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 78
... hero- ism . Long accustomed to mastery in battles with the French , and greatly out - numbering the fort both in men ... heroes in the fort won immortal honour . One brave fellow , a Serjeant Jasper , observing the flag staff shot away ...
... hero- ism . Long accustomed to mastery in battles with the French , and greatly out - numbering the fort both in men ... heroes in the fort won immortal honour . One brave fellow , a Serjeant Jasper , observing the flag staff shot away ...
Page 87
... heroes . At the first onset the Americans 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 ...
... heroes . At the first onset the Americans 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 ...
Page 100
... heroes , and charge . ” — This order was executed with infinite spirit . The enemy , finding themselves now warmly opposed in front , made an attempt to turn his left flank , but were gallantly at- tacked and driven back . They then ...
... heroes , and charge . ” — This order was executed with infinite spirit . The enemy , finding themselves now warmly opposed in front , made an attempt to turn his left flank , but were gallantly at- tacked and driven back . They then ...
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