Chapter I: Preface

The Life story of a public man cannot help being to some extent the same thing as a history of the times in which he lived, and to the case of none does this remark apply with more force than to that of the "Father of his Country;" which very title shows the degree to which the personality of its bearer became identified with the public life of the nation. While a great deal of the space in this book, consequently, has had to be devoted to American Revolutionary History, it is hoped that excess in this direction has been avoided, and that the main purpose of the work will be attained, i.e. to give its young readers a distinct and vivid idea of the exalted character and priceless services of Washington, so far as these can be brought within the understanding of a child.

CONTENTS.

PAGE.

CHAPTER I. BOYHOOD 05

CHAPTER II. YOUTH 11

CHAPTER III. THE FIRST STEP TO FAME 17

CHAPTER IV. TO THE FRONT 24

CHAPTER V. AS AIDE-DE-CAMP 33

CHAPTER VI. COLONEL OF VIRGINIA TROOPS 39

CHAPTER VII. THE HOME OF WASHINGTON 45

CHAPTER VIII. THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL 52

CHAPTER IX. COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF 61

CHAPTER X. IN AND NEAR NEW YORK 71

CHAPTER XI. A SAD YEAR 78

CHAPTER XII. FOES IN THE CAMP 84

CHAPTER XIII. THE HARDSHIPS OF WAR 93

CHAPTER XIV. THE CLOSE OF THE WAR 103

CHAPTER XV. FIRST IN PEACE 110

THE LIFE OF

GEORGE WASHINGTON.