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 114
... hand , every where victorious over the fleets of her enemies completely mistress of the watery world , and , Judas- like , bag bearer of its commerce and cash ! with such resources , with all these trumps in her hands , will she play ...
... hand , every where victorious over the fleets of her enemies completely mistress of the watery world , and , Judas- like , bag bearer of its commerce and cash ! with such resources , with all these trumps in her hands , will she play ...
Page 166
... hand to them , and shaking his head , said , " O no ! -don't ! don't ! " then with a delightful smile added , " I am dying , gentlemen : but , thank God , I am not afraid to die . " Feeling that the hour of his departure out of this ...
... hand to them , and shaking his head , said , " O no ! -don't ! don't ! " then with a delightful smile added , " I am dying , gentlemen : but , thank God , I am not afraid to die . " Feeling that the hour of his departure out of this ...
Page 213
... hand , and in her left hand riches and honours . " Young Reader ! go thy way , think of Washington , and HOPE . Though humble thy birth , low thy fortune LIFE OF WASHINGTON 213.
... hand , and in her left hand riches and honours . " Young Reader ! go thy way , think of Washington , and HOPE . Though humble thy birth , low thy fortune LIFE OF WASHINGTON 213.
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