University of Virginia Library

PREFACE

In this volume, I have endeavored to present in a clear
and connected manner the leading facts in the history of
Virginia. The materials have been drawn from the most
reliable authorities, and much time has been spent in comparing
them so as to render the narrative as accurate as
possible. In the colonial period, the richness of the
sources of information proved a continual embarrassment;
and I found myself compelled to leave out many interesting
incidents, to prevent the book from exceeding the
well-defined limits within which a state history for school
use should be kept.

Virginia was the cradle of the English race in America,
and for this reason her history is of more than ordinary
interest. Besides this, the great variety of romantic and
important events that have taken place within her borders,
the immortal characters that have been nurtured
upon her soil, and the unswerving manner in which her
people have always contended for their rights, render her
history specially worthy of being studied. Of all the emotions
that stir the human soul, love of country is one of

the noblest; and near akin to it is reverence for one's
ancestors. If this little book shall have the happy effect
of increasing the patriotism of young people, and of
causing them to appreciate more highly the deeds of their
forefathers, the author will feel amply repaid for his
labor.