22. Instead of protecting the fatherless children entrusted to his care, he only thought how he might take advantage of their youth to obtain the crown himself; so he sent them both to the Tower, but not as prisoners, for it was then used occasionally as a royal residence, especially in times of public disturbances; so Richard told the people the boys would be safe there; but in a little while it was reported that they were dead, and it was thought he had caused them to be murdered, which was most likely the truth, although some people think they were not put to death, but were kept there as prisoners for some years. 23. Richard the Third was not a very bad king, for he made some laws that were very useful to the merchants who traded with foreign countries, and he was the first who thought of having postmen, or couriers, to carry letters, so that, wicked as he was, we cannot say he did no good as a sovereign. 24. The post was, at first, only for government letters, and it was a long time before any arrangements were made for private persons to correspond by the same means; but this was done by degrees, and in the time of Oliver Cromwell, the General Post Office was established, when everybody had the benefit of this excellent institution, which adds so much to people’s happiness; for who could possibly be happy now, if they could not hear from their absent friends? 25. Richard the Third reigned only two years, for he was disliked by the nobility, and a conspiracy was formed against him by the friends of the House of Lancaster, who were desirous of placing on the throne the heir of that family, Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond. 26. This young nobleman was living in exile, at the time, in France. But he was soon informed of what was going on, and told the French king, who lent him forty ships, and about five thousand soldiers, with which he sailed directly for England, where he found friends ready to join him with more troops. 27. The battle of Bosworth was fought on the 22nd of August, 1485, when Richard was killed, and the conqueror proclaimed king on the field; and thus ended the Wars of the Roses. QUESTIONS. 1. What was the duration of the civil wars? 2. Describe the general state of the country. 4. Who conducted the war for the king? 5. How did the Duke of York lose his life? 6. To whom did Edward owe his success? 9. Name the battles that were fought after Edward became king. 11. Why was the contest renewed? 12. Where was the Earl of Warwick killed, and when? 13. What happened after this battle? 14. When were books first printed in England? 16. Where was the art of printing invented? 20. Who founded Eton College? 21. Who obtained the crown on the death of Edward the Fourth? 22. Relate the circumstances. 23. What was the origin and progress of the Post Office? 25. How was the reign of Richard soon terminated? 27. Name the date of the battle of Bosworth. CHAPTER XIII.