The person referred to by Governor Dinwiddie as "one Captain McMett" was no doubt Alexander McNutt,[1] a subaltern officer in Captain Alexander's company. He has been mentioned as the purchaser of a town lot in Staunton. It is stated that Lieutenant McNutt kept a journal of the campaign, which he presented to Governor Fauquier when the latter came into office, and which was deposited in the executive archives at Williamsburg. In this journal the writer reflected upon the conduct of Major Lewis, which led to a personal affray between Lewis and McNutt in Staunton,
For some years McNutt resided in Nova Scotia, but the popular belief that he was Governor of that province is unfounded. After the Revolutionary war began he joined the American army at Saratoga, and was afterwards an officer under De Kalb in the south. He died in 1811, and was buried in the Falling Spring churchyard, Rockbridge.
Major Lewis's command rendezvoused at Fort Frederick, which is stated by some writers to have been on New River, and by others, on the Roanoke, near the site of the present town of Salem. While waiting at the fort for horses and pack saddles, the Rev. Messrs. Craig and Brown preached to the soldiers.
In his instructions to Major Lewis, the Governor is very minute. Among other things, he says: "You are to do everything in your power to cultivate morality among the men, and that they may have dependence on God, the God of armies and the giver of victory." He does not omit to "recommend frugality."
To several of the captains, the Governor wrote also. Captain John Smith, it seems, wanted biscuit furnished for the expedition, but is told he must provide corn-meal or flour. Money to the amount of £100 was sent to the Captain, which "you must account for on your return," says the Governor. To one and all he recommended "care and diligence," "love and friendship." He sent £100 to Pearis, or Paris, reminding him, however, that it was to be accounted for, and enjoining "unanimity and friendship."
The Governor thought the expedition ready to start on Feb-
- ↑ Ancestor of the Anderson, Glasgow, Paxton, and other prominent families of Rockbridge county.
