University of Virginia Library

CHAPTER VII.

VIRGINIA ASSUMING THE QUARREL.

The answer of St. Pierre, left no other course for the provincial
authorities to pursue, than prepare for war. Washington's
journal was published by order of the Council, to arouse
the people of the provinces. It was re-published in England,
exciting not only respect for its author, but a determination
to meet and resist the encroachments of France.[56]

Governor Dinwiddie sent messengers to the provinces of
North Carolina, Pennsylvania and New York, advising them
of the crisis, and calling upon them for assistance. Two companies
were ordered to be immediately raised in Virginia,—
one East, the other in the West, to proceed at once to the
erection of a fort at the point where Pittsburg now stands.
Washington was given the command of the force thus to
be raised. One company was to be enlisted by himself, and
the other by Captain Trent, an experienced frontierman.—
Five thousand acres of land were to be divided among those
who should enlist; one thousand acres of which were to be
laid off contiguous to the fort, for the use of the soldiers doing
duty there, which were to be called the `garrison lands.'[57]

The company raised by Trent, was ordered on, and directed
to put up, at the forks, with the least practicable delay, a fort
of suitable strength to resist any ordinary attack, and with
orders to destroy or capture any hostile or resisting force.[58]

On the 17th of February, 1754, Capt. Trent, with his
company, reached the forks, and immediately

commenced the erection of a fort. Early in April,
Capt. Trent, left his command to visit Wills creek, and soon
after, Lieutenant Frazier absented himself on a visit to his
family at the mouth of Turtle creek. Thus the command
devolved upon Ensign Ward, an officer of courage, but not
much experience, who with his little company of forty-one
men, vigorously pushed forward the fort. On the morning
of the 16th of April,[60] when all seemed security,
and none dreamed of danger, Ensign Ward, with
what terror may well be imagined, beheld approaching the
point, a French fleet of such magnitude as to startle the rustic
backwoodsman out of all notions of war, and war-like defences.
The French fleet numbered several hundred vessels.[62] They
descended the Alleghany, and sweeping round in front of the
"garrison," Monsieur Contrecœur, sent on shore the following
imperious summons to surrender.

"A SUMMONS,

Nothing can surprise me more than to see you attempt
a settlement upon the lands of the king, my master,
which obliges me now, sir, to send you this gentleman, Chevalier
Le Mercier, captain of the artillery of Canada, to know
of you, sir, by virtue of what authority you are come to
fortify yourself within the dominions of the king, my master.
This action seems so contrary to the last treaty of peace, at
Aix La Chapelle, between his most Christian Majesty and
the King of Great Britain, that I do not know to whom to
impute such an usurpation, as it is incontestable that the lands
situated along the Beautiful River belong to his most Christian
majesty.

"I am informed, sir, that your undertaking has been concerted
by none else than by a Company, who have more in
view the advantage of a trade than to endeavor to keep the
union and harmony which subsists between the two crowns of
France and Great Britain, although it is as much the interest,
sir, of your nation as ours to preserve it.

"Let it be as it will, sir, if you come out into this place,
charged with orders, I summon you in the name of the king,
my master, by virtue of orders which I got from my general,
to retreat peaceably with your troops from off the lands of
the king, and not to return, or else I will find myself obliged
to fulfil my duty, and compel you to it. I hope, sir, you will
not defer an instant, and that you will not force me to the
last extremity. In that case, sir, you may be persuaded that
I will give orders that there shall be no damage done by my
detachment.

"I prevent you, sir, from asking me one hour of delay,
nor to wait for my consent to receive orders from your governor.
He can give none within the dominions of the king,
my master. Those I have received of my general are my
laws, so that I cannot depart from them.

"On the contrary, sir, if you have not got orders, and only

come to trade, I am sorry to tell you, that I can't avoid seizing
you, and to confiscate your effects to the use of the Indians,
our children, allies and friends, as you are not allowed to carry
on a contraband trade. It is for this reason, sir, that we
stopped two Englishmen, last year, who were trading upon
our lands: moreover, the king, my master, asks nothing but
his right; he has not the least intention to trouble the good
harmony and friendship which reigns between his Majesty
and the King of Great Britain.

"The Governor of Canada can give proof of his having
done his utmost endeavors to maintain the perfect union
which reigns between two friendly princes. As he had learned
that the Iroquois and the Nipissingues of the Lake of the
Two Mountains had struck and destroyed an English family,
towards Carolina, he has barred up the road, and forced them
to give him a little boy belonging to that family, and which
Mr. Ulerich, a merchant of Montreal, has carried to Boston;
and what is more, he has forbid the savages from exercising
their accustomed cruelty upon the English, our friends.

"I could complain bitterly, sir, of the means taken all last
winter to instigate the Indians to accept the hatchet and to
strike us, while we were striving to maintain the peace. I
am well persuaded, sir, of the polite manner in which you
will receive M. Le Mercier, as well out of regard to his business
as his distinction and personal merit. I expect you will
send him back with one of your officers, who will bring me a
precise answer. As you have got some Indians with you, sir,
I join with M. Le Mercier, an interpreter, that he may inform
them of my intentions upon that subject.

With this summons Ensign Ward could do no less than
comply, and accordingly delivered up to the French entire
possession of the post; himself and men retiring up the
Monongahela as far as Redstone. Contrecœur took immediate
possession, and finishing the fort, called it Du Quesne,
after the Governor-general of Canada.

In the meantime, it having been determined by the Council
of Virginia to appropriate ten thousand pounds toward

carrying on the war, the two companies ordered to be raised
were increased to six, and Joshua Fry appointed colonel, with
Washington for lieutenant-colonel. The latter having organized
two companies at Alexandria, marched to Wills creek,
(Cumberland), where he received intelligence of the surrender
of Ward. Startled at this information, he was at a loss how
to act, as Colonel Fry had not arrived. But resolved on
checking the encroachments of the French, he determined to
erect a fort at the mouth of Redstone, (Brownsville,) and
pushing on boldly into the wilderness, had, by the
9th of May, reached the Little Meadows, at the
head of the Youghiogheny river.

Halting here his little command, Washington descended
the Youghiogheny to ascertain the chances of transporting
his men and artillery by water, and also to gather information
as to the movements of the French.

Finding the route by water impracticable, he returned, and
soon after a messenger from his old friend, the

Half King, came into camp to apprize him of
the rapid advance of a small party of Frenchmen. On the
same day, his former guide, Gist, called and confirmed the
statement of the Indian. But this information did not in the
least dishearten the gallant young commander. With the
least possible delay he hurried on to the "Great Meadows,"
an open and level piece of ground, and well adapted for a
place of defence. Here a hurried entrenchment was formed,
and every preparation made for meeting and resisting an
attack. Some time during the night a second express from
Tanacharison brought intelligence that the French were encamped
in a deep vale about six miles from his own position,
and to strike an effective blow it would be necessary to move
at once. Although the night was intensely dark, and the
rain falling in torrents, Washington, with the Indian guide,
led his little army forward, determined to anticipate the
attack of the French. Who can conceive the terrors of that
midnight mountain march over cragged rocks, through deep
ravines, amid the thunder of the elements and the darkness
visible which reigned around! With undaunted nerve the
youthful officer pressed on in the track of his Indian guide,
while his men followed in silence, for the sullen sound of the
thunder and fierce sweeping of the tempest smothered alike the
heavy tread of the one, and the stern command of the other.

At gray dawn, the united force of provincials and Indians
surrounded the camp of the French, who, little dreading an
attack at that time and place, were reposing in

conscious security. The guard, discovering the
presence of their foe, sounded the alarm, when an almost
simultaneous discharge took place.

M. De Jumonville, commander of the French, with ten of
his men, fell at the first fire; the balance surrendered without
further resistance.

Thus was shed the first blood in a war which Smollett
has ignorantly termed a "Native of America,"[66] and which,
speedily involved England and her colonies in a long and
bloody conflict.

It deserves to be commemorated as Washington's first
battle. It marked the man as one born to no ordinary destiny;
it served to prepare him for the great and splendid
achievements which so gloriously crowned his after life.

In this affair Washington had one man killed and two
wounded. The prisoners were marched to the "Meadow,"
and thence sent to Virginia. During the action, a Canadian
made his escape, and conveyed information of the defeat to
the commandant at Fort Du Quesne.

Washington, anticipating renewed efforts on the part of the
French, enlarged and strengthend his position, which he very
appropriately called "Fort Necessity."[67] He was soon joined

by Captain Mackey's independent company from South Carolina,
and a number of friendly Indians. Captain Mackey,
holding a commission from the English Crown, claimed precedence
over a colonial officer of equal grade, and attempted
to take command of the little army. But this idea he was
very soon compelled to abandon, as the disaffection became
so manifest, that he knew it would be dangerous to insist
upon his conceived rights. Very reluctantly, he was forced
to yield to the superior genius of our incomparable Washington.

On the 31st of May, Colonel Fry died at Wills creek, and
thus the whole command devolved upon Washing-

ton. On the 10th of June, Indian runners notified
him that the Shawanese and Delawares had
leagued with the French against the English. On
the following day, Colonel Washington marched with his
entire force, except Captain Mackey's company, left in command
of Fort Necessity. His object was to reach the Monongahela,
and erect a fort at the mouth of Red-stone. He
had time only to reach Gist's place, at the foot of Laurel
hill, when he was apprized of the advance of the French,
and cautioned against proceeding, as they "were as numerous
as the pigeons in the woods."[70] Convinced, by the various
accounts, that the French force was very great, a retreat was
ordered. Washington set the noble example of lending his
horse for the transportation of public stores, &c. The army
reached its entrenchments on the 1st day of July.
It was the intention of Washington to have proceeded
to Wills creek, but the men, greatly fatigued by their
mountain march, were unwilling to go further.[72]

Every effort was made to prepare to give a vigorous resistance.
But what could four or five hundred men, without
bread, and shut up in a half-finished fortress on the top of a
mountain, hope to accomplish against a well-fed and well-disciplined
force of three times their own number?

Early on the 3d of July, the French and Indians came in
view of the fort. In a short time, and while at

the distance of six hundred yards, they commenced
firing.

"Colonel Washington had drawn up his men on the level
ground[74] outside of the trench, waiting for an attack, which
he presumed would be made as soon as the enemy's forces
emerged from the woods." He suspected the distant firing a
mere rusé to draw his men into the forest; but finding they
would not approach, he stationed his men within the trenches,
and ordered them to fire at discretion.

The French and their allies kept at a respectable distance
during most of the day, but maintained a brisk fire from about
11 o'clock A.M. to 8 P.M. It rained heavily during the
whole day, and most of Washington's army stood in water
above their knees.

At 8 o'clock in the evening, the French commander ordered
a parley, as he saw it would be useless to continue the siege
any longer. A large number of his men had fallen before
the unerring aim of colonial riflemen, and a truce of any kind
was highly acceptable.

Washington's position was no better, and he was glad of
a respite on any honorable terms. He well knew that the
enemy's forces were vastly superior to his own, and could not
but apprehend the result of a second day's siege. Darkness

too, lay upon the earth; his men were in mud and water
above their knees; many had their guns wet and out of order;
they were without provisions, and no hope of a supply; what
else then, could he do, but agree to terms?

But, when the truce flag was sent him, apprehending treachery,
he refused to receive it. On a second application,
however, accompanied by a request that an officer might be
sent out, De Villier pledging his honor that no violence
should be done him, Colonel Washington despatched Captain
Van Braam, who was the only person under his command
who pretended to understand the French language.[75] In a
short time the Captain returned, bearing with him articles of
capitulation. These he read, and pretended to interpret to
his commander; but from gross ignorance of the French language,
he was the means of inflicting a great wrong upon the
fame and character of Washington.[76] The terms of capitulation
were alike honorable to both parties. Washington, with
his men, were to leave Fort Necessity with everything but
their artillery; to march out with drums and fife, displaying
colors, &c. The prisoners taken at the defeat of Jumonville,
were to be returned; and for the observance of this condition,
Captains Van Braam and Stobo were to be retained by the
French as hostages. It was further agreed, that the party
yielding, should not attempt to "build any more entrenchments
west of the mountains," for one year.[77]

Washington and his men marched out early on the following
morning, July 4, and proceeded at once to

Wills creek, but were greatly harassed during
most of the way, by bands of savages, who hung upon their
trail. Colonel Washington lost no time in repairing to Williamsburg,
and communicating to the colonial authorities the
events of the campaign. So well satisfied were the members
of the Assembly, that a vote of thanks was passed to the gallant
commander and all who had served under him.[79] This
acknowledgment of the bravery, skill, and energy of the little
army, was well merited. It had surmounted formidable difficulties,
kept a superior foe at bay, and even in defeat, had
secured a most honorable capitulation.[80]

The conduct of Washington throughout this expedition,
gave a glorious presage of the illustrious career which an All-wise
Providence had marked out before him.

As a copy of the capitulation signed on this occasion may
not be uninteresting to many of our readers, we give it below
in full. In connection with this matter, we will state that a
very old copy (supposed to have been made at the time,) has
recently been found in possession of an aged Frenchman at
Detroit. The paper had been in the family for many years,
without their appearing to know its value or character. At
length, Hon. W. Woodbridge, late United States Senator
from Michigan, looking over the old man's papers, found the
relic alluded to.

Art. 1. We permit the English commander to withdraw,
with all his garrison, to go back peaceably to his country,
and we engage on our part, to prevent that any insult should
be committed upon him by our Frenchmen, and to hinder as
much as will be in our power all the savages who are with us.

Art. 2. He will be permitted to withdraw and carry away
all that belongs to them, with the exception of the artillery,
which we reserve for ourselves.

Art. 3. That we accord them the honors of war; that

they will go out, drum beating, with a small cannon, wishing
by that to prove to them that we treat them as friends.

Art. 4. That as soon as the articles are signed on both
sides, they will bring the English flag.

Art. 5. That to-morrow at the break of day a French
detachment will go to cause the garrison to file off, and take
possession of said fort.

Art. 6. That as the English have scarcely any horses or
oxen left, they will be at liberty to hide or secrete their goods,
so that they may carry them away when they have obtained
horses; to this end they will be permitted to leave guards in
such number as they think proper, upon condition that they
will give parol of honor, that they will not labor at any settlement
in this place, nor beyond the high grounds, for one
year to commence from this day.

Art. 7. That as the English have in their power an
officer and two cadets, and generally the prisoners which
they have made at the time of the murder of Sir de Jumonville,
and that they engage to send them with safe guard to
Fort Du Quesne, situated upon the Beautiful River, (Ohio)
therefore, for the security of this article, as well as of this
treaty, Messrs. Jacob Vanbraam and Robert Stobo, both
captains, will be given us as hostages, until the arrival of
our Frenchmen and Canadians, as above mentioned. We
oblige ourselves on our part to give escort, and return in
safety the two officers who promised us our Frenchmen in two
months and a half at the furthest.

Made duplicate upon one of the posts of our block house,
the day and year as above stated.

Have signed, Messrs. James Mackey, George Washington,
Coulon Villier.

As we have already stated, when the Virginia House of
Burgesses met in August, they requested the Governor to lay
before them a copy of the capitulation, and, upon a due consideration
of the subject, passed a vote of thanks to Colonel
Washington and his officers for their bravery and gallant defence
of their country. The names of all the officers were
enumerated, except those of the Major of the regiment, and
of Captain Vanbraam, the former of whom was charged with
cowardice, and the latter with having acted a treacherous part
in his interpretation of the articles. The Burgesses, also, in
an address to the Governor, expressed their approbation of

the instructions he had given to the officers and forces sent
on the Ohio expedition. In short, all the proceedings of the
campaign were not only approved, but applauded, by the representatives
of the people, and by the public generally. A
pistole was granted to each of the soldiers, who had been in
the engagement. To the vote of thanks Washington replied
as follows:

TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF BURGESSES.

Nothing could give me, and the officers under my
command, greater satisfaction, than to receive the thanks of
the House of Burgesses, in so particular and public a manner,
for our behaviour in the late unsuccessful engagement with
the French; and we unanimously hope that our future proceedings
in the service of our country will entitle us to a continuance
of your approbation, I assure you, sir, I shall always
look upon it as my indispensable duty to endeavor to
deserve it.

I was desired by the officers of the Virginia regiment to
make their suitable acknowledgments for the honor they have
received in your thanks. I therefore hope the enclosed will
be agreeable, and answer their, and the intended purpose of,
sir, your most obedient and humble servant,

TO THE WORSHIPFUL THE SPEAKER, AND THE GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF
BURGESSES

We, the officers of the Virginia regiment, are highly sensible
of the particular mark of distinction with which you have
honored us, in returning your thanks for our behaviour in the
late action, and cannot help testifying our grateful acknowledgments
for your high sense of what we shall always esteem
a duty to our country and the best of kings.

Favored with your regard, we shall zealously endeavor to
deserve your applause, and by our future actions strive to convince
the worshipful House of Burgesses, how much we esteem
their approbation, and, as it ought to be, regard it as
the voice of our country.