expected there in two days. This Indian passed close by the Fort and assures us that the French have received no reenforcements, except a small number of Indians, who had killed, as he said, two or three of the Delawares. I did not fail to relate that piece of news to the Indians in its proper colors, and particularly to two of the Delawares who are here. June 27th. Detached Captain Lewis,' Lieutenant Waggoner and Ensign Mercer, two Sergeants, two Corporals, one drummer and sixty men, to endeavor to clear a road to the mouth of Red-Stone Creek, on Monongahela.3 1 Captain Andrew Lewis. Served in the Braddock Expedition, was taken prisoner in Major Grant's ill-fated reconnoissance of Fort Duquesne in 1758, and was one of the Virginia Commissioners at the treaty of Fort Stanwix. He was a colonel in the Revolutionary War and died in 1781. (Toner.) Ensign John Mercer, brother of Captain George Mercer. He was killed by the Indians in 1756. (Toner.) The entry-June 27, 1754 — is the last one printed in the French publication Mémoire Contenant, etc., and, unless Washington's original notes are, some day, found in the French Archives, this prepared French version of his record from March 31st to June 27th, inclusive, is all we shall ever possess. The construction of the road to Red Stone continued until June 28th when a council of war decided to call in all working parties and concentrate the force at Gist's; there to fortify against the large force of French and Indians, reported by Washington's scouts, to be preparing to march against him from Fort Duquesne. Further intelligence as to this advancing force caused another council of war to decide upon a retreat to Will's Creek. By the time Great Meadows were reached (July 1st), the troops were too exhausted to continue further, and it was decided to make a stand at Fort Necessity. The works were strengthened and, on the morning of July 3d, the French opened fire on the Fort. The engagement lasted all that day and about eight o'clock in the evening the French suggested a parley. Lack of ammunition and food compelled the capitulation. Washington marched out with the honors of war, with all his arms, flags, and baggage, to continue his march to Will's Creek, unmolested. His artillery was destroyed by the terms of the surrender, which was signed about midnight of July 3d and the English evacuated the fort at sunrise, July 4th. |