STEWART STREET- story of a polite curt reply
Next time you drive down Stewart Street in Winchester, you will remember the story of the polite curt reply. George Washington politely refuses Stewart's request for a favor with this new nation. But 24 years before that denied request we see another request in March 1759 of, the year we are covering in this year of 2023, by a Robert Stewart and Walter Steuart --- both asking for backpay for being a Major in the Virginia Regiment. And then we we drive by a street sign in Winchester VA named Stewart street?. Is that street named after the Robert Stewart of this story? Is that the same Robert Stewart of both stories?
of the Virginia Regiment
under Colonel George Washington in the French and Indian War.
And here's why in this link. Dive into that story. See the arguments.
And now a little setup, a little context for that story of the polite curt reply.
See the 93 letters between Stewart and Washington.
From the beginning, Stewart was with Washington.
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And they still are – two streets in parallel – Washington and Stewart streets – in Winchester VA.
Robert Stewart is most known for being the head of the Light Horse in Braddock's Campaign 1755 and in the Forbes Campaign 1758.
In the Braddock campaign Robert Stewart was near the head of the spear running into the French and Indians.
He was also known for carrying a dying Braddock in his sash. That sash was used as a stretcher. Washington was given credit for this too.
That picture is of the very sash held here in Winchester VA for decades at a home on Braddock Street, the home of President Zachary Taylor's daughter, Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Taylor Bliss Dandridge..
That picture shows the daughters of the top Winchester families holding that sash at Braddock and Cork at the George Washington Office Museum.
Those girls are there the day before of commemorating that Braddock cannon behind them. The next day a huge Apple Blossom style parade and big speech on May 27, 1915, by a later WW1 war hero, commemorates the installing of that cannon on that corner.
Pardon the digression. It's just part of the Stewart story.
Stewart and Washington were both recommended for favor by a dying Braddock. And which one got the Sash? Now that's a story parallelling the Shroud of Turin.
Robert Stewart was head commander of the town and later of Fort Loudoun and at other forts, such as Maidstone near the Regiment's important depot near Conococheague --- all this made Captain Robert Stewart a more meaningful choice.
Robert Stewart was there from the beginning with George Washington -- from 1754 (on the Fort Necessity roster) until GW retired Dec 1758. Then Robert Stewart continued to serve until 1762 having led at Fort Pitt and Fort Venango.
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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, such as Fort Maidenstone where near the important Conococheague depot for the Virginia Regiment, to the Forbes Campaign, to even serving in Winchester and Fort Pitt an Venango after GW resigined.
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. See Source.
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and about that gap . . .
Robert Stewart's name is still in the list of men due to receive land for their service in 1754.
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But,
after this gap
Robert Stewart surfaces to ask George Washington a favor.
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After a gap of about 15 years between 1769 and 1783.
That gap spans the War of Independence.
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That gap in time? As big as the Atlantic.
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1783, Stewart RESURFACES to write a letter to GW.
Now the Story of the “CURT REPLY”
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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.
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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.
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Source:
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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
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Hereafter that source is referenced as Quarles.
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But is Washington’s letter to his old friend
THAT curt?
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Washington replies to Robert Stewart:
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“You may be assured Sir that I should ever feel pleasure in rendering you any Service in my power;
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but I will not be so uncandid as to flatter your expectations,
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or give you any hope of my doing it in the way you seem to expect—
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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—
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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—
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but independent of these considerations I have never interfered in any Civil appointments;
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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,
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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.”
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That is one LONG sentence. Linger on that.
Just linger.
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So . . . after having received a very very long letter from Stewart, Washington shows his surprise at such a letter after 15 years’ silence.
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15 Years.
A titantic epoch of events in that time. As big as the Atlantic.
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And for what? A request for favor.
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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.
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Yet, GW remembers
Memories from youth – vivid, an imprint.
They served together at the Battle of Fort Necessity in 1754.
They both together helped a dying Braddock 9 July 1755 use his sash as a stretcher to carry him away from the battle only to both see him die 4 days later.
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That's it.
That's our lead story.
There's always more.
Skip around.
Read bits and pieces.
There’s a lot here. Read in sections.
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
🙂Compiled and authored by Jim Moyer 4/18/2023, updated 4/21/2023, 4/22/2023, 4/23/2023
Table of Contents:
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A similar Remembrance
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.
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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 .
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“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.”
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That reply to Adam Stephen is consistent with what GW wrote 17 years ago 10 Jan 1759 to Capt Robert Stewart and the officers of the Virginia Regiment of the French and Indian War:
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“…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:
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secondly, that had every thing contributed as fully as your obliging endeavours did to render me satisfied, I never should have been otherwise,
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or have had cause to know the pangs I have felt at parting with a Regiment,
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that has shared my toils, and experienced every hardship & danger, which I have encountered. …”
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TIMELINE
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The timeline below, will confirm Capt Robert Stewart’s presence in Winchester and in the surrounding area.
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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.
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James Wood was the campaign manager and the campaign treasurer was Lt Charles Smith who working on Fort Loudoun while Stewart commanded the fort.
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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).
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Sources:
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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, hereafter referenced as Quarles Streets, Churches, Schools.
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Hereafter referred to as Quarles.
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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.
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Hereafter referred to as Baker’s Forts
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Fort Loudoun: Washington’s Fort in Virginia by Norman L. Baker
French & Indian War Foundation, 90 pages, illustrated, referenced, and indexed, 2006.
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Hereafter referred to as Baker’s Fort Loudoun Book
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Founders Online list of letters between Robert Stewart and GW
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1754 Proclamation
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More context on the February 19, 1754 Proclamation
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FORT NECESSITY
July 3, 1754
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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
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Robert Stewart is on the Roster at Fort Necessity.
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There is a Steward, a misspelling that is repeated later in GW’s election in 1758.
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This event nets Robert Stewart rights to Indian Land years later.
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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:
1. The Indian Wars continued even after 1763
2. The 1763 Proclamation drew a boundary preventing white settlement of Indian land
3. After lifting that boundary, survey and recording that land took time.
4. The Indian Wars rebelled against moving that 1763 line to the 1768 Stanwix Treaty line
5. Even after the Battle of Point Pleasant 1774, some Shawnee joined the Cherokee to fight
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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.
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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.,
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“From George Washington to Lord Dunmore and Council, 3 November 1773
To Lord Dunmore and Council [c.3 November 1773]
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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.
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Source:
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Stewart’s Braddock Connection
July 9, 1755
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This 18 July 1755 letter by GW to Lt Gov Dinwiddie lists the wounded.
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Captain Robert Stewart of the Light Horse is listed but not as wounded.
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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).
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“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.”
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Source is from : Founders Online footnote to a GW Memorandum 8–9 July 1755.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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“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.”
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George Washington’s version of his own role in assisting they dying Braddock:
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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.
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[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.
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January 9, 1756 to May 3, 1756
August 1, 1757 to March 31, 1758
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January 9, 1756
Robert Stewart in charge of Winchester when Lt Col Adam Stephen went to Fort Cumberland.
And for another reason.
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Washington needs to go to Boston. Why?
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Why?
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Doesn’t he need to prepare for the anticipated Indian attacks this spring?
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Dagworthy is the reason why.
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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.
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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.
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Washington writes Capt Robert Stewart:
“You are hereby ordered to remain in this town [Winchester VA] until further Orders,”
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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:
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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.
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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.
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Source: Founders Online Footnote
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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.
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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.
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Street View of Watkins Ferry Historical sign at Fort Maidstone area.
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Colonel Washington writes from Winchester to Lt Gov Dinwiddie:
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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
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The whole party jointly claim the reward; no person pretending solely to assume the merit.
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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.
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Location of the Capture?
longitude latitude 39.33973, -78.50555
Click on this link.
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Then click on magnifying glass.
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Type in : Capture of Douville’s orders
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Continuing the Chronology:
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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
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By Virtue of the Power and Authority to me given and granted, by the Honorable Robert Dinwiddie Esquire, Governor of Virginia;
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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.
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In so doing, this shall be your warrant. Given under my Hand and Seal at Winchester, this day of May 1756.
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More on the Battle of Great Cacapon causing this Court Martial to be held in Winchester VA:
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More on the Court Martials following the Battle of the Great Cacapon near Fort Edwards near Capon Bridge WV:
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The area was a depot for supplies, food, magazine of munitions.
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This area was interchangeably referenced in letters as either Maidstone or Conococheague.
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May 3, 1756
GW writes to Captain Robert Stewart, of the Virginia Regiment:
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You are Hereby ordered to repair to Maidstone, the place where your Troop is Quartered; and remain there until further orders.
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You are to hold a Court Martial for punishing the ring-leading mutineers of your Troop.
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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.
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May 8, 1756
From GW To Captain Robert Stewart at Maidstone.
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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
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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.
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May 10, 1756
From GW To Captain Robert Stewart. of the Light Horse, at Conogochieg (Maidstone).
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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!
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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).
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Source:
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May 26, 1756
Evening Orders by GW to the Commissary, confirming Capt Robt Stewart at Maidstone, aka Conogochieg (Conococheague).
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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.
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June 2, 1756
Col George Washington at Winchester VA writes to To Captain Robert Stewart. of the Light-Horse, at Conogochieg. (aka Maidstone)
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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
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June 20, 1756
Capt Robt Stewart writes from Maidstone to GW about Rollin’s Tippling House:
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“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…”
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That same Letter has more details, but here’s a roster list:
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5. from Founders Online footnote:
3 companies at Maidstone Stewart listed 20 June:
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34 rank and file in his own company,
37 in David Bell’s, and
30 in Christopher Gist’s.
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Deserters in prison
1 from Stewart’s
5 were from Bell’s.
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Return of 28 May there had been
1 deserter from Stewart’s company,
10 from Bell’s, and
2 from Gist’s.
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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
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Source:
http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-03-02-0208-0001#GEWN-02-03-02-0208-0001-fn-0005
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June 23, 1756
Capt Robt Stewart writes from Maidstone to GW about the continuing alcohol problem:
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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
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Source:
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July 12, 1756
Orders creating the 6th Company under Captain Robert Stewart.
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).
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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.].
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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.
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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…”
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July 30, 1756
From Christopher Gist Conegocheeg [Md.] 30th July 1756, also known as Maidstone writing to GW:
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“…I should be obliged to You for your Interest to Mr Welder to be Deputy Commissary at Maidstone if any occasion for one there. “
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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.
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Source:
July 30, 1756
Capt Robt Stewart at Fort Maidstone writes to GW:
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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 . . .
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Source:
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July 31, 1756
Robert Stewart writes from Maidstone to GW:
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“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, …”
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November 6, 1756
Robert Stewart at Fort Maidstone, a munitions depot
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May 20, 1757
Robert Stewart who is already at Fort Maidstone is officially re-confirmed to stay at Fort Maidstone
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June 19, 1757
Robert Stewart Ordered to build Fort at Sleepy Creek, still commanding Fort Maidstone
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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
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FORT LOUDOUN Winchester VA
Captain Robert Stewart back in Winchester
to be commander of Fort Loudoun
From June 6, 1757 to March 31, 1758
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JUST TO REVIEW
2 PERIODS CAPT ROBT STEWART IN WINCHESTER VA
January 9, 1756 to May 3, 1756
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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.
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September 21, 1758 James Wood submits Addition to House of Burgesses, a Stewart Street being one of the named streets presented in that addition.
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October 5, 1758 House of Burgesses approves plan
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BACK TO TIMELINE
2ND TIME STEWART IN WINCHESTER VA
and this time while Fort Loudoun is being built
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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.
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August 1, 1757
Founders Online notes that Robert Stewart filled out a Return, a roster on that date while assigned to Fort Loudoun.
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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.
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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.
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He wrote Mary Ball Washington from Mount Vernon on 30 Sept. that he was returning that afternoon to Winchester.
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For GW this time meant
1. Fairfax funeral
2. Peachy telling of complaints in Williamsburg
3. Hamilton stealing and selling inventory
4. ATkin indian affairs bad
5. throughout it all GW dealing with Dysentary
6. and Dinwiddie is leaving
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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.
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“…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
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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).
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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
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From Robert Stewart at Fort Loudoun Novemr 24th 1757 writes GW:
“When big with the hopes of your speedy Recovery. . .”
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Feb 23, 1757
Lt Charles Smith (while Robert Stewart commanded Fort Loudoun) writes GW about fort construction.
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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.
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ONE PUNCH KILLS A MAN
Sept 1757
Lt Charles Smith punch kills a man.
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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.
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Captain Stewart is commanding Ford Loudoun when this incident occurred.
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Sources:
Page 42 Baker’s Fort Loudoun Book
Washington Papers, Vol 4, pages 418-419, maryland gazette Sept 22, 1757
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p 43 Baker’s Fort Loudoun Book
Capt Robt Stewart informs Dinwiddie in Nov 1757, that GW had dysentery for the last 3 mos.
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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.
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GEORGE WASHINGTON’S FIRST WIN
July 24, 1758
George Washington lost his first election in 1755, but wins this one.
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Robert Stewart bringing back 2 heros of that election campaign John McNeill and Dr. James Craik
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Source:
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More on this July 1748 Election:
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STEWART STREET, 1758 ADDITION
September 21, 1758
James Wood submits addition to Winchester, with Stewart Street.
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October 5, 1758
House of Burgess approves addition containing Stewart Street among others
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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.
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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.
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This 1777 map still doesn’t show Stewart Street has been built yet.
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James Wood submitted Stewart Street and others for approval in 1758 to the House of Burgesses.
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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.
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We have found no mention by Stewart of the street named after him. For that matter no mention by Washington either.
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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.
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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:
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“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 . . .”
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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.
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Source:
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Capt Robt Stewart does not want to be a Ranger.
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“…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. . . .”
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December 29, 1758
Has George Washington just resigned?
The universe of the Virginia Regiment is disturbed.
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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.
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And Captain Robert Stewart, while commanding Fort Loudoun, is much alarmed.
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Could it be that Adam Stephen takes GW’s place?
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Lt Colonel Adam Stephen just lost his command.
The Assembly voted there should be only one Colonel for the Virginia Regiment.
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And as far as Adam Stephen knows, George Washington is still the Colonel
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But there’s a rumor.
Did GW resign ?
Maybe Captain Robert Stewart could take that position?
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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.
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Captain Robert Stewart writes from Fort Loudoun, Decembr 29th 1758 his take on Lt Col Adam Stephen’s behavior:
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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
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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
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only to Sign the Discharges of the Drafts upon which I retain’d the Command till yesterday
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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—
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as I knew him, was at no loss to account for this extraordinary Behaviour,
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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,
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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,
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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?
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Later on 23 January 1759
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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)
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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,
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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
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Fort Venango
August 9, 1760
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Was our Captain Robert Stewart the Major Robert Stewart in this link?
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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.
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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.
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For many years afterwards the ruins of Fort Venango plainly indicated its destruction by fire.
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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.
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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”
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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.
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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
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More on the Rank and the Commission and the Loan from GW.
From Link:
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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,
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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…
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4. Stewart is referring to his lieutenant’s commission in the Royal American, or 60th Regiment.
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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.
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LINK FOR ALL ABOVE FOR THE LOAN REQUEST
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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
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Source:
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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;
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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,
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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
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Source:
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GW IMMEDIATELY USES THE CREDIT
This is almost like electronic exchange, without any extra step of receiving a payment.
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From George Washington to Laughlin Macleane
Mount Vernon in Virginia June 6th 1768
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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
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Source:
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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
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Source:
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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.
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Source:
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.,
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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
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