Life of George Washington, volume 4 of 5
| Language | en |
|---|---|
| First published | 2026-02-07 |
| Rights | Public domain in the USA. |
| Gutenberg ID | #77882 |
Description
"Life of George Washington, volume 4 of 5" by Washington Irving is a historical biography written in the mid-19th century. The volume follows Washington from the bleak winter at Morristown through the Southern campaigns, Benedict Arnold’s treason, the Franco-American alliance and Yorktown, the postwar crisis and peace, his retirement, the Constitutional Convention, and his inauguration as president. It interweaves military action with political struggle to show how Washington steered both the war and the birth of the new government. The opening of this volume portrays the army’s near-starvation at Morristown in the brutal winter of 1779–80, the collapse of Continental currency, and Washington’s reluctant impressments—met with patriotic aid from New Jersey communities—while the frozen New York harbor prompts failed forays and sharp British raids in the Jerseys and Westchester (including the burning of Reverend Caldwell’s church and the attack on Young’s House). It then shifts to Benedict Arnold’s tenure in Philadelphia: his ostentation, clashes with Pennsylvania’s council under Joseph Reed, court-martial and Washington’s delicate reprimand, mounting debts, and growing bitterness. As British power pivots south, Clinton’s stormy approach, Tarleton’s emergence, and Lincoln’s defense of Charleston unfold, while Washington, short of men and money, urges reform, sends De Kalb south, welcomes Lafayette with news of French aid, and faces a dangerous mutiny in the Connecticut line—pressing Pennsylvania and Congress for emergency powers and stronger central authority. The siege of Charleston follows: Arbuthnot’s fleet passes the bar, Woodford reinforces the garrison, Tarleton’s surprise blows at Monk’s Corner and Laneau’s Ferry sever escape routes, and Lincoln capitulates on constrained terms. The section closes with Tarleton’s bloody defeat of Buford at the Waxhaws and Clinton’s assumption that the South is subdued as he prepares to sail back to New York. (This is an automatically generated summary.)