tail of the prominent political events and movements of parties during each period.
In the preparation of the memoirs of the presidents, and the history of their administrations, we have consulted the most authentic writers on American history, as will appear by our quotations from their works; to which we here desire to express our acknowledgments. In this portion of our labors, we have endeavored to perform the part of a faithful and candid historian, whose office it is to relate events, and explain causes, without favor or prejudice. We feel the utmost confidence that intelligent and impartial readers will duly appreciate this task.
The Constitution of the United States, the Articles of Confederation, and the Declaration of Independence, must always form a portion of the text-book of the American statesman; and, indeed, of every citizen who understands his duties to the republic. These documents are, therefore, added to this collection, accompanied with notes, and an historical sketch of the political events which led to the adoption of these Magna-Chartas of our liberties. In the appendix will be found a variety of useful statistical information, so arranged as to be convenient for reference.
The American who loves his country, will examine with pleasure, as well as patriotic pride, the political history unfolded in the following voluminous pages of documents, biography, and narrative. He will behold the republic founded and established by the valor and wisdom of his ancestors, in the different stages of her progress—from the dawn of her existence as an independent power, through the blessing of Providence, overcoming every difficulty and danger-advancing in population, wealth, and territory, until she has acquired the first rank, in physical and moral ability, among the nations of the earth.