pieces of cannon, deeply charged with grape-shot and musket-balls, mowed them down by hundreds. The rear ranks marching over the dead, advanced only to meet the same fate. The American riflemen, completely sheltered behind their works, took deliberate aim, and every shot fell with terrible effect upon the British columns.

22. General Packenham was killed as he was leading on his troops to the charge. General Gibbs fell soon after, and General Keene was borne from the field severely wounded. No troops could withstand the fire

of the Americans. It was one continued stream pouring in upon the enemy an unceasing tide of death. The battle continued for one hour and a quarter with undiminished fury. But the British having lost all their principal officers, now fled in confusion, leaving more than 2000 dead or wounded on the field. Of the Americans, only six men were killed, and seven wounded.

22. What officers were killed? How long did the battle continue? The result? How many of the enemy were killed or wounded? How many Americans?

23. On the other side of the river the enemy were more successful. The batteries were carried by storm, and 48 of the Americans killed, and 178 wounded. But disheartened by the loss of the day, the British relinquished their design, and soon after retreated to their shipping. News of this brave defence spread rapidly through the country, and in the midst of their joy, congress received intelligence that a treaty of peace had been concluded. Commissioners of the United States had met the agents of Great Britain, and signed the treaty at Ghent, on the 25th of December, 1814. It was immediately accepted by the president and senate.

24. Thus closed an eventful war of three years. The forbearance of the United States under the unjust and oppressive measures of Great Britain, had long been a matter of reproach in the eyes of all Europe, and the character of the American people was fast sinking into contempt. But when they saw the proud and triumphant navy of England successfully assailed by that of the United States, and her best frigates compelled to strike to an inferior force,-when they saw thousands of British merchantmen captured by our enterprising seamen, they began to look upon us with admiration and applause.

25. Unhappily, during the war a violent party spirit had prevailed, which greatly divided the strength of the nation. On the 15th of December, 1814, a convention assembled at Hartford, consisting of delegates appointed by the legislatures of several of the New-England states, who made complaint against the proceedings of the general government, and proposed the adoption of certain measures for defending New-England against the enemy, independent of the provision made by congress for that purpose, which, it was contended, was inadequate to the object. The convention proposed that the gene

23. When was peace concluded?

24. How long had the war continued? How were we looked upon by the nations of Europe at the close of the war?

25. When did the Hartford convention meet? What proposal was made?

ral government should relinquish to the New-England states a portion of the revenue collected in those states, for the purpose of defraying the expenses incurred in defending the frontiers of these states.

26. After the adjournment of the convention, the legislatures of the states alluded to, appointed agents to present their views to congress, agreeably to the suggestions of the convention; but before the subject was introduced to the attention of congress, peace was happily concluded between the two contending nations, and nothing further was urged on the subject. A great difference of opinion has existed, with regard to the motives of the members of this convention; but though their designs may have been perfectly pure and patriotic, their meeting in convention under circumstances of so much difficulty and excitement, has since been generally regarded as a measure impolitic and unwise.

27. Although numerous evils attended the prosecution of the war, the final result of taking up arms, was in the highest degree beneficial to the nation. Since the close of this war, the United States have enjoyed a degree of national prosperity unequalled in the history of the world.

28. Immediately after peace was established, congress reduced the army to the number of 10,000 men and adopted other measures suited to the new state of the country. A number of our ships were still at sea and before the news of peace reached them, several honorable victories were gained. The Constitution, after a severe battle with two British vessels, the Cyane and Levant, whose united forces were superior to hers, captured them both. Shortly after, in the month of March, the British brig Penguin was taken by the Hornet, xlthough of superior force.

26. J at occurred soon after the adjournment of the convention? 27. What was the final result of our taking up arms? What has been the condition of the United States since the close of the war? 28. To what number did congress reduce the army in 1815? In 1821, it reduced it to 6,000 men. What naval engagements took ace after peace was concluded?

29. At this time, the Algerines were again committing depredations upon American commerce. To check their aggressions, Commodore Decatur was sent with a fleet of nine vessels into the Mediterranean. After capturing two of their armed vessels, he arrived off the harbor of Algiers. The Dey, or king, terrified at the danger of losing his scattered navy, was obliged to submit to any terms which the Americans should propose. Decatur demanded the immediate release of all American captives, and sixty thousand dollars, as a compensation for our ships which had been plundered, and that in future, no tribute should be required from the government of the United States. These terms were at once accepted, and peace was concluded.

30. In 1816, an act was passed establishing a bank of the United States, with a capital of 35,000,000 dollars, upon principles similar to those contained in the charter of the old bank. During the same year, Indiana was admitted into the Union. The earliest settlement in this state, was made by the French in 1730, at Vincennes. Until 1801, it formed a part of the “ territory northwest of the Ohio." At that time it was erected into a territorial government. At the next election, in 1817, James Monroe succeeded Mr. Madison in the presiden

Daniel D. Tompkins was elected vice-president.

29. Who was sent against the Algerines? Where is Algiers? How far do you suppose Algiers is from us? In 1830 the French took Algiers, and still retain possession of it. What was the result of Decatur's expedition?

30. When was the United States Bank chartered? For what length of time was it chartered? A. For twenty years, or until the 3d of March, 1836. When was Indiana admitted into the union? Who succeeded Mr. Madison in the presidency?

MONROE'S AND ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION.

1. On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took the usual oath of office, and entered upon the duties of the presidency. During the summer after his inauguration, he made a tour through the northern and eastern states, for the purpose of giving directions respecting certain works of public interest, the fortification of the sea-coast, the increase of the navy, &c. which were under his superintendence. He was received with every demonstration of affection and respect. At the next session of congress, honorable provision was made, by government, for the comfortable support of all officers and soldiers of the revolution, whose circumstances were such as to need assistance.

2. The general peace which now prevailed throughout Europe cut off many sources of profitable trade to American commerce. Our manufactories also found it impossible to compete with the old establishments of foreign countries. In this states of affairs, thousands who had become acquainted with the fertile lands of the west, emigrated to that region. People from the eastern and middle states, and from foreign countries, began to pour into the western country in vast numbers; and new states were added to the Union in rapid suc

cession.

3. Mississippi was admitted in 1817. The first settlement in this state was made by the French, at Natchez, in 1716. In December, 1818, Illinois was acknowledged as a sovereign state, and admitted as a member of the Union. It was first settled by the French, at Kaskaskia, in 1749. It remained as a part of Indiana till 1809, when a separate territorial government was

1. When was Mr. Monroe inaugurated? What did he do shortly after this? For what class of persons did congress make provision? To what amount? A. Twenty dollars a month to officers, and twelve to privates.

2. What causes tended to produce emigration?

3. When was Mississippi admitted into the union?