which are maintained with warmth on both sides,
especially on his, who is incapable of arguing with or giving up any
point he asserts, let it be ever so incompatible with reason or common
sense."

It should be recorded in his favor that General Braddock was a strict
disciplinarian in the army. Each regiment was provided with a chaplain,
and every soldier was required to attend prayers each day, and on Sunday
be present at divine services. He refused to tolerate some practices
among his men which are common in armies. The most vicious class of
soldiers indulged in a wholesome fear of him.

After Braddock's army crossed the Monongahela, and were within ten miles
of Duquesne, and no sign nor sound of an enemy was seen or heard,
Washington grew anxious, and he said:

"General, this silence so near the fort in our country is rather ominous
than otherwise. A scouting party ought to go forward. We are liable to
find ourselves in an ambuscade of Indians at any moment."

"Indians have a poor show in the presence of this force," replied the
general. "The king's troops will show you how to handle savages."

"I will scour the woods in advance with the Virginia provincials if you
say the word, general," Washington continued, apprehending that they
were in the very jaws of danger. He knew very well that French and
Indian scouts must be near them watching their movements. But Braddock
declined his offer and they marched on in European style, "three hundred
men under Colonel Gage forming the advanced party, followed by a party
of two hundred; and last of all, the general, with the main body,
Colonel Duncan leading the rear with supplies."

We should have stated that, in the outset, Indians flocked to the
English standard; among them White Thunder Scarooyadi, successor to
half-king, who had died, and others, associated with Washington in his
former campaign. Silver Heels, so called from his nimbleness, a renowned
warrior, came and tendered his services.

Through Washington's entreaty, General Braddock received the red
warriors kindly, with military honors. He made them presents in the name
of the king, and they, in turned, danced and sung war songs. But such
was Braddock's demeanor towards them subsequently, that they became
displeased; and, when their dissatisfaction was intensified by the
improper conduct of some young English officers towards Bright
Lightning, the beautiful daughter of White Thunder, they all deserted
the ar