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. This republication is unique in its detailed commentary on Mason Weems and other biographers of Washington. |
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Page 113
... Congress the fall of Cornwallis , the door- keeper swoon'd with joy — on hearing the same news an- nounced in Parliament , Lord North fell back in his chair , and bursted into tears ! On receipt of the above news , congress broke forth ...
... Congress the fall of Cornwallis , the door- keeper swoon'd with joy — on hearing the same news an- nounced in Parliament , Lord North fell back in his chair , and bursted into tears ! On receipt of the above news , congress broke forth ...
Page 130
... congress should abuse it , the people will not trust their power with congress . Foreigners insult and injure us with impunity , for congress has no power to chastise them .-- Ambitious men stir up factions ; congress possesses no power ...
... congress should abuse it , the people will not trust their power with congress . Foreigners insult and injure us with impunity , for congress has no power to chastise them .-- Ambitious men stir up factions ; congress possesses no power ...
Page 170
... congress was then in session . A question of importance being on the carpet that day , the house , as usual , was much inter- ested . But , soon as it was announced- " GENERAL WASHING- TON IS DEAD " - -an instant stop was put to all ...
... congress was then in session . A question of importance being on the carpet that day , the house , as usual , was much inter- ested . But , soon as it was announced- " GENERAL WASHING- TON IS DEAD " - -an instant stop was put to all ...
Contents
CONTENTS | xvi |
Introduction by Marcus Cunliffe ix | lxii |
Birth and Education | 6 |
Copyright | |
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Aaron Bancroft American André anecdotes arms army Arnold battle beloved biography blessings blood Braddock brave British brother called Carey character cherry-tree Colonel command congress countrymen dear death Douglas Southall Freeman duty edition enemy equal eyes father favour fight fire Fort Duquesne French friends gentlemen George Washington give glorious glory governor governor Dinwiddie hand happy heard hearing heart Heaven Henry Cabot Lodge heroes honour human Indian industry instantly Jared Sparks John John Harvard labours land letters liberty look Lord Lord North man-the Mathew Carey mind mother Mount Vernon nation never officers Parson Weems parties passions patriotism Payne peace Philadelphia poor religion roaring sent ships Skeel soon soul spirit story sword Tarleton tears thing thousand thunder tion troops true Virginia virtue virtuous Washing Washington Irving Weems Weems's Weemsian whigs wish York young youth