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 95<br />
country in <strong>the</strong>se circumstances, and he waited upon General Braddock at Alexandria, and accepted <strong>the</strong><br />
position. However, he wrote <strong>to</strong> a friend that it was not al<strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r patriotism that determined his decision.<br />
"I must be ingenuous enough <strong>to</strong> confess," he wrote, "that I am not a little biassed by selfish considerations. To<br />
explain: I wish earnestly <strong>to</strong> attain some knowledge in <strong>the</strong> military profession, and, believing a more favorable<br />
opportunity cannot offer than <strong>to</strong> serve under an officer of General Braddock's abilities and experience, it does,<br />
you may reasonably suppose, contribute not a little <strong>to</strong> influence my choice."<br />
As soon as possible after <strong>the</strong> arrival of General Braddock, Governor Dinwiddie called a conference of <strong>the</strong><br />
governors of five Colonies <strong>to</strong> discuss war measures. The result of <strong>the</strong> conference was <strong>the</strong> plan of undertaking<br />
three expeditions. "The first of <strong>the</strong>se was <strong>to</strong> be conducted by Braddock, with <strong>the</strong> British troops, against Fort<br />
Duquesne; <strong>the</strong> second, under <strong>the</strong> command of Governor Shirley of Maryland, now honored with <strong>the</strong><br />
commission of general from <strong>the</strong> king, was intended for <strong>the</strong> reduction of <strong>the</strong> French fort of Niagara, and was<br />
composed of American regulars and Indians; <strong>the</strong> third was an expedition against Crown Point, <strong>to</strong> be<br />
undertaken by a regiment of militia."<br />
As soon as Washing<strong>to</strong>n's mo<strong>the</strong>r learned that her son had decided <strong>to</strong> join Braddock's army, she hastened <strong>to</strong><br />
Mount Vernon in great distress.<br />
"I hoped you had quit war forever, George," she said, "and would be content <strong>to</strong> look after your farm and<br />
mo<strong>the</strong>r, without exposing yourself <strong>to</strong> death any more."<br />
"A man must be loyal <strong>to</strong> his country, mo<strong>the</strong>r," replied Washing<strong>to</strong>n. "He is not much of a man if he is not<br />
willing <strong>to</strong> risk his life for his country."<br />
"I will not dispute you, George, on that point," continued his mo<strong>the</strong>r; "but somehow I had got it in<strong>to</strong> my mind<br />
that you were through with war, and I was glad of it. I suppose that a mo<strong>the</strong>r's love had more <strong>to</strong> do with it than<br />
patriotism."<br />
"But you believe in patriotism?" added Washing<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
"Of course I do."<br />
"But do not want your son <strong>to</strong> be patriotic," he quickly added, knowing exactly what course <strong>to</strong> pursue in order<br />
<strong>to</strong> secure his mo<strong>the</strong>r's approval.<br />
"Not so, George," Mrs. Washing<strong>to</strong>n answered. "I honor patriotism, and if it is necessary for you <strong>to</strong> join <strong>the</strong><br />
army again, I am willing. As I said, a mo<strong>the</strong>r's love got <strong>the</strong> better of me for <strong>the</strong> moment."<br />
"It does seem necessary for me <strong>to</strong> go, mo<strong>the</strong>r, in <strong>the</strong> circumstances," added Washing<strong>to</strong>n. "As I am situated <strong>the</strong><br />
refusal might be easily construed in<strong>to</strong> a lack of patriotism. This is a critical time for <strong>the</strong> Colonies, when<br />
loyalty and patriotism alone can sustain <strong>the</strong>ir cause."<br />
"You are right, my son, and I will heartily withdraw my objections," responded Mrs. Washing<strong>to</strong>n, <strong>to</strong>uched by<br />
her son's devotion <strong>to</strong> his country. "My prayers are all that I can give <strong>to</strong> my country, and <strong>the</strong>se it shall have.<br />
That God may protect you through all <strong>the</strong> dangers and hardships of war, and return you in safety, will be my<br />
constant prayer. With His blessing you can be a useful man in war, as in peace, and without it you can expect<br />
nothing."<br />
Thus, as before, Washing<strong>to</strong>n entered upon <strong>the</strong> campaign with his mo<strong>the</strong>r's pious benediction. On <strong>the</strong> 9th of<br />
June he left Alexandria with Braddock's army, recruited <strong>to</strong> nearly three thousand men. Virginia raised three<br />
companies of her best marksmen, who joined <strong>the</strong> British troops. When <strong>the</strong> march began, and Washing<strong>to</strong>n <strong>to</strong>ok