From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

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