PREFACE.

SOME time since, the author published a History of the United States for schools, the plan of which, though novel, met with general approbation. Encouraged by this sanction of a work, originally offered with much diffidence, the author ventures to bring before the public the present volume, founded upon the work above-mentioned, but somewhat expanded, both in respect to leading facts, and minute details.

As to the views which led the author to adopt a plan, in treating a historical subject, so widely departing from precedent and authority, he would refer to his preface to the school book for an explanation. Whether these views will satisfy every one of the excellence of the plan, or not, it is hoped, that they may at least rescue the work from being classed with that deluge of publications, which inundate the country, and which seem to have no better origin than conceit, or pe cuniary speculation.

For the benefit of the reader who may not advert to the work already mentioned, the following explanations may be necessary.

This history of the United States is divided into eleven periods-each distinguished by some

peculiar characteristic. The main purpose of this division is, to aid the memory by presenting certain prominent eras, from which the whole subject of dates may be distinctly surveyed, and the object of attaching to each period some distinguishing trait is, that the recollection may the more readily assign events to their eras, and thus determine their dates. Thus, a person acquainted with our division of the subject, knows that all discoveries, or nearly all, belong to period I, and therefore lie between the years 1492 and 1607. He is therefore able to fix the date of any discovery, with sufficient accuracy for all practical purposes. The same will apply to events belonging to the other periods.

The engravings are introduced rather to aid the memory in retaining the general division, and the characteristics of each period, than for the purpose of embellishment.

Two sizes of type are employed. The matter in larger type is designed to give a brief outline of the history of the United States, and may be read in connexion. The matter in smaller type, is to be regarded rather in the light of notes, which, without studying exact regularity, are thrown in, as they may subserve the purposes of illustration, and completeness in the delineation of events; or as they may contribute to support the interest, and establish the recollections of the reader.

Entroduction.

In entering upon the perusal of a volume with higher objects in view than those of mere amusement, it is well to place those objects distinctly before us. What advantages, then, do we propose to ourselves, in perusing the History of the United States? In general, it may be said, that the proper end of all reading is to make "good men, and good citizens." But by what particular steps is History to subserve this end?

1. History sets before us striking instances of virtue, enterprise, courage, generosity, patriotism; and, by a natural principle of emulation, incites us to copy such noble examples. History also presents us with pictures of the vicious ultimately overtaken by misery and shame, and thus solemnly warns us against vice.

2. History, to use the words of Professor Tytler, is the school of politics. That is, it opens the hidden springs of human affairs; the causes of the rise, grandeur, revolutions and fall of empires; it points out the influence which the manners of a people exert upon a government, and the influence which that government reciprocally exerts upon the manners of a people, it

illustrates the blessings of political union, and the miseries of faction; the dangers of unbridled liberty, and the mischiefs of despotic power.

Observation. In a free country, where every man may be called upon to discharge important duties, either by his vote, or by the administration of office, it is the business of all to be more or less acquainted with the science of politics. Nothing can better instruct us in this, than the study of history.

3. History displays the dealings of God with mankind. It calls upon us often to regard with awe, his darker judgments, and again it awakens the liveliest emotions of gratitude, for his kind and benignant dispensations. It cultivates a sense of dependence on him; strengthens our confidence in his benevolence; and impresses us with a conviction of his justice.

4. Besides these advantages, the study of History, if properly conducted, offers others, of inferior importance, indeed, but still they are not to be disregarded. It chastens the imagination; improves the taste; furnishes matter for conversation and reflection; enlarges the range of thought; strengthens and disciplines the mind.