This one-volume collection covers five decades of Washington's active life and brings together over 440 letters, orders, addresses, and other writings. Included are the journal Washington kept at age 16 while surveying the Shenandoah Valley frontier and his account of the winter journey he made through the Pennsylvania wilderness in 1753 while on a diplomatic mission.

The colonial period, 1747-1775 -- Commander of the Continental Army, 1775-1783 -- The confederation period, 1783-1789 -- President, 1789-1797 -- Retirement, 1797-1799.