Major Washington and the Forks of Ohio is a novel depicting the travels of George Washington through Western Pennsylvania in 1753-1754. The Major was commissioned by the Governor of Virginia to deliver a letter to the French Commander in the area. The letter basically told the French to cease any and all activity in the Allegheny River Valley because claim to this region was already made by the British colonists. This mission set the stage for the French and Indian War which occurred in the following months and ultimately led to the development of Pittsburgh at the confluence of the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio Rivers (The Forks of Ohio).

This work is historical fiction and as such follows the general time-line and major events of the period but does add some new characters and takes liberties with dialog, style and events. I realized when undertaking this project that there would be some that would take offense the stylizing of George Washington’s life. He is a very popular, yet misunderstood figure in American history. My attempt, like others who have taken on this task is to put a more human face on the character of Washington and move beyond Valley Forge and cherry trees and get to the real man behind the history. Obviously this is my interpretation of our first President and as such is open to critique by historians and readers alike.

I hope you enjoy the story and the characters. Please use the sign up form to get notification of updates and the release of the full novel. I am looking forward to adding more content over the next few months to celebrate the 250th birthday of Pittsburgh.

–
Mark Bursic

Kublanerasaca was beside himself over this arrangement. Why should he be shamed by being forced to sit and watch this soft, snow-white blob of a man? Didn’t the new chief, Januhuk, realize this task held no honor?

Kublanerasaca was annoyed with the Januhuk, but not from a lack of respect. Quite the contrary. Januhuk had been hunting and warring with Kublanerasaca ever since he came of age. It had nothing to do with their history together. It was just that recently, Januhuk was making no sense. But considering Januhuk’s new responsibility as chief, Kublanerasaca could resign himself to the task for now. [more]

“Back so soon,” Chris said sarcastically.

“These French seem more inclined to chat than the others we’ve encountered,” replied the Major.

“But less inclined to give us comfortable quarters,” put in Chris.

Christopher Gist was a stocky, hulk of a man twice the Major’s age. Suitably built for this climate and his chosen profession of trapping. Trapping, as everyone who has ever spent time near the frontier knows, makes one surly. The climate is harsh, the dangers are real and that makes the living hard, especially this far west of Philadelphia.  Of course Chris hasn’t done much trapping since signing on as guide and companion to Major Washington, but he hasn’t lost his salty frontier demeanor. [more]

December 14th, 1753 - The Major watched the fire flicker and crackle in front of him.  The dancing, moving shapes reminded him of things that he wished to do, but couldn’t.  Couldn’t because he was stuck here having to listen to this…this politician. He just keeps going on and on, thought the Major, I wish he would just get to the point.

He knew that Jacob was paraphrasing the politician’s ramblings. Jacob Van Braam was an accomplished interpreter and as such was deft at thinning out the unnecessary. “So where exactly is Legardeur de Repentign, your captain interpreter?” the Major said making a rolling motion with his hands, encouraging Jacob’s immediate translation.

“He’s traveling from Presque Isle,” said Van Braam interpreting the politician.  “But we’re confident we’ll be receiving an update shortly, if you could just be patient.”  [more]

Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Braddock
14th Prince of Wales Regiment
London, England

November 1st, 1753

Dear Lientenant-Colonel Braddock,

As per your suggestion I have authored a letter to Jacques Legardeur de Saint Pierre, the new French Commander in the region of the northern frontier. I have included for your information a copy of the correspondence. I hope you don’t take offense to the haste at which I compiled and dispatched the letter, but I think you can agree the events of the day demand immediate action. I agree with your impression that the French can not be allowed free expanse in the Forks of Ohio. [more]

December 27th, 1753 - Kublanerasaka squatted between two tall, long-needle pines. He was comfortable for he could compact his tall, thin frame down the size of a small boy if necessary. Flexibility helped when he needed to be down low, in this case to peer under branches and see the legs and torso of an eight-point deer.

He reached around to his side pouch, and pulled out a long, thin arrow. Silently he nocked the arrow in his bow and drew it back. He needed to be almost perfectly silent. The deer and elk had become agitated since the white men started moving through the hunting grounds. At least they are driving game toward the tribe, he thought. But the animals would get used to this activity and even that small benefit would vanish.

Suddenly, the deer jerked its head toward him, jumped back and darted away into the brush. He stood up to get a better view, but the animal was gone. All he could see now was rustling branches. He released the tension in his bow and un-nocked the arrow. That was odd he thought; I made no noise, what made the deer dive into the wood. [more]