the fields of Kentucky, before any white man's foot had traversed those magnificent realms. No tale of romance could ever surpass his adventures with the Indians. 10. Kit Carson was the child of the wilderness. He was by nature a gentleman, and one of the most lovable of men. His weird-like life passed rapidly away, before the introduction of railroads and steamboats. His strange, heroic adventures are ever read with astonishment, and they invariably secure for him the respect and affection of all who become familiar with his name. II. Paul Jones was one of the purest patriots, and perhaps the most heroic naval hero, to whom any country has given birth. He has been so traduced, by the tory press of Great Britain, that even the Americans have not yet done him full justice. This narrative of his astonishing achievements will, it is hoped, give him rank, in the opinion of every reader, with Washington, Franklin, Jefferson and Lafayette. 12. David Crockett was a unique man. There is no one like him. Under no institutions but ours could such a character be formed. From a log hut, more comfortless than the wigwam of the savage, and without being able either to read or write, he enters legislative halls, takes his seat in Congress, and makes the tour of our great cities, attracting crowds to hear him speak. His life is a wild romance of undoubted truth. Such is the character of this little library of twelve volumes. The writer, who has now entered the evening of life, affectionately commends them to the young men of America, upon whose footsteps their morning sun is now rising. The life of each one, if prolonged to three score years and ten, will surely prove a stormy scene. But it may end in a serene and tranquil evening, ushering in the glories of an immortal day. FAIR HAVEN, CONN. JOHN S. C. ABBOTT. As this is not improbably the last book I shall write, it may not be improper for me to state that, at the age of twenty-four, I commenced the career of an author, by writing "The Mother At Home." I have now attained the age of three score years and ten. In the meantime I have written fifty four volumes of History or Biography. In every one it has been my endeavor to make the inhabitants of this sad world more brotherly,-better and happier. The long series is probably closed with the biography of Benjamin Franklin. Every page has been penned under this impression. A theme more full of instruction and interest could not be chosen. And now, in my declining years, as I feel that the battle has been fought and, I hope, the victory won, it is an unspeakable comfort for me to reflect, that, in all these fifty-four volumes, there is not one line which, "dying, I could wish to blot." CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Parentage and Early Life. The parentage of Franklin-His parents emigrate to America- PAGE II CHAPTER II. Developments of Character. Views of the Sabbath-Writings of Collins and Shaftsbury-The -- CHAPTER III. Excursion to England. Attention to dress-Receives a visit from Gov. Keith-His visit PAGE 52 CHAPTER IV. Mental and Moral Conflicts. Faithfulness to work-Neglect of Deborah Read-Treatise on 75 CHAPTER V. The Dawn of Prosperity. Franklin takes a house-His first job-His industry—Plans a hard student.. ΙΟΙ |