From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 91
"Waste no powder; fire at discretion; and where-ever you discover a head, pick it off," were Washington's
instructions to his men.
The battle raged all day until eight o'clock in the evening, when the French commander, Monsieur De Villiers,
sent a flag of truce. Supposing it was a scheme to get a spy within the fort to discover its strength, Washington
declined to receive it. But De Villiers, evidently thinking the English force was much larger than it actually
was, persisted in his application for a parley. He asked that an English officer be sent to him, promising him
absolute safety.
Washington sent Van Braam, who returned in a short time with articles of capitulation for him to sign, and he
was accompanied by De Villiers himself.
Washington declined to sign them until they were amended to suit his wishes. About midnight the articles
were signed, and the fort surrendered.
On the morning of July 4, 1754, the little army marched out of the fort, with banners flying and the band
playing, carrying their arms with them, so that there was no degradation in the surrender. As the French had
killed all of Washington's horses and cattle, he could not take away his cannon and heavy baggage; so it was
stipulated that these should be protected until he could send for them.
In this his first battle, Washington lost fifty-eight men, while the French lost two hundred in killed and
wounded.
Washington marched his little army back to Williamsburg, where he was received with distinguished honors.
The governor tendered him hearty thanks in behalf of the government; and the House of Burgesses, which
soon assembled, unanimously adopted a vote of thanks "for their bravery, and the gallant manner in which
they had conducted themselves in the defence of the country." A resolution was passed, also, granting an
appropriation of four hundred pistoles to be distributed among the soldiers who had aided in the expedition. In
addition, the assembly made an appropriation of ten thousand dollars, in October following, for the public
service; and soon afterwards the English government forwarded fifty thousand dollars for the same purpose.
The defeat of Washington did not appear to modify the public confidence in him. The people knew full well
the great odds against which he contended, and judged him accordingly. That he should defend Fort Necessity
so long and so successfully, when fatigue and hunger were creating discontent, was proof to them of skill and
courage; and that he should secure terms of capitulation so honorable, appeared to them a reason of praise
rather than censure.
French historians have censured Washington for the death of Jumonville, denominating the attack upon his
small party "assassination." They claim that he was sent upon an embassy, of which there is not a shadow of
proof. On the other hand, there is positive evidence that Jumonville was conducting a reconnoitering party, to
ascertain the position and strength of the English.
Washington's report to Governor Dinwiddie, and the latter's letter to Lord Albemarle, establish the facts in the
case beyond contradiction. For this reason we introduce them here:
"I set out with forty men before ten, and it was from that time till near sunrise before we reached the Indians'
camp, having marched in small paths, through a heavy rain, and a night as dark as it is possible to conceive.
We were frequently tumbling over one another, and often so lost that fifteen or twenty minutes' search would
not find the path again.
"When we came to the half-king, I counselled with him, and got his assent to go hand in hand and strike the
French. Accordingly he, Monacawacha, and a few other Indians, set out with us; and when we came to the