Letter from George Croghun to Arthur St. Clair

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June 4, 1774.

SIR: The frequent reports brought from Hanna' s Town, of two hundred men being raising there, has alarmed Captain Conolly very much, and though I told Mr˙ Jo Campbell the whole reason and intention was no more than to have a number of men to scout between the river Ohio and of inhabitants down to Ligonier, in order to prevent the flight of that part of said country; and in case of great necessity that those men would be offered to act with the Virginians for the general defence of the country.

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Now, as both Conolly and Campbell know this measure is the only one to stay the people from flying, and see that the country will condemn Conolly and his officers for not pursuing the same measure, they want to make it appear in another light, and that the intention is to invade the rights of Virginia.

Now, the greatest caution and prudence is necessary, and I request that you will station those parties to scout back of the settlements between Turtle Creek and Ligonier, which was our intention of having them, and take care that no threats against Virginia be made use of by any person concerned, as since Mr˙ Jo Campbell came up, I see the design is to create a fresh difference between Governour Penn and Lord Dunmore, which ought to be avoided with the greatest cares. Since Campbell came up affidavits are taken of every information that is brought up, and spies employed; though when he was informed of the murders commiteed on the Indians, he never took any measures to apprehend them. He has made two attacks on me, by letters sent by a a Sergeant and twelve men, which letters I answered, but would not gratify him to send them by his party.

The truth is, they found this difference likely to be made up by the Indians, and find that nothing but misrepresentating our measures, and drawing on a fresh dispute between the Government of Pennsylvania and Virginia, can keep this man in command; wherefore I have determined to go to Williamsburg myself, and represent the state of the country, as soon as I hear the even of our last messages to the Indians, by the Deputies, which I believe will be in five or six days, and I flatter myself entirely satisfactory to every well-wisher of the peace and tranquillity of his country.

Before I go you and I must have a meeting, that you may be able to inform the Governour what I am going about; but I would have you settle the scouting party so as to act with prudence, and give no cause for suspicion of any design against Virginia, before you come up.

I am sir, your most humble servant,
GEORGE CROGHAN.

To Arthur St˙ Clair, Esq.