vate matters he did not allow to interfere with public duties. Governor Dinwiddie had arrived in Virginia; the whole colony was portioned out into four grand divisions. Major Washington received the northern, and instituted a capital system of training and inspection with uniform manœuvring and discipline. Washington was now twenty. one.

John and Lawrence Washington emigrated thirty-four years of age, leaving a wife and to Virginia about 1657. This latter ap- infant daughter. This event increased the pears to have been a member of the Uni- sphere of George's duties, who, though the versity of Oxford. He and his brother John youngest executor, through his intimate acbecame opulent planters in Virginia. John, quaintance with his brother's affairs, had the in whose line the subject of the present me- principal management. But all these primoir is involved, rose to the rank of colonel from his services against the Indians. He had two sons, Lawrence and John. The elder of the two, Lawrence, had three sons, John, Augustine, and Mildred. Augustine, the second son, was twice married, and George Washington was the eldest son, by the second marriage. He was born on the 22d of February, 1732. The father of Washington died at the early age of 49. Each of his sons inherited from him a separate plantation. Any estimate of the consideration of the Washington family, from their position as landholders in a country where acres are no evidence of wealth, would, of course, be erroneous; but the father of Washington appears to have left his numerous children in a comfortable state of circumstances. The mother of Washington was left in charge of a numerous family. Washington, the eldest of five, was only eleven years of age when his father died. He received but slender advantages from education, since America at this period afforded little instruction worthy the name. He left school at sixteen, with some knowledge of geometry, trigonometry, and surveying, for which pursuits he always evinced a decided partiality. After quitting school he resided for some time with his half-brother, Lawrence, at Mount Vernon, where he became acquainted with Lord Fairfax, who had established himself in Virginia Lawrence Washington had married into that family.

Lord Fairfax, having a high opinion of George, commissioned him to survey his enormous estates, and the task was executed by him at sixteen to the entire satisfaction of his employer. In this survey Washington had his first interview with the Indians. At nineteen he obtained, through the Fairfax interest, the post of adjutantgeneral, with the rank of major in the militia of the country of Virginia. The pay was £150 per annum. Scarcely, however, was he placed in the service, when the health of Lawrence Washington declining, George, from fraternal attachment, accompanied him to Barbadoes, where the physicians had ordered him for the sake of a warmer atmosphere. No relief being experienced, Lawrence determined to try Bermuda, and despatched George home for his wife. Ultimately finding no relief, he returned to Mount Vernon, and died at

At this period a dispute occurred between the French and English about land that virtually belonged to neither, and Washington was despatched by Governor Dinwiddie as commissioner, to confer with the officer who commanded the French forces. This officer intimated that he should not retire from the position he had taken up on the contested land, and that the Governor of Canada, the Marquis Duquesne, had given him instructions to that effect. Washington kept a bright look out while at the French fort, and transmitted a plan of it to the British Government. His journey back to Williamsburg, where the governor then resided, was attended with much difficulty and danger. The governor immediately took measures to repel invasion. Washington's memoir of the French plans and intentions was consi dered, both in America and England, as a highly valuable document in illustration of French policy. He was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the six companies raised on this occasion, but the chief command was entrusted to Colonel Joshua Fry, an Englishman by birth, educated at Oxford, and highly esteemed for many excellent quali ties. Colonial troops from New York and North Carolina were ordered to join them, commanded by officers with royal commissions. Washington, at the head of three companies, proceeded to meet the French, but soon learning that a small party in ad vance of him had been surprised, prepared for an engagement. He soon discovered that a small force of about fifty men were close at hand; a smart skirmish ensued, in which Jumonville, the French officer, fell, and nearly his whole detachment were either killed or made prisoners. It appeared afterwards that Jumonville was the bearer of a summons, but as he took no means to apprise Washington of this circumstance, he suffered the consequence of his own impru dence, if, indeed, the summons was not a mere feint.

Colonel Fry dying suddenly at Will's

creek on his way to join the army, the chief through my coat, and two horses shot under command devolved on Washington, who, me, yet I escaped unhurt although death. anticipating a speedy attack as soon as the was levelling my companions on every side intelligence of the affair with Jumonville of me." Out of eighty-six officers engaged in transpired, entrenched himself at a spot the battle twenty-four were killed and thirtywhich he named Fort Necessity. He was seven wounded. The killed and wounded here invested by a superior French force, of the privates were 714. The enemy lost and was compelled to capitulate, but did so but forty. Their whole force amounted to with all the honours of war, drums beating only 850, out of which 600 were Indians. and colours flying. Washington and his A lesson from which British officers might troops, however, received the thanks of the have profited on more than one occasion governor and council. This was Washing- during the war. The enemy fought in deep ton's first campaign, and though a stripling, ravines, and the bullets of the British passed he had shown in it the powers of a veteran. over them. Braddock dying of his wounds A rigid disciplinarian, and yet beloved by was transported first on a tumbril, then on his troops among circumstances of great horseback, and at last carried by his men. danger, discontent and difficulty. Early in He died on the fourth day from the battle, the spring of 1754, General Braddock land- and was buried near Washington's ill-omened in Virginia with two regiments of the ed Fort Necessity. Had the general folline; and though Washington had even re-lowed the advice of Washington and emsigned his commission from disgust at the ployed the Indians, who offered their servi governor's measures, he accepted, at the ces, which he strongly urged the general to request of the general, the office of his aide- accept, the issue might have been very dif. de-camp, in which he was to retain his for- ferent, and the consequences have led to mer rank. Braddock advanced into the events of a wholly distinct character. But interior, and the place for general rendez- proud of a military skill as yet untried in vous was Will's-creek. Here the general America, the general refused to avail himfound all his contractors for horses and self of these invaluable scouts. The Inwaggons had failed in their engagements. dians were rudely expelled, and that circumThe celebrated Franklin, then postmaster- stance probably cost Braddock his life. An general of the provinces, remedied this diffi- anecdote of an Indian chief, though such culty to some extent. The general, en- anecdotes are rather suspicious, appears to countering with all kinds of difficulties, ad- possess a greater air of vrai-semblance, vanced upon the French position at Fort being somewhat confirmed by Washington's Duquesne. letter to his brother, than many of similar character.

hela, Dr. Craik and Washington were travelling on Fifteen years after the battle of the Mononga. an expedition to the western country with a party of woodmen for the purpose of exploring wild lands. and Ohio rivers a company of Indians came to them While near the junction of the Great Kenhawa with an interpreter, at the head of whom was an aged chief. This person made known to them by the interpreter, that hearing Colonel Washington was in that region he had come a long way to Monongahela he had singled him out as a conspicmeet him, adding that during the battle of the uous object, fired his rifle at him many times, and directed his warriors to do the same, but to his utter

He

Washington was seized with a violent fever on the march, and the general ordered him into the rear, with a solemn pledge that he should be brought up in front of the line before they reached the French fort. He continued thus two weeks, and only overtook the general the evening before the battle of the Monongahela. The issue of this fatal conflict is well known. It is an epitome of almost all American battles, where any effort to form into platoons and columns, which Braddock attempted, is a most fatal error. His troops were literally butchered by an invisible foe. Braddock himself received a mortal wound, but behaved throughout the entire engagement, as did also his officers, with heroic though useless bravery. Washington was not one to shun danger, and when the two other aides-de-camp were disabled, had the painful but honourable duty So well satisfied however were the memof executing alone the orders of the general. bers of the legislature of Virginia that all He rode in every direction, in the thickest had been done that gallantry could effect, of the fight, but escaped unhurt. By the that three hundred pounds were granted by all-powerful dispensations of Providence," them to Colonel Washington, and proporsaid he in a letter to his brother, "I have tionate sums to the officers and privates "for been protected beyond all human probability their gallant behaviour and losses" at the or expectation; for I had four bullets battle of the Monongahela. The governor,

astonishment none of their balls took effect. under the special guardianship of the Great Spirit, was then persuaded that the youthful hero was and immediately ceased to fire at him. He was now come to pay homage to the man who was the particular favourite of heaven and who could never

die in battle."

in a letter to the British ministry spoke of forty years, and Mrs. Washington appears, Colonel Washington 66 as a man of great from her many excellent qualities, to have merit and resolution," adding "I am con- commanded esteem in private life, and high vinced if General Braddock had survived respect in all public situations. During the he would have recommended him to the last campaign, Washington had been electroyal favour which I beg your interest in ed one of the burgesses in Virginia from recommending." Had this timely hint Frederic County. His career as a senator is been taken the American Revolution might distinguished by practical wisdom, without, never have ensued, and "certainly," says however, much power in wordy expression. our author, "no royal favour to Washington When thanks had been voted to him for the ever crossed the Atlantic." Washington distinguished services he had performed durnow received the entire command of the ing the period we have just enumerated, he newly organized force. At this period of was totally unable to express his acknowhis life he appears to have been liable to at- ledgment, and the speaker saved him further tacks from Venus as well as Mars, but from embarrassment by saying, "Sit down, Mr. his peculiar modesty to have avoided declar- Washington, your modesty equals your valing himself to any of the fascinating charm- our, and that surpasses the power of any ers of New York. Various disagreeable language that I possess." From this period circumstances occurred over this part of till the beginning of the Revolution, fifteen Washington's career: but in spite of contra- years, Washington was constantly a memdictory orders, and an Indian attack, he still ber of the House of Burgesses, being returnpersevered in his arduous duties; but the ed by a large majority every election. He efforts were too much for his health, and his appears to have exercised himself in his medical adviser insisted on his temporary favourite agricultural pursuits, and to have resignation of his command. He accord- retired to Mount Vernon to enact the couningly retired to Mount Vernon, where he try gentleman. His favourite field sports were was confined four months in consequence of fox-hunting and fowling. But stormy periods, a violent fever. He resumed his command of which the Stamp Act was the precursor, March 1st, 1758. The British ministry at were coming on, and roused him from his this period planned an attack on Fort Du- sylvan sports. He espoused, at the comquesne, and General Forbs was ordered to mencement of the Revolution, the notions of take the command. Colonel Washington Henry Randolph, Lee, and other popular remained commander-in-chief of the Virgin- leaders. But the repeal of the Stamp Act was ian troops, which were ordered out to assist unfortunately not followed out by other conin the attack. The French, on the approach ciliatory measures. The attempt on the part of the British, evacuated Fort Duquesne, of some ill-advised members of the British which received the name of Fort Pitt, in hon-government to infringe an integral principle our of that minister by whom the expedition of the constitution, in the view Americans against it had been concerted. Washington took of it, that no subject could be taxed exreceived an address at the close of the cam-cept by himself or his representatives, was paign from his officers, expressing their high unfortunately caried out in the colonies. estimation of his numerous excellent qualities. Five years had now passed of Washington's life in the manner described, and prepared him for scenes of wider development of purpose and action, should such occasions be ministered.

Duties were laid accordingly on various ar ticles, which excited strong sensations among the high-spirited Americans. Strictly speaking, it would certainly appear that, treating the question in the light that the American interests had no representation in the BritAt this period he paid his addresses to ish House of Lords and Commons, the coloMrs. Martha Custis, to whom he was mar-nists were justified in their opposition. But it ried on January 4th, 1759. She was three was urged, had the representation of Amemonths younger than himself, and judging rica by delegates sent to England been deterfrom her portrait, which accompanies the mined on in that stage of the proceedings, present volume, a lady of considerable per- such a course would have been justifiable. It sonal attractions. At the time of her mar-matters, however, we believe, but triflingly riage with Washington she had two children the cause of dispute: all colonists from Cor. -a son and daughter-the former six, the cyra downwards, have invariably, when con. latter four years of age. Mr. Custis had be- venient, invented some plea to get rid of the queathed large landed estates in New Kent influence of the mother country. The actual County, and 45,000l. sterling in money. loss to England was more than compensated One-third part of this property she held in by valuable East Indian possessions, and the her own right, the other two-thirds being as-expense of government, which is a far more signed to the children. This union lasted costly thing in England than America,

would have produced to England but small at the bottom of their movements was the pecuniary advantages, if any, from the hold. interest of the colony, which was consideraing of these provinces. Their subsistence in bly interfered with by the distant governtheir present form is impossible; and though ment of England. Lord Botetourt dying, extensively occupied in mercantile transac- the Earl of Dunmore succeeded him as tions, the merchants of the United States, governor of Virginia. He was compelled New York especially, have shown them to resort to the same principle of prorogaselves so little affected by the great leading tions until the 4th of March, 1773. But laws of honourable acquittance of obligations, that assembly formed a committee of corthat the American trade has sustained a respondence, and recommended the same to blow that it will take nearly another century other legislative bodies, as a bond of union to recover. But enough is said on the pain- in any case of necessity. The next session, ful subject of the shuffling and evasions of May, 1774, was accompanied with still Jonathan. John Bull will, in the aggregate, stronger measures. After the assembly be found his only friend, and possibly may had been convened. news arrived that parlia soon be called on to defend Jonathan against ment had closed the port of Boston, and himself. But we must recur to our narrative. inflicted various other restrictions on the The duties on goods excited universal discon inhabitants, which were to commence on the tent. Washington recommended arms as the 1st of June. The assembly immediately "dernier ressort ;" but before they had re- passed an order for a general fast, imploring course to this, to try the exclusive principle the Divine interposition to avert the horrors on British goods. The burgesses met, and of anarchy, and to give them a fitting spirit denied the power of the British Parliament to assert their just rights by all proper to impose taxes contrary to the constitution of means. The governor immediately dissolvthe colonies. The governor, Lord Botetourt, ed the assembly. Washington writes in his dissolved the assembly in consequence of this Diary, that he "went to church" on the 1st, resolution. This dissolution had only the ef-" and fasted all day.' The delegates, howfect, however, of a reproduction of the same ever, eighty-nine in number, formed themhouse. Many arguments were of course ad- selves into an association, and ordered the duced at the time, of which the following brief committee of correspondence to communisummary may not be unnecessary. The par- cate with the committees of the other coloties opposed to the right of taxation claimed nies on the expediency of appointing depu Locke, Selden, and Puffendorf as authorities ties to meet at a general congress. A town on their side. They also urged that Magna meeting had, in the meanwhile, taken place Charta and the Bill of Rights presuppose a at Boston, in which it was agreed to enter community of representation, and that no into no commercial intercourse with Great man shall be taxed but by himself or a com- Britain, either by imports or exports. Washpetent representative. The counties palatine ington, at a meeting of the deputies, strongly of Chester and Durham were adduced as fa- opposed this last as a violation of honour, vouring this hypothesis, having their own since the debts of the American merchants parliaments until blended with the general to the British would be uncancelled. Amerepresentation. The marches of Wales pos- rica occupied then precisely the same posisessed the same privileges, and even to this tion as America has since taken, but not day Berwick upon Tweed has enjoyed the with the honour that then distinguished her especial privilege of being a peculiar object noblest sons. Washington, in a letter to of legislative provision, being included by Mr. Brian Fairfax, dated July 20, explains name in all acts connected with the United his own reasons for thinking that any further Kingdom. The common argument, that an petitioning of the British Parliament would act of parliament can do anything, was met be an useless measure:by showing what it could not do. It could not make itself executive, nor interfere with the prerogative. It could not take away property from the private individual. The Lords could not reject money bills, nor the Commons (quere in the recent privilege question?) erect themselves into a court of justice; nor could the parliament of England then tax; Ireland.

Such were the points then argued; but, as we have previously said, though eager to devise plausible excuses for throwing off subjection to the mother country, the secret

"If I were in any doubt as to the right which the parliament of Great Britain had to tax us without our consent, I should most heartily coincide with your opinion, that to petition and petition only is the proper method to apply for relief; because we should then be asking a favour and not claiming a stitution we are, in my opinion, indubitably entitled right, which by the law of nature and of our conto. I should even think it criminal to go further than this under such an idea, but I have none such. I think the parliament of Great Britain have no more right to put their hands into my pockhands into yours; and this being already urged to et without my consent, than I have to put my them in a firm but decent manner by all the colo

nies, what reason is there to expect anything from equal rank with himself. Gage was the their justice ?"—p. 117.

British commanding officer, and Washing. ton was unquestionably, according to all military ideas, not authorised to treat with him, as being a rebel to the king, and in fact derived his authority from a body not acknowledged by his country, the Congress, allowed the validity of the American local

and had he acted otherwise, he would have

successful.

winter with her husband in the camp, and

returned in the summer to Mount Vernon. A letter of Washington to his superintendent, Mr. Lund Washington, at Mount Verreflects high credit on his prudence thoughtful benevolence, even while wielding the destinies of a great nation.

non,

The convention met at Williamsburg and appointed seven delegates to the general congress, Washington being one. The first congress met at Philadelphia on September 5, 1774. The papers drawn up by Congress on that occasion even elicited an eulogium from Chatham. The pacific tone of Congress may be gathered from their address to the government, which was the question on people of England. "You have been told which they were to wage battle. Washingthat we are seditious, impatient of Govern. ton had great difficulty during the earment, and desirous of independency. Bely part of the campaign in keeping his assured that these are not facts but calum- forces together, but was by great exertions nies." Such might have been the sentiMrs. Washington passed the ments of many, probably believed by Washington to be his own, but we trace over even his career great jealousy of British officers, and the "pas" in rank conceded with some reluctance. When Congress was over, and Washington retired to his farm, and as independent companies were forming all around him, and a leader would be required "Let the hospitality of the house with respect to also, all eyes became fixed on Washington. the poor be kept up. Let no one go hungry away. The second Virginian convention net at If any of this kind of people should be in want of Richmond on the 20th March, 1775. Pre- corn, supply their necessities, provided it does not parations for resistance to the British arms encourage them in idleness, and I have no objection were immediately instituted. On the 10th of £40 or £50 a year, when you think it well beto your giving my money in charity to the amount May, 1775, the second Congress assembled. stowed; what I mean by having no objection is, The king had treated their petition to him that it is my desire that it should be done. You with silent neglect, and vigorous prepara- in the way to do these good offices. In all other are to consider that neither myself nor wife is now tions were strenuously employed to enforce respects I recommend it to you, and have no doubt the views of Lord North's cabinet. After of your observing, the greatest economy and frumuch consideration, Washington was ap-gality, as I suppose you know that I do not get pointed by Congress leader of the continen- a farthing for my services here more than my tal army. His moderation of character may to be saving at home."-p. 154. expenses. It becomes necessary therefore for me be seen in his address to the Congress on their allowance of 500 dollars a month to him as general. "I beg leave to assure Congress that as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to accept this arduous employment at the expense of my domestic ease and happiness, I do not wish to make any . profit from it; I will keep an exact account of my expenses, those I doubt not they will discharge, and that is all I desire." It may be safely added of Washington, that he was of that class who have greatness "thrust upon them." For though fully able to achieve it," he would never have extended his hand to take it, from that inbred modesty, the true constituent of greatness, which he possessed. He was appointed by Congress commander in chief of all the forces then raised, or that should be raised in the united colonies for the defence of American liberty. Washington proceeded in consequence to take the command of the army at that time at Boston. We cannot agree in the notion entertained by the author of the life before us, that General Gage acted wrong in refusing to recognize in Washington a person of

General Gage had been superseded by General Howe in the command of Boston. Washington made preparations for a general attack, but Howe had received instructions from his government to evacuate Boston and make for a southern port. His own views varied from the government policy, but yet he did not choose to risk the responsibility of a general engagement in opposition to his instructions.

He accordingly prepared to evacuate the town, which he did without any injury, under a tacit engagement that the king's troops were to embark unmolested. This, being equally Washington's policy, since it was evident that by the evacuation the American cause gained immensely in popular report, was readily assented to by the republican chief, who was scarcely in efficient force, though greatly superior in numbers, to make a successful attack. Medals were struck on the occasion, containing a head of Washington, and on the reverse the British fleet in full sail from the town. General Howe, as Washington suspected, simply quitted Boston