een the northwestern ridge of the
Alleghanies and Monongahela River, he had often traversed the country,
and was well acquainted with the habits of the Indians in the
neighborhood through which their route lay.

Before starting upon this perilous mission, Washington paid a flying
visit to his mother, who was dearer to him than any other living person.
The announcement that he was to proceed to the Ohio at once filled her
with alarm at first, and she thoroughly regretted that he had assumed
the responsibility. However, she took a favorable view of the
enterprise, and said:

"It is a very responsible trust to be committed to one of your age,
George, but God will give you wisdom and watch over you, if you commit
your ways to Him. My prayers shall not cease to go up for your success
and return."

With such emotions as unfeigned filial love creates, Washington parted
from his mother.

The following is a copy of the letter which Washington carried from
Governor Dinwiddie to the French commander on the Ohio:

SIR:--The lands upon the River Ohio, in the western parts of the
Colony of Virginia, are so notoriously known to be the property
of the Crown of Great Britain, that it is a matter of equal
concern and surprise to me to hear that a body of French forces
are erecting fortresses and making settlements upon that river,
within his Majesty's dominions. The _many_ and _repeated_
complaints I have received of these acts of _hostility_ lay me
under the necessity of sending, in the name of the king, my
master, the bearer hereof, George Washington, Esq., one of the
adjutants-general of the forces of this dominion, to complain to
you of the encroachments thus made, and of the injuries done to
the subjects of Great Britain, in violation of the law of
nations, and the treaties now subsisting between the two
crowns. If these facts be true, and you think fit to justify
your proceedings, I must desire you to acquaint me by whose
authority and instructions you have lately marched from Canada
with an armed force, and invaded the King of Great Britain's
territories, in the manner complained of; that, according to
the purpose and resolution of your answer, I may act agreeably
to the commission I am honored with, from the king, my master.
However, sir, in obedience to my instructions, it becomes my
duty to require your peaceable departure; and that y