The French and Indian war begins

Washington delivered to the governor the answer of the French commandant. More important still was the news Washington had gathered about the plans of the French. The French were getting ready to invade the Ohio Valley and drive out the English. The governor made Washington spend a whole day writing a report of his trip. This report was printed and sent to England. The people of Virginia began to look upon Washington as a person who might do great things some day.

Washington's report led the governor to have a fort built where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet to form the Ohio. Before long the French came down the Allegheny in canoes and drove the English away. They tore down the fort and built there a larger one called Duquesne. Washington, now a lieutenant-colonel in command of about 150 militiamen, was on his way to the fort when this news reached him. He marched his company farther west to a place called Great Meadows. There a rude log stockade was set up and named Fort Necessity.

In a short time the French appeared and began to attack Washington's little camp. It happened on July 3, 1754. These shots were the beginning of the French and Indian War of 1754—1763. Firing went on for nine hours in a heavy rain. By nightfall, many had been killed on both sides. The English powder was almost gone, and the men were worn out. They were outnumbered by the French four to one. Washington saw that he was defeated. He surrendered Fort Necessity to the French. His heart must have been heavy as he led his broken army home.

Notes:

Before long — Вскоре

lieutenant-colonel — подполковник

the French and Indian War — англо-французская коло­ниальная война (1754-1763); буквально — "французская и индейская война"

Firing went on for nine hours in a heavy rain. — Перестрел­ка продолжалась в течение девяти часов под проливным дож­дем

nightfall — сумерки, вечер

They were outnumbered by the French four to one. — Фран­цузы превосходили их в соотношении четыре к одному

His heart must have been heavy — Должно быть, на серд­це у него было тяжело

EXERCISES

1. Переведите на русский язык:

The plans of the French, to invade the Ohio Valley and drive out the English, a whole day, writing a report of his trip, the people of Virginia, to look upon, as a person who might do great things some day.

2. Выпишите из текста предложения, содержащие следующие словосочетания и переведите их на русский язык:

Washington's report led, before long the French, lieutenant-colonel in command of about 150 militiamen, in a short time the French.

3. Составьте предложения со следующими словами и словосочетаниями:

It happened, the French and Indian War, the plans of the French, the people of Virginia, do great things.

4. Ответьте на следующие вопросы:

1. What report was sent to England?

2. Where was the French Fort Duquesne built?

3. How did the French and Indian war begin?

4. Why did Washington surrender Fort Necessity to the French?