Evening star., 1896-02-22

in the Congressional
Library is a photo
graphic reproduction of this document
which gives Wash!ngtons plans for march
ing troops from the southern border of
pennsylvania through the unbroken wilder
ness to Fort DuQuesne, now Pittsburg.
ihe circumstances surrounding the prep
aration of this paper are regarded by
Dr. Toner as of sufficient Importance
TO warrant the opinion that this event
formed one OF the most important mil
Iary experiences in the early life of
Washington, and had a pronounced bear
ing IN an educational way on the future
career of the Virginia surveyor AS DR..
ioner mas just given this epoch in Wash
lngton' life fresh study, in the course of
mis- preparation of a monogram on the
forbes expedition. which is now in prog
ress. his views are of special interest, and
the mention of them is appropriate at this
time, when the anniversary of the birth of
the hrst President is being celebrated
Ihe Gate OF the papers referred to Is in
TIE ran or 1IoS. The great campaign plan
ned by Pitt, which was designed to sweep
the French rower from the American con-
tinent. or ct least from encroachments on
the north and west upon the English colo
mes, was then being carried out. a sue
cessful expedition had gone into Canada,
ana the great English statesman was espe-
c!a!iy anxious that the stronghold of the
French power at the source of the Ohio
ana at the gates, as 1t were, of the western
country, should be captured. 1t was there
fore decided to fit out an expedition and
Gen. Forbes, an officer holding an English
commission, was placed in command.
years OF age, was colonel, in command of
the Virginia troops. 1t was not his first
service in the wilderness infested with In
dians, or in the interests of his native
thorof0ra ha1-a hon
oSniZed that his position as commander
was fitting one.
Washington In Command.
Washington, at the head of his troops,
marched to Cumberland, Md, where they
waited orders. Gen. Forbes, who was in
very feeble health. but with indomitable
spirit, accompanied the army, although it
was necessary to carry him on litter, and
was at Raystown, now Bedford, distance
of about thirty miles frcm Cumberland.
The question of the best route in making
the march 70 Fort DuQuesne was burn
trail through the wilderness had existed,
that Braddock had improved. and had
Travelled over in his Inflated expedition of
1855. This road still existed, and was in
condition to be used Washington had ac-
companied him, as well as having gone
over the route on two previous occasions,
and was therefore familiar with the coun-
try. There was desire on the part of the
Pennsylvanans that road should be
opened up to the fort through the center
of their state, and for this reason they IA
vored more northern route.
Washington went over to Raystown, and
mad conference with Gen. Forbes and the
other officers, and, result of this con-
ference, Gen. Forbes asked his officers to
submit plans Of how to conduct az army
through an unbroken wilderness in the enc
mys country. In response to this request
Washington prepared the papers, copies of
which DIR. Toner has.
His Detailed Plans.
Washington favored the Braddock road
for various reasons, but it was decided to
hew. the way through the forest and the
upper route was selected. Gen. Washing
ton drew up, with degree of mnuteness
and care that is characteristic, plan of
marching the troops, giving the formation
of the line and the various details, as well
as the number of men.
With dotted lines Washington indicates
the character of the formation which he
thought ought to be adopted, well
order of battle In the notes written on
the margin of the paper Washington
states that these plans are calculated for
a forced march, with field pieces only, and
not incumbered with wagons. Speaking of
the plan Washington adds: 1T represents,
first, line of march, and, secondly, how
that line of march may in an instant be
thrown into an order of battle in the
woods" He then goes on to state how the
various divisions of the line should be SUBJ
divided, SO that "every commissioned Off,
Ger will have party to command, under
the eye of subaltern. as the subalterns
will have under the direction Of a captain.
&C." Washington further explains what
effect his proposed disposition of the
troops would have in case of an attack.
This plan was approved by Gen. Forbes,
and Gen. Washington was chosen to COM
mand the right of the line. it being recog-
nized by the ccmmanding general, we'll
as by his officers, that Washington's expe-
rience enabled him to grasp the situation.
and that he was the proper man to take
the lead in an expedition of SO much peril.
The progress was slow, as foretold by
Washington, for the reason that 1t
necessary to make a road as they marched
along.
Council of War.
ION the 11th of November" DR.. Toner
states, Gen. Forbes held council of war
at Loyal Harmon, where all the officers
down to and including colonels were present,
and the question being put to each was
whether 1t was proper and safe for the
army to march farther this season. Each
officers opinions were reduced to writing.
The final Judgment was that it was inexpe-
dent, owing to the inclement season, to at
tempt to proceed farther under the existing
conditions. Two days after this determi
nation was reached Washington, when out
on scouting duty, discovered q party of the
enemy and Immediately attacked them, kill
ing some and taking three prisoners-an
Indian man and woman and an Englishman,
who had been taken prisoner from Lancaster
county more than year before.
1.-The taking of these prisoners proved the
turning point which won success to the
Forbes expedition, for when the prisoners
were taken to camp and there carefully
questioned, it was learned to the satisfac-
ton of the general and all the officers that
Fort DuQuesne was very weak in numbers
and in an indefensible condition.
$50 that the determination of the council
of war, held on the 11th, was reversed and
Gen. Forbes determined to proceed without
tents, with light baggage and with but little
artillery. This resolve greatly inspirted the
army. On the 18th of November Gen. Wash
ington set out, opening roads, establishing
camps sending out scouting parties and re-
porting frequently during the day and night
to the general. The troops encountered no
enemy in strength after leaving Loyal Han
non.
piffsl,ursr AlanInned