CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

Of George Washington's birth, family, and education. Of his mission

to the French commandant on the Ohio, in 1753. His military oper-

ations as an officer of Virginia, from 1754 to 1758, and his subse.

quent employments to the commencement of the American revolu-

tion, ............. ...... Page 1

CHAPTER II.

Retrospect of the origin of the American revolutionary war. Of George

Wasl:ington as member of Congress, in 1774 and 1775. As Com.

manner in Chief of the armies of the United Colonies in 1775 and

1776, and his operations near Boston, in these years, ··· p. 21

CHAPTER III.

CAMPAIGN OF 1776.

Of the operations of General Was hington in New York and New Jer.

sey. The battle on Long Island. The retreat from York Island and

through Jersey. The battles of Trenton and Princeton, · · p. 35

CHAPTER IV.

CAMPAIGN OF 1777.

of the operations of General Washington in New Jersey and Pennsyl.

vania, in the campaign of 1777. The battles of Brandy wine and Ger-

mantown. Washington is advised by the Rev. Jacob Duchè, to give

up the contest. The distresses of the American army. Its winter

quarters in Valley Forge. Gen. Washington is assailed by the clam-

ours of discontented individuals and public bodies, and by the designs

of a faction to supersede him in his office as Commander in Chief, p. 61

CHAPTER V.

CAMPAIGN OF 1778.

General Washington prepares for the campaign of 1778. Surprises the

British, and defeats them at Monmouth. Arrests General Lee.
against the British, and deputes Lieut. Col John Laurens to solicit

the co-operation of the French. The combined forces of both nations

rendezvous in the Chesapeak, and take lord Cornwallis and his army

prisoners of war. Washington returns to the vicinity of New York,

and urges the necessity of preparing for a new campaign, · · p. 134

CHAPTER IX.

1782 and 1783.

Prospects of peace. Languor of the states. Discontents of the army.

Gen. Washington prevents the adoption of rash measures. Some new

levies in Pennsylvania mutiny, and are quelled Washington recom-

mends measures for the preservation of independence, peace, liberty,

and happiness. Dismisses his army. Enters New York Takes

leave of his officers. Settles his accounts. Repairs to Annapolis.

Resigns his commission. Retires to Mount Vernon, and resumes his

agricultural pursuits, . ... ... ... ... - p. 159

CHAPTER X.

General Washington, on retiring from public life, devotes himself to

agricultural pursuits. Favours inland navigation. Declines offered

emoluments from it. (Urges an alteration of the fundamental rules

of the society of the Cincinnati. Regrets the de ects of the federal

system, and recoin mends a revisal of it. Is appointed a member of

the continental convention for that purpose, which, after hesitation,

he accepts. Is chosen president thereof. Is solicited to accept the

presidency of the United States. Writes sundry letters espressive of

the couflict in his mind, between duty and inclination. Answers ap-

plicants for offices. His reluctance to enter on public life, • p. 206

CHAPTER XI.

* Washington elected president. On his way to the seat of government

at New York, receives the most flattering marks of respect. Ad-

dresses Congress. The situation of the United States in their foreign

and domestic relations, at the inauguration of Washington. Fills up

public offices solely with a view to the public good. Proposes a treaty

to the Creek Indians, which is at first rejected, Col. Willet induces

the heads of the nation to come to New York, to treat there. The

North Western Indians refuse a treaty, but after defeating Generals

Harmar and Sinclair, they are defeated by Gen. Wayne. They then