Left to act and proceed at hazard, accountable for the consequences, and blamed without the benefit of defence, if you can think my situation capable of exciting the smallest degree of envy, or affording the least satisfaction, the truth is yet hidden from you, and you entertain notions very different from the reality of the case. However, I am determined to bear up under all these embarrassments some time longer, in hope of a better regulation on the arrival of Lord Loudoun, to whom I look for the future fate of Virginia." The Speaker replied; "I am truly concerned at the uneasiness you are under in your present situation, and the more so, as I am sensible you have too much reason for it. The present unhappy state of our country must fill the mind of every well-wisher to it with dismal and gloomy apprehensions; and without some speedy alteration in our counsels, which may God send, the fate of it must soon be determined."

The year was now drawing to a close. As the Earl of Loudoun was expected soon in Virginia, Colonel Washington resolved to await his arrival, and lay before him a general exposition of the state of affairs, and if possible to have the Virginia troops put upon the regular establishment under the direction of his Lordship, as the only mode by which the command of them could be useful to his country, or honorable to himself. In anticipation of this event he drew up an able and luminous statement, which he transmitted to Lord Loudoun, then with the armies at the north.

The paper begins with a modest apology for intruding upon his Lordship's notice, which is followed by a brief sketch of the history of the war in Virginia, and of the part acted in it by the author. With the discrimination of an acute observer and an experienced officer, he traced a narrative of events, exposed the

errors that had been committed and their consequences, both in the civil and military departments, explained their causes, and suggested remedies for the future. The communication was favorably received, and acknowledged in a complimentary reply.

Lord Loudoun did not execute his first purpose of going to Virginia, but summoned a meeting of several governors and principal officers at Philadelphia, to consult on a comprehensive plan for the next campaign. Colonel Washington attended the meeting, where he met with a flattering reception from the commanderin-chief, who solicited and duly valued his counsels. The result, however, was only a partial fulfilment of his hopes. In the grand scheme of operations it was decided, that the main efforts should be made on the Lakes and Canada borders, where the enemy's forces were embodied, and that the middle and southern colonies should continue in a defensive posture. He had the satisfaction to find, nevertheless, that his advice was followed in regard to local arrangements. The Virginia troops were withdrawn from Fort Cumberland, which was left to the charge of Maryland. Colonel Stanwix was stationed in the interior of Pennsylvania, with five companies from the Royal American Regiments; and, although the Virginia commander was unsuccessful in his endeavours to be placed upon the British establishment, yet, in conformity with his wishes, he was to act in concert with that officer, and be in some sort under his orders. He strenuously recommended an expedition against Fort Duquesne, believing it might be effected with a certainty of success, since the French must necessarily leave that garrison in a weak condition, in order to concentrate their force at the north to meet the formidable preparations making against them in that quarter. The wisdom of this ad

vice was afterwards manifest to all; and, had it been seasonably heeded, it would have saved the expense of another campaign, besides preventing the ravages and murders committed in the mean time on the border settlers. In these views, if not in others, he had the hearty concurrence of Governor Dinwiddie.

From the conference at Philadelphia he returned to his usual station at Winchester. The remainder of the season was passed in a routine of duties so nearly resembling those of the two preceding years, as to afford little novelty or interest for a separate recital. Emboldened by successes, the Indians continued their hostilities, attacking the outposts, and killing the defenceless inhabitants. In short, the service had nothing in it to reward generous sacrifices, or gratify a noble ambition. As a school of experience it ultimately proved advantageous to him. It was his good fortune, likewise, to gain honor and reputation even in so barren a field, by retaining the confidence of his fellowcitizens, and fulfilling the expectations of his friends in the legislature, who had pressed upon him the command, and urged his holding it.

But the fatigue of body and mind, which he suffered from the severity of his labors, gradually undermined his strength, and his physician insisted on his retiring from the army. He went to Mount Vernon, where his disease settled into a fever, and reduced him so low, that he was confined four months, till the 1st of March, 1758, before he was able to resume his command.

VOL. I.

12

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CHAPTER V.

Governor Dinwiddie sails for England. - An Expedition against Fort Duquesne planned by the British Ministry, to be under the Command of General Forbes.-The Virginia Army augmented, and united with the Regular Troops in this Enterprise. - Colonel Washington marches to Fort Cumberland. - Acts in Concert with Colonel Bouquet. Joins the main Army at Raystown under General Forbes. — Forms a Plan of March suited to the Mountains and Woods. - Commands the advanced Division of the Army. — Capture of Fort Duquesne.— He returns to Virginia, resigns his Commission, and retires to private Life.

GOVERNOR DINWIDDIE sailed for England in the month of January. His departure was not regretted. However amiable in his social relations, however zealous in the discharge of his public trusts, he failed to win the hearts, or command the respect, of the people. Least of all was he qualified to transact military affairs. His whole course of conduct was marked with a confusion, uncertainty, and waywardness, which caused infinite perplexity to the commander of the Virginia troops. Every one regarded the change as salutary to the interests of the colony. His place was filled for a short time by John Blair, President of the Council, till the arrival of Francis Fauquier, the next governor. The Earl of Loudoun had been commissioned as successor to Governor Dinwiddie, but his military occupations at the north prevented his entering upon the duties of the office.

A brighter prospect now opened to Colonel Washington. As soon as his health was restored, he went back to the army; and from that time met with a hearty coöperation in all his measures. He was happy to find, also, that his early and constant wishes were at last to be realized by a combined expedition to the

Ohio. New energy had been recently infused in the British councils by the accession of Mr. Pitt to the ministry. That statesman, always guided by an enlarged policy, always friendly to the colonies, and understanding their condition and importance much better than his predecessors, resolved on a vigorous prosecution of the war in America. One of his first acts was a plan for the campaign of 1758, in which offensive operations were to be pursued throughout the frontiers. General Forbes was appointed to take command of an expedition against Fort Duquesne. To prepare the way, Mr. Pitt, knowing the temper of the people, and profiting by the mistakes heretofore committed, wrote a circular letter to the colonies most nearly concerned, and requested their united aid on such terms, as were acceded to with alacrity, and carried into effect with promptitude and spirit. He proposed that all the colonial troops should be supplied with arms, ammunition, tents, and provisions, at the King's charge; leaving to the colonies no other expense, than that of levying, clothing, and paying the men. It was moreover stipulated, that the provincial officers, when joined with the King's troops, should hold rank according to their commissions. Had this wise and equitable policy been put in practice three years before, it would have given a very different aspect to the war in America, by diminishing the heavy burdens of the people, promoting harmony and good feeling, producing contentment among the troops, and drawing out the resources and strength of the country in a more effectual manner.

The Virginia Assembly met, and immediately complied with the requisitions of the minister, augmenting their army to two thousand men, offering a bounty for enlistments, and placing the whole under the general direction of the commander of his Majesty's forces,