Page:History of Cumberland, Maryland 2.djvu/274

256 In 1766 the conflict between the Indians and the whites ceased, peace having been agreed upon. Seven months previous, however, the British troops had been withdrawn from Fort Cumberland, and the settlers were left to their own resources. The final act of the British government in connection with Fort Cumberland was foreshadowed in the following letter written by Greneral Gage to Grovemor Sharpe, and sixty days later the troops here were sent to the South:

New York, May 12, 1765.

Sir:

As I shall BOOQ find it necessary to withdraw the Troops which are now in Garrison in Fort Camberland in your Provincci I think it proper to acqaaint yon of it, that yoa may give such Direction concerning * * * * the Fort, or any stores which there may be belonging to your Province, as you shall judge necessary.

His Majesty having been pleased to appoint Colonel Bouquet to the rank of Brigadier General, and to the command of the Troops in the Floridas, Lieutenant Colonel Beid will take the command on the side of Pittsburgh, who will have Directions to correspond with you and to give you timely notice of everything of moment which shall be proper for your Information.

I have the honor to be with great Regard,

Sir,

your most obedient

humble servant,

Hon'ble Gov'r SHABPE. THOS. GAGE.

The cessation of Indian hostilities rendered a garrison at Fort Cumberland longer unnecessary, and after the abandonment of the place by the English soldiers, the provincial stores were removed, and the post was never again occupied, save for a few days, in 1794, when the troops engaged in suppressing the whisky insurrection were gathered here.

The restoration of peace, and the feeling of security resulting therefrom, led many persons from the