From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 69
inflicted by the white men. The Indians in all these northwest regions had welcomed the French as brothers,
and truly fraternal relationship existed between them; and they had nearly all learned to hate the English.... It
would be very easy for the French so to arrange matters, that a band of savages should massacre and plunder
the party of the commissioners, in the depths of the forest, under such circumstances that it would necessarily
be regarded as merely a savage outrage."
In these circumstances, Governor Dinwiddie found it difficult to secure a responsible party to accept the
commission. He offered it to certain men in whom he had great confidence, but all of them declined. At
length, however, Major Washington, as we will call George now, waited upon the governor, and surprised
him by saying:
"I have come, Governor Dinwiddie, to offer my services as commissioner to Ohio. If you consider me
competent for the position, I will accept it, and do the best I can."
"Certainly you are competent for this business," answered the governor, "and you are as brave as you are
competent. It is a perilous undertaking, and may cost you your life."
"I understand that," responded the major; "and I have come to this decision after weighing well the difficulties
and dangers. My occupation as surveyor has inured me to hardships, and given me some acquaintance with
Indian life and character."
"That is true," remarked the governor, who was familiar with young Washington's success in surveying, as
well as with his knowledge of military affairs, "and that experience will be of great value on such a mission as
this. I will appoint you commissioner at once, with full powers to plan and perform the expedition."
"And what are your wishes about the time of starting?" inquired Washington.
"As soon as your preparations can be consummated," Governor Dinwiddie answered. "Winter is near by, and
the sooner you can start the better."
"I can be ready within a few days," replied Washington, his answer furnishing a good illustration of his
promptness.
"Just as you please; the whole responsibility is with you, and I will forward your commission as soon as
possible," the governor said.
We are able to furnish the commission under which Washington acted on that important mission, as follows:
I, reposing especial trust in the ability, conduct, and fidelity of you, the said George Washington, have
appointed you my express messenger; and you are hereby authorized and empowered to proceed hence, with
all convenient and possible despatch, to that part or place on the River Ohio where the French have lately
erected a fort or forts, or where the commandant of the French forces resides, in order to deliver my letter and
message to him; and, after waiting not exceeding one week for an answer, you are to take leave and return
immediately back.
To this commission I have set my hand, and caused the great seal of this Dominion to be affixed, at the city of
Williamsburg, the seat of my government, this thirtieth day of October, in the twenty-seventh year of the reign
of King George the Second, King of Great Britain, Annoque Domini, 1753. ROBERT DINWIDDIE.
The news of Washington's voluntary offer to act as commissioner to the French on the Ohio was received with
great satisfaction by the Colonists. They took occasion both in public and private to extol his bravery and
unselfishness. To a less humble and modest young man the enthusiastic demonstration in his honor would