The Life of WashingtonThe 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. |
From inside the book
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Page 48
... gave the savages a shower of rifle balls , which killed every man of them but one , who attempted to run off , but in vain ; for some of our swift - footed hunters gave chace , and soon overtook and demolished him with their toma- hawks ...
... gave the savages a shower of rifle balls , which killed every man of them but one , who attempted to run off , but in vain ; for some of our swift - footed hunters gave chace , and soon overtook and demolished him with their toma- hawks ...
Page 87
... gave way ; but sensible that all was at stake , Washington snatched a standard , and advancing on the enemy , called to his countrymen to follow : his country- men heard and rushed on to the charge . Then flash and clash went the ...
... gave way ; but sensible that all was at stake , Washington snatched a standard , and advancing on the enemy , called to his countrymen to follow : his country- men heard and rushed on to the charge . Then flash and clash went the ...
Page 94
... gave way a second time : and a second time Frazer's presence revived their val- our , and rekindled the battle in all its rage . Here Arnold did an act unworthy of the glory of the well fought battle . He ordered up twelve of his best ...
... gave way a second time : and a second time Frazer's presence revived their val- our , and rekindled the battle in all its rage . Here Arnold did an act unworthy of the glory of the well fought battle . He ordered up twelve of his best ...
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
American anecdotes appeared arms army believe biography blessings blood brave British brother called Carey character Colonel command congress continued countrymen danger dear death duty early edition enemy equal eyes father feel fight fire followed French friends gave George Washington give hand happy head heard hearing heart Heaven heroes honour hope human Indian industry instantly interest John land leave letters liberty lived look Lord mean mind mother nature never officers once parties passions patriotism peace political poor present religion seems seen sent ships Skeel soon soul spirit story tears tell thing thought thousand tion took troops true turned United Virginia virtue Weems Weems's whole wish York young youth
References to this book
Myths in Stone: Religious Dimensions of Washington, D.C., Part 3 Jeffrey F. Meyer Limited preview - 2001 |
Presidential Places: A Guide to the Historic Sites of U.S. Presidents Gary W. Ferris No preview available - 1999 |