In the preparation of this work the author has availed himself of the abundant material furnished by Washington's well-known biographers, Ramsey, Weems, Marshall, Sparks, Bancroft, Irving, Everett, Custis, etc., together with the anecdotes of his earlier and later life, found in eulogies, essays, and literary articles upon his life and character, with which the literature of our country abounds. Incident is allowed to tell the life story of the subject. The incidents of his boyhood and youth are particularly narrated, that the achievements of ripe manhood may more clearly appear to be the outcome of a life well begun. To such an example parents and guardians can point with confidence and hope. Believing that biography should be written and read so as to assure a sharp analysis of character, thereby bringing the real qualities of the subject to the front, and believing, also, that the biographies of the noblest men only should be written for the young, since "example is more powerful than precept," the author sends forth this humble volume, invoking for it the considerate indulgence of critics, and the blessing of Divine Providence. W. M. T. FRANKLIN, Mass. CONTENTS. I. ANCESTORS AND BIRTH. Ancestors in England--John and Lawrence Washington--Family of Note--The Washington Manor and Irving--Sir Henry Washington in War--English Fox Hunting--Washington and Franklin--The Washingtons in America--Birth of George--House where born--Ceremony of placing a Slab on it by Custis--Paulding describes the Place--The House described--George baptized--Removal to Banks of Rappahannock--Large Estates--Style of Living--Vast Wilderness--Militia--Depredations by Indians--Negro Slavery 23 II. BOYHOOD. Reliable Information about it--Visit to the Orchard, and the Rebuke to Selfishness--George's Name growing in the Garden--Its Lesson about God--The Hatchet, and it Lesson about Lying--Raising a Regiment of Soldiers--George's Brother in Uniform--Effect of Military Display on George--Playing Soldier--His Brother Lawrence a Good Soldier--Love Greater than War--George's Military Spirit increasing--George's Manly Bearing--Excels in Athletic Sports--What Fitzhugh said--The Sequel 36 III. SCHOOL DAYS.