GENERAL DIVISION.

THE History of the United States of America may be divided into Eleven Periods, each distinguished by some striking characteristic, or remarkable circumstance.

The First Period will extend from the Discovery of America, by Columbus, 1492, to the first permanent English settlement in America, at Jamestown, Virginia, 1607, and is distinguished for DISCOVERIES.

Obs. Previous to the discovery of America in 1492, the inhabitants of Europe, Asia, and Africa, were of course ignorant of its existence. But soon after this event, several expeditions were fitted out, and came to make discoveries, in what was then called the "New World." Accordingly, between 1492 and 1607, the principal countries lying along the eastern coast of North America, were discovered, and more or less explored. As our history, during this period, embraces little more than accounts of these expeditions, we characterize it as remarkable for discoveries.

The Second Period will extend from the Settlement of Jamestown, 1607, to the accession of William and Mary to the throne of England, 1689, and is distinguished for Settlements.

Obs. During this period our history is principally occupied in detailing the various settlements, which were either effected, or attempted, within the boundaries of the United States. It includes, indeed, wars with the natives-disputes between proprietors cf lands, and colonies-the formation of governments, &c. &c.; but these are circumstances which pertain to, and form a part of, the settlement of new countries. As this period embraces the settlement of most of the original States in the Union, viz. Massachusetts, including Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New-Hampshire, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, North and South Carolina, and Virginia, it is therefore characterized as remarkable for settlements.

The Third Period will extend from the Accession of William and Mary to the throne of England, 1689, to the declaration of the war by England against France, called "the French and Indian War," 1756, and is remarkable for the three wars of KING WILLIAM, QUEEN ANne, and GEORGE II.

Obs. So long as the Colonies remained attached to the Engglish crown, they became involved, of course, in the wars of the mother country. Three times during this period, was wur proclaimed between England and France, and, as the French had possession of Canada, and were leagued with several powerful tribes of Indians, as often did the colonies become the theatre of their hostile operations. This period is therefore most remarkable for these three wars.

The Fourth Period will extend from the Declaration of war by England against France, 1756, to the commencement of hostilities by Great Britian against the American Colonies, in the battle of Lexington, 1775, and is distinguished for the FRENCH and INDIAN WAR.

The Fifth Period will extend from the Battle of Lexington, 1775, to the disbanding of the American Army at West Point, New-York, 1783, and is distinguished for the WAR OF THE REVOLUTION.

The Sirth Period will extend from the Disbanding of the Army, 1783, to the inauguration of George Washington, as President of the United States, under the Federal Constitution, 1789, and is distinguished for the FORMATION AND ESTABLISHMENT of the FEDERAL CONSTITU

TION.

The Seventh Period will extend from the Inauguration of President Washington, 1789, to the inauguration of John Adams, as President of the United States, 1797. This period is distinguished for WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION.

The Eighth Period will extend from the Inauguration of President Adams, 1797, to the Inauguration of Thomas Jefferson as president of the United States, 1801. This period is dis tinguished for ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION.

The Ninth period will extend from the Inauguration of President Jefferson, 1801, to the Inauguration of James Madison as president of the United States, 1809. This period is distinguished for JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION.

The Tenth Period will extend from the Inauguration of President Madison, 1809, to the Inauguration of James Monroe, as president of the United States, 1817. This period is distinguished for MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION, and the late WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN.

The Eleventh Period will extend from the Inauguration of President Monroe, 1817, to the present time, and is distinguished for MONROE's ADMINISTRATION.

Period X.

DISTINGUISHED FOR DISCOVERIES.

Extending from the Discovery of San Salvador by Columbus, 1492, to the first perma nent English settlement at Jamestown, Virginia, 1607.

Section I. The early discoveries on the Continent of America were made by the Spaniards, English, and French.

In these, the Spaniards took the lead; and have the honour of first communicating to Europe the intelligence of a New World.

For several years previously to the discovery of America, the attention of Europe had been drawn to the enterprises of the Portuguese, who were attempting to discover a passage to the East Indies, by doubling the southern extremity of Africa.

Christopher Columbus, a native of Genoa, roused by these enterprises, and strongly persuaded that a western passage to the East Indies was practicable, by steering across the Atlantic, determined to ascertain the point by experiment.

Accordingly, after encountering various difficulties he sailed from Spain, Friday, Aug. 3, 1492, with a small fleet, under the patronage of Ferdinand and Isabella, then on the united thrones of Castile and Arragon; and on the 12th of Oct. 1492, discovered the Island San Salvador. This Island is three thousand miles west of the