too vain to take of Indians. Braddock only smiled, as if to say that a young backwoodsman could not teach him how to fight. Benjamin Franklin, a very wise man from Philadelphia, Braddock was also troubled when he thought of how the Indians and French would cut to pieces that long line of troops as they marched through the deep, dark forests. Braddock smiled again, and said: "These savages may be dangerous to the raw American militia, but it is impossible that they should make any impression on the king's troops." good advice A great defeat The army, over two thousand strong, slowly crossed the mountains, and by July had almost reached Fort Duquesne. One day nearly one thousand French and Indians swarmed on both sides of the road, and from behind the safe cover of trees poured a deadly fire upon Braddock's men. "God save the king!" cried the British soldiers, as they formed in line of battle. Washington urged Braddock to permit the English to take to the trees and fight Indian fashion, as the Virginians were doing, but Braddock forced his men to stand and be shot down by the unseen foe. Braddock himself was mortally wounded. Washington had two horses shot under him and his clothes pierced by four bullets. The British regulars soon ran madly back upon the soldiers in the rear. They threw away guns and left their cannon and wagons, while the A VIRGINIA RIFLEMAN Virginians under Washington kept the Indians back. ington returned to Virginia, where he received the thanks Bur of the Burgesses. He at once collected troops, and hastened into the Shenandoah Valley to protect the settlers from the French and Indians. gesses visits The next year (1756) Washington journeyed on horseback to Boston. He wore his colonel's uniform of buff Colonel and blue, with a white and scarlet cloak over his shoulders. WashAt his side hung a fine sword. With him rode two aids ington in uniform, besides two servants. Many an admiring Boston eye was turned toward this stately young cavalier. After this journey he returned to the frontier, near Greenway Court, and remained there a year or two more. Wash ington intro duced to Martha Wolfe made it easy to 67. Washington Meets his Future Wife. One day while on his way to Williamsburg with war dispatches, THE OLD BLOCK HOUSE, PITTSBURGH Still standing to-day in the heart of the city, formed part of Fort Pitt Washington halted at a plantation to take dinner with a friend. There he was introduced to Mrs. Martha Custis, a charming young widow of his own age. After dinner the conversation with her was too interesting for the young officer to see the horses being led back and forth near the window. The horses were stabled again. After supper Washington was not yet ready to mount. Not until late in the afternoon next day did he mount and ride away with all speed for the capital. On his return he visited Mrs. Custis at her own beautiful plantation, and did not leave until he had her promise of marriage. Great armies were already gathering. William Pitt, who sent Wolfe to capture Quebec, also ordered General Forbes to march against Fort Duquesne. But it was November before the army reached the Ohio. The French and Indians had nearly all gone to fight on the Fort Du- St. Lawrence, and the place was easily captured. It is said that Washington himself ran up the English flag. The fort's name was changed to Fort Pitt. capture quesne A Virginia 68. Old Days in Virginia. Washington now hastened home to claim his bride. To the wedding came the new wedding royal governor in scarlet and gold, and the king's officers in bright uniforms. There, too, came the great planters with their wives dressed in the best that the yearly ship could bring from London. The bride rode home in a coach drawn by six beautiful horses, while Washington, well mounted, rode by the side of the coach, attended by many friends on horseback. to the The hardy settlers of the frontier, grateful to their brave defender, had already elected him to represent Elected them in the House of Burgesses. He was proud to take House his young wife to the meeting of the Burgesses when the of Burold capital town was at its gayest, and when the planters gesses came pouring in to attend the governor's reception. Washington had already taken his seat among the Burgesses when the speaker arose and, in a very eloquent speech, praised him and presented him the thanks of the At these receptions gay cavaliers and high-born ladies trod the stately minuet or danced the famous Virginia reel Too con fused to make a speech Old days House for his gallant deeds as a soldier. Washington was so confused to hear himself so highly praised that, when he arose to reply, he could not say a word. "Sit down, Mr. Washington," said the speaker, "your modesty is equal to your valor, and that surpasses any language that I possess." Washington took his young bride to Mount Vernon, and there began the life that he enjoyed far more than the life of a soldier. He felt a deep interest in everything on the plantation. Early every morning he visited his stables and his kennel, for he liked horses and dogs very much. He then mounted a spirited horse and rode over his plantation to look at the growing fields of tobacco or wheat, or at the work of his slaves. When the king's inspectors in the West Indies and in London saw barrels of flour marked "George Washington, Mount Vernon," they let them pass without examining them, for they were always good. He looked after his own and his wife's plantations so well that in a few years he was one of the richest men in America. But besides such duties, there were many simple pleasures to be enjoyed at Mount Vernon. Here his sol dier friends al ways found a FOX HUNTING IN VIRGINIA In some sections of our country this popular sport of the Virginia warm welcome. colonists is still followed as in the days of George and Martha Washington Lord Fairfax |