AUGUST 13 - 31, 1754


Friday August 16
A Delaware Indian, Delaware George arrives at George Croghan's trading post near Wills Creek (present day Cumberland, Maryland). Delaware George brought with him a letter from Major Robert Stobo imprisoned in the French Fort Duquesne. In the letter, Stobo detailed the strength of the fort and its garrison. Croghan, a trader and British Indian agent, made copies for officials in the colonies of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia.
Tuesday August 20
George Washington wrote to Lt. Governor Dinwiddie urging him to provide funding for the pay and clothing of the Virginia Regiment. Washington reported that his troops "are now Naked, and cannot get credit even for Hatts and are Teazing the Officers every Day to furnish them with these and other necessarys."
Wednesday August 21
George Washington wrote to Lt. Governor Dinwiddie complaining that Colin Campbell had been appointed Deputy Adjutant of the Northern Neck of the Virginia Militia. Although Washington was the District Adjutant, he was not consulted about the appointment. Washington complained that Campbell "by all acct's knows nothing of the duty he has undertaken." It is ironic that Washington complained about Campbell's inexperience. When Washington was appointed a District Adjutant he was only twenty years old and had no military experience.
Sunday August 25
While most of the officers of the Virginia Regiment were at church, twenty-five soldiers undertook to make off, but before they could do so, they were arrested and locked up.
Wednesday August 28
A Mohawk Indian, Moses the Song, brings another letter and a map from Major Robert Stobo to George Croghan. The map detailed the size of Fort Duquesne. The letter gave information on how popular and important several French prisoners were that were in prison in Williamsburg Virginia. Essentially upon Stobo's advice, Lt. Governor Dinwiddie decided not to exchange those prisoners for Stobo and his compatriot Captain Jacob Van Braam.