11/12/2024
On November 12, 1758, during a foggy and rainy November twilight just outside Fort Ligonier, two Virginia Regiments under the command of Colonel George Mercer and a young Colonel George Washington mistook each other for their enemy, opening fire on one another in the fog and near darkness. The result was around 40 casualties. That tragic yet historically significant event altered the course of the Forbes Campaign in the French and Indian War, significantly impacting young George Washington's life.
This incident would be the last time Washington would be involved in an active battlefield engagement until the American Revolution and would go unmentioned for thirty years until the winter of 1788. While working on notes for his biographer, Washington penned these words in a document that would come to be known as "The Remarks":
"Previus to this, and during the time the Army lay at Loyal haning a circumstance occurred wch involved the life of G. W. in as much jeopardy as it had ever been before or since[.] the enemy sent out a large detachment to reconnoitre our Camp, and to ascertain our strength; in consequence of Intelligence that they were within 2 Miles of the Camp a party commanded by Lt Colo. Mercer of the Virga line (a gallant & good Officer) was sent to dislodge them between whom a Severe conflict & hot firing ensued which lasting some time & appearing to approach the Camp it was conceived that our party was yielding the ground upon which G. W. with permission of the Genl called (for dispatch) for Volunteers and immediately marched at their head to sustain, as was conjectured the retiring troops. led on by the firing till he came within less than half a mile, & it ceasing, he detached Scouts to investigate the cause & to communicate his approach to his friend Colo. Mercer advancing slowly in the meantime—But it being near dusk and the intelligence not having been fully dissiminated among Colo. Mercers Corps, and they taking us, for the enemy who had retreated approaching in another direction commenced a heavy fire upon the releiving party which drew fire in return in spite of all the exertions of the Officers one of whom & several privates were killed and many wounded before a stop could be put to it. to accomplish which G. W. never was in more imminent danger by being between two fires, knocking up with his sword the presented pieces."
You can read the full transcript of Washington's "Remarks" here: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/04-05-02-0463-0002 -04-05-02-0463-0002-fn-0005-ptr
Image: "Flash Point" by Chas Fagan, 2019. This painting depicts the integral moment mentioned in Washington's account when he realizes that they are firing on their comrades and he attempts to stop the firing on his side. Prints of this painting are available in our gift shop.
