I was glad to meet the new commander, and at Sir John’s request named several gentlemen who should have the same honour, and who might be of great use in the campaign. On this occasion there was less heavy drinking than usual, and I was very agreeably entertained and much questioned as to the border. I promised to send my maps to the general, who, upon my taking leave, hoped some way might be found to secure my services in the coming campaign.
Indeed, I was more eager than the general, and, as occasion served, I was still more open with some of the younger members of General Braddock’s family concerning my continued desire to follow the military line.
I rode homeward a day or two later, taking Fredericksburg on the way, that I might see my mother. I found her in the garden of her house, engaged in putting some plants in the ground.
She said she was pleased to see me, but did hardly look up from her work and went on talking of the family. I was of no mind to stop her, and, indeed, it was always best to let her have her say; nor did I now interrupt her, which out of respect I never inclined to do.
My sister Betty Lewis, having more desire to talk than I ever had, could never hear my mother out, and this I did not approve, nor did it do any good.
While I was listening came a servant with a letter inclosed in a cover with a flying seal of Captain Orme’s arms. The letter within carried the royal arms and “On his Majesty’s service with speed,” wrote large. It appeared that when I had gone, the general’s aide, Captain Orme, requested Colonel Peyton to forward to me this communication, and accordingly he had sent it after me as desired. I excused myself and read it with pleasure.
My mother, being curious as to small things, and as to large ones too often indifferent, asked me what it was, and was eager to know why it bore the King’s arms. I saw no better way than to let her read it.
She gave it back to me, saying, “I suppose my opinions about this business of war are never to be regarded,” and more besides than I desire to recall. I replied that there was only one answer a man of honour and a loyal subject of the King could make, and that I should at once accept if time were given me to set in order my affairs; and so, with this, after much advice on her part that my duty lay at home and on my plantation, I got away, avoiding to say more, my mind being fully made up. I find the letter now among my papers, and reading it in my old age, renew the memory of the satisfaction it gave me when young.
Williamsburg, March 2, 1755.
Sir: The General, having been informed by friends that you expressed some desire to make the campaign, but that you declined it upon some disagreeableness that you thought might arise from the regulations of command, has ordered me to acquaint you that he will be very glad of your company in his family, by which all inconveniences of that kind will be obviated.