Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/250

226 did not reach this point till the 4th of December. Here he found Joncaire, a "veteran intriguer of the frontier," as Mr. Irving styles him, and after some specimens of Joncaire's ability in dealing with the Indians in Washington's company, and also partaking of a social entertainment, during which the French officers gave out pretty plainly their designs with respect to the Ohio Valley, he was enabled at last to proceed and meet M. de St. Pierre, the French commander, at a post about fifteen miles south of Lake Erie.

St. Pierre behaved towards the youthful ambassador, with all the well-known courtesy of his nation, but after a day or two's consideration, informed Washington, that he was not able to entertain Governor Dinwiddie's proposal; he had been placed at the post he occupied, by the governor of Canada, and he should maintain it till removed by proper authority. Washington was not idle while this matter was under discussion ; he used his eyes to good purpose, and obtained all the information in regard to strength, position, and plans of the French, which was open to him. On the 15th of December, he received from St. Pierre a sealed reply to Dinwiddie's letter, and prepared to return home as soon as possible. He reached Venango again on the 22d, and on Christmas Day set out by land on his route homeward. Of the dangers and trials of that return, our limits do not allow us to speak: Mr. Irving has drawn out the adventurous story in his own unsurpassed style, and, noting that Washington reached Williamsburg on the 16th of January, 1754, he points out how largely the youthful hero's prudence, sagacity, resolution, firmness, and self-devotion were tested, and concludes most justly, that this "expedition may be considered the foundation of his fortunes: from that moment he was the rising hope of Virginia." His journal, an interesting document, was printed, and fully roused the attention of both England and the colonies to the necessity of prompt measures in this crisis of no ordinary moment.

From the tenor of St. Pierre's communication, it was evident that steps of some kind must speedily be taken. Dinwiddie was anxious to raise funds to carry on offensive warfare; but the Assembly were not so complaisant to his demands as he thought they ought to be, under the circumstances. Even in the legislature itself, doubts were expressed as to the king's claim over the disputed lands, and though the sum of £10,000 was ultimately voted for "the protection of the settlers in the Mississippi," it was clogged with the proviso, that commissioners should be appointed to watch over its appropriation. The other colonies, who had been urgently called upon to give aid, received the appeal with great unconcern, and held out but little hope of assistance. With the means at his disposal, the governor, however, increased the military force to six companies, which were placed under Colonel Joshua Fry, Washington being appointed second in command, with the title of lieutenant-colonel.