detachment of American troops was attacked by a party of the enemy, mostly Indians. Owing to the cowardice or bad management of Colonel Bedell, and Major Butterfield, about 500 of the troops were lost. By the 18th of June, 1766, Canada was entirely deserted by the Americans.

24. General Washington, soon after his appointment to the command of the army, repaired to Boston. He found the troops almost destitute of means necessary for a vigorous siege, and very poorly supplied with clothing and provisions. His first object was to render the army comfortable, and furnish a good supply of arms and ammunition. But notwithstanding his constant exertions, night and day for several months, he was not able to procure the necessary supplies.

25. Another more serious difficulty he had to contend with. Many of the American soldiers had enlisted only for a short time, and when their time expired, left the service. A new army was formed. Against these and many other discouragements, he contended till spring, without an attack upon the city. His regu lar force now amounted to 14,000 men, besides 6,000 militia of Massachusetts. Washington had several times proposed to a council of war, an assault upon the enemy. But his plans were rejected.

26. About the first of March, he commenced a severe cannonade upon the city. On the night of the 4th a detachment took possession of Dorchester Heights, and before morning threw up a line of fortifications which threatened both the town and the enemy's ships in the harbor. The British beheld with amazement these extensive works, which had sprung up in a single night. Three thousand troops were immediately or

24. What is said of General Washington? In what condition did he find the army? What was his first object? What difficulties had he to contend with?

25. What was his regular force?

26. What were his first attempts to drive the enemy out of the city? What was done on the 4th of March? How did this effect the British? What was the result?

dered to embark against them. But a violent storm prevented the boats from proceeding. Howe, the British general, now found it necessary to leave the city without delay.

27. On the 17th of March the whole British army set sail for Halifax, and Washington with his army entered Boston in triumph. This event produced a thrill of joy throughout the country. Congress passed a vote of thanks to Washington and his troops. Suspecting that the enemy had repaired to New-York, the army left Boston for that city.

28. The next important event was an attack upon Charleston, South Carolina, June 28th, by a British fleet, under Sir Peter Parker. As the fleet was attempting to pass the fort on Sullivan's island, the garrison under the command of Colonel Moultrie opened a terrible fire upon it. After a hot engagement of ten hours, in which the ships were severely shattered, the British left the harbor. They lost more than 200 men, while the loss of the Americans was only thirty-two. In honor of the commander of the fort, it was afterwards called fort Moultrie.

29. The thirteen colonies* were now all in arms against the mother country. Hitherto they had contended only for their just rights, as loyal subjects of Great Britain. But now they were forced to contend, as independent states, against a foreign foe.

A motion

27. When did Washington enter the city? Where did the army soon repair?

29. What was the next important event? What happened when the fleet were attempting to pass the fort on Sullivan's Island? What was the result? What was this fort afterwards called? Why?

29. How many of the colonies had taken up arms? Who proposed in congress a declaration of independence? When was the Declaration of Independence adopted? Why do we celebrate the 4th of July? How many years since OUR INDEPENDENCE was declared? Did you ever read the Declaration of Independence?

The thirteen colonies that united in declaring their independence, were, New-Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

for declaring their independence was therefore made in congress, by Richard Henry Lee* of Virginia, June 7, 1776. After a full discussion, and some warm opposition, it was carried by a unanimous vote. A DECLARA

TION OF INDEPENDENCE† was drawn up, adopted, signed by all the members of congress, and published to the world on the 4th of July, 1776. It was received in all the colonies with joy and public celebration. The nation now assumed the title of the UNITED STATES of America.

• Richard Henry Lee was born in 1732. From his earliest youth, he devoted his talents to the service of his country. He supported through life the character of a philosopher, a patriot, and sage; and his name will be remem. bered with gratitude, as one of the inost conspicuous actors of the revolu tion, so long as Americans enjoy the blessings resulting from that event. He died at Chantilly in Virginia, 1794.

† On the 11th of June, a committee was appointed to prepare a Declaration of Independence, consisting of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. Mr. Jefferson was re. quested to draw up the paper, which he did, and it was reported to the house after receiving a few alterations from Dr. Franklin, and Mr. Adams.

Comprises the events that occurred from the Declaration of Independence, to the adoption of the Federal Constitution, or present system of government, 1789.

1. Ar the commencement of this period, the condition of the country was in the highest degree interesting. The progress of improvement had changed the forest and the glen into fruitful fields, and flourishing towns had

What events does period third embrace?

1. What was the condition of the country at this time? What was the population? What was the effect of the declaration?

sprung up on every side. The white population had increased to about three millions. The luxury and wealth of the old world were fast becoming the portion of the new. But a spirit of freedom and bold enterprise characterized the whole people. The Declaration of Independence, while it frightened the cautious and timid, nerved all true patriots with an energy of purpose, which alone prepared them for the desperate conflict. The attitude of the nation excited the admiration of all Europe; and every stranger was ready to predict our speedy downfall, before the overwhelming force of our tyrannical oppressors. But the gracious Providence of heaven had ordered otherwise.

2. About the first of July, a large British fleet arrived in the harbor of New-York. An army of 24,000 men, many of whom where Hessians from Germany, were landed, and well equipped for active operations. The American army was in a very bad state to meet such a force. It numbered about 27,000 men, but a large part were sick, and the militia, though full of ardor, were but poorly armed. General Putnam, with 15,000 men, erected fortifications on Brooklyn Heights. Washington, with the remainder of the army, was in, or near, the city of New-York.

3. The English landed their forces on Long-Island, and commenced a march against Putnam. The armies were separated by a range of woody hills, which could be passed without difficulty, only at three places. Putnam had stationed a strong guard at each of these passes. But the British surprised them by night, passed the defiles, and commenced an attack the next morning, Aug. 27th. The American line was broken, and one detachment surrounded. Some escaped to the woods,

2. What took place about the first of July? How many men? State of the American army? Their number? What did General Putnam do? Where is Brooklyn? A. Opposite to New-York city, across the East river, three quarters of a mile distant. Where was Washington at this time?

3. State what the British did. The result? How many were killed in the battle?