Edward Braddock was born in 1695 and came of age during QUEEN Ann’s War hearing the glories of the English arms. Though common by birth Braddock acquired a position in the Coldstream Guards as an ensign. Quick tempered and peevish Braddock developed a mild reputation as an immoral officer, due to his addiction to snuff and his partaking of prostitution in the Covent Garden. As Braddock progressed through the ranks, he developed a reputation as a noted administrator, effective disciplinarian, and honest and creative dedicated soldier. Braddock’s forty-four year career was both unremarkable and unblemished, in 1754 he earned the chance for military distinction. Major General Braddock arrived in Virginia in February of 1755 to command all British …show more content…
The progress was slow due to the need to hack their way through the wilderness and their weaponry and supplies. Braddock split his army in two for faster travel leaving 1400 with him. Six miles from Fort Duquesne Braddock and his men realized the folly of his treatment and opinions of Indians. The lack of Indian scouts led them into an ambush. The woods surrounding them became alive with Ojibwa Indians and French militiamen. The British wearing their bright red coats, stood their ground for most of the fight surrounded on three sides by concealed enemies. Braddock was shot in the right arm and the bullet pierced his lungs. Before Braddock’s injury he would not allow for retreat fearing his men’s reaction to the irregular fighting resulting in the death of two-thirds of Braddock’s men. After Braddock was wounded what was left of his men retreated pell-mell across the Monongahela River. Braddock died four days later after intense suffering. They were completely beaten by a force they could not see in a wilderness where they did not want to be. Washington said about the British army had “been scandalously beaten by a trifling body of men” the vaunted redcoats “broke and run as sheep before Hounds,” but the Virginians “behaved like Men and died like