DOCSLIB.ORG

For Starting a World War

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
For Starting a World War FOR STARTING A WORLD WAR You have been appointed to serve on a colonial jury for the trial of Virginia Regiment Lieutenant Colonel George Washington. He has been charged with the very serious crime of starting a world war. More specifically, he has been accused of starting the French and Indian War (known in Europe as the Seven Years War). As a member of this jury, you are responsible for examining the evidence and testimonies of witnesses to the events in question. Then, you must decide if Colonel Washington is GUILTY or NOT GUILTY. Background Information of the Case Rivals in North America Rival claims between the French and the English to the vast territory along the Ohio River between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi approached a climax about 1750. [A group of English farmers] had obtained a large grant of 200,000 acres in the upper Ohio River Valley. Meanwhile, the French, who considered the Ohio a vital link between New France (Canada) and Louisiana, advanced southward and westward, from Fort Niagara on Lake Ontario, driving out English traders and claiming the Ohio River Valley for France. In 1753, Governor Robert Dinwiddie of Virginia learned the French had built Fort Presque Isle near Lake Erie and Fort Le Boeuf in that part of the Ohio country claimed by Virginia. He sent an eight-man expedition under George Washington to warn the French to withdraw. Washington the Emissary Washington made the journey as a British emissary in midwinter of 1753-54. French officers politely told Washington they were not obliged to obey his summons, and they were going to stay. Washington returned to Virginia and informed Governor Robert Dinwiddie that the French refused to leave. In January 1754, even before he learned of the French refusal to abandon the Ohio Valley, Governor Dinwiddie sent a small force of Virginia soldiers to build a fort at the forks of the Ohio, where Pittsburgh now stands. The stockade was barely finished when a French force drove off the Virginians and built a larger fort on the site. The French called it Fort Duquesne… In early April, George Washington…started westward from…Virginia. He was…to help defend the English fort on the Ohio [River]… By late May of 1754, Washington had reached a large natural clearing known as the Great Meadows. He made this his base camp… Soon after he arrived, he received word that a party of French soldiers was camped in a ravine not far from his position. On the stormy night of May 27th, 1754, Washington and about 40 men began an all night march to confront the French and learn their intentions. They travelled through woods so dark the men sometimes spent nearly half an hour just trying to find the trail. The Skirmish About dawn, Washington met with a friendly Seneca chief, Half King, [and his warriors] and made plans to contact the French Camp. As the French commander had not posted sentries, Washington and his men easily surrounded the unsuspecting French. A shot was fired, no one really knows by whom, and soon the peaceful glen was filled with the crash of musketry and the…smell of powder. The skirmish lasted about 15 minutes. When it was over, 13 Frenchmen were dead and 21 captured. [The leader of the French soldiers, Ensign Joseph Coulon de Jumonville was also killed]. Washington's casualties were one man killed and two or three wounded. French survivors claimed they had been attacked without cause by Washington. They claimed they were on the same sort of mission Washington himself had been on the winter before. That explained, they said, why they had been so easily surprised and why they had not posted sentries. [They also claimed, because this had been an unprovoked attack, and because France and England were not at war, that their leader, de Jumonville, had been assassinated (murdered) by Washington and his forces (both soldiers and Native American allies). After the skirmish with Jumonville's forces, Washington feared "we might be attacked by considerable forces." During the last two days of May and the first three days of June, he built a circular palisaded fort, which he called Fort Necessity. Reports that a large force of French and Indians was advancing from Fort Duquesne [caused Washington to further strengthen the fortifications]. The next day, they strengthened Fort Necessity by improving the trenches outside the stockade. On the morning of July 3, a force of about 600 French and 100 Indians [attacked the fort]. Rain fell throughout the day, flooding the marshy ground. Both sides suffered casualties, but the British losses were greater than French and Indian losses. The fighting continued sporadically until about 8 p.m. Then Capt. Louis Coulon de Villiers, commander of the French force and brother of Jumonville, requested a truce to discuss the surrender of Washington's command. Washington then surrendered his command to the French. [source: U.S. Park Service] The French and Indian War Had Begun Testimony of Virginia Governor Robert Dinwiddie In the fall of 1753, I received information that armed French forces were moving into the Ohio River Valley. They were intent on building a string of forts along the river. I was quite alarmed at the situation because these Frenchmen were invading sovereign territory belonging to the British. I directed Colonel George Washington to take a small force of men to the Ohio River Valley to confront the French forces. He was to meet with the Mingo Tribe Chief Half-King and discuss joining forces. Also, he was to present to the French a letter in the name of the King of Great Britain demanding that they leave the territory. Unfortunately, the French refused to leave stating that they had as much right to be in that territory as the English. [source: Dinwiddie letter to Washington, October 30, 1753] A few months later, after hearing about the French Capture of what they now call Fort Duquesne, I ordered Colonel Washington to take a larger force of men along with the Half-King’s Indian Warriors back to the Ohio River Valley and drive the French forces out of the territory. [Dinwiddie letter to Washington, March 15, 1754] As for the death of the French Commander de Jumonville, that was the fault of the Half-King and his Indians. My intention was for the Virginia forces to be on the defensive. Testimony of Lieutenant Colonel George Washington After receiving Governor Dinwiddie’s orders to remove the French forces from the Ohio River Valley, I organized my men and we set out on our mission. As we neared the area where Fort Duquesne was, I learned more information about the French forces now in possession of the fort. At that point, I held a council of war with my officers to determine our next move. [source: Washington letter to Dinwiddie, April 25, 1754] This is my recollection of what happened in the skirmish with the French forces. I met with the Half-King and he informed me that there was a small French force encamped nearby. We decided to move our army closer, but that took a while because it was so rainy and dark. But, once we were in a better fighting position, the Half- King and I decided to attack. The battle lasted only 15 minutes, but we killed 10 French soldiers and took 21 prisoners. One of the French killed was their commander Monsieur de Jumonville. Also, the Half-King’s warriors proceeded to take trophies from the battle: the scalps of the dead French soldiers. The Half-King said this was to send to other tribes as a warning against joining the French. Some of the prisoners we took said that the French force there was on a diplomatic mission. If this were true, why were they hidden like they were planning a surprise attack? Why didn’t they seek us out to talk? Also, as we attacked, they ran for their weapons to fire back. If they were seeking peace, why not surrender? Also, I did not admit to assassinating de Jumonville when I surrendered Fort Necessity. The surrender documents were in French, and I cannot read French. I did not know what it was I was signing. [sources: Washington letter to Dinwiddie, May 29,1754; journal of George Washington] Testimony of Private John Shaw I did not witness the death of Mr. de Jumonville, the French commander, but I did hear about the incident from some soldiers who did. Colonel Washington and his men and the Half-King and his men came upon the French soldiers early in the morning. They were actually still asleep and eating breakfast. But, as soon as they heard the noises of the approaching soldiers, the French forces quickly ran for their weapons. One of the Frenchmen fired, and at that point Colonel Washington gave the word for all his men to fire. Several of the French were killed, and the rest turned to run away. But, they ran into the Indians and quickly turned back to the English and surrendered. After the Indians approached into the French camp, the Half-King took his tomahawk and split the head of the French Captain de Jumonville. The Half-King then took out the captain’s brains, washed his hands in them, and then scalped him. [source: John Shaw sworn deposition, 1754] Testimony of French Commandant sieur de Contrecoeur In May 1754, I ordered Mr. de Jumonville to take a letter to the British ordering them to leave the Ohio River Valley.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Washington's Journal of 1754
    Part A: Young George Washington For Part A, Level Two As background information, give students use Resource Pages 1–8, 10, copies of Resource Page 2: Washington as a and Images 1–6 on the Record Keeper. CD-ROM. 4 Explain that 16-year-old George Washington wrote these journal entries about his first trip Level Two (Grades 7-12) to the wilderness. Washington and others were surveying land on the Virginia frontier Getting Started for Lord Fairfax, an important landowner. 1 To stimulate discussion of what students Ask students to read the adapted versions of already know about George Washington— the journal entries. Discuss what practical their perceptions and misconceptions—hold skills Washington would have gained as a up a one dollar bill (and if possible display surveyor. (Learning how to determine land other classical images of Washington—alone boundaries, how to survive in the wilderness, and on horseback). Ask the class to imagine how to work as part of a team.) him as a boy, a teenager, and a young man 5 Engage the class in a short discussion “just starting out.” On a wall chart titled The about Washington’s character traits based on Young George Washington, record their prior these excerpts and add them to the wall knowledge of Washington (both events in his chart. Have them consider whether life and his personality traits) before he Washington was concerned with doing a became widely known. good job and impressing others. (Elicit an 2 As background information, distribute understanding that this was a determined Resource Page 1: Timeline: Young George young man.
    [Show full text]
  • Bloody Forks of the Ohio
    Bloody Forks of the hio A Live-Action RoleplayingO Entertainment by Nick Wedig Adapted from the tabletop scenario by Jason Morningstar Elevator Pitch: In 1753, a young George Washington was sent into western Pennsylvania as a diplomatic envoy to the French army. His message from the British crown was claim of ownership over the region. If the French did not exit the area, the British would force them out. The French disregarded the message, and forced the British army from its fort at the forks of the Ohio River. In its place, the French have built their own base, Fort Duquesne. Now it is a year later, and Washington has returned to settle the matter once and for all. This game was originally a tabletop scenario of the same name written by Jason Morningstar (http://www.bullypulpitgames.com/fairplay/2009/07/08/the-bloody-forks-of-the-ohio/). That game was in turn a hack of the excellent game Lady Blackbird by John Harper (http://www.onese- vendesign.com/ladyblackbird/), which was itself assembled from bits of a variety of quality roleplaying games. Check those out for further free entertainment. This document is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike 3.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by- nc-sa/3.0/us/). Contact me here: [email protected]. GM’s Background: The two great empires of the 18th century are about to collide in a muddy field in western Pennsylvania. The British colonies on the eastern seaboard are thriving, and Britain wishes to expand westward. France controls both New France (i.e.
    [Show full text]
  • The-French-And-Indian-War-1754-1763-Unit-3-How-Did-The-Conflict-Begin.Pdf
    Unit 3 How Did The Conflict Begin? “We have, with Nature’s assistance, made a good Intrenchment, and by clearing the Bushes out of these Meadows, prepar’d a charming field for an Encounter.” —George Washington, 1754, describing the Great Meadows4 Background for the Teacher Read the “How Did the Conflict Begin?” section of the Teacher Activities in Background on the French and Indian War, pages 18-21. This Unit “Domain of Three Nations” During the 18th century (1701-1800), wars between France and • This activity helps stu- Britain dominated European politics. Most of these wars dealt dents analyze art while with European issues, such as who would be the next monarch reviewing the three powers. to succeed to the throne. Although mainly fought in Europe, each of the wars had a North American connection. • The student reading introduces a young The French and Indian War was different. It began in the George Washington, back country of Pennsylvania. The war eventually spread to who will be an important Europe and other places throughout the world, including the player throughout most Caribbean, West Africa, India, and the Philippines. In the sense of the war. that it was fought on four of the continents, it was the first world war. It demonstrated the increasing importance of North America to European politics. Young George Washington played a key role in the events leading up to the French and Indian War. His fame as a military leader began with his bravery in several important campaigns during this war. A letter to Governor Dinwiddie 4John Fitzpatrick, ed.
    [Show full text]
  • The French and Indian War 1754-1763 Unit 3
    Unit 3 How Did The Conflict Begin? “We have, with Nature’s assistance, made a good Intrenchment, and by clearing the Bushes out of these Meadows, prepar’d a charming field for an Encounter.” —George Washington, 1754, describing the Great Meadows4 Background for the Teacher Read the “How Did the Conflict Begin?” section of the Teacher Activities in Background on the French and Indian War, pages 18-21. This Unit “Domain of Three Nations” During the 18th century (1701-1800), wars between France and • This activity helps stu- Britain dominated European politics. Most of these wars dealt dents analyze art while with European issues, such as who would be the next monarch reviewing the three powers. to succeed to the throne. Although mainly fought in Europe, each of the wars had a North American connection. • The student reading introduces a young The French and Indian War was different. It began in the George Washington, back country of Pennsylvania. The war eventually spread to who will be an important Europe and other places throughout the world, including the player throughout most Caribbean, West Africa, India, and the Philippines. In the sense of the war. that it was fought on four of the continents, it was the first world war. It demonstrated the increasing importance of North America to European politics. Young George Washington played a key role in the events leading up to the French and Indian War. His fame as a military leader began with his bravery in several important campaigns during this war. A letter to Governor Dinwiddie 4John Fitzpatrick, ed.
    [Show full text]
  • Marie-Amable Prudhomme De Villiers
    Marie-Amable de Villiers ou are a 23-year old Frenchackground Canadian woman. You were eys and ecrets Yforced by your familyB into a loveless marriage with Captain Key of the LoveK (George Washington)S Louis Coulon de Villiers. One year ago, you met George You have a deep love for Colonel Washington. Hit your key Washington while he was on a diplomatic mission, and the when you are near him, or when you make a decision that is two of you fell in love. Now your husband commands the influenced by him.Buyoff : Sever the relationship with him. French army as it squares off against Washington once more. Key of Vice You are a closet alcoholic. Hit your key whenever alcohol our loveless marriage has led to depression, which has led makes it way into a scene, when you make a decision based Yto excessive drinking. Will being reunited with your beloved on alcohol or when your addiction causes harm. Buyoff: So- Washington cure you of your vice? ber up, come clean and renounce alcohol for good. ou are deeply in love with a dashing British officer - what Key of Conscience willY you sacrifice to be with him? You don’t like to see anyone suffer, even enemies. hit your key when you help someone who is in trouble or when you improve someone’s life. Buyoff: Ignore a request for help. Cunning Deception, Misdirection, Disguise,raits Codes, [Sneak], [Hide] Secret of Throwing T Any object can be a deadly missile in your hands. Charm Charisma, Presence, Command, Delight, Nobles, Servants, Secret of Being Female on the Frontier [Natives], [Soldiers] Once per session, you can reroll a failure on any social action.
    [Show full text]
  • Unverkäufliche Leseprobe Joseph J Ellis George Washington Eine Biographie
    Unverkäufliche Leseprobe Joseph J Ellis George Washington Eine Biographie 394 Seiten. Mit 12 Abbildungen auf 10 Tafeln. Broschiert ISBN 978-3-406-70712-4 Weitere Informationen finden Sie hier: http://www.chbeck.de/17814996 © Verlag C.H.Beck oHG, München C·H·Beck PAPERBACK Joseph J. Ellis entwirft in seiner Biographie ein ebenso umfassendes wie vielschichtiges Porträt George Washingtons. Er beschreibt nicht nur die Anfänge Washingtons, seine militärischen Jahre erst im French and Indian War und dann im Unabhängigkeitskrieg sowie seine beiden Amtszeiten als erster Präsident der Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika. Mit großer Sensibilität spürt er auch der komplexen Persönlichkeit Washingtons nach, die heute fast ganz hinter der Ikone aus Marmor verschwunden ist. Sein psychologischer Scharfsinn und vor allem seine souveräne Erzählkunst lassen so einen Mann wieder hautnah lebendig werden, der wie kein anderer die Geschichte Ame- rikas geprägt hat. Joseph J. Ellis ist emeritierter Professor für amerikanische Geschichte am Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. Für sein Buch über Thomas Jefferson «American Sphinx» erhielt er den National Book Award, für sein Buch «Founding Brothers» (deutsch «Sie schufen Amerika», C.H.Beck 2003) den Pulitzer-Preis. Joseph J. Ellis George Washington Eine Biographie Aus dem Amerikanischen von Martin Pfeiffer C.H.Beck Titel der amerikanischen Originalausgabe: His Excellency George Washington © Alfred A. Knopf, New York 2004 Die erste Auflage des Buches erschien 2005 in gebundener Form im Verlag C.H.Beck. Mit 12 Abbildungen auf 10 Tafeln 1. Auflage in C.H.Beck Paperback. 2017 © Verlag C. H. Beck oHG, München 2005 Satz: Janß GmbH, Pfungstadt Druck und Bindung: Druckerei C.H.Beck, Nördlingen Umschlagabbildung: George Washington, Gemälde von Gilbert Stuart © Francis G.
    [Show full text]
  • The French Regime in Wisconsin. 1 the French Regime in Wisconsin — III
    Library of Congress The French regime in Wisconsin. 1 The French Regime in Wisconsin — III 1743: SIOUX INSTIGATE REBELLION; NEWS FROM ILLINOIS [Letter from the French minister1 to Beauharnois, dated May 31, 1743. MS. in Archives Coloniales, Paris; pressmark, “Amérique, serie B, Canada, vol. 76, fol. 100.”] 1 From 1723–49, the minister of the marine (which included the bureau of the colonies), was Jean Freédeéric Phelypeaux, Comte de Maurepas.— Ed. Versailles , May 31, 1743. Monsieur —The report you made me in 1741 respecting what had passed between the Scioux and Renard Savages2 having led me to suspect that both would seek to join together, I wrote you in my despatch of April 20th of last year to neglect nothing to prevent so dangerous a union. Such suspicions are only too fully justified. In fact I see by a letter from Monsieur de Bienville,3 dated February 4th last, that the Sieur de Bertet, major commanding at Illinois4 has informed him that the voyageurs who had arrived from Canada the previous autumn had reported to him that the Scioux, not content with having broken the peace they themselves had gone to ask of you, had also induced the Renards to join them in a fresh attempt against the French, and that the Sakis not wishing to take part in this league had wholly separated themselves from the other tribes. 1 2 See Wis. Hist. Colls., xvii, pp. 360–363.— Ed. 3 For a brief sketch of Bienville, see Ibid., p. 150, note 1.— Ed. 4 For this officer see Ibid., p.
    [Show full text]
  • I a Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of Arts And
    “ALL THE NATIONS TO THE SUN SETTING” GEORGE CROGHAN, EXTENDING THE LIMITS OF EMPIRE IN BRITISH NORTH AMERICA A Thesis submitted to the Faculty of The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Liberal Studies By Jeffrey Michael Zimmerman, M.B.A. Georgetown University Washington, D.C. December 28, 2015 i ©2015 by Jeffrey Michael Zimmerman All Rights Reserved ii “ALL THE NATIONS TO THE SUN SETTING” GEORGE CROGHAN, EXTENDING THE LIMITS OF EMPIRE IN BRITISH NORTH AMERICA Jeffrey Michael Zimmerman, MBA Chair: Ronald M. Johnson, PhD ABSTRACT George Croghan was a mid-eighteenth-century British Indian agent. Born in Ireland, he came to America and settled in Pennsylvania in 1741. As an Ohio Valley fur trader he pushed far enough west to invite destruction of his Great Miami River depot by New France in 1752. Over time he befriended Shawnee, Ohio Huron and Miami Indians. Indian Department Superintendent Sir William Johnson rewarded his countryman’s effectiveness by appointing him western deputy. Britain’s victory in the French and Indian War added Illinois to Croghan’s responsibilities. General Lord Jeffrey Amherst led Britain’s war efforts; he was replaced by General Thomas Gage, under whom Croghan had served at Braddock’s Defeat. Pontiac’s War ensued; Gage and Johnson relied on Croghan, who knew the Ottawa leader, to end it. However, Croghan’s focus became blurred by land speculation. Several western land schemes crafted by Croghan and Philadelphia financier Samuel Wharton either failed or were cut short by the American Revolution.
    [Show full text]
  • A Powerful Mind
    A Powerful Mind A Powerful Mind THE SELF- EDUCATION of GEORGE WASHINGTON Adrienne M. Harrison Potomac Books An imprint of the University of Nebraska Press © 2015 by the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska All rights reserved. Potomac Books is an imprint of the University of Nebraska Press. Manufactured in the United States of America. Library of Congress Cataloging- in- Publication Data Harrison, Adrienne M., 1979– A powerful mind: the self- education of George Washington / Adrienne M. Harrison. pages cm Includes bibliographical references and index. isbn 978- 1- 61234- 725- 7 (cloth: alk. paper) isbn 978- 1- 61234- 789- 9 (epub) isbn 978- 1- 61234- 790- 5 (mobi) isbn 978- 1- 61234- 791-2 (pdf) 1. Washington, George, 1732– 1799 — Knowledge and learning. 2. Presidents — Education — United States — History — 18th century. 3. Generals — Education — United States — History — 18th century. 4. Presidents — United States — Biography. 5. Generals — United States — Biography. I. Title. e312.17.h33 2015 973.4'1092 — dc23 [B] 2015013336 Set in Arno by M. Scheer. Designed by N. Putens. For my parents Having no opportunity to improve from example, let us read. George Washington, 1755 Contents Preface ix Introduction 1 1. Pursuing Useful Knowledge 19 2. Provincial Reading 59 3. Revolutionary Reading 99 4. Presidential Reading 139 5. A Legacy Library 181 6. A Place for Secluded Study 199 Conclusion 221 Contents Suggestions for Further Reading 229 Notes 235 Selected Bibliography 277 Index 295 Preface George Washington and I go back a while. My obsession with every- thing related to Washington’s life and world began years ago when as a child I was captivated by the 1984 miniseries George Washington, which was sponsored by the General Motors Corporation and starred Barry Bostwick and Patty Duke.
    [Show full text]
  • Bailly Point of View
    From The Bailly Point of View by Olga Mae Sohiemann � �- 3'� � ���� ai� J� .D"V � �.3M-\;� "'� � � -t:!_., S:f � ��'° -Id_,_, • &mti.yN....... .. Lib�.'?'.. .. Dwieland Histor l ociet �- �S_ _ _ _ _ �y��� ����--� Even in childhood, I was interGsted in the Baillys - Why did they come to quiet little Baillytown? From where did they come? Why did they l&ave where they were? How did they happen to locate ths cemetery where it is? Who of the Baillys were buried in the cemetery? Why did�� . Bailly.need the passport in 1814? Why wns he captured by the Americans? Who captured him and where? Did he really become.an American citizen? Had Gurdon Saltonstall Hubbard in fact never mentioned the Baillys? ThesG were some of the questions which no one would or could answer. In the maze of today's literature, it is no simple task to find source answers. For that reason, I am passing on to you in the form of a Duneland Publication, interesting historical data regarding Joseph Bailly and his anoestora and descendants, some of which in.formation at the time of my talk in 1953 had not pre­ viously been published. Because of the volwne of source refer­ ences, narrative was kept to a minimum. At a later date parts ot this history can be enlarged upon in an added paper . Mr. Edward-C. Bailly has brought much of the story of the ancestral family together under one title and quite a bit of his paper is outlined here for the convenience of those who might not have easy access to the Canadian Publication, Le Bulletin des Recherches Historiques.
    [Show full text]
  • The Diaries of George Washington. Vol. 1. Donald Jackson, Ed.; Dorothy Twohig, Assoc
    The Diaries of George Washington. Vol. 1. Donald Jackson, ed.; Dorothy Twohig, assoc. ed. The Papers of George Washington. Charlottesville The Diaries of GEORGE WASHINGTON Volume I 1748–65 ASSISTANT EDITORS Beverly H. Runge, Frederick Hall Schmidt, and Philander D. Chase George H. Reese, CONSULTING EDITOR Joan Paterson Kerr, PICTURE EDITOR THE DIARIES OF GEORGE WASHINGTON VOLUME I 1748–65 DONALD JACKSON, EDITOR DOROTHY TWOHIG, ASSOCIATE EDITOR UNIVERSITY PRESS OF VIRGINIA CHARLOTTESVILLE This edition has been prepared by the staff of The Papers of George Washington, sponsored by The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union and the University of Virginia. THE UNIVERSITY PRESS OF VIRGINIA Copyright © 1976 by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia First published 1976 Frontispiece: George Washington, by Charles Willson Peale. (Washington and Lee University, Washington-Custis-Lee Collection) Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Washington, George, Pres. U. S., 1732–1799. The diaries of George Washington. The Diaries of George Washington. Vol. 1. Donald Jackson, ed.; Dorothy Twohig, assoc. ed. The Papers of George Washington. Charlottesville http://www.loc.gov/resource/mgw.wd01 Bibliography: p. 349 Includes index. 1. Washington, George, Pres. U. S., 1732–1799. I. Jackson, Donald Dean, 1919- II. Twohig, Dorothy. III. Title. E312.8 1976 973.4′1′0924 [B] 75-41365 ISBN 0-8139-0643-1 (v. 1) Printed in the United States of America Administrative Board David A. Shannon, Chairman Mrs. Thomas Turner Cooke W. Walker Cowen Advisory Committee John R. Alden C. Waller Barrett Francis L. Berkeley, Jr. Julian P. Boyd Comte René de Chambrun James Thomas Flexner Merrill Jensen Wilmarth S.
    [Show full text]
  • George Washington, Fort Necessity, and the Ohio
    A HIGH WIND RISING: GEORGE WASHINGTON, FORT NECESSITY, AND THE OHIO COUNTRY INDIANS David Dixon Slippery Rock University a stone situated a f^f inding large along gushing spring, Christopher Gist took out a cold chisel and set towork. A stalwart adventurer and pioneer from Maryland, Gist stood deep in the trans-Appalachian wilderness known as theOhio Country. He had come to the region as an agent for the Ohio Company, a group of wealthy Virginia speculators determined to develop the land for potential settlers. For nearly eight months, beginning inJuly 1751, he had roamed the frontier carefully scouting the region to locate good soil, timber, and water. Despite this challenging assignment, Gist chose to take the time to chisel away at themassive rock.When he finished, he stepped back to admire the inscription which read, "The Ohio Company-Feby 1751-Christopher Gist."1 For Gist, the inscription was more than an idle gesture carved deep in the backwoods?it was a bold and iron-clad claim to all of theOhio cut in stone as a counter measure to the Country. The letters served French, who had three years earlier come to the region and made their own claim to the territoryby burying lead plates inscribed PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY: A JOURNALOF MID-ATLANTIC STUDIES, VOL. 74, NO. 3, 2OO7. Copyright ? 2007 The Pennsylvania Historical Association This content downloaded from 128.118.152.206 on Mon, 2 Feb 2015 11:21:15 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY with the fleur-de-lis. Remarkably, neither the French nor the Virginians gave much consideration to the people who actually resided on the land-the Ohio Country Indians.2 The actions of both Gist and the French would soon turn the Indians' sanctuary into a bloody battlefield, and before it was finished, the entire world would be engulfed in a conflagration of epic proportions known as the Seven Years' War.
    [Show full text]