Irving's Works: The life and letters of Washington Irving, by his nephew, P. M. Irving

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G. P. Putnam's sons, 1908

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Page 280 - The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward, forevermore.
Page 40 - Lee are upon the lines every day. New orders from his Excellency are read to the respective regiments every morning after prayers. The strictest government is taking place, and great distinction is made between officers and soldiers. Every one is made to know his place and keep in it, or be tied up and receive thirty or forty lashes according to his crime. Thousands are at work every day from four till eleven o'clock in the morning.
Page 502 - Voltaire has remarked that King William never appeared to full advantage but in difficulties and in action; the same remark may be made on General Washington, for the character fits him. There is a natural firmness in some minds which cannot be unlocked by trifles, but which, when unlocked, discovers a cabinet of fortitude; and I reckon it among those kinds of public blessings, which we do not immediately see, that God hath blessed him with uninterrupted health, and given him a mind that can even...
Page 323 - Highlanders, Hessians, and other troops to be landed on Staten Island. At the beginning of August, the squadron with Sir Heury Clinton, recently repulsed at Charleston, anchored in the bay. "His coming.
Page 498 - Our counsels have been weak to the last degree. As to what relates to yourself, if you think you can be in time to aid the General I would have you by all means go. You will at least save your army.
Page 367 - Men just dragged from the tender scenes of domestic life, unaccustomed to the din of arms, totally unacquainted with every kind of military skill (which...
Page 80 - While we are contending for our own liberty, we should be very cautious not to violate the rights of conscience in others, ever considering that God alone is the judge of the hearts of men and to him only in this case are they answerable.
Page 467 - General Washington's own judgment, seconded by representations from us, would I believe have saved the men and their arms, but unluckily General Greene's judgment was contrary; this kept the general's mind in a state of suspense till the stroke was struck. Oh! General— an indecisive mind is one of the greatest misfortunes that can befall an army— how often have I lamented it this campaign.
Page 171 - By his commission, he was invested with the command over all forces raised or to be raised by the United Colonies, and with full power and authority to order the army as he should think for the good and welfare of the service...
Page 100 - Under the feeling roused by these reports, the General Court of Massachusetts, exercising a sovereign power, passed an act for encouraging the fitting out of armed vessels to defend the seacoast of America, and for erecting a court to try and condemn all vessels that should be found infesting the same.

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