"Not exactly. There is a small fort on the Ohio, at the mouth of the Obaish (Wabash), garrisoned by a few men."
The information he gathered from these men was valuable to him and the Virginia authorities.
As soon as the half-king returned, Washington called upon him with his interpreter, making known his business, and inviting him to his own tent. The chief cordially accepted the invitation, and he accompanied him on his return.
"I understand that you have visited the French commander, to whom I am going," remarked Washington, "and perhaps you can give me some information about the ways and distance."
"The nearest and levelest way," answered the half-king, "is now impassable on account of many deep and miry savannas."
"Then we must adopt the next best way," suggested Washington.
"Yes; and that is by the way of Venango, at the confluence of French Creek and the Alleghany," said Tanacharisson.
"How great is the distance?"
"You cannot get to the nearest fort in less than five or six nights' sleep, good travelling."
"How were you received at the fort?" continued Washington, anxious to make the most of his informant.