thorne, Irving, Bryant, Hildreth, Sparks, Everett, Parkman, and other distinguished American writers, and to have some knowledge of what and how they wrote, is not only to make a good beginning in an acquaintance with our leading authors and with the best American literature, but it is to create a taste for such literature and a desire for further acquaintance with these authors. In presenting another history of our country as a text-book for schools, it has been the aim of the writer to give only those events that were important in themselves, or that had an important bearing upon or relation to important results. It will be seen, then, that very much of that which finds a place in the ordinary school history, is not found here. Details, except as far as they are necessary to the proper understanding of what should be known, are entirely omitted. Generally, they are not worth knowing, and, consequently, no time should be spent in lumbering the mind with them. For the same reason, dates have been given sparingly. The most prominent, those that mark the great events, are clearly given, while other events are regarded as contributing to, or resulting from these. More prominence has been given to the facts that have to do with the nation's progress in civil matters than to those of a military character. Therefore, the invention of the cotton gin and the magnetic telegraph and the construction of railroads and steamboats, with the changes resulting therefrom, have been regarded and treated as of more value than the numerous small battles that in no wise modified the tendency of great events. Too much importance cannot be given to geography in its connection with history. It is certain that an accurate knowl edge of history cannot be acquired and retained without a full and clear knowledge of its accompanying geography. Events, to be remembered, must be associated with place. To study history in any other way is to waste time, as every successful student and teacher must be able to testify. The numerous maps in this work cover all the geography belong. Preface. ng to the events narrated that have occurred within the imits of the United States and Mexico. Whenever any place is mentioned, its exact location should at once be ascertained. This, like all the other books published by the writer, is a teaching manual. If history is to be taught in our schools, merely reading the story will not answer. It must be taught again and again just as other subjects are taught. If this course is not pursued and we look for satisfactory results, then are we unreasonable in our expectations. The Summaries in this book, placed at the close of the periods, are recommended to such teachers as are preparing classes for examination. These will be found, in most cases, all-sufficient. Afterward it will be a labor of love to put flesh upon the skeleton and inspire it with life. Hints for Teaching the History. 1. "Give out" a short lesson, at the same time designating a map to be drawn by the pupils, on paper or slate, the map to show, among other things, the location of the important places mentioned in the lesson. Let it be understood that no lesson is thoroughly acquired by a pupil until he has learned how every place mentioned in it is located. 2. Let the lesson be read by the class, care being taken to have all the proper names correctly pronounced. Endeavor, also, to give interest to the lesson by enlarging upon the facts, throwing in historical incidents, and referring to authors. RECITATION. 3. Let the maps be examined and criticised. In this duty the teacher may be aided by a system of examinations carried out by the pupils themselves, who will derive benefit in many respects by the exercise. 4. Bring out the facts of the lesson with clearness, particularly the relation of causes to results. Use outline wall-maps, and question freely on the geography. Occasionally have the maps drawn on the black board. Permit no answer to pass if it is not clear that the pupil is ac quainted with the location of the places referred to in it. REVIEWS. 5. Review by topics. Besides the oral method, the composition plan (see. p. 49) should occasionally be used. 6. Dates. Do not require dates too freely,-the month and the day of the month in no case, unless there is a special reason for it. Take the date of an important event as a turning-point; and when it is well fixed in the mind, arrange on the one side the train of events as causes, and on the other the train of results. (See model, p. 180.) SELECTIONS AND AUTHORS. The Northmen's Discoveries. From "History of the Northmen,” etc. Wheaton..... 15 Henry Wheaton.-This eminent scholar and statesman was born in Rhode Island in 1785. He held several important diplomatic positions in Europe, and while residing in Denmark published his "History of the Northmen." His contributions to American periodicals were numerous and marked by great ability; but his fame rests mainly upon his Elements of International Law" and his "History of the Laws of Nations." The latter appeared originally in French at Leipsic. "No one, save Washington," says Allibone, "has done more to make the name of America respected by scholars and honored by statesmen." His death occurred in 1848. Landing of Columbus. From "The Life and Voyages of Columbus." Irving.... ....... 21 Washington Irving, one of the most distinguished of modern authors, was born in New York City in 1783. The production which first gave him a decided reputation was the famous "History of New York, by Diedrich Knickerbocker," published in 1809. This is a work of inimitable humor, and was read with the greatest delight on both sides of the Atlantic. Sir Walter Scott enthusiastically admired it. The "Sketch Book" was published in London, and greatly enhanced the author's reputation. He also published "Life and Voyages of Columbus," "The Alhambra," "Bracebridge Hall," "Life of Washington," and many other popular works. Irving's style is remarkable for its elegance and copiousness; while the purity of his sentiments, his sympathy with mankind, his geniality and kindliness, his innocent and playful satire, mixed with the pathetic, make his writings an inexhaustible fountain of intellectual enjoyment. He died at his residence, Sunnyside, a charming spot on the banks of the Hudson, November 28, 1859, universally loved and esteemed for his artlessness and benevolence of character, and honored not only for his genius, but for the virtues by which it was adorned. Return of Columbus to Spain. From "The History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella." Frescott... 23 William H. Prescott. This eminent historian was born in Salem, Mass., in 1796, and was the grandson of Colonel Prescott, of Revolutionary fame. His principal works are the "History of Ferdinand and Isabella," "The Conquest of Mexico," "The Conquest of Peru," and the "History of the Reign of Philip II." The last-mentioned work he did not live to finish, dying in 1859. These various productions constitute a splendid contribution to English literature. The materials for their composition were collected with the most laborious research, and have been arranged with very great judgment and skill, while their style is a model for elegance and correctness. Though in affluent circumstances, and affected from early manhood with blindness, Mr. Prescott labored in his literary undertakings with indefatigable industry, and accomplished a task beyond the powers of most men in the enjoyment of every faculty. His high moral worth, amiable disposition, and geniality of manners won for him the esteem of a very large circle of friends. In The Indians. From "The History of the United States." Ramsay.. 25 David Ramsay, M.D., was born in Pennsylvania in 1749. After graduating at the College of New Jersey, he studied medicine, and commenced practice in Charleston, South Carolina, where he resided during the remainder of his life. He was for several years (1782-5) a member of Congress, and during one year its president. His death was caused by a pistol-shot wound, received in the streets of Charleston, in 1815. 1785 he published his "History of the Revolution in South Carolina ;" and five years afterward the "History of the American Revolution," which was received with universal commendation. His "Life of Washington" appeared in 1807, and the "History of South Carolina" in 1809. He was also the author of several other works. As a historian he was diligent in research, and his narrative is characterized by accuracy and impartiality, and is expressed in a simple and elegant style. The Mound Builders. From "The Popular History of the United States." Bryant and Gay.......... 27 William C. Bryant, though pronounced "the foremost of American poets," was also distinguished as a prose writer. He was many years the editor of the New York Evening Post. He was born in Massachusetts in 1794. His death occurred in New York City in 1878. He was universally esteemed for his active beneficence, unbending integrity, and kindness of disposition. (The extract is probably from Gay's pen.) From "The Pre-Historic .... 29 Were the Indians the Mound Builders? |