George Washington’s Brush with Death: The Battle of the Monongahela

In the summer of 1755, a young George Washington faced one of the most harrowing experiences of his life during the Battle of the Monongahela. Serving as an aide-de-camp to General Edward Braddock, Washington found himself in the midst of a fierce confrontation with French and Native American forces near present-day Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Washington and his guide, Christopher Gist, were ambushed by a Native American. The attacker fired at Washington from close range, but miraculously, the bullet missed. Washington escaped unscathed.

Amidst the chaos, Washington displayed remarkable courage and resilience. Reports indicate that he had two horses shot out from under him and four bullets pierced his coat. Despite these close calls, Washington miraculously emerged unharmed.

Washington’s survival was nothing short of extraordinary. He later wrote in a letter to his brother, “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 levelling my companions on every side.”

This incident was a testament to Washington’s fortitude and bravery, qualities that would later define his leadership during the American Revolution. His ability to remain calm under fire and his unwavering commitment to his duties set him apart as a leader.

An aging Indian Chief who had once faced Washington in battle found himself nearing the end of his life. Sensing his time was short, he commanded one of his warriors to summon Washington. When they met, the Chief revealed his reason: he had to see the man who had evaded death so many times. He confessed to being a master marksman and admitted that during the battle, he had fired at Washington 17 times. Yet, Washington remained untouched, leading the Chief to believe he was protected by divine forces.

A wise man might ask, under what circumstances would an Indian Chief summon George Washington?

The meeting between George Washington and the Native American chief is linked to Washington’s journey to the Ohio countryside in October 1770. Washington, accompanied by his physician Dr. James Craik and a group of soldiers, were traveling to claim land promised to them for their service in the French and Indian War. During this trip, they encountered a group of Native Americans, including a sachem, or local chief, who shared his perspective on the Battle of Monongahela.

Whether by divine providence, sheer luck, or a combination of both, Washington’s survival that day became the stuff of legend. The young soldier who had once dodged death on the battlefield would go on to shape the destiny of a nation. And as history would prove, while bullets may have missed their mark, fate never did.