on the war against the French, when all efforts at a peaceful settlement had failed.

10. Governor Dinwiddie, of that colony, was sorely perplexed, and exclaimed, "There appears to me an infatuation in all the assemblies in this part of the world." He urged the home government to tax the colonies for the benefit of the common cause, independently of assemblies.

11. But the time was come when Maryland was compelled to take part in the war. The Virginia troops under Colonel Washington had been captured by the French and Indians, who, from Fort Duquesne, erected on the present site of Pittsburgh, poured their savage and plundering bands on the unprotected frontiers of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia.

12. The Assembly at Annapolis, in 1754, voted supplies and assistance to the Virginians in their efforts to reduce this fort. Many of the people of the province had, before this, organized companies of rangers and frontier guards for the protection of the border settlements. A fort had been erected at Cumberland, far beyond the settlements, which served as a resting point in the expeditions undertaken against the French on the Ohio. In these expeditions the people of Maryland bore a

Questions.-10. What did Dinwiddie exclaim? What did he urge? 11. Why was Maryland now compelled to take a part? 12. What did the assembly vote? What had the people already done? Where had a fort been erected?

part. Governor Sharpe, of Maryland, was, by a royal commission, commander-in-chief of all the forces engaged against the French, on the Ohio.

13. On the 24th of December, 1754, the General Assembly of Maryland was again convened, and passed a law for the levying of troops for the ensuing campaign. In the session of February, 1755, they passed other laws providing for the energetic prosecution of the expedition which ended so disastrously for the whole country, kuown as Braddock's Defeat.

CHAPTER XVII.

1755-1758-BRADDOCK'S DEFEAT-Braddock's ArrivalCouncil at Alexandria-Braddock at Frederick-Arrival of Franklin Franklin's Suggestions-Braddock's Confidence — Franklin's Proposition — March over the Mountains-Baggage-Mutual Disgust--Braddock rejects the Indians and Backwoodsmen--Slow Movements -The Contest--The Defeat.

1. Although the expedition which resulted in Braddock's defeat belongs more properly to the history of Virginia, yet as the disaster involved

Questions.-12. Who was commander-in-chief of all the forces? 13. When did the assembly meet? What act did they pass?

serious consequences to Maryland, and the story is one of peculiar interest, it calls for more than a passing notice.

2. Early in the year, Gen. Braddock, at the head of a strong body of troops, embarked for the colonies. On his arrival at Alexandria, a council of colonial governors was summoned to meet him at Annapolis, on the 3d of April. Gen. Braddock, Gov. Dinwiddie, and Commodore Keppel, arrived at Annapolis, where they were shortly after joined by the governors of Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania.

3. The place of meeting having been changed, these gentlemen, together with Gov. Sharpe, of Maryland, proceeded to the General's head-quarters at Alexandria.

4. In the council three expeditions were determined on the first, against Fort Duquesne, under Braddock himself, reinforced by the Maryland and Virginia levies; the second, against Niagara and Fort Frontignac; and the third, against Crown Point.

5. Gov. Sharpe immediately proceeded to Frederick, where a portion of the army was already quartered. He was joined here by Gen. Braddock, who had left Alexandria, on the 20th of April. Braddock intended to remain at Frederick, until

Questions.-2. When did Braddock embark for the colonies? What council was held? 3. Where did they adjourn to? 4. What expeditions were determined upon? 5. What delayed Braddock?

his stores should be forwarded to Fort Cumberland. The Virginia contractors having failed to fulfil their engagements, his stay at Frederick, very much to his chagrin, was protracted beyond his expectation or his patience. He was compelled to send round the country to buy food and cattle for the subsistence of his troops.

6. While Braddock was venting his spleen against army contractors, Benjamin Franklin arrived at Frederick. He came ostensibly in the character of Post Master General, to arrange for the transmission of dispatches, but in reality was sent by the Assembly of Pennsylvania to conciliate Braddock, who, they understood, was incensed against them.

7. Notwithstanding the entire confidence Braddock had in himself and his regulars, Franklin, relying upon his better knowledge of the difficulties of the country, and the peculiarities of Indian warfare, modestly observed to the general, that if he arrived before Fort Duquesne, with his troops and artillery, the fort could probably make but a short resistance, but that he himself feared the ambuscades of the Indians.

8. Braddock smiled at what he thought Franklin's ignorance, and replied: "These savages may indeed

Questions.-5. What was he compelled to do? 6. Who joined Braddock at Frederick? For what purpose had he been sent? 7. What suggestions did Franklin make? 8. How did Braddock receive the suggestions? What did he reply?

be a formidable enemy to raw American militia, but upon the king's regular and disciplined troops, sir, it is impossible for them to make any impression."

9. During his stay at Frederick, he was joined by George Washington, then Colonel, whom he had invited to join him as aid-de-camp. It was to the skill and courage of Washingtou, that the remnant of the army owed its preservation.

10. As the whole delay of the army was caused by the want of wagons and teams, the few in the neighborhood of Frederick having been all impressed, and found insufficient, Franklin, one day, expressed his regret to the general that he had not landed in Pennsylvania, where almost every farmer owned a wagon.

11. Braddock immediately commissioned Franklin to contract for one hundred and fifty wagons, and a proper supply of draught and saddle horses. The reluctant Pennsylvania farmers, however, would not yield their property without the further security of Franklin's personal responsibility.

12. On the 10th of June, Braddock set off from Fort Cumberland. The march over the mountains proved a tremendous affair. Owing to the difficulties of the way, the line of wagons and troops often

Questions.-9. Who joined him at Frederick? What is said of Washington? 10. What caused the delay? What did Franklin say? 11. For how many wagons did he order him to contract? What did the farmers require ? 12. When did Braddock start from Cumberland? What of the march?