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Handwritten manuscript by Washington Irving from Chapter 27 of his Life of Washington (Vol. IV), eleven pages, ranging in size from 5 x 8 to 5 x 10, no date but published in 1857. This portion of Irving's manuscript, paginated by him from "469" to "479," contains Irving's account of "[General] Greene on the high hills of Santee—The enemy harassed—Greene marches against Stuart—Battle near Eutaw Springs." The chapter begins: "For some weeks in the months of July and August General Greene had remained encamped with his main force on the high hills of Santee, refreshing and disciplining his men, and awaiting the arrival of promised reinforcements. He was constantly looking to Washington as his polar star by which to steer, and feared despatches from him were intercepted…In the mean time Marion with his light troops, aided by Colonel Washington with his dragoons, held control over the lower Santee." At the end of the chapter, Irving writes: "We will now resume our narrative with the siege of Yorktown." The pages are neatly affixed together at the top edges, with some other segments pasted together. In very good to fine condition, with toning, chipping, and a tear to the small slip affixed to the bottom of the first page.
Washington Irving’s Life of Washington is a multi-volume biography that chronicles the life and leadership of George Washington, blending historical detail with Irving’s characteristic narrative style. Written late in Irving’s career, it reflects extensive research and his desire to create a national historical work of lasting importance. The biography portrays Washington not just as a military and political figure, but as a model of character whose virtues shaped the early United States.
