The early life of Washington;
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> Q ik> JW.' ^r -^^^^1 L-^. O. '. ■%'».^%v^' n -^c^ * y ^ .*.!' ^'^ °^ c 'v^d< ^ 9<s "t .^^ ^^ ^--..^^ - '^>.d< ^' :>v.^^. ^,^^ ^im\ *^'' ^^ . ^".^:.«^"^ V ^"^ .^•0^'^ ' WASH1N(tTON THE EARLY LIFE OF WASHINGTON; DESIGNED FOR THE INSTRUCTION AND AMUSEMENT , f^ T H E Y O U N G. 23u a jrriciiD of Jloutfi^ PRO\"IDENCE: KXOWLES. VOSE AND COMPANY. J 838. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1838, by Knowles, Vose & Co , in the Clerk's OfBce of the District Court for the District of Rhode-Island. 3 3 6 J CONTENTS. CHAPTER FIRST. VVashington's birth — his ancestors — the first school he attended — family anecdotes — death of his father. CHAPTER SECOND. Family anecdotes — George lives with his half-brother Augustine about three years, and attends Mr. Wil- liams's school — his manuscript book of forms — his rules of ])ehavior. CHAPTER THIRD. Came very near entering the British Navy at the age of fourteen — attends school at Fredericksburg — be- came a practical surveyor at the age of sixteen — the Indian war dance — continues surveying three years — is appointed Adjutant General of the Militia, with t)ie rank of Major at the age of nineteen — accom- panies his half-brother Lawrence to Barbadoes — Lawrence dies and leaves George the Mount Vernon estate. CHAPTER FOURTH. Washington's mission from the Governor of Virginia to tlie French commandant, at the age of twenty one — narrowly escapes being killed by an Indian — came near being drowned in the Allegany river — visits Queen Aliquippa. CHAPTER FIFTH. Major Washington at the age of twenty-two, is ap- pointed to command the regular Virginia forces, consisting of two companies — being increased to six Tl CONTENTS. companies, he is raised to the rank of Litmtenant Colonel, and made second in command — his modesty — the fort just begun at the fork of the Ohio — sur- renders to the French — Washington attacks and de- feats a party of French. CHAPTER SIXTH. Battle of the Great Meadows — vote of thanks to Colo- nel Washington, and his oflicers disapproving of the arrangement of the Virginia troops, he retircs^from tlie service. CHAPTER, SEVENTH. Is invited by General Braddock to join his expedition as a volunteer — accepts the invitation — battle of Mo- nongahela — Washington conducts the retreat with ability, and retains the confidence of the public. CHAPTER EIGHTH. Anecdote — Washington is appointed to command the Virginia forces — his visit to Boston — commands the advance division at the taking of Fort Du Quesne — resigns his military commission — marries — devotes himself chiefly to agricultural pursuits, till called to take command of the American armies in the War of Independence. TO THE READER. The following is a narrative of him, who has been justly styled " The Father of his Country." It com- prises the first twenty-seven years of his life. Though this is the least brilliant portion of Washington's life, it is a valuable portion of it ; because it exhibits those traits of character which laid the foundation of his fu- ture greatness, and are worthy the attention and imi- tation of youth. The author, in remarking that he has drawn his infor- mation from the most authentic sources, acknowledges his obligations to the works of Weems, Ramsay, Mar- shall, and M'Guire, and especially to the valuable notas •and observations of Sparks. THE EARLY LIFE OF WASHINGTON. CHAPTER FIRST. Washington's birth — his ancestors — the first school he attended — family anecdotes — death of his father. George Washington was born in Virginia, on the 22d of February, 1732. The partic- ular place of his birth was Pope's Creek, Washington parish, in the county of West- moreland. The name of his great grand- father was John Washington, who came from the north of England and settled on Pope's Creek, in Virginia, in the year 1655. He afterwards married Miss Pope, the daugh- ter of the gentleman from whom the Creek took its name. John Washington is be- lieved to have been a military man in early life. His will, now at Mount Vernon, is en- dorsed thus : " The will of Lieutenant Colonel Washington." This will contains a small bequest to the church, and affords evidence that he was a pious man. As the parish in which he lived has always borne his name, he was probably very instru- mental in establishing it. 10 EARLY LIFE OP John Washington had three children, Law- rence, John and Ann. Lawrence Washing- ton, the oldest son and the grandfather of George, inherited the Pope's Creek farm. — Augastin Washington, the son of Lawrence and the father of George, w^as born in the year 1694. He was probably the eldest son of Lawrence, as he inherited the patrimonial estate at Pope's Creek. Augustin Washington was married twice. His first wife Avas Jane Butler, by whom he had four children, viz. Butler, Lawrence, Augustin, jun. and Jane. Butler and Jane died young. Lawrence and Auguatin lived to be men. The second wife was Mary Bail, a young lady of highly respectable family in the northern part of Virginia. — George was the first fruit of this union. He was the oldest of six children, viz. George, Elizabeth, Samuel, John Augustin, Charles and Mildred. Mildred died very young. — George was baptized April the 5th, 1732. The church of England was then almost tlie only denomination of christians in the colony of Virginia. The parents of George Washington were members of this church, and brought up their family in the habit of regular attendance on public worship. WASHINGTON, 11 The first school tliat George atteiidedj was kept by Mr. Hobby, an elderly man, who was both the school master and the sexton of the parish. By this old'' man, the father of his conntry was first taught to read. Although George's father sent him to this school, he took upon himself the oversight of his education, and the pleasing duty of early instilling into his mind the principles of piety and virtue.' His manner of doing this appears by the following anecdotes, which were related to the Rector of Mount Vernon Parish, by a venerable lady now de- ceased, who, as a friend and relative, spent many of her youthful days in the family. One fine morning in the autumn of 1737, Mr. Washington, having George, then five years old, by the hand, came to the door and invited cousin Washington and myself to walk with them to the orchard, promising to show us a fine sight. On arriving at the orchard, we were presented with a fine sight indeed. The ground, as far as we could see, was covered with mellow apples, and yet the trees were bending under the weight of their fruit. " George," said his father, "don't you remember, my son, when this good cousin of yours brought you that fine I large apple, last spring, that I could hardly 12 EARLY LIFE OP prevail upon you to divide it with your brothers and sisters? And don't you re^ member I then told you we ought to be generous to each other because the Almighty is so bountiful to us?" Poor George could not say a word, but hanging down his head, looked quite confused. " Now look around, my son," continued his father, ''and see how kindly the Almighty has treated us, and learn from this how we ought to treat our fellow creatures." George looked a while in silence on the abundance of fruit before him, then lifting his eyes to his father, he said, with emotion, '' Well, father, only forgive me this time, and see if I am ever so stingy any more." Mr. Augustine Washington took great pains early to inspire his son George with the love of truth. The following anecdote shows that his endeavors were not without success. When George was about six years old, he became the owner of a hatchet, with which, like most other little boys, he was very much delighted. He w^ent about choppin every thing that came in his way. One day, in the garden, he unluckily tried the edge of his hatchet upon the body of a beautiful young English cherry tree, which WASHINGTON. 13 he cut so badljr that the tree never recovered from the injury. The next morning his father seeing what had befallen the tree, which, by the by, was a great favorite with him, came into the house, and with much warmth, asked who had done the mischief, declaring at the same time, that he would not hav^e taken five guineas for the tree. — Nobody could tell him any thing about it. Presently George and his hatchet made their appearance. " George," said his father, "do you know who cut that beautiful cherry tree yonder in the garden ?" George was taken by surprise. He hesitated for a mo- ment ; but he soon recovered himself. — Looking at his father, he said, "I will not tell a lie, father, I cut it with my hatchet." The delighted father, embracing his child, said, " No matter about the tree, George ; you have frankly told me the truth. Though you saw I was offended, you were not afraid to do right. The pleasure I enjoy to wit- ness this noble conduct in my son is of more value to me than a thousand such trees." Mr, Washington took the following method to impress upon his son the existence and wisdom of God from the evidence of design in his works. 14 * EARLY LIFE OF On a bed in the garden, Avell prepared for tlie purpose, he traced with a stick the letters of his son's name. He then very carefuUy sowed seed in the small furrows made by the stick, covered it over and smoothed the ground nicely vv^ith a roller. In a few days the S3ed came up, and exhibited in large letters, the words George Washington. — They soon caught the eye for which they were intended. Again and again the as- tonished boy read his name, springing up from the earth, fresh and green. He ran to his father and exclaimed, " O father ! come here ! come with me and I will show you such a sight as you never saw in all your life." Eagerly seizing his father's hand, he tugged him along through the garden to the spot. '' Look there, father," said he, ''did you ever see such a sight before ?" " It is a curious affair, indeed, George." " But, fa- ther, who made my name there ?" " It grew there, my son." "I know it grew there, but who made the letters so as to spell ray name ?" " Did they not grow so by chance, my son?" " O no, sir, they never grew so by chance." " Why not, my son ?" " No- body," said George, " ever saw a single letter grow up by chance ; and how could a whole name grow up so even and be spelled so WASHINGTON. 15 exactly right by chance ? Somebody planted it so." " That is true, George. I planted^ it so," said Mr. Washington, and showed' him how he did it. " Now, George, if letters could not grow so as to spell your name by chance, how could the world and all the things and creatures in it be made so exactly suited to each other and to some useful pur- pose, by chance ?" Thus happily and profitably to young Washington passed the days of his earliest years. Mr. Washington's family govern- ment was steady and reasonable ; his treat- ment of his children was kind and affec- tionate. George was an intelligent boy and a dutiful son. Never were parent and child more strongly attached. About the year 1739, when George was about seven years old, his father removed from his estate on Pope's Creek to a farm which he owned in Stafford county, on the Rappahannock river, directly opposite to Fredericksburg. Lawrence Washington, the elder of George's two half-brothers, became of age in 1739, and soon afterwards received a 16 EARLY LIFE OP Captain's commission in a regiment raised in America, and served with the British forces in the unsuccessful siege of Cartha- gena, conducted by Admiral Vernon and General Wentworth. TTaving been absent in the army about two years, Captain Wash- ington returned to Virginia. A few months after his return, his father was taken ill. — George was then on a visit to some of his acquaintances, living in Chotanct, in King George county, about twenty miles from his father's residence. Mr. Washington was at first unwilling to interrupt George in the enjoyment of his visit ; but after his sickness became alarmin^:, George was sent for, and reached home out just in time to receive the parting blessing of his beloved father. He died on the 12th of April, 1743, at the age of forty-nine years. George was then eleven years old. CHAPTER SECOND. Family anecdote — George lives with his half-broth Augustine about three years, and attends Mr. W- liam's school — his manuscript book of forms — hi- rules of behavior. About this time, Captain Lawrence Wash- ington married Ann, the daughter of Mr, William Fairfax, a relation of Lord Thomas Fairfax, WASHINGTON. 17 Mr. Augustine Washington left his estate on the river Potomac, in Fairfax county, to his eldest son, Lawrence, who called it Mount Vernon, in honor of Admiral Vernon. He left his estate ri Pope's Creek to his second son, Augustine. Mrs. Augustine Washington and her family continued to reside on the farm near Fredericksburg. — Upon her now devolved the care of the plantation. Her first born son, George, con- tinued to live with her some months after his father's death. During this period, a circumstance happened which shows that George, though a good boy on the whole, was not wholly exempt from youthful rash- ness. His mother owned a' beautiful colt, which, never having been broken, was re- markably wild. George delighted to look at this colt as he pranced about the pasture, snuffing up the wind, wheeling and halting ^nd displaying his fine proportions. He oJen wished himself upon the colt's back. One day he engaged some of his school com- inions to come early the next morning and Ae\p him to take a ride before breakfast. — They came, and found the colt at no great distance from the house. After a great deal of difficulty they contrived to corner him and put a bridle upon him. Several boys 2 18 EARLY LIFE OF held the bridle while George leaped upon his back. A violent struggle followed. — The horse seemed determined to shake off his rider, and his rider seemed equally de- termined to keep his seat. At length the noble animal, in the fury of his plunges, fell headlong and burst a blood vessel. This killed him instantly. George received no injury by the fall ; but when he saw the poor creature lie dead, and considered his mother's attachment to the animal, he began to look very serious. The call to breakfast was soon heard. Some of George's com- panions had been invited to take breakfast with him that morning. The boys were all remarkably silent at the table. Whether Mrs. Washington had any suspicions that all was not right, is uncertain. But she in- quired if they had seen any thing of her fine sorrel colt, in their rambles. Neither of the boys replied to this question. She repeated it. There was now no escape. — George's character for truth and frankness had been tried when he was much younger. It did not then fail ; it must not now fail. "Your sorrel colt is dead, mother," replied George. "Dead, George !" exclaimed Mrs. Washington, with surprise. " Yes, he is dead." "How came he dead, George ?" — WASHINGTON. 19 ^- 1 will tell you, mother. I am the one in fault." He then related all the circum- stances just as they happened. " I very much regret the loss of my colt," said Mrs. Washington ; '' but I rejoice to hear my son frankly tell the truth, without showing any disposition to cast his own faults upon others."' Soon after this occurrence, George was sent to Pojje's Creek, the place of his na- tivity, to live with his half-brother Au- gustine. The chief object of sending him there was that he might have the benefit of a respectable school in the neighborhood, kept by a Mr. Williams. He remained with his half brother and attended that school about three years. An old gentleman, who was one of Mr. Williams's scholars at that time, has often said that such was George's reputation for truth, impartiality and good judgment among his schoolmates, that they were continually referring their disputes to him, and so great was their confidence in him, that his decisions were seldom called in question. He said nothing was more common, when the boys were in high dis- pute about some question of fact, than for one of them to call out, '' Well, boys, George Washington was there ! George Washington •20 EAULY LIFE OF was there ! He knows all about it; and if he don't say it was so, why then we will give it up.'' Though George Washington was naturally of a resolute and martial spirit, he was ha- bitually gentle and obhging in his conduct. He never quarrelled with his companions : and he would always endeavor to settle their quarrels with each other. If he could not calm their passions and prevent their fight- ing by his arguments, he would inform the instructor of their barbarous intentions ; though by doing so he often brought upon himself their censure at the time. At Mr. Williams's school, George was taught Arithmetic, English Grammar, Book Keeping, Surveying and Geography.* He wrote his school exercises in aritlnnatic and geometry in a remarkably neat, fair hand. The number and accuracy of his geometrical figures, shows the strong bent of his incli- nation to mathematical studies. When he was thirteen years old, he began a manu- script book, which he entitled " Fodrs of Writing. ^^ In it he copied out v.^ith great care and exactness, forms of different kinds used in the transaction of business, such as * Weems. WASllINCTOX. 21 a note of hand, a bill of exchange, a bond, an indenture, a lease, a will. Then follow two or three select pieces of poetr^^ Among them are ''Lines on True Happiness."' — ■ Then follow a collection of a hundred and ten maxims, written out and numbered. — These he entitles " Rules of civility and proper behavio?- in company and conversa- tion.'^ He does not mention from what source he derived these rules. They seem well calculated to improve the manners and morals of a young person, and no doubt had a favorable influence in forming the future deportment and character of Washington. The following is a selection from these rules. 1. Every action in company ought to be respectful to those present. 2. In the presence of others sing not to yourself with a hummino; noise, nor drum with your fingers or feet. 3. Sit not while others are standing ; speak not when you should hold your peace ; walk not on when others stop. 4. Turn not your back to others, especially in speak- ing ; jog not the table or desk on which another is read- ing or writing; lean not on any one. 5. Be no flatterer. (j. Read no letters, books or papers in company, un- less there is necessity for doing it, and then ask leave, 22 EARLY LIFE OF Come not near the books or writings of any one, so as to read them, unless desired ; nor give your opinion of them unasked : also look not nigh when another is writing a letter. 7. Let your countenance be pleasant, but in serious matters somewhat grave. 8. Show not yourself glad at the misfortunes of another, though he were your enemy. 9. When you meet a superior at a door or in a narrow passage, give way for him to pass. 10. They that are in dignity, or in office, have in all places the precedency. 11. It is good manners to prefer those to v^hom we speak before ourselves; especially if they be above us, with whom we ought not to begin. 12. Let your discourse with men of business be short and comprehensive. 13. When visiting the sick, do not be too ready to play the physician. 14. In Avriting or speaking, give to every person his due title, according to his degree and the custom of the place. 15. Undertake not to teach another in the art which he professes : it savors of arrogancy. 16. When a person docs all he can, do not blame him, though he does not succeed. 17. Being about to advise or reprehend any one, con- sider whether it ought to be done in public or in private, presently or at some other time, in what terms to do it; and in reproving, show no signs of choler, but do it with mildness. WASHINGTON. 23 18. Mock not, nor jest at any thing serious. 19. Wherein you reprove another, be unblamable yourself; for example is more prevalent than precept. 20. Use no reproachful language against any one, neither curse, nor revile. 21. Be not hasty to believe reports to the disadvan- tage of others. 22. In your apparel be modest, and endeavor to ac- commodate nature rather than to procure admiration ; keep to the fashions of your equals : such as are civil and orderly with respect to times and places.. 23. Play not the peacock, looking every whereabout your person to see if you be well decked, and if your clothes set handsomely. 24. Associate with persons of good character, if you have a regard for your own ; for it is better to be alone, than in bad company. 2-5. Let your conversation be without malice or envy, and in all cases of passion, admit reason to govern. 20. Be not immodest in urging your friend to dis- cover a secret. 27. Utter not base or frivolous things among grave or learned men ; nor introduce deep subjects or difficult questions among the ignorant ; nor things hard to be believed. 28. Jest not where none takes pleasure in mirth ; laugh not loud, nor at all, without occasion. Deride no man's misfortune. 29. Speak not injurious words, neither in jest nor in earnest ; scoff at none, though they give occasion^ 24 EARLY LIFE OF 30. Be not forward, but friendly and courteous \ the first to salute, hear and answer. 31. Detract not from others ; neither be excessive in commending. 32. Give not advice without being asked. 33. Reprehend not the imperfections of others ; for that belongs to parents, masters and superiors. 34. Gaze not at the marks, or personal blemishes of others ; nor ask how they came. 35. Think before you speak ; pronounce not imprc- fectly, nor bring out your words too hastily, but or- derly and distinctly. 3C. When another speaks, be attentive and disturb not the audience. If a person hesitate in his words, do not in general help him out, nor prompt him without being desired ; interrupt him not, nor answer him, till he has done speaking. 37. Treat with men about business only at fit times. Whisper not in company. 38. Make no injurious comparisons; and if any of the company be commended for a brave or virtuous action, commend not another innnediately upon it for a similar action. 39. Be not apt to relate news if you know not the truth of it. In conversing of what you have heard, do not always name your author. Discover not a secret. 40. Be not curious to know the affairs of others ; neither approach those who are speaking in private. 41. Undertake not what you cannot perform; but be careful to keep your promises. WASHINGTON. 25 42. Be not tedious in discourse ; make not many di- gressions, nor repeat the same thing often. 43. Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust. 44. Eat not with greediness; lean not on the table. 45. Set not yourself at tlie upper end of the table; but if the master of the house will have it so, contend not, lest you trouble the company. 4G. When you speak of God, or his attributes, let it be seriously and with reverence. Honor and obey your natural parents. 47. Let your recreations be manful, not sinful. 48. Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience. CHAPTER THIRD. Came very near entering the British Navy at the age of fourteen — attends school at Fredericksburg — be- comes a practical surveyor at the age of sixteen — the Indian war dance — continues surveying three years — is appointed Adjutant General of the Militia, with the rank of Major, at the age of nineteen — accom- panies his lialf-brother Lawrence to Barbadoes — Lawrence dies and leaves George the Mount Vernon estate. While George lived with his half-brother Augustine at Pope's Creek, he was taught the manual exercise by Adjutant Muse, a Westmoreland volunteer, who had been in the service with his other half-brother, Law- rence. He was also instructed in the art of '26 EARLY LIFE OF fencing, by Mr. Van Braam, who afterwards accompanied liim against the French as his interpreter.* In the summer of 1746, George left Mr. WiUiams's school in Westmoreland county, and returned home to his mother's, in Staf- ford county. He was then about fourteen years old. Soon after his return he became very desirous to enter the British navy. — His half-brother Lawrence approved his choice. Mr. William Fairfax, the father-in- law of Lawrence, was desirous that George's inclination for the navy should be gratified. They both used their influence with his mother in favor of the project. She at first seemed to consent, though reluctantly. — Lawrence procured him a midshipman's warrant. Bat as the time of separation drew near, her maternal feelings and more mature reflection caused his mother to waver in her decision. She suggested many objections to the plan ; and seemed to listen with more satisfaction to those wlio opposed, than to those who approved of it. In September, during her suspense upon the subject, George went to see and further consult his brother Lawrence at Mount yernon,and other friends in the county of Fairfax. On this occasion " J. Sparks. WASHINGTON. 27 he spent a little time at the house of Mr. William Fairfax, who is said to have been an amiable and excellent man. During this visit, George told Mr. Fairfax that he was willing to follow the adv^ice of his brother Lawrence, as his best friend. On his re- turn home, however, George found his mother so decidedly opposed to his going to sea, and her feelings so tenderly affected at the thought of his leaving her, that he gave it up entirely ; thinking it his duty to sacri- fice his inclinations, in this case, to her hap- piness. When we consider that this scheme was suited to captivate his youthful fancy, that it was encouraged by some of his most judicious friends, and that the necessary preparations were made for carrying it into effect, it is evident that the sacrifice was great, and a proof of filial affection and duti- ful regard highly honorable to him. It must be admitted that the mother's feelings were truly parental, and her wishes reasonable, when it is considered that George was her eldest son, that his father was dead, and that she was left with five younger children. — This decision was probably an event of Providence, upon which the very existence of the United States, as an independent na- tion, depended. 28 EARLY LIFE OF After this, George lived a part of his time with his brother Lawrence, at Mount Ver- non, and a part of the time with his mother, near Fredericksburg, and went to school in that town. Here he made great improve- ment in the art of surveying. In March, 1748, being then sixteen years old, he engaged as a surveyor of lands, as- sociated with Mr. George Fairfax, ni the employ of Lord Thomas Fairfax. They set out on a surveying tour to the western parts of Virginia, on the 13th of March, ac- companied by their assistants, and travelled in a north westerly direction, nearly in range with the Potomac. The first day they rode to the residence of Lord Fairfax, in Frederick county, passing through beauti- ful groves of sugar trees, and admiring the richness of the land upon the river Shenan- doah. The next day they sent on their baggage to a place now called Winchester, and worked industriously for several suc- ceeding days, surveying land in the neighbor- hood. They then travelled about forty miles further into the country, in a continual rain, swimming their horses over the rivers, which were then very high. Just after the rain ceased and the weather had cleared away, they were agreeably surprised by the WASHINGTON. ^0 appearance of more than thirty friendly liidians, returning from war. The survey- ing party remained to witness the perform- ance of their war dance. After clearing a large space of ground and making a fire in the middle of it, the Indians seated them- selves around the fire. The speaker then made a grand speech, in which he told them in what manner they were to dance. When the speech was ended, the hest dancer jumped up as if suddenly awaked from sleep, and ran and jumped about the ring in a most comical manner. He was soon followed by the others, in a similar style. Their dance was accompanied by appropriate music. — One Indian beat time upon a deer-skin stretched tightly over a vessel half full of water, while another rattled a goard shell with shot in it, and a piece of a horse's tail tied to it, to make it look finely. One windy night, about a week after, the straw on which Washington was asleep, in the tent, took fire ; but one of the party fortunately awoke in time to extinguish it. A few days after, their tent Avas blown down by the violence of the wind. They occa- sionally shot a wild turkey or two, which they cooked upon forked sticks instead of spits, and ate upon large chips instead of 30 EARLY LIFE OF plates. After becoming fatigued by travel- ling about all day, they usually camped out in the forest, and slept with their clothes on all night. During this tour, young Wash- ington and his party surveyed between two and three thousand acres of land, and arrived safely home on the 12th of April, having been absent just one month. For three years, young Waslnngton was occupied nearly all the time, when the sea- son would permit, in surveying wild lands among the Alleghany mountains and on the southern branches of the river Potomac* His surveying expeditions were attended with so many hardships and privations, that he was rarely out more than a few weeks at a time, upon any one of them. In the in- tervals of these expeditions, he made it his home with his brother Lawrence, at Mount Vernon, though he passed a part of his time with his mother.* In the year 1751, young Washington, though but nineteen years of age, was ap- pointed Adjutant General of the northern division of the Virginia militia, with the rank of Major.f The health of his brother Lawrence had been declining for several years. He had * J. Sparks. t Marshall, WASHINGTON. 31 made a voyage to England, and afterwards passed some time at the Bath springs, in Mrginia, without receiving any material l)cncfit from either. In the antnnni of 17^1, lie decided to take a voyage to the West Indies, as the last remedy proposed by his physicians. By his request, his brother George, to whom he was much attached, accompanied him on this voyage. They sailed for the island of Barbadoes on the 2Sth of September, and arrived there about the 3d of November. They procured a pleasant and airy place to board, near the sea shore, and were treated with great hos- pitality and attention by the principal in- habitants on the island. George was pleased with the richness of the soil, the value of the crops, the variety and excellence of the fruits, and the elevated and beautiful pros- pects in every direction. He was seized with the small pox on the 17th of Novem- ber, and it was nearly a month before he re- covered from it. On the 22d of November, he embarked on board a vessel called the Industry, for Virginia, leaving his brother still at Barbadoes. After a tempestuous passage of more than five weeksj he arrived in Virginia. 32 EAULY LIFE oJ' Lawrence, not receiving the relief ex- pected from the chmate of Barbacloes, went to Bermuda, in March. His health con- tinuing to fail, he retiuiied home in the course of the summer, and died at Mount Vernon, July 26, 1752. George was at Mount Yernon when his brother died, and immediately took charge of his affairs. On opening his will, it Avas found that he had given to George the Mount Vernon estate, and some valuable lands in Berkley county. Virginia. CHAPTER FOURTH. Washington's mission from the Governor of Virginia to the French commandant, at the age of twenty-one — narrowly escapes being killed by an Indian — came near being drowned in the Allegany river — visits Queen Aliquippa. Information had been received, from time to time, that the French were making en- croachments on what Avas deemed British territory, beyond the Allegany mountains, and that a French army was approaching from Canada to build forts on the Ohio river and to take possession of the whole country. As this territory was supposed to be within the limits of Virginia, the Governor of that WASHINGTON. 33 colony* resolved to send a messenger with a letter to the French commandant on the Ohio, to demand of him an answer, to as- certain important facts, and to make useful observations. Major George Washington was selected for this arduous undertaking. His knowledge of the Indians, his habits of living and travelling in the woods acquired on his surveying expeditions, and certain traits in his character, well fitted him for this delicate and important mission, though he was not yet twenty-two years of age. — He was commissioned by the Governor on the 30th of October, 1753, and the same day set out upon his dangerous journey.— On the 14th of November he arrived at the mouth of Wills Creek, now Cumberland, on the river Potomac, having engaged a French interpreter and procured the necessary sup- ply of provisions, horses, &c., on the way. Here he engaged Mr. Gist, an experienced Indian trader, to accompany him ; also, an Indian interpreter, and four other men as attendants ; and with these men, left the place the next day. The excessive rains and the vast quantities of snow which had fallen, prevented their reaching the river Monongahela till the 22d of November.— * Dinwiddle. 3 34 EARLY LIFE OF Here they learned that expresses had been sent down the river a few days before, with information of the French General's death, and the return of the greater part of the French troops into Avinter quarters. As the late rains had rendered the rivers impassable without swimming their horses, Washington sent two of his men, with the baggage, in a canoe, about ten miles down the river Monongahela, to meet the rest of the party at the fork of the Ohio, now Pitts- burg. As young Washington arrived at the fork before the canoe, he spent some time in viewing the two rivers, Monongahela and Allegany, at and near their junction which forms the Ohio, and examining the land in the fork, which, having the command of both rivers, he thought well situated for a fort. On the Allegany river, about two miles above the fork, lived Shingiss, King of the Delawares, an Indian chief friendly to the English. Washington, Vv4th his attendants, called upon this chief, and invited him to attend a council a,t a place called Logstown, about twenty miles west of his residence. He accepted the invitation, and accompanied Washington and his men to Logstown. — They arrived about sunset. Washington WASIIIXCTON. l?5 Ibuiid that the friendly chief, called the ilalf-Kingj whom he particularly wished to see, Avas out at his hunting cabin on little Beaver Creek, about fifteen miles distant. Washington, by his Indian interpreter, in- formed the Half-King's principal man at Logstown that he was a messenger to the French commandant, and was ordered to call upon the Sachems of the Six Nations and inform them of the fact. He then gave him a string of wampum and a twist of to- bacco, and desired him to send for the Half- King. The man promised to dispatch a runner for him the next morning. Wash- ington invited him and other chief men to his tent in the evenuig. They came and staid about an hour. About three o'clock in the afternoon of the next day, the Half- King arrived. He told Washington that the French had lately built tAvo forts about iifteen miles apart, one on Lake Erie, and the other on French Creek, which falls into the Allegany from the north, and near a small lake. He gave Washington a plan of both these forts, of his own drawing. He said the present French commandant was at the fort on French Creek, and that we could not reach in less than five or six nights sleep, in good travelling. The next day, ^6 EARLY LIFE OF VYashiiiGfton met several chiefs in council, and delivered a friendly speech to them, in which he briefly stated the object of his visit, and requested an escort of warriors to the French commandant. This was replied to in the same spirit by the Half-King. — Runners were dispatched very early the next morning, for the purpose of assembling a more full council, but not many came. — It was, however, agreed to furnish Wash- ington and his men a convoy, to consist of three chiefs, namely, Half-King, Jeskakake and White Thunder, and one of their best hunters. They all set out from Logstown on the oOth of November, and travelled in con- tinual bad weather till the 4th of December, vvhen they reached Yenango, a settlement at the place where French Creek falls info the Allegany river. This place is now the town of Franklin, the capital of Venango county. The}^ saw the French colors flying at a house in Yenango. Washington went immediately to the house to inquire where the commandant resided. Here he found a Captain and three other French oflicers. — The Captain informed him that he, himself, had the immediate command on the river, but that there was a general officer at the WASIIIXGTOX. 37 first fort above, to which he advised him to proceed with his dispatches. He invited Wasliiiigton and his party to sup with him and his officers, and treated them with great complaisance. The badness of the weather and the winning treatment which the Indians received from the French, combined to de- tain Washington and his party at Venango three days. Monsieur La Force, commissary of the French stores, with three soldiers, ac- companied them up the Creek. The travel- ling was so bad they did not reach the fort on French Creek till the 12th of December. The French commandant was the Cheva- lier de Saint Pierre, a knight of the mihtary order of St. Louis. VYashington waited ou him soon after his arrival, and was received and conducted to him by the second officer in command. Washington acquainted the Chevalier with his business, and presented his commission and letter. While the com- mandant was in consultation with his officers upon the communication from the Governor of Virginia, in a private apartment, Wash- ington embraced the opportunity of examin- ing the strength and taking the dimensions of the fort, and of making other observations. He was satisfied that the garrison contained upwards of a hundred soldiers. One of his 38 EARLY LIFE OF people, by his direction, took an accoiiiit of upwards of two hundred canoes, haulded up and prepared to convey the French forces down the river at the proper season. On the 14th, the snow was so deep that Washington sent off his horses very hghtly loaded, in the care of four of his men, to Venango, having determined to go down himself, with the remainder of his party, in a canoe. Young Washington had to con- tend with a variety of mild and artful means used to detain his convoy of Indians, and to draw them away from the English in- terests. He was at length obliged to as- sume a tone of remonstrance before he could induce the French and Indians to part. — The French commandant, at last, ordered a plentiful store of provisions to be put on board Washington's boat, and appeared very friendly and complaisant. They had a te- dious passage down the Creek. They found it extremely crooked. Several times they came near being staved against the rocks. At times they were all hands obliged to get out, and remain in the water half an hour or more, getting over the shoals. At one ])lace, the ice had lodged and blocked up the passage by water, so that they were obHged to carry their boat a quarter of a mile across WA?;iII\GTOX. 39 a neck of lond. They did not reach Ve- nango till the 22d. Here they found their horses. The next day, when Washington was prepared to leave Venango, he inquired of the Half-King whether he intended to go down with him by land or to go by water. He rephed that White Thunder had hurt himself badly, and was sick and unable to walk, and that he must carry him down in a canoe. As Vv'ashington found that the Half-King intended to stay behind a few days, he cautioned him against the flatteries of the French. He desired Washington not to be concerned, for he knew the French too Vv^ell to be influenced by them against the English. He offered to order the young hunter to attend Washington and his party, and procure provisions for them on their journey. He said he should soon be at the forks, and there deliver a speech, to be carried to his Honor the Governor of Vir- ginia. Washington then took leave of the Half-King, and with his party left Venango. They had not proceeded far, before the horses seemed to be so feeble, and the bag- gage so heavy for them, that Washington and his party, except the drivers, dismounted and went on foot with packs on their backs 40 EARLY LIFE OF to help forward the baggage. Washington, in an Indian walking dress, continued with his men three days under this arrangement, till he found there was no probability of his reaching home in this manner, in any reasonable season. He then committed the party to the charge of his French interpreter with proper directions, tied himself up in a watch coat, put his necessary papers into his pack with his provisions, took his gun in his hand; and set forward with Mr. Gist, fitted in the same manner, the nearest way home throLivgh the woods. The day following^ just after they had passed a place called Murdering Town^ they fell in with a party of Indians in the French interest, who had been lying in wait for them. One of the Indians fired at Washington, not fifteen steps from him, but providentially missed him. They instantly took the fellow into custody, and kept him with them till about nine o'clock in the evening, when they let him go, and walked all night without mak- ing any stop, that they might get so far the start of the Indians as to be out of the reach of their pursuit the next day, having no doubt their tracks would be followed as soon as it was light. WASHINGTON. 41 The next day they continued travelling till it was quite dark, when they reached the Allegany river about two miles above the forks of the Ohio. There was no way for them to get over the river but upon a raft. The next morning they set about making one, with the assistance of but one poor hatchet, and finished it just after sunset. — • The next day they launched it, went on board and pushed off: but before they were half across the river, they were so wedged in between flakes of ice running forcibly down stream, that they expected every mo- ment their raft would sink and themselves perish. Young Washington put out his setting pole to stop the raft, that the ice might pass by it, when the rapidity of the stream threw the ice with so much violence against his pole that it jerked him into the river. He instantly seized hold of one of the raft logs and saved himself from the dashing flakes of ice, by springing to his former station on the raft. In spite of all their efl'orts they could not get to either shore ; but were obliged to quit their raft and pass from one mass of ice to another, till they reached a small island in the river. 