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.

312 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [IET. 26.
that service, the moral certainty of its obstructing our
march, and the consequent miscarriage of the expedition; I endeavoured.to represent, also, the hard struggle
Virginia had made this year in raising a second regiment
upon so short a notice, the great expense of doing it,
and her inability for future exertion. I spoke my fears
concerning the southern Indians, in the event of a miscarriage. But I spoke all unavailingly, for the road was
immediately begun, and from one to two thousand men
have since constantly wrought upon it. By the last accounts I have received, they had cut it to the foot of
Laurel Hill, about thirty-five miles; and I suppose by
this time fifteen hundred men have taken post at a place
called Loyal Hanna, about ten miles further, where our
next fort is intended to be constructed.
We have certain intelligence, that the French strength
at Fort Duquesne, on the 13th ultimo, did not exceed
eight hundred men, Indians included, of whom there
appeared to be about three or four hundred. This account is corroborated on all hands. Two officers of the
first Virginia regiment, Chew and Allen, have since
come from thence, both in different parties, and at different times, after lying a day or two concealed in full
view of the fort, and observing the motions and strength
of the enemy. See, therefore, how our time has been
misspent. Behold how the golden opportunity has been
lost, perhaps never more to be regained! How is it to
be accounted for? Can General Forbes have orders
for this? Impossible. Will, then, our injured country
pass by such abuses? I hope not. Rather let a full
representation of the matter go to his Majesty. Let
him know how grossly his glory and interest, and the
public money, have been prostituted. I wish I were
sent immediately home [to England], as an aid to some
other on this errand. I think, without vanity, I could