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 36
... enemy attacked , which they did with 1500 men , Washington had but 300 to stand by him . But never did the true Virginian valour shine more gloriously than on this trying occasion — to see 300 young fellows - commanded by a smooth ...
... enemy attacked , which they did with 1500 men , Washington had but 300 to stand by him . But never did the true Virginian valour shine more gloriously than on this trying occasion — to see 300 young fellows - commanded by a smooth ...
Page 40
... enemy but been in view , instead of depressing would but have inflamed British blood with fiercer thirst for vengeance . But , alas ! to be thus entrapped in a dreary wild ! to be thus pent up , and shot from behind rocks and trees , by ...
... enemy but been in view , instead of depressing would but have inflamed British blood with fiercer thirst for vengeance . But , alas ! to be thus entrapped in a dreary wild ! to be thus pent up , and shot from behind rocks and trees , by ...
Page 100
... enemy were glad to regain their defiles . Morgan's rifles distinguished themselves that day . Washington and his heroes lay upon their arms all night , resolved to fall on the enemy the moment they should attempt their retreat next ...
... enemy were glad to regain their defiles . Morgan's rifles distinguished themselves that day . Washington and his heroes lay upon their arms all night , resolved to fall on the enemy the moment they should attempt their retreat next ...
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