Promoted by Gov. Dinwiddie Clip from Young Washington

0:02 You saw these things with your own eyes. Yes, Your Excellency. On land owned rightly and duly by us — Well, the– the Fairfaxes. I also own a significant share of land there. This French encroachment cannot stand. They must be told to abandon it. By whom, sir? We don’t even know where they are. I do, sir. I could lead this expedition.

0:23 To deliver your demands to the French. I know the land, sir, better than anyone. You? In the 15 years since the Crown sent me to serve, I’ve yet to have a good experience with a…colonist. Well, I look forward to changing your opinion. If there used to be a colonial expedition, it would be led by your own brother. He commands the militia. Lawrences health fails him, sir. And he is no longer able to fulfill the duties of his post.

0:45 Here. He recommends me as his replacement. So you have ambition? Yes, sir. I do. I see you met the savage we call the Half-King. I have met the man. He led me to this information, but… whether he can be trusted… I’m not certain.

1:06 I should be alarmed if you were. Go and parley with this Half-King, learn all you can from him. Then take your men to Fort LeBoeuf, demand the French leave. My…my…my men, sir? Yes. Recruit 150 of your fellow Virginians. Lead them and deliver this message.

1:29 Which says what, sir? That they leave immediately. And if the French refuse? Do not permit them to refuse. So, then I am to fight? You are to deliver a message and await further orders. [Gage] Your Excellency, if I may. Will he not need the assistance of professional soldiers of the Crown? No, militia will do. Especially under one of such ambition.

1:51 You shall receive the rank of Major in the Virginia militia, which is not a royal commission, understood? Mmm. There is an interpreter here. Van Braam. Dutchman. Take him. Will my men and I receive equal pay, sir? To whom? British officers of the Crown.

2:11 Mr. Washington, you’ve just advanced from farmer to Major in a matter of seconds. What you ask for is offensive to me. Then I will volunteer my service. I have no need to pay that is not equal to those of whom I will prove myself equal. Sir. God save the King.