GEORGE WASHINGTON, BRITISH OFFICER
least a year. The French broadcast this document widely in justification of their actions during the French and Indian War that continued for the next nine years. Washington immediately returned to Williamsburg to give a first hand report to the Governor. He was absolved of all blame, with the Dutchman being held responsible. Washington was acclaimed for his soldierly courage.
Shortly after this incident, word came from London that all militia units would be placed under one commander, and that no colonial officer would be higher than a captain, with all higher officers supplied by the English. Washington retired rather than accept the demotion. But this was not the end of his military career.
In the Spring of 1755, Major General Braddock prepared to lead a regiment of regular British troops to the Ohio and capture French Fort Duquesne. Knowing of Washington's courage and previous experience, he invited Washington to join him as an aide-de-camp. In July, they reached the Monongahela River and fought a battle with the French. During the battle, Braddock was killed and the British troops defeated. Washington took command of the British troops and prevented a rout. He got the British troops home safely, again being hailed for his courage. At 23, Washington was now the most experienced military officer in Virginia. He was again appointed commander of the Virginia militia with the rank of colonel.
Colonel Washington traveled to Philadelphia, Boston and New York to confer with northern military leaders. He made a most favorable impression on these leaders, and they remembered him later. In 1758, Washington led an expedition which captured Fort Dusquene and re-named it Fort Pitt. With the French driven from Virginia's lands, Washington retired. Later, he was elected to the Continental Congress to represent Virginia. With an army being formed to fight the British, Washington arrived in Congress wearing his colonel's uniform, giving a clear message as to wear he stood on the issue and his readiness to join in the fight. Congress unanimously voted to name him commander of the Continental Army, and the rest, as they say, is history.
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