defend their homes. Everything was put upon a war basis as soon as
possible. A few days passed, and Washington wrote to the governor as
follows:

"However absurd it may appear, it is, nevertheless, certain that five
hundred Indians have it more in their power to annoy the inhabitants
than ten times their number of regulars. Besides the advantageous way
they have of fighting in the woods, their cunning and craft, their
activity and patient sufferings are not to be equalled. They prowl about
like wolves, and, like them, do their mischief by stealth. They depend
upon their dexterity in hunting, and upon the cattle of the inhabitants,
for provisions."

In an interview with Mr. Fairfax, Washington remarked:

"You will recall my prophecy that our frontier will be ravaged until
Fort Duquesne is captured and the French are driven from the Ohio."

"I remember your prophecy distinctly," replied Mr. Fairfax; "and now we
reap as we sowed. We sowed to the wind, and now we are reaping the
whirlwind."

"Even now it is not too late to recover what has been lost, were the
government so disposed," continued Washington. "I do not despair only so
far as those in authority fail to support military operations. The enemy
has appealed to arms, and there is no alternative but to accept the
challenge."

The following extract from one of his letters to General Loudoun, who
superseded General Shirley as commander-in-chief of the British forces
in America, discloses the unhappy condition of affairs:

"I am too little acquainted, sir, with pathetic language, to attempt a
description of the people's distresses; but I have a generous soul,
sensible of wrongs and swelling for redress. But what can I do? I see
their situation, know their danger, and participate in their sufferings,
without having it in my power to give them further relief than uncertain
promises. In short, I see inevitable destruction in so clear a light,
that unless vigorous measures are taken by the Assembly, and speedy
assistance sent from below, the poor inhabitants that are now in forts
must unavoidably fall, while the remainder are flying before a barbarous
foe. In fine, the melancholy situation of the people, the little
prospect of assistance, the gross and scandalous abuse cast upon the
officers in general, which reflects upon me in particular, for suffering
misconduct of such extraordinary kinds, and the distant prospect, if
any, of gaining honor and reputation in the