The Life of George Washington: Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States of America Throughout the War which Established Their Independence; and First President of the United States |
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acres American army appointed attack Augustine Washington BANK OF ALEXANDRIA Britain British British army Bushrod Washington campaign circumstances citizens commander in chief commenced conduct Congress constitution coun Creek deceased defence dence Dismal Swamp distresses Dogue creek dollars duty effect embarrassments enemy engaged event execution exertions favour fellowcitizens force Fort Duquesne France French fleet friends George Washington give and bequeath happy honour hundred Indians induced ington interest Jersey justice land late legislature letter liberty Lord Cornwallis Matildaville measures ment military militia mind Missisippi Mount Vernon nation navigation negotiations occasion officers patriotism peace person Philadelphia posts Potowmac present president received recommend resignation resolution respect retirement retreat river sentiments settlements sion Sir Henry Clinton situation soldiers soon Spain thereof thousand tion tract treaty troops twenty union United urged Virginia Wash whole wish York York Island
Popular passages
Page 248 - ... and at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt, that in the course of time and things, the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages which might be lost by a steady adherence to it? Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue?
Page 237 - South, protected by the equal laws of a common government, finds, in the productions of the latter, great additional resources of maritime and commercial enterprise, and precious materials of manufacturing industry. The South, in the same intercourse, benefiting by the agency of the North, sees its agriculture grow and its commerce expand. Turning partly into its own channels the seamen of the North, it finds its particular navigation invigorated; and while it contributes, in different ways, to nourish...
Page 248 - The nation which indulges towards another an habitual hatred or an habitual fondness is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest.
Page 247 - As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible ; avoiding occasions of expense, by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger, frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it; avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace, to discharge the debts which unavoidable wars...
Page 235 - ... and for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviolable attachment, by services faithful and persevering, though in usefulness unequal to my zeal. If benefits have resulted to our country from these services, let it always be remembered to your praise, and as an instructive example in our annals, that under circumstances in which the Passions, agitated in every direction, were liable to mislead, amidst appearances sometimes dubious, vicissitudes of fortune often discouraging...
Page 250 - Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence, I conjure you to believe me, fellow-citizens, the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government.
Page 253 - ... running the course which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations. But if I may even flatter myself that they may be productive of some partial benefit, some occasional good; that they may now and then recur to moderate the fury of party spirit; to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue; to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism; this hope will be a full recompense for the solicitude for your welfare by which they have been dictated.
Page 246 - Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labour to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.
Page 241 - But the constitution which at any time exists till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government.
Page 239 - Union, affecting all parts of our country, while experience shall not have demonstrated its impracticability, there will always be reason to distrust the. patriotism of those, who, in any quarter, may endeavour to weaken its bands.