In these respects, our ancestors did, indeed, only their duty; but, it may well be urged upon the rising generation, which will soon take the management of the affairs of this already-mighty nation--and which is growing in population, wealth, and importance, every year--to imitate an example so just! so beautiful! so impressive! The author has briefly to add, that the work was begun some years since; but, until now, he has found no opportunity to complete it; nor should he, even at this date, have had that pleasure, but for the important aid of a highly valued literary friend, long favorably known to the public, Rev. ROYAL ROBBINS, of Berlin, Ct., to whom, in this place, he is happy to make his acknowledgments for valuable portions of the volume. [Illustration] CONTENTS. NORTH AMERICA.--UNITED STATES. PAGE. INTRODUCTION, 13 I.--EARLY DISCOVERIES. I. _Northmen._--Claims for the Northmen; Voyages of Biarne, Leif, Thorwald, Thorfinn, Helge, and Finnboge, 19 II. _Columbus._--Birth and Education of Columbus; Unsuccessful application to several European Courts; Patronized by Isabella; Sails from Palos; Early Discontent of his Crew; Expedients by which they are quieted; Discovery of Land; First appearance of the Natives; Cuba and Hispaniola discovered; Columbus sets sail on his Return; Incidents of the Voyage; Marks of consideration bestowed upon him; Second Voyage; Further Discoveries; Complaints against him; Third Voyage; Discovery of the Continent; Persecuted by Enemies; Sent home in Chains; Kindness of Isabella; Fourth Voyage; Return and Death, 26 III. _Sebastian Cabot._--Discovery of the North American Continent by Sebastian Cabot, 45 II.--EARLY SETTLEMENTS. I. VIRGINIA, OR SOUTHERN COLONY. Unsuccessful Attempts to settle America; Expeditions of Sir Humphrey Gilbert; Sir Walter Raleigh; Sir Richard Grenville; Sir John White; First Permanent Settlement at Jamestown; Colonists early in Want; Dissensions in their Councils; Hostility of the Indians; Capture of Captain Smith; Generous Conduct of Pocahontas; Gloomy Condition of the Colony; Timely arrival of Assistance; Returning Prosperity; Establishment of a Provisional Government; Introduction of Negro Slavery; Cruel Massacre of the Colonists, 48 II. NEW ENGLAND, OR NORTHERN SETTLEMENTS.