George Washington Remembers: Reflections on the French and Indian War

In 1786, George Washington wrote a rare autobiographical account of his service in the French and Indian War. In these eleven pages, Washington relates the compelling narrative of his experiences during the war, including a striking account of the friendly-fire incident at Fort Ligonier in 1758 that ". . . involved the life of GW in as much jeopardy as it had ever been before or since. . . . " George Washington Remembers presents for the first time in print this extraordinary account that offers a very personal glimpse of a self-reflective leader seldom seen in Washington's other writings. The reproduction is accompanied by an annotated transcription of the piece and original essays that place the work in the context of the French and Indian War and Washington's life. Lavishly illustrated, this remarkable book is essential for all interested in George Washington and our nation's founding period.

Table of Contents:
Introduction The Remarks Facsimile Transcript and Annotations Chapter 1: Young Washington: Ambition, Accomplishment, and Acclaim Chapter 2: Biography and Autobiography: Washington's "Remarks" in Context Chapter 3: "Just as They Occurred to the Memory, They were Committed": Speculations on George Washington's Autobiographical "Remarks" of 1787 Appendix 1: The Manuscript as Object: Its Materials and Conservation Appendix 2: Historic Sites Mentioned in George Washington's "Remarks"

About the Author :
Fred Anderson is professor of history at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He is the award winning author of Crucible of War: The Seven Years War and the Fate of Empire in British North America, 1754–1766 and A People's Army: Massachusetts Soldiers and the Society in the Seven Years' War. He lives in Boulder, Colorado. French & Indian War 250, Inc. is a group representing the primary sites associated with the French and Indian War. Its members seek to raise awareness of the war and its significance to our region and nation.

Review :
Here we have the only known personal memoir Washington ever wrote. Moreover, it represents his attempt to recall those early years before his reputation had hardened into a marble statue, when he was still a visibly ambitious young man with rough edges and discernible doubts about his future. We most often think of the mature George Washington, our nation's first President, and forget that he had to grow into the role. This volume allows us a glimpse of the young Washington, in his own words, serving a dangerous apprenticeship as a soldier in the French and Indian War. The hard lessons he learned helped him to become the indispensable leader of the Revolutionary United States. It is a portrait of a great man, reflecting on his past and its possible meanings. Those who are interested in George Washington and Early American history will find this remarkable book to be indispensable. George Washington Remembers draws on the only autobiographical account left by Washington, a brief statement in which he describes his military service during the Seven Years' War. Washington's account is of crucial importance to those who wish to understand this complex man, as it opens a rare window onto his views and psyche, and how he saw his role as a soldier for Virginia. Readers will also be treated to thoughtful essays by distinguished historians who interpret Washington, his times, and his autobiographical remarks. This book is a rare treat and a must-read for those who wish to understand George Washington. To have George Washington's first-person account of his role in the French and Indian War is, indeed, a red letter day for American history. Given how rarely Washington wrote about himself, this document is a major addition to our nation's archives. But remember, however lacking his performance might have been that day in July, 1754, he was only twenty-two years old. As one of the millions of Washington's admirers, I was thrilled to read his own personal account of the great events of 1754–1758. By the age of twenty-six Washington had already made an impact on history. His recollections of those events, recorded at the end of the American Revolution, are remarkable. George Washington Remembers not only gives insight into the great man himself, but also enlightens the reader on the methods of modern historical study and presentation. George Washington Remembers presents for the first time in print this extraordinary account that offers a very personal glimpse of a self-reflective leader seldom seen in Washington's other writings. The book offers a reproduction of the entire manuscript 'Remarks,' as well as original essays by top Washington scholars. A book of essays centered on Washington's never-before completely published account of his early life and of his role in the French and Indian War. George Washington left the only known account of his life intended for his biographer, trusted friend, and former aide-de-camp, Lt. Col. David Humphreys. It concerned his French and Indian War experiences. . . . New insights are to be found in this concise but well-written study by six Washington scholars and conservation experts. . . .This monograph will appeal to readers interested in the life of George Washington and the French and Indian War.