"Tradition says it was the foot of Mary Chilton, a young maiden of the band, that first pressed "Forefather's Rock," as it is still named and honored by their descendants."- (Page 13.) OF THE UNITED STATES. BY A. B. BERARD "WESTWARD THE COURSE OF EMPIRE TAKES ITS WAY." PHILADELPHIA: H COWPERTHWAIT & CO. HARVARD Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1855, by in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. STEREOTYPED BY J. FAGAN. PREFACE. THE writer of this little volume has endeavored to select the leading facts of our nation's history, and present them in a manner suited to the youthful mind. There is nothing of fiction or fable, and great care has been taken to throw around actual events no other interest than such as springs from well-authenticated narrative. On the other hand, she has omitted many minor details, and aimed at lasting impressions without overtaxing the memory. If she has succeeded in tracing a distinct outline and promoting a love for the study, the filling up of that outline will readily follow, as the pupil advances to graver histories. An experience of six years as an instructress in the department of history, has growingly confirmed the writer in this method of pursuing such studies with the young. The Colonial History is given in three divisions - the New England, the Middle, and the Southern States. The War of Independence is then briefly traced the several Administrations noticed, and a cursory view of the entire history of the Western States added. A chapter on |