r every one wanted to
honor Washington. He wore fine clothes and his appearance and manners
delighted all who met him. General Shirley received him with favor and
granted his requests.

Word was brought that the French and Indians were attacking the settlers
beyond the mountains. Washington hurried back to his command at
Winchester. He was anxious to have the forces and supplies necessary to
attack Fort Duquesne at once. But while the people were clamoring for
protection, Washington was unable to help them on account of the unfair
treatment of Governor Dinwiddie, and the indifference of England. His
force was too small and untrained to make an attempt against the French;
but he remained patient and cheerful and for almost two years, he stood
by the people who depended upon him. Then William Pitt became prime
minister of England (1757) and at once took an interest in the defense
of the colonies.

Washington was ordered to proceed against Fort Duquesne. That French
garrison had been weakened by taking men and supplies to the
battle-front on the north, where they were being defeated by the
British. Before Washington reached the fort, the commandant set fire to
it and fled. Washington planted the British flag upon the still smoking
ruins and on the same site built Fort Pitt, which he named in honor of
the great English statesman. This is where the city of Pittsburgh now
stands. Thus ended the French occupation of the Ohio Valley.

The many cares and hardships Washington had suffered had made him ill
and he returned to Mount Vernon, hoping that his military life was over.
He was greatly loved and honored by his soldiers and his fellow
countrymen.

When Washington was twenty-seven years old, he married a charming young
widow, Mrs. Martha Custis. The wedding took place January 6, 1759.

Mrs. Custis had a little girl, Martha, four years old, and a little boy,
John, who was six. Washington dearly loved these children, whom he
taught and trained with great care. He and his wife were great favorites
socially and at their home (Mount Vernon) they entertained many guests.
Here the Custis children met many of the prominent men of those days.

One of these visitors was Louis Philippe, the exiled King of France.
Noticing how many letters Washington wrote, he asked him if he were not
afraid of writing something he might regret. Washington answered that he
was careful never to do or say a thing he could afterward be sorry for.

W