as the political climate was abruptly changing during the time leading up to the french and indian war, croghan emerged as a colonial militia leader and the most capable indian agent. croghan scouted for and supplied braddock's failed expedition during the summer of 1755; in fact, he and his seven scouts made the first engagement with french forces. had braddock accepted the help of the seneca, mingo, and oneida warriors rallied by croghan, the results may have been much different; however, only seven of the 40 warriors that traveled with him from aughwick took part in the expedition due to braddock's distrust of them.