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 77<br />
reached Venango, seventy miles distant, on <strong>the</strong> fourth day of December. Venango was situated at <strong>the</strong> mouth of<br />
French Creek, on <strong>the</strong> Ohio.<br />
Seeing <strong>the</strong> French colors flying from <strong>the</strong> house of Mr. John Frazier, an English subject, whom <strong>the</strong>y had driven<br />
from his house, Washing<strong>to</strong>n repaired thi<strong>the</strong>r at once, <strong>to</strong> inquire where <strong>the</strong> commander of <strong>the</strong> French forces<br />
resided. He found three officers <strong>the</strong>re, one of whom, Captain Joncaire, of whom Monaca<strong>to</strong>ocha had spoken,<br />
said:<br />
"I command <strong>the</strong> French now."<br />
Washing<strong>to</strong>n had made known his business, whereupon Captain Joncaire referred him <strong>to</strong> an officer in ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
fort far<strong>the</strong>r on.<br />
"But you will s<strong>to</strong>p and dine with us?" said <strong>the</strong> captain in a very cordial manner. "We shall feel honored by<br />
your company."<br />
Washing<strong>to</strong>n accepted <strong>the</strong> invitation, which turned <strong>to</strong> his advantage beyond his expectations; for <strong>the</strong> French<br />
officers imbibed so much wine that <strong>the</strong>y became talkative, as well as communicative, and imparted<br />
information which <strong>the</strong>y would have withholden when sober.<br />
"The French design <strong>to</strong> take possession of <strong>the</strong> Ohio." said one of <strong>the</strong> tipsy officers, "and <strong>the</strong>y will do it in spite<br />
of all opposition. We know that <strong>the</strong> English can raise two men <strong>to</strong> our one, but <strong>the</strong>y are so mortal slow that we<br />
can accomplish our object while <strong>the</strong>y are getting ready. The French have an undoubted right <strong>to</strong> this river, and<br />
<strong>the</strong>y will maintain it."<br />
Washing<strong>to</strong>n appreciated his opportunity <strong>to</strong> gain information, and he plied his inquiries for that purpose. He<br />
learned that <strong>the</strong> French had about fifteen hundred men between that place and Lake Ontario, but that all<br />
except six hundred of <strong>the</strong>m were recalled after <strong>the</strong> death of General Pierre Paul. He learned, also, <strong>the</strong> number<br />
of forts <strong>the</strong> French had erected, and where situated, <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>the</strong> number of men required <strong>to</strong> garrison<br />
each. Hence, <strong>the</strong> information acquired was worth much more than his dinner.<br />
X.<br />
FRENCH MISSION--(CONTINUED.)<br />
Monsieur La Force and three o<strong>the</strong>r soldiers accompanied Washing<strong>to</strong>n <strong>to</strong> see <strong>the</strong> commander at <strong>the</strong> next fort.<br />
The French officers resorted <strong>to</strong> various stratagems <strong>to</strong> prevent Tanacharisson, Jeskakake, <strong>White</strong> Thunder, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Hunter going with Washing<strong>to</strong>n. The latter unders<strong>to</strong>od very well that <strong>the</strong>ir object was <strong>to</strong> have an<br />
opportunity <strong>to</strong> win <strong>the</strong>m over <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> French. But Washing<strong>to</strong>n insisted upon <strong>the</strong>ir going with him, and rebuked<br />
Captain Joncaire for his meddlesome disposition.<br />
They were four days on <strong>the</strong>ir way <strong>to</strong> visit <strong>the</strong> commander, being obliged <strong>to</strong> wade through miry swamps much<br />
of <strong>the</strong> way. They reached <strong>the</strong> fort on <strong>the</strong> eleventh day of December.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> 12th, Washing<strong>to</strong>n waited upon <strong>the</strong> commander of <strong>the</strong> fort and made known his business, at <strong>the</strong> same<br />
time presenting him with <strong>the</strong> letter of Governor Dinwiddie. Returning <strong>the</strong> letter, <strong>the</strong> officer said:<br />
"The proper officer for you <strong>to</strong> see is Monsieur Reparti, whom <strong>the</strong> French government has commissioned <strong>to</strong> fill<br />
<strong>the</strong> position made vacant by <strong>the</strong> death of General Pierre Paul. He arrived seven days ago, and is expected at<br />
this fort every hour."