Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Braddock
14th Prince of Wales Regiment
London, England
November 1st, 1753
Dear Lientenant-Colonel Braddock,
As per your suggestion I have authored a letter to Jacques Legardeur de Saint Pierre, the new French Commander in the region of the northern frontier. I have included for your information a copy of the correspondence. I hope you don’t take offense to the haste at which I compiled and dispatched the letter, but I think you can agree the events of the day demand immediate action. I agree with your impression that the French can not be allowed free expanse in the Forks of Ohio.
I expect an answer from the French Commander as early as January since I have dispatched a rather impressive officer to lead the troupe of militia to complete the delivery. Major George Washington is a Virginian land holder and despite his young age of 21 years has found favor in the militia and been able to rise to the rank of officer. So impressed am I with this young Major I plan to give him more responsibility if he manages to make it back from the frontier whole and intact.
The party departed yesterday on what will probably be a journey of more than 600 miles. They are to make haste to Wills Creek where they will resupply and are instructed to enlist the help of local trappers and Indians, if necessary as guides. They are instructed to then travel with all speed to the French forts of Venango, Le Beouf and Presque Isle until they locate Saint Pierre and deliver the message. They are to return without delay to Virginia with his formal response.
Your comfort should be high, since I have sent with him Jacob Van Braam, your highly decorated officer instructor to act as an interpreter and second in command. My only hesitation in sending Jacob is that he has been so valuable to me here in Virginia. But this mission warrants an officer of his caliber to see it through.
No doubt, I will keep you abreast of events as they transpire.
Respectfully,
Robert Dimwiddie
Lieutenant-Governor, Virginia