It is supposed that we had three hundred or more killed; about that number we brought off wounded, and it is conjectured (I believe with much truth) that two thirds of both received their shot from our own cowardly Regulars, who gathered themselves into a body, contrary to orders, ten or twelve deep, would then level, fire and shoot down the men before them.[1] [Footnote 1: Ford, I, 173-74-75.] In this admirable letter Washington tells nothing about his own prowess in the battle, where he rode to all parts of the field, trying to stem the retreat, and had two horses shot under him and four bullet holes in his coat.

He tried to get the troops to break ranks and to screen themselves behind rocks and trees, but Braddock, helpless without his rules, drove them back to regular formation with the flat of his sword, and made them an easy mark for the volleys of the enemy.
Washington's personal valor could not fail to be admired, although his audacity exposed him to unjustified risks.
On reaching Fort Cumberland he wrote to his brother John, on July 18th: As I have heard, since my arrival at this place, a circumstantial account of my death and dying speech, I take this early opportunity of contradicting the first, and 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 and expectation.[1] [Footnote 1: Ibid.

175-76.] The more he thought over the events of that day, the more was he amazed--"I join very heartily with you in believing," he wrote Robert Jackson on August 2d, "that when this story comes to be related in future annals, it will meet with unbelief and indignation, for had I not been witness to the fact on that fatal day, I should scarce have given credit to it even _now_."[1] [Footnote 1: Ford, I, 177.] Although Washington was thoroughly disgusted by the mismanagement of military affairs in Virginia, he was not ready to deny the appeals of patriotism.

From Mount Vernon, on August 14, 1755, he wrote his mother: Honored Madam, If it is in my power to avoid going to the Ohio again, I shall; but if the command is pressed upon me, by the general _voice_ of the country, and offered upon such terms as cannot be objected against, it would reflect dishonor upon me to refuse; and _that_, I am sure must or _ought_ to give you greater uneasiness, than my going in an honorable command, for upon no other terms I will accept of it.