PREFACE. AUTHENTIC accounts of important events which have taken pace in past ages, are of much utility; especially to the countries and people whose affairs are related. in a country like ours, it seems necessary to the existence of true and enlightned patriotism, that every person should possess some know. edge of the history of his own country. By the aid of history we can call up past scenes and events in review-we can see the effects they have had upon the nations before us, and from thence we can learn wisdom for the future. It is, in reality, interesting and instructive to every intelligent mind, to be transported back to the time of the first settlement of our country, to observe the courage, fortitude, and self-denial of our forefathers, amidst many surrounding dangers, difficulties, and privations, their unconquerable love of freedom,-the resistance they manifested to tyranny in all its shapes,—and the final success of their efforts to preserve the freedom and independence of their country entire. This work is not designed for the information of those who are conversant with the history of our country in all its parts; (this class of community is comparatively small;) but for those who cannot spare the time or expense of reading or procuring a full and complete history. The object of the work is to give an account, in a short but comprehensive manner, of the most important and interesting events which have taken place in our country, nearly all of which are arranged in chronological order. Those events which are deemed of minor importance, are inserted in the Chronological Tables, at the end of the book, as every event which is mentioned could not be detailed, without swelling the book to an expensive size. It is believed that this work will be found useful as a reference book, for events recorded in American history; there be ing, it is presumed, no event of any very considerable importance, which is not noticed in its pages. In making the selection of events, care has been taken to consult the most approved authorities; and the compiler would here state, that he feels himself under particular obligations to HOLMES' AMERICAN ANNALS, the most valuable work of the kind which has ever appeared in this country,-a work from which a great proportion of the late Histories of the United States have been benefited, either directly or indirectly. Other authors have also been consulted, and extracts made from them in many instances, as will be perceived on examination of the work. A short outline sketch of the History of the United States is prefixed; the Constitution of the United States, and the Farewell Address of Washington, are added; and other interesting additions have been made. The engravings interspersed throughout the book will, it is thought, be of utility in fixing more firmly in the mind many important facts, and in rendering the work interesting. J. W. B. |