PREFACE:

HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY and GEOGRAPHY, are subjects to which every intelligent being is attracted, and the more so when they relate to one's own country. These branches of knowledge enter into the rudiments of our education, and continue to interest us, to a greater or less extent, throughout the whole period of subsequent life. Books upon them, to meet the wants of all classes, should be plain, concise, and yet sufficiently full to present the material points.

The plan of this work is original with us, and was first adopted, some twenty-five years since, while preparing a publication giving the history, antiquities, etc., of Connecticut. In that volume, after the outline history of the State was given, each Township was particularly described by itself, including everything of importance in its history, antiquities, and present condition. In like manner, in this work is an outline history of the United States; then each State and Territory is particularly described by itself, embracing everything of general interest respecting its history, geography, etc., including an account of the principal places, their first settlement, with biographical sketches, and facts of a local and general interest.

Since the Historical Collections of Connecticut was published, several state works have been issued upon that plan. These are the Historical Collections of Massachusetts, of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky, and Ohio. The success and very general commendation of these by the most intelligent minds in their respective states, has led to the belief that a similar work on the United States would be received with equal favor by the whole country. For the purpose of collecting the materials, and making the necessary drawings to illustrate them, we have traveled upward of sixteen thousand miles. Much has been obtained from original settlers in various parts of the Union. In revolutionary history interesting details have been given in past days, by personal conversation with actors and eye-witnesses, of the scenes described, all of which is herein embraced.

The primary object of history being a truthful relation of facts, original accounts, as given by witnesses, and in their own words as far as practicable, in general best answers this end. A trifling incident, accidentally, as it were, so introduced, which might be considered beneath the dignity of the histo

rian to notice, is often of more value than whole pages of learned inferences or glowing descriptions. In the prosecution of our object we have examined every publication we could obtain, and made copious extracts. Numerous inscriptions from monuments in almost every part of the United States have been copied. Many of these contain valuable general and local historical information, which for reliability can not be excelled.

The drawings for the engravings in this work were, with very few exceptions, taken by us expressly for it. 1. They were drawn on the spot by the eye in outline, with pencil and paper, on a large scale. 2. After this, we reduced them in outline on the smaller scale of the engraving. 3. These outlines were again traced by an artist on the block, and shaded for the engraver. 4. Engraved. Beside our own work, as above indicated, upon them, it would have taken one man seven years of labor to have performed this task, provided only one had been employed. We mention these facts for the benefit of the reader unfamiliar with book publishing.

Owing to the position of many places, only a partial view could be given. To recognize any view the reader must be familiar with it from the point whence the drawing was taken. As a general thing, they have been rendered with that care that any one with the book in hand, can place himself within a yard or two of the precise spot from whence each was drawn. In some few instances, however, we have varied our "stand point" a trifle, to introduce objects that could not otherwise be shown. Care was taken that every engraving should be truthful; and as the work intends to be one of facts only, fancy sketches and artistic representations merely have been avoided in the text. Amid such a vast variety of dates, facts, etc., some errors must occur in spite of every precaution to avoid them, and some places not as fully noticed as was desirable. The failure in obtaining information, after the attempt was made, must be the apology.

on the past, we in this Like the heir apparent

While other and older nations pride themselves western world are proud of what we expect to be. of a mighty empire, we claim respect. Although we have our faults, and our practice, in some instances, is in opposition to our theories—a common failing of humanity-yet what people have a fairer prospect of being the first among nations? What names in history are more venerated than that of Washington and of his co-patriots? What nation, at present, is doing more to extend the area of civilization and Christianity? What people have effected more, or even so much, in making discoveries and improvements which will eventuate in the elevation of the human race? Notwithstanding some recent unhappy events in our national family, we believe a more accurate knowledge of each other will finally result, and dissolve mutual prejudice, thus uniting us in a stronger brotherhood; for the people of the United States are essentially but one, with one common interest, and as such there awaits them but ONE FATE and ONE DESTINY.

J. W. B.