From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

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