George Washington's First War

[Matthew S. Schweitzer]

Does anyone have any thoughts on the recently released video "George Washington's First War" which tells the story of Washington's exploits in the Ohio Country during the French and Indian War? From what I've read it was being billed as a sequel to the well-made documentary "When the Forest Ran Red" which dealt with Braddock's Defeat in 1755.

[Sgt. Duncan Munro]

Hi Zohoe,
In regards to "Geroge Washington's First War", it is the sequel to "When the Forest Ran Red". Robert Matzen was the director/producer of both, and I was one of the Technical Advisors for GWFW (my imput was on 'Grant's Defeat' of September 1758). Please feel free to ask me anything, and I shall endevor to answer to the best of my knowledge.

Your Most Humble Servant,

[Matthew S. Schweitzer]

Excellent! I have not seen it yet but have ordered it via Amazon. I enjoyed "When the Forest Ran Red" very much and have been looking forward to seeing GWFW ever since I was recently made aware of it. Do you know of any other similar productions dealing with the Eastern Frontier?

I would be interested to hear about your input to this production and how it came about. Are there other documentaries like this one in the works?

[Sgt. Duncan Munro]

As far as any other productions, there is always the 'PBS Project', but no word on how far they are only that 20 million has already been earmarked.
How I became involved was through my friend and fellow highlander, Edmund Gaudelli. Ed had been in contact with Robert Matzen after the first movie had been released. He managed to talk him into doing the second one, dealing with the Forbes Campaign of 1758. Originally Robert had envisioned another 47 minute production like the first movie, but after editing he still needed 82 minutes to tell the story. This was because the second movie picks up right after Braddock's Defeat and includes Col. Armstrong's Kittaning Raid of September 1756, as the lead-in to the Forbes Campaign.
Ed wanted me to help him with the portrayal of Grant's Defeat of September 1758. This is the centerpiece of the movie, with the most action shots. The defeat of Major Grant (1st Highland Battalion, 77th Regiment of Foote) and his combined force of highlanders, regulars and provincials, near where the Allegheny County Courthouse now stands, makes for interesting study and speculation. I won't go into detail, and I'll let you be the judge, but I feel that what we portrayed is as accurate as the survivng documents of all parties involved could make it.
I do look forward to your review of the movie, since it has a large part of me mixed into the work.

Your Most Humble Servant,

[42ndNCO]

"...Washington's 1st War" probably had a large amt. of re-enactor/historical research input. That said, it's a real shame a mass-market media outlet like History Channel or A&E has yet to pick up on this gem. Apologies for the bias-- I was in the film as an extra, but viewing the finished product far exceeded my expectations. Every student in the country (at least in the war's original theatre) should see this film.

Recommend it's purchase-- you won't regret it.

Humbly &c.,
Cpl mcmillan
42nd RHR

[Oregonjohn]

Just today I received my copy of "George Washington's First War." It is super. I live out on the far left coast and don't have much access to the places that are so common and well known as those that live much closer. The video is great and I am glad that it's available. Congratulations and thank you to all that had a hand in it's making.
All the best,
John in Oregon

[Sgt. Duncan Munro]

Thank you, Oregonjohn for the kind words. Cpl. McMillan, tis good to see you here, lad. You should register as a full member and join the conversation.

Your Most Humble Servant,

[hidden]

please tell me or sum up he battle of fallen timbers

[Matthew S. Schweitzer]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Fallen_Timbers