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 105
... Virtue is but an empty name ? " and that André had been good in vain ? God forbid ! Goodness and happiness are twins . Heaven hath joined them together , and Hell can- not put them asunder . For proof , we need go no further than to ...
... Virtue is but an empty name ? " and that André had been good in vain ? God forbid ! Goodness and happiness are twins . Heaven hath joined them together , and Hell can- not put them asunder . For proof , we need go no further than to ...
Page 163
... VIRTUES . " He had fought the good fight " against his own unreasonable affections ; he had glorified God , by exemplifying the charms of virtue to men ; he had borne the heat and burden of the day - his great day of duty ; and the ...
... VIRTUES . " He had fought the good fight " against his own unreasonable affections ; he had glorified God , by exemplifying the charms of virtue to men ; he had borne the heat and burden of the day - his great day of duty ; and the ...
Page 203
... virtues that adorned the life of this great man , there is none more worthy of our imitation than his admirable ... virtue , that Washington himself snatched a wreath of glory , that will never fade away . O that the good genius of ...
... virtues that adorned the life of this great man , there is none more worthy of our imitation than his admirable ... virtue , that Washington himself snatched a wreath of glory , that will never fade away . O that the good genius of ...
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