Forthcoming volumes will give, in chronological order, his co-operation in the march of events on this continent, and his life and opinions as seen through the writings he left. This volume must be viewed as the work of a youth, making a few, brief and hurried memoranda while in the depths of the forest and intended for no eye but his own. The time is not far distant when an edition of Washington's more important papers will be called for in facsimile by some one of the photogravure processes now available for such purposes, because of the unquestionable fidelity to the original it secures and which is approximately arrived at in this publication. This is the first systematic attempt to produce the writings of Washington with literal exactness as to abbreviations, the use of capitals, punctuation, spelling, etc. It is possible that the plan pursued may not, at first, meet with an unqualified commendation from the public. But if the editor does not much mistake the desire of students, the admirers of Washington and the demand of historians, this method, if faithfully executed, must produce the preferred edition of his writings. A few miscellaneous pieces in Washington's youthful handwriting are preserved in this Journal, and are here printed with the same effort for literal accuracy which has been bestowed upon the Journal itself, and upon his field notes of land surveys. [Illustration: Mount Vernon Hills] INTRODUCTION. This journal of George Washington, now for the first time printed entire and with literal exactness, was begun, as shown by the date in the opening lines, when he was but one month over sixteen years of age. It is his own daily record of observations during his first remunerated employment. His proficiency as a surveyor, and his fortitude in encountering the hardships of the forest in this expedition were, considering his age, truly remarkable. With him the beginning determined the end. Biographers have made us acquainted with the character of his worthy parents, and with the sturdy stock from which they were descended. It does seem as though Providence called our Washington into being, and educated him in the western world just at the time when a great leader was wanted to direct a revolution, and to found on this continent a new and a free, English-speaking nation. Every factor, whether of lineage or culture, in the admirably balanced character of Washington, as well as every aspiration of his heart, from his cradle to his grave, is of high interest to the world. Although deprived of a father's care at the age of eleven years, he was, however, especially blessed in having such a mother as the noble Mary Washington, who conscientiously discharged her sacred duty as his guardian, counselor and friend. Hence filial reverence grew with his growth and strengthened with his maturing years into fixed principles, making him throughout all his eventful life loyal to every virtue and heroic in every trust.