Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1845, by

LINDSAY & BLAKISTON,

in the clerk's office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

J. FAGAN, STEREOTYPER.

NEW YORK

PREFACE

E present here, for the study of our youth, the history of the Father of his Country. When Napoleon, the most illustrious monarch of the elder nations met an American at Toulon, he inquired of him, "How fares your countryman, THE GREAT WASHINGTON?" By all sorts and conditions of men, throughout the world, his greatness and his good. ness are acknowledged, and it is reasonable that we should be proud of him. He is our standard, by which we judge others who aspire to authority; he is the model, by which the honourably ambitious endeavour to shape their own characters; he is unlike all other heroes, for there is nothing in his actions or opinions to be concealed, nothing to be kept in the shade, nothing which does not tend to increase our love and admiration of him. It is very important, therefore, that everything respecting Washington should be made familiar to the people. The first word of

infancy should be mother, the second, father, the third, WASHINGTON. Through life, his glorious example should be constantly before the citizen, to animate and encourage of duty.

him in the performan

This little volume, written to interest and instruct the young, is from the most authentic materials. It is one of a series of works, of a similar description and purpose, which will be issued by its publishers.

Philadelphia, July, 1845.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

BIRTH and Parentage of Washington-Anecdote of his Mother-Means of

Education-Courage of Washington-His Early Life-He is appointed

a Surveyor Designs of the French-Washington is appointed an Envoy

to the French Commandant-Extracts from his Journal on that occasion

-His Reception on his return--He is Appointed a Lieutenant-Colonel

-A Night Attack-Washington garrisons Fort Necessity-Is attacked by

the French, and forced to Surrender-Terms of Capitulation-Washington

resigns his Commission-Is appointed an Aid by General Braddock-

Defeat of Braddock-Washington is appointed Commander of the Virginia

Forces The French Evacuate Fort Duquesne-Its occupation by the

British-Marriage of Washington....

CHAPTER II.

9

Encroachments of the British Parliament on the Rights of the Colonies

Alarm of the Colonists-The First Congress-Religious Habits of Wash-

ington-He is elected by Congress to the Command of the Colonial

Forces His Remarks on his Election-He proceeds to the Head-Quarters

of the Army-Arnold's Expedition-Troubles in the South-Attack on

Fort Moultrie-Defeat of the British-Washington prepares to attack

Boston The British Evacuate the City.

...

CHAPTER III.

35

Washington proceeds to New York-Endeavours to put the City in a State
of Defence Is opposed by the Loyalists Declaration of Independence-

Arrival of General Howe-Battle of Long Island-Skilful Retreat of the

Americans Washington abandons New York-General Howe proposes

a Conference with the Americans-His terms rejected.....

CHAPTER IV.

51

Washington retreats to White Plains-Is attacked by the British, and com-

pelled to change his position-Capture of Fort Washington by the British

-Dismay of the Americans Insolence of the Tories Destitution of the

Army-Their Heroism-Capture of General Lee-Battle of Trenton-

Critical situation of Washington-His withdrawal therefrom-Battle of

Princeton-Moral effect of the victories of Trenton and Princeton-The

British embark on board their Fleet.

CHAPTER V.

61

Campaign of 1777-Arrival of Lafayette-Battle of Brandywine-Occupa-

tion of Philadelphia by the British-Battle of Germantown-Defeat of

Baum and Breyman-Surrender of Burgoyne-Intrigue of Gates to dis-

place Washington-Patriotism of Lydia Darrah - Disappointment of

Howe-Skirmishing...

75

CHAPTER VI.

Sufferings of the Army at Valley Forge-Their unshrinking Patriotism-

Parliament attempts to negotiate a Peace-Offers Pardon, but refuses to

acknowledge the Independence of the Colonies-Congress will not enter-

tain the Proposition-Treaty with France-Battle of Monmouth-Insub-

ordination of General Lee-He is suspended-Siege of Newport..... 85

CHAPTER VII.

Capture of Stony Point-Movements in the South-The British capture
Charleston-Distress of the Americans-Reappearance of the British in
New Jersey-They are again compelled to retreat—Arrival of French re