1782. array of armies, and occasional skirmishes, still denoted the existence of a state of war.

Nov. 30.

1. What ar

treaties were

sig ned in this, and in

the follow ing year?

3. On the 30th of November, 1782, preliminary ticles and articles of peace were signed at Paris, by Mr. Oswald, a commissioner on the part of Great Britain, and John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens, on the part of the United States. Prelimi nary articles of peace between France and England were likewise signed on the 20th of January followJan. 20. ing; and on the 3d of September, of the same year, definitive treaties of peace were signed by the com missioners of England, with those of the United States, France, Spain, and Holland.

1783.

Sept. 3.

2. Whet were the terms of

the treaty between England and the United States?

4. By the terms of the treaty between England and the United States, the independence of the latter was acknowledged in its fullest extent; ample boundaries were allowed them, extending north to the great lakes, and west to the Mississippi, embracing a range of territory more extensive than the states, when colonies, had claimed; and an unlimited right of fishing on the 8. What as banks of Newfoundland was conceded. The two the Flor Floridas, which had long been held by England, a. Since 1763. were restored to Spain.

done with

idas?

April 19,

1783.

the remain

5. On the 19th of April, the eighth anniversary of 4. What were the battle of Lexington, a cessation of hostilities was ing events proclaimed in the American army; and on the 3d of of the year November, the army was disbanded by general orders of congress. Savannah was evacuated by the British troops in July, New York in November, and Charleston in the following month.

1783 ?

5. What is said of the

attending

ing of the army?

6. Notwithstanding all had looked forward with dificulties joyful hope to the termination of the war, yet the disthe disband banding of the American army had presented difficulties and dangers, which it required all the wisdom of congress and the commander-in-chief to overcome. Neither officers nor soldiers had, for a long time, received any pay for their services; and although in 1780 congress had adopted a resolution promising half pay to the officers, on the conclusion of peace, yet the state of the finances now rendered the payment impossible. The disbanding of the army would, therefore, throw thousands out of the service, without compen

1783. before that august body of patriots and sages, and a large concourse of spectators,-in a simple and affectionate address, after commending the interests of his country to the protection of Heaven, he resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the American army.

1. What is said of his

11. 'After an eloquent and affecting reply by Genretirement? eral Mifflin, then president of the congress, Washington withdrew. He then retired to his residence at Mount Vernon, exchanging the anxious labors of the camp, for the quiet industry of a farm, and bearing with him the enthusiastic love, esteem, and admiration of his countrymen.

2. To what

tention of

congress Row directed?

12. Independence and peace being now established, was the public mind, relieved from the excitement incident to a state of war, was turned to examine the actual condition of the country. In addition to a foreign debt of eight millions of dollars, a domestic debt of more than thirty millions, due to American citizens, and, principally, to the officers and soldiers of the revolution, was strongly urged upon congress for payment. 8. Why could 3But by the articles of confederation congress had not discharge the power to discharge debts incurred by the war; it could merely recommend to the individual states to raise money for that purpose.

not congress

the debts?

4. For what were the

upon?

5. What pre

compliance?

13. The states were therefore called upon for funds states called to discharge, in the first place, the arrears of pay due to the soldiers of the revolution. The states listened vented their to these calls with respect, but their situation was embarrassing;—each had its local debts to provide for, and its domestic government to support,-the country had been drained of its wealth, and taxes could not be collected; and, besides, congress had no binding power to compel the states to obedience. Some of the states attempted, by heavy taxes upon the people, to sup in Massa port their credit, and satisfy their creditors. In Massachusetts, an insurrection was the consequence, and an armed force of several thousand men was necessary to suppress it.

•. What caused an

Insurrection

chusetts?

a. In 1787.

* Mount Vernon, in Virginia, the former residence of Washington, is on the W. bank of the Potomac, six miles below Alexandria. It contains the mansion and the tomb of the Father of his country, and many a citizen and traveller have made a pilgrimage to this halle wed spot.

14. With evils continually increasing, the neces- 1786. sity of a closer union of the states, and of an efficient general government, became more and more apparent. became ap A convention of commissioners from six states, held 2. What con at Annapolis, in September, 1786, for the purpose of vention was establishing a better system of commercial regulations, napolis n led to a proposition for revising the articles of confederation. Accordingly, a convention of delegates, from all the states, except Rhode Island, met at Philadelphia for this purpose in 1787. Finding the articles of confederation exceedingly defective as a form of government, the convention rejected their former purpose of revising them, and proceeded to the consideration of a new constitution.-In July of this year, a large extent of territory north of the Ohio River was formed into a territorial government by the general congress, and called the Northwestern Territory."

15. After four months' deliberation a constitution was agreed on, which, after being presented to congress, was submitted to conventions of the people in the several states for their ratification. Previous to, and during the year 1788, majorities of the people in eleven of the states adopted the constitution, although not without strong opposition; as many believed that the extensive powers, which the new government gave to the rulers, would be dangerous to the liberties of the people.

16. The supporters of the constitution, who advo- 6. What par cated a union of the several states under a strong government, were denominated Federalists, and their opposers anti-Federalists. Provision having been made election of for the election of officers under the new government, made under George Washington was unanimously elected Presi- the new gov dent of the United States for the term of four years, c. Votes and John Adams Vice-president.

*The Northwestern Territory then embraced the present states of Ohio. Indiana, Tilinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin Territory. See chart, p. 10, for the several changes since made in the N.W. Territory.