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.

428 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [APPENDIX.
had already displayed, were doubtless the qualities that recommended
him for this delicate and important mission, although he was not yet
twenty-two years of age. The following instructions from Governor
Dinwiddie, and extracts from letters written by him to the Board of
Trade in London, will indicate the objects and nature of this service.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON.
" Whereas I have received information of a body of French forces
being assembled in a hostile manner on the river Ohio, intending by
force of arms to erect certain forts on the said river within this territory, and contrary to the dignity and peace of our sovereign the King
of Great Britain;
"These are, therefore, to require and direct you, the said George
Washington, forthwith to repair to Logstown on the said river Ohio;
and, having there informed yourself where the said French forces
have posted themselves, thereupon to proceed to such place; and, being there arrived, to present your credentials, together with my letter
to the chief commanding officer, and in the name of his Britannic
Majesty to demand an answer thereto.
"On your arrival at Logstown you are to address yourself to the
Half-King, to Monacatoocha, and other the sachems of the Six Nations, acquainting them with your orders to visit and deliver my letter
to the French commanding officer, and desiring the said chiefs to
appoint you a sufficient number of their warriors to be your safeguard, as near the French as you may desire, and to wait your further direction.
"You are diligently to inquire into the numbers and force of the
French on the Ohio, and the adjacent country; how they are likely
to be assisted from Canada; and what are the difficulties and conveniences of that communication, and the time required for it.
" You are to take care to be truly informed what forts the French
have erected, and where; how they are garrisoned, and appointed,
and what is their distance from each other, and from Logstown; and
from the best intelligence you can procure, you are to learn what
gave occasion to this expedition of the French; how they are likely
to be supported, and what their-pretensions are.
"When the French commandant has given you the required and
necessary despatches, you are to desire of him a proper guard to
protect you as far on your return, as you may judge for your safety,
against any straggling Indians or hunters, that may be ignorant of
your character, and molest you.