George Washington: First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen

For Lesson One: Honor and Passion for Glory:
George Washington in the Ohio Valley

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George Washington Papers, 1741-1799

[Letter from George Washington to William Bird, April 20, 1755]

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NOTE: This is an excerpt. The full text version of Letter from George Washington to William Bird, April 20, 1755 is in George Washington Papers, 1741-1799.

The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.--vol. 01

Mount Vernon, April 20, 1755.

... I am now preparing for, and shall in a few days sett off, to serve in the ensuing Campainge; with different Views from what I had before; for here, if I can gain any credit, or if I am entitled to the least countenance and esteem, it must be from serving my Country with a free, Voluntary will; for I can very truly say, I have no expectation of reward but the hope of meriting the love of my Country and friendly regard of my acquaintances; and as to any prospect of obtaining a Comn. I have none, and am pretty well assur'd it is not in Genl. Braddock's to give such a one as I wou'd accept off as I am told a Compa. is the highest Comn. that is now vested in his gift. He disir'd my Company this Campainge, has honoured me with particular marks of Esteem, and kindly invited me into his Family; which will ease me of that expence, which otherwise wou'd undoubtedly have accrued in furnishing a proper Camp Provision; whereas the expence will now be easy, (comparatively speaking) as baggage Horses, tents and some other necessarys will constitute the whole of the charge tho' I mean to say to leave a Family just settling, and in the utmost confusion and disorder (as mine is in at present) will be the means of my using my private Fortune very greatly, but however this may happen, it shall be no hindrance to my making this Campaigne. I am Sir with very g't esteem, etc.

... {excerpt ends}

Questions:

• Why would Washington wish to serve under General Braddock as a volunteer?
• Would service under General Braddock enhance Washington's military career?
• Under what conditions would Washington serve?
• Why do you think General Braddock would agree to Washington's request for special privileges?
• What does the letter to William Bird reveal about Washington's motives for serving under General Braddock?

Go to the complete interview from which this excerpt was taken.