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 106<br />
equalled. They prowl about like wolves, and, like <strong>the</strong>m, do <strong>the</strong>ir mischief by stealth. They depend upon <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
dexterity in hunting, and upon <strong>the</strong> cattle of <strong>the</strong> inhabitants, for provisions."<br />
In an interview with Mr. Fairfax, Washing<strong>to</strong>n remarked:<br />
"You will recall my prophecy that our frontier will be ravaged until Fort Duquesne is captured and <strong>the</strong> French<br />
are driven from <strong>the</strong> Ohio."<br />
"I remember your prophecy distinctly," replied Mr. Fairfax; "and now we reap as we sowed. We sowed <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
wind, and now we are reaping <strong>the</strong> whirlwind."<br />
"Even now it is not <strong>to</strong>o late <strong>to</strong> recover what has been lost, were <strong>the</strong> government so disposed," continued<br />
Washing<strong>to</strong>n. "I do not despair only so far as those in authority fail <strong>to</strong> support military operations. The enemy<br />
has appealed <strong>to</strong> arms, and <strong>the</strong>re is no alternative but <strong>to</strong> accept <strong>the</strong> challenge."<br />
The following extract from one of his letters <strong>to</strong> General Loudoun, who superseded General Shirley as<br />
commander-in-chief of <strong>the</strong> British forces in America, discloses <strong>the</strong> unhappy condition of affairs:<br />
"I am <strong>to</strong>o little acquainted, sir, with pa<strong>the</strong>tic language, <strong>to</strong> attempt a description of <strong>the</strong> people's distresses; but I<br />
have a generous soul, sensible of wrongs and swelling for redress. But what can I do? I see <strong>the</strong>ir situation,<br />
know <strong>the</strong>ir danger, and participate in <strong>the</strong>ir sufferings, without having it in my power <strong>to</strong> give <strong>the</strong>m fur<strong>the</strong>r relief<br />
than uncertain promises. In short, I see inevitable destruction in so clear a light, that unless vigorous measures<br />
are taken by <strong>the</strong> Assembly, and speedy assistance sent from below, <strong>the</strong> poor inhabitants that are now in forts<br />
must unavoidably fall, while <strong>the</strong> remainder are flying before a barbarous foe. In fine, <strong>the</strong> melancholy situation<br />
of <strong>the</strong> people, <strong>the</strong> little prospect of assistance, <strong>the</strong> gross and scandalous abuse cast upon <strong>the</strong> officers in general,<br />
which reflects upon me in particular, for suffering misconduct of such extraordinary kinds, and <strong>the</strong> distant<br />
prospect, if any, of gaining honor and reputation in <strong>the</strong> service, cause me <strong>to</strong> lament <strong>the</strong> hour that gave me a<br />
commission: and would induce me, at any o<strong>the</strong>r time than this of imminent danger, <strong>to</strong> resign, without one<br />
hesitating moment, a command from which I never expect <strong>to</strong> reap ei<strong>the</strong>r honor or benefit; but, on <strong>the</strong> contrary,<br />
have almost an absolute certainty of incurring displeasure below, while <strong>the</strong> murder of helpless families may<br />
be laid <strong>to</strong> my account here. The supplicating tears of <strong>the</strong> women and moving petitions of <strong>the</strong> men melt me in<strong>to</strong><br />
such deadly sorrow that I solemnly declare, if I know my own mind, I could offer myself a willing sacrifice <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> butchering enemy, provided that would contribute <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> people's ease."<br />
Two days afterwards, he addressed ano<strong>the</strong>r letter <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> governor, in which he said:<br />
"Not an hour, nay, scarcely a minute, passes, that does not produce fresh alarms and melancholy accounts.<br />
Nor is it possible <strong>to</strong> give <strong>the</strong> people <strong>the</strong> necessary assistance for <strong>the</strong>ir defence, on account of <strong>the</strong> small number<br />
of men we have, or that are likely <strong>to</strong> be here for some time. The inhabitants are removing daily, and in a short<br />
time will leave this country as desolate as Hampshire, where scarce a family lives."<br />
"Three families were murdered night before last, at <strong>the</strong> distance of less than twelve miles from this place; and<br />
every day we have accounts of such cruelties and barbarities as are shocking <strong>to</strong> human nature. It is not<br />
possible <strong>to</strong> conceive <strong>the</strong> situation and danger of this miserable country. Such numbers of French and Indians<br />
are all round that no road is safe; and here we know not <strong>the</strong> hour we may be attacked."<br />
For nearly two years Washing<strong>to</strong>n vainly attempted <strong>the</strong> defence of <strong>the</strong> frontier, <strong>the</strong> French and Indians all <strong>the</strong><br />
while plundering and murdering <strong>the</strong> inhabitants in one locality while he was defending ano<strong>the</strong>r, multiplying<br />
scenes of barbarity as only savages could. The following description of a single scene is by Washing<strong>to</strong>n<br />
himself:<br />
"One day as we drew near, through <strong>the</strong> woods, <strong>to</strong> a dwelling, suddenly we heard <strong>the</strong> discharge of a gun.