GREAT MEADOWS, Pa., Engagement at, 28 May 1754; Washington's first fight. When the French built Fort Duquesne (now Pitts burgh), driving off an English force which had begun to fortify the same spot, it was evident that the decisive struggle for mastery of the American uhinterlandp was to begin; and the commander of the nearest English force, a Virginia militia officer of 22, named George Washington, at once sent a messenger to Gov ernor Dinwiddie and wrote letters to the governors of Pennsylvania and Maryland, urg ing all to send troops and expel the French. Meantime he set out with his force to build a fort on the Monogahela where Brownsville, Pa., now stands. Constructing a road as he went, he halted at the Great Meadows of the Youghiogheny, a bushy field at the foot of Laurel Hill — a good camping-place and de fensible position. Hearing from his scouts that the French had learned of the English activity, and sent out a party to engage any English band they met, he cleared the field of bushes and threw up an intrenchment behind a ravine crossing the field; but instead of waiting an attack, took 40 men for a night surprise of the French, guided by Indian allies. It was raining
hard, the path was often lost, and he did not reach the French camp till morning. They were an advance party of 32, sent out to reconnoitre and, hearing of Washington's advance, they had hidden in a rocky hollow and sent back for reinforcements, but attempting defense when surprised, the commandant— Ensign Jumonville —and nine men were killed, and the rest captured and taken to the camp at Great Meadows. Washington lost one k:lled and three wounded. The sequel is told under FORT NECESSITY.