Page:Historic highways of America (Volume 4).djvu/56

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52
BRADDOCK'S ROAD

the important coup of the summer; the documents mentioned were to acquaint Braddock "with what has hitherto happened of a hostile Nature upon the Banks of that River." This is made more certain by one of the first sentences in the Duke of Cumberland's letter, "that immediately after your landing, you consider what artillery and other implements of war it will be necessary to transport to Will's Creek for your first operation on the Ohio." It is also clear that Braddock was helplessly dependent upon the success with which the American governors carried out the royal orders previously sent to them. They had been ordered to raise money and troops, provide provisions, open the necessary roads, supply carriages and horses, and conciliate and arm the Indian nations on the frontier. How far they were successful it will be proper to study later; for the moment, let us consider the destination of the little army that set sail, after innumerable delays, from the Downs December 21, 1754, led by the famed "Centurian" whose figure-head adorns Greenwich Hospital today.