Collection consists of a manuscript narrative (21 pages) together with 22 supporting documents presenting the official British case concerning the Anglo-French boundary disputes in North America and the course of diplomatic negotiations, 1754-1755. The ... »
Collection consists of a manuscript narrative (21 pages) together with 22 supporting documents presenting the official British case concerning the Anglo-French boundary disputes in North America and the course of diplomatic negotiations, 1754-1755. The narrative begins with George Washington's expedition to Fort Duquesne and his surrender at Fort Necessity and ends with Admiral Boscawen's ambassador's subsequent departure from London. These important manuscripts deal with the struggle between the French and English on the Ohio. In 1756, the French ministry published the following: "Memoire contenant le precis des faits, avec leurs observations envoyees par les Ministers d'Angleterre, dans les Cours de l'Europe." Sabin records this publication and notes: "The very curious history of this "memoire" deserves special attention. At the surrender of Fort Necessity by Washington, his Journal of the Expedition, together with the letters of Braddock to the British Ministry, and his instructions to Washington, were seized by French victors. They were immediately transmitted to France, and by order of the French king, printed and sent to every court of Europe as indicative the agressive character of the British. Drawing from these documents, they charge Washington with the murder of Jumonville. From the "Memoire" it will be seen that it is an answer to the "Observations" from the English Ministry sent to the Courts of Europe. It is suggested that "Narré des hostilités ..." with the supporting pieces are the English "Observations."
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