While he recognized in Braddock infirmities of temper and insufficient knowledge of his battlefield, he knew him to be energetic and courageous and he believed that the first blow, the one that he was to strike at Fort Duquesne, would inflict a mortal blow upon France in the New World.

In every vigorous measure that he proposed Dinwiddie backed him, and the other governors, overborne by their will, gave their consent.
While Robert sat with his friends in the shade of a grove, awaiting the result of the deliberations in the tent, his attention was attracted by a strong, thick-set figure in a British uniform.
"Colonel Johnson!" he cried, and running forward he shook hands eagerly with Colonel William Johnson.
"Why, Colonel!" he exclaimed, "I didn't dream that you were here, but I'm most happy to see you." "And I to see you, Mr.Lennox, or Robert, as I shall call you," said Colonel Johnson.

"Alexandria is a long journey from Mount Johnson, but you see I'm here, awaiting the results of this council, which I tell you may have vast significance for North America." "But why are you not in the tent with the others, you who know so much more about conditions on the border than any man who is in there ?" "I am not one of the governors, Robert, my lad, nor am I General Braddock.

Hence I'm not eligible, but I'm not to be neglected.

I may as well tell you that we are planning several expeditions, and that I'm to lead one in the north." "And Madam Johnson, and everybody at your home?
Are they well ?" "As well of body as human beings can be when I left.