The First President

9 Pages 2259 Words

day and then had to surrender. The terms of the surrender let Washington and his

men return to Virginia. The British then moved in a expedition under General Edward

Braddock, whom Washington joined as aide-de-camp. Braddock’s force suffered a surprise

attack and defeat on July 9, 1755. Washington’s bravery under fire spread his fame to nearby

colonies and abroad. Gov. Dinwiddie rewarded him by appointing him to the command of the

Virginia troops, with the rank of colonel. During the rest of the war Washington and his men

were reduced to the status of guarding the Virginian area, were no real battles took place. This

dissatisfied Washington to the point that he resigned his commission.


After resigning his commission late in 1758, he retired to Mount Vernon. George became a

farmer and married Martha Dandridge, widow of Daniel Parke Custis. As a farmer Washington

concentrated on growing tobacco. He soon learned that raising tobacco did not pay. The British

law required that his tobacco be sent to Britain to be sold. More ofte...