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.

AET. 24.] LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 79
at last from their apathy, had appropriated money for
defence; but, not inclined to unite with Virginia or
each other in any concerted measures, they were contented to expend their substance in fortifying their
own borders. If a more liberal policy had predominated, if these colonies had smothered their local jealousies, and looked only to their common interests, they
might by a single combined effort have driven the
French from the Ohio, and rested in quiet the remainder of the war. There being no hope of such a result,
it was foreseen by the Virginians, that the most strenuous exertions would be requisite to defend the long
line of their frontiers against the inroads of the savages.
The Assembly readily came to a determination, therefore, to augment the army to fifteen hundred men. A
bill was enacted for drafting militia to supply the deficiency of recruits, and commissioners were appointed
to superintend the business, of whom the Speaker was
chairman. These drafted men were to serve till December, to be incorporated into the army, and subjected
to the military code. By an express clause in the law,
they could not be marched out of the province.
Colonel Washington repaired to his head-quarters
at Winchester. A few men only were stationed there,
the regiment being mostly dispersed at different posts
in the interior, so situated as to afford the best protection to the inhabitants. The enemy were on the
alert. Scarcely a day passed without new accounts of
Indian depredations and massacres. The scouting
parties and even the forts were attacked, and many of
the soldiers and some of the bravest officers killed.
So bold were the savages, that they committed robberies and murders within twenty miles of Winchester,
and serious apprehensions were entertained for thle
safety of that place. The feelings of the commander,