General+Edward+Braddock

=**Braddock's Expedition**=

General Edward Braddock was commander of the British Army in the colonies and was leading a march west to drive the French out of the Ohio Country and destroy Fort Duquesne. George Washington was aide to Braddock. It's also called the Battle of the Monongahela or Battle of the Wilderness. Braddock expected to seize a series of French forts. They would leave Fort Cumberland, Maryland and have the difficult task of moving a large army, provisions, and heavy cannon through the woods of western Pennsylvania and the Allegheny Mountains. Braddock made it a priority to build a road to Fort Duquesne, which took a long time. He would be ambushed by French and Indians. Braddock was killed in the battle. British officers continued to try to reform their lines but were continually fired upon. George Washington, a Colonel, didn't have an offiicial command position but was able to establish a reguard and order a retreat, which saved lives of British soldiers. Washington was considered a hero for this action. Washington was a target of the Indians since he was on horseback (as were all officers on horses). He had two horses shot out from under him and had bullet holes through his hat and coat. Indians later expressed that they believed Washington was protected by a "Great Spirit." Another Indian also predicted that Washington would become a "Great Chief."

[|Click here for more information on the battle]

Return to page on George Washington