reached his camp, he was on the east side of the Monongahela and about fifteen miles from the fort.

The sick colonel was warmly rceived on his arrival, especially by his fellow aides-de-camp, Morris and Orme.

แ

"You are just in time to see a nice piece of work done, my boy," said Major Bridges, on seeing Washington in the camp. "To-morrow we are go

ing to attack Fort Du Quesne."

"Is everything ready?"

Certainly," cried the major, who seated himself

on a saddle at the root of a tree.

it myself."

"I attended to

"Have you reconnoitred the neighboring country and determined on the plan of attack?"

"All done all done," cried the major, with a wave of the hand, as if that single gesture settled everything. "I will lead the advance if necessary.

"Have you no fears of the French and Indians?" "French and Indians!" cried the major with evident disgust. "Do you imagine that a British regular will ever be afraid of a few French and heathen? No; wait until you see me lead the assault against the fort."

The fort was on the same side of the Monongahela with the camp; but there was a narrow pass between them, about two miles in length, with the river on the left and a very high mountain on the

right, which, in its present state, was quite impassable for vehicles. Consequently Braddock determined to cross the Monongahela by a ford in front of the camp, proceed along the west bank of the river for about five miles, then recross by another ford to the eastern side and push on to the fort. At these fords the river was shallow, and the banks were not steep.

According to the plan of arrangement, Lieutenant-Colonel Gage, with the advance, was to cross the river before daybreak, march to the second ford, and, re-crossing there, take post to secure the passage of the main force. The advance was composed of two companies of grenadiers, one hundred and sixty infantry, the independent company of Captain Horatio Gates, and two sixpounders.

"What do you think of the plan?" asked Major Bridges of Colonel Washington.

Washington, who had already seen enough of the regular troops to doubt their infallibility in wild bush-fighting, and who realized the dangerous nature of the ground, answered:

"It would be better to send Virginia rangers and men accustomed to the Indian mode of warfare."

"What?" roared the indignant major; "give raw militia preference over British regulars? You must think us mad."

When the matter was suggested to General Braddock he was fully as indignant as the major.

"Do you think a provincial colonel can teach a British general the art of war? Mr. Washington, when I want your advice, I will ask you for it."

Washington, indignant at the insult left the headquarters of the general and wandered to where the Virginians were quartered.

แ What has gone amiss, colonel?" asked Captain Stevens.

sults.

"Virginians are treated with indignities and inThe expedition will be a failure. Tomorrow's setting sun will be red with blood and defeat."

66

We can only do our best, regardless of what may happen," answered Stevens.

Before daylight next morning, George Washington, who shared Captain Stevens' tent was awakened by the rumbling of artillery and the marching of men. It was Colonel Gage's division crossing the Monongahela. Just at dawn of day, Sir John St. Clair, with a pioneer corps of two hundred and fifty men, went forward to make the roads ready for the artillery and baggage. They took with them their wagons of tools and two six-pounders. By sunrise the main army in full uniform were ready, looking as if they were prepared for a dress parade rather than for battle. With fixed bayonets

and colors flying in perfect order, to the sound of fife and drum, the troops marched to the river.

"I never saw a grander sight," Washington declared.

"This is parade, not warfare," ventured Captain Stevens.

The troops made a gallant appearance as they forded the Monongahela, winding along its banks through the open forest. Drums and fifes were playing the most popular airs of the day, and the soldiers kept time to the music. Many a brave fellow was taking his last march. Between eleven and twelve o'clock, the second ford was reached. Gage, with the advance, was on the opposite side of the Monongahela, posted according to orders. The pioneer corps were digging down the banks to make them sufficiently sloping for the artillery and baggage. Thus the crossing was delayed until one o'clock. The main army had dinner on the west bank before crossing. When all had passed over, they came to Frazier's Run, where they halted until the general could arrange the order of the march.

First went the advance, under Gage, preceded by the engineers, guides and six light horsemen. Then Sir John St. Clair and the working party, with their wagons and two six-pounders, with flanking parties thrown out on each side.

"Had General Braddock retained Black Rifle and his wild rangers, there would be no danger of a surprise," remarked Captain Stevens.

Surprise!" roared Major Bridges; "egad! do you think there is going to be a surprise? Savages outwit British officers? Zounds! no more such hints, or, egad! I'll have you court-martialled."

Captain Stevens made no response. It was not his place as a subaltern to quarrel with a superior, disgusted as he was with his haughty conduct.

General Braddock followed some distance behind with the main army, the artillery and baggage, preceded and flanked on either side by light horse and squads of infantry, while the Virginians and provincial troops formed a rear guard. This was

the last and the supreme blunder of General Braddock. Like many self-conceited and haughty men, he refused advice.

The

Before the army the ground was level for about half a mile from the river, where the foot hills, covered with long grass, low bushes and scattered trees sloped gently up to the range of hills. whole country, generally speaking, was a forest, with no clear opening but the road, which was about twelve feet wide, flanked by two ravines concealed by trees and thickets.

Had Braddock understood his business, he would have thrown out lines of skirmishers and scouts to