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 105<br />
created much excitement in Washing<strong>to</strong>n's command, and his officers drew up a memorial, praying him--<br />
"To appeal <strong>to</strong> General Shirley, who was commander-in-chief of all <strong>the</strong> British forces in North America, and<br />
whose headquarters are in Bos<strong>to</strong>n. His decision will settle <strong>the</strong> question forever."<br />
Washing<strong>to</strong>n applied <strong>to</strong> Governor Dinwiddie for permission <strong>to</strong> proceed <strong>to</strong> Bos<strong>to</strong>n at once for this purpose, and<br />
obtained it. Notwithstanding <strong>the</strong> deep snow and wintry wea<strong>the</strong>r, he started upon this mission on <strong>the</strong> 4th of<br />
February, 1756, accompanied by Captains Mercer and Stewart. They travelled on horseback <strong>the</strong> whole<br />
distance, and "<strong>to</strong>ok with <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong>ir negro servants, who, riding behind with <strong>the</strong>ir master's saddle-bags and<br />
portmanteaus, and dressed in fine livery, with gold lace on <strong>the</strong>ir fur hats, and blue cloaks, gave quite an air of<br />
style and consequence <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> little cavalcade."<br />
In New York City Washing<strong>to</strong>n was entertained by Beverly Robinson, a distinguished citizen, at whose house<br />
he met a very accomplished young lady, Miss Phillips, sister of Mrs. Robinson. Her many attractions<br />
captivated <strong>the</strong> young hero more than any lady friend had done since his experience with <strong>the</strong> "Lowland<br />
Beauty." However, he did not capitulate, but bore his colors forward <strong>to</strong> Bos<strong>to</strong>n, whi<strong>the</strong>r his fame had gone<br />
before him.<br />
He received a warm reception in Bos<strong>to</strong>n, such as was never accorded <strong>to</strong> so youthful an officer. His gallant<br />
conduct in saving Braddock's army from destruction, <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r with o<strong>the</strong>r deeds of heroism, known throughout<br />
<strong>the</strong> Colonies, had made him famous; and now, "his tall and commanding form, <strong>the</strong> manly beauty of his face,<br />
his dignified bearing, his rich and handsome dress, and <strong>the</strong> unequalled skill with which he managed his large<br />
and noble horse," awakened admiration in <strong>the</strong> minds of all beholders.<br />
Having procured an order from General Shirley, under which a commission from a provincial governor was as<br />
good as one from <strong>the</strong> king, Washing<strong>to</strong>n started upon his return journey, after remaining ten days in Bos<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
He s<strong>to</strong>pped two weeks in New York City with Beverly Robinson, whose wife's charming sister greatly<br />
pleased him. In her he beheld all that was beautiful in person, graceful in accomplishments, and excellent in<br />
character. There is no doubt that <strong>the</strong> young hero, who had withs<strong>to</strong>od <strong>the</strong> assaults of French and Indians<br />
combined, had resolved <strong>to</strong> surrender <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> bewitching charms of this damsel. But he found that a true and<br />
worthy friend of his had already captured <strong>the</strong> prize, and was exulting in <strong>the</strong> possession of her heart.<br />
Disappointed, but not cast down, he bade <strong>the</strong> charmer adieu, and hurried away.<br />
He reached Williamsburg on <strong>the</strong> twenty-third day of March, after an absence of seven weeks. He had but just<br />
arrived when a messenger came dashing in<strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn, <strong>the</strong> bearer of appalling news.<br />
"The Indians are approaching Winchester in force, burning and plundering as <strong>the</strong>y go!" he shouted.<br />
"Have you any better evidence of <strong>the</strong>ir depredations than rumor?" inquired Washing<strong>to</strong>n, recalling some<br />
experiences of <strong>the</strong> past, "or do you announce what you know <strong>to</strong> be a fact?"<br />
"The evidence of <strong>the</strong>ir approach and plunder is positive," replied <strong>the</strong> messenger; "and <strong>the</strong> inhabitants are<br />
flocking in<strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn from <strong>the</strong>ir pillaged and burning homes."<br />
Washing<strong>to</strong>n was satisfied that <strong>the</strong> startling tidings was no false alarm, and, putting spurs <strong>to</strong> his charger, he<br />
dashed away <strong>to</strong> Winchester. His arrival reassured <strong>the</strong> terrified inhabitants and <strong>the</strong>y bravely rallied <strong>to</strong> defend<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir homes. Everything was put upon a war basis as soon as possible. A few days passed, and Washing<strong>to</strong>n<br />
wrote <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> governor as follows:<br />
"However absurd it may appear, it is, never<strong>the</strong>less, certain that five hundred Indians have it more in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
power <strong>to</strong> annoy <strong>the</strong> inhabitants than ten times <strong>the</strong>ir number of regulars. Besides <strong>the</strong> advantageous way <strong>the</strong>y<br />
have of fighting in <strong>the</strong> woods, <strong>the</strong>ir cunning and craft, <strong>the</strong>ir activity and patient sufferings are not <strong>to</strong> be