Diplomats or Spies?

Diplomats or Spies?. Fort Necessity National Battlefield. As Lt. Col. George Washington approached this glen on May 28, 1754, he knew the French position and numbers - but he did not know their intentions. Were the French troops here "diplomats," proclaiming the French desire for friendship? Or, were they "spies," gathering information on British troops? Unknown to Washington, the French carried papers supporting both positions., At daybreak, Washington and his officers met nearby with Iroquois allies Monacatootha and Tanacharison (also called the Half King). As the officers and Indian leaders planned their strategy, 40 untested, soaked soldiers ate their rations and dried their flintlocks. Soon, two Iroquois scouts led Washington's troops to this point overlooking the unsuspecting French camp. , (Sidebar): , Washington's force that approached the French camp in this glen were not disciplined British regulars; they were Virginia militia wearing a mixture of uniforms and civilian clothes. For most of them, including Washington, this would be their first military encounter. However, the dozen or so Iroquois with them were probably skilled warriors.