CONTENTS. 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- Retrospect of the origin of the American revolutionary war. Of George Was?: 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, 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, Of the operations of General Washington in New Jersey and Pennsyl. vania, in the campaign of 1777. The battles of Brandywine 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 General Washington prepares for the campaign of 1778. Surprises the 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, P. 159 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, 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, le 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, 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 p. 206 submit, and agree to treat. A new system is introduced for meliorat- General Washington attends to the foreign relations of the United States. Negotiates with Spain. Difficulties in the way. The free navigation of the Missisippi is granted by a treaty made with Major Pinckney. Negotiations with Britain. Difficulties in the way. War probable. Mr. Jay's mission. His treaty with Great Britain. Op- position thereto. Is ratified. Washington refuses papers to House of Representatives. British posts in the United States evacuated. Negotiations with France. Genet's arrival. Assumes illegal powers, in violation of the neutrality of the United States. Is flattered by the people, but opposed by the executive. Is recalled. General Pinck- ney sent as public minister to adjust disputes with France. Is not re- ceived. Washington declines a re-election, and addresses the people. His last address to the national legislature. Recommends a navy, a military academy, and other public institutions, Washington rejoices at the prospect of retiring. Writes to the Secre. tary of State, denying the authenticity of letters said to be from him to J. P. Custis and Lund Washington, in 1776. Pays respect-to his successor, Mr. John Adams. Review of Washington's administration. He retires to Mount Vernon. Resumes agricultural pursuits. Hears with regret the aggression of the French republic. Corresponds on the subject of his taking the command of an army to oppose the French. Is appointed Lieutenant General. His commission is sent to him by the Secretary of War. His letter to president Adams on the receipt thereof. Directs the organization of the proposed army. Three Envoys Extraordinary sent to France, who adjust all disputes with Bonaparte, after the overthrow of the Directory. Gen. Wash- ington dies. Is honoured by Congress, and by the citizens. His char- acter, p. 307 |