ccomplished young
lady, Miss Phillips, sister of Mrs. Robinson. Her many attractions
captivated the young hero more than any lady friend had done since his
experience with the "Lowland Beauty." However, he did not capitulate,
but bore his colors forward to Boston, whither his fame had gone before
him.

He received a warm reception in Boston, such as was never accorded to so
youthful an officer. His gallant conduct in saving Braddock's army from
destruction, together with other deeds of heroism, known throughout the
Colonies, had made him famous; and now, "his tall and commanding form,
the manly beauty of his face, his dignified bearing, his rich and
handsome dress, and the unequalled skill with which he managed his large
and noble horse," awakened admiration in the minds of all beholders.

Having procured an order from General Shirley, under which a commission
from a provincial governor was as good as one from the king, Washington
started upon his return journey, after remaining ten days in Boston. He
stopped two weeks in New York City with Beverly Robinson, whose wife's
charming sister greatly pleased him. In her he beheld all that was
beautiful in person, graceful in accomplishments, and excellent in
character. There is no doubt that the young hero, who had withstood the
assaults of French and Indians combined, had resolved to surrender to
the bewitching charms of this damsel. But he found that a true and
worthy friend of his had already captured the prize, and was exulting in
the possession of her heart. Disappointed, but not cast down, he bade
the charmer adieu, and hurried away.

He reached Williamsburg on the twenty-third day of March, after an
absence of seven weeks. He had but just arrived when a messenger came
dashing into town, the bearer of appalling news.

"The Indians are approaching Winchester in force, burning and plundering
as they go!" he shouted.

"Have you any better evidence of their depredations than rumor?"
inquired Washington, recalling some experiences of the past, "or do you
announce what you _know_ to be a fact?"

"The evidence of their approach and plunder is positive," replied the
messenger; "and the inhabitants are flocking into town from their
pillaged and burning homes."

Washington was satisfied that the startling tidings was no false alarm,
and, putting spurs to his charger, he dashed away to Winchester. His
arrival reassured the terrified inhabitants and they bravely rallied to