BY EMMA WILLARD, AUTHOR OF A SERIES OF HISTORIES AND CHRONOGRAPHIC CHARTS. NEW AND ENLARGED EDITION. NEW YORK: PUBLISHED BY A. S. BARNES & CO., 111 & 113 WILLIAM STREET (COR. JOHN). In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York PREFACE. THE leading objects of the author of this work have been to give the events of the history with clearness and accuracy; with such illustrations of time and place addressed to the eye, as shall secure their retention in the memory; and, at the same time, with such an order of arrangement as will enable the mind to recall, at need, what it thus retains. This we regard as important, not only with respect to this particular study, but as rightly laying out the ground-plan of the intellect, so far as the whole range of history is concerned. We have endeavored to make the book convenient;-by side notes with dates-by numbered paragraphs of suitable length for reading classes— and by questions on each paragraph, placed at the bottom of the page. These questions are so put, that youthful teachers may avail themselves of the author's long experience, to acquire a manner of questioning, which, while it is not obscure, will yet oblige the pupil to think, and which will bring into relief prominent points. We have, indeed, been desirous to cultivate the memory, the intellect, and the taste. But much more anxious have we been to sow the seeds of virtue, by showing the good in such amiable lights, that the youthful heart shall kindle into desires of imitation. And we have been careful to give clear conceptions of those deeds, which are proper to imitate; while with regard to bad actions we have, as far as possible, given the result, rather than the detail. There are those, who rashly speak, as if in despair of the fortunes of our Republic; because, say they, political virtue has declined. If so, then is there the more need to infuse patriotism into the breasts of the coming generation. And what is so likely to effect this national self-preservation, as to give our children, for their daily reading and study, a record of the sublime virtues of the worthies of our earliest day; as well as of those of Washington and his compatriots? And what but the study of their dangers and toils,-their devotion of life and fortune, can make our posterity know, what our country, and our liberties have cost? And what but the History of our peculiar, and complicated fabric of government, by which it may be examined, as piece by piece the structure was built up, can impart such a knowledge of the powers it gives, and the duties it enjoins, as shall enable our future citizens to become its enlightened and judicious supporters? Remarks prefatory to the Improved Edition of 1860. IN publishing the revisal of this work, the author returns her thanks to the public for the constant and unceasing support which it has received; and she desires to express a holier sentiment of gratitude arising in her heart for the belief which she has reason to entertain, that its extensive circulation in schools and families has been an agency for good; in helping to stem a downward current, which, if anresisted, would lead our noble Republic to ruinous anarchy, and destructive disunion. The author, while improving the work, by new illustrations (as the Chart of Early Land-Titles, and the American Temple of Time), has not suffered the important study of our country's history to be run down in her hands, by putting into a synopsis, where every inch of room is nceded for essential events, either mere biographies, pictures to amuse, or imperfect likenesses of the great and good, which diminish reverence by destroying the mind's ideal of moral beauty. Let the students of this history study, not play, and they will be rewarded by a noble advance in education. E. W. Troy, June, 1860. I. Departure of the Pilgrims from England, and their so- II. Progress of the Pilgrims from Holland to America.... III. The Savages-Massasoit's Alliance-Winslow's Visit IV. Grand Council of Plymouth-New Hampshire-Massa- X. Maryland-Virginia from 1631 to 1641.... 79 |