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. 21.] LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 37
ernment, and, accounted a document of much importance, as unfolding the views of the French, and announcing the first positive proof of their hostile acts
in the disputed territory.
NTothing more was expected from the small military
preparations set on foot by the governor and Council,
than to take a position on the Ohio before the French
should come down the river, and unite with the parties from New Orleans. The command of one of the
two companies was given to Captain Trent, who, being
acquainted with the frontiers, was sent forward to enlist his men among the traders and back settlers, and
ordered to commence with all speed the building of a
fort at the Fork of the Ohio, in conformity with the
recommendation of Major Washington, who had examined that place, as we have seen, with a view to
its military advantages.
At the same time, Major Washington was stationed
at Alexandria; as a convenient situation for the ren —
dezvous of his men, and for superintending the transportation of supplies and the cannon intended to be
mounted in the fort. Lord Fairfax, holding the office
of county-lieutenant, which gave him authority over
the militia in his neighbourhood, was active in procuring enlistments and rendering other services to his
young friend. The governor's instructions to the
officers bore a warlike aspect. They were, to drive
away, kill, and destroy, or seize as prisoners, all persons not the subjects of the King of Great Britain,
who should attempt to settle or take possession of the
lands on the Ohio River or any of its tributaries.
These arrangements being made, Governor Dinwiddie summoned the legislature to meet at an early day,
in order to take into consideration the critical state of'
affairs, and provide for the safety of the Dominion; as
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