History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

244 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON. [1T54.
War Commenced. Tlioiigh tlie oiily apparent settlement lay in
a resort to arms, neither nation was quite
ready for that decisive step. But while the diplomatic
warfare was raging in the old world, open hostilities had
commenced in the new, and the "seven years' war, the
school of the Revolution,"^ was begun. The war in
America had been two years in
declaration was made.
progress before a formal
Several Expeditions I^ February, 1754, an expedition was sent
Projected by the Qut by Gov. Diuwiddie of Virginia imder
°^ '^
'
the command of Col. Washington to pro-
tect the frontiers, and drive the French from the Ohio.
Though at first successful, Washington was compelled to
yield to superior numbers, and surrendered to the French.
The following year occurred the unfortunate expedition
under Gen. Braddock, and at the same time three other
movements were in progress. One of them was intended
for the preservation of Oswego, and the reduction of Niagara
; another was directed against Crown Point, and a third
had for its object an attack upon the French settlements in
Nova Scotia. These expeditions, however, are not material
to this history, except so far as they were participated in
by citizens of Northampton, or its immediate vicinity.
Protective Meas- Gov. Shirley, prominent in planning the
ures Adopted. campaign, took precautions for the protection
of the Province, and the several towns
were ordered not only to provide ammunition, but to take
all necessary measures for defending themselves. In accordance
with this order, the town had in July an inventory
made of its stock of ammunition. Hezekiah Wright,
who had it in charge, reported that it consisted of 345 lbs.
of powder, 720 lbs. of lead, and 1,000 flints. Col. Israel
Williams of Hatfield was made commander-in-chief in
Hampshire County, and Capt. Elijah Williams of Deer-
field, was put in command of the cordon of forts erected
for the protection of the frontiers, all of which were greatly
strengthened.
1 Oration of Edward Everett.