At Fort Cumberland, Maryland, on 26 October 1755, George Washington ordered Lieutenant Bacon of the Maryland Independent Company to proceed to George Parkers Plantation, where Captain William Cockes and his company of rangers were to erect a defensive work. Bacon was to choose the most convenient ground and direct the building of a quadrangular fort ninety feet in size with bastions, including the placement of barracks and a magazine. A second fort of the same dimensions was to be built by Captain Ashby's company at the plantation of Charles Sellars or the late McCrackins, whichever site seemed most convenient. Bacon was also to obtain guards from each company to escort him back and forth as needed.