"Florida took no part in the Revolutionary War and became a refuge for many loyalists, as it was afterward for fugitive slaves. In 1783 Florida was returned to Spanish rule, Great Britain exchanging it for the Bahamas."
"And when did we get it, grandma?" asked Ned.
"In 1819, by a treaty between our country and Spain."
"Then the fighting stopped, I suppose?"
"No; the Seminole wars followed, lasting from 1835 to 1842. Florida was admitted into the Union in 1845, seceded in 1861, bore her part bravely and well through the Civil War, and at its close a State Convention repealed the ordinance of secession."
"So since that she has been a part of our Union like the rest of our
States; hasn't she, grandma?" asked Ned.
"Yes; a part of our own dear country—a large and beautiful State."
"And probably it won't be long now till some of us, at least, will see her," observed Grace with satisfaction.
"How soon will the Dolphin be ready, papa?"
"By the time we are," replied the captain, "which will be as soon as
Max can join us."