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In 1765 a convention consisting of delegates from nine colonies was held at New York. This convention took into consideration the relation of the colonies to Great Britain, and made a declaration in form of what they considered to be the rights of the colonies.

In 1774, the twelve colonies which were spread over the country from Nova Scotia to Georgia, sent delegates to Philadelphia, "with authority and direction to meet and consult together for the common welfare." This assembly, representing as it did, all the English colonies on this Continent, with the exception of Georgia, has been denominated the first Continental Congress. Its great object was to concert measures for resisting the claims and the oppressions of the British government.

In 1775, a congress again assembled at Philadelphia, for the same general-purpose. Georgia soon after this meeting acceded to the confederacy by which the union of the thirteen colonies was completed.

The Union thus formed assumed the tone

and character of a regular sovereignty, and on the 4th of July, 1776, about fifty-nine years ago, Congress, in session at Philadelphia, solemnly declared in that memorable instrument, the "Declaration of Independence," that the colonies were and of right ought to be free and independent states. Then our national existence, though it had in fact commenced before, was first formally declared. Our claims to be regarded as an independent sovereignty were then first set forth to the nations of the earth. The Declaration of Independence was drawn up by Thomas Jefferson, one of its signers, then a representative in Congress from Virginia, and afterwards President of the United States.

This instrument contains certain simple, elementary truths or maxims on which the whole fabric of our free governments rests. It also comprises a complete enumeration of the causes which led to our separation from Great Britain. It expresses the reasons of what is, perhaps, the most important transaction in the whole history of our country. For these considerations it is

inserted in this book.

Let no one, howev

er, while he reads the enumeration of the injuries which this country once received from the British crown, be incited to any feelings of anger or resentment towards the present government or inhabitants of that country. They are in no wise concerned in these injuries. There now exists a harmony between Great Britain and the United States, such as should exist between brethren of the same family. The wound once made is healed. Let nothing serve to open it afresh. The two countries are now united in the bonds of peace. Let those bonds be forever sacred. Never, never come the day when any hand shall sunder them. Peace between nations, especially between those of the same blood and language, is no less beautiful than peace between individuals of the same family. "How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. It is like precious ointment, like the dew upon the mountains of Zion, where the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forevermore."

May every youth, while he learns to love his country learn to abominate war as one of the direst evils which can befal her, and study to cherish the spirit of peace within his own bosom, for it is from the bosom of man that peace and war equally flow.

Questions on Chapter I. with Explanations.

By whom were the United States chiefly settled? To what crown were these colonies subject? On what did the precise character of their local governments depend? . What relation between them and the present constitutions of the different States? Whence did our forefathers bring the seeds of liberty? In what respect has this country been more favorable to their growth than England? Ans. In England there were numerous obstructions to their growth which did not exist here. How many state governments are there? Is there any dependence of the state governments and the government of the United States on each other? Ans. No, they are entirely independent; they have each their proper objects, and so far as these objects are concerned, they are all sovereign and independent. Has the

growth of our free governments been sudden or gradual? What is the main object of this book? What is the Constitution of the United States? How long a time intervened be tween the settlement of the first English colony on this continent, and the formation of the United States government? What are the dates of these two events? Was there any union between the different local governments of the country before the formation of the United States government? What was the

first instance of such union?

What is the

date of this league? What colonies were embraced in it? For what purposes was it formed? What was the immediate occasion of forming it? What was it styled? Give some account of the Congress holden under this league. How long did this Union last? When and on what occasion was it destroyed? Mention some instances of Congresses holden after this time. Were these Congresses holden at stated times? At whose instance and for what purpose was the Congress convened at Albany in 1754 ? Describe the Union which was unanimously proposed by this Congress. How was this proposition received? Why was it rejected? What had impressed upon the minds of our colonial ancestors the

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