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
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<strong>Farm</strong> <strong>House</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>White</strong> <strong>House</strong>, by William M. Thayer 103<br />
"Or we are in a far worse condition than ever," interjected Washing<strong>to</strong>n. "You know what <strong>the</strong> Indians are under<br />
<strong>the</strong> excitement of vic<strong>to</strong>ry; savages in <strong>the</strong> worst sense of <strong>the</strong> word."<br />
"And <strong>the</strong>re will be no mercy shown <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> defenceless settlements and <strong>the</strong> scattered families of <strong>the</strong> frontier,"<br />
added <strong>the</strong> governor. "All <strong>the</strong> horrors of Indian massacre and outrage will be witnessed in our country."<br />
Governor Dinwiddie canvassed <strong>the</strong> whole subject with Washing<strong>to</strong>n, so that he was prepared <strong>to</strong> make definite<br />
suggestions <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Legislature when that body convened. He advised <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> raise two thousand troops and<br />
make a liberal appropriation of money, "<strong>to</strong> carry <strong>the</strong> war in<strong>to</strong> Africa," on <strong>the</strong> ground that o<strong>the</strong>rwise <strong>the</strong> enemy<br />
would be emboldened <strong>to</strong> prosecute an aggressive war.<br />
When <strong>the</strong> Legislature assembled, leading members opposed aggressive warfare, and advised only defensive<br />
operations on <strong>the</strong> frontier. So <strong>the</strong>y voted <strong>to</strong> raise a thousand troops only, and appropriated money accordingly,<br />
a very great disappointment <strong>to</strong> Washing<strong>to</strong>n and those who <strong>to</strong>ok <strong>the</strong> same view of <strong>the</strong> situation that he did. At<br />
<strong>the</strong> same time Washing<strong>to</strong>n was appointed commander-in-chief of <strong>the</strong> Virginia forces, with <strong>the</strong> unusual power<br />
of appointing his own field officers and aide-de-camp and secretary. This was on <strong>the</strong> 14th of August, 1755.<br />
On a former page we said that expeditions against <strong>the</strong> French and Indians at Niagara and Crown Point were<br />
planned at <strong>the</strong> same time <strong>the</strong> expedition against Duquesne was determined upon. Both of <strong>the</strong>se expeditions<br />
failed. They started from Albany, N.Y., <strong>the</strong> first under <strong>the</strong> command of Governor Shirley of Massachusetts;<br />
<strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r under William Johnson, an Irishman, who was on intimate terms of friendship with <strong>the</strong> most<br />
powerful chiefs of <strong>the</strong> Six Nations. When <strong>the</strong>se two expeditions were fairly under way, news of <strong>the</strong> disastrous<br />
defeat of Braddock reached <strong>the</strong>m, and completely demoralized <strong>the</strong> troops. The Indians, who were always<br />
inclined <strong>to</strong> join <strong>the</strong> winning side, deserted <strong>the</strong> ranks, and many white soldiers followed <strong>the</strong>ir cowardly<br />
example. The expedition under Johnson accomplished something in ano<strong>the</strong>r direction; but both expeditions<br />
failed, so far as <strong>the</strong> proposed reduction of Niagara and Crown Point was concerned.<br />
"A fatal mistake!" remarked Washing<strong>to</strong>n <strong>to</strong> Mr. Fairfax. "Such timid measures are just suited <strong>to</strong> encourage <strong>the</strong><br />
enemy."<br />
"It cannot be o<strong>the</strong>rwise," answered Fairfax. "To provide just enough men <strong>to</strong> make a good target, and just<br />
enough money <strong>to</strong> pay for shooting <strong>the</strong>m down, is very poor policy, in my judgment."<br />
"When it comes <strong>to</strong> actual service," continued Washing<strong>to</strong>n, "<strong>the</strong>re will not be over seven hundred reliable<br />
soldiers for fighting. To defend three hundred and sixty miles of frontier with this small force is next <strong>to</strong><br />
impossible. To mass <strong>the</strong>m in one locality will leave o<strong>the</strong>r localities exposed; and <strong>to</strong> divide <strong>the</strong>m up in<strong>to</strong><br />
squads, and scatter <strong>the</strong>m over <strong>the</strong> whole distance, is arranging <strong>the</strong>m for <strong>the</strong> enemy <strong>to</strong> readily cut <strong>the</strong>m off one<br />
after ano<strong>the</strong>r."<br />
"A bloody work, that infuriated savages will enjoy," remarked Mr. Fairfax. "The more I think of it, <strong>the</strong> more I<br />
shrink from <strong>the</strong> contemplation of <strong>the</strong> horrible butchery that will probably follow this serious mistake of <strong>the</strong><br />
government."<br />
"Yet I accept my appointment, lest a refusal be misconstrued," continued Washing<strong>to</strong>n. "But I have served so<br />
long with inadequate support by <strong>the</strong> government, followed by disasters, that I had hoped for <strong>the</strong> most liberal<br />
provisions now."<br />
"And <strong>the</strong>y should have been freely granted," added Mr. Fairfax.<br />
"No one can be more sensible of my failures than I am," Washing<strong>to</strong>n remarked with his usual modesty. "If an<br />
old proverb will apply <strong>to</strong> my case, I shall certainly close with a share of success, for surely no man ever made<br />
a worse beginning than I have. Still, I want a fair chance <strong>to</strong> redeem my fortunes if I can."