how their orderly ranks were going to fight among
the rocks and trees. Fearing an attack from the woods, he wanted to send
Indian scouts and Virginia rangers ahead. General Braddock admired
Washington, but could not help laughing at his fears. So he sent his
soldiers gayly forward.

Suddenly, they were attacked in front! With hideous yells, the Indians
fell upon their flanks. All that General Braddock had learned of warfare
was of little use to him now in the wilderness, but he was courageous
and determined. Four horses were shot under him and he was fatally
wounded. Before he died, he praised the Virginians, like a brave and
true gentleman, and apologized to Washington for not heeding his advice.
He left to him his horse and his servant. All the staff officers were
killed but Washington. His splendid height and broad shoulders made him
a fine target, as he rode about the field trying to rally the men. His
horses were killed under him and his clothing was torn by bullets. An
Indian chief said, "A Power mightier than we shielded him. He cannot die
in battle!" The contest ended in a terrible defeat for the English. The
regulars were useless and frightened. The despised Virginians were brave
but too few in number to meet the enemy alone. The survivors retreated
with the wounded to Fort Cumberland (Maryland).

Washington had been twice defeated, but his courage and wisdom were so
great that Virginia had made him Commander-in-Chief of her forces. His
tasks were heavy for so young a man--he was only twenty-three at that
time! He did the best he could under many difficulties and raised and
drilled a force of militia.

While facing a common danger, the colonies were not united then in any
way, except under a Governor General sent out from England by the King.
Washington had no authority over troops from any other colony, nor would
officers commissioned by the King take orders from him. Naturally, all
sorts of disputes arose and finally Washington decided to go to Boston
to put all these questions before Governor General William Shirley.

Two other young Virginia officers rode with him. It was midwinter. They
had hundreds of miles of mud roads to travel. They had fine horses and
were attended by mounted black servants in livery. The story of
Washington's bravery in Braddock's defeat was known throughout the
country. When these three handsome young officers reached the cities
along the way, they were splendidly entertained, fo