Braddock Road

In the spring of 1755, a newly appointed British commander races against bureaucratic delays to lead an army toward the strategic French outpost at Fort Duquesne. The narrative follows his painstaking preparations—rallying colonial governors, securing wagons, horses, and provisions, and mapping a arduous route through the rugged terrain of Pennsylvania and Maryland. As the troops inch westward from Alexandria, they confront logistical nightmares, sparse supplies, and the relentless push of the frontier wilderness.

Among the key allies is a young Benjamin Franklin, whose resourcefulness and diplomatic finesse help procure the crucial convoy of wagons and horses, earning the general’s admiration. At the same time, the commander navigates a delicate dance with Native American leaders, whose limited participation hints at deeper tensions despite his attempts at fairness. The early chapters lay the groundwork for a formidable march that will test both leadership and endurance on the untamed American continent.