possession of it, and began to employ himself industriously in its cultivation. While he was thus engaged, General Braddock was sent from England, to prepare and command troops for the defence of Virginia, through the summer; hearing of the conduct of Washington, as an officer, and of his reasons for giving up his commission, he invited him to become his aid-de-camp. He accepted the invitation, on condi1755. tion, that he might be permitted to return to his farm, when the active duties of the campaign should be over. The army was formed of two regiments of British tropps, and a few companies of Virginians. The third day after the march commenced, Washington was taken ill, with a violent fever. He would not consent to be left behind, and was laid in a covered wagon. He thought that it was very important to reach the frontier as soon as possible, and he knew the difficulties of the way; he therefore proposed to General Braddock, who asked his advice, sending on a part of the army, while the other part moved slowly, with the artillery and baggage wagons. Twelve hundred men were chosen, and General Braddock accompanied them; but though not cumbered with baggage, their movements did not satisfy Washington. He wrote to his brother, that, "instead of pushing on with vigour, without minding a little rough road, they were halting to level every molehill, and erect bridges over every brook." What seemed mountains to them, were molehills to the ardent temper of Washington. His illness increased so much, that the physician said his life would be endangered by going on, and General Braddock would not suffer him to do so, but gave a promise to have him brought after him as soon as he could bear the ride. He recovered sufficiently in a short time to join the advanced troops, and though very weak entered immediately on the performance of his duties. 1755. July 8. General Braddock proceeded on his march without disturbance, until he arrived at the Monongahela river, about seven miles from Fort Du Quesne. As he was preparing to cross the river, at the place since called Braddock's Ford, a few Indians were seen on the opposite shore, who made insulting gestures, and then turned and fled as the British troops advanced. Braddock gave orders that the Indians should be pursued. Colonel Washington was well acquainted with the manner in which the French, assisted by Indians, made their attacks; and being aware of the danger into which the troops might be led, he earnestly entreated General Braddock not to proceed, until he should, with his Virginia rangers, search the forest. His proposal offended Braddock, who disregarded the prudent counsel, and ordered his troops to cross the river; the last of them were yet wading in it, when the bullets of an unseen enemy thinned the ranks of those who had been incautiously led into the entrance of a hollow, where the French and Indians were concealed by the thick underwood, from which they could securely fire on the English. In a few moments the fearful whar-whoop was sounded, and the French and Indians rushed from their shelter on the astonishsd troops of Braddock, and pursued them to the banks of the Monongahela. In vain did their commander, and the undaunted Washington, endeavour to restore them to order and prevent their flight. The deadly aim of the French was so sure, that in a very short time Washington was the only aid of General Braddock that was left to carry his orders, and assist in encouraging the affrighted troops. For three hours, he was exposed to the aim of the most perfect marksmen; two horses fell under him; a third was wounded; four balls pierced his coat, and several grazed his sword; every other officer was either killed or wounded, and he alone remained unhurt. The Indians directed the flight of their arrows towards his breast, and the French made him a mark for their rifles, but both were harmless, for the shield of his God protected him, and "covered his head in the day of battle." His safety, in the |