The French and Indian War (part 2).

Ohio region. By Nikater.

Two mighty nations struggled for the control of vasts territories in North America. They had fought for many years, and even had signed some peace agreements. Nonetheless, by the half of the 18th century, a definitive clash was imminent. The British policy of leaving those colonies to their fate, in some extent, was not possible anymore. They were facing the risk of losing those highly profitable possessions for the crown. At the same time, a continued growth of those colonies, was exerting an expansive westward pressure. But those were lands that France was marking and occupying as their own.

A battle in the French and Indian War.  Source: www.americanrevolution.com
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In the middle of the problem, as a sort of “joker”, were the Indian tribes. They tried to have the best results from the white men conflicts. Many of them intended to be at the winner’s side, by pure conservation instinct. The role they played in that war, was one of the main factors that made it so unconventional. The European war style proved to be ineffective, even a mistake, in many battles. Also, the Indians with their ways, gave a dreadful touch to the war, according to some chronicles. The contrast between both visions of war, resulted obvious. For sure, everyone believed that was doing the right things. From our modern point of view, some acts were abominable, but they were the product of those special circumstances. Is hard to judge it properly from the distance. 

Europeans and Iroquois. By John Frost, 1653.
Pictorial History of America. Philadelphia.
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 Incidentally, the main British allies were the Iroquois. They formed part of a strong confederation of tribes. It was a tribe of brave and very arrogant warriors, who never forgot the first time they faced the French soldiers. That day, they had to run scared from the power of the firearms. As a vengeance, they always cooperated with the British. That would held off the French advances and settlements, for many years. It is curious, that such a minor encounter, have had so disastrous consequences for their aspirations in North America.

Fort Duquesne. By Sébastien Paquin, 2002.
Lic. CC Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported.

In 1753, the marquis Du Quesne, governor of New France, intended to secure the French domain over the Ohio territory, to the South of the Great Lakes. They were trying to impede the incursions of British settlers. Many of them were beginning to establish at those lands! For sure, the interests of both nations overlapped to the west of the Allegheny. The strategy of France became evident: to spread their forts all over, whilst the British settlers were acting on their own. Despite their numerical superiority, the latter were not well organized. But the British crown had valid political reasons for the relative lack of activity: there was no war declared to France!

Washington in 1760. By Charles W. Peale.
Washington and Lee University. {{PD-US}}

 By those days, the governor of the wealthy province of Virginia, sent some commissioners, to have a friendly meeting with the French. Their mission was to explain that those were British territories. The leader of that group was a vigorous young man, only twenty one years old, called George Washington. He belonged to the aristocracy of Virginia and had some military training. Also, his surveying knowledge, could be useful to take a look at those almost unknown lands. The meeting, in December 1753, was cordial and very polite. Although the French made a compromise to send their request to the governor… they clearly stated they had no intention to give up upon Ohio territory. War looked imminent!

When he came back, informed the governor of Virginia, Robert Dinwiddie, about the fruitless conversations. Washington convinced him about the importance of setting a fort up at the valleys of Ohio. He had seen a very strategic location, to ensure the control of the region. It was at the confluence of three important rivers. Despite of the lack of support from most of the British colonies (Virginia included), another mission departed to Ohio. Again leaded by the young and inexpert lieutenant colonel Washington, a hundred and sixty men, went to build that vital fort.

Fort Cumberland in 1755. By William Lowdermilk, 1878.
From History of Cumberland, Maryland.

As they got to Fort Cumberland (less than a hundred miles from their objective), they heard that the French had lifted a fort… at the three rivers confluence. It was over the same spot that Washington looked at before. They had also understood the strategic importance of that place. Its name was Fort Duquesne (years later, there, would arise Pittsburgh city).

A replica of the fort, at Fort Necessity battlefield.
Photo: ScottyBoy900Q, at English Wikipedia

The impulsive Washington decided to go ahead, to take the enemy by surprise (But is important to remember that there was not any declared war!). He also counted on a group of Indian allies. He decided to stop, when they were half of the way, to raise a little fortress, named as Fort Necessity. There, he would plan his attack, more effectively. By that moment, he had near a four hundred men.

Death of Jumonville. From: Life of Washington.
By J.T. Headley, NY 1859

Then, he advanced, and on May 28th he found a small French troop. Everything seems to indicate that Washington ordered to open fire, without knowing that they came on a parlay mission. To make things worse, the Indians killed Jumonville, the French commander. He had surrendered, and was talking to Washington. In all, ten French soldiers died. As someone wrote later: that day, a gun smoke dissipated in the immensity of America… but it would unleash the Seven Years War in Europe, and drowned both continents in blood.

Jumonville Glen Panoramic. By: Rarkam_Wikipedia_contributor, 2007. Lic. CC Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported.

That confusing incident, meant a promotion for the young officer. But, also caused the angry response from the French, at Fort Duquesne. They considered it a treacherous attack! Therefore, in July of 1754, a nine hundred men force, between French and Indians, attacked. Washington had to retire and shelter in Fort Necessity. The rainy weather and the inadequate emplacement of the fort, did not allow to resist for very long. They could only hold on for three days...

In a curious manner, after the victory, the French did not seek revenge. They remained satisfied with a surrender document, signed by Washington. He also had to accept his responsibility by the murder of Jumonville. Although this permitted him and his men to be released, at the same time it was a dark spot over his emerging prestige. Again, it seems likely, that the French preferred to be cautious, because there was not a declared war with Great Britain.

Sir William Johnson. By: Charles Spooner.
Based on a portrait by T. Adams.

Those events triggered the alarms between many colonists. It was urgent to act together, because were facing an imminent defeat before France. Even more, the Indians issue was also very sensitive. If they lost the Iroquois support, would be sitting on a gunpowder barrel. For that reason, they organized a meeting at Albany. There attended delegates from the seven British colonies and a large representation of their allied tribes. These heard so many compliments and wellness promises, that decided to stay by their side. Possibly, the presence of the Irish William Johnson, influenced on that decision... for he was a sincere friend and protector of the aborigines.

Benjamin Franklin, by David Martin, 1767.
White House, Washington, USA.
The White House Historical Asociation. {{PD-US}}

 The notorious Benjamin Franklin was also present there. He did interesting proposals about the union and cooperation between the colonies and the British crown. But yet, the conclusions of the congress resulted scorned. Then, prevailed the egoism of the crown, even between the colonies! Still, many good ideas survived, and would give their fruits in the future. For the time being, at least they managed to keep the Iroquois support, which was a great success by itself.

All in all, Great Britain sent their troops to North America. But it was a fact that still did not exist any declaration of war. Maybe they were only trying to keep the colonies in order. It should not be forgotten, that the British ruled over the seas, and their military strength was as good as the best, in those times. So their cautious behavior, seemed to be the prudence of those who know their own power.

General Edward Braddock {{PD-US}}

Leading the British regiments, came General Edward Braddock, in February of 1755. He was an arrogant officer, with a wide experience at the European battlefields. Since the beginning, he made clear that the settlers would only pertain to the auxiliary corps. They would always be under any British officer, no matter his rank. Despite this, he had a good opinion of George Washington, and designated him as his aide de camp, with a rank of colonel. No question, the young boy gladly accepted!

Colonial city, by the middle of 18th century.

They began the setting up for the troops movement towards the territory of Ohio. Braddock soon realized the scarce collaboration from the colonies. Among the few who offered their generous aid and ideas, was Benjamin Franklin. But the stubborn general, did not seem to take all that into account very much. Also, he always underestimated the Indians, both allies or enemies. He thought that they could only be rivals for the novice settlers… never for a troop of regular British soldiers.

By June, 1755, a mighty force of a thousand and five hundred British soldiers, left Fort Cumberland. They had the best equipment available in those days. Also counted on seven hundred militiamen from Virginia, as auxiliary corps. Ahead, they had the eighty miles of a rough path, to get to Fort Duquesne. In front of them, was the proud General Braddock, who would not hesitate to subdue and overwhelm everyone who dared to face him.

It was, in fact, the beginning of a long and terrible war, known as The French and Indian War. It was plenty of interesting curiosities and often, of contradictory situations. Where the whims of chance seemed to turn randomly, several times. Even when it ended, the winners could never imagine how near they were of a painful defeat. Then, they would lose everything they had won.