Passing one fort at the mouth of French creek, he proceeded up the stream to a second, where he was received by Monsieur Le Gardeur de St.Pierre, the commanding officer on the Ohio, to whom he delivered the letter of Mr.Dinwiddie, and from whom he received an answer with which he returned to Williamsburg.

The exertions made by Mr.Washington on this occasion, the perseverance with which he surmounted the difficulties of the journey, and the judgment displayed in his conduct towards the Indians, raised him in the public opinion, as well as in that of the Lieutenant Governor.

His journal,[1] drawn up for the inspection of Mr.Dinwiddie, was published, and impressed his countrymen with very favourable sentiments of his understanding and fortitude.
[Footnote 1: See note No.

I.at the end of the volume.] [Sidenote: Appointed lieutenant colonel of a regiment of regular troops.] [Sidenote: Surprises Monsieur Jumonville.] As the answer from the commandant of the French forces on the Ohio indicated no disposition to withdraw from that country, it was deemed necessary to make some preparations to maintain the right asserted over it by the British crown; and the assembly of Virginia authorized the executive to raise a regiment for that purpose, to consist of three hundred men.

The command of this regiment was given to Mr.
Fry,[2] and Major Washington was appointed Lieutenant Colonel.