rell Hill to Fort duquesne, along the top of the Chestnut ridge. . . As I presume you may want Forage, and as Sir John has confessed that he had provided none but at Fort Cumberland (I suppose on purpose to drive me into that road, for what purpose I know not) If you therefore think it necessary, send Waggons to Fort Cumberland for part of it. . . Let me hear immediately your resolution about the road."
To this Bouquet replied that he had sent orders to have Braddock's Road reconnoitred and cleared; "at all events it may serve to deceive the Enemy." He was daily in expectation of news from his exploring parties on Laurel Hill and promised Forbes to forward their report as soon as he received it.
Washington had now reached Fort Cumberland and was soon in correspondence with Bouquet at Raystown thirty-four miles to the northward. July 16 he wrote: "I shall direct the officer, that marches out, to take particular pains in reconnoitring General Braddock's road, though I have had repeated information, that it only wants
