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 88<br />
thousand men and eighteen cannon."<br />
"To take possession of <strong>the</strong> forks and erect a fort for <strong>the</strong>ir own defence," interjected Washing<strong>to</strong>n, who had<br />
called <strong>the</strong> attention of Governor Dinwiddie <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> probability of such an event.<br />
"Yes, that was what <strong>the</strong>y came for," replied Ward; "and <strong>the</strong>y were glad <strong>to</strong> see one so far under way, no doubt,<br />
as it would lighten <strong>the</strong>ir labors."<br />
"Did <strong>the</strong>y make an attack?" inquired Washing<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
"Captain Contrecoeur planted his cannon <strong>to</strong> sweep <strong>the</strong> fort, drew up his men in readiness for an attack, and<br />
<strong>the</strong>n sent a demand <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> English <strong>to</strong> surrender in one hour, or he would open fire."<br />
"Under <strong>the</strong> circumstances you could not object with much resolution," remarked Washing<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
"I didn't, but surrendered without parleying," replied Ward; "and we were allowed <strong>to</strong> march out bearing our<br />
arms and all our <strong>to</strong>ols."<br />
"This is a declaration of war," remarked Washing<strong>to</strong>n, "and we must govern ourselves accordingly."<br />
He called his officers <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r for consultation, and said <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>m:<br />
"The French have now invaded <strong>the</strong> frontier of <strong>the</strong> Colony, and as I construe my instructions from <strong>the</strong><br />
government, it is my duty <strong>to</strong> march forward <strong>to</strong> meet <strong>the</strong> invaders."<br />
"Without reinforcements from Colonel Fry?" anxiously inquired one of his officers.<br />
"No. We can march <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> mouth of Red S<strong>to</strong>ne Creek, which is thirty-seven miles above <strong>the</strong> fort captured by<br />
<strong>the</strong> French, <strong>the</strong>re throw up defences, and await <strong>the</strong> arrival of reinforcements."<br />
A messenger was posted away <strong>to</strong> Colonel Fry, while <strong>the</strong> army <strong>to</strong>ok up <strong>the</strong> line of march <strong>to</strong> Red S<strong>to</strong>ne Creek,<br />
where it hastily intrenched and awaited reinforcements.<br />
About <strong>the</strong> 1st of May, Captain Stevens arrived with his company of fifty men. Colonel Fry remained at his<br />
post <strong>to</strong> complete arrangements and bring up supplies; but he suddenly died, so that Washing<strong>to</strong>n was forced <strong>to</strong><br />
act as commander-in-chief.<br />
With his little army increased <strong>to</strong> one hundred and fifty men, Washing<strong>to</strong>n proceeded <strong>to</strong> Great Meadows,<br />
making a road suitable for transporting supplies as he advanced, and reaching his destination on <strong>the</strong> 27th of<br />
May. They had but just encamped when Mr. Gist arrived.<br />
"I have seen <strong>the</strong> trail of a party within five miles of you, which I am sure were French," he said <strong>to</strong><br />
Washing<strong>to</strong>n, under evident excitement.<br />
"I am not surprised at that announcement," replied Washing<strong>to</strong>n. "War is inevitable, and we must accept <strong>the</strong><br />
issue. We must look after <strong>the</strong>se French."<br />
"Or <strong>the</strong>y will look after us," re<strong>to</strong>rted Gist. "The French mean business; <strong>the</strong>re can be no doubt of that. Unless<br />
we mean business it is all up with us."<br />
"I will pursue <strong>the</strong>m at once," continued Washing<strong>to</strong>n; and he <strong>to</strong>ok forty men, leaving <strong>the</strong> remainder of his force<br />
<strong>to</strong> work on <strong>the</strong> intrenchments. Half-king, with a few Indians, joined him, and when it was supposed <strong>the</strong>y were