^ 1 H^s^p ZY^T^'f^'V^' ' ^**t'i''^f*'i>"g.'WMWit>i^C E ^r^^nj^^jg ^^^^^^^^^^B^tMjkirtrW^^^^^^I ^^^^^^^^H^^^^^^^Hj^BBBHi^^^^K" ^"*!*!Tif><*^W<*>Jlf QtQjtSJdLjHHH ■ ^^^^H ■ I Class JL'dSl fiook_,,\-.A'S. CcpightN" 1. COPYRIGHT DEPOSrr. A PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES BY THOMAS BONAVENTURE LAWLER, A.M. Author of "Essentials of American History" and " The Story of Columbus and Magellan " GINN & COMPANY BOSTON • NEW YORK • CHICAGO ■ LONDON Copyright, 1905, uy THOMAS BONAVENTURE LAWLER ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 55.9 i: vt tgfte atftengum fitter C. INN & COMPANY ■ TRO- PKIETORS ■ BOSTON • U.S.A. PREFACE This book is intended to meet the needs of a beginner's history for the elementary classes of the schools. So far as a work of this nature will allow, it gives a general view of our nation's story from the earliest times to the present. Its plan looks to the preparation of the youthful pupil for the wider study of this subject in the grammar grades. It is hoped this small work will arouse the interest of the child in the romantic, interesting, and patriotic study of Amei- ican history. T. B. L. April 6, 1905 CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE I. The Indians . . i II. The White Men reach America ... 7 III. Spanish Exploration and Conquest ... 21 IV. French Exploration and Conquest . . 30 V. The Southern Colonies 41 VI. The Middle Colonies 56 VII. The New England Colonies .... 69 VIII. Colonial Indian Wars 80 IX. France and England at War for America . 83 X. The American Revolution .... 95 XI. The New Constitution 125 XII. From Washington to Madison . . . 128 XIII. From Madison to Jackson 144 XIV. From Jackson to Polk 163 XV. From Polk to Lincoln 173 XVI. The Civil War 193 XVII. From Johnson to Harrison .... 219 XVIII. From Harrison to Roosevelt . . . 230 QUESTIONS 245 INDEX 261 A PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES CHAPTER I THE INDIANS 1. The Appearance of the Indians; their Name. — The earliest natives of America, so far as we know, were a race of copper-colored men. They had high cheek bones, coarse, black, straight hair, and small, dark eyes. They were tall, lean, and erect. These people were called Indians by the first white men who saw them because they were believed to be the people of India. Although it was given by mistake, the name was kept, and to-day they are known as Indians from the Arctic to the Antarctic oceans. 2. Homes of the Indians. — The homes of the Indians were not the same in all parts of the country. Many of them lived in wigwams, which were made by spreading skins or bark over poles. These poles were drawn to- gether at the top like a tent. A number of wigwams made up a village. Frequently the village was surrounded by a fence made of high poles. The Iroquois, 1 in the state of New York, lived in long houses which were made of elm bark. These houses were 1 Iroquois (ir-o-kwoi'). I PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES at times one hundred feet long. They had openings in the roof to allow the smoke to escape ; there were no win- dows. In the southwestern part of our country the Indians built houses of sun-dried bricks. A village of these houses was called a pueblo,^ from the Spanish word for village. At times these houses were built in openings on the side of cliffs and were called cliff dwellings. As a rule the In- dians lived in a certain well-defined territory and seldom wandered from it. Between the territories of the dif- ' - ferent tribes were vast areas which were prac- tically unoccupied. 3. Clothing and Weapons. — The Indians were clothed in skins, especially of the buffalo and the deer. They painted themselves in brilliant colors and used feathers for adorning their heads. Their weapons were at first bows and arrows, which they used with great skill. They also had clubs, spears, and tomahawks. Their arrows and tomahawks were tipped with sharp stones. The Indians later secured guns from the white men and became very expert in their use. 1 Pueblo (pwa'blo). An Indian Wigwam J' c o THE INDIANS 3 " Their light canoes were built of birch bark on a white cedar frame. In these canoes the Indians could glide Long House of the Iroquois Indians over the lakes and rivers with ease and rapidity. They made heavier boats by hollowing out the trunks of large trees. When two water ways were separated by a distance An Indian Pueblo of a few miles the Indians carried their canoes overland. This was called a " portage," ^ or carrying place. Most of 1 Portage (por-taje'). PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES Bow AND Arrows the important forts in our early history were erected beside these Indian portages. The Indians, especially of the southwest, made the pottery which was used in their homes. They also molded clay pipes and painted them with brilliant colors. 4. Hunting and Fighting. — The Indian was by nature a hunter and fighter. From his life in the forest he learned to follow a trail with wonderful skill. He knew the habits of birds and beasts and fishes as well as the nature of every plant and tree and shrub in the forest. The Indian was swift of foot and keen of sight. He learned to endure hunger and thirst without complaint. The tribes were frequently at war with one another. They had no mercy on their foes and expected no mercy from them. At times they roasted captives over a slow fire and watched with the greatest pleasure their dying agonies. The Indian in his ordinary life showed grief at pain or sorrow, but in public he endured torture without a murmur. He shaved his head ex- cept on the crown. Here he allowed the hair to grow and braided and decorated it with feathers. This was the "scalp lock." In fighting the Indian always tried to save his own scalp lock and to secure that of his enemy, which he would wear at his belt as a sign of victory. The Indians seldom moved in large war parties. They preferred to fight in small groups. Indian Tomahawk THE INDIANS 5 5. Customs of the Indians. — While the Indian hunted and fished and made weapons, his wife, or "squaw," cared for the lodge or wigwam and helped him in tilling the fields. Women had great influence in Indian life, as they frequently sat in the councils of the chiefs. Among the Iroquois they Indian File could expel a man from the long house of the tribe and send him back to his own people. In traveling the Indians generally moved in single file, as the paths through the forest were very narrow. These paths, which were called trails, followed the easiest slopes and led through the mountains by the lowest passes, avoid- ing rivers and swamps. One of these trails in the West was called the Oregon trail and was two thousand riiiles long. Many of our highways and railways follow the line of the old Indian trails. 6 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES Before the white man came the Indians had dogs, but no sheep, horses, or cattle. They used no tools of iron or steel. They lived in clans that were made up of all the families descended from a common female ancestor. A number of clans formed a tribe. A symbol, or "totem," such as a wolf or a bear, was the mark of the clan, and its members believed that the spirit of the animal chosen as the totem watched over them. The Indians had a belief in a number of mysterious spirits called "manitos,"^ which they feared or venerated. They had, however, no belief in a single "Great Spirit " or Supreme Deity. SUMMARY 1. The earliest inhabitants of America were named Indians because the first white men thought they were natives of India. 2. The Indians were a strong, erect, copper-colored race that lived by hunting, fishing, and tilling the soil. 3. They had no domestic animals except the dog. They had no instruments of iron or steel, stone and bone being used for their hatchets or tomahawks, arrows, and fishhooks. 4. They made trails from place to place and used birch canoes on the lakes and rivers. 5. They lived in villages made up of clans. A number of clans formed a tribe. 1 Manitos (man'i-toz). CHAPTER II THE WHITE MEN REACH AMERICA 6. The Northmen, looo a.d. — So far as is known, the first white men to reach America were the Northmen. This was almost one thousand years ago. The Northmen came from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. They were very skillful sailors and had fought their way -*« Landing of the Norsemen along the coasts of Europe even to Sicily in the Mediter- ranean 1 sea. They discovered Iceland and Greenland. One of their number, named Leif Ericson,^ is supposed to have 1 Mediterranean (med-i-ter-ra'ne-an). 2 Leif Ericson (iTf er'ik-son). 7 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES reached the northeast coast of America. He is said to have named the country Vinland, "the land of grapes." No one, however, knows his landing place, and no lasting results came from these voyages of the Northmen. 7. Marco Polo. — About two cen- turies and a half after Leif Ericson, Europe began to learn, through the reports of travelers, of wonderful lands to the east. About 1245, Franciscan friars were sent as missionaries to the Tartar tribes of Asia. These missionaries went as far as Mongolia and on their return wrote of the gorgeous palaces and cities of Asia. In 1295 a Venetian named Marco Polo arrived home after an absence of twenty-four years. In the course of a long journey he had traveled across Asia and had reached Peking in northern China. On his return he described the beautiful cities he had seen, with their gates of bronze Leif Ericson The Home OF Marco Polo and their palaces with roofs of gold. He also told of the wonderful empire of Japan,^ of which the world up to this time knew ^ Japan was called at this time Cipango, and this name appears on the maps of the next three centuries, THE WHITE MEN REACH AMERICA 9 nothing. The book of Marco Polo turned the mind of Europe to the East and aroused a great desire to find the rich countries and cities of which he drew such beautiful pictures. 8. Christopher Columbus. — About one hundred and fifty years after the return of Marco Polo, Christopher Columbus was born (1446) in Genoa. At an early age he went to sea and learned to sail ships. He also learned to draw excellent maps and charts. The more Columbus studied his charts the more he believed he could find a westward route to the rich land of A Caravan India. It was from India that the spices, dyewoods, ivory, silks, and jewels were brought to Europe. The routes were partly by land with caravans of camels, and partly by water in ships. These routes were not only slow but were at this time full of danger, as the Turks, who were the enemies of Christian Europe, had gained control of the lands and waters through which these routes passed. All Europe was therefore anxious to find an all-water route to India and the East. lO PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES SPAIN; 9. The Plans of Columbus. — Columbus believed he could find an easy route to China, Japan, and India. He declared, as many wise men did before him, that the world was round, and by sailing westward he could reach the East with its great riches. Columbus was a man of a deeply religious nature. He felt, as he later declared, that he had been chosen by God to be his messenger in the new lands beyond the sea. He hoped to secure wealth enough by this voyage to fit out an army against the Turks, that he might recover Pal- estine 1 and the Holy Sep- ulcher from their hands. After forming his plans Columbus went to Portugal, ^ which at that time led in the efforts to find new routes to the East. He showed his charts to the king, but the latter would not give him any aid for the great voyage he was planning. Columbus then resolved to go to Spain and to ask the king and queen of that country to help him. 10. Columbus in Spain. — Columbus set out on foot from Lisbon with his young son, Diego,^ and after a long journey entered, weary and footsore, the little town of Palos^ in Spain. Near this town was the PVanciscan monastery of La Rabida.^ Here he met Father Marchena,^ a member of the Franciscan order, who gladly gave him food and shelter. With great interest he listened to Columbus and Important Cities of the Age OF Discovery I 1 Palestine (pares-tin). 2 Portugal (por'tu-gal). 8 Diego (de-a'go). * Palos (pa'lds). '^ La Rabida (la ra^be-da). 6 Marchena (marcha'na). THE WHITE MEN REACH AMERICA examined the plans for a westward voyage to India. He promised to help him and did so by securing for him the aid of the superior, Father Perez/ who had been the con- fessor of Queen Isabella. Through the advice of the good Franciscan, Isabella sent for Columbus. He had to wait a long time, however, before his plans could be considered. The Spanish rulers were too much occupied with a great war against the Moors, who had their capi- tal in the south of Spain. 11. Queen Isabella aids Columbus. — The Moors were at last conquered in 1492, and Isabella now took up the plans for the west- ward voyage. A council of learned men was called and Columbus explained his ideas, but they were looked upon with disfavor. The plans were called visionary and absurd. Although he was discouraged Columbus did not give up hope, and at last he persuaded Queen Isabella to favor the expedition. When told there was no money in the royal treasury she answered, " I will sell my jewels, if necessary, to obtain the money." It was not necessary to do this, 1 Perez (pa'reth). Queen Isabella 12 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES however, as the royal treasurer was at last able to secure the money that was needed for the voyage. Columbus now departed with joyful heart to prepare for the great journey. 12. The Great Voyage. — Columbus found it very difficult to obtain ships and sailors. At that time many men thought the ocean was inhabited by hundreds of monsters which would destroy any vessels that might come within their reach. After great toil, however, Columbus was able to secure three small vessels. They were called the Nina} the Prnta}" and the Santa Maria. ^ At last all was ready. Columbus and his men went to the little church of Palos, where they attended Mass and prayed for the success of the expedition. On August 3, 1492, the small fleet sailed while the bells of the Franciscan monastery rang out their good wishes and the people of Palos waved a fond farewell to the daring mariners. The fleet of Columbus sailed southwesterly toward the Canary * islands, where the sailors saw with fear the peak of Tenerife^ sending forth fire and smoke. As they now turned westward the vessels entered the path of the trade winds and were carried forward day and night with steady breezes. 13. The Discovery of Land, October 12, 1492. — As the fleet sailed onward day after day and no land came in view, the sailors began to murmur. At last they broke into open mutiny and asked Columbus to turn the vessels homeward. Columbus told them with great firmness that it was useless for them to complain, as he was going on until he found land. 1 Nina (nen'ya). * Canary (ka-na'ri). 2 Pinta (pen'ta). ^ Tenerife (ten-er-if). 3 Santa Maria (san'ta ma-re'a). 13 14 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES At times the cry was given that land could be seen in the distance, but it always proved to be only banks of cloud. Columbus now began to see signs that told him he was near some shore. Birds that fly only a short distance from land were seen, and green stalks of plants covered with fresh berries went floating by on the water. In the early morning of October 12, 1492, a moving light was seen in the distance. It was probably a torch in the hands of a native. At daybreak they saw before them green shores, and falling on their knees all rendered thanks to God for the great discovery. 14. In the New World. — The new land was one of the Bahama^ islands. It was low and barren except for a few trees. Here and there were seen the rude huts of the natives. Columbus dressed himself in velvet, and putting on his sword landed and took possession of the new country in the name of the king and queen of Spain. He called the land San Salvador,^ or " Holy Redeemer." To the natives who stood in fear at a distance he gave the name Indians, as he believed he had now reached India. After a short visit here, Columbus sailed southward and discovered the island of Cuba. For five months he cruised among the islands of the Caribbean^ sea and then returned to Spain, where he arrived March 15, 1493, amid great rejoicing of the people of the little town of Palos. All Spain was soon ablaze with the tidings of the great discovery. Columbus was invited to visit the court at Bar- celona,* where the king and queen and the nobles of Spain treated him as a prince of the royal house. 1 Bahama (ba-ha'ma). ^ Caribbean (kar-ib-be'an). 2 San Salvador (san sal-va-dor'). * Barcelona (bar-se-lo'na). 15 l6 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 15. Later Voyages of Columbus ; Spanish Rule in America ; Death of Columbus. — Columbus made three later voyages. He discovered Porto Rico ^ and Jamaica ^ and sailed along part of the coast of South America. In one of these expe- ditions he reached Honduras ^ and the isthmus of Panama.'^ The Spanish rulers wished the colonists to become tillers of the soil. They therefore sent out on the second and later voyages of Columbus many domestic animals, wheat, barley, seeds of all kinds, fruit trees, vines, and sugar cane. As a result of this wise policy a large part of the Spanish colonists lived by farming rather than by mining. The colonial laws of Spain were mild. The laws regulat- ing slavery were more humane than were those of England or France. For this reason the native population was well treated and increased in numbers except on the islands. Here the severe labor of the mines, but more especially disease, caused the death of hundreds of thousands. The last years of Columbus were not happy. From one of his voyages he was brought back in chains as the result of false charges of injustice, cruelty, and even treason to the crown of Spain. The great explorer died (1506) in neglect. Even to the hour of his death he believed that he had found Asia and a westward route to India.^ He did not dream that he had done something still greater, — that he had found a new world. 1 Porto Rico (por't5 reOco). ^ Honduras (hon-doo'ras). 2 Jamaica (ja-ma'ka). ^ Panama (pan-a-ma'). 5 It was not in fact until 1728, two hundred and twenty-two years later, that Vitus Bering sailed from the Pacific into the Arctic ocean through the strait that now bears his name. This proved for the first time that America was not a part of Asia. 17 l8 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 16. Cabot discovers the Mainland of North America. — At the time of the discovery of America a sailor named John Cabot ^ was Uving in England. He was an Italian and had seen in his native land the wealth which the cara- vans, after great toil and cost, had brought from the East. Cabot realized at once the value of the discovery of Columbus and applied to the king of England for permis- sion and aid to go on a voy- age of exploration. His request was granted, and he sailed (1497) with a small vessel. Cabot discovered the coast of North America, probably near Newfound- land. Going ashore, he raised a cross with the flag of England on one side and the flag of St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice, on the other. Cabot claimed the land he had found for the king of England. Because of this voyage the English, a century later, claimed all the Atlantic coast as their territory. 17. Voyage of Vasco da Gama, 1497. — For many years the Portuguese, under the lead of Prince Henry the Navi- gator, had been sending their sailors southward along the coast of Africa. They believed a passage could be found around that continent which would give an all-water route to India. 1 Cabot (kab'ot). Cabot sighting Newf()i;m)la\i) THE WHITE MEN REACH AMERICA 19 These efforts were at last successful. Bartholomew Dias^ reached (i486) the southern point of Africa, later named the cape of Good Hope, and saw before him the great waters of the Indian ocean. He returned at once to Portugal with the joyful news. In 1497 Vasco da Gama^ was sent to explore this route. He easily reached the cape of Good Hope, and turning eastward arrived at last at India (see map, p. 17). With his vessels laden with silks, spices, and gold he returned home to Lisbon in triumph. The Portuguese had found an eastward route by water to India. It was this expedition of Vasco da Gama which caused Europe to lose interest in the later voyages of Columbus. 18. The Naming of America. — Portugal desired to secure a share of the lands to the west of the great Atlan- tic, and sent (1501) an expedition under an Italian named Americus Vespucius.^ Vespucius sailed along the coast of South America as far as the river La Plata.^ He believed from the length of his voyage that he had found a new continent. On his return Vespucius wrote letters giving a descrip- tion of the strange lands which he had seen. A German map maker and printer who lived at that time in France read the letters of Americus. In a geography which he 1 Dias (de'as). 2 Vasco da Gama (vas'ko da ga'ma). 3 His name in Italian was Amerigo Vespucci (a-ma-ree'go ves-poot'chee). Americus Vespucius (a-mer'i-ciis ves-pu'shiis) is the Latin form which he generally used. Vespucius made in all three voyages to America. * La Plata (la pla'ta). It means " the river of silver," and was so named because many of the natives seen there wore silver ornaments. 20 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES published (1507) he gave the name America to the new continent, as he beUeved Americus had discovered it. The name America was applied at first only to Brazil/ then later to South America. It was finally given to the entire western hemisphere .^ SUMMARY 1. The Northmen are supposed to have visited (about 1000 a.d.) the northeast coast of North America. They named it Vinland. 2. Christopher Columbus, sailing under the flag of Spain, dis- covered the New World October 12, 1492. 3. John Cabot in 1497 was sent by the king of England on an exploring voyage. He discovered the mainland of North America. 4. Vasco da Gama with a fleet of Portuguese vessels sailed (1497) around the cape of Good Hope and reached India. 5. America was named (1507) in honor of Americus Vespucius, who had explored the eastern coasts of South America. Dates to be I'enietnbered : 1492, the discovery of America by Columbus. 1497, Cabot's discovery of North America. 1 Brazil (bra-zir). 2 To the nations of southern Europe we are indebted for nearly all the great geographical discoveries and explorations in the New World. In Italy were born Columbus, Cabot, Verrazano, and Vespucius; in Portugal, Prince Henry the Navigator, Magellan, Dias, Vasco da Gama, and Cabral ; in Spain, Balboa, Cortes, Ponce de Leon, De Soto, Pizarro, and Coronado. CHAPTER III SPANISH EXPLORATION AND CONQUEST 19. Balboa discovers the Pacific Ocean, 1513. — On his fourth and last voyage Columbus sailed along the coast of Panama. Ten years later a brave Spaniard named Balboa ^ set out to explore this region. He cut his way through the tropical jungle and after great toil crossed the lofty mountains. As he reached the highest point Balboa saw stretching before him a wide ocean. It was the great Pacific. With much rejoicing Balboa and his men waded, sword in hand, into the water and claimed for the king of Spain all the lands bounded by this great ocean. 20. The Expedition of Ponce de Leon, 1513. — The beauti- ful island of Porto Rico had been discovered by Columbus in 1493. Its governor was Ponce de Leon,^ who desired to explore the lands to the north and to find a wonderful fountain. This fountain, it was said, would give perpetual youth to any one who drank of its waters. Ponce de Leon sailed (15 13) and saw on Easter Sunday the coasts of a land bright with flowers and trees. He named it Florida from a part of the Spanish term for Easter.^ 1 Balboa (bal-bo'a). 2 Ponce de Leon (pSn'tha da la-6n'). 3 Pascua Florida (pas'kwa fl5-re'da) means Flowery Easter. 21 22 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 21. The Conquest of Mexico, 1519-1521. — Under the command of a brave leader named Hernando Cortes,^ a small band of Spaniards landed (15 19) on the coast of Thk Early Explorers Mexico where the city of Vera Cruz ^ now stands. Far inland on a high plateau was the capital of an Indian war ^ Hernando Cortes (er-nan'd5 kor-tas'). ^ Vera Cruz (va'ra kroos). SPANISH EXPLORATION AND CONQUEST 23 chief named Montezuma. ^ He ruled three tribes which were united under the name of Aztecs .^ When Montezuma heard of the arrival of the strangers on the coast, he sent beautiful presents of gold and silver and asked them not to come any nearer to his capital. When Cortes saw the rich gifts he resolved to push forward at once. He sank all his ships that there might be no way for his men to go back even if they wished to do so. The little band made its way through the dense jungle and then slowly toiled up through the difficult mountain passes. 22. Fall of the Aztecs; Pizarro conquers Peru. — The Indian foes of the Aztecs soon joined Cortes, and he quickly entered the city of Mexico, where Montezuma and his warriors lived. Soon after his arrival Cortes sent for Montezuma. Scarcely had the Aztec chief appeared when the Spaniards suddenly seized him and held him as a prisoner. The Aztecs for a time were filled with terror at this bold action of the Spaniards. They soon elected Montezuma's brother as a new war chief, however, and attacked with great vigor the building where Montezuma was confined. At the command of Cortes, Montezuma came out before the enraged people and asked them to submit to the Span- iards. The answer of the people was a shower of darts and spears, and Montezuma fell, mortally wounded. Many severe battles were now fought, and at one time the Spaniards were nearly destroyed. With heroic bravery Cortes kept up the siege of the city, until at last he captured it (152 1 ) and the power of the Aztecs was broken forever. 1 Montezuma (mon-te-zu'ma). '^ Aztecs (az'teks). SPANISH EXPLORATION AND CONQUEST 25 A few years later Pizarro^ conquered the rich country of Peru,2 and gradually nearly all of Central and South America except Brazil passed under the Spanish flag. 23. The First Voyage around the World, 1519-1522. — Up to this time no westward route by water had been found to the Pacific ocean and the long-sought-for Spice islands. A Portuguese named Ferdinand Magellan ^ now took up the task. With five vessels he sailed (15 19) under the flag of Spain across the Atlantic. Cruising along the coast of South America he found the strait which now bears his name. Magellan sailed through this strait and steered his vessels into the great Pacific. Now began that great journey across the greatest of earth's oceans (see map, p. 17). Food and water failed the daring voyagers and disease swept them off. For more than three months they kept on their way, being compelled at last to eat even the leathern rigging of the ships. 24. Discovery of the Philippine Islands, 1521. — The brave voyagers finally reached the Ladrones,* where they secured food and water. After a brief visit here they con- tinued on their journey and discovered (March 16, 1521) the Philippine ^ islands. Within a month Magellan was killed here in a fight with the natives of Mactan island. Only one vessel of the fleet finally reached Spain after an absence of three years. 1 Pizarro (pe-thar'r5). 2 Peru {pe-rob'). ^ Magellan (ma-jer^n). ^ Ladrones (la-dronz'). They were named the Ladrones or Robber islands because the natives tried to steal the goods and small boats of the Spaniards. ^ Philippine (firTp-in). The Philippines were so called in honor of Philip II of Spain. Monument to Magellan ln Manila 26 SPANISH EXPLORATION AND CONQUEST 27 This voyage proved the earth to be a globe and that the New World was not a part of Asia ; it also gave Spain her title to the Philippine islands. For three hundred and seventy-seven years Spain held possession of these islands, when they were ceded to the United States in 1898 by the Treaty of Paris. 25. Coronado's Expedition, 1540. — Rumors of cities of great wealth reached the Spaniards in Mexico, and Coro- nado,i a Spanish soldier, was sent to find them. Starting De Soto on the Banks of the Mississippi from Mexico (1540), he traveled northward. On this expe- dition the great canyon of the Colorado ^ was discovered. For two years Coronado explored the southwest, travel- ing as far north as Kansas and Nebraska. He failed to find the rich cities, of course, because they did not exist. 1 Coronado (ko-ro-na'do). 2 Colorado (kol-o-ra'do). PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES The Spaniards saw probably for the first time the great herds of buffalo which they described as crook-back oxen. 26. The Exploration of De Soto, 1540. — During this same year De Soto/ another Spaniard, explored the southeastern part of our country. He started from Florida and crossed the states of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. He traveled westward until he saw before him the mighty Mississippi river. He died soon after reaching it and was buried on its banks. The Indians quickly discovered De ^ Soto's grave, and the Spaniards, fearing that they might disturb it, resolved to move the body of the great explorer. They cut down an evergreen oak and hol- lowed it out. In this cavity they placed De Soto's remains and sealed them up. Silently at midnight they rowed out on the great river and lowered their burden into the swiftly flowing waters. 27. Founding of St. Augustine, 1565, and Santa Fe, 1582. — This work of exploration led to the building by the Span- iards of a fort on the coast of Florida. It was begun in 1565 and was named St. Augustine.^ It is the oldest city in the United States. 1 De Soto (da so'to). - St. Augustine (sant a'gus-ten). Old Spanish Gateway at St. Augustine SPANISH EXPLORATION AND CONQUEST 29 Throughout the territory explored by the Spaniards many missions were founded where the Indians could be taught the truths of Christianity. Santa Fe,i high up among the mountains of New Mexico, is the second oldest settlement in the United States. It was founded (1582) by the Spanish Franciscans as a center of civilization. For the conversion of the Indians of Arizona and New Mexico no less than fifty missions were founded as early as 1630. These discoveries and explorations and the founding of the missions gave Spain the right to claim a large part of the continent of North America. SUMMARY 1. Balboa discovered the Pacific ocean in 15 13. 2. Ponce de Leon started from Porto Rico and discovered (1513) Florida. 3. With a small band of soldiers Cortes landed (15 19) at Vera Cruz and conquered Mexico in 1521. 4. In 1 5 19 Magellan began the first voyage around the world. He found the strait that now bears his name, and discovered the Ladrones and the Philippine islands in 1521. 5. Coronado began in 1540 the exploration of the southwest. In the same year De Soto traveled through the gulf states and died on the banks of the Mississippi. 6. St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States, was founded in 1565. Date to be remetnbered : 1565, the founding of St. Augustine, the first permanent Spanish settlement in America. 1 Santa Fe (san'ta fa). CHAPTER IV FRENCH EXPLORATION AND CONQUEST 28. Cartier discovers the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 1534. — While the Spaniards were exploring the southwest the French turned their eyes on the rich country to the north. A few years after the discovery of America daring French fishermen^ began to come to the coast of New- foundland for the fish which are so abundant there. At that time fish formed a very important part of the food of the people of Europe. In 1535 the king of France, wishing to secure territory in the New World, sent an expedition under Cartier ^ on a voyage of discovery. Cartier soon found the great gulf to which he gave the name St. Lawrence, in honor of the saint on whose day it was discovered. 29. Cartier's Second Voyage, 1535 Cartier made a second voyage in 1535 and entered the St. Lawrence river. Going ashore he raised a cross and claimed the country for the king of France. He now began his journey up the great river. The banks were covered with beautiful forests, while the air resounded with the songs of numerous birds. On the high cliffs where Quebec ^ now stands Cartier saw an Indian village. He 1 These fishermen were from Brittany, and Cape Breton, said to be the oldest surviving name upon the Atlantic coast of North America, was called after them. 2 Cartier (kar-tya'). ^ Quebec (kwe-bek'). 30 31 32 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UxNITED STATES won at once the good will of the natives by giving them beads, toys, clothes, and bright-colored ribbons. As Cartier continued up the river he reached an Indian settlement. Behind the village rose lofty bluffs. To this beau- tiful spot he gave the name Montreal,^ or " royal mountain." This voyage of Cartier gave to the king of France the right to claim all the territory drained by the St. Lawrence river. 30. Champlain founds Quebec, 1608. — The work begun by Cartier was carried on many years later by Champlain,^ a brave soldier and explorer. As he sailed up the St. Law- rence he arrived at the point where the river becomes very narrow. Directly in front are the heights that had been seen by Cartier. Champlain saw at once the value of the spot for a per- manent settlement and forti- fied post . Here a few wooden buildings, surrounded by a wooden wall, were built in 1608. This was the founding of the first permanent French settlement in America. It was named Quebec, meaning in the Indian tongue "the narrow place." This city was for a century the capital of New France. 31. The Great Work of Champlain. — Champlain explored the country and made maps of all this region. He discov- ered the beautiful lake which now bears his name and explored lake Ontario and lake Huron. 1 Montreal (mont-re-ar). ^ Champlain (sham-plan'). '||V^^1^'/ Champlain FRENCH EXPLORATION AND CONQUEST 33 Champlain was anxious to convert the Indians to Chris- tianity, and with this idea in view he invited (161 5) the Franciscans to come to the New World and minister to them. A few years later the Jesuits arrived to assist in this noble work. Champlain secured for the French the extensive and rich fur trade. In one of the Indian wars on the shores of lake George, Champlain took the part of the Algonquins against the Iroquois. The Iroquois had never heard a gun before and were terror stricken when Champlain in full armor appeared and killed them in great numbers. Ever after- wards the Iroquois were the bitter enemies of the French and prevented them from gaining control of the state of New York with its great water ways. The name of Champlain is one of the greatest in early American history. 32. The Founding of Indian Missions. — As the French explorers went westward Jesuit and Franciscan mission- aries went with them, teaching the natives Christianity and civilization. Missions were quickly founded along the St. Lawrence river and the Great Lakes, and as early as 1 63 1 these heroic men had reached the northern shore of lake Superior. They made maps of the country and have left us interesting descriptions of the scenes of their work in those early days. Many of these missionaries were cruelly tortured and killed by the savage tribes they had tried to civilize. 33. Father Marquette on the Mississippi. — From time to time the missionaries heard from the Indians of a great river to the westward. It was called by the natives the Mississippi, "the father of waters." Father Marquette (From Trentanove's statue in the Capitol at Washington) 34 FRENCH EXPLORATION AND CONQUEST 35 Father Marquette,^ a Jesuit missionary, now resolved to find this river. With a French explorer named Jolliet ^ he set out (1673) with two birch-bark canoes. They entered Green bay and paddled up the Fox river to its head waters. The Indian guides told them that another river, flowing westward, was not far away. Picking up their canoes, they carried them to this river — the Wisconsin — and started downward, gliding on its smooth waters by day and resting upon its banks by night. In seven days they reached the mouth of the W^isconsin and saw before them a majestic river flowdng to the south. 34. Exploring the Mississippi. — They knew the river must be the Mississippi. "Joy that could find no utter- ance in words filled the grateful heart of Marquette. The broad river of the Conception, as he named it, now lay before them, stretching away hundreds of miles to an unknown sea." It was one hundred and thirty years since De Soto, many leagues to the southward, had gazed upon this same river. Downward the explorers turned their canoes and floated past bluffs and prairies, forests and Indian villages, till they reached the mouth of the Arkansas.^ Here they rested. They were now satisfied that the Mississippi flowed into the gulf of Mexico, and not into the gulf of California. They now returned up the river, and paddling against its strong current at last reached Green bay again. Here Father Marquette rested while Jolliet went on to Quebec with reports 1 Marquette (mar-ket'). 2 Jolliet (zho-le-a'). This name is frequently spelled Joliet. 3 Arkansas (ar'kan-sa). 36 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES of the journey. This voyage of the great French pathfinders is one of the most interesting on the pages of history. 35. La Sailers Exploration, 1681-1682. — The news of Father Marquette's great journey soon reached Canada. La Salle on the Great Lakes A brave Frenchman named La Salle ^ resolved to explore the Mississippi still further and to reach, if possible, the mouth of this great river. 1 La Salle (la sal'). FRENCH EXPLORATION AND CONQUEST 37 If France could control this water way, thought La Salle, she would secure the rich fur trade of the continent. This would enable her to build up great colonies in the fertile lands which Marquette had described. In 1 68 1 La Salle started down lake Michigan to the point where the city of Chicago now stands. He paddled up the Chicago river and crossed overland a short distance. This brought him to the Illinois ^ river, and down the waters of this stream he journeyed till he came to the broad Mississippi. The brave explorer suffered terribly from the cold ; the river was full of floating trees and huge cakes of ice, which threatened each moment to crush the frail canoes. 36. La Salle explores the Mississippi. — In spite of the great danger La Salle pushed onward, visiting the Indian villages as he passed along. In each village a cross was erected, bearing the arms of France. In two months La Salle reached the mouth of the Mississippi, where it pours its flood of waters into the gulf of Mexico. In the meantime Father Hennepin, a Franciscan friar, had been sent by La Salle on an exploring tour. Hennepin was captured by the Sioux ^ Indians and taken to the head waters of the Mississippi, where he saw the great falls named by him in honor of St. Anthony. Here later arose the flourishing cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. 37. La Salle claims Louisiana for France. — On reaching the mouth of the Mississippi, La Salle erected a cross, and beside it a post to which he attached the arms of France. There amid the salute of guns he claimed the entire country drained by the Mississippi as the territory of France. He 1 Illinois (Tl-lT-noi'). ^ Sioux (soo). 38 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES named this vast area Louisiana in honor of the French king, Louis the Fourteenth. It was not enough, however, to claim the country. Forts must be built to protect the territory and colonists must be brought in to settle it. 38. The Plans of the French ; Death of La Salle. — La Salle now went to France, where he told of the great ter- ritory he had claimed for the French king. He showed how necessary it was to build a strong post at the mouth of the river. "It is also necessary," he said, "to erect a chain of forts that will control the Mississippi and the Great Lakes." The king of France at once fitted out an expedition, and La Salle sailed (1684) for the mouth of the Mississippi, but he failed to find the outlet of the great river. Some of his vessels were wrecked, and at last he himself was mur- dered (1687) by some of his followers. 39. The Founding of Mobile, New Orleans, and Detroit. — The French, however, carried out his plans to a certain extent. They built a fort in the territory of the Illinois Indians to keep the savages in check and to protect the route to lake Michigan. Two settlements were made on the gulf of Mexico to prevent the Spaniards from gaining control of the Mississippi. One was Mobile ^ (i/oi) and the other was New Orleans ^ (1718). A few years earlier Cadillac ^ saw the great value of a fortified post that would control the strait that connects lake Erie and lake Huron. Here he built (1701) a fort, around which grew up the flourishing city of Detroit.^ 1 Mobile (mo-bel'). ^ Cadillac (kad-il-lak'). 2 New Orleans (nu or'le-anz). ■* Detroit (de-troit'). 39 40 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES To the westward from lake Superior to the Saskatchewan ^ river, for a distance of no less than twelve hundred miles, fur-trading stations were founded by the hardy French pioneers. Along the Ohio forts were built and plates of lead or pewter were planted. On these plates were inscribed the royal arms of France and the claims of the French to this territory. French names were given to many of the towns, rivers, lakes, and valleys. SUMMARY 1. In 1 534-1 535 Cartier discovered and explored the St. Lawrence and claimed for the king of France all the territory drained by thi.s river. 2. Champlain founded at Quebec in 1608 the first permanent French settlement in America. 3. Missions were founded along the St. Lawrence river and the Great Lakes. In 1673 Father Marquette explored the Mississippi river. 4. In 1682 La Salle traced the Mississippi to its mouth. The territory drained by the river he named Louisiana and claimed it for the king of France. Date to be remembered : 1608, the founding of Quebec, the first permanent French settle- ment in America. 1 Saskatchewan (sas-kach'e-wan). CHAPTER V THE SOUTHERN COLONIES VIRGINIA (1607) 40. The English attempt to settle America. — England claimed the continent of North America because John Cabot, while sailing under an English flag, had discovered it in 1497. For eighty years no attempt was made to explore the new land or to colonize it. English slave traders, however, among whom were Hawkins and Drake, began as early as 1562 to cruise in the Caribbean sea, attacking Spanish vessels and sacking Spanish towns. In 1577 Drake passed through the strait of Magellan and sailed northward along the coast of South America, plundering and burning cities as he went. He passed northward as far as California in an attempt to find a northeast passage by which he might reach the Atlantic. When he failed to find this passage he sailed westward and returned (1580) to Europe by way of the cape of Good Hope. It was not until 1583, ninety-one years after Columbus's great discovery, that England began to send out men to found settlements in the New World. These settlements were f allures. ^ 1 In 1583 Sir Humphrey Gilbert made a vain attempt to found a settle- ment in Newfoundland. Beginning in 1584, Sir Walter Raleigh, a half- brother of Gilbert, sent out three expeditions, but they failed to make permanent settlements. 41 42 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES In 1606 the king of England gave to two companies all the territory claimed by the English. This territory was at that time called Virginia,^ and under this name was in- cluded the entire country from Maine to Florida. 41. The Plymouth and London Companies ; Jamestown founded, 1607. — One of the companies to which the king made the grant of land was called the Plymouth ^ Company ; the other was the London Company. These companies received their names from the cities in England where they were formed. The Plymouth Company sent ( 1 607) a colony to the mouth of the Ken- nebec ^ river in Maine. The winter there was so cold that many died. The colony was a failure and the settlers returned. The London Company was more successful. Their colonists reached a river which they named the James, in honor of James the P'irst, king of England. On the low marshy banks of this river was founded in 1607 the first permanent English settlement in America. It was named Jamestown. 42. The English in Virginia ; Captain John Smith. — At first the colony did not succeed. In six months the supplies were exhausted and half the colony had died. The settlers searched only for gold. They would not work in the fields nor build homes. ^ Virginia (ver-jin'i-a). '^ Plymouth (plim'uth). 3 Kennebec (ken-e-bek'). 43 44 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES The colony owed its life to Captain John Smith, who finally took charge of affairs. He made friends with the Indians, secured the corn that saved the colonists from fam- ine, and ordered houses to be built. Each man in the colony had to do his share of hard work. Captain Smith explored the country, sailing up the Chesa- peake bay and the Susquehanna river. He was looking for a water way which was supposed to connect the Atlantic with the Pacific. For this water way the Spanish, French, and English explorers looked in vain for years. 43. Captain Smith saved by Pocahontas. — On one of his exploring expeditions Smith met with an exciting adventure, as he tells us.^ With four companions he was taken captive by the Indians. His companions were killed at once, but Smith was led into an Indian council before a chief called Powhatan .2 This chief was covered with a robe made of skins. Around him sat the warriors and squaws, all with faces painted in bright colors. The Indians talked together for a long time and then decided that Smith must die. He was led forth and his head placed upon stones that he might be beaten to death. Before the first blow .could be given, Pocahontas,^ the little daughter of Powhatan, ran forward, placed her arms around Smith's head, and begged for his life. Powhatan at last granted her request, and Smith was saved from death. Pocahontas was later married to an English settler named John Rolfe. She went to England and was received- by the king with great honor as the daughter of a king. 1 The truth of this story of Pocahontas has been doubted by many historians. This rescue of Smith, however, was not contrary to the cus- toms and usages of many of the Indian tribes. 2 Powhatan (po-ha-tan'). ^ Pocahontas (po-ka-hon^tas). THE SOUTHERN COLONIES 45 44. Famine in Virginia ; Trouble with the Indians. — After spending two years in the colony Captain Smith returned to England. Scarcely had he gone when the colony was on the point of famine. The whole enterprise would have been given up had not Lord Delaware ^ arrived with supplies from England. While Powhatan and Pocahontas lived the Indians and the white men were generally at peace. After the death of Powhatan, however, war broke out. The Indians attacked Jamestown and the other settlements, and hundreds of set- tlers were killed or tortured to death. The colonists in turn now waged so bitter a warfare that the Indians were crushed, and for some years the land was in peace. 45. The First Representative Assembly. — Under Lord Delaware and his successors the colony began to prosper. In twelve years there were eleven towns with a population of two thousand colonists. These colonists now asked to have a part in making their own laws. This request was granted, and two men came from each town (or borough,^ as it was called) to an assembly in the wooden church at Jamestown. Here they met July 30, 16 19, This was the first representative assembly in America. The date of this event is most important, as it marks the beginning of popular government in America. It showed that even at that early day the people here demanded the right to make the laws under which they lived. 46. The Beginnings of Slavery. — In -this same year (1619) a Dutch vessel came into the James river with a cargo of slaves. Twenty of the negroes were sold to Vir- ginia colonists. This was the beginning of negro slavery 1 Delaware (dera-war)r 2 Borough (bur'o). 46 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES in English America. There were white slaves in Virginia also. To relieve the jails of England that were filled with prisoners, criminals were sent to America and sold for a term of years. Again, there were many persons who desired to come to America but had not money enough to pay for the passage. The captain of a ship would bring them over and sell them to a planter and thereby secure the money for their passage. Other slaves were homeless children or those stolen from the streets of London by kidnappers. The black and white slaves worked together on the plan- tations, but the latter could not be held beyond the term of their contract, being then free.^ They generally secured homes for themselves and became happy colonists. 47. Cultivation of Tobacco. — The cultivation of tobacco, which was begun in 1624, brought in an era of prosperity for the colony. Tobacco raising became the chief occupa- tion of the people, and was so profitable that even the streets and market place of Jamestown were planted with tobacco. The habit of smoking had spread so rapidly in England that every pound of tobacco raised in Virginia could be sold at a good price. Tobacco in fact took the place of money in the colony, and the worth of goods was reckoned in pounds of tobacco. The wealth to be made by raising tobacco drew settlers from England to the colony and made its future secure. 48. Life in Virginia. — The culture of tobacco led to the formation of large plantations. Up the numerous rivers 1 These white slaves were called redemptioners because they could redeem or free themselves at the end of their contract. They were also called indented or indentured servants. THE SOUTHERN COLONIES 47 ships came from England and unloaded almost at the door of the planter the articles he needed, such as tables, chairs, clothing, knives, and forks. There were practically no goods made in Virginia, as everybody was busy raising tobacco. There were few towns in the colony. With the wealth secured from their crops of tobacco the planters built beautiful homes, where they were surrounded by hundreds of slaves to carry on the household. The Church of England was established by law, and each settler was compelled to attend it or to pay a fine of twenty pounds of tobacco. In addition severe laws were passed to prevent Catholics and Quakers from entering the colony. SUMMARY 1. Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America, was founded in 1607. 2. The first representative assembly in America met in Jamestown, July 30, 1619. 3. Slavery was introduced into Virginia in 1619. 4. The cultivation of tobacco began an era of prosperity for the colony. MARYLAND (1634) 49. Lord Baltimore founds Maryland. — The Catholics of England at this period were living under severe laws that had been passed to prevent them from worshiping according to their faith. A Catholic nobleman, George Calvert, who had received the title of Lord Baltimore, sought a place in the New World where his fellow-Catholics could worship in peace. He asked the king of England to 48 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES give him territory in America. Lord Baltimore's request was granted, and he received a large tract of land along the Potomac river, north of the colony of Virginia. He named it Maryland in honor of Henrietta Maria, the queen of England. Lord Baltimore died before his plans were finished, and they were carried out by his son, Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore. 50. Settlement at St. Marys, 1634. — Lord Baltimore was given great powers, being in fact a king except in The Site of St. Marys name. In return he was required to give to the king merely twO' Indian arrows a year and one fifth of all the gold and silver found in the colony. The settlers under Leonard Calvert, brother of Lord Baltimore, came to Chesapeake bay and entered the beauti- ful Potomac river. Landing on St. Clements island, they erected a cross with solemn religious services. A few days ,CBt7/I VO B A L TEMO RE ^^7v;...v;; (^'.^^ JtrOT^Sff^iuJi*^ Cecil Calvert 49 50 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES later (March 27, 1634) they founded on the banks of the St. Georges river the town of St. Marys. Here was built the first Catholic chapel in the English colonies. The land for the new colony was bought from the Indians with presents of hoes, axes, knives, and cloth. A treaty of peace and friendship was made with the red men. The rivers and bays supplied fish in great quantities, game abounded in the forests, and the rich soil produced corn in abundance. As the colony was made up of settlers who were not afraid to work, it prospered from the very beginning. 51. Claiborne's Rebellion ; Act of Toleration. — Virginia claimed as her own the territory which had been ceded to Lord Baltimore, and she tried in vain to prevent him from founding the colony. In Chesapeake bay a Virginian named Claiborne had a trading station on Kent island. This island was in the province of Maryland. He refused to acknowl- edge the title of Lord Baltimore, and gathering a force attacked the colony, drove out the governor, and plundered the people. Two years later Lord Baltimore regained control of his province and in 1649 called together an assembly. This assembly granted freedom of worship to all Christians by passing the famous Act of Toleration. There were many Puritans in Virginia. As they were persecuted there. Lord Baltimore invited them to come to Maryland. One thousand accepted the invitation and crossed into Maryland, taking the oath of fidelity to Lord Baltimore. At the earliest opportunity they seized the government and called an assembly. This assembly at once repealed (1654) the Act of Toleration. Freedom of worship was denied to Catholics, Quakers, Baptists, and Episcopalians. THE SOUTHERN COLONIES 51 Four years later the government of England gave back to Lord Baltimore his province, and he immediately restored the Act of Toleration as the law of the colony. 52. The Founding of Annapolis and Baltimore. — Thirty- four years later, when William, Prince of Orange, became king of England, Lord Baltimore again lost his province and a royal governor was sent out. In 171 5 the colony was at last restored to the fifth Lord Baltimore, and he and his descend- ants held it until the outbreak of the Revolution. The city now called Annapolis was founded in 1649 by the Puritans and was named Providence by them. This city later became the capital in place of St. Marys. The need of a port on the waters of Chesapeake bay led, in 1729, to the founding of the great city of Baltimore. ¥^ -^^ SUMMARY 1. Maryland was founded by Lord Baltimore in 1634 as a refuge for the Catholics of England. 2. The first settlement was St. Marys. 3. In 1634 was passed the Toleration Act, which allowed freedom of worship to all Christians. 4. Claiborne overthrew the government of Lord Baltimore in 1654, but it was restored in 1658. 5. In 1654 the Puritans repealed the Act of Toleration. 6. The charter was taken away by the king of England in 1692, but was finally restored to the fifth Lord Baltimore in 171 5. 52 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES THE CAROLINAS (1663) 53. The Grant of Carolina, — Many attempts were made by the Enghsh to found settlements along the south Atlantic coast, but they were not successful. In 1663 Charles the Second, king of England, gave to Lord Clarendon and seven others a vast territory which stretched from Virginia as far south as Florida. This territory was named Carolina, after King Charles. It is a strange fact that the same name had been given to this region by the French one hun- dred years before, in honor of their king, Charles the Ninth. At the junction of the Ashley and Cooper rivers the foundations of a settlement were laid (1680). This settlement, which was named Charles- ton, became the center of a great trade, until at the outbreak of the Revolution it was the fifth city of the colonies. 54. North and South Carolina. — About fifty years later the proprietors sold the territory of Carolina to the king of England, and he divided it into North and South Carolina. In South Carolina was begun (1693) the great rice industry. A sea captain had brought some rice seed from THE SOUTHERN COLONIES 53 Madagascar. 1 When this seed was planted it grew with such success that rice became the chief export of the colony. Another source of wealth was indigo. It was first planted by a girl as a garden ornament. The soil was so well adapted to its growth, however, that it was cultivated everywhere and was a source of wealth to the colonists. To the Caro- linas rice and indigo were as important and valuable as tobacco w^as to Virginia. For the tilling of these crops there was needed a large number of slaves, as they died very quickly in the unhealth- ful rice swamps. The buying and selling of negroes there- fore became one of the most active industries of South Carolina. From the great forests of North Carolina came pitch, tar, turpentine, and yellow-pine timber. The products of the Carolinas were sent to England, where they were sold at good prices. In these colonies freedom of worship was not allowed. The Church of England was established by law and sup- ported by the taxes of all the colonists. Quakers arid Catholics were not permitted to reside in the colony, although later the Quakers w^ere allowed to come. SUMMARY 1. Carolina was granted to Lord Clarendon and others in 1663. 2. In 1680 Charleston was founded. 3. In 1729 Carolina was divided into North and South Carolina. 1 Madagascar (mad-a-gas'kar). 54 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES GEORGIA (1733) 55. Oglethorpe's Colony. — It was for many years the law of England that a person who did not pay his debts might be put in prison and kept there until he did pay. Some people who were not able to obtain money enough to pay their debts had to stay in prison, therefore, until they died. To aid these unhappy people a soldier named James Oglethorpe ^ formed a company to pay these debts and free these people from prison. They would then be given pas- sage to a new colony which Oglethorpe intended to found in America. In this new colony slavery and the sale of rum were prohibited. There was another reason for Oglethorpe's desire to found a colony on the south Atlantic coast. He had been a soldier, and he now formed military plans to check the northward march of the Spaniards and to prevent them from securing the rich territory between Florida and the Carol inas. The king of England, George the Second, gave his approval to the plan and granted (1732) to Oglethorpe the territory between the Savannah and the Altamaha^ rivers. 56. The Founding of Savannah, 1733. — The chief set- tlement of the colony was named Savannah. Because of the mild climate Oglethorpe believed he could rival Italy and France in the production of silk, olive oil, and wine. Mulberry trees were planted, but the silk culture was a failure. Vineyards were laid out. The wine, however, was not as good as that made in England, and this enterprise 1 Oglethorpe (o'g'l-thorp). ^ Altamaha (al-ta-ma-ha') THE SOUTHERN COLONIES 55 also failed. The planting of rice and indigo and the export of lumber were more successful, especially after negro slavery was allowed. 57. War with the Spaniards Oglethorpe believed the Spaniards of Florida were planning to attack his colony. He therefore gathered a large force and marched (1740) against St. Augustine, the Spanish stronghold. The Spaniards defended their city with such bravery that Oglethorpe was forced to return home. Two years later the Spaniards with an army of five thousand men sailed north- ward and attacked the Georgia colony, but they were defeated. Georgia had an assembly to which any one who was a church member could be elected. The Church of England was established by law and was supported by taxes levied upon all the people. While the colony was liberal in many ways, it denied to Catholics the right to vote or to hold office, and Jews were forbidden to enter it. In 1752 the colony was given by the proprietors to the king of England. It was the last colony founded in America by the English. SUMMARY 1. Georgia was founded by Oglethorpe as a refuge for English debtors. 2. Savannah was settled in i 733. The Southern Colonies Dates to be reviejubered : 1607, the first permanent English settlement in America. 1619, the introduction of negro slavery into English America. 1 6 19, the first representative assembly in America at Jamestown. 1649, ^^ passage of the Religious Toleration Act in Maryland. CHAPTER VI THE MIDDLE COLONIES NEW NETHERLAND, OR NEW YORK (1614) 58. Discovery and Exploration of the Hudson River The first European to enter the present harbor of New York was probably Verrazano/ an Itahan, who made his voyage (1524) under the flag of France. In the following year {1525) a Span- iard, Estevan Gomez,^ entered these waters. He sailed up a great river which he saw flowing into the har- bor here, and named it River of St. An- thony. In 1609 an English navigator, Henry Hudson, was sent out by the directors of the Dutch West India Company on a voyage of exploration. He entered the majestic river which Verrazano and Gomez 1 Verrazano (ver-ra-tsa'n5). 2 Estevan Gomez (es-ta'van go'meth). 56 New Netherland THE MIDDLE COLONIES 57 had seen more than eighty years before. In his small vessel named the Half Moon Hudson sailed past the Palisades and continued northward through the Narrows where the moun- tains seemed almost to close the river. Hudson gave the name River of the Mountains to the river on which he was sailing, but it was later called Hudson in honor of the explorer. Indians dressed in fur robes and wearing copper neck- laces came in their light canoes to visit the Half Moon, — Hudson and the Dutch Directors "the white bird," as they called it. They exchanged furs and skins for colored cloth and beads. 59. Settlement of Manhattan. — On his return to Europe Hudson made a report of his voyage. The wealth of the great fur trade of this country aroused the zeal of the merchants of Holland, who at once formed the Dutch West 58 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES India Company and sent out colonists to settle the country, to which the name New Netherland ^ was given. In 1 6 14 log forts were erected on an island at the mouth of the Hudson. The island was later (1626) bought from the natives for a few trinkets, and was named Man- hattan^ after a tribe of Delaware Indians who lived there. Around these log forts and huts arose a settlement named New Amsterdam^ in honor of a famous city in Holland. New Amsterdam later became the great city of New York. 60. The Dutch erect Fortified Posts. — On the upper waters of the Hudson a fort was built. A few years later (1623) this fort was moved northward to a point from which the Indian trails led in every direction. This post was named Fort Orange. It later became the city of Albany. A treaty was made with the Iroquois, or Five Nations, the powerful Indian confederacy that lived in the state of New York. The Iroquois were ever afterward friendly to the Dutch and later to the English. They stood as a bar- rier, blocking the southward progress of the French. In 1623 another fort was built on the Delaware river, not far from the present site of Philadelphia. It was named Fort Nassau.* Ten years later (1633) the fur trade of Connecticut^ turned the eyes of the Dutch to that section, and a forti- fied post named Good Hope was begun where the city of Hartford now stands. 1 The Dutch states of Europe were called the United Netherlands. Holland was one of these states. 2 Manhattan (man-hat'an). •* Nassau (nas'a). 3 Amsterdam (am'ster-dam). ^ Connecticut (kon-net'i-kut). ,r ^'iH^^. IM. 59 6o PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 61. The Patroons Up to this time fur trading had been the chief reason for the voyages between Holland and New Netherland. The Dutch West India Company now hoped to settle the country. They offered large tracts of land to any one who would establish in their colony a settlement of fifty persons. Many accepted the offer. They were named patroons, ^ or patrons. These patroons were New York in the Early Days frequently granted miles of territory, and hundreds of ten- ants lived on their property under very strict rules and paid rent to them. The Dutch colony grew slowly, as the patroon system did not lead to the building up of small homes. Some of the Dutch governors had little or no ability, while others were tyrannical. 62. The Rise and Fall of New Sweden. — In 1638 the king of Sweden sent out a company of Dutchmen to found a settlement on the Delaware. The new colony was named 1 Patroons (pa-trobnz'). THE MIDDLE COLONIES 6l New Sweden. After some years the Dutch of New Nether- land claimed this as their territory and sent a small body of soldiers against it. New Sweden sur- rendered (1655) and was added to New Netherland. Nine years later it became the property of the duke of York. 63. The Dutch lose New Netherland.— All this territory which had been settled by the Dutch was claimed by England through the discovery of John Cabot. The king of England now gave it to his brother, the duke of York, and a fleet of four war ships was sent to take possession. This fleet appeared before New Amster- dam in August, 1664. At that time Peter Stuyvesant ^ was governor. He was a quick- tempered and tyrannical man, who had no sym- pathy with ideas that might give the people the right to govern themselves. The settlers of New Amsterdam were tired of the rule of '* Hard- Peter Stiyvesant Headed Peter,' as they called him. When, therefore, the English ordered 1 Stuyvesant (strve-sant). 62 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES Stuyvesant to give up the city the citizens begged him to do so. He declared he would never surrender, but seeing how helpless the city was before the English war ships, he cried : "Well, let it be so ! I had rather be carried to my grave." The flag of Holland was lowered and that of England was raised over the Uttle fort. The name New Amsterdam was changed to New York. The English now had an unbroken line of colonies and controlled the Atlantic seaboard from the French territory of Canada to that of the Spaniards in Florida. 64. Dongan's Assembly ; the Charter of Liberties. — Nine years later England and Holland were again at war, and a Dutch fleet came into the harbor of New York and captured the city. The Dutch held it for almost a year, when, through the treaty of peace, the colony was again turned over to the English. Of the governors who now ruled the colony one of the ablest was Thomas Dongan. Under him the colonists secured the first grant of popular government. He called an assembly which was 1683. This assembly passed the This charter granted trial by jury Governor Dongan held in New York in Charter of Liberties. ^ 1 In 1683 Dongan granted a new charter to the city of New York, and in the following year made an important treaty with the Iroquois. THE MIDDLE COLONIES 63 and the right to landholders to elect town officers. It also allowed freedom of worship to all the settlers. In 1685 the duke of York became king of England. He refused to approve the Charter of Liberties, and a royal governor was sent to rule New York, which remained a royal province until the Revolution. SUMMARY 1. Henry Hudson explored the Hudson river in 1609 and gave to the Dutch the possession of the territory. 2. The colony was named New Netherland. 3. New Amsterdam was founded in 1626 on the island of Man- hattan. It was the site of the present city of New York. 4. The English captured the colony in 1664 and changed its name to New York. 5. In 1683 Governor Dongan called the first legislative assembly. This assembly passed the Charter of Liberties, by which religious freedom and trial by jury were granted to the colony. NEW JERSEY (1617) 65. The Grant of New Jersey. — As early as 161 7 the Dutch had built a fortified post on the west shore of the Hudson river opposite New Amsterdam. They named it Bergen after the town of that name in Holland. Half a century later (1664), when the Dutch lost New Amsterdam, the duke of York gave to two of his friends, Berkeley ^ and Carteret,^ a tract of land between the Hudson and Delaware rivers. 1 Berkeley (berk'li). 2 Carteret (kar'ter-et). Berkeley and Carteret had befriended the duke of York and his brothers when they were compelled to flee from England in the revolution of 1649. Their father, King Charles I, was at this time beheaded. 64 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES The territory thus given was named New Jersey in honor of Carteret, who had been governor of the island of Jersey in the English channel. In 1673 the Dutch once more seized New York, and New Jersey passed under the rule of Holland. In the following year, however, by a treaty of peace. New Jersey was restored to the English. Settlers from New Haven laid (1665) the foundations of Newark. Like the colony of New Haven from which the settlers came, Newark was ruled only by members of the Con- gregational Church, and the strict laws of Moses were in force in the colony. 66. East Jersey and West Jersey. — Not long afterward New Jersey was divided into East and West Jersey. From the beginning there was trouble between the proprietors and the colonists. In 1674 Berkeley sold West Jersey, his share of the colony, to the Quakers. 1 On the death of Carteret (1682) the Quakers, among whom was William Penn, bought East Jersey. They thus secured the whole colony. They did not possess it long, however, as a few years later (1702) it was surrendered to the crown of England and was joined to the province of New York and New England. It became a separate province in 1738 and was ruled by a governor appointed by the king. 1 The Quakers were a new sect which had recently arisen in England. They were opposed to all forms in worship, and to titles or honors. They were also strongly opposed to war and slavery. 1 ^ V, i ■ i H ^ , i 1 "^ /"•^ \ i 2; / ^ "^-^ ft ••* w ;^Vu.abeth5?/^$^ ! -4 y ^ x?\ 1006 /p l/V^S^^i ' Philadelphia^ \ '^ 1 N 1082 y « \Sf . Chesty 1#r-„« ;^/. .1 'tv^ ^ t^^'' V ^ 1 in ^y/ V ^ V V^ ^ .'' 'i* \ > - ! THE MIDDLE COLONIES 65 SUMMARY 1. In 161 7 the Dutch erected a fort at Bergen on the west shore of the Hudson. 2. The duke of York (in 1664) granted to two of his friends, Berkeley and Carteret, all the territory between the Hudson and Delaware rivers. 3. New Jersey was divided into East Jersey and West Jersey. The whole colony was finally purchased by the Quakers. It was later united to New York. 4. New Jersey became in 1738 a separate province under a royal governor. PENNSYLVANIA AND DELAWARE (1681) 67. The Founding of Pennsylvania. — William Penn was one of the Quakers interested in the purchase of West Jersey from Berkeley. ^ The Quakers, or "Friends," as they called themselves, were at this time suffering in England for their religious opinions. Some had been put into prison ; others had been flogged. William Penn was the son of Admiral Penn of the British navy. The English government owed the admiral about eighty thousand dollars. When his father, Admiral Penn, died, William Penn suggested that a tract of land in America might be given 1 The picture represents Penn in armor, as he appeared in his youth when fighting in the wars of Holland. When Penn became a Quaker he was, of course, strongly opposed to war. William Penn 66 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES to him by the king. This would, he said, balance the debt. King Charles the Second gladly accepted the offer, and granted to Penn a large tract, about forty thousand square miles in extent, west of the Delaware river. Penn named it Sylvania,! *' woodland," but the king placed Penn's name before the word and called it Pennsylvania, or " Penn's Penn's Treaty with the Indians woodland." The rent that Penn had to pay to the king for this immense tract was two beaver skins a year. Three ship- loads of colonists were at once sent to the new colony, where one hundred acres of land could be bought for forty dollars. 68. Philadelphia founded, 1682. — Near the junction of the Delaware and Schuylkill ^ rivers Penn laid out (1682) 1 Sylvania (sil-va'ni-a). ^ Schuylkill (skoolTcil). THE MIDDLE COLONIES 6/ his capital, to which was given the name Philadelphia, ''city of brotherly love." There was an old elm tree where the Indians were accustomed to gather and smoke the peace pipe before the English came. Here Penn met (1682) the chiefs of the neighboring tribes, and under the spreading branches of the old tree made a treaty with them. He bought from them sufficient land for the site of his future great city, in return for which the Indians received red lead, bells, cloth, guns, kettles, knives, scissors, and many other articles. The Indian chief, as he accepted these articles, said, " We will live in peace with Penn and his children as long as the sun and moon remain in the sky." 69. The Treaty Belt ; Purchase of Delaware. — As a record of this treaty a belt of wampum was made by the The Treaty Belt Indians. This belt still exists and shows an Indian and a white man standing hand in hand. When the English, ninety-five years later, captured Phil- adelphia in the War of the Revolution, the British general placed a guard beside the old treaty tree, that it might not be injured. Penn's territory nowhere touched on the sea. It was on the Delaware river, and entrance to this river might be prevented by New Jersey or Maryland. 68 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES As he was anxious to have a direct outlet on the ocean, Penn purchased from the duke of York the territory now included in the state of Delaware and added it to Penn- sylvania. After 1703 the people of Delaware elected an assembly of their own, but they had the same governor as Pennsylvania. SUMMARY 1. Pennsylvania was given to William Penn by King Charles the Second of England in 1681. 2. In 1682 the city of Philadelphia was founded and the famous treaty made with the Indians. 3. Delaware was purchased from the duke of York by Penn to give the Pennsylvania colony a direct outlet to the sea. Date to be remembered : 1609, the beginning of the Dutch colonies in America through the voyage of Henry Hudson. CHAPTER VII THE NEW ENGLAND COLONIES THE PLYMOUTH AND MASSACHUSETTS BAY COLONIES 70. The Plymouth Colony, 1620. — In 1620 a vessel named the Mayflower sailed from England with about one hundred passengers. These passengers were called Pilgrims, or wanderers. They came to America to establish new homes. By the laws of Eng- land of that day every one was required to attend the services of the Church of Eng- land, and heavy fines were placed on those who refused to do so. Taxes also had to be paid by all the people for the support of this church, whether they believed in its doctrines or not. The Pilgrims did not believe in certain teachings and ceremonies of the Church of England, and left the country. They went to Holland, and after a few years decided to settle in America. 69 The " Mayflower JO PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES A Pilgrim The Mayflower reached Cape Cod after a stormy passage of nine weeks. While Miles Standish and his band of sol- diers were looking for a site for a settle- ment, the little band of pioneers drew up in the cabin of the Mayflower a plan of government, or compact, and all agreed to obey any laws that might be made for the good of the colony. 71. Founding of Plymouth ; the Town Meeting. — The colonists now landed (December 21, 1620), built log houses, and thus laid the foundations of the town of Plymouth. The winter was intensely cold, and so many of the colonists perished that when the warm spring days arrived only half of the settlers were alive. The colony grew slowly. From time to time the colonists met together to talk over their needs. At these gatherings the free- men voted on every ques- tion. This gathering was called the town meeting. 72. The Indians help the Colonists. — The Indians were friendly with the col- onists from the beginning, and taught them many things, as, for instance, the value of Indian corn and how to plant it with a fish or two in each of the hills to fertilize it ; also how to kill trees by girding Cape Cod THE NEW ENGLAND COLONIES yi them. This was done by making a deep cut in the bark around the tree. This prevented the sap from coming up and the tree soon died. The sunUght could then shine on the growing crops, and the colonists were spared the severe labor of cutting down the forests. The Indian also taught the white man how to build the birch-bark canoe, and also to make the snowshoe and ■ the moccasin. 73. Treaty with Massasoit ; the Challenge of Canonicus. — Soon after the arrival of the Pilgrims, an Indian who had learned to speak a little English from Maine fishermen An Indian Peace Pipe came to the colony with greetings from his chief. This chief was named Massasoit. ^ The colonists invited Massa- soit to visit them, and he soon afterward came with his painted and feathered warriors. The peace pipe was smoked and a treaty was made with him. For fifty years this treaty was kept. There lived in Rhode Island at this time a tribe of Indians called the Narragansetts. Their chief, Canonicus ^ by name, thought his warriors were powerful enough to destroy the English settlers. As a challenge he sent a bundle of arrows wrapped in a rattlesnake skin. The colonists promptly filled the skin with powder and shot and sent it back to him. 1 Massasoit (mas'sa-soit). ^ Canonicus (ka-non'i-kus). 72 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES When Canonicus saw that the white men were not in the least afraid, he decided it was best to leave them in peace. 74. Massachusetts 1 Bay Colony, 1630. — Other English- men now left their native land for America. These men were called Puritans because they wished to change, or, as they said, "purify," the Church of Eng- land of many of its ceremonies. A settlement was made (1628) at Sa- lem,2 and two years later (1630) Boston was founded. The Puritans came in large numbers and brought with them horses, sheep, and cattle. Their mode of life was very severe. There were few amuse- ments which were allowed to either young or old. In the church which was here established each parish was an independent, self-governing body. It was called Congregational,'^ that is, a church managed by the congre- gation, or members. No one but a member of this church 1 Massachusetts (mas-a-chu'sets), an Indian word meaning " the great hills." - Salem (sa'lem), a Bible name meaning peace, 3 Congregational (kon-gre-ga'shun-al). The Indian Challenge THE NEW ENGLAND COLONIES 73 could vote or hold office in the colony. Severe laws were passed against those who refused or failed to attend the Puritan church. Under these laws the Quakers were sent to jail, tortured, and even hanged, while others were driven away. Catholics were forbidden to enter the colony under severe penalties. The Episcopalian ^ form of worship was also prohibited. Despite the severe laws of the Puritans the colony grew, and Plymouth was later (1692) added to it. SUMMARY 1. Plymouth was founded by the Pilgrims in 1620. 2. The Puritans established the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Salem was begun in 1628, and Boston was founded in 1630. 3. In 1692 Plymouth was joined to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. NEW HAMPSHIRE (1623), MAINE (1629), VERMONT (1791) 75. The Grant to Mason and Gorges. — In 1622 a grant of land w^as secured by Mason and Gorges ^ from the Council for New England. This territory stretched from the Merri- mac^ to the Kennebec^ rivers. Colonists were sent out and Portsmouth and Dover were founded. In a few years ( 1 629) the territory was divided. The eastern section was called Maine. Here the city of Portland was founded in 1632. Massachusetts claimed Maine as a part of her territory and it was later given to her. In 1820 Maine was separated from Massachusetts and was admitted, as we shall see, into the Union as a state. 1 The Episcopalian (e-pis-ko-pa'li-an) is the form of worship according to the Church of England. ^ Merrimac (mer'i-mak). '- Gorges (gor'jez). * Kennebec (ken-e-bek')- ^4 PRIMARY HISTORY OP^ THE UNITED STATES 76. New Hampshire and Vermont. — After the division of territory between Mason and Gorges the western part of the grant was named New Hampshire for Hampshire county in England where Gorges had hved. Massachusetts laid claim to New Hampshire, and it was several times united to that colony and separated from it. In 1679 it became a royal province, and the king of England thereafter sent gov- ernors to rule it. The territory between New Hamp- shire and New York was claimed by both of these colonies. It was called Vermont from the beautiful green mountains that cover the state. A settlement was made in Brattleboro in 1724. The king of England decided in 1765 that Vermont belonged to New York. The settlers, under the lead of Ethan Allen, refused to yield up their homes, and serious trouble arose when the agents from New York came to take possession of the terri- tory. It was not until 1791, when Vermont was admitted to the Union, that peace was restored. SUMMARY 1. The territory between the Merrimac and Kennebec rivers was granted to Mason and Gorges in 1622. 2. The territory was divided in 1629. The eastern part was called Maine ; the western, New Hampshire. 3. Vermont was claimed by New York and New Hampshire. It formed part of New York until 1 791, when it was admitted to the Union. THE NEW ENGLAND COLONIES 75 CONNECTICUT (1634) 77. The Founding of Connecticut. — The Dutch claimed the territory around the Connecticut river and began to build a fort on the site of Hartford (see p. 58). The Puritans also claimed this country. They sent a fleet which sailed up the river to a point above the D.utch fort, where they founded Windsor (1634). Other Puritans built a stronghold at the mouth of the river and named it Say- brook. At this time many of the set- tlers in the Massachusetts Bay Colony desired to secure homes in territory that was not under the stern rule of the Puritans. 78. Settlement of Hartford; the New Haven Colony.-^ In the Puritan colony the settlers had to pay taxes and go into battle against the Indians. They declared, therefore, that they should have the right to vote even if they were not church members. In 1636 a large body of these colonists set out from Cambridge. With their families, household goods, "and cattle they walked across the present state of Massachusetts until they reached the banks of the Con- necticut. Here they founded the town of Hartford. Other settlers came and built up Wethersfield. The union of Hartford, Windsor, and Wethersfield in 1639 was the beginning of the colony of Connecticut. 76 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES Another group of Puritans of the strictest type founded the colony of New Haven in 1638. As in Massachusetts, only church members could vote. Twenty-four years later (1662) this New Haven colony was joined to Connecticut. 79. The New England Union, or Confederation. — The New England colonies of Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven formed a union in 1643. It was planned to ward off further attacks by the Indians, to prevent the Dutch from coming into the valley of the Connecticut, and to stop the southward march of the French. This union lasted for forty years and helped to pave the way for the later union of the colonies against England. SUMMARY 1. Settlers who were dissatisfied with Puritan rule in Massachu- setts settled Windsor, Wethersfield, and Hartford. 2. These colonies united in 1639 and formed the colony of Connecticut. 3. The New Haven colony was founded in 1638 by Puritans of the strictest type. 4. In 1662 the New Haven colony was added to the colony of Connecticut by the king of England. 5. The colonies of Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven formed a union in 1643 for defense against the Indians. This union lasted for forty years. RHODE ISLAND (1636) 80. The Flight of Roger Williams. — Among the colonists of Salem was a young minister named Roger Williams. He boldly declared that the land did not belong either to the colony or to the king of England, but to the Indians, and THE NEW ENGLAND COLONIES 77 should be purchased from them. He also said that there should be no law to compel a person to go to a church in whose teachings he did not believe. The Puritans would not allow ideas like these to spread in their colony, and Williams was at once ordered to return to England. Instead of doing so, he fled to the forest. ':.>^% -|mHMKHg|K^^B|[gggS(r ^ ''^<*^>»»«^I^^NMH^^^ - ^mifrnt S^^'' wBkWmiWX' mKmMmL yp- rmi ''"^mam '^^H^BSi MhH^I^^^. '^'^.^jlpkv Roger Williams and the Indians Though it was the depth of a cold New England winter, he pushed on through the pathless woods and found shelter in the wigwam of the Indian chief, Massasoit. 81. Founding of Providence. — In 1636 Roger Williams founded at the head of Narragansett bay a town to which he gave the name Providence. The land for the settlement was purchased from the Indians. Like Lord Baltimore, Roger Williams wished to found a colony where men would not be troubled for their religious y^ PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES Watertown*, lUferi^JJ?,"" Cambridge JgPSTON O t Ro^bury DiJ^ohester J^.Cod Br'ookfield£_ ^^^^^^^^ " ■ ■' ■TV ^ ^Mt.Hope ^ >»New .^^y//^" '^'^ SCALE OF MILES belief. He refused to drive out the Quakers. This led the Puritans of the New England colonies to look with great disfavor on Rhode Island. The towns of Portsmouth and Newport were founded a few years later. In 1644 Roger Williams obtained a new charter, which united all the towns under the name of Provi- dence Plantations. Eighteen years later another charter was given to the colonists, and under it Rhode Island lived for one hundred and eighty years, until it was necessary to change it in 1842 to give greater rights of suffrage to the people. Roger Williams's policy of toleration was followed for many years. In 1719, however, the right to vote was taken from the Catholics and the Jews, but it was restored sixty- five years later. SUMMARY 1. Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams, who had been exiled from Massachusetts. 2. In 1636 Providence was founded. Dates to be remembered : 1620, the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth. 1636, Roger Williams founded a colony at Providence on the basis of religious freedom. 1643, the formation of the New England Confederation. THE NEW ENGLAND COLONIES 79 GENERAL REVIEW The thirteen colonies were founded in the following order I. Virginia, 1607. 2. New Netherland, or New " York, 1614. 3- New Jersey, 161 7. 4- Plymouth, 1620. 5- New Hampshire, 1623. 6. Massachusetts Bay Colon} ', 1630. 7. Connecticut, 1634. 8. Maryland, 1634. 9- Rhode Island, 1636. 10. Delaware (New Sweden), 1638. II. North and South Carolina , 1663. 12. Pennsylvania, 1681. 13- Georgia, 1733. CHAPTER VIII COLONIAL INDIAN WARS 82. The Pequots, 1637. — In eastern Connecticut lived a powerful tribe of Indians named Pequots.^ From time to time they went on the warpath and put the settlers to The Ati'ack on the Pequot Fort death with terrible tortures. The colonists at last resolved to put an end to this warfare. With a band of friendly Indians the Connecticut and Massachusetts soldiers marched (1637) against the Pequot 1 Pequots (pe'kwots). 80 COLONIAL INDIAN WARS 8i stronghold. This was a fort surrounded by a wooden fence. Here were gathered seven hundred members of the tribe. On a bright moonUght night the colonists silently drew near. The sleeping Pequots did not dream of danger until burning torches were thrown over the high fence, or palisade that surrounded the fort. The huts became at once a mass of flames, and as the warriors rushed out they were killed by the bullets of the English or tomahawked by the Indians. Of all within the fort only five escaped. The Pequot nation was utterly de- stroyed, and New Eng- land had no further Indian wars for thirty- eight years. 83. '^King" Philip's War, 1674. — When the next war broke out in 1674 it spread through Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. This was called "King" Philip's War. Philip was a son of the old friend of the English, Massasoit. His real name was Metacom, but he was called Philip by the English. Philip believed the steady flow of settlers into the coun- try would deprive the Indians of all their lands. He refused to acknowledge himself as a subject of the colonial govern- ment. When ordered to come to Plymouth he sent this message : " I will not treat with a subject. As I am a king, I will only treat with the king. When he comes I am ready." PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES Philip quietly moved around among the tribes and at last aroused them to fury. Rushing on the helpless settlements, they burned over fifty towns and put to death with horrible cruelties over a thousand people. Neither age nor sex was spared by the savages. For three years this terrible warfare lasted. Philip's wife and little son were at last taken prisoners and sold as An Attack on the Colonists slaves in the West Indies. When he heard this Philip said, " My heart is broken ; I am now ready to die." Philip was soon killed, and the Indian power was broken forever. SUMMARY 1. In 1637 an Indian war was waged against the English colonies by the Pequots. It ended in the utter destruction of the Pequot nation. 2. " King" Philip's War was begun in 1674. It ended in the death of Philip and the overthrow of the Indians. CHAPTER IX FRANCE AND ENGLAND AT WAR FOR AMERICA; THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS 84. King William's War,i 1 689-1 697. — A war between England and France could not be long delayed when, as we have seen (p. 40), the French began to build forts from Quebec to New Orleans. These forts, stretching in general from north to south, were built at points that would prevent the westward march of the English.^ They were like a bow of which the English colonies would have been the string. In those days the sword alone could decide the con- test for this great territory. The war came sooner perhaps than was ex- pected. In 1689 the first of the so-called " French and Indian wars " began. Down the lakes and rivers and along the highways from Canada poured the French and their Indian allies. They attacked and burned town after 1 This was named from William the Third, king of England. 2 The most important forts were Crown Point on lake Champlain, Detroit, Mackinaw, St. Joseph, Vincennes, and Fort Chartres on the Mississippi. 83 North America before the French Wars (1689) 84 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES town, among them Schenectady/ the outpost of the New York colony ; Dover, New Hampshire ; and Haverhill, Massachusetts. The English in turn sent savages northward. In the opening year of the war fifteen hundred Iroquois went north from New York into Canada. Without a moment's iverhiU FIRST THREE FRENCH WARS ^Boston warning they burst on the town of Lachine,^ six miles from Montreal, and men, women, and children were scalped or burned at the stake. After eight years of this terrible warfare peace was declared in 1697. 85. Queen Anne's War ,3 1702-17 13. — After a few years of peace war again broke out. Once more the Indians swept through the towns, burning them and killing the colonists or dragging them into captivity. In one of these raids a band of French and Indians traveled three hundred miles in the fearful cold of a New England winter to Deerfield on the northwest border of 1 Schenectady (ske-nek'ta-de) 2 Lachine (la-sheen') 3 In Europe this contest was known as the War of the Spanish Succession. THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS 85 Massachusetts. Just before dawn the Indians fell on the town and with horrible cruelty killed men, women, and children. Others were taken captive and led through the ice and snow to the north. The captives that showed signs of weakness and were unable to keep up with the march were quickly cut down with the tomahawk and left to die on the snow. For eleven years this terrible con- dition of war lasted. As a result of the contest the French lost Acadia. Its name was changed to Nova Scotia. Port Royal, which had been taken by the English in this war, was named An- napolis. 86. King George's War,i 1 744-1 748. — For twenty-one years there was peace between France and England, when war was again declared in 1744. The American colonists made up an expedition to attack Louisburg, This strongly fortified post had been built on the southeast side of Cape Breton island, where it could command the gulf of St. Lawrence. The French had spent millions of dollars on the fortifica- tions of Louisburg, till it was thought to be the Gibraltar of America, but despite the strongest resistance the fort fell (1745) before the colonial troops. Three years later, on the signing, of the treaty of peace, England gave back Louisburg to the French. 1 In Europe this was called the War of the Austrian Succession. 86 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 87. The Beginning of the Seven Years* War in America.^ — Up to this time the struggle between England and France had been on the whole favorable to France. The French pushed on with their work of building forts along the Great Lakes and in the valleys of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. The French soldiers as they moved along fastened to the trees tin sheets on which were stamped the royal arms of France. At the foot of the trees they planted plates of lead or pewter, suitably engraved. France intended to shut out the English colonists from the rich territory west of the Appalachian ^ mountains. In fact, western New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia were to be the boundary between English and French possessions. 88. George Washington and the French. — When the governor of Virginia heard of the movements of the French he sent George Washington, a young Virginian, to order them to stop building forts. Washington at once set out ; but his journey was full of peril, as he had to cross rivers full of floating ice and to guard against hostile Indians. The French soldiers had built a fort on the site of the present city of Erie, and two others farther south on the Allegheny ^ river. The French commander listened politely to Washington's message and referred it to Quebec, in the meantime fortifying more strongly than ever his positions. 89. Fort Duquesne,* 1754. — The governor of Virginia now sent a small force to build a fort at the junction of the 1 The Seven Years' War in Europe (i 756-1 763) was fought by Austria against Prussia. All Europe was soon involved in the contest, and the war in America was merely an incident in this great struggle. 2 Appalachian (ap-pa-la'chi-an). ^ Allegheny (are-ga-ni). * Duquesne (dii'kan''). THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS 87 Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, where Pittsburg now stands. This was the gateway to the West. After some weeks of toil the Virginians were surprised and driven off by the French, who finished (1754) the fort and named it Fort Duquesne. Washington was sent with troops to drive out the French, but he was attacked at Fort Necessity and forced to sur- Washington crossing the Allegheny render (July 4, 1754). The last great war between the English and the French in America had begun. ^ 1 In this year (1754) a congress of the Enghsh colonies met at Albany to form plans for union against the French and Indians. The author of the plan was Benjamin Franklin. The Congress was not successful, but it prepared the way for the later congresses which established the United States. 88 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES On the side of the English were the colonists along the Atlantic seaboard. The Iroquois Indians of New York joined them. The other tribes throughout America joined the French. 90. Braddock's Defeat, i755« — England now saw that her territory in the New World was in danger. Forces were hurried to America under General Edward Braddock, a veteran soldier. Braddock knew nothing about Indian warfare and held in contempt the abilities of the colonists and the Indians in war. When he was told that his troops were liable to meet a skillful foe Braddock replied, "These savages may be 6 50 100 23o indeed a formidable enemy to your raw militia, but upon the king's regular and disciplined troops, sir, it is impossible that they should make any impression." With a force of fourteen hundred men Braddock moved forward. The British in their bright red coats and close THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS 89 ranks pushed onward through the forest until suddenly one morning (July 9, 1755) Braddock was surprised by the rattle of musketry. From every side the deadly bullets poured in on the British troops, who fell in great numbers. The Death of Braddock The French and Indians, hiding behind the trees, could not be seen, while the English in solid ranks were a target for their enemies. In vain Washington urged Braddock to break ranks and allow his men to fight behind stumps and trees. Braddock fell, mortally wounded, and Washington with great skill led back the broken ranks over the mountains to Virginia. 91. Expulsion of the Acadians, 1755. — During the next three years the French won many victories. The English, 90 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES however, had taken Acadia. Here Hved many thousands of French farmers, a happy and contented people. On the ground that they were plotting against the flag of England, the English resolved to expel them from their lands. The defenseless people were seized (1755) by treachery, placed on boats, and scattered along the Atlantic seaboard. Some even reached the settlements of Louisiana. There are in history few measures as cruel as this wholesale and heartless expulsion of the Acadians.^ 92. The Campaign against Quebec. — The tide turned for the English in 1758, after years of fail- ure. The great fortress of Louisburg fell and Fort Duquesne was taken. It was named Fort Pitt, and later Pittsburg, in honor of William Pitt, who now directed the war. The great struggle between the English and French came to a close with the fall of Quebec. This city stood on a hill, three hundred and fifty feet above the St. Lawrence river. It was the most strongly fortified city in America. An English army under General Wolfe lay encamped before the city for two months. It was useless to try to take it by storming up the heights, as heavy guns were planted everywhere. 93. Fall of Quebec, September 13, i759- — On a dark night in September, 1759, Wolfe and seventeen hundred 1 Longfellow has told their piteous tale in his beautiful poem of Evangeline. 91 92 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES men quietly stepped into small boats and landed at the foot of a steep bluff. Silently they moved up the narrow path- way, until at daybreak the entire English army was drawn The Battle ok Quebec up in battle line on the Plains of Abraham, — the level land behind the city of Quebec. When Montcalm,! the brave French commander, saw the British troops, his face became troubled. "This is a very 1 Montcalm (mont-kam'). THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS 93 serious affair," he said. The French marched at once against the Enghsh, but were defeated. Montcalm and Wolfe were both killed, and Quebec fell into the hands of the English. The fall of Quebec soon brought an end to the war. After seventy years the struggle between France and England had ended in the defeat of the French. By the treaty of peace the king of France gave Canada to England. Spain ceded Florida to England to secure the return of Havana, which had been taken during the war. England now owned the territory from the Atlantic ocean to the Mississippi river. From that river to the Pacific ocean the country be- longed to Spain. 94. The Indian War under Pontiac, 1763. — The Indians saw with the greatest alarm the fall of French power in America. A daring Ottawa chief named Pontiac^ planned a union of all the tribes of the West against the English settlers. On a certain day (May 7, 1763) the Indian tribes were ordered to attack the English forts throughout the West. Eight forts were captured on that day, in most cases by surprise, and the defenders were tomahawked with savage cruelty. Fort Pitt, Niagara, and Detroit were too strong, 1 Pontiac (p6n'ti-ak). North America at Close of French Wars (1763) 94 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES however, to be taken. Pontiac had hoped to capture Detroit by treachery. He planned to enter the fort as if to talk of peace, and in the midst of the council his men would sud- denly fall upon the officers and kill them, while the Indians would pour in through the open gates. An Indian girl who had learned of the plot warned the English. When Pontiac arrived at the fort with his warriors they carried blankets under which were hidden muskets which had been cut off short. He saw, however, as he entered, the English soldiers drawn up in line with their guns loaded. Without showing in any way his surprise and disappoint- ment, Pontiac asked calmly, '' Why do I see my father's young men standing in the streets with their guns ? " " I have ordered them under arms for exercise and dis- cipline," replied the commander of the fort. When he saw his plan had failed, Pontiac withdrew and at once led his warriors against the fort. He was unable to capture it, and after a long siege he marched away. His plans had failed and he was soon after murdered. SUMMARY There were four wars between France and England in America : 1. King William's War, 1689-1697. 2. Queen Anne's War, 1702-17 13. 3. King George's War, 1 744-1 748. 4. French and Indian War, 1754-1763. As a result of these wars France lost all her possessions in North America, the eastern half of which now belonged to England and the western half to Spain. Date to be remetnbered : 1759, ^^"^^ f^^^ ^f Quebec. CHAPTER X THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION f^pipiapaf! iWlK 95. The Stamp Act, 1765. — With the end of the war between France and England the colonists had nothing more to fear from the French. It was not long, however, before they had to face other dangers. The expenses of the war with France had been very great for England. As the war had been fought for the defense of "the colonies, the king of England said it was only just that the colonies should bear a part of the cost of that contest. There were two ways of securing the money for these expenses from the col- onists. A duty, or tax, was placed on goods that came to them from across the ocean. A second method was a stamp tax, by which tax the colonists were required to use stamped paper, made in England, for all legal documents or for newspapers. The amount of the tax was not large, but the colonists refused to use the stamped paper. They said they were ready to pay their share of the expense of the French wars, but all taxes must be voted by their own colonial assemblies. Taxation without representation is tyranny, they declared, — a saying which became the watchword of the Revolution. 95 „, 1 SUILLI] iiiiiiitti.Miiiiiiiiiiiaa;;!iiiiii;iiiisiiiiiiiii A British Stamp 96 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 96. The Unjust Laws of England. — There was another reason for the ill feeling that had arisen against England. The merchants of that country for their own selfish pur- poses had caused the government to pass laws that were very unjust to the colonies. Under these laws the colonists could only buy from England and sell to England. They were forbidden to make articles from iron, to set up ma- chinery, to weave woolen cloth, or to even make hats. The Boston Tea Party For the goods which came from the mother country the colonists were charged the highest prices by the English merchants. On the other hand, as they could sell only to England, these same merchants tried to give them as little as possible for their tobacco, rice, indigo, and other products. 97. Repeal of the Stamp Act, 1766. — When the news of the passage by Parliament of the Stamp Act reached the colonists, they adopted the best course to have it taken off. They refused to buy any goods from England. This action THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 97 had an immediate effect. Many English laborers were with- out work, and English merchants saw their trade at once cut off. A petition was therefore sent to the British gov- ernment asking that the Stamp Tax be abolished. The petition was granted and the tax taken off, but another tax was placed on a few articles, such as paint, oils, glass, and tea. When the colonists still refused to buy from England, all these taxes were taken off except that on tea. 98. The Boston Tea Party. — The tea tax was a small one, but the colonists said, " If the king can tax tea with- out our consent, he can tax everything." They therefore refused to buy it. Soon three vessels loaded with chests of tea came into Boston harbor. The colonists would not allow the cargo to be landed. At night (December i6, 1773) ninety citizens dressed as Indians boarded the vessels, chopped open the chests, three hundred and forty-two in number, and emptied the tea into the harbor. 1 99. Port of Boston closed ; the First Continental Con- gress. — When the king of England heard what had been done in Boston he was very angry. He ordered the ^ ^ ^^ port to be closed. No ship was allowed to come in or to go out. It was a serious matter for the people of Boston, but the other colonies came to their aid and sent them supplies. Representatives of the colonies now met in the autumn of 1 In Maryland the tea was burned by the colonists of Annapolis. j f Lexinrfton ^ps9 «As f«'""^ f jG^rlestown ''K ^^ '^'-"^ jjj*^ £» SCALE OF MILES 98 PRIMARY HISTORY OP^ THE UNITED STATES of 1774 in Carpenters' Hall, in Philadelphia. This meeting is known as the First Continental Congress. This Congress resolved to oppose the laws which they believed to be unjust. A petition was sent to the king asking him to remedy the wrong he was doing to his loyal subjects in America. -^9M=K. ^ :^^p^ muM !-y*'T« f^Mfr^^-^- # cl^i^l^il M ^ t* ^ fc ^^H^^B'^^ 1 The Call to Arms The Congress voted to hold a second meeting at Phila- delphia in May, 1775. 100. The War of the Revolution begins ; Battle of Lex- ington. — The commander of the British army in Boston heard that guns and powder were being collected by the colonists at Concord, a town about twenty miles from Bos- ton. He sent a body of troops to seize these supplies. The THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 99 troops started at midnight (April i8, 1775), and had hardly begun their journey when the colonists were warned by signal lanterns hung in the tower of the old North Church. Paul Revere rode at a headlong pace through the towns, awakening the people. It was dawn when the British troops reached Lexington,^ where the patriots were drawn up in line of battle on the common. They were ordered to lay down their arms, and when they failed to do so were fired upon by the British soldiers. Sixteen pa- triots fell, killed or wounded. The War of the Revolution had begun (April 19, i775)- 101. The Battle of Concord. — The British troops now pushed on toward Concord. The 1 Lexington (lek'sing-ton). Old North Church 2 2 The tablet on the tower front bears this legend : " The original lanterns of Paul Revere displayed in the steeple of .this church April i8, 1775, warned the country of the march of the British troops to Lexington and Concord." Paul Revere's Ride L OF C. lOO PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES colonists poured in from all the neighboring villages and towns, and kept up a steady fire upon them from behind stone walls or trees. At Concord bridge another fight took place. The British now saw it was neces- sary to retreat. One by one soldiers were falling, and only by the aid of fresh troops were any left alive to reach Boston again. The armed colonists now gathered around Boston, and soon the British troops were shut up in the town. 102. Battle of Bun- ker Hill, June 17, 1775. — Overlooking Boston stands a height named Bunker Hill. The British were about to seize and fortify it when they saw, one June morning, that the Americans had taken possession of it. Gage, the British commander, at once ordered an attack upon the height. The troops advanced against the earthworks of the Americans. A sudden blaze of musketry flashed out, and the British line was swept away. The Minuteman I02 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES The king's troops made two more attempts to capture the hill, but were repulsed. The powder of the patriots now gave out and they were compelled to withdraw. The effect of the battle was very marked, as it proved that the colonists could hold their own against the trained regulars of England. 103. Expedition against Quebec ; Em- bassy to Canada. — In the meantime the patriots tried to carry the war into Canada. A force under General Montgomery was sent by way of lake George and lake Champlain and quickly captured Montreal, Another small army under General Bene- dict Arnold went up the Kennebec river and through the swamps and forests of northern Maine. After terrible suffering Arnold reached Quebec. Here he was joined by Mont- gomery, and in a blinding snowstorm, on the last day of the year 1775, they attacked the city. The Americans were driven back with great loss, the brave Montgomery being among the killed. To win the Canadians to the cause of the United States, an embassy was sent to Canada. The members of this embassy were Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Chase, Charles Carroll of CarroUton, and his brother Reverend John Carroll, who was later the first Roman Catholic bishop in America. The embassy was not successful, as the Canadian people were afraid of the intolerant spirit that had been shown in the laws of most of the colonies. Bunker Hill Monument THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 103 104. The Siege of Boston; Washington Commander in Chief. — The news of the battles at Lexmgton, Concord, and Bunker Hill spread rapidly through the colonies. The Second Continental Congress, then in session, appointed George Washington commander in chief. He hastened at once to Cambridge to take command. The troops were drilled, and cannon, guns, and a supply of powder secured. Early in March, 1776, Washington seized a posi- tion which overlooked the British camp as well as the town and harbor of Boston. The British saw the danger of their position and decided to abandon Boston. They sailed (March 17, 1776) for Halifax, taking with them many Tories.^ 105. Attack on Sullivan *s Island ; Fort Moultrie. — The British now tried to seize the fort on Sullivans island which controlled the harbor of Charleston. The fort was built of palmetto logs, and above it waved the colors of South Carolina, — a blue flag with a crescent and star. Colonel Moultrie,^ a veteran of the Indian wars, was in command. Charles Carkull of Carkolltun 1 There were many colonists who preferred the government of King George to independence. These people were called Tories, a name applied in England to those who always followed the wishes of the king. ^ Moultrie (mo'tri). I04 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES The British fleet rained shells hour after hour on the small fort, but did little damage to the soft palmetto logs of which it was made. The accurate fire of the patriots, how- ever, damaged the British vessels very severely. Once the flagstaff of the fort was carried away and the flag fell outside. The V/ashington ElmI Sergeant Jasper at once leaped and secured it. He fast- ened it to the rammer of a cannon and escaped unharmed while the bullets flew around him. The British fleet was compelled to sail away, and the fort was named Fort Moultrie in honor of its brave defender. 106. The Declaration of Independence. — The colonists at first had no thought of independence. They simply asked the king to remedy their wrongs by repealing the unjust 1 Under this tree Washington first took command of the American army July 3, 1775. Ii Drafting the Declaration of Independence 105 :o6 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES The Evacuatk^n of Boston laws. They now believed that the only hope for the future lay in freeing themselves from English rule. In the Second Continental Congress, therefore, this resolution was moved : '' Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states." A Declaration of Inde- pendence, largely written by Thomas Jefferson, was adopted July 4, 1776. The thirteen colonies were now thirteen independent states, and throughout the land the ringing of bells Hall Philadelphia THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 107 and the booming of cannon announced the birth of a new nation. 107. Battle of Brooklyn. — After leaving Boston the British collected their forces in New York, and General Washing- ton went there to meet them. His troops were intrenched on Brooklyn Heights, where they were attacked (August 27, 1776). The Americans were defeated. Washington's entire army was in dan- ger. That night a heavy fog settled over the country. Taking advantage of it, Washington began to move his troops over the river to New York. A Tory saw the soldiers silently entering the boats and sent a negro to inform the British. The negro was arrested by a Hessian, 1 or German officer, who could not understand what the negro was telling him. The next morning an English officer heard the prisoner's story. An alarm was at once given, and the British rushed to the American camp. It was too late, as Washington and his army were safely in New York across the river. 108. Capture and Execution of Nathan Hale Wash- ington took a position just north of New York. He was very anxious to know the plans of the British. A young captain named Nathan Hale offered to go across Long Island" sound and enter the British lines. In the disguise of a school teacher he crossed to Long Island and spent two weeks getting the information Wash- ington desired. As he was waiting for a boat to take him across to the American army he was discovered, and was 1 Hessian (hesh''an). Io8 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES hanged as a spy. He died with the words on his hps, " I regret that I have but one Ufe to lose for my country." 109. Washington's Retreat through New Jersey. — Wash- ington meanwhile had pushed northward. He crossed the Hudson river and entered New Jersey. The British forces were not far behind him, so he hastened onward that the Delaware might be between him and his pursuers. Every boat for miles up and down the river was seized, and when Washington crossing the Delaware the British troops reached it they could not get across. It was winter, however, and very cold. The British believed the river would soon freeze over and they could then easily cross on the ice. 110. Battle of Trenton. — While they were waiting Wash- ington was alert. On Christmas night (1776), with his troops, he again crossed the Delaware, in the midst of the floating ice, to the Jersey side. Here at Trenton, nine miles away, was a division of the British army, for the most part Hessians. These Hessians were German soldiers who had been hired by the king of England to fight for him. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 109 The Hessians had been celebrating Christmas with feasting. Washington fell upon them at night in a heavy snowstorm, taking them entirely by surprise and utterly defeating them. Their commander was killed and one thou- sand prisoners were taken. After the battle Washington went across the river to Pennsyl- vania. 111. Battle of Princeton ; Arrival of Lafayette. — Five days later Washington was once more in New Jersey. Slipping past Cornwallis, who hoped to trap him on the banks of the Delaware, Washington has- tened to Princeton, Marquis de Lafayette where he defeated (January 3, 1777) a portion of the British army before Cornwallis knew he had even left the Delaware. The Americans were now cheered by help from abroad. Lafayette,^ a French nobleman, arrived. From Germany came Baron De Kalb^and Baron Steuben. Downtrodden Poland sent the brave heroes Pulaski ^ and Kosciusko.* 112. Burgoyne's Expedition ; Battle of Bennington. — To cut the colonies in two, if possible, and to secure the 1 Lafayette (la-fa-yef). 2 De Kalb (de kalb'). 3 Pulaski (pu-las'ke). * Kosciusko (k6s-si-us'k5). no PRIMARY HISTORY OP^ THE UxNITED STATES Hudson river, a large army under Burgoyne ^ came down lake Champlain and lake George from Canada. The Americans blocked the highways by cutting down trees and allowing them to fall across the roads. Thus the march of Burgoyne was very slow and his supplies began to run out. 'Hearing _ that there were large stores of goods at Ben- nington, he sent a body of one thousand men to seize them. The patriots under General John Stark met the British and utterly defeated them (August i6, 1777). 113. Burgoyne* s Sur- render; the French Alliance. — After this disaster Burgoyne moved southward to Saratoga. Here he was attacked by the Americans under Gates, Schuyler, Arnold, and Morgan. Seeing his position was hopeless, Burgoyne and his whole army surrendered (October 17, 1777). The surrender of Burgoyne was the turning point of the war. The king of France, through the efforts of Franklin, decided to send men, money, and ships to aid the cause of the patriots. 114. The British capture Philadelphia. — In the mean- time the British had marched against Philadelphia, at that 1 Burgoyne (bur-goin'). THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION III time the capital of the United States. Washington opposed them, but was defeated at Brandywine and later at German- town. Congress fled and Philadelphia fell into the hands of the British (September 26, 1777). Washington and his army went to Valley Forge to spend the winter. Without proper food or clothing, the suffering of the Americans during the long, cold winter was intense. Many of the barefooted men left tracks of blood in the snow. Without blankets or even straw, many of the sol- diers were compelled to sleep on the bare ground. Nothing could have held the army together under these sufferings except the genius of Washington. When the news of the French alliance reached the British they left Philadelphia at once for Bennington Monument New York. On their retreat they were attacked (June 28, 1778) by Washington at Monmouth and suffered great loss. 115. The Opening of the West ; Daniel Boone. — Many years before the War of the Revolution, Daniel Boone, 112 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES a famous hunter, had crossed the Allegheny mountains into Tennessee to hunt bears. He had many thrilling adventures with the Indians. He was only one of many brave pioneers who now pushed through the mountains and built log cabins in the fertile plains along the Ohio river. In 1775, at the outbreak of the Revolution, Boone led a party across the mountains into Kentucky, where they built a fort and a village of a few log houses. They named the settlement Boonesboro. The news of the battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill aroused these hardy woods- men and hunters, and they heartily joined in the great work of winning independ- ence. They drove back the Indians, attacked the British posts, and even dashed across the mountains to battle with the British regulars. One of the new settlements in Kentucky was called Lex- ington in honor of the famous battle. Other brave pioneers from North Carolina led by Robertson and Sevier ^ founded the state of Tennessee. 116. George Rogers Clark^s Expedition. — Here and there throughout the vast territory that now forms the states of Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, the British held many forti- fied posts. From these forts they urged the Indians to go on the warpath against the American settlers. 1 Sevier (se-veer'). THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 113 George Rogers Clark planned an expedition to capture these forts, destroy the Indian alliance, and add the territory to his native colony of Virginia. With a force of one hundred and fifty men Clark sailed down the Ohio to a point forty miles from its mouth, where he landed. One hundred miles away was Fort Kaskaskia. The way there led through forests and swamps. Clark with his Uttle band pushed on through the pathless woods and silently drew near the fort. Soon they heard The AmericaiN Army at Valley Forge the sounds of music. A ball was in progress and all the soldiers were there. Clark's force silently surrounded the fort while he quietly walked in at the open gate and stood in the door watching the dancers. He had been there but a moment when an Indian, seeing him, gave the war whoop. In an instant all was confusion. The women screamed and 114 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES the soldiers ran to get their guns. It was too late. " Go on with your dance," said Clark calmly; "but remember you now dance under the flag of Virginia." 117. Capture of Vincennes. — Father Peter Gibault/ a loyal friend of the Americans, now went to Vincennes and per- suaded the French as well as the Catholic Indians to join Clark's colors. Without firing a shot Clark took the fort through Father Gibault's influence. When the British heard of Clark's victories they marched from Detroit and recaptured Vincennes. They held it but a short time. With only one hundred and thirty men Clark waded through the swamps and over- flowed lands of the Wabash and suddenly appeared before the fort once more. For twenty- four hours his men kept up a steady fire upon the British works. The Brit- ish saw that their posi- tion was now hopeless, and surrendered, hauling down their flag (February 23, 1779) amid great rejoicing by the sturdy frontiersmen who made up Clark's little army. One of the greatest results of Clark's victory was that at the close of the Revolution the Great Lakes instead of the Ohio river became our boundary on the north, and the Mississippi river marked the extent of our territory on the west. 1 Gibault (zhe-bo'). Map showing the Forts at Detroit, Kaskaskia, and Vincennes, with Clark's Line of March THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION IIS 118. The Treason of Arnold A dark hour now came ( 1 780) to the patriot cause. It was the treason of Benedict Arnold. Arnold had fought with great bravery at Quebec and had a large share in the defeat of Burgoyne at Saratoga George Rogers Clark's Expedition In 1 780 Congress ordered Washington to rebuke him for some misconduct in Philadelphia, where he was in command. Washington obeyed the order, but made the reprimand as light as possible. Arnold believed he had been unjustly treated and planned to revenge himself on Congress. He asked W^ashington for Il6 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES the command of West Point, the strong military post on the Hudson. Washington, to show his confidence in him, granted his request. Arnold now prepared to yield up the fort to the English, who selected Major Andre ^ to carry out their part of the scheme. 119. Capture and Execution of Andre. — On his return from a visit to Arnold, Andre was forced to travel some distance by land. As he was passing through the wooded district of Tarrytown^ he saw three men suddenly step Capture of Andre out from the roadside. With leveled muskets they ordered him to stop. He was searched, and the fatal papers were found in his boots. He offered large bribes to his captors 1 Andre (an'dra). 2 This section is beautifully described by Washington Irving in his Sketch Book. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 117 if they would let him go, but they refused and led him to the nearest military post. Andre was hanged as a spy, but Arnold escaped to a British war vessel. He was rewarded with a ^ commission in the British army and a large sum of money. Arnold later led an attack on Virginia and on his native state, Connecticut. He lived in Eng- land after the close of the war, and died there. As he lay on his death bed he called for his old J<^hn Barry Continental uniform, in which he had fought so gallantly at Quebec and Saratoga. As he put it on he said : " Let me die in this old uniform in which I fought my battles. May God forgive me for ever putting on any other." 120. War on the Sea ; Barry and Jones. — At the begin- ning of the war the Ameri- cans had no ships with which to fight England, the great- est naval power of the world. Private vessels were soon fitted out. These cruisers attacked British vessels everywhere on the high seas. One of the most heroic of our naval leaders was Cap- tain John Barry, the father John Paul Jones of the American navy. At Il8 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES the outbreak of the war he was given command of the frigate LexmgtoUy named in honor of the famous battle of the Revokition. With this vessel Barry captured the British ship Edward, the first prize taken on the seas in the war. Barry fought throughout the Revolution, and was placed by Washington ( 1 794) at the head of the list of naval com- manders with the rank of commodore. Among Captain Barry's officers was John Paul Jones. With three vessels Jones sailed (1779) along the shores off the east coast of England. Here he met a large fleet of English merchant vessels in charge of two men-of-war. Though night was coming on, he at once attacked them. In the terrible struggle which followed the decks of the ships were covered with the dead and the dying. After a THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 119 battle which lasted for four hours Jones won a complete victory. This battle had a startling effect on Europe. All eyes were now turned on the fearless little republic of the West that had defied England even at her own doors. 121. The War in the South ; Savannah and Camden. — The British now turned their attention to the South. and were for a time very successful. They captured Savannah (December 29, 1778), and in an attempt to retake it the Americans under General Lincoln were driven back (October 9, 1779) with terrible losses. Among the killed was the brave Pulaski. Even greater disasters befell the Americans during the fol- lowing year. General Lincoln was surrounded in Charleston, South Carolina, and forced to surrender (May 12, 1780) his entire army of three thousand men together with great military stores. At Camden, South Carolina, Gen- eral Gates attacked the British army. He was defeated (August 16, 1780) with ■ great loss and saved himself only by headlong flight. 122. Appointment of General Greene. — There was a turn in the tide of disaster when General Nathan- ael Greene was given command in the South. He had the valuable aid of Marion, *'the Swamp Fox," Sumter, and Pickens. These men from their hiding places in the swamps and hills fell suddenly upon the British troops, killed a few, and then disappeared on their swift horses. They lived on anything they could find in their wanderings. Nathanael Greene I20 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES On one occasion a British officer came to see Marion about an exchange of prisoners. As he was leaving, Marion invited him to stay to dinner. The officer looked around, but saw no signs of anything to eat. Marion, however, asked him to sit on a log, and turning to a soldier ordered him Marion's Dinner to serve the dinner. The soldier went to a pile of smoking cinders and raked out a lot of sx^eet potatoes. They were served on a piece of bark. ' The British officer on his return said it was hopeless to try to conquer men who would suffer such things for their country. 123. The Victory at Kings Mountain. — Cornwallis now sent a force of twelve hundred men under Ferguson to the THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION I2I mountain borders of Carolina. Here they were met by one thousand backwoodsmen. Although the British were in a strong position on the top of a height, they were cut to pieces by the skillful marksmen of the forest, who lost only twenty-eight men. The entire British force surrendered (October 17, 1780). Kings Mountain was the turning point of the war in the South, and the victory was largely won by the gallant troops from the West. 124. Battles of Cowpens and Guilford. — General Greene with his small force seldom risked a pitched battle with the enemy. He attacked and retreated, going and coming till he completely wore out Cornwallis, the British general. To cut off Morgan, who was sweeping through the coun- try with his brave woodsmen, Cornwallis sent Tarleton to the northern part of South Carolina. At the Cowpens, as a large grazing tract here was called, Morgan was stationed behind earth trenches. After the British had made many vain attempts to carry his earthworks, he suddenly burst on them from all sides and completely defeated them. Tarleton saved himself by flight. Cornwallis and Greene now met (March 15, 1781) at Guilford Court House. Greene was defeated, but the losses in the British ranks — one fourth of the entire army — were so great that Cornwallis moved to Wilmington to get aid from the fleet. 125. Surrender of Cornwallis. — Cornwallis now believed it would be better to go north and secure fresh troops. He would, he thought, conquer Virginia and then come back and overwhelm Greene. He therefore moved northward to Yorktown on the pen- insula between the York and the James rivers, where he expected to receive aid from the British fleet. 122 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES The final hour of British rule, however, had now come. A French fleet under De Grasse ^ cut off Cornwallis by sea, and before the British knew what he was doing, Washington hurried southward with his army and cut him off by land. Surrender of Cornwallis The only thing for the British to do now was to surrender. On October 19, 1781, Cornwallis and his entire army yielded themselves up as prisoners of war. The Americans were drawn up under the command of Washington in a long line on the right, with the French army under Rochambeau^ on the left. Between these lines the downcast British soldiers to the number of eight thousand filed out of Yorktown. When the order to " Ground arms ! " was given, many threw their muskets down so hard that they were broken in pieces. 1 I)e Grasse (de griis). - Rochambeau (r5-sh6N-b5'). THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 123 126. Treaty of Peace. — The news of the surrender of CornwaUis was received everywhere in the colonies with the greatest joy. Bells were rung and messengers rode on horseback from town to town with the glad tidings. In Paris the solemn hymn of Te Deum ^ was sung in the church of Notre Dame, while the streets and houses were brilliantly lighted in honor of the great event. The treaty of peace between Great Britain and the United States was signed September 3, 1783. The inde- pendence of the United States was acknowledged. The territory of the new republic covered all the region between the Atlantic ocean and the Mississippi river, and from Can- ada to the boundary of Florida, the latter country having been ceded to Spain by Great Britain. 127. The Northwest Territory. — Through the charters which had been granted by the king of England many of the colonies claimed that their territory stretched westward as far as the Pacific ocean. Now at this time the land north of the Ohio was claimed by many of the states because of these early charters. To strengthen the new Union these states now gave up to the national government their claims on the western land, only asking that it be sold to pay the debts of the nation. This vast area, which was soon to be the seat of five prosperous states, was at this time the home of Indians and wild beasts. Only a few military posts and settlements here and there marked the home of the white man. Congress by the Ordinance of 1787 organized this section as the Northwest Territory. Among the important pro- visions of this famous ordinance were the prohibition of 1 Te Deum (ta da'um). 124 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES slavery, the granting of freedom of worship, and the right of trial by jury. SUMMARY 1. The American Revolution was caused by the attempt of the king of England to tax the colonists against their consent. 2. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was pro- claimed. 3. The first great victory of the war was the surrender of Bur- goyne, October 17, 1777. 4. In 1778 France acknowledged the independence of the United States and sent us men, ships, and money. 5. On October 19, 1 781, Cornwallis and his entire army surrendered at Yorktown. 6. Great Britain acknowledged the independence of the United States in 1783. 7. In 1787 the Northwest Territory was formed. Dates to be Tetneinbered : 1765, the Stamp Act. 1774, the First Continental Congress. I775j the battles of Lexington and Concord. 1776, the Declaration of Independence. 1783, the treaty of peace between Great Britain and the United States. 1 787, the Northwest Ordinance. CHAPTER XI THE NEW CONSTITUTION 128. The Need of a New Constitution. — The war with Great Britain was at an end, but the states now had grave questions to settle. Under the Articles of Confederation Congress could make laws, but there was no power to compel the states to obey these laws. The national government could not obtain money from the states to pay its debts unless the states wished to give the money. There was no head to the government, for the office of President did not exist. There was no freedom of trade between the states. Goods from Connecticut were taxed at the New York customhouse as if they came from a foreign country. Even trade with foreign lands could not be regulated by Congress. Many of the states coined money which was not good in the other states and which at times was not worth anything even in the state in which it was coined. Every one saw that a new Constitu- tion was needed, and representatives from the various states met in Philadelphia (May, 1787). George Washington pre- sided. Among the famous men who sat in this convention were Washington, Franklin, Madison, Jefferson, Patrick Henry, John and Samuel Adams, and Alexander Hamilton. After four months a new Constitution was signed (Septem- ber 17, 1787) and sent to the states to be adopted by them. It was necessary that nine states should ratify the Consti- tution to put it in force. In many of the states there was 125 126 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES strong opposition, and it was not until June 21,1 788, that the ninth state (New Hampshire) ratified it and thereby secured its adoption. When the news of this action was heard it caused the greatest rejoicing throughout the country. The Adoption of the Constitution 129. The New Constitution. — The new Constitution gave the nation a head, the President, and told how he should be elected. It provided for a Congress of two houses, — a Senate composed of two members from each state, and a House of Representatives based on population. It established the Supreme Court to settle disputed questions of law. THE NEW CONSTITUTION 12/ It gave Congress power to raise money by taxation. It allowed Congress alone to coin money and to regulate trade between the United States and foreign countries as well as between the states of the Union. 130. The Election of Washington, 1789. — When the time came for the election of the new President all eyes turned to George Washington, who was unanimously elected. He was inaugurated April 30, 1789, on the balcony of the Federal Building on Wall Street in New York City, the first capital of the United States. As Washington stood forth to take the oath of office, the thousands of citizens gathered around rent the air with heartfelt cheers for the first President of the United States. SUMMARY 1. In 1789 the new Constitution was adopted. 2. George Washington was elected (1789) first President of the United States. Date to be 7'emei?ibered : 1789, the adoption of the new Constitution. CHAPTER XII FROM WASHINGTON TO MADISON GEORGE WASHINGTON, FIRST PRESIDENT (1789-1797) 131. The Tariff ; paying the Debts. — At the beginning of Washington's administration the government of the United States owed large sums of money to the soldiers. It had also borrowed immense amounts to pay the expenses of the War of the Revolution. To secure revenue it was found necessary to place a tax on all goods coming into the country. This tax is called a tariff. The first tariff law (1789) yielded to the treasury of the United States about two and one-half million dollars a year. It was now thought best to pay off not only the debts of the national government but also the debts of the separate states. Although these debts amounted to many millions of dol- lars, their payment placed the credit of the new government on a firm basis before the world. This great measure was largely due to the efforts of Alexander Hamilton, the young Secretary of the Treasury. 132. Settlement of the West; Wayne's Victory.— Thousands of settlers were now pouring over the Allegheny mountains into the great valleys beyond. These colonists floated down the Ohio and settled Marietta ^ (1788) and two years later Cincinnati.^ 1 Marietta (ma-ri-et'a). 2 Cincinnati (sin-sin-na'ti). George Washington 129 I30 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES The Indians saw with alarm these pioneers coming into their territory and went on the warpath against them, attack- ing the settlements on every side. They even boarded the flatboats as they came down the Ohio river and killed men, women, and children without mercy. Washington's First Cabinet Not until three armies had been sent against them were the Indians finally defeated (1794) on the Maumee river in northwestern Ohio. The victorious army was commanded by General Anthony Wayne, "the chief who never sleeps," FROM WASHINGTON TO MADISON 13 as the Indians called him. This battle of the Maumee opened the great Northwest Territory to peaceful settlement. 133. The Cotton Gin. — Up to 1793 a small amount of cotton was raised in the South, but it was so difficult to sepa- rate it from the seeds that the crops were not profitable. In the year 1 793 Eli Whitney, a native of Massachusetts, was visiting in the South. After a little study he invented the cotton gin,i a machine which easily and quickly sepa- rates the seeds from the cotton. Up to this time a negro slave could clean only a few pounds of cotton in a day. With the cotton gin, even in its first crude form, one thousand pounds could be cleaned. At once the raising of cotton became very profitable and was soon the chief industry of the South. Thousands of bales were sent North to be made into cloth and thousands were sent abroad. To raise cotton on a large scale many slaves were required and large numbers were therefore brought into the country. It was the cotton gin that made slavery profitable and fastened it upon the country, as both North and South now shared in its profits. 134. New States ; Death of Washington During Wash- ington's administration the new states of Vermont, Ken- tucky, and Tennessee were admitted, making at this time sixteen states in the Union. Anthony Wayne ^ Gin is a contraction of the word " engine. 132 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES At the close of his first administration (1793) Washing- ton had been reelected for a second term. He was asked to accept a third term, but declined, and John Adams was elected second President of the United States. Washington now retired to his beautiful home at Mount Vernon, on the banks of the Potomac. Here two years Mount Vernon later (December 14, 1799) he died, beloved and respected by the entire nation. JOHN ADAMS, SECOND PRESIDENT (1797-1801) 135. The New Capital. — Adams was inaugurated (March 4, 1 797) in Philadelphia, but the seat of government was soon moved to the new District of Columbia on the Potomac.^ 1 Potomac (po-to'mak). FROM WASHINGTON TO MADISON 1 33 The site of the nation's capital was given by the states of Maryland and Virginia. In honor of our first President it was named Washington. Here a beautiful city was laid out with wide avenues and extensive parks. The corner stone of the Capitol was laid September 18, 1793. 136. The Trouble with France. — In the first years of Washington's administration a revolution had broken out in France. The king had been executed and a republic had been established. Against this republic war was soon declared by England. France now asked us to join with her against England. Washington felt, however, that the country above all things needed peace that it might recover from the effects of the War of the Revolution. He decided, therefore, to favor neither the French republic nor England. This decision made France so angry that President Adams now sent three envoys to adjust if possible the difficulties between that country and ourselves. The French government showed little regard for the American envoys, and money was actually demanded from them by agents of the French government. ^ One of the envoys quickly answered, " Our country has millions for defense but not one cent for tribute." This answer aroused the enthusiasm of the whole American nation, and we were on the verge of a war with France. In fact war ships sailed for the West Indies and destroyed four French cruisers and captured many merchant vessels. 1 In his report to Congress President Adams called these agents Mr. X, Mr. Y, and Mr. Z. It is for this reason that this incident was named " the X, Y, Z Affair." 134 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES About this time Napoleon became the head of the French nation, and he made peace with us (1800). 137. The Alien and Sedition Laws. — President Adams and the FederaUst party, which had elected him, believed they should have the right to send foreigners (or aliens) out of the country for criticism of our government. They also believed there was too much freedom of the press. Two laws were passed (1798) called the Alien and Sedi- tion Laws. By the Alien Law the President had the right to expel any foreigner from our shores. Another provision of the law required fourteen years of residence here before an alien could become a citizen. The Sedition Law provided that any person who severely criticised the government of the United States could be fined or put into prison. The states of Kentucky and Virginia promptly declared that these laws were contrary to the Constitution of the United States, and refused to be bound by them. This was the first step in the theory of "state rights," a theory which was later to lead to the withdrawal of the southern states from the Union, and to civil war. In the election of 1800 Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr had the same number of electoral votes. Jefferson was thereupon elected by the House of Representatives. THOMAS JEFFERSON, THIRD PRESIDENT (1801-1809) 138. The Louisiana Purchase, 1803. — By the treaty of peace at the end of the War of the Revolution the western boundary of the United States was the Mississippi river. Spain owned the vast country named Louisiana beyond FROM WASHINGTON TO MADISON 135 that river/ but in 1800 she ceded to France this vast area with its millions of fertile acres. France and England were now at war, and Napoleon, emperor of France, needed large sums of money. At the ThuiMas Jefferson same time he was afraid lest England might seize Louisiana. He therefore sold it (1803) to the United States for fifteen 1 This territory had earlier belonged to France through the explorations of Father Marquette and La Salle. In 1763, however, it had been given to Spain. 136 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES millions of dollars. By this purchase our area was doubled and we were now in control of the Mississippi river. From photof^raph. Copyright, 1905, by WiHiain H. Rau, Philadelphia Signing thp: Louisiana Purchase 139. The Lewis and Clark Expedition. — As nothing was known of the great territory which we had bought, an American Occupation of Louisiana 137 138 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES expedition under Lewis and Clark was sent (1804) to explore it. Starting from St. Louis (1804), at that time a frontier town of log cabins, they went with three boats to the head waters of the Missouri river. The brave explorers had to push their boats up the swift rivers and rapids. They suf- fered at times from intense heat, and again from the great Napoleon as First Consul cold of the high mountain regions. Their food supply gave out and they were often compelled to eat the horses that had fallen exhausted by the way. FROM WASHINGTON TO MADISON 139 After crossing the Rocky mountains they passed down the western slopes and reached the great Columbia river. A little later they arrived at the shores of the Pacific ocean. The Louisiana Purchase Only thirteen years before Captain Robert Gra)-, a Boston fur trader, had discovered this river and had named it after his vessel. He claimed for the United States all the territory drained by the river. The exploration of Lewis and Clark now gave us a second title to this country. 140. The Embargo, 1807. — France and England were at war during these years. France forbade the ships of other nations to trade with England, while England forbade them to trade with France. As a result of this policy American vessels going to England were seized by the French, while vessels going to France were seized by the English. 140 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES Both France and England needed our rice, flour, and other goods, while the citizens of those countries wished to sell us manufactured goods. It was thought, therefore, that England and France would change their policy if no trading vessel was allowed to leave our ports with goods for a foreign country. This was called an embargo. The emjjargo had no effect on either France or England. It was a failure and was taken off after causing great loss to Ameri- can farmers, laborers, merchants, and shipowners. Fitch's Steamboat In 1802 Ohio, the first state formed from the Northwest Territory, was admitted to the Union. There were now seventeen states. 141. The Beginning of Steam Navigation. — Travel in those early days was far from agreeable. It was for the most part by stagecoaches, which ran from town to town, making about forty miles a day. It required four days to go from New York to Baltimore. Sailing vessels were used, but they were very slow, seven days being frequently needed to make the trip from New York to Albany. FROM WASHINGTON TO MADISON In 1 790 John Fitch built on the Delaware a boat which was fitted with oars. These oars, moved by a steam engine, pushed the boat slowly along, even against the strong cur- rent. This boat ran between Philadelphia and Trenton. It did not pay expenses, however, and was quickly given up. 142. Fulton's Invention, 1807. — Another experiment was made with steamboats in 1807 on the Hudson river. The "Clermont" Here Robert Fulton built the Clermont, a boat fitted with paddle wheels. On the day the new vessel was to make its trial trip to Albany a large crowd gathered to jeer at the inventor. It was believed the boat would be a failure. The people were greatly mistaken, however, as the Cler- mont started up the stream at a good speed, and reached Albany, one hundred and fifty miles distant, in thirty-two hours. At last the question of steam navigation was solved, and soon steamboats were built on most of the rivers and on the Great Lakes, 142 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES Twelve years after the Clermojtt made its trial trip the first steamer crossed the Atlantic ( 1 8 1 9) . This steamer was named the SavannaJi and reached Liverpool in twenty-five days. The coal was used up when the vessel was only A Modern Steamship halfway across, and for the remainder of the trip sails were used. This led to the belief that no vessel could carry coal enough for the whole voyage across the Atlantic. SUMMARY /. Wash ington 's A dm in isi) -a tioii ( i 7 8 9- 1 7 9 7 ) . 1. The United States paid off all its debts and established our national credit before the nations of the world. 2. With the invention of the cotton gin in 1793 began the great cotton industry of America. This invention led to the extension of slavery by making slave labor profitable to the North and to the South. 3. The new states of Vermont, Kentucky, and Tennessee were admitted to the Union. FROM WASHINGTON TO MADISON 143 //. John Adams's Administration (1797-1801). 1. The national government moved from Philadelphia to Wash- ington, the new capital. 2. Serious troubles which might have led to war with P>ance were settled (1800) by Napoleon. 3. The Alien and Sedition Laws were enacted in 1798. ///. JeffeisoiCs Administj-ation (i 801 -1809). 1 . The great territory of Louisiana was purchased from France in 1 S03. Lewis and Clark were sent to explore it. 2. The embargo, which became a law in 1807, prevented Ameri- can vessels from trading with foreign nations. 3. Robert Fulton's steamboat, the Clerinont, made its first suc- cessful trip in 1807. With this voyage the era of steamboats began. Dates to be remembered: 1793, the invention of the cotton gin. 1803, the purchase of Louisiana. CHAPTER XIII FROM MADISON TO JACKSON JAMES MADISON, FOURTH PRESIDENT (1809-1817) 143. Trouble with England. — The seizure of American seamen led to trouble between England and the United States. England claimed at this time that an Englishman could not become a citizen of another country. Her motto was, '*Once an Englishman, always an Englishman." The United States declared that a man might become a citizen of another nation if he so desired. Acting on her motto, England sent men-of-war to stop and search American vessels not only on the high seas but even on our coasts. This was the so-called " right of search." 144 FROM MADISON TO JACKSON 145 In the course of a few years six thousand American sea- men were seized and made to serve in the EngUsh navy. 144. The War of 1812. — The American people were now so aroused at the insults they had suffered that it was evident we must either fight for our rights or abandon the sea altogether. War was therefore de- clared (June 18, I 8 I 2) agai n s t Great Britain. Great Britain was much better prepared than the United States to carry on a successful war. The English troops were more numerous and better trained, as they had just been engaged in the wars against Napoleon. The American army was only seven thousand strong and was poorly supplied with guns and ammunition. England was even stronger on the sea than on land. She had eight hundred and fifty ships, while there were only twelve flying the stars and stripes. The Surrender of Hull 46 TRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 145. The Plan of Campaign against Canada ; its Failure. — Three armies were raised for the invasion of Canada. The first under General Hull captured Detroit,^ but he was soon surrounded by the British and their Indian alhes. With no hope of relief he surrendered to save, he said, the men, women, and children of the fort from the scalping knife of the savage Indians. Another army under Van Rensselaer 2 attacked the British at Queenstown, near Niagara Falls. At the out- set our forces were success- ful. They failed, however, to receive the aid which they expected and thus were defeated. It was planned that a third army under Dearborn should move up lake Cham plain and seize Montreal. This plan also was unsuccessful, as Dearborn stopped when he reached our northern border. Thus we see that the entire campaign against Canada was a complete failure. 146. Battle of Lake Erie. — While our land forces were meeting defeat our sailors were winning glorious victories. In the summer of 1813 Oliver H. Perry built a fleet of nine vessels on lake Erie and sailed to meet the British ships on the waters of that lake. In the battle that followed Perry's flagship was so badly torn with shot and shell that she began to sink. Perry 1 Detroit (de-troit'). 2 Van Rensselaer (van rens'se-ler). SCALE OF MILES FROM MADISON TO JACKSON 147 took his little brother, and getting into a small boat fear- lessly rowed through a shower of bullets to another vessel. He completely defeated the enemy and sent the news of his victory in a famous message : " We have met the enemy and they are ours." Perry's victory cleared the Battlk of Lake Erik Great Lakes of British ships, and Detroit was soon aban- doned by the British. 147. Indian Battles ; the Thames and Tohopeka. — Gen- eral William Henry Harrison was in command of the land forces of the West. He now moved against Canada and met at the Thames ^ river the English under Proctor, and the Indians led by the great Shawnee chief Tecumseh.^ The Americans won a comj^lete victory. Proctor fled, but Tecumseh was killed. 1 Thames (thamz). - Tecumseli (te-ktim'seh). 148 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES A short time before his death Tecumseh had sent mes- sengers to the Indians of the South urging them to go on the warpath. The messengers gave these southern tribes a Battle of the Thames bundle of red sticks. They were told to throw one away every day until the last stick was reached, when they were to fall upon the white settlers. The Indians obeyed Tecumseh's order. On the appointed day they attacked Fort Mimms, not far from Mobile. It was carried by storm, and every person in it was massacred with horrible cruelties. General Andrew Jackson was sent against the Indians, and utterly defeated them (March 27, 18 14) at Tohopeka. Weatherford, the Indian chief, now appeared before Jackson's tent. "I have fought you," he said, "with all FROM MADISON TO JACKSON 149 my power, but my warriors are now dead and I am in your power. Do with me as you please." In spite of the horrible cruelties which this Indian chief and his warriors had inflicted upon even women and chil- dren, his life was spared by Jackson. 148. Battles of Lundy^s Lane and Plattsburg Early in July, 1 8 14, the Americans crossed the Niagara river, took Fort Erie, and defeated the EngUsh at Chippewa. They soon reached and captured the strong port of Lundy's Lane. Battle of Plattsburg A large force of fourteen thousand British with fourteen vessels now came down from Canada. They followed the route of Burgoyne and hoped to invade New York and cut off New Endand. Commodore Macdonough was waiting for them at Plattsburo:. In the battle which followed 150 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES (September ii, 1814) the whole British fleet surrendered. The land forces of the English tried to cross the Saranac ^ river, but were driven back with hea\y loss and retreated to Canada. 149. Burning of Washington ; ^' The Star-Spangled Ban- ner." — An English army now moved u}) the Potomac river and captured the city of Washington. The British soldiers set fire to the Capitol, the White House, and the Treasury, and plundered the city. On leaving, they marched to Baltimore, where they tried in vain to capture Fort Mc Henry, which guards the city. While the shells from the British fleet were fall- ing on the fort, Francis Scott Key was compelled to remain on a British man-of-war to which he had gone under a flag of truce to secure the ex- change of some prisoners. During the entire night he watched the flash of the British guns. In the morning he eagerly looked to see if the flag of his country was flying above the fort. When he saw it still floating proudly in the breeze he was inspired to write on the spot our national song, "The Star-Spangled Banner." 1 Saranac (sar'a-nak). Francis Scott Key FROM MADISON TO JACKSON 151 The British general Ross was killed in this attack and the English fleet sailed away. There was great indignation even in England at the burning of Washington. One British statesman declared that although nearly every capital in Europe had been in the hands of Napoleon, he had never burned one that was unfortified. 150. Battles on the Sea. — On the sea fifteen battles were fought, in twelve of which the Americans were victori- ous. Among the more famous of these were the victories of the Co7istitiition (or Old Ironsides^ as it was often called) over the Guer- riere} the Wasp over the Fi^olic, IJj and the United States over the Macedoftian. In an engagement off Boston harbor (June i, 18 13), between the American frigate Chesapeake ^ and the British ship-of-war Shan- non, the Chesapeake was captured, and for the first time since the beginning of the war the English flag was raised over an American vessel. Lawrence, the brave captain of the Chesapeake, died with the heroic words on his lips, '' Don't give up the ship." These words became the rallying cry of the American sailors during the war. 151. The Battle of New Orleans. — The last battle of the war was fought January 8, 1 8 1 5 . The English hoped 1 Guerriere (gar-ryar'). 2 Chesapeake (ches'a-pek). SCALE OF MILES 52 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES to obtain control of the Mississippi river, and sent an army of twelve thousand trained soldiers to attack the city of New Orleans. To oppose them General Andrew Jackson had only six thousand untrained troops. Very many of them, however, were hunters and pioneers, who had lived in the woods and on the frontier, and were accurate marksmen. The British line rushed forward, but it was quickly swept away by the deadly fire of the backwoodsmen. Again it formed and advanced and again it was cut to pieces. The The "Constitution" and the "Guerriere British were completely defeated. Their general was killed and two thousand men were dead or wounded. The Amer- ican loss was only eight dead and six wounded. This battle was fought after the treaty of peace had been signed, but the news in those days could only be brought in FROM MADISON TO JACKSON 153 sailing vessels, and it was many weeks, therefore, before it was known that a treaty of peace had been signed at Ghent between the United States and Great Britain (December 24, 18 14). Battle of New Orleans The War of 1 8 1 2 is called the second war of independence. It taught the nations of Europe that we would fight to protect our seamen. An important result of the war was the building up of our home industries, and it was not many years before they grew to such an extent that it was no longer necessary to go to Europe for cotton cloth and other goods. During Madison's administration Louisiana and Indiana were admitted to the Union. 154 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES JAMES MONROE, FIFTH PRESIDENT (1817-1825) 152. The Cession of Florida, 1819. — From time to time the Creek and Seminole Indians in the Spanish territory of Florida went on the warpath, murdering and scalping the settlers with fearful cruelty. The territory was also the refuge of pirates, outlaws, and runaway slaves, who often The United States after the Florida Cession of iSk crossed the border into Georgia and plundered the colonists. General Andrew Jackson, the hero of New Orleans, was sent to restore order in this southeastern country. With his usual vigor Jackson carried on a campaign of fire and sword against the savages, and completely defeated them. Then he boldly crossed the line into Spanish terri- tory, where he seized and hanged two Indian chiefs. He also executed two Englishmen who had been inciting the Indians to war and selling them guns and powder. Both FROM MADISON TO JACKSON 155 England and Spain were so indignant at these acts of General Jackson that we were on the verge of war with both of these countries, but it was fortunately avoided. The United States desired to secure Florida, that she might fill out her coast line and control the gulf of Mexico. Spain gladly sold the territory (18 19) to the United States for five million dollars. Florida was the second large addition of territory to our flag. 153. The Missouri Compromise, 1 1820. — The invention of the cotton gin had been increasing for many years the value of the cotton crop and of slave labor. The South, therefore, desired to see the institution of slavery spread. In the North slavery was unprofitable and was dying out, and the opposition to it in this section was becoming stronger day by day. At this time there were twelve slave states and twelve free states. Missouri, which had been a part of the Louisiana Purchase, had recently formed a state government and had asked for admission to the Union. The South wished Missouri to come in as a slave state ; the North said she must come in as a free state. The discussion was becoming more and more bitter each day, when Senator Henry Clay proposed the so-called Missouri Compromise. This compromise provided that Maine, a free state, and Missouri, a slave state, should be admitted to the Union, thus keeping the balance between the free and slave states. The remainder of the Louisiana territory, except Mis- souri, should be free from slavery above a certain line (36° 30'), which was the southern boundary of Missouri. 1 Compromise (kom'pro-mlz). 156 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES This plan was accepted and the slavery question was settled for a quarter of a century. 154. The Monroe Doctrine. — Two questions of great im- portance came before President Monroe. The first question dealt with Russia. That nation claimed a large part of the Pacific coast southward from Alaska and had already begun to send settlers into the territory as far south as California. Mexico at this time owned California, and we were, there- fore, in danger of being shut off entirely from the Pacific ocean. The American nation for this reason viewed with great alarm the activity of Russia on the Pacific coast. The second great question was with Spain. Many of the Spanish colonies in the New World had rebelled against the mother country and had become independent republics. It was now believed that the monarchs of Europe, alarmed at the growth of these republics, had joined hands to help Spain regain her lost colonies. President Monroe in a message to Congress (December 2, 1823) declared that European nations must try no longer to colonize America. He also declared that they must not attempt to overthrow American republics in the interests of European monarchs. This was the famous Monroe Doctrine. It had two great results : First, Russia gave up all attempts at colonizing the Pacific coast south of Alaska. Second, the struggling repub- lics of the New World were allowed to work out their own destiny, free from the interference of European nations. 155. Visit of Lafayette. — In 1824 Lafayette, now an old man, paid a visit to the United States as the guest of the nation. He was received with joy in every state of the Union. FROM MADISON TO JACKSON 157 On the fiftieth anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill Lafayette laid the corner stone of the great monument that marks the site of the battle. On this occasion Daniel Webster delivered one of his most famous orations. w ^^w On the Way to the West Congress voted Lafayette two hundred thousand dollars and a large tract of land. This was given as a slight token of the good will of the country toward the heroic nobleman who had been our friend in the darkest days of our history. 158 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES Lafayette returned to France in a new frigate built for him and named the Brandyivine in honor of the first battle of the War of the Revolution in which he took part. 156. The National Road. — We have already seen how the settlers as early as Washington's administration had begun to pour over the mountains into the Ohio valley. Hundreds of hardy pioneers were now hurrying west- ward to secure for themselves and their families new homes in the fertile fields of the West. Many of these pioneers went in boats down the Ohio ; others in creaking wagons struggled along the newly formed roads. That the East and the West might be joined together, Henry Clay persuaded Congress to vote money for a National Road. This road began at Cumberland, Maryland. It was eighty feet wide and was covered with gravel. Streams were crossed on strong stone bridges. It was finally extended as far as Illinois and aided greatly in building up the rich and prosperous states of the West. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, SIXTH PRESIDENT (1825-1829) 157. The Erie Canal ; Governor De Witt Clinton. — The great westward movement of the pioneers had been in general along three main routes. The first route ran through the state of New York along the Mohawk river and thence to Buffalo and the Great Lakes. A second route led through central Pennsylvania to Pittsburg and down the Ohio valley. By a third route settlers passed from the southern states across the moun- tains into Kentucky and Tennessee. FROM MADISON TO JACKSON 159 In this administration a great forward stride was made in rendering westward travel easier. A canal was proposed by De Witt Clinton, governor of New York. This canal was planned to reach from Buffalo to the Hudson river. People laughed at Clinton's "big ditch" and said it would never be finished, but neither ridicule nor scoffing had any effect on Governor Clinton. Thousands of men began to chop down the forests and to bridge the rivers. Locks were built to lift the canal boats over the highlands. 158. The Completion of the Erie Canal ; its Results. — At the end of eight years (1825) the canal was finished. It was three hundred and sixty-three miles long and forty feet wide. Cannon were stationed about five miles apart along the line. As soon as the waters of lake Erie entered the canal at Buffalo the first cannon boomed, then the second, and so on, till eighty minutes later the news reached New York that the great work was finished. Governor Clinton entered a canal boat at Buffalo and journeyed through the entire length of the canal till he reached the Hudson river and later New York City. A keg of water which Clinton had carried from Buffalo was emptied into New York harbor to show that the union of the Atlantic and the Great Lakes was now completed. The canal greatly reduced the cost of freight. It was a comfortable although slow mode of passenger travel, and it built up large cities along its route. The Erie canal made New York the greatest commercial port in the western world. To prevent New York from securing, through the Erie canal, all the trade with the West, Pennsylvania also built a system of canals and roads to carry goods to Pittsburg and the Ohio valley. l6o PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 159. The Growth of the Steam Railroad. — The canal was a great step forward, but one even greater was soon to 1 be taken. ' Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the last surviving signer of the I Declaration of i Independence, turned (July 4, First Method of Travel on the Baltimore I^2o) tne nrst SOCl AND Ohio Railroad (1829) for a new railroad (From an old print) that was planned to extend from Baltimore to the Ohio river. The rails were of wood, covered with a thin strip of iron. The cars were drawn by horses. About this time the steam engine, or locomotive, was invented in England. It was a small, weak machine, but it An Early Railroad was gradually improved. It began in 1838 to take the place of horses on the railroad. From this humble beginning have arisen the great rail- road systems of the present day, with their palatial sleeping, library, and dining cars. A person may now speed at forty FROM MADISON TO JACKSON i6l miles an hour from the Atlantic to the Pacific in fewer days than it required to go from Boston to New York in Washington's time. m 1 ^. ...J L i Wm m^^^^s ^ ^M Lujmtkjji^ Modern Passenger Locomotive SUMMARY /. Madison's Aduiinistratioii ( 1 809-1 8 1 7). 1. The War of 181 2 was fought with Great Britain to secure the rights of American sailors on the seas. 2. At the beginning of the war the Americans suffered many defeats on land, but the sailors won glorious victories on the ocean. 3. The city of Washington, the nation's capital, was taken (18 15) by the British army and partly burned. 4. Our national song, " The Star-Spangled Banner," was written by Francis Scott Key during this war. 5. The War of 181 2 led to the building of many factories, and the American people began to make goods for themselves instead of sending to Europe for them. //. Monroe's Administration ( 1 8 1 7- 1 82 5). 1. General Jackson in a vigorous campaign defeated the Indians of the southeast and established peace and order in that section. 2. In 1 819 Florida was sold to the United States. l62 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 3. The Missouri Compromise proposed (1820) by Henry Clay set- tled the slavery question for twenty-five years. 4. In 1823 President Monroe published his famous message, which gave to the world the Monroe Doctrine. 5. General Lafayette came from France to lay the corner stone of the Bunker Hill monument. ///. John Quincy Adams's Adtnmistr-ation (i 825-1 829). 1. The Erie canal, built by the state of New^ York, was finished in 1825. It made New York the greatest commercial port of the New World. 2. The Baltimore and Ohio railroad was begun in 1828. Charles Carroll of Carrollton turned the first sod. This was the beginning of the great railway systems of America. Dates to be remembered : 1 81 2-1 8 1 5, the second war with Great Britain. 1820, the Missouri Compromise. 1823, the Monroe Doctrine. CHAPTER XIV FROM JACKSON TO POLK ANDREW JACKSON, SEVENTH PRESIDENT (1829-1837) 160. The Tariff Question. — In the election of Andrew Jackson the country for the first time had a President that came from west of the Alleghenies. Born in poverty, he had raised himself by his abil- ity, courage, and honesty to the highest place in the gift of the nation. He was a man of strong character, who had made himself the idol of the country by his defeat of the English at New Orleans and his victories over the Indians. For many years a difference of opinion had been steadily growing as to the best means of raising money to pay the expenses of the government. The people of the North had been gradually building up factories and new industries of many kinds. They now asked Congress to place a higher tariff, or tax, on goods coming from abroad. This would protect the new industries against foreign competition and 163 Andrew Jackson l64 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES would prevent foreign goods from coming in. This form of tariff, or tax, is called a ''protective tariff." The South had many plantations but very few factories. They bought most of their goods abroad and had them brought in vessels almost to their doors. As a high pro- tective tariff would increase the cost of these goods, the people of the South asked Congress to levy only such duties or taxes as would raise enough money to pay the running __ expenses of the govern- ment. A tax of this nature is called a "tariff for revenue only." 161. South Carolina and Nullification, 1832. — As the tariff on for- eign goods had been gradually raised from time to time, a strong protest was now made by the South against another advance. South Carolina went even further. She declared (1832) that a state had a right to refuse to obey a law of Congress if the state believed the law to be unjust. This doctrine, called *' NuUification," or the right to make of no avail an act of Congress, was main- tained in the Senate in an eloquent address by Senator Hayne of South Carolina. Daniel Webster, in a famous oration, attacked this doc- trine. President Jackson acted promptly and declared that every law of Congress must be obeyed. He ordered troops Daniel Webster FROM JACKSON TO POLK 165 to be sent into South Carolina to see that the duties at the customhouse in Charleston were paid. At this critical time Henry Clay proposed a law to lower the tariff. This law was passed (1833), and as both the North and the South accepted it, the country was once more at peace. 162. The Abolition Movement. — The debate on the tariff bill had caused deep feeling in the South. This -section was now still more disturbed by the new abolition move- ment in the North. William Lloyd Garrison began (183 1) Fort Dearborn, the Site of Chicago to publish a paper which declared that slavery should be at once abolished. He would even destroy the Union, if it were necessary, to bring this about. While most people in the North had little or no sympathy with Garrison's extreme views, the feeling against slavery spread rapidly, and socie- ties to overthrow it were formed in many cities and towns. The slavery question which Garrison raised grew daily more and more bitter, and at one time he barely escaped with his life from a mob in Boston. l66 PRIMARY HISTORY OP^ THE UxNITED STATES 163. Growth of the West ; Chicago and Other Cities. — The growth of western settlements had been so rapid that Michigan had now sufficient people to form a state govern- ment. It was admitted to the Union as a free state in 1837, while Arkansas was admitted as a slave state in 1836. Cities were founded in many parts of the rich western country. Chicago was surveyed in 1830. Father Marquette had encamped on this site for the winter in 1674, while on his way to found a mission among the Illinois Indians. A fortified post was built here by the United States about a century and a half later and named Fort Dearborn. Around this fort a settlement grew up which was destined in a few years to be the second largest city in America. Among the other cities that began to rise at this t i m e w e r e San Francisco, Sacra- mento, Dubuque, Davenport, Mad- ison, Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Indianapolis. During Jackson's administration hard coal, or anthracite, came into use. Up to this time wood had been almost entirely the fuel of the people. Anthracite was accidentally discovered as early as 1 790 in Carbon county, Pennsylvania, by a man named Gunther, while he was hunting for deer. It was many years, however, before the people learned to use it, as a coal stove had not yet been invented. Matches now Exterior of a Coal Mine FROM JACKSON TO POLK 67 came into use in place of the steel and flint that were up to this time the usual means of securing fire. At the close of his second term of office, Jackson retired to his home, the Hermitage, in Tennessee. He is said to have remarked as he left the White House, " I leave this great people prosperous and happy." MARTIN VAN BUREN, EIGHTH PRESIDENT (1837-1841) 164. The Crisis, or Panic, of 1837. — During Jackson's administration the country had indeed been very prosper- ous and the great growth of the West had led to a wild speculation in western lands. Whole counties were cut up into house lots, and cities were planned along the lakes, rivers, and canals. Everybody, it seemed, was buying or selling land, and great debts were contracted to obtain money for this purpose. At last an end came to this fool- ish land speculation when the government demanded gold and silver instead of paper bank notes in payment for the land. As gold and silver could not be secured, there followed one of the most severe money crises, or panics, that this country has ever seen. Banks failed, factories were closed, and thousands The Pony Express Rider l68 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES of men were without food or work. The crisis gradually passed away, but its bad results remained for many years. 165. The Express Business. — The building of the rail- roads led to the rise of the express business. In 1839 a messenger named Harnden began to carry money and valuable packages between Boston and New York. At the outset only two valises, or bags, were needed. From this small beginning arose the great express com- panies that now carry on business in all parts of the world. Indians attacking a Stagecoach on the Plains In the West a pony express was established. There were stations fifteen or twenty miles apart for a distance of two thousand miles from the Missouri river to Sacramento. FROM JACKSON TO POLK 169 The rider with his mail bag traveled across the plains to the first station, where a fresh horse was waiting for him. Not a moment was lost. Jumping on the horse, he was off again to the second station. At the third station he gave the mail bag to another rider, who at once hurried away to cover his part of the journey. Over mountains and plains, in sunshine or in rain, the brave riders sped on their way. They often perished in the violent snowstorms of this region or by the hands of hostile Indians. It cost five dollars to send a letter by the pony express. This charge was soon reduced by one half. After two years stagecoaches were put in service, and the pony express was later discontinued. The passengers on these coaches met with many thrilling adventures, as they were frequently attacked by the Indians on the desolate plains of the West. Highwaymen, too, often stopped them and robbed them of their treasures. HARRISON AND TYLER, NINTH AND TENTH PRESIDENTS (1841-1845) 166. A Famous Campaign. — In the election of 1 840 the Democrats were defeated in a national election for the first time in forty years. General William Henry Harrison, the hero of the famous Indian battle of Tippecanoe, had been nominated by the Whigs amid the greatest enthusiasm, as their candidate for President. Harrison was called the "log-cabin candidate," ^ and the cry of his party in the 1 A Democratic paper had spoken of Harrison in a slighting manner, suggesting that a log cabin with a raccoon skin on the door would be more I/O PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES campaign was, "Tippecanoe and Tyler too ! " Log cabins were erected all over the country as the headquarters of the Whigs. Harrison was triumphantly elected, but scarcely had he taken his seat as President when he died. He was the first President to die in office. John Tyler, the Vice President, at once succeeded him, as provided by the Constitution. 167. The Magnetic Telegraph. — In 1843 Samuel F. B. Morse asked Congress to give him thirty thousand dollars to build a telegraph line. He wished, he said, to send messages by electricity. Morse explained his system to the congressmen. By pressing a key attached to an instrument at one end of a wire, the electric current would pull down upon a strip of paper a needle at the other end. In this way a series of dots and dashes would be recorded. These dots and dashes spelled out words. Congress did not have great faith in the invention, but at last Morse received the money and a line was built from Washington to Baltimore. When all was ready a great throng gathered in the chamber of the Supreme Court at the Capitol in Washington. The key was pressed a num- ber of times, and Morse's partner in Baltimore at once read the message, taken from the Bible, ''What hath God wrought ! " Everybody present knew that at last, after his long years of labor and discouragement, Morse's magnetic tele- graph was a success. to his liking than the White House. The Whigs at once took up the inci- dent and, making the log cabin their emblem, swept the country. FROM JACKSON TO POLK 171 168. The Annexation of Texas. — The repiibhc of Mexico desired settlers for the vast unoccupied tracts of land in the northern part of its territory and granted (1821) to a party of Americans a large area in Texas. These settlers brought slaves with them into the new territory. The Texas Cession of 1845 At this time slavery was not permitted in Mexico, and the Mexican government ordered these slaves to be freed. The settlers refused to obey the order. A revolution now broke out, and Texas was declared to be an independent republic. Her people asked that she be admitted as a state to the Union. Mexico at once declared that Texas still belonged to her, and that annexation to the United States would mean war. There was also a dispute about the southern boundary of Texas. The Texans claimed that the Rio Grande^ formed 1 Rio Grande (re'6 gran'da). 1/2 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES their southern boundary, while Mexico declared it was much further north, at the Nueces ^ river. While these questions were pending Congress admitted Texas to the Union. James K. Polk ^ was elected President by the Democrats and took his seat March 4, 1845. SUMMARY /. Jackson's Ad?m?tistratwn (i 829-1 837). 1. The tariff question led South Carolina to proclaim the doctrine of Nullification, or the right of a state to refuse to obey a law of Congress. 2. The movement against slavery began to gain strength in the North through the abolition societies. 3. The great growth of the West and the general prosperity of the country were marked features of Jackson's administration. //. Van Buren's Adjninistration (183 7-1 841). 1. The beginning of this administration was marked by one of the most severe financial crises in the history of the country. It is called the Crisis of 1837. 2. The foundations of the great express business of the country were laid (1839) t>y Harnden. ///. Harrison and Tyler's Administration (i 841- 1845). 1. Samuel F. B. Morse perfected the magnetic telegraph and the first message was sent from Washington to Baltimore in 1844. 2. Settlers in Texas, at that time a state of Mexico, rebelled and set up a republic. This republic was admitted (1845) to the Union as the state of Texas. Dates to be reme?nbered : 1832, the Nullification doctrine. 1844, the invention of the magnetic telegraph. 1 Nueces (nwa'ses). 2 Poji^ (pok). CHAPTER XV FROM POLK TO LINCOLN JAMES K. POLK, ELEVENTH PRESIDENT (1845-1849) 169. War with Mexico. — After his inauguration Presi- dent Polk quickly sent troops into Texas to build a fort on the Rio Grande. The Mexicans promptly attacked the Americans, but were driven back. A few days later the Battle of Buena Vista two battles of Palo Alto ^ and Resaca de la Palma ^ were fought and won (May 8-9, 1846) by the American forces. 1 Palo Alto (pa'lo al'tS). 2 Resaca de la Palma (ra-sa'ka da la paPma). 174 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES War with Mexieo was now declared. General Scott moved southward across the Rio Grande and defeated the Mexicans at Monterey ^ and Buena Vista.^ An American force under General Kearny^ captured Santa Fe without resistance. He set up a civil government and declared all New Mexico to belong to the United States. The Mexican War Kearny now moved westward to capture California. When he arrived there he learned that the people of 1 Monterey (mon-te-ra'). - Buena Vista (bwa'na ves'ta). ^ Kearny (kar'ni). FROM POLK TO LINCOLN 175 California had revolted against Mexico and had set up a republic whose emblem was a white flag on which was a picture of a grizzly bear. For this reason the new gov- ernment was called the Bear Flag republic. American land and naval forces were soon at hand and trouble arose between the Californians and the Americans, which resulted in the raising of the flag of the United States over Monterey, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. ^ The Storming of Chapultepec 170. The March to the City of Mexico. — In the mean- time a force under General Scott landed at Vera Cruz ^ on the gulf of Mexico, and he captured the small fort that defended the city. Scott now boldly marched through the mountain passes toward the capital of the republic, capturing the fair city of 1 Los Angeles (los an'Hel-es). '^ Vera Cruz (va'ra kroos). 176 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES Puebla.i The Mexicans were now opposing him in large numbers. One by one fell the weak defenses of the city of Mexico, — Contreras,2 Churubusco,^ and Molino del Rey.^ The United States after the Mexican Cession of 1848 At last Scott stood before Chapultepec.^ Here on a small wooded hill stood a fort and the military school of the re- public. The place was stormed and taken (September 1 3, 1847), and the next day the American forces entered the city of Mexico. The fall of the capital ended the war. The Americans had won every battle. In the treaty of peace Mexico ceded New Mexico, Arizona, and California to the United States. 1 Puebla (pweb'la). 2 Contreras (kon-tra'ras). 3 Churubusco (choo-roo-boos'ko). The central point in this battle was the old church and monastery, which had been seized and occupied by the Mexicans. * Molino del Key (mo-le'no del ra'), " the king's mill." It was a grain mill, which had been heavily fortified. ^ Chapultepec (chii-podl-ta-pek'). FROM POLK TO LINCOLN 177 As we had already annexed Texas, there were added to our domain nine hundred thousand square miles of territory, an area almost twenty times the state of New York. The United States gave Mexico fifteen million dollars for the territory, and in addition paid claims amounting to about ten million dollars. 171. The Early Missions of California. — As early as 1535 California was explored by the Spaniards. Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries were sent there from -Mexico. They brought with them seeds of vegetables, grains, and flowers. Hundreds of cattle, sheep, and horses were also brought. The mission of San Diego,^ "the corner stone of the civilization of California," was built in 1769. This was .^tf^^^^k 8 ^I^nlL m ^ • -^^^^ ■ ^ . Santa Barbara Mission followed by the foundation of other missions, until there were no less than twenty-one of these religious centers, extending from the gulf of California northward to San Francisco. 1 San Diego (san de-a'go). 178 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES Around these missions gardens, orchards, ohve groves, and vineyards were planted, while on the hillsides and in the valleys thousands of cattle showed the prosperity of the happy Indians. A few years after Mexico had rebelled from Spain and had become (1821) an independent republic the missions were seized by the Mexican government. The Indians Sutter's Fort were scattered, the religious orders were driven away, and the missions which they had founded were robbed of their possessions by the corrupt agents of Mexico. Everything quickly fell into decay, and the work of a century of heroic effort on the part of the Jesuits and the Franciscans was destroyed . 172. The Discovery of Gold. — An event occurred in 1848 which changed the history of California. This was the discovery of gold. Sutter's Mill 79 l8o PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES !~~r *9- ■^. Near the junction of the Sacramento and American rivers a Swiss emigrant named Sutter had secured from the Mexi- can government a large tract of land. He erected a fort and had thousands of sheep, horses, and cattle in the miles of territory that stretched away in every direction. Forty miles up the American river Sutter decided (1848) to build a sawmill, and sent a man named Marshall to dig the mill race for him. While at work Marshall discovered pieces of gold in the water. A further search showed large quanti- ties in the bed and banks of the stream. The news quickly spread to San Francisco, and a wild rush for the gold fields followed. From all parts of the United States, and even from foreign countries, the miners poured in. Some took the route around Cape Horn ; others crossed the isthmus of Panama. Many came overland through the ter- rible deserts and the fearful mountain passes, where storms, famine, and savage Indians swept them off by thousands. The population of California increased so rapidly that she asked (1849) for admission to the Union as a free state. 173. The Oregon Question. — We have already seen (p. 139) that Oregon 1 was claimed by the United States. This claim was founded on Captain Gray's discovery of the Columbia river, and the Lewis and Clark exploration. The English also claimed the territory through early discoveries 1 Oregon (or'e-gon). FROM POLK TO LINCOLN I8l of the great explorer George Vancouver,^ and the agents of the Hudson Bay Company .^ Since 1818 the territory had been occupied under an agreement by both the United States and Great Britain. The American people now began' to demand all the Oregon country. For a time it seemed as if trouble would The United States after the Settlement of the Oregon Question in 1846 arise between England and the United States, but the ques- tion was settled peacefully by dividing the country along the forty-ninth parallel of north latitude. 174. Great Inventions ; the Reaper and Sewing Machine. — Two great inventions came into use at this time. One, 1 Vancouver (van-koo'ver). 2 This country as far north as Sitka in Alaska had been explored, how- ever, by the Spaniards under Juan Perez as early as 1774. In an agree- ment with Great Britain in 1795 Spain gave up her claim to the country north of the Columbia river. l82 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES which led to a wonderful development of the West, was the McCormick reaper. This machine had been already patented eleven years, but it was clumsy, heavy, and costly, and the farmers would not use it. It was now improved, and McCormick went on horseback among the farmers of Ohio, Indiana, and Ken- tucky, securing orders for his machines. After a few years they came into general use. The reaper ren- dered it possible to cultivate large wheat fields, and more than any single influence built up the great West. At the same time it cheap- ened the price of wheat and made bread much less expensive. Another great invention of this period was the sewing machine. This was the work of Elias Howe. The sewing machine made easier the labor of the household and reduced the price of all kinds of sewed goods. When it was adapted to the making of shoes it caused a great lowering in the price of those necessary articles. The Harvester FROM POLK TO LINCOLN 183 Another discovery of the greatest value was the treat- ment of India rubber. This discovery by Goodyear made it possible for rubber goods to become articles of everyday use. In the field of medicine, the use of ether and laughing gas rendered possible the most difficult surgical operations. TAYLOR AND FILLMORE, TWELFTH AND THIR- TEENTH PRESIDENTS (1849-1853) 175. The Compromise of 1850. — Zachary Taylor, who had won so many battles in the Mexican War, was elected President by the Whigs in 1848. He held office only a little more than a year when he died, and was succeeded by the Vice President, Millard Fillmore. The request of California for admission to the Union led to another bitter discussion of the slavery question. There were at this time fifteen free states and fifteen slave states in the Union, thus maintaining an even balance in the United States Senate. The people of the South, therefore, would not consent to the admission of California as a free state. They complained that runaway slaves could not be regained if they reached the North, and asked for a stronger law to help in bringing back these fugitives. To settle the dispute which was daily becoming more bitter, Henry Clay proposed that each side yield something. This was agreed to, and the result was the Compromise of 1850. This compromise provided, among other things, for the admission of California as a free state, for a stronger fugitive slave law, and for the prohibition of the slave trade, but not of slavery, in the District of Columbia. l84 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITP:D STATES It was also provided that in the remainder of the territory secured from Mexico the settlers could decide for them- selves whether or not slavery was to be allowed. 176. Results of the Compromise. — The compromise became a law in 1850, and California was at once admitted to the Union. The Fugitive Slave Law aroused the greatest indignation in the North. Whenever officers appeared to regain run- away slaves they were mobbed amid intense excitement. After the Gadsden Purchase of 1S53 The publication at this time of Uncle Tom s Cabin, a book which claimed to be a picture of southern life, — a claim denied by the South, — increased the opposition to slavery in the North. This antislavery feeling grew daily with such rapidity that many feared it could only result in civil war. 177. The Gadsden Purchase. — Among other pressing questions of this time was a dispute with Mexico about FROM POLK TO LINCOLN 185 our southwestern boundary. This was adjusted by buying (1853) from Mexico the land between the Gila^ river and our present boundary. This transaction is known as the Gadsden Purchase, and gave us an additional forty-four thousand square miles of territory, — an area about equal in size to the state of Pennsylvania. FRANKLIN PIERCE, FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT (1853-1857) 178. The Kansas-Nebraska Act. — It will be remembered (see p. 155) that by the Missouri Compromise Act of 1820 slavery was pro- hibited, except in Missouri, in all the territory purchased from France, north of the line of 36° 30'. A bill was now offered by Senator Douglas of Illinois which would repeal the Missouri Com- promise Act. Under this new bill two new territories were to be organized which would be free or slave according to the vote of the set- Stephen A. Douglas tiers. This bill, known as the Kansas-Nebraska Act, became 1 Gila (He'la). l86 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES a law in 1854. The passage of this law opened up again the whole question of slavery, which many thought had been settled forever. All the vast tract west of the Mississippi river was now the prize of the party securing the largest number of settlers. At once colonists began to pour in, those from Missouri in favor of slavery, those from the northern states in favor Area of Free and Slave States of freedom. Both parties were armed and riots and blood- shed were of daily occurrence. At last the party opposed to slavery won, and Kansas was admitted later (1861) as a free state. One of the results of the Kansas-Nebraska Act was the formation of the Republican party, largely to oppose the further spread of slavery. FROM POLK TO LINCOLN 187 179. The Know-Nothing Party. — While the bitter slavery discussion was agitating the whole country, a new party was formed. Its members were called Know-Nothings, from the answer, "1 don't know," which they gave to all questions about their party. The Know-Nothing party was a secret organization which was opposed to the coming of foreigners to America. The chief principle of the organization, however, was opposition to Roman Catholics. Soon after its organization the Know-Nothing party, or its friends, began to commit the most lawless acts. Churches, convents, and even the homes of Catholic citizens in many parts of the country were burned. The Know-Nothings were successful for a time, but were soon lost sight of in the great questions that were now before the country. JAMES BUCHANAN, FIFTEENTH PRESIDENT (1857-1861) 180. The Dred Scott Decision. — Two days after President Buchanan had taken his seat the United States Supreme Court gave a decision of the utmost importance on the question of slavery. Dred Scott, a slave, had been taken by his owner to the free states of Illinois and Minnesota, and after some years he was brought back to live in Missouri, a slave state. Scott now claimed his freedom, saying he had lived on free soil and was therefore free. His case came before the Supreme Court of the United States. This court decided that Scott could not bring a suit l88 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES in a court because he was a slave, — in other words, merely property. The court declared that a man could take his slaves anywhere, as he would a horse or a cow or other property. The court also declared that the Missouri Com- promise Act was of no value, as Congress had no right to make a law that would prevent a man from moving his property anywhere. This famous decision opened all the territories of the United States to slavery. It created an intense feeling in the North. In the South equally intense feelings were aroused by the John Brown raid. 181. John Brown's Raid. — John Brown had lived in Kansas and had taken part in the troubles there. Coming back to Virginia, he set out to free the slaves by inciting them to revolt. He hoped to establish a refuge in the mountains where runaway slaves could be protected against their masters. With a few followers Brown seized (1859) the United States arsenal at Harpers Ferry. He expected the slaves would rise and join him, but he was disappointed in this, and his little band was quickly surrounded and captured. Brown and six of his followers were executed. The North had no sympathy with Brown or his raid. Many people in the South, however, believed Brown had been aided by friends in the North, and that his raid was but the beginning of a general movement to free all the slaves in the South. 182. The Discovery of Oil. — A discovery at this time led to an excitement which recalled the gold days of '49 in California. In 1859 ^ ^6^1 about seventy feet deep was sunk near Titusville, Pennsylvania. A great flow of oil followed. FROM POLK TO LINCOLN 1 89 Other wells were sunk, until throughout western Pennsyl- vania and New York, as well as eastern Ohio and West Virginia, oil derricks dotted the country everywhere. This discovery led to the production at a cheap rate of refined petroleum, or kerosene oil, which quickly took the place of sperm oil and candles for the lighting of homes. The oil industry has grown to great proportions. The regions where oil is found are very widespread, one of the greatest districts being recently discovered in Texas. 183. The Douglas and Lincoln Debates. — When the term of Senator Douglas was drawing to an end he was a candidate for reelection. The Republicans nominated Abraham Lincoln for the same office. Lincoln was born (1809) in Kentucky of poor parents. He obtained an education only by the greatest labor. He studied while at work in the field or in the store and in the evening by the light of the fireplace. He became a lawyer and was elected to the legislature of the state of Illinois and later to the national House of Representatives. When the Kansas-Nebraska Act was signed by President Pierce, Lincoln became an active opponent of the further extension of slavery. "A house divided against itself can- not stand," he declared. "This government cannot endure half slave and half free. It will become all one thing or all the other." Douglas and Lincoln traveled over the state of Illinois, holding debates. These debates covered the questions that were before the minds of the people, such as the Kansas- Nebraska Act, the Dred Scott decision, and slavery. Douglas was reelected, but Lincoln had become so promi- nent a figure before the country that he was nominated 190 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES (i860) by the Republicans for President of the United States. There was a division in the Democratic party and Lincoln was elected. 184. South Carolina secedes. — Upon the news of Lin- coln's election a convention was called in South Carolina. This convention declared (December 20, i860) that South Carolina was no longer a member of the Union but was an independent nation. In the next two months Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas left the Union. They formed (February 4, 1861), at Montgomery, Alabama, the Con- federate States of America and elected Jefferson Davis as president. President Buchanan made no effort to keep the seceding states in the Union, as he did not believe he could use force to do so. The nation waited with anxiety to see what Abraham Lincoln would do when he took the office of President. SUMMARY /. Polk's Administration (i 845-1 849). 1. War was declared in 1846 against Mexico. In this war the Americans won every battle. 2. As a result of the war, Mexico ceded to the United States Cali- fornia, New Mexico, Utah, and parts of Arizona and Colorado. 3. The discovery of gold in California in 1848 led to a rush of settlers to that section. 4. The Oregon question was settled (1846) by dividing the disputed territory with Great Britain. 5. The invention of the reaper, the sewing machine, and other valu- able appliances caused us to make great progress in our industries. FROM POLK TO LINCOLN 191 //. Taylor and Filbnore's A dministj-ation ( 1 849- 1853), 1. By the Compromise of 1850, California was admitted as a free state and a stringent fugitive slave law was passed. This law caused the rapid spread of antislavery feeling in the North. 2. In 1853 the Gadsden Purchase secured for us from Mexico the territory between the Gila river and our present boundary. ///. Pieixe's Ad/ninistration (1853-1857). 1. The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 opened again the question of slavery, and slavery and antislavery parties made strong efforts to secure the great territories of the West. 2. The Know-Nothing party was formed in 1854 and for a short time had some success. / V. Buchanan' s A dministration ( 1 8 5 7- 1 86 1 ). 1. The Dred Scott decision opened all the territories of the United States to slavery. 2. John Brown tried to incite the slaves of Virginia to rebellion against their masters. He seized the United States arsenal at Harpers Ferry, but was captured and executed. 3. The discovery of oil gave the people a new fluid for lighting and established a new and great industry. 4. The election of Abraham Lincoln as President led to the with- drawal or secession of South Carolina from the Union. Dates to be remembered : 1 846- 1 848, the war with Mexico. 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act. 1857, the Dred Scott decision. i860, the secession of South Carolina. Abraham Lincoln 192 CHAPTER XVI THE CIVIL WAR ABRAHAM LINCOLN, SIXTEENTH PRESIDENT (1861-1865) 185. The Fall of Sumter. — On the day of his inaugura- tion President Lincoln declared that it was not his purpose to interfere in any way with slavery. He would, however, The Fall of Fort Sumter preserve the Union and hold all places that belonged to the government. The garrison at Fort Sumter in the harbor of Charleston was in great need of food and clothes, and President Lincoln ordered supplies to be sent there. 193 194 PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES The Confederates at once ordered Major Anderson, in command of Sumter, to give up the fort. He refused, and the Confederate batteries at daybreak, April 12, 1861, opened fire, and the shells bursting over the fort told the world that our great Civil War had begun. Major Anderson had sixty men. Around him on all sides were forts that poured on his defenses a steady rain of shot and shell. The walls of Sumter crumbled, and after thirty-four hours Anderson was compelled to surrender. He was allowed to march out with colors flying, while the new Confederate flag — the stars and bars — was raised over the ruins of the fort. 186. Other Southern States secede. — The fall of Sumter startled the North like an elec- tric shock. President Lincoln called for seventy-five thousand troops, and three hundred thousand volunteers rushed for- ward to go to the front in defense of the Union. In the South the same enthusiasm was everywhere seen.- Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina left the Union and joined the Confederate states, which now numbered eleven. 187. The Blockade ; Battle of Bull Run, or Manassas. — A blockade was immediately established along the south- ern coasts to prevent vessels from going out or coming in. This blockade soon made it very difficult for the South to Jefferson Davis ^radUy ^ P»ate*jJ>