Washington said: "The French are responsible for these atrocious cruelties, for the Indians are their allies, instigated to war by their influence, fighting under their banner, and paid by their money. The burning of our men under the very walls of their fort must have been done by their approval." He embraced the first opportunity after the battle, to write to his mother, that she might know of his safety, and be relieved of any anxiety which exaggerated reports might create. His letter to her was dated Fort Cumberland, July 18, 1755, and the first paragraph was: "As I doubt not but you have heard of our defeat, and, perhaps, had it represented in a worse light, if possible, than it deserves, I have taken this opportunity to give you some account of the engagement as it happened within ten miles of the French fort, on Wednesday, the 9th inst." He wrote to his brother: "The Virginia troops showed a good deal of bravery, and were nearly all killed. The dastardly behavior of those they called regulars exposed all others that were ordered to do their duty to almost certain death. At last, in despite of all the efforts of the officers to the contrary, they ran, as sheep pursued by dogs, and it was impossible to rally them. "By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation, for I had four bullets through my coat and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me." XIII. ON THE FRONTIER. Washington's advice to Colonel Dunbar was: "Reorganize and march upon Duquesne. That fort can be captured by strategy." "I can do nothing with an army so demoralized as this," replied Dunbar. "We may as well consider this campaign ended. Our force is now too much reduced to capture Duquesne." "Nevertheless I believe that this defeat may be turned into victory," added Washington. "At any rate I am not in favor of utterly abandoning the attempt." "Better that than to make a second attempt and fail," retorted Dunbar. "I do not propose to remain and see the remnant of my army annihilated." "What, then, will you do?" "Strike my tents and repair to Philadelphia and go into winter quarters," answered Dunbar. "Go into winter quarters before dog-days have fairly set in!" exclaimed Washington, surprised by the suggestion. "What will the people of our country say to that?" "They may say what they please," said Dunbar. "The risk is too great for me to assume under the circumstances, and I decide to go into camp in Philadelphia." "Then there is no alternative for me but to return to Williamsburg," added Washington, perfectly satisfied that Dunbar was too much of a coward to be intrusted with the command of an army.