hany
from North, coalescing to form a double-big Ohio for the Far West);
and thought to himself, "What an admirable three-legged place: might be
Chief Post of those regions,--nest-egg of a diligent Ohio Company.!"
Mr. George, some way down the Ohio River, found a strongish French
Fort, log-barracks, "200 river-boats, with more building," and a French
Commandant, who cannot enter into questions of a diplomatic nature about
Peace and War: "My orders are, To keep this Fort and Territory against
all comers; one must do one's orders, Monsieur: Adieu!" And the
steadfast Washington had to return; without result,--except that of the
admirable Three-legged Place for dropping your Nest-egg, in a commanding
and defenceful way!

Ohio Company, painfully restrained so long in that operation, took
the hint at once. Despatched, early in 1754, a Party of some Forty or
Thirty-three stout fellows, with arms about them, as well as tools,
"Go build us, straightway, a Stockade in the place indicated; you are
warranted to smite down, by shot or otherwise, any gainsayer!" And
furthermore, directly got on foot, and on the road thither, a "regiment
of 150 men," Washington as Colonel to it, For perfecting said Stockade,
and maintaining it against all comers.

Washington and his Hundred-and-fifty--wagonage, provender and a piece or
two of cannon, all well attended to--vigorously climbed the Mountains;
got to the top 27th May, 1754; and there MET the Thirty-three in retreat
homewards! Stockade had been torn out, six weeks ago (17th April last);
by overwhelming French Force, from the Gentleman who said ADIEU, and had
the river-boats, last Fall. And, instead of our Stockade, they are now
building a regular French Fort,--FORT DUQUESNE, they call it, in honor
of their Governor Duquesne:--against which, Washington and his regiment,
what are they? Washington, strictly surveying, girds himself up for the
retreat; descends diligently homewards again, French and Indians rather
harassing his rear. In-trenches himself, 1st July, at what he calls
"Fort Necessity," some way down; and the second day after, 3d July,
1754, is attacked in vigorous military manner. Defends himself, what he
can, through nine hours of heavy rain; has lost thirty, the French only
three;--and is obliged to capitulate: "Free Withdrawal" the terms
given. This is the last I heard of the Ohio Company; not the last
of Washington, by any means. Ohio Company,--its judicious Nest-egg
squelche