From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

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