At the age of 21 George Washington was charged with delivering an important message to the French in the Ohio Valley from Robert Dinwiddie. The French were encroaching on territory which the English claimed. Before a military excursion into this territory the English were compelled to warn the French of their claims and give the French an opportunity to withdraw peaceably.
Washington and a team of 6 others, including Christopher Gist, a surveyor and woodsman familiar with the back country, made this dangerous journey in the late fall of 1753. Gist has made previous trips in the Ohio Valley at the behest of the Ohio Company, so was well suited as a guide for the younger Washington.
On this journey Washington encountered several Native American kings including Shingriss (of the Delawares), and the "Half-King" of the Six Nations. He gained a first hand education on the intricacies of diplomacy with both Native Americans and the French. His message to the French, which was amicably received did not have the desired intent to cause the French to withdraw. This result necessitated a second journey into the Ohio country with greater numbers and a military aura. Washington kept a detailed journal of his experience which is and interesting view into his mindset and learnings.
After meeting with the French, to hasten their return to the Virginia colony, Gist and Washington separated from the other members of the expedition. Gist and Washington made a harrowing attempt at crossing the Allegheny river on a poorly made raft with ice flows and freezing temperatures. Washington was thrown from the raft into the icy waters and he and Gist ultimately sheltered on a small island in the middle of the river, continuing the next day after the river completely froze over.
These two pieces, done many years later, depict there harrowing attempt at the Allegheny River crossing.
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| Source: New York Public Library |
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| Source: Mount Vernon Ladies' Association |
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| Sources: Library of Congress New York Public Library |
