KD 45932 HARVARD 48*130 LINES TO EXPLAIN THE TITLE VIGNETTE. In Union's Chain, within its spell, ENTERED according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1843, by A. S. BARNES & Co., in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. STEREOTYPED BY C. W. MURRAY AND CO. C. SHERMAN, printer. PREFACE. THE leading objects of the author of this work, have been to give the events of the history with clearness and accuracy; with such illustrations of time and place addressed to the eye, as shall secure their retention in the memory; and, at the same time, with such an order of arrangement, as will enable the mind to recall, at need, what it thus retains. This we regard as important, not only with respect to this particular study; but as rightly laying out the ground-plan of the intellect, so far as the whole range of history is concerned. We have endeavoured to make the book convenient,-by side notes with dates,-by numbered paragraphs of suitable length for reading classes, and by questions on each paragraph, placed at the bottom of the page. These questions are so put, that youthful teachers may avail themselves of the author's long experience, to acquire a manner of questioning, which, while it is not obscure, will yet oblige the pupil to think, and which will bring into relief prominent points. We have, indeed, been desirous to cultivate the memory, the intellect, and the taste. But much more anxious have we been to sow the seeds of virtue, by showing the good in such amiable lights, that the youthful heart shall kindle into desires of imitation. And we have been careful to give clear conceptions of those deeds, which are proper to imitate; while, with regard to bad actions, we have, as far as possible, given the result, rather than the detail. A 2 (5) There are those, who rashly speak, as if in despair of the fortunes of our republic; because, say they, political virtue has declined. If so, then is there the more need to infuse patriotism into the breasts of the coming generation. And what is so likely to effect this national self-preservation, as to give our children, for their daily reading and study, such a record of the sublime virtues of the worthies of our earliest day,— and of Washington and his compatriots, as shall leave its due impress? And what but the study of their dangers and toils, their devotion of life and fortune, can make our posterity know, what our country, and our liberties have cost? And what but the History of our peculiar, and complicated fabric of government, by which, it may be examined, as piece by piece the structure was built up, can impart such a knowledge of the powers it gives, and the duties it enjoins, as shall enable our future citizens, to become its enlightened and judicious supporters? Hartford, April 1843. 45 II. Progress of the Pilgrims from Holland to America, 7 |