Printed in 1753 just a few days after his return, this is Washington's journal and account of his journey from Williamsburg, Virginia, into the far reaches of the Ohio Territory. Washington's errand was simple: To deliver a letter from Dinwiddie to the French Commander, which, in the most polite words possible, said "GTFO of Ohio." To which the French Commander responded, again, in the most respectful tones, "No. We called dibs. F-off." And thus we have the origins of the French and Indian War. ( )

This is a must read for the avid scholars of Washington. It is a quick, easy read, but filled with good knowledge. I had read virtually all of the journal, pieces here and there, in different books, but I had not had the opportunity to read all of it at one time. ( )

facsimile reprint of printed report of Major Washington's journal of his journey to Fort fur La Riviere au Beuf, December 1753