This is a review of the first book I read in 2019. The Journal of George Washington from 1754 was a quick read. It is more of a pamphlet than a book. If you want to read the scan of the original document like I did, it's important that you know what a long s is.
The full title is The Journal of Major George Washington, sent by the Hon. Robert Dinwiddie, Esq; His Majesty's Lieutenant-Governor, and Commander in Chief of Virginia, to the Commandant of the French Forces on Ohio.
Subtitle on the publication is To which are added, the Governor's Letter, and a Translation of the French Officer's Answer.
It was printed in Williamsburg, Virginia by William Hunter in 1754.
This short journal by George Washington, in his 21st year, launched his name into fame. He volunteered for a quest into the wild English-claimed French frontier in the time leading up to the beginning of the French and Indian war.
George Washington was an officer in the Virginia militia when he volunteered to take a message from the Governor of Virginia to the French Commander in Ohio.
At this time, there French were expanding their influence and trade with natives in the Ohio valley, and building fortresses throughout this region, which was also claimed by the English, specifically Virginia. The Governor of Virginia, on behalf of King George II, sent, via Washington, a message to Legardeur de St. Piere, telling him to stop his encroachment of English land.
Along the way, George Washington's secondary objective was to win over certain Indian tribes to the English side of the future conflict. This was tricky business. The French where also well involved in the same business. At the French controlled destination, the commander made many attempts to get Washington's native allies to switch to his allegiance. Washington had to be very careful and savvy to keep them with him, as well as to not become hostile against the French on a diplomatic mission.
On top of this tricky diplomatic quest into the Ohio, the weather was that of a very miserable December and January. The trek was plagued by rain and snow most of the way. Between weakening horses, negotiating with native tribes, meeting with the rival French, getting shot at, and enduring weather that was similar to Valley Forge, Washington showed his impressive skill in dealing confidently and compitently with important objectives, while only 21 years old.
This is a great evening read that lets you hear from the American hero in his own words. It's only about 25 pages. Reading primary sources and personal accounts of historical events is one of the best ways to experience history. Doing so also creates a human being to put with the names and portraits in history books.
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