We all know George Washington as our country’s first President but few know about God’s providence and protection of the young Washington during the French & Indian and English War. So in celebration of our countries birthday, here is an abridged version of the true account of God’s grace and providence in the life of Washington and our country.
On the morning of July 9th, 1755 British General Braddock and 1000 of his men, along with Washington (a 21 year old LTC) and 100 Virginia regulars found themselves in a fierce battle with the French and Indians in an area that would someday be known as Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Braddock refused to listen to Washington’s sage advice to conduct the battle in the Indian style of warfare of returning fire from behind trees and rocks. Instead Braddock ordered his troops with bright red coats (easily identifiable) to line up as any good European army would; yet, before they could muster any semblance of order, they were again and again cut down.
The 100 Virginiamen quickly adopted the Indian style of warfare yet Washington went back and forth across the battlefield carrying out Braddock’s commands. One soldier commented: I expected every moment to see him fall. Nothing but the superintending care of Providence could have saved him.” The Indians later testified that they had singled him out, but their bullets had no effect on him. They became convinced that an Invisible Power was protecting him.
Washington had two horses shot out from under him, and four bullet holes in his coat. Yet he himself was untouched by bullet, bayonet, tomahawk, or arrow. Scores of men and officers fell all around him. Eventually Braddock was mortally wounded which caused the British soldiers to begin fleeing in chaos and confusion. Washington gathered what was left of the Virginiamen, barely 30 of them, the injured General and proceeded to cover the British retreat. Battle casualties: 714 British soldiers killed, 37 wounded; 63 officers killed or wounded and only 33 men and officers of the French and Indians were killed.
Washington moved the survivors 120 miles to Fort Cumberland where he soon after wrote his Mom to assure her of his wellbeing: "As I have heard since my arrival at this place [Fort Cumberland], a circumstantial account of my death and dying speech, I take this early opportunity of contradicting the first, and of assuring you that I have not as yet composed the latter. But, by the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me!"
It gets better! 15 years later, an old respected Indian Chief, upon finding that Washington would be visiting the old battlefield journeyed far to speak with Washington. And in his own words:
"I am a chief and ruler over my tribes. My influence extends to the waters of the great lakes and to the far blue mountains. I have traveled a long and weary path that I might see the young warrior of the great battle. It was on the day when the white man's blood mixed with the streams of our forest that I first beheld this chief [Washington]. I called to my young men and said, mark yon tall and daring warrior? He is not of the red-coat tribe--he hath an Indian's wisdom, and his warriors fight as we do--himself is alone exposed. Quick, let your aim be certain, and he dies. Our rifles were leveled, rifles which, but for you, knew not how to miss--'twas all in vain, a power mightier far than we, shielded you. Seeing you were under the special guardship of the Great Spirit, we immediately ceased to fire at you. I am old and soon shall be gathered to the great council fire of my fathers in the land of shades, but ere I go, there is something bids me speak in the voice of prophecy. Listen! The Great Spirit protects that man [pointing at Washington], and guides his destinies--he will become the chief of nations, and a people yet unborn will hail him as the founder of a mighty empire. I am come to pay homage to the man who is the particular favorite of Heaven, and who can never die in battle."
80 years after the battle, a gold seal that belonged to Washington, that bore his initials was found on the very field. Right where he had been moving back and forth on horseback relaying orders for Braddock all amidst a hail of bullets. The gold seal had been shot off his body, by a bullet.
So, enjoy the hotdogs and fireworks with your family while always remembering that it is by God’s grace that we have this land we call America. All the more reason why we must remember that is by God’s grace that we have freedom and all the more reason to remain diligent about sharing what it
means to have true freedom in Jesus Christ.
Rich Carney
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