The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

APPEnDIx.] DEATH OF JUMONVILLE. 447
the foregoing narrative, as it contains the most remarkable occurrences, which happened in my journey.
" I hope what has been said will be sufficient to make your Honor
satisfied with my conduct; for that was my aim in undertaking the
journey, and chief study throughout the prosecution of it."
No. II. p. 39.
DEATH OF JUMONVILLE.
The circumstances attending the death of Jumonville have been
so remarkably misunderstood and perverted by the French historians,
and the character of Washington, in regard to this event, has suffered so much in their hands, that the subject demands a further
consideration. The following extracts, from three of the most recent
and accredited French writers, will show in what light this point of
history is still viewed by that nation. The first extract is from Flassan, whose history holds a high rank in French literature, and was
written with the approbation of Napoleon, if not in consequence of his
suggestion.
"M. de Jumonville," says Flassan, " setting off with an escort of
thirty men, found himself surrounded in the morning by a body of
English and savages. The former fired twice in rapid succession,
and killed several Frenchmen. Jumonville made a sign, that he was
the bearer of a letter from his commandant. The fire ceased, and
they gathered around him to hear the letter. He caused the summons to be read, but the reading was not finished when the English
reiterated their fire and killed him. The remaining Frenchmen of
his escort were immediately made prisoners of war." *
The next extract is from Lacretelle, whose history likewise enjoys
a distinguished reputation in his native country.
"An officer, by the name of Jumonville, was sent with an escort
of thirty men. The English, ranged in a circle around him, listened
to the representations, which he came to make. Had they premeditated so atrocious a crime? Were they moved by a sudden impulse of
hatred and ferocity? This cannot now be known; but they disgraced
the New World by an outrage never before heard of among civilized
* Histoire de la Diplomatie Franqaise, ou de la Politique de la France, &c
Par M. DE FLASSAN. Paris, 1811. Tom. VI. p. 28.