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CHAPTER VI.

Hostilities anticipated-English proceed to erect a fort at the mouth of the Monongahela-Repulsed by the French-Fort Du Quesne erected-March of English forces to the Ohio-Skirmish with Jumonville -Battle of the Great Meadows, and retreat east of the mountains— Hostilities of the French against neutral tribes of Indians, and others friendly to the English.

Upon Washington's return, and his reporting the state of affairs in the Ohio region, it was immediately resolved to push forward in the fulfilment of the instructions received from the Ministry. It was no longer doubted that a collision of arms would take place, and in that way alone be settled the question of dispute. The importance then of having some foot-hold within the limits of the country, by the establishment of forts, as had been foreseen by the ministry, was at once appreciated.

Orders were now issued from the Governor and council of Virginia for raising two volunteer companies, of one hundred men each; and if a failure attended the effort, the requisite forces should be obtained by drafts from the militia. Major Washington was appointed to the chief command, without a dissenting voice in the council, as the most suitable person, from his lately acquired knowledge of the country, as well as the favorable repute he bore as an officer. Captain Trent, the second in command, was sent to the frontier to raise troops, as much as possible from among the traders and hunters, who were better adapted to a campaign in the wilderness, from being inured to life of the kind.

In the meantime Washington repaired to Alexandria on the Potomac, to superintend the transportation of supplies, and the cannon designed to be mounted on the fort. Washington, while on his way to Le Bœuf, had examined the point of land at the mouth of the Monongahela, and afterwards reported it as a favorable position for a fort. Upon his suggestion, therefore, it was determined to proceed thither first, and erect a fort.

At the same time, calls were made on the other provinces for assistance in troops. The ensuing spring was determined upon for the campaign. And that the scheme might be successfully carried out, the provinces to the north eastward were desired, by the Governor of Virginia, to raise troops, and march on the French frontier, low down on the Lakes, in order to occupy the attention of the enemy's forces in winter quarters, in that direction, that those on the Ohio might not be reinforced.

Aid was likewise solicited from the southern Indians, by sending messengers to the Catawbas and Cherokees. Assistance from the Delawares and Twightees, and other nations in Ohio, was also expected. But the powerful nations of Ottowas and Chippewas were the allies of the French, and their strength was to be dreaded.

When Captain Trent had raised a party of men, he set out for the junction of the Monongahela and Allegheny, to push on the erection of the fort. Major Washington remained, behind, actively engaged with others, raising the requisite number of men to follow, and ably garrison the fort when erected.

To facilitate the enlistment of the number of troops wanted, Governor Dinwiddie issued a proclamation, granting two thousand acres of land on the Ohio river,

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to be divided among those who would do service in the expedition. One thousand acres were ordered to be laid off contiguous to the fort, at the junction of the Monongahela and Allegheny, for the use of the soldiers doing duty there, to be called the garrison.lands.

"The reasons assigned by the governor to the ministers for making this grant were, that he hoped the soldiers would become permanent settlers, and that it was better to secure the lands by such a bounty, than to allow the French to take quiet possession of as many millions of acres as he had granted thousands. His proclamation was sanctioned by the King, but it was not well received in another quarter. The Assembly of Pennsylvania took alarm at the freedom, with which lands, situate as they said in that province, were given away. Governor Hamilton wrote an expostulatory letter. It was a perplexing case; but Governor Dinwiddie escaped from the difficulty by replying, that the claims of Pennsylvania were at least doubtful, the boundary line not having been run, that the object in view equally concerned both provinces, that his grant did not necessarily imply future jurisdiction, and that, if the Pennsylvania should be established, the quitrents might eventually be paid to the proprietary instead of the

crown."*

North Carolina extended her aid by a vote of the Assembly, of twelve thousand pounds, and forwarded information, that a respectable number would soon be raised to join them. About the same time, two independent companies from New York, and one from South Carolina, were enlisted under the auspices of the Earl of Holdernesse. "These were colonial troops, raised

Sparks.

and supported at the king's charge, and commanded by officers with roya! commissions, they could be marched to any part of the continent."

The 1st of April arriving, six companies were in the field. The services of Col. Joshua Fry being perhaps unexpectedly received, he was appointed to the chief command; and Major Washington to the second in command, with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. It was now concluded to proceed with the troops and reinforce Captain Trent on the Ohio. Col. Washington, who had, during the winter, rendezvoused two companies at Alexandria, was ordered in with this portion of the troops. The artillery and other heavy articles were sent up the Potomac by water. On the 20th of the same month, Col. Washington reached Will's creek; having been joined on the way by another company, under Captain Stephen. Two days before he arrived at this place, a rumor met him, that Captain Trent's company had been driven from the Ohio by the French and Indians; and soon the arrival of Ensign Ward, of the company, confirmed the report.

On the 17th of April, it seemed, while they were busily engaged in erecting the fortification, the company, numbering forty-one men, under the command of Ensign Ward-on account of the absence of Captain Trent at Will's creek, and Lieutenant Frazier at his residence on the Monongahela-that there suddenly appeared on the bosom of the Allegheny, descending from above, a fleet of sixty bateaus and three hundred canoes, promiscuously manned with above one thousand French and Indians. M. de Contrecœur commanded the formidable host, and eighteen pieces of cannon were brought with them. Sweeping down abreast with a most imposing display, they landed on the opposite

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shore from the fort, and disembarked, parading their cannon and forces on the bank. Two or three messengers in a canoe being sent across by the commandant to the workmen, an immediate surrender was demanded, with threats of instant hostilities if the terms were not complied with.

Ensign Ward, with so small a party, and an unfinished fortification, could consequently do but little better than capitulate on almost any terms dictated by so formidable a force. However, some little generosity was extended him in the predicament. He was permitted to withdraw his men, and have time to remove his work-tools.

The French in possession of the fort, commenced an immediate enlargement and completion of it, which they called Fort Du Quesne, in honor of the Governor of Canada.

Col. Washington, at Will's creek, near where the village of Cumberland has since been built, found himself, upon receipt of this intelligence, placed in a most critical juncture. Not joined yet by Col. Fry, his whole force did not number more than one hundred and fifty men; and already advanced to an outpost, further procedure into the country, where it was uncertain that succour would reach them, might seem imprudent. However, after sending expresses to the Governors of Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, concerning the state of affairs, it was determined, in a council with the officers, to penetrate across the mountains as far as to the mouth of Redstone creek, on the Monongahela, and there employ the soldiers in erecting a fortification, till the arrival of reinforcements.

No route having been opened yet; and even an uncertainty often attending the proper direction they