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 J. FAGAN, STEREOTYPER. (2) Printed by T. K. & P. G. Collins. 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 goodness 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 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 him in the performance of duty. 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. BIRTH and Parentage of Washington-Anecdote of his Mother-Means of 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 Washington proceeds to New York-Endeavours to put the City in a State Arrival of General Howe-Battle of Long Island-Skilful Retreat of the Americans Washington abandons New York-General Howe proposes 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 Campaign of 1777-Arrival of Lafayette-Battle of Brandywine-Occupa- tion of Philadelphia by the British-Battle of Germantown-Defeat of Baum and Brey man-Surrender of Burgoyne-Intrigue of Gates to dis- place Washington-Patriotism of Lydia Darrah-Disappointment of 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 Capture of Stony Point-Movements in the South-The British capture |
