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 8
... sent , was a little " old field school , " kept by one of his father's tenants , named Hobby ; an honest , poor old man , who acted in the double character of sexton and schoolmaster . On his skill as a gravedigger , tradition is silent ...
... sent , was a little " old field school , " kept by one of his father's tenants , named Hobby ; an honest , poor old man , who acted in the double character of sexton and schoolmaster . On his skill as a gravedigger , tradition is silent ...
Page 106
... sent him word , that " they did not wish to see him . " The moment he received Major André's letter , the terrified Arnold made his escape to New - York . British historians have wondered that he left his wife in the power of Washington ...
... sent him word , that " they did not wish to see him . " The moment he received Major André's letter , the terrified Arnold made his escape to New - York . British historians have wondered that he left his wife in the power of Washington ...
Page 117
... sent home in rags to your families , to spend the sad remains of life in poverty and scorn ? -No ! my brothers in arms , I trust you will not . I trust you bear no such coward minds . I trust that after having fought so bravely for the ...
... sent home in rags to your families , to spend the sad remains of life in poverty and scorn ? -No ! my brothers in arms , I trust you will not . I trust you bear no such coward minds . I trust that after having fought so bravely for the ...
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