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The Seven Years’ War - A First Person Account

I was born and raised in Virginia. I provide for my family by hunting and trapping game. My wife and children take care of our home and help me prepare the animal pelts and meat for sale or consumption. We live a modest life and attend church services regularly. I joined the militia with neighbors a couple years ago as a way to support our community. I am grateful to God to be alive today to recount my experiences through the Seven Years’ War.

Growing up in Virginia, I was exposed to a very diverse population. My friends and family led simple lives here, but we would see many people come and go through our community. The first stranger I remember was a very loud preacher. I remember my parents bringing me to a field to hear this man speak at what they called a “revival.” The man was called Whitefield and I recall my parents cheering and more excited than any time we had gone to Church before or since. I never told anyone, including my wife, about the second stranger I met. One day I was out hunting and I came across a very tired Negro. His hands and back were covered in scars. He was visibly cold and tired. I gave the man my flask of milk and what little jerky I had and I vividly remember how rapidly he ate it. I did not understand the words he said to me, but I knew of neighbors who may help him and simply pointed into the direction he should go. The third man I remember spoke very properly. I was reading a newspaper in the city after I sold my pelts. I was looking at a drawing of a snake broken into pieces with a caption saying “Join, or Die” upon it (Davidson, 2006). I was asked by a gentleman what I thought of the drawing and if I believed we should be united into one country or if the territories should remain separated as they are. This sort of caught me off guard but I remember telling the man I was comfortable with things as they are and I live a happy life with my wife and children. His conversation with me gave me the impression he had political ambition and was a very smart man. I later learned this man was Benjamin Franklin. The diversity of people I have grown to know have shaped my thoughts and assisted my decision to join the militia.

The Seven Years’ War began two years prior to the declared beginning of May 1756 by the British. In the spring of 1754, I joined my fellow militia members and followed a newly appointed officer (George Washington) to stop the French from advancing into the Ohio country. The French built many strongholds along the Ohio River. Our unit headed out to overtake Fort Duquesne. When we arrived close to Fort Duquesne, we constructed a fort in an open field from which we would lead our attack. Our attack on Fort Duquesne failed, and we were forced to retreat to the newly constructed fort. The French, along with some Indian supporters, surrounded us and attacked from all sides. We were outnumbered and Washington surrendered. We were allowed to leave the battleground after it was agreed that two English officers would be left behind as hostages ("Socialstudiesforkids", n.d.). This would not be my only battle with the French, but it would be my only loss to them.

In the coming years, the militia fought alongside British troops to fight off the French. In the beginning of the war, we would often get word that the French were growing stronger. Many Indian tribes were contacted for support against the French but they often chose to remain neutral or joined the French. The first part of the war to remove the French looked grim. The French were able to overtake many British advances. It was not until William Pitt took control of the war that the tide turned in our favor. Along with Pitt came a stronger financial backing from the British to support our efforts. More people joined the militia when the Pitt promised payment in gold and silver to support the fight. This led our movement up the St. Lawrence River where we separated the French forces. As more and more French troops were removed from interior parts, Indians began to switch their loyalty to the colonists and British (Davidson, 2006). In 1759, we moved to take over Quebec. I remember climbing up steep cliffs in the middle of the night. I could not help but thinking the plan was brilliant. The French would have their backs to us; and we would gain the element of surprise and higher ground. The battle lasted five days. In the end, we took Quebec. Our battles continued with the French for another year before troops were able to overtake Montreal and end the fighting in North America. The Seven Years’ War ended in 1763 with the signing of The Treaty of Paris. The Spanish had joined with the French during the war but failed against the British as well. So, The Treaty of Paris gave title to all land east of the Mississippi River to the British including Spanish held Florida. The French also gave up control of all land west of the Mississippi River to the Spanish, including the port of New Orleans.

The war ended in our favor, but took its toll upon all of us in the colonies. When I returned to Virginia, I was happy to see my family and disappointed to hear their struggles. My family was forced to support the troops whenever they were asked. They often went hungry to feed passing troops. Sometimes, the troops would take over our home to rest as well. Life was certainly hard for all of us through this time of war. The one consolation we had through this was that we still had one another. We all worked together to provide more opportunities for all colonialists in these new lands. With the gains given to the Crown, we assuredly will have lower taxes and would be looked upon more favorably by the British Crown for our support. I will never forget the people I met throughout my life that shaped my choices to join the militia and support the colonies. Today, if I were to again meet Benjamin Franklin, I would most certainly tell him that the colonies showed a great banding together through this time of war; and we would be better off to remain joined as one than to break apart.

References:

Davidson, J. 2006. Nations of nations: A concise narrative of the American republic. (4th ed.). McGraw Hill Company.

Socialstudiesforkids. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/wwww/us/fortnecessitydef.htm

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