In April 1754 a French force came down the Allegheny River in a swarm of boats, with artillery, and landed at the Forks of the Ohio. There, Virginians under Ensign Edward Ward were still building a small fort. Captain Contrecoeur's summons, dated 16 April, ordered them to leave. Ward had about 41 men, 33 of them soldiers, and no cannon. The French numbered at least 500, and Ward reckoned nearer a thousand. He gave up the fort and was allowed to march home with his men. The French pulled down the Virginians' works and built a fort of their own on the spot, naming it Fort Duquesne after the governor general of New France.

Don Troiani paints a private of the Compagnies franches de la Marine, the colony's regulars, dressed for the woods rather than the parade ground. He stands with his musket upright and bayonet fixed, wearing a blue wool cap and a dark blue jacket crossed by buff belts carrying his sword and bayonet. A fur pouch hangs at his hip, and green leggings tied with red garters reach down to his moccasins. Pair it with W. Britain's Compagnies Franches de la Marine Standing Firing, 1754-60, or with Tradition of London's Compagnies Franches de la Marines and Franches de la Marines, whose men wear the same kind of campaign dress.

Don Troiani Soldier Study Series print. 11" W x 17" H. Giclée printed in pigment inks on high-quality satin-finish paper. Each print comes with a certificate signed by Don Troiani and is embossed with his initials. The Art of Don Troiani watermark shown above does not appear on the print. Please allow 10 working days from order date for shipping. Flat-rate USA shipping is $18.00; contact us for international shipping quotes.