As soon as possible after the arrival of General Braddock, Governor Dinwiddie called a conference of the governors of five Colonies to discuss war measures. The result of the conference was the plan of undertaking three expeditions. "The first of these was to be conducted by Braddock, with the British troops, against Fort Duquesne; the second, under the command of Governor Shirley of Maryland, now honored with the commission of general from the king, was intended for the reduction of the French fort of Niagara, and was composed of American regulars and Indians; the third was an expedition against Crown Point, to be undertaken by a regiment of militia." As soon as Washington's mother learned that her son had decided to join Braddock's army, she hastened to Mount Vernon in great distress. "I hoped you had quit war forever, George," she said, "and would be content to look after your farm and mother, without exposing yourself to death any more." "A man must be loyal to his country, mother," replied Washington. "He is not much of a man if he is not willing to risk his life for his country." "I will not dispute you, George, on that point," continued his mother; "but somehow I had got it into my mind that you were through with war, and I was glad of it. I suppose that a mother's love had more to do with it than patriotism." "But you believe in patriotism?" added Washington. "Of course I do." "But do not want your son to be patriotic," he quickly added, knowing exactly what course to pursue in order to secure his mother's approval. "Not so, George," Mrs. Washington answered. "I honor patriotism, and if it is _necessary_ for you to join the army again, I am willing. As I said, a mother's love got the better of me for the moment." "It does seem necessary for me to go, mother, in the circumstances," added Washington. "As I am situated the refusal might be easily construed into a lack of patriotism. This is a critical time for the Colonies, when loyalty and patriotism alone can sustain their cause." "You are right, my son, and I will heartily withdraw my objections," responded Mrs. Washington, touched by her son's devotion to his country. "My prayers are all that I can give to my country, and these it shall have. That God may protect you through all the dangers and hardships of war, and return you in safety, will be my constant prayer. With His blessing you can be a useful man in war, as in peace, and without it you can expect nothing." Thus, as before, Washington entered upon the campaign with his mother's pious benediction. On the 9th of June he left Alexandria with Braddock's army, recruited to nearly three thousand men. Virginia raised three companies of her best marksmen, who joined the British troops. When the march began, and Washington took in the grand military display, every soldier well clad and equipped, instead of being ragged and poorly armed, he said, "This is the grandest spectacle I ever beheld."