The French and Indian War

During the French and Indian War, the British and French fought for control of the Ohio Valley, with the local Native Americans fighting alongside the French. George Washington served in the British Army, fighting the French and their Indian allies. Ironically, he applied this military experience against the British 20 years later as Commander of the Continental Army.

In The Hesperus Prophecy, the British hope to capture Fort Duquesne at the site of modern-day Pittsburgh, where the Monongahela and Allegany entwine and become the Ohio River. The British don’t make it that far, getting ambushed before they reach Fort Duquesne, the ensuing fight known as the Battle of the Monongahela. As the British forces retreated, not only were they pursued by the French and Native Americans, in the chaos British soldiers fired at their own retreating troops.

Washington took control and organized the retreat, saving many lives and preventing the total surrender of British forces. During the fight British officers were targeted, Washington getting shot off his horse twice and later finding multiple bullet holes in his uniform and hat. While alone, contemplating his charmed life, Washington is visited by Hesperus.

Map of the Battle of Monongahela