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 acquaint ⚫ed 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.

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.

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.

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Observation. In a free country, where every man may be called upon to discharge important duties, either by his vote, or ey 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.

5. 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 His tory, 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.

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 settle

ments.

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 Eng. glish crown, they became involved, of course, in the wars f 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 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.