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ington reached it. He delivered his message without effect. The French commander pointed to his boats, all ready for starting, and told him that in the spring he intended sailing down the Ohio, and destroying every English post he met with. 8. Several friendly Indians had accompanied Washington, and these the French tried to entice from him with rum and presents. Washington could hardly get them away. At last, finding he could do nothing, he set out on his return, having first learned all he could about the plans of the French. His journey home was full of dangers. It was extremely cold. The horses were disabled, and he had to go on foot through the A treacherous Indian guide fired at his head at the distance of a few feet, but missed his aim.

snow.

the French fort lie? What is said of the route thither? What effect did Washington's message produce ?-8. By whom had Washington been accompanied? What did the French try to do with these Indians? At last, what was Washington obliged to do? What is said of the journey home?-9. Give an account of Washington's narrow escape amid the drifting ice.-10. On

board, and tried to push it across with poles. It soon became jammed between cakes of ice. Washington, while trying to steady the raft with his pole, was jerked into the water, and narrowly escaped drowning. In the engraving you see him struggling amid the ice.

10. Through all the dangers of the way, Washington was preserved by a Higher Power. He made his report to the governor of Virginia, and was praised by all for the gallantry with which he had discharged his duty. A long war between the French and English followed, which is known as the French and Indian War.

LESSON XXIV.

FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR.—BRADDOCK'S DEFEAT.

1. By Washington's advice, the English commenced a fort where Pittsburg, in Pennsylvania, now stands. Before its completion it was captured by the French, who finished it and called it Fort Du Quesne [du kane].

2. A force commanded by Washington had been sent out to garrison this post. Though too late to save it, they surprised a body of French by a night attack, and completely defeated them. Washington was soon after surrounded in a stockade which he had constructed, by a large force of French and Indians. He had to surrender, but was allowed to retain his stores, and march out with the honors of war.

3. In 1755, General Braddock came over from Great Britain with a powerful army, to attack the French. He advanced against Fort Du Quesne, moving but slowly, in consequence of having to make his own road through the wilderness. Washington joined his army, and warned the general to be on his guard against Indian ambuscades. But Braddock paid no atmaking his report, for what was Washington commended? What war followed?

1. Where did Washington advise the erection of a fort? What became of this fort? What did the French call it ?-2. What victory was soon after achieved by Washington? What then befell him ?-3. Who came over in 1755 ?

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tention to his warnings. The savages, he said, could do no harm to British troops.

4. When Braddock's army was within a few miles of Fort Du Quesne, a deadly fire was suddenly poured in upon them; and Indian yells rent the air in front and on each side. The savages were concealed behind trees and rocks, and the British were cut down without a chance of returning their fire. The van was seized with a panic, and fell back on the main body. The Virginia Rangers, who were used to Indian warfare, stood their ground bravely for a time; but the rest were thrown into confusion, left their baggage, and fled from the field.

men.

5. Braddock was mortally wounded, while trying to rally his The chief command then fell to Washington. He threw himself into the thickest of the fight. Two horses were shot under him. Four balls passed through his coat. The Indians aimed at him again and again; still he escaped uninjured. But in vain he strove to turn the fortunes of the day.

6. The British fled many miles, destroying their artillery and stores. The fine army of Braddock was broken up, and that by a much smaller force of French and Indians. The French commander had at first thought of abandoning the fort. One of his officers persuaded him to stay and meet the enemy; and, with the aid of his Indian allies, he was, as we have seen, completely successful.

7. The English colonists had expected much from Braddock, and were greatly disappointed at his defeat. In the north, however, they had better success. Near Lake George, in the state of New York, they defeated a large army of French and Indians, who were making a descent on one of their forts. They also conquered a large tract lying east of Maine, now called New Brunswick.

What post did Braddock proceed to attack? Who joined his army? What advice did Washington give Braddock? What reply did Braddock make?— 4. Give an account of the surprise of Braddock's army. How did the Virginia Rangers behave? What is said of the rest of the army ?-5. What befell Braddock? Who then took the command? What dangers did Washington escape?-6. What became of Braddock's fine army? What had the French com→ mander at first intended? What made him change his mind ?-7. What suc

8. In 1756, the French sent over a distinguished general named Montcalm, to command their forces in America. Taking advantage of the inactivity of the English general, Montcalm captured a number of places. In 1757, marching down from Canada into the state of New York with a large force of French and Indians, he laid siege to Fort William Henry, on the southern shore of Lake George. This post was bravely defended by its commander, who hoped for relief from a British army. under General Webb, at another fort, only fourteen miles off.

9. But Webb was afraid to meet Montcalm, and let the garrison of Fort William Henry take care of itself. Still the officer in command gallantly held out. It was not till half his cannon burst, and his ammunition gave out, that he agreed to surrender. Honorable terms were granted. The troops were to be allowed to join their comrades at the other fort.

10. No sooner, however, had they commenced marching out of Fort William Henry, than the savages in Montcalm's army began to rob and murder them. A general massacre ensued. In spite of the efforts of the French officers, only a part of the British army escaped. Up to this time, the French had been generally successful. They now possessed twenty times as much territory in America as the English.

LESSON XXV.

CLOSE OF THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR.

1. The English losses had been caused by the inefficiency of their generals. In 1758, therefore, they selected better leaders. cess did the English colonists have in the north? What large tract did they conquer?-8. In 1756, what French general came over? What did Montcalm do in 1757? On whom did the commander of Fort William Henry rely for aid? --9. Why did not Webb go to relieve the fort? How long did it hold out? On what terms was it surrendered ?-10. Give an account of the massacre that followed the surrender. Up to this time, which party had generally been successful? How did the French territory in America now compare with the English?

1. By what had the English losses been caused? What did they therefore

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One of these resulted in the

Several expeditions were planned. capture of Louisburg, a strong French post on an island northeast of Nova Scotia. The French commander held out till his ships were taken, his cannon destroyed, and his works battered down. Nor would he have surrendered then, had it not beer for the prayers of the inhabitants.

2. Montcalm, the gallant French general, was at Ticonderoga. Here he was attacked by a superior force of English, but he drove them back with loss. An English expedition directed against Fort Du Quesne was more successful. One division of the army, sent out to reconnoitre, was defeated; but, when Washington and his brave Virginians approached the fort, the French commander blew up the magazine, set fire to the works, and retreated with his men in boats.

3. Washington raised his country's flag over the ruins. A new block-house,

Burgesses, as the legislature of the colony was called. When he took his seat in that body, the Speaker rose and thanked him

do? What French post was captured? How long did the commander hold out?-2. What other post was attacked? With what result? Give an account of the English attack on Fort Du Quesne.-3. What was erected on the site of Fort Du Quesne? To what was the name changed? How was Washington