This volume contains the condensed substance of more expensive works that have been published relative to the men and times of the American Revolution. The character and acts of the most prominent Sages and Heroes of that eventful era are delineated. A sufficient amount of documentary matter is inserted to enable the reader to fully understand the causes, progress and triumphant termination of that sanguinary struggle that resulted in FREEDOM to the new world and prepared an asylum for the oppressed. The French and Indian wars are prominently noticed. More Revolutionary names are rescued from oblivion in this book than in any other extant. I have introduced many practical remarks intended to rouse the reflective powers of the immortal mind and increase a patriotic love for our expanding Republic and glorious institutions. These remarks are designed to be living epistles animated with "thoughts that breathe and words that burn." There are many festering wounds on our body politic that need probing to the bottom--cancers that require the best treatment of the boldest operators in moral, religious and political surgery. The text is concise and not dressed in the dogmatical garb of _arbitrary_ punctuation. In preparing the historical part I have consulted numerous documents and the most approved works in our libraries. Once for all I award a general credit. The relation of events is usually in my own plain laconic language. I believe this volume as free from errors as any of its illustrious predecessors. It has long been a cherished _desideratum_ in my mind to place this _multum in parvo_ within the reach of every working man in our land. I have exerted my best efforts to make it interesting and instructive by blending a perspective chart of human nature with the thrilling history of the times that tried the souls of the patriots of '76. It is my ardent desire that it may prove beneficial to readers and publisher. L. CARROLL JUDSON, _of the Philadelphia Bar_. PHILADELPHIA, MARCH 4, 1851. CONTENTS. PART I.