IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 UNITED STATES. 
 
 \ 
 

 
JVU^t 
 
'B- 
 
 Irish-American History 
 
 OF THE 
 
 UNITED STATES. 
 
 
 BY THE 
 
 Very Rev. JOHN CANON O’HANLON, m.r.i.a. 
 
 WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY THE 
 
 Very Rev. THOMAS J. SHAHAN, 
 
 Catholic University, Washington, D. C. 
 
 VOLUME I. 
 
 NEW YORK: 
 
 P. MURPHY & SON, 
 279 CHURCH STREET. 
 
 1906. 
 
 BOSTON COLLEGE LIBRARY 
 CHESTNUT HILL, HASS, 
 
« 
 
 PRINTED BY 
 P. MURPHY & SON, 
 279 CHURCH STREET, 
 NEW YORK. 
 
 05 C 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 AND 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR 
 
 BY 
 
 The Very Rev. Thomas J. Shahan, D. D. 
 
 CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY, WASHINGTON, D. C. 
 
 John O'Hanlon was born April 30, 1821, at Stradbally, in 
 Queens County, Ireland. He received his early training in local 
 and neighboring schools, and was sent at the age of seventeen 
 to Carlow College. Four years later his studies were interrupt¬ 
 ed by the resolution to accompany some relatives to the New 
 (World. He landed at Quebec in 1842, but after a sojourn of 
 some months went on to St. Louis. He soon entered (1843) 
 the Ecclesiastical Seminary of that diocese, and was ordained 
 to the priesthood by Archbishop Kendrick in 1847. Tor five 
 or six years he devoted himself to the duties of his calling, 
 arduous enough at that period of rapid national growth and 
 economic expansion. But failing health turned his thoughts 
 again to the land of his fathers, and in 1853 he returned to| 
 Dublin, where he was made curate at the Church of Saint" 
 Michael and John, a post that he occupied until 1880, when he 
 was promoted to the parish of Sandymount. In 1885 he was 
 made a Canon of the Dublin Cathedral by Archbishop Walsh. 
 In 1897 he celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his priesthood. 
 His death occurred on May 15, 1905, at the advanced age of 
 eighty-four. He is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin. 
 
 Canon O’Hanlon is remembered by his faithful flock as a 
 devoted priest, to whom the beauty and glory of the house of 
 God, the parish schools and property, the industrial schools of 
 the neighborhood, were especially dear. Amid his learned 
 occupations he never neglected the work of his sacred ministry, 
 nor the care of the poor, sick and lowly. As an Irishman, he 
 was one of the foremost patriotic figures of the nineteenth 
 
ii INTRODUCTION 
 
 century. He had heard O’Connell, as a boy of fifteen, in 1836, 
 on the Great Heath at Maryborough, and was present at the 
 banquet then given at Stradbally to the Liberator. He loved 
 to recall the political ballads of that decade apropos of Sir 
 Henry Parnell and his “History of the Penal Laws,” and the 
 melodious folk-tunes of the pre-famine period, many of which 
 to his great regret, he lived to see perish from the popular 
 memory. His love of Moore’s Melodies was well-known to 
 all his friends. He was also a great admirer of the “Young 
 Ireland” poetry, and at his death was engaged on an edition 
 of the fugitive writings of the patriot-poet, John Keegan. He 
 was an active member of the committee on the centenary cele¬ 
 bration in honor of O’Connell, and as secretary of the O’Connell 
 Memorial Committee drew up the valuable report of its pro¬ 
 ceedings from 1862 to 1882. To him is owing in no small 
 measure the splendid Dublin monument to O’Connell, the mas¬ 
 terpiece of Foley’s art, and one of the finest monumental sculp¬ 
 tures in Europe. He was also active in the creation of 
 memorials to the poets Thomas Moore and Denis Florence 
 McCarthy. His earnestness in the work of the Gaelic League 
 is well known, likewise his intelligent devotion to the historical 
 monuments of Ireland, the manuscripts, records, books, and 
 curious remains that still enshrine no little of the glorious 
 past of the beloved island. He was for forty years an active 
 and painstaking member of the Kilkenny Archaeological 
 Society, to which he had been elected on the proposition of 
 such an Irish antiquarian as Bishop Graves. Within the limits 
 of his sacred calling he seems to have omitted no endeavor to 
 serve his native country as a scholar, a poet, and a man of 
 action. 
 
 The catalogue of Canon O’Hanlon’s literary labors is a long 
 one, and covers a period of more than fifty years of incessant 
 study, research, and publication. He was a man of adamantine 
 endurance, and though by his departure the Church of the 
 United States surely lost a pen of great power, the larger 
 world of ecclesiastical learning was proportionately the gainer. 
 It may be stated at once that he never ceased to love the great 
 
INTRODUCTION Hi 
 
 Republic, whose institutions and spirit he thoroughly under¬ 
 stood and admired, as the work here offered to the reader will 
 make clear. Among his published writings is a volume of remi¬ 
 niscences entitled, “Life and Scenery in Missouri” (Dublin, 
 1890). In 1897 he crossed the ocean to take part in the Golden 
 Episcopal Jubilee of Archbishop Kendrick, who fifty years 
 earlier had raised him to the dignity of priesthood. It would 
 seem that Canon O’Hanlon became an historian out of the 
 fulness of his conviction that the Christian history of Ireland 
 is one of the noblest chapters of all theology. His first work 
 was an “Abridgment of Irish History from the Final Subjec¬ 
 tion of Ireland to the Present Time” (Boston, 1849), written 
 with the view, no doubt, of fixing on the mind of the young 
 Irish emigrant the great religious lesson of his forefathers’ 
 patient endurance and fidelity. It was followed by “The Irish 
 Emigrant’s Guide to the United tSates” (Boston, 1851), long 
 a very popular work among the unfortunate Irish wanderers in 
 a new land. During the years of his American ministry he 
 contributed frequently to literary magazines and newspapers, 
 and was known, before he left us, as an ecclesiastical scholar 
 and an antiquarian of promise. It will be admitted that, given 
 the duties of the parochial service in the United States and 
 the scarcity of good libraries of Irish lore, these first zealous 
 efforts deserve special commendation. He was soon, however, 
 to find himself in a centre where opportunity, talent and energy 
 might combine to make of him, if not an historical genius, at 
 least one of the most useful writers who. have yet appeared on 
 the soil of Ireland. Shortly after his return he began his career 
 as the hagiologist of Ireland, and at the same time compli¬ 
 mented his adopted city with a little volume entitled, “A Short 
 Life of St. Lawrence O’Toole” (Dublin, 1857). A good judge 
 says of it that “it dispelled the cloud of ignorance respecting the 
 life of St. Lawrence, which had been created by the wanton mis¬ 
 representation of hostile, careless and faithless chroniclers, suc¬ 
 cessfully refuted the false views which had been propagated by 
 political or religious malevolence and set the character of the 
 illustrious subject of his work in a true light before the 
 
iv 
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 public/’ In a sense this judgment is applicable to all the good 
 Canon’s later writings. Two years later he brought out a 
 “Life of St. Malachy O’Morgair” (Dublin, 1859), that had 
 originally been undertaken in the Boston Pilot (1853). Then 
 followed at various intervals other lives of famous ancient 
 saints of Ireland: St. Dympna (Dublin, 1863) ; St. Aengus, the 
 Culdee (ibid., 1868); St. David (ibid., 1869) ; St. Grellan 
 (ibid., 1881). One of his most useful books is his “Catechism 
 of Irish History from the earliest times to the death of O’Con¬ 
 nell” (Dublin, 1864). 
 
 This gifted priest was not only an excellent historian, but 
 also a graceful poet, who knew how to clothe in pleasing metre 
 the thousand and one traditions that everywhere cling to the 
 soil of Ireland. In 1870 he published, under the nom de plume 
 of Lageniensis (the man of Leix), a volume of poetry entitled, 
 “Legend Lays of Ireland,” in which old and familiar fairy 
 legends of his people were treated with much success. In the 
 same year he published a prose volume of popular traditions, 
 “Irish Folk-Lore,” which embraces “a vast amount of anti¬ 
 quarian and historical information connected with various 
 periods of the national annals.” The grave of the famous 
 O’Carolan, the last of the Irish harpers, was visited by him in 
 1881, and suggested to him a new volume of verse, “The Buried 
 Lady: A Legend of Kilronan.” In 1893 he made a collection 
 of all his metrical writings, under the title, “Poetical Works of 
 Lageniensis,” and dedicated the same to the Countess of Aber¬ 
 deen, as a tribute to her genuine love for the Irish people. 
 Another volume on “Irish Local Legends” appeared in 1895, 
 and placed him among the most successful collectors of the rare 
 and curious antique lore that has been so long drifting down the 
 ages in Ireland, but that is now on the wane, and will per¬ 
 haps not survive many more generations. In the meantime he 
 brought the nation more deeply in his debt by new editions of 
 two important works, Monck-Mason’s “Essay on the Antiquity 
 and Constitution of Parliaments in Ireland” (Dublin, 1891), 
 and William Molyneaux’s “The Case bf Ireland’s Being Bound 
 by Acts of Parliament in England Stated” (Dublin, 1893). 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 V 
 
 The latter work, originally published in 1698, had been burned 
 by the common hangman, and only one edition had since then 
 seen the light. The tireless pen of this scholarly antiquarian 
 seemed, indeed, never to rest. He compiled a “Catechism of 
 Greek Grammar” and “Devotions for Confession and Holy 
 Communion,” almost as a rest from his many heavier labors. 
 During his last illness he was still busied with a history of the 
 antiquities of his native Leix (Queens County), on which, 
 in his intervals of leisure, he had spent considerable research. 
 He reminds us, indeed, of Saint Columbia and Saint Bede, both 
 of whom died almost in the act of dictating to their brother 
 scribes. It seems incredible that amid so many enterprises he 
 found time to compose the work that is here presented to our 
 readers. It will always possess an added interest from the 
 fact that the original text perished in the fire that had con¬ 
 sumed his publishers’ premises in 1898. Nothing daunted, 
 he sat down to the task a second time, rewrote the entire work, 
 and published it as a large quarto (Dublin, 1903). 
 
 We have yet, however, to mention the great work on which 
 his fame will forever rest, “The Lives of the Irish Saints.” 
 As early as 1857 he announced his resolution to compose a 
 series of lives of the Saints of Ireland in twelve volumes, 
 following the order of the calendar. It was to be for Irish 
 history what Alban Butler’s “Lives of the Saints” had long 
 been for general ecclesiastical history, a vast and final work 
 of reference and edification. The Jesuit Henry Fitzsimon, the 
 priest Thomas Messingham, above all the Franciscans Patrick 
 Fleming, Luke Wadding, Hugh Ward and John Colgan, had 
 all toiled variously and with great success, in the first half of 
 the seventeenth century, at a great compilation that was eventu¬ 
 ally to be known as the “Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae” or the 
 “Lives of the Saints of Ireland.” In the sad and dreary period 
 that followed the “thorough” work of Oliver Cromwell the 
 Irish clergy found no longer heart or occasion to take up a 
 task so congenial to their temper and the character of their 
 nation. It was reserved for the modest and laborious curate of 
 Saints Michael and John to bend his shoulders to a work that 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 VI 
 
 might well challenge the organized efforts of a community of 
 writers. In 1872 he issued the prospectus of his enterprise, 
 as a subscription work, and promised to bring it out monthly 
 in parts of sixty-four pages each, profusely illustrated. He 
 kept his promise, and finished the herculean undertaking shortly 
 before his death. It includes the lives of about 3,500 saints 
 of Ireland, some of them dealt with briefly, but many at very 
 great length. The nine volumes before us number over six 
 thousand large octavo pages, and the remaining parts, when 
 they issue from the press as volumes, will probably raise this 
 figure to eight thousand pages or more. It is a very unique 
 performance in the department of hagiology, whether we con¬ 
 sider the unbroken ardor of fifty years’ toil, the faithful execu¬ 
 tion of a perilous promise, the uniform excellence of the work, 
 or the admitted need and value of a history of Irish sanctity that 
 shall correspond to our modern methods and attainments in the 
 province of history. That he succeeded in endowing his native 
 land with a monument that any Catholic people would forever 
 cherish is allowed by all who are familiar with the field of 
 labor, among others by the Bollandists, to whose scholarly 
 company he must henceforth be accredited as an associate, at 
 least in learning, faith, spirit, and good work. These volumes 
 include the result of infinite research in all the departments 
 of Irish history, for the Saints of Ireland, since St. Patrick, 
 are its true heroes, its representatives, and the flower of its 
 thought and action. In so old a land the identification of place 
 and personal names is no slight task. A chief source of infor¬ 
 mation is the collection of ancient maps and manuscripts be¬ 
 longing to the Irish Ordnance Survey Department in Dublin. 
 Canon O'Hanlon had an intimate acquaintance with all this 
 material; he was likewise master of the contents of the rich 
 public libraries of his native city and of other cites, as well as 
 of valuable private collections of books on the topography and 
 antiquities of Ireland. In the course of his labors he was 
 encouraged and often helped by such scholars as Dr. John 
 O’Donovan, Professor Eugene O’Curry, Dr. Todd, and other 
 Irish antiquarians of the first rank. The beautiful font of Irish 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 • • 
 Vll 
 
 type occasionally used in his “Lives of the Irish Saints” was 
 originally designed by Dr. Petrie for the Catholic University 
 of Ireland. 
 
 The work of Canon O’Hanlon took on the character of a 
 national monument. And as it progressed the learned world in 
 general applauded the rare erudition, good judgment and mod¬ 
 eration, skilful order and sense of proportion, grasp of environ¬ 
 ment and unflagging regularity of industry which he brought 
 to the execution of this imperishable Hall of Fame, in which 
 each of the model national worthies has his appropriate niche 
 or pedestal. It has been truly said that the future ecclesiastical 
 historian of Ireland—whoever he may be—must forever feel 
 indebted to the good priest, whose labors for half a century 
 have resulted in placing at his disposal an inexhaustible fund 
 of well-digested and reliable information, not only concerning 
 the personal history of the Irish Saints, but also about the 
 social, political, literary and aesthetic life of Ireland during the 
 period of her native independence and brilliancy. Archbishop 
 Walsh, in commending the proposal to erect a suitable memorial 
 to the deceased scholar, took occasion to state that in the eru¬ 
 dite volumes of the “Lives of the Irish Saints,” compiled with 
 zeal and diligence in the spare moments of a busy missionary 
 life, Canon O’Hanlon had “preserved for the instruction and 
 edification of future generations all that has been handed down 
 to us of the lives and labors of the recorded saints of our 
 Irish Church.” 
 
 As a writer Canon O’Hanlon was habitually painstaking and 
 accurate. His information, when possible, was gathered at 
 first hand, and the habit of composition enabled him to set it 
 forth with good order and proportion. His style is lucid and 
 simple, a good specimen of the historical narrative, and his 
 diction always select and dignified. He siezes with ease on the 
 salient and distinctive traits of a personality or a situation, and 
 thereby relieves the reader of that vagueness and complexity 
 that sometimes diminishes the satisfaction afforded by other¬ 
 wise good histories. His spirit was ever aflame with the love 
 of his native religion and his native land. Yet nothing glad- 
 
Vlll 
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 dened him more through a long life than the consciousness that 
 he was working, not alone for those who dwelt within the 
 “four seas of Ireland,” but also for that greater Ireland-over¬ 
 sea, to whose children and whose children's children he would 
 forever speak as a trustworthy herald of long-forgotten ages of 
 glorious endeavor that might otherwise, perhaps, perish only 
 too easily from the minds and the hearts of Irishmen in the 
 United States of America, Canada, Southern Africa, United 
 States of Australia, India and other parts of the world. May 
 he rest in peace! 
 
VERY REV. TOHN CANON O’HANLON, M. R. T. A 
 

PREFACE 
 
 V 
 
 It is universally admitted by those well informed and capable 
 of entertaining a rational opinion, that the United States of 
 America now stand foremost among all civilised nations of the 
 world, in vastness of extent, in compactness of territory, in 
 fertility of soil, in mineral wealth, in variety and general health¬ 
 fulness of climate,in geographical position, in beauty of scenery, 
 and in many other natural advantages. Far away from the Old 
 World, and only conjecturally known to exist by the ancients, 
 the earlier historic life of this grand Federation seems to have 
 hitherto baffled the researches of ethnologists and antiquaries. 
 For the last four hundred years however, few facts of interest 
 are unrecorded, as relating to the migrations of European 
 settlers, the steady growth of population, the spreading of civili¬ 
 sation, the rivalry of rulers, races and colonies, with those 
 vicissitudes which brought the colonists from a state of subjec¬ 
 tion, and at length resulted in obtaining their complete indepen¬ 
 dence. Nor are subsequent events less interesting from a social 
 and political point of view, not alone to the people of the 
 United States themselves, but to every intelligent student of 
 history however far removed, as furnishing lessons by which he 
 can fairly estimate their gradual and upward progress under free 
 Republican institutions, to their present unexampled condition 
 of prosperity and power. 
 
 For Irishmen at home and abroad, the consideration of 
 these topics has a special attraction and interest, because our 
 countrymen had a most important share in first discovering, and 
 afterwards in drawing attention to those distant shores. More¬ 
 over, Ireland sent thither the earliest recorded settlers from 
 Europe. Their acts and memories have alike perished through 
 some unknown fatality, and for want of reliable historic record 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Nevertheless, from early colonial days to the present, a stream 
 of Irish emigrants constantly flowed westward; while the 
 achievements of these settlers and of their descendants, known 
 as Irish-Americans, have largely aided in shaping the destinies, 
 and in developing the resources of the great Republic. Many 
 of those were men of ability and renown, as likewise dis¬ 
 tinguished for their heroic and praiseworthy actions. In the 
 general history of the American Commonwealth, and in the 
 particular history of its several States, their names are 
 prominent and of frequent occurrence. So far as can be ascer¬ 
 tained, many previous unaccountable omissions to record their 
 race and ancestry have been supplied in the present work. 
 
 Nevertheless, it seems strange, that no attempt has been 
 hitherto made, to set before the people of Ireland, by writers 
 or publishers, a general and complete History of the United 
 States. Such a reproach on our country it is now desired to 
 remove, and to place within reasonable compass accounts from 
 the earliest known period to the commencement of the 
 twentieth century. For several years the present writer was a 
 resident and citizen in the trans-Atlantic Republic; moreover, 
 he was an attentive student of its history, and an interested 
 observer of the manners, habits, and usages of its inhabitants 
 as also familiar with the various movements and changes 
 taking place among parties and politicians. In this volume 
 he has presumed to summarize the leading historic occurrences 
 in an orderly and intelligible narrative, with the abundant 
 materials supplied by our public Libraries in Dublin, and 
 official documents obtained from the United States’ archives 
 in Washington. Every chief statement of the compiler 
 throughout, invariably sustained by authorities frequently 
 quoted, affords facilities for further* research and for more 
 extended inquiry regarding detailed information. 
 
 As this is intended to be a compendious History, and yet 
 sufficiently complete, to afford a fairly exact narrative of events 
 from the earliest accounts to the present day, the chief and 
 best authors and works on the subject have been carefully and 
 frequently consulted. Among those authorities for the early 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 and Colonial Days, Charlevoix, Robertson, Neal, Hutchinson^ 
 Washington Irving, Bancroft, Grahame, Parkman, John 
 Gilmary Shea, and other standard writers, have been most 
 used. Some of the last-named carried their narratives to the 
 end of the American Revolution ; while this stirring period of 
 National History has been illustrated by different contempor¬ 
 aneous accounts and by many valuable works subsequently 
 published. Several of these have been examined, and their 
 statements compared very carefully by the writer, before 
 noting the conclusions at which he arrived. In due order of 
 narrative, and desiring to be impartial, authorities on the 
 English and American views of international questions are 
 respectively indicated, but chiefly in the notes appended. 
 
 For purposes of historical investigation and accuracy—not 
 formerly attainable by writers who have treated very fully 
 these transactions—the author has carefully examined that 
 invaluable late publication, B. F. Stevens’ “ Facsimiles of 
 Manuscripts in European Archives relating to America.” 
 They are taken from unpublished documents in public and 
 private collections, while they contain much confidential and 
 most secret intelligence, informations and correspondence of 
 the British Government with its political agents and spies. 
 Especially are those documents absolutely necessary for a 
 clear understanding of diplomatic phases and secret instruc¬ 
 tions, which served to direct the civil and military movements, 
 that produced important final results. The current opinions 
 of persons and the intelligence obtained of contemporaneous 
 events, as related even in good faith by previous writers, 
 must be considerably modified by such revelations, which 
 often conflict with the received statements of historians. The 
 secret intelligence and frequently intercepted letters ob¬ 
 tained by and from England, France, Holland, and Spain, 
 particularly during the period of the American Revolution¬ 
 ary war, sufficiently prove how deficient, without an 
 examination of those records, had been the resources of 
 previous writers, to convey complete and authentic information 
 for the instruction of their contemporaries and of posterity. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 A voluminous work of exceeding great value for the 
 student of American History is the copious and critical 
 narrative, edited by Justin Winsor, in which special articles 
 or chapters have been inserted by some of the most capable 
 and well-informed writers in the United States. To these 
 several contributions are added notices of books previously 
 published, bearing on and requisite to elucidate the various 
 subjects treated. 1 Nevertheless, this work does not include 
 particulars relating immediately to the last great Civil War, 
 nor to any succeeding events. 
 
 So important and interesting in a national and political 
 view are the causes and events which led to that grave dis¬ 
 ruption, and as these more recent subjects have occupied so 
 large a share of public attention and comment, the chapters 
 embracing such a special division of our narrative have been 
 proportionately enlarged, while various conflicting authorities 
 have been consulted to balance the weight of evidence for 
 many of those statements, and which are intended to be 
 both accurate and impartial as relating to matters of fact, 
 both generalized and in detail. During the year 1866 appeared 
 Bartlett’s “ Literature of the Rebellion,” which gives a 
 catalogue of more than six thousand books or articles relative 
 to'this civil war; and since that time, it is probable the 
 number has been more than doubled. Besides this, during 
 the war itself appeared a vast compilation, extending to 
 twelve octavo volumes, by Frank Moore, styled “ The 
 Rebellion Record,’’ and containing contemporaneous reports, 
 narratives, correspondence and journalistic extracts; yet, 
 unless where these are official documents, or of a confidential 
 nature, all of these statements cannot be relied upon for 
 historic accuracy. That publication appeared at New York 
 from 1861 to 1868. The reports of General Lee and of his 
 subordinates were published by the Confederate Government 
 at Richnond in 1864; while after the war was over in 1865 and 
 since, several Confederate publications and official documents 
 
 1 See “ Narrative and Critical History of America,” in eight volumes. 
 London : 1879 to 1889, Royal 8vo. Sampson, Low & Co., publishers. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 were issued. All of those furnish materials for some future 
 great History of that remarkable period. Much use has been 
 made of the very interesting and elegantly written work of 
 John W. Draper, M.D., LL.D., “History of the American Civil 
 War/’ 2 with its valuable introductory chapters to the subject 
 proper, and which frequently contain sound political reviews 
 regarding causes and results. An invaluable biographical 
 work, “ Abraham Lincoln : a History,” written by the secretaries 
 of that illustrious President, has been consulted with the utmost 
 advantage, in reference to the various incidents and chief actors 
 in the Civil War; nor have the opposite views and statements 
 of Jefferson Davis, towards the close of his life, been withheld 
 from the reader, when they were calculated to reflect any new 
 light on those stirring events, in which he so prominently 
 participated. 
 
 For details of distinguished men who figure in United States 
 History, reference is often made to Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” in six closely printed double columns 
 and large octavo volumes, published in New York. 3 This work, 
 and “ Irish Celts,” by a Member of the Michigan Bar—a large 
 octavo volume and closely printed in double columns 4 —have 
 been frequently consulted for information regarding the race, 
 origin and career of many historic characters, especially as 
 serving to elucidate the note-worthy actions of Irishmen and 
 of others claiming Irish descent. Moreover, the “ Encyclopaedia 
 Americana ” in four large quarto volumes contains a great 
 number of interesting biographies, as also of technical articles, 
 having special relation to the intestine war extending from 
 1861 to 1865. As the foregoing works of reference are acces¬ 
 sible in most of our public Libraries, and as brevity had to be 
 attained in the succeeding pages, it was deemed quite suffi¬ 
 cient merely to quote their ample notices, in the chief number 
 
 2 Published in three Royal 8vo volumes. London: 1871. 
 
 3 We would recommend, likewise, Appleton’s “ Atlas of the United States,” as 
 most useful for reference in the study of this history, since it presents in a clear 
 and an intelligible manner the various localities and positions herein mentioned, 
 and on a sufficiently large scale. Besides, it is accessible in most of our public 
 libraries. Published in New York, by D. Appleton and Co. 1888. 4to. 
 
 * Published at Detroit, Mich. 1844, 8vo. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 of cases regarding individuals, many of whom were even per¬ 
 sonages of great historic renown. 
 
 Memoirs of celebrated public characters in the civil, military 
 and naval service of the United States have been examined, 
 with a view of discovering their personal motives, actions and 
 influence on current events. Assiduously and attentively some 
 of the best works of American historians, biographers, statis¬ 
 ticians and writers on constitutional law have been studied, 
 while exact information has been sought from every available 
 source. A coloured Map of the United States appended to 
 this edition, and of the most recent construction, must be 
 found useful for general geographical and historical illustration. 
 Various military and naval movements or positions, alluded to 
 in the body of this work, are shown in maps specially en¬ 
 graved to elucidate the text; while portraits of the different 
 Presidents, of the leading Statesmen, as also of the most 
 distinguished military and naval Commanders,* taken from 
 approved likenesses, are introduced throughout to give 
 additional interest and attraction to the volume. 
 
 St. JiIaey’s CnijTtcH, Star of the Sea, 
 Lrisixtowx, Dublin. 
 
mm. 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Preface ... 
 
 Page 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Early Irish Traditions regarding Hy-Breasail or a Great Western 
 Ireland—Scandinavian Traditions—The Voyages of Saints Barind, 
 Mernoc and Brendan to the Promised Land—Voyages of Saints 
 Cormac Ua Liathain and Baithen—Probability of an Irish 
 Christian Settlement on the Great Western Continent—Northman 
 Voyages and Colonization—Extended Fame of St. Brendan’s 
 Voyage in Europe and in Asia ... ... ... ... 1 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 The Aboriginal Races of America—The Red Men and Mound-Builders 
 in the United States—Antiquities found there—The Voyage and 
 Discoveries of Christopher Columbus—Subsequent Expeditions and 
 their Results—Hernando de Soto’s Adventures—Conversion of the 
 Indians to Christianity ... ... ... ... ... 11 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 The early Settlement of the American Colonies—The Plymouth and 
 London Companies—Progress of Colonization—Virginia—Maine— 
 
 New York—New England—New Hampshire—New Jersey—Dela¬ 
 ware—Maryland—Connecticut—Rhode Island.—North Carolina ... 25 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Slarery first brought into Virginia—Formation of Colonies—Constitution 
 granted to Virginia and afterwards withdrawn—Charter granted 
 to the Governor and Company of Massachusetts Bay—Laws in 
 that Colony—Indian War—Dutch Colonization—Missions in Maine 36 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Transportation of Irish Slaves to the American Colonies—Disturbances 
 in Maryland and Virginia—Persecution of the Quakers—The Duke 
 of York gets Possession of the Dutch Colony—The English Navi¬ 
 gation Laws—Settlement of the Carolinas—Bacon’s Rebellion— 
 Quaker Settlements in New Jersey—French Explorations on the 
 Mississippi River—King Philip’s Indian War in New England ... 47 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 XU 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Pag© 
 
 Misgovemment of Virginia—Settlement of Pennsylvania by William 
 Penn—Explorations of the Chevalier de la Salle and Father Louis 
 Henepin on the Mississippi—Abrogation of the Colonial Charters— 
 Commotions in Maryland—Irish Colonization—William Penn’s 
 Rights restored in Pennsylvania—Progress of French Colonization 
 —Witchcraft Prosecutions in New England—War between France 
 and England ... . ... ... ... 61 
 
 1 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 J French Settlements on the Mississippi—Missionary Enterprise—In¬ 
 tolerant Laws in New York—Breaking out of War between 
 England, France and Spain, in 1702 —Rebellion in North Carolina 
 —French Western Colonization—Irish Eastern Colonization— 
 Events in New England, Maryland, New York and the Carolinas 
 —French Enterprise in Louisiana ... ... ... ... 76 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Events in New England and in the Carolinas—Settlement of Georgia— 
 Proceedings in New York—French Enterprise in Louisiana— 
 Hostilities in the West between the French and Spainards—Irish 
 Colonization in the early Part of the Eighteenth Century ... 92 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 War between France and England in 1744 —Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle— 
 Renewal of Hostilities—Early Adventures of George Washington— 
 Arrival in America of General Braddock—Expulsion of the 
 Acadians from Nova Scotia—Defeat and Death of Braddock in 
 1755 —Formal Declaration of War between France and England 
 in 175b —English Reverses and Failures—Vigorous Measures taken 
 by William Pitt, and Armaments assembled for Prosecution of the 
 Contest—Expeditions against Canada—The Taking of Quebec in 
 1759 —Conquest of Canada—The Treaty of Paris—Cession of 
 Louisiana to Spain by France—Revolt of the Indian Chief Pontiac 
 and his Death ... ... ••• ••• ••• ••• HO 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 State of the Colonies after the Seven Years’ War—French in the Western 
 Territories—Irish Colonists during the Reign of George III.— 
 Taxation of the Colonies—Resistance—Repeal of the Stamp Act— 
 Renewal of the Taxation and Disturbances in the Colonies— 
 Excisable Tea thrown into the Harbour of Boston—Retaliation— 
 Assembling and Proceedings of the First or Old Revolutionary 
 Congress ... 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Precautions taken by General Gage—The Loyalists—Proceedings in 
 England—Breaking out of the War at Lexington—Spread of the 
 Revolt—Proceedings of the Second Continental Congress—First 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 xiii 
 
 Success of the Patriots—George Washington appointed Ccm- 
 inand“T-in-Chief of the American Forces—Battle at Bunker Hill— 
 Organization of the American Army—Progress of the Insurrec¬ 
 tion—Expedition against the English in Canada under Command 
 of Brigadier-General Richard Montgomery—First Success—Assault 
 on Quebec—Montgomery’s Defeat and heroic Death ... ... 154 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 The Siege of Quebec—Contests in the South—Preparations in England 
 to crush the Rebellion—The Siege and Taking of Boston—Arrival 
 of British Troops and Fora'gn Auxiliaries—Retreat from Quebec 
 —The British Attempt upon New York foiled, and subsequent 
 Failure at Charleston—Congress organizes a Navy—Agitation and 
 Debates before the Declaration of Independence—Names of the 
 Signers ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 182 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 IH 
 
 _ i 
 
 (EjZ-flj-I 
 
 Invasion of New York by Genera, and Admiral Howe—Battle of Long 
 Island—American Evacuation of New York—Futile Attempt to 
 establish Peace—Engagements in New York—Operations in the 
 North—Taking of Fort Washington'—The American Army retreats 
 into New Jersey—Its weakened Condition—The Battles of Trenton 
 and Princetown—The Americans recover Ground in New Jersey 203 
 
 CHAPTER XIY. 
 
 Distinguished Volunteers arrive from Europe—Congressional Commis¬ 
 sioners sent to France—•Ex-Governor Tryon’s Expedition— 
 English Plan of Campaign—General Burgoyne advances towards 
 New York from Canada—The Battle of Bennington—Defeat and 
 ♦Surrender of Burgoyne’s Army—General Howe’s Expedition— 
 
 Battle of Brandywine—Capture of Philadelphia—Battle of 
 Germanstown—The Americans Winter at Valley Forge—The 
 Conway Cabal ... ... ... ... ... ... 220 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Financial and physical Difficulties of the United States Government— 
 Alliance with and Aid from France—Overtures of Peace from 
 England—Evacuation of Philadelphia by the British—Battle of 
 Monmouth—Surprise at Wyoming—Arrival of Admiral d’Estaing 
 —Combination to attack New York—Expedition against Rhode 
 Island—Its Failure—Congress adopts Articles of Confederation— 
 British Expedition against the 'Southern States ... ... 238 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Re-organisation of Washington’s Army—War in the South—General 
 Tryon’s Descent on Long Island—Attack on Charleston—Capture 
 of Granada by the French—Indian Hostilities on the Western 
 Frontiers—Naval Exploits of Paul Jones—Military Operations in 
 the North—Attack on Savannah—Defeat of the French and 
 Americans ... ... ... ... ... ... 250 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 xiv 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 Page 
 
 Position of General Washington at the Opening of 1780—Siege and 
 Capture ot Charleston by Sir Henry Clinton—Financial Uepres- 
 sion—General Gates in the South—Partisan Chiefs and their 
 Raids—Brutality of Lord Cornwallis—American Victory at King s 
 Mountain—Treason of General Arnold—Mutiny in the American 
 Army ... — ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 The Action of Lafayette in Franco—Arnold’s Invasion of Virginia— 
 Operations of General Green and of Lord Cornwallis in the 
 South—Battle of the Cowpens—Subsequent Manoeuvres—Battle of 
 Gilford Court-House—Various Encounters—Battle of Eutaw 
 Springs—Lord Cornwallis marches to Virginia—French and 
 American Combinations—Investment of Yorktown—Siege—Sur¬ 
 render of Lord Cornwallis and of his whole Army—Reception of 
 the News in England and Ireland ... ... ••• ••• 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Change of Ministry, and Overtures of Peace from England accepted by 
 the Americans—Independence of Parliament obtained for Ireland, 
 and Trade with the United States inaugurated—Peace proclaimed 
 and Recognition of American Independence by the different 
 European Powers—Evacuation of New York by the English, and 
 Disbanding of the American Army—Formation of the United 
 States Constitution—Washington elected First President—His 
 Guildford Court-House—Various Encounters—Battle of Eutaw 
 Administration and Policy—Indian Troubles on the Frontiers— 
 Second Term of Washington’s Administration—Wayne’s Victories 
 over the Indians—Retirement of Washington to private Life and 
 Election of John Adams as Second President—Differences of the 
 United States with other Powers—Death of Washington ... 281 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 The Seat of Government transferred to Washington—Election of Thomas 
 Jefferson as President—Treaty between France and the United 
 States—Cession of Louisiana—War waged against the States of 
 Barbary—Re-election of Jefferson as President—Aaron Burr’s Con¬ 
 spiracy—Peace proclaimed between the United States and Tripoli 
 —Injuries inflicted on American Commerce by France and Eng¬ 
 land—Outrage on the Ship of War Chesapeake—Public Excite¬ 
 ment against England—Failure of Negotiations to effect Peace— 
 
 Indian Troubles in the North-West—Subsequent Events ... 299 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 War declared against England—First Invasion of Canada—Naval En¬ 
 gagements—American Preparations for another Invasion of 
 Canada—Operations under General Harrison—English Fleet off 
 the Eastern Coasts of the United States—Engagements in Canada 
 —Commodore Perry’s Victory on Lake Erie—General Jackson’s 
 Victories over the Southern Indians—Failure of Genearl Wilkin¬ 
 son’s Expedition against Montreal ... ... ... ... 509 
 

 CONTENTS. xv 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 Page 
 
 Discontent of the Peace Party at the Continuation of the War—Renewal 
 of the Canadian Invasion—Operations under General Brown— 
 Battles at Plattsburg and on Lake Champlain—Propositions for 
 a Peace—Campaign in the South—Great Victory of General Jack- 
 son at New Orleans—Treaty for Peace ratified—Commodore 
 Stewart’s brilliant Victory at Sea, and closing of the War ... 324 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 War with Algiers—Progress of the United States—James Monroe elected 
 President—General Jackson’s Invasion of Florida and its Acquisi¬ 
 tion by the United States—Contest about the Admission of Mis¬ 
 souri into the Union—Visit of La Fayette—John Quincy Adams 
 elected President—Rise of the Anti-Masonic Party—General 
 Andrew Jackson elected President—Indian Disturbances—John 
 C. Calhoun raises the Question of State Rights—Nullification 
 announced in South Carolina—The President’s Proclamation and 
 its Effects ... ... ... ... ... ... 338 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 election of General Jackson to the Presidency—He refuses a Charter 
 to the United States Bank—Revolt of Texas from Mexico—Elec¬ 
 tion of Martin Van Buren as President—General Harrison succeeds 
 as President—On his Decease, John Tyler, the Vice-President 
 assumes that Office—Disputes with Great Britain in Reference to 
 the Boundaries of Maine and Oregon—James Knox Polk inau¬ 
 gurated President—War with Mexico—Victories of General 
 Zachary Taylor—Operations of General Scott—Success of Geneial 
 Kearney in New Mexico and California—Battles of Cherubusco. 
 Molinos Del Rey, Chepultapec, and Sierra Gordo—Triumphant 
 entry of General Scott into the City of Mexico—The Mormon 
 and Western Migrations ... ... ... ... ... 347 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 Peace with Mexico—General Zachary Taylor elected President—His 
 Death—The Succession devolves on Millard Filmore, Vice- 
 President—Irish Emigration to the United States—Franklin Pierce 
 becomes President—The Native American Party—Agitation on the 
 
 y Subject of Slavery in the Free and Slave States—James Buchan- 
 nan’s Presidency—Raid of John Brown in "Virginia—Contests 
 in Kansas between the Slavery and Anti-Slavery Parties— 
 Abraham Lincoln elected President—The South declares for Seces¬ 
 sion from the United States—Formation of the Southern Con¬ 
 federacy—Seizure of the Arsenals, Magazines and Forts of the 
 Union—Proclamation of President Lincoln—Volunteering—The 
 Irish Brigade formed ... ... ... ... ... 361 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 Opening of the Rebellion in Missouri—The Confederate Constitution—- 
 Maryland—West Virginia—General Beauregard placed over the 
 Confederate Army in Virginia—Provision made by Congress to 
 carry on the War—The Confederates establish their Seat of 
 Government at Richmond—General McDowell commanding the 
 
s.vi 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Page 
 
 United States Troops advances to meet the Confederates—Battle 
 of Bull Run—Defeat of the Fedei'als—Reverses of the Federals in 
 Missouri-—Measures taken by Congress—Troubles in Kentucky— 
 General Thomas West Sherman obtains a Victory over the Con¬ 
 federates in South Carolina—General Scott, Commander-in-Ckief 
 of the United States Army, resigns—Jefferson Davis elected 
 President over the South—Action of Napoleon III. and of Lord 
 Palmerston—Seizure of Messrs. Mason and Slidell—Preparations 
 for War in the Northern and Southern States ... ... 375 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 The United States Government prepares for the coming Campaign—In 
 January 1862 General Burnside conducts an Expedition to Albe¬ 
 marle Sound—Major-General Halleck and General Buell appointed 
 to direct Military Operations in the West—Victorious Campaign 
 in Kentucky and Tennessee—Generals Price and M‘Culloch driven 
 out of Missouri—Engagement between the Ironclads, Monitor and 
 Merrimac—Preparations for an Advance of General McClellan 
 against Richmond—The Shenandoah Valley—A new plan of 
 Operations designed by General McClellan—The Confederate con¬ 
 scription Act—Movements of General Grant in the West—Battle 
 of Shiloh or Pittsburg Landing—Expedition against New Orleans 
 —Capture of Memphis by the Federals ... ... ... 38S 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 Preparations for the Attack on Richmond—Defences prepared by the 
 Confederates—General Wool takes Possession of Norfolk—Federal 
 Approach—The Chickahominy River—The Battle of Seven Pines 
 —Seven continuous Engagements around Richmond—Federals 
 retreat to the James River—Battle of Malvern Hill ... ... 407 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 Exhaustion of both Armies after the Seven Days’ Battle—McClellan 
 urges another Advance against Richmond—He is superseded as 
 Commander-in-Chief by General Henry W. Halleck—General John 
 Pope appointed to command the Army of Virginia—McClellan’s 
 Troops recalled from the Peninsula—Advance of the Confederates 
 against Washington—Pope’s Campaign—He resigns and McClellan 
 succeeds in Command—Campaign in Kentucky and Tennessee— 
 Operations in Arkansas and Missouri—Beauregard’s Defences 
 around Charleston ... ... ... ... 420 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 Progress of Negro Emancipation—Internal and external Condition of 
 Affairs relative to the United States—Advance of General Lee 
 into Maryland—Battles of South Mountain and of Antietam— 
 Retreat of Lee—General Banks succeeds General Butler at New 
 Orleans—Confederate Invasion of Missouri—Secretaries Seward 
 and Chase—Battle of Murfreesboro in Tennessee—General 
 M‘Clellan removed from Command—General Burnside succeeds— 
 Conditions existing in Northern and Southern States—Defeat at 
 Fredericksburg—Failure of the Federal Attack on Vicksburg— 
 Confederates capture Galveston in Texas ... ... ... 436 
 
 1 
 
CONTENTS. xvii 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 P a g e 
 
 Negro Emancipation—Confederate Government—General Hooker suc¬ 
 ceeds General Burnside in Command of the Army of the Potomac 
 —Federal Conscription Bdl—Factious Proceedings in Ohio— 
 Treasonable (Societies—Siege of Charleston—The Battle of Chancel¬ 
 lors voile—General Banks in Louisiana—Admission of West Vir¬ 
 ginia into the United States ... ... ... ... 463 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 Diplomatic Relations of France and England with the United States— 
 Preparations for the Siege of Vicksburg—Battle at Champion 
 Hill — Opening of the Siege at Vicksburg—Efforts of the Con¬ 
 federates West of the Mississippi River—Their Oefeat at Helena 
 —Surrender of Vicksburg—Siege and Reduction of Port Hudson 
 —The French in Mexico—Confederate Privateers built m English 
 Ports 
 
 476 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 Invasion of Maryland and of Pennsylvania by General Lee—Resignation 
 of General Hooker—Succeeded by General Meade—Battles at 
 Gettysburg—Retreat of the Confederates—Embassy of Alexander 
 H. Stephens—Conscription Riots—Closing of the Eastern 
 
 Campaign ... ... ... ... ... ... 492 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 Siege of Charleston—General Taylor in the South—General Rosecrans’ 
 Advance on Chattanooga—The Battle of Chiekamauga—General 
 Grant appointed to take charge of the new Military Division of 
 the Mississippi—The Battle of Missionary Ridge—The Siege of 
 Knoxville raised—General Bragg removed from Command, and 
 General Johnston appointed to succeed him—Movement of General 
 Lee on Mannassas—Suspension of the Eastern Campaign at the 
 Close of the Year—Tlie President’s Animal Message and Re¬ 
 construction of the Revolted States ... ... 511 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 Movements of General William Teeumseh Sherman in the West—Re- 
 conniasance of Mobile by Admiral Farragut—General Ulysses S. 
 
 Grant appointed Lieutenant-General over all the United States 
 Army—Preparations for an Advance against Richmond—Condition 
 of the Northern and Southern States at the Opening of this 
 Campaign—Capture of Plymouth, North Carolina, by the Con¬ 
 federates—Movements of Grant’s Army—Battles of the Wilder¬ 
 ness—Battle at Spottsylvania Court House—General Sheridan’s 
 Cavalry Raid—Fighting on the North Anna River—Battle of 
 Cold Harbour ... ... ... ... ... ... 52o 
 
• • • 
 xyui 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 
 Page 
 
 Military Engagements in the Kanawha and Shenandoah Valleys—Cam¬ 
 paign of General Butler in Virginia—Cavalry Expedition of General 
 Sheridan—A new Plan of Operations devised by General Grant— 
 Crossing of the James River—Siege of Petersburg—Failure of the 
 Assault—General Early’s Advance upon Washington and his Re¬ 
 treat—Confederate Plots in the North-Western States * . ... 640 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII. 
 
 Selection by the Republican Party of Candidates for President and Vice- 
 President—The Red River Expedition—Massacre at Fort Pillow 
 —General Sherman’s Advance against General Johnston—Retreat 
 of the latter, and Rattle of Lost Mountain—General Johnston 
 superseded by Jefferson Davis, and General Hood appointed to 
 succeed—Investment of Atlanta by Sherman’s Army—Its Capture 
 —Naval Engagement between the Kearsarge and the Alabama ... 551 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
 
 The United States Finances—Operations of Major-General Oanby, West 
 of the Mississippi—The Attack on Mobile by Sea and Land— 
 General Sheridan appointed to an independent Command—In¬ 
 vasion of Missouri by General Price—Raids of Forrest and Morgan 
 —Operations of General Grant’s Army—General Sherman recom¬ 
 mends a new Movement—Hood marches towards Nashville— 
 Sheridan’s Campaign against Early—Victory at Winchester— 
 
 Battle of Hatcher’s Run ... ... ... ... — 565 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 
 Party Selections of Candidates for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency— 
 Confederate Military Commands in the West—Purpose of General 
 Sherman to march through Georgia eastwards—Burning of Atlanta 
 Hood marches northwards—Battle at Franklin—Victory of 
 General Thomaa at Nashville — ... ... ... 581. 
 
 CHAPTER XL. 
 
 Enrolment of Coloured Soldiers—The Prisoners of War—Advance of 
 General Sherman upon Savannah—Surrender of the City—Move¬ 
 ments of Brevet Major-General Grierson i.i the South West—Ex¬ 
 pedition directed against Wilmington—Its failure—Renewal of 
 the Attempt successful ... ... ... ... 594 
 
 CHAPTER XLI. 
 
 Amendment of the United States Constitution—Decree of Universal 
 Negro Emancipation—Directions of General Grant to draw the 
 distant Annies for Convergence towards Richmond—Capture of 
 Mobile—Sherman’s Army moves northwards—General Lee ap- 
 
 E ointed Confederate Generalissimo—Movements of Sheridan— 
 econd Inauguration of President Lincoln—Movements of Stone- 
 man—Conference between Generals Grant and Sherman—Com¬ 
 bined Assaults around Petersburg—Its Capture ... ••• 601 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 XIX 
 
 CHAPTER XLII. 
 
 Evacuation of Petersburg and Richmond—Pursuit of Lee’s Army by 
 Genera! Grant—Battle of Farmvffle—Negotiations for Surrender of 
 Lees Army—Negotiations for Surrender of Johnston’s Army- 
 Successful Operations of Brevet Major-General James H. Wilson 
 m the South-west—Various Contingents of Confederates in the 
 South lay down their Arms—End of the War. 
 
 Page 
 
 612 
 
 CHAPTER XLIII. 
 
 Assassination of President Lincoln—Fate of the Conspirators—Capture 
 
 of Jefferson Davis—His Imprisonment and subsequent Release_ 
 
 Re-construction of the Southern States—The United States de¬ 
 mand the French Evacuation of Mexico—Demands on the English 
 Government for Compensation—Purchase of the North-Western 
 Territory of Alaska* from Russia—Indian Disturbances beyond the 
 Mississippi .. 
 
 CHAPTER XLIV. 
 
 General Ulysses S. Grant elected President—Settlement of the Alabama 
 Claims—Re-election of President Grant—Foreign and Domestic 
 Affairs—Centenary of American Independence—Rutherford B. 
 
 Hayes elected President—Financial Equilibrium restored—James 
 A. Garfield elected President—His Assassination—Chester A. 
 Arthur succeeds—Election of Grover Cleveland as President in 
 1884—Benjamin Harrison elected President in 1888—Second Elec¬ 
 tion of Grover Cleveland as President in 1892—The Great 
 Columbian Exposition in Chicago—Subsequent Events ... ... 633 
 
 CHAPTER XLV. 
 
 Republican Gains in the November Elections of 1894—The Venezuelan 
 Boundary Question—Insurrection in Cuba—William McKinley 
 elected President in 1896—His Cabinet and the State of Parties— 
 Declaration of War against Spain—Commodore Dewey destroys 
 the Spanish Fleet in the Philippine Islands—Blockade of its 
 northern Ports and Invasion of Cuba—Conquest of the Island, 
 
 Porto Rico and Manilla—Peace concluded between Spain and the 
 United States—The President’s Message ... ... ... 646 
 
 CHAPTER XLVI. 
 
 State of Parties at the Opening of Congress in 1899—Treaty of Peace with 
 Spain ratified by the United States Senate—The Venezuelan Arbi¬ 
 trators’ Award—Temporary and Provisional Boundary Line between 
 Alaska and Canada—The Island of Tutuila and other Islauds of the 
 Samoan Group ceded to the United States—The President’s Message 
 —Death of Vice-President Hobart—Regulations for Cuba and the 
 Philippine Islands—Revocation of the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty by the 
 Senate—Pacific Proposals of the United States Government for 
 Peace between Great Britain and the Boer Republics rejected by the 
 English Ministry—McKinley’s re-election as President, and subse¬ 
 quent Message on December 4th, 1900—The Nicaragua Canal—Cap 
 ture of Aguinaldo—Submission of the Philippine Chiefs—President 
 M‘Kinley’s Assassination—Theodore Roosevelt succeeds as President 
 —His Inaugural Message—Conclusion ... ... ... ... 662 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 No. 1 .—Colonial Delegates’ Address to the Irish People, issued on 
 the 10th of May, 1775, and engrossed on the 28th July, 1775 
 
 No. 2.—Declaration of Independence, proclaimed July 4th, 1776 
 
 No. 3—Constitution of the United States 
 
 No. 4.—Congressional Resolution of December 29th, 1780 ... 
 
 No. 5.—Presidents of the Continental Congress and of the Congress of 
 the Confederation, 1775-1788 
 
 No. 6. —Presidents, Vice-Presidents, and Cabinet Officers from the 
 adoption of the Constitution to the present Time 
 
 No. 7.—The Twelfth Census of the United States ... 
 
 No, 8—Area of each State and Territory in the United States, Date 
 of Organization of Territories, and of Admission of New States 
 into the Union ... ... ... ... .„ 
 
 Index 
 
 • •• Mt 
 
 • 9 » 
 
 Page 
 
 i 
 
 ▼ 
 
 viii 
 
 xx 
 
 xx 
 
 xx 
 
 xx vi 
 
 xxviii 
 
 xxxi 
 
PORTRAITS 
 
 Theodore Roosevelt, Twenty-Fifth President, U.S., Frontispiece. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Christopher Columbus, Discoverer of America, 
 
 John Smith, Founder of Virginia, 
 
 Lord Baltimore, Founder of Maryland, 
 
 William Penn, Founder of Pennsylvania ... ... .... 16 
 
 George Washington, First President of the United States, 
 
 Benjamin Franklin, U.S. Ambassador to France, 
 
 Richard Montgomery, Brigadier-General U.S. Army, 
 
 John Sullivan, Major-General U.S. Army ... ... ... 112 
 
 Thaddeus Kosciusko, Colonel of Engineers in the Continental 
 Army, 
 
 Marie-Jean-Paul-Roch-Yves Gilbert Motier, Marquis de 
 Lafayette, Major-General U.S. Army, 
 
 George Clinton, Governor of New York, 
 
 Nathaniel Green, Major-General U.S. Army ... ... ... 224 
 
 Daniel Morgan, Major-General U.S. Army, 
 
 Alexander Hamilton, Secretary to the U.S. Treasury, 
 
 John Adams, Second President of the U.S., 
 
 Thomas Jefferson, Third President of the U.S. ... ... 272 
 
 James Madison, Fourth President of the U.S., 
 
 James Monroe, Fifth President of the U.S., 
 
 John Quincy Adams, Sixth President of the U.S., * 
 
 Andrew Jackson, Seventh President of the U.S. ... ... 308 
 
 John C. Calhoun, Vice-President of the U.S., 
 
 Henry Clay, Senator of the U. S., 
 
 Thomas MacDonough, Commodore of the U.S. Navy, 
 Martin Van Buren, Eighth President of the U.S. 
 
 330 
 
PORTRAITS. 
 
 William Henry Harrison, Ninth President of the IT S., 
 
 Daniel Webster, Secretary of State, 
 
 John Tyler, Tenth President of the U.S., 
 
 James Knox Polk, Eleventh President of the U.S. • M ... 352 
 
 i 
 
 Zachary Taylor, Twelfth President of the U.S., 
 
 Millard Filmore, Thirteenth President of the U.S., 
 
 Franklin Pierce, Fourteenth President of the U.S., 
 
 Thomas H. Benton, Senator of the U.S ••• • ••• 360 
 
 James Buchanan, Fifteenth President of the U.S., 
 
 Abraham Lincoln, Sixteenth President of the U.S., 
 
 Jefferson Dams, President of the Confederate States, 
 
 Robert Edward Lee, Commander-in-Chief of Confederate Army, 368 
 
 Winfield Scott, Lieutenant-General of U.S. Army, 
 
 William Henry Seward, Secretary of State, 
 
 Benjamin Franklin Butler, Major-General of U.S. Army, 
 
 Michael Corcoran, Brigadier-General of U.S. Army ... ... 376 
 
 William Starke Rosecrans, Major-General of U.S. Army, 
 
 Winfield Scott Hancock, Major-General of U.S. Army, 
 
 David Dixon Porter, Admiral of the U.S. Navy, 
 
 Thomas Francis Meagher, Brigadier-General of U.S. Army ... 416 
 
 Ulysses S. Grant, Eighteenth President of the U.S., 
 
 George Gordon Meade, Major-General of U.S. Army, 
 
 William Tecumseh Sherman, Major-General of U.S. Army, 
 
 Philip Henry Sheridan, Lieutenant-General of U.S. Army ... 432 
 
 George Henry Thomas, Major-General of U.S. Army, 
 
 David Glasgow Farragut, Admiral of the U.S. Navy, 
 
 Daniel Butterfield, Major-General of U.S. Army, 
 
 Andrew Johnson, Seventeenth President of the U.S. ... ... 488 
 
 Rutherford B. Hayes, Nineteenth President of the U.S. 
 
 James A. Garfield, Twentieth President of the U.S., 
 
 Chester A. Arthur, Twenty-first President of the U.S., 
 
 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, American Poet ... ... 632 
 
 Grover Cleveland, Twenty-second President of the U.S., 
 
 Benjamin Harrison, Twenty-third President of the U.S., 
 
 William McKinley, Twenty-fourth President of the U.S., 
 
 George Dewey, Admiral of the U.S. Navy ... ... ... 656 
 
WAR MAPS. 
 
 --- 
 
 Attack on Fort Sumter 
 Campaign-ground in West Virginia ... 
 
 Battle-Field of Bull’s Run 
 
 Baltimore and Washington at Opening of the War 
 
 Openings of the Chesapeake and Potomac Rivers 
 
 Opening Scenes of Grant’s Campaign in Missouri and Tennessee 
 
 Naval Battle in Hampton Roads 
 
 The Shenandoah Valley 
 
 Battle-Field at Pittsburg Landing ... 
 
 Opening of the Mississippi River 
 Scenes of Seven Days’ Battles around Richmond 
 Battle-Scene of Fredericksburg 
 Battle-Ground at Antietam or Sharpsburg ... 
 
 Battle-Field of Murfreesboro’ 
 
 Federal Operations around Vicksburg 
 
 Siege Operations at Vicksburg 
 
 Battle Field of Gettysburg 
 
 Battle at Chattanooga 
 
 Siege of Charleston 
 
 Battles of the Wilderness ... 
 
 Siege of Petersburg 
 
 Sherman’s March through Georgia 
 
 Defences of Petersburg 
 
 Scene of General Lee’s Surrender 
 
 372 
 
 372 
 
 380 
 
 380 
 
 388 
 
 388 
 
 394 
 
 394 
 
 402 
 
 402 
 
 410 
 
 410 
 
 446 
 
 446 
 
 482 
 
 482 
 
 496 
 
 496 
 
 512 
 
 512 
 
 546 
 
 546 
 
 612 
 
 612 
 
IRISH - AMERICAN 
 
 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Early Irish Traditions regarding Hy-Breasail or a Great Western Ireland— 
 Scandinavian Traditions—1 he Voyages of Saints Barind, Mernoc and Brendan 
 to the Promised Lard—Voyages of Saints Cormac L T n Liathain ana Baithen 
 —Probability of an Irish Chri-tian Settlement on the Great Western Conti¬ 
 ngent—Northman Voyages and Colonization—Extended Fame of St. Brendan’s 
 Voyage in Europe and in Asia. 
 
 The Pagan Irish had remote and cherished traditions regarding some 
 great magic Island, far away from them in the Atlantic Ocean. It 
 was a land of enchantment for their imaginings, and in it lived an 
 enchanted race of inhabitants. It bore a variety of names, and it 
 was associated in their minds with vague mythological ideas. 1 
 
 The early Firbolgian and Fomorian colonists 2 of Ireland—for the 
 most part supposed to have been seafaring men—are thought to have 
 placed their Elysium far out in the Atlantic Ocean. Sometimes they 
 called it Oilean-na-m-Beo or Island of the Living, or Hy-na-Beatha, 
 Island of Life. Again, it was designated Tir-na-m-Beo or Land of 
 the Living, or Tir-na-Nog, the Land of Youth, where Genii dwelt, 
 enjoying lives of perpetual happiness. It had a delightful climate, 
 according to the ancient bards; while, the heroes of Irish romance 
 dwelt there in enchanted places. Sometimes it is styled Tir-na-m- 
 Buadha or Land of Virtues ; again, it is poetically called the Land of 
 Heroes or the Land of Victories. Always, it is idealized as a lovely 
 region with Immortals inhabiting it, and roaming through an amber- 
 lighted atmosphere, in an Elysium of every imaginable delight. It 
 was called the Blessed Realm. 3 This fairy land obtained, likewise, 
 the name Hy-Breasail or the Island of Breasal. It was often thought 
 
 • J Much of the bardic lore of ancient 
 Ireland may be found in Kcv. Dr. JVoftry 
 Keating’s “ History of Ireland,” several 
 editions of which have been published. 
 
 2 The “ Leabhar-Gabhala ” or Book 
 of Invasions, which gives the fullest 
 traditional and most ancient accounts 
 
 of these people, is yet in manuscript, 
 and it has not been published. The 
 oldest copy extant seems to be that de¬ 
 scribed by Rev. Dr. Charles O’Conor, 
 in the Stowe Catalogue. 
 
 3 Reminding us of the M aicapoji' Nqtrot, 
 or Happy Islands of the Greeks. 
 
1RISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF TIIE UNITED STATES. 
 
 to have been seen through the mist of ocean, from the mountain tops 
 of Western Munster, Connaught and Ulster. “ The Great Land ” was 
 a term applied to it, in the Irish bardic poems and stories—many of 
 these yet untranslated and unpublished; while still around the 
 southern, western and northern coasts of Ireland, various fireside 
 traditions are told by the peasants regarding Hy-Breasail, as also re¬ 
 lating to the Firbolgs, Fomorians and Tuatha-de-Danaans 4 —these 
 fierce warriors of old, who have yet a fabled existence in the fairy or 
 spirit-land of the Immortals. Hy-Breasail now dissolves, as a popular 
 theme or vision; yet, through its mists, a more distant region repro¬ 
 duces the spell of an Irishman’s enchantment. 5 
 
 Nor were such notions confined to Ireland alone, for similar 
 superstitions had spread among other people of the Old World. For 
 nearly four hundred years before the Birth of Christ, the ancients held 
 a belief regarding a lost island called Atlantis or Atalantis, said to 
 have been greater than all Lybia and Asia together, lying out in that 
 ocean to which it probably gave name. It is alluded to in the Timceus 
 Dialogue of Plato. 6 The descriptions given of its situation are vague 
 and indefinite, and are thought to have been derived from ships and 
 mariners that had ventured out into the great Western Ocean. The 
 Carthagenians are reported to have established colonies in and visited 
 frequently an island, far distant from the Pillars of Hercules. 7 Dio¬ 
 dorus Siculus mentions a western island of great extent, as also of 
 surpassing beauty and fertility, far away from Lybia. 8 The recollection 
 of this fabled land seems to have been forgotten in a measure, during 
 the Middle Ages, as few writers have reference to it under the original 
 name. However, islands and curious legends connected with them 
 were still reported to have been in the remote waters of the Atlantic. 9 
 How far the aboriginal myths of Ireland had influenced maritime 
 enterprise in Christian times is unknown ; but it is possible, the Greek 
 and Latin accounts of discovery had been read in the schools, and that 
 
 4 Their ancestors’ huge cahirs of stone, 
 vet remaining on the Arran group of 
 Islands and on various hill-sides of the 
 mainland, are most certainly calculated 
 to excite exalted notions of strength, 
 size and prowess, while those heroes 
 dwelt on earth. Still, they are popu¬ 
 larly supposed to be suffering no decay, 
 in the land of perpetual youth. 
 
 5 See “ Irish Folk Lore,” by “Lagen- 
 iensis, ” chap. xv. and chap, xxxii. where 
 further cognate legends are set forth. 
 
 6 He was born about 429 B.c., and 
 died 348 b.c. The tradition held, that 
 Atlantis was in the ocean opposite to 
 the Straits of Gibraltar. There was an 
 easy passage to it from other islands, 
 which were adjacent to a large conti¬ 
 nent. In course of time, a great earth¬ 
 
 quake engulfed it and the inhabitants 
 in the bottom of the sea. 
 
 7 See Aristotle, Liber de Mirabilibus 
 Ph3 r sicae Ascultationis, cap. lxxxiv. 
 This writer was born at Stagyra in 
 Macedonia, b.c. 384, and he died b.c. 
 322. 
 
 8 See Hist. Lib. v., sect. 19. This 
 writer flourished in the time of Julius 
 Caesar and Augustus. 
 
 9 To have a very full understanding 
 of the early geographical knowledge 
 and descriptions regarding the great 
 Western Continent, the reader is re¬ 
 ferred to vol. i. of the invaluable and 
 scholarly compilation, ‘‘Narrative and 
 Critical History of America,” in eight 
 roy. 8vo vols., edited by Justin Winsor. 
 London, 1889. 
 
SCANDINAVIAN TRADITIONS. 3 
 
 both sources for information were availed of to form vague con¬ 
 ceptions of a land of Promise or a Terrestrial Paradise, which still 
 remained unexplored, and which was destined as a future dwelling for 
 the Saints. 
 
 It is remarkable, likewise, that the Pagans of Iceland believed in 
 a seat of the Immortals, where the sick should be restored to health, 
 and where the old should again grow young. 10 Frequent intercourse 
 took place in very remote times between Ireland and Iceland." So far 
 as historic accounts throw light on such transactions, the Irish seem to 
 have been # the pioneers of maritime enterprise, antecedent to the 
 Scandinavian development of shipbuilding and of sea-roving. Long 
 before the Northman colonization of Iceland, a.d. 874, 12 the Irish, for 
 the sake of its productive fisheries, had reached its distant shores. 13 
 With still nobler aspirations to guide them, Irish hermits had settled 
 there, when probably it was devoid of inhabitants ; 14 and the Christian 
 religion was found to be established, when Gardar the Dane, and of 
 Swedish origin, was the first Northman who discovered Iceland in 
 863, 15 and when the Norwegian Ingolf began the colonization of that 
 country in 874.' 6 
 
 The people of Iceland and the Northern races of Europe have for 
 many remote ages preserved national documents, in which there are 
 very curious narratives of discoveries and of navigations relating to 
 America, long antecedent to the times of Christopher Columbus. 17 In 
 those ancient chronicles, reference is often made to Ireland and 
 Irishmen, in various pages, and in relation to American maritime 
 adventures. Those Sagas have recorded various wonderful stories 
 regarding an extensive Western Continent, and daring efforts of their 
 hardy seamen to reach it. Even ancient Scandinavian records have 
 
 10 See the “ Hervarar Saga ok Heid- 
 rekskongs” or the History of Hervora 
 and of King Heidker, drawn from the 
 manuscripts of the Legate Arna-Mag- 
 nsean, and edited by the Icelandic 
 Stephanus Biornon, cap. i., pp. 2 to 5 ; 
 Hafn, 1785, 4to. 
 
 11 Some ancient accounts assure 
 us, that Iceland had been inhabited 
 so early as the fifth century. See 
 Playfair’s “Geography,” vol. iii., p. 
 144. 
 
 12 See David Crantz’s “History of 
 Greenland : containing a Description of 
 the Country and its Inhabitants,” &c., 
 vol. i., book iv., chap, i., sect, ii., pp. 
 242, 24.3. Translated from the High 
 Dutch, London, 1767, 8vo. 
 
 13 This may be found in Peyrere, 
 “Relation de l’lslande,” a Mons. de la 
 Mothe le Vayer, sect, xliii. 
 
 14 The origin of Christianity in Ice¬ 
 land is set forth, in the “Icelands 
 
 Landnamabok ” or Book of Iceland’s 
 Origin, part i., cap. xiv.. xv., xvi. 
 
 . 16 According to the translated work 
 of Professor Rudolph Keyser, “ Nord- 
 maendenes Religionsforfatning i Heden- 
 dommen ” or the Religion of the North¬ 
 men, by Barclay Pennock. See Intro¬ 
 ductory Chapters by the Translator,cap. 
 iii., pp. 77, 78. New York, 1854, 8vo. 
 
 16 See Arngrym Jonas’ “Hystoria 
 Islandise,” and Ara Multiseius’ “Schedae 
 de Islandia,” cap. ii. 
 
 17 Readers who are inquisitive will 
 consult “ Antiquitates Americanae sive 
 Scriptores Septentrionales Rerum 
 Ante-Columbianarum in America.” 
 This work has been ably edited by 
 C. C. Rafn, a member of the Royal 
 Society of Northern Antiquaries. The 
 documents are found in the Latin, 
 Danish and Icelandic tongues, with 
 plates and maps included. It was pub¬ 
 lished at Ilafn, a.d. 1837, in royal 4to. 
 
4 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 applied the name “ Great Ireland ” 18 to a distant Western Continent, 
 which Columbus had not yet discovered. 
 
 Not many generations had seen the light, after the first introduc¬ 
 tion of Christianity into Erin, when the adventurous and saintly men 
 Barind or Barinthus and Mernoc, 19 whether by accident or with a set 
 purpose of discovery in view, reached the distant shores of the Land of 
 Promise—the earliest Irish and Christian designation of America. 
 They were enabled to return once more to the island from which 
 they had sailed, about the commencement of the sixth century. Won¬ 
 derful were the rumours spread abroad, and the narratives of those 
 navigators filled the minds of others with restless desires, to witness 
 scenes so graphically described, and yet so vaguely portrayed. 20 Among 
 the many who sought information from the voyagers was one having 
 manly courage and tenacity of will to second a lively imagination and 
 an enterprising genius. Holy Brendan, in all our hagiological 
 references called “The Navigator,” formed a pious resolution to seek this 
 distant land, there to spread the light of Christianity. 21 He sailed from 
 the coast of Kerry, with a crew of sixty religious men, in quest of the 
 unknown We.-tern Continent. 
 
 It is probable this adventurous mariner took his departure for the 
 Land of Promise, from near that majestic headland, and from out that 
 bay, now bearing his name. Both lie about seven miles northwards 
 from Dingle, 22 Theue is no mountain throughout that region of country 
 
 18 See C. C- Rain's “ Antiquites 
 Americaines d’apres les Monuments 
 historiques des Iriandais et des anciens 
 Scandinaves.” Kopenhagen, a.d. 1845, 
 in 8vo. See Jean George Theodore 
 Graesse’s “ Tresor de Livers Rares et 
 Precieux ou Nouveau Dictionnaire 
 Bibliographique,” Tome i., p. 149. 
 
 19 See Father John Colgan’s “ Acta 
 Sanctorum Hiberniag,” xxii. Martii. 
 De Egressione Families S. Brendani, 
 pp. 721 to 725. A French writer, 
 Louis Tachet de Barneval has recorded 
 the story of Barind's voyage to the 
 Land of Promise, and the account 
 received from his lips of those strange 
 adventures that befell the wanderers 
 until land appeared. 
 
 20 This great and distant land God 
 had promised to give His saints, as it 
 was rumoured, and at some future time. 
 
 21 It seems strange, that only a slight 
 allusion is made to the voyage of St. 
 Brendan, and in reference to the early 
 discoverers of America, in the work of 
 R. H. Major, F.S.A., which was edited 
 for the Hak-luyt Society. This notice 
 is only found in the Introduction, at p. 
 xxvi .; and it is prefixed to “ Select 
 
 Letters of Chiistopher Columbus, with 
 other original Documents, relating to 
 his four Voyages to the New World,” 
 published at London, 1870, 8vo, second 
 edition. 
 
 22 St. Brendan’s Mountain is regarded 
 as one of the highest in Kerry county, 
 it being little inferior in altitude to the 
 Reeks of Mangerton at Killarney. 
 When the tops of other mountains are 
 clear from clouds and mists, that moun¬ 
 tain is frequently covered with them. 
 Its exposed situation over the Atlantic 
 Ocean occasions the interception of 
 vapours that roll above its summit and 
 down its sides. When the top is visible, 
 people regard it as a certain token of 
 fine weather. When our saint hoisted 
 sail, such possibly had been its condi¬ 
 tion, and as brightly it arose on “the 
 poet’s warm thought,” he thus 
 describes it:— 
 
 “ Sweetly the morning lay on tarn and 
 hill, 
 
 Gladly the waves played in its 
 golden light; 
 
 And the proud top of the majestic hill 
 Shone in the azui'e air—serene and 
 bright.” 
 
VOYAGE OF SAINT BRENDAN. 
 
 5 
 
 mm 
 
 supposed to approach in height St. Brendan’s Hill in Kerry ; nor 
 which commands so extensive a view of the Shannon, nor of its 
 entrance to the ocean. 23 
 
 The merest abstract of St. Brendan’s Trans-Atlantic Voyage shall 
 be sufficient for the purposes of this History. 24 Before weighing 
 anchor, and having stored provisions in his galley, we are told that the 
 renowned abbot and navigator ordered his brethren, in the name of 
 the Father, Son and Holy Ghost to embark. 26 When he had 
 embarked, his mariner monks unfurled the sail, and began their voyage, 
 steering towards the summer solstice. The wind was favourable, and 
 they had merely to hold their sail. After a fortnight the wind fell, 
 and they took their paddles till their strength was spent. Brendan 
 encouraged them saying, ‘‘ Fear not, for God watches over us, and He 
 guides our bark; trim the sail and let her float; God will do what He 
 wishes with His servants, and with His bark.” 26 
 
 As when, many centuries subsequent, the mariners of Columbus 
 bound on a like voyage of discovery gave away to anxiety, hope and 
 fear, under favouring winds, transient clouds and showers; so the 
 disciples of their resolute master Brendan must have felt nervous and 
 uneasy, when leaving vast tracts of ocean behind them. They knew 
 not to what part of the world their vessel bore them. Every evening 
 they took some food ; forty daj’s had elapsed, and their provisions were 
 nearly exhausted. But, in this great extremity, suddenly an island 
 appeared to them, and it was crowned with towering rocks. From the 
 midst of this isle many streams ran down to the sea. Exhausted with 
 hunger and thirst, the monks wished, even before they found a landing 
 place, to dip up water. 27 Brendan said, “ Beware, brethren ; what you 
 would do must lead to madness. God has not even deigned to show you 
 the port, and yet you desire to steal a march upon His Providence. In 
 
 23 Hence, it is thought to have been 
 confounded with the Knock Patrick 
 mentioned by an ancient writer, called 
 Necham. 
 
 24 For a full account of the incidents 
 given in the Voyage of St. Brendan, 
 whose festival is held on the sixteenth 
 of May, the reader is referred to “ Lives 
 of the Irish Saints,” by the present 
 writer, vol. v., Sixteenth Day of May, 
 art. i. There, too, additional parti¬ 
 culars are given regarding the early 
 colonization of America by Irishmen. 
 
 26 As he remained alone on the bank, 
 and blessed the spot of their departure, 
 three brothers came from the monas¬ 
 tery, and fell at his feet, saying, 
 “ Father, permit us to follow thee 
 whither thou goest, or else we are 
 resolved to die here of hunger and 
 thirst.” Seeing them thus pressing, 
 
 and even offering violence to his feel¬ 
 ings, the Saint bid them enter his ship. 
 
 - 6 Under these circumstances, the 
 poetic thought, afterwards so happily 
 expressed by Ireland’s illustrious bard 
 Thomas Moore, often filled the mind 
 of the holy man :— 
 
 “And as I watch the line of light that 
 plays, 
 
 Along the smooth wave tow’rd the 
 burning west, 
 
 I long to tread that golden path of 
 rays, 
 
 And think ’twould lead to some 
 bright isle of rest.” 
 
 '■^Atchbishop Ussher truly declares 
 that there are most prodigious fables in 
 the narrative of St. Brendan’s Seven 
 Years’ Voyage to the Western Land. 
 See “ Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Au- 
 tiquitates,” cap. xvii.. p. 494. 
 
6 
 
 IRISH-AMER1CAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 three days, our Lord will point out a spot, where we may land, and 
 where the wearied shall regain their strength.” For three days, in 
 consequence, they coasted around that island, and on the third day 
 they disembarked in a small port ; 28 possibly somewhere on the eastern 
 shores of the present trans-Atlantic Republic. 
 
 The holy man Brendan then landed on the shores of a vast territory, 
 the extent of which was unknown ; and, after along term—seven years 
 are said to have been spent in exploration—he and his hardy mariners 
 returned to Ireland. Strange were their adventures, indeed, as 
 chronicled in a well-known story of the Middle Ages, “The V'oyage of 
 St. Brendan.” But, this seems to have been noted down originally from 
 oral tradition, and afterwards it was encumbered with various wild 
 fancies . 29 Several Latin versions of St Brendan’s voyage are still in 
 manuscript, and many of these are ancient . 30 Never was popular 
 romance more eagerly read in modern times than was this composition, 
 not alone in Ireland but throughout Europe. It was recited in the 
 Irish language ; it was sung in the Norman-French ; 31 while it has been 
 translated into various dialects, and published in prose and poetry . 32 
 
 The traditions of St. Brendan’s voyage haunted the imagination of 
 Irish navigators after his time; and a new-born zeal to spread Chris¬ 
 tianity in that distant land excited the ardour of many inmates in the 
 monastic establishments. Several vain attempts were made by St. 
 Colman Ua Liathain , 33 in the sixth century, to reach the Promised Land, 
 but he was as frequently driven back to the shores of Ireland by 
 opposing winds and waves. In a light sea-boat this same Cormac left 
 Columba’s monastery for a cruise in quest of the Land of Promise. After 
 great dangers encountered he touched at the Orkney Islands, and he re¬ 
 turned after an absence of several months to Iona. Before a south wind 
 he sailed for fourteen days, without making land, into the northern seas. 
 He came to a region where the ocean seemed alive with loathsome 
 creatures, which crowded on the oars, and stung the hands of those 
 attempting to remove them. Those were, doubtless, a harmless shoal 
 of Medusae, so commonly seen in the still summer-sea. Again he returned 
 
 28 To the “Acta S. Brendani’ - the 
 reader must be referred for the conclu¬ 
 sion of this most imaginative and 
 mystical legend. See a full account of 
 all manuscripts in Achille Jubinal's 
 “ La Lagende Latine de S. Brandaines,” 
 avec une Traduction inedite en prose et 
 en poesie romanes. Baris, 1S36, 8vo. 
 
 * See L. Tachet de Barneval’s “ His- 
 toire Legendaire de l’lrlande,” chap, 
 xxxiii. Baris, 1856, 8vo. 
 
 30 See Right Rev. Bishop Moran’s 
 “Acta Sancti Brendani,” published at 
 Dublin, in 8vo, A.D. 1872. 
 
 31 See a notice of the published 
 version, in Blackwood’s Magazine, for 
 1836. Vol. xxxix., June, No. ccxlvii. 
 
 32 Our own talented countryman, 
 Denis Florence McCarthy, has ele¬ 
 gantly rendered “The Voyage of St. 
 Brendan ” into English verse, in rythrn 
 of surpassing harmony, and in a form 
 well calculated to impress it on the 
 imagination and memory of every taste¬ 
 ful reader. 
 
 33 The festival of this holy Abbot of 
 Durrow is held on the 21st of June. 
 For a more particular account of his 
 voyages, the reader is referred to the 
 Rev. Dr. Reeves’ Adamnan’s “ Life of 
 St. Columba,” Lib. i., cap. 6, p. 30; 
 Lib. ii., cap. 42, p. 166 to 171 ; Lib. 
 iii., cap. 17, and Additional Notes F 
 pp. 270 to 275 
 
EARLY IRISH COLONIZATION OF AMERICA. 7 
 
 safely from this adventurous voyage . 34 Another disciple of St Columba 
 and his successor as Abbot of Iona, St. Baithen sailed out to seek a 
 desert in the great ocean . 25 He asked St. Columba’s blessing before his 
 departure He reiumak however, unsuccessful in the object of his 
 search, and having see* many great sea-monsters during his voyage. We 
 find it stated, likewise, that one Maelduin, the sou of a Munster chief, 
 with a number of young men, wandered for three years and seven 
 months on the Atlantic . 36 
 
 There is good reason for supposing, however, that several Irish 
 Christians had reached the trans-Atlantic shores at an early period . 37 
 That they had settled there is on record, and it is even probable that 
 they had propagated Christianity among the aboriginal inhabitants 
 —then chiefly composed of the tawny or Red Men of tire forest , 38 whose 
 origin, descent, and migrations have so often exercised, and still baffled, 
 the researches of American ethnologists and historians . 39 
 
 From Ireland, the accounts of the Promised Land, and of other 
 visionary islands in the great ocean, spread throughout Europe. The 
 Irish navigators had early and frequent intercourse with the Northmen 
 of Iceland and of Scandinavia ; and these daring seamen were anxious 
 to hazard their lives around the coasts of Greenland to the points 
 indicated . 40 Attributing the honour of a first discovery to our countrymen, 
 and foreshadowing the Great Land as a colonial dependency, justly 
 belonging to the country of their birth, the Northern Sagas called it, 
 Irland-it-Mickla, or Great Ireland. 
 
 The route towards it, commencing from the north of Europe, is 
 described in this manner. The Sagas and Eddas relate, that to the 
 south of habitable Greenland, enormous icebergs were to be found 
 floating. Then wild tracts' and uninhabitable wastes extended. Beyond 
 
 34 See Joseph Andrew’s “ Scotland in 
 Early Christian Times,” Lecture iv., 
 pp. 141 to 143. 
 
 35 See Rev. Dr. Reeves’ Adamnan’s 
 “ Life of St. Columba,” Lib. i., cap. 20, 
 pp. 49, 50. 
 
 36 This account is given in the Trinity 
 College Manuscript, Dublin, and classed 
 H 2. 16. There is only a fragment of this 
 tale in the Leabhar na h-IIuidhre, edited 
 by John T. Gilbert, in 1870, Dublin, fol. 
 
 37 See some interesting statements, 
 with reference to this subject, in 
 Thomas D’Arcy M‘Gee’s “ History of 
 the Irish Settlers in America, from the 
 earliest Period,” chap. i. 
 
 38 See Joseph Buchanan’s “Sketches 
 of the History, Manners, and Customs 
 of the North American Indians ; inter¬ 
 spersed with numerous Anecdotes of 
 these curious People ; Account of their 
 Languages and singular Customs,” a.d. 
 1824, 8vo. 
 
 One of the most gorgeously illustra¬ 
 ted works published and relating to 
 them is Henry R. Schoolcraft’s “His¬ 
 torical and Statistical Information 
 respecting the History, Condition, and 
 Prospects of the Indian Tribes of the 
 United States.” The first volume 
 appeared in 1851, and it was published 
 in Philadelphia by authority of Con¬ 
 gress, in royal 8vo shape. The illustra¬ 
 tions are by S. Eastman, Capt., U.S.A., 
 and by other eminent artists, while 
 several other volumes have already 
 been issued. 
 
 40 See “ A Popular History of the 
 United States. from the first Dis¬ 
 covery of the Western Hemisphere by 
 the Northmen to the end of the Civil 
 War. Preceded by a Sketch of the 
 Pre-historic Period and the Age of the 
 Mound Builders.” By William Cullen 
 Bryant and Sydney Howard Gay, in 
 four imperial 8vo volumes. 
 
s 
 
 IP.ISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 these, the country of the Scrtelings lay. A region called Markland 
 extended beyond their territory; while Vinland the Good stretched 
 beyond the country just noticed. Icelandic records, and especially the 
 Landnamabock , 41 indicate the Scrtelings’ land to be identified with the 
 country of the Esquimaux; Markland with the present Labrador or Nova 
 Scotia ; Wineland 42 or Vinland the Good with the New England States ; 
 and a tract called Huitranmanaland or Albania, denominated also the 
 White Man’s Land, is thought to have comprised the present Southern 
 United States. Formerly, vessels are said to have gone from Ireland, 
 while their crews landed in this particular region. Helleland is also a 
 denomination found, but its situation is not so easily determined . 43 
 However, it has been thought identical with Newfoundland, and that it 
 was so called from its flat stones . 44 Centuries before the Spaniards 
 landed in Florida, and at a very early period, Irishmen had settled 
 in that southern portion of North America, and had introduced a 
 civilization, the traces of which remain , 45 Even so far back as the 
 eighth century, a people speaking the Irish language 46 was found there ; 
 while, according to a probable conjecture, that country lying along the 
 eastern coast, and stretching from Chesapeake Bay to the Carolinas and 
 Florida, had been inhabited by Irishmen . 47 Even the Shawanese Indians, 
 who formerly lived in Florida, had a tradition that white men anciently 
 occupied that region, and that they were possessed of iron implements . 48 
 In fact, the numerous antiquities discovered in various parts of the 
 Eastern, Northern and Southern States prove, that a race of civilized 
 beings were resident there, and possibly anterior to the Indians . 49 
 How they have disappeared as a race now seems to be unknown. It is 
 probable, they had been destroyed by the Red Men; or as some 
 
 41 This old Scandinavian chronicle 
 was compiled in the thirteenth cen¬ 
 tury, and apparently from older docu¬ 
 ments. 
 
 45 So called from the wild vines there 
 discovered in the woods. 
 
 43 See “ Antiquitates Americana' sive 
 Scriptures Septenrionales Rerum Ante- 
 Columbianarum in America.” 
 
 44 See “ I he Religion of the North¬ 
 men,” by Rudoph Keyser, Professor of 
 History in the University of Norway, 
 translated by Barclay Pennock. Intro¬ 
 duction, chap, iii., p. 79. 
 
 45 Ancient and indigenous remains in¬ 
 dicate such a conclusion, as stated by 
 N. Ludlow Beamish in “ The Discovery 
 of America by the Norohernmen in L he 
 tenth Century, with Notices of the 
 Early Settlements of the Irish in the 
 Western Hemisphere.” London, 1841, 
 8vo. 
 
 46 According to the statement of Pro¬ 
 fessor C. C. Rafn, of Copenhagen. 
 
 47 Such is the opinion of Dr. Von 
 Tschudi, in his woikon Peruvian Anti¬ 
 quities. Also, Lionel Wafer states, 
 that there was a wonderful affinity be¬ 
 tween the Irish language and that 
 spoken by the Indian people living in 
 the Isthmus of Darien. He relates 
 many other particulars to show that 
 an early Irish colonization of the, 
 great, western Continent must have 
 occurred. 
 
 48 See “ Antiquitates American® sive 
 Scriptores Septentribnales Rerum Ante- 
 Columbianarum in America,” edited by 
 Professor Rafn Preface, p. xxxvii. 
 
 49 Among these are traces of forts, 
 supposed to have been built by Northern 
 European settlers ; while it is remark¬ 
 able, that vaiious warlike instru¬ 
 ments and domestic implements 
 have been discovered, resembling in 
 nearly every important wrticular simi¬ 
 lar objects preserved in the Irish and 
 Scandinavian museums. 
 
EARLY IRISH COLONIZATION OF AMERICA. 
 
 9 
 
 ethnologists have supposed, that intermarriages with native women took 
 place, which merged the white completely in the coloured race. 
 
 That old Icelandic Scandinavian chronicle the Landnamalxick 
 relates that Ulf the Squinter, son of Hogni the White, occupied the 
 whole of Reykianess—a south-west promontory of Iceland—which 
 was situated between Thorskafiord and Hafrafell. He had a wife 
 named Biorg, who was daughter to Eyvind the East-countryman. 
 They had a son named Ari, and he was driven by a tempest 
 to Huitranmanaland, which some called Irland-it-Mickla or Great 
 Ireland . 50 This region was placed in the western ocean, near to 
 Vinland the Good, and westwards from Ireland. Ari is said to 
 have been baptized in this newly-discovered country. If so, it 
 must have been by Irish missionaries, and among Irish colonists. 
 He was held there in great respect, and elected as a chief, nor 
 would the inhabitants permit him to take his departure from among 
 them. Besides the foregoing, many Northmen, settled in our Island 
 and in Northern Europe, frequently sailed to those distant shores . 51 
 A Northman merchant of Limerick called Rafn, and his kinsman 
 Ari Marson, Biron or Biorn , 52 with a person named Gudlief , 53 besides 
 Madoc , 54 a prince in Wales, with Antonio Zeno, a Venetian , 55 and 
 others, are said to have landed there, at various times, during the 
 Middle Ages. 56 
 
 50 See Frederick Henry Alexander 
 Baron de Humboldt’s “ Cosmos,” vol. i. 
 The first volume of this great work ap¬ 
 peared in Germany, 1845. It was trans¬ 
 lated into French by M. H. Faye, and 
 published at Paris, in 8vo. 
 
 51 See that interesting work of Joshua 
 Toulmin Smith, “ The Discovery of 
 America by the Northmen in the Tenth 
 Century,” chap, v., with the illustra¬ 
 tive map prefixed. Second edition, 
 London, 1842, 8vo. 
 
 62 He flourished about the beginning 
 of the eleventh century. He was an ad¬ 
 venturous Icelander, and a voyager of 
 great experience. He was driven by 
 a tempest from his course to Greenland, 
 far to the south-west, when he discov¬ 
 ered a flat country, free from rocks but 
 covered with thick woods. These char¬ 
 acteristics render it probable, that he 
 touched at the present Newfoundland. 
 
 83 Sometimes called Lief, the son of 
 Eric ltaude or Bed Head, a Danish 
 chief. He sailed from Greenland, with 
 Biorn as a pilot, and twenty-five men 
 on board his vessel. This was in the 
 year 1002, and after a south-west 
 course, they arrived in Helleland and 
 Markland, as also iu Vinland. 
 
 54 He is said to have been the son of 
 Owen Gwynneth, Prince of North 
 Wales. Having prepared certain ships, 
 with men and provisions on board, they 
 all sailed westwards, leaving the shores 
 of Ireland to the north, about the year 
 1170. They at last landed on unknown 
 and uninhabited shores, where they 
 found a pleasant and fruitful country. 
 The account of these adventures is to 
 be found in Hakluyt’s Voyages, the 
 first edition of which was published 
 a.d. 1589, and the second in 1600. 
 
 58 In the year 1380, he sailed from 
 the Mediterranean Sea northwards, 
 reached Frisland, thence he voyaged 
 northwards to Engroenland or Green¬ 
 land, where he found a monastery of 
 Friars and a church dedicated to St. 
 Thomas. Hearing a report, that one 
 thousand miles westward from Frisland 
 there was a large inhabited island 
 called Estoliland, Antonio Zeno sailed 
 thither on a voyage of discovery, and 
 after encountering heavy gales, his crew 
 arrived at strange lands, which they 
 found to be inhabited. 
 
 86 Some accounts of these adventures 
 are to be found in Dr. Jeremy Belknap’s 
 “ Biog-np l 'ies of the Early Discoverers 
 
10 
 
 IElSH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 The drain of emigration, which has contributed so materially to 
 increase the wealth, progress, power and resources of the vast trans- 
 Atlantic Republic, thus seems to have originated in Ireland, having 
 first diffused the blessings of Religion and civilization, at a very remote 
 time, and when darkness and paganism overspread the great Western 
 Continent. The eagerly read “ Navigatio Sancti Brendani” was found 
 in every monastic and great public library of Europe, long before the 
 invention of printing . 57 This narrative of his voyage had been a 
 received tradition in France, in the Netherlands, in Italy, in Germany 
 and in Spain, for centuries before the birth of Columbus. 
 
 The fame of St. Brendan’s adventures even reached to Asia. We 
 have nearly conclusive reasons for believing , 58 that this legend was 
 known at an early period to the Arabs. Some of the Arabian geo¬ 
 graphers describe the “ Island of Sheep,” with the “ Island of Birds,” 
 and in words, which must have been taken from those accounts remain¬ 
 ing, in reference to our Christian Ulysses and his Odyssey. This latter 
 narrative exercised a greatly imaginative influence, especially on the 
 western inhabitants of Europe. 
 
 Nebulous traditions, very generally accepted in the past, have 
 certain truthful bearings on the real facts of history. There is sufficient 
 reason to infer, as we have seen, that many believed in the existence of 
 a Great Ireland extending far towards the west, even long before 
 Columbus’ discovery of America. Assuredly, if they were only in a 
 relative measure mistaken, we are in a fair way to see the doubtful 
 vision of their days become a reality; for, there are few Irish families, 
 at the present time, whose kindred have not found and formed 
 alliances with that dream-land of the west, the United States, and 
 whose dearest hopes are not bound with its progressive life and vigour. 
 Those forecasts and influences, likely to be exercised on the current of 
 modern and future civilization, are thus blended with Ireland’s early 
 historic memorials in the past; while they are largely caused and 
 continued by Irish emigration, especially during the latest centuries. 
 
 of America.” This writer, however, 
 like most of the early American His¬ 
 torians, appears to have been ignorant 
 of St. Brendan’s celebrated voyage, as 
 a source for information, while compil¬ 
 ing his work. 
 
 67 Jacobus de Voragine, who was born 
 about a.d., 1230, and who became Pro¬ 
 vincial of the Dominicans and Bishop 
 of Genoa—the native city of Colum¬ 
 bus—gave St. Brendan’s Land a special 
 rominence in the thirteenth century, 
 y writing his “ Golden Legend,” in 
 which a notice of it may be found. 
 
 “According to Thomas Wright, 
 editor of the Forty-eighth publication 
 of the Percy Society, entitled “ St. 
 Brandan ; a Medieval Legend of the 
 Sea.” It contains an early English 
 metrical version of the famous Voyage, 
 as well as a prose version, which is 
 almost identical with that which Denis 
 F. McCarthy copied from Caxton’s 
 Golden Legende, and which was pub¬ 
 lished in the Dublin University Magaz¬ 
 ine, vol. xxxix., at p. 556, et seq. 
 There is a valuable preface to the body 
 of that work. 
 
THE ABORIGINAL RACES OP AMERICA, 
 
 11 
 
 CHAPTER II 
 
 The Aboriginal Races of America—The Red Men and Mound-Builders in the 
 United States—Antiquities found there—The Voyage and Discoveries of 
 Christopher Columbus—Subsequent Expeditions and their Results—Her¬ 
 nando de Soto’s Adventures—Conversion of the Indians to Christianity. 
 
 It is known that the Continent of North and South America had 
 been inhabited, at a very early period ; yet, by what peculiar tribes, or 
 from what particular countries, however plausibly discussed, would seem 
 nevertheless very uncertain . 1 The generic races of Indians or Red 
 Men found there, by the first European colonizers, were distinctive 
 from those living in other parts of the world ; while there are specific 
 differences in stature, features, language, manners and customs, still 
 known to exist among the various tribes . 2 The aboriginal inhabitants 
 of North America probably belong to various nations. It is generally 
 thought, that a great majority of the early colonists crossed over from 
 Eastern Asia through Behring’s Straits, at a very remote era. They 
 are supposed to have arrived, at different periods . 3 Certain writers 
 believe, that the Phoenicians and Scythians sailed thither and settled 
 there in times very distant from our own; but, that those ancient 
 mariners found themselves unable to return or to communicate their 
 adventures after they had landed. 
 
 The earlier inhabitants of America are deemed to have been those 
 most advanced in knowledge and skill. There can be no doubt, that a 
 civilized race had flourished—especially in the midland and southern 
 parts of the North American Continent—at a very remote time, 4 as 
 proved by the remarkable pyramids, dykes, causeways, idols, temples, 5 
 
 1 On this subject, the reader may 
 consult the very elegantly written and 
 learned “History of America,” first 
 published by Dr. William Robertson, 
 a.d., 1777, in two 4to volumes. It has 
 since passed through numerous editions. 
 
 2 See George Gatlin’s “ Lectures and 
 Notes on the Manners, Customs and 
 Condition of the North American 
 Indians.” In two beautifully illus¬ 
 trated 8vo volumes. London, 1842. 
 
 3 Such opinions have been advanced 
 
 by a writer in the “ Universal History 
 from the earliest Accounts to the pres¬ 
 ent Time.” Compiled from original 
 Authors. Illustrated with Charts, 
 Maps, Notes, &c. Second edition, 8vo. 
 Ancient Part of Universal History, in 
 
 eighteen volumes. London, 1779 to 
 
 1781. Modern Part of Universal His¬ 
 tory in thirty-eight volumes. London, 
 1780 to 1784. See vol. xxxviii. of 
 America, cap iv., sec. ii. 
 
 4 See William Hickling Prescott’s 
 * ‘ History of the Conquest of Mexico, 
 with a preliminary view of the ancient 
 Mexican Civilization, and the Life of the 
 Conquerer Hernando Cortez.” New 
 York, 1843, in three 8vo volumes. 
 
 ®TheRt. Hon. Edward King, Vis¬ 
 count Kingsborough, eldest son to the 
 third Earl of Kingston and born in the 
 County of Cork, produced a truly 
 magnificent work, intituled “The Anti- 
 uities of Mexico: comprising Fac- 
 imilies of Ancient Mexican Paintings 
 and Hieroglyphics preserved in the 
 Royal Libraries of Paris. Berlin and 
 
12 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OK THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 hieroglyphics, paintings, and sculptures , 6 as also other monuments found 
 in Mexico , 7 Yucatan 8 and Peru . 9 Their agriculture and manufactures 
 were considerable, while their social and civil state was remarkably 
 well-ordered. 
 
 Curious remains of antiquity abound in a variety of places through¬ 
 out the United States, but those indications afford only objects for 
 doubtful investigation. Mounds, monuments, earthworks, stone-cased 
 graves, stone implements, flint spear and arrow-heads and rock-carvings 
 are the chief antiquities hitherto discovered . 10 They have been ascribed 
 to various races and to different periods. In connexion with primitive 
 United States history, the Red Men seem to occupy the chief claim 
 on our consideration. Since the white colonization many works have 
 appeared, but these are almost solely descriptive of their habits and 
 manners . 11 The aborigines of America have an obscure history 12 —if 
 indeed it can at all be investigated 13 —yet perhaps existing monuments 
 and antiquities may help to throw some light on their origin and 
 race . 14 
 
 When the European colonists landed in the United States, the 
 Huron and Iroquois tribes—including the Five Nations of New York— 
 occupied a territory adjoining the Algunquins, with whom they were 
 constantly at war. The Cherokee Indians inhabited the region of 
 
 Dresden ; in the Imperial Library of 
 Vienna; in the Vatican Library ; in 
 the Borgian Museum at Rome ; in the 
 Library of the Institute of Bologna; 
 and in the Bodleian Library of Oxford; 
 together with the Monuments of New 
 Spain, by M. Dupaix; with their 
 respective Scale of Measurement and 
 accompanying Descriptions.” The 
 whole illustrated by many valuable in- 
 edited Manuscripts by Lord Kings- 
 borough The Drawings on stone by 
 A. Aglio, London, imperial folio 
 volumes i. to vii., 1831, volumes viii. 
 and ix., 1848. These volumes were 
 originally published at the rate of £ 140. 
 The first seven volumes cost Lord 
 Kingsborough £32,000 to produce. 
 This munificent nobleman was arrested 
 for debt in Dublin, and thrown into 
 prison, where he was seized with 
 typhus fever, which terminated fatally 
 
 in 1837. 
 
 6 See Charles Knight’s “I’aglish 
 Cyclopedia.” Geography, vol. i Art. 
 Mexico, col. 789. 
 
 7 See Desire Charnay’s “ ancient 
 Cities of the New World, Travels and 
 Explorations in Mexico and Central 
 America,” 1857-1882, translated from 
 the French by J. Gonino and Helen S. 
 
 Conant, with upwards of 200 fine illus¬ 
 trations. London, Chapman and Hall. 
 Roy. 8vo. 
 
 8 See “ Pre-Historic America,” by 
 the Marquis de Nadaillac, translated 
 by N. D'An vers, and edited by W. H. 
 Dali. Illustrated with 219 engravings. 
 London, 8vo. 
 
 9 See Justin Winsor’s “ Narrative 
 and Critical History of America.” Vol. 
 i., chap, iii., pp. 133 to 282. 
 
 10 The Smithsonian Institution at 
 Washington, D.C., has already con¬ 
 tributed much towards the antiquarian 
 knowledge of the United States. 
 
 11 See Francis S. Drake’s “ Indian 
 Tribes of the United Sfetes, their 
 History, Antiquities, Customs, Reli¬ 
 gion, Arts, Language, Tradition, Oral 
 Legends and Myths.” In two volumes. 
 Roy. 4to. 
 
 12 See James Adair’s “History of 
 the American Indians,” published in a 
 quarto volume, at London, in 1775. 
 
 13 See Georgius Hornius’ “De Ori- 
 
 ginibus Americanis,” Lib. iv. Pub¬ 
 lished at the Hague in 1652. 12mo. 
 
 14 See Alexander W. Beadford’s 
 “ American Antiquities and Researches 
 into the Origin and History of the Red 
 Race.” New York, 1843, 8vo. 
 
THE RED MEN AND MOUND BUILDERS. 13 
 
 Alabama, Georgia and Carolina. The Mobiles were near them in the 
 south. But, as all were nomad and migratory tribes, it is now difficult 
 to fix the extent of their respective territories in ancient times. The 
 Indians spoke different languages or dialects, and lived under chiefs, 
 usually selected for their bravery and wisdom. They recognised one 
 supreme being, whom they called the Great Spirit, hut they did not 
 worship him. They had also some idea regarding a future state. They 
 believed, likewise, in a Bad Spirit, whom they feared, and whom they 
 sought to propitiate by witchcraft and magic practices. The Sioux or 
 Dacota tribes furnish the type of language and customs for a group of 
 Indians, embracing the Iowas, the Pawnees, the Aurickarees, the 
 Omahas, the Otoes, the Minnitarees, the Mandans, the Osages, the 
 Kansas, the Quappas, the Winnebagoes, the Missouries, and a great circle 
 of prairie tribes. It is not contended that these tribes can always con¬ 
 verse understandingly together ; but, so far as it has been compared by 
 vocabularies, their language is distinctly traced through one ethnological 
 chain . 15 The Dacota tribes,, about the beginning of the seventeenth 
 century, seem to have inhabited a vast range of country, extending from 
 the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains to the western banks of the 
 Mississippi, and even northwards from the sources of the Missouri 
 River. The Algonquin tribes were east and north of the Mississippi, 
 while their range of country was even still more extensive. They 
 spread over Canada and along the Atlantic seaboard. The Illinois, in 
 the state so named at present and their kindred people, belonged to 
 this latter group. The course of migration of the Dacotas appears to 
 have been from south to north ; but they began to retreat, in course of 
 time, before the north-western rush of the Algonquins. Now the 
 Sioux or Dacotas are driven far away towards the Rocky Mountains, 
 and various sub-divisions of their tribes have nomad tents, or they 
 dwell in villages far beyond the western bounds of the Mississippi 
 River . 16 
 
 Runic forts, tombs 17 and inscriptions have been discovered, especially 
 in the eastern and middle states. Those indications furnish evidence 
 of a Scandinavian colonization. Axes, spears and arrow-heads have been 
 found in great numbers, especially in the middle, western and 
 northern states. Numerous pre-historic monuments known as Indian 
 mounds, rise throughout the midland districts of North America. 
 Frequently these are of considerable height and dimensions. Several 
 have been explored, and they were found to contain human remains 18 of 
 
 16 It is possible, that philologists 
 hereafter may trace some connexion be¬ 
 tween it and some tongues of the other 
 continents, especially of Europe or Asia. 
 
 16 See Henry R. Schoolcraft’s “ His¬ 
 torical and Statistical Information re¬ 
 specting the History, Condition and 
 Prospects of the Indian Tribes of the 
 United States.” 
 
 17 One of these has been brought te 
 light near the falls of the Potomac 
 River, and it is said to have had an in¬ 
 scription in the Runic character, pur¬ 
 porting to be the burial place of Susie 
 or Susa, a daughter to one of tho 
 Northmen expeditionary chiefs. 
 
 18 In the year 1880, one of these was 
 opened and examined in Brutish Creek 
 
14 
 
 1BISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 gigantic proportions. But, the great ethnological problem, as to the race 
 and period contemporaneous with their erection, remains to be solved ; 
 nor does it seem likely, that the nomadic habits of the Red Men could 
 bear any relation to a state of society existing when those monuments 
 were raised to such imposing heights. The earth works and artificial 
 mounds of Missouri are singularly interesting, as belonging to the remote 
 builders, whose history can scarcely be investigated, at the present time . 19 
 The most extensive remains are to be found probably in south-eastern 
 Missouri, and along the western bank of the Mississippi . 20 
 
 It has been supposed, that the mound-builders were a race of people, 
 whose remains indicate a state of advancement in the arts and manu¬ 
 factures, far superior to the savage tribes who succeeded them. Some 
 archaeologists have adopted an opinion, that the mound-builders were not 
 an extinct people, but were the ancestors of existing tribes. Numerous 
 wedges, chisels, hammers, and other implements have been found in the 
 ancient mining pits of Keweenaw Point, Lake Superior, and at Isle 
 Royal. Artistic forms of copper implements, both cast and hammered , 21 
 cannot fail to impress the observer, that a race of men existed in early 
 times, and whose origin is enveloped in mystery, but whose skill rivals that 
 of man in historic times, assisted by all the inventions of this iron age. 
 Recent discoveries have shown that various forms of copper implements 
 had been deposited in their burial places by the mound-builders, with mark¬ 
 ings similiar to those left by moulds in the process of casting. That these 
 people were acquainted with the art of smelting copper , 22 besides that 
 of hammering it, has been inferred, on what seam to be reasonable 
 grounds . 23 
 
 Township, State of Ohio, by a his¬ 
 torical society of the district, under 
 the direction of Dr. Everhart. The 
 mound is said to have been eight feet 
 in height and some sixty-four by thirty- 
 five feet wide at the top. In one part 
 of it was found a kind of clay or brick 
 coffin. Skeletons of enormous size were 
 found. These were buried, each corpse 
 in a separate grave. Resting against 
 one of the rude coffins there was a 
 stone tablet, with characters engraved 
 upon it, and which show in the opinion 
 of Dr. Everhart, that the giant race 
 must have been Sun worshippers. An 
 account of these preceedings will be 
 found in the ‘ ‘ Kansas City Review of 
 Science.” 
 
 19 Several very singular specimens of 
 ancient pottery have been found 
 throughout the State. Those of south¬ 
 eastern Missouri have been described 
 by Dr. Edward Evers, and they are 
 illustrated by lithographed plates. 
 
 80 See “ Contributions to the Archaeo¬ 
 
 logy of Missouri,” by the Archaeological 
 Section of the St. Louis’ Academy of 
 Science, Part i. Pottery, Salem, Mass. 
 1880, 4to. 
 
 81 Professor Lewis has remarked, 
 that much the greater number of pre¬ 
 historic copper hammers were evidently 
 produced by hammering. 
 
 22 Colonel Whittlesey mentions, that 
 in all the pits examined by him traces 
 of fires were to be seen on the sides 
 thereof, and fragments of charcoal and 
 wood in the debris, indicating the use 
 of fire in assisting the action of the 
 wedges and in extracting the masses of 
 copper. The melting point of copper 
 is about 1 ’98 degrees centigrade, which 
 no doubt fused the small points of 
 copper attached to the larger masses, 
 and which the quick perception of these 
 aboriginal people noticed, and thus it 
 led them to utilize those particles in 
 casting.—“Smithstonian Contributions 
 to Knowledge for 1883.” 
 
 23 The fact, that in a collection made 
 
 
VOYAGES AND DISCOVERIES OK COLUMBUS. 
 
 15 
 
 The legend of St. Brendan had a reflex and shadowy light to throw on 
 geographical science, down to a comparatively late period. 24 Through 
 the clouds of Irish recorded traditions, and through recent historic 
 investigations, we may now trace the facts, but slightly obscured by the 
 vivid cross-lights of old legend-mongers. • 
 
 Soon after the invention of printing, Great Ireland was set down and 
 also the Isle of St. Brandan, 25 on conjectural Italian charts as lying 
 opposite to Europe and Africa. In an ocean space between the south 
 of Ireland and the end of Guinea it was represented. There can be little 
 doubt, that from a very distant period, the inhabitants of Ireland had 
 entertained widely-spread ideas about the existence of a great and far- 
 removed western continent. Some had even reached it and landed, still 
 their adventures were unrecorded, and therefore during long ages a void 
 continued in the history of those lost tribes. Thus, to the Genoese 
 Columbus belongs the glory of disenchanting the ocean, and of bringing 
 two hemispheres into contact, although historically separated from the 
 beginning of remote time. A land of great extent was then rendered 
 accessible to humanity. It was opened by one of the most illustrious 
 examples of patience, intelligence, fortitude and courage ever exhibited 
 by man. Born in 1447, in Genoa, this illustrious explorer became a mariner 
 at the early age of fourteen. 26 Columbus sailed to the north of Europe, 
 where he penetrated even to the polar seas. 27 His well cultivated mind, 28 
 disciplined by a superior education, desired to be correctly informed 
 regarding the traditions which remained, and which were even noted in 
 chronicles, as also to ascertain that knowledge possessed by the hardy sea- 
 
 by Mr. Perkins, he saw copper imple¬ 
 ments of mound origin, and which bear 
 well-defined traces of the mould, is 
 stated by Professor Foster. “It is 
 impossible,” he adds, “to infer, after 
 a careful examination of the specimens, 
 that the ridges have been left in the 
 process of hammering or oxidation. 
 The more I examine their arts and 
 manufacture, the stronger becomes my 
 conviction that they were something 
 more than a barbaric people.”—“ Pre¬ 
 historic Races of the United States.” 
 
 24 In the Middle Ages, seven cities, 
 with bishops and a great number of 
 Christians, were thought to have been 
 in the Laud of St. Brendan, having 
 fled thither in ships, at the time when 
 Spain and Portugal had been conquered 
 by the Moors. 
 
 25 On the Map of the World, traced 
 by Martin Behaiin, a.,). 1492, and on 
 most Charts in the time of Columbus, 
 it is noted. See a reproduction of 
 several ancient Charts and an account 
 of the pre-Columbian explorations in 
 
 Justin Winsor’s “Narrative and Criti¬ 
 cal History of America,” vol. i., 
 chap. ii. 
 
 26 Washington Irving has written a 
 most elegant and interesting “History 
 of the Life and Voyages of Lhristopher 
 Columbus.” This was published in 
 four octavo volumes by Murray of Lon¬ 
 don, a.d. 1828. In an Appendix, No. 
 xxiii. to the Fourth Volume, we find 
 some account respecting “The Imagi¬ 
 nary Island of St. Brendan.” It 
 abounds in various inaccuracies, con¬ 
 cerning the saint and his adventures, 
 and those mistakes have been very gen¬ 
 erally followed by American historians. 
 
 27 Columbus made a voyage to Iceland 
 in February, 1477- This was fifteen 
 years before the Spanish Court fitted 
 out his American expedition. 
 
 28 See “Historic del S.D. Fernando 
 Colombo, nelle quali s’ ha particolare, 
 et vera Relatione della Vita et de’ Fatti 
 dell’ Ammiraglio D. Chnsto/ero Co¬ 
 lombo, suo Padre,” cap. iv. Venice, 
 a.d. 1571, 8vo. 
 
16 
 
 IRISH-AMER1CAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 men of those distant shores and harbours. He received enlightenment 
 from the Scandinavin mariners 29 who had ventured far out on the western 
 main, and especially concerning the shadowy far-off land, very generally 
 known to have existed long before his time. 30 He afterwards made a 
 voyage, so far south as the coast of Guinea, in Africa. V ersed in geometry 
 and navigation, in history and natural science, he had excellent opportu¬ 
 nities for studying astronomy and cosmography, in a practical manner. 
 
 Our celebrated countryman St. Virgil, Bishop of Saltzburgh, 31 had 
 many centuries before this period taught, that the earth was a globe, 
 and his theory of the Antipodes meant its being inhabited at opposite 
 extremes. 32 Columbus had only believed in the sphericity of the earth, 
 with possible islands, lying very far westwards in the great Atlantic. He 
 had longed for the opportunity of exploring that waste of waters; 
 and finally at his earnest suit, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella 
 of Spain furnished him with a decked vessel called a carrack, and with 
 two caravels or open boats. 33 ' With a crew of ninety sailors and a year’s 
 provisions, Columbus sailed from Palos, a port of Spain on the Mediter¬ 
 ranean the 3rd of August 1492, and clearing the Straits of Gibraltar, 
 he reached the Canary Islands on the 12th of that same month. Here 
 he was engaged refitting and laying in stores of food and water; but, on 
 the 6th of September, he sailed out to the west, on his celebrated voyage 
 of discovery. The stories of St. Brendan’s voyage specially entered as 
 important and cheering elements into the imagination and feelings of 
 those Spanish sailors of Christopher Columbus, when they went forth 
 to gain renown, in connexion with their discovery of America. The 
 traditions of Scandinavian settlement were not unknown to their able 
 and learned commandant. 34 
 
 29 It is a remarkable fact, that Irland- 
 it-Mikla is marked on primitive maps 
 published at Copenhagen, and it is 
 represented as standing out in the 
 Western Atlantic Ocean. 
 
 30 Paulo 1 oscanelli, a celebrated geo¬ 
 metrician of Florence, made a map for 
 and corresponded with Columbus, long 
 before he embarked on his first voyage, 
 in 1492. The idea of both was to find 
 a western route to the Indies. On it, 
 the customary space was occupied by 
 the land of St. Borondon Barind, or 
 Brendan. After his vessel sailed and 
 under every gloom of disappointment, 
 this Chart and the outlined territory 
 probably fired the imagination and sus¬ 
 tained the hopes of Columbus. 
 
 31 This illustrious man, distinguished 
 both for his learning and virtues, nou¬ 
 rished in die eighth century. Born in 
 Ireland about its commencement, and 
 having studied in its schools, ho passed 
 on to France, duringthe reign of Pepin- 
 
 le-Bref, from a.d. 741 to 768. This 
 King bestowed on him various marks of 
 his favour. St. Virgil was consecrated 
 Bishop of Saltzburgh, a.d. 746, and he 
 died about a.d. 780. His feast occurs 
 on the 27th of November. 
 
 32 Before his time, various conjectures 
 regarding the shape and extent of the 
 earth had exercised the minds of an¬ 
 cient writers. Many of these thought 
 a great continent lay far out in the i 
 Atlantic. See Alexander de Humboit’s 
 “ Examen critique de l’Histoire de la 
 Geographie de Nouveau Coutineut.” 
 Tome i. Paris, a.d. 1836. This work 
 appeared in five octavo volumes; the 
 last volume was published a.d. 1839. 
 
 33 See William Hickling Prescott’s 
 “History of Ferdinand and Isabella the 
 Catholic” for particulars of their aid to 
 Columbus. This elegantly written and 
 esteemed work appeared in 1833 at Bos¬ 
 ton and at London, in three vols., Svo. 
 
 34 Regarding the discovery of the 
 

 I 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 John Smith, 
 
 Founder oF Virginia 
 
 Christopher Columbus 
 
 D /sco verer oTA m erica. 
 
 Lord Baltimore, 
 
 Founder of Maryland. 
 
 William Penn, 
 
 Founder of Pennsylvania 
 

VOYAGES AG'D DISCOVERIES OF COLUMBUS. 
 
 17 
 
 With great steadfastness of purpose and presence of mind, he contrived 
 to encourage the spirits of his crew, and to allay their fears, while so many 
 days had elapsed before they obtained sight of land. At last, on the 
 night of October 11th, Columbus himself pterceived a light, which he 
 deemed to be on shore, and the following day land was clearly visible. 
 This was one of the present Bahama Islands, and afterwards it was called 
 Guanahana. Several other islands were soon discovered, in that group 
 distinguished as the West Indies ; 35 it being then supposed, that a 
 continuous number of such islands reached onwards to the East Indies. 
 Columbus spent some months in coasting among the newly-discovered 
 lands, and in noting the particulars of his voyage. The following year, 
 leaving a colony behind him, he resolved on returning to Spain. There 
 he safely arrived in March, 1493, and he was received with the most 
 distinguished honours by the court and by the Spanish nation. He 
 then prepared a special report regarding his voyage and discoveries. 
 
 The singing birds, the green vegetation, and tropical luxuriance 
 so greatly celebrated in the voyage of St. Brendan, are frequently 
 mentioned in the letter which Columbus addressed to his sovereign. 36 
 Again, this adventurous man returned with a considerable fleet, 
 and 1,500 persons on board, to colonize the possessions thus secured for 
 the crown of Spain. Afterwards, he discovered the continent of South 
 America, in 1498 ; but his closing career, marked by the ingratitude of 
 his sovereign and the treachery of those he had befriended, brought him 
 back to Spain in irons. He died at Valadolid, on the 20th of May, 1506, 
 in the fifty-ninth year of his age, and his body was buried in the 
 cathedral of Seville. Although from his name the great western 
 continent has been often poetically called Columbia; yet, it has 
 more generally received the denomination America, from one Amerigo 
 Vespucci, 37 Latinised Americus Vespucius, a Florentine navigator, also 
 
 American coast by the Northmen, fre¬ 
 quent mention has been made since the 
 time of Adam of Bremen, but Torfeus 
 in his “ Historia Vinlandiae ” (1705), 
 furnished the account of it which 
 Malte Brun and Pinkerton followed ; 
 they, however, identified the locality 
 mentioned with the coast of Labrador 
 or Newfoundland. Dr. Robertson ig¬ 
 nored the subject entirely in his “ His¬ 
 tory of America.” The German J. R. 
 Foster, in his “Discoveries in the 
 North,” published during the last 
 century, and Henderson, in his “Resi¬ 
 dence in Iceland ” (1814-15), both give 
 currency to those accounts, which, in 
 an appendix to his “ Life of Columbus,” 
 Irving rather guardedly dismissed as un¬ 
 trustworthy in his original editions, and 
 as guardedly allows to be of possible 
 importance in later issues of his work. 
 
 35 See Herrera v Tordesillas, “ His¬ 
 toria general de los Hechos de los 
 Castellanos en las I si as y Tierra firme 
 del mar Oeuano.” This work appeared 
 at Madrid, a.d. 1601, in four folio 
 volumes. The greatly admired History 
 of Herrera comprises eight Decades, and 
 w'th geographical Tables, it includes 
 chronologically from a.d. 1472 to a.d. 
 1554. Towards the end of the second 
 folio, there is a description of the West 
 Indies. 
 
 36 In that mystical sense, used by 
 Jacobus of Voraggio, the Promised Land 
 is here described, but in a more realistic 
 form. 
 
 37 See Le Vicomte de Santarem’a 
 “ Rescherches historiques, critiques 
 et bibliographiques sur Americ Ves- 
 puce et ses Voyages.” Paris, 1842, 
 8vo. 
 
]8 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 in the service of Spain. He sailed from Cadiz, May 20th, 1497, 
 according to his own account, when he voyaged to the coast of Paria, 
 and even so far as the Gulf of Mexico. In reality, he did not set out 
 until 1499, with Ojega, a Spanish officer, who had voyaged under 
 Columbus. They sailed in a fleet of four vessels, despatched from Seville. 
 After the death of Columbus, Vespucci published a book and chart, 
 regarding the newly discovered Continent. He thus acquired a false 
 celebrity, while, like many a great originator who fails in gaining the 
 fame and merit justly due to his genius, another obtains or usurps the 
 title, and who had little claim to such an honour. However, the fiist 
 European discoverers of the great Western Hemisphere were Irishmen ; 
 although, it seems more than probable, they were not the first permanent 
 inhabitants. 
 
 So firm was the popular belief in St. Brendan’s Land, celebrated in 
 mediaeval romances, 38 that various expeditions were organised for its 
 exploration after the return of Columbus to Europe. Portuguese 
 and Spanish accounts concur in testimony regarding this prevailing 
 opinion and the hopes to which it gave rise. 39 
 
 The discovery of Columbus led to other great maritime enter- 
 prizes and results. 40 John Cabot and his son Sebastian, who were 
 Venetians, 41 had been engaged by King Henry VII. of England to 
 adventure in discovery of a shorter passage to the East Indies, but in 
 a north-western direction. 42 Towards the close of June, 1497, they 
 
 38 The people of the Canary Islands 
 believed, that in those mirages which 
 often arose far out in the Atlantic 
 Ocean and towards the west, the 
 Islands of St. Brendan and of the fabled 
 Seven Cities could be seen in the dis¬ 
 tance. 
 
 89 This is shown in the depositions 
 taken before Pedro Ortes de Funes, 
 Grand Inquisitor of the Canaries. 
 Don Gaspar Dominguez, taking two 
 friars on board his vessel, conducted 
 the last of these voyages to St. 
 Brendan’s fancied land so late as 1721. 
 During that year, leaving the popu¬ 
 lace in a state of anxious and indes¬ 
 cribable curiosity, the able com¬ 
 mandant and his apostolic chaplains 
 sailed from the Island of Teneriffe. 
 But, unsuccessful as preceding vessels, 
 their ship returned from this cruise, 
 without discovering the Greater Ire¬ 
 land of their quest. 
 
 40 See Washington Irving’s “Voy¬ 
 ages and Discoveries of the Com¬ 
 panions of Columbus.” London, 1831, 
 18mo. It forms the Third Volume of 
 the “Life and Voyages of Christopher 
 Columbus,” in the Geoffrey Crayon 
 
 edition of his complete works. Lon¬ 
 don, 1881, sm. 4to. 
 
 41 See that curious and interesting 
 work of Richard Haklvyt, Preacher, 
 “The Principal Navigations, Voyages, 
 Traffiques, and Discoveries of the 
 English Nation, made by Sea or ouer- 
 land to the remote and farthest dis¬ 
 tant Quarters of the Earth, at any 
 time within the Compasse of these 
 1600 yeres,” &c. Published at London, 
 in three folio volumes, a.d. 1599, 1600. 
 In the third of these volumes, there 
 are details of the Voyages of Chris¬ 
 topher Columbus, of John and Sebas¬ 
 tian Cabot, and of the subsequent 
 English and other navigators to the 
 shores of the Western Continent. 
 An edition of this rare work was 
 published in London in five folio 
 volumes, a.d. 1809-1812. Later still, 
 a.d. 1889-1890, under the editorship 
 of Edmund Goldsmith, F.S.A. (Scot.), 
 another edition appeared in Edinburgh 
 in four octavo volumes. This latter 
 edition is the one chiefly quoted. 
 
 42 See J. G. Kohl’s “ Popular 
 History of the Discovery of America, 
 from Columbus to Franklin, translated 
 
SUBSEQUENT EXPEDITIONS AND THEIR RESULTS. 
 
 19 
 
 landed on a coast, now generally supposed to be that of Newfound¬ 
 land. 43 Sebastian Cabot at a much later period visited the coast of 
 Brazil. In 1524, John Verazzani, a Florentine in the service of 
 France, ranged the new Continent along its eastern coast from 
 Florida to Newfoundland. 46 He called this extensive but unexplored, 
 region New France. In 1534, at the instance of King Francis I., 
 James Cartier of St. Malo sailed westwards, landing at Newfoundland, 
 •and afterwards entering the River St. Laurence. Then he returned 
 to give an account of his discoveries. He sailed once more from. 
 France in 1535, and subsequently in 1540, when he explored a con¬ 
 siderable portion of that country, now knotvn as Canada, 47 Dis¬ 
 covered by Juan Ponce de Leon, a.d. 1513, 48 the Spaniards were the 
 first Europeans to colonize permanently the United States, after the 
 discovery of America by Columbus. In 1565, they settled at St. 
 Augustine in Florida, The earlier European adventurers were often 
 men addicted to violent courses, and many were little better than, 
 pirates and buccaneers. Although Catholic Missionaries left Europe 
 with them for the purpose of spreading the Gospel among the native 
 races, 49 these latter had fully divined the rapacious characters and 
 avaricious objects of their countrymen ; so that the vices and im¬ 
 moralities of the colonists only served to excite their hatred and 
 disgust, while leading mostly to bloodshed and reprisals. 
 
 Received historic accounts leave the central parts of America in 
 possession of numerous tribes of savage Indians, before the French 
 
 from the German, by Major R. R. 
 Noel.” Published at London, in 
 1856, 8vo. 
 
 43 Long before his time, it is now 
 known, that Norman, Breton and 
 Basque mariners had resorted to that 
 Island, and that they had fished off 
 its celebrated banks. 
 
 44 See Berewoot’s “ Novus Orbis, id 
 est, Navigationes Primse in Ameri- 
 cam,” pp. 71 to 132. Published at 
 Rotterdam in 1616, 12mo. 
 
 45 See Rev. Dr. Jeremy Belknap’s 
 “Biographies of the early Discoverers.” 
 Vol. i. , 
 
 46 He arrived there in 1525, and he 
 took possession of it, in the name of 
 King Francis I. In a subsequent 
 voyage, he was cut to pieces and 
 devoured by the savages. 
 
 47 The interesting story of Ms 
 adventures and discoveries is told in 
 “ Brief Recit de la N av 'g a d° n faicte 
 £s Isles de Canada,” &c. It was 
 published in Paris, 1545, 8vo. 
 
 48 The French attempted to colonize 
 Florida, which they called Carolina 
 
 in compliment to their monarch 
 Charles IX. Subsequently, they were 
 driven out by the Spaniards, who 
 extirpated that colony. See “ The 
 Popular Encyclopedia; or Conversa¬ 
 tions Lexicon,” vol. iii. Art. Florida, 
 pp. 214, 215. 
 
 49 A Franciscan Juan Juarez had 
 been consecrated Bishop of Florida, 
 a.d. 1528, and with several mis¬ 
 sionaries, he set out with Panfilo de 
 Naravez. All perished without an 
 opportunity for making an establish¬ 
 ment. The Dominicans landing in 
 Florida, a.d. 1549, were put to death 
 by the Indians. At a still later 
 period, the Jesuits also failed to 
 Christianize the native races in 
 Florida. A very complete account of 
 those transactions may be found in 
 the learned and most researchful work 
 of John Gilmarv Shea, “ History of 
 the Catholic Church within the 
 Limits of the United States,” vol. i.. 
 Book ii., chap, i., pp. 100 to 182. 
 Published at New York, in four 
 royal 8vo. volumes, 1886 to 1892. 
 
20 IR1SH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 and Spaniards commenced the work of white colonization. Spain 
 was then the greatest monarchy of the Old World, and France almost 
 rivalled her greatness, when the maritime discoveries of the fifteenth 
 and sixteenth centuries urged both nations to extend their possessions 
 in the New World. Christianity was thus planted in America. 
 There, too, the Church was soon destined to extend her benign in¬ 
 fluence ; although at first, in their quests for gold, the Spaniards 
 especially were guilty of great outrages on the native tribes, who were 
 distributed as slaves among the conquerors. Avarice and rapacity 
 constantly thwarted missionary •work, while the adventurers were 
 busily engaged planting colonies in various parts of the South. Great 
 efforts were made, however, to repress their cruelties, crimes and 
 •abuses, especially by Bartholomew de Las Casas, 30 the first priest- 
 ordained in the New World, and by the celebrated Cardinal Ximenes, 51 
 chief minister of the Emperor Charles V. 
 
 The history of those various colonies established in the New World 
 is peculiarly interesting as to their origin, increase and extension, but 
 we cannot here detail their several vicissitudes. 52 It is only with the 
 colonization of the United States we have now to treat. 
 
 When the Spaniards had succeeded in founding various colonies 
 in Southern America, Hernando de Soto was appointed by the Em¬ 
 peror Charles V. 53 of Spain as Governor over the Island of Cuba and 
 President of Florida. This Spanish governor conceived the idea of 
 exploring the Lower Mississippi. He passed as far north as the 
 mouth of the Arkansas River, accompanied by 900 infantry and by 
 350 cavalry soldiers, in 1539. He even took the resolution of sailing 
 up White River, crossed the Ozark Ridge, thus entering probably the 
 south-western parts of the present Missouri. After passing the 
 Mississippi at the lower Chickesaw bluffs, De Soto marched five days 
 over the alluvions of that great river, and he then went to the hilly 
 
 He wrote “ Brevissima Relation 
 de la Destruction de las Indias.” His 
 complete works appeared under this 
 title, “Las Obras de D. Barthel. de 
 Las Casas,” at Seville, 1552, 4to. 
 They have been re-published with a 
 French translation, by L'orente, at 
 Paris, in four octavo volumes. A 
 Life of Las Casas is prefixed. 
 
 51 See Flechier’s “ Histoire du Car¬ 
 dinal Ximenes.” Paris, 1693, 4to. 
 Also “ The Life and Times of Cardinal 
 Ximenes.” translated from the German 
 of Dr. Von Hefele, by John Canon 
 Dalton, chap, xxv., pp. 495 to 517. 
 London, 1885, 8vo. 
 
 d2 James Qrahame wrote and pub¬ 
 lished in London “The History of 
 the Rise and Progress of the United 
 States of North America till the 
 
 British Revolution in 1688.” This 
 work appeared in two volumes 8vo. 
 Afterwards a new edition was pub¬ 
 lished in 1836, and with a continua¬ 
 tion, which brought his history down 
 to the year 1776, in four octavo 
 volumes. This was republished in 
 Philadelphia in 1845, in four volumes 
 8vo; in 1846, in two volumes 8vo; 
 and in 1848, in two volumes 8vo. 
 The second American edition contains 
 a Memoir of the author, by President 
 Josiah Quincy, ll.d. This work 
 contains very ample accounts, written 
 with perspicuity and discrimination, 
 regarding the early American settle¬ 
 ments and colonists. 
 
 53 See Dr. William Robertson’s 
 “ History of the Reign of the Emperor 
 Charles V.,” first pub’ished in 1769, 
 in three volumes, 4to. 
 
HERNANDO DE SOTO S ADVENTURES 
 
 21 
 
 country adjoining the present St. Francis. He reached the site, called 
 Casqui, probably a location of the Kaskasia Indians. He then pro- 
 ceeded north-east-wardly against Capahas, probably the t^uappas, on a 
 bayou of the Mississippi. Then he returned south-west to Casqui, 
 and next he marched south to Quiguate, probably near Black River. 
 Hearing fresh reports of mineral wealth, he proceeded north-west to 
 Coligoa, near the source of the St. Francis. This was his utmost 
 northern point, at the foot of the high granitical peaks of St. Francis 
 County, Missouri. Afterwards, he marched south, in search of a rich 
 province called Cayas, where he probably crossed the White River 
 valley at Tanico. He thence proceeded through a hilly country to 
 Tula, in the fine valley of Buffalo Creek, where he found the Indians 
 tattooed, ill-favoured and ferocious. For twenty days he there re¬ 
 cruited, and next he passed an uninhabited region westward for five 
 days, over the elevations of the Ozark chain. He found fertile praries 
 beyond, inhabited by Indians, called Quipana, Pani, or Pawnees. 54 
 A few days’ further march brought him to the Arkansas River, near 
 the Neosho, which appears to have been about the present site of 
 Fort Gibson. Thus De Soto and his companions seem to have been 
 the earliest white explorers of Missouri. 
 
 De Soto spent the winter of 1541-42 on the plains or prairies be¬ 
 yond the Ozark range, and probably in the western tracts of the 
 present state. Doubtless, Catholic missionaries accompanied him. 
 He named the country through which he passed “ Florida,” as he had 
 set out from that territory, already so called by the Spaniards. It 
 is thought, that smelting had been carried on by the Spaniards. 55 
 There is no question about De Soto having crossed the Ozark range 
 of mountains in each direction. He left, however, in April 1542 for 
 the Mississippi River, taking the hot-springs of Arkansas on his way. 
 It is almost certain his successor Don Luiz de Moscoso visited like¬ 
 wise that country west of the Ozarks, a.d. 1542. When he had 
 reached the Mississippi, De Soto ascended the river so far as the 
 present site of New Madrid. But this enterprising man soon after¬ 
 wards died on the river, and to conceal his death from the Indians, it 
 is said his companions buried the body of the discoverer of the 
 Mississippi beneath its deepest waters. 56 
 
 54 See Nathan H. Parker’s “ Missouri 
 as it is in 1867: an Illustrated 
 Gazetteer of Missouri,” p. 39. Phila¬ 
 delphia, 1867, 8vo. 
 
 55 In Vernon County, near the 
 dividing line between the States of 
 Missouri and Kansas, were descried 
 in 1849 some remains of earth-works, 
 supposed to have been the site of De 
 Soto’s encampment. These consisted 
 of four ditches, four or five feet wide, 
 extending in four right parallel lines, 
 about a quarter of a mile in length. 
 
 These terminated at the commence¬ 
 ment of three parallel curved ditches 
 of like dimensions. Again, these 
 latter terminated at the beginning of 
 two others, inversely curved, and 
 about 200 yards in length. Those 
 embankments are on a prarie, between 
 the waters of the lower Dry Woods 
 and Clear Creek. Furnaces, with 
 stone foundations and a quantity of 
 cinders, as also silver ore and some 
 gold, have been there discovered. 
 
 56 His Life has been written by 
 
22 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 
 
 Thus, it will be seen, that portion of the Mississippi River forming 
 the eastern boundary of Missouri State was discovered by Spanish 
 explorers. These, it is thought, were the first white men that had 
 floated upon the Mississippi. After the death of De Soto, succeeded 
 the disastrous retreat of Louis de Moscoso de Alvarado, with the 
 remains of the Spanish governor’s expedition. In the year 1543, and 
 on the 22nd of December, after many dangers and hardships, he 
 arrived in Mexico, with only three hundred and eleven survivors. 57 
 This result seems to have disoouraged adventure on any large scale 
 from the south. 
 
 So early as 1544, Catholic missionaries had entered Texas ; they 
 had also formed establishments in Florida, in New Mexico, and they 
 had even attempted the conversion of the Indians in California, where 
 the Carmelites and Jesuits laboured. The latter fathers had formed 
 a -settlement on the Chesapeake or Bay of St. Mary, but they were 
 massacred by the natives in 1571. 58 
 
 During the reign of Queen Elizabeth, several English navigators 
 adventured to the New World. Martin Frobisher sailed with two 
 vessels in quest of -a north-west passage to India in June 1576, and 
 after touching the southern part of Greenland, he reached the strait 
 which still bears his name. Returning to England, -another expedi¬ 
 tion consisting of three vessels se-t sail in May, 1577, and again having 
 visited the Esquimaux the ships arrived home in September. A 
 fleet of thirteen vessels was afterwards placed under his com¬ 
 mand, and leaving England in May 1578, Frobisher voyaged towards 
 the north-west, returning in October, having failed in the objects he 
 had in view. 59 Having obtained letters patent from the Queen, June, 
 1578, Sir Humphrey Gilbert 60 and his half brother the renowned Sir 
 Walter Raleigh put to sea; but they were obliged to return, having 
 lost one of their ships in an engagement with a Spanish squadron. 
 Gilbert sailed a second time from England in 1581, to form settlements 
 in America, how r ever, he was obliged to put back with his expedition 
 through -stress of weather. 61 Sir Walter Raleigh 62 had formed the 
 
 tJarciJasso de la Vega, whose “His- 
 
 toria del Adelantado Hernando de 
 Soto” has been published at Madrid, 
 in 1723, fol. 
 
 S7 See Garcilasso de la Vega, “La 
 Florida del Ynca,” Lib. ii., Par. ii., 
 cap. 1 to 7, and 17 to 38 ; Lib. iii. ; 
 Lib. iv., cap., 1, 2, 5, 8 to 16; Lib. 
 v., Par. i., cap. 1 to 8, and Par. ii., 
 cap. 1 to 22; Lib. vi., cap. 1 to 22. 
 Published at Lisboa, 1605, 4to. 
 
 68 See John R. G. Hassard’s 
 ** History of the United States of 
 America,” chap. ii. New York, 1881,8vo. 
 
 ** See an account of those several 
 voyages in Haklvyt’s “ Navigations, 
 Voyages,” ftc. Vol. i., pp. 74 to 108. 
 
 60 He wrote a Tract or Discourse 
 to prove the existence of a passage 
 by sea to the north-west leading to 
 Cataia or China and to the East 
 Indies. It was published in 1576, 
 and doubtless it induced Martin 
 Frobisher to set out on bis voyage of 
 discovery, as it did the author him¬ 
 self two years afterwards. 
 
 61 Again he sailed with two frigates 
 and three brigs, June 11th, 1583, 
 from Portsmouth, and arrived at St. 
 John’s, where he found thirty-six 
 vessels, belonging to different nations ; 
 
 5 r et, he took possession of Newfound- 
 and, in the name of the Queen of 
 England, notwithstanding the pre- 
 
CONVERSION OF THE INDIANS TO CHRISTIANITY. 
 
 23 
 
 scheme of exploring and colonizing the eastern coast, of America north 
 of the Gulf of Florida. Having obtained the approbation of the 
 Queen and her council, he fitted out two vessels at his own expense, 
 and these sailed for North America in the month of April 1584, 63 
 under the direction of his brother-in-in-law, Sir Richard Grenville. 64 He 
 landed in Virginia and took possession of that territory which was 
 so named in compliment to the Queen. Other colonists soon after¬ 
 wards arrived. Thus were the earliest settlements of the English be¬ 
 gun in Virginia. 65 They were attended, however, with great reverses. 66 
 Afterwards, Bartholomew Gosnold, 67 Christopher Newport, 68 John 
 Smith, 69 Henry Hudson, 70 and some other adventurers, attempted the 
 colonization of different regions ; while the French, Dutch and Spani¬ 
 ards 71 were equally busied in extending the authority of their 
 respective governments on various parts of the Continent, during the 
 
 vious claim of John Verzzani and of 
 James Cartier, on behalf of France. 
 Gilbert chased all the Portuguese 
 from the Island, and began to establish 
 penal laws to maintain the supremacy 
 of Queen Elizabeth. However, he 
 was obliged to leave, and in seeking 
 a return to England, he perished in 
 a tempest at sea, the 10th of Septem¬ 
 ber 1584. See Haklvvt’s “ Principal 
 Navigations,” &c., Vol. i.,sect. xxxiii. 
 to xxxix. 
 
 62 See ‘"The Works of Sir Walter 
 Raleigh, Knight, now first collected;” 
 to which are prefixed the Lives of the 
 Author, by Oldys, and Birch. Oxford, 
 1829, eight volumes 8vo. 
 
 63 He sailed himself in 1595 to the 
 West Indies and to Guianna, but he 
 soon returned to engage in other 
 adventures. See W'hitehead’s “ Life 
 and Times of Sir Walter Raleigh.” 
 London, 1854, 8vo. 
 
 64 He sailed again April 9th 1585, 
 for the West Indies and South 
 America. Afterwards, he returned to 
 Virginia, leaving 108 colonists on 
 Roanoke Island, and then he sailed 
 for England the same year. Again, 
 he returned to Virginia a.d. 1586. 
 In a naval engagement with the 
 Spaniards he was killed a.d. 1588. 
 See Short’s “ Account of the First 
 Settlements in Virginia.” 
 
 65 See Haklvyt’s “Voyages of the 
 English Nation to America,” Vol. ii., 
 sect, xxiii. to xxxiii. 
 
 66 See Smith’s “History of Virginia.” 
 Book i. 
 
 b * in March 1602, he sailed from 
 
 Falmouth in Cornwall, and on the 
 14th of May following he landed on 
 the shores of the present State of 
 Massachusetts. He returned to 
 
 England, where he landed at Ex¬ 
 mouth, July 23rd of the same year. 
 Afterwards he sailed for Virginia, 
 where he died a.d. 1607. See Rev. 
 Dr. Jeremy Belknap’s “ Biographies 
 of the Early Discoveries,” Vol. i. 
 Bartholomew Gosnold. 
 
 68 He sailed from the Thames for 
 Virginia on the I9th December 1606, 
 but he did not arrive in Chesapeake 
 Bay until April 26th, 1607. Captain 
 John Smith sailed in company with 
 him. 
 
 69 This very resolute and remark¬ 
 able man may be regarded as the 
 true founder of the English Colony 
 in Virginia. At the request of Sir 
 Robert Cotton, he published a.d. 1629 
 “ The True Travels, Adventures and 
 Observations of Captain John Smith.” 
 He died in London a.d. 1631. 
 
 70 After various unsuccessful at¬ 
 
 tempts to find a north-west passage, 
 he sailed from Amsterdam on the 
 
 25th of March 1609, and reached 
 
 the eastern shores of the present 
 United States the following August. 
 He sailed up the Hudson River in 
 September, and gave name to it. 
 See L’Abbe Prevost’s “ Histoire 
 General des Voyages,” Tomes xiv., xv. 
 
 71 See that admirable work of John 
 
 W. Monette, M.D., “History of the 
 Discovery and Settlement of the 
 
 Valley of the Mississippi.” Vol. i., 
 Books i., ii., iii., iv. New York, 
 1846, 8vo. 
 
24 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 time of James I. 72 Especially Samuel de Champlain, who entered the 
 St. Lawrence for the first time in 1603, and who founded Quebec in 
 1608, laboured assiduously dui'ing many subsequent years, for the 
 interests of France. 73 Religious zeal, not less than commercial ambi¬ 
 tion, 74 influenced the French to colonize Canada, 75 while the traders 
 and missionaries of France 76 penetrated among the Indian nations to 
 the north and west. Their relations with those tribes, who were allied 
 to them, became of a very friendly character ; while the religious Fathers 
 succeeded in bringing them over to embrace the Christian doctrines 
 and practices. While engaged in exploring the country, even to the 
 distant Mississippi, the Jesuits, 77 with other religious orders 78 converted 
 great numbers of the natives to Christianity. 79 
 
 When Champlain returned from France to Canada in 1604, he 
 landed at Acadia—formerly named Norimbergue—there he spent three 
 subsequent years in explorations, and in seconding the efforts of his 
 countrymen while founding colonies throughout New France. In the 
 former year, he started from the French settlement of St. Croix, 80 at 
 the mouth of the river so named, and on the boundary line between New 
 Brunswick and Maine. He ranged along the western coast in a 
 pinnace, until he entered the mouth of the Penobscot River. On the 
 18th of June, 1605, he again set forth and explored the whole northern 
 coast of New England so far as Cape Ann, which he called St. Louis. 
 He then crossed to Cape Cod, which he named Cape Blanc. However, 
 he did not attempt any settlement in these places. On the 12th of 
 March, 1613, a small French vessel commanded by La Saussaye having 
 forty-six sailors and colonists on board, with two Jesuits, 81 sailed from 
 Honfleur, and afterwards from Port Royal. 82 After a long delay 
 
 72 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Yol. i., chap, 
 ii., iii., iv., and Yol. ii., chap. xv. 
 This very complete and popular work 
 appeared at Boston in 1834, when 
 t£e first 8vo volume was published. 
 It was followed by other volumes 
 during the various years succeeding. 
 The history of the Colonization of 
 the United States is comprised in 
 the three first volumes. 
 
 73 Sec Pere Pierre Biard’s “Relation 
 de la Nouvelle France,” Lyon, 1616, 
 12mo. 
 
 74 See John Gorham Palfrey’s 
 “History of New England,” Vol. i., 
 chap, vi., and Vol. ii., chap, vi., 
 xi. London, 1859, 1861, 8vo. 
 
 75 See Parkman’s “ Pioneers of 
 France in the New World.” 
 
 76 See “ The Making of New 
 England, 1580-1643,” by Samuel 
 Adams Drake. London, cr. 8vo. 
 
 77 See Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 
 United States,” Vol. iii., chapter xx., 
 for a most interesting and edifying 
 account of those missionaries. 
 
 78 See the very interesting account 
 of Pere Labat “ Nouveau Voyage aux 
 Isles de 1’Ameriaue.” Published at 
 the Hague, a.d. 1724, six vols. 12mo. 
 
 79 See P. Paul Raguenau’s “ Rela¬ 
 tion de ce qui est passe en la Mission 
 des Peres de la Compagnie de Jesus 
 aux Hurons, pays de la Nouvelle 
 France, les annes 1648 et 1649.” A 
 Paris, a.d. 1650. 
 
 80 Some priests are known to have 
 served this mission. 
 
 81 These were Father Quentin and 
 Brother du Thet. 
 
 82 Now Anapolis in Nova Scotia. 
 Here Fathers Biard and Masse joined 
 the expedition. The former had 
 already visited the Penobscot. See 
 John Gilmary Shea’s “ Catholic 
 Church in Colonial Days.” 1521-1763. 
 Vol. i., Book iii., chap, i., pp. 216 to 223. 
 
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF THE AMERICAN COLONIES. 
 
 25 
 
 occasioned by foggy weather, the crew steering for the Penobscot 
 entered Frenchman’s Bay, on the east side of Mount Desert, in the 
 present State of Maine. The company went on shore, and proceeded 
 to form a settlement, which was called St. Saviour. Hardly had they 
 made a beginning, when a piratical expedition under the infamous 
 Samuel Argal of Virginia bore down upon them with a superior force. 
 An engagement ensued, the colonists were defeated, and their settlement 
 was destroyed, 83 The French Commandant La Saussaye, Father 
 Masse and some others of the settlers were sent adrift in a small bark, 
 from which they were providentially rescued by a French fishing vessel. 
 In this they w r ere brought to France. The other survivors, with 
 Fathers Biard and Queatin, were carried as prisoners to Virginia. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 The early Settlement of the American Colonies—The Plymouth and London 
 Companies—Progress of Colonization—Vh'ginia—Maine—New York—New 
 England—New Hampshire—New Jersey—Delaware—Maryland—Connecticut— 
 Rhode Island—North Carolina. 
 
 After the time of Columbus, the French Huguenots were the first 
 Europeans to build a fort, a.d. 1562, in the present South Carolina. 
 Under the guidance of John Ribaud or Ribault, 1 they had planted 
 a small colony at Port Royal Inlet. By direction of King Philip II. of 
 Spain, 2 orders were transmitted, that the Spaniards should destroy 
 all French settlements in those territories which they claimed. Under 
 the command of Admiral Pedro Melendez, the Spaniards marched 
 against the French Fort Caroline, and took it by surprise. Most 
 brutally the conquerors put the garrison to the sword, only a few 
 escaping from that horrible massacre. 
 
 During the latter part of the sixteenth century, various futile 
 attempts were made, especially by Sir Walter Raleigh, to colonize 
 Virginia. 3 The early English settlers—abusing the hospitality of the 
 native tribes—were soon involved in war with them. Many immigrants 
 
 83 Brother du Thet was killed in 
 this skirmish. In order to extirpate 
 the French Settlements, Sir Thomas 
 Dale, Governor of Virginia, sent 
 Argal back with a considerable force, 
 and having completed the destruction 
 of St. Saviour, he demolished the 
 post of the Croix Island and that at 
 Port Royal. 
 
 1 In the “ Narratio Regionum Indi- 
 
 carum per Hispanos devastatarum,” 
 published by Th. de Bry, a.d. 1590- 
 1598, there is a “Relation du Voyage 
 de Capitaine J. Ribaud a la Floride.” 
 
 2 See San Miguel’s “ Historia del 
 Rey D. Felipe II.” Madrid, 1844, 
 1845. In four volumes 4to. 
 
 3 See Robertson’s “ History of 
 Virginia and New England,” pub¬ 
 lished in 1796. 
 
26 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 returned again to England, 4 while others who had settled in Roanoke 
 Island mysteriously disappeared, nor was anything known concerning 
 their fate. 5 An attempt made to colonize the eastern coast of America 
 in 1602, by Bartholomew Gosnold, likewise proved a failure; although it 
 caused several rich men in England to form an Association, to which in 
 1607, King James I. issued letters-patent for colonizing and possessing 
 the northern territory. It was called the Plymouth Company, because 
 most of the proprietors lived in Plymouth. A London Company was 
 likewise formed to plant the more southern territory. However, no very 
 precise bounds were specified in the respective grants. Each colony 
 formed was to be governed by a resident council of thirteen members 
 nominated by the King, these having power to chose their president. 
 Their laws were subjected to revision by the King or his council in 
 England. It was furthermore required, that the religion recognised in 
 the American colonies should only be that of the Protestant Establish¬ 
 ment. 6 
 
 The Plymouth Company’s expeditions in 1606, 1607, and 1608, 
 turned out to be complete failures. The London Company despatched 
 a fleet of three small vessels in December, 1606, and under the 
 command of Captain Christopher Newport. 7 These carried one 
 hundred and five colonists, and no women were among them, for it was 
 then difficult to recruit for settlers. 8 After a long voyage—extending 
 nearly to four months—their vessels entered Chesapeake Bay, April 
 26th 1607. Sealed instructions from the Company—opened after their 
 arrival—had named Gosnold John Smith, Wingfield, Newport, Ratcliffe, 
 Martin and Kendall members of the Council. These elected Wingfield 
 as their President. In May, the site selected for their settlement was on 
 King’s River, as then called; afterwards, it was known as James River, 
 in honour of the reigning monarch of England who had favoured 
 their enterprise. 9 Soon afterwards, Newport, returned to England with 
 the ships, and leaving in Virginia a party, among whom discontent and 
 factious feelings began to prevail. 10 The colonists were afterwards 
 exposed to many and great perils. Several of those were idle gentlemen 
 
 4 Tobacco was first brought to 
 England from Virginia when the 
 voyagers returned. It is well known 
 James I. was so much opposed to the 
 use of this weed, that he wrote 
 the famous “ Counterblast against 
 Tobacco.’ 
 
 5 See Sir Walter Raleigh, “Voyage 
 to Virginia, 1585,” small fob, with 
 a large Map and many curious plates, 
 published in 1588. 
 
 6 See Arthur Wilson’s “ Life and 
 Reign of King James the First, King 
 o? Great Britain.” 
 
 7 See Rev. Jeremy Belknap’s “ Bio 
 
 graphies of the Early Discoveries,” Vol. ii. 
 
 8 See Smith’s “ History of Virginia,” 
 Book vi. 
 
 9 For an excellent account of the 
 colonization of Virginia, the student 
 is referred to George Bancroft’s 
 “ History of the United States, from 
 the Discovery of the American 
 Continent,” Vol. i., chap. iv. The 
 nineteenth edition of this admirable 
 work, published in Boston, 1862, et 
 seq., is that generally quoted through¬ 
 out the present volume. 
 
 10 See R. Beverley’s “ History and 
 Present State of Virginia,” published 
 1705, 8vo. 
 
I 
 
 PROGRESS OF COLONIZATION. 
 
 27 
 
 and vagabonds, little disposed to engage in manual labour. Their hopes 
 were chiefly directed to discover gold, and the tillage of land was 
 neglected, so that fandne soon began to threaten them. In 1G07, 
 Jamestown was founded by Captain John Smith, who began to acquire 
 an ascendancy, owing to his energetic and resolute character. His 
 adventures were indeed remarkable. He made several excursions from 
 Jamestown, and in one of these he was captured by the Indians, who 
 led him from one village to another, until he was brought to a powerful 
 chief named Powhatan. He was ordered for instant execution, but at 
 that moment, the chief’s young daughter, Pocahontas, interceded for 
 his life. This was spared, and he returned to Jamestown after an 
 absence of seven weeks, only to find the colonists in extreme misery. 11 
 
 In 1G08, Smith was regularly elected as President of the Council, and 
 under his management matters were better arranged, but he soon departed 
 for England and did not return. 12 He left behind him four hundred 
 and ninety colonists, but in six months only sixty remained. In June 
 1610, the survivors, besieged by the natives, resolved on abandoning 
 Jamestown. 13 In .some small vessels they embarked for Newfoundland, 
 but they met a fleet coming to their aid from England. On board was 
 Lord I)e la Warr—otherwise Delaware—who had been appointed 
 Governor of Virginia for life, under a new charter granted to the London 
 Company. He brought a large number of colonists, together with an 
 abundance of supplies. The departing settlers then returned, when lands 
 were distributed amongst them and among the new arrivals. Meantime, 
 Pocahontas had been treacherously captured by Captain Argali after the 
 departure of Captain Smith, and lie shamelessly demanded a ransom 
 from her father. This was indignantly refused. 14 In captivity, however, 
 she was baptized, taking the name of Rebecca, and she married John 
 Rolfe, one of the colonists, who took her to England. There she was 
 presented at Court. When about returning to America, Pocahontas 
 died suddenly, but she left a son who became the ancestor of a distin¬ 
 guished family in Virginia. 
 
 The condition of aftairs henceforward improved ; industrious pursuits 
 began to engage the attention of the new settlers; plantations were 
 commenced near the James River ; while respectable young women were 
 sent out from England, who became wives to the planters. However, 
 
 "Under the name of Th. Watson, 
 Gent., he wrote an interesting per¬ 
 sonal narrative thus intituled: “ A 
 Trve Relation of such Occurrences 
 and Accidents of Noate as hath 
 hapned in Virginia, since the first 
 Planting of that Colony which is now 
 resident in the South Part thereof, 
 till the last Returne from thence, 
 written by Th. Watson, Gent., one 
 of the said Collony, to a worshipful 
 Friend of his in England.” London, 
 1608, 4to. 
 
 12 See Captain John Smith’s “His¬ 
 toric of Virginia, New England, and 
 the Summer Isles,” published in 1627, 
 sm. fol. 
 
 13 See S. Clark’s “ Description of 
 the Wbrld, America described, Vir¬ 
 ginia, Florida, Jamaica, Narratives 
 of the Inhumane Cruelties on the 
 Indians in America,” published in 
 1657, sm. fol. 
 
 14 See “ A True Discourse of the 
 present State of Virginia,” by Raphe 
 Hamor, p. 4. 
 
28 
 
 IR1SH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Lord Deleware was obliged to return home, leaving Percy in command. 
 Sir Thomas Pale soon afterwards arrived with fresh men and supplies. 
 The latter ruled as Governor for some time, when on his departure, 
 a.d. 16i6, the arbitrary and tyrannical Captain Argali succeeded to the 
 government. At length, so many complaints regarding him reached 
 the Company, 15 that he was superseded, and Sir George Yeardley was 
 elected Governor. The colonists began to demand a constitution more 
 in accord with their British origin, and accordingly the Company 
 authorised the new Governor not only to form a council but to convene 
 delegates, who with them and himself should constitute a representative 
 assembly. Nevertheless, the Company in a new constitution controlled 
 the representatives, by reserving to itself a negative on their decisions. 
 
 The coast of Maine had been visited by Captain George Weymouth 
 in 1605, and he carried off five Indians by fraud and force. On returning 
 to England, he represented how suitable that country should be for 
 settlement. Accordingly, in 1607 the Plymouth Company sent out two 
 ships commanded by Sir George Popham and llaleigh Gilbert, son to 
 Sir Humphry, with a crew of one hundred and twenty persons, who 
 settled near the mouth of the Kennebec. The winter was intensely cold, 
 and their stores were soon consumed. 16 Next, year this settlement was 
 abandoned, while Sir George Popham died in Maine. 17 His nephew. 
 Sir Francis, sent out other expeditions at his own private expense, but 
 these were all unsuccessful. In 1617 a French vessel was wrecked near 
 Cape Cod, and all who reached the shore, except three, were massacred 
 by the Indians. The survivors were sent from one sachem to another 
 in triumph. Two sank victims to disease, as a consequence of their 
 trials and hardships. The thii d, supposed to have been a priest, lived 
 longer, and he endeavoured to convert the Indians from vice, but their 
 obdurate hearts were proof against all his appeals. ls 
 
 The State of New York was first founded by the Dutch, who com¬ 
 menced in 1614 the building of Albany on the Hudson River, having 
 first erected in 1613 a temporary fort on Manhattan Island, the present 
 site for the City of New York. 19 The Dutch claimed all that coast from 
 New Jersey to the Bay of Fundy, and it was called New Netherland on 
 the strength of Hudson’s discoveries. The settlers kept up a friendly 
 Intercourse with those Indians adjoining the Hudson River, and com¬ 
 menced a trade in furs. The merchants engaged in this traffic were 
 afterwards incorporated in 1621, under the designation of the Dutch 
 West India Company, and with powers of government for that colony. 
 
 15 See Hugh Murray’s “United 
 States of America; their History 
 from the earliest Period, etc.” Vol. 
 i., chap. iv. In three Volumes. 
 Edinburgh, 1844, cr. 8vo. 
 
 16 See Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States.” Vol. i., chap, viii., 
 pp. 267 to 269. 
 
 17 See “A Brief Relation of the 
 
 Discovery and Plantation of New 
 England,” by the President and 
 Councell. London, 1622. 
 
 18 See Fitton’s “ Sketches of the 
 Establishment of the Church in New 
 England.” 
 
 19 See “History of New York, the 
 First Peopling of America.” 1821, 
 two vols. 8vo. 
 
PROGRESS OF COLONIZATION. 
 
 29 
 
 During the reign of James I., the laws against recusancy on the part 
 of English and Irish Catholics coercing them to conform and adopt the 
 Reformed worship were most tyrannically and arbitrarily enforced by 
 fines and imprisonment. Those laws were also levelled against Protestant 
 Independents and Separatists from the Church established by law. Those 
 outrageous enactments were endured with courage and constancy, 
 especially in Ireland; but they furnished a motive for seeking in more 
 distant lands a place of refuge and of peace in securing the rights of 
 conscience. 20 Although the Reformation involved an extensive exercise 
 of private judgment, yet it was not accompanied by any express recog¬ 
 nition of that right, or of any general principle sanctioning toleration. 21 
 Wherefore, the prevalence of sectarian bigotry, party and political 
 exclusiveness in older England urged several Puritans to embark for 
 New England, and to make it the country of their future abode. These 
 inclined to Calvinistic dogmas and practices. Those sectaries were so 
 called, because they refused to acknowledge the established form of 
 worship, which they said retained too many Romish ceremonies and 
 practices. 22 Many of them fled to Holland, thus hoping to escape 
 the penalties enforced for recusancy. In 1617 they sent 
 a deputation to England offering assent to the doctrines of its EstaB- 
 lished Church, although unwilling to adopt its forms of worship 
 provided they were allowed a patent for settling in America. They 
 failed in their efforts, notwithstanding, but afterwards some London 
 merchants opened negociations with them, for establishing there a 
 trading, fishing, and planting company. 23 
 
 The Puritan pilgrim fathers sailed from Southampton, and arrived in 
 the “ May Flower ” on December 25th, old style, 1620, to find the present 
 site of Plymouth 24 in the State of Massachusetts covered with snow*. 
 There a town was built, after the lapse of a few j’ears, and it is the 
 oldest in New England. The first settlers suffered incredible hardships, 
 while half the number of one hundred and two, men, women, and 
 children, perished during that winter and the following spring. 25 Among 
 these was the governor, John Carver, whom the colonists had chosen 
 before landing. 26 During the spring, a friendly Indian named Samoset, 
 
 20 See Ogilby’s “ America,” Book ii., 
 chap. ii. London, 1671, fol. 
 
 21 See Hugh Murray’s “United 
 States of America; their History 
 from the earliest Period.” Vol. i., 
 chap, vi., p. 182. 
 
 22 See Daniel Neal’s “ History of 
 the Puritans, or Protestant Non-Con¬ 
 formists : from the Reformation to the 
 Death of Queen Elizabeth,” &c. 
 Published in 1732-33-36-38, four vols., 
 8vo. ; also republished in 1754, in 
 two vols., 4to, Dublin. 
 
 23 For a particular account of the 
 settlement of New England, the 
 
 reader is referred to Bancroft’s 
 “ History of the United States,” vol. 
 i., chap, viii., ix. 
 
 24 Bartholomew Gosnold had already 
 touched there, but he made no settle¬ 
 ment. Oldmixton’s “ British Empire 
 in America,” Vol. i. 
 
 25 In 1625-6 appeared Samuel Pur- 
 chas’ “ Pilgrims,” in five books and 
 in five vols., fob, London. This worX 
 gives a very complete account of the 
 early New England colony. 
 
 26 See Cotton Mather’s “ Antiquities 
 and History of New England, Lives 
 of Divines, Acts and Monuments of 
 
30 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 and another called Squanto, brought a powerful chief Massasoit to them, 
 when a treaty of friendship and alliance was formed. William Bradford 
 was now elected governor, and in November, 1621, the ship “ Fortune ” 
 arrived, bringing a reinforcement of thirty-five persons, with a patent for 
 the colony. A plentiful harvest succeeded in 1622, while other emigrants 
 arrived during that year. A settlement was made at Wessagusset—now 
 Weymouth, near Boston—but the misconduct of the settlers caused the 
 Indians to conspire for their destruction. However, Massasoit gave 
 warning of this plot in good time, and Captain Miles Standish marched 
 from New Plymouth with eight men to Wessagusset, where he alarmed 
 the settlers, who were now sufficiently on their guard. That settlement 
 was soon afterwards abandoned. Gradually the number of immigrants 
 began to increase, and within ten years about 21,000 had arrived in 198 
 vessels. Dissensions and religious differences next began to prevail; so 
 that those who differed in opinion from the older settled Puritans were 
 exposed to insults and persecution. As a consequence, several voluntarily 
 left that colony, or were banished from it by order of the other 
 colonists. 
 
 From the Council of New England, Sir Ferdinand Gorges and John 
 Mason obtained a grant of territory between the Rivers Merrimac and 
 Kennebec, in 1621. This they named Laconia, 27 and they also formed a 
 company of merchants, who sent thither a colony of fishermen the 
 following year. In 1623, the first English settled at Dover and Ports¬ 
 mouth, in New Hampshire. Gorges and Mason divided their grant; 
 the former taking the land east of the Piscataqua, which he named New 
 Somerset, 28 while the latter took lands lying to the west, and this 
 division he named New Hampshire. The progress of this colony was 
 slow, few settlers arriving in it. In 1629, Mason obtained a fresh 
 patent for his portion, and again in 1635, when the partnership with 
 Gorges was dissolved. He died in 1638, and his family derived little 
 benefit afterwards from his extensive donation. 29 . When the company 
 had broken up, Sir Ferdinand procured for himself that whole 
 territory from the New Hampshire line to the Kennebec, and in 1639 
 a patent for it from the king was obtained. It then received the de¬ 
 nomination of Maine. From 1619 to 1624, the French Recollects or 
 Observantine Franciscan Fathers, from their central mission on the 
 River St. John, occasionally extended their labours to the Penobscot. 
 This mission, however, was abandoned in 1624. The Danes, moreover, 
 settled at Bergen, in New Jersey, during this year. The Swedes also 
 made early settlements in the county of Salem, where some of their 
 descendants long remained, and where names of places given by them 
 
 the Church, Wars, Wonderful Provi- United States,” Vol. i., chap, ix , 
 den'ces on divers Persons in New pp. 327, 328. 
 
 England.” This curious work, in 28 This tract was afterwards in- 
 Seven Bookes, was published in eluded in the State of Maine. 
 
 London, a.d. 1702, in one Vol. fob 29 See Belknap’s “History of New 
 27 See Bancroft’s “History of the Hampshire,” Vol. i. 
 
COLONIZATION OF MARYLAND. 
 
 31 
 
 are still retained. 30 The Swedes and Finlanders settled at Cape Hen- 
 lopen, in Delaware, a.d. 1627, encouraged by their celebrated king 
 Gustavus Adolphus. The Dutch governor of the New Netherlands, 
 William Kieft, protested against their settlement as infringing on his 
 jurisdiction, but this was not followed by any hostile demonstration. 
 
 Influenced by his queen Henrietta Maria, Charles I. King of Eng¬ 
 land granted that tract, now known as Maryland, 31 to Sir George 
 Calvert 32 the Secretary of State under James I. and an eminent states¬ 
 man. 33 lie was then created an Irish peer, and titled Lord Baltimore. 
 This grant gave him an extensive region, which the colonists of Vir¬ 
 ginia considered to be their own. It extended from the southern bank 
 of the Potomac River northwards to the 40th degree of latitude, 34 It 
 thus included the upper part of Chesapeake Bay, and the whole of 
 Delaware Bay. The terms of his charter could only be obtained by 
 a court favourite. Ample powers were conferred in it to be exercised 
 by the proprietor, with the assent of freemen or their deputies, 
 whose assembly was to be selected and formed as he thought best. 
 In case of emergencies, when there was no time for calling them 
 together, Lord Baltimore could himself make “ tit and wholesome 
 ordinances,” which were “ to be inviolably observed.” He might also 
 train, muster, and call out troops, as also exercise all the functions of 
 captain-general. In case of rebellion or sedition, he had power to 
 proclaim martial law. Likewise, the nomination of the judges, and of 
 all other officers, was reserved to him. Notwithstanding the high 
 claims regarding royal prerogative and privileges at home, Charles 
 reserved neither the law-making nor the taxing powers ; he only claimed 
 mines where discovered as royalties. But one of the most ingenious 
 clauses—evidently suggested by Lord Baltimore himself—empowered 
 him to found churches and chapels “ according to the ecclesiastical law 
 of England.” This was intended to blind the public there, but in 
 reality, it was projected to promote religious toleration for all creeds. 35 
 Thus, Lord Baltimore the proprietor was able to boast that Maryland 
 had become a separate monarchy. 30 Before the patent was completed, 
 however, that nobleman died. Then it was given to his eldest son 
 Cecil, who succeeded to his titles, and who applied to the task of founding 
 his colony, resolving to place it solely on an agricultural! basis. He 
 proclaimed, that every colonist who carried out five persons, male or 
 female, and paying their expenses—estimated at £20 each—was to 
 
 30 See “ The Popular Encyclopaedia ; 
 or Conversations Lexicon,” Vol. v., 
 Art., New Jersey. 
 
 31 In compliment to the queen, that 
 colony was so called. 
 
 32 See an account of him in Wood’s 
 “ Athenae Oxonienses,” pp. 522, 523. 
 
 33 He had become a Catholic, and, 
 as a consequence, he was afterwards 
 excluded from office. 
 
 34 For particulars of the coloniza¬ 
 tion of Maryland, the reader may 
 consult Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States,” Vol. i., chap. vii. 
 
 35 This Charter is in the British 
 Museum, and although without title- 
 page, it is dated 20th June, 8th year 
 of Charles I., which means a.d. 1632. 
 
 36 See Hugh Murray’s “ United 
 States of America,” Vol. i., chap, v., 
 pp. 144 to 146. 
 
32 
 
 IRISH-AM r.KICAN HISTOL.Y OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 receive 1,000 acres. Those who defrayed their own charges were to obtain 
 100 acres for themselves, and the same quantity of land for each adult 
 member of their family, or for children under six years 50 acres. For 
 each 100 acres a rent of 2s. was charged. Care was taken chiefly to 
 select English and Irish Catholics as adventurers in this expedition. 37 
 
 Notwithstanding, Cecil Lord Baltimore did not then visit the 
 colony ; but his brother Leonard Calvert sailed in a large vessel, 
 November 1633, with about 200 persons on board, and the February 
 succeeding he reached Point Comfort in Virginia. There he entered the 
 Potomac, in the month of March 1634. He then sailed up the river to 
 Piscataqua, 38 but, on reflection, he returned to a tributary, then named 
 St. George. There he chose th® present site of St. Mary for his first 
 settlement. By the natives, those white strangers "were hospitably 
 received, and not only did they obtain lands for settlements, but they 
 were supplied with provisions in exchange for articles of very trivial 
 value. 39 For a great number of years succeeding, this friendly inter¬ 
 course was maintained. In the year 1633, the family of Neale, with 
 several others from Ireland, emigrated with Leonard Calvert, brother to 
 Lord Baltimore. 40 Having thus commenced the settlement of this State, 
 Lord Baltimore appointed Leonard Calvert his brother as governor. For 
 over forty years, however, Lord Baltimore directed the affairs of that 
 colony. A free toleration of religion there caused Protestants, who were 
 persecuted for conscience sake by other Protestant sects, to take refuge 
 in Maryland. When its General Assembly was constituted, the right 
 of appointing the governor, and of approving or of disapproving its 
 legislative acts, was reserved to the family of Lord Baltimore. It was 
 continued with some short interruptions to the period of the Revolution. 
 
 Meantime, in the more northern parts of the Continent, the French 
 were singularly successful in establishing their power and influence. 
 Especially they cultivated friendly relations with the Indians, in the 
 neighbourhood of their settlements, while they brought many of them 
 to embrace the Christian religion. 41 The French missions in Maine 
 were restored in 1630, and a Capuchin mission was established on the 
 Kennebec in 1643. 
 
 A Dutch navigator, Adrian Block, had discovered the Housatonic 
 and Connecticut Rivers in 1614, and people of their nation afterwards 
 began to trade with Indians, living on the shores of Long Island Sound. 
 They purchased land from the natives, and they built Fort Good Hope 
 on the Connecticut, near the present site of Hartford. They were soon 
 
 37 The second Lord Baltimore states, 
 that he spent upon this project 
 £20,000 of his own money, and an 
 equal sum raised among his friends. 
 
 38 Then an Indian settlement, nearly 
 opposite the present Mount Vernon. 
 
 39 In 1634 was published in London, 
 “ Relation of the successful Beginnings 
 of Lord Baltimore’s Plantation.” In 
 
 1635 appeared likewise in London, 
 “A Relation of Maryland.” The 
 general statements contained in the 
 text are set forth in greater detail in 
 those tracts here mentioned. 
 
 40 Scharf’s “ Chronicles of Balti¬ 
 more,” a.d. 1874. 
 
 41 See Charlevoix’s “ Histoire General 
 de la Nouvelle France,” Tome i. 
 
COLONIZATION IN NEW ENGLAND. 
 
 33 
 
 disturbed, however, by the arrival of other intruders from New 
 England, and they were obliged to surrender their claims. The 
 English thereupon began the settlement cf Connecticut at Windsor, in 
 the year 1633. It was hoped, that here an advanced station might be 
 formed, to check the troublesome incursions of the Pequod Indians. 42 
 Much about the same time, those English colonists from New 
 Plymouth proceeded to claim all that tract of country. Soon a large 
 reinforcement arrived, when settlements were formed at Hartford and 
 Wethersfield. Meanwhile, a company of lords proprietors in England 
 obtained a grant of all that coast, extending one hundred and twenty 
 miles west of Narragansett Bay, and which embraced the. whole of 
 Connecticut, with the greater part of Rhode Island. A fort was built 
 and named Saybrook—after Lord Say and Lord Brook, two of the 
 proprietors— and it was erected at the mouth of the Connecticut River. 
 
 In June, 1636, arrived a caravan of about one hundred immigrants, 
 led by Thomas Hooker, “ The Light of the Western Churches,” and in 
 the Puritanical phraseology of the time, “ a son of Thunder.” 43 A 
 party of strict English Nonconformists, dissatisfied with the Puritan 
 tenets in the Massachusetts colony, left Boston under the Rev. 
 John Davenport, and these founded New Haven in 1638. Those 
 sectaries resolved to have no legislation except what they could 
 find in the Bible, while they admitted none but members of their 
 sect to share in the government. Hence emanated the Blue Laws, 
 which were so designated, on account of their excessive rigour. Accord¬ 
 ing to those colonists, each one of their villages and congregations 
 was a house of wisdom, resting on its seven pillars, and. aspiring to be 
 illumined by the Eternal Light. They also prepared for the second 
 coming of Christ, which was then confidently expected. 44 After some 
 time, the colonists in those parts crossed over the bay, and they planted 
 various settlements in Long Island. Wherever they went, churches 
 were erected on the model of the Independents. 45 However, the 
 Indians combined and attacked their settlements. But under the com¬ 
 mand of John Mason, the Pequods’ chief fort was burned, when about 
 six hundred of the natives, men, women, and children, perished in the 
 flames, or were ruthlessly cut down by the English weapons. 46 Having 
 
 42 See Trumbull’s “ History of Con¬ 
 necticut,” Vol. i., chap. iv. 
 
 43 According to Nathaniel Morton’s 
 account, pp 239, 240. He wrote 
 “ New England’s Memorial; or, a 
 Brief Relation of the most Memorable 
 and Remarkable Passages of the 
 Providence of God manifested in the 
 Planters of New England in America, 
 with Special Reference to the first 
 Colony thereof, called New Pli- 
 mouth; ” &c. This was printed at 
 Cambridge, N.E., a.d., 1669, in sm. 
 4to. It was reprinted in London, the 
 
 same year; and in Boston, 1721, 
 12 mo. Supp. by Josiah Cotton. 
 Another edition appeared at Newport, 
 1772, 12 mo. In 1680, the same 
 writer published “ A Brief Ecclesias¬ 
 tical History of the Church at Plymouth.” 
 
 44 See Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States,” Vol. i., chap, ix., 
 pp. 403, 404. 
 
 43 See James Grahame’s “ History 
 of North America,” Vol. i., Book 
 iii., chap. ii. 
 
 46 See E. R. Potter’s “ Early 
 History of Narragansett,” p. 24. 
 
 D 
 
34 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 met in convention at Hartford in 1639, a written constitution was 
 adopted by those settlers for the colony of Connecticut. A committee 
 of twelve was selected, to chose seven men, qualified to be framers of 
 their government. Among the latter were Theophilus Eaton their 
 Governor and Rev. John Davenport, with all of those alluded to as the 
 Seven Pillars for the new House of Wisdom in the wilderness. 
 
 In New England, it must be acknowledged, various arbitrary and 
 oppressive enactments were issued by the colonial government ; 47 and 
 as a matter of course, miserable and unhappy consequences ensued. 48 
 The whole power, legislative and executive, had been vested in a 
 governor, deputy-governor and thirteen assistants, to be chosen by 
 members of the Company, according to their original charter. These 
 were to meet at least four times a year, to decide on all important 
 concerns. However, when the sittings of the Company had been 
 transferred to America, the members were held to be the entire body of 
 settlers, limited only by the spiritual qualification of Church member¬ 
 ship. The government of the colony now assumed the characteristics 
 of a pure democracy, while the freemen elected all their executive 
 officers and exercised supreme legislative functions. A meeting of 
 two deputies from each township was arranged, to assist in framing 
 laws, which nevertheless displayed an aristocratic and arbitrary 
 tendency. New England thus virtually became a representative 
 republic. 49 Although professing to leave England in order to enjoy 
 religious freedom, the Puritans became most intollerant to those who 
 differed from them in creed, when they had formed their new settle¬ 
 ments. 50 The King and English Government were anxious to promote 
 prelacy and conformity to the Established Church ; but the colonists 
 inclined rather to the teachings of Calvin, and constituted every 
 congregation with the ministers and elders of its own election inde¬ 
 pendent of all other ecclesiastical power. They framed laws regarding 
 doctrine and discipline, to which their people required to conform. 51 
 On mere suspicion of being a papist, Sir Robert Gardiner was sum¬ 
 marily seized and sent out of the colony, without any form of trial in 
 1631. Their severe restrictions also pressed heavily on Protestant 
 Episcopalians, and remonstrances were addressed to the King and 
 his Council; but, the dissensions now arising between Charles I. and 
 his Parliament stayed further proceedings. However, strange doctrines 
 
 47 See Burnet’s “ Collection of Papers 
 relating to the present Junction of 
 Affairs in England,” 1689, 4to. 
 
 48 See a narrative in the sixth 
 collection of the work previously quoted. 
 
 49 See Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States,” Yol. i., chap, viii., 
 pp. 322, 323. 
 
 50 “ Seldom has religious tyranny 
 assumed a form more oppresive than 
 among the Puritan exiles. New 
 England Protestantism appealed to 
 
 liberty: then closed the door against 
 her.”—Parkman’s “ Pioneers of France 
 in the New World,” p. 396. 
 
 51 Thomas Hutchinson, ll.d., wrote 
 a “ History of the Colony of Mas¬ 
 sachusetts-Bay, from the first Settle¬ 
 ment thereof in 1628 until its incor¬ 
 poration with the Colony of Ply¬ 
 mouth, Province of Main.” The 
 second edition of this work in two 
 volumes appeared in London, 1760-8, 
 8 vo. 
 
COLONIZATION OP THE CAROLINAS. 
 
 35 
 
 and teachers soon appeared, while fanaticism urged these zealots, to 
 spread their opinions broadcast throughout the colony. Many who 
 approved the principles and practices of prelacy and royalty left New 
 England, and returned to the mother country. 
 
 The sectarian intolerance of the Puritans in New England drove 
 Roger Williams, a young minister of Salem, and those who adopted his 
 doctrinal views, to a wild tract, where they commenced in 1636 the 
 erection of a town called Providence, now the capital of Rhode Island. 
 He proscribed all human learning, as a preparation for the work of the 
 Christian ministry, and he abominated the very name of scholar in a 
 Divine sense, or colleges as “ seminaries of hirelings and of mystical 
 merchants.” 62 He fled to the wilderness in mid-winter, and there he' 
 found kind treatment from Massasoit, the Indian chief. Williams set 
 up the first congregation of Baptists in America, and established his 
 colony as a simple democracy. All laws were enacted there by the 
 votes of the majority. At last in 1643, he obtained a charter from 
 England, and thus was formed the colony of Rhode Island. Moreover, 
 the same Roger Williams, who has so often been held up as the father 
 of religious toleration in America, declared the cross to be “ a relic of 
 Antichrist, a popish symbol, and not to be countenanced by Christian 
 men.” In the height of their zeal, his followers actually cut the cross 
 out of the English flag, refusing to march or live under anything that 
 bore the symbol of man’s Redemption. Gradually settlers were at¬ 
 tracted to him, although it may well be doubted, if Williams fulfilled 
 in aotion his expressed desire, that Providence “might be a shelter 
 for persons distressed for conscience.” 53 
 
 At first, under the name of Florida, had been included the present 
 North and South Carolina. Both the Carolinas were so. called 
 from the reigning Spanish monarch Charles IX. North Carolina 
 was first settled by the English, in the year 1650, at Albemarle. 
 Their settlers came from Virginia. So early as 1630, Sir Robert 
 Heath had obtained a patent for the colonization of that terri¬ 
 tory, but subject to certain conditions. These however he was 
 unable to fulfil, and consequently the patent was declared 
 to be forfeited. 54 A second English colony arrived from Massachusetts 
 in 1661, and the colonists settled at Cape Fear, having purchased a 
 district surrounding it from the Indians. 55 For some time those immi¬ 
 grants struggled with all the difficulties of a pioneer life in the wilder¬ 
 ness, before they obtained any settled form of government. 
 
 52 His peculiar tenets are set forth 
 in a tract published in London, 1644, 
 and intituled “ Mr. Cotton’s Letter 
 Examined and Answered.” Again, in 
 “ The Hireling Ministry,” by Roger 
 Williams, London, 1692. 
 
 53 Backus, Vol. i., p. 94, is quoted 
 for this expression. See Bancroft’s 
 
 “ History of the United States, 11 
 chap. iix., p. 379. 
 
 64 See Williamson’s “ North Carolina, 1 ' 
 Vol. i., pp. 84, 85. 
 
 56 See Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States,” Vol. ii., chap, xiii., pp. 
 130 to 133. 
 
IRISU-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 
 
 30 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Slavery first brought into Virginia—Formation of Colonies—Constitution granted 
 to Virginia and afterwards withdrawn—Charter granted to the Governor and 
 Company of Massachusetts Bay—Laws in that Colony—Indian War—Dutch 
 Colonization—Missions in Maine. 
 
 Already an English expedition had been projected so early as 1562, to 
 procure negroes from the coast of Africa, and to convey them for sale 
 to the West Indian plantations. This infamous traffic in the human 
 species was commenced by Sir John Hawkins, who was even rewarded 
 for the supposed benefit conferred on his country. Soon the practice 
 thus approved found imitators, and led to the atrocities which so long 
 continued, bringing disgrace on the nations and communities that 
 tolerated such an unchristian and immoral usage. We have now to 
 record, that in the year 1619 a Dutch vessel from the const of Guinea 
 brought a cargo of slaves to Virginia, where these were sold to the 
 planters. 1 This first gave rise to the evil of slavery in the colonies. 
 However, thirty years after this importation of Africans, the increase 
 was inconsiderable. Virginia contained fifty whites to one black man. 
 A conditional servitude under indentures or covenant had already 
 existed there, from the period of its first settlement, 2 but this was only 
 an apprenticeship to terms and restrictions for labour. 
 
 When Sir Thomas Gates came over as Governor, he sent Sir Thomas 
 Dale with newly arrived immigrants up the river, where he formed the 
 settlement of Henrico, thus named in honour of Henry Prince of Wales. 
 Here it was intended to erect a college, and Patrick Copeland 3 was 
 elected as its Rector; 4 however, the Indian outbreak, and subsequent 
 dissolution of the Virginia Company, prevented him from undertaking 
 the duties of liis office, so he went to Bermuda. 5 In like manner, 
 Charles City had been founded and so called after Prince Charles, 
 afterwards King Charles I. Great efforts were then made to direct 
 
 1 See Robert Beverley’s “ History of 
 the Present State of Virginia.” 
 
 2 See-George Bancroft’s “History of the 
 United States,” Vol. i.,chap. v.,pp. 175-177. 
 
 3 He entered the service of the East 
 India Company in 1614. In 1621, he 
 collected from the passengers of the 
 Royal James’ £70 8s. 6d., for the Vir¬ 
 ginia plantation. The Virginia Com¬ 
 pany decided to use this money in the 
 erection of a school at Charles City, Va. 
 to be called the “ East India School.” 
 
 4 He corresponded and sympathised 
 
 with Roger Williams. Among the papers, 
 MSS. His. Coll. Wintropp I., 5th series, 
 dated December 4, 1639, he alludes to 
 twelve New England Indians sent to him 
 to be educated. 
 
 8 Anderson in his “ History upon the 
 Colonial Church,” says: “ Upon a MSS. 
 survey of Bermudas made in 1662, there 
 is a tract of land in Paget’s District 
 marked ‘given to the Free School by 
 Patrick Copeland, sometime minister of 
 the World in his tribe.’”—Duyckinck’a 
 “ Cyclopedia of American Literature.” 
 
COLONY OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 37 
 
 colonization towards Virginia by the London Company and by King 
 James’ Council. We learn, that Irish Catholics, and others engaged in 
 insurrections, were transported about this period ; as also, all British 
 criminals “under the rope,” bankrupts, idle and dissolute persons 
 of doubtful character, and others who had no means of support. 6 In 
 1619, twelve ships conveyed no fewer than 1261 persons, being more 
 than double the number actually residing. 7 Proprietors of a different 
 class, however, occupied large tracts of land, and employed many 
 of the dissolute and poverty-stricken to work on their farms or to serve 
 them as tenants. The Established Church of England was the form of 
 worship proclaimed in this colony, and attendance at its services was 
 made compulsory. Novelties in religion were prohibited, and dissenters 
 were fined or sent out of the colony. No “ popish priests ” were 
 allowed to remain in Virginia. An estate had been set apart on the 
 James River. This was intended for the endowment of a college to 
 educate the Whites and Indians. A number of settlers had been 
 engaged to take charge of it, but these were massacred by the savages. 
 This delayed the foundation of the institution until 1693, when the 
 college of William and Mary was established at Williamsburg, Virginia. 
 
 The first constitution granted to the colonists was that given 
 to Virginia by the London Company in 1621. This, however, was of a 
 ver} 7 restricted character. The Governor and Council there were 
 appointed by the Company, while an Assembly consisted of the Council 
 and a House of Burgesses elected by the people. The laws enacted by 
 them required assent from the Governor and the Company in England. 
 Moreover, these obliged the colonists to ratify their orders. 8 * 
 
 Finding the constantly increasing colonists were making inroads on 
 their hunting grounds, and asserting a right to all the land they could 
 enclose, the Indians entered into a plot, after the death of Powhattan, 
 to exterminate all the white settlers, whom they had hitherto tolerated.^ 
 They suddenly attacked the scattered settlements 10 on the 22nd of 
 March 1622, and massacred about 350 persons. An alarm had been 
 conveyed to the Government house at Jamestown, in time to warn the 
 nearer colonists in the thickly planted districts about their danger. 
 This saved the settlers from utter extermination. Such occurrences 
 naturally led to a war of reprisals. While the Indians suffered severely 
 in that contest, the colonists sustained great losses likewise both in life 
 and property. 
 
 6 See James Grahame’s “ History of 
 the United States of America,” Vol. i., 
 Book i., chap., ii., p. 71. 
 
 7 See “ A True Declaration of the state 
 of the Colonies in Virginia,” by His 
 Majesty’s Council, 22nd June, 1620, p. 9. 
 n.p. 2. 
 
 8 See George Chalmers’ “ Political 
 
 Annals of the Present United Colonies, 
 
 from their Settlement till 1763,” Book I. 
 
 This was all that he published in 1780, 
 in 4to. The work was republished with 
 additions and an introduction at Boston, 
 1845, in two volumes, 8vo. 
 
 8 His brother Opecancanough was the 
 chief instigator of this murderous de¬ 
 sign. 
 
 10 See Robert Beverly’s “History of 
 the Present State of Virginia,” Loudon, 
 1705, 8vo, in 4 parts. 
 
38 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 While restricting popular rights in Virginia, the London Company 
 had been anxious to procure privileges for themselves at home. This 
 excited jealousies in the mind of James I., who now resolved to exercise 
 his prerogative in an arbitrary manner. After various disputes, in 
 1624 he cancelled their charter, on the pretext that the Company had 
 mismanaged the colony. He issued a writ quo warranto, and he 
 brought the case before the Courts, then composed of judges removable 
 by the Crown. As might have been suspected, a sentence was passed 
 declaring the charter to be forfeited. The Company was thus dis¬ 
 solved. 
 
 In the year 1628, a Royal charter was obtained from Charles I., 
 and it was granted March 4th, under the name of the Governor and 
 Company of Massachusetts-Bay in New England. 11 The first governor 
 and his council were named by the king. 12 Soon the Company trans¬ 
 ferred the governing power from London to the colony itself. After¬ 
 wards, several emigrants of distinction, of education and of respectable 
 means emigrated to New England. Nearly all of these being strict 
 Calvinists were hostile to the established Government and Church in 
 England. 13 Among these, the earliest settlers beyond the Atlantic, 
 were some Irish Puritans, as we find it recorded; the emigrants that 
 left Ireland for this distant colony however seem to baffle any attempt 
 at an exact enumeration. About one thousand colonial settlers came 
 out, with John Winthrop as their governor, in the year 1630. As 
 many of these belonged to the town of Boston in Lincolnshire, they 
 founded a city of future historical renown, and distinguished for its 
 commerce, in the United States. To this new town they gave a 
 similar name ; but the immigrants suffered great hardships and priva¬ 
 tions there, before they could fix on proper places for their permanent 
 settlements. 14 
 
 During those times, and subsequently, religious polemics and 
 doctrinal expositions prevailing in the mother-country, 15 and brought by 
 
 11 See “ The History of the Colony of 
 Massachusetts-Bay, from the first Settle¬ 
 ment thereof, in 1628, until its Incor¬ 
 poration with the Colony of Plymouth, 
 Province of Maine, &c., by the Charter 
 of King William and Queen Mary, in 
 1691.” By Mr. Hutchinson, Lieutenant- 
 Governor of the Massachusetts Pro¬ 
 vince,” Vol. i., chap, i., p. 9. The second 
 volume of this is intituled “ The History 
 of the Province of Massachusetts-Bay, 
 from the Charter of King William and 
 Queen Mary in 1691, until the year 1750.” 
 
 12 See James Grahame’s “ History of 
 the United States of North America,” 
 Vol. i., Book ii., chap, i., p. 205. 
 
 13 See Daniel Neal’s “ History of the 
 Puritans; or, Protestant Nonconfor¬ 
 mists ; from the Reformation in 1517, 
 
 to the Revolution in 1688: comprising 
 an Account of their Principles ; their 
 attempts for a farther Reformation in 
 the Church, their Sufferings, and the 
 Lives and Characters of their most con¬ 
 siderable Divines,” Vol. i. Part ii., chap, 
 iv., pp. 532 to 537. New edition, Lon¬ 
 don, 1837, in three vols., 8vo. It has 
 gone through several editions, both in 
 Europe and in America. . 
 
 14 See Hutchinson’s “ History of the 
 Colony of Massachusetts-Bay,” Vol. i., 
 chap, i., pp. 14 to 23. 
 
 16 In Samuel Butler’s satiric poem, 
 “ Hudibras,” the opinions and manners 
 of the English Puritans (if this period are 
 set forth with inimitable humour, bub, 
 of course, in a vein of grotesque carica< 
 ture. 
 
COLONY OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 3'J 
 
 zealous propagandists into the new, seem chiefly to have engaged 
 the ministers and congregations throughout the various colonies. 16 The 
 Scriptures were diligently searched and studied ; while the quaint and 
 strained meanings often attached to several passages, with their application 
 to passing occurrences and to the every-day usages of life, convey an 
 amusing and instructive elucidation of Puritan life and thought. 17 So 
 strict were the regulations for membership in the colonial churches, that 
 not more than a fourth part of the adult population attained it, while no 
 man was regarded as deserving to be a citizen or a voter, unless he 
 could produce such a qualification. The elders of the Churches were 
 consulted by their congregations on all important temporal affairs. 18 The 
 ministers had granted a privilege to their hearers, however, to ask ques¬ 
 tions “ wisely and sparingly ” at the end of their sermons. This was 
 soon found to be attended with great inconvenience, for several inter¬ 
 rogatories were put in the various congregations, by individuals who 
 became convinced of their capacity to treat doctrinal questions of the 
 most abstruse kind, and to discover errors in the teaching of their most 
 learned divines. 19 The magistrates had authority in both civil and religious 
 affairs, while very strict laws were enacted to maintain their authority. 
 
 Notwithstanding the stringency of those laws and regulations, religious 
 harmony was soon disturbed by a lady of good birth and great energy of 
 character, Mrs. Hutchinson, originally from Lincolnshire, who had become 
 a zealous inquirer, and who, as a consequence, had been excluded from 
 her congregation. However, she called together every Sabbath evening 
 a numerous meeting, and soon she began to teach that the ministers and 
 colonial congregations were alike in total darkness, while they must 
 undergo a radical change before they could hope to enjoy divine favour. 
 She also maintained, that salvation depended wholly upon an uncondi¬ 
 tional election, which was made known to its object by a supernatural 
 assurance, while this rendered reformation of heart and conduct altogether 
 superfluous, even as a test of the Christian’s spiritual state. Her 
 brother-in-law, Mr. Wheelright, became a zealous propagator of those 
 views, which were termed Antinomian, and while expounding them his 
 church became thronged with hearers. Although each congregation had 
 hitherto acted almost as a separate body, yet a general synod was con¬ 
 vened to assemble in Cambridge. Preachers, deputies from the 
 congregations and magistrates met on the 30th of August, 1637. 
 Great numbers of the people were present, as also the accused Schis- 
 
 16 See Cotton Mather’s “ Magnalia 
 Christi Americana ; or, the Ecclesiastical 
 History of New England from its first 
 Planting in the year 1620 unto the Year 
 of Our Lord 1698.” 
 
 17 This may be observed, as well illus¬ 
 trated, in the early chapters of George 
 Bancroft’s “ History of the United 
 States,” Vol. i. _ 
 
 18 See Daniel Neal’s “ History of New 
 
 England, containing an Impartial Ac¬ 
 count of the Civil and Ecclesiastical 
 Affairs of the Country to the Year of 
 Our Lord 1700,” Vol. i., chap iv., pp. 141 
 to 145. This work appeared in 1720, at 
 London, in two vols.; and in a second 
 edition, with many additions, at London, 
 1747, in two vols., 8vo. 
 
 19 See Hugh Murray’s “ United States 
 of America,” Vol. i, chap, vi.. pp. 2Q9, 210. 
 
40 
 
 1RISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 inatics. -Eighty-two abstract propositions had been prepared for 
 condemnation. For three weeks, stormy debates and recriminations 
 ensued ; but, the result was a synodal decree of condemnation. 20 This 
 proceeding did not prevent Mrs. Hutchinson from holding her meetings, 
 nor Mr. Wheelright from preaching in his church; and since both were 
 regarded -as persecuted saints and prophets, by vast crowds of the 
 people, so their opinions became the more diffused. Mr. Wheelright 
 was first prosecuted by the magistrates, and he was ordered to depart 
 from the colony within a fortnight. Next Mrs. Hutchinson was 
 arraigned, and she defended herself with remarkable ability; but being 
 closely pressed and warmed by discussion, declared she had received reve¬ 
 lations which enabled her to distinguish between the true and false reli¬ 
 gion. Having been found guilty of holding twenty-six of the eighty-two 
 condemned propositions, she was ordered to leave the colony within six 
 months. After causing much commotion in the congregations, she retired 
 with sl number of her followers to Rhode Island, where she received a 
 kindly welcome from Roger Williams. Six years later, she and her whole 
 family were surprised in her home and murdered by a band of Indians. 21 
 
 It was considered an idolatrous practice by the New Englanders to 
 observe any of the holidays prescribed by the Catholic or by the English 
 Established Church. Nay more : differences in religion would no longer 
 <oe tolerated, and a law was actually passed which enacted the 
 punishment by death against such heretics as should attempt to seduce 
 others. 22 A law was enacted by the General Court in 1647, whereby 
 Jesuits were forbidden to enter the colony of Massachusetts. If found 
 within its jurisdiction, they were expelled, and if they ventured to come 
 a second time, they were liable to be hanged. 23 The sympathies of the 
 colonists were strongly on the side of the Parliamentarians of England, 
 in their struggle with the King. As deemed disloyal, they were regarded 
 with especial disfavour and suspicion by the Royalists. Many of the latter 
 party were to be found in the colony, who dissented from the rigorous rules 
 there prevailing, and who were otherwise dissatisfied with their own 
 exclusion from place and position. One of the extraordinary superstitions 
 ■which took possession of the New England Puritans was a belief in the 
 existence of witches and of witchcraft among them. The celebrated 
 minister Increase Mather, who was president of Harvard College, wrote 
 several books on that subject. The reading of these greatly tended to 
 increase the popular delusion. His son Cotton Mather frequently 
 preached against witchcraft, the sinfulness of which he denounced in no 
 measured terms. Several laws were enacted, which made its practice a 
 capital offence. Six or eight persons, supposed to he witches, suffered death 
 
 20 pee Cotton Mather, Part vii., p. 16. 
 
 21 See Daniel Neal’s “ History of New 
 England, containing an Impartial Ac¬ 
 count of the Civil and Ecclesiastical 
 Affairj of the Country to the Year of 
 our Lcrd 1700.” Vol. i., pp. 191 to 194, 
 
 A See “ An Abstract of the Lawes 
 of New England,” p. 10, London, 
 1641. 
 
 23 See Fitton’s “ Sketches of the 
 Establishment of the Chuivh in New 
 
 England ” 
 
COLONY OF MASSACHUSETTS. 4] 
 
 between 1648 and 1655. Several trials and condemnations are recorded, 
 as having taken place in Boston, Charlestown and Hartford, solely in 
 reference to this imputed crime. Owing to complaints about the Puritans 
 which reached the Royal ears, Charles I. ha4 desired to take away their 
 Charter, and to govern them by a Royal Commission. About the same 
 time, a prohibition was put forth, to prevent thePuritans of England from 
 transporting themselves to the New England settlements. 24 Whereupon 
 the colonists began to manifest a spirit of political independence, which 
 had been constantly fanned and strengthened by the constant arrival 
 of new immigrants. They likewise manifested a mutinous and rebellious 
 feeling, by voting £600 to fortify the settlements on Massachusetts-Bay. 
 Even they took measures to provide for their military defence. However, 
 the troubles at home soon diverted the attention of the Crown to matters 
 of more pressing and serious importance. Thus, the colon>sts remained 
 unmolested, to pursue their own ideas regarding local and general polity. 
 
 The establishment of seminaries for learning had early engaged the 
 attention of the Colonists. In 1638 25 Harvard College was founded 26 
 for higher education. Afterwards, schools were opened in every 
 considerable town. In 1635, the first printing press was set up in the 
 United States. For many subsequent years, the art of printing had not 
 much extension beyond New England, and there the first productions 
 of the press were mostly religious and controversial tracts. 
 
 Unlike the French colonists, the settlers of New England took very 
 little real interest in attempts to christianize the Indians. 27 However, 
 one of the first Boston preachers, the Rev. John Elliot, devoted a long life 
 to missionary enterprise among the savages. He acquired great influence 
 over them. The labours of Thomas Mayhew among them are also to be 
 commended for earnestness in the work of civilization. 28 The settlers 
 succeeded for a time, in keeping on terms of friendship with most of the 
 tribes ; but, many of the colonists behaved so ill, that the natives began 
 to feel a dread of their encroachments, and only for the exertions of 
 Massassoit, a friendly chief, it seems likely, open hostilities could not be 
 averted. The Governor, Edward Winslow, acted with much tact and 
 prudence, in the effort to secure those few colonists who in the 
 outset laboured under many privations. By degrees, fresh arrivals 
 strengthened the population and the range of settlements greatly 
 extended. 29 
 
 24 See Daniel Neal’s “ History of 
 New England,” Vol., i., 'chap., iv., pp. 
 168, 169. 
 
 25 See Hutchinson’s “ History of 
 the Colony of Massachusetts Bay,” Vol. 
 i., chap, i., p. 90. 
 
 26 By a minister of Charlestown, 
 who gave name to it. 
 
 27 A very interesting account of the 
 twenty or thirty different nations there, 
 and regarding their appearance, habits, 
 
 customs and traditions, may be found in 
 Daniel Neal’s “History of New Eng¬ 
 land, containing an Impartial Account 
 of the Civil and Ecclesiastical Affairs of 
 the Country to the year of our Lord, 
 1700,” Vol. i., chap, i., pp. 22 to 49. 
 
 28 See James Grabame’s “ History of 
 the United States of North America,” 
 Vol. i., Book ii., chap, iii., pp. 274 to 
 281. 
 
 29 See Hugh Murray’s “United States 
 
42 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 The New England colonists became embroiled with the powerful 
 and warlike confederacy of Pequod Indians, in 1636. Their chief seat 
 was on the Pequod river—now the Thames—in Connecticut. These 
 were on bad terms with the whites. After a succession of raids and 
 murders, the Pequods endeavoured to concert with the Narragansets a 
 general massacre of the colonists. 30 This plot was defeated by the in¬ 
 fluence which Roger Williams exercised over the Narragansets, and he 
 was the first to warn the Governor of Massachusetts regarding the im¬ 
 pending conspiracy. 31 The whites now determined to wage war upon 
 the Pequods, and to strengthen their bands, they secured an alliance 
 with the Narragansets and Mohegans. An expedition was planned, 
 and accordingly, a gathering of armed men assembled at Narraganset 
 Bay. These consisted of twenty men from the Massachusetts colony, 
 under the command of Captain Underhill; ninety men collected 
 from the Connecticut towns, under Captain John Mason; while sixty 
 Mohegan Indians were led by their chief Uncas, and two hundred 
 Narragansets formed under Miantonomoh. After a march of two days 
 in May 1637, the allied force came upon one of the principal Pequod 
 strongholds. This village was surrounded by a rude fortification, 
 formed only of trees and brushwood. 32 The Pequods were surprised in 
 their sleep, and hemmed in on every side. They fought bravely how¬ 
 ever until Mason, crying out, “ We must burn them,” thrust a fire¬ 
 brand into one of the wigwams. The whole village was soon in flames. 
 This appears to have given intense satisfaction to the Narragansets who 
 danced and whooped all the while, as they witnessed the sufferings of 
 their dying enemies. 33 The attack now became a massacre, and about 
 six hundred of the Indians fell. The New Englanders kept up the 
 fight within the fort, where most of their enemies perished miserably in 
 the flames. Their Indian allies struck down those fugitives who 
 attempted to escape from their enclosure. 34 A fortnight later, more 
 troops arrived from Boston. The remnant of the Pequods was now 
 pursued to the swamps. There, they had vainly taken refuge, 
 for they were closely pursued and hunted from their lairs. Their 
 ruin was now completed. Eight or nine hundred were killed 
 or taken. The captives were then sold into slavery. Sassacus, their 
 head sachem, fled for protection to the Mohawks. These put 
 him to death, and his country became a province of the English. 
 The confederacy of Indians was entirely annihilated, 35 so that during a 
 considerable period, the colonists remained safe from their incursions. 
 
 of America,” Vol. i., chap, vi., pp. 190 to 
 196. 
 
 30 See Hutchinson’s “ History of the 
 Colony of Massachusetts-Bay,” Vol. i., 
 chap, i., pp. 68, 59. 
 
 81 See George Bancroft’s “ History of 
 the United States,” Vol. i. chap, ix., p. 398. 
 
 32 See E. R. Potter’s “ Early History of 
 Narragansett,” p. 24. 
 
 33 See Daniel Neal’s “ History of New 
 England,” Vol. i., chap, v., pp. 173 to 178. 
 
 34 See William Hubbard’s “Narrative 
 of the Troubles with the Indians from 
 1607-77,” published a.d. 1677, 4to. This 
 contains an old Map of New England. 
 
 35 See Hutchinson’s “ History of the 
 Colony of Massachusetts Bay,” Vol. i., 
 chap, i., pp. 76 to 81. 
 
 I 
 
DUTCH COLONIZATION. 
 
 *3 
 
 For a better protection against future Indian attacks, and to advance 
 their interests generally, a confederation designated “The United 
 Colonies of New England,” was formed in 1643. Delegates were chosen 
 from Plymouth, Connecticut and New Haven. These met at Boston, 
 with the General Court of Massachusetts. It was arranged, that two 
 Commissioners from each colony should meet alternately at Boston, 
 Plymouth, Hartford and New Haven. Their desire was to protect 
 themselves from the encroachments of the Dutch and French colonists, 
 most likely to be more powerfully aggressive and dangerous than were 
 those of the Indians. The Commissioners could only be Church 
 members, according to their rules of confederation. These officials 
 chose their own president, while they had charge of Indian affairs and 
 of war; thus assuming a superior jurisdiction in the commonwealth, 3 ' 5 
 where they were regarded as responsible for its peace and security. Being 
 by far the most powerful colony, Massachusetts was allowed to take 
 precedence over the other provinces. The settlers of Rhode Island and 
 of Maine were not admitted to have any part in that league. The 
 confederacy was important in its moral consequences, as the first step 
 towards a federal union. But the Commissioners assumed no right 
 to interfere in the internal jurisdiction of any of the States; they 
 had even no power to enforce their decrees; they could only consult, 
 advise and report to the confederated bodies. With these it rested, 
 to reject or to execute their resolves. After assembling for some 
 years, however, and without accomplishing what was expected from it, 
 the New England Confederacy dissolved. 
 
 The Dutch, meantime, were equally enterprising and active as the 
 New Englanders in planting towns and villages along the Hudson 
 River. 87 Their National Company granted extraordinary privileges to 
 encourage the formation of trading and farming settlements. Under 
 such inducements, several proprietors from the Netherlands had taken 
 out colonies of fifty or more persons, at their own expense. The affairs of 
 this new colony were to be managed by a governor or director-general 
 and a council, who were appointed by the Company, and in whom all 
 the legislative, executive and judicial powers were vested. The first 
 governor was Peter Minuit, who bought the Island of Manhattan—the 
 present site of New York City—from the Indians. There he built 
 a fort, 38 and he called the settlement New Amsterdam. According to the 
 constitution of their colony, no religion wae to be tolerated, except that of 
 the Dutch Reformed Church. However, the law was not strictly enforced, 
 and many other Protestant sects procured admission into their settle¬ 
 ments. Those emigrating capitalists were known as patroons or 
 patrons, who obtained large tracts of territory, on which they settled 
 tenants, and over whom they exercised absolute control. In course of 
 time, great dissensions arose between the company and the patroons, who 
 
 36 See ibid., pp. 124 to 126. of the Colony of New Netherlands.” 
 
 37 For further details, the reader 38 This stood on a spot now well- 
 is referred to Moulton’s “ History known as the Battery. 
 
44 
 
 TRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 were mostly Belgian and Flemish Protestants. Owing to those troubles 
 the Dutch Governor Peter Minuit was recalled. After this, he entered 
 the service of Sweden, and sailing to the Delaware river with a com¬ 
 pany of Swedes, he built a fort, near the present site of Wilmington. 
 He erected another on an island, below the present city of Phila¬ 
 delphia. An earlier settlement in the southern part of Delaware had 
 been destroyed by the Indians, and it was now sought to repair that 
 damage. r lhe Governor Minuit was succeeded in the year 1629 by 
 Wouter Van Twiller, who had been sent out by the West Indian Com¬ 
 pany. Under his administration a long term of peace succeeded, which 
 enabled the Dutch to engage in the process of colonization and of other 
 industrial pursuits. Towards the close of his administration, the New 
 Englanders had begun to extend their settlements beyond the boun¬ 
 daries of Massachusetts into the territory of Connecticut, then claimed 
 by the Dutch as a portion of their possessions; and, against these 
 encroachments, the Governor entered a protest, which was entirely 
 disregarded by the English. 39 . The third governor of New York— 
 appointed in 1637—was William Kieft, a man of choleric and intract¬ 
 able temper. In the earlier years of his rule, he had some disputes 
 with the Connecticut colonists. In the year 1643, a treacherous attack 
 was made by the Dutch upon some Indians assembled at Hoboken, 
 when one hundred and twenty of them were barbarously massacred 
 during the night. Notwithstanding his disputes with the English, 
 Kieft availed of Captain Underhill’s services, to aid him in his 
 encounters with the Indians. At the head of a mixed troop of English 
 and Dutch, that brave mercenary leader slew great numbers of them 
 on Long Island and on the mainland. These provocations led to a 
 terrible Indian war against the Dutch, and it lasted more than two 
 years. 40 In 1643, Father Isaac Jogues, a Jesuit missionary who had 
 been rescued from the Mohawks, came to New York City, 41 but he only 
 found there two Catholics—a Portuguese woman and a young Irishman 
 from Maryland. 42 With him came Father Bressani, another Jesuit 
 missionary, who had been ransomed by the Dutch at Fort Orange, 
 now Albany. Both of these were kindly received and entertained by 
 Governor Kieft at New Amsterdam. 
 
 So much dissatisfaction had been given to the company, that Kieft 
 was superseded in 1646. 43 Peter Stuvvesant, a brave and an able man, 
 was appointed to succeed him in 1647. He contrived to keep peace 
 with the Indians. The new Governor was distinguished, however, for 
 his arbitrary although honourable character. In the year 1655, he led 
 an expedition against the Swedes, who were settled on the Delaware. 
 
 39 See James Grahame’s “ History of 
 the United States of North America," 
 Vol. ii., Book v., chap- i. 
 
 40 See iiiid., pp. 168, 169. 
 
 41 See John Oil hi ary Shea’s “Catholic 
 Churches of N*w York City, with 
 Sketches of their History and Lives of 
 
 the present Pastors,” &c. Introdu,. ..on, 
 p. 21. New York, 1878. 4to. 
 
 42 This he states, in a letter written to 
 Father Lalemant, and dated from Rens- 
 selaerwick, August 30th, 1643. 
 
 43 See Hugh Murray’s “United States 
 of America,” Vol. i., chap, viii., p. 284. 
 
mm 
 
 MISSIONS IN MAINE. 45 
 
 He soon compelled their submission to Dutch authority, which he re¬ 
 presented. Their settlement, which had been designated New Sweden, 
 now became annexed to New Netherland, as the Dutch colony had 
 been designated. Again, the Dutch were soon embroiled with the 
 English, and especially with the settlers of Connecticut and New 
 Haven. Moreover, several English families had already settled in and 
 near New Amsterdam. These began to demand popular forms of 
 government, while the Dutch inhabitants began to imbibe some 
 relish for the political ideas which then prevailed in New England. 
 Without asking the Governor’s permission, deputies chosen by each 
 village in New Netherlands assembled at New Amsterdam, in Decem¬ 
 ber 1663. 44 This agitation had nearly caused a Revolution. To the 
 governor, the people addressed claims, only to be taxed with their own 
 consent, to have representative institutions, to have legislative powers, 
 and to appoint their officers. These demands were l-ejected by the 
 governor, who asserted, that his right to govern them was derived from 
 God and from the West Indian Company. At length, he consented to 
 grant the popular demand for a representative Assembly, but the con¬ 
 cession came too late to inspire public confidence, as an emergency had 
 ai'isen to make the concession a matter of lxecessity. 
 
 In August 1G46, the Jesuit Father Gabriel Druilletes journeyed 
 from Quebec to labour among the Abenakies, in Maine. Some of these 
 had visited the Christian Indians of Siliery, near Quebec. Having 
 become converted, and returning home, those rude missionaries 
 preached the faith to their countrymen so effectively, that these sent to 
 Quebec to ask for a resident missionary priest. Having reached the 
 waters of the Kennebec, Father Druilletes descended that river from 
 Norridgenock to the first English trading port, where Augusta now 
 stands. Thence he continued his journey to the sea, and he followed 
 the coast in a canoe to the Penobscot, visiting seven or eight English 
 posts on his way, where—notwithstanding the intolerant colonial laws 
 —to his gi’eat sui’pi'ise he was very well received. Atthe Penobscot, be 
 found several Capuchin friars, under their superior Father Ignatius, who 
 welcomed him with the utmost cordiality. Returning he again as¬ 
 cended the Kennebec to the English port at Augusta. On a spot 
 three miles above, the Indians had gathered in considerable numbers, 
 and there they bxxilt him a hut. He remained with them xxntil mid¬ 
 winter, when he went with them on their gi’and hunting expedition, 
 and he camped with them on Moosehead Lake. Early in the summer, he 
 returned to Quebec, and during the two following years, the Abenakies 
 were without a priest. 45 
 
 It was found, that the growing trade and commerce of the colony in 
 Massachusetts required extensian beyond its limits; and accordingly 
 authorised agents had applied to the French officials at Quebec, with a 
 view to the reciprocity in mercantile transactions, while the Abenakis 
 
 44 See the New York Historical So- 46 See “Relationde la NouvelleFrance,” 
 ciety’s edition of Smyth’s “History of 1647, chap, x., pp. 51 to 56, Quebeo 
 New York.” edition. 
 
46 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 needed the protection of the English colonists under whose jurisdiction 
 they now found themselves. Father Druilletes was then sent in a double 
 character, both as envoy of the government at Quebec and as agent 
 of his Abenakis flock. He had powers given him also to negociate a 
 treaty. 46 In the first days of September, 1650, he set forth from Quebec, 
 with a Christian chief of Sillery. He crossed forests, mountains and 
 torrents, and reached Norridgenock, then the highest Abenakis 
 settlement on the Kennebec. Thence he descended to the English 
 trading house at Augusta. There the Puritan commandant John Win¬ 
 slow, whom he had met on his former visit, gave him a warm welcome. 
 Winslow accompanied the missionary, and at a great personal incon¬ 
 venience, so far as Merry-meeting Bay, where they parted. Then the 
 priest embarked in an English vessel for Boston. The passage was 
 stormy and the wind was ahead. Father Druilletes was forced to land 
 at Cape Ann. Thence, partly on foot and partly in boats, travelling 
 along the shore, he made way to Boston. In December the priest crossed 
 in a boat to Boston fi'om the neighbouring peninsula of Charleston. 
 Edward Gibbons, a Boston merchant, for whom Winslow was agent in 
 Maine, received Father Druilletes kindly. He also entertained and 
 lodged him during his stay, and gave him the key of a chamber, in 
 order that he might pray and perform the other exercises of religion 
 after his own fashion, without fear of disturbance. 47 Father Druilletes 
 visited Govenor Dudley in Roxbury, and was entertained by him at 
 dinner, in company with the magistrates. This Jesuit afterwards went 
 down by land to Plymouth to see Governor Bradford, by whom he was 
 received with great courtesy and kindness. He was invited by the 
 Governor to dine with the magistrates, and as it was Friday, they con¬ 
 siderately gave him a dinner of fish. Returning by land to Roxbury, 
 now a part of Boston, and arriving at night, he was obliged, according 
 to the usual custom, to take lodging with the minister. He happened 
 to be the celebrated Puritan missionary John Elliot, by whom he was 
 well received and most hospitably entertained. The priest visited 
 Salem, in company with the minister of Marblehead. Thither he had gone 
 by water from Boston. He had an interview with Endicott, by whom 
 he was kindly treated and well entertained. There is not a word in 
 the narrative, which Father Druilletes has left, to show the existence of 
 a single Catholic at Boston, Plymouth, Salem, Marblehead, or elsewhere ; 
 indeed, the only Catholic whom he seems to have met during his whole 
 journey was a French sailor, whom he found in York, Maine. Father 
 Druilletes returned to Norridgenock in 1656. The following spring, that 
 mission seems to have been abandoned. Many of the Abenakis, at the 
 suggestion of the Jesuits, emigrated to the Catholic settlements in 
 Canada. 48 
 
 46 See John Gilmary Shea’s “The 
 Catholic Church in Colonial Days,” 
 1521, 1763, Book iii., chap, i., pp. 241, 242. 
 
 47 Mr. Shea judges from this expression 
 and other indications, that the Jesuit 
 envoy brought with him the means lor 
 
 celebrating Mass, which was then—that 
 is towards the end of the year 1650— 
 probably offered for the first time in 
 Boston. 
 
 48 See Parkman’s “Pioneers of France 
 in the New World.” 
 
TRANSPORTATION OF IRISH SLAVES TO THE AMERICAN COLON1E8. 
 
 47 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Transportation of Irish Slaves to the American Colonies—Disturbances in Maryland 
 and Virginia—Persecution of the Quakers—The Duke of York gets Possession of 
 the Dutch Colony—The English Navigation Laws—Settlement of the Carolinas 
 —Bacon’s Rebellion—Quaker Settlements in New Jersey—French Explorations 
 on the Mississippi River—King Philip’s Indian War in New England. 
 
 When the Parliamentarians had succeeded in subjugating the Irish in 
 1649 1 and 1650, and when those in power had condemned many of the 
 leaders to death, a decree of banishment sent some thirty or forty 
 thousand 2 of the Catholic officers and soldiers into foreign service. 3 
 Several thousands of the population remaining were sold as slaves. 4 The 
 priests were condemned to exile or death. Among other events of this 
 period, the merchants of Bristol 5 had agents treating with the government 
 for men, women, and girls, to be sent to the sugar plantations in the West 
 Indies and to New England. 6 From every part of Ireland, the Irish Papists 
 were transported in crowded vessels, and kept as bondsmen in the 
 American colonies, while scenes like the slave hunts in Africa must have 
 been witnessed. 7 At last, however, this evil became too shocking and 
 notorious, particularly when those dealers in Irish flesh began to seize 
 the daughters and children of the English themselves, and to force them 
 on board their slave ships. Then, at the end of four years, those orders 
 
 1 Thirty lives were saved only after the 
 capture of Drogheda by Oliver Cromwell 
 this year, and these were reserved to be 
 sent as slaves to Barbadoes. See Captain 
 Thomas Southey’s “ Chronological His¬ 
 tory of the West Indies,” Vol. i. p. 
 321. In three volumes. London, 1827, 
 8vo. 
 
 2 See Rev. John Lingard’s “ History of 
 England,” Vol x., chap, vi., p. 366, and 
 not 
 
 3 The King of Spain sent over his 
 agents at this time to treat with the go¬ 
 vernment for the Irish Swordsmen. 
 
 4 In the West Indies these Irish slaves 
 were condemned to work in twisting to¬ 
 bacco, and at other servile occupations. 
 See “ Cambrensis Eversus,” by Arch¬ 
 deacon John Lynch, Vol. iii., chap, xxviii., 
 pp. 198, 199, Rev. Dr. Kelly’s edition. 
 Dublin, 1851 to 1853, 8vo. 
 
 5 Among them, Messrs. Sellick and 
 
 Leader, Mr. Robert Yeomans, Mr. Joseph 
 
 Lawrence, and others, all of Bristol, 
 were active agents. 
 
 6 The Commissioners of Ireland gave 
 them orders upon the governors of gar¬ 
 risons, to deliver to them prisoners of 
 war; upon masters of workhouses for 
 the destitute in their care “who were 
 of an age to labour, or if women were 
 marriageable and not passed breeding;” 
 and they gave directions to all in autho¬ 
 rity to seize those who had no visible 
 means of livelihood, and deliver them to 
 those agents of the British merchants. 
 
 7 One Captain John Vernon was em¬ 
 ployed by the Commissioners for Ireland 
 into England, and he contracted in their 
 behalf with Mr. Daniel Sellick and Mr. 
 Leader, under his hand, bearing date 
 14th September 1653, to supply them 
 with 250 women of the Irish nation above 
 twelve years and under the age of forty- 
 five, also 300 men above twelve years of 
 age and under fifty, to be found in the 
 country, within twenty miles of Cork, 
 Ycuglial and Kinsale, Waterford and 
 Wexford, to transport them into New 
 England. 
 
48 
 
 IRISH-AMER1CAN HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 wore revoked. It is estimated, that one hundred thousand 8 were exiled 
 after this fashion; thus leaving Ireland almost completely denuded of 
 her native population. 9 Then, it was found necessary, even to encourage 
 some of the Trans-Atlantic colonists to return and to occupy the direlict 
 lands. In the early part of the year 1651, when, according to their own 
 description given to the Council of State, that whole island was a scene 
 of unparalleled waste and ruin, 10 the Commissioners of Ireland 
 affectionately urged Mr. Harrison, then a minister of the Gospel in New 
 England, to come over and reside in Ireland, which he would find 
 experimentally was a comfortable seed-plot 11 for his labours. 12 Mr. 
 Harrison was unable to come, but subsequent proposals were made in 
 
 1655, for the planting of Sligo town, and the entering on land there¬ 
 abouts with families from New England. 13 Moreover, lands on the mile 
 line, together with the two little islands called Oyster Island and 
 Cooney Island, were leased for one year, 14 for the use of English families 
 from New England in America. 15 During the May and July of this 
 year, several persons who had come over from that province to replant 
 Ireland were received as tenants of State land near Garristown, in the 
 County of Dublin, about fifteen miles northward from the capital. 
 Others followed their example. We are informed likewise, that in 
 
 1656, several families, arriving from New England at Limerick, had the 
 excise of tobacco brought with them for the use of themselves and 
 families remitted. 
 
 A trader from Virginia named William Clayboime 16 had established 
 himself on Kent Island in Chesapeake Bay, before the time of Sir 
 George Calvert’s arrival. The Virginians claimed that tract, for which 
 Lord Baltimore had obtained a patent, and now Clay borne refused to 
 acknowledge the new proprietor’s authority. He had already expended 
 over <£6,000 on his establishments, and he had even a patent from the 
 King for trade, but not for plantation. Clayborne appealed to the 
 Virginian Council, who expressed their astonishment. Soon afterwards, 
 its members presented a remonstrance to the English government, 
 regarding the severance of their territory, which already they had partly 
 
 8 “Ultra centum milia omnis sexus et 
 setatis, equibus aliquot milia in diversas 
 Americse tabaccarias insulas relegata 
 sunt.”—Bruodin’s “ Propugnaculum,” p. 
 692. Pragae, a.d. 1669. 
 
 9 Sir William Petty states, that of 
 boys and women alone, six thousand were 
 thus transplanted to the Tobacco Islands, 
 as they were called. 
 
 10 See “ The Great Interest of England 
 in the Well Planting of Ireland by 
 English people,” p. 3. 
 
 11 Such is the expression used. 
 
 13 Letter of the Commissioners for the 
 Affairs of Ireland, dated from Dublin, 
 September 18th. 1651. 
 
 13 On this subject, see Very Rev. and 
 Ven. Archdeacon T. O’Rorke’s learned 
 work, “ History of Sligo: Town and 
 county,’ Vol. i., chap, vii., pp. 179, 180. 
 In two volumes. Dublin, 1889, 8vo. 
 
 14 From the 10th April, 1655 
 
 15 See John P. Prendergast’s “Crom¬ 
 wellian Settlement in Ireland.” Part 
 iii. Of English Planters invited back by 
 the Government from America, pp. 120, 
 121. London, 1865, 8vo. 
 
 16 He was originally a surveyor, and 
 sent by the London Company to make a 
 map of Virginia. See William Waller 
 Hening’s “Statutes of Virginia, 1619— 
 1792.” Vol. i. p. 116. In thirteen Vols. 
 8 vo. Richmond, 1809 to 1823. 
 
DISTURBANCES IN MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA. 49 
 
 occupied. A number of Puritans, who were expelled from Virginia 
 as non-conformists in religion, took refuge in Maryland, where freedom 
 of conscience and of worship had been proclaimed. Those espoused 
 the cause of Clayborne, who drew around him several discontented 
 persons, and at length they broke out into open rebellion. A bloody 
 skirmish on one of the rivers near Kent Island ensued Being defeated, 
 however, Clayborne fled to Virginia, and thence he escaped to England. 
 The Maryland Colonial Assembly, convened in January 1633, passed 
 an act of attainder against him. The first Assembly there had vindicated 
 the independent jurisdiction of that colony ; a second asserted its claims 
 to originating legislation ; while the third, convened in 1639, framed a 
 declaration of rights, established a system of representative government, 
 and asserted for the general Assemblies in the province all such powers 
 as might be claimed by the Commons of England. 17 During the contests 
 between the King and his parliament, Clayborne sided with the popular 
 party, and he was enabled to excite another rebellion in Maryland, 
 a.d. 1644. Calvert was obliged to fly from the province, early in the 
 following year, as the insurgents were then triumphant. Disorder and 
 misrule followed; while most of the public records were lost or embezzled 1 * 
 under the new domination. In the year 1646, having collected a body 
 of troops, Calvert returned to Maryland. His authority was now 
 re-established; when the governing power exercised a wise clemency, 
 by granting a general amnesty. 19 
 
 In the year 1649, the Catholic Assembly of Maryland passed an Act 
 of toleration for persons of all religions. The Protestants were admitted 
 to all offices of the colony equally with Catholics. This was indeed a 
 great advance on the intolerance elsewhere prevailing. The disfranchised 
 friends of prelacy from New York, and the Puritans from Virginia, were 
 welcomed to equal liberty of conscience and political rights in the 
 Catholic province of Maryland. 90 The Puritan settlers, distinguished 
 for insubordination, were chiefly planted at Providence, near the present 
 site of Anapolis. 21 In 1650, a separate county of Anne Arundel was 
 laid out for their possession; and afterwards, Charles County was 
 assigned them, when their numbers had considerably increased. After 
 the death of Leonard Calvert, Lord Baltimore appointed a Protestant 
 named Stone as governor over his colony. The governing authorities 
 and the Catholics of Maryland sided with King Charles I. against the 
 Parliament. Accordingly, after his execution, 22 the Commonwealth being 
 
 17 See Rev. Thomas Bacon's “ Laws 
 of Maryland,’' 1638-9, chap, i., ii. 
 
 lb See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 ot the United States, Vol. i., chap, vii., 
 p. 255. 
 
 As serving to illustrate the his¬ 
 tory of this period, the reader is re¬ 
 ferred to Colonel Norwood’s “ Voyage 
 to Virginia, 1649,” with large Mappe 
 "Virginia and Maryland, the Planta¬ 
 
 tions, Houses, Settlements. Towns, 
 &c. 
 
 20 See Bacon’s “ Laws of Maryland,” 
 1649, chap, xii., and n., also 1650, chap. i. 
 
 21 See ‘ ‘ A short Account of the 
 first Settlement of Virginia, Maryland, 
 New York. New Jersey, and Pennsyl¬ 
 vania, by the English.” London, 1735, 
 4to. 
 
 31 On the 30th January, 1649. 
 
 E 
 
50 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 established, Commissioners were sent out in 1652, to report regarding 
 the plantations within Chesapeake Bay. 23 Their real object, however, 
 was to overthrow the existing order of affairs. Notwithstanding, after 
 much altercation, Stone with three of his council was permitted to retain 
 the executive power, until further instructions should arrivefrom England. 24 
 
 One of the Commissioners sent out by the Parliament, and most 
 hostile to the Maryland rulers, was their old enemy Clayborne. The 
 rights of Lord Baltimore had been reinstated in their integrity by Stone 
 and his friends, who introduced the old council. Yet, in July, 1654, 
 Clayborne and Bennett appeared in Maryland, anil compelled the 
 governor to surrender his commission, when a board of ten Commissioners 
 was appointed, and to these the administration of that colony was 
 intrusted. 25 A new Assembly convened at Patuxent now acknowledged 
 Cromwell’s authority, and it also disfranchised the Catholics A force 
 was collected by Stone, to re-assert the supremacy of Lord Baltimore. 
 Both opposing parties came to a collision at Providence, when the 
 Puritans triumphed. The governor Stone was then deposed, and having 
 been captured with many others, he was imprisoned in 1655. He re¬ 
 mained in confinement during the greater part of Cromwell’s administra¬ 
 tion. 20 Several of Lord Baltimore’s adherents were hanged, and among 
 these were four of the chief men in Maryland. The following year, 
 however, one Josias Kendall was commissioned, and apparently with 
 Cromwell’s sanction, to establish the proprietor’s authority there. 
 Nevertheless, Crayborne was reinstated at Kent Island, while his 
 partisans sustained the rule of Puritanism. There his authority and 
 influence reigned supreme, and he had many partisans to uphold it. 27 
 
 A new Government was now set up, where the Puritanical party 
 being in the ascendant arrogated the right to rule. It had been declared 
 by them, that no Catholic should sit in the Assembly, or vote for any of 
 its members; while an act concerning religion proclaimed freedom of 
 conscience, provided the liberty were not extended to “ popery, prelacy, 
 or licentiousness ” of opinion. 28 It was also decreed, that all Papists and 
 Prelatists should be excluded from any benefits #in the Statute of 
 Toleration. Thus, the Puritans had neither the gratitude to respect 
 
 23 See George Alsop’s “ Character of the 
 Province of Maryland.” London, 1666 
 12mo. 
 
 24 See Langford’s “ Clear Refutation ol 
 a False and Scandalous Pamphlet,” h 
 pp. 7, 8. 
 
 26 See Bancroft’s “History of the United 
 States,” Vol. i., chap, vii., p. 260. 
 
 26 There are two conflicting accounts of 
 these transactions ; one of them having a 
 partisan character, while reflecting the 
 sentiments and opinions of the Puritans, 
 by John Strong, and intituled “ Babylon’s 
 Fall in Maryland,” while the other was a 
 tract written as a rejoinder, by John 
 
 Langford,and intituled “Clear Refutation 
 of a False and Scandalous Pamphlet, en¬ 
 titled “ Babylon’s Fall in Maryland.” 
 Both appeared in 1655, 4to. 
 
 27 See Salmon’s “ History of America ; 
 its Discovery by Columbus, first Peopling 
 of America, Wars, Manners, Religions, 
 &c.” This work appeared in two vols., 8vo. 
 
 28 It is said Cromwell did not appr ve 
 this decree, and that he commanded the 
 Commissioners “ not to busy themselves 
 about religion, but to settle the civil 
 government.”— George Chalmers’ “ Poli¬ 
 tical Annals of the Present United Colo¬ 
 nies,” p. 236. 
 
ROYALIST EMIGRATION TO VIRGINIA. 
 
 51 
 
 the rights of the government, by which they had been received and 
 fostered, nor magnanimity to continue that toleration, which procured 
 their residence in the colony. 29 For three years afterwards, a state of 
 civil war prevailed therein; one government having been recog¬ 
 nized at St. Mary’s by Fendall, under Lord Baltimore’s patent; while 
 another was organized at Providence, and this latter was ruled by the 
 Puritan Commissioners. 30 On the restoration of Charles II., the rights 
 of Lord Baltimore were again established in Maryland, and his brother 
 Philip Calvert was nominated governor. At this time, a.d. 1660, 81 the 
 population of this colony had been variedly estimated at eight thousand 
 and at twelve thousand inhabitants. This year also the representatives 
 of Maryland proclaimed the power of the people in their Assembly, 
 which was subject alone to the King of England. 32 The Act of Tolera¬ 
 tion was again revived, and everywhere tranquility prevailed during 
 the reign of Charles II., as also during that of his brother James II. 33 
 
 The inhabitants of Virginia, for the most part Royalists, sympathised 
 with King Charles I. in his struggle with the Parliament. 84 When the 
 Commonwealth had been established, several of the Royalist party in 
 England emigrated to Virginia, and it was the last colony that submitted 
 to the new order of things. 85 A war, which had been waged between 
 England and Holland from 1651 to 1654 36 scarcely disturbed the 
 tranquility of the colonies ; for, before the English fleet destined to take 
 possession of the settlements on the Hudson had arrived, the European 
 Republics had composed their strife. When the Commonwealth had been 
 established, the colonists of Virginia were allowed political liberties 
 such as were enjoyed by the people of England, and among these was 
 the right of electing their own governor by an enlarged constituency, 
 and of transacting business as formerly in their own Assembly. No 
 taxes or customs might be levied, except by their own representatives. 37 
 
 29 See George Bancroft’s “History of 
 the United States,” Vol. i., chap, vii., 
 
 p. 261. 
 
 30 See Dr. Richard McSherry’s 
 “Early History of Maryland.” New 
 York, 8vo. 
 
 31 Robert Pollock, the first of the Pollock 
 or Polk family in America, came from 
 Ireland to Baltimore in the seventeenth 
 century. Subsequently members of 
 this family removed to North Carolina. 
 From this Family sprung General 
 William Polk, of Mecklenburg fame, 
 who was an Irish-American, as also 
 Robert Polk, a distinguished naval officer. 
 
 32 See Rev. Thomas Bacon's “Laws 
 of Maryland,” a.d. 1659, 1660, pub¬ 
 lished in 1765. 
 
 33 See John O’Kane Murray’s “ History 
 of the Catholic Church in the United 
 States.” New York, 8vo. 
 
 3 * For the particulars of this eventful 
 
 reign, the reader may consult Guizot’s 
 “ Histoire de la Revolution d’Angleterrs, 
 depuis i’Avenement de Charles I er jusqu* 
 a la Restoration de Charles II.” Paris, 
 two tomes, 1826, 1827, 8vo. 
 
 38 See John Hammond’s “Leah and 
 Rachael; or the two fruitful sisters 
 Virginia and Maryland; their present 
 condition stated,” p. 16. This work 
 appeared in London, 1656, 4to. 
 
 3B See an account of this war, in C. M. 
 Davies’ “History of Holland and the 
 Dutch Nation, from the Beginning of 
 the Tenth Century to the End of the 
 Eighteenth,” &c. Vol. ii., Part iii., chap, 
 vii. In three volumes. London, 1851,8vo. 
 
 37 See Heumg’s “ Statutes of Virginia, ’ 
 Vol. i., pp. 363 to 368. Also Thomas 
 Jefferson’s “Notes on Virginia.” This 
 work in 8vo., was first printed at Paris, 
 in 17S4. It has since passed through 
 several American editions. 
 
52 
 
 IRISH AMERICAN HISTORY CF THE UNITED STATES 
 
 This gave great umbrage to the land owners and to the aristocratic 
 party, who were mostly Royalists ; but. popular liberty triumphed, and 
 Virginia framed her own laws: uncontrolled, while she enjoyed freedom 
 of commerce with the whole world, until the death of Oliver Cromwell. 38 
 When Charles II. had been restored, 39 the privilege of voting was 
 restricted to land owners, and these kept the Assembly in power, 
 regardless of the term for which they had been elected. 40 According to 
 the usual custom of that time, when money exchanges were unknown or 
 inconvenient, those members of. the Assembly received as a salary two 
 hundred and fifty pounds of tobacco each per day. According to the 
 present value of money, this allowance should be calculated at about 
 forty-five dollars, no inconsiderable sum for the official labours of those 
 colonial legislators. In addition, severe taxes were imposed on the 
 people, who felt greatly discontented with the acts of their rulers. 
 
 Members of a new sect called the Society of Friends appeared in 
 Boston, so early as 1656. Soon these religionists showed themselves in 
 other colonies. About the year 1648, the celebrated George Fox their 
 founder began to propagate his opinions in England, and soon he suc¬ 
 ceeded in bringing many people there to adopt them. He was frequently 
 arrested and treated with great severity, for unusual novelty in religion 
 was there equally persecuted as were the oldest forms of worship. He 
 formed a sect known as the Society of Friends, but denominated Quakers, 
 on account of their trembling mode of delivery. Many of these people 
 emigrated to New England, where they spoke and acted too freely in 
 public, so as to incur popular odium. Members of the Quaker sect 
 became in consequence objects of peculiar aversion. Especially from 1656 
 tc 1660, 41 they were denounced for their opinions and practices. 42 They 
 met everywhere the most severe treatment, and the laws of Massachu¬ 
 setts provided that they should be whipped at the cart’s tail from town 
 to town. They were to be branded with the letter R—meaning Rogue 
 —and if they still returned they were to be hanged. Bui in spite of 
 persecution, they continued to come. In 1673, George Fox, 43 visited 
 the American colonies, and he preached in many of the settlements. 44 
 
 38 See Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 Unit'd States,” Vol. i., chap, vi., p. 280. 
 
 39 For his reign, see Romney’s 
 “Diary of the Times of Charles li.” 
 London, 1843, 8vo. 
 
 48 For many interesting particulars 
 relating to early Virginian history, 
 the reader is referred to the later 
 chapters of Vincent Le Blanc’s 
 “ World Surveyed, or his famous 
 Voyages and Travels, the whole en¬ 
 riched with authentic Histories.” 
 Printed in 1660, sm. fob 
 
 41 From the title ot a work pub¬ 
 lished this year, we may learn how 
 hostile had been the feeling evoked 
 Against them: “The Heart ot hew 
 
 England rent, at the Blasphemies of 
 the present Generation; A Treatise 
 concerning the Doctrine of the 
 Quakers,” by J. Norton. London, 8vo. 
 
 42 See Hutchinson’s “ History of the 
 Colony of Massachusetts-Bay,” Vol. 
 i., chap, i., pp. 169 to 205. 
 
 43 In 1671, when he visited Barba- 
 does, he advocated the cause of the 
 negro slaves and recommended the 
 planters to give them freedom “ after 
 certain years of servitude.” 
 
 44 The Jews had arrived in America 
 long before this period, and in con- 
 siderab'e numbers, as appears froui 
 a work, written by one Elliot, and 
 published in London, 1660, 4to. 
 
THE DUKE OF YORK GETS POSSESSION OF THE DUTCH COLONY. 53 
 
 Having come to the English throne, Charles II. 45 assumed the 
 Dutch occupancy of North America to be a usurpation, and on March 
 12th 1664, lie granted the entire territory they possessed to his brother 
 James, the Duke of York. 46 The colony of New Netherland then com¬ 
 prised about ten thousand settlers, who were thinly scattered over a 
 great extent of territory along the Hudson and Delaware rivers, as also 
 in Long Island and in New Jersey. The population of New Amsterdam 
 at that time consisted only of about one thousand five hundred persons. 
 
 In the years. 1660 and 1663, the English Parliament passed most, 
 oppressive navigation laws, which forbade the colonists to buy or sell in 
 any country except England, or to export their produce in any vessels 
 except those that were English. These laws were procured through the 
 avarice of English merchants and manufacturers, and of course the 
 monopoly pressed heavily on American colonial industry. 47 Everything 
 the colonists required to purchase was thus raised in price, while every¬ 
 thing they sold was greatly lowered in value. Those unjust laws gave 
 great dissatisfaction to the settlers, but they were powerless to offer 
 any effective resistance, and they had to accept accordingly such burdens 
 as were imposed upon them. 
 
 In the midsummer of 1664, the Catholic Duke of York, Lord High 
 Admiral, sent out a squadron of four English vessels. These entered 
 the Bay, to claim for himself the trans-Atlantic colony in the name of 
 his brother King Charles II. When the English troops arrived for the 
 purpose of taking possession in August 1664, and under the command 
 of Colonel Richard Nicolls, 48 he summoned the Dutch colonists there to 
 surrender. Stuyvesaut desired to resist him. The Dutch would not 
 fight however, and the English declared for their own countrymen. 
 The town surrendered without any resistance. Colonel Nicolls assumed 
 the office of governor. The iflf me of New Amsterdam was then changed 
 to New York. Thus, its garrison, with all the other Dutch settle¬ 
 ments on the Hudson and Delaware rivers, as also in New Jersey, 
 promptly surrendered, while the whole Dutch colony passed peaceably 
 under English rule. In the year 1664, the Duke of York conveyed the 
 territory between the Hudson and Delaware rivers to Lord Berkeley, 
 brother to the governor of Virginia, and to George Carteret, governor 
 over the Island of Jersey in the English channel. In compliment to the 
 
 45 He became king de facto, May 29th, 
 1660. 
 
 46 In exile, this King had written his 
 own Memoirs, but they are said to have 
 been destroyed at the period of the French 
 Revolution. Charles James Fox has 
 published a well known work, “ History 
 of the Early Part of the Reign of James 
 the Second,’’ London, 1808, 4to. 
 
 47 Even in 1666, when heavy duties and 
 prohibitions had been imposed on Irish 
 products and commerce, it was forbidden 
 to trade “ with the English plantations.” 
 
 —Catherine Macauly Graham’s “ History 
 of England from the Accession of James 
 I. to the Revolution,” Vol. vi., chap, iii.,, 
 p. 220. London, 1781, 4to. 
 
 48 It is remarkable that in the Papers, 
 or memoirs of James II., he is called 
 Colonel Richard Nicholas. See “ The 
 Life of James the Second, King of Eng- 
 laid, &c., collected out of Memoirs writ, 
 by his own hand,” &c. By Rev. J. S. 
 Clarke, LL.B. Vol. i., Tome ii., p. 400. 
 This interesting historic work was pub* 
 lished in London, 1816, in two 4to vola. 
 
54 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 latter, the district was also named New Jersey. That same year, some 
 Englishmen from Long Island had planted Elizabeth Town, which was 
 so named in honour of Lady Carteret. On July 12th 1665, the City of 
 New York was incorporated by a special charter. 
 
 In the year 1663, King Charles II. erected a vast and vacant 
 territory, comprising North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama 
 and a part of Florida, into the province of Carolina, He bestowed this 
 great tract upon eight proprietors. 49 These were the Prime Minister, the 
 Earl of Clarendon, General Monk Duke of Albemarle, Lord Ashley 
 Cooper, who was afterwards. Earl of Shaftesbury, Lord Berkeley, Sir 
 George Carteret, Sir William. Berkeley, Lord Craven, and Sir John 
 Colleton. Under the Clarendon grant, the Albemarle County colony 
 was set up in 1664, when plantations began in the present North 
 Carolina. On the present site of Wilmington, some New Englanders 
 had already settled, and these were joined by colonists from Barbadoes, 
 who established themselves, near the mouth of Cape Fear river. 
 These formed the Clarendon Colony. 50 They soon engaged in felling 
 the pine woods of that region, and thus they formed a branch of trade 
 and commerce, in the preparation and exportation of boards, staves and 
 shingles. The celebrated English philosopher John Locke had been 
 instructed by the Earl of Shaftesbury, to frame a form of government 
 for the province of Carolina. This code provided for a feudal 
 nobility and for aristocratic institutions, while the established Church 
 of England was to become the prevailing form of religion. The people 
 at large were to be tenants or serfs to the lords’ proprietors. 51 How¬ 
 ever, this form of constitution in that distant country soon led to dis¬ 
 putes between the proprietors and the tenants, relative to the rents and 
 taxes. Various quarrels and disorders arose, during the course of which 
 more than one open insurrection broke out in North Carolina. The 
 settlers there asserted the right of managing their own affairs and of 
 governing themselves. 
 
 South Carolina was so called from Charles II., in whose reign it was 
 first settled at Port Royal by the English, and in the year 1670, The 
 settlements in the present South Carolina were formerly known as the 
 Carteret Colony under the Clarendon Grant. After their first settlement 
 however on the Ashley River, the colonists removed to a better situation, 
 at the junction of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, where they founded 
 the present city of Charleston. Soon after its formation, immigrants 
 began to arrive from New York, Holland and Scotland. Also Presby¬ 
 terians from the North of Ireland arrived in great numbers. A colony 
 of Irish under Ferguson, lured by the fame of South Carolina’s fertility, 
 received a hearty welcome, and soon these settlers were merged among 
 
 49 See “Fundamental Constitutions of 
 Carolina.’’ London, 1669, 4to. 
 
 80 See “ Briefe Description of the Pro¬ 
 vince of Carolina, ontheCoasts of Florida, 
 and of a new Plantation begun by the 
 
 English at Cape Feare.” Lond., 1666,4to. 
 
 51 See the edition of “ Works of 
 John Locke” in nine volumes, vol. ix. 
 The Fundamental Constitutions of Caro¬ 
 lina, pp, 175 to 199. London, 1794,8vo, 
 
SETTLEMENT OF THE CAROLINAS. 55 
 
 the other colonists. 52 In 1686 and 168Z, Huguenots or French Calvi¬ 
 nists came in great numbers. The original settlers however regarded 
 them with jealousy, so that several years elapsed, before they were 
 received there as privileged citizens. Turbulent proceedings among 
 the people in this province caused frequent revolts against the pro¬ 
 prietors. 53 In the year 1671, slaves were introduced from Barbadoes 
 to South Carolina, which was mostly inhabited by planters. 54 These 
 employed them on their several plantations. The trade in negro slaves 
 was then in full vigour, for the mother country had already permitted 
 the introduction of slave labour into her North American colonies. 55 
 Tne peculiarities of climate and of soil tended to promote manufactur¬ 
 ing industry, chiefly in the Northern Provinces, and agricultural 
 occupations more in the Southern States. Possessing few of those 
 qualities, which are so essential to excel in manufactures, and being 
 peculiarly suited for field labour in the South, the enslaved negro by 
 degrees gravitated southwards. The Southern and Northern States in 
 course of time became almost as distinctly defined, by the terms of 
 slave-holding and non-slaveholding States, as by their geographic 
 positions. After a series of conflicts with the people, their governor 
 James Colleton was banished in 1690, by a meeting of the representa¬ 
 tives of South Carolina. One of the North Carolina proprietors, 
 named Sothel, and who had been expelled from his own place, was next 
 chosen as governor. Only two years elapsed, until he was in turn 
 impeached. The next Governor Ludwell was likewise expelled, for 
 there was then no regular force to restrain the proceedings of those 
 colonists. Several immigrant Irish families settled in North Carolina, 
 after the Williamite and Jacobite war in Ireland. 
 
 Charles II. had granted to Lord Culpepper and to the Earl of 
 Arlington in 1673, and for a period of thirty-one years, the quit-rents 
 and escheats of Virginia, without any regard of existing colonial rights 
 and privileges. 56 On the borders of Maryland, an Indian war broke out 
 in 1C75, and the Virginians were now obliged to arm for defence. They 
 chose a popular young plant< r, named Nathaniel Bacon, for their leader. 
 At this time, Sir William 1 e 'keley was governor, and he greatly mis¬ 
 trusted Bacon’s intentions. The latter had marched against the Indians, 
 whom he easily overcame. The governor now proclaimed him a rebel, 
 as he had collected a military force to oppose the ruling authorities. A 
 rising of the popular party to resist aristocratic ascendancy obliged 
 government to dissolve the Assembly, which had then sat for an 
 exorbitant time. A new one was elected, universal suffrage was restored, 
 arbitrary taxation was abolished, while various legislative and adminis- 
 
 52 See George Chalmers’ “Political 
 Annals of the Present United Colonies,’' 
 p. 543. 
 
 63 See Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States,” Vol. ii., chap, xiii., pp. 
 172 to 187. 
 
 64 See “ An Account of Carolina,” 
 . by T. A. London, 1682, 4to. 
 
 58 See Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States,’’ Vol. i., chap, v., pp. 
 159 to 193. 
 
 86 See Hugh Murray's “ United 
 
56 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 trative abuses were suppressed. Meanwhile, Bacon marched against 
 Jamestown, which he burned to the ground in September, 1676, having' 
 forced Sir William Berkeley to evacuate the place, and to retire with his 
 whole force to the eastern shore. Bacon now declared the governor to 
 have abdicated, and he summoned an Assembly in his own name. 
 It was resolved to resist any attempts from England to restore 
 Berkeley’s power, and it was almost intended to throw off the foreign 
 yoke. Nothing remained but to cross the river, and to crush the 
 remnant of Berkeley’s forces. In the midst of his successes, however, 
 and after a short illness, Bacon died of fever. 57 His followers, thus 
 discouraged, were dispersed and soon overcome. Many of them were 
 made prisoners. The Governor treated those insurgents with the 
 greatest severity, and he caused no less than twenty-two to be hanged. 
 He was exceedingly unpopular, wmie ruling in Virginia. After these 
 transactions he returned to England, where he died in disgrace. Mean¬ 
 while, Colonel Jeffereys was sent out with two other Commissioners, to 
 enquire about and to report on the condition of Virginia. The result 
 was a censure, pronounced on the government and on several members 
 of the Council, after a searching examination. The conduct of the 
 insurgents was likewise strongly condemned. During the brief period 
 of his administration, Jeffereys had the credit of putting an end to the 
 Indian war. 58 In the year 1673, the people of New York were again 
 in a state of insurrection. At that time, the Dutch and English had 
 been at war. A small Dutch fleet, commanded by Evertzen, entered 
 the Bay of New York, and without any difficulty the crew obtained 
 possession of that town. Under the English governors, Nicolls and his 
 successor Lovelace, a court of assizes, composed of a council and justices 
 of the peace appointed by themselves, held supreme sway. The whole 
 power legislative, executive and judicial vested in the governor and in 
 that body. When peace was proclaimed however, the territory of Mew 
 Netherland was ceded to England. 
 
 The western half of New Jersey was sold by Lord Berkeley to the 
 Quakers. 59 They found security there, by settling a colony of their 
 own in the year 1675. Later still, they bought East Jersey from 
 Carteret. This division had been for the most part settled by the 
 Puritans. 60 A family of Thompsons and one Robert Zane—who appear 
 to have been Quakers—left Ireland in 1677, and settled in Salem, where 
 through their industry, they attained a good living. A few years after¬ 
 wards, some Friends that dwelt in Ireland and others that came thither 
 from England resolved on removing to the New World. In order 
 thereto, they sent from Dublin to one Thomas Lunkin, a Friend in 
 
 States of America,” Vol. i., chap, iv., 
 
 p. 139. 
 
 67 See “ Strange News from Virginia, 
 being a full and true Account of the 
 Life and Death of Nathaniel Bacon, 
 Governor of Virginia.” London, 1677, 
 4t°* 
 
 58 See George Chalmers* “Political 
 Annals of the present United Colonies,” 
 pp. 337, 338. 
 
 89 See Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States,” Vol. ii., chap, xvi., p. 355. 
 60 See “ A Briefe Account of East 
 
 Jersey,” London, 1682, 4to. 
 
FRENCH EXPLORATIONS. 
 
 57 
 
 London, and commander of a punk. He came and made his arrange¬ 
 ments, to transport them into New Jersey, viz. : Mark Newby, Thomas 
 Thackeray, William Bate, George Goldsmith and Thomas Sharp, 01 then 
 a young man and single. But while the ship lay at Dublin, Thomas 
 Lunkin getting sick remained behind, and putting the command under 
 his mate John Daggar, the latter set sail on the 19th of September. 
 Having safely landed, they were well entertained at the house of the 
 Thompsons. The newly arrived immigrants there resided for the winter, 
 which proved to be moderate. At Wickacoa—now Philadelphia—they 
 purchased a boat of the Swansons, and so went on to Burlington. They 
 sought land Commissioners, from whom they obtained a warrant of 
 survey. The Surveyor-General was one Daniel Seeds. After some 
 considerable search to and fro, in what was then called “the third place of 
 the Irish tenth,” those immigrants at last pitched upon that spot, then 
 called Newtown. This happened before the settlement of Philadelphia. 
 In the spring of 1082, all removed from Salem, together with Robert 
 Zane, who had before gone with the Thompsons from Ireland, and who 
 also had been expecting the newly arrived from that same country. Thus 
 was began their settlement; and though they were at times pretty hard 
 pressed, having to fetch all their provisions from Salem by water, yet 
 they were preserved in health and from any extreme difficulty. A 
 meeting was immediately set up at the house of Mark Newby, 02 and in 
 a short time it grew and increased. A Mr. Cooper and his family that 
 lived at the Poynte also resorted to that assembly. The writer of this 
 account adds, that they had then zeal and fervency of spirit, although 
 they had some dread of the Indians, as a savage people. 
 
 Religious freedom was proclaimed, in the reign of James II.; and 
 Colonel Thomas Dongan an Irish Catholic gentleman 03 was appointed 
 governor of New York, 04 in 1682. His instructions were to conciliate 
 the French, and to give no countenance to hostile Indian tribes. How¬ 
 ever, he was accused of inciting the Five Nations to war. In 1688, 
 he was obliged to resign his office. 05 
 
 A long lapse of time occurred, after the failure of De Soto’s expedition, 
 before the Mississippi Valley was further explored by the French from 
 New France, now Canada. The Western Indians had made known to 
 them the existence of a great river, which flowed from north to south. 
 
 1 He is the writer who furnishes this 
 ac< ount. 
 
 42 This Newby brought out many 
 halfpence in 1680, which were called 
 Patrick money, and some of them were 
 preserved by Joseph 0. Cooper in 
 Newtown. See Watson’s “Annals of 
 Philadelphia,” and note. Appendix. 
 
 63 He was born in Castletown, County 
 of Kildare in 1634. 
 
 ^ See John Gilmary Shea’s “The 
 Catholic Churches of New York City, 
 with Sketches of their History and 
 
 Lives of the present Pastors, - ’ &c.. 
 Introduction, pp. 21 to 23. 
 
 65 He returned to England three years 
 later, and he died in London, Decem¬ 
 ber 14th, 1715. See Appleton’s “Cyclo¬ 
 paedia of American Biography,” edited 
 by James Grant Wilson and John 
 Fiske. Vol. ii., p. 200. This invaluable 
 work for the elucidation of American 
 History and Biography was published 
 at New York, in six large imperial 8vo. 
 volumes, double columns, by Appleton 
 and Co., 18S7 to 1889. 
 
58 
 
 IUISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Accordingly, Jean Baptist Talon Intendant of Canada engaged Father 
 Marquette, a French Jesuit, with Jolliet, a merchant citizen of Quebec, 
 and three others, to set out from a bay off Lake Michigan—probably that 
 now called Green Bay—to explore the Mississippi River. 66 At first, 
 they ascended Fox River in a birch-bark canoe, and reached a point 
 near its source. Afterwards, guided by some Algonquin Indians, and 
 carrying on their backs canoes, they reached the Wisconsin River and 
 continued down this stream to its junction with the Mississippi, which 
 opened on their view the 17th June 1673, near the present site of 
 Prairie du Chien, in the State of Wisconsin. Then they floated down 
 the mighty current, holding friendly intercourse with the Illinois, 
 Missouri and other Indian tribes. To these Father Marquette announced 
 the truths of the Gospel, and taught them a necessity for believing in 
 and adoring the great Creator. After some occasional delays, they 
 reached the mouth of the Arkansas River. 67 There they found Indiana 
 in possession of firearms and steel axes, which were taken to be evidencea 
 of their intercourse with the Spaniards in Florida, or with the English 
 in Virginia. Returning from the mouth of the Arkansas, Marquetta 
 and his companions passed up the Illinois River, and discovered much 
 of the adjoining country in July 1674. Jolliet returned to Quebec with 
 a report of their success ; but Father Marquette remained in the country 
 about Chicago, announcing the truths of salvation to the Miami Indians, 
 At Mackinaw, on the 19th of May 1675, and on the banks of that river 
 which now bears his name, the holy missioner calmly expired in the 
 loneliness of the forest; but,without a human eye to witness his angelh 
 departure. He had just finished the celebration of Mass on the shore, 
 and then he retired to pray in the depth of the woods. His two com¬ 
 panions sought him half-an-hour afterwards, but they only found his 
 lifeless body. Their grief and surprise were extreme. 68 They dug a 
 solitary grave and deposited his remains near the waters of Lake 
 Michigan. 69 
 
 Petty warfare often disturbed the industrial occupations of the hardy 
 backwoodsman, 70 when the passions and jealousies of the Red Men had 
 been roused. A new and more terrible Indian war than any yet 
 experienced broke out in 1675. The Whampanoags, or Pokanokets, on 
 
 An interesting account of their tra¬ 
 vels may be found in that most learned 
 end admirable work of John Gilmary 
 Shea, “ The Catholic Church in Colo¬ 
 nial Days.” Yol i., Book iii., chap, v., 
 pp. 310 to 320. 
 
 67 See John Gilmary Shea’s “ Discovery 
 and exploration of the Mississippi 
 Valley.” New York, pp. 3 to 52,1852,8vo. 
 
 68 Such is the account of his death as 
 given in an article written by Rev. 
 Martin J. Spalding—afterwards Catholic 
 Archbishop of Baltimore—and intitu¬ 
 led, “Discovery of the Mississippi,” and 
 
 published in the “ Catholic Cabinet,” 
 Vol. i., No. 4, p. 196. St. Louis, 1843, 
 et seq 8vo. It differs in details, however, 
 from that furnished, regarding the de¬ 
 parture of Father Marquette, in John 
 Gilmary Shea’s “ Catholic Church in 
 Colonial Days.” Book iii., chap, v., pp. 
 317, 318. 
 
 09 See John Gilmary Shea’s “Early 
 Voyages up and down the Mississippi,” 
 Albany, N.Y., 1861. 
 
 70 See William Hubbard’s “ Narrative 
 of the Indian Wars in New England” 
 Published at Boston in 1775. 
 
NEW ENGLAND WARS. 59 
 
 the east side of Narraganset Bay, were then ruled by the nephew and 
 successor of Massasoit, and who was named Pometacom, but he was 
 better known to the colonists as King Philip. This celebrated Indian 
 Chief had been jealous of the white colonists and their encroachments, 
 and besides some of his tribe had been hanged by them on charge of 
 murder. He resolved to wage a destructive war, which commenced in 
 the month of June, and which was directed against the New England 
 settlers. 71 A body of Massachusetts volunteers pursued Pometacom 
 through the swamps and forests. He escaped, however, into the interior 
 of Massachusetts. There the Nipmuc tribe had likewise taken arms 
 against the whites, and they prepared for war. In a short time, there was 
 a general rising of the Indians all over New England. They were never 
 more dangerous than at that time, because the colonists had supplied many 
 of them with arms, which they had learned to use with skill. Brookfield, 
 Northfield and Deerfield were burned. At Deerfield, Captain Lathrop 
 and eighty men were killed in an ambuscade. 72 The people of the out¬ 
 lying settlements felt dreadfully alarmed. Those immediately abandoned 
 their backwoods’ homes, and lied to the larger towns. 
 
 An attempt was now made to revive the New England Union. A 
 thousand men, and half of these to be mounted dragoons, were levied 
 at the joint expense of the confederated colonies. A second thousand 
 were voted for a special expedition against the Narragansets, who had 
 given aid and shelter to the hostile tribes. Small parties of troops on 
 the march were cut off and destroyed. In December 1675, thirteen 
 companies of troops from Massachusetts, Plymouth and Connecticut 
 were commanded by Josiah Winslow, Governor of Plymouth. He 
 attacked the Narragansets, in one of their ancient strongholds. The 
 fort was built on a rising ground and in the midst of a swamp. It was 
 surrounded by a palisade, and by a close hedge, which was fifteen or six¬ 
 teen feet in thickness. The only approach to it was through a narrow 
 entrance. This pathway was defended by a tree which had been thrown 
 across, while there was a blockhouse of logs in front and another on the 
 flank, to protect their chief position. As the colonists advanced to the 
 attack, they were met by a severe fire. Many of them fell dead and 
 wounded. After two hours fighting, they at length forced an entrance. 
 They set fire to the wigwams. Numbers of the unfortunate Indians 
 perished in the flames. 73 In killed and wounded the colonists lost about 
 two hundred and forty men, during this severe engagement. The site of 
 
 71 An interesting narrative of this war 
 ■was printed at Boston, in 1716. It is 
 intituled : “ The entertaining History of 
 King Philip’s War, which began in the 
 month of June, 1675. As also of Expe¬ 
 ditions more lately made against the 
 common Enemy, and Indian Rebels, in 
 the eastern Parts of New England : with 
 some Account of the Divine Providence 
 towards Col. Benjamin Church : ” by 
 
 Thomas Church, Esq., his Son. Several 
 editions of this graphic work have since 
 appeared in the United States. 
 
 72 Dr. Increase Mather has furnished 
 a detailed account of these transactions, 
 in his “History of the Wars with the 
 Indians in New England. June 24th 1675, 
 to August 12th, 1676.” London,1676,4to. 
 
 73 See Cotton Mather’s “History of 
 New England,” London, 1702, 4to. 
 
6U IR1SH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 that Indian fort is now the town of South Kingston in Rhode 
 Island. 
 
 Their misfortunes exasperated the Narragansets more, and these 
 revenged themselves upon the isolated settlements. More dreadful than 
 ever, this contest assumed new features of horror. Warwick was then 
 burned. Providence was attacked and partly destroyed. The whole 
 colony of Plymouth was overrun. Simultaneously and from all quarters, 
 the Indian onslaughts were made. In March 1676, Captain Pierce 
 and fifty colonists with some friendly Indians were destroyed. While 
 trying to cover the Plymouth towns, those men fell into an ambush. In 
 April, Captain Wadsworth and fifty men were surprised and killed, 
 while they were marching to the relief of Sudbury. In May, Captain 
 Turner, who had been returning from a slaughter of Indians on the 
 Connecticut, was entrapped. He was slain together with thirty-eight 
 of his men. At Hadley, Massachusetts, the savages made a sudden 
 descent upon that settlement. The people were assembled in their 
 church at that time. In the midst of their confusion, an old man with 
 a long beard rallied the terrified colonists and took command of the 
 defence. He was a stranger in the place, but he manifested the most 
 determined bravery. So soon as the Indians had been beaten of! he 
 disappeared. Many of the settlers were under an impression that they 
 had been miraculously saved by an angel of the Lord. Afterwards, 
 they discovered his identity and his reasons for concealment. He was 
 General William Goffe, one of the regicides or Puritan judges who con¬ 
 demned King Charles I. to death, and who now sought refuge among 
 the New Englanders. 74 After the restoration of the Stuarts, he fled to 
 America, with his father-in-law, Whalley. He was there hunted from 
 town to town, and from forest to cave, with a price set on his head. 
 For the last fifteen years of his life, he had been concealed at Hadley. 
 
 This war of surprises lasted for more than a year. Many persons 
 were massacred in the settlements, while those Indian raids continued. 
 The General Court of Massachusetts regarded it as a punishment for 
 the sins and extravagances of the people. Among other offences, they 
 mentioned pride, profanity, cheating and the wearing of long hair by 
 the men. Toleration of the Quakers they also held to have been a 
 heinous offence. The persecution of the Quakers was again renewed. 
 Still more effectual methods for defence were taken. The colonists 
 called out troops and placed garrisons in the towns. Bands of 
 Mohegans and other friendly Indians were kept in training and reserve. 
 
 After long evading the English by the rapidity of his movements, 
 King Philip returned to his own stronghold at Mount Hope or 
 Pokanoket. There he was supported by his relative Witamo, who was 
 the female sachem of Pocasset. On the 1st August 1676, the camp of 
 Philip was surprised by Major Church, with a body of English and 
 Indian volunteers. Philip escaped however; but his wife and son were 
 
 74 See that interesting narrative of Pre- Judges of King Charles I.* These lived 
 sident Stiles, “A Hist ay of Three of the concealed among the c flonists 
 
king Philip’s Indian war. 
 
 61 
 
 captured ; the boy was sold as a slave in Bermuda. More than a 
 hundred of the Wha/npanoags and most of Witamo’s followers were 
 killed. Witamo herself was drowned in trying to get away. Her head 
 was afterwards cut off' and set up on a pole in Taunton. A few days 
 later and towards the closing of August, being sought for in his haunts, 
 and attacked again by Chinch, Philip was betrayed and afterwards 
 killed in a swamp, by one of his own people, who had deserted from 
 his chief. The head of Philip was carried in triumph to Plymouth, 
 and one of his hands was given to the man who had shot him. Soon 
 afterwards, Major Church succeeded in capturing Annawon, who still 
 ranged the woods with his Indian band. This chief was afterwards 
 put to death by the English. More than two thousand of the Indians 
 were killed or captured, during these protracted struggles. Most of the 
 captives were either hanged or reduced to slavery. In this disastrous 
 war, the colonists lost fully six hundred men in battle. Twelve or 
 thirteen towns were entirely ruined, others were partly burned. The 
 losses in money were estimated at about one million of dollars. On 
 the other hand, when King Philip’s war ceased, the power of the 
 savages in New England was for ever broken. 75 After tins war, great 
 suffering prevailed in New England. From Ireland was received a 
 small contribution about that time, to relieve in part those distresses 
 felt by the Plymouth colony. 76 From this time forward, the tribes in 
 New England fast dwindled away, nor were the Indians remaining 
 ever capable afterwards of seriously molesting the white settlers. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Misgovernment of Virginia—Settlement of Pennsylvania by William Penn— 
 Explorations of the Chevalier de la Salle and Father Louis Henepin on the 
 Mississippi—Abrogation of the Colonial Charters—Commotions in Mary land— 
 Irish Colonization—William Penn’s Rights restored in Pennsylvania—Progress 
 of French Colonization—Witchcraft Prosecutions in New England—War 
 between France and England. 
 
 The American Colonies were too distant from, and their affairs were 
 badly regulated or controlled by, the parent country. Favouritism and 
 influence in England enabled monopolising individuals or companies to 
 take advantage of their local opportunities to ingratiate themselves with 
 the government, irrespective of that interest which should be felt for tlie 
 welfare and just sensibilities of dependent subjects. In the year 1680, 
 Lord Culpepper, although vested with extraordinary privileges and 
 powers, yet reluctantly went out as Governor of Virginia. In order to 
 enrich himself, he raised the governor’s allowance to an exorbitant 
 
 78 See Caleb Moore’s “War in New 76 See Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 England ended.” London, 1677, fol. United States,” Vol. ii., chap, xii., p. 109. 
 
62 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 amount, and he loaded the colony with fresh burdens. He enforced in a 
 grasping manner his proprietary patent, while he altered the value of the 
 coin. His avarice was truly shameless. His stay in Virginia however 
 was but of short continuance, nor did he like it as a residence. Having 
 no sympathies in common with the colonists, we need scarcely wonder 
 that he became exceedingly unpopular. Heavy complaints regarding 
 his conduct were sent to King Charles, and Culpepper’s commission of 
 governor was declared to be forfeited. Then Virginia was treated as 
 a royal colony, no future ruler being allowed to hold office except at 
 the pleasure of the Crown. In the year 1683, Lord Howard of 
 Effingham became the next governor. Under his rule, the misery of the 
 people there was increased, and poverty widely spread. His own profit 
 was secured by excessive fees and by the meanest acts. Among the 
 humbler classes especially, murmurs of discontent were very prevalent, 
 but no prospect seemed to be afforded for any improvement of their 
 condition. Under James II. his arbitrary rule was continued, until 
 the Assembly and people brought heavy charges against him. Lord 
 Howard of Effingham returned to England in 1688. Notwithstanding 
 the accusations incriminating him, King William III. had that lord 
 reinstated ; but his functions were discharged tnrough a deputy Colonel 
 Nicholson. At first he sought to promote the welfare of the colonists, 
 yet afterwards his course of action became changed in their regard. 1 
 
 As we have already seen, the Quakers had long been persecuted in 
 England. 2 At length a leading member of their community turned his 
 thoughts to the trans-Atlantic regions, and he resolved there to form a 
 colony. The son of a renowned English Admiral, William Penn 3 had 
 been sent to Ireland in 1666, to superintend the management of his 
 father’s estates. At Cork he attended the instructions of a celebrated 
 preacher Thomas Lee, and afterward the young man made a public pro¬ 
 fession of his doctrines. Also called William Penn, he was one of the most 
 distinguished converts of the Quaker sect, besides being a man of wealth 
 and family. 4 Notwithstanding his public preaching in the streets, and 
 even his imprisonment in the Tower of London, Penn had obtained from 
 King Charles II., in 1681, a charter to establish a colony west of the 
 Delaware. To his designated tract was given the name of Pennsylvania. 5 
 This concession was made in payment of an old debt, which had been 
 due from the Crown to the Penn family. Over the colony he was appoin¬ 
 ted s«le proprietor, and he was also invested with the dignity of governor. 
 Reserving the sovereignty of the Crown and its claim to allegiance, the 
 
 1 See Hugh Murray’s “ United States 
 of America,” Vol. i., chap, iv., pp. 139 
 to 142. 
 
 2 See John F. Watson’s “Annals of 
 Philadelphia,” published in that city, 
 1830. One volume, 8vo. 
 
 3 He was a native of Bristol and born 
 in 1621. He was greatly distinguished 
 in the naval wars carried on against 
 
 the Dutch, during the Protectorate of 
 Oliver Cromwell. 
 
 4 Thomas Clarkson, has written 
 “ Memoirs of the Public and Private 
 Life of William Penn.” London, 1813, 
 in two volumes, 8vo. 
 
 5 Penn had wished to call it Syl- 
 vania, or “ Land of Forests ; ” but, 
 against his protests, the king insisted 
 
 \ 
 
SETTLEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA DY WILLIAM PENN. 63 
 
 proprietor was allowed to dispose of his lands in fee-simple, to erect courts 
 of justice, to levy taxes with consent of the freemen or their delegates, 
 and to raise forces for defence of the province by sea and land. An 
 appeal from the courts to the king in council was reserved, as also the 
 right of the English Parliament to levy custom-duties. The charter 
 granted to him was copied from that of Maryland ; civil and religious 
 liberty, with other advantages, having been guaranteed to all who 
 desire to avail of the laws and regulations made for his cohmy. The 
 first party of emigrants, chiefly recruited from England and Wales, 
 sailed in 1681, to begin the work of settlement in Pennsylvania. For 
 these, Penn sent commissioners to treat with the native tribes, whose 
 natural rights to the soil he recognised and desired to purchase. 
 Those agents were furnished likewise, with friendly and affectionate 
 letters for the Indian chiefs. A large number of settlers—chiefly 
 Friends or Quakers from Dublin and places adjacent in Ireland— 
 arrived at Elsingburg, near Salem, about this time. Among these, 
 John and Andrew Thompson with one Robert Gane had settled there; 
 others went up to Burlington ; while several of them settled at New¬ 
 town Creek, where the Indians were shy at first, but after becoming 
 better acquainted, they were very kind, friendly and beneficial to the 
 new settlers. 6 In the year 1682, Penn started for America." He 
 brought with him a colony of English—chiefly Friends—amounting to 
 2,000 persons. In the course of the first year, no fewer than twenty- 
 three ships loaded with passengers arrived; and, in two years, the 
 population amounted to 7,000, including those settlers who were 
 already on the ground when the colony had been originally organized. 
 
 The present state of Delaware was then known as “ the Territories,” 
 and it belonged to New York, but, it was added to Penn’s dominion 
 in 1682. A few weeks after his arrival, Penn held a conference 
 with a large assembly of the Indians. They met under an elm tree 
 at Shackamaxon, in what is now Kensington, Philadelphia. There 
 he formed with them a treaty of friendship. This treaty was never 
 broken, 8 so that the kindly intercourse between the Quakers and 
 the savages was rarely, if ever, disturbed. That same year, Penn 
 founded on the River Delaware the city of Philadelphia. Its name 
 signifies “ brotherly love.” He summoned likewise, a legislative 
 General Assembly, elected by the people. Its first session was held 
 at Chester. A council of seventy-two was elective, and having a 
 third of their number renewed each year, that body was divided into 
 four committees, viz. :—of plantation, of trade, of justice and of educa- 
 
 that “ Penn ” should be added to that 
 denomination. 
 
 6 See Proud’s “History of Pennsyl¬ 
 vania,” published at Philadelphia, 1745, 
 in two vols., 8vo. An edition was 
 published in London, 1793, in one vol., 
 8vo. An edition in two volumes was 
 
 issued, also, in 1797, at Philadel¬ 
 phia. 
 
 7 See Duponceau’s “ Discourse on the 
 Early History of Pennsylvania.” Phila¬ 
 delphia, 1821. 
 
 8 See Proud’s “History of Pennsyl¬ 
 vania.” 
 
64 HUSH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 tion. 9 In conjunction with the proprietor—who was allowed three votes 
 —that council formed the executive. The members prepared those bills 
 and propositions which were submitted to the General Assembly. Lands 
 were sold to settlers in large and small lots, at about five pence an acre, 
 and subject to a small annual quit-rent. Poor men were allowed 
 50 acres at one half penny per acre 10 In December 1682, Penn 
 proceeded to Maryland, to adjust with Lord Baltimore the bounds of 
 their respective provinces. After a difficult negociation, ultimately 
 referred to the Committee of Plantation, it was decided, that the 40th 
 degree of latitude in its real direction must be the boundary. This 
 decision removed Pennsylvania from a sea-board on Chesapeake Bay. 
 Having established there a representative government, Penn framed a 
 code of laws, before he returned to England in 1684. When James II. 
 soon afterwards succeeded to the throne, having had a great feeling of 
 friendship for Admiral Penn, his son also received the monarch’s highest 
 esteem and favours. As a consequence, jealousies and calumnies were 
 excited against Penn. His best and most virtuous acts of beneficence— 
 exercised on behalf of those con lemned by the courts—were alleged to 
 have been a traffic in pardons granted to the prisoners. 11 Even was he 
 accused of having been a Jesuit in disguise, and of holding intriguing 
 correspondence with the Court of Rome. 
 
 The first emigrants to Pennsylvania were mostly Quakers, including 
 some from Germany and Holland, but toleration was promised to all 
 Christians. This pledge does not appear to have been regarded as 
 applying to Catholics, yet some arrived, and they were not molested. 
 They had even a kindly recognition by the Philadelphians ; for at this 
 time, the hostile feeling evinced in England against members of their 
 persecuted creed had been greatly allayed. Several Irish Catholics 
 were among the primitive Pennsylvanian arrivals. Mass was cele¬ 
 brated in Philadelphia, so early as 1686. 12 Commissioners had been 
 appointed by Penn to rule in his absence, but discord between them 
 and the General Assembly soon ensued. This was chiefly ow r ing to 
 charges of corruption and of other misdemeanours brought by the latter 
 against one Moore, a leading proprietary officer. In 1686, Penn in¬ 
 structed his agents to dissolve the constitution he had granted, super¬ 
 seding the commission likewise, and sending out a deputy governor 
 named Blackwell, to support his authority. This man, a dexterous 
 and an unscrupulous politician, succeeded in gaining over some of the 
 General Assembly members, so as to carry on an arbitrary course of 
 government. 13 
 
 After communicating his project to Count de Frontenac, Governor 
 
 a According to “Frame of the Govern¬ 
 ment of Pennsylvania, 1682, ’ pp. 1 to 3. 
 
 10 According to ‘‘Some Account of 
 the Province of Pennsylvania, in 
 America,” p. 5, Londo >, 1681. 
 
 11 See Thomas B. Macaulay’s H story 
 of England from the Accession of James 
 
 II.” Vol i., chap v., pp. 502 to 509. 
 London, 1849, et seq. 
 
 12 See John it G. Hassard’s “History 
 of the United States of America,” chap, 
 xiii., p. 96. 
 
 13 See Proud’s “History of Penn¬ 
 sylvania,” Vol. i., p. 340. 
 
EXPLORATIONS ON THE MISSISSIPPI. 
 
 65 
 
 
 
 of Canada, Robert de la Salle sailed for Europe, filled with the idea of 
 establishing a chain of posts extending from Canada to the Gulf of 
 Mexico. Thus, he hope-1 to bind the French possessions securely 
 together, and the project was regarded as eminently deserving encour¬ 
 agement from the home government. Having obtained the sanction of 
 Louis XIV., he fitted out an exploring expedition, consisting of Father 
 Louis Hennepin, a Franciscan, and M. JDugay, with six others, to 
 advance from the Illinois to the head waters of the Mississippi River. 
 On the 28th February 1680, those entered the latter and then took a 
 northward course. Hennepin went no further in that direction than to 
 Saint Anthony’s Falls, which name he gave them in honour of his 
 patron, St. Anthony of Padua. Thence, after a variety of strange and 
 da ngerous vicissitudes, those voyagers descended the Mississippi, it is said, 
 to the mouth of the Arkansas. Some hare asserted that they went farther 
 south, even to the sea. 14 According to another statement, 15 they re¬ 
 turned to Green Bay, after enduring almost incredible fatigues and 
 hardships. La Salle had obtained the title of Cavalier from the French 
 monarch, for the intelligent interest he took in French affairs, and now 
 he was about to adventure in person on his new voyage of discovery. 
 On the 2nd of February in the year 1682, after making a tour of explo¬ 
 ration down the Illinois River, La Salle entered the valley and sailed on 
 the great River Mississippi. His course lay southward. To the “ Father 
 of Waters ” he gave the name of St. Louis, and to t he country traversed 
 bv it that of Louisiana. This was intended, as well to consecrate the 
 whole territory to the patron saint as to do honour' to the King of France. 
 When he arrived at the mouth of the Missouri River, he gave it the 
 name of St. Philip. Continuing down the “ St. Louis,” on the 4th March, 
 he took possession of the country of Akansas, the origin of the modern 
 name Arkansas. Without unnecessary delay, he proceeded still south¬ 
 wards, and on the 7th of April succeeding, he planted the colours of 
 France near the Gulf of Mexico. On the 9th, he reached the mouth of 
 the Mississippi, while formally and solemnly the commandant claimed 
 the territory for France. He then began to ascend the river, but owing 
 to sickness, he did not reach Quebec before the spring of 1683. Soon after, 
 he returned to France, to make arrangements for colonizing Louisiana. 
 These he had accomplished by July 1684, for he had received a very- 
 favourable reception from the French court. lie obtained a company 
 of two hundred persons, including even missionaries, when his fleet of 
 four vessels left the port of Rochelle in Fiance, July 24th 1684. 16 
 
 14 Father Louis Hennepin published his 
 adventures in a work : “ Description de 
 la Louisiane nouvellement decouvert au 
 sud-ouest de la Nouvelle France, avec la 
 Carte du Pays, les Moeurs et la Maniere 
 de vivre des Sauvages.” Paris, 1685, 
 12mo. A second edition appeared in 
 1688. It was translated into Italian, 
 and published at Bolpgna, 1686, 12ino. 
 
 It appeared in German at Nuremburg, 
 1689, 12mo. An addition to this work 
 was published at Utrecht, 1697, and at 
 Amsterdam, 1698, 12mo. 
 
 15 Thatof John W.Monette,in his "His¬ 
 tory of the Discovery and Settlement of 
 the Valley of the Mississippi,” Vol. i. 
 
 16 See G eorge Bancroft’s * ‘ History of th e 
 United States.” Vol. iii., chap, xi., p. 168 
 
CG IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 H is brother La Salle, a Sulpician, was one of those missionaries. 
 But, various dissensions arose, between the captain of th» ship 
 Beaujeu, and the Chevalier de la Salle, who had command of the 
 entire expedition. Obliged to return to Rochelle, after having sailed 
 out to sea, the adventurers refitted, and left once more on the 1st of 
 August. They reached St. Domingo on the 27th of September, yet had 
 the misfortune to lose one of their vessels, captured by two Spanish 
 pirates. La Salle became indisposed, but when recovered from illness, 
 the voyage was resumed on the 27th of November. They doubled Cape 
 Antonio, oft’ the Florida coast, on the 28th of December, coasting 
 towards the west. Failing to recognise the mouth of the Mississippi, 
 as they passed it, their company landed at the Bay of Matagorda. La 
 Salle had already perceived the mistake, but he could not persuade 
 Beaujeu to alter his course. The subsequent history of the Chevalier la 
 Salle is full of melancholy interest. While attempting a landing there, 
 one of his three remaining vessels was lost, with nearly all her cargo. 
 The Indians also attacked the French when they disembarked. There 
 La Salle hastily constructed a fort, in which he left a small garrison. 
 He also erected another fort, which he called Fort St. Louis, giving the 
 command of it to an officer named J out el 17 Under an erroneous im¬ 
 pression that the Mississippi discharged its waters into the Bay of 
 Matagorda, be coasted along its shores in two small boats. During his 
 absence, the last remaining vessel ran aground and sank. 
 
 Seeing all his projects for an extension of French colonization 
 ruined by the loss of his ship, La Salle called his companions together, 
 and urged the necessity for his attempting a journey to Canada by 
 land. Leaving the forts in possession of the main body, he selected 
 twenty companions for his adventurous course to the Illinois River. 
 He set out from Fort St. Louis, on the 12th of January, 1687, 18 
 His brother, his two nephews, Sieur Joutel, and Father Anas- 
 tasius left with him. Small as the company was, a feud existed 
 among them, which terminated in the murder of Moranger, La Salle’s 
 nephew; and this inhuman deed was followed up by the villains who 
 executed it, in shooting the cavalier himself through the head, on the 
 19th of March. The brave and pious La Salle had barely time to make 
 a part of his confession to Father Anastasius, w T ho gave him absolution, 
 when he expired. The body was buried in the wilderness, and a cross 
 was erected over his grave. 19 
 
 The assassins and their accomplices soon quarrelled among them¬ 
 selves ; two fell victims to violence, while the seven, not implicated in 
 these shocking outrages, pursued their trackless journey, enduring all 
 manner of dangers and privations. On the 20th of July, they ap- 
 
 17 He has left an interesting work, 
 embellished with a curious map, and 
 intituled: “Journal historique du 
 dernier Voyage quo feu M. de la 
 Salle fit dans le Golfe du Mexique 
 pour trouver l’Emboucht»re et le 
 
 Cours de la Riviere du Missicipi,” 
 Paris, 1723, 12mo. 
 
 18 See George Bancroft’s “History 
 of the United States.” Vol. iii., 
 chap xx., p. 172. 
 
 19 His tragic history is contained 
 
REVOCATION Or COLONIAL CHARTERS. 
 
 67 
 
 proached the Arkansas River, and here they met two oi ck'ir country¬ 
 men among the Indians of that territory. After a short delay, theic 
 small company ascended the Mississippi, and entered the mouth of 
 the Illinois on the 3rd of September. They passed that winter 
 near Lake Peoria, and on the opening of spring continued 
 their journey to Quebec. There most of them took shipping 
 for France in 1688. Those who had been left at the Bay of Mata¬ 
 gorda were taken prisoners by the Spaniards. Such were the results of 
 Chevalier la Salle’s ill-fated expedition, which in the beginning had 
 excited the most sanguine expectations. 
 
 The French laid claim to and actually possessed vast territories in 
 the west, with those of Canada in the north. 20 This claim embraced an 
 immense tract of country, called Louisiana, extending from Hudson’s 
 Bay on the north, and from the shores of the St. Lawrence River to the 
 Gulf of Mexico on the south. 
 
 In 1683. the Duke of New York—it is stated through compulsion 21 
 —had allowed the people of New York to meet in Assembly, and to 
 enact a code of fundamental laws, known as the Charter of Liberties. 
 This gave to the people a right to vote, to tax and to rule themselves, 
 as also to practise any Christian form of religion without molestation. 
 About this time, the first legislative Assembly of New York was 
 convened During the latter part of his reign, however, Charles II. 
 desired to destroy American Colonial liberty, by taking away the 
 charters already granted, and by converting the colonies into Crown 
 provinces. When his brother James II came to the throne in 1685, 
 he resolved to prosecute the same object, and he required Sir Edmond 
 Andros to execute such a project. The New England Colonies were 
 now required to surrender their charters. Towards the end of 1686, 21 
 Andros arrived at Bostou with the title of Governor General of New 
 England. Moreover, New York and the Jerseys were added to his 
 jurisdiction. The first important act of his administration proclaimed 
 the Royal Declaration of Indulgence, which granted toleration to 
 Catholics, Episcopalians, Baptists, Quakers, and all other Protestant 
 sects. This decree, however, greatly excited the resentment of the 
 Puritans. Their indignation was further increased, when all the New 
 England Colonies were obliged to give up their charters. However, 
 Connecticut refused this demand, and accordingly, the Governor- 
 General marched co Hartford, in November 1687, with sixty soldiers. 
 As the Assembly was then sitting, he entered their hall in the evening 
 and demanded cheir charter. This document was produced and laid on 
 the table. When Andros was about to take it, the lights were suddenly 
 put out, and the document disappeared. By preconcerted action, it had 
 
 in Charlevoix’s “ Histoire de la Nou- 
 velle France.” 
 
 2 9 See Burke’s “ Account of the 
 European Settlements in America, 
 with a History of the Discovery of 
 
 that part of the World,” in two 
 volumes, published in 1765. 
 
 21 See George Bancroft’s “History 
 of the United States.” Vol. ii., chap, 
 xvii., pp. 413, 414. 
 
68 
 
 IRISII-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 been taken away, and then hidden in a hollow tree. This was afterwards 
 known as the Charter oak. The Governor-General never found the 
 •document. 22 Andros now became exceedingly unpopular. He was a bad 
 ruler, and he issued the most tyrannical orders. He imposed oppressive 
 taxes, and he arbitrarily exceeded his authority, by constantly interfer¬ 
 ing with private rights. 
 
 Notwithstanding his liberal concessions while Duke of York, when 
 James II. l>ecame king, he exercised the same despotic authority in New 
 York as he had practised in New England. The people of this latter 
 province were ready to rebel against his arbitrary rule. When the welcome 
 news arrived, that he had been dethroned in England, and that William 
 and Mary had succeeded, the people of Boston immediately imprisoned 
 Andros with about fifty of his partisans. They were afterwards sent to 
 England for trial, but the Government came to no decision in the case. 
 Afterwards, and by their own authority, the colonies resumed their 
 •charters. King William was too much engaged at home, to pay any 
 Great attention to American affairs, and the colonists were left in a 
 measure to manage on their own behalf. About this time, Nicholson 
 was Lieutenant-Governor of New York, and a deputy of Andros. How¬ 
 ever, when James was dethroned, a rich German citizen named Jacob 
 Leisler and a captain of militia riotously put himself at the head of a 
 rabble, and he seized upon the fort of New York. He also took 
 possession of the public money, and constituted himself a military 
 dictator, proclaiming that what he did was for the preservation of the 
 Protestant religion. Leisler had commenced the revolt by refusing to 
 pay his taxes, and chiefly on the ground that the collector was a Catholic. 
 At this time, there were three Jesuit priests in New York, and they had 
 established a Latin School for the teaching of youth. The prejudices of 
 the Protestants were then aroused, and the rumour of Popish plots for 
 their destruction was put into circulation. In 1689, Leisler led an 
 expedition against Albany, to compel the northern settlements to 
 recognise his authority, as Nicholson had fled to England. He also 
 took a vigorous part in opposition to the French and Indians. How¬ 
 ever, this insubordination was soon overruled by the Home Government, 
 and William III. sent over Colonel Henrv Slough ter as Governor of 
 New York. He arrived there in March, 1691. Immediately, Leisler 
 was arrested, together with his son-in-law and Secretary Milbourne. 
 They were afterwards tried for high treason, found guilty, and hanged. 23 
 
 This very same year, the New York Assembly repealed the charter of 
 Liberties, and enacted a Bill of Bights, which gave complete toleration 
 for all Protestant sects, but which excluded Catholics from its scope. 
 When the Revolution took place in 1688, the order of things was again 
 reversed in Maryland. The Puritan faction now spread false and 
 scandalous reports, that the Catholics were engaged in a plot to massacre 
 
 22 See Theodore Dwight, jun., 23 See George Bancroft’s “History 
 “History of Connecticut,” New York, of the United States.” Yol. iii., chap. 
 i8mo. xix. pp. 50 to 56. 
 
COMMOTIONS IN MARYLAND. 69 
 
 all the Protestant colonists. As a result, the minds of the latter were 
 highly excited. A Puritan named Code organized an Association in 
 Arms for the defence of the Protestant religion. He also raised an 
 insurrection throughout Maryland, in 1689. His adherents marched 
 upon St. Mary's and captured the Fort of St. Inigoe or St. Ignatius. 
 A convention was then called together, and its delegates declared the 
 authority of Lord Baltimore to be forfeited. In the year 1691, the grant 
 to Lord Baltimore was revoked by King William III-, who then erected 
 Maryland into a royal province. The capital was removed from St. INI ary’s, 
 and thenceforth it was fixed at Annapolis. The establish®d religion of 
 the colony was declared to be that agreeing with the Church of England. 
 The Catholics were disfranchised likewise, anti thus deprived of those 
 privileges, which the early founders had been willing to share with all 
 their other fellow-citizens. 
 
 It is quite surprising, how a belief in witchcraft and sorcery pre¬ 
 vailed—especially in New England—at this period. In 1688, the 
 fear of witches created another great popular excitement in Boston, 
 where a panic began in the family of a citizen named John Goodwin, 
 whose children pretended that they had been bewitched by an old 
 Irishwoman. The Reverend Dr. Cotton Mather 24 and other 
 ministers were charged with the investigation of this case. The old 
 woman was found to be a Roman Catholic, who spoke Irish, but who 
 could not say the Lord’s prayer, except in Latin. She was adjudged 
 to be a witch, and accordingly she was sentenced to be hanged. 
 
 Long before the time of Columbus, Keltic blood, from the Anglo- 
 Briton and Norman Stock, had completely dominated in England and 
 in Scotland. In Ireland also, the aboriginal tribes were still less 
 mixed with Teutonic blood. The early colonists with Keltic elements 
 of race, and afterwards largely increased from Ireland, are unmis¬ 
 takably the source of American heroism, character and prosperity, in 
 a very marked degree. Such resuRs are within the historian’s ken and 
 the statistician’s Census of our own days, and fail not the researches of 
 ethnologists, to establish their dominance of numbers and of power, in 
 a population of over seventy millions. Previous to the Revolution, 
 no very complete memorial has been transmitted to us, regarding 
 particulars of those emigrations which took place from Europe to 
 America. However, from accessible records, they seem to have been 
 amazingly copious. 25 So early as 1690, one Doherty, an Irish trader 
 from Virginia, had visited the Cherokees. Afterwards, and for a 
 number of years, he lived among them. 2 ' 3 During the reign of William 
 III. and of Queen Mary, the Woollen trade and manufactures of 
 
 24 He was the son of Increase 
 Mather, while he wrote and preached 
 much. One of his works is intituled : 
 “The Wonders of the Invisible World • 
 being an Account of the Trials of 
 several Witches lately executed in 
 New England, and of several remark¬ 
 
 able Curiosities therein occurring.” 
 This curious book was published in 
 London in 1693, 4to. 
 
 25 See Rev. J A. Spencer’s “ His¬ 
 tory of the United States.” Vol. i. 
 
 26 See Ramsey’s “ Annals of Ten- 
 nesee.” 
 
70 
 
 IR1SH-AJ1ERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Ireland being greatly discouraged, several families emigrated. While 
 many of the Catholics removed to Fi ance and Spain, the Northern 
 Protestants sought Germany ; 27 moreover, it has been estimated, 
 that 3,000 malesjleft Ulster yearly for the American colonies, soon 
 after the beginning of the eighteenth century. About 1660, Robert 
 and Magdalen Pollock, together with their six sons and two daughters, 
 set sail from the County of Donegal, Ireland, for America, and settled 
 in the then colony of Lord Baltimore within Somerset County, Mary¬ 
 land, at a place now known as Dane’s Quarter. In America, the 
 name was contrasted to Polk. 28 All the sons married and became the 
 progenitors of numerous families. The Carrolls who founded Carroll- 
 town, in Maryland, emigrated from Ireland before 1689, 29 and several 
 names of those, who settled in this colony at an early date, indicate the 
 country of their origin. 
 
 Meantime, the French were industriously engaged in spreading their 
 settlements along the southern shores of the St. Lawrence, and especially 
 within the bounds of the present State of Maine. This was then 
 regarded as a sort of neutral piXi& undefined territory; but, equally 
 coveted by the English and French. Baron Vincent de Castine built a 
 fort at Panawiske, an old Indian town on the Penobscot, and he 
 married the daughter of the Sagamore Modockewando. Thus, he had 
 acquired great influence among the Indians. Towards the year 1681, 
 Father Louis Pierre Thury a secular priest, and connected with the 
 Seminary of Quebec, established a mission there among the Indians. 
 With him was associated Father Henri Honore Deschambeault, from 
 1696 to 1699. Daring this period also, French missions had been 
 successfully established in various stations along the Northern Lakes 
 and in the Western wilds. 39 
 
 27 See Arthur Dobbs, “ An Essay on 
 the Trade and Improvements of Ire¬ 
 land,” Part i., p. 6. Dublin, 1729, 8vo. 
 
 28 From one of the sons were de¬ 
 scended President James K. Polk, 
 General Thomas Polk, of Mecklen¬ 
 burg fame, Bishop and Lieutenant- 
 General Leonidas Polk, and others. 
 From another son, descended Gov¬ 
 ernor Charles Polk, of Deleware, and 
 from another, Governor Trusten Polk, 
 of Missouri. From Robert the fifth 
 son of Robert and Magdalen, is de¬ 
 scended the artist. This Robert— 
 of Robert and Magdalen—married a 
 Miss Gisilette, and had a son Robert, 
 who married Miss Peale, sister of 
 Charles Peale, the founder of Penle's 
 Museum. This latter Robert, father 
 of Charles Peale Polk, was a dis¬ 
 tinguished naval officer in the Frenctx 
 war, and was mortally wounded on 
 board his ship by a splinter during a 
 
 desperate engagement. —See Potter's 
 American Monthly, May, 1876. 
 
 29 Daniel Carroll, a native of Litta- 
 mourtia, in Ireland, was a govern¬ 
 ment clerk in England during the reign 
 of James II., and on emigrating to 
 America, in the latter part of the seven¬ 
 teenth century, he settled in Mary¬ 
 land, at a place afterwards called 
 from his family name Carrollton. 
 By Lord Baltimore he was appointed 
 as agent to receive the rents of that 
 proprietor, while he was constituted 
 judge and registrar of the land office. 
 His son Daniel was born there in 
 1702, as also his still more celebrated 
 grandson Charles Carroll of Carroll¬ 
 ton, signer of the Declaration of Inde¬ 
 pendence. See N. Dwight’s “ Lives 
 of the Signers of the Declaration of 
 Independence,” Maryland, p. 262. 
 Published at New York, 1851, Svo, 
 
 30 For a very complete account of 
 
IRISH AND FRENCH COLONIZATION. 
 
 71 
 
 While these events wore occurring, Penn had been involved in 
 political troubles after his return to England. 31 His province was taken 
 from him, when the Revolution of 16S8 had succeeded. Four different 
 times was he arraigned before the judges, and charged by his enemies 
 with being engaged in political and religious intrigues. Nevertheless, he 
 justified himself in such a manner as to escape sentence. One named 
 Fuller had preferred a false accusation against him, and for three years 
 — so violent were party passions—he deemed it necessary to remain in 
 concealment. However, in 1693 Penn demanded an enquiry into his 
 conduct, when, before the King and his council, being examined, lie was 
 honourably acquitted. 32 Meantime, his jurisdiction and privileges 
 beyond the Atlantic had been iniquitously sequestrated. Afterwards, 
 Pennsylvania was ruled by Benjamin Fletcher, the Royal Governor of 
 New York, for two years. In April 1693, he assumed this authority, 
 when soon commenced altercations between himself and the Assembly. 
 The members of this latter insisted on the validity of those laws 
 founded on letters-patent, which the new governor declared to be 
 abrogated. The Assembly also resisted the demands made for money, 
 and arrogated to themselves the privilege of originating bills. About 
 this time, dissensions prevailed among the Quakers themselves, and 
 disturbances took place. 33 The rights of the proprietor were at length 
 restored, in 1696. Having lost his first wife, Penn married again. He 
 then made a second visit to America, with his family, resolving to 
 tettle there in 1699. At the demand of the people, who wished for 
 greater political privileges, he granted a new constitution. Meantime, 
 the English minister had introduced a bill to the House of Lords which 
 was designed to annul the charter of Penn, and to vest the local govern¬ 
 ments of America in royal patronage and authority. After a stay of 
 two years, Penn felt himself obliged to leave in 1701 for England, 
 where he hoped to counteract the injustice sought to be perpetrated. 
 Notwithstanding some favours he received from Queen Anne, the 
 extraordinary expenses he had incurred, in the enterprise of establish¬ 
 ing his colony and of protecting his rights, overwhelmed him with debt, 
 during the closing years of his life. 34 James Logan of Lurgan in 
 
 these missions, the reader may be 
 referred to the learned and research¬ 
 ful work of John Gilmarv Shea, “ The 
 Catholic Church in Colonial Days,” 
 Book iii. “ The Catholic Church in 
 French Territory,” chap. i. to v., pp. 
 216 to 343. 
 
 31 Tbo character of William Penn is 
 best revealed in his collected works— 
 comprising a great number of small 
 tracts—and which have been published 
 in folio, A.D. 1726, preceded by a life 
 of the author. His writings—under 
 the title of Choice Works—have been 
 reproduced in London, a.d. 1782, in 
 four volumes. 
 
 32 See Rev. Dr. Jeremy Belknap’s 
 “ Biographies of the Early Disco¬ 
 verers,” Vol. ii., William Penn. 
 
 33 See “ Account of great Divisions 
 among the Quakers of Pennsylvania, 
 1692, 1693,” Trials of Peter Ross, 
 George Keith, &e. London, 1693. 
 
 34 He died in England, the 30th of 
 July, 1718, aged seventy-four. He 
 was buried at Jordan, Buckingham¬ 
 shire. See J. Marsillac’s “ Vie de 
 Guillaume Penn,” Paris, 1791, two 
 volumes, 8vo. This biography was 
 translated into German, by J. Fried¬ 
 rich, and published at Strasburg, 
 1793, in 8vo. 
 
72 
 
 IRISH - AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Ireland, and who had accompanied William Penn to Pennsylvania in 
 1699, became governor of that colony for two vears after the death of 
 Penn. 35 He enriched its infant capital of Philadelphia, by bequeathing 
 to it his own fine library; 36 while he also left an honoured name to 
 posterity, owing to his very tolerant rule over Irish Catholic immigrants, 
 and because of his benificent acts when placed in authority. 
 
 For a long period after the immigration of European colonists and 
 adventurers had set in, under the different claims of discovery and 
 conquest, North America was held by a species of tenancy in common 
 between England, France and Spain. In a country of such vast 
 extent, where the population was sparse, where localities were unex¬ 
 plored, and where, from the very nature of things, the extent of the 
 boundaries claimed by those different powers could not be ascertained 
 with anything like geographical precision, misunderstandings, jealousies 
 and collisions between them became unavoidable. Nor could diplomacy 
 settle these differences in all cases. Were the colonists allowed to form 
 independent governments of their own, it is probable, an appeal to 
 arms might often have been avoided ; however, complications among the 
 great powers of Europe, to whom they respectively owed fealty, were only 
 aggravated by disturbances arising among their colonial subjects, and 
 which were solved by cabinets, ignorant of the real causes and situa¬ 
 tion, or of the remedies requisite to arrive at a peaceful solution. 
 Immediate exploration of the Lower Mississippi was interrupted, 
 through a war carried on by the Iroquois Indians and the British 
 colonies against the province of Canada, from 1689 to 1696. 
 
 However, fully alive to the advantages of further colonization in 
 the New World, the French Government again fitted out two shins, 
 under the command of the brave and able commandant Lemoine 
 D’Iberville and the Marquis Chateaumorand. 3 " These sailed from 
 Rochefort, on the 17th of October 1698. They reached San Domingo 
 on the 11th of December following, sighted the coast of Florida on the 
 12th of January 1699, and after some explorations along the southern 
 bounds of North America, D’Iberville entered the mouth of the gigantic 
 Mississippi, on the 2nd of March. Chateaumorand followed him at a 
 distance, but he was despatched to St. Domingo with news of the recent 
 explorations. Lemoine D’Iberville ascended the river, so far as the 
 present site o: Donaldsonville, in the state of Louisiana. There build¬ 
 ing a fort in the Bay of Biloxi, and leaving it in command of his brother 
 Lemoine de Bienville, then Lein me D’Iberville returned to France. 38 
 
 35 Madame Dtbora Logan published 
 the correspondence of William Pent 
 with James Logan, to which she has 
 added notes. 
 
 36 For a view of the old Loganiar 
 Library, 1745-50, and the history o' 
 its foundation, the reader is referrea 
 to “ Public Libraries in the United 
 States of America, their History, 
 Condition and Management,” Part i., 
 
 pp. 5 to 9. Washington, Government 
 Printing Office, !«., .5, 8vo. Special 
 Report, Department of the Interior, 
 Bureau of Education. 
 
 37 For an account of this expedition, 
 the reader is referred to Le Pere 
 Charlevoix’s “ Histoire de la Nou- 
 velle-France.” 
 
 38 See an account of this ce'ebrated 
 man, who was bom at Montreal, 
 
EXPLORATIONS ON THE MISSISSIPPI. To 
 
 An English ship entered the Mississippi soon after these events, but 
 was met by Bienville seventy-live miles from the sea ; this afforded 
 sufficient proof of the prior right of France to the discovery. Not long 
 afterwards, one Tonti and twenty Canadians, who had been stationed 
 in the Illinois, descended the great river. To their intense and mutual 
 rejoicing, greetings and congratulations took plat:e between them and 
 their fellow-countrymen, who had entered the Mississippi through the 
 waters of the Atlantic. 
 
 The discovery of the Mississippi by the Canadian French gave France 
 a conventional claim to navigate the great river and its principal tribu¬ 
 taries, as also to occupy and settle in the country traversed by them. Then 
 France was in possession of the Canadas, and she claimed the country 
 bordering on the Mississippi southwardly: that region having been 
 explored by persons who were her subjects, and having been partially 
 settled under her auspices, she commenced by endeavouring to connect 
 her Canadian with her southern possessions. To do this, a chain of 
 defences had to be established ; and this, under the superintendence of 
 her civil and military engineer’s, was effected through means of military 
 posts. These extended along the lakes, while the Ohio and Mississippi 
 livers were regarded as important natural lines for communication and 
 supply. 
 
 While the march of exploration continued, Catholic colonists 
 were a>'>ong the first to land, to erect the standard of the cross, and to 
 select from the Church calendar the names for districts, towns and 
 rivers. Thus have we the river of the Holy Cross, the river of St. 
 Mary, the rapids of Sault Ste. Marie, the St. Lawrence River, the 
 Sacramento and Trinity Rivers, Corpus Christi, Santa Fe, St. Louis. 
 St. Joseph, St. Augustine, San Francisco, San Antonio, with many 
 similar Catholic denominations. The French and Spanish missionaries 
 were active in extending the triumph of the Gospel, from Canada to 
 Florida, and from the eastern and southern coasts to those of distant 
 California. Dominicans, Jesuits and Franciscans laboured in establish¬ 
 ing missions among the various Indian tribes ; schools were even opened 
 for their instruction, where they were taught to read and write, 39 while 
 their several native languages were acquired by the European priests, 
 and specially with a view to impart a knowledge of the great truths of 
 Christianity to those children of the forests and of the prairies. 
 
 Again, are we obliged to notice a superstition of this period, and 
 which was alike disgraceful to civilization and to religious feeling. 
 
 Canada, 1642—where his lather, a 
 French-Norman gentleman Charles 
 Lemoine de Longueil, had settled in 
 1640—and who died at Havana on 
 board his ship Le Juste, July 9th, 
 1706, in Leon Guerin’s work, “ Les 
 Marins illustres de la Fiance, et Les 
 Navigateurs Francais,” two volumes, 
 Roy. 8vo. Paris. 
 
 39 Documents among the Spanish 
 archives prove this assertion. See 
 John Gilmary Shea’s article, “The 
 Catholic Church in American His¬ 
 tory,” American Quarterly Review, 
 Voi. i., No. 1., pp. 149, 150, January, 
 1876. Philadelphia, Hardy and 
 Maliony, publishers, Royal 8%*o. 
 
BUS. 
 
 
 71 IRISII-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 The Revel. Mr. Parzis of Salem village, now Danvers, had a daughter 
 and a niece, who accused two friendless old women and a squaw named 
 Tituba, with having bewitched them. The three accused persons were 
 accordingly sent to prison. This mania broke out in the latter end of 
 1091. 40 On the mere word of children, or through the malicious accu¬ 
 sations of enemies, a number of women and a few men were thrown into 
 jail, accused of being witches and wizards. Even the Governor of Mas¬ 
 sachusetts Sir William Phipps shared in this delusion. 41 A town com¬ 
 mittee was then formed to search for witches, while a special court was 
 organized at Salem to try the accused. Some of the witnesses swore, that 
 they had been thrown into spasms, by glances from the evil eyes of the 
 witches and wizards; also, that, they had been tormented by spectres and 
 by strange visions. Meantime, Cotton Mather continued his frantic 
 denunciations on this subject from the pulpit. Under the influence of 
 foar or frenzy, some of the accused tried to save their lives by stating 
 they had meetings with the devil, and even some gave the names of 
 neighbours they pretended to have seen at those interviews. Some 
 pretended they had ridden through the air on broomsticks. In a single 
 year, one hundred and fifty persons were in prison, and charged solely 
 with witchcraft, while twenty persons had been executed for that 
 offence, and eight more were under sentence of death. Many who were 
 suspected and accused fled away to distant parts of the country. 
 This delusion and reign of terror at length disappeared. Some of the 
 judges and ministers—among these the Rev. Mr. Parzis—acknow¬ 
 ledged the erroneous notions under which they had acted, and those 
 prisoners in confinement were accordingly released. 42 The Governor 
 proclaimed a general pardon, for all persons who had been prosecutors, 
 lest public dissensions might arise from retributive proceedings against 
 the accusers and their witnesses. Afterwards, it was found impossible 
 to revive prosecutions that had excited such painful remembrances. 43 
 
 For some time, mutual jealousies had estranged the French and 
 English colonists in America. Aggressions and reprisals were constantly 
 recurring, especially in the northern provinces, where both parties had 
 engaged Indian allies for their hostile purposes. Deplorable massacres 
 were perpetrated, while many settlements were ravaged and destroyed. 44 
 This led to a war, when King William ascended the throne. The 
 French Governor of New France Count Frontenac led parties of French 
 against the colonists, who received very little support from England 
 
 " J Some or the most extraordinary 
 proceedings ever recorded afterwards 
 took place, in which fear, superstition, 
 credulity and vindictiveness were 
 mingled. See Daniel Neal s “ History 
 cf New England,” Vol. ii., chap, xii., 
 pp. 124 to 170. 
 
 4 -See Mather’s “ Life of Sir William 
 Phipps.” 
 
 42 These extraordinarv delusions 
 
 are set forth, and in a more detailed 
 manner, in George Bancroft’s “ His¬ 
 tory of the United States, from the 
 Discovery of the American Continent,” 
 Vol. iii., chap, xix., pp. 34 to 99. 
 
 43 See James Grahame’s “ History 
 of North America,” Book ii., chap, 
 v. 
 
 44 See Daniel Neal’s “History of 
 New England,” Vol. ii., chap. x. 
 
WAP. PET\VKEN FRANCE AND ENGLAND 
 
 ( 0 
 
 during this struggle. However, Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut 
 and New York had organized an expedition, which was placed under 
 the command of Fitz-John Winthrop, son to the Governor of Connecticut. 
 Moreover, Massachusetts had fitted out a fleet, which was commanded 
 by Sir William Phipps. The land expedition was led by Schuyler with 
 a party of Mohawks to attack Montreal, but this attempt was frustrated 
 by Frontenac, then seventy-four years of age. He led an army against 
 the attacking party, and it was obliged to retreat in 1696. 45 Meantime, 
 Sir William Phipps ravaged the coasts of Acadia and other French 
 settlements. On the 25th of May 1690, Phipps attacked Port Royal, 
 which surrendered to him, 46 it being in no capacity to stand a siege. 
 With additional vessels—numbering in all between thirty and forty—and 
 about two thousand men, he then sailed up the St. Lawrence to surprise 
 Quebec. He did not arrive there until October 5th, and it was then too 
 late in the season. Moreover, Frontenac had reached Quebec before 
 him, and that English attempt proved to be a complete failure. The 
 vessels were obliged to set sail again for Boston ; but stormy weather 
 came on, and the fleet was scattered, when some of the ships were 
 wrecked or lost, while others were blown off to the West Indies. Those 
 that remained in company with Sir William reached Boston in Novem¬ 
 ber. The government was utterly unprepared for this result, and 
 having no money to pay the forces on their return, these were in a 
 state of mutiny. An experiment was made to issue paper notes, but 
 these were greatly depreciated in value at the time. Wherefore, Sir 
 William Phipps did not remain long in Boston, and he embarked for 
 England, to urge another expedition against Canada. 47 
 
 On the borders, a war of reprisals was fiercely waged. One Colonel 
 Church led an expedition from New England into Maine, where lie 
 attacked the Indians with some success. He killed numbers and made 
 prisoners of many others. Some of these he put to death, not even 
 sparing women and children. The Indians in turn retaliated. 48 
 Owing however to French influence, they were instructed only to 
 make prisoners of those they surprised, and to conduct them into 
 Canada, where they were sold as servants, but otherwise they were 
 kindly treated by their masters and mistresses. In travelling through 
 the forests, those prisoners suffered great hardships and exposure, 
 especially the women and children ; for their long marches were often 
 made in the depth of winter. The New England settlements on the 
 French borders were almost wholly abandoned. Even in the interior, 
 
 45 See George Bancroft’s “ History of 
 the United States,” Vol. iii., chap, 
 xxi., pp. 189 to 191. 
 
 46 On this occasion, he carried off 
 the two Catholic Priests residing there, 
 the Rev. Louis Petit and the Rev. 
 Claude Frouve. The former was 
 brought to Boston, which one of his 
 associates the Rev. M. Goffroy had 
 
 previously visited in 1687, on his way 
 to France. 
 
 47 See Hutchinson’s “ History of the 
 Colony of Massachusetts-Bay,” Vol. 
 i., chap, iii., pp. 397 to 403. 
 
 48 See Hutchinson’s “ History of the 
 Province of Massachusetts-Bay, - ’ 
 
 Vol. ii., chap, i., pp. 94 to 96. 
 
76 
 
 1 KISH-AMERICAN HlSTOllY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 tlie houses were barricaded, through apprehension of an Indian surprise, 
 and when the New Englanders went out to field work, the men took 
 their muskets with them, to be prepared for any emergency. Although 
 both nations suffered severely, while carrying on those raids, yet neither 
 gained any solid advantage. At length, peace was concluded between 
 France and England at Ryswick, iii September 1697, and this for a 
 time ended war in the colonies. In America, France retained all 
 Hudson’s Bay, and all places she possessed at the beginning of the 
 War, besides Canada and the Valley of the Mississippi. However, the 
 exact boundary lines on the colonial frontiers were reserved as subjects 
 for wrangling among the commissioners; 49 nor, under ?he circumstances 
 then existing, could it have been an easy matter to determine their 
 exact demarcation. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 French Settlements on the Mississippi—Missionary Enterprise—Intolerant Laws 
 in New York—Breaking out of War between England, France and Spain, 
 in 1 702 -Rebellion in North Carolina—French Western Colonization—Irish 
 Eastern Colonization - Events in New England, Maryland, New York and 
 the Carolinas—French Eiuerprise in Louisiana. 
 
 Soon after the termination of that war, which ended at the close of 
 the seventeenth century, Louis de Baude Comte de Erontenac, 1 then 
 Governor-General of New France, proceeded to occupy the Valley of 
 the Mississippi. In 1697, he had located colonies at several points, 
 both north and south. This able and brave man, notwithstanding his 
 advanced age, continued to manifest extraordinary energy of mind and 
 acti ity of body, in forwarding the prosperity of the Canadian French. 
 Various efforts were made to gain over the Five Nations on his side, 
 hut English influences were strongly exercised to retain them as allies. 
 He had usually to contend against them in war, while supported by 
 other Canadian Indians. When seventy-six years of age, he conducted 
 an expedition against Western New York, and having obtained some 
 successes over the Onondages and Oneidas, his army returned to 
 Montreal. 2 
 
 4<J See George Bancroft’s “ History of 
 the United States,” Vol. iii., chap, 
 xxi., pp. 191, 192. 
 
 1 He was born in France, 1620. 
 He served in Holland, under the 
 Prince of Orange, and at the age of 
 twenty-three, he was colonel of the 
 Normandy regiment. He was dis¬ 
 tinguished in various battles and 
 sieges. Having been wounded several 
 times, he was raised to the rank of 
 brigadier, and having gained a high 
 
 military reputation, in 1672 he was 
 made Governor of Canada, with all 
 the other countries then designated as 
 New France. In 1682, he was re¬ 
 called to France, but the necetssities 
 of the State caused him to return in 
 1689 to Canada. See Appleton’s 
 “ Cyclopaedia of American Biography,’ 
 Vol. ii., pp. 553, 554. 
 
 2 See George Bancroft’s “ History of 
 the United States,” Vol. iii., chap, 
 xxi., pp. 190, 191. 
 
FRENCH SETTLEMENTS ON TIIE MISSISSIPPI. 77 
 
 While the Franciscan and Jesuit Fathers heroically proseouted their 
 Indian missionary toils in Canada 3 and in other parts of North 
 America, many among the Hurons, the Algonquin,s, the Chippewas, the 
 Abenakis, the Onondagas, the Cayugas, the Oneidas, the Mohawks, the 
 5Sioux, Miamis, the Illinois, the Pottowattomies, the Sacs and the 
 Foxes, with other aboriginal tribes, were added to the fold of Christ. 4 
 Those settlements formed in the Illinois country east of the Mississippi, 
 by Father La Salle, were annually on the increase. Fearless and ener 
 getic Canadian adventurers, who had heard of the fertile lands and of a 
 more temperate climate, were desirous of proceeding there. Before the 
 close of the seventeenth century, “ Old Kaskaskia ” was known, not only 
 through all the Illinois country—of which it was for several years the 
 capital—but throughout Canada; while those Catholic mission posts 
 established by La Salle had grown into parishes. The tide of emigra¬ 
 tion, and the fair fame of the country, introduced numbers of French 
 blood and race among the native Indians. 5 After the death of Father 
 Gabriel Druilletes, April 8th 1661, we find the names of Fathers 
 James and Vincent Bigot, Julian Binnetean, Louis Pierre Thury and 
 Henri Honore Deschambeault, as serving the missions in Maine, from 
 1687 to 1699. In the West, Marquette had already established a 
 mission ; Joutel founded a gari ison at Fort St. Louis in 1687 ; while 
 throughout the territory of Illinois, French influence prevailed.. Until 
 the beginning of the eighteenth century, settlements in New France 
 were confined entirely to the eastern side of the Mississippi; but, reports 
 made by a few wandering explorers, that both gold and silver were 
 abundant in those regions—now called Missouri and Arkansas—induced 
 the French to turn their attention towards them. 6 Accordingly, 
 towards the close of the eighteenth century, Count de Frontenac 
 prepared an expedition to visit the mines of Upper Louisiana. 7 A 
 fort was there erected and settlements wore commenced. However, 
 prejudices and jealousies of the savages were soon excited. Their 
 demonstrations of hostility induced the French to abandon that part of 
 the country, without making any permanent settlements. Still, motives 
 of national policy and prospective advantages urged them to select 
 particular sites, wdiere strongholds should be built. Soon were estab¬ 
 lished military and trading posts at Detroit, Peoria, Vincennes, Cahokia, 
 Kaskaskia and Natchez, while Canadians flocked thither in various 
 capacities. 
 
 After the peace of Ryswick, misunderstandings and disputes regard- 
 
 s See “ Relation de ce qui s’est passe 
 en la Nouvelle- France es Annees 1664 
 et 1665, envo} r ee au R. P. Provincial 
 de la Province de France.” Paris, 
 1666, 8vo. 
 
 4 See John Gilmarv Shea’s “History 
 of the Catholic Missions among the 
 Indian Tribes of the United States, 
 1529—1854.” New York, 12mo. 
 
 5 See Bacqueville de la Potheric’s 
 “ Histoire de l’Amerique Septentri- 
 onale,” Paris, 1722, four tomes, 
 12mo. 
 
 6 See John Gilmary Shea’s “ Early 
 Voyages up and down the Missis¬ 
 sippi.” New York, 4to. 
 
 ‘ This able man closed his adven¬ 
 turous career at Quebec, 1698. 
 
7 d 1RISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 ing their respective boundaries still disturbed the French Canadians 
 and the English Colonists. That line between New France and New 
 York was one difficult of adjustment. While the Iroquois deemed 
 themselves to be an independent confederacy, the English envoy claimed 
 their lands as belonging to the province of New York; and, he even 
 asserted, that those countries to the West so far as Mackinaw belonged 
 t© England. The French denied this claim, however, as the influence of 
 the Jesuits, who had missions among the Five Nations, was sufficient to 
 turn their sympathies in that direction. 8 Meantime, Louis Hector 
 Callieres Bonnevue 9 had been appointed Governor-General of Canada 
 in 1699, and he maintained unimpaired the ascendency acquired by 
 Frontenac, having founded Detroit, and having secured the friendship of 
 the Western tribes by negociations, while he checked the hostile demon¬ 
 strations of the Iroquois. 
 
 It is to be regretted, that the bigoted policy and intolerant spirit of 
 the old country found imitation in the legislative colonial enactment 
 of the new. In the year 1700, Richard Coote known as Lord Bella- 
 mont, an Irish Peer, 10 who had been appointed Governor of New York 
 in 1695 by King William III., influenced the Assembly to pass an Act 
 declaring, that every Jesuit or other popish priest coming into the pro¬ 
 vince should be liable to perpetual imprisonment. 11 The pretext was, 
 that the Catholic priests favoured French interests. 12 If a priest broke 
 jail, and was retaken, the penalty was death. A fine of £200, with 
 three days in the pillory, was the punishment decreed for harbouring a 
 priest. Again, by a law passed in 1702, slaves were forbidden to meet 
 together in greater number than three, except when assembled for 
 labour. The manumission of slaves was discouraged by a heavy fine. 
 The slaves were also disqualified from bearing evidence against any 
 body but slaves ; while no Indian, negro or mulatto, even when free, 
 could hold or possess lands, tenements or hereditaments. Although by 
 law, masters were enjoined to baptize their slaves, and were encouraged 
 to do so by a provision, that their baptism should not entitle them to 
 freedom ; yet, in legislation, they are distinguished from Christians, 
 and classed with the Indians. 13 During Bellamont’s administration, 
 piracy greatly prevailed on the seas surrounding colonial possessions, 
 and this kind of lawless privateering was supposed to have been greatly 
 encouraged by residents along the coast. One of the duties assigned 
 to him was to suppress this custom : still, as none of the Kiug’s ships 
 
 8 See Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 .United States,” Vol. iii., chap, xxi., 
 
 pp. 192 to 194. 
 
 9 He was born in France, 1639, and 
 he died at Quebec, May 26th, 1703. 
 See Appleton’s “ Cvclopa?dia of Ameri¬ 
 can Biography,” Vol. i., p. 506. 
 
 10 Born in 1636. He died in New 
 York, on the 5th of March, 1701. 
 See Frederick De Peyster’s “ Life and 
 
 Administration of Richard Earl of 
 Bellamont.” New York, 1879, 8vo. 
 
 11 See John O’Kane Murray’s “His¬ 
 tory of the Catholic Church in the 
 United States.” 
 
 12 See Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States,” Vol. iii., chap, xxi., 
 p. 193. 
 
 13 See James Grahame’s “ History of 
 North America.” Book v., chap. ii. 
 
INTOLERANT LAWS IN NEW YORK. 79 
 
 could be placed at liis disposal before leaving England, he had a sanc¬ 
 tion to accomplish the matter by pi’ivate enterprise. Wherefore, he 
 formed a company and sent out a sloop under command of William 
 Kidd, 14 an adventurer who turned pirate himself. He was finally cap¬ 
 tured, and sent to England for trial; and in 1701 he was there executed, 
 with nine of his accomplices. 
 
 The King of Spain Charles II. 15 had destined Philip 16 Duke of Anjou 
 to be his successor, before his death, which occurred on the 1st of 
 November 1700. This arrangement greatly alarmed William III., 17 
 King of England and Stadtholder of Holland, who feared the alliance of 
 those two powerful kingdoms of France and Spain, directed by the 
 celebrated and enterprising monarch Louis XI V. 1S Alliances were sought 
 by both kings, and mutual jealousies or ambitions caused the breaking 
 out of a devastating war, which commenced in Italy and extended over 
 a great part of Europe, as also to Asia and America. Organized on a 
 gigantic scale, before hostilities had well commenced, however, William 
 III. died, and his sister-in-law Queen Anne ascended the English 
 throne. 19 The celebrated John Churchill, afterwards Duke of Marl¬ 
 borough, 20 was generalissimo of her armies and those of her allies on 
 the Continent of Europe, where he contended ably and with varying 
 success against the forces of France and Spain. England was assisted 
 by the forces of Holland and of Austria, and the object of this 
 tremendous contest, called the War of the Grand Alliance of the 
 Succession, was expressed by the House of Commons to be for preserving 
 
 14 He was a Scotchman by birth, 
 and it is thought a native of Green¬ 
 ock. 
 
 15 He reigned rrom the year 1665, 
 when an infant, to that of his death. 
 See “ Spain under Charles II. Ex¬ 
 tracts from the correspondence of 
 Alexander Stanhope, British Minister 
 at Madrid from 1690 to 1700.” 
 London, 1840, 8vo. 
 
 16 He ascended the throne of Spain 
 as King Philip V., in 1700, and 
 reigned to 1746. See Targe’s “ His- 
 toire de l’Avenement de la Maison de 
 Bourbon au Trone d’Espagne.” Paris, 
 1776, in six tomes, 12mo. 
 
 17 He reigned from February 13th, 
 1689, to the 8th of March, 1702. See 
 Walter Harris’ “ History of the Life 
 and Reign of William-Henry, Prince 
 of Nassau and Orange, Stadholder of 
 the United Provinces, King of Eng¬ 
 land, Scotland, Francs and Ireland, 
 &c. Dublin, 1749, folio. 
 
 13 This celebrated monarch, born in 
 1638, came to the throne of France at 
 a very early age, and reigned seventy- 
 two years, having died at Versailles, 
 
 September 1st, 1715, at the age of 
 seventy-seven. The chief events of his 
 life and reign are set forth in classical 
 French by Voltaire, in his most inter¬ 
 esting national work, “ Siecle de Louis 
 XIV.” Of course his actions are the 
 subject-matter for many French 
 histories and memoirs during the last 
 two centuries, and they may be 
 largely gleaned from “ QEuvres de 
 Louis XIV.,” in six volumes, 8vo. 
 Paris, 1806. 
 
 19 Her reign continued from March 
 8th, 1702, to August 1st, 1714. See 
 Macpherson’s “ Original Papers con¬ 
 taining the Secret History of Great 
 Britain from the Restoration to the 
 Accession of the House of Hanover,” 
 in two volumes, 4to. London, 1772. 
 Also Earl Stanhope’s “ History of Eng¬ 
 land comprising the Reign of Queen 
 Anne until the Peace of Utrecht.” 
 London, 1871, 8vo. 
 
 20 His career is set forth in vYilliam 
 Coxe’s “ Memoirs of John, Duke of 
 Marlborough,” in three volumes. 
 London 1818, 1819. 
 
80 IR1SH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 the liberties of Europe, and for reducing the exorbitant power of 
 France. 21 The allied French and Spaniards in America engaged in war 
 with England and her colonies a.d. 1702. By this time, the French 
 had established posts at different advantageous positions along the 
 northern lakes and even so far as the distant Mississippi. Along its 
 course, forts had been built. The,Spaniards likewise were in possession 
 of Florida. The Five Nations were at peace with both France and 
 England. By a mutual contract of neutrality, those Indians were 
 favourably placed for defending the north-western parts of New York.' 22 
 The French had formed treat'es of alliance with most of the Indian 
 tribes to the west. The English-American colonists now found them¬ 
 selves Hemmed in on all sides, and they received little aid from England. 
 However, in September 1702, an expedition from South Carolina 
 anticipated hostilities, and under the command of Governor James 
 Moore, his vessels appeared before St. Augustine. 23 Two thousand 
 pounds had been devoted to defray all expenses, while six hundred 
 militia and six hundred Indians were embodied for the enterprise. 
 Colonel Daniel was engaged to co-operate by land. The Spanish 
 garrison had stored the castle with four months’ provisions, being 
 apprized of the design. The invaders wanted battering artillery to 
 besiege it, and Daniel now set out for Jamaica to pro jure some, but he 
 narrowly escaped capture. The appearance of two Spanish men-of war 
 from Havanna at the mouth of the harbour terrified the Governor, who 
 abandoned his own ships, and then fled without delay to Carolina. As 
 a result of this rash undertaking, the colony had to bear a debt of six 
 thousand pounds, to be discharged by bills of credit, redeemable in three 
 years, out of a duty on liquors, skins and furs. 24 
 
 In the year 1704, an Act was passed to prevent the increase of 
 Popery in the province of Maryland, and it was made an offence to 
 celebrate Mass in any but private houses. The priests were forbidden 
 to receive converts into their church, or to discharge any other duties 
 of their ministry. Moreover, Catholics were forbidden to teach. They 
 were also taxed in the double, as compared with assessments levied on 
 Protestants. Another insulting enactment prevented them approaching 
 within one hundred yards of the State House. In that land, which 
 the Catholics had opened to Protestants flying from fanatical persecu- 
 
 21 Thus stated, in the Parliamentary- 
 History, Vol. vi., p. 4. See Henry 
 Hallam’s “ Constitutional History of 
 England from the Accession of Henry 
 VII. to the Death of George II.” 
 Vol ii., chap, xvi., p. 562. Edition 
 of 1827, London, in two vols. 4to. 
 
 22 See George Bancroft’s “ History of 
 the United States.” Vol. iii., chap, 
 xxi.. p. 209. 
 
 23 See Rev. Dr. William Henry 
 Foote’s “ Sketches of North Carolina, 
 
 Historical and Biographical.” New 
 York, 1846, 8vo. 
 
 24 See David Ramsey’s “ History of 
 of South Carolina, from its Settle¬ 
 ment in 1670 to the year 1808,” Vol. 
 i., p. 129. This work was first pub¬ 
 lished at Trenton, 1785, in two 8vo 
 vols., under the title “History of the 
 Revolution of South Carolina from a 
 British Province to an Independent 
 State.” This was also translated into 
 French by Lefort, and published at 
 Londres et Paris, 1787. 
 
DISTURBANCES IN THE CAROL!NAS. 
 
 61 
 
 tions themselves, the Catholic inhabitant was now the sole victim to 
 Anglican intolerance.- 5 Notwithstanding those penal statutes, Catholic 
 missionaries continued to labour among their respective Hocks, while the 
 faith was zealously preserved by the members of their different congre¬ 
 gations. With good judgment, and on a flue site, the present Baltimore 
 was laid out in 1729 as a town. It gradually grew to be erected into a 
 city in 1797. 26 
 
 In 1705, French explorers ascended the Missouri, to the mouth of 
 Kansas River. There, they met with kind and hospitable treatment 
 from the Indians, whose forbearance on this occasion soon obliterated 
 the remembrance of that opposition offered by the savages on the Mis 
 sissippi. The war in Europe at this time demanded all the resources 
 ol France. It required likewise all their attention and a strain on the 
 people, both in old France and in “New France." Unable to keep up 
 the usual advances, Louis XIV. had allowed his colony of Louisiana to 
 become reduced, almost to the last degree of penury. To contribute 
 either men or money for its support was out of the question. Still, the 
 king was intent upon keeping Louisiana from the hands of his enemies. 
 This country, it was believed, must contain inexhaustible mines of gold 
 and silver. When opened, these ought not only place the colony upon 
 a permanent basis; but, it was calculated, they should be more than 
 sufficient to remove the great war-debt of France. Luring the reign 
 of Louis XIV. this heavy burden had increased to upwards of two 
 thousand millions of iivres. 
 
 In the Carolinas a mixed population had settled, and factions 
 prevailed during the latter part of the seventeenth and the early 
 portion of the eighteenth century. While the proprietors were in¬ 
 clined to introduce and propagate the doctrines of the English episcopal 
 church, the great body of the people—denominated by the oligar¬ 
 chical party, “Quakers, atheists, deists, and other evil-disposed 
 persons”—strenuously resisted their pretentions. In 1700, James 
 Moore 27 was governor of South Carolina. The governor of this 
 province usually appointed his deputy to rule in North Carolina. 
 However, in both divisions anarchy generally prevailed, and between 
 the proprietaries and the people, it was found to be a difficult task to 
 settle their differences. The son of Governor Moore 28 —also called 
 James—had early acquired renown in his campaigns against the Indians. 
 In 1702, he - undertook an expedition against the Spaniards, at St. 
 
 25 See George Bancroft’s “ History of 
 the United States,” Vol. iii., chap, 
 xix., p. 32. 
 
 26 See “ An Historical View of the 
 Governments of Maryland, from its 
 Colonization to the present Day.” 
 Baltimore, 1831. 
 
 27 He was a descendant, it is said, 
 of the celebrated Roger Moore, and 
 born in Ireland about 1640. He 
 
 emigrated to America in 1665, and 
 settled at Charlestown, S.C. He died 
 there in 1721. See Appleton’s 
 “ Cyclopaedia of American Biography,” 
 Vol. iv., p. 381. 
 
 28 He was born in Charlestown, 
 S C., in 1667, and he died near Cape 
 Fear, N.C., November 10th, 1740. 
 See ibid. 
 
 w 
 
82 
 
 IRISII-AM EltlCAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Augustine in Florida, which was unsuccessful. Again, in 1703, he 
 embodied a force of fifty whites and one thousand pagan Indians ; 29 he 
 then marched against the Appalachees, 30 who were Christian Indians, 
 instructed and baptized by the Spanish missionaries. Those had been 
 civilized, and they had formed settlements as farmers and herdsmen in 
 middle Florida. 81 Their villages were then burned, the churches were 
 pillaged and destroyed, while the converts, numbering two thousand, 
 were forcibly removed to Georgia. 
 
 Very early in the eighteenth century, Irish immigrants began to seek 
 their homes in the colonies. 82 Want of access to local United States 
 histories and family records prevents more than merely a meagre 
 enumeration and an account of particular persons who are celebrated, or 
 of the general numbers who entered the country as actual settlers. The 
 following incidents of early colonization serve only to illustrate the 
 ubiquitousness of Irish-American life in the colonies. A free and a 
 noble-hearted Irishman, named Henry Wileman, owned a patent for 
 three hundred thousand acres, granted in 1709, and he commenced the 
 early settlement of Wilemantown, New York. 33 The first settlers on 
 the Shenandoah Valley were from Ireland. One of these named John 
 Lewis had a bloody encounter there with an oppressive land-holder 
 under whom he was lessee, and he fled in the first instance for refuge 
 to Portugal. He brought his wife Mary Lynn, having four sons and 
 one daughter, when he settled on a creek running into the middle forks 
 of Shenandoah River. His residence was a few miles below Stanton, 
 standing on Lewis Creek, so called after the first settler. He located 
 land in different places, and he usually made judicious selections. 
 Much about the same time, John Mackey took up his residence 
 at Buffalo Gap, while John Sailing settled at the forks of James River, 
 below the Natural Bridge. 34 Among the early settlers in Newburgh, 
 New York, were the following Irish emigrants, Wauch, Sly, McCollum, 
 Denniston, Wear, Burnet, Ireland, Batie, Crowell, and Ross. 35 About 
 the year 1710, numerous Irish immigrants began to settle about the 
 Blue Ridge Mountains, in the present counties of Patrick and Rock¬ 
 bridge. Several Virginian localities, such as the two Rivers, Mayo, 
 
 29 See John Lawson’s “ History of 
 Carolina, with its Natural History, 
 Journal of a Thousand Miles’ Travels 
 among the Indians from South to 
 North Carolina, Dictionary of their 
 Languages.” London, 1714, sm. 4to. 
 
 30 In George Bancroft’s “ History of 
 the United States,” Yol. iii., there is 
 a historic Dissertation on the Abori¬ 
 gines east of the Mississippi, and a 
 Map setting forth their geographical 
 distribution. See Chap. xxii. pp. 235 
 to 318. 
 
 31 See Charlevoix’s “ Histoire de la 
 Nouvelle France,” Tome iii., p. 473 
 
 * 2 In 1672, Sir William Petty esti¬ 
 
 mated the Irish population at 
 1,320,000. In the beginning of the 
 last century, the inhabitants had in¬ 
 creased to over 2,000,000, and of this 
 number, several made their way to 
 America. 
 
 33 See Eager’s “History of Orange 
 County, New York,” pp. 260, 261. 
 
 34 See Rev. William Henry Foote’s 
 “ Sketches Historical and Biographi¬ 
 cal of the Presbyterian Church in 
 Virginia.” Published at Philadelphia, 
 in 8vo. First Series, 1849, Second 
 Series, 1855. 
 
 35 See Eager’s “ History of Orange 
 County,New York.” n. 92. 
 
IRISH EASTERN COLONIZATION. 
 
 83 
 
 McGaheysville, Healys-town, Kennedys-town, Lynchburg, McFarlands- 
 town, and Kinsale, are undoubtedly of Irish origin ; while the 
 McDowells, McDuffys, McGruders and Breckenridges, with several 
 other families, came from Ireland. 36 About the year 1711 or 1712, an 
 eminent preacher among the Quakers came from Ireland, and settled in 
 New Garden, Chester County, Pennsylvania. He travelled much in 
 their service being greatly esteemed and loved. 37 One of the original 
 settlers, in Newbury Colony of Massachusetts, and named John Kelly, 
 was of Irish descent. Many of his descendants are found in New 
 Hampshire, as also in most of the New England and other States. 3 * An 
 eminent preacher among the Quakers, named Thomas Lightfoot, came 
 from Ireland in 1716. He was much beloved for his piety and virtues. 
 He died at an advanced age, a.d. 1725, at New Garden, in Pennsyl¬ 
 vania. 39 The first settlement in Kinawha County, Virginia, was made 
 by an Irishman named Kelly, and after him it was called Kelly’s Creek, 
 twenty miles above Charleston. 40 The first Presbyterian minister, who 
 regularly settled in Virginia, was a Mr. Craig, born August 17th, 
 1709, in the parish of Donagar, County of Antrim, Ireland. 41 A very 
 large emigration from the North of Ireland to Pennsylvania took place, 
 between the years 1720 and 1730. The emigrants at once 
 pushed on to the frontiers of Chester County, and they settled 
 along Chicques, Alungo, Swatara, and Paxtang Creeks, in the town¬ 
 ship of Donegal. 42 The town of Dublin, New Hampshire, was 
 named from the metropolis of Ireland. Most probably many—if not 
 most—of its earliest citizens hailed from tke latter city. In a petition 
 for incorporation, it is described as a of land, commonly called 
 
 and known by the name of Dublin or Monadock. 43 In the year 1729, 
 several Longford families took shipping at Dublin, and sailed with a 
 brutal mariner, Captain Rymer. He refused to land them, until he 
 extorted extra payment, and then he set them ashore at Cape Cod, 
 
 36 See Thomas D’Arcv McGee’s 
 “ History of the Irish Settlers in 
 North America,” chap, ii., p. 26, 
 Boston, 8vo. 
 
 37 See Robert Proud’s “ History of 
 Pennsylvania, from 1681 tili after the 
 Year 1742.” Ar. edition appeared in 
 1797, and in 1798, at Philadelphia, in 
 two vols. 8vo. 
 
 38 See Coffin’s “ History of New¬ 
 bury.” 
 
 39 See Proud’s “ History of Penn¬ 
 sylvania.” 
 
 40 Among the earliest settlers were 
 the Morrisses, whose descendants 
 afterwards formed a tenth of the popu¬ 
 lation of the count} 7 . Joseph Carroll, 
 John Young, Andrew Donnelly, Mi¬ 
 chael Shee were also very early settlers 
 
 For many years they subsisted 
 chiefly on buffalo, bear, elk, deer, 
 raccoon meat and Indian corn, broken 
 in stone mortars. See “ Historical 
 Collections of Virginia,” for an account. 
 
 41 See Foote’s “Sketches Historical 
 and Biographical of the Presbyterian 
 Church in Virginia.” 
 
 42 The following are some of- the 
 names mentioned, Daunport, Cart¬ 
 ridge, Baily, Gordon, Harris, Burt, 
 Hendricks, * Galbraith, Croghan, 
 Lowry, McGintv, &c. The two latter 
 travelled Kentucky both ways, and 
 explored that territory before Gist 
 made his appearance south of the 
 Ohio. See Potter’s American 
 Monthly, for March, 1875. 
 
 43 See “ History of Dublin, New 
 Hampshire,” p. 13. 
 
IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 
 whence some of them moved to the banks of the beautiful Hudson 
 River. Charles Clinton 44 was one of these, and even then, he had two 
 sons 45 and a grandson, 46 who were destined to become distinguished 
 historical characters, in the subsequent annals of New York. So early 
 as 1730, we find in the interior of the State of Pennsylvania, townships 
 ■called Derry, • Donegal, Tyrone and Coleraine, to indicate districts, 
 whence the settlers came from the old country. And, it is remarkable, 
 that for the year ending December 1729, while only 267 English and 
 Welsh, 43 Scotch, and 343 Germans, had arrived at the port of 
 Philadelphia, no less than 5,655 Irish landed there 47 —nearly nine early 
 Irish immigrants tc one from all the other European nationalities. 48 
 
 During the latter part of the seventeenth century, the Indians of 
 Maine resenting the occupation of their lands by English settlers, took 
 revenge by massacre and burning their houses. 49 The New Englanders 
 sent parties of armed men against those Indians, but seldom succeeded 
 in reaching them in the woods which they held. 50 Several inroads on 
 JSew England were made by the French and by the Indians at a later 
 period. Some towns and villages were burned, while many of the colon¬ 
 ists were killed. 51 Although the French priests, naturally attached to 
 the interests and honour of their nation, sought by every means to re¬ 
 strain such excesses ; still the ferocity of their savage converts could not 
 always be restrained, especially on their war expeditions. However, the 
 people of New England attributed very generally those marauding excur¬ 
 sions, to the agency of the fathers living among their foes. The Indians 
 in Maine naturally felt indignant that any encroachment on their lands 
 should be made. The Abenakis there had long been Christians, while 
 the French priests maintained churches and flourishing missions on the 
 Penobscot and on the Kennebec. Adjoining the latter river, there was 
 a settlement at Norridgewock. For nearly thirty years, it was under the 
 direction of the Jesuit Father Sebastian Rasies. 52 In the year 1705, a 
 party of New Englanders had burned the church and village of Nor¬ 
 ridgewock in Maine, but these were soon rebuilt. 
 
 Meanwhile, the needy and profligate Edward Hyde 53 Lord Corn- 
 bury had been sent out in 1702, as Governor of New York and New 
 Jersey; 54 but, he was charged with appropriating money to his own 
 
 44 He was born in the County of 
 Longford, Ireland, in 1690, and he 
 died in Orange Country, N.Y. No¬ 
 vember 19th, 1773. 
 
 45 These were General George Clin¬ 
 ton, and General James Clinton. 
 
 46 See Hoozack’s “Memoir of De 
 Witt Clinton,” New York, 1829, 8vo. 
 
 47 Gordon’s “History,” pp. 207, 208, 
 
 411 See Holme’s “ Annals of Amer¬ 
 ica,” Vol. i. 
 
 49 See William Hubbard’s “ Narra¬ 
 tive ot the Indian Wars in New 
 England.” Boston, 1775. 
 
 50 See Daniel Neal’3 “ History of 
 New England,” Vol. ii., chap, xiii., 
 pp. 171 to 191. 
 
 51 See Hutchinson’s “ History of the 
 Province of Massachusetts-Bay,” Vol. 
 ii., chap, ii., pp. 134 to 147. 
 
 52 See Charlevoix’s “ Histoire de la 
 Nouvelle France,” Tome ii. 
 
 53 He was a kinsman to Queen 
 Anne, being grandson of Lord Chan¬ 
 cellor Clarendon, her grand-father on 
 the mother’s side. 
 
 54 The proprietors had recently 
 surrendered its government to the crown. 
 
THE FRENCH AND SPANIARDS ATTACK CHARLESTOWN. 
 
 ase, which the Assembly of New York had raised at his instance, for 
 ihe erecting of batteries at the Narrows. He also continued to charge 
 enormous fees, while he demanded money repeatedly, and then mis¬ 
 applied it. At the expense of other sects, he sought to establish 
 Protestant episcopalianism in every quarter of his province. Soon a 
 bitter quarrel arose between himself and the Assembly. The members, 
 passed a resolution, “That the imposing and levying of any moneys 
 upon Her Majesty’s subjects of this colony, under any pretence or 
 colour whatsoever without their consent in General Assembly, is a 
 grievance, and a violation of the people’s property.” At length, the 
 united complaints of New York and New Jersey induced the Queen to 
 recall him in 1706. 
 
 An expedition had been fitted out at Havanna, conjointly by the 
 French and Spanish governments, to take possession of Carolina. It 
 was placed under the command of M. Le Feboure, captain of a 
 French frigate, having four other armed vessels and eight hundred 
 men to second the effort. Aware of these preparations, Sir Nathaniel 
 Johnson the Governor began to erect works of defence about the 
 harbour of Charlestown, where the enemy was expected to land.. 
 In 1706, while approaching the place by sea, a force of militia and 
 Indians had been collected for its defence. The French and Spaniards 
 attacked Charlestown three several times. They were repulsed 
 however by the inhabitants, who captured a French frigate, with 
 a number of their men. 65 An expedition was fitted out likewise 
 by Governor Dudley of Massachusetts and New Hampshire in 
 
 1707, to ravage the settlements of Acadia and to take the French fort 
 at Port Royal. Connecticut contributed her quota towards the 
 1,000 men, who sailed on the 13th of May from Nantasket, in twenty- 
 three transports under convoy with two ships of war. Under the com¬ 
 mand of Colonel March, they reached Port Royal in a few days. This, 
 attempt pi’oved to be a failure, for on reconnoitring the place, it was 
 deemed too strong for any hostile assault, and the troops that had landed 
 there again re-embarked, having spent ten days in fruitless parade about 
 the fortress. A similar hostile enterprise was planned the following 
 year, and the English ministry having promised to send five regiments of 
 regular troops, twelve hundred men raised in Massachusetts and Rhode 
 Island were held in readiness to sail from Boston for Quebec. The 
 colonies southwards were expected to furnish fifteen hundred men, to 
 march by way of Lake Champlain against Montreal. After waiting many 
 months for the arrival of the British troops, and learning at last, that 
 the necessity for supporting the great European war had obliged Eng¬ 
 land to send them to Portugal, the colonists found it impracticable to 
 continue longer in arms, and that project was then abandoned. Mean¬ 
 while the Irish Catholic settlers in Maryland became so numerous in 
 
 1708, that the Protestant inhabitants there took umbrage. They passed 
 
 68 See George Bancroft’s “ History of the United States,” Vol. iii., chap. xxi. 
 
86 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 an intolerant ict, which imposed a fine of twenty shillings as a poll- 
 tax on Irish servants, to prevent importing too great a number of 
 Irish Papists into the province. 56 Notwithstanding the violation of 
 every principle of justice and of every sound maxim of policy, such 
 legislation prevailed in various other colonies at this time. 
 
 It was deemed expedient once more, to organize an expedition 
 against the French, and the colonists of New England applied to the 
 Queen for support. Accordingly, Colonel Nicholson, who had com¬ 
 manded those troops destined for Montreal the year previous, came over 
 from England with five frigates and a bomb-ketch. He was joined by 
 three regiments of New England troops. They sailed from Boston on 
 the 18th of September 1710, and arrived before Port Royal on the 24th 
 of that month. 57 An attack, which was supported by ships of war, 
 resulted on the 3th of October in the surrender of Port Royal, which 
 was afterwards called Annapolis, in honour of the reigning sovereign. 
 Acadia was also ravaged. Immediately afterwards, General Nicholson 
 annexed it, under the title of Nova Scotia, to the British crown. 58 Soon 
 afterwards, he returned to England, where his representations and 
 influence resolved the ministry to plan an invasion on a still larger scale. 
 
 In the year 1711, a great effort was made, in combination with the 
 colonists, to take possession of Canada. Large sums of money were 
 raised by New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, while a strong 
 body of colonial militia was held ready to march. A fleet consisting of 
 fifteen warships and forty transports, having seven veteran regiments of 
 Marlborough’s army on board, now arrived in Boston harbour. At this 
 this time, the population of Canada hardly numbered twenty thousand, 
 while that of the English colonies might have been near four hundred 
 thousand. Notwithstanding, the French made strenuous efforts for 
 measures of defence. 59 Provisions were impressed for use of those about 
 to take part in such expeditions, while Massachusetts issued £40,000 in 
 bills of credit, to bear her portion of the charges. This extravagant issue, 
 in the existing state of her resources, afterwards caused great financial em¬ 
 barrassments, and it soon produced a depreciated currency. New York 
 had also contributed £10,000 in bills of credit, while she incurred debts 
 to a still greater amount. Fifteen hundred colonial soldiers were 
 j assembled at Albany, with eight hundred warriors of the Five Nations, 60 
 ( for an intended attack on Montreal. The fleet sailed from Boston for 
 • Quebec, on the 30th of July, under the command of Admiral Hovenden 
 Walker, and carrying seven thousand soldiers, under the command of 
 the British General Hill. Great anticipations of success had been 
 
 86 See the “ History of Baltimore.” 
 
 57 See for details of this expedition, 
 Hutchinson’s “ History of Massachu¬ 
 setts-Bay,” Vol. ii., chap, ii., pp. 
 180 to i84. 
 
 58 See Haliburton’s “ Historical and 
 Statistical Account of Novia Scotia.” 
 Halifax. 1829. 
 
 59 See Charlevoix’s “ Histoire de la 
 Nouvelle France,” Tome ii., pp. 351-361. 
 
 60 For an account of these Indian 
 tribes the reader is referred to Cad- 
 wallader Colden’s “ History of the 
 Five Indian Nations depending on 
 the Province of New York,” Pub¬ 
 lished at New York, 1727, 8vo. 
 
ENGLISH EXPEDITION AGAINST CANADA. 
 
 87 
 
 formed by the English ministry, but these were doomed to disappoint¬ 
 ment. 61 The Admiral and General were court favourites, and as such, 
 they had been selected for the high commission entrusted to them. 
 Both were equally inefficient and through culpable negligence, 62 the 
 former ruined all their prospects. A part of the fleet was wrecked in 
 the River St. Lawrence, and one thousand men then perished. Ten 
 transports were cast away on Egg Island, August 23rd. Whereupon, 
 Admiral Walker abandoned the expedition, and, not daring to attack 
 the French at Cape Breton, he returned to England. This untoward 
 occurrence prevented an intended movement of the land forces under 
 Nicholson. 63 At this time also, a war with the Five Nations was 
 apprehended, and rumours of a conspiracy among the slaves greatly 
 excited the people of New York. Owing to the harshness of treatment, 
 with which those unfortunate beings were harrassed by their masters, 
 a formidable insurrection broke out, in the year 1712, 64 but it was 
 speedily suppressed. After the failure of the English expedition against 
 Canada, the colonies were greatly exposed to French depredations, 
 especially on their northern frontiers. 65 In the year 1713, however, a 
 treaty of peace was signed at Utrecht, and proclaimed on the 5th of 
 May. 66 This ended the war in America, France retaining posses¬ 
 sion of Canada, but ceding Acadia and Newfoundland, while 
 making over to Britain her claims to the sovereignty of the Five 
 Nations. 
 
 The special privileges granted bt 7 the crown, for the encouragement of 
 emigration to Carolina had been published throughout Great Britain ,nd 
 Ireland, in the earlier part of the eighteenth century. This bounty in¬ 
 duced multitudes of industrious labourers and husbandmen in Ireland, 
 who had been oppressed by their landlords, and through the existing state 
 of the laws there, to embark for Carolina, where they hoped to procure a 
 comfortable subsistence for themselves and for their families. 67 Of all 
 other countries, Ireland furnished the province of South Carolina with 
 the greatest number of early inhabitants. Hardly a ship sailed from any 
 
 61 When St. John, afterwards 
 Lord Bollingbroke, heard that the 
 fleet had safely arrived at Boston, he 
 wrote exultingly to the Duke of 
 Orrery, “ I believe you may depend 
 on our being masters, at this time, 
 of all North America.” 
 
 62 In Bishop Burnet’s “ History of 
 his own Time,” the author attributes 
 incorrectly the loss of the fleet solely 
 to a storm. See Vol. ii , Book vii., 
 
 . 578. This work was published in 
 ondon, 1724 and 1734, in two folio 
 vols. 
 
 63 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. iii., chap, 
 xxi., p. 224. 
 
 84 See Jamea Grahame’s “ History 
 
 of North America,” Book v., chap, 
 ii. 
 
 65 In the year 1713, H Moll’s 
 “ Atlas of Maps ” appeared, and in it 
 are many folding Maps engraved on 
 copper. Ten of these are devoted to 
 America, and these include the Eng¬ 
 lish dominions in that country. 
 
 66 The details of this treaty are 
 very minutely set forth in Dean 
 Swift’s “History of the Four last 
 Years of Queen Anne,” Book the 
 fourth, and to be found in Thomas 
 Roscoe’s edition of his works, Yol. i., 
 pp. 473 to 490. 
 
 67 See “ Rise and Progress of Caro' 
 lina and Georgia,” by Alexander 
 Henrett, London, 1779. 
 
IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 
 of its ports, that had not been crowded with men, women and children. 68 
 Williamsburg on the Black River was peopled by Irish in 1734, as also 
 Camden on the Wateree. In the Indian districts of Waxhaws on the 
 Santee River, a considerable Irish colony settled ; and from these 
 colonists are derived the historic names of Rutledge, Jackson, and 
 Calhoun. 
 
 In the year 1715, the fourth Lord Baltimore—whose family name 
 was Benedict Charles Calvert—being a Protestant recovered proprietary 
 rights, and these remained vested in his family tc the period of the 
 American Revolution. Notwithstanding the penal enactments of a 
 previous date, these did not prevent the influx of Irish Papists into 
 Maryland ; and we find, that in 1717, another Act of proscription even 
 more stringent was passed against them. 69 
 
 The proprietors of the Carolinas had been long involved in disputes 
 with their tenants, the latter having well founded charges expressive of 
 their grievances to allege against Lord Granville the Palatine, who was 
 a bigoted churchman. He impoliticly aggravated this quarrel during 
 the war and until his death, which occurred in 1707. He was succeeded 
 by Lord Craven, who was a more liberal and tolerant member of the 
 same denomination. The settlers in North Carolina, having encroached 
 on the Indian lands, found themselves engaged in war with the 
 Tuscaroras, from 1711 to 1713. At length, that tribe was driven out of 
 the country, and these Indians retired to western New York. There, 
 they were admitted into the confederacy of the Five Nations. After 
 this, the Indians composing it were often known as the Six Nations. 7 ® 
 The Yamassees, Catawbas, Cherokees and Creeks ravaged the outlying 
 settlements in South Carolina, thus obliging the planters to retire on 
 Charlestown for protection in 1715. Finally, about six thousand of the 
 Yamassees, encountered at a place called Salt Catchers, were completely 
 routed and driven into Florida. In the course of a short time succeed¬ 
 ing, the other tribes made peace. 
 
 It was now resolved by the Assembly, that a barrier should be 
 opposed to the return, of the Yamassees, by offering their territory 
 to all adventurers, who should come and settle in it. Those 
 Indians having been expelled by the proprietors from South 
 Carolina, the council announced in England and Ireland, that their lands 
 should be partitioned and given to actual settlers. This offer induced 
 500 persons to remove from Ireland, but only to find, that the 
 proprietors were false to their promises. Many of those immigrants 
 having spent their money were reduced to the extreme of misery, 
 and they were famished with hunger, while others who had saved 
 something removed thence to the northern colonies. 71 But all 
 settlers were not disposed to yield submission to the adverse condition 
 
 68 See Ramsey’s “ History of South 
 Carolina.” 
 
 69 See “ History of Baltimore.” 
 
 70 See Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 
 United States,” Vol. iii., chap, xxiii. 
 pp. 319 to 322. 
 
 71 See Ramsey’s “History of South 
 Carolina.” 
 
FRENCH ENTERPRISE IN LOUISIANA. 
 
 89 
 
 of affairs. The proprietors there opposed the electoral laws of 
 the legislature, and the issue of paper money. Besides they sent in¬ 
 structions to the Governor Robert Johnson, to approve of no legislative 
 measures, until these had been first laid before them. A popular insur¬ 
 rection took place in Carolina a.d. 1.719, as a consequence of these and 
 other arbitrary orders. The occasion was furnished, when it had been 
 rumoured, that an expedition was being fitted out in Havana, and that 
 its destination was Carolina. Governor Johnson proposed preparation 
 for this emergency, by raising a subscription among the inhabitants for 
 repairing the forts in Charlestown harbour. Meantime, the proprietors 
 had sent an order, that the Assembly should remove a duty of five per 
 cent, which had been levied on British manufactures. The Assembly 
 protested against their right to revoke the laws of the province, and they 
 asserted, that receipts from the duties should suffice for the projected 
 works. A violent altercation then arose between the Governor and the 
 Assembly. Private meetings were held to concert measures for resistance. 
 The militia unanimously subscribed a pledge of association, while the 
 people engaged to stand by each other, in the assertion of their rights 
 and privileges. At the next meeting of the Assembly, the proprietors 
 were declared to have forfeited their rights of government, while the 
 Hon. Robert Johnson was desired to accept the governor’s office, but 
 in the name of the King. After a vain effort at conciliation, he proclaimed 
 the dissolution of the Assembly, but this proclamation was torn from 
 the officer’s hands. The Assembly thereupon elected Colonel John 
 Moore as their chief magistrate. The Governor had retired into the 
 country; but when he came to Charlestown, for the purpose of holding 
 a militia review, the men paraded in the public square openly celebrated 
 the inauguration of Moore as the King’s Governor. The Assembly then 
 chose their own council, and deliberately set about the transaction of 
 public business. The people were on their side almost unanimously, 
 while their English agent obtained a decision from the King’s council, 
 that the proprietors had forfeited their rights. Soon afterwards, a Mr. 
 Francis Nicholson was sent out as royal Governor, to the great delight 
 of the provincials. 72 
 
 Mutual friendship and confidence had been established between 
 the French—whose capacity for colonization is so proverbial—and 
 all the Western tribes of Indians. Emigrants from the St. Lawrence 
 continued to enter the Illinois district, which was then settling up 
 rapidly. Old Kaskaskia had become the capital of that country. 
 The authorities, during 1712, issued land titles for a “common field,” 
 while deeds and titles were made out to aid the people in the pursuit 
 of important public and private enterprises. In view of present pros¬ 
 perity and a promising future for the Illinois, the French then looked 
 upon it as a terrestrial paradise. Mines of precious ores were believed 
 to exist, on either side of the great river. The monarch of France Louis 
 
 7 "See J. A. Doyle’s “ English in America,” Chap, xii., pp. 437 to 508. London, 
 1882, 8vo. 
 
SO IRISII-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 XIV. at last granted the exclusive privilege in all the trade and com¬ 
 merce of the province to Anthony Crozat, a wealthy and an influential 
 merchant of France." 3 He had prospered in opulence, to the astonish¬ 
 ment of all the world. His charter embraced sixteen years, dating 
 from the 26th of September 1712, to the 26th of September 1728. 
 As then held by France, Louisiana embraced the entire Mississippi 
 valley, from the Alleghanies to the Rocky Mountains, and even 
 northwards to the lakes in Canada. At that time there were less than 
 380 Europeans in the lower half of the district described ; yet, Crozat 
 entered upon his projects, and with an energy which exhibited his 
 confidence in this gigantic and hazardous undertaking. He adopted 
 for government of the country the laws, usages and customs of Paris. 
 These were the first covenants of civilized society that were ever in 
 existence between the Gulf of Mexico and the Falls of St. Anthony. 
 They were principally copied from the Roman civil law. 
 
 In 1712, M. de la Motte Cadillac was appointed Royal Governor of 
 Louisiana by Louis XIV. He arrived in Louisiana in 1713. In order 
 to enlist his zeal in the commerce of the colony, Crozat associated La 
 Motte as a partner in his own operations. However, La Motte was a 
 self-important and an egotistical man, whose elevation, from obscurity 
 in France to the position of “ Royal Governor of Louisiana,” rendered 
 him almost unfit even for association with his superiors. When he was 
 ordered by the ministry to assist the agents of Crozat in establishing 
 trading posts on the Wabash and Illinois, he at once got into bad 
 humour. He had the hardihood to write back to the ministry, that 
 Crozat’s instructions to his agents seemed to have issued from a lunatic 
 asylum. He declared, that for useful or profitable purposes, boats 
 could not run up the Mississippi into the Wabash, the Missouri, or the 
 Red River. This M. de la Motte, the first governor under the new 
 grant, and an escort arrived in the Illinois country, which also 
 comprised Missouri, in 1713. Anticipating an astonishing profit from 
 the mines, which the French hourly expected to find, little attention 
 was given to agriculture, except by a few individuals. Large invest¬ 
 ments were therefore necessary to purchase provisions. These, with 
 other expenses of the colony, greatly exceeded the profits of its trade. 
 After a trial of five years, having failed in all his plans, Crozat resigned 
 his charter. 74 
 
 Soon after this relinquishment, the colony of Louisiana was 
 granted by a patent, containing similar privileges and restrictions, to 
 the “ Compagnie de 1’ Occident,” or “ Company of the West.” This 
 organization obtained an extravagant authority, to monopolize all the 
 trade and commerce of Louisiana and of New France, to declare 
 
 73 See “ Memoires sur la Louisiane 
 et la Nouvelie Orleans, aceompagnes 
 d’une Dissertation sur les Avantages 
 qae le Commerce de l’Empire doit 
 tirer,” &c. Paris, 1804, 8vo. 
 
 • By decree of the Royal Council 23rd 
 August, 1717. He returned to France and 
 died in Paris, June 7th. 1738. See “ Me¬ 
 moires de Saint-Simon,” Tome xiii., p. 
 328, Paris Edition of 1829, 1830. 
 
FRENCH ENTERPRISE IN LOUISIANA. 91 
 
 and to prosecute wars, to appoint officers, and to exercise almost 
 sovereign sway. This company was under the direction of the noto¬ 
 rious John Law. 75 After some time, M. de la Motte 76 was succeeded 
 by M. de l’Espinay as Governor and Chief Commander in Louisiana. 
 By this company, Philippe Francis Renault had been appointed 
 Director-General of the Mines of Louisiana. With two hundred 
 miners and skilful assayers, he arrived in the Illinois country in 1719. 
 His miners were soon despatched in different directions, to explore the 
 country on both sides of the Mississippi. During the year 1719 and 
 1720, Sieur de Lochen, M. de la Motte and a number of other adven¬ 
 turers explored that country, lying between the Missouri and those 
 swamps east of the Ozark Hills. In 1719, the former commenced 
 digging on the Merrimac river, where he raised several hundred pounds 
 of lead. After various tedious experiments, he produced from this 
 quantity two drachms of silver, and then he left the lead as worthless. 
 Those treasure-seekers were in search of gold and silver; hence lead 
 had but a slight value in their estimation, nor had they apparently a 
 presentiment of that wealth it was destined to produce, in the future 
 commerce of Missouri. The miners and assayers sent out by the 
 Company of the West were required carefully to observe and to 
 report the presence of any rich ores, which might be discovered during 
 their explorations. They were oldiged even to mark such localities. 
 Those excursion parties were headed either by Director-General 
 Renault or by M. de la Motte. During one of their earliest excur¬ 
 sions, the latter discovered those lead mines which bear his name near 
 Fredericktown, in the present state of Missouri. Soon afterwards, 
 Renault discovered those mines north of Potosi, which are named in 
 remembrance of him. Failing to find either gold or silver, Renault 
 and his miners turned their attention to working the lead mines. 77 
 The great Mississippi Company of the French soon established a post 
 in the Illinois country There, the agents built Fort Chartres in the 
 great American Bottom, about sixty-five miles below the mouth of 
 the Missouri River, in 1720-21. At the time of its completion, this 
 was one of the strongest fortresses on the continent. Numerous 
 French settlements and villages were soon formed under the protection 
 it afforded. 
 
 75 See A. Cochut’s “ Law, son 
 Svsteme et son Epoque 1716-1729 ” 
 Paris, 1853. 8vo. 
 
 76 It is thought, however, that he 
 was one of de Bienville’s expedition, 
 when he discovered certain mines in 
 Madison County, in the present State 
 of Missouri, and which still perpetu¬ 
 ate his name. Circumstances appear 
 to prove that section "of country was 
 
 explored, and that lead ore had been 
 found abundant, so early as 1718. 
 
 77 This was continued until 1742, 
 when he returned to France-. From 
 the number of ancient diggings and 
 other indications, it is probable 
 enough, that large amounts of ore 
 were taken out and manufactured. 
 These products were principally 
 shipped to the parent country in Europ \ 
 
IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 92 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Events in New England and in the Carolinas—Settlement of Georgia—Proceed¬ 
 ings in New York—French Enterprise in Louisiana—Hostilities in the West 
 between the French and Spaniards—Irish Colonization in the early Tart of 
 the Eighteenth Century. 
 
 After those native-born colonists and emigrant.- from the mother- 
 country settled in their exposed homes, the Indian aboriginal tribes— 
 and especially those bordering on New England—frequently attacked 
 them. 1 We know that in Massachusetts—as in other colonies—the 
 Irish element had been well represented, even in the seventeenth cen¬ 
 tury, while the increase of numbers was still more considerable in 
 succeeding ages. Many of those immigrants came from Derry, and these 
 founded the town of Derryfield, near Boston ; but, that place was after¬ 
 wards called Manchester by the English, just as they changed New Am¬ 
 sterdam into New York, and Fort Duquesne to Pittsburgh. It has been 
 stated, that the celebrated Bunker Hill, near Boston, had been so 
 called after one similarly named in Ireland. 
 
 Meantime, the Indians in Maine began to feel alarmed at the 
 encroachments of the New Englanders on their territories. In 1704 
 and 1705, some Massachusetts expeditions attacked their missionary 
 stations. 2 The Indian chiefs sent messengers to Quebec, in order to 
 learn if France had really surrendered their territory. For more than 
 a quarter of a century, the venerable Sebastian Rasies a Jesuit had 
 established a mission at Norridgewock, where he built a church, and 
 gathered a flourishing village around it. The government of Massachu¬ 
 setts attempted in turn to establish a mission among the Indians, but 
 its minister failed to make any impression on the Abenakis, and he 
 returned to Boston. Some of their native chiefs had been seized by 
 stratagem and imprisoned, so that hostilities were resumed between the 
 Red Men and the Massachusetts people. These conceived a deadly 
 hatred towards Father Rasies, who was accused of keeping alive French, 
 influence in the disputed territory, and of exciting against themselves 
 hostility among the Indians. In January of the year 172" 
 
 Shute sent out a secret expedition from Boston, in order to s tze I' 
 Rasies. 3 Norridgewock was attacked by Colonel Westb •'we. >•> 
 
 1 See Hutchinson's “ History of the 
 Colony of Massachusetts-Bay, from l(5c8 
 to 1750,'’ Vols. i. and ii. In 1634, the 
 General Court of Massachusetts Bay 
 granted lands on the Merrimac River 
 for an Irish settlement, and there were 
 several hundred Irishmen who served 
 in King Philip’s Indian War, whose 
 names are still preserved in the colonial 
 records.—Annual meeting of the Ameri-, 
 can-Irish Historical .Society, New York, 
 
 Thursday evening, January 19th, 1899. 
 Address of l)r Thomas Addis Emmet. 
 
 "Major Church ravaged village's on 
 the Penobscot, while Colonel Hilton 
 burned several wigwams, with a church, 
 and a missionary station. See William¬ 
 son’s '‘History of Maine,” Vol. ii., 
 pp. 47 to 49. 
 
 3 See Penhallow’s “History of tho 
 Wars of New England,” p. 94. Cincin¬ 
 nati ed., Svo. 
 
EVENTS IN NEW ENGLAND AND IN THE CAROLINAS. 
 
 93 
 
 several of the inhabitants were obliged to fly for refuge to the woods, 
 in the autumn of that year. With them, Father Rasies made his escape, 
 but he nearly perished in the snow, which at that time covered the 
 ground. That place was afterwards plundered, while all the papers 
 of the priest were purloined and carried off. 4 The manuscript of his 
 celebrated Abenakis dictionary was also seized. 3 This outrage was 
 avenged by the Indians, who now were excited to still greater hos¬ 
 tilities. Father Rasies reported their land as lost, unless the French 
 should join with the Indians. He induced many of the latter to seek 
 Canada for protection, but he resolved on remaining. In July, the 
 government of Massachusetts raised troops for another expedition, and 
 by resolution they declared the Abenakis to be traitors and robbers, 
 while they stimulated ruffianism and savagery, by offering for each 
 Indian scalp at first a bounty of lifteen pounds and afterwards of a 
 hundred. Under the leadership of Westbrooke, a company marched 
 through the woods, to surprise one of their stockaded forts, probably 
 near the present Bangor. They arrived there at six o’clock in the 
 evening of March 9th 1722, and set fire to that village. 
 
 The Flew Englanders, with the aid of Mohawk Indians, had organized 
 another expedition under the leadership of Colonel Moulton. On the 
 23rd of August 1724, they surprised Norridgewock by pouring a volley 
 of musketry into that village. Knowing he was the principal object 
 sought for attack, Father Rasies went forth to meet the assailants. 
 He hoped by the sacrifice of his own life that his converts might 
 escape. He was shot down immediately, and at the foot of the mission 
 cross. After hacking his body to pieces, and scalping him, 6 the victors 
 rifled the altar tabernacle, profaned the Host and sacred vessels, and 
 then burned the church. In this onset, thirty of the Indians were 
 killed, and several were wounded, the survivors seeking safety in flight. 
 When the English had disappeared, the Abenakis returned, and finding 
 the remains of their martyr-missionary, these were buried among the 
 ruins of his church, and on that very spot where the altar formerly 
 stood. 7 The village was then abandoned, many of the former inhabi¬ 
 tants removing to Canada. This secured no peace for the people o_ 
 New England; for, after their missionary’s death, his controlling 
 influence no longer restrained the Indian ravages, which seemed to 
 multiply throughout all the border settlements. However, as the 
 French could not openly support the Indians, their chiefs were obliged 
 
 <* Among these was found a corre¬ 
 spondence of Vaudreuil, which proved a 
 latent hope to establish the power of 
 France on the Atlantic. See Bancroft’s 
 “ History of the United States,” Yol. 
 iii., chap, xxiii., pp. 333 to 335. 
 
 5 It is still preserved at Harvard Col¬ 
 lege. 
 
 6 According to Penha llow’s account. 
 Even for scalps of women and children, 
 
 the authorities in New i.ngland were 
 not ashamed to offer rewards for their 
 friendly Indians. Moreover, white 
 men on these expeditions were accus¬ 
 tomed to scalp the slain. See The New 
 York Post-Boy, Sept. 2, 1748, and July 
 23, 1750; as also The New York Mer¬ 
 cury, June 23, 1755. 
 
 7 Such is the account, as furnished 
 by the French Father de le Chasse. 
 
94 
 
 IR1SH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 to conclude a peace in 1726. 8 Soon afterwards, the old French mis¬ 
 sions in Maine began to decline; although by stealth, the French 
 missionaries occasionally visited the Algonquins, who still retained the 
 faith in which they had been baptized and instructed. 9 
 
 In 1729, the original vested rights of the North Carolina proprietors 
 were purchased by Parliament, for the sum of £17,000, with £5,000 for 
 arrears of rent, and the whole province was made subject to the Crown. 
 The colonists were greatly gratified b}^ the entire remission of their quit- 
 rents. As they now enjoyed comparative freedom, and were allowed the 
 practical exercise of self-government, settlers were attracted from the older 
 colonies, and emigrants from Great Britain soon arrived in great numbers. 
 Among these, Irish Presbyterians occupied whole sections of the lands; 
 while both the family names and denominations of the settlements indi¬ 
 cate the localities in Ireland, whence those people came, even at the 
 present time. Afterwards were erected the separate provinces of North 
 Carolina and South Carolina. Meantime the cultivation of rice had be¬ 
 come a staple product of these regions. Moreover, large importations of 
 negro slaves had been promoted by the wealthy farmers, who cultivated 
 plantations on an extensive scale, especially along the sea coast. 
 
 A distinguished English officer, named General James Edward 
 Oglethorpe, who was also a member in the House of Commons, formed 
 a benevolent design for establishing a new colony in America. He had 
 taken a great interest in the reformation of prisons, and in improving 
 the condition of those confined for debt; while he desired, that a 
 favourable opportunity should be afforded discharged prisoners and 
 other unfortunate persons, who might find a community, in which they 
 could begin life once more and under better auspices. 10 He also 
 intended to erect a military barrier between the Spaniards—then in 
 possession of Florida—and the weak English Colonies in South Carolina. 
 This plan was approved of by King George II., and by his government. 
 In the year 1732, a Royal Charter was granted for all that part of the 
 old Carolina province, lying south of the Savannah River. Trustees 
 were appointed to govern the new Colony, and subscriptions were 
 received all over the kingdom to defray its expenses. Accordingly in 
 November 1732, General Oglethorpe sailed from England with one 
 hundred and thirty-five persons. The trustees sent out one hundred 
 and fifty others; while, owing to the efforts of some among their 
 brethren, forty Jews and seventy-eight German Protestants emigrated. 
 In May 1733, Savannah was founded. Next year a party of Mor¬ 
 avians arrived. Some Scottisli Highlanders settled likewise on the 
 Altamaha. Except Papists, a free exercise of religion was guaranteed 
 to all others in this Royal Charter. 11 The colonists were obliged to 
 
 8 See Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States, Vol iii., chap, xxiii., pp. 
 335 to 33S. 
 
 9 See John Gihnary Shea’s “ Catholic 
 Church in Colonial Days,” Book vi., 
 chap, ii., pp. 592 to 605. 
 
 IIJ See Rev. Dr. Thaddeus M. Harris’s 
 “ Biographical Memoirs of James Ogle¬ 
 thorpe,” published in Boston, 1841, 
 Svo. 
 
 11 See Stevens’ “History of Georgia,” 
 Vol. i. 
 
SETTLEMENT OF GEORGIA. 
 
 95 
 
 render military service. In April 1734, General Oglethorpe went back 
 to England, and he returned the year following accompanied by about 
 300 emigrants. 12 He laboured zealously to plant the colony, and to 
 introduce habits of industry and civilization. 
 
 In 1740, England and Spain were engaged in hostilities. The 
 Spaniards, in Florida, claiming all that district, now threatened to 
 attack the English plantations in Georgia. It was found necessary to 
 bring over six hundred regular soldiers from England, while General 
 Oglethorpe 13 also procured the assistance of a large force of friendly 
 Indians for resistance. Fearing that the Spaniards were preparing for 
 the invasion of his settlements, General Oglethorpe resolved to march 
 against St. Augustine. Accordingly, in 1740 he raised a force of two 
 thousand men, and afterwards he attempted to besiege that place. 14 
 But, he wanted cannon for the purpose. The approach of the sickly 
 season, moreover, obliged his return to Savannah. As a reprisal for 
 this invasion, the Spaniards invaded Georgia in 1742, and they inflicted 
 various losses among the colonists. However, they were finally expelled. 
 Oglethorpe 15 returned to England in 1743. 16 For nearly ten years 
 afterwards, Georgia was ruled by a Governor and a Council. Subse¬ 
 quently, it became a Royal province. Notwithstanding the reluctance 
 of the various provincial Legislatures, to allow an extension of slavery 
 in America, yet it suited the policy of England to promote and main¬ 
 tain that system, during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. 17 
 
 In the year 1741, rumours spread in the City of New York, that 
 the Negroes were about to burn its houses and to massacre its 
 inhabitants. 18 About the same time, a letter was published from 
 Governor Oglethorpe of Georgia who declared, that Jesuits acting 
 in the interests of the Spaniards were hiding in all the Colonial 
 towns. This further increased that popular panic. The cry of a 
 
 12 Among these were the celebrated 
 brothers, John and Charles Wesley. The 
 Journal of John Wesley, included in an 
 edition of his Works, edited by John 
 Emory, in seven volumes, has been pub¬ 
 lished in New York, 1835. An Irish Metho¬ 
 dist, Henry Moore, has written a “ Life of 
 John and Charles Wesley and Memoirs 
 of their Family,” published in 1824. 
 
 13 He wrote an account of this cam¬ 
 paign, which was published in London, 
 1742. 
 
 14 See William Roberts’ “ Accounts 
 of the First Discovery and Natural 
 History of Florida, with Detail of the 
 several Expeditions and Descents made 
 on that Coast.” London, 1763, 4to. 
 This work contains folding Maps and 
 Plates of Views. 
 
 18 He wrote a “New and Accurate 
 Account of the Colonies of South 
 Carolina and Georgia.” 
 
 16 See Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States,” Vol. iii., chap, xxxiv., 
 pp. 418 to 448. 
 
 17 Various acts of the English Parlia¬ 
 ment, instigated by mercantile interests, 
 jealousy and selfishness, are quoted in 
 proof of this by the American historian 
 Bancroft. See Ibid, pp. 411 to 416. 
 This, too, is fully shown in a political 
 tract, “ The African Slave Trade, the 
 great Pillar and Support of the British 
 Plantation Trade in America,” by 
 a British Merchant, published in 
 1745. 
 
 18 For this supposed plot, a white 
 man named Hughson, and Peggy Carey 
 his wife, had been tried as being the 
 originators. They were ordered for 
 execution, and on false testimony. See 
 John Gilmary Shea’s “ Catholic Church 
 in Colonial Days,” Book iv., chap, ii., 
 p. 399. 
 
96 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Popish plot being again raised, anti-Catholic feeling was greatly 
 excited. Money rewards and a full pardon were offered to all who 
 should become informers. A great number of the Negroes were 
 arrested on mere suspicion, and of that number, no less than eighteen 
 were hanged, eleven were burned at the stake, and fifty were trans¬ 
 ported to the West Indies. The terrified slaves beg in to tell the most 
 extraordinary and terrible stories, to save themselves from popular 
 vengeance. An unfortunate nonjuring episcopal clergyman and a 
 Protestant, named Rev. John Ury, 19 was arrested on suspicion of his 
 being a priest. 20 He was charged by a woman of infamous character, 
 and by unprincipled witnesses, with being an accomplice in that 
 imagined conspiracy. 21 After a mock trial, he was found guilty by the 
 jury and hanged, August 15th 1741. 
 
 In the midsummer of 1718, when Bienville had descended the 
 Mississippi, he selected a site for the capital of Louisiana, and on the 
 25th of August, eight hundred emigrants arrived from France in three 
 vessels. Among them were eighty convicts. These all disembarked at 
 Dauphine Island. A city was founded on the eastern bank of the 
 Mississippi, and it was called New Orleans, in honour of the regent of 
 France. Its inhabitants were recruited with hardy emigrants from 
 Canada. The vastness and prosperity of that city, destined to become 
 the outlet and an emporium of the greatest valley in the world, were 
 predicted soon after its early settlement. 22 
 
 War broke out between France and Spain in the year 1719, 23 and 
 its evil influences were unhappily communicated to the American 
 colonists of the rival nations. 24 In 1720, the Spanish government 
 determined to take the whole of Louisiana from under the control of the 
 French. In order to accomplish this object, they thought it necessary 
 to destroy the nation of the Missouris, then situated on the Missouri 
 River. These Indians were in alliance with the French, and espoused 
 their interests. The Spanish plan was to excite the Osages to wage 
 war with the Missouris, and then to take part in the contest. For 
 this purpose, an invading expedition was fitted out from Santa Fe for 
 the Missouri, in 1720. 25 It was a moving caravan of the desert— 
 
 19 He was known to all his friends, as 
 being a very inoffensive man, who lived 
 by teaching. 
 
 29 A digest of the proceedings may be 
 found in Chandler’s “American Crimi¬ 
 nal Trials,” Vol. i., p. 222. Boston, 
 1844, 8 vo. 
 
 21 Judge Horsmar.den charged viol¬ 
 ently against him. Afterwards, this 
 same judge wrote a prejudiced account 
 of those horrible transactions in a work, 
 entitled “ The New York Conspiracy, 
 or a History of the Negro Plot.” Pub¬ 
 lished at New York, in 1744. 
 
 22 See Pierre Francois Xavier de 
 
 Charlevoix’s admirable w'ork, published 
 in 1744: “Histoiie de la Nouvelle 
 France,” Tome iii., pp. 430, 440. John 
 Gilmary Shea has translated it into 
 English, in six vwls., published at New 
 York, I 860 to 1872, 8 vo. 
 
 23 See L. P. Anquetil’s 11 Histoire de 
 France,” Troisieme Race, dite des 
 Capetiens, 1717 to 1719. 
 
 24 See Le Page du Pratz’s “ Histoire 
 de la Louisiane,” Tome i. 
 
 25 See Nathan H. Parker “Missouri 
 as it is in 1867 ■ an Illustrated Histori¬ 
 cal Gazetteer of Missouri,” &c., p. 44 . 
 Philadelphia, 1867, 8 vo. 
 
FRENCH AND SPANISH HOSTILITIES IN THE WEST. i)7 
 
 armed men, with women, and whole families, were in motion. Horses 
 and mules, with herds of cattle and swine to serve for food or carriage 
 on the route, were taken along to aid in establishing a new colony. 
 
 On their march, the Spaniards lost their proper route, and their 
 guides became bewildered. These led them to the Missouri tribes 
 instead of towards the Osages. Unconscious of their mistake, as both 
 tribes spoke the same language, they believed themselves among the 
 Osages, instead of being with their enemies. Without reserve, they dis¬ 
 closed their designs against the Missouris, and supplied them with arms 
 and ammunition, to aid in their own extermination. The Missouri 
 great chief, concealing his real thoughts and intentions, evinced the 
 greatest joy. He promised, when they should have rested three days 
 after their march, to join the expedition with them. In the meantime, 
 the chief engaged to assemble his warriors and to hold a council with 
 the old men of their tribe. Just before the dawn of that day upon 
 which the company had arranged to march, the Missouri’s fell upon their 
 treacherous enemies, and despatched them with indiscriminate 
 slaughter. However, they spared a priest, whose dress convinced them 
 he was a man of p^ace rather than a warrior. They kept him for some 
 time, as a prisoner ; but he finally made his escape. He was the only 
 messenger to bear back intelligence to the Spanish authorities, regard¬ 
 ing the just return upon their own heads of a treachery they had 
 intended to practise upon others. 26 To arrest any further attempt of 
 the Spaniards from advancing into Upper Louisiana, a French post 
 was designed for the Missouri. To make all necessary arrangements, 
 M, Burgmont was despatched from Mobile to the Missouri River. He 
 took possession of an island in the river, above the mouth of the Osage. 
 Upon this island, he built a fort, which he named Fort Orleans. 
 
 Meanwhile, war between the French and Spaniards continued. Those 
 Indians who had been leagued with the respective colonies—Louisiana 
 and Florida—carried on their marauding excursions. The usual 
 atrocities of savages in war attended this evil state of things. About 
 the same time, Fort Chartres was constructed by M. Boisbriant on the 
 Mississippi, under the instructions of the king. A fort and trading- 
 post for the Company were erected at the mouth of Blue Earth River, 
 on the St. Peter’s, by Lesueur. He was accompanied by a detachment 
 of ninety men, to conduct this enterprise. On his arrival at the mouth of 
 the Osage, Burgmont found the different tribes engaged in a sanguinary 
 warfare. This prostrated all trade, and rendered all intercourse with the 
 Indians extremely hazardous. The treaty of London, signed on the 
 17th of February 1720, at last ended this war. 27 
 
 In the meantime, Fort Orleans had been completed and occupied. 
 The fur trade now engaged the attention of the French, as the search 
 for precious metals was found to be so delusive. Their success was 
 
 - 6 See Monette’s “ History of the France,” Tome xv. Septi^me Partie. 
 
 Mississippi Valley,” Vol. i., chap vi. Liv. xciii. Paris 1862, Fourth edition, 
 
 27 See Henri Martin’s “ Histoire de 8vo. 
 
 G 
 
98 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 more assured in that profitable branch of trade. Soon after the 
 declaration of peace between contending tribes of Indians, Fort 
 Orleans was attacked and totally destroyed. All the French occupants 
 were massacred. Nor is it yet known by whom this bloody work had 
 been perpetrated. Burgmont had now turned his attention towards 
 effecting a reconciliation with the Indians. This he happily accomplished 
 in A 724. The French seem to have been fated for disappointment and 
 disaster in America, during the early part of the seventeenth century. 
 Their troubles with the Indians increased ; the Bank of France, under 
 John Law’s direction 28 and which promised so fairly, had proved worse 
 than a bubble: 22 several of their expeditions had resulted in the loss of 
 large numbers of valiant and learned men, valuable treasure and live¬ 
 stock. At length, in view of those disasters experienced, the Directory 
 then determined to surrender their charter into the hands of the 
 Crown. 31 Disccuraged and disappointed, they resolved on retiring from 
 the American wilderness, where failure only had attended their efforts. 
 Their petition was readily granted, and by proclamation, dated April 
 10 1732, 31 the king declared the Province of Louisiana free to all hia 
 subjects, with equal privileges for trade and commerce. 
 
 The Colonial Assemblies appropriated large sums for bounties, to 
 such industrious poor people of Great Britain and Ireland as should 
 resort to their provinces, within a specified short term of years, and who 
 should settle on the inland tracts. For the colonization of South Caro¬ 
 lina special inducements were held out. 32 In a district, called from its 
 Indian proprietors the Waxh&ws, there was a considerable Irish 
 colony, 33 chiefly at Williamsburg, and established from 1734 to 1737 
 In like manner, Camden on the Wateree River was peopled about the 
 same time by Irish. 34 Scarcely a ship sailed from any of our ports for 
 Charleston, that was not crowded with men, women, and children. 
 Those lands were to be divided among emigrants, allowing one hundred 
 acres for each man, and fifty for every woman and child, that should 
 come and settle in the backwoods. In the northern counties of Ireland, 
 the spirit of emigration seized on the people to such a degree, that it 
 
 38 Having quitted France in December 
 1720, he died in poverty, at Venice, in 
 1729. See John Philip Wood’s “Me¬ 
 moirs of the Life of John Law.” Edin¬ 
 burgh, 1824. 
 
 28 An account of Law and his financial 
 schemes may be seen in “ Memoires 
 complats et authentiques du Due Saint- 
 Simon sur le Si£cle de Louis XIV. et la 
 Regence," collationn^s sur le Manuscrit 
 original par M. Choruel et precedes d’une 
 Notice par M. Sainte-Beuve de l'Acade- 
 mie Frangaise. Tome xvii., Paris, 1856 
 to 1898, 8vo. 
 
 30 See Henri Martin’s “ Uistoiro de 
 F-ance,” Tomexv., Septi8me Partie, Liv. 
 xeii. 
 
 31 See Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States," Vol. iii., chap, xxiii. p. 
 364. 
 
 32 Two townships, each containing- 
 48,000 acres, were laid out; one of these 
 was on the River Savannah, called Meck¬ 
 lenburg, while the other was on the 
 waters of Santee, at Long Caines, and it 
 was called Londonderry. 
 
 33 Among these settlers, at one time or 
 other, were the Routledges, Jacksons, 
 Calhouns—names now famous in United 
 States History. 
 
 34 See Thomas D’Arcy M'Gee’s “His¬ 
 tory of the Irish Settlers in America, 
 chap, ii., p. 26. Boston, sixth edition, 
 1859, 8vo. 
 
IRISH COLONIZATION IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 
 
 99 
 
 threatened almost a total depopulation. Such multitudes of husbandmen, 
 labourers and manufacturers flocked over the Atlantic, that the land¬ 
 lords began to be alarmed, and to concert ways and means for prevent¬ 
 ing the growing evil. 35 Many persons likewise from England and 
 Scotland resorted to Carolina, especially after the peace between France 
 and England. 
 
 In the beginning of the eighteenth century, great numbers of Irish 
 began to arrive at Philadelphia with other emigrants. In one year, ending 
 December 1729, 36 came 5,655 Irish, and 343 Palatines, none of whom 
 were servants; together with 267 English and Welsh, and 43 Scotch. 3r 
 Numerous servants used to arrive every year from Germany and Ireland,, 
 who engaged themselves for a term of years to pay their passages. Some 
 of them turned out to be frugal and industrious, and these became in 
 time a part of the wealthy citizens- 38 In some few cases they appear to 
 have been convicts from Ireland. 39 The Annesley Peerage Case, so 
 celebrated in Irish history and romance, gave to America about this 
 period the victim of a foul conspiracy. 40 From the latter end of the 
 seventeenth century to about the year 1719, a considerable number of 
 Irish emigrants arrived in Pennsylvania. Many of these began to settle 
 at or near the Maryland disputed line. 41 Among the Irish Pennsylva¬ 
 nian settlers were the Henrys, M'Kennans, Bryans, Musgraves, Porters, 
 Rushes, Fitzsimons, Alexanders, 42 Ramseys, Neills, Bradys, Findlays, 
 Plains, Rosses, Hands, Armstrongs, Morrows, Stewarts, Taylors,. 
 
 ® See Ramsey’s “ History of South 
 Carolina.” London, 1779. 
 
 36 See Holmes’ “ Annals of America,” 
 Vol. i. 
 
 37 See John Fanning Watson’s “ An¬ 
 nals of Fhilada . hia.” This work was 
 first publisher in Philadelphia, 1830, in 
 8 /o. It weiiL through several succes¬ 
 sive editions. 
 
 38 “ Among the number was Matthew 
 Lyon, a native of Ireland, who was 
 assigned on his arrival in New York to 
 Jacob Bacon of Woodbury, who brought 
 him home; and, after enjoying his ser¬ 
 vices for some time, he assigned him for 
 the remainder of his term of service to 
 Hugh Hannah of Lichfield, for a pair of 
 stags, valued at £12. By dint of ster¬ 
 ling native talent, under the most dis¬ 
 heartening circumstances, he fought 
 his way to fame and eminence, and he 
 was afterwards a member of Congress 
 from Vermont, as also from Kentucky.” 
 —Cothren’s ‘ ‘ History of Ancient Wood¬ 
 bury,” Vol. ii., p. 320. 
 
 39 “ The severity of British lawpushed 
 off young men of good abilities for very 
 small offences, who made good clerks, 
 
 storekeepers, etc., among us. I have 
 knowledge of some among us, even 
 within my own memory, who rose to- 
 riches and credit here, and left fine 
 families. One great man had, before 
 my time, been sold in Maryland as an 
 offender from Ireland. He then came 
 to Philadelphia and amassed a large 
 fortune in landed estates now of great 
 value among his heirs.”— Ibid. 
 
 40 Afterwards appeared “ Memoirs of 
 an unfortunate young Nobleman re¬ 
 turned from a thirteen years’ Slavery 
 in America,” 1743, 12mo. His adven¬ 
 tures furnished the subject matter for 
 Sir Walter Scott’s celebrated novel, 
 “Guy Mannering.” 
 
 41 These colonizers were understood 
 to be exempt from rents by an ordi¬ 
 nance of 1720, in consideration of their 
 being a frontier people, and of form¬ 
 ing a cordon for defence against the 
 Indians, if their services were so re¬ 
 quired. 
 
 42 Of this family was the celebrated 
 Presbyterian minister, the Rev. Dr. 
 Archibald Alexander, born, however, 
 in Virginia, 1772. 
 
100 IIUSH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 
 
 Hoeys, Smiths, Smilies, and Thompsons. From the County of 
 Kilkenny, and said to have been of the Ormond family, towards the 
 close of the seventeenth century, a Butler went out to America as 
 agent for Indian affairs in Pennsylvania. Attracted probably by his 
 example or advice, other cadets of the Ormond stock settled in 
 Carolina and Kentucky. From their descendants many celebrated 
 generals and senators have been furnished to the Union. 43 In Lancas¬ 
 ter County, Pennsylvania, a settlement of Donegal men was formed 
 about or a little after this period. The townships of Donegal, Derry, 
 Raplioe, Tyrone, Coleraine and Mount joy, were established there, and 
 these places were thus named after Irish localities by the early immi¬ 
 grants. In Chester County, Irish settlements were likewise formed, 44 
 and among the emigrants was William M‘Kean, in the beginning of the 
 last century. 45 The Rev. Francis Allison, 46 a native of the County of 
 Donegal, Ireland, emigrated to America in 1735, and being a celebrated 
 scholar, he opened an academy of distinguished reputation at New 
 London, Pennsylvania. Here he was pastor of the Presbyterian Church. 
 In 1752 he opened an academy in Philadelphia, 47 where he became 
 minister of the first Presbyterian church built in that city. Before the 
 establishment of American Independence, Pennsylvania College had 
 been founded, and in 1755, Dr. Allison was appointed to the chair of 
 Moral Philosophy, while he became also vice-president. 48 His pupil and 
 countryman was Charles Thomson. 49 Other celebrated men, connected 
 with the revolution, were taught by him. 50 
 
 An Irishman named James O’Hara was one of the founders of 
 Pittsburg. 51 Afterwards, he became a Quartermaster-General under 
 the military direction of General Wayne. Another colonist Patrick 
 Calhoun was born in Donegal, Ireland, and in the earlier part of the 
 eighteenth century. He and members of his family were chased from 
 their native country by reverse of fortune. They emigrated first to 
 Pennsylvania, where they remained some years. Afterwards, they went to 
 
 4S Among these were General William 
 O. Butler of Kentucky, and Pierce 
 Butler, Senator for South Carolina. See 
 Thomas D’Arcy M‘Gee’s “ History of 
 the Irish Settlers in North America,” 
 chap, ii., p. 32. 
 
 44 To this place, the parents of the 
 celebrated Irish - American General 
 Anthony Wayne had emigrated. Here 
 he was born in 1745. See an account 
 of him in “Irish Celts,” by a Member 
 of the Michigan Bar, sub voce Wayne, 
 General Anthony. Detroit, 1884, 8 vo. 
 
 45 There his distinguished son Thomas 
 —afterwards signer of the Declaration 
 of Independence and President of Con¬ 
 gress—was born, on the 19th of March, 
 1734. 
 
 46 He was born in 1705. 
 
 47 On May 24th 1758, he delivered a 
 celebrated sermon, entitled: “Peace 
 and Unity recommended.” He died 
 November 28th, 1779, in Philadelphia. 
 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of Ameri¬ 
 can Biography,” Vol. i., p. 49. 
 
 4S See Thomas D’Arcy M'Gee’s “ His¬ 
 tory of the Irish Settlers in North 
 America,” chap, xi., p. 81. 
 
 49 See an account of him in “Irish 
 Celts,” by a Member of the Michigan 
 Bar, sub voce Thomson, Charles, LL.D. 
 
 50 He is often alluded to as their Master. 
 
 81 See Rev. A. A. Lambing’s “ His¬ 
 tory of the Catholic Church in the Dio¬ 
 cese of Pittsburg and Allegeny, from its 
 Establishment to the present Time.” 
 New York, Cincinnati and St. Louis, 
 Benziger Brothers, 8 vo. 
 
IRISH COLONIZATION IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 101 
 
 the western part of Virginia. Thence they were driven by the Indians, 
 after Braddock’s defeat. Patrick Calhoun married an Irish-American 
 girl, a daughter of Major John Caldwell, 52 of Charlotte county, Virginia. 
 They removed finally to South Carolina in 1756 when Patrick 
 settled in Abbeyville district. 53 In 1724, the Pennsylvania Governor 
 James Logan complains, 54 that the Irish were bold strangers, and 
 that they rarely approached him to propose purchasing their lands. 55 
 Thus, one hundred thousand acres had been possessed by persons, 55 
 who resolutely set down and improved them. 57 The Irish Parliament 
 was then about to take measures for preventing the free and excessive 
 emigration of their people to the American colonies. 58 The Assembly 
 had laid a restraining tax of twenty shillings & head for every servant 
 arriving; but, even this law was evaded. 59 The common fear was, 
 that if they thus continued to come, they should make themselves 
 proprietors of that whole Province. 60 The. Indians themselves 
 were alarmed at those swarms of strangers, while the older settlers were 
 afraid of a breach between them and the newly arrived colonizers. 
 
 In New Jersey were the Martins, the Tennents and Maxwells, with 
 many others of Irish birth and descent. In Delaware were noted the 
 Killens, the M‘Lanes, the Kearneys, and several other Irish settlers. 
 Among the early colonists in Maryland of Irish birth, besides the 
 Pollocks and Carrolls, were the Pattersons, 61 Reads, Nelsons, Foleys, 
 Milligans, Semmes, M‘Henrys, as also the Barneys. 62 
 
 For the Northern Presbyterian Irish, the colonies of New England 
 had a special attraction, because Presbyterianism was there the prevailing 
 form of worship. So early as 1636, the “Eagle Wing,” with 150 pas- 
 
 52 This Major Caldwell was after¬ 
 wards murdered by the Tories, in cold 
 blood and in his own yard, after they 
 had destroyed his house by fire. He 
 served in the Legislature of South Caro¬ 
 lina for thirtj’ years. See “Life of 
 John C. Calhoun.” 
 
 53 It was there his son, John Caldwell 
 Calhoun, afterwards distinguished as 
 the pro-slavery champion of the South, 
 was born March 18th 1782. His auto¬ 
 biography has been set forth in a work 
 intituled : “ The Science of Govern¬ 
 ment.” New York, 1851. 
 
 54 In a letter to the Proprietors. 
 
 55 When challenged for titles, they 
 alleged as their excuse, that the pro¬ 
 prietors had solicited for colonists, and 
 that they had come accordingly to 
 supply the want. 
 
 56 The Governor complains, that these 
 had not any right to the lands on which 
 they settled, but that he was much at a 
 loss to determine how to dispossess 
 them. 
 
 57 Letter of James Logan to the Pro¬ 
 prietors, written 1725. 
 
 58 Letter from James Logan, written 
 
 in 1725. ' 
 
 59 This was instanced, in the case of a 
 ship arriving from Dublin with one 
 hundred Papists, and by the captain 
 contriving to land them at Burlington. 
 
 60 “ It looks,” says Logan, “ as if Ire¬ 
 land was to send all its inhabitants 
 thither, for last week not less than six 
 ships arrived.” Almost every week, two 
 or three vessels came into port. 
 
 61 Of this family was the beautiful 
 Miss Elizabeth Patterson, afterwards 
 wife of Jerome Bonaparte, and unjustly 
 divorced from him by the Emperor 
 Napoleon, for reasons of State policy. 
 She was a friend and a correspondent of 
 Lady Morgan. 
 
 62 From the.se descended the distin¬ 
 guished Commodore Joshua Barney, 
 born in Baltimore, in 1759. See an 
 account of him In “ Irish Celts,” by a 
 Member of the Michigan Bar, sub voce, 
 Barney, Joshua, Comtuolrra, 
 
102 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 
 
 sengers on board, sailed from Carrickfergus, to found a colony on the 
 Merrimack. Through stress of weather, their vessel was obliged to put 
 back, and for many years the project was abandoned. It was revived 
 towards the end of that century, and in the spring of 1719, the London¬ 
 derry settlement was formed. It was so called because the immigrants, 
 at first only sixteen families, gave the name of their native home to 
 their new abode. They were all Presbyterians in religion, and they be¬ 
 came prosperous, while their descendants spread over Windham, Chester, 
 Litchfield, Manchester, Bedford, Goffstown, New Boston, Antrim, Peter¬ 
 borough and Ackworth, in New Hampshire, and Barnet, in Vermont. 63 
 Those were also the first settlers of many towns in Massachusetts, in 
 Maine, and in Nova Scotia. 64 Cherry Valley in New York was in part 
 peopled from Londonderry. 65 Some Irish families settled at an early 
 date in Palmer and Worcester, 06 Massachusetts. About 1717, the 
 Thorntons came to the latter place 67 One of the earliest settlers at 
 Plymouth was a founder of the Higgins family, now so numerous in 
 New England; while the first deed of record in Hampden County, 
 Mass., is an Indian transfer of land to one Reilly. The name of Ireland 
 Parish, under Mount Holyoke, still shows the place of their settlement. 
 At Wellfleet and Cape Cod were some immigrants from the County of 
 Longford. The Jacksons, who emigrated to this State from Ireland, 
 produced some able and distinguished representatives. Attempts were 
 made by the Courts in the Colony of Massachusetts to drive off many 
 of the Irish settlers in 1720, and law proceedings were threatened 
 against them “unless they moved off within the space of seven months;” 
 but_ they would not leave, nor does it appear that the threatened 
 prosecution of the Attorney-General followed. Forty gentlemen, mer¬ 
 chants and others of the Irish nation, residing in Boston 1737, formed 
 a Charitable Society 68 for the relief of their indigent and poor country¬ 
 men. It was declared, however, that none but Protestants were 
 
 63 See “Catholic Memoirs of Vermont 
 and New Hampshire,” New York. 12mo. 
 
 64 Bars tow, who relates the foregoing 
 particulars, declares that to the number 
 of 20,000, the descendants of those 
 Londonderry settlers were scattered over 
 all the United States. See his work, 
 “New Hampshire,” p. 130. 
 
 65 See M'Kenzie’s “ Remarkable Irish¬ 
 men,” Part i. 
 
 66 On a tombstone here were the names 
 of John Young, a native of Derry, who 
 died in 1730, aged 107; as also oi David 
 Y T oung, a native of Donegal, who died 
 in 1776, aged 94 years. 
 
 67 Their celebrated son, Matthew 
 Thornton,was born in Ireland 17l4,and 
 when only three years old with his 
 
 parents he arrived in America. See 
 “Irish Celts,” by a member of the 
 Michigan Bar. There is no pagination 
 to this valuable work, so that reference 
 can only be to the proper names placed 
 in alphabetical order. 
 
 88 The names of the following have 
 been preserved as original members :— 
 Robert Duncan, Andrew Knox, Natha¬ 
 niel Walsh, Joseph St. Laurence, Daniel 
 M'Fall, William Drummond, William 
 Freeland, Daniel Gibbs, John Noble, 
 Adam Boyd, William Stewart, Daniel 
 Neal, James Maynes, Samuel Moor, 
 Philip Mortimer, James Egart, George 
 Glen, Peter Pelham, John Little, Archi¬ 
 bald Thomas,* Edward Alderchurch, 
 James Clark, John Clark, Thomas 
 Bennett and Patrick Walker. William 
 Hal! was the first president. 
 
IRISH COLONIZATION IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 103 
 
 eligible to its offices and committees. 69 James Kasson, with his father 
 and six brothers, came from Belfast, Ireland, in 1722, landed at 
 Boston, and settled in Voluntown, Connecticut. He removed to 
 Woodbury about 1742.'° Their descendants are still numerous, and 
 they are found in almost every State throughout the Union. 71 At 
 Saybrooke, Connecticut, were some immigrants from the County of 
 Longford. In New Hampshire, the Irish contingent of settlers was 
 especially strong, and the names of many are still preserved. 72 The 
 Starks, the Butlers, the Whipples, the Sullivans and Thorntons, who 
 were early residents of this State, had all Irish blood in their veins, and 
 they had all Irish characteristics. 73 An early Irish settler there was 
 John Callamore. 74 The Gilmans, the Casses, and the Norrises, with 
 several others, were of Irish birth and origin. By the coming of Irish 
 emigrants into New Hampshire, in the early part of the eighteenth 
 century, the linen manufacture was considerably increased within that 
 colony. 75 In January 1729, the celebrated metaphysical philosopher 
 George Berkley, born at Kilcrin, 76 county of Kilkenny, with his wife 
 and many other companions, arrived at Newport, Rhode Island, after a 
 long and stormy voyage. 77 There he was kept waiting during three 
 years, for money voted him by Parliament; but he employed his time 
 by taking a farm near Newport, where Whitehall, the house he 
 inhabited, still stands. His favourite place for reading was among 
 those rocks that project over the deep waters of Narraganset Bay. 
 On returning to Ireland in 1732, he bequeathed his farm to Yale 
 College, then in its infancy. He presented it likewise, with “ the 
 finest collection of books that ever came at one time to America.” 73 
 
 69 According to the Eighth Article of 
 the Constitution. See Thomas D’Arey 
 M Gee’s “ History of the Irish Settlers 
 in North America,” Chap, iii., pp. 33 to 
 37. 
 
 70 He settled near the present line 
 of Southbury, built a house in Bethle¬ 
 hem Society, in 1760, and removed his 
 family the same year. There he con¬ 
 tinued to reside until his death, which 
 occurred February 5th, 1791. 
 
 71 See “ History of Ancient Wood¬ 
 bury,” p. 603. 
 
 72 In the “Historical Collections of 
 New Hampshire,” Vol. i. 
 
 73 See Carleton’s “New Hampshire 
 Worthies.” We are informed by an 
 illustrious descendant, that the Ulster 
 Irish largely colonised the province, 
 naming their towns Derry. London¬ 
 derry, Antrim, Hillsboro’, &c. At home 
 they" were men in position and of fine 
 physical organization, many living to a 
 ripe old age. See “Autobiography 
 and Personal Reminiscences of Major- 
 
 General Benjamin F. Butler," Chap, i., 
 Boston, 1 892. 
 
 74 He was born in Ireland in 1715, and 
 he died at Kersington, N.H., in 1825. 
 
 75 See Rev. J. A. Spencer’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. i. 
 
 76 In 1684. He was at first educated 
 in the College of Kilkenny, and after¬ 
 wards lie entered Trinity College, Dublin. 
 He became Dean of Derry in 1724, 
 through the influence of the Irish Lord 
 Lieutenant. He was appointed Bishop 
 of Clovne in 1734, two years after his 
 return from America. He was the friend 
 of Steele, Swift and Pope. His works 
 collected by himself were published in 
 1752. He died the following year, at 
 Oxford, in England. 
 
 77 His leading idea at this time was 
 to establish a college at Bermuda, for 
 the purpose of training missionaries for 
 the conversion to Christianity of the 
 North American Indians. 
 
 78 See Baldwin’s “ Annals of Yale 
 College,” p. 417. 
 
104 miSIl-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Among his friends and co-labourers was the Rev. Dr. James M'Sparran, 79 
 who settled in Narrairanset. The Irish establishment of Belfast in 
 Maine was commenced by a few families in 1723. Among these was 
 a Limerick schoolmaster named John Sullivan, and on his outward 
 voyage, he courted a female passenger, a native of Cork. To her he 
 was married, some time after their arrival in America. They had two 
 sons, John 80 and James, 81 who won great distinction in after times; 
 while both father and mother lived to see them at the summit of civil 
 and military authority. 82 In this settlement, likewise, were Irish 
 people named Harper, 83 MTntire and Murray. 
 
 The Irish furnished to the Carolinas and Georgia, before the middle 
 of the eighteenth century, a considerable population, and the majority 
 of their immigrants. Among these, Dr. John Rutledge was a native 
 of Ireland, whence he emigrated to South Carolina in 1735, and 
 settled in Charleston. 84 The Irish families of Hayne, Hamilton, 
 Conway, Martin. Matthews, Pickens, Calhoun, Caldwell, Noble, 
 Brenton, Murphy, M'Call, Miller and Manning were at an early 
 period of the last century in this State. In North Carolina were 
 settled the Giles, the Davidsons, the Caldwells, the Polks, the Jacksons, 
 the Spaights, the Bryans, the Dawsons, the Iredells and the Waddells, 
 with many other Irish families. 85 
 
 While he made the grantees rich, the Governor of Virginia secured 
 a great increase of population and wealth for that colony. The proprie¬ 
 tors, Hite, Beverly and Burden, engaged agents and sent out advertise¬ 
 ments for the emigrants’ direction, as they landed on the Delaware. 
 Also, when the voyagers were about to leave their native land, the 
 proprietors offered favourable terms to them as actual settlers. 86 Soon 
 
 79 He was born in Ireland, about 
 1695. 
 
 80 The distinguished patriot and 
 General of the American Revolution 
 under Washington. Born at Berwick 
 Maine, February 17th, 1840. See an 
 account of him in “ Irish Celts,” by a 
 member of the Michigan Bar. 
 
 81 Born April 22nd, 1744, at Berwick, 
 Maine. In 1775, he founded in the same 
 State a township, called Limerick, from 
 which city, several of its first settlers 
 arrived. He was afterwards Governor 
 of Massachusetts. (See ibid.) 
 
 82 See Thomas D’Arcy M'Gee’s “ His¬ 
 tory of the Irish Settlers in North 
 America,” chap, hi., pp. 36 to 38. 
 
 83 See “Irish Celts,” by a Member of 
 the Michigan B; r. 
 
 84 His distinguished son Edward, whose 
 name is attached to the Declaration of 
 Independence, was born in Charleston, 
 South Carolina, in November, 1740. 
 The father died soon after his birth, 
 
 leaving him to his mother’s care, and 
 she being a very intelligent woman, and 
 imbued with Republican ideas, moulded 
 and fostered them in the mind of her 
 son. 
 
 88 See “ Irish Celts,” by a Member of 
 the Michigan Bar, under the heading of 
 the foregoing respective names. 
 
 86 Among others who came to Virginia 
 about the year 1736 was an Irish girl, 
 named Polly Mulhollin. On her arrival 
 she was hired to James Bell, to pay her 
 passage, and with him she remained 
 during the period her servitude was to 
 continue. At its expiration, she attired 
 herself in the habit of a man, when with 
 hunting-shirt and moccasins, she went 
 into Burden’s grant, for the purpose of 
 making improvements and of acquiring 
 a title to land. Here she erected thirty 
 cabins, by virtue of which she held one 
 hundred acres adjoining each. When 
 Benjamin Burden the younger, came to 
 make deeds for those who held cabin 
 
IRISH COLONIZATION IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 
 
 105 
 
 after, Hite 87 removed his farm to Opecquon. Immediately on arriving 
 from Ireland, the Irish began to rear habitations around him. 88 
 Samuel Glass and Mary Gamble his wife 89 took up their residence at 
 the head spring of the Opecquon, 90 in 1736. 91 A son-in-law, Becket, 
 was seated between Mr. Glass and North Mountain. His son David 
 occupied a residence a little below his father, at Cherry Mead. His 
 son, Robert, was placed a little further down, at Long Meadows. 92 
 Next down the creek was Joseph Colovin and his family. Then came 
 John Wilson, who emigrated from the County of Armagh in Ireland, 
 A.D. 173 7 93 The Marquis family, with whom he was connected, 
 lived near him. Next were the M'Auleys and then was William Hoge. 
 Adjoining these, to the south, were the Allen family, a part of whom 
 speedily removed to Front Royal. The M‘Gill family now occupy their 
 position. A little beyond the village lived Robert Wilson ; his residence 
 remains to this day. A little down the stream lived James Vance, son- 
 in-law of Sam Glass, and ancestor of a numerous race, most of whom 
 are to be found west of the Alleghanies. These were all settled there 
 so early as 1736 or 1737. 94 An Irish family named Goode settled at 
 
 rights, he was astonished to see so many 
 bearing the name of Mulhollin. Investi¬ 
 gations led to the discovery of the 
 mystery, and to the great mirth of the 
 other claimants. Then Polly Mulhollin 
 resumed her Christian name and familiar 
 dress. Many of her respectable descen¬ 
 dants still reside within the limits of 
 Burden’s grant. See Rev. William 
 Henry Foote’s “ Sketches, Historical and 
 Biographical, of the Presbyterian Church 
 in Virginia.” 
 
 87 His sons-in-law, Bowman and Chris¬ 
 tian, lived near to Stephens and M'Kay, 
 Irish settlers. 
 
 88 Although in 1652, the Commissaries 
 of the Commonwealth had ordered “ Irish 
 women to be sold to merchants and 
 shipped to Virginia,” yet few traces of 
 these have been found in t' at colony. 
 But, although Virginia had placed on her 
 statute-books severe penal laws against 
 Catholics ; still some families—we can 
 scarcely doubt, many of these Irish or of 
 Irish descent—settled on the southern 
 shore of Aquia Creek, and priests entered 
 Virginia from time to time. See John Gil- 
 mary Shea’s “Catholic Church in Colonial 
 Days,” Book iv., chap, iii., pp. 409, 410. 
 
 89 They came from Banbridge, County 
 of Down, in Ireland. His wife often 
 spoke of her two fair brothers, who 
 perished in the siege of Derry. A lime¬ 
 stone pyramid has been reared to the 
 memory of those settlers. 
 
 90 They had purchased from Hite 
 16,000 acres of land. 
 
 91 See Rev. William Henry Foote’s 
 “Sketches, Historical and Biographical, 
 of the Presbyterian Church in Virginia.” 
 
 92 The stone dwelling is on the old site, 
 and at the back of it is carefully pre¬ 
 served a part of the stockade fort, used 
 as a place of refuge in case of alarms. 
 
 93 According to tradition, he was a 
 schoolmaster in the settlement. Here, 
 according to an inscribed tombstone, lay 
 the bodies of his wife and two children, 
 who died before himself in 1742. The 
 lettering of the tomb is given by Foote, 
 who writing on the subject remarks :— 
 “ Let us pause a few moments at this 
 rough, low, time-worn stone, in the 
 very centie of the graves, the first, 
 with an inscription, reared in the 
 valley of Virginia, to mark the resting- 
 place of an emigrant. You will scar¬ 
 cely read the inscription on one side or 
 decipher the letters on the other. The 
 stone crumbled under the unskilful 
 hands of the husband, who brought it 
 from that eminence yonder in the 
 West, and, in the absence of a proper 
 artist, inscribed the letters himself, to 
 be a memorial to his young and lovely 
 wife.” 
 
 94 See “Sketches, Hiscorical and 
 Biographical, of the Presbyterian 
 Church in Virginia,,” pp- 21, 22. 
 Ildition of 1SS5. . 
 
106 
 
 IRISH-AM ERIC AN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 an early period in Virginia, 05 as also, the Madisons, the Conways, and 
 the M'Kendrees, who came as immigrants from Ireland. John Lewis 
 was of Huguenot descent, and he came from Ireland in 1732. He was 
 the first white resident of Bellefont, 96 Augusta County, Virginia. 97 
 About thirty of his former tenants and countrymen are said likewise to 
 have settled there. Three of his sons were born in the County of 
 Donegal, Ireland : viz., Thomas, 08 Andrew," and William. 100 His *on 
 Charles 101 was born in Virginia. At an early period in the eighteenth 
 century, Colonel James Patton came from Donegal, Ireland. Previous 
 to 1753, he obtained a grant for one hundred and twenty thousand 
 acres of land from the Governor of Virginia. 102 Among others, the 
 M‘I)owells—whether hailing from Ireland or Scotland is doubtful— 
 settled in Virginia, during the early part of the eighteenth century, 103 
 
 • ' Some of their posterity attained 
 distinction. Among these were Samuel 
 Goode, an Irish-American patriot of 
 the Revolution, representing Virginia 
 in Congress from 17!>9 to 1801 ; Patrick 
 G. Goode, member of Congress for 
 Ohio, from 1837 to 1843 ; William O. 
 Goode, member of Congress for Vir¬ 
 ginia from 1853 to his death, July 3rd, 
 1SS9. >See *• Irish Celts,” by a Member 
 of the Michigan Bar. 
 
 86 John Lewis’ settlement was a few 
 miles below the site of the town of 
 Staunton, and on the banks of the 
 stream, which still bears his name. 
 
 97 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. iii., p. 701. 
 
 ss He was born in 1718. Though 
 less efficient during the Indian wars 
 than his brothers, Thomas was a. man 
 of learning and of sound judgment. 
 He represented th • County of Augusta 
 for many years in the House of Bur¬ 
 gesses ; he was a member of the Con¬ 
 vention which ratified the Constitution 
 of the United States, and which formed 
 the Constitution of Virginia. After¬ 
 wards, he sat for the County of Rock¬ 
 ingham, in ti e House of Delegates of 
 Virginia. In 1765, he was in the 
 House of Burgesses, and he voted for 
 Patrick Henry’s celebrated resolutions. 
 Thomas Lewis had four sons, who 
 actively participated in the war of the 
 Revolution; the youngest of these, 
 Thomas, bore an ensign’s commission, 
 when only fourteen years of age. See 
 ibid., p. 702. 
 
 99 Andrew Lewis, born about 1720, 
 and his second son, was the general who 
 commanded at the Battle of Point 
 
 Pleasant, in the War of Independence. 
 See ibid., pp. 701, 702. 
 
 100 He was born in 1724. Afterwards, 
 he became colonel. He was an active 
 participator in the border wars, and he 
 was an officer of the Revolutionary 
 army. Duiing the war for Independ¬ 
 ence, one of his sons was killed, and 
 another was maimed for life. See Rev. 
 William H. Foote’s “ Sketches, Histori¬ 
 cal and Biographical, of the Presbyterian 
 Church in Virginia.” 
 
 101 Charles, the child of John Lewis’ 
 old age, was b rn after settlement at 
 their mountain home, in Virginia. He 
 was the hero of many a gallant exploit, 
 still treasured in the memories of the 
 border riflemen’s descendants, and there 
 are few families among the Aileghanies, 
 where the name and deeds of Charles 
 Lewis are not familiar. His bravery 
 and character during the Revolutionary 
 War caused him to be appointed colonel. 
 He fell at tire head of his regiment, 
 when leading on the attack at Point 
 Pleasant. 
 
 102 See “ Sketches, Historical and Bio¬ 
 graphical, of the Presbyterian Church in 
 Virginia,” p. 36. 
 
 103 In the latter part of December, 1743, 
 the inhabitants of Timber Ridge were 
 assembled at M'Dowell’s dwelling in 
 wonder and alarm, to resist one of the 
 murderous incursions of the Indians from 
 Ohio. These would not yield the valley 
 of the Shenandoah to the whites, but 
 with bloodshed. M 1 Dowell had rallied 
 his neighbours. Not well skilled in 
 savage warfare, the company fell into 
 an ambush, at the junction of the North 
 River and the James, where at one fire 
 
IRISH COLONIZATION IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 107 
 
 and had their experience of the dangers to which pioneers in the 
 wilderness were so often exposed. 
 
 In Newcastle government, 4,500 persons arrived as immigrants, and 
 chiefly from Ireland, in 1726. 104 John Campbell, the great ancestor of 
 the Campbells of Holston, came from Ireland to America, with a family 
 of five grown sons and several daughters, in the same year. 105 One of 
 these sons, and who was named Patrick, had a son Charles, and he had a son 
 William. 106 David, the youngest son of John, married May Hamilton. 107 
 It seems probable, that these Campbells were related to the Rev. Dr. 
 Alexander Campbell, born in Ireland a.d. 1788, and who afterwards 
 migrated to Bethany, Virginia, where he presided over a College there 
 founded, and where he became leader of a peculiar class of Presbyterians, 
 called “ The Disciples of Christ,” los but more frequently styled 
 Campbellites. 
 
 While the stream of emigration proceeded, 109 in the year 1728 
 thousands took shipping from Belfast, and from other places in Ulster. 
 Tliese were mostly Presbyterians, who as well as the Irish Catholics 
 
 M‘Dowell and eight of his companions 
 fell dead. Tiie Indians fled precipitately, 
 in consequence probably of the unusual 
 extent of their murderous success. The 
 alarmed population gathered in the field 
 of slaughter, and thought more of the 
 dead than of pursuing the savages, whom 
 they supposed far on their way to the 
 West. Their neighbours took the nine 
 bloody corpses on horseback, and laid 
 them side by side, near M'Dowell’s dwell¬ 
 ing, while in overwhelming distress they 
 prepared their graves. Though mourn¬ 
 ing the loss of their leading men, and 
 unacquainted with military manoeuvres 
 on the frontiers, no one talked of aban¬ 
 doning possessions, for which so high a 
 ice of blood had been given and a£ a 
 time of profound peace. In their sad¬ 
 ness, the women even were brave. Bury¬ 
 ing their dead with the solemnity of 
 Christian rights, while the murderers 
 escaped beyond the mountains; men and 
 women resolved to sow their fields, build 
 their church, and lay the bodies in Tim¬ 
 ber Ridge. These were the first white 
 men committed to the dust in Rock¬ 
 bridge county. Within a brick enclo¬ 
 sure, on the west side of the road from 
 Staunton to Lexington, and near the 
 Red House or Maryland Tavern, the 
 former residence of M‘Dowell is still to 
 be found. Entering the iron gate, and 
 inclining to the left, about fifteen paces, 
 there is a rough, unhewn limestone, 
 about two feet in height, on which, in 
 rude letters, by an unknown and un¬ 
 
 practised hand, is the following inscrip¬ 
 tion, next in age to the Irish school¬ 
 master’s wife in the graveyard of Opec- 
 quon : 
 
 Here lyes the body of 
 JOHN MackDOWEI.L, 
 
 Deced. December, 1743. 
 
 —See ibid., pp. 80 to 93. 
 
 10 - See John Fanning Watson’s “ An¬ 
 nals of Philadelphia.” 
 
 105 About the year 1730, he removed 
 to what was then Orange - afterwards 
 Augusta—County, wdiere he resided un¬ 
 til his death, and where his numerous 
 descendants lived for many years. 
 
 106 He was General William Campbell 
 of the Revolutionary War, and the 
 grandfather of Mrs. M‘Dowell, wife to 
 General M'Dowell, of the late Confede¬ 
 rate War. 
 
 107 They had a family of thirteen chil¬ 
 dren, seven sons and six daughters, the 
 youngest of whom was nineteen years 
 old, when they removed to Holston. In 
 1765, John, the oldest son of David 
 Campbell, in company with Dr. Thomas 
 Walker, explored the western wilderness, 
 and purchased for his father and himself 
 an ancient survey, near the head waters 
 of the Holston River. 
 
 108 See “ Irish Celts,” by a Member of 
 the Michigan Bar. 
 
 109 See Talvi’s “ History of the Coloni¬ 
 zation of America,” edited by William 
 Hazlitt, in Two Vols. Published at 
 London, 1851. 8vo. 
 
108 
 
 1R1SH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 then laboured under religious and civil disabilities caused by the Sacra¬ 
 mental Test, and owing to their Episcopalian landlords’ refusing to per¬ 
 mit Presbyterian churches to be built in many instances on their large 
 estates Moreover, when their original leases fell out about this time, 
 the rents were enormously raised, and with them tithes payable to the 
 episcopal clergy. Adding to discouragement, the three successive harvests 
 after 1724 proved most unfavourable, and the price of food increased in 
 proportion. 110 Unable to procure a comfortable subsistence in their native 
 land for themselves and families, multitudes of labourers and husbanclsmen 
 embarked for America. 111 The tales of oppression told their sons of 
 i another generation produced the soldiers of the American Revolution. 
 
 1 Towards the close of the seventeenth and beginning of the 
 eighteenth century, a great number of Irish arrived in New York, 
 many moving into the interior. In 1738, William Johnson 112 estab¬ 
 lished himself in Johnstown, Schoharie County. Soon afterwards, he 
 erected a schoolhouse. The earliest teacher in his school was an Irish¬ 
 man, named Wall. He had also an Irishman named Flood as a broiv- 
 master, 113 who was an overseer or manager of the whole farm. He had 
 besides an Irish Secretary named LafTerty, who was a good lawyer and 
 who transacted his legal business. He had moreover an Irish physician 
 named Daly. 114 The first settler in the town of Montgomery, New 
 York, was a Mr. Eager, 116 who came from Ireland in 1728. In the 
 same vessel arrived with him Mr. James M‘Bride 116 and Mr. White. 117 
 The lands first purchased by these families are in part possessed by their 
 descendants. 118 The village of New Windsor is thought to be the 
 oldest in Orange County, New York. It was first settled by immigrants, 
 principally from Ireland, who went there in considerable numbers, so 
 early as 1731. Another Irish emigrant was Patrick Barber, born in 
 the County Longford, and who emigrated to America, in the year 1749 
 or 1750. After a short residence in New York, he removed to the 
 small village of Princeton, 119 in New Jersey. 
 
 110 See Rev. Dr. James Seaton Reid’s 
 “History of the Presbyterian Church in 
 Ireland,” voL iii, chap. xxvi. New 
 edition, with additional Notes, by W, D. 
 Killen, D.D. Belfast, 1867, 8vo. 
 
 111 In the year 1729, nearly 6,000 Irish 
 are reported to have landed in America, 
 and before the middle of the century, 
 nearly 12,000 arrived annually for several 
 years. “ The flow of the Catholic Irish 
 did not take place until a comparatively 
 recent period.” — Dr. Hodge’s “ Con¬ 
 stitutional History of the Presbyterian 
 Church in the United States of America,” 
 Part 1., pp. 65, 66. 
 
 112 Born in Smithtown, Co. Meath, 
 Ireland, in 1715. In 1738 he established 
 himself on a tract of land on the south 
 side of the Mohawk River. He died 
 
 « 
 
 in Johnstown, N.Y., 11th July, 1774. 
 
 See Appleton’s “Cyclopaedia of Ameri¬ 
 can Biography, Vol. iii., p. 451. 
 
 113 This is a Low Dutch word, signi¬ 
 fying “ honest,” but usually applied to 
 a confidential head servant. 
 
 114 See J. R. Sims “ Trappers of New 
 York.” 
 
 118 The son of this Mr. Eager had a 
 daughter, who married Captain Janies 
 M'Bride, of the Revolution. 
 
 116 He was the grandfather of John 
 M’Bride of Hamptonburgh. 
 
 117 He was grandfather to Major John 
 White of Wallkill. 
 
 118 See “ History of Orange County, 
 New York.” Edition of 1846. 
 
 118 There his distinguished son Francis 
 was born, in 1757. 
 
IRISH COLONIZATION IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 
 
 iuy 
 
 Towards the middle of the eighteenth century, the colonial 
 population in America had received large accessions from the influx of 
 immigrants, belonging to the Northern counties of Ireland. The Ulster 
 linen manufacture had been there developed, chiefly owing to the skill 
 and industry of the Presbyterians. Land had risen greatly in value 
 as a consequence, for capital made by trade had been sunk in the soil; 
 an educated, enterprising peasantry had converted bog and mountain 
 into corn and flax fields; the lords to whom a large part of this land 
 belonged, and several of whom had never so much as set their eyes on 
 the surface of their property, concluded, that the increased value did 
 not belong to the tenants who had created it, but to themselves, who 
 had allowed it to be created. As leases fell in, they demanded enor¬ 
 mous fines, before they would renew the tenures of actual occupiers 
 and cultivators, or rents which could not in justice be paid. They 
 served ejectments, on refusal to comply with their terms, and without 
 remorse or scruple. Families who had been for generations upon the 
 soil, chiefly Protestants, were turned adrift; thousands of men, women 
 and children were made homeless and houseless. They were robbed 
 by those who ought to have been their natural protectors; and to the 
 New World, where opened a prospect for obtaining proprietorial rights 
 and social independence, numerous bands of exasperated Ulstermen 
 turned to seek those settlements, which were denied them by the 
 grandees at home. No resources then remained for the peasantry but 
 emigration. Those who had any means usually sought an asylum in 
 the American plantations. 120 Thus, the injustice of English policy in 
 the administration of Irish affairs, by an obvious process of retributive 
 justice, exercised indirectly—as we shall find in the sequel—a most ' 
 potent influence in bringing about the dismemberment of the British 
 Empire in America. 121 
 
 Among the frontier settlers and through the distant backwoods, 
 Irishmen were very numerous, as they were also most enterprising and 
 adventurous, during the eighteenth century. In 1746, the celebrated 
 Daniel Boone, first settler and “ backwoodsman of Kentucky,” had 
 Irishmen as his companions, and notably among these was the heroic 
 and daring Major Hugh M‘Grady, 122 as also Harland, M'Bride and 
 Chaplain. 123 The father of Simon Kenton, alias Butler, 124 companion 
 of Daniel Boone, and one of the first adventurous pioneers of the West, 
 was an Irishman. One Robert Edmonds was born in Dublin, Ireland. 
 He married Mar} 7 Marks in Cork, and he emigrated to America in 17 54. 
 He landed at Philadelphia, December 23rd. 125 In 1754, Doctors 
 
 120 See Rev. Dr. James Seaton Reid’s 
 ■“History of the Presbyterian Church in 
 Ireland,” &c., Vol. iii., Chap, xxxvi., 
 pp. 339 to 341. Edinburgh, London, 
 Dublin and Belfast, 1834 to 1853, 8vo. 
 
 121 See “A Brief Account of the Society 
 of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, 
 founded in Philadelphia, in 1770.” 
 
 122 See Marshall’s “History of Ken¬ 
 tucky,” Yol. i., chap. iii. 
 
 123 See Thomas D’Arcy M‘Gee’s “ His- 
 tory of the Irish Settlers in North 
 America,” chap ii., p. 27. 
 
 124 See Marshall’s account of his life 
 and extraordinary adventures. 
 
 125 He afterwards removed to Bridge- 
 
110 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 John 126 and Henry 127 Stephenson arrived from Ireland, in Baltimore. 
 The eastern portion of Montgomery County, N.Y., was settled by Irish 
 emigrants, who continued there to occupy various localities. These 
 contributed quite their proportion to the general mass of population 
 and labour, necessary for establishing a new country. 12S Captain 
 William Scott served in the French war while young, and he was one 
 of the first settlers of Dublin, in New Hampshire. 129 Before the reign 
 of George II. ended, several thousand heads of families, all bred and 
 married in Ireland, were rearing up a free posterity, 130 along the slopes 
 of the Blue Itidge, in Virginia, as also in Maryland, and even so far 
 north as within the valleys of the Hudson and the Merrimac. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 War between France and England in 1744—Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle—Renewal of 
 Hostilities—Early Adventures of George Washington—Arrival in America of 
 General Braddock—Expulsion of the Acadians from Nova Scotia—Defeat 
 and Death of Braddock in 1755—Formal Declaration of War between France 
 and England in 1756—English Reverses and Failures—Vigorous measures 
 taken by William Pitt, and Armaments assembled for Prosecution of the 
 Contest—Expeditions against Canada—The Taking of Quebec in 1759—Con¬ 
 quest of Canada—The Treaty of Paris- Cession of Louisiana to Spain by 
 France—Revolt of the Indian Chief Pontiac and his Death. 
 
 When the French had surrendered Acadia, they took possession of 
 Cape Breton Island, and there erected at very considerable cost the 
 strong fortress of Louisburgh, at the opening to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 
 Their great desire was to re-take Acadia, where a population originally 
 French was still strongly attached to the country of their fathers. 
 At length, owing to European complications, in 1744 England and 
 France were again at war, which was fiercely waged in Europe. So soon 
 as this was known in America, the French made descents on the coast 
 of Nova Scotia, and succeeded in effecting some success. 1 The New 
 
 port, Connecticut, and he died at the 
 advanced age of ninety-three, leaving 
 behind him a numerous offspring. See 
 “ History of Ancient Woodburv ” 
 
 126 He conducted an extensive trade 
 from America with other countries. 
 
 127 He entered upon the practice of 
 medicine. He built a large and an 
 elegant house on a hill near the York 
 Road, and which he afterwards con¬ 
 verted into a Small-pox hospital. This 
 he supported at his own expense, thus 
 becoming an early benefactor towards 
 the city and its inhabitants. See 
 “Chronicle of Baltimore,” 1874. 
 
 128 See Eager’s “History of Orange 
 County, New York,” p. 46. Edition of 
 1846. 
 
 129 Afterwards he signalized himself, 
 by gallant achievements in the War of 
 Independence. 
 
 130 For a very comprehensive view of 
 such colonization and its results, see the 
 Abbe Raynal’s “ History of the British 
 Settlements and Trade in North Ameri¬ 
 ca.” Bookiii. Translated into English, 
 and published at Edinburgh,]779. 12mo. 
 
 1 See George Bancroft’s “History of 
 the United States,” Vol. iii., chap, 
 xxiv., p.457. 
 
renewal op HOSTILITIES. Ill 
 
 England colonists, without waiting aid from England, soon began 
 to prepare for a war on their own account. It was resolved to surprise 
 and capture Louishurgh, and for that purpose a confederacy was formed, 
 when bills of credit were issued and troops were embodied. The fleet 
 of Commodore Warren, numbering one hundred sail, was ordered from 
 the West Indies, and it lent co-operation in this enterprise. 2 The 
 Governor of Massachusetts William Shirley was most active in second¬ 
 ing hi - efforts. 3 The colonists numbered 3,200 unden ti e command of 
 William Pepperel. After sustaining a seige of six weeks, the French 
 in Louisburg capitulated, on June 17th 1745. 4 The New Englanders 
 now proposed to raise a colonial army, for the conquest of Canada; 
 but it was decided by the English government, that they must only 
 menace Montreal, while a British fleet and an army should ascend the 
 St. Laurence to attack Quebec. About 8,000 men were accordingly 
 embodied in New England ; but the English fleet failed to arrive. 
 Under command of the Duke D’Anville, a French fleet of forty 
 ships carrying 3.000 troops arrived at Nova Scotia. The Canadians 
 and Indians harassed the frontiers, threatening even the reduc¬ 
 tion of Louisburg and Nova Scotia. However, a series of misfor¬ 
 tunes attended the French ; many ships wore wrecked and lost in 
 a storm ; a terrible fever raged among the troops and seamen; the 
 Admiral died; the Vice-Admiral committed suicide ; a second storm 
 dispersed the fleet once more; when the remnant of this ill-fated 
 expedition returned to France. 5 On the other hand, the New 
 Englanders could accomplish nothing against the French and Indians. 
 At length, a treaty at Aix-la-Chapelle was concluded in October 1748, 
 and this put an end to the war. 6 Louisburg and Cape Breton were 
 restored to the French, in exchange for some continental advantages, 
 more highly prized by the British monarch and ministry. The English 
 Parliament gave an indemnity for colonial expenses incurred during 
 that war. 7 
 
 Within the colonies, strifes of sect and party were for the most part 
 local in origin, and they had been waged for many years. These 
 had nothing more than restricted interest and only passing importance, 
 while in Europe they were scarcely noticed. 8 However, from the 
 
 2 See Dr. J. Campbell’s “ Naval History 
 of Great Britain, including the History 
 and Lives of the British Admirals,” Vol. 
 iv., chap, xxiii., pp. 318-319. London, 
 1813, 8 vols., 8 vo. 
 
 3 See Hutchinson’s “ History of the 
 Province of Massachusetts-Bay,” Vol. ii., 
 chap, iv., pp. 405 to 423. 
 
 4 For a detailed and an interesting 
 account of this siege, the reader is 
 referred to Chief Justice John 
 Marshall’s “ Life of George Wash¬ 
 ington, Commander-in-Chief of the 
 American Forces during the war 
 
 which established the Independence of 
 his country, and First President of the 
 United States,” Vol. i. chap, x., pp. 403 
 to 416. London edition, 1804 to 1807, 5 
 vols., 8vo. 
 
 5 See G. Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States.” Vol. iii., chap, xxiv., p. 
 463. 
 
 6 See Henri Martin’s “ Histoire de 
 France,” Tome xv„ Liv.xcv., p. 323. 
 
 7 See John R. G. Hassard’s “ History 
 of the United States of America,” chap, 
 svii., p. 118. 
 
 8 See James Grahame’s “ History of 
 
mm 
 
 112 I KISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 beginning of the eighteenth century, the various colonies—as 
 population increased—began to extend very materially the trade and 
 commerce of England. 9 In the course of a century, the march of 
 civilization had made great strides. Meanwhile, among the States 
 of Europe—especially those in rivalr} 7 and most interested—the national 
 concerns and growing progress of the colonists aroused extended 
 aspirations and ambition. 
 
 Vast tracts of territory disposable in the New World were objects 
 which tended to create disputes between the French and English, 
 regarding their respective boundary lines. 10 Not only did the former 
 nation claim the whole range of the Mississippi River, but even all the 
 great rivers flowing into it, and which if allowed should have carried 
 them to the very summits of the Alleghany Mountains. An enter¬ 
 prising course of colonization pursued by France became exceedingly 
 offensive to England. Her jealousy could not brook the establishment 
 of a line of defence, which, at the same time that it settled by occupa¬ 
 tion the question of France’s boundaries, left the British power exposed 
 to the attacks, not only of the French, but also of the Indian tribes. 
 Most of these were on terms of warm friendship and alliance with the 
 French Government. The respective boundaries of France and Eng¬ 
 land, in the New World, had not been sufficiently settled by the 
 Treaties of Utrecht and of Aix-la-Chapelle, 11 Mutual encroachments 
 soon arose, while hostilities followed for some time, without any 
 regular declaration of war. At last an open rupture took place. The 
 outcome of such passions and jealousies in most States leads to blood¬ 
 shed and to political changes. In 1749, an association of merchants 
 was formed in London, and they combined with Virginian planters. 
 Thus, the Ohio Company was formed. A grant of 600,000 acres on 
 the head of that river had been obtained from the English Crown, 12 
 with exclusive privileges of traffic amongst the Indians. In turn, these 
 were urged to resist such encroachments, while the French began to 
 strengthen Niagara forts, and to erect other posts at Presque Isle, now 
 Erie, at Le Boeuf, now Waterford, and at Vanango, at present Frank¬ 
 lin, in North-Western Pennsylvania. Within these limits, after the 
 Governor of Canada had remonstrated with the Governors of New 
 York and of Pennsylvania, some English traders were seized, and their 
 
 the United States of North America," 
 Vol. ii., Books iii. to vii. Vol. iii., Books 
 viii. to x. for accounts of these contests. 
 
 9 This is shown in a pamphlet, pub¬ 
 lished a.d. 1731, and intituled: “The 
 Importance of the British Plantations 
 in America to this Kingdom, with the 
 State of the Trade and Methods for im¬ 
 proving it. Also, a Description of the 
 several Colonies there,” 8vo. 
 
 10 See “ The Annual Register; or a 
 view of the History, Politicks, and 
 Literature, for the year 1758,” Vol. i. 
 
 History of the Present War, chap, i., 
 pp. 2 to 4. London, 175S, etseq., 8vo. 
 The plan of this interesting and valu¬ 
 able periodical was conceived by the 
 renowned statesman, orator and man of 
 letters, Edmund Burke; while he 
 undertook writing the historical portion, 
 which engagement he admirably ful¬ 
 filled for many succeeding years. 
 
 11 See Henri Martin’s “ Histoire de 
 France,” Tome xv., Liv. xev., p. 324. 
 
 19 See Hugh Murray’s “United States 
 of America,” Vol. i., chap, x., p. 319. 
 

 George Washington , 
 
 First President nT the United Slates. 
 
 Benjamin Franklin, 
 
 US Ambassador to France 
 
 Richard Montgomery 
 
 Brigadier-Genera! U S. Army 
 
 John Sullivan 
 
 Major - Genera / U S Army 
 

EARLY ADVENTURES OF GEORGE WASHINGTON. 113 
 
 goods were confiscated. This proceeding caused the Ohio Company to 
 make loud complaints, and among the colonists great resentment was 
 aroused. 
 
 Meantime, orders arriving from England reached the Governors 
 of Virginia and Pennsylvania, to prevent the establishment of forts 
 within their specified limits and to take further proceedings. At this 
 period, Robert Dinwiddle was Governor of Virginia. He was dis¬ 
 tinguished for ability and for the interest he felt regarding the exclusion 
 of Frenchmen from the Colonial dependencies. 13 Governor Dinwiddle 
 having laid his grounds of complaint before the Legislative Assembly 
 of Virginia, it was resolved to select a messenger who should bear 
 a remonstrance to M. Legardeur de St. Pierre, then in command at 
 one of the nearest French posts. The appointment having been 
 offered to several and l'efused, a young man—then not quite t^entv- 
 two years old—was applied to, when he promptly accepted the respon¬ 
 sibilities and dangers attending on this delicate and difficult mission. 
 He was no other than George Washington, 14 who now entered on a 
 
 13 (See George Bancroft’s “ History of 
 the United States,” Vol. iv., chap, iv., 
 p. 97. 
 
 14 He is said to have been of English 
 ancestors, among the first settlers of the 
 oldest British colony in America, and he 
 was born in Westmoreland County, Vir¬ 
 ginia, February 22nd 1732. At the early 
 age of ten years, his father Augustine 
 died, and young George lived with his 
 mother Mary, nee Ball, on the paternal 
 estate, near Fredericksburg, on the 
 Rappahannock River. He received but 
 a moderately liberal education, owing to 
 want of opportunities in those earlier 
 times of colonial life; but he was dili¬ 
 gent and studious, so that his natural 
 abilities and his scholarly acquirements 
 soon rendered him conspicuous. For a 
 profession he selected that of a surveyor, 
 and for which he had all the requisite 
 qualifications. His elder brother Law¬ 
 rence Washington had become a member 
 of the Ohio Company ; while this cir¬ 
 cumstance alone was sufficient to enlist 
 George’s sympathies and co-operation 
 in the task now confided to him. At 
 the early age of nineteen he received an 
 important command in the militia, with 
 the rank of Major. See David Ramsey’s 
 “Life of George Washington, Com- 
 mander-in-Chief of the Armies of the 
 United States in the War which estab¬ 
 lished their Independence; and First 
 President of the United States,” chap, 
 i. London edition, 1807, 8vo, It is 
 well to observe here, that Dr. Thomas 
 
 Addis Emmet, in his Address before the 
 American Irish Historical Society of 
 New York, delivered January 19th 1899, 
 has introduced the following statement: 
 “ Washington was in all probability 
 descended on his father’s side from an 
 Irish emigrant, and his mother’s family, 
 the Balls, beyond doubt came from the 
 neighbourhood of Dublin. Walford in 
 his “ Country Families of the United 
 Kingdom” shows that at the present 
 time the only families bearing the name 
 of Ball are to be found in Ireland. 
 The family, it is stated, came to Ireland 
 in the fourteenth century as Flemish 
 emigrants. The De Wessingtons it is 
 also claimed were Flemish who settled 
 about the same time in both England 
 and Ireland. But the last of the 
 English family it is known died some 
 yf ars before the planting of Jamestown, 
 Va. The members of the Irish branch 
 it seems have all been traced, and some 
 of them to this countiy. One, a son of 
 Henry Washington, who was a promi¬ 
 nent man, disappeared from Ireland 
 during the troubles I have described. 
 He probably escaped to Bermuda, 
 where almost all ves-els first stopped on 
 their way to the American colonies. 
 During a visit to Bermuda in 1852, I 
 had occasion to examine some of the 
 church records of this period. I there 
 saw several references made in the 
 minutes of the vestry meetings to one 
 Washington “ a sojourner,” who was 
 several times fined for not conforming 
 
 H 
 
114 I RISK-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 public career. Thus was he prepared for those future great acts, which 
 have rendered his name ever memorable and revered in the history of 
 the United States. 
 
 At the end of October 1753, Washington set out on a dangerous 
 and most difficult journey of over five hundred miles, and through a 
 trackless wilderness infested by Indians, who for the most part were 
 gained over by the French. He had only Christopher Gist as a guide 
 and four other attendants, when he travelled by way of the junction 
 of the Monongohela and Alleghany Rivers. 15 At last, he reached St. 
 Pierre’s fort at Le Boeuf. The French commander declared, that he 
 had no power to quit his post, as the letter of Governor Dinwiddle 
 demanded. However, he promised to transmit the letter and message 
 to Montreal, where the Marquis Du Quesne, Governor of Canada, then 
 resided. In the presence of Washington himself, the French officers 
 made no secret of what had been intended by their government, and 
 they even declared their own resolution, to take possession of the Ohio 
 River and of all that country which it drained. 1(5 The return journey 
 of Washington and his party was made in winter, 17 and as a part of their 
 way was by canoe, when they arrived at Fort Venango, fears were 
 entertained that they should be massacred by hostile Indians. Then 
 taking to the woods, having only packs on their shoulders and guns in 
 their hands, Washington and his guide reached the Alleghany River, 
 which they found to be half-frozen, and the mid-channel was filled with 
 ice-flakes. After a day’s labour, they constructed a rude raft, and on 
 this they endeavoured to cross. But they narrowly escaped drowning 
 in the attempt, for they’ were hurled into the deep and rapid stream. 
 Nevertheless, they succeeded in reaching an island, where they passed 
 that night, yet shivering with cold, and in their wet clothes now frozen 
 to their bodies. By morning, the whole river was covered with solid 
 ice, and thus -were they enabled once more to enter the woods. 18 After 
 
 by attending the service of the Estab¬ 
 lished Church. He seemed to have 
 proved incorrigible as he was ordered 
 “to go his way ” He probably did so 
 to Virginia, from the known fact, that 
 his father had been a friend of Lord 
 Baltimore and others who were con¬ 
 nected with the Virginia settlement.” 
 
 16 “ The place was critically examined 
 by Major Washington, and he was 
 impressed with the advantages it 
 afforded as a military post, both for 
 defence and a depository of supplies, in 
 case of hostilities in that quar.-er ; and 
 it was by his advice, that a f■ >rtification 
 was shortly afterwards begun there, 
 which became celebrated in two wars.” 
 — Jared Sparks’ “Life of George 
 Washington, Commander-in-Chief of 
 the American Armies, and First Presi¬ 
 
 dent of the United States,” &c. Vol. i., 
 chap, ii., p. 26. London, 1839, 2 vols., 
 8vo. 
 
 16 See “ Bancroft’s History of the 
 United States,” Vol. iv., chap, v., pp. 
 110 , 111 . 
 
 17 A particular account of his adven¬ 
 tures on this journey may be found in 
 Washington Irving’s elegantly-written 
 “ Life of George Washington,” Vol. i., 
 chap, ix., pp. 92 to 99. New York, 1855 
 to 1857, 4 vols., royal 8vo. 
 
 18 Washington’s Journal, which he 
 had noted on this expedition and con¬ 
 taining an account of these adventures, 
 was published in London. It was re¬ 
 garded as a document of singular im¬ 
 portance. This too has been “ inserted 
 at large,” as a note in Chief Justice 
 John Marshall’s “ Life of George 
 
EARLY ADVENTURES OF GEORGE WASHINGTON. 
 
 115 
 
 many narrow escapes, Washington was at length enabled to cross the 
 Alleghany Mountains and to arrive in Virginia. 
 
 As that region lying beyond their western slopes had been a wilder¬ 
 ness, hitherto unsurveyed and hardly explored, a colourable title was 
 sought from the Indians possessing hunting grounds in that quarter, to 
 build a fort on an eligible site, at the junction of the Alleghany and 
 Monongahela Rivers, where the present city of Pittsburg now stands. 
 This was intended to command the head waters of the Ohio River. 
 The report and recommendation of Major Washington 19 ur<red Governor 
 Dinwiddle to send westwards a small body of men to effect such an 
 object. He recommended the other colonies to aid him in an expedi¬ 
 tion which he had planned. A regiment commanded by Colonel Fry 
 was raised in Virginia, and Washington was appointed Lieutenant- 
 Colonel in it. Joined by some troops from New York and from South 
 Carolina, they marched from Alexandria westwards; but on their way, 
 intelligence was received that the French had seized the unfinished 
 fort and had called it Du Quesne, in compliment to the Canadian 
 Governor. A detachment of the French had been moved in advance 
 and westwards of the Alleghany Mountains, at a place called the 
 Great Meadows. 20 Here in May 1754, Washington surprised and de¬ 
 feated them, their commanding officer Jumonville being slain. 21 
 Meantime, Colonel Fry died, and the command then devolved on 
 Washington. At the Great Meadows he now built a stockaded entrench¬ 
 ment, which he called Fort Necessity. There he was attacked by the 
 French in greatly superior force. After a day’s fighting, Washington 
 and his men were obliged to evacuate that position. On the 4th 
 day of July 1754, the English garrison withdrew from the basin of 
 the Ohio River. 22 With arms and baggage, Washington retired to the 
 Upper Potomac, and there he erected Fort Cumberland. These 
 proceedings created no little alarm in the colonies, and even in England. 
 The British Ministry advised their provincials to unite for general 
 defence. Accordingly in June 1754, delegates from New Hampshire, 
 Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Y r ork, Pennsylvania 
 and Maryland assembled at Albany. On the 4th of July, the delegates 
 accepted a scheme of confederation drawn up by tlie celebrated 
 Benjamin Franklin, 23 then a delegate from Pennsylvania. However, this 
 plan was to be of no force until confirmed by the several Assemblies. 24 
 
 Washington,” &c., Vol. ii., chap, i., pp. 
 ■$ to 27. 
 
 29 See Hugh Murray’s “United States 
 of America,” Vol. i., chap x., p. 320. 
 
 20 See George Bancroft’s “ History of 
 the United States,” Vol. iv., chap, v., 
 pp. 117 to 119. 
 
 21 See Chief Justice John Marshall’s 
 “ Life of George Washington,” &c., 
 Vol. ii., chap, i , pp. 25 to 27- 
 
 23 See George Bancroft’s “ History of 
 
 the United States,” Vol. iv., chap, v., 
 
 p. 121. 
 
 23 See the Life and a complete edition 
 of his works by Jared Sparks. Boston, 
 1840, 10 vols., 8vo. 
 
 24 See “ The History of the Province 
 of Massachusetis-Bay from 1749 to 1774, 
 comprising a detailed Narrative of the 
 Origin and Early Stages of the Ameri¬ 
 can Revolution.” By Thomas Hutchin¬ 
 son, Esq., LL.D., formerly Governor of 
 
116 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Ultimately, it was not generally adopted, as the colonial Assemblies 
 considered that it gave too much power to the Crown, while the English 
 government objected to it, as giving too much authority to the colonies. 
 In England, anticipating an open rupture with France, the Ministry had 
 taken measures to send from Ireland General Braddock as Commander- 
 in-Chief, with two regiments of regulars, in the beginning of 1755, 25 while 
 the various Assemblies were expected to raise seven or eight thousand 
 armed provincials, and to contribute large sums of money for projected 
 operations. 
 
 When Braddock had arrived in America, a plan of campaign was 
 devised at Alexandria, where he met the Governors of five colonies. 26 
 The French were to be assailed at three different points. An expedition 
 to the East, and directed against Nova Scotia, had been placed under 
 command of John Winslow of Massachusetts and Colonel Monkton of 
 the regular army. A militia force of about 5,000 men, and commanded 
 by W'illiam Johnson of Johnstown, was assembled at Albany. This 
 Irishman, 27 who I,ad risen from the ranks, had uncommon bodily strength 
 and a rude energy of character. Such qualifications had enabled him to 
 acquire great influence over the Indians 28 His force was intended to 
 operate against the important fortress of Crown Point, on the frontiers of 
 Canada. Braddock himself undertook to lead in person his regular 
 soldiers a.nd some Virginians to attack Fort Du Quesne. In June 1755, 
 the French posts in Nova Scotia were assailed by the New Englanders, 
 and tliev were surrendered on condition that the inhabitants should be 
 protected throughout their beloved Acadia. 29 There, the inhabitants 
 of French origin had long lived in a state of primitive simplicity, while 
 they were remarkable for inoffensiveness of demeanor and gentleness of 
 manners. But, despite of the capitulation and its terms, a most cruel 
 and villainous device was adopted by the Lieutenant-Governor and Chief 
 Justice of the province, in consultation with two of the British naval 
 commanders. It was ruthlessly resolved, to drive them out of their 
 country, as also to confiscate their lands and property to the Crown. 
 Until ripe for execution however, this determination was to be kept 
 a profound secret from the people. The English were unwilling to bear 
 the expense of maintaining garrisons in their country. Were the 
 inhabitants ordered to leave it even, it was feared that they would 
 reinforce the French at Cape Breton and in Canada. It was now 
 
 the Province. Edited from the author’s 
 MS. by his grandson, the Rev. John 
 Hutchinson, M.A., chap i., pp. 21 to 
 25. London, 1828, 8vo. 
 
 25 This plan of operatio'-s was de¬ 
 signed by the Duke of Cumberland. 
 See Henri Martin’s “ Histoire de 
 France,” Tome xv., Liv. xcvii., p. 475. 
 
 26 See George Bancroft’s “ History of 
 the United States,” Vol. iv., chap, vii., 
 pp. 177 to 179. 
 
 27 At an early age he emigrated from 
 Ireland to America. 
 
 28 He pu>dished a treatise on the 
 Customs, Manners and Languages of 
 the Six Nations. This was inserted in 
 the “ Philosophical Transactions of the 
 Society of Philadelphia,” Vol. lxiii. 
 November, 1772. 
 
 29 See Haliburton T s “ History of Nova 
 Scotia,” Vol. i. 
 
DEFEAT AND DEATH OF GENERAL BRADDOCK. 
 
 117 
 
 determined, to transport the Acadians from their homes, and to scatter 
 them far and wide through the British provinces. The inhabitants 
 were French in language and in sympathy, while they were Catholic in 
 religion, and very generally fervent in its practices. Accordingly, under 
 various false pretexts, they were assembled in their respective parish 
 churches. These were then surrounded with troops, and the people 
 were taken away as prisoners. 30 Ships had been prepared for their trans¬ 
 portation. In the confusion of embarkation, husbands were separated 
 from their wives and children from their parents. The nearest relations 
 and the dearest friends were thus carried off to distant colonies, further 
 to be persecuted because of their creed, and destined never again to see 
 each other. 31 
 
 This campaign was rendered remarkable, owing to the ignominous 
 defeat and unanticipated death of the English General Braddock. 
 Having assembled bis force, consisting of 2,200 men, at the General’s 
 earnest solicitation, Washington who had quitted the army was induced 
 to serve as a volunteer, and in the capacity of aide-de-camp. He had a 
 previous knowledge of the country, as also of the enemy’s character and 
 mode of fighting. By great personal exertions, Benjamin Franklin 32 
 influenced the Pennsylvania farmers to furnish waggons and horses 
 for transport of the baggage and artillery. Nearly three months were 
 lost during the effecting of such arrangements. At the earnest request 
 of Washington, it was at last resolved to march from Alexandria with an 
 advance division of 1,300 men, Colonel Dunbar with the heavy artillery 
 and baggage remaining behind. The illustrious Washington signalized 
 himself as a brave leader and wise counsellor, while acting as a Virgin¬ 
 ian volunteer on the side of the British; but, on the march he was 
 seized with a severe illness, and it required his utmost efforts to keep 
 up with the army. Had the General adopted Washington’s advice, he 
 would have accepted the proffered aid of some Indians to scour the 
 woods and to guard against any surprise, or even he would have thrown 
 forward some of the Virginian rangers to protect the front and flanks 
 of his force. But, wedded to the forms of regular European warfare, 
 Braddock had little regard for the opinions of a young provincial. The 
 garrison at Fort Du Quesne was understood to be small, and quite in¬ 
 adequate to resist the force now directed against it. On the evening of 
 July 8th, Washington joined the advancing troops. On the following 
 
 39 See the account of George Bancroft’s 
 “History of the United States,” Vol. 
 iv., chap, viii., pp. 193 to 206. 
 
 31 This shocking outrage on natural 
 rights and human sympathies has been 
 related in flowing metre, in Longfellow’s 
 immortal and charming poem “ Evange¬ 
 line.” 
 
 32 This eminent man, who afterwards 
 figured so conspicuously in the history" 
 of his country, was born in Boston, Janu¬ 
 
 ary 6th 1706, and he died at Philadel¬ 
 phia, April 17th 1790. His life and 
 character are set forth in his works, pub¬ 
 lished in London, 1806, in three Volumes, 
 8vo. His grandson, W. J. Franklin, 
 published “Memoirs and Writings of 
 Benjamin Franklin,” &c. r written, by 
 himself to a late period, and continued 
 to the time of his death. London, 1818, 
 3 vols. 4to, A second edition followed 
 in 3 vols 1 ., S'vo, 
 
118 IBISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 morning, Braddock comm need his march, with drums beating and 
 colours flying, all in the panoply of war. A few miles from Fort Du 
 Quesne, the English and provincials entered a narrow ravine through 
 the woods, where about 200 French and 600 armed Indians were con¬ 
 cealed among the trees and high grass. Suddentlv, an invisible enemy 
 opened a murderous fire. The vanguard fell back in confusion ; yet, 
 Braddock formed his regulars into platoons and columns to make regular 
 discharges, which only struck the trees. For a short time the British 
 stood firm ; but, after sixty of their officers and more than half of their 
 men had been shot down, they fell into a panic, and a general flight 
 ensued. Braddock was mortally wounded, and borne to the rear. 83 
 The despised Virginian militia, under the command of Washington, 
 held their ground bravely. The officers generally remained on the 
 field, while they had any hope of rallying their troops. Of eighty-six 
 engaged, sixty-three were killed or wounded, while 714 of the privates 
 fell. All their cannon and baggage were abandoned, the survivors 
 retreating to the rear division. 34 During the whole of this disastrous 
 day, Washington manifested the most admirable coolness and courage. 
 He escaped almost miraculously without a wound, although two horses 
 were shot under him, and four bullets passed through his clothes, as he 
 was galloping in every part of the field a conspicuous mark for the 
 enemy. The remnant of this invading force, destroying all its stores 
 not needed for immediate use, retired to Philadelphia. Although the 
 French deemed themselves too weak or unprepared to pursue; yet, the 
 frontiers were now left exposed to Indian attacks. However, a force 
 was soon raised to defend them and this was placed under the command 
 of Washington. 
 
 On the death of General Braddock, Shirley Governor of Massa¬ 
 chusetts became Commander-in-Chief. He marched an army against 
 Fort Niagara. But, the difficulties of the march, and that discouragement 
 which spread after the tidings of Braddock’s defeat, caused the failure of 
 his expedition. Having learned that the French were erecting a fort at 
 Ticonderoga, General Johnson now pushed on towards Lake George. 
 The French General Baron Dieskau had brought from France a large 
 reinforcement of troops, and to them he had added a very considerable 
 body of friendly Indians. 35 At the head of these he was proceeding to 
 attack the British settlements at Oswego; but hearing of Johnson’s 
 advance, he hastened to meet the colonists, who had now taken up their 
 position in a entrenched camp. Dieskau drove back an advanced 
 party of 1,000 men, who had met him unexpectedly, and then he 
 advanced to assault the entrenched camp. This he attacked at Lake 
 George, on the 5th of September; but Johnson received him with great 
 
 88 See Lord Mahon’s “ History 
 of England from the Peace of 
 Utrecht.” Vol. iv., chap, xxxii., 
 pp, 69, 70. London, 1S36, et seq., 
 8 vo. 
 
 34 See Guizot’s “ Vie de Washington,” 
 Tome iii. 
 
 35 See Washington Irving’s “ Life of 
 George Washington,” Vol. i., chap, 
 xviii., pp. 220 to 223. 
 
WAR BETWEEN ENGLAND AND FRANCE IN 175G, 119 
 
 firmness, and opened a brisk fire. Thi3 caused the Canadians and 
 Indians to fall back. For several hours, the French regulars maintained 
 the contest with great vigour. The British General was severely 
 wounded, and obliged to leave Lynam, his second in command. How¬ 
 ever, with a loss of nearly 1,000 men, the French were completely 
 repulsed; their Commander was mortally wounded and made a prisoner ; 
 while the retreating forces, suddenly assailed by a New York detach¬ 
 ment, abandoned their baggage and took to flight. 36 Afterwards John¬ 
 son built Fort William Henry, at the head of the lake. However, he 
 did not follow up his victory, by an attack on Crown Point. Even the 
 French were allowed by him to fortify Ticonderoga. 37 
 
 The enterprises and encroachments of the French and English, as 
 also of the colonists belonging to both races, were co-incident with 
 operations of the English navy, which had long been employed in 
 despoiling the commerce of France. At length, in May 1756, England 
 openly declared war with that nation. 38 This is generally known in 
 European and in American history, as the Seven Years’ War. Its 
 first chances were favourable to the French, in almost every place ; but, 
 on the sea, great losses were sustained by them. On the death of Baron 
 Dieskau, the brave and able Marquis of Montcalm 39 assumed the post 
 of French Commandant in Canada. In the colonies, General Shirlev 
 had supreme command, and he assembled a council of war at New York, 
 After some deliberation, it was resolved that 10,000 men should be 
 directed against Crown Point, 6,000 against Niagara, and 3,000 against 
 Fort Du Quesne, while a smaller number of troops should march 
 through Maine, in order to create alarm for the safety of Quebec. Mean¬ 
 time, General Abercrombie had been despatched from England and 
 with several regiments of regulars, while the Earl of Loudon was to 
 follow as Commander-in-Chief, and with extraordinary powers. Hesita¬ 
 tion and indecision regarding the English movements followed. 
 Taking advantage of their delays, the Marquis of Montcalm crossed 
 over Lake Ontario from Fort Frontenac, now Kingston in Canada. 
 With about 5,000 French, Canadians and Indians he marched against 
 the two Forts at Oswego, which were surrendered to him, on August 
 10th and 14th 1756. In the attack, Colonel Mercer the commandant 
 was killed. The garrison amounting to 1,600 men 40 became prisoners, 
 while 121 pieces of cannon, as also stores, sloops and boats were obtained. 
 In presence of the Indians, Montcalm destroyed the Forts, which 
 were objects of great jealousy to the Five Nations. This well devised 
 attack and its successful execution filled the colonists with great alarm, 
 
 36 After this victory, the title of 
 Baronet and a gift of £5,000 sterling 
 were conferred on Johnson. See M. le 
 Dr. Hoefer’s “ Nouvelle Biographie 
 Generate,” Tome xxvi., col. 800. 
 
 37 See Garneau’s “ Histoire du Cana¬ 
 da,” Tome iii., Liv. iv., chap. i. 
 
 38 See George Bancroft’s “ Hstorv 
 
 of the United States,” Vol. iv., chap. x. 
 
 39 The life and actions of this 
 heroic man are well illustrated in 
 “ Memoires sur le Canada depuis 1749 
 jusqu’a 1760.” Quebec, 1830, 8vo. 
 
 40 See “The Annual Register,” &c., 
 Vol. i. History of the Present War, 
 chap, ii., p. 13. 
 
120 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 and suspended their contemplated plan of operations. A series of 
 reverses for the English succeeded. 
 
 The object of the Crown being to place all the colonies under one 
 supreme military rule, Lord IxDudon had been appointed Governor of 
 Virginia, with a title of precedence over the Governors of all the other 
 provinces. Dissensions soon arose among the provincial officers, who 
 were compelled to take rank under the regulars, while the new Com- 
 mander-in-Chief, owing to his arbitrary orders and manifest incom¬ 
 petency, became most unpopular. In the beginning of 1757, he had 
 devised a plan of operations against Louisburg. Having raised 8,000 
 provincials, 5,000 British troops arrived, under George Viscount Howe, 
 while a powerful squadron under Admiral Holbourn touched at Halifax 
 in the beginning of July. Lord Loudon sailed from New York with 
 6,000 regulars, to take command of this combined expedition. News 
 soon reached him, that Louisburg had been garrisoned by 6,000 regulars, 
 exclusive of Canadians, and that seventeen line-of-battle ships lay in the 
 harbour. Moreover it was known that a French fleet had already 
 sailed from Brest destined for Canada. Meantime, taking advantage of 
 this futile expedition, the enterprising Marquis of Montcalm, at the 
 head of 9,000 men, laid seige to the strong Fort William Henry, having 
 a garrison of between two and three thousand regulars, commanded by 
 Colonel Monroe. To secure this important frontier post, General Webb 
 was stationed at Fort Edward with an army of 4,000 men. In this 
 great war the native tribes of Indians participated, as they were 
 friendly or hostile to the French or English. In many instances, it 
 seemed most difficult to restrain their innate ferocity and barbarous 
 customs. In vain did Colonel Monroe solicit succour from General 
 Webb, but after an investment of six days, he was obliged to capitulate, 41 
 According to the terms, that garrison was allowed to leave with the 
 honours of war and to be protected from the Indians. However, these 
 latter fell on the unarmed soldiers, and massacred a great number of 
 them. Blame has been attached to Montcalm and to his officers, for 
 neglect in not preventing such outrages, 42 yet these seem to have been 
 perpetrated, notwithstanding all efforts made to save the lives of their 
 prisoners. 43 Fort William Henry was subsequently razed to the 
 ground 44 and it was never afterwards rebuilt. It may be observed, 
 that Lord Loudon’s mighty preparations were attended with failure, 
 and they covered him with disgrace. 
 
 The English and provincials, in the .eginning of 1758. had 
 assembled a force of 50,000 men, under the command of General 
 Abercrombie. This was the most powerful army that had ever been 
 seen in America. It was only after repeated failures, that a vigorous 
 
 dee George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. iv., chap. ix. 
 
 42 The English prisoners themselves 
 acknowledged, “ that the French strove 
 to restrain the Indians, but were over¬ 
 powered.”—Thomas Hutchinson’s 
 
 “ History of the Province of Massa- 
 chusetts-Bav from 1749 to 1774,” &c., 
 chap, i., p. 61. 
 
 43 See “The Annual Register,” Vol. 
 i. History of the War, chap, vii., 
 pp. 28 to 32. 
 
EXPEDITIONS AGAINST CANADA. 
 
 121 
 
 
 and well sustained plan of war, on the part of the English, led to its 
 successful issue in their favour. The ill-success attending 1 the conduct 
 of trie war with France had caused general discontent against the 
 government among the people of England. At length, William Pitt, 
 afterwards the celebrated Earl of Chatham, was called to the ministry, 
 and with functions which gave him control of the military operations. 44 
 He re-called the Earl of Loudon, and appointed General Abercrombie 
 to succeed. He fitted out a powerful fleet under Admiral Boscawen, 
 and he also sent out 12,000 troops to America. The colonists were 
 ready,on their part, to raise a force of more than 20,000 men; ships were 
 provided for their transport; while heavy taxes self imposed furnished 
 the requisite supplies. On the 28th of May, a fleet of twenty line-of- 
 battle ships and eighteen frigates sailed from Halifax, under command 
 of Admiral Boscawen ; while 14,000 men commanded by General 
 Amherst were on board. On the 2nd of June, they arrived before 
 Louisburg. General Wolfe 45 accompanied this expedition, and he 
 became distinguished during the seige. The French Chevalier de 
 Drucourt, a brave and an experienced officer, had charge of the place, 
 with a garrison of 2,500 regulars and 600 militia. The harbour was 
 secured by five line-ofbattle ships, a fifty gun ship and five frigates. 
 The English landed on the 8th of June. 46 After a siege, lasting for 
 seven weeks, the place was surrendered July 27th. The garrison and 
 sailors, to the number of 5,000, were made prisoners and carried to 
 England. An immense quantity of guns, munitions and stores was 
 obtained; while Cape Breton and its dependencies were subjected to 
 the conquerors, who sent off the inhabitants to France in English 
 vessels. 
 
 Under General Abercrombie himself, another army, consisting of 
 7,000 regulars and 9.000 provincials, with a heavy train of artillery, 
 moved against Ticonderoga. By Montcalm, this fort was defended 
 with 4,000 French. General Amherst descended Lake George in flat- 
 boats, and landing at its northern extremity, he routed an advanced guard 
 of the enemy. The General pushed on rapidly to capture Ticonderoga, 
 before reinforcements then on the way to Montcalm could arrive. 47 He 
 was successfully opposed, however, by the French, who under Mont¬ 
 calm made judicious preparations for the defence, having mustered 
 3,600 troops for its preservation. The English regulars advanced to 
 the attack, between the open columns of their provincial regiments. 
 
 44 See Charles Mackay’s “History of 
 the United States,’’ Vol. i., Book ii., 
 chap, iii , p. 198, London, Roy. 8vo. 
 
 45 See R. Wright’s “Life of Major- 
 General James Wolfe,” London, 1864. 
 8vo. 
 
 46 “ At that landing, none was more 
 gallant than Richard Montgomery; 
 just one-and-twenty ; Irish by birth; 
 an humble officer in Wolfe’s brigade; 
 
 but also a servant of humanity, en¬ 
 listed in its corps of immortals. 
 The sagacity of his commander hon¬ 
 oured him with well-deserved praise 
 and promotion to a lieutenancy.”— 
 George Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States,” Vol. iv., chap. xiii. 
 
 47 See Thomas Hutchinson’s “ His¬ 
 tory of the Province of Massachusetts- 
 Bay, from 1749 to 1774,” chap. i. * pp.,7 2,73 
 
122 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISl'ORY OF THK UNITED STATES. 
 
 A bloody battle was fought or. July 8th, when the English were com¬ 
 pletely routed, and their General Abercrombie was forced to retreat to 
 the southern extremity of Lake George. 48 The important French post 
 of Frontignac, on the north bank of the St. Lawrence and at the 
 eastern outlet of Lake Ontario, was a general repository for stores, and 
 the key of communication between Canada and Louisiana. At this 
 time, its garrison consisted only of one hundred and ten men, with a 
 few Indian auxiliaries An expedition was conducted against it by 
 Colonel Bradstreet, who late on the 25th of August landed 3,000 men 
 and some pieces of cannon, within a mile of the fort. The place was 
 soon attacked by this greatly superior force, and in two days it was 
 surrendered at discretion. Sixty pieces of cannon, with arms and mili¬ 
 tary stores to a large amount, were taken, besides nine armed vessels, 
 mounting from eight to eighteen guns. These and the fort were 
 destroyed, and re-crossing the Ontario, Colonel Bradstreet returned to 
 the army. 49 The Virginians had placed under Washington a force to 
 protect them from the incursions of the French and Indians. 50 General 
 Forbes also set out from Philadelphia. With a united body of 6,000 
 troops, these were directed against Fort Du Quesne. The General 
 undertook to cut a new road through forests almost impenetrable, 
 instead of following the old track, as advised by Washington. That unne¬ 
 cessary delay to their operationsbroughton the month of November, before 
 they arrived at their point of destination. Then provisions were nearly 
 exhausted, and a party under Major Grant having too rashly advanced 
 was defeated with great loss. 51 Deserted by the Indians, however, the 
 garrison had been reduced to 500 men, and on the evening before the 
 British arrived, setting fire to the fort, the French retreated in boats 
 down the Ohio River. 52 The damage was soon repaired; the fort 
 was then supplied with a strong English garrison; and, in compliment 
 to the able English Minister, that place was thenceforth designated 
 Pittsburgh, 
 
 Continual struggles between the French and English had thus ensued, 
 but with varying fortune. However, the English ministry now resolved 
 to signalize the coming year of 1759, by the complete conquest of Canada. 
 A circular letter was directed by William Pitt to the several governors of 
 the colonies urging their co-operation; but, their resources in men and 
 money had been greatly exhausted by their previous efforts. Notwith¬ 
 standing, they were still ready to lend generous and effective assistance. 
 A triple and powerful army organization was again resolved on; while 
 the French possessions were to be entered separately, and so far as 
 possible simultaneously to second united operations. The central and 
 main army, composed of British and provincials, was formed under 
 
 48 See George Bancroft’s “ -History of 
 the United States,” Vol. iv.,chap xiii. 
 
 49 See Garneau’s “ Histoire du Cana¬ 
 da,” Tome iii., chap. iii. 
 
 50 See David Ramsey’s “ Life of 
 George Washington,” &c., chap. i.,p. 14, 
 
 51 See “ The Annual Register,” &c., 
 Vol. i., History of the Present War, 
 chap, xiii., pp. 70 to 74. 
 
 52 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington,” &c., Vol. i., chap, v., 
 
 p. 101. 
 
EXPEDITIONS AGAINST CANADA 
 
 123 
 
 General Amherst, now appointed Commander-in-Chief. He was to 
 advance against Ticonderoga and Crown Point; afterwards the army 
 was expected to fall down the River St. Lawrence, to co-operate with 
 an expedition planned against Quebec. This latter division was placed 
 under the command of Brigadier-General Wolfe, a young officer who had 
 already distinguished himself, and who, escorted by a strong fleet, was 
 to ascend the River St Lawrence and to land troops for the seige of that 
 strongly fortified town. Under General Prideaux, a third army, chiefly 
 formed of provincials and Indians, was designed to capture Niagara; 
 and afterwards embarking on Lake Ontario, these were to proceed down 
 the St. Lawrence to take possession of Montreal. A fleet of 150 sail 
 under Admiral Boscawen was designed to co-operate. 53 The naval 
 superiority of England prevented the French from sending out rein¬ 
 forcements to Canada; and thus their posts were then too feebly 
 garrisoned to withstand such formidable preparations. 
 
 After a considerable delay, assembling his forces at Albany, General 
 Amherst marched for Ticonderoga, which was immediately abandoned bn 
 the 22nd of July, when he arrived before the place. He then pursued 
 the French down Lake Champlain. The fort at Crown Point was also 
 abandoned, as he approached, and the French retreated to Isle-aux-Nois. 
 A body of between three and four thousand men, and a fleet of several 
 armed vessels, were stationed there ; while a succession of adverse 
 storms on the Lake prevented the English from securing a naval 
 superiority. Thereupon, retarded in his operations against the French, 
 General Amherst was obliged to take up his winter quarters at Crown 
 Point, where he built a fort. Having embarked with his army on Lake 
 Ontario, General Prideaux landed without opposition, on the 6th of 
 July, about three miles from Fort Niagara. This he now invested, but 
 while conducting the operations of siege, he was killed by the bursting 
 of a cohorn. 54 The command then devolved on Sir Willi un Johnson. 
 Meantime, a force of French and of Indians had been mustered for the 
 relief of Niagara, and on the morning of July 24th, a furious attack 
 was made upon the English, drawn up in order of battle, between the 
 cataract and the fortress. The French were completely routed, after 
 an engagement which lasted nearly for an hour Next day the garrison 
 capitulated, and over 600 men marched out with the honours of war, 
 before they had been made prisoners and carried to New York 35 The 
 reduction of that fortress effectually cut off the communication between 
 Canada and Louisiana. 
 
 Before these expeditions had full effect, General Wolfe sailed from 
 Halifax, and he ascended the St. Lawrence with a fleet of over forty 
 vessels, conveying an army of over 8,000 men. 50 In the channel of 
 
 53 See Lord Mahon’s “ History ot 
 England from the Peace of Utrecht,” 
 Yol. iv., chap, xxxv., pp. 199, 200. 
 
 54 See “ History of the Province of 
 Massachusetts-Bay, from 1749 to 
 1774,” chap, i., p. 77. 
 
 55 See “The Annual Register,” &c., 
 for 1759, Yol. ii. History of the 
 Present War, chap, vi., pp. 29 to 34. 
 
 56 “ Several men who became great 
 in the military or naval service ac¬ 
 companied him as subordinates—- 
 
124 
 
 IRISH-ANER1CAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 the river, where it begins to widen below Quebec, lies the Island of 
 Orleans. 57 There the troops landed on the 27th June. 58 The strong 
 fortress now frowned before them, and built on a rock, inaccessible 
 from those sides approaching the St. Lawrence, while it was protected 
 by walls and bastions, constructed with great engineering skill and 
 judgment. The River St. Charles drew a line of protection, on the 
 other side of approach ; but at the top of that eminence, on which the 
 upper town was built and beyond it, extended what were known as the 
 Plains of Abraham. The garrison was now under the immediate 
 command of the Marquis of Montcalm, who had also formed an en¬ 
 trenched camp between the Rivers St. Charles and Montmorency. 
 With no very sanguine expectations of ultimately succeeding in his 
 enterprise, General Wolfe disembarked his troops and formed two 
 camps; one on the south side of the River St. Lawrence, at Point Levi, 
 opposite Quebec, and the other below the falls of Montmorency, 
 about nine miles from the fortress. The fleet protected both 
 divisions. An assault on the French fortified camp at Montmorency, 59 
 under the direction of Generals Monckton, Townshend and Murray 
 proved unsuccessful on the 31st of July, 60 and resulted in a loss of 
 nearly 500 men Their divisions were afterwards withdrawn to the Island 
 of Orleans. The British batteries at Point Levi destroyed most of the 
 lower town near the River, but, on the citadel and fortifications, they 
 produced little or no impression. Other attempts were made, but with¬ 
 out any important residt being obtained. While reconnoitring those 
 places surrounding Quebec, General Wolfe had observed a narrow and 
 steep ravine above the town, and which led to the plains of Abraham. 
 This he thought might be scaled, and he devised an ingenious plan, to 
 land his whole army at that place. Owing to anxiety and exposure, he 
 was attacked with fever, but calling a council of war at his bedside, a 
 resolution was at last taken. Nearly the whole army was now embarked 
 on board of the fleet, which sailed up the St. Lawrence, on the 12th of 
 September. Apprehending from this movement, that the invaders might 
 
 among others, Captain Jervis, after¬ 
 wards the celebrated Admiral Earl of 
 St. Vincent; James Cook, the famous 
 navigator and explorer; Col. Barre, 
 the Irish Member of Parliament who 
 took the side of the colonists in the 
 debates on the Stamp Act; and Carle- 
 ton and Howe, who commanded the 
 British forces during the Revolution.” 
 —John R. G. Hassard’s “ History of 
 the United States of America,” chap, 
 xx., p. 136. 
 
 57 The situation of the respective 
 corps of French and English, with a 
 plan of Quebec and its surroundings, 
 is delineated on a Map, accompanying 
 letter-press description, in Dr. John 
 Campbell’s “Naval History of Great 
 
 Briton, including the History and 
 Lives of the British Admirals,” Vol. 
 iv., chap, xxiii., p. 414. 
 
 58 See Garneau’s “ Histoire du Cana¬ 
 da,” Tome iii., for complete details of 
 this campaign. 
 
 59 See Lord Mahon’s “ History of 
 England from the Treaty of Utrecht,” 
 Vol. iv., chap, xxxv., pp. 239, 
 240. 
 
 60 The intrenchments were construct¬ 
 ed by the Chevalier de Johnstone, who 
 had been previously an adherent of 
 Prince Charles Edward Stuart in 
 Scotland, and who wrote “ Memoirs 
 of the Rebellion in 1745 and 1746.” 
 See p. 444 of that work. Third 
 edition, London, 1822, 8vo. 
 
TAKING OF QUEBEC, 1759. 
 
 125 
 
 make a distant descent, and then march back on Quebec, Montcalm 
 detached M. de Bouganville with 1,500 men to observe their motions, 
 and to prevent any attempt at landing. The fleet sailed several miles 
 above the ravine. After nightfall, the soldiers were placed in the boats, 
 with great secrecy. While the tide was falling, and with muffled oars, 
 they dropped down the river, and reached the assigned landing place 
 undiscovered by the French. A captain’s guard and a battery of four 
 guns were stationed above. The advance was led by Colonel—after¬ 
 wards Sir William—Howe, and the surprised French pickets were easily 
 dispersed. The main body of the attacking force, under the direction 
 of General Wolfe, now clambered with their arms safely up the ravine. 
 
 Before daylight on the 13th, the English army was drawn up in order 
 on the heights. At this time, Montcalm was in his entrenchments below 
 Quebec, but, on hearing what had occurred, he soon made arrangements 
 for a decisive battle. 61 He crossed the River St. Charles, intending to 
 outflank the English army, while 1,500 Canadians and Indians, excellent 
 marksmen and screened by thickets, opened the battle. The English 
 veteran soldiers were well posted and prepared for the onset. After an 
 hour’s cannonading, accompanied by an unsuccessful attempt of Mont¬ 
 calm to turn the enemy’s left and to force him into the river, the French 
 made an impetuous charge on the English line. This was firmly met, 
 and vigorously repulsed. The English General Wolfe, exposed in front 
 of his battalions, had been twice wounded during the engagement ; but 
 he refused to leave the field, until a third ball pierced his breast, and 
 this wound proved mortal. The command now devolved on General 
 Monckton, who was also severely wounded through the body, and in 
 turn, he yielded the command to General Townshend. While fighting 
 bravely at the head of his troops, Montcalm received his death-wound, 
 while his second in command General Senezergus also fell. The right 
 and centre of the French then gave way, their corps of regulars being 
 almost entirely annihilated. The loss in killed and wounded was very 
 considerable. 62 
 
 After the battle fought on the Heights of Abraham, the fall of 
 Quebec soon followed. 63 While preparations were making for its siege, 
 on the 17th of September, it was surrendered to the English. 04 That 
 town was still strongly fortified, and hopes for its relief from Montreal 
 might have been expected. However, the garrison and inhabitants 
 capitulated, on condition that they should enjoy their own civil and 
 
 61 He has been blamed for rashly 
 engaging in this battle rather than 
 sustaining a siege within the walls of 
 Quebec. See Ludovic Lalanne’s 
 “ Dictionnaire Historique de la France,” 
 p. 1301, Paris, 1872. Royal 8vo. 
 
 62 That of the French in killed, wound¬ 
 ed, and prisoners has been estimated 
 at 1,500, and that of the English at 
 640, in Lord Mahon’s “ History of 
 
 England from the Treaty of Utrecht,” 
 Vol. iv., chap, xxxv., p. 249. 
 
 62 See the “ Historical Account of 
 Quebec in North America, its Con¬ 
 quest, Motives for sending the Troops 
 to North America.” Account of the 
 Society for the Relief of the Widows 
 of such as died at the Battle of 
 Quebec. Printed in 1760, 8vo. 
 
 64 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. iv., chap. xiv. 
 
126 IRISU-AMERICAN HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 religious rights. 65 An English garrison of 5,000 men was left in 
 possession, under the command of General Murray. 66 Afterwards, the 
 beet sailed away down the Biver St. Lawrence for England. 
 
 The French held possession notwithstanding of Montreal and of 
 Upper Canada, so that the contest was yet prolonged. A considerable 
 portion of the French army had retreated thither, after the battle on 
 the heights of Abraham. On the death of Montcalm, M. de Levi 
 succeeded to the chief command, and he resolved on the recovery of 
 Quebec. When the upper part of the St. Lawrence was free from ice, 
 in the month of April, 1760, he fell down the river, from Montreal 
 with such an army as he could collect. With a convoy of six frigates, 
 having artillery, with military stores and supplies on board, he landed 
 and arrived with his army at Point au Tremble, within a few miles of 
 Quebec. General Murray with an inferior force moved out to meet 
 him, and near Sillery, on the 28th of April, he attacked the French ; 
 but, after a fierce encounter and finding himself outflanked, he called 
 off the British troops; when, with a loss of nearly 1,000 men, he 
 retreated to the fortress. 67 A siege was then commenced by M. de 
 Levi; but, the guns were scarcely brought to play from one side to the 
 other, when a British fleet hove in sight, and this armament obliged 
 the French to retire hastily on Montreal. 68 . The Governor-General of 
 Canada the Marquis de Yaudreuil had then called thither all his out¬ 
 posts and detachments, with a numerous militia, determined to make a 
 last effort. But, General Amherst 69 had now concentrated an immense 
 army before Montreal. It should be only a useless sacrifice of life to 
 contend longer, and the French were obliged to surrender that town. 
 A capitulation was entered upon between the rival commanders, and 
 signed on the 8th of September 1760. The Canadians were allowed 
 to preserve their properties and the free exercise of the Catholic 
 religion. 70 By the terms of surrender, Detroit, Michilimackinac, and 
 all the western territories claimed by the French, were relinquished. 71 
 Afterwards, the final conquest of Canada was secured by the English. 72 
 
 Attempts to control the resources of a region, so vast and unex¬ 
 plored as that claimed by France in America, certainly required a saga¬ 
 city of mind and an enduring firmness of purpose, wli.ch would seem to 
 
 ''See “The Annual Register,” &c., 
 1759, Vol. ii. History of the Present 
 War, chap, vii., pp. 35 to 42. 
 
 66 See Thomas Hutchinson’s “ His¬ 
 tory of the Province of Massachusetts- 
 Bay, from 1749 to 1774,” chap, i., 
 p. ‘79. 
 
 67 See Lord Mahon’s “ History of 
 England, from the Peace of Utrecht,” 
 Vol. iv., chap, xxxvi., pp. 286, 287. 
 
 68 See “ The Annual Register,” &c., 
 for 1760, Vol. iii., History of the 
 Present War, chap, ii., pp. 5 to 9. 
 
 69 For his military services, this 
 
 victorious general w r as appointed Com¬ 
 mander-in-Chief and Governor-General 
 of the different American provinces. 
 In 1776, he received the title of Baron 
 Amherst of Homesdale, Kent. 
 
 70 See Henri Martin’s “ Histoire de 
 France,” Tome xv., Liv. xcviii., p. 553. 
 
 71 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. iv., chap, 
 xvi. 
 
 72 See “ The Annual Register,” &c., 
 for the year 1760, Vol. iii. History 
 of the Present War, chap, xi., pp. 
 57 to 60. 
 
 2a? 
 
THE TREATY OF PARIS. 
 
 \ 2 \ 
 
 have impelled a Columbus to the discovery of a new continent, and to 
 have prompted such devoted men as Marquette, Cartier, La Salle and 
 Hennepin, to the dangerous tasks which they undertook, and carried 
 out with such patience and daring. In the year 1762, M. D'Abadie, 
 invested with extraordinary powers by the French Government, was 
 constituted Director-General, as also Civil and Military Commandant, 
 over the whole Province of Louisiana. 
 
 Peace was concluded at Paris, and proclaimed in 1763. By this 
 treaty, England remained possessor of the Atlantic Colonies, the 
 Canadas, and Louisiana, lying east of the Mississippi, except the town 
 of New Orleans and its territory. The public profession and exercise of 
 the Catholic religion was sanctioned, as the articles of capitulation had 
 decreed, in Canada and throughout the western ranges. 73 known as the 
 country of the Illinois, 74 England also acquired Florida from Spain, in 
 exchange for Havana, 75 which had been captured during the mid¬ 
 summer of 1762. 76 
 
 During this year, the first French village was established upon the 
 north bank of the Missouri river. This was named Village du Cote— 
 now it is known as St. Charles—a short distance above the junction 
 with the Mississippi. It was soon found to be impossible, owing to the 
 great extent of canoe navigation extending from Quebec to points more 
 than 1,000 miles up the Missouri, for single individuals to prosecute 
 that trade. Hence the necessity for companies being established, by 
 which general traffic was always most successfully conducted. For this 
 purpose new combinations were required. Trading posts and stockaded 
 forts were established by enterprising men, and agents were found to 
 occupy them, so that the hunters and trappers might find convenient 
 stations, where furs and peltries could be bought and deposited. The 
 Indians learned to participate in the advantages thus provided; and, it 
 was usually the first step in the process of civilization. The creole and 
 half-breed hunters were their counsellors, interpreters and confederates. 
 These energetic men carried on for several years an extensive and a 
 profitable business, during which they traversed every part of the 
 country, from the lower to the head waters of the Mississippi and the 
 Missouri rivers, to the southern branches of the Columbia, while they 
 ransacked nearly the whole of California. 
 
 It was in view of the productive capacities and the resources of 
 Occidental Louisiana, or rather of the Illinois, as this region was then 
 called, that Pierre Laclede—to which in documents yet extant he was 
 accustomed to add Liguest—obtained from M. D’Abadie, on behalf of 
 himself and of others, the exclusive privilege and the “ necessary powers 
 
 73 See Smith’s “ History of Canada ; 
 from its first discovery to the Peace 
 of 1765,” Vol. i., pp. 367 to 369. 
 Quebec, 1815, 8vo. 
 
 74 See Brown’s “ History of Illi¬ 
 nois,” pp. 212, 213. New York, 1844, 
 Sso. 
 
 76 See Alexander Von Humboldt’s 
 “ Essai politique sur le Royaume de 
 la Nouvelle Espagne.” Paris, 1808, 
 1809, 4to. 
 
 76 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. iv., chap, 
 xix. 
 
128 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OP TIIE UNITED STATES. 
 
 to trade with the Indians of the Missouri and with those west of the 
 Mississippi above the Missouri, so far north as the River St. Peter.” 
 Such a comprehensive charter may have been granted by M. D’Abadie, 
 more through reasons of governmental policy, than from motives of 
 personal kindness and friendship. The “ Louisiana Fur Company ” 
 was the name given to the association of Pierre Laclede Ligust and of his 
 companions The extension of settlements in Upper Louisiana en¬ 
 sured an enlargement of French commerce and power, and it strengthened 
 a claim to the exclusive right of navigating the Mississippi, which was 
 even then entertained. 77 
 
 By a secret treaty, that country lying west of the Mississippi, and 
 then designated Louisiana, had been ceded by France to Spain, on the 
 3rd of November, 1762. However, owing to the vast distances to be 
 travelled, the want of enterprising Spanish settlers, and a sufficiency of 
 tro ps to hold military possession, until 1768 it remained undei French 
 laws and French jurisdiction. 78 The lead trade of the West, which was 
 mostly concentrated at Ste. Genevieve, and the commerce in oils and 
 peltries, which was in a measure monopolized by the neighbouring small 
 settlements and villages, still left abundant room for development of the 
 resources and capabilities of the upper Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, 
 with the countries bordering upon them. The French colonists were men 
 of tried intrepidity and sagacity; 79 so that difficulties and dangers were 
 alike disregarded in the pursuit of fame and fortune. 
 
 The transfer of possession in the Illinois country, from the French 
 to the English control, was not pleasant to a race of men whose tastes, 
 habits, religion and feelings were so much at war with those of their 
 new masters ; and, it is not a matter of surprise, that the descendants 
 of those who battled against the British crown in many a well-fought 
 field should leave their altars and fire-sides, and seek as they did upon 
 the western side of the Mississippi River an abiding place, where 
 nought should recall to their minds the idea of subjection to a national 
 if not a natural foe. Along the line of trail, connecting the scattered 
 settlements and villages of the Illinois with the older and more populous 
 towns of Canada, the French hastened in thousands to escape from 
 British rule. As yet, nothing in reality was known regarding their 
 
 77 At a subsequent period, this pri¬ 
 vilege became a subject of protracted 
 and of unpleasant negotiation, be¬ 
 tween the American States and Spain, 
 when the former had achieved their 
 National Independence. 
 
 78 So early as April, 1764, M. 
 D’Abadie, the Governor-General, had 
 been directed to proclaim to the colo¬ 
 nists, that international arrangement 
 which had taken place, and, it is 
 said, his death was hastened through 
 grief from France having lost her 
 fine province of Louisiana. See 
 
 \ 
 
 Henri Martin’s “ Histoire de France,” 
 Tome xv., Liv. xcviii., p. 595. 
 
 79 In Pierre Liguest Laclede was 
 found a combination of those high 
 qualities, which were required for such 
 daring undertakings. But, we are 
 left to deplore, that in the history of 
 such a man, we can only start with 
 the record of an act, eventful in the 
 annals of Missouri, and say that at a 
 fitting time, he had been sent forth 
 as the moving cause of great and 
 wonderful results. 
 
INDIAN CONSPIRACY. 
 
 129 
 
 cession to Spain, by the inhabitants of Louisiana for nearly three years 
 after its occurrence ; hence a mistake was made probably when the fur- 
 trader Pierre Laclede Liguest named St. Louis in honour of Louis XV., 
 whose subject he expected to remain for a number of years, although 
 he was then really subject to the King of Spain. The inhabitants 
 of New Orleans indignantly drove the Captain-General Don Antonio 
 D’Olloa, with the Spanish troops, from the portion of the 
 territory in 1766, when that secret treaty became known. Under 
 the provisions of the Treaty of Paris, Fort de Chartres was abandoned 
 by the Commandant, a Canadian Frenchman, Captain St. Ange 
 de Belle Rive, and by the French garrison in 1765. The English, 
 under Captain Sterling, entered upon its possession, but with great 
 repugnance on the part of the original colonists. Meanwhile, the 
 French province of Louisiana had been secretly transferred by 
 treaty to Spain. This, however, was not then known to 
 the French Colonists on the Upper Mississippi. Accordingly, 
 St. Ange removed with his officers and about forty soldiers of his 
 garrison to St. Louis, on the 17th of July 1765. There, by acclaim of 
 the inhabitants, he was invested with civil and military power over 
 Upper Louisiana. He began to make numerous grants of land to 
 settlers, and these titles were not afterwards disturbed by the Spaniards. 
 They were confirmed, likewise, by the United States, at a later period. 
 Then the town of St. Louis was regarded as the capital of Upper 
 Louisiana. 80 
 
 The celebrated Indian Ottawa Chief Pontiac, 81 who was attached 
 to French rule, endeavoured to effect the overthrow of English power 
 in Canada, by a confederacy of the Algonquin tribes, after the war 
 had ended. He organized an immense conspiracy, embracing Indians 
 from Lake Superior to Georgia, when a simultaneous attack was made 
 on several English frontier posts. For five months he besieged 
 Detroit 82 until it was relieved by a large force of provincials. 83 When 
 he failed in several desperate attempts made in Michigan, he 
 withdrew to Illinois in A.D. 1764. 84 There, too, he endeavoured to 
 
 80 When at all practicable, the 
 Catholic Church aims at accordance 
 with national feelings and civil 
 polity. Hence, with political 
 
 changes, ecclesiastical jurisdiction was 
 transferred from the diocese of Que¬ 
 bec. The missions of Louisiana were 
 attached to the See of Cuba. About 
 that time, the French Director- 
 General over Louisiana M. D’Abadie 
 died, and St. Ange assumed the di¬ 
 rection of civil and military affairs 
 wnen he arrived at St Louis. Long 
 after he was nominally superseded, 
 his personal influence there procured 
 for him respect and obedience. 
 
 81 For an Indian, he was a remark¬ 
 ably well-looking man ; he was nice 
 in his person, and full of taste in his 
 dress, and in the arrangement of his 
 war ornaments. His complexion 
 approached that of the whites. 
 
 8 - See Franklin B. Hough’s “ Diary 
 of the Siege of Detroit in the War 
 with Pontiac.” Albany, 1860. 
 
 83 A very interesting account of this 
 formidable Indian war may be found 
 in “ The Annual Register,” &c., for 
 the year 1763, Vol vi. History of 
 Europe, chap, v., vi., pp. 18 to 32. 
 
 84 Francis Parkman, jun., has writ¬ 
 ten a “ History of the Conspiracy of 
 
 K 
 
130 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 excite the natives to resist a surrender of the French post, under 
 the treaty, to British authority. He hastened with some of his Indian 
 warriors to Fort Chartres, 85 where he endeavoured to persuade the 
 governor M. St. Ange de Bellerive to adopt his designs. The 
 latter was an officer of great bravery, yet too honourable a man 
 to be seduced by those persuasions. But, before Pontiac or his 
 Indians had time to offer any resistance, Captain Sterling with a com¬ 
 pany of Scots arrived unexpectedly, and took possession of the Fort. 
 Still, M. St. Ange and M. Laclede had much difficulty in recon¬ 
 ciling the Indian chief to yield submission, as no adequate means were 
 afforded for further resistance. Pontiac’s usual residence was in St. Louis, 
 after the failure of his operations against the English. However, 
 in 1769, 86 having imprudently ventured on a I’eturn to Illinois, 87 he 
 was treacherously assassinated. 88 This murder roused the vengeance 
 of all the Indian tribes friendly to Pontiac. It brought about succes¬ 
 sive wars, and the almost total extermination of the Illinois tribes. 
 
 A Spanish officer named Rious soon arrived at St, Louis, with some 
 Spanish troops. These were probably soldiers, who had been driven 
 out of New Orleans by the French. In the name of his Catholic 
 Majesty, Rious took formal possession of Upper Louisiana, on the 11th 
 of August 1768. Yet, there appears to be no record left, to prove his 
 exercise of any civil authority there, as St. Ange continued to dis¬ 
 charge official functions, for a long time afterwards ; and, on the 17th 
 of July 1769, Rious with his troops evacuated Upper Louisiana, and 
 returned to New Orleans. Meantime, those French inhabitants, to 
 whom we have already alluded, continued in their state of revolt, until 
 the Irish-born Governor of Louisiana Count O’Reilly arrived there. 89 
 This Governor, then sent to take possession of Louisiana for the Spanish 
 
 Pontiac and the war of the North 
 American Tribes against the English 
 Colonies after the conquest of 
 Canada.” Published at Boston, 1851, 
 8vo. 
 
 85 Near the present site of Kaskas 
 kia, on the Illinois shore of the Mis¬ 
 sissippi River. The French flag was 
 not lowered there until 1765. See 
 Farmer’s “ History of Detroit and 
 Michigan,” p. 234. Detroit, 1884, 
 8vo. 
 
 86 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. v., p. 64. 
 
 87 One day in 1769, he came to M. 
 St. Ange and told him of a desire he 
 had to visit the Kaskaskia Indians. 
 M. St. Ange wished to dissuade him 
 from it, reminding him of the unfriend¬ 
 ly feeling of the British occupants. 
 Pontiac’s answer was: “ Captain, I 
 am a man ; I know how to fight. I 
 have always fought openly. They 
 
 will not murder me; and if any one 
 attack me as a brave man, I am his 
 match.” He went off to an Indian 
 entertainment at Cahokia, ; he was 
 feasted, and then he got drunk. He 
 retired into a wood, where he was 
 struck by a Kaskaskian Indian with 
 a packamagon or war club. The 
 skull was completely fractured, and 
 death ensued. An English merchant 
 named Williamson had bribed, it was 
 said, the ruffian murderer with a bar¬ 
 rel of rum, and the promise of a still 
 greater reward, if he executed that 
 barbarous deed. 
 
 88 The dead body of the murdered 
 chief wu brought by his friends to 
 St. Louis, where it was interred near 
 a fort, which once stood not far away 
 from the present intersection of 
 Broadway and Cherry Streets. * 
 
 89 See Barbe-Marbois’ “ Histoire de 
 la Louisiane,” p. 147 
 
SPANISH OCCUPATION OP LOUISIANA. 
 
 131 
 
 King, had the following list of titles: “Don Alexander O’Railly, 
 Commander of Benfayon, of the order of Alcantara, Lieutenant-General 
 of the Armies of His Most Catholic Majesty, Inspector General of 
 Infantry, and by Commission, Governor and Captain-General of the 
 Province of Louisiana.” 90 At once, he took possession of Lower 
 Louisiana; but, he enforced submission from the disaffected leaders, by 
 acts of great severity. Doubtless, Rious aided the Governor, with 
 those troops he had withdrawn from St. Louis, as the settlers there 
 peacefully yielded to the new domination of the Governor and the 
 Intendant-General, O’Reilly immediately established Jaws for the 
 regulation of the whole Province -91 In the year 1770. and on the 29th 
 of November, the Lieutenant-Governor Don Pedro Piernas arrived at 
 St. Louis, and he became the Civil and Military Commandant of Upper 
 Louisiana. But, it does not appear from any record or other evidence, 
 that he entered upon the exercise of his functions, until the month of 
 February following. The French inhabitants—soon joined by a 
 Spanish element of population—were readily reconciled to the change 
 of dominion, for Piernas tempered all his official acts with a spirit of 
 mildness and wisdom. This procedure characterised the course of 
 nearly all his successors. Such measures were, indeed, imperatively 
 
 90 Count O’Reilly was bom 1722 at 
 Baltrasna, in the County of Meath. 
 He entered the Spanish service with 
 the rank of Sub-Lieutenant, in the 
 Hibernian Regiment. He served in 
 Italy, where he received a wound, 
 which though it lamed him for life 
 did not incapacitate him for service. 
 In 1757, he resigned his commission, 
 passed over into the Austrian army, 
 and distinguished himself against the 
 Prussians, at Hochkirchen in 1758. 
 The following year, he entered the 
 French service, and assisted at the 
 Battle of Bergin in 1759, and at the 
 taking of Minden and Corbach. He 
 re-entered the Spanish service, was 
 made Lieutenant-General, and in the 
 war against Portugal defeated the army 
 of the latter power at Chaves in 1762. 
 The advent of an English army under 
 Burgoyne checked the Spanish suc¬ 
 cesses,' though it gave O’Reilly oppor¬ 
 tunity to face the foe he hated most; 
 but, the peace of Paris in 1763 put an 
 end to the war, and deprived him of 
 active military employment. In 1765, 
 he saved the life of the King Charles 
 III., during a popular tumult in Ma¬ 
 drid. Restored to rank and position 
 in the army, he proceeded to remodel 
 it. He introduced the tactics and dis¬ 
 cipline which he had observed and 
 
 learned while in Germany. Promoted 
 to be Field-Marshal, he was subse¬ 
 quently sent to Havana, which he 
 newly fortified and strengthened. 
 Later still, he was sent in June 1768, 
 to take possession of Louisiana, ceded 
 to Spain by France under the treaty 
 of 1762. On his return to Spain, he was 
 made Governor of Madrid, and he was 
 later selected to command an expedi¬ 
 tion against Algiers. He was subse¬ 
 quently appointed Governor of Cadiz 
 and Captain-General of Andalusia. In 
 consequence of a cabal raised 
 against him by native officers 
 in 1786, O’Reilly was deprived 
 of all his offices and employments, 
 and reduced to a pension. He how¬ 
 ever, was again restored to his posi¬ 
 tion and command; when in 1794, 
 being then 72 years of age, he was ap¬ 
 pointed to the command of the Army 
 of the Eastern Pyrenees, but he died 
 on his wav to the camp, near Chin- 
 chill, the 23rd of March 1794, fully 
 vindicated, as also crowned with years 
 and honours. 
 
 81 In consquence of his severity, he 
 made many enemies in Louisiana, and 
 in 1769 he was recalled to Spain. See 
 Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of American 
 Biography,” Vol. iv., p. 586. 
 
132 IRISH AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 required, and especially towards men, who had come with ill-humour 
 under the Spanish power, and who would not otherwise have 
 hesitated to follow the example, already set by their countrymen at 
 New Orleans. A policy thus pursued brought with it the strongest 
 attachment to Spain. The just administration of the Spanish Govern¬ 
 ment in St. Louis, as also the liberal spirit with which grants of 
 valuable lands were made, in connection with the advantages which the 
 trade of the country presented, soon attracted emigration from the 
 Canadas and from Lower Louisiana. Settlements were formed, like¬ 
 wise, along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 iState of the colonies after the Seven Years’ War—French in the Western Territories 
 —Irish Colonists during the Reign of George III.—Taxation of the Colonies— 
 Resistance—Repeal of the Stamp Act—-Renewal of the Taxation and Disturb¬ 
 ances in the Colonies—Excisable Tea thrown into the Harbour of Boston—Re¬ 
 taliation—Assembling and proceedings of the First or Old Revolutionary Con¬ 
 gress. 
 
 Hitherto the newly founded provinces were loyal to the respective 
 countries on which they depended. After the Seven Years’ War had 
 ceased, besides the possession of those large territories won from France 
 and Spain, 1 there were thirteen district colonies, 2 viz., Virginia, New 
 Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, 
 Georgia—royal provinces directly subject to the King ; Massachusetts, 
 Rhode Island and Connecticut—possessing charters from the Crown; 
 Maryland and Pennsylvania, in which latter Delaware was then in¬ 
 cluded—proprietary provinces and ruled by their proprietors under 
 authority of the original grants. 3 All the colonies received their 
 Governors from the Crown, except Connecticut and Rhode Island; in 
 all, however, causes were carried by appeal from the Colonial Courts to 
 the English Privy Council. But practically, each colony was a self- 
 governing commonwealth, left to manage its own affairs, and with 
 scarcely any interference from the mother country. However, acts of 
 the British Parliament ran there, and these were assumed to over-rule 
 such laws as the colonists might make. 4 
 
 o 
 
 1 See “ Account of the European 
 Settlements in America, its Discovery 
 by Columbus, Manners and Customs of 
 the original inhabitants,” &c. London, 
 Two vols. with Map, 1760, 8vo. 
 
 2 For an account of them, the reader 
 is referred to “ The American Gazet¬ 
 teer, containing an Account of all 
 Parts of the New World, the Cities, 
 Towns, Bavs, Rivers, Lakes, Fortifi¬ 
 
 cations,” &c. London, Three vols. 
 with Maps, 1762, 12mo. 
 
 3 The condition of the colonies after 
 the war is described with very happy 
 illustrations in the very able work of 
 William Edward Hartepole Lecky, 
 “ History of England in the Eigh¬ 
 teenth Century.” Vol. iii., chap xii. 
 London, 1878, et seq. 8vo v 
 
 4 See James Bryce’s admirable work, 
 
RESTRICTIONS OF COLONIAL COMMERCE. 
 
 133 
 
 The treasury of England had been almost exhausted, after tlie late 
 war, and her trade had become depressed. 5 While England main¬ 
 tained the obstinate and expensive Seven Years’ War, which had 
 increased her national debt to the amount of £148,000,000, the colonists 
 other Trans-Atlantic possessions rendered her the most effective and valu¬ 
 able aid. 6 They had lost 30,000 soldiers in her service. They had like¬ 
 wise materially contributed, by spending 16,000,000 dollars, 7 and by in¬ 
 curring heavy debts. Asuccessful issuefor the mother country was mainly 
 owing to those efforts. 8 Now it was maintained by the Court party, 
 that the late war had originated, or had been conducted, mainly on 
 account of the colonies, 9 Wherefore, a resolution was taken, to raise a 
 substantial revenue from them. When that war had ceased, agricul¬ 
 ture, commerce and trade in the colonies were found to be in a de¬ 
 pressed condition. The whole population—slaves included—scarcely 
 numbered two millions. Nevertheless, intellectual, 10 intelligent, active 
 and spirited individuals, composed those semi-independent although 
 scattered colonial communities. These deemed themselves worthy of 
 every reasonable indulgence, and freedom from commercial restraints, 
 to which their position and increasing navigation entitled them. 11 
 
 It was the settled policy of England to keep them in a state of 
 dependence ; since their aspirations for self-government had excited 
 jealousy and distrust of their motives, on more than one occasion. 
 Their enterprise and manufacturing skill, combined with industry, soon 
 led to creditable and promising efforts in various branches of business. 
 The English manufacturers and merchants dreaded the extension of 
 such industrial and commercial transactions desiring to hav° a mono¬ 
 poly of colonial trade. The colonies were designed to be drained of 
 their agricultural products and raw materials. They were expected in 
 return to receive only imported and manufactured goods. The English 
 government had already imposed various restrictions on Irish manu¬ 
 facturing and commercial industries; while the Irish Parliament, 
 paralysed through the agencies of corruption and intrigue, was com¬ 
 pletely dependent on the Crown and the ministers. 12 To prevent all 
 
 “ The American Commonwealth,” Vol. 
 i. chap, iii., p. 22. London and New 
 York, Macmillan, 1888, 8vo. 
 
 5 See “The Annual Register” Vol. 
 ix., for the year 1766, The History of 
 Europe, chap, vi., pp. 31 to 34. 
 
 6 See Grahame’s “History of the 
 United States of North America,” Vol. 
 iv., Book x. 
 
 7 Of this amount, the home Govern¬ 
 ment refunded only 5,000,000 dollars. 
 
 8 See Robert Rogers’ “ Concise Ac¬ 
 
 count of North America, Description 
 of the British Colonies, the several 
 Nations ana Tribes of Indians, Cus¬ 
 toms, Manners,” &c. 1765, 8vo. 
 
 9 See J. Wynne’s “ History of the 
 British Empire in America.” Lon¬ 
 don, 1770. Two vols. 8vo. 
 
 10 This characteristic of the colonies 
 is amply shown in the “ History of 
 American Literature from a.d. 1607 
 to 1765,” by M. C. Tyler, Professor of 
 the University of Michigan. London, 
 Two vols. royal 8vo. 
 
 11 See Benson J. LosC.ng’s “Picto¬ 
 rial Field Book of the Revolution.” 
 This valuable and beautifully illustra¬ 
 ted work was published at New York, 
 in two Royal 8vo. volumes. 
 
 ,2 *See these particulars very well 
 stated and developed in “ Memoirs of 
 
134 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 competition with English manufacturers and merchants, on the part 
 of the colonists, now became an object of chief concern for the home 
 government; and measures were taken to prohibit, not alone an ex¬ 
 port traffic with other countries, but even to proscribe home manu¬ 
 factures for purposes of mutual exchange in the different plantations. 
 Besides, Navigation Acts were passed, which made it unlawful for the 
 colonists to build ships or to trade with any other country but Eng¬ 
 land. 13 Nor could any colony then trade directly with another colony, 14 
 so little was freedom of commerce permitted by English mercantile 
 jealousy. 
 
 The natural result of these measures was to create an extensive 
 contraband traffic in the colonies with the West Indies and with other 
 countries. The English Governors and ships of war were quite unable 
 to prevent such transactions; 16 and, in 1761, writs of assistance or 
 general search warrants were issued by the government, to enforce their 
 Acts of Trade. Those warrants au thorized the customs’ officers to break 
 into any store or private house, and to search for goods, even on mere 
 suspicion that duty had not been paid for them. A stoim of opposition 
 ensued, especially in the chief commercial and manufacturing cities and 
 towns. In Boston, the legality of those writs was disputed in the court. 
 There the advocate-general of the Crown James Otis 16 refused to defend 
 the writs, and he soon threw up his office, while a majority of the judges 
 inclined to decide against their validity. The chief justice Thomas 
 Hutchinson then moved for a delay of judgment, until communication 
 with England had taken place. The legality of the writs was upheld, 
 as might have been anticipated; but, such was the popular ferment 
 awakened, that the officers could not attempt their enforcement. In 
 the State of New York, there was a proposal, to make the judges 
 entirely dependent upon the pleasure of the Crown. This unconstitu¬ 
 tional proceeding was counteracted by the Assembly, when refusing to 
 grant any salary to judges so appointed. The subservient chief justice 
 Hutchinson 17 at this time enforced by arbitrary construction of law 
 the powers of the Board of Trade, and, consequently, he became most 
 unpopular at Boston, which at that time was the leading commercial 
 city in the colonies. Discontent soon began to spread among the 
 people in other provinces, especially when it became known to them, 
 that the English Ministers had an intention of annuling all 
 
 the Life and Times of the Rt. Hon. 
 Henry Grattan, by his own son, 
 Henry Grattan. Esq., M.P., Vols.,i., ii. 
 
 13 See John R. G. Hassard’s “ His 
 tory of the United States of America,’’ 
 Part iii., chap. xxi. 
 
 14 See “Case of the British North 
 ern Colonies.” London. 
 
 15 See Lord Mahon’s “ History of 
 England from th? Peace ot Utrecht,” 
 Voi. v., chap, xliii., pp. 125 to 127. 
 
 16 See James Grahame’s “ History of 
 the United States of North America,” 
 Yol. iv., Book x., chap, vi., pp. 
 
 to 87. 
 
 17 The best defence made for his 
 
 actions at this period is probably that 
 by himself, in “ The History of the 
 Province of Massachusetts Bay from 
 1749 to 1774,” &c. Yol. i., chap, ii., 
 pp. 82 to 96. * 
 
THE FRENCH IN THE WESTERN TERRITORIES. 
 
 135 
 
 their charters and of reducing them to the condition of royal govern¬ 
 ments. 18 
 
 In the remote west there were but six settlements within a hundred 
 miles of the present site of St. Lewis,about the middle of the last century. 
 These were : Kaskaskia, situated upon the Kaskaskia River, and upon 
 a peninsula five miles above the mouth of that stream, about two miles 
 by land from the Mississippi; it was once the capital of the Illinois 
 country, and in its palmy days it contained about 3,000 inhabitants; 19 
 Fort Chartres which had been built twelve miles above Kaskaskia; 
 Praire du Rochier situated near Fort Chartres; St. Philip or Little 
 Village, four miles above Fort Chartres; Cahokia, a village near the 
 mouth of the Cahokia Creek, about five miles below the centre of the 
 present city of St, Louis. St. Genevieve had been built upon Gabouri 
 Creek, west of the Mississippi, and about one mile from its western shore. 20 
 Soon after St. Louis was founded, in 1764, it only contained about 425 
 i lhabitants. 21 Every scene around was then almost in a state of nature, 
 yet many hunters had traversed these regions, and had even navigated 
 the Missouri, a thousand miles or more, long before the first log cabins 
 had been constructed on the clearings. These trappers and hunters of 
 the west were a remarkable race of men, and especially those Canadian 
 French, who sought adventure and liberty in the remote regions. 22 
 Endowed with the most obstinate perseverance, thegreatest self-reliance, 
 and the utmost contempt for danger, they seemed also to have been 
 actuated by a feelingof romantic interest, when plunging onwards through 
 the trackless forests. Wilds immeasurably spread seemed tempting more 
 to adventure, as they surveyed the vast expanse of this wide hunting 
 ground. They resolved, that the rude barbarities of the savage should 
 yield to the conquering march of civilization; although their own 
 restless spirits could ill brook the settling down to peaceful agricultural 
 or mechanical pursuits. It may be said indeed, that nearly all the early 
 settlements of the Middle and Western States were commenced by the 
 hunters and trappers. They navigated every stream, traversed every 
 prairie and forest, paddled their canoes on every lake, and visited the 
 remotest Indian tribes. Geography was indebted to their indomitable 
 enterprise for the earliest knowledge we possess of all those regions to 
 the north and west. The Governments of France, of Spain, and of the 
 United States, owed them more than they could ever hope to return, for 
 indispensable services in making treaties with the Indians, and in guiding 
 exploring expeditions by land. 23 A strange fascination appears to have 
 
 18 See George Bancroft’s “ History of 
 the United States,” Vol. iv., chap, 
 xviii., pp. 412 to 431. 
 
 19 After the country had passed under 
 the dominion of the King of Spain 
 its population decreased. 
 
 20 Among the earliest settlements of 
 Missouri were those formed in the 
 present St. Genevieve county. Those 
 
 attempts of pioneer French colonists 
 date back to the year 1755. 
 
 21 See Barbd—Marbois’ “ Histoire de 
 la Louisiane.” 
 
 22 See Garneau’s “ Histoire du 
 Canada,” Tome ii., Quebec, 1846, 8vo. 
 
 23 See M. Le Page du Pratz’s “His¬ 
 tory of Louisiana, or the Western Parts 
 of Virginia and Carolina, and the 
 
136 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 seized on them ; whether single or in groups, they braved all dangers of 
 the wilderness. No longing for the society of family and of friends wooed 
 them back to the settled pursuits of civilized life. 24 Coming in con diet 
 with the red men of the forest and prairie, sometimes in deadly feud, 
 and often to engage them in traffic, these encounters and associations 
 were soon found to be attended with mutual advantages, while the ties 
 of interest led to concessions, which suspicion may promote, or which 
 serve to allay cupidity, in the rudest and simplest as in the most syste¬ 
 matic or complicated relations of trade and commerce. 
 
 From the beginning of George III.’s reign, the stream of Irish 
 emigration flowed rapidly towards the American Colonies. 25 In Ire¬ 
 land, the spirit of opposition to the restrictions placed on commerce, 
 and to the supremacy of English legislation over domestic concerns, 
 had already gone abroad ; and soon were these principles propagated in 
 distant America. Even the disqualifications of the Irish Catholics 26 in 
 the reign of Queen Anne were extended by the Protestant Episcopa¬ 
 lians—constituting the ruling English faction in the Irish Parliament— 
 to the whole body of Presbyterians and other Dissenters. 27 Soon were 
 
 countries on both sides of the Missis¬ 
 sippi,” with Map. Loudon, 1774, 8vo. 
 
 24 Clad in buck-skins, those pioneers 
 were then to be found on all the rivers 
 east of the Rocky Mountains. Wild lives 
 they led among the Indians. In their 
 mocassins, with wide chests, bronzed 
 faces, deer-skin leggings and hunting 
 shirts, glittering bowie knives in their 
 belts, unerring rifles on their brawny 
 arms, powder and shot pouches pendant 
 from their shoulder-straps, those hardy 
 wood-rangers recalled the vivid picture 
 of Lord Byron, as given in "Don Juan,” 
 Canto viii., Stanzas lxvi., lxvii.— 
 
 “ And tall and strong, and swift on foot 
 were they, 
 
 Beyond the dwarfing city’s pale abor¬ 
 tions, 
 
 Because their thoughts had never been 
 the prey 
 
 Of care or gain ; the green woods were 
 their portions ; 
 
 No sinking spirits told them they grew 
 grey, 
 
 No fashion made them apes of her 
 distortions ; 
 
 Simple they were, not savage : and their 
 rifles, 
 
 Though very true, were not yet used for 
 trifles. 
 
 “Motion was in their days, rest in their 
 slumbers, 
 
 And cheerfulness the handmaid of 
 their toil; 
 
 Nor yet too many nor too few their 
 numbers, 
 
 Corruption could not make their 
 hearts her soil; 
 
 The lust which stings, the splendour 
 which encumbers. 
 
 With the free foresters divide no spoil; 
 Serene, not sullen, were the solitudes 
 Of this unsighing people of the woods.” 
 
 These magnificent lines were called 
 forth, after a highly wrought eulogy on 
 General Daniel Boone, who was chiefly 
 instrumental in the first settlement of 
 Kentucky, and who subsequently left 
 the abode of civilized men. 
 
 25 See “History of Colonization, ap¬ 
 plied to the American Colonies, and the 
 future settlements of the Colonies,” 
 1777, 4to. A reply to this was pub¬ 
 lished : J. Symonds’ “ Remarks on the 
 History of Colonization of the American 
 Colonies,” 1778, 4to. 
 
 26 In the Act known as 2nd of Queen 
 Anne, for Preventing the Further 
 Growth of Popery. 
 
 27 There was a clause added by the 
 English government and ratified by the 
 unrepresentative Irish Parliament, that 
 none should be capable of any public 
 employment, or of being in the magis¬ 
 tracy of any city, who did not receive 
 the sacrament according to the English 
 Test Act. See Bishop Buruet’a 
 “ History of My Own Time,” Vol. iL, 
 Book vii., pp. 340, 361, 362. 
 
IRISH COLONISTS DURING THE REIGN OF GEORGE III. 137 
 
 they willing to leave a country, where they felt oppression, and as emi¬ 
 grants they turned towards the American colonies. Thus we find that 
 the Irish Rowan family emigrated from Pennsylvania to Kentucky, so 
 early as 1753. There were also Croghansand McGradys, from Ireland, 
 very early settlers. 
 
 In 1762, ground down by the tithes falling on tillage and rack-rents 
 of the landlords or middlemen, an exodus of Catholics took place. 28 
 David Campbell, 29 an Irishman, was the pioneer who erected 
 Campbell’s Station, fifteen miles below Knoxville, Tennessee. There, 
 too, at Limestone, lived the Irish father of the famous David Crockett. 20 
 Indeed, it may be observed, that the midland States of America, and 
 the Western parts in general, were half formed of Irishmen. 31 Liberal 
 colonial inducements were held out in 1764, to encourage free white 
 labourers from Ireland. 32 Many responded to the call, and as industrious 
 colonists they generally reached a degree of comfort and independence, 
 which could not be realized in their native land. While enumerating 
 the districts and families here presented, it must be undertood, that 
 allusion has solely been made to the relations of Irish settlers with the 
 United States in the Colonial days. 33 Moreover, the data afforded and 
 
 28 In his “Popular History of Ire¬ 
 land,” Thomas D’Arcy M‘Gee says; 
 “Outraged in their dearest civil and 
 religious rights, thousands of the Irish 
 of Ulster, and the Milesian and other 
 Anglo-Irish of the other provinces, pre¬ 
 ferred to encounter the perils of an 
 Atlantic flitting, rather than abide 
 under the yoke and lash of such an 
 oligarchy.” Book xi., chap ii. 
 
 29 His son Captain John Campbell 
 shared in almost all the campaigns 
 against the Indians, until the close of 
 the Revolution. 
 
 30 He was born at Limestone, August 
 17th 17S6. 
 
 31 Such is the statement of a native 
 American writer Hugh Henry Bracken- 
 ridge the author of “Modern Chivalry,” 
 one of the finest political satires Amer¬ 
 ica has produced. It was published at 
 Pittsburg in 1794, just thirteen years 
 after the surrender of Cornwallis at 
 Yorktown. He had been a chaplain in 
 Washington’s army, and he was well 
 acquainted with the spirit, enterprise 
 and bravery of the natives of Ireland. 
 
 32 See Rev. J. A. Spencer’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. i. 
 
 33 The American historian, George 
 Bancroft, writes: “ Just after the peace 
 of Paris, ‘ the Heart of Oak ’ Protest¬ 
 ants of Ulster, weary of strife with 
 their landlords, came over in great 
 
 numbers; and settlements on the Cataw¬ 
 ba, in South Carolina, dated from that 
 epoch. At different times in the eigh¬ 
 teenth century, some had found homes 
 in New England, but they were most 
 numerous south of New York, from 
 New Jersey to Georgia. In Pennsyl¬ 
 vania they peopled many counties, till, 
 in public life, they already balanced 
 the influence of the Quakers. In Vir¬ 
 ginia, they went up the valley of the 
 Shenandoah ; and they extended them¬ 
 selves along the tributaries of the 
 Catawba, in the beautiful upland region 
 of North Carolina. Their training in 
 Ireland had kept the spirit of liberty 
 and the readiness to resist unjust govern¬ 
 ment as fresh in their hearts, as though 
 they had just been listening to the 
 preachings of Knox, or musing over the 
 political creed of the Westminster 
 Assembly. They brought to America 
 no submissive love for England ; and 
 their experience and their religion alike 
 bade them meet oppression with prompt 
 resistance. We shall find the first voice 
 publicly raised in America to dissolve 
 all connection with Great Britain came, 
 not from the Puritans of New England, 
 or the Dutch of New York, or the plan¬ 
 ters of Virginia, but from Scotch-Irish 
 Presbyterians.” — “ History of the 
 United States,” Vol. v., chap, iv., pp. 
 76 77. 
 
138 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 our limiteb space must necessarily leave this enumeration imperfect, 
 but all the names mentioned have a general or a local historic celebrity, 
 and therefore in some degree or other of excellency, they reflect 
 credit on Ireland, the parent country from which they had been 
 derived. 
 
 Previous to and at the commenceinent of the Revolutionary war, the 
 colonists were composed of adventurers, not only from every district of 
 Great Britain and Ireland, but from almost every other European 
 Government, where the principles of liberty and of commerce have operated 
 with spirit and efficacy. 34 The Irish element was well represented in 
 New England, as in other colonies. In Boston, there were many 
 Presbyterian families of Irish birth or of Irish extraction. A band of 
 forty hunters was led by Colonel James Knox, 35 into the solitudes of 
 the Kentucky forests in 1770, while Daniel Boone 36 was there a lone 
 hunter. Those adventurers were gathered from the valleys of New 
 River. Among them, Clinch and Holston had a passionate desire to 
 chase the buffaloes in the west. Nine of the forty had crossed the 
 mountains, and had penetrated into that desert and almost impassible 
 country, about the heads of the Cumberland River. These were the 
 first white men, who explored that wild region spreading along the 
 borders of Kentucky and of Tennessee. 37 No complete memorial has 
 been transmitted regarding the emigrations that took place from 
 Europe to America at this period ; but, from the few illustrative facts 
 that are actually preserved, they seem to have been amazingly copious. 
 In the years 1771, 1772 and 1773, the number of emigrants to America 
 from Belfast and other ports in that neighbourhood amounted to over 
 25,000. 38 There were only five white women in Wilkesbarre, Penn¬ 
 sylvania, in May 1772. 39 A Mrs. McClure, wife of James McClure 
 an Irishman, was mother of the second white child born in Wilkes¬ 
 barre. Within the fortnight preceding August 20th 17 7 3, 40 three thou¬ 
 sand five hundred passengers arrived from Ireland in Maryland. Nearly 
 
 84 See “Letters from America His¬ 
 torical and Descriptive, from 1769 to 
 1777.” By William Eddies. London, 
 1792. 
 
 35 See Appleton’s “Cyclopedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. iii, p. 567. 
 
 86 He departed in 1799 for the Mis¬ 
 souri River, and frequently shifted his 
 station : but, he lived chiefly at a place 
 called from him Boone's Lick, now in 
 Howard County, away from the reach 
 of social intrusion, and in the midst of 
 dangers, about the year 1816. Even 
 there, the white men began to encroach 
 on his wild haunts. He then went back 
 two hundred miles farther into the 
 woods, and after the age of seventy, his 
 “ lonely, vigorous, harmless days ” were 
 6pent hunting and trapping in the soli¬ 
 
 tudes. According to Lord Byron, 
 “ Boone lived hunting up to ninety ; ” 
 but this statement was an exaggera¬ 
 tion, for he died in 1820. Concerning 
 him, the noble poet wrote, soon after 
 the date already given, and Byron died 
 at Missolonghi, in Western Greece, on 
 the 19th of April, 1824. 
 
 87 See Perkins’ “ Annals of the West.” 
 
 88 Chiefly were these evicted from 
 one of the Marquis of Donegal’s estates, 
 in Antrim. See Marmion’s “ Ancient 
 and Modern History of the Maritime 
 Ports of Ireland.” 
 
 89 See Miner’s “ History of Wyom- 
 ing,” pp. 13S, 139. 
 
 40 See the first number of the Mary¬ 
 land Journal and Baltimore Advertiser , 
 of that date. 
 
IRISH COLONISTS DURING THE REIGN OF GEORGE III. 139 
 
 ail of these emigrated at (heir own charge. A great majority had been 
 employed in the linen manufacture, or they were farmers who possessed 
 some property. This being converted into money, they carried it with them 
 as a means for bettering their fortunes. It appears, that during the year 
 1773, vessels were arriving every month and bringing large contingents 
 to the population from Holland and Germany; as also specially from 
 Ireland and from the highlands of Scotland. These latter were par¬ 
 ticularly discontented with the treatment of England towards their 
 nation, which had been deprived of its own independent Parliament. 41 
 This accession to the colonial population—as might reasonably be 
 supposed—had no tendency to diminish or counteract the hostile senti¬ 
 ments towards Britain, which were daily gathering force in America. 42 
 About seven hundred Irish settlers repaired to the Carolinas in the 
 Autumn of 1773. During the course of that same season, no fewer 
 than ten vessels sailed from Britain, and filled with Scottish Highlanders 
 emigrating to the American States, In the summer of 1773, a party 
 led by Bull it, and in which were two of the McAffees, Handcock, Taylor, 
 Brennan, and others, separated. A part of them went up the Kentucky 
 River and explored its banks, while they made some important surveys. 
 Those included that valley, in which Frankfort now stands. The remain¬ 
 der went on to the Falls of the Ohio, and there in behalf of John Campbell 
 and John Connolly, they laid out the site and plan of Louisville city. 43 
 
 One of the early clergymen who influenced American progress was 
 the Rev James McSparran of the Church of Naraganset. 44 At what 
 time the Elder family came from Ireland to New York is not known, 
 but it was previous to the Revolution. An Irish descended family of 
 Elders were early settlers in Kentucky, and they were most probably 
 derived from that race. On the understanding, that their time should 
 be disposed of to pay for their passage, three hundred emigrants of both 
 sexes arrived from Newry, on the 3rd August 1774. 45 Several young 
 men of good abilities had been banished to America, owing to the 
 severity of British law. Many of these made good clerks and store¬ 
 keepers, while they rose to riches and credit, being also the founders of 
 good families. It is related by Watson, 46 that before his time, one dis- 
 
 41 By the Act of an incorporating 
 Union in 1707. The truest and best 
 account of this most dishonest and sur¬ 
 reptitious transaction is that given by 
 George Lockhart of Carnwath, in the 
 “Memoirs concerning the Affairs of 
 Scotland from Queen Anne’s Accession 
 to the Throne, to the commencement 
 of the Union of the Two Kingdoms 
 of Scotland and England, in May 
 1707.” Third edition, London, 1714, 
 8vo. 
 
 42 See Rev. Mr. Spencer’s “ History 
 of the United States,” YoL i., p. S05. 
 
 “See Dr. Jared Sparks’ “Life and 
 
 Writings of George Washington.” Ap¬ 
 pendix to the Second Vol. This excel¬ 
 lent historical work was first published 
 in 1834-1837, in twelve vols., 8vo. 
 
 44 He was born in Ireland about 16S0, 
 and he died in South Kensington,Rhode 
 Island, in 1757. See Appleton’s “Cyclo¬ 
 pedia of American Biography,” Vol. iv., 
 pp. 161, 162. Likewise “Cyclopedia 
 of American Literature.” 
 
 “These sailed in the ship Needham, 
 under the command of Capt. Cheevers. 
 See RivingtorCs Gazette, August 4th, 
 1774. 
 
 48 In his “ Annals of Philadelphia.” 
 
J40 IRISIi-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 tinguishcd man had been sold in Maryland. He had been an offender 
 from Ireland. While serving his master as a common servant, he 
 showed much ability in managing for him an important lawsuit, for 
 which the master instantly made him free. He went to Philadelphia, 
 and there he amassed a large fortune in landed estate. Afterwards it 
 became of great value and it was distributed among his heirs. Among 
 the other Irish Redemptioners was Matthew Lyon, who arrived in 
 America in 1759. 47 On landing in New York, he was assigned to 
 Jabez Bacon, of Woodbury, who brought him home. After serving 
 thus for some time, Lyon was assigned for the remainder term of his 
 service to Hugh Hannah of Litchfield, and for a pair of stags valued 
 at £12. By dint of sterling native talent and under the most dis¬ 
 heartening circumstances, he fought his way to fame and eminence. 
 He was afterwards a member of Congress from Vermont and also from 
 Kentucky. 48 Among the early Irish settlers found by Daniel Boone 
 in Kentucky were Major Hugh McGrady and Richard Hogan, with 
 others who lived in Powell’s Valley. He placed himself at the 
 head of this interesting little colony, and led them through the Cumber¬ 
 land gap, into the wilderness beyond, and where it was destined 
 to be the germ of a great state. In the latter part of the year 1775, he 
 was visited at Boonesborough by the brothers James and Robert 
 McAfee, and by several other men. These subsequently rendered very 
 impo tant services in the settlement of the West. 49 Also, McLellan, 
 McBride, and Benjamin Logan an Irish Pennsylvanian, were residents of 
 Kentucky in 1775. 50 In the year 1775, the famous pioneer Simon 
 Kenton, alias Butler, 51 erected a cabin within the present Mason County, 
 and he grew the first corn ever planted at any point on the north side 
 of Licking River. This was a simple incident in the bfe of an adven¬ 
 turous woodsman ; but, regarded in the light of subsequent events, it 
 has assumed a significance that renders it historic. It marked the 
 beginning of a new epoch, and it symbolized the characteristic move¬ 
 ment of the period—the sullen retreat of the hunter tribes before the 
 pioneers of a civilized race. Though for years afterwards, that exposed 
 border was swept by tides of savage incursions, the pioneer seemed to 
 feel that his position was now comparatively secure, and that he might 
 at last venture to lay aside the rifle, to build, to plant, and to reap. 52 
 
 The British Ministry were now engaged in digesting plans to diminish 
 that great load of taxation, caused by the national debt, with its accruing 
 
 47 See Irish Celts.” By a Member of 
 the Michigan Bar. 
 
 48 See Cothren’s “ History of Ancient 
 Woodbury,” Vol. ii., p. 320. 
 
 49 See “ Hartley’s History of the 
 Early Settlement of Kentucky.” Also, 
 Marshall’s “ History of Kentucky,” Vol. 
 i., chap. iii. 
 
 59 See Thomas D’Arcy McGee’s 
 “ History of the Irish Settlers in 
 
 North America,” chap, ii., pp. 27 to 
 32. 
 
 61 His father was an irishman. He 
 was born in Virginia a.d. 1755, and after 
 many strange adventures aud brave 
 achievements, he died in Ohio, 1836. 
 See Appleton’s “Cyclopaedia of Ameri¬ 
 can Biography,” Vol. iii., pp. 522 523. 
 
 52 See the Marysville Kentucky E fjle > 
 for January 13th, 1875. \ 
 
RESISTANCE TO THE STAMP ACT. 
 
 141 
 
 heavy interest. As yet, no English Ministry had attempted to levy a 
 direct tax on the colonies. However, a little after the accession of 
 George III. to the throne, 53 a deficiency of about three millions in the 
 revenue was with difficulty supplied by temporary resources, and by 
 encroachments on the sinking fund. 54 A Stamp Act and a Bill for collect¬ 
 ing customs in the colonies had been considered, as a means available 
 for increasing the revenue. 55 Even this idea was favoured by several of 
 the government officials and dependents in America, who were ready to 
 lend it support. Accordingly, it was proposed in 1764, by the prime 
 minister Grenville, who first brought this scheme into form, 58 that the 
 Parliament.should be induced to lev) taxes, and to impose them in a heavy 
 proportion, based on very exaggerated accounts of North American 
 colonial wealth. 57 The colonists had cherished notions, similar to those 
 of the British constitutionalists, that taxation without representation 
 was tyrannical, illegal, and a grievance. The celebrated work of 
 William Molyneux 58 had been eagerly read in America, 59 and the 
 principles there laid down, that Ireland having its own Parliament 
 and making its own laws could not be bound by English statutes, 
 because they sent no representatives to that Parliament, were now 
 applied to the colonies. 60 
 
 When Mr. Grenville brought forth his celebrated Act for imposing 
 American Stamp Duties on the 5th May, General Henry Conway stood 
 alone, in denying that right asserted by the British legislature to tax 
 the colonies. Mr. Pitt was then confined at home through indisposition 
 and unable to attend the house. 61 An agitation in opposition to 
 those measures soon spread throughout the several colonies. In Massa¬ 
 chusetts it became very vehement, as also in New York and Rhode 
 
 53 This event took place October 25th, 
 1760. 
 
 54 See Adolphus’ “ History of England 
 from the Accession of King George III. 
 to the conclusion of Peace in the year 
 One Thousand Seven Hundred and 
 Eighty-Three,” Vol. i., p. 159. 
 
 55 See “ Observations on the State of 
 the British Colonies in America,” Map 
 and Plates. London, 1769, Ito. 
 
 66 See Works of Edmund Burke, Vol. 
 i. Speed* on American Taxation, p. 460. 
 
 57 The causes which led to the Ameri¬ 
 can War of Independence are most 
 lucidly set forth in George Bancroft’s 
 “ History of the United States',” Vol. v. 
 and vi. 
 
 68 See “Case of Ireland’s being bound 
 by Acts of Parliament made in England 
 stated.” This was first published in 
 Dublin, a.d. 1697, 8vo. It afterwards 
 appeared there in various editions, dur¬ 
 ing subsequent years. The latest edi¬ 
 tion of this work is that by the present 
 
 writer, with a life of the author prefixed, 
 and published in Dublin, by Sealy, 
 Bryers and Walker, 1892, 8vo. 
 
 59 An able paper, inspired by this 
 work and accommodated to the case of 
 the colonies, appeared in the Boston 
 Gazette of August 24th 1767. The Go¬ 
 vernor Bernard wrote his disapprobation 
 of its purport to Shelburne on the same 
 day. 
 
 80 This doctrine was admitted by Lord 
 Coke. 
 
 61 See Rev. Francis Thackeray’s “ His¬ 
 tory of the Right Honourable William 
 Pitt, Earl of Chatham : containing his 
 Speeches in Parliament; a considerable 
 Portion of his Correspondence, when 
 Secretary of State, upon French, Spanish 
 and American Affairs, never before pub¬ 
 lished ; with an accouut of the principal 
 Events and Persons of his time, con¬ 
 nected with his Life, Sentiments and 
 Administrations,” Vol. ii., chap, xx., p. 
 58. London. Two Vols. 1827, 4to, 
 
142 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Island. Thence invitations went to other colonies, to maintain their 
 liberties, to organize and to devise a method for union. This proposition 
 led to a cordial approval in the city of Philadelphia, 62 while the flame 
 spread rapidly throughout Pennsylvania, and the direction was 
 chiefly conducted by Charles Thomson. 63 Another of these stout 
 protestors was John Dunlap , 64 ' born at Strabane, in Ireland. 
 Whereupon, in October 1764, by a majority and after great opposi¬ 
 tion from the proprietary party, the Assembly elected Benjamin 
 Franklin 65 as their agent to sail for England. His instructions were, 
 to use every effort in opposing the threatened Stamp Act, and to pre¬ 
 serve the inalienable liberties of the colonists in America. 66 Several 
 other provinces had empowered Franklin to act for them as agent, and 
 in that capacity he was indefatigable, by trying to enlighten the Eng¬ 
 lish ministers and the public on the popular state of feeling in America. 67 
 There, opposition was openly expressed, while this agitation was con¬ 
 tinued and extended. 68 In Boston, it was vigorously set on foot by 
 
 62 See T. F. Gordon’s “ History of 
 Pennsylvania from its Discovery by 
 Europeans to the Declaration of Inde¬ 
 pendence in 1776.” Philadelphia, 1829, 
 8vo. 
 
 63 He was born at Maghera, near Lon¬ 
 donderry, Ireland, November 29th 1729. 
 With his father and family, he sailed for 
 America in 1741, but his father died on 
 the voyage. He was a pupil of Rev. 
 Francis Alison, at Thunder Hill, Mary¬ 
 land. He became a teacher himself, 
 first at Newcastle, and afterwards at 
 Philadelphia, where he became the inti¬ 
 mate friend of Benjamin Franklin. He 
 was engaged in mercantile business for 
 some years, and such was his integrity, 
 that even the Delaware Indians, with 
 whom he was a negotiator of treaties, 
 styled him “ The Truthteller.” He was 
 a secretary to many literary and patrio¬ 
 tic societies. See “The Encyclopedia 
 Americana,” a Supplementary Diction¬ 
 ary of Arts, Sciences and General 
 Literature, Vol. iv., p. 680. New York, 
 1885 to 1889, 4to. 
 
 64 He started the first daily paper 
 published in America, and it was styled 
 The Pennsylvania Packet. He was 
 printer to the Convention of 1774, and 
 to the first Congress. He was the first, 
 also, who printed the Declaration of In¬ 
 dependence. He became a Captain in 
 the first troop of Philadelphia Horse. 
 In 1775, he established a weekly paper, 
 having for its title Dunlap’s Maryland 
 Gazette , under the direction of Janies 
 Hayes, who became editor in 1778. 
 
 See Appleton’s “Cyclopedia of Ameri¬ 
 can Biography,” Vol. ii., p. 258. See, 
 also, Griffith’s “ Annals of Baltimore,” 
 1824. 
 
 65 He had visited London for the first 
 time in 1725, and he returned to 
 America in 1726, when he established 
 printing works in Philadelphia. In 
 1751, he was a member of the House of 
 Assembly in Pennsylvania, and after¬ 
 wards he was appointed Post-master 
 General of the Colonies. He visited 
 England, on important public business 
 in 1757, and there he was honourably 
 received, as a man of science and of 
 letters. During the spring time of 1762, 
 he returned to America, having formed 
 friendships with some of the most dis¬ 
 tinguished personages in the British 
 Islands and on the Continent of 
 Europe. 
 
 66 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. v., chap, 
 x., p. 220. 
 
 67 He was greatly esteemed by the 
 liberal minded people of all classes for 
 his high character, patriotism and 
 sagacity. He also contrived to have 
 close relations with the French govern¬ 
 ment through their ambassador in 
 London, so that in case of failing in his 
 mission, he might form an alliance for 
 his country with France. These trans¬ 
 actions are set forth in Mignet's “ Vido 
 de Frankbn.” 
 
 68 See “ Letters from a farmer in 
 Pennsylvania to the inhabitants of the 
 British Colonies.” Boston 1768, 8vo. 
 
RESISTANCE TO THE STAMP ACT. 143 
 
 Samuel Adams, and the Legislature of Massachusetts warmly espoused 
 the resolutions of the citizens. The people of New Yoi’k, Rhode Island, 
 North Carolina 69 and Virginia were deeply moved by discontent and 
 protests, especially when the settled purpose of Ministers became more 
 clearly disclosed. 70 The several charters referring to settlement were 
 appealed to, in asserting colonial rights and privileges. 71 Among those 
 who protested most warmly against the arbitrary measures of the 
 British Government in 1765, was an Irish-American, named George 
 Bryan. 72 
 
 On the 12th of February, 1765, George Grenville moved his fifty- 
 five financial resolutions, 73 and among these the Stamp Act in detail 
 was introduced. Colonel Isaac Barre, 74 a young Irishman of consider¬ 
 able oratorical powers, opposed it, as did Alderman Beckford. 75 How¬ 
 ever, they were defeated by a majority of 245 against 49, after a debate 
 that lasted until nine o’clock. 76 Owing to their spirit of domination 
 and scorn for American rights, the ministers passed this Stamp Act. 77 
 
 Ever} 7 provincial assembly in the colonies immediately took measures 
 to render it null and void. 78 Only stamped paper was now declared 
 
 69 See Martin’s “ History of North 
 Carolina,” Vol. ii., p. 188. 
 
 70 See George Bancroft’s “ History of 
 the United States,” Vol. v., chap, ix., 
 x., pp. 157 to 227. 
 
 71 Their nature and provisions 
 are to be found in an octavo volume : 
 “ Charters of the British Colonies insti¬ 
 tuted in America ” It is without any 
 date of publication. 
 
 73 Afterwards he became a judge of 
 the Supreme Court in Pennsylvania, 
 and a member of Congress. See Apple¬ 
 ton’s “ Cyclopedia of American Bio¬ 
 graphy,” Vol. i., p. 421. 
 
 73 See Thomas M‘Knight’s “History 
 of the Life and Times of Edmund 
 Burke,” Vol. i., chap, ix., pp. 159-175. 
 London, 1858 to 1860. Three Vols. 8vo. 
 
 74 He had already shared the perils 
 and glory of General Wolfe, and under 
 the patronage of Lord Shelbourne, he 
 had been introduced into the English 
 House of Commons. 
 
 75 Member for the City of London, 
 and who had been a West Indian 
 planter. 
 
 76 See Horace Walpole’s “Memoirs 
 of the Reign of King George the 
 Third,” Vol. ii., chap, iii., p. 78. 
 Edited by Sir Denis le Marchant, 
 Bart. In Four vols. 8vo. London, 
 1845. 
 
 77 At the moment of passing the 
 Stamp Act George III. was crazed, 
 
 and it received on the 22nd of March, 
 the royal assent by a Commission. 
 See John Adolphus’ “ History of r.ng- 
 land, from the Accession of King 
 George the Third to the conclusion 
 of Peace in the year One Thousand 
 Seven Hundred and Eighty-three,” 
 Vol. i., chap, viii., pp. 189 to 191. 
 London, 1802, in Three Volumes, 8vo. 
 Under am altered title, this work 
 appeared in a Fourth Volume, as 
 “ The History of England, from the 
 Accession to the Decease of King 
 George the Third.” London, 1841 to 
 1845, 8vo. The Seventh Volume only 
 reaching to May 12th, 1804, was the 
 last published. 
 
 78 Having failed in his efforts, 
 Franklin wrote a letter from London, 
 dated July 11th 1765 to Charles 
 Thompson, in which he declared, that 
 as well might he have tried to hinder 
 the sun from setting, as to prevent the 
 passing of the Stamp Act. Since the 
 sun of liberty was set, he advised, as 
 it might be long before it might rise 
 again to “ make as good a night of 
 it as we can. We may still light 
 candles. Frugality and industry will 
 go a great way towards indemnifying 
 us.”—Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States,” Vol. v., chap, xv., 
 pp. 306, 307, note. To this despond¬ 
 ing letter Thompson replied : —“ Be 
 assured we shall light up torches of a 
 very different kind.” 
 
144 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 t>o be legal. The people were determined not to use it, and business 
 became in a great measure suspended. The courts were almost closed ; 
 marriages ceased; vessels were delayed in the harbours; while the 
 social and commercial operations of America were almost paralysed. 
 When news of passing the Stamp Act reached America, it set the 
 people in a blaze of resentment and indignation. Virginia spoke out 
 boldly through Patrick Henry, and his action kindled in the hearts of 
 the disaffected a fiercer flame. He drew up a series of spirited resolu¬ 
 tions, 79 denying in the most unqualified terms the right of taxation 
 claimed. His propositions were sustained by the House of Burgesses. 
 When the stamps were expected to arrive, riots commenced, 80 and symp¬ 
 toms of a revolutionary character soon became apparent. 81 Petitions 
 for repeal of the Stamp Act were prepared by the Colonial Assemblies. 
 Especially in Boston, serious riots took place, nor was there any power left 
 the Governor to control these tumultuary proceedings. 82 These disturb¬ 
 ances were imitated in New York and Rhode Island, while the spirit of 
 resistance was soon manifesting itself throughout every part of the land. 83 
 
 To retaliate on the mother country, the colonists pledged themselves 
 to abstain from buying anything imported from England or carried in 
 English vessels. Thus, the trade between the New Englanders and 
 that country almost entirely disappeared. 84 A general gloom over¬ 
 spread all people living in the colonies; but as yet, few dared to think 
 of positive rebellion. This alarming state of feeling, however, soon 
 became known in England, and an impression went forth that the 
 Stamp Act must be rescinded. Previous to the year 1763, the terms 
 Whig and Tory had never been much used in America; but now, the 
 officers of the Crown and those who desired to uphold their authority 
 were branded with the name of Tory, while the patriots and common 
 people, supposing the Whigs belonged to the constitutional and liberal 
 party in England, generally assumed the latter designation. 86 But, 
 
 78 No printer was found bold enough 
 in New York to print these resolu¬ 
 tions, but in Boston they Avere printed 
 as soon as received. 
 
 80 Houses belonging to the Registrar 
 deputy and Controller of the Customs 
 were broken in Boston, and after- 
 Avards the Governor’s house was at¬ 
 tacked by large mobs, who despoiled 
 it of every article of furniture. See 
 John Adolphus’ “ History of England, 
 from the Accession of King George 
 the Third to the Conclusion of Peace 
 in the Year One Thousand SeA T en 
 Hundred and Eighty-three,” Vol. i., 
 chap, ix., pp. 206 to 211. 
 
 81 Among other excesses, Mr. Oliver 
 the stamp-master was hung in effigy, 
 and he Avas obliged to fly from his 
 
 house. Next day to save his life, he 
 resigned his office. 
 
 82 See Lord Mahon’s “ History of 
 England from the Peace of Utrecht,” 
 Vol. v., chap, xlv., pp. 188 to 190. 
 
 83 That very day appointed for the 
 Stamp Act to take effect was ushered 
 in Avith the ringing of muffled bells, 
 in Boston. Flags in the harbour 
 lowered half-mast high. There it was 
 kept as a day of general mourning by 
 the people. 
 
 84 See “ Controversy between Great 
 Britain and her Colonies reviewed ; the 
 Rebellions in Virginia, Bermudas, and 
 divers other Islands and Places in 
 America,” &c. London, 1769, 8vo. 
 
 85 See Thomas Hutchinson’s “ History 
 of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, 
 from 1749 to 1774,” chap, ii., p. 103. 
 
RENEWAL OE TAXATION. 
 
 145 
 
 now, the public Press and the agitators had begun to formulate the 
 inalienable rights of man ; and from denying the right of Parliament to 
 tax the colonies, they proceeded to doubt its legislative authority over 
 America. At New York, General Gage commanded the standing 
 forces, and his military powers extended over all the colonies, while 
 several ships of war were there anchored. However, in that city, a 
 Congress assembled and opened October 7th 1765, when delegates 
 chosen by the Massachusetts House of Representatives met, with those 
 of Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland and South 
 Carolina ; as also those from Delaware and New Jersey, with a legis¬ 
 lative committee of correspondence, established in New York. The 
 infant colony of Georgia, as well as New Hampshire, agreed to abide 
 by and ratify the result of the deliberations. 
 
 After several interesting debates, and having formed articles of 
 association and of union, that congress assembled for the last time, 
 on the 25th of the month. 86 Everywhere the resolution spread 
 among the people to nullify the Stamp Act, so that in a short time 
 the stamps could not be distributed. These proceedings at length 
 began to alarm thoughtful men in England, and a reaction had 
 there set in among the people. 87 A new Ministry had been formed 
 under the Marquis of Rockingham, on the 8th of July 1765, 88 
 when divided opinions were entertained; some of the ministers still 
 insisted on their right to tax America, while others inclined to abdi¬ 
 cate the pretended right. On the opening of Parliament in January 
 1766, the King’s speech recommended the enforcement of lawful 
 authority, and the Lords in reply pledged their utmost endeavours to 
 uphold his dignity. Greater freedom of opinion was expressed in the 
 House of Commons, 89 when the elder William Pitt entered a warm 
 protest against American taxation, followed by Edmund Burke. 90 The 
 King and his ministers pursued their course, however, resolving to make 
 no compromise, and opposed to conciliation. English mercantile 
 interests soon began to sutler so seriously, owing to the American non¬ 
 importation agreements, 91 that it was deemed necessary to repeal the 
 obnoxious Stamp Act. Besides, the popular manifestations of insub¬ 
 ordination began to alarm the Ministry. But, they wished the initiative 
 to be taken by those who had already opposed that impost. Accordingly 
 in February 1766, General Conway moved for leave to bring in a bill to 
 
 86 See Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States,” Vol. v., chap xviii., pp. 
 333 to 346. 
 
 87 See Michael Doheny’s “ History of 
 the American Revolution,” chap, iv.” 
 Dublin, 1846, 18mo. 
 
 88 See Horace Walpole’s “ Memoirs of 
 the Reign of King George the Third.” 
 Vol. ii., chap, ix., pp. 192, 193. 
 
 88 See John Adolphus’ “ History of 
 England, from the Accession of King 
 
 George the Third,” Vol. i., chap, ix., 
 pp. 218 to 232. 
 
 80 He had just entered Parliament, at 
 this time. See Thomas Macknight’s 
 “ History of the Life and Times of Ed¬ 
 mund Burke,” Vol. i., chap. xi.,pp. 213 
 to 224. 
 
 91 See Dr. John Mitchell’s “ Present 
 State of Great Britain and North 
 America, with regard to Agriculture, 
 Population, Trade and Manufactures,” 
 1767, 8vo. 
 
 L 
 
146 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 repeal the American Stamp Act, and between one and two o’clock on 
 the morning of the 22nd a division took place, amid the greatest possible 
 excitement. Then 275 voted for the Bill, while only 167 voted for 
 enforcement, with the modifications proposed in an amendment. 92 Great 
 rejoicings followed the tidings of this news in America. 93 Another 
 change of ministers caused Pitt to become head of the Cabinet, and 
 now with a seat in the House of Lords, under his new title the Earl of 
 Chatham, on July 30th 1766. 94 He selected for ministers men 
 distinguished and owing to their talents, but not for their agreement 
 regarding affairs of State. 95 Although the friend of America, Pitt’s 
 influence and popularity began to wane after he had left the House of 
 Commons, while his frequent and painful attacks of gout greatly 
 indisposed him from taking a very leading active part in public dis¬ 
 cussions. The Earl of Chatham, as a consequence, resigned the direc¬ 
 tion of government in March 1767. 
 
 However, it was only the fear of disruption, that procured concession 
 to the American demand ; while soon again, the evil spirit of domination 
 arose in England, and among the colonial Tories, to alarm the friends 
 of liberty. 96 The infatuated Ministry resolved on changing the objects, 
 but not on renouncing the principle of taxing the colonies. In the year 
 1767, a new Act was introduced imposing duties on paper, tea, glass, 
 with other imported goods. The flame thus enkindled by the British 
 Ministry soon spread through the colonies; while those unjust restrictions 
 on trade, imposed by Act of Parliament, were generally resisted. After 
 the death of Charles Townshend in 1767, 97 Lord North became Chan¬ 
 cellor of the Exchequer on the 1st of December, 98 through the influence 
 of the Duke of Bedford. 99 The non-importation policy had caused great 
 distress among the English merchants and manufacturers, while great 
 embarrassment accrued to trade and commerce. In the year 1768, an 
 Irish Member of Parliament Gervase P. Bushe published the “ Case of 
 Great Britain and America.” An enlarged edition of it came out the 
 following year, and in this pamphlet the cause of the colonists was ably 
 sustained. 100 
 
 99 “ Edmund Burke spoke in a manner 
 unusual in the house ; fresh as from a 
 full mind, connecting the argument for 
 repeal with a new kind of political 
 philosophy.”—George Bancroft’s “His¬ 
 tory of the United States,” Vol. v., 
 chap, xxiii., p. 434. 
 
 93 See John Adolphus’ “History of 
 England from the Accession of King 
 George the Third,” Vol. i., chap, xiii., 
 pp. 303 to 305. 
 
 94 See Horace Walpole’s “ Memoirs of 
 tht Reign of King George the Third.” 
 Vol. ii., chap, xvi, p. 356. 
 
 98 See John Adolphus’ “ History of 
 England, from the Accession of King 
 
 George the Third,” Vol. i., chap, ix., pp. 
 240 to 243. 
 
 96 See George Bancroft’s “ History of 
 the United States,” Vol. vi., chap, xxv., 
 pp. 1 to 16. 
 
 97 He died of malignant fever, on 
 the 4th of September, when he had 
 reached his forty-fourth year. 
 
 93 See John Adolphus’ “ History of 
 England from the Accession of King 
 George the Third,” Vol. i., chap, xiii., 
 pp. 325, 326. 
 
 99 See Horace Walpole’s “ Memoirs 
 of the Reign of King George the 
 Third,” Vol. iii., chap, vi., p. 105. 
 
 100 See “Memoirs of the Life and 
 
RENEWAL OF DISTURBANCES. 
 
 147 
 
 The Americans renewed and observed their pledges to import no 
 British merchandise. Commissioners of Customs to enforce the new Acts 
 arrived in Boston May 1768, and in the succeeding month, they seized 
 a sloop belonging to a popular leader and a rich merchant John 
 Handcock, 101 who refused to pay the imposed tax. 102 Soon a riot took 
 place, and for safety, the Commissioners fled to a fort in the harbour. 
 When intelligence of this insubordination reached them, the English 
 Parliament recommended, that the Governor should be directed to arrest 
 the ringleaders among those rioters, and to send them over to England, 
 where it was intended to have them tried for treason. 103 Earnest debates 
 took place in the House of Commons, where this resolution met with 
 great opposition. 104 During the year 1769, the suppression of the 
 Assembly of Massachusetts and efforts to terrorize its people were met 
 defiantly there, and elsewhere throughout the colonies. 105 Everywhere 
 resistance to the Revenue Acts was the subject for consideration. A 
 Mutiny Act was now passed, which empowered the Ministry to quarter 
 troops on the colonists. The Assembly of New York resolved on 
 disobeying that statute. 106 Whereupon, the English Parliament prohibited 
 that body from transacting any legislative business. At the same time, 
 nearly all the colonial Assemblies denied the right of Parliament to tax 
 their people. The Assembly of Massachusetts issued a circular letter 
 to the other colonies, and it strongly urged them to unite their efforts 
 in obtaining redress. A Royal Order was issued to rescind that letter, 
 but by a large majority it was rejected by the Assembly. Accordingly, 
 the Governor of Massachusetts dissolved the House for insubordination. 
 Whereupon, the Assembly of Virginia denied in the most emphatic 
 way the power of the Crown thus to sacrifice the liberty of its subjects. 
 In consequence of this, the Legislature of that colony was likewise 
 dissolved. Lord Hillsborough, an Irish peer, had the administration 
 of the colonies assigned to him. During the year 1768, such universal 
 
 Times of the Rt. Hon. Henry Grat¬ 
 tan,” by his son, Henry Grattan, 
 Esq., M.P. Vol. i., chap, viii., pp. 
 135 136. 
 
 101 Afterwards the celebrated first 
 signer of the Declaration of In¬ 
 dependence. He was born in 
 1737, near the village of Quincy, 
 in the Province of Massachusetts- 
 Bay, and he was educated in 
 Harvard College. In 1760, he visited 
 England, and on his return he be¬ 
 came a selectman for the town of 
 Boston. In 1766, he was chosen a 
 representative for Boston in the 
 General Assembly of the Province. 
 Thenceforward he* was involved in the 
 olitical excitement that ensued, and 
 e became particularly obnoxious to 
 the ruling powers. See N. Dwight’s 
 " Lives of the Signers of the Declara¬ 
 
 tion of Independence,” Massachusetts, 
 pp. 18 to 28. New York, 1851, 8vo. 
 
 102 See John Adolphus’ “History of 
 England from the Accession of King 
 George the Third,” Vol. i., chap, 
 xiv., p. 350. 
 
 103 See Hugh Murray’s “United 
 States of America,” Vol. i., chap, xi., 
 pp. 350, 351. 
 
 104 See John Adolphus’ “ History of 
 England from the Accession of King 
 George the Third,” Vol. i., chap, xv., 
 pp. 379 to 386. 
 
 . 105 See Bancroft’s “History of the 
 United States,” Vol. vi., chap, xxxix 
 to xli., pp. 224 to 302. 
 
 106 See Pitkin’s “ Political and Civil 
 History of the United States,” Vol. 
 i., pp. 215, 216. New Haven, 1828, 
 8vo. 
 
148 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF TIIK UNITED STATES. 
 
 opposition to the imposed duties prevailed—especially in Boston—that 
 two regiments were ordered from Ireland, and two others from Hali¬ 
 fax. In September arose fierce opposition to quartering them within 
 the tcwn. 107 
 
 At a time of profound peace, and at the request of Governor 
 Bernard, Boston was surrounded by fourteen ships of war, with springs 
 on their cables and their broadsides to the town. Troops under the 
 command of General Gage were landed. Charged muskets, fixed 
 bayonets, colours flying, drums beating, and all other military con¬ 
 comitants were displayed, in order to strike terror into the inhabitants. 
 However, the Assembly refused to find quarters for the soldiers. The 
 Governor then posted some of them in the State House and in Faneuil 
 Hall, while others were encamped on the Common. The people looked 
 on in silence; for the present they were powerless, yet burning with 
 resentment. When a new Assembly had been convened in Boston, 
 they refused to transact any business, while threatened by an armed 
 force. Robert Aitken an Irish printer came to Philadelphia in 1769. 
 During the contests with England, he was always on the side of the 
 colonies, and on that account, he was thrown into prison by the 
 British. 108 The patriots were working in secret, and enrolling in 
 their societies all those bold and daring spirits, whose hearts throbbed 
 for freedom and beat with indignation, at the tyrannical impositions 
 inflicted upon them. In England, it was now judged politic to effect a 
 change of administration; and it was thought, that such an expedient 
 might, serve to allay popular discontent. The Governor Bernard 
 of Massachusetts having been removed from his troublesome office 
 in 1769, the Lieutenant-Governor Thomas Hutchinson was appointed 
 to succeed him. But he was equally powerless to stem the tide of 
 popular resistance. 100 Meantime, collisions between the military and 
 people of Boston were of frequent occurrence. 110 On the 5th of March 
 1770, the soldiers fired upon the citizens, killing three outright, and 
 wounding several, including Crispus Attucks, Samuel Gray and 
 James Calwell, who were massacred on the spot, while Samuel Maverick 
 and Patrick Carr, an Irishman, received mortal wounds. A cry of ven¬ 
 geance went forth in and from Boston. The story of the “ massacre ” 
 was told all over the land, and excited the most implacable hatred 
 gainst British domination. 111 A captain named Preston and eight men 
 o? the guard were arraigned for murder ; while two of the chief popular 
 leaders John Adams and Josiah Quincey defended the accused, to show 
 
 , ® 7 Sec Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States,” Vol. vi., chap, xxxii. 
 to xxxvfii., pp. 128 to 243. 
 
 108 He published an edition of the 
 Bible, a Magazine, and “Transactions 
 of the American Philosophical Soci¬ 
 ety.” 
 
 ,w See Th ‘Bras Hutchinson’s “ His¬ 
 
 tory of the Province of Massachusetts- 
 Bay from 1749 to 1774,” chap, iii., 
 pp. 256 to 460. 
 
 " u See William Edward Hartpole 
 Lecky’s “ History of England in the 
 Eighteenth Century,” Yol. iii. chap, 
 xii., pp. 365 to 367. 
 
 111 See John Adolphus’ “History of 
 
EXCISABLE TEA THROWN INTO BOSTON HARBOUR. 143 
 
 that respect still entertained by the Americans for law and order. 11 * 
 The people meantime clamoured loudly for removal of the troops from 
 their city. 
 
 In the commencement of 1770, the Duke of Grafton resigned his 
 office of Prime Minister. After some difficulties expei’ienced in forming 
 a new Ministry, the chief direction of affairs devolved on Lord North. 
 He resolved on remitting the American taxation to a large amount. 
 But the sovereignty of the British legislature was still maintained, and 
 they did not relinquish their alleged right discretionally to tax Americans, 
 at any future time. It was then determined to remove all colonial taxes, 
 except a duty of three pence a pound on tea, 113 which was consideied to 
 be a very light tax, being only one quarter of what the English at home 
 paid for the same article. At the express command of King George 
 III., who insisted that there should always be one tax at least, to keep 
 up the right of taxing the Americans, this was retained. On Tuesday 
 „ November 13th 1770, the King’s speech made a distinct allusion to the 
 disturbances in Massachusetts-Bay colony, where “ very unwarrantable 
 practices are still carried on.” 114 The people of America now saw that 
 England’s Ministers determined to legislate for them, and they began 
 to prepare for resistance. In 1771, and in the sixty-fifth year of his 
 age, Benjamin Franklin visited Ireland, where he had never been before, 
 and where he was hospitably entertained by both parties, the courtiers 
 and patriots ; the latter receiving him with particular respect. The 
 Lord Lieutenant Hillsborough treated him with especial courtesy, 
 although neither liking him nor the colonies. In the Irish Parliament, 
 he was brought within the bar, and there he found the principal patriots 
 disposed to be friends of America. 115 
 
 In Virginia, colonial resistance was strong, and measures of a prac¬ 
 tical character were devised, to consolidate a union between the 
 different colonies, in March 1773. 116 The Assembly appointed a 
 standing committee of inquiry, giving them instructions to com¬ 
 municate with other colonies, so that the non-importation compact 
 should not be relaxed. The colonists very generally passed resolutions, 
 disclaiming the authority of the Parliament of Great Britain to tax 
 them. 117 The first organized resistance to the measures of Government 
 was in New England. The excisable commodity of tea was known to 
 
 England’ from the Accession of King 
 George the Third,” Vol. i., chap, 
 xviii., pp. 466 to 469. 
 
 112 See George Bancroft’s “History 
 of the United States,” Vol. vi., chap, 
 xliii., pp. 328 to 349. 
 
 113 See John Adolphus’ “ History of 
 England from the Accession of King 
 George the Third,” Vol. i., chap xvii., 
 pp. 458 to 4b0. 
 
 114 See “His Majesty’s most Gra¬ 
 cious Speech to Parliament, on Tues¬ 
 
 day, 13th Nov., 1770.” London, 1770, 
 fol., four pages. 
 
 115 See “The Works of Benjamin 
 Franklin,” &c., edited by Jared 
 Sparks. Vol. i., Life of Benjamin 
 Franklin, chap, v., pp. 331 to 334. 
 
 116 See George Bancroft’s “History 
 of the United States,” Vol. vi., chap, 
 xlix., pp. 444 to 455. 
 
 117 See “ Journal of the Reign of King 
 George III., from the year 1771 to 
 1783” By Horace Walpole, edited 
 
150 
 
 IRISH-AMER1CAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Ml 
 
 have been on the way to Boston, and to have been conveyed in three 
 ships, towards the close of 1773. If the tea were once landed, and 
 offered for sale at the cheap rate which arrangements allowed, the 
 popular leaders knew that nothing could prevent it from being bought 
 and consumed. In November, several vessels, loaded by the East India 
 Company with tea, arrived in Boston. 118 One of these, the “Dart¬ 
 mouth,” anchored in the harbour. The Custom House agents and 
 Governor Hutchinson insisted that the tea should be landed. The 
 patriots had resolved that the cargo should not lie sent ashore, and a 
 guard was appointed to enforce their determination. Placards were 
 prepared, distributed and posted all over the city, calling a meeting at 
 Faneuil Hall. u!> It was announced that the bells should ring at nine 
 o’clock on the 29th of November. The meeting was accordingly held, 
 and inflammatory speeclies were then delivered by different speakers. 
 The proceedings lasted until nightfall, when candles were ordered. 
 Faneuil Hall was inadequate to hold the crowds assembled, and they 
 adjourned to the Old South Church. At dusk, and in accordance with 
 a pre-arranged plan, just as the candles were about being lighted, a 
 man in the gallery, and disguised as a Mohawk Indian, raised a war- 
 whoop, which was answered by the crowd without. Another 
 voice in the gallery shouted : “ Let us make Boston Har¬ 
 bour a tea-pot to-night ! ” Then several shouted: “ Hurrah! 
 
 for Griffin’s Wharf.” The meeting was then adjourned. Numbers of 
 persons disguised as Indians assembled on the wharf. Under the 
 guidance of one Pitts, who seemed to be their leader, the citizens 
 boarded the “ Dartmouth ” and took up the hatches ; when bringing 
 the tea on deck, they broke open one hundred and fourteen chests, cast¬ 
 ing their contents into the water. 120 
 
 The report of this daring riot was received with exasperation and 
 recrimination in England, where a determination was formed of pro¬ 
 ceeding to extreme measures with the people of Boston. It was now 
 proposed, that a whole city should be punished for an offence committed 
 by a small number of its inhabitants, and that its port should be closed. 
 No goods were to be shipped from or landed there, until the citizens 
 should express a due sense of their error, and make full compensation 
 to the East India Company for their loss. Then, if it saw sufficient 
 reason, the Crown might restore its last privileges. 121 In the beginning 
 of 1774, England resolved on this stern policy of retaliation, and the 
 English Parliament had even taken measures to revoke many 
 
 with notes, by Dr. Doran, Vol. 
 i., pp. 250, 251. London, 1859, 
 
 8vo. 
 
 118 See William Edward Hartpole 
 Leeky’s “History of England in the 
 Eighteenth Century,” Vol. iii., chap, 
 xii., pp. 386, 387. 
 
 119 See George Bancroft’s “ History of 
 
 the United States,” Vol. vi., chap, i., 
 pp. 465 to 489. 
 
 120 See Pitkin’s “Political and Civil 
 History of the United States of 
 America,” Vol. i., pp. 262 to 265. 
 
 121 See Hugh Murray’s “ United 
 States of America,” Vol. i., chap, xi., pp. 
 357, 358. 
 
MEETING OF FIRST OR OLD REVOLUTIONARY CONGRESS. 151 
 
 provincial powers and prerogatives. 122 A Bill framed in such 
 a spirit was introduced, and a few who opposed it could only 
 obtain a hearing with extreme difficulty. In the House of Com¬ 
 mons several members bitterly denounced the people of Boston, 123 
 and the most imprudent violence of invective was hurled against the 
 Americans. The second reading of this Bill passed without even a 
 division. 124 A petition was then presented by the Lord Mayor of London, 
 and by some Americans resident there, urging that the citizens of Boston 
 had not been heard in their own defence, nor had redress been sought 
 at common law, while the offence had not been committed within its 
 limits. On this occasion, Edmund Burke strongly sided with the 
 Americans. He delivered a splendid speech, on the 19th April, in 
 defence of their rights, and on the subject of American taxation. 125 He 
 voted against the Port Bill. In the House of Lords, it was denounced 
 by Rockingham, Richmond and Shelbourne. 126 Despite all opposition 
 it became a law. 127 
 
 The Boston Port Bill was intended to crush the trade of the city, 
 and to bring great distress upon its inhabitants. But furthermore, by 
 another Bill which was passed, town meetings were to be prohibited 
 except by permission of the Governor, who was also to have the appoint¬ 
 ment of all civil officers, except that of the supreme judges. Moreover, 
 a third Bill was introduced and passed, so that individuals charged with 
 offences against the State might be removed to England, where hostile 
 juries could be found to convict them. Universal indignation and 
 opposition were awakened by these enactments, as successively the news 
 had been conveyed to America. In the province of Massachusetts and 
 city of Boston acts of turbulence, disorder and violence followed, and pre¬ 
 parations for rebellion were secretly arranged. The other provinces 
 openly expressed their hearty sympathy with Boston, and declared that the 
 cause of that city was their own. They endorsed its opposition, and 
 prepared to support any action taken by its people. As usual, Virginia 
 was foremost in the field, and the House of Assembly appointed the day 
 named for closing the port of Boston to be one of fasting and of deep 
 humiliation. This proceeding was so distasteful to the Governor, that 
 he immediately dissolved the Assembly. However, a great majority of 
 the members formed themselves into an association, and they passed 
 
 122 See James Graham’s “Historyof 
 the United States of North America,” 
 VoL iv., Book xi., chap, vi., pp. 342-346. 
 
 123 Mr. Herbert, an English member, 
 said of them: “They are never actuated 
 by decency or reason ; they always 
 choose tarring and feathering as an 
 argument.” Another English member 
 denounced them as “ utterly unworthy 
 of civilized forbearance.” 
 
 124 See Rev. Francis Thackeray’s 
 “History of the Right Honourable 
 
 William Pitt, Earl of Chatham,” &c., 
 Vol ii., chap, xxvi., pp. 259, 260. 
 
 125 See ‘ ‘Works of the Right Honour¬ 
 able Edmund Burke,” Vol. i., London 
 edition, 1792, et seq., 4to, 
 
 126 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. vi., chap. lii. 
 pp. 503 to 528. 
 
 127 See William Edward Hartpole 
 Lecky’s “History of England in the 
 Eighteenth Centurv,” Vol. iii., chap, 
 xii., p. 397- 
 
152 
 
 IRI8H-AMER1CAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 resolutions expressive of strong indignation. The declarations of 
 Virginia were everywhere enthusiastically received by the people. It 
 was next resolved to initiate an organization, so as to take joint action, 
 and the idea of a general convention was entertained. The city of 
 Philadelphia was selected as the scene for deliberation. It was deemed 
 necessary however, to supersede the Governor of Massachusetts, who 
 had become extremely unpopular. Accordingly, General Gage was 
 appointed to unite in his own person the command of the King’s forces 
 and the government of that province. For that purpose, he arrived in 
 Boston May 13th 1774, while Hutchinson sailed for England on the 
 1st of June following. 128 
 
 Proposals for a General Congress of delegates were made by the 
 Assemblies of several colonies, in May 1774. These propositions were 
 warmly received throughout the provinces. Accordingly, an assembly 
 of fifty-five delegates, representing all the colonies except Georgia, met 
 in Philadelphia. Among the most distinguished of its members were 
 George Washington, Patrick Henry and Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia; 
 Samuel 129 and John Adams, 130 of Massachusetts; John Jay, Philip 
 Livingstone and James Duane, of New York; Roger Sherman, of Connec¬ 
 ticut ; Edward and John Rutledge 131 and Christopher Gadsden, of South 
 Carolina. 132 That Congress was opened on the 5th of September 1774, 
 under the presidency of Peyton Randolph of Virginia. The members had 
 determined that their deliberations should be secret, that their results 
 should be given to the world as unanimous, and that no differences of 
 opinion should be allowed to transpire. A committee was immediately 
 appointed, to report upon their rights violated, the injuries sustained, 
 and their mode for redress. 133 Charles Thompson was appointed 
 Secretary 134 of the First or the Old Revolutionary Congress, 135 and he 
 was indefatigable while discharging the duties of his onerous and 
 
 128 See Thomas Hutchinson’s “History 
 of the Province of Massachusetts-Bay 
 from 1749 to 1774,” chap. iii. ,pp. 458 
 to 460. 
 
 129 He was born at Boston, Massachu¬ 
 setts, in 1722, and he was educated in 
 Harvard University. He became a 
 merchant, but he took a most active 
 part in politics. In 1765, he was chosen 
 a representative for the town of Boston 
 in the General Assembly. He was 
 greatly distinguished for his abilities, 
 zeal and influence. 
 
 13° For an account of this distinguished 
 statesman see “ The Life and Writings 
 of John Adams, Second President of 
 the United States.” Edited by hia 
 Grandson, Charles Francis Adams. Ten 
 vols. Boston, 8vo. 
 
 131 He was the son of an Irish doctor. 
 He was a soldier as well as a states¬ 
 
 man, and he was nominated President 
 and Commander-in-Chief of the Colony 
 of South Carolina. After the war, he 
 was elevated to the seat of Chief Jus¬ 
 tice of the United States. 
 
 532 For further particulars regarding 
 eminent persons who figured in the 
 American Revolution, the reader is i e- 
 ferred to “ The Library of American 
 Biography,” conducted by Jared 
 Sparks. New Series; complete in fif¬ 
 teen volumes, each volume containing 
 a Portrait or a neatly engraved Histori¬ 
 cal Sketch. Boston, 12mo, 
 
 133 See Hugh Murray’s “United States 
 of America,” Vol. i., chap, xi., page 
 367 • 
 
 134 To this office he was elected, on 
 the 5th September 1774. 
 
 135 It met in Carpenters’ Hall, Phila¬ 
 delphia. 
 
DECLARATION OF COLONIAL RIGHTS. 
 
 153 
 
 continuous office. 136 Some of the deputies were inclined for moderate 
 and conciliatory courses; but, for the most part, their policy was over¬ 
 ruled. Separate committees were formed, to frame separate addresses 
 to the people of Great Britain, to the King, to the Colonists, and to the 
 Canadians. 137 Having undergone some revision, they were published, 
 and couched in a tone politic yet firm; they expressed an ardent desire 
 to maintain union with the mother country, but without forfeiture of 
 their rights, and to be loyal subjects, anxious to contribute with their 
 utmost power towards the welfare of the whole empire. They de¬ 
 manded a status recognised at the conclusion of the late war, and they 
 exhorted the people of Massachusetts to resist Acts under the new 
 constitution. They declared, that after the 1st of December 1774, if 
 their just demands were not satisfied, no article should be imported 
 from the mother country to the colonies; 138 and, failing their objects, 
 all exports from America should cease on the 10th of September 1775. 
 In every resolution passed by this Assembty, hostility to England was 
 impliedly expressed. They refused to submit to the new imposts, 
 which they denounced as tyrannical, and they cordially concurred in 
 the resolutions of the provincial Assemblies, forbidding and denouncing 
 the use of English manufactures. Still, there was no open threat of 
 resisting the power of England by force of arms. 
 
 Meantime, matters were becoming daily more menacing in Massa¬ 
 chusetts. 139 General Gage had summoned the Assembly to meet at Salem 
 on the 5th of October, and he had already nominated thirty-six coun¬ 
 cillors. Although twenty-four of these had accepted his appointment, 
 the greater number, influenced by fear or persuasion, had been induced 
 to resign. He thereupon issued a proclamation countermanding the 
 writs. However, the members treating it as illegal, repaired to Salem 
 on the day appointed, and there for a day, they went through the form 
 of waiting for the Governor, who did not arrive. Then, their sittings 
 were removed to Concord, about twenty miles from Boston. Those 
 deputies passed a. vote to- enrol twelve thousand Minute Men, who 
 should be pledged to march at a minute’s notice in defence of their 
 country. They established in various parts of the country depots of 
 arms and ammunition, 140 and decreed that the taxes should remain in 
 
 136 As Secretary, he continued in each 
 successive Congress until the adoption 
 of the Federal Constitution, in 1789. 
 Afterwards, he retired from public life, 
 and devoted himself to literary pursuits. 
 He attained a venerable old age, and 
 he died at Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, 
 August 16th 1824. 
 
 133 Efforts were secretly made by this 
 Assembly to kindle in Canada the fire 
 of insurrection. The inhabitants of 
 this British province they exhorted 
 to make common oause with them¬ 
 selves. 
 
 138 See William Edward Hartpole 
 Lecky’s “ History of England in the 
 Eighteenth Century,” Vol- iii., chap, 
 xii., pp. 410, 411. 
 
 139 See the “Hibernian Magazine” 
 Vol. iv., for December 1774, p. 730. 
 The first Volume of this periodical ap¬ 
 peared in Dublin, 1771, 8vo. It con¬ 
 tinued to be published for many sub¬ 
 sequent years. 
 
 140 See William Edward Hartpole 
 Lecky’s “ History of England in the 
 Eighteenth Century,” Vol. iii.. chap, 
 xii., p. 108. 
 
154 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 the hands of the revenue officers for patriotic purposes. They issued 
 directions for disciplining the militia, and for administering various 
 branches of the local government. They sent explanatory letters to 
 the English General Gage, commanding in Boston ; but, it was rather a 
 remonstrance, regarding the increase of troops there, and on the 
 fortifying of that city. He repelled their complaints, and he had recourse 
 to a proclamation, that their assembling was illegal, and that no regard 
 should be paid to their usurped authority. 141 However, his mandates 
 were entirely disregarded, while theirs met with implicit obedience. 
 They adjourned, however, with an appointment to meet at Cambridge 
 on the 4th of February 17 7 5. 142 After a session of the Continental 
 Congress lasting for seven weeks, a Declaration of Colonial Rights was 
 agreed to, and in it were set forth these principles of the people being 
 alone competent to make the laws which were to bind them, and to im¬ 
 pose their own taxes, A protest was made against the tyrannical Acts of 
 Parliament, passed since the accession of George III. An American 
 Association was also formed. Its members were pledged not to trade 
 with Great Britain nor the West Indies, nor with any state or province, 
 seeking to introduce British taxed goods. Unless their grievances were 
 redressed, provision was made for convoking another Congress, which 
 was to meet the following May. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Precautions taken by General Gage—the Loyalists—Proceedings in England— 
 Breaking out of the War at Lexington—Spread of the Revolt—Proceedings 
 of the Second Continental Congress—First Success of the Patriots—George 
 Washington appointed Commander-in-Chief of the American Forces—Battle 
 at Bunker’s Hill—Organization of the American Army—Progress of the 
 Insurrection—Expedition against the English in Canada under Command of 
 Brigadier General Richard Montgomery—First Success—Assault on Quebec— 
 Montgomery's Defeat and heroic Death. 
 
 In the beginning of 1775, a Provincial Congress had assembled in 
 Massachusetts, under the Presidency of John Hancock. Measures 
 were taken to call out the militia, 1 as also to collect arms and munitions of 
 war. 2 A committee of public safety was appointed, with power to 
 assemble bands whenever they thought proper ; as likewise, a subordi¬ 
 nate committee of supplies empowered to purchase such articles as the 
 
 141 See Hugh Murray’s " United 
 States of America,” Vol. i., chap, xi., 
 p. 373. 
 
 142 See William Edward Hartpole 
 Lecky’s " History of England in the 
 Eighteenth Century,” Vol. iii., chap, 
 xii., p. 412. 
 
 1 These were called Minute Men, be¬ 
 
 cause they were under obligation to 
 assemble in arms after a minute’s warn¬ 
 ing. 
 
 2 Carlo Botta wrote an impartial 
 history of this War in Italian: ‘‘Storia 
 della Guerra dell’ Independenza degli 
 Stati Uniti d America,” in Four vols. 
 Parigi, 1809, 8vo. This History of the 
 
THE LOYALISTS. 
 
 155 
 
 public exigencies required. 3 Under this arrangement, and acting in 
 concert, both committees laid in a quantity of stores for warlike opera¬ 
 tions, partly at Worcester, and partly at Concord. That Congress sent 
 trusted messengers to New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut, 
 to inform the people there regarding those measures they had taken, 
 and to request their co-operation in making up an army of 20,000 men. 
 Meantime, General Gage was active, endeavouring to suppress any 
 insubordination manifested by rebels within the town of Boston, while 
 he pursued a course of rigorous surveillance towards them. He was 
 then Governor, having about 4,000 troops under his command, and he 
 sent a request to the British Ministry for 20,000 more. By his orders, 
 all intercourse with the country was cut off, and none were allowed to 
 leave the town without his permission. The supply of provisions and 
 fuel was thus stopped; and all at once, the inhabitants began to feel 
 the hardships and annoyances of war. 
 
 Notwithstanding those precautions, Gage himself began to feel uneasy, 
 although Boston contained a great number of loyalists ; while these men 
 were excessively zealous, in supporting the measuresof the British govern¬ 
 ment. 4 The more wealthy settlers—denominated Tories—were generally 
 partisans of England. In the cities and towns, several had official, 
 commercial and social relations with that country, not alone in Boston and 
 in Massachusetts, 5 but throughout all America. 6 New York was undeni¬ 
 ably the loyalists’ stronghold, and it contained more of them than did 
 any other colony. 7 Its peculiar social and political institutions had 
 formed there a feudal aristocracy, and that landed proprietory was cal¬ 
 culated to give the Tory party many adherents. 8 In Connecticut, the 
 number of crown partisans was greater in proportion to the population, 
 than in any other of the New England Colonies. Maine had a con¬ 
 siderable number of Tories. 9 The loyalists were many and powerful in 
 
 War of Independence of the United 
 States of America has been translated 
 from the Italian, into French, with an 
 introduction by M. de Sevelinges, Four 
 vols., Paris, 1812, 1813, 8vo. Also, it 
 was rendered into English, by George 
 Alexander Otis. It was published at 
 Philadelphia, 1820, in four octavo vols., 
 and afterwards at Edinburgh, 1844, 8vo. 
 
 3 Over £15,000 were voted for this 
 purpose. 
 
 4 In Boston they formed themselves 
 into a regiment under one Ruggles. 
 
 6 Upwards of eleven hundred loyalists 
 retired in a body with the Royal army 
 at the evacuation of Boston. Other 
 migrations preceded and succeeded this; 
 while two thousand, at the lowest com¬ 
 putation, embarked at different ports of 
 M assachusetts during the Revolutionary 
 War 
 
 6 See Lieutenant James Moody’s 
 “ Narrative of his Exertions and Suf¬ 
 ferings in the Cause of Government 
 since the Year 1776.” London, 1782, 
 8vo. 
 
 7 See “ The American Loyalists ; or 
 Biographical Sketches of Adherents to 
 the British Crown in the War of the 
 Revolution,” alphabetically arranged; 
 with a preliminary historical Essay. 
 By Lorenzo Sabine. Boston, 8vo. 
 
 8 Numbers in New York entered the 
 service of the crown, and fought in its 
 defence. Whole regiments and even 
 battalions there were raised by the 
 great landholders, while those continued 
 organized and in pay throughout the 
 whole struggle. 
 
 9 Numbers of these were proscribed 
 and banished, however, after the war 
 had broken out. 
 
156 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 
 
 different parts of the Colony throughout New Hampshire. Rhode 
 Island approached nearer to the democratic standard than any of those 
 already mentioned; although even there, the King had supporters by 
 no means insignificant in numbers. Moreover, as in all such contests, 
 a great many deemed it prudent, to adopt a moderate course of 
 proceeding for obtaining redress, and without an appeal to arms. This 
 latter alternative was thought by them to be inopportune and perilous, 
 while many deprecated engaging in rebellion, through conscientious 
 motives. 10 
 
 Hardly had the first American Congress separated, when on hearing 
 of its proceedings the English legislature resolved to declare, that 
 Massachusetts was in a state of rebellion. Parliament had opened in 
 1775, and the 20th of January was the first day of Session in the 
 House of Lords. Lord Chatham earnestly pleaded in a motion brought 
 for removal of General Gage’s large army from Boston, as creating 
 popular apprehension and tending to prevent conciliation. 11 The King 
 and a majority of the ministry were inflexible. They resolved 
 to interdict all commerce with the Americans, to protect the 
 Colonial loyalists, and to declare all others traitors and rebels. In 
 the presence of Franklin and a crowd of Americans at the bar, when 
 Lord Dartmouth had laid papers before the house, the Earl of Chatham 
 rose and moved an address to the King, that he might issue imme¬ 
 diate orders, to remove his forces as soon as possible from the town, 
 of Boston. Then, he delivered a most eloquent and argumentative 
 harangue, to open the way for reconciliation ; he defended the Colonial 
 resistance to taxation without representation ; he declared, that the 
 spirit of liberty animated three millions in America, while the Whigs 
 in England were estimated by him to be even double that number. He 
 also exclaimed, “ Ireland they have to a man.’ ; By others, Chatham 
 was also supported; but, his motion was rejected by sixty-eight against 
 eighteen. 12 
 
 Although Gage had asked for a reinforcement of 20,000 men, hie 
 proposal was rejected with scorn by the Ministry; yet it was osten¬ 
 tatiously heralded, that seven hundred marines from England, with 
 three regiments of infantry and one regiment of light horse, drawn 
 from the Irish establishment, in all comprising over 3,000 men, should 
 be prepared for embarkation, to encourage the American loyalists. 
 Besides, two frigates and six sloops of war were fitted out and destined 
 for Boston. On the 1st of February, the Earl of Chatham presented a 
 Bill for true reconcilement and national accord, proposing that the 
 Parliament should repeal the statutes complained of, and renounce the 
 power of taxation. It was rejected on the first reading, by a vote of 
 
 10 Among these chiefly were the 
 Quakers in Pennsylvania. See “ En¬ 
 quire- into the Losses and Services of 
 th© American Loyalists,” 1789. 
 
 11 See Charles Mackay’a “Histery of 
 
 the United States of America,” Vol. i., 
 Book ii., chap, vi., pp. 249, 250. 
 
 12 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. vii., chap 
 xviii., pp. 194 to 205. 
 
PROCEEDINGS IN ENGLAND. 
 
 157 
 
 sixty-one to thirty-two. 13 A warm debate took place, also, in the House 
 of Commons, regarding the propriety of coercing the Americans. How¬ 
 ever, the ministerial measure was carried in the affirmative, by ayes, 
 304 ; nays, 105. 14 iiOtwitlistanding the strong opposition, 16 a joint 
 resolution of both houses was carried, pledging the P»*d*ament and the 
 whole force of Great Britain, to reduce Massachusetts, to starve New 
 England by prohibiting the American Fisheries, to call out the savages 
 in the rear of the colonies, and to excite a servile insurrection. This 
 was brought up in the shape of an address to the King, on the 9th of 
 February, and he returned a reply, pledging himself speedily and 
 effectually to enforce obedience to the laws and to the authority of the 
 supreme legislature. 16 In February, Sir William Howe was appointed 
 Commander-in-Chief of the English land forces, while his brother 
 Admiral Lord Howe Avas announced as commander of the naval forces, 
 and as an official pacificator; for, it was pretended, that the olive 
 branch should be held out when the sword was suspended. 17 As usual, 
 the British ministry miscalculated the relative resources and spirit of 
 their troops and those of the Colonists; but, that expedition was 
 prepared for departure, and with the most confident expectation of its 
 success. 18 
 
 In the March of 1775, the celebrated Dr. Samuel Johnson wrote and 
 published his treatise, “ Taxation no Tyranny, an answer to the Reso¬ 
 lutions and Address of the American Congress. 19 It was filled with 
 bitterness and rancour against the Americans ; it was despotic in tone, 
 full of unparalleled insolence and rhetorical extravagance, but utterly 
 void of convincing arguments. Several replies to this pamphlet 
 appeared at the time, controverting his statements and attempted 
 reasoning. In a celebrated speech, on the 22nd of March, Edmund 
 Burke eloquently moved his thirteen conciliatory measures towards 
 America,- 0 and which were rejected. The nays numbered 270, the ayes 
 only 78. 21 To quiet the disturbed state of feeling in Ireland, owing to 
 
 !S See “ Plan offered by the Earl of 
 Chatham to the House of Lords, en¬ 
 titled a provisional Act for settling 
 the Troubles in America,” &c., which 
 was rejected and not suffered to lie 
 cm the Table. I/ondon, 1775, 4to. 
 
 M In the minority were Edmund 
 Burke, Barre, Connolly, and other 
 Irishmen. 
 
 15 Then Charles James Fox signa¬ 
 lized the extent of his abilities for 
 the first time, while deprecating the 
 measures of Government, in a grand 
 speech, which lasted an hour and 
 twenty minutes. See allusion to it in 
 the Rt. Hon. Lord John Russell’s 
 “ Life and Times of Charles James 
 Fox,” Vol. i., chap, vi., pp. 91 to 93. 
 
 ie See Charles Mackay’s “ History 
 
 of the United States of America,” 
 Vol. i., Book ii., chap, vi., pp. 249 
 to 251. 
 
 17 See George Bancroft’s “ History of 
 the United States,” Vol. vii., chap. xxii. 
 
 18 See “Narrative of Lieutenant-Gene¬ 
 ral Sir William Howe relative to his 
 Conduct during his command of the 
 troops of North America.” This was 
 published in 1780. 
 
 19 See “The Worksof Samuel Johnson, 
 LL.D.” Edited by Arthur Murphy, 
 Esq. Vol. viii., pp. 155 to 204. Lon¬ 
 don, 1816, 8vo. 
 
 20 See “ Works and Correspondence 
 of the Right Honourable Edmund 
 Burke,” Vol. iii.,pp. 241 to 294. Lon¬ 
 don edition, 1852, 8vo. 
 
 31 See the “ Annual Register ” for the 
 
158 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 the restrictions on its trade and commerce, some concessions were now 
 made in favour of its fishery industries ; for it was deemed, that assist¬ 
 ance should be required from the Parliament of that country, in the 
 threatened emergency of a war with the Colonists. 22 A petition from 
 Bristol was brought before the House by Burke, and it approved 
 the resistance of the Americans. Great popular excitement grew up 
 throughout Great Britain and Ireland, as a consequence. The Lord 
 Mayor of London, John Wilkes, as also the aldermen and livery, went 
 on the 10th of April, with an address to the King, and it approved of 
 their resistance to establish arbitrary power offered by the Americans, 
 while they prayed the dismissal of ministers. The King was highly 
 incensed at this incident. 23 A petition from the city of Waterford, 
 Ireland, was presented to the House, setting forth the fatal consequences 
 that should result to their citizens in particular, and to the kingdom in 
 general, from a continuance of the unhappy differences existing between 
 Great Britain and the Colonies. 24 Meetings were held in Belfast, also, 
 approving of the Americans’ resistance. Subsequent movements took 
 place in that town, and its people sent money to aid the American patriots. 
 
 The ministry now adopted stern but futile measures to stem the 
 tide of revolt. In pursuance of these, letters were written to Gage, 
 that he should take possession of every colonial fort; that he should 
 seize and secure all military stores of every kind collected for the rebels ; 
 that he should arrest and imprison all such as were thought to have 
 committed treason ; that he should repress rebellion by force, to make 
 public safety the first object of consideration; and that he should sub¬ 
 stitute more coercive measures for ordinary forms of proceeding, without 
 pausing to require the aid of a civil magistrate. The president and most 
 forward members of the seditious congress were to be exempt from his 
 power of pardon, and these were to suffer condign punishment by 
 prosecution, either in America or in England.' 25 
 
 Having been informed, that arms and ammunition had been stored 
 at Concord, sixteen miles from Boston, Gage then arranged to send 800 
 regular troops by night to capture them. However, their movements 
 were anticipated ; signals were given and bells rung ; the Minute Men 
 were aroused along the road. 26 At Lexington, about halfway between 
 Boston and Concord, about sixty or seventy armed patriots took up a 
 position, where they stood motionless, refusing to surrender their arms, 
 when insolently summoned to do so by Major Pitcairn, in command of 
 the British advance. It was at dawn, on the 19th April, when he 
 gave orders to fire. Eight of the patriots were killed, and several were 
 
 year 1775, Vol. xviii., History of Europe 
 chap, vii., pp. 100 to 110. 
 
 22 See ibid., pp. 113 to 115. 
 
 23 See Bancroft’s “History of the 
 United States,” Vol. vii., chap, xxvi., 
 
 pp. 282. 
 
 24 See the “Annual Register” for the 
 
 year 1775, Vol. xviii. History of 
 Europe, chap, vii., p. 102. 
 
 25 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States.” Vol. vii., chap, 
 xxvi., p. 284. 
 
 26 See the “ Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1775, Vol. xviii. History 
 of Europe, chap, viii., p. 126. 
 
SPREAD OF THE REVOLT. 
 
 159 
 
 wounded.' 27 This was the first blood drawn in the War for Independence. 28 
 Meantime, the British advanced to Concord and destroyed some stores. 
 But soon the Americans, to the number of 400 men hastily collected, en¬ 
 countered them near that town, and forced them back after an effective 
 fire. 29 The British retreated in confusion towards Boston, the country 
 rising in arms, and the Minute Men firing from behind trees and fences 
 along their route. This caused the English a loss of 273 men—of whom 
 65 were killed—before they were rescued from utter destruction, by 
 the arrival of Lord Percy with large reinforcements to cover 
 their retreat. In these two encounters, the Americans lost 88 men. 30 
 Under cover of their war ships, the British encamped for that night 
 on Bunker Hill, a promontory jutting out into the harbour, and just 
 opposite the nearly insulated citv of Boston From this exposed position, 
 they soon retired into the town. 31 
 
 That skirmish at Lexington sent an electric shock through the whole 
 American community. Soon were the Colonists aroused for resistance, 
 and a patriotic flame was everywhere enkindled. In England and in 
 Ireland, the news of American disturbances had come with astonishment 
 and alarm; 32 for a serious and sudden Revolution had not been 
 anticipated. Relying on the aid of her own people, and desiring the 
 co-operation of her sister colonies, a Congress assembled at Watertown, 
 under the presidency of Dr. Joseph Warren. Massachusetts in his 
 name issued an address, dated April 30th 1775, and couched in the 
 most inflammatory terms. Alluding to the barbarous murder of their 
 brethren killed at Lexington, it was declared, that an army should be 
 raised to prevent the soldiers in revenge from ravaging their country 
 with fire and sword. The people were asked to hasten and to encourage 
 by all possible means, the enlistment of men to form the army, and to 
 send them forth for assemblage in head quarters at Cambridge, with 
 that expedition which the vast importance and instant urgency of 
 existing affairs demanded. The Colonists also drew up an address of 
 remonstrance to the people of Great Britain. 33 
 
 A report soon spread, that the English troops had murdered the 
 people in and around Boston. 34 In less than three days, thirty thousand 
 
 27 Andrew Browne came from Ire¬ 
 land to America in 1773, as a British 
 soldier; he deserted, however, and 
 joined the rebels. He fought at 
 Lexington, and at Bunker Hill. He 
 served with distinction throughout 
 the war. He afterwards began the 
 publication of the Philadelphia Gaz¬ 
 ette in 1788. 
 
 28 Among the “ Minute Men ” who 
 responded to the call at the Lexing¬ 
 ton alarm, nearly 150 Irish names are 
 preserved. 
 
 29 Colonel Barrett was the recog¬ 
 nised leader of the Colonists during 
 this encounter. 
 
 30 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. vii., chap, 
 xxvii.-xxviii., pp. 288 to 310. 
 
 31 See “ Sargeant R. Lamb’s Original 
 and Authentic Journal of the Occur¬ 
 rences of the late American W ar from 
 its commencement to 1783,” Dublin, 
 1809. 8vo. 
 
 32 See the “ Hibernian Magazine,” 
 Vol. v., for January, 1775, pp. 54, 55. 
 
 33 See the “ Annual Register” of the 
 year 1775. History of Europe, chap, 
 viii., p. 129. 
 
 34 See George Bancroft’s “ History of 
 the United States,” Vol. vii., chap, 
 rcxix, pp„ 3 1 1 to 319. 
 
160 
 
 1RISH-AM.ERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 men were inarching towards that town, in order to aid the people 
 assembled at Cambridge. All the provinces now prepared to assume 
 arms. The shrill music of the fife and the rattle of the military drum 
 were heard. Towns and villages resounded with the clash of muskets, 
 or glittered with the swords of leaders; recruits were raised and drilled 
 in every part of the country. The various revolutionary committees 
 laboured day and night to supply arms and munitions; thus to further 
 the patriotic work, on which they were now engaged. When John Stark 35 
 heard of the massacre at Lexington, he was quietly engaged working on 
 his farm in New Hampshire. However, he resolved to take an active part 
 in the coming struggle. 30 So popular was he, that in a few hours he en¬ 
 listed eight hundred men. 37 With these he marched to Cambridge, where 
 a camp had been formed, and to which as the rallying point all the revo¬ 
 lutionary levies were now directed. The deplorable social and political 
 state of Ireland, and especially of the Irish Catholics, towards the 
 middle of the eighteenth century, had caused many to seek in America 
 the means for living and of distinction, which they could not obtain at 
 home. These emigrants and their children were among the most ardent 
 and devoted lovers of freedom, in the countr} T of their adoption. When 
 the time for armed resistance arrived, numbers of Irish immigrants 
 were enrolled in the distinctive American army raised by Congress and 
 
 36 He was the son of parents who 
 emigrated from the North of Ireland, 
 and who settled at Londonderry, New 
 Hampshire. They had brought potatoes 
 from their own country, and there cul¬ 
 tivated them, while it is said, the seed 
 was thence propagated extensively 
 through America, so that the designa* 
 tion of “ Irish potatoe” soon marked' 
 the product, and even yet it is the gene¬ 
 rally used term, in contradistinction to 
 the yam or “ sweet potatoe.” He was 
 born August 28th 1728. Early distin¬ 
 guished for daring and adventure, he 
 had bravely served through the French 
 and Indian wars on the side of the 
 English. He afterwards became a 
 strenuous and fearless defender of 
 Colonial rights. 
 
 36 As he had been greatly distinguished 
 in the previous colonial wars, the British 
 endeavoured to bribe him, by oSering 
 him a colonel’s commission and a regi¬ 
 ment of infantry. But Stark spurned 
 their offer, and he now set about raising 
 a regiment of Irish and Irish-American 
 rebels, who had largely colonised the dis¬ 
 tricts around him. 
 
 37 The following are the recorded names 
 of one company raised in Bedford, and 
 from it, the reader may foim an estimate 
 
 of the number of Irish or Irish-Americans 
 recruited in New Hampshire for the 
 Revolutionary forces : namely, Colonel 
 Daniel Moore, Major John Goffe, Captain 
 T. McLoughlin, Lieutenant John Patten, 
 John Patten Senior, Samuel Patten, 
 James Patten, Robert Patten, John 
 Gault, Isaac Riddle, John Riddle, A. 
 Martin, James Martin, Stephen Goffe, 
 Hugh Horton, Burns Chandler, Samuel 
 Moore, Samuel Barr, John Callahan 
 (killed), James Moore, Ira Greer, William 
 Parker, John McAllister, John Griffer, 
 Robert Victorey, Daniel Larkin, 
 James Patterson, John O’Neill, 
 George Hogg, W. Gilmore, James 
 Houston, John Ross, Stephen March, 
 John Tyrrel, Patrick O’Flynn, C. 
 Johnston, John Gardiner, Robert 
 Cornell, John Hiller, Jones Cutting, 
 John Hiller, Barnet McClair, Luke 
 Gardner, R. Dalrymple (killed), Sam¬ 
 uel Patterson, Solomon Hemp, 
 (killed), John Dorr (killed), William 
 Houston, Zac. Chandler, Valentine 
 Sullivan, John Steel, Robert Morrel, 
 Patrick O’Murphy, David Riddle, 
 Eben Sullivan, and eighteen others, 
 making a total of seventy-one Irish¬ 
 men, or Irish-Americans. These be¬ 
 longed to one New Hampshire com 
 pany, at the Battle of Bunker Hill. 
 
SECOND CONTINENTAL CONGRESS. 
 
 161 
 
 called Continentals. Moreover, while some corps were mostly natives, 
 ) 7 et were they also largely composed of Irish. 
 
 Driven back into Boston, and cooped up in that town, the English 
 were besieged and threatened by a clamorous multitude, rather than by 
 a disciplined army. That unorganized assemblage, amounting to thirty 
 thousaud men, was constantly increased by reinforcements arriving 
 from all quarters. Some came with effective weapons, others hoped to 
 obtain arms. A partial and an irregular muster of the militia was 
 effected. After various plans had been considered, preparations 
 were accordingly made to besiege the city. The pulpit, the bench, 
 the press and the bar were now united in appeals to the people’s 
 patriotism. The charge of rebellion was denied, and the resistance 
 of the colonies was justified, by speakers and writers. A distinc¬ 
 tion was drawn between the King and his ministry; the phrase 
 of a ministerial war. in opposition to the wishes of the British 
 nation, became very common ; while it was used as a medium for 
 reconciling resistance with allegiance. The American people began 
 then to organize their bands, and they took up arms to oppose a 
 large military expedition of land and sea forces, under the command of 
 Generals Howe, 38 Buigoyne and Chnton. These the English Ministry 
 had despatched, and with a numerous fleet they arrived on the 25th of 
 May. 39 These were soon followed by several regiments from Ireland. 
 
 Meantime, the patriots had stationed forces at convenient places 
 throughout Massachusetts, to prevent further raids by the regulars in 
 Boston. Posts and pickets, behind entrenched or barricaded positions, 
 hemmed in that town. A peninsula connected old Boston with the 
 mainland. Ships of war rode in the harbour, while considerable forces 
 garrisoned the town, 40 and more were expected soon to arrive. When 
 these reached Boston harbour, the English became aware, that a great 
 but an undisciplined army surrounded the town ; while the watchfires 
 at night showed their vast numbers, spread around in every direction. 
 Such portents filled their foes with astonishment, but not with dismay. 
 In the American camp, divided commands and divergent counsels pre¬ 
 vailed, while excitement and confusion were ripe duiing the whole of 
 May. Towards the latter end of that month, a great part of the rein¬ 
 forcements ordered from Great Britain had arrived at Boston. Before 
 proceeding to extremities, however, General Gage issued a proclamation 
 holding forth to the people the alternative of peace or war, by offering 
 pardon in the King’s name, to all who should lay down their 
 arms and return to their respective peaceable occupations. 41 As the 
 
 38 See “ Narrative of Lieutenant- 
 General Sir William Howe relative to 
 his Conduct during his Command of 
 the King’s Troops in North America.’’ 
 
 39 These various measures and pro¬ 
 ceedings are amply detailed in Ban¬ 
 croft’s “History of the United 
 States.” Hi» seventh and succeeding 
 
 volumes are devoted to a History of 
 the War of Independence. 
 
 40 See Richard Frothingham’s “ His¬ 
 tory of the Siege of Boston, and of 
 the Battles of Lexington, Concord, 
 and Bunker Hill.” Boston, 8vo. 
 
 41 From this pardon were impru¬ 
 dently excluded Samuel Adams and 
 
162 
 
 IRISII-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Courts of Judicature were then closed, martial law was pro¬ 
 claimed. 
 
 Having received their instructions from those various colonies that 
 had chosen them as delegates, the second Continental Congress now 
 met, to deliberate on a future course of action. When assembled how¬ 
 ever the members were greatly divided in opinion. The more moderate 
 party hoped by petition and appeal, to avoid an open declaration of 
 war; but the more sagacious judged, that armed resistance to the 
 English King and government was inevitable, were their liberties to be 
 preserved. The delegates had assembled in Philadelphia in the Car¬ 
 penters’ Hall, on tne 10th of May. This was the date for the daring 
 capture of Fort Ticonderoga. The first President was Peyton Randolph 
 of Virginia, but on the 24th he was obliged to depart for the legislature 
 of that province. By unanimous resolve, and chiefly through influence 
 of the most determined spirits, John Hancock of Massachusetts suc¬ 
 ceeded him in office. Much wavering and irresolution governed the 
 proceedings ; for while the delegates directed preparations for defence, 
 they would not authorize the several colonies to institute governments of 
 their own. They were alike averse to a surrender of liberty and to a 
 declaration of independence. To this convention, Charles Thompson 
 was appointed Secretary. The second Continental Congress proceeded 
 at first with a reserved caution, and it only demanded a redress of 
 grievances. However, on the 20th of May, the provincial colonists vir¬ 
 tually renounced their allegiance to governmental authority. 42 They 
 had also retaliated on England, by strictly prohibiting the supply of any 
 kind of provision to the British fisheries ; while this caused such distress 
 to the fishers and people on and off Newfoundland, that several vessels 
 were under a necessity of returning light from that station, to carry back 
 cargoes of provisions from Ireland. 43 On the Saturday of June 3rd, three 
 Committees were appointed : one Committee of five members was 
 formed to dvaft an address to the King; one Committee of three re¬ 
 presentatives to draft an address to the people of Great Britain ; and a 
 Committee of four members, to draft an address to the people of Ireland. 
 Another object it had also in view, which was to form a Federal Union. 
 However, it assumed practically to be a responsible government; it 
 authorized issuing Bills of Credit, and with a view to eventualities, it 
 took vigorous measures to carry on a war. For, the maintenance of an 
 army and for the necessities of an organized Government, money was 
 absolutely required. The New York convention had previously reported 
 
 John Hancock, as also their ad¬ 
 herents, associates and correspond¬ 
 ents. These should be deemed guilty 
 of treason and rebellion, according 
 to its terms, and be treated accord¬ 
 ingly. 
 
 It was resolved: “ That it be 
 
 recommended to the several Assem¬ 
 blies and Conventions of the United 
 
 Colonies, where no government suffi¬ 
 cient to the exigencies of their affairs 
 hath hitherto been established, toi 
 adopt such a government as shall, in 
 the opinions of the representatives of 
 the people, best conduce to the happi¬ 
 ness and safetv of their consitutents 
 in particular and of America in general. 
 
 43 See the “ Annual Register" for 
 
FIRST SUCCESS OK THE PATRIOTS. 16^5 
 
 to Congress on this matter, and had suggested three distinct modes for 
 issuing paper money. First, that each Colony might issue for itself, the 
 sum that might be appropriated to it by Congress. Secondly, that the 
 united colonies should issue the whole sum necessary, and that each 
 colony should become bound to sink its proportionate part. Thirdly, 
 that when Congress should issue the whole sum, every colony was bound 
 to discharge its proportion, while the united colonies should be obliged 
 to pay that part, which any single colony might fail to discharge. This 
 latter plan was adopted by the Continental Congress, during the course 
 of the session in 1775. The attention of Congress was also turned 
 towards the financial affairs of the country. There was then little 
 money in their treasury. The patriots had subscribed all and some 
 more than they really could spare. As no other resource was open. 
 Congress at length determined to issue paper money. The most impor¬ 
 tant and difficult obstacle encountered was to place it on a footing, that 
 should command public confidence, and secure it from depreciation. 
 There were thousands of loyalists in every part of the country, who by 
 all means in their power endeavoured to cripple the resources of the 
 growing Republic, and to place all obstacles possible in the way of ita 
 final triumph. 
 
 Meantime, various partisan attempts were directed by brave indi¬ 
 viduals on their own responsibility. Among these must be noted 
 General John Sullivan, the son of a Limerick schoolmaster, 44 who had 
 already captured the first fort and the first gun in this revolutionary war, 
 at Newcastle. Soon after the news reached New York, that a skirmish 
 had taken place at Lexington, from which the royal troops retreated to 
 Boston, the people came together by beat of drum, shut up the custom 
 house, and secured arms and ammunition, which were brought from the 
 city to Kingsbridge. A new committee of one hundred members met 
 on the 1st of May, and they resolved in the most explicit manner, to 
 stand or fall with the liberty of the continent. 45 Under the leadership 
 of Ethan Allen 46 and Seth Warner, a secret expedition of Vermont 
 Volunteers—called Green Mountain Boys—marched towards the 
 frontiers of Canada to surprise the strong forts of Ticonderoga and 
 Crown Point, These contained a great quantity of arms and military 
 
 the year 1775, Vol. xviii., chap, viii., 
 pp. *130, 131. 
 
 44 He had settled in New Hamp¬ 
 shire. His son John was born in 
 1741, at Berwick, in the district of 
 Maine. Another distinguished brother 
 named James was born in 1744. He 
 was successively judge, attorney-gene¬ 
 ral, and governor of Massachusettes; 
 he was addicted to legal and historical 
 studies, and wrote various works. He 
 became first president of the Massa¬ 
 chusetts Historfical Society. See 
 
 Thomas C. Amory’s “ Military Ser¬ 
 vices and Public Life of Major-Gene¬ 
 ral John Sullivan,” Boston, 1868, 
 8vo. Also Miohaud’s “ Biographie 
 Universelle Ancienne et Moderne.” 
 Tome xl., p. 428. 
 
 45 See George Bancroft's “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. vii., chap, 
 xxxi., p. 329. 
 
 46 The life and career of the brave 
 Ethan Allen may be found in Jared 
 Sparks’ “ Library of American Bio¬ 
 graphy.” Published in 1836. 
 
164 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 stores. Early on the morning of the 10th of May. Allen stole silently 
 upon Ticonderoga, with about eighty men. He suddenly rushed upon 
 the fort, surprising the garrison, and even he roused the British com¬ 
 mandant from his bed with a summons to surrender. Thus, with great 
 ease, Ethan Allen captured the fort of Ticonderoga, and lie found in it 
 a quantity of valuable munitions. Among his confederates was Henry 
 Knox, 47 who undertook to bring to Cambridge over one hundred cannon 
 which were there, besides a number of swivels, small arms and stores. 
 This great exploit furnished the first Artillery for the United States. 
 After incredible exertions against the difficulties of transit in those days, 
 Henry Knox conveyed all the military stores safely to their destination. 
 To a detachment, commanded by Seth Warner, Crown Point was also 
 surrendered. Another party succeeded in getting possession of Skeeims- 
 borough, and in capturing Skeene, a dangerous British Agent. 4 ** 
 Another of Allen’s brave associates was Benedict Arnold, who as 
 captain in the forces then encamped near Boston served him as a 
 volunteer, and also John Brown, who had planned the expedition. 
 Afterwards, Benedict Arnold conducted a party to St. John’s, on the 
 Sorel River, where he succeeded in capturing some stores. 
 
 Meanwhile, great commotions prevailed in Virginia, where the 
 Assembly had been dissolved by the Governor, the Earl of Dunmore. 
 Whereupon a Provincial Congress had been assembled there in March, 
 and it took measures for embodying the militia. In South Carolina, 
 Lord William Campbell the Governor, as a consequence of popular dis¬ 
 turbances, was obliged to retire from Charlestown, and to take refuge 
 on board a British ship of war in the harbour. So early as May 31st, 
 the people of Mecklenburg county in North Carolina adopted in con¬ 
 vention a formal Declaration of Independence ; but at the time, this 
 movement was deemed to be premature. They pursued methods, how¬ 
 ever, to raise arms and support forces, as also to train the militia. 49 
 
 A deed of daring—which well deserves to be recorded—was per¬ 
 formed by Jeremiah O’Brien, 50 who fought the first battle for American 
 independence on the seas, after the war of the Revolution had actually 
 commenced. This affair occurred in Machias Bay, Maine, on June 
 12th. Leading his band of brave brothers and some of his neighbours 
 j on board a sloop, having only one cannon mounted on it, he attacked 
 the Margaretta, a British armed schooner of 20 guns, while he boarded 
 
 47 He was born of Irish parents in 
 Boston, a.d. 1760, and while a mere 
 youth, he espoused the cause of the 
 colonies with great ardour. After¬ 
 wards, he fought as a volunteer at the 
 Battle of Bunker Hill. See “ Irish 
 Celts,” by a Member of the Michigan 
 Bar. 
 
 48 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 <of the United States,” Vol. vii., chap, 
 xxxii. 
 
 49 See the “ Annual Register ” for 
 
 the year 1776, Vol. xix., History of 
 Europe, chap. ,ii., pp. 17 to 33. 
 
 He and his five brothers were the 
 sons of Maurice, a native of Cork, in 
 Ireland, and who had emigrated in 
 the early part of the eighteenth cen¬ 
 tury. Their father had served as a 
 Volunteer, in the expedition against 
 Louisburg. Afterwards, in 1765, he 
 removed to Machias, in Maine, and 
 there with his six sons he engaged 
 in the lumber business. 
 
GEORGE WASHINGTON APPOINTED COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. 
 
 165 
 
 the ship and captured the crew. 51 This naval engagement has been 
 characterised as the Lexington of the Seas; for, like that celebrated 
 conflict, it was the rising of the people against a regular force. 52 The 
 armament of the Margaretta was then transferred to the sloop, which 
 was christened the Machias Liberty. The O’Briens took command of 
 her, and captured the Diligence, a British coast-survey vessel, with her 
 tender. Afterwards, the provincial government commissioned Jeremiah 
 as Captain of the Liberty, with his brother William as Lieutenant, 
 and also the Diligence, on which his brother John served as Lieutenant, 
 to intercept supplies on sea intended for the British troops. Jeremiah 
 O’Brien accordingly cruised on the coasts for a year and a half taking 
 many valuable prizes. 53 The besiegers before Boston were cheered, 
 too, by the succesdve intelligence, which they received with shouts of 
 rapture, that insurgent patriots had expelled English Governors, and 
 that the Forts on Lake Champlain had been captured by the militia of 
 Vermont. 
 
 Early in the month of June, measures were taken by Congress 
 for organizing and paying a continental army. Its members happily 
 chose for his excellent qualifications General George Washington 54 
 of Virginia, as their Commander-in-Chief. 55 He was then forty-three 
 j^ears of age. Although he well knew the difficulties and responsibili- 
 
 51 Twenty of the crew were killed 
 and wounded, in this hand to hand 
 encounter, and among the latter. Cap¬ 
 tain Moore Ml mortally stricken. 
 The colonists lost four killed and nine 
 wounded. Previous to the engage¬ 
 ment, the Captain had threatened to 
 fire on Machias town, unless the in¬ 
 habitants removed a liberty-pole they 
 had erected, when news reached them 
 regarding the affair at Lexington. 
 
 52 See the account in James Feni- 
 more Cooper’s “History of the Navy 
 of the United States,” Vol. i. The 
 first edition of this valuable work 
 appeared at Philadelphia in 1839, 
 and the second in 1840. A third 
 appeared at Cooperstown, N. Y., in 
 1846. The work was also reprinted 
 in London, Paris and Brussels. After 
 the author’s death in 1851, a new 
 
 - edition with a continuation from 1851 
 to 1853 was published during the 
 latter year, in a supplement of 100 
 pages from Mr. Cooper’s MSS., and 
 from other authorities. 
 
 53 His brother John had built a pri¬ 
 vateer, called the Hannibal, at New- 
 buryport, and of this Jeremiah next 
 assumed command. Shortly after¬ 
 wards, however, while cruizing off 
 New York, his vessel was chased by 
 
 two English frigates, and it was cap¬ 
 tured. For six months, Jeremiah was 
 confined in the Jersey guard-ship. He 
 was then sent to England, and con¬ 
 fined in Mill Prison, from which he 
 succeeded in escaping. He died in 
 Machlias, Me., October 5th, 1818. 
 His daughter was the mother of John 
 P. Hale, anti-slavery U. S. Senator 
 for N. H. The brother of Jeremiah 
 O’Brien named John, was appointed 
 captain of a privateer, and with this 
 he captured the General Pattison, an 
 English armed vessel, having on board 
 a number of British officers who were 
 returning from New York to Eng¬ 
 land. See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. iv., p. 550. 
 
 54 See Rev. Dr. Aaron Bancroft’s 
 “ Life of George Washington, Com¬ 
 mander-in-Chief of the American 
 Army,” published at London, 1808, 
 8 vo. 
 
 55 A valuable historic work, illus¬ 
 trating the events of this important 
 period, is Jared Sparks’ “ Correspond¬ 
 ence of the Revolution.” Being let¬ 
 ters from Eminent Men to George 
 Washington from the Time of his tak¬ 
 ing Command of the American Army 
 to the end of his life. 4 vols. Boston, 
 8vo. 
 
166 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 ties of that position, yet he did not hesitate for an instant in accepting 
 them. He refused all pay beyond his personal expenses. 56 Charles 
 Thompson had the signal honour to draft the commission of appoint¬ 
 ment from Congress. This authorized Washington, on the 16th of 
 J une, to assume command over all the forces raised or to be raised by 
 the United Colonies. The wisdom of this choice soon became appa¬ 
 rent, since to his other fine moral and intellectual qualifications, 
 Washington united those of courage and penetration, with an indefa¬ 
 tigable love of labour and a rare fortitude, which sustained him under 
 all difficulties. 57 
 
 The Americans surrounding Boston on the land side were thus 
 disposed. The right wing under General Thomas was at Roxbury, and 
 it consisted of four thousand Massachusetts troops, including four ar¬ 
 tillery companies, with field pieces and a heavy cannon. General 
 Greene had command of the Rhode Island forces, near Jamaica Plains. 
 Patterson’s regiment was stationed at a breastwork on Prospect Hill, 
 near Charlestown suburb, and a guard was at Lechmere’s Point; 
 Stark’s regiment was at Medford, and Reid’s at Charlestown Neck, 
 with sentinels reaching to Penny Ferry and Bunker Hill. It soon be¬ 
 came known to the Americans, that General Gage with the three 
 major-generals had formed a plan for extending the British lines to 
 Charlestown. The enemy had fixed on the night of the 18th of June, 
 to take possession of and to fortify Bunker Hill, as also Dorchester 
 Heights. The patriots were determined to prevent such an attempt, 
 and with that object in view, they resolved to take possession of those 
 vantage grounds. A guard was placed in Charlestown, and the main 
 body pursued their way to Bunker Hill. Here a council was held, in 
 order to select the best place for a fortification. 
 
 The .English generals had resolved to cross over and seize Charles¬ 
 town, as also to fortify their forces on that peninsula, where two emin¬ 
 ences commanded the town of Boston. The one nearer to Charlestown 
 was known as Breed’s Hill, but the other more elevated was called 
 Bunker Hill. It was now determined to anticipate such a movement, 
 and accordingly, American orders were issued, that the latter post 
 should be fortified during the night of the 16th of June. When dark¬ 
 ness had set in, a large party of active men, furnished with necessary 
 implements, advanced even to Breed’s Hill, on which they constructed 
 a strong redoubt. The proposed lines of fortification having been 
 marked out by Colonel Grid ley, the men stacked arms and began to 
 work. It was the hour of midnight, and as they threw off their jackets 
 And grasped the pick, the tread of English sentinels could be heard, and 
 
 ‘•See Bancroft’s “History of the 
 United States,” Vol. vii., chap, 
 xxxvii. 
 
 * 7 See “ Epistles, Domestic, Confi¬ 
 dential, and Official, from General 
 Washington, written about the com¬ 
 
 mencement of the American Contest, 
 when he entered on the Command of 
 the Army of the United States," This 
 work was printed at New York, in 
 1796, and it was reprinted, in Lon¬ 
 don. 
 
BATTLE AT BUNKER’S FtlLL. 167 
 
 the cry of marines on board armed vessels, while proclaiming their safety 
 signal. The words, “All’swell,” were plainly wafted by night to the 
 colonial ears. The workmen were thus in dangerous proximity to their 
 enemy. If by any accident discovered, defeat and disaster were sure 
 to follow. . The American pickets were on the alert however, and they 
 eagerly watched the foe, while their men plied pickaxe and spade. 
 They worked as if their lives depended on the efforts of that night. 
 But, within a few hours they had thrown up a rampart. This was not 
 wholly completed, before an alarm came from the war-ships in Boston 
 Harbour. A discharge from the guns aroused the townsmen from their 
 slumbers, and soon the whole population with the garrison became 
 aware of their situation. Notwithstanding that cannonade, the works 
 were continued until noon; yet, they could only be hastily • and 
 imperfectly constructed, especially on the American left wing, where a 
 rail fence, interwoven with newly mown hay, formed but a slight 
 obstacle against an opposing force. 
 
 This menacing attitude and position of the provincials could not be 
 permitted however by the English army, unless they were prepared to 
 surrender Boston. Accordingly, the troops were at once assembled. 
 In preparation for a bloody battle, strenuous efforts were made 
 on either side to win success, on the 17th June. 58 Not exceeding in 
 number 1,500 men, under the command of Colonel Prescott, aided 
 by Dr. Joseph Warren 59 and Israel Putnam, the Americans 
 lined their entrenchments. The people of Boston rushed to 
 every height within the city, and gazed with astonishment upon 
 the apparition presented to them on Breed’s Hill. The British fleet 
 was making ready, likewise, to take part in that battle. The ships 
 were swarming with men, and their guns were pointed towards the forti¬ 
 fied hill. 60 General Gage had given orders to his troops, that they should 
 pass over to Charlestown in-boats, the ships of war in the harbour keep¬ 
 ing up a cannonade, meanwhile, on the American redoubts. Major- 
 General Sir William Howe, assisted by Brigadier-General Pigot, was in 
 command of about two thousand men and a proportion of field artillery. 
 This force consisted of detachments from the fifth, the thirty-eighth, the 
 
 See Lossing’s “ Pictorial Field 
 Book of the Revolution,’’ Vol. i., 
 chap. xxii. 
 
 He was a relative of Sir Peter 
 Warren, who was born at Warren- 
 town, Ireland, in 1703. At an early 
 age he entered the navy, and he be¬ 
 came a Commodore in the British 
 Naval Service. He was afterwards a 
 member of Parliament for Westmin¬ 
 ster. He died in 1752. His rela¬ 
 tive, Dr. Warren, served as a volun¬ 
 teer under Colonel Prescott^ at Bun¬ 
 ker Hill, although holding a commis¬ 
 sion as Major-General. See “ Irish 
 
 Celts,” by a Member of the Michigan 
 Bar. 
 
 60 The Somerset, of 68 guns and 
 520 men, lay at the ferry, and was 
 engaged during that day. The Cer¬ 
 berus, 36 guns, and several floating 
 batteries, were within gunshot of the 
 works; the Glasgow, 24 guns, and 
 130 men, was near Craigie’s Bridge; 
 the Lively, 20 guns, and 130 mea r 
 lay opposite the present Navy Yard; 
 while the Falcon and. the Symmetry, 
 transports, 18 nine-pounders, lay off, 
 Maulton’s poinf. 
 
168 
 
 1RISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 forty-third and the fifty-second infantry regiments, with ten companies 
 of grenadiers and ten of light infantry. But, Howe still demanded rein- 
 (orcements ; 61 and accordingly, the forty-seventh regiment and a bat¬ 
 talion of marines, with several companies more of light infantry and of 
 grenadiers, were despatched to him. This contingent raised his force 
 to over three thousand well-disciplined and veteran troops. 
 
 Order was next given to advance and storm the rebel breast-works, 
 ifter half-past two o’clock. The British army moved onwards in two 
 columns. With steady step, and haughty, determined bearing, the 
 grenadiers advanced. 62 Up the slopes of the hill their dense and serried 
 columns came. Howe ordered one wing to burst upon Colonel John 
 Stark, who commanded at the rail-fence, and whose two New Hamp¬ 
 shire regiments reached the ground just before the battle commenced. 63 
 
 61 See Charles Mackay's “ History of 
 the United States,” Vol. i., Book ii., 
 chap, vi., p. 255. 
 
 A vivid and an accurate descrip¬ 
 tion of this battle is given by the 
 American writer, James Fenimore 
 Cooper, in his very interesting his¬ 
 toric novel, “Lionel Lincoln.” 
 
 63 There were many composed of 
 Irishmen born or lrish-Americans 
 Many had served previously in the 
 French and Indian wars. In the 
 School Histories of the United States, 
 Patrick Henry is the only prominent 
 one mentioned as bearing the Chris¬ 
 tian name so peculiar to Ireland, and 
 as taking an active part in the Revolu¬ 
 tion. However, from various records 
 and other sources, Thomas Hamilton 
 Murray, editor of the Pawtucket Tri¬ 
 bune, R.I., and General Secretary of 
 the Irish-American Historical Society, 
 has collected a list of nearly 250 
 Patricks who served in the Conti¬ 
 nental Army, in different capacities, 
 but for the most part as officers or 
 private soldiers. We here present 
 the alphabetical order of their family 
 names, which immediately point to 
 an Irish origin. Allison, Allen, 
 Anally, Aserman, Baity, Bennett, 
 Black, Bolden, Boyle, Bradshaw, 
 Brady, Brezland, Brown, Buchanan, 
 Burns, Burnett, Burt, Butler, Bryan, 
 Calhoun, Callaghan, Campbell, Capron, 
 Carr, Carroll, Caton, Cavenagh, 
 Clark, Cogan, Colbert, Coleman, 
 Collins, Conely, Connell, Connelly, 
 Connor, Conner, Conway, Corbitt, 
 Corcoran, Coursey, Crawford, Cronan, 
 Cronin, Cronkite, Cross, Cunningham, 
 Curren, Darkin, Daily, Davis, Deady, 
 
 Deamell, D°mpsey, Dennis, Dirking, 
 Diver, Dix«n, Donnelly, Donohoe, 
 Dorothy, Downey, Doyle, Duffy, 
 Dungan, Dunlevy, Durgin, Dunphv, 
 Duyer, Fagge, Farroll, Fennell, 
 Finnagin, Fitzpatrick, Flemming, 
 Flynn, Fotterel, Fox, Foy, Fullerton, 
 Gallagher, Gault, Glenn, Gibbons, 
 Grafit, Graham, Gree ! n, Griffin, 
 Hackett, Hacknvt, Hagerty, Hamil¬ 
 ton, Hand, Hanlin, Hannington, 
 Harrington, Harrison, Hart, Hartney, 
 Henderson, Hennig, Heron, Hogan, 
 Hughes, Hynes, Johnson, Joyce, 
 Kane, Kelly, Kennedy, Kenny, 
 Killey, Kineltv, King, Kirby, Kirken, 
 Lafertv, Lamb, Leader, Leland, Le¬ 
 mon, Leonard, Lilless, Limerick, 
 Lockev, Lynch, Lyons, Lynn, Mabie, 
 Magan, Mahoney, Malone, Maroney, 
 Marr, Martin, Mullen, Mulvany, 
 Murdaugli, Murphy, Monow, Mooney, 
 Moore, Murray, McAnally, McAnary, 
 McAnarmey, McCaffrey, McCann, 
 McCasline, McCline, McConnally, 
 McCord, McCormick, McCue, McCul- 
 len, McDermott, McDonald, McFall, 
 McGalls, McGee, McGlachlin, Mc- 
 Gonaghy, McGonigle, McGraff, Mc- 
 Graw, McGuan, McGuire, McHolland, 
 Mclnnis, Mclvory, McKeen, McKee- 
 han, McKinney, McKown, McLane, 
 McLaughlin, McManus, McMitchell, 
 MeMurphy, McNamara, McNulty, 
 Neall, Nevin, Newgent, Newlin, 
 Norton, Nugent, O’Brian, O’Brien, 
 O'Bryan, O’Donaghv, O’Fling, O’Foy, 
 O'Hara, O’Lean, Phelan, Preston, 
 Quinn, Raden, Reid, Reilly, 
 Richards, Riley, Roach, Roberts, 
 Rock, Roddy, Rodgers, Rogers, 
 Rooney, Rourk, Roy, Ryan, Scandalin, 
 
BATTLE AT BUNKER’S HILL. 1 GO 
 
 General Pigot set over the other wing was directed to storm the 
 redoubt. At a signal given, the British battery upon Copp’s Hill—• 
 from which Generals Burgoyneand Clinton watched every movement— 
 and the guns belonging to the men-of-war in the harbour opened fire. 
 These poured a fearful storm of round-shot upon the redoubt. At the 
 same time, a furious cannonade was opened on the rebel lines at 
 Roxbury, to prevent reinforcements from crossing the Neck, leading to 
 the American lines. Gridle}^ and Callender endeavoured to return the 
 fire from a few field-pieces, but it was too feeble to be effective. The 
 latter left his post and went to Bunker Hill, in the rear of 
 Breed’s Hill. However, Putnam ordered him back. This order 
 he disobeyed, when his men left, refusing to fight longer under him. 
 At this juncture, Captain Walker with fifty volunteers had marched 
 towards Charlestown. The Americans received orders from Prescott 
 to reserve their fire, until the British had advanced quite near their 
 earth-works. With steady and slow movement., but firing as they ad¬ 
 vanced, the soldiers at length reached the prescribed distance, while they 
 halted occasionally on the march, to permit their artillery to play on 
 the redoubts. Just as they were beginning to think that these should 
 fall an easy prey, and when within eight or ten rods of them, waving 
 his sword above his head, and jumping upon the platform, 
 Prescott shouted the word “ Fire! ” At that instant, the flame 
 flashed from rifles and muskets along the breast-works, when a rattling 
 volley swept through the foremost British ranks. Instantly, the 
 Americans reloaded, and another volley followed in quick succession. 
 As the smoke cleared away, broken and repulsed the soldiers were 
 seen fleeing down the hill. Behind them lay their dead and wounded 
 in whole platoons. The defenders at the slight rail fence, commanded 
 by Stark and Ivnowlton, received General Howe’s column in like 
 manner with a reserved and murderous fire, which drove it back in 
 confusion. The rebels were eager to follow the fugitives, but their 
 officers restrained them, deeming it more prudent to alluw the enemy 
 to be the attacking party. Reinforcements for the rebels were unable, 
 nevertheless, to cross on account of the constant fire from those war¬ 
 ships in the harbour. With some difficulty, the British Generals Howe 
 and Pigot rallied their men, for a renewal of the onset; but, an in 
 terval of about fifteen minutes elapsed, before their ranks were fully 
 formed. 64 
 
 With evident reluctance, the soldiers advanced firing as before. 
 However, Prescott, who had cheered his men behind the breast-works, 
 again directed them to reserve their fire, until the enemy had come 
 within five or six rods of their lines. While the British officers were 
 
 Scullion, Shannon, Shea, Shehen, 
 Shockey, Shockney, Shoughness, Sil¬ 
 vers, Simms, Smith, Snow, Sullivan, 
 Tague, Thomas, Thornton, Tobyne, 
 Tool, Tracey, Tracy, Wrenn, Walden. 
 Walker, Ward, Weldon, Welsh, Wright. 
 
 84 The “ History of the Siege of 
 Boston,” by Richard Frothinghaia, 
 jun., a work abounding with facts as 
 to persons and events, gives an inter¬ 
 esting account of the battle of Busk¬ 
 er's Hill. 
 
170 IRISH-AMER1CAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 seen exposing themselves fearlessly, remonstrating, threatening and even 
 striking their soldiers to urge them onwards, the Americans were pre¬ 
 pared to receive them, with even a more deadly fire than before. 
 Nevertheless, the British speedily advanced to make their second 
 attack. Their artillery thundered from the shipping, their whole fire 
 being now concentrated, but chiefly on the redoubt. Moreover, some 
 of the guns had been moved from Copp’s Hill to within a hundred 
 yards of the rail-fence. Those were now pouring a destructive fire 
 upon Stark and his devoted men. Rushing forward to the assault a 
 second time, the British were again received with a continuous stream 
 of fire, which they could not stand. Dead and wounded covered 
 the ground in front of the breastworks, both at the chief redoubt and 
 at the rail-fence. Some of the companies lost three-fourths and several 
 nine-tenths of their men. So many of his officers had been killed or 
 wounded, that for some seconds, Howe was almost left alone with his 
 subalterns endeavouring to repair the rout. 65 
 
 Meanwhile, General Clinton watched the battle from Copp’s Hill, 
 and seeing the regiments retreat in confusion to the beach, he crossed 
 over to rally them for a renewal of the battle. He succeeded by getting 
 them into line for a third advance, while four hundred marines were 
 landed from the ships to assist them. Moreover, General Gage had 
 caused the wooden houses in Charlestown to be set on fire, to cover their 
 approach ; but, this barbarous act had no appreciable effect on the 
 result. Greatly discouraged and after a long delay, the British 
 once more advanced, and the Americans at short range again re¬ 
 solved to deliver their fire with deadly effect. Not a sound was 
 now heard in the redoubt save the crashing of the balls, which 
 fell among and around the occupants. The British guns were 
 brought to bear in such a manner, as to rake the insides of their 
 breast-works from one end to the other. The defenders were then 
 obliged to crowd within their fort for greater protection. Still calm 
 and collected, the rebels waited for the signal to fire their retreating* 
 volleys. They had rammed home the last cartridge, and they were 
 determined to make their last discharge tell on the solid ranks of the 
 English. Having disencumbered themselves from their knapsacks, the 
 soldiers then advanced with fixed bayonets and in column. A few 
 feet of earth separated the combatants, when the American order to 
 fire was again given. At this critical moment, when disorder began to 
 manifest itself, even for a third time in the ranks of their enemies, 
 ammunition failed the Americans. The British grenadiers then dis¬ 
 covered their opportunitj’, and throwing off their knapsacks, and some 
 even their coats, to be more light for action, they rushed forward with 
 the bayonet. 66 Hitherto, the Americans had lost very few of their 
 men. 
 
 65 See George Bancroft’s “History 66 See Washington Irving’s “Life 
 of the United States,” Vol. vii., chap. of George Washington,” Yol. i., chap, 
 xxxix., pp. 416 to 426. xli. 
 
BATTLE AT BUNKERS HILL. 171 
 
 With clubbed muskets the brave defenders endeavoured, but in 
 vain, to hold the breastworks against a greatly superior and regular 
 force. It being impossible to maintain their position any longer, and 
 a heavy artillery fire being directed against their rear, Colonel Prescott 
 gave orders to retreat over Charlestown Neck. The British were still 
 assailed with a shower of stones, hurled by those brave men, who before 
 their enforced retreat continued to dispute every inch of ground. Just 
 at this moment, Major Pitcairn, the butcher of Lexington, jumped 
 upon the parapet. While in the act of shouting to encourage his men, 
 he was tumbled headlong below, and mortally wounded. On three 
 sides did the British attack the retreating Americans with the bayonet. 
 Hand to hand, these courageously struggled. At last, Prescott ordered 
 them to fall back on the camp at Cambridge, when sullenly and stub¬ 
 bornly they moved backwards. In this exposed and defenceless posi¬ 
 tion, their loss was chiefly experienced. 67 The last man to step from 
 the works was Dr. Warren, and he was but a short distance from the 
 redoubt. At that moment, he was shot dead and through the heart. 
 Colonel Stark and his command the New Hampshire men had bravely 
 contested the ground', at its least defensible part, where a slight con¬ 
 struction of fence rails and hay was the only protection. 68 With Bead 
 and Knowlton to second him, Stark still maintained his position at the 
 rail-fence, despite all the efforts of the British to dislodge him. He 
 fought gallantly, animating his men and cheering them on, until rein¬ 
 forcements arrived; and then, he drove back charge upon charge, 
 repulsing every attack. This resolute resistance was the chief means 
 afforded, for saving the main body from being cut to pieces. His 
 services were most valuable in such an extremity, while these were 
 frankly and gratefully acknowledged by the general in command. 
 Thus, for want of ammunition, the Americans were forced to retreat, 
 but they had left on the hill as many dead and wounded of the enemy 
 as they themselves numbered in the beginning of the battle. The 
 British loss was enormous for the number engaged, no less than 1,054 
 lying on the field in killed and wounded, while the Colonist loss was 
 less than half that number, in killed, 69 wounded and prisoners. That 
 night, the Americans lay on their arms, under the command of 
 Putnam, and on Prospect Hill. The British occupied Bunker Hill, 70 
 which gave name to this remarkable engagement, although in reality 
 it was fought on Breed’s Hill. 
 
 The besieging army was afterwards placed under the provisional 
 
 m Major Moore, an Irishman, was 
 killed within me redoubt, at this 
 time. 
 
 68 Colonel Thomas McLaughlin, an 
 Irishman, was one of Stark’s riflemen 
 at Bunker Hill. He also fought at 
 Bennington, mnd he was in several 
 other engagements. 
 
 69 Major And’-e'w McClary, a brave 
 
 Irish officer, was killed at Bunker 
 Hill, He fell while crossing the 
 Neck. He was a man of massive 
 proportions, and a conspicious mark 
 for the enemies’ bullets. 
 
 70 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. vii., chap, 
 xl., pp. 428 to 435. 
 
172 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 command of Brigadier-General John Sullivan. 71 On the very day of 
 the battle fought at Bunker’s Hill, the American Congress had elected 
 four Major-Generals, viz., Artemus Ward, 72 of Massachusetts, Charles 
 Lee, 73 Philip Schuyler, 74 and Israel Putnam, 75 of Connecticut. 
 Next to these came Horatio Gates as Adjutant>General, with the rank 
 of Brigadier. However, better selections might have been made of 
 persons in high command, nor was any one of the foregoing worthy to 
 succeed the Commander-in-Chief. Eight Brigadier-Generals were also 
 appointed, viz., Seth Pomeroy, 76 Richard Montgomery, 77 David 
 Wooster, 78 William Heath, 79 Joseph Spencer, 80 John Thomas, 81 
 John Sullivan, 82 and Nathaniel Greene. 83 All of the foregoing, 
 save Montgomery, were from New England. 84 The organization 
 of an army first of all engaged Washington’s attention. 85 He set 
 out by way of New York, so soon as he could make the necessary 
 arrangements, and he reached the camp at Cambridge, near Boston, on 
 the 2nd of July. The armed patriots were filled with hope and joy 
 as they saw, with unspeakable pleasure, General Washington ride from 
 his quarters at Cambridge. Under an elm tree on the common, 
 July 3rd, he assumed command of their army. 86 No man had a finer 
 
 71 He was born of Irish parents in 
 1740, at Somersworth, New Hamp¬ 
 shire, and at first he practised law. 
 He was elected a delegate to repre¬ 
 sent that Province in the first Con¬ 
 tinental Congress, at Philadelphia, 
 A.D. 1774, and he was also returned 
 to the second Congress, held in May, 
 1775. See “ The Encyclopaedia Ameri¬ 
 cana,” Yol. iv., p. 621. 
 
 72 At this time he was in ill health, 
 but devoted to his country’s service. 
 
 73 ‘ He was the son of an English 
 officer, but he had little skill in war, 
 while he was afterwards found to be 
 unfoithful to his high trust. 
 
 74 He was patriotic, but an incom¬ 
 petent general. 
 
 73 His fame rested chiefly on his 
 undoubted personal bravei-y. 
 
 76 A gunsmith of Northampton, 
 seventy years of age, and the veteran 
 of two wars. However, before re¬ 
 ceiving his commission, he retired 
 from the camp, distrusting his own 
 capacity. 
 
 77 An Irishman by birth and of New 
 York, the seventh from Washington 
 in rank, but next to him in merit. 
 
 78 From Connecticut, and then sixty- 
 five years old. 
 
 79 A patriot farmer of Roxbury, 
 Massachusetts. 
 
 80 From Connecticut, past sixty 
 years of age and inexperienced in war. 
 
 81 He was a physician of Kings¬ 
 town, Massachusetts, and the best- 
 general officer of that colony. 
 
 63 He was impulsive, “ not free from 
 defects and foibles; tinctured with 
 vanity and eager to be popular; 
 enterprising, spirited and able.” 
 
 83 From Rhode Island, and “ who, 
 after Washington, had no superior 
 in natural resources, unless it were 
 Montgomery.” 
 
 See George Bancroft, who has 
 given their respective estimates of 
 character, as abridged in our previous 
 notes. See “ History of the United 
 States,” Yol. viii., chap, xli., pp. 
 26 to 35. 
 
 85 Bom in Ireland, Colonel John 
 FitzGerald was the beloved and effi¬ 
 cient aid of Washington. He was 
 present in all those battles in which 
 the Commander-in-Chief was engaged. 
 As army-surgeon, James McHenry, 
 born in Ireland, Nov. 16th 1753, ac¬ 
 companied Washington to Cambridge. 
 Afterwards he was made prisoner at 
 Fort Washington, but exchanged in 
 the spring of 1778. He was in the 
 Maryland Senate 1781—1786. In 
 2783 he was appointed to Congress. 
 He held office as Secretary of War 
 in Washington’s Cabinet. He died 
 at Baltimore in 1816. 
 
 86 See George Bancroft’s ‘‘History 
 
ORGANIZATION OF THE AMERICAN ARMY. 
 
 173 
 
 appearance or greater dignity of presence than Washington. He was 
 tall, graceful, handsome, athletic, and muscular. His calm, resolute 
 and commanding aspect filled the hearts of the soldiers with confidence. 
 After his appointment, he lost no time in hastening to Boston, where 
 he found the besiegers in a state of sad disorder—destitute of gun¬ 
 powder, bayonets, engineers and artillerymen. He immediately devised 
 plans to supply these deficiencies, and to reduce such chaos into order, 87 
 while measures were taken for the future course of operations. 83 
 
 He formed the army into three divisions, each division consisting of 
 two brigades, and each brigade of six regiments. He regulated the pay 
 of the troops, and he formed corps of -riflemen. 89 These soon became 
 the terror of sailors and marines on board the enemy’s ships. In every 
 direction, to purchase or procure gunpowder, emissaries were sent. 
 While Boston was beleaguered by a great number of irregular bands, 
 frequent skirmishes took place between the Americans and the English 
 both on sea and on land. The results were generally such as to afford 
 satisfaction to the besiegers, and their frequent encounters habituated 
 them to the vicissitudes of war. 90 Meanwhile, Washington was busily 
 engaged in the effort to bring the raw levies into some condition of 
 exercise and discipline. He had only three well-drilled Rhode Island 
 Regiments, serving under General Nathaniel Greene. The others were 
 volunteers on short service, and many were discontented with con¬ 
 tinuous absence from their homes. His men were ill-equipped and not 
 very amenable to military subordination. 91 
 
 of the United States,” Vol. viii., 
 chap, xlii., p. 40. 
 
 87 See Rev. Dr. Aaron Bancroft’s 
 ‘‘Life of Gsorge Washington, with Ac¬ 
 count of the Settlements and General 
 History of the North American Colo¬ 
 nies.” 
 
 88 See Guizot’s “ Vie, Correspond¬ 
 ence, efc Ecrits de Washington.” 
 Tome i., chap. vi. This valuable 
 work appeared at Paris in 1840, but, 
 it had been previously published in 
 the United States. 
 
 89 An interesting momento of the 
 great patriot, “Washington’s Public 
 Accounts during the War, with other 
 Documents and Facsimiles, with Por¬ 
 trait,” was published at Washington, 
 1838, folio. 
 
 90 Vast desertions of the British 
 soldiere took place in Boston, to¬ 
 wards the close of this year, w r hile 
 three officers of Lord Perry’s regi¬ 
 ment were among the mutinous. 
 
 91 See Cyrus Edmund’s “ Life and 
 Times of General Washington,” Vol. 
 i., 12mo. Immediately after the 
 battle of Bunker Hill every able- 
 
 bodied man among those emigrants 
 from the north of Ireland entered the 
 American Army, and from their con¬ 
 tinuous service and discipline, they 
 became the main stay of the organi¬ 
 zation until the end of that war. 
 Those Irishmen who had settled in 
 Pennsylvania turned out chiefly under 
 the command of Col. Edward Hand and 
 Col. William Irving. They were both 
 Irishmen and had served as surgeons 
 in the British Service; the first in 
 the army, and the latter in the navy. 
 Hand was certainly of Catholic par¬ 
 ents from the north of Ireland, and 
 his command, composed of Presby¬ 
 terians, joined the army before Bos¬ 
 ton shortly after Washington took 
 command. But the arrival of Hand’s 
 troops, it is claimed, had been pre¬ 
 ceded a few days by a body of Cath¬ 
 olic Irishmen from Maryland and 
 lower Pennsylvania, under the com- 
 mand of Colonel Stephen Moylan, who 
 was a personal friend of Washington, 
 an aide on his staff, and an active 
 officer throughout the war. Moylan 
 was a brother to the Catholic Bishop 
 
174 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 During this summer, Lord Dunmore, the royal governor of Virginia, 
 was driven out from Williamsburg, then the capital of that colony. 
 He fled on board a British man-of-war. On the 10th of July, the royal 
 government in Virginia ceased. Popular delegates then supplied the 
 place of the Assembly. Those soon raised and embodied an armed 
 force, and took measures for putting the colony in a state of defence. 
 The headstrong passions of Lord Dunmore led him to the commission 
 of further follies. He commenced a predatory war along the coasts, and 
 he proclaimed martial law. He afterwards collected ships and a force 
 of men ; he made descents along the coasts ; and in January 1776, he 
 burned the town of Norfolk, the largest and richest in Virginia This 
 experience taught Congress the necessity for having a marine equip¬ 
 ment to defend a maritime country, and accordingly, measures were 
 taken to have that want supplied. 
 
 As the summer and autumn passed on, the authority of the royal 
 governors was nearly everywhere superseded, while Provincial Assem¬ 
 blies and Congresses or Committees of safety assumed the direction of 
 affairs. North and South Carolina revolted, while Georgia soon followed. 
 About this time likewise, Beniamin Franklin had returned to America, 
 revolving his old scheme for a separate form of home representation 
 and of government, to regulate the internal affairs of each province 
 while a federal union was intended for all questions of general policy 
 and procedure. He also designed including Canada and Ireland as 
 affiliated provinces, believing that in both countries hostility to Eng¬ 
 land’s pretensions might be excited. However, this broad view of their 
 eminent statesman was little understood, or deemed to be impractic¬ 
 able by the Americans. Meanwhile, a very excited state of feeling 
 had grown up in Ireland, as a consequence of the Americans resorting 
 to arms. Franklin was of opinion, at the time, that such a ferment should 
 end in revolt. The Parliament of Ireland, and especially the people of 
 Dublin, had began to embarrass government with opposition and remon¬ 
 strance. The metropolitan guild of merchants 92 complimented those 
 Peers, who voted in support of the Constitution, and who protested 
 against the American restraining Bills, in opposition to a foolish and 
 wicked administration. The Dissenters were active and violent; 93 but, 
 no part of the Irish people sympathised more earnestly with the re¬ 
 volted Colonists than did the disfranchised Catholics, who were not then 
 a power in the nation, although they were a vast majority of the in¬ 
 habitants. The Sheriffs and Common Council of Dublin were desirous 
 of imitating the city of London, by transmitting petitions against the 
 measures relating to America ; but they were restrained by the Lord 
 
 of Cork, Ireland, who was a devoted 
 friend to the American cause. See Ad¬ 
 dress of Dr. Thomas Addis Emmet 
 before the American Irish Historical 
 Society, New York, Jan. 19, 1899. 
 
 92 In July they applauded the Earl 
 of Effingham for “ refusing to draw 
 
 his sword against the lives and liber¬ 
 ties of his fellow-subjects in America.” 
 
 93 See “ The Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1776, p. 43. Their address 
 was presented under the corporation 
 seal, and it was published with the 
 several answers of each peer. 
 
PROGRESS OP THE INSURRECTION. 
 
 175 
 
 Mayor and Aldermen. 94 Indignant at this impediment, they declared 
 their anxiety to preserve their names from the odium which all posterity 
 must attach to those who promoted the acts carrying on in America, as 
 also their grief for the injured inhabitants of that continent, and for 
 their own brave countrymen, sent on the unnatural errand of slaughter¬ 
 ing their fellow-subjects. They resolved, moreover, that whoever re¬ 
 fused his consent to a dutiful petition tending to undeoeive the King, 
 and by which the effusion of one drop of subject blood might be pre¬ 
 vented, was not a friend of the constitution. 95 
 
 On Friday, July 21st 1775, an address to the Inhabitants of Great 
 Britain, prepared in accordance with the resolution of Congress, was 
 brought in, and after some discussion, an order was passed that it do lie 
 on the table. Another address was drafted and prepared for circulation 
 among the Irish people. A petition was also engrossed for presentation 
 to the King. While stating their grievances, and the necessity for taking 
 up arms, Congress proclaimed, that they desired not to disturb the 
 union between the colonies and the mother country, but rather to re¬ 
 store it. On the 28th day of July, the Irish Address was read by para¬ 
 graphs and agreed to, while it was drafted with a force and couched in 
 a dignity of language, calculated to chain the sympathies, and to arouse 
 the indignation of a freedom-loving people. All these writings were 
 drawn up in a very masterly manner ; while in respect to art, address 
 and execution, they are equal to any public declarations made by any 
 powers or upon the greatest occasions. 96 
 
 On the first day of August, the Congress adjourned for five weeks, 
 leaving the insurgent country without a visible government, and no re¬ 
 presentative of its unity but Washington and the army. The council 
 deliberations of Congress had been held with closed doors ; divisions of 
 opinion and hesitation were known to prevail among the members ; but, 
 the influence of a majority among the more clear-sighted began to turn 
 the scale in favour of independence. The King and his ministers had 
 great hopes of inducing Catherine, Empress of Russia, to form an alli¬ 
 ance with England, and to hire twenty thousand of her troops for the 
 suppression of the colonial insurgents. 97 But, this negociation utterly 
 failed, and Catherine soon disabused the negociators of any idea that she 
 could dishonourably traffic in the blood of her subjects. The next appli¬ 
 cation was made to the smaller and more greedy princes of Germany, who 
 on the failure of that great speculation had the British exchequer at their 
 mercy. 98 Reinforements for America were now required; and accor- 
 
 94 See Gibbon’s posthumous Works, 
 Vol. i., p. 496. 
 
 95 On the 28th of August, 1775. 
 See John Adolphus’ “ History of 
 England from the Accession of 
 George the Third, to the conclusion 
 of Peace in the year One Thousand 
 
 j Seven hundred and Eighty-three,” 
 Vol. ii., chap, xxviii. p. 346. 
 
 96 See the “ Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1775, Vol xviii., History of 
 Europe, chap, viii., p. 140. 
 
 97 See John Adolphus’ “ History of 
 England from the Accession of King 
 George the Third,” &c., Vol. ii., 
 chap, xxvii., p. 344. 
 
 98 About 17,000 German Mercena¬ 
 ries were hired for the purpose of 
 
 ax 2. 
 
176 
 
 IRISII-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 dingly, five regiments of infantry with field pieces and ammunition were 
 ordered to be in readiness to sail from Cork early in December. This 
 force soon afterwards was made equal to seven regiments. Ten thousand 
 stand of ai ms was supplied to arm the loyalists in America, and who now 
 wei-e represented, as ready to rally round the royal standard. Towards the 
 close of October Parliament opened, when the cabinet was able to carry 
 out measures of coercion despite every effort of the opposition. In 
 November, it was sought to send four thousand troops on the Irish 
 establishment to America, and the consent of the Irish House of 
 Commons was requested to favour such a measure, it being proposed 
 that four thousand of the hired German Protestants should replace 
 them. Notwithstanding the vehement opposition of Ponsonby, Fitz- 
 gibbon, Newenham, Ogle and Hussey Burgh, in that placeman assembly, 
 the Irish troops were voted by 121 against 76, although the resolution 
 to replace them by foreign Protestants was negatived by 106 against 68. 
 
 Before Congress had organized an army, or appointed a single 
 military officer, early in the month of June, Colonel Arnold urged 
 upon the American delegates the desirability of engaging in offensive 
 war by the invasion of Canada. He offered with a force of 2,000 men 
 to reduce that whole province. This was deemed, too serious a step for 
 adoption at first, but as the increasing fervour of the public mind pro¬ 
 gressed, and as events determined, the proposition was at length received 
 with favour. Besides, it was hoped, that the people of Canada would 
 gladly embrace an opportunity to throw oft the English yolk. About 
 the months of July and August, General Philip Schuyler was at Albany 
 endeavouring to effect a treaty with the Indians, who were otherwise 
 solicited by the British to arm on their side. The latter appeal proved 
 most successful, and great efforts were made, likewise, to attach the 
 Canadians to the English service, yet with most divided results. Having 
 selected another force, General Schuyler was despatched by General 
 Washington, and with the approbation of Congress, to create a 
 diversion by penetrating into Canada. He issued an address to the 
 people offering the restoration of their rights and freedom of worship. 
 However, he fell sick on the way," and the duty devolved on the leader 
 second in command. 100 This Irish Major-General Richard Montgo- 
 
 carrying on the war, and as most of 
 these were obtained from the Prince 
 of Hesse Cassel, it so happened, all 
 belonging to that foreign contingent 
 went by the general name of Hessians 
 during the Revolutionary war See 
 George Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States,” Vol. viii., chap, lvii , 
 p. 250 to 271. 
 
 99 Brigadier-General William Max¬ 
 well was an Irishman, who joined the 
 army at the commencement of the 
 war! He was appointed Colonel in 
 1776, and he served on Lake Champ¬ 
 
 lain und£r General Schuyler. He was 
 appointed Brigadier in same year; later 
 he was at Trenton, Brandywine, Ger¬ 
 mantown, and with the army at Valley 
 Forge. He was in active pursuit 
 of Clinton across New Jersey, and 
 he sustained an important part in the 
 battle of Monmouth. Washington 
 said of him, “ I know him to be an 
 honest man, a warm friend to his 
 country, and firmly attached to its 
 interests.” 
 
 100 See William Edward Hartpole 
 Becky’s “ History of England in the 
 
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE ENGLISH IN CANADA. 177 
 
 mery 101 was destined to direct an expedition, requiring exercise of the 
 highest courage and of the most consummate judgment. A body of 
 troops from New York and New England was sent forward to 
 Ticonderoga. There Montgomery arrived on the 17th August. 102 He 
 opened a brilliant and most successful campaign, but with a totally 
 insufficient force of 1,000 men, and under astonishing difficulties. 103 
 The English garrison at Quebec was then very weak, nor was there a 
 sufficient number of troops available to guard every part of an exposed 
 frontier. At this time, Sir Guy Carleton 104 was in command of the 
 British forces in Canada, and he endeavoured by every means to induce 
 the Canadians to take up arms against the Americans ; but, he sought 
 in vain the co-operation of Brand, the Catholic Bishop of Quebec, to 
 publish a mandement to be read from the pulpit by the curates during 
 Divine service. 105 However, some of the clergy and the landholders 
 were ready to second Carleton’s views. 
 
 The Americans effected a landing with great difficulty at St. John’s 
 and Chambly on the River Sorel, the outlet of Lake Champlain, early in 
 
 Eighteenth Century,” Vol. iii., chap, 
 xii., p. 436. 
 
 i°) H e was born near Raphoe, in the 
 county of Donegal, on the 2nd of 
 December 1736. At an early age, 
 be entered the British service, and 
 his first campaign was in America. 
 His military qualities and conspicu¬ 
 ous bravery had him soon promoted 
 t*o the rank of Lieutenant. However, 
 after his return to Ireland, thinking 
 himself over-reached and treated with 
 injustice, selling his commission in 
 disgust, he emigrated to New York. 
 In 1773 he renewed a former acquaint¬ 
 ance with the family of Robert R. 
 Livingstone and married his daughter. 
 He then settled down to a peaceful 
 life; but, in April 1775, he was 
 selected as a delegate to the first pro¬ 
 vincial convention in New York. 
 
 nw When the war broke out, it 
 found Montgomery ready to take up 
 arms with Washington in defence of 
 American independence. That gene¬ 
 ral knowing Montgomery to be a 
 good soldier, and a staunch rebel, 
 immediately promoted him to the 
 rank of Brigadier-General. At this 
 time, Montgomery was married and 
 living on his farm in Rhinebeck, in 
 Duchess Co., N. Y. The promotion 
 was entirely unsolicited by him, but 
 he would not refuse it. In writing to a 
 friend he said: “ The Congress hav¬ 
 
 ing done me the honour of electing 
 me a Brigadier-General in their ser¬ 
 
 vice is an event which must put an 
 end for a while, perhaps for ever, to 
 the quiet scene of life I had prescribed 
 for myself ; for though entirely un¬ 
 expected and undesired by me, the 
 will of an oppressed people must be 
 obeyed.” These were noble senti¬ 
 ments, and in a few months he sealed 
 them with his blood. His last words 
 to his wife—a daughter of Judge 
 Livingstone—when leaving her to join 
 the army were: “ You shall never 
 
 have cause to blush for your Mont¬ 
 gomery.” 
 
 103 See John Armstrong’s “ Life of 
 Montgomery.” Boston, 1834, 8vo. 
 
 104 He was born in Strabane, Ireland, 
 on the 3rd of September 1724. He 
 was appointed Governor of New York 
 in 1772, and he commanded the 
 invading army of New York State, 
 a.d. 1776. He was created Lord Dor¬ 
 chester, after returning to England in 
 1783. See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia 
 of American Biographv,” Vol. i., p. 
 525. 
 
 105 “ He also urged the prelate to 
 exhort the people to take up arms 
 against the colonists. But the con¬ 
 sistent bishop refused to exert his 
 influence in such a cause, and plainly 
 told Carleton that such conduct would 
 be unworthy of a faithful pastor, and 
 derogatory to the Canons of the Rom¬ 
 ish Church.”—Benson J. Lossing’s 
 “Pictorial Field Book of the Revolu 
 tion,” Vol. i., chap. vii., p. 158. 
 
 N 
 
1KISH-AMKRICAN HISTORY OF THIS UNITED STATES. 
 
 the month of September. The fortifications there were found to lie 
 much stronger than had been anticipated. Wherefore, having sum¬ 
 moned a council of war, it was resolved to retreat on Isle Aux Noix, 
 twelve miles south from St. John’s, and to throw a boom across the 
 river channel. General Montgomery returned after a few days, and 
 opened a battery against St. John’s ; but, being deficient in ammunition 
 lie failed, and then proceeded to reduce Fort Chambly about six miles 
 distant. There he obtained six tons of gunpowder. This enabled him 
 to prosecute the siege. Colonel Wai'ner with 300 Green Mountain 
 Boys prevented the Governor of Canada from crossing the St. Lawrence. 
 When this hope of relief failed, Major Preston the commanding officer 
 surrendered, having received honourable terms of capitulation. About 
 500 regular troops and 100 Canadians became prisoners, while 39 pieces 
 of cannon—many of them ’brass field pieces—seven mortars, two how¬ 
 itzers and 800 stand of arms were captured. 106 
 
 Immediately afterwards, Montgomery marched towards Montreal, 
 whence Sir Guy Carleton was conveyed in a boat with muffled paddles to 
 the Three Rivers. Subsequently, he reached Quebec. General Prescot 
 with several officers and about 120 privates went on board the vessels, 
 thus hoping to escape down the river, but they were prevented, and on 
 terms of capitulation their surrender was accepted. Afterwards, the 
 American General captured Montreal, and then he took possession of 
 eleven vessels on the river, with all the British shipping along the upper 
 St. Lawrence. 107 A seasonable store of ammunition, provisions and 
 military implements fell into the hands of the captors. Montreal sur¬ 
 rendered at discretion, and as it contained many of those articles which 
 by resolution of Congress could not be imported into the colonies, so a 
 plentiful supply of clothing was obtained by the Americans. So far, every 
 enterprise had been successful. Montgomery’s efforts were next directed 
 against Quebec, then a strongly fortified city on the lower St. Lawrence. 
 Having left some soldiers in Montreai, where he had already ingratiated 
 himself with the Canadians of French extraction, he sent other detach¬ 
 ments into different parts of the province. Owing to the address of 
 the General and the goodness of the man, he contrived to keep up the 
 spirits and discipline of soldiers among his irregular bands, under 
 astonishing difficulty of means and position. His great desire was to 
 gain the Canadians over to the American cause ; but unfortunately for 
 him, an outburst of bigotry in New York, when the Quebec Act became 
 law in 1774, and certain insulting resolutions of the Continental Con¬ 
 gress—as impolitic as they were unjust—caused a great part of the 
 
 106 Colonel Allen, who had been de¬ 
 tached on a tour with 86 men, was 
 made prisoner near Montreal, whiie 
 the siege was proceeding, and con¬ 
 trary to the terms of his surrender, 
 he was loaded with irons, and sent 
 as a captive to England. He after¬ 
 wards published an interesting narra¬ 
 
 tive of the hardships and persecutions 
 he endured in pr.son, until he was 
 exchanged at New York in May 
 1778. 
 
 107 See Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States,” Vol. viii., chap. Iii., 
 pp. 176 to 188. Ninth Edition. 
 Boston, 1874. 
 
FIRST SUCCESS—ASSAULT ON QUEBEC. 
 
 179 
 
 people there to regard the invaders and their objects with great distrust. 
 Thus, his efforts and influence to gain over the natives proved abortive, 
 and owing mainly to the British governmental tolerance towards their 
 Catholic subjects in Canada, as guaranteed to them by treaty. 108 
 
 Meantime, an expeditionary force of 1,000 men had been drawn from 
 the camp at Cambridge and placed under the command of Benedict 
 Arnold to co-operate in the enterprize, and this had been detached against 
 Lower Canada. He marched from Boston and ascended the Kennebec 
 River in boats, and then struck across the wilderness to the head waters 
 of the Chaudiere River. Several of his men succumbed to the hardships of 
 this journey and many deserted their leader. 109 The remainder floated 
 down the Chaudiere to the St. Lawrence, and Arnold reached Point Levi 
 opposite to Quebec, in the beginning of November. Little more than half 
 of his detachment had accompanied him to this destination. However, 
 had not the river intervened, and some time being required to 
 provide canoes, the capital of Canada might have fallen an easy prey 
 to the Americans, in the first moments of panic and surprise. 110 They 
 crossed over to the heights of Abraham, and made a reconnaisance 
 around the suburbs of St. Roch, beyond the walls. Not able to 
 attempt the city, Arnold moved his forces up to Point aux Trembles, 
 thus interposing between Quebec and Montreal. That place he reached 
 on the 19th of November, 111 and there he waited the orders of Mont¬ 
 gomery. A manifesto signed by Washington had been sent from 
 Cambridge, and it was largely circulated among the Canadians, in 
 which invitations to range themselves under the standard of liberty 
 were given, while it was proclaimed, that the Americans came not to 
 plunder but to protect them. Meantime, Sir Guy Carleton had been 
 absent from Quebec when Arnold arrived, while such was the 
 astonishment and panic occasioned by his appearance, that the 
 garrison feared the result of his approach. But, Arnold had no 
 artillery. After a few days’ delay, he again crossed the river, when 
 already solid preparations for the defence of Quebec had been 
 made. A regiment of Canadians in the pay of Congress was now 
 organized by their commandant James Livingston, a native of New 
 York, but who had long resided in Canada, and who had great influence 
 there. Other sympathising residents had furnished money for siq >port of 
 the American troops. To attempt the siege of Quebec in conjunction with 
 
 108 See John Gilmary Shea’s “ Life 
 and Times of' the Most Rev. John 
 Carroll,” chap. iii., iv., pp. 131 to 
 145. 
 
 109 Among his expeditionaries was 
 Aaron Burr, afterwards Vice-Presi¬ 
 dent of the United States, and then 
 only about twenty years of age. See 
 John Joseph Henry’s “ Accurate and 
 Interesting Account of the Hardships 
 and Sufferings of that Band of Heroes 
 who traversed the Wilderness in the 
 
 Campaign against Quebec in 1775.” 
 Lancaster, 1812, 8vo. 
 
 110 See Lord Mahon’s “ History of 
 England from the Peace of Utrecht,” 
 Voi. vi., chap, liii., p. 117, and Louis 
 P. Turcotte’s “ Invasion du Canada 
 et Siege de Quebec en 1775-76.” Que¬ 
 bec, 1876, 8vo. 
 
 111 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. viii., 
 chap, liii., pp. 190 to 191. Also the 
 work of Louis P. Turcotte. 
 
180 
 
 1RISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 his commander, Colonel Arnold had then collected his troops at Point 
 aux Trembles. 
 
 There he was met by General Montgomery, who now assumed com¬ 
 mand of their united force, which did not greatly exceed 1,000 men. On 
 the 5th of December, their small detachments appeared before Quebec. 
 Soon afterwards, the Americans to the number of 400 occupied the 
 large Hdpital General and Convent of the nuns in the suburb of St. 
 Roch, to the great inconvenience of the Religieuses; there likewise 
 General Montgomery and Colonel Arnold visited the place, to make 
 observations for planting a batter}’ before St. John’s Gate, and for such 
 purpose they ascended into the belfry. 112 On the 10th, and at an early 
 hour, the Americans opened fire before the fortifications, and the English 
 guns returned it. A very ineffective battery of six pieces was set up, when 
 General Montgomery vainly tried to intimidate the Governor, by exag¬ 
 gerating the number of his troops, and their dispositions for attack. 113 
 
 The Canadian winter had now set in with its usual rigour; the 
 period for which the American soldiers were obliged to serve was fast 
 drawing to a close; their specie was becoming deficient, and the 
 American Colonial money was not taken ; moreover, on the other hand, 
 the garrison of Quebec had been well reinforced and the defences 
 strengthened ; it was well supplied with food and munition; while the 
 numerical force of the besieged greatly exceeded that of the besiegers. 
 Under such circumstances Montgomery concluded, that the siege must 
 either be raised, or the place should be attempted by storm—the latter 
 an exceedingly perilous enterprise. 114 He had only a few guns and 
 mortars to bombard the fortifications, and on trial, these were found to 
 be of too small a calibre for that purpose. He then called a council of 
 war, when it was determined to carry the town by assault. 
 
 While the Catholic Clergy of that Province, enjoying certain, 
 chartered privileges for their religion, were opposed to the invasion, the 
 people at large were generally on Montgomery’s side. He hoped for 
 co-operation from the French inhabitants, had his first attack proved 
 successful ; since the still stronger and almost impregnable fortifications 
 of the upper town had again to be assailed. The advance was made 
 along the river bank through the lower town, where a breastwork 
 had been erected by the British Commandant of the garrison. In a 
 desperate attempt, and with a very inadequate force under cover of a 
 
 112 These particulars—not generally 
 known to historians—are to be found 
 in a contemporaneous Chronicle of the 
 Convent, and written by a nun, who 
 describes what she knew of such in¬ 
 cidents. They are inserted in a most 
 interesting and learned, but anony¬ 
 mous work in French, yet compiled 
 by an Irish Sister of that institution. 
 It bears for title :—“ Monseigneur de 
 Saint-Vallier et l’Hopital General de 
 Quebec.” TTistorie du MonasDre de 
 
 Notre-Dame des Anges (Religieuses 
 Hospitalieres de la Misercorde de 
 Jesus) Ordre de Saint-Augustin. Deux- 
 ieme Partie, chap, iv., pp. 405 to 
 408. Quebec, 1882, 8vo. 
 
 113 See Michaud’s “ Biographie Uni- 
 verselle, Ancienne et Moderne,” Tome 
 xxix. Art. Montgomery (Richard) p. 
 139. 
 
 1,4 See the “ Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1776, Vol. xix., History of 
 Europe, chap, i., pp. 1 to 13. 
 
MONTGOMERY’? DEFEAT AND HEROIC DEATn. 18 £ 
 
 blinding snow storm, he attempted the assault on Quebec. Accordingly, 
 between three and four o’clock on the morning of the 31st December 
 1775, the troops were put in motion. Then, Montgomery leading the 
 New York men rushed over snow, ice and rocks, until he reached the 
 first barrier, and in an instant the work was carried. The second waa 
 just before him, and dimly seen through the faint light, guarded by a 
 row of pallisades. For an instant Montgomery halted; it was while 
 his troops gathered round him for another rush. He pointed with his 
 sword to the pallisades ahead. His eye kindled and his form dilated. 
 “ Men of New York,” he cried, “ you will not fear to follow where your 
 general leads—march on ! ” Pronouncing these stirring words, he 
 dashed forward, followed by his comrades. He was one of the first to 
 gain the pickets, which he seized with his own hands, and he began 
 pull ing them up, his men eagerly imitating that example; while every 
 thing hitherto done promised a speedy and glorious victory. Pressing 
 exultingly on, they had gained a rising ground about thirty yards from 
 the barrier, when suddenly a couple of cannon, which had been 
 masked there, were discharged down the passage. The effect was 
 terrific. The Americans crowded together were mowed down in heaps 
 the path of that hurricane of balls being as distinctly marked as a 
 windfall in the forest. Being foremost, their leader was one of 
 the first to fall; the two aids at his side followed him so instan¬ 
 taneously, that the bodies of all three rolled over together on the 
 ice, and by that side of the river which flowed near their feet. Almost 
 at the first instant of the second charge Montgomery was killed. 115 
 
 On the opposite side of the city, at a place called Saut-au-Matelot, 
 and nearly simultaneously, another brave effort to carry it by assault 
 had been made by the division destined for that attempt. At first, also, 
 fortune seemed to crown it with success. It failed, however, although 
 desperately directed by Arnold who was severely wounded. His troops 
 forced the English to retreat in the lower part of the city ; but General 
 Carleton sending reinforcements from the garrison took the Americans 
 in the rear, and thus placed between two fires, they were obliged to 
 surrender their arms. With the loss of 300 men, killed and wounded, 
 the besiegers were repulsed before the walls of Quebec, and they were 
 obliged to retire, while many of them were made prisoners of War. 
 Their brave General Montgomery fell gloriously on the last day of that 
 
 115 In the course of that day, his 
 body was found half buried in the 
 snow, with a dozen other corpses, and 
 at a short distance from the barrier, 
 through which he desired to enter 
 the city. The soldiers cut off his head, 
 carried it round in triumph, and fixed 
 it on the end of a halbert. The Ameri¬ 
 can officers who had been taken pris¬ 
 oners knew not at first what had be¬ 
 come of their general; but, seeing 
 
 his sword in the hands of an English 
 officer they no longer doubted about 
 his death, and they burst into tears 
 To the credit of the governor, how¬ 
 ever, he had the body of Montgomery 
 buried with military honours within 
 the city. See F. X. Garneau’s “His 
 toire du Canada,” depuis sa Decou- 
 vert jusq’ a nos Jours. Tome iii., 
 Liv. ii., chap, i., p. 5, Ed. of 1882. 
 
182. 
 
 1 KISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 year. 116 So passed away from life the spirit of that heroic man, with 
 the love of all who knew him, the grief of the nascent republic, and the 
 eulogies of the world. 117 Even in the British Parliament, his veteran 
 fellow-soldiers in the late war were filled with sorrow, while pronouncing 
 his eulogy. Among others, Edmund Burke contrasted the condition of 
 the eight thousand men—starved, disgraced and shut up in the single 
 town of Boston—with the movements of a hero, who in one campaign 
 had nearly conquered Canada. 118 Six weeks after his death, public 
 services in his honour took place before the American Congress, and to 
 the present day his memory is held in great veneration throughout the 
 United States. 119 
 
 CHAPTER XII- 
 
 rhe Siege of Quebec—Contests in the South—Preparations in England to crush 
 the Rebellion—The Siege and Taking of Boston—Arrival of Jin Lis h Troops 
 and Foreign Auxiliaries—Retreat from Quebec—The British Attempt upon 
 New York foiled, and subsequent Failure at Charleston—Congress organizes a 
 Navy—Agitation and Debates before the Declaration of Independence- 
 Names of the Signers. 
 
 During the winter of 1775 and the spring of 1776, the defeated 
 Americans persevered in blockading Quebec. 1 The command had now 
 devolved on Schuyler, but practically it passed to Arnold, who, notwith¬ 
 standing the inconveniences experienced from his severe wound, the 
 i igours of the season, and the trying difficulties of his position, mani¬ 
 fested a courage, endurance and fertility of resources deserving the 
 highest commendation. 2 
 
 116 After the battle, his body was 
 harled near the spot wheie it fell. 
 Forty years afterwards his remains 
 were disinterred, and conveyed to the 
 city of New York, where they were 
 deposited with august ceremonies 
 
 , near that handsome monument, which 
 Congress had erected to his memory, 
 and in front of St. Paul’s church, on 
 Broadway. His name has ever been 
 cherished with peculiar fondness by 
 Irish and Irish-Americans. 
 
 117 See Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States,” Yol. viii., chap, liv., 
 pp. 199 to 212. 
 
 118 To such remarks, in a reluctant 
 eulogy, Lord North replied: “ I can¬ 
 not join in lamenting the death of 
 Montgomery as a public loss. He was 
 brave, he was able, he was humane, 
 he was generous; but still he was 
 only a brave, able, humane and gene¬ 
 
 rous rebel. Curse on his virtues, 
 they’ve undone his country.” 
 
 119 By desire of the Continental 
 Congress, an address was drawn up 
 and delivered by William Smith, 
 D.D., Provost of the College and 
 Academy of Philadelphia on Febru¬ 
 ary 19th 1776: “ An Oration in 
 
 Memory of General Montgomery and 
 of the Officers and Soldiers who fell 
 with him, December 31st 1775.” It 
 is printed in the “Journal of Con¬ 
 gress,” Vol. i., p. 247. 
 
 1 See “ History of the War with 
 America, France, Spain, and Holland, 
 commencing in 1775, and ending in 
 1783,” by John Andrews, LL.D. Vol. 
 i., chap*, i. ii. In four volumes. 
 London, 1875, 8vo. 
 
 2 Unfortunately, as shall be seen in 
 the sequel, his early services and 
 promises of being useful to his coun- 
 
TilK SIEGE OF QUEBEC 
 
 1S3 
 
 At ibis period, also, the American cause ha<i been rendered popular 
 throughout the nations of Europe; and, when commissions were pro¬ 
 visionally offered, numbers of able and zealous officers wished to place 
 themselves under Washington’s command. 3 Casimir Pulaski, a brave 
 Pole, volunteered to serve in the American ranks, for which purpose ho 
 sailed from France towards the close of 1775. 4 Early in 1776, several 
 of the supernumerary or reformed officers of the Irish Brigades in France 
 resolved on joining the Americans in their contest with Great Britain. 
 Some of these were among the most intelligent and capable leaders in 
 Europe. 5 On the other hand, seven regiments from Ireland were ex 
 peeled to muster at Cape Fear River to join Sir Henry Clinton in 
 January, and to prosecute a war against the South, as an exj>edition to 
 subdue the Carolinas had been projected. 8 Meantime, Commissioners 
 were chosen by the Continental Congress to seduce the French-Canadians 
 from their allegiance, and to procure their co-operation—or at least to 
 secure their neutrality—during that war. The celebrated Benjamin 
 Franklin, Samuel Chase and Charles Carroll of Carrolton were ap¬ 
 pointed delegates on the 15th of February. A cousin of the latter, 
 Father John Carroll 7 —afterwards first Catholic Bishop of the United 
 
 try were tarnished by his subsequent 
 treason and defection. See Jared 
 Sparks’ “ Life and Treason of Bene¬ 
 dict Arnold,” New York, 1860, 8vo. 
 
 3 In reference to the Revolutionary 
 war, the writer of this History has 
 very generally followed the statements 
 of a most judiciously compiled and 
 fairly impartial Irish work, yet by an 
 anonymous author. It is intituled: 
 “The History of the War in Amer¬ 
 ica, between Great Britain and iier 
 Colonies, from its Commencement to 
 its Conclusion, in 1783. In which 
 its Origin, Progress and Operations 
 are faithfully related, together with 
 Anecdotes and Characters of the differ¬ 
 ent Commanders, and Accounts of such 
 Personages in Congress as have dis¬ 
 tinguished themselves during the Con¬ 
 test. To which is added a Collection 
 of interesting and authentic Papers, 
 tending to elucidate the History.” 
 This work comprising Three Volumes, 
 Octavo, had been written contempo¬ 
 raneously with the incidents related. 
 The writer states—in his Preface to 
 the First Volume—that the docu¬ 
 ments and materials he used had been 
 taken from the most reliable authors 
 and from the best authenticated ac¬ 
 counts. Again he declares, that a 
 great deal of original matter had 
 been furnished by men of letters and 
 of moderation, while he indulges a 
 
 "hope, that the publication of his worir 
 might prove friendly to Constitu¬ 
 tional Liberty, to Virtue, and to the 
 Country’s Welfare. This volume 
 contains Twenty-tWo chapters, pp. 1 
 to 399. The second volume comprises 
 only authentic papers, pp. 1 to 427, 
 with an index to them. The Third 
 volume resumes the narrative of the* 
 war from 1778, and continues it to 
 the peace in 1782, in Fourteen chap¬ 
 ters, pp. 1 to 266. Afterwards, an 
 Appendix of Documents follows, pp 
 267 to 432, while a Table of Content! 
 to these is prefixed. On the title- 
 page is inscribed—Dublin : Printed 
 for the Company of Booksellers, 
 MDCCLXXIX to MDCCLXXXV., 
 8vo., 
 
 4 See M. le Dr. Hoefer’s “ Nou- 
 velle Biographie Generale,” &c., 
 Tome xli., cols. 193, 194. 
 
 5 See John Cornelieus O’Callaghan’s 
 “ History of the Irish Brigades in 
 the Service of France,” Book x., p. 
 616. 
 
 6 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. viii., 
 chap, lviii., pp. 282, 283. 
 
 7 See John Gilmary Shea’s “ Life 
 and Times of the Most Rev. John 
 Carroll, Bishop and first Archbishop 
 of Baltimore,” Book i. chap. iv. pp. 
 148 to 153. 
 
184 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 States—was associated with them ; as it was known, that his fluency in 
 speaking French, and that his influence as a priest, must have weight 
 among a Catholic people, such as they were. Soon afterwards, those 
 delegates proceeded to Montreal, and arrived there while Arnold was still 
 encamped at Quebec. However, the various attempts to produce a favour¬ 
 able impression on behalf of the revolted colonies were strenuously 
 resisted by the Bishop of Quebec, and by his clergy, with few excep¬ 
 tions. 8 That mission resulted in failure, and those Commissioners were 
 obliged to return early in the month of May. 
 
 To counterbalance the failure of that Canadian expedition, Brigadier 
 General James Moore 9 of North Carolina and his associate leaders 
 mustered a considerable force to repress those who had taken up arms 
 to co-operate with the British army, then expected to arrive in that 
 quarter. Only the Highlanders who had settled there and a few 
 of the loyalists assembled for the encounter. Splendid and decisive suc¬ 
 cesses were obtained over the Scots Royalists who fought under Donald 
 MacDonald and Donald MacLeod, 10 in February 1776. Having at 
 first marched against Moore’s entrenched camp at Rockfish, and 
 summoned him to surrender ; he instantly replied, that neither his 
 duty nor inclination permitted him to accept terms incompatible with 
 American freedom. At this time, Caswell and the Minute Men of 
 Newborn were marching to effect a junction with Moore. Wherefore, 
 MacDonald found himself obliged to retreat in the direction of Wil¬ 
 mington, and to cross Cape Fear River. He hoped to surprise 
 Caswell’s detachment of 1,000 men, for his own force numbered 
 between fifteen and sixteen hundred. As MacDonald was confined 
 to his tent by illness, the command devolved on MacLeod, who 
 attempted an hour before daylight on the 27th of February to cross 
 Moore’s Creek. But, the Scots were received with a galling fire 
 from the Americans, and their leader MacLeod fell mortally wounded. 
 After a vain effort to cross the creek, his men soon gave way in 
 despair, and the fugitives could not be rallied. They lost about thirty 
 killed or wounded, while on the following day, their aged chief 
 MacDonald and many others of their principal men were made 
 prisoners. These were transferred to Reading in Pennsylvania. Eight 
 or nine hundred of the common soldiers were taken, disarmed and 
 dismissed. Their arms and munitions, with a box containing £15,000 
 sterling in gold, were secured by the victors. The zealous loyalist 
 
 8 In protesting against the Quebec 
 Statute of 1774, Congress had been 
 led to express astonishment, that the 
 British Parliament should ever con¬ 
 sent to establish in Canada religious 
 freedom for the Catholics. Their 
 document had been translated into 
 French, and afterwards it was widely 
 circulated among the Canadians, by 
 the Ministry of England, in order to 
 set forth Congressional intolerance. 
 
 9 He was the son of Maurice and 
 grandson to James Moore, Governor 
 of South Carolina, who was born in 
 Ireland about 1640, and who died in 
 Charleston, S. C., in 1729. See 
 Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of American 
 Biography,” Vol. iv., pp. 381, 382. 
 
 10 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. viii., 
 chap, lviii., pp. 283 to 289. 
 
THE CONTESTS IN THE SOUTH. 
 
 185 
 
 Colonial Governor named Josiah Martin 11 had promised to raise 10,000 
 recruits for the king in North Carolina, and on the strength of his 
 representations, a store ship, with 10,000 stand of arms and 2,000,000 
 of cartridges, was then on the Atlantic. In less than a fortnight, North 
 Carolina had a congressional army of 9,400 men embodied ; while the 
 coming of Clinton inspired no terror, for the colonists felt persuaded, 
 that in their pine woods and forests they would prove a match for the 
 regular army, 12 
 
 The British forces consisting of nearly 8,000 men, besides their com¬ 
 plements in the ships of war, were now beleagured in the city of Boston. 
 Their provisions and munitions were abundantly imported from Ireland, 
 England, Barbadoes and Antigua. 13 All the land-ward approaches 
 were held by the Continentals. 14 Expecting the arrival of reinforce¬ 
 ments in early summer, the garrison nevertheless had little thought of 
 danger. The officers and soldiers endeavoured to beguile their time 
 while waiting in various amusements. 
 
 Meanwhile George III. was advising Lord North, that gigantic pre¬ 
 parations should be made to crush the rebellion, and to use every means 
 for distressing America. 15 Attempts had been tried to raise a regiment of 
 Irish Catholics, 16 but these would not enlist. The Dissenters were 
 equally adverse. 17 Government had already declined offers made for 
 recruiting Highland regiments: those propositions wererejectedbecau.se 
 their loyalty to England had been suspected. 18 In like manner, the 
 troops impoliticly drawn from the Irish establishment, and despatched 
 to the seat of war, had great reluctance to shed their blood in the quarrel 
 with America, and numbers of them took every opportunity afforded to 
 desert. 19 About this time, Lee wrote to the effect, that England’s 
 
 "Being now completely discom¬ 
 fited by the disaster of Moore’s 
 Creek, he embarked on board of Sir 
 Peter Parker's fleet, and ai'rived at 
 Charleston in -June 1776. See Lt.- 
 Colonel Tart ton’s “ History of the 
 Campaigns of 1780 and 1781, in the 
 Southern Provinces of North Amer¬ 
 ica,” p. 324. With maps and plates. 
 London, 1787, Roy. 4to. 
 
 12 See Judge Marshall’s “ Life of 
 General Washington,” Vol. ii., p. 
 486. 
 
 13 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. viii., chap, 
 lix., p. 292. 
 
 14 On the 1st of January 1776, a 
 national flag, showing thirteen stripes 
 of white and red—without the sub¬ 
 sequently introduced stars in a blue 
 field—was displayed for the first time 
 in Washington’s camp. See Captain 
 Schuyler Hamilton’s “ History of the 
 National Flag of the United States,” 
 
 with coloured plates of flags. Phila¬ 
 delphia, 1853, 12mo. 
 
 15 See “ The Correspondence of King 
 George the Third with Lord North 
 from 1768 to 1783,” edited from the 
 originals at Windsor, by W. Bodham 
 Donne, Vol. i.. Letters 316, 31 i, pp. 
 274 to 276. London, 1867, 8vo. 
 
 16 See the address of the Lord Lieu¬ 
 tenant, on the 10th of October, to 
 the Irish Houses of Lords and Com¬ 
 mons, reported in the “ Annual 
 Register,” Vol. xviii., p. 266. 
 
 17 See the letter of Edward Gibbon 
 to Holroyd, dated October 14th 1775. 
 “ Posthumus Works,” Vol. i., p.496. 
 
 18 See Horace Walpole’s “ Journal 
 of the Reign of King George the 
 Third, from the year 1771 to 1783,” 
 Vol. i., August, 1775, p. 500. 
 
 19 The deserters usually joined the 
 provincials, while they often acted as 
 masters of drill and as subalterns in 
 military exercises. 
 
186 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 applications for aid were almost annihilated in Germany, and that 
 their last resource was to the Roman Catholics of Ireland. 20 
 
 From certain movements observed in the fleet during the siege of 
 Boston, Washington rightly conjectured, that the English meditated 
 the seizure of New York. 21 He therefore entrusted General Lee to 
 raise volunteers in Connecticut, and to occupy that city. 22 Accord¬ 
 ingly, when the British expedition under Sir Henry Clinton arrived in 
 New York Harbour, on the 4th of February 1776, the Americans 
 were quite prepared to receive him. He then abandoned that enter¬ 
 prise, and sailed towards the South, where he intended to commence 
 operations against South Carolina. 
 
 Notwithstanding the care, zeal and devotion of their distinguished 
 and patriotic leader, the volunteers and militia under his command 
 proved to be very insubordinate, 23 and when permitted to visit their 
 homes on furlough, many of them did not return, while the army 
 before Boston gradually dwindled down, so that Washington was obliged 
 constantly to urge upon Congress the necessity for forming regular 
 and disciplined regiments. In February 1776 he declared, how great 
 art had to be used, so that their desperate situation might be concealed 
 even from his own officers. 24 The emergency for action was pressing, 
 and every effort was made to remedy the evils of which he complained. 
 Alarmed by the rumours of vast armaments expected to arrive soon 
 from England, Congress sent a secret message to Washington, that cost 
 what it might, Boston must be taken, in order to release his army 
 for other enterprises. 25 
 
 20 He states : “ ^key have already 
 experienced their unwillingness to go; 
 every man of a regiment raised there 
 last year having obliged them to ship 
 him off tied and bound. And, most 
 certainly, the Irish Catholics will de¬ 
 sert more than any other troops what¬ 
 ever.” Arthur Lee’s letter to Wash¬ 
 ington. 
 
 21 James McHenry was born in Ire¬ 
 land, 16th Nov. 1753, and he went 
 to Philadelphia about 1771. He ac¬ 
 companied Washington to the camp 
 at Cambridge, and joined the army 
 as assistant surgeon in January 
 1776. He was maue prisoner at Fort 
 Washington, but he was exchanged 
 in the spring of 1778. He was in 
 the Maryland Senate 1781-1786, and 
 in 1783 he was appointed to Congress 
 in p’ace of Edward Giles. He held 
 office to 1786—double duty in the 
 state and continental legislatures 
 being customary' at that time. He 
 became a member of Washington’s 
 cabinet as secretary of war, January 
 1796, and to 1801 he served under 
 
 President Adams. He died in 1816 
 in Baltimore. Fort McHenry was 
 called after him. See Appleton’s 
 “Cyclopaedia of American Biography,” 
 Vol. iv., p. 121. 
 
 22 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. viii., 
 chap, lviii., pp. 276 to 282. 
 
 23 See William Edward Hartpole 
 Lecky’s “ History of England in the 
 Eighteenth Century,” Vol. iii., chap, 
 xii., p. 460. 
 
 24 See “ The Writings of George 
 Washington; being his Correspond¬ 
 ence, Addresses, Messages, and other 
 Papers, Official and Private.” Se¬ 
 lected and published from the original 
 Manuscripts; with a Life of the 
 Author, Notes and Illustrations. 
 Edited by Jared Sparks, Vol. iii., 
 pp. 221, 222. Boston, 12 vols. 8vo. 
 
 25 Colonel Michael Cresup, an Irish- 
 American, marched from Maryland to 
 Boston, in 1775, to join the Conti¬ 
 nental army under Washington. He 
 died of sickness contracted in the ser¬ 
 vice of his country. 
 
PREPARATIONS IN ENGLAND TO CRUSH THE REBELLION. 187 
 
 Meantime, it being found necessary for the successful prosecution 
 of the war to organize regularly enlisted and equipped soldiers for 
 Washington, Congress employed the years 1775 and 1776 in that 
 effort. Commissions were given to trusted and brave officers for the 
 purpose of raising regiments. Especially in Pennsylvania—most densely 
 populated by Irish and their descendants at the time of the Revolution— 
 those officers were eminently successful. An almost exclusively Irish or 
 Irish-American Brigade was there recruited, and the soldiers were after¬ 
 wards designated the Pennsylvania Line. 26 These were among the best 
 troops that had been embodied for service under Washington, as they 
 were ever ready, faithful and reliable in action. 27 The first soldiers 
 recruited in Pennsylvania—as ordered by the Continental Congress— 
 formed a battalion of eight companies, under William Thompson, 28 who 
 was appointed Colonel, and they arrived in the camp before Boston, 
 August 14th 1775. Attached to his command was the distinguished 
 officer, afterwards Brigadier-General Hand. 29 As one of the provincial 
 deputies to consider the relations between Great Britain and her colonies, 
 the celebrated hero, Anthony Wayne, 39 afterwards became a member of 
 
 26 Although comparatively restricted 
 in numbers at this period, yet some 
 thousands of Irish Catholics had 
 settled, especially in Pennsylvania, 
 Maryland and Virginia. On the 
 subsequent election of Washington to 
 the Presidency, the Catholic soldiers 
 who had served under him presented 
 an Address, to which he returned a 
 courteous and remarkable reply. 
 
 27 Richard Butler, who came with 
 his parents from Ireland before 1750, 
 became Lieutenant-Colonel in the 
 Pennsylvania Line at the beginning of 
 the Revolutionary War, and he after¬ 
 wards served with great distinction 
 on many subsequent occasions. At 
 the close of the war, he held the rank 
 of Colonel in the Ninth Pennsylvania 
 Regiment. His brother William was 
 Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fourth 
 Pennsylvania Regiment, and in Oct. 
 1788, he conducted an expedition 
 from Schoharie to destroy the Indian 
 settlements of Unadilla and Anaguaga. 
 
 28 He was born in Ireland about 
 1725, and having emigrated to Penn¬ 
 sylvania, he took part in the French 
 and Indian wars. On the 1st of March 
 1776, he was appointed Brigadier- 
 General, and on the 19th of that 
 month, he relieved General Charles 
 Lee from the command of the New 
 York force. Afterwards, he was 
 ordered to Canada, and when General 
 
 John Thomas fell sick at the river 
 Sorel, he assumed the chief command 
 of the American army, until General 
 John Sullivan arrived on the 4th of 
 June 1776. See Appleton’s “ Cyclo¬ 
 paedia of American Biography,’* Vol. 
 vi., p. 95. 
 
 29 He was born in Clyduff, King’s 
 County, Ireland. In 1774 he ac¬ 
 companied the 18th Royal Irish Regi¬ 
 ment to America as surgeon’s mate. 
 Afterwards, he resigned that appoint¬ 
 ment and settled in Pennsylvania, in 
 the practice of medicine. Early in the 
 Revolutionary War, he joined General 
 William Thompson’s Brigade as Lieu¬ 
 tenant-Colonel, and he served at the 
 siege of Boston. Afterwards, he was 
 promoted to be Colonel in 1776. He 
 was engaged in the battles on Long 
 Island and at Trenton. In 1777, he 
 was appointed Brigadier-General. Full 
 of courage and daring, he was ad¬ 
 mired in the army for his soldier-like 
 mien and fine horsemanship. He ser¬ 
 ved bravely throughout the war, and 
 afterwards he became a member of 
 Congress in 1784-85. He died in 
 Rockford, Lancaster County* Pennsyl¬ 
 vania, September 3rd 1808. See 
 Ibid., Vol. iii., pp. 74, 75. 
 
 30 Owing to his desparate valour, 
 he went by the designation of “ Mad 
 Anthony,” among the American sol¬ 
 diers. 
 
188 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 the Pennsylvania Convention, which was held in Philadelphia. The 
 grandfather of Anthony Wayne served under King William 
 III., and commanded a body of dragoons at the Battle of the Boyne. 
 Subsequently he lived in the County of Wicklow, Ireland; but he 
 sold out his property there, and afterwards went to Chester County, 
 Pennsylvania, where he settled. His youngest son was called Isaac, 
 who became a farmer and a legislator, while he served as a soldier in the 
 Indian wars. Anthony was the only son of Isaac, and he was born 
 in East Town, Chester County, Pennsylvania, on the 1st of January 
 1745. Wherefore, he was said to have been “ the best New Year’s gift 
 America could have received.” He was educated at the Philadelphia 
 Academy, and afterwards he became a land surveyor. He raised the 
 Fourth Regiment of Pennsylvania troops. 31 Having been Aide-de-Camp 
 to Washington and Quarter-Master, Stephen Moylan 32 was zealously en¬ 
 gaged in recruiting cavalry for the war. These were mostly drawn 
 from Philadelphia, as also from Ulster, Rockbridge and Chester Counties. 
 To him was given command of the First Pennsylvania Regiment of 
 Dragoons, and these subsequently bore his name. From the very 
 beginning to the close of the Revolution, they participated in every 
 engagement where cavalry could operate. William Irvine 33 became 
 Colonel of the Sixth Regiment of the Pennsylvania Line, on the 
 10th of January 1776, and having raised the Regiment himself, they 
 were ordered to Canada. There with General William Thompson an 
 attempt was made to surprise the vanguard of the English Army at 
 Three Rivers, on the 16th of June 1776. His brother Andrew served 
 as Captain in that Canadian expedition. 34 Walter Stewart 35 raised a 
 
 41 Over these he was commissioned 
 as Co’onel, January 3rd 1776, having 
 been directed to re-inforce the North¬ 
 ern Army under General John Thomas. 
 Here he first gave proof of that indo¬ 
 mitable courage, which distinguished 
 him through all his subsequent 
 brilliant career. He died in Presque 
 Isle, now Erie, Pennsylvania, Decem¬ 
 ber 15th 1796. See John Arm¬ 
 strong’s “ Life of Anthony Wayne,” 
 in Sparks’ “American Biography.’’ 
 
 32 He was a native of Cork, Ire¬ 
 land, and born in 1734. He received 
 a good education, and having resided 
 for a time in England, he afterwards 
 visited America, where he settled as a 
 merchant in Philadelphia. He was 
 one of the first to enlist in the cause 
 of the Colonies, and to join the army 
 before Boston in 1775. 
 
 33 He was born near Enniskillen, 
 Ireland, on the 3rd of November 
 1741, and he graduated in the Dublin 
 University. Having embraced the 
 Medical Profession, he served during 
 
 the war between England and France, 
 1756-’63. He emigrated to America, 
 and in 1764 he settled at Carlisle in 
 Pennsylvania as Doctor of Medicine. 
 At the opening of the Revolution, 
 he became a member of the Provincial 
 Convention, that assembled at Phila¬ 
 delphia, July 15th 1774, and he then 
 recommended the assemb ing of a 
 General Congress. On May 12th 
 1779, he was made Brigadier General. 
 He died at Philadelphia, July 29th 
 1804. See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia 
 of American Biography,” Vol. iii., 
 p. 358. 
 
 34 Another brother Matthew was 
 a Physician and Surgeon in General 
 Lee’s division, while Brigadier-Gene¬ 
 ral Irvine had three sons, Callendar, 
 William and Armstrong, all of whom 
 embraced a military career. They 
 served as officers in the war of 1812, 
 between Great Britain and the United 
 States. See Ibid. 
 
 35 He was born in Ireland, about 
 1756, and afterwards he emigrated to. 
 
THE SIEGE AND TAKING OF BOSTON. 
 
 189 
 
 company for the Third Pennsylvania Battalion, and he was commissioned 
 a Captain on the 6th of January 1776. Under the command of 
 Morgan, five hundred Virginian Riflemen—numbers of these being Irish 
 or Irish-Americans—marched on foot to Boston. The Clintons in New 
 York raised some regiments, largely composed of Irish and Irish- 
 Americans, and these were early in the field. 
 
 During the spring, munitions of war and considerable reinforce¬ 
 ments reached the camp, to enable Washington the better to carry out 
 those orders he had received from Congress. By setting up batteries 
 on Dorchester heights, that general was sure to command the town, the 
 harbour and the roadstead. Henry Knox directed that artillery, which 
 he had previously captured. 36 The resolves and preparations of 
 General Howe were so dilatory, that nothing favourable to the 
 imprisoned garrison resulted; although were he at all enterprising, 
 the well-appointed and disciplined forces under his command should 
 have been more than sufficient to drive the ill-organized provincials 
 from their positions. Notwithstanding his large garrison, and the 
 protecting fleet, those labours of the Americans were observed by the 
 English general with alarm. He saw clearly, that if they succeeded in 
 planting cannon on that elevated position, his army must quit the town. 
 In the deepest silence, the American army took possession of Dorchester 
 Hill, and there they began noiselessly yet energetically to dig entrench¬ 
 ments. They were aware, also, that everything depended upon ex¬ 
 pedition. Meantime, the American works were advancing with giant 
 strides ; and accordingly, on the night of March 4th, a body of 2,000 
 men under General Thomas took possession of those lines on the 
 heights. The besiegers had chained together hogsheads filled with 
 stones, and were ready to roll them down on the heads of any assailing 
 column that might venture an attack. 37 They were favoured also by a 
 storm, which raged with such fury as to paralyse the English general’s 
 movements, without in the least embarrassing them. Before it cleared 
 away, and when the sky became serene, the batteries defied attack. Their 
 guns, now brought into position and turned upon the town, could sink 
 the shipping and reduce the habitations to ruins. However, Howe 
 called a council of war, when it was proposed to place 2,400 men under 
 
 America. He was appointed Aide- 
 de Camp to General Gates on the 26th 
 of May 1776, and he served in that 
 capacity until the 17th of June 1777, 
 when he received a commission as 
 Colonel of the Pennsylvania State 
 Regiment of Foot. This he led with 
 great bravery, at the battles of 
 Brandywine and Germantown. He 
 was said to have been the handsomest 
 man in the American army, and he 
 served with gr^at credit throughout 
 the war, until he retired on the 1st 
 of January 1783, with the brevet 
 
 rank of Brigadier-General. After¬ 
 
 wards, he became a merchant of 
 Philadelphia, and he was appointed 
 Major-General of the State Militia. 
 He died in Philadelphia, June 14th 
 1796. See Ibid. Vol. v., p. 687. 
 
 36 In this capacity, as chief of the 
 artillery, he afterwards figured, tak¬ 
 ing part in all the principal battles 
 fought by Washington. 
 
 37 See John Adolphus’ “ History of 
 England from the Accession of King 
 George the Third.” &c. Vol ii., 
 chap, xxix., p. 388. 
 
 
190 IRISH-AMERiCAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 the command of Lord Percy, who showed no heart for the effort to 
 dislodge the Americans, and which attempt the general himself had de¬ 
 clared to be hazardous. That enterprise was abandoned, and orders 
 were next issued for the evacuation of Boston, to the horror and despair 
 of the loyalists, who had fled there for refuge, and over confident in the 
 power of England to project them. 38 
 
 After a vain effort to treat with Washington, Boston was surrendered 
 unconditionally to the Americans. 39 On St. Patrick’s Day, 40 great was 
 the rejoicing of the Irish 41 in Washington’s army, to witness General 
 Howe with his whole army disembarking. He took on board the fleet 
 fifteen hundred Tory inhabitants of Boston. Having disembarked the 
 last of his troops, General Howe quitted Boston, and sailed for Halifax. 42 
 The English had barely departed, when the Americans poured in, and 
 took possession of the town. Congress had been so pleased with thi3 
 event, that a gold medal was struck, and Washington was publicly 
 thanked. 43 The news of taking Boston was misrepresented in England, 
 as having been a voluntary evacuation of the garrison for want of 
 provisions; while the Ministry gave out a report, 44 that Howe had 
 orders to leave the town, so that he might succour Halifax, which was 
 then said to have been threatened. 45 
 
 Meantime, an overwhelming force, consisting for the most part of 
 mercenary Germans, had embarked for the theatre of hostilities. 
 While the provincials were encamped before Boston, some detach¬ 
 ments had been sent to recruit the small army engaged in the blockade 
 of Quebec, as no reasonable chance was afforded of carrying it by 
 assault. However, the arrival of reinforcements from Ireland and Eng¬ 
 land for the garrison of Quebec in June 1776, when the navigation 
 of the St. Lawrence opened, obliged the Americans to desist from 
 a further hopeless enterprise. The regiments from Ireland with 
 General Burgoyne, and the first division of Brunswick troops, 
 had now raised Carleton’s army to 13,000 well disciplined men, 45 
 
 33 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. viii., 
 chap, lix., pp. 291 to 299. 
 
 39 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of Wash¬ 
 ington,” Vol. i., chap, viii., p. 174. 
 
 40 It is remarkable, that Washing¬ 
 ton issued the following General Order, 
 in compliment to the Irishmen then 
 serving in his army : 
 
 “Headquarters, 17th March, 1776. 
 
 Countersign, ‘ST. PATRICK.' 
 “Parole, BOSTON.' 
 
 “ The regiments under marching 
 orders to march to-morrow morning. 
 Brigadier of the Day, General Sullivan. 
 By his Excellency’s Command.” 
 
 41 Samuel Brady, an Irishman, was 
 at the siege of Boston. He became a 
 lieutenant at the massacre of Paoli, 
 
 and in 1779, 1780, 1781, he was Cap¬ 
 tain over a Company of Hangers. 
 Afterwards he became a Colonel. 
 
 44 See Lord Mahon’s ‘'History of 
 England from the Peace of Utrecht,” 
 Vol. vi., chap, liii., pp. 126, 127. 
 
 43 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. viii., 
 chap, lix., p. 304. 
 
 44 This statement appeared in the 
 ministerial Gazette of that time. 
 
 45 See Horace Walpole’s “Journal 
 of the Reign of King George the 
 Third, from 1771 to 1783,” Vol. ii., 
 pp. 32, 33. 
 
 46 See John Adolphus’ "History of 
 England from the Accession of King 
 George the Third,” &c., Vol. ii., chap, 
 xxix., p. 391. 
 
- 2 . 
 
 ARRIVAL OK BRITISH 1HOOKS AND FOREIGN AUXILIARIES. 191 
 
 abundantly supplied with all the necessaries for war. The retreat 
 from Quebec was full of peril; but, as Major-General John Suliivan 
 then took command, he ably conducted the Federal troops after the 
 fall of Montgomery. 47 On the 5th of June he arrived at Sorel, and 
 there a council of war resolved on an attempt against the enemy at 
 Three Rivers. A party of about 1,500, headed by St. Clair, 48 Wayne and 
 Irvine, was placed under the command of Thompson. He crossed the 
 St. Lawrence, intending to surprise the British ; but, outnumbered more 
 than three to one, after a gallant attack the Americans were forced to 
 retreat, with a loss exceeding two hundred. At Chambly, all the boats 
 and baggage were brought over the rapids, and Arnold passed from 
 Montreal to La Prairie. On the 17th of June, the Americans retired on 
 St. John’s, and the day following arrived at Isle-aux-Nois, where 
 Sullivan proposed to wait express orders from General Schuyler. There 
 they remained for eight days, languidly pursued by a column under 
 Burgoyne. In a wretched condition, they reached Crown Point early 
 in July. Their only food was raw pork and unbaked Hour for days 
 together. Of about 5,000 men, housed under tents or huts of brick, 
 fully one-half were invalids; while in a little over two months, the 
 Northern army lost by death and desertion more than 1,000 men. 49 
 
 A powerful fleet under Admiral Lord Howe had been equipped, 
 while a formidable land force under his brother General Sir William 
 Howe was now destined for New York. The colonists were declared to 
 be rebels, and their property was liable to seizure on sea. During this 
 year also, a large British squadron had been fitted out in England under 
 the command of Admiral Sir Peter Parker, as likewise a numerous and 
 well appointed land force commanded by Lord Cornwallis. The great 
 design contemplated was to land and capture New York, to secure the 
 line of the Hudson River, and to cut off New England from the other 
 states. Moreover, Sir Guy Carleton was to co-operate from Canada, 
 by leading an expedition against the Americans on Lake Champlain. 
 
 Having placed Boston in a state for defence, Washington hastened 
 to New York, where he arrived on the 13th of April. Lee was then 
 despatched southwards, to command the troops there assembled. 
 Measures were also taken, to disarm the Tory inhabitants, and to 
 throw up various fortifications. For the defence of New York, 
 General Greene was placed over a division on Long Island. Anticipating 
 the English expedition and its destination, Washington’s presence 
 was there required. He occupied New York and the places 
 around it with 27,000 men. 50 The leaden statue of George III. was 
 
 47 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. viii., 
 chap. Ixvii., pp. 415 to 433. 
 
 48 Lieutenant James Montgomery, 
 Irish born, and of the Pennsylvania 
 line, entered St. Clair’s army early in 
 1776, and he served with credit dur¬ 
 ing the war.' 
 
 49 See Judge Marshall’s “Life of 
 General Washington,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 v., pp. 304 to 369. London edition 
 of 1804 et seq. 4to. 
 
 50 Washington’s Life Guard was 
 formed in 1776, soon after the siege of 
 Boston, and when the American army 
 was encamped on Manhattan Island, 
 
103 IRISH-AMEIUCAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 pulled down in Bowling Green, and the Provincials melted it into 
 bullets. 51 Recruiting proceeded rapidly meanwhile in the various 
 States, and foremost in activity among these was Pennsylvania. 
 
 The British fleet under Sir Peter Parker, and a large land force 
 under General Clinton, had now planned an attack on Charleston, in 
 South Carolina, However, before the British fleet arrived in Cape Fear 
 River, the Commander-in-Chief of the local military forces John Rut¬ 
 ledge, 62 had fortified Charleston, while he insisted on retaining Sullivan’s 
 Island, when General Lee proposed its evacuation. 53 Moreover, deem¬ 
 ing it all important for the defence of Charleston, Rutledge had ordered 
 that it should be defended to the last extremity. The fort, constructed 
 chiefly of palmetto trees, was then in an unfinished state. Meantime, 
 he had mustered a considerable force for the reception of an anticipated 
 assault on the town itself. At an early hour on the morning of June 
 28th, Sir Peter Parker opened fire, and he continued the bombardment 
 for nine hours, but without making any serious impression on the fort— 
 which was still incomplete—yet suffering great loss himself from the 
 batteries on Sullivan’s Island. That outpost was gallantly held by 
 Colonel Moultrie for the Americans. At length, that attack was 
 repulsed by the Provincials, with the small loss of 24 men, while 225 
 was the estimated loss of the British. After this repulse, Admiral 
 Parker sailed immediately for New York. 
 
 The British vessels of war had attacked many of the exposed sea¬ 
 port towns. 64 Much damage was thus inflicted. 55 Finding it absolutely 
 necessary to make some provision for the protection of American ports 
 and vessels from the enemy, Congress purchased a few merchant ships. 
 They appointed an experienced and a resolute Irish sea-captain John 
 Barry 50 to fit them out as war-vessels. This duty he cheerfully under¬ 
 
 near the City of New York. It con¬ 
 sisted of a major’s command, one 
 hundred and eighty men. The terms 
 of enlistment into the guard were the 
 same as those in any other corps of 
 the regular army, except in the matter 
 of qualification. These soldiers were 
 selected with special reference to their 
 physical, moral and intellectual 
 character, and it was considered a 
 mark of peculiar distinction to belong 
 to the Commander-in-Chief’s guard. 
 
 51 See Horace Walpole’s “Journal 
 of the Reign of King George the 
 Third, from the year 1771 to 1783,” 
 Vol. ii., p. 68. 
 
 52 Eldest son of Dr. John Rutledge, 
 who was born in the north of Ireland, 
 and brother to Edward Rutledge, 
 signer of the Declaration of Independ¬ 
 ence. 
 
 53 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. v., p. 367. 
 
 54 See James Eenimore Cooper’s 
 “History of the Navy of the United 
 States of America,” Vol. i. This 
 elaborate work first appeared in 1839, 
 
 8vc. 
 
 65 In retaliation for the exploits of 
 Jeremiah O’Brien, Admiral Graves 
 sent an expedition to burn Falmouth 
 —now Portland—in Maine. See Loss- 
 ing’s Field Book of the Revolution,” 
 Vol. ii., p. 637. 
 
 56 He was born in Tacumshane, on 
 the sea-coast of Wexford County, in 
 1745; and at the age of fourteen, he 
 entered a merchantman which sailed 
 between Philadelphia and the British 
 ports. At the age of sixteen, he 
 made America his home, and in his 
 twenty-fifth year, he commanded the 
 Black Prince, the finest packet on the 
 Atlantic, and owned by a Mr. Mere¬ 
 dith of Philadelphia. About thi* 
 time, he made the acquaintance of 
 
DEBATES BEFORE THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 
 
 193 
 
 took, and soon he was in a position to command. He was assigned to 
 the Lexington of 16 guns, in Febiuary, 1776. With this he seized an 
 armed tender, the Edward, and this result was hailed with great joy ; it 
 being the first considerable English war-vessel captured by an American 
 cruiser. 57 At this time, too, Congress had ordered the building of a war 
 frigate at Philadelphia, which was destined for him. On the 23rd of 
 October 1775, Thomas Reid 5S was appointed the first commodore of the 
 Pennsylvania Navy, and while holding this command he made a most 
 successful defence of the Delaware. On the 7th of June 1776, he was 
 appointed to the highest grade in the Continental Navy, and he was 
 assigned to one of its four largest ships, the 32 gun frigate then build¬ 
 ing on the Delaware River, and named the George Washington. 59 We 
 find it recorded likewise, that Richard O’Brien, an Irishman, was a 
 successful privateer during the Revolution 60 
 
 While the war had thus begun, public opinion was greatly agitated 
 and divided, so that when Congress opened in June, unanimity did not 
 prevail in its councils. Many of the representatives hoped for a recon¬ 
 ciliation with the mother country; but it seemed to most, matters had 
 already proceeded so far, that there was room neither for compromise 
 nor conciliation. At first, the idea of separation had not been generally 
 entertained, and it was thought the British ministry would make reason¬ 
 able concessions. The delegates from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and 
 Maryland 61 were instructed to observe a cautious policy by their respec¬ 
 tive Assemblies. 
 
 While general instructions had been given to the delegates of 
 Massachusetts in January, by South Carolina in March, and by 
 Georgia in April, to adopt a bolder course, North Carolina was the 
 first to direct her representatives in Congress, to declare for independ¬ 
 ence on the 12th of April. A few days later, Massachusetts and 
 Rhode Island renounced their allegiance to King George Til., and 
 
 General Washington, who greatly ad¬ 
 mired his courage, skill and coolness. 
 At the breaking out of the Revolu¬ 
 tionary War, Barry promptly offered 
 his services to Congress, and they 
 were as readily accepted. He died 
 in Philadelphia, on the 13th of Sep., 
 1803. See Alfred Webb’s “ Compend¬ 
 ium of Irish Biography,” p. 13. Also 
 a very complete memoir of him is to 
 be found in “ Records of the Ameri¬ 
 can Catholic Historical Society of 
 Philadelphia.” Yol. vi. The First 
 Volume of this work was published 
 in Philadelphia, 1887, 8vo. 
 
 57 See Leslie Stephen’s “ Dictionary 
 of National Biography,” Vol. iii., p. 
 325. 
 
 58 His father was John Reid, born 
 in Dublin, and he was brother to 
 
 George Reid, signer of the Declara¬ 
 tion of Independence. 
 
 59 While waiting for the completion 
 of his ship, Reid volunteered for land 
 service and served under Washington. 
 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of Ameri¬ 
 can Biography,” Vol. v., p. 198. 
 
 60 Subsequently, he was distinguished 
 as a naval officer, in the regular 
 service. Afterwards, he was appoint¬ 
 ed Consul-General of the United 
 States for Barbary. 
 
 6 'Towards the latter end of May, 
 by a resolution, the Convention of 
 Maryland positively forbade their 
 delegates to vote for Independence. 
 See Benson J. Lossing’s “ Pictorial 
 Field Book of the American Revolu¬ 
 tion,” Vol. ii., chap, xi., pp. 271 to 
 289. 
 
 o 
 
194 
 
 IRISII-AMERICAN HISTORY OK THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 
 on the 10th of May, John Adams carried a resolution in Congress, 
 requesting each of the United Colonies to set up a separate govern¬ 
 ment on its own responsibility. On the 15th of May, the Virginia 
 delegates were instructed by their Convention to declare for inde¬ 
 pendence in Congress, while a circular letter was addressed to other 
 Colonies, to apprise them of such a proceeding, and to urge their co¬ 
 operation. 62 On the very same day, Congress decided, that all autho¬ 
 rity under the Crown should be suppressed, and that all governmental 
 powers then vested in the people of the Colonies. Soon afterwards, 
 the people of Massachusetts declared themselves in favour of separation 
 from the mother country, and the feeling in due course became almost 
 universal throughout the other Colonies. His State of Virginia had 
 given its delegate Richard Henry Lee power to propose a Declara¬ 
 tion of Independence, and he was bold enough to do it, on the 7th of 
 June. In a determined mannner, ; nd in a clear and ringing voice, he 
 read aloud the resolution: “That hese United Colonies are, and ought 
 to be, free and independent State.*; that they are absolved from all 
 allegiance to the British Crown ; and that all political connection be¬ 
 tween them and the State of Gieat Britain is, and ought to be, totally 
 dissolved.” A death-like silence pervaded the whole Assembly. John 
 Adams then rose and immediately he seconded that resolution. How 
 ever, this momentous issue was debated in secret. Besides Lee, John 
 and Samuel Adams, Edward Rutledge and Dr. Witherspoon were the 
 chief speakers in its favour. The bold step taken by Lee was then 
 supposed by some to have been rash and premature. The chief oppo¬ 
 nent of independence was John Dickinson of Pennsylvania, 63 who 
 spoke strongly against it. To shield them from the vengeance of the 
 British Government, seme waverers directed the Congressional Secre¬ 
 tary to omit the names of the mover and seconder of that resolution 
 from the journals. Its further consideration was deferred until tho 
 next morning. The delegates met, accordingly, but the question was 
 again adjourned until the first of July. 
 
 Meanwhile, it was resolved, “that no time be lost, in case Congress* 
 agrees thereto, that a committee be appointed to prepars a declaration 
 to that effect.” Accordingly, the resolution was referred to a committee 
 consisting of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger 
 Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. These after some deliberation 
 prepared a draft, setting forth a Declaration of Independence. From 
 the first, it was apparent, that a majority of the Colonies would vote 
 for Independence, but it was doubtful if an unanimous vote could be 
 obtained. Two Assemblies had already refused to sanction the measure, 
 Maryland 64 and Pennsylvania ; while New York, South Carolina and 
 
 62 This was carried mainly through 
 the exertions of Irish-Americans in 
 opposition to the Quakers, who on 
 principle desired peace. 
 
 63 See William Edward Hartpole 
 
 Lecky’s “ History of England in the 
 Eighteenth Century,” Vol. iii., chap, 
 xii. p. 460. 
 
 64 Through the exertions and great 
 influence of Charles Carroll and 
 
declaration op independence. 
 
 195 
 
 Georgia were silent. On Thomas Jefferson devolved the honour of 
 drawing up a draft Declaration of Independence, and this was sub¬ 
 mitted to Congress, on the 28th of June. When a vote was taken by 
 a committee of the whole House, all the Colonies assented to the De¬ 
 claration, except Pennsylvania and Delaware; four 05 of the seven 
 delegates of the former voting against it, and the two delegates who 
 were present from Delaware being divided. 66 
 
 Letters had been received from Washington, which gave a deplo¬ 
 rable account of the state his army was in, with the alarming intelli¬ 
 gence of a large British expedition which he expected soon to land. 
 The fleet of England had now anchored in the bay of New York, 
 while her army of 20,000 veterans was within three days’ march of 
 that very spot where the Congress had assembled. 
 
 On the 4th day of July in Independence Hall, the Declaration 
 of. Independence was taken up for the final decision. The debate 
 which ensued was long and animated. 67 Pennsylvania had not voted 
 in favour of the measure. Some of her delegates were in opposition.. 
 However, Franklin, Wilson and Morton were in its favour. On this- 
 eventful day, Robert Morris and John Dickinson were absent. 
 Thomas Willing and Charles Humphreys were opposed to it. Franklin 
 endeavoured to prevail on his colleagues to give ail assenting and 
 unanimous vote. Being unsuccessful, however, it was at length 
 resolved that as the delegates were divided, Morton ought officially to 
 decide the question, whether there should be an unanimous vote of the 
 colonies, or whether Pennsylvania should persevere in her exceptional 
 opposition to the measure. The opinions and determination of his 
 colleagues then present w 7 ere well known to Morton. The responsibility 
 of his situation was solemn and momentous. He met the trying occa¬ 
 sion, however, with the firmness it demanded, and his vote was cast 
 in favour of Independence. Accordingly, the thirteen American 
 colonies thus renounced their allegiance to Great Britain, and immediately 
 the United States of America was assumed to be their future title. 68 
 
 others, the Convention of Maryland 
 recalled their former instructions on 
 the 28th of June, and empowered 
 their delegates, “ to concur with the 
 other Colonies in a Declaration of 
 Independence.” 
 
 65 These were John Dickinson, 
 Robert Morris, Thomas Willing and 
 Charles Humphreys. See James 
 Grahame’s “ History of the United 
 States of North America, from the 
 Plantation of the British Colonies till 
 their Revolt and Declaration of Inde¬ 
 pendence,” Yol. iv., book ix., chap v. 
 
 66 Thomas McKean favoured it, and 
 Caesar Rodney, the other delegate, was 
 then absent. In order to secure his 
 object, McKean wrote a note, and 
 
 putting it into the hands of a trusty 
 messenger, he bade the latter ride 
 with all speed and deliver it to Rod¬ 
 ney. The latter was eighty miles 
 distant when the messenger overtook 
 him. Ten minutes had not elapsed, 
 after reading the patriot’s letter, 
 when he was in the saddle, and riding 
 as if for life, Caesar Rodney was on 
 his way back to Philadelphia. He 
 arrived in time to give his vote on 
 the 4th of July, and thus was Dele- 
 ware secured. 
 
 67 See “Journal of the Proceedings 
 of the Congress at Philadephia, 1776. 
 
 68 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. viii., 
 chap, lxix., pp. 448 to 461. 
 
196 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 At two o’clock in the afternoon, the Irish born Secretary of Con¬ 
 gress, Charles Thompson, rose to announce the decision. 09 He was the 
 tallest man in the Assembly, and drawing up his commanding figure to 
 its full height, while holding the document in his hand, at that solemn 
 and interesting moment, he pronounced the words with an emphatic 
 and a singularly clear voice. Perfect silence reigned throughout the 
 Congress, until their secretary sat down, and soon the long-looked for 
 intelligence spread abroad. 
 
 Meantime, thousands of the people had collected in the streets, for 
 tidings had gone forth throughout the city that the final decision was 
 to be made on that day. As men’s feelings were strung to the highest 
 tension of anxiety and impatience, so were their thoughts to be read in 
 their countenances. Already it had been rumoured, that should the 
 Declaration of Independence be unanimously adopted, the old bell in 
 the tower must ring out such announcement to the people. 70 The 
 multitude without had long remained a prey to conflicting emotions. 
 At length, the bell pealed out, when immediatel}' a shout, loud and 
 sudden, arose from that vast assemblage. Other bells in the city 
 caught up the refrain, the cannon pealed, and hurrying from all direc¬ 
 tions, the patriots shouted in the fulness of their joy. That night, 
 from the Delaware to the Schuylkill, bonfires blazed in every direction. 
 An observatory had been erected in the city of Philadelphia 71 for 
 astronomical purposes. From this, on the 8th of July, John Nixon 
 read the Declaration to a large concourse of people, and amid a pro¬ 
 found silence. Thousands from all parts of the surrounding country 
 had gathered into the city deeply interested in that issue, and after¬ 
 wards destined further to participate in those proceedings. When the 
 reader had uttered the last word, the people almost universally gave 
 vent to their pent-up feelings in the wildest applause. 72 The Tories, on 
 the other hand, heard it with dismay. Thus, having obtained the vote 
 of every Colonial province, their Declaration of Independence was 
 finally promulgated and adopted. 
 
 Such was the solemn decree passed on the memorable 4th of July 
 
 69 See “ Journal of the Proceedings 
 I of the Congress at Philadelphia, 
 
 k 1776.” 
 
 70 When Congress had been con¬ 
 vened early in the morning, the old 
 bellman took his post in the steeple. 
 On that bell was written:—“Pro¬ 
 claim liberty throughout all the land 
 unto all the inhabitants thereof.” Too 
 old and feeble to run down the stairs, 
 the bellman had placed his boy at 
 the door below, to give him notice 
 when the announcement should be 
 made. But as the hours passed 
 slovdy by, and still no signal had 
 been given to the impatient watcher, 
 
 he grew quite nervous, fearing the 
 delegates should falter in their delib¬ 
 erations. 
 
 71 Near the Walnut St. front of the 
 State House. 
 
 72 Immediately afterwards, abandon¬ 
 ed to an excess of patriotic delirium, 
 they proceeded to the public buildings 
 and pulled down the king’s arms, 
 which they burned in the streets. 
 Bonfires at night lighted up the river, 
 and the rejoicings were continued 
 until midnight, when a thunder storm 
 abruptly put an end to those festivi¬ 
 ties. 
 
NAMES OF THE SIGNERS. 
 
 197 
 
 1776. 73 It was first signed 74 by John Hancock, as President of the 
 Congress, and afterwards by those delegates, 75 representing the con¬ 
 federated provinces. Of the fifty-six delegates—answering for the 
 thirteen original States of America—whose signatures followed, some 
 were of Irish birth or of Irish extraction; but, in this connexion, we 
 can only briefly recapitulate their actions and career. 76 To the original 
 document are found appended the order of the provinces, as conven¬ 
 tionally arranged, 77 with the names of their respective representatives 
 attached; and, these deserve perpetual and grateful remembrance in 
 the records of United States history. After their President’s signature, 
 affixed in a firm and fine style of writing, the following were the 
 immortal signers :— 
 
 New Hampshire. —Josiah Bartlett, 78 William Whipple, 79 Matthew 
 
 Thornton. 80 
 
 73 Soon afterwards, John Adams 
 wrote a prediction—afterwards so 
 far verified—that the 4th of July 
 should be celebrated throughout all 
 time by his posterity. It is remark¬ 
 able, also, that on the anniversary of 
 this day, three future Presidents 
 died; viz:—Thomas Jeffei'son, John 
 Adams and James Munroe. 
 
 74 The Declaration was only signed 
 by John Hancock on the day of its 
 adoption. It was ordered, by Con¬ 
 gress to be entered at length on the 
 Journals. It was directed, also, to 
 be engrossed on parchment for the 
 delegates to sign it. 
 
 75 On the second of August follow¬ 
 ing, it was signed by the fifty-four 
 delegates present; it was subsequently 
 signed by two others, making the 
 whole number fifty-six. 
 
 76 See George Ticknor Curtis’ “His¬ 
 tory of the Origin, Formation and 
 Adoption of the Constitution of the 
 United States, with Notices of its 
 principal Framers.” This work was 
 published in London, 1854, 8vo. 
 
 77 This was not done, to suit the 
 order of first settlement in point of 
 date, nor even as regarded the de¬ 
 cisions arrived at in favour of Inde¬ 
 pendence. 
 
 78 He was born in Amesbury, Mass., 
 21st November 1729; he became a 
 physician; he was chosen by New 
 Hampshire for the Continental Con¬ 
 gress on 23rd August 1775 and again 
 on 23rd January 1776. He was the 
 first to give his vote for the Declara¬ 
 tion of Independence, and the second 
 to sign it. Subsequently, he was an 
 
 active agent in the Revolutionary 
 War; and at its close, he filled several 
 judicial positions. He died in New 
 Hampshire, May the 19th 1795. 
 
 79 He was born in Kittery, Me., 
 14th Jan. 1730. In his earlier years, 
 he led a sea-faring life. He was 
 elected as delegate from New Hamp¬ 
 shire to the Continental Congress in 
 1775, and he was re-elected, 23rd 
 Jan. 1776. He afterwards became 
 a brigadier-general, and served with 
 distinction in the Revolutionary War. 
 He was appointed Judge of the 
 Supreme Court in New Hampshire, 
 20th of June 1782, and he died there 
 in Portsmouth, 28th Nov. 1785. 
 
 80 Matthew Thornton designated 
 “ the honest man,” was Irish born, 
 about the year 1714. When he was 
 about three years old, his father with 
 his family emigrated to America, and 
 took up his first residence at Wiscas- 
 set in Maine. After a few years' resi¬ 
 dence there, he removed to Worcester 
 in Massachusetts. His son Matthew 
 embraced the medical profession, and 
 began his career as a physician in 
 Londonderry—a town originally set¬ 
 tled by Irish colonists—in New 
 Hampshire. He became a colonel of 
 militia there before the Revolutionary 
 War, and on the abdication of Gov¬ 
 ernor Wentworth, who fled for his 
 life, the people hastily organised a 
 provincial government. When Dr. 
 Matthew Thornton had taken an 
 active and a resolute stand as their 
 leader, he was chosen to be the Presi¬ 
 dent of that province. Soon a gene¬ 
 ral assembly was convened for legis- 
 
'“'Mil 
 
 
 198 IRIS H-AM ERICA N HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Massachusetts Bay. —John Hancock, 81 Samuel Adams, 81 John 
 Adams, 83 Robert Treat Paine, 84 Elbridge Gerry. 85 
 
 Rhode Island.— Stephen Hopkins, 86 William Ellery. 87 
 
 lative business. In January 1776, 
 he was chosen speaker of the house. 
 Afterwards, September 12th, he was 
 elected delegate to the Continental 
 Congress for the term of one year, 
 but he did not take his seat until 
 November 4th. The vote which 
 sanctioned the measure of the Decla¬ 
 ration of Independence had been taken 
 on the 4th of July that same year, 
 but it was only during the ensuing 
 November that with others similarly 
 circumstanced, he was enabled to sign 
 his name to that historic document. He 
 removed to Exeter in 1779, and 
 shortly afterwards abandoning medi¬ 
 cal practice, he settled on a farm at 
 Merrimack. Afterwards, he became 
 a State Senator. He wrote several 
 political articles for the newspapers, 
 also a metaphysical work on the origin 
 of sin, but it was never published. 
 He died at Newberry port, Mass., 
 June 24th 1803. 
 
 81 To him we have already alluded, 
 as taking a spirited and an early part 
 in the struggle for liberty. 
 
 82 This illustrious leader in the 
 Revolution was born in Boston, 
 Mass., Sept. 27th 1722. He received 
 an excellent education at the Boston 
 Latin School, and afterwards he 
 entered Harvard College. He died in 
 Boston, Oct. 2nd 1803. His Life 
 has been written by W. V. Wells in 
 three volumes. Boston, 1865. 
 
 83 He was born in Braintree, Mass., 
 October 31st 1735. He graduated 
 at Harvard College in 1755, and em¬ 
 braced the legal profession. He be¬ 
 came the leader of that great revolu¬ 
 tionary movement. During the war, 
 his patriotic services were incalcu¬ 
 lable. Afterwards, he became second 
 President of the United States. 
 
 84 He was born in Boston, Mass., 
 11th of March 1731. At first, he 
 embraced the clerical profession ; then 
 he practised as a lawyer. He became 
 
 a delegate to the Provincial Congress 
 in 1774, 1775, and afterwards from 
 1774 to 1778, he served on various 
 committees of the Continental Con¬ 
 gress. He was appointed in years 
 subsequent to fill various important 
 legal offices in his native state, until 
 he became a judge of the Supreme 
 Court. He died in Boston, May 
 11th 1814. 
 
 85 He was born in Marblehead, 
 Mass., 17th July 1744; and he was 
 elected to the Continental Congress, 
 in January 1776. He subsequently 
 rendered very useful services during 
 the Revolutionary War. He became 
 a staunch upholder of Jeffersonian 
 principles and of the Republican 
 against the Federalist party. His 
 partisan redistribution of the State of 
 Mass, caused the well-known term of 
 “ Gerrymander ” to prevail afterwards 
 in United States politics. He married 
 Anne, daughter of Charles Thompson, 
 Secretary to Congress, and afterwards 
 he became Vice-President of the 
 United States, in 1812. He died in 
 Washington, D.C., 23rd Nov. 1814. 
 
 86 He was born in Providence, R.I., 
 March 7th 1707, and followed the 
 occupation of a farmer. In 1755, he 
 became Governor of that colony. For 
 the General Congress in August 1774, 
 he was elected with Samuel Ward to 
 represent Rhode Island. In May 
 1775, he was elected to the Second 
 Congress, and in the Third Congress, 
 he had William Ellery as his col¬ 
 league. He died in Providence, R.I., 
 July 13th 1785. 
 
 87 He was bom in Newport R.I., 
 Dec. 22nd 1727. He was a lawyer, 
 and he was elected in May 1776, to 
 the Continental Congress, when he 
 served with good judgment on its 
 various committees, especially on its 
 Board of Admiralty. He died in 
 Newport, R.I., February, 15th 
 1820. 
 
NAMES OP THE SIGNERS. 199 
 
 Connecticut. —Roger Sherman, 88 Samuel Huntington, 83 William 
 Williams, 90 Oliver Wolcott. 91 
 
 New York.— William Floyd. 91 Philip Livingston, 9 * Francis Lewis, 94 
 Lewis Morris 95 
 
 New Jersey. — Richard Stockton, 96 Doctor John Wither- 
 
 88 He was born in Newtown, Mass., 
 April 19th 1721, and he was appren¬ 
 ticed to a shoemaker, but by self- 
 study he acquired a knowledge ol the 
 law. Then he became a Judge of 
 the Common Pleas in 1759, and after¬ 
 wards a Judge of the Superioi Court 
 of Connecticut. In August 1774. he 
 was elected a delegate to the Con¬ 
 tinental Congress. He died in. New 
 Haven, Conn., July 23rd 1793. 
 
 89 He was born in Windham, Conn., 
 July 3rd 1731, of humble origin, but 
 afterwards he became a lawyer, and 
 settled in Norwich He was a mem¬ 
 ber of the Continental Congress from 
 1776, and he served as President of 
 that body from 28th of September 
 1779, to Ju)y 6th 1781. He retired 
 from Congress in 1783, and he served 
 as Governor of Connecticut from 1786 
 until his death, June 5th 1796 
 
 90 He was born in Lebanon, Conn., 
 April 18th 1731. He had a seat in 
 the Continental Congress, from 1776 
 to 1777, and he was a membei of the 
 Council of Safety. He died in Le¬ 
 banon, August 2nd 1811. 
 
 91 He was born in Windsoi Conn., 
 Nov. 26th 1726. He was elected to 
 the Second Continental Congress, and 
 took his seat in Jan. 1776. During 
 the Revolutionary War, he was ap¬ 
 pointed to organise the militia, and 
 oven he took part in the warlike 
 operations. In 1796, he was chosen 
 Governor of Connecticut, which office 
 he continued to discharge, until he 
 died in Litchfield, Conn., Dec. 1st 
 1797. 
 
 92 He was born in Brookhaven, 
 Suffolk County, New York, Decem¬ 
 ber 17th 1734. He was selected as 
 delegate to the Philadelphia Congress 
 of 1774, and again he was sent to the 
 first Continental Congress of 1775. 
 
 He continued to be a representative 
 in every succeeding Congress to 1782. 
 He died at Weston, Onieda County, 
 N.Y., Aug. 4tb 1821. 
 
 93 He was born in Albany, N.Y., 
 Jan. 15th 1716, and he graduated in 
 Yale College. He was chosen mem- 
 bej for the first Continental Congress 
 in 1774, and he continued a member 
 tc his death, which took place in 
 York, Pa., on the 12th of June 1778. 
 
 44 He was born in Llandaff, Wales, 
 in March 1713, and educated in West- 
 minstei School, England. W 7 hen a 
 young man, he emigrated to America, 
 and embarked in trade. He was 
 elected a member ol the first Conti- 
 , nental Congress in 1775, and in 1779 
 he was appointed Commissioner of the 
 Board of Admiralty. Afterwards, he 
 retired into private life, and he died 
 in New York city, December 19tb 
 1803 
 
 95 He was a native of Morrisania, 
 N.Y., and born in 1726. He gradu¬ 
 ated at Yale College in 1746. He 
 was chosen as delegate to the Congress 
 of 1775, and he served with distine 
 tion to the year 1777. When peace 
 had been proclaimed, he repaired to 
 his estate which had been ruined by 
 the British Army, and he died there, 
 January 22nd 1798. 
 
 96 He was born neai Princeton, 
 N.J., October 1st 1730. He studied 
 law, and he visited Great Britain in 
 1766-7. He laboured to reconcile the 
 differences between the mother country 
 and the Colonies at first, but when 
 elected a member of the Continental 
 Congress, June 21st- 1776, ht advo¬ 
 cated Independence. During the war, 
 he was mad6 prisoner and his estate 
 was mined by the British. He ^ 
 died at Princeton, February 28th 
 1781. 
 
200 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 spoon, 97 Francis Hopkinson, 98 John Hart, 99 Abraham 
 Clarke. 100 
 
 Pennsylvania. — Robert Morris, 101 Benjamin Rush, 102 Ben¬ 
 jamin Franklin, 103 John Morton, 104 George Clymer, 106 James 
 
 97 He was born in Gifford, Hadding¬ 
 tonshire, Scotland, February 5th 
 1722, and he graduated in Edinburgh 
 University in 1742. Afterwards, he 
 emigrated to America. He was elected 
 to the Continental Congress in June 
 1776, and he served there until 1783. 
 He was the author of many works. 
 For two years before his death he 
 was blind, and he departed this life, 
 near Princeton, N.J., September 15th 
 1794. 
 
 98 He was born in Philadelphia, 
 September 21st 1737, and he followed 
 the legal profession. He was addicted 
 to literary pursuits, and he visited 
 Ireland and England in 1766. He 
 removed to Bordentown, N.J., and 
 in June, 1776, he was chosen as a 
 representative for the Continental 
 Congress. He was a man of singu¬ 
 lar accomplishments, and the author 
 of the celebrated national song, “ Hail, 
 Columbia.” He died May 9th 1791. 
 
 99 He was born in Hopewell Town¬ 
 ship, N.J., in 1708, and he followed 
 the occupation of a farmer. He ser¬ 
 ved in the Congress 1774, 1775 and 
 1776. After his farm and stock had 
 been destroyed by the Hessians, he 
 returned home in 1777. He passed 
 the remainder of his life in agricul¬ 
 tural pursuits. He died in 1780. 
 
 100 He was born in Elizabethtown, 
 N.J., February 15th 1726. On the 
 21st of June 1776, with Richard 
 Stockton, Dr. John Witherspoon, 
 Francis Hopkinson, and John Hart, 
 he was elected by the Provincial Con¬ 
 gress to the Continental Congress, 
 and instructed if necessary to declare 
 for Independence. He afterwards 
 served with great distinction in many 
 important civil employments. He 
 died in Rahway of a sun-stroke, Sep¬ 
 tember 15th 1794. 
 
 101 He was born in Liverpool, Eng¬ 
 land, January 20th 1734. At the 
 age of thirteen, he emigrated to the 
 United States. As a merchant in 
 Philadelphia he became wealthy. In 
 1775, he was sent as a delegate to 
 the Continental Congress. On the 
 
 4th of July, he declined to vote for 
 the Declaration of Independence, but 
 when it was adopted he appended his 
 name. His commercial credit helped 
 the United States greatly, when in 
 need of money. He died in Phila¬ 
 delphia, May 8th 1806. 
 
 '^He was born in Byberry Town¬ 
 ship, Pa., Dec. 24th 1745. He gradu¬ 
 ated in Princeton College in 1760, 
 and he embraced the medical profes¬ 
 sion. He became very eminent in 
 that capacity. He was elected t<; 
 the Continental Congress, while he 
 was surgeon to the Pennsylvania navy. 
 In 1778, he resigned his military 
 office, and returned to Philadelphia, 
 where his medical professorship and 
 practise were continued. He published 
 or edited several medical works. He 
 died in Philadelphia, April 19th 1813. 
 
 103 This most illustrious man >. as 
 born in Boston, Mass., Jan. 17th 
 1706. His highly distinguished 
 career cannot well be epitomised; but, 
 it is set forth very comprehensively 
 in “ The Works of Benjamin Frank¬ 
 lin, containing several Political and 
 Historical Tracts not included in 
 any former Edition, and many Letters 
 oftical and private not hitherto pub¬ 
 lished, with Notes and a Life of the 
 Author,” by Jared Sparks, in ten 
 fine 8vo volumes. Eighth edition 
 published at Boston in 1814. He died 
 in Philadelphia, April 17th 1790. 
 
 104 He was bom in that part of 
 Chester County, now included in 
 Delaware County, Pa., in 1774. Hav¬ 
 ing filled some civil offices, he was a 
 delegate to the first Congress in 1774, 
 and he gave the casting vote of 
 Pennsylvania for Independence in 
 
 1776. He did not long survive, and 
 he died at the place of his birth in 
 
 1777. No authentic portrait of him 
 remains. 
 
 105 He was born in Philadelphia, 
 Pa., in 1739. He pursued a business 
 career, and during the agitation 
 against taxation without representa¬ 
 tion, he was a member of the Council 
 of Safety. On the 29th of July, he 
 
NAMES OF THE SIGNERS. 
 
 201 
 
 Hruith, m George Taylor, 107 James Wilson, 108 George Koss. I °' > 
 
 became one of the first continental 
 treasurers, and he converted all his 
 specie into continental currency. He 
 was not present at the adoption of the 
 Declaration of Independence, having 
 been only appointed a delegate on 
 the succeeding 20th of July, but his 
 signature was afterwards affixed to 
 it. Having served his country very 
 usefully, he withdrew from public 
 life in 1796. He was the author of 
 various essays, political, literary and 
 scientific. He died in Morrisville, 
 Buck’s County, Pa., January 23rd 
 1813. 
 
 106 James Smith was Irish born, 
 and as generally conjectured, most 
 probably between 1712 and 1720, for 
 the exact date has not been discover¬ 
 ed. His father a respectable farmer 
 had a numerous family of children. 
 He left Ireland, when his second son 
 James was quite a young lad, and 
 he settled on the west side of the 
 Susquehanna River, in the State of 
 Pennsylvania. James received a 
 superior education, under the im¬ 
 mediate care of Rev. Dr. Alison, 
 Provost of the College at Philadelphia. 
 His elder brother had been establish¬ 
 ed in the practice of the law at 
 Lancaster, when James studied 'mder 
 his guidance and followed the same 
 profession. He afterwards settled in 
 the County of York. When the re¬ 
 lations between Great Britain and her 
 Colonies became strained, one of the 
 earliest and most resolute—although 
 then advanced in years—was James 
 Smith. As one of the three delegates 
 from the County of York for the 
 Province of Pennsylvania, he was 
 active and intelligent. Soon be re¬ 
 turned to York, when decisive 
 measures were taken, and there on 
 his own responsibility, he commenced 
 raising and drilling the first volun¬ 
 teer company formed in Pennsylvania 
 for opposing the British. He took 
 the command as captain, and when the 
 volunteer companies of that district 
 had become sufficiently numerous to 
 form a regiment, he was unanimously 
 chosen as its colonel. His decision of 
 character, courage, high abilities 
 and influence, mainly contributed to 
 overcome the Quakers and those peace 
 
 sentiments,which their peculiar relig¬ 
 ious dogmas served to promote in 
 Pennsylvania. His ardent military 
 spirit set such an example, that 
 twenty thousand volunteers were soon 
 enrolled within that important pro¬ 
 vince alone. Colonel Smith became 
 a member of that Convention, which 
 assembled in Philadelphia. On the 
 15th of July 1776, he assisted to 
 frame a new Constitution, for the 
 State of Pennsylvania. He had been 
 previously named on a committee, to 
 prepare instructions for the represen¬ 
 tatives of a State Convention. He 
 then wrote a celebrated Essay “ On 
 the Constitutional Power of Great 
 Britain over the Colonies in America.” 
 However, the Convention appointed 
 nine members of the Congress—of 
 these Colonel Smith was one—aaid 
 the Declaration of Independence super¬ 
 seded the report of that Committee. 
 Colonel Smith continued to be a mem¬ 
 ber of that Convention while he was 
 a member of Congress, and as such 
 he was ever busily employed on im¬ 
 portant Committees, requiring the 
 exercise of great judgment and busi¬ 
 ness capacity. This unremitting lab¬ 
 our he continued until March 1777, 
 when he desired retirement, his pri¬ 
 vate interests having suffered consider¬ 
 able detriment during his absence 
 from home. But he was not long 
 allowed much needed repose, as the 
 country required great self-sacrifice. 
 During its darkest days of embarrass¬ 
 ment and of trial, he was again 
 elected to serve in Congress, where 
 he was enabled to render most valu¬ 
 able assistance to the cause of his 
 adopted country. At last, when 
 Colonel Smith had a fair prospect 
 regarding the happy termination of 
 war, in November 1778 he finally 
 withdrew from Congress to his family 
 and professional business. He was 
 a great personal and political friend 
 of Washington, and an ardent Federa¬ 
 list. He died in York, Pa., July 
 11th 1806. 
 
 107 George Taylor was an Irishman 
 by birth, and the son of a clergyman 
 —of what particular denomination is 
 not known. He was born in th6 
 
'202 
 
 IUISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Delaware.— Cmsar Rodney , 110 George Read , 111 Thomas McKean. 11 * 
 
 year 1716. When a boy, he received 
 a liberal education, and he was des¬ 
 tined by his father for the medical 
 professon. However, having a turn 
 for adventure, poor and friendless 
 when still very young, he stepped on 
 board a vessel bound for New York 
 or Philadelphia, and embarked as a 
 redemptioner to seek his fortune. On 
 landing in Philadelphia, he was en¬ 
 gaged by a Mr. Savage, to labour at 
 his iron works in Durham, a village 
 on the River Delaware. He was soon 
 promoted to be chief clerk in that 
 establishment, which situation he re¬ 
 tained for several years. After the 
 death of Mr. Savage, George Taylor 
 married his widow, and entered as 
 master upon the business, which he 
 prosecuted for a number of years, and 
 conducted with such intelligence, 
 skill and perseverance, that he ac¬ 
 quired a competent fortune. He after¬ 
 wards retired from Durham, having 
 purchased a considerable estate on 
 the Lehigh, in the County of North¬ 
 ampton, where he commenced business 
 anew. There he resided and became 
 most popular. Soon he was deemed 
 to be a suitable representative, and 
 he was elected accordingly to the 
 Colonial Assembly, in 1764. His 
 record was highly useful and honour¬ 
 able, until he was obliged to retire 
 after some years of public service, to 
 revive his private business, which had 
 become impaired during his absence. 
 However, in Oct. 1755, he was again 
 elected as member of the Provincial 
 Assembly. At once, he was placed 
 on all the standing committees of the 
 House. The political ferment was 
 then increasing, and George Taylor 
 was selected as an active, a zealous 
 and vigilant member for the Commit¬ 
 tee of Public Safety, which became the 
 principal revolutionary engine in that 
 Province. At first, it was difficult 
 to urge the Pennsylvania representa¬ 
 tives to enter upon decisive and war¬ 
 like measures. However, in Novem¬ 
 ber, 1775, instructions were given by 
 the people to their delegates in Con¬ 
 gress not to adopt any course which 
 might lead to or result in a separa¬ 
 tion. During winter and spring, the 
 arbitrary proceedings of the British 
 Government changed the bent of 
 
 popular feeling, and the instructions 
 of June 1776 removed the former 
 prohibition. After an obstinate 
 struggle and only carried in the 
 division by a majority of one, Penn¬ 
 sylvania resolved to throw in her 
 fortunes with the other Colonies then 
 in revolt. A new delegation was 
 next chosen, and more popular repre¬ 
 sentatives were selected to replace the 
 dissentients. George Taylor was then 
 elected to Congress. [Giving entire 
 approval to the Declaration of Inde¬ 
 pendence, on the 4th of July, with 
 many others, he set his signature to 
 the promulgation of that Congress¬ 
 ional vote, although the document 
 was not then ready for formal signa¬ 
 ture. On the 2nd day of August 
 1776, George Taylor’s name was 
 officially signed on that engrossed 
 parchment roll, which bore its con¬ 
 tents. He only spent one year in 
 Congress after the realization of hisr 
 favourite object, when he withdrew 
 from all public life and employments 
 to his estates in Easton. There he 
 departed this life on the 23rd Febru¬ 
 ary 1781, at the age of sixty-five. He 
 was greatly respected because of his 
 public and private integrity of charac¬ 
 ter ; while he was loved by his adopt¬ 
 ed country on account of his labours 
 and devotion to its interests, safety 
 and liberties. 
 
 108 James Wilson was born near St. 
 Andrew’s, Scotland, Sept. 14th 1742, 
 and having received a University 
 education at St. Andrew’s, Glasgow 
 and Edinburgh, he emigrated to 
 America about 1763. Afterwards, 
 he practised in the legal profession. 
 He became a delegate to the Provin¬ 
 cial Convention of January 23rd 
 1775. He was present at the open¬ 
 ing of Congress on the 10th of May. 
 After the legislature of Pennsylvania 
 had withdrawn its restrictions from 
 the votes of its representatives, James 
 Wilson still resisted separation on 
 the 8th of June 1776 ; but afterwards, 
 on the 1st of July, he and John 
 Morton were the first of the Pennsyl¬ 
 vania delegates to vote for Independ¬ 
 ence. His subseauent career was 
 varied and distinguished. He died 
 at Edenton, N.C., August 28th 1798. 
 
 109 George Ross was born in New- 
 
NAMES OF THE SIGNERS. 
 
 203 
 
 Maryland.— Samuel Chase, 113 William Paca, 111 Thomas Stone, 115 
 Charles Carroll of Carrollton. 11 * 
 
 castle, Del. in 1730. He was elected 
 to the first Continental Congress in 
 1774, and he continued to represent 
 his State to 1777, when he was obliged 
 to resign owing to ill health. Ad¬ 
 mitted to the bar, afterwards he be¬ 
 came Judge of the Admiralty Court 
 for Pennsylvania. He died in Lan¬ 
 caster, Penn., in July 1779. 
 
 110 He was born in Dover, Del., 
 Oct. 7th 1728. He became an active 
 politician, and he was elected as dele¬ 
 gate to the Continental Congress in 
 1774, and again in March 1775. 
 While serving in Congress, he also 
 took part in the military organisation 
 and movements for Deleware. He 
 died in Dover, Del., June 29th 1784. 
 
 111 George Read, son of John, a 
 Dublin man, who emigrated to Amer¬ 
 ica, and who settled in Cecil County, 
 Province of Maryland. George was 
 born there, Sept. 17th in 1733, and 
 he was the oldest of six brothers. 
 Not long after his birth, their father 
 moved to the adjoining Province of 
 Delaware, on the head waters of 
 Christiana River. His son George 
 was educated for a time at a Semi¬ 
 nary in Pennsylvania, and afterwards 
 he was under* the care of Rev. Dr. 
 Allison of New London, in the same 
 Province. He was admitted to the 
 Philadelphia bar at the early age 
 of nineteen years, after a course of 
 diligent and careful study, and after¬ 
 wards he became Attorney-General. 
 He warned the British Government 
 regarding the danger of taxing the 
 Colonies without giving them direct 
 representation in Parliament. In li63, 
 he married Gertrude, the sister of 
 George Ross, signer of the Declara¬ 
 tion of Independence, For twelve 
 years he was a member of the Dele¬ 
 ware Assembly, when he wrote an ad¬ 
 dress of King George III. Having 
 resigned the Attorney-Generalship, he 
 wae elected a delegate to the first 
 Congress which met in Philadelphia 
 in 1774. Although at first he voted 
 against Independence, he afterwards 
 signed the Declaration, and thence¬ 
 forward he was one of its staunchest 
 supporters. He was a delegate to 
 the Annapolis Convention of 1786, 
 
 which gave rise to the Convention 
 that, met in Philadelphia in 1787, and 
 which framed the Constitution of the 
 United States. He was twice elected 
 U.S. Senator. In 1793 he resigned 
 that dignity to assume the office of 
 Chief Justice for Deleware. He died 
 in Newcastle, Del., Sept. 21st 1798. 
 William T. Read published his Life and 
 Cox-respoudence at Philadelphia in 1780. 
 
 ' 12 Thomas McKean, who afterwards 
 became President of Congress, was an 
 Irish-American; both his parents 
 having been natives of Ireland, they 
 emigrated to America, and settled in 
 New London, then a lately formed 
 township in Chester County, Province 
 of Pennsylvania. He was the second 
 child of his parents, who had four 
 sons and one daughter. He was born 
 on the 19th of March 1734. With his 
 oldest brother Robert, Thomas was 
 placed at an early age under care of 
 Rev. Dr. Allison, the instructor of 
 so many scholars who attained emi¬ 
 nence during the Revolutionary War. 
 He studied for the bar and soon be¬ 
 came celebrated as a lawyer. From 1774 
 to 1783, he was a member of the Con¬ 
 tinental Congress, and the only repre¬ 
 sentative that served there from its 
 opening to the peace. He rendered 
 most valuable services in all its de¬ 
 liberations aud transactions. He 
 became President of Congress in 1781, 
 and in that capacity he received the 
 despatches of General Washington 
 announcing the surrender of Lord 
 Cornwallis. With professor John 
 Wilson, he published “ Commentaries 
 on the Constitution of the United 
 States,” London, 1790. His policy 
 as a leader of the Republican party 
 caused Thomas Jefferson to be elected 
 as President. Thomas McKean died 
 in Philadelphia, Pa., on the 24th of 
 Juno 1817. 
 
 1,3 He was born in Somerset Co., 
 Md., April 17th 1741, and he became 
 a lawyer. He was elected member of 
 the Continental Congress in 1774, and 
 he served in successive Congresses to 
 1778. After the peace he visited 
 England in 1783. On hip return to 
 America, he held various judicial 
 positions. He died June 19th 1811. 
 
204 
 
 IR1SHAMKRICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Virginia. —George Wjthe,” 7 Kiohard Henry Lee, 11 * 1 Thomas Jeffer- 
 
 114 He was born in Wyehall, Har* 
 ford Oo., Md., October 31st 1740. 
 He graduated in the Philadelphia 
 College, and afterwards sailing for 
 England, he entered the Middle 
 Temple, London, as a Law student, 
 and he was called to the bar in 1764. 
 He was elected a delegate to Congress 
 in 1774, and he served in that capa¬ 
 city to 1779. Afterwards, he was 
 elected Governor of Maryland, from 
 1782 to 1786. He died in his native 
 place during 1799. 
 
 115 He was born in Charles Co., 
 Md., in 1743, and he embraced the 
 legal profession. He was elected 
 in 1774 to the Continental Congress, 
 and he served in that of 1775 and 
 1776. In after life, he followed a 
 political career, and he practised at 
 the bar. He died in Alexandria, Va., 
 October 5th 1787. 
 
 1,6 Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, 
 the last survivor among the signers of 
 the Declaration of Independence, was 
 an Irish-American. His grandfather 
 Daniel Carroll, a native of Litta- 
 mourna, in Ireland, was a clerk in the 
 office of Lord Powis, during the reign 
 of James II. In the latter part of the 
 seventeenth century, Daniel left Eng¬ 
 land for America, and settled in 
 Maryland, where he was appointed 
 agent to Lord Baltimore, the chief 
 proprietor of that Colony. He was 
 also Judge and Registrar of the Land 
 Office. His son Daniel was born 
 there in 1702, while Daniel’s son 
 Charles, the subject of this notice, 
 was born on the 20th of September, 
 1737, at Annapolis, Maryland. At 
 eight years of age, he was placed in 
 the English Jesuits’ College of St. 
 Omer, in France, to receive his educa¬ 
 tion. In his own State, founded by 
 Catholics on the principle of reli¬ 
 gious toleration, the education of 
 Catholics had been proscribed by law 
 in the days of his youth. The estab¬ 
 lished Church of England had been 
 supported in Maryland by taxing the 
 people of all other creeds, and after 
 Mr. Carroll’s return to that Colony, 
 over the signature of the “ First 
 Citizen,” he attacked the validity of 
 the law which imposed such a tax. 
 In December 1774, he was appointed 
 
 one of the committee of correspond¬ 
 ence for the Province, and in 1775, 
 he was elected one of the Council of 
 Safety. On the 7th of December of 
 that year, he was elected delegate to 
 the Revolutionary Convention. To 
 distinguish himself from other mem 
 bers of his family, when attaching 
 his signature to the Declaration of 
 Independence, he signed Charles Car- 
 roll, of Carrollton. He afterwards 
 served with great zeal, in various 
 civil capacities. On the 4th of July 
 1828, he laid with much ceremony the 
 foundation-stone of the Baltimore and 
 Ohio Railroad. He was greatly re¬ 
 spected for his virtues, and he died 
 in Baltimore, November 14th 1832. 
 His life has been written by John K. 
 B. Latrobe, 
 
 117 He was born in Elizabeth City 
 Co., Va., in 1726, and having received 
 an excellent education, he adopted the 
 legal profession, and rose to eminence 
 at the bar. In August 1775, he was 
 appointed a delegate to the Continen¬ 
 tal Coneress. Subsequently he be¬ 
 came Chancellor of Virginia. He 
 died in Richmond, Va., June 8th 
 1806. 
 
 1,8 He was born in Stratford, West¬ 
 moreland Co., Va., Jan. 20th 1732, 
 and at an early age he was sent to 
 England for his education. He re¬ 
 turned to America in 1752, when he 
 applied to legal studies. He was 
 elected to the house of Burgesses of 
 Virginia, and he became an ardent 
 advocate for revolution. In August 
 1774, he was chosen as delegate to 
 the first Continental Congress. Dur¬ 
 ing the second Congress, he drew up 
 the Address to the people of Great 
 Britain. Afterwards, he zealously 
 served on various Committees. On 
 the 30tA of November 1784, he was 
 chosen President of the Continental 
 Congress. He assisted in framing 
 the United States Constitution. At 
 first, he was an Anti-Federalist, but 
 afterwards he became an ardent sup¬ 
 porter of Washington’s Administra¬ 
 tion. In 1792, his health began to 
 fail, and resigning his seat in the 
 Senate, ho retired to his estate at 
 Chantilly, Va., where he died, June 
 19th 1794. His grandson, also named 
 
NAMES OF THE SltiNEKS. 
 
 20 *-' 
 
 son, 119 Benjamin Harrison/’ 2 ' 1 Thomas Nelson, Jun., 121 Francis Lightfoo' 
 Lee, 122 Carter Braxton. 123 
 
 North Carolina.— William Hooper/ 21 Joseph Hewes/ 23 Joh» 
 Penn. 129 
 
 Richard Henry Lee, published in two 
 volumes “ Memoir of the Life of 
 Richard Henry Lee and his Corres¬ 
 pondence.” Philadelphia, 1825. 
 
 119 This illustrious man was born in 
 Shadwell, Albemarle Co., Va., on the 
 2nd of April 1743. H is father was a 
 planter and of Welsh extraction, 
 while his son entered the College of 
 W T illiam and Mary at seventeen, and 
 there he became a diligent student. 
 Afterwards, he embraced the study of 
 law, of which he acquired a profound 
 knowledge. At the ‘age of twenty- 
 six, he was elected to the house of 
 Burgesses, Va., and in 1772, he mar¬ 
 ried Mrs. Martha Skelton, a beauti¬ 
 ful and childless young widow, whose 
 father’s great wealth and estates soon 
 fell into their possession. Jefferson 
 took a leading part in the agitation 
 for Independence, and from the time 
 he entered Congress in 1775, he be¬ 
 came an earnest and a useiul member. 
 Having resigned his seat in Congress, 
 after writing the celebrated Declara¬ 
 tion, in January 1779 he was elected 
 Governor of Virginia To him it be¬ 
 came a position of great anxiety, as 
 he was obliged to keep up the Virginia 
 regiments and supplies for the armies 
 of Washington and Gates In June 
 1782, he was elected to*Congress, and 
 afterwards his public career was de¬ 
 voted to all the great measures then 
 debated. In 1785, he was appointed 
 Minister Plenipotentiary to the King 
 of France. Afterwards, he became 
 President of the United States. On 
 the 4th of March 1809, he retired 
 into private life, and he died at Mon- 
 ticello, Va., on July 4th 1826. The 
 Life of this celebrated man has been 
 written in three volumes, by Henry 
 S. Randall, and it was published in 
 New York, in 1858. 
 
 120 He was born in Berkeley, Charles 
 Co., Va., about 1740. In 1774, he 
 was appointed one of lire delegates 
 to Congress, and four *imes he was 
 elected to a seat in that body. After¬ 
 wards, he was elected Governor of 
 Virginia. He died in April 1791. 
 
 121 He was born in Yorktown, Va., 
 
 December 26th 1738, and at fourteen 
 years of age, he was sent to school 
 at Eton, England. Afterwards, he 
 graduated at Cambridge University. 
 He returned to America in 1761, and 
 he became a member of the House of 
 Burgesses, Va. After serving in Con¬ 
 gress, owing to severe illness, he was 
 obliged to resign his seat in 1777. 
 Afterwards, however, both in a mili¬ 
 tary and civil character he became very 
 active, until he was elected Governor 
 of Va., in 1781. He served at the 
 Siege of Yorktown, but the rest of 
 his life was passed in retirement. He 
 died at Hanover Co., Va., January 
 4th 1789. 
 
 122 He was a younger brother of 
 Richard Henry Lee, and born at 
 Stratford, Westmoreland Co., Va., 
 October 14th 1734. He was educated 
 at home by a Scotch clergyman, 
 named Craig. In 1766, he was elected 
 to the House of Burgesses, 'in 1775, 
 on the resignation of Colonel Bland, 
 he was elected delegate to the Conti¬ 
 nental Congress, and he was re-elected the 
 three following years. In the spring 
 of 1779, he retired from Congress, and 
 he died in Richmond, Va., April 3rd 
 1797 
 
 ,23 He was born in Newington, 
 King’s and Queen’s Co., Va., Sept. 
 10th 1736, and he was educated at 
 William and Mary College. In the 
 House of Burgesses he opposed the 
 arbitrary acts of Lord Dunmore with 
 great spirit. On the 15th of Decem¬ 
 ber 1775, he was chosen to succeed 
 Peyton Randolph, as delegate to the 
 Continental Congress. He served, 
 after the Revolutionary War, in the 
 State Legislature. He died in Rich¬ 
 mond, Va., October 10th 1797. 
 
 124 He was born in Mass., June 17th 
 1742, and he studied law. Afterwards, 
 he settled in Wilmington, N.C. He 
 was elected to the Continental Con¬ 
 gress in 1774, but, after the Declara¬ 
 tion of Independence, his private 
 affairs became embax-rassed, and he was 
 obliged to return home. In 1781, he 
 removed to Hillsboro’, where he died 
 in October 1790. 
 
 1 
 
206 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 f ■* 
 
 South Carolina. —Edward Rutledge , 1 - 7 Thomas Hey wood, Jun., 12 * 
 Thomas Lynch, Jun., 129 Arthur Middleton. 130 
 
 125 He was bom in Kingston, N. J., 
 in 1730, and in after life he was en¬ 
 gaged in business. In 1774, he was 
 chosen as a delegate to the Continen¬ 
 tal Congress. He fell into ill-health, 
 and died in Philadelphia, Pa., Nov. 
 10th 1779. 
 
 126 He was born in Caroline Co., 
 Va., May 17th 1741, and he studied 
 law in after life. He was admitted' 
 to the bar in 1762. He removed to 
 Greenville Co., N.C., in 1774. He 
 was chosen for the Continental Con¬ 
 gress, Sept. 8th 1775, to supply a 
 vacancy. He was re-elected in 1777 
 and in 1779. Having discharged many 
 civic duties with great credit he re¬ 
 tired into private life in April 1785. 
 He died in September 1788. 
 
 127 Edward Rutledge, soldier, states¬ 
 man and signer, was an Irish-Ameri- 
 can having been the son of an Irish- 
 born emigrant, Dr. John Rutledge, 
 who left his country in 1735, and who 
 settled in Charleston, South Carolina. 
 There Edward, the youngest of seven 
 children, was born in November 1740. 
 He was educated by a classical in¬ 
 structor from New Jersey, and in 
 1759 he was sent as a law-student to 
 England. He returned to Charleston, 
 and remarkable for eloquence, he 
 commenced practising law there in 
 1773. Talents like his were well cal¬ 
 culated to promote the cause of Inde¬ 
 pendence. Rutledge was among the 
 first selected members to the 
 Continental Congress in 1774. 
 The Revolution found him on 
 the side of liberty, and while 
 the contest lasted, with voice, pen 
 and sword, he resisted the pretensions 
 of England. On the evacuation of 
 Charleston, having been released as 
 a prisoner of war, he returned to his 
 home, and resumed his professional 
 practice. He was elected Governor of 
 South Carolina in 1798, but he did 
 not live to complete his term. He 
 died in Charleston, S.C., January 
 23rd 1800. 
 
 128 He was bora in St. Luke’s parish, 
 S.C., 1746. He studied law in Eng¬ 
 land, and having travelled much 
 through Europe, he returned to South 
 Carolina. He was a delegate to Con¬ 
 
 gress from 1775 to 1778. In 1780, he 
 became Judge of the Criminal and 
 Circuit Court of S.C., and at the same 
 time he bore a military commission. 
 He commanded a battalion of Volun¬ 
 teers at the Siege of Charleston, S.C., 
 in 1780, and he was made prisoner 
 there on the 12th of May. During 
 his imprisonment, the British wrecked 
 his estate and property. In 1790, he 
 was a member of the Constitutional 
 Convention of S.C. ; but next year, 
 he retired to his estate, where he died 
 on the 6th of March 1809. 
 
 129 Thomas Lynch, Jun., the young¬ 
 est of the signers, was of Irish descent, 
 as his great grandfather left Ireland 
 and dwelt in South Carolina, soon 
 after the settlement of that colony 
 commenced. His youngest son was 
 named Thomas; and he left a son 
 Thomas, called the Elder, to distin¬ 
 guish him from a son again called by 
 the father’s name, and especially 
 denominated Thomas Lynch, Junior, 
 the subject of this sketch. The latter 
 was born on the 5th of August 1749, 
 at his father’s residence, a plantation 
 'on the North Santee River, in Prince 
 George’s parish South Carolina. At 
 the age of twelve, he was sent to 
 Eton College in England, and from 
 it he entered Cambridge University. 
 He studied l^,w in the Temple ; but 
 he returned to America in 1772, and 
 devoted himself to cultivating his 
 father’s plantation on the North San¬ 
 tee River. His father had been sent 
 to the first Continental Congress, but 
 his failing health compelling him to 
 resign, Thomas Lynch, Jun., commis¬ 
 sioned as a Captain of the first regi¬ 
 ment embodied in South Carolina, was 
 unanimously elected by the Provincial 
 Assembly to supply his place. He 
 accordingly took a seat in the Con¬ 
 gress of 1776, but his health failed in 
 the autumn of that year, and he was 
 compelled to return to South Caro¬ 
 lina. Still in a declining state, he 
 desired to embark in some neutral ship 
 for the South of France. About the 
 close of 1779, he took passage for St. 
 Eustacius, but the vessel in which he 
 sailed when a few days out at sea was 
 seen for the last time and was never 
 
NAMES OP TIIK SIGNERS. 
 
 207 
 
 Georgia.— Button Gwinnett, 181 Lyman Hall, 132 George Walton. 133 
 
 The Declaration of Independence received almost unanimous ap¬ 
 proval among the people throughout the Confederated States. 134 On 
 the 9th of July, in New York, Washington caused it to be read before 
 his assembled army. Congress put forth all its energies, to secure unity 
 of action and harmony of sentiment among the people. 135 In turn, 
 these learned the necessity for prompt co-operation in civil and military 
 
 afterwards heard of, while most prob¬ 
 ably it was lost in a tempest. 
 
 130 He was born in Middleton Place 
 on Ashley River, S.C., June 26th 
 1742. The son of a rich planter, he 
 was sent to England for his education, 
 which was received at Harrow and 
 Westminister Schools; afterwards, he 
 graduated in Cambridge University. 
 He made a tour through Europe, and 
 returned to S.C. in 1763. He went 
 back to England in 1768, and again 
 sailed for America in 1771. He suc¬ 
 ceed his father Henry in the Conti¬ 
 nental Congress in 1776. In 1780, he 
 was active in the defence of Charles¬ 
 ton, where he was made prisoner. 
 After the Revolutionary War ended, 
 he served as Senator in his native 
 State. He died at Goose Creek, S.C., 
 January 1st 1787. 
 
 131 He was born in England about 
 1732, whence he emigrated to Charles¬ 
 ton, S.C. and afterwards he removed 
 to Savannah, Ga. At a meeting of 
 the Provincial Assembly held there 
 Jan. 20th 1776, he was appointed a 
 representative in Congress. He be¬ 
 came a candidate for the commission 
 of brigadier-general of a Continental 
 Brigade to be levied in Georgia, in 
 opposition to General Lachlan McIn¬ 
 tosh. Being unsuccessful, Gwinnett 
 sent his opponent a challenge. Hav¬ 
 ing been mortally wounded in the 
 duel, fought on May 15th, he lingered 
 for a few days, and he died May 27th 
 1777. 
 
 132 He was born in Connecticut, 
 1725, and he removed to Georgia in 
 1752, where he practised medicine. 
 In 1774 and 1775, he was influential 
 in urging Georgia to join the other 
 Colonies. In the latter year, he was 
 elected by the parish of St. John to 
 Congress, and he served there until 
 1780. He afterwards served as Gov¬ 
 ernor of Georgia for one term, and 
 he died there October 19th 1790. 
 
 133 He was born in Frederick County, 
 
 Va., in 1740. He began life as a 
 carpenter, but afterwards he applied 
 to the study ox law. He was active 
 in stirring up Georgia to take part in 
 the Revolutionary movement. From 
 February 1776, to October 1781, he 
 served in Congress, and he commanded 
 a battalion when Savannah was taken 
 by the British. In 1789, he was 
 chosen Governor of Georgia. He died 
 in Augusta, Ga., Feb. 2nd 1804. 
 For much more extended notices of 
 the various signers of American Inde¬ 
 pendence, the reader may consult 
 Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of American 
 Biography,” edited by James Grant 
 Wilson, and John Fiske, assisted by 
 various capable contributors. See 
 also, N. Dwight’s “Lives of the 
 Signers of American Independence,” 
 the “ Encyclopedia Americana,” and 
 “ American Biographical and Histori¬ 
 cal Dictionaiy,” published at Boston, 
 1832, 8vo. Also Ed. O’Meagher 
 Condon’s “ Irish Race in America,” 
 chap. xii. Glasgow and London; no 
 date, 8vo. 
 
 134 Their various forms of Govern¬ 
 ment are to be found, at a later 
 period, in the Rev. William Jackson’s 
 “ Constitutions of the several Inde¬ 
 pendent States of America, Declara¬ 
 tion of Independence, Articles of 
 Confederation, Dec'aration of Rights, 
 Non-Importation Agreement, Petition 
 to the King,” &c. This is a thick 8vo 
 volume, printed in 1783. It has a 
 portrait of General Washington. 
 
 135 Soon after the Declaration of In¬ 
 dependence, Benjamin Franklin, John 
 Adams and Thomas Jefferson wer® 
 appointed a Committee to prepare a 
 great seal for the infant Republic. 
 Jefferson’s design with the motto “ B 
 Pluribus Unum,” and in his own hand¬ 
 writing, is now in the office of the 
 Secretary of State in Washington. 
 However, the design for the Seal was 
 deferred, until finally settled, in the 
 year 1799. 
 
208 1R1SH-AMERJOAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 affairs. The recommendation of Congress, that the several States 
 should organize governments for themselves, and based on democratic 
 principles, was quickly followed. 13B Soon after the Declaration of Inde¬ 
 pendence, most of the States formed their own Constitutions. 137 The 
 Constitutions of Virginia, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Delaware, 
 Pennsylvania. North Carolina. South Carolina, and Maryland 138 were 
 formed in 1776. An independent Constitution was formed for New 
 York 139 and Georgia, in 1776. Massachusetts adopted a State Con¬ 
 stitution in 17 80 140 . These organizations were chiefly intended to 
 direct internal and local administration. However, those articles ol 
 association, which had been adopted after the Declaration of Indepen¬ 
 dence, did not form a sufficient Constitution for the nation, nor a 
 reliable bond for united action. Defects were soon ascertained as 
 the Devolution progressed. Nearly all power had been vested in the 
 separate States, and Congress had little authority left to direct public 
 affairs. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Invasion of New York by General and Admiral Howe—Battle of Long Island— 
 American Evacuation of New York—Futile Attempts to establish Peace— 
 Engagements inNewYork—Operationsin theNorth—Taking of FortWashing- 
 ton—The American Army retreats into New Jersey—Its weakened Condition 
 —The Battles of Trenton and Princetown—The Americans recover Ground in 
 New Jersey. 
 
 The storm of war was now gathering to descend on the devoted heads 
 of the patriots. On the 2nd day of July, General Howe sailed from 
 Halifax with the garrison of Boston, and having a large reinforcement 
 of other troops, he appeared before New York, on the 12th July. 
 He then landed on Staten Island. 1 Ten days later, his brother 
 Admiral Lord Howe arrived from England with an additional contingent 
 
 136 See “Political Reflections on the 
 Charters of the American Colonies,’" 
 by an American, 1782, 8vo. 
 
 187 See “ The Constitutions of the 
 several States, the Declaration of In¬ 
 dependence, Articles of Confederation, 
 and Copies of Treaties with Foreign 
 Powers,” 1783, 8vo. 
 
 158 Many amendments to it were 
 afterwards made. See “ An Historical 
 View of the Government of Maryland, 
 from its Colonization to the present 
 Day.” 
 
 139 See Jabez D. Hammond’s “Poli¬ 
 tical History of New York to Decem¬ 
 ber, 1840.” Two volumes 8vo. Pub¬ 
 lished at Albany and Syracuse, 1843. 
 
 140 Connecticut continued to be gov¬ 
 erned by the Royal Charter received 
 from Charles II. until the year 1818, 
 when a new Constitution was adopted. 
 In like manner the Royal Charter 
 obtained from Charles II. served for 
 the Government of Rhode Island, until 
 the year 1841. Then the suffrage was 
 intended to be extended in favour 
 of every white male citizen of the 
 United States residing in Rhode 
 /sland, and in 1844, the present State 
 Constitution was framed and ratified 
 bv its people. See “ Gazetteer of the 
 World,” Vol. xi., p. 269. 
 
 1 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. ix., chap, 
 i., pp. 37 to 44. 
 
INVASION OF NEW YORK BY GENERAL AND ADMIRAL HOWE. 209 
 
 of forces. 2 They had been appointed as Commissioners to treat for 
 peace; but, on opening a direct communication with General Washington, 
 the latter declined to receive their letter which did not recognise his 
 military title. Lord Howe had also issued a proclamation, that the 
 Commissioners were empowered to grant pardon to persons and colonies 
 returning to their allegiance. As a last effort to avoid hostilities, Lord 
 Howe addressed Dr. Franklin, who answered, that preparatory to any 
 proposition of amity, in his opinion, Great Britain would be required to 
 acknowledge the independence of America, to defray the expenses of 
 the war, and to indemnify the Colonies for burning their towns. 3 
 
 Meantime, General Washington made the best dispositions he could 
 for the defence of New York. He occupied Brooklyn on Long Island, 
 while earth-works were thrown up at suitable positions along the East 
 River and the Hudson. However, the English fleet of Lord Howe 
 and the land forces of his brother General Howe, amounting soon to 
 25,000 regular soldiers, were too powerful to be long resisted. Troops 
 under Lord Cornwallis, with 8,000 Hessians, had also arrived, and 
 likewise Admiral Sir Peter Parker with his fleet. To Generals Green and 
 Sullivan successively, the defence of Long Island was assigned, while 
 Washington himself remained in New York; but, as the British in great 
 force invaded Long Island, on the 22nd August and at some distance 
 from the American lines, General Putnam 4 in right of his rank as second 
 in command was sent on the 24th, to take charge of that important post. 
 Not more than 8,000 volunteers and militia could be mustered for the 
 defence; so that, outnumbered nearly five to one, it seemed impossible 
 to withstand the advance of regular troops. 5 The Maryland and Penn¬ 
 sylvania troops fought through the onset with great determination ; 
 and, in the battle which soon took place, Moylan, Hand, Thompson, and 
 Butler were conspicuous for their valour. After landing on Long Island, 
 the British were successful, on the morning of the :7th, in getting 
 possession. 6 Howe attacked General Putnam in front, and turned his 
 flank on the left. With a British loss of 60 killed and 250 wounded, 
 the Provincials, in killed, wounded, drowned in the morass, or taken 
 prisoners, numbered 3,000." While the battle was raging, Washington 
 marched to the assistance of Putnam, but the struggle was over before 
 
 2 See “History of New York City 
 during the American Revolution, with 
 a Collection of original Papers, now 
 first published,” with a folding Plan. 
 New York, 1861, 4to. 
 
 3 See John Adolphus’ “ History of 
 England from the Accession of King 
 George the Third,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 xxix., pp. 412 413. 
 
 4 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington, Commander-in-Chief of 
 the American Armies, and First Pre¬ 
 sident of the United States,” &e., Vol. 
 i., chap, viii., p. 120. 
 
 5 See George Bancroft’s “ Hisony 
 of the United States,” Vol. ix., chap, 
 iv., p. 86. 
 
 See Lossing’s “ Pictorial Field 
 Book of the Revolution,” Vol. ii., 
 chap, xxxi., pp. 804 to 811. 
 
 7 We read however, “ though the 
 Court endeavoured to stifle it, it was 
 soon know that the Hessians had 
 committed great butchery, and refused 
 to give any quarter.”—Horace Wal¬ 
 pole’s “Journal of the Reign of King 
 Georsre the Thrd, from the year 1771 
 to 1783,” Vol. ii., p. 70. 
 
# L 
 
 210 ItRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 lie cotul tr/ive on the field. 8 On that day, the bravery of Lord Sterling, 
 at the head of the Delaware and Maryland regiments, was most admir¬ 
 able ; but, fighting with desperate bravery, they were at last surrounded, 
 and their leader was obliged to surrender. Colonel Johnston at the 
 head of the Jersey Militia fought well, until shot in the breast, when 
 his command dispersed. Many of the Americans who surrendered were 
 massacred in, cold blood ; those who surrendered as prisoners of war were 
 crowded together on a vessel moored near New York, where hundreds 
 were carried off by malignant fever, and where incredible privations had 
 to be endured. 9 General Sullivan was there made prisoner, with a 
 large part of his force. Though charged with sorrow for the Americans, 
 the events of that day shed little glory on the British, and on their 
 mercenaries. 10 
 
 Full of anxiety for the safety of his troops, and finding that the 
 evacuation of Long Island was necessary, Washington had despatched 
 secret orders, to have all available boats sent from New York and the 
 Hudson, while he still maintained a position in front of the British 
 encampment. These means for transportation were to arrive after dark. 
 All night on the 29th, the American commander was engaged in 
 arranging the order for outposts to deceive the enemy, while gradually 
 the different companies were moved towards the shore. Thus obliged to 
 retreat, Washington ably conducted the movements of his troops. 11 He 
 managed most adroitly, notwithstanding the proximity of the two camps 
 to pass away unsuspected by the enemy, and in wonderful order, with 
 his infantry, artillery and baggage. 1 - The defeated Americans, before 
 daylight on the morning of August 20th, were ferried across the East 
 River to New York. They were aided by a thick fog, and the first 
 boat was out of range, before General Howe discovered this movement. 
 
 e 
 
 During the execution of their attempt, the English, whose forces were 
 so numerous and well disciplined, should have succeeded in cutting off 
 the American retreat, had the energy and intelligence of Howe equalled 
 the number and courage of his men. 
 
 Although he knew the evacuation of New York was now inevitable, 
 
 still General Washington defended 
 
 8 Born of Irish parents, Alexander 
 Craydon took part in the battle of 
 Long Island. He was captured at 
 Harlem Heights. He wrote a volume, 
 intituled “ Personal and Revolution¬ 
 ary Memoirs,” which is very inter¬ 
 esting. 
 
 9 John Byrne, born in Ireland, was 
 a private of the line. He was cap¬ 
 tured and confined on board the in¬ 
 famous Jersey prison ship. The Eng¬ 
 lish Admiral offered him a large bribe 
 and speedy promotion to desert his 
 adopted country. Byrne answered by 
 ihouting: “Hurrah for America!” 
 
 it, in accordance with the decision 
 
 For this he was subjected to the most 
 cruel tortures, an account of which 
 he afterwards gave; but he remained 
 true to the last, and lived to see 
 America a free nation. 
 
 10 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. ix., chap, 
 iv., p. 96. 
 
 11 See Cyrus R. Edmund’s “ Life and 
 Times of General Washington,” Vol. 
 i., chap. xv. to xviii. 
 
 12 See “The Annual Register” for 
 the year 1776, Vol. xix. The History 
 of Europe, chap, v., pp. 165 to 175. 
 
 P 
 
BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 
 
 211 
 
 of his council of war, and until he could ascertain the determination of 
 Congress. Having only 7,700 men under his command, still with great 
 address. 13 ho held the city for a considerable time. His opinions were 
 so judiciously urged upon Congress, that he received a reply, which 
 authorised him to leave no part of his army in New York a moment 
 longer than was proper for the public service. 14 After the disastrous 
 battle on Long Island, thinking the Americans were awed by the power 
 of England, Lord Howe offered to treat with them as rebels, not doubt¬ 
 ing but they would submit to whatever terms he should propose. With 
 such an object in view, his prisoner General Sullivan was selected to 
 bear a vague message to Congress, which he presented on the 2nd of 
 September ; and, at length, it was resolved to send a committee of their 
 body to learn, whether Lord Howe had any authority to treat with 
 persons authorised by them, what that authority was, and to hear his 
 propositions. 15 Edward Rutledge, Benjamin Franklin, and John 
 Adams, were the delegates sent to wait upon him. Those negotiations 
 resulted in nothing, because the Americans insisted, that England 
 should acknowledge their national independence, and such an admission 
 exceeded the powers entrusted to Lord Howe. 16 
 
 After some delay. General Howe crossed the East River with his 
 large army. The Americans made a futile effort to oppose his landing, 
 and then directed their march to Harlem Heights. The stores and 
 baggage least wanted were removed beyond Kingsbridge. The sick 
 and wounded were also moved to the New Jersey side of the Hudson. 
 The Provincials were now disheartened, and the militia began to desert 
 their devoted commander, 17 so much so, that the Connecticut contingent 
 dwindled down from six to two thousand in a few days. Luckily for the 
 safety of the faithful soldiers, the British general had little knowledge 
 of their actual defencelessness, while obeying a man whose noblest traits 
 of character were developed under the most depressing circumstances. 
 Fearing to risk a battle with his ill-armed and disheartened troops, 
 Washington judiciously resolved to construct lines of defence, which the 
 English might find it difficult to attack. On the 15th of September, the 
 English took possession of New York, General Washington having 
 previously retired within his lines at Kingsbridge. 18 Afterwards, until the 
 end of that war, the British remained masters of the city. 
 
 Meantime, the patriots to the north of New York occuiped a strong posi¬ 
 tion, known as the Heights of Harlem. On an elevation over two hundred 
 feet above the Hudson, the steep summit was crowned with a five-sided 
 
 13 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. ix., chap, 
 vi., pp. 118 to 122. 
 
 14 This correspondence is to be found 
 in the American State Papers. 
 
 15 See “ The Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1776, Vol. xix. The History 
 of Europe, chap, v., pp. 173, 174. 
 
 18 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 
 of the United States,” Vol. ix., chap, 
 vi., pp. 108 to 118. 
 
 17 See Jared Sparks’ Life of George 
 Washington,” chap, viii., pp. 194 to 
 196. 
 
 18 See Horace Walpole’s “Journal 
 of the Reign of King George the 
 Third, from the year 1771 to 1783,’* 
 Vol, ii., p. 83. 
 
212 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 earthwork, mounting thirty-four cannon. This fort was designated Fort 
 Washington. Still higher on the summit of the Palisades in New 
 Jersey, Fort Lee had been erected, and General Greene had been 
 assigned there to command. General Putnam was engaged between 
 both points to obstruct the river navigation, against an expected 
 approach of the English fleet from below. Instead of attacking them 
 in this condition, and overwhelming them in their unpreparedness, 
 Howe procrastinated. After a month’s delay, that supine commander 
 began to move against the Americans, then partially reinforced. At 
 length, a part of the British fleet sailed up the Hudson, and a strong 
 force landed at Frog’s Neck, where the East River opens into Long 
 Island Sound. 19 Here, the American outposts gave them a very warm 
 reception. They were obliged to retreat, however, and evacuate New 
 York Island. 
 
 When General Howe had descended on Frog’s Neck, he resolved to 
 throw himself behind the American lines, having in view the cutting off 
 their communication with the interior. This plan was well conceived, 
 but executed in so sluggish a manner, that Washington had time to 
 remove from Kingsbridge, and to take up a strong position on the right 
 of the English army. His dispositions were judiciously conceived and 
 ably executed. The American commander had brought his army from 
 Kingsbridge and across the Harlem River. He had entrenched himself 
 on Fordham Heights, still facing the British advance. Skirmishes only 
 were ventured upon by the vastly superior army of Howe, and these 
 most frequently redounded to the advantage of the Americans. 20 It was 
 now clear to them, that they fought under a most able general, who for 
 two whole weeks kept the British army at bay. Retreat was resolved 
 upon, however but Washington chose a new position on White Plains, 
 in the State of New York. 
 
 ' The British had now resolved to storm the fortifications at Fort Wash¬ 
 ington, and for this purpose, a ship of war moved up the Hudson to cut off 
 communication between the American forces on either bank. On the 
 28th October, Howe appeared in presence of the American army. On 
 Chatterton Hill, Washington had constructed field works to cover his 
 right. These were attacked by the British and Hessians. They were 
 bravely met by McDougal, with fourteen hundred men, keeping the 
 position for a considerable time, against a vastly superior force. After 
 a short but severe action, the Americans were driven from that post, 21 
 with a loss in killed and wounded of less than one hundred men, while 
 that of the English and Hessians was at least two hundred and twenty- 
 nine. 22 But, as the day was far spent when this was accomplished the 
 
 19 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol ix., chap, 
 x., pp. 174 to 176. 
 
 20 See Marshall’s “ Life of George 
 Washington, Commander-in-Chief of 
 the American Forces,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 viii., pp. 572 to 578. 
 
 21 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington, Vol. i., chap, ix., pp 
 210 , 211 . 
 
 22 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. ix., chap, 
 x., pp. 180 to 182. 
 
TAKING OF FORT WASHINGTON. 
 
 213 
 
 English general postponed an engagement until the following morning, 
 still waiting for reinforcements from New York, although his army was 
 nearly equal to the entire American forces in front. During the dark¬ 
 ness, having caused corn-stalks to be pulled up from the roots, 
 Washington piled them together with the lumps of earth clinging to 
 them and sticking outwards, so that on the face they seemed to be solid 
 fortifications. Behind these apparently strong redoubts were stationed 
 defenders. Deceived by such stratagem, General Howe was afraid to 
 renew the attack next morning. Meantime, about five miles distant, 
 Washington selected a much stronger position on the heights of North- 
 Castle, and these were fortified. Thither his guns, stores, baggage and 
 men were removed ; while, undecided as to his course of action, after 
 waiting a few days, General Howe ingloriously retreated to Kingsbridge, 
 thus failing to seize the line of the Hudson Ri'er. Moreover, 
 Washington improved the opportunity thus afforded him, by fortifying 
 the lower part of the river and the Highland passes from West Point 
 to Peekskill, where the Hudson flows through the most romantic 
 mountain defiles. 23 The strong post held was known as Fort Washington, 
 and it was entrusted to the command of Colonel Magaw. Meanwhile, 
 the Jersey side of the Hudson was secured by a portion of the army, to 
 provide for an anticipated retreat into the State of New Jersey; for, 
 Washington knew not the design of General Howe, whether to advance 
 directly on him, or to adopt the better plan for intercepting him from 
 a retreat, in the direction of Philadelphia. 24 
 
 To create a diversion, Sir Guy Carleton from Canada was to sail by 
 way of Lakes Champlain and George, and thence he was to march 
 through a desert region on Albany, whence he could descend the 
 Hudson to co-operate with the movements of General Howe. 25 The 
 Americans had a small flotilla on Lake Champlain, while the British had 
 vessels prepared in sections, which were joined together, and on these 
 their soldiers were embarked. The Continentals were there commanded 
 by Benedict Arnold, who displayed his habitual courage and fertility of 
 resources, both in the dispositions made to receive the enemy, and 
 afterwards, in escaping from the most imminent danger. 26 Under great 
 disadvantages, the Americans fought an action on the Lake, with great 
 courage and ability, October 11th 1776; 27 but, outnumbered two to one, 
 
 23 See Weems’ “ History of the Life 
 of Washington,” New York, 1806, 8vo. 
 
 24 See A. Bancroft’s “ Essay on the 
 Life of General Washington,” Worces¬ 
 ter, 1807, 8vo, and Boston, 1844. 
 Two Volumes 12mo. 
 
 25 General Carleton had applied for 
 4,000 men, as an addition to his 
 force: but the king knowing that 
 2,000 Highlanders had exhausted the 
 recruiting in Scotland, recommended 
 to Lord North to engage foreigners, 
 at a reasonable charge, and as he re¬ 
 
 marked, “for they do not cause an 
 additional half-pay when the business 
 shall be completed,”—“ The Corres¬ 
 pondence of King George the Third 
 with Lord North, from 1768 to 1783,” 
 Vol. ii.. Letter 378, p. 45. 
 
 26 See “ The Annual Register,” for 
 the year 1777, Vol. xx. History of 
 Europe, chap, i., pp. 1 to 6. 
 
 27 See John Adolphus’ “ History of 
 England from the Accession of King 
 George the Third,” Vol. ii., chap 
 xxix., pp. 393, 394. 
 
214 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 they lost more than half their vessels, escaping with the remainder to 
 Ticonderoga. This latter place was not attacked, however, for General 
 Gates, who commanded in the northern department, had strengthened 
 the American positions. Crown Point was occupied by Carleton for a 
 short time, but further enterprise for that season was abandoned by the 
 British. 
 
 Meanwhile, Howe had followed the American general, and remained 
 two days in his presence, arranging his batteries and preparing for a 
 pitched battle, which he intended to fight on the 31st October. 28 The 
 subaltern American leaders were over-confident in the strength of Fort 
 Washington, and long as possible, their council of war resolved on its 
 maintenance. Washington held a different opinion, regarding its 
 capabilities as a position for resistance. Orders were given to have all 
 the stores which were deemed notnecessary for its defence removed thence 
 in case of an attack. In like manner, provision was made for evacuating 
 Fort Lee. A heavy fall of rain during the interval induced General Howe 
 to defer the combat until November 1st. Meantime, Washington sent 
 General Putnam with 5,000 troops to the Jerseys, while General Lee 
 was directed to remain with about 7,500 Continental troops and 
 militia, in presence of the enemy ; for Howe’s movements were not 
 sufficiently decisive of what course he intended to pursue. Generals Lee 
 and Greene had resolved on holding Fort Washington to the last 
 extremity, and reinforcements chiefly of Pennsylvanians were ordered by 
 them, contrary to their Commander-in-Chief’s express instructions. In 
 the meantime, Washington’s attention was mainly directed towards 
 effecting a secure retreat in the direction of New Jersey; for, with his 
 weakened resources, he could not reasonably expect to cope with the 
 enemy. General Howe had now finished the erection of his batteries 
 on Fordham Heights, and he had succeeded in bringing up securely some 
 armed flat-boats, during the night of the 15th, when these passed the 
 American position. 29 General Magaw made the best disposition possible 
 for a defence, but his lines were too far extended, and these had to be 
 covered on many sides. On the 16th of November, a furious can¬ 
 nonade commenced from the Heights at Fordham, and it continued 
 until noon. Tho Hessians and the Highlanders then commenced the 
 j attack. These troops met with a stubborn resistance, but with a vast 
 i numerical superiority of force, they forced their way over rocky heights 
 ■ and felled trees. The first and most daring movement of the British 
 was conducted by General Knyphausen, against the American garrison 
 at Fort Washington. 30 It was held by three thousand men and gal¬ 
 lantly defended, but it was carried by assault, with the heavy loss of 
 
 28 See De Witt’s “Histoire de 
 Washington et de la Fondation de la 
 Republique des Etats-Unis.” Paris, 
 1859, 8vo. 
 
 29 Their various posts are distinctly 
 shewn on a Map of Operations after 
 the Evacuation of New York, injured 
 
 Sparks’ “Writings of George Wash¬ 
 ington,” &c., Vol. iv., p. 160. 
 
 30 See W. Bodham Donne’s “ Cor¬ 
 respondence of King George the Third 
 with Lord North from 1768 to 1783,” 
 Vol. ii.. Letter 380, pp. 48, 49. 
 
STATE OP THE AMERICAN ARMV. 
 
 215 
 
 more than 500 men by the victors. The American loss was 150, in killed 
 and wounded ; but, 2,600 were captured, with the loss of their artillery 
 and some of their best arms. Then, General Howe sent Lord Corn¬ 
 wallis with an army across the Hudson to Fort Lee, which was imme¬ 
 diately evacuated. 31 
 
 By this time, the Howes had lost many men, and they pressed for 
 recruits from the administration. The Government determined to carry 
 on a vigorous campaign, and they now treated for a force of 10,000 
 Wirtembergers and other Germans. 32 Owing to such adverse circum¬ 
 stances, Washington determined to evacuate the peninsula of New 
 York, and to carry out a war of posts on the mainland. Meantime, 
 Howe retired into New York Island, giving six thousand men to Corn¬ 
 wallis, whom he sent in pursuit of an army, too weak and dispirited to 
 resist an immediate onslaught. 33 
 
 Now it was found, that the design was to cut Washington off from 
 Philadelphia, where the American Congress had assembled. Then, the 
 General broke up his camp on the Hudson, and by forced marches, he 
 manoeuvred so as to take the lead with his small army of four thousand 
 men. General Charles Lee was ordered to join with his division near 
 Northcastle. He disobeyed that order, notwithstanding, hesitating 
 and delaying until the close of the year. Then carelessly separating 
 himself from the army, he was surprised and made a prisoner by the 
 enemy. 34 At that time, Lee had the repute of being an able general, 
 and this mischance caused great depression among the Colonists, while 
 it proportionally elated their invaders. 35 
 
 This was a period of great distress for the Americans. Their con¬ 
 ventions and assemblies in the States of New York, New Jersey and 
 Pennsylvania were disturbed and disorganized, in consequence of the 
 military movements. Apathy and despair prevailed among the people, 
 while fearing the chances of war, many prominent persons made their 
 submission to the royalists. In addition to the regular army, a multi¬ 
 tude of loyalists, as the American English partisans were called, came 
 flocking from all quarters to their camp. The rumours spread by the 
 royalists were also most damaging to the national cause. During their 
 movements, the condition of the American army, now greatly de¬ 
 moralised, was most deplorable. It was reduced in numbers, clothed 
 in rags, broken in spirit, destitute of clothing, tents, cavalry and 
 artillery. Discouraged by their various reverses and despairing of the 
 
 31 See John Adolphus’ “ History of 
 England from the Accession of George 
 the Third,” Vol. ii., chap, xxix., p. 431. 
 
 32 See Horace Walpole’s “Journal 
 of the Reign of King George the 
 Third, from the year 1771 to 1783,” 
 Vol. ii., p. 92. 
 
 33 See Glass, “ Washingtonii Vita,” 
 New York, 1835, 8vo. 
 
 34 See John Adolphus’ “ History of 
 
 England, from the Accession of King 
 George the Third,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 xxix., pp. 433, 434. 
 
 35 “ It has lately been discovered, 
 that while detained as a prisoner of 
 war, Lee was concerned in a plot to 
 betray his country.”—John R. G. 
 Hassard’s “ History of the United 
 States of America,” chap, xxvii., p. 
 182. 
 
216 
 
 I KISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF T1IE UNITED STATES. 
 
 result, their forces deserted in great numbers. 39 At this time, his troops 
 were so disheartened, that Washington became disgusted with the 
 position he occupied, yet fortitude never failed him. Aware that 
 rumours prejudicial to his military character were afloat, and that his 
 maligners alleged against him a want of energy, dash and enterprise, 
 which was injurious to the service, he is said to have desired an 
 honourable death in the ranks of the enemy. It was with difficulty, 
 that his aides-de-camp and friends could restrain him from carrying 
 out that fatal resolution. 
 
 Knowing the formidable forces against which he was obliged to 
 contend, Washington addressed a strong letter to the President of 
 Congress, urging the inefficiency of militia serving for short terms, and 
 insisting on the necessity of forming a permanent army. His judgment 
 and reasoning were approved, and it was resolved to re-organize his 
 regiments on such a system. The ordinary term of service was only 
 for a year, so that the recruits were merely becoming soldiers, when 
 they quitted his army. As to the militia, they left the service when¬ 
 ever they pleased. In compliance with his suggestion, Congress now 
 determined to enroll eighty-eight battalions, 37 bound to serve for three 
 years, and to assign landed property for those who should adhere to 
 their standards, until the conclusion of the war. 
 
 In the midst of all these disasters, Washington’s intrepid fortitude 
 filled his subordinates with astonishment. He kept an army together, and 
 offered resistance to the enemy, under circumstances more adverse than 
 any general had ever before experienced. Notwithstanding his mind 
 being slow in operation, and little aided by invention or imagination, 
 it was usually sure in calculation and in drawing conclusions. Hence 
 the common remark of his officers, regarding advantages he derived 
 from holding councils of war. It required all his firmness and wisdom 
 to keep his army from disappearing altogether, while effecting his 
 military arrangements and improvements. 
 
 With a large force, Lord Cornwallis 38 was now enabled to invade 
 New Jersey, and to threaten Philadelphia. Ever cautious, vigilant and 
 enterprising, Washington was undismayed, however, in prospect of the 
 dark clouds gathering around the American cause, while his judgment 
 was clear as his courage was cool and collected. Meanwhile, he was 
 obliged to retire before the army of Cornwallis. Nevertheless, he occupied 
 the best positions in the country, during that retreat, while he acted with 
 
 36 See Gosch “Washington und die 
 Befreiung der Nord-amerikanischen 
 Freistaaten.” This work was publish¬ 
 ed at Giessen, 1815, in three volumes, 
 8vo. 
 
 37 “ Massachusetts Bay and Virginia 
 were the highest on this scale, being 
 to furnish fifteen battalions each; 
 Pennsylvania came next, and was 
 rated at twelve; North Carolina nine, 
 Connecticut and Maryland eight each ; 
 
 New York, and the Jerseys, the latter 
 considered as one Government, were, 
 in consequence of their present situa¬ 
 tion, set no higher than four bat¬ 
 talions each.”—“The Annual Regis¬ 
 ter” for the year 1777. Vol. xx.. 
 History of Europe, chap, i., p. 9. 
 
 38 His actions as a general are re¬ 
 counted in Gleig’s “ Lives of the most 
 eminent British Military Com¬ 
 manders,” London, 1832. 
 
THE BATTLES OF TRENTON AND PRINCETOWN. 
 
 217 
 
 extraordinary judgment and firmness under all difficulties. 39 A grave 
 crisis then seemed impending, and Congress made every effort to raise 
 troops for his support. Foremost among the recruits, the militia of 
 Pennsylvania flocked to his standard. After some time, Washington 
 saw himself at the head of seven thousand men; yet, it was a force 
 altogether insufficient to cope with the British. That army, which had 
 failed in Canada on the death of Montgomery, with the remnants of 
 four regiments, marched about this time into Washington’s camp, but in 
 a wretched plight. It was now commanded by General Gates. Under 
 the command of General Sullivan, Lee’s division also arrived. Notwith¬ 
 standing its melancholy condition, the American army was enabled to 
 crawl along the Delaware. Still were they pursued by Cornwallis, with 
 his veteran regiments, in greatly superior numbers and appointments. 
 On the 8th of December, Washington retreated to Trenton, and crossed 
 the Delaware river at that point, securing all the boats on the Jersey 
 side. He then cantoned his army in the State of Pennsylvania. The 
 British advanced to the line of the Delaware, but there pursuit ceased, 
 for they had resolved on taking up winter quarters at that late season of 
 the year. They went quietly into cantonments, awaiting the operation 
 of frost, rain, snow, destitution and nakedness, to destroy an enemy, 
 whose forces they might have manfully encountered and annihilated at 
 that time. Soon afterwards, a brigade of three regiments, comprising 
 1,500 Hessians, took possession of Trenton. A letter intercepted 
 by Washington conveyed intelligence, that the British only waited for 
 the river to freeze over, as now seemed likely, when they were to form 
 in full strength and push onwards to Philadelphia. Something decisive 
 should then be attempted, under very unfavourable conditions. Mean¬ 
 time, Congress had issued from Philadelphia, on hearing news of the 
 enemy’s advance, and established a residence at Baltimore. There they 
 passed a resolution, which made Washington a military dictator for six 
 months. 
 
 About this time, General Joseph Reid suggested to him the dispersed 
 situation of the British army, and the opportunity afforded for striking 
 a blow, which might retrieve their cause in public opinion, and 
 even recover that ground which had been lost. His suggestion was 
 approved by the American commander, who formed the daring plan 
 of attacking successively all the British posts on the Delaware. If 
 successful in whole or in part, he was bound to erase the impression 
 made by his losses and retreat; he should also compel his adversary to 
 act on the defensive, and no longer to cover New Jersey; while it was 
 probable, he might remove from Philadelphia the imminent danger that 
 then threatened it. 40 
 
 The time of service for numbers among his troops had now nearly 
 expired ; and so miserably equipped were they—especially those under 
 
 39 See George Bancroft’s “ History 40 See Gordon’s “ History of the 
 of the United States,” Vol. ix., chap. American Revolution,” Vol. ii., p« 
 xii., pp. 194 to 212. 319. 
 
IK1SH-AJIKRLCAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 218 
 
 Sullivan—that the General in chief could not greatly hasten matters for 
 the enterprise meditated. Having collected some boats, he choose 
 Christmas night, while ice was floating in the river and snow falling, 
 to collect 2,400 men, about nine miles above Trenton. 41 Notwithstanding 
 his great desire to unite secresy with despatch, the Tories had contrived 
 to forward intelligence of Washington’s movements to General Grant 
 commanding at Princetown and to Colonel Rahl at Trenton. The 
 American General boldly determined, however, to cross the Delaware, 
 and thus attack the enemy who failed to attack him; but the attempt was 
 made under great difficulties, and the passage of his men occupied the 
 whole night. When formed early in the morning, his troops moved for¬ 
 ward in two columns, under Generals Greene and Sullivan. They 
 reached Trenton about eight o’clock on the morning of the 26th of 
 December. General Ewing, at the head of the Pennsylvania militia, 
 was to cross the river a mile below the town, to secure the Assunpink, 
 so as to cut off retreat in that direction. The Hessians wei’e astonished 
 at such a season by the approach of an enemy, but preparations were 
 made for a defence of the town. Under cover of a snow storm, General 
 Sullivan drove in the Hessian pickets at one end of the town, while 
 Washington dislodged them at the other. They then retreated into 
 Trenton, but the American columns pressed on, and soon captured the 
 cannon planted in the streets to oppose them. The gallantry of Colonel 
 John Stark was conspicuous in this engagement. At the battle of 
 Trenton and crossing of the Delaware, Commodore Thomas Read 42 
 rendered valuable assistance, while commanding a battery of guns made 
 up from his frigate, and with which he raked the stone bridge across the 
 Assunpink. After an obstinate resistance, the Hessians were completely 
 routed. Their leader Colonel Rahl was hit by a musket ball and fell 
 from his horse mortally wounded. Struck with terror, the Hessians 
 now turned to retreat by the Princetown Road; but, they were inter¬ 
 cepted on their right by Colonel Hand’s riflemen, and on the left by the 
 Virginian corps. Nothing now remained for them but an unconditional 
 surrender. This was a great achievement for the Americans, and it 
 elated their people throughout the colonies, when it became known that 
 after the battle a whole brigade of Hessians had been marched prisoners 
 to Washington’s camp, and afterwards paraded as such through the 
 streets of Philadelphia. 43 
 
 Meantime, Lord Cornwallis had returned to New York, on his way 
 home to England, when news of this reverse had reached him. The 
 British troops in New Jersey were now ordered to concentrate at 
 Princetown, and he returned to take command, while General Howe was 
 
 41 See the “History of New Jersey,” 
 p. 227. 
 
 42 His brother James also fought 
 gallantly at the battle of Trenton. 
 Afterwards at Princetown, Brandy¬ 
 wine and Germantown, he was distin¬ 
 guished, and for his bravery he was 
 
 promoted from being first lieutenant 
 to the rank of colonel. See Apple¬ 
 ton’s “ Cyclopaedia of American Bio¬ 
 graphy,” Vol. v., p. 198. 
 
 43 See “ The Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1777, Vol. xx., History of 
 Europe, chap, i., pp. 14 to 17. 
 
THE BATTLES OF TRENTON AND PRINCETOWN. 2iy 
 
 expected to send him reinforcements. On the 2nd of January 1777, 
 the British marched to Trenton, and Cornwallis rested for the night in 
 sight of the American lines. He was at the head of a very superior 
 force, while large bodies of men at Princetown were then ready to join 
 him. During the night, finding himself in a position of extreme peril, 
 Washington marched his army around that of Cornwallis, and at sun¬ 
 rise on the morning of the 3rd, he reached Princetown There, he found 
 the British reserves starting to take part in the expected battle at 
 Trenton. A severe action now ensued, and early in the engagement 
 the gallant General Hugh Mercer 44 fell, when the militia he com¬ 
 manded began to give way. Mounted on a white charger, General 
 Washington then rode forward to restore the battle. During this 
 crisis, he was exposed to the most extreme danger. His noble example 
 infused a new spirit among the men. Moreover, Colonel John Stark 
 was foremost in the fight, where he exhibited all that daring and 
 intrepidity peculiar to himself. 45 Another great service was rendered 
 by Major Kelly. 46 who demolished the bridge over Stony Brook, near 
 Princetown. in the face of Cornwallis’s army. Colonel John Nixon and 
 Captain Moore 47 also greatly distinguished themselves in this battle. 
 After an obstinate struggle, the Americans remained masters of the 
 field. The British who escaped fled towards Trenton to join Lord 
 Cornwallis. The loss on the side of the English was estimated at about 
 200 in killed and wounded, about 230 being made prisoners, of whom 
 fourteen were officers; 48 while the Americans only lost about 30 
 men. 49 
 
 Soon, however, an overwhelming force was collected to meet the 
 Americans, who were obliged to fall back upon Morristown. 51 Between 
 that place and the Highlands of the Hudson, Washington posted his 
 army in strong positions. In some of the colonies, the enlisting of 
 apprentices and of Irish indentured servants had been permitted, with 
 a promise of indemnification to their former masters. Thus, in the 
 opening season of 1777, reinforcements began to arrive from various 
 quarters. Whereupon, towards the close of May, Washington advanced 
 his posts to Brunswick, and fortified them along a chain of hills; while 
 
 44 He was bom in Aberdeen, Scot¬ 
 land, about 1720. See an account of 
 him in Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. iv., pp. 
 300, 301. 
 
 45 See the account of him in “New 
 Hampshire Worthies.” 
 
 46 He was a native of Ireland. 
 
 47 He was born in Ireland. 
 
 48 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Yol. ix., chap, 
 xiv., pp. 244 to 250. 
 
 49 In a letter, dated December 27th 
 1776, and addressed to the President 
 
 of Congress, Washington describes 
 the battle of Trenton. See Jared 
 Sparks’ “Writings of George Wash¬ 
 ington,” &c., Vol. iv., pp. 246 to 
 249. In a letter, dated January 5th 
 1777, he describes the battle of Prince¬ 
 town. See Ibicl. pp. «58 to 261. A 
 map at p. 248 illustrates the battles of 
 Trenton, Dec. 26th, and of Prince- 
 town, Jan. 23ro. 
 
 51 While here, on 22uj of January 
 1777, Washington appointed Stephen 
 Moylan t-o command a regiment of 
 dragoons as colonel. See Ibid. p. 
 293. 
 
220 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 in that position, he commanded a view of the British encampment. 52 
 Nevertheless, without risking a general engagement, for which his 
 troops were altogether unequal, the American general attempted many 
 daring enterprises during the winter, so as to keep the enemy in a 
 constant state of distress and insecurity, 53 Except New Brunswick 
 and Perth Amboy, Cornwallis deemed it necessary to relinquish every 
 other post in New Jersey. Public confidence in the judgment and 
 practical resources of Washington was now greatly restored; and 
 accordingly, the members of Congress returned again to resume their 
 sittings in Philadelphia. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Distinguished Uolunteers arrive from Europe—Congressional Commissioners sent 
 to France—Ex-Governor Tryon’s Expedition—English Plan of Campaign— 
 General Burgoyne advances towards New York from Canada—The Battle of 
 Bennington—Defeat and Surrender of Burgoyne’s Army—General Howe’s 
 Expedition—Battle of Brandywine—Capture of Philadelphia—Battle of 
 Germantown—The Americans Winter at Valley Forge-The Conway Cabal. 
 
 The regards of all lovers of liberty in Europe had been directed towards 
 America, from the very commencement of that heroic struggle which had 
 been carried on; while numbers of brave and eminent men resolved on 
 sharing the trials and dangers that as a necessary consequence ensued. 1 
 Towards the close of 1775. Count Casimir Pulaski 2 set out from France 
 
 52 See “ The Annual Register,” for 
 the year 1777, Vol. xx., The History 
 of Europe, chap, vii., pp. 119, 120. 
 
 53 The despatches of Washington 
 date from his Head Quarters at 
 Morristown, N.J., from January 7th 
 1777, to the 28th of May following. 
 
 1 “ Joseph Galloway, a native of 
 Maryland, but long a resident of 
 Pennsylvania before the Revolution, 
 was one of the best informed men in 
 the colonies, and probably, with the 
 exception of Franklin, had no equal 
 as to his accurate knowledge relating 
 to the general condition of affairs in 
 the country. He was an early and 
 active sympathizer in the American 
 cause until the Declaration of Inde- 
 
 B endence, when he became a Loyalist. 
 
 luring a visit to England he was ex¬ 
 amined in June 1779, before an in¬ 
 vestigating committee of the House of 
 Commons, and his testimony has been 
 frequently published. When asked as 
 to the composition of the Rebel Army 
 his answer was, “ I can answer the 
 
 question with precision, there were 
 scarcely one-fourth natives of Amer¬ 
 ica; about one-half Irish, the other 
 fourth were English and Scotch.” He 
 might have stated more in detail, that 
 the fourth part was composed of some 
 English, very few Scotch, and more 
 Germans, or Dutch, as they were 
 called from Pennsylvania and the 
 Valley of Virginia, chiefly under the com¬ 
 mand of Muhlenberg, and these formed 
 the Eighth Virginia Regiment. I 
 have estimated that about one-fourth 
 of all the American officers and even 
 a larger proportion of those more 
 trusted by Washington, were Irish by 
 birth or descent.”—Dr. Thomas Addis 
 Emmett’s Address before the Amer¬ 
 ican Irish Historical Society, January 
 J ,9th 1899. 
 
 2 This distinguished soldier was born 
 at Winiary, Poland, March 14th 1748, 
 and already he had a distinguished 
 military career, in resisting the ene¬ 
 mies of his own country. See Joubert, 
 “ Les Revolutions de Pologne de 1767 
 a 1775.” 
 
CONGRESSIONAL COMMISSIONERS SENT TO FRANCE. 221 
 
 to offer his services to Congress, and there he formed the Foreign 
 Legion, destined to furnish very effective aid in the Revolutionary War. 
 The renowned Polish Patriot Thadeus Kosciuszko 3 joined the American 
 army as a volunteer, October 18th 1776, and subsequently he was 
 appointed military engineer, with the rank of Colonel. Likewise, 
 Baron de Kalb, an Alsatian, and Lieutenant-Colonel in the French 
 service, tendered his service to the American agents Franklin and Silas 
 Deane in Paris, and Congress bestowed on him the rank of Major- 
 General, November 7th 1776. He arrived in America about the 
 beginning of the following year. 4 An accomplished and experienced 
 Prussian officer, Lieutenant General Frederick William Baron de 
 Steuben, offered his services as a volunteer, and in 1777 he ari’ived in 
 New Hampshire. 5 Foremost and ever to be remembered among those 
 foreign sympathisers with the American cause was the French Marie- 
 Jean-Paul-Roch-Yves, Gilbert Motier Marquis de Lafayette, 6 then only 
 nineteen years of age. He was an ardent lover of liberty, and he had 
 already embraced a military career. Having purchased a ship at his 
 own expense, Lafayette sailed for America to offer his sword without 
 pay to the Congress. Having many obstacles to overcome, in the 
 summer of 1777 he landed at Georgetown in Carolina. Arriving in 
 Philadelphia he was appointed July 31st Major General of the 
 American Army, by an eulogistic resolution of Congress. In 1777, 
 Colonel Thomas Conway had been induced by Silas Deane to leave 
 France for America. 7 An Irish officer in the service of Piedmont, 
 Roche Fermoy also volunteered for the service. 8 Many other volunteer 
 soldiers of distinguished birth and means embarked for the Colonies, 
 expecting to receive on their arrival positions of rank, which the 
 American Commander could not justly assign, without giving dis¬ 
 pleasure to several of his own meritorious officers, 9 
 
 3 See Leonard Chodzko’s “ Histoire 
 militaire, politique et privee de Kos¬ 
 ciuszko,” and “ Histoire de la Revolu¬ 
 tion de 1794,” par un Temoin occu- 
 laire. Paris, 1797. 
 
 4 See an account of him in Rev. 
 J. T. Headley’s “ Washington and his 
 Generals.” New York, 1846. 
 
 5 He afterwards became Inspector- 
 General of the American army. See 
 an account of him in Sparks’ “ Amer¬ 
 ican Biography,” and written by Fran¬ 
 cis Bowen. 
 
 6 His career has been set forth in 
 “ Memoirs, Correspondence et Manu- 
 serits du General La Fayette,” pub¬ 
 lished by his family at Paris in 1837, 
 1838, six volumes, 8vo. 
 
 7 See an account of him in “ En¬ 
 
 cyclopedia Americana,” Vol. ii., pp. 
 
 398, 399. 
 
 8 During the New Jersey Campaign 
 of 1778, he was at the head of the 
 Corps of Observation, appointed to 
 receive and communicate reports of 
 the enemy’s movements to General 
 Washington. He resigned his com¬ 
 mission afterwards to Congress, and 
 retired to France. Then he published 
 an essay on “ The Military Resources 
 of Ireland.” See Thomas D’Arcy 
 McGee’s “ History of the Irish Settlers 
 in North America,” chap. viii., p. 57. 
 
 9 For a general account of these, 
 the reader may consult an admirable 
 work of the Hon. William Sullivan—- 
 nephew of General John Sullivan— 
 and United States Representative for 
 Boston. It is intituled “ Public Men 
 of the Revolution.” To it has been 
 prefixed a sketch of the author, by 
 John T. S. Sullivan. 1 hilacteiphia, 
 1847, 8vo. 
 
222 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 As no very cordial relations had existed between France and England 
 at this time, and as Franklin while in England—with a clear insight 
 regarding eventualities—had sounded the disposition of the French 
 cabinet through their ambassador in London ; acting mainly on such 
 advice, Congress had resolved on sending him, with Silas Deane and 
 Arthur Lee, as diplomatic commissioners to negotiate a treaty; and 
 accordingly, leaving the United States in October 1776,they had reached 
 Paris before the end of that year. 10 They desired an international 
 alliance, if possible ; or at all events, they hoped to obtain aid in money, 
 in soldiers, and in arms, from the French Government, by indirect means. 
 Those Commissioners attempted likewise to engage Spain and Holland 
 on their side. The national sympathies of France had been long enlisted 
 on the side of America. 11 The time was well employed, however, and 
 especially influential and earnest, the diplomatic Benjamin Franklin ably 
 represented the interest of his country in Paris. 12 Although the 
 American Commissioners were kindly received in France, yet did King 
 Louis XVI. and his cabinet hesitate to conclude any formal alliance 
 which should involve a declaration of war against England. 
 
 In the spring of this year, the Americans were known to have 
 collected a considerable quantity of stores at Danbury, Connecticut. 1 * 
 The ex-royalist governor of New York, Tyron, organised an expedition 
 to capture them in the month of April. Accordingly, having assembled 
 a force of two thousand men, he landed them near Norwalk, on 
 Long Island Sound. 14 Thence he marched to Danbury, which he 
 entered on the 26th of April, and, having destroyed the magazines, he 
 set fire to the town. Under Generals Wooster and Arnold, a militia 
 force was hastily assembled, and Tyron was three several times attacked 
 while retreating to his ships. In one of these skirmishes the brave 
 General Wooster was mortally wounded. Tyron escaped to his ships, 
 however, but with a loss of about two hundred men. 15 The British had 
 collected stores at Sagg Harbour, on the eastern end of Long Island. At 
 this time, General Parsons was in command of some Connecticut recruits 
 at Newhaven, and he conceived the project of surprising the enemy. lft 
 Accordingly, in the month of May, Lieutenant-Colonel Meigs, at the 
 head of nearly two hundred men, crossed the Sound in whale-boats. 
 They destroyed a quantity of stores, burned eleven or twelve vessels; 
 they killed six men, and took ninety prisoners. Very few escaped under 
 
 10 An interesting account of these 
 transactions may be found in Jared 
 Sparks’ Life of Benjamin Franklin, 
 prefixed to his Collected Works. Vol. 
 i., chaps, ix., x., pp. 415 to 437. 
 
 11 See Henri Martin’s “ Histoire de 
 France,” Tome xvi., Septieme Partie, 
 Liv. civ., p. 412. 
 
 12 See “Memoires de la Vie privee 
 de Benjamin Franklin, ecrits par Lui- 
 Meme, et addresses a Son Fils.” 
 Published at Paris, a.d. 1791. 8vo. 
 
 13 See “ The Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1777, Vol. xx. The History 
 of Europe, chap, vii., pp. 116 to 118. 
 
 14 Benson J. Lessing's “ Pictorial 
 Field-Book of the Revolution,” Vol. 
 i., chap, xviii., pp. 401 to 410. 
 
 15 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. ix., chap, 
 xx., pp. 346 to 348. 
 
 16 See “The Annual Register” for 
 the year 1777, Vol. xx. The History 
 of Europe, pp. 118, 119. 
 
GENERAL BURGOYNE ADVANCES ON NEW YORK. 223 
 
 cover of the night. 17 Tn fine, the Connecticut band safely returned and 
 without the loss of a single man. • 
 
 In the spring and summer of 1777, vast preparations were being 
 completed on the part of England, to subjugate her rebellions colonists. 18 
 Every effort had been made by her ministers to gain recruits, both for 
 her army and navy. On the kinglings of Germany reposed their chief 
 hopes ;' 9 and by force, impressment, theft of foreigners, and other 
 means, their recruits and yagers were enlisted, but to the intense disgust 
 of the army and the people. 20 Numbers of vagabonds and loose fellows 
 were added to a force, that was generally discredited in Europe as in 
 America; however, to the credit of the larger German states of the 
 Empire, be it stated, that Frederick of Prussia, and the Court of Vienna 
 in the name of Maria Teresa and Joseph the Second, threw obstacles 
 in the way for carrying out that odious traffic in human blood. Many 
 of the recruits deserted before they had been well embodied, and most 
 of them were driven reluctantly on ship-board by sheer force. 21 
 
 It was well known to the Americans, that an expedition had been 
 fitting out in Canada, which was destined to march in the direction of 
 the river Hudson and New York. It had been decided, as the plan of 
 campaign about to open in midsummer, that while General Howe 
 should leave a strong force in New York, to meet an advancing army 
 from Canada, he should conduct a still larger armament to effect the 
 capture of Philadelphia. Both these movements were projected so as to 
 be nearly simultaneous. Meantime, the American general kept on the 
 watch in Jersey, where his winter quarters were set. Another small 
 colonial force, chiefly of militia, had been assembled under General 
 Schuyler, a most meritorious officer. He remained in the interior of 
 New York, to oppose the expected invasion from Canada. 22 The men, 
 however, were very badly armed and equipped. The main body of 
 2,500 men commanded by General St. Clair had been stationed at 
 Ticonderoga, which was strongly fortified. There the military stores 
 were imprudently left, by directions of General Schuyler. 
 
 On the 11th of June, Congress decreed that the American flag should 
 have thirteen stripes, alternate white and red, to represent their thirteen 
 
 17 See “The Life of George Wash¬ 
 ington, Commander-in-Chief of the 
 American Forces,” etc., by Hon. 
 John Marshall, Vol. iii., chap, ii., 
 pp. 98 to 104. 
 
 18 See Dohenv’s “ History of the 
 American Revolution,” chap. xi. 
 
 19 Some shameful avowals on this 
 subject have been brought to light 
 by the publication of Memoirs and 
 correspondence of public men who were 
 contemporaneous with this period., 
 
 20 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. ix., chap, 
 xviii., pp. 313 to 317. 
 
 21 “The whole number of recruits 
 
 and reinforcements obtained from Ger¬ 
 many amounted to no more than 
 thirty-five hundred and ninety-six. It 
 is noticable, that they all came from 
 Protestant principalities; for the 
 landgrave of Hesse, though a Roman 
 convertite, can hardly pass for a 
 Catholic Prince. Besides, the British 
 government, from its constitution, 
 preferred the employment of Protest¬ 
 ants in the army, as well as in all 
 other departments.” Ibid., pp. 317, 
 318. 
 
 22 See Hon. J. Marshall’s “ Life of 
 George Washington,” Vol. iii., chap, 
 i., pp. 3 to 5. 
 
224 
 
 IKISlI-AMEKtCAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 states ; and that the union emblem be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, 
 representing a new constellation. 23 Colonel William Barton performed 
 one of the bravest acts recorded in the American Revolution. On the 
 night of July 13th, he crossed iSTarragansett Bay with a small body of 
 men, passed three British frigates, and landed at the shore, about one 
 mile distant from the house where General Prescott was sleeping. By 
 a cunning move, he eluded the guards, and arriving at the door of 
 Prescott’s house, a negro attendant shoved his head through a panel of 
 the door. Prescott was carried away without waking the guard. 24 
 Soon afterwards, the British willingly exchanged General Lee for him. 
 
 During the previous winter, Lieutenant-General Burgoyne with the 
 British ministers had arranged an expedition, of which he was to have 
 chief command on returning to Canada, whilst he was to supersede Sir 
 Guy Carleton in the military direction. Troops began to arrive there, 
 during the spring and summer, when the St. Lawrence was free from 
 ice. Desiring to co-operate with General Howe, LieutenantrGeneral 
 Burgoyne had been placed at the head of a considerable army at 
 Quebec; 26 this was to move southwards by way of Lake Champlain, 
 while a detachment was to ascend the St. Lawrence river so far as Lake 
 Ontario. To that force had been attached bands of wild Indians, in 
 great numbers; while Lord George Germain, 26 the secretary of the war 
 department, and King George III. were most desirous of having those 
 ferocious auxiliaries, 27 to the great dislike of humane British and German 
 officers in Canada. While that expedition marched southwards against 
 St. Clair, a force of 3,700 regulars and militia were left to guard 
 Canada. 28 Meantime, General Burgoyne issued a manifesto to the 
 revolted colonies, accompanied with vain-glorious threats of his arms, 
 which could only diminish the lustre of his success if he obtained 
 any, and which were sure to expose him to derision in the event 
 of a failure. 29 Having proceeded to Lake Champlain, Burgoyne met 
 the Indians near Crown Point, on the 20th June, 1777. There 
 
 23 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. ix., chap, 
 xx., p. 352. 
 
 24 For this intrepid action, Congress 
 awarded Colonel Barton'a sword, and 
 a tract of land in Vermont. See Ben¬ 
 son J. Lossing’s “ Pictorial Field- 
 Book of the Revolution.” Vol. ii., 
 chap, iv., pp. 75 to 77. 
 
 25 During this year, the number of 
 men who sailed from Great Britain 
 and Ireland for Canada amounted to 
 seven hundred and twenty-six ; while 
 three thousand two hundred and 
 fifty-two arrived in New York. 
 
 26 See an account of him in the 
 “ Historical and Posthumous Memoirs 
 of Sir Nathaniel William Wraxall 
 1772 - 1784,” edited by Henry B. 
 
 Wheatley, F.S.A. Vol. i., pp. 383, 
 et seq. London, 1884, 8vo. 
 
 27 Joseph Brant, the Mohawk war¬ 
 rior, had been engaged by the secre¬ 
 tary to rouse the fury of the tribes so as 
 to make them clamour for leaders of 
 their own, and who would be sure to 
 indulge them in all their excesses. 
 See George Bancroft’s “ History of 
 the United States,” Vol. ix., chap, 
 xviii., pp. 320 to 322. 
 
 28 See “ The Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1777, Vol. xx. The History 
 of Europe, chap, viii., pp. 144, 145. 
 
 29 See Horace Walpole’s “ Journal 
 of the reign of King George the Third, 
 from the year 1771 to 1783,” Vol. ii., 
 p. 130. 
 
Thaddeus Kosciusko, 
 
 Colonelof Engineers m the Con Linen ta / Army. 
 
 Marie-JeanPaul-Roch-Yves Gilbert Mover, 
 
 Marquis delafayelle, Major-General US Army 
 
 Nathaniel Green 
 
 Major-General U S Army. 
 
 George Clinton. 
 
 Governor of New Ycr/( 
 

 
 
 
 
 / 
 
 
THE BATTLES AT LAKE CHAMPLAIN. 225 
 
 he halted for a few days, to make the necessary dispositions for 
 an attack on Ticonderoga 30 . He then issued orders to advance, 
 and while their naval force, moving from Canada towards New York, 
 kept the centre of Lake Champlain, the British land force, with 
 order and caution, marched along the opposite shores in separate 
 divisions towards Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Independence 31 . 
 
 On the 5th of July, Burgoyne invested Ticonderoga with some of the 
 finest regiments in the British service, aided by those mercenaries from 
 the German principalities. Their fleet was anchored beyond the range of 
 guns from Fort Ticonderoga. That place was overlooked by a steep 
 hill called Mount Defiance. By incredible efforts, the summit was 
 crowned with a battery of artillery, which must soon have demolished 
 the American defences. There General St. Clair was posted, and calling 
 a council of his officers, they decided to retreat from a place they could 
 not expect to hold, in the face of so large an attacking army 32 . On the 
 6th of July, they retired in good order. St. Clair sent off' his cannon 
 and stores by boats to Skenesborough, now Whitehall, at the upper end 
 of Lake Champlain, while he led the garrison towards the same point 
 by a road which his soldiers had helped to clear. Meantime, the light 
 division of the British Army followed, under command of Generals 
 Frazer and Reidesel 33 . On the 7th of July, the British under General 
 Frazer were engaged with the American rear-guard under Warner at 
 Hubbardstown, where a sharp action took place. Nobly assisted by 
 Colonel Eben Francis and his New Hampshire regiment, Warner 
 turned on them and commenced the attack. 34 The British were like to 
 have been worsted, when Reidesel with his Germans came up to their 
 assistance. How r ever, Colonel Francis held the enemy at bay until he 
 fell, In this action, the British lost 183 men, while the loss on the 
 side of the Americans was hardly less than 300. The American boats 
 were followed, and two were captured at Skenesborough, so that it 
 became necessary to destroy the rest. With two thousand excellent 
 troops under his command, St. Clair continued his retreat, rather 
 favourably circumstanced, to Fort Edward on the Hudson River 35 . 
 When tidings of Burgoyne’s advance, and the retreat of the Americans 
 reached Englaud, great joy was felt by the Ministers, and by the Tory 
 party ; while ridicule and contempt were freely expressed for the vain 
 attempts of the Continentals to sustain the war in which they were 
 engaged 36 . The signal result of utter failure was not then anticipated. 
 
 30 See John Marshall’s “Life of 
 George Washington,” Vol. iii., chap, 
 v., pp. 232 to 242. 
 
 31 These transactions are treated 
 very fully in George Bancroft’s “ His¬ 
 tory of the United States,” Vol. ix., 
 chaps, xxi., xxii., pp. 359 to 387. 
 
 32 See Lord Mahon’s “ History of 
 England, from the Peace of Utrecht,” 
 Vol. vi., chap, lvi., p. 257. 
 
 33 See John Marshall’s “Life of 
 
 George Washington,” &c., chap, v., 
 pp. 233 to 249. 
 
 34 See Benson J. Lossing’s “ Picto¬ 
 rial Field-Book of the Revolution,” 
 Vol. i., chap, vi., pp. 145, 146. 
 
 35 See George Bancroft’s “History 
 of the United States,” Vol. ix., chap, 
 xxii., pp. 369, 370. 
 
 36 See “The Annual Register” for 
 the year 1777, Vol. xx. “ History of 
 Europe,” chap, viii., p. 152. 
 
 Q 
 
226 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 At the head of the Hudson river General Schuyler was stationed 
 with a brigade detached from Putnam’s force in the Highlands and a 
 few Continentals; so that the united American army did not number 
 more than 4,500 men, very badly provided against an assault from the 
 finely-equipped and vastly superior force opposed to them. This in¬ 
 equality of numbers caused great anxiety to the American General, who 
 sent the most despondent messages to Congress regarding his situation. 
 Notwithstanding, he manifested signal ability under such circumstances. 
 Everywhere he continued to obstruct the roads through the wilderness 
 by felling trees across them and by breaking down the bridges. Thus, 
 it occupied Burgoyne no less than twenty-four days before his army 
 could arrive at the Hudson. Besides, he found the whole country 
 wasted on his line of march, and he met with none but women, who 
 could give him no intelligence. 37 On their march towards Fort Edward, 
 the Indians attached to the British army attacked a house, where they 
 murdered several persons, and carried off a young lady named Jenny 
 McCrea, 38 whom they afterwards killed, and brought her scalp into the 
 British camp. 39 This inhuman deed caused great excitement among 
 the people, and increased still more t’ eir animosity against the British. 
 
 Meantime, the best possible dispositions for his army were made by 
 General Schuyler. The Americans crossed the river Hudson, and had 
 taken post at Saratoga. While these movements were in progress, 
 Colonel Gausevoort and two regiments of Continentals occupied the 
 important post of Fort Schuyler, now called Rome, on the extreme 
 border of the New York settlements at that period. A party, com¬ 
 posed of Regulars Tories, Canadians and Indians, had been detached 
 from Burgoyne’s army to capture that fort, and Colonel St. Ledger, 
 who conducted them through the valley of the Mohawk, laid siege 
 to it on the 3rd of August. The settlers in that district assembled 
 for its better protection. At Oriskany, which was near, and on the 6 th 
 of August, an engagement took place, the British having surprised a 
 body of New York militia, commanded by General Herkimer, who 
 was marching to relieve the besieged. He fell mortally wounded, 
 and many of his men were killed. A number of the prisoners taken 
 by St. Ledger in this ambuscade were massacred by the Indians. 
 Owing to a successful sally, however, the garrison rescued the sur¬ 
 vivors. 40 A few days afterwards, General Schuyler sent Arnold with 
 three regiments to their relief. The British did not wait his arrival, 
 but abandoning their tents, and leaving most of their stores and bag¬ 
 gage, they retreated on Oswego, and then crossed over to Canada. 
 Numbers of the Indians 41 then scattered and deserted from the British. 
 
 37 See Horace Walpole’s “ Journal 
 of the Reign of King George the 
 Third, from the year 1771 to 1783,” 
 Vol. ii., p. 132. 
 
 38 She had been engaged to be mar¬ 
 ried to a loyalist officer then in Bur* 
 goyne’s army. 
 
 39 It must be observed, that General 
 Burgoyne manifested his horror at 
 this tragic deed of his savage allies. 
 
 40 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. ix., chap, 
 xxii., pp, 377 to 320. 
 
 41 The varying relations of the 
 
THE BATTLE OP BENNINGTON, 
 
 227 
 
 Foiled by the retreating Americans in front, and menaced by the 
 militia rising on his flanks, Burgoyne despatched eight hundred British 
 and German regulars on his left, to destroy some stores collected by 
 the Americans at Bennington, Vermont. 42 They were commanded by 
 Colonel Baum, but on their march and six miles from the town, those 
 soldiers were met by Colonel Stark, who was at the head of a New 
 Hampshire force, largely composed of Irish Americans. On both sides 
 entrenchments were thrown up, the leaders of each army sending back 
 for reinforcements. Notwithstanding, on the 16th August, Stark drew 
 out his men in four columns, and made an attack on the British position. 43 
 This engagement was bravely contested, and it lasted for two hours. 
 At length, the British gave way. Colonel Breyman having then arrived 
 with a fresh reinforcement, the battle was again renewed. Stark was 
 now heavily matched, but his men fought with great obstinacy and 
 determination. At this critical moment, Seth Warner 44 came up with an 
 American detachment, and the battle was restored. 45 The action was 
 continued until night fell. The British force was then put to a complete 
 rout, Breyman retreating in confusion, leaving his guns and baggage on 
 the field. Six hundred prisoners were taken by the Americans, as also 
 one thousand muskets and four cannon. While the English lost in both 
 engagements about 200 men, the Americans had only 14 killed, and 42 
 wounded. 46 Thus Stark was victorious in the two engagements, fought 
 on the same field and on the same day. 
 
 The result of this engagement was to kindle a heroic spirit among 
 the militia ; although, as their term of service expired on that very day, 
 several of the men insisted on marching back to their homes Many 
 remained, however, and were of great assistance in the subsequent 
 campaign. Elsewhere, also, the militia were rising in every direction 
 around the army of Burgoyne. Their supplies were thus cut off, so 
 that for a considerable length of time, his troops had no other meat 
 supplies, but what came from the slaughter of their horses. 47 Notwith- 
 
 British and Colonists with the Indians 
 are very intelligently stated in 
 Auguste Carlier’s “ L’Histoire du 
 Peuple Americam depuis la Fonda- 
 tion des Colonies Angfeises jusqu’ a 
 la Revolution de 1776,” Paris, 1864. 
 
 42 Before this period, it had not a 
 more distinctive recognition in the 
 Union, than in being recognised as 
 the “New Hampshire Grants;” be¬ 
 cause under Colonial rule, the last- 
 named Colonists had claimed it as 
 belonging to them, by royal charter, 
 although the New Yorkers had con¬ 
 tested such doubtful claim, by virtue of 
 their own royal charter. Its independ¬ 
 ence as a separate province had been 
 mooted, when the Revolutionary War 
 broke out, and for a time it set that 
 
 question in abeyance. See Rowland 
 E. Robinson’s “Vermont: a Study 
 of Independence.” Houghton, MifHin, 
 and Co., Boston and New York, 
 1892, 8vo. 
 
 43 See Lord Mahon’s “ History of 
 England from the Peace of Utrecht,” 
 Vol. vi., chap, lvi., p. 264. 
 
 44 The hero of Crown Point. See 
 Benson J. Lossing’s “ Pictorial Field- 
 Book of the Revolution,” Vol. i., 
 chap, xvii., pp. 392 to 398. 
 
 45 An Irish-American, Colonel Nich¬ 
 ols, shared in the honours of this 
 day. 
 
 46 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. ix., chap, 
 xxii., pp. 384 to 386. 
 
 47 This information the author had— 
 
228 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 standing General Schuyler’s able manoeuvres, yet his retreat before 
 the greatly superior forces of Burgoyne was misunderstood, and 
 severely criticised ; so that, fearing the loss of Philadelphia, Congress 
 sought to avoid a calamity in the north, which his prudence happily 
 averted. General Horatio Gates was now appointed to relieve him of 
 the command, and this was assumed on the 19th of August. 48 Although 
 having a fair prospect of ultimate success, General Schuyler welcomed 
 cordially his successor, who reaped the chief glory of all those northern 
 tactics and enterprises. On Sunday September 14, Burgoyne crossed 
 the Hudson, and encamped on the heights and plains of Saratoga, near 
 Fish river, and within a few miles of the Continentals under General 
 Gates. On the 19th, the English having advanced somewhat, an 
 engagement took place. The American sharpshooters, moving round 
 to their flank under General Morgan, drove back the advance guard of 
 the enemy. Coming on the main body, however, they w ere compelled 
 to retreat until reinforced, when they again pushed on to the attack. 
 A severe conflict ensued, in which Morgan’s riflemen fought bravely. In 
 this engagement, General Benedict Arnold was notably distinguished. 49 
 
 The American army had taken post on Bemis’ Heights near Saratoga, 
 in an advantageous position. Here a serious engagement ensued. The 
 Polish hero Kosciuszko had acted as Gates’ engineer in throwing up 
 entrenchments. While waiting the British attack, General Lincoln 
 was sent with a detachment to harass the enemy in flank and rere. 60 
 
 The English were now in great distress, and to retreat from their 
 position was impossible. The militia were rising behind them, and they 
 were vigorously pressed in tront and flank. On the 7th of October, a 
 severe engagement took place near Saratoga, which resulted in favour 
 of the Americans. 61 They captured a full supply of ammunition, and 
 this had been much needed by their army. One of the bravest British 
 Generals, Frazer, fell mortally wounded m that engagement, 62 and his 
 death greatly discouraged the army to which he had been attached. 
 The English lost about 600 men, and they were forced to retreat to their 
 fortifications. These were vigorously assailed by the Americans, when 
 the Hessian reserve defending them threw down their arms, and retreated 
 precipitately to the interior of their camp. Night closed that contest, 
 ; and the British evacuated the position. The Americans lost 300 men 
 in that determined conflict. During all the fight, however, neither 
 
 now many years ago—from an old 
 man in Cullenagh, Queen’s County, 
 Ireland, and whose uncle was one of 
 the many Irish soldiers serving, very 
 reluctantly, under Burgoyne. That 
 old man had the fact narrated in 
 the text, from the account given by 
 that soldier. 
 
 48 See “The Annual Register” for 
 the year 1777, Vol. xx. ; History of 
 Europe, chap. ix. 
 
 49 See Charles Knight’s “ English 
 Cyclopaedia, Biography,” Yol. i., col. 
 352. 
 
 50 See “ The Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1777, Yol. xx. ; History of 
 Europe, chap. ix. 
 
 51 See Lord Mahon’s “History of 
 England from the Peace of Utrecht,” 
 Vol. vi., chap, lvi., pp. 269 to 271. 
 
 52 It is said he was shot by an 
 Irish rifleman named Murphy. 
 
SURRENDER OF GENERAL BURGOYNE. 
 
 229 
 
 Gates nor Lincoln appeared in the field This engagement was an¬ 
 nounced everywhere as a glorious victory. 58 It gave also great encourage¬ 
 ment to recruiting. On the 9th of October, Burgoyne retreated to 
 Saratoga and proceeded to fortify his camp. Here the British were 
 constantly exposed to the fire of the American batteries, while the rifle¬ 
 men of General Morgan did great execution. 
 
 Meantime, Sir Henry Clinton was expected to create a diversion, and 
 to co-operate with an army from New York. The news of their advance 
 had reached General Gates from the i*ere ; but it was kept from the 
 knowledge of Burgoyne, who was now closely hemmed in on every side. 
 Under the leadership of Sir Henry Clinton, 3,000 of the British, with 
 Commodore Hotham’s squadron, advanced up the Hudson to attack 
 the Americans, who were under the command of two distinguished 
 Irish-American brothers, also named respectively Generals George 54 and 
 James 55 Clinton. 56 Both of these were stationed at Fort Clinton and 
 Fort Montgomery, which were situated on the Hudson, about fifty miles 
 above New York. • The forts were in an unfinished state, and their 
 garrisons were weak, being defended by only five hundred men, chiefly 
 militia. Their English namesake, Sir Henry Clinton, with an army of 
 three thousand men and a formidable fleet, sailed up the Hudson to 
 attack them. Both were invested and assailed simultaneously by land 
 
 83 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. ix., chap, 
 xxiv., pp. 414 to 419. 
 
 54 Although the younger of the two 
 brothers, George held there the chief 
 command. He was a member of the 
 Congress of 1776, when he was ap¬ 
 pointed Brigadier-General. His popu¬ 
 larity and influence were unbounded 
 in New York. He was Governor of 
 the State for eighteen years, having 
 been first elected in 1777, and after¬ 
 wards he continued by triennial election 
 until 1795. In 1805, he was chosen 
 Vice-President of the United States, 
 and he died at Washington in 1812, 
 while still in possession of that high 
 office, aged seventy-two. See “ Irish 
 Celts,” sub voce. 
 
 55 He was the son of Colonel Charles 
 Clinton, born in Longford, a.d. 1690, 
 and an Irish emigrant who settled in 
 Ulster County, New York, a.d. 1719. 
 He figured in the French Colonial 
 war. His son James was born in 
 1736. In early life he possessed few 
 adventitious aids to success except an 
 excellent education, a gift which 
 he shared in common with his most 
 distinguished brothers. Evincing an 
 inclination for a military life, he was 
 appointed in 1756 an ensign in a 
 
 militia regiment, from which rank he 
 rose in 1758 to a lieutenancy, and 
 in 1759 to a captaincy. In 1763, he 
 was elevated to the post of captain- 
 commandant of the four companies 
 raised to defend the Western frontiers 
 of New York, and in 1774, he be¬ 
 came Lieutenant-Colonel of the Second 
 regiment of militia in his native 
 country. In the French war, he 
 participated in the capture of Fort 
 Frontenac, and won a reputation for 
 gallantry, resolution and military 
 skill. At the close of the war, he 
 married a Miss de Witt, and retired 
 to private life. But, like other 
 veterans of that contest, when the 
 Revolutionary war became inevitable, 
 he cheerfully resumed his old profes¬ 
 sion, and prepared to shed his blood 
 for freedom. Congress immediately 
 gave him the commission of a colonel, 
 and subsequently, in 1776, that of a 
 brigadier. He afterwards attained 
 the rank of major-general. Clinton 
 served in the expedition against Cana¬ 
 da, under Montgomery. He died in 
 1812, in the seventy-fifth year of his 
 age. See Ibid. 
 
 56 See “ The Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1777, Vol. xx. ; History of 
 Europe, chap, ix., p. 174. 
 
IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 230 
 
 and water. When summoned to surrender, the brothers replied, that 
 they would hold the forts to the death. James commanded at Fort 
 Montgomery; while George was over the garrison in Fort Clinton. 57 
 Campbell led the attack against Fort Montgomery on the 6 th of October. 
 In the onset, he was killed. By sheer force of numbers, the garrisons 
 were overpowered after losing half their men. When the enemy rushed 
 into the fort, Colonel McCleary, a brother-in-law to the Clintons, and an 
 officer named Humphrey, turned back to back and defended themselves 
 desperately. They were assailed on all sides, and undoubtedly must 
 have been killed, but a British senator who witnessed their spirit and 
 bravery cried out that it should be a pity to kill such brave men. The 
 soldiers then rushed on and seized them, and brought them prisoners before 
 the British General. 58 The Americans were obliged, however, to retreat 
 from Forts Clinton 59 and Montgomery. The two brothers Clinton 
 escaped, and after a series of adventures which reads more like romance 
 than reality, they arrived in safety among their rebel friends. In this 
 struggle, the British lost 140 men, while the Continentals acknowledged 
 a loss of 300 men. 60 During the advance of Sir Henry Clinton, Kingston 
 in New York was burned by the British, on the 15th of October. 
 
 During the night after his defeat, Burgoyne fell back to the heights 
 in the rere of Saratoga, expecting he should be atttacked there by the 
 Americans. However, Gates only sent detachments round his position, 
 and these were directed to threaten his retreat. At length, his 
 provisions being nearly exhausted, while his army was enclosed on every 
 side, no option remained for Burgoyne but surrender. He was granted 
 honourable terms by General Gates, anxious to hasten that result, before 
 Sir Henry Clinton could push his way onward to the American lines. 61 
 On the 17th of October, to the number of nearly 6,000, among whom 
 were over 2,400 Hessians or Germans, Lieutenant-General Burgoyne 
 and his army were obliged to capitulate, as the American General 
 Gates had hemmed them in with a greatly superior force. 62 The British 
 marched down from the heights, and at the verge of the river laid 
 down their arms. 03 The spoils acquired by the Americans were 42 
 
 57 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. ix., chap, 
 xxiv., pp. 412 to 414. 
 
 58 See Rev. J. T. Headley’s “Wash¬ 
 ington and his Generals,” Vol. ii., 
 
 p. 206. 
 
 59 Before evacuating this defensive 
 position, the last shot from an Amer¬ 
 ican gun was fired by a brave Irish 
 woman, nicknamed Captain Molly, 
 and the wife of a cannonier. The 
 following year, after her husband had 
 been killed at the battle of Mon¬ 
 mouth, she served his cannon with a 
 skill and courage that commanded 
 the admiration and rewards of General 
 Washington and his army. See these 
 
 E articulars related and illustrated in 
 ossing’s “ Pictorial Field-Book of 
 the Revolution,” Vol. ii., chap, vii., 
 p. 164, and chap, xiii., pp. 361, 362. 
 
 60 In “ The Writings of George 
 Washington,” etc., edited by Jared 
 Sparks, Vol. v., there is a Plan or 
 Map of Forts Clinton and Mont¬ 
 gomery on the Hudson River, at p. 
 90. 
 
 61 See “ The Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1777. Vol. xx. History of 
 Europe, chap, ix., pp. 155 to 174. 
 
 62 See David Ramsey’s “ History of 
 the American Revolution.” Vol. ii., 
 p. 367. Philadelphia, 8vo. 
 
 63 The American army was drawn 
 
GENERAL HOWE’S EXPEDITION. 231 
 
 cannon and 4,000 muskets. When the British army dressed in their 
 shining uniforms filed past the tent of Gates on the morning of Bur- 
 goyne’s surrender as prisoners, they gazed with astonishment upon the 
 ragged and torn battalions of the Americans. And conspicuous among 
 all others stood Morgan’s brigade of Irish riflemen, their hunting shirts 
 stained and faded by the dust and smoke of battle, and their flag, upon 
 which was written “Liberty or Death,” tattered and rent by bullets 
 into streaming shreds. Nixon’s and Learned’s brigades were in the 
 same plight. This was a blow severely felt by the British, as it 
 supplied the Continentals with artillery, muskets, ammunition and mili¬ 
 tary stores, of which they stood much in need. 64 In addition, it greatly 
 weakened the means of the English government, and distracted those 
 efforts and counsels relied upon for success in the succeeding cam¬ 
 paigns; while the confidence and elation felt in Great Britain gave 
 place to dejection and grief, when news arrived of Burgoyne’s surrender. 
 An effort had been made by General Carleton to favour his retreat; 
 and for that purpose, he marched from Canada with 2,000 men, 65 but 
 on learning the result, he was obliged to return. This was one of the 
 most decisive victories of the Revolution, and it had a very inspiring 
 effect in the cause of liberty throughout the country. Meanwhile, 
 having received intelligence of Burgoyne’s surrender, Sir Henry Clinton 
 retreated in haste to New York, having dismantled those forts he had 
 ^ taken on the Hudson. 
 
 For a long time, Washington was uncertain regarding the anticipated 
 movements of Lord Howe, who had a large army in New York, and 
 under his immediate command. But, according to his usual indolence, 
 instead of taking advantage of the unprovided state of the Americans, 
 he wasted April, May, and the greater part of June, before he had made 
 all preparations required for the coming campaign; After an ineffective 
 attempt to cut off Sullivan’s division from Washington’s army, and a 
 ridiculous demonstration before the lines at Middlebrook, the British 
 ingloriously retired with their greatly superior forces. 66 At length, 
 General Howe and a large British force had crossed over to Staten 
 Island, on the 30th of June, and embarked on board the fleet. 67 As 
 
 up in two parallel lines, and between 
 them the English, German, and Hes¬ 
 sian troops marched to the tune of 
 “ Yankee Doodle,” according to the 
 statement of Sergeant Lamb, who 
 published a very interesting “ Journal 
 of the American War,” Dublin, 1809. 
 
 64 By the old narrator already al¬ 
 luded to, the writer of this History 
 has been informed, that as the greater 
 number of those who fought under 
 General Burgoyne belonged to regi¬ 
 ments recruited in Ireland, his sur¬ 
 render was to them a cause for 
 rejoicing rather than for regret. Great 
 i umbers of the prisoners most willingly 
 
 joined the Americans, while, owing 
 to their experience and regular discip¬ 
 line, they rendered most effective aid 
 in many succeeding battles fought 
 during the Revolutionary War. In¬ 
 deed, as deserters from the English 
 colours, few of these ever returned 
 again to Ireland. 
 
 65 See Horace Walpole’s “Journal 
 of the Reign of King George the 
 Third, from the year 1771 to 1780,” 
 Yol. ii., p. 159. 
 
 66 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. ix., chap, 
 xx., pp. 349 to 353. 
 
 67 See “ The Annual Register ” for 
 
232 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 their destination lay southwards, Washington divined their object was 
 to attack Philadelphia. Accordingly, he proceeded thither by forced 
 marches. Hardly had he 11,000 effective men under his command. 
 During these movements, Commissary-General Charles Stewart 08 served 
 with distinction on Washington’s staff, and until the close of the war, 
 he was engaged most zealously for the cause. 
 
 While Howe evacuated Jersey, and left seventeen battalions, some 
 cavalr) r and all the provincials at New York, under General Clinton, he 
 embarked with forty-six battalions and two regiments of cavalry for 
 Philadelphia. 69 With his much inferior army, Washington on the 24th 
 of August paraded that city, and endeavoured to make the greatest 
 possible display, so as to control and intimidate many of the disaffected 
 inhabitants. 70 Numbers of these were Tories, and many others had 
 been opposed to a war, which they thought must be attended with 
 unsuccessful issues. After much uncertainty regarding the British 
 design, and the movement of their fleet from New York, news reached 
 Washington that their ships had been seen at the Capes of the Delaware. 
 Then their destination seemed no longer doubtful. 71 Meantime, 
 General Howe with 18,000 men 72 landed at the head of Chesapeake Bay 
 in Maryland. There, on the 25th of August, the men were set on 
 shore. 73 On the 3rd of September, two divisions under Cornwallis and 
 Knyphausen began their march towards Philadelphia. The American 
 general at first took up a post behind Red Clay creek; but afterwards, 
 by a well directed movement, he fell back on high grounds above 
 Chad’s ford, and on the north side of the Brandywine River. 74 Wash¬ 
 ington made the best dispositions he could to meet the advancing army, 
 although his own was greatly inferior in numbers and in arms. A 
 battery of cannon and a good parapet guarded the ford; while Brigadier 
 General John Armstrong 75 and the Pennsylvania Militia were placed 
 
 the year 1777. Vol. xx. History of 
 Europe, chap, vii., pp. 120 to 128. 
 
 68 He was bom in the County of 
 Donegal, Ireland, 1729, and in 1750, 
 having emigrated to America, he be¬ 
 came a Deputy-Surveyor General of 
 the Pennsylvania province. In 1774, 
 he was a member of the first New 
 Jersey Convention, and in 1775, a 
 delegate to its first Provincial Con¬ 
 gress. He was appointed Colonel 
 of the first Regiment of Minute Men 
 raised in that State, and then he was 
 placed over the Second Regiment of 
 the Line. After the war, in 1784-5, 
 he was a representative in Congress 
 from New Jersey. See Appleton’s 
 “ Cyclopaedia of American Biography.” 
 Vol. v., p. 683. 
 
 69 See “ Correspondence of Charles, 
 First Marquis of Cornwallis,” edited 
 with Notes bv Charles Ross, Esq. 
 
 Vol. i., chap, ii., p. 29. Published in 
 
 three volumes. London, 1859, 8vo. 
 
 70 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. ix., chap, 
 xxiii., p. 393. 
 
 71 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington,” Vol. i., chap, x., p. 
 247. 
 
 72 According to Sir William Howe’s 
 own “ Narrative,” &c., he had only 
 about 14,000 men. 
 
 73 See Lord Mahon’s “ History of 
 England from the Peace of Utrecht,” 
 Vol. vi., chap, lv., p. 240. 
 
 74 See “ The Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1777, Vol. xx. History of 
 Europe, chap, viii., pp. 128 to 130. 
 
 75 He was born in the north of Ire¬ 
 land, and having early emigrated to 
 America, he served with distinction in 
 the war with France 1755-6. He served 
 at Fort Moultrie. After the Revolu- 
 
BATTLE OP BRANDYWINE. 233 
 
 there to defend it, on the left of that position. To General Sullivan, 
 with six brigades, had been confided the charge on the right, and these 
 were stationed in echelons along the river. The selected field of battle 
 was about thirty miles south from Philadelphia. The American general 
 had sent word to General Sullivan to cross the Brandywine, at a higher 
 ford, but this order was disobej/ed; while the failure to do so overthrew 
 Washington’s design, and exposed the right wing of his army to manifest 
 danger. 70 On the 11th of September, both armies met and engaged 
 there in an obstinate encounter. General Knyphausen was directed to 
 move with his Hessians in front to the attack ; while Lord Cornwallis 
 made a detour higher up, in order to outflank the Americans. 77 Thus 
 it was hoped to prevent their anticipated retreat on Philadelphia, 
 Henry Knox’s artillery played with considerable effect on the advancing 
 columns; while Sullivan, Wayne, Conway, Armstrong, Nash, Max¬ 
 well, M'Dougal and Reed fought bravely during this encounter. 
 The celebrated and brave general, Anthony Wayne," 8 who commanded 
 the Pennsylvania Line, was placed to defend Chad’s ford, which he did 
 with the most gallant resistance possible. 79 The Marquis de la Fayette 
 
 tionary war was over, he was sent 
 to Congress, and he held many local 
 offices. He died in Carlisle, Pa., 
 March 9th 1795. See Appleton’s 
 “ Cyclopaedia of American Biography,” 
 Yol. i., pp. 91, 92. 
 
 76 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. ix., chap, 
 xxiii., pp. 396, 397. 
 
 77 See Lord Mahon’s “ History of 
 England form the Peace of Utrecht,” 
 Vol. vi., pp. 241, 242. 
 
 78 He was, likewise, as an Irish- 
 American, a member of the Friendly 
 Sons of St Patrick. This benevolent 
 Society had been formed at Phila¬ 
 delphia before the Revolution broke 
 out, and it met without interruption 
 until near the time when the British 
 took possession in 1777. After that 
 
 eriod no meetings were held until 
 eptember, 1778. Several members 
 in the public service were at that 
 time noted as absent in camp or 
 absent at sea. At a meeting held 
 June 17th, 1779, at which General 
 Wayne was present, a resolution was 
 adopted, “that such members of the 
 society as are officers in the army 
 shall not be subject to fine for ab¬ 
 sence while in service in the field.” 
 The society embraced in its ranks 
 many prominent men, consisting of 
 Irishmen bom or their descendants in 
 America. The first elected President 
 was William West from July 1774 to 
 
 June 1776. To him succeeded Ben¬ 
 jamin Fuller from 1776 to 1779. 
 Among the members were Robert 
 Morris, the eminent patriot and finan¬ 
 cier; John Dickinson, author of “The 
 Farmer’s Letters; ” General John 
 Cadwalader, of the Revolutionary 
 army; Governor Richard Penn; Wil¬ 
 liam Bingham, afterwards United 
 States Senator from Pennsylvania, a 
 man of high social position; General 
 John Shee, of the Revolutionary 
 army; William Hamilton, of the 
 Woodlands, one of the largest landed 
 proprietors in Pennsylvania at the 
 time of the Revolution; Judge Rich¬ 
 ard Peters; Captain John Barry, of 
 the Continental navy ; Thomas Fitz- 
 simons, member of Congress from 
 Pennsylvania; General Edward Hand, 
 General William Irvine, Major Gene¬ 
 ral Knox, General Walter Stewart, 
 General William Thompson, Major 
 General Anthony Wayne, Colonel 
 Stephen Moylan, Colonel John Patton, 
 Colonel Francis Nichols, Colonel 
 Francis Johnston, Colonel Lambert 
 Cadwalader, Richard Bache, son-in- 
 law of Franklin, and many others. 
 See the account contained in Thomp¬ 
 son Westcott’s “ History of Phila¬ 
 delphia from the Time of the First 
 Settlements on the Delaware to the 
 Consolidation of the City and Dis¬ 
 tricts in 1854.” 
 
 79 Colonel Alexander Lowry was an 
 
234 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 fought on this day with determined bravery, and he received a severe 
 wound, as did also General Woodford. General Sullivan, who com¬ 
 manded on the American right, moved with his three divisions to inter¬ 
 cept Cornwallis; but he was unable to withstand the onset, and his 
 troops fled in confusion. Then Wayne was obliged to abandon his post 
 and Greene brought up his reserve to cover the retreat. Colonel Thomas 
 Butler 80 was distinguished for his rare intrepidity,in rallying a retreating 
 detachment at Brandywine; and, for this effort he was thanked by 
 Washington on the field. For a long time, General Wayne held 
 Chad’s Ford; but in the heat of the engagement, Knyphausen’s divi¬ 
 sion crossed the river, and a strong detachment also threatened the 
 rear of the Americans. However, these made a well-ordered retreat, 
 and they were not pursued. In the general confusion which ensued, 
 Conway’s brigade stood firm. Sullivan, who had a horse shot under 
 him, and Lafayette joined it. Both exerted themselves valiantly to 
 retrieve the disaster, until no further hope of success remained. How¬ 
 ever, Washington came with two brigades, and their approach checked 
 the British pursuit. 81 
 
 Defeated on the banks of the Brandywine stream, Washington was 
 obliged to retreat, after he had lost 1,000 men in killed and wounded. 
 The loss of Sir William Howe’s army was stated by himself as amount¬ 
 ing to less than 100 killed and 400 wounded. 82 Among them were 
 fifty-eight officers. The Americans retired at first to Chester ; and on 
 hearing of their defeat, Congress ordered Putnam to send forward 
 1,500 Continental troops with all possible expedition to the relief of 
 Washington. The available militia were summoned, also, to muster 
 for the emergency. Next day, the Americans fell back on Phila¬ 
 delphia. 83 They continued to confront the army of Howe, which moved 
 onward compactly and with caution, never sending a detached party 
 beyond supporting distance. The Americans held Fort Mifflin, on an 
 island in the Delaware, and a few miles below Philadelphia, as also 
 Fort Mercer, nearly opposite and on the eastern bank; while these 
 obstructions prevented the British fleet from sailing up with supplies 
 
 Irishman by birth; be was a cordial 
 hater of monarchy, a determined foe 
 to England, and an enthusiastic re¬ 
 publican. He advocated a separation 
 from England from the first, and he 
 commanded the Donegal men belong¬ 
 ing to Lancaster County, Pennsyl¬ 
 vania, at the battle of Brandywine. 
 He received many appointments of 
 honour in his adopted State. 
 
 80 He was brother to Colonels Rich¬ 
 ard and William Butler, and after¬ 
 wards for his bravery, he also 
 obtained the same militaiy rank in 
 the American army. He was the son 
 of Irish parents, and born in Pennsyl¬ 
 vania, 1754. See Appleton’s “ Cyclo¬ 
 
 paedia of American Biography,” Vol. 
 
 1., pp. 480, 481. 
 
 81 See George Bancroft’s “History 
 of the United States,” Vol. ix., chap, 
 xxiii., pp. 396 to 399. 
 
 82 Such was his official return as 
 published in the London Gazette. In 
 the “Writings of George Washing¬ 
 ton,” as edited by Jared Sparks, may 
 be seen in Vol. v., Maps illustrating 
 the Battle of Brandywine, Military 
 Movements in Pennsylvania, and Plan 
 of the battle of Germantown, pp. 58, 
 66 , 86 . 
 
 83 See John Marshall’s “ Life of 
 George Washington,” Yol. iii., chap. 
 
 111., p. 154. 
 
CAPTURE OP PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 235 
 
 for Howe’s army. Too full of confidence in his position, on the 20th of 
 September, General Anthony Wayne was attacked during night, 
 by the British under Grey. His order was issued to give no quarter, 
 and accordingly one hundred and fifty soldiers were inhumanly 
 massacred. The British killed, wounded, or took as prisoners at least 
 300. 84 
 
 On the approach of Lord Cornwallis, Washington was obliged to 
 evacuate Philadelphia, and to retire upon Germantown, about six 
 miles westward. In the meantime, the members of Congress had 
 moved in the first instance to Lancaster, and afterwards to York. 
 On the 27th of September, the British occupied Philadelphia. 85 A 
 surprise was now attempted by the Americans. At Germantown, 
 Pennsylvania, both armies met on the morning of the 4th of October. 86 
 The British were commanded by General Howe, and the Americans 
 were under the command of Washington. After the first fierce onset, 
 the English army began to give way. They rallied, however, and 
 checked the assault, under cover of a dense fog, and on a site having 
 many strong stone enclosures. After a determined resistance, the 
 Americans were forced to yield ground, having lost 1,000 men in that 
 engagement, while the loss of the British was estimated at 600. 
 
 The 22nd October, Count Donop with 1,200 Hessians attacked Fort 
 Mercer, but he was repulsed with a loss of 400 of his men killed. The 
 fleet opened fire on Fort Mifflin, when two of the ships were destroyed 
 during the defence, which had been gallantly sustained. Land batteries 
 were afterwards erected, and after a bombardment lasting for several 
 days, both forts were nearly destroyed, The Americans then evacuated 
 them, and they fell into the hands of the British. River communication 
 between the English fleet and army in Philadelphia was thus opened. 87 
 
 On the 15th of December, the American army retired into winter 
 quarters, at Valley Forge, south of the Schuylkill river. During that 
 month, the army numbered between 11,000 and 12,000 : of these, how¬ 
 ever, more than 2,000 were unfit for duty. When they arrived at Valley 
 Forge, the soldiers erected barracks on the plan of a regular city. They 
 were utterly destitute of almost everything necessary to support life. 88 
 They had not even ordinary clothing, and many of them were compelled to 
 go barefoot over the frozen ground for want of shoes. There were few if 
 any blankets; and a lack of nourishment or of proper covering sent hun- 
 
 84 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Yol. ix., chap, 
 xxiii., p. 402. 
 
 85 See Lossing’s “ Pictorial Field- 
 Book of the Revolution,” Yol. ii., 
 chap. xii. 
 
 86 See “The Annual Register” for 
 the year 1777, Yol. xx., chap, vii., 
 pp. 132, 133. 
 
 87 Several interesting reminiscences 
 of events and distinguished persons in 
 
 Philadelphia, after the entrance of the 
 British army, and to the time of their 
 leaving it, as related by eye-witnesses, 
 may be found in John F. Watson’s 
 “ Annals of Philadelphia, being a 
 collection of Memoirs, Anecdotes, and 
 Incidents of the City and its Inhabit- 
 ' ants from the Days of the Pilgrim 
 Founders,” pp. 681 to 691. 
 
 88 See “ The Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1777, Vol. xx. The “ History 
 of Europe,” chap, vii., p. 140. 
 
236 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 dreds to the hospital This soon became so pestilential, that soldiers 
 rather preferred dying in the open air. On the first of February follow¬ 
 ing, 4,000 soldiers were unfit for service, and the dissolution of the army 
 was threatened ; for notwithstanding their devotion to the Commander- 
 in-chief, and the great cause he maintained, desertions became numerous, 
 and only the most heroic resolution could sustain those who hoped for 
 ultimate success. 89 
 
 Twenty miles from the American camp, in the city of Philadelphia, 
 lay thousands of British troops, well housed, well clothed, and well pro¬ 
 visioned. Taking detachments of his brigade, Wayne made many 
 excursions in quest of provisions, and he often forayed to within sight of 
 the spires in Philadelphia. The brigades of Conway, Maxwell, McIntosh, 
 Learned and Poor, whose ranks were well-filled with Irish and Irish- 
 Americans, bore their privations with heroic fortitude, as, indeed, did all 
 the sufferers atY alley Forge. The Commissary Department was unable 
 to procure supplies ; the people were unwilling to sell their goods and 
 provisions for almost worthless paper; and, as supplies could not be 
 obtained, the dissolution of the army and the end of the rebellion 
 seemed inevitable. To prevent this, Congress issued an order, requir¬ 
 ing each State to furnish a certain quantity of beef, pork, flour, corn, 
 forage and other articles, which were to be deposited at such places as 
 the commander-in-chief should determine. A fixed valuation was to be 
 given, and it was hoped that Congress would be able to keep the army 
 together until spring. That scheme fell through, however, from want 
 of authority to enforce those demands, and owing to the distance of 
 several States from the army. This was the gloomiest period of the 
 Revolution, while the campaigns of 1776 and 1777 in New York, 
 Pennsylvania, and Delaware were unfavourable to the Continentals on 
 the whole. 90 
 
 Meanwhile, several officers of the American army had been 
 induced to criticise in an unworthy fashion the actions of their come 
 mander-in-chief,and thismovementhasbeentracedmainly to the ambition 
 of General Gates, who had been designated by some as more deserving 
 of that position. 91 Generals Lee and Schuyler, with other officers were 
 implicated in that envious and disgraceful proceeding. Conway had 
 
 been appointed Major-General and 
 army by Congress 92 against the 
 
 “D.uiing this enforced retirement 
 in ’Vhe cantonments, the services of 
 Stephen Moylan and his dragoons 
 were conspicuous, in scouting and in 
 securing the safety of provisions and 
 munitions for the American army. 
 
 90 In ‘‘The Writings of George 
 Washington,” etc., edited by Jared 
 Sparks’ Vol. v., are Maps and Plans, 
 illustrating Operations in the Dela¬ 
 ware, October and November, 1777, 
 Attack on Forts Mifflin and Mercer, 
 
 Inspector-General of the American 
 protest of Washington, who had 
 
 as also Plan of the Encampment at 
 Valley Forge, pp. lo6, 196. 
 
 ' 9I See an interesting account of 
 these transactions in Marshall’s “ Life 
 of George Washington,” Vol. iii.» 
 chap, vi., pp. 350 to 366, and pp. 
 412, 413. 
 
 92 On the loth of December 1777, 
 his office was made independent of 
 the commander-in-chief, while he was 
 referred to the Board of War for the 
 sanction of his military regulations. 
 
THE CONWAY CABAL. 
 
 237 
 
 received unfavourable reports regarding him, and these appear to have 
 been well founded. 93 This led to an estrangement between them. The 
 very best and truest public characters cannot escape adverse criticism 
 or unreasoning suspicions; and it was Washington’s fate to have his 
 movements and judgment called in question, at this dark period of 
 misery and ill-fortune for the Americans. Conway had largely contri¬ 
 buted to spread opinions unfavourable to the great patriot’s military 
 reputation, and he also was one of the chief instigators of a plot, known 
 among the revolutionary episodes as “ the Conway Cabal.” 94 Joined by 
 General Mifflin and a few members of Congress, an effort had been made 
 to supplant Washington as commander-in-chief, and to put either General 
 Lee or General Gates over the army. However, the well known in¬ 
 tegrity of Washington could not be called in question, while his superior 
 judgment in the conduct of the war was soon justified in the public 
 estimation. The noble Marquis de la Fayette revealed that conspiracy 
 to the great shame of its originatoi’s. Having been imprudently led 
 into that cabal, 95 General Conway was obliged to resign his command. 
 He withdrew to York, in Pennsylvania, which was the residence of 
 Congress. After his retirement, however, he indulged in expressions 
 manifesting hostility towards the commander-in-chief.. Engaging in an 
 altercation with General Cadwallader, a duel ensued, in which Conway 
 received a wound, for some time thought to have been mortal. 96 Mean¬ 
 while, with true magnanimity, Washington trusted that coming gene¬ 
 rations and events should approve his conducting of the war, and also 
 manifest the greatness of his character. 
 
 93 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 ■of the United States,” Voi. ix., chap, 
 xxvii., p. 454. 
 
 94 A pamphlet had been published 
 in London, 1776, and in the preface 
 it was stated, that when Fort Lee 
 had been evacuated, a portmanteau 
 belonging to General Washington had 
 been left behind, in which were drafts 
 of private letters to. his wife and 
 other members of his family, which 
 had been transmitted to England by 
 an officer, into whose hands they had 
 fallen. The series of fictitious letters 
 in the body of the pamphlet repre¬ 
 sented Washington as expressing sen¬ 
 timents totally at variance with his 
 conduct, and as deprecating the mis¬ 
 guided seal and rashness of Congress 
 in declaring independence, and push¬ 
 ing opposition against Great Britain 
 to so peril ous an extremity. The 
 Author of those insidious and spurious 
 
 epistles has never been publicly 
 known ; but they were represented in 
 New York, and industriously circu¬ 
 lated in various forms by Washing¬ 
 ton’s enemies throughout the United 
 States. See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of 
 Washington,” Vol. i., chap, x., pp. 
 266 to 275. 
 
 95 Such is the statement made by 
 General Sullivan, in a letter to Gene¬ 
 ral Washington. 
 
 96 W T hile his recovery was despaired 
 of, he addressed an humble apology 
 to General Washington, and dated 
 Philadelphia, 23rd July 1778. In it, 
 he writes: “You are in my eyes the 
 great and good man. May you long 
 enjoy the love, veneration, and esteem 
 of those States whose liberties you 
 have asserted by your virtues.” See 
 John Marshall’s “Life of George 
 Washington,” Vol. iii., chap, vi., p. 
 413. nolo.. 
 
238 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Financial and physical Difficulties of the United States Government—Alliance with 
 and Aid from France—Overtures of Peace from England—Evacuation of Phila¬ 
 delphia by the British—Battle of Monmouth—Surprise at Wyoming—Arrival 
 of Admiral d’Estaing—Combination to attack New York—Expedition against 
 Rhode Island—Its Failure—Congress adopts Articles of Confederation—■ 
 British Expedition against the Southern States. 
 
 The American army was soon in a deplorable condition, nor was Con¬ 
 gress—then in a state of bankruptcy—able to supply its wants. Some 
 wealthy private individuals, however, contributed large sums of money, 
 and pledged their credit to borrow more for Congress. 1 The soldiers’ 
 clothes were scant and ragged. Their stock of powder was nearly 
 exhausted, and their munitions of war were very scarce. Notwith¬ 
 standing, while ably and zealously assisted by Generals Putnam, Greene, 
 and Gates, the Commander-in-Chief succeeded in recruiting soldiers. 
 Moreover, he brought the army into a tolerable state of discipline. By 
 great efforts and sacrifices supplies were procured. 2 Money had been 
 assessed among the colonies by order of Congress, and according to the 
 supposed number and resources of their inhabitants. Each colony was 
 to pay its allotted proportion, in four annual instalments. The first 
 issue amounted to two million of paper dollars; but, as no system of 
 taxation had been devised to meet their liquidation, public confidence 
 in their value could not be established. The distresses of the army 
 were urged in vain on Congress, now powerless to afford them adequate 
 relief. 3 Meantime, the Commissioners in France had been instructed 
 to borrow more money there, but to that date they had been unsuccess¬ 
 ful. However, national antipathy to England, and motives of commercial 
 gain, as also the popular French sentiment, led to friendly interests and 
 secret co-operation with the cause and fortunes of the Americans. 4 
 
 1 Foremost among these may fee 
 named Robert Morris, a rich merchant 
 of Philadelphia, who made great 
 pecuniary sacrifices for the patriotic 
 cause, and these were continued to 
 the end of the war. 
 
 2 On June 17 1780, twenty-seven 
 
 members of the society of the Friendly 
 
 sons of St. Patrick signed a paper 
 setting forth the necessity for a vig¬ 
 orous management of the w r ar, and 
 reciting that “ the subscribers, deeply 
 impressed with the sentiments that 
 on such an occasion should govern us 
 in the prosecution of a war on the 
 result of which our freedom and that 
 of our posterity, and the freedom and 
 
 independence of the United States, 
 are all involved, hereby severally 
 pledge our property and credit for the 
 several sums specified and mentioned 
 after our names, in order to support 
 the credit of a bank to be established 
 for furnishing a supply of provisions 
 for the armies of the United States.” 
 
 3 See John Marshall’s “ Life of 
 George Washington,” Yol. iii., chap, 
 vi., pp. 366 to 376. 
 
 4 See James Graham’s “ History of 
 the United States of North America, 
 from the Plantation of the British 
 Colonies till their Revolt and Declara¬ 
 tion of Independence,” Yol. iv., Book 
 xi., chap, v., pp. 406, 407. 
 
FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL DIFFICULTIES. 
 
 239 
 
 All over Europe the surrender of Burgoyne’s army was received as 
 the harbinger of England’s ultimate failure. On the 6th F of February 
 1778, n the independence of America was formally declared by France, 
 when an alliance and a treaty of commerce with the confederated states 
 had been settled at Paris. 5 6 Then Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane and 
 Arthur Lee were publicly received at the French court, as accredited 
 representatives of the United States of America. 7 The equipment of a 
 French army to embark for the seat of war was decreed. Thence forward, 
 the patriotic cause was deemed to have been assured of success through¬ 
 out Europe and America. 8 
 
 A French loan was now negotiated ; and, during the Spring, a vessel 
 of twenty-four guns arrived in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with 
 upwards of 11,000 stand of trms, and 1,000 barrels of gunpowder. 
 Meantime, the friends of America in the British House of Commons, 
 Colonel Barre, Edmund Burke and Charles James Fox had introduced 
 several motions, on the state of the nation, to incriminate and to arrest 
 the course of ministers during the early months of this year ; 9 but, not¬ 
 withstanding the justice and force of their reasoning, on every division 
 they were left in a hopeless minority. 10 The English Government at 
 last recognising the gravity of their situation, Lord North introduced 
 two bills into the British House of Commons on the 17th February. He 
 now proposed to concede everything the Americans contended for, 
 except their nominal independence of the Crown. This announcement 
 was humiliating to the pride and obstinacy of the King and ministers, 
 while the concession came too late. Such a sudden abandonment of all 
 points in dispute produced consternation and astonishment among all 
 
 5 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Yol ix., chap, 
 xxviii., p. 481. 
 
 6 Governor Morris had a chief part 
 in forming those diplomatic instruc¬ 
 tions addressed to Franklin, the pleni¬ 
 potentiary at Versailles. See Jared 
 Sparks’ “ Life of Governor Morris, 
 with selections from his correspondence 
 and miscellaneous papers, detailing 
 Events in the American Revolution the 
 French Revolution, and in the Politi¬ 
 cal History of the United States,” in 
 Three Vols., Boston, 1832, 8vo. 
 
 7 The negotiations connected with 
 
 the Treaty of Alliance between France 
 and the L T nited States are described in 
 
 Judge Marshall’s “Life of George 
 Washington,” &c., Vol. iii., chap, 
 vii., pp. 436 to 454. The mutual 
 agreement formed as a basis of policy 
 and of action is briefly set down in 
 the Memoranda of the Various Arti¬ 
 cles of the Treaty concluded between 
 France and America, 6th February 
 
 1778, in the hand-writing of the Earl 
 
 of Carlisle. The original is at Castle 
 Howard. See B. F. Stevens’ “Fac¬ 
 similes of Manuscripts in European 
 Archives Relating to America,” 1773- 
 1783; with Descriptions, Editorial 
 Notes, Collations, References, and 
 Translations, Vol. i., No. 70. This 
 valuable seriel work was issued only 
 to subscribers, in folio size, and pub¬ 
 lished at 4 Trafalgar Square, Charing 
 Cross, London, November 1889, et 
 seq. 
 
 8 See Jared Sparks’ “ Works of Ben¬ 
 jamin Franklin,” &c., Vol. i., Life 
 of Benjamin Franklin, chap. x. pp. 
 417 to 437. 
 
 9 The Debates in February, March 
 and April, 1778, on reconciliation 
 with the Americans in the House of 
 Lords and Commons are well epito¬ 
 mised, with many interesting State 
 secrets revealed, in Horace Walpole’s 
 “ Journal of the Reign of King George 
 the Third,” &c., Vol. ii., pp. 188 to 
 264. 
 
 10 See “ The Annual Register for the 
 
240 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 the supporters of Government in the House. 11 Filled with a rankling 
 hatred of the French, against whom he had brought the Seven Years’ 
 War to a successful conclusion, the Earl of Chatham entered the House 
 of Lords on the 8th of April, for the last time, and in an incoherent 
 but a remarkable speech, 12 he urged England to peril even her national 
 existence in a renewal of the American contest, which formerly he had 
 so eloquently denounced. At the conclusion of that exciting harangue, 
 which he had scarcely strength to deliver, he was answered bv the 
 Duke of Richmond. Rising to reply, Chatham was seized with an 
 apoplectic fit, and carried from the House of Lords. He expired on 
 the 11th May ensuing. 13 
 
 Under the command of Admiral Count D’Estaing, the French Govern¬ 
 ment had fitted out a fleet of twelve large man-of-war ships, to aid the 
 Americans, together with five frigates. They parted from Toulon, on 
 the 15th of April, and M. Gerard de Raineval, a plenipotentiary minister 
 of Louis XYI. and accredited to Congress, was on board. 14 So also 
 was the American Commissioner Silas Deane. 15 Regiments of the Irish 
 brigades in France were embarked on board the French fleet, destined to 
 assist the Continentals. Among those were the regiments of Berwick, 
 of Walsh, of Fermoy, and of Dillon. A petition 10 had been forwarded to the 
 French War Office, by the regiment of General Arthur Dillon, 17 claim¬ 
 ing the privilege of being sent out to fight the English in America. 
 Accordingly, Count Arthur Dillon was appointed commander of those 
 Irish Brigades in the French service He had now 2,300 men under 
 his orders, for the most part Irish; and, he wrote an interesting account 
 
 year 1778,” Yol. xxi., History of 
 Europe, chap, vi., pp. 101 to 129. 
 
 11 These propositions were received 
 with “ a dull, melancholy silence.”— 
 Ibid., chap, vii., p. 133. Also, the 
 “ Parliamentary History of England,” 
 Vol. xix. p. l023. 
 
 12 See the account, in Horace Wal¬ 
 pole’s “Journal of the Reign of King 
 George the Third, from the year 1771 
 to 1783,” edited by Dr. Doran, Vol. 
 ii., pp. 253, 254. 
 
 13 See “New and General Biogra¬ 
 phical Dictionary,” &c., Vol. xii., 
 Art. Pitt, William, Earl of Chatham, 
 p. 258. London, 1798, 8vo. Also, 
 Rev. Francis Thackerry’s “ History of 
 the Right Honourable William Pitt, 
 Earl of Chatham,” Yol. ii., chap, 
 xxix., pp. 275, 276. 
 
 14 See Henri Martin’s “Histoirede 
 France,” Tomexvi., Liv. civ., p.427. 
 
 15 See Horace Walpole’s “Journal of 
 the Reign of King George the Third, 
 from the year 1771 to 1783,” Vol. ii., 
 
 p. 262. 
 
 16 This was addressed on behalf of 
 
 all the Irish troops serving in France. 
 Count Dillon gives an abstract of the 
 petition sent by his own regiment to 
 the French War Office, in the begin¬ 
 ning of 1779. 
 
 17 He was the son of Lord Dillon, 
 an Irish nobleman, but he was born 
 September 3rd 1750, in the Castle of 
 Bray wick, England. After a brilliant 
 military career he returned to Paris, 
 where as a royalist he was ar¬ 
 rested ; and on the 14th of 
 October 1793, he perished with 
 eighteen other victims on the 
 scaffold, a sacrifice to the revolution¬ 
 ary frenzy of that period. One of 
 his daughters married General Ber 
 trand, and she accompanied her hus¬ 
 band to St. Helena, where they re¬ 
 mained until the Emperor Napoleon’s 
 death in 1821. See ‘ ‘ Historical 
 Notes on the Services of Irish Officers 
 in the French Army, addressed to the 
 National Assembly, by one of its 
 Members, General Arthur Dillon, 
 1792.” Translated from the French, 
 by J. P. Leonard, Dublin, 1889, 18mo. 
 
ALLIANCE WITH AND AID FROM FRANCE. 
 
 241 
 
 of the services rendered by those troops under his command. 18 They 
 had been mostly recruited from Ireland. The first battalion of his own 
 regiment numbered 1,000 men, and it was afterwards raised to 
 1,400. 19 With the squadron of M. dela Mothe-Piquct, these Irish troops 
 embarked at Brest on the 5th of April 1779, W en news of their 
 departure for the seat of war and their destination I a l become known, 
 orders were despatched to concentrate the British forces in New York, 
 until further reinforcements could be sent. Accordingly, the English 
 fleet under Admiral Howe raised anchor and sailed out of the 
 Delaware. 20 
 
 Conceiving that the time for compromise and concession had now 
 arrived, the English Ministry despatched Commissioners to treat on 
 conditions of peace with the Americans. 21 The Commissioners arrived 
 in the month of June. 22 At this time, the American army was not in 
 a position to effect any very decisive operations. However, towards 
 the end of May, Washington moved to a strong position at Middle- 
 brook. His troops were soon almost in a state of mutiny, owing to the 
 privations and absence of all necessaries they had endured. In this 
 condition of affairs, British intrigue found its way to the American 
 camp. Placards were posted to seduce the loyalty of Irishmen, serving 
 under Washington. One of these announced such delusive intelligence, 
 as that the affairs of Ireland were then fully settled, and that Great 
 Britain and Ireland were “ united as well from interest as from affec¬ 
 tion.” 23 However, those efforts of misrepresentation and seduction 
 failed to convince a single individual. 
 
 When the British Commissioners arrived in America, their proposi¬ 
 tions for peace were submitted to Congress. They issued an absurd 
 manifesto, in which it was vainly sought to excite Protestant prejudice 
 against an alliance with the Prencli papists, while they threatened that 
 if the rebels did not submit within thirty days from its date, war should 
 proceed on the plan of laying the whole country desolate, and that 
 extreme measures should be taken with the vanquished people. In 
 
 18 This Manuscript is now in the 
 Royal Irish Academy. 
 
 19 Count Dillon was grandson to 
 the renowned General Arthur Dillon, 
 who served in the French armies for 
 forty years, and who died in the 
 palace of St. Germains, in 1733. See 
 John Cornelius O’Callaghan’s “Irish 
 Brigades in the Service of France,” 
 Book x. 
 
 20 See “ History of the War in 
 America between Great Britain and 
 her Colonies, from its commencement,” 
 1779, 3 vols., 8vo. 
 
 21 The Commissioners appointed 
 were the Earl of Carlisle, Admiral 
 Lord Howe, General Sir William 
 
 Howe, Sir William Eden, afterwards 
 Lord Auckland, and George John¬ 
 stone, Esq., “ for quieting and ex¬ 
 tinguishing diverse jealousies and ap¬ 
 prehensions of danger in the Ameri¬ 
 cans.” Accompanied by Lord Corn¬ 
 wallis, they sailed from England in 
 April, 1778. See John Heneage Jesse’s 
 “ George Selwyn and his contempor- 
 anies; with Memoirs and Notes,” 
 Voi. iii., pp. 272 to 280. London 
 1882, 8vo. 
 
 22 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. x., chap, 
 iv., pp. 122, 123. ,, 
 
 23 See Michael Doheny’s “ History 
 of the American Revolution,” chap, 
 xv., p. 209. 
 
 B 
 
242 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 consequence of the insulting language used against his countrymen 
 and religion, Lafayette sent a challenge to the Earl of Carlisle, Chief of 
 the Commissioners. That, however, was declined. 24 One of these 
 Commissioners, named Johnstone, attempted to secure the good offices 
 of Joseph Reed, President of Pennsylvania, by offering him a bribe; he 
 returned the noble answer, “ I am not worth purchasing, but such as I 
 am, the King of England is not rich enough to buy me.” Thus, British 
 threats and proposals were indignantly despised and rejected. The 
 Americans, who were bound to France that no peace should be made 
 until the complete independence of their country was secured, refused 
 to negociate on any other basis. Moreo\ er, as a means for encouraging 
 the people in their patriotic resolutions and endeavours, Congress gave 
 the widest possible circulation to that foolish manifesto, as if nothing 
 could be conceived more favourable to raise the people’s courage and 
 hopes. In the British Parliament, likewise, several of the ministerial 
 opponents, believing that a crisis had now arrived, resol ved on proposing 
 a declaration of the most complete colonial independence. 
 
 Meanwhile, General Sir William Howe desired to be withdrawn 
 from conducting this war, and his resignation was accepted bv the 
 ministry. The British army evacuated Philadelphia on the 18th of 
 June, as French reinforcements were then expected soon to arrive ; and 
 under the leadership of Sir Henry Clinton, who became commander-in- 
 chief in North America, the regiments crossed over the Delaware to 
 march for New York. 25 Their force amounted to more than 17,000 
 effective men. Crowds of loyalists followed, broken in fortune and 
 without a career, leaving as exiles the city of their love. Immediately 
 afterwards, General Arnold was put in command of the city by Wash¬ 
 ington, and with orders to restrain, so far as possible, every kind of 
 persecution, insult or abuse. 26 Having about 12,000 men under his 
 command, sending forward General Maxwell’s brigade to harass the 
 British, and in co-operation with the New Jersey Militia, Washington 
 left Valley Forge. Having ordered the movement of his troops, 27 ho 
 crossed the Delaware in pursuit of the retreating British Army. 28 
 The heat was intense at this season, and the Americans halted for rest 
 at Princetown. After a rapid march of several days, their General came 
 up with the enemy at Monmouth in New Jersey. He had directed 
 General Lee to advance with a considerable division and to attack 
 
 24 In the French language, there is 
 a fac-simile of Lafayette’s challenge, 
 in his own hand-writing, to the Earl 
 of Carlisle, and dated Fishkill, 5th 
 October 1778. It may be found in 
 B. F. Stevens’ “ Facsimiles of Manu¬ 
 scripts in European Archives Relating 
 to America,” 1773-1785, Vol. i., No. 
 102 . 
 
 2 "’ See “Narrative of Lieut.-Gen. 
 Sir Henry Clinton, K.B., relative to 
 Jais Conduct during Part of his Com¬ 
 
 mand of the King’s Troops in North 
 America.” London, 1783. 
 
 26 See Lord Mahon’s “ History of 
 England from the Peace of Utrecht,” 
 1774-1780, Vol. vi., chap, lviii., p. 
 378. 
 
 27 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington,” &c., Vol. i., chap, xi., 
 p. 293. 
 
 28 See Judge Marshall’s “ Life of 
 Geoge Washington,” &c., Vol. iii., 
 chap, viii., pp. 494 to 497. 
 
BATTLE OP MONMOUTH. 243 
 
 the British, unless there should be powerful contrary reasons. He then 
 rode back, to bring up the main body in support. 29 On the 28th of 
 June, the obstinate battle of Monmouth was fought, and it commenced 
 before daylight had appeared. 30 About twenty thousand men were 
 engaged in the battle of Monmouth, while Washington, Lee, Layfayette, 
 Greene, Morgan, Knox, Stuart and other distinguished officers were 
 present on the side of the Americans. The division ot General Lee 
 was the first to open this engagement, but refusing to obey the order 
 of his commander-in-chief, much confusion and disorder ensued among 
 his troops. 31 Indeed, their leader’s conduct was at that time inexplic¬ 
 able 32 A panic ensued, which Washington succeeded in arresting; 
 but he administered a severe reprimand on the field to Lee for his bad 
 conduct under the circumstances. 33 Twice the British attempted to 
 turn the American flank, but they were repulsed. About two o’clock, 
 a desperate struggle ensued between Greene’s Brigade and the Hessians 
 and Grenadiers, commanded by Col. Monckton. Wayne was stationed 
 with an advanced corps of his Pennsylvanians on a rising eminence, with 
 a park of artillery. From this position he kept up a galling fire upon 
 the English centre, and repeatedly repulsed the roy al grenadiers, who 
 had advanced to dislodge him with the bayonet. Their leader 
 Monckton, perceiving that victory depended on driving Wayne from his 
 position, harangued his men, andplacing himself at their head, he marched 
 in solid column upon the Pennsylvanians. The English advanced until 
 within a few rods of the Americans, when Monckton waving his sword 
 raised a shout and ordered his grenadiers to charge. At the same moment, 
 Wayne gave his signal; a terrible volley burst upon the assailants, and 
 almost every British officer fell. Among them was their leader the 
 intrepid Monckton. Over his dead body the Americans and English 
 fought desparately, until at last the Americans triumphed, and carried 
 it to the rear. The British moved on the right, but a battery under the 
 immediate command of Knox cut through their lines, and drove them 
 back bleeding and disheartened. 34 At the same time, a general assault 
 
 29 The ground and movements of the 
 forces on both sides are shown on a 
 Map delineating the Battle of Mon¬ 
 mouth, in “The Writings of George 
 Washington,” &c., Vol. v., p. 430. 
 Edition of Jared Sparks. 
 
 30 A very full and circumstantial 
 account of this battle is to be found 
 in Benson J. Lossing’s “ Pictorial 
 Field-Book of the Revolution,” Vol. 
 ii., chap, xiii., pp. 355 to 368 
 
 31 See “The Annual Register for 
 the year 1778,” Vol. xxi., “History 
 of Europe,” chap, x., pp. 224, 225. 
 
 32 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. x., chap, 
 iv., pp. 129 to 132. 
 
 33 For his conduct at Monmouth, 
 
 Lee was afterwards tried by Court- 
 martial, and charged with various 
 offences. He was found guilty of mis¬ 
 conduct and of disrespectful language 
 to his commander-in-chief. He was 
 suspended for a year. Soon after¬ 
 wards he was dismissed altogether, 
 for writing an insolent letter to Con¬ 
 gress. 
 
 34 During this part of the action, 
 Molly, the handsome and fair-haired 
 wife of an Irish cannonier, displayed 
 great courage and presence of mind. 
 We have already noticed her bravery 
 in firing the last gun at Fort Clinton. 
 She was a sturdy and tall young 
 camp-follower, only twenty-two years 
 old, and in devotion to her husband. 
 
244 
 
 IRISII-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 was made along the whole line, and the enemy beaten at every point 
 retreated to a strong position; when Washington directed General Poor 35 
 to move round upon their right, and General Woodford to march on 
 their left, so that they might renew the attack next norning. 36 During 
 that whole day, the battle raged without much advantage to either side, 
 and night came on, when under cover of the darkness Clinton stole 
 away. 37 In this battle, the Americans lost 229 men, in killed and 
 wounded, while the British loss was more than 400. 38 The retreat, 
 however, cost their general in killed, wounded and missing a much 
 greater number. Moreover, above 800 men deserted their standard 
 during the march through the Jerseys. 39 Clinton continued the retreat, 
 not greatly arrested by the Continentals, until he reached Sandyhook. 40 
 There his army halted, under protection of the British fleet, 41 
 
 she illustrated the character of her 
 countrywomen of the Emerald Isle. 
 In the action, while her husband was 
 managing one of the field pieces, she 
 constantly brought him water from a 
 spring near by. A shot from the 
 enemy killed him at his post; and, 
 the officer in command, having no 
 one competent to fill his place, ordered 
 the piece to be withdrawn. Molly 
 saw her husband fall, as she came 
 from the spring, and she also heard 
 the order. Dropping her bucket, she 
 seized the rammer, and vowed she 
 would fill the place of her husband 
 at the gun and avenge his death. 
 She performed that duty with a skill 
 and courage, which attracted the at¬ 
 tention of all who saw her. On the 
 following morning and covered with 
 blood, General Greene presented her 
 to Washington. Admiring her bra¬ 
 very, he conferred upon her the com¬ 
 mission of Sergeant. By his recom¬ 
 mendation, her name was placed on 
 the list of half-pay officers for life. 
 After leaving the army, she retired 
 to Fort Montgomery, among the Hud¬ 
 son highlands, where she died. She 
 usually went by the name of Captain 
 Molly. See Lossing’s “Pictorial 
 Field-Book of the Revolution,” Vol. 
 ii., chap, xiii., p. 361. There is an 
 illustration of that incident in de¬ 
 scribing the battle at Monmouth. 
 Also n. 2, pp. 361, 362 Ibid. 
 
 35 General Enoch Poor was of Irish 
 origin, and a native of New Hamp¬ 
 shire. He served as Colonel in the 
 Continental army during the ex¬ 
 pedition bo Canada in 1776; and 
 afterwards he was appointed Briga 
 
 dier-General in 1777, taking part in 
 the battles which led to Burgoyne’s 
 surrender. He died in 1780, at Hack¬ 
 ensack, N.J. See Ed. O’Meagher 
 Condon’s “ Irish Race in America,” 
 chap, xiii., pp. 182, 183. 
 
 36 Colonel Francis Barber, son of 
 Pati’ick Barber, of Longford Ireland, 
 received a commission from Congress 
 in 1776, as major of the Third Bat¬ 
 talion of New Jersey Troops. He 
 was in constant service during the 
 whole war. He took part in all the 
 battles in the north, and he was 
 severely wounded at Monmouth. He 
 was accidently killed by the falling 
 of a tree at Yorktown, on the day 
 previous to Cornwallis’ surrender. 
 His brothers Colonel John and Cap¬ 
 tain W’illiam Barber commanded a 
 company in the New York Line. 
 
 37 See Judge Marshall’s “ Life of 
 George Washington,” &c., Yol. iii., 
 chap, viii., pp. 504 to 517. 
 
 38 See Washington’s letter to the 
 President of Congress, describing this 
 battle, and dated July 1st 1778, in 
 “The Writings of George Washing¬ 
 ton,” &c., Vol. v., pp, 422 to 429. 
 
 39 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. x. chap, 
 iv., p. 133. 
 
 40 See the Irish Sergeant Roger 
 Lamb’s “Journal of Occurrences dur¬ 
 ing the late American War from its 
 Commencement.” 1809, 8vo. 
 
 41 Notwithstanding, when Sir Wil¬ 
 liam Howe arrived in England July 
 2nd, he reported that Sir Henry Clin¬ 
 ton’s army evacuated Philadelphia for 
 want of provisions. See Horace 
 Walpole's “ Journal of the Reign of 
 
SURPRISE AT WYOMING. 
 
 245 
 
 On the 2nd of July, the President of Congress and several of its 
 members returned once more to Philadelphia, (>n the 25th of that 
 month, Congress ordered the emission of one million of dollars more 
 to the public debt; and, from time to time, new issues were authorised 
 While the amount of these was small, the credit of the bills was fairly 
 good ; but, when new emissions took place, and no adequate measures for 
 redemption followed, the people began to be suspicious about those frail 
 representatives for money, and their value began to depreciate. During 
 the year 1778, no less than sixty millions and a half were added to the 
 issues already made. 42 
 
 Under the command of Colonel John Butler, 43 born in Connecticut, 
 but a violent Tory who espoused the British cause, 1,100 men were 
 organised and led into Pennsylvania during the summer of 1778. 
 Among the Five Indian Nations in Western New York, he chiefly 
 found recruits. 44 The celebrated Indian Mohawk Chief Thayen- 
 danegia, but better known as Joseph Brant, 45 had engaged in the earlier 
 colonial wars, and lie urged the Seneca tribe to take part in this 
 expedition. Colonel Zebulon Butler, 46 was one of the earliest settlers in 
 the Wyoming valley, on the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. 
 Having served as Lieutenant-Colonel of the Connecticut line, during the 
 campaign of the Jerseys in 1777-8, he was strongly imbued with feelings 
 of hostility towards England. Having become Colonel in March 1778, 
 he was now chosen to defend Wyoming, where he commanded only a 
 very weak garrison, 47 Several Irish settlers fought in the ranks under 
 
 King George the Third,” &c , Vol. 
 ii., p 282 Thus every lying expe¬ 
 dient was resorted to by the English, 
 which might serve to conceal their 
 mischances and defeats from the public 
 
 42 An interesting account of those 
 financial difficulties is given in Benson 
 J Lossing’s “Pictorial Field-Book of 
 the Revolution,” Vol. i., chap, xiv » 
 pp 316 to 521. 
 
 43 In the colonial wars, he com¬ 
 manded the Indians and served under 
 Sir William Johnston. He also com¬ 
 manded a body of Indians, at the 
 battle of Oriskany, in 1777. 
 
 44 See “ The History of the Five 
 Indian Nations, depending on the Pro¬ 
 vince of New York,” by Cadwallader 
 Colden, with a Memoir and Notes, 
 by John Gilmary Shea. New York, 
 1866, 8vo. 
 
 45 He was a Mohawk, and by 
 election the Great War Chief of the 
 Six Nations. In his early youth, he 
 received an English education in New 
 York, and through his friendship with 
 Sir William Johnson, he was accus¬ 
 
 tomed to mix in good society. Before 
 the outbreak of the American Revolu¬ 
 tion, he visited England, where he 
 was lionized and made much of at 
 Court. He was induced to enter 
 into an active alliance on the side of 
 the British. On his return, he afc 
 once led his warriors against the 
 Colonists. For many years, the 
 dreaded Six Nations and their noted 
 chief were a terror and a scourge to 
 the border settlements. After the 
 struggle for Independence was over, 
 Brant made another trip to England, 
 where he again met with a distin¬ 
 guished reception He died among 
 his own people in 1807. See the ac¬ 
 count of this noted character with a 
 portrait, in Appleton’s “Cyclopaedia, 
 of American Biography,” Vol. i., pp, 
 359, 360. 
 
 46 He was born in Lyme, Connecti¬ 
 cut, 1731. He is said to have been 
 of Irish descent, and to have been a 
 scion of the Ormond Butler family. 
 
 47 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. x., chap. 
 v«, pp. 136 to 138. 
 
246 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 his command. 48 Among these was Captain William McKerachan, who 
 was the first officer of the Hanover Company. 49 This severe engage¬ 
 ment took place, on the 3rd July, 1778. 60 Although a surprise was 
 attempted, the settlers fought desperately. 51 Colonel Butler’s bravery 
 was specially manifested in that combined attack of the British Tories 
 and Indians at Wyoming; however, his resistance was soon overcome. 
 Nearly the whole garrison, without respect to age or sex, was massacred 
 with the most savage cruelty. 52 The enemy also burned the houses and 
 destroyed the crops, leaving the whole district a perfect waste Most 
 of the women and children fled to the adjacent mountains for conceal¬ 
 ment, where many of them afterwards perished. 63 
 
 Meanwhile, after a long and stormy passage, Admiral d’Estaing 
 entered the Bay of Delaware, and cast anchor there, but too late to 
 intercept Lord Howe’s squadron. 54 Landing, with his vessels at Newport 
 Virginia on the 11th of July, he soon afterwards followed the enemy to 
 New York, and anchored within Sandyhook, where he intercepted 
 several unsuspecting British crews bound for that city. A combined 
 attack on New York by Washington and the French fleet had been 
 planned. With such object in view, the American Commander-in-chief 
 crossed the Hudson River and encamped on White Plains. That idea 
 was abandoned, however, and another expedition was planned, having 
 for its object the capture of Rhode Island and its garrison of 6,000 men. 
 The American army took up a position, the extreme wings extending 
 from Danbury Connecticut across the Hudson at West Point to 
 Elizabethtown in New Jersey. The fleet of Lord Howe was anchored 
 
 48 The battle here fought and the 
 massacre which followed furnished a 
 theme for Thomas Campbell’s charm¬ 
 ing poem, “ Gertrude of Wyoming.” 
 
 49 Filled with a spirit of singular 
 modesty and patriotism, he said to 
 Captain Stewart on the morning of 
 the battle fought here : “ My pursuits 
 in life have thus far been those 
 of peace; you have been used to war 
 and accustomed to command. On par¬ 
 ade, I can manoeuvre my men, but in 
 the field no unnecessary hazard should 
 be run ; a mistake might prove fatal. 
 Take you the lead; I will fight under 
 you with my men, as an aid or a 
 private in the ranks. Your presence 
 at the head of the Hanover boys will 
 impart confidence.” So it was ar¬ 
 ranged, and they fought together. Mc¬ 
 Kerachan was born in Belfast, County 
 Antrim, in 1746. He fell in the 
 battle at Wyoming. See Miner’s 
 41 History of Wyoming.” Philadelphia, 
 1845. 
 
 50 See a very full account of it, in 
 
 Alexander M. Sullivan’s “ Visit to the 
 Valley of Wyoming,” published in 
 Dublin, 1865, 8vo. 
 
 51 See Isaac A. Chapman’s “Sketch 
 of the History of Wyoming, with a 
 Statistical Account of the Valley and 
 adjacent Country.” Wilkesbarre, 
 1830, 12mo. 
 
 52 One Indian woman, called Queen 
 Esther, to avenge the death of her 
 son, tomahawked fourteen with her 
 own hand, and near a rock, which 
 still bears her name. A very inter¬ 
 esting description of Wyoming and 
 this battle, with graphic illustrations 
 of the local scenery, will be found in 
 Benson J. Lossing’s “ Pictorial Field- 
 Book of the Revolution,” Vol. i., 
 chap, xv., xvi., pp. 337 to 381. 
 
 53 See “ The Annual Register for the 
 year 1799,” Vol. xxii., History of 
 Europe, chap, i., pp. 7 to 14. 
 
 54 See Judge Marshall’s “ Life of 
 George Washington,” &c., Vol. iii., 
 chap, ix., p. 523. 
 
ARRIVAL OP ADMIRAL d’eSTAING. 
 
 247 
 
 in Raritan Bay, where the water was shallow, and there it was impossible 
 for the much larger vessels of the French to attack them, except with 
 great risk of running aground, or at a manifest disadvantage. At this 
 time, there were provisions in New York for nine weeks only ; so that 
 both the British army and navy were likely to be starved into a surrender, 
 unless they could be relieved. 55 During the course of this year, 
 Congress had entertained the design of again invading Canada, and 
 Lafayette was most anxious to be engaged in that attempt; but, for 
 various reasons assigned by Washington, who did not approve it, that 
 plan was abandoned. 56 An expedition against Newport was now pro¬ 
 jected, and thither the French fleet sailed. Meantime, Admiral Byron 
 had been sent from England with ships to reinforce Lord Howe; and 
 his squadron, having encountered severe storms, 57 arrived in New York, 
 but scattered, dismasted and otherwise damaged, just eight days after 
 the French departed, so that the English vessels narrowly escaped 
 capture. With a considerable force of militia, General Sullivan marched 
 to Rhode Island in August. To co-operate with him, the French fleet 
 under D’Estaing appeared in Narraganset Bay on the 29th of July. 58 
 He had 3,500 land troops on board. The British were forced to destroy 
 ten or more armed ships and galleys, carrying two hundred and twelve 
 guns, 59 But, having been lately reinforced, Lord Howe now approached 
 to attack their ships. Both admirals prepared for action, when a storm 
 of extraordinary severity arose. A partial engagement ensued, but 
 without any decisive result. 60 The ships on both sides were dispersed 
 and suffered much damage. Then, D’Estaing was obliged to put into 
 Boston for repairs, while Lord Howe returned to refit in New York. 61 
 Under the command of General Sullivan—whose action had been para¬ 
 lysed owing to the departure of the French ships—the Americans 
 attacked the British under Pigot, at Quaker Hill on Rhode Island, and 
 obtained a victory over them, on the 29th of August. The loss of men, 
 over 200 on either side, was nearly equal. Sullivan gallantly repulsed 
 an attack made upon him by the British garrison. 62 However, his 
 position was now untenable, so that he was obliged to retreat from 
 Rhode Island, 63 as Lord Howe’s fleet again appeared off the coast, with 
 
 55 See Horace Walpole’s “ Journal 
 of the Reign of King George the 
 Third, from the year 1771 to 1783,” 
 Vol. ii., p. 291. 
 
 56 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington,” Vol. i., chap, xi., pp. 
 311 to 314. Also, the “ Secret Journal 
 of the Committee of Congress,” 1778. 
 
 57 See Horace Walpole’s “ Journal 
 of the Reign of King George the 
 Third,” Vol. ii., p. 288. 
 
 58 See “ The Annual Register for the 
 1778,” Vol. xxi., The History of 
 Europe, chap, x., p. 230. 
 
 89 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 
 of the United States,” Vol. x., chap, 
 v., p. 146. 
 
 60 See Horace Walpole’s “ Journal 
 of the Reign of King George the 
 Third,” &c., Vol. ii., ppr'291 to 293. 
 
 61 See Benson J. Lossing’s “ Picto¬ 
 rial Field-Book of the Revolution,” 
 Vol. ii., chap, iv., pp. 78 to 84. 
 
 62 See a very interesting account of 
 the Rhode Island expedition in Judge 
 Marshall’s “ Life of George Washing¬ 
 ton,” &c., Vol. iii., chap, ix., pp. 
 529 to 548. 
 
 63 See “ The Annual Register for the 
 year 1778,” Vol. xxi., History of 
 Europe, chap, x., pp. 231 to 236. 
 
248 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF TIIE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Sir Henry Clinton and about 4,000 troops on board. Notwithstanding 
 the remonstrances addressed to him, Admiral D’Estaing could not be 
 induced to offer any effective co-operation. 
 
 To secure uniformity of action and federation, the popular repre¬ 
 sentatives elaborated a scheme for general government. After having 
 debated the issue three times a week for many months, at length Con¬ 
 gress adopted the articles of Confederation, on July 9th 1778. Copies 
 of these articles were sent to the various State Legislatures for appro¬ 
 val. They did not receive the sanction of all however, until March 
 1781, when they became the organic law of the Union. 
 
 Meanwhile, having returned to New York, Sir Henry Clinton 
 directed Major-General Grey, that he should proceed to Bedford, and 
 there destroy those American privateers, which were known to frequent 
 its harbour and the neighbouring coasts. A similar expedition was 
 undertaken, about the same time, by Captain Ferguson against Little 
 Egg Harbour. Several ships and a great number of small craft were 
 destroyed as a consequence; while magazines, stores, vessels on the 
 stocks and buildings were burned. Major-General Grey also surprised 
 an American regiment of Light Dragoons, commanded by Lieutenant- 
 Colonel Baylor, in a barn near Tappan, where they had taken up their 
 lodging, and where several were inhumanly bayonetted although they 
 sued for quarters. 64 During this summer also, the Americans organized 
 an expedition against East Florida, under General Robert Howe, who 
 had a command of about 2,000 men. A few hundred were Continental 
 troops, the remainder being militia, belonging to the States of South 
 Carolina and Georgia. On their approach, the British destroyed the 
 Fort Tonyn, erected near St. Mary’s River, and then retreated towards 
 St. Augustine. However, sickness and death set in among the Ameri¬ 
 can forces, and nearly one-fourth of these were lost, so that it was 
 deemed advisable to abandon a further prosecution of that enterprise. 
 
 On the 14th of September, Benjamin Franklin was appointed the 
 first Ambassador from the United States to France. 65 His diplomatic 
 work was still continued, and it was successful, by engaging Spain to 
 befriend the American cause in 1779, and Holland the following year; 
 while in the month of August, 1780, the armed neutrality between 
 Russia, Sweden and Denmark was effected. These combinations 
 powerfully conduced to turn the people of Great Britain and Ireland 
 against Lord North’s ministry, and to give weight to the arguments of 
 the peace party. 
 
 A number of Tory refugees and Indians had fixed themselves in the 
 settlement of .Unadilla, and there they were attacked by a regiment of 
 Continental troops, during the month of October. Under John 
 Johnson—a son of Sir William—the Tories and the Indians, led by 
 Brant had spread terror for a long time through central New York. 
 
 84 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 65 See Mignet’s “ Vie de Franklin,” 
 Washington,” Vol. i., chap, xi., pp. for the career of that distinguished 
 305, 306. man in France. 
 
BRITISH EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SOUTHERN STATES. 249 
 
 In revenge for the destruction of Unadilla, these allies attacked a 
 settlement in Cherry Valley, during the month of November. A 
 pitiless massacre there ensued. The Indians on the Ohio also gave 
 much inquietude to the Americans, and General Andrew Lewis 66 was 
 despatched to restrain their incursions—a task he very successfully 
 accomplished. Likewise, General Hand 67 conducted a successful ex¬ 
 pedition against the Five Nations in New York. 
 
 Despairing of subjugating the Northern and Middle Colonies, and 
 knowing that Savannah had but a small garrison under the American 
 General Robert Howe, towards the close of 1778 Sir Henry Clinton 
 fitted out an expedition by water to invade Georgia. Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Archibald Campbell commanded the 2,000 troops on board, and they 
 were convoyed by some ships of war, commanded by Commodore 
 Hyde Parker. The British landed in the Savannah River, a few miles 
 below the city so named, and preparations were made for an attack on 
 that place, when they had disembarked. The American General 
 attempted a defence, but his force was insufficient to meet the 
 besiegers, and his flank being turned, retreat was impossible. The 
 British followed him, and he suffered considerable loss. Upwards of 
 one hundred of the Americans were killed in the pursuit. Moreover, 
 38 officers and 415 privates were taken prisoners; while 48 pieces of 
 cannon and 23 mortars fell into the hands of the victors. Thus, 
 Savannah was captured by the British, on the 29th of December. The 
 shipping in the river and a large quantity of provisions, with ammunition 
 and stores, were seized; while the remnant of the American army 
 retreated up the Savannah River for several miles, and at last the 
 fugitives took refuge in the State of South Carolina. 
 
 By land and sea, some undecisive actions took place. 68 On the 
 latter element, the American ships were very successful in securing 
 several prizes. Among the many gallant actions performed, those of 
 Captain Nicholas Biddle 69 are especially noteworthy in his ship called 
 the Randolph, a frigate carrying thirty-two guns. After a series of 
 adventurous cruises and daring exploits at sea, on the morning of 
 the 7th of March 1778, he fell in with the British ship Yarmouth of 
 sixty-four guns, and commanded by Captain Vincent. Early in the action, 
 Captain Biddle was wounded, and after it had continued about twenty 
 minutes, the Randolph blew up, when he and over three hundred of 
 his crew perished. 70 It has been stated, that Massachusetts alone had 
 
 66 He was the son of Irish parents, 
 and a native of Augusta County, Vir¬ 
 ginia. He died in 1778, after his 
 return from the Ohio expedition. See 
 Thomas B’Arcy McGee’s “ History 
 of the Irish Settlers of North Amer¬ 
 ica,” chap, viii., p. 57. 
 
 67 In October 1778, he succeeded 
 General Stark in the command at 
 Albany. See Ibid. p. 58. 
 
 68 See Stedman’s “ History of the 
 Origin, Progress and Termination of 
 the American War,” Vol. ii., chaps, 
 xxi., xxiii. Dublin 1794. 8vo. 
 
 69 He was in Philadelphia, in 1750. 
 See the “ American Biographical Dic¬ 
 tionary.” 
 
 70 See the account in David Ram¬ 
 say’s “ History of the American Revo,* 
 lution.” 
 
IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 250 
 
 nearly as many seamen fighting the British at sea, and engaged in 
 privateering during the Revolutionary War, as were to be numbered in 
 the land army of all the other colonies. 71 Among the noted privateers 
 during the Revolution. Luke Ryan, 72 commander of the Black Prince and 
 having a commission from the French Government, was distinguished 
 as a daring adventurer, who took many prizes from the English. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Ke-organization of Washington’s Army—War in the South—General Tryon’s Descent 
 on Long Island—Attack on Charleston—Capture of Granada by the French— 
 Indian Hostilities on the Western Frontiers—Naval Exploits of Paul Jones— 
 Military Operations in the North—Attack on Savannah—Defeat of the French 
 and Americans. 
 
 In the beginning of 1779, the army of Washington had been strengthened 
 tc the number of 16,000, and he began to re-organize it. 1 General 
 Greene, an officer whom he greatly trusted, was set over the quarter¬ 
 master^ department; Baron Stuben replaced General Conway as 
 Inspector-General, and he greatly improved discipline among the troops ; 
 Kosciuszko was Engineer in Chief, and he was actively engaged in 
 fortifying the New York Highlands. About this time also, the services 
 of Stephen Moylan and his cavalry were exercised to great advantage on 
 the Hudson River and in Connecticut. 
 
 The British General Prevost, who then commanded in Florida, 
 marched to Sudbury in Georgia, which surrendered January 9th. 
 Afterwards, assuming command at Savannah, he sent Colonel Campbell 
 against Augusta with 1.500 men. With the surrender of this place, all 
 Georgia submitted to the invaders. These advantages, when reported 
 
 n See Edward A. Hale’s “ Story of 
 Massachusetts.” Boston, D. Lothrop 
 and Co. : 1892, 8vo. 
 
 12 He was a native of Rush, in Ire¬ 
 land. He was tried as a pirate at the 
 Old Baily, London, and condemned 
 for execution. However, through the 
 mediation of the Versailles Court, he 
 was afterwards set at liberty . See J. 
 N. Brewer’s “Beauties of Ireland,” 
 Vol. i., p. 257, n. 
 
 1 From Parliamentary and official 
 returns, it appeared, that on the 1st 
 of August 1777, there were, including 
 sick, 37,512 rank and file at New 
 Vork, and 3,362 in other posts. 
 From an Army List, published by 
 authority at New York, it was stated, 
 that in the beginning of 1779, there 
 
 were in America, exclusive of Canada, 
 British forces, Sir Henry Clinton, 
 General in Chief, Earl Cornwallis, 
 Lieutenant-General, and fifteen Major- 
 Generals, the 17th regiment of cav¬ 
 alry, two battalions of guards, and 
 twenty-nine battalions of the line; 
 besides the Germans, Lieutenant- 
 General Knyphausen, and six Major- 
 Generals, with twenty-two battalions 
 of the line; moreover, exclusive of 
 artillery and engineers, there were 
 twenty-five corps of Provincials and 
 of Infantry, and four of cavalry. Be¬ 
 sides there were many irregular corps 
 of loyalists ; and several regiments of 
 militia. See “Correspondence of 
 Charles, First Marquis of Cornwallis,” 
 edited, with Notes, by Charles Ross, 
 Esq. Vol. i., chap, ii., pp. 38, 39. 
 
WAR IN THE fcOUTH. 
 
 251 
 
 in England, were thought by the Court party to herald the immediate 
 conquest of the Carolinas by Campbell. 2 Under the command of 
 Colonel Boyd, the Tory inhabitants were then organized. Soon their 
 bands became very troublesome, on the frontiers of South Carolina. 3 
 On the other hand, the Irish Presbyterians appear to have been every¬ 
 where bitterly anti-English, and outside New England, it is probable 
 they did more of the real fighting of the Revolution than any other class. 4 
 The 14th of February, an encounter took place between the Americans 
 under Pickens, and the British under Boyd. The latter suffered a 
 reverse at a place called Kettle Creek, where the American loss was 
 . 38, while that of the British amounted to 145 men. 
 
 The troops at the South had been placed under the command of 
 General Lincoln, who was now engaged forming an army on the 
 Carolina side of the Savannah River. Under General Ashe, a detach¬ 
 ment was sent against Augusta. Campbell was obliged to evacuate 
 that place. But while Ashe was engaged in pursuit of the garrison, on 
 the 3rd of March at Briar Creek 5 near the Savannah River, the 
 British under Prevost came to their relief, and attacked the Americans, 
 who were now surprised and greatly outnumbered. About 150 were 
 killed and 200 taken, with a loss of seven cannon, and almost all their 
 arms, ammunition and baggage. 6 The Americans were utterly routed, 
 while the British loss was only 16. Prevost then crossed the river to 
 invade South Carolina. 
 
 The coasts of Long Island Sound were ravaged by General Tryon, 7 
 with about 2,600 land forces. During the month of March a descent 
 was made upon Connecticut. He surprised and destroyed New Haven, 
 Norwalk and Fairfield. 8 He also scattered a small outpost, near Green¬ 
 wich, where General Putnam narrowly escaped capture. The fires and 
 destruction of property that accompanied this expedition were wanton and 
 shameful, while nearly every species of barbarity was practised against the 
 unprotected people. The sole object of those invaders seemed to be the 
 indulgence of depredation, so as to cause individual and general distress. 9 
 However, having collected his forces, Putnam pursued the British, re¬ 
 captured much of their plunder, and he took fifty prisoners. 
 
 2 See Horace Walpole’s “ Journal of 
 the Reign of King George the Third,” 
 Vol ii., pp. 351. 
 
 3 See David Ramsay’s “ History of 
 the Revolution in South Carolina,” 
 two vols. Charleston, 1785, 8vo. 
 
 4 See William Edward Hartpole 
 Lecky’s “ History of England in the 
 Eighteenth Century,” Vol. iv., chap, 
 xiv., p. 118. 
 
 5 See Horace Walpole’s “ Journal of 
 the Reign of Kline George the Third,” 
 &c., Vol. ii., p. 357. 
 
 6 See “ The Annual Register for the 
 
 year 1779,” Vol. xxii., History of 
 
 Europe, chap, ix., pp. 179 to 182. 
 
 7 He was the Governor of New 
 York, and he had urged on the Bri¬ 
 tish Government vigorous and hostile 
 depredations, as a means to make the 
 New Englanders submit to the settle¬ 
 ment proposed by the King’s Com¬ 
 missioners. See “ Documents relating 
 to the Colonial History of New York,” 
 Vol. viii., p. 750. 
 
 8 See William Edward Hartpole 
 Lecky’s “ History of England in the 
 Eighteenth Century,” Vol. iv., chap, 
 xiv., pp. 116, 117. 
 
 9 See Benson J. Lossing’s “ Pictorial 
 Field-Book of the Revolution,” Vol. 
 i., chap, xviii., pp. 411 to 431. 
 
252 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 During the month of May, the British General Sir Henry Clinton 
 had despatched an expedition from New York. Soon Norfolk, Ports¬ 
 mouth, Suffolk and Gosport, in Virginia, were severally attacked and 
 destroyed, by Sir George Collier and General Matthew. 10 Great damage 
 was inflicted on shipping and other property along the James and Eliza¬ 
 beth Rivers. 11 Although their booty had enriched those who took part 
 in those ravages, they were of no real advantage to the royal cause. It 
 was supposed, that by involving the inhabitants in losses, they should 
 reflect on the necessity for submission ; but the people had learned with 
 pride to make sacrifices for their country, while the irritation and 
 exasperation caused were quickened the more to oppose still greater 
 obstacles to a re-union with the empire. After a brief occupation, the 
 invaders returned to New York with their prizes and plunder. 12 
 
 A more serious attempt was to be directed against the Carolinas 
 and Georgia. An attack on Charleston was now designed by General 
 Prevost, and the Americans prepared for its defence. He arrived before 
 the town on May 11th. It was only possible to collect somewhat less 
 than 3,000 men for its defence, exclusive of the town populatian. 13 
 General Lincoln hastened to its relief by forced marches, and the British 
 retreated by way of the Sea Islands on the coast, where under protec¬ 
 tion of a redoubt, part of their force remained for some time. At 
 Stono Ferry on the 20th June, the British under Prevost engaged the 
 Americans under Lincoln. Prevost attempted to carry their strong 
 position, but he was repulsed. The Americans lost 300 men in this 
 action, while the British loss was estimated at 270. 
 
 A British force from Neva Scotia had established a post on Penob¬ 
 scot Bay, under Colonel Macleane. The people of Massachusetts resolved 
 on breaking it up, and for that purpose they sent an expedition in July 
 of nineteen armed vessels, under direction of a sea captain named 
 Saltonstall from Connecticut. 14 General Lovel and fiteen hundred 
 militia went on board. This expedition was mismanaged, and it proved 
 to be a total failure. 15 While Colonel Macleane was sustaining a siege 
 in the fort he occupied, Sir George Collier and a squadron from New 
 York arrived in time for his relief. The Americans at first made a show 
 of resistance. This, however, was only to gain time, so that the trans¬ 
 ports might move higher up the river. That effort, however, proved to 
 be unsuccessful. 16 The American ships were all lost, while the soldiers 
 who escaped from the British took to the woods, through which they 
 
 10 See William Edward Hartpole 
 Lecky’s “ History of England in the 
 Eighteenth Century,” Vol. iv., chap 
 xiv., p. 116. 
 
 11 See “The Annual Register for 
 the year 1779,” Vol. xxii., History of 
 Europe, chap. ix.. pp. 186, 187. 
 
 12 See George Bancroft’s “History 
 < of the United States,” Vol. x., chap. 
 
 X-, p. 223. 
 
 ! 13 See David Ramsay’s “ History of 
 
 the American Revolution,” Vol. ii., 
 p. 155. 
 
 14 See Benson J. Lossing’s “ Pictorial 
 Field-Book of the Revolution,” Vol. 
 ii., chap, i., p. 26. 
 
 15 See “The Annual Register for 
 the year 1779,” Vol. xxii., History of 
 Europe, chap, ix., p. 195. 
 
 16 See Lord Mahon’s “History of 
 England from the Peace of Utrecht,” 
 Vol vi , chap, iviii., p. 414. 
 
CAPTURE OP GRANADA BY THE FRENCH. 
 
 253 
 
 wandered nearly one hundred miles, before they reached any human 
 habitation. 17 
 
 Failing in the attempt on Newport, the French Admiral directed his 
 course towards the West Indies, when he had refitted at Boston. 18 
 While awaiting reinforcements expected from France, Count d’Estaing 
 made a descent on the Island of Granada, On the 4th of July, at the 
 head of Dillon’s Regiment, he bravely assaulted the English fort of the 
 Hospital, With remarkable daring, these Irish-French soldiers carried 
 Granada, and it was taken from the British. 19 Having learned that 
 Admiral Byron, with an English squadron, was approaching to attack 
 the place, half of Dillon’s battalion served on board the French fleet. 
 A naval engagement took place on the 6th of July, when the French 
 were victors. 20 
 
 The British commander, Lieutenant Governor Henry Hamilton at 
 Detroit had instigated the Indians to operate against Colonel George 
 Rogers Clarke, who with a force of adventurous pioneers had captured 
 several posts north of the Ohio River. Hamilton had taken post at 
 Vincennes during the winter, intending to attack the Virginian settle¬ 
 ments with the advance of spring. However, he was there surprised 
 on the 23rd of February, and the next day he surrendered the fort to 
 Clarke and to the French inhabitants. A convoy of British goods and 
 provisions coming there from Detroit was likewise intercepted ; and 
 thus, the whole intended expedition was nipped in the bud. 21 
 
 During the summer of this year, three brigades from Washington’s 
 army were placed under the command of General Sullivan, and sent 
 against the Six Nations of Indians in Western New York. 22 A large 
 force of Tories and Indians, led by Brant, Johnston, and the Butlers, 
 was concentrated at Newtown, now Elmira, in the State of New York. 
 James Clinton commanded a detachment of sixteen hundred men, which 
 was sent into that country in order to assist Sullivan’s expedition 
 against the hostile Indians. 23 These collected in all their strength 
 
 17 See John R. G. Hassard’s “ His¬ 
 tory of the United States of America,” 
 chap, xxxi., p. 205. 
 
 18 See Judge Marshall’s “Life of 
 George Washington,” etc., Vol. iii., 
 chap, ix., p. 568. 
 
 19 See Ur. John Campbell’s “ Naval 
 History of Great Britain, including 
 the History and Lives of the British 
 Admirals,” Vol. v., chap, xxvi., pp. 
 452, 453. London, 1813, in eight 
 8vo. vols. 
 
 20 See “ The Annual Register for 
 the year 1779,” Vol. xxii., History of 
 Europe, chap, x., pp. 199 to 206. 
 
 21 See George Bancroft's “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. x., chap, 
 viii., pp. 194 to 201. 
 
 22 See Benson J. Lossing’s “ Pictorial 
 
 Field-Book of the Revolution,” Vol. 
 i., chap, xii., pp. 270 to 277. 
 
 23 Clinton was subsequently attached 
 to the main army, and he was present 
 at the capture of Cornwallis. When 
 the British evacuated New York, Clin¬ 
 ton made his last appearance in arms. 
 He afterwards retired to his ample 
 estates. He was not suffered always 
 to enjoy the repose he had so fairly 
 earned; but, on several occasions, he 
 was called to receive unsolicited civic 
 honours. He was one of the Conven¬ 
 tion that formed the present Federal 
 Constitution. James Clinton was 
 one of the most sincere patriots the 
 Revolution afforded. He was as 
 superior in his qualifications for a 
 military life as hs brother was in 
 
254 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 LQJ 
 
 and selected a strong position, which was fortified with great judcrment. 
 When Sullivan approached, he opened on the enemy’s works with a can¬ 
 nonade which lasted two hours. The assault given caused great loss to 
 the defenders. On the 29th of August this encounter took place. 24 The 
 British and their allies were completely routed, and when their trenches 
 were forced, they fled in consternation, making no attempt to rally. 
 Afterwards, Sullivan ravaged the whole Genesee valley, and he burned 
 all the Indian villages. Many of their houses were very commodious, 
 and fine fields of corn surrounded them. 26 He also destroyed their 
 crops, as his purpose. was to lay waste their whole region, so that the 
 savages could find no future shelter in it. 26 
 
 An adventurous and a brave mariner, who figured in the American 
 Revolution, was the celebrated Scotchman John Paul Jones. 27 Having 
 procured in 1777 the command of an eighteen gun vessel called the 
 Ranger, he made a successful cruise, and captured several valuable 
 English prizes. In 1778 he made a descent on Whitehaven in 
 Scotland, and took two forts, having spiked thirty pieces of cannon. 
 Subsequently, he fitted out in France a squadron of five vessels. 28 
 One of these, an old Indiaman, had been altered and equipped as a 
 man-of-war, but that ship was imperfectly provided with guns and 
 material. She was named the Bon Homme Richard, 29 and on this 
 vessel the flag of Paul Jones was hoisted. He sailed from L’Orient 
 France, and in August 1777, he hovered round the coast of Kerry, 30 
 Afterwards, he spread terror along the eastern shores of England; 
 for in the course of a month, he captured or destroyed no less 
 than twenty-3ix vessels. A fleet of merchant ships was descried 
 September 23rd, under the convoy of two powerful men-of-war, the 
 Serapis Captain Pierson, and the Countess of Scarborough Captain 
 Piercy, off Flamborough Head, on the coast of Yorkshire. With two 
 of his ships, Jones gave chase. After nightfall, he came up with the 
 Serapis. Making ready for action, after trying vain manoeuvres to 
 
 fitness for civil duties. In battle, he 
 was cool, ready and courageous. No 
 crisis, however unexpected, destroyed 
 the balance of his mind. In temper 
 he was usually mild and affectionate; 
 but, his passions were strong, and 
 when once aroused, terrific. See “ The 
 Heroes of the Revolution.” 
 
 24 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington,” etc., Yol. i., chap, xii., 
 pp. 320, 321. 
 
 25 See William Edward Hartpole 
 Lecky’s “ History of England in the 
 Eighteenth Century,” Yol iv., chap, 
 xiv., p. 117. 
 
 26 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. x., chap, 
 x., pp. 230 to 232. 
 
 * 7 His Life has been written by John 
 
 H. Sherburne. New York, 1851, 2nd 
 edition. 
 
 28 See William Edward Hartpole 
 Lecky’s “ History of England in the 
 Eighteenth Century,” Vol. iv., chap, 
 xiv., page 113. 
 
 29 This name was given as a compli¬ 
 ment to Dr. Franklin, then in France 
 and agent for the United States, in 
 allusion to his well remembered publi¬ 
 cation of “ Poor Richard’s Almanac.” 
 
 30 According to the statement of Mr. 
 Lecky, and referring to this period, 
 Ireland “ had been left almost defence¬ 
 less, and was in a condition of extreme 
 
 S eril. The Presbyterians of the 
 forth openly sympathised with the 
 Americans.”—“History of England 
 in the Eighteenth Century,” Vol. iv., 
 chap, xiv., p. 114. 
 
NAVAL EXPLOITS OP JOHN PAUL JONES. 
 
 255 
 
 6oard, Jones lashed his ship side by side, the muzzles of the guns in 
 both vessels actually touching. Then, a furious canonade began. 31 On 
 board of the Bon Homme Richard two of the guns burst during the 
 engagement, which caused great damage to the vessel and her crew. 
 For fully three hours, this desperate combat lasted. A dreadful ex¬ 
 plosion took place on board the Serapis, and which destroyed several 
 officers and men. Crowds of people lined the shore as spectators, for 
 that engagement was fought in their view and by moonlight. In two 
 different places, fire broke out on board the Bon Homme Richard. How¬ 
 ever, after dreadful carnage on both s'des, 32 the Serapis, a much finer and 
 heavier ship, struck her flag. Paul Jones and his crew now abandoned 
 their own vessel and went on board the prize. A few hours later, the 
 Bon Homme Richard foundered and sank. The Countess of Scarborough, 
 in like manner, struck to one of his other ships. 33 A third vessel of 
 Jones’ squadron, commanded by a French officer named Landay, gave 
 little or no assistance during that obstinate combat. 
 
 The erection of two forts had been ordered, to command the crossing at 
 King’s Ferry on the River Hudson ; one of these was to be built at Stony 
 Point, on the west bank, the other was to be at Verplanck’s Point, on 
 the opposite side. While the works were still unfinished, Sir Henry 
 Clinton had captured Stony Point, and the British then occupied that 
 post. Whereupon, Yerplanck’s Point was obliged also to surrender. 
 Washington deemed the recapture of these to be very important for his 
 communications. On the 15th of July, General Wayne was instructed to 
 attack Stony Point, about forty-two miles above New York, and it was 
 the strongest fortress on the Hudson River. A night assault was planned 
 by Washington, and it was conducted with consummate skill and bravery. 
 Lieut.-Colonel Johnson was in command of the British. Their position 
 seemed almost impregnable. Situated upon a huge rocky bluff, an island 
 at high water, and always inaccessible dry-shod, except across the 
 narrow causeway in the rear, it was strongly defended by outworks and 
 by a double row of abatis , 34 Upon three sides of the rock were the waters 
 of the Hudson, and on the fourth was a morass deep and dangerous. 
 But Wayne was not easily deterred by obstacles. He resolved at all 
 hazards to storm the fort. He only waited for the ebbing of the tide, 
 and the first deep slumber of the garrison, for moving towards the works. 
 His troops were divided into two columns. Lieutenant De Fleur}’-, a 
 Frenchman, led the van of the right, with one hundred and fifty volun- 
 
 31 Matthew Mease, an Irishman, 
 was the purser in the “ Bon Homme 
 Richard” with Paul Jones; he volun¬ 
 teered to serve the guns, in the fam¬ 
 ous battle between that ship and the 
 Serapis. 
 
 32 According to Dr. John Campbell, 
 “ the loss of the Serapis was forty- 
 nine killed, and sixty-eight wounded; 
 that of the Bon Homme Richard was 
 three hundred and six killed 
 
 and wounded.”—“Naval History of 
 Great Britain,” etc., Vol. v., chap, 
 xxvi., p. 459. 
 
 33 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol x., chap, 
 xii., pp. 271, 272. 
 
 34 The works of Stony Point and 
 Verplanck’s Point are shown on a 
 map, in “The Writings of George 
 Washington,” etc., Vol. vi., p. 304. 
 Edition of Jared Sparks. 
 
*256 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 teers. The van of the left was led by Major Stewart, an Irishman, and 
 it consisted of one hundred volunteers, with -unloaded muskets and 
 fixed bayonets. While directing that assault ayne was severely 
 wounded. 36 An avant-guard of twenty picked men for each company, 
 under Lieutenants James Gibbons 36 and Knox, had proceeded to remove 
 the abatis and other obstructions. These vans composed the forlorn 
 hope. Of Lieutenant Gibbons’ twenty men, seventeen were killed or 
 wounded. 37 There were other distinguished Irish officers with Wayne 
 on that occasion. Colonel Moylan rushed side by side with him up the 
 heights. Colonel Butler led his regiment in person, and Major Murphy 
 commanded two companies. 38 The fort was captured, with a loss of 98 
 men to the Americans. 39 The storming and capture of Stony Point was 
 regarded as the most brilliant event of‘the war. The victors, Wayne, 
 De Fluery, and Stewart, were awarded medals by Congress. Sir Henry 
 Clinton came up the river in force soon afterwards, and thus he saved 
 Verplanck’s Point. Not choosing to risk a general engagement, 
 Washington then caused Stony Point to be evacuated. However, these 
 posts were held by the English for no very lengthened period. Having re¬ 
 resolved to transfer all his available troops southwards in October, Sir 
 Henry Clinton abandoned not only those forts, but likewise, Newport in 
 Rhode Island, while be strengthened the fortifications of New York. At 
 Paulus Hook, now Jersey City, on the 18th of August Major Henry 
 Lee obtained a victory over the British, who were surprised during the 
 night. One hundred and fifty-nine prisoners were captured. 40 
 
 The British held Savannah, with a very considerable force of nearly 
 2,000 men, about this period. Having received directions from the 
 French king, to co-operate with the Americans in the Southern States, 
 Count D’Estaing sailed from the West Indies, on the 1st of September, 
 and soon he arrived off the coast of Georgia, with twenty sail of the 
 line, two ships of fifty guns each, and eleven frigates. His appearance 
 was so unexpected, that he captured an English man-of-war and three 
 frigates. In a short time, the American General Lincoln moved from 
 his encampment, ordering the militia of Georgia and of South Carolina 
 to rendezvous in the vicinity of Savannah, where General Prevost com¬ 
 manded the garrison. Before their arrival, however, D’Estaing had 
 demanded the surrender of the town. To gain time, Prevost asked for 
 a suspension of hostilities during twenty-four hours, to propose specific 
 terms. This request was granted j but before the expiration of that 
 
 35 See Michaud’s “ Biographie Uni* 
 verselle, ancienne et moderne,” etc.. 
 Tome xliv., p. 399. 
 
 36 An Irish-American. 
 
 37 Afterwards he became Colonel. 
 He died July 1st 1834, at Richmond, 
 in his 77th year. “ American Alma¬ 
 nac,” 1835. 
 
 38 In a letter from General Anthony 
 Wayne to General Washington, dated 
 
 July, 1779, there is an account of 
 that assault, in “The Writings of 
 George Washington,” Yol. vi., Ap 
 pendix No. VI., pp. 537 to 540. 
 Edition of Jared Sparks. 
 
 39 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington,” etc., Vol. i., chap, xii., 
 pp. 323 to 325. 
 
 40 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Yol. x., chap, 
 x.; pp 223 to 230. 
 
ATTACK ON SAVANNAH. 257 
 
 time, Lieutenant-Colonel Maitland with several hundred men had 
 arrived as a reinforcement, and this fortunate junction of their forces 
 encouraged the English to offer an effectual resistance. A fear was 
 entertained by the marine officers, lest the French fleet might be sur¬ 
 prised by a superior English armament, or be exposed to the action of 
 storms on a dangerous coast; and as the operations of a regular siege 
 must necessarily be slow, the leaders rashly determined to carry the 
 well fortified town by assault. 41 
 
 The besieged had strengthened their position with additional defen¬ 
 sive works, so that the leaders and united army of the French and of 
 the Americans prepared for an attack by regular approaches. The 
 regiments under Count Dillon’s command landed, while the French 
 fleet took up the nearest position possible to co-operate ; and, on the 4th 
 of October a furious cannonade was opened from their land and sea 
 batteries. A large American militia force was drafted to make a false 
 attack, while the real object of assault was Spring Hill battery, in 
 advance of the British position. Early on the morning of the 9th, 3,500 
 French troops, 600 Continentals and 350 citizens of Charleston, moved 
 forward, under their respective leaders, Count D’Estaing and General 
 Lincoln. But a terrific fire from the English batteries and a cross-fire 
 from their galleys met this storming division and tore the heads of 
 columns. The supporting force under Count Dillon failed to carry the 
 place by assault, 42 although two French standards were planted on 
 the British redoubts by the gallant Irish Major Brown. 43 While 
 making the third attempt he was killed. 44 The Irish Colonel Lynch, 45 
 of the regiment of Walsh, was distinguished for his coolness and 
 bravery at Savannah. 46 The gallant efforts of a brave Irish-American 
 
 41 This decision of the Admiral was 
 taken contrary to the opinions of his 
 other officers. The brave Major Brown 
 remarked to the Count, that although 
 disapproving of such an operation, no 
 cause of complaint should lie against 
 his own conduct. 
 
 42 One company of the regiment of 
 Dillon, which consisted of 194 men, 
 was ordered to charge against an Eng¬ 
 lish battery; the assailants did so, 
 and only 96 men returned alive. 
 
 43 He was aid-de-camp to the Count 
 D’Estaing. 
 
 44 No less than sixty-three of his 
 grenadiers were killed or wounded, 
 without counting the fusiliers. 
 
 45 He had previously served with 
 distinction, in the campaigns of India. 
 
 46 At the most critical moment of 
 that sanguinary affair, being at the 
 head of the right of his column, Count 
 D’Estaing directed Lynch to carry an 
 urgent order to the third column, 
 
 which was on the left. These- columns 
 were within grape shot range of the 
 enemy’s entrenchments, and on both 
 sides a tremendous firing was main¬ 
 tained. Instead of passing through 
 the centre or in the rere of the 
 columns, Lynch proceeded cooly 
 through the shower of balls and grape 
 shot, which the French and English 
 were firing at each other. It was in 
 vain that M. D’Estaing and those 
 who surrounded him cried out, that 
 he should take another direction. 
 Lynch went on, executed his order, 
 and returned unhurt the very same 
 way. When remonstrated with for 
 his rashness, and asked why he chose 
 such a course: “ Because it was the 
 shortest,” he anwered. Having uttered 
 these few words he went with equal 
 coolness, and joined a group that was 
 most earnestly engaged in storming 
 the place. He was afterwards pro¬ 
 moted to the rank of Lieutenant-Gen- 
 
 S 
 
258 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Sergeant William Jasper 47 are memorable in American history, and 
 his life was there sacrificed to save the American flag. 48 Count D’Estaing 
 was wounded in the assault, which lasted fifty-five minutes, and 
 it ended in disaster to the assailants. The brave Pole Count 
 Pulaski of the Continental army, was mortally wounded. 49 A heroic 
 Irishman, Lieutenant-Colonel Humphrey O’Dunne, was greatly dis¬ 
 tinguished for his intrepidity under this terrible fire, which he escaped, 
 to gain future honours in the field. But, retreat was inevitable. 
 No less than eight hundred and twenty-one men of the French attacking 
 division were killed and wounded, and, among these figure the Irish 
 names of Brown, major of Dillon’s regiment, colonel of infantry; O’Neill 
 and Moran, captains ; Taafe, lieutenant; Roche, officer of artillery; 
 Rogers, captain in the regiment of Guadaloupe, with many other Irish 
 names of sub-officers. 50 About four hundred of the American forces 
 were killed and wounded. 51 The loss sustained by the British was 
 comparatively insignificant. The American militia dispersed to their 
 homes, when Count D’Estaing re-embarked his surviving troops and 
 sailed for the West Indies. The patriots of Georgia, who had joined 
 them, fled to the backwoods or across the river. The militia of South 
 Carolina returned to their homes, and General Lincoln repaired to 
 Charleston, followed by what remained of his army. 52 
 
 50 See an Article by William J. 
 Onahan, published in Donohoe’s 
 “Magazine,” Vol. v., pp. 99 to 102. 
 “ An Irish Brigade commanded by- 
 Count Arthur Dillon, at the Siege of 
 Savannah, 1779.” 
 
 51 William Thompson was a native 
 of Pennsylvania, and a relative of 
 Charles Thompson, the secretary of 
 the Continental Congress. He was 
 bom about the year 1727, and while 
 a child, he was taken to Orangeburg 
 district, in South Carolina. Re was 
 placed in command of the Third Regi¬ 
 ment, called the Rangers. With his 
 regiment, he fought in the battle of 
 Sullivan’s Island in 1776. He was 
 with General Howe in Georgia, and 
 he served under the command of 
 D’Estaing at Savannah. He behaved 
 gallantly, and suffered much during 
 the greater part of the war. See Loss- 
 ing’s “ Pictorial Field-Book of the Re¬ 
 volution.” 
 
 82 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Yol. x., chap, 
 xiii., pp. 296 to 298. 
 
 eral. He commanded the French 
 infantry in the first engagement they 
 had with the Prussians, on the 
 Heights of Valmy, in the year 1792. 
 These particulars have been related by 
 the Count de Segur. 
 
 47 He was born in South Carolina about 
 the year 1750, and he enlisted as a 
 sergeant in the Second South Carolina 
 Regiment. As a guerilla chief he was 
 distinguished in his native State. 
 
 48 During the bombardment of Fort 
 Sullivan, near Charleston, on the 28th 
 of June 1776, the American flag-staff 
 with the colours had been shot down 
 from a British ship. They fell to the 
 bottom of a ditch, which was outside 
 the works. Jasper leaped the parapet, 
 walked the length of the fort, and 
 picked up the flag. In the midst 
 of the iron hail pouring on the fortress, 
 and in the sight of the whole British 
 fleet, he fixed the flag firmly on the 
 bastion. He received his death wound 
 at Savannah, while attempting to plant 
 the colours of his regiment on the 
 English redoubt. 
 
 49 He died October 11th. 
 
POSITION OF GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
 
 259 
 
 CHAPTER XVII, 
 
 Position of General Washington at the Opening of 17S0— Siege and Capture of 
 Charleston by Sir Henry Clinton—Financial Depression—General Gates in 
 the South —Partisan Chiefs and their Raids—Brutality of Lord Cornwallis— 
 American Victory at King’s Mountain—Treason of General Arnold—Mutiny 
 in the American Army. 
 
 During the winter season of 1779 and the ensuing spring General 
 Washington was obliged to assume merely a defensive position at West- 
 point while, in the Southern States, the Americans and French were 
 destined to sustain serious losses. However, without additional rein¬ 
 forcement, the English army could not leave New York. The American 
 troops had been quartered in Morristown, 2 from the middle of February, 
 1780, to the following month of May; but they numbered only about 
 7,000 men, and of these the most considerable portion was Irish. 3 At 
 the present juncture, their General could only maintain an attitude of 
 observance for want of additional forces. 4 
 
 1 Dr. Corcoran, Irishman, was 
 Surgeon-General of the Middle De¬ 
 partment of the Revolutionary army, 
 and afterwards he became the 
 Director-General of Hospitals in the 
 United States. 
 
 2 Mr. Galloway, speaker of the 
 House of Assembly of Pennsylvania, 
 in his examination before a committee 
 of the English House of Commons, 
 June fith 17 /9, wl en asked this question 
 about soldiers in the service of the Con¬ 
 gress, “ Were they chiefly composed 
 of the natives of America, or were 
 the greatest part of them English?” 
 he answered : “ The names and places of 
 their nativity being taken down, I can 
 answer the question with precision. 
 There were scarcely one-fourth natives 
 of America; about one-half Irish, the 
 other fourth were English and 
 Scotch.” See also Benson J. Lossing’s 
 “ Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolu¬ 
 tion,” Vol. i., chap, xiv., p. 309. 
 
 3 During this period, the day of 
 Ireland’s National Apostle was cele¬ 
 brated with universal military re¬ 
 joicings ; while the Commander-in- 
 Chief congratulated the troops on 
 tidings lately received, that the Parlia¬ 
 ment of Ireland had not only engaged 
 on proceedings “ calculated to remove 
 the heavy and tyrannical oppressions 
 on their trade, but to restore to a 
 
 brave and generous people their 
 ancient rights and privileges, and in 
 their operation to promote the cause 
 of America.” He then ordered, “ that 
 all fatigue and working parties cease 
 for to-morrow, the 17th day, held in 
 particular regard by the people of 
 that nation.” On the day itself 
 followed these Division Orders, March 
 17 1780:—“The commanding officer 
 desires that the celebration of the 
 day should not pass by without hav¬ 
 ing a little rum issued to the troops, 
 and has thought proper to direct the 
 commissary to send for the hogshead 
 which the colonel has purchased 
 already in the vicinity of the camp. 
 While the troops are celebrating the 
 bravery of St. Patrick in innocent 
 mirth and pastime, he hopes they will 
 not forget their worthy friends in the 
 kingdom of Ireland, who with the 
 greatest unanimity, have stepped in 
 opposition to the tyrant, Great 
 Britain, and who, like -us, are deter 
 mined to die or be free. The troops 
 will conduct themselves with the 
 greatest sobriety and good order.” 
 
 4 The difficulties under which the 
 American Commander-in-Chief labour¬ 
 ed are well set forth, in “ Washing¬ 
 ton’s Private Diarv,” edited by John 
 Gilmarv Shea, and published in New 
 York, '1861. 
 
260 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Having placed New York in a state for defence, and leaving Lieu* 
 tenant-General Knyphausen in command, Sir Henry Clinton resolved 
 to sail for the South, and to conduct an enterprise having for its 
 immediate object the capture of Charleston, then garrisoned by a small 
 body of Continentals under General Lincoln. Accordingly, a fleet, 
 commanded by Admiral Arbuthnot, and having on board a land force 
 of five thousand men, besides two thousand marines, left New York 
 harbour towards the close of December 1779, 5 The English Com- 
 mander-in-Chief then sailed onwards towards Georgia. After a tedious 
 and dangerous passage he reached Savannah, and in February 1780, he 
 disembarked on the islands below Charleston, to prepare for its siege. 6 
 On the land side, that town was completely invested by the British 
 army. But, having lost most of their artillery, a great part of their 
 ordnance, and all their cavalry horses, during the tempestuous weather 
 at sea, Sir Henry Clinton despatched an order to New York for reim 
 forcements of men and stores, while 1,200 .men were ordered from the 
 garrison of Savannah. 
 
 Had Lincoln acted judiciously, he should have abandoned Charles¬ 
 ton, having no adequate means for defence against those forces now 
 concentrated against it. Instead of taking this course, he called into 
 that place all the troops he could collect from the outposts. He traced 
 out lines and threw up redoubts, while the defensive works were 
 strengthened and extended. Several sallies were made by the garrison 
 to keep open communications with the interior. However, the Com¬ 
 mander of the British cavalry was able to hold the American detach¬ 
 ment in check. Especially, on the 14th of April, at Monk’s Corner, 
 about thirty miles from Charleston, Lieutenant-General Tarleton en¬ 
 countered fourteen hundred American cavalry, and these were routed 
 with considerable loss. The American squadron fell back to Fort 
 Moultrie, and afterwards to Charleston, as the greatly superior marine 
 force of the British passed the bar on a flowing tide. The investiture 
 of that town was then speedily completed, both by land and sea. More¬ 
 over about this time, Sir Henry Clinton received a reinforcement of 3,000 
 men from New York. 7 Siege works were thrown up, and a cannon¬ 
 ade began on the 12th of April. An attempt was made to obtain terms 
 for surrender, which the British commander w r ould not accept. Hosti¬ 
 lities then recommenced. When the city could resist no longer, Lincoln 
 was obliged to capitulate. Six thousand soldiers and male citizens were 
 made prisoners of war. During that siege the losses were nearly equal 
 on both sides in killed and wounded. On the 12th of May, Charleston 
 surrendered to the English. 8 The town was plundered by them when 
 
 5 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington,” &c., Yol. i., chap, xii., 
 p. 330. 
 
 6 See David Ramsay’s “ History of 
 South Carolina.” The author of this 
 work was an Irish-American, and he 
 became also the historian of the 
 
 American Revolution. He was a 
 learned and an ingenious man, sin¬ 
 cerely religious, austerely moral, and 
 warmly patriotic. 
 
 7 See Hugh Murray’s “ United States 
 of America,” Vol. ii., chap, ii., p. 63. 
 
 8 See Benson J. Lossing’s “ Pictorial 
 
FINANCIAL DEPRESSION. 261, 
 
 they obtained possession. The negroes there found were shipped off to 
 the West Indies, where they were sold to other masters. 9 
 
 At the beginning of 1780, the enormous sum of two hundred millions 
 of dollars had been issued by Congress, and no part of their debt had been 
 redeemed. Being aware of these financial embarrassments of the patriots, 
 their English enemies flooded the country with counterfeits of cont inental 
 emissions. Everywhere, aided by the loyalists, those counterfeits were 
 circulated, and the result was, that the continental money became almost 
 worthless. 10 Prices rose as the money sank in value, and every branch 
 of trade was deranged. Moreover, both in 1779 and 1780, the seasons 
 were unfavourable for the crops. Congress was powerless to stay a 
 downward tendency of the currency, although they had recommended a 
 plan to regulate prices on the basis of twenty dollars to one of specie. 
 The paper money continued to depreciate, and prices still began to rise. 
 Forty dollar bills, in 1780, were only worth one dollar in specie. Had 
 it not been for an extraordinary effort of patriotism on the part of the 
 Philadelphia merchants, the army must have been disbanded. 11 A bank 
 was established in June 1780, and by private association, to support the 
 credit of Congress. 12 This bank continued to exist during the war, and 
 then it gave way to the bank of North America. 13 Owing to such a 
 timely expedient, the war was enabled to go forward, and Washington 
 found himself free to execute his final plans. 
 
 When Charleston was threatened, Washington had sent about 2,000 
 Continental troops to the South, under Major-General Baron de Kalb. 
 The Maryland and Delaware regiments were ordered to march ; 14 but it 
 was found to be a matter of difficulty, to procure munitions for them. 
 After marching through New Jersey and Pennsylvania they embarked 
 at the head of Elk on the 16th April, and landed soon afterwards at 
 Petersburgh. Thence they proceeded through the country towards 
 
 Field-Book of the Revolution,” Vol. 
 ii., chap. xxix. 
 
 9 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. x., chap, 
 xiv., pp. 301 to 306. 
 
 10 See Lord Mahon’s “ History of 
 England from the Peace of Utrecht,” 
 Vol. vi., chap, lxiii., pp. 415 to 418. 
 
 11 See Thomas D’Arcy McGee’s 
 “ History of the Irish Settlers in -North 
 America,” chap. viii. 
 
 12 On the 17th of June 1780, ninety- 
 three Philadelphia merchants signed 
 a paper which obliged them to sub¬ 
 scribe a large amount. See the 
 “American Remembrancer,” Vol. x., 
 p. 229. 
 
 13 Among the shareholders were 
 twenty-three Irish, or of Irish extrac¬ 
 tion, who subscribed nearly one half 
 million of dollars, in the following 
 
 proportions, viz. :—Blair McClene- 
 chan, a wealthy Irish merchant sub¬ 
 scribed £iu,000; L. M. Nesbit & Co., 
 £5,000; Richard Peters, £5,000; 
 Samuel Meredith, £5,000; James 
 Mease, £5,000; Thomas Barclay, 
 £5,000; Hugh Shiel, £5,000; John 
 Dunlap, £4,000; John Nixon, 
 £5,000; George Campbell, £2,000; 
 John Mease, £4,000 ; Bunner, Murray 
 & Co., £6,000; John Patton, £2,000; 
 Benjamin Fuller, £2,000; George 
 Meade & Co., £2,000; John Donald¬ 
 son, £2,000; Henry Dill, £5,000; 
 Kean & Nichols, £4,000; James 
 Caldwell, £2,000; Samuel Caldwell, 
 £1,000; John Shee, £1,000; Sharp 
 Delanv, £1,000; Tench Francis, 
 £5,500—Total, 442,500 dollars. 
 
 14 See Hugh Murray’s “ United 
 States of America,” Vol. ii., chap. p. 
 70. 
 
262 IEISH-AMEKICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 South Carolina. For want of regular supplies of food they suffered 
 much on the line of march, but bore their privations with great fortitude. 
 However, this force arrived too late for the relief of Charleston. 
 
 Having left about 4,000 men for the Southern service, under the 
 command of Lieutenant-General Lord Cornwallis, Sir Henry Clinton 
 embarked early in June with the main arm}'- for New York. Lord 
 Rawdon was sent to Camden, on the Santee River, there to establish his 
 headquarters, and to place the stores, with a view of over-running both 
 the Carolinas. 15 Rather tardily were the American reinforcements 
 collected to operate against Cornwallis in South Carolina; and General 
 Gates, whose military capacity had been greatly over-rated, was now 
 appointed to command it. 16 As victor at Saratoga, however, his fame 
 revived the spirit of numerous volunteers and militia in the South, while 
 various parties took up arms and flocked to join his standard. 17 Hav¬ 
 ing collected about 6,000 men, De Kalb’s troops being included, but 
 without taking sufficient pains to be informed regarding the strength and 
 resources of the enemy, or even without taking precautions to ascertain 
 their movements in front, Gates was impatient to advance. Through 
 pine-barrens, sand-hills and swamps, he reached Clermont on the 13th 
 of August, and next day General Stephens joined him with a large body 
 of Virginia militia. The American General then moved towards Camden 
 on the Wateree River, in the interior of South Carolina. 18 To meet him, 
 Lord Cornwallis marched with a greatly superior force, and there Lord 
 Rawdon had already concentrated his troops. 19 Intending to attack 
 Gates in his position the next day, Lord Cornwallis put his troops in 
 motion during the night. In like manner the American General, after 
 ordering his baggage to the Waxhaws, intended to secure a more eligible 
 position nearer Camden, and at 10 o’clock p.m., on the 15th, his army 
 was set in order and directed to advance. 
 
 On the 16th of August, the battle of Camden was fought, Gates’ 
 vanguard being surprised on his route, about two o’clock in the morning. 
 Then the action soon became general. 20 The American cavalry of 
 Colonel Armand were at once attacked and driven in upon the infantry. 
 With great want of judgment, Gates then sent forward his militia 
 to meet the advancing regulars of the British army. At the very 
 
 15 See “ The Annual Register for the 
 year 1780,” Vol. xxiii., History of 
 Europe, chap, x., p. 230. 
 
 16 See John Adolphus’ “ History of 
 England,” Vol. iii., chap, xxxix., p. 
 316. 
 
 17 See Michael Doheny’s “History 
 of the American Revolution,” chap, 
 xv., p. 203. 
 
 18 See Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton’s 
 “History of the Campaign in 1780-1, 
 in the Southern Provinces of North 
 America.” London, 1787, 8vo. 
 
 19 In September, 1779 1,500 troops 
 
 arrived from Ireland, and numbers 
 of these deserted to the Americans. 
 This so enraged Lord Rawdon, that 
 on July 1st 1780, he issued the 
 following brutal order: “ I will give 
 the inhabitants ten guineas for the 
 head of any deserter belonging to the 
 volunteers of Ireland, and five guineas 
 only if they bring them in alive.”— 
 George Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States,” Vol. x., chap, xv., 
 p. 311. 
 
 20 See Michael Doheny’s “ History 
 of the American Revolution,” chap 
 xv., pp. 204. 205. 
 
GENERAL GATES IN THE SOUTH, 
 
 263 
 
 first onset those bands fled, and thus spread a panic throughout the 
 American lines. The brigades of Maryland and Delaware, under De 
 Kalb, stood their ground bravely, for a considerable time. 21 These 
 inflicted great damage on the British. However, their infantry charged 
 the Virginia Militia—who formed the left wing of the American army— 
 with fixed bayonets, and they fled from that field. A considerable body 
 of the North Carolina militia followed their example. 22 The Americans 
 were defeated with considerable loss; 23 and their general retreated to 
 North Carolina, without making any well-directed effort to check the 
 pursuing troopers of Tarleton. After this action, nearly 300 wounded 
 Americans were brought into Camden. Brigadier-General Baron de 
 Kalb was mortally wounded after exhibiting heroic courage in the field. 24 
 The Americans lost the whole of their artillery, eight field pieces, 
 upwards of 200 waggons, and the greatest part of their baggage. 25 
 After his disgraceful conduct as a leader became known, Congress 
 removed Gates from his command. 26 
 
 During the absence of Sir Henry Clinton in the South, Major-General 
 Nathaniel Greene held a position to carry on the blockade of New York, 
 and Lieutenant-General Knyphausen deemed it opportune to make a 
 sudden incursion against the Americans. On the 23rd of June, an 
 indecisive battle between the British and Continentals was fought at 
 Springfield, in New Jersey. 27 Knyphausen commanded the British and 
 Greene the Americans. After a severe engagement, when the British 
 took and burned Springfield 28 , the invaders were repulsed, and they 
 retired to Staten Island. 29 
 
 When Clinton got possession of Charleston, the conditions of surrender 
 were violated, in order to drive prisoners into the British ranks. The 
 people there were forcibly enrolled as soldiers, and detachments of troops 
 were sent out in various directions to overawe South Carolina. All the 
 inhabitants were required to aid in restoring the royal authority, on 
 pain of being treated as rebels. 30 Cajolery and intimidation were both 
 employed, and their influences seemed for a while to prevail, especially as 
 large bodies of men were sent on various expeditions throughout the State. 
 
 21 See Judge Marshall’s “Life of 
 George Washington,” Yol. iv., pp. 
 215 to 235. 
 
 22 See “ The Annual Register for the 
 year 1780,” Vol. xxiii., The History 
 of Europe, chap, x., pp. 231 to 233. 
 
 23 Lord Cornwallis estimated their 
 slain at eight or nine hundred, and he 
 stated that about 1,000 prisoners were 
 taken. 
 
 24 This German volunteer, who so ably 
 served the Americans, died of his wounds, 
 on the 19th of August, in the forty- 
 eighth year of his age. 
 
 25 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Yol. x., chap, 
 xv., pp. 319 to 323. 
 
 26 Brigadier-General Griffith Ruther¬ 
 ford was an Irishman by birth. He 
 commanded a brigade in the battle of 
 Camden. 
 
 27 See Benson J. Lossing’s “ Pic¬ 
 torial Field-Book of the Revolution,” 
 Yol. i., chap, xiv., pp. 323, 324. 
 
 28 See “ The Annual Register,” for 
 the year 1781, Vol. xxiii. The His¬ 
 tory of Europe, chap. ii., pp. 17, 18. 
 
 29 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington,” &c., Vol. i., chap, xii., 
 p. 335. 
 
 30 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. x., chap, 
 xiv., pp. 307, 308. 
 
264 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Colonel Tarleton was particularly active on these raids. He started witli 
 some light infantry and cavalry for the Catawba fords, where General 
 Sumpter had encamped. There Tarleton overtook part of a Virginia 
 Regiment, and although they offered no resistance and sued for quarter, 
 he massacred over one hundred in cold blood. The rout was complete, 
 two pieces of cannon and about 300 men were captured while a 
 number of British waggons and prisoners were re-taken. 31 Elated with 
 their victories, and now confident in their strength, the conquerors 
 grew more insolent and rapacious. Lord Cornwallis having been left 
 as commander in South Carolina, his intention was to carry the British 
 arms northwards, when he had established quiet there, and when the 
 season was more favourable for his movements. 32 
 
 An active partisan warfare in the interior was kept up by Colonel 
 Sumpter, 33 who had gathered around him a number of resolute exiles 
 from that State. 34 In many instances, his irregular bands were 
 succcessful. On the 12th July, he attacked a detachment of the royal 
 forces and militia, posted in a lane at Williamson’s plantation, and 
 completely routed them. In a few days, his troops amounted to 600 
 men, 35 afterwards raised to about 1,000. They also encountered 
 reverses. The commander of a corps, named Clarke, rendered excellent 
 services in keeping up this contest, especially in the western parts of 
 South Carolina. At Rocky Mount, on the 30th of July, the Americans 
 under Sumpter were attacked by the British and defeated with a loss 
 of 13 men. 36 On the 6th of August, at Hanging Rock, 37 with a loss of 
 53 men, Sumpter obtained a victory over the British. 
 
 But that corps, known as “ Marion’s Men,” were of all others the most 
 enterprising in the South. However, his bands rarely mustered more than 
 from 50 to 200 resolute militia. 38 By the secrecy of his movements, and 
 by the rapidity of his actions, Marion constantly beat up the British 
 quarters, and successfully evaded their attempts to cope with him. 39 
 
 31 See “ The Annual Register for the 
 year 1780,” Vol. xxiii., History of 
 Europe, chap, x., p. 234. 
 
 32 At this time the King of Eng¬ 
 land wrote “ The intelligence from 
 America is far from unpleasant.”—The 
 Correspondence of King George the 
 Third with Lord North from 1768 to 
 1783, Vol. ii., Letter 601, p. 284. 
 
 33 He had bravely commanded a 
 continental regiment, and to punish 
 his desertion from home, a British 
 detachment had turned his wife out 
 of doors. Then they burned downs 
 his house and everything it contained. 
 See George Bancroft’s “ History of 
 the United States,” Vol. x., chap, 
 xv., p. 312. 
 
 34 See “ The Annual Register,” for 
 the year 1781, Vol. xxiii. History of 
 Europe, chap, ii., pp. 19, 20. 
 
 35 After joining the royal banner, a 
 number of the South Carolina militia 
 went over to him, and one Colonel 
 Lisle carried a whole battalion . to 
 swell Sumpter’s forces. See Hugh 
 Murray’s “ United States of America,” 
 Vol. ii., chap, ii., p. 71. 
 
 36 The English lost 20 men in this 
 encounter. 
 
 37 Colonel John McClure, who com¬ 
 manded the company known as the 
 Rocky Creek Irish, fell at the first 
 fire from the Royalists; while at the 
 same time, four of his cousins lay 
 bleeding near him. All these were of 
 Irish extraction. 
 
 38 See Hugh Murray’s “ United 
 States of America,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 ii., p. 74. 
 
 39 Among his followers, the names 
 of Colonels Horry and McDonad, &B 
 
BRUTALITY OF LORD CORNWALLIS. 
 
 265 
 
 Foremost among these leaders in South Carolina was Andrew 
 Pickens, 40 who became a warm republican when the Revolution 
 broke out, and he was one of the most active among the military parti¬ 
 sans of the South. In a proclamation issued by Lord Cornwallis, even 
 more brutally than Clinton, he gave orders that all the inhabitants, 
 who had subscribed and taken part in the revolt, should be punished 
 with the greatest rigour ; and also, that those who would not turn out 
 must be imprisoned, and their whole property taken from them and 
 destroyed. He also ordered, that satisfaction should be made for their 
 estates to those who had been injured or oppressed by the Americans. 41 
 He also ordered in the most positive manner, that every man who had 
 borne arms with the English and afterwards joined the enemy should 
 be immediately hanged. 42 In accordance with that proclamation, 
 numbers of the patriots were hanged and imprisoned; while their 
 persons, without respect to age or sex, were outraged, and their pro¬ 
 perty was confiscated or destroyed. The Cherokee Indians were 
 stimulated, likewise, to join the royalists, and soon their savage excesses 
 were characterised by the burning 1 of houses and by the massacre of their 
 inhabitants. 43 
 
 also of Captain Conyers and McCauly, 
 are conspicuous. See Thomas D’Arcy 
 McGee’s “ History of the Irish Set¬ 
 tlers in North America,” chap. iv. p. 42. 
 
 40 He was born in Paxton township, 
 Pennsylvania, on the 19th of Septem¬ 
 ber 1739. His parents were from 
 Ireland. In 1752 he removed with 
 his father to the Waxham settlement 
 in South Carolina. He served as a 
 volunteer in Grant’s expedition against 
 the Cherokees, in which he took his 
 first lessons in the art of war. From 
 the close of the Revolution until 1794, he 
 was a member of the South Carolina 
 legislature, when he was elected to a 
 seat in Congress. He was commis¬ 
 sioned as major-general of the South 
 Carolina militia in 1795, and was 
 often a commissioner to treat with 
 the Indians. President Washington 
 offered him a brigade of light troops 
 under General Wayne, to serve against 
 the Indians in the Northwest, but he 
 declined the honour. He died at his 
 seat in Pendleton district, South 
 Carolina, the scene of his earliest 
 battles, on the 17th of August 1817, 
 at the age of 78 years. In 1765 he 
 married Rebecca Calhoun, aunt of the 
 celebrated John C. Calhoun, one of 
 the most beautiful young ladies of the 
 South. See Benson J. Lossing’s 
 “ Tutorial Field-Book of the Revolu¬ 
 tion.” 
 
 41 This proclamation was dated, 
 September 16th 1780. See “ The 
 Annual Register” for the year 1781, 
 Vol. xxiii. History of Europe, chap, 
 iv., p. 51. 
 
 42 Letter of Lord Cornwallis to 
 Colonel Balfour, commander at Fort 
 Ninety-six, in August 1780. This letter 
 is carefully excluded from “ Corres- 
 
 g ondence of Charles, First Marquis of 
 ornwallis,” as edited by Charles 
 Ross, Esq. 
 
 43 Upon one occasion, with thirteen 
 other whites, Patrick Calhoun, a 
 native of Donegal, Ireland, and father 
 of the celebrated John C. Calhoun, 
 maintained a desperate conflict for 
 hours with the Cherokee Indians, until 
 overwhelmed by numbers, he was 
 forced to retreat, leaving seven of his 
 companions dead on the field. Three 
 days after, they returned to bury 
 their dead, and found the bodies of 
 twenty-three Indian warriors, who 
 had fallen in that same conflict. At 
 another time, he was singled out by 
 an Indian, distinguished for his prow¬ 
 ess as a chief, and for his skill with 
 the rifle. The Indian taking to a 
 tree, Patrick secured himself behind a 
 log, whence he drew the Indian’s fire 
 four times by holding his hat on a 
 stick a little" above his hiding place. 
 The Indian at length exhibited a por¬ 
 tion of his person in an effort to 
 
266 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OB THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 After his victory at Camden, Lord Cornwallis marched his army into 
 North Carolina. 44 He hoped to overrun that whole district, and after¬ 
 wards to invade Virginia. Bands of Tories were now organised by Major 
 Patrick Ferguson a Scotchman, and by other leaders, to aid the British. 
 These soon committed great ravages and outrages. In Virginia, Colonel 
 Campbell had organised a body of militia and backwoodsmen. With these 
 he marched onwards to the frontiers of South Carolina. On the 7th of 
 October, he there surprised Colonel Patrick Ferguson, and a battle was 
 fought at King’s Mountain. He attempted to defend that post by 
 successive charges with the bayonet. However, after a sharp conflict, 
 Ferguson was killed in that engagement. 45 The Americans proved vic¬ 
 torious, with a loss of only twenty men. The British lost about 1,000, 
 who surrendered as prisoners of war. 46 
 
 About this period, a name, that had hitherto stood high on the roll of 
 fame and of honourable military achievements, was destined to bring 
 infamy and everlasting disgrace on its bearer. For some time, Benedict 
 Arnold had been intriguing with the British, 47 while the American army 
 was camped north of New York City. 48 An Adjutant-General in the 
 British army, Major John Andre, undertook a dangerous service for his 
 leader. On the 28th of September, while attempting to pass through 
 
 ascertain the effect of his shot, when 
 he received a ball from his enemy in 
 the shoulder, which forced him to fly. 
 But the hat exhibited the traces of 
 four balls, by which it had been per¬ 
 forated. The family of Calhoun 
 emigrated at first to Pennsylvania, 
 where they remained some years, and 
 then to the western part of Virginia, 
 whence they were driven by the In¬ 
 dians after Braddock’s defeat. They 
 removed, finally, to South Carolina 
 in 1756, when Patrick settled in 
 Abbyville district, where his distin- 
 uished son was born. Patrick Cal- 
 oun married an Irish-American girl, 
 a daughter of Major John Caldwell of 
 Charlotte county, Virginia. Major 
 Caldwell was afterwards murdered by 
 the Tories, in cold blood, and in his 
 own yard, after destroying his house 
 by fire. The families of Calhoun 
 and Caldwell were stout Whigs, and 
 were not only exposed to hostile In¬ 
 dian incursions, but also to Tory 
 outrages. They maintained their 
 foothold on the soil despite the con¬ 
 flicts of an almost constant border 
 warfare, and adhered to their country, 
 amid the horrors of civil strife and 
 in the face of foreign invaders. Of 
 three paternal uncles of John C. Cal¬ 
 houn, able to bear arms, one perished 
 
 by the hands of the Tories, another 
 fell at the battle of the Cowpens with 
 thirty sabre wounds, and a third, 
 taken prisoner by the English, was 
 immured for nine months in the dun¬ 
 geons of St. Augustine. Nor was 
 Patrich Calhoun indebted to anything 
 less than a strong arm and a stout 
 heart for his escape from the perils 
 that surrounded him. He served in 
 the Legislature of South Carolina for 
 thirty years. See “ Life of John C. 
 Calhoun.” 
 
 44 See John Adolphus' “ History of 
 England,” Vol. iii., chap, xxxix., p. 
 319. 
 
 45 See A. Ferguson’s “ Memoir of 
 Colonel P. Ferguson, killed in the 
 American War of 1780 in South Caro¬ 
 lina.” 1817. 8vo. 
 
 46 See Michael Doheny’s “History 
 of the American Revolution,” chap, 
 xv., pp. 206-7. 
 
 47 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life and 
 Treason of Arnold,” Library of 
 American Biography, Vol. iii. 
 
 48 The scenes of Arnold’s treacher¬ 
 ous betrayal of his trust are repre¬ 
 sented in a Map of Operations on 
 Hudson’s River, in “The Writings of 
 George Washington,” Vol. vii., p. 
 216. Edition by Jared Sparks. 
 
MUTINY IN THE AMERICAN ARMY. 
 
 267 
 
 the American lines, Major Andre was arrested by three militia men. 49 
 The prisoner was tried by a court-martial, before which he made an 
 ingenious defence, but sentence of death was passed upon him. His 
 pardon would have been readily accorded, by Washington, had Arnold 
 been delivered in exchange for him; but, this proposition was not 
 accepted by Sir Henry Clinton. Accordingly, on the 2nd of October, 
 Major Andre was hanged as a spy at Tappan, on the Hudson River. 50 
 
 At Fish Dam Ford, on the 18th of November, the American leader 
 Sumpter had an engagement with the British under Major Wemyss. 
 The Continentals were victorious. Then Tarleton with a considerable 
 force went in pursuit of Sumpter, who retreated to a strong position on 
 the bank of the River Tyger. The British leader pushed forward 
 with 250 cavalry and mounted infantry. At Blackstock, on the 20th 
 of November, the American general Sumpter was attacked by, and he 
 bravely encountered, the British general Tarleton, when an obstinate 
 engagement took place. The British were defeated and lost nearly 
 200 men in that action. The American loss was only 8 men. 51 
 Tarleton was then obliged to fall back on his infantry, 52 but Sumpter 
 was too weak in force to follow up his victory. 53 During the year 1780, 
 however, disaster and defeat seemed generally most fatal to the 
 enterprise and cause of the Southern Continentals. 
 
 Towards the close of that year, the long-suffering Pennsylvanian 
 line unpaid, only half fed and ill clothed, began to murmur, and at 
 length they became mutinous. 54 On New Year’s Day 1781, no less 
 than thirteen hundred marched out of camp with arms in their hands, 
 and they started for Philadelphia, to obtain relief from Congress. 
 An effort was made to stop them by General Wayne, who was their idol 
 in action ; but they threatened to run him through with their bayonets, 
 while an emeute ensued, in which a captain was killed, and several 
 officers were wounded. At Princeton, the agents of Sir Henry Clinton 
 urged the mutineers that they should desert to the British, who 
 would afford them not only relief, but bounties in their necessities. 
 These offers were indignantly rejected, and the agents arrested as 
 spies were nanded over to General Wayne. A Committee of Congress 
 was appointed to treat with the troops. It was agreed then, to accept 
 their understanding for the terms of enlistment, to provide them with 
 clothing, and to make arrangements for their pay. Nearly all the 
 Pennsylvanians obtained their discharge, and this greatly weakened 
 the force at Washington’s disposal. Those concessions produced a 
 very demoralising effect upon the other soldiers, and a few days 
 
 49 These were named John Paulding, 
 David Williams and Isaac Van Wart. 
 
 50 See “ The Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1781, Yol. xxiii History of 
 Europe, chap, iii., no. 37 to 49. 
 
 51 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Yol x., chap, 
 xiv., pp. 343 , 344. 
 
 52 See ibid., chap, iv., pp. 53, 54. 
 
 53 See Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton's 
 “ History of the Campaigns of 1780-1, 
 in the Southern Provinces of North 
 America,” p. 178. 
 
 54 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington,” Vol. i., chap, xiii., pp. 
 546, 547. 
 
268 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 afterwards, the New Jersey regiments began to revolt. 55 This, 
 however, was put down by force, when two of the ringleaders were tried 
 by court-martial and shot. Congress was startled at these untoward 
 movements. Great exertions were made, as a consequence, to raise 
 money and supplies, so that the condition of their army might be 
 improved. 
 
 CHAPTER XYIIT. 
 
 The Action of Lafayette in France—Arnold’s Invasion of Virginia—Operations of 
 General Green and of Lord Cornwallis in the South—Battle of the Cowpens— 
 Subsequent Manoeuvres—Battle of Guildford Court-House—Various En¬ 
 counters—Battle of Eutaw Springs—Lord Cornwallis marches to Virginia— 
 French and American Combinations—Investment of Yorktown—Siege— 
 Surrender of Lord Cornwallis and of his whole Army—Reception of the News 
 in England and Ireland. 
 
 The tide of events now began to turn in favour of the Continentals. 
 Having spent the winter in France, where he was received with great 
 honour and congratulations by his countrymen and by the court, 1 
 Lafayette had been employed there in earnestly urging the cause of 
 America. Meantime, Admiral D’Estaing had sailed for France. But, 
 it was arranged that another fleet should proceed to America, under 
 the direction of Admiral de Ternay, wdiile an army commanded by the 
 Comte Rochambeau should also embark. 2 Lafayette returned in the 
 spring with this welcome intelligence to Congress and to Washing¬ 
 ton, whose army he again joined. When Benedict Arnold deserted his 
 former companions-in-arms he was commissioned as Brigadier-General 
 in the British service. His daring and enterprising character having 
 been already well proved, soon he was selected as one best qualified to 
 be leader in an expedition, which it was hoped should create a diver¬ 
 sion unfavourable to the cause of the Continentals. 3 Accordingly, in 
 January 1781, he was directed to conduct 1,600 British troops from 
 New York to invade Virginia. When he arrived there he occupied 
 Portsmouth. At this time, Thomas Jefferson happened to be Governor 
 of the State, and he called out the militia to oppose the invader. 4 
 Arnold also ravaged along the James River, and burned a part of 
 
 55 See ibid., p. 348. 
 
 1 One of his projects while in 
 France was to urge on the govern¬ 
 ment the invasion of Ireland, with a 
 view to establish its independence of 
 England, and thus also to create a 
 diversion in favour of the United 
 States. See Bayard Tuckerman’s 
 “Life of General* Lafayette,” &c,, 
 Vol. i., chap, v., p. 110. 
 
 2 See John Miller’s “History of the 
 
 United States from their first Settle¬ 
 ment,” &c. 1826, 8vo. 
 
 3 See “ The Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1781, Vol. xxiv. “The His¬ 
 tory of Europe,” chap, v., p. 73. 
 
 4 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington,” Vol, i. chap, xiii,, pp, 
 351, 352. 
 
ARNOLDS INVASION OF VIRGINIA 
 
 2G‘J 
 
 Richmond. 5 He fell back to Portsmouth, however, when the tnilitia 
 began to collect in force. 
 
 The direction of American movements in the South, ably conducted 
 by Major-General Greene, was difficult to manage, in the face of greatly 
 superior forces on the enemy’s side. 6 Henry Lee had been detached 
 to serve under him. General Morgan also held himself ready to 
 co-operate in this campaign. Early in January, the camp of Lord 
 Cornwallis was pitched in a position between Broad and Catawba 
 Rivers. He had desired to invade North Carolina. 7 With the main 
 body of his forces moving forward, he hoped to separate Morgan from 
 Green. However, on penetrating the design of Cornwallis, Morgan 
 hastily retreated towai’ds North Carolina. He then held a post at the 
 head of Broad River, and known as Cowpens, from which Cornwallis 
 hoped to dislodge him. 8 Meantime, Washington sent Lafayette with 
 some troops to capture the traitor Arnold if possible, and to make an 
 example of him for his perfidy and cruelty. On their arrival, De 
 Ternay’s ships were despatched to assail Portsmouth by sea. The 
 British squadron sailed in pursuit. At the entrance to Chesapeake Bay, 
 the French vessels were attacked on the 18th of March. This action 
 proved favourable to the British, and the French vessels were obliged to 
 sail for Newport. Meanwhile, heavy reinforcements were sent to 
 Arnold from New York. At Annapolis in Maryland, the march of 
 Lafayette was arrested by a greatly superior force. 
 
 The Americans only numbered 800 men, under the command of 
 General Morgan They took up a position, at a place called the Cow- 
 pens, not far from King’s Mountain. Thither Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Tarleton marched, having two fieldpieces, with his legion amounting to 
 1,000 choice foot soldiers, and 350 horse. He opened the attack upon 
 the militia force on the 17th of January. This body at first gave way, 
 after delivering a destructive fire against the assailants of their position. 9 
 Meantime, Morgan had posted his veteran soldiers, in thick woods, on 
 either flank of the militia. When the British advanced in some disorder 
 to follow up what they deemed an assured victory, the Continental troops 
 poured a deadly fire upon them, while Morgan’s horse also charged the 
 royalist cavalry. 10 Colonel Howard followed up this advantage with 
 the bayonet, and so unexpected was the movement, that the British 
 became completely demoralised. 11 In this brilliant action, the 
 
 5 See David Ramsay’s “ History of 
 the American Revolution,” Vol. ii., 
 chap, xxii., pp. 226 to 228. 
 
 6 In the re-organization of his army, 
 Baron Steuben was of great assist¬ 
 ance. 
 
 7 See “ The Annual Register ’ for 
 the year 1781, Vol. xxiv. The Hixi. 
 tory of Europe, chap, iv., p. 55. 
 
 8 See Rev. George R. Cleig’s “ Liv^s 
 of the most Eminent British Military 
 Commanders,” Vol. iii., pp 143 to 146. 
 
 9 See Tarleton’s “ History of the 
 Campaigns of 1780 and 1781, in the 
 Southern Provinces.” 
 
 10 See “The Annual Register” for 
 the year 1781, Vol. xxiv. History of 
 Europe, chap, iv., pp. 55. Also, C. 
 Stedman’s “ History of the Origin, 
 Progress and Termination of the 
 American War,” Vol. ii., chap, xli., 
 pp. 356 to 361. 
 
 ' 1 In this engagement, the brave 
 young Lieutenant-Colonel William 
 
270 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Americans proved victorious, with the loss of only twelve men killed 
 and eighty wounded; that of the British was ten officers and ninety 
 privates killed, while twenty-three officers and five hundred privates 
 were taken prisoners. 12 Almost all the British infantry, except the 
 baggage guard, were killed or taken. Their two pieces of artillery, 
 eight hundred muskets, two standards, thirty-five baggage waggons, and 
 one hundred dragoon horses, fell into the possession of the Americans. 
 To the honour of the victors, it is declared that notwithstanding the 
 cruel warfare which Tarleton had waged, not one of the British was 
 killed or wounded, or even insulted, after they had surrendered. 
 During that night and following morning, the remnant of Tarleton’s 
 force reached Hamilton’s Ford, on Broad River, and also the encamp¬ 
 ment of Cornwallis, at Turkey Creek, about twenty-five miles from the 
 Cowpens. For this defeat, Tarleton’s contemporaries censured him 
 severely, and in commemoration of that battle, Congress caused a medal 
 to be struck. 13 
 
 After his great victory, Morgan marched eastwards to meet Major- 
 General Green. 14 Meantime, having received large reinforcements from 
 New York, and collecting the remnants of Tarleton’s division, Corn¬ 
 wallis burned his stores and superfluous baggage, so that his soldiers 
 
 Washington, a distant kinsman of 
 General George Washington, so dis¬ 
 tinguished himself by his gallantry as 
 to win a gold medal from Congress. 
 He commanded a cavalry force, and 
 by a daring assault, he drove the 
 British horse to rout. He and Gene¬ 
 ral Tarleton had a personal conflict 
 on the field. In the eagerness of his 
 ursuit of that officer, Washington 
 ad got far in advance of his squad¬ 
 ron, when Tarleton and his two aids, 
 at the head of a troop of the 17th 
 regiment of dragoons, turned upon 
 him. An officer on Tarleton’s right 
 was about to strike the impetuous 
 Washington with his sabre, when his 
 sergeant came up and disabled the 
 assailant’s sword-arm. An officer on 
 Tarleton’s left was about to strike at 
 the same moment, when Washington’s 
 little bugler, too small to wield a 
 sword, wounded the assailant with a 
 pistol ball. Tarleton, who was in 
 the centre, then made a trust at him, 
 which Washington ' parried, and gave 
 his enemy a wound in the hand. Tar¬ 
 leton wheeled, and as he retreated, 
 discharged a pistol, by which Wash¬ 
 ington was wounded in the knee. 
 
 12 Lord Cornwallis’s letter to Sir 
 Henry Clinton, and dated Camp on 
 Turkey Creek, Broad Biver, Jan. 
 
 18th 1781, rather underestimates this 
 loss. However, it is acknowledged 
 by Charles Ross, that he had furnish¬ 
 ed Tarleton with 700 infantry and 
 350 cavalry, the best troops of the 
 army, while Morgan had hardly an 
 equal force, of which only 540 were 
 Continentals. See “ Correspondence 
 of Charles, First Marquis of Corn¬ 
 wallis,” Vol. i., chap, iv., pp. 82, 
 83. 
 
 13 Among the American soldiers, 
 serving in a private capacity, was 
 especially distinguished a Peter Fran¬ 
 cisco, born in 1761. He came from 
 Ireland to America, when he was only 
 a boy. He was one of the strongest 
 and most daring men in the American 
 ranks, while he served in both the 
 Northern and Southern armies. He 
 took part in almost all the great bat¬ 
 tles of the war. As a remarkable 
 instance of courage and dexterity, 
 upon one occasion when taken prisoner 
 in Virginia in 1781, he fought and 
 foiled nine of Tarleton’s dragoons, 
 coming safely off in the conflict. He 
 died at Richmond, Va., in 1832. See 
 Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of American 
 Biography,” Vol. ii., p 525. 
 
 14 See Henry Cabot Lodge’s “George 
 Washington,” Vol. i., chap, x., p. 
 293. 
 
mzm 
 
 OPERATIONS of general green AND OF LORD CORNWALLIS. 271 
 
 might move the faster to overwhelm Morgan’s insignificant bands. 15 
 The American leader was now obliged to retreat across the Catawba 
 River. In consequence of heavy rain, it became suddenly swollen, by 
 the time the British arrived at its banks. Notwithstanding the critical 
 position in which he had been placed, Green hastened a rapid march, 
 and in the same direction, to save his little army. Crossing the Yadkin 
 —also greatly swollen with the recent rains—the Americans secured all 
 the boats on their side, and thus again they foiled Cornwallis’ advance. 10 
 The latter now turned northwards, intending to cut off their retreat 
 upon Virginia. This movement delayed the crossing, and it enabled 
 Morgan to reach the Yadkin River, where Green was stationed. The 
 two divisions of Green numbered but little over 2,000 men; while the 
 English had a greatly superior force, and much better appointed. 
 Having occupied Wilmington and Newbern, Cornwallis soon overran 
 all North Carolina. There he made every effort to rouse and organise 
 the Tories. Nevertheless, M ajor-General Green returned from Virginia, 
 and by sending out skirmishing parties on horseback in various direc¬ 
 tions, he kept the British and the Tories in a state of apprehension and 
 alertness, which prevented success to many of their concerted plans. 
 
 Having collected a body of six weeks’ volunteers from Viginia and 
 Carolina, Green determined to assault the British forces at Gilford 
 Court-House near the present town of Greensborough, North Carolina. 17 
 There, on the 15th of March, his army was drawn up in three lines. 
 The North Carolina militia were placed in front; the Virginia militia 
 were next; but, as many of these were known to be Tories and serving 
 under compulsion, it was announced to them, before the action began, 
 that a row of sentinels stood behind with orders to shoot the first who 
 ran. The Continentals he placed in the rear, and on these was his chief 
 reliance. The British then advanced to the charge. Almost imme¬ 
 diately afterwards, the first line of militia threw down their arms and 
 fled in confusion. For some time, the Virginian militia stood, but in 
 like manner, they gave way before the British bayonets. The Contin¬ 
 entals, however, received their assailants with true courage, and checked 
 the British, who fell in great numbers before their steady fire. 18 At 
 length, finding his regiments hard pressed, Cornwallis ordered his 
 artillery to be discharged. This order was obeyed by an indiscriminate 
 fire, which cut down as many of his own men as it did those of the 
 enemy. In this battle, the British loss was 600 men, while the Ameri¬ 
 cans lost only 400. However, Green was obliged to retreat, as numbers 
 
 15 See C. Stedman’s “History of 
 the Origin, Progress, and Termina¬ 
 tion of the American War,” Vol. ii., 
 chap, xli., pp. 361 to 367. 
 
 16 See “The Annual Register” for 
 the year 1781, Vol. xxiv. History of 
 Europe, chap, iv., pp. 58 to 62. 
 
 17 See C. Stedman’s graphic descrip¬ 
 
 tion of this battle, in “ History of 
 the Origin, Progress and Termination 
 of the American War,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 xli., pp. 374 to 386. 
 
 18 A very excellent and detailed 
 account of this battle may be found 
 in “ The Annual Register ” for the 
 year 1781, Vol. xxiv. History of 
 Europe, chap, iv., pp. 65 to 70. 
 
272 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 of his men had scattered and deserted. On the whole, the advantage 
 was on his side; for the British had suffered so severely in that action, 
 i that they were unable to engage in pursuit. 19 Whereupon, Cornwallis 
 was obliged to fall back towards Wilmington. 20 
 
 From Camden westwards to Fort Ninety-six, and thence to Augusta 
 and Charleston, the British had established a chain of forts. Green 
 formed the bold design of marching into South Carolina to attack their 
 defenders. On the 23rd of April, Marion and Lee attacked Fort 
 Watson on the Santee River, and captured it. On the 25th, Green 
 attacked Lord Rawdon, and a severe engagement ensued, but it was not 
 decisive. Soon, however, Rawdon was obliged to evacuate Camden, and 
 retreat to Charlestown. Marion and Lee captured Fort Motte on the 
 Santee River. Sumpter seized Orangeburg. Lee took possession of 
 Granby. Being joined by Pickens, one of the most active military 
 partizans of the south, Augusta in Georgia was assaulted, and on the 
 5th of June, it capitulated to the Americans. Fort Ninety-six was 
 strongly garrisoned by the British, yet General Green made dispositions 
 for an attack. Although not successful in the attempt, that post soon 
 afterwards was abandoned. Three regiments 21 which sailed from Cork, in 
 the beginning of June, landed at Charleston to reinforce Lord Rawdon, 
 while General Green had been engaged investing the important fort 
 called Ninety-six. 22 An encounter took place at Spencer’s ordinary, on 
 the 25th of June, the Americans being under the command of Pierce 
 Butler. 23 Colonel Simcoe was leader of the British. Towards the 
 beginning of July, the heat became intense, and it was found necessary 
 to suspend operations for a time. Besides, General Green desired to 
 strengthen and supply his army during the interval. 
 
 On the 10th of July 1781, Thomas M'Kean was chosen President of 
 Congress, Mr. Huntington having previously resigned. 24 Meantime 
 owing to illness, Lord Rawdon had sailed for England ; but the vessel in 
 which he embarked was captured by a French frigate, when he was 
 brought a prisoner to Brest. 26 Having crossed the Santee River in August 
 
 19 See David Ramsay’s “ History of 
 the American Revolution,” Yol. ii., 
 chap, xxiii., pp. 241 to 243. 
 
 20 See Rev. George R. Gleig’s 
 “ Lives of the most eminent British 
 Military Commanders,” Vol. iii., pp. 
 
 149 to 153. 
 
 21 With these, in the 19th regiment, 
 served Lord Edward Fitzgerald as a 
 young officer. He conducted himself 
 with great gallantry in several minor 
 engagements, to the close of that war, 
 when Lord Cornwallis surrendered 
 at Yorktown. See Thomas Moore’s 
 “ Life and death of Lord Edward 
 Fitzgerald,” Vol. i., pp. 17 to 28. 
 
 London, 1831, 8vo. 
 
 22 See C. Stedman’s “ History ot 
 
 the Origin, Progress, and Termina¬ 
 tion of the American War,” Yol. ii., 
 chap, xliii., pp. 405 to 415. 
 
 23 He was the fourth of the Irish 
 and Irish-American brothers Butler, 
 that fought through the Revolution¬ 
 ary War, and he was bom in Pennsyl¬ 
 vania, in 1760 ; while a fifth and the 
 youngest of the brothers, named 
 Edward, embraced a military career, 
 and served after the Revolution 
 under General Wayne in 1796. See 
 Appleton’s “Cyclopaedia of American 
 Biography,” Yol. i., pp. 480, 481. 
 
 24 See “The Writings of George 
 Washington,” &c., Vol. viii., p. 112. 
 Edition of Jared Sparks. 
 
 25 This brave and able officer— born in 
 
Daniel Morgan, 
 
 Major-General U S Army 
 
 Alexander Hamilton 
 
 Secretary to the L/.S Treasury. 
 
 Thomas Jefferson 
 
 Third President of the U S. 
 
 John Adams. 
 
 Second President of the U. S. 
 
BATTLE OF EUTAW SPRINGS. 273 
 
 General Green marched against the British. They were now commanded 
 by Colonel Stewart. Their forces retired before the Americans, who 
 pursued them down the right bank. At Eutaw Springs in South Caro¬ 
 lina, the British took up a position to give battle, and a severe engage¬ 
 ment there took place. Colonel William Washington commanded the 
 cavalry, and he was distinguished for his gallantry, especially on this 
 occasion. About 600 men were lost by the British and Americans. 
 The battle of Eutaw Springs was fought on the 8th of September. Both 
 sides claimed the victory. However, Colonel Washington was there 
 wounded and taken prisoner. 26 
 
 The British were now closed up in that narrow tract between the 
 Cooper and Ashley Rivers. Still Green was unable to make any im¬ 
 pression on them, as he stood in need of artillery, ammunition and 
 stores. Besides, the militia in large numbers had deserted him. He 
 took up a position, notwithstanding, on the hills of the Santee. Mean¬ 
 while, Marion, Sumpter and Lee were most active in their raids on the 
 enemy. 27 
 
 While these incidents took place, Lord Cornwallis had resolved to 
 march upon the State of Virginia. Having effected a junction with the 
 British troops there, 28 he ravaged the country along the James River, 
 and he destroyed property, it is said, to the amount of about ten million 
 dollars. Lafayette had been stationed at Richmond Virginia, with a 
 small force, while General Anthony Wayne had been despatched with 
 troops to aid General Green, and his course also lay through that State. 29 
 Cornwallis desired greatly to prevent their junction, but he did not 
 succeed. Finding himself so superior in the number of his forces, while 
 scorning his French opponents and the youth of Lafayette, Cornwallis 
 wrote to Great Britain “ the boy cannot escape me.” 
 
 The American Major-General Green and the French Volunteer 
 General the Marquis de Lafayette ably manceuvered against Lord Corn- 
 
 Ireland December 7th 1754—served 
 from the opening of the Revolutionary- 
 war at Bunker’s Hill nearly to its 
 close. He was appointed to command 
 a corps of the Irish Volunteers, but 
 many of these deserted to the Ameri¬ 
 cans. The character he had obtained 
 in South Carolina for excessive mili¬ 
 tary severity was greatly redeemed 
 in after years, when he became the 
 distinguished liberal statesman Earl 
 of Moira, the title by which he is best 
 known. He opposed with great elo¬ 
 quence in the House of Lords the 
 proposed union of Ireland s Parlia¬ 
 ment with that of Engand in 1799. 
 He warmly advocated the Catholic 
 claims, and he lived to witness the 
 accomplishment of Catholic Emanci- 
 
 ' 1829. On the 28th of 
 
 , that same year, he died 
 
 on board of an English vessel, in the 
 Bay of Naples. To him C. Stedman, 
 who served in the Revolutionary 
 War, dedicated his work in two 8vo. 
 vols., “ The History of the Origin, 
 Progress, and Termination of the 
 American War.” 
 
 26 See “ The Annual Register for 
 1782,” Vol. xxv. History of Europe, 
 chap, ix., pp. 190 to 192. 
 
 27 See David Ramsay’s “ History of 
 the American Revolution,” Vol ii., 
 chap, xxiv., pp. 254 to 281. 
 
 28 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington,” &c., Vol. i., chap, 
 xiii., p. 363. 
 
 29 See C. Stedman’s “ History of 
 the Origin, Progress, and Termina¬ 
 tion of the American War,” Vol. ii., 
 chap, xliv., p. 435. 
 
 T 
 
 pation in 
 November 
 
274 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 wallis and the English forces under his command. 30 The English 
 General retired towards the mouth of the James River, intending there 
 to embark a part of his army for New York. 31 Owing to the British 
 blockade at Newport, the French army stationed there was inactive. At 
 this time, Washington and his army held a central position between 
 the forces of Lord Cornwallis and those of Sir Henry Clinton in 
 New York. His movements were mysterious, and his real object 
 could not be discovered by the enemy. The French Admiral He Grasse 
 had been engaged during the summer against the English, in the West 
 Indies; but in August, he sailed northwards, to co-operate with 
 Washington, 32 who soon received intelligence of his arrival at Chesapeake 
 Bay. At first, a combined attack of the Americans and the French 
 upon New York had been projected, but finally it was abandoned. 33 It 
 was then resolved, to march conjointly against Cornwallis in Virginia, 
 by sending the whole French army under Rochambeau, and so many of 
 the Continentals as could be spared, to the Chesapeake. 34 The army of 
 Rochambeau marched from Newport to join Washington’s forces in the 
 Highlands, and when both were combined, they seemed to threaten Sir 
 Henry Clinton’s position. When the movements of Washington were 
 ascertained, and when the French had left Newport, Sir Henry Clinton 
 sent a British force under Benedict Arnold to devastate Connecticut, 
 his native province. 35 Thus, he hoped, that Washington might be 
 induced to turn back for its defence. While the British army was under 
 Arnold’s command, he burned New London on the 6th of September, 
 but with the loss of two regiments, 36 and he took possession of Fort 
 Griswold, on the opposite side of the Thames River. 37 There a number 
 of people were massacred. 
 
 Meantime, Sir Henry Clinton and his soldiers feared the investment 
 of New York. But before he was aware of their real purpose, Generals 
 Washington and Rochambeau had moved their armies towards the 
 Delaware. Admiral Graves and the British fleet at New York now 
 sailed to the relief of Cornwallis. Off the Capes of the Chesapeake a 
 
 30 See Bayard Tuckerman’s “Life 
 of General Lafayette,” &c., Vol i., 
 chap, vi., pp. 122 to 138. 
 
 31 See “ The History of the War in 
 America, between Great Britain and 
 her Colonies, from its Commencement 
 to its conclusion, in 1783.” Yol. iii., 
 chap, xii., pp. 299 to 233. 
 
 32 See John Gilmarv Shea’s “Opera¬ 
 tions of the French Fleet under Count 
 de Grasse.” New York, 1864. 
 
 33 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington,” &c., Vol. L, chap, xiii., 
 pp. 358 to 363. Also, C. Stedman’s 
 “ History of the Origin, Progress, and 
 Termination of the American War,” 
 Vol. ii., chap, xliv., p. 437. 
 
 34 See Washington’s and Rocham- 
 
 beau’s joint letter to Count de Grasse 
 from the camp at Phillipsburg, dated 
 17th August, 1781, in “ The \v lutings 
 of George Washington,” &c., Vol. 
 viii., pp. 130 to 133. Edition of 
 Jared Sparks. 
 
 35 See C. Stedman’s “ History of 
 the Origin, Progress, and Termina¬ 
 tion of the American War,” Vol. ii., 
 chap, xliv., pp. 448 to 451. 
 
 36 See Horace Walpole’s “Journal 
 of the Reign of King George the 
 Third, from the year 1771 to 1783,” 
 Vol. ii., p. 473. 
 
 37 See Benson J. Lossing’s “ Pic¬ 
 torial Field-Book of the Revolution/’ 
 Vol. ii., chap, ii., pp. 42 to 45. 
 
INVESTMENT OP YORKTOWN. 
 
 275 
 
 naval encounter took place, on the 5th of September. 38 The English 
 vessels were greatly damaged, and they were obliged to sail for New York 
 in order to refit. Meanwhile, a number of French ships arrived from New¬ 
 port, to strengthen those under the command of De Grasse; while the 
 armies of Washington and of Rochambeau marched to the head waters of 
 Chesapeake Bay. There both Generals went on board the French fleet, 
 to concert further operations. 39 The American commander-in-chief had 
 thus changed his course of action, by moving south to co-operate with 
 Lafayette and the French fleet. Already it lay in the Chesapeake, 40 
 having now blocked up the James and York Rivers, while reinforcements 
 were landed for Lafayette. At this time, Cornwallis received instructions 
 from Sir Henry Clinton, which entirely altered his purpose. He now 
 resolved to transfer his whole army to that peninsula between the James 
 and York Rivers, where a British fleet and reinforcements might easily 
 reach him. This too was supposed to be a favourable position for 
 future operations. On the 28th of August, at the head of the English 
 army, General Lord Cornwallis entered Yorktown, Virginia. 41 On the 
 14th of September, Generals Washington and Rochambeau had joined 
 the division of Lafayette at Williamsburg, 42 between the James and 
 York Rivers. 48 
 
 Cornwallis had been assured by Sir Henry Clinton, that every possible 
 means would be tried by the navy and army to relieve him. In the 
 beginning of October, Washington proceeded to invest the English 
 garrison of Yorktown, with a force of 12,000 men. Here Cornwallis 
 was to be attacked, by the united armies of America and France; 
 accordingly, batteries were- constructed, and fire was opened on the 
 town. The English were soon cooped up by land in Yorktown. 44 How¬ 
 ever, the sea was accessible, and their position was protected by two 
 rivers. Nevertheless, a diversion by the French ships-of-war, that lay at 
 the mouth of York River, was apprehended by Lord Cornwallis. After 
 remaining for two days occupying a strong position in front of Yorktown, 
 
 88 See an account of this engage¬ 
 ment, in C. T). Yonge’s “History of 
 the British Navy, from the earliest 
 period to the Present Time,” Vol. 
 i., chap, xv., pp. 373 to 375. London. 
 1863. Two vols., 8vo. 
 
 39 See Henry Cabot Lodge’s “ George 
 Washington,” Vol. i., chap, x., p. 
 306. 
 
 40 See Lossing’s “ Pictorial Field- 
 Book of the Revolution,” Vol. ii., 
 chap, xx., pp. 507 to 530. Also, C. 
 Stedman’s “ History of the Origin, 
 Progress, and Termination of the 
 American War,” Vol. ii.,chap. xliv., 
 pp. 441 to 448. 
 
 41 An excellent Map illustrating 
 the operations in Virginia, 1781, may 
 be consulted in “ The Writings of 
 
 George Washington,” &c., Vol. viii,, 
 p. 158. Edition of Jared Sparks. 
 
 42 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington,” &c., Vol. i., chap, 
 xiii., p. 366. 
 
 43 The movements of the whole 
 Southern Campaign of Lord Corn¬ 
 wallis are illustrated on a Map post- 
 fixed to “ Correspondence of Charles, 
 First Marquis of Cornwallis,” edited 
 by Charles Ross, Esq., Vol. i. 
 
 44 Tho news of their distressed state 
 only reached England on the 3rd of 
 November, through Colonel Robert 
 Conway, who had arrived from New 
 York. See Horace Walpole’s “ Jour¬ 
 nal of the Reign of King George the 
 Third, from the year 1771 to 1783,” 
 Vol. ii., p. 473. 
 
 S. St 
 
276 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 and expecting to be attacked, upon observing that the Americans and 
 French were taking measures, which could not fail of turning the English 
 left flank in a short time, and receiving on the second evening Sir Henry 
 Clinton’s letter dated the 24th of September, that the relief should sail 
 about the 5th of October, Cornwallis withdrew his troops within the works 
 on the night of the 29 th of September. He hoped by the labour and 
 firmness of the soldier’s to protect their defences until relief could arrive. 
 
 The besiegers broke ground when darkness set in on the 30th, and then 
 constructed on that night and during the following days and nights, two 
 redoubts. 45 On the 6th and 7th of October, the trenches were opened, 
 and cannons were placed in position. 46 Brigadier-General O’Hara 
 commanded on the right of the British position, and Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Abercrombie was on the left. 47 A detachment of Guards, with the 
 80th company of Grenadiers, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Lake, attacked the American position on one side, while a battalion of 
 light infantry, under command of Major Armstrong, attacked the other 
 and both succeeded, by forcing the redoubts that covered them, spiking 
 eleven guns and killing or wounding about a hundred of the French troops 
 who had the guard in that part of the trenches, This happened with 
 little loss on the English side. The cannons, having been spiked in a 
 hurry, were soon rendered fit for service again, and before dark the 
 whole parallel and batteries appeared to be nearly complete. At this 
 time, Cornwallis knew that there was no part of the whole front 
 opposed on which he could point a single gun, and his shells were 
 nearly expended ; he had therefore only to chose between preparing to 
 surrender next day, or by endeavouring to get off with the greatest part 
 of the English troops. He determined to attempt the latter, reflecting 
 that though it should prove unsuccessful in its immediate object, it 
 might at least delay the enemy in the prosecution of further enterprises. 
 Sixteen large boats were prepared, and upon other pretexts they were 
 ordered to be in readiness to receive troops precisely at ten o’clock. 
 With these, Cornwallis hoped to pass the infantry over during the 
 night, by abandoning the baggage, and leaving a detachment to capitulate 
 for the townspeople as also for the sick and wounded. On this subject, 
 a letter was ready to be delivered to General Washington. 48 
 
 After making all arrangements with the utmost secrecy, the light 
 infantry, the greatest part of the Guards, and part of the 23rd 
 regiment, landed at Gloucester. At this critical moment, the weather 
 from being moderate and calm changed to a violent storm of wind and 
 
 45 The American Sappers and Miners 
 were under the command of James Clin¬ 
 ton. Knox commanded the artillery; un¬ 
 der him were Stephens and Carrington. 
 
 46 See “ The History of the War in 
 America, between Great Britain and 
 her Colonies, from its commencement to 
 its Conclusion, 1783,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 xli., pp. 243, 244. 
 
 47 A Plan of the Siege of Yorktown, 
 October 1781, is given in the “Writ¬ 
 ings of George Washington,” &c., 
 Vol. viii., p. 186. Edition of Jared 
 Sparks. 
 
 48 See C. Stedman’s “ History of the 
 Origin, Progress, and Termination of 
 the American War,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 xlv., pp. 452 to 468. 
 
SURRENDER OF CORNWALLIS AND HIS ARMY. 
 
 277 
 
 rain. This nearly drove all the boats, some of which had troops on board, 
 down the river. It was soon evident, that the intended passage was 
 impracticable, and the absence of their boats rendered it equally 
 impossible to bring back the troops that had passed. In such a 
 situation, with the English force divided, their enemy’s batteries opened 
 at day-break. The passage between Yorktown and Gloucester was 
 much exposed; but, the boats having now returned were ordered to 
 bring back the troops that had passed during the night. These joined 
 in the forenoon without much loss. The numbers of Cornwallis’ 
 army had been greatly diminished by the enemy’s fire, but particularly 
 by sickness; while, the strength and spirit of those in the works 
 were much exhausted, by the fatigue of constant watching and 
 unremitting duty. Meanwhile, the American and French batteries 
 raked the English with shot and shell, swept away their defences, and 
 burned some of the shipping. 49 
 
 After a siege of several days, preparations were made to storm two 
 strong redoubts. One was successfully attacked by the Americans, under 
 Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 50 and the other by the French, under 
 Lafayette and Baron de Viomenil. 51 The British works in the mean¬ 
 time were going to ruin. Not having been able to strenghthen them 
 b y abattis, nor in any other manner than by light fraising, which the 
 American artillery was demolishing wherever they fired, the engineers 
 and principal officers of Cornwallis’ army agreed in opinion with their 
 general, that they were in many places assailable in the forenoon, and 
 that by the continuance of a similar fire for a few hours longer, the 
 defences should be in such a state as to render it desperate, with 
 rapidly diminishing numbers, to attempt their maintenance. 52 An 
 assault, which from the numbers and precautions of the enemy could not 
 fail to succeed, urged the British general to capitulate. A correspondence 
 between Generals Washington and Cornwallis ensued on that subject. 
 The terms of the capitulation were at length agreed upon, and better 
 could not be obtained under the circumstances. 53 The conditions of the 
 capitulation were identical with those which the English themselves 
 had imposed on General Lincoln, after his surrender at Charlestown. 54 
 
 Over 7,000 British and Hessian soldiers were in the garrison, and 
 
 49 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington,” Vol i., chap, xiii., pp. 
 367-70. 
 
 50 See Henry Cabot Lodge’s “ Alex¬ 
 ander Hamilton,” chap, ii., pp. 25, 
 26. 
 
 51 See Bayard Tuckerman’s “Lifeof 
 General Lafayette,” &e., Vol. i., 
 chap, vi., pp. 145, 146. 
 
 52 Cornwallis observed, in his letter 
 to Sir Henry Clinton, that at this 
 time the British “ could not fire a 
 single gun.” See “ Correspondence 
 of Charles, First Marquis of Corn¬ 
 
 wallis,” edited with notes by Charles 
 Ross, Esq., Vol. i., Appendix, No. 
 ix., p. 512. 
 
 53 Earl Cornwallis wrote a despatch 
 to Sir Henry Clinton, which was 
 dated Yorktown, Virginia, October 
 20th 1781. This he sent by Lieu¬ 
 tenant-Colonel Abercrombie, and it 
 gives a brief account of the occur¬ 
 rences and motives, which induced 
 him to surrender. See ibid., pp. 510 
 to 513. 
 
 54 See the Articles of Capitulation, 
 ibid., No. xv., pp. 515 to 518. 
 
278 
 
 IRISH-A MERI CAN HISTORY OR THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 these were obliged to lay down their arms. 55 More than one-half having 
 been sick or wounded, 50 the allied French and Americans drew up in 
 two straight lines—one facing the other—while the British officers and 
 soldiers and their German auxiliaries, deeply humiliated, passed between 
 them. About two o’clock the garrison sallied forth, and passed through 
 with shouldered arms, slow and solemn steps, the drums beating a 
 British march. The soldiers were all well clad, having been furnished 
 with new suits prior to the capitulation. They were led by General 
 O’Hara on horseback, who, riding up to General Washington took oil 
 his hat, and apologised for the non-appearance of Lord Cornwallis 
 on account of indisposition. Washington received him with dignified 
 courtesy, but pointed to Major-General Lincoln as the 
 officer who was to receive the submission of the garrison. 57 
 By him, they were conducted into a field, where they were to ground 
 their arms. 58 In passing through the lines formed by the allied armies, 
 their march was careless and irregular, and their aspect sullen. 59 Not¬ 
 withstanding, the French and Americans were highly considerate, 
 treating the vanquished with courtesy and even with generosity. 00 
 With that character and sense of dignity and magnanimity which 
 distinguished the American Commander-in-Chief, although knowing his 
 troops to be highly elated and filled with inexpressible sensations, yet 
 did he recommend to them the suppression of any unseemly manifesta¬ 
 tions of triumph. 61 
 
 The English land troops were surrendered as prisoners of war to 
 Congress, while the English naval force was assigned to the French. 02 
 
 55 See Henry Cabot Lodge’s “ George 
 Washington,” Vol. i., chap, x., p. 
 309. 
 
 56 See David Ramsey’s “ Life of 
 George Washington,” chap, viii., 
 London, 1807, 8vo. Also, Rev. 
 George R. Gleig’s “Lives of the 
 most eminent British Military Com¬ 
 manders,” Vol. iii., pp. 155, 166. 
 
 57 See the History of the War in 
 America, between Great Britain and her 
 Colonies, from its Commencement to 
 its Conclusion, in 1783,” Vol. iii., 
 chap, xii., pp. 245 to 250. 
 
 59 When the English surrendered 
 and marched there to throw down 
 their arms, as also to deliver up their 
 standards and battle flags, Ensign 
 W ilson, an Irish-American, aged 
 eighteen years, received these spoils 
 from the conquered army. 
 
 59 The order to “ ground arms ” 
 was given by the platoon officers in 
 a tone of deep chagrin, and many of 
 the soldiers threw down their mus¬ 
 kets with a violence sufficient to break 
 them. 
 
 60 In his letter of October 20th 
 1781, Lord Cornwallis writes:—“The 
 kindness and attention that have been 
 shown to us by the French officers 
 in particular, their delicate sensibility 
 of our situation, their generous and 
 pressing offer of money, both public 
 and private to any amount, has really 
 gone beyond what I can possibly de¬ 
 scribe, and will, I hope, make an 
 impression in the breast of every 
 officer, whenever the fortune of war 
 should put any of them in our 
 power.”—“ Correspondence of Charles, 
 First Marquis of Cornwallis,” edited 
 with Notes, by Charles Ross, Esq., 
 Vol. i., Appendix No. ix., p. 512. 
 
 61 The conduct of the American 
 army was in conformity with 
 fhe instructions of Washington: 
 “ My boys, let there be no in¬ 
 sults over a conquered foe. When 
 they lay down their arms, don’t 
 huzza; posterity will huzza for you.” 
 
 62 Washington immediately dis¬ 
 patched a messenger to Thomas Mc¬ 
 Kean, President of the Continental 
 
RECEPTION OF THE NEWS IN ENGLAND AND IRELAND. 
 
 279 
 
 When the President received the welcome news at a late hour, McKean 
 rose from his bed at midnight, and spread the news over the city. 
 Philadelphia was illuminated that night, and next day Charles Thompson 
 read the despatch to Congress. This stunning blow to the hopes of 
 England virtually closed the war. 63 On the very day Cornwallis had 
 surrendered, Sir Henry Clinton sailed with 7,000 troops in thirty-five 
 ships, from New York, hoping to arrive in time for bis rescue. But, 
 having reached the Chesapeake, and hearing the result, he again 
 returned. 64 
 
 Although Washington dasired next to besiege Charleston, yet De 
 Grasse being obliged to sail immediately for the West Indies, he was 
 necessitated to abandon that enterprise. However, he sent a detach¬ 
 ment of two thousand Continental troops under command of General 
 St. Clair southwards to strengthen Major-General Green, who had a 
 considerable force of the English army left to oppose him. The prisoners 
 were marched to Winchester in Virginia and to Fredericktown in Mary¬ 
 land. A part of them was subsequently brought to Lancaster in 
 Pennsylvania. Lord Cornwallis and the other principal officers went 
 by sea on parole. Leaving Rochambeau at Williamsburg, where the 
 French remained until the following summer, the American army was 
 moved again to New Jersey and the Highlands. 65 All these matters 
 having been arranged, on the 5th of November General Washington 
 
 Congress Phildelphia, conveying 
 the glad tidings. His letter giving 
 an account of the surrender is dated, 
 Head-quarters, near York, 19th of 
 October 1781. See ‘The Writings 
 of George Washington,” Vol. viii., 
 &c. Edition of Jared Sparks. 
 
 63 The news had a terrible effect on 
 Lord North. He threw up his arms, 
 as if he had received a ball in the 
 breast, exclaiming wildly, as he paced 
 up and down the apartment: “ My 
 God, it is all over!” However, when 
 Lord George Germain received the 
 earliest intelligence of the surrender, 
 he communicated it by letter to the 
 king, who had been the originator 
 of the idea and measure to tax the 
 Americans, and who warned his reluc¬ 
 tant prime minister Granville, that if 
 he were disinclined or afraid to make 
 the attempt, others could be found 
 with sufficient resolution to carry it 
 through. With characteristic obsti- 
 nancy George III. at once wrote to 
 Lord George Germain, that the prin¬ 
 ciples of his conduct should still be 
 “ a prosecution of the present con¬ 
 test,” and hoping that none of his 
 ministers would think otherwise. See 
 the anonymous and extravagantly eu¬ 
 
 logistic work, “ George the Third, his 
 Court and Family,” Vol. i., sec. iii., 
 . 280, and Vol. ii., sec. v., p 2. 
 wo volumes, London, 1820, 8vo. 
 These books contain several good 
 copper-plate engravings of the King, 
 Queen, and their children. 
 
 64 In a letter to the Earl of Car¬ 
 lisle, dated New York, 12th December 
 1781, General Sir Henry Clinton ex 
 plains the circumstances whereby he 
 failed to co-operate with Lord Corn¬ 
 wallis before the submission of him¬ 
 self and army. See B. F. Stevens’s 
 “ Fac-similes of Manuscripts in Euro¬ 
 pean Archives relating to America,” 
 1773-1783;-etc., Vol. i., No. 129. 
 
 65 The reader, who desires a very 
 detailed narrative of events recorded 
 in the present and previous chapter, 
 may consult a very reliable work, 
 Richard Hildreth’s “ History of the 
 United States of America.” First 
 series, from the Discovery of the Con¬ 
 tinent under the Federal'Constitution, 
 1497-1787. In three volumes, 8vo. 
 The first edition appeared in 1849, 
 but a revised edition was published 
 in 1854. When the war virtually 
 ended, a meeting of the Friendly 
 Sons of St. Patrick was held in 
 
280 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 left Yorktown by way of Mount Vernon for Philadelphia, and on the 
 day after his arrival, in Congress he was greeted with a congratulatory 
 address by the President. 66 
 
 In no country of Europe was greater joy and satisfaction generally 
 felt, even if it could not then be publicly expressed, than in Ireland, 
 when those tidings were conveyed from America. 67 Meanwhile, the Irish 
 Parliament had been called together in the month of October, 1781. 
 The news of Lord Cornwallis’ surrender reaching Dublin, Mr. Yelverton 
 moved a loyal address to His Majesty recommending the restoration of 
 a lasting and an honourable peace, which was carried by a large majority. 
 Afterwards, on the 11th December, in a learned and most eloquent 
 speech, Henry Flood moved for a committee to examine the precedents 
 and records, in explanation of Poyning’s law, a statute which required, 
 that heads of all bills enacted by the Irish Parliament should be sent 
 to England and there approved of, before they could be legislated upon 
 in Ireland. This motion was defeated, however, by a majority of 139 
 against 67 ; the ministerial placemen and adherents being then too 
 numerous and over confident in their ability to restrain the popular 
 demand for a free parliamentary constitution. 68 Nevertheless, animated 
 by a patriotic spirit, and with arms in their hands, the Volunteers 69 had 
 resolved on attaining their object. This was soon formulated, that no 
 body of men, other than the King, Lords and Commons, of Ireland, 
 could make laws to bind that kingdom. 70 
 
 December 1781, to invite General 
 Washington and his suite to dine with 
 them; but owing to pressing engage¬ 
 ments on the invited guests, their ban- 
 uet was deferred to January 7th 
 782, when with a number of distin¬ 
 guished guests he attended, received 
 a suitable address, and was adopted 
 as an honorary member of the Society. 
 
 66 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington,” Vol. i., chap, xiii., pp. 
 371, 372. 
 
 67 The first news of Cornwallis’ 
 surrender was brought from France 
 into England on the 25th of Novem¬ 
 ber, and this was soon confirmed by 
 an express from Sir Henry Clinton. 
 See Horace Walpole’s “ Journal of the 
 Reign of King George the Third, from 
 the year 1771 to 1783,” vol. ii., p. 474. 
 
 68 The reader who desires to have 
 a comprehensive understanding of the 
 
 state of Ireland previous to and in¬ 
 cluding this parliamentary struggle, 
 contemporaneous with the American 
 Revolutionary War, may find the in¬ 
 cidents very lucidly stated, in Wil¬ 
 liam Edward Hartpole Lecky’s “ His¬ 
 tory of England in the Eighteenth 
 Century,” Vol. iv., chaps. xvi.,xvii., 
 pp. 312 to 560. 
 
 69 For a most accurately historical 
 and elegantly written account of the 
 formation and actions of those na¬ 
 tional guards, the reader is referred to 
 Thomas McNevin’s “ History of the 
 Volunteers of 1782.” Centenary 
 edition. Dublin: Duffy and Son. 15 
 Wellington Quay, 18mo. 
 
 70 See Francis Plowden’s “ History 
 of Ireland from its Invasion under 
 Henry II. to its Union with Great 
 Britain,” Vol. ii., Book, iii., chap- 
 v., p. 209. 
 
CHANGE OF MINISTRY IN ENGLAND. 281 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Change of Ministry, and Overtures of Peace from England accepted by the 
 Americans—Independence of Parliament obtained for Ireland, and Trade 
 with the United States inaugurated—Peace proclaimed and Recognition of 
 American Independence by the different European Powers—Evacuation of 
 New York by the English, and D'sbanding of the American Army—Forma¬ 
 tion of the United States Constitution—Washington elected First President 
 —His Administration and Policy—' Indian Troubles on the Frontiers—Second 
 Term of Washington’s Admin vi/ation—Wayne’s Victories over the Indians 
 —Retirement of Washington to private Life, and Election of John Adams as 
 Second President—Difference/ of the United States with other Powers— 
 Death of. Washington. 
 
 Although King George 15 i. had obstinately insisted on the con¬ 
 tinuance of War, 1 the city of London and the English people were 
 almost unanimous in tlip/x desire for a peace. 2 However, notwith¬ 
 standing his reluctance to resign, Lord North could in vain oppose 
 public opinion, especially when General Conway had moved in February 
 1782, that the war b*. America should no longer be pursued. On a 
 division in the Hou^e of Commons, this motion was lost by a majority 
 of one: 193 being for, and 194 against it. The matter was pressed 
 again by the opposition; and at length, on the 20th of March, Lord 
 North announced in Parliament, that his administration existed no 
 longer. 3 Meantime, Sir Henry Clinton had resigned his position as 
 commander-in-chief in America, and Sir Guy Carleton 4 was appointed 
 to fill his place. 
 
 So disastrous was the last campaign for England, that the Independ¬ 
 ence of the United States was soon acknowledged by the different Euro¬ 
 pean nations, many of these having been neutral during the war : viz., 
 by Sweden and Denmark, in February; by Holland in April; 5 and 
 later still by Russia. 
 
 On the resignation of Lord North, the Marquis of Rockingham had 
 been deputed to form a eabinet. 6 As Premier and First Commissioner 
 of the Treasury, he appointed the Earl of Shelburne and Charles James 
 
 1 See “ The Correspondence of King 
 George the Third with Lord North 
 from 1768 to 1783,” edited by W. 
 Bodham Donne, Vol. ii., Letters 693, 
 697, 701, pp. 386 to 397. 
 
 2 See Rev. H. Fergus’ “ History of 
 the Western World,” Vol. ii. United 
 States, chap, xi., pp. 198, 199, Lard- 
 ner’s Cabinet Cyclopaedia. 
 
 3 See “ The Annual Register,” for 
 
 the year 1782, Vol. xxv., History of 
 
 Europe, chap, vii., pp. 167 to 176. 
 
 4 Afterwards created Lord Dorchester. 
 
 5 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. x., chap, 
 xxvi., p. 527. 
 
 6 In writing to Lord North, King 
 George III. reveals the poignancy of 
 his feelings at the change of Ministry. 
 See “ The Correspondence of King 
 George the Third with Lord North 
 from 1768 to 1783,” edited by W. 
 Bodham Donne, Vol. ii. Letter 724, 
 p. 420. 
 
282 IRISII-AMEP.ICAN IIISTORV OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Fox his Secretaries of Sta te, and Lord Camden was made President of 
 the Council. General Conway was nominated Commander-in-chief 
 of the Forces, and the Duke of Richmond Master-General of the 
 Ordnance. 
 
 The first great question introduced by ministers, and that called for 
 immediate solution, was the recognition of Irish Constitutional Inde¬ 
 pendence ; 7 next, the arrangement of terms, which might serve for the 
 settlement of those military operations, that had harassed the resources 
 and aggravated the feelings of people, both in Europe and America. 
 After an administration only lasting for three months, the Marquis of 
 Rockingham died on the 1st of July, and the King next appointed the 
 Earl of Shelburne to be his successor in the Treasury. A rupture with 
 Fox and Burke soon followed, and a reconstruction of the Ministry 
 again took place. 8 The secret reasons assigned for their differences were 
 soon a subject for public discussion; but, all parties seemed to agree, that 
 hostilities should cease. 9 The newly formed British Cabinet was very 
 willing to sue for a peace, and proposals to that effect were opened to 
 Congress. The first overtures were not cordially received. 10 Hostilities 
 were generally suspended, however, and accredited representatives to 
 negotiate a treaty were at last nominated, after the Earl of Shelburne 
 and Dr. Franklin had settled preliminaries during the summer of 1782. 11 
 The United States appointed as their commissioners John Jay, John 
 Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. 12 The latter was chief director in 
 those negotiations, which were conducted without a confidential know¬ 
 ledge communicated to the court of France, although such an in¬ 
 struction was specially enjoined by Congress. The representatives of 
 France, Spain, America and Great Britain assembled in Paris, to 
 deliberate on just conditions, and on the 30th of November 1782, the 
 Commissioners of England and of the United States signed and sealed 
 fair copies of the convention ; while the Articles of Peace, although 
 intituled provisional, were made definitive, by a declaration in the 
 preamble. 13 In these it was declared, that His Majesty had acknow¬ 
 ledged the United colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, 
 Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New 
 
 7 “ The success of America brought 
 emancipation to Ireland, which had 
 suffered even more than the United 
 States from colonial monopoly.”—See 
 George Bancroft’s “ History of the 
 United States,” Vol. x., chap, xxvii., 
 p. 548. 
 
 8 See an account of these trans¬ 
 actions in Lord John Russell’s “Life 
 •and Times of Charles James Fox.” 
 Vol. i., chap, xvi., pp 295 to 335. 
 
 9 See “ A Complete Account of the 
 debate in the House of Commons, 9th 
 July 1782, in which the Cause of Mr 
 Fox’s Resignation and the Great 
 Question of American Independence 
 
 came under consideration.” London, 
 1782, 8vo. 
 
 10 See Rev. H. Fergus’ “History of 
 the Western World,” Vol. ii., “The 
 United States,” chap, xi., p. 201. 
 
 11 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. x., chap, 
 xxviii., pp. 551 to 558. 
 
 12 See “The Works of Benjamin 
 Franklin,” and Life of Benjamin 
 Franklin, by Jared Sparks, prefixed. 
 Vol. i., chap, xiii., pp. 474 to 488. 
 
 13 See George Bancroft’s “History 
 of the United States,” Vol. x., chap 
 xxix., pp. 574 to 591. 
 
INDEPENDENCE OF PARLIAMENT FOR IRELAND, 
 
 283 
 
 Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, 
 South Carolina, and Georgia to be “free, sovereign and independent 
 States.” 14 
 
 While these negotiations were proceeding, under pressing financial 
 difficulties, 15 the American soldiers were badly paid and hardly well pro¬ 
 visioned by Congress. Already 100,000,000 dollars had been spent 
 during that protracted contest, while at its close the treasury had a debt 
 of 40,000,000 dollars. Even this did not include the outlay of the 
 separate States, which amounted to 60,000,000 or 70,000,000 dollars 
 more. However, it was a comparatively insignificant sum, as compared 
 with the £250,000,000, which England had contracted at the close of 
 the American War. 16 The monetary affairs of the liberated and con¬ 
 federated States were in a very embarrassed condition at first; but, great 
 efforts were made to remedy those and other experienced inconveniences. 
 This was also the case with regard to Ireland, and by a happy coincidence, 
 she had achieved her partial independence this same year. Commercial 
 relations and trade soon began to revive, 1 ” as a result of newly awakened 
 national life ; and, with Ireland especially, those interchanges increased ; 
 a merchant service between both countries was established to a very 
 considerable extent ; 18 and, as Irishmen figured very prominently in the 
 war for Independence, so were mutual good offices exchanged in peace, 
 while a bond of sympathy was created and maintained. After the con¬ 
 clusion of this war of the Revolution, the English Major-General 
 Robertson, in the English House of Commons, declared upon oath, 19 
 the American General Lee had informed him, that “ half the rebel 
 Continental army were from Ireland.” 20 
 
 14 Such was the end of the contest 
 between Great Britain and the Ameri¬ 
 can Colonies; a contest in which the 
 former had expended upwards of one 
 hundred millions of money, and many 
 thousand valuable lives, and had 'ob¬ 
 tained in returi- nothing but disgrace 
 and loss of territory; but by which 
 the latter was raised to an independ¬ 
 ent rank among the nations, which 
 may be productive of more important 
 consequences than can yet be fore¬ 
 seen.”—-“History of the War in 
 America, between Great Britain and 
 her Colonies from its Commencement 
 to its Conclusion, in 1783.” Vol. iii., 
 chap, xiv., p. 266. 
 
 15 These are explained very fully in 
 David Ramsay’s “ History of the 
 American Revolution,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 xvii. Appendix No. II. of Continen¬ 
 tal Paper Currency, pp. 125 to 136. 
 
 ■®See William Edward Hartpole 
 Lecky’s “ History of the England in 
 the Eighteenth Century,” Vol. v., 
 chap, xviii., p. 53. 
 
 17 See Coxe’s View of the United 
 States of America, from 1770 to 1795, 
 being a complete History of its Manu¬ 
 factures and Revenues.” 1795, 8vo. 
 
 18 See Lord Sheffield’s “ Observa¬ 
 tions on the Trade of Ireland with 
 America and the British Colonies.” 
 1785, 8vo. 
 
 19 In reply to the Right Hon. Ed¬ 
 mund Burke a member of the Select 
 Committee. See an article by William 
 J. Onahan, published in Donohoe’s 
 “ Magazine,” Vol. v., No. 2, p. 102. 
 Boston, 1881. 
 
 20 See “ The Evidence as given be¬ 
 
 fore a Committee of the House of 
 Commons, on the Detail and the Con¬ 
 duct of the American War.” London, 
 1785. Also, among the debates in the 
 Irish House of Parliament, a speech 
 by the Hon. Luke Gardiner, was de¬ 
 livered April 2, 1784, on Irish Com¬ 
 merce, and from which is taken the 
 following passage: “ America was 
 
 lost by Irish emigrants. These emi 
 grations are fresh in the recollection 
 
284 
 
 IR1SH-AMER1CAN HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 The fortunate conclusion of this war served greatly the Irish struggle 
 for parliamentary independence. When the convention of the volun¬ 
 teers was called at Dungannon, for the 15th of February, 1782, they 
 consulted at Charlemount House as to the resolutions to be passed. 
 Two hundred and fiity-two delegates, representing 143 corps, unani¬ 
 mously adopted the resolutions drafted by Grattan and Flood as their 
 own, and sent forth anew an unequivocal demand for civil and religious 
 liberty. 21 The example of Ulster soon spread throughout Ireland. A 
 meeting of the Leinster volunteers, Mr. Flood in the chair, echoed it 
 from Dublin; the Munster corps endorsed it unanimously in Cork ; Lord 
 Clanricarde summoned together those of the Western counties at 
 Portumna. Strengthened by these demonstrations of public opinion, 
 Grattan brought forward his motion, declaratory of the rights of Ireland, 
 on the 16th of April. 22 The oi’ator had the satisfaction of carrying his 
 address on the subject of Irish legislative independence. 23 
 
 Although the war had virtually closed in America, still were there 
 several skirmishes between the contending forces, 24 especially in the 
 Southern States, where Charleston and Savannah were held by the 
 British 25 After the capture of Lord Cornwallis, General Washington, 
 with the greatest part of his force, returned to take up a position near 
 New York. An officer, who reflected the opinion of many in the army, 
 wrote a letter which suggested the idea that he should be declared 
 king. 26 This proposition, however, was indignantly rejected by the 
 patriotic Commander-in-chief, who wrote arepty, dated May 22nd 1782. 27 
 On the 13th of May, Major-General Knox and the officers of the 
 American army founded a society known as that of “The Cincinnati ” 28 
 Among civilians, this confederation excited great jealousy and suspicion. 
 On the ground of its aristocratic features, and a fear on the part of 
 Republicans, that the design was to establish a Monarchy in America, 29 
 
 of every gentleman in this house. 1 
 am assured, from the best authority, 
 the major part of the American Army 
 was composed of Irish, and that the 
 Irish language was as commonly 
 spoken in the American ranks 
 as English. I am also in¬ 
 formed, that it was their valor 
 determined "the contest, so that Eng¬ 
 land had America detached from her 
 by force of Irish emigrants,” etc. 
 
 21 See an interesting account of 
 these proceedings, in Sir Jonah Bar¬ 
 rington’s “ Rise and Fall of the Irish 
 Nation,” chap, vi., pp. 89 to 109. 
 Paris, 1833, 8vo. 
 
 22 See the account of these move¬ 
 ments in William Edward Hartpole 
 Lecky’s “ History of England in the 
 Eighteenth Century,” Vol. iv., chap, 
 xvii., pp. 481 to 560. 
 
 23 See Francis Plowden’s “ History 
 
 of Ireland, from its Invasion under 
 Henry II.” Vol.'ii., Book iii., chap, 
 v., pp. 221, 222. 
 
 24 Some deplorable outrages and 
 raids occurred about the period of 
 suspense between war and peace. 
 
 23 See David Ramsay’s “ History of 
 the American Revolution,” Vol. ii., 
 chap, xxvi., pp. 291, 292. 
 
 26 See John Adolphus’ “ History of 
 England from the Accession to the 
 Decease of King George the Third,” 
 Vol. iv., chap. liv. p. 14. 
 
 27 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of Georg® 
 Washington,” Vol. i., chap, xiv., pp. 
 381-83. 
 
 28 An account of its establishment 
 and rules will be found in “ The 
 Writings of George Washington,” 
 Vol. ix., Appendix No. i., pp. 495 
 to 500. Edition of Jared Sparks. 
 
 29 See John Adolphus’ “ History of 
 
Washington’s farewell address to tiie army. 285 
 
 it was greatly decried; however, it afterwards assumed a shape perfectly 
 unobtrusive, and insufficient to alarm the most susceptible feelings. 30 
 During the spring and summer of this year, the British held Savannah 
 and Charleston against the weak American forces under the command 
 of Generals Green and Wayne. However, the latter operating in 
 Georgia, caused the evacuation of Savannah, on the lltli of July— 
 the loyalists retreating into Florida, and the regulars to Charleston. 
 This city, the Americans could not then hope to recover by force of 
 arms, 31 and a cessation of hostilities was looked for by the belligerents 
 on both sides. 
 
 On the 8th of October, a treaty between Holland and the United 
 States was formed. The preliminary articles of peace between Great 
 Britain and France, upon which those with America should take effect, 
 were not signed until the 20th of January 1783. Those with Spain 
 were executed at the same time. 32 The action of the Peace Commis¬ 
 sioners was ratified by Congress in March 1783. 33 On the 19tli of 
 April of the same year—just eight years after the first revolutionary 
 struggle at Lexington—a proclamation was published in Washington’s 
 camp at Newburg, announcing the end of the war. A definite peace 
 between Great Britain and the United States was finally signed at 
 Paris on September 3rd. 34 Peace was also proclaimed between Great 
 Britain and the other powers at war with her, viz. :—France, Spain, 
 and Holland. 
 
 About this time, some emissaries had spread an incendiary address 
 among the soldiers at Newburg, to organize and enforce their wrongs 
 and demands upon Congress. Their pay had been iong in arrear. 
 However, Washington called his officers together, and he delivered a 
 sensible and patriotic address, which had the effect of quelling a spirit 
 of mutiny. 35 Afterwards, he urged upon Congress to give every officer 
 on his discharge a sum equivalent to five years’ pay. 30 Before the 
 army was disbanded, their Commander-in-chief addressed a circular 
 letter to the Governors of all the states, from his Head Quarters at 
 Newburg, on the 8th of June 1783. 37 On the 2nd of November, 
 
 England,” &c., Vol. iv., chap, liv., 
 pp. 15, 16. 
 
 30 Among others, as a jurist and 
 soldier, Aldanus Burke, Chief Justice 
 of South Carolina, wrote a pamphlet, 
 under the name of Cassius, against 
 its constitution, and this was after¬ 
 wards translated into French by Mira- 
 beau. The original had for its motto 
 •—“ Blow ye the trumpet in Sion.” 
 
 31 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the United States,” Vol. x., chap, 
 xxviii., pp. 560 to 565. 
 
 32 See C. Stedman’s “History of the 
 Origin, Progress, and Termination of 
 the American War,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 xlvi., p. 497 
 
 33 See R Proud’s “ History of Penn¬ 
 sylvania,” Vol. ii. Philadelphia, 
 1798, 8vo. 
 
 34 See “The Works of Benjamin 
 Franklin,” Vol. i. Edited by Jared 
 Sparks. The Life of Benjamin Frank¬ 
 lin, chap, xiv., p. 501. 
 
 35 See Rev. H. Fergus’ “ History of 
 the Western World,” Vol. ii. The 
 United States, chap, xi., pp. 205 to 214. 
 
 36 This was to be given in money 
 or securities at six per cent, per 
 annum, instead of half-pay for life. 
 See David Ramsay’s “ History of the 
 American Revolution,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 xxvii., pp. 326, 327. 
 
 37 See “The Writings of George 
 
286 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Washington issued his farewell address to the army. 38 it was 
 dated from Rocky Hill, near Princeton. 39 However, it was only 
 on the 4th of ."December following, that an affecting leave-taking be¬ 
 tween Washington and his general officers was arranged ; when his 
 emotions were too strong to be concealed, and tears of sensibility also 
 started in the eyes of his companions-in-arms. 40 On the 25th of No¬ 
 vember, the city of New York was evacuated by the British forces, 
 and Washington made his public entry into it. 41 His troops marched 
 thither by way of King’s Bridge, and with great manifestations of 
 popular rejoicing. Taking leave of his heroic companions-in-arms, General 
 Washington resigned his commission as Commander-in-chief into the 
 hands of Congress then in session at Annapolis, Maryland, on the 23rd of 
 December. Moreover he refused every pecuniary indemnity for his in¬ 
 valuable military, and civic services. 42 He then sought his home, at 
 Mount Vernon on the Potomac, with the publicly expressed thanks of 
 the nation, and the grateful recognition of all good men. 43 
 
 When the war for Independence had finally closed, and when the 
 new Republic had been solidly established, over 50,000 Catholics are 
 estimated as forming a religious body, not yet organised into a dis¬ 
 tinctive ecclesiastical province. 44 The members of the Catholic 
 Church lived chiefly in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, with 
 some more distant French settlers in Missouri, Illinois, Michigan and 
 Indiana ; 45 while all of these were immediately subject either to the 
 Vicar Apostolic of the London district, in England, or to the Bishop 
 of Quebec. Now the Catholics of the States addressed the Holy See, 
 on the subject of their wishes. In the year 1784, they were placed 
 temporarily under the Rev. John Carroll as Prefect Apostolic, the cele¬ 
 brated Benjamin Franklin recommending him earnestly as a man of 
 
 Washington,” Vol. viii., pp. 439 to 
 452. Edition of Jared Sparks. 
 
 38 See David Ramsay’s “ Li/e of 
 George Washington,” chap, ix., pp. 
 247 to 255. 
 
 39 See “The Writings of George 
 Washington,” &c., Vol. viii., pp. 
 491 to 496. Edition of Jared Sparks. 
 
 40 See .Judge Marshall’s “ Life of 
 George Washington,” Vol. iv., chap, 
 xii., p. 677. 
 
 41 See David Ramsay’s “Life of 
 George Washington,” chap, ix., p. 225. 
 
 4 "See M. Guizot’s “Vie Correspon¬ 
 dence et Ecrits de Washington.” Tome 
 ii., chap, xiv., pp. 202, 203. Publics 
 d’apres 1’Edition Am^ricaine et prd- 
 cbdes d’une Introduction sur l’lnfluence 
 et le Charactere de Washington dans la 
 Revolution des Etats-Unis d’Amerique. 
 Paris, 1840. 8vo. 
 
 43 See Upham’s “ Life of George 
 Washington,” Vol. ii., chap. xxi. 
 
 44 The early progress of religion, 
 within the United States, has been 
 treated with great research by John 
 Gilmary Shea, in his “ History of the 
 Catholic Missions amongst the Indian 
 Tribes of the United States.” This 
 brings the account from a.d. 1529, 
 to a.d. 1854, in a second edition pub¬ 
 lished at New York. 
 
 45 The “ Discovery and Exploration 
 of the Mississippi Valley,” published 
 at New York, 1853, 8vo. and “Early 
 Voyages up and down the Missis¬ 
 sippi,” published at New York, 1862, 
 4to., were edited by the same previously 
 mentioned accurate writer; as likewise, 
 the well-known work of the Jesuit 
 Father, F. X. de Charlevoix, the “His¬ 
 tory and General Description of New 
 Franee.” This was translated into Eng¬ 
 lish, by John Gilmary Shea, with ex¬ 
 tensive Notes, and published by him in 
 six 8vo volumes, New York, 1866. 
 
FORMATION OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION. 
 
 287 
 
 superior ability, a zealous priest, and a sincere patriot. This choice 
 accorded entirely with the desires of the American Catholic priesthood 
 and people. Subsequently, Pope Pius VI. established the See of Balti¬ 
 more, November 6th 1789, when the Rev. John Carroll became its 
 first bishop. 46 The growth of the Church, under his able and wise 
 administration, was steadily progressive year by year, until a hierarchy 
 had been formed to divide his labours. 47 
 
 The first Ambassador from the United States to the Court of St. 
 James was John Adams. He had an audience with the King of Great 
 Britain and Ireland, on the 2nd of June 1785. A rebellion against the 
 collection of taxes was organized in Massachusetts, by one Daniel 
 Shays—an ex-captain in the Revolutionary army—December, 1786. 
 After a short but very active campaign, the militia force, under General 
 Lincoln, suppressed that revolt. 
 
 The want of centralized action and direction among the various 
 States, during the war, had frequently produced confusion and failure. 
 It prevented co-operation for the common defence, and oftentimes a 
 mischievous division of forces ; while, it was not always possible, wisely 
 to regulate commerce or finance. 48 A convention to form the constitu¬ 
 tion of the United States was appointed to meet at Philadelphia, on 
 the 14th of May 1787. 49 Washington was unanimously chosen as 
 President of that Assembly. 50 A document prepared by the Convention 
 was submitted to the people for their approval. After a thorough dis¬ 
 cussion, lasting in some of the States for two or three years, the 
 Federal Constitution was at last accepted by all. Some of the members 
 opposed it, however, as giving too much consolidated power to the 
 general government, and as trenching on State Rights. 51 After four 
 months’ deliberation, the representatives adopted and ratified that 
 Constitution of the United States, on September 17th 1787. John 
 Marshall, who became Chief Justice of the United States, will ever 
 figure prominently on the roll of great American statesmen. He was 
 largely instrumental in framing that Constitution. Marshall ranks 
 high as a jurist and as a pure and noble-minded man, while personally 
 
 46 See the “American Quarterly 
 Review,” Vol. i., No. i., pp. 155, 
 156. Article by John Gilmary Shea, 
 The Catholic Church in American 
 History. 
 
 47 A most comprehensive narrative 
 of ecclesiastical affairs from the ear¬ 
 liest period, to the year 1866, is to be 
 found in the late John Gilmary Shea’s 
 magnificently illustrated and learned 
 work, “ A History of the Catholic 
 Church within the Limits of the 
 United States from the first attempted 
 Colonization to the present Time,” 
 with portraits, views, maps, and fac¬ 
 similes. In four Roy. 8vo. volumes. 
 New York, 1866 to T892. 
 
 48 See T. Coxe’s “ View of the 
 United States of America, from 
 authentic documents,” 1795, 8vo. 
 
 49 The historic and explanatory 
 origin and progress of formation for 
 the Constitution of the United States, 
 is admirably and briefly furnished 
 under the Article so headed in “ The 
 Encyclopaedia Americana,” Vol. ii., 
 pp. 380 to 386. 
 
 60 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington,” &c., Vol. i., chap, xv., 
 p 435. 
 
 51 Among these was the able jurist, 
 Aldanus Burke, a Member of Con¬ 
 gress from South Carolina, 1789-1791. 
 
288 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 he was a remarkable character. 52 The old Constitution of the United 
 States was framed by a Convention of Delegates, 63 who resolved to 
 abolish the former articles of Association. If two-thirds of the States 
 gave their assent to that form of government agreed on, it was to 
 become operative on the 4th of March 1789. 54 It was adopted in 1788, 
 but the Constitution did not come into operation until the former 
 date. 55 
 
 The several States gave in their adhesion as follows: 56 in 1787, 
 December 7, Delaware was the first State that accepted the constitution ; 
 December 12 Pennsylvania accepted the constitution; December 18 
 New Jersey accepted the constitution. In 1788, January 2, Georgia 
 accepted the constitution ; January 9 Connecticut accepted the consti¬ 
 tution ; February 6 Massachusetts accepted the constitution; April 28 
 Maryland accepted the constitution ; May 23 South Carolina accepted 
 the constitution; June 21 New Hampshire accepted the constitution; 
 June 26 Virginia accepted the constitution; July 26 New York 
 accepted the constitution ; and November 21 North Ca olina accepted 
 the constitution. 57 North Carolina and Rhode Island at first opposed 
 the Federation ; but, these States finally acceded—the former in 
 November 1789, and the latter in May 1790. 68 Subsequently added to 
 the Union were States formed at a later period. 59 According to the 
 Constitution, 60 the President and Vice-President cannot be chosen from 
 
 52 His writings are very valuable, 
 as giving an insight into the spirit 
 and intent of the American Constitu¬ 
 tion. 
 
 53 See “ Debates in the House of 
 Representatives of the United States, 
 during the First Session of the Con¬ 
 gress, Part I., Upon the Constitution, 
 Powers of the House, with respect 
 to Treaties; The Second Part upon 
 the subject of the British Treaty.” 
 Published at Philadelphia, and printed 
 for Benj. Franklin, in the year 
 1796, in a thick 8vo volume of 750 
 pages. 
 
 54 See Benjamin Perley Poore’s 
 “ Federal and State Constitutions.” 
 
 55 The reader, who desires to find 
 a very able and impartial historic 
 account of the colonial formation, and 
 of the changes brought about by the 
 War of Independence to the estab¬ 
 lishment of this confederation, should 
 especially consult the First Tome of 
 Auguste Carlier’s great work, “ La 
 R^publique Americaine Etats-Unis.” 
 It appeared in Paris 1890. Four 
 volumes. 
 
 56 The readers may find a brief and 
 very exact historical synopsis of the 
 several States and their respective 
 
 Constitutions, at least, to the time of 
 publication, 1885—in “ The Encyclo¬ 
 paedia Americana,” Vol. ii., pp. 386 
 to 391. 
 
 57 See J. Morse’s “ American Geo¬ 
 graphy, View of the present state of 
 America; with a short History of 
 America from 1484, History of the 
 Early Colonists, Articles of Freedom 
 by Washington, Jackson,” &c., 1794, 
 8vo. 
 
 58 See Taylor’s “ New Views of the 
 Constitution of the United States,” 
 published at Washington, in 1823. 
 8 vo. 
 
 59 See George Bancroft’s “ History 
 of the Formation of the Constitu¬ 
 tion,” in two 8vo. volumes, 1882. 
 
 60 The provisions and spirit of this 
 excellent system of government are 
 well set forth in an elaborate work— 
 “ The American Commonwealth,” by 
 James Bryce, M.P., in three volumes. 
 Vol. i. treats about the National 
 Government, Part i., chapters, xxxv., 
 pp. 1 to 538; Appendix to 592. Vol. 
 ii., Part ii., The State Governments:, 
 chaps, xxxvi. to lii., pp. 1 to 317; 
 Part iii., The Party System, chaps, 
 liii. to lxxvi., pp. 321 to 626. Ap¬ 
 pendix to 683. Vol. iii., Part iv.. 
 

 WASHINGTON ELECTED FIRST PRESIDENT. 289 
 
 the same State. This negative proviso is a good arrangement. Its 
 intent is to strike at sectionalism ; but interpreted in the fulness of its 
 spirit, it also seeks to remove inequalities of race and religion, and to 
 unif y all Americans into one people. Under the original provisions of 
 the Constitution, the person having the second highest number of 
 votes for President became Vice-President, By that arrangement, two 
 men of directly opposite political views might, and in fact did, become 
 elected to the offices of President and Vice-President in the same 
 adminstration. 61 The President of the United States holds this office 
 for four years. He must be a native of the United States, and at least 
 he must have attained thirty-five years of age. Nor is he elected 
 directly by the popular vote, but rather by a College of Electors, chosen 
 by the people, in a proportionate ratio of divisional and indirect 
 representation. Wherefore, the President does not hold the same re¬ 
 lation to the country at large, that a Govenor does to a State, which 
 he presides over by a direct popular vote. 62 
 
 As a temporary seat of Government, New York was selected, and 
 the old City Hall in Wall Street was designed for the use of Congress. 
 Meantime, in January 1789, electors were chosen to cast the votes of 
 their respective States for President and Vice-President. George 
 Washington was unanimously elected the first President, and his term 
 dates from this very year. 63 John Adams was chosen .as Vice-Presi¬ 
 dent. It was intended that the new government should have com¬ 
 menced its operations on the 4th of March ; but, from accidental 
 causes, Charles Thompson was not able to announce Washington’s 
 election to him officially at Mount Vernon, until the 14th of April 
 following. 64 Of all the Presidential Candidates from the beginning, 
 Washington alone can fairly be said to have been the country’s 
 choice, 66 Eleven candidates ran against him, among whom were John 
 
 Public Opinion, chaps, Ixxvi. to 
 lxxxvii., pp. 3 tc 170; Part v., Illus¬ 
 trations and Reflections, chaps, 
 lxxxviii. tc xcvii . pp 173 tc 363 : Part 
 vi.. Social Institutions, chaps , xcviii., 
 to cxvi , pp. 367 tc 386 London; 
 Macmillan and Cc., and New York, 
 1888. 8vo. 
 
 61 See the exhaustive work on this 
 subject—Judge Joseph Story’s “ Com¬ 
 mentaries on the Constitution of the 
 United States; with a preliminary 
 View of the Constitutional History of 
 the Colonies and States before the 
 Adoption of the Constitution,” in 
 three Royal 8vo. volumes, 1833. He 
 also published “ A Familiar Exposition 
 of the Constitution of the United 
 States,” 12mo, 1834. 
 
 62 The work of Richard Hildreth, 
 “ History of the United States of 
 America,” may be consulted for further 
 
 information, on this subject, and on 
 succeeding events. Second series. 
 From the Adoption of the Federal 
 Constitution to the end of the six¬ 
 teenth Congress 1788-1821. In three 
 Volumes, 8vo., the first edition issued 
 in 1852, and a revised one in 1855. 
 
 63 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington,” &c., Vol. i., chap, xv., 
 p. 440. 
 
 M See David Ramsay’s “Life of George 
 Washington,” &c., chap, xi., p. 298. 
 
 65 It may be observed, likewise, that 
 subsequently and to 1824, in most 
 cases, the Legislatures of the various 
 States chose the successive Presidents. 
 The title which was at first conferred 
 upon the chief magistrate of the Re¬ 
 public was, “ His Highness, the Presi¬ 
 dent of the United States and Protec¬ 
 tor of our Liberties,” but after a short 
 time it was discontinued. 
 
 D 
 
290 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Adams and John Handcock ; and yet, of the electoral votes cast, which 
 were 73 in all, Washington received 69. Nothing could exceed the 
 people’s joy throughout all the States, when it was declared, that 
 Washington had been elected as their first President. His journey 
 from Mount Vernon to New York resembled a great triumphal proces¬ 
 sion. Especially on his arrival in the latter city he was received with 
 an enthusiasm and emotion, that quite overpowered the mastery of his 
 feelings. On the 30th of April, his inaugural speech was delivered to 
 the Senate and House of Representatives. 66 
 
 After matured deliberation, the President formed his executive, 67 
 He resolved on nominating to offices the men he deemed the most deserving 
 of consideration, and likely to promote the public good. 68 For the 
 administration, Thomas Jefferson was selected as Secretary of State, 
 while Alexander Hamilton became Secretary of the Treasury, and he 
 managed the finances in 3uch a manner, that they were soon restored 
 to something like order. Henry Knox became Secretary of War. c ® 
 The office of Attorney-General was assigned to Edmund Randolph. 7% 
 With these able men, Washington administered the government so 
 wisely and well, that he soon acquired the reputation of being as 
 thorough a statesman as he had been renowned for his generalship, 71 
 Before and about this time, the question concerning the abolition ot 
 the slave trade and regarding the emancipation of slaves within the 
 United States was agitated, and especially it was advocated by the 
 Quakers in Pennsylvania. 72 In the Southern States, however, such 
 measures were strenuously opposed. 73 The first Tariff Act was passed 
 by Congress, a.d,, 1790. 
 
 Soon after the formation of a Constitution for the United States, it 
 was deemed necessary to detach a portion of territory, where the 
 general government should be assembled for the affairs of administra¬ 
 tion, As a consequence of such direction, in 1788-89 the States of 
 
 66 See “ The Speeches. Addresses, 
 and Messages of the several Presidents 
 of the United States/' &c., pp. 29 to 
 34. Philadelphia, 1825, 8vo. 
 
 67 See Jared Sparks’ “Life of George 
 Washington,” Vol. ii., chap, xvi., pp. 
 12,13. 
 
 68 See David Ramsey’s “Life of 
 George Washington,” chap, xi., pp. 
 318, 319. 
 
 69 In 1794 he retired from this dig¬ 
 nified post, and settlod with his family 
 at Thomastown, in Maine. He died 
 in the year 1806.—Peterson. 
 
 70 These formed his cabinet. See 
 John T. Morse’s “ Thomas Jefferson,” 
 chap. viii. pp. 96, 97. 
 
 71 On the 17th of April, 1790, the 
 
 United States mourned for one, among 
 the most illustrious of her patriots, 
 Benjamin Franklin, who died in the 
 eighty-fourth year of his age. See 
 the excellent Life of this great man, 
 chap, xv., p. 350, in “The Works of 
 Benjamin Franklin,” edited by Jared 
 Sparks, Vol. i. 
 
 72 They put forth in print, “ Case of 
 the Oppressed Africans,” 1784, and 
 afterwards thev formed an association, 
 with a “ Constitution of the Pennsylva¬ 
 nia Society for setting Negroes free.” 
 Philadelphia, 1788. Also, in Trenton 
 was published “ A serious Address to 
 the Rulers of America, and American 
 Injustice in tolerating Slavery.” 1788. 
 
 73 See Ramsay’s “ Objections to the 
 Abolition of the Slave Trade,” 1788, 
 
 
Washington's administration and policy. 291 
 
 Maryland and Virginia ceded a tract of land, ten miles square, and 
 lying on both banks of the river Potomac. It was at the head of tidal 
 water, and 160 miles from its mouth. On the 17th of July 1790, 
 President Washington signed a bill, to place the seat of the general 
 government in that new District of Columbia. In 1791 a city was 
 there laid out, and on a grand scale, to become the capital of the Union. 
 At first—but only for a short while—it was denominated Federal City. 
 Afterwards, in compliment to the President who selected the site, it 
 was called Washington, 
 
 With the course of 1790, the first Census of the United States was 
 taken, when it was discovered, that the inhabitants amounted to 
 4,049,600, and of this number 695,655 were slaves, According to a 
 Report, famished by the Secretary of the Treasury, the revenue reached 
 4,399,473 dollars, while the exports amounted to over twenty, and the 
 imports to twenty-three, millions of dollars. 74 The circumstances of 
 the people began to improve most rapidly, under the popular President 
 chosen, while a regular and firm government was established. 
 
 The arrangement of finance had been entrusted to Colonel Hamilton, 
 and at this time, the public debt of the United States had reached an 
 aggregate of 54,000,000 dollars. He proposed to invest the whole of 
 that amount, with a sinking fund for its gradual liquidation, and to 
 make provision for the payment of the interest. After some opposition, 
 this measure was carried. A greater difficulty was experienced, re¬ 
 specting the general government assuming those debts contracted by 
 particular States. With certain modifications, and after violent debates 
 between the Federalists and anti-Federalists, Hamilton’s plan passed 
 both Houses. 75 New taxes had to be imposed, in order to meet the 
 necessities of government. He next projected the plan for a national 
 bank, on which measure the cabinet was divided ; yet, on mature con¬ 
 sideration, the President gave his sanction to the bill. The imposition 
 of heavy taxes and the general financial scheme of Hamilton soon ren¬ 
 dered him very unpopular. The official and private correspondence of 
 Washington, 76 while President of the United States, most thoroughly 
 illustrates his great sagacity and abilities for civil government. Having 
 a mind superior to party influences, he mediated wisely between the 
 opposing interests and views that prevailed in his cabinet. Especially, 
 Jefferson and Hamilton held very conflicting opinions on questions of 
 public policy. In politics, Chief Justice Marshall was a Federalist, and 
 he warmly defended the administration of Washington. One of those 
 strongly opposed to some measures of Washington’s government was 
 Pierce Butler, Senator from South Carolina. 77 
 
 74 See that valuable work, “ Eighty 
 Years’ Progress of the United States,” 
 Vol. i. Commerce of the United 
 States, chap, i., p. 144. New York, 
 1861, royal 8vo 
 
 75 See Rev. H. Fergus’ “ History of 
 the Western World,” Yol. ii. The 
 
 United States, chap, xiii., pp. 233 to 
 236. 
 
 76 This may be found in “ The Writ¬ 
 ings of George Washington,” See., 
 Vol x., xi., as edited by Jared Sparks. 
 
 77 He was born in Ireland, 11th 
 July 1744, and he was the third son 
 
292 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Towards the close of the last century, as the white settlers began to 
 advance into the interior, beyond the boundaries of Pennsylvania and 
 New York, the Indian tribes became alarmed at their growing 
 numbers, and showed a disposition to prevent the progress of further 
 colonization. 78 Many of the emigrants descending the Ohio River were 
 waylaid and murdered. Reprisals were the natural consequence. 
 Accordingly, General Harmer was sent with a force of about 1,500 
 men, to prevent such outrages, in September 1790. The service ren¬ 
 dered on this occasion was deemed to be very inefficient; and accord¬ 
 ingly, Washington obtained authority to embody 2,000 men to serve 
 for six months, when they were placed under General St. Clair, who was 
 governor of the Western territory. His object was to destroy the 
 Miami settlements, and to expel the Indians from that district. Major- 
 General Butler, an Irish American, held the rank of Colonel in the 
 Continental army, and he was joined in the expedition directed to¬ 
 wards the Wabash. However, having encamped near their villages 
 with 1,400 men. and awaiting reinforcements, before sunrise on the 4th 
 of November 1791, the troops were roused by the Indian war-cry and 
 taken by surprise. Numbers of the militia lied, and then the general 
 ordered a retreat, which was effected only amid the greatest confusion. 
 St. Clair was utterly defeated, near the present site of Port Wayne in 
 Indiana, having sustained a loss of 631 killed, among whom were 37 
 officers, while 263 were wounded. During this scene of disorder, Major- 
 General Butler was tomahawked and scalped by the Indians. 79 
 
 On the 4th of March 1791, Vermont, formed out of the former ter¬ 
 ritory of New York, was admitted into the Union. For a second terra 
 
 of Sir Richard Butler, fifth Baronet, 
 and allied to the Dukes of Ormond. 
 Before the Revolution he had served in 
 the British army, and after his resig¬ 
 nation he settled in Charleston, S.C. 
 He became a delegate from that Col¬ 
 ony in 1787, and in 1788 he was a 
 member of the Convention that framed 
 the American Constitution. He ap- 
 roved of the war of 1812, and he 
 ied in Philadelphia, February 15th 
 1822. See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia 
 of American Biography,” Vol. i., p. 480. 
 
 78 We are informed by Hugh Henry 
 Brackenridge, that in 1794 the Mid¬ 
 land States of America, and the West¬ 
 ern parts in general, were half Ire¬ 
 land. He had been a chaplain in 
 Washington’s army, and he was well 
 acquainted with the spirit, enterprise 
 and bravery of the natives of that 
 island. He was the author of “ Mod¬ 
 ern Chivalry,” one of the finest poli¬ 
 tical satires America has produced. 
 He makes the clown in his book an 
 Irishman. It was published at Pitts¬ 
 
 burg, in 1794. In the preface, he 
 writes: “ It has been asked why, in 
 writing this memoir, I have taken my 
 clown from the Irish nation? The 
 character of the English clown I did 
 not well understand; nor could I 
 imitate their manner of speaking. 
 That of the Scotch I have tried, as 
 may be seen in the character of Dun¬ 
 can. But I found it, in my hands, 
 rather insipid. The character of the 
 Irish clown, to use the language of 
 Itosseau, ‘ has more stuff in it.’ . . . 
 The character of the Irish clown will 
 not be wholly misunderstood. It is 
 so much known among the emigrants 
 here or their descendants, that it will 
 not be thrown away.” 
 
 79 Colonel Thomas Butler also fought 
 at the defeat of St. Clair, when his 
 brother Richard lost his life. Thomas 
 Butler led his battalion to a charge 
 of bayonets, and seated on horseback, 
 after his leg had been broken by a 
 ball. His life was saved by Captain 
 Edward Butler, also a brother. 
 
wayne’s victories over tiie Indians. 293 
 
 of four years, in 1793, although reluctant to continue in the office, Wash¬ 
 ington was re-elected President. 80 On his re-nomination, the total 
 electoral vote was increased by the accession of new States to 135 votes, 
 of which number Washington received 132. By a majority of votes, 
 John Adams was preferred to George Clinton, his competitor, for the 
 Vice-Presidency. 81 During this administration, those Indian troubles 
 in the western and southern parts were a source of disquiet to the 
 Government. 82 Attempts had been made to establish a peace with the 
 tribes north of the Ohio; but the Miami and Wabash Indians con¬ 
 voked a meeting of sixteen nations, when it was determined to accept no 
 terms short of making that River the boundary between them and the 
 United States. General Wayne was now selected to conduct the war, 
 having 2,600 regulars and 1,029 mounted militia under his command. 
 When the Indian Chief, called Little Turtle, heard that Wayne was 
 coming, he advised his people to make peace. However, they would not 
 follow this advice, and in the summer of 1794, an advance was made on 
 their settlements along the Miami River. Occupying a fortified post, 
 Major M‘Mahon 83 was attacked on the 7th of July, but he successfully 
 defended the spot, with a loss of 22 killed and 30 wounded. The Indians 
 occupied Grand Glaise, as their chief fort; but, on the 7th of August, 
 it was precipitately abandoned when Wayne approached. However, they 
 retired on their main body, strongly entrenched behind felled trees and 
 within a thick wood. Wayne ordered his troops to move cautiously, to 
 rouse the enemy from their covert with fixed bayonets, and then to fire 
 when they appeared or fled. The cavalry were sent round on their 
 right and left flanks. By this movement, the Indians, dislodged from 
 their coverts, were driven in confusion through the woods, until they 
 found shelter under the guns of the English fort. 84 Wayne soon 
 destroyed their villages and drove the Red Men before him, until he 
 reached the Maumee River, in the north-western parts of Ohio. He then 
 fortified some defensive positions, while the main body of the Indians 
 retired beyond his reach. But, the system of short service caused that 
 general to urge upon Congress the necessity for sending him a force to 
 maintain a permanent peace on the frontiers. 
 
 The celebrated political contests between the Federalists, favouring 
 the Constitution as it was and desiring a strong central government, and 
 the Anti-Federalists, wishing to limit the powers of Congress, and to give 
 more independent authority for the several States, were vigorously carried 
 on about this time. The chief leaders of the former party were 
 Washington, Adams, and Hamilton ; 85 while Jefferson was chief leader of 
 
 80 See Guizot’s “Vie de Washing- 
 tion,” Tome ii.,chap. xviii., pp. 295to299. 
 
 81 See Rev. H. Fergus’ “History of 
 the Western World,” Vol. ii., The 
 United States, chap, xiii., p. 243. 
 
 82 See B S. Barton’s “ Origin of the 
 Tribes and Nations of America.” 
 Philadelphia, 1798, 8vo. 
 
 83 He was Irish by descent. 
 
 84 See ‘ The Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1795, Vol. xxxvii., the His¬ 
 tory of Europe, chap, viii., pp. 144, 
 145. 
 
 85 See Henry Cabot Lodge’s “ Alex¬ 
 ander Hamilton,” chap, v., vi., vii., 
 pp. 84 to 152. 
 
294 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 the Anti-Federalist3, 86 also called Democrats or Republicans—these two 
 latter names being then used indiscriminately to designate one and 
 the same party. On the 2nd of April 1792, the United States Mint 
 was established at Philadelphia. On the 1st of July 1792, the State of 
 Kentucky as the fifteenth was admitted into the Union. 87 
 
 Scarcely less exciting and interesting in America were the scenes of 
 the French Revolution, than if they had there a local origin. S8 The fate 
 of King Louis XYI. and of Queen Marie Antoniette was greatly 
 lamented, especially by the Federalists, many of whom believed that 
 the principles of their own republican institutions were now on trial 
 and in danger of signal failure. The Anti-Federalists strongly sympa¬ 
 thised with the French revolutionary party, and even wished to aid 
 them against the coalition of European powers. The favourers of 
 Washington and the Federalists, however, insisted on observing a strict 
 neutrality. 89 As a minister from the French Republic, Citizen Genest 
 arrived in America April 1793, when the Jeffersonian party manifested 
 extraordinary rejoicings for that representative, and organised public 
 receptions to honour him. 90 The revolutionary tri-colour was worn by 
 crowds of people. Such encouragement induced that over-zealous 
 ambassador to fit out privateers in the American ports. Even his inso¬ 
 lence was carried so far, that he violently inveighed against the President’s 
 peaceful inclinations. He conducted himself with such impropriety, 
 that at length Washington requested the French Government to recall 
 him. 91 This demand was reluctantly complied with ; but in turn, when 
 his successor Fauchet arrived, in February 1794, the French Republic 
 requested the recall of Governor Morris, the American Minister in Paris, 
 who did not sympathise with the extreme revolutionists. To promote 
 a better understanding between their governments, Washington sent 
 James Monroe, a Virginian Senator, who became too ardently attached 
 to the revolutionary principles, and who desired to identify the cause and 
 interests of both republics. 92 
 
 Notwithstanding the clear terms of the treaty in 1783, through 
 various pretexts the British kept possession of forts in the north¬ 
 western territories. Moreover, they insisted on a right of search to 
 
 86 See George Tucker’s “ Life of 
 Thomas Jefferson,” 2 vols., London, 
 1837. 8vo. 
 
 87 See L. De Colange’s “ National 
 Gazetteeer,” &c., p. 528. 
 
 88 For the causes and results of this 
 great turning event in modern Euro¬ 
 pean history, the reader is referred 
 to M. A. Thiers’ “ Histoire de la 
 Revolution Francaise,” in ten Tomes, 
 Paris, 1836, et seq. 8vo. For very 
 different views on this subject, the 
 reader may consult Sir Archibald 
 Alison’s “ History of Europe,” 1789- 
 1815, in ten volumes. Edinburgh, 
 1883 to 1842, 8vo. 
 
 89 See David Ramsay’s “ Life of 
 George Washington,” chap, xii., p. 
 330. 
 
 90 See John Alphonsus’ “ History of 
 Europe,” &c., Vol. v., chap, lxxxiv., 
 pp. 511 to 517. 
 
 91 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington,” &c., Vol. ii., chap, 
 xviii., pp. 49 to 53 
 
 92 See “ The Annual Register,” for 
 the year 1796, Yol. xxxviii., chap, 
 xi., pp. 171 to 174. Also, “Histoire 
 de France depuis 1789 jusqu’ a nos 
 Jours,” par Henri Martin, Tome iii., 
 chap, i., pp. 21, 22. Paris, 1787, 
 et seq., 8vo. 
 
RECALL OP MUNROE. 
 
 295 
 
 confiscate French property found on board of American vessels, while 
 they claimed all sailors, supposed to have been at any time British 
 subjects. Even those who had been naturalised in the United 
 States were not spared, for the absurd doctrine was sought to be 
 maintained, “ once a born subject always a subject.” Besides, native 
 Americans had been carried away and compelled to serve in the 
 British fleet. 93 Such proceedings naturally created great dis¬ 
 content, and even a strong disposition was manifested among 
 the people for a declaration of war against Great Britain. How¬ 
 ever, the Cabinet of Washington sought to arrange this dispute; and 
 accordingly, John Jay was sent as a special envoy to London. 94 After 
 a long discussion, it was agreed, that the western posts should be surren¬ 
 dered by the 1st of June 1796. 95 With some difficulty, an unsatisfactory 
 settlement was arrived at, and on the 13th November 1794, a treaty 
 was ratified. The impressment of seamen was a question left unsettled, 
 while the orders in council, afterwards issued, caused great injury to 
 American commerce. 
 
 A most commanding site for the building having been granted, in 
 the newly-laid out city of Washington, by Daniel Carroll, the corner¬ 
 stone of the capitol was accordingly laid, September 18th 1793. An 
 excise tax had been imposed on whiskey, and it became so unpopular 
 in Western Pennsylvania, that secret societies were organized to 
 resist the collection of whiskey duties. In 1794 the officers of the law 
 were attacked, and formidable riots took place. However, the President 
 called out 15,000 of the militia from Pennsylvania and from other 
 States. That insurrection, after causing some alarm, was speedily 
 quelled. 
 
 When Washington had signed the treaty with England, his policy 
 was to observe an attitude of neutrality in the war between that power 
 and France. Great resentment was then felt and expressed, not alone 
 by the French ambassador Fauchet and his government, but by their 
 partisans in the United States, while the American ambassador in Paris 
 was inclined to favour such sentiments. In a spirit hostile to American 
 commerce, the French government issued orders for the capture of vessels 
 carrying provisions to any British port. In consequence of this man¬ 
 date, extensive depredations took place at sea. The President then 
 found it necessary to recall Monroe; still, he judged it prudent to select 
 as his successor a tried friend of liberty, Mr Pinkney of South Carolina, 
 who had not appeared in any of those measures disapproved by France, 
 When Monroe and Pinkney waited on the French minister with their 
 letters of recall and credence, they were both treated with marked 
 coldness. At length came a mandate from the Directory, that Mr. 
 
 93 More than 500 American vessels 
 had been subjected to this violence by 
 the English cruisers. See M. A. 
 Thiers’ “ Histoire de la Revolution 
 Francaise,” Tome vi., chap, xx., p. 
 39. 
 
 94 See General Washington’s “Epis¬ 
 tles, Domestic, Confidential, and Offi¬ 
 cial.” New York, 1796, 8vo. 
 
 95 See Hugh Murray’s “ United 
 States of America,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 iii., pp. 154, 155. 
 
296 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Pinkney should leave Prance, and accordingly he repaired to the 
 Hague, 96 
 
 All the great personal influence of Washington could not allay the 
 dissensions in his cabinet. For Hamilton’s integrity of character and 
 talents the President had a high esteem, while appreciating his judg¬ 
 ment and sagacity on most matters of public policy. He also enter¬ 
 tained a sincere affection for and friendly intercourse with that able 
 and accomplished man. Moreover, he endeavoured to persuade Jefferson 
 that any public collision with his political rival should be avoided. 
 However, the Democratic party and press indulged in calumnious 
 invectives against the Federal minister, and these accusations were 
 reproduced in the House of Representatives. He was charged with 
 being ambitious, intriguing and despotic. On the 1st of January 1795, 
 Alexander Hamilton resigned his office as Secretary of the Treasury, 
 and private affairs then obliged him to resume the exercise of his legal 
 profession. 97 On June 1st 1796, the State of Tennessee was admitted 
 into the Union. 98 
 
 Towards the close of that year, 99 declining to hold office for a third 
 term, Washington met the legislature His previous messages and 
 speeches 100 were always received with that respectful attention, which 
 they so well deserved ; but this was an occasion, when the members of 
 Congress manifested an emotion that could not be repressed. The cele¬ 
 brated Farewell Address of Washington, issued on the 15th of Sep¬ 
 tember, 101 was published, and in it was announced his determination to 
 abandon public cares, and to spend the remainder of his days in the 
 privacy of domestic life. In that manifesto, he admonished the people 
 to preserve union and to quell every attempt to promote sectional dis¬ 
 sension. Therein he recommended to Congress likewise those mea¬ 
 sures 102 which he thought essential for securing national honour, inde¬ 
 pendence and prosperity. 103 Soon afterwards, the whole country seemed 
 to realize the true greatness of his character. On the occasion of his 
 retirement, the members of Congress and of the different State Legis- 
 
 9 *See Justin Winsor’s “Narrative 
 and Critical History of America,” 
 Vol. vii., pp. 464 to 467, and 517. 
 
 97 A long interval elapsed after 
 death before his son John C. Hamil¬ 
 ton published “ The Life and Writ¬ 
 ings of Alexander Hamilton,” in 
 1851. 
 
 98 See L. De Colange’s “ National 
 Gazetteer,” &c., p. 988. 
 
 99 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington,” Vol. ii., chap, xix., 
 p. 78. 
 
 100 These, with his Proclamation as 
 President, and his replies to various 
 public Addresses, are printed in “ The 
 Writings of George Washington,” 
 
 &c., Vol. xii., as edited by Jared 
 Sparks. 
 
 101 See Jared Sparks’ “ Life of George 
 Washington,” &c., Vol. ii., chap, 
 xix., pp. 77, 78. The text of his 
 Address is to be found in the Ap¬ 
 pendix, pp. 317 to 338. 
 
 102 See “ Speeches, Addresses, and 
 Messages of the several Presidents of 
 the United States, Declaration of In¬ 
 dependence, Washington’s Farewell 
 Address,” &c., Printed at Philadel¬ 
 phia, in 1825. 
 
 103 The legislation of the earlier 
 sessions of Congress may be found in 
 “ Laws of the United States of Ameri¬ 
 ca,” published in Philadelphia, 1796, 
 in three volumes, 8vo. 
 
DIFFERENCES WITH OTHER POWERS. 
 
 297 
 
 latures prepared suitable addresses and resolutions. When he left the 
 capital at the close of his term, on the 4th of March 1797, a vast mul¬ 
 titude pressed around him in the streets, while manifesting every pos¬ 
 sible mark of affection and respect. From his door, he turned to say 
 farewell, but his eyes filled with tears, and silent gestures alone gave 
 expression to the intensity of his feelings. 
 
 The federal candidate John Adams, who was the next President 
 in succession to Washington, and his intimate friend, received 71 
 electoral votes out of a total of 138. Thomas Jefferson, who was the 
 Democrat candidate in opposition, failed by four votes to secure 
 a majority; 104 but as the Constitution then stood, he became 
 Vice-President, although strongly opposed to the general policy 
 of that government of which he formed a part. 105 On the 4th 
 of March, 1797, Washington assisted at the inauguration of his 
 successor as President, 106 who on that occasion delivered his Inaugural 
 Address. 107 
 
 For some time the United States had been successively embroiled 
 with England, Spain and France. 108 The misunderstanding between 
 the United States and Spain chiefly originated about the interpretation 
 of the former peace treaty, as to the American right claimed for navi¬ 
 gation of the Mississippi River to the sea, all the Louisiana Territory 
 being then under Spanish rule, as also respecting the exact boundaries 
 of Florida. American vessels attempting to descend the Mississippi to 
 New Orleans were seized and forfeited. Attempts were made to open 
 negotiations in 1793, but the views of the negotiators proved to be 
 widely divergent. Notwithstanding, on the 27th of October 1795, a 
 Treaty with Spain was at last signed. 109 
 
 Meantime, a great ferment had been excited throughout the United 
 States, on learning the indignity with which their ambassador had been 
 treated in Paris The President Mr. Adams issued a spirited message 
 on the 16th of May 1797. In this, he commented severely on the 
 action of the French Government, while he recommended the augmen¬ 
 tation of the sea and land forces. However, a commission was appointed 
 for purposes of negotiation, when Marshall, Gerry and Pinkney were 
 engaged to conduct it. The French Foreign Minister was Tallyrand, 
 who intimated through his agents, that a loan amounting to £1,200,000 
 for the Directory, with a douceur amounting to £50,000 for their joint 
 
 ,04 See “ The Annual Register,” for 
 the year 1796, Vol. xxxviii. History 
 of Europe, chap, xiii., p. 208. 
 
 105 This able statesman, while Vice- 
 President of the United States, wrote 
 a remarkable work, “ A Defence of the 
 Constitutions of Government of the 
 United States of America.” It ap¬ 
 peared at London, 1794, in Three 
 Volumes, 8vo. A portrait of the 
 writer is prefixed. 
 
 106 See “ The Speeches, Addresses, 
 
 and Messages of the several Presi¬ 
 dents of the United States,” &c., pp. 
 116 to 124, 
 
 107 See Henry Cabot Lodge’s 
 “ George Washington,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 vi., pp. 270, 271. 
 
 10s See Jared Sparks’ “Life of 
 Geo-ge Washington,” &c., Vol. ii., 
 chf.p. xvii., pp. 26 to 28. 
 
 ,Jv See Justin Winsor’s “ Narrative 
 and Critical History of America,” 
 Vol. vii, pp. 476, 477. 
 
298 IRISH-AMSRICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 use, should guarantee the settlement of the American claims. 110 These 
 terms were refused. Moreover, <an the 18th of January 1798, a law was 
 passed by the French Government subjecting to capture every vessel, 
 which should contain any article of British fabricor produce. When these 
 transactions became known in the United States, public feeling was 
 greatly excited, and Congress authorised an augmentation of the naval 
 and military forces. W hen war with France was apprehended, General 
 Washington was called from his retirement, and again assumed com¬ 
 mand of the army. 111 He chose Alexander Hamilton as his second to 
 conduct the operations of that anticipated war. Hostilities had even 
 commenced at sea, Commodore Truxton of the Constellation, mounting 
 38 guns, having captured the French L’Insurgent of 50 guns. These 
 differences—which at first seemed so threatening, 112 were happily adjusted 
 however, and in favour of the New Republic, as Tallyrand had dis¬ 
 avowed his agents, and now expressed the strongest wish for peace. 113 
 On receiving this intimation, the President prepared a new commission, 
 comprising Oliver Ellsworth Chief Justice, and Mr. Murray, who 
 accordingly proceeded to Paris, in order to treat with the French 
 Government. 114 
 
 Towards the close of the last year of the last century, being out of 
 doors and superintending his farm, the illustrious Washington had con¬ 
 tracted a cold, and it almost immediately produced inflammation of the 
 throat. 115 This attack proved fatal, after a very brief illness. On the 
 14th of December, he calmly expired in his house at Mount Vernon. 
 Intelligence of his death having reached Congress, the members instantly 
 adjourned until the next day. When re-assembled, John Marshall, 
 then a member of the House of Representatives, and subsequently Chief 
 Justice of the United States, addressed the Speaker in eloquent terms, 
 and moved resolutions of condolence. The Senate, in like manner, 
 expressed deep regret in an address to the President John Adaras. To 
 this he replied in words of warm eulogy and profound emotion. 116 When 
 this news was publicly announced, universal mourning overspread the 
 land. The Congress, then in session at Philadelphia, did special honour 
 
 110 See “Official Correspondence be¬ 
 tween the Envoys of the American 
 States and Mons. Tallyrand, on the 
 Subject of the Disputes between the 
 Two Countries,” 1798. 
 
 111 See Rev. H. Fergus’ “ History 
 of the Western World,” Vol. ii., The 
 United States, chap, xiv., pp. 263, 
 264. 
 
 112 See “ A Speech of R. Harper, 
 delivered in the House of Represen¬ 
 tatives of the United States, a.d. 
 1798.” 
 
 113 On this subject the reader may 
 find much information in a work re¬ 
 cently published, “ Correspondence 
 Diplomatique de Tallyrand.” Le 
 
 Ministere de Talleyrand sous le 
 Directoire, avec Introduction et Notes 
 par C. Pallain. No. xxvii., pp. 302 
 to 310. Paris, 1891, 8vo. 
 
 114 See William Henry Trescott’s 
 “ Diplomatic History of the Admini¬ 
 strations of Washington and Adams, 
 1789-1801.” Boston, 12mo. 
 
 115 See Henry Cabot Lodge’s 
 “George Washington,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 vi., pp. 293 to 298. 
 
 116 See David Ramsay’s “ Life of 
 George Washington,” &c., Vol. viii., 
 chap, xiii-, pp. 405 to 412. An Ap¬ 
 pendix to this work contains the will 
 of General Washington. 
 
SEAT OF GOVERNMENT TRANSFERRED TO WASHINGTON. 299 
 
 to Washington’s memory. 117 Not alone in the United States, bnt 
 throughout Europe, all friends of liberty, and all who could appreciate 
 true nobility of character, joined in regret when they heard of his death. 
 In France, Napoleon Buonaparte as First Consul and the Republic 
 decreed extraordinary honours, ordering black crepe to be placed for 
 ten days on all the regimental colours, and a great ceremonial to take 
 place, with a funeral oration in the church of the Invalids, at Paris. 118 
 In no other country was his death more lamented than in Ireland, where 
 the people at large so greatly admired the career of that illustrious man, 
 and the struggle for freedom, in which he had been so long and so 
 devotedly engaged. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 The Seat of Government transferred to Washington—Election of Thomas Jeffer¬ 
 son as President—Treaty between France and the United States—Cession of 
 Louisiana—War waged against the States of Barbary—Re-election of Jeffer¬ 
 son as President—Aaron Burr’s Conspiracy—Peace proclaimed between the 
 United States and Tripoli—Injuries inflicted on American Commerce by 
 France and England—Outrage on the Ship of War Chesapeake—Public Ex¬ 
 citement against England—Failure of Negotiations to effect Peace—Indian 
 Troubles in the North-West—Subsequent Events. 
 
 In the year 1800, the chief seat of Government in the United States was 
 removed from Philadelphia and placed in the newly-founded city 
 called Washington, after the illustrious chief and first President of the 
 Republic. The original Capitol, although in a good style of building 
 and imposing in appearance, was erected chiefly with white freestone, 
 and covering an area of more than an acre, 1 having five wide avenues 
 radiating from the public garden surrounding it, and intersecting other 
 streets. With its two wings, each 100 feet in front, the building was 
 362 feet in length, having an average depth of 121 feet, projections on 
 the main front, 2 inclusive of the steps, being 65 feet, with a portico of 
 twenty-two Corinthian columns, and on the rere 83 feet with a like portico 
 
 1,7 See Jared Sparks’ “Life oS 
 George Washington,” &c., Vol. ii., 
 chap, xix., pp. 92 to 94. 
 
 118 See M, A. Thiers’ “Histoire du 
 Cunsulat et de l’Empire,” Tome i., 
 Liv. ii., pp. 217 to 221. 
 
 1 In many of the old Histories and 
 Geographies published in the United 
 States, engravings of the original 
 structure may be seen, and thus its 
 
 appearance may be contrasted with 
 the building as it now stands. 
 
 2 This looks towards the east, and 
 especially during the sunshine days of 
 Summer and Autumn, the Capitol ap¬ 
 pears with dazzling splendour on that 
 side until noon ; then, after full illu¬ 
 mination of the southern wing, the 
 setting sun sheds its brilliance on the 
 western wing. 
 
300 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 supported by ten columns. 3 The main building was surmounted by a 
 plain dome, 120 feet in height, with two subordinate domes of much 
 smaller size surmounting the wings, Before the late Confederate War, 
 however, a design for extending and remodelling the whole was approved 
 by Congress, and harmonising with the architectural style of the former 
 structure. Two additional wings were destined for the modern termina¬ 
 tions, each having a frontage of 238 feet, with a depth of 143 feet, 
 exclusive of porticos and steps. Corridors 44 feet long by 50 feet wide 
 connect the new wings with the former buiding. A solid and grand 
 basement platform, ascended by a number of steps included, gives a 
 length of 751 feet to the entire structure, 4 the later additions being of 
 white marble. The projections and porticos upon all the disconnected 
 sides produce a most elegant composition, but hardly in very perfect 
 proportion with the original noble edifice. The old dome has been 
 removed, and a new one most exquisitely designed, combining lightness 
 and elegance with solidity, has been erected in its stead. At present, 
 the Capitol at Washington far surpasses in size and grandeur any civic 
 building in the world. 5 
 
 In the year 1800, Adams was again proposed for President, as the 
 Federal candidate; but, the opposition interest then prevailed, and he 
 only obtained 65 votes. 6 In this fourth Presidential contest, the 
 Democratic candidates Thomas Jefferson 7 and a political adventurer of 
 doubtful character, 8 Aaron Burr, received 73 votes each. The result 
 being a tie, the choice of President devolved upon the House of Repre¬ 
 sentatives, which, after thirty-five equal ballotings, at last elected 
 Jefferson by a single vote of majority—Delaware and North Carolina 
 
 3 See “ Gazetteer of the World,” 
 Vol. xiv., p. 441. 
 
 4 It now covers an area on the 
 ground of 153,112 superficial feet, or 
 Over three and a half acres. 
 
 6 This is the deliberate opinion of 
 the present writer, who has seen most 
 of the chief cities in Europe, and who 
 during a late visit to Washington 
 and the United States, had been 
 afforded opportunities for inspection 
 and comparison. The interior cham¬ 
 bers and halls of the Capitol are at 
 present receiving decoration, from 
 several accomplished artists; fresco 
 paintings of varitijis great na¬ 
 tional and historic events be¬ 
 ing embellishments for the walls, 
 while numerous grand marble 
 statues of the distinguished heroes 
 and statesmen of the Republic 
 are in course of preparation by emi¬ 
 nent sculptors, and are being placed 
 in position in the rotunday and pas¬ 
 sages. Liberal sums of public money 
 
 are annually voted by Congress to 
 effect such improvements. 
 
 6 “The Life and Works of John 
 Adams,” edited by C. F. Adams, ap¬ 
 peared in Ten 8vo Volumes, Boston, 
 1850 to 1856. 
 
 1 tte obtain the most authentic ac¬ 
 count of this illustrious man, with 
 many most important details of 
 United States history during his 
 time, from the work edited by his 
 relative, Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 
 and intituled “ Memoirs, Correspond¬ 
 ence, and Private Papers of Thomas 
 Jefferson, Late President of the 
 United States,” now first published 
 from the Original Manuscripts,” in 
 Four Vols., 8vo. London,, 1829. 
 
 8 “ Memoirs of Aaron Burr, with 
 Selection from his Correspondence,” 
 were edited, in two volumes, by 
 Matthew L. Davis, and published in 
 New York, 1837, 1838, as also his 
 Private Journal during his residence 
 abroad, with Selections from his 
 Correspondence, in two volumes 1838. 
 
CESSION OF LOUISIANA. 
 
 301 
 
 not voting. Aaron Burr then became Vice-President. The great 
 abilities of Jefferson were exercised in promoting extreme democratic 
 principles, and in the reduction of the large military and naval estab¬ 
 lishment, formed by his predecessor for the national defence. This aLo 
 enabled him to reduce taxation, and it tended to make his administra¬ 
 tion highly popular. 9 The second Census of the United States, in 1800, 
 reached to the number of 5,308,483 souls, 10 while the revenue had 
 increased to 12,945,000 dollars. 
 
 When the United States Commissioners arrived in Paris, these 
 found the French Directory overthrown, and the Consulate established, 
 Napoleon Buonaparte exercising supreme power as First Consul. The 
 latter then had reason to apprehend an approaching war with Great 
 Britain. He desired to arrange matters with them, so as to avoid hos¬ 
 tilities with the Americans. On the 30th of September 1800, the United 
 States formulated a treaty with the French Government. The injurious 
 decrees were revoked, and a liberal compensation was stipulated for 
 depredations perpetrated on American commerce. At length, a satis¬ 
 factory treaty was signed, on the 31st July 1801. On the 16tli of March 
 1802, a Military Academy was founded at West Point on the Hudson 
 River, and some miles northward from the city of New York. On the 19th 
 of February 1803, Ohio was admitted as a New State into the Union. 11 
 
 After a long contest in which France had been engaged against 
 some of the chief European Powers, towards the close of 1801 a general 
 peace was proclaimed. 12 In the following year, Spain ceded Louisiana 
 by treaty to the French Republic. However, a rupture in the pacific 
 relations between England and France had again occurred; and 
 Napoleon Buonaparte, then First Consul, finding himself about to en¬ 
 gage again in war, knew that he could not defend the distant Territory 
 of Louisiana from being seized upon by Great Britain, then having com¬ 
 plete command of the seas. Negotiations soon passed between himself 
 and Jefferson, when it was arranged, that 15,000,000 dollars should be 
 paid as the purchase for this vast tract of country by the United States. 
 Moreover, one quarter of that sum was designed to indemnify American 
 citizens for claims against France. Accordingly, on the 30th of April 
 1803, 13 by Treaty France ceded that vast Territory of Louisiana, 14 and 
 on those conditions which were mutually advantageous. 15 This purchase 
 included all those regions west of the Mississippi River, and not then 
 under Spanish dominion. Towards the close of that year, formal pos¬ 
 session of Louisiana was transferred to the United States. 16 
 
 9 See John T. Morse’s “ Thomas 
 Jefferson,” chap, xiii., xiv. 
 
 10 See the “ Encyclopaedia Ameri¬ 
 cana,” Yol. i., p. 768. 
 
 "See Dr. L. De Colanrre’s “Nati¬ 
 onal Gazetteer,” &c., p. 745. 
 
 12 See M. A. Thiers' “ Histoire du 
 Consulat et de l’Empire.” Tome iii., 
 Liv. xi. 
 
 13 See “ The Annual Register ” for 
 
 the year 1803, Vol. xlv., History of 
 Europe, p. 338. 
 
 14 It is said to have comprised 
 933,928 square miles. 
 
 15 See Barbe-Marbois “Histoire de 
 la Louisiane et de la Cession de cette 
 Colonie par la France aux Etats-Unis 
 de l’Amerique septentrionale.” Paris, 
 1829, 8vo. 
 
 16 See Justin Winsor’s “Narrative 
 
mm 
 
 302 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 To secure immunity for their commerce, the great powers of Europe, 
 as well as the United States, had been accustomed to pay tribute to the 
 Barbary States, Tunis, Tripoli, Algiers and Morocco. Their piratical 
 vessels swarmed on the seas, captured several ships, and reduced their 
 seamen to a state of slavery. Such condition of affairs continued to the 
 beginning of the late century. The Bey of Tunis had demanded addi¬ 
 tional presents from the United States. This was now refused, and it 
 was resolved instead, to equip an American squadron and to send it 
 against the Corsairs. Accordingly, in March 1801, Congress declared 
 war against Tripoli, which State had already taken the initiative, by 
 threatening to blockade American ships in the Mediterranean. A des¬ 
 perate engagement at sea between the Enterprise of fourteen guns, 
 Captain Sterrett, 17 and a Tripolian ship of equal force, continued for 
 three hours and a half, when the latter struck her flag, with a loss of 
 fifty killed and wounded. 18 
 
 In 1803, Commodore Preble 19 was sent to the Mediterranean in 
 command of a squadron, with which, having menaced Tangier, he first 
 humbled the Emperor of Morocco, and forced him to make terms. 
 Then his attention was directed to Tripoli. However, Captain Bain- 
 bridge, in the Philadelphia, ran upon a sunken rock while recon 
 noitring that harbour, and not being able to get his frigate off, he was 
 forced to surrender, October 31st. His men were all reduced to 
 slavery, while the officers were held for ransom. Somewhat later, 
 Lieutenant Stephen Decatur entered the harbour of Tripoli in a small 
 schooner. With seventy picked men, he boarded the captured frigate, 
 and drove off the Tripolitan crew. Having then set the vessel on fire, 
 he sailed out under the guns of the city without losing a single man. 20 
 For this gallant action, he was promoted to be a captain. 21 In the 
 achievement of this enterprise, Captain Stewart 22 of the Syren rendered 
 the most effective aid. 
 
 and Critical History of America,” 
 Vol. vii., pp. 478 to 480. 
 
 17 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. v., p. 
 667. 
 
 18 See James Fenimore Cooper’s 
 “ Histoiy of the Navy of the United 
 States of America,” Vol. i., chap, 
 xviii., pp. 411, 412. London edition, 
 1839, 8vo. 
 
 19 See Appleton’s “Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. v., pp. 
 104, 105. 
 
 20 See “The American Navy, its 
 Ships and their Achievements,” by 
 Charles Morris, chap, ii., pp. 38 to 
 41. London, 1898, 8vo. 
 
 21 Stephen Decatur, called the Nel¬ 
 son of America, was born in the State 
 of Maryland 1779, and he is said to 
 have been the son of an Irish mother. 
 
 He was indebted to Commodore 
 Barry for his warrant as a midship¬ 
 man in the Naval service of the 
 United States, and he afterwards 
 served with great distinction in the 
 war of 1812. See James Fenimore 
 Cooper’s “ History of the Navy of 
 the United States of America,” Vol. 
 ii., chap, ii., pp. 19 to 36. 
 
 22 He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., 
 July 28th 1778. His mother, whose 
 maiden name was Ford, was of Irish 
 birth. At the early age of thirteen, 
 Charles Stewart commenced his nauti¬ 
 cal career in the merchant service; 
 in 1793, he entered the American 
 Navy as lieutenant, and was assigned 
 to the ship United States, commanded 
 by Commodore John Barry. In 1800, 
 he was appointed commander of the 
 U. S. sloop Experiment. See James 
 
AARON BURR’S CONSPIRACY. 
 
 303 
 
 In July 1804, Commodore Preble brought his ships before Tripoli 
 to try the effect of a bombardment. Accordingly, on the 3rd of August, 
 the squadron approached within gunshot of the town; he opened on the 
 shipping and batteries a tremendous fire of shot and shell, which was 
 promptly returned. A number of the Tripolitan vessels were captured 
 by boarding at the mouth of the harbour. Several bombardments and 
 attacks succeeded at intervals throughout the month. But, on the 4th 
 of September, the Commodore resolved on trying a new experiment, by 
 sending a fire ship, commanded by Captain Somers, into the harbour 
 during the night, hoping thus to destroy the enemies’ fleet. However, 
 that vessel blew up prematurely, and all the crew were killed. 23 
 
 When Jefferson’s first term of office had expired, his conducting of 
 public affairs had been so popular, and the republican party still 
 dominant, he was re-elected by 162 votes out of 176. 24 During his first 
 administration, Aaron Burr had sided with the Federalists; and, in 
 1804, when the same President had been chosen by the Republicans, 
 General George Clinton of New York was elected Vice-President. Thus 
 disappointed in the primary object of his ambition, Burr stood candi¬ 
 date for the Governorship of New York ; but Hamilton, a man of high 
 principle and character, opposing him, although supported by many of 
 the Federalists, Burr was again defeated. Whereupon, sending a 
 challenge to his successful opponent, both parties fought a duel near the 
 Hudson River, and opposite to New York, July 11th 1804. At the 
 first fire, Hamilton was killed, and his loss was universally regretted ; 
 his splendid talents and political consistency having won the respect 
 even of his party adversaries. 25 Although serving bravely in the army, 
 Washington had entertained a bad opinion of Burr’s personal character, 
 while he was noted for profligacy and deceit. The year following, 
 Burr engaged a number of naval and military officers to join in a mys¬ 
 terious expedition. He began to collect boats, stores and arms, in 
 Ohio, 20 so that he might move down the Mississippi and seize on New 
 Orleans. It was thought, that he could there gather a force, to invade 
 Mexico, or to establish a monarchy in the territory west of the Allegany 
 Mountains. In September and October 1806, Jefferson had informa¬ 
 tion about those preparations, and General Wilkinson, who commanded 
 near New Orleans, received orders to take precautions. On the 25th 
 of December, Burr assembled from sixty to one hundred men at the 
 mouth of the Cumberland River, and with these he sailed down the 
 Mississippi. However, as a greatly superior opposing force had been 
 
 Fenimore Cooper’s “Llv-cS of Distin¬ 
 guished American Naval Officers,” 
 Philadelphia and Auburn, 1846. 8vo. 
 
 23 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. v., p. 
 605. 
 
 24 See Hugh Murray’s “ United 
 States of America,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 iii., p. 171. 
 
 85 See Henry Cabot Lodge’s “ Alex¬ 
 
 ander Hamilton,” chap, s., pp. 249, 
 250. 
 
 26 He engaged the unfortunate and 
 wealthy Harman Blennerhassett, who 
 had a magnificent seat on an island 
 in the Ohio River near Marietta, to 
 take part in this conspiracy, which 
 caused his utter ruin. See James 
 Parton’s “ Life and Times of Aaron 
 Burr,” New York, 1858. 
 
304 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 assembled, his followers soon dispersed, and he tried to effect an escape. 
 He was pursued, and in February 1807, he was arrested for treason 
 on his way to Mobile. 27 His coadjutor had openly announced the in¬ 
 tention to attempt a separation of the United States. On the 3rd of 
 August, at Richmond, Aaron Burr was tried for treason ; but the Chief 
 Justice Marshall was of opinion that he only contemplated an expedi¬ 
 tion against Mexico, a power with which the country was at peace. 
 Thus, he was acquitted on the main charge, and soon afterwards he 
 sailed for Europe. The President felt greatly dissatisfied with that 
 sentence of the Chief Justice. 
 
 In the beginning of 1&05, Captain William Eaton United States 
 Consul at Tunis had planned a daring enterprise with Hamet, an elder 
 brother to the Bey of Tripoli, and whom the latter had driven from that 
 throne. They raised a force of 400 men in Egypt, and on the 26th of 
 April they captured the Tripolitan port of Derne, in concert with two 
 vessels of the American squadron. During the months of May and June, 
 succeeding attempts were made to retake the town, but these signally 
 failed. The bashaw now proposed favourable terms of peace, which 
 were accepted by the authorised agent of government. This treaty was 
 subsequently ratified by the President and Senate. Accordingly, in 1805 
 peace was re-established between the United Stales and Tripoli. Tunis 
 also sued for peace, and for several years succeeding, the depredations 
 of the Barbarv ci’uisers ceased. 28 
 
 In the meantime those great wars waged by the Emperor Napoleon 
 Buonaparte had bent the European powers beneath his sway; but, the 
 great superiority of the English navy at sea had prevented any vessels 
 leaving the ports of France, without imminent danger of capture. 29 By 
 an order in council of 1806, the British Government had declared all the 
 French ports to be in a state of blockade, from Brest to the mouths of 
 the Elbe. 30 Then Buonaparte retaliated by proclaiming a blockade of 
 all the British ports. Hitherto, as a neutral power, the United States 
 had derived extraordinary advantages from their commercial and naval 
 intercourse with the belligerent nations. Another order in council 
 followed in 1807, which forbade neutral vessels to enter a French port, 
 
 27 See “ Life of Aaron Burr,” by 
 Samuel L. Kapp, New York, 1835. 
 
 28 See Justin Winsor’s “ Narrative 
 and Critical History of America,” 
 Vol. vii., pp. 374, 375. 
 
 29 Meanwhile, as regarded neutral 
 powers, England had set up the doc¬ 
 trines, first, that the flag does not 
 cover the merchandize, and the pro¬ 
 perty of the enemies is subject 
 to confiscation on neutral vessels; 
 secondly, that a neutral vessel has no 
 right to be a carrier between a parent 
 oountry and its colony; thirdly, that 
 
 a neutral vessel may enter an enemy’s 
 port, but that it cannot sail from one 
 port to another in possession of an 
 enemy. See “ Memoires pour servir 
 a l’Histoire de France sous Napoleon, 
 Merits a Sainte-Helene, sous la dictee de 
 l’Empereur, par les G^neraux qui onr 
 partage sa Captivite, et publics sur lc» 
 Manuscrits entierement corriges de sa 
 Main,” Tome, ii., Dicte au General Gour- 
 gaud, son Aide-de-Camp. Neutres, sect, 
 iv., p. 106. Londres, 1823, 8vo. 
 
 30 See Alison’s “ History of Europe,” 
 Vol. vi., chap, xlvii., pp. 329, 330, 
 and n. ibid. 
 
OUTRAGE ON THE SHIP OF WAR CHESAPEAKE. 305 
 
 without previously entering a British port, and being there subjected to 
 an impost. Again, Napoleon replied by publishing his celebrated Milan 
 decree, whereby any vessel, which should submit to British search or pay 
 any duty whatever to England, was rendered liable to French confisca¬ 
 tion. To meet these measures, the United States declared an embargo, 
 ordering all the vessels abroad to return, while the shipping whether 
 native or foreign in their ports was detained. 
 
 The extension of American commerce had induced great numbers of 
 British seamen to embark on board the United States vessels, where 
 they obtained higher wages and escaped from impressment for British 
 ships of war. This very general desertion threatened to cripple the 
 English navy, as a grand means for national offensive and defensive 
 purposes. Then a claim had been set up, to search all American 
 vessels in quest of deserters. Even naturalised seamen were subjected 
 to seizure by the British cruisers. 31 During this contest, the impress* 
 ment of American seamen by Great Britain raised a great ferment in 
 the United States, and a report was made to Congress, that the number 
 of sailors taken from their vessels, since the war had commenced, was 
 no less than 4,228, of whom only 936 had been discharged. It was also 
 alleged, that by far the greater proportion of these had been native? oi 
 America, and that in 697 recent cases, only 23 were British, and 105 
 doubtful, as the proofs of origin were not duly regarded even vhen 
 produced. 
 
 During the brief administration of Charles James Fox, hopes v>tq 
 entertained that those causes of disagreement might be settled through 
 diplomacy; while Pinkney 32 and Monroe 33 the American Commissioners 
 provisionally signed a treaty. 34 However, on being submitted to 
 Jefferson, he refused to sanction that agreement, or even to refer it for 
 consideration to the Senate. On the death of Mr. Fox, the Tories 
 succeeded to power. In prosecution of negotiations, they refused even 
 to grant a security against future impressments. In a message to 
 Congress on the 10th of February 1807, Jefferson recommended the 
 construction of gunboats, with a view to eventualities of which already 
 he had a forecast. 
 
 An inexcusable outrage and insult were offered on board the Ame rican 
 frigate Chesapeake, when she left Hampton roads Virginia, in June 1807. 
 That vessel had been fired upon and boarded by the Leopard man-of-war 
 in search of deserters from some of his Britannic Majesty’s ships. 35 This 
 
 31 Not alone, by asserting the right 
 of visit did the English assume the 
 police of the seas, and an inquisition 
 over all the world’s commerce; but, 
 in exercising these visits, they took 
 away the best seamen, pretending 
 they had been English subjects and 
 deserters from their navy. See J. 
 Michelet’s “ Histoire du XIX. Sie- 
 cle,” Tome iii., Liv. iii., sect, x., p. 
 254. Paris, 1872-1875, 8vo. 
 
 32 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. v., p 26. 
 
 33 “ The Life of Monroe,” written 
 by Daniel C. Gilman, has appeared 
 in the American Statesmen series, 
 Boston, 1883. 
 
 34 See Alison’s “ History of Europe," 
 Vol. v., chap, xlii., p. 6?o. 
 
 35 It having been ascertained, that 
 four British seamen were harboured 
 on board the American frigate Chesa* 
 
 V 
 
IR1SH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 506 
 
 capped the climax of previous provocations, between Great Britain and 
 the United States. 36 Soon afterwards the President issued a proclama¬ 
 tion excluding British ships of war from all the coasts and waters subject 
 to his jurisdiction. Meanwhile, a violent and general feeling of irritation 
 had been excited throughout the United States. The democratic 
 American press 37 fanned the flame, and tha large foreign element— 
 especially from Ireland—laboured with the war party to excite hostilities 
 against England. 38 Although King George III. was now unwilling to 
 provoke another dispute with America, and had consented that a liberal 
 and honourable explanation should take place, in reference to the capture 
 of the Chesapeake; yet, in a speech to parliament in 1808 he declared, 
 that the American demand to withdraw the continuance of search was 
 inconsistent with the maritime rights of Britain. 39 
 
 From January 1st 1808, the importation of slaves into the United 
 States was prohibited by law. This provision left authority for Con¬ 
 gress to prevent their migration from State to State, or into the Terri¬ 
 tories, but it was made under a dubious form of words. A policy to 
 limit the area of slavery was also implied. 40 The third census of the 
 union was again taken in 1810, and it showed the population had in¬ 
 creased to 7,239,881. 41 
 
 One of the first acts of administration was to remove the embargo, 
 while non-intercourse was merely prescribed against England and 
 France. A lengthened and tortuous negotiation then entered upon 
 only resulted in misunderstandings between the British and American 
 cabinets. At last in 1811, Mr. Foster was sent out as plenipotentiary, 
 to offer compensation for injury done, in the case of the Chesapeake, 
 and to state that the orders in Council were virtually revoked. How¬ 
 ever, the right of search was not abrogated, and American vessels still 
 continued to be seized and searched. Having served a second term by 
 re-election, Jefferson resigned the Presidency. 42 The Federalists sought 
 
 eake and their surrender refused, the 
 ritish man-of-war Leopard poured a 
 broadside into the Chesapeake, which 
 killed twenty men. See James Feni- 
 more Cooper’s “ History of the Navy 
 of the United States of America,” 
 Vol. ii., chap, vii., pp. 117 to 133 
 
 36 See “The Annual Register ” for- 
 the year 1807, Vol. xlix., pp. 718, 
 763. 
 
 37 Some of those Irish insurgents 
 of education who escaped from the 
 British Government, after the Rebel¬ 
 lion of 1798, were editors and writers 
 for influential newspapers; thus, the 
 Intelligencer at Washington was edited 
 by Gales; the Whig, at Baltimore, 
 by Baptiste Irving; at Philadelphia, 
 the Aurora was edited by Duane, 
 and the Democratic Press by Binns. 
 All of these were United Irishmen 
 
 38 See S. G. Goodrich’s “ Recollec¬ 
 tions of a Lifetime,” &c., Historical, 
 Biographical, Anecdotical, and De¬ 
 scriptive, Vol. i., Letter xxvii., pp. 
 440, 441. New York and Auburn, 
 1856, 8vo. 
 
 39 See “ King George the Third, his 
 Court, and Family,” Vol. ii., sect, 
 vii., p. 345. 
 
 40 Soe the “ Encyclopaedia Ameri¬ 
 cana,” Vol iv., p. 526. 
 
 41 See ibid., Vol. i., p. 768. 
 
 42 He then retired to his seat at 
 Monticello, where he received a 
 cordial welcome from the inhabitants 
 of Albemarle County in Virginia. 
 See “ Memoirs, Correspondence, and 
 Private Papers of Thomas Jefferson,” 
 Vol. iv., p. 131. For a very excellent 
 account of transactions under his gov¬ 
 ernment, the reader is referred to 
 
EUBL10 EXCITEMENT AGA1N9T f^CLAND. 307 
 
 to elect Mr. Pinkney, but he was defeated by a large majority; and in 
 1809, James Madison 43 of Virginia succeeded. Clinton was again elected 
 Vice-President. 
 
 When the non-intercourse law expired in May 1810, the American 
 government announced, if either France or England should not repeal 
 its abnoxious decrees, that measure must be renewed against the power 
 refusing. Whereupon to annoy his adversary, Napoleon issued a pro¬ 
 clamation in August, revoking the decree from the 1st of November 
 following, so far as America was concerned. However, when pressed 
 on the policy of England Foster admitted, that a general revocation of the 
 French decrees must precede a repeal of the British orders in Council. 44 
 Early in November, Mr. Madison summoned Congress and issued his 
 proclamation, 45 declaring that unrestrained commerce with France was 
 allowed, but that all intercourse with Great Britain was prohibited. 46 
 
 Meantime, the English Government had stationed ships of war be¬ 
 fore the principal harbours of the United States to board and search 
 merchantmen, many of which were sent to British ports as legal prizes. 
 In one instance, Commodore Rogers, commander of the President 
 frigate, in May 1811, met a British war vessel off the coast of Virginia; 
 when in the evening, he hailed and was hailed in turn; but a shot was 
 fired immediately, and it struck the main mast of the President. The 
 Commodore returned the fire, and in a few minutes silenced the guns of 
 his adversary ; he then hailed and was answered, that the ship was the 
 war sloop Little Belt of eighteen guns. Thirty-two of her men were 
 killed and wounded, while the vessel was much disabled during that 
 brief encounter. This spirited action of the American Commodore was 
 universally applauded throughout the States, and indignation was 
 excited to the highest pitch against the intolerable conduct of the 
 English. Deprived of the religious and civil rights of citizens in their 
 own country before emancipation had been obtained, those Irish 
 Catholic exiles, who were already very numerous, exercised a powerful 
 influence in hastening on and sustaining a war, as they had a rancorous 
 hatred against the party of ascendancy, that dominated in the councils 
 of England, and who opposed all efforts made for popular reforms and 
 social progress. The Federal party and nearly the whole commercial 
 interest—especially in New England—wished for a peaceful solution 
 of the international difficulty. However, the public feeling had been 
 too generally aroused, and it was soon felt, that the administration 
 should take a decided course to obtain national redress. 47 
 
 Henry Adams’ “ History of the United 
 States of America ” during the First 
 and Second Administrations of Thomas 
 Jefferson, Vols. i. to iv., London and 
 New York, 1891, 8vo. 
 
 43 His Life has been written by 
 William C. Rives, and published in 
 Three Volumes. Boston, 1859 to 
 1868. 
 
 44 See “ American State Papers ” 
 
 (Foreign), Vol. iii., pp. 435 to 
 457. 
 
 43 See the “ Madison Papers,” pub¬ 
 lished at Washington, in Three Vol¬ 
 umes, 1840. 
 
 4,5 For particulars of his adminis¬ 
 tration, the reader may consult Henry 
 Adams’ “ History of the United 
 States of America,” Vols. v. to ix. 
 
 47 See Henri Martin’s “ Histoire de 
 
308 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 In a message of the President, dated November 5th 1811, enumer¬ 
 ating the wrongs sustained from the British government, he proposed 
 an augmentation of the military and naval force, with the imposition 
 of additional duties and customs to meet the increased expenditure. 
 Authority was given by Congress, to raise an addition of 70,000 men 
 for the standing army, and the President was authorised to accept the 
 services of 50,000 volunteers, as also to order out the militia, when 
 deemed necessary to reinforce the navy, and to arm merchant¬ 
 men in self-defence. Meanwhile, the Indians on the north-western 
 frontiers had been committing serious depredations, and the white 
 settlers were greatly alarmed. Whereupon, during the autumn of this 
 year, Governor William Henry Harrison, 48 having the fourth United 
 States regiment under Colonel Boyd 49 with a body of Kentucky and 
 Indiana militia, prepared to move on the Wabash, where Tecumseh, a 
 Shawnee chief, and his brother known as the Prophet, a famous 
 medicine man, had their principal villages. 50 It was very generally 
 known, that British agency had originated those troubles, and this 
 belief greatly increased national antipathy against that power. The 
 Indians were signally defeated, in a battle fought at the Tippecanoe 
 junction of the Wabash, on the 7th of November. This repulse quelled 
 the frontier disturbances for a time; but Tecumseh was soon in arms, 
 and with a regular commission in the British service. 
 
 In February 1812, it became known that a Mr. Henry was em¬ 
 ployed by General Craig, Governor of Canada, to stir up opposition 
 against the war party in the Northern States; but, his agency on their 
 behalf being disavowed by the British government, he then gave infor¬ 
 mation to the adverse power. That repudiation by the English Ministry, 
 however, was not generally credited ; and, revelations then made lent still 
 greater force to the democratic resolve, that the President and the 
 Senate should no longer hesitate about an open declaration of war 
 against England. In April, another embargo was laid on American 
 vessels, and this action so greatly inflamed popular resentment that those 
 hoping to procure peace through negotiation could no longer resist the 
 course forced upon the American government. In the midst of such 
 excitement, the Vice-President of the United States George Clinton 51 
 died in Washington on the 20th April, having rendered great services, both 
 in a military and civil capacity, to the government of the United States. 
 
 France, depuis, 1798, jusqu’ a nos 
 Jours,” Tome iv., chap, i., p. 2. 
 
 48 His Life has been written by 
 Moses Dawson, and published in Cin¬ 
 cinnati, 1834; by .Tames Hall, Phila¬ 
 delphia, 1836; by Richard Hildreth, 
 1839; and by Samuel J. Burr, New 
 York, 1840. He died in Washington 
 in 1841, and consequently the fore- 
 
 S oing biographies are incomplete. 
 
 ne of the latest Lives of this eminent 
 soldier and statesman is that written 
 
 bv H. Montgomery, and published in 
 
 New York, 1853. 
 
 49 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. i., p. 340. 
 
 50 An interesting account of these 
 famous chiefs may be found in Edward 
 Eggleston’s “ Tecumseh and the Shaw¬ 
 nee Prophet,” New York, 1878. 
 
 51 See an account of him, in Apple¬ 
 ton’s “ Cyclopaedia of American Bio¬ 
 graphy,” Vol. i., pp. 659, 660. 
 
James Monroe, 
 
 Fifth President of the US 
 
 James Madison 
 
 Fourth President of the U S 
 
 Andrew Jackson, 
 
 Seventh President of the U. S. 
 
 John Qu/ncey Adams. 
 
 Sixth President of the US 
 
WAR DECLARED AGAINST ENGLAND. 
 
 309 
 
 On the 8th of April, Louisiana was admitted as a new State and the 
 eighteenth, into the Union. 52 Afterwards, the name of Louisiana 
 Territory was changed, by the United States authorities, to that of 
 the Missouri Territory, on the 4th of June 1812. A governor was 
 appointed in the person of William Clarke ; 53 courts of justice were 
 established; and a council was formed, when Missouri was advanced to 
 the second grade of government, at that time, by an act of Congress. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 War declared against England—First Invasion of Canada—Naval Engagements— 
 American Preparations for another Invasion of Canada—Operations under 
 General Harrison—English Fleet off the Eastern Coasts of the United States 
 —Engagements in Canada—Commodore Perry’s Victory on Lake Erie— 
 General Jackson’s Victories over the Southern Indians—Failure of General 
 Wilkinson’s Expedition against Montreal. 
 
 On the 1st of June 1812, the President issued a. message to Congress, 
 recounting the wrongs inflicted on the country, and submitting the 
 question, whether the United States should continue to endure them 
 or declare war. 1 With closed doors, this message was discussed. 
 John Randolph and the Federals were outvoted in a resolution against 
 the war, and a speech in support of that motion was stopped, by sixty- 
 seven to forty-two voices. The propriety and expediency of repealing 
 the Orders in Council had been considered by the British Government; 
 and accordingly, on the 23rd of June, 2 these were revoked uncondi¬ 
 tionally, but with a proviso, that if the American Government did not, 
 after due notice, repeal the Non-intercourse Act, that revocation should 
 become null, while the original orders should revive. 3 
 
 Meantime, on the 18th of June, an act of Congress was passed by 
 a considerable majority, 4 and war was declared against England. Next 
 
 52 See Dr. L. De Colange’s “ Nati¬ 
 onal Gazetteer,” p. 585. 
 
 53 See the “ Encyclopaedia Ameri¬ 
 cana,” Vol. iii.,'p. 750. 
 
 1 Before this time, George Canning 
 was Secretary of State for Foreign 
 Affairs in England, under the Duke 
 of Portland as Premier, and he main¬ 
 tained “ the right of searching for, 
 and if found, of impressing the sub¬ 
 jects of Great Britain who might 
 have volunteered or been kidnapped, 
 or seduced, to serve as sailors in the 
 navy or mercantile marine of the 
 United States; that right was 
 grounded by the British Government 
 on the universal principle, that no 
 man can relieve himself from that 
 
 indelible allegiance which he owes to 
 the Government under which he was 
 born.”—Augustus Granville Staple¬ 
 ton’s “ George Canning and his 
 Times,” chap, xi., p. 149. London, 
 1859, 8vo 
 
 2 At this date, the order appeared 
 in the London Gazette. 
 
 3 See Sir Archibald Alison’s “ Lives 
 of Lord Castlereagh and Sir Charles 
 Steward, the Second and Third Mar¬ 
 quesses of Londonderry,” &c Vol. 
 i., chap, vii., p 527. 
 
 4 The British Minister at Washing¬ 
 ton Foster soon afterwards stated in 
 the British House of Commons, that 
 among the members of Congress who 
 voted for the war, there were no less 
 
310 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 day its proclamation was issued, and enlistments were authorized. 
 General Henry Dearborn 5 was commissioned as Commander-in-chief, 
 -while James Wilkinson, Wade Hampton, William Hull, and Joseph 
 Bloomfield were appointed Brigadiers. On the part of England, 
 Admiral Warren commanding on the . station, and Sir George Prevost 
 Governor of Canada, were directed to propose an armistice, as a pre¬ 
 liminary to the restoration of peace. Unless coupled with a stipulation, 
 that the right of search should also be renounced, President Madison 
 rejected that overture. Whereupon, the Americans resolved on opening 
 the war, by an invasion of Canada. 
 
 At the commencement of this campaign, the Governor of 
 Michigan also General of Brigade Hull was unsuccessful. 6 Having 
 assembled 500 regulars and 2,000 militia at Detroit, he crossed the 
 Strait, and published a boastful proclamation, announcing the speedy 
 and entire subjection of Canada. Meantime, the British Captain 
 Bogers had seized Miohillimakinac, in the northern part of Michigan, 
 ■where with Tecumseh and his Indians he was soon joined by 
 General Brock, commanding a large detachment of regulars and the 
 Canadian Militia. Hull had threatened a British garrison at Fort 
 Malden for some time ; but now, being opposed in considerable force, 
 he retreated across the river followed by Brock. Hull then shut him¬ 
 self up in Detroit, in the Michigan Territory. 7 Distrusting the num¬ 
 bers and stability of his raw forces to hold that place, the American 
 General surrendered his army to the number of 2,340, with thirty-three 
 pieces of cannon, 8 on the 16 th of August. 9 
 
 than six members of the late Society 
 of United Irishmen. See Hildreth’s 
 “ History of the United States of 
 America.” Second series. Yol. iii., 
 p. 317. 
 
 5 He was born in New Hampshire 
 23rd of February 1751. He served 
 with distinction in the Revolutionary 
 War; but, he did not fulfil the ex¬ 
 pectations formed of him, during the 
 War of 1812-1814. He died at Rox- 
 bury, Massachusetts, on the 6th of 
 June 1829. See Appleton’s “ Cyclo¬ 
 paedia of American Biography,” Vol. 
 ii., p. 117. 
 
 6 This General had served with 
 great distinction in the Revolutionary 
 War, and afterwards in Shay’s Rebel¬ 
 lion. However, the government had 
 not given him notice of the declara¬ 
 tion of war in sufficient time, while 
 the British General Brock, in Canada, 
 had previous intelligence of it, and a 
 force of 2,000 regular troops prepared 
 to take the initiative. See the “ En¬ 
 cyclopaedia Americana,Yol. iii., p. 
 363. 
 
 7 At a later period, this General 
 describes these events and seeks to 
 justify his actions in a history of the 
 “ Campaign of the North-west Army, 
 1812,” published in 1824. 
 
 8 See Archibald Alison’s “ History 
 of Europe,” Vol. x., chap, lxxvi., pp. 
 659, 660. 
 
 9 The news of this disaster was 
 brought to Washington by Colonel 
 Lewis Cass, who commanded an Ohio 
 Regiment, and his exaggerated state¬ 
 ments produced strong prejudice 
 against Hull at that time, and which 
 the true historic accounts have not 
 since wholly obliterated. Accordingly, 
 Hull was found guilty of cowardice 
 by a court martial, and sentenced to 
 be shot. However, the President re¬ 
 mitted that sentence, in consideration 
 of his past services: and, most prob¬ 
 ably, because the government itself 
 deserved the greatest share of blame. 
 In 1814, General Hull published a 
 Defence of his conduct, while after 
 his death in 1825, an account of his 
 Life was published by his daughter 
 
FIRST INVASION OF CANADA. 
 
 311 
 
 Other reverses by land soon followed. On the Niagara frontier, 
 Colonel Van Rensselaer, with a small body of troops and militia, 
 crossed below the Falls from Lewiston, where a large body of militia 
 still remained. Those forces were commanded by General Wads¬ 
 worth. 10 A battle was fought at Queenstown, on the 13th of October. 
 At first, the Americans stormed the Heights, and drove the enemy 
 from their batteries, General Brock being killed in the onset. 11 How¬ 
 ever, General Sheaffe restored the battle. As no inducement could urge 
 the militia at Lewiston, to cross the river and support their comrades, 
 1,014 of the invaders were either killed or captured. After a severe 
 action, in which Lieutenant-Colonel Winfield Scott 12 and Captain 
 John E, Wool were especially distinguished for their valour, the Ameri¬ 
 cans were defeated, 13 
 
 The Seminole and Creek Indians had inflicted great depredations, 
 during the winter of 1812, on the frontier settlers of Georgia; when, at 
 the head of 2,500 Tennesse volunteers, General Andrew Jackson 
 marched into their country, and for a time compelled submission. 14 He 
 had been directed by the Government to proceed down the Mississippi, 
 for the defence of the lower country. 15 As Major-General of militia, 
 he first attracted public notice through his military talents, while con¬ 
 ducting the campaign against the Creek Indians in Georgia and 
 Alabama. 16 
 
 At sea, with their small navy, the United States achieved glorious 
 successes. 17 Thus, on the 13th of August, Captain Porter of the United 
 States frigate Essex captured the British sloop-of-war Alert. On the 
 19th of the same month, the United States frigate Constitution—Cap¬ 
 tain Hull 18 commanding—encountered the British frigate Guerriere— 
 Captain Dacres commandant—near the Gulf of St. Laurence. This lat¬ 
 ter was a desperate engagement lasting for an hour, until the main and 
 
 Mrs. M. Campbell, and by his grand¬ 
 son Rev. J. Freeman Clarke, in 1848. 
 
 10 See Alison’s “ History of Europe,” 
 Vol. x., chap, lxxvi., pp. 662, 663. 
 
 1 ' See Christie’s “ Memoirs of the 
 War in Canada,” pp. 67, 68. 
 
 12 The particulars of the life of this 
 celebrated man are embodied in “ Me¬ 
 moirs of Lieut.-Gen. Scott., LL.D.,” 
 writtten by himself, in two volumes, 
 8vo., London and New York. 
 
 13 See the “Annual Register” for 
 the year 1812, Vol. liv., General His¬ 
 tory, chap, xix., p. 253. 
 
 14 See “ Civil and Military History 
 of Andrew Jackson,” New York, 
 1825, for a very excellent narrative 
 of these and his subsequent actions. 
 
 15 See Charles Knight’s “ English 
 Cyclopaedia,” Biography, Vol. iii., 
 col. 574. 
 
 16 See the “ Encyclopaedia Britan- 
 nica,” Vol. xiii., p. 533. Ninth 
 edition: Edinburgh, 1875, et seq. 
 
 17 The British naval historian of 
 this war, William James, has stated 
 much to diminish the merit of the 
 United States commanders and sea¬ 
 men, in his accounts of the various 
 succeeding engagements ; while, on 
 the other hand, James Fenimore 
 Cooper has undertaken to refute 
 several of those statements in his 
 “ History of the Navy of the United 
 States of America.” Hereafter, we 
 shall generally refer, in brief, to both 
 authorities, for the naval actions; 
 the London edition of Cooper, 1839, 
 being the only one we had been able 
 to procure. 
 
 18 See an account of him in Apple¬ 
 ton’s “ Cyclopaedia of American Bio¬ 
 graphy,” Vol. iii., pp. 309 to 311. 
 
312 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF TIIE UNITED STATES. 
 
 mizzen masts of the Guerriere went over her side, and she lay on the 
 water a complete wreck. Then unavoidably she struck, and having lost 
 fifteen killed and sixty-three wounded, that vessel was captured. 19 The 
 crew being removed, the hull was set on fire by the victors. 20 On the 
 18th of October, the United States sloop-of-war Wasp, and the British 
 sloop-of-war Frolic, had an engagement near the Bermudas. Each 
 vessel carried nine broadside guns. A desperate encounter took place. 21 
 The Wasp suffered severely in her rigging. Her opponent, however, 
 besides injuries still more severe, had the greater part of her crew killed 
 and wounded. At length, having come to close quarters, the American 
 seamen boarded the Frolic, and she surrendered. About two hours 
 afterwards, the British man-of-war Poictiers, a seventy-four, fell upon 
 the Wasp and her prize,- when both were captured and carried to Ber¬ 
 muda. 22 On the 25 th of October, an engagement took place between 
 the frigate United States, Captain Decatur, and a British frigate the 
 Macedonian, Captain Carden, near the Azores. This action lasted for 
 two hours. At the end of that time, and having nearly all her masts 
 and rigging shot away, the Macedonian was obliged to strike, with 
 thirty-six men killed and sixty-eight wounded. 23 The Americans had 
 only five killed and seven wounded. Captain Carden presented his 
 sword to the conqueror, when the Macedonian, was taken; but it was 
 returned to him by Captain Decatur, with a compliment paid for his 
 valour. The prize was conducted to New York. 24 
 
 An army had been mustered by General Dearborn at Plattsburg, 
 and this was destined to operate on the northern frontiers of New York. 
 Under his chief command were some 10,000 men, stretching along the 
 Canadian line from Plattsburg to Michigan. 25 On the 16th of No¬ 
 vember, he broke up the encampment at his own station, and marched 
 to Champlain on the Canadian line ; 26 yet, nothing very effective fol¬ 
 lowed immediately from this movement. At sea, on the 22nd of De¬ 
 cember, the British frigate Southampton captured the American brig 
 
 19 The American loss in killed and 
 wounded was only 14. See the “ En¬ 
 cyclopaedia Americana,” Vol, iii, p, 363, 
 
 20 For a British version of this 
 action the reader is referred to Wil¬ 
 liam James’ “ Full and correct 
 Account of the Chief Naval Occur¬ 
 rences of the late War between Great 
 Britain and the United States of 
 America; preceded by a cursory Ex¬ 
 amination of the American Accounts 
 of their Naval actions fought pre¬ 
 vious to that period; to which is 
 added an Appendix with Plates,” 
 Chap, v., pp. 97 to 125, and Appen¬ 
 dix Nos. 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, pp. 
 xii. to xxi. London: 1817, 8vo. 
 
 21 See the “ Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1812, Vol. liv., General His¬ 
 tory, chap, xix., pp. 200 to 205. 
 
 22 See James’ work, Chap, vi., pp. 
 139 to 154; also, Cooper’s “ History 
 of the Navy of the United States of 
 America,” Vol. ii., pp. 208 to 211. 
 
 23 See the “ Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1812 Vol. liv., General His¬ 
 tory, chap, xix., pp. 203, 204. 
 
 24 See James chap, vi., pp. 154 to 
 167, and Cooper, Vol. ii., chap, xi., 
 pp. 205 to 207. Also, Dr. John 
 Campbell’s “ Naval History of Great 
 Britain,” Vol. viii., chap, xxxiii., pp. 
 282 to 284. 
 
 25 See S. G. Goodrich’s “Recollec¬ 
 tions of a Lifetime,” &c., Vol. i.. 
 Letter xxviii., p. 453. 
 
 26 See the “ Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1812, Vol. liv., General His¬ 
 tory, chap. xix.. r- 204. 
 
NAVAL ENGAGEMENTS. 
 
 313 
 
 Vixen. Five days afterwards, both vessels were totally wrecked. How¬ 
 ever, on the 29th of December the United States frigate Constitution, 
 commanded by Commodore Bainbridge, captured the British frigate 
 Java, Captain Lambert, off the coast of Brazil. The British vessel was 
 greatly damaged, and an effort was made to board the American ; but 
 soon the fore and the main-top mast fell, as also Captain Lambert, who 
 was mortally wounded. 27 Thinking the Java had struck, Banbridgo 
 moved some distance to adjust his rigging; but seeing her flag still 
 flying, he approached and obtained a raking position to renew th© 
 action. The Java then surrendered, having lost twenty-two killed, and 
 one hundred and two wounded; while the Americans acknowledged a 
 loss of nine killed and twenty-five wounded, among the latter being the 
 Commandant himself. On surrender of the crew, the prisoners were 
 removed on board the Constitution, and the Java was burned. 28 This 
 series of triumphs by sea caused great rejoicings throughout the United 
 States ; 29 and their naval force, which was very limited at that period, 30 
 soon spread its fame over the civilized world. Elated by their pre¬ 
 vious triumphs at sea, as intelligence of those defeats arrived, the 
 English were then stunned with the foregoing instances of successive 
 disasters to their navy in the combat of single vessels. 31 
 
 After vain negotiations to accommodate matters, during the close of 
 the preceding year, 32 the war was renewed in 1813. The administration 
 had been very generally reproached, for not having conducted more 
 efficiently; and accordingly, for the coming campaign the American 
 land forces were divided into three armies. General Dearborn was 
 placed near lake Ontario, with the army of the centre ; General Hamp¬ 
 ton was stationed at Lake Champlain, with the army of the north ; while 
 Major-General William Henry Harrison, in Ohio, was to operate 
 against Detroit and to recover the Territory of Michigan, with the 
 Western Army. 
 
 27 See James, chap, vii., pp. 168 
 to 194. Aiso, Cooper, Vol. ii., chap, 
 xii., pp. 219 to 225. 
 
 28 See “ The American Navy, its 
 Ships and their Achievements,” by 
 Charles Morris, chap. iii., pp. 47, 48. 
 
 29 On the authority of James, it has 
 been asserted by several succeeding 
 writers, that during this war, the 
 British vessels were for the most part 
 inferior in size, complement of men, 
 number, and weight of guns, to those 
 of the United States. This statement 
 has been ably handled and refuted, 
 in several instances, by James Feni- 
 more Cooper, in his valuable work, 
 “ History of the Navy of the United 
 States of America.” 
 
 30 At the outbreak of the War in 
 1812, Paul Hamilton was Secretary 
 
 of the United 'States Navy. Mean¬ 
 time, navy yards had been created at 
 Washington, Brooklyn and Boston. 
 All the warships were at once com¬ 
 missioned, and the clerical force was 
 increased to 22 vessels. William 
 Jones succeeded Hamilton in 1813, as 
 Secretary of the Navy; and in turn 
 B. W. Crowninshield was successor 
 in December 1814. See “ Encyclo¬ 
 paedia Americana,” Vol. iii.. p. 817. 
 
 31 See Alison’s “ History of Europe,” 
 Vol. x., chap, lxxvi., p. 672. 
 
 32 The correspondence between Lord 
 Castlereagh and Mr. Russell as 
 also that between Admiral W T arren 
 and Mr. Monroe on the subject of 
 effecting an armistice had been laid 
 before Congress. Afterwards, those 
 documents were printed in the Ameri¬ 
 can papers. 
 
314 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Although nothing very decisive took place on either side, numerous 
 engagements followed by sea and land. On the 10th of February, 1813, 
 the United States sloop Hornet, commanded by Captain James 
 Lawrence, captured the British brig Resolute. On the 24th of the 
 same month, the Hornet engaged the British brig Peacock; when after 
 a most bloody and destructive action, lasting for an hour and a half, 
 the latter was found to be in a sinking state. An effort was then made 
 by both crews to save those on board ; but that vessel went to the 
 bottom with thirteen of her own men, and three belonging to the 
 Hornet, -which had captured her. 83 
 
 Meantime General Harrison had been appointed to conduct the war 
 on the north-western frontiers. 34 Under him, General Winchester held 
 a command, and as the British now threatened Frenchtown on Raisin 
 River in Michigan, he crossed over to attack Fort Detroit. He then 
 marched to the relief of Frenchtown. 35 A battle was fought there on 
 the 18th of January, the Americans under Allen losing 67 men, but re¬ 
 pulsing their opponent s with a loss of 88. However, under the leadership 
 of General Proctor, the English from Fort Malden surprised the Americans 
 on the 22nd of January, at the Fort of Ogdenburg. 36 These were obliged 
 to surrender, after a gallant defence. 37 Such as were able to march were 
 taken to Canada; the sick and wounded were left behind, but these 
 were soon massacred by the Indians, While the American loss was 
 946, that of the British was only 182, as the result of that encounter. 33 
 
 Meantime the Americans had continued to augment their naval 
 force in Sackett’s Harbour on Lake Ontario; and this was intended 
 to renew their invasion of Canada. The flotilla was under the com¬ 
 mand of Commodore Chauncey, who was prepared to co-operate with 
 an expedition planned by General Dearborn. On his way to join Win¬ 
 chester, Harrison had stopped to erect Fort Meigs, at the rapids of 
 Maumee, in north-western Ohio. 89 There, he was soon besieged by two 
 thousand British and Indians, respectively commanded by General 
 Proctor and by Tecumseh. At length, General Green Clay with a 
 body of Kentucky troops came to his relief. On the 9th of May the 
 British and Indians were obliged to retire. 40 
 
 39 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. iii., p. 
 79. Under General Harrison served 
 a brave Irish Volunteer, named Ned 
 Blackstock, whose family removed to 
 the United States after the Rebellion 
 of 1798, during which his brother 
 Sam was barbarously murdered by a 
 squad of the king’s troops. This 
 family gave name to the town of 
 Blackstock, where they had settled, 
 and which was situated on the line 
 between Chester and Fairfield Coun¬ 
 ties, in South Carolina .—Charleston 
 News and Courier. 
 
 49 See the “Annual Register - for 
 
 33 See James, chap, viii., pp. 109 
 to 207, and Cooper, Vol. ii., chap, 
 xii., pp. 227 to 230. 
 
 34 See Richard Hildreth’s “Life of 
 General William Henry Harrison,” 
 1839, 18mo. 
 
 35 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. vi., pp. 
 £60, 561. 
 
 36 See Alison’s “ History of Europe,” 
 Vol. x., chap, lxxvi., pp. 685, 686. 
 
 37 See General John Armstrong’s 
 “War of 1812,” Vol. i., p. 67. 
 
 38 See the “ Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1813, Vol. lv.. General His¬ 
 tory chap, xvi., pp. 179, 180. 
 
OPERATIONS UNDER GENERAL IIARRISON. 315 
 
 With the army of the centre comprising 1,700 men, General Dear- 
 crossed Lake Ontario in the spring, on board fourteen armed 
 vessels. 41 His object was to capture York, now known as Toronto, in 
 Upper Canada. The English then were under the command of General 
 Sheaffe, who was soon obliged to fall back on that town. General Pike led 
 the assault, while the American flotilla under Chauncey had worked its 
 way into the harbour. 42 The town was taken by the Americans, on the 
 27th of April; but before retreating on Kingston, the British blew up 
 their magazine. 43 Pike and two hundred of his men were killed by that 
 explosion. The British burnt a large ship on the stocks and a quantity 
 of naval stores, while the Americans carried off three hundred prisoners. 
 About an equal number were killed on either side in that action. 44 
 
 A powerful English fleet, under Sir John Borlase Warren, had been 
 despatched to create a diversion on the eastern coast of America ; and 
 so vigilantly was the blockade maintained, that trade and commerce of 
 theUnited Slates were greatly restricted, with enormous loss to the public 
 revenues. 45 With a light squadron, Admiral Sir George Cockburn arrived 
 on the 3rd of March, and he made various descents on the shores along 
 the Delaware River and on Chesapeake Bay. 46 A land force under 
 Sir Sydney Beckwith was directed to co-operate. A succession of raids 
 then ensued. A large depot of stores was captured at P’renchtown, on 
 the Elk River. On the 3rd of May, Havre de Grace in Maryland was 
 burned by the British blockading vessels. 47 Yet, these raids were not 
 attended with any marked advantage to the invaders. An attack was 
 made on Norfolk, but the assailants were repulsed. June 22nd. On the 
 24th an attack on Craney Island failed ; but, on the 26th of that month, 
 Admiral Cockburn and Sir Sydney Beckwith took Hampton, 43 with the 
 guns in its batteries. On the 12th of July, Admiral Warren captured 
 two fine brigs, the Anaconda and Atlas, in Ocracoke harbour, 49 North 
 Carolina. 50 Again, on the 10th of August, the British attacked St. 
 Michael’s, Maryland. However, they were then defeated. On the 14th 
 of August, Queenstown in Maryland was taken by the British An 
 American squadron of frigates had put to sea from New York ; how¬ 
 ever, a British squadron of superior strength met them. The frigates 
 were pursued to New London, and there blockaded. 51 
 
 the year 1813., Vol. lv., Genera) His¬ 
 tory, chap, xvi., pp. 181, 182. 
 
 41 See Alison’s “ History of Europe,” 
 Vol. x., chap. Ixxvi., p. 686. 
 
 42 See General John Armstrong’s 
 “ War of 1812,” Vol. i., pp. 129 to 132. 
 
 43 See the “ Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1813, Vol. lv., General His¬ 
 tory, chap, xvi., p. 180. 
 
 44 See Christie’s “ Memoirs of the 
 War in Canada” pp 74, 75. 
 
 45 See Alison’s “History of Europe,” 
 Vol. x., chap. Ixxvi., pp. 675, 676. 
 
 46 See William R. O’Byrne’s “ Naval 
 
 Biographical Dictionary,” pp. 205, 206. 
 
 47 See the “ Annual Register for 
 the year 1813, Vol. lv.. General His¬ 
 tory, chap, xi., p. 109. 
 
 43 See William R. O’Byme’s “ Naval 
 Biographical Dictionary,” p. 206. 
 
 49 See Cooper’s “ History of the 
 Navy of the United States of Amer¬ 
 ica.” Vol. ii., chap, xix., pp. 312 to 326. 
 
 50 See “ Annual Register ” for the 
 year 1813, Vol. lv., General History, 
 chap, xi., pp. 110, 111. 
 
 51 See Alison’s “History of Europe,” 
 Vol. x., chap. Ixxvi., p.*684. 
 
 
316 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 \ YA 
 
 The British Commander-in-Chief Sir George Prevost landed with & 
 thousand men, at the eastern end of Lake Ontario, and Sir James 
 Lucas Yeo 52 put out with a squadron from Kingston harbour, 53 to oo- 
 opera te in a joint attack on Sackett’s Harbour. This assault was 
 made by the British, on the 29 th of May. A New York militia officer 
 General Brown rallied a small body of Volunteers to co-operate with 
 a small detachment of regulars, and he opposed such resistance to the 
 English, that they were repulsed, and retired to their vessels, leaving 
 behind many of their wounded. 54 Conceiving his force inadequate to 
 attempt further operations, Sir George Prevost re-embarked his 
 troops. 55 
 
 The principal American army on Lake Ontario was about 6,000 
 strong under General Dearborn, while Commodore Chauncey had a naval 
 force to support him, in a joint attack on Fort George, 56 at the western 
 extremity of the Lake. The British to the number of 1,000 were 
 under the command of General Vincent. After a spirited resistance, 
 with a loss of 350 men, he blew up the fort, and then retired to a strong 
 position on Burlington Heights, near the head of the Lake. 57 On the 
 27th of May, Fort George and Fort Erie surrendered to the Americans. 
 The British were pursued to the Western end of Lake Ontario, where 
 they collected detachments from Chippewa, Fort Erie and other points, 
 to the number of 1,600 men. 58 On their retreat, however, they turned, 
 and by night attacked General Chandler at Stony Creek on June 6th. 
 In this engagement, the British lost 150 men. 59 The Americans ad¬ 
 vanced to Queenstown, where they mustered a force of nearly 6,000 on 
 the Niagara frontier. On that same day, the British burned Sodus town, 
 on Lake Ontario, while they obtained some other advantages over the 
 Americans in that quarter. Enable to penetrate further, General 
 Dearborn then retired to Fort George. 60 There he was attacked by the 
 British ; but finding it should be vain to assault the place, General 
 Prevost left a force to besiege it, and then returned to Kingston. 61 This 
 campaign of General Dearborn gave great dissatisfaction to the Ameri¬ 
 cans. The Government soon manifested disapprobation by removing 
 
 02 This officer had served when 
 young under Admiral Cosby, and had 
 distinguished himself on various sub¬ 
 sequent occasions. See Dr. John 
 Campbell’s “ Naval History of Great 
 Britain,” Vol. viii., pp. 407 to 
 409. 
 
 53 See the “Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1813, Vol. lv., General His¬ 
 tory, chap, xvi., pp. 182, 183. 
 
 54 See Christie’s “ Memoirs of the 
 War in Canada,” pp. 77 to 79. 
 
 55 See General John Armstrong’s 
 “War of 1812,” Vol. i., pp. 123 to 
 147. 
 
 56 See the “ Annual Register ” for 
 
 the year 1813, Vol. lv., General His¬ 
 tory, chap, xvi., p. 182. 
 
 57 See General John Armstrong’s 
 “War of 1812,” Vol. i., pp. 133, 135. 
 
 58 See Christie’s “ Memoirs of the 
 War in Canada,” pp. 75, 76. 
 
 59 They were repulsed, but the 
 American Generals Chandler and 
 Winder were made prisoners, in the 
 confusion that followed, and it was 
 claimed as a British victory. 
 
 60 See the “ Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1813, Vol. lv., General His¬ 
 tory, chap, xvi., p. 183. 
 
 61 See Alison’s “ History of Europe,” 
 Vol. x., chap, lxxvi., p. 691. 
 
ENGAGEMENTS IN CANADA. 
 
 317 
 
 him from command. His place was then filled by General Wilkin¬ 
 son, 62 whose antecedents hardly fitted him for the position. 03 
 
 So powerful was the British naval force despatched against America 
 during the spring and summer, that the United States vessels were 
 blockaded in nearly every port, nor was there opportunity for the com¬ 
 bats of single ships, such as had hitherto occurred. At this time, how¬ 
 ever, the Chesapeake frigate, then commanded by Captain James 
 Lawrence, who had been promoted from the Hornet, was lying in the 
 harbour of Boston. 04 A British vessel of equal size, and commanded by 
 Captain Broke, lay to near the lighthouse. The latter naval officer 
 challenged Lawrence to come out and meet him singly, while he pro¬ 
 mised that other British ships should keep at a distance during their 
 engagement. 65 On a hasty notice, and not having his full complement 
 of men on board, Lawrence set the Chesapeake’s sails, and bore down 
 on his adversary. At half-past five o’clock on the 1st of June, both 
 ships engaged within fifty yards of each other. After exchanging three 
 broadsides, the Chesapeake fell upon the Shannon, and the rigging of 
 both vessels was soon locked together ; but early in the action, the 
 English broadside had caused great execution ; Lawrence fell mortally 
 wounded, and Broke, seeing the American crew in a state of confusion, 
 gave orders to board, 06 These were immediately executed, while only an 
 irregular and a partial resistance could be offered. During the engage¬ 
 ment, after being wounded, Lawrence raised himself from the deck of 
 the vessel and shouted, “ Comrades, don’t give up the ship !” The 
 Chesapeake was captured, after an action which lasted for only fifteen 
 minutes, and when she had lost a large proportion of her officers and 
 crew. 67 Captain Broke brought his prize into Halifax, and there Law¬ 
 rence was buried with military honours. 68 The Shannon lost in killed 
 and wounded only 83, while the Chesapeake had 61 killed, and 106 
 wounded. 69 
 
 82 He has written a work “ Memoirs 
 of my own Times,” in three volumes. 
 It was published in Philadelphia, 
 1816. A “ Review of General Wilk¬ 
 inson’s Memoirs” was subsequently 
 published by General John Armstrong. 
 
 63 Although serving in the Revolu¬ 
 tionary War, his character was noted 
 for deceit and intrigue. He was 
 strongly suspected by Jackson, to 
 have been a confederate in Aaron 
 Burr’s conspiracy. His treason has 
 been pretty clearly proved in Hum¬ 
 phry Marshall’s “History of Ken¬ 
 tucky,” in two vols., Frankfort, Ky., 
 1824, and the charges are more fully 
 related in Charles Gayarre’s “ Span¬ 
 ish Domination in Louisiana,” New 
 York, 1854. 
 
 64 The circumstances that led to the 
 succeeding encounter are given in 
 
 great detail by James, chap, ix., pp. 
 211 to 251. 
 
 65 See the “ Annual Register,” for 
 the year 1813, Vol. lv., General His¬ 
 tory, chap, xi., pp. 108 to 110. 
 
 60 See C. D. Yonge’s “ History of 
 the British Navy,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 xxxvi., pp. 313 to 316. 
 
 67 See Cooper, Vol. ii., chap, xvi., 
 pp. 284 to 290. 
 
 68 Afterwards, his remains were 
 brought to New York, and interred 
 in Trinity Church Graveyard. See 
 Appleton’s “Cyclopaedia of American 
 Biography,” Vol. iii., pp. 640, 641. 
 
 69 James states of the prisoners 
 
 taken: “ The Chesapeake’s gunner, 
 
 Matthew Rogers, was an Irishman; 
 the carpenter, George Miller, a native 
 of Nova Scotia; and there were 34 
 others of the crew recognised as Bri- 
 
318 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 General Green Clay, who had been left in command at Fort Meigs, 
 was attacked by General Proctor and by Tecumseh with 4,000 men in 
 July. They failed, however, to make any impression, and then turned 
 aside to attempt the reduction of Fbrt Stevenson, at Lower Sandusky. 
 There, Lieutenant George Croghan, 70 only twenty-one years of age, com¬ 
 manded a small garrison of one hundred and sixty men. He had but 
 one mounted gun. However, he made a most gallant defence. Although 
 assisted by gunboats, on the 2nd of August, the assailants were repulsed 
 and with severe loss. 
 
 Notwithstanding the closeness of the British blockade, some of the 
 American vessels had kept the sea. Among these was the brig Argus, 
 commanded by Captain Allen, who took a number of prizes near the 
 English coast. His vessel created so much alarm, that several cruisers 
 were despatched in quest of her. On the 14th of August, the British 
 man-of-war Pelican encountered her off the harbour of Cork, and for 
 some time a gallant fight was maintained, 71 in which Captain Allen was 
 mortally wounded before his ship surrendered. The United States brig 
 Enterprise, Lieutenant Burrows, captured the British brig Boxer Captain 
 Blythe, on the 5th of September, after a short action off the coast of 
 Maine. 72 Both of these commanders were killed, and they are buried in 
 the same grave at Portand. Moreover, the frigate Essex, commanded by 
 Captain Porter, made a brilliant and successful cruise in the Pacific, where 
 she captured a number of merchant-men and several armed ships. She 
 inflicted great damage, likewise, on the British whaling business, on that 
 ocean. The United States frigate President, and the British schooner 
 Highflyer, met on the 23rd of September. The latter was captured. 
 Having taken command of the Constitution m July 1813, Captain 
 Stewart sailed from Boston, December 13th, on a cruise to the Guiana 
 Coast. He had an encounter at sea, which resulted in the capture of 
 the English schooner Picton. 
 
 A young master-commandant Oliver Hazard Perry had volunteered 
 for service on Lake Erie, where his zeal and abilities were rewarded by 
 the appointment he ambitioued. At Presque Isle, now Erie, State of 
 Pennsylvania, he built and launched several vessels with extraordinary 
 energy, and in a brief term, during the summer and autumn. He soon 
 equipped a fleet of ten sail, to cope with an English flotilla, under the 
 command of Commodore Barclay. 73 The latter had six fine vessels 
 
 tish subjects. One man was hanged 
 at Spithead ; and several were pardon¬ 
 ed. By some mismanagement, the 
 first named notorious traitor Matthew 
 Rogers, instead of being sent home 
 for trial, was allowed to return, 
 laughing in his slieve, to his adopted 
 country.”—James, chap. ix. p. 238. 
 
 70 His father was Major William 
 Croghan of the Revolution, of Irish 
 birth, and his mother was a sister of 
 General George Rogers Clark. He 
 
 was bom near Louisville, Ky., in 
 1791, and after a distinguished mili¬ 
 tary career he died in New Orleans, 
 January 8th 1849. 
 
 71 See “The American Navy, its 
 Ships and their Achievements,” by 
 Charles Morris, chap. iii., p. 49. 
 
 72 See Alison’s “History of Europe,” 
 Vol. x., chap, lxxvi., p. 682. 
 
 73 See the “ Annual Register,” for 
 the year 1813, Vol. lv., General His¬ 
 tory, chap, xvi., pp. 187, 188. 
 
COMMODORE PERRY’S VICTORY OX LAKE ERIE. 319 
 
 of greatly superior size and weight of metal. However, the American 
 squadron under Commodore Perry met the opposing ships near the 
 western end of the Lake, on the morning of September 10th. 74 An 
 engagement ensued which lasted for three hours. In his own ship the 
 Lawrence, Perry bore the great brunt of that attack, until she was so 
 badly injured as to be useless. 75 Then, he abandoned her, and in an 
 open boat rowed to the Niagara through the thick of battle. With 
 this brig he sailed into the British lines, while delivering a terrible 
 broadside on right and left as he passed. He then turned, and at 
 short range, he continued a deadly discharge. Soon Commodore 
 Barclay fell dangerously wounded, and his first lieutenant was killed. 
 Then Commodore Perry returned on board the Lawrence and hoisted 
 his colours. The two chief British vessels the Detroit and Queen 
 Charlotte were at last compelled to surrender ; when soon the smaller 
 vessels followed such an example, their united crews having one 
 hundred and thirty-five killed and wounded. 76 The Americans utterly 
 destroyed or captured the British flotilla, 77 which surrendered. This 
 victory gave the Americans complete control on Lake Erie. 78 
 
 Soon afterwards, the squadron was employed to transport General 
 Harrison’s troops to Canada. The British evacuated Detroit, on the 
 28th of September, as also Fort Malden; these positions being no 
 longer tenable. The English and their allies the Indians retreated up 
 the River Thames, which flows into Lake St. Clair. 79 
 
 Another very exasperating course of procedure was adopted by the 
 English authorities towards the close of this year. When some of the 
 United States army had been captured, an inquisition was made to as¬ 
 certain if any of them had been born as British subjects; for the odious 
 and absurd doctrine had prevailed, that once a subject allegiance could 
 not be transferred under any circumstances to another nation. Accord¬ 
 ingly in October, about twenty-three United States soldiers were placed 
 in close confinement and sent to England, to answer the charge of 
 treason, and of their having been British subjects. The greater number 
 of these happened to be Irishmen. By way of retaliation, General 
 Dearborn threatened to confine twenty-three British soldiers as hostages 
 for their safety. To this threat the Prince Regent replied, that if his 
 own subjects were condemned and executed for the aforesaid offence, 
 and that if the law of retaliation were carried out by the Americans, 
 double the number of their officers and men in confinement should be 
 
 74 See James, for a detailed account 
 of the preparations made for this 
 naval engagement, and the issue, 
 chap, xii., pp. 285 to 295. 
 
 75 See Cooper, Yol. ii., chap, 
 xxvii., pp. 446 to 469. 
 
 76 See 0. D. Yonge’s “History of 
 the British Navy,” Vol. ii., chao. 
 xxxvi., pp. 327 to 330. 
 
 77 See Alison’s “ History of Europe/ 
 
 Vol. x., chap. Ixxvi., pp. 692 to 695. 
 
 78 On obtaining this signal victory, 
 Commodore Perry wrote a brief des¬ 
 patch, which he sent to General Har¬ 
 rison by a messenger. The words 
 were : “ We have met the enemy, a.nd 
 they are ours.” 
 
 79 See John R. G. Hassard’s “ His¬ 
 tory of the United States of America,” 
 chap, xlii., pp. 260 to 263. 
 
320 
 
 IRISII-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 put to death, while the war was to be prosecuted with unmitigated 
 severity against all cities, towns and villages in the United Sta.tes. 80 
 Needless to state, this barbarous avowal was received in a spirit of 
 indignation and defiance, while it lowered still more the British Regent 
 and Government in the esteem of civilized Europe. 
 
 It must be remarked, that Major-General Harrison 81 had taken Mobile 
 from the Spaniards, April 12th. 82 He and General Andrew Jackson 
 served the United States with distinction during this campaign. 83 When 
 the former had driven the English from Michigan, and his own troops 
 took possession of it, he issued a proclamation, to re-establi>h the civil 
 rule of that territory in conformity with the Republican institutions. 
 Under General Cass, the government was reorganised. 84 
 
 In the Spring of 1813, Tecumseh had visited the Creek Indians in 
 the south-west, when lie exhorted them to take up arms and exterminate 
 the whites. Accordingly, on the 30th of August, over three hundred 
 settlers, who sought refuge in Fort Minims on the Alabama River, 
 were piteously massacred, a few only escaping to convey that sad 
 intelligence to some neighbouring stations. Again, General Jackson 
 marched into the southern wildness with 3,500 Tennessee militia. He 
 was ably assisted by General John Coffee, 85 who with a detachment 
 encountered a large body of Indians at Tullushatchie, where they fought 
 with such desperation, that nearly every warrior perished. However, 
 they occupied another strong position on the Tallapoosa. While 
 the main,body of Jackson’s force attacked their fort, Coffee’s detach¬ 
 ment guarded the River at Horse-Shoe Bend to prevent their escape. 
 Driven from the fort and opposed on the river banks, they fought with 
 increased fury and contempt of death. Over six hundred were killed, 
 when four hundred yielded as prisoners, and three hundred escaped in 
 flight. The militia lost fifty-five killed, besides one hundred and forty- 
 six wounded. On the 9th of November, General Jackson with 1,200 
 men again defeated a large force of the Creek Indians, at Talladega, 
 where nearly three hundred were killed. Here Colonel William 
 Carroll bravely led the attack. 86 At Hillabee, General White surprised 
 
 80 See the “Annual Register” for 
 the year 1813, Vol. lv., General His¬ 
 tory, chap, xvi., pp. 190, 191. 
 
 81 He had already given proof of 
 great military talents as Commander- 
 In-Chief of the American military 
 forces, in the war of 1811 against 
 Indians. See Le Dr. Hoefer’s “ Nou- 
 velle Biographie Generale,” Tome 
 xxiii., col. 461. 
 
 82 See the “ Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1813, Yol. lv., General His- 
 torv, chap, xvi., pp. 180, 181. 
 
 See John S. Jenkins’ “ Life of 
 General Andrew Jackson,” Seventh 
 President of the United States, with 
 Appendix: containing the most im¬ 
 
 portant of his State Papers, chap. iv.. v., 
 pp. 55 to S6. Auburn, N.Y., 1847,12mo. 
 
 84 See II. Montgomery’s “ Life of 
 Major General Harrison,” Cleveland, 
 O., 1852. 
 
 85 His father was an Irishman, and 
 he was born in Prince Edward 
 County, Va., in June 1772. In 
 October 1809, he married Mary Donel- 
 son, a sister of Andrew Jackson’s 
 wife At the beginning of the war 
 of 1812, he raised a cavalry regiment, 
 and so greatly distinguished himself 
 in several battles, that he was known 
 as “ brave Jack Coffee.” He died 
 near Florence, Ala., in July 1834. 
 
 88 He was an Irish-American, bom 
 
GENERAL JACKSON’S VICTORIES OVER THE SOUTHERN INDIANS. 321 
 
 £> range of Indian towns ; while General Floyd from Georgia, and the 
 Governor of Alabama, General Claiborne, gained considerable 
 advantages over the Red Men. 87 
 
 Meanwhile, Major-General Harrison had moved a force of 3,500 up 
 the River Thames, and he entered Amhertsburg without resistance, 
 General Proctor retiring with 1,300 troops before him. At Moravian 
 Town Upper Canada, on the 5th October, the Americans overtook the 
 British and Indians, who there made a stand. 88 This has been some¬ 
 times called the battle of the Thames, because the river flanked the 
 British position on one side, while a wood was on the other. Little 
 resistance was offered, however, when Colonel Richard M. Johnson 89 at 
 the head of the Kentucky Mounted Volunteers charged the British 
 and Indians in front. Their troops soon fell into confusion. Throwing 
 down their arms they surrendered, General Proctor and his staff having 
 turned in flight and made their escape. About seventy were killed in 
 the onset, while six hundred were made prisoners. The Indians fought 
 much better than their disciplined allies. In this battle, however, the 
 Indian Chief Tecumseh, was killed. Then his forces scattered in 
 various directions. 90 
 
 A part of the British squadron on Lake Ontario was captured by the 
 Americans in October. Then, Commodore Chauncey had complete 
 control of its waters, and that circumstance was regarded as most 
 opportune for an expedition of importance and conceived on an 
 extensive scale. Nevertheless, misunderstanding and want of timely co 
 operation or concentration, between the American leaders and their 
 respective forces, led only to disappointment and mutual recrimination. 
 Intending to capture Montreal, General Wilson had arranged to 
 move down the St. Lawrence in boats with 8,000 men, and he expected 
 General Wade Hamilton with a supporting force of 6,000 to advance 
 from Lake Champlain. 91 At the end of October, the latter came up 
 with a British advanced guard of 1,000 men, commanded by Colonels 
 Salaberry and M‘Donnell. These were strongly posted on the River 
 Chateauguay. Having in his assault on attacking them October 26 th 
 withdrawn his troops, Hampton retreated upon Plattsburg. 92 Mean¬ 
 time, having rendezvoused at the eastern extremity of Lake Ontario, 
 Wilkinson embarked his forces in boats and began to descend the River 
 St. Lawrence. Colonel Morrison with a British land-force hovered 
 
 in Pittsburg, Pa., in 1788. He died 
 in Nashville Tenn., March 22nd 1844. 
 
 87 See Hugh Murray’s “United 
 States of America,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 iv., p. 197. 
 
 88 See the “ Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1813, Vol. lv., General His¬ 
 tory, chap, xvi., p. 188. 
 
 8 * J Afterwards Vice-President of the 
 United States, born in Bryant’s 
 Station Ky., in 1781. Having served 
 his country, both in a civic and a 
 
 military capacity, he died in Frank¬ 
 fort Ky., November 19th 1850. See 
 Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of American 
 Biography,” Vol. iii., pp. 443, 444. 
 
 90 See John R. G. Hassard’s “ His¬ 
 tory of the United States of Amer¬ 
 ica,” chap, xlii., p. 263. 
 
 91 See Hugh Murray’s “United 
 States of America,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 iv., pp. 192, 193. 
 
 92 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Voi, iii., p. 69. 
 
 Y 
 
322 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 along the banks, and considerably harassed the flotilla. To oppose 
 them, General Brown landed with a large body of troops. An 
 indecisive battle was fought near Williamsburg in Canada, on the 11th 
 November, between the British and Americans. Then the latter 
 re-embarked and continued their voyage. Soon intelligence reached 
 them of Hampton’s retreat. Thus disconcerted, and Hampton failing 
 to meet him as required, Wilkinson abandoned the attempt to reach 
 Montreal. 93 He then returned into winter quarters, near St. Regis on 
 the St. Lawrence. 
 
 Meantime, to carry on the operations against Lower Canada, the 
 Americans had greatly reduced their forces on the Niagara frontier. 
 Thither Sir James Yeo had conveyed reinforcements, and General 
 Vincent had resolved on hostile movements. On the 2nd of December, 
 the British despatched an expedition, and burned the public stores at 
 Cumberland Head on Lake Champlain. 
 
 The danger of a Canadian invasion having been removed, Colonel 
 Murray advanced with a strong British force from Kingston. 94 The 
 small American garrison under General McClure 95 at Fort George, now 
 untenable, was attacked by the British. General Vincent having pushed 
 on to Newport, the place was evacuated by McClure, and he reduced it 
 to ashes. The orders received from Government were, to abandon Fort 
 George, and to have the garrison removed to Fort Niagara ; while the 
 exposed part of the frontier was to be protected, by destroying such 
 . Canadian villages in its front, as might best shelter the enemy during the 
 winter. 96 The Americans were driven across the Niagara River on the 
 12th of December. 97 Colonel Murray then passed over with a considerable 
 opposing force. On the 18th of December, the British and Indians sur¬ 
 prised Fort Niagara, 98 and there they captured a large quantity of arms 
 and stores. Immediately afterwards, they attacked a body of Ameri¬ 
 cans, who were discharging red-hot shot against Queenstown, and defeated 
 them. They killed 250 of the Americans. 
 
 A large British contingent then crossed the Channel under General 
 Drummond and Riall to Blackrock, which was stormed. The fugitives 
 were pursued to Buffalo, where the American General Hall had assem¬ 
 bled two thousand men to defend that rising town. On the 28th of 
 December, Buffalo was taken and burned ; all the naval establishments 
 there and at Blackrock were destroyed ; while the Indians, let loose on 
 the surrounding country, took ample vengeance, it was asserted, 99 for 
 
 93 See the “ Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1813, Vol. lv., General His¬ 
 tory, chap, xvi., pp. 188 to 190. 
 
 94 See Alison’s “ History of Europe.” 
 Vol. x., chap, lxxvi., p. 669. 
 
 95 He was born near Londonderry 
 Ireland in 1771, and he died in Elgin, 
 Ill., August 16th 1851. 
 
 96 See General John Armstrong’s 
 “ War of 1812,” Vol. i., p. 20. 
 
 See the “ Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1813, Vol. lv., General His¬ 
 tory, chap, xvi., p. 190. 
 
 - 98 See Benson J. Lossing’s “Pic¬ 
 torial Field-Book -of the American 
 Revolution,” Vol. i., chap. X., p. 
 226. 
 
 99 By Sir George Prevost, in “ a 
 noble proclamation ” which was soon 
 afterwards issued. Such are the ex- 
 
 m/s 
 
FAILURE OF GENERAL WILKINSON’S EXPEDITION. 323 
 
 the conflagration of Newark. A number even of women and children 
 in the neighbourhood were massacred. On the 29th of December, the 
 villages of Lewistown, Youngtown, Manchester, and Tuscarora, in New 
 York State, were burned by the British while the inhabitants were left 
 completely defenceless. This inhuman species of warfare created in¬ 
 tense indignation and disgust throughout the United States. How¬ 
 ever, such desultory raids and conflicts, causing only private losses of 
 life and injuries to property, led to no important results on either side 
 of the St. Lawrence during the course of this year. 
 
 Several naval engagements took place, meanwhile, between ships of 
 the rival nations. The results were surprisingly in favour of America ; 
 while numerous vessels were captured by her seamen, and even priva¬ 
 teers sailed from her ports, to have a share in those maritime enter¬ 
 prises. On the 20th of April, the British frigate Orpheus of 36 guns, 
 with the schooner Shelbourne in company, captured the American 
 sloop of war Frolic, of 22 guns, after an exciting chase, 100 On the 29th 
 April, the United States sloop of war Peacock Captain Warrington 101 
 captured the British brig L’Epervier Captain Wales, off the coast of 
 Florida, after an engagement lasting 45 minutes. 102 The United States 
 sloop of war Wasp Captain Johnston Blakeley 103 captured the British 
 sloop of war Reindeer Captain Manners June 28th. The two vessels, 
 meeting in the British Channel, were locked together yard-arm and yard¬ 
 arm. For twenty-five minutes, the action was maintained with great 
 resolution. In two attempts to board, the British were lepulsed. 
 Having lost her captain, purser, with 27 men killed and 40 wounded, 
 the Reindeer was obliged to strike her colours. 104 The Wasp had 11 
 killed and 15 wounded. 105 For their gallantry in this action, the Pre¬ 
 sident and Congress presented medals and swords to Captain Blakeley 
 and his crew. After remaining eighteen days at L’Orient, the Wasp 
 refitted and sailed from that port. On the 30th of August, she cap¬ 
 tured the British brig Lettice, Henry Cockbain master, and on the 
 31st the brig, Bon Accord, Adam Durno master. Next she fell in 
 with a convoy of ten sail, in charge of the Armada, a ship of 74 guns, 
 
 pressions of Alison, 4n his “History 
 of Europe,” Vol. x., chap, lxxvi., pp,, 
 700, 701. 
 
 100 See James, chap, xiv., pp. 334 
 to 338. 
 
 101 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. vi., pp. 
 368, 369. 
 
 102 See James, chap, xv., pp. 341 to 
 350. Also, Appendix, No. 76, for 
 Captain Warrington’s account of the 
 action, pp. cxxix., exxx. 
 
 103 He was bom near Seaford, 
 County of Down, Ireland, in 1781, 
 and at a very early age, with his 
 father John, emigrated to the 
 
 United States. He obtained a 
 midshipman’s warrant, February 6th 
 1800. In 1807, he was made lieu¬ 
 tenant, and in 1813, he commanded 
 the brig Enterprise. That same year, 
 in August, he was promoted as com¬ 
 mander of the Wasp. See Apple¬ 
 ton’s “ Cyclopaedia of American Bio- 
 graphv,”*Vol. i., pp. 286, 287. 
 
 '“ 4 See the “Annual Register” for 
 the year 1814, Vol. lvi. General 
 History, chap, xv., p. 174. 
 
 103 See James, chap, xv., pp. 354 
 to 360. For Captain Blakeley’s de¬ 
 tailed account of this action, see Ap¬ 
 pendix, Nos. <8, 79, pp. cxxxi. t-o 
 cxxxiv. 
 
324 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 as also a bomb-sliip. Captain Blakeley succeeded in cutting out and 
 capturing the British brig Mary, John D. Allan master. On the night 
 of September 1st, having escaped the Armada, the Wasp fell in with 
 the brig Avon, Captain the Hon. J. Arbuthnot, and an action ensued 
 which lasted 43 minutes, when the British vessel surrendered, and she 
 sank immediately afterwards. 106 That same year, the Wasp, its gallant 
 captain and crew, were lost during a cruise, and no trace of them was 
 ever obtained. 107 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 Discontent, of the Peace Party at the Continuation of the War—Renewal of the 
 Canadian Invasion—Operations under General Brown—Battles at Plattsburg 
 and on Lake Champlain—Propositions for a Peace—Campaign in the South— 
 Great Victory of General Jackson at New Orleans—Treaty for Peace rati¬ 
 fied—Commodore Stewart’s brilliant Victory at Sea, and Closing of the War. 
 
 Meanwhile, the ineffectiveness of their plans, the want of concert 
 between their generals, the blockade of their harbours, the stoppage of 
 their foreign trade and the consequent failure of their customs, had 
 necessitated large loans and a variety of taxes, on the part of the 
 Americans, to provide for their war expenditure. Hitherto, they had 
 been in a great measure relieved from such burdens, and from debts so 
 familiar to the people of the older European Nations ; x and as those 
 direct and excise taxes fell most heavily on the New England and 
 Eastern States, so a vigorous agitation was then resumed by the Peace 
 Party. Discontent at its continuance in the North was openly and 
 strongly expressed, while the dissolution of the Union was even threat¬ 
 ened, at some public meetings. This agitation led to a repeal of the 
 embargo and non-importation Acts in 1814. However, the great 
 European war was then at an end, between the allied armies and the 
 Emperor Napoleon. 2 The English were now left free, to send all their 
 
 106 In this, as in the previous 
 action, Captain Blakeley greatly ex¬ 
 tols the merits of Lieutenant Reilly, 
 Tillinghast, Bury, and sailing-master 
 Carr. See ibid. Appendix, Nos. 87, 
 88, pp. cli. to civ. 
 
 101 See Cooper, Vol. ii., chap, xx., 
 pp. 231 to 344. 
 
 1 The following statement gives an 
 idea of the degree to which the Na¬ 
 tional Debt of England had increased : 
 “ In the year 1792, the last complete 
 year of peace, the debt of Great Bri¬ 
 tain had amounted to £237,400,000; 
 the debt of Ireland to about 
 £2,250,000^ The entire debt of the 
 United Kingdom only slightly ex¬ 
 
 ceeded £239,650,000. In 1815, the 
 last year of the war, the capital of 
 the debt of Great Britain amounted 
 to about £834,360,000; the capital of 
 the Irish debt exceeded £26,770,000. 
 The entire debt of the United King¬ 
 dom reached £861,000,000. The 
 debt in 1792 imposed a charge of 
 £9,301,000 on Great Britain, and 
 £131,000 on Ireland. The charge of 
 the debt in 1815 had risen (without 
 the sinking fund) to £32,645,618.”— 
 Spencer Walpole’s “History of Eng¬ 
 land from the Conclusion of the Great 
 War in 1815,” Vol. i„ chap, i., p. 
 28. London, 1878, et seq. 8vo. 
 
 2 The reader who desires to have a 
 
DISCONTENT OP THE PEACE PARTY. 325 
 
 disposable military and naval forces against the Americans. On the 
 25th of April, the British Government declared all the ports north and 
 south of New York to be in a state of blockade. 3 Such a proclamation 
 effectively destroyed the hopes of the Peace party to procure an accom¬ 
 modation, and even strengthened the United States Government in 
 their efforts to prosecute the war. 
 
 Having taken two prizes, the American frigate Essex, Captain 
 Porter, equipping one of these armed with twenty guns and sixty men, 
 had been run into the port of Valparaiso in South America, on the 9th 
 of February, by the British frigate Phoebe, Captain Hillvar, supported 
 by the Cherub brig. 4 A close blockade of three weeks followed, during 
 which Captain Porter made various foiled attempts to escape, without 
 the aid of his iesser consort. On the 28th of that month, the Essex was 
 brought to action in the roads, and with the utmost gallantry her com¬ 
 mander maintained an unequal contest, 5 the Phcebe exchanging broad¬ 
 sides with his vessel, and the Cherub raking her decks. Soon the 
 carnage on board the Essex was frightful; twice did the vessel take 
 fire; and with a loss of 58 killed and 94 wounded, after an action 
 lasting forty minutes, Captain Porter was obliged to haul down his 
 flag. 6 The British loss was very trifling, only five killed and ten wounded. 
 Nearly one hundred British seamen were on board the American 
 vessel when the action commenced; but just as their vessel was about 
 to surrender the survivors jumped overboard, and of these forty reached 
 the shore by swimming, thirty-one were drowned, while sixteen were 
 picked up when on the point of perishing. All of these men had 
 anticipated summary execution had they fallen into the hands of their 
 victors. 
 
 During the winter of 1813-14, the Canadian Houses of Assembly 
 made great efforts to augment their military force to the number of 
 8,000 men, 7 while their chief towns subscribed large sums to aid the 
 transmission of troops. The Indians were stimulated, likewise, to renew 
 the war. 8 By land, no considerable movement was attempted on either 
 side, uniil the American General Wilkinson collected a large force 
 from Platsburg and Burlington, on Lake Champlain. With this body 
 of men, he marched against the Canadian outposts. On the 30th of 
 March 1814, a battle was fought at La Colie Mills, between the 
 Americans under Wilkinson and the British under Hancock. The 
 attack was not successful, and in that engagement the Americans lost 
 
 comprehensive and clear narrative of 
 those incidents which led to that 
 result, during the closing months of 
 1813, and the spring of 1814, may 
 find the statement in M. A. Thiers’ 
 “ Histoire du Consulat et de l’Em- 
 pire,” Tome xvii., Liv. li., lii., liii. 
 
 3 See Alison’s “ History of Europe,” 
 Vol. x., chap, lxxvi., p. 710. 
 
 * See James, chap, xiii., pp., 305 to 320. 
 
 5 See the “ Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1814, Vol. lvi., General His¬ 
 tory, chap, xv., pp. 173, 174. 
 
 6 See Cooper, Vol. ii., chap, xv., 
 pp. 255 to 272. 
 
 7 See Alison’s “ History of Europe,” 
 Vol. v., chap, lxxvi., p. 712. 
 
 8 See Christie’s “ Memoirs of the 
 War in Canada,” pp. 117 to 122. 
 
326 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 138 men, while the British loss was only 56. In Upper Canada, General 
 Drummond and Sir James Yeo combined an attack by land and water 
 on Fort Oswego, situated near the Lake so called. This place was captured 
 by the British on the 4th of May. Afterwards, Sackett’s Harbour was 
 closely blockaded. On the 31st, Captain Pophara attempted to destroy 
 the American flotilla in Sandy Creek, with 200 seamen and marines. 
 These hoped to capture a considerable quantity of naval and military 
 stores. However, they were repulsed by more numerous forces, having 
 lost 70 men during the attack. 9 
 
 The Americans had concentrated forces in the neighbourhood of 
 Buffalo, and these were destined for another inroad on Upper Canada. 
 Two strong brigades were there posted, under the command of General 
 Ripley. 10 It was known that a large proportion of Canadians had sympa¬ 
 thised in the American efforts to wrest their country from the British 
 dominion. 11 The former Hew York militia general Brown 12 had been 
 created Major-General in the regular army, and during the summer of 
 1814, he had sought and obtained permission to attempt anew the invasion 
 of Canada. With live thousand men, the Americans crossed the Niagara 
 River below the Falls, on the 3rd June. Without firing a single shot, 
 Fort Erie was capi u ed by them, with its garrison of 170 men. 
 Having thus easily effected a landing, General Ripley advanced to the 
 neighbourhood of Clnppewa, where General Riall had collected a force 
 of 1,500 regular troops, with a contingent of 1,000 militia and a body 
 of Indians. These had occupied an entrenched camp. Notwithstand¬ 
 ing, the British soldiers advanced to commence the action at 5 o’clock 
 in the afternoon June 5th, by sending the militia and Indians forward 
 to encounter the Kentucky Rifles, who soon dispersed them. Then the 
 main body consisting of the King’s Royal Scots and the 100th regiments, 
 with their militia, advanced in column, the Americans receiving them 
 in line with great steadiness and with a most destructive discharge. At 
 Chippewa this battle was fought and with great resolut.jii, the British 
 being commanded by General Riall. The American advance was led by 
 Brigadier-General Scott, and when their enemy deployed in a bayonet 
 charge of the 11th Infantry, led by Major John McNeill, 13 the Eng¬ 
 lish loss was so serious, that their General felt constrained to draw them 
 
 9 See John Armstrong’s “War of 
 1212,” Vol. ii., pp. 63 to 74. 
 
 10 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. v., p. 258. 
 
 11 A number of the inhabitants of 
 Upper Canada had been arrested for 
 high treason, and were tried on that 
 charge in the month of May, when 
 fifteen were convicted, and out of 
 these eight were executed at Burling¬ 
 ton in the district of Niagara, on 
 July 12th. See the “ Annual Regis¬ 
 ter ” for the year 1814, Vol. lvi.. 
 General History, chap, xvi., p. 183. 
 
 12 On the 19th of July 1813, he 
 was appointed Brigadier-General in 
 the regular army, and on the 24th of 
 January 1814, he was placed in com¬ 
 mand of the army at Niagara. 
 
 13 Of Irish descent. He was born 
 in Hillsborough N.H., in 1784, and 
 for this gallant action he was Brevet- 
 ted Lieutenant-Colonel. He after¬ 
 wards attained higher military and 
 civic distinctions, and he died in 
 Washington D.C., February 23rd 
 1850. 
 
RENEWAL OF THE CANADIAN INVASION. 327 
 
 to their entrenched camp. The British lost 550 men in this engagement. 
 The Americans proved victorious, with a loss of 300 men. Afterwards, 
 General Riall retreated to Burlington Heights, at the western end of 
 Lake Ontario, and Queenstown was occupied by the Americans. 14 
 
 Meantime, some transports had arrived at Queenstown, conveying a 
 large contingent of veteran troops, who had served under Lord Wellington 
 during the Peninsular war. 1£ Soon Lieutenant-General Drummond 
 arrived with a reinforcement. The British under General Riall 
 had again advanced, but they were once more compelled to retreat. 
 They encountered General Brown at Bridgwater, near the Falls. Then 
 General Drummond drew up his lines in order of battle. A gallant 
 attack was led against them by Scott, about sunset on the 25th of July, 
 although the Americans were inferior in point of numbers. The battle 
 was fought with great obstinacy for three hours, yet without consider¬ 
 able advantage gained by either side. Then there was an intermission, 
 during which the Americans were engaged in bringing up reinforce¬ 
 ments to drive the British from those heights on which they were 
 posted. Both armies had met at a place called Lundy Lane, and the 
 contest lasted till midnight, A battery was gallantly captured by 
 Colonel James Miller, 16 which decided the fortune of the day in favour 
 of the Americans. Both Brown 17 and Scott were severely wounded. 
 The Americans lost 743 men, and the British 878. 1S It seemed to be 
 a drawn battle ; the victory being claimed both by the British and by the 
 Americans. The latter however were left in possession of the field. 
 The American commander Ripley, having charge of their troops, re¬ 
 tired the next day to Fort Erie, where General Gaines 1 *’ assumed the 
 chief command. On the 1st of August, Drummond laid siege to Fort 
 Erie, which was obstinately defended. In a vain attempt to take the 
 place by a night assault on the 15th, the British lost nearly 1,000 men, 
 When General Brown recovered from his wounds the following month, 
 he assumed command. Making a vigorous sortie, he destroyed the 
 British works, and captured four hundred prisoners. General Drum¬ 
 mond then abandoned the siege. Afterwards, on the 5 th of November 
 blowing up that fort, the Americans retired beyond the river. 
 
 While these operations were carried on beyond the Atlantic, attempts 
 had been made for the restoration of peace in Europe. Under the me¬ 
 diation of Russia, the Americans offered to treat, but this proposition 
 was declined by the British Government, Later still it was arranged, 
 
 14 See John Armstrong’s “War of 
 1812,” Vol. ii., pp. 88, 89. 
 
 15 See the “Annual Register” for 
 the year 1814, Vol. lvi., General His¬ 
 tory, chap, xvi., p. 182. 
 
 16 He descended from the original 
 Irish settlers of New Hampshire and 
 he was born in Peterborough, N.H., 
 April 25th 1776. He died in Temple, 
 N.H., July 7th 1851. When asked 
 by General Scott, if he could take the 
 
 battery, his modest reply was “ I 
 will try, Sir.” 
 
 17 See an account of him in Apple- 
 ton’s “ Cyclopaedia of American Bio¬ 
 graphy,” Vol. i., p. 401. 
 
 '®See the “Annual Register” for 
 the year 1814, Vol. lvi., General His¬ 
 tory, chap, xvi., pp. 182, 183. 
 
 19 See an account of him in Apple- 
 ton’s “ Cyclopaedia of American Bio¬ 
 graphy,” Vol. ii., pp. 571, 572. 
 
328 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 that Gottenburg should be the place for Commissioners of both con¬ 
 tending powers to assemble; but afterwards, circumstances produced a 
 change in favour of Ghent, On the 30th July, the British Government 
 appointed as their Commissioners Admiral Lord Gam bier, 20 Henry 
 Goulbourn, 21 and William Adams to treat on propositions for peace with 
 the United States. Those plenipotentiaries arrived at Ghent, August 
 6th. Already in that city the American Commissioners selected to 
 arrange a treaty had met. These were—John Quincy Adams, 22 Albert 
 Gallatin, 23 James A. Bayard, 24 Henry Clay, 25 and Jonathan Russell. 26 
 The conditions presented by the British Commissioners, as a basis for 
 negotiation, were deemed inadmissible ; and accordingly, the American 
 plenipotentiaries did not hesitate to give a decided and an unanimous 
 negative to their demands. The proceedings were laid before the Ameri¬ 
 can Congress on the 11th of October by the President, and an equal 
 Unanimity prevailed in both houses for their rejection. 27 
 
 Joined by a squadron under Admiral Cochrane, a formidable British 
 fleet comprising between fifty and sixty sail arrived during the month of 
 August in the Chesapeake, and directed by Rear Admiial Cockburn. 28 On 
 the 25th of April, he had proclaimed a blockade of the whole American 
 coast. A land army, destined for co-operation and amounting to 5,000 
 men under the command of Major-General Robert Ross, 29 sailed in 
 transport vessels from Bermuda on the 3rd of August, and those forces 
 were disembarked on the Patuxent River, at St. Benedict’s about fifty 
 miles from Washington, on the 19th of that month. 30 While a part of 
 their fleet ascended the Potomac, his army marched towards the capital. 31 
 An American militia had assembled at Bladensbur'g, about six miles from 
 that city. It was commanded by General Winder. A few marines, 
 directed by Commodore Barney, and some artillery had been drawn to 
 
 20 See an account of him in Rolfe's 
 “Naval Biography,” Vol. ii., p. 82. 
 
 21 See Leslie Stephen’s and Sidney 
 Lee’s “Dictionary of National Bio¬ 
 graphy,” Vol. xxii., pp. 283 to 285. 
 
 22 See William H. Seward’s “ Life 
 and Public Services of John Quincy 
 Adams.” Auburn, N.Y., 1859, 8vo. 
 
 23 See the “Life and Writings of 
 Albert Gallatin,” edited by Henry 
 Adams. Philadelphia, 1879. 
 
 24 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. i., pp. 
 196, 197. 
 
 23 See Epes Sargent’s “ Life of 
 Henry Clay,” published in 1844, 
 edited and completed by Horace 
 Greely in 1852. 8vo. 
 
 26 See Appleton’s “Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. v., p. 
 353. 
 
 27 See the “ Annual Register,” for 
 the year 1814, Vol. lvi., General His¬ 
 
 tory, chap, xvi., pp. 177, 178, and 
 191 to 193. 
 
 28 See William O'Byrne’s “ Naval 
 Biographical Dictionary,” pp. 205, 
 206. 
 
 29 For a detailed and graphic ac¬ 
 count by an eye-witness of the 
 achievements resulting from this ex¬ 
 pedition the reader is referred to an 
 anonymous book, but written by the 
 Rev. George R. Gleig, and intituled : 
 “ Campaigns of the British Army at 
 Washington and New Orleans in the 
 years 1814, 1815.” By the Author 
 of the Subaltern. Fourth edition, 
 corrected and revised. London, 1836, 
 8vo. 
 
 30 See ibid ., chap. vii. pp. 85 to 96. 
 
 31 See Henry Adams’ “History of the 
 United States during the Second Ad¬ 
 ministration of James Madison,” Vol. 
 ii., chap, v., pp. 127 to 131. 
 
CAPTURE OF WASHINGTON CITY. 
 
 329 
 
 that position. The result of such feeble means for defence might readily 
 be anticipated. 32 There, after an ineffectual attempt to stop the invaders, 
 on the 24th of August the militia fled. 33 The British loss in this action 
 did not exceed 250 in killed and wounded. 34 The President and other 
 officers of the government took refuge in the country, 35 as the invaders then 
 advanced on Washington, which they reached at 8 o’clock in the even¬ 
 ing. 36 No adequate force of Americans having assembled for defence, 
 the British took possession of that city. They burned vessels then con¬ 
 structing in the dock yard, and the arsenal, with several of the public 
 buildings, such as the Capitol, including the Senate house and the House 
 of Representatives, the President’s House, the Treasury, etc., 37 not con¬ 
 nected with nor used for military purposes. Some of those edifices 
 were costly monuments of taste and of the arts. Others were reposi¬ 
 tories for the public archives, not only precious to the United States’ Con¬ 
 federation, as memorials of its origin and of its early transactions, but 
 interesting to all nations, as contributing to the general stock of histori¬ 
 cal information. Those atrocities inflicted a Vandalic injury on 
 valuable treasures of science and literature. The unavoidable evils 
 of active warfare are sufficiently deplorable ; but this was an impolitic 
 as it was a barbarous and a disgraceful act, ordered too by the British 
 Government. 38 An indignant spirit was then aroused among the 
 citizens of Washington,, and it spread throughout the Republic ; while 
 the whole civilised world exclaimed against such an outrage on the rules of 
 modern warfare. Moreover the British compelled the inhabitants to 
 sacrifice all their shipping and merchandise to save the city of Alexandria ; 
 whileiBaltimore was next threatened with capture. Ho wever, while leading 
 the advance against that city, Major-General Ross 39 having been mortally 
 wounded in a skirmish, and an attack on Fort McHenry having failed, 40 
 the British army, on the 13th September, retired to their shipping. 41 
 
 It was arranged that fourteen thousand veterans sent to Canada this 
 year should invade New York, under the command of Sir George Prevost. 
 Accordingly, while a British squadron under Captain George Downie 42 
 
 32 See S. G. Goodrich’s “ Recollec¬ 
 tions of a Lifetime,” Vol. i., Letter 
 xxx., p. 490. 
 
 33 See “ Campaigns of the British 
 Army at Washington and New 
 Orleans in the years 1814-1815,” 
 chap, ix., pp. 118 to 127. 
 
 34 See the “ Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1814, Vol. lvi., General His¬ 
 tory, chap, xvi., p. 184. 
 
 33 See “ The Campaigns of the Bri¬ 
 tish Army at Washington and New 
 Orleans in the years 1814-1815,” 
 chap, x., pp. 128 to 142. 
 
 36 See ibid., pp. 184, 185. 
 
 37 See C. D. Young’s “History of 
 the British Navy,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 xxxvi.,. p. 334. 
 
 38 See S. G. Goodrich’s “ Recollec¬ 
 tions of a Lifetime,” Vol. i., Letter 
 xxx., p. 490. 
 
 39 He was born about 1766 in Ros- 
 trevor Ireland, and he served in 
 Holland, Egypt and Spain under the 
 Duke of Wellington, who selected 
 him for this American expedition. 
 
 40 This result inspired Francis Scott 
 Key of Maryland to write the beauti¬ 
 ful and popular national song of the 
 “ Star-spangled Banner.” 
 
 41 See “The Campaigns of the Bri¬ 
 tish Army at Washington and New 
 Orleans in the years 1814-1815,” 
 chaps, xiii., xvi., pp. 174 to 203. 
 
 42 He was born in Ross Ireland, 
 and had entered the British navy 
 
330 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 sailed up Lake Champlain, 43 to co-operate with him, the land force 
 marched along the Western shore, in the direction of Plattsburgh. 
 Under Brigadier-General Alexander Macomb, 44 the Americans were 
 only able to muster 1,500 troops for its protection. These were judi¬ 
 ciously posted, however, behind the Saranac, a rapid stream near the 
 town ; but little time was afforded to throw up entrenchments, and 
 these were of a very imperfect character as works for defence. 
 
 On Lake Champlain, and at the entrance to Plattsburg Bay, the 
 Americans had stationed a small squadron, very inferior in size and equip¬ 
 ment to that of the British, and it was under the command of Commo¬ 
 dore Thomas MacDonough. 45 He obtained a great victory, however, on 
 the lltli of September, 40 when the English fleet attacked him. After 
 an obstinate fight, which lasted fully two hours, all the British vessels 
 were captured, except a few small gun-boats that escaped. Early in 
 the engagement, Captain Downie was killed, with forty of his crew on 
 board the Confiance, and as many were wounded. 47 Nearly at the same 
 time a battle was fought at Plattsburg, then defended by three re¬ 
 doubts and by two block houses. Prevost directed a desperate 
 attack, in vainly attempting to force the passage of the Saranac. 48 He 
 was met at every point by Macomb, who made a gallant defence. Gene¬ 
 ral Robinson advanced to ford the Saranac, but he did not reach the 
 point of attack until shots from the American works announced the 
 victory of their fleet. General Brisbane was instructed to make a cir¬ 
 cuit and to assault them in the rear. Both movements were mis¬ 
 managed. The English were finally repulsed, with a loss of nearly 200 
 men. 49 The destruction of the English fleet by MacDonough caused Sir 
 
 when young, having seen much active 
 service before this period. See Ap¬ 
 pleton’s “ Cyclopfedia of_ American 
 Biography,” Vol. ii., p. 221. 
 
 43 In August, the Confiance, a 
 frigate of 47 guns, had been launched 
 at Isle Aux Nois, while three brigs 
 and schooners, with some gun-boats, 
 had been prepared by the British. 
 See C. D. Yonge’s “ History of the 
 British Navy,” Vol. ii., chap, xxxvi., 
 p. 330. 
 
 44 His father—also named Alexan¬ 
 der—was born in Belfast Ireland, 
 July 27th 1748, and he emigrated to 
 the United States in his youth. He 
 was associated with John Jacob Astor 
 a.nd others at Detroit in the fur trade. 
 He became a great speculator in ship¬ 
 ping and landed estates, having pur¬ 
 chased from the State of New York, 
 in 1791, no less than 3,670,715 acres 
 on the St Lawrence River, including 
 all the thousand islands that belonged 
 to that State. His distinguished son 
 was born in Detroit Mich., April 3rd 
 
 1782, and he entered the army at an 
 early age. He was actively engaged 
 in Canada during this campaign. See 
 George H. Richard’s “ Memoir of Alex¬ 
 ander Macomb.” New York, 1833,8vo. 
 
 45 He was born in Newcastle Co. 
 Del., December 23rd 1783. 
 
 46 See “ History of the United 
 States, from their First Settlements 
 as Colonies to the Close of the War 
 with Great Britain in 1815.” 1826, 8vo. 
 
 47 See C. D. Yonge’s “History of 
 the British Navy,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 xxxvi., p. 332. The incidents of this 
 celebrated naval engagement are given 
 in most interesting detail, and in his 
 graphically characteristic style, by 
 James Fenimore Cooper, in his “ His¬ 
 tory of the Navy of the United States 
 of America,” Vol. ii., chap, xxix., 
 pp. 491 to 516. 
 
 40 See the “ Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1814, Vol. xlvi., General 
 History, chap, xvi., pp. 190, 191. 
 
 49 See Alison’s “ History of Europe,” 
 Vol. x., chap, lxxvii., pp. 732 to 737. 
 
John C. Calhoun, 
 
 Vice - President of the U S 
 
 Henry clay, 
 
 Senator of the U. S. 
 
 Thomas Mac Donough, 
 
 Commodore of the US Navy 
 
 Martin Van Bure/v, 
 Eighth President oftheU.S. 
 
 
 
 
 ■ 
 
BATTLES AT PLATTSBURG AND ON LAKE CIIAMPLAIN. 
 
 331 
 
 George Prevost to retreat hastily on Canada, while the flight from 
 Platts burg was effected in great disorder. 50 Over 400 men were lost 
 through desertion, during the depression, greatly caused by their defeat, 
 and owing to the facilities afforded by their retreat. Great indignation 
 was expressed by the British officers at the conduct of their general, 
 while the loyalists of Canada and Great Britain were loud in their 
 murmurs. The result was, that Sir George Prevost resigned, and 
 demanded a court-martial to investigate his conduct. Soon afterwards 
 he died, and thus escaped a verdict and a sentence, which must have 
 covered his memory with disgrace. 51 
 
 The Americans attempted a sortie from Fort Erie on the 17th of 
 September, when they did great damage to the British works. They 
 were repulsed however, with a loss of 511; that of the British having 
 been 600, of whom one-half were made prisoners. On the 21st, Drum¬ 
 mond retired to higher and better quarters near Chippewa. From 
 Sacket’s Harbour, the American Major-General George Izard 52 marched 
 with 4,000 troops to the relief of the besieged ; but, as the British had 
 then a decisive superiority on lake Ontario, it was deemed best to with¬ 
 draw the garrison and to blow up Fort Erie. All the troops then re¬ 
 crossed the Niagara, and withdrew into the American territory. 53 
 
 Towards the close of 1814, important manoeuvres took place in 
 Florida and Lower Louisiana. In the former colony—which then be¬ 
 longed to Spain—permission had been given to the British, for the 
 purpose of fitting out an expedition against the Americans on Mobile 
 Bay, so that they might make use of Pensacola Port. At this time 
 General Jackson commanded in the south, 54 and he remonstrated with 
 the Spanish authorities against such a breach of the neutrality laws 
 binding on nations. However, no redress could be obtained. 55 Where- 
 
 50 A very graphic account of this 
 battle was given to the writer, 
 by an Irish army pensioner who was 
 then and there engaged. One amus¬ 
 ing anecdote he thus related. When 
 the retreat was ordered, direction 
 was also given to destroy the stores, 
 so that they might not fall into the 
 hands of the Americans. Among 
 other objects consigned to destruction 
 was a barrel of whiskey which was 
 stove in, and the liquor began to 
 flow on the ground in a copious 
 stream. A comrade Irish soldier, on 
 seeing this wilful waste, took the 
 regulation helmet from his head, and 
 placing it under the vent, he soon 
 filled it with whiskey. Then, in a 
 serio-comic mood, he cried out, 
 “ Here’s the health of King George, 
 who ran away at the battle of Platts- 
 barg.” Next, taking a very consider¬ 
 able drain, he afterwards passed the 
 
 remainder round to the retreating 
 men of his company. 
 
 51 See C. D. Yonge’s “History of 
 the British Navy,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 xxxvi., p. 332. 
 
 52 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biographv,” Vol. iii., p. 
 372. 
 
 53 See Alison’s “ History of Europe,” 
 Vol. x., chap, lxxvi., pp. 738 to 740. 
 
 54 On the 31st of May 1814, he 
 was appointed Major-General in the 
 regular army. See Appleton’s “ Cyclo¬ 
 paedia of American Biography,” Vol. 
 
 iii., p. 376. 
 
 55 One of the most interesting and 
 reliable accounts of the military 
 actions of General Jackson is that of 
 his chief engineer Major Lacarrere 
 Latour, and written in French. It has 
 been translated by H. P. Nugent, and 
 published in Philadelphia, 1861, with 
 the title, “ Historical Memoir of the 
 
332 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 upon he inarched upon Pensacola, and on the 7th of November, he took 
 possession of that town, which was used by the English as a base for 
 operations. 66 
 
 Meantime, the British forces, retiring from Baltimore, having sailed 
 to the West Indies, were destined for another expedition, which it was 
 hoped should result in the capture of New Orleans, and in command of 
 the Mississippi navigation. The American government had intimation 
 of such a design, and fully recognised the great importance of securing that 
 position. Although occupying a low and an unhealthy site on the left bank 
 of the river, and not favoured by natural advantages for defence; yet, that 
 city had already become the entrepot for commerce, while its possession 
 by the English must have seriously damaged the resources and the 
 trade of all the Western States and territories. The country around 
 the mouths of the Mississippi was perfectly level, and swamps abounded 
 in most places. The months of November and December were selected, 
 as affording the best seasons for a descent ; and accordingly, when all 
 their forces had been collected, the invaders departed from the West 
 Indies. Some of the finest regiments in the British service were on 
 board the ships. 67 To oppose this expedition, the United States govern¬ 
 ment engaged General Jackson, who assembled about 4,000 men, and 
 hastened towards the scene of military operations, with an array com¬ 
 posed of some few regulars and a militia force. A small flotilla of gun¬ 
 boats was stationed at Lake Borgue, east of New Orleans, and adjoining 
 the Gulf of Mexico. Other detachments were directed against Louisi¬ 
 ana, as news had arrived of the rendezvous of troops and vessels in the 
 West Indies. General Jackson made the best preparations he could to 
 meet that formidable armament. Evacuating Pensacola and the Spanish 
 territory, he then marched to Mobile. 68 
 
 It was now found necessary to cover New Orleans, which the 
 British designed for capture ; and Jackson arrived there on the 2nd of 
 December. 59 The population in Louisiana was mostly of foreign origin ; 
 but by his exhortations and energy, he roused the citizens to instant 
 action ; and soon he had every person capable of wielding a pick or hand¬ 
 ling a spade engaged in the erection of fortifications below the city, while 
 local volunteers were trained in the art of defending them. He also 
 proclaimed martial law in this great emergency, so that he might expe¬ 
 dite and control all requisite arrangements ; for he learned that the 
 State Legislature of Louisiana had some intention to negotiate. 60 Before 
 this period, the Most Rev. John Carroll Archbishop of Baltimore had 
 
 War in West Florida and Louisiana, 
 in 1814-15.” It is accompanied by 
 an atlas containing eight maps. 
 
 56 See the “Encyclopaedia Biitan- 
 nica.” Vol. xiii., Art. Jackson 
 (Andrew), p. 533. Ninth edition. 
 Edinburgh 1881, 4to. 
 
 57 See “ The Campaigns of the Bri¬ 
 tish Army at Washington and New 
 
 Orleans in the years 1814-1815,” 
 chap, xviii., pp. 248 to 268. 
 
 58 See John S. Jenkinson’s “ Life 
 of General Andrew Jackson,” chap, 
 vii., pp. 99 to 101. 
 
 59 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. iii., p. 
 377 
 
 60 See Hugh Murray’s " United 
 
CAMPAIGN IN , THE SOUTH. 
 
 333 
 
 appointed the Very Rev. William De Bourg to he Administrator- 
 Apostolic over the diocese of Louisiana and over the two Floridas. The 
 latter dignitary ordered public prayers to be offered by the Catholics in 
 the New Orleans churches, while the United States troops were being led 
 by the “ Hero of the Floridas ” to defend their altars and firesides 
 against foreign invasion. 01 This action called forth the highest ex¬ 
 pression of his approbation from General Jackson. 62 
 
 Meantime, with a great armament, the English had arrived off the 
 Mississippi shoals on the 8th of December, 63 and twelve thousand 
 troops were mustered under the command of General Sir Edward 
 Packenham, an Irish officer, distinguished for his military services and 
 courage. The fleet alone numbered four thousand sailors and marines. 
 On that bank of the Mississippi opposite New Orleans, American batte¬ 
 ries had been placed, entrenchments had been formed, and a force of militia 
 was stationed to defend them ; since it could not be known whether the 
 British General would move direct on the city with his entire army, or 
 divide his regiments for an assault on both sides of the river. The first 
 opera tions of the British were directed against Lake Borgue, and Com¬ 
 mander M. Lockyer of the Sophie with upwai'ds of forty gun boats and 
 nearly 1,000 men were engaged on this service. The American gunboats, 
 commanded by Lieutenant Thomas Ap. Catesby Jones, 64 after a brave 
 resistance, were captured by a greatly superior British naval force. In 
 this engagement, the latter lost over 90 men in killed and wounded. 65 
 
 The United States troops occupied a defensive position on both sides 
 of the Mississippi, immediately below New Orleans. About eight miles 
 from that city, the British landed on the 22nd of December, 66 In the 
 evening of the following day, General Jackson made a sudden attack on 
 their camp, and at first they were thrown into great disorder, but they 
 soon rallied. After an obstinate struggle, Jackson withdrew his troops 
 to the fortifications he had erected, having inflicted great loss on the 
 enemy. On the left bank of the Mississipi, the Americans, posted 
 behind a rampart of cotton bales, were attacked on the 28th of Decem¬ 
 ber, and again on the 1st of January 1815. 67 The British artillery set 
 the cotton bales on fire, and these being found useless were afterwards 
 removed. The defended approach to the city was by a neck of land, 
 hardly a mile wide, and judiciously entrenched with a breastwork in 
 front, while the parapets were lined with American cannon at close 
 distances. Their defenders’ right rested on the Mississippi, in which an 
 
 States of America,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 iv., pp. 205, 206. 
 
 61 See John Gilmary Shea’s “ Life 
 and Times of the Most Rev. John 
 Carroll,” Book ii., chap, v., p. 671. 
 
 62 See Gayarre’s “ History of Loui¬ 
 siana,” p. 154. New York, 1866, 
 8vo. 
 
 63 See Alison’s “ History of Europe,” 
 Vol. x., chap, lxxvi., p. 740. 
 
 84 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 
 American Biography,” Vol. iii., p. 
 470. 
 
 65 See C. D. Yonge’s “ History of 
 ' the British Navy,” Vol. ii., chap. 
 
 xxxvi., pp. 340 to 342. 
 
 66 See “The Campaigns of the Bri¬ 
 tish Army at Washington and New 
 Orleans, in the years 1814-1815,” 
 chap, xix., pp. 269 to 283. 
 
 67 See ibid., chap, xxii., pp. 325, 
 326. ■* 
 
334 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN niSTORY of the united states. 
 
 aimed vessel was moored so as to enfilade any advancing assailants, 
 while their left touched a thick wood. 68 General Coffee with his 
 volunteers vigorously assisted in these operations. Having tried a 
 cannonade without much result, General Packenham desisted. Soon 
 afterwards, both armies received reinforcements. 69 From subsequent 
 movements observed in the British camp, a speedy attack in force was 
 anticipated by the Americans. 79 Under the direction of General Packen¬ 
 ham, his officers and troops had made arrangements for an advance. Hav¬ 
 ing directed a considerabale detachment of his men to act under Colonel 
 Thornton, on the right bank of the river, these landed there on the 7th. 
 They were instructed to advance against the militia posted at that place. 
 According to a preconcerted signal, a simultaneous attack was designed. 
 The elite of Packenham’s regiments, and the great preponderating body 
 of his army, were marshalled in ordered lines for the advance in 
 front. 71 
 
 This combined assault took place early on the 8th of January, 
 1815 % 7 ' 2 and just at daybreak, on the right bank of the' Mississippi. 
 There the English, having landed during the night, drove the United 
 States troops without much resistance from their entrenchments. 73 
 The Americans, however, could not be dislodged from their lines on 
 the left bank, where General Jackson directed the operations as chief. 
 General Coffee was in command of their left wing. The British 
 forces in close array marched steadily to the works, the 44th 
 regiment being ordered to carry the ladders and fascines requi¬ 
 site for scaling the entrenchments. This order was very imper¬ 
 fectly carried out, and mfich confusion ensued when the signal 
 for action was given. Approaching in close columns, the British 
 were allowed to come near the breast-works, when General 
 Jackson gave the word for a simultaneous discharge. Whole platoons 
 of the British soldiers fell before the entrenchments. Their regiments 
 had no means ready for escalade, as the ladders and fascines were left 
 scattered on the field. Then the forlorn hope retreated, and .confusion 
 spread among their ranks. Again however they rallied, and were 
 directed by their generals and officers to renew the attack. But, similar 
 results were experienced, in a fearful loss of life. 74 For an hour, espe- 
 
 63 See the “Annual Register” for 
 the year 1815, Vol. lxvii., General 
 History, chap, xiii., p. 123. 
 
 6U The Rev. George R. Gleig estimates 
 the British force at the Battle of New 
 Orleans as consisting only of 6,000, 
 while the Americans are -stated to 
 have had double that number present. 
 This statement is exactly reversed in 
 an American account, ’ setting down 
 the latter at 6,000 and the British 
 at 12,000 men. See S. G. Goodrich’3 
 “ Recollections of a Lifetime,”^ Vol. 
 i., Letter xxxi., p. 502. 
 
 70 See “The Campaigns of the Bri¬ 
 tish Army at Washington and New 
 Orleans, in the years 1814-15,” chap, 
 xxi., pp. 305 to 324. 
 
 ; 71 See Alison’s “ History of Europe,” 
 Vol,. x:,-. chap, lxxxvi. pp. 742, 743. 
 
 72 See'Armstrong’s “War of 1812,” 
 Vol. ii.j .pp. 107 to 170. 
 
 73 See- “ The Campaigns of the Bri¬ 
 tish Army’ v at' Washington and New 
 Orleans, in the years 1814-1815,” 
 chap, xxii., ,pp. 332 to 34t). 
 
 74 Fuller details : are given in a nar¬ 
 rative, “The Battle of New Orleans,’ 
 
VICTORY OP GENERAL JACKSON AT NEW ORLEANS. 335 
 
 cially at every approach of their enemy, the American fire did not 
 slacken a single instant. This galling storm mowed down the assail¬ 
 ants with discharges of artillery and musketry, at each attempt made to 
 advance on the defenders. In proportion to the determination of the 
 British, a dreadful slaughter ensued, until at length consternation 
 spread. After desperate efforts of valour and repeated assaults, their 
 regiments fled in complete disorder. Early in the battle, General 
 Packenham was killed, with a very large proportion of his officers and 
 men. The second in command, General Gibbs, was mortally 
 wounded, 76 and General Keane, who led on the reserve headed by the 
 93rd or Sutherland Highlanders, shared the same fate. 76 It was vain 
 to continue the attack on an enemy so securely posted, and so skilfully 
 commanded by their brave leader. The British lines were com¬ 
 pletely broken, and whole companies were annihilated before their final 
 retreat. The killed and wounded among the Americans were incon¬ 
 siderable for the great triumph achieved. 77 The British lost over* 
 two thousand men, in killed, wounded, and prisoners. 78 Their humilia¬ 
 tion was all the greater, because they had confidently anticipated a 
 signal victory. 79 
 
 When that battle ceased, the command of the British troops devolved 
 on General Lambert, who deemed it necessary to abandon that enterprize, 
 after the immense losses sustained and the demoralization of his whole 
 army. Accordingly, the victorious forces on the right bank of the 
 Mississippi were recalled and re-united with the main body. 80 When all 
 the troops had been collected, they were embarked on board the war 
 vessels and transports in the river, and they again sailed for the West 
 Indies, preparatory to their homeward return. 81 
 
 The battle of New Orleans most gloriously ended the war for the 
 Americans, and rejoicing was universal throughout the United States. 82 
 There, but for some time after the foregoing events, it was known to the 
 
 published in Baltimore, 1825. See, 
 likewise, Charles J. Ingersoll’s “ His¬ 
 torical Sketch of the Second War 
 between Great Briain and America.” 
 The First Series, 1812-13, was issued 
 at Philadelphia, in 1845-49; the 
 Second Series, for 1814-15, in 1852. 
 
 75 See S. G. Goodrich’s “ Recollec¬ 
 tions of a Lifetime,” Vol. i., Letter 
 xxx., p. 502. 
 
 76 See Alison’s “ Histoy of Europe,” 
 Vol. x., chap. Ixxvi., pp. 743, 744. 
 
 77 See Jenkin’s “Life of General 
 Andrew Jackson,” chaps, vi., vii., 
 viii., ix., pp. 87 to 157. 
 
 78 See the “ Annual Register ” for 
 the year 1815. Vol. lxvii., General 
 History, chap, xiii., p. 123. 
 
 79 According to General Andrew 
 Jarksbn’s official report, the Ameri¬ 
 ca r/s lost only 62 killed and wounded. 
 
 See Justin Winsor’s “ Narrative and 
 Critical History of America.” Vol. 
 vii., chap, vi., p. 404. 
 
 80 See “ The Campaigns of the Bri¬ 
 tish Army at Washington and New 
 Orleans, in the years 1814-1815,” 
 chap, xxiii., pp. 341 to 356. 
 
 81 See ibid. chap, xxiv., pp. 357 
 to 362. 
 
 82 On the 19th of January 1815, 
 General Jackson addressed the Very 
 Rev. William de Bourg, to ask a 
 public service of thanksgiving in the 
 Cathedral at New Orleans. Accord¬ 
 ingly it was held there, on the 23rd 
 of that month, the Administrator- 
 Apostolic meeting the victorious Gene¬ 
 ral at the door with an eloquent 
 address. See Major Lacarriere La- 
 tour’s “Historical Memoir of the War 
 in West Florida and Louisiana in 
 
336 IRISn-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 combatants on either side, that terms of accommodation had been 
 arranged by the commissioners of the rival nations. Peace had been 
 agreed upon at Ghent in Belgium, on the 24th of December 1814, by 
 the plenipotentiaries of those powers implicated. 83 On the 27th it was 
 ratified by Great Britain ; but, like most treaties, its stipulations left 
 various important matters undecided, and still open to contention. 
 Nothing was said, either on the flag covering the merchandise or on 
 the right of search for seamen, claimed and exercised by Great Britain. 84 
 
 During the interim, however, the port of New York had been 
 blockaded by a British squadron, and there Commodore Stephen 
 Decatur junior 85 of the President frigate, with some other vessels, 
 waited an opportunity to sail out of that harbour for the West Indies. 
 Taking advantage of a storm, which blew the enemy’s ships off the 
 shore, and accompanied by the brig Macedonian, Decatur sailed from 
 New York on the 14th of January. The President was chased by 
 the British frigate Endymion Captain Henry Hope, who, on closing, 
 maintained a fierce engagement, lasting for two hours and a half. This 
 action was indecisive, when another British frigate the Pomone came 
 to his aid. Having lost over one hundred men in killed and wounded, 
 while Decatur’s ship was pierced in every part of her hull, and with 
 several of his guns disabled, the President was obliged to surrender, 
 after a combat highly creditable to her gallant commander and his 
 crew. 86 
 
 The British sloop of war Favourite, Captain Maude commandant, 
 arrived at New York February 11th, with the treaty of peace signed 
 by the commissioners. Although its terms were not then known; yet 
 was the popular feeling of satisfaction manifested in a variety of ways, 
 and especially by an impromptu public procession through Broadway. 
 All over the country, but especially in the New England States, similar 
 demonstrations took place, 87 Nor was the expression of joy less felt by 
 the people of Great Britain. On the whole, that war had procured no 
 gain to either country, while it resulted in great loss of life and vast ex¬ 
 pense to both the belligerent powers. 88 On February 17th, that treaty 
 
 1814-15,” translated by H. P. Nugent, 
 pp. lxviii., lxxi., Philadelphia, 1816, 
 8vo. 
 
 83 Its provisions are set forth in 
 the “ Annual Register,” for the year 
 1815, Vol. lvii., Foreign State Papers, 
 pp. 352 to 358. 
 
 84 See Alison’s “ History of Europe,” 
 Vol. x., chap, lxxvi., p. 748. 
 
 83 His father, a distinguished Amer¬ 
 ican naval officer, bore the very same 
 name, and he was distinguished as 
 Senior. See the “ Encyclopaedia 
 Americana,” Vol. ii., p. 590. 
 
 86 See C. D. Yonge’s “History of 
 the British Navy,” Vol. ii., chap, 
 xxxvi., pp. 318 to 320. The mo*t 
 
 complete and satisfactory account • of 
 the operations by sea during this 
 wrr is Theodore Roosevelt’s “ Naval 
 War of 1812.” New York, 1882, and 
 subsequent editions. 
 
 87 See S. G. Goodrich’s “ Recollec¬ 
 tions of a Lifetime,” Vol. i., Letter 
 xxx., pp. 503 to 505. 
 
 88 For an excellent narrative of its 
 progress and conclusion, the reader 
 is referred to J. Russell’s “ History 
 of the War between the United States 
 and Great Britain, Compiled Chiefly 
 from Public Documents,” Hartford, 
 1815, second edition. This work 
 contains a list of 1,400 captures of 
 British vessels during that war. 
 
TREATY OF PEACE RATIFIED. 
 
 337 
 
 was ratified by the President and Senate, The British forces then 
 evacuated the United States. 89 
 
 Before the result of those negotiations became known, a few hostile 
 encounters took place at sea. On the 26th of January, the American 
 privateer Chasseur, after a sharp action of fifteen minutes, captured the 
 British schooner St. Laurence by boarding. Later still, His Majesty’s 
 ship Penguin fell in with the United States ship Hornet Captain 
 Biddle, and after a resolute resistance, and a loss of 32 men, she surren¬ 
 dered to the Americans. 90 While Commodore Stewart was having a cruise 
 in 1815, 01 and on the 20th of February, the British ship Cyane, 34 guns, 
 with 185 men, and a sloop of war Levant, 21 guns and 156 men, hove 
 in sight. Both vessels were chased by the Constitution, which mounted 
 44 guns. The latter ship took up a position, at some distance from the 
 British vessels, then ranged in a line to receive their opponents. The 
 American crew were distributed in two separate' divisions ; the one on 
 the forecastle directing its fire against the Levant, Captain the Hon. 
 George Douglas commander, while that on the quarterdeck fired on the 
 Cyane, Captain Gordon Falcon commander. About 6 hours and 5 minutes, 
 p.m., the Constitution came to close quarters, and the action was com¬ 
 menced by broadsides, both the British ships supporting their enemy’s 
 fire for 15 minutes with great spirit. That naval engagement lasted 
 for forty minutes, when the C} 7 ane struck her colours, fired a gun, and 
 surrendered. Then the Levant wore off before the wind. Having 
 taken possession of her consort, Captain Stewart gave chase to the 
 Levant. She then hove to, and exchanging broadsides, having fired 
 on the Constitution when closed upon, the Levant also surrendered, at 
 10 p.m. In this engagement, Captain Stewart lost 3 men in killed and 
 12 wounded, while the British loss was 35 killed and 42 wounded. 92 
 
 89 See “ History of the United 
 States from their first Settlement as 
 Colonies, to the close of the War 
 with Great Britain in 1815.” On the 
 American side, one of the most valu¬ 
 able and comprehensive collections is 
 John Brannan’s “ Official Letters of 
 the Military and Naval Officers of 
 the United States During the War 
 with Great Britain,” Washington, 
 1823. 
 
 90 See James, chap, xx., pp. 480 
 to 499. Also Appendix, Nos. Ill, 
 112, pp. cc. to ccv. 
 
 91 In 1814 Stewart wedded Delia 
 Tudor, the most beautiful and accom¬ 
 plished lady in Boston Leaving his 
 bride to fight his country’s battles, 
 and asking her what wedding gift he 
 should bring her back, she replied, 
 “ Bring me back a British frigate.” 
 This mandate he more than fulfilled, 
 having brought two captured vessels 
 
 into the port of Boston. Miss Tudor, 
 whom he married, was the daughter 
 of Judge William Tudor of Boston, 
 who had been among the first to join 
 Generals Washington and Lee ; he was 
 made Aide-de-Camp to Washington, 
 and Judge Advocate-General of the 
 American Revolutionary army—being 
 a great patriot, and an accomplished 
 lawyer. He held rank in the army 
 as Lieut.-Colonel, equivalent to that 
 of Lieut.-General now days. He was 
 remarkable for the extreme generosity 
 of his character, and the penetration 
 of his intellect. Two years before the 
 Revolution broke out, he predicted it 
 and forecast its results. 
 
 92 From 1816 to 1820 Stewart com¬ 
 manded the Mediteranean squadron, 
 and the Pacific squadron from 1821 
 to 1823. He afterwards served as 
 naval commissioner and as a com¬ 
 mander of the home squadron, and 
 
 z 
 
338 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Only one of his captures, the Cyane, with a prize crew, could be brought 
 to New York : for the Constitution was in turn chased by a heavy 
 British squadron, under the command of Sir George Collier. 93 How¬ 
 ever, the Levant was unable to escape from re-capture, which was 
 effected in Port Praya, and in neutral waters, under the Portuguese 
 guns. By superior manoeuvring, the Constitution eluded the British 
 squadron, and proceeded to Brazil, where the prisoners were landed. 
 Afterwards she returned to Boston, with the news of her remarkable 
 success. These achievements of Stewart are ranked among the most 
 brilliant naval victories of that memorable struggle; and when pro¬ 
 claimed, they rendered him most popular throughout the United States. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 4 
 
 War with Algiers—Progress of the United States—Janies Monroe elected Presi¬ 
 dent—General Jackson’s Invasion of Florida and its Acquisition by the 
 United States—Contest about the Admission of Missouri into the Union— 
 Visit of La Fayette—John Quincy Adams elected President—Rise of the 
 Anti-Masonic Party—General Andrew Jackson elected President—Indian 
 Disturbances—John C. Calhoun raises the Question of State Rights—Nullifi¬ 
 cation announced in South Carolina—The President’s Proclamation and its 
 Effects. 
 
 The expenditure during the war had been very considerable, and as it 
 was not yet known how long the outlay might continue, it was found 
 necessary to provide for the further prosecution of hostilities. On the 
 9th of January 1815, Congress imposed a direct tax on the United 
 States of 6,000,000 dols. President Madison vetoed the United States 
 Bank Bill on the 20th of that month. 
 
 During the continuance of the war which was now closed, a rupture 
 ensued between the Republican Government, determined on the redress 
 of certain injuries inflicted, and the Dey of Algiers. The crew of an 
 
 commandant at Philadelphia. He 
 retired from active service, but re¬ 
 sumed in 1859 command of the Phila¬ 
 delphia naval station as senior flag 
 officer. In July 1862, he was created 
 rear-admiral by special act of Con- 
 ress, he being at that time the only 
 man upon whom that high honour 
 had been conferred. Over seventy 
 years of his life had been spent in 
 the service of his country. It was 
 said of him, that he never was de¬ 
 feated, and his naval victories are 
 among the greatest of which America 
 boasts. His services were frequently 
 recognised by Congress, and he was 
 
 given a sword of honour by the State 
 of Pennsylvania. He was very popu¬ 
 lar in his day—so much so that he 
 was seriously proposed for the Presi¬ 
 dency of the United States. But he 
 most positively forbid the use of his 
 name in that connection. Having 
 attained the advanced age, of ninety- 
 one, he died at Bordentown, New 
 Jersey, in November 1869. See the 
 “ Encyclopaedia Americana,” Vol. iv., 
 pp. 596, 597. 
 
 03 See James, chap, xix., pp. 457 
 to 479. Also Appendix, Nos. 108, 
 109, 110, pp. cxcv. to cc. 
 
WAR WITH ALGIERS. 
 
 339 
 
 American vessel had been seized and condemned to slavery. No sooner 
 had the treaty of Ghent been concluded, than the Government resolved 
 that effective measures should be taken to settle the difficulty. Accord¬ 
 ingly, with a fleet of nine vessels, Commodoi*e Decatur was despatched 
 to the Mediterranean in May. After passing the Straits of Gibraltar, 
 his ship the Guerriere captured a large Algerine man-of-war, and the 
 very best in the Dey’s navy. A brig was also taken. Soon the 
 Commodore appeared before Algiers, and forced the Dey to come on 
 board his vessel. A demand was made that he should renounce all 
 future claim of tribute from America; that he should abandon the 
 practice of reducing prisoners of war to slavery, and surrender all 
 Christian prisoners then in his possession ; l as also that he should pay 
 a sum of money for an indemnity. After some negotiation, and in a 
 manner favourable to the Americans, that dispute with the Algerines 
 was adjusted. Certain indemnities from Tunis and Tripoli were likewise 
 exacted. 2 
 
 Emigration now began to set in steadily from distant countries, 
 treaties were negotiated with Indian tribes, and internal improvements 
 followed. On the 11th August 1807, Robert Fulton, 3 distinguished 
 for his engineering and mechanical skill, inaugurated a great revolution 
 in transit by water, and took his improved steamboat the Clermont, 
 from New York to Albany. 4 It afterwards plied as a packet for 
 passengers between both cities. 5 Ocean navigation, begun by Stephens 
 in 1808, was made an assured success by the voyage of the Savannah in 
 1819, and taken from Savannah Ga., to Russia, via England. At first, 
 however, sails were made to do a great part of the work. That same 
 year the Sirius arrived in Cork harbour from America, July 13th. The 
 Sirius was a ship of 700 tons burden, and 250 horse power. This ship 
 sailed from Cork, while the Great Western sailed from Bristol England, 
 on the same day, in 1838. They both arrived in New York at nearly 
 the same hour. Important treaties were entered upon with the Indians 
 of the north-western territories, and those were signed in September. 
 On the 5th of March 1816, Congress imposed a third direct tax upon 
 the States for 3,000,000 dols. In April, the United States Bank was 
 chartered by Congress for twenty years, with a capital of 35,000,000 dols. 
 On the 11th of December 1816, Indiana was admitted into the Union 
 as a new State. 6 
 
 At the elections of 1816, the democratic or anti-Federalist party 
 
 1 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography.” Yol. ii., p. 
 121 . 
 
 2 See the “ Annual Register,” for 
 the year 1815, Vol. lvii., General 
 History, chap, xiii., p. 125. Also 
 Mackenzie’s “ Life of Decatur,” Ap¬ 
 pendix viii. 
 
 3 His father, a native of Kilkenny 
 Ireland, emigrated to Pennsylvania 
 early in the eighteenth century. See 
 
 James Renwick’s “ Life of Fulton,” 
 in Spark’s “ Library of American 
 Biography,” First Series, Yol. x. 
 
 4 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. ii., p. 
 563. 
 
 5 See J. F. Reigart’s “ Life of Ful¬ 
 ton,” Philadelphia, 1856, 8vo. 
 
 6 See L. De Colange’s “ National 
 Gazetteer of the United States,” p. 
 492. 
 
IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 340 
 
 again succeeded in electing James Monroe of Virginia, then Secretary 
 of State, as President, and D. D. Tomkins as Vice-President. 7 Mr. 
 Monroe had formerly served with distinction in the revolutionary war. 
 He was also a man of engaging manners and of an upright character. 
 The Seminole and Creek Indians in Georgia, Alabama and Spanish 
 Florida, made inroads on the white settlers in 1817. A force was 
 mustered, under General Jackson, who marched against them. In 
 various encounters he routed the savages. He also destroyed many of 
 their villages. 8 
 
 The term of Mr. Madison’s presidency came to a close on the 4th 
 of March, in the year 1817. 9 The candidate who succeeded him, James 
 Monroe, was duly inaugurated as President, and destined to serve in 
 turn with great ability. 10 John Quincy Adams was appointed Secretary 
 of State. In his remarkable presidential speech, on the occasion of his 
 inauguration, Mr. Monroe was able to congratulate the country on its 
 prosperous condition, and to suggest wise provisions for its defence, as 
 also for the promotion of its industries. 11 
 
 It being believed that the Spaniards had incited the Indians to dis¬ 
 turbances, in Api'il 1818 General Jackson invaded Florida. He cap¬ 
 tured St. Mark’s, and there hanged two British subjects, who were 
 tried by courtmartial and convicted, for stirring up the Indians to hos¬ 
 tilities, and for supplying them with arms. Afterwards, Jackson 
 seized Pensacola. He then sent the Spanish troops and civil authori¬ 
 ties to Havana. Against these strong measures the Spanish Govern¬ 
 ment vigorously protested, as a gross violation of the neutrality laws. 
 However, the United States Government pleaded, that they were ne¬ 
 cessary under the circumstances. After some negotiation, a compro¬ 
 mise was effected, and one very advantageous to the United States. In 
 February 1819, at Washington, a treaty for the cession of the Floridas 
 by Spain, on payment of 5,000,000 dols.' 12 was brought to a successful 
 issue. In 1821, it was rather reluctantly ratified by the Spanish King. 
 The treaty was concluded nevertheless at Washington, and thus the 
 control of the entire Atlantic and gulf sea-board, from the St. Croix to 
 the Sabine, was secured to the United States. 13 
 
 7 James Monroe received 183 votes 
 of the electoral college against 34 
 cast for Rufus King, the candidate 
 of the Federalists ; while John Quincy 
 Adams, John C. Calhoun, William 
 H. Crawford, and William West were 
 members of the Cabinet during his 
 entire administration. See Appleton’s 
 “ Cyclopaedia of American Biography,” 
 Vol. iv., p. 360. 
 
 8 See Justin Winsor’s “Narrative 
 and Critical History of America,” 
 Vol. vii., p. 406. 
 
 9 He then retired to his estate at 
 
 Montpellier, Va., where he devoted 
 
 himself to study and literature, and 
 
 died in 1836, at the age of eighty- 
 five. See Pierre Lerousse’s “ Grand 
 Dictionnaire Universal du XIX. 
 Siecle,” Tome x., pp. 896, 897. 
 
 p ar is 4to 
 
 10 See William Grimshaw’s “ His¬ 
 tory of the United States,” chap, 
 xiii., Philadelphia, 1822, 8vo. 
 
 11 See the “ Annual Register for 
 the year 1817, Vol. lix., General His¬ 
 tory, chap, xiv., pp. 144 to 151. 
 
 12 See the “ Annual Register ” for the 
 year 1819, Vol. lxi., pp. 170, 176, 234. 
 
 13 See Daniel C. Gilman’s “ Life of 
 James Monroe,” in the American 
 Statesman series, Boston, 1880. 
 
GENERAL JACKSON’S INVASION OF FLORIDA. 
 
 341 
 
 Taking off the western half of its territory, on the 10th of Decem¬ 
 ber 1817 Mississippi was admitted into the Union as a new State ; the 
 eastern half of the former denomination having been erected into a 
 new Territory called Alabama. On the 3rd December 1818, Illinois 
 was brought as a new State into the Union. On the 2nd of March 
 1819, Alabama was admitted into the Union as anew State. 14 Pensions 
 were voted this year for soldiers who had served during the Revolu¬ 
 tionary War. Internal revenue duties were likewise abolished. More¬ 
 over, General Jackson was appointed Governor of Florida, where his 
 firmness and promptitude in restoring order, and in enforcing his de¬ 
 crees, obtained general commendation. Ill-health however, compelled 
 him to resign that office in 1821. 15 Meantime, the United States'be- 
 gan to press France for payment of claims urged by their merchants, 
 whose vessels and cargoes had been unlawfully seized by the Emperor 
 Napoleon Buonaparte. A counter claim was set up by France, for 
 compensation to owners of vessels, on account of alleged infractions re¬ 
 garding the eighth Article of the Louisiana Purchase Treaty in 1803. 16 
 
 On the 15th of March 1820, the State of Maine was formed, and 
 admitted into the Union, although the boundary line from the British 
 possessions had not then been settled. 17 The population of the United 
 States in 1820 was also declared to be 9,638,190. The National Debt 
 then amounted to 90,987,427 dols. The politico-economistic policy, 
 best adapted to increase the revenue and develop the resources of the 
 United States, had been earnestly discussed by representative men and 
 public journalists about this time, and extremely divergent were their 
 views in reference to customs’ duties on foreign manufactures. While 
 the people of the Northern and Middle States were favourable to a 
 high protective tariff, for the promotion of native manufacturing indus- 
 ties and producers; 18 those of the Southern States held different 
 
 14 See “ Dr. L. De Colange’s Na¬ 
 tional Gazetteer,” &c., p. 655. 
 
 13 See John S. Jenkins’ “ Life of 
 General Andrew Jackson,” chap, x., 
 pp. 169 to 172. 
 
 16 See Justin Winsor’s “Narrative 
 and Critical History of America,” 
 Vol. vii., pp. 496, 497. 
 
 17 See Dr. L. De Colange’s “ Na¬ 
 tional Gazetteer,” &c., p. 603. 
 
 18 A very influential upholder of 
 this system was Matthew Carey, son 
 of William Paulet Carey, a United 
 Irishman. Both were born in Ire¬ 
 land, and had been engaged as writers 
 and publicists, before they had emi¬ 
 grated to the United States and to¬ 
 wards the close of the last century. 
 Matthew Carey started a largely cir¬ 
 culating newspaper, the Pennsylvania 
 Herald, which he edited" in Phila¬ 
 delphia, where he married in 1791, 
 
 and settled down to business in the 
 book trade. There too he founded 
 the Hibernian Society. In 1819, he 
 wrote and published the “Vindiciae 
 Hibernicae,” which was an examina¬ 
 tion of charges against the Irish 
 cruelties in the Rebellion of 1641, 
 and which he proved to have been 
 mainly fabrications of bigots and 
 enemies. Besides other works, in 
 1822 he published “ Essays on Poli¬ 
 tical Economy.” Soon afterwards, he 
 issued a series of tracts, in defence 
 of his favourite protectionist theories, 
 He was an active advocate for the 
 promotion of public works, as also 
 one of the originators of the Pennsyl¬ 
 vania canal system, resulting in a 
 most useful scheme for internal State 
 improvements. He died in Phila¬ 
 delphia, September 16th 1839. See 
 “Irish Celts,” by a Member of the 
 
342 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 opinions, as they were chiefly cultivators of the land and of its products, 
 and they naturally desired to obtain articles for general purposes at the 
 lowest prices, or from any country, without undue taxation to foster 
 home enterprises. 
 
 For some time, a contest had been carried on in Congress between 
 the Southern Representatives in favour of admitting Missouri into the 
 Union as a new State, with a constitution recognising slavery, and the 
 Northern Representatives, who opposed such an institution. After 
 much acrimonious discussion, a compromise was at length entered upon, 
 and giving assent to admission ; but with a proviso, that for the future, 
 slavery should not exist in the territories or states, north of 30 deg. 30 
 min. North latitude. On such understanding, the new State was sanc¬ 
 tioned March 6th, and finally admitted into the Union August 10th, 
 in 1821. 19 This result formed an epoch in a subsequent fierce 
 struggle, 20 between the free and slave labour opponents of North 
 America. 21 
 
 In the presidential Message of 2nd December 1823 was enunciated 
 the policy—vaguely and popularly held after the establishment of 
 Independence in the United States—that the American Continents, 
 North and South, were thenceforth not to be considered objects for 
 colonisation by any European power. Moreover it was declared, that 
 the United States should consider every attempt to extend the Euro¬ 
 pean system to any portion of the VVestern Hemisphere as dangerous to 
 American peace and security. Besides, the President announced, that 
 if any European power should interfere with the governments in North 
 or South America that had established their independence of European 
 control, such interference must be regarded as the manifestation of an - 
 unfriendly disposition towards the United States. This celebrated 
 declaration, known as the “Monroe Doctrine,” expressed the dominant 
 sentiment of men belonging to all parties, while it has since received 
 the approval of successive administrations, as also of the foremost 
 publicists and statesmen. 22 
 
 In 1824 the aged French General Lafayette re-visited the great 
 Republic, for which in youth his sword had been so generously drawn. 
 He was received with every demonstration of popular veneration and 
 enthusiasm. 23 On March 4th, in the year 1825, John Quincy Adams 24 
 was inaugurated President of the United States, and John C. Calhoun 25 
 
 Michigan Bar, sub voce. Carey (Mat¬ 
 thew. ) 
 
 19 See Dr. L. De Colange’s “ Na¬ 
 tional Gazetteer,” &c., p. 655. 
 
 20 See Monette’s “ History of the 
 Discovery and Settlement of the 
 Valley of the Mississippi.” Vol. ii.. 
 Book v., chap, xvii., pp. 549, 550. 
 
 21 See Professor J. E. Cairnes’ 
 ■“Slave Power,” chap, vii., p. 181. 
 London, 1862, 8vo. 
 
 22 See George F. Tucker’s “ Concise 
 
 History of the Monroe Doctrine,” 
 Boston, 1885, 8vo. 
 
 23 See E. de la Bedolliere’s “ Vie 
 politique du Marquis de Lafayette,” 
 Paris, 1833, 8vo. 
 
 24 For particulars of his career, the 
 reader may consult the “ Diary of 
 John Quincy Adams,” edited by 
 Charles F. Adams, in 12 vols. 
 Philadelphia, 1874 to 1877, 8vo. 
 
 25 His grandfather James Calhoun 
 emigrated from Donegal Ireland, to 
 
JOIIN QUINCY ADAMS ELECTED PRESIDENT. 
 
 343 
 
 was chosen as Vice-President. This year, the corner stone of the 
 Bunker Hill Monument was laid on the 17th of June, the anniversary of 
 that celebrated opening battle of the revolution. On the 7th of Sep¬ 
 tember, General Lafayette embarked for France in the United States 
 frigate Brandywine. On the 4th of July 1826, and on the fiftieth 
 anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it was a remarkable 
 coincidence that both John Adams of Massachusetts, and Thomas Jeffer¬ 
 son of Virginia—its only two signers who had been chosen as Presidents 
 —died on that same day. On the 13th of September, one William 
 Morgan, who had published a book 26 divulging the secrets of Freema¬ 
 sonry, was abducted from Canandaigua New York, and he was never 
 afterwards heard of; while a general opinion prevailed, that the Free¬ 
 masons had drowned him in Lake Ontario. For a number of years 
 afterwards, this suspicion created a strong feeling of resentment through¬ 
 out the United States, and an Anti-Masonic Party was formed to 
 counteract the progress of Masonry. The Winnebago Indians had 
 become troublesome about this time, and they had massacred some of 
 the whites. In the year 1827, heavy forces were sent against them. 
 They were thus overawed, and they surrendered a number of mur¬ 
 derers belonging to their tribe. A protectionist policy for manufactur¬ 
 ing industry, and at a time when the principles of free commercial in¬ 
 tercourse were little known, had prevailed in the Northern States, and 
 had resulted in a tariff very objectionable to the Southern people in 
 1828. 
 
 After Mr. Adams retired, General Andrew Jackson of Tennessee, 27 
 
 Pennsylvania in 1733, while his 
 father Patrick Calhoun was but six 
 years old at the time of this emi¬ 
 gration. In 1770, he married Martha 
 Caldwell, a native of Virginia, and 
 the daughter of an Irish Presbyterian 
 emigrant. John C. Calhoun was born 
 in Abbeyville District S.C., March 
 18th 1782, and he died in Washington 
 D.C., March 31st 1850. For a com¬ 
 plete account of his political opinions 
 and career, the reader is referred to 
 his Works, edited by Richard R. 
 Cralle, in six volumes. New York, 
 1853, 1854, 8vo. 
 
 26 It was intituled : “ Illustrations 
 of Freemasonry, by one of the Fra¬ 
 ternity who has devoted Thirty Years 
 to the subject,” 1826. A second 
 edition appeared in 1827, with an 
 account of the Kidnapping of the 
 Author. 
 
 27 A full account of this very re¬ 
 markable General and Statesman, 
 whose father—also called Andrew- 
 emigrated from Carrickfergus Ireland, 
 in 1765, and whose mother Elizabeth 
 
 Hutchinson belonged to a family of 
 linen drapers from the same quarter, 
 may be found in his Life, written by 
 James Parton, in three volumes, New 
 York, 1861, 8vo, and in another bio¬ 
 graphy, by William G. Summer, Bos¬ 
 ton, 1882. He was born in Wrex¬ 
 ham Settlement, on the border be¬ 
 tween North and South Carolina, 
 March 15th 1767, and he died at the 
 Hermitage, near Nashville Tenn., 
 June 8th 1845. It does not seem to 
 be clearly known whether the log 
 cabin in which he was born stood 
 within North or South Carolina, al¬ 
 though he speaks of himself as being 
 a native of the latter State. He 
 only received a very defective Eng¬ 
 lish education, in one of the common 
 schools of the country; but this 
 deficiency was in a great measure 
 supplied by a natural shrewdness 
 and sagacity, with habits of close 
 observation, and an inflexible inde¬ 
 pendence of character, which obtained 
 for him the popular soubriquet of 
 “Old Hickory.” 
 
344 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 who had been elected President, was inaugurated on the 4th of March 
 1829. He selected the Cabinet from men not wholly devoted to his 
 policy, and after some differences all of these resigned. In 1830, the fifth 
 census of the United States was taken, when the population amounted 
 to 12,866,020. The Cabinet being dissolved, a new Cabinet was 
 formed on the 19th of April 1831, and this proved to be more in har¬ 
 mony with the President and his policy. 28 
 
 For a long time, the American Government had claimed from 
 France an indemnity for their vessels seized and confiscated, as a con¬ 
 sequence of the Berlin and Milan decrees under the Empire. This 
 demand had been eluded through various pretexts, under the 
 Restoration ; however, after the Revolution of 1830 a treaty 
 was signed at Paris by the Government of King Louis- 
 Philippe, on the 4th of July, 1831, acknowledging indebtedness to 
 the amount of 25,000,000 francs for damages done to American mari¬ 
 time commerce, and from this was to be deducted a remittance 
 of 1,500,000 francs on behalf of French citizens having counter 
 claims. However, this treaty could not be executed without being sub¬ 
 mitted to the French Chambers, having sole power to vote the necessary 
 funds. 29 On the 1st of January 1832, the National Debt of the United 
 States had been reduced to 24,332,234 dollars. A Bill was brought 
 before Congress, to renew the charter for the United States Bank, in 
 the year 1832, and it passed in the Senate and House of Representa¬ 
 tives. However, for a long time Jackson had formed his opinion, that 
 the Bank held too great a monopoly, while its directors were prone to 
 indulge in over rash emissions of paper money and in dangerous specu¬ 
 lations. 30 Accordingly, that Bill was vetoed by the President on the 
 10th of July. 31 
 
 During this administration some Indian troubles occurred, especially 
 on the borders of the Mississippi. The Indian Chief, Black Hawk, 32 a 
 noted leader of the Sac and Fox tribes, had disputed the rights of white 
 •settlers to certain lands. In 1831 and 1832, General Gaines and 
 General Scott moved a force of United States’ troops and militia against 
 them. The Indians were driven back to Wisconsin Biver. There they 
 sustained a defeat, inllicted by General Dodge, on the 21st of July 1832. 
 These disturbances were speedily suppressed, however, by the United 
 States’ troops. On the 1st and 2nd of August following the Indians were 
 completely defeated at the River Bad Axe, by General Atkinson. 33 
 
 28 See John S. Jenkins’ “Life of 
 General Jackson,” chap, xi., p, 118. 
 
 29 See Justin Winsor’s “ Narrative 
 and Critical History of America,” 
 Yol. vii., chap, vii., p. 496. 
 
 30 See M. Le Dr. Hoefer’s “ Nou- 
 velle Biographie Generate,” Tome 
 xxvi., col. 157, 158, Art. Jackson 
 (Andre). 
 
 31 See John S. Jenkins’ “ Life of 
 
 General Andrew Jackson,” chap, xi., 
 pp. 178, 179. 
 
 32 A “ Life of Black Hawk,” edited 
 by J. B. Patterson, and taken from 
 his own account, was published in 
 1834. 
 
 33 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Yol. i., pp. 
 114, 115. 
 
SOUTH CAROLINA PROCLAIMS NULLIFICATION. 345 
 
 Thefr Chief Black Hawk was captured on the 27th of that month, and 
 deposed. For a time he was confined in Fortress Monroe. 
 
 A matter still more affecting internal tranquillity, between the 
 Northern and Southern States, 34 engaged public attention. Congress 
 had passed laws for the imposing of duties and imposts on foreign im¬ 
 ported commodities. The southern people, almost exclusively devoted 
 to agriculture, conceived ideas opposed to the favourite theories of 
 manufacturers and mechanics in the Northern States. These advocated 
 a protective tariff to foster domestic manufactures, and desired to create 
 a public revenue through customs levied from the products chiefly of 
 English manufacturing industry. Such policy had procured various 
 restrictive laws directed against foreign commerce, since the conclusion 
 of the late war with England; and as the taxation for purposes of 
 revenue was found to militate against freer demands, especially for 
 cotton, the principles of Free Trade became most popular in the South. 
 Moreover Jackson was opposed to the measure of a protective tariff, and 
 during his first term of office, several public men had declared against 
 it. llesistance was threatened and nullification of its provisions was 
 frequently proclaimed, especially as the sentiment began to spread. 
 These repeated complaints and reclamations increasing, Congress was 
 obliged to make some modification in the customs then levied, and 
 accordingly the tariff underwent revision; but the alteration was 
 deemed to be so insignificant, that the Southern representatives re¬ 
 doubled their remonstrances, and even their menaces, so that very 
 serious consequences were apprehended. The people in South Carolina, 
 at a public convention in November 1832, declared the acts of Congress 
 to be null and void. Other States in the South had manifested a 
 sympathy with such doctrine and policy, while they prepared to 
 co-operate. Between the Free and Slave States jealousies and misunder¬ 
 standings thus began to prevail. 35 
 
 These sectional differences were greatly promoted by the re-elected 
 Vice-President John C. Calhoun, an able man and a Southern politician, 
 
 34 Mons. Alex : s De Tocqueville ob¬ 
 serves, that almost all these differen¬ 
 ces, which may be remarked between 
 the characters of the Americans in 
 the Southern and in the Northern 
 States have originated in slavery. He 
 adds, likewise, that slavery dishonours 
 labour; it introduces idleness into 
 society, and with idleness, ignorance 
 and pride, luxury and distress. It 
 enervates the powers of the mind and 
 benumbs the activity of man. The 
 influence of slavery, united to the 
 English character, explains the man¬ 
 ners and social condition of the 
 Southen States. See his celebrated 
 work, “ De la Democratie en Ameri- 
 
 que.” Tome ii., chap, x., Paris 
 edition of 1836, 12mo. 
 
 35 In 1831, at a public dinner to 
 commemorate the birth-day of Thomas 
 Jefferson, after sundry regular toasts 
 seemed to indicate a drift of sentiment 
 in favour of nullification, Jackson sud¬ 
 denly arose and gave a toast: “ Our 
 Federal Union; It must be preserved.” 
 Whereupon Calhoun, who was pre¬ 
 sent, promptly replied in a toast: 
 “ Liberty, dearer than the Union,” 
 and this he accompanied with a 
 speech. However, the stern and me¬ 
 nacing attitude of Jackson during its 
 delivery was noticed by the nullifiers, 
 who felt greatly chagrined and over¬ 
 awed. 
 
346 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 but a disappointed candidate for the Presidency. Certain declarations of 
 state rights, in reality anarchial and subversive of Congressional authority, 
 were broached. The Federal Government was warned, that any attempt 
 on its part to enforce the revenue laws should immediately provoke South 
 Carolina to secede from the Union; and accordingly, an ordnance of nullifi¬ 
 cation was announced to take effect on the 1st of February 1833, while 
 preparations for war were at once begun. 36 However, these pretensions 
 were not acknowledged by the great body of the nation. 37 President 
 J ackson took a decided course, when the State of South Carolina assumed 
 a defiant attitude. He issued a Proclamation on the 11th December 1832, 
 in which it was asserted, that the power to annul a law of the United 
 States assumed by one State was incompatible with the existence of 
 the Union, that it was expressly contradicted by the Constitution, 
 and unauthorized by its spirit, while inconsistent with every principle 
 on which it was founded, and destructive of the great object for which 
 it had been formed. Such declaration, and the bold, politic, energetic 
 measures resorted to, overawed the leaders and people of South 
 Carolina. 38 However, Governor Hayne of that State issued a counter¬ 
 proclamation, and it left in Southern minds feelings of resentment and 
 dissatisfaction, which were manifested on many future occasions. A 
 few days afterwards, Calhoun resigned the Vice-Presidency, and he was 
 elected to the Senate, where he took a persistent stand in defending 
 the ordinance of nullification. 
 
 On the 16th of January 1833, President Jackson sent a Message to 
 Congress, deprecating the action of South Carolina, in declaring a 
 determination to nullify certain laws of the United States. To show 
 that he was resolved to enforce the Congressional law at all hazards, he 
 sent a naval force under Lieutenant Farragut to Charleston Harbour, 
 and ordered General Scott to have troops ready for entering South 
 Carolina if necessary. Overawed by this course, when the 15th of Feb¬ 
 ruary came, the nullifiers deferred action. A compromise tariff had been 
 recommended by Henry Clay 39 of Kentucky, providing for the gradual 
 reduction of duties until 1842, after which all duties were to be kept at 
 20 per cent. This measure was approved during that month, and it also 
 enabled the nullifiers to claim an advantage, as also an excuse to retreat 
 from their discredited and unpatriotic position. 
 
 36 On the 14th of November 1832, 
 Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Mary¬ 
 land, and the last survivor of the 
 Declaration of Independence, died 
 aged nine-five. 
 
 37 See M. le Dr. Hoefer’s “ Nou- 
 velle Biographie Generale.” Tome 
 xxvi., Art. Jackson (Andre), col. 
 155. 
 
 38 Nevertheless, a Union convention 
 assembled in that State at Columbia, 
 and it announced an intention of sup¬ 
 porting the President. Moreover, the 
 
 Southern people generally were averse 
 to the attitude of South Carolina, as 
 being both precipitate and unconsti¬ 
 tutional. 
 
 39 For a full account of this eminent 
 man, the reader is referred to Rev. 
 Calvin Cotton’s “ Life and Times of 
 Henry Clay,” in six vols., containing 
 his Speeches and Correspondence, 
 1846 to 1857. A revised edition 
 appeared in 1864. Also Carl Schurz’s 
 “ Life of Henry Clay,” in two vol¬ 
 umes, Edinburgh, 1867, 8vo. 
 
RE-ELECTION OF GENERAL JACKSON. 347 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 Re-election of General Jackson to the Presidency—He refuses a Charter to the 
 United States Bank—Revolt of Texas from Mexico—Election of Martin Van 
 Buren as President—General Harrison succeeds as President—On his 
 Decease, John Tyler the Vice-President assumes that Office—Disputes with 
 Great Britain in Reference to the Boundaries of Maine and Oregon—James 
 Knox Polk inaugurated President—War with Mexico—Victories of General 
 Zachary Taylor—Operations of General Scott—Success of General Kearney 
 in New Mexico and California—Battles of Cherubusco, Molinos del Rey, 
 Chepultapec, and Sierra Gordo—Triumphant entry of General Scott into 
 the City of Mexico—The Mormon and Western Migrations. 
 
 The important and successful stroke of policy adopted by the President 
 was generally approved by the people, and it assured General Jackson 
 a second term of office in 1833. 1 The President had now commenced 
 to manifest a dominant will; while in opposition to the disapproval of his 
 cabinet, and especially adverse to the Secretary of the Treasury, he re¬ 
 solved on a financial measure, the ultimate consequences of which could not 
 then be foreseen. Not satisfied with imposing his veto on renewing the 
 United States Bank charter, the President on his own authority caused 
 the government funds to be withdrawn from its chief office at Phila¬ 
 delphia and from its various branches, to be deposited in several local 
 and independent banks. This course of action caused the United States 
 Bank to restrict its credits and discounts, while the immediate results 
 were to cause a general disturbance of trade transactions, especially in 
 the great commercial cities and centres of the Union. 2 Although John 
 Tyler of Virginia was opposed to the Bank, yet he did not favour Jack¬ 
 son’s assumption of powers, deemed to be incompatible with constitu¬ 
 tional provisions. In connection with this dispute arose the new party- 
 name of Whigs, as applied to the opponents of Jackson, whose adherents 
 were then regarded as extreme Democrats. 
 
 The President’s refusal to grant a new Charter to the United States 
 Bank, and the temporary stagnation of trade that ensued, greatly impaired 
 his popularity with the commercial classes. Especially in South Carolina, 
 but nevertheless for distinct reasons, he was held in extreme aversion. 
 On the 28th of March 1834, the United States Senate passed a resolu¬ 
 tion in which it declared, that the Executive had assumed authority 
 
 1 The returns from the electoral 
 colleges exhibited the following re¬ 
 sult : “ Andrew Jackson received two 
 hundred and nineteen votes, and 
 Henry Clay forty-nine; John Floyd 
 received the eleven electoral votes of 
 South Carolina; and seven were given 
 for William Wirt in Vermont.”— 
 
 John S. Jenkin’s “ Life of General 
 Andrew Jackson, Seventh President of 
 the United States, with an Appendix, 
 containing the most important of his 
 State Papers,” chap, xi., p. 180. 
 
 2 See Sir Archibald Alison’s “ His¬ 
 tory of Europe,” continuation. Vol. 
 vi., chap, xxxvii., pp. 263, 264. 
 
348 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 and power, not conferred by the Constitution and Laws, but in deroga¬ 
 tion of both. However, being inflexible in his resolves, as also con¬ 
 scious of his probity and popular influence, such declaration was dis¬ 
 regarded. On the 15th of April, President Jackson sent a Message to 
 the Senate protesting against those resolutions condemning his official 
 acts. 3 Notwithstanding that derangement of the currency, and the tem¬ 
 porary interruption of trade, a season of prosperity soon afterwards 
 set in, and the public debt was entirely liquidated during the year 
 1835J 
 
 Before this time, the Southern Indians or Seminoles were alleged to 
 have been guilty of inroads against the United States settlers on the 
 borders of Florida. In May 1832, a treaty had been entered into with 
 their chiefs, and in which, upon certain conditions, these Indians were to 
 remove west of the Mississippi. However, after some delay spent in fruit¬ 
 less negotiations, with occasional and mutual outrages by both whites and 
 Indians, some of the latter under the half-breed Osceola or Powell took 
 up arms. Only about 450 men were in the garrison at Fort King and 
 Fort Brooke, commanded by General Clinch. 5 The latter desired to 
 attack the enemy lurking in almost inaccessible swamps, and he sent to 
 Fort Brooke for as many men as could be spared to co-operate in the 
 movement. On the 28th of December 1835, Major Dade and his com¬ 
 mand, consisting of 110 men, set out to join him; but these were sur¬ 
 rounded, and after a long struggle, they were massacred by the Semi¬ 
 noles. 6 Only three of that number escaped. 7 
 
 Meanwhile, the French Chambers had repudiated the action of their 
 ministry, 8 and in 1834, the treaty of indemnification was returned to 
 the United States protested. This action evoked a menacing Message 
 from the President, towards the close of that year; and he declared, that 
 if the Chambers did not revoke their decision in the following session, 
 war between both countries must ensue. He was asked authorization 
 from Congress, to seize upon the property of French citizens in the 
 United States that amount of 25,000,000 of francs specified in the treaty 
 of 1831, and in the meantime to provide prudently for future eventu- 
 alties. However, to avoid a war—likely to prove disastrous for both 
 countries—both the Senate and the House of Representatives recom¬ 
 mended more patient diplomacy to settle those differences. Offended by 
 the action of the President, the French government had recalled their 
 ambassador at Washington, and had also offered his passports to the 
 American Ambassador in Paris. However, the latter remained to effect 
 his object through a pacific negotiation. On this subject the President 
 felt extreme irritation, and had repeatedly signified his intention of 
 
 3 See John S. Jenkin’s “ Life of 
 General Andrew Jackson,” chap, xi., 
 p. 184, and Appendix, Note c., pp. 
 245 to 263. 
 
 4 See ibid. p. 185. 
 
 5 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. i., p. 658. 
 
 6 See ibid. Vol. ii., p. 53. 
 
 7 See Justin Winsor’s “Narrative 
 and Critical History of America,” 
 Vol. vii., chap, vi., pp. 406, 407. 
 
 8 See Henri Martin’s “ Histoire de 
 Franc' 1 lepuis 1789, jusqu’a nos 
 Jours,* Tome v., chap, iii., p. 79. 
 
1JKVOLT OF TEXAS FROM MEXICO. 349 
 
 proceeding to extremities, if the United States claims were much 
 longer resisted. 9 On the 15th of January 1836, President Jackson 
 transmitted his French Indemnification Message to Congress. His 
 demand was presented anew to the French Cabinet. For nearly two 
 years of suspended diplomatic relations, an open rupture had been anti¬ 
 cipated, 10 Prudential considerations at length prevailed, and the 
 .25,000,000 of francs was voted by the French Chambers, on condition 
 that Jackson’s offensive expressions towards France were withdrawn. 
 Accordingly, explanations and a qualified retractation were afforded. 
 But for the spirit of conciliation evinced by both the American Houses, 
 and especially by the Senate, this dispute might have brought about the 
 most serious complications. 11 
 
 One of those ardent spirits, who usually have to bear with persecu¬ 
 tion and contumely for the prosecution of philanthropic movements in 
 advance of their time, William Lloyd Garrison had begun the advocacy of 
 slavery abolition in Massachusetts and throughout the Northern States. 12 
 Through the press and from the platform agitation spread. Nor did his 
 efforts cease, until he lived to see them crowned with complete success. 13 
 
 In March 1835, Texas revolted from Mexico, and declared its irnle- 
 pendence, 14 chiefly through the agency of Southern American settlers and 
 sympathisers, who wished to draw her into the Union, in order to con- 
 solidate more the slave-power. General Samuel Houston, of Northern 
 Irish descent, was chosen as Commander of the Texan bands, and soon 
 these were brought into collision with the army of General Antonio Lopea 
 de Santa Anna, the Mexican President. 15 On the 21st of April, a battle 
 
 6 When Dr. Richard Robert Madden 
 visited him January 1835, at the 
 White House in Washington, this 
 topic of conversation was introduced. 
 ■’ When the President warmed on 
 this subject he said:—‘I thought 
 myself done with the sword, and 
 never likely to unsheath it more. 
 But, if things come to the worst, and 
 we are forced into war, 1 am quite 
 ready to take the field again as I 
 was when younger, to walk over— 
 the invaders of our soil—at New 
 Orleans.” The veteran lost his stoop 
 for a few seconds, his eyes brightened, 
 and his grey hairs, it seemed to me, 
 bristled up momentarily, as he 
 stumbled forward a few paces from 
 the fireplace repeating the words— 
 “ Just as ready as ever to walk over 
 any enemy of my country.” This 
 explosion of the expiring energies of 
 an old soldier was perfectly natural 
 in its enthusiasm, there was no affec¬ 
 tation in it.”—“ Memoirs (chiefly 
 autobiographical) from 1798 to 1886,” 
 edited by his son, Thomas More 
 
 Madden, M.D., F.R.C.S.E., chap, 
 xvi., p. 96. London, 1891, 8vo 
 
 10 See Justin Winsor’s “ Narrativ« 
 and Critical History of America,” 
 Vol. vii., chap, vii., pp. 494 to 497, 
 
 11 See Michaud’s “ Biographie Uni- 
 verselle, Ancienne et Moderne,” Tome 
 xx., Art. Jackson (Andre), pp. 445, 
 446. 
 
 12 See “William Lloyd Garrison and 
 his Times; or Sketches of the Anti- 
 Slavery Movement in America, and of 
 the Man who was its Founder and 
 Moral Leader,” by Oliver Johnson, 
 with an Introduction, by J G. Whit¬ 
 tier, as also a Portrait. London, 8vo. 
 
 13 William Lloyd Garrison was born 
 in Newberryport Mass., December 
 10th 1805, and he died in New York 
 City, May 24th 1879. 
 
 14 See Justin Winsor’s “ Narrative 
 and Critical History of America,” 
 Vol. vii., chap, vii., p. 505. 
 
 15 General Thomas J. Rusk was 
 Secretary of JVar to the Republic of 
 Texas during the Revolution of 1835- 
 6, and he was subsequently the first 
 
350 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 was fought at San Jacinto, in Texas. The Mexicans were defeated, and 
 Santa Anna was made prisoner. His captors wrung from him an acknow¬ 
 ledgment of Texan independence. This opened the way for regular 
 diplomatic relations with the United States. 113 Soon a party favourable 
 to annexation was there formed, especially in the South, and John C. 
 Calhoun became the chief leader of the aggressive annexationists. 17 On 
 the 15th of June 1836, Arkansas was admitted as a new State into the 
 Union. 18 
 
 When the year 1836 came, the friends of the existing administra¬ 
 tion were enabled to elect Martin Van Buren 19 of New York, eighth 
 President of the United States, especially as he had been opposed by no 
 less than three different candidates. 20 He was put forward as a northern 
 man with southern principles, and this announcement rendered him 
 acceptable to the Slave States. On the 26th of January 1837, Michigan 
 was admitted as a new State into the Union. General Jackson retiring 
 into private life 21 on the 4th of March, Martin Van Buren was 
 inaugurated as President. The deposits of United States revenue had 
 been placed in the custody of selected banks since 1833 ; and these had 
 been used too freely, with a view to foster trade, but in reality to 
 stimulate still more private speculation. The State Banks became insol¬ 
 vent also in many instances about this time, and commercial failures 
 were very severely felt. 22 The fiscal embarrassments of the government 
 now urged the President to develop his idea of an independent Treasury 
 for the safe-keeping and disbursement of the public moneys. He suc¬ 
 ceeded in procuring the assent of Congress to this radical measure. 
 
 Chief Justice of the Republic. He 
 was the Commanding General of the 
 Republic at one time, and partici¬ 
 pated in a number of battles during 
 the years of the Republic. Rusk was 
 President of the Constitutional Con¬ 
 vention of Texas in 1845, and he was 
 (three times elected to the United 
 States Senate. He was the son of 
 Irish parents, who lived near Green¬ 
 ville, South Carolina. 
 
 16 See Appleton’s “Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. v., pp. 
 393, 394. 
 
 17 See Horace Greeley’s “ American 
 Conflict,” chap. xii. 
 
 18 See L. de Colange's “National 
 Gazetteer of the United States,” &c., 
 
 p. 81. 
 
 19 His Life has been written by 
 William H. Holland, and published 
 at Hartford, 1835, and also in German 
 by Francis J. Grund and by William 
 Emos, pubished at Washington, the 
 same year; another biography was 
 written by David Crockett, and pub¬ 
 lished at Philadelphia in 1836, and 
 
 one by William L. McKenzie pub¬ 
 lished at Boston in 1840. As he died 
 on the 24th of July 1862, the fore¬ 
 going are imperfect narratives; but 
 soon after his death, a Life of him 
 was written by Allen Butler, and 
 published in New York, 1862. The 
 most complete biography is that of 
 Edward M. Shepard, published in 
 Boston, 1888. 
 
 20 These were William H. Harrison, 
 Hugh L. White, and Daniel Webster. 
 In the electoral college he had a ma¬ 
 jority of 57 votes. 
 
 21 Before doing so, he issued a 
 Farewell Address to his fellow citi¬ 
 zens of the United States, which 
 enters upon a defence of his financial 
 policy, and which offers many other 
 wise suggestions for the government 
 of the Republic. See John S. Jenkins’ 
 “ Life of General Andrew Jackson,” 
 &c. Appendix, Note d., pp. 264 to 
 286. 
 
 22 See Sir Archibald Alison’s “ His¬ 
 tory of Europe,” continuation, Vol. 
 vi., chap, xxxvii., pp. 264 to 271. 
 
ELECTION OF GENERAL HARRISON AS PRESIDENT. 
 
 351 
 
 During Martin Van Buren’s administration, some disputes occurred 
 •with Great Britain in reference to those political and religious difficulties 
 which led to the Canadian rebellion, chiefly directed by a brilliant young 
 leader, Louis Joseph Papineau, SpeakeroftheHouseof Assembly. 23 Bands 
 of insurgents were assembled, but towards the close of 1837 they were 
 dispersed, and their commander William Lyon Mackenzie 24 fled to the 
 United States. A body of American sympathisers had been established 
 On Navy Island, Lake Erie. The loyalists of Canada sailed to Fort Schlos- 
 ser, and there under its guns cut out an American vessel, the steamer 
 Caroline, which on capture was sent adrift over the Falls of Niagara. An 
 American citizen was killed during that capture. The United States 
 government protested against such an invasion of its territory during a 
 time of peace. The British ambassador at Washington sought to justify 
 it as an act of self-defence, and for that act his government assumed 
 responsibility. So the matter rested until 1840, when one McLeod 
 boasted in New York, that he had been engaged in such transaction, 
 and he was then arrested by the authorities, as also charged -with the 
 murder. Afterwards, the British minister demanded his release. The case 
 led to a correspondence between Lord Ashburton and Daniel Webster. 25 
 Under the presidency of William Henry Harrison, that dispute was 
 finally settled, the Attorney-General of the United States having entered 
 a nolle prosequi in the Supreme Court of New York. 26 In 1840, the 
 sixth census of the United States returned their population at 
 17,069,453. 27 
 
 Towards the close of 1840, General Harrison of Ohio was elected 
 President, and John Tyler 2S of Virginia, Vice-President. On the 4th of 
 March 1841, the term of General Harrison’s administration commenced, 
 and on the 4th of April—just one month after his inauguration— 
 the President died in his sixty-ninth year. By a provision of the United 
 States Constitution, John Tyler succeeded in'“that office, and thus he 
 completed the term of four years. 29 A measure for the establishment of 
 a new national bank was vetoed by Tyler, to the great disappointment 
 and alienation of his supporters among the Whig party. 30 A rectification 
 of the north-eastern frontier of Maine, 31 which had been disputed between 
 
 23 See Appleton’s "Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. iv., pp. 
 642, 643. 
 
 24 See for an account of him in 
 Charles Lindsey’s “ Life and Times of 
 McKenzie,” Toronto, 1863. 
 
 25 See the “Life and Works of 
 Daniel Webster,” Vol. vi , pp. 292 
 to 303. 
 
 26 See Justin Winsor’s “Narrative 
 and Critical History of America,” 
 Vol. vii., chap, vii., p 494, n.s., and 
 Vol. viii , chap, iii , pp 151 to 161. 
 
 27 See L. de Colange’s “National 
 Gazetteer of the United States,” &c., 
 pp. 38, 39. 
 
 28 He was of Irish descent. For 
 detailed notices, the reader may con¬ 
 sult Lyon Gardiner Tyler’s “ Letters 
 and Times of the Tylers,” in two 
 volumes, Richmond, 1884, 1885, 8vo. 
 
 29 See Joseph Irving’s “Annals of 
 Our Time,” p. 32. London, 1869, 8vo. 
 
 30 See S. M. Maury’s “ Statesmen of 
 America in 1846,” p. 119. London, 
 1847, 8vo. 
 
 3 'See the American views on this 
 question ably urged in “ Right of the 
 United States of America, to the 
 North-Eastern Boundary claimed by 
 them.” Revised by Albert Gallatin, 
 New York, 1840, 8vo. 
 
352 
 
 irish-american history of the united states. 
 
 the United States and Great Britain threatened for a time to be serious ; 
 however, these differences were finally adjusted. Sir Robert Peel, 
 then prime minister of England, selected Lord Ashburton for a pacific 
 mission, and he proceeded to America early in 1842. The right of 
 searching ships on the high seas was then abrogated, while the Americans 
 obtained about seven-twelfths of the disputed territory, and the British 
 only five-twelfths. The Hon. Daniel Webster carried on the negotiation 
 as plenipotentiary on the part of the United States. 32 On the 9th of 
 August that same year, the Ashburton Treaty was formally concluded 
 at Washington, and it settled that vexed boundary question. 33 
 
 In consequence of strong remonstrances, addressed by some of the 
 Catholic Bishops of the United States, against obliging the children of 
 their communion to read the Protestant Bible in the public schools, a 
 bigoted feeling was aroused among the different sects, and from the 
 pulpit and in the press it was very generally represented that the Catholics 
 desired to exclude the Scriptures altogether from those institutions. 
 Anti-religious riots took place in Philadelphia during May 1844; 
 Catholic churches, institutions and houses were burned down by an 
 infuriated mob, while bloody collisions took place in the streets between 
 them and the defenders. 34 The excitement spread also to New York, 
 where agitation commenced. 35 The so-called Native American Party 
 was now organized, with hatred to Catholicity and especially of the 
 Irish Catholics as its basis. However, energetic and resolute measures 
 were taken by Mayor Morris of New York to quell disturbances there, 
 and these were happily successful. 
 
 Once more between Great Britain and the United States, disputes 
 arose in reference to the rectification of a boundary line on the Oregon 
 territory. 36 About this time, the United States government had fitted 
 
 32 See “ Life of Henry John Temple, 
 Viscount Palmerston ; with selections 
 from his Correspondence,” by the 
 late Rt. Hon. Sir Henry Lytton 
 Bulwer (Lord Darling), Vol. iii., 
 edited by the Hon. Evelyn Ashley, 
 chap, ii., p. 62. London, 1870 et stq. 
 8 vo. 
 
 33 See Sir Archibald Alison’s “ His¬ 
 tory of Europe,” continuation, Vol. 
 vii., chap, xli., pp. 91 to 96. 
 
 34 At this time, the Catholic Bishop 
 of Philadelphia, Rt. Rev. Francis 
 Patrick Kenrick, intervened with 
 counsels of wisdom and moderation 
 to quell those riots. 
 
 35 In New York, the Rt. Rev John 
 Hughes Catholic Bishop, a man of 
 great decision and firmness, approved 
 of the Catholic citizens defending 
 their own lives and property, if law 
 and the executive authorities could not 
 avail. This approval was exceeded, 
 
 however, when a large Irish society, 
 with divisions throughout the city, 
 had resolved, that in case a single 
 church was attacked, buildings should 
 be fired in all parts, and that New 
 York should be involved in a general 
 conflagration. This menace had the 
 effect of preventing further outrages 
 there; but, in various other places, 
 very bad feeling and scandalous 
 actions were manifested. See John 
 Gilmary Shea’s “ History of the Ca¬ 
 tholic Church within the Limits of 
 the United States,” Vol. iv., Book 
 i., chap, ii., and Book ii., chap. i. 
 
 36 For some useful information on 
 this subject see Dunn’s “ History of 
 the Oregon Terrtorv and British 
 North-American Fur Trade, with Ac¬ 
 count of the Habits and Customs of 
 the Native Tribes with Specimens of 
 their Language,” large map affixed, 
 published in the year 1844, 8vo. 
 
Daniel Webster 
 
 Secretary of State. 
 
 James Knox Polk, 
 Eleventh President of the US. 
 
 mm 
 
 
 
 
 
 v •- 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
 Jr/// 
 
 t fE&rti 
 
 M S4 
 
 }: 5 , r -/J 
 
 VZ7///\/ 7Vz.if/?, 
 
 Tenth President of the US. 
 
 William Henry Harrison, 
 
 Ninth President of the US. 
 

DISPUTES WITH GREAT BRITAIN. 
 
 353 
 
 out an expedition to examine and report on the topography and resources 
 of the distant western regions subject to their authority. 37 Several years 
 previous, a convention had been arranged between Great Britain and 
 the United States, that the whole of Oregon territory should be open 
 to settlers from both countries; but, this state of affairs then led to the 
 inconvenience of not knowing to which government allegiance was really 
 owing. Especially from 1842, great numbers of hardy adventurers from 
 the States began to penetrate those wild tracts of country in quest of 
 settlements; and in 1843, the President was constrained to notify the 
 British Government, that he was about to end an existing state of joint 
 occupancy, and that a fixed boundary line should be formed. Feeling then 
 ran high among the people of the United States, with regard to the line 
 of demarcation in Oregon; and this was strongly set forth, especially in 
 the Democratic journals, and by defiant leaders of that party. The 
 citizens and emigrants of Irish birth were particularly insistent on a 
 demand, which they hoped might lead to a declaration of war between 
 Great Britain and the Republic. 38 These difficulties were arranged, 
 however, by the Earl of Aberdeen, who sent out a proposal for com¬ 
 promise, and on terms favourable to America in 18 16. 39 On the 28th 
 of December 1846, Iowa was admitted as a new State into the Union. 40 
 
 On the 4th of March 1845, James Knox Polk 41 of Tennessee was 
 inaugurated as the eleventh President of the United States. 
 Texas 42 having revolted from Mexico, the new administration re¬ 
 solved on receiving it as a slave State into the Union. Mexico pro¬ 
 tested against this proceeding, but in vain. When Congress met in 
 December, there was a Democratic majority in both houses. As Texas 
 pressed for admission into the Union, the President declared in his 
 Message, that its annexation was a matter which only concerned its 
 people and those of the United States. Again, Congress was informed, 
 that the American army under General Zachary Taylor 43 had been 
 ordered to occupy the western bank of Nueces River, beyond which 
 Texas had never hitherto exercised jurisdiction. Wherefore, on the 
 29th of December, 1845, Texas was admitted as a new State into the 
 
 37 A very interesting account of it 
 mav be found in F. C. Fremont’s 
 “ Narrative of the Exploring Expe¬ 
 dition to the Rocky Mountains in 
 1842, and to Oregon and North Cali¬ 
 fornia, in the Years 1843-44.” Lon¬ 
 don, 1846, 8vo. 
 
 38 The author, who was then living 
 in the United States, had a good 
 opportunity for knowing the univer¬ 
 sality and intensity of such senti¬ 
 ment. 
 
 39 See Sir Archibald Alison’s “His¬ 
 tory of Europe,” continuation, Yol. 
 fi,, chap, xli., pp. 96 to 100. 
 
 40 See L. de Colange’s “ National 
 
 Gazetteer of the United States,” &c., 
 p. 497. 
 
 41 He was of Irish descent, and after 
 his death, June 15th 1849, appeared 
 “ James Knox Polk,” by John S. 
 Jenkins, Buffalo, 1850. 
 
 42 For an interesting description of 
 this extensive State, the reader is 
 referred to the Abbe Emanuel Dome- 
 nech’s “ Seven Years’ Residence in 
 the Great Deserts of North America,” 
 two vols. Illustrated with 58 wood- 
 cuts. London, 1860, 8vo. 
 
 43 The Life of General Taylor has 
 been written by Joseph R. Fry and 
 Robert T. Conrad, published at Phila¬ 
 delphia, 1848. 
 
 2 A 
 
354 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Union. 44 Two days later, an Act was passed, which extended the 
 United States revenue system over that doubtful territory beyond the 
 Nueces. This was regarded as tantamount to a declaration of war 
 against Mexico. 
 
 Accordingly, General Taylor marched from Corpus Christi, on the 
 8th March 1846, with an army of 4,000 men. lie advanced to the 
 banks of the Rio Grande opposite Metamoras, and there made pro¬ 
 vision for the defence of Fort Brown, which was regularly intrenched. 
 Refusing to leave that position, the Mexican General Arista 45 crossed 
 the river below Fort Brown, with a force estimated at 6,000 regular 
 troops, ten pieces of artillery, and a number of auxiliaries. Meantime, 
 General Taylor had marched to Point Isabel, in order to obtain 
 additional supplies. When the Mexicans 46 were reported to be in his 
 front, General Taylor halted his men, and calling a council of war, he 
 resolved to give battle early on the next day. However, dense copses 
 of thorn-bushes, called chaparrel, covered the Mexican position, and 
 greatly impeded the movements of the attacking force. It was only at 
 night on the 8th of May, and after a stubborn resistance, that the com¬ 
 mander of the United States forces won that well-contested battle at 
 Palo Alto. The enemy then retired, and took up a strong position on 
 the day succeeding at Resaca de la Palma. 47 Again, General Taylor 
 advanced, and in the afternoon of the 9th, his infantry opened the 
 attack, by pushing through the chaparrel on either side of the road; 
 but, when the Mexican batteries opened, these checked the forward 
 movement, and did considerable execution. At length, a squadron of 
 dragoons was ordered to charge on the artillery. Then the gunners were 
 cut down at their pieces, and the United States infantry soon rendered 
 victory complete. The Mexicans were said to have lost one thousand men 
 in both of these engagements. Soon afterwards they precipitately re¬ 
 crossed the Rio Grande. During the absence of General Taylor, Fort 
 Brown had been heavily bombarded, and the commander Major Brown 
 had been killed. Soon followed the capture of Metamoras, of which 
 General Taylor took possession on the 18th of May. 
 
 For several months succeeding, the United States forces were obliged 
 to assume merely a defensive position there, until a division of 
 volunteers had been added. A fortified town of great natural strength, 
 called Monterey, was garisoned by 10,000 Mexicans under General 
 Ampudia. In the month of September, having collected 6,625 men of 
 all arms, General Taylor marched against the place, and on the 19th of 
 that month, he encamped before the town. During this period, 
 nearly if not quite one-half of the rank and file among the regular 
 
 44 See “Encyclopaedia Britannica, 
 Vol. xxiii., pp. 205, 206. Ninth Edition. 
 
 45 See Appleton’s “Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. i., p. 89. 
 
 40 See Edward D. Mansfield’s 
 “ Mexican War, a History of its 
 Origin, and a detailed Account of the 
 
 Victories which terminated in the Sur¬ 
 render of the Capital, with the official 
 Despatches of the Generals,” chap, ii., 
 New York, 1848, 8vo. 
 
 47 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. i., p. 
 67 . 
 
WAR WITH MEXICO. 
 
 355 
 
 United States troops were Irishmen by birth; 48 and, among the 
 volunteers, great numbers of their nationality were enrolled, on the 
 breaking out of this war. 49 The position at Monterey was a for¬ 
 midable one, and a desperate assault was led against it, on the 21st. 59 
 This battle ended with signal advantage to the United States troops, 
 yet with considerable loss of men in killed and wounded. 51 After a 
 spirited defence, General Ampudia surrendered by tendering certain 
 conditions, which were accepted on the 24th ; but, the United States 
 government refused to ratify an armistice proposed in the Capitulation. 
 Meanwhile, a new plan of campaign had been adopted, and General 
 Scott 52 was to be sent as Commander-in-chief against Mexico, with a large 
 military and naval force destined to land at Vera Cruz, and thence to 
 march direct upon the capital. He was also empowered to withdraw 
 troops and material of war from General Taylor. The latter was 
 directed to move upon Victoria, and the Mexican Commander-in-chief 
 Santa Anna now resolved to take advantage of his weakened force— 
 only 5,400 of all arms, and few of these were regulars. In tlie 
 beginning of January 1847, the fleet operations being directed by 
 Commodore David Connor, 53 General Scott landed a force on the Gulf 
 Coast, and he then commenced preparations for the seige of Vera Cruz. 
 
 Meantime, General Santa Anna had collected a well-appointed army 
 of 20,000 men, and with these he marched against General Taylor, wdio 
 fell back to a narrow pass, in front of the hacienda at Buena Vista. On 
 the 22nd of February, the Mexicans commenced with some skirmishing; 
 but on the morning of the 23rd, a general assault took place on the 
 position. Throughout that entire day, the battle continued with varying 
 fortune. Repeated attacks were made by the Mexicans, and always 
 with great loss of men. However, all these efforts were foiled by 
 General Taylor, and at evening the enemy retired. Then during the 
 
 48 Among those distinguished as 
 officers was Peter John Sullivan, born 
 in Cork 1821, and who served gal¬ 
 lantly through the Mexican war. 
 Afterwards, he fought in the Con¬ 
 federate war of 1861. When promoted 
 as Brigadier-General, he was distin¬ 
 guished in the battle of Shiloh. See 
 ibid. Vol. v., p. 742. 
 
 49 As the writer of this work then 
 lived in the United States, the facts 
 personally known to him, on which 
 the statement here made is founded, 
 were clearly within his own observa¬ 
 tion and cognizance. 
 
 50 The opening and incidents of this 
 battle, and soon after its occurrence, 
 were described in detail to the writer, 
 by Major Morrison, an officer who 
 was wounded there, and who after¬ 
 wards had been appointed Command¬ 
 ant over the United States soldiers. 
 
 in Jefferson Barracks, State of Mis¬ 
 souri. 
 
 51 Among these, General William O. 
 Butler of Kentucky and a son of 
 General Pierce Butler, who was born 
 in Ireland 1744, fell severely wounded 
 while heading a charge. He was sent 
 home to recover. He joined the army 
 again, and he took part in the cap¬ 
 ture of Mexico. He lived to be 90 
 years of age, and he died August 6th 
 1880. See “Irish Celts,” by a Mem¬ 
 ber of the Michigan Bar, sub voce 
 Butler, Gen. Wm. O. 
 
 52 See “ Memoirs of General Scott,” 
 written by himself, two Vols. New 
 York, 12mo. 
 
 53 He was of Irish descent, and had 
 already distinguished himself in the 
 naval service from 1813 to 1815. See 
 Appleton’s “Cyclopaedia of American 
 Biography,” Vol. i., pp. 707, 708. 
 
356 
 
 IRISH-AM ERICA N HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 night, he returned along the same route by which he had previously 
 advanced. This dearly-won victory of Buena Vista was decided on the 
 23rd of February, 54 and it greatly advanced the military reputation of 
 the United States general. 
 
 On the 9th of March, the United States troops landed at Vera Cruz 
 to the number of 12,000 men. 55 The trenches were then opened, and 
 on the 22nd a mortar-battery began to fire on the city, while the siege 
 guns were brought to bear two days later. The fortress of San Juan 
 de Ulloa was at length reduced. 56 On the 26th the Mexicans capitu¬ 
 lated, and on the 29th Vera Cruz with its garrison of 5,000 men sur¬ 
 rendered to the United States army. On the 8th of April, Scott began 
 his march towards Jalapa. 57 Meanwhile, Santa Anna had occupied the 
 strong mountain-defile of Sierra Gordo, formed by the Rio del Plan. 
 Here, 12,000 Mexican troops were posted. 
 
 The soldiers under General Scott’s command moved forward at sun¬ 
 rise against the entrenched position, on which Santa Anna had drawn 
 up his men. 58 The battle of Sierra Gordo was fought early on the 18th 
 of April, the United States troops 8,500 strong advancing to the attack. 
 At 2 p.m. the enemy was driven from every part of his position, with 
 a loss of more than 1,000 men killed and wounded. In this obstinate 
 encounter, Brigadier-General James Shields 59 displayed extraordinary 
 valour, and he fell most dangerously wounded 60 while leading the 
 Illinois troops. The fortified pass of Sierra Gordo was at length 
 carried. The Mexicans had five generals, with 3,000 officers and men 
 taken prisoners, as also 43 cannon and 4,500 stand of arms captured. 
 Their General Santa Anna then retreated with the rest of his troops. 
 
 In order to reach the capital a mountain range had to be crossed, 
 
 54 See Edward D. Mansfield’s 
 “Mexican War,” chap, iv., via. 
 
 55 See Lieutenant R. Semmes’ 
 “ Campaign of General Scott in the 
 Valley of Mexico.” Cincinatti, 1852, 
 12mo. 
 
 56 In the bombardment, Commodore 
 David Connor's ships rendered most 
 effective assistance. 
 
 57 See “ General Scott and his Staff,” 
 published in Philadelphia, 1848. 
 12mo. 
 
 58 This able, intriguing and enter¬ 
 prising man was born in Jalapa, 
 February 21st 1795, and he died in 
 the City of Mexico, after many vicis¬ 
 situdes of life June 20th 1876 A re¬ 
 volution in 1846 had called him tc tbe 
 chief command of the Mexican Army, 
 and in the December of that year, he 
 became President of Mexico 
 
 59 He was born at Dungannon Ire¬ 
 land, in 1810, and when a young man 
 in 1816, with his parents he emi¬ 
 
 grated to the United States. At first 
 he had to toil for daily bread, but 
 afterwards he rose to distinction as a 
 lawyer and a politician. He repre¬ 
 sented three different States, Illinois, 
 Minnesota and Missouri, in the 
 United States Senate. Adventurous 
 and brave, he had served under General 
 Taylor on the Rio Grande, and later 
 still in the Confederate War. He wus 
 Governor of Oregon, and he died in 
 Iowa, June 1st 1879. A fine statue of 
 him adorns the Capitol in Washington. 
 
 60 At first, he was supposed to have 
 been mortally wounded, as a ball 
 passed through his right lung and 
 came out through his back. A Mexi¬ 
 can surgeon is said to have healed 
 that wound, by passing a silk hand¬ 
 kerchief through it from breast to 
 hack, and thus cleaning it from an 
 internal congestion of blood. See 
 “ Irish Celts,” by a Member of the 
 Michigan Bar, sub vote, Shields, 
 General James. 
 
BATTLE OP SIERRA GORDO. 
 
 357 
 
 as General Scott moved forward in pursuit. The next operation of im¬ 
 portance was the dislodgment of the Mexicans from Jalapa, and here 
 the Major-General of Volunteers Robert Patterson 61 especially distin¬ 
 guished himself in the attack on their position. After a vigorous 
 defence it was carried. On the 19th of April, General Scott took 
 possession of Jalapa. On the 22nd, he entered Perote where a strong 
 castle stood. Afterwards, the large city of Puebla was taken on the 
 15th of May. 62 Here, however, sickness retarded further operations by 
 the United States forces, who suffered much from the climate. Rein¬ 
 forcements were required, before the army could march forward for the 
 city of Mexico. 
 
 Meanwhile a diversion had been planned, to divide and distract the 
 Mexican forces, and in a part of their territory most open to invasion 
 and less capable of defence. A volunteer force had been levied in the 
 Western States, 63 and joined by some regular troops, these were placed 
 under the direction of General Stephen Watts Kearney. 64 He con¬ 
 ducted an army over the plains, through New Mexico and California, 
 during the autumn of 1846. 65 Having established a provisional civil 
 government in Santa Fe, he continued his march, and on the 6th of 
 December, he fought an engagement at San Pasqual, where he was 
 twice wounded. Subsequently, he commanded a detachment of sailors 
 and marines with some dragoons, at the passage of San Gabriel River. 
 On the 8th and 9th of January 1847, he fought a skirmish on the 
 plains of Mesa. For his services in this campaign, he received the 
 brevet of major-general. 66 
 
 In the meantime, General Santa Anna was busily occupied in raising 
 a new army and in fortifying the capital. For this purpose he had 
 mustered 30,000 mm. and he devised with great judgment an elaborate 
 system of fortifications. Nor could General Scott move his army in 
 that direction before the 7th of August. He then marched with 10,000 
 troops by the national road. The Mexicans were in position at the 
 Castle of San Antonio, having the fortified heights of Churubusco be¬ 
 hind them. An entrenched camp had been stationed at Contreras, 
 which was attacked and carried by General Persifor F. Smith, after a 
 
 61 He was born in Cappagh, County 
 of Tyrone Ireland, in 1792. He 
 emigrated to the United States at an 
 early age, and began his military career 
 in the war of 1812. In the still later 
 Confederate War, he was appointed 
 Major-General of Volunteers 1861, 
 over the department of Pennsylvania, 
 Delaware, Maryland and the District 
 of Columbia. See Appleton’s “ Cyclo¬ 
 paedia of American Biography,” Vol. 
 iv., p. 673. 
 
 62 See Lieutenant Raphael Semmes’ 
 “ Campaign of General Scott in the 
 Valley of Mexico,” Cincinatti, 1852, 
 8 vo. 
 
 63 See T. J. Farnham’s “ Life, 
 Adventures and Travels in Cali¬ 
 fornia,” to which are added the Con¬ 
 quest of California. 
 
 64 He was of Irish descent, and he 
 served gallantly in the war of 1812-14. 
 
 65 See Edward D. Mansfield’s 
 “Mexican War,” &c., chaps, v., vi. 
 
 66 Afterwards, he was created Gov¬ 
 ernor of California, from March until 
 June 1847. In May 1848, he 
 was made military and civil governor 
 over the City of Mexico. See Apple- 
 ton’s “ Cyclopaedia of American Bi«- 
 graphy,” Vol. iii., pp. 496, 497. 
 
358 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 contest which only lasted for fifteen minutes, on the 20th of August. 
 About the same time, General Worth assailed the Castle of San 
 Antonio, which was taken. The Mexican troops were commanded by 
 Santa Anna. 
 
 Meanwhile the enemy had a very formidable position at Churu- 
 busco. An attack in general force was then directed against the 
 heights. On the very same day, a third victory was secured by the 
 United States troops. 67 However, an armistice was proposed by Gene¬ 
 ral Santa Anna until the 7th September, to allow of negotiations for 
 peace. Meanwhile, the Mexican General availed of the interval to 
 strengthen still more his defences. Those overtures he proposed did 
 not result in aught save the resumption of hostilities. Operations were 
 commenced by the American army against Molino del Rey, south¬ 
 west from the city of Mexico, where an army of 14,000 had been 
 stationed. General William Jenkins Worth 68 led the attack, which 
 had been made on that position September 8th, at the head of 
 3,400 men. During that assault, Second Lieutenant Ulysses S. 
 Grant 69 particularly distinguished himself for gallant behaviour, and 
 afterwards he was promoted on the field of battle. 70 This position 
 of Molino del Rey General Worth carried, but with a loss of one- 
 fourth the soldiers under his command. 71 
 
 67 In this engagement, and at the 
 head of his regiment, fell Colonel 
 Pierce M. Butler, son to the South 
 Carolina Senator of the Revolutionary 
 War. He was of Irish descent and 
 elected Governor of South Carolina in 
 1838. He was born in South Caro¬ 
 lina, in 1798. See “ Irish Celts,” by 
 a Member of the Michigan Bar, sub 
 voce Butler, Pierce M. 
 
 68 He had already distinguished 
 himself in the war of 1812-14 in 
 Canada, as also at the battle of Mon¬ 
 terey. He was engaged in all the 
 battles from Vera Cruz to Mexico. 
 As Commandant of the Texas Depart¬ 
 ment after the war, he died of cholera 
 at San Antonio', May 17th 1849. See 
 Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of American 
 Biograpy,” vol. vi., pp. 615, 616. 
 
 69 Afterwards, the renowned Com- 
 mander-in-Chief of the United States 
 army that concluded the great Con¬ 
 federate War, and who became Presi¬ 
 dent of the United States. He was 
 bom at Point Pleasant Clermont 
 County Ohio, on the 27th of April 
 1822, and he was of Scottish descent, 
 Matthew Grant having arrived from 
 Scotland, at Dorchester Mass., in 
 May 1630. He was baptised Hiram 
 Ulysses, but he dropped the former 
 
 name when he entered the Military 
 Academy at West Point in 1839. 
 After graduation in 1843, he was 
 attached as Brevet-Lieutenant to the 
 Fourth Regiment of U. S. Infantry, 
 and assigned to duty at Jefferson Bar¬ 
 racks near St. Louis, Mo. He went 
 with his Regiment in September 1845, 
 to serve in Texas, under the com¬ 
 mand of General Zachary Taylor. He 
 participated in the battles of Palo 
 Alto and of Resaca de la Palma in 1846, 
 and in other engagements the year 
 succeeding. See Edward C. Marshall’s 
 “ Ancestry of General Grant and their 
 Contemporaries,” also Personal Me¬ 
 moirs of Ulysses S. Grant,” written 
 by himself, in two volumes, 8vo, 
 1885, 1886. 
 
 70 He was then brevetted to the 
 rank of First Lieutenant. 
 
 71 During these attacks, General 
 Philip Kearney—born of Irish parents 
 in New York 1815—greatly distin¬ 
 guished himself by his gallantry and 
 daring cavalry charges, on the power¬ 
 fully supported artillery of the Mexi¬ 
 cans. In one of these attacks he lost 
 an arm. See “ Irish Celts,” by a 
 Member of the Michigan Bar, sub 
 voce Kearney, General Philip. 
 
ENTRY OF GENERAL SCOTT INTO THE CITY OF MEXICO. 359 
 
 The strongly fortified and wooded eminence of Chapultapec was still 
 held by the Mexicans. Dispositions were made for the assault by 
 General Scott. On the 13th of September, the United States troops 
 were led to the attack by Major-General John Anthony Quitman, 72 
 but they encountered a most obstinate resistance. The conduct of 
 Lieutenant Grant was so highly approved in this assault, that it won 
 for him another promotion, Amid great slaughter, the heights of Cha¬ 
 pultapec were at length carried. That very same night, Generals Worth 
 and Quitman advanced with some forces and stormed two gates, which 
 left them in possession of the capital. The former was the first to enter 
 the city of Mexico. With a remnant of his army, General Santa Anna 
 resigning the presidency afterwards retired towards Puebla. 
 
 On the morning of the 14th, the city of Mexico was thus opened to 
 the advance of the United States troops. Accordingly General Scott 
 marched in with his soldiers, and occupied the national palace. 73 How¬ 
 ever from the houses the citizens fired on the troops, and some street 
 fighting took place. This was soon suppressed, and when order was re¬ 
 stored a contribution was levied on the city of 150,000 dollars, two- 
 thirds of which General Scott remitted to the United States, and this 
 sum was designed to found military asylums. Taxes were also levied 
 to support the army, and a civil organisation was established under pro¬ 
 tection of the t roops. 
 
 The spirit of commercial enterprise, manufacturing industry and 
 railway extensions now began to manifest extraordinary development 
 throughout the United States. Migration of families and individuals 
 from the older settlements to the western territories was specially note¬ 
 worthy, The public lands were entered, and largely brought into cul¬ 
 tivation. Newly formed cities and towns were universally increasing 
 in size and population. Wisconsin was admitted as a new State in the 
 Union, August 6th 1846. 74 
 
 Long before this period, one Joseph Smith, 75 had proclaimed himself 
 a prophet, and pretended he had angelic visions. His doctrines were 
 said to be published in “ The Look of Mormon,” and a Mormon Church 
 was organised in 1830. He also claimed miraculous powers, and soon 
 he had numerous followers. He brought many of these to settle in 
 Missouri, whence they were expelled in 183S by mob violence. After¬ 
 wards, they took refuge in Illinois. 76 There they founded a city and a 
 temple, at a place called Nauvoo. Soon divisions and confusion ensued; 
 popular prejudice was once more excited ; the neighbouring inhabitants 
 
 72 See J. F. H. Claibourne’s “ Life and 
 Correspondence of John A. Quitman, 
 U.S.A., and Governor of the State of 
 Mississippi,” New York, 1860, 8vo. 
 
 73 See Lieutenant Raphael Semmes’ 
 “ Campaign of General Scott in the 
 Valley of Mexico.” 
 
 74 See MacCabe’s “ Gazetteer of 
 Wisconsin.” 
 
 75 He was born at Sharon, in the 
 State of Vermount, December 23rd 
 1850. See “ The Mormons, or Latter- 
 Day Saints: a Contemporary His¬ 
 tory.” London, 1852, 8vo. 
 
 76 See Daniel P. Kidder’s “ Mor- 
 monism and the Mormons,” New 
 V oik. 1812, Sv'ij. 
 
3G0 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 rose in arms against them ; when Joseph Smith and his brother Hiram 
 were soon arrested on a charge of treason. Confined in Carthage, on 
 the evening of June 27th 1844, a band of over 100 ruffians rushed into 
 the jail and fired upon the brothers. Hiram was killed first, and 
 Joseph then fell pierced with several bullets. 77 However, their sect 
 was not to be daunted by these misfortunes; but to the number of 
 5,000 or 6,000, the followers resolved on a project of distant coloni¬ 
 sation. Accordingly, a great migration of Mormons crossed the plains 
 through Missouri, towards the latter part of 1846, and in the earlier 
 part of 1847, to found their new settlements in the Western Terri¬ 
 tories of the United States. These emigrants were under the leadership 
 of Brigham Young, 78 and they selected Salt Lake as the site on which 
 to build their chief city. He was chosen as successor to Joseph Smith, 
 and on the 12th of March 1849, he was elected Governor of Deseret, 
 understood by the Mormons to signify “ land of the honey-bee.” 
 Afterwards it was formed into a State and called Utah. Numerous 
 accessions took place each subsequent year, and soon a large colony was 
 formed. 
 
 Moreover, news having spread abroad, that gold had been discovered 
 in great abundance in the newly-conquered Mexican territories, thousands 
 of the United States citizens began to flock westwards, having resolved 
 to try their fortunes in those hitherto almost unexplored l’egions. 79 
 Numbers were disappointed, however, in the immediate object of their 
 search; yet the energy and enterprise of those adventurers generally 
 found reward in other channels of industry. 80 Besides, those distant 
 tracts of land were settled by hardy and intelligent bodies of immigrants, 
 who soon began to develop the natural resources of those western wilds 
 extending beyond the Rocky Mountains to the distant Pacific Ocean, 
 and who there became the pioneers of progress and civilisation. 
 
 77 See “ The Mormons : or Latter- 
 Day Saints, with Memoirs of Joseph 
 Smith,” London, 1851, 8vo. 
 
 78 He was born in Whitingham State 
 of Vermont, June 1st 1801 and his 
 father John was a farmer who served 
 in the Revolutionary War. Brigham 
 embraced the Mormon doctrines and 
 was baptised in 1832. Afterwards 
 he was ordained an elder, and he en¬ 
 gaged in Canada preaching, baptising 
 and organising missions. In 1835 
 he was chosen one of the ‘‘ twelve 
 apostles.” In September 1839, he 
 set out for England, and emigrated 
 from that country 1000 proselytes to 
 Moraonism. Although polygamy is 
 
 strictly forbidden in the Book of 
 Mormon, and in other publications 
 before Joseph Smith’s death; yet 
 Brigham Young claimed that a re¬ 
 velation commanding it was to be 
 received as doctrine, when he had 
 been established in Utah. He died in 
 Salt Lake City, August 29th 1877. 
 
 79 See “ Travels in Oregon and His¬ 
 tory of the Gold Regions, with 
 plates.” This work appeared in New 
 York, 1852. 
 
 80 See D. T. Armstead, “Gold 
 Seeker’s Manual.” Also, “Four 
 Months among the Gold Finders iD 
 California,” by T. Brooks, M.D. 
 
Za chary Taylor 
 
 Twelfth Pres/ dent 
 of the United States. 
 
 M/llard Film ore 
 
 Thirteenth President 
 ofthe'United States. 
 
 Thomas H. Benton 
 
 Senator of the 
 United States 
 
PUACtt VrUii Hii-UCO. 
 
 361 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 Peace with Mexico—General Zachary Taylor elected President —Ilis Death—The 
 Succession devolves on Millard Filmore, Vice-President—Irish Emigration to 
 the United States—Franklin Pierce becomes President—The Native American 
 Party—Agitation on the Subject of Slavery in the Free and Slave States— 
 James Buchannan’s Presidency—Raid of John Brown in Virginia—Contests 
 in Kansas between the Slavery and Anti-Slavery Parties—Abraham Lincoln 
 elected President—The South declares for Secession from the United States— 
 Formation of the Southern Confederacy—Seizure of the Arsenals, Magazines 
 and Forts of the Union—Proclamation of President Lincoln—Volunteering— 
 The Irish Brigade formed. 
 
 The possession of their capital precluded all hope of prosecuting the war 
 successfully on the part of the Mexicans. Commissioners were now 
 appointed on both sides to propose terms of accommodation. 1 Peace was 
 concluded in February 1848. The cession of a vast territory formerly 
 held by Mexico 2 was the result of a treaty. Thenceforth annexed to 
 the United States 3 was the greater part of that tract of country called 
 California by the Spaniards in 1536. Then, it had been occupied by 
 Indian tribes having separate names and using different languages. 4 
 By the early Spanish Jesuit missionaries, many of those had been 
 Christianised, and several stations had been erected, to wards the close 
 of the seventeenth and in the earlier part of the eignteenth century. 
 Those missionaries were succeeded by the Franciscans and Domini¬ 
 cans. 5 The Bay of Monterey had been selected by the Spaniards, 
 as the chief port of entry from the Pacific, and there a settlement 
 had been formed; but the growth of a white population was slow, 
 even after Mexico had revolted from Spain. The mineral and agri¬ 
 cultural resources of that extensive territory had yet to receive proper 
 development. 
 
 On the 30th of May 1848, the treaty between the United States 
 and Mexico was ratified, when California and New Mexico 6 were ceded 
 
 ' See William Jay’s “Review of the 
 Causes and Consequences of the Mexi¬ 
 can War.” Boston, 1849, 8vo. 
 
 2 See William H. Emory’s “ Report 
 of the United States and Mexican 
 Boundary Survey.” Washington, 
 1857, 4to. This is a magnificently 
 illustrated work. 
 
 3 See John Hayward’s “ Gazetteer of 
 the United States of America,” p. 
 106, Hartford, 1855, 8vo. 
 
 4 See “ Voyage Round the World by 
 \Vay of the Great South Sea.” This 
 
 thick octavo volume, with map and 
 plate, appeared in 1757. 
 
 5 See John Gilmary Shea’s “History 
 of the Catholic Church within the 
 Limits of the United States, from the 
 first attempted Colonization to the 
 present Time,” Vol. iv., Book vi., 
 chap, v., pp. 329 to 357. 
 
 6 Some of the descriptive works of 
 great interest hitherto published on 
 New Mexico and California are: 
 “ Congressional Reports on New Mexi¬ 
 co and California,” Plates and Maps 
 
3G2 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 to the former power. This gave a continuous line of Pacific Coast from 
 south to north, joining Oregon, 7 and reaching to the British possessions 
 in Canada. However, this annexation of territory having come as free 
 soil into the United States, southern passions were once more revived, 
 and John C. Calhoun, although ill and physically weak at the time, 
 still persistently demanded, that the holders of slaves were entitled to 
 emigrate thither and to colonise, without detriment to their fortunes or 
 positions as slave-holders. This policy was resolutely opposed by the 
 talented and eloquent Senator of Missouri, Thomas Hart Benton, 8 so 
 that a hitter contest took place between both of these able adversa¬ 
 ries. 9 
 
 When James Knox Polk’s term of office had expired, the Whig 
 General Zachary Taylor 10 was inaugurated President, and Millard Fil- 
 more of New York was recognised as Vice-President. 11 The subject 
 of slavery extension or repression, in the newly acquired territories, w'as 
 then agitated. The settlers were mostly from the Free States, and in 
 February 1850, they adopted a constitution which prohibited slavery 
 within the bounds claimed for California. This proposal excited the 
 most violent opposition; while some of the very extreme men of the 
 South declared for secession, in case that area for slaveiy extension 
 were restricted. On both sides, discussion became very acrimonious in 
 Congress. It was settled by a compromise however, on the admission 
 of California into the Union, September 5th, 1850, 12 as a free State. 13 
 Having been stricken with bilious fever, General Taylor died, after a 
 short presidency of only one year and four months, and during the term 
 of his administration, on July 5th 1850. Millard Filmore then succeeded 
 in office. 14 The latter had not the advantage of an early education, and 
 he was in a great measure self-instructed, while engaged as an appren¬ 
 tice to a wool-comber; but afterwards he became a lawyer, and a mem¬ 
 ber of Congress. His cabinet was composed of talented and enligh- 
 
 by Lieut. Emory Albert Cook, and 
 Johnson; also, “Notes of Travels in 
 California,” by Colonel Fremont and 
 Major Emory. 
 
 7 For further information the reader 
 is referred to Greenhow’s “ History of 
 Oregon and California.” 
 
 8 See an account of him in Apple- 
 inn’s ‘ Cyclopaedia of American Bio¬ 
 graphy,” Yol. i., p. 242. 
 
 9 Before his death in Washington, 
 April 10th 1858, Thomas H. Benton 
 edited an “ Abridgment of the De¬ 
 bates of Congress from 1789 to 1850,” 
 in fifteen volumes, New York. Sub¬ 
 sequently, Vol. xvi. of this work was 
 published in 1861. 
 
 10 He was opposed by Louis Cass, 
 in the Democratic interest. The 
 latter was bom in Exeter N.H., Oct. 
 
 9th 1782, and he was the son of 
 Jonathan Cass of Irish extraction. 
 See H. R. Schoolcraft’s “ Life of the 
 Hon. Louis Cass.” 1848. 8vo. 
 
 11 He was born in New York, Janu¬ 
 ary 7th 1800. He w'as inaugurated 
 President, July 10th, 1850. He died 
 in New York, March 8th 1874. 
 
 12 See L. de Colange’s “ National 
 Gazetteer of the United States,” p. 
 179. 
 
 13 See “Abraham Lincoln, a His¬ 
 tory,” by John C. Nicolay and John 
 Hay, Vol. i., chap, xviii., pp. 527 to 
 329. New York and London, 1890, 
 et seq. 8vo. 
 
 14 See Fisher’s and Colby’s “ Ameri¬ 
 can Statistical Annual ” for the year 
 1854, p. 19. 
 
THE SUCCESSION DEVOLVES ON MILLARD FILMORE. 363 
 
 tened men; while the policy of peace preservation at home and 
 abroad became their ruling principle, especially by endeavouring to 
 repress internal revolutions in the island of Cuba. These dis¬ 
 turbances were greatly fomented by interested and reckless agencies 
 throughout the United States. 15 
 
 The seventh census of the United States was taken in 1850. when 
 the population was found to be 23,191,074. In the commencement of 
 the last century, the number of people in Ireland had reached to over 
 5,000,000. In 1821, the Irish Census Commissioners gave their first 
 complete enumeration at 6,801,827. In 1831, they stated it at 
 7,657,401. The population of Ireland, as returned by the census in 1841, 
 was 8,196,597. 16 Soon afterwards, and chiefly owing to a succession 
 of famine years, it began to decrease. In the year 1851, the popula¬ 
 tion had been reduced to 6,574,278, while in the year 1861 it had still 
 further decreased to 5,798,967. The total number of Irish, who left 
 the United Kingdom between 1841 and 1851, was 1,240,737. 17 The 
 number of persons emigrating from Irish ports, during the period from 
 1st April 1851 to 7th April 1861, according to the returns obtained 
 by the Registrar-General, was 1,208,350. 18 The vast majority of those 
 emigrants left this country for the United States of America. 19 
 
 On the 4th of July 1851, the corner stone of the Capitol extension 
 was laid at Washington. Meantime, when President Taylor’s cabinet 
 had resigned consequent on his death, Mr. Filmore appointed Daniel 
 Webster 20 as Secretaiy of State, 21 with an exceedingly able staff of 
 co-labourers in the administration. 22 Whatever the wisdom of Fili- 
 more’s course may have been, his great desire was to quell those differ¬ 
 ences of policy that actuated the leaders of party, north and south, and 
 to preserve tranquillity throughout ti e States. One of his earliest official 
 acts was to send a military force to New Mexico, in order to protect 
 that territory from invasion threatened by Texas, and in reference to 
 
 15 See M. le Dr. Hoefer’s “ Nou- 
 velle Biographie Generate, ” Tome 
 xvii., Art. Fillmore ( Millard) cols. 
 697 to 699. 
 
 16 See Thom’s “Irish Almanack and 
 Official Directory ” for 1871, p. 880. 
 
 17 See W. J. Bromwell’s “ History 
 of Immigration to the United States, 
 exhibiting the Number, Age, Sex, 
 Occupation, &c., of Passengers ar¬ 
 riving in the United States, with 
 Naturalization and Passenger Laws,” 
 &c. 1856, 8vo. 
 
 “See “The General Report of the 
 Census of Ireland for the year 1861,” 
 part v., pp. ix., xiii. Dublin, 1864. 
 
 19 Sea the “ Annual Reports and Laws 
 of the Commissioners of Emigration 
 of New York, from May 5th 1847, 
 to 1860, inclusive, with Tables and 
 
 Official Documents,” New York, 1861, 
 8vo. 
 
 20 The “ Life of Webster ” has been 
 written by George Ticknor Curtis, in 
 two volumes. New York, 1870. 8vo. 
 
 21 See Webster’s “Works,” with a 
 biographical sketch by Edward Ever¬ 
 ett, in six volumes. Boston, 1851, 8vo. 
 
 22 These were Thomas Corwin, Sec¬ 
 retary of the Treasury; William A. 
 Graham, Secretary of the Navy; 
 Charles M. Conrad, Secretary of War; 
 Alexander H. H. Stuart, Secretary of 
 the Interior; John J. Crittenden, 
 Attorney-General; and Nathan K. 
 Hall, Postmaster-General. Of these, 
 Daniel Webster died, while Messrs. 
 Graham and Hall retired in 1852, 
 these being replaced respectively by 
 Edward Everett, John P. Kennedy, 
 and Samuel B. Hubbard. 
 

 
 364 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 its disputed boundary. 23 On the '21st December, the Congressional 
 Library at Washington was destroyed by fire. 
 
 Contrary to the approval of Daniel Webster, 24 a number of compro¬ 
 mise measures were introduced, which were intended to tide over exist¬ 
 ing political difficulties. Among the most objectionable, the Fugitive 
 Slave-law was passed and sought to be enforced, although it was most 
 obnoxious to a large portion of the northern Whig party, and to all the 
 anti-slavery men. Its object was to compel the return of escaped 
 negroes to their former masters. Its execution came to be resisted in 
 several instances throughout the free States, and several escaped slaves 
 were rescued from custody of the United States marshals, even with 
 loss of life. 25 
 
 At a subsequent election, Franklin Pierce of New Hampshire 25 was 
 returned by a great majority of votes over General Scott the Whig 
 candidate, 27 and he was inaugurated President, on the 4th of March 
 1853. His cabinet was selected from various sections of the country ; 
 and among the most eminent members of it were Messrs. Marcy, Guthrie, 
 Caleb Cushing 28 and Jefferson Davis. 29 The Vice-President was William 
 R. King of Alabama. For the two first years of his presidency, Pierce 
 was greatly influenced in his policy by the most ardent men of the Demo¬ 
 cratic party ; and thence resulted grave complications with Mexico, as 
 also with Spain, on the subject of Cuba, and moreover with England re¬ 
 garding the Clayton-Bulwer treaty. 30 However, the abilities of Marcy, 
 
 23 See Chamberlain’s “ Biography of 
 Millard Fillmore,” Buffalo, 1856, 8vo. 
 
 24 See “ Webster’s Private Corres¬ 
 pondence,” edited by his son Fletcher 
 Webster, in two volumes. Boston, 
 1856, 8vo. 
 
 25 See Thomas Hart Benton’s 
 “Thirty Years’ View,” the first vol¬ 
 ume of which appeared in 1854, the 
 second and last in 1856. New York, 8vo. 
 
 26 He was of Irish descent, and his 
 father Benjamin had already distin¬ 
 guished himself in the revolutionary 
 war by his courage and services, re¬ 
 tiring in 1784 with the rank of captain, 
 having then devoted himself to legal 
 studies. Afterwards, his son Frank¬ 
 lin, who was born in New Hampshire, 
 November 23rd 1804, became Member 
 of Congress and Senator of the United 
 States, retiring from a legislative 
 career to pusue his legal avocations in 
 1842. However, on the breaking out 
 of the war with Mexico, he volun¬ 
 teered as a private soldier in a com¬ 
 pany formed at Concord N.H. In 
 March 1847, he was created Brigadier- 
 General. He served at Vera Cruz, 
 and took part in the sanguinary bat¬ 
 
 tles fought at Molino del Rey and 
 Chapultepec. At the Democratic Con¬ 
 vention in Baltimore June 1852, he 
 was nominated for the office of Presi¬ 
 dent by that party. He died October 
 8th 1869. 
 
 27 Of the 296 votes, then comprising 
 the electoral college, Pierce obtained 
 254, and Scott only 42. 
 
 28 He wrote a valuable work, 
 “ Growth and Territorial Progress of 
 the United States,” published in 1839, 
 as also many other works. See Apple¬ 
 ton’s “ Cyclopaedia of American Bio¬ 
 graphy,” Vol. ii., pp. 38, 39. 
 
 29 The Life of this remarkable 
 man—the well-known President of 
 the Southern Confederacy in after 
 years—has been written by an ad¬ 
 mirer, Frank H. Alfriend, and it was 
 published in New York 1868, while 
 that by Edward A. Pollard, with the 
 sub-title “ Secret History of the Con¬ 
 federacy,” published in Philadelphia 
 1869, holds him to have been mainly 
 resposible for that disastrous war. 
 
 30 See Thompson’s “ Presidents and 
 their Administrations,” Indianapolis, 
 1873, 8vo. 
 
THE NATIVE AMERICAN PARTY. 
 
 365 
 
 Secretary of State, were successfully employed in composing those difficul¬ 
 ties. 31 In 1854, a large purchase :J territory from Mexico was made 
 by the United States. 32 This same year, the Illinois Senator Stephen 
 A. Douglas introduced a Bill, which virtually repealed the Missouri 
 compromise of 1820, and which provided for the creation of two new 
 territories, Kansas and Nebraska, on the basis of what was called 
 popular or squatter sovereignty, it being intended that the settlers 
 there might determine for themselves whether in the event of their be¬ 
 coming States, slavery should be admitted or excluded. This procedure 
 was favoured by the Administration and by the Democratic party in 
 general, while it was opposed by the anti-slavery party. However, the 
 measure became law in the month of May. The most disastrous results 
 ensued, when Kansas became the scene of disorder and violence. 33 
 Every effort was made by the people living in the Eastern States to 
 despatch immigrants thither, and who would be disposed to vote for 
 free soil; while from the South, and especially from Missouri, the par¬ 
 tisans of slavery moved thither as settlers—many only for a time, and 
 in order to acquire the right to vote on that question. Soon rival 
 legislatures were set up, and afterwards dissolved by armed and hostile 
 bands ; murders and riots succeeded ; at the elections, wholesale frauds 
 were practised, and voters were driven forcibly from the polling places. 
 
 The necessity for explorations and surveys, to ascertain the most 
 practicable route for railroads extending from the Mississippi River to 
 the Pacific Ocean, now occupied the attention of Congress. 34 Sectional 
 differences, with sectarian and party prejudice, began to increase. 
 Jealousy for the growth of a Democratic party, favourable to the con¬ 
 tinuance or spread of slavery, with an increase of the foreign voting 
 element, supposed to be largely influenced by their agents, mainly con¬ 
 tributed, but only for a short time, to the existence of a new political 
 organization. This “ Native American ” party—as it had been called— 
 advocated the restriction of the franchise, and urged that it should be 
 curtailed, so far as it applied to the immigrant population of the States. 
 That party also developed into a secret society, called the “ Know 
 Nothings,” and it selected Millard Filmore as their candidate for Presi¬ 
 dent in 1856 ; but, when that election took place, he only received the 
 eight electoral votes in his own State of Maryland. Still the “ Native 
 Americans ” were mainly actuated by intolerant sentiments against 
 
 31 See M. le Dr. Hoefer’s “ Nou- 
 velle Biographie Generale,” Tome xl., 
 Art. Pierce {Franklin), cols. 124 to 
 127. 
 
 32 See Hubert H. Bancroft’s “ His¬ 
 tory of the Pacific States, Mexico,” 
 Vol. v., chap, xiii., San Francisco, 
 1885 . 
 
 33 See “ Abraham Lincoln, a His¬ 
 tory,” by John G. Nicolay and John 
 Hay. Vol. i., chap, xxii., pp. 393 
 
 to 407. 
 
 34 Valuable Congressional Reports in 
 twelve large quarto volumes were pub¬ 
 lished in 1855, at Washington, and fur¬ 
 nished the most useful topographical 
 statistical and historical information 
 regarding the great Western Terri¬ 
 tories. These volumes are profusely 
 illustrated with maps and engrav¬ 
 ings. They served to lay out the 
 roads and lines of route for future 
 railways, as also to promote industry 
 and commerce. 
 
366 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Catholics; and, through the New England States, it was especially 
 manifested by many aggressive menaces in mob hostility, and even in 
 the perpetration of several outrages. 35 
 
 An effort had been made by the Administration to purchase Cuba 
 from Spain, as urged by the Southern politicians ; and accordingly, 
 President Pierce suggested the holding of a conference by the American 
 Ministers to Spain, England and France, to consider the question 
 at Ostend in 1854. The result of their deliberations was a memo¬ 
 randum addressed to the President and declaring, that Cuba was a 
 necessary annexation for the United States; that it was a duty to 
 prevent emancipation of slaves in the Island; and that if Spain refused 
 to sell it, the United States would be justified in taking forcible pos¬ 
 session. These declarations created great indignation throughout the 
 Free States, and the agitation of that subject was set in abeyance by 
 the Cabinet. 
 
 Most violent and factious quarrels between the free-soil and pro¬ 
 slavery men developed into something like civil war in the territory of 
 Kansas. Governor Andrew H. Reeder arrived at Leavenworth in 
 October 1854 ; but he soon found it necessary to check the endeavours 
 of the Missouri invaders of the territory, designated “ Border Ruf¬ 
 fians,” who claimed a right to vote at the ensuing elections. Mean¬ 
 time, towards the close of 1855, a Convention assembled at Topeka 
 had framed a Free State Constitution, which was submitted to the 
 legal voters, and it received popular endorsement. The Pierce Admi¬ 
 nistration then deposed Governor Reeder because he favoured this 
 movement, which was declared to be insurrectionary. Governor Shan¬ 
 non was appointed to succeed, and he gave every possible countenance 
 to the pro-slavery faction. 
 
 Anti-slavery sentiments and interests soon began very generally to 
 prevail, and the feeling aroused, especially among the New Englanders, 
 came more openly into collision with the inhabitants of the southern 
 slave States. The war with Mexico begun in the interests of slavery, 30 
 and ended in the organization of a free State in California, with free 
 territories belting the continent so far as the Pacific Ocean. This gave 
 a rude shock to the initial dream of a universal slave empire; and it 
 was virtually obliterated, when the failure to colonize Kansas, and to 
 coerce its adoption of slavery by the appliance of Federal power, showed 
 the progressive bent of public opinion. Thenoeforward, nothing was 
 left between the steadily increasing anti-slavery sentiment of the North 
 and the slave systems of the South, but a precarious hold on the Gene¬ 
 ral Government. An almost autocratic control of their own State Go¬ 
 vernments led to the adoption of desperate but most impolitic measures 
 in the South, to obtain an ascendancy over the Free States. Although 
 
 35 Various cases are furnished in the 
 Fourth Volume of John Gilmary 
 Shea’s “ History of the Catholic 
 Church within the Limits of the 
 
 United States,” Books vii., viii., ix., 
 x., xi. 
 
 36 See A. A. Livermores “ War with 
 Mexico reviewed,” Boston, 1850, 8vo. 
 
 
JAMES BUCHANAN ELECTED PRESIDENT. 
 
 367 
 
 & Fugitive Slave-law had been obtained; still, its provisions were 
 annulled or evaded by the Northerners. These were protectionists in 
 principle, for the supposed encouragement of their domestic manufac¬ 
 tures; while the Southerners, being chiefly engaged in agriculture, 
 advocated free trade and a low tariff. The ambitions and jealousies of 
 leading politicians and of journalists tended most to fan the flames of 
 dissension, and to promote those party divisions. 
 
 The Republican party, which was next formed, achieved a great 
 triumph at the opening of Congress in December 1855, when Nathaniel 
 P. Banks was elected as their Speaker in the House of Representatives. 
 That new organization also put in the field its first candidate John 
 Charles Fremont, for the Presidencj 7 , in 1856. 37 Although a native of 
 Savannah Georgia, and educated in the University of Charleston, he 
 was opposed to the extension of slavery in the newly acquired ter¬ 
 ritories, which he had so ably and adventurously explored. In 1850, 
 he had been elected Senator to Congress for California, while he ob¬ 
 tained great eminence in America and in Europe as the result of his 
 published Travels, which were translated into different languages. 
 Millard Filmore was the native American candidate selected. James 
 Buchanan 38 of Pennsylvania, selected by the Democratic party, 39 was 
 advanced however to the Presidencv. On the 4th of March 1857, the 
 inauguration took place. Not long afterwards, the Mormons laid claim 
 to a vast extent of territory around Utah, which they hoped to reserve 
 for themselves. Soon their prophet and governor Brigham Young was 
 brought into collision with the United States officers appointed by the 
 President to regulate affairs in that distant region. He raised troops, 
 and several immigrants were massacred there during the summer. 
 However, the President sent a force of 2,500 troops to quell a threat¬ 
 ened rebellion, and order was somewhat restored. 
 
 A slave named Dred Scott had sued for his freedom on the ground 
 that his master had taken him into the Free State of Illinois. An appeal 
 was taken to the Supreme Court of the United States, and there it was 
 ruled, that a negro could not become a citizen, while Chief-Justice 
 Taney stated, that the authors of the Declaration of Independence 
 entertained the opinion, as negroes were so far inferior to their masters, 
 those slaves had no rights which white men were bound to respect. 
 Moreover, he pronounced the Missouri Compromise Act to be uncon¬ 
 stitutional, because it forbid slavery in the territories north of latitude 
 36° 30', while he maintained, that Congress had no right to interfere 
 with slaves, as these were private property. 40 This decision created 
 intense excitement and indignation throughout the north, where 
 the Abolitionists were in the greatest number ; and it served to spread 
 
 37 He had married the daughter of 39 See Joseph Irving’s “ Annals of 
 Thomas H. Benton. See the " Bncycio- Our Time,” p. 320. 
 
 pa»Ci..i Americana.” Vol. iii., pp. 157, 158 , 40 See “Decisions of the Supreme 
 
 38 He was Irish by descent anu Court of the United States in the 
 
 born April 23rd 1791. He died in Case of Dred Scott v. J. F. Sand* 
 Pennsylvania, June 1st 1868. ford.” New York, 1857, Roy. 8vo. 
 
368 
 
 IRISII-aMERICAN history of the united states. 
 
 their sentiments, through the medium of associations, of the press, and 
 of popular agitation. In 1858, May 11th, Minnesota was admitted as 
 thirty-second State into the Union; 41 and also during this year, the 
 first Atlantic cable was laid between Ireland and Newfoundland. The 
 originator of this great project was Cyrus Field of New York. 42 How¬ 
 ever, the first cable laid was found to be imperfect, and it failed to 
 work ; but eight years later, his persevering exertions were rewarded 
 with permanent success. On the 4th of February 1859, 43 Oregon was 
 organised and admitted as a new State in the Union. 
 
 Meantime, the question of slavery had excited the most violent 
 passions and recriminations between the Free and the Slave States. 
 Having a preponderating influence in Congress, the latter perseveringly 
 sought to enforce the Fugitive Slave Law. The Abolitionists formed 
 associations to aid slaves who desired to escape, and to protect them 
 once they had reached free soil. Moreover, several of the Free States 
 passed Personal Liberty Acts, to prevent the restitution of slaves to 
 their former masters, without the trial by jury of every individu-1 claim, 
 so as to obstruct effectually such rendition. 
 
 A heroic man named John Brown, 44 who had already distinguished 
 himself in Kansas by his ardent zeal to abolish slavery, had there 
 gathered a little band of from fifteen to twenty resolute adventurers. 45 
 With these, his name soon become a terror in the lawless guerilla war¬ 
 fare of that time. In course of those skirmishes one of his sons was 
 killed and another was mortally wounded. During the years 1857 and 
 1858, meditating and conspiring with other abolitionists in the Eastern 
 States, he returned to Kansas, where he headed an armed foray into 
 Missouri, whence he carried away eleven slaves into Canada. But he 
 resolved on a more hardy enterprise. On the 17th of October 1859, 
 having assembled a few followers, John Brown commenced a raid at 
 Harper’s Ferry, with a view to raise an insurrection among the negroes 
 in Virginia. This attempt was unsuccessful, however, and he was cap 
 tured. Having through his energy and personal exertions greatly aided 
 to liberate Kansas from the stigma of slavery, John Brown then paid 
 with the forfeit of his life that stern sense of opposition so long exercised 
 
 with the first rush of emigrants to 
 Kansas, four of his sons moved 
 thither, and when the Border Ruffian 
 hostilities broke out, he followed 
 them with arms and money contri¬ 
 buted in the North. 
 
 45 It has been stated, that while 
 camping out in Kansas, he prayed 
 very fervently, and saw visions; 
 while he believed, that he wielded the 
 Lord’s sword and that of Gideon, 
 also having faith that angels encom¬ 
 passed him. “ One man on the right, 
 and ready to die,” he said, “ will 
 chase a thousand.” See James Red- 
 path's “ Life of John Brown,” p. 48. 
 
 41 See Dr. F. De Colange’s “ Na¬ 
 tional Gazetteer of the United 
 States,” p. 650. 
 
 42 See an account of him in the 
 “ Encyclopeedia Americana,” Vol. iii., 
 p. 38. 
 
 43 See Dr. L. Colange’s “ National 
 Gazetteer of the United States,” p. 
 755. 
 
 44 He was born at Torrington State 
 of Connecticut, in 1800. Having 
 devoted his life to the emancipation 
 of slaves, and having become an en¬ 
 thusiastic abolitionist, eleven of his 
 children were living in 1854; when, 
 
James Buchanan, 
 
 Fifteenth President of the U.S 
 
 Abraham Lincoln, 
 
 Sixteenth President of the U.S. 
 
 
 Robert-Edward Lee, 
 
 Commander-m-Chief of Confederate Army. 
 
 Jefferson Davis, 
 
 President of the Confederate States 
 
ABRAHAM LINCOLN ELECTED PRESIDENT. 369 
 
 against the hated institution. 46 Having been wounded and disabled he 
 was subjected to a form of trial, and before the court having proclaimed 
 his hatred of slavery, he was condemned to death, and hanged on the 2nd 
 December, that same year. Some of his companions were executed a 
 few days subsequent. 47 
 
 The President resisted for a time the admission of Kansas as a free 
 State into the Union. Within that territory the rival parties stood in 
 hostile array against each other, and peace was only maintained, through 
 the agency of United States troops. JSTo less than six Governors had 
 been successively appointed by the President. Two of these had been 
 removed. Three of them resigned their offices, in despair of effecting 
 any favourable issue. However, on the 29th of January 1861, 48 Kansas 
 became a free State, in accordance with the votes of a great majority of 
 its inhabitants. Then the Anti-Slavery party soon drew within its 
 vortex all other political organizations in the Free States, excepting the 
 old Democratic party. Under the name of the Republican party, a 
 consolidated front was opposed to the assumed slavery interests. 49 
 Hopeless disunion spread in the Democratic ranks, and the irrepressible 
 conflict was hastened on, when their convention for the election of a 
 President sat at Charleston and Baltimore in the spring and summer of 
 I860. 50 Dissensions prevailed, and the candidates selected for Presi¬ 
 dent and Vice-President were defeated at the ensuing election in 
 November, when Abraham Lincoln of Illinois 51 was chosen as President, 
 and Hannibal Hamlin of Maine became Vice-President. This contest 
 was a trial of strength between the Northern and Southern States. The 
 latter were foiled and defeated, as a result of the election. 52 The die 
 was thus irrevocably cast, for the agitators of the cotton States had 
 openly declared a purpose, to secede from the Northern States in the 
 event of electoral success in the latter. 
 
 South Carolina was the first of the Southern States to institute active 
 measures for withdrawing from the Union on the election of Mr. Lincoln, 
 and it was the first to decree an ordinance of Secession. On Nov. 7th 
 1860, an Act was passed by its Legislature calling a State Convention. 
 
 46 See “Life and Letters of John 
 Brown,’’ edited by F. B. Sanborn, 
 with Portrait. Boston, cr. 8vo. 
 
 47 See Pierre Larousse’s “ Grand 
 Dictionnaire Universelle du XIXe 
 Siecle,” Tome ii., p. 1324. Art. 
 Brown (John), abolitionniste Ameri- 
 cain. 
 
 48 See L. de Colange’s “ National 
 Gazetteer of the United States,” p. 521. 
 
 49 See President Buchanan’s “ Ad¬ 
 ministration on the Eve of the Rebel¬ 
 lion : a History of Four Years before 
 the War,” chap, ii., p. 48, London, 
 1865, 8vo. 
 
 50 As shown in the Report of their 
 Proceedings. 
 
 51 This illustrious man was born on 
 the Big South Fork of Nolin Creek, 
 in La Rue County, about three miles 
 from Hodgensville, in the State of 
 Kentucky, February 12th 1809. 
 
 52 In 1860, the total number of 
 slaves in the United States was 
 3,953,587. Thus, Kentucky had 
 225,483; Tennessee, 275,719; Mary¬ 
 land, 87,189; Missouri, 114,931; 
 Delaware, 1,798; Western Virginia, 
 12,754; the seventeen counties of 
 Eastern Virginia counted 26,561. 
 There were 29 slaves in Utah, and 15 
 in Nebraska. The total number of 
 slaves in Louisiana was 221,726. 
 
 2 B 
 
370 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF TIIE UNITED STATES. 
 
 On the same day, the United States officials in Charleston resigned, and 
 on the 11th, the South Carolina Senators withdrew from the United 
 States Senate. An election of delegates having been held on December 
 6th, the Convention assembled at Charleston on the 18th, and it passed 
 the ordinance of Secession on the 20th, 03 without a dissenting vote. 
 Commissioners were appointed to visit Washington, and to treat with 
 President Buchanan for possession of the Federal property within the 
 limits of their state, while others were sent to the slave-holding states, 
 to invite their co-operation and to aid in the formation of a Southern 
 Confederacy. Their representatives in Congress had withdrawn, more¬ 
 over, and Governor Pickens proclaimed the dissolution of the Union 
 between South Carolina and other States of the North. Fort Moultrie 
 and Castle Pinckney were soon afterwards seized by the State of South 
 Carolina. 
 
 Abraham Lincoln had not yet as entered on his term of office ; but 
 on the 9th of January 1861 President Buchanan announced in his 
 message to Congress, that the arsenals, magazines and forts of the Union 
 had been seized in some States, although these had not formally seceded. 
 Early in that year, the States of Mississippi, on January 9th, of Florida, 
 January 10th, of Alabama, January 11th, of Georgia January 19th, 
 and of Louisiana on January 26th, practically seceded. 54 Their example 
 was followed by Texas, on the 1st of February. The people in these 
 States seized on all the forts, arsenals, custom houses, and other Federal 
 property within them. Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Caro¬ 
 lina joined that confederacy during the spring and summer months. 55 
 The slave States of Maryland and Delaware were bound to the North, 
 however, owing to their geographical position. The area of these eleven 
 seceding States comprised 767,893 square miles, 56 being about eight 
 times the size of Great Britain. Sympathisers in other States endea¬ 
 voured to aid the movement; 57 however, except in Missouri and Ken¬ 
 tucky—also Slave states—they failed to affect very important co-opera¬ 
 tion. The Southerners seemed desirous of precipitating a civil war, but 
 
 53 See Joseph Irving’s “ Annals of 
 our Time,” p. 434. 
 
 54 See John R. G. Hansard’s “ His¬ 
 tory of the United States of Amer¬ 
 ica,” Part Fifth. The Civil War, 
 chap. li., p. 313. 
 
 55 See Lieutenant-Colonel Fletcher’s 
 “ History of the American War from 
 1861 to 1865,” vol. i., chap. ii., p. 19. 
 London, 1865, 8vo. This work, by an 
 officer of the Scots Fusilier Guards, 
 in three volumes, is admirably illus¬ 
 trated, with topographical plans of 
 the battles during the war from 1860 
 to 1865. 
 
 56 The free population of these 
 States was estimated in 1860, at 
 
 5,581,649, and the slave population, 
 at 3,520,116; making a total of 
 9,101,765. The four other slave 
 states—Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky 
 and Missouri—contained a free popu¬ 
 lation of 2,698,841, and a slave popu¬ 
 lation of 429,441. 
 
 57 See that valuable work, “ His- 
 toiro de la Guerre Civile en Ameri- 
 que,” par M. le Comte de Paris. 
 Tome Premier. Paris, 1874, et seq., 
 8vo. Not only was the author an 
 actor and observer of the war, in 
 which he served as a volunteer in the 
 United States armies, but he had 
 access to the most excellent authori¬ 
 ties for the authentication of his 
 statements. 
 
FORMATION OF THE SOUTHERN CONFEDRACY. 371 
 
 the Northerners wished to avoid it SR ; while many patriotic and wise 
 men on both sides dreaded the results of what appeared to be an im¬ 
 pending and inevitable conflict. 
 
 A convention of the seceded States was held at Montgomery Ala¬ 
 bama, on the 4th of February. There, on the 8th of that month, a 
 constitution for the Confederate States was voted by the Assembly ; 
 while Jefferson Davis'* 9 of Mississippi was elected Provisional Presi¬ 
 dent, and Alexander H. Stephens' 50 of Georgia was named Vice Presi¬ 
 dent of the Confederate States. These leaders in the movement soon 
 assumed all the functions of their respective offices. They resolved to 
 act, without any attempt to have their proceedings sanctioned by a 
 popular vote. Meanwhile, officers in the United States army and navy 
 of southern proclivities tendered their resignations, and prepared to take 
 service in the military and naval organisations about to be established. 
 Recruiting for the army of the South went on with great activity, and 
 a Navy Department was formed. 61 
 
 Actual hostilities had already commenced. Fort Sumter, at the 
 entrance to Charleston Harbour and commanded by Major Anderson, 
 still held out, and Fort Pickens at Mobile was saved by Lieutenant 
 Slammer. Vessels were despatched with troops and stores, to relieve 
 Fort Sumter and other defences at Charleston, so as to prevent them 
 falling into the hands of the Confederates. The militia of the South 
 were ready and equipped, while they assembled from all sides ; the 
 North was comparatively disarmed and taken by surprise, while the 
 President’s irresolution and weakness of character, combined with in¬ 
 sincere professions of compromise and concession, had paralysed greatly 
 the decisions of Congress, as also patriotism and activity among all true 
 lovers of the Union. 
 
 President Lincoln’s inauguration followed on the 4th of March. 62 
 
 58 See Henri Martin’s “ Histoire de 
 France depuis 1789, jusq’ a nos 
 Jours,” Tome vi., chap, viii., pp. 302, 
 303. 
 
 59 This able and ambitious man has 
 written a remarkable work, entitled, 
 “ Rise and Fall of the Confederate 
 Government.” 
 
 60 At first, he had argued against 
 secession ; but his State having re¬ 
 volted, he was resolved on following 
 its fortunes. In appointing him to 
 a provisional and secondary place, it 
 was astutely calculated, that others 
 who preserved any attachment to the 
 union might be rallied under the flag 
 of secession. 
 
 61 The fullest information on its 
 origin and proceedings may be found 
 in the “ History of the Confederate 
 
 * States’ Navy, from its Organization 
 to the Surrender of its last Vessel,” 
 
 by J. Thomas Scharf, A.M., LL.D. 
 Second Edition. Albany, N.Y., 
 1894, 8vo. 
 
 62 A most important historical con¬ 
 tribution, not alone to the life-long 
 actions and services of this distin¬ 
 guished President, but also to the 
 events of the Great Confederate Re¬ 
 bellion has been written, and in an 
 admirable, manner, by John G. Nico- 
 lay and John Hay for “ The Century 
 Magazine,” in a series of articles be¬ 
 ginning in November 1886 and closing 
 early in 1890. In the latter year, 
 these articles largely augmented in 
 matter and fully revised have ap¬ 
 peared, in a series of ten fine 8vo. 
 volumes, bearing for title, “ Abraham 
 Lincoln: A History,” This truly 
 magnificent work has been published 
 by the New York Century Co., and 
 by T. Fisher Unwin, London, 1890, 
 
372 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Then, he declared, that the institution of slavery, where it already 
 existed in the States, could not legally be interfered with, nor should he 
 interfere with the established lights of the States. 63 On the same 
 occasion, 64 he denounced the threatening attitude of the secessionists, 
 and declared his intention to maintain in every State the laws of the 
 Union. The Southern officers, educated in the Military Academy at 
 Westpoint who constituted a majority in the United States regular 
 army, also many of their sympathisers in the navy, renounced allegiance 
 to the general government. 65 John B. Floyd of Virginia, who was 
 Mr. Buchanan’s Secretary at War and a zealous secessionist, had trans¬ 
 ferred from northern to southern arsenals in 1860 an immense 
 quantity of cannon, muskets, ammunition and other warlike stores. 66 
 The Southern leaders, aware of these treasonable practices, promptly 
 seized on the military posts and stores within their limits. The regular 
 army had been scattered at remote posts, where its services were 
 useless, and most of the navy was on foreign stations. Soon the Con¬ 
 federates had a large force of volunteers embodied, and well provided for 
 the contingencies of the dreadful civil war which was about to ensue. 
 
 When President Lincoln entered upon his memorable term of office, 
 on the very next day Major-General Beauregard was despatched by 
 the Southern President Davis, to take command of a force assembled at 
 Charleston. 67 On the 12th of April, batteries were brought to bear on 
 Fort Sumter. After a furious bombardment and with the loss of a 
 few men, the interior being in flames and many of the guns being dis¬ 
 mounted, the fort was surrendered by Major Anderson the United 
 States commandant, on the 14th of April. The garrison embarked, 
 however, on board vessels which were near, and sailed for New York. 
 This hostile proceeding of the Southerners caused intense excitement and 
 indignation among the great majority of people belonging to the 
 Northern States. 68 
 
 Terms of accommodation had been proposed by sincere lovers of the 
 Union, who wished to avoid the inevitable disasters of a civil war, to pro¬ 
 ceed on a scale of vast magnitude ; but they came to nothing, so violent 
 were the passions excited among the Southerners, especially by their re- 
 
 et seq. It contains numberless por¬ 
 traits of the distinguished men, who 
 were contemporaries of President 
 Lincoln, both on the Federal and 
 Confederate side, besides several maps, 
 illustrating the localities where the 
 military movements took place, with 
 plans of the various battles fought 
 through the great war of secession. 
 
 63 On this subject, see Auguste 
 Carlier’s “ L’Esclavage dans ses Rap¬ 
 ports avec l’Union Americaine,'’ 
 Paris, 1862. 
 
 64 See Joseph Irving’s “ Annals of 
 our Time,” p. 440. 
 
 65 See M. le Comte de Paris, “ His- 
 
 toire de la Guerre Civile en Ameri- 
 que,” Tome i., Liv. i., chap, iii., pp. 
 193 to 237. 
 
 66 See the “ Encyclopaedia Ameri¬ 
 cana,” Vol. iii., p. 103. 
 
 67 See Lieutenant-Colonel Fletcher’s 
 “History of the American War from 
 1861 to‘1865,” vol. i., chap, iii., p. 
 36. 
 
 68 A very reliable and complete ac¬ 
 count of those proceedings may be 
 found in Brevet Major-General S. W. 
 Crawford’s “Genesis of the Civil Mar, 
 the Story of Sumter 1860-61,” chap 
 i. to xxxii., New York, 1887, 8vo. 
 
Attack on Fort Sumter. 
 
 Weston, 
 
 Rich 
 
 Mount . o. 
 
 Campaign-Ground in West Virginia. 
 
TIIE IRISH BRIGADE FORMED. 
 
 373 
 
 cognised leaders. Moderate counsels were rejected. The South insisted 
 on separation and the establishment of an independent Confederacy, in 
 which slavery must be perpetuated. The North was conscious that 
 this precedent of secession once established, the anticipated future 
 grandeur and greatness of the American Republic could never be 
 realised. Before this war of secession, the total population 69 of the 
 Union was 31,429,891, including the territories ; and of this population, 
 eleven States, representing a little over nine millions, had revolted. 70 
 
 On the 15th of April, President Lincoln issued a proclamation. In 
 this, he denounced those illegal combinations of the seven seceding 
 States, and he called out the militia of the United States to the number 
 of 75,000. 71 On the 18th of April, the arsenal at Harper’s Ferry was 
 captured by the Virginia militia, and, as secession was rife throughout all 
 that region, even Washington was placed in great danger of being 
 seized. On the 20th, the navy yai’d at Norfolk, with United States 
 ships and munitions of war partly destroyed, fell into the hands of the 
 secessionists. 72 
 
 Especially in New England, New York and the Middle States, the 
 volunteer corps and the militia promptly, and with enthusiastic ardour, 
 proffered their services to aid in quelling the incipient rebellion. Fore¬ 
 most among those volunteers was Colonel Michael Corcoran, who com¬ 
 manded the Sixty-ninth New York Regiment, composed exclusively of 
 Irish or Irish-Americans to the number of 1,800, 73 and Catholics almost 
 to a man. Of these, 1,000 were ready for embarkation to defend 
 Washington city, towards the beginning of April; on the 23rd, 
 amid great demonstrations of popular rejoicing, they marched through 
 New York city, 74 and embarked that same evening, together with the 
 
 69 The aggregate area of the nine¬ 
 teen free States was then 997,281 
 square miles, and the population, in 
 1860, reached to 18,979,695. 
 
 70 For the foregoing and many of 
 the following statements, the reader 
 is referred to an interesting historic re¬ 
 sume, in the “ British Almanack,” 
 for 1864. 
 
 71 See Joseph Irving’s “Annals of 
 our Time,” p. 443. 
 
 72 See Scharf’s “ History of the Con¬ 
 federate States Navy,” &c., chap, 
 vii., pp. 128 to 140. 
 
 73 The officers of this renowned 
 regiment were—Colonel, Michael Cor¬ 
 coran ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Robert 
 Nugent; Major, James Bagley; Ad¬ 
 jutant, John M'Keon; Volunteer 
 Aids, C. G. Halpine and John Sav¬ 
 age; Chaplain, Rev. Thomas J. 
 Mooney, who was succeeded by Rev. 
 B. O’Reilly, S.J.; Engineers, James 
 B. Kirker, John H. M‘Cann, and L. 
 
 D. Homergue; Surgeon, Robert 
 Johnston; Assistants, Drs. James L. 
 Kieman, J. Paschal Smith, and P. 
 Nolan; Quartermaster, Joseph P. 
 Tully ; Paymaster, Matthew Kehoe ; 
 Sergeant-Major, Arthur Tracey; 
 Colour-Sergeant, — Murphy. 
 
 74 The component individuals and 
 numbers were—Company A, Captain 
 James Hagerty; First-Lieutenant, 
 Theodore Kelly; Second-Lieutenants, 
 Daniel Strayne and Denis F. Sulli¬ 
 van ; Orderly Sergeant, Bermingham, 
 with one hundred and twenty men. 
 Company B,—Captain Thomas Lynch ; 
 First-Lieutenant, Thomas Leddy; 
 Second-Lieutenant, W. H. Giles; 
 Orderly Sergeant Cahill; with one 
 hundred and fourteen men. Company 
 C—Captain James Kavanagh ; First- 
 Lieutenant, John H. Ryan; Second- 
 Lieutenant, J. Rowan, with eightv- 
 six men. Company D—Captain 
 Thomas Clarke; First Lieutenant, 
 
374 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Eighth and Thirteenth Brooklyn Regiments. When the fleet reached 
 Anapolis, the Sixty-ninth were placed on Arlington Heights in Virginia, 
 to guard the line of railroad from Anapolis to Washington. There they 
 engaged in throwing up a fortification, and in honour of their colonel it 
 was called Fort Corcoran, the first of such defences erected during the 
 approaching contest, and over which a flag of the United States was 
 raised. 75 Soon they were joined by the remainder of their regiments, 
 and by Captain Thomas Francis Meagher, who had raised a company of 
 Zouaves in New York. 76 From the New England and other States, 
 numbers of Irish and other recruits were daily arriving with the various 
 regiments that had been mustered into service, and that were being 
 hastily concentrated in that most important position. 
 
 On the 19th of April, the President issued another proclamation in 
 which he gave notice that the ports of South Carolina, Georgia, 
 Alabama, Mississippi and Texas were placed under blockade. The im¬ 
 portant navy-yard at Norfolk Virginia, menaced by the Confederate 
 
 i 
 
 Thomas Fay; Second-Lieutenants, 
 James L. Dungan, and Michael 
 O’Boyle; Orderly Sergeant, M. Ma¬ 
 guire, with one hundred and twenty 
 men. Company E—Captain P. 
 Kelly; First-Lieutenant, John Bag- 
 ley ; Orderly Sergeant, Andrew Reed, 
 with one hundred men. Company 
 F—Captain John Breslin; First- 
 Lieutenant, P. Duffy; Second-Lieu¬ 
 tenants, M. P. Bi-eslin, —Dalton, 
 with one hundred men. Company 
 G—Captain Felix Duffy; First-Lieu¬ 
 tenant, Henry J. M‘Mahon; Orderly 
 Sergeant, Thomas Phibbs, with one 
 hundred and twenty men. Company 
 H—Captain James Kelly; First- 
 Lieutenant, W. Butler; Second- 
 Lieutenants, James Lyons and James 
 Gannon ; Orderly Sergeant, F. Welp- 
 ley', with one hundred and twenty- 
 six men. Company J—Lieutenant 
 John Coonan, commanding; Second- 
 Lieutenant, Thomas M. Canton, with 
 one hundred and two men. 
 
 75 See Captain D. P. Conyngham’s 
 most interesting and valuable book, 
 “ The Irish Brigade and its Cam¬ 
 paigns,” chap, i., pp. 11 to 13. Glas¬ 
 gow and London edition, 8vo. 
 
 79 This brilliant Irish patriot, orator 
 and soldier was born in Watei'ford 
 Ireland, on the 3rd of August 1823. 
 He was educated from the age 
 of nine, at Clongowes Wood 
 College County of Kildare, by the 
 Jesuits, for six years, when he was 
 sent to Stonyhurst College, near 
 
 Preston in England, leaving that 
 institution in 1843. He then joined 
 Daniel O’Connell in his demand for 
 a Repeal of the Union, but soon 
 afterwards he became allied with the 
 Young Ireland Party, whose object 
 was to obtain Irish independence of 
 the English Government by force of 
 arms. On the failure of that move¬ 
 ment in October he was captured, 
 convicted of treason and condemned 
 to death, which sentence was after¬ 
 wards commuted to banishment for 
 life. He was banished to Van Die¬ 
 men’s Land, but in 1852 he escaped 
 to the United States. He was there 
 admitted to the bar, but at the be¬ 
 ginning of the Civil War, he aband¬ 
 oned that profession to engage in a 
 military career. He was prominent 
 in all the early battles fought in the 
 East, but after the battle of Chancel- 
 lorville, his brigade became so de¬ 
 cimated that he resigned its command. 
 In 1864, he was re-commissioned 
 brigadier-general of volunteers. In 
 January 1865, he was relieved from 
 duty in Tennessee, and ordered for 
 report to General Sherman in Savan¬ 
 nah ; however, the close of the war 
 prevented his performing any further 
 military service. Afterwards, he be¬ 
 came Secretary of Montana Territory, 
 and while acting Governor there, he 
 fell from the deck of a steamboat 
 into the Missouri River, near Fort 
 Benton, where he was drowned ou 
 the 1st of July, 1867. 
 
OPENING OF THE REBELLION IN MISSOURI. 375 
 
 forces, was dismantled with its stores, while the Federal officers sunk 
 or destroyed several vessels to prevent their capture. On the 3rd of 
 May, President Lincoln again issued a proclamation, calling out for 
 service of the United States, during three years or during the continu¬ 
 ance of the war, 42,000 volunteers. 77 He recognised the fact, likewise, 
 that the Executive had been too weak in trained and organised 
 defenders for an emergency such as the present, and he decreed that 
 the regular army should be increased by 23,000 soldiers, while the navy 
 should be reinforced by 18,000 seamen. 78 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 Opening of the Rebellion in Missouri—The Confederate Constitution—Maryland 
 —West Virginia—General Beauregard placed over the Confederate Army in 
 Virginia—Provision made by Congress to carry on the War—The Confederates 
 establish their Seat of Government at Richmond—General McDowell com¬ 
 manding the United States Troops advances to meet the Confederates—Battle 
 of Bull Run—Defeat of the Federals—Reverses of the Federals in Missouri— 
 Measures taken by Congress—Troubles in Kentucky—General Thomas West 
 Sherman obtains a Victory over the Confederates in South Carolina—General 
 Scott, Commander-in-Chief of the United States Army, resigns—Jefferson 
 Davis elected President over the South—Action of Napoleon III. and of Lord 
 Palmerston—Seizure of Messrs. Mason and Slidell—Preparations for War in 
 the Northern and Southern States. 
 
 Without any regular organization of forces, the ramifications of this 
 conspiracy were most extensive, and able leaders were soon found to 
 give it shape and direction. In the early part of 1861, popular agita¬ 
 tion had reached a high degree of excitement, and even in some of the 
 States that had not formally seceded—especially in Missouri and Ken¬ 
 tucky—great efforts had been made by partisans and sympathisers to 
 co-operate with the Confederates. 1 The Governor of the former State 
 Claiborne F. Jackson 2 was also in league with them. The political ex¬ 
 citement had become intense in Missouri, when the Catholic Archbishop 
 of St. Louis Most Rev. Peter Richard Kenrick 3 issued a pastoral to 
 
 77 See Lieutenant-Colonel Fletcher’s 
 “ History of the American War from 
 1861 to *1865,” Vol. i., chap. iv. 
 
 78 On the side of the Confederates, 
 with whom he served, Lieutenant- 
 Colonel Richard Taylor has written 
 “ Reminiscences of Secession : De¬ 
 struction and Reconstruction, Per¬ 
 sonal Experiences of the late War in 
 the United States.” Published by 
 Blackwood and Sons, Edinburgh, 
 8vo. 
 
 1 See Lieutenant-Colonel . Fletcher’s 
 “ History of the American War from 
 
 1861 to 1864,” Vol. i., chap, ii., p. 
 24. 
 
 2 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. iii., p. 
 385. 
 
 3 This distinguished prelate was 
 born in Dublin Ireland, 17th of 
 August 1806. He came to the United 
 States in 1833. In 1841, he became 
 co adjutor to Bishop Rosati of St. 
 Louis, and on his death succeeded, 
 September 25th 1843. In 1847, his See 
 was constitued a metropolitan seat, 
 and he received the title of Arch- 
 
376 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 his flock, on the 4th of March 1861 ; and in this he counselled them to 
 beware of aggressive individuals or bodies, not recognised by the laws. 4 
 The bold and decisive action of Captain Nathaniel Lyon, U.S.A, also 
 saved Missouri from joining the seceding States. 5 Hostile bands had 
 collected and formed a camp outside St. Louis, with a design of seizing 
 on the United States Arsenal within that city; but owing to his zeal 
 and energy, the encampment was captured, and the insurgents were 
 dispersed on the 10th of May. 6 In the western parts of Missouri, the 
 General of Militia Sterling Price 7 raised the standard of rebellion, and 
 began to form various bodies to aid his designs. 8 Then Captain Lyon 
 moved westward, and took possession of Jefferson City, on the 15th of 
 June. The Confederates had mustered a force under Colonel John S. 
 Marmaduke. 9 At Boonville on the 17th of June, the insurgents were 
 defeated by Lyon in a battle, where Colonel Philip Henry Sheridan 
 greatly distinguished himself, and first gave earnest of those signal ser¬ 
 vices he afterwards rendered to the Union. 10 After that defeat, Go¬ 
 vernor Jackson and several members of the State Legislature fled 
 hastily to Lexington; while Sterling Price withdrew to the south¬ 
 western parts of Missouri to gather recruits, and these were brought 
 chiefly from Arkansas. Meantime, under the command of Captain Thomas 
 William Sweeney, 11 about 2,500 men were sent forward from the 
 Arsenal to Rolla, whence Colonel Franz Sigel 12 marched with about 1,500 
 men towards Springfield, and he reached Carthage on the 4th of July. 
 The enemy, to the number of 4,000 or 5,000, were in a position some 
 miles away; but, resolving to attack them without cavalry, Sigel was 
 
 bishop. See ibid., pp. 519, 520. He 
 died March 4th 1896. 
 
 4 See John Gilmary Shea’s “History 
 of the Catholic Church within the 
 Limits of the United States,” Vol. 
 iv., Book x., chap, i., p. 610. 
 
 5 See James Peckham’s “ Life of 
 General Nathaniel Lyon,” pp. 147 to 
 160, New York, 1866. 
 
 6 See “ The Fight for Missouri,” by 
 Thomas L. Snead, New York, 1886. 
 
 7 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 Biography,” Vol. v., pp. 118, 119. 
 
 8 See “ Histoire de la Guerre Civile 
 en Amerique,” par M. le Comte de 
 Paris, Tome i., Liv. ii., chap, iv., 
 
 pp. 280, 281. 
 
 9 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. iv., pp. 
 211 , 212 . 
 
 10 His parents John and Mary 
 
 Sheridan came from Cavan County 
 Ireland in 1830, and settled in Albany 
 N. Y., where he was born on the 
 6th of March 1831. He died in 
 
 Nonquitt Mass. August 5th 1888. 
 
 See “ Personal Memoirs of P. H. 
 Sheridan, General U. S. Army,” Vol. 
 i., chap, i., pp. 1, 2, and chap, ix., 
 pp. 144 to 166. This most interesting 
 Autobiography appeared in London 
 1888, in two volumes, 8vo. Chatto 
 and Windus. It is written in a 
 clear style and modest spirit; and 
 it is the best authority for the many 
 battles in which the author was per¬ 
 sonally engaged. 
 
 11 He was born in Cork Ireland, 
 and he had already served with dis¬ 
 tinction in the Mexican War. He 
 fought bravely during the Confederate 
 War, and he was appointed Brigadier- 
 General of Volunteers on the 25th of 
 May 1861. See Appleton’s “ Cyclo¬ 
 paedia of American Biography,” Vol. 
 vi., pp. 6, 7. 
 
 12 This brave soldier was a native 
 of Sinshein Baden, where he was born 
 November 8th 1824. He served in 
 various military capacities in Europe, 
 but he became more particularly dis¬ 
 tinguished durine the after course of 
 this war. . See ibid., Vol. v., p. 524. 
 
Winfield Scott, 
 
 Ueulenanr-General oT US Arm/: 
 
 W/lliam Henry Seward, 
 Secretory aFStole. 
 
 Michael Corcoran, 
 
 Brigadier-Genera! oFU. S.Army. 
 
 Benjamin Franklin Butler, 
 
 Major-General oT U. S.Army. 
 
TIIE CONFEDERATE CONSTITUTION. 
 
 377 
 
 obliged after a sharp conflict to retreat for Carthage. On the 6th of 
 July the Federals under Sigel, and the Confederates under Price, 
 fought an indecisive battle, in which the former lost 43 men and the 
 latter 160. Meantime, gathering regulai’s and volunteers as he 
 advanced, Lyon arrived at Springfield to the support of his lieutenant 
 on the 13th of July, while the Confederates retired again to the south¬ 
 western portions of the State. Moreover, Major General Fremont was 
 placed as chief over the armies of the West, where he had the difficult 
 task of organization and equipment to undertake. The position of 
 Lyon, having only between 7,000 to 8,000 troops, was now found to be 
 dangerous, as bands of Confederates began to swarm throughout all 
 parts of Missouri; and soon Price menaced Springfield at the head of 
 more than 12,000 men, half of them being cavalry, with fifteen pieces 
 of cannon. 13 
 
 When secession had been decreed, a provisional Congress of one 
 House—each Confederated State having one vote—was appointed; 
 while the mass of voters held no control whatever over the action of 
 those State Conventions, which had been so rashly called into existence. 
 A permanent Constitution having been adopted by the Provisional 
 Congress March 11th 1861, 14 it was ratified by the State Conventions 
 or Legislatures before April 29th. It then recognised a Senate 15 and 
 a House of Representatives. 16 Even in its forms, the Southern 
 Constitution much resembled that of the United States, but with the 
 important changes, that State sovereignty was to be a cardinal principle; 
 it lengthened the term of President and Vice-President to six years ; 
 the re-election of the former was prohibited; it gave the cabinet seats 
 without votes in Congress; it allowed the President to veto single 
 sections in appropriation bills; it forbade Congress to vote money for 
 internal improvements, to pass protective tariffs or to grant bounties; 
 it forbade removals from office, except for dishonesty, incapacity, 
 inefficiency, misconduct or neglect of duty, and the reasons to be reported 
 to the Senate; while it directed Congress to recognise and protect in 
 the Territories “ the institution of negro slavery as it now exists in the 
 
 13 For the general events of the 
 several campaigns, one of the most 
 interesting of the works afterwards 
 published is Benson John Bossing’s 
 “Pictorial History of the Civil War 
 in the United States of America,” 
 illustrated, in three volumes. Phila¬ 
 delphia and Hartford, 1866 to 1869, 
 imp. 8vo. 
 
 14 See Jefferson Davis’ “ Rise and 
 fall of the Confederate Government,” 
 
 Vol. i., Part iii., chap, x., pp. 258 
 to 264, also Appendix K., 640 to 
 675. 
 
 15 The Senate of thirteen seceded 
 States comprised 26, being two for 
 each State. 
 
 16 A full House consisted of 106 
 members as follows, viz., for Ala¬ 
 bama, 9; for Arkansas, 4; for 
 Florida, 2; for Georgia, 10; for Ken¬ 
 tucky, 12 ; for Louisiana, 6 ; for Mis¬ 
 sissippi, 7; for Missouri, 7; for 
 North Carolina, 10; for South Caro¬ 
 lina, 6 ; for Tennessee, 11; for Texas, 
 6; and for Virginia, 16. The dele¬ 
 gations from Kentucky and Missouri 
 were fictitious, and only submitted as 
 a basis for ulterior claims. They dis¬ 
 appeared however in 1864. See “ A 
 Rebel War Clerk’s Diary at the Con¬ 
 federate States Capital, 1861-1865,” 
 by John B. Jones. In two volumes, 
 Philadelphia, 1866, 8vo. 
 
378 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Confederate States.” The first presidential and congressional election 
 under such Constitution took place, November 6th, 1861 ; while Jefferson 
 Davis and Alexander Hamilton Stephens 17 were chosen for the respec¬ 
 tive offices of President and Vice-President afterwards held by them. 18 
 
 During the party excitement which led to that unhappy rebellion in 
 Maryland, a strong secessionist feeling had been aroused ; and especially 
 at Baltimore. When troops began to arrive there from the New England 
 States in April, riots broke out which were calculated to obstruct their 
 advance. 19 Conciliatory measures were adopted, however, to allay these 
 alarming manifestations on the part of the citizens; when other rein¬ 
 forcements coming from the north were directed upon Washington, by 
 a more circuitous route. Some stern repressive measures were necessary, 
 moreover, to procure submission; but afterwards no serious difficulties 
 were experienced by the Government, to keep that State within the 
 Union. 20 
 
 Although the people living in the eastern part of the State of Virginia 
 had been drawn into the Rebellion, as sympathisers generally with the 
 slave-holding interests, and as being mostly descendants from old families 
 there long settled; yet, beyond the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west, 
 the inhabitants were of a more mixed composition, and for the most 
 part they pronounced against secession. 21 However, a great number 
 favoured the Southern cause, and this led to some internal disorder. 
 AY hen Virginia had adopted the secessionist ordinance on the 17tli of 
 April, the western portion of that State beyond the Allegany Mountains 
 resolved by an almost unanimous protest adhesion to the United States. 
 In May a convention of delegates from twenty-five counties met at 
 Wheeling. Soon the leaders of this movement were in communication 
 with President Lincoln at AVashington, and with Major-General 
 McClellan 22 at Cincinnati Ohio. To suppress such manifestations, 
 
 17 A. H. Stephens wrote a “ His¬ 
 tory of the War between the States : 
 tracing its Origin, Causes and Re¬ 
 sults ; ” while it especially refers to 
 the preliminary constitutional ques¬ 
 tions contested. It appeared in 
 Philadelphia, 1868, 8vo. Also, a 
 “Constitutional View of the late War 
 between the States,” two vols., 8vo. 
 
 18 They were inaugurated, February 
 22nd 1862, and appointed to serve 
 until 1868. See the “ Encyclopaedia 
 Americana,” Y ol. ii., Art Confederate 
 States, pp. 349 to 353. 
 
 19 See General B. F. Butler’s “ Auto¬ 
 biography and Personal Reminiscen¬ 
 ces,” chap, iv., pp. 173 to 216. 
 
 20 From the year 1861 to 1868, 
 “ The Rebellion Record,” edited by 
 Frank Moore appeared at New York, 
 in twelve 8vo, volumes. This, and 
 
 the Reports on the Conduct of the 
 War, printed by Congress, furnish 
 materials for consultation, on nearly 
 all details of this great struggle be¬ 
 tween the Northern and the Southern 
 States. However, it must be ob¬ 
 served, those accounts generally pre¬ 
 sent each particular statement with 
 a bias in favour of the Federals. 
 
 21 For a correct appreciation of the 
 state of parties before and about this 
 period, the reader should refer to 
 Edward MacPherson’s “ Political His¬ 
 tory of the United States of America 
 during the great Rebellion.” Wash¬ 
 ington, 1865, 8vo. 
 
 22 He was born in Philadelphia 
 Pa., December 3rd 1826, and embrac¬ 
 ing a military career; he was dis¬ 
 tinguished as an engineer, with Gene¬ 
 rals Robert E. Lee and Beauregard, 
 
provision made dy congress to carry on the war. 379 
 
 Colonel G. A. Porterfield had been sent with a detachment from Rich¬ 
 mond to Philippi, a village situated in a mountain valley. A provisional 
 government was soon formed at Wheeling, and an organization was 
 effected, likewise, to prevent West Virginia from falling under the 
 Confederates’ power. 23 
 
 Meanwhile, Colonel Benjamin Franklin Kelly 24 took active measures 
 to raise volunteers, and a regiment was formed of which lie held 
 command. At this time, Major-General McClellan had divisional 
 command of Cincinnati and the west, at the head of 13,000 men. He 
 directed two Ohio regiments to enter Western Virginia on the 26th of 
 May, in order to support the Union cause. 25 On the morning of June 
 3rd, Colonel Kelly with the troops he had collected marched against 
 Colonel G. A. Porterfield, who was attacked with vigour, and driven 
 from his position at Philippi. 20 
 
 Meantime, the Confederates sent a force under Brigadier-General 
 Henry A. Wise 27 ex-Governor of Virginia to the Kanawha Valley, in 
 order to repair the disaster at Philippi, while General Robert S. 
 Garnett 28 was to prevent succour arriving from the direction of 
 Washington. With a greatly superior army, General McClellan entered 
 West Virginia, and with Brigadiers William Starke Rosecrans 29 and 
 Thomas A. Morris, 30 serving under his command, forced the enemy to 
 retreat in disorder during the month of July. 31 In the pursuit, General 
 Garnett was killed, and during the remainder of that year, the Con¬ 
 federates were gradually manoeuvred beyond the Allegany Mountains 
 nor could they make any permanent impression on West Virginia. 32 
 
 At a place called Big Bethel, about fifteen miles from Fortress 
 
 in the Mexican war. As captain, 
 he retired from the army in 1857; 
 but he was commissioned as major- 
 general of the Ohio Militia Volun¬ 
 teers April 23rd 1861. See the “ En- 
 cyclopa'dia Americana,” Vol. iii., pp. 
 649, 650. 
 
 23 See Dr. John William Drapers 
 “ History of the American Civil 
 War,” Vol. ii., sect, ix., chap, xlviii., 
 pp. 241 to 247. 
 
 24 Of Irish descent, and born in 
 New Hampton N. H., April 10th 
 1867, he served with distinction dur¬ 
 ing this war. See Appleton’s “ Cyclo¬ 
 paedia of American Biography,” Vol. 
 iii., p. 504. 
 
 25 Brigadier-General Robert Emmet 
 Clary, born in 1805 of Irish parents 
 in Ashfield Mass., served as chief 
 quartermaster in the department of 
 West Virginia and in various other 
 useful capacities to the close of the 
 war. 
 
 26 The Scene of the Campaign in 
 Western Virginia is rhown on a map 
 
 attached to Lieut.-Colonel Fletcher’s 
 “ History of the American War from 
 1861 to 1865,” Vol. i., chap, iv., p. 
 92. 
 
 27 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biographv,” Vol. vi., pp. 
 579, 580. 
 
 28 See ibid. Vol. ii., p. 607. 
 
 29 He was born in Kingston Ohio, 
 Sept. 6th 1819, and he graduated at 
 the U. S. Military Academy in 1842 
 He served with distinction from the 
 beginning to the close of the war. 
 See “ Encyclopaedia Americana.” Vol. 
 iv. p. 406. 
 
 30 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vo. iv., p 
 419. 
 
 31 See M. le Comte de Paris, “His 
 toire de la Guerre Civile en Am6ri- 
 que,” Tome i., Liv. ii., chap. ii. pp. 
 401 to 408. 
 
 32 See “ Abraham Lincoln, a His¬ 
 tory,” Vol. iv., chap, xix., pp. 327 
 to ‘340. 
 
IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 380 
 
 Monroe, a considerable number of Confederates had been posted, under 
 the command of Colonel Daniel Harvey Hill, 33 in a strong position ; 
 while at Yorktown Va., Colonel John B. Magruder 34 had concentrated 
 some forces. An expedition was planned, by General Benjamin 
 Franklin Butler, 35 to capture that post; but, owing to mismanagement, 
 the attack resulted in a defeat for the Federals on the 9th of June. 36 
 
 Meanwhile General Pierre Gustave T. Beauregard 37 had been 
 removed from Charleston at the beginning of June, to take command 
 of the Confederate Army in Virginia. His head-quarters were 
 established at Manassas Junction, about thirty miles south-west from 
 the city of Washington. The United States Congress having assembled, 
 in his message on the 5th of July President Lincoln required to be 
 provided with 400,000 men, and with 400,000,000 of dollars, to carry 
 on the war. Duly estimating the necessity for prompt and vigorous 
 action, the Senate and House of Representatives passed a bill, which 
 even authorised the rising of an army, amounting to 500,000 men and to 
 a loan of 500,000,000 dollars. At that time, General Scott had com¬ 
 mand in Chief over the United States land forces; and he began to 
 form dispositions for an advance. 38 The Confederate government 
 resolved to fix their place for residence; and, on the 20th of that month, 
 they assembled at Richmond in Virginia. 39 This was deemed to be a 
 position the most suitable, for various political and strategic reasons. 40 
 
 At this time, the head-quarters of the Federal army commanded by 
 General Irvin McDowell 41 were at Centreville, about twenty miles 
 south-west from Washington, and about eight miles north-east from the 
 Confederate troops, who were concentrated on a plateau, and in an 
 excellent position at Manassas railway junction. 42 Without a good 
 knowledge of the forces opposed to him, McDowell resolved to advance. 
 Meantime, the Confederates were hurrying up troops; and on both 
 sides, it had been intended to commence the attack. The Union forces 
 
 33 See the “Encyclopaedia Ameri¬ 
 cana,” Vol. iii., p. 327. Also Dr. 
 John William Draper’s “ History of 
 the American Civil War,” Vol. ii., 
 sect, ix., chap, xlviii., pp. 248 to 
 253. 
 
 34 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia oi 
 American Biography,” Vol. iv., p. 
 175. 
 
 35 Born in Deerfield N. H., Novem¬ 
 ber 5th 1818, and he served with 
 great distinction during the Confed¬ 
 erate War. See ibid., Vol. i., pp. 
 477, 478. 
 
 36 See Lieut.-Colonel Fletcher’s 
 “ History of the American War from 
 1861 to 1865,” Vol. i., chap, iv., 
 pp. 85 to 87. 
 
 37 See Colonel Alfred Roman’s 
 “ Military Operations of General 
 Beauregard in the War between the 
 
 States, 1861-65,” etc., Vol. i., chap, 
 vi., pp. 65 to 75. Two vols. New 
 York 1884, 8vo. 
 
 38 See “ Abraham Lincoln, a His¬ 
 tory,” Vol. iv., chap, xviii., pp. 308 
 to 326. 
 
 39 See George H. Townsend’s “ Ma¬ 
 nual of Dates,” p. 863. London: 
 1862, 8vo. 
 
 40 See Dr. John William Draper’s 
 “ History of the American Civil 
 War,” Vol. ii., sect, vii., chap, xl., 
 pp. 108 to 114. 
 
 41 See an account of him, in Apple¬ 
 ton’s “ Cyclopaedia of American Bio¬ 
 graphy,” Vol. iv., pp. 109 to 111. 
 
 42 Their relative positions are well 
 set out in an Outline Map of the 
 first Battle fought at Bull Run, in 
 “Abraham Lincoln, .a History,” Vol. 
 iv., chap, xx., p. 350. 
 
Centerville 
 
 ff edhtH 
 r Ford 
 
 Kobmson 
 
 Henry 
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 Union Mi//i 
 
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 rlctnasscLs 
 c func/tion 
 
 Battle-Field of Bull’3 Run, 
 
 Baltimore and Washington at Opening of the War, 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 / 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BATTLE OP BULL RUN. 
 
 381 
 
 anticipated their opponents, who were then thrown on the defensive. 
 On Sunday morniug the 21st of July, the first battle of great 
 importance between the two main armies was commenced by the 
 Federals at about six o’clock, in the vicinity of a stream called Bull 
 Run. However, Brigadier-General Joseph Eggleston Johnston 43 with 
 9,000 troops arrived in time to reinforce the Confederates. During 
 that forenoon, the attacking army appeared to have the advantage. 
 They pushed on bravely, and fought with great determination. 
 About three o’clock in the afternoon, General Beauregard 44 un¬ 
 masked certain concealed batteries, and Brigadier-General Thomas 
 Jonathan Jackson 45 having formed his brigade in a strong position 
 was able to withstand all M‘Dowell’s attempts to dislodge him. 
 Seven fresh regiments arrived about four o’clock, and these were 
 thrown against the extreme right, and partly in the rear of 
 the Union lines.. The Federal troops then began to break and run, 
 while the retreat soon became a rout, and finally a panic. 46 Then pur¬ 
 suit was continued eastwards towards Centreville, and northwards 
 towards Leesburg. The flying army lost nearly all their artillery, a 
 large portion of their small arms, with most of their ammunition, 
 baggage and stores. Colonel Michael Corcoran, 47 commanding the 
 G9th regiment of New York Militia, fought with surpassiug bravery in 
 this battle, where he was wounded and taken prisoner. 48 On the 
 
 43 This able man, born in Virginia 
 1807, embraced a military career, and 
 served with great distinction in 
 Florida and Mexico. Long after the 
 Confederate struggle ceased, he pub¬ 
 lished a “ Narrative of Military 
 Operations directed during the late 
 War between the States,” New York, 
 1874, 8vo. 
 
 44 Born near New Orleans La., 
 May 28th 1818. See Appleton’s 
 “Cyclopaedia of American Biography,” 
 Vol. i., p. 210. 
 
 45 He was of Irish descent, and had 
 served with great bravery in the 
 Mexican War. On this field he 
 checked the Confederate retreat, and 
 for his firmness obtained the sobriquet 
 of “ Stonewall,” by which he was 
 afterwards familiarly known. His 
 Life written by Robert L. Dabney 
 was published at New York, 1863, 
 and by John Eston Cooke in 1866. 
 Later still, his biography has been 
 written by Lieutenant-Colonel G. F. 
 R. Henderson, and published in Lon¬ 
 don, in two volumes, 8vo., 1898. 
 
 46 See “ Histoire de la Guerre Civile 
 en Amerique,” par M. le Comte de 
 Paris, Tome Premier, Liv. iii., chap, 
 ii., pp. 394 to 454. Also, Charies 
 
 C. Coffin’s “ Four Years of Fighting: 
 a Volume of Personal Observations 
 with the Army and Navy from the 
 first Battle of Bull Run to the Fall 
 of Richmond,” Boston, 1866, 8vo. 
 
 47 He was born in Carrowkeel, 
 County of Sligo Ireland, September 
 21st 1827. In 1847 he emigrated to 
 (the United States and settled in 
 New York City. 
 
 48 He was sent to the South, and 
 kept in close confinement, until he 
 was released by exchange on the 15th 
 of August 1862. He was commis¬ 
 sioned Brigadier-General, dating from 
 July 21st 1861. Afterwards, he or¬ 
 ganized the Corcoran Legion, which 
 took part in the battles of Nanse- 
 mond River and Suffolk, during April 
 1863. He held the advance of the 
 enemy on Norfolk in check. That 
 legion was attached to the Army of the 
 Potomac. While riding in company 
 with General Thomas Francis Meagher 
 his horse fell near Fairfax Court¬ 
 house Virginia, and he died on the 
 22nd of December 1863. His portrait 
 and a memoir are to be found, in 
 Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of American 
 Biography,” edited by James Grant 
 Wilson and John Fiske, Vol. i, p, 737, 
 
382 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Federal side, 19 oflicers and 462 men were killed, with 64 officers and 
 947 men wounded. 49 The loss of the Confederates was considerably 
 less; but, this included six superior officers, besides the men killed. 
 The Confederate army was stated to have numbered 15,000 men, and 
 the Federal army 1S,000. 50 This opening battle of the campaign gave 
 the former very great prestige, and the latter most serious discourage¬ 
 ment. 51 
 
 In July a brave Irish-American Colonel James A. Mulligan 52 —who 
 had raised the 23rd Illinois Regiment nearly 1,200 strong in 
 Chicago—left Jefferson city to operate against the rebels in the State 
 of Missouri. This regiment was known as the Western Irish Brigade. 
 On the 1st of August, Brigadier-General Lyon left Springfield, and 
 advanced to meet the combined forces of Price, Benjamin MacCulloch, 53 
 Pearce and James Henry MacBride; 54 but, after routing their 
 advanced guard, he was obliged to retreat before their greatly superior 
 numbers. While the Confederates arrived at Wilson’s Creek on the 
 9th, with great heroism but under-estimating their force, General Lyon 
 thought to surprise them, by detaching Siegel towards their rear during 
 the night. Although in the first instance Lyon threw the enemy into 
 confusion, his plan miscarried ; and the Confederates having rallied suc¬ 
 cessively attacked Siegel—abandoned by a great number of his men—- 
 and then fell upon Lyon’s forces in their front. For a long time the un¬ 
 equal fight continued. On the 1 ltli August, Brigadier-General Lyon with 
 5,000 men had thus attacked 12,000 Confederates at Wilson’s Creek. 55 
 There he was killed, 56 but his forces retreated in good order to 
 Springfield. 
 
 49 According to the official returns. 
 
 See Dr. John William Draper’s “ His¬ 
 tory of the American Civil War,” 
 
 Vol. ii., sect, vii., chap, xl., pp. 
 
 115 to 126. 
 
 50 See Joseph Irving’s “ Annals of 
 our Time,” p. 451. 
 
 51 See Lieutenant-Colonel Fletcher's 
 “ History of the American War from 
 1861 to 1865,” Vol. i., chap, v., pp. 
 
 107 to 140. 
 
 52 Born in Utica N. Y., June 25th 
 1830, of Irish parents, he inherited 
 along with a stalwart, physical con¬ 
 stitution and cast in a heroic mould, an 
 intense love of Ireland, and a true 
 devotion to the Catholic faith. In 
 1836 his parents removed to Chicago, 
 he became a lawyer, and he edited 
 the Western Tablet. He fought 
 bravely during the war. At length 
 he fell mortally wounded in 
 the battle at Kernstown Va., 
 
 July 24th 1864. He died two 
 days after, and his remains were 
 brought to Chicago where they were 
 
 interred in Calvary Cemetery. The 
 State and citizens of Illinois erected 
 a magnificent monument, surmounted 
 by a Celtic Cross, to his memory. 
 This was unveiled with solemn cere¬ 
 monies May 30th 1885; the Hon. 
 William J. Onahan, LL.D., deliver¬ 
 ing an eloquent and appropriate 
 panegyric on the occasion. 
 
 53 Born in Rutherford Co. Term., 
 November 11th 1811. See Samu-1 
 Reid’s “ Scouting Expeditions of 
 McCulloch’s Rangers,” Philadelphia, 
 1850, 8vo. 
 
 54 Born in Kentucky about 181’5. 
 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of Amer¬ 
 ican Biography,” Vol. iv., p. 74. 
 
 55 See R. J. Holcombe’s “ Account 
 of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, ' and 
 Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of American 
 Biography,” Vol. iv., pp. 67, 68. 
 
 56 For the number of troops en¬ 
 gaged, this was a most obstinate and 
 sanguinary battle: the Federals had 
 208 killed and 701 wounded: the 
 Confederates lost 411 killed and 1,317 
 
REVERSES OF THE FEDERALS IN MISSOURI. 
 
 383 
 
 Meanwhile, Colonel Mulligan had another task assigned to him. 
 His directions were to occupy and defend Lexington with the force 
 under his command. There he arrived on the 9th of September, and 
 lie commenced throwing up some earthworks ; but soon, General Sterling 
 Price had an army of 22,000 or 23,000 men ready to invest it. No 
 reinforcements arrived for Mulligan, and after a most heroic resistance, 
 he was obliged to surrender on the 20th of that month. With 2,800 
 men, under great difficulties and for nine days, he held the town of 
 Lexington against an overwhelming force of the enemy under the 
 command of Price. 57 
 
 During this year, also, a revolt of the Mormons was threatened 
 in Utah, when Colonel Patrick Edward Connor 58 raised a Volunteer 
 regiment of Californians, and marched there to check that move¬ 
 ment. The Indians in the distant western territories were addicted 
 to plunder the whites, and their bands were organized for that purpose. 59 
 Against these, likewise, he was obliged to operate, although that ser¬ 
 vice was particularly harassing and dangerous. 60 
 
 To provide for the construction of iron-clad ships and floating 
 batteries, a bill was passed by the Federal Congress while President 
 Lincoln issued a proclamation, prohibiting all * commercial intercourse 
 between the United States and the seceded. States. It declared, that 
 property seized in the possession of Confederates should be confiscated, 
 as likewise all ships, under similar circumstances, captured on the high 
 seas. Soon, owing to the energy and capacity of Gideon Welles Secre¬ 
 tary of the Navy, war-vessels were built or purchased and hastily 
 equipped for active service. Extemporized cruisers were fitted up 
 from the merchant service, and sent on duty to the various blockade 
 stations. 61 
 
 The battle of Bull Run was not followed up by General Beauregard, 
 but he occupied the ground won without further molestation for nine 
 months succeeding. Meantime, General MacDowell was deposed from 
 the chief command of the Federal troops. On the 25th of J uly, Major 
 
 wounded. See M. le Comte de Paris, 
 “ Histoire de la Guerre Civile en 
 Amerique,” Tome ii., Liv. i., chap. 
 
 1., pp. 11 to 40. 
 
 57 See “Abraham Lincoln, a His¬ 
 tory,” Vol. iv., chap, xxiv., pp. 426 
 to 428. 
 
 58 He was born in the south of Ire¬ 
 land March 17th 1820, and he emi¬ 
 grated to New York when a boy. At 
 the age of nineteen, he served in the 
 regular army during the Florida war, 
 and afterwards as captain of Texas 
 Volunteers, he fought in the chief 
 Mexican battles, under Albert Sydney 
 Johnston. See Appleton’s “ Cyclo¬ 
 paedia of American Biography,” Vol, 
 
 1., pp. 708, 709. 
 
 59 On the 29th of January 1863 Con¬ 
 nor destroyed over 300 warriors in their 
 fortified camp at Bear Creek Wash¬ 
 ington Territory. Soon afterwards 
 he was commissioned as Brigadier- 
 General, and appointed to command 
 in the Utah district. There he effec¬ 
 tually established the authority of the 
 government. 
 
 60 At the closing of the civil war in 
 1864, he was brevetted as Major- 
 General, and afterwards he served 
 against the Sioux and Arapahoes 
 Indians, who were troublesome oo 
 the great w'estern routes. 
 
 61 See “ Abraham Lincoln, a His¬ 
 tory,” Vol. v., chap, i., pp. 1 to 12. 
 
384 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 General George B. McClellan commenced the organization and discip¬ 
 line of the Grand Army of the Potomac, he having been appointed to 
 command the Department of Washington and north-eastern Virginia. 62 
 The task he undertook was a difficult one, but it was accomplished with 
 great method and ability. 63 On the 31st of August, Lieutenant- 
 Colonel Silas Casey 64 was appointed Brigadier-Genet al of Volunteers. 
 To him was assigned the task of organizing and of disciplining these 
 newly enlisted men in and near the capital, which was strengthened 
 and secured by lines of defensive works. 65 On the same day 
 the Confederate Congress commissioned five superior generals, 66 and 
 and in the following order—viz. : Samuel Cooper, 67 Albert Sydney 
 Johnston, 68 Robert Edward Lee, 69 Joseph E. Johnston, and Pierre 
 G. T. Beauregard. 
 
 Like many of the Slave States, Kentucky was divided in sentiment 
 on the cause to be espoused, when the rebellion broke out. State 
 Guards, commanded by General Simon B. Buckner, 70 with the Gover¬ 
 nor Beriah Magoffin, 71 favoured the Confederates ; while Home Guards, 
 favoured by a majority of the State Legislature, declared for the 
 Union. The Confederate troops from Tennessee, under General Felix 
 K. Zollicoffer, 72 were about to invade the State, when over 40,000 men 
 were ordered to be called out by the Legislature. The Protestant 
 
 62 This general had previously- 
 figured in the Mexican War, and he 
 had been eminently successful in sav¬ 
 ing West Virginia from falling into 
 the hands of the Confederates during 
 that summer. See Appleton’s “ Cyclo¬ 
 paedia of American Biography,” Vol. 
 iv., pp. 79 to 84. 
 
 63 See “ Histoire de la Guerre Civile 
 en Amerique,” par M. le Comte de 
 Paris, Tome Premier, Liv. iii., chap, 
 iii., pp. 465 to 470. 
 
 64 He was of Irish lineage and born 
 at East Greenwich R.I., in 1807. He 
 had formerly distinguished himself in 
 the Mexican battles of 1847. Sub¬ 
 sequently he commanded a division in 
 General Keyes’ corps of the Army 
 of the Potomac, and having been 
 greatly distinguished at the battle of 
 Fair Oaks, 31st May 1862, he was 
 brevetted Brigadier-General of the 
 United States Army and Major-Gene¬ 
 ral of Volunteers. He wrote some 
 prized military treatises. See Apple- 
 ron’s “ Cyclopaedia of American Bio¬ 
 graphy,” Vol. i., pp. 550, 551. 
 
 65 For the military organisation 
 effected, two published works are full 
 of useful information, “ The Volun¬ 
 teer Quarter-Master,” and Brackett’s 
 “ History of the United States Cavalry.” 
 
 66 For an account of these, and 
 written from a Confederate point of 
 view, the reader is referred to a work 
 intituled “ The Southern Generals.” 
 Also, Heros Von Brocke’s “Memoirs 
 of the Confederate War,” Two Vols., 
 London, 1866, 8vo. 
 
 67 He was born at Hackensack 
 N. J., June 12th 1798. He served 
 during the Florida and Mexican Wars. 
 In March 1861, he retired from the 
 United States service, and he was 
 now appointed Adjutant and Inspec¬ 
 tor-General of the Confederate army. 
 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of Amer¬ 
 ican Biography,” Vol. i., p. 732. 
 
 68 His son William Preston Johns¬ 
 ton. has written and published a 
 “ Life of General Albert Sydney 
 Johnston,” New York, 1878, 8vo. 
 
 69 He was born in Stratford Va., 
 January 19th 1807, and he was the 
 ablest of all the Southern Generals. 
 See General A. L. Long’s “ Memoirs 
 of Robert E. Lee.” New York, 1886, 
 8vo. 
 
 70 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. i., p. 
 440. 
 
 71 See ibid., Vol. iv., p. 174. 
 
 72 See ibid., Vol. vi., p. 662. 
 
ACTION OF NAPOLEON III. AND OF LORD PALMERSTON. 
 
 3 8fr 
 
 Episcopal Bishop Leonidas Polk, 73 now brevetted a Confederate 
 General, took possession of Columbas, a strong position, on September 
 4th ; while General Merriwether Jeff. Thompson 74 co-operated with 
 him, by occupying posiiions on the Missouri side of the Iiiver 
 Mississippi. A few days later, the Federal General Hiram Ulysses S. 
 Grant 75 occupied Paducah, where the Cumberland enters the Ohio 
 River, with a small force of United States troops. 76 Louisville was 
 also occupied. Soon afterwards, General Albert Sydney Johnston, 
 being sent by President Davis to command the Western department, 
 issued a proclamation justifying this entry of the Confederate Army 
 into Kentucky, owing to the threatening attitude of the Federal 
 Government ; affirming also, that he was willing to withdraw his army 
 from Kentucky, whenever he had satisfactory evidence of a similar 
 intention on the part of the United States. Hostilities then com¬ 
 menced between the rival forces ; and the horrors of an irregular war¬ 
 fare were inflicted on the population, with much destruction of life and 
 property. 77 General Johnston occupied Bowling Green Ky., with 
 4,000 troops under General Buckner. This place he strongly fortified, 
 and then he asked for additional forces from President Davis. Lexing¬ 
 ton in Kentucky was surrendered to the Confederate forces, after 
 three days’ fighting, during the month of September. 
 
 Meanwhile, an expedition having been organised against the South, 
 to seize and hold Bull’s Bay S.C , and Ferdinanda Fla, for the use of 
 the blockading fleet, General Thomas West Sherman 7S with a body of 
 troops effected a landing on the coast of Port Royal Bay, in South 
 Carolina, on the 21st of October. After a battle, which lasted about 
 four hours, he compelled the Confederates to abandon their forts, of 
 which he then took possession. 
 
 At the end of this month, on account of his age and infirmities, 
 General Scott resigned the command in chief of the United States 
 army ; while Major-General M'Clellan was appointed to succeed him. 79 
 The new General busily occupied himself in organizing and drilling the 
 troops placed under his direction. Towards the close of this year, 
 Jefferson Davis was formally elected Southern President, and he was 
 
 7:! See “ Encyclopedia Americana,” 
 Vol. iv., p. 222. 
 
 74 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaadia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. vii. p. 94. 
 
 73 At a later period he was ap¬ 
 pointed Commauder-in-Chief of the 
 Army of the West. Subsequently, as 
 Lieutenant-General over all the United 
 States Army, he directed its operations 
 until the close of the war. 
 
 76 See Brigadier-General Adam 
 Badeau’s “ Military History of Ulys¬ 
 ses S. Grant, from April 1861, to 
 April, 1865,” Vol. i., clap, i, This 
 very detailed and accurate work, 
 illustrated with several Maps of 
 
 Battles, was issued at London and 
 New York, 1S81, in three volumes,. 
 8vo. 
 
 77 See “ History of the American 
 War from 1861 to 1865,” by Lieut- 
 Colonel Fletcher, Vol. i., chap. viii., 
 pp. 193 to 199. 
 
 78 He was born in Newport, R.I., 
 and he served with distinction in the 
 Mexican War, as also afterwards in 
 Kansas. See Appleton’s “ Cyclopas- 
 dia of American Biography,” Vol. v. y 
 p. 502. 
 
 79 See “Abraham Lincoln, a His¬ 
 tory,” Vol. iv., chap, xxv., pp. 440 
 to 470. 
 
 2 A 
 
386 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 entrusted with the general direction of affairs for the term of six 
 years. 80 
 
 The French Emperor, Napoleon III. and the British Government- 
 then directed by the tortuous policy of Lord Palmerston—as also the 
 Tories and most influential oligarchical party in Great Britain, were 
 rejoiced at the prospect of ruin, which then seemed impending over the 
 great Transatlantic Republic •, while the Irish people, with the demo¬ 
 cracy of England, Scotland, and Wales, dreaded the possible results of 
 the coming contest, on the cause of freedom and progress. Early in 
 the threatened struggle, Queen Victoria was urged through her ministers 
 to favour the Confederates, and to issue a proclamation of neutrality, 
 which accorded to them the rights of a belligerent power. These friendly 
 indications of favour towards the rebels soon ripened into an assurance 
 that they might reckon on the sympathies—if not the assistance—of 
 France and of England, once they had entered upon a general war. 81 
 
 Accordingly, to open negotiations with these countries, Messrs. James 
 M. Mason 82 and John Slidell 83 were selected as the Southern Com¬ 
 missioners and bearers of Eu opean despatches. A steamer called the 
 Trent had been running a r, an English mail-packet between Vera Cruz 
 and the island of St. Thomas. On the 7th of November. 1851, she left 
 Havanna, where she had called, to take in additional mails and 
 passengers. Thence she proceeded to St. Thomas, where the mails and 
 passengers were to be trans shipped for England. Among the persons 
 taken on board at Havanna were Messrs. Mason and Slidell. The 
 governtnent at Washington had received intelligence regarding their 
 purposes, and without formal instruction given, measures were arranged 
 to procure their detention or arrest. The Trent was compelled to stop 
 by the San Jacinto, a vessel of war belonging to the United States, and 
 under the command of Captain Charles Wilkes. 84 His misinterpretation 
 of national law caused this officer to believe he was justified in 
 boarding the English steamer. A lieutenant with a guard of armed 
 marines demanded that Messrs. Mason and Slidell, with their secre 
 taries, should be delivered up to him as prisoners of war. 85 This was 
 
 80 An account of his administration, 
 and a statement of its proceedings, 
 will be found in a work written by 
 himself, *• The Rise and Fall of the 
 Confederate Government,” in Two 
 Vols., London, 1S81, 8vo. 
 
 81 See John Bigelow, * France and 
 the Confederate Navy,” New York, 
 1888, 8vo. 
 
 82 See Appleton’s “ Cvclopmdia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. iv. p. 
 243. 
 
 83 See “ Encyclopedia Americana,” 
 Vol. iv., p. 530, 
 
 84 He was born in? New York City 
 1801, and he is said to have been a 
 
 nephew of the celebrated English John 
 Wilkes. He was then renowned as an 
 explorer. In 1862, for distinguished 
 services, he was made a commodore, 
 and he, during the Confederate War, 
 was vigilant in enforcing the blockade 
 and in capturing blockade runners. 
 As rear-admiral he retired in 1866. 
 and he died in Washington, February 
 8th 1877. See “ Encyclopaedia Ame¬ 
 ricana,” Vol. iv., pp. 778, 779. 
 
 85 See Joseph Irving's * Annals of 
 Our Time,” p. 457. Also, Dr. John 
 William Draper’s “ History of the 
 American Civil War,” Vol. ii., sect., 
 xiii., chap. Jxii., pp. 531 to 538. 
 
PREPARATIONS FOR WAR. 
 
 387 
 
 at length done, but under protest. The Confederate despatches and papers 
 meanwhile, and before their capture, had been previously destroyed. 80 
 
 When intelligence of those proceedings reached England on the 
 27th of November, a cabinet council was held, and the conduct of 
 Captain Wilkes was carefully considered, but in a spirit of hostility to 
 the United States. As a result, the Government resolved to demand 
 the release of those four persons, who had been seized. Various 
 opinions were then held, and gave rise to discussions regarding the cir¬ 
 cumstances and the principles involved. As a menace to the Americans, 
 Lord Falmerston at once despatched the Guards and other British 
 troops to Canada. 87 However, prudential motives operated at that 
 time, on both sides, and urged a pacific solution. The seizure act was 
 undoubtedly warranted by the British claim of right to search, which 
 led to the war of 1812. But the United States resolved to yield their 
 prisoners to the British authorities, urged by the Secretary of State 
 Mr. Seward. 88 He argued, that Captain Wilkes’ action was opposed to 
 the- American interpretation of international law. Happily for the 
 respective governments, an anticipated war and at a critical juncture 
 was thus prevented. 89 
 
 Meantime, Napoleon III. had desired to establish an empire in 
 Mexico, 90 and chose for the victim of his visionary political schemes the 
 unfortunate Maximilian, brother to the Austrian Emperor Francis 
 Joseph. He had engaged Spain and England also in that enterprise, m 
 which their respective cabinets had the same self-seeking but divergent 
 speculations ; 91 however, all three powers united in desiring a dismember¬ 
 ment of the United States, and the occasion 92 seemed to be opportune* 
 when the civil war broke out. According to a preconcerted agreement, 
 Spain equipped a squadron having nearly 6,000 soldiers on board ; and 
 parting from Cuba, these arrived before Vera Cruz on the 8th of 
 December 1861, taking possession of the city, without even a declara¬ 
 tion of war, on the 7th of January 1862. The French with 2,400 
 troops and the English with 1,000 disembarked in the same port. 
 Nevertheless, the imperious condition's of the French stipulations 
 
 86 See “ Abraham Lincoln, a His¬ 
 tory,” Vol. v., chap, ii., pp. 21 to 
 41. 
 
 8T See “The Life of John Henry 
 Temple, Viscount Palmerston: 1846- 
 1865,” &c., by the Hon. Evelyn 
 
 Ashley, M.P., Vol. ii. chap, viii., pp. 
 219, 220. 
 
 88 The official correspondence of 
 William Henry Seward has been pub¬ 
 lished by order of the Congress. His 
 Life and an edition of his works 
 have been edited by George E. Baker 
 to 1853, in three vols. A fourth 
 vol. was added in 1862 and a fifth 
 in 1884. Seward died in Auburn N.Y., 
 Oct. 10th 1872. 
 
 89 See Spencer Walpole’s “Life of 
 Lord John Bussell,” Vol. ii., pp. 
 344, 345. 
 
 90 See on this subject, the French 
 account, in the work of General Regis 
 de Trobriand, “ Quatre Annees a 1* 
 Armee du Potomac,” in two volumes, 
 Paris, 1867. 
 
 91 See Justin McCarthy's “ History 
 of our own Times,” Vol. iii., chap, 
 xliv., pp. 165 to 167. 
 
 92 On this subject, as on subsequent 
 occurrences in relation to the Em¬ 
 peror’s policy, the reader may consult 
 Colonel F. Lecomte’s “ L’ Histoire de 
 la Secession.” 
 
388 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 caused a disagreement on the part of Spain and England. The honour 
 and interests of both these nations had been already sufficiently 
 compromised, by their respective ministers ; and now, they resolved on 
 withdrawing their troops, leaving to Napoleon III. the prosecution of 
 this iniquitously provoked war. 93 These proceedings were in direct 
 contravention of the Monroe doctrine, which had hitherto been 
 accepted as the policy of all parties in the United States; but to 
 engage in a European war, at that particular time, must have been 
 attended with great risk and embarrassment to their Government. 94 
 The forms of diplomacy were adopted, to veil implied protests against 
 the Mexican intervention by France ; and the course of events ren¬ 
 dered that intervention so complete a failure, that all occasion for 
 future hostility was happily averted. 95 
 
 Every effort was made by the President, the members of his 
 Cabinet, the Senate, and House of Representatives, to equip and 
 organise a vast army for that most serious civil war in which they were 
 now engaged. In this endeavour, they were most zealously aided by 
 the Northern people and by their Legislators. 96 The Congress of the 
 Federal States met at Washington, on the 2nd of December. In his 
 message which followed, President Lincoln stated the numbers of the 
 Federal army to be over 20,000 regulars, and over 640,000 volunteers, 
 the aggregate constituting 660,971 men. 97 In like manner, the utmost 
 energies of flie Secretary of the Navy were put forth fully to equip that 
 arm of the service. 98 
 
 To counteract these preparations, the Southerners had already a 
 very complete armament, and of a superior quality, in the arsenals at 
 Charleston, Fayetteville, Augusta, and Mount Vernon; besides the 
 large supply of 115,000 muskets transported thither, through the 
 agency of John Buchanan Floyd, Minister of War 99 under President 
 Buchanan. Notwithstanding that blockade maintained by the northern 
 vessels around the southern coasts, owing to the activity of President 
 Davis’ administration and the zeal of British sympathisers, warlike 
 munitions were introduced from England, and from other countries in 
 Europe, by swift steamers known as Blockade Runners. Numerous 
 foundries and workshops for casting cannon and forming projectiles 
 
 93 See “ Histoire de France depuis, 
 1789 jusq ’a nos Jours,” par Henri 
 Martin, Tome vi., chap, viii., pp. 
 285 to 291. 
 
 94 For the judicious policy taken by 
 the President throughout the whole 
 course of his administration, the 
 reader is referred to Raymond’s 
 “ Life and Public Services of Abra¬ 
 ham Lincoln,” New York, 1865, 8vo. 
 
 95 See Justin M'Carthy’s “ History 
 of Our Own Times,” Yol. iii., chap, 
 xliv., pp. 167 to 169. 
 
 96 See “ Histoire de la Guerre Civile 
 
 en Amerique,” par M. le Comte de 
 Paris. Tome Premier, Liv. iii., chap, 
 iii., pp. 474 to 519. 
 
 97 See Dr. John William Draper’s 
 “ History of the American Civil 
 War,” Vol. ii., sect, viii., chap, xliv., 
 pp. 191 to 197. 
 
 98 See Ibid., chap, xlv., pp. 201 to 
 215. 
 
 99 Bom in Blacksburg Va., June 
 1807. He died at Abingdon Va., 
 August 26th 1865. See Appleton’s 
 “ Cyclopaedia of American Biography,” 
 Vol. ii., pp. 4 87, 488. 
 
 — I — 
 
 ft* i 
 
OPENINGS Of THE CHESAPEAKE AND POTOMAC RlVKHS. 
 
 Cincinnati 
 
 RIVER 
 
 outs ville 
 
 RIVER 
 
 SRIVER 
 
 ZBon'/mj 
 C ree.n. 
 
 Co I urn b 
 
 1 /e.wMadr 
 
 nn 
 
 Ft Henry 
 
 Has b y/JI <e 
 
 Mur fra. es boro 
 
 'Fill** 
 
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 vLanci 
 
 Corintt 
 
 MISSES I PP I 
 
 OfMINO SCKNKS OF GRANT’S CaMPAION IN MISSOURI AND TENNESSEE 
 

EXPEDITION TO ALBEMARLE SOUND 389 
 
 were established near Richmond, and in other places; while some of 
 the most approved artillery at that time, invented or fashioned by 
 Armstrong, Whitworth, Blakeley, Parrott, Dahlgren and Brooke, 
 arrived in English vessels. 100 The chief generals and officers of the 
 Confederate army had served with distinction in previous military 
 capacities, while their volunteers and impressed soldiers were found 
 to be both brave and capable for the requirements of a war, which 
 was destined to be fought with such determination and obstinacy on 
 both sides. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 The United States Government prepare for the coming Campaign—In January 
 18(52 General Burnside conducts an Expedition to Albemarle Sound— 
 Major-General Halleck and General Buell appointed to direct military 
 Operations in the West—Victorious Campaign in Kentucky and Tennessee— 
 Generals Price and M‘Culloch driven out of Missouri—Engagement between 
 the Ironclads, Monitor and Merrimack—Preparations for an Advance of 
 General McClellan against Richmond—The Shenandoah Valiev—A new 
 Plan of Operations designed by General McClellan—The Confederate 
 Conscription Act—Movements of General Grant in the West—Battle of 
 Shiloh or Pittsburg Landing—Expedition against New Orleans—Capture of 
 Memphis by the Federals. 
 
 Vast preparations had been made for the prosecution of the war in 
 the beginning of 1862. While armies had been sent to open the 
 Mississippi, and to d'sperse the Confederate forces assembled in the 
 West, to General McClellan was assigned the charge of organizing an 
 army of nearly 200,000 men, mustered and encamped near Washington. 1 
 Land and sea armaments were also directed to capture and close the 
 harbours of the Confederates on the Atlantic coasts. These combina¬ 
 tions and movements were intended to be nearly simultaneous. 
 
 For several months, rebel batteries planted at the opening of the 
 Potomac River and at the inlets of Chesapeake Bay had seriously 
 affected vessels seeking approach to the national capital. However, a 
 coast division under General Ambrose E. Burnside 2 was organized, and 
 this was destined to operate against those detachments formed to 
 obstruct navigation. Meantime, wider designs having been matured 
 by the Government, an expedition against the Southern coasts was 
 planned, and Burnside was directed to assume command over the 
 Department of North Carolina, which was then created. 
 
 Accordingly, under Comr' idore Louis M. Goldsborough 3 a fleet had 
 
 100 See M. le Comte de Paris, “ His- 
 toire de ia Guerre Civile en Ameri- 
 que,” Tome i., Liv. iii., chap, iv., 
 pp. 529 to 573. 
 
 1 See M. le Comte de Paris, “ His- 
 toire de la Guerre Civile eu Ameri- 
 
 que,” Tome i., Liv. ii., chap, iii., 
 pp. 465 to 527. 
 
 2 See Benjamin Perley Poore’s 
 “ Life and Public Services of Ambrose 
 E. Burnside,” Providence R.I., 1882. 
 
 3 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 
390 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN' HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 been drawn together and assembled at Fortress Monroe and at Annapolis. 
 This flotilla was intended for operations along the lower Potomac and 
 Chesapeake Bay; but afterwards, it was directed by General M'Clellan. 
 for Ilatteras Inlet and Roanoake Island, off the coast of North 
 Carolina, where it was thought in the N orthern States, that a large pro¬ 
 portion of its people were attached to the Union. With its twenty-six 
 gunboats and transports, the fleet consisted of about sixty-five vessels. 
 The United States General Burnside, with three brigades under his. 
 command, 4 sailed from Annapolis in the beginning of January 1862. 
 On the 8th of February, Roanoake Island with its garrison and guns 
 was captured by the Federals. This gave them command of Albemarle 
 Sound. On the 14th of March, they advanced, and after a brisk 
 engagement with a loss of 91 killed and 466 wounded, General Burnside 
 took possession of Newbern. These reverses to the Confederates on that 
 coast were severely felt, and rendered the blockade of the remaining 
 ports more easy, while they tended to raise the spirits of people in the 
 Northern States. 5 
 
 For the conducting of operations in the West, two large armies had 
 been mustered—one corps with head-quarters at St. Louis Mo., com¬ 
 manded by Major-General Henry W. Halleck, 6 the other under General 
 Don Carlos Buell, 7 having his head-quarters at Louisville Ky. The 
 former manifested great administrative and military abilities in restoring 
 order, and in directing operations against the secessionists. Under the 
 latter General, George FI. Thomas 8 served. General Grant had taken 
 possession of Paducah, at the junction of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers, 
 and General Thomas marched to Lexington Ky. General William 
 Tecumseh Sherman 9 was also appointed to assist their military move¬ 
 ments, but a sufficiency of troops was still wanting, to begin operations on 
 a large scale, during the remainder of the year 1861. However, General 
 Grant was-not idle. He conducted an expedition down the Mississippi 
 river to Belmont on the Missouri shore, to break up a rebel camp. At 
 
 American Biography,” Vol. ii., p. 
 673. 
 
 4 These were commanded by Gene¬ 
 rals Foster, Reno, and Parke, besides 
 a brigade under General Williams 
 was stationed at Hatteras Inlet, but 
 it took no very active part in these 
 operations. 
 
 5 See Lieutenant-Colonel Fletcher’s 
 “ History of the American War from 
 1861 to 1865,” Vol. i., chap, xii., pp. 
 284 to 298. 
 
 6 He was born at Westernville 
 N.Y., January 16th 1815, and gradu¬ 
 ated in the United States military 
 academy. During the Mexican War 
 he served with distinction in Cali¬ 
 fornia. See Appleton’s “ Cycloptedia 
 
 of American Biography,” Vol. iii., pp. 
 48 to 51. 
 
 7 See ibid., Vol. i., pp. 441, 442. 
 
 8 The biography of this very able- 
 general has been written by Thomas- 
 B. Van Horne, and published at New 
 York, in 1882. 
 
 9 He was born in Lancaster Ohio, 
 February 8th 1820. He graduated 
 at West Point in 1840. He served 
 in the Mexican War, and in the bat¬ 
 tle at Bull Run he commanded a 
 brigade comprising the 13th, 69th, 
 and 79th New York and the 2nd 
 Wisconsin Regiments. He has pub¬ 
 lished “ Memoirs of General William 
 T. Sherman,” by himself. New York, 
 IBAb, 8vo. A new edition issued in 
 1885. 
 
VICTORIOUS CAMPAIGN IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. 
 
 391 
 
 first successful. Confederate reinforcements arrived which converted his 
 victory into a retreat. 10 General Zollicoffer had now a fortified camp 
 on the north bank of Cumberland River ; whence General Ruell resolved 
 to dislodge him, but he could only send General Thomas forward and 
 with a less numerous force. 
 
 On the 10th of January 1862, with a greatly inferior force, Colonel 
 James Abram Garfield 11 boldly attacked and defeated Humphrey 
 Marshall 12 at Middle Creek, and this was followed up by other successes. 
 At Mill Spring, on the 19th of January, General George H. Thomas 
 fought George B. Crittenden 13 and Zollicoffer the Confederate leader, 
 who advanced to crush him, before his few regiments could be collected. 
 However, he accepted battle and completely defeated them. The 
 former lost 246 men, and the latter 343. In this battle, the Confederate 
 General Zollicoffer was killed, and his men retreated in great disorder 
 beyond the Cumberland River. 
 
 On the 11th of January, the Secretary of War Simon Cameron 14 
 resigned his portfolio, and he was succeeded by Edwin M. Stanton. 15 
 The Governor of Tennessee Isham G. Harris 10 and its Legislature had 
 secretly formed a military organization, which overawed the majority 
 of the people, who were most reluctantly drawn into secession. This 
 was especially the case in the eastern parts of that State, where the 
 Union party took up arms and demanded aid from the Eederal Govern¬ 
 ment. This assistance was slow in coming, notwithstanding urgent 
 messages sent to General Buell. Meanwhile, Governor Harris had 
 procured troops from a distance, and gathering others for the march, 
 these promptly moved against the unsupported loyalists who were 
 speedily suppressed, and several were summarily executed. 17 
 
 Meanwhile, General Albert Sydney Johnston in Kentucky held 
 the Northern army in check until February. He then retired to 
 Nashville. 18 The Confederates held two very strong positions in the 
 State of Tennessee. One of these was Fort Henry on the Tennessee 
 
 10 See Adam Badeau’s “Military 
 History of Ulysses S. Grant,” Vol. i., 
 chap, i., pp. 15 to 18. 
 
 11 He was born in Orange, Cuyahoga 
 County, Ohio, 19th of November 
 1851, and after a course of life dis¬ 
 playing great energy of character and 
 ability, he volunteered as a civilian 
 in August 1861. His military ser¬ 
 vices were so distinguished that he 
 was created Major General on the 19th 
 of September 1863. Subsequently 
 pursuing a political career, he became 
 the twentieth President of the United 
 States. His works in two volumes 
 have been edited by Burke A. Hins¬ 
 dale, and published in Boston, 1882. 
 The most complete life of him is 
 that written by James R. Gilmore, 
 and published in New York, 1880 
 
 12 He was born in Frankfort, Ky., 
 
 January 13th 1812. He died in 
 
 Louisville, Kv., March 28th 1872. 
 
 13 Born in Russellville Ky., March 
 20th 1812. 
 
 14 See Appleton’s “Cyclopaedia of 
 
 American Biography,” Yol. i., p. 
 
 509. 
 
 13 He was born in Steubenville 
 
 Ohio, December 19th 1884, and he 
 died in Washington, D.C., December 
 24th 1869. See ibid., Vol. v., pp. 
 648, 649. 
 
 16 See ibid., Vol. Hi., p. 92. 
 
 17 See “Abraham Lincoln, a His¬ 
 tory,” Vol. v., chap, iv., pp. 58 to 
 80. 
 
 18 See Chambers’ “Encyclopaedia, a 
 Dictionary of Universal Knowledge,’* 
 Vol. vi., p. 348. New edition. 
 
392 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 River, and the other was Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River. A 
 combined movement of General Grant’s land forces and the gun-boats of 
 Commodore Andrew H. Foote were designed for their reduction. The 
 latter, havirg united his fleet of gunboats at the junction of the Rivers 
 Mississippi and Ohio, left Cairo, and ascended the Tennessee River. 19 
 
 Before the arrival of General Grant, Fort Henry, held by the Con¬ 
 federates under Brigadier-General Lloyd Tilghman, 20 was attacked by 
 the gun-boats, and it surrendered to Commodore A. H. Foote on the 
 6th of February. 21 Most of the garrison escaped, nevertheless, and 
 reached Fort Donelson. In order to operate against this stronghold, it 
 was necessary to move the gun-boats down the Tennessee to the Ohio 
 River; then it became requisite, to ascend a portion of this latter, and 
 to move up the Cumberland. It was only on the 14th of that month, 
 the combined forces were ready for such an attack; but, owing to the 
 peculiar position of the fort, the gun-boats could effect very little ; while 
 in addition, exposed greatly to their enemy’s batteries, the vessels were 
 badly injured. 22 However, General Grant pressed the garrison of 
 22,000 men under Generals Simon B. Buckner 23 Gideon J. Pillow 24 
 and John B. Floyd. 25 The latter was chief in command. At first, it 
 was resolved to attack the Federals, before the arrival of some fresli 
 droops they expected. General Buckner’s advanced division was 
 successful for a time; but not being supported, it was obliged to 
 retreat, and the Federals under General John E. Smith 26 took 
 possession of some entrenched works. In this battle, the Federals 
 lost upwards of 1,000 men. Early on the morning of the 16th, as 
 the communication with Nashville had now been cut off, the three 
 Confederate Generals resolved on the surrender of Fort Donelson, and 
 the conducting of such a negotiation with the command was turned 
 over to General Buckner. However, General Grant rejected all over¬ 
 tures, and insisted on an immediate submission. Thus pressed, the 
 Confederates surrendered without conditions to the Federal army, who 
 captured here 14,623 prisoners, including three generals, 65 cannon, 
 17,000 small arms, and a large quantity of war material. During these 
 operations, over 2,000 in killed and wounded were numbered. 27 Generals 
 Floyd and Pillow with 5,000 troops had escaped during the preceding 
 night. Also, Colonel Nathan B. Forrest, 28 with the greater portion of 
 
 19 See Alfred Roman’s “ Military 
 Operations of General Beauregard,” 
 Ac., Vol. i,, cliap. xv., pp. 218 to 231. 
 
 20 See Appleton’s “Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography, Vol. vi., p. 
 117. 
 
 21 See J. M. Hoppin’s “Life of A. 
 H. Foote,” 1874, 8vo. 
 
 22 According to Commodore Foote’s 
 Report. 
 
 23 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. i., p. 
 440. 
 
 24 See the “ Encyclopaedia Ameri¬ 
 cana,” Vol. iv., pp. 208, 209. 
 
 25 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. ii., pp. 
 487, 488. 
 
 26 See ibid., Vol. v., p. 572. 
 
 27 See “ Histoire de la Guerre Civile 
 en Amerique,” par M. le Comte da 
 Paris, Tome ii., Liv. ii., chap, i., 
 pp. 299 to 327 
 
 28 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. ii., pp. 
 505, 506. 
 
GENERALS PRICE AND M'CULLOCH DRIVEN OUT OF MISSOURI. 393 
 
 his cavalry, escaped through a road then flooded and extending along the 
 river bank. 29 In consequence of this surrender, the Confederates 
 abandoned Columbus, Bowling Green and Nashville. 80 Giving up the 
 whole of Kentucky, and most of Tennessee, they retreated southwards. 
 Soon a strong Union party was formed in that district of country. 31 
 
 In the latter State, Senator Andrew Johnson 32 a man of independ¬ 
 ent views on many public questions had resolutely announced his 
 intention to stand by and act in and under the United States Constitu¬ 
 tion. So far being in accord with the administration at Washington, he 
 was appointed Military Governor there, 33 with the rank of Brigadier- 
 General, March 4th 1862. His opposition to secession had drawn upon 
 him the most violent attacks in the South, and particularly from 
 Jefferson Davis. 34 
 
 In the meantime, having collected his forces, General John Pope 35 
 very actively scattered the guerilla bands of Missouri and protected the 
 railway communications. On the 18th of December 1861, an engage¬ 
 ment took place at Blackwater, where Price was signally defeated, with 
 a loss besides of 1,300 prisoners, arms, ammunition and supplies. This 
 victory obliged him to retreat below the Osage River, which he never 
 again crossed. However, he was reported to have collected 30,000 men 
 at Springfield, and General Earl Van Dorn 36 was thought to be 
 approaching from Arkansas to aid him with 10,000 troops. Whereupon, 
 General Samuel Ryan Curtis 37 advanced against Price, who retreated 
 from Springfield on the 13th of February 1862. The Confederate forces 
 of Missouri, commanded by Price and McCulloch, were at length driven 
 out of the State, and vigourously pursued into Arkansas by General 
 Curtis. There they united with troops raised by Van Dorn, and with 
 a force of 16,000 men, they began to march against 10,500 Federal 
 troops. In north-western Arkansas, Generals Curtis and Sigel occupied 
 a strong position at Pea Ridge. There they were attacked by the Con- 
 
 29 See Lieutenant-Colonel Fletcher’s 
 “ History of the American War from 
 1861 to 1865,” Vol. i., chap, xi., pp. 
 265 to 274. 
 
 30 See Alfred Roman’s “ Military 
 Operations of General Beauregard,” 
 &c., Vol. i., chap, xvii., p. 246. 
 
 31 See Dr. John William Draper’s 
 “ History of the American Civil 
 War,” Vol. ii., sect, x., chap, xlix., 
 pp. 260 to 271. 
 
 32 Afterwards, he became Vice-Pre¬ 
 sident, and succeeded Abraham Lincoln 
 as seventeenth President of the United 
 States. His “ Speeches ” were pub¬ 
 lished with a biographical introduc¬ 
 tion, by Frank Moore, at Boston, in 
 1865. 
 
 33 See Chambers’s “ Encyclopaedia, 
 
 a Dictionary of Universal Know¬ 
 ledge,” Vol. vi., p. 345, New edition. 
 
 34 See Pierre Larousse’s “ Grand 
 Dictionnarie Universel du XIXe 
 Siecle,” Tome ix., p. 1001. 
 
 35 He was born in Louisville Ky., 
 March 16th 1822, and he participated 
 in the Mexican War. He was also 
 an able engineer, and surveyor of 
 public routes in the United States 
 service, until made Brigadier-General 
 of Volunteers, May 17th 1861. 
 
 36 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. vi., pp. 
 244 to 248. 
 
 37 Born in the State of New York, 
 and of Irish lineage, February 3rd 
 1807. He served with distinction in 
 the Mexican War. See ibid., Vol. 
 ii., p. 37. 
 
394 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 M 
 
 Im 
 
 m 
 
 federates, March 6th, with a greatly superior force. On the 7th was 
 fought an obstinate engagement. Van Horn made a flank movement 
 during the night, and had gained the right and rear of Curtis’ army. 
 However, in perfect order, the Federal general changed line and gained 
 a still stronger position. The rebels furiously attacked his right and 
 centre, but in that onset, Generals Benjamin M'Culloch, 38 James 
 M.‘Intosh 39 and other prominent officers fell; while throughout that 
 whole day, the Union troops stubbornly maintained their position. On 
 the morning of the 8th Curtis reformed his lines, and leading the attack, 
 soon were the Confederates in retreat. This encounter lasted for three 
 days. In leading an assault McCulloch was killed, and General Curtis 
 at last beat off his opponents. 40 The losses in killed and wounded, on 
 either side, amounted to about 1,000 men. 41 
 
 One of the steam-frigates named the Merrimac, which had been 
 sunk in Norfolk Harbour, was raised, repaired, plated with iron, 
 having a slanted roof, and fitted with two iron beaks at the stem. This 
 vessel was then named the Virginia. On the 8th of March, she 
 came out from the Elizabeth River and attacked a Federal ship in 
 Hampton Roads, at the mouth of the J amcs River. The heaviest guns 
 brought to bear on her were found to have no great effect, when shot and 
 shell reached her iron-plated roof and sides. She sank the sloop-of-war 
 Cumberland, by a stroke of her armoured ram ; and soon after, she 
 drove the frigate Congress ashore and burned her. 42 At night she 
 returned to Norfolk harbour. Meanwhile, during the darkness arrived a 
 small iron-clad vessel called the Monitor, 43 having a hull almost entirely 
 under water, with a revolving shot-proof turret of iron, and two enor¬ 
 mous guns inside. This newly designed iron-clad was commanded by 
 Lieutenant Worden. 44 The very next day, the Merrimac appeared 
 once more to encounter the Federal fleet. In a subsequent action, which 
 lasted for five hours, the iron-clad steamer Monitor assailed and then 
 obliged her to seek refuge in Norfolk harbour, after she had suffered 
 considerable damage. 45 
 
 38 Born in Tennessee, November 
 11th 1811 he fought in Texas 1836, and 
 afterwards in the Mexican War. See 
 ibid., Vol. iv., pp. 97, 98. 
 
 39 Born in Florida in 1828. He 
 entered the U S army, but resigned 
 his commission in 1860, and after¬ 
 wards became brigadier-General in the 
 Confederate service. See ibid., Vol. 
 iv., pp. 124, 125. 
 
 40 See M. le Comte de Paris, “ His- 
 toire de la Guerre Civile en Ameri- 
 que,” Tome ii., chap, i., pp. 336 to 
 356. 
 
 41 See Lieutenant-Colonel Fletcher’s 
 “History of the American War from 
 1861 to 1865,” Vol. i., chap, xiii , 
 pp. 299 to 306. However, a more 
 detailed account is to be found in the 
 
 following statement:—“The Union 
 loss was 203 killed, 980 wounded and 
 201 captured or missing; while the 
 Confederate loss, not so accurately 
 ascertained, was estimated to be 
 between 1,000 and 1,300.”—“ Abraham 
 Lincoln, a History,” Vol. v., chap, 
 xvii., p. 292. 
 
 42 See Frank Moore’s “ Rebellion 
 Record,” p. 269. 
 
 43 Captain John Ericsson was the 
 designer of this vessel. See an ac¬ 
 count of this celebrated Swedish en¬ 
 gineer and inventor, in the “ Encyclo- 
 ptedia Americana,” Vol. ii., pp. 810, 
 811. 
 
 44 See ibid. , Vol. vi., p. 614. 
 
 45 See,“ Histoire de la Guerre Civile 
 on Amerique,” par M. le Comte de 
 
Naval-Battle in Hampton Roads. 
 
 The Shenandoah Vaj.lky. 
 

PREPARATIONS FOR AN ADVANCE AGAINST RICHMOND. 
 
 395 
 
 Nearly two hundred miles higher up the Mississippi than Memphis, 
 and not far above New Madrid in Missouri, the Confederates had 
 taken possession of an Island denominated No. 10, and which lies in 
 a curve of the Mississippi ltiver. So soon as the evacuation of Columbus 
 had been resolved on, all available rebel resources and skill were here 
 concentrated. Meanwhile, earthworks had been thrown up around 
 New Madrid by the Confederates, who had placed a garrison there, 
 guarded by a fleet of eight gunboats on the river and under command of 
 Commodore George N. Hollis. 46 On Island No. 10 they had erected 
 formidable batteries, for the purpose of commanding the navigation; 
 while these were supported from the Confederate headquarters, 
 stationed on the Tennessee shore. To General John Pope 47 had been 
 assigned command of an expedition to remove those obstacles; and 
 accordingly, at the head of 20,000 troops, he appeared before New 
 Madrid on the 3rd of March. Having surrounded the place with 
 siege-works, he sent detachments to Point Pleasant on the river about 
 nine miles below, to cut off the enemies’ reinforcements and supplies. 
 Ten days later the rebels evacuated New Madrid leaving everything 
 behind them. The Confederate retreat from Island No. 10 was soon 
 rendered difficult as Pope’s forces held the Missouri shore, and he 
 called upon Flag-officer Foote to bring his fleet of nine gunboats to 
 co-operate in an intended attack. The latter objected, however, that 
 the risk and difficulty should be too great with his insufficient arma¬ 
 ment. A most ingenious expedient was now devised. 48 To capture that 
 island, the army of General Pope selected a bayou, running irregularly 
 above it from the Mississippi and on to the west bank below it; then 
 with incredible labour and skill the troops cut a canal across the marshy 
 peninsula, which was formed by the river bend. 59 Through this canal 
 twelve miles in length, several boats and barges passed. These were 
 followed by other boats carrying a large body of troops, with guns and 
 mortars, for the purpose of besieging the island. Meanwhile, the pas¬ 
 sage for boats having been found practicable from above and below on 
 the river, two gunboats were necessary to protect the transports in 
 crossing troops from the Missouri side. 50 This operation was successfully 
 accomplished by the gunboats Carondelet and Pittsburg. Pope next 
 embarked his troops on the boats, to intercept retreat from the island, 
 on the 7 th of April. 51 After a prolonged defence, its commander had 
 
 Paris, Tome ii., Liv. ii., chap, iv., 
 pp. 515 to 521. 
 
 46 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. iii., p. 
 237. 
 
 47 See the “ Encyclopaedia Ameri¬ 
 cana,” Vol. iv., p. 227. 
 
 48 To Colonel J. W. Bissell of the 
 Engineer Regiment is mainly due the 
 conception and execution of those 
 works afterwards undertaken, and 
 which he describes in his “ Battles 
 
 and Leaders of the Civil War,” Vol. 
 i., p. 461. 
 
 49 The various positions are shown 
 on a Map of Military Operations 
 about Island No. 10, in “ Abraham 
 Lincoln: a History,” Vol. v., chap, 
 xvii., p. 304. 
 
 50 See Dr. John William Draper’s 
 “ History of the American Civil 
 War,” Vol. ii. sect, x., chap, xlix., 
 pp. 274 to 278. 
 
 51 See Lieutenant-Colonel Fletcher’s 
 
396 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 already yielded to Commodore Foote. On that and on the following 
 day, General Pope received the surrender of three general officers and 
 of six or seven thousand Confederate troops. 52 
 
 Meantime in the East, a vast army had been assembled and organ¬ 
 ized for an advance against Richmond, under the command of General 
 McClellan. The public began to complain of its inaction in face of the 
 enemy, when the President and Government suggested the necessity 
 for its opening the campaign. But the commander of the Federal 
 troops hesitated to adopt plans proposed for a forward movement, and 
 greatly exaggerated the number of forces opposed to him. 53 He now 
 advised an expedition, which was to land on that peninsula between 
 the James and York Rivers Va., while a defensive force should be 
 left to cover Washington. A majority of his generals in a Council of 
 War also approved of his plan. With great reluctance the President 
 and the leading men of his Government yielded consent, as they did not 
 consider such a movement to be well designed, or to be the best that 
 might be made; but they did not desire to assume responsibility by 
 forcing their views on a general of established reputation, and one so 
 popular among his soldiers. 54 At length, bringing his army into the proper 
 condition and after very considerable delay, General McClellan— 
 having sent General Nathaniel Prentiss Banks 55 before him to occupy the 
 Shenandoah valley—advanced from Washington, with the main army. 56 
 The Ordnance Department, and especially General William F. Barry 57 
 the chief of artillery, had laboured with great energy to equip ninety- 
 two batteries, consisting of 320 guns, 52,500 men, and 11,000 horses, to 
 take the field in March. The artillery was assigned to divisions and 
 not to brigades. The manufacture and purchase of arms had been 
 effected,and a grand aggregate force of over 220,000 men was nominally 
 under McClellan’s command; although the executive in Washington 
 often interfered regarding their distribution, nor did it always wholly 
 approve of the General’s plans and operations. Especially was it feared 
 that the Capital might be left exposed to a sudden advance of the Con¬ 
 federates in force, and by a direct route, while the great body of the 
 Federal troops was far removed from its support. 
 
 “ History of the American War from 
 1861 to 1865,” Vol. i., chap, xv., 
 pp. 351 to 363. 
 
 52 See “ Abraham Lincoln : a His¬ 
 tory,” Vol. v., chap, xvii., pp. 296 
 to 299. Also, Alfred Roman’s “ Mili* 
 tary Operations of General Beaure¬ 
 gard,” &c., Vol. i., chap, xxiii., pp. 
 355 to 361. 
 
 53 See the “ Encyclopaedia Ameri¬ 
 cana,” Vol. iii., p. 650. 
 
 54 See “ Abraham Lincoln : a His¬ 
 tory,” Vol. v., chap, ix., pp. 148 to 
 172. 
 
 55 Born in Waltham Mass., January 
 30th 1816 See Appleton’s “ Cyclo¬ 
 
 paedia of American Biography,” Vol. 
 i., pp. 158, 159. 
 
 56 Regarding these particulars, the 
 reader is referred to General McClel¬ 
 lan’s “ Report on the Organisation 
 and Campaign of the Army of the 
 Potomac,” p. 46. 
 
 57 He was born in New York City, 
 August 18th 1818, and he served in the 
 Mexican War. In conjunction with 
 General Barnard, he wrote “ Reports 
 of the Engineer and Artillery Opera¬ 
 tions of the Army of the Potomac 
 from its Organization to the close of 
 the Peninsular Campagn,” New York, 
 1863. 
 
THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 
 
 397 
 
 Meanwhile, General Joseph E. Johnson had been placed in command 
 of the Confederate consolidated forces, designated the Army of the 
 Potomac; and he held the position at Manassas J unction, until the 
 spring of 1862. Then finding McClellan about to advance, he -withdrew 
 to the more defensive line of tine Rappahannock. Such a movement was 
 deemed necessary, as the objective aim of the Fcderals was known 
 to be Richmond; and for its defence, all the available troops of the 
 South were requisite within supporting distances. On the 10th of 
 March and as an overture, McClellan proceeded to attack the Con¬ 
 federates in their position at Manassas. On arriving there, however, 
 he found that it had been deserted. On the 13th of March, General 
 Robert E. Lee, 58 who had already served in Western Virginia, was 
 charged with the conduct of military operations in the Army of the 
 Confederacy, and especially in preparing for the defence of Richmond. 59 
 
 While stationed at Manassas, the Confederates occupied Winchester 
 with General Stonewall Jackson’s division, and frequent reconnaissances 
 had been pushed forward towards the Federal lines on the Upper 
 Potomac. When he retired from that position, General Banks took 
 possession of Winchester on March 12th. Having cleared the Shenan¬ 
 doah Valley of the enemy as he thought, the Federal General left the 
 division of General Shields there to guard it. He then set out with his 
 own corps, to join the army under McClellan. Afterwards, General 
 Shields advanced so far as Strasburg; but finding General Jackson 
 occupying a strong position in that neighbourhood, he retired to 
 Winchester on the 20th. 
 
 Meanwhile, learning that a large force had been removed from the 
 Valley, the Confederate General Jackson planned a surprise, and he 
 hastened with a division to attack General Shields. About three and a 
 half miles from Winchester, and on the Strasburg road, a position to 
 cover it was selected for Colonel Kimball’s brigade, 60 as Jackson ad¬ 
 vanced on the 23rd. During those preparatory movements, General 
 Shields was severely wounded. 61 Then Colonel Sullivan 62 was pushed 
 forward with his brigade on the left of Kimball, while Colonel Tyler’s 
 brigade was held in reserve. 63 The latter was ordered up to open the 
 attack, and after an obstinate resistance, Johnson’s left was driven 
 
 58 This celebrated leader was son of 
 the Revolutionary General Henry Lee, 
 known as “ Light-Horse Harry,” and 
 he was born in Stratford, Westmore¬ 
 land County Va., January 19 th 
 1807. He graduated at Westpoint in 
 1829, and he had already served with 
 great distinction in the Mexican War. 
 He became Colonel in the United 
 States Army. He resigned that com¬ 
 mission on the 20th of April 1861. 
 During the following May, he was 
 appointed General in the Confederate 
 Army. See E. Lee ChildeSs “ Life 
 
 and Campaigns of Robert E. Lee,” 
 London, 1875. 
 
 69 See Edward Albert Pollard’s “ Lee 
 and his Lieutenants,” 1867, 8vo. 
 
 80 Nathyn Kimball was born In 
 Indiana, and he commanded the infantry 
 raised in that State. 
 
 61 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,’* Vol. v., p. 
 509. 
 
 62 Jeremiah C. Sullivan was born 
 in Madison Ind., October 1st 1830. 
 See ibid., p. 740. 
 
 63 See ibid., Vol. iv., p, 193. 
 
398 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 back. The other brigades then advanced, when the Confederates to the 
 number of 6,000 64 retreated, leaving two pieces of artillery, four cais¬ 
 sons and about 300 prisoners, in the hands of the Federals. This 
 desperate and well-fought battle took place at Kearnstown, near Win¬ 
 chester. When Jackson was thus driven from the field, collecting all 
 his disposable forces, General Shields pursued him so far south as 
 Harrisonburg. Soon afterwards, General Banks returned to occupy the 
 valley with an augmented force, and Shields was then ordered to rein¬ 
 force McDowell stationed at Fredericksburg. It was believed at 
 Washington that the Confederates were still in great force, and capable 
 of being considerably reinforced in the Shenandoah Valley; while the 
 President and his Cabinet feared their advance, and resolved to with¬ 
 draw 10,000 more of his troops from General McClellan, in order to 
 strengthen the defences around the capital. In the meantime, Major- 
 General M‘Dowell 65 with a force of 30,000 men advanced towards Rich¬ 
 mond, by the direct line through Fredericksburg on the Rappahannock 
 River. That town was evacuated by the Confederates on the 17 th 
 of April, and on the 19th it was surrendered to Brigadier-General 
 Augur. 66 
 
 General McClellan now thought to adopt a new mode of operation. 
 Between Washington and Manassas, he had concentrated the Army of 
 the Potomac; thus hoping to deceive the enemy, who should regard it 
 as designed to march against Richmond by the most direct route, and 
 as threatening the reduction of Virginia. But, his intention was to 
 advance gradually and in a far different manner towards Richmond. A 
 number of ships and boats had been collected, for the transport of his men 
 to Fortress Monroe. When sufficiently near, he intended to march up 
 the peninsula between the James and York Rivers ; while a number of 
 gunboats were to force their way up the James River, and to co-operate 
 with the army in assaulting that city. If properly carried out and with 
 the sufficient force assigned to him, such a plan should probably have 
 been successful. He intended to leave about 30,000 men behind to cover 
 Washington, and he assembled about 80,000 men well equipped, with a 
 formidable battering train, at the lower end of the peninsula, between 
 the York River and James River, under protection of the guns in Fortress 
 
 64 See Edward A. Pollard’s “ Sou¬ 
 thern History of the War.” First 
 Year of the War. This work, writ¬ 
 ten in conjunction with B. M. De 
 Witt, was published in Richmond, 
 1862. It was followed by The Second 
 Year of the War, published in 1864, 
 as also by the Third Year of the 
 War, issued in the same year. A 
 fourth volume on the same subject 
 was published in New York, 
 1866. This work was republished in 
 London. The same writer issued 
 
 “ The Life of Jefferson Davis, with 
 the Secret History of the Southern 
 Confederacy,” in 1869. 
 
 65 In March, he had been made 
 Major-General of the Volunteers. 
 
 66 Christopher Colon Augur was 
 born in New York, in 1821. He had 
 already served in the Mexican War, 
 and afterwards against the Indians 
 of Oregon, in 1856. See Appleton’s 
 *• Cyclopaedia of American Biograp- 
 phy,” Vol. i., p. 119. 
 
A NEW PLAN OF OPERATIONS. 
 
 399 
 
 Monroe. There he arrived on the 2nd April, to begin the campaign 
 against Richmond, and on that route chosen by himself. 67 
 
 At this time, General Jackson, commanding his own division and 
 that of General Richard S. Ewell 68 with the cavalry force of Colonel 
 Turner Ashby, 69 was opposed to Generals Fremont and Banks, having 
 an army inferior in numbers. Then Major-General Banks was moving 
 up the valley of the Shenandoah, with a force of 4,000 or 5,000 men 
 chiefly for the purpose of observation, and thinking also that Jackson 
 was retiring before him. Since the withdrawal of General Shields’ 
 division, Banks had only Williams’ troops under his immediate com¬ 
 mand. He left Colonel John R. Kenly 70 in the neighbourhood of 
 Front Royal to guard Manassas Gap, an opening in the Blue Ridge 
 Mountains. Between Colonel Kenly’s force and Strasburg, there is a 
 line of hills known as the Massanutten Mountains, and dividing the 
 two forks of the Shenandoah River, which runs from south to north, 
 and which joins the Potomac River at Harper’s Ferry, 71 Banks had 
 already marched beyond Strasburg, when two divisions of Confederates, 
 effectually screened by the nature of the ground, and under Generals 
 Ewell and Jackson, moved down the Shenandoah south fork. Then 
 they seized Front Royal, and attacked Colonel Kenly who was 
 severely wounded, and many of his troops were killed. Nearly all the 
 rest were either wounded or captured. Having heard of this move¬ 
 ment, Banks endeavoured by a forced march to retreat upon Winches¬ 
 ter, where his stores were collected. However, this surprise cut off his 
 communication with General McDowell; and now, ordering his baggage 
 trains to Winchester, he covered the rear force with the greater portion 
 of his troops. Having been molested by the enemy’s pickets near 
 Cedar Run, that town was reached, but in much confusion, on the 
 evening of May 24th. When Banks arrived there, full confirmation of 
 the total defeat of Kenly’s force was received, and that the Confederates 
 were fast approaching in great numbers. Whereupon a retreat was 
 ordered, early on the morning of the 25th. Nevertheless, Banks took 
 up a position to offer battle. There a contest took place, and it lasted 
 for three hours on that day. The Confederates then drove General 
 Banks with great loss through Winchester on to Martinsburg. Many of 
 his men were taken prisoners. Nevertheless, the boats of the pontoon 
 train having been saved, during the night of the 25th and on the morn¬ 
 ing of the 26th, his army crossed the Potomac closely pursued by the 
 enemy’s cavalry, yet without his sustaining any great molestation. 72 
 
 67 See “ Abraham Lincoln, a His¬ 
 tory,” Vol. v., chap, xx., p. 358. 
 
 68 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. ii., p. 
 
 392. 
 
 69 See ibid., Vol. i., p. 110. 
 
 70 See ibid., Vol. iii., p. 515. 
 
 11 These positions are very clearly 
 
 marked, on a Sketch Map of General 
 Jackson’s Campaign of the Shenan¬ 
 doah Valley, in Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Fletcher’s “ History of the American 
 War from 1861 to 1865,” Vol. ii., 
 chap, i., p. 6. 
 
 72 His official Report states the en¬ 
 tire loss at 38 killed, 157 wounded, 
 and 711 missing. 
 
400 
 
 IRISII-AHERICAN HISTORY OJ)’ THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 mm. 
 
 During the year preceding, the President had decreed the creation 
 of a new military district known as the Department of the Mountain, 
 and over it he had placed as chief the commander, whom he had with¬ 
 drawn from the Missouri. 73 About this time, General Fremont, who 
 had been stationed at Franklin in the mountains of Western Virginia, 
 was advancing with an army from the West, and he purposed joining 
 General Banks near Staunton. However, Jackson resolved on prevent¬ 
 ing such a junction, and having a superior force under his command, 
 that general succeeded in getting to the rear of the main body. 
 Fremont had three divisions under his command. With these he 
 advanced on the 26th of May to Petersburg, hoping to intercept 
 General Jackson who now retreated on Strasburg. He had a long 
 train, conveying the spoils of Banks’ army with about 2,000 prisoners, 
 and he marched rapidly forward on Woodstock and to Mount Jackson. 74 
 
 Having entered the Shenandoah Valley with his forces in pursuit, 
 General Fremont reached Harrisonburg on the 6th of June. Then 
 marching beyond that town, the Federal advance was drawn into an 
 ambuscade, and it suffered severely. In this encounter nevertheless 
 the Confederate Brigadier-General Furner Ashby was killed while 
 leading on his men. Meantime, General Shields had been advanc¬ 
 ing up the southern branch of the Shenandoah, with a view of 
 cutting off Jackson’s retreat through the passes of the Blue Ridge 
 Mountains. Anticipating this advance, on the 8th of June and 
 leaving Ewell in a strong position, about eight miles from 
 Harrisonburg, to keep the Federals in check, General Jackson took 
 post himself near Port Republic, while his long baggage train was 
 crossing a bridge near that place. The advanced guard of Fremont 
 was opposed and forced to retreat. At the hamlet of Cross Keys Ewell 
 firmly held his ground, and the Federals lost 664 men in that battle. 
 Meanwhile, the advanced brigade of Shields’ Division commanded by 
 Colonel Samuel S. Carroll 75 had come up, and it engaged in an artillery 
 skirmish with Jackson’s division; but the main body of Shields’force 
 was still in the rear. On the morning of the 9th, Ewell’s forces were 
 withdrawn to operate against General Tyler, who had arrived on the 
 evening previous to support Colonel Carroll. His troops were drawn 
 up on the main road, and in an open plain. There he was attacked, 
 and as his artillery rested on some wooded hills towards the left of that 
 position, General Jackson sent a detachment round, while he occupied 
 Tyler’s attention by demonstrations in the plain. Then making a 
 sudden charge, the greater proportion of the Federal artillery was 
 captured, and their lines were broken. The Confederate cavalry pur¬ 
 sued, and the rout was complete; nor could Fremont repair a bridge, 
 
 ,s See M. Le Comte de Paris, “His- 
 toire de la Guerre Civile en Ameri- 
 que,” Tome ii., Liv. ii., chap, iv., 
 p. 557. 
 
 74 See Jefferson Davis’ “ Rise and 
 
 Fall of the Confederate Government,” 
 Vol. ii., chap, xxi., pp. 109 to 111. 
 
 75 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. i. p. 
 539. 
 
THE CONFEDERATE CONSCRIPT ACT. 
 
 401 
 
 in order to cross a deep river which lay between both bodies of his 
 troops. Afterwards, General Jackson withdrew leisurely through 
 Brown’s Gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains to Gordonsville, where lie 
 had direct railway communication to Richmond. Hearing that he was 
 about to receive reinforcements, General Fremont ordered a retreat 
 down the valley, having first sent a detachment of cavalry to apprise 
 Shields about the reverses he had experienced. 76 This raid was designed 
 to check the advance of General McDowell from sending any reinforce 
 merits to aid General McClellan in his operations against Richmond, and 
 it proved to be effective for that purpose. His command had been de¬ 
 tached from the main body of troops, and it was then designated the 
 Army of the Rappahannock. Having been reinforced, Banks soon re- 
 crossed the Potomac to the Shenandoah Valley. He only arrived there 
 however, when Ewell and Jackson had retreated. 77 
 
 On the 5th of April, General McClellan’s army was in front of the 
 Yorktown defences; but, before he would attempt an assault reinforce¬ 
 ments were expected. Heintzelman’s corps encamped in front of York¬ 
 town, supported bv Sedgwick’s division of Sumner’s corps on the 
 Warwick road, while Keyes’ corps was on the left, facing Lee’s Mills 
 on the west bank of Warwick. 78 However, the Confederates held 
 suspicions, and even had fully divined the true points of movement, 
 regarding General McClellan’s plan of operations. Having placed their 
 army under the chief command of General Joseph E. Johnston, they 
 accordingly made judicious arrangements to resist that approach. They 
 held Yorktown, while drawing a linecf entrenchments across the penin¬ 
 sula, 79 and these were defended by about 12,000 men commanded by 
 General John B. Magruder. 80 
 
 On the 4th of April, General McClellan had landed less than 
 100,000 men on the peninsula near Yorktown ; but his plan was greatly 
 disarranged by the withdrawal of McDowell’s troops and those of 
 General Wool, who commanded at Fortress Monroe. Moreover, he had 
 been promised the co-operation of the navy, in his projected attack on 
 the batteries of Yorktown and Gloucester; and soon every possible 
 effort was made to give assistance to the land forces. However, when 
 the fleet moved up the James River with several ironclads, the marines 
 and sailors were killed in great numbers by swarms of sharpshooters, 
 who lined either bank on towards Drury’s Bluff. Nor were the Federals 
 anle to make any sensible impression on those batteries opposed to 
 them. The shi[js were afterwards obliged to fall back towards Fortress 
 
 76 See Lieutenant Colonel Fletcher’s 
 “History of the American War irom 
 1861 to 1865,” Vol. ii., chap, iv., 
 pp. 61 to 70. 
 
 77 See Jeffrson Davis’ “Rise and 
 Fall of the Confederate Government,” 
 Vol. ii., chap, xxi., pp. Ill to 119. 
 
 78 See Captain D. P. Convnghain’s 
 “Irish Brigade and its Campaigns,” 
 &o., chap, vi., p. 62. 
 
 79 For a very clear understanding 
 of the military position and move¬ 
 ments, the reader may consult a map 
 of the Peninsular Campaign, in “ Ab¬ 
 raham Lincoln, a History,” Vol. v., 
 chap, xx., p. 368. 
 
 80 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. iv., p 
 175. 
 
 2 D 
 
402 
 
 IRISH-AM ERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Monroe. So early as April 1SG2, the Confederate Congress had passed 
 a Conscription Act. In the South, a reign of military despotism pre¬ 
 vailed, which made a soldier of every man and boy who was capable of 
 bearing arms. Those who were exempt through age or other causes 
 acted as provosts, for collecting deserters and returning them to the 
 ranks. This state of conscription enabled the Southerners to bring 
 almost their entire adult male population into the field. 
 
 Meantime the important victories gained in the West permitted 
 General Grant to move up the Tennessee River. He encamped near 
 a place called Shiloh or Pittsburg Landing. There he expected General 
 Buell to unite with him for an attack on Corinth. After leaving 
 Manassas on the 2nd of February to assume command, 81 General 
 Beauregard proceeded to the West, and there he occupied a position. 
 That small place, about one hundred miles east from Memphis, he 
 immediately set about fortifying. There too, the army of General 
 Albert Sydney Johnston was moved, and a junction had been formed 
 by both of the Confederate leaders by the 23rd of March. Their united 
 forces amounted to over 40,000 men. 82 On both sides, the arrival of 
 reinforcements had been expected; but, having heard that Buell was 
 advancing on Savannah, while Van Dorn had not yet arrived to their 
 aid from Arkansas, the Confederate leaders resolved to precipitate an 
 engagement, trusting to the strength of their assembled army. 83 
 
 With less than 40,000 of the United States forces, General Grant 
 occupied a post about twenty miles north from Corinth. Nevertheless, 
 all of these were not concentrated. Another portion of his army was 
 stationed at Savannah, on the right bank of the Tennessee, and a few 
 miles lower down. Thinking to surprise him, General Beauregard 
 advanced secretly with his army from Corinth. 84 The Confederates 
 were much more numerous, and in full force at that time. Accordingly, 
 General Albert Sidney Johnston suddenly attacked General Grant’s 
 army at Pittsburg Landing, on the morning of Sunday April 6th. 85 
 Advancing rapidly and unitedly, these leaders at first stormed the camp, 
 and cutting off a detachment of 2,200 men took General Prentiss 86 
 prisoner. Here a desperate battle was fought, and it lasted the entire 
 day. To General Beauregard had been entrusted the main direction of 
 opening the battle by his superior, who took upon himself the task of 
 bringing up supports. General Hardee’s corps, in which General Patrick 
 Roynane Cleburne 87 commanded a brigade chieiiy composed of 
 
 81 See Alfred Roman’s Military 
 Operations of General Beauregard,” 
 Vol. i., chap, xv., p. 213.. 
 
 82 See the “ Encyclopaedia Ameri¬ 
 cana,” Vol. iv., p. 498. 
 
 83 See M le Comte de Paris, “ His- 
 toire de la Guerre Civile en Ameri- 
 que,” Tome ii., Liv. ii., chap, ii., 
 pp. 396, 397. 
 
 04 See Alfred Roman’s “ Military 
 Operations of General Beauregard,” 
 
 &c., Vol. i., chap, xix., pp. 265 to 
 
 282. 
 
 85 See ibid., chap, xx., pp 283 to 
 307. 
 
 86 Benjamin Mayberry Prentiss was 
 born in Belleville Va., November 
 23rd 1819. See Appleton’s “ Cyclo¬ 
 paedia of American Biography,” Vol. 
 v., p. 106 
 
 87 He was born in the County of 
 Cork Ireland, March 17th 1828, and 
 
Few Mac/rvd ^ 
 
 Mont vc e Li 
 
 MH « n iy \ F*Donehoi 
 
 'arUe.Oil i 
 
 Charlotte 
 
 Murfreesboro 
 
 t/tunbolt 
 
 ft irtn.SOi.lle 
 
 t Pillou/ 
 
 oro 
 
 £ > ar ! yhSaOannah . 
 
 ^PlttibUry L •? 
 
 CayitteOllh 
 
 unct ions 
 
 \Dalton.■ 
 
 ALABAMA 
 
 GEORGIA 5*5 
 
 Battle-Field at Pittsburg Landing. 
 
 / LAME 
 PONTCHARTRA IN 
 
 RLEANS 
 
 FtJackso 
 
 r/ 
 
 GULF OF 
 MEXICO 
 
 V , S 5 ISSir 
 
 Opening of the Mississippi River 
 
EXPEDITION AGAINST NEW ORLEANS. 403 
 
 Tennesseeans, was in the front firing line. While personally leading 
 the charge of a brigade between two and three o’clock, General Johnston 
 was killed, but this loss was carefully kept from a knowledge of the 
 Confederate forces. These had hoped by various desperate efforts to 
 assail that strong position near Pittsburg Landing. 88 With determined 
 courage, however, the Federal troops stood the shock of the Confederates. 
 At length, these were forced back to the very brink of the river. On 
 this occasion, General William Tecumseh Sherman commanded a division 
 under General Grant, and with great resolution he maintained the Federal 
 position. Towards evening, Beauregard despaired of breaking their 
 lines, and gave directions for a bivouac in their front, hoping that he 
 should be able to renew and win that battle the following morning. 89 
 
 During the night, however, General Grant was joined by the other 
 portion of his army. General Buell had also arrived with a fresh army 
 from Nashville. 90 On the morning of the 7th, Grant ordered an 
 advance on the Confederate lines, and he renewed the attack. 91 The 
 opposing armies are said to have numbered about 70,000 men on either 
 side. For several hours, that battle lasted; but at length, the Con¬ 
 federates were obliged to yield the ground. 92 The Federals were 
 assisted by two gunboats, which threw shells among the Confederate 
 troops. The result was a failure of General Beauregard’s attempt. 
 After these two days’ fighting, the losses on both sides were enormous; 
 those of the Federals being estimated at 13,047 men, while those of the 
 Confederates amounted to 10,607. During the following day, Beaure- 
 
 he became a student of medicine in 
 Trinity College Dublin. But he ran 
 away and enlisted as a private soldier 
 in the English army, and when his 
 connection with it ceased, he came 
 to the United States, About the 
 time of the breaking out of the war 
 he was a practising lawyer in Helena 
 Arkansas. He assisted in raising a 
 regiment of Arkansas troops and 
 became its colonel. His regiment 
 united with the Army of Tennessee, 
 was at Bowling Green Ky., in 
 General Hardee’s command, under 
 General Albert Sydney Johnson, and 
 went with it to Shiloh. He was from 
 that time on identified with the Army 
 of Tennessee in all its campaigns and 
 battles. He was subsequently pro¬ 
 moted to be Major-General in Decem¬ 
 ber 1862, and he commanded what 
 was known as Cleburne’s Division. 
 He was an active and efficient factor 
 in the Army of Tennessee, partici¬ 
 pating in the battle of Perryville, of 
 Mumfreesboro’ and of Cliickmanga. 
 After the Confederate defeat at Mis¬ 
 sionary Ridge, he was distinguished 
 
 for his defence of Ringgold Gap. At 
 Jonesboro’ he covered the retreat of 
 Hood’s defeated army; Cleburne was 
 called the “Stonewall of the West.” In 
 command of a corps, he was killed 
 in the charge on the Federal breast¬ 
 works at Franklin, November 30th 
 1864. 
 
 88 “ See Abraham Lincoln, a His¬ 
 tory,” Vol. v., chap, xviii., pp. 303 to 
 333. To this is affixed a very in¬ 
 telligible diagram of the topography 
 and position, in The Official, or 
 Thom, Map of the Battle of Shiloh. 
 
 89 See M. le Comte de Paris, “ His- 
 toire de la Guerre Civile en Ameri- 
 que,” Tome ii., Liv. ii., chap, ii., 
 pp. 396 to 417. 
 
 90 See the “ Encyclopaedia Ameri¬ 
 cana,” Vol. iv., p. 499. 
 
 91 See Alfred Roman’s “Military 
 Operations of General Beauregard,” 
 &c., Vol. i., chap, xxi., pp. 308 to 
 325. 
 
 92 See Dr. John William Draper’s 
 “ History of the American Civil 
 War,” Vol. ii., sect, x., chap, i., pp. 
 288 to 302. 
 
404 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OP THE UNITFD STATES. 
 
 gard’s army directed its retreat to Corinth, nor was an immediate 
 attempt made to pursue.' 13 
 
 Towards the close of 1861, the Federal Government had resolved to 
 have an effective blockade on the Gulf of Mexico ; and finally, with the 
 approval of Commander David Dixon Porter 94 and Captain David 
 Glasgow Farragut, 95 the Navy Department planned an expedition for 
 the capture of New Orleans, by running ships past two very strong for¬ 
 tifications Forts Philip and Jackson nearly opposite each other on 
 either bank of the Mississippi, and about seventy-five miles below the 
 city. A. contingent of 10,000 land forces was designed to-eo-operate, and 
 these were to be under the command of General Benjamin F. Butler. 99 
 In January 1862, Farragut was appointed chief of the Western Gulf 
 Blockading Squadron ; and on tho 3rd of February, he sailed from 
 Hampton Roads. The fleet of Commodore Farragut consisted of over 
 30 vessels, carrying altogether about 300 guns, besides 20 mortar-boats, 
 under tho command of Captain Porter. The ships commissioned were 
 chiefly wooden vessels. About the middle of April, they had been 
 
 concentrated below the Forts, where it was found the river was 
 obstructed by dismasted schooners anchored at intervals, and connected 
 by strong chains with log-rafts attached. Besides, an improvised fleet 
 of sixteen gun-boats was there, and these were armed with iron prows. 
 The flotilla of Porter opened fire on Fort Jackson—the nearest of the 
 forts—with a terrific bombardment of shells. On the night of 
 the 20th, two of the gun-boats were sent to cut away the barrier 
 of hulks and rafts stretched across the river. Those vessels 
 succeeded in making an opening sufficient for the passage of 
 ships. On the 24th at 2 o’clock a.m., dividing his fleet into 
 two sections, Farragut gave the signal to advance, while Porter renewed 
 the bombardment to its utmost rapidity. The column of the Red con¬ 
 sisting of eight ships, commanded by Captain Theodore Bail v, 97 sailed 
 first, following the east bank to engage Fort St. Philip, and delivering a 
 
 93 See “ Abraham Lincoln, a His¬ 
 tory,” Vol v., chap, xviii., pp. 333 
 to 335. 
 
 94 He was born in Philadelphia, 
 June 8th 1814. He attained to great 
 distinction in the Mexican War, and 
 among many other works he has 
 written his own autobiography, as 
 also a “ History of the Navy in the 
 War of the Rebellion,” New York, 
 1887, 8vo. 
 
 95 He was born near Knockville 
 Tenn., July 5th 1801. He entered 
 the navy at an early age, and he ser¬ 
 ved during the war of 1813-15, and 
 afterwards against the Mexicans. 
 His son Lovall Farragut issued his 
 life, including his journals and many 
 of his letters. New York, 1S7S, 8vo 
 
 96 He was the son of John Butler, 
 a soldier who fought under General 
 Jackson at New Orleans, and he 
 boasts of Irish descent in that ad¬ 
 mirable work in which his character 
 and career are so ably vindicated, 
 “ Autobiography and Personal Re¬ 
 miniscences of Major-General Ben¬ 
 jamin F. Butler,” with the sub-title 
 “Butler’s Book.” See chap, i., Boston 
 1892, 8vo. General Butler zealously 
 served the Union during the Con¬ 
 federate Wars, but he was unjustly dis¬ 
 missed from command by General 
 Grant. 
 
 97 See Appleton’s “Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Yol. i., pp. 
 133, 139. 
 
CAPTURE OF MEMPHIS BY THE FEDERALS. 
 
 405 
 
 destructive broadside of grape and canister. When abreast of the forts, 
 the ships ran above their line of fire. There they encountered the rebel 
 gun-boat flotilla, but dispersed or captured it with very little loss. The 
 column of the Blue under Farragut followed and passed both the forts. 
 The combat had lasted about one hour and a half; while the total loss 
 to the Federal fleet was only twenty-four men killed, and eighty-six 
 wounded. 98 The ships and gun-boats having passed the forts anchored 
 temporarily at quarantine station, about six miles above them. Nor was 
 there much delay, for on the evening of that same day steaming up the 
 river, New Orleans lay exposed to a fire from the Federal fleet. The 
 Confederate General Mansfield Lovell had only 3,000 troops for its 
 defence, and he now resolved to evacute that city, having first removed 
 such arms and supplies as he could ; the remaining war material and 
 private property to a vast amount was destroyed. 99 When Admiral 
 Farragut demanded surrender of New Orleans, the Mayor returned an 
 equivocal answer; but. after a few days’ hesitation, the rebel flags were 
 taken down from the public buildings, and those of the United States 
 were hoisted in their stead. All the Confederate gun-boats, steam- 
 rams, iron-clad floating batteries, chains and other obstructions in the 
 river, as also the land forts, were thus taken possession of or destroyed. 
 
 Meantime, General Benjamin F. Butler had landed in co-operation 
 a considerable body of troops above the Forts, The Mayor of New 
 Orleans, through his obstinate infatuation having excited popular 
 turbulence and disorder, at last surrendered the city. General Lovell 
 withdrew his small army without making any attempt to prolong the 
 defence, and he retired to Camp Moore, about seventy-eight miles on 
 the Jackson railroad. 100 Having placed detachments of troops on both 
 sides of the Mississippi for protection, on the 1st of May General 
 Butler occupied New Orleans. Cut off from all support, the lower 
 forts also surrendered. The task of governing the city required 
 both firmness and decision from General Butler; but his administration 
 of affairs there was directed by tolerant and even liberal conduct, towards 
 the well-disposed and orderly. He found the whole population of 
 nearly 160,000 almost in a state bordering on starvation, yet 
 with great difficulty he procured means for their subsistence. 
 To prevent mob violence, however, he was obliged to proclaim 
 martial law. Moreover, he armed the free-coloured men there 
 and acted with great vigour in suppressing secessionist manifestations. 101 
 These acts undoubtedly made him unpopular, raising a storm of prejudice 
 and calumny against him throughout the Southern States, and this was 
 freely propagated among their partizansin Europe; but while he exacted 
 rigorously obedience to the Federal Government, he was strenuously 
 
 98 See “ Abraham Lincoln, a His¬ 
 tory,” Vol. v., chap, xv., pp. 252 
 to 266. 
 
 99 See Appleton’s “ Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. iv., p. 
 
 100 See Lieutenant-Colonel Fletcher's 
 
 “ History of the American War from 
 1861 to 1865,” Voi. i., chap, xvi., 
 pp. 397 to 410. 
 
 101 See James Parton’s “ General 
 Butler in New Orleans,” New York, 
 1863, 8vo. 
 
406 
 
 IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 engaged in providing for the subsistence and in procuring health for the 
 hostile citizens. He had only a force of 2,500 men to garrison New 
 Orleans. These were subjected to studied insults or annoyance by the 
 populace, and this conduct they endured with great patience, especially 
 from females, who by word and act manifested disrespect and hatred 
 towards the subjugating General, his officers and soldiers. 102 Meantime 
 General Butler had been placed in command over the Department of the 
 Mexican Gulf. 103 
 
 In the west, having command over Generals Grant and Buell, and 
 having directed General Pope to join his 20,000 troops then flushed with 
 recent victory, General Halleck had collected a very large army at 
 Pittsburg Landing. 104 It amounted to 100,000 men, and thither he 
 arrived in person, on the 11th of April. He then resolved to organise 
 his troops into divisions; the First Army Corps, named the Army of the 
 Tennessee and constituting the right wing, was commanded by Grant; 
 the Second Army Corps, called the Army of the Ohio and constituting 
 the centre, was commanded by Buell; while the Third Army Corps, 
 called the Army of the Mississippi and forming the left wing, was placed 
 under the command of Pope. On the 30th of April, Halleck issued 
 another order giving command of the right wing to General Thomas, 
 whose division of the Army of the Ohio was added to it, while a reserved 
 corps was assigned to General McClellan. 105 Major-General Grant 
 was constituted second in command. 106 Slowly and cautiously not¬ 
 withstanding his great superiority of force, General Halleck advanced 
 towards Corinth ; whereas Beauregard had less than 50,000 for its 
 defence. However, he had skilfully disputed the advance, and deceived 
 his antagonist into a belief that he commanded a much more numerous 
 army. During the night of May 29th and early on the morning of 
 May 30th, General Beauregard evacuated Corinth, retreating with the 
 whole of his army and carrying with him everything valuable. General 
 Halleck took possession of the empty entrenchments, and then he sent 
 General Pope in pursuit of Beauregard. The latter, however, made 
 good his retreat. 107 
 
 In the month of June, some important operations were carried on in 
 the West. Suffering much from a wound received at Fort Donelson, 
 Commodore Foote resigned the command of his gun-boats on the 
 9th of May to Captain Charles Henry Davis, 108 who proceeded with them 
 
 102 See “ Abraham Lincoln, a His¬ 
 tory,” Vol. v., chap, xvi., pp. 275 
 to 287. 
 
 103 See an account of the foregoing 
 transactions in the “ Autobiography 
 and Personal Reminiscences of Major- 
 General B«jamin F. Butler,” chap, 
 vii., viii.A jx., x., xi. 
 
 104 See Dt John William Draper’s 
 “ History of the American Civil 
 War,” Vol. ii., sect, x., chap, i., 
 p. 305. 
 
 105 See Appleton’s “Cyclopaedia of 
 American Biography,” Vol. iv., pp. 
 86, 87. 
 
 106 See “ Abraham Lincoln, a His¬ 
 tory,” Vol. v., chap, xix., p. 337. 
 
 107 See Alfred Roman’s “Military 
 Operations of General Beauregard,” 
 Vol. i., chap, xix., xx., xxi., xxii., 
 xxiii., xxiv., pp. 265 to 399. 
 
 108 This brave and accomplished 
 officer was born in Boston Mass., 
 January 16th 1807. See Appleton’s 
 
PREPARATIONS FOR TIIE ATTACK ON RICHMOND. 407 
 
 down the Mississippi River. Fort Pillow about 60 miles above 
 Memphis, and a place of strength, had been garrisoned by the Confe¬ 
 derates. For some time it was bombarded, and preparations had been 
 made for an assault. It was evacuated, however, on the 4th of June, 
 when the garrison had removed or destroyed the greater portion of the 
 guns and stores. The Federals took possession, and moved their gun¬ 
 boats further down the river without delay. On the 5 th, they 
 anchored off Island No. 45, near Memphis. On the 6th, a naval 
 engagement took place on the Mississippi, near that town. It lasted 
 for an hour and twenty minutes, and it was fought with great deter¬ 
 mination on both sides. This contest ended in the destruction of the Con¬ 
 federate fleet of eight gun-boats, under the command of Commodore 
 Montgomery, by the Federal fleet of gun-boats, under Commodore 
 Davis. On that day, the city of Memphis was surrendered, and with 
 little loss to the Federals. 109 
 
 “ Cyclopaedia of American Biogra- “ History of the American War from 
 phy,” Vol. ii., pp. 94, 95. 1961 to 1865,” Vol. ii., chap, iii., pp. 
 
 i0 *See Lieutenant-Colonel Fletchers 34 to 43. 
 
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