From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 98
Franklin visited him, he bargained with him to purchase in Pennsylvania, and forward at once, a sufficient
number of them, with four horses to each wagon.
"Army wagons will be a burden to us instead of a help, much of the way," said Washington. "The road is
narrow and rough, and pack-horses will prove better than wagons."
But these suggestions were unheeded by the haughty British officer, who insisted that his army should be
provided for and move in the wilds of America as in the cultivated countries of Europe. He had too much
official pride to allow himself to be instructed by a stripling in Virginia.
General Braddock possessed a high temper, and he was excessively fond of intoxicating drinks. With too
much temper and too much drink to carry, he often became an overbearing officer. Washington wrote as
follows to Mr. Fairfax at one time:
"The general, by frequent breaches of contract, has lost all patience, and for want of that temperance and
moderation which should be used by a man of sense upon these occasions, will, I fear, represent us in a light
we little deserve; for, instead of blaming individuals, as he ought, he charges all his disappointments to public
supineness, and looks upon the country, I believe, as void of honor and honesty. We have frequent disputes on
this head, which are maintained with warmth on both sides, especially on his, who is incapable of arguing
with or giving up any point he asserts, let it be ever so incompatible with reason or common sense."
It should be recorded in his favor that General Braddock was a strict disciplinarian in the army. Each regiment
was provided with a chaplain, and every soldier was required to attend prayers each day, and on Sunday be
present at divine services. He refused to tolerate some practices among his men which are common in armies.
The most vicious class of soldiers indulged in a wholesome fear of him.
After Braddock's army crossed the Monongahela, and were within ten miles of Duquesne, and no sign nor
sound of an enemy was seen or heard, Washington grew anxious, and he said:
"General, this silence so near the fort in our country is rather ominous than otherwise. A scouting party ought
to go forward. We are liable to find ourselves in an ambuscade of Indians at any moment."
"Indians have a poor show in the presence of this force," replied the general. "The king's troops will show you
how to handle savages."
"I will scour the woods in advance with the Virginia provincials if you say the word, general," Washington
continued, apprehending that they were in the very jaws of danger. He knew very well that French and Indian
scouts must be near them watching their movements. But Braddock declined his offer and they marched on in
European style, "three hundred men under Colonel Gage forming the advanced party, followed by a party of
two hundred; and last of all, the general, with the main body, Colonel Duncan leading the rear with supplies."
We should have stated that, in the outset, Indians flocked to the English standard; among them White Thunder
Scarooyadi, successor to half-king, who had died, and others, associated with Washington in his former
campaign. Silver Heels, so called from his nimbleness, a renowned warrior, came and tendered his services.
Through Washington's entreaty, General Braddock received the red warriors kindly, with military honors. He
made them presents in the name of the king, and they, in turned, danced and sung war songs. But such was
Braddock's demeanor towards them subsequently, that they became displeased; and, when their dissatisfaction
was intensified by the improper conduct of some young English officers towards Bright Lightning, the
beautiful daughter of White Thunder, they all deserted the army in disgust. When within ten miles of
Duquesne, on the ninth day of July, Braddock had no Indians in his command.