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 87
... troops at Prince- ton . Soon as it was day , Cornwallis was greatly mortified to find there was no American army on the banks of the San- pink . " That's exactly what I feared , ” said sir William . Just as they were in deep thought on ...
... troops at Prince- ton . Soon as it was day , Cornwallis was greatly mortified to find there was no American army on the banks of the San- pink . " That's exactly what I feared , ” said sir William . Just as they were in deep thought on ...
Page 100
... troops , who at sight of him rent the air with " God save great Washington ! " " My brave fellows , " said he , " can you fight ? ” They answered with 3 cheers ! " Then face about , my heroes , and charge . ” — This order was executed ...
... troops , who at sight of him rent the air with " God save great Washington ! " " My brave fellows , " said he , " can you fight ? ” They answered with 3 cheers ! " Then face about , my heroes , and charge . ” — This order was executed ...
Page 121
... troops after breakfast were ordered under arms . On receiving notice that they were ready to move , Washington with his aids , rode out on the plains of their encampment , where he sat on his horse awaiting their arrival . The troops ...
... troops after breakfast were ordered under arms . On receiving notice that they were ready to move , Washington with his aids , rode out on the plains of their encampment , where he sat on his horse awaiting their arrival . The troops ...
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