"After examination of a Grammar of the English Language by Rev. Bradford Frazee, we, the undersigned, take pleasure in expressing our approbation of his arrangement and general principles; and conceiving that he has supplied an important desideratum in instruction in that department of education, we do resolve, as members of the Board of Visitors of the Stratfield School Society, (Bridgeport, Conn.,) agreeable to the provisions of the law on Commom Schools, to adopt the said Grammar in the schools of the above Society.

"SAML. BEACH,
J. H. HUNTER,

W. R. BUNNELL,

J. LEONARD GILDER,
HENRY OLMSTEAD,

"Bridgeport, Conn., July 12th, 1844."

Board of Visitors.

"Philadelphia, August 14th, 1844.

"GENT:—I have carefully examined the Rev. Mr. Frazee's System of English Grammar, recently published by you, and am of the opinion that, in many respects, a decided improvement has been made upon the grammars in use; especially in its philosophical arrangement, the correctness and perspicuity of the definiticns and rules, its general simplicity, the minute and thorough illustration of the subject, in the copiousness of the rules of syntax, and, most of all, in the really inductive method of instruction. The system of elementary composition, which is combined with the elements of the science, is, I think, an improvement upon any plan I have seen on this subject. Upon the whole, I consider the work the best adapted for use in our Common Schools of any system of grammar with which I am acquainted.

66

Respectfully,

"W. W. WOOD, Principal of the S. W. Grammar School.

"MESSRS. SORIN & BALL"

"Principal of the Catharine street Male Grammar School.

"Philadelphia, August 15th, 1844."

F

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Additional names, subscribed to the recommendation of J. O. Taylor, and others on the cover.

From the Rev. Edward Cooke, Principal of the Penington Male Seminary, N. J.

Having examined with some care, "An Improved Grammar of the English Language," by Rev. B. Frazee, I do most readily concur in the many high commendations it has already received. The author has certainly done good service to the cause of popular education, in presenting to the public, a work so well adapted to elementary instruction. The best recommendation I can give, is to say, that we shall introduce it as a text book for instruction in this Institution, believing it possesses many decided advantages over any other work of a similar character now before the public.

Penington, Nov. 20, 1844.

Respectfully yours,

EDWARD COOKE.

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RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PICTORIAL HISTORIES
OF THE UNITED STATES AND FRANCE.

It is confidently believed that no books of the kind have ever been offered to the Public, better adapted to Youth, or indeed even to general readers than the present Series. The following recommendations of competent Judges, Teachers, and others, it is hoped will be duly appreciated by the Public.

Wilmington, Sept. 3rd, 1844.

I have read about two-thirds of "A pictorial history of the United States, with notices of other portions of America, by S. G. Goodrich, author of Peter Parley's Tales."

I commenced reading the book for the purpose of examining the manner of the execution; I have proceeded because of the interest I have felt in the history. It is not a dry compend, as I expected; but it is history instructive though condensed, communicating in small, but well filled space, all the important events in their proper connexion, requisite to correct, historical knowledge. It can be recommended to any citizen of our nation, as a book well worthy of his perusal.

As a school book, its proper place is among the first. The language is remarkable for simplicity, perspicuity and neatness. We could not wish youth trained to a better taste for language, than this is adapted to impart. The history is so written as to lead to geographical examination, and impress by practice, the lesson, to read history with maps.

As a reading book, apart from its use for studying history, it is one of the best that can be used. The reading lessons in common use, make very little impression on the mind. A child learning to read by this book, would aequire a treasure of historical knowledge, of which no citizen should be des titute, and would have desire awakened and taste formed to learn more fully men and events with their characters, causes and consequences, while no better lessons could be selected to teach the art of reading. Indeed it is important to teach reading, that the lessons should be interesting: hence too much resort has been had to fiction, greatly injuring the mind.

This book introduced into our common schools, would probably produce another benefit. In some cases it would reach parents, through their children, and form in them a desire for knowledge which would be the most efficient of all ways to bring them to appreciate the value of Schools and the education of their children.

I should be glad to see this book introduced as a reading book into every district School in this State.

WILLARD HALL, Judge of the United States Court, District of Delaware.

The following resolution was adopted by the Common School Convention of the State of Delaware held at New Castle, Sept. 1844. RESOLVED. That this Convention commend the "Pictorial History of the United States," to the notice of Commissioners of common Schools and Parents; and they also recommend its introduction into our Schools,as a reading book, wherever it is practicable.

JOSEPH R. HAYES, Secretary.

WILLARD HALL, President of the Convention.

Philadelphia, Sept. 20th. 1844. GENT. I have perused your admirable work, "The History of the United States," with much satisfaction. In my opinion it is a work of great merit, which deserves to be extensively circulated.

The Author has, by a judicious selection of interesting incidents, rendered a study which is too often considered irksome to the student, entertaining and instructive, and capable of impressing on the minds of American Youth, a correct outline of the History of their Native Land.

The celebrity of Peter Parley's works is a sufficient guarantee, for its being welcomed as an important addition to the means of elementary education. Very Respectfully,

MESSRS. SORIN & BALL.

:

W. H. PILE. Principal of N. E. Grammar School.

Wilmington, August, 13th, 1844.

I have been much gratified in examining "A Pictorial history of the United States," by S. G. Goodrich, recently published by yourselves. A love of country cannot be better promoted than by a study of our National History and from its popular adaptation I conceive this work well calculated to promote such study. The strong points are given, and in a style rendering the study alike pleasant and profitable. It will make an excellent school book. Every pupil should study it; all should read it; and none can own it without finding it very convenient as a book of reference.

J. KENNADAY. Philadelphia, Sept. 9th, 1844.

MESSRS. SORIN & BALL. GENT.-I have thoroughly examined your 'Pictorial histories of the United States, and of France," by S. Griswold Goodrich, and have been delighted by the ease of style, simplicity of manner, and perspicuity of diction. History is by some considered a dry study, and indeed our school histories are most commonly of that class, and that from the fact, that they are too verbose; but the author of these histories, has hit that happy simplicity, and avoided that length of detail which is so tiresome.

One peculiarity I will not pass by in silence, and that is, the beautiful vein of moral reflection, found at the close of each chapter, which naturally guides the pupil, to a proper estimate of the detailed transaction: this I think to be a recommendation of superior order, for it necessarily leads the pupil to think.

The style of the Book as regards mechanical execution, is superior, and I hope the effort to impart good instruction in a pleasant way, will be well rewarded by a discerning public.

MESSRS. SORIN & BALL.

Yours truly, and sincerely,

W. G. E. AGNEW, Principal of Zane Street Public School. Dickinson College, July, 31st, 1844.

GENTLEMEN,-I am delighted with the "Pictorial History of France, and and also the Pictorial History of the United States," by Peter Parley, (S. G. Goodrich of Boston.) They are books admirably calculated for the Common Schools of our Country, and deserve to be generally adopted. I hope the other three volumes of the Series, (England, Greece, and Rome,) will Boon follow.

Yours Respectfully,
J. P. DURBIN.