The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-02-28
WASHINGT0N'S STRONG WILL.
Crossing the Ohio in 1852 and
the Delaware in 1776.

To the Editor: In the fall of 1872
George Washington not yet q years old
volunteered to be bearer of dispatches
from the Governor OF Virginia to the
French officer in command at Fort Du-
duesene, the site of the present flourish
ing city OF Pittsburg Pennsylvania. \
seat portion OF the route was through
the wilderness infested by savage will
ecasts and still more savage men. George
delivered the dispatches all right but was
lafpcseiy delayed in receiving the return
DISPATCHES; the French officer wishing
TO tamrer with the friendly Indians
George had with him. 1t was about the
middle Of December when he finally re-
ceiyed the return dispatches. There had
been heavy snowstorm and il was bit
ter cold. Tha Ohio river was nearly
bank full. Solid ice had formed on each
bank while the middle Of the river was
furious torrent full of floating ice
There were no ferry boats nor material
cut OF which TO make one. George fl
Rally decided TO leave his horse ana try
ii on foot. With one companion Mr.
UFssh he embarked on q frail birch bark
c2noe. When they reached the middle
OF the river the rapid current brought
the ice with such force against the canoe
:ts@4c snatch Georges pole from his hands
and pitch him headforemost into the
water 1t was 10 feet deep and it was
w.rtt>~some difficulty he finally got back
in the boat. They finally landed on an
islan and spent a very uncomfortable
night. Mr.. Gish had his hands and feet
both Severely frostbitten. Next day they
finished the crossing, set out on foot,
reached a settlement where George pro
cured horse and safely delivered his
dispatches TO the Governor.
1776.
Twenty four years after, His Excel
leney= General George Washington com
n.ander-in-chief of the American army
was on the west benk of the Delaware
river. He Rad experienced great reverses,
had been driven out of New York, across
the state OF New Jersey, and had only
the Delaware river between him and
Victorious British army. 1t was a very
dark hour for the patriot cause. Lord
CORVALLIS the commander of the British
army in the field, regarded the campaign
as over. and the rebellion practically
crushed and stationed his troops con-
VpEienty for comfortable winter quarters,
expecting himself to spend the winter
in England General Washington from
the opposite bank OF the Delaware
watched this division of the British forces
ard decided to make an attack on the
pCst q; Trenton. He divided his army
into three detachnents The first under his
own command to cross above Trenton
The other two under capable and efficient
feeders TO cross lower down and come
UP on the other flank The river was
fun of floating ice, the weather was
bitter cold just as IN 1852. Washngton's
detachment crossed, captured about 1000
Hessians ,and)by Washington's subsequent
operations the British We're driven out
of New Jersey. AS the other two de
tacEmentS failed TO cross the question
arises: How much did the Ohio crossing
in 1852 bave@so do with the Delaware in |
l776?' There, are doubtless many |
young people readers of the News and |
Observer who are today struggling with |
Notwithstanding the Ohio river so to |
SPEAK. BE not discouraged; the more diff |
fcult the crossing today, the better |
preparation for crossing the Delaware |
some future dey.
L. M. GALLAWAY.