almost as far East as Winchester, pillaging and mur-
dering in the most ruthless manner, until the whole
country from New York to the heart of Virginia
became the theatre of inhuman bavbarities and
heartless destruction.
The defeat of Braddock was totally unlooked for, and it excited the most painful surprise, both in England and in the Colonies. The British troops had been looked upon as invincible, and preparations had been made in Philadelphia for the celebration of Braddock's anticipated victory. His defeat and his death were, therefore, startling disappointments, and it was plain that from that time forward the CJolon- ists had a much less exalted opinion of the valor of the royal troops.
Braddock had entered upon this campaign full of confidence, pride and self-reliance. He was utterly ignorant of the Indian and his mode of warfare, yet too proud to receive instruction or advice upon the subject at the hands of his inferiors in military rank. He was bigoted to an extent which led him into error as to the value of the allies offered him, in the bands of Indians and scouts who were ready to join him, and whom he insulted and repelled by his indifference and neglect. He entered upon the contest without having in any way fitted himself for it, and the brave, reckless old soldier paid the penalty of his errors with his life. During the fatal battle Washington had besought Braddock to permit him to take three hundred of the provincials and fight the Indians after their own method, assuring him that they could take to the trees and quickly rout
