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LESSON XVIII.

UNITED STATES.

Q. WHAT do you know of the history of

that part of America now called the United States?

A. That it was originally an extensive wilderness, inhabited by numerous tribes of warlike Indians and though it was known to the En-glish as early as 1498, they were able to effect no permanent settlement in any part of it till a bout the year 1607, when they succeeded in establishing a colony at James-town, in Virginia. Other settlements were afterwards made, by emigrants from Europe, in different parts of this. territory.

Q. Did not these infant colonies suffer considerably from the power and cruelty of the Indians ?

A. Yes; many of the first settlers were entirely cut off by the Indians, or perished by hunger, while the sufferings and hardships of others were incredibly great; but the God in whom, they trusted (for be it remembered, the first settlers of this country were a pious people) protected, supported, and finally prospered them.

Q Can you proceed with this narrative?

A. Yes; and I observe, that in process of time, Great Britain, either by treaty or conquest, became mistress of the whole continent, from the frozen regions of the north, to the Gulph of Mexico south, and the colonies, chiefly: composed of emigrants from her grew in strength, wealth, and resources under her fos tering care, with amazing rapidity.

Q. Did these colonies, thus prosperous under the protection of Britain, appear to feel any ineasure of gratitude and attachment to her?

A. Yes, very great: they cheerfully fought her battles, submitted to her government, and received her laws, which, for a long time were wise and equitable.

Q. Did any thing occur to interrupt this harmony and good understanding?

A. Yes: In the year 1765, the British Parliament changed their measures towards the American colonies; and in attempting to raise a rev enue from them by oppressive taxes, and spurning their remonstrances and petitions for redress, lost their affections and their confidence, and roused them to resistance and opposition.

Q: What measures were afterwards adopted by the Americans ?

A. They united for their mutual defence, and chose deputies to represent them in congress and to conduct their public affairs. These deputies: first met at Philadelphia in September 1774 The breach continued to widen, a war ensued, and on the 19th of April 1775, the first battle between the American and British armies was fought at Lexington near Boston; and on the 4th of July following, the congress, then sitting at Philadelphia, declared the thirteen United colonies to be free and independent states.

Q. Who was commander in chief of the American armies during this war ?

A. George Washington, Esq a native of Virginia

Q. How long did the war last?

A. About eight years, during which time great

valour

LESSON XVIII.

UNITED STATES.

Q.

WHAT do you know of the history of

that part of America now called the United States?

A. That it was originally an extensive wilderness, inhabited by numerous tribes of warlike Indians and though it was known to the En-glish as early as 1498, they were able to effect no permanent settlement in any part of it till a bout the year 1607, when they succeeded in establishing a colony at James-town, in Virginia. Other settlements were afterwards made, by emigrants from Europe, in different parts of this. territory.

Q. Did not these infant colonies suffer considerably from the power and cruelty of the Indians?

A. Yes; many of the first settlers were entirely cut off by the Indians, or perished by hunger, while the sufferings and hardships of others were incredibly great; but the God in whom, they trusted (for be it remembered, the first settlers of this country were a pious people) protected, supported, and finally prospered them.

Q Can you proceed with this narrative?

A. Yes; and I observe, that in process of time, Great Britain, either by treaty or conquest, became mistress of the whole continent, from the frozen regions of the north, to the Gulph of Mexico south, and the colonies, chiefly composed of emigrants from her grew in strength, wealth, and resources under her fos tering care, with amazing rapidity.

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Q. Did these colonies, thus prosperous under the protection of Britain, appear to feel any ineasure of gratitude and attachment to her?

A. Yes, very great: they cheerfully fought her battles, submitted to her government, and received her laws, which, for a long time were wise and equitable.

Q. Did any thing occur to interrupt this harmony and good understanding?

A. Yes: In the year 1765, the British Parliament changed their measures towards the American colonies; and in attempting to raise a rev. enue from them by oppressive taxes, and spurning their remonstrances and petitions for redress, lost their affections and their confidence, and roused them to resistance and opposition.

Q. What measures were afterwards adopted by the Americans?

A. They united for their mutual defence, and chose deputies to represent them in congress and to conduct their public affairs. These deputies: first met at Philadelphia in September 1774 The breach continued to widen, a war ensued, and on the 19th of April 1775, the first battle between the American and British armies was fought at Lexington near Boston; and on the 4th of July following, the congress, then sitting at Philadelphia, declared the thirteen United col onies to be free and independent states.

Q. Who was commander in chief of the American armies during this war?

A. George Washington, Esq. a native of Virginia

Q. How long did the war last?

A. About eight years, during which time great

valour and magnanimity were displayed and incredible sufferings endured by the Americans. Q. Who ultimately triumphed, and when was peace established?

A. The Americans at length gained their point, and peace was concluded in 1783, when Great Britain, after expending nearly 100 millions of money, and losing 100 thousand men, relinquished all claim to the dominion of these states, and yielded to their arms what she had long haughtily refused to their prayers.

Q. Did America receive any foreign aid in this her struggle for liberty?

A. Yes Early in the contest France acknowledged her independence, and lent her aid both in money and men, which, no doubt, tended considerably to shorten the continuance of this unnatural war.

Q. Does the confederation, into which the states entered at the commencement of the war, still continue. ?

A. No. It was soon found to be inadequate to the purposes for which it was framed del egates were appointed from the several states to form a new constitution, which was done at Philadelphia in 1787, and in 1789 it was organized, and still continues the supreme law of the land..

Q. What form of Government was adopted in the United States?

A. Republican: It is vested in a President, and two legislative branches, viz. a Senate, and House of Representatives. The individual state governments are also republican.

Q. How is the President appointed?

A. The

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