George Washington Papers Series 2 Letterbooks
George Washington to Robert McKenzie, August 13, 1756
George Washington to Fort Kuykendall Commanding Officer, August 13, 1756
George Washington, August 14, 1756, General Orders

Letterbook 3
Image 326 of 360

Fort Kuykendall Order

To the Officer commanding at Kuykendalls Fort;

Sir,

Be particularly careful and expeditious in forwarding all Expresses; communicating all remarkable intelligence to the adjacent Forts, affording Escorts to all convoys and parties - if the general good may be promoted, or the public benefited thereby. Encourage agriculture and industry, and protect and guard the people at their daily labour; which is the chief end and design of your being there.

I am (--?)

G. W.

Winchester August 13, 1756

(Note: The town of Romney, south of the site, was established in 1762).

(Note: This is my imperfect transcription of the order – see the actual document posted in the Photographs section on this site).

The following is from Russ Kuykendall, about Fort Kuykendall:

The fort is referenced in seven George Washington letters to subordinates in 1756 during the French-Indian War (George Washington Papers at the Library of Congress, Series 2 Letterbooks. 1754-1799):

1. "Captain James Hamilton of the Fairfax Militia" ordering him to take a "post at Kirkendalls" at "the South Branch" (dated May 17th, 1756, from Winchester);

2. "Captain Nicholas Minor of the Fairfax Militia" whom Captain Hamilton was to relieve is ordered by Colonel Washington: "I would have your remain at Kirkendalls with your party until Colonel Peytons return to the Branch," (also dated May 17th, 1756, from Winchester);

3. "Captain Robert McKenzie of the Virginia Regiment": "When you remove over to Pearsalls you must send a Subaltern and fifteen men over to Kirkendalls Fort" (July 13th, 1756, from Fort Cumberland);

4. "Lieutenant Colonel Adam Stephen, at Fort Cumberland": "I am sorry to hear you even mention recalling Capt. McKenzie from his post. It must have been an extraordinary occasion that would have reconciled me to that proceeding, which would have left Cox's, Pearsalls, and Kirkendalls forts quite defenceless . . . I have, in order to strengthen the several garrisons that maintain the communications with Fort Cumberland, ordered Captain Bell to march to Cox's, and there remain with twenty men, while the rest of his company is equally divided, one part to strengthen Ashby's, the other to protect the inhabitants at Kirkendalls" (August 5th, 1756, Winchester);

5. "Captain Thomas Waggoner on the South-Branch": "You must therefore, notwithstanding all the orders which have heretofore been given, immediately despatch Captain Bell, with his whole company to Captain Cox's fort; where he is to remain himself with twenty men, taking command of said fort, and escorting all Expresses, wagons, &c, to and from Fort Cumberland, as far as Ashby's and Pearsalls. The rest of his men he is to divide into two equal parts; one of which, with his Ensign, is to march to, and be stationed at Kirkendalls, for the protection of the people there," August 5th, 1756, Winchester;

6. "Captain Robert McKenzie -- at Cox's Fort": "The remainder of Captain Bells' men are to be divided into two parties, one of which is to strengthen the garrison at Ashby's, for the aforesaid purposes, while the other with his Ensign, remains at Kirkendalls, for the protection of that Settlement," August 5th, 1756, Winchester;

7. A letter from Colonel George Washington at Winchester, dated August 13, 1756, addressed "To the commanding officer at Kuykendalls Fort."

(As you can see from the above, the fort was located along the South Branch of the Potomac valley, near present-day Romney. On a drive more or less north from Romney, my grandfather pointed out an "Indian fort" a few feet from one of the large, old Kuykendall houses built in the valley in the 18th century. It's stone, square, with gun sights on each side, but relatively small -- maybe ten or fifteen feet square. Apparently, it was built by the family as a safe place to go during Indian raids. I haven't been able to confirm whether or not that's the fort mentioned by Washington in his letters.) -- Russ Kuykendall

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