Two Great American Patriots: Benjamin Franklin and George Washington

Originally published in 1830 as a portion of the author’s larger “Biography for the Use of Schools,” this Kindle edition, equivalent in length to a physical book of approximately 20 pages, tells, in simple language, the story of two great American patriots—Benjamin Franklin and George Washington.

Sample passage:
When [Washington] arrived at Cambridge, he was received with the joyful acclamations of the army. But he found the army destitute of many things necessary for active operations. They were destitute of bayonets, and had a very small quantity of powder, not more than nine rounds to a man; nor were the troops duly organized into brigades and regiments, or well disciplined. General Washington took the most vigorous measures to remedy these defects and to supply deficiencies.

From the year 1775 to the close of the war and the establishment of the independence of the United States, General Washington commanded the American army; and under the most distressing and discouraging circumstances, manifested the most determined resolution, fortitude and intrepidity. When the army were destitute of food or clothing, he sympathized with them in their sufferings; when mutinous for want of pay, he interposed his authority, tempered their passions, encouraged their hopes, and reduced them to subordination.

About the Author:
Noah Webster (1758-1843) was an American author, lexicographer, educator, and editor. His “American Dictionary of the English Language” (1828) was the first dictionary to give comprehensive coverage of usage in the U.S. Other works include “The American Spelling Book,” “Elements of Useful Knowledge,” and “The Revolution in France.”