The life of George Washington

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Chapter I

Birth of George Washington.— His mission to the French Gfeneral of Ohio.— Is appointed Lieutenant of a Colonial regiment.— Surprises Monsieur Junonvjlle.— Capitulation of fort Necessity.— Appointed Aid-de-camp to General Braddock.— Defeat and death of that General.— Appointed to the command of a Colonial regiment.— Distress of the frontiers.— Expedition against fort Du duesne.— Defeat of Major Grant.— Fort Du Gluesne evacuated.— Colonel Washington resigns.— His marriage Page 11

CHAPTER n.

Colonel Washington appointed commander-in-chief of the American forces.— Arrives at Cambridge. — Strengtli and disposition of the army. — Deficiency in arms and ammunition.— Falmouth burnt.— Measures to form a continental army.— Difficulty of re-enlisting the troops.— General Lee detached to New York.— Possession taken of the heights of Dorchester.— Boston evacuated.— Correspondence respecting prisoners 26

CHAPTER in.

Invasion of Canada.— Carlton defeated.— St. John's taken.— Montreal capitulates. — Expedition of Arnold. — He arrives before Q.uebec. — Retires to Point aux Tremble.— Montgomery lays siege to Quebec— Unsuccessful assault on that place. —Death of Montgomery.— Blockade of duebec— General Thomas takes command of the army.— The blockade raised.— General Sullivan takes the command.— Battle of the Three Rivers.— Canada evacuated.— General Carlton enters Lake Cham plain. —Defeats the American Flotilla.- Takes possession of Crown Point.— Retires into winter quarters 33

CHAPTER IV.

Transactions in Virginia.— Action at the Great Bridge.— Norfolk burnt.— Transactions in North Carolina. — Action at Moore's creek Bridge. — Invasion of South Carolina.— British fleet repulsed at fort Moultrie.— Transactions in New York.— Measures tending to Independence.— Independence declared 40

CHAPTER V.

Lord and Sir William Howe arrive before New York.— Circular letter of Lord Howe.— State of the American army.— The British land on Long Island.— Battle of Brooklyn.— Fruitless negotiations.- New York evacuated.— Skirmish on the heights of Haarlem 48

CHAPTER VI.

The British land at Frogsneck.— York Island, except fort Washington, evacuated.— Battle of the White Plains.— General Howe returns to Kingsbridge.— General Washington crosses the North river.— Fort Washington surrenders.— Fort Lee evacuated.— Weakness of the American army.— Ineffectual attempts to raise the militia.— Retreat through Jersey.— Capture of General Lee.— General Washington creases the Delaware.— The British go into winter quarters.— Battle of Trenton.— JPrinceton.— Firmness of Congress 00

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VI CONTENTS.

CHAPTER VII.

American army inoculated.— State of the army.— Destruction of stores at Peekskill— at Danbury.— Expedition to Sagg Harbor.— Camp formed at Middle Brook.— British move out to Somerset Court-House.— Return to Amboy.— Attempt to cut off the retreat of the American army at Middle Brook.— Lord Corn wallis skirmishes with Lord Sterling.— General Prescot surprised and taken.— The British army embarks 33

CHAPTER VIII.

General Washington marches towards the Delaware.— Takes measures for checking Burgoyne.— British army lands at the ferry on Elk River.— General Washington advances to the Brandywine.— Retreat of Maxwell.— Defeat at Brandywine. — Skirmish on the 16th of September.— Retreat to French Creek.— General Wayne surprised— General Howe takes possession of Philadelphia.— Congress removes to Lancaster 80

CHAPTER IX.

Measures to cut off the communication between the British army and fleet.— Battle of Germantown.— Attack on fort Mifflin.— On Red Bank.— The Augusta blown up.— General Washington takes post at White Marsh.— Fort Mifflin evacuated. — Fort Mercer evacuated. — The British open a communication with their fleet.— General Howe marches toChesnut Hill.— Returns to Philadelphia.— General Washington goes into winter quarters 88

CHAPTER X.

Enquiry into the conduct of General Schuyler.— Burgoyne appears before Ticonderoga.— Evacuation of that place.— Of Skeenborough.— Defeat of Colonel Warner. — Evacuation of Fort Anne. — Burgoyne approaches Fort Edward.-Schuyler retires to Saratoga.— To Stillwater.— St. Leger invests Fort Schuyler.— Herkimer defeated. —Colonel Baum detached to Bennington.— Is defeated.— Breckman defeated.— St, Leger abandons the siege of Fort Schuyler.— Gates takes command.— Burgoyne encamps on the heights of Saratoga.— Battle of Stillwater.— Of the 7th of October.— B<irgoyne retreats to Saratoga.— Capitulates.— The British take Forts Montgomery and Clinton.— Forts Independence and Constitution evacuated.— The British evacuate Ticondcroga 98

CHAPTER XI.

Distresses of the army. — It is subsisted by impressment.— Combination against General Washington, — Congress send a committee to camp. — Attempt to surprise Captain Lee.— Congress determines on a second expedition to Canada.— Abandons it.— General Conway resigns.— The Baron Steuben appointed Inspector-General.— Congress forbids the embarkation of Burgoyne's army.— Plan of reconciliation agreed to in Parliament.— Rejected by Congress.— Information of treaties with France.— Great Britain declares war against France.— Treatment of prisoners.— Partial exchange Ill

CHAPTER XII.

Incursion into Jersey.— General Lacy surprised.— Attempt on Lafayette at Barren Hill.- General Howe resigns.- Is succeeded by Sir Henry Clinton.— He evacuates Philadelphia.— Marches through Jersey.— Battle of Monmouth.— General Lee arrested.— Sentenced to be suspended.— Thanks of Congress to General Washington and the army 124

CONTENTS. Vli

CHAPTER XIII.

Count D'Estaing arrives with a French fleet.— Meditates an attack on the British fleet in the harbor of New York.— Relinquishes it.— Sails to Rhode Island.— la followed by Lord Howe.— Both fleets dispersed by a storm.— General Sullivan laya siege to Newport.— D'Estaing returns.— Sails for Boston.— Dissatisfaction of Sullivan.— He raises the siege of Newport.— Action on Rhode Island.— Sullivan retreats to the continent.— Exertions of Washington to assuage the irritations of Sullivan and D'Estaing.— Lord Howe resigns.— Colonel Baylor surprised.— Skirmish between Colonel Butler and Captain Donop — Pulaski surprised 131

CHAPTER XIV.

Terms of reconciliation proposed by the British Commissioners.— Answer of Congress.— Attempts of Mr. Johnson to bribe some members of Congress.— Manifesto of Commissioners.— Arrival of Monsieur Girard, Minister of France.— Irruption of the Indians into Wyoming. — Battle of Wyoming. — Colonel Dennison capitulates for the inhabitants. — Colonel Clarke surprises Vincennes.— Plan for the invasion of Canada.— General Washington induces Congress to abandon it.. .. 137

CHAPTER XV.

Invasion of Georgia.— General Howe defeated by Colonel Campbell.— Savannah taken.— Sunbury surrenders.— Georgia reduced.— General Lincoln takes command of the Southern army.— Major Gardener defeated.— Tories in South Carolina de feated.— Ash surprised and defeated.— Prevost marches to Charleston.— Battle at Stono ferry.— Invasion of Virginia.. .« 143

CHAPTER XVI.

Discontents in a part of the American army.— Colonel Van Schaick destroys an Indian settlement.— Fort Fayette surrenders to the British.— Invasion of Connecticut.— General Wayne storms Stony Point. — Expedition against Penobscot. — Fowles' Hook surprised by Major Dean.— Arrival of Admiral Arbuthnot.— Of the Count D'Estaing.— Siege of Savannah.— Unsuccessful attempt to storm the place. — Siege raised.— Victory of General Sullivan over the Indians.— Spain declares war against England.— The army goes into winter quarters 14Q

CHAPTER XVII.

South Carolina invaded.— The British fleet passes the bar and enters the harbor of Charleston.— Opinion of General Washington that the place should be evacuated.— Sir Henry Clinton invests the town.— Tarlton surprises an American corps at Monk's Corner.— Fort Moultrie surrendered.— Tarlton defeats Colonel White. — Charleston capitulates. — Buford defeated. — Arrangements for the government of South Carolina andGeorgia.— Sir Henry Clinton embarks for New York. — General Gates takes command of the southern army.— Is defeated near Camden.— Death of De Kalb.— Success of Sumpter.— He is defeat ed.... 160.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Distress In camp.— Requisitions on the States.— New scheme of finance. — Resolution to make up depreciation of pay. — Mutiny in the line of Connecticut. — General Knyphausen enters Jersey. — Sir Henry Clinton returns to New York. — Skirmish at Springfield. — Bank established at Philadelphia. — Contributions of the ladies. — Arrival of a French armament in Rhode Island.— Changes in the Q,uarter-Master'fl department.— Naval superiority of the British.. 171

Viii CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XIX.

Treason and escape of Arnold. — Execution of Major Andre. — Proceedings of Congress respecting the army. — Major Talmadge destroys the British stores at Coram.— The army retires into winter quarters.— Irruption of Major Carlton into New York.— European transactions 181

CHAPTER XX.

Transactions in South Carolina and Georgia.— Defeat of Ferguson.— Lord Cornwallis enters North Carolina.— Retreats out of that state.— Major Wemys defeated. — Tarlton repulsed.— Greene appointed to command the Southern army.— Arrives in camp.— Detaches Morgan over the Catawba.— Battle of the Cowpens.— Greene retreats into Virginia.— Lord Cornwallis retires to Hillsborough.— Greene recross- 63 the Dan. — Loyalists under Colonel Pyle cut to pieces. — Battle of Guilford.— Lord Cornwallis retires to Ramsay's mills. — To Wilmington. — Greene advances to Ramsay's mills.— Determines to enter South Carolina.— Lord Cornwallis resolves to enter Virginia 188

CHAPTER XXI.

Virginia invaded by Arnold. — He destroys the stores at Westham and at Richmond.— Retires to Portsmouth.— Mutiny of the Pennsylvania line.— Sir H. Clinton attempts to negotiate with the mutineers.— They compromise with the Government. —Mutiny in the Jersey line. — Mission of Colonel Laurens to France. — Congress recommends a system of revenue.— Reform in the Executive departments.— Confederation adopted. — Military transactions. — Lafayette detached to Virginia. — Cornwallis arrives.— Presses Lafayette.— Expedition to Charlottesville, to Point of Fork.— Lafayette forms a junction with Wayne.— Cornwallis retires to the lower country.— General Washington's letters intercepted.— Action near Jamestown 201

CHAPTER XXII.

State of affairs in the beginning of 1781.— Measures of Mr. Morris.— Designs of General Washington against New York. — Rochambeau marches to the North River.— Intelligence from the Count de Grasse. — Plan of operations against Lord Cornwallis. — Naval engagement. — The combined armies march for the Chesa peake. — Yorktown invested.— Surrender of Lord Coru wallis... , 211

CHAPTER XXm.

Greene invests Camden.— Battle of Hobkirk's hill.— Progress of Marion and. Loo. —Lord Rawdon retires into the lower country. — Greene invests Ninety-Six. — Is repulsed. — Retires from that place. — Activity of the armies. — Movements sus pended by the heat.— They resume active operations.— Battle ofEutaw.— The British army retires towards Charleston 222

CHAPTER XXIV.

Preparations for another campaign.— Proceedings in the Parliament of Great Britain.— Conciliatory conduct of General Carlton.— Transactions in the South.— Negotiations for peace. — Preliminary and eventual articles of peace between the United States and Great Britain.— Discontents of the American army.— Peace.- Mutiny of a part of the Pennsylvania line.— Evacuation of New York.— General Washington resigns his commission, and retires to Mount Vernon 234

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXV.

General Washington devotes his time to agriculture, to the duties of friendship, and to institutions of public utility. — Resolves of Congress and of the Legislature of Virginia for erecting statues to his honor. — He recommends the improvement of internal navigation. — Declines accepting a donation offered by his native state.— The Society of the Cincinnati.— The causes which led to a change of the government of the United States.— Circular letter to the Governors of the several states 24

CHAPTER XXVI.

Differences between the United States and Great Britain.— Mr. Adams appointed Minister to Great Britain. — Discontents excited by the commercial regulations of that power.— Parties in the United States,— Convention at Annapolis— Virginia appoints deputies to a convention at Philadelphia. — General Washington chcsen one of them. — Insurrection in Massachusetts. — Convention at Philadelphia. — Form of government submitted to the several states. — Ratified by eleven of them. —General Washington elected President.— Meeting of the first Congress 254

CHAPTER XXVn.

The election of General Washington officially announced to him.— He proceeds to the seat of government. — Marks of affection shown him on his journey. — His inauguration, — His system of intercourse with the world. — Answers of both Houses of Congress to his speech.— Domestic and foreign relations of the United States.— Debates in Congress. — Amendments to the constitution. — Appointments to office. —Adjournment of Congress.— The President visits New England.— North Carolina adopts the constitution 266

CHAPTER XXVin.

Meeting of Congress.— President's speech.— Report of the Secretaiy of the Treasury.— Debate thereon.— Bill for fixing the seat of government.— Adjournment of Congress.— Treaty with the Creek Indians.— Relations of the United States with Great Britain and Spain.— Constitution adopted by Rhode Island. — Congress meets at Philadelphia.— Speech of the President.— Debates on the excise.— On the bank.— Division in the cabinet on the law.— Defeat of Harmer.— Adjournment of Congress 279

CHAPTER XXIX.

Major-General St. Clair appointed commander-in-chief.— The President makes a tour through the southern states.- Meeting of Congress.— President's speech.— Debate on the bill for apportioning representatives.— Defeat of General St. Clair. — Opposition to the augmentation of the army. — Report of the Secretary of the Treasury. — Debate thereon. — Arrangement respecting the seat of government. — Congress adjourns.— Disagreement between the Secretaries of State and Treasury. —Opposition to the excise law. —Proclamation issued by the President.— Insurrection in St. Domingo. — General Wayne appointed to command the army. — Meeting of Congress. — President's speech. — Resolution implicating the Secretary of the Treasury rejected.— Congress adjourns.— Progress of the French revolution.— The effects on parties 290

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXX.

General Washington again unanimously elected President of the United Statea. —War between Great Britain and France.— Proclamation of Neutrality.— Arrival of Mr. Genet as minister of France. — His conduct. — Illegal proceedings of French Cruisers.— Opinions of the Cabinet.— State of Parties.— Democratic Societies.— Genet openly insults the Government.— Rules to be observed in the Ports of the United States respecting the Powers at War.— The President requests the recall of Genet.— British order of the 8th of June, 1793 307

CHAPTER XXXI.

Meeting of Congress.— President's speech.— His message on foreign relations.— Report of the Secretary of State. — His resignation. — Is succeeded by Mr. Randolph. — Mr. Madison's resolutions, founded on the report of the Secretary of State. —Debate thereon. — Mission of Mr. Jay to Great Britain. — Inquiry into the conduct of the Secretary of the Treasury.— Internal taxes.— Congress adjourns 322

CHAPTER XXXII.

Genet recalled. — Is succeeded by Mr. Fauchet. — Mr. Morris recalled. — Is succeeded by Mr. Monroe. — Kentucky Remonstrance. — Intemperate Resolutions of the people of that State. — General Wayne defeats the Indians on the Miamis. —Insurrection in the western part of Pennsylvania.— duelled.— Meeting of Congress.— President's speech.— Democratic Societies.— Resignation of Colonel Hamilton.— He is succeeded by Mr. Wolcott.— Resignation of General Knox.— He is succeeded by Colonel Pickering. — Treaty with Great Britain. — Conditionally ratified. —Is unpopular.— Mr. Randolph resigns.— Is succeeded by Colonel Pickering.— Mr. M'Hcnry appointed Secretary of War. — Charges against the President refuted.— Treaty with the Indianis.— With Algiers.— With Spain.— Meeting of Congress. — President's Speech. — Mr. Adet succeeds Mr. Fauchet. — The House of Representatives call on the President for papers.- He declines sending them. — Debates on the treaty-making power.— On the bill for making appropriations to carry the Treaty with Great Britain into effect.— Congress adjourns.— The President endeavours to procure the liberation of Lafayette .* 332

CHAPTER XXXIII.

Hostile measures of France. — Mr. Monroe recalled, and General Pinckney appointed to succeed him — General Washington's valedictory address. — The minister of France endeavors to influence the election of President. — The President's speech to Congress. — He denies the authenticity of certain spurious letters, republished as his. — John Adams elected President, and Thomas Jefferson Vice-President. — General Washington retires to Mount Vernon. — Political situation of the United States. —The French government refuses to receive General Pinckney.— Congress convened. — President's speech.— Three envoys extraordinary deputed to France.— Their treatment.— The United States prepare for war.— General Washington appointed commander-in-chief.— His death— And character .357 ml

MARSHALL'S LIFE OF WASHINGTON.

CHAPTER I.

Birth of George Washington.— His mission to the French General of Ohio.— Is appointed Lieutenant of a Colonial regiment.— Surprises Monsieur Junonville.— Capitulation of fort Necessity.— Appointed Aid-de-camp to General Braddock.— Defeat and death of that General.— Appointed to the command of a Colonial regiment.— Distress of the frontiers.— Expedition against fort Du duesne.— Defeat of Major Grant.— Fort Du QJUesne evacuated.— Colonel Washington resigns. — His marriage.

George Washington, the third son of Augustine Washington, was born on the 22d of February, 1732, near the banks of the Potomac, in the county of Westmoreland, in Virginia. His father married Miss Butler, who died in 1728 ; leaving two sons, Lawrence and Augustine. In 1730, he intermarried with Miss Mary Ball, by whom he had four sons, George, John, Samuel, and Charles ; and one daughter, Betty, who intermarried with Colonel Fielding Lewis, of Fredericksburg.

His great-grand-father, John Washington, had emigrated from the north of England, about the year 1657, and settled on the place where Mr. Washington was born.

At the age of ten years, he lost his father. An affectionate mother continued to impress those principles of religion and virtue on his tender mind, which constituted the solid basis of a character that was maintained throughout all the trying vicissitudes of an eventful life. But his education was limited to subjects strictly useful, not even extending to foreign languages.

At the age of eighteen, he was appointed a surveyor in the western part of the northern neck of Virginia ; and, in that office, acquired such information respecting vacant lands, and formed those opinions concerning their future value, which afterwards contributed greatly to the increase of his fortune.

Those powerful attractions, which the profession of arms presents to young and ardent minds, possessed their full influence

Mention the date and place of Washington's birth. What was his parentage ? Relate the course of his early life.

over Mr. Washington. Stimulated by the enthusiasm of mihtary genius, to take part in the war in which Great Britain was then engaged, he pressed earnestly to enter into the navy, and, at the age of fi&en, a midshipman's warrant was obtained for him. The interference of a timid and affectionate mother deferred the commencement, and changed the course, of his military career. Four years afterwards, when the militia were to be trained for actual service, he was appointed one of the Adjutants- General of Vir- ) ginia, with the rank, of Major. The duties annexed to this office soon yielded to others of a more interesting character.

France was beginning to develop the vast plan of connecting her extensive dominions in America, by uniting Canada to Louisiana. The troops of that nation had taken possession of a tract of country claimed by Virginia, and had commenced a line of posts, to be extended from the Lakes to the Ohio. The attention of Mr. Dinwiddle, Lieutenant-Governor of that province, was attracted to these supposed encroachments, and he deemed it his duty to demand in the name of the King, his master, that they should be suspended. ^

This mission was toilsome and hazardous. The Envoy would be under the necessity of passing through an extensive and almost unexplored wilderness, inhabited by fierce savages, v/ho were either hostile to the English or of doubtful attachment. While the dangers and fatigues of this service deterred others from undertaking it, they seem to have possessed attractions for Mr. Washington, and he engaged in it with alacrity.

On receiving his commission, he proceeded to Wills' creek, then the extreme frontier settlement of the English, where guides were engaged to conduct him over the Alleghany mountains. At the mouth of Turtle creek he was informed that the French gen- ; eral was dead, and that the army had retired into winter quarters.^. Pursuing his route, he examined the country through which he"^ passed, with a military eye, and selected the confluence of the Monongahela and Alleghany rivers, the place where fort Du' Quesne was aflerwards erected by the French, as a position which it would be advisable to seize and fortify immediately.

Afler employing a few days in securing the fidelity of the Indians in that neighborhood, he ascended the Alleghany to a French fort where he was received by the commanding officer on the Ohio, to whom he delivered the letter of Mr. Dinwiddle, and from whom he received an answer with which he returned to Williamsburg. The exertions made by Mr. Washington on this mission, the perseverance with which he surmounted the difficulties he en-;

What was the commencement of Wasliington's military career ? Men-^ tion the designs of France in North America. What mission was deputed to George Washington ? How did he execute it ?

countered, and the judgment displayed in his conduct toward the Indians, raised him in the public opinion as well as in that of the Lieutenant-Governor. His journal, drawn up for the inspection of Mr. Davidson, was publfshed, and impressecl his countrymen with very favorable sentiments of his understanding and fortitude.

As the answer from the commandant of the French forces on the Ohio indicated no disposition to withdraw from that countr}", it was deemed necessary to make some preparations to maintain the rights asserted over it by the British crown ; and the Assembly of Virginia authorized the Executive to raise a regiment for that purpose, to consist of three hundred men. The command of this regiment was given to Mr. Fry, and Major Washington was appointed Lieutenant- Colonel. Anxious to be engaged in active service, he obtained permission, about the beginning of April, to advance with two coftnpanies to the Great Meadows, in the Alleghany Mountains. Soon after his arrival at that pkice, he was informed by some friendly Indians that the French, having dispersed a party of workmen employed by the Ohio Company to CBect a fort on the south-eastern branch of the Ohio, were engaged in completing a fortification at the confluence of the Alleghany and Monongahela rivers ; a detachment from which place was then on its march towards his camp. Though open hostilities had not yet commenced, the country was considered as invaded; and several circumstances were related, confirming the opinion that this party was approaching with hostile views. Confident of this, Lieutenant-Colonel Washington resolved to anticipate them. Proceeding under the guidance of Indians, through a dark and rainy night, to the French encampment, he completely surrounded it ; and, at daybreak, his troops fired and rushed upon the party, v/hich imsnediately surrendered. One man only escaped capture ; and Monsieur Junonville alone, the commanding officer, was killed.

While the regiment was on its march to join the detachment advanced in front, the command devolved on Lieutenant- Colonel Washington by the death of Colonel Fry. Soon afler its arrival, it was reinforced by two independent com.panies of regulars. After erecting a small stockade at the Great Meadows, Colonel Washington commenced his march towards fort Du Quesne, with the intention of dislodging the French from that place. He had not proceeded more than thirty miles, when he was informed by some friendly Indians, that the French, " as numerous as the pigeons in the wood," were advancing rapidly to meet hina. Among those who brought this information was a trusty chief, only two days

What expedition was now raised to oppose the designs of the French, and what station was assigned to Washington ? Whither did the troops pro* ce«d, and who finally had the chief command ? 2 from the post on the Ohio, who had observed the arrival of a considerable reinforcement at that place, and had heard them express the intention of marching immediately to attack the English, with a corps composed of eight hundred French and four hundred Indians.

The ground occupied by Colonel Washington was not adapted to military purposes. A road leading through other defiles in the mountains, would en.ible the French to pass into his rear, intercept his supplies, and starve him into a surrender, or fight him with a superiority of three to one.

In this hazardous situation, a council of war unanimously advised a retreat to the fort at the Great Meadows, now termed fort Necessity ; where the two roads united, and where the face of the country was such as not to permit an enemy to pass him unperceived. At that place he intended to await the arrival of reinforcements.

In pursuance of this advice, Colonel Washington returned to fort Necessity, and began a ditch around the stockade. Before it was completed, the French and Indians, computed at fifteen hundred men, commanded by Monsieur de Villier, appeared before the fort, and commenced a furious attack upon it. They were received with great intrepidity by the Americans, who fought partly within the stockade, and partly in the surrounding ditch, which was nearly filled with mud and water. Colonel Washington continued the whole day on the outside of the fort, encouraging the soldiers by his countenance and example. The assailants fought under cover of the trees and high grass with which the country abounds. The action continued from ten in the morning until dark, when Monsieur de Villier demanded a parley, and offered terms of capitulation. These were rejected, but, in the course of the night, articles were signed, by which the fort was surrendered on condition that the garrison should be allowed the honors of war — should be permitted to retain their arms and baggage, and be suffered to march unmolested into the inhabited parts of Virginia.

The loss of the Americans in this affair is not ascertained. A return made after arriving at Wills' creek, states the killed and wounded of the Virginia regiment at fifty-eight. The loss sustained by the two independent companies was not reported. That of the assailants was supposed to be more considerable.

Great credit was given to Colonel Washington by his countrymen, for the courage displayed in this engagement. The legislature evinced its ssttisfaction with the conduct of the whole party, by passing a vote of thanks to him and the officers under his com-

What were the disadvantageous circumstances under which Washington was attacked at fort Necessity ? What was the result ? Did this unfortunate issue impair the confidence reposed in Washington ?

mandj and by giving three hundred pistoles to be distributed among the soldiers engaged in the action.

The regiment returned to Winchester to be recruited ; soon after which it was joined by a few companies from North Carolina and Maryland. On the arrival of this reinforcement, the Lieutenant- Governor, with the advice of council, unmindful of the condition and number of the troops, ordered them to march immediately over the Alleghany mountains ; and to expel the French from for Du Quesne, or to build one in its vicinity.

The little army in Virginia, now under the command 'of Colonel Innes of North Carolina, did not exceed half the number of the enemy, and was neither provided with the means of moving, nor with supplies for a winter campaign. With as little consideration, directions had been given for the immediate completion of the regiment, without furnishing a shilling for the recruiting service — Colonel Washington remonstrated against these orders, but prepared to execute them. The assembly however, having risen without making any provision for the farther prosecution of the war, this wild expedition was abandoned, and the Virginia regiment was reduced to independent companies.

In the course of the winter, orders were received " for settling the rank of his majesty's forces then serving with the provinciaJJs in North America." These orders directed "that all oiiicei^JS commissioned by the king, or by his general in North America, should take rank of all officers commissioned by the governors of the respective provinces : and further, that the general and field officers of the provincial troops should have no rank when serving with the general and field officers commissioned by the crown ; but that all captains, and other inferior officers of the royal troops, should take rank over provincial officers of the same grade, having senior commissions."

Still professing his attachment to a military life, Colonel Washington could not submit to hold the station assigned to him, and retired indignantly from a service in which he was degraded by loss of rank.

His eldest brother had lately died and left him Mount Vernon, — a considerable estate on the Potomac. To this delightful spot he withdrew, resolving to devote his future life to private pursuits This resolution was not long maintained.

General Braddock, being informed of his merit, and his knowledge of the country which was to become the theatre of action, gratified his desire to make one campaign under an officer sup-

What was now determined by the Lieutenant-Governor ? Why was the plan abandoned ? W liat orders in respect to military rank were received from England ? What was the consequence ? Did Washington resume his martial pursuits ?

posed to possess some knowledge of war, by inviting him to enter his family as a volunteer aid-de-camp.

Having accepted this invitation, he joined the commander-in-chief on his march from Alexandria to Wills' creek. The army was detained at that place until the 12th of June, by the difficulty of procuring wagons, horses, and provisions. Colonel Washington, impatient under these delays, suggested the propriety of using pack-horses instead of wagons : though the commander-in-chief at first rejected this advice, its propriety, soon after the commencement of the march, became too obvious to be longer neglected.

On the third day after the army had moved from Wills' creek, Colonel Washington was seized with a violent fever which disabled him from riding on horseback, and was conveyed in a covered wagon. Being still privately consulted by the commander-in-chief, he urged that officer strenously to leave his heavy artillery and baggage with the rear division, and with a chosen body of troops, and some pieces of light artillery, to press forward to fort Du Quesne. In support of this advice, he stated that the French were then weak on the Ohio, but daily expected reinforcements. These could not arrive during the drought existing at that time, because the river Le Boeuf, on which their supplies must be brought to Virginia, was too low for the purpose. A rapid movement might enable him to carry the place before the arrival of the expected aid. But should the army remain united, the delays attending its march were such, that rain sufficient to raise the waters might be expected, and the whole force of the French might be collected for their reception ; — a circumstance which would render the success of the expedition doubtful.