George Washington, Volume 2

Young Washington

By: Douglas Southall Freeman

Narrated by: Charlton Griffin

Volume Two opens in late 1754. Having resigned his commission in the Virginia militia, Washington pondered his future as a soldier. But by the spring of 1755, he had been made aide de camp to British general Edward Braddock. It was to prove a fateful event. Washington accompanied Braddock on his disastrous expedition to capture Fort DuQuesne (Pittsburgh), but the small army was ambushed and Braddock killed. Young Washington distinguished himself in the hopeless battle and subsequent retreat.

All of the English colonies in North America were now endangered. At the age of 23, Washington was made commander-in-chief of Virginia's growing militia forces. When a series of British generals were sent to investigate and organize another expedition to Fort DuQuesne, young George was an eyewitness to many of the activities involved. By the time British general John Forbes mounted another expedition, Washington was fully involved and breveted to brigadier general tasked with leading a brigade. After the British/colonial expedition successfully carried out its mission to retake Fort Duquesne, Washington resigned from the military. His petition to become a commissioned officer in the regular British army had been denied.

Now his thoughts turned to Mount Vernon, the life of a planter, the duties of a Burgess, ordering his estates, and settling down to a quiet, domestic life. By January, 1759, a wealthy, 27-year-old newly-widowed neighbor named Martha Dandridge Custis was eagerly awaiting the return of young George Washington.

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Critic reviews

"Freeman's treatment of Washington as a Commander in Chief is virtually definitive." (The New York Times Book Review)

"For the popular, novelized biography, full of glib insights into the inner man, Freeman has nothing but contempt. His dogged intent is to portray Washington day by day and year by year, through each new experience, as if nothing were known and nothing were certain about his future." (Time Magazine)

I can’t praise this narrator Charlton Griffin enough.

Southall Freemen fully earned the Pulitzer he received, posthumously sadly, for the biography of a fascinating and complex man. The writing is clear, explanatory, and engaging.

However, Charlton Griffin deserves equal praise and respect for his extraordinary narration. Mr. Griffin brings the people in this book to vivid and relatable life. It’s truly a joy to listen to his narration and I’m eagerly anticipating each volume of the series.

Me. Griffin has quickly joined my short list of favorite narrators and I’ll eagerly search out his other titles after I finish this series.

An Instructive Example for Young Men

Reading the exploits and inner turmoil of Washington at his own age is a gift and an encouragement. He is a model worthy of close imitation.

Forging an American Icon

A detailed tapestry of the people and adventures that shaped our first president. Very formal in style as were the times and the man.

underfunded, unappreciated, and undefeated.

a great book about Washington and his character and doings in the Indian War. well worth the listen.

The definitive history of George Washington

Very thorough. The story moves along surprisingly well for such an exhaustive history. Does not mention his masonic connections which were significant however.