A simple gentleman, anxious to serve his king and do his duty, he volunteered for the first service, and executed it with admirable fidelity.

In the ensuing year he took the command of the small body of provincial troops with which he marched to repel the Frenchmen.

He came up with their advanced guard and fired upon them, killing their leader.

After this he had himself to fall back with his troops, and was compelled to capitulate to the superior French force.

On the 4th of July, 1754, the Colonel marched out with his troops from the little fort where he had hastily entrenched himself (and which they called Fort Necessity), gave up the place to the conqueror, and took his way home.
His command was over: his regiment disbanded after the fruitless, inglorious march and defeat.