All the train is
cut off in a manner. Sir Peter Halket and his son, Captain Polson,
Captain Gethan, Captain Rose, Captain Tatten killed, and many
others. Captain Ord of the train is wounded, but I hope not mortal.
We lost all our artillery entirely, and everything else.
To Mr. John Smith and Buchannon, and give it to the next post, and
let him show this to Mr. George Gibson in Lancaster, and Mr.
Bingham, at the sign of the Ship, and you'll oblige,
Yours to command,
JOHN CAMPBELL, _Messenger_.[233]
[Footnote 233: _Colonial Records of Pa._, VI. 481.]
The evil tidings quickly reached Philadelphia, where such confidence had
prevailed that certain over-zealous persons had begun to collect money
for fireworks to celebrate the victory. Two of these, brother physicians
named Bond, came to Franklin and asked him to subscribe; but the sage
looked doubtful. "Why, the devil!" said one of them, "you surely don't
suppose the fort will not be taken?" He reminded them that war is always
uncertain; and the subscription was deferred.[234]The Governor laid the
news of the disaster before his Council, telling them at the same time
that his opponents in the Assembly would not believe it, and had
insulted him in the street for giving it currency.[235]
[Footnote 234: _Autobiography of Franklin_.]
[Footnote 235: _Colonial Records of Pa._, VI. 480.]
Dinwiddie remained tranquil at Williamsburg, sure that all would go
well.
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