[1] In citing the "Madison Papers," I have constantly referred to the edition contained in the fifth (supplementary) volume of Mr. Jonathan Elliot's "Debates," &c., because it is more accessible to general readers. The accuracy of that publication, and its full and admirable Index, make it a very important volume to be consulted in connection with the subject of this work. In this relation, I may suggest the desirableness of a new and carefully revised edition of the Journals of the old Congress;--an enterprise that should be the care of the national government. A great magazine of materials for our national history, from the first Continental Congress to the adoption of the Constitution, exists in those Journals. CONTENTS OF VOLUME FIRST. BOOK I. THE CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE REVOLUTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION. CHAPTER I. 1774-1775. ORGANIZATION OF THE FIRST CONTINENTAL CONGRESS.--ORIGIN OF THE UNION.--SITUATION OF THE COLONIES BEFORE THE REVOLUTION. Page Political Organizations of the Colonies 3 Provincial Governments 4 Proprietary Governments 5 Charter Governments 5 Causes of the Revolution 6 Local Legislatures 7 Power of the Colonies to unite, asserted by the Revolution 8 Reasons why they were enabled to effect the Union 8 A General Congress 10 First Step towards it 11 Assembling of the Congress 13 Delegates 14 Method of Voting 15 Rights of the Colonies 16 Separation from Great Britain not contemplated 18 Relations of the Congress to the Country 19 Authority of Parliament 20 Declaration of Rights 22 Cessation of Exports and Imports 23 Another Congress proposed 25 Royal Government terminated in Massachusetts 25 Provincial Congress of Massachusetts 26 Battle of Lexington 27 CHAPTER II. 1775-1776.