% ' >. 0" ,L %.** *!>^, . ^^•' ^^ \ '^WS /\ --W^*' ^^'"'^< 'bV 4^,'^,\ "* - Jp-'*, .1* y. ■bv jP'-*. r<: ; ^o-n*. -'■'\o'> i^'% .5>^^vrv ; iVv^ •' A " " \y *u ^v . . ^>^ \^ .-^ 1 ♦jfyf^ib.' S 0^' •i^^'/'^o "oV^ SAQ^ ►* ^0 ^^^-n^ -; .2:^°^ ^•Tr;-^ ^0^ v*^ ;* .0" -^-^ -^^0^ )• . >. -* U<;<^.^'. o rN-^ .0... ^-^ "^^ ^0 t » " " • "O FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY BY LAWTON B. EVANS, A.M. r SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, AUGUSTA, GA. ov 77dXX' aXXa ttoXv BENJ. H. SANBORN & CO. CHICAGO NEW YORK BOSTON 1918 \'^l2(y. Copyright, 1910, BY LAWTON B. E^'ANS. Copyright, 1918, BY BENJ. H. SANBORN & CO. ©ClAril2220 m 7A 1919 INTRODUCTION The author of this book has endeavored to meet the demand for a simple history of America, suitable for children of ten to twelve years of age, many of whom study no other text on the subject. In order to present a book of the most value the narrative treats of men whose influence has been controlling in the destiny of the nation, but does not make of their lives a series of hero stories. The facts of their lives and incidents of their careers are pre- sented in sufficient fullness to reveal their personal traits and aid a pupil to understand their contributions to the current of events. The facts that are presented in the text are those which appear most important for a child to know. It is sincerely hoped that the style of the narrative is simple enough for pupils of the fourth or fifth grade to read with ease and attractive enough for them to read with pleasure. The author cheerfully acknowledges his indebtedness to those who have furnished illustrations for this volume: the Departments of the Navy and Treasury; the Singer Manufacturing Company; the Panama Canal Commission; the Wright Brothers; the New York Central and Pennsylvania Railroads; the Cunard Steamship Company; Messrs. Harris & Ewing, photographers, Washington; the Moffett Studio, Chicago, for photographs; Gordon A. South- worth, Editorial Critic, Miss Adele W. Jones, the special artist of Messrs. Sanborn & Co., and to the many friends who have aided iii iv INTRODUCTION him in perfecting the text and adapting it to school use, and sub- mits to the profession this story of America with the hope that the children who use it may have an abiding love for the noble tradi- tions of their forefathers and an increasing pride in the greatness of our common country. LAWTON B. EVANS Augusta, Ga. TABLE OF CONTENTS DISCOVERERS AND EXPLORERS Lesson Pagb 1. Christopher Columbus 1 2. Isabella Agrees to Help Columbus 4 3. The First Voyage op Discovery 7 4. The Return to Spain 11 5. Last Voyage of Columbus 14 6. John Cabot. — Americus Vespuccius 16 7. Balboa. — Magellan 18 8. Ponce de Leon Explores Florida 21 9. The Adventures of Narvaez 23 10. De Soto Discovers the Mississippi River 26 11. CoRONADO Searches for the Seven Cities ,. 30 THE ENGLISH COLONIES 12. Sir Walter Raleigh and the Lost Colony 34 13. The Settlement of Jamestown 37 14. Pocahontas, the Indian Princess 40 15. Progress of Jamestown 43 16. Nathaniel Bacon and His Rebellion 47 17. The Settlement of Plymouth. 49 18. More About Plymouth 53 19. Exiles from the New England Colonies 55 20. John Eliot, the Apostle to the Indians 59 21. King Philip's War ^ 61 22. The Settlement of New Amsterdam Q4 vi CONTENTS Lesson Page 23. New Amsterdam Becomes New York 67 24. Lord Baltimore and the Colony of Maryland 70 25. William Penn and the Colony of Pennsylvania 73 26. Penn's Treaty with the Dela wares 76 27. The Carolina Colonies 79 28. James Oglethorpe and the Colony of Georgia 83 29. The Spanish Invasion of Georgia 87 HOW THE FRENCH LOST AMERICA 30. Marquette Explores the Mississippi 91 3L The French Claim Louisiana 95 32. Washington Takes a Message to the French 99 33. Braddock's Defeat 102 34. James Wolfe Captures Quebec 105 35. Life in the Colonies 109 36. Customs in the Colonies 112 37. Discomforts in Colonial Days 116 38. Slavery in the Colonies 119 HEROES OF THE REVOLUTION 39. Patrick Henry 122 40. Samuel Adams 125 41. The Minute-Men at Lexington 129 42. General George Washington 134 43. Attack on Charleston. — Declaration of Independence . . . 138 44. Trials and Triumphs of the Patriots 142 45. Marion and Sumter 146 46. The End of the War 149 47. Benjamin Franklin 153 48. DANiEii Boone Moves into Kentucky 157 49. George Rogers Clark IGl 50. Robertson and Seviek IQi CONTENTS vu THE UNITED STATES Lesson Pa°*' 51. Organizing the Government 169 52. Eli Whitney Invents the Cotton Gin 173 53. Thomas Jefferson 177 54. Stephen Decatur Punishes the Pirates 180 55. Purchasing and Exploring Louisiana 184 56. Robert Fulton Perfects the Steamboat 187 57. The War op 1812 193 58. Andrew Jackson and the Battle of New Orleans 197 59 Progress and Improvements 200 60. Henry Clay 207 61. Daniel Webster 212 62. John C. Calhoun 216 63. Morse Invents the Electric Telegraph 221 64. Texas Becomes a Part of the United States 225 65. We Acquire the Pacific Slope 230 HEROES OF THE CIVIL WAR 66. Abraham Lincoln 235 67. Jefferson Davis 241 68. Stonewall Jackson 244 69. Robert E. Lee 249 70. Ulysses S. Grant 253 71. The End of the Civil War 258 A REUNITED PEOPLE 72. After the War 263 73. Progress op the Country 266 74. The War with Spain 270 75. Recent Events 275 SUGGESTIONS TO THE TEACHER The child's interest in history depends upon the vividness of his conception of the men and events of the past. He is con- cerned largely with concrete and dramatic incidents and is careless of the abstractions of history. The author readily recalls the de- light with which as a boy he listened to the stories of "the war" told by a teacher who had been a soldier, and what a relief it was to escape the dull recital of the text-book. That in the past which a child is led to see is history; all else is weariness and vexation. The text therefore should be amplified by the teacher with abun- dant illustration, such as stories, descriptions, pictures, and objects gathered from all available sources in order to attract the attention, stimulate the imagination, and fix the memory. For this purpose the teacher should prepare for the teaching of each lesson. A num- ber of supplementary books are easily available, covering in detail nearly every phase of American history. These may be read to or by the pupils or used by the teacher as a basis for story work. The author suggests that the lesson for the day be read by the pupils in class, the meaning of the text explained if necessary, the essential points be brought out in a discussion, and the pupils in- duced to make a free and full expression of their opinions on all subjects pertinent to the lesson. In this way the real spirit and essence of the topic may be concentrated around some one definite statement that represents the central idea of the lesson. From this general discussion and preparation the teacher advances to a study of the lesson by definite questions in order to test the knowledge of each pupil. In conjunction with this the pupils should be asked viii SUGGESTIONS TO THE TEACHER ix to summarize the lesson, to choose the one important fact, tell tha most interesting fact, etc., in order to vary the kind of questions and stimulate both thought and expression. A high degree of interest may be developed in the study of his- tory by such recreations as impersonations, in which one pupil assumes a character and describes himself until the others guess his name; by the game of twenty questions, in which one pupil thinks of some historical object and the others seek by questions to discover the object thought of; by cards, each containing a ques- tion to be distributed to the class on the basis of rapid answers by individual pupils, and by any other recreation that partakes of the nature of a game. Children take special interest in the conditions of life among the Indians, early settlers, pioneers, and in the ways of Uving in colonial times. Any dramatization, representation, stories or pictures of early conditions, especially those showing the struggles of the set- tlers against the Indians and against the hardship of the frontier, are valuable as illustrating the trials endured by the founders of the nation. The celebration of certain anniversaries gives an opportunity to emphasize the character and services of great men and to con- sider anew historical events that are worthy of constant recogni- tion. Upon such occasions the use of patriotic poems, songs and recitations, the decoration of the walls with appropriate pictures, and short talks on the subject of the anniversary will make the occasion memorable. History has a close relation to geography. The teacher should ever bear in mind that the child has a clearer conception of an occurrence if the location is shown on a map or if a drawing is made on the board for the purpose. History also has its relation to literature, especially to poetry, and the child gets a more de- lightful insight into the romantic side of history bv the use of the X SUGGESTIONS tu THE TEACHER noble poems of the language that bear upon the topics under dis- cussion. If teachers remember that the text is not to be memorized, that the questions at the end of the chapters are not to be too much depended upon, that the pupils are not to be confused with need- less details of dates and numbers, and that the successful teaching of this text will depend largely upon the interest and care in pre- paring and presenting the lessons, the author feels confident the pupils will derive great benefit and inspiration from the study of FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY DISCOVERERS AND EXPLORERS LESSON 1 CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS Nearly five hundred years ago in Genoa (Gen'o-a), Italy, lived a poor man who made his living by carding wool for the cloth- makers of the town. His _ , ... Early Me eldest son, whom we know as Christopher ofcoium- Columbus, was born in Genoa about the year 1446. The boy loved the sea, and often sat on the docks and watched the ships come in and go out, and heard the sailors tell about their wonderful adventures. When fourteen years of age the boy became a sailor. His life was full of danger and hardship, for there were pirates to be fought and the terrors of the sea to be faced. He was a student as well, and learned all about ships, and the stars, and distant countries which travelers could reach only by going overland. Among these countries were India and China, far to the east. Travelers had said that in them were pal- FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY aces paved with gold, and gardens laden with spices and perfumes. To reach these lands merchants had The mer- ^^ travel in caravans weary miles over des- ciiant8 de- erts where they were tortured by thirst, and sire a sea- . . , • i i i m-i way to across mountains infested with robbers. The ^^* journey was long, expensive, and dangerous. Merchants greatly desired a seaway to India and China. The known world at that time consisted of Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. All the great country in which we live was quite unknown. Most people at that time thought the world was flat. A few wise men, however, believed it was round. Columbus had come to that belief, and said that the way to prove it was to sail around the world. Besides settling this great question, he might gain riches and honor for himself He sat on the docks and watched the ships CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS and for the merchants if he could discover a short way to India and the East. Everybody made sport of this idea. It seemed an absurd notion that a ship could sail down the other side of the sea. What was to keep it from „ , ^ A Columipus falling off the earth, and how could people made sport live with their heads downward, and besides, how could a ship ever sail up again? Then, too, there were the terrible monsters of the deep, and boiling waves and fierce storms awaiting any one who sailed far into those dreaded seas. Columbus was declared a dreamer. But firm in his belief he went from place to place, spend- ing all his money and using all his powers of persuasion in trying to induce kings and wise men to help him make a voyage around the world. Nobody would listen to him long. At length he became very poor, and even the children in the streets made fun of him, saying: "There goes the crazy stranger with the threadbare coat.'' QUESTIONS When and where was Columbus born? How did his father make a living? How did the young boy show his love for the sea? When did he become a sailor? Of what was his life Christopher Columbus 4 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY full? Of what did he learn? Of what countries did he learn? What did travelers say of them? Why did the merchants dread the journey to these lands? What did the merchant?? desire? Of what did the known world consist at that time? What was thought by most people to be the shape of the earth? What did a few wise men believe? What did Columbus say? What was thought of the plan of Columbus? What did people think of him, and what did he do? What did even the children say of him? LESSON 2 ISABELLA AGREES TO HELP COLUMBUS At last Columbus came to the court of Spain and applied to Ferdinand and Isabella, the king and queen of that country. . They examined his maps and charts and listened to his arguments proving that the world was round. He asked them for ships and men, that he might undertake the great voyage. Ferdinand was opposed to the project. He had spent much money in war, and did not care to waste any Ferdinand ^^re in SO foolish an enterprise as that pro- opposes the posed by Columbus. Besides, Columbus asked ^*^ for too great a share of the profits of the voyage — if indeed there were to be any. Columbus, disappointed again, sadly departed from the court. Taking his little son he set out on foot, determined to leave Spain and seek his fortime elsewhere. As he ISABELLA AGREES TO HELP COLUMBUS 6 journeyed he came to a monastery, where he asked the monks for bread and water for his boy. Columbus told one of the monks who he was, and discussed with The Queen had been much interested him his great plans for sailing aromid the world. The monk believed it could be done, and called in several friends to listen to Columbus. Messengers were sent by the monk to the queen begging her not to let so great an opportunity pass. If Columbus should be right, Spain would jiggg^^^^, receive great honors from the venture, and sent to the the cost of the voyage would be amply repaid. Isabella agreed to another interview and sent Columbus 6 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY money to purchase clothes with which to appear at court. When Columbus came again before the king and queen, they asked him what he demanded. He told them he wished to be made admiral of the ocean and viceroy of the lands he might discover, and receive a large share of the profits to be made by trade and con- quest. ''You ask too much," said the king. "I will take no less," replied Columbus, and again left the court and mounting his mule rode out of the city. The queen, however, had been much interested. After Columbus had left the court and was preparing isabeua to go to France, she decided there was some consents rcasou in his plans, and great glory for Spain if he succeeded. She said to Ferdinand: "I will under- take this thing, and will pledge my jewels, if necessary, to raise the money." A courier was sent in haste to Columbus. He was overtaken about six miles from the city. He quickly returned and made an agreement with the sovereigns. Columbus was now fifty- six years of age. He was tall, of fair complexion and fine figure. His eyes were blue and his hair as white as snow. When it was known that the good queen had agreed to help him, everybody stopped making sport of him and began to talk of the strange voyage he was about to make. THE FIRST VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY 7 QUESTIONS To whom did Columbus at last apply? What did they do? What did Columbus ask for? What did Ferdinand think? Why? What did Columbus do? To what did he come in his journey? Why did he stop? What did he tell the monk? What did the monk do? What did the messenger beg of the queen? What did Isabella agree to? What did Columbus de- mand? What reply did he get? What did he then do? What did Isabella say of the proposed voyage? Describe Columbus at this time. LESSOX .3 THE FIRST VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY It was hard to get seamen for the voyage. They were afraid of the unknown seas. The government The Ships of Columbus 8 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY forced sailors to embark, and even released some crimi- nals from prison and made them enlist for the voyage. Early one morning in midsummer three vessels with ninety persons on board sailed out of the harbor of Palos coiumbuB (Pah-los), Spain. The vessels were the Santa ■ails, August Maria (Ma- re- a), the Pinta (Peen-ta), and the Nina (Nen-ya). Columbus was on the Santa Maria, the largest of the three. As they set sail the people on the docks wept and wailed, thinking they should never see their friends and relatives again. The little fleet was supposed to be starting on its way to reach the rich cities of India and China by sailing west- ward across the Atlantic Ocean. At the end of the first week the vessels came to the Canary Islands. After a short delay here Columbus continued his voyage. The weather was beautiful. No storms arose to distress or separate the little fleet. Day after day they sailed westward, around them the boundless water, overhead the blue sky, and nowhere any sign of the dreadful monsters they had feared so much. As they sailed onward the men grew more and more afraid. They did not know what was ahead of them. The sailors ^^^^^ recalled the stories of ships swallowed become up in the sca, of dreadful storms, and of great sea serpents. The wind blew steadily from behind, and they had fears of never getting back home. THE FIRST VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY 9 The needle of the compass no longer pointed exactly to the North Star, but a little to the northwest. Their fears increased daily, and they were loud in their de- mands to turn back. Columbus, however, held on his course. At length signs of land appeared. Biids flew over the ship and seaweed floated by; a branch with berries on it was .A^MC> -^-^POKTOEICO ^ O It X » The First Voyage of Columbus seen in the wat^^er, and a carved stick was picked up. Everybody was on the lookout. A reward had been offered to the first one seeing land. One night Colum- bus saw a light in the distance as if carried in a boat or by some one on shore. A little after midnight a shout was heard from the Pinta of "Land! land!" A gun was fired When day dawned, land, green and beautiful was before the eyes of the weary sailors. Columbus received the reward, as he was the first who Baw the light on the shore. 10 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY A little after daybreak, Columbus, dressed in a rich scarlet cloak and bearing the royal banner of Spain, went in a small boat j^^^^^^^^,, to the shore. He ered October bowed down and kissed the ground and wept tears of joy. He drew his sword, un- furled the flag, and took possession of the land in the name of his sov- ereigns. His timid sailors crowded around him, kissed his hands, and begged forgiveness for their lack of confidence in theii* leader. The Discovery of Land. THE RETURN TO SPAIN 11 Columbus had landed on a small island in the group of the Bahamas. He named it San Salvador. QUESTIONS How did Columbus get sailors for his voyage? How many persons were on the ships that sailed? What were the names of the ships? On which one was Columbus? How did the people on the docks act? Where was the fleet supposed to be sailing? What can you say of the weather on the voyage? Of what did the sailors grow afraid? How did the wind blow? How did the needle of the compass point? What did the sailors wish to do? What signs of land appeared? What reward had been offered? Describe the seeing of a light on shore. What shout was heard and where? Who received the reward? Describe the landing of Columbus. How did the sailors act? What land had he reached? What name did he give the island? LESSON 4 THE RETURN TO SPAIN When Columbus landed he saw a number of strange^ half-naked, red-skinned people coming down to the shore. They stared in wonder at him and „^ , „ 11- nil ^^* Indiam his men, and then m terror iied to the woods. They had never seen sailing vessels or white men before. They thought that the ships were great white birds, and that the strange men had come from the skies. Columbus, supposing that he had reached some part of India, named the natives Indians, and they are so called to the present day 12 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Columbus remained on the island a few days, and then sailed away, still seeking the great cities of India and China. He visited the islands of Cuba and Haiti (Ha'te), but nowhere found any sign of the treasure cities. After nearly three months Columbus sailed back to Spain. He took ten Indians with him, as well as many Eeturnto curious things he had found on his voyage. Spam Great was the rejoicing of the people when it was known that Columbus had returned. The stores were closed, the bells in the churches were rung, and the people who before had wept for fear now cried for joy. The king and queen sent for him to give them an account of his adventures. He was no longer the mad- man, but was now a hero. A great procession was formed. In front were the Indians; then came persons bearing the parrots, plants, and curiosities Columbus had brought home with him. Columbus himself rode a fine horse and was surrounded by the nobles of Spain. The king and queen sat under a great canopy. When Columbus approached, they rose and greeted him with Reception evcry mark of regard and admiration. He at court ^qJ^ them the long story of his discoveries, after which the royal pair fell on their knees and thanked God for the safe return of the great voyager, and for the new lands which he had discovered. There was no trouble in getting sailors and adven- THE RETURN TO SPAIN 13 tufers for a second voyage. In a few months seventeen vessels had been made ready. Horses, seed, farm tools, and other necessities for a colony were col- other voyages lected. About fifteen hundred persons went "'Coi^^'^" on this voyage. Some of them hoped to find gold and pearls in the new land ; others were bent on adventure ; only a few were expecting hardship and work. On this second voyage Columbus founded a colony on the island of Haiti. He spent three years wandering about the islands of the West Indies. He then returned to Spain. Two years passed by, and he made a third voyage, going as far south as the island of Trinidad and the mainland of South America. QUESTIONS What kind of people did Columbus find? What did they think of the ships and of the white men? What other islands did Columbus visit? What did he do after three months? What did he take with him? Describe his reception by the people. Describe his reception by the king and queen. What preparations were made for a second voyage? What colony was founded? What land was reached on the third voyage? The Terror of the Sea 14 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY LESSON 5 LAST VOYAGE OF COLUMBUS The fortunes of Columbus now began to change. The colonists on the island of Haiti fell ill with malaria ; they could find no gold and food was scarce. They complained bitterly of their condition, and began to accuse Columbus as the cause of all their misfortunes. As a fact, they had only themselves to blame. In- stead of working as they should, they spent their time in hunting for treasure and abusing the Indians. The simple-minded savages often begged the Spaniards to return to heaven on their great white birds. The king and queen of Spain sent an officer to inquire into the way Columbus had treated the colonists. This Columbus officer unjustly put Columbus in chains and in chains ^^^^ j^jj^ back to Spain. Columbus was in the greatest distress at this treatment. He said: "I shall wear these chains until the king and queen order them to be taken off, and I will keep them as relics and memorials of my service." Afterwards he said to his son: ''Let the chains be buried with me." When he arrived in Spain the people were indignant at the way in which he had been treated. The queen sent for him, ordered his chains removed, and wept when he told her the story of his misfortunes. After a year or more had passed Columbus made LAST VOYAGE OF COLUMBUS 15 a fourth voyage to the new world. When his vessels reached Haiti a terrific storm arose that came near destroying his little fleet. He did not land, but Fourth and sailed westward, reaching the coast of Central ^"' soyas' America somewhere on the Isthmus of Panama. The rain and the heat made his sufferings very great. The food became so bad that the men ate their bread in the dark so that they could not see its condition. After a year of wandering and disappointment, Columbus decided to go back to Spain. He still be- lieved that he had reached the coast of India, and could not understand why he did not find the rich cities of which the merchants had told him. When he reached Spain, Queen Isabella was on her deathbed. When she died Columbus lost his best friend. Old, sick, and poor, he had to hve on charity. Often he was without money to buy bread or pay for a place to sleep. At last, when about seventy years of age he died, and was buried in the town of Valladolid, Spain. He never knew that he had discovered a new world. QUESTIONS What befell the colonists at Haiti? Of what did they com- plain, and whom did they accuse? What was the real cause of their misfortunes? What did the Indians beg the Spaniards to do? What did the king and queen of Spain do? What did the officer do? What did Columbus say of his chains? How was he treated when he reached Spain? What events happened od 16 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY the fourth voyage of Columbus ? What land did he reach, and what did he still beUeve? How did Columbus hve in his old age? How old was he when he died? Where did he die? What did he never know ? LESSON 6 JOHN CABOT — AMERICUS VESPUCCIUS There was great excitement in Europe over the voyages of Columbus, and the short way he was sup- posed to have found to China and Japan. The king of England gave permission to John Cabot (Cab'ot), an ItaUan sailor, who with his three sons was living in England at that time, to sail westward and discover whatever he could. This was before Columbus had made his fourth voyage. Cabot sailed across the ocean and landed on the coast of North America, somewhere near Newfound- john Cabot, land or Labrador. When he went back to 1497-1498 England and told that he had found land to the west, everybody paid him and his sons great honor. They were dressed in silks, and the people ran after them whenever they appeared on the streets. The next year John Cabot, probably accompanied by his son Sebastian, made another voyage to the coast of North America and wandered as far south as Cape Hatteras, and probably farther. These voyages gave John Cabot the right to be called the discoverer JOHN CABOT— AMERICUS VESPUCCIUS 17 of Ihe mainland of North America, and gave England the right to claim the new world as one of her possessions. Among those who made voyages to the new world was Americus Vespuccius (Ves-pii'-shus), an Italian by birth, but living in Spain at the time. On one of . ° ^ AmericuB his voyages he explored the coast of Brazil, vespuccius, When he returned to Europe he wrote an account of the "New World," as he called it. His account created a great sensation. It was translated into several languages, and Americus was as much talked about as ever Columbus had been. The belief now gained ground that the newly discovered shores were not those of Asia at all, but in fact belonged to a new continent which, up to this time, had been unknown to the people of the world. A German professor soon after published a book on geography. He divided the world into four parts, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the part that Americus had written about. He said: "I see no reason why this fourth part should not take its name from its discoverer and be called America.'' From tins suggestion all the new world came to be called America. QUESTIONS What happened in Europe? What can you say of John Cabot and his three sons? What land did Cabot reach on his first voyage? What honors were paid him? What land did he reach on his second voyage? What right did John Cabot 18 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY acquire? What claim did England make? What can you say of Americus Vespuccius? What coast did he explore? What account did he write? What belief now gained ground? What did a German professor say in his book on geography? For whom is America named? LESSON 7 BALBOA — MAGELLAN Fifteen or twenty years had passed since Columbus had discovered America. Vessels were constantly plying across the ocean, bringing settlers and adven- turers to the islands of the West Indies. Settlements were made on the Isthmus of Darien, but the great heart of the continent was unknown and untouched. The Spanish were especially eager for the treasures which the new world was supposed to contain. Every ship brought adventurers who hoped to better their for- tunes by finding gold and silver in the mountains and streams, or else to find diversion in fighting the savages. Among these adventurers was Balboa. He was at one time a wealthy landowner in Haiti. Becoming bankrupt, he tried to escape his creditors by concealing himself in a cask in the hold of an outgoing vessel. When discovered, the captain threat- ened to land him on a desert island, but Balboa begged to be allowed to remain on board. The vessel was wrecked on the coast of the Isthmus of Darien. After BALBOA — MAGELLAN 19 ^^^^^t^k—^^^^S^'^^M^M^s^ ^"Sr r^^^^ ^^sW^^^^3^?-~ 1 9 ^^^^^^ferl53^.^^^^ -^^ 1 Balboa discovers the Pacific Ocean and takes Possession IN THE Name of the King op Spain a few years Balboa had become the leader of the colony on the isthmus. Hearing from the Indians that gold could be found beyond the mountains, he led a party of men across the isthmus. To his surprise and delight there Dis^o^gja ^i^g appeared the waters of a great sea. Balboa Pacific ocean waded out through the surf as far as he could, displayed his flag, and took possession of the water, and all lands it touched, in the name of the king of Spain. In this way did Balboa discover the waters of the Pacific 20 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Ocean. He did not know it was an ocean, but thought it was a great sea, and so he called it '^ The South Sea." Another bold navigator named Magellan (Ma-jel'lan) proposed to sail around South America and around the Magellan, WO rid. He passed through the straits bearing 1519-1522 yg name, and went as far as the Philippine Islands. He named the ocean on which he sailed the Pacific, which means ^^ peaceful." At the Philippine The Voyage of Magellan around the World Islands Magellan was killed in a fight with the Indians. Only one of his vessels and eighteen of his crew suc- ceeded in completing the first voyage around the world. QUESTIONS How many years had passed? What did vessels bring to the West Indies? Where were settlements made? For what were the Spaniards especially eager? What did these adven- turers hope to find ? Who was Balboa ? How did he get to the PONCE DE LEON EXPLORES FLORIDA 21 Isthmus of Darien? What did he become after a few years? What did he start out to find beyond the mountains? What did he discover? Describe the way in which Balboa took pos- session of the sea. What water did he think it was? Who proposed to sail around the world? What name did he give the ocean and why? What was the fate of Magellan? What was the success of the expedition? LESSON 8 PONCE DE LEON EXPLORES FLORIDA Among those who went with Columbus on his second voyage was Ponce de Leon (Pontha da Laon). He was thirty-two years old at that time. Afterwards he had lived for twenty years in the West Indies, and had become governor of Porto Rico. He was now growing old and he dreaded age and white hairs. Ponce de Leon had heard that on an island near by there was a fountain in which if oilo should bathe he would never grow old. It was a fountain „ ., o , , ^ Florida ff««n of perpetual youth. He obtained permission andnamea, from the king of Spain to explore and settle this island. He sailed with three vessels and czme to a beautiful verdant coast. It wa« Easter Sunday, or Pascua Florida, when land was first seen, and in honor of the day De Leon named the country Florida. De Leon sailed along the coast and landed at several places looking for the fountain of youth. He and his followers drank at every spring and bathed in every 22 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Ponce de Leon Searches for the Fountain of Youth stream. Around them were the deep forests and the beautiful flowers, but nowhere could they find waters to restore their lost youth. After sailing around the southern coast of Florida, De Leon turned his ships homeward. He went to Spain and reported to the king the wonders of this new land, which he called the land of Florida. The king granted him permission to found a colony in this new country. Eight years passed by and Ponce de Leon again set out for Florida, this time to found a colony. He had THE ADVENTURES OF NARVAEZ 28 given up the search for the fountain of youth and was resolved on establishing a powerful government of which he should be the head. He took with him all the ma- terials for building a town and founding a colony. The Indians, however, remembered certain cruelties of other Spaniards who had visited their shores, and it was not long before they attacked De Leon Death of and his men. A poisoned arrow wounded ^*^®°° the vaUant old soldier, and he was placed on ship- board and carried to Cuba, where he died. He had not found the fountain of youth, but he had found fame as the explorer of the beautiful land which to this day is called Florida. QUESTIONS Who was Ponce de Leon? Where had he lived and what had he become? What did he dread? Of what had he heard? What permission did he obtain? What land did he discover, and what name did he give to it and why? For what did he seek? What permission was granted him by the king of Spain? What was Ponce de Leon's purpose? What did the Indiana remember? What did they do? What was the fate of De Leon? LESSON 9 THE ADVENTURES OF NARVAEZ About the time that De Leon was trying to found a colony in Florida and Magellan was on his voyage around the world, a brave Spanish soldier named Cortez had marched with an army through Mexico Cortez in Mexico, 1519-1621 The Rich Cities of Mexico excite the Spanish Adventurers and had captured the city of Mexico. Cortez had found a beautiful country where the people built fine roads, lived in good homes, worshiped in beautiful tem- ples, and had treasm-e- houses full of gold. When all this became known great excitement arose for further adven- ture. The Spaniards thought there must be other countries as beautiful and other cities as rich as those that Cortez had conquered. Narvaez (Nar- va-eth) was among those who deter- mined to tr}^ their fortunes in search of gold and in conquest. The king of Spain gave him permis- sion to explore and colonize a large 24 THE ADVENTURES OF NARVAEZ 25 territory. With six hundred men and a large supply of provisions he set sail from Spain. The „ ■•^ ^ Narvaez party came to the coast of Florida and began explores their march inland. They wandered on and " *' on, seeking for gold and the rich cities. They found only the miserable huts of Indians. Food became scarce and starvation stared them in the face. A messenger was sent to the coast to find their ships, but he came back to report that the ships were nowhere to be seen. The party turned south and at last came back to the coast of Florida. Here they slew their horses and devoured them. Boats they must have, and so they cut down trees from the forest and made ship timbers fashioned with tools made from the iron of their stirrups, swords, and guns. They turned their muskets into nails. They used the manes and tails of the dead horses to make ropes and cordage. They used their own clothes for sails. At last they embarked in their weak and leaky boats, and for a month were beaten about in the Gulf of Mexico. They drifted past the mouth of the „ ,, . Ti/r- • • • .1 Sufferings Mississippi, were carried out to sea, and the boat in which Narvaez was, filled with water and went to the bottom with more than fifty men. The other boats drifted until some of them reached the coast of Texas. Here the half-starved Spaniards were set upon by the Indians and the greater number 26 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY were killed. A few escaped and later were made slaves by other tribes of Indians. For a number of years they remained with their Indian masters, all dying, however, except three Spaniards and one negro. At length these four made their escape and found their way to a small Spanish village in Mexico. The cabeza de inhabitants were astonished to see their gaunt ^*''* faces and strangely clad forms. One of the four was named Cabeza de Vaca (Ka-ba'tha da va'ka) . He had been the treasurer of the expedition. He told the Spaniards of the strange adventures which had befallen him and his companions in their long wanderings through the forests of the new world. QUESTIONS What country had Cortez conquered? What kind of civili- zation did Cortez find? What excitement arose? What per- mission did the king of Spain give Narvaez? With what did he set sail? What territory did he explore? What sufferings did the party endure? How did they escape from the land? On what gulf were they beaten about? What became of Narvaez? What became of the other boats? What happened to the Spaniards? Relate the story of Cabeza de Vaca. LESSON 10 DE SOTO DISCOVERS THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER Hernando de Soto, a rich and influential Spanish soldier, prepared to march into the heart of the new world. A fleet was prepared at great expense, which DE SOTO DISCOVERS THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER 27 De Soto marching through the Wilderness landed the Spaniards on the west coast of Florida. Six hundred men formed the party. They had 1 111 11 1 / 1 De Soto lands over two hundred horses and a herd of three in Florida, hundred swine. They took bloodhounds with which to capture the savages, and shackles to bind them. De Soto soon came in conflict with the Indians. He expected to find them hostile, and w^as not disap- pointed. During one of the fights he was astonished to find a white man among the savages who called out to him in the Spanish language. After the battle the man told him he was one of the followers of Narvaez, 28 FIKST LESSONS IX AMERICAN HISTORY and that he had been captured by the Indians and condemned to be burned aUve. Just before the torch was apphed the daughter of the chief begged that he be spared and given to her for a white slave. De Soto rescued him from the Indians, and on his march used him as interpreter. De Soto discovers tiil Mis&iSbippi River The party moved northward through the swamps and forests of Florida and Georgia. As was to be ex- pected, their food gave out. The men complained and wanted to turn back, and the Indians were always unfriendly. They lured the Spaniards onward, how- DE SOTO DISCOVERS THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER 29 ever, telling them of rich cities and treasures to be found further on. At last De Soto reached the Savannah River. There he found an Indian village and a beautiful princess De Soto and ^^^ approached the Spaniards and threw the Indian arouud the shoulders of De Soto a necklace of pearls. De Soto and his men rested for a while to accept the hospitaUty of the Indians. When he left he compelled the princess to accompany him. For weary weeks they plodded along, the princess follow- ing on foot or being carried on a litter followed by her maids. One day she sud- denly sprang from her couch, swiftly ran through the forest and disap- peared. The Spaniards never heard of her again. De Soto and his men crossed the present states of Alabama and Mississippi. They fought many battles DeSoto with the savages, losing many men and Mississippi, horses and much baggage. Slowly and ^^*^ painfully they toiled on until they came to the Mississippi River. They first saw the great river about where the city of Memphis now is. Crossing the stream the adventurers wandered for a year or The March of De Soto 30 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY more in the tangled forests of the present states of Arkansas and Missouri. Returning to the Mississippi, De Soto, discouraged and broken-hearted, was taken ill with fever. When he died his followers dropped his body, weighted with stones, into the current of the great river he had dis- covered. The remainder of his followers finally made their way to a Spanish colony in Mexico, and told the story of their adventures and of the sad fate of De Soto. QUESTIONS What did De Soto prepare to do? How large was the party? What did they take with them? Relate the story of the Span- ish captive. What was the direction of the first march of the party? How did they suffer? What did the Indians tell them? How was De Soto treated by the Indian princess? How did he treat her in return? How did she escape? Through what territory did De Soto march? What became of De Soto? How and where was he buried? What became of his men? LESSON 11 CORONADO SEARCHES FOR THE SEVEN CITIES The Spanish were firmly established in Mexico. They still believed that somewhere in the heart of the continent there were great quantities of gold and silver. An Indian slave had told wonderful stories of seven cities of Cibola, lying somewhere to the north, CORONADO SEARCHES FOR THE SEVEN CITIES 31 where there was plenty of gold. But the slave had died, and there was no one to lead the way to those cities. About the time that De Soto was making his explo- rations, an army of three hundred Spaniards and over twice as many Indian followers began a march from Mexico in search of the treasure m°arcW cities. The leader of the explorers was Fran- J^/^^ "*"*'''• •Cisco Coronado. The party crossed the des- erts of Arizona, and after many days' wandering they •came to the first Indian city. Instead of beautiful palaces lined with gold, they found rude huts filled with, dirt. Instead of a rich and prosperous people, they found a few lazy warriors easy to conquer, and a ■crowd of half-dressed women and children lying around the hot, sun-baked houses. Coronado marched on, lured by stories of richer places elsewhere. He marched through New Mexico, and as far as the great plains of Kansas. All Explores the villages he found were small, poor, and t^®"^*'* utterly destitute of gold and silver. There were no rich cities to be found. The stories were all myths. In all the region passed through by Coronado there were only scattered villages composed of mud houses, and wild Indians whose chief occupation was hunting buffaloes. In their wanderings the Spanish came to a prairie 32 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY covered with little mounds out of which prairie dogs peered at them. Then they came to pools of salt water, bitter to the taste. Later on they encountered great herds of buffaloes. The Indians they met used corn for food, had implements made of copper, and were dressed in buffalo robes. After two years of marching and searching, Coronado and his men returned to Mexico. They had found no treasure, but they had explored the great western plains of our country, and gained some idea of the extent of the new world and of the kind of people that inhabited it. Nearly all the Spaniards who had explored America had come searching for wealth. Some had come for Purposes of advcuture and some for conquest. In most the Spanish ^^ses they treated the Indians with great cruelty, and were in turn attacked and many were killed by the savages. Theirs is a sad story of a fruit- less search for riches, of long marches amid great suffering, of disappointment and failure among the unbroken depths of the new world that they were the first to discover and explore. QUESTIONS Where were the Spanish established? What did they still believe? What had an Indian slave told them? What expe- dition did Coronado lead? About what time was this? What CORONADO SEARCHES FOR THE SEVEN CITIES 33 deserts did they cross? What did they find? How far did Coronado march? What did he continue to find? To what did they come in their wanderings? How long did their march continue? What had nearly all the Spaniards come to America to find? How had they treated the Indians? How were they in turn treated? What can you say of their story? THE ENGLISH COLONIES LESSON 12 SIR WALTER RALEIGH AND THE LOST COLONY There was a brave knight in England named Sir Walter Raleigh. Upon one occasion, when he was a Baieighand joung man, he was in a crowd watching EUzabeth Elizabeth, the queen, and her courtiers pass by. The queen came to a muddy place in the path and hesitated. Raleigh quickly stepped forward and spread his cloak over the mud so that the queen might passwithout soiling her shoes. This greatly pleased Elizabeth, who sent for Raleigh, attached him to her court, and made him a knight. Raleigh gained the ap- proval of the queen for a plan to found a colony granted him for a colony of Elizabeth, who was Raleigh's Colony in America. The territor} was named Virginia in honor 34 SIR WALTER RALEIGH AND THE LOST COLONY 35 a virgin, or unmarried; queen. The colonists landed on Roanoke Island, off the coast of what is now North Carolina. The colonists had many misfortunes and came near starving to death. In great distress they were taken back to England. They carried with them ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ some things they had learned from the fi"t colony, Indians. One was the use of the potato. Raleigh had some of the potatoes planted on his farm in Ireland. They grew so abundantly and were such good food that they have since become famous as the Irish potato. One other thing the colonists carried back was tobacco, which had been unknown in England up to that time. Raleigh learned to smoke, and the story is told that one day as he was smoking in his room his servant came in with a pot of ale. Thinking his master on fire, the servant promptly threw the ale over him. Raleigh tried again to found a colony in America. The colonists landed on Roanoke Island as before. Among them was Mrs. Dare, the daughter Virginia of John White, the governor. Soon after ^"®' ^^^"^ landing a little girl was born, and was named Virginia Dare. She was the first white child born in America of English parents. This colony fared badly also. John White, the 86 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY governor, returned to England to get supplies and was gone three years. When he came back to Roanoke not a sign of the colonists could be found. Every man, woman, and child had disappeared. The aban- Fateofthe ^^^^^d cabius and the fields overgrown with second col- wceds Were all that could be seen. On a tree was carved the word Croatan, the name of a tribe of Indians living on an island near by. It had been agreed that if the colonists, for any reason, had to abandon the settlement they would leave some directions behind them. Governor White tried to reach the village of the Indians, but the ship was driven off by a storm, and the captain insisted upon returning to England. No trace of the colonists has ever been found, and to this day no one knows what became of the lost colony of Roanoke, QUESTIONS Describe the way in which Raleigh won the favor of Elizabeth. What plan did the queen approve? What name was given the territory and why? Where did the colonists land? What be- came of them? What can you say of the potato? What can you say of Raleigh and the use of tobacco? What other colony was attempted? What can you say of Virginia Dare? What was the fate of the second colony? THE SETTLEMENT OF JAMESTOWN 37 LESSON 13 THE SETTLEMENT OF JAMESTOWN One spring day three ships sailed up a broad and beautiful river in Virginia. On board were one hundred and five persons looking for a place to found a colony in America. They had sailed from Eng- land and had been on the ocean nearly all winter. They were very glad to see the green shores, to hear the birds sing, and to smell the flowers. After sail- jamestown, ing up the river thirty or forty miles they ^^^^^'^^^ selected a place for their colony and named it James- town. The river and the town both were named for James I, the king of England. It was the first English settlement in America that became a permanent colony. The colonists were not well suited for life in the wilderness. There were a few carpenters, a black- smith, a mason, a barber, a tailor, twelve laborers, and about fifty gentlemen who did not know how to work and who came only for adven- ture. A few tents were erected, cabins were started and a church was made by stretching a canvas over some rough boards nailed between two trees. Some of the colonists contented themselves by making caves in the hillsides to live in. Before long most of the food gave out, many of the colonists were ill with fever and began to quarrel among themselves and 38 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY complain of their leaders. By the end of the sununei half of them died. It was a discouraging start for the colony. Every- body might have perished had it not been for Captaia John Smith. He was a young man who had had many strange adventures. Upon one occasion he had gone to sea, had been thrown overboard in the Mediter- ranean, had swum to the shore of a desert island, and Captain John later had been picked up and carried to smitii Egypt. Among other adventures he had been captured by the Turks and sold into slavery. He escaped and fled into Europe, wandering across the The Beginnings of the Jamestown Settlement THE SETTLEMENT OF JAMESTOWN 39 country until he reached England. There he joined the colonists on their way to Virginia. Smith took charge of the colony. He set every man to work, saying that those who would not work should not eat. They needed food, but the Indians would not give or sell them any corn. Smith took a body of soldiers and went to the Indians. "Sell me corn," said he, "or I shall have to take it by force." The Indians laughed at him and said: "We will give you a handful of corn for all the guns and swords of your men." This made Smith so angry that he at- tacked the Indians, drove them out of their village, and captured their hideous idol. When the savages saw their idol in the hands of the white men, they offered a boat load of corn as a ransom for it. Smith was glad to make the exchange. By treating the Indians honestly when he could, fighting them when he was compelled to do so, and forcing the colonists to strict economy and hard work, Captain Smith saved the colony from destruction. QUESTIONS Describe the landing at Jamestown. How many colonists landed at Jamestown? What can you say of Jamestown? What can you say of the colonists? What sufferings did they endure? What can you say of the early life of Captain John Smith? What adventures had he had? What did he do with every man? How did he secure corn from the Indians? How did he save the colony of Jamestown? 40 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY LESSON 14 POCAHONTAS, THE INDIAN PRINCESS. POiD,i.HOKT.*.S ~~"~-'^ Not far from Jamestown lived King Powhatan, a great Indian chief. He had a young daughter named Poca- hontas. He was very proud of her, loved her devotedly, and gave her everything she asked for. One day some warriors came into the village bringing Cap- tain John Smith a _ , . Captain prisoner. They had smith a captured him while on an expedition up the Chickahominy River. They had started to kill the brave j^oung captain at once, but he had held his Indian guide in front of him like a shield until the Indians caught him. Then he took out his pocket compass and showed the In- dians the needle trembling under the This astonished them so much POCAHONTAS, THE INDIAN PRINCESS 41 that they decided to take him to the village and present him to the chief. Smith was kept prisoner for several days, while the Indians listened to his wonderful stories of what he could do. He told them about the sun and g^^^^^^ the moon, about the ffreat ships that brought amuses th© . . 11 . . Indians him to America, and the great cities across the ocean. He closely watched the Indians, and learned a great deal about the way they Uved. Among those who listened eagerly to the wonder- ful stories was Pocahontas. She was only twelve years old, but had already learned to admire the white man. At last the day came to settle the fate of Captain Smith. He was led into the tent of Powhatan. The chief clothed in raccoon skins sat on a bench. Around him stood the warriors, some of whom had clubs in their hands. His wives sat around him, and before them burned the wigwam fire. Two stones were brought in and Smith was compelled to lie down with his head on them. The sign was given to dash out the brains of the prisoner. The warriors approached, clubs in hand, to obey the order. But Pocahontas rushed for- p^cahontas ward, threw herself in front of the warriors, saves hwj took Smith's head in her arms, and begged her father to spare his life. The old chief could deny hia 42 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY daughter nothing. Smith was released and was adopted by Powhatan as a son. After a while he was allowed to return to James- town. Pocahontas soon became the firm friend of the white men. She often came to Jamestown and brought corn and vege- tables to the colonists. She played about the village, and was great- ly beloved by every- body. When she was grown Pocahontas be- came a Christian, and was baptized with the name of Rebecca. She was called Lady Re- becca, since she was a true princess, being the daughter of a king. A young Englishman of Jamestown, named John Rolfe, fell in love withPocahon- Marriage of tas and asked ^"'^-^^-t" Powhatan's consent to their marriage. The Settlemento in Vikginu old chief agreed, and PROGRESS OF JAMESTOWN 43 there was a wedding which both Indians and white men attended. Rolfe and his Indian princess weqt to England and were received at court with great distinctiono As they were about to return to their home in Virginia Pocahontas was taken ill. In a few days she died, leaving a little son. This son after- wards grew to be a man and came to Virginia. From him have descended some of the best families in that State. QUESTIONS Who was Pocahontas? How nad Captain John Smith been captured? How had he saved his life? How did he entertain the Indians? What interest did Pocahontas show in him? How did Pocahontas save the life of Captain John Smith? What did Pocahontas soon become? How did she help the colonists? What did she become when she was grown? What name was given her? Whom did she marry? Describe the marriage. What became of Pocahontas? LESSON 15 PROGRESS OF JAMESTOWN Captain Smith left Jamestown and went back to England. Then came a sad time, when the people had nothing to eat. It was called "The Starving ^^ ^^^^^^ Time." The hungry people ate rats, dogs, time, 1609- lizards, and whatever else they could find. The colony was reduced from five hundred to sixty, and 44 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY had it not been for the timely arrival of a ship with supplies, the whole colony would have perished. After a while the colony began again to prosper. The people found that there was a great demand in Endand for tobacco. The colonists now Tobacco 11. . • , . . . turned their attention to its cultivation m quantities. Such was the demand that even the streets of Jamestown were planted with it. It became the money of the colonists. The salaries of the ministers and of the public officers, as well as the taxes, were paid in tobacco. Twelve years after the settlement of the colony a Dutch ship appeared one day in the harbor of James- introduction town. On board were twenty negroes that of slavery, were sold to the colonists. This was the beginning of negro slavery in our country. The negroes were good field hands, being able to stand the summer heat better than the white man. They were easy to control, and not expensive to support. At that time the slave trade was not considered wrong. Even kings and queens gave it their sanction and en- couraged ships to go to the coast of Africa to buy the unhappy negroes and sell them in any part of the world in which they could find a market. No one foresaw the consequences that would follow the purchasing of a few slaves by the colonists at Jamestown. None knew that it was the beginning of a system of slavery that was PROGRESS OF JAMESTOWN 45 to have a tremendous influence upon the his- tory of our country. In the same year that the slaves were brought, another event of great impor- wives for ^^^^e happened. Up to this time the colonists, there were few women in the colony, and the young men of Jamestown were anxious to establish homes. If they were to live perma- nently and happily in America they must have wives and children. Real- izing this, the Company in England in charge of the colony sent out a ship, with ninety young women of good character, The WootNa op the Maidkns 46 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY who were willing to come to America and marry the men of Jamestown. There was great excitement when the ship arrived. The men dressed in their best and welcomed the maidens with great heartiness. No maid was compelled to marry against her consent, and each one could choose the hus- band that suited her. It was not long before ninety weddings were celebrated in Jamestown and vicinity. Each man willingly paid the Company the one hundred and twenty pounds of tobacco required to cover the cost of the passage of his wife to America. Other ships came over bringing wives for the colonists. The settlers now had homes and were content to remain permanently in the new world. From this time all went well at Jamestown. QUESTIONS Where did Captain John Smith go? What happened to the colonists? Describe the Starving Time. How many colonists were left alive? For what was there a great demand? Who first planted tobacco for sale? How was tobacco used for money? When and how was slavery introduced into Virginia? What can you say of the negroes? What was thought of the slave trade at that time? For what were the young men anx- ious? Who were sent over by the Company? What were the conditions of each marriage? NATHANIEL BACON AND HIS REBELLION 47 LESSON 16 NATHANIEL BACON AND HIS REBELLION As Virginia grew in population, and the settlements increased in size and number, various governors were sent over to take charge of affairs. Among wiiuam them was Sir WiUiam Berkeley (Berk'-lr), ^''""^^'^ who was governor for over thirty years. He was a rough, hot-tempered, narrow-minded man, whom the colonists cordially disliked. An extensive trade in furs had grown up between the settlers and the Indians. This Governor Berkeley found to be profitable, and so he refused to have the Indians punished for the massacre of men, women, and children in the outljdng settlements. It was made unlawful for anyone to lead a body of soldiers against the Indians without a conomission from the governor. One of the colonists at Jamestown was a rich and popular young lawyer, named Nathaniel Bacon. Upon one occasion, after the Indians had been giv- Bacon, the ing trouble, a crowd of citizens gathered and ^^^^^"^ waited for some one to lead them. Seeing Bacon approaching, they called out, "Bacon! Bacon!" He agreed to lead them against the Indians, as well as to join them in their protest against the conduct of tha governor. 48 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Without the consent of the governor Bacon and his followers marched against the Indians and punished them. When Berkeley heard of it he was angry and declared Bacon a rebel and a traitor. Bacon did not care, and neither did the people. They were thor- oughly aroused against the old tryant. They com- pelled him to order an election for a new assembly. Bacon was chosen a member. Many of the old op- pressive laws were repealed and wiser ones were enacted in their stead. Bacon was also promised a commission to fight the Indians. Fearing treachery on the part of the governor, Bacon assembled a party of five hundred men and paraded Bacon and before the State-house. Berkeley came out, Berkeley called Bacou a traitor and a rebel, and de- clared that he should not have his commission. To show that he was not afraid, Berkeley tore open his shirt front and baring his bosom dared the soldiers to shoot. Berkeley wanted to fight Bacon, and challenged him to a combat with swords. Bacon replied : '' I came not to hurt a hair of your head, and as for your sword, your Honor may please to put it up. I came for a commission to lead these men against the Indians." At last Bacon was given his commission. Hardly had he left Jamestown to fight the savages, before Berkeley, in his rage, again declared him a THE SETTLEMENT OF PLYMOUTH 49 traitor and a rebel; whereupon Bacon marched back. Berkeley fled and tried to raise troops of his own to attack Bacon and his followers. To prevent James- town from falling into the hands of the oppressor, it was agreed to set fire to it. Some of Bacon's jamestown men burned their own homes in their eager- ^'^^^^' ^^"^^ ness. But Bacon was seized with fever and died after a brief illness. Berkeley was soon after recalled to England by the king, and there was peace once more in Virginia. QUESTIONS What can you say of William Berkeley? How did he treat the people? Why did he refuse to have the Indians punished? Who was Nathaniel Bacon? How did he happen to become the leader? What did Bacon and his followers do? What did Berkeley do? What did the people compel Berkeley to do? What was Bacon promised? What did Bacon now do? How did Berkeley act? What did Bacon say to Berkeley? How did it happen that Jamestown was destroyed? LESSON 17 THE SETTLEMENT OF PLYMOUTH Thirteen years after the settlement of Jamestown a body of English Puritans landed on the coast of New England and founded the colony of Plymouth. This portion of the coast of the new world had been 60 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY explored several years before by Captain John Smith, and the region had been named by him New Eng- land. These Puritans at one time had lived in England. They had left that country because their consciences would not permit them to worship God The Puntans ^ <• i t-i t i accordmg to the methods oi the Enghsh Church. They desired to purify the church of its evil From Sargent's Painting Landing of the Pilgrims practices, and for that reason they were called Puritans. They were persecuted in England and their Uves were so unhappy that they determined to leave their native land. THE SETTLEMENT OF PLYMOUTH 51 Miles Standish Many of them moved to Holland to find a refuge from _ ° . The Pilgnnu persecution. From that country a body of about one hundred came in the Mayflower to find in America freedom to worship God. On ac- count of their wander- ings they received the name of '' Pilgrims." Before landing, the Pilgrims gathered in the cabin of the May- flower and signed an agreement by which they pledged them- selves to obey such laws as should be made for the govern- ment of the colony. They then chose one of their number, John Carver, to be governor for one year. 62 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY It was a cold December day when they landed at Plymouth. Rude cabins were built and covered with thatch. The cracks were filled with mud to ?h°pugrims, keep out the biting wind. Oiled paper was used S"^^^'^ ^^' i^ the windows in place of glass. The weather was so cold that the women and children, and many of the men, had to remain on board the May- flower until spring. During that first whiter more than forty of them, including Governor Carver, died. The survivors were very brave, however, and in the spring, when the Mayflower set sail for England, not one of the Pilgrims returned with her. Among the leaders of the Plymouth colony was Captain Miles Standish. He was as brave as a lion in Miles Stan- his dealings with the Indians, but tender- ^^^ hearted as a child. At one time there were only seven people in the whole settlement well enough to work. Miles Standish cooked the food, nursed the sick, and even washed the clothes for the colonists. QUESTIONS Who founded the colony of Plymouth? When? Who had explored and named this portion of the coast? Why had these Puritans left England? To what country had many of them gone? How many came to America in the Mayflower f For what purpose? What name did they receive? What agree- ment did they sign? Who was chosen governor? Describe the landing of the Pilgrims, and the cabins they built. Describe their sufferings. What can you say of Captain Miles Standish? MORE ABOUT PLYMOUTH 69 LESSON 18 MORE ABOUT PLYMOUTH The colonists of Pl5nnouth were very happy when the spring came. They set about building more cabins, planting gardens and fields, and making friends with the Indians. In the early spring an Indian named Samoset (Sam'o- set) walked into Plymouth and called out, '^ Welcome, Englishmen ! " He had learned a little English samoset and from the fishermen on the coast of Maine. He ^i^^^^^ went away and returned with another Indian named Squanto. Squanto had once been stolen by traders and sold into slavery in Spain. An Englishman had rescued him and sent him back to his own people . For this reason he became the firm friend of the white men at Plymouth. Squanto taught the Pilgrims how to plant their corn, and how to fertilize the ground by dropping a dead herring by the side of each grain. He also showed them how to catch fish. By his aid a treaty of friendship that lasted for more than fifty years was made with Massasoit (Mas'sa-soit), the Indian chief. WiUiam Bradford had been chosen to succeed John Carver as governor of the colony. Canonicus Bradford and (Can-on'i-cus) was the chief of the Narragan- canonicus sett Indians, a tribe unfriendly to the whites. Canonicus sent Governor Bradford a challenge in the shape of a 54 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY bundle of arrows tied with a snake skin. Bradford returned the snake skin filled with powder and shot. When Canonicus saw that Bradford was not afraid, he decided to let him and his brave men alone. The first summer passed, the autumn came on, and the corn had ripened in the field. The Pilgrims _ , . . had built their homes and the Indians were friendly. The colonists desired to show their gratitude to God by giving a week of Thanksgiving. The young men and the Indians shot deer and wild turkeys. The women gathered the corn and cooked the food. Under the trees the tables were spread. The men sat down with their Indian friends while their wives and the maidens served them. There were shooting matches and sports of all kinds, in which the Indians joined. It was our first Thanksgiving. Eight years after the Plymouth colony was founded, a body of Puritans came from England and formed a settlement on the coast a few miles farther north. Salem and They named the colony Salem. Two years Boston afterwards about one thousand more Puritans came over, under the leadership of John Winthrop, and made a settlement which they named Boston. The colonies in New Englard grew in size and number as people came from England. By 1640 as many as twenty thousand colonists had found homes in what is now called the State of Massachusetts. EXILES FROM THE NEW ENGLAND COLONIES 55 QUESTIONS What did the colonists do when spring came? What can you say of Samoset? What can you say of Squanto? What did Squanto teach the colonists? What treaty of peace was made? Who succeeded Governor Carver? Who was Canon- icus? How did Governor Bradford treat the challenge of Canonlcus? Describe the first Thanksgiving. What other towns were founded in New England? How many colonists had come to New England by 1640? LESSON 19 EXILES FROM THE NEW ENGLAND COLONIES Roger Williams was a young Puritan minister who had left England on account of persecution. He preached first at Salem, but afterwards at Eogerwu- Plymouth and in the other colonies. His ^*°^^ views were much in advance of the religious ideas of the times. He did not believe that one should be forced to attend church, nor compelled to contribute to the support of religion. He denied the right of the king to grant the lands of New England to the colonists, saying that the soil belonged to the Indians. He preached so many strange doctrines that the General Court at Boston ordered him to return to England. Williams had already learned the Indian language. He had slept in the cabins, and eaten of the food of the savages. Instead of returning to England, he escaped 56 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Roger Williams among the Indians into the forest and sought his Indian friends. It was Providence ^^ *^® heart of winter. Through snow and ice founded, he wandered until he reached the wigwam of Massasoit. In the spring he, with five others, went to Narragansett Bay and selected a place for a colony. He named it Providence. Other settlers found their way to the home of the exile. Land was bought from the Indians, who prom- ised not to disturb the new settlement. This was the beginning of the colony of Rhode Island EXILES FROM THE NEW ENGLAND COLONIES 57 The men in Boston were accustomed to hold meet- ings to which women were not admitted. In these meetings they discussed religious and political matters. Mrs. Anne Hutchinson, a woman of talent Mrs, Anne and spirit, declared that women had a right ^^t^'^^^'^ to speak. Accordingly, she held meetings in her house and discussed public affairs. Her teachings were quite 4 Settlements in the New England Colonies different from those of the ministers, and soon the whole colony was divided into factions „ Mrs. Hutchin- son was exiled from the colony, as Williams had been. She made her way to the settlement of Roger Williams, and afterwards she and her followers founded colonies at Portsmouth and at Newport. 68 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY In the same year that Roger Wilhams founded Provi- dencej another preacher, Thomas Hooker, dissatisfied Thomas with the government of Boston, gathered his Hooker congregation and started on a jom-ney through the wilderness. They traveled slowly, driving their cows before them, and finally settled in the Connecticut v^alley^ beginning the town of Hartford Other colo- nists followed, and other towns were founded These towns were united into one government and called Connecticut. These towns agreed to be governed by the provisions of a written constitution. It is the first time in history that a written constitution was adopted to create a government. It marked the beginnings of American democracy. QUESTIONS Who was Roger Williams? Where did he preach? What can you say of his views? In what did he not believe? What did he deny? What did the General Court order? Where did Williams go? What colony did he found? Of what state was it the beginning? What can you say of Mrs. Anne Hutchin- son? What was the result of her meetings? To what settle- ment did she first go? What colonies did she and her followers found? What can you say of Thomas Hooker? What town did he and his congregation begin? What can you say of their ■wrHtf^n constitutiou? lOHN ELIOT, THE APOSTLE TO THE INDIANS 69 LESSON 20 JOHN ELIOT, THE APOSTLE TO THE INDLANS When the colonists came to America they found Indians living in all parts of the country. Some of the Indian tribes were friendly, and some of them Fear of the were hostile. With some the colonists made '^^^^'^ treaties of peace and friendship; with others there was constant war. The colonists lived in great dread of Indian uprisings. In those uprisings the Indians burned the dwellings and massacred the colonists without mercy or carried them away as prisoners. To protect themselves, the colonists built stockade forts, consisting of a few houses surrounded by a tall fence. For further protection block-houses ports and were also built. In these forts and block- »>ioc^^°^se» houses the colonists foimd a refuge from danger, as well as a place from which they could fight the savages to advantage. In such constant watchfulness did the colonists hve that it was the rule for the men always to have their guns at hand. They carried their guns to the field when they went to work, and took them to church when they went to worship. It was not the purpose of the English colonists to make war on the savages, as the Spaniards had done. The English desired peace and were anxious to teach the savages to live a civilized life^ 60 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY For this purpose schools were established for the In- dians and preachers were sent to their villages. Among the most noted of these preachers was John EUot, the "Apostle to the Indians." John Eliot came from England eleven years after the settlement of Plymouth. He had been a busy student at college and had diligently studied different languages. For fourteen years he devoted himself to the study of the Indian language, and wrote for the Indians a trans- lation of the Bible. Eliot's Bible is a curious book, very rare and costly at the present day, and one which very few can read. To designate a good chief, such as Joshua or Gideon, Eliot used the word "mugwump," a word which we sometimes hear at the present day. After he had been in Massachusetts for fifteen years Eliot began preaching to the Indians in their own Preaching to language. He went from village to village, the Indians gathered the Indians under the trees, and preached to them by the hour. The Indians were kept awake by the distribution of presents. His sermons were very long. The savages could ill appreciate a religion that kept them from slaying and scalping their enemies. Some were converted, but others listened with scorn. After twenty years of preaching the number of the converted or "praying Indians," as they were called in KING PHILIP'S WAR 61 derision, reached four thousand. These were mainly from the weaker tribes in New England. The great tribes of Wampanoags and Narragansetts, which gave so much trouble, furnished few converts. QUESTIONS What did the colonists find on coming to America? What was the difference between the Indian tribes? Of what were the colonists in constant dread? How did the colonists protect themselves? What was the rule about having guns? How did the English desire to treat the savages? What were estab- lished among the Indians? Who were sent to their villages? Who was John EUot? What did John Eliot study? What did he translate into the Indian language? What word do we get from EUot's Bible? Describe Eliot's preaching to the Indians. How many converted Indians were there in twenty years? What can you say of them? LESSON 21 KING PHILIP'S WAR Massasoit, the chief of the Wampanoags, was the true friend of the settlers of New England. He had two young sons whom he brought to the Alexander governor at Plymouth, saying, "I wish you ^dPMUp to give English names to my boys." The governor named one of them Alexander and the other Philip. After Massasoit died Alexander became chief in his stead. The people of Plymouth heard that Alexander 62 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY was plotting mischief and sent for him. He came reluctantly, and proved that he was innocent of the charges against him. On his way homeward he was seized with fever and died. The Indians, however, thought that he had been poisoned, and began to plot revenge against the whites. Philip became chief and nursed his wrath for years. All the Indians, including the Narragansetts, resolved on an uprising against the whites. One Sunday a party of Indians attacked the town of Swansea, and murdered some of the people as they were coming from church. A dreadful war, led by King Philip, as he Kin Phiii 's ^^^ Called, and known as King Philip's War, War, 1676- now cusued. Many towns were burned, and 1676 over six hundred white men were killed or cap- tured by the Indians. As for the savages their losses were even greater. At length Philip and his followers were chased into a swamp in Rhode Island. One of Philip's braves advised him to surrender. For this advice the chief lifted his tomahawk and struck the Indian dead. The brother of the slain warrior swiftly crept through the bushes to the camp of the white men and offered to guide them to the hiding place of I^g Philip. The party soon reached the place in the swamp where the chief was concealed. As soon as Philip saw them he started to run, but the Indian guide raised his KING PHILIPS WAR 63 rifle and shot him through the heart. Philip fell forward into a pool of water and his followers took to flight. His head was cut off and sent to Plymouth, where Death of it was exposed upon a pole in the village ^^^^ green. This was the end of King Philip's War. Many of the captives, including the nine-year-old son of Philip, were sold as slaves. The power of the Indians in that part of the country was broken forever, and the colonies were left to prosper in peace. QUESTIONS What can you say of Massasoit? What names were given his two sons? Describe the circumstances of Alexander's death. Who then became chief? Upon what did the Indians resolve? Describe the attack on Swansea. What war ensued? By whom was it led and what was it called? What happened dur- ing that war? What losses were sustained? Describe the death of King Philip. What became of many of the captives? TDfath of Kxnq Phh ff 64 rmsT LESSONS in American history LESSON 22 THE SETTLEMENT OF NEW AMSTERDAM We have seen that the EngUsh settled in Virginia, and in New England. Let us now learn how the Dutch founded an American colony that has since become the great city of New York. Two years after Jamestown was settled, and eleven years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, a Dutch Henry Hud- ship, Commanded by Henry Hudson, an ■°^ Englishman, entered what is now New York Bay. The ship was named the Half Moon. Hudson had been sent out by a Dutch Company, known as the East India Company, to find a short way to China. He did not know how far west the new world extended, but hoped to find some strait that would allow his vessel to pass through to the Pacific Ocean. His ship entered the mouth of a river which in his honor was afterwards named the Hudson River. The Ex lores the ^^V Moou Sailed up this river as far as the Hudson present city of Albany. Here it became evi- dent to Hudson that there was no chance of reaching China by this route. Accordingly, he sailed down the river and returned to Holland. When Hudson reported to the Dutch Company what explorations he had made, they at once claimed all the land on both sides of the Hudson River. Colonists were THE SETTLEMENT OF NEW AMSTERDAM 65 Bent over to establish posts for trading with the Indians. The savages were eager to exchange valuable furs for cheap trinkets, glass beads, pocket - knives, and brass jewehy. A trading post was estab- lished on the lower end of New Amater- Manhattan Island . dam, 1614 rj,j^-g settlement was named New Amsterdam, after the city of Amsterdam in Holland. It was on the site of the present city of New York. The Indians were persuaded to sell the entire island to the Dutch for a lot of cheap trinkets, worth about tvventy - four dollars. The entire region claimed by the Dutch was called New Netherland. The thrifty Dutch soon started a prosperous trade with the Indians. They lived peaceably with them, buying The Settlement of New York 66 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HiSTOKl Henry Hudson explores the Hudson River their lands for almost nothing, and trading gaudy jewelry for costly furs. The settlements increased in number, and New Amsterdam grew into impor- tance as a colony as well as a trading post. QUESTIONS Of what are we now to learn? What ship entered New York Bay, and when? What was the name of the ship? Of what was Hudson in search? What did he hope to find? How far did the Half Moon sail? What did Hudson then do? What did the Dutch then claim? For what purpose were posts es- tabhshed? For what were the savages eager? Where was a trading post established and what name was given to it? For how much was Manhattan Island purchased? What name was given to the entire region?. What can you say of the Dutch? What can you say of the settlements? Peter Stuyvesant Governors were sent over to take care of the Dutch colony at New Am- sterdam. The most noted of these was Peter Stuyvesant (Sti Ve-sant) . Governor Stuyvesant had been a soldier in the old country, and had lost a leg. It was replaced by a wooden leg with PeterStuy- a silver band on it. The people called him '^Old Silver Leg." He was a brave and good governor. He would not allow the merchants to sell whiskey 67 68 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY to the Indians. He compelled everybody to go to church, and established schools for the children. Though he was a good governor, he was cross and high- tempered. If the people did not behave to suit him^ he berated them soundly and punished them severely. The Dutch lived very comfortably in New Amster- dam. They built wind- mills for grinding corn, and breweries for making beer. They had queerly shaped houses, with odd looking gables. In front were little stoops or porches on which the stolid Dutch mer- chants sat in the evenings and smoked their long pipes. Inside the houses were huge fireplaces, where great logs of wood burned in the winter time. The floors were scoured as clean as soap and sand could make them. The Dutch were a peaceable people. They planted their gardens, pastured their cows, indulged in their ^ ^ ,., . sports, and desired to be let alone in their Dutch life m ^ ' _, . i -i . * • NewAmster- new homes. They mtroduced mto America the custom of celebrating Christmas by the giving of presents, and of paying calls on New Year's Day, to wish one's friends a happy and prosperous year. Many of the names of the old Dutch families are proudly borne by their descendants. The English had by no means given up their claim to the land on which the Dutch had settled. Cabot had explored all the territory which the Dutch NEW AMSTERDAM BECOMES NEW YORK 69 had named New Netherland, and the EngUsh still considered it as their own. For many years they paid no attention to the quiet Dutch at New TheEn lish Amsterdam. At last, when fifty years had demand the passed and the Dutch colony had become of some importance, England decided to demand the terri- tory from them. Accordingly, one day some English ships sailed into the harbor of New Amsterdam. The commander of the ships wrote a demand to Peter Stuyvesant to surrender the town to the English. Governor Stuyvesant was in a rage and refused to surrender. He strode around, tore up the paper con- taining the demand, and stormed at the people who were willing to surrender. The people, however, were tired of Peter Stuyvesant and agreed to surrender to the English. Accordingly, the English soldiers marched in and took New York, possession of the place. All the Dutch ter- ^^^* ritory was ^iven by the King of England to his brother, the Duke of York. The name of the territory and of the town was changed to New York. New York has grown to be one of the great cities of the world. QUESTIONS Who was the most noted of the governors of New Amster- dam? What can you say of Peter Stuyvesant? What were some of his rules? What can you say of his temper? What did the Dutch build? Describe their homes. Describe the life 70 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY of the Dutch, What customs did they introduce into America? What claim did the English still maintain, and why? When did they decide to demand the territory? How was the demand made? How did Governor Stuyvesant treat the demand? What did the people do? What name did New Amsterdam receive? LESSON 24 LORD BALTIMORE AND THE COLONY OF MARYLAND Among the religious sects that were persecuted in England were the Roman Catholics. Members of this cathoucsin sect had no religious or political rights in England England. Often they were treated harshly, were compelled to pay heavy fines, were thrown into jails, and were driven from place to place. Naturally they desired to find a place where they could worship undisturbed. Among the Catholics in England was George Cal- vert. He was a friend of the king, and had been George granted the title of Lord Baltimore. Lord Calvert Baltimore desired to found a colony in America for his persecuted brethren. He visited the colony in Virginia, looking for a suitable place, but was told there that he would have to take an oath acknowledging the King of England to be the head of *^he church. '^I cannot take that oath," said he. ''I THE COLONY OF MARYLAND 71 Uaryland am a loyal subject of the King of England, but I acknowledge the Pope to be the head of the church.'^ After this declaration Lord Baltimore had to retire from Virginia. He went back to England and persuaded the king to grant him a tract of land north of the Potomac River for a Catholic colony. The king made the grant and named the territory Maryland, in honor of his queen, Henrietta Maria, who was a good Catholic. Lord Baltimore died soon after, and his plans were carried on by his son, Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Balti- more. The charter of the colony' contained very liberal pro- visions. Lord Baltimore was the proprietor of the land, with little or no dependence upon the king. He and the colonists were allowed to make whatever laws they chose. All religions were to be tolerated, Protestant as well as Roman Catholic. In token of his allegiance, Lord Baltimore was required to send each year to the king two Indian arrows. Cecil Calvert decided to send his brother, Leonard, JAMESTOWN Settlement in Maryland 72 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY with the colonists. Two vessels, the Dove and the Ark, brought over two hundred colonists, who landed „, „ , near the mouth of the Potomac River and St. Mary's founded, founded the town of St. Mary's. This was twenty- seven years after Jamestown was settled. The Indians were very friendly and welcomed the colonists. Lands already cleared were given to the newcomers. The Indians showed the men how to plant corn. The squaws taught the women how to make ''pone" and ''hominy." At the first harvest the colonists sent a shipload of corn to New England in exchange for a cargo of codfish. There was no starving time in Maryland, and no trouble from the Indians, as had been the case in some of the other colonies. St. Mary's continued to be the capital of Maryland for a long time. After a while the capital was moved Baltimore, to AunapoUs, and St. Mary's went into decay. 1729 After the lapse of nearly a hundred years the great city of Baltimore was begun and named for the noble founder of the colony of Maryland. QUESTIONS What can you say of the persecution of the Roman CathoUcs in England? Who was George Calvert? What title had he acquired? What did he desire? What colony did he visit? What oath was he asked to take? What did he say? What then did he do? What grant of land was given to him? What THE COLONIC OF PENNSYLVANIA 73 Was the land named, and for whom? What were some of the provisions of the charter? Where did the colonists land? What town was founded? What can you say of the Indians? How did the colony prosper? What city became the capital after a while? When was Baltimore founded? LESSON 25 WILLIAM PENN AND THE COLONY OF PENNSYLVANIA Another religious sect in England that suffered persecution was the Society of Friends, or Quakers, Customs of as they are commonly called. They Hved the Quakers ^ ^^^y. gjmpie life, dressing in the plainest clothes, and living on the sim- plest fare. They addressed every man by his given name, and said, ''thou" and "thee" instead of ''you." They did not believe in war, or in going to law to settle their diffi- culties. They kept their hats on in church, and would not remove them in the presence of even a king. The Quakers were not allowed to hold meet- ings within five miles of any town, were hooted at on the streets, and many were thrown into filthy prisoi?§ William Penn 74: FIRST LESSONS IX AMERICAN HISTORY Among the Quakers was William Penn, a yomig man of distinguished family. His father was an ad- _.„ ^ miral in the navv, and a friend of the king. William Penn - ' ° Penn's father was mortified at his son's be- coming a Quaker, and was so angry that he drove him from home. The young Penn became a Quaker preacher, and wrote books in defence of their cus- toms. When the old admiral saw that his son could not be changed from his purpose he allowed him to return home. When Admiral Penn died, his son William inherited his fortune. The king owed the estate a large sum of , . money which he could not readily pay. Pennsylvania - ., ir ^ panted and William Peuu proposed to the kuig that he settle the debt by making a grant of land in America in payment. Upon this land Penn intended to found a colony for the persecuted Quakers. The king agreed to this, and after making the grant he named the territorj^ Pennsylyania, or Penn's Wood- land, in honor of the admiral, William Penn's father. ■ The stor}^ is told that when Penn was ready to start for America, he went to pay his respects to Penn and the king. The king jokingly told him that King Charles j.^^ ^tq^i^j ncvcr sce him again, since, in all probabiUty, the savages would kill him. ''I shall be friends with the savages," replied Penn, ''and as I intend to pay them for their lands they will not dis- THE COLONY OF PEN'X-fYLVAXIA 76 lyTG 13 1 turb me." The king was astonished, and asked Penn why he intended to buy lands that were the king's by right of discover}'. "Discover}'!" said Penn, '' Suppose a canoe full of savages had landed in Eng- land, would they own the realm by right of disco veiy' ? " To this the king made no reply. Three shiploads of colonists were sent Settlement is Pexshtlv.vsia over to America at once. Penn himself soon followed with another shipload. Sailing up the Dela- FMiadeipiiia ware Paver he came to a place which he '^■*'^**' ^^^ chose for the site of a town. He named it Philadelphia, which means brotherly love. Colonists poured' into this new town so rapidly that in four years it was larger than Xew York. QUESTIONS What can you say of the Quakers? How did they live? What was their form of address? In what did they not be- lieve? What were they not allowed to do? Who was William Penn? How did his father treat him? What did Penn be- come^ What inheritance did Penn receive? What did Penij 76 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY propose to the king? What name did the king give the ter« ritory granted to Penn? Tell the story of Penn's reply to the king. What city was founded by the Quakers? What doea the name mean? How rapidly did it grow? LESSON 26 PENN'S TREATY WITH THE DELA WARES A FEW months after landing Penn. called the chiefs of the Delaware Indians together in order to form a Penn meets ^^^^^J ^^ peace and friendship with them. theDeia- The meeting occurred on the banks of the Delaware River, under a great elm tree. The Indians sat on the ground in a half circle, while Penn and his Quaker friends, who had come to the meeting unarmed, addressed them. He called them friends and brothers, and compared the red men and the white men to different parts of the human body, all depend- ent upon each other, and each dependent upon all. The red men were deeply impressed by his words, and promised to live in peace with the Quakers as long Penn's ^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ moou gave light. This treaty, June treaty was faithfully kept by both parties. The Indians learned to love the Quakers, until it is said that the Quaker dress was a better protection from the Indians than a gun, and that when an Indian wished to express his admiration for a white man he would say, ''He is Uke William Penn." PENN'S TREATY WITH THE DELAWARES 77 The great elm under which the treaty was made re- mained standing for a hundred and twenty- seven years, when it was blown down in a storm. The city William Penn makes a Treaty with the Indians of Philadelphia has grown up around the place, and a monument marks the spot where the great treaty was made. Penn always bought the lands from the Indians. He never took any territory by force. Upon one occa- sion he bargained for a tract of land as far from the Delaware as a man could walk in three days. Penn 78 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY and a few friends, accompanied by the Indians^ walked thirty miles in a day and a half. The rest of the journey was left to be completed later. Long after Penn's death, the whites employed a famous hunter to finish the walk. He covered sixty miles in the remaining day and a half, greatly to the chagrin of the Indians. The boundary line between Pennsylvania and Mary- land was a matter of dispute for many years It was Mason and ^^^^ agreed to leave the matter to two Dixon's une, survcyors named Mason and Dixon, who ran a line between the two colonies. This line became known as Mason and Dixon's line. At every mile a stone was set in the ground; on the north side the letter '^P" was carved, and on the south side the letter ''B'' was carved. One letter stood for Penn and the other for Baltimore. This boundary line in after years became famous as the dividing line be- tween the slave states in the South and the free states in the North. QUESTIONS Describe the great treaty with the Indians. What regard did the Indians show the Quakers? What did they think of WilUam Penn? What became of the great elm? Describe one of tlie bargains with the Indians for land. Describe Mason and Dixon's line. For what did it become famous in after years? THE CAROLINA COLONIES. 79 LESSON 27 THE CAROLINA COLONIES Between the Spanish settlements in Florida and the English settlements in Virginia there was a large territory, much of which was disputed ground. The Span- ish claimed it as a part of Florida; the English claimed it as a part of Virginia. We shall see that the English paid no atten- tion to the claims of the Spanish. A few Virginians had ventured to make settlements along Albemarle Sound, and emigrants from New England and else- where had formed a colony at the mouth ^ •^ Settlements in the FjlB, of Cape Fear River. After the northern colonies were settled and flour- ishing, and when Virginia was about fifty years old, 80 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Charles II, King of England, granted all the territory between Virginia and Florida to eight of his friends. caroUna The territory had already been named Caro- granted,i663 i^j^^^ and this name was retained in the grant. The settlements along Albemarle Sound were organized into the Albemarle Colony. This colony was the beginning of the state of North Carolina. The settlements at the mouth of the Cape Fear River became known as the Clarendon Colony. In a few years a body of emigrants from England sailed up the Ashley River and founded a settlement which they named Charlestown in honor of the king. This last settlement became the city of Charleston and was the beginning of the state of South Carolina. Colonists came rapidly into Carolina. From Vir- ginia came settlers looking for homes and adventures. Growth of From New England came colonists seeking a the colony rn^},^ climate, a fertile soil, and freedom from the severe laws of the Puritans. A large body of French Protestants, escaping from political and reli- gious persecution, came to find homes in Carolina. There were colonists also from the West Indies, Eng- land, and Scotland. The proprietors asked John Locke, a famous philos- opher, to draw up a plan of government for the colony of Carolina. Locke made an unwise plan, by which lords and nobles were to control the land and THE CAROLINA COLONIES 81 make the laws. The common people were to have no voice in the government. The plan was known as the Grand Model. For The Grand twenty years the Model proprietors tried to work this plan, but the peo- ple were so much opposed to it that it was abandoned. The people of Carolina soon found profitable occu- pation in the rich pine forests that yielded lumber, tar. Tobacco, rice, pitch, and tur- and slavery pentine. Tobac- co grew abundantly in the northern colony, and became a source of wealth to the people. A ship from Madagascar brought a bag of rice to Charleston. The grains were planted and the result was a great success. The rich, swampy lands on the coast were well suited to the cultivation of rice and it rapidly grew into importance as a crop. To culti- The Original, Rice Mill ^2 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY vate the tobacco and rice, slaves were brought into the colony. So profitable was their labor that the great planters of the CaroHnas had large numbers of negro slaves on their plantations in South Carolina. At one time the slaves quite outnumbered the white people. After many years the proprietors surrendered their rights to the King of England, and Carolina was divided into two royal provinces, North Carolina and South Carolina. QUESTIONS What can you say of the territory between Florida and Vir- ginia,? What settlements were made along the coast? What grant was made by Charles II? What name had already been given to this territory? What colonies were organized? What colony was the beginning of North Carolina? W^hat colony was the beginning of South Carolina? Mention some of the colo- nists that came to South Carolina. What was the plan of government prepared by John Locke? What became of it? What occupations did the people of South Carolina find profit- able? What can you say of the cultivation of rice? What can you say of the slaves? Into what two royal provinces was Carolina divided? JAMES OGLETPIORPE AND COLONY OF GEORGIA 83 LESSON 28 JAMES OGLETHORPE AND THE COLONY OF GEORGIA Many years ago it was the custom in England to imprison persons for debt. If a man was unfortunate and owed money which he was unable to pay, his credi- tor had the right to put him in prison until the debt was in some way paid. In this way there were many unhappy persons in the jails of England who suffered great hardship on account of their misfortunes. James Oglethorpe was an English soldier and states- man who became deeply interested in the condition of these unhappy debtors. He visited the jails jamesogie- and heard their stories and resolved to do *^°^p® something to aid them. Knowing there was plenty of land in America, he petitioned the king, George II, for a grant of territory between South Carolina and Florida in which he could found a colony for the poor people of England. The grant was readily made, and the territory was named Georgia in honor of the king. Many persons wished to join the colony. Oglethorpe received no debtor without the consent of his creditor, no criminals or wicked persons were accepted. The colonists and no person was admitted who would leave °^ ^^°^s^^ others dependent upon him for support. Oglethorpe collected thirty-five famihes, containing one hundred and thirty persons, and sailed with them to Georgia. 84 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY James Oglethorpe The colonists landed first at Charleston, where they were entertained by the people of that place. Ogle- thorpe took a few friends and went in an Savannah / . i • i founded, Indian canoe to find a site for his colony. 1733 He row^ed up the Savannah River to a bluff eighteen miles from the mouth, and landed. Here he JAMES OGLETHORPE 85 found a village of Yamacraw Indians and a trading post. Oglethorpe and the Indians became friends, and after a short while he brought the colonists to their new homes. The settlement was named Savannah. Map of the Original. Territory of Georgia Oglethorpe treated the Indians with great kindness. One of them said: ''We love him because he has given us everything we wish. He has given me the coat off his back and the blanket from under him." One day an Indian strolled into the village and some one asked him if he was not afraid. To this he replied, ''I was never afraid among my enemies; why should I fear when with my friends?" 5^ FIK5T rESiSWCS IS JOIEKICJLK HISTCaor TW fN^csny of C^eorps 'w^a? op^i to the oppressed of aH liaxioiiKi. ScaroelT had SaT-anuah beiesi laid out idien -^ fonx Jev? loaned lie colanT. A few montlis m«» afwanrards a ship arrrred biingii^ a baoHl of SaMmr^ter? ^Sa}ti-biir«-er?\ -wiK) had been drivfai out of Gennany cm account of tbeir religian. Tliex vere xnr-en a bcane oai tiie mrsr, tweaitT-fire miles TsE Pgg-: dborre SaT-armah. Looler «i, Sid^ Mors" SeoTch Ho^ikradEis vei^ Ejren Exax*- tile ecffi^^ la ^le^fcmj Gearsia "w^s ^tt:-. - 1^ fa? Far v&ac iid le , 5 .^oicnrv-f Bdow 33 1 - -nrtrr j pesSDIlS? Wofise Tirf the _— - ■".; Igiesimrpe 3E^e:s "sie sre znr ■f he ~mrt -riB?^ ? ^ "ti-r ttss ~ae Titmg ^ .if — -.. .— ^ fcilLed- Ocietaorpe ■ _s irmy Georgia. Two - - __- of irrT men landed on St. Simon's T^aianii .jererrrmed to exrer- mina^te tie cclon" tier?. C'fiJKiiorpe oad ^^^^^ ^ scarwiv i tiotisinc zien tc :cpe5e them. He laid an izirtzsi icr the Sraniiir-i^. Iht: ^ ^.j TTTft rehed. A deadb* dp? ^-^s rcured "ircn _. — :-*- 88 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY pecting enemy, who fled into the woods leaving nearly three hundred dead. The localit}^ was afterwards called Bloody Marsh. One of Oglethorpe's men had deserted and gone into the Spanish camp. The general knew that the de- serter would in- form the Spanish of the small size of his army, and thereupon resolved to defeat his pur- pose, if possible. Accordingly, he wrote to the de- serter a note, tell- ing him to be sure to inform the Spanish that his army was small, and to keep them on the island for a few days longer so that he could attack them. He gave the letter to a Spanish prisoner, and set him free, asking him to deliver it to the deserter. Of course the letter was a decoy letter, and, as Oglethorpe suspected, was carried by the prisoner to the Spanish Ruins on St. Simon's THE SPANISH INVASION OF GEORGIA 89 headquarters. It produced great alarm in the Spanish camp. The commander thought that the deserter had deceived him, and that Oglethorpe had an^.^^^^^^^^ immense force and would swoop down on Spanish inva- him and capture or kill his whole army. Therefore, in great haste the Spanish packed up and sailed away, leaving Oglethorpe in possession of the island. This ended the Spanish invasion of Georgia, and Spain made no further claim to the territory of Georgia. The question of the Spanish claim to any part of Georgia territory was settled forever. Oglethorpe lived in Georgia for over ten years. He then returned to England, where he spent the remainder of his life in comfort, dying at the advanced age of ninety-six. He was one of the noblest men connected with the early history of our country. Thus we see that the English colonies were firmly established along the Atlantic coast from New England to Georgia, and that the Spanish were confined to the territory of Florida. We shall see further on in our story how both the French and the Spanish finally gave up all the territory they owned in America. QUESTIONS What did the Spanish threaten to do? What did Oglethorpe do? What happened at St. Augustine? What were the losses on both sides? Describe the battle of Bloody Marsh. What 90 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY had one of Oglethorpe's men done? What note did Oglethorpe write him? To whom did he give the note, and what did he tell him? What became of the note? What effect did it have? What did the Spanish do? What did this put an end to? What can you say of the last days of Oglethorpe? HOW THE FRENCH LOST AMERICA LESSON 30 MARQUETTE EXPLORES THE MISSISSIPPI While the English were making settlements in America, the Fiench were by no means idle. A French navigator had explored the Atlantic coast The French and another had discovered the St. Lawrence ^^ Canada River. About the time that Jamestown was settled, Champlain (Sham- plain'), a noted French soldier, had sailed up the St. Lawrence River and founded the town of Quebec. Settlements had been made elsewhere in Canada, along the St. Lawrence River and as far as the Great Lakes. All the northern part of America by this time was claimed by the French, and Quebec had grown to be an important colony. Among the French priests was Father Marquette (Mar- kef) . He and other priests built Catholic mission houses along the Great Lakes. These were little chapels made of bark, surmounted by a cross, and containing an altar. Here the good priests preached to the dusky warriors in the Indian language, trying to convert them from their savage ways. The Indians were friendly to the 91 92 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY priests but did not take kindly to the religion of peace and good- will. The Indians told Mar- quette about a great river many miles to the west. No one could tell him into what waters it flowed. One day a Can- Marquette adian trader, a^^dJoUet JoUet (Zhol-yaO came to the mission where Mar- quette was, and together they made plans to find out whether the river flowed into the Gulf of Mexico or into the Pacific Ocean. They did not know they were to explore the great river which De Soto had discovered, and which we call the Mississippi. Early in the spring Mar- quette and Joliet „ , . ^ _ Exploring' started on their theMissis- , sippi, 1673 voyage. Iney had two canoes and five Explorers on tue Mississippi RL^QUETTE EXPLORES THE MISSISSIPPI 93 boatmen. The weather was beautiful. They glided down the Wisconsin River until they came to the muddy waters of the Mississippi. On the broad bosom of this mighty stream for many days and weeks their frail canoes continued their voyage. Their course was southward. Sometimes they paddled under the shadows of great trees, then by the side of open prairies, then under overhanging bluffs. Every now and then the party would land to cook a hasty meal, but they generally slept in the canoes for fear of prowl- ing savages and wild beasts. One day they saw footprints on the shore. Mar- quette and Joliet followed the tracks until they came to an Indian village, whose inhabitants were astonished to see the white men. The Indians were friendly, and gave them plenty of food and buffalo skins. The Indians urged the white men not to go farther down the river, telling them of demons which guarded the passage. Marquette and Joliet, however, left their newly found friends and continued their voyage. They passed the mouth of the Missouri and of the Ohio and came to the mouth of the Arkansas. At this point the Indians told the voyagers of unfriendly tribes far- ther down, who would not let them pass. By this time Marquette and Joliet were quite sure that the river flowed into the Gulf of Mexico. They also feared that if they went farther they might fall into the hands of 94 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY the Indians or of the Spaniards. Accordingly, they resolved to return to Canada. By permission of Singer Mfg. Co. Marquette and Joliet explore the Mississippi: The return journey was very wearisome. Joliet finally reached Canada and told the governor at Quebec Death of of his advcutures. Father Marquette re- Marquette ^urncd to his missiou. Nearly two years later the good priest started on a missionary journey along Lake Michigan. Worn out by work and hard- ship, he was so ill that his companions had to lift him into the canoe. One day they passed the mouth of a small stream and he begged the boatmen to put him THE FRENCH CLAIM LOUISIANA 96 ashore. The party landed, and a rude hut was built for the dying priest. As he knelt to pray, the men walked away a short distance and left him alone. When they came back Father Marquette was dead, A river near the place where he died now bears the name of this noble missionary priest. QUESTIONS What city had Champlain founded? What settlements had been made by the French? What can you say of the north- eastern part of America? Who was Father Marquette? De- scribe a mission. How did the Indians treat the missionaries? What did Marquette resolve to do? Who joined him? De- scribe the beginning of their voyage. Describe their voyage down the Mississippi. Describe their reception at the Indian village. To what point did they go on their voyage? Why did they turn back? What did Joliet do? What became of Father Marquette? LESSON 31 THE FRENCH CLAIM LOUISIANA Nine years after the voyage of Marquette and Joliet, La Salle (La Sal'), a bold French explorer living in Can- ada, started out with a fleet of canoes and a company of Frenchmen and Indian guides, to complete the explora- tion of the Mississippi, After much wandering and many adventures, cover- ing a period of several years, the explorer came to the 96 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY By permission of Singer Mfg. Co La Salle at the Mouth of the Mississippi mouth of the Mississippi River. A short distance above the mouth of the river La Salle and his men La saUe landed. A cross was raised bearing the arms reaches the of Frauce. La Salle assembled the men Mississippi, around him and proclaimed in a loud voice, "In the name of Louis the Great, King of France, I take possession of this country." He then named it Louisiana in honor of Louis XIV. The people shouted, "Long live the King!" Volleys of musketry were fired, hymns were chanted, and a leaden plate was buried in the earth, upon which was written, "Louis the Great reigns/' THE FRENCH CLAIM LOUISIANA 97 In this way did France establish a claim to all the territory drained by the Mississippi, Missouri, and other tributary rivers. It was a vast tract of land, many times larger than the possessions of the English in America. Eleven years passed before the French undertook to colonize Louisiana. The French king placed four ships and two hundred colonists under com- mand of Iberville (E-ber-veF), a Canadian, who had risen to prominence in the naval service of France, with instructions to found a colony at the mouth of the Mississippi. Iberville sailed across the ocean, through the Gulf of Mexico, and proceeding carefully along the coast, determined not to miss the mouth of the Mississippi. The party entered the harbor of Pensacola, where they found a garrison of Spanish soldiers. Later on they came to Mobile Bay. Cautiously proceed- settlements ing westward, they came to the low, marshy ^ i-oi^siana lands at the mouth of the Mississippi and turned their boats up the broad and muddy stream. Several weeks were spent in exploring the river. Iberville found no suitable place on the river for a colony. He returned to the coast and began a settlement on Biloxi Bay. Another settlement was started in a few years on Mobile Bay. Eighteen years after Iberville had explored the 98 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY mouth of the Mississippi, Bienville (Be'-a-vel), his New Orleans, younger brother, founded the city of New ^'^^^ Orleans. Within four years the town had prospered so greatly that it was made the capital of the vast region called Louisiana. France had now two important cities in America, one at Quebec and one at New Orleans, but between them lay two thousand miles of wilderness. To protect their claim the French, during the next fift}^ years, built a chain of sixty forts all the way from Montreal to New Orleans. Along the Ohio valley the French in many places selected trees, to which they nailed tin plates bearing the arms of France, and at the roots of the trees they buried leaden plates inscribed with the statement that the territory belonged to France. QUESTIONS Who undertook to complete the explorations of the Mis- sissippi River? Describe the way La Salle took possession of the territory. What name did he give it, and in whose honor? What can you say of this territory? What effort did Iberville make to found a colony? What places did his ship visit? What can you say of his explorations of the mouth of the Mississippi River? What places were settled? What can you say of New Orleans? What two great cities did France have in America? How did that country undertake to protect its claim? WASHINGTON TAKES A MESSAGE TO THE FRENCH 99 LESSON 32 WASHINGTON TAKES A MESSAGE TO THE FRENCH France and England both claimed the Ohio valley. The French built forts in this region, an act which alarmed Governor Dinwiddle of Virginia. He resolved to order them to withdraw from the territory. One day he sent for a young man named George Washington, and gave him a letter addressed to one of the French officers at one of the forts not far from Lake Erie. He directed Washington to deliver the note and return with an answer. Washington was then twenty- one years old. He had been a surveyor in the woods of Virginia, and knew a great deal about the Indians and the hard- George ships of frontier life. He was tall, strong, wasnington and brave. All his life he had been pure, truthful, and manly. We shall see that he became one of the greatest men our country has ever produced. Washington saluted the governor, took the note, and with a few companions started on his journey through the wilderness. Over hills and The message mountains, through swamps and across rivers *°t^e^"iicii the party made their way. The snow was deep and the weather was cold. At last on a bleak December day Washington and his companions reached the French fort. Governor Dinwiddle's letter was handed 100 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY to the French commander, who treated Washington with much kindness, but told him that he was in- structed to occupy and hold the fort, and that he had no intention of abandoning the territory. With this answer Washington was obliged to be content. His return journey was full of adventures. Hoping to make better time, he left his horses and started home- The return Ward ou foot with a siuglc guide. At one journey place Washington was shot at by an Indian, whom the guide would have killed had not Washington interfered. In crossing the Allegheny River, Washing- ton was thrown from the raft into the icy water. He was a good swimmer and regained the raft, but was obliged to spend a bitterly cold night on an island in the river. The next morning the river was frozen over and the two went on their way. At last Washington, after an absence of seventy- eight days and a journey of twelve hundred miles, reached Williamsburg, the capital of Virginia, and reported the answer of the French commander to the governor. The answer, of course, meant war. Wash- ington's journey had made him famous, and in Virginia he was the hero of the hour. The French built a fort at the junction of the Alle- gheny and ^lonongahela Rivers, on the site of the pres- ent city of Pittsburg. They called it Fort DuQuesne (Du-kane'). Washington, in command of a body of WASHINGTON TAKES A MESSAGE TO THE FRENCH 101 Virginia troops, marched against this fort. A short and sharp battle followed, in which ten of ^^^^^^ ^^ the enemy were killed and the rest driven Great Mead- into the woods. This was the battle of Great Meadows. It was the beginning of the French and Indian War in America. In the wilderness of western Pennsylvania the hero of the American Revolution had his first experience in battle. In a letter written a few days afterwards to his brother, he said : '^ I fortunately escaped without any wound. I heard the bullets whistle, and, believe me, there is something charming in the sound." QUESTIONS What two nations claimed the Ohio valley? What had the French built? What did Governor Dinwiddle of Virginia re- solve to do? By whom did he send a letter to the French com- mander? What can you say of Washington? Describe his journey to the French fort. What was the reply of the com- mander? Describe the return journey. How long had Wash- ington been on the journey? How many miles had he traveled? What did the French build? Describe the battle of Great Meadows. What did Washington write to his brother? 102 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY LESSON 33 BRADDOCK'S DEFEAT About eight months after the events recorded in the last lesson, a British general appeared at the office of Governor Dinwiddle in Williamsburg. He wore a bright uniform, and had an important, military air. This was General Braddock, who had been sent by the British govern- ment, with two regiments, to take command of an expedition against the French forts in the North and West. Braddock set to work to collect wagons, food, and forage, and to get his army ready to move. He was a vain Braddock's and impatient officer, p^^pa^^^ti"^" He expressed great contempt for the plain Virginia soldiers who wore hunting clothes and had but little military training, and he boasted of what the British soldiers could do. Braddock was a good soldier, but he knew nothing about fighting Indians in a tangled forest, and his obstinacy afterwards brought him to grief. After three months' preparation a force of thirteen General Braddock BRADDOCK'S DEFEAT 103 hundred men began their march across the mountains to attack Fort DuQuesne. Washington was a mem- ber of Braddock's staff, with the rank of Braddock's colonel. Axemen were sent on ahead to cut °^*"^ down the trees and prepare a road for the wagons and for the troops. Their progress was very slow. It was springtime, the weather was beautiful, the troops were well fed, and Braddock was in no hurry, Washington warned Braddock of the ways of Indian warfare. He told him to beware of an ambush. Braddock boastingly replied: '/These savages may indeed be a formi- dable enemy to your raw American militia, but upon the king's troops it is impossible for them to make any impres- sion,'* After nearly three months' marching Brad- dock came within a few miles of Fort DuQuesne. The French officer placed his soldiers and the Indians in the woods on either side of the road over which the English must march on their way to attack the fort. The French in the Ohio Valley 104 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Braddock did what Washington had cautioned him not to do; he marched straight into an ambush. On The ambush, both sides was an imseen but watchful foe. ^^^* Suddenly the hidden enemy opened fire on the advancing Enghsh, and whole ranks of men were slain by the flying bullets. The English regulars were in a panic. They did not know how to fight an enemy they could not see, and their bullets sank harmlessly into the trees or were fired uselessly into the air. They broke and ran in great disorder. Braddock rushed into the fight and fell from his horse, shot through the lungs. Washington and the Death of Virginia militia covered the retreat as best Braddock ^j^^^ could. Washington seemed to bear a charmed life. Four bullets pierced his coat and two horses were killed under him, but he escaped unhurt. Everything fell into the hands of the French, and the English scattered in all directions for safety. Four days later Braddock died, saying in his last moments, "We shall know better how to deal with them next time." When he was buried Washington himself, by the light of a pme torch, read the burial service, and the body of the brave, but foolish, general was laid away in the wild woods of western Pennsylvania. He had requested that his body be protected from the Indians. Accordingly he was buried in the middle of the road, and the whole army passed over his grave. JAMES WOLFE CAPTURES QUEBEC 105 QUESTIONS Who came to take charge of an expedition, against the French in the North and West? What can you say of Brad- dock? How long did it take to get ready to march? What officer went with him as a member of his staff? What can you say of the progress of the march? Of what did Washington warn Braddock? How had the French planned to receive the English? Describe the ambush. What became of Braddock? What can you say of Washington? LESSON 34 JAMES WOLFE CAPTURES QUEBEC The city of Quebec is situated mainly on a bluff overlooking the St. Lawrence River. It had been the headquarters of the French in America for one hun- dred and fifty years. By this time it was a large and prosperous city, strongly fortified and heavily garri- soned. The English resolved to capture Quebec and thus end the war. Among the bravest of the British officers was James Wolfe. He was now thirty- two years of age, and highly regarded for his ability and courage. XT +1 • I.- + Jl J 1 Ja°"s Wolfe He was very gentle m his nature, and had al- ways been a devoted and dutiful son. His face was as smooth as that of a girl, but behind his soft and ten- der exterior beat the heart of a lion. The capture of Quebec was entrusted to Wolfe. He 106 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY was in poor health at the time, and was always made ill by a sea voyage. His aged father needed his son's presence in England, and his sweetheart, to whom he expected shortly to be married, urged him to stay at home. But Wolfe said that if his country needed his services he was ready to go. Wolfe arrived before Quebec with his fleet of vessels. Three siege of hundred and ^^^^^'^ more feet above the river frowned the great preci- pice, on the top of which lay the better part of the city. There was the French commander, the Marquis de Montcalm (Mon-cam'), with a strong army ready to defend the citadel. When Wolfe saw the task before him he was indeed discouraged. How- ever, he set about a regular siege of Quebec, bom- barding that portion of the city that lay along the river bank, and engaging the troops of Montcalm whenever he had an opportunity. Wolfe's Monument JAMES WOLFE CAPTURES QUEBEC 107 For two months and more the siege lasted. Wolfe was ill most of the time and very despondent. At length he hit upon a desperate plan that would be a great success or a great disaster; he resolved to scale the precipice with his troops and drive Montcalm from his citadel. One dark night the boats were lowered, filled with soldiers, and noiselessly rowed to the shore. Wolfe was in the foremost boat. The men landed scaling th« and silently began to climb the precipice. p""P"« Montcalm had said that the English could never reach the citadel by that route unless they had wings, and, consequently, had not guarded the approach. When near the top the English were discovered by a senti- nel, who gave the alarm. Montcalm could hardly believe the report that the English had reached the Plains of Abraham, as the heights were called. He hastily mounted his horse and ordered his troops into battle. Wolfe was, of course, unmounted. Ill though he was, and carrying only a cane in his hand, he vigorously directed the troops. He ordered them to lie down so that the fire of the French would pass over their heads. When the enemy came within forty yards, the English troops rose and poured a deadly volley into their faces. That one discharge settled the issue of the battle. Montcalm was wounded and was borne from the 108 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY field. Later on, as the English troops pressed for* ward, Wolfe was shot in the breast. ''Support me," Death of ^^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ officer near him; ''let not the Wolfe and brave fellows see me drop." He was borne to the rear and in a short while heard the soldiers shouting "They run! They run!" "AVho run?" he asked. "The French," was the answer. "God be praised," said the hero; "I die in peace." In a few moments he breathed his last. Montcalm also lay dying of his wound. TVTien told he could not live, he said, "I am glad of it." When told he would die in ten or twelve hours he said: "So much the better. I shall not live to see the surrender of Quebec." Quebec surrendered, and the power of the French Surrender of in America was broken forever. By a treaty Quebec, 1759 ^^i^j^ England they gave up Canada, and all their possessions east of the Mississippi. England came into control of the larger portion of North America. Henceforward, we were to be an English and not a French nation. QUESTIONS What can you say of Quebec? What did the English gov- ernment resolve to do? What can you say of James Wolfe? What reasons did Wolfe have for not wanting to leave Eng- land? What did he say about the call of his country? What can you say about the defences of Quebec? What did Wolfe LIFE IN THE COLONIES 109 set about doing? How long did tlie siege last? What plan did Wolfe make? Describe the way the precipice was scaled. Describe the battle that ensued. Describe the death of Wolfe; of Montcalm. What was the result of the surrender of Quebec? What territory did England get possession of? What was the effect upon us as a nation? LESSON 35 LIFE IN THE COLONIES A HUNDRED and fifty years had passed since the settlement of Jamestown. English colonies had been established along the Atlantic coast all the way from New Hampshire to Georgia. They had a population of about a million and a half. The French had sur- rendered Canada and the region east of the Mississippi to the English. The Spanish owned Florida and the regions beyond the Mississippi River. There were a few large cities, such as Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston, in which the wealthy merchants had fine houses and Uved cities and in princely fashion. These houses, especially ^^*8®^ those in the south, often had large columns in front supporting the roof of the front piazza, in a style known as colonial architecture. Wide halls and large rooms connected by great open doors gave opportunity for social festivities that made the hospitality of certain mansions famous for many miles around. 110 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY The early settlers had no such pleasures as we have described. On landing there was often no better shelter than the caves in the hillsides. The first houses A Blockhouse for Defense against Indians were cabins made of logs notched at the ends, with the cracks filled with mud to keep out the cold. Instead of window glass the colonists used oiled The settlers' papcr; iu place of wooden floors, the ground cabin ^^^g packed hard and covered with sand ; in place of lamps or candles, the great fireplace fur- nished light as well as heat. Around these cabins in winter often the snow drifted, and the wolves howled. In the villages and in the frontier cabins there was always danger of Indian massacres. The colonist worked with his gim by his LIFE IN THE COLONIES 111 side and slept with it by his bed, not knowing when the war whoop of the savages would summon him to protect his wife and children from massacre, The settler and his cabin from destruction. He de- ^^^^^^ rifle pended upon his rifle to supply game for food, to fur- nish skins for clothing, to protect his family from the savages, and to defend his home from a foreign enemy. The frontiersmen of America were the best marksmen in the world. At a distance of a hundred yards a mark of the size of a silver dollar was as large a target as they needed. The early pioneer had to battle with a heartless wilderness. Life with him was hard and stern. He had no time or inclination for amusement, sportofthe Therefore, he severely condemned such follies •'°^<""8*8 as dancing, playing cards, wearing fine clothes, and going to the theatre. They were sinful and wasteful pleasures. If he desired sport he found it in shooting at a mark, in hunting wolves and bears, in fights be- tween wild beasts and his dogs, in wrestling, and in all kinds of hardy games. QUESTIONS How many years had passed by this time? Where had English colonies been established? How many people were living in them? What territory had the French surrendered? What were the possessions of the Spanish? Name some of the largest cities of the timCo Describe a colonial home. What can 112 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY you say of the homes of the early settlers? Describe the pioneer cabin. In what danger did the frontiersman live? What de- pendence did he place on his gun? What can you say of the frontiersman as a marksman? Upon what amusements did the early pioneer frown? In what sports did he indulge? Colonial Children LESSON 36 CUSTOMS IN THE COLONIES Sunday was strictly observed in all the colonies. All work on that day was forbidden, and everybody was g ^^ compelled to go to church. The church was usuall}^ cold and uncomfortable in winter, the sermons were always long, and everybod}^ became very tired. Nobody dared to sleep, for the tithingman CUSTOMS IN THE COLONIES 118 was on guard to rap the men on their heads with a rabbit's foot on one end of his stick, or tickle the women's noses with a rabbit's tail on the other end of his stick if they nodded for a moment. The colonists believed in punishment. If a man stayed away from church, or wore fine clothes that he could not afford, or chewed tobacco near the „ . , ^ . n 1 • Punislinient meetmg-house, or went hunting or nshmg on Sunday, or told a lie, or drank too much whiskey, he was brought before the magistrate and punished. If a woman was a common scold, she was ducked in the water. If a man was a drunkard, he was compelled to wear a big '^D," made of red cloth, sewed to his coat. The pillory and stocks were set up in the village green, or in some other public place. Offend- pmory and ers were made to stand in the pillory or to ^^^^^^ sit in the stocks, so that passers-by could see them and make sport of them. Among the curious superstitions of New England was the belief in witches. We know that there are no such things as witches, but in those days people thought that Satan and the evil spirits entered into men and women and led them to do many BeUefin wicked things. If the cattle died, if there ^"''^^^ was a drought, if anybody fell down in a fit, or if anything unusual or dreadful happened, people said 114 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY a witch did it, and began to accuse some one of witch- craft. The belief in witchcraft became worse in Salem, Massachusetts, than anywhere else. Charged with being a Witch Some children who claimed to have fits when cer tain persons came near them, charged these persons Punishing with being witches They even described the witches ^j^g witchcs' sacrameut, and said that one of the witches had asked them to sign the devil's book. CUSTOMS IN THE COLONIES 115 These foolish stories were beheved by the people. Then one person began to accuse another. The mad- ness spread and everybody seemed in danger of being called a witch. Many were thrown into prison; nine- teen were hanged, and one aged man, who refused to open his mouth in his own defence, was cruelly pressed to death between two stones. The people at last came to their senses, opened the prison doors, and reason resumed its sway. QUESTIONS How did the colonists observe the Sabbath? Describe the church services, and how the tithingman kept everybody awake. Mention some of the things for which the colonists received punishment. What was done with a scolding woman? With a drunkard? Describe the pillory and stocks. What can you say of the belief in witches? In what place did it become worse thau anywhere else? What did some children claim? What happened to the accused? What did the people at last do? 116 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY LESSON 37 DISCOMFORTS IN COLONIAL DAYS In colonial times people suffered much discomfort. There were no stoves, and cooking was done in fire- places. There were no knives and forks except for the wealthy, and ordinary folks ate with their fingers; there were no china dishes and everybody, except those who could afford pewter, ate from wooden bowls or trenchers. Such things as kerosene oil, coal, and matches were quite unknown. Steamships, railroads, electric cars, telegraphs, and telephones, so familiar and necessary to us, had not been dreamed of. Traveling in those days was avoided as much as possible. If one had to make a journey he went on horseback, if possible, and generally along with other travelers for protection. After a while the stagecoach began to ply between the large towns, passing through the villages. Traveling was slow and wearying. A stagecoach took three days to go from New York to Philadelphia, a journey now made in less than two hours. The stagecoach was without springs and cushions, the horses usually were overworked, the roads were full A journey by of ruts, and of tcu SO muddy as to be almost stagecoach impassablc. The coach generally started at three o'clock in the morning, no matter how cold the DISCOMFORTS IN COLONIAL DAYS IIT weather. The horses were changed at intervals. The traveler was jolted along for eighteen hours until he In Old Stagecoach Days was put down at an inn, where he was offered very bad food and a very hard bed. Before daybreak the next morning he was off again, and so on for a week, at the end of which time a traveler from Boston found himself in New York, more dead than alive. If a wealthy man was com- pelled to travel he went in his Hospitality owu coach, attended to travelers j^y J^jg ^^^ ServautS, and was given entertainment by hospitable people who lived along the road. In Virginia, where the inns were so bad that one could hardly en- dure them, and the homes of the planters were large An Old Hand Printing Press 118 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY enough to hold many guests, it was the custom to station a servant at the gate of a great country man- sion, and all travelers were invited to stop and spend the night. There was but little mail in those days. All the letters for the entire country delivered during a whole Mail and Y^ar wcre not equal to the letters of New postage York city now delivered in one day. The mail was carried by post- riders, who set out at irregular times on their journey by the bridle paths and trails through the forest when there was enough mail to pay for the expense of dehvery. Some places received mail but once a month. There were no postage stamps, but letters were paid for according to length. There were not forty newspapers printed in all the colonies at this time, and they were small sheets containing little news. QUESTIONS What discomforts did the colonists suffer? How was cook- ing done? With what did they eat? From what did they eat? What things were quite unknown? What things were not dreamed of? What can you say of traveling? What can you say of the stagecoach? Describe a journe.y by stagecoach. How did the wealthy travel? What was the custom in Virginia? What can you say of the mail? How was the mail carried? How often, in some cases? How many newspapers were pub- lished at that time? SLAVERY IN THE COLONIES 119 LESSON 38 SLAVERY IN THE COLONIES We have already seen that three hundred years ago, a Dutch ship brought a load of negroes to Jamestown and sold them to the planters in that colony. It was not long before slavery found its way into all the colo- nies, and negro slaves were found in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, as well as in Charleston and Savannah. In those days it was not considered wrong to hold negroes in slavery. There were many who believed that the condition of the negro was improved The siav© by bringing him from the darkness of Africa ^^^^^ and putting him into civilized and Christian com- munities. Therefore, the slave trade flourished. Slave ships from New England carried cargoes of fish and other things to European ports, then sailed along the African coasts and bought negroes who had been captured in the wars among the tribes, and returned to America with their unhappy prisoners. Many died on the voyage, and their bodies were thrown into the sea. When a slave ship arrived in port and it was an- nounced that a cargo of negroes was for sale, the slave dealers gathered by the ship's side or in the The slave slave market of the town. The owners sold ^^^^^^ the negroes by auction or at private sale to the dealer, FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Old-time Slave Quauters who, in turn, sold them to the farmers for field-hands, or to people of the town for house- servants. The negroes were generally quiet and good-natured. They went to their work cheerfully, soon learned the English language and adopted the dress and customs of their masters. Certainty they fared better in America than they did in Africa, except that they were slaves, and for that they did not seem to care. SLAVERY IN THE COLONIES 121 ■ In New England the negroes were mainly used for house-servants. The cUmate, however, was too severe for them. They did not thrive in a region of snow and ice, to which they were not accustomed. In the southern colonies, where the climate was more slavery in hke that of Africa, and where agriculture ^"^^^^^^^^ was the main occupation of the people, the negroes thrived well. The southern planters bought the negroes from the slave traders, gave them comfortable homes in the slave quarters, and put them to work in the tobacco fields and the rice swamps. In this way a great slave system grew up in the South under circum- slavery in stances which seemed fortunate and right at *^® ^°^*^ the time, and to which no one raised any objection. The negroes were generally well treated, were happy in their new homes, became devoted to their masters, and were satisfied with the condition that fate had awarded them. QUESTIONS What have we already seen about the introduction of sla- very? How did slavery spread? What was thought of sla- very? What did many believe? Describe the traffic of slaves by the slave ships. Describe the arrival of a slave ship and the selling of the slaves. What can you say of the negroes? What can you say of negroes in New England? What can you say of negroes in the South? How were they treated by their masters? HEROES OF THE REVOLUTION LESSON 39 PATRICK HENRY The King of England seemed to care very little for the American colonies, except in the way of trade. The colonists were not allowed to trade with Trade laws , , any merchants except Enghsh merchants. They were not allowed to manufacture cloth or hats, or to make anything out of iron, but were required to send the wool, fur, and iron to England to be manu- factured there. They had to pay heavy duties on sugar, molasses, and other things which they needed. The French and Indian War had cost a great deal of money. The British government declared the war had been fought largely in defence of the colonies in America, and that they must pay their share of the expense. The colonists would not have objected had they been consulted as to the raising and the amount of the taxes, but they did object to being taxed without having a word to say about it. This was "taxation without representation," and was Uttle short of tyranny. 129 PATRICK HENRY 123 The British Parliament passed the Stamp Act, which required all bonds, deeds, licenses, and contracts to be The stamp written on stamped paper. This paper was Act, 1765 stamped in England, brought to America, and the colonists were required to buy it. It cost from one cent to fifty dollars a sheet, according to its use. The Stamp Act caused great indignation in America. The colonists refused to buy the stamped paper and declared King George to be a tyrant. Among the great orators of that time was Patrick Henry, of Virginia. He was employed as counsel in the case of the clergymen who were suing the Patrick Virginians for their salaries. The dispute '^^^^^ arose about the value of the tobacco in which the sala- ries were paid, and Henry was employed to represent the people against the clergymen. It was known as the " Parsons Case." On the day that Henry spoke, the courthouse was crowded. Henry's father was one of the judges. It was Henry's first speech, and his beginning was . . timid and awkward, but gaining in self-pos- the Parsons session he made such an eloquent plea that the jury awarded the clergymen just one penny for damages. Henry became a member of the House of Burgesses of Virginia. News came that the Stamp Act had been passed. Henry listened to the speeches of others, but 124 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY he thought they were too timid to express what the occasion demanded. f^ i '^ mi ^ ■M--r 'U ^ ,\,4,,, / ■ I ;MMm^"^':\ ^H. ' ....^i Patrick Henry addressing the Burgesses Reaching for an old law book, he tore out a blank page, wrote a resolution on it, had it read to the mem- speech on ^ers, and then began to speak. It was one of the stamp the great speeches of the Revolution, and the members listened spellbound by his fearless eloquence. He concluded his speech by saying : " Caesar had his Brutus; Charles I his Cromwell, and George III . . ." SAMUEL ADAMS 125 At this point several members cried out ^^ Treason! Treason!" Henry was not afraid, but turning towards them said, "George III may profit by their example!" Henry expressed the feelings of all the colonists. Seeing the determination of the people, the British government repealed the Stamp Act, and quiet was restored for a while in America. QUESTIONS How did the King of England consider the people of the American colonies? What were the colonists not allowed to do? What did the British government declare the colonists had to do? Why did the colonists object? What was this action of the British government called? What were the re- quirements of the Stamp Act? How was the Stamp Act re- ceived in America? What can you say of Patrick Henry? In what case was he employed as counsel? What was the dispute about? Describe the way Henry delivered his great speech. What award did the jury give the clergymen? Describe the way in which Henry made a great speech on the Stamp Act. LESSON 40 SAMUEL ADAMS The king's troops were in Boston trying to overawe the people. They paraded the streets by day, and with their drunken shouts and brawling disturbed the quiet of the night. On Sunday they raced horses on the Common, and sang rude songs before the church door. 126 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY They insulted the people and often came to blows with the citizens, who made sport of them, calling them '' redcoats/' and other names. One night a body of citizens had a quarrel with some soldiers on the streets of Boston. From angry words The Boston they Came to blows. Some one rang the MarST' church bell, and a crowd rushed into the 1770 moonlit streets. They pressed upon the file of soldiers, who unexpectedly fired their guns, killing several of the citizens, and wounding others. This is known as the Boston Massacre. Samuel Adams, then fifty-eight years of age, who is known as " The Father of the Revolution," was a lead- ing citizen of Boston. He had written much about the tyranny of the king and the oppression of the British laws, and had urged the people everywhere firmly to resist all oppressive measures. A great meeting of the citizens of Boston was held the da after the massacre. They resolved that the British soldiers must leave Boston. Adams took their message to the governor. Calling upon the governor, Adams made the demand. " I will remove one regiment," replied the governor. Adams and Whercupon Adams, pointing his finger at him, the governor g^-^. u rpj^^ ^^j^^ ^^ ^^^^ thousaud freemen must be respected, and their demands obeyed. If you have power to remove one regiment, you have power to remove the other. Sir, it is both regiments or none." SAMUEL ADAMS 127 The governor, in alarm for his own safety, ordered the troops to leave Boston immediately. Samuel Adams The British Parliament laid a tax on tea, glass, paper, and a few other things. The colonists resisted all these taxes, and refused to buy any of the articles taxed. The ships carrying tea lay idle in the harbors. Nobody would drink tea so long as it was taxed. 128 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Several tea ships lay in the harbor of Boston. The citizens would not allow the tea to be landed, and the ships could not depart. The custom-house officers were on the point of seizing the tea and storing it in the town. Seven thousand people gathered in and about the Old South Meeting House, and Adams pre- sided over the meeting. He had hoped for news that the ships would sail away, but no such news coming, he arose and said quietly, "This meeting can do nothing more to save the country." Hardly had he finished, when shouts were heard in the streets. A body of citizens dressed as Indians were on their way to the ships to ''see how Tea Party? tea would mix with salt water." Adams frm? probably knew about it beforehand and had helped to devise this plan of destroying the tea. The crowd followed the disguised citizens, the ships were boarded, the tea thrown into the water and the people quietly dispersed to their homes. This is known as ''The Boston Tea Party." Samuel Adams became a member of the Conti- nental Congress at Philadelphia, and was received with great honor wherever he went. He lived to see the independence of the American colonies, the for- mation of the American Union, and was elected gov- ernor of Massachusetts a few years before his death, at the advanced age of eighty-one years. THE MINUTEMEN AT LEXINGTON 129 QUESTIONS What can you say of the conduct of the king's troops in Boston? Describe the Boston Massacre, What did it cause? Who was Samuel Adams? What had he already done? What resolution did a meeting of the citizens make? Describe the meeting between Adams and the governor. What tax did the British Parliament now lay? How did the people treat this new tax? Describe the meeting of the people. What remark did Adams make? Describe the destruction of the tea. What is this incident called? What can you say of the later life of Samuel Adams? LESSON 41 THE MINUTEMEN AT LEXINGTON The British troops were again in Boston, and General Gage was in military command. Gage had Paul Revere 's Lantern orders to arrest John Hancock and Samuel Adams, and send them to England for trial. Upon hearing 130 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY that they were in Lexington, visiting a friend, he re- solved to capture them there, as well as to destroy the arms and provisions which the patriots had col- lected at Concord, a few miles beyond Lexington. One night a force of eight hmidred troops marched out of Boston on their way to Lexington. The pur- -w- — I pose of Gage, how- ^^ ever, had been dis- covered. Across the Charles River Paul Revere waited, his horse by his Paui side, for the ^^^^"'""^^ signal that the troops had started. The sig- nal was a lantern to be hung in the belfry of the North Church; one lan- tern if the troops went by land, two if they went by sea. The signal appeared, and Revere dashed off in the darkness ahead of the troops. As he flew along he cried out to the people: ''The British are coming! The British are coming!" Upon hearing this the farmers arose and armed themselves. They were already organized as minutemen, which means they were ready at a minute's notice to arm themselves and go into battle. Reaching Lexington, Revere came to the house The British are "there will be long; the regulars coming!" Hancock rec- ognized Revere's voice, and from an upper win- dow asked what was the matter. Upon being informed, he and Adams dressed quick- ly and escaped. where Hancock and Adams were sleep- ing. The house was guarded, and the sergeant told Revere not to make so much noise. "Noise!" cried Revere, noise enough before are 182 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY By sunrise the troops reached Lexington. Fifty mounted men were drawn up on the village green under command of Captain John Parker. Parker had said to his men: ^^ Stand your ground; don't fire unless fired upon; but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here." Major Pit cairn, the British officer, rode forward and shouted, ^^ Disperse, ye villains!" But the patriots The minute- ^^^^^ firm. Pitcaim gave orders to fire, but men at Lex- fiis troops hesitated. Pit cairn pointed his own pistol and fired. His troops then dis- charged their guns and killed eight of the minutemen and wounded ten others. The minutemen retreated and the British moved on. Adams and Hancock, who were walking across the fields, heard the noise of the guns. Adams remarked, "Oh, what a glorious morn- ing is this!" At Concord the British found that most of the military stores had been removed. They set fire to the courthouse, cut down the liberty pole, Sxi^gton,"' spiked a few cannon, and started back to i^^f^^' Boston. The farmers had gathered from far and near and lined the road. In every tree and behind every rock there seemed to lurk a marks- man. It was one long ambush. The British began to run. By the time the}^ reached Lexington, where reenforcements met them, they were completely THE MINUTEMEN AT LEXINGTON 13S exhausted and fell on the ground, ''their tongues hang- ing out like dogs after a chase." They continued their flight, and three hundred were killed on their way to Boston. This was the battle of Lexington^ the first battle of the Revolution. The Lexington Tablet News of the battle aroused the people of all the colonies. The patriots of New England assembled an army around Boston. Israel Putnam, of^ ., ' Excitement Connecticut, while plowing in his field, heard following the of the battle, and leaving the plow in the furrow mounted the horse and rode a hundred miles in eighteen hours to join the army. The people of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, passed resolu- tions declaring that they no longer owed allegiance 134 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY to England. This was the first declaration of proposed independence. In Savannah, the capital of far-off Georgia, a party of six men broke open the powder magazine and captured a quantity of powder, some of which was sent to the army around Boston. The war of the Revolution had begun in earnest. QUESTIONS Who was now in command at Boston? What orders did he have? What did he hear and what did he resolve to do? Tell "the story of Paul Revere's ride. What happened when Revere Teached Lexington? Describe the fight at Lexington. What happened at Concord? Describe the retreat from Concord. JIow was the news of the battle received? What can you say of Israel Putnam? What did the people of Mecklenburg County 'declare? What did a party in Savannah do? LESSON 42 GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON The American army needed a commander-in-chief, and all eyes turned to George Washington. He was George choseu without Opposition. He was then Washington forty- three years old, but was known throusrh- ^shosen com- '^ *^ ° mander-in- out the couutry as a great soldier and a noble man. He was tall, athletic, and hardened by his life as a surveyor and by his experience as a sol- dier. He was modest in his manner, declaring that lie did not consider himself equal to the command of GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON 135 the army. He refused to take any pay for his serv- ices, but said that he would keep an account of his expenses, which the government might pay after the close of the war. Before Washington had arrived near Boston the battle of Bunker Hill had been fought. The British Battle of attacked the Americans as they lay in the Bunker Hiu, treuches. Twice they charged the American lines and twice they were driven back. On the third charge the Americans, Faneuil Hall having no ammunition, met them with clubbed muskets and heavy stones. The defence was a brave one, but the patriots were compelled to retreat. When Wash- ington heard of the way the militia had stood the Bunker Hill Monument 136 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY fire of the British, he said, ''The hberty of the country is assured." When Washington arrived before Boston he was received with great enthusiasm by the soldiers. Un- der an elm tree, in Cambridge, he reviewed the troops and took command of the army. He made a very martial appearance as he sat on his horse, with a broad band of blue silk across his breast, and a three-cornered hat with the cockade of liberty in it. The soldiers in Washington's army knew very little of mihtary discipline and were poorly provided with Drilling the arms and ammunition. They were hardly troops more than a mob of enthusiastic and patriotic farmers, who were willing to fight, but knew nothing of the rules of warfare. For months Washington drilled the troops and enforced order. He was on the lines every day, visiting every part of the camp and seeing the progress of the work on the fortifications around Boston. The British inside the city were quietly wait- ing to see what the Americans would do. When all was ready, Washington placed his cannon on the heights so as to command Boston, and sent word to the British General Howe, who had succeeded Gen- eral Gage, that he must move out of Boston or be pre- pared to stand an attack. Howe was astonished when he saw the American cannon pointing at him from a hill overlooking Boston. GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON 137 There was nothing left for him to do but to fight, surrender, or sail away from Boston. He decided to sail away, and accordingly put his army aboard his ships, and went to Halifax, leaving behind leave Boston, more than two hundred cannon and a great f^*"^ ^''^' quantity of powder and muskets, all of which fell into the hands of the Americans. Washington marched into Boston with his army, and was received with open arms by the people of the town. Meetings were held in Faneuil Hall, " The Cradle of Liberty," and patriotic resolutions were passed by the people. Thus Washington began that great career which has endeared him to the hearts of all Americans. He showed his genius by organizing an army out of rough, untrained miUtia and leading it to the overthrow of the trained soldiers of Europe. QUESTIONS Who was chosen commander-in-chief of the American army? What can you say of Washington at this time? How did he show his modesty? What did he do about pay for his services? Describe the battle of Bunker Hill. What did Washington say when he heard of it? Describe the way Washington took charge of the American army. What can you say of the condition of the troops? How did Washington prepare the troops for war- fare? Describe the manner in which Washington captured Boston. What can you say of Washington's military career? 138 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY LESSON 43 ATTACK ON CHARLESTON — DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE During the siege of Boston a British force had left that city to attack Charleston. When the people Defence of heard of the approach of the enemy they Charleston hastily built a fort of palmetto logs on Sulli- van's Island and mounted cannon for its defence. Colonel Moultrie was in command. There were those who laughed at Moultrie's fort and declared that the British guns would knock it over in a half hour. ^' We shall see," said Moultrie. ''If they do, we shall be be- hind its ruins and keep their men from landing." When the British fleet arrived and the attack on the fort began, it was found that the cannon-balls could do FortMoui- ^^^ little injury. The balls sank into the trie, June, earth or into the soft palmetto wood, leaving the fort unharmed. The soldiers of the fort took careful aim and did much damage to the British ships. The enemy finally gave up the attack and sailed away. A fort on SuUivan's Island has ever since been called Fort Moultrie. Sergeant During the bombardment, the flag- staff of Jasper ^^e fort was broken by a cannon-ball and the flag fell outside the fort. Sergeant Jasper leaped down and, in the face of the enemy's fire, recovered the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE 139 fallen flag and, tying it to the sponge-staff of a cannon,, fastened it upon the walls of the fort. Independence Hall, Philadelphia Up to this time the colonists had been fighting foi their rights as subjects of Great Britain, but now they determined to fight for independence. A Con- tinental Congress had been meeting in Phila- ^{fnle^lT- delphia. It was composed of delegates from I^^^^^q^^' all the colonies. Richard Henry Lee, of Vir- ginia, introduced a resolution that "these colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states." A committee was appointed to draw up a Declaration of 140 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Independence. Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia, then thirty-three years of age, and one of the youngest of the delegates, was chosen to write the great document. Signing the Declaration of Independence The debate lasted several days. Finally the Declara- tion of Independence was agreed to, adopted by Con- gress on July 4, 1776, and signed by the delegates. When the Declaration was finally adopted, John Hancock, the president, signed his name in a bold hand '' so that the king could read it without spec- DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE 141 tacles." Then all the others signed it. Franklin re- marked, ''We must all hang together or we shall all hang separately." John Hancock Post riders carried the news in haste to all parts of the country. The Declaration was read to the soldiers in the field. From pulpits and platforms it was read to the people. Everywhere there was rejoicing over the great event. Torchlight processions, bonfires, speeches, the firing of guns and the ringing of bells gave evidence of the joy of the colonists that the war in which they were engaged was henceforth to be a war for freedom. We can well imderstand why the 142 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Declaration of Independence is the most important of all our state papers, and why the Fourth of July is the greatest of all our national holidays. QUESTIONS What was the next point of attack? What did the people of Charleston do? Who was in command of the fort? What did Moultrie say to those who laughed at his fort? Describe the repulse of the British fleet. Describe the brave act of Sergeant Jasper. For what did the colonists now resolve to fight? What resolution did Richard Henry Lee introduce? Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? How was the news of this important event received by the people? LESSON 44 TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS OF THE PATRIOTS The British decided to attack New York city, and get control of the Hudson River, so as to cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. Washington hastened from Boston with his army. His forces were not strong enough, however, and the British compelled him to leave New York city. Thereupon, Washington began a retreat across New Jersey. It was now the dead of winter and the weather was The retreat ^^^Y cold. The American troops were across New greatly discouraged, and hundreds of them j6rS6V left the army, believing the cause to be lost. It was a gloomy hour for the patriots. Washington War Territory in the Eastern and Middle Siates TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS OF THE PATRIOTS 143 reached the Delaware River and crossed over at Tren- ton. The British were behind him, but when they arrived at Trenton they decided to wait a few days for the river to freeze over. They thought Washington was in full flio;ht. Washington crossing the Delaware, December 25, 1776 It was the night of Christmas, and the British troops in Trenton were celebrating the occasion with drinking and feasting. Washington put his worn and almost exhausted men into boats, and in spite of the floating ice recrossed the Delaware, and marched nine miles in the darkness, and in the face of a blinding snowstorm, until he reached the camp of the British. They were taken entirely by surprise. Their com- 144 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY mander was drinking and playing cards with a friend when he heard the firing of guns and the shouts of his men. It was too late to prevent the capture Tintonf of his army. A thousand soldiers surrendered December, ^^ Washington. The Americans had lost only four men, two of whom had frozen to death, and two were killed in the battle. A few days afterwards the British general, Cornwallis, arrived from New York to attack Washington at Tren- ton. He thought he had Washington in a Princeton, trap, and went to sleep at night saying, ''At January 3, j^g^ ^^ hsiYe TUTi dowu the fox, and we will bag him in the morning." But Washington was more of a fox than Cornwallis thought. All night long a few men were engaged in building camp-fires and making a noise as if throwing up breastworks, while the rest of the army slipped away to Princeton. When Cornwallis arose he could hardly believe his eyes. There was nothing but an empty camp before him. Washington was in Princeton, where he gained another great victory over the British. The tables were now turned. There were rejoicing and hope every- where, instead of gloom and despair. A British army, under the command of General Burgoyne, marched down from Canada through New York state. An American army had opposed them all the way, burning bridges, cutting down trees across TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS OF THE PATRIOTS 145 the roads, and doing everything possible to worry the British troops. At Saratoga the two armies met in battle and the British surrendered to the Americans. It was a great victory. When BSgoy^ne,"' the I^g of France heard of it he said ^^f^' ^^' that the Americans were worthy of free- dom, and forthwith acknowledged their independence. Among the foreigners who had come over to help the Americans was the Marquis de Lafayette. He was only nineteen years old, but was an ardent lover of hberty. At a dinner party in Ger- many he Ustened to an account of the struggles of the American colonists for freedom. He was so deeply moved that he arose from the table and declared that he would go to America and offer his services to Washington. He said, ''The welfare of America is closely bound up with the welfare of mankind." He had inherited a large fortune, and at his own expense fitted out a vessel that brought him to America. Congress made him a major-general. He became the devoted friend of Washington, and served vaUantly through the war. Of all the foreigners who have served our country no one is so tenderly beloved as Lafayette. The British had moved against Philadelphia. They Bailed down Chesapeake Bay, and though Washington met them in the battle of Brandywine, they succeeded 146 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY in capturing the city. Washington retired with his army to Valley Forge, where the troops spent a winter vaUey Forge, of dreadful Suffering. Many of the men had 1V77-1778 j^Q blankets and were compelled to sit by a scant fire all night to keep from freezing. Some died from want of clothes, and others perished from lack of food, yet the brave soldiers kept up their courage, and there were few desertions. QUESTIONS What city did the British get possession of? What did Washington do? Describe the retreat across New Jersey. What river did he reach and cross? What can you say of the British? Describe the way Washington won the battle of Trenton. How many of the enemy were captured? Describe the way Washington deceived CornwalUs. What effect did these victories have on the country? What general surrendered at Saratoga? What did the King of France then do? What can you say of Lafayette? What city did the British next capture? Describe the sufferings at Valley Forge. LESSON 45 MARION AND SUMTER After a winter spent in Philadelphia the British returned to New York. Washington followed them, and for the next three years spent his time watching them closely. The scene of war was changed to the southern colonies. MARION AND SUMTER 147 The British began by capturing Savannah and Charleston, and overrunning Georgia and South Caro- hna. It was hard to get many troops to oppose the British in these distant colonies. The patriots were brave, however, and offered all the resistance they could. Francis Marion, of South Carolina, raised a com- pany of his neighbors and called them '^ Marion's Brigade." They had no uniforms and no Marion-a tents, and served without pay. They beat ^"s*^^ out old saws to make swords, and melted pewter mugs and dishes to make bullets. They depended upon the fields and gardens of the people to supply corn for the horses and potatoes for the men. Sometimes the brigade numbered seventy or eighty men, then again it numbered only twenty. They made themselves famous, however. Marion's men annoyed the British by shooting at them from ambush. They captured their horses and supply wagons, they rescued prisoners and broke up the British camps. They never came to open battle, and if pursued they scattered, every man for himself, into the iswamps and woods to come together again at some place agreed upon. At one time Marion heard that ninety British soldiers, with one hundred and fifty prisoners, were on their way to Charleston. With thirty men he swept down upon them in the darkness, 148 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY captured the whole party, and rescued the prisoners. So difficult was Marion to follow that he became known as ''The Swamp Fox." Marion was a man of small stature and of few words. On looking at him one won- Francis dered how he could be so ^"""^ great a soldier. He never sullied his fame by an act of cruelty. ''Never shall a house be burned by one of my people;^' he said; "to distress poor women and chil- dren is what I detest." When he said that he had in mind many of the cruel things that the British soldiers had done in the South. Thomas Sumter was another soldier in this wild warfare. Unlike Marion, he was tall and powerful. He became known as " The Game Cock." The Thomai British had burned his house and turned his ^''™*®'^ family out of doors. Sumter called his neighbors together and organized a band to fight the British wherever he could find them. Cornwallis said, "But for Sumter and Marion, South Carolina would be at peace." Sumter's men rode their own horses, wore hunting shirts, carried long rifles with which they One of Marion's Men THE END OF THE WAR 149 could hit a mark the size of a man's hand at a dis- tance of two hundred yards. This kind of war is known as '' guerilla warfare/' because it was carried on by bands of soldiers, each fighting for itself and without regular organization into an army. The brave troops of Carolina and Georgia did great damage to the British, and kept them in check until they were driven out of the South. QUESTIONS To what place did the British return? What did Washing- ton do? How did the British begin the campaign in the South? What did Francis Marion do? Describe " Marion's Brigade." How did they annoy the British? Relate one of their adven- tures? What was Marion called? Describe Marion's appear- ance. What did he detest? Describe Thomas Sumter. What did Cornwallis say of Marion and Sumter? Describe Sumter's men. What is guerilla warfare? LESSON 46 THE END OF THE WAR General Cornwallis was the British commander in the South. He had overrun Georgia and South Caro- lina, and was pushing his way northward, hoping to make an easy conquest of North Carolina. He sent a force of twelve hundred men to make a raid into the western part of that state. The hardy backwoods- 150 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY men began to gather in great numbers to oppose the British. From across the Alleghanies and from the defiles of the mountains they came in hunting shirts, and with sprigs of hemlock in their hats, armed with rifles that rarely missed their mark. Three thousand of them gathered and faced the British at King's Mountain, on the line between the Carolinas. The British were on the top of the mountain with a ravine behind them. The British officer, Ferguson, cried out, ''Boys, here is a place from which King's Moun- the rebels cannot drive us!" He spoke too 7* nso '"^^"^ soon. The backwoodsmen hitched their horses to the trees and charged up the mountain from three sides. Advancing from tree to tree they took deadly aim, and the British fell in great numbers, while the Americans lost but few men. The whole British force surrendered, and the backwoodsmen re- turned to their homes beyond the mountains. Corn- wallis, though much discouraged by the loss of his forces at King's Mountain, pushed on through North Carolina and into Virginia, until he finally came to Yorktown. General Nathanael Greene was in command of the American forces in the South. In many engagements he had shown himself to be more than a match for the British. When he took charge of the army it War Territory in the South THE END OF THE WAR 151 was in a forlorn condition. The men suffered from want of food and clothing, but did not complain. There was only one blanket to every three sol- Nathanaei diers, and provision for only three days. Once ®"^^® Greene spoke to a barefoot sentinel saying, ''You must suffer from cold." ''Yes/' said the soldier, not recognizing the general, "but I do not complain, for our commander has no supplies for his men." Upon another occasion Greene alighted at an inn which had been turned into a hospital. Upon being asked how he was, he replied, "Hungry, tired, alone, and penni- less." The landlady brought him two bags of money she had saved, say- ing, "Take these, you and your men need them and I can do without." Nathanael Greene Cornwallis reached Yorktown, and Washington has- tened from New York to capture him. A French fleet blockaded the harbor and the British were trapped completely. After a brave re- comwauisf sistance Cornwallis surrendered to Washing- J"*"^®"^^^' ton. This practically ended the war. A treaty of peace was signed between Great Britain and the colonies, by which the thirteen colonies in America- were acknowledged "free and independent." 152 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY By the terms of the treaty our boundary Hnes were Florida on the South, the Mississippi River on the West, and Canada on the North. QUESTIONS Who was the British commander in the South? What states had he overrun? Where was he marching and for what purpose? What raid did he propose and with what force? What soldiers gathered in front of the raiders? Describe the backwoodsmen. How many gathered and where did they face the British? Describe the battle of King's Mountain. What was the result? What became of Cornwallis? Who was in command of the American forces in the South? In what con- dition was his army? Narrate the story of the ur complaining sentinel. Narrate the incident of the patriotic landlady. Where did Cornwallis surrender, and to whom? What treaty of peace was signed? What were its terms? A Cannon of Revolutionary Times BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 153 LESSON 47 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN While the war was going on in America, Benjamin Franklin was in Europe defending the cause of the colonists. Franklin had risen from a poor printer's boy to be one of the wisest and ideas of most famous Americans. He persuaded the people of Philadelphia to put their books together to make a circulating library; he invented the open Franklin stove; he suggested lightning rods to protect houses in case of storms; he organized fire companies; he printed an almanac known as "Poor Richard's Almanac," full of wise sayings; he had proved by means of a silk kite and a hempen string that the clouds, in a thunderstorm, were charged with elec- tricity; he had been honored with a doctor's degree, and he was known ever3rwhere as the great and wise Dr. Franklin. Before the Revolution Franklin was appointed postmaster- general for all the colonies. This office he held for more than twenty years. He astonished the people by proposing that the mail should be carried once a week from Philadelphia to Boston. In those days of no railroads and but Httle mail this was thought to be remarkable. Franklin was in England as the agent of the Penn- 154 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Benjamin Franklin sylvania colony when the Stamp Act was passed, and ^ ,,. did all he could to prevent its becoming a Franklin on ^ i <• i the Stamp law. He was invited to appear before the House of Commons to discuss the subject. He was asked many questions, to which he gave ready BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 155 and able answers. He told the statesmen of England many things about the colonies that they did not know before. His answers made a great stir. He was asked if the colonies would submit to any kind of a Stamp Act. He replied boldly, "No, they will never submit to it!" When asked what the people would do about mak- ing contracts and collecting debts, he said: '^I can only judge of them by myself. I have a great many debts due me in America, and I would rather they should remain unpaid than submit to the Stamp Act." He also said: "I have some property in America. I will freely spend nineteen shilhngs in the pound to defend my right of giving or refusing the other shilling." It was largely by his influence that the Stamp Act was repealed. After the war began in earnest, Franklin was sent to France to gain the friendship of that nation for the colonies. The French people hailed him as the friend of mankind, and crowds followed him through the streets, while the shop windows displayed his picture for sale. He was admired for his simple manners, for his ready wit, and for his plain dress. He wore no wig, had a great cap of fur, used large spectacles, and carried a walking stick. Franklin soon won the heart of the French people. Money was raised in France to aid the Americans, and 156 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY French officers offered their services . French ships were fitted out to fight our battles, and French soldiers en- Frankiinin Hsted in the American army. Franklin in- France duced the king to take sides openly with the American colonies, and to acknowledge their freedom and independence. When the war was over Frank- fin was one of those who, in behalf of the colonies, signed the treaty of peace with England. On leaving France he was given the portrait of the king, framed in a double circle of four hundred and eight diamonds. The king gave him the use of the queen's litter to bear him to the coast. When he reached America he was received with great enthu- siasm by the people. He remained in public life until near the end of his long and useful career. He died at a good old age, beloved and honored as one of the greatest of our pubfic men. QUESTIONS What was Franklin doing at this time? What can you say of his rise into fame? What things had he done to make him famous? What degree had he been honored with? What did he propose when he was postmastsr-general? What can you say of his answers before the House of Commons? What did he say about the Stamp Act? What did he say about collect- ing his own debts? What did he say about his property? What can you say of his reception in France? For what waa he admired? What did he accomplish in France? How was he treated on leaving France? What can you say of his later life? DANIEL BOONE 157 LESSON 48 DANIEL BOONE MOVES INTO KENTUCKY Daniel Boone was a hunter who lived in a cabin in North CaroHna. One day a friend told him of the fine hunting grounds in the Boone's • i -r-r hunting trip regiou now known as Ken- mto^en- tucky. Booue with five companions started on a hunting trip across the mountains. The party went on foot, each man carrying his pack. For five weeks they toiled through the forests until they came to the blue grass region of Kentucky. There they Daniel Boone found buffaloes, deer, elks, wolves, bears, and panthers. It was a hunter's paradise. The other members of the party returned to North Carolina, but Boone re- mained for three weeks alone in the great woods with his trusty rifle. After Boone went home he decided to move his family into Kentucky. Others joined him, making a Boonesbor- party of thirty. They started out, cutting a ough, 1771 lYdiA through the forest and blazing the trees as they went along. In a few months they selected a place on the Kentucky River and began a fort, which afterwards was named Boonesborough. More settlers 158 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY followed along the trail, the fort was strengthened, and more cabins were built. The Indians were very unfriendly. The savages who had been lurking about captured two girls who Early Pioneer Settlement in Kentucky were rowing on the river, and started off with them. One of them was Boone's daughter. The girls tore shreds from their dresses, and unobserved by the savages dropped them on the way to guide any who might follow. The settlers soon missed the girls and following their trail rescued them from the savages. DANIEL BOONE 159 Upon another occasion Boone was captured by the Indians and carried across the Ohio. One of the chiefs wanted to adopt him as his son, and captured by Boone was obUged to submit. All his hair ^^' ^^^^^^' was plucked out except a scalp lock, he was painted and dressed like an Indian, and lived for several months To Guide any Who Might Follow " among the savages. They watched him closely, how- ever. The old chief counted the bullets and measured the powder he gave to Boone, and required him to 160 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY brmg in game for every bullet he used. Boone was more cunning than the Indians, for he cut the bullets in half, and stinted himself in the use of powder, thus saving a store for future use. At last he heard the Indians plotting to destroy Boonesborough. Pretending to go on a hunt, he Saves started on his way to Kentucky. A band of Boones- warriors pursued him, but he easily threw them off the trail and came to the Ohio. Here he found a canoe and rowed across the river. He killed a turkey and ate it, the first thing he had eaten for many hours. In five days, traveling one hundred and sixty miles, he came to Boonesborough and gave the alarm in time to save the settlement from destruction. Other pioneers came into Kentucky, following the trail that Boone had made over the mountains. More cabins arose in the clearings, and more forts were built to protect the settlers from the watchful and dangerous Indians. Kentucky grew and prospered. The forests furnished game in abundance; the blue grass gave splendid pasturage for cows and horses ; the streams supplied fish; while the gardens and fields yielded plenty of corn, fruit, and vegetables. As for Boone himself, he ever loved the frontier. When the settlements in Kentucky grew too thick he moved deeper into the forest. The roar of the wild GEORGE ROGERS CLARK 161 •beast was sweeter music to his ears than the human voice. He spent his old age hunting in the wilds of the Missouri woods. QUESTIONS Who was Daniel Boone? What hunting trip did he make with five companions? Describe their adventures. What did Boone do alone? Describe the way Boonesborough was founded? Of what state was it the beginning? Describe the adventure of the two girls. Describe the capture of Boone and his life among the Indians. Describe the way he escaped. Tell how Boonesborough was saved from the Indians. De- scribe the coming of the pioneers and how they fared in Ken- tucky. What can you say of the last days of Boone? LESSON 49 GEORGE ROGERS CLARK The British occupied forts at Kaskaskia, Vincennes (Vm-senO, and Detroit, in what was known as the North- west Territory. They were so far from the seat of war during the Revolution that they were almost for- gotten. George Rogers Clark, of Kentucky, deter- mined to capture these forts from the British. He went to Virginia and laid his plans before the gov- ernor, Patrick Henry, and asked for a body of troops "to defend Kentucky." Early one summer he started down the Ohio with nearly two hundred men. After rowing a thousand 162 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY miles the party landed. They hid their boats in the bushes and started overland to Kaskaskia in order to escape the spies that they knew guarded the Mis- sissippi River. It was a march of more than a hundred miles through low, marshy land. The men waded the creeks, swam the rivers, cut their way through the swamps and prairie grass until they came to the fort. When they arrived at Kaskaskia it was night, and the people were having a dance. The Capture of commander of the fort KaskasMa, was asleep and nobody suspected an enemy near. Clark posted his men around the hall and quietly entered. He stood lean- ing against the doorpost until some one saw him and gave the alarm. ''Go on with your fun," said Clark, ''but remember that you are now dancing under the flag of Virginia." The fort surrendered at once. Clark now determined to march against Vincennes. It was winter and the prairie lands were flooded with water and covered with ice. The streams were swollen, and there were no bridges. The distance was one hundred and sixty miles, and rain fell during most of the time that Clark and his men were on their George Rogers Clark GEORGE ROGERS CLARK 163 Pioneers of the West and Northwest. way. Often the men for hours at a time waded in water up to their waists, and on reaching dry ground could find nothing with which to make a fire. More than once they spent the night in wet or frozen clothes. It was one of the most heroic marches on record. When Clark reached Vincennes he demanded the surrender of the fort. Hamilton, the governor and commander, was amazed that Clark could reach Vin- cennes in such weather. He was playing cards and drinking when he heard of the arrival of the Vir- 164 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY ginians, and swore that he would not surrender the fort. An attack was begun by Clark's men. They were the best marksmen in the world, and vincennes, could easlly slioot through the loopholes of the February, £qj,^_ rpj^^ ^^^.^ ^^^^ agreed to Surrender, and Clark and Hamilton met to make the terms. Hamilton was a cruel man and had offered to buy from the Indians the scalps of all their white captives. He was called the "Hair Buyer." While the conference was going on, a party of Indians approached the fort with a lot of scalps. When Clark's men saw their bloody trophies, they seized the Indians, tomahawked them before the fort, and threw their bodies into the river. Hamilton surrendered Vincennes, and all the North- west Territory fell into the hands of the Americans. When the Revolution was over and a treaty of peace was made, all the region around the great lakes, out of which the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin have since been made, was considered a part of the United States. If it had not been for George Rogers Clark, all that territory might now have been a part of Canada. QUESTIONS What forts did the British occupy in the Northwest Terri- tory? What did George Rogers Clark determine to do? What did he ask of Governor Henry? What did he say to the Gov- ernor? Describe their voyage and march to Kaskaskia. De^ ROBERTSON AND SEVIER 165 scribe the way Kaskaskia was captured. Describe Clark's march to Vincennes. What can you say of the surprise of the commandant? What was the fate of the Indians who were bringing in scalps? What was the effect of Clark's capture of the Northwest Territory? LESSON 50 ROBERTSON AND SEVIER James Robertson was a friend of Daniel Boone and, like him, loved the deep forest and the wild fron- tier. He made a hunting trip through Ken- james tucky, and his stories of the beauty of the ^''^^^t"*" country so excited his neighbors that sixteen famihes agreed to move with him into eastern Tennessee. The party traveled on foot, driving the cows ahead of them, and with their household goods strapped on the back of pack horses. On reaching the^j^^^^^^^ ^ Watauga River they decided to make a settlement, settlement. For six thousand dollars' worth of blankets, paints, and muskets, Robertson pur- chased from the Indians the use of the lands along the river for a term of years. After eight years Robertson decided to move fur- ther westward. He and eight companions found their way through the wilderness until they came Nashviue, to the great bend of the Cumberland where ^'^'^^ Nashville now is. Here they decided to found a set- tlement. The settlers soon followed, coming in boats 166 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY on the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. Nashboro, as it was then called, soon became a thriving colony. John Sevier, a companion and friend of Robertson, was the greatest Indian fighter in the Southwest. It John Sevier ^^ ^^^^ ^^ fought thirty- five battles. He was a and Kate very haudsome man, tall, blue- eyed, of slen- der build and erect figure. When he and Robertson were at the Watauga settlement the Indians made an attack on the fort. The siege lasted three weeks, and the men and women became weary of the confinement. Upon one occasion one of the women, Kate Sherrill, ventured out of the fort and was pur- sued by the Indians. She ran for the gates like a deer. The Indians were close behind her. Sevier, through a loophole, shot the foremost savage, just as Kate reached the stockade. She sprang up so as to catch the top with her hands and was drawn over by Sevier. He afterwards married her. Sevier lived in a big one-story house on Nolichucky River, and was known as "Nolichucky Jack." He , kept open house for everybody, and was the Services at , . i t i • i King's ^ leader in establishing good government, as Mountain ^^^^ ^^ .^ fighting the Indians. During the Revolution news was brought that the British were ravaging the country of North Carolina. Sevier col- lected a thousand of the settlers along the Watauga, mounted them on swift, wiry ponies and set out across ROBERTSON AND SEVIER 167 the mountains. Every man carried a rifle, a toma- hawk, and a scalping knife. The officers had no swords, and there was not a bayonet nor a tent in the party. When they reached North Carohna they joined the backwoodsmen and defeated the British at King's Mountain, as we have already seen in another lesson. After the battle Sevier and his men returned to Tennessee. Sevier was hospitable and generous. Even the Indians liked him because he treated them kindly whenever they visited him. He fought them when- ever they gave him cause, but never abused them nor violated their confidence. Everywhere in Tennessee he was the idol of the people. When word came that ''Nolichucky Jack" was in town crowds went out to meet him, to shake his hand, and talk with him. The pioneers kept swarming over the mountains. By the close of the Revolution twenty- five thousand people had moved into Tennessee and Kentucky. When Tennessee became a state, John Sevier was chosen its first governor, which office he held for twelve years. His name is still a household word among the people of East Tennessee. Thus we see that the colonies had not only won their independence from the mother country, but had begun to spread out over the great continent they had acquired by conquest and treaty. 168 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY QUESTIONS Who was James Robertson? Who went with him into East Tennessee? How did the party travel? Where did they settle? What lands did Robertson purchase, and for how much? To what place did Robertson go after eight years? How did the settlers follow him? What name was given the settlement? Who was John Sevier? What can you say of him? Narrate the story of Kate Sherrill. What name was given to Sevier? How did he live? What part did he take in the Revolution? How was he considered by the Indians and why? What did the people think of him? How did Tennessee and Kentucky grow in population? What office did Sevier hold? THE UNITED STATES LESSON 51 ORGANIZING THE GOVERNMENT The thirteen colonies in America were now free and independent states. It soon became plain that each state could not have a separate government. The states might be independent of England, but they could not remain independent of one another. A gen- eral government for all was needed. For the purpose of forming a government, delegates from the different states met in Philadelphia, and after much discussion and many compromises, the congtit^tjoj^ convention agreed upon a Constitution. This adopted, Constitution was then sent to each state sepa- rately. No state was compelled to adopt the Con- stitution or was obhged to enter the Union. When nine states had adopted the Constitution the new government began. After a while all the thirteen states adopted it. The new nation was known as the United States of America. To be the head of the government the Constitution provided for a President, whose duty it is to see that all 170 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY George Washington ORGANIZING THE GOVERNMENT 171 the laws are enforced, and to act as the commander- in-chief of the army and navy. To make the laws for the government of the people, it provided ^^.^^^^^^^ ^f for a Congress, composed of representatives the consti- and senators from each state. It also es- tablished courts for the purpose of explaining the laws, and for punishing those who violate them. The Tomb of Washington at Mount Vernon The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. All public officials are sworn to support it, all laws are made in accordance with it, and to-day we are liv- ing under the great and powerful government created by it. George Washington was chosen the first President 172 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY of the United States. On his way to New York to be inaugurated, at every town and village crowds of people went out to meet him. When he reached ^^ Trenton he was met by a party of youns: Washington . , , , . , . , in .° the first girls dressed m white, who scattered flowers m President, front of him while he rode under triumphal ^^^^ arches. When he reached New York he was inaugu- rated amid the shouts of the people, the waving of flags, and the booming of cannon. Washington was Presi- dent for two terms, or eight years. At the end of his second term he retired to Mount Vernon, where he died, and was buried amid the tears and mourning of a grateful people. When Washington was inaugurated New York was the capital of the country. The next year Philadelphia became the capital. After ten become^s^he years the seat of government was moved to [f^^^ "^y* the banks of the Potomac, where a capital city had been laid out and named Washington in The Washington Monument ELI WHITNEY INVENTS THE COTTON GIN 173 honor of the great soldier and statesman. At that time Washington city was hardly more than a wilder- ness. The capitol building was unfinished, the Presi- dent's house was in an open field, there was but one good hotel, and there was no business and but little society. To-day it is one of the most beautiful and brilUant cities in the world. QUESTIONS What was the condition of the thirteen colonies? What soon became plain? What was needed? What convention was held and for what purpose ? What was agreed upon by the convention? What was done with the Constitution? When did the new government begin? What was the new nation called? What can you say of the President? Of what is he commander- in-chief? What can you say of Congress? What was the pur- pose of the courts? What can you say of the Constitution? Who was chosen the first President? How was Washington treated on his way to New York? What happened at Trenton? Where was he inaugurated? What can you say of his later life? What cities have been capitals? What can you say of Wash- ington city? LESSON 52 ELI WHITNEY INVENTS THE COTTON GIN Very little cotton was raised in the South at this time. The seed had to be separated from the lint by hand, a very difficult process. One person could not clean more than a pound of cotton in a day, and a 174 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY whole family could not clean more than eight or ten pounds. Just after the Revolutionary War a ship carried eight small bags of cotton to England, They were seized on the ground that such a quantity of cotton could not be raised in the United States. While Washing- ton was Presi- dent, three hun- dred and ninety- nine bales were exported in one year from the United States, which was con- sidered a wonderful crop. A cotton field of thirty acres near Savannah was considered a curiosity. EU Whitney was a young man who had come from New England to Georgia to teach school and prac- tice law. He was living at the home of Ell Wlutney and Mrs. Mrs. Nathauacl Greene, fourteen miles from Savannah. He had always been fond of in- venting things, and had made a number of useful arti- Whitney's Cotton Gin ELI WHITNEY INVENTS THE COTTON GIN 175 cles for Mrs. Greene. One day Mrs. Greene had a number of guests for dinner, and they were discussing the raising of cotton. One of them remarked, ''What a pity that some one does not invent a machine for separating the seed from the cotton! " Mrs. Greene at once thought of the young man who had aided her several times, and said: ''Why not ask Mr. Whitney to make a machine of this sort? He can do anything." Whitney was sent for, some seed cotton was given him, and the difficulties explained. He had to make his own tools, and even his own wire. After several months' labor he succeeded in making gin luvented, a machine that did as much work as many hands. He had invented the cotton engine, or the cotton gin as we now know it. As soon as the farmers learned about the cotton gin and the work it could do, they began to plant cotton in quantity. By using the Whitney gin, they could clean all the cotton they could raise. In a few years a hun- dred thousand bales were shipped to England. Cotton land rose in price, slaves were brought to the fields, and the great industry of the South was started. The first effect of the invention of the cotton gin was to increase the quantity of the cotton raised in the South. Since that time the farmers have planted more and more cotton, until to-day ten million or more 176 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY bales are raised every year. The second effect was to fasten slaveholding on the South. The negroes ■p** * * ♦!, were well suited for work in the cotton fields. Effect of tne cotton gin on Their labor was cheap and easily controlled. The demand for cotton by the northern and foreign mills increased every year. So the southern farmers bought more slaves and planted more cotton. At the present day the South not only raises cotton, but has many fine cotton mills. A Cotton Mill in the South QUESTIONS What can you say of the difficulty of cleaning cotton at this time? How much cotton could one person clean in a day? What cotton was seized in England and why? How much was exported in one year when Washington was President? What THOMAS JEFFERSON 177 can you say of a cotton field near Savannah? Who was Eli Whitney? How was the question of a cotton gin brought to his attention? What were his difficulties? What was his suc- cess? What did the farmers then do? What was the first efifect of the cotton gin? What was the second effect? LESSON 53 THOMAS JEFFERSON When Patrick Henry was delivering his great speech against the Stamp Act, a young man stood leaning against the door listening to the burn- jefferson as ing words of the orator. The young man was * student Thomas Jefferson. He had come from his home in Virginia when he was seventeen years of age, to become a student at William and Mary College. He had always loved books and while at college often studied fifteen hours a day. He was a friend of Patrick Henry and shared a room with him. His heart was fired by the eloquence of his friend, and he resolved to take part in the great questions of the day. Jefferson was a tall, athletic young man, a dead shot with a rifle, and a daring and skilful horseman. He played the viohn well, was fond of com- His accom- pany, and liked to gather a few friends in the P^is^^^ie'its tavern of the town to spend an evening in talking 178 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Thomas Jefferson and music. He was not an orator, though he was a successful lawyer before a jury. He became famous as one of the most profound thinkers and writers on political subjects that our country has known. THOMAS JEFFERSON 179 When the Revolution came on Jefferson was a del- egate from Virginia to the Continental Congress. Richard Henry Lee, also of Virginia, introduced a resolution declaring that "these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states." Jefferson was appointed on the committee to draw up a declaration to that effect. When the committee met, the members asked Jefferson to write it as the expression of the common feeling of all the delegates and of all the colonies. He then wrote the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin and John Adams changed a few words, and the report of the committee went to the Congress. During the debate on its Declaration adoption, Jefferson, who could write but penJence could not make a speech, listened impatiently but silently to the criticisms of his work. Frank- lin sat near him and consoled him with amusing stories. Jefferson afterwards became governor of Virginia, and was minister to France at the time the Consti- tution was adopted. When Washington was Presi- dent he was selected Secretary of State. After a few years' service he retired to live in his beautiful home, Monticello, in Virginia. When John Adams was elected President to succeed Washington, Jefferson was elected Vice-President. 180 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Jefferson was the founder and leader of the pohtical party that in those days was known as the Anti- Federahst Party, which later on became the Becomes President, Republican Party, and which to-day is known as the Democratic Party. After the term of office of John Adams expired, Jefferson was elected President of the United States. QUESTIONS What young man listened to Patrick Henry's great speech? What can you say of Jefferson as a student? What can you say of his appearance and accomplishments? For what did he become famous? Of what Congress was he a member? What did Richard Henry Lee propose? By whom was Jefferson asked to write the Declaration of Independence? How old was he at the time? Who made a few changes in it? How was Jefferson consoled during the debate? What offices did Jefferson after- wards hold? Of what party was he the founder and leader? Whom did he succeed as President of the United States? LESSON 54 STEPHEN DECATUR PUNISHES THE PIRATES Tripoli is a small country on the northern coast of Africa, and is one of the Barbary States. When Jeffer- The pirates SOU was President the rulers of these states ofTripou y^QYe pirates. Their vessels attacked and plundered the merchant ships of all nations, as they STEPHEN DECATUR PUNISHES THE PIRATES 181 tried to pass through the Mediterranean Sea. Several nations, in an effort to protect their merchant ships from attack, paid tribute to the pirates, instead of punishing them and destroying the pirate vessels. The United States also" had been paying tribute to the pirates, but this did not save the American ves- sels, and seamen from attack and robbery, pi^m^gj^jf American sailors were made slaves and were Americaa compelled to work on the farms or in the groves of rich Tripolitan landowners. American officers were shut up in loathsome prisons, given poor food, and subjected to many insults. American vessels were robbed of their cargoes and many of them destroyed by the pirates. It was by no means an unusual oc- currence for a preacher in an American church to announce to his congregation that some member or neighbor had been captured by the pirates in the Mediterranean, and to ask for money to be paid for his ransom. The pirates were getting more insolent than ever, were demanding more tribute money, and were more regardless of their promises. The United r-^ I ' -I I 1 • 1 War against States decided to put a stop to this, and war Tripoli, was declared against Tripoli. Our navy con- sisted of only six small vessels. Four of them were sent to fight the pirates on the Mediterranean. Our little fleet gave a good account of itself. Several pirate 182 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY ships were captured, and others were driven away from their attack on merchant vessels. One accident befell the American fleet. The frigate Philadelphia, while giving chase to a pirate ship, struck on a rock in the harbor of Tripoli, and was com- pelled to surrender. The pirates swarmed aboard, plundered the ship of everything valuable, and took the seamen and officers ashore as prisoners. It was a sad and discouraging mishap to the Americans. For months the Philadelphia lay helpless on the rocks in the harbor of Tripoli. It was manned by lieutenant ^ pii'^te crcw and guarded by pirate ships. Stephen At last Lieutenant Stephen Decatur, in com- mand of a little vessel that had been cap- tured from the pirates, was ordered to destroy the Philadelphia. It was a cold night in winter, and a heavy wind was blowing. With no lights to guide him, Decatur sailed close to the Philadelphia before he was discovered. The pirates on board, not knowing what vessel it was, called out to him to keep off. Decatur kept on until his vessel touched the Phil- adelphia. He then cried out, "Board her!'* His men sprang aboard, drew their swords, and soon the"Piuia- overpowered the pirate crew. Many of the ^ * pirates were cut down, and others driven overboard into the sea. Knowing that he could not move the ship, Decatur ordered it to be set on fire. STEPHEN DECATUR PUNISHES THE PIRATES 188 'Flames arose quickly from the sides, while Decatui escaped without the loss of a single man. After this the harbor was bombarded by the American fleet until the ruler of TripoU was forced to make terms of peace. After that no more punisMng tribute money was paid to the pirates, and no *^® ^"^^^* more American merchant vessels were disturbed as they sailed on the Mediterranean Sea. Our little navy had won the respect of the world by punishing the pirates and bringing them to terms. When Decatur returned to America he was received everjrwhere with great respect. He was hailed as the hero who had carried the American flag to Honors to victory in our first war in foreign waters. ^^'^^^^^ Congress voted him a sword for his bravery, receptions were held, speeches of congratulation were made, and everywhere the people were proud of the deeds of the navy which, though small in size, was yet so great in valor. QUESTIONS Where is Tripoli? What can you say of the piracy of the Barbary rulers? What had several nations done? How did the pirates treat the American sailors? What became of the officers and cargoes? What was a usual occurrence? What did Jefferson decide to do? How large was our navy at the time? How many vessels were sent to the Mediterranean? What happened to the Philadelphia? What did the pirates do? Describe the way in which Stephen Decatur destroyed the 184 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Philadelphia. What did the ruler of Tripoli now do? What about +he tribute money? What had our little navy done? What honors were paid to Decatur? LESSON 55 PURCHASING AND EXPLORING LOUISIANA When Jefferson was elected President, the Mississippi River was the western boundary of our country. Beyond was the great territory known as Louisiana, which was again in possession of the French. New Orleans, also a French possession, was the seaport for the products of the Mississippi valley. The farmers along the Ohio and Mississippi loaded their produce on rafts or in boats and floated it down to New Or- leans, to be carried in ships to foreign markets. It was important for the United States to own New Orleans. The farmers of the West needed an outlet The Louisi- ^^^ their trade which no foreign country could ana Pur- close at its pleasure. Therefore Jefferson sent commissioners to France to buy New Orleans. France was at war with England and was badly in need of money, consequently that country proposed to sell not only New Orleans but all the Louisiana territory for fifteen million dollar* The trade was promptly made and Louisiana came into our possession. It was a great bargain for America. We secured the city of New Orleans and gained control of the Mis- PURCHASING AND EXPLORING LOUISIANA 185 sissippi River. We added a domain to our territory larger than the original thirteen states. The size of the United States was doubled and our western bound- ary was advanced from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains. The Lewis and Clare Expedition Jefferson sent two young men, Lewis and Clark, to explore our new possessions. They were directed to visit the Indian tribes and tell them of the Lewis and change of ownership ; also to study the plants ^^^^^ and animals and observe the soil and climate of the West. They were provided with boats, provisions, and arms as well as presents for the Indians. 186 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY With boats loaded with coffee, sugar, crackers, dried meat, tools, clothing, and presents, the party dropped EjniOTmg- down the Ohio, passed up the Mississippi, and 1805 spent the winter at the little village of St. Louis. In the spring they started up the Missouri. In many places the current was swift, and often the drift- wood nearly upset the boats. The men explored the regions along the river and killed deer, bears, and other game for food. Near the bluffs opposite the present city of Omaha, a council was held with the Indians, the peace pipe was smoked, presents were distributed, and the Indians were told that the land now belonged to the Great Father at Washington. The place was named Council Bluffs. After traveling sixteen hundred miles the party camped for the winter. In the spring they started again, passed the mouth of the Yellowstone, and at last cam.e in sight of the Rocky Mountains. It was a dangerous trip, through wild canons, over sUppery heights and along steep precipices where one false step would mean instant death. Weary, ragged, half- starved and footsore, they came to the other side of the mountains. After a long march they reached the Columbia River. Here they built canoes and descended the river until they came to the Pacific Ocean. They had crossed the western half of the American con- ROBERT FULTON PERFECTS THE STEAMBOAT 187 .tinent, and were glad enough to build a comfortable camp and spend the winter on the Pacific slope. In the spring they began their long journey ^^^^ homeward. They crossed the mountains and the party, floated down the Missouri imtil they came to St. Louis, after an absence of two years and four months. QUESTIONS What was the western boundary of our country when Jef- ferson became President? What was beyond that? What can you say of New Orleans? Why was it important for the United States to own New Orleans? What did Jeffer- son do? What did France propose? How much did we pay for the Louisiana territory? What can you say of the pur- chase? What did we gain by it? Who were sent to explore the West? What were they directed to do? Where did they spend the first winter? Describe the ascent of the Missouri. What happened at Council Bluffs? What river did they next explore? Where did they spend the second winter? How did they return home? How long had they been absent? LESSON 56 ROBERT FULTON PERFECTS THE STEAMBOAT One morning a crowd of people stood on a dock in New York city waiting to see a strange sight. Robert Fulton had announced that he had made a boat that would move by steam power, and had invited a 188 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY number of friends to join him in the first trip up the Hudson River to Albany. On all sides were the graceful sail boats, and when the people saw Fulton's ugly ..Fulton's little craft with ^°"y" a smokestack sending out clouds of smoke they were much amused and called it ''Fulton's Folly." Fulton had always been fond of inventing things. When he was a boy he made the lead for his own pencils; he as- tonished the citizens of his town by making his own fireworks for a Fourth of July celebration ; he suggested plans for im- proving guns, and one day, on a fishing trip, worked out a plan for moving the boat by paddle wheels turned by a crank. When Fulton became a man he learned to paint pictures, but his mind was always on practical things. He suggested a scheme for canals and locks, he de- vised a submarine torpedo boat, and at last became Robert Fulton ROBERT FULTON PERFECTS THE STEAMBOAT 189 The " Clermont " on the Hudson interested in the experiment that others were making to propel a boat by paddle wheels moved by steam power. The steamboats that others had made had not succeeded for various reasons, but ton biuida * Fulton resolved to make one that would be a mont"^^'^" success. When he made his steamboat he named it the Clermont in honor of the home of his friend Robert Livingston, who provided money for the building of the. boat. It was then that he invited his friends for the trial trip, and the crowd gathered to see them start. 190 FIRST LESSOXS IN AMERICAN HISTORY The " Savannah" — The First Steamship to Cross the Ocean The boat was quite an ungainly affair. Livingston, who was on board, said, ^^It looks like a sawmill mounted on a scow and set on fire." Fulton moved among his guests and tried to make them cheerful. They were doubtful about the success of the experi- ment and felt very foolish as the crowd on shore made fun of them. Fulton gave the order for the engines to start, and to the surprise of every one the boat moved boldly away from the shore. A cheer arose from the crowd and from the mont" starts passeugers. The boat stopped and the cheers age,* 1807* ceased. The people on board begged to be put ashore, for they thought the boat was a failure and were afraid it might sink. Fulton begged them to wait a half hour while he found out what was the matter. He went below and in a few minutes made ROBERT FULTON PERFECTS THE STEAMBOAT 191 A Steamship of thk Present Day things right. The engines started, the boat moved, the crowds cheered again and the guests smiled. This time the boat did not stop but kept on its way up the river. As it passed the saiUng vessels, the villages on the shore, and the farmhouses by the way, the peo- ple waved their hats and handkerchiefs and shouted congratulations. At last the Clermont reached Albany, and started on its return down the river. This was accomplished in safet3^ and Fulton's boat was pronounced a suc- cess. The Clermont soon began to make regular trips up the Hudson, charging seven dollars from New York to Albany. Steam ferry boats came in use. It was 192 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY not long before steamboats were made to run on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. A Modern Battleship Twelve years after the first voyage of the Cler- The " savan- mout, a steamship named the Savannah nah," 1819 ci-Qgsg^^ ^j^g Atlantic Ocean. Since that time steamships have been so improved that they are fitted up with every luxury, carrying hundreds of passen- gers, and crossing the Atlantic in less than a week. QUESTIONS What had Robert Fulton announced? Whom had he in- vited and for what purpose? What did the people think of Fulton's boat? What did they call it? What things had Fulton done when a boy? What things had he done when he became a man? In what did he become interested? What did he resolve? What was the name of Fulton's boat? For what was it named? What did Livingston say of the boat? THE WAR OF 1812 193 Describe the start. What did Fulton do? Describe the suc- cessful trip. What did the Clermont soon begin to do? What other steamboats were put in use? When did a steamship first cross the Atlantic? What can you say of steamships of the present day? LESSON 57 THE WAR OF 1812 After Jefferson's term of office expired, James Madison of Virginia became President. It was during his administration that the second war with England occurred. It is also called the War of 1812. England and France had been at war for some time. The United States tried to avoid favoring either country, and wished to remain neutral in the war. England, however, passed a law that any American ship caught trading with France should be seized. France likewise passed a law that any American ship caught trading with England should be seized. Thus the American ships could not safely trade with either country, and our commerce suffered greatly. Many of our vessels were seized upon various pre- texts, and their cargoes captured. French vessels seized over ten million dollars worth of impressing American property. England, however, was ^^^^^^ more offensive than France. Her war vessels stopped our merchantmen on the seas, sent armed men 194 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY aboard, mustered the crew, and seized the sailors for the British service. The British officers said they were searching for Enghsh seamen only, but they made little effort to find out whether those they seized were born in England or the United States. This was called 'impressing seamen." The English had declared their rule to be ''Once an Englishman always an English- man." Hundreds of American sailors were seized and forced to enter the British service. A storm of pro- war declared ^^^^ ^rosc from all parts of the country. Eng- juneis, land insisted upon her right to impress sea- men from American vessels, and to forbid us trading with France. Thereupon war for the second time was declared against England. The war lasted about two years and a half. The battles were mainly at sea, or along the Canadian washin ton ^ordcr, siucc Canada was a British posses- burnedby siou. At ouc time, howcvcr, the British fleet sailed up Chesapeake Bay and landed an army that captured Washington City. President Madison and the Cabinet barely escaped. The British burned the Capitol and other public buildings, and then pro- ceeded to Baltimore. That place was bombarded for many hours, but was not captured by the British. The most famous naval battle of the war was the battle of Lake Erie. The Americans decided to get THE WAR OF 1812 195 control of Lake Erie and Oliver H. Perry, a young naval officer, was sent to accomplish the task. Perry had to cut timber from the woods and build the ships for his fleet; the iron, stores, canvas and guns had to be brought in sledges from distant cities. After a Commodore Perry Changes Ships at the Battle of Lake Erie winter spent in building the fleet, Perry summoned his men on board, sailed into the lake, and challenged the British ships to battle. It was a desperate engagement that followed. Perry's flagship was shot to pieces and was about to sink. In the midst of the battle. Perry took Battle of his little brother, twelve years old, and enter- ^*^® ^"® ing a small boat reached another vessel, in spite of the bullets of the enemy. The battle continued fiercely 196 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY until several of the British ships were rendered use* less, and surrendered. The others tried to escape, but were pursued and captured. Perry sat down while the smoke of the battle was still in the air and wrote a message to the commander-in-chief saying, ''We have met the enemy, and they are ours." This great victory gave us control of Lake Erie, and compelled the British to retire into Canada. The result filled the people with pride and enthusiasm. We had won many naval victories in the war. We had proved that ship for ship, man for man, and gim for gun, America was more than a match for England. QUESTIONS Who became President after Jefferson? What war occurred during his administration? What foreign countries were at war? What did tlie United States try to do? What law did England pass? What law did France pass? How did America suffer in consequence? What happened to our ships? In what way was England most offensive? What did the British officers say? What was this called? Upon what did England insist? How long did the war last? Where were the battles mainly fought? What city was captured by the British? What was the most famous naval battle? What did the Americans desire? How did Perry obtain a fleet? Describe the battle of Lake Erie. Describe Perry's heroic conduct. What message did he send? What was the effect of the battle? ANDREW JACKSON AND BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS 197 LESSON 58 ANDREW JACKSON AND THE BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS Before we come to the end of the War of 1812 we must learn something of Andrew Jackson. During the Revolution he was a poor country boy, ^^^ living in South Carolina, tall, freckle- faced, Andrew and full of fire and mischief. He had learned the terrors of war, for the British had killed many of his neighbors and friends, as well as his own brother. When he was thirteen or fourteen years of age he was taken prisoner and a British officer said roughly, " Boy, clean my boots! " The fiery young Jackson re- pHed, "I am a prisoner of war, not a servant; you can clean them yourself." The officer struck him on the head with a sword, leaving a scar that he carried all his life. When Jackson became a man he moved to Nash- ville, Tennessee, and began to practice law. The country was rough and full of Indians, and the vil- lages were far apart. He often rode many miles through the forests to reach the court. His high tem- per led him into many quarrels and fights, and he fought a number of duels. When Tennessee became a state he was elected to Congress, and afterwards be- came a senator. He was not fond of political Hfe, however, and soon retired from office. 198 FIRST LESSONS IN AJVIERICAN HISTORY lAMAPRISOKER rWAR,WOTA SLf\Y- NT; you cm CLtnti During the War of 1812 Jackson was in command of the forces that defended the southern border. The Creek Indians had been stirred up by a famous warrior named Tecumseh. At Fort Mims, in Alabama, they had Jackson pun- ^^11^^ "P^^ the garrisou and massacred several hundred men, women, and children. Jackson gathered an army of twenty- five hundred men and went in pursuit of the savages. He defeated them at the battle of Horseshoe Bend on the Tallapoosa River. The power of the Indians in the South was broken forever, and they were glad to sue for peace. Jackson had marched his islies the Creeks AND THE Offices ANDREW JACKSON AND BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS 199 army long and far, and had endured much hardship without complaint, and so his soldiers named him " Old Hickory " because he was so tough. The British threatened to attack New Orleans. General Jackson hurried his army to that place. He found the people in a panic of fear and dis- tress, and he immediately declared martial New Orleans, law. The British landed below the city and J^Jf "^ ^' Jackson began to build his defences. Day and night for weeks the work went on. Every horse, mule, ox, and cart in the city was put into service. The British ad- vanced at night, ^'^^^ - but Jackson was on the watch. The sleeping army was aroused and by four o'clock every man was in his place. By daybreak the battle began, but it was over in two hours. The slaughter of the British, as they advanced against the American earthworks, was frightful . The killed and wounded fell in heaps until hun • dreds were slain. General Jackson lost only a few men. The British withdrew from the attack and sailed away. An Early Steamship 200 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY The battle of New Orleans was fought two weeks after a treaty of peace had been signed in Europe be- tween England and the United States. There peace'^De- Were uo Cable or telegraph lines, or swift igig ' sailing steamboats in those days to carry the news. The news of the great victory at New Orleans reached the northern states almost simulta- neously with that of the signing of the treaty of peace that closed the war. Everywhere there was great re- joicing. QUESTIONS What can you say of Andrew Jackson during the Revolution? How had he learned of the terrors of war? Relate the story of his encounter with the British officer. Where did he practice law? What can you say of his life there? What public offices did he hold? What forces did he command in the War of 1812? What happened at Fort Mims? How were the Indians punished? What name was given to Jackson, and why? What city did the British threaten to attack? What preparation did Jackson make? What can you say of the battle? Of the British and American losses? What had happened two weeks before the battle? Why did news travel so slowly? LESSON 59 PROGRESS AND IMPROVEMENTS After the War of 1812 was over there came a long era of peace and prosperity. James Monroe, of Vir- ginia, succeeded James Madison as President. His term of office is known as the " Era of good feeling," be- PROGRESS AND IMPROVEMENTS 201 Cause there were no political quarrels or wars to vex the country. The administration of Monroe is chiefly noted for his famous message to Congress, in ^^^ Monroe which he declared that the European govern- Doctrine, ments should no longer found any colonies in America, or interfere in the affairs of any American country. This is known as the " Monroe Doctrine/* and is one of the estabhshed principles of our govern- ment. John Quincy Adams, of Massachusetts, became the next President. The spirit of progress and improve- ment had. seized the people. One of the me Erie greatest enterprises of that day was the Erie ^*°*^' ^^^^ Canal, which was to connect the Hudson River with Lake Erie. This canal is nearly four hundred miles long, and canal boats and barges carry great quan- tities of freight from one end to the other at very little expense. When it was opened the farm^ers and mer- chants of the West abandoned the wagon roads and began to use the canal instead. By this time there were ten millions of people in the United States. Instead of thirteen states there were twenty- four. Throughout the North people were building mills and factories, and in -the South more cotton was raised every year. Steamboats were ply- ing on nearly all the large rivers, roads were opened between the large towns^ and the nation was showing 202 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY great progress and prosperity. Coal was coming slowly into use, and even gas was being introduced into a few large cities. 'sr ----- The First Locomotive The locomotive and the railroad car came into notice about this time. The longest and the most Be *nnin of i^^po^tant of the early railroads in America railroads, was betwecu Charleston and Hamburg, South Carolina. The locomotive used on this road was called the ''Best Friend," and was a very crude affair. It was the first locomotive built in the United States for actual service on a railroad. It was fed with fat pine and sent out clouds of smoke and showers of hot cinders. At the end of a trip the blackened passengers looked like negroes. A sad accident happened to the ^'Best Friend." The negro fireman, tired of hearing the hissing steam, fastened down the steam valve, and then to make sure sat on it. The result is easily imagined. PROGRESS AND IMPROVEMENTS 203 On some of the early railroads, the coaches for the passengers were like huge barrels mounted on trucks. The conductor walked on a little platform Early raii- outside and collected fares through small "**^^ windows. The rails were flat, and not very securely fastened to the ties, so that they occasionally curved Accident to an Early Locomotive like snakes and ran through the bottom of the cars, to the great danger of the passengers. The speed of the early locomotive was very slow. 204 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY When the Baltimore and Ohio railroad announced that it would use steam power instead of horse power on its road, people were in doubt which was the means of faster travel. On a trial of speed between the engine and a stagecoach the horse came in as winner. One of the First Railroad Trains A trip over the Mohawk Valley road was an occa- sion of great display. The engineer wore a dress coat _ . and the rude coaches were full of distin- Trying^ expe- rience of guished guests in fine clothes. The coaches ®°^^ were held together by slack chains, so that when the train started nearly everybody was thrown out of his seat. The engine sent out so much smoke that the passengers were almost bhnded and choked, and the hot cinders made them so uncomfortable that they raised their umbrellas. But as the umbrellas soon caught fire they were thrown away, while the guests spent their time beating each other with hats, handkerchiefs, and canes to put out the fire. Never- theless, the trip was declared a great success. From this beginning railroads grew rapidly. In ten PROGRESS AND IMPROVEMENTS 205 A Modern Passenger Train Electric Locomotive years there were three thousand miles of road, hun- dreds of locomotives and comfortable coaches. To-day, the railroads of the United States, if put into a straight Hne, would reach nine times around the world. Ex- 206 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY press trains go fifty miles or more an hour, and every comfort is provided for tiie passengers. Of late, American engineers have made electric locomotives of great speed and power, which in our A Flying Machine large cities are taking the place of steam locomotives. The flying machine has alreadj^ been tested to a speed of more than a hundred miles an hour. In modern warfare it is used for fighting, scouting, bombing, and for photographic purposes. HENRY CLAY 207 QUESTIONS What came after the War of 1812? Who succeeded Madison as President? What is his term of office known as? Wliy? For what is Monroe's administration chiefly noted? What is the "Monroe Doctrine?" Who succeeded Monroe? What spirit had seized the people? What can you say of the Erie Canal? How many people were in the United States at this time? How many states? What signs of prosperity can you mention? What especially was coming into notice? Describe the " Best Friend." Describe the passenger coaches. Describe the rails. What can you say of the speed of the early loco- motive? Illustrate it. Describe the early trip over the Mohawk Valley road. What can you say of the railroads of the present day? LESSON 60 HENRY CLAY Many of the great men of America were born in the country, with few advantages, spending their early hfe in poverty, toil, and hardship. They became The mm boy eminent by faithful work, hard study, and"^*^®^^*®^®" close attention to duty. Henry Clay was one of these. When he was a boy in Virginia he attended school in a log schoolhouse, plowed barefoot in the fields, and could often be seen riding a pony to mill, seated on a meal-sack. People soon began to call him the '^mill boy of the slashes," and in after life he was proud of the name they had given him. When he was about fifteen years of age he moved to Rich- mond and became a copying clerk in one of the „■.:,. His industry courts. When he first andstudi- entered the clerk's office he was tall and awk- ward and wore a badly fitting suit of clothes which his mother had made for him. The other clerks laughed at him, but they soon learned to respect him for his good nature and intelligence. Every night when the other clerks went out for amusement Clay went home to read. When he was twenty- one he moved to Kentucky and began to practice law. He was successful the start, and Clay as a from lawyer and an orator soon Mill Bot op the SLAgaEs had many clients. It has been said that no murderer who was defended by Henry Clay ever suffered the extreme penalty of the law. He soon entered 208 HENRY CLAY 209 Henry Clay public life, was elected to the state legislature, then was appointed to the United States Senate, and later was elected to the House of Representatives. He was chosen as Speaker, or presiding officer, seven times, 210 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY serving fourteen years in all. He was a great orator. He had a rich, musical voice, and whenever he spoke crowds came to hear him. He was polite in his manners, never forgot a name or a face, and made many friends by his genial smile and warm hand-grasp. When Clay was Speaker of the House of Represent- atives the great question of slavery was disturbing the country. By this time all the northern states had freed their slaves, and slaveholding was confined to the southern states. In the North there was a grow- ing sentiment against slavery, while in the South, where slave labor was profitable, the feehng was very much in favor of it. From time to time new states had been admitted to the Union. Some were free states and some were Slave states ^^^^^ states. It SO happened that the num- andfree ber of each kind had been kept equal, so that advocates from neither side of the slavery question could control the government. By this time there were twenty- two states, eleven free and eleven slave. Then the question came up of admitting Maine and Missouri as states. Maine would be a free state, of course, and if Missouri came in as a free state, then the free states would be two more in number than the slave states. A great discussion on the admission of Missouri arose in Congress. Should slavery be permitted in HENRY CLAY 211 Missouri or not? It seemed as if the Union itself was in danger. To bring peace to the country, Henry Clay came forward with a compromise. He pro- xheMissouri posed that Missouri should come in as a slave compromise, 1820 state, but that all the rest of the Louisiana territory, north of the line that forms the southern boundary of Missouri (36° 30') should forever be free territory. This is known as the '' Missouri Compro- mise." Both sides agreed to it, and the dangerous question of slavery slept for a while. Clay became known as the " Great Pacificator " on account of his successful efforts in preventing the dis- pute regarding slavery and the tariff from breaking up the Union. QUESTIONS What can you say of many of the great men of America? What can you say of Clay's boyhood in Virginia? What name did he receive? What did he become when he was fifteen years of age? Describe his appearance. What can you say of his industry? When did he move to Kentucky? What can you say of his success as a lawyer? What public offices did he hold? What can you say of him as an orator? What great question was disturbing the country? What can you say of slavehold- ing? What was the feeling about it? Why was there a dispute over the admission of Missouri? What compromise did Clay propose? What is this compromise called? What name did Clay receive on account of his peaceful measures? 212 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY LESSON 61 DANIEL WEBSTER Daniel Webster was born on a farm in New Hampshire. He was a delicate child, unable to do Webster as a hard work, but was wonderfully bright, child What time he was not at play he spent in some quiet corner reading a book. He entered school when very young and soon learned all his teacher was able to teach him. He was known far and wide as a remarkable child. One day a storekeeper showed him a copy of the Constitution of the United States printed on a cotton handkerchief. Webster did not rest until he had saved enough pennies to buy it, and when he bought it he did not rest until he had learned the Constitution by heart. Webster's father was a poor man with but little learning. He was wise enough, however, to know the Webster in advantages of an education. One day he couege ^qJ^ jj|g gQj^ j^g intended to send him to col- lege. Webster was so anxious for an education that he could not speak for emotion. He afterwards said, ''A warm glow ran all over me, and I laid my head on my father's shoulder and wept." At college he was a hard student, and in a short time was the best speaker and writer in his class. When Webster left college he began to practice law, DANIEL WEBSTER 213 Daniel Webster and later moved to Boston. He was no longer deli^ cate and slender but had become a man of noble ap- pearance, sturdy and dignified. His eyes were dark and his brow was massive. People said, '' When 214 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Daniel Webster walked the streets of Boston he made the buildings look small." Once when he visited Europe some one said, '' Surely there goes a king!" A great wit said, on looking at his dignified ap- pearance, ''He is a small cathedral by himself." Webster was elected a member of the United States Senate from Massachusetts. At that time one of the Tariff for great questious agitating the country was revenue ^^le tariff. In order to raise money to run the government, taxes or duties were laid on many articles brought from abroad and offered for sale in America. The money thus raised for this purpose was called a tariff for revenue, and everybody was content to pay it, so long as it was used only to pay the ex- penses of the government. After a while, however, the government increased the duties on certain articles in order to keep foreign Tariff for goods from being sold in America at a less protection ^^^^^ ^Yism the Same kind of articles could be profitably manufactured and sold for in this country. This was called a tariff for protection, and only those sections engaged in manufacturing were benefited by it. The tariff for protection bore hard on the southern people because they had to buy manufactured articles mainly from New England, and the high prices threat- ened to reduce the South to poverty. They therefore DANIEL WEBSTER 216 complained loudly of the tariff. The New England manufacturers replied that without the high prices their mills would have to be shut down, and then they would be the ones reduced to poverty. A quarrel began between the agricultural states and the manu- facturing states. Some of the southern states threat- ened to disregard the tariff laws of Congress, and to declare them null and void inside their borders. This condition of affairs brought about a great debate in the United States Senate between Robert Y. Hajme, from. South Carolina, and Daniel ^j^^jja Webster, from. Massachusetts. Hayne de- webster de- clared that the people of the southern states were compelled by the tariff law to buy manufactured articles at a price they could not afford, that New England was getting rich and the South was getting poor, and that it was unconstitutional for laws to oppress one section in order to enrich another. Under such conditions a state had the right to refuse to obey the laws. Webster, in his reply to Hayne, argued that no single state could be the judge of the wisdom of the laws of Congress; that the union of the states could not be broken by any one of them, and that no state had the right to nullify a law of the land. Webster's speech on this occasion raised him to the rank of the greatest of American oratoiJ?. 216 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY QUESTIONS Where was Webster born? What kind of child was he? What can you say of his fondness for books? How did he first learn the Constitution? Relate the incident of his father's sending him to college. How did he act at college? To what place did he move? Describe his appearance. What was said of him? To what pubUc office was he elected? What great question came before the country? What is a tariff for reve- nue? What is a tariff for protection? On what people did the protective tariff bear hard? Why? What did the manufac- turers reply? What did some southern states threaten to do? What great debate occurred? What were some of Hayne's arguments? What did Webster say in reply? What rank did Webster now take? LESSON 62 JOHN C. CALHOUN John C. Calhoun was born and reared in South Carolina. When a boy he worked in the field with Calhoun as a his father and listened to his stories of Revo- student lutionary times as they sat by the fire on winter nights. He grew up a quiet, thoughtful boy, fond of rambling through the woods and of reading books on history. WTien he was about twenty years of age he entered Yale College and soon was the leader of his class. The president was so struck with his studiousness and ability that he said, 'Calhoun will be a great man, — perhaps the President of the United States.'' JOHN C. CALHOim 217 John C. Calhoun After studying law for several years he began to practice in South Carolina, but he did not enjoy it. He called reading law "a. dry and solitary journey." He preferred history, the great deeds "of great men. 218 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY He soon entered public life and was sent to Congress about the time the War of 1812 began. The members were delighted with his powers of orator}^ His great blue eyes glowed like coals of fire, his hair fell in masses about his broad forehead, and his rich voice poured out a volume of ringing words. Andrew Jackson succeeded John Quincy Adams as President of the United States. Calhoun was Vice- president. In that office it was his duty to advic^o^ preside over the Senate. It was the time of ^^^^832°* the great agitation over the question of the tariff. Calhoun wrote a letter to the people of South Carolina in which he told them there would always be a conflict between the interests of the North and the South ; that " the southern people who used slave labor to raise cotton and tobacco could not have the same interests as the northern people who used free labor to manufacture cloth and iron; that the tariff was designed to help the northern states and to hurt the southern states. He therefore declared that the way to protect South Carolina from this unjust law was to declare it null and void so far as South Carolina was concerned. South Carolina took his advice and passed an ordi- nance of nullification. President Jackson threatened to send troops into that state to enforce the tariff, and to hang any man who shed a drop of blood in JOHN C. CALHOUN 219 i Andrew Jackson opposition to the laws. He secured the passage of a bill by Congress known as the Force Bill, giving him the power to use the army and navy to enforce the collection of the tariff. 220 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY But South Carolina was a plucky state and Calhoun was a determined leader. It looked as if ci\dl war would follow. Henry Clay, however, secured a com- promise measure by which the tariff was reduced a little every year, and South Carolina repealed the ordi- nance of nullification. This was the second time that Clay had brought peace to the country. Calhoun was in public life for nearly forty years. He resigned the office of vice-president in order to be- Calhoun ai a come a United States senator. With Clay and leader Webstcr he formed 'Hhe great trio" of sena- tors whose wonderful abilities controlled the destinies of the country for more than a generation. Calhoun was the great leader of the southern people, the advo- cate of the rights of the states, and a firm believer in preserving the institution of slavery. QUESTIONS Where was Calhoun born and reared? Tell something of his early life. When did he enter Congress? What can you say of his power of oratory? Who succeeded Adams as President? What office did Calhoun hold? What was the question of the day? What did Calhoun tell the people of South Carohna? What did he declare? What did South Caro- lina do? What was the action of President Jackson? What bill was passed by Congress? How was peace secured? What was the compromise? What did Carohna do? Who com- posed " the great trio? " What can you say of Calhoun as a leader? In what was he a firm believer? MORSE INVENTS THE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH 221 LESSON 63 INVENTS THE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH Upon one occasion a number of passengers on board a vessel return- ing from Europe to America were discussing electricity. In the company was Samuel F. B. Morse, a painter, who had been abroad studying art. One of the company remarked, ''I have heard that a current of electricity passes over a very long wire almost instantaneously." This set Morse to thinking and to planning how an electric current might be used to make signals, and by means of wires to carry mes- sages over long distances. Morse worked on the drawings of an instrument and wrote an alphabet of dots and dashes. Be- „ ^ morse works fore the ship reached New York he had prac- on his inven- tically invented the telegraph as we know it at the present day. He became so interested in the 222 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY idea that he painted no more pictures, but gave him- self up to making a telegraph instrument. He worked day and night in an attic room in New York, leaving his bench only to get a little food. He was very poor, and his friends thought it a great pity for so fine an artist to be wasting his time on so foolish an idea. At last the instrument was made and his friends were invited to see Testing the it work. He ''^'^'^^'^ showed them a large coil of wire, with an instrument at one end for sending a mes- sage, and a receiver at the other end for taking it. Some of the guests whis- pered messages to Morse. He sent the words over the wire, which were received in dots and dashes on a piece of paper at the other end of the wire. The messages were then read by some one who understood the Morse alphabet. The guests were greatly astonished and deUghted. Morse was too poor to build a telegraph line with- out assistance, and so he applied to Congress for thirty Samuel F. B. Mouse MORSE INVENTS THE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH 223 thousand dollars to test his invention. Some of the members made great sport of the idea und had many jokes at Morse's expense. The hour of adjournment of Congress approached and Morse saw nOp^^^ ^^^^ chance of getting the appropriation. He left makes an the hall and went home in great discourage- ^^^'^''^^^ ^°^ ment. Early next morning a young lady, a friend of the inventor, came to him and said, ''Your bill was passed by Congress at the last moment, and I come to congratulate you." Morse was greatly delighted, and told the young lady that she should send the first mes- sage over the wires when the line was completed. Morse began to build a line between Washington and Baltimore. At first the wires were put in tubes and buried in the ground, but that did not^j^^^^^^ work well. They were then put on poles, as news by teie- we see them at the present day. When^ twenty- two miles had been finished from Washington toward Baltimore, Morse decided to give the people a surprise. A convention held in Baltimore had nomi- nated a candidate for President. When the conven- tion had acted, a train started with the news to Wash- ington. When the train reached the telegraph wire the news was promptly sent on to Washington ahead of the train. The passengers were much astonished on reaching the city to find that the news was already one or two hours oldr 224 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY When the Hne was finished to Baltimore and the day came to make the test, Morse asked the young The first ^^^J who had brought him word that Con- message, gress had granted him the money, to send the first message. She wrote the words from the Bible ''What hath God wrought ! " After this first message a conversation followed over the wires and the great electric telegraph was declared a success. Many years afterwards C3a-us W. Field decided to lay an electric cable under the Atlantic Ocean, so that The Atlantic mcssagcs could be sent between Europe and Cable, 1866 America. The wires were protected by gutta percha and laid along the ocean bed. Several at- tempts were made before a successful cable was laid. At the present day millions of miles of telegraph and cable wire connect all cities and countries, and the events of each day in all parts of the earth are flashed over the wires and are printed in the papers. Much of our business depends on the telegraph, and we can have the satisfaction of hearing from our relatives and friends from any part of the earth in a few hours. QUESTIONS Who was Samuel F. B. Morse? How was the idea of an electric telegraph suggested to him? What did he think and plan? What did he work on and what did he write? How did he work when he reached New York? What did his friends think? What did he finally show his friends? How was the TEXAS BECOMES A PART OF THE UNITED STATES 225 instrument tested? What appropriation did Congress make? What Hne was started? What was the first plan for laying the wires? What surprise did Morse give the people of Washing- ton? What was the first message sent over the completed wires? Who laid a cable under the Atlantic Ocean? What can you say of telegraph and cable lines at the present day? LESSON 64 TEXAS BECOMES A PART OF THE UNITED STATES The hero of the independence of Texas was Sam Houston (Hu'-ston). He was born in Virginia and moved to Tennessee when he was thirteen sam years old. His brothers placed him in a ^o"*°" trader's store as clerk, but he did not like this tame life and ran away to live with the Cherokee Indians. The chief adopted him as his son, and made him dress in Indian fashion and learn the Indian language. During the War of 1812 Houston was an officer under General Jackson in the battle of Horseshoe Bend. As he was leading his men against the Creek Indians a barbed arrow struck him in the leg. A friend pulled the arrow from the wound and the blood flowed freely. In spite of this Houston remained in the battle. He was so weakened by wounds and loss of blood that he had to be conveyed to his mother's home on a litter, several hundred miles through the rough country. It took him a long time to regain hia health. FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Sam Houston Afterwards Houston began the practice of law in Nash\ille. He was elected a member of Congress and later on became Governor of Tennessee. While he TEXAS BECOMES A PART OF THE UNITED STATES 227 was a candidate for reelection he suddenly resigned his office and left the state. He went again to the Cherokee Indians, and found the old chief Abandons who had adopted him as a son. He took p^^^**^^® up the life and habits of the tribe. He dressed like the Indians, spoke their language, and sat on the floor of the chief's cabin, eating hominy out of the same dish with him and his friends. After a year he went to Washington to see his friend Andrew Jackson, who was the President of the United States, in order to protest against the way the Indian agents were treating the Red men. He declared the agents were swindling the Indians in buying their lands for such trifles as a blanket, a flask of powder, or a bottle of whiskey. After that the swindling agents were removed and the Indians had better treatment. Houston now left his Cherokee friends and moved to Texas. That great country was a part of Mexico, but many of the inhabitants were settlers from jj^^^^^^^ the United States. The Texans were tired of moves to the treatment they received from Mexico, and finally declared themselves free and independent. This brought on a war between Texas and Mexico. Sam Houston was elected commander-in-chief of the Texas army. The most noted event in the war was the capture by a large Mexican fn^op of an old mission near San 228 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Antonio called the Alamo (Ah' -la- mo). Inside the fort were one hundred and fifty -five Texans besieged by a The Massa- thousand or more Mexicans. The brave com- creatthe mander answered the demand for smTender by a cannon shot. He said, " I shall never surrender or retreat." After a ten days' siege the Mexicans stormed the fort. So great were their num- bers that they 'Humbled over the walls hke sheep." The Texans fought from room to room, using their clubbed rifles and bowie knives, so long as there was one left alive. At last the brave defenders were all slain, not one being spared. After the fort had fallen five Texans who were discovered in hiding were taken out and run through with a bayonet. It was a dreadful massacre, and fired the hearts of the Texans for revenge. In addition to this outrage, the Mexicans had cap- tured a number of soldiers at Fort Goliad and taken them prisoners of war. After the soldiers had sur- rendered their arms and were expecting to be sent home on parole, the Mexicans marched them out of the fort and shot them to death. Santa Anna, the Mexican general, paid dearly for his cruelty. General Houston pursued him and over- Battieof San took him at the iSan Jacinto (San Ha-thm-to) Jacinto, 1836 j^-^gj.^ The soldiers went into battle cry- ing: "Remember the Alamo! Remember the Ala^ TEXAS BECOMES A PART OF THE UNITED STATES 22& mo!" The Mexicans fled before them and were cut down with great slaughter. Santa Anna was captured, over six hundred of his men killed, and the independ- ence of Texas was secured. Texas became known as the ''Lone Star Republic/' because it had a flag with one star. Sam Houston was the first President after its independence ^^^ ^^^^_ had been recognized. Texas applied for ad- sionof mission into the Union. The request was granted after eight years of opposition by the northern states, on the ground that Texas would be a slave state, and already there was bitter opposition to the ex- tension of slave territory. QUESTIONS Who was Sam Houston? What were the incidents of his early Ufe? What happened to him at the battle of Horseshoe Bend? What public offices did he hold? What did he do while governor of Tennessee? Where did he go? Why did he go to Washington? What did he declare? Into what country did Houston move? What can you say of Texas? What did the Texans declare? What position was given to Houston? Describe the massacre of the Texans at the Alamo. What had happened at Fort Goliad? Describe the battle of San Jacinto. What name was given to Texas? What office did Houston hold? What did Texas apply for? With what opposition did the application meet? 230 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY LESSON 65 WE ACQUIRE THE PACIFIC SLOPE Mexico had never yielded her claim to Texas. When that state became a part of the United States Mexico took offence, and the relations between the two countries were by no means friendly. The southern part of Texas was disputed territory and the Mexi- can troops there soon came into conflict with the American troops. This brought on war between the two countries. The war with Mexico lasted nearly two years. General Zachary Taylor Gen. WiNFiELD sco^ drove the Mexicans out of the lower part of Texas and held that territory ^^^^i^j^ for the United States. General Winfield Mexico, Scott marched from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico, defeating the Mexican army in every engage- ment and finally capturing the city itself. During the war the Mexicans did not win a single battle. A treaty of peace was signed by which Mexico gave up to the United States all the territory of New Mexico and California, and the Rio Grande was recog- nized as the southern boundary of Texas. The United States paid Mexico $15,000,000 and agreed to WE ACQUIRE THE PACIFIC SLOPE 231 settle $3,500,000 worth of Mexican debts due to American citizens. An Alfalfa Field in California In the meantime a treaty had been made with Eng- land by which the Oregon territory was divided be- tween that country and the United States. The Oregon Thus by the treaties with Mexico and with territory England our territory was extended from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The new territory covered an area of about a milUon and a quarter square miles. Nine days before the signing of the treaty with 232 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Mexico, gold was discovered in California. Captain Sutter had built a fort where the city of Sacramento Discovery of ^^^ stauds. Fifty miles above it on a branch gold in cau- of the American River he was havins; a saw- forma, 1848 .,i i -i ^ <• i i m i • mill built. One of the men, while watching the water in the mill-race, observed shining particles h rom a painting Sutter's Mth, a.nd Racf. in the sand. It occurred to him that they might be gold. Hastily gathering as many of the particles as he could, he mounted a horse and rode to Sutter's fort. WE ACQUIRE THE PACIFIC SLOPE 233 Here he and Sutter examined the particles and found that they really were gold. Big Trees of California In a short time the fact became known. News was carried to the seacoast and thence to all parts of the world. Gold had been discovered in Cali- ^ The rush to forma! A wild rush to the gold fields ensued, the gold Everybody began digging for gold and stories ^ ' were told of fortunes made in a week. Gold hunters and settlers hurried overland and by sea into California. In a little over a year as many as a hundred thousand people moved to the Pacific slope. From a place of a 234 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY few cabins and stores, San Francisco sprang into a city of twenty thousand inhabitants. Gold was discovered in other places in the West, and crowds of immigrants poured into its vast and fertile plains. Long wagon trains crossed the prairies, the women and the children riding in the great covered wagons that contained the household goods, the men walking and keeping a sharp lookout for Indians and wild beasts. Some of these immigrants came from the South, bringing ideas of slavery, and some came from the North, bringing ideas of freedom. Therefore, in some of the states of the West, when they applied for admission to the Union, there were strife and blood- shed over the question of slavery. QUESTIONS What had Mexico never yielded? How did Mexico feel towards the United States? What brought about war? How long did the war with Mexico last? What did General Taylor do? What did General Scott do? What can you say of the Mexicans during the war? What were the conditions of the treaty of peace? What other treaty had been made in the meantime? To where did our new possessions reach? How much area did they cover? What event happened in Cali- fornia about this time? Describe the discovery of gold. De- scribe the excitement it created. How did the Pacific slope grow in population? What can you say of San Francisco? What can you say of immigrants to the West? What was the c^use of much strife and bloodshed in the West? HEROES OF THE CIVIL WAR LESSON 66 ABRAHAM LINCOLN For a long time the northern states and the south- ern states had differed on the subject of slavery. The people of the South not only desired to keep their slaves but wished to carry them into the West, as that territory was opened to settlers. The people of the North were not only opposed to slavery in the western states, but many of them were openly opposed to slavery anywhere. Abolition societies were formed in many places in the North for the purpose of bringing about the free- ing of the slaves. Runaway slaves escaping slavery dis- from the South into the North were often p"*^' kept in hiding and aided to get beyond the reach of their masters. When the people of the territory of Kansas were left to settle the question for themselves, settlers from the North advocating no slavery and settlers from the South determined on slavery moved in, and a condition of war existed for several years during which many persons were killed. 235 236 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Among the most fanatical of the abolitionists was John Brown. He and his sons had engaged actively John Brown in the Kansas war. Going to Virginia with a raid, 1859 ^^nd of twenty followers he seized the arsenal at Harper's Ferry. He then called on the slaves to rise and arm themselves. To his surprise the slaves did not rise, nor did anyone else come to his aid. Brown was captured and hanged for inciting an insur- rection. This incident is known as the "John Brown Raid." It can easily be seen that all this aggravated the bad feeling between the North and the South. The South insisted that under the Constitution it had a right to hold slaves, and that the North should not interfere with that right. The North insisted that slavery was a great wrong, that it should not spread beyond the limits of the South, and indeed that it ought to be altogether abolished. During this state of feeling Abraham Lincoln of Illinois was elected Presidert of the United States. Abraham Liucolu was oue of the truly great men of the Lincoln natiou. He was born in a log cabin in Ken- tucky, of very poor parents. When a boy his parents moved to Indiana, and later on, when Lincoln was twenty-one, the family moved to Illinois. His early years were spent in great hardship. He went to school not more than twelve months in all his life. ABRAHAM LINCOLN 237 Abraham Lincoln When he reached Illinois he did any kind of work that he could find. He cut down trees, and so great was his skill and strength that it was said he ms early could sink an axe deeper into a tree than any ^^® other man in Illinois. He spHt rails and built fences; 238 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY he worked on a flatboat down the Mississippi River, and then clerked in a store. Whatever he did, he did well, and he was admired by all his friends. Like nearly all great men he was fond of reading, and even Lincoln Reading when a boy, after a day's hard work, he would sit before a fire and by its light read some book he had borrowed from a neighbor. After a while he began to practice law and was sent to the legislature. He be- came noted for his plain, common- sense way of speak- ABRAHAM LINCOLN 239 ing, his homely wisdom, and for his humor. He seemed to have a story to fit every occasion. He was called '^ Honest Abe," because he always said and did what he thought was right. At one time he engaged in a great debate with Stephen A. Douglas. Both were candidates for the United States Senate. The two men went ^. , Lincoln- from town to town discussing, before large Douglas de- crowds, the subject of slavery in the terri- tories. Lincoln was defeated, but his speeches were printed in all the papers, were read by everybody, and made him famous. Lincoln was the candidate of the Republican party for President, the party whose principles were opposed to slavery. He had expressed his sentiments in these words: ''A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure half slave and half free. I do not expect the house to fall, but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other." Lincoln was President during the four years of the Civil War. During the war he issued his famous proc- lamation freeing the slaves in the states en- Freeing the gaged in war against the Union. He said: ^i^^^^' ^^ea ''My paramount object is to save the Union. If I could save the Union without freeing any slaves, I would do it. If I could save it by freeing all of the 240 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY slaves, I would do it. If I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would also do that." After the surrender of the Southern army, Lincoln was assassinated in Washington City while sasshiated" Seated in a box at a theatre. He died the next lies ^*' day. The nation was thrown into great grief over the deplorable event, for he was ad- mired, honored, and respected by all people from all sections of the country. QUESTIONS What did the people of the South desire about slavery? What was the attitude of the people of the North? What can you say of abolition societies? Of runaway slaves? Of the trouble in Kansas? What had John Brown and his sons done in Kansas? What was the John Brown raid? What did the South insist upon? What did the North insist upon? Who was elected President under this condition? What can you say of Lincoln? Of his early life? Of his character? What can you say of his life in Illinois? What can you say of his fondness for learning? What name did he acquire? What can you say of the Lincoln-Douglas debate? How had Lincoln expressed his sentiments? What did he say was his object in freeing the slaves? What happened to Lincoln after the close of the Civil War? JEFFERSON DAVIS 241 LESSON 67 JEFFERSON DAVIS As soon as it became known that Lincoln was elected President of the United States, South Caro- lina passed an ''ordinance of secession," which ^^ confed- meant that that state withdrew from the erate states Union. In a short time ten other southern states also withdrew, making eleven in all. These states united to form a separate government called ''The Confederate States of America." The names of the Confederate States are, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas. The first cap- ital of the Confederate States was Montgomery, Ala- bama, but as soon as the war began the capital was changed to Richmond, Virginia. Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, was elected Presi- dent of the Confederate States. He was born in Ken- tucky not more than a hundred miles from jefferson the birthplace of Lincoln. He was eight ^*^^ months older than Lincoln. In early life Davis had moved to Mississippi and had grown up familiar with slaveholding conditions. When he was sixteen years old he went to the West Point Military Academy, and was trained to be a soldier. He was in the Indian wars of the West, and rendered valuable service as a soldier in the war with Mexico. He was elected senator 242 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Jefferson Davis from Mississippi, and became the champion of the right of the southern people to hold slaves, and of the exten- sion of slavery in the states and territories of the West if the people there desired to have ito JEFFERSON DAVIS 243 The great purpose of President Davis was to pre^ serve the rights of the states as guaranteed by the Constitution. He beheved that the Union ^ , Purpose and was an agreement among all the states for opinions of certain purposes expressed in the Constitu- tion itself, and that slaveholding was one of the things that each state had the right to decide for itself, and with which the general government had no right to interfere. He maintained that the rights of the states were more sacred than the Union itself, and that when one section of the country violated the Con- stitution, the other sections were no longer bound by it. Davis was President of the Confederate States dur- ing the four years of the Civil War, as Lincoln was President of the United States. He lived Davis during during these trying years in Richmond, Vir- *^® ^" ginia, the capital of the Confederacy. At the close of the war, and when the last hope of success for the southern army had gone, and the northern soldiers were about to capture Richmond, President Davis left the capital and traveled southward. He was arrested in Georgia, held on the charge of treason, and thrown into prison. His case was never brought to trial. After two years he was released and retired to his home in Mississippi. Here he spent the remainder of his life in dignified retirement, dying at the age of eighty- one years. 244 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Davis will ever remain dear to the hearts of the South. Great as an orator and statesman, steadfast in the belief that the cause of his people was just, patient and uncomplaining under misfortune and abuse, he will ever have the respect, admiration, and affection of the southern people. QUESTIONS What ordinance did South Carolina pass? What did it mean? How many states followed? What government did they form? Under what name? Name the Confederate States. What was the first capital of the Confederacy? What was the second? Who was elected President of the Confederate States? Where was Davis born? To what state had he moved in early life? Where was he trained to be a soldier? In what wars did he serve? Of what was he an advocate in the Senate? What was his great purpose? What did he believe about the Union? About slaveholding? What did he maintain about the rights of the states? Where did Davis live during the war? What did he do at the close of the war? What can you say of his im- prisonment? Where and at what age did he die? What can you say of him? LESSON 68 STONEWALL JACKSON The Civil War began by the bombardment of Fort Sumter in the harbor of Charleston, South Carolina. The fort held a garrison of northern soldiers and a vessel had arrived outside the harbor with still more STONEWALL JACKSON 245 troops to add to those already in the fort. This was considered by President Davis an act of hostihty. The surrender of the fort was demanded; the demand was refused, and accordingly the fort was fired upon. The bombardment lasted thirty- four hours until the fort was almost in ruins. After a brave defence the commander surrendered and Fort Sumter fell Bombard- into the hands of the Confederacy. The news of "^^nt of Fort ^ Sumter, the bombardment and surrender of Fort Sum- April 12, ter created intense excitement everywhere. President Lincoln called for seventy- five thousand soldiers to carry on the war, and President Davis called for volunteers to resist invasion. The war was begun, and both sides prepared in earnest for the deadly conflict. Virginia was the main battle ground of the war, and the capture of Richmond was one of the main objects of the northern army. The cry was: " On ^..^.^^ ^^^^^^^ to Richmond!" A splendid army marched of Manassas, out of Washington with banners and music. Crowds of people went along in wagons and carriages. A southern army had been gathered to meet the ad- vancing enemy, and the two hosts met at Manassas Junction. Then occurred the first great battle of the war, known as the battle of Manassas or Bull Run. It was a great Confederate victory. The northern troops were driven back; then they began to run, and finally 246 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY General Thomas J. Jackson they broke into a disorderly panic and rout, many of them not stopping until they were safe in Washington €ity. At one time in the battle General Thomas J. Jack- STONEWALL JACKSON 247 son had rallied his troops on a hill and was being fiercely attacked. An officer cried out, "General, they are beating us back!" "Then, sir," said stonewau Jackson, "we will give them the bayonet." Jackson Jackson and his men stood firm. Another Confeder- ate officer pointing to him called out to his own troops, "There stands Jackson like a stone wall!" From that time Jackson was known as Stonewall Jackson. Jackson had been reared on a farm in Virginia, and educated at the Military Academy at West Point. He was very religious, teaching in the Sunday school, and often gathering the slave children about him to read the Bible to them. He never smoked, drank intoxi- cating liquors, or used profane language. It was his custom to pray long and earnestly before a battle was to be fought. Jackson was one of the greatest soldiers of the war. He was a military genius who inspired his troops with deep affection and confidence. If Jackson ^heVaUe was in command they felt sure of victory, campaign, At one time during the war when the north- ern army was pressing on Richmond, Jackson with fifteen thousand men made a remarkable campaign in the Shenandoah valley. He marched his little army over four hundred miles in forty days, defeated four armies in succession sent against him, came so near Washington as to throw that city into the greatest. ^48 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY alarm, and captured and killed seven thousand of the enemy's forces. This is known as Jackson's Valley Campaign, and is considered one of the greatest feats in military history. After the war had been in progress for two years, at the battle of Chancellorsville, Jackson had ridden out Death of iu frout of his own troops to reconnoiter the Jackson position of the enemy. When he returned it was nearly dark. His own men, thinking Jackson's party to be a body of northern calvary, fired upon them. Jackson fell from his horse mortally wounded. He died in a few days saying, "Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees." When Lee heard that Jackson was dead he wept and said, "I have indeed lost my right arm." QUESTIONS How did the Civil War begin? What did Fort Sumter hold? What had arrived? What did President Davis consider an act of hostility? What then happened? What became of Fort Sumter? What preparations were made for war? What was one of the main objects of the North? Where was thg first great battle of the war fought? What was it called? What was the result? How did Jackson get the name of Stonewall? Wliat can j^ou say of the early life of Jackson? What were some of his habits? What can you say of him as a soldier? Describe the incidents of the Valley Campaign. How was Jackson accidentally killed? ROBERT E. LEE 249 LESSON 69 ROBERT E. LEE The year after the battle of Manassas the northern army, under the command of General George B. McClellan, attempted to capture Richmond in the campaign known as the Peninsular Campaign. McClellan came within ten miles of Richmond — near enough to see the smoke from the chimneys — but in a series of battles lasting a week he was compelled to aban- don his purpose. While this campaign was in progress, Robert E. Lee was made commander-in-chief of the Con- federate army. It is conceded General Rob- that he was the greatest general of the war. ert E.Lee jj^ ^lad been trained as a soldier at the Military Academy at West Point. He had served in the Mexican War as an engineer, building bridges, laying out roads, and constructing forts. AVhen the war came on he was a colonel in the United States army, and said he would give a million slaves, if he had them, to save the Union, but that he could not draw his sword against Virginia, his native state. General George B. McClellan 250 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY When Lee took command of the southern army he showed his mihtary genius by using his smaller forces Defeats the ^^ ^o\d in check the great armies sent against him. General John Pope was defeated in the second battle of Manassas, and Lee invaded Maryland. A great battle was fought near Sharps- burg, on Antietam Creek, which was so undecided that northern armies Last Meeting of Lee and Jackson Lee returned to Virginia. General A. E. Burnside was next sent out with an army which Lee completely routed at Fredericksburg. General Joseph Hookei' likewise met defeat at the battle of Chancellorsville. Lee had proved himself more than a match for the northern generals. ROBERT E. LEE 261 General Robert E. Lee After the war had been going on for two years the great battle of Gettysburg was fought. It ^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^ was the greatest battle of the Civil War, Gettysburg. and was the turning point of the fortunes of the southern army in the East. The battle was fought 252 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY three days in succession. On the last day occurred the famous charge of General Pickett against the northern breastworks. The southern troops — vet- erans by this time — moved across a valley a mile wide, charged a hill where the enemy was established, and with desperate courage tried to capture their guns. The slaughter of men was dreadful. The roar of can- non, the rattle of musketry, the smoke of battle, and the cries of wounded men made a scene long to be remembered. In spite of these heroic efforts the Confederate troops were defeated, and Lee retired across the Poto- sufferin of ^^^ ^^^^ Virginia. The army was worn out the southern with much fighting. There were no more troops to take the places of the dead. Nearly every man in the South who could bear arms had been enlisted for the war. Supplies of all kinds were scarce. The soldiers were poorly paid and badly clothed. From this time it was a question of wearing out in face of a great army whose ranks could easily be filled, and who were supplied with everything needed for successful warfare. The northern war vessels blockaded the southern ports, so that no supplies could be brought from foreign countries. This brought on a scarcity of medi- cine, salt, ammunition, guns, and army supplies. The southern people bravely endured their hardships. ULYSSES S. GRANT 253 The women knitted socks for the soldiers, cut up their curtains, and wove their carpets into suppHes for the army. QUESTIONS What attempt did McClellan make and what was the name of the campaign? How near to Richmond did McClellan come? What was he compelled to do? Who was made commander-in- chief of the southern army? Where was Lee trained to be a soldier? What service had he seen? What position did he hold in the United States army when the war came on? What had he said? How did he show his genius? In what battle was Pope defeated? What was the result of the battle of Antietam? Where was Burnside defeated? Where did Hooker meet defeat? What was the greatest battle of the war? De- scribe the charge of General Pickett. What was Lee com- pelled to do? What was the condition of his army by this time? What had the northern war vessels done? What did this bring about? How did the southern women show their devotion to the cause? LESSON 70 ULYSSES S. GRANT The war plan of the North was first to capture Richmond and drive the Confederates out of Virginia; second, to get control of the Mississippi River; third, to march an army through the heart of the South and completely enfold the Confederacy within the toils of two great armies. Accordingly, while the war was going on in Virginia; 254 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY as we have seen, a campaign was also in progress in the West. Early in the war the northern army cap- tured Fort Henry on the Tennessee River, and campaigns Fort Don- ^^t^^^west elson on the Cum- berland River. Thus Kentucky and Tennessee fell into the hands of the northern army. Then followed the great battle of Shiloh on the line between Mississippi and Tennessee in which the Confeder- ate general, Albert Sidney Johnston, was killed, and the southern army was driven back into Mississippi. Shortly afterwards New Orleans was captured by a northern fleet under command of Admiral Farragut. Later on Farragut entered Mobile Bay and closed that port. In a campaign of a few months the northern army had gained control of the Mississippi with the exception of Port Hudson and Vicksburg. General Albert Sidney Johnston ULYSSES S, GRANT 255 Farragut in Mobile Bay General Ulysses S. Grant was placed in command of the Union forces in the West. He set vigorously to work to besiege Vicksburg. The city was surrender of bombarded with shells until the terrified in- vicksburg, habitants were driven to caves in the hill- ^* sides and into the cellars of houses for protection. Food gave out and starvation drove the people to eat- ing mule meat at a dollar a pound. Finally Vicks- burg surrendered on the day that Lee began his re- treat from Gettysburg. 256 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY General Ulysses S. Grant The surrender of Vicksburg was the turning point of the war in the West. The Mississippi was now en- tirely under control of the North, and all supplies from the West were completely cut off from the southern army. ULYSSES S. GRANT 257 General Grant was from this time the greatest gen- eral of the northern army. He had been a student at West Point, and while there was known as General the best horseman in his class. He stood well ^•^' ^'"^^^ in mathematics. He served in the Mexican War and was mentioned in the reports as behaving 'Svith dis- tinguished gallantry." After the Mexican War Grant engaged in farming, but without success. He tried the real estate business, but that also was a failure. Shortly before the opening of the Civil War he took a position as clerk in a leather store in Illinois. When President Lincoln called for volunteers Grant offered his services and entered upon his great career as a soldier. Grant was made commander-in-chief of the north- ern army and took active charge of the campaign in Virginia. Here he faced Lee in many hard- ^^^^^ ^^^ fought battles. With an army of 120,000 LeemVir- men he forced Lee back in spite of the loss of ^^^^^ thousands of men. He said he ''intended to fight it out on this line if it took all summer." General Lee's army grew smaller and weaker, and Grant's troops pressed him nearer and nearer to Richmond. The end of the war was not far off. In the meantime the third part of the war plan of the North was being carried out in the South, of which we shall study in the next lesson. 258 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY QUESTIONS What were the purposes of the war plan of the North? What forts had been captured in the West? What states fell into the hands of the North? What great battle was fought on the Hne of Tennessee and Mississippi? What general was killed in this battle? Who was placed in command of the Union forces in the West? Describe the siege and surrender of Vicksburg. What can you say of the surrender of Vicksburg? What can you say of General Grant? Where was he educated': In what war had he served? In what business had he engaged? What was he doing when the war opened? What was he made after the surrender of Vicksburg? What campaign did he take charge of? What did he force Lee to do? What did Grant say of his plan? LESSON 71 THE END OF THE CIVIL WAR We are now to see how the Civil War was brought to a close. After the surrender of Vicksburg the northern army marched across Tennessee. The southern army retired to Chattanooga. At Chickamauga a desperate battle was fought, after which the southern army with- drew into Georgia. General William T. Sherman took command of the northern army in the West. General Grant, in Virginia, directed him to march into Georgia and capture Atlanta. With an army of a hundred thousand men he started on his campaign through the Confederacy, THE END OF THE CIVIL WAR 259 carrying out the third part of the war plan of the North. Sherman was opposed by Joseph E. Johnston, the Con- federate general. From Chatta- nooga to Atlanta there was fighting constantly for two months. At last Sherman reached At- lanta, captured that city, and almost destroyed it by fire. In the meantime General Hood had succeeded Johnston in com- mand of the southern army. Sherman captures Atlanta, September, 1864 Gen. Wm. T. Sherman Gen. Jos. E. Johnston Hood took his forces into Tennessee, where his army was broken in pieces in the battles around The march Nashville. This left Sher- *° '^' ''^ man without opposition to continue his ^' march to the sea." With an army of sixty thousand men he started for Savannah, his troops living on the country as they moved. They tore up the railroads in their path, burning the ties and wrapping the heated rails around They burned gin houses and cot- in fact, made the trunks of trees ton crops, killed cows, hogs, sheep, and 260 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY a track of desolation forty miles wide through the heart of Georgia. Savannah was captured, and Sherman turned north- ward, marching through South Carolina and North Carolina on his way to unite his forces with Grant in Sherman Marching Through Georgia Virginia. The city of Columbia in South CaroUna was burned by northern soldiers, and by '' bummers " who followed the army in great numbers. In the meantime General Grant had forced General Lee back upon Richmond. The southern army was reduced to a mere handful of ragged and starved men, and Richmond could not be defended longer. THE END OF THE CIVIL WAR 261 Lee's lines .were broken, and President Davis and his Cabinet left Richmond. It was useless to con- tinue the struggle. Grant and Lee met by xhesurren- appointment at a farmhouse near Appo- ^er of Gen- mattox Court House and agreed on terms of April 9,' surrender. Lee's soldiers laid down their arms and agreed not to take them up again during the war. General Grant was a generous and manly foe. He ordered the Confederate soldiers to be supplied with food from his own stores, and gave each man his horse or mule to take home with him to use in the "spring plowing." When his own soldiers desired to fire a salute in honor of the surrender he stopped them, say- ing it was not right to exult m the downfall of an enemy. After" a few weeks all the southern armies surren- dered, and the great war was over. The soldiers on both sides returned to their homes and engaged in peaceful pursuits. Everybody was glad that the struggle was ended and the killing of brave men would go on no longer. The war had cost vast sums of money, at one time rising on the northern side to three million dollars a day. Over six hundred thou- sand men had been killed in battle or had died of wounds and disease in hospitals. The war settled the question of secession. Our 262 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY country is to be an unbroken Union of states. We shall remain one nation, under one government, and What the be a united people henceforth. The war ^ar settled ^jg^ settled the question of slavery. The negroes are free. They have taken their places as citizens of our common country, and are gradually coming to an understanding of their opportunities and responsibilities. QUESTIONS What were the movements of both armies after the fall of Vicksburg? Where was a desperate battle fought? What did Sherman undertake? Who opposed him? What city did he capture? What became of Hood? Describe the march to the sea. What can you say of Sherman's further movements? What was going on in Virginia? What was the condition of the southern army? What did Grant and Lee do? What did Lee's men do? What did Grant order to be done? What can you say of the cost of the war? How many men had been lost? What two questions were settled by the war? A REUNITED PEOPLE LESSON 72 / AFTER THE WAR Now that the war was over the general government set about reconstructing the Southern States. Each state before it was allowed to reenter the TT • • 1 J. 1 J. i • 1 Reconstrac- Union was required to adopt certain amend- tionofthe ments to the Constitution. The thirteenth f^^l"" amendment abolished slavery in all the states and territories. The fourteenth amendment made the negroes citizens and gave them the protection of the law. The fifteenth amendment gave the negroes the right to vote. It was several years before all the Southern States adopted these amendments, but finally they all agreed to them, and the Union of the states was restored. The era of reconstruction of the South was a sad one. The states that were out of the Union were placed under military rule, and many of the ^^^ best white people in the South were not baggers in allowed to vote or hold office. Adventurers called ^'carpet-baggers " flocked into the South, de- ceived the negroes with all kinds of promises, and 2G4 FIRST LESSONS IX AMERICAN HISTORY aided worthless and dishonest persons to secure office. Even the negroes, who a few years before were work- ing in the fields, were made judges and members of the legislature. To protect themselves against evil white men and negroes there was organized in the South a secret society known as the Ku-Klux Klan. When the Ku- Klux rode the members were masked, and spread ter- ror among the negroes. The fear of this society held the vicious negroes in check, and drove many evil- doers out of the South. While this condition of things lasted a bitter quarrel was going on between Andrew Johnson, President of Impeach- ^^^ United States, and Congress. President mentof Johusou and Congress had very different President ^ . i oi i Johnson, idcas about reconstructing the bouthern States. The quarrel finally led to the im- peachment of the President and his trial by the Senate. It was the first time in the history of our country that a President had been impeached, and the trial, which lasted two months, excited deep interest. On the day the votes were counted it was found that Johnson, by a majority of one vote, was declared not guilty. After the Southern States had been restored to the Union, the people of the South set bravely to work to build up their wasted fortunes. Before many years the AFTER THE WAR 265 FicKiNG Cotton cotton crop was more than double what it was before the war. The South now produces from ten to twelve miUion bales of cotton each year, — about progress of three-fourths of the cotton crop of the world. *^' ^°^*'' Before the war there were few, if any, cotton mills in the South. To-day there are many hundreds of such mills and every year adds to their number. In addition to raising cotton, the people of the South are turning their attention to the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, and the fruit crop is becoming a rival of the cotton crop. The coal and iron industry is being rapidly developed in Alabama and Tennessee; 266 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY the oil mills of Texas and Louisiana are pouring out millions of barrels of oil ; the great forest areas of pine and hardwood are engaging the sawmill and the lumber dealer, until the South has now more than regained its losses by war, and is again a prosperous section of our common country. QUESTIONS What did the general government now do? What was each state required to do before it could reenter the Union? What was the thirteenth amendment? The fourteenth? The fif- teenth? What was the condition in the South at this time? What can you say of the " carpet-baggers " and the negroes? What was the purpose of the Ku-Klux Klan? What quarrel was going on at this time? Describe the impeachment of the President. What was the result? What did the southern people do after the war? What can you say of the cotton crop? Of cotton mills? What other industries engage the attention of the South? What can you say of coal and iron? •Of oil mills? Of the forest woods? What has the South done? LESSON 73 PROGRESS OF THE COUNTRY Our country has made great progress since the close of the Civil War. While Andrew Johnson was Presi- The urch e ^^^^ *^^ territory of Alaska was purchased oflFi^^^^from Russia for $7,200,000. It was not con- sidered a bargain at the time, but its seal fisheries and gold mines have made it a very valuable addition to our country. PROGRESS OF THE COUNTRY 267 Our western states and cities have grown wonder- fully in population and wealth. Chicago, which began as a frontier fort and remained for ten years The growtt a small town, has grown into a great city of of the west over two million inhabitants. Many places that were mining camps fifty years ago are now large and flour- Baling Hay on a Western Farm ishing cities. At one time the mail was carried across the prairies by the "pony express," and passengers went by stagecoach, but since the building of the great Pacific Railroads hundreds of thousands of passengers travel to the West with every comfort. Vast fields of wheat and corn are planted; great herds of cattle. 268 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY sheep, and hogs are raised on the ranches, and the regions that were once the homes of the Indians and the range of the buffalo are now the abode of a pros- perous people. Inventions have kept pace with our industries. We have already seen that America contributed the cot- ton ffin, the steamboat, and the electric tele- Inventions o / / graph to human progress. In addition to these we might mention the iron- clad war vessel in- vented by Ericsson, the reaper and harvester invented by McCormick, the sewing machine invented by Howe, the sleeping car invented by Pullman, as well as such inventions as the revolving printing press, the type- writer, and hundreds of others. There are by this time over a million patents for inventions and improvements issued by the Patent Office in Washington to the inventors of our country. Thomas A. Edison is probably the greatest of all living inven- tors. It is to him we Thomas a. owe the electric Hght, ^^'°^ the phonograph, the moving- Thoma9 a. Edison picture machine, and many other electrical and mechanical inventions. He has been a tireless worker. It is said that at one time he worked PROGRESS OF THE COUNTRY 269 sixty hours on an invention without rest of any kind. Often he has worked all night on a hard problem. Once he said that he owed his success to the fact that he ''never looked at the clock." He has a splen- did laboratory at Menlo Park in which he has done so many wonderful things that people have come to call him "the wizard of Menlo Park." Another great American invention is the telephone. It was invented by Alexander Graham Bell. He was a teacher of the deaf and dumb, and The while experimenting with the vibration of '®^^p^o°® sound he unexpectedly discovered how sound could be reproduced by electricity at the end of a long wire. His first instrument was used to reproduce in the attic of his house musical notes made in the cellar. The telephone was first exhibited at the Centennial J^xhibi- tion in Philadelphia, where it attracted much atten- tion. Improvements were rapidly made, and the tele- phone is now widely used in the homes and business houses of the people. Our large cities are connected by long-distance telephones, so that one can talk with his friends hundreds of miles away in distant parts of the countrj^ QUESTIONS What can you say of the purchase of Alaska? What have our western states shown? What can you say of Chicago? of other cities? How were mail and passengers once carried across the prairies? What did the Pacific Railroad do for the West? 270 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY What can you say of the industries of the West? What American inventions can you mention? How many patents have been issued? What can you say of Edison? What has he invented? What can you say of Edison as a worker? To what did he say he owed his success? What name have people given him? Who invented the telephone? In what way was it invented? What was the first instrument used for? Where was it first exhibited? What can you say of the use of the telephone to-day? LESSON 74 THE WAR WITH SPAIN General Grant succeeded Andrew Johnson as President. It was during his term of office that the great fire occurred in Chicago, destroying a large por- tion of that city, and that the Centennial Exposition was held at Philadelphia, celebrating the one hundredth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Grant was succeeded by Rutherford B. Hayes. Then followed James A. Garfield, who was assassi- nated by a disappointed office-seeker. Chester A. Arthur, the Vice-President, became President. After Arthur came Grover Cleveland, who was followed by Benjamin Harrison. Cleveland was elected a second time, and then William McKinley became President. While McKinley was President the war with Spain occurred. The island of Cuba was a Spanish posses- THE WAR WITH SPAIN 271 Gbover Cleveland sion and was in rebellion against the hard rule of Spain. One of our battleships, the Maine, Destruction of lying in the harbor of Havana was blown up l^ebrlSr^is,' by an explosion, and nearly three hundred ^^^® of the crew were lost. It was a terrible disaster, and 272 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY William McKinley many persons thought it had been caused by the Spanish. In a short while the sympathy of the people for the Cubans, as well as the indignation over the destruction of the Maine, demanded some action on the part of our government. Congress passed a resolution authorizing the Presi- dent to use the army and navy of the United States t ) compel Spain to give up her authority in Cuba. THE WAR WITH SPAIN 273 This was the same as a declaration of war, and Presi- dent McKinley called for a hundred and twenty- five thousand soldiers to volunteer for the service. Commodore George Dewey was ordered to attack Manila, the capital of the Philippine Islands, then a Spanish possession. Sailing into the Bay of Manila at night he slipped past the shore bat- j/aniia'Bay, teries of the enemy, and at daybreak began flgg^^^' an attack upon the Spanish fleet. The sol- diers and sailors raised the cry, "Remember the Maine!" The battle lasted for two hours and then the American vessels drew off for breakfast and for a short rest. In a few hours the battle was renewed, and after an hour the ships of the enemy were com- pletely destroyed, or were at the mercy of Dewey and his fleet. Not an American ship was lost, nor was a single American soldier killed in the battle. Manila then fell into the hands of Commodore Dewey and the war in the East was ended. In the meanwhile an American fleet under Captain Sampson and Commodore Schley (Sly) were blocking the harbor of Santiago (San-tr-a'go) de Cuba. Lieutenant Inside was the Spanish fleet, commanded by ^°^^°^ Admiral Cervera (Thar-va'ra), seeking for a chance to escape. In order to obstruct the harbor Lieuten- ant Hobson, of Alabama, with a few companions, sank a coal ship in the channel. It was a daring deed. 274 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY especially as the men were in the full face of the enemy's guns. Hobson and his crew escaped to the Spanish vessels and surrendered as prisoners of war. An army was now landed near Santiago, and the capture of the city was undertaken. After several battles General Shafter, the American gen- o/ce^i^era's eral, capturcd the heights overlooking San- fleet, July 3, ^iago, from which he could easily shell the city and the ships in the harbor. Seeing his danger, Admiral Cervera made a dash for liberty. His vessels, however, were easily overtaken and de- stroyed by the American fleet and he himself was made prisoner. Santiago surrendered and the war ended. By the treaty with Spain we came into possession of the Philippine Islands, Porto Rico, and the island of End of the Guam (Gwam) in the Pacific Ocean, and ^" agreed to pay Spain twenty million dollars. Cuba was declared free and independent, and the Spanish rule in the West Indies came to an end. QUESTIONS Mention two events in the administration of Grant. Name the Presidents that succeeded Grant. Who was President during the war with Spain? What can you say of Cuba? What happened to the Maine? What did many persons think? What was demanded by tlie people? What did Congress authorize? What did McKinley do? Describe the way in RECENT EVENTS 275 which Commodore Dewey captured Manila. What harbor in Cuba was blockaded, and by whom? What was the exploit of Hobson? What heights did General Shafter capture? What did Cervera do and with what result? What did we gain by the treaty with Spain? What did we pay Spain? What did Cuba become? LESSON 75 RECENT EVENTS Soon after the close of the war with Spain President McKinley was assassinated while attending an expo- sition at Buffalo. After lingering a week he Treaty of died, the third martyr President, and was ^"^t^'""^*!! succeeded by Theodore Roosevelt (Ros-e-velt), the Vice-President. During Roosevelt's administration occurred a great war between Russia and Japan, which lasted many months and in which many bloody battles were fought. President Roosevelt offered his services as peacemaker between the two countries. Representatives of Russia and Japan met at Ports- mouth, New Hampshire, and signed a treaty of peace. After President Roosevelt had served the unexpired term of McKinley, he was elected for a term of four years. He was succeeded in 1909 by William H. Taft. In 1912 Woodrow Wilson, the candidate of the Demo- cratic party, was duly elected President. 276 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Theodore Roosevelt The greatest enterprise of modern times is the build- ing of the Panama Canal, which was undertaken by The Panama the United States in 1902. It has cost sev- canai q^^i hundred millions of dollars, but its use is a great sa\' ing of time and expense to vessels going RECENT EVENTS 277 William H. Taft from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Ships going from New York to San Francisco save over seven thousand miles, which is much more than half the distance. 278 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY WooDROW Wilson In the digging of the canal great care has been used to construct barracks for 'the workmen that will pro- tect them from malaria and other diseases. By proper sanitary arrangements the death rate in the canal zone has been greatly reduced. RECENT EVENTS 279 For many years the nations of Europe had been organizing armies, collecting stores of food and muni- tions, building fortifications and ships and in other ways preparing for a great war. It needed but little provocation to bring on a conflict that would involve all Europe. The event which brought on the world war was the assassination of the Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria, who with his wife was on a visit to the town of Sarajevo in Bosnia. It was charged by Austria that citizens of Serbia had instigated the plot, and since Serbia refused to make amends for the deed, Austria declared war July 28, 1914. Russia, as an ally of Serbia, threatened to invade Austria. This brought on a declaration of war by Germany, an ally of Austria, against Russia, iheworid France declared war on Germany, whereupon ^"' ^^^* the German army marched through Belgium and in- vaded Northern France. This brought Belgium and England into the war against Germany. Later on Italy and Japan joined England and her allies, while Turkey and Bulgaria cast their fortunes with Germany and Austria. Thus in a short w^hile England, France, Russia, Italy, Japan and their allies were engaged in a terrible war with Germany, Austria, Turkey and their allies. All Europe soon became one vast camp, and the battle Hues reached many hundreds of miles. 280 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY President Wilson tried to keep the United States out of the war, so long as it could be done with du€ German regard to the rights of American citizens and tiSr ships on the high seas. Germany resorted to the use of submarine torpedo boats, and warned all neutral vessels to keep out of a war zone around the British Isles. May 7, 1915, the Lusitania was sunk by a torpedo, resulting in the loss of many hun- dreds of lives. Over one hundred American citizens were lost in this disaster. Other vessels were sunk and other American lives were lost from time to time. When Germany finally declared a ruthless submarine warfare against all vessels caught in the war zone, re- The United gardless of nationality, character, or purpose declares President Wilson advised Congress, April 2 ^ar 1917, to declare that a state of war existed between this country and Germany. This declara- tion was made and the United States formally entered the great struggle April 6, 1917. QUESTIONS What happened to President McKinley shortly after the wai with Spain? Who succeeded him as President? What service did Roosevelt perform as peacemaker? Who succeeded Roose- velt as President? In 1912 who was elected President? AVhal is the greatest enterprise of mociern times? Of what advantage will the Panama Canal be to commerce ? How did the World Wai begin in 1914, who waged it, and when did we enter it? THE WORLD WAR 281 LESSON 76 THE WORLD WAR Vast sums of money were appropriated by Congress to carry on the war. It was decided to raise an army on the principle of the selective drafts and to selective choose the best men in the country for the ^^^^^ arduous duty of foreign service. The first draft called for all men between the ages of 21 and 31 years. The second draft, about a year later, called for all men be- tween the ages of 18 and 45 years, not included in the first draft. These two drafts enrolled about twenty- three million men, from which a wonderful army of five or six million men was to be selected. All America sprang eagerly into the war, and to the support of the Allies. The resources of the country were poured out without regard to cost, for Training speed was necessary and the Allies were ^^^^^ urging America to make ready as soon as possible. Training camps for the soldiers were built with great rapidity. In a few months, places that were dense forests or open fields became the comfortable quarters of thousands of soldiers. Skilled officers of the regular army, and others specially trained for the emergency, began to train the men as they arrived in camp. It was not long before America had a million men in train- ing and some of them ready for overseas service. The 2S2 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY world marvelled at the way the American people made ready for war, and at the enthusiasm the American soldiers displayed in preparing for service. As time went on more and more nations declared war against Germany and her allies. Before it was over aH the great nations and most of the small ones had declared war, and the map of the world was indeed - V The Map of the Wokld Blackenel) by War black. Nine-tenths of the world's population was at war. Nothing like it was ever heard of before, or even thought to be possible. In Europe the advantage at first had all been on the side of the Germans. Their armies had advanced within a few miles of Paris before the Allies could gather force enough to check this advance and drive them back. The German army then retired to strongly THE WORLD WAR 283 fortified positions and a long period of trench warfare followed. A great offensive movement by the Germans was begun in the spring of 1918. The force of this attack was so staggering that the Allies were driven The German back, but again the Germans were halted o^ensive before they could capture Paris. The war had lasted four terrible years before signs of exhaustion began to appear in the German armies. By this time America was already in the field with large forces to aid the British and French in France, and to do her part in winning the war. The movement of American troops abroad was well under way by the end of 1917. The President had appointed General John J. Pershing, Commander of the American forces in Europe. Our armies at first oper- ated under General Pershing's sole command, though separate units were at times brigaded with French or English divisions for training. The appearance of the American soldiers abroad was greeted everywhere with great enthusiasm. Great transports carried the soldiers over at the rate of about two hundred thousand a month. In spite of the danger of submarines very few lives were . lost, because the transports were convoyed troops in by small and speedy naval vessels called de- "°^® stroyers. Upon their arrival the men were transferred 284 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY rapidly to the front lines to take part in the great battles. Before the close of hostilities America had two million men in Europe and had provided them with every means of effective warfare. At home the people did their part to help win the war. Many billions of dollars were raised by the sale of government bonds, known as Liberty Bonds, and by the sale of War Savings Stamps. Besides, great sums were raised for the welfare work that provided com- fort and support for the men at home and abroad. In 1918 the Alhes decided upon the policy of ap- pointing a commander-in-chief of all the AUied forces, and Marshal Foch, the great French general, was chosen Allied to supreme command. Shortly after his se- offensive lection he decided to take the offensive and attempt to drive the Germans out of the invaded territory. July 18, 1918, Marshal Foch began his great counter attack. Incessantly the blows fell day by day, and slowly the German lines began to crum- ble and their defenses to give way. The onward march of the Allied armies was irresistible. Germany was doomed to defeat. At the end of four years, the power of her adversaries, coupled with the exhaustion of her resources and The end internal disorder, brought Germany to the of the war ^^^ ^f ^^^ strength. Bulgaria, Turkey, and Austria, completely overcome, abandoned the war and THE WORLD WAR 285 begged for peace on any terms. The Kaiser, learing the consequences of defeat, fled into Holland, leaving his country to make terms with the Allies. Germany had already asked for cessation of hostilities, and two FocH AND Pershing days after the flight of the Kaiser an armistice was signed, November 11, 1918. By the terms of the armistice Germany laid down her arms, surrendered the greater part of her fleet, dehvered up large stores of war material and supplies, withdrew from all invaded territory, and agreed to 286 FIRST LESSONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY the occupation of her territory west of the river Rhine. This made Germany powerless to resume the war. By the end of the year 1918 the demobihzing of the troops had begun, and the thoughts of our people were turning toward the problems of peace. Let us hope that this mighty struggle will be to the world such an enduring lesson of the horrors of warfare that the nations may never again ruthlessly break their rela- tions or seek to settle any international differences by force of arms. • QUESTIONS What can you say of the selective draft ? How large an army was to be raised ? What can you say of the training camps ? How many men were ready in a short while? What part of the world's population finally declared war? What can you say of the progress of the war in Europe? How long did the war last? Who was made Commander of the American forces in Europe? Who was in command of the Allied armies ? How many American soldiers were sent overseas? What support was given them by the people at home? When was the counter attack begun? How was the war brought to an end ? REVIEW QUESTIONS When and where was Columbus born? Who aided him in his desire to sail around the world? For what was he seeking? Where did he land? How did the Indians get their name? How many voyages did Co'umbus make? How did America get its name? What Spaniard first saw the waters of the Pacific Ocean? What explorer named the Paicific Ocean, and what was he trying to do? What explorer named Florida and for what was he seeking? What was the fate of Narvaez? Who discovered the Mississippi River? Who explored the plains of the West? Who founded the lost colony of Roanoke? Where was the first permanent Enghsh colony in America established? Who was the hero of Jamestown? Relate the story of John Smith and Poca- hontas. What was the starving time? Where and how was slavery introduced into Virginia? How were the colonists at Jamestown supplied with wives? What young lawyer rebelled against the tyranny of Berkeley? Who settled Plymouth? Who was the hero of the Plymouth Colony? What can you say of Samoset? Of Squanto? Of Canonicus? What can you say of Roger WilUams? Of Mrs. Anne Hutchin- son? Of Thomas Hooker? Who was John Eliot? What was the fate of King Philip? Who discovered the Hudson River? Who settled New York? What can you say of Peter Stuyvesant? Who settled Maryland? Who was William Penn? How did Penn ac- quire a grant in America? Describe Penn's treaty with the Indians. What philosopher drew up a plan of government for 287 288 REVIEW QUESTIONS the Carolinas? Who settled Georgia? What can you say of Oglethorpe? What Frenchman explored the Mississippi? By whom was the claim of France to the Mississippi Valley made? What young sol- dier took a message to the French in the Ohio Valley? Describe the journey of this messenger. How was Braddock defeated? Who captured Quebec and by what strategy? Describe the set- tlers' cabins. How was Sunday observed in the colonies? Describe the pillory and the stocks. What can you say of the witchcraft craze? Describe a journey by stagecoach. Tell why slavery took such a strong hold in the Southern colonies. What were some of the causes of the Revolution? What great orator made a speech in Virginia against the Stamp Act? Describe the Boston Massacre. What can you say of Samuel Adams? De- scribe the Boston Tea Party. Describe Paul Revere's Ride. What was the result of the battle of Lexington? Who was made com- mander-in-chief of the American army? What was the result of the battle of Bunker Hill? Who wrote the Declaration of Inde- pendence? Describe the victory at Trenton. What can you say of the sufferings at Valley Forge? What can you say of Lafayette? Describe the exploits of Francis Marion; of Thomas Sumter. De- scribe the battle of King's Mountain. Where did Cornwallis sur- render? Relate some incident in the life of Benjamin Franklin. Who settled Kentucky? Relate some incident in the life of Daniel Boone. What adventures did George Rogers Clark have? What places did he capture? What territory did Robertson and Sevier explore and settle? What can you say of Sevier? Who was the first President of the United States? What cities have been the capital of the United States? Who invented the cotton gin? What political paity was founded by Thomas Jeffer- REVIEW QUESTIONS 289 son? Who punished the pirates of the Barbary States? By whom was the Louisiana territory purchased? By what two young men was it explored? Who perfected the steamboat? What was the first steamship to cross the ocean? What was the cause of the War of 1812? What was the most famous battle of this war? Who was the hero of the battle of New Orleans? What is the Monroe Doctrine? .What waters does the Erie Canal connect? What can you say of the locomotive "The Best Friend"? Who was called the Mill Boy of the Slashes? What was the Mis- souri Compromise? What name was given Henry Clay and why? Between what two senators occurred a great debate on the tariff? What state passed an ordinance of nullification? Who invented the telegraph? Between what two cities was the first telegraph line built? What was the first message? Describe the massacre at the Alamo. At what battle was the independence of Mexico assured? What territory did we acquire by the treaty with Mexico? How was gold discovered in California? Upon what question did the Northern and Southern states differ? What was the John Brown raid? Who was President of the United States during the Civil War? How did Stonewall Jackson get his name? What can you say of the "Valley Campaign"? What were the circumstances of the death of Stonewall Jackson? Who was the commander-in-chief of the Southern army? Who became com- mander-in-chief of the Northern army? What were the three parts of the war plan of the North? Describe Sherman's march to the sea. Describe the surrender of Lee. What three amendments to the Constitution were made after the war? What did each require? What can you say of the Recon- struction Era in the South? Describe the Ku-Klux Klan. Which President was impeached and why? For how much was Alaska purchased, and from what country? Name some American inven 290 REVIEW QUESTIONS tions. Tell something about Thos. A. Edison. Who invented the telephone? What caused the war with Spain? Who won the battle of Manila Bay? What became of the Spanish fleet in the harbor of Santiago? Describe the exploit of Hobson, What did we acquire by the treaty with Spain? What can you say of the Panama Canal? LIST OF PRESIDENTS. PRESIDENT George Washington . John Adams Thomas Jefferson James Madison . . James Monroe . . . John Quincy Adams Andrew Jackson . . . Martin Van Buren . WiUiam H. Harrison John Tyler James K. Polk . . . Zachary Taylor . . Millard Fillmore. Franklin Pierce . . James Buchanan. Abraham Lincoln Andrew Johnson . Ulysses S. Grant , Rutherford B. Hayes James A. Garfif.ld. . . Chester A. Arthur . . Grover Cleveland . . . Benjamin Harrison . Grover Cleveland . William McKinley . Theodore Roosevelt William H.Taft..., Woodrow Wilson Virginia Massachusetts Virginia Virginia Virginia Massachusetts, Tennessee New York. . . . Ohio.. \irginia Tennessee Louisiana New York .... New Hampshire Pennsylvania Illinois Tennessee Illinois Ohio Ohio New York. . . New York. . . Indiana New York . . . Ohio New York. . . Ohio New Jersey BORN Feb. 22, 1732 Oct. 30, 1735 April 13, 1743 Mar. Iti 1751 April 28, 1758 July 11, 1767 Mar. 15 1767 Dec. 5, 1782 Feb. 9, 1773 Mar. 29, 1770 Nov. 2 1795 .Sept 24, 1784 Feb. 7, 1800 Nov. 23, 1804 Apri 22, 1791 Feb. 12, 1809 Dec. 29, 1808 April 27, 1822 Oct. 4, 1822 Nov. 19, 1831 Oct. 5, 1830 Mar. 18, 1837 Aug. 20, 1833 Mar. 18, 1837 Jan. 29, 1843 Oct. 27, 1858 Sept 15, 1857 Dec. 28, 1856 Dec. 14, 1799 July 4, 1826 July 4, 1826 June 28, 1836 July 4, 1831 Feb. 23, 1848 June 8, 1845 July 24, 1862 April 4, 1841 Jan. 18, 1862 June 15, 1849 July 9, 1850 Mar. 8, 1874 Oct. 8, 1869 June 1, 1868 April 15, 1865 July 31, 1875 July 23, 1885 Jan. 17, 1893 Sept. 19, 1887 Nov. 18, 1886 June 24, 1908 Mar. 13, 1901 June 24, 1908 Sept. 14, 1901 Jan. 6, 1919 INDEX Abraham, Plains of, 107. Adams, John Quincy, 201. Adams, Samuel, 125-128. Airships, 206. Alabama, De Soto in, 29. Alamo, capture of, 228. Alaska purchased, 26G. Albemarle Sound, 79. Alexander, 61. Allegheny River, 100. Amendments to Constitution, 263. America named, 17. Annapolis, 72. Antietam (Sharpsburg), battle of, 250. Apostle to Indians, 59. Appomattox Court House, 261. Arizona crossed by Coronado, 31. Arkansas River, 93. Arthur, Chester A., 270. Atlanta captured, 259. Atlantic Cable, 224. Bacon, Nathaniel, 47. Bahamas, The, 11. Balboa, 18, 19, 20. Baltimore, Lord, 70. Baltimore founded, 72. Barbary pirates, 180. Battle of: Antietam (Sharpsburg), 250. Bloody Marsh, 87, 88. Braddock's Defeat, 104. Brandywine, 145. Bunker Hill, 135. Chancellorsville, 248, 250. Chickamauga, 258. Fredericksburg, 250. Gettysburg, 261, 252. Great Meadows, 101. Horseshoe Bend, 198, 225. King's Mountain, 150. Lake Erie, 195. Lexington, 129-133. Manassas, 245, 250. Battle of: Manila Bay, 273. New Orleans, 199. Princeton, 144. San Jacinto, 228. Saratoga, 145. Shiloh, 254. Trenton, 143, Bell, Alexander Graham, 26S. Berkeley, William, 47. " Best Friend," 202. Bible, Eliot's, 60. Bienville, 98. Biloxi Bay, 97. Blockade, 252. Blockhouse forts. 59. Bloody Marsh, battle of, 87. 88 Boone, Daniel, 157. in Kentucky, 158. exploits of, 159, 100. Boonesborough founded, 157. Boston, founded, 54. Massacre, 126. Tea Party, 128. army around, 133. evacuated, 137. Braddock, General, 102-104. Brandywine, battle of, 145. Brazil, Vespuccius in, 17. Brown, John, 236. Bull Run, battle of, 245. Burgoyne, General, 144. Burnside, Gen. A. E., 250. Cabeza de Vaca, 26. Cabins, settlers', 110. Cable, Atlantic, 224. Cabot, John, 10, 68. Sebastian, 16. California, gold in, 232. Calhoun, John C, 21()-220. Nullification advice, 218. Calvert, George, 70. 293 294 INDEX Calvert, Cecil, 71. Leonard, 71. Canal, Erie, 201. Panama, 270, 27i?. Canary Islands, the, 8. Canonicus, 53. Cape Fear River, 79. Capital of United States, 172. Carolina, colonies in, 79-82. Carpet baRgers, 203. Carver, John, 51, 52. Catholic, Roman, 79. mission, 91. Centennial Exposition, 270. Cervera, Admiral, 273, 274. Champlain, 91. ChancellorsviUe, battle of, 250. Charleston, founded, 80. attack on, 138. captured, 147. Chicago, 207. Chickahominy River, 40. Chickamauga, battle of, 258. Children, colonial, 112. China, search for, 1, S, 04. Christmas, celebration of, 68. Church, colonial, 112. Cibola, seven cities of, 30. Clarendon Colony, 80. Clark and Lewis, expedition of, 185. Clark, George Rogers, 101-104. Clay, Henry, 207-211. Clermnn!, the, 189-192. Cleveland, Grover, 270. Columbia burned, 200. Columbia River, ISO. Columbus, his early life, 1. his trials, 3. helped by Isabella, 4-6. first voyage of, 7. reception in Spain, 11, 12. other voyages, 13, 14. death of, 15. Compromise, Missouri, 210. with South Carolina, 220. Concord, troops in, 130-132. Confederate States, 241. Constitution, first written, 58. Constitution of United States, 169-171. Continental Congress, 139 Cornwallis, General, 143, 144, 149. surrender of, 151. Coronado, 30-32. Cortez in Mexico, 23. Cotton, 173. Cotton gin invented, 173-176. Croatan, 30. Cuba, Columbus at, 12. Cuba, 270, 274. Customs in the colonies, 112. Dare, Virginia, 35. Darien, Isthmus of, 18. Davis, Jefferson, early life, 241, 242. purpose of, 243. during Civil War, 243. Debtors, imprisonment of, 83. Decatur, Stephen, lSO-183. Declaration of Independence, 139, 140. Delaware Indians, treaty wi^h, 70-78. Delaware River, 143. De Soto, march of, 26, 29. discovers Mississippi, 29. death and burial, 30. Detroit, 101. Dewey, George, 273. Dinwiddle, Governor, 99, 102. Discovery of land by Columbus, 9. Douglas, Stephen A., 2^9. Doicand Ark, 72. DuQucsne, Fort, 100, 103. Dutch in New York, 64-69. East India Company, 64. Edison, Thomas A., 208. Eliot, John, 59. Elizabeth, Queen. 34. Emancipation proclamation, 239. Ericsson, 208. Erie Canal, 201. Exiles from New England, 55. Faneuil Hall, 135, 136. Farragut, Admiral, 254, Ferdinand, 4. Ferguson, 150. Field, Cyrus W., 224. Florida, named, 21. Florida, picture of, 192. Flying machine, 206. Fort, French, 99, 102. Donelson, 254. DuQuesne, 100. Henry, 254. INDEX 295 Fort Mims, 198. Moultrie, 138. Sumter. 244. Franklin, Beniamin, 141. practical ideas of, 153. on Stamp Act, 156. in France, 1.56. Fredericksburg, battle of, 250 French, in Canada, 91. claim Louisiana, 95. in O.iio Valley, 99-104. surrender territory, 108. sell Louisiana, 184. Fulton, Robert, 187-192. "Folly " of, 188. builds Clennonl. 189. Gage, General, 129. " Game Cock," the, 148. Garfield. Jas. A., 270. Genoa, 1. George II, 84. Georgia settled, 83-80. Gin, cotton, invented. 173-176. Gold discovered in California, 232. rush to fields, 233, 234. Goliad Massacre, 228. Grand Model, the, 81. Grant, Gen. 'J. S., 253-257. Groat Me.-'.dov.s, battle of, 101. Greene, Gen. Nathanael, 150. Greene, Mrs. Nathanael, 174. Guam, 274. Guerilla warfare, 149. Half Moon, the, 04. Hamilton, Governor. ir,3, 164. Hancock, John, 129, 131. 141, Harrison, Benjamin, 270. Hartford founded, 58. Hatteras, Cape, Cabot at, 16. Hayes, Rutherford B., 270. Hayne-Webster debate, 215. Hayne, RoVjert Y., 215. Hayti, island of, 12, 13, 15. Henrietta Maria, 71. Henry, Patrick, 122-125, 161. Hobson, Lieutenant, 273. Hood, General, 259. Hooker, Thomas, 58. Hooker, Gen. Joseph, 250. Hospitality to travelers, 117. Houston, Sam, 225-229. Howe, General, 136. Howe, inventor, 268. Hudson, Henry, 64. Hudson River explored, 64. the Clermont on, 188. Hutchinson, Anne, 57 Iberville, 97. Impeachment of Johnson, 264« Impressment of seamen, 193. Independence, Hall, 139. Declaration of, 139. India, seaway to, 2-3. Indians, named, 11. and John Smith, 39. praying, 00. Inventions, 208. Isabella helps Columbus, 4-6. death of, 15 Jackson, Andrew, youth of, 197. at New Orleans, 199. President, 220. Nullification orders, 219. Jackson, Stonewall, 244-248. Jamestown, settled, 37. burning of, 49. Jasper, Sergeant, 138. Jefi'erson, Thomas, 140. as a student, 177. accomplishments, 177. becomes President, 180. Jolinson, Andrew, 264. Johnston, .Mbert Sidney. 254. Johnston, Joseph E., 259. Kansas, Coronado in, 31. Kaskaskia, 161. capture of, 162. Kentucky settled, 157-100. King's Mountain, battle of, 150, If Ku Klux Klan, 264. Labrador, Cabot at, 16. Lafayette, Marquis de, 145. La Salle, 95. Lee, B.ichard Henry, 139. Lee, Robert E., 249-252. Lewis and Clark expedition, 185. Lexington, battle of, 132, 133. Life in the colonies, 109-111. 296 INDEX Lincoln, Abraham, early life, 230-237. debate with Douglas, 239. President ./ ^ founded succeeded. In April of the following year he founded on the Kentucky River a small fort known as Boonesboro. Here he removed his family. It was while straying outside the fort that Boone's daughter and a Miss Calloway were captured by Indians. Eight men, headed by Boone, went in pursuit and were aided in tracing the party by finding bits of clothing which the girls had scattered along the trail. The Indians were overtaken and the captives restored to their families uninjured. In 1778 Boone was captured at Blue Licks and „ , _, carried to Chilhcothe, Ohio. He remained Captured ' by the captive for three years. Once the Indians took him with them to Detroit, where the Enghsh governor offered $500 for his ransom. The savages, DANIEL BOONE however, had grown fond of their captive and refused the offer. On their return to ChilHcothe, Boone over- heard the Indians planning to attack Boonesboro. He resolved to flee and warn his family and friends. Taking advantage of a hunting ex- pedition, he made his escape. Traveling 150 miles in four days, he reached the fort and helped the garrison prepare for the attack. A large party of English and Indians soon appeared and made every effort to capture the fort, but were forced to retreat boone monument, fkankfort Cemetery after a siege of nine days. Daniel Boone was also present at the battle of Blue Licks, where his advice was unheeded by some hot-headed members of the party. In the Battle of fight that followed, Boone's own son and a ^i^^^i-ic^s number of his friends were killed or captured, Boone himself barely escaping with his life. Boone later marched with General George Rogers Clark when he went to avenge the massacre of Blue Licks. After this he took no active part in public affairs. Boone, who was now growing old, was robbed of 8 FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY $20,000 ill money, and the lands he owned in Kentucky were filched from him by new settlers not averse to Last days taking advantage of a friend in a business in Missouri ^^^i Disgustcd with the treatment he had received, Boone removed with his family to Mis- souri, where he hunted and fished along the Missouri River and enjoyed the freedom and solitude he had always loved. He died at the home of his son-in-law, near Flanders, Missouri, in 1820, at the ripe age of 86 years. On learning of his death, the constitutional convention of Missouri, then in session, wore a badge of mourning in his honor for twenty days. In 1845 the legislature of Kentucky had the bodies of Boone and his wife removed from Missouri to Frank- fort, where they were buried with fitting ceremonies in the cemetery overlooking the Kentucky River. A handsome monument now marks the spot. His mem- ory has been honored in many ways, and in one of his most famous poems Lord Byron, the English poet, pays delicate tribute to the great hunter. QUESTIONS Who was Daniel Boone? What caused him to come to Ken- tucky? What happened to his friends? Where was the Wikler- ness Road? Where was the first settlement in Kentucky? Describe the capture of the two girls. Where was Boone taken prisoner? What did the English governor of Detroit offer Boone's GEORGE ROGERS CLARK 9 captors? Describe Boone's escape and the defense of the fort at Boonesboro. What happened at the battle of Blue Licks? Why did Boone leave the state? Where in Missouri did he die? What honors were paid him after his death? LESSON II GEORGE ROGERS CLARK Born November 19, 1752 Died February 13, 1818 General George Rogers Clark came to Ken- tucky in 1775. At that time Kentucky was not an independent state, so he applied to the Vir- capture of ginia legislature for aid in making war on the ^askaskia British and Indians who were harassing the settlers, particularly at the forts of Kaskaskia, Vincennes, and Detroit. After many delays, he organized a small force and advanced rapidly through a hostile country. The sleeping commander of Kaskaskia was aroused and forced to surrender, but his private papers were saved by his wife, whom General Clark was too courte- ous to search. Clark next turned his attention to Vincennes. Here a friendly priest used his influence with the garrison, and when Clark reached the fort, the place ca- capture of pitulated. Later on, when Clark had returned "^i^^cennes to Louisville, the fort of Vincennes was retaken by 10 FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY 1 the British. The Indians began once more to raid Kentucky. Clark resolved to punish them, and Vin- cennes was again surprised and forced to surrender. Clark returned to Kentucky, where he was admired even by his savage foes. Scene in IMa.m.motu Cave Plans of Clark for destroying the British and Indian power in the Northwest were delayed or defeated Fi htin through lack of money and men. After the the Indians massacre of Blue Licks occurred he organized a company of one thousand riflemen, headed by Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton, and laid waste the Indian villages along the Scioto and Miami. He GEORGE ROGERS CLARK 11 also raised a large force to fight the Indians along the Wabash, but this expedition proved a failure. His men deserted. He had lost his popularity and was no longer the idol of his soldiers. Fedebal Hill, Bardstown Crippled from rheumatism, Clark retired to his home at Locust Grove, near Louisville, where he lived in poverty and obscurity. The people of Virginia, recalling his splendid services, sent him a sword. This the old soldier rejected, sending back the word that "George Rogers Clark needs bread, and not a sword." He was afterwards given possession of some 12 FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY lands that were due him. He died in 1818 and was buried in an unmarked grave. One hundred years later the people of Kentucky observed the centennial of his death, and it was then decided to erect a hand- some monument over Clark's last resting place in Cave Hill cemetery. QUESTIONS When did George Rogers Clark come to Kentucky? What did he ask of the Virginia legislature? Tell about his attack on the fort at Kaskaskia. How many times did he capture the fort at Vincennes ? How were his plans for destroying British and Indian power in the Northwest defeated? Tell about this war against the Indians on the Scioto, Miami, and Wabash. Why was he forced to retire to his home near Louisville? What was his answer to the delegation sent to his home by the Virginia legislature? How has he since been honored by the people of Kentucky ? LESSON III RICHARD MALCOLM JOHNSON Born October 17, 1780 Died November 19, IS.'iO Colonel Richard Malcolm Johnson, of Scott county, Kentucky, became famous as the man who killed Tecumseh, the great Indian chief, at the battle of the Thames. Johnson was one of the leading mem- » RICHARD MALCOLM JOHNSON 13 bers of the Kentucky bar and so popular that, when only twenty-four years old, he was sent to represent the people in Congress. When war was declared against England, in June, 1812, he gave great aid to the President by his advice and as- sistance, and then set out for the front to take part in the fighting. The English, commanded by Gen- eral Proctor, and the Indians, with their able chieftain, Tecumseh, re- Kiiis treating from Fort Mal- Tecumseh ^^^^ '^^ Ontario, took a favorable position between the river Thames and a big swamp. The American forces rushed to the at- tack. Johnson led his men through the marshy ground overgrown with trees. His horse was shot from under him, his arm shattered, his cloth- ing cut to bits by the passage of twenty-five balls. Undaunted, he forced his way onward. A shot from his gun killed the tall Indian chief who was rallying the savages around him. With Tecumseh fallen, the Indians lost heart and fled. Abandoned by their sav- age allies, the British also retreated, leaving the Ameri- cans masters of the field. When Johnson recovered from his terrible wounds and returned to Congress, he was given a great wel- RicHARD M. Johnson 14 FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY come by the American people wherever he appeared, and was officially thanked by the government. Al- most idolized by his people, he was not permitted to retire from public life at the close of his term in Con- gress, but was elected to the United States Senate, where he proved one of the best friends the old soldiers and poor people had. In 1837 Johnson became Vice President of the United States and at the end of four years in office retired to his farm in Scott county, retaining the loving dent of the admiration of the people until death called states^ him some years later. In later years there were many other claim- ants to the honor of having killed Tecumseh, thus bringing peace to the Northwest, but after a thorough sifting these claims were all discredited and no one was left to dispute the honor with Colonel Johnson. QUESTIONS How old was Colonel Johnson when he was elected to Congress ? What did he do when the War of 1812 broke out? In what battle did he distinguish himself? How? What high position did he hold? ISAAC SHELBY 15 LESSON IV ISAAC SHELBY Born December 11, 1750 Died July 18, 1826 It was during the Revolutionary War, at a time when the fortunes of the Americans were at their lowest ebb, that a British general named Ferguson encamped on the top of King's Mountain, in the Carolinas, and swore that ''God Almighty could not drive him from there." A gallant young soldier, Isaac Shelby, eager to « .., r help Washing- Battle of ^ ^ King's ton, placed him- Mountain -.o . ,, , ■, sell at the head of a body of Kentuckians, a thousand strong, and marched eastward to trap Ferguson. After crossing the mountains they were joined by a smaller force of Carolinians, and, marching rapidly against the British, took them by surprise and defeated them with great slaughter. The boastful gen- eral, Ferguson, was killed early in the battle. 16 FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY This victory was the first in the great chain of battles in the South that brought about the independ- ence of the United States. In recognition of his services, the legislature of North Carolina passed a vote of thanks to Colonel Shelby and presented him with a handsome sword. Previous to the battle of King's Mountain, Colonel Shelby had taken part in a number of battles with the British and Indians. He was present at the battle of the Kanawha when the Indians, under their famous chief. Cornstalk, were forced to retire after fighting from sunrise to sunset. At the close of the war Shelby, who stood high in the confidence of President Washington, and w^ho had been First Gov pi'omoted to the rank of general, retired to his ernorof home at Boouesboro. When Kentucky was ^° ^^ ^ admitted to the Union, he was elected its first governor, and, during all the difficulties which beset the young state, proved himself to be a true patriot and the best man who could have been chosen to fill the high office he held. Twenty years later he was again called to the governorship of the state. Shelby and his friend, General Harrison, were present at the battle of the Thames, and Congress desired to present each with a gold medal for his serv- ices. Hearing that Harrison's enemies were unwill- ing that he should receive a medal, Shelby requested ZACHARY TAYLOR 17 Henry Clay to say to Congress that he would not receive any thanks or honors that did not include General Harrison. The legislature of Kentucky and the Congress of the United States described him in these words : ''A patriot without reproach and a soldier without personal ambition." QUESTIONS What boastful British general was defeated by Isaac Shelby? In what battle? How did North Carolina honor Shelby? Name a famous Indian chief against whom he fought. Where was he living when elected first governor of Kentucky? In what great battle did he take part? Why did he refuse to accept a gold medal offered him by Congress? LESSON V ZACHARY TAYLOR Born September 24, 1784 Died July 9, 1850 In 1785 Colonel Richard Taylor, of Virginia, emi- grated with his family to Kentucky. He bought eighty-two acres of land not far from Louis- Early mm- ville, and here, near a never-failing spring ^^'^y''*^^®^ whose cool waters welled out of the ground between two huge Cottonwood trees, he built a home to which 18 FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY he gave the name of Springfield. Young Zachary Taylor, who afterwards became the twelfth President of the United States, was only a year old at this time and until he was twenty- three years old, remained on the farm, leading the strenuous life of those times. In 1808 he re- ceived a commission as lieutenant, and in the War of 1812 became con- spicuous for his bravery. Following his brilliant de- fense of Fort Harrison against a large party of Indians, who were routed utterly, he was rapidly promoted. He took a leading part in the Black Hawk War (1832). In 1838 he led an expedition against the Seminole Indians and defeated them with much slaughter, forcing the survivors back into the Ever- gladeS, the great swamps of Florida. When trouble with Mexico arose in 1845 regarding the boundary line, one of the chief offensive movements War with of the American campaign was intrusted to Mexico Taylor. In the year following he won the battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Matamoras, Zach.\ry Taylor ZACHARY TAYLOR 19 Monterey, and Buena Vista — the latter said to have been the best-fought engagement of the war. In 1848, ''Old Rough and Ready" (as he was called) was nominated for the presidency of the United States. He was elected despite bitter opposition. He remained , .^ ^ , in office one President of the United year and four states , , , months, 03-- ing at Springfield, July 9, 1850. His last words are memorable for their simple dig- nity : '' I am not afraid to die. I have done my duty. My only regret is for the friends I leave behind." He was buried on the farm, where a monu- ment has since been erected to his memory. In one of the rooms of the old Taylor home, Zachary Taylor's daughter, Sarah Knox Taylor, was married to Jefferson Davis, afterwards President of the Con- federacy. Seventy years after the brilliant campaign of Gen- eral Taylor in Mexico, the United States was drawn Zachary Taylor Monoment 20 FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY into a mighty conflict to assist the free countries of Europe in guarding their rights and the Hberties of man- campzach- kind agaiust the selfish designs of the rulers ary Taylor ^f Germany. A large army had to be raised in a very short time, and at several points in the coun- try immense camps or cantonments were built for the mobilization and training of our soldiers. One of the largest was located not far from the historic home and final resting place of the brave general, who had rendered such conspicuous services to his country in an hour of need, and was called Camp Zachary Tay- lor in the honor of his memory. QUESTIONS When did Zachary Taylor come to Kentucky? When was he elected President of the United States? In what wars did he take part? What tribe of Indians did he defeat, and where? Name some of the famous battles of the Mexican War in which he took part. What nickname was given him ? Where is he buried ? LESSON VI JOHN J. CRITTENDEN Born September 10, 1787 Died July 26, 1863 The men who made Kentucky great were famous, generally, at an early age. In 1811 a young lawyer JOHN J. CRITTENDEN 21 named John J. Crittenden, of Russellville, was chosen to represent Logan county in the Kentucky legislature. Crittenden was then almost unknown, but, by long serv- , . . ice in the his brilliant talents and wmnmg ways, he be- came so popular that he was chosen for six terms in succession to serve at Frankfort. Later he was sent to represent his district in the United States Senate and filled this high office five terms, some- thing never before done by any politician. So great was his eloquence that many considered him a greater orator than Henry Clay. When President Harrison was elected, he made John Critten- den Attorney-General of the United States, an appointment which met with favor from all classes of people. After the death of the President, Crittenden resigned. His letter of resigna- tion has been said to be the finest ever written, owing to the delicate manner in which he surrendered an office which his self-respect forbade him to hold under an administration he regarded as without honor. Crittenden served his state nobly during the war with England. He was on the staff of Governor Shelby John J. Crittenden 22 FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY and distinguished himself at the battle of the Thames. He was often suggested as a fitting candidate for the presidency. Throughout his hfe he labored for the glory of Kentucky and her people. He passed away honored and mourned by all as one of the true builders of the commonwealth. QUESTIONS In what year was John J. Crittenden elected to the Kentucky legislature? What county did he represent? How man}^ times was he chosen to represent his people? How many terms did he serve in the United States Senate? By what President was he selected as Attorney-General of the United States? Why did he resign? In what battle and in what war did he distinguish himself ? LESSON VII HENRY CLAY Born April 12, 1777 Died June 29, 1852 Henry Clay has long been regarded by historians as the greatest of the orators and statesmen who have Mill ^^ded luster to the annals of Kentucky. He boy of the was a poor boy and, while still living at his home in Virginia, often rode to the mill carr}^- ing corn to be ground into meal. Thus he came to be known as ''The Millboy of the Slashes," a nickname of which he was always proud. HENRY CLAY 23 He studied law and, while yet a young man, located at Lexington, Kentucky, where he sprang into promi- nence through his wonderful eloquence at the bar. It is said that he never lost a case. He defended Aaron Burr, who was tried in Kentucky on a charge of treason. John Rowan, another great lawyer, had been High Bridge over Kentucky River asked to defend Burr, but declined because he believed Burr to be guilty. Clay, it is said, would not take the case until Burr made oath that he was innocent of the charge. At twenty-two a member of the constitutional con- vention, at twenty-six a member of the state legis- lature, he was sent to the United States Political Senate at twenty-nine, a year before he was °*"®^ of the age fixed by the Constitution. He was one 24 FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY of the commissioners sent by the United States to negotiate with England the treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812. He was Secretary of State under President John Quincy Adams. He was three times nominated for the presidency. But his most distinguished service was in Congress. He was a member of one or the other House almost continuously from 1806 until his death in 1852. Six times he was chosen Speaker of the House of Repre- sentatives. His influence was great and his popularity well-nigh boundless. His insistence that, in buying supplies for the army and navy, the government should discriminate in favor of American producers, caused Clay to be recognized as the father of the so-called "protective" tariff. ^^ His authorship of the "Missouri Compromise" brought him further fame. When, in 1820, it was pro- Missouri posed to admit Maine to statehood, there were Compromise eleven free and eleven slave states in the Un- ion, and the North and South were already .disputing as to whether slavery should be permitted. To admit Maine as a "free" state, slavery being forbidden within her borders, would give the anti-slavery states a majority. The South, of course, objected. As a compromise, it was suggested to admit Missouri as a slave state, the remainder of the Louisiana territory, HENRY CLAY 25 north of Missouri's southern boundary, to be free territory. There was so much bitterness over the matter, and the arguments became so heated, that civil war seemed imminent. The situation became acute when Missouri inchided in her constitution a clause forbidding the immigration of free negroes. At this point Clay, who had taken a prominent part in the first compromise, came forward with another which, while permitting slavery in Missouri, gave to free negroes, citizens of other states, the right to . settle in Missouri and become free citizens of Great Pa- that state. Because of his success in smooth- ing over difficulties on this and on another occasion where Missouri was concerned, Clay came to be known as the "Great Pacificator." QUESTIONS Tell how Henry Clay earned his nickname. Tell where and how he sprang into prominence as a lawyer. What pubhc offices did he hold? How did he come to be known as the "Great Pacificator"? What was the Missouri Compromise? 26 FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY LESSON VIII JOHN BRECKINRIDGE Born December 2, 1760 Died December 14, 1806 The name of Breckinridge is famous in the annals of Kentucky. The family is of Scotch-Irish descent. John Breckinridge, who is known as one of the greatest state-builders, was born near Staunton, Virginia, the birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson. He studied law, and was elected to the House of Burgesses when only 19 3^ears old. On ac- count of his youth, the election was set aside. Three times afterward he was reelected, against his own wishes, and it was only upon his third elec- tion that he was permitted to take his seat in the famous body. Following his marriage in the year 1793, he settled near Lexington, Kentucky, where he attained lasting J. Breckinridge JOHN BRECKINRIDGE 27 fame as a lawyer and statesman. It is said of him that he had few equals as a lawyer. As a Lawyer and statesman he was the soul of honor, with an statesman abiding love for the rights of the people. The Constitution of 1798-99 was largely the work of John Breckinridge. The free navigation of the Mis- sissippi was brought about by him ; and, though Presi- dent Jefferson got all the glory for the Louisiana purchase, the credit is due to Breckinridge, who, by his powerful influence in the West, forced the govern- ment to act. Jefferson, it is said, opposed the purchase of Louisiana, believing it to be unconstitutional. This great man w^as a warm friend of both Jefferson and Madison. After the death of Breckinridge it is said that Jefferson gave color to the statement that Kentucky he, and not Breckinridge, was the author of Resolutions the celebrated Kentucky Resolutions of 1798-99, but he produced no proof to sustain the claim. When on his deathbed Breckinridge refused to make a will. He had done his best to make provisions by law for the distribution of estates, he declared, and, believing that those laws were just, he was determined to leave his own property to be divided accordingly. There are many Kentuckians who regard Breckin- ridge as the greatest man who ever represented this state in the Senate, as the state's greatest lawyer, and her most devoted patriot. 28 FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY QUESTIONS Where was John Breckinridge born? Why was he not permitted to sit in the House of Burgesses after having been elected a member? How many times was he reelected? Did he seek the office? When did he settle in Kentucky? What great pieces of legislation was he instrumental in having adopted ? How is he regarded by many Kentuckians? LESSON IX GEORGE D. PRENTICE Born December 18, 1802 Died January 22, 1870 It is not alone the generals and lawmakers who add to the glory of a state and win for themselves the name of ''state-builders." George D. Prentice was neither, yet he made history for Kentucky and exerted a powerful influence on public affairs through his news- paper work. Prentice was editor of the ''Journal" (Louisville) for a number of years. He was noted for his Editor "^ 11. Louisville wit and brilliant sarcasm, and his writings made the "Journal" one of the most widely read papers in the country. It is said that no editor of his day could surpass him, or exert a greater influence. GEORGE D. PRENTICE 29 1 It was the belief of Prentice that a state was made great by the genius of her writers, whose work would preserve her Poet fame when all her great men had passed away. Though a great writer himself, and the author of many beautiful poems, he had no jealousy of others, but took pains to call attention to their work, and threw open the columns of the ''Journal " to the writers of Ken- tucky, helping them by his friendly advice and criticism. When war broke out between the North and South, Prentice favored the Union ; but so kindly was his sympathy for the Southerners that time and time again, when his fellow citizens of Louisville were arrested and imprisoned, he interceded with President Lincoln for their release. In his later years, broken in health and spirit, Pren- tice retired to his farm on the Ohio River, where he Unionist George D. Prentice Statue 30 FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY died in 1870. A marble statue of the famous editor now adorns the square in front of the Louisville Free Public Library. QUESTIONS In what way did George D. Prentice exert a powerful influence on public affairs in Kentucky? Of what newspaper was he the editor ? How did he help and encourage the writers of Kentucky ? Where is there a statue erected to his memory? LESSON X JAMES B. Mccreary, Joseph c. s. blackburn, OLLIE M. JAMES McCreary, Born July 8, 1838, Died October 8, 1918 Blackburn, Born October 1, 1838, Died September 12, 1918 James, Born July 27, 1871, Died August 28, 1918 The year 1918 marked the passing of three of Ken- tucky's greatest and most beloved sons — James B. McCreary, Joseph C. S. Blackburn, and Olhe M. James. These men commanded a tremendous follow- ing in the state. Each was honored for his special gifts of mind and heart. Each had been the standard- bearer of the Democratic party and responsible for many party victories. JAMES B. Mccreary 31 James B. McCreary was born in Madison county. At the beginning of the Civil War he cast his fortunes with the South. He entered the army as a private and returned home at the close of the war as a lieutenant-colonel. After studying law, he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature and was chosen speaker of the House of Representatives. He displayed such marked ability that he was subsequently elected Governor of the State. At the close of his term as governor he retired to private life, but he was soon called again into the public serv- ice. He was elected to Con- gress, where he served several terms in the House of Repre- sentatives and one term in the Senate. His courtesy, affability, and sound judgment made him an ideal rep- resentative of the people, and he was honored for his love of his native state and for his devotion to her highest interests. For two years only after the close of his term as United States Senator, was he allowed to remain a private citizen. Again his state needed his services James B. McCreary Oovemor 1875-79 1911-15 32 FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY and he was called upon the second time to hll the office of chief executive at Frankfort. His entire official career was absolutely stainless and free from all selfish purpose. Governor McCreary, as the people loved best to call him, was an ideal Kentuckian, generous and hospitable, and a promoter of every undertaking for the common good. He made the honor and glory of his state. his own, and when he passed away peacefully at his home at Richmond, the Commonwealth lost a valued serv- ant and the people one of their truest and most disin- terested friends and champions. Brilliancy of intellect, combined with a generous nature and great state pride, were the characteristics that made Joseph C. S. Blackburn so dear to the hearts of his fellow citizens and re- tained him in public office until the day of his death. He was born in Woodford county and was a true son of the Blue Grass district. « As an orator who under- stood the secret of enthralling his hearers, he had no superior. From the time he entered public life as representative from the Ashland District, he was a popular idol in the state. He served in the State Legislature at Frankfort and in Congress, where he became very popular with all of his acquaintances. One of the most famous and JOSEPH C. S. BLACKBURN 33 hotly contested elections ever held in Kentucky was for the United States Senate, when Joseph C. S. Black- Governor bum was opposed by General Cerro Gordo ama Canal' Williams. Excitement ran high, the contest ^*?^® was remarkably close, but after a long and bitter campaign Mr. Blackburn was elected, and General Wil- liams retired to private life. Senator Blackburn, although a Democrat, was selected by Presi- dent Roosevelt, a Republican, as Governor of the Panama Canal Zone. No man better upheld the traditions of his state than Sena- tor Blackburn ; he carried Ken- tucky, its manners and customs, with him wherever he went. He was a man whose heart kept open house for his friends ; his personal magnetism and charm of manner attracted all who came within the sphere of his influence. In fact, so unwilling were his admirers to allow him to retire to private life that they induced him to remain at Washington in a position suited to his advanced age. There he passed away, crowned with years and honor. His body was carried back to his old Kentucky home and now rests in the beautiful Blue Grass region, the Joseph C. S. Blackburn 34 FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY scene of his early triumphs and greatest poHticai vic- tories. The youngest of these three great Kentuckians was Olhe M. James, of Marion. At the time of his death he had just been honored by the nomination of his party in a state-wide primary for a second term in the United States Senate. Senator James was noted as a speaker of eloquence and force, while his sound judgment and loyalty to his party made him one of the idols of Democracy in the state and nation. He began his career as a page in the Kentucky, legislature. He studied law and was ad- mitted to the bar. He practiced for some years in his native town of Marion. In 1896 he began what was destined to be a famous career in national politics as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention at Chicago. For several terms he represented the first Kentucky district in Congress and in 1912 was elected to the United States Senate. He was ac- corded the unique honor of being Chair- succession man of the Democratic National Conven- DeSoSatic ^^^^ twicc in successiou, in 1912 and in National 1916. Both times the nominee for President of the United States was Woodrow Wilson, who was to be successful also at the polls. In both conventions Senator James was a powerful influence; OLLIE M. JAMES 35 and his speeches on these occasions have seldom been surpassed for eloquence, logic, and force. During the great World War Senator James was unfailing in his loyalty to President Wilson. He made many speeches, both at home and at the capital, in defense of the policies of the President and of the government. He urged Kentucky and the Demo- cratic party to uphold the chief executive in all he undertook. At the very height of his fame. Senator James was stricken down and after a painful illness passed away at Baltimore in the prime of manhood, beloved and mourned by all. President Wil- son paid a high tribute to his worth to the Democratic party and to the nation. His funeral, held at his old home at Marion, Kentucky, was attended by people from all over the state and nation and by a delegation of honor from Washington, who united with Kentucky in tendering the last tribute of love and respect to her faithful and gifted son. QUESTIONS In what year did Governor McCreary, Senator Blackburn, and Senator James die ? What personal characteristics made each of Ollie M. James 36 FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY these men beloved and Respected? With what high office is the name of each particularly associated? What distinctive honor was paid to eacht ; LESSON XI KENTUCKY, THE PIONEER COMMONWEALTH Kentucky Ms famous in song and story. The Indian name J^' Kain-tuck-ee " means ''the Dark and , Bloody Ground." This great wilderness, "The Dark ^ i i and Bloody abouudiug in fish and game, was the general ^^°^^ hunting ground of various tribes of Indians. Before their coming it had been occupied by another race, who built *huge mounds, and whom we call the Mound Builders because we do not know what else to call them. Wlien the white man came to Kentucky, it was a part of Virginia. Daniel Boone was one of the first and greatest "pathfinders" of these early "The Pio- =* ^.. . . , 1 . neercom- settlers. Later Virgmia gave up her claims, monweaith" ^^_^^ in 1792, three years after the adoption of the Constitution of the United States, Kentucky was admitted to statehood, becoming the first state west of the Allegheny Mountains and the fifteenth in the Union. Kentucky has always played her part in the great KENTUCKY, THE PIONEER COMMONWEALTH 37 actions of the country. During the Revolutionary- War, when she was still a part of Virginia, she fur- nished the troops with which George Rogers saves the Clark drove the British from what are now Northwest Indiana and Illinois. Thus Kentuckians secured the Northwest Territory for the United States. The state Camp Zachary Taylor furnished her full quota of soldiers also for the War of 1812 and the war with Mexico. During the Civil War the state remained with the Union. Again she gave more than the number of soldiers required of her, while at the same union state time many of her sons fought in the Southern inciviiwar army. Her record in the Spanish-American War and in S$ FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY the great World War is equally splendid. During this last and greatest of all wars two of the largest govern- ment camps were established on her soil : Camp Knox and Camp Zachary Taylor. Kentucky abounds in beautiful and impressive scenery, from the mountains on the east to the rolling Blue Grass uplands and rich river bottoms of Sconory the south and west. Two wonderful caves in Kentucky, Mammoth Cave and Colossal Cave, are visited by tourists from all over the globe and are unsurpassed for beauty, size, and grandeur. Another point of interest is the famous High Bridge over the Kentucky River, which is located in the midst of grand and impressive scenery. The resources and industries of Kentucky are varied and great. Its mineral wealth consists largely of coal, BesourcBs ^^^' ^^^ natural gas, but includes clay, lime- and Indus- stone, and marble. It is the principal hemp- growing state, one of the important corn states, and the greatest tobacco market in the world. Its race horses are the pride of all Kentuckians, but represent only one phase of its stock-raising industry. It takes a leading place in the manufacture of clay and lime products, porcelain-lined bathtubs, barrels and boxes, mahogany furniture, chewing gum, handles for all kinds of implements, and hardware of all descriptions. Most of the cement used in the construction of the KENTUCKY, THE PIONEER COMMONWEALTH 39 Panama Canal, as well as the iron grille and netting for the Panama Zone, were supplied by Kentucky. John Fitch On the TuiiAcro Bheak.s In the field of invention Kentucky has been fore- most. The first steamboats in the world were built by Kentuckians : one in 1781 by John Fitch, who originated the idea of the boat in 1780 ; others by Rumsey and Edward West. Fitch died poor and obscure and is buried at Bardstqwn, Kentucky, where it is proposed to erect a monument in his honor. The first locomotive in the world was built Thomas by Thomas Barlow of Lexington, where the ^^'^i®"^ second railroad in the country was operated. The Moran flexible steam joint, used in the construction 40 FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY Education of the Panama Canal, was invented by a Kentuckian. Only recently a Kentuckian, C. Lee Cook, originated a system of metallic packing which met with the ap- probation of the government and was used in large quantities. The pubhe school system was organized by Dr. Bullockj and Dr. Peers. The kindergarten was intro- duced into Kentucky at a very early date The Moonlight schools, originated by Mrs Cora Wilson Stuart, have done much to raise the standard of educa- tion in the com- monwealth. The Negro race is making wonderful strides along edu- cational lines. The public school sys- tem includes also a large number of high schools, city and county, three normal schools for the training of teachers, at Rich- mond, Bowling Green, and Frankfort, and the State University at Lexington. A large part of the higher education is in the hands of private and denominational schools and colleges, and no educational survey of the Main P'ree PuiiLic Lii!kary, Louisville KENTUCKY, THE PIONEER COMMONWEALTH 41 42 FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY state may pass over Central University, Danville ; Transylvania University, Lexington ; Georgetown Col- lege, Georgetown ; Kentucky Wesleyan College, Win- chester, and Berea College, Berea. The public libraries maintained in the various cities also contribute power- fully to the intellectual life of the people. The learned professions — theology, law, and medi- cine — have their own schools. The many statesmen Dr. Kentucky has bred have included some of McDowell ^]^g f^Ysi lawyers of the land. In medicine and surgery, Ephraim McDowell originated an op- eration that has been the means of saving many lives, and at least four similarly important operations must be credited to the medical profession of Kentucky. Members of all creeds have found a welcome in Kentucky, and the various denominations under able Agencies leaders have thriven on her friendly soil, of uplift Bitterness and bigotry have given place to a more liberal spirit and to a friendly rivalry in works of education, charity, patriotism, and humanity. Mag- nificent churches, colleges, schools, hospitals, sani- tariums, and libraries are some of the ways in which the religious spirit of the state has expressed itself. Other agencies for the betterment of the people have also been at work. The Masonic Widows' and Orphans' Home was the first institution of the kind in the world founded by a benevolent order. The KENTUCKY, THE PIONEER COMMONWEALTH 43 Institute for the Education of the BHnd prints most of the books in raised characters for the bhnd used in this country. Kentucky has been lavish in her gift of famous men. She gave the Confederacy its only President in Jef- Many fa- fcrsou Davis, and to the Union she gave Zach- mous men ^j-y Taylor and Abraham Lincoln. The birth- place of Davis at Fair- view, Kentucky, is to be marked by the second highest monument in the world, while the Lincoln Memorial at Hodgenville has already been pre- sented to the nation. The state has given congressmen, senators, governors, ambassadors, judges, and other high officials to the nation. She gave a dozen governors to Missouri alone. Menefee, Clay, Carlisle, and Clark have presided over the House of Representatives, while Breckinridge and Johnson were two of the ablest presiding officers the Senate ever had. At one time in our history ten per cent of the members of the Sen- ate were native-born Kentuckians. For thirty years Clay's influence in Congress was supreme. John G. E^HLi Home oi LiiNcoln 44 FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY Carlisle was regarded a-s one of the ablest statesmen of a later day. Only recently Kentucky has been called to mourn three of her favorite sons : Joseph Blackburn, James B. McCreary, and Ollie James, all three eminent in public life. The press of the state shares honors with its pub- lic men. The "Kentuckc Gazette" was founded at Lexington as early as 1787. George D. Prentice, of the Louisville ^^ Journal," was re- garded as one of the ablest journalists of his time. His successor, Henry D. Watterson, of the "Courier- Journal," has enjoyed an. equal distinction. Two of the most brilliant and widely read magazine writers of to-day are the Keiituckians Isaac F. Marcosson and Irvin S.' Cobb. The New South has a prominent place in the Ameri- can literature of the present. Kentucky has a not- able share in this new glory. James Lane Literature » „ .- ^ , ^ ,. , ,. -, Allen IS one of the finest novehsts of our day. His ''Flute and Violin," "A Kentucky Cardinal," and "The Choir Invisible" have been popular and highly appreciated. Equally popular have been the stories of Alice Hegan Rice, whose "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch" has carried mirth and cheer to hosts of readers everywhere. In poetry the new spirit of the South is reflected by Robert Burns Wilson, Cale Young Rice, Charles J. O'Malley, and especially KENTUCKY, THE PIONEER COMMONWEALTH 45 the late Madison J. Cawein, the writer of lyric poetry, who is regarded as the greatest poet of nature in the South. Among the playwrights Kentucky is repre- sented by Cleaves Kinkead, author of ''Common Clay," Charles Neville Buck, author of ''The Battle Cry," and Thomas B. Bu- chanan, author of "A Woman's Way." But it must not be thought that poetry is a new thing in Kentucky Audubon Museum, Louisville George D. Prentice was a poet as well as a journaHst. "The Moneyless Man" by Henry Stanton is read all over the world. The most popular lyric ever written in the state was "In Kentucky" by Judge James Milligan. "The Bivouac of the Dead" is found in all collections of verse. This immortal tribute to the Ken- tuckians who fell in the war with Mexico was written by Theodore O'Hara. The historians, Collins, Marshall, Johnson, Rothert, Gen. Bennett H. Young, Col. Reuben T. Durrett, and the Hon. Boyd Winchester, have preserved the 46 FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY records of her struggles and achievements. Among essayists we may name Halleck, Allison, and Mar- garet Anderson. Mrs. Mason Maury and Historians t.^ tt- i^ /-^mi i • • Mrs. V. C (jrilbert nave written entertam- ingly of her birds and trees. Governor J. Proctor Knott's famous Duluth speech was at once acclaimed as one of the gems of American oratory. The liberal arts have been encouraged and appreci- ated in Kentucky. Joel Hart fashioned the famous statue of ^' Woman Triumphant" and the splendid likeness of the "great commoner/' Henry Clay. In recent years Miss Enid Yandell executed a statue of Daniel Boone, which stands in one of the Louisville parks and is much admired for its historical accuracy. In the world of music, Col. Will S. Hays was the author of many popular songs, one of which, ''Molly Music Darling," has been sung all over the world. It is as well known in the state as Foster's ''Old Kentucky Home." This famous ballad was composed by Foster while visiting at "Federal Hill," the home of Senator John Rowan at Bardstown, where also Lafayette was entertained during his visit to Kentucky. Miss Josephine McGill has collected and arranged the ancient ballads of the Kentucky moun- taineers, the people who represent the purest Anglo- Saxon blood in the country. Miss Mildred Hill wTote KENTUCKY, THE PIONEER COMMONWEALTH 47 many lovely songs for the kindergartens^ and the onl}' concerto ever written by a woman was composed by Miss Zudie Harris of Louisville. i^^- Bird's-Eye View, River Front, Louisville The state has become the "Old Kentucky Home" in every sense of the word, the center of a gracious and boundless hospitality, famous the world „^ „,, ^ ^ ' " The Old oVer, that welcomes the stranger within her Kentucky gates and causes him to realize the appropri- ateness of the title her affectionate sons have given her — " God's Country." QUESTIONS What does the name Kentucky mean? Who Hved in Ken- tucky before the white man came ? Of what state was Kentucky formerly a part? How did Kentucky save the Northwest Ter- 48 FIRST LESSONS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY ritory? When- was Kentucky admitted into the Union? What stand did Kentucky take in the Civil War? Why were Camp Knox and Camp Zachary Taylor established? What are the chief features of the Kentucky landscape? What points of interest are within the state? What are the chief resources of Kentucky? What are the chief industries? Who were John Fitch and Thomas Barlow? Who was -Ephraim McDowell? Who is Henry Watterson? What made each of them famous? Where is there a high school in your county ? Name some college in your state. What churches are found in your neighborhood? Why ma}'" we call Kentucky "the mother of statesmen"? Name some of the statesmen and tell something about each. Name three Kentucky authors of note. Two sculptors. Two song- writers. What Kentucky poems have you read? What did you Hke about any such poem?| Write an essay on the subject: "Why I Am Proud to Be a Kentuckiani' Use some of the facts in this chapter, and try to get some other facts from books and newspapers and from older people. 22 W ^ -^^0^ c^^^ c° y- \^ .. •<• %°o .r ^-..^-^ -^^0^ c ♦ ^0,'^.T .0 \y^''-^'^^ » ^V" s"""^^. 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