[Footnote 237:  These extracts are taken from the two letters preserved in the Public Record Office, America and West Indies, LXXIV, LXXXII.]

To Orme, Dinwiddie replied:  “I read your letter with tears in my eyes; but it gave me much pleasure to see your name at the bottom, and more so when I observed by the postscript that your wound is not dangerous.  But pray, dear sir, is it not possible by a second attempt to retrieve the great loss we have sustained?  I presume the General’s chariot is at the fort.  In it you may come here, and my house is heartily at your command.  Pray take care of your valuable health; keep your spirits up, and I doubt not of your recovery.  My wife and girls join me in most sincere respects and joy at your being so well, and I always am, with great truth, dear friend, your affectionate humble servant.”

To Washington he is less effusive, though he had known him much longer.  He begins, it is true, “Dear Washington,” and congratulates him on his escape; but soon grows formal, and asks:  “Pray, sir, with the number of them remaining, is there no possibility of doing something on the other side of the mountains before the winter months?  Surely you must mistake.  Colonel Dunbar will not march to winter-quarters in the middle of summer, and leave the frontiers exposed to the invasions of the enemy!  No; he is a better officer, and I have a different opinion of him.  I sincerely wish you health and happiness, and am, with great respect, sir, your obedient, humble servant.”

Washington’s letter had contained the astonishing announcement that Dunbar meant to abandon the frontier and march to Philadelphia.  Dinwiddie, much disturbed, at once wrote to that officer, though without betraying any knowledge of his intention.  “Sir, the melancholy account of the defeat of our forces gave me a sensible and real concern”—­on which he enlarges for a while; then suddenly changes style:  “Dear Colonel, is there no method left to retrieve the dishonor done to the British arms?  As you now command all the forces that remain, are you not able, after a proper refreshment of your men, to make a second attempt?  You have four months now to come of the best weather of the year for such an expedition.  What a fine field for honor will Colonel Dunbar have to confirm and establish his character as a brave officer.”  Then, after suggesting plans of operation, and entering into much detail, the fervid Governor concludes:  “It gives me great pleasure that under our great loss and misfortunes the command devolves on an officer of so great military judgment and established character.  With my sincere respect and hearty wishes for success to all your proceedings, I am, worthy sir, your most obedient, humble servant.”