"And, indeed, so great was the dread of the French and Indians throughout the settlements, that it was distressing to call even on those families who yet survived, but, from sickness or other causes, had not been able to get away. The poor creatures would run to meet us, like persons half distracted with joy, and then, with looks blank with terror, would tell that such or such a neighbor's family, perhaps the very night before, was murdered, and that they heard their cries and saw the flames that devoured their house. And also, that they themselves, after saying their prayers at night, never lay down to sleep without first taking leave of one another, as if they never expected to meet again in this world. But when we came to take our leave of these wretched families, my God, what were our feelings! To see the deep, silent grief of the men, and the looks of the poor women and children, as, falling upon their knees, with piercing screams, and eyes wild with terror, they seized our hands or hung to our clothes, entreating us for God's and mercy's sake not to leave them to be murdered! These things so filled my heart with grief, that I solemnly declare to God, if I know myself, I would gladly offer my own life a sacrifice to the butchering enemy, if I could but thereby insure the safety of these my poor, distressed countrymen." Washington continued to say to the government that this terrible state of affairs would not cease until Fort Duquesne was captured; and he entreated, again and again, to be provided with an army large enough to reduce the fort. But all in vain. Finally, near the close of the year 1757, his labors and anxieties threw him into a violent fever, and he was conveyed to Mount Vernon, where he lay for four months, sometimes so sick that his life was despaired of, all the time bearing upon his soul the responsibilities of his public position. His faithful servant Bishop, bequeathed to him by General Braddock, attended him night and day with singular devotion. It was not until April that he was able to resume his command. When Washington returned to his headquarters at Winchester, he was unexpectedly cheered by some favorable changes. General Loudoun had been superceded by General Abercrombie, and Governor Dinwiddie had been recalled to England. XIV. A RIFT IN THE CLOUD. "The people are disheartened," said Washington to Mr. Fairfax, "and we need successes to inspire hope within them. But this can never be until the king's officers understand how to fight Indians." "That is true, no doubt, but I have more hope that General Abercrombie will do something effective for this part of the country," answered Fairfax. "General Loudoun had more than his hands full to look after the troops at the north, so that he could give little attention to our claims."