Washington continued to say to the government that this terrible state
of affairs would not cease until Fort Duquesne was captured; and he
entreated, again and again, to be provided with an army large enough to
reduce the fort. But all in vain.

Finally, near the close of the year 1757, his labors and anxieties threw
him into a violent fever, and he was conveyed to Mount Vernon, where he
lay for four months, sometimes so sick that his life was despaired of,
all the time bearing upon his soul the responsibilities of his public
position. His faithful servant Bishop, bequeathed to him by General
Braddock, attended him night and day with singular devotion. It was not
until April that he was able to resume his command.

When Washington returned to his headquarters at Winchester, he was
unexpectedly cheered by some favorable changes. General Loudoun had been
superceded by General Abercrombie, and Governor Dinwiddie had been
recalled to England.

XIV.

A RIFT IN THE CLOUD.

"The people are disheartened," said Washington to Mr. Fairfax, "and we
need successes to inspire hope within them. But this can never be until
the king's officers understand how to fight Indians."

"That is true, no doubt, but I have more hope that General Abercrombie
will do something effective for this part of the country," answered
Fairfax. "General Loudoun had more than his hands full to look after the
troops at the north, so that he could give little attention to our
claims."

"I wish that it might be so," responded Washington; "but the only
effective blow that can be struck for us is the reduction of Fort
Duquesne. Until that is done, the enemy has a base of supplies, and a
refuge from which to sally forth at any time, for pillage and butchery
on the frontier. The possession of Canada is important, and victories
there now would greatly encourage our people. An army of from five to
ten thousand men would drive the French and Indians before it, and put
the English into speedy possession of the Ohio."

"And that will encourage the people, and put hope and life into them,"
added Fairfax.

"And patriotism, too, I should hope," said Washington. "Our people lack
patriotism, and there is no disguising it."

One of Washington's trials, at that time, was the unwillingness of the
people to incur the expense and dangers of war. They appeared to think
that sufferings and death alone awaited them in warfare with Indians.
Such harrowing tales