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Illustrations.

PAGE

MOUNT VERNON-REAR VIEW

Frontispiece

From a design by G. I. Parkyns.

LANDING OF BRITISH TROOPS AT BOSTON, 1768, 12

From an old print.

BOSTON MASSACRE

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From a painting by A. Chappel. GENERAL CHARLES LEE

96

From an English engraving published in 1776. FORTIFYING BREED'S HILL IN THE NIGHT, JUNE

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BURNING OF CHARLESTOWN, JUNE 17, 1775,
From an old print.

MAJOR-GENERAL NATHANIEL GREENE

From a painting by Col. J. Trumbull.

216

WASHINGTON SUBDUING A CAMP BRAWL
From a design by F. O. Darley.

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366

VIEW OF THE SIEGE OF QUEBEC.

400

From an old print.

VOL. II.

xvii

LIFE OF WASHINGTON.

Chapter 1.

Washington's Ideas concerning the Stamp ActOpposition to it in the Colonies-Portentous Ceremonies at Boston and New York-Non-importation Agreement among the Merchants-Washington and George Mason-Dismissal of Grenville from the British Cabinet- Franklin before the House of Commons-Repeal of the Stamp Act-Joy of Washington-Fresh Causes of Colonial Dissensions— Circular of the General Court of MassachusettsEmbarkation of Troops for Boston-Measures of the Bostonians.

W

ASHINGTON returned to Mount Vernon full of anxious thoughts inspired by the political events of the day, and the legislative scene which he witnessed. His recent letters had spoken of the state of peaceful tranquillity in

VOL. II.

en

which he was living; those now written from his rural home show that he fully participated in the popular feeling, and that while he had a presentiment of an arduous struggle, his patriotic mind was revolving means of coping with it. Such is the tenor of a letter written to his wife's uncle, Francis Dandridge, then in London. "The stamp act," said he, grosses the conversation of the speculative part of the colonists, who look upon this unconstitutional method of taxation as a direful attack upon their liberties, and loudly exclaim against the violation. What may be the result of this, and of some other (I think I may add illjudged) measures, I will not undertake to determine; but this I may venture to affirm, that the advantage accruing to the mother country will fall greatly short of the expectation of the ministry; for certain it is, that our whole substance already in a manner flows to Great Britain, and that whatsoever contributes to lessen our importations must be hurtful to her manufactures. The eyes of our people already begin to be opened; and they will perceive that many luxuries, for which we lavish our substance in Great Britain, can well be dispensed with. This, consequently, will introduce frugality, and be a necessary incitement to industry. As to the stamp act,

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Wasbington on the Stamp Act

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regarded in a single view, one of the first bad consequences attending it, is, that our courts of judicature must inevitably be shut up; for it is impossible, or next to impossible, under our present circumstances, that the act of Parliament can be complied with, were we ever so willing to enforce its execution. And not to say (which alone would be sufficient) that we have not money enough to pay for the stamps, there are many other cogent reasons which prove that it would be ineffectual.”

A letter of the same date to his agents in London, of ample length and minute in its details, shows that, while deeply interested in the course of public affairs, his practical mind was enabled thoroughly and ably to manage the financial concerns of his estate and of the estate of Mrs. Washington's son, John Parke Custis, towards whom he acted the part of a faithful and affectionate guardian. In those days, Virginia planters were still in direct and frequent correspondence with their London factors; and Washington's letters respecting his shipments of tobacco, and the returns required in various articles for household and personal use, are perfect models for a man of business. And this may be remarked throughout his whole career, that no pressure of events nor multiplicity of cares prevented a clear, stead

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