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 11
... tell you again , that , whenever by accident you do any thing wrong , which must often be the case , as you are but a poor little boy yet , without experience or knowledge , never tell a falsehood to conceal it ; but come bravely up ...
... tell you again , that , whenever by accident you do any thing wrong , which must often be the case , as you are but a poor little boy yet , without experience or knowledge , never tell a falsehood to conceal it ; but come bravely up ...
Page 12
... tell a lie , Pa ; you know I can't tell a lie . I did cut it with my hatchet . " - Run to my arms , you dearest boy , cried his father in transports , run to my arms ; glad am I , George , that you killed my tree ; for you have paid me ...
... tell a lie , Pa ; you know I can't tell a lie . I did cut it with my hatchet . " - Run to my arms , you dearest boy , cried his father in transports , run to my arms ; glad am I , George , that you killed my tree ; for you have paid me ...
Page 65
... tell you , and remember it is the language of the whole continent . . . they tell you , they will never submit to be taxed without their own consent They insist on a repeal of your laws . . . they do not ask it as a favour , they claim ...
... tell you , and remember it is the language of the whole continent . . . they tell you , they will never submit to be taxed without their own consent They insist on a repeal of your laws . . . they do not ask it as a favour , they claim ...
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