Is invited by General Braddock to join his expedition as a volunteer—accepts the invitation—Battle of Monongahela—Washington conducts the retreat with ability, and retains the confidence of the public.
Anecdote—Washington is appointed to command the Virginia forces—his visit to Boston—commands the advance division at the taking of Fort Du Quesne—resigns his military commission—marries—devotes himself chiefly to agricultural pursuits till called to take command of the American armies in the war of Independence.
TO THE READER.
The following is a narrative of him, who has been justly styled “The Father of his Country.” It comprises the first twenty-seven years of his life. Though this is the least brilliant portion of Washington’s life, it is a valuable portion of it; because it exhibits those traits of character which laid the foundation of his future greatness, and are worthy the attention and imitation of youth.
The author, in remarking that he has drawn his information from the most authentic sources, acknowledges his obligations to the works of Weems, Ramsay, Marshall, and M’Guire, and especially to the valuable notes and observations of Sparks.