of cruelties by the savages had come to them, that
they shrank from conflict with the barbarians.

Mrs. Washington was very much opposed to her son going to the Ohio
again. Rumors of another expedition against Duquesne reached her,
whereupon she wrote to him, entreating him not to undertake the
hazardous enterprise. He replied to her as follows:

DEAR MOTHER,--If it is my power to avoid going to the Ohio
again, I shall; but if the command is pressed upon me by the
general voice of the country, and offered upon such terms as
cannot be objected against, it would reflect dishonor upon me to
refuse it; and that, I am sure, must and ought to give you
greater uneasiness than my going in an honorable command. Upon
no other terms will I accept it. At present I have no proposals
made to me, nor have I any advice of such an intention, except
from private hands.

General Abercrombie surprised Washington, however, by issuing an order
to organize a strong expedition against Duquesne. The newly appointed
commander-in-chief appeared to comprehend the situation as his
predecessors had not, and Washington was overjoyed. The cloud that had
enveloped his spirit was lifted, and he saw a brighter future.

The northern troops, also, were meeting with successes, and news of
their victories gladdened all hearts. The expeditions against Louisburg,
Ticonderoga, and Crown Point proved fortunate, and the people became
more and more hopeful as their advances were known.

"There is hope now for our cause," remarked Washington to Mr. Fairfax at
Williamsburg, very much elated by the prospect before him. "I can see
the end now. It looks as if General Abercrombie was the right man in the
right place."

"I hope so," responded Mr. Fairfax. "He appears to think that two or
three times as many troops as you have had before will be none too many
to march against Duquesne."

"There is my hope," continued Washington. "An army large enough to
strike an effective blow will save both money and men for the
government. Half enough is cruelly exposing all to defeat and butchery."

"So it has proved," remarked Fairfax.

"To the discouragement and fear of the people throughout this part of
the country," replied Washington. "But if troops are furnished according
to the order now, I have no fear about the result. Three thousand from
Pennsylvania, twelve hundred from North Carolina, two thousand from
Virginia, with seven hu