From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
<strong>Farm</strong> <strong>House</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>White</strong> <strong>House</strong>, by William M. Thayer 102<br />
in despite of all <strong>the</strong> efforts of <strong>the</strong> officers <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> contrary, <strong>the</strong>y ran, as sheep pursued by dogs, and it was<br />
impossible <strong>to</strong> rally <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
"By <strong>the</strong> all-powerful dispensations of Providence I have been protected beyond all human probability or<br />
expectation, for I had four bullets through my coat and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt,<br />
although death was leveling my companions on every side of me."<br />
XIII.<br />
ON THE FRONTIER.<br />
Washing<strong>to</strong>n's advice <strong>to</strong> Colonel Dunbar was: "Reorganize and march upon Duquesne. That fort can be<br />
captured by strategy."<br />
"I can do nothing with an army so demoralized as this," replied Dunbar. "We may as well consider this<br />
campaign ended. Our force is now <strong>to</strong>o much reduced <strong>to</strong> capture Duquesne."<br />
"Never<strong>the</strong>less I believe that this defeat may be turned in<strong>to</strong> vic<strong>to</strong>ry," added Washing<strong>to</strong>n. "At any rate I am not<br />
in favor of utterly abandoning <strong>the</strong> attempt."<br />
"Better that than <strong>to</strong> make a second attempt and fail," re<strong>to</strong>rted Dunbar. "I do not propose <strong>to</strong> remain and see <strong>the</strong><br />
remnant of my army annihilated."<br />
"What, <strong>the</strong>n, will you do?"<br />
"Strike my tents and repair <strong>to</strong> Philadelphia and go in<strong>to</strong> winter quarters," answered Dunbar.<br />
"Go in<strong>to</strong> winter quarters before dog-days have fairly set in!" exclaimed Washing<strong>to</strong>n, surprised by <strong>the</strong><br />
suggestion. "What will <strong>the</strong> people of our country say <strong>to</strong> that?"<br />
"They may say what <strong>the</strong>y please," said Dunbar. "The risk is <strong>to</strong>o great for me <strong>to</strong> assume under <strong>the</strong><br />
circumstances, and I decide <strong>to</strong> go in<strong>to</strong> camp in Philadelphia."<br />
"Then <strong>the</strong>re is no alternative for me but <strong>to</strong> return <strong>to</strong> Williamsburg," added Washing<strong>to</strong>n, perfectly satisfied that<br />
Dunbar was <strong>to</strong>o much of a coward <strong>to</strong> be intrusted with <strong>the</strong> command of an army.<br />
Colonel Dunbar acted accordingly; struck his tents, and, under <strong>the</strong> impulse of his excessive fear, hurried his<br />
troops off <strong>to</strong> Philadelphia. Washing<strong>to</strong>n regretfully and sorrowfully marched <strong>the</strong> Virginia force back <strong>to</strong><br />
Williamsburg. News of <strong>the</strong> disaster had reached that place before his arrival, causing great excitement and<br />
sorrow; but when <strong>the</strong> people looked upon his shattered and diminished force, <strong>the</strong>ir hearts were <strong>to</strong>uched, and<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir fears greatly augmented. Nor did <strong>the</strong>y attach blame <strong>to</strong> Washing<strong>to</strong>n; on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, <strong>the</strong> sentiment was<br />
universal that, but for his bravery and skill, Braddock's army would have been well nigh annihilated.<br />
Governor Dinwiddie immediately called <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> Assembly <strong>to</strong> consider what could be done in <strong>the</strong> crisis.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> meantime he conferred with Washing<strong>to</strong>n respecting <strong>the</strong> way of retrieving <strong>the</strong>ir loss.<br />
"Raise a force of two or three thousand men," said Washing<strong>to</strong>n, "and reduce Fort Duquesne as soon as<br />
possible. Under <strong>the</strong> flush of this vic<strong>to</strong>ry <strong>the</strong> French will urge <strong>the</strong> Indians on <strong>to</strong> devastation and carnage<br />
throughout <strong>the</strong> frontier. A speedy, bold, successful attack upon <strong>the</strong> fort will prevent such a calamity."<br />
"I had not thought of that," answered <strong>the</strong> governor, "but it is a sensible view of <strong>the</strong> matter <strong>to</strong> take. We must<br />
protect <strong>the</strong> country against Indian depredations if it be possible."