However, Native American war parties often attacked nearby farms and killed settlers, disappearing before the fort's troops could respond.

The garrison was sometimes fewer than 25 men as troops were transferred for temporary duty elsewhere, meaning that the fort had little manpower for patrols or to pursue attackers.

[4] In late 1755, Colonel John Armstrong wrote to Governor Robert Hunter Morris: "I am of the opinion that no other means of defense than a chain of blockhouses along or near the south side of the Kittatinny Mountains from the Susquehanna to the temporary line, can secure the lives and property of the inhabitants of this country.

On March 6 1756, the Pennsylvania Gazette reported: Attacks continued during the summer months and farmers in the fields were vulnerable, therefore Lieutenant Colonel Conrad Weiser ordered Captain Morgan to post sentries to protect the people during harvest Time.

Colonel Weiser sent reinforcements to Fort Lebanon in June, but a sergeant and 9 men were sent in July to stand guard during a conference at Easton.

Native American war parties continued to attack local farms, killing two or three people at a time and taking children.

[1]: 317 In January, 1758, Adjutant Jacob Kern reported that "Capt morgans Company being 53 men and all in Good order this fort is of Little Service to the Country."

Colonel James Burd visited Fort William in February and reported: "Reviewed the Garrison & found 53 good men but diffitient [deficient] in Dissipline...no Arms fitt for use, no Kettles nor tools."