Great Meadows. Toward

the end of May, 1754, Washing ten encamped with 150 men on a meadow near the Youghiogeny River between the Alleghany and Laurel Ridges. His instructions were to advance upon Fort Duquesne, which had been seized by the French during the preceding year. When at Great Meadows he learned that a body of French were in his vicinity. Taking a portion of his force and an Indian guide he surprised the French, who were hidden in a hollow in the forest, and at once opened fire. Several, among whom was their commander Jumonville, were killed, and over twenty taken prisoners. This was the beginning of the French and Indian War, and indeed was the first engagement of the Seven Years’ War.