Joseph Coulon De Juomonville Analysis

The fact is we may never know the truth about how Ensign Joseph Coulon de Jumonville died. After reading the four stories that surround Jumonville’s death, indeed, his death appears to be part of an eighteenth century mystery. There were striking similarities between the four stories. On May 28, 1754, Lieutenant Colonel George Washington supported by Indian leader, Tanaghrisson, surrounded the French early in the morning. There was an altercation in the French camp, and shots were fired. Jumonville requested a ceasefire, as he attempted to deliver a summons. While trying to explain himself, he was killed. However, there were some inconsistencies in the stories, which raise doubt about the validity of eyewitness accounts. According to the official French version, “M. de Jumonville made a sign that he had a letter from his commander; hereupon the fire ceased, and they surrounded the French officer, in order to hear it. He immediately ordered the summons to be read, and as it was reading the second time, the English assassinated him.” This source account reports that Jumonville died by gunshot. Standing unarmed and desperately trying to deliver a …show more content…
Washington elucidates, “after an engagement of about 15 minutes, we killed 10, wounded one and took 21 prisoners amongst those that were killed, was Monsieur de Jumonville, the commander.” After analyzing Washington’s note, he doesn’t disclose how Jumonville was killed or the details of the confrontation. Washington may have been concealing information to cover up the truth. The evidence provided in the four stories does not match. These contradictions cast doubt on the details surrounding the death of Jumonville. The truth is, “Although the exact events will never be fully known, the immense consequences of the incident are impossible to dispute.” (Sheppard 45)