Finally Washington got off, carrying his chiefs with him, and made his way seventy miles further to the fort on French Creek.

Here he delivered the governor's letter, and while M.de St.Pierre wrote a vague and polite answer, he sketched the fort and informed himself in regard to the military condition of the post.

Then came another struggle over the Indians, and finally Washington got off with them once more, and worked his way back to Venango.

Another struggle for the savages followed, rum being always the principal factor in the negotiation, and at last the chiefs determined to stay behind.

Nevertheless, the work had been well done, and the important Half-King remained true to the English cause.
Leaving his horses, Washington and Gist then took to the woods on foot.