(1) July 17, 1755 (2) Dear Diary,

(3) I have just arrived back to Fort Cumberland, having survived an epic battle with the French troops at the Monongahela River outside of Fort Duquesne. We were 1300 strong, yet we were ambushed in the woods. To say I was completely surprised would be an understatement. However, in my defense, I was suffering from a dreadful case of dysentery. My stomach was horribly upset, I had a fever, and I was suffering with chills as well. I wasn't at my best. I had been hand-picked to help Major General Braddock. They are saying I am "the hero of Monongahela," but I feel as though I have failed Braddock, and the whole of the British Army, terribly.

(4) It all began in the dense woods of the Allegheny Mountains. As I know the area well, I was leading the way on my horse. We were making our way through the ravine near the river when, out of nowhere, the attack began. I quickly realized we were surrounded by the French and the Native Indians. The enemy were firing at us from every side. They were above us in the trees, as well as hidden behind the fallen logs and massive boulders that littered the ravine.

(5) Chaos ensued. I sprang into action as quickly as I could, maneuvering my horse through the gun smoke and confusion. I was focused and determined to do my best. The British soldiers were brave, sturdy men, but they were unaccustomed to fighting in the woods. Their previous battles had taken place on flat, European ground. They had been trained to form a line, shoulder to shoulder, and advance towards the enemy line. In the woods, however, there was no enemy line—the enemy were everywhere! We were not outnumbered, but we were outmaneuvered.

(6) As the battle raged on, I felt dismay as more and more of our men fell. I, myself, lost two horses but managed to somehow avoid the gunfire. General Braddock was not so lucky. About 3 hours in, I spotted him amongst the mayhem. He had fallen from his horse and lay bleeding on the ground. I rushed to his side. He was gravely injured, and I knew he wasn't going to make it. He was shouting for retreat, and so it fell to me to carry out his last orders. I led the remaining forces southward to safety.

(7) It was only once we had stopped to regroup that I realized two things. First, I was the only officer left on horseback; the others had either been knocked off their horses or mortally injured. Secondly, I hadn't escaped the gunfire as I had thought. As I removed my coat, I was shocked to see that 4 musket balls had ripped through my uniform, narrowly missing my body.

(8) I feel that my survival was surely a miracle. Despite the battle being a resounding defeat for the British, the Virginia militia, and myself, I wholeheartedly believe we must persevere.

(9) Best,

(10) George

Explain how the outcome at Monongahela led George Washington to feel like a failure.

He had difficulty navigating the thick forests because he was ill.

He was shocked to find that four musket balls had missed his body.

His troops were ambushed in the woods, and he lost many men.

His troops were highly trained but unable to use their skills in the forest battle.