Duel in the Wilderness

by Karin Clafford Farley, George Gaadt (Illustrator)

Twenty-one-year-old Major George Washington must deliver a message from the Kind of England to the French commander in the Ohio wilderness. It will be a dangerous journey. Hostile Indians and French soldiers lurk in the frontier lands through which he must travel. The message George carries will anger the French. They may arrest him. They may decide he is a spy—and kill him.
Young George is determined to carry out his mission. If he fails, England and France will probably go to war. And his own dreams of becoming an important man in the Virginia colony will never come true.
Based on Washington's own journal, Duel in the Wilderness tells the true story of his journey in 1753–1754 into the Ohio country and shows how Washington met and mastered the challenges he faced during his perilous and exciting mission.

Genres: History, Action, Childrens

215 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1995

Reviews

[Kevin Findley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! This is, technically, a fictionalized account of Washington's mission to the French, but it is highly referenced and well-documented. For anyone who enjoys history, a good adventure tale, or learning about the early life of our first President, you need to read this book.

It is written for junior high / high school students, but it certainly appealed to this 'old guy' reading it to his kid.

Find it! Buy it! Read it!

[Steve Hemmeke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read for kids or adults on background of George Washington's first significant enterprise that gained him notoriety.

Good writing that conveys the complicated politics and dealings between French, Indian and English with simple prose and dialogue. Also shows the brutality, diplomacy and values of each people. Well worth the read.

There's a mild swear word once or twice, and one description of brutality. Maybe best for 11-14 age range, studying French-Indian War and/or American Revolution background.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so so good. Amazing part of Washington's life I knew little about

[KerryT · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt like this book wasn’t written well but that is my opinion. I can usually read historical stories but this one was hard to push through. It got more interesting at the end.

[Julie Baggenstos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read aloud for logic level history!

[Blue Mountain Middle School · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on George Washington’s own journal, Duel in the Wilderness renders an account of how 21 year old Major George Washington is charged with delivering a message from the King of England to the French commander in the Ohio wilderness. Along the way, Washington gathers the men and supplies necessary to complete his mission as well as information about the French, their supplies, fortifications, plans and manpower along the Ohio River. In addition, Washington must strengthen the English alliance with the Iroquois Nation and engage in the diplomatic duel with French and Native Americans along the way. As the tale unfolds, readers come to appreciate Washington’s apprenticeship in wilderness survival, Native American culture, diplomacy, leadership and the culture of English backwoodsmen and traders. This work provides tremendous insight into George Washington’s personality and the life experiences that shaped him into the more well known Revolutionary leader and President he became.

[Danny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was stupid. For those of you who want to learn about George Washington's duel in the wilderness, find a different book. It never said anything about his duel in the wilderness. On the other hand, if you want to bore yourself to sleep, this is a very good book. And I should know because I fell asleep once reading it. P.S. But if you have a choice between this and George Washington's World, choose this.

[Phair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novelization of Washington's report on his expedition to deliver a letter to French commander requesting that they give up claim to disputed territory just prior to outbreak of French & Indian War. While it felt as if it was aimed at youth/ tourist [it's a Colonial Williamsburg publication] market it was well written- smooth flow, good detail, realistic dialog and action. Neither overblown nor over simplified. Enjoyed it.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love George Washington, he's one of my heroes. I liked this book because it gives you a view of how he became the great leader that we all Know. It made me love him more.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for School.