HISTORY

OF

NORTH AMERICA.

THE following seems the most natural order of arranging the immense mass of important matter which will be embraced in the following Work. First, a clear, but succinct narrative of the different steps by which the Continent of America was discovered, subdued, and colonized-an accurate outline of its Geographical Features an historical detail of the interesting events, which led to the rapid population of the British Colonies, and to their subsequent separation from the Parent State-a brief but interesting sketch of the arduous contest, which terminated in the raising of these Colonies to the rank and privileges of an Independent State. This will introduce a correct delineation of the Laws, Government, and Constitution of the UNITED STATES, and a Statistical account of the different States, in reference to Agriculture, Commerce, and Manufactures; also descriptive traits of the Manners, Customs, and Domestic Habits, both of the native tribes, and the citizens of the UNITED STATES; This part of the Work will comprise a View of the State of Emigration to the UNITED STATES from this country, in which each State will be examined, in reference to its suitableness to the different classes of emigrants, as Capitalists, Agriculturists, Manufacturers, and Artizans. To which we shall subjoin a variety of useful hints to those who may be deliberating on the propriety of emigrating to that Country.

There is no event in the history of the world more interesting and extraordinary than the discovery of the American Continent; which with its surrounding seas forms an entire Hemisphere: the effect which this event produced on the general state of the Old World is incalculable; and it cannot but excite won

der and astonishment, that so considerable a portion of the Globe should have remained unknown for so many generations, The surmises that this Continent was known to the Phoenicians, and the Carthaginians, is totally unsupported by any evidence which can be considered as at all satisfactory; and the probability is, that it was totally unknown to the ancient world.

America derives its name from Americus Vespatius, a Florentine, who preferred a groundless claim to the honor of having discovered it; a claim which unfortunately was not disputed, until that Continent had been so long called by his name, as to render it impossible to alter it. This circumstance has deprived Columbus of the honor which was so justly his due; of giving his name to a Continent, so vast as to be called a New World; a species of posthumous injustice, which there is now no probability of ever redressing,

Towards the close of the fourteenth century, the navigation of Europe was scarcely extended beyond the limits of the Mediterranean. The mariner's compass had been invented and in common use for more than a century; yet, with the help of this sure guide, prompted by the most ardent spirit of discovery, and encouraged by the patronage of princes, the mariners of those days rarely ventured from the sight of land. They acquired great applause by sailing along the coast of Africa, and discovering some of the neighbouring islands; and, after pushing their researches with the greatest industry and perseverance for more than half a century, the Portuguese, who were the most fortunate and enterprising, extended their discoveries southward no farther than the equator.

The rich commodities of the East had for several ages been brought into Europe by the way of the Red Sea and the Mediterranean; and it had now become the object of the Portuguese to find a passage to India, by sailing round the southern extremity of Africa, and then taking an eastern course. This great object engaged the general attention of mankind, and drew into the Portuguese service adventurers from every maritime nation in Europe.

i.

Among the foreigners whom the fame of the discoveries made by the Portuguese had allured into their service, was Christopher Colon, or Columbus, a subject of the republic of Genoa.. Neither the time nor place of his birth are known with certainty;