When Washington had recruited two more companies of fifty men each, he applied to Governor Dinwiddie for permission to advance for the better protection of the frontier. Having procured the order from the governor, he marched out of camp, equipped not only with arms, but also with implements of labor for constructing a road over which supplies and cannon might be readily transported. This was a great undertaking, since there were giant trees to be felled, hills to be levelled, marshes to be filled, rocks to be blasted, and bridges to be built. So great a work was this, that the little army was fourteen days going thirteen miles. They reached Will's Creek on the 24th of April, 1754, where Washington unexpectedly met Captain Trent. "What are you doing here, captain," said Washington, somewhat surprised at seeing him. "Recruiting my command," answered Trent. "I need more men to construct the fort." "That is certain, and we need more men everywhere," responded Washington. "It is fearfully hard work to prosecute such a campaign with so few men. But how are you succeeding?" "As well as could be expected under the circumstances. I am thankful for the smallest number of recruits, for forty men to construct and garrison a fort at the forks of the Ohio is altogether too small a force." While discussing this matter, Ensign Ward entered the camp, and surprised both Washington and Trent by saying: "The garrison at the fort have surrendered to the French." Captain Trent left Ensign Ward in command of his force at the forks, while he was recruiting at Will's Creek. "How can that be?" exclaimed Trent, surprised beyond measure. "On the 17th," the ensign explained, "we were surprised by the appearance of the French fleet in the river, under the command of Captain Contrecoeur, consisting of three hundred canoes and sixty batteaux, carrying a thousand men and eighteen cannon." "To take possession of the forks and erect a fort for their own defence," interjected Washington, who had called the attention of Governor Dinwiddie to the probability of such an event. "Yes, that was what they came for," replied Ward; "and they were glad to see one so far under way, no doubt, as it would lighten their labors." "Did they make an attack?" inquired Washington. "Captain Contrecoeur planted his cannon to sweep the fort, drew up his men in readiness for an attack, and then sent a demand to the English to surrender in one hour, or he would open fire." "Under the circumstances you could not object with much resolution," remarked Washington. "I didn't, but surrendered without parleying," replied Ward; "and we were allowed to march out bearing our arms and all our tools." "This is a declaration of war," remarked Washington, "and we must govern ourselves accordingly." He called his officers together for consultation, and said to them: