REVOLUTION / NONFICTION
"Citizen Washington"
By William Martin
This is a fine historical novel about George Washington, the man. The story is told through the eyes of family,
friends, enemies, soldiers, slaves, and statesmen. It starts with a young George, living with his mother, the second
wife of Augustus Washington, a prominent Virginia planter. He grows into a fine young man and after the death of
his older half brother's death from consumption; he becomes an officer in the Virginia Militia. He then goes off to
fight in the French and Indian War. He serves with some distinction but no great victories. After the war, he returns
to private life and inherits the Mount Vernon Estate. When things become heated between
Britain and the American Colonies, he offers his services as General of the Colonial Army. The story then follows him through the
trials and tribulations to keep the Army in tact. There are excellent passages of the many battles won and lost from
Boston to Yorktown.
When Congress decides on a government based on the Legislative, Judicial, and Executive branches, washing of
course became the first President. He keeps us out of war and builds the strength of a young nation so that it can
survive. Washington died a few years after passing the reigns of government to John Adams. This novel is based
on fact and Washington was a great man who sacrificed much for the founding of America. This is a book not to be
missed for Colonial Era fans. A final note: On his deathbed Napoleon stated "They wanted me to be another
Washington". As President and General Washington had the opportunities many times to become a king
or dictator, but he shunned the power, knowing that it would lead to evil and the end of the American dream of
becoming a true republic.
There is a myth that most of the fighting took place in New England and around New York and New Jersey. Most
of the fighting took place in Virginia and the Carolinas. Many of the best officers and generals served there with
great distinction and little known today.
Reviewed by Kenneth S. Smith 21 March 2000
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