In the weak proprietary governments of Maryland and Pennsylvania there was the same condition of affairs, with every evil exaggerated tenfold.

The fighting spirit was dominant in Virginia, but in Quaker-ridden Pennsylvania it seems to have been almost extinct.

These three were not very promising communities to look to for support in a difficult and costly war.
With all this inertia and stupidity Washington was called to cope, and he rebelled against it in vigorous fashion.

Leaving Colonel Fry to follow with the main body of troops, Washington set out on April 2, 1754, with two companies from Alexandria, where he had been recruiting amidst most irritating difficulties.

He reached Will's Creek three weeks later; and then his real troubles began.