Historical Investigation

Historical Investigation July 9, 1755: What Really Happened? S. Apple (2011-12 Long Version)

Background Essay For hundreds of years, France and England competed for power and wealth in Europe. Colonization intensified this struggle. Each nation wanted control over both Europe and North America, which brought them into direct competition. To assist them in North America, France and England allied with Native Americans. French colonists traded and allied with the Algonquian and Huron. English colonists traded and allied with the tribes of the Iroquois League. Native Americans had come to depend on their European allies for tools, weapons, and other manufactured goods. In addition, having European allies could assist American Indians in their struggle to keep their land and culture intact. Often tribes allied with different nations would attack each other. In addition, the French and English each agitated the Native Americans to attack the other s settlements. The struggle for power between England and France caused a series of wars between the two empires. King William s War lasted from 1689 to 1697, but did not change colonial boundaries in North America. Queen Anne s War began in 1702 and ended in 1713, with England fighting both France and Spain. King George s War, fought against France in the 1740s, had little effect on the colonies. In the 1750s, Great Britain and France were still competing for the Ohio Valley and the Great Lakes. British colonists wanted to push west, past the Appalachian Mountains, and settle the fertile region. The French were opposed to British expansion because they believed that the British would disrupt their valuable fur trade with the American Indians in the area. The French built three forts on western land claimed by Virginia. In response, soldiers in the Virginia militia [group of civilians trained to fight in emergencies], led by George Washington, marched west and clashed with the French. Washington and his men built a small fort -- Fort Necessity -- where they met with defeat by the French. The French then built a fort on the Ohio River named Fort Duquesne. The British, under General Edward Braddock, commander of the British forces in North America, decided to attack the French in 1755. Detachments [groups] of his troops, including British infantry [troops that fight on foot] and colonial Virginia regulars, marched through the thick woods towards Fort Duquesne. This march ended in a battle that began a war that shaped the future of North America. Some historians say this battle was the worst defeat of the British army in the 1700s. Despite being well-prepared, having strong leadership, and far greater number of soldiers, the British lost the battle. Some say the French were just lucky. These historians claim the British were unprepared to fight, had poor leadership, and were foolish to engage in battle with so few men. Which interpretation is correct? How should the events of July 9, 1755 be recorded in history? 1

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Document A Source: United States Military Academy Department of History Found on Emerson Kent: History for the Relaxed Historian http://www.emersonkent.com/map_archive/battle_of_the_monongahela.htm 3

Document B This late 19 th century print shows the battle on July 9, 1755. The French and their Native allies are shown to the left, firing on the British troops. Source: Chartrand, Rene. Monongahela 1754-55. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 2004. 4

Document C This article, Braddock s March of Fort Duquesne 1755: First Disaster in the French and Indian War was posted January 23, 2011, by Michael Streich on Suite101.com. Streich is a history professor and author. Having divided his force, [British General] Braddock led 1,700 of his best men toward the French outpost [Fort Duquesne]. Vastly outnumbered, the French commander, Pierre Contrecoeur, contemplated [thought about] surrendering his position. Contrecoeur s second in command, Captain Daniel Beaujeu, however, convinced the commander to allow him to attempt a daring ambush as Braddock s troops were crossing the Monongahela. Beaujeu caught Braddock after the river had been forded [crossed]. Although killed in the ambush, Beaujeu s Indians began to slaughter the English, firing into the disciplined ranks from the safety of the dense forest. Braddock lost two thirds of his command and would die during the retreat from a bullet wound. The French lost 23 men. Source: http://colonialamerica.suite101.com/article.cfm/braddocks_march_on_fort_duquesne_1755 5

Document D Letter written by British Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Gage to his former commander, the Earl of Albemarle. The letter was dated July 24, 1755. We [the British] are arrived here with the remainder of our army, since our unfortunate defeat on the 9 th instant, within a few miles of Fort Du Quesne.... We had scarcely marched a quarter of a mile from the river, when the guides, who were the only outscouts we had, brought word that the French or Indians were coming.... Though I had all the assistance that could be expected from the officers, not one platoon could be prevailed upon to stir from its line of march, and a visible terror and confusion appeared amongst the [British] men..... The enemy [French and Indians] took advantage of it by coming round us covered by trees, behind which they fired with such success, that most of the [British] officers were in a short time killed or wounded, as also many of the men, and the rest gave way.... In this manner the affair continued about two hours and a half, when many of the [British] men began to go off, and the General [Braddock] was wounded... all our artillery, ammunition, and provisions fell to the enemy s share.... I hope that [the commander] will think me worthy of succeeding Sir Peter in his regiment, as I was the eldest lieutenant-colonel in the action, and should have been appointed colonel to it by General Braddock, had he lived a few days longer... Source: Paul Kopperman, ed. Braddock at the Monongahela Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1977. 6

Document E Journal of British Captain Robert Orme, sent to Robert Napier (Adjutant to the Duke of Cumberland, Commander in Chief of the British Army) perhaps to be forwarded to Cumberland; date presumed to be before the end of summer 1755. July 9 th. [around 2 o clock] we heard an excessive quick and heavy firing in the front... eight hundred men were detached from the line... four hundred were left for the defense of the Artillery and baggage... The enemy [French and Indians] had spread themselves in such a manner, that they extended from front to rear, and fired upon every part. The place of action was covered with large trees, and much which was about twelve feet wide. At the distance of about two hundred yards in front and upon the right were two rising grounds covered with trees.... a vast number of [British] officers were killed, by exposing themselves before the men; he [Braddock] endeavored to retreat them in good order; but the panick was so great that he could not succeed. During this time they were loading as fast as possible and firing into the air... When the men had fired away all their ammunition and the General and most of the officers were wounded, they by one common consent left the field, running off.... About fifty Indians pursued us to the river, and killed several men.... The officers used all possible endeavors to stop the men, and to prevail upon them to rally; but a great number of them threw away their arms [weapons] and ammunition, and even their cloaths [clothes], to escape the faster. Source: Paul Kopperman, ed. Braddock at the Monongahela Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1977. 7

Document F Letter from French commander of Fort Duquesne, Claude Pecaudy, Sieur de Contrecoeur to Governor General of New France, Marquis de Vaudreuil. The letter was dated July 14, 1755. [July 8] I organized a party to engage [the British], including in it all those whom I could spare from the fort. It was composed of 250 Frenchmen and 650 Indians, totaling nine hundred men. M. [Monsieur] de Beaujeu, a captain, commanded them. There were also two other captains, MM. [Monsieurs] Dumas and Lignerie.... This party marched the 9 th at 8:00 in the morning, and at 12:30 found itself in the presence of the English.... Firing commenced on both sides. Twice the fire of the enemy artillery caused our party to fall back a little. M. de Beaujeu was killed by the third volley. M. Dumas took command, and served with excellence. Our Frenchmen, sustained by the Indians, despite the enemy artillery, fired at the English, who were fighting boldly in a line of battle, and drove them back in their turn. Furthermore, seeing the ardor [passion] of our people, who fought with infinite vigor [strength], they [the British] collapsed entirely, after four hours of intense firing.... Source: Paul Kopperman, ed. Braddock at the Monongahela Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1977. 8

Document G Letter from Monseiur Dumas (French officer stationed at Fort Duquesne) to Monsieur Machault (French government official). The letter is not dated. M. de Beaujeu attacked the enemy with much daring, but with his troops in total disorder. We fired our first volley while they [the British] were out of range. The enemy waited until they were nearer before firing. And in the first moment of combat, one hundred militiamen one half of our French forces shamefully turned tail [ran away], shouting Every man for himself!... This retreat encouraged the enemy to resound with cries of Long live the King! and they advanced quickly toward us. Their artillery, having been prepared during this time, commenced firing. This terrified the Indians, who fled. On the enemy s third discharge of musketry, M. de Beaujeu was killed.... It was then... that by word and gesture I sought to rally the few [French] soldiers who remained. I advanced, with an assurance born of despair. My platoon gave forth with a withering fire that astonished the enemy. It grew imperceptibly, and the Indians, seeing that my attack had caused the enemy to stop shouting, returned to me.... The enemy was attacked on all sides, but fought with an unyielding stubbornness. Entire ranks fell; all the officers perished. And eventually disorder spreading from within put the whole [British force] to flight. Source: Paul Kopperman, ed. Braddock at the Monongahela Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1977. 9

Document H The 1854 painting below shows George Washington on horseback, fighting during the July 9, 1755 battle of the Monongahela. Source: Registier, imp. Lemercier, Paris. "Life of George Washington--The Soldier." 1854. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress http://www.americaslibrary.gov/aa/wash/aa_wash_soldier_1_e.html 10

Document I The following is a letter written by 23-year-old George Washington to his mother, Mary Washington. It describes the battle on July 9, 1755 near Pittsburgh in which the British and British colonial forces under General Braddock were defeated. [Fort Cumberland, July 18, 1755.] Honour'd Mad'm: As I doubt not but you have heard of our defeat, and perhaps have it represented in a worse light [if possible] than it deserves; I have taken this earliest opportunity to give you some acct. of the Engagement, as it happen'd within 7 miles of the French Fort, on Wednesday the 9th. Inst. We March'd on to that place with't [without] any considerable loss, having only now and then a stragler pick'd up by the French Scoutg. Ind'nd [Indian]. When we came there, we were attack'd by a Body of French and Indns. whose number, [I am certain] did not exceed 300 Men; our's consisted of abt. [about] 1,300 well arm'd Troops; chiefly of the English Soldiers, who were struck with such a panick, that they behav'd with more cowardice than it is possible to conceive; The Officers behav'd Gallantly in order to encourage their Men, for which they suffer'd greatly; there being near 60 kill'd and wounded; a large proportion out of the number we had! The Virginia Troops shew'd [showed] a good deal of Bravery, and were near all kill'd; for I believe out of 3 Companys that were there, there is scarce 30 Men left alive; Capt. Peyrouny and all his Officer's down to a Corporal was kill'd; Capt. Polson shar'd near as hard a Fate; for only one of his was left: In short the dastardly behaviour of those they call regular's expos'd all others that were inclin'd to do their duty to almost certain death; and at last, in despite [despite] of all the efforts of the Officer's to the Contrary, they broke and run as Sheep pursued by dogs; and it was impossible to rally them. The Genl. [Braddock] was wounded; of w'ch [which] he died 3 Days after; Sir Peter Halket was kill'd in the Field where died many other brave Officer's; I luckily escap'd with't a wound, tho' I had four Bullets through my Coat, and two Horses shot under me; Captns. Orme and Morris two of the Genls. Aids de Camp, were wounded early in the Engagem't. which render'd the duty hard upon me, as I was the only person then left to distribute the Genl's. Orders which I was scarcely able to do, as I was not half recover'd from a violent illness, that confin'd me to my Bed, and a Waggon, for above 10 Days; I am still in a weak and Feeble cond'n [condition]; which induces me to halt here, 2 or 3 Days in hopes of recov'g [recovering] a little Strength, to enable me to proceed homewards; from whence, I fear I shall not be able to stir till towards Sept., so that I shall not have the pleasure of seeing you till then, unless it be in Fairfax; please to give my love to Mr. Lewis and my Sister, and Compts. [compliments] to Mr. Jackson and all other Fds. [friends] that enquire after me. I am, Hon'd Madam Yr. most dutiful Son P.S. You may acqt. [acquaint] Priscilla Mullican that her Son Charles is very well, hav'g only rec'd a slight w'd in his Foot, w'ch will be cur'd with't detrimt. [cured without detriment] to him, in a very small time. We had abt. 300 Men kill'd and as many, and more, wounded. Source: The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor. 11

Document J This 2011 encyclopedia entry for British General Edward Braddock, commander of British forces in North America, describes the battle of July 9, 1755. Edward Braddock 1695-1755, British general... With some 700 colonial militiamen... and over 1,400 British regulars,... while crossing the Monongahela River, Braddock was met (July 9, 1755) by a force of not more than 900 men (a few French, some Canadians, and many Native Americans) under Daniel Beaujeu, who had already learned of the advance. The British regulars... bolted from their column formation under the steady fire from... [French and Indian allies] safely concealed in ravines and behind trees. The affair turned into a bloody rout [severe and humiliating defeat][for the British].... Of the 1,459 [British] actively engaged, 977 were killed or wounded, including 63 of the 89 [British] officers, who -- unlike the [British] soldiers -- fought bravely. Braddock himself had four horses shot from under him before he was mortally wounded. He died four days later at Great Meadows and was buried there, near the site of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Source: "Edward Braddock." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Oct. 2011 http://www.encyclopedia.com 12