"It will prove disastrous," was Washington's prompt answer, to the surprise of the governor.
"You surprise me!" rejoined the governor. "With a thousand men I thought the fort could easily be captured."
"But you do not take into account the time required to drill the army and march to the fort," answered Washington. "Winter will be upon us before we are ready to besiege the fort."
"I hardly see the need of consuming as much time as you indicate in preparation," suggested the governor.
"You would understand it if you had had the experience with a half-drilled army through one campaign, as I have had," replied Washington.
"But your force was a very small one," suggested Governor Dinwiddie. "With two or three times as many men you will be able to reduce the fort without the drill."
"My experience rather teaches me that the larger the army the more necessary the drill, in order to handle it efficiently," Washington replied.
"Then you are opposed to such a campaign now, under any circumstances, if I understand you," continued the governor.
"My judgment decides against the practicability of such an expedition; nevertheless, I am at your service. My duty is to obey." This was Washington's sincere reply.