PRIMARY AMERICAN HISTORY. FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS. BY MARCIUS WILLSON, AUTHOR OF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, AMERICAN HISTORY, COMPREHENSIVE KC10342 HARVARD 047*174 ENTERED, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1847, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the STEREOTYPED BY THOMAS B. SMITH, 216 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. INTRODUCTION. THE following little work is the first of a series of three books on the subject of American History, by the same author, all of which are now completed. The "Juvenile American History," containing a large number of illustrative maps, together with questions on the same, is designed for those younger pupils in our schools who are sufficiently advanced to commence the study of Geography; and although it is not designed to supersede the separate study of this last mentioned branch of knowledge, yet it is believed that so much of the geography of our country as can be incidentally taught in connection with historical incidents, will be more permanently retained than when learned in the usual manner, from geographical details alone. Still the maps are designed, primarily, as aids to the understanding of the history, and as such, their utility is, indeed, invaluable. The engravings of the Seals of the several States are introduced in this work, not only as appropriate embellishments which may arrest the attention of the pupil, and thereby give additional interest to the book which he is reading, but for the farther purpose of rendering more distinctive the histories of the several colonies, states, and territories. Whatever gives individuality to the history of a state, will tend to prevent the pupil from confounding the history of one state with that of another. Several important incidents in the history have also been illustrated by engravings; but representations of scenes of blood and carnage have been avoided, from the belief that they generally exert a baneful influence upon the youthful mind. Perhaps the engravings of the " Death of Wolfe" and the "Battle of Bunker's Hill" may be deemed exceptions to our rule; but it will be * Descriptions of the seals, with explanations of their devices, mottoes, &c., may be found in the third book of the series, called " American History." observed that, in these instances, the killing is kept out of view, and that the designs are useful, as they give a fair representation of the localities of the events described. While the leading outlines of the following work, after Part First, are essentially the same as in the Second Book, or "History of the United States," yet the filling up is materially different-consisting mostly of those illustrative and morally instructive incidents which give to history the charm of romance, without its falsity. The wor is designed, especially, to interest the young in the subject of which it treats, and thereby to prepare the way for farther and more important acquisitions in the general details and philosophy of our history. As to the style in which the work is written, the author will simply remark, that, for reasons which he believes will readily suggest themselves to every judicious instructor, he has aimed to avoid the often faulty, although familiar expressions of the nursery, and to clothe his narrative in correct but simple language. He believes it a serious error to cultivate, in the young, objectionable language, under the pretence that they have been accustomed to it, and cannot so well understand any other. TO THE TEACHER. Among the questions, those in Italics are Geographical, and refer to the maps. For the Boundaries of the States, their Capitals, &c., pupils are referred to the maps on the last four pages of the work; but if they can have larger and better maps, they are recommended to use them. The Teacher might then, profitably, exercise his pupils farther in the Geography of our country, than is here pointed out. CONTENTS AND PLAN OF THE WORK.* DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. State of the World four hundred years ago.-Map of the World at this period.-Notions respecting the form of the Earth.-Columbus.- He plans a Voyage across the Western Ocean.-His visit to Portugal.-To Spain.- Columbus at the Convent.-At Cordova.-Before the Council of Salamanca.--He finally secures the patronage of Ferdinand and Isabella.-Sails from Palos.-The Voyage. Discovery of the Western World.-The Island and its Inhabitants.-Land- ing of Columbus.-Discovery of other Islands.-Map of the West Indies and adjacent Countries.-The return Voyage to Spain.-The Reception of Columbus.-Anecdote of the Egg.-Other Voyages made by Columbus.-Cruel Treatment of him.-His Death.- ITHER VOYAGES, DISCOVERIES, AND CONQUESTS IN AMERICA, AND COM- MENCEMENT OF EUROPEAN SETTLEMENTS. John and Sebastian Cabot.- They discover North America.-Other Voyages of Sebastian.-Account of Ponce de Leon.-Story about the Fountain of Life.-Discovery of Florida.-Account of Balboa, who discovers the Pacific Ocean.-Ferdinand Magellan, and first Voyage around the World.-Fernando Cortez.-His Invasion and Conquest of Mexico.-Map of the Valley of Mexico.-Present situation of Mexico.-Account of the Conquest of Peru by Pizarro- The Capture and Cruel Treatment of the Inca.-Account of De Soto's Expedition into Florida. First Settlement in Florida, at St. Augustine.-Map of St. Augustine.-Voy- ages made by the French.-Cartier's Voyages and Discoveries.-Vicinity of Mon- treal.--French Settlements at the North. -Map of the same.-Sir Walter Raleigh's Colonies at Roanoke.-Roanoke and Vicinity.-Attempted Settlement in Maine.- Map.-Settlement of Jamestown.-Vicinity of Jamestown.-Map of the Indian Tribes. 20--36 I VIRGINIA. Seal of Virginia.-The Colony at Jamestown.-Account of Captain *The items in Italics refer to the maps and embellishments. |