The Life of Washington

by Weems, Mason L.

• ISBN13: 9780674532519
• ISBN10: 0674532511
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781317455929
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1962-06-01
• Publisher: Belknap Pr
• More Book Details

Summary

The effect of this "single, immortal, and dubious anecdote," and others like it, has made this book one of the most influential in the history of American folklore. Originally published as an eighty-page pamphlet entitled The Life and Memorable Actions of George Washington, it quickly attained immense popularity. In 1806 a so-called fifth edition was published which contained for the first time the tale of George Washington and the cherry tree; the book has survived to this day, although largely on the basis of that episode. This volume follows the text of the ninth (1809) printing, which included all the famous anecdotes. The first republication of the book since 1927, it is unique in its detailed commentary on Weems and other biographers of Washington.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Note on the Text

Introductory

Birth and Education

George's Father Dies

His Education Continued by his Mother

His Behaviour under School-master Williams

George Leaves School

Is Appointed a Private Surveyor to Lord Fairfax, of the Northern Neck

Wishes to Enter on Board of a British Man of War

Providentially Prevented by His Mother

The First Lightnings of His Soul to War

French Encroachments on the Ohio-Washington Volunteers

His Services to Governor Dinwiddie

His Hazardous Embassy to the French and Indians

Miraculous Escapes

Account of His Journals

Anecdote of His Modesty

The French and Indian War Begins

Washington Goes Forth to Meet the Dangers of His Country

Aims a Blow at Fort Du Quesne

Fails

Gallant Defence of Fort Necessity

Retires from the Service in Disgust

Pressed into it Again by General Braddock

Defeat and Death of Braddoch, and Dreadful Slaughter of His Army

Fateful Effects of Braddoch's Defeat

Washington Wishes to Carry the War into Indian Country

Government Refuses-Defensive War Preferred

The Frontiers Deso-lated

Washington's Mother Has a Very Curious Dream

It Points to Great Corning Troubles

A Cloud Rising in England

The Causes of the Revolutionary War

Battle of Bunker's-hilt

Of Sullivan's Island-Declaration of Independence

Defeat of the Americans on Long Island-Howe Looks Big-Times Squally

Lord North Coming to His Senses, Sends Commissioners to America

Clinton Evacuates Philadelphia

Washington Pursues Him

Battle of Monmouth

Arnold's Apostacy

Andre Apprehended

Executed

His Character

Washington Again on His Farm

Sketch of His Conduct There

Suggests the Importance of Inland Navigation

Companies Forming

Urges a Reform of the Old Constitution

Appointed President of the United States

Great Difficulties to Encounter

Gloriously Surmounts Them

The Death of Washington

Character of Washington

Washington's Character Continued

His Benevolence

Washington's Character Continued

His Industry

Washington's Character Continued

His Patriotism

Conclusion

Washington's Will

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.