The Life of George Washington: Commander in Chief of the Armies of the ... - David Ramsay - Google Libros

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CHAPTER I.

Of George Washington's birth, family and education. Of

his mission to the French commandant on the Ohio, in 1753.

His military operations as an officer of Virginia, from

1754 to 1758, and his subsequent employments to the com-

mencement of the American revolution,

Retrospect of the origin of the American revolutionary war.

Of George Washington, as member of Congress, in 1774

and 1775. ́As Commander in Chief of the armies of the

United Colonies in 1775 and 1776, and his operations near

Boston, in these years,

CAMPAIGN OF 1776.

Of the operations of General Washington in New-York and

New-Jersey. The battle on Long Island. The retreat

from York Island and through Jersey. The battles of

Trenton and Princeton,

CAMPAIGN OF 1777.

Of the operations of General Washington in New-Jersey

and Pennsylvania, in the campaign of 1777. The battles

of Brandywine and Germantown. Washington is advised

by the Rev. Jacob Duche, to give up the contest. The

distresses of the American army. Its winter quarters in

Valley Forge. General Washington is assailed by the

clamours of discontented individuals and public bodies, and

by the designs of a faction to supercede him in his office

as commander in chief,

CAMPAIGN OF 1778.

General Washington prepares for the campaign of 1778.

Surprises the British, and defeats them at Monmouth.

Arrests General Lee. Calms the irritation excited by the

departure of the French fleet from Rhode Island to Bos-

Dissuades from an invasion of Canada,

CAMPAIGN OF 1779.

The distresses of the American army.

Gen'l Washington

calms the uneasiness in the Jersey line. Finds great dif-

ficulty in supporting his troops and concentrating their

force. Makes a disposition of them with a view to the

security of West Point. Directs an expedition against

the Six Nations of Indians, and for the reduction of Sto-

ny Point. Paules Hook taken. A French fleet, expect-

ed to the northward, arrives on the coast of Georgia.

Washington, unequal to offensive operations, retires into

winter quarters,
p. 83

CAMPAIGN OF 1780.

General Washington directs an expedition against Staten

Island. Gives an opinion against risking an army for

the defence of Charleston, S. C. Finds great difficulty in

supporting his army. Kniphausen invades Jersey, but is

prevented from injuring the American stores. Marquis

de la Fayette arrives, and gives assurances that a French

fleet and army might soon be expected on the American

coast. Energetic measures of co-operation resolved upon,

but so languidly executed, that Washington predicts the

necessity of a more efficient system of national govern-

ment. A French fleet and army arrives, and a combined

operation against New-York is resolved upon, but the ar-

rival of a superior British fleet deranges the whole

CAMPAIGN OF 1781.

The Pennsylvania line mutinies. The Jersey troops follow

their example, but are quelled by decisive measures. Ge-

neral Washington commences a military journal, detailing

the wants and distresses of his army. Is invited to the

defence of his native state, Virginia, but declines. Re-

primands the manager of his private estate for furnishing

the enemy with supplies, to prevent the destruction of his

property. Extinguishes the incipient flames of a civil

war, respecting the independence of the state of Vermont.

Plans a combined operation against the British, and de-

putes Lieut. Col. John Laurens to solicit the co-operation

of the French. The combined forces of both nations ren-

dezvous in the Chesapeake, and take Lord Cornwallis and

his army prisoners of war. Washington returns to the

vicinity of New-York, and urges the necessity of prepar-

ing for a new campaign,

Prospects of peace.
peace. Langour of the states. Discon

tents of the army.
Gen. Washington prevents the

adoption of rash measures. Some new levies in Penn-

sylvania mutiny, and are quelled. Washington re-

commends measures for the preservation of indepen

dence, 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 re-

sumes his agricultural pursuits,-

General Washington, on retiring from public life, de-

votes himself to agricultural pursuits. Favours in-

land navigation. Declines offered emoluments from it.

Urges an alteration of the fundamental rules of the

society of the Cincinnati. Regrets the defects of the

federal system, and recommends a revisal of it. Is

appointed a member of the continential convention

for that purpose, which, after hesitation, he accepts.

Is chosen president thereof. Is solicited to accept the

presidency of the United States. Writes sundry let-

ters expressive of the conflict in his mind, between

duty and inclination. Answers applications for offices.

His reluctance to enter on public life,

Washington elected president. On his way to the seat

of government at New York, receives the most flat-

tering marks of respect. Addresses Congress. The

situation of the United States in their foreign and do

mestic 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. Colonel 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 Harman and Sinclair, they are de❤

feated, by General Wayne. They then submit, and

agree to treat. A new system is introduced for meli-

orating their condition,

General Washington attends to the foreign relations of

the United States. Negociates with Spain. Difficul-

ties in the way. The free navigation of the Missis-

sippi is granted by a treaty made with Major Pinkney.

Negociation with Britain. Difficulties in the way.

War probable. Mr. Jay's mission. His treaty with

Great Britain. Opposition thereto. Is ratified.

Washington refuses papers to the House of Represen-

tatives. British posts in the United States evacuted.

Negociations with France. Genet's arrival. Assumes

illegal powers, in violation of the neutrality of the

United States. Is flattered by the people, but op-

posed by the executive. Is recalled. Gen. Pinkney

sent as public minister to adjust disputes with France.

Is not received. Washington declines a re-election,

and addresses the people. His last address to the na-

tional legislature. Recommends a navy, a military

academy, and other public institutions,

Washington rejoices at the prospect of retiring. Writes

to the Secretary of State, denying the authenticity of

letters said to be from him to J. P. ustis and Lund

Washington, in 1776. Pays respect to his successor,

Mr. John Adams. Review of Washington's adminis-

tration. He retires to Mount Vernon. Resumes agri-

cultural pursuits. Hears with regret the aggressions

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 com-

mission is sent to him by the Secretary of War. His

letter to president Adams on the receipt thereof. Di-

rects 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. Washington dies. Is hononred by

Congress, and by the citizens. His character, p. 221

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