The miscellaneous works of David Humphreys :: :: University of Virginia Library

Virginia saw his great career begin,
Ere manhood's earliest honours deck'd his chin;
What time, a legate through the gloomy grove,
To quench the first-seen spark of war, he strove:
To him so young the task sublime consign'd,
Involv'd the peace or war of half mankind.
But vain his task. The spark that there began,
A fiery deluge through the nations ran.
Who has not heard, when round our borders far
Encroachments wak'd the colonies to war;
He led a band where band ne'er march'd before,
And dyed his maiden steel in savage gore?
Or how, by perils press'd, his growing fame
(When captur'd at the fort that drew its name

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From dire Necessity ) still higher rose?
Or how, when Braddock fell (though hedg'd by foes,
Though weak with sickness, watching, want of food,
And midnight wand'ring in the howling wood)
He hew'd a glorious passage, bold, discreet,
And sav'd an army by a sage retreat?
So through Misfortune's path the stripling far'd,
For other fields, by early feats, prepar'd.
So rose the youthful hero's glory—soon
To blaze and brighten in perennial noon—
High o'er each earth-born mist, that frequent shrouds
Meridian glory in a night of clouds.

The reader may have recourse to the journal of this mission, printed by authority, for information.

The American hero was sent, when very young, by the government of Virginia, to confer with the French commander on the frontiers, and to endeavour, by checking encroachments, to prevent hostilities. These, however, shortly afterwards commenced in that quarter, and extended to all parts of the world.

Fort Necessity, which was commanded by Colonel Washington, after a gallant defence, was surrendered by capitulation. The garrison was allowed to retire to the settlements.

On the day of Braddock's defeat, young Washington, who was so weak from a fever as to be supported by a cushion on his horse, performed the most arduous and meritorious services. After having conducted the shattered remains of the army across the Monongahels, into a place of safety, he proceeded through the dark and bowling wilderness all night, in order to reach the camp of Colonel Dunbar, and obtain the necessary succour as soon as possible. On his arrival he fainted, and suffered a relapse, which lasted for a considerable time.