Re: The Augusta County Frontier (A part of which was Pocahontas County)

 

The two letters you have provided, one from Governor Dinwiddie to Major Andrew Lewis and the other from Colonel George Washington to Governor Dinwiddie, both discuss the military force that is being deployed to protect the frontier of Augusta County, Virginia.

Dinwiddie's letter is addressed to Lewis, who is the commander of the Virginia Regiment. In the letter, Dinwiddie informs Lewis that he is sending him 140 men to reinforce the frontier. Dinwiddie also tells Lewis that he expects him to use this force to protect the settlers and to retaliate against any attacks by the French and their Indian allies.

Washington's letter is addressed to Dinwiddie and provides an update on the size and composition of the Virginia Regiment. Washington reports that the regiment now has 699 men, of whom 140 have been sent to Augusta County with Lewis. Washington also expresses his concern about the shortage of supplies and ammunition, and he asks Dinwiddie to send more as soon as possible.

Both letters were written in 1756, during the early stages of the French and Indian War. At this time, the French were encroaching on British territory in North America, and there were frequent skirmishes between French and British forces. The British government was slow to respond to the French threat, so it was up to the individual colonies to raise and equip their own armies to defend themselves.

The deployment of troops to Augusta County was part of a larger effort by the Virginia government to protect its frontier. The county was located on the western edge of the colony, and it was particularly vulnerable to attack by the French and their Indian allies. The arrival of Lewis's force would help to deter French attacks and to protect the settlers.

The two letters also provide some insights into the challenges that the British faced in fighting the French and Indian War. The British were outnumbered and outgunned by their opponents, and they often had difficulty obtaining supplies and ammunition. However, the British were determined to defend their territory, and they were able to eventually defeat the French and their allies in the war.