-His Commission renewed--Duties pressing upon him--Signs
of War--Encroachments by the French--The Claims of the
Indians--What a Chief said--The Governor's Conference with
Gist--Mission to the French proposed--George offers his
Services--Interview with Governor Dinwiddie--A Copy of his
Commission--His Companions--Visits his Mother--Letter to French
Commander 150

IX.

MISSION TO THE FRENCH.

The Journey begun--Route--A Storm--A Torrent--Baggage on
Canal--Visit to Shingiss--Tanacharisson--Monochatica--Meeting
Deserters--Learning of the Forts from there to New Orleans--The
Half-king--Describes his Visit to Pierre Paul, now Dead--His
Speech--Pierre Paul's Reply--Indian Council and Washington's
Speech--Indian's Reply--Results of the Council--Indians to
conduct them to the Fort--Journey delayed--Way to
Venango--Arrival and Conference with the French--Dinner
Scene--Information 163

X.

FRENCH MISSION--(CONTINUED.)

The Next Fort--Introduction to Commander--Arrival of Paul's
Successor--Receives Dinwiddie's Letter--Washington draws Plan of
the Fort--His Inquiries about Certain Captures--Reparti's Reply
to Dinwiddie--French attempt to bribe Indians--Injury to White
Thunder, and Delay--Return Journey--Snow--Washington and Gist
leave the Party--Their Adventure--The Indian Guide--He proves
False--A Startling Episode--The Indian disposed of--Reaching the
River--Building a Raft--Attempt to Cross--Washington straggling
in the Water--They reach an Island--Escape--Twenty Indian
Warriors--The Indian Queen--Arrival at Williamsburg--Interview
with the Governor--His Journal printed 178

XI.

HIS FIRST BATTLE.

Effect of Washington's Mission--Orders from the
King--Recruiting--The Governor's Bounty to Soldiers--Washington
offered the Command--Talk with a Friend--Letter to Colonel
Corbin--Does not accept Command--Payne knocks Washington
down--How the Affair ended--What McGuire says of Washington's
Magnanimity--Washington takes up his March--Meeting Captain
Trent--Need of More Men--Courier announces Surrender of
Fort--Declaration of War--Washington's Prompt Action--March to
Red Stone Creek and Great Meadows--The French surprised, and a
Battle--Jumonville killed--Entrenching at Grea