life and character of the great man who so
lovingly tendered it. By employing the colloquial style, anecdotal
illustration, and thrilling incident, the author hopes more successfully
to accomplish his purpose.

In the preparation of this work the author has availed himself of the
abundant material furnished by Washington's well-known biographers,
Ramsey, Weems, Marshall, Sparks, Bancroft, Irving, Everett, Custis,
etc., together with the anecdotes of his earlier and later life, found
in eulogies, essays, and literary articles upon his life and character,
with which the literature of our country abounds. Incident is allowed to
tell the life story of the subject. The incidents of his boyhood and
youth are particularly narrated, that the achievements of ripe manhood
may more clearly appear to be the outcome of a life well begun. To such
an example parents and guardians can point with confidence and hope.

Believing that biography should be written and read so as to assure a
sharp analysis of character, thereby bringing the real qualities of the
subject to the front, and believing, also, that the biographies of the
noblest men only should be written for the young, since "example is more
powerful than precept," the author sends forth this humble volume,
invoking for it the considerate indulgence of critics, and the blessing
of Divine Providence.

W. M. T.

FRANKLIN, Mass.

CONTENTS.

I.

ANCESTORS AND BIRTH.

Ancestors in England--John and Lawrence Washington--Family of
Note--The Washington Manor and Irving--Sir Henry Washington in
War--English Fox Hunting--Washington and Franklin--The
Washingtons in America--Birth of George--House where
born--Ceremony of placing a Slab on it by Custis--Paulding
describes the Place--The House described--George
baptized--Removal to Banks of Rappahannock--Large Estates--Style
of Living--Vast Wilderness--Militia--Depredations by
Indians--Negro Slavery 23

II.

BOYHOOD.

Reliable Information about it--Visit to the Orchard, and the
Rebuke to Selfishness--George's Name growing in the Garden--Its
Lesson about God--The Hatchet, and it Lesson about
Lying--Raising a Regiment of Soldiers--George's Brother in
Uniform--Effect of Military Display on George--Playing
Soldier--His Brother Lawrence a Good Soldier--Love Greater than
War--George's Military Spir