military genius will fade away under the searchlight of this publication of his military material, much of it for the first time. If nothing had been written by others about Washington's leadership in forming a new nation, his papers and correspondence while President would forever establish him as a great constructive statesman. His private virtues are set forth from the earliest boy's letters down to the last entry that he made in his diary. Washington with his wife's children and grandchildren stands out as clearly as Washington at Yorktown. The United States George Washington Bicentennial Commission is undertaking to throw light upon the character of Washington in many ways. None will be more enduring than this collection of his own words and thoughts. The addresses, the pageants, the public meetings, and the memorials of every kind which the Commission will encourage and support, will call public attention to the most striking of the events in his life. But a hundred years after 1932, Washington will still be appealing to the sense, the interest, the public spirit, and the patriotism of that later age, by the great thoughts of his mind, by his great hopes for his country, and by the simple, straightforward, elevated, manly, and patriotic spirit of which these WRITINGS will be the imperishable record. Herdert Hoove President of the United States. WASHINGTON, D. C., November 19, 1930. UNITED STATES GEORGE WASHINGTON BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION President of the United States HERBERT HOOVER Chairman Vice President of the United States, CHARLES CURTIS Speaker of the House of Representatives, NICHOLAS LONGWORTH To Robert Dinwiddie, Lieutenant Governor of Vir- Difficulties encountered in recruiting-Need of clothing for soldiers. Asks for commission as lieutenant colonel. Acknowledges the commission-About to march—As to promotions. Journal of march toward the Ohio, March-April Speech to the Indians at Wills Creek To Governor Dinwiddie, April 25 Ward's surrender-Speech to the Half King-Difficulties encoun- tered on his march-The council of war-Attitude of the Indians. To Horatio Sharpe, Governor of Maryland, April 27 Surrender of Ensign Ward to French-Progress of his march- To Robert Dinwiddie, May 9 43 45 Difficulties of transporting stores-Reinforcements of French-The To Robert Dinwiddie, May 18 47 Activity of the French-The Half King-As to a road to Red Stone To Robert Dinwiddie, May 18 49 Discontent of the officers-Desires to serve voluntarily Clogs upon Slow progress of the advance-Strength of the French-Demands of the Indians-Letter from the Half King. To Robert Dinwiddie, May 27 53 News from the Half King-Retreat to the Meadows-Arrival of |