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 94<br />
member of <strong>the</strong> convention from Pennsylvania, holding <strong>the</strong> position of postmaster-general under <strong>the</strong> king at <strong>the</strong><br />
time and he presented a plan that was accepted by all <strong>the</strong> delegates except those from Connecticut. For <strong>the</strong><br />
want of complete union, <strong>the</strong> project was abandoned, and <strong>the</strong> British ministry <strong>to</strong>ok <strong>the</strong> conduct of <strong>the</strong> war in<strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>ir own hands. They promptly adopted measures <strong>to</strong> force <strong>the</strong> French Government <strong>to</strong> retire from <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
advanced position in America.<br />
In January, 1755, General Braddock was sent from Ireland, with two regiments of infantry, well equipped and<br />
well drilled. Their arrival aroused <strong>the</strong> depressed Colonists <strong>to</strong> enthusiasm. They forgot <strong>the</strong> troubles that had<br />
divided <strong>the</strong>m, and united <strong>to</strong> expel <strong>the</strong> French from <strong>the</strong> country.<br />
General Braddock reported <strong>to</strong> Governor Dinwiddie at Williamsburg, and laid before him his plans of<br />
operation. As <strong>the</strong> fame of <strong>the</strong> youthful Washing<strong>to</strong>n had reached him in <strong>the</strong> old country, his thoughts were very<br />
naturally directed <strong>to</strong> him in this interview.<br />
"Where is Colonel Washing<strong>to</strong>n," he inquired. "I long <strong>to</strong> see him."<br />
"He is retired from <strong>the</strong> service, sir," replied <strong>the</strong> governor.<br />
"Retired?" exclaimed General Braddock. "Colonel Washing<strong>to</strong>n retired? Pray, sir, what is <strong>the</strong> reason?"<br />
"He was displeased with <strong>the</strong> king's order reducing <strong>the</strong> rank of provincial officers," answered <strong>the</strong> governor.<br />
And he proceeded <strong>to</strong> explain <strong>the</strong> matter in full, without exposing his own agency in <strong>the</strong> matter. General<br />
Braddock heard him through, when he re<strong>to</strong>rted with indignation:<br />
"Colonel Washing<strong>to</strong>n is right. It is a shame for <strong>the</strong> government <strong>to</strong> issue such an order, and as unjust as it is<br />
shameful."<br />
"But your disciplined troops are far more valuable than an undisciplined force like ours," suggested <strong>the</strong><br />
governor.<br />
"Granted," answered General Braddock; "and so much more credit <strong>to</strong> Colonel Washing<strong>to</strong>n, who handled<br />
undisciplined troops so well. He must be a brave and efficient officer."<br />
"He is," responded Governor Dinwiddie; "no one disputes that."<br />
"Then he ought <strong>to</strong> have <strong>the</strong> chance for promotion that <strong>the</strong> king's officers do," interrupted <strong>the</strong> general. "I don't<br />
like such partiality. Colonel Washing<strong>to</strong>n must be brought back in<strong>to</strong> service."<br />
"I should be glad <strong>to</strong> see him in active service again, and nothing would please our people more," rejoined <strong>the</strong><br />
governor. "He is an idol with <strong>the</strong> Colonists, he has proved himself so loyal, brave, and efficient."<br />
"Well, where is he? I must see him," continued General Braddock.<br />
He was <strong>to</strong>ld that he was on his farm at Mount Vernon.<br />
"Then he must leave his farm for <strong>the</strong> service of his country, as Cincinnatus did," interjected Braddock.<br />
General Braddock addressed a letter <strong>to</strong> him, soliciting an interview, and appealing <strong>to</strong> him strongly <strong>to</strong> give his<br />
able services <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> "common cause." He urged him <strong>to</strong> join his army, and offered him an honorable position<br />
upon his staff.<br />
Washing<strong>to</strong>n was <strong>to</strong>o much of a patriot <strong>to</strong> allow his personal grievance <strong>to</strong> interfere with <strong>the</strong> defence of his