Divine Providence BULLET PROOF GEORGE WASHINGTON

Bullet Proof George Washington
by Michael Bedard

THIS PAINTING IS ALMOST FINISHED THE PROJECT WAS FIVE MONTHS IN THE MAKING. I will write more of this later today.  

George Washington to Mary Ball Washington, July 18, 1755
Shortly after the defeat of General Braddock's army on July 9, 1755, a defeated but clearly exhilarated George Washington wrote this excited and reassuring account of the battle to his mother, Mary Ball Washington. Washington praised the Virginia soldiers for their "Bravery," but condemned the British regulars who "broke, and run as Sheep pursued by dogs" for their "cowardice" and "dastardly behavior." The fortunes of war smiled down on Washington, as the young American escaped uninjured by hostile or friendly fire, although "I had four Bullets through my Coat, and two Horses shot under me." Washington continued to serve in the Anglo-American military and was a major factor in Britain's defeat of the French and capture of Fort Duquesne (renamed Fort Pitt by the British) in 1758. Immediately after his return to Virginia, Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis on January 6, 1759.

George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, July 18, 1755

Honbl. Sir: As I am favour'd with an oppertunity, I shou'd think myselfin excusable? was I to omit giv'g you some acct. of our late Engagem't with the French on the Monongahela the 9th. Inst.

We continued our March from Fort Cumberland to Frazier's (which is within 7 Miles of Duquisne) with't meet'g with any extraordinary event, hav'g only a stragler or two picked up by the French Indians. When we came to this place, we were attack'd (very unexpectedly I must own) by abt. 300 French and Ind'ns; Our numbers consisted of abt. 1300 well arm'd Men, chiefly Regular's, who were immediately struck with such a deadly Panick, that nothing but confusion and disobedience of order's prevail'd amongst them: The Officer's in gen'l behav'd with incomparable bravery, for which they greatly suffer'd, there being near 60 kill'd and wound'd. A large proportion, out of the number we had! The Virginian Companies behav'd like Men and died like Soldiers; for I believe out of the 3 Companys that were there that day, scarce 30 were left alive: Captn. Peyrouny and all his Officer's, down to a Corporal, were kill'd; Captn. Polson shar'd almost as hard a Fate, for only one of his Escap'd: In short the dastardly behaviour of the English Soldier's expos'd all those who were inclin'd to do their duty to almost certain Death; and at length, in despight of every effort to the contrary, broke and run as Sheep before the Hounds, leav'g the Artillery, Ammunition, Provisions, and, every individual thing we had with us a prey to the Enemy; and when we endeavour'd to rally them in hopes of regaining our invaluable loss, it was with as much success as if we had attempted to have stop'd the wild Bears of the Mountains. The Genl. was wounded behind in the shoulder, and into the Breast, of w'ch he died three days after; his two Aids de Camp were both wounded, but are in a fair way of Recovery; Colo. Burton and Sir Jno. St. Clair are also wounded, and I hope will get over it; Sir Peter Halket, with many other brave Officers were kill'd in the Field. I luckily escap'd with't a wound tho' I had four Bullets through my Coat and two Horses shot under me. It is suppose that we left 300 or more dead in the Field; about that number we brought of wounded; and it is imagin'd (I believe with great justice too) that two thirds of both received their shott from our own cowardly English Soldier's who gather'd themselves into a body contrary to orders 10 or 12 deep, wou'd then level, Fire and shoot down the Men before them.

I tremble at the consequences that this defeat may have upon our back settlers, who I suppose will all leave their habitations unless there are proper measures taken for their security.

Colo. Dunbar, who commands at present, intends so soon as his Men are recruited at this place, to continue his March to Phila. into Winter Quarters: so that there will be no Men left here unless it is the poor remains of the Virginia Troops, who survive and will be too small to guard our Frontiers. As Captn. Orme is writg. to your honour I doubt not but he will give you a circumstantial acct. of all things, which will make it needless for me to add more than that I am, etc.

The Great Spirit Protects Him—Testimony Of Indian Chief

George Washington's friend, Dr. James Craik, who was a witness of the battle said: "I expected every movement to see him fall. His duty and situation exposed him to every danger. "Nothing but the superintending care of Providence could have saved him from the fate of all around him." (Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington, by George Washington Parke Custis, Edited by Benson J. Lossing, Vol. 1, page 248)

...Two days after the battle, Washington displayed his usual gratitude to Deity. In general orders he said: “The men are to wash themselves this afternoon and appear as clean and decent as possible . . . that we may publicly unite in thanks-giving to the Supreme Disposer of human events for the victory which was obtained . . . over the flower of the British troops.”


...Fifteen years after this battle Washington and Dr. Craik, his intimate friend from his boyhood to his death, were traveling on an expedition to the western country, for the purpose of exploring wild lands. While near the junction of the Great Kanawha and Ohio Rivers a company of Indians came to them with an interpreter, at the head of whom was an aged and venerable chief.
The council fire was kindled, when the chief addressed Washington through an interpreter to the following effect:
"I am a chief, and ruler over my tribes. My influence extends to the waters of the great lakes, and to the far blue mountains. I have traveled a long and weary path, that I might see the young warrior (George Washington, from the day he had horses shot out from underneath him) of the Great Battle.
It was on the day when the white man's blood mixed with the streams of our forest, that I first beheld this chief. I called to my young men and said, mark yon tall and daring warrior? He is not of the red-coat tribe — he hath an Indian's wisdom, and his warriors fight as we do — himself is alone exposed.
Quick, let your aim be certain, and he dies.
Our rifles were leveled, rifles which, but for him, knew not how to miss - 'twas all in vain, a power mightier far than we, shielded him from harm. He cannot die in battle. I am old, and soon shall be gathered to the great council fire of my fathers in the land of shades, but ere I go, there is something bids me speak in the voice of prophecy.
Listen! The Great Spirit protects that man, and guides his destinies — he will become the chief of nations, and a people yet unborn will hail him as the founder of a mighty empire."'"

[SOURCE: Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington, by George Washington Parke Custis, Edited by Benson J. Lossing, Vol. 1, page 248].
[FURTHER SOURCE: "The Diary of George Washington, from 1789 to 1791," Edited by Benson J. Lossing, 1860, p. 303. This narrative was told to Mr. Custis by Dr. Craik - George Washington's Life-long Friend who was with him - and witnessed this remarkable scene. It was first published in 1828].

The Coldest Hour of the Twenty-Four

The Coldest Hour of the Twenty-Four 

Artist  Michael Bedard Art copyrighted ©

       Brigham Young wept when he heard the report of these three young men’s heroic deed of carrying the beleaguered saints across the half frozen water. He declared, “this act alone will ensure their everlasting salvation in the Celestial Kingdom of our God, worlds 

without end.” In what witnesses recorded as “the coldest  hour of the twenty-four,”  David P. Kimball , George W. Grant, and C. Allen Huntington, carried many of the ill-fated Martin company across the Sweetwater River, at Devil’s gate.

This painting like most of my painting was first shot on location. we did this in january several years ago. I had several layers of cloths on to try and keep warm while I shot this seen. I completed the painting in my studio.

The original is sold but museum canvas prints an be purchase at my store in saint george  or on my web store at: Bedardfineart.com

March 21-31 Museum Canvas Print Sale

Buy four 5in. by 7in. Museum Canvas prints at my web sight store Bedardfinearts.com or spend $70.00 and receive  a 5in by 7in  Shoshone Man Museum canvas print FREE! 

Shoshone Indian Man  ~  Description 

      The historic Shoshone Indians of the Uto-Aztecan linguistic stock occupied territory in California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming; although most of them seemed to be settled in the Snake river area in Idaho.  Historical documents from the Lewis & Clark expedition often refer to the Shoshone as the “Snake Indians”. The actual name “Shoshone” means “The Valley People”. The name means “inland” or “in the valley”.  The Shoshone were few in number, their total population being somewhere in the area of 8,000. 

      In 1875, resident Ulysses S. Grant established a 100 square mile executive order reservation for the Lemhi Valley Shoshone, establishing the Lemhi Valley Indian Reservation for use by the Shoshone, Bannock, and Sheepeater tribes.

Artist  Michael Bedard Art Copyrighted ©

Bedard Fine Art Gallery  Museum Canvas Print   Print requires NO GLASS with frame.

 29 West 200 North, Saint George, Utah  84770    www.bedardfineart.com      E-mail: Michael@bedardfineart.com

Deseret painted by Michael Bedard ©

       Deseret was painted near the west Jordan Temple. You can see the the temple not far from this location.  When I saw these hives in white boxes I could not but help think of temple family records. Then I also thought of the bees who gather the pollen as representative of those who gather the names and do the work. and of course the honey produced as a result is the sweet eternal blessings of our families becoming eternal families.  

Willie and Martin Handcart Sweetwater Rescuers 1856

Advance Express riders  Echo Canyon Utah

Artist  Michael Bedard Art copyrighted ©

   

     As part of his outpouring of compassion, Brigham Young immediately sent out an advance group of four riders to find the beleaguered saints on the frozen prairie and give them encouraging news that help was fast on its way.  Joseph A. Young, Abel Garr, Cyrus Wheelock, and Stephen Taylor, riding hard up echo canyon.

Ephraim Hanks Angel of Mercy 

Artist  Michael Bedard Art copyrighted ©

  

In the fall of 1856, I spent considerable of my time fishing in Utah Lake; I had occasion to stop once overnight with Gurnsey Brown, Being somewhat fatigued after the day’s journey, I retired to rest quite early, and while I still lay wide awake in my bed I heard a voice calling me by name, and then saying: “The handcart people are in trouble and you are wanted; will you go and help them?” I turned instinctively in the direction from whence the voice came and beheld an ordinary-sized man in the room. Without hesitation I answered, “Yes, I will go if I am called.” I then turned around to go to sleep, but had laid only a few minutes when the voice called a second time, repeating almost the same words as on the first occasion. My answer was the same as before. This was repeated a third time. When I got up the next morning I says to Brother Brown, “The hand-cart people are in trouble, and I have promised to go out and help them,”

     Being deeply concerned about the possible fate of the immigrants, and feeling anxious to learn of their condition, I determined to start out on horseback to meet them; and for this purpose I secured a pack-saddle and two animals (one to ride and one to pack),.. I reached the ill-fated train just as the immigrants were camping for the night. The sight that met my gaze as I entered their camp can never be erased from my memory. The starved forms and haggard countenances of the poor sufferers, as they moved about slowly, shivering with cold, to prepare their scanty evening meal was enough to touch the stoutest heart. When they saw me coming, they hailed me with joy inexpressible, and when they further beheld the supply of fresh meat I brought into camp, their gratitude knew no bounds. Flocking around me, one would say, “Oh, please, give me a small peace of meat;” another would exclaim, “My poor children are starving, do give me a little;” and children with tears in their eyes would call out, “Give me some, give me some. ” At first I tried to wait on them and handed out the meat as they called for it; but finally I told them to help themselves. Five minutes later both my horses had been released of their extra burden—the meat was all gone, and the next few hours found the people in camp busily engaged in cooking and eating it, with thankful hearts.

Brother's Keeper

      This is the Universal Story that crosses all boundaries of faith, ethnicity and age.  Are we our brother's Keeper? James Kirkwood answered that question giving his own life to preserve another. Their is no greater love nor joy. Christ taught  through His example this great truth. Christ is the brother's keeper for all mankind.

Brother's Keeper Artist  Michael Bedard Art copyrighted ©

THIS IS A  STORY FROM THE WILLIE AND MARTIN HANDCART COMPANY 1856

      James Kirkwood, an eleven-year-old convert from Scotland, struggled across the frozen prairie with his widowed mother and brothers. While his mother attended her crippled son and the handcart,

James was responsible for his six-year-old brother, Joseph. 

      A snowstorm with icy winds strung out the caravan of beleaguered saints. James carried Joseph through rivers of ice, mud, and snow.Ascending the last miles up Rocky ridge with little Joseph on his back, James arrived late at Rock Creek camp. Here, James Kirkwood succumbed to the extreme 

exposure of the day and breathed his last for the love of his little brother.

He was buried in a common grave with thirteen others who perished that night. Little Joseph 

eventually made it into the Salt Lake Valley and went on to become a beloved Mormon Bishop of a large and grateful Salt Lake ward.    

A Miraculous Request Saint George Temple August 21-23 1877 Artist: Michael Bedard ©

This painting took five thousand hours to complete. 

It was an amazing journey to do this painting, Wilford Woodruff is one of my great heros

I have recently updated the key map which you see below of the 110 men and 68 woman who's temple work was completed by President Wilford Woodruff and others.

Michael@bedardfineart.com

Malachi’s  Prophecy: 

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers ... Malachi 4:5-6

Joseph Smith translated the word Turn to Bind or Seal (History of the Church, 6:183-84)

 There is one place on earth where the sealing of families together for time and all eternity is accomplished. 

That place is a temple (House of the Lord) specifically built and dedicated for that purpose. President Wilford Woodruff 

“I will here say, before closing, that two weeks before I left St. George, the spirits of the dead gathered around me, wanting to know why we did not redeem them. Said they, ‘You have had the use of the Endowment House for a number of years, and yet nothing has ever been done for us. We laid the foundation of the government you now enjoy, and we never apostatized from it, but we remained true to it and were faithful to God.’ These were the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and they waited on me for two days and two nights. 

I thought it very singular, that notwithstanding so much work had been done, and yet nothing had been done for them. The thought never entered my heart, from the fact, I suppose, that heretofore our minds were reaching after our more immediate friends and relatives. I straightway went into the baptismal font and called upon brother McAllister to baptize me for the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and fifty other eminent men, making one hundred in all, including John Wesley, Columbus, and others; I then baptized him for every President of the United States, except three; and when their cause is just, somebody will do the work for them.”(Journal of Discourses, 19:228–29).

James G.Bleak Temple Recorder

 “I was also present in the St. George Temple and witnessed the 

appearance of the spirits of the Signers...The spirits of the Presidents...And also others, such as Martin Luther and John Wesley...Who came to Wilford Woodruff and demanded that their baptism and endowments be done. Wilford Woodruff was baptized for all of them. While I and Brothers J.D.T. McAllister and David H Cannon (who were witnesses to the request) were endowed for them. These men...laid the foundation of this American Gov., and signed the Declaration of Independence and were the best spirits the God of Heaven could find on the face of the earth to perform this work. Martin Luther and John Wesley helped to release the people from religious bondage that held them during the dark ages. They also prepared the peoples hearts so they would be ready to receive the restored gospel when the Lord sent it again to men on the earth.” (Personal Journal of James Godson Bleak)

                          

                                                                                                                       The Eminent Women in the Painting

Between Aug. 21- 23 the temple work was completed not only for the Founding Fathers and Eminent Men but for Eminent Women, as well. While working on the painting depicting this sacred event, the artist felt impressed to include these noble women of faith, who had given and sacrificed so much.  

       As of this printing we have not yet found  the record of the actual 

appearance of these women. However, the Saint George Temple records do show that the work was done in their behalf at the same time period. It is generally felt that if husbands and fellow peers were there, they also likely were present, even if not seen.   

   Michael Bedard