From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

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Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 94 member of the convention from Pennsylvania, holding the position of postmaster-general under the king at the time and he presented a plan that was accepted by all the delegates except those from Connecticut. For the want of complete union, the project was abandoned, and the British ministry took the conduct of the war into their own hands. They promptly adopted measures to force the French Government to retire from their advanced position in America. In January, 1755, General Braddock was sent from Ireland, with two regiments of infantry, well equipped and well drilled. Their arrival aroused the depressed Colonists to enthusiasm. They forgot the troubles that had divided them, and united to expel the French from the country. General Braddock reported to Governor Dinwiddie at Williamsburg, and laid before him his plans of operation. As the fame of the youthful Washington had reached him in the old country, his thoughts were very naturally directed to him in this interview. "Where is Colonel Washington," he inquired. "I long to see him." "He is retired from the service, sir," replied the governor. "Retired?" exclaimed General Braddock. "Colonel Washington retired? Pray, sir, what is the reason?" "He was displeased with the king's order reducing the rank of provincial officers," answered the governor. And he proceeded to explain the matter in full, without exposing his own agency in the matter. General Braddock heard him through, when he retorted with indignation: "Colonel Washington is right. It is a shame for the government to issue such an order, and as unjust as it is shameful." "But your disciplined troops are far more valuable than an undisciplined force like ours," suggested the governor. "Granted," answered General Braddock; "and so much more credit to Colonel Washington, who handled undisciplined troops so well. He must be a brave and efficient officer." "He is," responded Governor Dinwiddie; "no one disputes that." "Then he ought to have the chance for promotion that the king's officers do," interrupted the general. "I don't like such partiality. Colonel Washington must be brought back into service." "I should be glad to see him in active service again, and nothing would please our people more," rejoined the governor. "He is an idol with the Colonists, he has proved himself so loyal, brave, and efficient." "Well, where is he? I must see him," continued General Braddock. He was told that he was on his farm at Mount Vernon. "Then he must leave his farm for the service of his country, as Cincinnatus did," interjected Braddock. General Braddock addressed a letter to him, soliciting an interview, and appealing to him strongly to give his able services to the "common cause." He urged him to join his army, and offered him an honorable position upon his staff. Washington was too much of a patriot to allow his personal grievance to interfere with the defence of his
Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 95 country in these circumstances, and he waited upon General Braddock at Alexandria, and accepted the position. However, he wrote to a friend that it was not altogether patriotism that determined his decision. "I must be ingenuous enough to confess," he wrote, "that I am not a little biassed by selfish considerations. To explain: I wish earnestly to attain some knowledge in the military profession, and, believing a more favorable opportunity cannot offer than to serve under an officer of General Braddock's abilities and experience, it does, you may reasonably suppose, contribute not a little to influence my choice." As soon as possible after the arrival of General Braddock, Governor Dinwiddie called a conference of the governors of five Colonies to discuss war measures. The result of the conference was the plan of undertaking three expeditions. "The first of these was to be conducted by Braddock, with the British troops, against Fort Duquesne; the second, under the command of Governor Shirley of Maryland, now honored with the commission of general from the king, was intended for the reduction of the French fort of Niagara, and was composed of American regulars and Indians; the third was an expedition against Crown Point, to be undertaken by a regiment of militia." As soon as Washington's mother learned that her son had decided to join Braddock's army, she hastened to Mount Vernon in great distress. "I hoped you had quit war forever, George," she said, "and would be content to look after your farm and mother, without exposing yourself to death any more." "A man must be loyal to his country, mother," replied Washington. "He is not much of a man if he is not willing to risk his life for his country." "I will not dispute you, George, on that point," continued his mother; "but somehow I had got it into my mind that you were through with war, and I was glad of it. I suppose that a mother's love had more to do with it than patriotism." "But you believe in patriotism?" added Washington. "Of course I do." "But do not want your son to be patriotic," he quickly added, knowing exactly what course to pursue in order to secure his mother's approval. "Not so, George," Mrs. Washington answered. "I honor patriotism, and if it is necessary for you to join the army again, I am willing. As I said, a mother's love got the better of me for the moment." "It does seem necessary for me to go, mother, in the circumstances," added Washington. "As I am situated the refusal might be easily construed into a lack of patriotism. This is a critical time for the Colonies, when loyalty and patriotism alone can sustain their cause." "You are right, my son, and I will heartily withdraw my objections," responded Mrs. Washington, touched by her son's devotion to his country. "My prayers are all that I can give to my country, and these it shall have. That God may protect you through all the dangers and hardships of war, and return you in safety, will be my constant prayer. With His blessing you can be a useful man in war, as in peace, and without it you can expect nothing." Thus, as before, Washington entered upon the campaign with his mother's pious benediction. On the 9th of June he left Alexandria with Braddock's army, recruited to nearly three thousand men. Virginia raised three companies of her best marksmen, who joined the British troops. When the march began, and Washington took
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