The first of George Washington's journals that still exists is one which he began at age 16. He continued to keep journals with some regularity for the remainder of his life. The following excerpts are from three journals. The spelling, abbreviations, and capitalization are Washington's throughout.
Brackets indicate modern additions or explanations.
We set out early with Intent to Run round the sd. I made a Promise not to Sleep so from that time forward chusing rather to sleep in the open Air before a fire as will Appear hereafter. I bade adieu to Mount Vernon, to private life, and to domestic felicity, and with a mind oppressed with more anxious and painful sensations than I have words to express, set out for New York in company with Mr. Thompson, and Colonel Humphries, with the best dispositions to render service to my country in obedience to its call, but with less hope of answering its expectations. Have each student keep his or her own journal for a week. Afterwards, invite them to discuss and compare their journals.