09/28/2026
in 1758 Washington was still at the camp at Reas Town (Bedford). General Forbes and his officers had to deal with disciplinary issues within their own ranks as the army moved slowly forward towards Fort Duquesne. The difficulties of a lengthy campaign for a soldier included moving wagons over mountains, clearing trees, building roads, constructing fortified camps, threat of constant attack, and much more. This took a toll on the soldiers and some tried to escape by running away from the army. While some were successful, if caught, desertion could prove to be a death sentence.
In late September five soldiers were tried and found guilty of desertion and sentenced to death. Four of them were pardoned by General Forbes, but John Doyle, of the Pennsylvania Regiment, was executed by firing squad.
On the 28th Washington wrote in his orderly book about this moment in the Forbes campaign.
“As the late example of Doyle who was shot to Death for Desertion by Sentence of a Genl Court Martial & the Clemency shown the others will it is hoped have a good effect upon the rest of the Army in preventing that Scandalous & infamous crime of Desertion by which they bring sure Ruin to themselves & shew their endeavours of betraying their Country to their Enemies.
The General therefore flatters himself that their will be no such thing for the Future & that though he is sensible that the Men have gone through a great deal of Fatigue during this Campaign, yet the remainder being so Short & the advance posts of the Army almost at the Enemys Nose the Genl therefore with great confidence depends upon the Mens Alicrity & Steadiness in Carrying on the rest of the Service that we may shew our Enemys the danger of rousing Brittons fired & animated with Love of their King & Country.
He therefore entreats & recommends to the whole that Considering the few numbers our Army consists of & the many Labourious & fatigueing Steps that are to be executed every one in Station will Contribute all in his power to the forwarding of the Service with Alicrity & pleasure as every one must be Sensible that a good Understanding & a Mutural Cement of Hands & Hearts will most Certainly be the most surest means of a Completion to all our wishes, that is success over our Enemys & the Support & prosperity of these Provinces.”
(The Papers of George Washington, Colonial Series 6, pg. 51)
