A History of the United States of America

IT is the remark of a distinguished writer, "that the perfection of a science consists in its tendency to promote the advancement of public and private virtue, while, at the same time, it supplies such a degree of amusement, as to supersede the necessity of recurring to frivolous pursuits for relaxation." Estimated in this view, the importance of history in general cannot be doubted. It conveys instruction, in relation to all the important interests of man, while the perusal of it invigorates the mind, and prepares it for renewed exertions.

But, more particularly, it 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.

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, revolu tions, 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, on the one hand, of unbridled liberty, and, on the other, the mischiefs of despotic power.

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 dependance on him; strengthens our confidence in his benevolence; and impresses us with a conviction of his justice.

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.

To the above uses of history, in general, it may be added in relation to the particular history of our own country, that it has peculiar claims upon every American citizen to be well studied, as a knowledge of it is necessary to a faithful discharge of public duties, which, in this free country, may devolve upon him. Besides, it presents more powerful incentives to virtue, patriotism, and religion, than the history of any other nation on the globe. It is a strong but just remark of a writer, "that the only desire of greatness, which our children can draw from the history of their ancestors, is to be greatly good." For, here is presented to them few, if any, demoralizing examples of bold and criminal ambition. The history of the United States presents but one well authenticated example of a traitor to his country; while it furnishes an illustrious phalanx of men, in the various walks of life-warriors, statesmen, and divines— who, for their courage and fortitude, their wisdom and patriotism, their piety and benevolence, deserve the foremost rank among the worthies, who have been the ornaments of our race, and the blessings of mankind. With such examples before him, the youth, in the days of his manhood, will be led to shield our land, so far as his influence is concerned, from national and individual wickedness, by following after those who have cultivated national and personal virtue. By this means, in connexion with others, we may ever hope to have a generation on the stage, who will watch with ceaseless vigilance the ark of our political liberties, and contribute, by the uprightness and integrity of their lives, as well to the permanency of our institutions, as to the happiness of our country.

GENERAL DIVISION.

THE History of the United States of America may be divided into Twelve 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 of 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

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A History of the United States of America: From the Discovery of the ...