This

2. It was not so, however, with the fire from the fort. did fearful execution on the British ships. At one time, the quarter-deck of the admiral's vessel was cleared of every man except the admiral himself. The troops on board landed, and tried to reach the fort, but were driven back. At last, having kept up the attack for nine hours without any success, the British were obliged to retire. They suffered much in the action; the Americans, but little.

Sergeant Jasper raising the Flag at Fort Moultrie.

3. In the midst of the battle, a British ball struck the flagstaff of the fort. The flag was carried away, and fell in front

British fire on the fort ?-2. What was the effect of the fire from the fort? What attempt was made by the troops? How long did the British keep up the attack? What was the result?-3. What gallant deed was performed by

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of the fort, on the beach. Then a brave heart showed its courage. Sergeant Jasper, amid the balls that rained from the British vessels, leaped over the rampart, ran along the beach, and secured the flag. Then, fastening it to the sponge-staff of a cannon, he again raised it over the fort amid the cheers of his companions. After the battle, Governor Rutledge presented him his own sword for this gallant deed.

4. Jasper was afterwards of great service to the American army. He acted as a scout, and brought them information about the British. He was once scouting with a single companion, when he saw a party of ten British soldiers taking some prisoners to Savannah. It was said that the prisoners were to be hanged, and Jasper determined to save them. For some time the two Americans kept on the track of the party, without seeing any chance of attempting a rescue. At last they drew near Savannah. Two miles from the city was a famous spring, and here the British, with their prisoners, stopped for a drink.

5. Two of the party were left on guard, while the rest laid aside their guns and went down to the spring. This was the moment Jasper and his companion had waited for. Shooting down the soldiers on duty, and knocking over several others with their clubbed muskets, they obtained possession of the loaded guns of the British. The latter had to yield to their two brave enemies. The rescued Americans were then unbound, and armed with the guns of their guard; and Jasper and his men marched off in triumph with their prisoners.

6. The 4th of July is always kept as a great holiday in the United States. Do you know why it is kept? Because on the 4th of July, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted a Declaration of Independence. Up to this time they had hoped that the King and Parliament would give up their unjust claims. In that case, they would have laid down their arms, and remained subjects of Great Britain. But now, following the example set by the brave people of Charlotte, they said the King should rule

Sergeant Jasper in this battle?-4, 5. Tell the story about Jasper's rescuing some American prisoners near Savannah.-6. Why is the 4th of July kept as a holiday? What had Congress hoped? On the 4th of July, 1776, what did Con

over them no more. They boldly declared their independence, and pledged their lives and fortunes for its support. After this, the thirteen colonies were called "the Thirteen United States of America".

7. While Congress was discussing the Declaration, the streets of Philadelphia were filled with crowds, anxious to know what it would do. When the old bell-ringer pealed the bell of the

state-house, as a signal that the bill had passed, their joy knew no bounds. Bonfires were lighted, and houses illuminated. In

gress do? After this, what were the thirteen colonies styled ?-7. What took place in Philadelphia, while Congress was discussing the Declaration? How was the news that the Declaration had passed received in New York? How, in Boston? What is represented in the engraving?

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New York, the people showed their delight by pulling down a great leaden statue of the King, and moulding it into bullets to fire against his soldiers. In Boston, the Declaration was read at a public meeting, amid the cheers of thousands. On the pre

ceding page is a picture of Independence Hall, in Philadelphia, the building in which Congress met and the Declaration of Independence was signed.

LESSON XXXIII.

BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND.

1. In the summer of 1776, New York became the centre of the war. General Howe was now the British commander. Besides the men who had been driven from Boston, he had many fresh troops just from Europe. Among the rest were a large number of Hessians. With these he advanced on New York by way of Long Island. The Americans had thrown up fortifications at the west end of the island, opposite New York, where the city of Brooklyn now stands. Nine thousand men were sent over, to keep the British in check.

2. The British army advanced in three divisions. One of these, making a circuit over the hills, managed to get behind the advanced detachments that had been thrown out by the Americans. While the patriots were busily engaged with the enemy in front, they were dismayed to hear a firing in their rear. They soon saw that they were surrounded. A few fought their way through the British, and reached the American lines. Many fell; a still greater number were made prisoners. Howe advanced to within a short distance of the fortifications, but, in stead of attacking them, waited for his fleet to come up.

1. Where did the war centre in 1776? Who was now the British commander? What troops had Howe? In what direction did he advance on New York? What preparations had the Americans made on Long Island ?-2. Give an account of the battle of Long Island. After the battle, why did not Howe attack the

3. During the battle, Washington crossed from New York. He saw his best troops falling, without the power to help them. He could only hope to save those who remained by a timely retreat. On the third night after the battle, while Howe was still waiting for his fleet, the whole American army embarked in boats, and, with their baggage and stores, were conveyed to New York. A thick fog concealed their movements; the boats were rowed with muffled oars; and the British had no idea of what was going on till the Americans were beyond their reach.

4. A woman living near the river saw the Americans embarking, and sent a negro to inform the British. Fortunately, he fell into the hands of the Hessians, who could not understand what he said. Had it not been for this, the whole army might have been captured. The battle of Long Island was most disastrous to the American cause. Numbers deserted from the army; and many who were before in doubt which side to join, now decided in favor of the King.

5. On first approaching the city, Howe had sent a letter to Washington, for the purpose of conciliating the Americans. Washington refused to receive it, because Howe would not acknowledge him as commander of the American army. After the battle of Long Island, Howe made a second attempt. A committee of Congress met him. They found he had no authority to recognize their independence, but could only grant them pardon, and receive them back as subjects of Great Britain. They wanted no pardon, and were determined never to be subjects of Great Britain. So nothing was effected.

6. Some of the people of New York were opposed to the Revolution. They were called Tories, while those who favored it were known as Whigs. While Washington was in New York, about this time, several tories formed a plot to poison him. They bribed one of his guard to put some arsenic in a dish of American fortifications?-3. Who crossed to Long Island during the battle? Tell how Washington saved the army.-4. How did the British come near learning that the Americans were embarking? What was the effect of the battle of Long Island?-5. What had Howe done on first approaching New York? How were his advances met? What passed between Howe and a committee of Congress, after the battle?-6. Who were called Tories, and who Whigs? What