Colonel George Washington—President.
Lieutenant-Colonel Adam Stephen     Captain Christopher Gist
Captain Thomas Cocke                     Captain George Mercer
Captain Henry Woodward                 Captain William Bronaugh
Captain Robert McKenzie                 Captain David Bell
Captain Henry Harrison

    The President having informed the Council that the General Assembly had resolved upon building a chain of Forts for the protection of the Frontiers—To begin at Henry Enoch’s, on Great Capecapon, and extend in the most convenient line to Mayo River——the building of which forts was not to exceed two thousand pounds and as the fixing upon the places judiciously was a matter of great importance to the Country, He desired their advice thereupon: and put the following Questions:

First: Whether it was advisable to begin the said chain of forts at Henry Enochs’s on great Capecapon: The Council was unanimous in opinion that it was not—Because, as the Province of Maryland had abandoned their Settlements on Potowmack to a great distance, it left a fertile and populous district, from that down to Maidstone, at Watkins’s Ferry, exposed to incursions of the Enemy; and to which there lead several warrior paths to Raystown and Susquehannak, much frequented by the Indians.

Secondly: Which was the most convenient and central place to build on, for the protection of that District? The Council was of opinion that at, or near to Bendieks plantation above the mouth of Sleepy Creek was the most convenient and centrical place to build a fort on for the defense of the inhabitants on Sleepy-Creek and Back-Creek the lower parts of Opecon and Shanandoah river.

Thirdly: Where ought the second Fort to be built? The Council having considered the situation of the country and the Body of Inhabitants to be defended, are of opinion, that at or near to Henry Enochs’s plantation on great Capecahon, is the most advisable place to build the second fort on. It defends the inhabitants on the waters of Capecapon—is contiguous to the Settlements on the heads of the Waters of Sleepy and Back-creeks. and maintains the communication with the Forts on Patterson’s Creek, &c.

Fourthly: Are the Forts on Patterson’s Creek to be esteemed in the Line intended by the Assembly?— The Forts on Patterson’s Creek already built, and protected with several necessary houses—and the Country having more hard service in view, than the small number of their forces can perform — and considering likewise that to abandon those Forts, and give up so much to the Enemy would increase their insolence,—and give them a disadvantageous opinion of our strength,— The Council are of opinion that these forts are to be maintained, and reckoned in the chain intended by the Assembly.

Fifthly: Is it then necessary to have a fort between that at Enochs and Ashby’s’? To open a communication between the forts at Enochs’ and Ashby’s, it is necessary to clear a road leading to the South Branch above Sutton's plantation, passing near to Ross’s mill; from the best and nearest way to the fort commanded be Captain John Ashby: and as the distance will not be above twenty-two miles, it is not necessary to build between.—But the Council are of opinion a Block-house may be found necessary to secure the passage of the River.

Sixthly: Are the Forts built by Captain Waggener upon the South Branch to be deemed in the chain intended by the Assembly’? The Forts built by Captain Waggener have had the desired effect . The inhabitants of that fertile district, keep possession of their Farms; and seem resolved to pursue their Business under cover of them.—They are therefore to be looked upon in the chain intended by the Assembly.—The Council are of opinion that it will be found necessary to maintain a Blockhouse at Pearsall's to secure that difficult pass, and keep the communication open.

Seventhly: Which is the next important & convenient place for building on, above the upper fort, built by Captain Waggener? Upon the main branch about twenty miles higher up, where there is a considerable body of inhabitants. The men in that Garrison may secure that Settlement, and protect those on the heads of the waters of the South Branch, and those upon Sbanandoah River.

Eighthly: The President asking whether the Council in general were acquainted with the particular situation of the frontier to the southward of the waters of the South branch? The Council declared they were not. —And thought it advisable that the completing the chain should be referred to Captain Hogg with directions to build at or about twenty or thirty miles distance, as the situation of the Country requires,— or Ground will permit — And to have particular regard to the body of inhabitants to be defended and the passes most frequented by the Enemy — and that Captain Hogg begin to build observing the above considerations,—to the southward of Fort Dinwiddie, extending the line towards Mayo river, as directed by the Assembly.

Lastly: The Question being put—How many men were absolutely necessary for the defense of Fort Cumberland against an attack with small arms? Notwithstanding, the whole number of men raised could be employed to advantage at Fort Cumberland—yet to carry on the intended work, it was necessary to draw off as many as could be possibly spared— The Council are of opinion that one hundred and seventy privates is the smallest number that can be left for the defense of the Garrison against small arms: and that nothing more could be expected from that number than to act on the defensive,—and do the Duty of the Garrison—with liquor and to suttle.

The President then asked whether Mr Alexander Woodrow was qualified for that office; and how he had behaved since his appointment to suttle? To which the council answered unanimously, that they thought him a very proper person and well qualified; as he has hitherto behaved with the greatest exactness and conformity to the rules and orders of the Garrison—and with much modesty and gentility.