raise his own Ranger Company at one point headquartering in Fort Loudoun Winchester VA and never was he, Robert, under Ashby’s command. Robert also owns the land under Fort Loudoun. Robert sells this land to John Peyton Jr, on November 1, 1785. John Peyton Jr, who became clerk of Frederick County, married Robert’s daughter , Savannah, in 1780 and built his home on the southeastern bastion of Fort Loudoun (now 406 N Loudoun St) remaining owner until his death in 1800.
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Lieutenant Thomas Rutherford in Captain Ashby’s company:
Footnote reference states: Washington wanted to get Thomas out of the rangers and into the Virginia Regiment as an ensign, but instead Dinwiddie appointed him Indian agent to conduct the Catawba Indians to British forts on the western frontier. Thomas Rutherford served as an Indian agent under Christopher Gist from July 1757 until the fall of 1758, when he became deputy to Commissary Thomas Walker (sometime after August 15, 1758). In 1761 he was elected a burgess for Hampshire County, and he served continuously in the Virginia Assembly until 1769. Thomas later followed his father’s footsteps and became Sheriff of Frederick County, 11/7/1770 to 1/5/1772.
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LETTERS OVER THE YEARS
Here, 2o some years later, is a letter Thomas Rutherford on 18 June 1778 writes to Washington.
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The James Wood and
George Washington
Connection
with the Rutherfords
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6 February 1764
James Wood’s widow,
Mary Wood (daughter of Rutherford),
sells land adjacent to Thomas Rutherford
(might be son of the Thomas Rutherford above)
stating this is land being sold next to
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The Father, Capt Thomas Rutherford:
Captain Thomas Rutherford, Sr. (d. 1760), first High Sheriff of Frederick County 11/11/1743 to 3/6/1745, sold to Washington the Bullskin property and who originally owned the property on which stands Washington’s Office on Braddock and Cork Streets in Winchester.
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Later the daughter of the elder Thomas Rutherford and who had married James Wood Sr and who was widowed in 1759, gave back to her brother, the younger, surviving Thomas the property around Washington’s Office. See Link: The father was an officer of Frederick County sworn in by Morgan Morgan November 14, 1743, five years after the original creation of Frederick County March, 1738.
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7 May 1778
Thomas Rutherford sold to Adam Kurtz
for 100 lbs –
Frederick Co Deed Book 17 – page 464.
The Price increase due to inflation or
to the building improving the land?
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There’s no proof an Adam Kurtz owned that lot or any building on that lot when GW was here before and during the French and Indian War.
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Proof of the Kurtz family owning this doesn’t come until 1778. By then, GW was everywhere else but here. GW had others manage the then 20 year old Fort Loudoun as a prison camp for the “Convention Prisoners.” The junior James Wood who later became Governor of the state of Virginia was in charge of all Convention Prisoners.
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10 February 1908
Captain G.W. Kurtz sells the corner to City Council. This property was owned at one time by James Wood’s widow, Mary Rutherford.
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More on Fort Ashby here in Wikipedia and here in this link on French and Indian War Foundation’s story of Fort Ashby.
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Research notes
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To George Washington from Charles Carter, 22 April 1756
From Charles Carter
April 22 1756
Dear Sr
Your favour without date came to my hands yesterday; from a conversation with Lt Rutherfold I judge it was wrote on sunday last from which circumstance I conclude you had not seen Mr Kirkpatrick nor Capt. Stewart who I believe could have satisfied you that the House of Burgesses have the Greatest expectations from yr Personall appearance on our Frontiers and are so farr from imputing any mistakes or irregularities of the officers to you that I am satisfied they would have resentd it to yr Satisfaction if any person had.1
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1. GW’s letter to Carter in defense of his conduct has not been found, but it would appear from what Carter writes that GW wrote to him on the same day and to the same effect that he wrote Speaker John Robinson and Lieutenant Governor Dinwiddie on 18 April 1756. John Kirkpatrick, who had been in Williamsburg to get funds for the Virginia Regiment from Robinson’s committee (see GW to Dinwiddie, 18 April 1756, n.3), returned to Winchester on 23 April. Capt. Robert Stewart was back in Winchester by 24 April. According to Dinwiddie, Lt. Thomas Rutherford of John Ashby’s rangers arrived in Williamsburg on Tuesday, 20 April 1756.
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40893 Friday 5/4/2018 1125am
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For later research –
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FROM GEORGE WASHINGTON TO WILLIAM COCKS, 4 JUNE 1756
TO WILLIAM COCKS
[Winchester, 4 June 1756]
To Captain William Cockes—of the Rangers. Sir,
I received yours, complaining of the irregular method of supplying you with provisions; and communicated the contents to Commissary Walker, who writes you on this head: His directions you must follow1 You must make out an accompt of the pay which is owing to you, and transmit it to me per the first opportunity.2 Take care to be very vigilant and active; and to communicate all the intelligence that is remarkable and certain. You must always, upon any alarm, have regard to the summons of each other; and to unite on all extraordinary occasions. Endeavour at working by stratagem; to way-lay and surprize the Enemy; rather than seek them in an open pursuit.
I was greatly surprized and angered to hear of the dastardly behaviour of seven of your men, who fled from a less number of the Enemy, without discharging their pieces. Such behaviour merits the fate that some of our men [(]for the like offence) will soon meet with.3 and, you may assure your company that they shall not escape unpunished for such Offences. Your parties that go for provision, should always be made strong. I am &c.
G:W.
Winchester—June 4th 1756.
LB, DLC:GW.
1. None of this correspondence between Cocks, Thomas Walker, and GW has been found.
2. A weekly return from Cocks at Patterson Creek, dated 3 July 1756, lists in his ranger company one captain, one lieutenant, three sergeants, one drummer, and thirty-two rank and file (DLC:GW).
3. The Maryland Gazette (Annapolis) for 1 July 1756 reported that on 29 May “an Express arrived [in Williamsburg] from Cox’s fort, with Advice, That the Indians had killed and scalped two Men belonging to it, that were out a Hunting, wounded a third, and a fourth was missing, of the Party which consisted of Seven; that they drew up on an Eminence near the Fort and fired at it several Times.”
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To Rocky Shores 9/24/2019 Facebook Virginia Regiment George Mercer Company . These are the dates I know. . I think you did mention doing two different portrayals. . Ashby’s Rangers and Rutherford’s Rangers. . Ashby’s Rangers, which was the 2nd Company of Rangers authorized by the House of Burgess of which Lt Thomas Rutherford was a part in 1755 . https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-02-02-0248 . And his brother Robert Rutherford was Assistant Commissary to Commissary Thomas Walker in this letter of 10 January 1756. . https://founders.archives.gov/?q=Correspondent%3A%22Washington%2C%20George%22%20Correspondent%3A%22Rutherford%2C%20Robert%22&s=1111311111&r=1 . 5 Oct 1757 Rutherford Rangers idea starts Colonel Washington writes to Lt Gov Dinwiddie, 5 October 1757, “Mr Robert Rutherford, late deputy-commissary here, says, that he could raise the men in a shorter time than any other: and, from his universal acquaintance on the frontiers; and the esteem the people in general have for him, I am apt to believe he could raise them as soon as any person whatever. . Col Washington again recommends Robert Rutherford to resurrect a company of rangers 24 October 1757 and lists reasons against a Captain Hogg and that Robert Rutherford will not accept being 2nd in command to Captain Hogg. . Lt Gov Dinwiddie writes Col Washington 2 November 1757, approving Robert Rutherford: . “Yr Letter of the 24th Ulto I recd—And as You observe the absolute Necessity of having a Company of Rangers, I agree to the raising sixty, seventy or 80 Men to be Commanded by Mr Rutherfurd…” . https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-05-02-0025 . 22 Nov 1757 Rutherfords Rangers recruiting more. they are Possess’d of a Notion that they are to be ensnared into the Regiment So that if you Can Certify 2. or 3 Words under Your hand that they are not inlisted as Soldiers or to Serve as Such in Keeping Garrisson, Mounting Guards, &c. but only to act as Rangers under their own officers, it wou’d greatly facilitate, and Expedite the Matter, or if they Cou’d be inlisted at First for 12. Months, it wou’d be infinitely the best Scheem & wou’d render it in my Power to make my own Choice of men imediately, and shou’d always be able to Keep the Company Compleate, as very few of those, wou’d ever Leave the Company . Joseph McDowell of the Frederick County militia was also a lieutenant in Rutherford’s ranger company. . https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-05-02-0037 . Rutherford’s Rangers did garrison Fort Loudoun in 1758 to cover for Colonel George Washington’s troops engaged in Forbes Expedition . All correspondence with Robert Rutherford heading Rutherford’s Rangers . https://founders.archives.gov/search/Correspondent%3A%22Washington%2C%20George%22%20Correspondent%3A%22Rutherford%2C%20Robert%22 .
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RANGER COMPANIES
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From George Washington to William Cocks and John Ashby, 10 October 1755
To William Cocks and John Ashby Editorial Note [10 October 1755]
In the summer of 1755,
during Braddock’s expedition and after his defeat, Governor Dinwiddie issued a number of commissions for raising companies of rangers to patrol the Virginia frontier and offer some protection to its inhabitants.
The ranger companies came under the command of GW in early September when he became colonel of the newly formed Virginia Regiment.
These companies were never a part of the regiment itself,
however, and they were disbanded in the summer of 1756.
The first of the ranger companies authorized by Dinwiddie were those in Frederick and Hampshire counties.
In late June while Braddock’s march to Fort Duquesne was underway, Thomas Bryan Martin and Lord Fairfax wrote Dinwiddie that Indians had killed several families in those two counties.
After assuring himself of the assembly’s support, Dinwiddie sent up to Lord Fairfax officers’ commissions for two companies of rangers of 50 men each to be raised and to serve in Frederick and Hampshire.1
The assembly promptly voted £2,000 for the support of the rangers with the assumption that there would be three companies of rangers, one in Hampshire and two below in Augusta.
Dinwiddie explained that he had already sent commissions to Martin and Fairfax to raise two companies in Hampshire and Frederick, the area of greatest danger.
He would, however, instruct Col. James Patton, county lieutenant, to raise another company in Augusta, “where Captain [Andrew] Lewis now is, with Fifty Men of our Forces,” and put the company under the command of “old Capt. Smith.”2
Patton was murdered on 31 July on his return home;
and in Augusta, after reconvening the assembly in the wake of Braddock’s defeat,
Dinwiddie issued commissions for at least four new companies of rangers on the frontier:
on 11 Aug. to John Smith for a company in Augusta
in addition to “the Coy comanded by Capt. Preston”;
to Nathaniel Terry on 13 Aug. for a company in Lunenburg County;
to Samuel Overton on 14 Aug. for one in Hanover County,
and on 20 Aug. to John Phelps for one in Bedford County.3
Exactly how many companies of rangers had in fact been raised by the time GW took command of all the Virginia forces at the beginning of September is uncertain;4
but in the days before GW took over, Dinwiddie more than once referred to his six companies of rangers, four (or five) in Augusta and two “ordered” in Hampshire and Frederick.5
Of the 24 rangers that Cocks listed as being in his company in mid-October, 9 had joined by 1 Sept.,
and Ashby reported that he recruited 6 of his 33 men in August and the remainder in September and October.
[Winchester, 10 October 1755]
To Captains Cocke6
and Ashby:7
of the two Companies of Rangers.
I received an Express as I was going to Williamsburgh, informing me of the Ravages committed by the Indians on the Back Inhabitants: upon which I rode post to this place, after ordering the Recruits from Fredericksburgh, Alexandria, &c. to Repair here, where I expect them every moment.8 So that I doubt not you will be encouraged by this to make a Stand, in case you are attacked or Besieged; as I hope very quickly to Relieve you, and make the Savages and French (who are no better) pay for their Presumption.
I have hired the Bearer to go to you in order to receive a particular account of your Situation, wants, &c. and I must desire you will be very explicit in reciting the Number, and Design of the Enemy.9
If their numbers are not large, from many concurring accounts, you ought to send out Parties to stop their progress, which the Timidity of the Inhabitants has been the cause of.
If it should so happen, that you are obliged to quit your Fort for want of Provisions, &c. You are hereby positively ordered, to Retreat no farther than Joseph Edwards in Cacapehon:10
where you will be joined by other Parties as fast as they can be collected—I shall only add, that I wish you Success, and expect to hear you have; and will Behave consistently with your Character, as Relief is so near at hand. I am &c.
G:W. Winchester October 10th 1755.
LB, DLC:GW.
1. See Dinwiddie to Lord Fairfax, and to Thomas Bryan Martin, both 4 July 1755, in Brock, Dinwiddie Papers, 2:83–85; and Dinwiddie to Lord Fairfax, 14 Aug. 1755, ibid., 155–56.
2. See entries for 7, 8 July 1755, JHB, 1752–1755, 1756–1758, 291, 292; 6 Hening 465–66; Dinwiddie to Lord Fairfax, 10 Sept. 1754, in Brock, Dinwiddie Papers, 1:313; Dinwiddie to Patton, 8 July 1755, ViHi: Dinwiddie Papers.
3. Dinwiddie to Andrew Lewis, to John Smith, and to John Buchanan, all 11 Aug. 1755, ViHi: Dinwiddie Papers; Commission and Instructions for Terry, for Overton, and for Phelps, ibid.
4. It is known that Captain Ashby had not yet succeeded in raising his in mid-August (Dinwiddie to Lord Fairfax, 14 Aug. 1755, ibid.).
5. See for examples Dinwiddie to Sir Thomas Robinson, 20 Aug. 1755, to Robert Hunter Morris, 25 Aug. 1755, and to James Innes, 26 Aug. 1755, in Brock, Dinwiddie Papers, 2:162–63, 164, 169–72, 172–74, 176–77.
6. On 18 Sept. 1754 Dinwiddie instructed William Cocks of Winchester to provide goods for Indian presents and subsequently proposed that Cocks be the commissary’s deputy to secure provisions and wagons at Winchester for Braddock’s expedition. Cocks became captain of the 1st company of rangers at Winchester in July 1755. Shortly before GW arrived on 14 Sept. for his first visit to Winchester after taking command of the Virginia Regiment, Cocks left town with his rangers, who then numbered nine or more, to patrol the area around the headwaters of Patterson Creek above the South Branch of the Potomac. When GW issued these orders on 10 Oct., Captain Cocks was at the Middle Branch with his rangers to protect the terrified inhabitants there. See William Cocks’s company rolls, 21 Oct. 1755, and his journal, 8 Sept.—20 Oct. 1755, both in DLC:GW.
7. John Ashby (1707–1789) and his rangers seem to have been in the vicinity of Patterson Creek when the Indians struck on 1 Oct. Until the rangers disbanded in the summer of 1756, both Ashby and Cocks continued to operate with their men between the South Branch of the Potomac and Fort Cumberland, Md., manning small forts on Patterson Creek, going on patrols, and escorting wagons to and from Cumberland. Ashby’s company of rangers was the second of those in Frederick and Hampshire counties for which Lord Fairfax issued Dinwiddie’s commissions of early July 1755. Ashby initially had little success in recruiting, but by 2 Oct. he had enlisted at least 28 rangers. There is no evidence that Ashby entered the Virginia Regiment after losing his ranger company, but he did participate in the Battle of Point Pleasant in 1774 when he was well past the age of 60. For a full identification of John Ashby, see GW’s Diaries, 1:6–7.
8. For such orders, see particularly GW to Andrew Lewis and GW to Thomas Waggener, 8 Oct. 1755.
9. GW got a letter from Captain Ashby on 13 Oct. reporting that the Indians “are gone off” (GW to Dinwiddie, 11–14 Oct. 1755). Ashby’s letter has not been found.
10. Joseph Edwards (died c.1782), one of the earliest settlers in what is now Hampshire County, patented a 400–acre tract lying on both sides of the Cacapon River (Great Cacapon River), a tributary of the Potomac. By about 1748 he had built a strongly fortified house that served as a refuge for his neighbors during times of Indian unrest. By 1756 Edwards’s house, often called Edwards’s fort, served as one of the outposts for the Virginia troops guarding the frontier.
Source:
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100 Rangers advocated originally
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To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 24 September 1757
From Robert Dinwiddie Williamsburg Septr 24th 1757 Sir After closing my Letter to You of this Date I recd Yours of the 20th by Brinker giving Acct of the miserable Distress our Frontier Inhabitants are in, which gives me the greatest Concern & Uneasiness1—
Really it is not in my Power to do more for defence against the Incursions of our barbarous Enemies, than to recommend Your speedy executing my Orders to You, for raising a Company of Rangers to consist of 100 Men &ca to effect which I pray You to exert Yourself.
I agree to Lieutt Fell’s Resignation,2 & Your appointg Mr Chew—You will observe what I write about Ct. McNeill in my former. I remain Sir Your humble Servant
Robt Dinwiddie
LS, DLC:GW; LB,
ViHi: Dinwiddie Papers.
1. GW’s letter of 20 Sept. 1757 is missing. It was probably in this letter that he told Dinwiddie of the raid “about the 17th,” which he describes in his letter to John Stanwix, 8 Oct. 1757. The raiders, he wrote, came within twelve miles of Fort Loudoun and killed “upwards of 20” people.
2. GW must have written on 20 Sept. about Ens. Robert Fell’s wish to resign.
Source:
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Now it is 60, 70 or 80 Rangers advocated
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To George Washington
from Robert Dinwiddie,
2 November 1757
From Robert Dinwiddie Williamsburg Novr 2d 1757
Sir Yr Letter of the 24th Ulto I recd—
Absolute Necessity
And as You observe the absolute Necessity
of having a Company of Rangers,
I agree to the raising sixty, seventy or 80 Men
to be Commanded by Mr Rutherfurd,
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Ranger Company having a Drummer
FROM GEORGE WASHINGTON
TO WILLIAM COCKS,
4 JUNE 1756
TO WILLIAM COCKS
[Winchester, 4 June 1756]
To Captain William Cockes—of the Rangers. Sir,
I received yours, complaining of the irregular method of supplying you with provisions; and communicated the contents to Commissary Walker, who writes you on this head: His directions you must follow1 You must make out an accompt of the pay which is owing to you, and transmit it to me per the first opportunity.2 Take care to be very vigilant and active; and to communicate all the intelligence that is remarkable and certain. You must always, upon any alarm, have regard to the summons of each other; and to unite on all extraordinary occasions. Endeavour at working by stratagem; to way-lay and surprize the Enemy; rather than seek them in an open pursuit.
I was greatly surprized and angered to hear of the dastardly behaviour of seven of your men, who fled from a less number of the Enemy, without discharging their pieces. Such behaviour merits the fate that some of our men [(]for the like offence) will soon meet with.3 and, you may assure your company that they shall not escape unpunished for such Offences. Your parties that go for provision, should always be made strong. I am &c.
G:W.
Winchester—June 4th 1756.
LB, DLC:GW.
1. None of this correspondence between Cocks, Thomas Walker, and GW has been found.
2. A weekly return from Cocks at Patterson Creek, dated 3 July 1756, lists in his ranger company one captain, one lieutenant, three sergeants, one drummer, and thirty-two rank and file (DLC:GW).
3. The Maryland Gazette (Annapolis) for 1 July 1756 reported that on 29 May “an Express arrived [in Williamsburg] from Cox’s fort, with Advice, That the Indians had killed and scalped two Men belonging to it, that were out a Hunting, wounded a third, and a fourth was missing, of the Party which consisted of Seven; that they drew up on an Eminence near the Fort and fired at it several Times.”
Source
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Compiled researched by Jim Moyer 8/7/22
Tuesday 1 May 1757
The Order of the Day being read for the Houfe again to refolve itfelf into a Com- mittee upon the Bill For raifing £. 53,000 for the Defence of the Country, and for other Pur- pofes therein mentioned.
Refolved, That this Houfe will again refolve itfelf into a Committee upon the faid Bill To-morrow.
A Bill For further continuing and amending the Ad, intituled. An Ad for the better regulating and training the Militia, was read a fecond Time, and ordered to be committed to a Committee of the whole Houfe immediately.
The Houfe accordingly refolved itfelf into a Committee upon the faid Bill, and after fome Time fpent therein, M' Speaker refumed the Chair, and M' Charles Carter re- ported. That the Committee had had the faid Bill under their Confideration, but not having Time to go thro' the fame, they had directed him to move for Leave to fit again.
Refolved, That this Houfe will again refoh-e itfelf into a Committee upon the faid Bill To-morrow..
#494 (p.458)
.AKo a Claim of Jofeph Gray, Gent, for providing for the faid Indians in their March, were feverally pref anted to the Houfe and received.
Ordered, That the faid Claims do lie on the Table.
M"' Dangerfield reported, that the Committee to whom the Petition of William Hathaway was referred, had had the fame under their Confideration, and come to a Ref- olution thereupon, which he read in his Place, and then delivered in at the Table, where the fame was again twice read, and agreed to by the Houfe, as follows.
Refolved, That the Allegations of the faid Petition are true, and that the faid Williatn Hathaway, in the faid Petition mentioned, ought to be allowed the Sum of Thirty Pounds by the Public.
A Claim of James Oliver, for taking up a Runaway therein mentioned.
Alfo a Claim of John Lane, for the fame Service.
Alio two Claims of Jacob Kent, for Provifions by him found for the Ufe of a Party his Majefty's Forces, and for fundry Goods by him loft in the Engagement at Vaulx's Fort in Augufta.
Alfo a Claim of Thomas Campbell, for Coopers Work for the Ufe of Capt. John Smith's Company.
Alfo a Claim of David Wilfon, for fundry Goods by him loft at Voulx's Fort in Augttfta.
AKo a Claim of Elnathan Davis for fundry Goods by him loftat the faid Fort.
Alfo a Claim of Sufanna Patton, for Provifions for the Ufe of the faid Capt. Smith's Company.
Alfo a Claim of Edward Mackdonald, for the fame Service.
Alfo a Claim of John Richmond, for the fame Sen'ice.
Alfo a Claim of John Mackcurry, for the fame Service, were fe\erally prefented to the Houfe and received.
Ordered, That the faid Claims be referred to the Confideration of the Committee of Claims.
Upon a Motion made,
Ordered, That the Treafurer of this Colony do allow imto M' Andrew Sprowle Inter- eft to the Redemption of certain Treafury Notes which were offered by him and could not be redeemed in Specie at the Treafury, at the Time appointed by A(5t of Affembly for redeeming the fame.
And then the Houfe adjourned till Monday Morning Eleven o'Clock.
Monday May 9th 1757
)*')9()J(**\ Claim of Samuel Pyrear, for taking up a Runaway therein mentioned.
J*^ ^ )^ Alfo a Claim of John Rino, for taking up two Deferters from the Vir-
W 5:^^^ ^^"^" Regiment.
*-^^-" Alfo a Claim of James Boyle, for Provifions by him found for the Ufe
of the Militia under the Command of Capt. Swearingen.
Alio a Claim of Jofiah Hultz, for the fame Sen'ice.
AKo a Claim of Lewis Stephens, for conveying Provifions to Fort Cumberland from Winchefter.
Alfo a Claim of Jeremiah Smith, for guarding French Prifoners.
AKo a Claim of Thomas Swearingen, Gentleman, for Provifions for the Ufe of the Militia under his Command, were feverally prefented to the Houfe and received.
Ordered, That the faid Claims be referred to the Confideration of the Committee of Claims.
A Petition of John Wife, Jun. and fundry others, fetting forth, That one Arthur Barnes, late of Accomack County, deceafed, died confiderably indebted to the Petitioners,
leaving
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Interesting the spelling of Rutherfurd v. Rutherford
Awesome!! This is great!!