[ iv ]

riched, cannot fail to render this volume a valuable addition to the stock of general knowledge, and will probably obtain for the Author no mean place among those who have added permanent lustre to the English language.

I have the honour to remain,

With sentiments of obligation and respect,

Your very faithful, humble servant,

Edinburgh, 12th December 1821.

JOHN GALT.

INTRODUCTION,

CONTENTS.

Page 1

CHAPTER I.

The Author's Account of his Family, and early Education-

American Teachers-School Anecdotes-Author's Character-

Academy at Philadelphia-Master and Ushers-Mr Beveridge

and his Latin Poems,

CHAPTER II.

4

Retrospective Events in the Author's History-Philadelphia-

Foot-races-The Paxton Boys threaten the City-Anecdotes of

two British Officers-Author's early Amusements-Sailing-

Swimming-Skating-Correction of Abbé Raynal-British

Coffeehouse-Anecdotes of its Visitors,

CHAPTER III.

34

The Author mixes in new Society-Is destined for the Law-

Philadelphian Theatricals-Anecdote--Debating Society-

Causes of Youthful Follies-Junius's Letters,

CHAPTER IV.

73

The Author removes to Yorktown-Boarding-House, and Cha-

racter of the Inmates-General Society-Returns to Philadel-

phia, and pursues his Legal Studies-Fencing-Anecdote of a

Madman-Causes of the War with Britain-State of Parties-

Preparation for War,

CHAPTER V.

99

Assembly of Congress-Continental Battalions-Recruiting-

The Author charged with a Commission to General Schuyler-

Narrative of his Journey,

125

The Author reluctantly leaves Philadelphia-Character of the

Army at New York-Erection of Fort Washington and Fort

Lee-Connecticut Light House-Arrival of the British Troops

at Long Island-Action of 27th of August and subsequent

Skirmishes-Retreat of Americans from Long Island, Page 144

CHAPTER VII.

Americans abandon New York, and take Post at Fort Washing-

ton-Character of American Officers-Promotions-The Post

at Fort Washington threatened-Summoned by General Howe

-The Americans attacked and retire-Account of the Engage-

ment,

170

CHAPTER VIII.

The Author taken Prisoner-Conduct of British Officers and Sol-

diers The Prisoners-Character of General Howe-Prisoners

removed to New York,

CHAPTER IX.

204

Pardon offered to the Americans upon return to their Allegiance-

Letter of General Washington-Sufferings of Prisoners-Gene-

ral Lee taken-British Provost Marshal-Character of Colonel

Allen-A partial Exchange of Prisoners-American Officers re-

moved to Long Island,

CHAPTER X.

234

Situation of the Officers at Long Island-Society and Manners-

Hardships of Captivity-The Author's Mother unexpectedly

arrives at New York-Narrative of her Excursion-Procures

the Author's Liberty on Parole,

CHAPTER XI.

257

The Author leaves Long Island for New York and Elizabethtown

-Arrives at Philadelphia-Meets the Object of an Early Attach-

ment-Public Feelings,

CHAPTER XII.

287

Philadelphia Threatened-General Washington marches to meet

the Enemy-Battle at Brandywine-British take Possession of

Philadelphia-Subsequent Operations-Character of the Repub-

lican Chiefs-Society at Reading-Temper of the Times-The

Author Married,

CHAPTER XIII.

Page 306

American Affectation in Titles-Prisoners at Long Island-Super-

numerary Officers-Character of General Lee-Military Anec-

dotes The Author enrolled in the Militia-Quaker Principles

-Character of Dr Franklin-Mrs Macaulay-Milton's Senti-

ments of Democracy-Party Spirit-The Author appointed

Prothonotary of the County of Dauphin,

CHAPTER XIV.

329

Constitution of the United States-House of Representatives-

Senate-Executive Power-Public Characters and State of Par-

ties-Washington-Jefferson-French Revolution,

CHAPTER XV.

357

Yellow Fever-Political Differences-Insurrection suppressed by

the prudent Measures of the President-Treaty with Great

Britain-Travels of the Duke de la Rochefoucault Liancourt—

French Settlement at the Asylum-Opposition to the Measures

of the President-Washington retires from Office,

CHAPTER XVI.

383

Mr Adams President-Opposition to his Administration-French

Partisans Imposition of Taxes-Insurrection-Federalists lose

their Ground-Death of General Washington, and Election of

Mr Jefferson-Character of that Gentleman-Reflections-

Death of the Author's Mother-Conclusion

403