For the rest the author has followed the usual channel of narration from the aboriginal times to the colonization of our Atlantic coast by the peoples of Western Europe; from that event by way of the Old Thirteen Colonies to Independence; from Independence to regeneration by war; and from our second birth to the present epoch of greatness and promise. He cherishes the hope that his work in the hands of the boys and girls of our public schools may pass into their memories and hearts; that its lessons may enter into union with their lives, and conduce in some measure to their development into men and women worthy of their age and country. CONTENTS. PAGE PREFACE 3 CONTENTS 5 INTRODUCTION 8 PART I. PRIMITIVE AMERICA. CHAPTER I.--The Aborigines 11 PART II. VOYAGE AND DISCOVERY. II.--The Norsemen in America 21 III.--Spanish Discoveries in America 24 IV.--Spanish Discoveries in America.--Continued 28 V.--The French in America 35 VI.--English Discoveries and Settlements 41 VII.--English Discoveries and Settlements.--Continued 47 VIII.--Voyages and Settlements of the Dutch 53 PART III. COLONIAL HISTORY. IX.--Virginia.--The First Charter 57 X.--Charter Government.--Continued 65 XI.--Virginia.--The Royal Government 70 XII.--Massachusetts.--Settlement and Union 76 XIII.--Massachusetts.--War and Witchcraft 84 XIV.--New York.--Settlement and Administration of Stuyvesant 94 XV.--New York under the English 100 XVI.--Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire 106 XVII.--New Jersey and Pennsylvania 115 XVIII.--Maryland and North Carolina 122 XIX.--South Carolina and Georgia 128 XX.--French and Indian War 135 PART IV. REVOLUTION AND CONFEDERATION. XXI.--Causes of the Revolution 149 XXII.--The Beginning of the Revolution.--Events of 1775 157 XXIII.--The Events of 1776 163 XXIV.--Operations of 1777 171