From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 70
have proved too flattering; but no amount of such praise could develop vanity in Washington.
Hastily he prepared for the expedition. When ready to start, the company consisted of eight persons, as
follows: Washington; Christopher Gist; John Davidson, an interpreter for the Indians; Jacob Van Braam, his
old fencing-master, who could speak French; Henry Steward and William Jenkins, experienced "woodsmen;"
and two Indian guides, Barnaby Currin and John McQuire. Mr. Gist was eminently qualified for the post
given to him; for having made a settlement between the northwestern ridge of the Alleghanies and
Monongahela River, he had often traversed the country, and was well acquainted with the habits of the
Indians in the neighborhood through which their route lay.
Before starting upon this perilous mission, Washington paid a flying visit to his mother, who was dearer to
him than any other living person. The announcement that he was to proceed to the Ohio at once filled her with
alarm at first, and she thoroughly regretted that he had assumed the responsibility. However, she took a
favorable view of the enterprise, and said:
"It is a very responsible trust to be committed to one of your age, George, but God will give you wisdom and
watch over you, if you commit your ways to Him. My prayers shall not cease to go up for your success and
return."
With such emotions as unfeigned filial love creates, Washington parted from his mother.
The following is a copy of the letter which Washington carried from Governor Dinwiddie to the French
commander on the Ohio:
SIR:--The lands upon the River Ohio, in the western parts of the Colony of Virginia, are so notoriously known
to be the property of the Crown of Great Britain, that it is a matter of equal concern and surprise to me to hear
that a body of French forces are erecting fortresses and making settlements upon that river, within his
Majesty's dominions. The many and repeated complaints I have received of these acts of hostility lay me
under the necessity of sending, in the name of the king, my master, the bearer hereof, George Washington,
Esq., one of the adjutants-general of the forces of this dominion, to complain to you of the encroachments thus
made, and of the injuries done to the subjects of Great Britain, in violation of the law of nations, and the
treaties now subsisting between the two crowns. If these facts be true, and you think fit to justify your
proceedings, I must desire you to acquaint me by whose authority and instructions you have lately marched
from Canada with an armed force, and invaded the King of Great Britain's territories, in the manner
complained of; that, according to the purpose and resolution of your answer, I may act agreeably to the
commission I am honored with, from the king, my master. However, sir, in obedience to my instructions, it
becomes my duty to require your peaceable departure; and that you will forbear prosecuting a purpose so
interruptive of the harmony and good understanding which his Majesty is desirous to continue and cultivate
with the most Christian king. ROBERT DINWIDDIE.
IX.
MISSION TO THE FRENCH.
Washington left Williamsburg on the thirty-first day of October, 1753. He proceeded to Fredericksburg,
where Van Braam joined him, thence to Alexandria and Winchester for supplies and horses, but did not arrive
at Will's Creek, where Mr. Gist and others of the party were found, until Nov. 14.
"Now we must depend on you, Mr. Gist, to pilot us through the wilderness," said Washington. "My
knowledge of the way ends about where yours begins, I suspect; so we shall commit ourselves to your care."
"Well, I shall take a straight course to Frazier's, on the Monongahela River," answered Gist.