The Journey begun--Route--A Storm--A Torrent--Baggage on Canal--Visit to Shingiss--Tanacharisson--Monochatica--Meeting Deserters--Learning of the Forts from there to New Orleans--The Half-king--Describes his Visit to Pierre Paul, now Dead--His Speech--Pierre Paul's Reply--Indian Council and Washington's Speech--Indian's Reply--Results of the Council--Indians to conduct them to the Fort--Journey delayed--Way to Venango--Arrival and Conference with the French--Dinner Scene--Information 163 X. FRENCH MISSION--(CONTINUED.) The Next Fort--Introduction to Commander--Arrival of Paul's Successor--Receives Dinwiddie's Letter--Washington draws Plan of the Fort--His Inquiries about Certain Captures--Reparti's Reply to Dinwiddie--French attempt to bribe Indians--Injury to White Thunder, and Delay--Return Journey--Snow--Washington and Gist leave the Party--Their Adventure--The Indian Guide--He proves False--A Startling Episode--The Indian disposed of--Reaching the River--Building a Raft--Attempt to Cross--Washington straggling in the Water--They reach an Island--Escape--Twenty Indian Warriors--The Indian Queen--Arrival at Williamsburg--Interview with the Governor--His Journal printed 178 XI. HIS FIRST BATTLE. Effect of Washington's Mission--Orders from the King--Recruiting--The Governor's Bounty to Soldiers--Washington offered the Command--Talk with a Friend--Letter to Colonel Corbin--Does not accept Command--Payne knocks Washington down--How the Affair ended--What McGuire says of Washington's Magnanimity--Washington takes up his March--Meeting Captain Trent--Need of More Men--Courier announces Surrender of Fort--Declaration of War--Washington's Prompt Action--March to Red Stone Creek and Great Meadows--The French surprised, and a Battle--Jumonville killed--Entrenching at Great Meadows--Short of Supplies--His Own Chaplain--Order against Swearing--Marching to meet the Foe--Retreat to Great Meadows--A Hot Battle--Washington surrenders--Return to Williamsburg--Honors, and Larger Provisions--Death of Jumonville justified--Dinwiddie's Words 194 XII. ON GENERAL BRADDOCK'S STAFF.