From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 97
no more."
Washington was so ill after the army reached the great crossings of the Youghiogeny, that Dr. Craik advised
him to stop until he rallied. He had been feverish for several days, and for that reason had ridden in a covered
wagon.
"Death is almost inevitable if you continue," said Dr. Craik. "Stop here until the violence of your fever abates,
and then you can come up with Dunbar's rear division."
"I think you are unnecessarily alarmed, doctor," answered Washington. "In a few days I shall be all right. It
will be a great trial to me to stop here and not advance with the army."
"It may prove a greater trial for you to advance," suggested Dr. Craik. "Rest and quiet may restore you
speedily now, but it may be too late three days hence."
General Braddock also appealed to him.
"You are altogether too unwell to proceed, Colonel Washington," he said, "and you must not attempt it."
"But I would not miss being with you at the attack upon Fort Duquesne for five hundred pounds," replied
Washington.
"And you will not if you stop here until you are better; but if you go on, you may be dead and buried by that
time, or too sick to participate in the battle," was the general's wise answer.
"I will stop here if you will promise that I shall rejoin the army before an engagement," added Washington.
"I pledge you my word of honor, in the most solemn manner, that it shall be effected."
Washington remained, soon rallied, and rejoined the army when it was encamped about two miles from the
Monongahela River.
Washington had feared disaster, as Franklin did, from Braddock's ignorance of Indian warfare.
"Let me reconnoitre in advance with the three companies of Virginia marksmen," he proposed. "We
understand the tactics of the savages, and can fight them in their own way."
"Allow me to suggest, young man, that the savages will be of little account before my regulars," was
Braddock's haughty answer, evidently thinking that his youthful aid-de-camp was too officious.
"The best disciplined troops are not competent to fight Indians in the Indian way if they have had no
experience with savages," persisted Washington. "The order of battle and the usual rules and tactics of war are
of no account here."
"That may be your opinion and experience," replied the general, "but you have not had the king's efficient
troops here before. That makes all the difference in the world."
"Nevertheless," added Washington, "defeat awaits us unless we are prepared to meet Indians with their own
tactics."
Before the army took up its line of march from Alexandria, Washington advised General Braddock not to wait
for any wagons to be provided. Braddock had been disappointed in getting a supply of these; and when Dr.