andonment of the enterprise was
forced upon him. He could snub Washington, but he could not compel him
to recruit and lead the army. Washington retired to private life at
Mount Vernon.

Governor Dinwiddie was never in such trouble before. Fort Duquesne
haunted him in his sleep. The stripling of a colonel had outwitted his
Excellency. What could he do?

The British Government advised a confederacy of the Colonies, believing
that "in union there is strength." Accordingly, a delegate convention
was called at Albany, "to form a league with the Six Nations of Indians,
and to concert among themselves a plan of united operations for defence
against the common enemy." The New England States, New York,
Pennsylvania, and Maryland accepted the proposition, and sent delegates
to the convention. A league was formed with the Six Nations, but the
convention could not agree upon a plan of common defence acceptable both
to the colonies and the British Government. Benjamin Franklin was a
member of the convention from Pennsylvania, holding the position of
postmaster-general under the king at the time and he presented a plan
that was accepted by all the delegates except those from Connecticut.
For the want of complete union, the project was abandoned, and the
British ministry took the conduct of the war into their own hands. They
promptly adopted measures to force the French Government to retire from
their advanced position in America.

In January, 1755, General Braddock was sent from Ireland, with two
regiments of infantry, well equipped and well drilled. Their arrival
aroused the depressed Colonists to enthusiasm. They forgot the troubles
that had divided them, and united to expel the French from the country.

General Braddock reported to Governor Dinwiddie at Williamsburg, and
laid before him his plans of operation. As the fame of the youthful
Washington had reached him in the old country, his thoughts were very
naturally directed to him in this interview.

"Where is Colonel Washington," he inquired. "I long to see him."

"He is retired from the service, sir," replied the governor.

"Retired?" exclaimed General Braddock. "Colonel Washington retired?
Pray, sir, what is the reason?"

"He was displeased with the king's order reducing the rank of provincial
officers," answered the governor. And he proceeded to explain the matter
in full, without exposing his own agency in the matter. General Braddock
heard him through, when he reto