MY DEAR COLO.— I have at length obtained liberty to return from Hochocing, and did Arrive here yesterday. I took leave of his Lordship at Fort Gower, who, at that Time Embark’d for Fort Pit; Colo. Stephen was ordered to wait there, a Day longer to see, if the Mingoes brought in the Hostages as was expected, during which time Colo. Stephen detain’d me to see, if the Mingoes wood come in, as was expected, and after waiting his Lordships appointed time, that pefidious Tribe fail’d in coming according [to] Appointment; when It appear’d quite uncertain whether, their Determination was for War, or Peace, so that Colo. Stephen ordered the number of fifty, allowed at this Garrison, to be Augmented to seventy five, and a few more to be continued as Artificers, till the Fort is compleated.
At my coming down to this place, I found nothing done to the Fort, sutable for a defensitive Garrisson, nor was there more Flower left in the Magazine than will serve us at half allowance, Eight Days. One hundred and sixty Beves Colo. Lewis writes me, the Commissarys return’d left in the Woods, of them I wish we may get 80 or 100 so that at present we are (should the Indians prove mischievous) a[s] Defenceless situation as poor wretches ever were. We expect flower down from the Levels of Green Briar but I much fear the men on their return Home, will plunder chief of that, in Short our chieff dependence must be on poor Colo. Fields Corn, or Docter Biscoes up the Ohio. I wood esteem it as a favour, that you wood try to procure some Flower for us, if any can be had in your Quarter, or if the season wood Admit, to Write to Mr. Mathews to send us some to Colo. Field’s Plantation, from whence, we could Battoe it down to this place. When I took water at Hochocing to come down, two white Men and a Captive Negroe of Blackmores, with a Horse for each Man, sot out to come down by Land. They might have been here two Days past; but at present there is not the least Acct. of them, I much fear the Indians have kill’d them, or as the Governor has a parcel of Prisoners taken at Hill Town, of the Mingoes; I fear they will try to get as many of our People, to redeem theirs, reather than give Hostages, especially if they intend to be troublesome hereafter. When I came to this Place I had not the least thought of remaining here but apply’d to My Ld. by Letter, before I saw him to Indulge me with a Post, if any should be Establish’d at the Falls, or Kentuckey. His Excellency thinking it Inconvenient to have that done, uppon the Receipt of your Letter, and Colo. Christian, thought fit to continue me here, but told me he intended to have an Established Post at the Falls, as quick as Possible; when I should be removed their. This favour done me, lays me under the most lasting obligation to you, and am sorry, that my sinceer thanks is all I can return, at this time for so lasting a favour done. Me wh[ich] I trust in god may be of service to my helpless family who do look upon it as such intended by you. I only hope, should anything Occur hereafter, in which I could serve you, you will pleas to call upon me; when I will exert myselfe, with a most harty willingness
I have much to say to you respecting this Expedition; but my confus’d Business here, at this Time wont permit me, and as I hope to wait on you in the Hollydays, It may not be disagreeable then. I wanted much to write to Capt. Floyd, but as Mr. Jones is in haste, I must beg his excuses. I hope this will find you, and Lady well, and that God may long continue you both so, is the real wish of, my Dr. Col. Your most Obedt Humble Servt.
W RUSSELL
Fort Blair, at Point Pleasant Novr. The 12th 1774
N.B. I have Inclosed for your satisfaction; an Address of the Officers with my Ld. considering the greivances of British America, which I shall be glad you wood send to Colo. Christian.
To Col. William Preston in Fincastle.
