"A CHRISTIAN is the highest style of man.” YOUNG.

NEW YORK:

HARPER & BROTHERS, 82, CLIFF-STREET.

M DCCC XXXVI.

521.

ENTERED, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1836,

BY HARPER AND BROTHERS,

In the Clerk's Office of the Southern District of the State of New-York.

PREFACE.

THE author would here give a brief explanation of the motives which have led him to engage in the work now submitted to the public.

The character of Washington, on which time has fixed its authentic and unequivocal seal, is justly considered the property of his country, and, in a measure, of the civilized world. They may fairly claim him as their own, for whom, when living, he hazarded his all-his honour, fortune, and life! for whom he ever cherished anxious cares-for whom he toiled and suffered. Nor are they without a title, who, partaking of our common nature, shared his philanthropic sympathies, and earnest prayers.

Such a reputation is a treasure to mankind which never can be told. Blessings innumerable descend upon the favoured people who rest under its shadow. It sheds upon them peace, security, and credit. They shine in its light, and derive from it, directly and indirectly, many eminent advantages.

But some of the choicest benefits of so rare a character, are found in its influence upon the principles and conduct of those, who are taught to regard the same

with attention and reverence.

A virtuous example is very powerful to persuade and control the human mind. Abundant evidence have we of this, in the happy fruits of that ascendancy which has marked the honoured name before us. The good effects which have flowed to our land from the moral weight of his excellent life, cannot be justly estimated. These effects have been increasing with the rapid growth of our country, and must continue to multiply as she advances in numbers and intelligence. Nor will the limits of his own country confine the virtue of his high example. It has already extended in its salutary efficacy to other climes, and no doubt will prevail wherever goodness is revered, or greatness respected.

As few men have acted a more important or spiritstirring part in the drama of human life, so few have awakened a deeper interest, or a more rigid scrutiny of their principles, motives, and actions. The inquiry, prompted by an ardent sympathy, has been attended by much diligent research, severe analysis, and patient reflection. Whatever he thought, or said, or did, has been examined, considered, and weighed, with a solicitude and caution, prompted by the wish to understand aright, and fitly appreciate, the character of one so eminently useful to his kind, and signally owned of HeavThe fruit of this investigation is so well known, that it is scarcely necessary to add, that the trial to which his fame has been subjected, has issued in the universal admission, that greatness and goodness attach to his character, in a degree, seldom found to exist in the same human being.

en.

ADVERTISEMENT.

THE author has been at much pains to acquire the requisite materials for his present undertaking. To this end, he flatters himself that the means within his reach, are unusually ample. Besides the ordinary sources of information, he has enjoyed the advantages of access to some, not heretofore thrown open to others. His main dependance, however, has been on such authorities as are familiar to all, though not before so collected and combined into one harmonious whole, as to give them their just influence on the public mind. It may be added, that in search of matter, there has been a studious refusal of whatever could be regarded as apocryphal or fanciful-care being taken to employ only such facts as can be proved authentic, or bear the indubitable marks of being so.

As there will be in the body of the work, the usual references to important authorities, it will not be necessary to enumerate them here. This may, however, be the place to say, that in consequence of the miscellaneous, and in some respects desultory character which the work has assumed, the author has not encumbered