Text: C. F. Briggs (?), Literary, Broadway Journal (New York), January 18, 1845, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 34-35

[page 34:]

“ILLUSTRATE D GENEALOGY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON.” Published by W. A. Colman, 203 Broadway. (See Advertisement.)

HERALDRY, and Genealogy, have been slightly discouraged by many well intentioned citizens of this country, under the misapprehension that they tended to promote aristocratical distinctions, at variance with our Republican institutions, whereas they simply form symbols of a purely personal nature. The general use of heraldry, and the preservation of family records, have existed for centuries in the most jealous European Republics; and the historian and antiquary, can attest their usefulness in the elucidation of many important facts, which, without their aid, would never have been rescued from obscurity. There is a natural feeling in man, to ascertain the origin and history of his family, and the prevalence of this sentiment is shown by the universal custom in the parent state, — and as generally adopted here — of prefacing the memoirs of celebrated men with some account of their parents, and ancestors. When the public curiosity is thus conceived [page 35:] worthy of satisfaction in relation to individuals of inferior merit, how much more gratifying it is to know the connexions and ancestors of the illustrious patriot, whose wisdom, courage, and energy, have nursed the infant liberties of his country in the full vigor of manly freedom and independence.

The work before us consists of the genealogical tree of the Washington family, the same as made out in the British Herald's college, for Augustine Washington, of Virginia, the father of our illustrious Patriot, and gives at one glance, their family history from the time of Richard III. up to the death of George Washington, a period exceeding 300 years. It is printed in gold and colors, with the blazonry of the Washingtons, and their alliances. As a work of art alone, it would he worthy a place in every parlor, did it not relate to one whose memory lives in the hearts of every lover of his country; and we are pleased to see that Mr. Colman has published it at a price so low as to bring it within the easy acquisition of all our citizens. (COMMUNICATED.)