He accordingly went up to him, and touched his hat.
"If you please, sir, I am anxious to join the Virginian militia, and, as they tell me that you are adjutant general, I have come to ask you if I can do so." "I see no difficulty in it, my lad," the colonel said; "but if you have run away from home, in search of adventure, I should advise you to go back again, for we are likely to have heavy work." "I don't mind that, sir, and I have not run away.

I am English.

I was pressed on board a frigate, and was brought over here, but my friends in England procured my discharge, which came for me here, a fortnight after my arrival.

They are, I believe, about to obtain for me a commission in a king's regiment; but, as I was here, I thought that I should like to see some service, as it may be some months before I hear that I have got my commission.

I would rather if I could join as a volunteer, as I do not want pay, my friends having supplied me amply with money." "You seem to be a lad of spirit," Colonel Washington said, "and I will at once put you in the way of doing what you desire.