From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 108
"That is true, no doubt, but I have more hope that General Abercrombie will do something effective for this
part of the country," answered Fairfax. "General Loudoun had more than his hands full to look after the troops
at the north, so that he could give little attention to our claims."
"I wish that it might be so," responded Washington; "but the only effective blow that can be struck for us is
the reduction of Fort Duquesne. Until that is done, the enemy has a base of supplies, and a refuge from which
to sally forth at any time, for pillage and butchery on the frontier. The possession of Canada is important, and
victories there now would greatly encourage our people. An army of from five to ten thousand men would
drive the French and Indians before it, and put the English into speedy possession of the Ohio."
"And that will encourage the people, and put hope and life into them," added Fairfax.
"And patriotism, too, I should hope," said Washington. "Our people lack patriotism, and there is no disguising
it."
One of Washington's trials, at that time, was the unwillingness of the people to incur the expense and dangers
of war. They appeared to think that sufferings and death alone awaited them in warfare with Indians. Such
harrowing tales of cruelties by the savages had come to them, that they shrank from conflict with the
barbarians.
Mrs. Washington was very much opposed to her son going to the Ohio again. Rumors of another expedition
against Duquesne reached her, whereupon she wrote to him, entreating him not to undertake the hazardous
enterprise. He replied to her as follows:
DEAR MOTHER,--If it is my power to avoid going to the Ohio again, I shall; but if the command is pressed
upon me by the general voice of the country, and offered upon such terms as cannot be objected against, it
would reflect dishonor upon me to refuse it; and that, I am sure, must and ought to give you greater uneasiness
than my going in an honorable command. Upon no other terms will I accept it. At present I have no proposals
made to me, nor have I any advice of such an intention, except from private hands.
General Abercrombie surprised Washington, however, by issuing an order to organize a strong expedition
against Duquesne. The newly appointed commander-in-chief appeared to comprehend the situation as his
predecessors had not, and Washington was overjoyed. The cloud that had enveloped his spirit was lifted, and
he saw a brighter future.
The northern troops, also, were meeting with successes, and news of their victories gladdened all hearts. The
expeditions against Louisburg, Ticonderoga, and Crown Point proved fortunate, and the people became more
and more hopeful as their advances were known.
"There is hope now for our cause," remarked Washington to Mr. Fairfax at Williamsburg, very much elated
by the prospect before him. "I can see the end now. It looks as if General Abercrombie was the right man in
the right place."
"I hope so," responded Mr. Fairfax. "He appears to think that two or three times as many troops as you have
had before will be none too many to march against Duquesne."
"There is my hope," continued Washington. "An army large enough to strike an effective blow will save both
money and men for the government. Half enough is cruelly exposing all to defeat and butchery."
"So it has proved," remarked Fairfax.
"To the discouragement and fear of the people throughout this part of the country," replied Washington. "But