I am now preparing for, and shall in a few days set off, to serve
in the ensuing campaign, with different views, however, from those
I had before. For here, if I can gain any credit, or if I am
entitled to the least countenance and esteem, it must be from
serving my country without fee or reward; for I can truly say, I
have no expectation of either. To merit its esteem, and the good
will of my friends, is the sum of my ambition, having no prospect
of attaining a commission, being well assured it is not in Gen'l
Braddock's power to give such an one as I would accept of. The
command of a Company is the highest commission vested in his gift.
He was so obliging as to desire my company this campaign, has
honoured me with particular marks of his esteem, and kindly
invited me into his family--a circumstance which will ease me of
expences that otherwise must have accrued in furnishing
stores, camp equipages, etc. Whereas the cost will now be easy
(comparatively speaking), as baggage, horses, tents, and some
other necessaries, will constitute the whole of the charge.[1]

[Footnote 1: Ford, I, 146-49.]

The army began to move about the middle of May, but it went very
slowly. During June Washington was taken with an acute fever, in
spite of which he pressed on, but he became so weak that he had to be
carried in a cart, as he was unable to sit his horse. Braddock, with
the main army, had gone on ahead, and Washington feared that the
battle, which he believed imminent, would be fought before he came up
with the front. But he rejoined the troops on July 8th. The next day
they forded the Monongahela and proceeded to attack Fort Duquesne.
Writing from Fort Cumberland, on July 18th, Washington gave Governor