Washington has taken Christopher Gist along as his guide; during the trip, Gist will earn his place in history by saving the young major's life on two separate occasions.

Washington arrives at Fort Le Boeuf on December 11, 1753.

Saint-Pierre receives Washington politely, but rejects his ultimatum, informing him that he is  here pursuant to orders, that Washington's letter should have been addressed to his commanding officer in Canada, and that he has no intention of leaving.

He gives Washington three days hospitality at the fort, then gives him a letter to deliver to Dinwiddie.

The letter conveys to Dinwiddie that he will send Dinwiddie's request on to Marquis de Duquesne in Quebec and will meantime maintain his post while he awaits the latter's orders.

Washington notes during his stay that the fort has one hundred men, a large number of officers, fifty birch canoes and seventy pine canoes, many unfinished.

He described the fort as on a south or west fork of French creek, near the water, and almost surrounded by it.

Four houses compose  the sides.

The bastions are made of piles driven into the ground, standing more than twelve feet (three point seven meters) high, and sharpened at the top.

Port holes for cannon and loop-holes for small-arms are cut into the bastions.

Each bastion mounts eight six-pound cannon and one four-pound cannon guards the gate.

Inside the bastions stand a guard-house, chapel, doctor's lodging and the commander's private stores.

Outside the fort are several log barracks, some covered with bark, others with boards.

In addition, there are stables, a smithy and other buildings.