of the United States, 312; of the Constitution, 313; W. War, Pequot, 29; Philips' war, 38; King William's 78; William, Prince of Orange, accession of, 71. Witchcraft, account of, 74. Williams, Rev. Mr., story of, 91. White, Col. John, extraordinary enterprise of, 196. Whigs and Tories, explanation of, 154. Wadsworth, Gen. story of, 204. Washington, George, expedition of, against the French, Washington city, capture of, 328. INTRODUCTION. 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. ert 2. History, to use the words of Professor Tytler, is the school of politicks. 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 exupon 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 on the one hand, of unbridled liberty, and, on the other, the mischiefs of despotick power. Observation. In a free country like our own, where every man may be called upon to discharge important duties to his country, either by his vote, or by the adminis tration of office, it is the business of all to be more or less acquainted with the science of politicks. Nothing can better instruct us in this, than an acquaintance with the history of our own country. 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. GENERAL DIVISION. THE History of the United States of America may be divided into Eleven Periods, each distinguished by some striking characteristick, or remarkable circum stance. 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. Accor Obs. Previously to the discovery of america in 1492, the inhabitants of Europe, Asia, and Africa, were 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." dingly, 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 attempted or effected, within the boundaries of the United States. It includes, indeed, wars with the natives -disputes between proprietors of lands, and coloniesthe 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 English crown, they became involved, of course, in the wars of the mother country. Three times during this period, was war 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 those three wars. The FOURTH PERIOD will extend from the Declaration of war by England against France, 1756, to the commencement of hostilities by Great Britain 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. Obs. This period relates to the controversy of the Amer-. ican Colonies with the mother country, on account of her invasion of their rights. As this controversy terminated in the independence of the United States, we distinguish this period for the War of the Revolution. The SIXTH 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 CONSTITUTION. |