The Life of Washington

Weems helped to fabricate the image of Washington that has since dominated the American historical imagination and which in its time, secured Washington's fame. This edition includes documents that provide an insight into the construction of American national identity.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 Introductory; Chapter 2 Birth and Education; Chapter 3 George’s father dies—his education continued by his mother—his behaviour under school-master Williams; Chapter 4 George leaves school—is appointed a private surveyor to Lord Fairfax, of the Northern Neck—wishes to enter on board of a British man of war—providentially prevented by his mother—the first lightnings of his soul to war; Chapter 5 French encroachments on the Ohio—Washington volunteers his services to governor Dinwiddie—his hazardous embassy to the French and Indians—miraculous escapes—account of his journal—anecdote of his modesty; Chapter 6 The French and Indian war begins—Washington goes forth to meet the dangers of his country—aims a blow at Fort Du Quesne—fails—gallant defence of Fort Necessity— retires from the service in disgust—pressed into it again by General Braddock—defeat and death of Braddock, and dreadful slaughter of his army; Chapter 7 Fatal effects of Braddock’s defeat—Washington wishes to carry the war into Indian country—government refuses—defensive war preferred—the frontiers desolated; Chapter 8 Washington’s mother has a very curious dream—it points to great coming troubles—a cloud rising in England—the causes of the revolutionary war; Chapter 9 Battle of Bunker’s-hill—of Sullivan’s Island—Declaration of Independence—Defeat of the Americans on Long-Island—Howe looks big—times squally; Chapter 10 Lord North, coming to his senses, sends commissioners to America—Clinton evacuates Philadelphia—Washington pursues him—battle of Monmouth—Arnold’s apostacy—André apprehended—executed—his character; Chapter 11 Washington again on his farm—sketch of his conduct there—suggests the importance of inland navigation—companies forming—urges a reform of the old constitution—appointed president of the United States—great difficulties to encounter—gloriously surmounts them; Chapter 12 The Death of Washington; Chapter 13 Character of Washington; Chapter 14 Washington’s Character Continued; Chapter 15 Washington’s Character Continued; Chapter 16 Washington’s Character Continued; concl Washington’s Will; relat Related Documents;

About the Author :
Peter S. Onuf, Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation Professor of History at the University of Virginia, specializes in the history of Revolutionary and Early National America. His most recent works include Federal Union, Modern World: The Law of Nations in an Age of Revolutions, 1775–1814 (with Nicholas G. Onuf, 1993); The Midwest and the Nation: Rethinking the History of an American Region (with Andrew R.L. Cayton, 1990); and A Union of Interests: Political and Economic Thought in Revolutionary America (with Cathy D. Matson, 1990). Onuf is also the editor of Jeffersonian Legacies (1993). He has taught at Columbia University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Southern Methodist University.