The Writings of George Washington Vol. 39 - Original Manuscripts

In this review of The Writings of George Washington Vol. 39, the bottom line is clear: this volume is for readers who want a faithful reproduction of Washington's own papers from mid-1778, presented as a historical reference rather than a quick narrative. Our review finds the book most valuable to historians, students of the Revolutionary War, and collectors seeking original-manuscript fidelity because it reproduces the manuscript sources and preserves the aged format while digitally repairing imperfections where necessary.

Key Features

• Original manuscript reproduction: Presents Washington's correspondence and orders from June 1, 1778 to September 30, 1778, offering direct access to primary source material for research or citation.
• Chronological coverage: Focuses on the March of the army to Kings Ferry and supply questions, giving readers concentrated insight into a pivotal campaign period.
• Preserved format: Uses digital reconstruction to retain the original layout and presentation, useful for scholars comparing facsimiles to later transcriptions.
• Publisher notes: Published under authority of Congress and prepared by the George Washington Bicentennial Commission, which lends documentary credibility and context to the edition.
• Restoration technology: Forgotten Books' restoration repairs imperfections in the aged copy while keeping the work's historical character intact for collectors and libraries.
• Research utility: Includes detailed entries on logistics such as care of boats and reported French fleet activity, which aid military historians studying supply and naval intelligence.

Who It's For

This volume is ideal for academic researchers, graduate students, and serious amateur historians who require verbatim access to George Washington's papers from mid-1778, especially those studying Continental Army movements, supply issues, and naval reports. It suits archival collections and libraries that prioritize faithful reproductions of original manuscripts.

Readers seeking a general narrative history or a short, accessible overview of Washington's life should look elsewhere; this edition is documentary and source-focused rather than interpretive or introductory, and it preserves original imperfections where present.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Faithful reproduction of original manuscript material provides primary-source authenticity for research.
• Chronological focus on June to September 1778 offers concentrated coverage of army movements and logistical decisions.
• Prepared under the authority of Congress and the Bicentennial Commission, adding institutional reliability.
• Digital reconstruction improves legibility while maintaining the original format for historical accuracy.

Cons

• Not a narrative or interpretive text, so casual readers may find it dense and narrowly focused.
• Preserved imperfections from the original copy may remain visible despite restoration efforts.

Specifications

Title	The Writings of George Washington Vol. 39
Coverage dates	June 1, 1778 to September 30, 1778
Subject focus	March to Kings Ferry; supplies; care of boats; French fleet reports
Prepared by	United States George Washington Bicentennial Commission
Publisher	Forgotten Books (reproduction)
Format	Reproduction of original manuscript sources with digital restoration

Our Verdict

For researchers and collectors who need direct access to George Washington's mid-1778 correspondence, this volume delivers authentic manuscript reproductions and useful campaign detail at good value. It is especially worthwhile for archival use and scholarly citation, though those wanting a readable narrative history should consider a more interpretive volume instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this volume include original manuscripts or transcriptions?
It is a reproduction of the original manuscript sources, digitally reconstructed to preserve the original format while repairing age-related imperfections.

What time period does Vol. 39 cover?
This volume covers June 1, 1778 through September 30, 1778, including the march to Kings Ferry and related logistical matters.

Who prepared and published this edition?
The work was prepared under the direction of the United States George Washington Bicentennial Commission and reproduced by Forgotten Books with authority noted in the original publication.