ib5 Oass_E. Rnnk M(oS / *s ... i4 M 1 4 Eft* * 5 * TUSTHiriiiD steadies VIEW I i THE UNITED STATES, FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES. I WITH A MAP AND ENGRAVINGS. BY REV. KOSEA HILDRETH, AUTHOR OF BOOKS FOR "NEW-HAMPSHIRE" AND "MASSACHUSETTS" CHILDREN. ^ THIRD EDITION BOSTON : CARTER AND HENDEE. MDCCCXXXII. DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS, to wit: District Clerk's Office.^ Be it remembered, That on the thirtieth day of July, A. D. 1830, in the fifty-fifth year of the Independence of the United States of Ame- rica, Carter fy Hendee, of the said District, have deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof they claim as proprietors, in the words following, to wit : "A View of the United States, for the use of Schools and Families. With Maps and Engravings. By Rev. Hosea Hildreth, Author of Books for 'New- Hampshire 7 and ' Massachusetts' Children.' " In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled, " An act for the encouragement of learning by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned j" and also to an act, entitled, " An act supple- mentary to an act entitled, an act for the encouragenent of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books to the authors and propri- etors of such copies during the times therein mentioned; and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching histo- rical and other prints." Tivn wmvTavi& ; < Massachusetts. Carter, Andrews, & Co. Printers, Lancaster. INTRODUCTION In the education of young persons it is highly important to associate their duties as men and citizens with the aspect, history, institutions, and pursuits of the country to which they be- long. For this reason, I propose to give a view of the United States, for the entertain- ment and instruction of youth. In the first place, I shall give a view of the country as it appeared before it was settled by white men, including some account of the an- cient inhabitants. I shall then give a general description of the country as it now is ; and afterward a particular account of the several states in their order, beginning with the oldest. In the course of the work I shall endeavour to explain the government of the United States ; and shall speak of the duties, moral and civil, which every good citizen is concerned to know and perform. iv INTRODUCTION. An important object of the work will be to impress the minds of the young with the dis- tinguishing goodness of Divine Providence in giving them birth and dwelling in this country, and thus to lead them to consider and adopt a course of conduct, most obviously connected with their own happiness and with the general welfare. CONTENTS Page Introduction . . . . .... ... iv Boundaries of the United States. — Appearance of the Country be- fore its Settlement by White Men 5 Description of the Ancient Inhabitants ...... 7 Wild Animals, Birds, and Forest Trees 11 Settlement of the Country by White People 16 Extent of the United States — Civil Divisions .... 8 Surface of the United States 21 Rivers of the Atlantic States 24 Rivers of the Missisippi Valley 28 Lakes 34 Sea-Coast — Capes, Bays, and Islands 37 Climate and Productions 40 Inhabitants — White People 43 Blacks 46 Indians 50 Virginia 55 Massachusetts 60 New- Hampshire 64 Connecticut 68 Maryland . 71 Rhode-Island 74 North-Carolina . 77 New-York 79 New-Jersey . . 85 Pennsylvania » ... 87 Delaware 91 South-Carolina 93 Georgia 95 Reflections and Remarks 97 Vermont 100 Kentucky 103 Tennessee 105 Ohio 107 Louisiana 110 Indiana ............ 112 VI CONTENTS. Page Missisippi 114 Illinois 115 Alabama 117 Maine 118 Missouri . 121 The Territories 123 District of Columbia . . . 126 Curiosities 129 Political Organization of the States and of the United States . 137 Legislature, or Congress . 140 The President and Vice President. — Heads of Departments . . 143 Judiciary. — Remarks 147 Conclusion. — Address to the Youth of the United States . . 152 Questions on the Map of the United States 158 Chronological Table 159 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. CHAPTER I. BOUNDARIES OF THE UNITED STATES— APPEARANCE OF THE COUNTRY BEFORE ITS SETTLEMENT BY WHITE MEN. The United States of America are a vast country, comprising by far the best part of the American continent. They are bounded on the north, by what is called Bri- tish America ; on the east, by the Atlantic Ocean ; on the south, by the Gulf of Mexico, and a country of the same name ; and on the west, by the Pacific Ocean. By looking at the map, it will be seen that this exten- sive country is divided into two parts by the river Missi- sippi, which flows through it from north to south. It is in that part of the country which is east of the Missisippi, that most of the people of the United States are settled. The country west of the Missisippi, except in a few places on its banks, and along some of its principal branches, is still destitute of white inhabitants. It is now a little more than two hundred years since white men began to settle in the United States. When they first came hither, there were no towns, villages, roads, nor cultivated lands, as we have them now. The country was one vast wilderness ; it was almost all co- vered with woods ; the people were savage, and the ani- mals all wild. 6 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. Near the sea, however, and on the borders of creeks and rivers running into the sea, there were then, as there now are, considerable tracts of land occasionally over- flowed by the tide, and destitute of trees.* Far in the country toward the Missisippi, there were also meadows destitute of trees, and covered wholly with thick, tall grass.f There were, moreover, many places where the trees had been cleared away by the ancient inhabitants, for the purpose of raising their corn and vegetables, as well as for placing their houses. But the land not cover- ed with woods, made up a very small part of the whole. Taken altogether, the country, east of the Missisippi, ap- peared like one great extended forest, abundantly sup- plied with wild beasts and wild fowls ; but very thinly inhabited by various tribes of men, whom the white peo- ple called Indians. The ancient inhabitants were called Indians, because when America was first discovered by white people, it was supposed to be a part of the country already known by the name of India. In the first and second chapters of the Bible we read, you know, of the formation of the first man and of the first woman ; and in the New Testament we are told, that " God hath made of one blood all the nations to dwell on the face of the earth." And all nations of the earth have descended from Adam and Eve, as the first parents. But how the ancient inhabitants of this country came hither, we are unable to tell ; and how long they had been here, when the white people came, we are also * These tracts are now called salt marshes, and they produce a valuable grass, of which salt hay is made. f These meadows are now called prairies. Some of them are small, and others of very great extent. Prairie is a French word, signifying meadow. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 7 unable to tell. The Indians themselves, being savage and ignorant, could give no very probable account of the way and manner in which their forefathers came to America. Learned men have taken much pains to find out how they came, and have mentioned several ways in which they possibly might have come ; but this matter is still very doubtful. All we know with certainty about it is, that the Indians were already here when the white people arrived, and appeared to have been here a great many ages.* How are the United States bounded ? How, and by what, is the country divided ? In what part are the white people settled ? When did they begin to settle in the United States ? What was the appearance of the country ? Why were the ancient inhabitants called Indians ? What is said of the time and manner in which the ancient inhabitants came to America 1 CHAPTER II. DESCRIPTION OF THE ANCIENT INHABITANTS. The Indians who were found in possession of the country, when it was discovered by white people, were a tall, well-formed race, of a reddish brown, or copper complexion. They had black eyes, their hair was black, long, and straight, and their teeth very white and beauti- ful. They possessed great activity and strength, were capable of severe toil, and of going long without food. But like all savage nations, they were extremely fond of ease ; and, except when compelled to engage in war, or * The most probable supposition is, that the Indians came to America from the north-east part of Asia, where the shores of Asia and America approach near to each other. 8 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. in hunting and fishing, they passed most of their time in idleness. The houses of the Indians were small, smoky huts, made in a rude manner of young trees and bushes, and covered with bark, or with mats. These huts were call- ed wigwams ; and commonly had only one room, and neither floor nor chimney. The fire was made on the ground in the middle of the wigwam, and the smoke passed through a hole made for that purpose in the roof or top. The Indians sat and slept on mats and skins, and in the winter they lay with the feet toward the fire. They had neither stools, chairs, nor tables, and their utensils for cooking were very rude. Their pots for boiling were hollowed out of soft stone, but were not strong enough to bear the fire ; water was made to boil in these pots, by putting small red-hot stones into it. Flesh and fish were broiled on the coals, or roasted by being held to the fire on the end of a stick. These made up the greater part of their food. They raised, however, a few squashes and beans, and a little corn ; and gathered berries and wild fruits from the woods. The dress of the Indians consisted of skins and furs ; but in the summer they went almost naked. They wore a sort of shoes called moccasons, which they ornamented with great care and art. The men plucked out their beards and cut off their hair, except a lock on the top of the head. This they twisted with feathers and beads. They were in the habit of painting their bodies with dif- ferent colours, as black, white, and red, especially on going to war. The chief employment of the men was hunting and fishing. In hunting they made use of the bow and arrow, VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. V and could shoot with great skill. Their bows were made of ash, walnut, hickory, or other suitable wood, and their bow-strings of the sinews of animals. The heads of their arrows were made of flint-stone, and fastened on in a very curious manner with the sinews of the deer. Ani- mals were also caught by the Indians in various snares and traps. Fish were taken with hooks made of bone, or else in a sort of net made of twigs. The Indians had no iron, nor other hard metal. Their axes, hatchets, and chisels, were of stone. They made beautiful canoes, or boats, by hollowing out the bodies of large trees, or by sewing together large pieces of birch bark, and stiffen- ing them with strips of wood. While the men did the hunting and fishing, the women were obliged to bring water and wood, and cultivate the ground. They had no better plough than a stick, and no better hoe than a clam-shell. The little corn they raised was pounded into coarse meal, and made into bread, which was baked on a flat stone before the fire. In the manufacture of weapons and ornaments, the Indians discovered considerable ingenuity and skill ; but in general they were extremely ignorant, and destitute of all the luxuries, and most of the conveniences of life. They knew nothing of writing or reading ; and were en- tirely ignorant of true religion. They paid a sort of worship, however, to two imaginary beings, whom they considered as gods, the one good and the other evil. But all their ideas of the world to come were very erro- neous. The Indians were grave, dignified in look and gesture, reserved, and silent. They were very revengeful, and never forgave an injury ; they were very grateful, and b2 10 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. seldom forgot a benefit. They were artful, crafty, fierce, and easily offended ; but they were kind and hospitable to strangers. Their principal amusement was dancing. This exercise was accompanied with songs and a rude kind of music. They had many kinds of dances ; but the most famous was the war dance, in which they were armed and painted, and went through with the represen- tation of a battle, or of a number of battles. From shells of different colours, found upon the sea shore and elsewhere, the Indians manufactured beads, which, when strung together, were called wampum. By uniting several strings of these beads, they made belts, which they often wrought with much labour and art, and considered of great value. Wampum was used as money, and for other important purposes. Whenever peace was made between tribes at war with each other, belts of wampum were exchanged between the warriors. The Indians were extremely fond of smoking tobacco. The bowls of their pipes were of stone, and often ingeni- ously wrought ; the stems were of wood, and highly or- namented. When peace was concluded between two hostile tribes, or other friendly business transacted, the calumet, or pipe of peace, was smoked with much cere- mony. They were divided into a great number of tribes, some pretty large, and many very small. Their little towns or villages, built without order, were com- monly placed near the sea, a lake, or the falls of a river, for the convenience of fishing. Those who excelled most in hunting and war, became sachems or chiefs, and governed the tribes. The Indians were much addicted to war, which they always carried on with the VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 11 greatest hatred, rage, and cruelty. In these respects, however, they resembled all savage nations. What is said of the form and complexion of the Indians ? Of the manner of passing their time 1 Of their dwellings, cooking utensils, and food 1 Of their dress and personal appearance ? Of their manner of taking animals and fish 1 By whom was the ground cultivated, and what was raised upon it ? What is said of their education and religion ? Of their manners and dispo- sition 1 Of their money 1 Of their ceremonies when they make peace ? How were they formed into societies 7 and by whom were they governed, CHAPTER 111. WILD ANIMALS, BIRDS, AND FOREST TREES. Of the wild animals formerly found in the United States, and most of which are still numerous in the un- settled parts of the country, the most remarkable are the buffalo, deer, wolf, bear, catamount, panther, and beaver. BUFFALO. The buffalo in size is equal to an ox. Its colour is a brownish gray, and much of its hair is fine, like wool. 12 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. The head of the buffalo is covered with long, shaggy, and coarse hair, the horns are small and short, the eyes little and fierce, and the animal altogether has a very wild and savage appearance. The flesh of the buffalo is excellent for food ; and the skins, commonly called buffalo robes, are very valuable. Buffaloes feed and move together in vast herds ; they were formerly found in almost every part of the United States, except New-England 5* but they are now rarely seen east of the river Missisippi. Of the deer there are various kinds, namely, the red deer, moose, or elk, and some others. These animals live together in herds, and feed upon grass and herbs in the summer, and in the winter upon the bark and buds of trees. The male of these animals has branching horns, which fall off every year. The female is without horns ; and the flesh of both is very valuable for food. The males of the moose, or elk, are frequently taller than a horse, with straight and s)ender legs, and hoofs like a sheep. Animals of the deer kind leap or run with great speed. The bears are of two kinds, the black bear and the brown bear. Both kinds are nearly of the same size ; and in shape, as well as in size, somewhat resemble a hog. The black bear has short legs, and is commonly very fat. He feeds upon roots and plants, upon corn, berries, and grapes. The body of the brown bear is leaner, and his legs longer. He feeds upon the flesh of the deer and other animals. Wolves were formerly very common, and in the un- settled parts of the country are so still. In shape and size they resemble large dogs. Their colour is gray. * Kew-England is a name given to the six north-eastern states. VJEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 13 They feed principally upon the deer ; but in newly set- tled countries they are often very destructive to flocks of sheep. WOLF. The catamount and panther are both fierce animals of the cat kind 5 and in many respects much alike. The catamount was found principally in the north-eastern part of the United States, and the panther in the south and west. Their shape is very much like that of the com- mon cat ; but their size is much greater. Their legs are short ; and their paws large, and armed with stout long claws. They conceal themselves among the branches of trees, and leap out with amazing swiftness upon their prey. The catamount is now rarely seen ; but the pan- ther is common in the western forests. These are the most terrific of our animals. One of the most singular and interesting animals of this country is the beaver, celebrated for its fine and beautiful fur. Beavers build their winter dwellings near the edge of a pond, which they form by damming up a small stream. Their houses are constructed of sticks 14 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES, and mud, have regular arched roofs, and are sometimes of two or three stories. The lower story is under water, and is filled with a supply of food for the winter, consist- ing of bark, young willow twigs, and of other soft wood. The beaver is now very rarely found in those parts of the country which have been settled by white people. In the older settlements it is never seen. Beside the animals already mentioned, there are seve- ral kinds of foxes and squirrels ; there are also the mar- tin, otter, mink, and musk rat ; the rabbit, skunk, and raccoon 5 the wild cat, lynx, and many others. H WILD CAT. The birds of this country are very numerous, and some of them remarkably large and beautiful. There are seve- ral kinds of hawks, eagles, and owls, wkich are all birds of prey, and live by catching other birds and small ani- mals. There is, also, a great variety of water-fowl : the swan, a stately bird of a brilliant white ; the crane, a fine tall bird, with smooth oily feathers of a grayish white ; the VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 15 wild goose, many kinds of ducks, and the pelican. The pelican has a white bill, very white plumage, and is equal in size to a goose. Below the bill it has a pouch, or bag, large enough to contain two quarts. Pelicans, and many other kinds of water-fowl, are found in immense flocks on the Missisippi and its branches. PELICAN AND CRANE. Of the birds, not birds of prey, inhabiting the woods, the principal are the wild turkey, a noble bird of a shin- ing black plumage, and much larger than the domestic turkey ; the partridge, the quail, and immense flocks of pigeons. The forests of this country produce a great variety of trees, most of which make excellent timber. There are more than forty kinds of oaks, and several kinds of pine, walnut, hickory, and maple. Besides these, there are the hemlock, spruce, cedar, birch, elm, ash, locust, tulip- tree, sycamore or button-wood ; and in the more south- ern parts, several kinds of magnolia, the cotton-wood, cypress, live-oak, and the catalpa. 16 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. From the imperfect view taken in this chapter, we have evidence of the great bounty of the Creator to our country, in point of animal and vegetable productions. In its most uncultivated state it afforded abundantproof of be- ing fitted to become the happy residence of civilized men. What are the principal wild animals of the United States ? What is said of the buffalo ? The deer ? The bear ? The wolf? The catamount ? The panther ? The beaver ? What other animals ? What is said of the birds 1 Of forest trees 1 CHAPTER IV. SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTRY BY WHITE PEOPLE. The settlement of this country by white men has made a great change in its appearance. The woods have been cleared away, roads opened, towns built, and the lands cultivated. The Indians and the wild animals have gra- dually disappeared, as the white men have extended their settlements ; and the settlements of the white men, though already covering a vast extent of country, are still rapidly advancing. Where, only a few years ago, there was nothing but one continued wilderness, there now are large and populous states ; and the comforts and privileges of civilized life are possessed by hundreds of thousands, in places but lately the abodes of savage beasts and of savage men. The first settlements in this country were made by people from England, and from other countries of Eu- rope. Europe is on the eastern side of the Atlantic Ocean, about three thousand miles from the United States. These settlements were called colonies. For a long time their growth was much hindered by wars VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 17 with the Indians, and by other difficulties necessarily at- tending the settlement of a new country. In the course of one hundred and fifty years, however, the white inha- bitants had spread over a very considerable extent of country along the shores of the Atlantic. Their number had increased to about three millions. Till this time the several colonies had lived under governments of their own, in some degree resembling the governments of the seve- ral states now ; the colonial governments, however, were all under the government of Great Britain, and Great Britain was called the mother country. But laws having been passed by the British government for the purpose of taxing the colonies without their own consent, they united together to resist these laws ; and on the fourth of July, 1776, th^ir representatives in Congress declared the colonies to be free and independent states. At this time they took the name or title of the United States of America. The government of Great Britain had begun a war with the colonies the year before. This war, commonly called the revolutionary war, lasted eight years. The excellent Washington commanded our ar- mies, and the people were supported by a kind Provi- dence through a long course of trials and sufferings. At length, Great Britain was compelled to acknowledge the independence of the United States, and to leave them at liberty to form and enjoy a government of their own. The government of the United States was at first very imperfect: but in the year 1789, rather more than forty years ago, the excellent system of government we now enjoy was adopted, and George Washington was chosen first President of the United States. Since the adoption of the present form of government, c 18 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. which will be explained in another place, the country has rapidly increased in population and wealth, and the settle- ments have been very greatly extended. At first there were only thirteen states : there are now twenty-four. At the close of the revolutionary war, the number of inha- bitants did not much exceed three millions : the United States now contain thirteen millions of people. The ter- ritory of the United States was at first bounded, on the west by the Missisippi, and on the south by the territory of Florida; but in the year 1803, the country west of the Missisippi was purchased of the French government; and FJorida was obtained of the Spanish government in the year 1821. The wealth and importance of the United States have increased with the number of people; and although great improvements in arts and in the means of education, intellectual and moral, have been already made, yet in each of these respects the nation is still making rapid progress. By whom were the first settlements of white people made in this country ? In how long a time did the number of people increase to three millions ? How were the colonies governed 1 What caused them to resist the government of Great Britain ? When were the colonies declared to be free and independent ? What name or title did they take 1 When did the revolutionary war begin ? How long did it last 1 Who commanded our armies ? When was the present government of the United States adopted ? Who was the first President ? What is said of the progress of the country? How many states were there at first 1 How many are there now ? What is the present number of people ? How were the United States at first bounded ? When and of whom were the additional territories purchased ? VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 19 CHAPTER V. EXTENT OF THE UNITED STATES— CIVIL DIVISIONS. It lias already been said that the extent of the United States is very great. This vast country stretches four thousand miles from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. Its eastern coast along the Atlantic is eighteen hundred miles in extent, and its western coast extends six hundred miles along the shores of the Pacific. The whole area or surface of the United States, contains more than two millions of square miles.* Only a small part of the coun- try is yet settled by white men, the settled part being lit- tle more than a quarter of the whole. Beside the district of Columbia, the country is divided into twenty-four states, four organized territories, and the territories of Missouri and Oregon. An organized terri- tory is a territory having white inhabitants and a regular government, under the government of the United States. The territories of Missouri and Oregon are of greater ex- tent than all the rest of the country ; but they remain, as yet, a wilderness, inhabited only by wild animals and a few wandering tribes of Indian. . The situation of each state and territory will be best learned by studying the map. A knowledge of the situ- ation of each is necessary for well understanding this chapter, and most of those which follow it. Before pro- ceeding further, therefore, the pupil will do well to learn the boundaries and situation of each state and territory, and which way it is from each of the others. To assist * A square mile is a mile long and a mile wide ; containing six hundred and forty acres. 20 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. him in this, a list of questions on the map of the United States is given at the end of the book. The thirteen original states, that is, the states settled before the revolutionary war, and then called colonies, are New-Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode- Island, New- York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The states since added, and often called the new states, are Vermont, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio? Louisiana, Indiana, Missisippi, Illinois,* Alabama, Maine, and Missouri. The four organized territories are Flori- da, Arkansas,! Michigan, and Huron. The district of Columbia, in which is the city of Washington, the capital of the United States, is only ten miles square, and is si- tuated between Maryland and Virginia. By looking at the map, it will be seen that the states are of very different sizes. Some of the old states are very small : the new states, except Vermont, are all large. The importance of a state, however, does not always de- pend upon its size. Massachusetts, for example, has more inhabitants and wealth, and is at present far more important, than Missouri, although Missouri is eight times larger. All the states, except Louisiana, are divided into coun- ties. Part of Louisiana, instead of counties, is divided into parishes* In the New-England states the counties are subdivided into towns, and in some of the other states into townships. J South of Pennsylvania, though villages and towns have names of their own, yet the only division for purposes of government is into counties. * Il-li-noi. t Ar-kan-saw. % The towns in the New-ftngland states are smaller in extent than what are called townships in other states. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 21 What is the extent of the United States from east to west? How long the eastern coast 1 How long the western ? How many square miles in the United States 1 What part of the whole country is settled ? Into how many states and territories are the United States divided ? What is an organized territory ? Give the names of the thirteen original states. Give the names of those added since. What is said of the territories of Missouri and Oregon ? How large is the district of Colombia? Where is it situated, and what city does it contain ? What is said of the relative sizes of the states 1 How are states divided for purposes of government ? CHAPTER IV. SURFACE OF THE UNITED STATES. The north-eastern part of the United States, including New-England and New- York, is generally hilly, and in many places mountainous. The White Mountains of Comparative height of Mountains. New-Hampshire (5) are the highest land east of the Missisippi. Some of them are more than a mile high, The Green Mountains of Vermont (6, 7, 8,) and the CA 22 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. Catskill Mountains of New- York, are of considerable extent, and have a number of lofty summits. Farther south begins a very long chain of mountains, called the Allegany Mountains (11). By looking at the map it will be seen that this chain extends to the south-west as far as Alabama ; and that it passes through several of the states. Its general direction is the same as that of the sea-shore ; but toward the south its distance from the shore gradu- ally increases. The Allegany Mountains consists cf a number of ridges, from six to twelve, running generally the same way, with narrow valleys between them. Se- veral of these ridges have names of their own ; as the Laurel Mountains and Blue Ridge (12) in Virginia, and the Cumberland Mountains in Tennessee. The Alle- gany Mountains have no very high summits. The peaks of Otter (9) in Virginia, which are among the highest, are a little more than half a mile high. Most of our rivers which fall into the Atlantic, begin in the valleys among the Allegany Mountains. The chan- nels in which they pass through the mountains, are often several hundred feet deep, and through solid rock. The passage of a river through one of these rocky channels makes a grand appearance. The country lying between the Allegany Mountains and the sea consists of two parts y the one hilly and the other plain. The hilly country, which lies along the foot of the mountains, is very fertile and beautiful. The plain country, which extends from the hilly country to the sea, and includes a wide belt, beginning with the southern half of New-Jersey, and ending with the peninsula of Florida, is very low and leveL It is generally sandy, and not fertile except on the banks of rivers, where is found some very rich soil. In many VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 23 places are very extensive swamps and marshes, produced by the overflowing of the rivers. The country thus far described is called the Atlantic part of the United States, and most of the rivers by which it is watered fall into the Atlantic Ocean. Compared with the whole surface of the United States, its extent is very smell, as may be seen by looking at the map ; but it is much more thickly inhabited, and has a much greater number of people, than the territory west of it. West of the Allegany Mountains, the surface of the country is generally level. There are some hills, but they are mostly round and swelling, and neither high nor steep. This level country extends west of the Missisippi as far as the Rocky Mountains. It is principally watered by the Missisippi and its branches, and on this account is called the Missisippi Valley. It is a very extensive, as well as a very interesting part, of the United States. That part of the Missisippi Valley which has been divided into states, is, in general, a very fertile and delightful country. It has no rocky hills nor sandy plains. The land is easily cultivated, and produces very abundant crops. In this valley are those extensive prairies, which were mentioned in the first chapter. Prairies are found in Ohio ; but in this state, they are few and comparatively small. In Indiana and Illinois they become much larger and more numerous ; and at some distance west of the Missisippi, they spread out to a very great extent, so that scarcely a tree is to be seen, except a few near the streams. The prairies, in general, are nearly level ; they are destitute of trees, and covered witn tall coarse grass, and a great variety of flowering plants. During summer, no 24 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. flower garden equals the prairies in variety and splendour of blossoms. Most of the prairie flowers have tall, slender sterns ; they are bright and gaudy, but not very fragrant nor delicate. In spring, the flowers are of a bluish purple ; those which appear in midsummer, are generally red ; and late in autumn, the prairies are covered with large flowers of a bright yellow. The soil of the prairies is commonly very fertile ; but west of the Missisippi, towards the Rocky Mountains, they gradually become drier, and the grass which grows upon them becomes shorter and thinner. At length they become barren, and in many places bare, producing only a few coarse and prickly shrubs. The streams here are small, few, and shallow ; they run in deep gullies, and in summer their channels are nearly dry. This barren country is quite extensive, reaching several hun- dred miles to the foot of the Rocky Mountains. The Rocky Mountains (1, 2, 3, 4), lie nearly north- west and south-east. They have seldom been visited by white men, and are very little known. Some of them are supposed to be more than two miles high. West of these mountains is the territory of Oregon, which extends to the Pacific Ocean. What is said of the surface of the north-eastern part of the United States ? Of the mountains in New-Hampshire ? In Vermont and New- York t In what direction do the Allegany Mountains lie ? How far south do they extend ? At which end do they approach nearest the sea ? Of how many ridges do they consist ? How high are the highest summits ? Where do most of our rivers failing into the Atlantic Ocean begin ? What is said of the surface and soil of the country between the Allegany Mountains and the sea ? Why is this country called the Atlantic part of the United States ? What is said of the country between the Allegany and Rocky Mountains 1 By what is it called ? What is said of that part of it which is divided into states ? Give an account of the Prairies. How do the Rocky Mountains lie, and what is said of their height! What territory lies west of them ! VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 25 CHAPTER VII. RIVERS OF THE ATLANTIC STATES. Beginning at the north-east, the principal rivers of New-England are the Penobscot, Kennebeck, Andros- coggin, Saco, Piscataqua, Merrimack, and Connecticut. All these are important streams. The Penobscot, which is the largest river in Maine, varies in its course from south- east to south-west, and falls into a fine bay. It is naviga- ble for large vessels for fifty-two miles. The Kennebeck and Androscoggin unite about eighteen miles from the sea. The general course of the Androscoggin is south- east, that of the Kennebeck, which is the main branch, is south. The Kennebeck is navigable for large vessels twelve or fifteen miles, and for smaller vessels forty miles. The Saco is a very rapid stream ; the tide is stopped by falls four miles from its mouth. The Piscataqua is a very short river, formed by the. union of five or six small- er rivers, a few miles from the sea. Its mouth forms one of the finest harbours in the United States. The mouth of the Merrimack is obstructed by a sand bar, but ves- sels of considerable size ascend the river about eighteen miles. The Connecticut runs nearly south. The tide flows up about fifty miles, to which distance the river is navigable for small vessels. It is navigable for long flat- bottomed boats nearly three hundred miles farther, the falls being passed by means of canals and locks. The whole length of the river is about four hundred miles. Few parts of the United States are more fertile, better cultivated, or more thickly inhabited, than the valley through which the Connecticut passes. 26 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. The principal river of New- York is the Hudson. It runs in the same direction with the Connecticut about sixty miles from it. The tide flows up this beautiful ri- ver nearly two hundred miles, and vessels ascend to the same distance. None of our rivers are more favourable to navigation than the Hudson. A passage up the Hudson fioiii the city of New- York to Albany, one hundred and fifty miles, is very delightful, on account of the grand and rich scenery it presents. On the banks of this river are a number of handsome and flourishing towns. The principal rivers of Pennsylvania, are the Delaware, which separates Pennsylvania from New-Jersey, and the Susquehanna, which has its sources in New- York, and its mouth in Maryland. Both these rivers flow south, and both terminate in broad bays. The Delaware is naviga- ble for the largest ships to Philadelphia, about fifty miles, and for small vessels ninety miles, and for river boats a hundred miles farther. The Susquehanna is larger than the Delaware ; but it is a rapid stream, and its navigation is obstructed. It is more than a mile wide at its mouth, but is navigable only five miles for vessels. Boats, how- ever, pass up and down the greater part of its length. The chief rivers of Virginia, are the Potomack, along its northern boundary, the Rappahannock, and the James. The general direction of these rivers is south-east, inclin- ing to the south. These are fine streams, with broad and deep channels. They admit large ships to pass up to a great distance. Ships of war ascend the Potomac as far as Washington, situated more than a hundred and fifty miles from its mouth. Above Washington the Po- tomack is navigable for boats. The Rappahannock is navigable more than a hundred miles for vessels of con^ VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 21 siderable size. Vessels of the same size ascend the James River a hundred and fifty miles to the port of Richmond. This river is navigated with boats two hund- red miles farther. These three rivers fall into the Chesapeake Bay. The principal rivers of the two Carolinas, are the Chow- an, Roanoake, Neuse, and Cape Fear in North Carolina, and in South Carolina, the Pedee, Santee, and Edisto. These rivers run south-east across that broad sandy plain, which was mentioned in the last chapter as extending along the more southern part of our Atlantic coast. In many places they are shallow, and the navigation is obstructed by sand bars. They pass through extensive marshes, the mouths of all of them are barred with sand. They admit only vessels of the smaller kinds, but are exten- sively navigated with boats. The rivers of Georgia and Florida, which flow into the Atlantic, are the Savannah, separating Georgia from South Carolina, the Alatamaha,* St. Mary's, and St. John's. The general course of the two first is south- east ; that of the St. John's is north-east : the St. Mary's is a small and very crooked stream, but is remarkable for having deeper water at its mouth than any other river of the United States south of the Chesapeake. These ri- vers very much resemble the rivers of the Carolinas. Ttie Savannah, however, is navigable for large vessels seventeen miles to Savannah ; and for large boats to Augusta, a hundred and twenty miles farther. The Ala- tamaha is navigable a short distance for vessels, and for boats nearly three hundred miles. *Al-ta-ma-haw. 28 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. The several rivers mentioned in this chapter, as well as the other rivers of the United States falling into the Atlantic, are more or less plentifully supplied with valua- ble fish. Nearly all of them have shad and bass, be- sides other fish of a smaller size, but of excellent flavour. The salmon, formerly abundant in the north-eastern ri- vers, is becoming very scarce. The rivers thus far noticed, except the Piscataqua, which is very short, vary in length from one hundred and fifty to five hundred miles. Which are the principal rivers of New-England, and what is said of each ? What is said of the Hudson ? Which are the principal rivers of Pennsylvania? What is said of them ? Which are the principal rivers of Virginia ? What is said of the Potomac 1 Of the Rappahannock 1 Of the James River 1 Which are the principal rivers of North Carolina ? Of South Carolina ? What is said of these rivers 1 Which are the principal rivers of Georgia and Florida ? What is said of each 1 What is said of the length of the Atlantic rivers ? CHAPTER VIII. RIVERS OF THE MISSISIPPI VALLEY. The rivers of Georgia, Florida, and Alabama, which flow into the Gulf of Mexico, are the Cha-ta-hoo-chee, called in the southern part of its course the Ap-pa-lach-i- co-la, and the Alabama and Tombeckbee,* which unite before they reach the Gulf, and receive the name of Mobile river. These rivers run in a direction generally south, and are each about four hundred miles in length. They are navigable, either with vessels or with boats, * Or Tombigbee. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 29 through the greater part of their length ; but their chan- nels are much obstructed by shallows ; while bars of mud, and logs at their mouths, prevent the entrance of large vessels. Much of the land on their banks is low and marshy, and subject to be overflowed by the swell- ing of the rivers. The largest river flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, and indeed the largest river of the United States, is the Mis- sisippi, already so often mentioned. This river rises in a wide marshy plain, not far from the northern boundary of the United States. It soon becomes a considerable stream, and grows wider and deeper till it reaches the falls of St. Anthony. These falls are sixteen feet in height. Below them, the Missisippi is a noble stream, half a mile wide, with a gentle current, and very clear waters. On both sides of the river are high steep banks of limestone rock, called bluffs. Between the bluffs and the river are tracts of low, level, and very fertile land, called river bottoms, and similar to the interval on the ri- vers of the Atlantic states. These bottoms, however, are not commonly found upon both sides of the river at once, but first on one side, and then on the other, the bluffs al- ternately approaching the river and receding from it. At small distances, the river is spotted with beautiful wooded islands ; and at the summits of the bluffs, on each side, commences a level and fertile country, made up of prai- rie and wood land. The river becomes gradually wider and deeper, but preserves the same general appearance till it meets the Missouri. The Missouri is the larger stream, and in reality the main branch. After it mingles with the Missisippi, the D 30 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. character of the latter is entirely changed. The wa- ters of the river now become white and muddy, and its current swift and dangerous. As low down as the mouth of the Ohio, the valley between the bluffs on each side, including the river, is from six to eight miles wide. Be- low this point the bluffs retire to a great distance, and a valley spreads between them, in general from thirty to fifty miles wide, and much wider as the river approaches the Gulf of Mexico. The appearance of this great val- ley is extremely desolate. It consists, for the most part, of a low swamp of cypress forest, subject to be overflow- ed every year by the waters of the river. Just below the entrance of the Red River, the Missi- sippi gives off a stream from its western bank, called the Atchafalaya,* which passes by its own channel into the Gulf of Mexico. At a considerable distance farther down the river, a stream called the Ibberville is given off from the eastern bank. The country between these outlets is called the Delta of the Missisippi ; but besides these two, there are several other large outlets and many small ones. Within the Delta and along the banks of the river, there is a strip of very fertile and well cultivated land, protected from the floods by an embankment of earth called the Levee. Near the Gulf, however, and about the four mouths by which the Missisippi discharges its waters, the country is all marsh, and covered with a kind of coarse reeds. Considering its length and the vast quantity of its wa- ters, the Missisippi is very narrow. Its average width is less than a mile. It receives the Missouri, Ohio, Arkan- * Chaf-a-ly-oh. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 31 sas, and the Red River, without growing wider ; indeed it is wider above the Missouri than immediately below it. But though not wide, the Missisippi is very deep. Be- low the mouth of the Ohio, its average depth is one hund- red feet. Its whole length is over three thousand miles. The Missouri is the largest river flowing into the Mis- sisippi. It commences far to the north-west among the Rocky Mountains ; and being enlarged in its progress by tributary streams, it rolls its whitish muddy waters with a rapid current through the vast prairies of the Missouri territory. Like the Missisippi, it has bluffs and river bottoms ; but except near its mouth, the bluffs are not so high, nor the bottoms so wide, as those on the Missisippi. Its principal branches are the Yellowstone, Platte, and Kansas* These are large rivers, and very much resem- ble the Missouri. The average width of the Missouri does not exceed half a mile. Its whole length is over three thousand miles. The Ohio, though not the largest, is in many respects the most beautiful of our rivers. It is formed by the union of the Monongahela and Allegany, which flow down the west side of the Allegany Mountains. Its length is over a thousand miles, and its width, in general, about half a mile. Its waters are clear, its current is gentle, and it passes through one of the most delightful and fer- tile countries in the world. Like the other rivers of the Missisippi Valley, the Ohio is skirted on each side with bluffs and bottoms, but the bottoms are extremely wide and rich, and in their natural state are covered with lofty forest trees. Its principal branches are the Cumberland, the Tennessee, and the Wabash, all large and important streams. 32 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. The Arkansas is over two thousand miles in length. The length of Red River is about fifteen hundred miles. Both these rivers rise in the Rocky Mountains, and flow in a south-easterly course into the Missisippi. The coun- try through which they pass, resembles that which is wa- tered by the Missouri and its branches. As they approach the Missisippi, the ground on their banks becomes low and swampy, and the whole country about their mouths is liable to be annually overflowed. At the time of the flood, the waters of the Arkansas are thick and muddy, and of a bright red colour. The waters of the Red River are equally muddy, but their colour is of a deeper red. There are many other rivers which run into the Mis- sisippi and its branches 5 and several of them are larger than any of the rivers of the Atlantic states ; such are the Illinois and White River, the Kaskaskia, Osage, Yazoo, and many others. The Missisippi and its branches, particularly the Ohio, are navigated by an immense number of boats, of all sorts, shapes, and sizes. These transport vast quantities of produce and merchandise. The greatest part of the produce is carried down the rivers in very large flat-bot- tomed boats ; but steam-boats are very numerous, and of the greatest utility, particularly in ascending the rivers. In many places the navigation is much obstructed by sand-bars, shoals, rapids, and sunken trees, especially when the water is low. When the water is high, the furious current of the lower Missisippi is often extremely dangerous ; and vessels and boats are very liable to run against trees and logs brought down by the floods. The Missisippi and its branches abound with fishes 5 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 33 but except the cat fish, found near the mouth of the Missisippi, they are not of great value. Many of them are large, but, with few exceptions, they are tough, coarse, and unsavoury. As far north as the Arkansas, the Missisippi swarms with alligators. The alligator is a great, unwieldy lizard, from twelve to sixteen feet in length. It has a large mouth, with very large and fright- ful ivory teeth. Its skin is so tough as to resist a musket ball, and is valuable for tanning. The alligators sleep on the sand-bars, or move about in the water, looking very much like old logs. They come upon the shore and catch calves, pigs, and other small animals that come in their way. ff£* ALLIGATOR. All the rivers of the Missisippi valley are subject to an annual flood during the spring, when the waters in many- places rise to a great height. What rivers of Georgia, Florida, and Alabama, flow into the Gulf of Mexico ? What is said of the length and navigation of these rivers ? Which is the largest river in the United States 1 Where does it take its rise 1 What is its character and appearance before it meets the Mis- souri ? What is its character and appearance afterward ? Where is the Delta of the Missisippi, and what is said of the land within it? Mention a number of the principal branches of the Missisippi beside the Missouri. d2 34 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. What is the average width, and what the length of the Missisippi 1 Where does the Missouri commence 1 What is said of the country through which this river and its branches flow 1 Which are the principal branches of the Missouri, and what is said of them ? What is the average width of the Missouri ? What is its length 1 Give an account of the Ohio ; of its length, width, and of the country through which it flows, and its principal branches. Give an account of the Arkansas, and of the Red River. What other large rivers in the Missisippi Valley 1 How are these rivers navigated 1 CHAPTER IX. By looking at the map, it will be seen that there is a number of large lakes along the northern boundary of the ^ United States. The most northerly and westerly of these lakes, are the Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake, con- nected together by Rainy Lake River. Next, towards the east, is Lake Superior. This lake is the largest col- lection of fresh water in the world. It is three hundred and fifty miles long and one hundred miles broad, and is equal in extent to the slate of South Carolina. It re- ceives upwards of fifty rivers, some of which are of con- siderable size. Its shores are bleak, steep, and rocky : in some places are long walls of rock rising directly from the water's edge. The country around the lake is cold and barren. The waters of Superior pass through the strait of St. Mary's, a shallow and rapid stream twenty- seven miles long, into Lake Huron. Huron and Michigan are united by a wide and short strait called Michilimackinack.* They both receive numerous rivers ; Michigan alone receives forty of con- * Or Mackinaw, VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 35 siderable size. Their shores in many places rise gently from the water's edge ; and though sometimes rocky, no where present such tremendous precipices as border Lake Superior. The three upper Lakes, Superior, Huron, and Michigan, are remarkable for their great depth, which on an average is more than nine hundred feet. These three lakes discharge their water through St. Clair river, abroad and rapid stream, into Lake St. Clair. St. Clair is a clear and beautiful sheet of water, about thirty miles broad ; it communicates with Erie by the strait or river of Detroit, twenty-seven miles long. Erie is the most southerly of the five great lakes, and has less depth than either of the others. On an average it is not more than dne hundred feet deep. The waters of Lake Erie de- scend by a very deep and swift stream, thirty-six miles long, over the famous falls of Niagara river. At the falls, the river is nearly a mile wide ; and the whole of its wa- ters rush furiously down a steep wall of rock one hundred and sixty feet high. It is scarcely possible to conceive a grander sight than the falls of Niagara. Ontario is the most easterly, and the smallest of the great lakes. It is about two hundred miles long and fifty broad, and in ex- tent is considerably greater than the state of Connecticut. Its average depth is about five hundred feet. Ontario communicates with the Atlantic by the river St. Lawrence, which, for some distance after it passes from the lake, forms the northern boundary of the United States. The waters of the five great lakes are remarkably clear, cold, and transparent. They abound with the finest fish, among which are several kinds of trout, pickerel, carp, as well as fish called sturgeon, bass, and herring ; but very different from the fishes of the same names found 36 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. in the sea and rivers running into it. The most plentiful, however, and the finest of all the fish found in the lakes, is the white fish. The fisher j^upon these lakes is quite an extensive and profitable business. When the lakes are calm, the fish can be seen sporting at great depths. In storms, the water rises in waves rough and dangerous as those of the ocean. On lakes Erie and Ontario are a considerable number of steam-boats and other vessels : but the navigation of all the great lakes is rendered dangerous by the want of good harbours. Safe anchorage cannot usually be found except at the mouths of rivers, and most of the rivers are obstructed by sand bars, or are too shallow to admit large vessels. There is, however, a considerable number of tolerably good harbours on the south shores of Erie and Ontario ; and the natural deficiency of harbours is already in a considerable degree supplied by artificial havens. Lakes, though not common in other parts of the United States, are numerous in New-England and New- York, and very various in size and shape. In the western part of New- York there is a fine cluster, the largest of which are Seneca, Cayuga, and Oneida. Between New-York and Vermont is Lake Champlain, a beautiful sheet of water, one hundred and twenty-eight miles long, and from one mile to fifteen miles broad, studded with numerous islands, and surrounded with lofty mountains. It receives several considerable rivers, and has a number of good harbours and some shipping. This lake is famous in the history of our country ; several naval battles have been fought on its surface. Immediately south of Champlain, and connected with it, is Lake George, celebrated for its fine scenery, beautiful islands, and clear waters. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 37 In New-Hampshire and Maine are several beautiful lakes, such as Sunapee, Winnipisiogee, and Ossipee, in New-Hampshire; Sebago,Umbagog, Moosehead, Schoo- dic, and others, in Maine. The small lakes, as well as the large ones, abound in delicate fish. Which is the most northern and western of the great lakes ? What is said of Lake Superior? What connects this lake with Huron 1 What is said of Haron and Michigan 1 What is the depth of water in Superior, Huron, and Michigan ? Where and how do these lakes discharge their waters ? What is said of Lake Erie ? Between what lakes are the falls of Niagara ? What is said of them ? How far from Erie to Ontario 1 What is said of the navigation of these lakes 1 Of the great lakes gene- rally ? What other lakes and where found ? What other lakes in the state of New- York 1 Between New- York and Vermont ? In New- Hampshire and Maine 1 What is said of the fish in the great and small lakes 1 CHAPTER X. SEA COAST— CAPES, BAYS, AND ISLANDS. That part of the coast of the United States which is washed by the Gulf of Mexico, is about eleven hundred miles in extent. For the most part it is low and marshy, and but ill supplied with deep harbours. The mouths of the rivers are narrow, and obstructed by bars. The best harbours are bays into which no great river empties, but even these are not deep enough to admit the largest vessels. From Cape Sable, the southern point of Florida, to Cape Hatteras, the coast stretches nearly nine hundred miles. This part of our coast, like that just described, is 38 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. low and often marshy, and the mouths of the rivers are obstructed by bars. It is lined with small islands, gene- rally long and narrow, and extending in the same direc- tion with the main land. Good harbours are extremely rare, and there are none capable of admitting the largest vessels. Capes Fear, Lookout, and Hatteras, are very dangerous to mariners, on account of shoals and tempes- tuous weather. That part of our coast which extends from Cape Hatteras to Cape Malabar, about six hundred miles in length, is much indented by bays. The principal of these are Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds, Chesapeake and Delaware Bays, Long-Island Sound, Narraganset Bay, and Buzzard's Bay. Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds communicate with each other. They are sepa- rated from the sea by long, narrow, sandy islands. The inlets between these islands are very narrow, and not deep enough to admit large vessels. As the river Susquehanna approaches the sea, it grows wide and spreads out into Chesapeake Bay. This is much the largest bay along our whole coast. It is nearly two hundred miles in length; its average breadth above the mouth of the Potomac is ten miles, and below that river, twenty-five miles. It receives several broad, deep, and navigable streams, and is well supplied with good harbours. It opens to the sea between Capes Henry and Charles, which are often called the Capes of Virginia. Delaware Bay is sixty miles long, and in the widest place thirty miles wide. It opens to the sea between Capes May and Henlopen ; and is formed by Delaware River, which like the Susquehanna, grows wide as it ap- VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 39 proaches the sea. The shores of this bay are without harbours, and its navigation is rather difficult ; but it is of much importance, since it enables the great state of Pennsylvania to communicate with the sea. The eastern shores of Maryland and New-Jersey, and the southern shore of Long-Island, are without harbours, but at the mouth of the Hudson is the noble harbour of New-York, and within Long-Island Sound there are se- veral very good harbours, along the shores of Connecti- cut. Narraganset Bay is a beautiful sheet of water, studded with fertile and well cultivated islands, and well provided with harbours. South-west of Buzzard's Bay are two considerable islands, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, belonging to Massachusetts. That part of our coast, about three hundred miles in length, which reaches from Cape Cod to the mouth of St. Croix River, at the north-eastern extremity of the United States, is, of all the rest, the best furnished with harbours, and the most favourable to navigation. It has several bays, the principal of which are Massachusetts Bay, between Cape Cod and Cape Ann, Casco, Penob- scot, and Passarnaquoddy Bays. The coast of Maine, in particular, is indented wilh a great number of bays, and numberless islands are scattered along, within a short distance from the main land. This state abounds in excellent harbours, which, though the winters are se- vere, are kept clear of ice by the tides, which rise higher on this than on other parts of our coast. The sea, which washes the eastern coast of the Linked States, abounds with a variety of valuable fish. The most important are the cod, mackerel, hake, and herring. 40 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. What part and what length of the coast of the United States is washed by the Gulf of Mexico ? What is said of the harbours on this part of the coast ? Which is the most southern cape of the United States ? Which way is Cape Hatteras from Cape Sable ? What length of coast between these capes ? What is said of the harbours on this part of the coast ? What dangerous capes on the coast of North-Carolina 1 Where is Cape Malabar ? What length of coast between Capes Hatteras and Malabar? What remarkable bays between these capes ? What is said of Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds ? Of Chesapeake Bay ? Of its length, width, and harbours '? Between what capes does it open to the ocean ? What is said of Delaware Bay 1 Of its length, width, harbours, naviga- tion, and importance ? What is said of the eastern shores of Maryland and New-Jersey, and of the southern shore of Long-Island Sound? What is said of the coast from Cape Cod to the north-eastern extremity of the United States ? Of its length, bays, and harbours ? What of the coast of Maine in particular ? What is said of the fish which are taken from the sea on our eastern coast ? CHAPTER XL CLIMATE AND PRODUCTIONS. The territory of the United States is so extensive, that in different parts of it there is a great difference of climate, and a great variety of productions. When we speak of the climate of a particular country, we refer to the heat, cold, and moisture that prevail in it. Countries which lie far to the north are cold, while southern countries are usually warm. But beside these circumstances, there are other causes which produce difference of climate. High countries are colder than low ones, and places near the sea have a milder climate, than those at a distance from it. The wind, also, according to the direction in which it blows, has a great influence upon climate. From these causes, the low and level lands along the coast of the Atlantic, have a climate considerably warmer than the VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 41 country at the foot of the Allegany Mountains ; and the mountainous parts of the Carolinas and of Tennessee, though these states are so far south, have winters nearly as severe as those of New-England. The winters on the upper Missisippi, and in the north- ern part of the Missouri territory, are extremely severe, much more so than in the states equally far north on the Atlantic. One reason of this is, the great western plains are very high land. Throughout North America, the prevailing winds are from the north-west. These winds, coming from an ocean very far to the north, called the Frozen Ocean, produce a great degree of cold, especially in winter, all over the United States. In all parts of the country, if we except the peninsula of Florida, snow usually falls during win- ter. But in the more southern states, except in the mountainous parts, it rarely lies on the ground longer than a day or two. In these states the summers are very long, as well as very hot. In the most northern parts of the United States, the winter commonly sets in as early as the first of December, and the snow lies on the ground more than five months. The summers there are hot, but very short. The states, according to their respective si- tuations between the northern and southern boundaries of the country, have a great variety of climates. Sugar cane, the orange, and the lime, are cultivated on the Atlantic coast as far north as the southern extre- mity of South Carolina, and on the banks of the Missi- sippi as far up as the mouth of Red River. Rice and the fig flourish considerably farther north. Cotton and indigo are not much cultivated north of Tennessee and North Carolina. Tobacco is a productive crop as far E 42 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. north as the southern boundary of Pennsylvania. Where rice and the fig cease to grow, wheat and other small grains, the apple and the pear, begin to be found. These all are productive in what are called the middle and nor- Tobacco, Orange, Sugar Cane, Fig, and Lime. thern states. Maize, or Indian corn, is a very remarkable grain. It is adapted to the climate of every state in the Union ; but it varies in species or kind, according to the climate where it is found. In British America and in the most northern states, the stalks of the corn are low, com- monly not exceeding four or five feet in height ; but in the southern states, they rise to the height of twelve or thirteen feet. Peaches do not flourish farther north than Massachusetts ; but the common potato succeeds best in the most northern parts of the country. In the southern states it is poor, but its place is in a measure supplied by the sweet potato. The cultivated grasses are most pro- ductive in a northern climate ; but garden vegetables suc- ceed in all the states. On account of the great extent of the United States, and the varieties of climate they afford, VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 43 we have little reason to fear that a famine will ever take place in consequence of a general failure of crops ; for if the crops from any cause are cut off in any part of the country, a supply may be expected from other parts. This circumstance is a just cause of gratitude to the bountiful Creator ; and a good reason for cherishing and maintaining a happy union of the states. What is said of the climate of the United States? What countries are warm and what cold ? What other causes influence climate ? In what parts of the Carolinas and of Tennessee are the winters cold ? What winds produce a great degree of cold in the United States ? What is the prevailing wind of the country 1 Why is it colder than other winds 1 Where are the summers long and hot 1 Does snow ever fall in these parts ? What is said of the winters and summers on the northern boundary of the United States 1 How far north on the sea coast and on the Missisippi are the sugar cane, the orange, and the lime cultivated 1 What is said of rice and the fig 1 Of cotton and indigo ? How far north is tobacco productive 1 Where do wheat, the apple, and the pear begin to be found ? In what states do these flourish ? What is said of Indian corn 1 Of peaches and common potato 1 Of cul- tivated grasses and garden vegetables ? CHAPTER XII. INHABITANTS.— WHITE PEOPLE. The people inhabiting the United States are of three sorts, namely, white people, blacks, and Indians. The white people are mostly the descendants of those who came to this country from England, and other countries of Europe. They are vastly more numerous than both the other sorts of people put together; and all the wealth of the country, as well as the government of it, is in their hands. 44 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. The great body of the white people of the United States are employed in cultivating the earth, and are called farmers and planters. The planters, who form but a small part of the whole, have large estates, and their lands are commonly cultivated by slaves, of whom I shall speak in the next chapter. They are found only in the southern states. The farmers have less land, and usually work on it themselves. The cultivation of the earth is one of the most hon- ourable, and certainly the most useful of all employments; for all other employments are supported by it. The ex- ports of the United States, that is, the commodities which are carried from this country to foreign countries for sale, are chiefly the productions of agriculture. Manufactures of all kinds, and particularly of cotton, wool, and iron, have very much increased in the United States within a few years, and the number of persons employed in manufactories and the various mechanical arts, is very great. The next most numerous class con- sists of those who are connected with commerce. The merchants of the United States export to foreign countries great quantities of cotton, tobacco, flour, fish, oil, beef, pork, lumber, and many other commodities; and they receive in return, cotton and woollen goods, silks, wines, iron, cutlery, sugar, tea, coffee, and many other articles of merchandise, not produced nor manufactured in the United States. This trade affords employment to a great many vessels, and to a vast number of seamen. A great many sailors and boatmen are also employed in transporting goods and produce from one state to another ; and a large number of traders in all parts of the United States are employed in VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 45 selling these goods. The commerce of the United States, foreign and domestic, is very extensive. Next to the British, we are the most commercial nation in the world. In the north-eastern states the cod, mackerel, and whale fisheries, employ a great many people. In all pails of the country, physicians, lawyers, clergymen, and in- structors of youth, are considerably numerous. Almost all useful employments known and practised among civi- lized nations, are known and practised in the United States. Every person of every sort, able and willing to be usefully employed, may provide himself, and others dependant upon him, with the necessaries, and with many of the comforts of life ; and the United States may justly be considered as the best poor man's country in the world. Much the largest part of the white people of the United States are of English descent. There are, however, considerable numbers of Scotch, Irish, Dutch, German, French, and Spanish origin. In Pennsylvania there are many industrious and wealthy farmers, whose forefathers came from Germany, and who still speak the German language. There are German settlements also in some other states. In Louisiana are many French, who speak the French language. Louisiana, as will be shown in another place, was originally a French colony. In this state, as well as in Florida, there are some people of Spanish origin. Those of Scottish descent are settled in different parts of the United States, but are not very nu- merous. There a few Jews ; and more or less persons from almost every civilized Christian nation. Of the foreigners settled in our country, a large number are Irish. These, in general, are a very laborious people, ' and they are scattered through all parts of the Union. e2 46 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. The national language is English ; it is studied and taught in all the public schools ; and by great numbers is spoken and written with purity and elegance. That part of the inhabitants who are descended from English forefathers, pay much attention to education. I shall speak, however, of particular institutions of learning, when I come to speak of particular states. In a number of the original states, and in some of the new ones, religious as well as literary institutions are respectably maintained : but the northern part of the Union is much better pro- vided with regular public worship and religious instruc- tion, than the other parts. It is to be hoped, however, that an increasing desire to enjoy the benefits of religious institutions, is arising in almost all parts of the country ; and that the belief is becoming more and more general that a nation cannot be truly great, prosperous, and happy, without the general diffusion of useful knowledge, nor without the general prevalence of good morals, founded upon principles of religion. What is the employment of the great body of white people ? In what respect do farmers and planters differ 1 What is said of manufactures and commerce 1 What is said of the fisheries ? From whom are the white people of the United States descended? In what parts are religious and literary institutions most flourishing ? CHAPTER XIII. BLACKS. Within the United States there are about two millions, of black people. They are an extremely unfortunate race of men. Much the larger part of them are slaves, VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 47 and even those who are free, are in general ignorant and degraded. For this, however, they are not to be blamed, since it is principally owing to causes over which they have no control. The blacks were originally brought from Africa, a country on the eastern side of the Atlantic, and far to the south. They were bought or taken there by persons engaged in the slave trade. The barbarous nations of Africa, when they take prisoners in war, sell them as slaves ; and white people, from almost all civilized na- tions, have for many ages been in the habit of going to Africa to purchase them. It is about two hundred years since the first slaves were brought over and sold in this country. But this wicked traffic was abolished by a law of the United States in the year 1808.* The great body of the slaves now in this country are the descendants of those who were brought over from Africa before that time. The free blacks are either slaves set at liberty, or their descendants. Formerly there were slaves in all the thirteen original states ; but they were always much more numerous at the south than at the north. About the time of the revolutionary war, slavery was abolished in the northern states : it has been gradually coming to an end since that time in 'several others of the original states; and in the states north-west of the Ohio River it has never been allowedf The slaves are principally engaged in working on the ground and in domestic labours.f* Some rich planters own several hundreds of them ; and every planter has a considerable number. The farmers * Laws against the slave trade have been passed in England and France, and in several other countries of Europe, t A considerable number are mechanics. 48 VIEW Or THE UNITED STATES. in the states where slavery is allowed, commonly own from three to twelve. The slaves are in general treated with kindness, and appear cheerful and happy. It is considered as very disgraceful, throughout all the states in which slavery is allowed, to have the name of a cruel master. The situation of the slaves is perhaps more happy than that of the free blacks, in the states where slaves are kept ; but both classes are very much to be pitied, on account of their degraded state ; and it is mat- ter of deep regret, that slavery was ever introduced into our country The blame of introducing slavery, however, must not be ascribed to the present owners of slaves. Slavery is generally considered a great evil in the states where it is found ; and the wisest and best men of those states would gladly be rid of it. But the slaves are so numerous, and their natural increase is so great, that it is not easy to de- vise the means of setting them at liberty. To make them free, without putting them in a situation to get a comfortable living, would be cruelty instead of kindness or justice; and to retain them in a state of slavery, with- out giving them instruction, would be cruelty also. It is clearly the duty of those who own slaves, to provide for their moral and religious instruction, — to teach them to read, and especially to read the Bible, to observe the Christian sabbath in a religious manner, and to keep all the commandments of God. Without instruction, the slaves will not be virtuous nor faithful to their masters ; nor will' they ever be prepared for liberty, should a way in other respects be opened for them to receive it.* White * Much pains are taken in many places to teach the slaves. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 49 people, who live in ignorance, generally live in wicked- ness ; and people of all colours and conditions have con- tinual need of instruction, concerning the duties they owe to God and to one another. Within a kw years a large and respectable society has been formed in the United States, called the Ameri- can Colonization Society. The object of this society is to provide a place of residence, out of this country, for black people who are already free ; and, in this way, to encourage masters to liberate their slaves. The society has already purchased, on the western coast of Africa, a territory as large as the state of Massachusetts, and has carried over to it more than two thousand persons. The name of the colony is Liberia. It is at present in a very prosperous state, and the Colonization Society hope to carry over many thousand more, and to be the means of bringing about, at some future period, the entire removal of slavery from the United States. Many peo- ple in the states where slaves are held, would be glad to set them at liberty, provided they could be carried to some place, where they could obtain a comfortable living, and enjoy the benefits of instruction. Such a place is Liberia ; and should Divine Providence smile, as we have reason to hope, upon the exertions of the society, there will be at a future day a great, enlightened, and happy colony, or nation, of black people in that country. Schools and churches have been already established there, and these will be multiplied as the colony increases. Thus the black people, whose fathers were brought to this country to be slaves, may be returned to the land of their fathers, and carry along with them the blessings of liberty, knowledge, and Christianity. Every friend to 50 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. liberty, to virtue, and to mankind, must rejoice in all wise and successful endeavours to make the black people wise and happy; and every white man in the United States, who loves his country, must heartily wish for the time when all his countrymen may enjoy equal right and privileges. How many black people in the United States ? What is their condition 1 From what country were they originally brought ? How long since the first slaves were brought to this country 1 When was the slave-trade abolished in the United States 1 How are slaves generally treated in this country 1 What is the object of the American Colonization Society 1 What has the Society done ? CHAPTER XIV. INDIANS, The number of Indians now living within the limits of the United States, is not accurately known. It is sup- posed to be about three hundred thousand. In most of the old states there are a few still remaining, the mise- rable and degraded remnants of tribes once large and powerful. They have been reduced to their present situation by wars with the white people, and by habits of intoxication and indolence. Their lands having been taken and cleared by the whites, they have lost their an- cient advantages for hunting, and they have almost uni- versally refused to adopt the means of livelihood made use of by civilized men. Even where they have in some measure adopted these means, they have manifested but little activity, diligence, or skill. The great obstacle to improvement among the Indians, appears to be the vice of drunkenness. This vice, it is probable, more than all VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 51 other causes, renders them sottish, shiftless, and poor ; and prevents their making use of the means of instruction and other advantages which they might enjoy. At the south, in the states of Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and Missisippi, there are still remaining con- siderable tribes of Indians ; namely, the Cherokees,* Creeks, Chickasaws, and Choctaws. These tribes live upon lands, which they respectively claim and hold as their own. The boundaries of the territory belonging to each tribe have been fixed by treaty or agreement with the government of the United States. Within a few years, the people of these tribes have made consi- derable advances towards civilization. Of course their customs and their condition are very much altered from what they formerly were. As the game of their hunting grounds becomes scarce, they are obliged to find some other way of life besides hunting ; and through the in- struction and assistance afforded them by benevolent white people, they are now making many pleasing improvements. By the aid of missionaries, who have been sent and supported among them, they have been instructed in the Christian religion, and a considerable number appear to be real Christians. They have also been taught the va- rious arts of civilized life ; and besides having schools and churches established among them, they have fields in- closed and cultivated, cattle, sheep, and horses, barns, re- gular dwelling-houses, and in some instances magistrates, public roads, and civil divisions into counties. They have looms, ploughs, and blacksmith's shops, and exercise va- rious mechanical arts. Some of the Indians are wealthy * A part of this tribe have removed within a few years, and settled on the Arkansas west of the Missisippi. 52 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. planters, and own a number of slaves. They are com- monly dressed in cotton cloth of their own manufacture. A considerable number of their children are taught to read, write, and cipher ; and the desire of the parents to send their children to school, as well as the inclination of the children to learn, is evidently increasing. The boys at school spend a part of their time in learning how to cultivate the ground, or in acquiring some useful trade. The girls are taught needlework, and the management of household affairs. A Cherokee, by the name of Guess, has lately invented a peculiar and easy mode of writing his native language ; and the use of his characters, or letters, is now pretty generally known throughout the Cherokee nation. Some books have been printed by white people in the languages of all the four tribes which have been mentioned ; but the Cherokees have a printing press of their own, at which a newspaper is printed in Cherokee and English. Great exertions are now made, by benevolent and Christian white people, to give the Indians the Bible as well as other books in their own tongues. It is true that these tribes or nations still present a curious mixture of the manners and customs of savage and civilized life ; yet from the improvements which in various respects they have made during fifteen or twenty years past, there is every reason to believe that, with continued aid and encouragement, they will become at no distant day enlightened, moral, and religious. The government of the United States has hitherto manifested" 1 a paternal regard for these tribes ; and it will be for the glory of our* nation, as well as for the happiness of our red brethren, if we persevere in respecting their rights. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 53 West of the river Missisippi there is a great number of Indian tribes, such as the Osuges, Sioux, Mandaus, and many others ; most of them, however, are small. With the exception of a few who are connected with missionary stations, the Indians in that part of the United States are all savages, and quite destitute of the means of improve- ment. On the great western prairies, large droves of horses run wild ; and the Indians in those parts are much given to riding on horseback. They have guns, knives, Sioux Warrior, in the act of charging. blankets, and other articles which they purchase of the white traders frequenting their country. They pay for what is thus purchased in the skins of the buffalo, deer, beaver, and other animals-. The flesh of the animals they take serves them for food. It is said that many tribes about the sources or heads of the Missisippi, are supplied with a great part of their food from the wild rice, a plant which springs up in the water and is very productive. It will be seen from this chapter, that the condition of 54 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. almost all the Indian tribes within the limits of the United States, is changed from what it formerly was. Their implements of war, their dress, their tools, their cooking utensils, and in many instances their manner of living, are' greatly altered in consequence of their intercourse with white men. But it is painful to think how prone they have been to adopt the worst vices of the whites : how greedily they have exchanged their valuable furs and skins for strong drink, and how generally they have con- tracted the habit of drunkenness. No tribe has ever formed an acquaintance with white men, without becom- ing drunkards. It is gratifying to know, however, that the labours of Christian missionaries are doing much to lessen the evils of drunkenness in the tribes among whom they are stationed. In some tribes severe laws have been made by the chiefs against the use of ardent spirits ; and generally, as the Indians have enjoyed the means of Christian instruction under favourable circumstances, they have improved in their moral habits. There can be no question it is our duty as men, as Christians, and as citizens of a free and enlightened go- vernment, to extend as fast and as far as may be the blessings of knowledge and civilization to the red men of our country. We owe them this duty, as they are des- cendants of the original owners of the soil ; as they are a part of the great family to which we belong ; and as they have recently given very encouraging evidence, that with well-directed efforts they are quite capable of being enlightened and civilized. What is the probable number of Indians within the United States ? What is said of those yet remaining in the old states ? In what states east of the Missisippi are the most considerable tribes ? What are the names of these tribes ? Give an account of their situation 1 What is said of the Indians west of the Missisippi ? VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 55 CHAPTER XV. VIRGINIA. In the preceding chapters having given a general view of the United States, I now propose to call the pupil's attention to each state separately. In doing this, I have thought it adviseable to begin with the oldest of the states, and to proceed with the rest according to the order of time in which they respectively became either English colonies or members of the Union. This method has been adopted with the purpose of fixing in the pupil's mind some important historical facts and dates, and thus preparing him to read the history of his country. The first of the United States in which a permanent settlement was made by white people, is Virginia. After several unsuccessful attempts, a settlement was commen- ced in the year 1607 at Jamestown, on the northern bank of James River. * The people were sent over from England by a company of London merchants ; and it was intended that the colonists should search for mines of gold and silver, cultivate the land, and trade with the Indians for the benefit of the company. But after remaining in the country about three years, they were so reduced by famine and other calamities, that they deter- mined to return home to England. Leaving their houses standing, they had actually set sail for that purpose. At the mouth of James River they were met by Lord Dela- ware, with supplies of men and provisions. He persuaded the disheartened colonists to go back to their settlement ; * Jamestown is now in ruins. It is situated about forty miles from the mouth of the river. 56 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. and under his judicious care the colony began to flourish. In the year 1622, however, it was overtaken by a dread- ful calamity. For some time the colonists had lived harmoniously with the Indians ; but the Indians now formed a plan to murder all their white neighbours, and break up the colony. The plot was contrived and ma- naged with great art ; and although it did not wholly succeed, yet more than three hundred men, women, and children, were murdered by the Indians in one night.* This calamity was followed by an Indian war ; the set- tlements not destroyed by the Indians were very much reduced, and the people threatened with famine.. But at length the Indians were subdued, and brought to terms of peace ; the colony revived, and again began to increase in wealth and numbers. Such was the origin of the state of Virginia. This state has the largest territory of any state in the Union ; it contains about sixty-six thousand square miles. It is divided into one hundred and three counties, and the number of its inhabitants is about twelve hundred thousand. Of this population, not far from five hundred, thousand are slaves. The eastern parts of the state are watered by the Potomac, Rappahannoc, and Jame? Rivers ; the western parts by the Kenhawa and the Ohio ; and the southern parts by the Chowan and Roanoke. Besides these rivers and their branches, there are others of smaller size. The ridges of the Allegany Mountains cross the state in a north-easterly and south-westerly direction. In respect to soil, surface, and population, Virginia * The surviving colonists amounting to about 1800. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 57 may be divided into three parts ; the eastern, the middle, and the western. The eastern part, and the smallest in extent, is low and flat, in some places marshy, and in others sandy. Except on the banks of the rivers, it is not fertile. Still it is the most populous part of the state. The blacks in this part are rather more numerous than the whites. The next, or middle division, is rough and hilly, and in some places mountainous. It is, however, the most fertile part of Virginia; the population is nearly as dense as in the eastern part ; and the blacks are about equal in number to the whites. West Virginia, or the third division, comprises nearly half the territory of the state. Its surface is uneven and mountainous, but it contains much good land. The po- pulation is scattered, and the slaves are few. Capitol of Virginia. The capital of Virginia is Richmond. This cry is built on a slope, rising from the north bank of James f2 58 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. River, at the head of tide waters. Its situation is fine, and its appearance very pleasing ; and being well situated for trade and manufactures, it has an extensive commerce. Richmond is indeed a wealthy and elegant city. Its po- pulation is over sixteen thousand. At Norfolk, on Elizabeth River, which runs into James River near its mouth, is the principal harbour in the state. This town is largely engaged in foreign commerce. Its population is nearly ten thousand. Petersburg, on the Appomatox, a branch of James River, is a place of great trade in grain, flour,, cotton, and tobacco. Its population is rising eight thousand. Yessels of considerable size ascend James River as far as Richmond, and the Appomatox as far as Petersburg. Petersburg is twenty-five miles south of Richmond. Lynchburg, on the south bank of James River, one hundred and eighteen miles west from Richmond, is dis- tinguished for its trade and manufactures, being surroun- ded by a fertile and well-cultivated country. Between Richmond and Lynchburg, James River is navigable for boats ; and vast quantities of produce are transported upon it.. Fredericksburg, Staunton, and Winchester, in the more northerly part of the state, are considerable and flourish- ing towns. The only town of much importance in the western division of Virginia is Wheeling, on the river Ohio, and in the north-west corner of the state. Wheel- is a* growing place, of much trade. Virginia has but few. large towns, and none very large. Large towns are commonly built up by commerce ; but the people of Virginia are mostly engaged in agriculture. They raise tobacco, wheat, Indian corn, and in the south- VIEW OF THE UNITED STATE 3. 59 era counties some cotton. Coal and iron are abundant in the central and western parts of the state ; but they are not much worked at present. The state of Virginia has a large fund for the support of schools ; but education is not so much and so gene- rally attended to as is desirable. Besides the Virginia University there are three colleges, namely, William and Mary College, Washington College, and Hampden Sid- ney College. The Virginia University has recently been established. It is very delightfully situated at Charlottesville, in Albe- marle county. The buildings for the accommodation of professors and students are large and expensive, and the institution promises to be very useful. Near Hampden Sidney College is a school, called a Theological Seminary, at which young gentlemen are prepared to become preachers of the gospel. There are also many schools or academies in the different parts of the state. Virginia has always been a very important state in the Union. It has furnished four presidents of the United States, and many other celebrated men ; and it is en- deared to all the citizens of the Union, as the native state of George Washington. What is said of the first settlement of Virginia? Where was it made ? Who sent the people over from England, and for what purpose ? Did the plan succeed? How long before the colonists became discouraged ? What course did they take ? Who met them at the mouth of James River, and what followed ? What great calamity befel the colony in 1622, and what is said in relation to it? What is said of the territory of Virginia ? What number of people ? How many slaves ? What is said of the eastern part of Virginia 1 Of the middle ? Of the western ? What is the capital of Virginia, and what is said of it ? 60 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. What other important towns, and where situated 1 How are most of the people employed, and what do they raise 1 What is said of coal and iron ? What is said of schools and education ? Of the Virginia University, and of the Colleges ? For what is Virginia particularly distinguished 1 CHAPTER XVI. MASSACHUSETTS. After Virginia, Massachusetts is the oldest English settlement within the limits of the United States. A number of pious and enterprising men fled from England to this state to enjoy religious liberty ; that is, to enjoy the liberty of worshipping and serving God according to their own understanding of his mind and will, as revealed in the Bible. A company consisting of one hundred and one persons, men, women, and children, landed at Plymouth near the end of the year 1626.* This settle- ment was called the Colony of Plymouth. The colo- nists endured many hardships from the severity of the climate and the want of proper food. One half of them died within less than six months from the time of landing 3 and for a number of years the progress of the colony was slow. In the year 1628 a much larger and more wealthy company came over from England, and landed at Salem. Here they began a settlement, which was called the Colony of Massachusetts Bay. Boston was founded two years afterward, and the country around it gradually settled. The colonies of Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay were united into one colony in the year 1692. This united colony, after the * December 22. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 61 declaration of Independence, became the State or Com- monwealth of Massachusetts. With respect to territory, Massachusetts is among the small states : but few of the states have more wealth or a greater, number of white inhabitants ; and none have more intelligence and enterprise. This state contains about seven thousand five hundred square miles, is divided into fourteen counties, and upwards of three hundred towns ; and has a population of six hundred and ten thousand.. The principal rivers of Massachusetts, are the Con- necticut and the Merrimack, mentioned in a preceding chapter. The position and course of these rivers of Massachusetts, will be best learned by looking at the map. The Housatonick rises in the western part of the state, arid flowing southerly through a fertile and pleasant country, enters the state of Connecticut. The surface of Massachusetts, in the south-east quarter and near the sea, is level ; farther back is a fine hilly country, and the western part of the state is mountainous. The hilly and mountainous parts have in general a good soil, while the level tracts are sandy and poor. The meadows on the banks of the Connecticut, however, and of some other streams, afford a very rich soil, and pro- duce abundant crops. The chief agricultural products of the state are grass^ beef, pork, mutton, butter, cheese, Indian corn, rye, oats, barley, wheat, flax, potatoes, turnips, and apples. The state abounds in a species of stone much used in building, called granite ; and in the western part are ex- tensive quarries of beautiful marble. The sea coast is well supplied with harbours, and the (>2 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. , people of Massachusetts are largely engaged in com- merce, navigation, and the fisheries. Vast quantities of cod and mackerel are taken yearly for home consump- tion and for exportation. Many vessels are employed in the whale fishery, and many more in carrying the productions of the southern states to foreign countries. The capital of Massachusetts is Boston. This city is built on a peninsula between Charles River and the sea. Its harbour is extensive and beautiful, capable of admit- ing the largest ships, yet so narrow at the entrance as not to allow more than two ships to come in side by side. Boston is a place of great wealth, and is distinguished for its admirable system of public education, as well as for religious and benevolent institutions. The foreign trade of this city is greater than any other city in the Union, except New- York. It is connected with the country by the neck, joining the peninsula on which it stands to the main land — by a very long and expensive causeway, and by six long and beautiful bridges. The population of Boston is upwards of sixty thousand. Salem is a large and wealthy commercial town, con- taining about fourteen thousand inhabitants. Newbury- port, Gloucester, Marblehead, Beverly, Charlestown, Plymouth, Barnstable, Nantucket, and New-Bedford, are all considerable towns, having some foreign com- merce, and more or less largely concerned in the fish- eries. The whale fisheries are chiefly carried on from New-Bedford and Nantucket, the latter of which is on an island of the same name, about twenty miles from the south shore of the state. Haverhill and Andover on Merrimack River, Worces- ter near the centre of the state, Springfield and North- VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. ampton on Connecticut River, and Pittsfield near the western boundary, with many others, are flourishing and beautiful inland towns. The people of Massachu- setts are very largely engaged in the manufacture of cotton and woollen goods. The largest manufacturing town is Lowell, on the Merrimack. There are extensive factories at Waltham, Troy, and many other places. Lynn is famous for the manufacture of shoes. In this state are three important canals ; namely, Middlesex canal, twenty-seven miles long, connecting the waters of Boston harbour with Merrimack River ; Blackstone canal, forty miles long, extending from Worcester to Providence in the state of Rhode-Island ; and Farmington canal, ex- tending from Westfield to New-Haven in the state of Connecticut. The whole length of this canal is eighty miles. Cambridge College. In Massachusetts great attention is paid to general education. Every town is required by law to raise money 64 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. for the support of schools, called district schools. Be- sides these there are many academies and private schools. Harvard University at Cambridge, three miles west of Boston, is the richest and oldest institution of the kind in the country. Williams College at Williamstown, in the north-west corner of the state, and Amherst College at Amherst, eight miles east of Connecticut River, are re- spectable and flourishing institutions. The Seminary at Andover is the most distinguished theological school in the United States. Massachusetts took a leading part in the revolutionary war, and is regarded as a very important member of the Union. She has furnishd two presidents of the United States, and many other great and excellent men. When and where was the first settlement made in the state of Massachu- setts ? By whom was the settlement made, and what was it called ? When and where was the second settlement made 1 What was it called ? When were the twD colonies united ? What is- said of the territory of Massachusetts 1 How many counties ? How many towns 1 Number of inhabitants ? Principal rivers ? What is said of the surface and soil 1 What are the agricultural products ? What pursuits are followed by the people of the seaport towns 1 What towns are most largely engaged in the fisheries 1 In the whale fisheries 1 What inland towns, and what is said of them ? What is said of manufactures, and which is the largest manufacturing town ? What is said of education 1 Of common or district schools ? Of the University ? Of the Colleges, and Theological Seminary ? What concluding remark is made concerning Massachusetts ? CHAPTER XVII. NEW-HAMPSHIRE. As early as the year 1623, small settlements were made at Portsmouth and Dover. Portsmouth is about three miles from the mouth of Piscataqua River, and VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 65 Dover about ten miles farther up. These settlements were made for the purpose of carrying on the fishing business and trade with the Indians. The valuable arti- cles obtained from the Indians consisted in furs and skins, which the white men received at very low rates in ex- change for trinkets, knives, and other articles, imported from England. The early progress of these settlements was slow, and the state of society for some time disorderly. In the year 1638, a settlement was begun at Exeter, fourteen miles south-west from Portsmouth, by Mr. John Wheelwright, a minister, who had been obliged to leave Massachusetts, on account of religious differences. He was attended by a number of followers, who formed a civil government for themselves. These three settlements, Portsmouth, Dover, and Exeter, had each for a short time a separate government ; but being feeble, and very much distracted by internal dissensions, they requested Massachusetts to receive them under her jurisdiction. Their request was granted ; and they continued in con- nexion with that colony till the year 1679, when New- Hampshire was formed into a separate province. Their connexion with Massachusetts lasted thirty-eight years. This state contains about nine thousand square miles, and is divided into eight counties. The number of towns is upwards of two hundred ; and of the people, about two hundred and seventy thousand. It is the most moun- tainous state in the Union, and much of its surface is so rocky and broken, as to be unfit for settlement. The White Mountains, in the northerly part of the state, it has already been said, are the highest in the United States east of the Missisippi. Besides these there are many other lofty summits. The principal rivers are the Con- 66 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. necticut, the Merrimack, and the Piscataqua, already mentioned. These have many branches within the limits of New-Hampshire, all of which are more or less im- portant for the water-privileges they afford. Notwithstanding the surface of New-Hampshire is in general broken and mountainous, there are in different parts of the state considerable tracts of good land. On the banks of the Connecticut and Merrimack, and of some of their branches, are very fertile meadows. The state is better adapted to pasturage than tillage, and fur- nishes large numbers of cattle and sheep for the Boston market. It is not deficient, however, in most of the pro- ductions common in the north-eastern states. Much of the northern part of the state remains unsettled. New-Hampshire touches the sea only at its south-east corner. The only harbour is that of Portsmouth, but it is one of the best on the Atlantic coast. The strong current of the river keeps it quite free from ice during winter. Portsmouth is by far the largest and wealthiest town in the state. It is handsomely built, has considerable shipping and foreign trade, and over eight thousand inha- bitants. At Dover is a very extensive manufacturing establish- ment for cotton goods and other articles. Similar esta- blishments are numerous in the state. The seat of government is Concord, on Merrimack River. Here are an elegant State-House and a pleasant and nourishing village. Concord enjoys an easy intern- course with Boston, by means of the river and the Mid- dlesex canaL There are many other flourishing towns in the state, some of which contain from two to three thousand inhabitants* VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 67 New-Hampshire State-House. The settlers of New-Hampshire were principally from Massachusetts, and they naturally brought with them the customs and institutions of the parent state. Education is much encouraged. Very generous provision is made by law for the support of common schools, and there are several nourishing academies. Phillip's Exeter Academy at Exeter, and Dartmouth College at Hanover, on Con- necticut River, are distinguished institutions. The latter ranks high among the colleges of New-England. When and where were the first settlements made in New-Hampshire 1 When and by whom was Exeter settled ? How were these settlements governed for a time ? How afterwards 1 When was New-Hampshire formed into a distinct province ? How large is the territory of New-Hampshire 1 Number of counties ? Of inhabitants 1 What is said of the face of the country ? Of the rivers ? Of the soil and productions ? What part of New-Hampshire touches the sea? What is said of Portsmouth harbour 1 Of Portsmouth? Dover? Concord? and other towns 1 What is said of education and of literary institutions in New-Hampshire ? 68 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. CHAPTER XVIII. CONNECTICUT. The parent of Connecticut is Massachusetts. In 1633 a number of men from Plymouth, with materials for a house all prepared, sailed for Connecticut River, with the design of securing the trade and friendship of the In- dians in that quarter. Some Dutch people from New Netherlands, afterwards called New- York, had just entered the river, and taken a station about fifty miles from its mouth, at the place where Hartford now stands. Here they had erected a light fort, and mounted two pieces of cannon. When the Plymouth adventurers ar- rived at this place, they were forbidden by the Dutch to proceed up the river,, and ordered to strike their colours. The adventurers, however, went resolutely forward, and landed on the west side of the river a few miles above. Here they erected the first house in Connecticut. The Dutch, in the course of a year or two, left the river. But no permanent settlement was made in Connecticut till 1635, when the towns of Windsor, Hartford, and Weathersfield, were commenced by people from Massa- chusetts.* These people were principally from three towns in the vicinity of Boston ; namely, Dorchester, Newton, and Watertown. Men, women, and children, travelled through the wilderness upwards of a hundred miles to the banks of the Connecticut. They took with them horses, cattle, and swine, and were two weeks in * Windsor is seven miles above, and Weatkersfield fcui? miles bslow Hartfosd. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 69 performing the journey. The people from Dorchester made their journey in the autumn of 1635 5 and in June, 1636, nearly all the people of Newton followed them. These emigrants from Massachusetts formed a govern- ment for themselves, and for many years lived happily under it. In 1637, a wealthy company from England, at the head of whom were two merchants and a famous minister of London, arrived at Boston. Great pains were taken to persuade them to settle in Massachusetts ; but they preferred establishing a colony by themselves. Accord- ingly, having purchased lands of the Indians, they planted themselves at the place now called New-Haven. They were shortly after joined by other people from England, and became a very flourishing colony. New-Haven re- mained a distinct colony till the year 1665, when it was united with Connecticut under one governor. The state of Connecticut contains about five thousand square miles, and is divided into eight counties. These are subdivided into towns, like the counties of Massa- chusetts and New-Hampshire. The population in Con- necticut is nearly three hundred thousand. The principal rivers of this state are the Connecticut, the Hous-sa-ton-ic, and the Thames. * These rivers run south, and fall into Long-Island Sound. The surface of the state is very agreeably diversified by hills, valleys, and plains. The soil is generally good and well culti- vated. The productions are similar to those of Massa- chusetts. In some towns considerable attention is paid to the raising of silkworms. The legislature meets alternately at Hartford and * Temz. g2 70 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES* New-Haven. Hartford is a fine regular city, of above ten thousand inhabitants, situated at the head of sloop navigation on the Connecticut. It has considerable trade and extensive manufactures. New-Haven is situated on a plain, at the head of a bay which makes up from Long-Island Sound. It has over ten thousand inhabitants, and is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. It is the largest and most commercial town in Connecticut. The harbour is capacious and safe ; but the water is not deep enough to admit the largest vessels. It is connected with Westfield, in Massachusetts, by the Farmington canal. Middletown, on the Connecticut, below Hartford, and Norwich, on the Thames, have considerable commerce ; but the best harbour in the state is at New-London, near the mouth of the Thames. Pleasant and flourishing towns are very numerous in Connecticut ; and the people are noted for industry and enterprise. Hartford Deaf and Dumb Asylum. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 71 Great attention is paid to education by the people of Connecticut. They have a very large state fund, for the support of common schools. At New-Haven is Yale College, one of the most eminent and flourishing semi- naries in the Union. At Hartford is Washington College, lately established, but promising great usefulness ; and at the same place is an asylum for educating the deaf and dumb. The success of this latter institution has been truly great and wonderful. Beside those already men- tioned, there are many other flourishing and useful semi- naries of learning in Connecticut. The state has pro- duced many distinguished and excellent men. When and by whom were the first permanent settlements made in Con- necticut 1 What towns did they settle ? Where are they situated ? What is said of the government 1 When and by whom was iNew-Haven settled? What is said of this co- lony ? When was it united with Connecticut under one governor? How many square miles in Connecticut 1 How many counties 1 How many inhabitants 1 What are the principal rivers ? What is said of tho surface, soil, and productions ? At what places doea the legislature meet 1 What is said of Hartford ? Of New-Haven 1 Of Middletown and Norwich 1 Where is the best harbour ? What is said of other towns? What is said of education, and the means of supporting common schools ? Of Yale CoHege, and other seminaries ? CHAPTER XIX. MARYLAND. Tn 1632, the King of England granted the territory of Maryland to Cecilius Calvert, Lord Baltimore. Two years afterwards his brother, George Calvert, arrived at the mouth of the Potomac, with two hundred settlers. He sailed up the river, and landed at St. Mary's. This colony was mostly composed of gentlemen of good families, and was established on the principle of freedom in reli- gion, without allowing pre-eminence to any particular sect. 72 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. The lands for settlement were purchased of the Indi- ans, and fifty acres granted and secured to each of the settlers. The people elected a house of assembly to make laws for the colony ; but the appointment of go- vernor, and the right of approving or disapproving the acts of the assembly, were retained by the proprietor, and remained in the family of Lord Baltimore till the revolution. Maryland contains about ten thousand square miles, exclusive of water ; is divided into nineteen counties, and has over four hundred thousand inhabitants. Of these, upwards of a hundred thousand are slaves. The Potomac forms the south-western boundary of Maryland, and the Susquehanna enters the state just be- fore it meets the waters of Chesapeake Bay. This Bay divides the state into two parts, called eastern and west- ern shores. Eight of the counties are in the eastern part, most of which is an extensive plain, sandy and ow, and intersected by creeks and rivers. The western part near the bay is of a similar character, but becomes un- even and hilly at some distance from it. The western extremity of the state is mountainous. Maryland fur- nishes a great variety of soil. The level parts are most uniform, and are tolerably prodiyctive. Some very pro- ductive land is found in the hilly parts : but the most fruitful soil is found in the valleys of the mountainous part. The principal productions of the soil are wheat, tobacco, and Indian corn. Iron ore, coal, and limestone, are found in abundance among the mountains. On the north side of Petapsco River, fourteen miles from its entrance into Chesapeke Bay, is Baltimore. Few cities have had a more rapid growth than this. In VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 73 population it is the third in the Union, containing over eighty thousand inhabitants. The city is generally well built, and mostly of brick. Many of the houses, espe- cially those lately erected, display great elegance and taste. The streets are well paved. The principal one, called Market-street, is about a mile long, runs parallel with the water, and is intersected at right angles by va- rious other streets. The Washington Monument, near the compact part of the town, is a noble structure, one hundred and sixty- three feet high. On the top of this monument stands a statue of Washington. The harbour of Baltimore is not large, but safe and convenient. Its commerce is great, especially in tobacco and flour. It is one of the greatest flour markets in the world. In the neighbourhood of the city there are more than sixty flour and corn mills, beside several extensive cotton factories and iron works. Baltimore has always had much of the trade of the west- ern states. The Baltimore and Ohio Rail-road, a vast work now partly completed, is intended to facilitate the intercourse between the city and the valley of the Ohio. Annapolis, twenty-eight miles south of Baltimore, a pleasant village of nearly three thousand inhabitants, is the seat of government. Here is an elegant State-House. The other cosiderable towns are Easton on the east shore, Frederickstown, Hagerstown, and Cumberland in the western part. A great road over the Allegany Moun- tains, built at the expense of the United States, passes through Cumberland. In this state education is tolerably well attended to* There are several academies supported in part by the state. At Baltimore there is one of the most nourishing 74 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. medical schools in the country. There are also two other institutions, called St. Mary's College and Balti- more College. Maryland has furnished many distinguished men, es- pecially in the profession of law. When and to whom was the territory of Maryland granted ? When and where was the first settlement made ? What is said of the character of the settlers, and of the conditions of the settlement? How was the colony governed ? How lyge is the territory of Maryland ? How many counties ? How many inhabitants ? How many counties east of Chesapeake Bay ? What is said of the land in these counties ? In the other counties ? What are the principal productions of the soil 1 What minerals are found in the mountainous parts ? What is said of Baltimore ? Of its harbour and commerce ? Of the Bal- timore and Ohio Rail-road ? What is the seat of government ? What other considerable towns ? What is said of education? CHAPTER XX. RHODE-ISLAND. Dissensions in Massachusetts on the subject of religion caused the settlement of Rhode-Island. Roger Williams, minister of Salem, being banished from Massachusetts on account of his religious opinions, established himself with five others in the year 1636, at Providence. A grant of the land on which they settled, was made by the Indians in that quarter ; and their first settlement was called Provi- dence, on account of the Divine Goodness in providing for them a safe retreat among friendly savages, from the hostility and violence of Christian brethren. Soon after this, Ann Hutchinson, a woman of much talent and influence, with a number of followers, also left VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 75 Massachusetts on account of religious difficulties. They settled on an island in Narragansett Bay, called Rhode- Island.* The island was purchased of the Indians, and the first settlement made in the year 1638. For a time Rhode-Island and Providence were distinct colonies; but in the year 1647, they were united under one go- vernment. In this colony, perfect religious toleration was practised ; and it deserves to be mentioned to the honour of Roger Williams, that although he was banished from Massachu- setts, and his colony was afterwards refused admission into a confederacy of the New-England colonies for mu- tual protection, yet he never showed any resentment. He employed himself in acts of kindness towards the Massachusetts people, always giving them, as he was able, timely warning of the hostile designs of their enemies, Rhode-Island in extent is the smallest of the states. Exclusive of water, its area is not more than twelve hun- dred square miles. It is divided into five counties, which are subdivided into towns. The population is nearly one hundred thousand. The western and north-western parts of the state are hilly and rocky, with a poor soil ; but the islands of Nar- ragansett Bay, and the country bordering upon it, are very fertile, and abound in the productions common to the New-England states. This bay is one of the most beautiful sheets of water in the world, and is of great ad- vantage to the state. Near the northern extremity of this bay, is Providence. Here is a good harbour, with water deep enough to admit vessels of nine hundred tons. * This island was called by the Indians Aquetnuk, and is about fifteen miles long from north to south, and three and a half miles wide. 76 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. Providence is one of the busiest and most flourishing towns in the United States, being very extensively en- gaged in commerce and manufactures. A profitable intercourse between Providence and Worcester in Mas- sachusetts, is maintained by means of the Blackstone Canal. The population of Providence is about seventeen thousand. Newport, on Rhode-Island, and near the entrance of the bay, is celebrated for its excellent harbour. It is an ancient and pleasant town, with about eight thousand inhabitants. Bristol and Warren, on the eastern shore of Narragansett bay, are pleasant and nourishing towns, with good harbours and considerable trade. Pawtucket, at the beautiful falls of Pawtucket River, is a very flourish- ing village, and distinguished for manufactures. In pro- portion to the number of people, no state in the Union is so extensively engaged in manufactures as Rhode-Island. Education in this state has been rather neglected, the towns not having been required by law to support com- mon schools, as in the other New-England states. Laws, however, have recently been passed, very favourable to such schools. Academies are maintained in some of the towns. Brown University, at Providence, is a respect- able and growing institution. When, where, and by whom, was the first settlement made in Rhode- Island ? When, where, and by whom, was the second settlement made? What caused these settlements? When were they united under one government 1 How large is Rhode-Island ? How many counties ? How many inha- bitants ? . What is said of the soil and productions of Rhode-Island ? What is said of Providence ? Of Newport and other towns ? Of manu- factories ? Of education ? VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 77 CHAPTER XXL NORTH-CAROLINA. In 1663, a large tract of land south of Virginia, includ- ing what are now the two Carolinas, was granted by the King of England to several English noblemen, who took immediate measures for the settlement of a colony. Previous to this grant, some small settlements had been made near Albemarle Sound by people from Virginia, and around Cape Fear by emigrants from New-England. In 1665, a colony arrived from Barbadoes, one of the West-India Islands, and settled on the south bank of Cape Fear River. In 1680, Charleston, the capital of the co- lony, was founded, and soon became a considerable and flourishing town. In 1729, Carolina was divided into the two provinces of North and South Carolina, and a go- vernment for each established under the King of England. North-Carolina contains about fifty thousand square miles, is divided into sixty-three counties, and has a po- pulation of near seven hundred thousand, of whom over two hundred thousand are slaves. The principal rivers are the Roanoake, Neuse, and Cape Fear River, all flowing in a south-easterly direc- tion through the state. As respects surface, soil, and climate, North-Carolina may be divided into three distinct parts. For sixty miles inland from the Atlantic, including nearly half the state, it is a level, sandy, barren plain, covered with immense pine forests. Turpentine, tar, and phie timber, are among the principal productions of the state. The land imme- diately on the banks of rivers is fertile, but such situations H 78 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. •are very unhealthy. To the sandy plain a fine hilly country succeeds, with much fertile soil. The remainder of the state is mountainous. The hilly and mountainous parts are of nearly equal extent. Cotton and tobacco are the principal crops of the low country ; grain of vari- ous kinds is the chief product of the rest of the state. The hilly country is most populous, the mountainous least so. On the plains, the slaves are nearly equal to the whites in number ; in the hilly country the whites are twice as numerous as the blacks ; among the mountains there are but few slaves. Iron ore abounds in the western part of the state, and gold is found in considerable quantities. It is found mixed with the soil generally in small grains, but some- times in lumps of considerable size. In this state are no large towns nor good harbours. The largest town and the best harbour is Wilmington, near the mouth of Cape Fear River Fayetteville, ninety miles up the river, is a place of considerable trade ; the same may be said of Edington on Albemarle Sound, of Washington on Pamlico River, and of Newbern on the Neuse. Raleigh, near the centre of the state, is the seat of government. Here is a handsome State-House, in which is an elegant marble statue of Washington. The Dismal-Swamp Canal unites Albemarle Sound with James River in Virginia. It is twenty-three miles long, and so wide and deep as to be passable for sloops and other small vessels. Education is not sufficiently attended to in this state. There is, however, a respectable institution, called the University of North-Carolina, at Chapel Hill, twenty- eight miles north-westerly from Raleigh. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 79 In what year, and to whom, was the territory including the two Carolinas granted ? Had any settlement been previously made in this territory ? Where and by whom ? When was Charleston, the capital of the colony, founded ? When was the colony divided 1 By whom was the government for each division established ? How large is the territory of North-Carolina 1 Into how many counties- is it divided ? What is the population 1 How many slaves 1 What is said of the principal rivers ? As respects the surface and soil, how may North-Carolina be divided? What is said of the divisions respectively ? What are the principal crops of the low country 1 What of the rest of the state ? What ores are found in the state ? What is said of towns and harbours in North-Carolina ? Which is the largest town? What other towns are mentioned ? Which is the seat of government, and what is said of it ? What canal is mentioned, and what is said of it ? What is said of education ? CHAPTER XXII. NEW-YORK. The mouth of Hudson River was discovered in 1607 by Henry Hudson, a Dutch navigator. The next year the Dutch sent ships to the river, and established a trade there with the Indians. In 1614, they built Fort Am- sterdam, where the city of New- York now stands ; they called the village which grew up around it New- Amster- dam. The country in general was known bv the name of the New-Netherlands. In 1623, the Dutch sailed up the river and built Fort Orange, where is now the city of Albany. These establishments were rather places of trade than regular colonies, but in 1629 a Dutch colony, undergo vernor Van Twiller, arrived at New- Amsterdam, and at this time began the first permanent settlement of the Dutch. The colony gradually increased, till in 1664 the Dutch settlements in America were conquered by the English, and granted by the King of England to his brother the Duke of York'. From him both New- Am- sterdam and the New-Netherlands received the name of 80 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. New- York. The country now began to be settled by the English, yet the population advanced but slowly ; and till after the revolution, the settlements were confined to the vicinity of the Hudson. Since the revolution, the western part of the state has been settled with wonderful rapidity, and in a great measure by emigrants from New-England. New- York is at present, in point of population and wealth, the first of the states. The area of New- York is forty-six thousand square miles; it is divided into fifty-six counties; and has a po- pulation of two millions. The principal river of New- York is the Hudson, but beside this there are several others of importance. The Mohawk is a branch of the Hudson, and falls into it a little above Albany. The Gennesee, Oswego, and Black Rivers, run into Lake Ontario. The St. Lawrence forms a part of the north-eastern boundary of the state, and the southern parts are watered by the upper branches of the Delaware, the Susquehanna, and the Allegany- Lakes Ontario and Erie lie between New-York and Canada; Lake Champlain separates New- York from Vermont ; and wholly within New- York are Lake George, Oneida, Cayuga, and Seneca Lakes, as well as many others. All these are beautiful sheets of water. The surface of this state is much diversified. The east- ern part has some level tracts, but in general it is hilly and mountainous. The western part is mostly level or mode- rately uneven, except towards the southern border, where it becomes hilly and broken. The greater part of the state has a good soil ; a considerable portion, particularly the level tracts in the west, is remarkably fertile. Wheat is principally cultivated ; but the other kinds of grain, and VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 81 also the grasses, succeed well. Much of the state is well adapted to grazing. Considerable tracts of land in the western and northern parts yet remain in a wild state. Iron ore, limestone, and marble,* abound ; and in se- veral of die western counties are valuable salt springs, from which large quantities of salt are manufactured. The mineral waters of Saratoga and Ballston are famous for their medicinal virtues 5 they are the most celebrated springs of the kind in America, and are visited every summer by multitudes from all parts of the United States, in pursuit of health or pleasure. The Erie and Champlain canals contribute much to the prosperity of New-York. The Erie canal extends from the Hudson to Lake Erie, a distance of three hun- dred and sixty miles. It has eighty-one locks, chiefly of stone, by which the ascents and descents are passed. The country through which the canal passes is very fer- tile ; and its trade, population, and agriculture, have increased rapidly since the canal was undertaken. The Champlain canal, sixty-four miles in length, unites the Hudson with Lake Champlain. The Oswego canal, thirty-eight miles long, unites the Erie canal to Lake Ontario ; and the Seneca canal, twenty miles in length, unites Seneca and Cayuga Lakes with the Erie canal. In the south-eastern part of the state, the Delaware and Hudson canal, sixty-four miles long, forms a connexion between the rivers Hudson and Delaware. f The city of New- York is the capital of the state, and in point of population, wealth, and commerce, by far the first city in the United States. Its population is over * Marble is only a fine kind of limestone, capable of taking a polish. + All these canals have been undertaken and completed within a fevr ■rears. h2 82 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. two hundred thousand, and its commerce is very exten- sive. New- York is situated near the mouth of the Hud- son, on the southern part of Manhattan Island. This island, fourteen miles long, and from half a mile to two miles wide, is separated from the main land on one side by the Hudson, and on the other by a channel commu- nicating with Long-Island Sound, called the East River. The harbour of New-York is a capacious bay, contain- ing several islands ; it is well fortified, and communicates with Long-Island Sound and Newark Bay, as well as with the Atlantic. Many of the streets of the city near the water are crooked and narrow ; but those recently laid out are straight and spacious. The principal street is Broadway, which runs through the centre of the city, over the most elevated ground, and nearly equi-distant from the two CITY HALL. rivers ; it is three miles long, and generally well built, part of it is splendid. The Battery is a beautiful public VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 83 walk at the southern extremity of the island, containing se- veral acres. The public buildings of New- York are very elegant. The City Hall, built of white marble, has been thought the most magnificent building in the United States. One hundred and sixty miles north of New-York, near the head of tide waters on the Hudson, is the city of Al- bany. This is the seat of government, and is a place of great trade ; for it is here that the Erie and Champlain Canals join the Hudson. The population is over twenty- four thousand. Utica, on the canal, near the centre of the state, ninety- three miles west of Albany, is the third town in respect to population and commercial importance. This fine town, which contains eight thousand inhabitants, has grown up with remarkable rapidity. The same may be said of Rochester and Buffalo, both also on the canal. It would be a task to enumerate all the beautiful and flourishing towns in this state. It will suffice to mention, Hudson at the head of ship navigation, and Troy at the head of sloop navigation, on Hudson River ; Ithaca on Cayuga Lake, Geneva on Seneca Lake, Can-an-dai-gua on Lake Canandaigua, Plattsburg an important harbour on Lake Champlain, and Sacket's Hai'bour on Lake Ontario. Long-Island, by far the largest island in the United States, belongs to New- York. It is about one hundred and forty miles in length, and on an average ten miles in breadth. The south side of the island is flat land of a light sandy soil, bordered on the sea coast by large tracts of salt meadow. The soil, however, is well adapt- ed to to the cultivation of grain. The north side of the island is hilly ; it has a strong soil, and is productive in grain, hay, and fruits. The eastern end abounds with 84 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. wood, and furnishes large supplies of this article for the New-York market. Brooklyn near the western end, and Sag Harbour near the eastern end, are the principal towns. New-York has a large school fund ; and schools are well supported throughout the state. There are nume- rous academies and four colleges, viz. Columbia College in the city of New-York ; Union College at Schenectady, which is the most flourishing ; Hamilton College at Clin- ton, near Utica ; and Geneva College at Geneva. The United States have an important school for military in- struction at West Point, on the Hudson. The state of New-York has produced many able and celebrated men. When and by whom was the mouth of the Hudson discovered? When did the Dutch form an establishment there ? When and where was fort Amsterdam built 1 What was the village around it called ? When and where was Fort Orancre built ? What was the country called ? What is said of these establishments ? When was a regular colony established by the Dutcli ? Till what year did it remain in their hands ? By whom was New-Netherlands conquered ? To whom did the king of England grant the country, and what name was given to it ? What is said of the progress and extent of the settlements by the English previous to the revolution 1 What of the settlements since ? By whom have they chiefly been made ? How does New-York now stand in point of wealth and population? What is the area of the state ? Number of inhabitants ? Principal rivers ? Lakes ? What is said of the surface of the state 1 Of the soil ? What is said of the productions ? Of iron ore ? Limestone and salt springs 1 Of mineral springs ? What is said of Erie and Champlain canals ? How long is Erie canal ? Chamolain 1 What other canals ? Give a description of the city of New-York. What is the population ? How far from New-York is Albany ? On what river ? What is said of it ? How many inhabitants ? Which way and how far is Utica from Albany ? What is said of it 1 What other flourishing towns ? Give an account of Long Island. What and where its principal town ? What is said of schools, academies, and colleges ? VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 85 CHAPTER XXIII. NEW-JERSEY. The first settlements in New-Jersey appear to have been made by the Dutch colonists established at the mouth of the Hudson. These settlements formed a part of the colony of New-Netherlands, and with the rest of that country were conquered in 1664 by the English. It was granted to the Duke of York, who conveyed it to Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret. It now first received the name of New-Jersey, and began to be set- tled by the English. It passed through the hands of various proprietors, and in 1676 was divided into East- Jersey and West-Jersey. But in 1702, the two parts were united and erected into a distinct province, under the crown of England. It continued, however, till 1738, to have the same governor with New- York. The area of New-Jersey is about eight thousand square miles ; it is divided into fourteen counties and one hun- dred and sixteen townships, and has a population of three hundred and seventeen thousand. The Delaware River forms the whole of its western, and the Hudson part of its eastern boundary. The northern part of the state is a fine hilly country; the southern half is low, level, and sandy ; much of it is un- fruitful, producing only shrub oaks and yellow pine. The northern part has a large proportion of good soil, excellent for grazing, and well adapted to the cultivation of wheat and other grains. Great numbers of cattle are raised in the mountainous parts for the markets of New- York and Philadelphia. Owing, in a great measure, to 86 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. the difference of elevation, there is much diversity of climate in New-Jersey. The southern counties have a climate resembling that of eastern Virginia. The seasons in the northern counties resemble those of New-Hamp- shire and Vermont. These counties abound in iron ore, which is extensively manufactured. The largest town is Newark, on the River Passaic, nine miles from New- York. It is a pleasant and hand- some town, having extensive manufactures and a popu- lation of more than twelve thousand. New-Brunswick, on the Raritan, has considerable commerce. Trenton, on the Delaware, at the head of tide water, thirty miles north-east of Philadelphia, is the seat of government. It is a pleasant town, with a population of four thousand inhabitants. New-Jersey is largely engaged in commerce, manu- factures, and the fisheries. The Morris Canal, which is now in progress, is to extend from the River Delaware across the state to the harbour of New- York. At Princeton is the College of New-Jersey, one of the most respectable institutions in the United States. At the same place is a flourishing Theological Seminary. At New-Brunswick is Rutgers College. Who appear to have made the first settlements in New-Jersey ? Of what colony did these settlements form a part ? When did they fall into the hands of the English ? What disposition was afterwards made of the territory of New-Jersey ? When did it become a colony under the king of England 1 What is the area of the state 1 How many counties ? Townships ? In- habitants ? Between what rivers is New-Jersey 1 What is said of the face of the country 1 Of the soil ? Productions 1 Of the climate ? What ore is found in the mountainous parts ? What is said of Newark, Brnnswick, and Trenton ? What lines of business are largely followed ? What canal in the state ? What institutions of learning ? VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 87 CHAPTER XXIV. PENNSYLVANIA. Several scattering settlements along the banks of the Delaware, within the present limits of Pennsylvania, had been made at various times by parties of English, Dutch, and Swedes ; but the first permanent colony was estab- lished as late as 1682 by the celebrated William Penn. He belonged to the religious denomination called Friends or Quakers, and was the son of an English Admiral, who had rendered very important services to the king of England. It was on account of these services that Penn received from the king a grant of the territory of Penn- sylvania. In 1682, he arrived in the country with a colony of Friends, laid the foundation of Philadelphia, and published a frame of government for the province. Penn managed affairs with great prudence and ability. By justice and kindness he conciliated the Indians; and he invited settlers from all parts, by allowing universal freedom of religious opinion. Pennsylvania had a very rapid growth ; the government of the colony remained in the hands of the Penn family till the revolution. The area of Pennsylvania is forty-seven thousand square miles. It is divided into fifty-one counties, and has a population of over one million three hundred and fifty thousand. The principal rivers are the Delaware, forming the eastern boundary, the Susquehanna and its branches, and the Allegany and Monongahela, which unite and form the Ohio. 88 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. As regards surface and population, Pennsylvania may be divided into three portions. East Pennsylvania, in- cluding about eight thousand square miles, is a fine hilly country. No part of the United States is more beauti- ful, better cultivated, or more populous. Middle Penn- sylvania, embracing rather more than half the state, is mountainous and thinly inhabited. West Pennsylvania is a fine country, diversified with hills and valleys ; its population is not yet great, but is rapidly increasing. Throughout the state there is a large proportion of good soil. The mountainous ridges are barren, but some of the most fertile land is found in the valleys between them. The greater part of the population is spread over the eastern, western, and southern borders, while the central and northern parts are as yet comparatively wild. The soil and climate of Pennsylvania are extremely favourable to wheat, grass, the apple and other fruits. In the central parts are extensive and valuable forests. The eastern ridges of the mountains abound with beauti- ful marble, as well as with immense beds of anthracite coal.* Bituminous coal is equally abundant in the western parts of the state ; here also are numerous and valuable salt springs, from which great quantities of salt are manufactured. Iron ore of excellent quality is found throughout the whole state. Philadelphia, built on an isthmus between the Dela- ware and Schuylkill rivers, about six miles above their junction, is the metropolis of Pennsylvania, and the se- cond city in size in the United States. By the course of the Delaware River and Bay, it is more than an hundred * Anthracite coal kindles with difficulty, and burns without smoke. Bituminous coal contains sulphur 5 it kindles with ease, and burns with much smoke and flame. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 89 miles from the sea ; the navigation of the bay is rather difficult, but this does not prevent Philadelphia from car- rying on a very extensive commerce. It is the third commercial city in the Union. Philadelphia is laid out with great regularity, the streets crossing each other at right angles ; they are wide, neat, and well-paved. The houses are built mostly of brick, without much ornament, but presenting an appearance of convenience, comfort, View of Philadelphia. and opulence. Several of the public buildings are very elegant. Philadelphia surpasses every other city in Ame- rica in the variety, extent, and excellence of its manu- factures. Its population is about one hundred and seventy thousand. Harrisburg, on the Susquehanna, one hundred miles west of Philadelphia, is the seat of government. This is a flourishing town, of over four thousand inhabitants. Pittsburgh, built at the junction of the Allegany and Monongahela, is the capital of West Pennsylvania, and i 90 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. the second town in the state. The country around it abounds in coal and iron ore. It has an extensive tra'de down the Ohio and across the mountains, but is chiefly- celebrated for its iron manufactures. The town is black with the smoke of the furnaces. Pittsburgh has grown up rapidly ; its population is about seventeen thousand. Lancaster, sixty-two miles west of Philadelphia, situ- ated in a pleasant and well-cultivated country, is a place of much wealth and business. The other principal towns are Reading, Easton, York, and Carlisle. The public works of Pennsylvania are very extensive. The Schuylkill Canal opens a communication between Philadelphia and the extensive coal mines at the sources of the River Schuylkill, a distance of one hundred and ten miles. The Union Canal, seventy-six miles long, unites the Schuylkill with the Susquehanna. The Le- high River, from' Easton to the Lehigh coal mines, has been made navigable, at a great expense, by means of dams and locks ; and a canal down the Delaware, from Easton to Bristol, a distance of fifty miles, is now in pro- gress. Several other canals and rail-roads have been commenced. Education has hitherto been much neglected in this state, but it is beginning to attract attention. At Phila- delphia is the most celebrated school in the United States* The colleges are Dickinson's College at Carlisle, Washington College at Washington, Jefferson's College at Cannonsburgh, Allegany College at Meadville, and Mount Airy College at Germantown. When and by whom was the first permanent settlement made in Pennsyl- vania ? To what religious denomination did he belong ? What is said of his character 1 Of his conduct towards the Indians 1 Of the growth of the colony 1 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES! 91 Till what period did the government of the colony remain in the Penn family 1 How large is the surface of Pennsylvania 1 Into how many counties is it divided 1 What is the number of people 1 What are the principal rivers ? As regards surface and population, how may the state be divided ? What is said of each portion 1 In what part of the state are most of the people ? What is said of the climate and soil? Of marble, coal, salt springs, and iron ore 1 What is said of Philadelphia 1 How far is it from the sea ? How is the city laid out, and what is its general appearance ? What is said of its public buildings and its manufactures ? What is its population 1 What is said of Harrisburg ? Where is Pittsburgh, and for what celebrated 1 What is said of Lancaster 1 What other principal towns ? What is said of the public works ? How long is Schuylkill Canal 1 Union Canal ? What other canal in progress ? What is said of education ? Of the medical school at Philadelphia 1 What colleges in the state ? CHAPTER XXV. DELAWARE. The first settlement in Delaware was made by people from Sweden and Finland in Europe. They established a colony on the south shore of Delaware Bay as early as 1627. But the country was claimed by the Dutch as a part of their colony of New-Netherlands; and in 1655 they captured the Swedish settlements, and dispersed the colonists. In 1664, the New-Netherlands, as has been already stated, were conquered by the English, and granted to the Duke of York. In 1692, the Duke of York sold the territory which now makes the state of Delaware, to William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania. Till this time it had remained almost entirely unpeopled : but now it began to be settled by English emigrants. Delaware remained united with Pennsylvania till 1703, 92 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. when it was separated, and made a colony by itself. It continued under the government of the Penn family till the revolution. After Rhodeflsland, Delaware is the smallest of the states. The area is two thousand one hundred square miles ; it is divided into three counties, and has seventy- seven thousand inhabitants. The northern part of the state is hilly, the southern part is a low plain. The soil is good in some places, but generally thin, and in many places marshy. The products are chiefly grain and grass. Dover is the seat of government, but Wilmington is the largest town. Here are a population of about seven thousand, and a considerable trade and manufactures. On the Brandy wine, in the vicinity, is the finest collection of flour mills in the United States. Newcastle, fifteen miles below Wilmington, has some trade. At Lewiston, near the entrance of the bay, are extensive salt works, where salt is manufactured from sea water. The Delaware and Chesapeake Canal, thirteen miles in length, and uniting the river Delaware to Chesapeake. Bay, crosses the northern part of the state. When and by whom was the first settlemert made in Delaware 1 Who afterwards took possession of the colony, and dispersed the people ? When did this take place ? When was this country conquered by the English and granted to the Duke of York, the King's brother ? When and to whom did the Duke of York sell the territory of Delaware ? By whom was it now settled ? How leng did the government remain in the Penn family 1 What is said of the size of this state ? Of the face of the country, soil, and productions 1 What is said of Dover ? Wilmington ? What remarkable on the Brandywine 1 What is said of .Newcastle 1 Lewiston ? Of the Delaware and Chesapeake Canal ? VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 93 CHAPTER XXVL SOUTH-CAROLINA. South-Carolina became a province by itself in 1729 ; its previous history has already been noticed in the chap- ter of North-Carolina. South-Carolina has an area of about thirty thousand square miles ; it is divided into thirty counties, and its population is about five hundred and eighty thousand, more than half of whom are slaves. It is watered by the Pedee, Santee, Edisto, Savannah, and other rivers, and like the other southern states, it may be divided, as re- spects its surface and population, into three divisions — the plain, the hilly, ^nd the mountainous. In this state the divisions are nearly equal in extent. The plain coun- try, though not generally fertile except on the banks of rivers, is most populous. In the low country, the slaves are more than twice as numerous as the whites ; in the hilly country, the w T hites and blacks are about equal in number ; among the moun- tains, the whites are twice as numerous as the slaves. The crops cultivated in this state are rice, cotton, and grain. Rice is confined to the sea shore ; cotton is the principal crop. The southern counties admit the culti- vation of the sugar cane, the fig, and the orange. The exports of South- Carolina exceed in value those of any other southern Atlantic state. The largest city of South-Carolina, and indeed of all the southern Atlantic states, is Charleston. It is built on a peninsula between Ashley and Cooper Rivers, which unite just below the city, and form a convenient and spa- i2 94 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. cious harbour. Though not capable of admitting the 'largest vessels, it is the best harbour on the Atlantic coast south of the Chesapeake. The city is regularly laid out in parallel streets, which are intersected by others nearly at right angles. The houses have piazzas, and many of them are elegant. It is the favourite resort of the rich planters, and affords much agreeable society. It is rec- koned one of the gayest towns in the United States. It has an extensive trade ; its population is over thirty thou- sand. A canal, twenty-two miles long, connects the Santee with Cooper River, and through this river with the harbour of Charleston ; and a rail-road from Charles- ton to Augusta in the state of Georgia, is in progress. Columbia, near the centre of the state, on a branch of the Santee, is the seat of government. It is a flourishing town, regularly laid out, and handsomely built. The other towns are small. The largest are George- town, near the mouth of the Santee, Camden, on one of its branches, and Beaufort, in the south-east corner of the 'state. South-Carolina appropriates an annual fund to the sup- port of schools, and has afforded liberal assistance to the South-Carolina College at Columbia, which is a well-en- dowed and nourishing institution. There is also a col- lege at Charleston. South-Carolina has furnished many men distinguished for talents and worth, and for their influence in public life. When did South-Carolina become a separate province ? What is the area of South-Carolina? Into how many counties is it divided ? What is the population ; and what proportion are slaves ? By what rivers is South-Carolina watered ? How may it be divided as respects surface and population ? Which divi- sion is the most populous 1 What proportion of slaves in the low country 1 What in the hilly 1 What in the mountainous ? VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 95 What are the crops cultivated in South-Carolina 1 Which is the most im- portant ? What is said of exports 1 What is said of Charleston ? Of its situation, harbour, and commerce ? What is the seat of government, and where situated ? What other consi- derable towns 1 What is said concerning schools and colleges 1 CHAPTER XXVII. GEORGIA. Georgia w#s the last colony planted by the English in what are now the United States. It was granted in 1732 to Gen. Oglethorpe and others; the next year Savannah was settled by a colony from England. The objects proposed in the settlement of Georgia, were to protect the British dominions from the encroachments of the Spaniards of Florida and the French of Louisiana, to open an asylum for the poor of Great Britain, and to attempt the conversion and civilization of the Indians. In this last design little progress was made ; on the con- trary, the colony was much harassed, and its growth for a long time hindered, by frequent Indian wars. Within the last thirty or forty years, however, the progress of Georgia in wealth and population has been very rapid. The area of Georgia is sixty-one thousand square miles. It is divided into seventy-four counties, and has a population of five hundred and eighteen thousand, two hundred and twenty thousand of whom are slaves. It is watered by the Savannah, O-ge-chee, Alatama- ha,* Flint River, and Cha-ta-hoo-chee, and their branch- es. The Aiatamaha is much the largest. As regards both soil and climate, Georgia is more di- versified than any other of the states. The south-eastern *Al-ta-ma-haw. 96 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. part rises by a very slow ascent from the Atlantic, be- ginning with a series of low islands. This is followed by a sandy tract of a little greater elevation, reaching to the falls of the rivers ; then succeeds a hilly, and at length a mountainous country, w T hich is more extensive, fertile, and healthy, than either of the other divisions. The soil of Georgia, as already said, is very various, but a large proportion of it is extremely productive. The islands of the coast are famous for producing a va- luable kind of cotton, called sea^island cotton. The ri- vers and creeks are every where bordered with swamps or marshes, which for fifteen or twenty miles from the coast, are wholly or partially overflowed at every tide. These constitute the rice plantations. The middle division is very barren, producing little besides pitch pines. Among the mountains at the north, the apple, wheat, and other grains are cultivated ; and along the sea-shore and for some distance inland, the sweet orange and sugar cane flourish well. The chief products of the state are cotton, rice, tobacco, and sugar. Savannah, on the Savannah River seventeen miles from its mouth, is the largest town- it has an extensive commerce, and a population of seve thousand. Augusta, on the same river, three hundred and forty miles by water from Savannah, and one hundred and twenty-three by land, is a flourishing town. Great quan- tities of cotton, tobacco, and other produce, are collected here, and conveyed down the river to Savannah. The population is four thousand. The seat of government is Milledgeville, on the Oconee, about three hundred miles by the river from the sea. It is near the centre of the state, on the borders of the plain VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 97 and hilly country, and has a handsome State-House, Among the other principal towns are Darien and St. Mary's, which are seaports in the south-east corner of the state. The Creek Indians inhabit the west part of the state ; the north-western part is possessed by the Cherokees. Only a small provision is made in this state for public schools. Education is much neglected. There is a college called Franklin College at Athens, in the northern part of the state. When and to whom was Georgia granted ? When and where was the first settlement 1 What objects were proposed in the settlement of Georgia 1 What hindered the growth of the colony 1 What is said of the growth of the state within thirty or forty years ? How large is Georgia ? How many counties ? How many inhabitants ? How many of them are slaves ? By what rivers is Georgia watered ? What is said of its soil and climate ? What is the principal product of the islands ? Where are the rice plantations situated 1 What is said of the middle division of the state ? Of the mountainous 1 What are the principal products of Georgia 1 What is said of Savannah ? What other important town on the Savannah River, and what is said of it 1 What is the seat of government, and where is it situated? What other towns 1 What important tribes of Indians hold a part of Georgia, and where are they situated ? What is said of education in Georgia ? CHAPTER XXVIII. REFLECTIONS AND REMARKS. Sketches of the origin, progress, geographical features, and present condition of each of the thirteen original states, have now been given. By looking out the states, as laid down on the map, and in the order of their settlement, and by consideriug their primitive weakness as well as 98 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. disconnected situation from each other, some idea may be formed of the perils and discouragements which our fathers endured in laying the foundations of this great Republic. Casting our thoughts backward, and contem- plating the state of the country two hundred years ago, we see the whole territory of the thirteen states one continued wilderness, without a single opening made by civilized men, except a few inconsiderable spots in Vir- ginia, New- York, and New-England. The whole num- ber of people in all these settlements put together, did not at that time exceed, it is probable, four or five thou- sand. These feeble and scattered settlements were sur- rounded by Indian tribes numerous and powerful, and many of them implacably hostile to the new comers. The colony of Virginia had already been scourged by deso- lating wars with the Indians; the Dutch people, then at Fort Amsterdam, were unfriendly to the English settlers ; and all were apparently and imminently exposed to ex- termination from Indian hostility. But through the care of a superintending Providence, these feeble colonies were sustained and preserved. Other colonies were planted from time to time, by their own people, and by further emigrations from England and Europe, until the number amounted to thirteen. Georgia was commenced about a hundred and twenty years after Virginia. Within this period the other colonies, formed at different times, had made different degreess of improve- ment in wealth and numbers. Whatever progress they had made, however, had been made in defiance of dan- ger and difficulty. Much blood and much treasure was expended, previous to the revolution, in defence against the Indians, who in general became more hostile as the VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 99 colonies advanced. This indeed was natural; for as the colonies increased in number and magnitude, the Indians became more and more alarmed for their own situation. They became more and more convinced, that their coun- try was in danger of being wholly taken from them, and they themselves in danger of being driven off and de- stroyed. Of course, they became more and more hostile and desperate, and by frequent wars hastened, instead of retarding, their own destruction. Indian hostilities were very much excited and encou- raged from time to time by the French people settled in Canada. The French nation was jealous and envious of the rising importance of the British colonies in America ; and made every possible exertion to retard their growth and limit their territory. The great object of the French was to prevent British settlements from extending beyond the Allegany Mountains. They built a fort at the place now T called Pittsburgh, in Pennsylvania, and their intention was to erect and maintain a line of forts, extending from their own settlements in Canada to those in Louisiana. By means of these forts and the aid of the Indians, they hoped to put an effectual stop to the progress of British or English settlements toward the west. By looking at the map it will be seen, that if the purpose of the French in this respect had been carried into operation, the terri- tory of the United States would have been very incon- siderable, compared with its present extent. At the commencement of the revolutionary war, the population of all the colonies was estimated at three mil- lions ; but this estimate was high. The number of white people, it is probable, did not much exceed two millions and a half; and the colonies presented the aspect of a 100 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. number of small openings scattered along the maratime border of a vast wilderness. Since the thirteen colonies declared themselves to be free and independent states, their growth in population and wealth has been amazingly rapid. Notwithstanding the large and flourishing new states they have formed, their own population is nearly three times as great as it was at the close of the revolution ; and their improve- ments in agriculture, commerce, and manufactures, have probably exceeded, by many degrees, the most sanguine expectations of those who signed the Declaration of In- dependence. What was the state of the country, now the United States, two hundred years ago ? What was the number of the original colonies 1 What is said of the Indian hostilities ? What designs were entertained by the French ? What was the state of the colonies at the beginning of the revolutionary war ? What their progress since 1 CPAPTER XXIX. VERMONT. Vermont was the first state admitted into the Union after the declaration of independence by the United States. The first settlement of white men in this state was at Fort Dummer on Connecticut River, built by the people of Massachusetts as a protection against the In- dians.* This fort was built in 1724. Sometime after- ward the French sailed down lake Champlain, and made several scattering settlements on its eastern shore. Ver- mont, however, remained in a great measure unsettled till after the conquest of Canada by the British in 1760, when it began to be rapidly peopled by emigrants from * This fort was in the south-east corner of the state. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 101 New-England. These settlers obtained grants of the land from the Governor of New-Hampshire, and the country was called the New-Hampshire grants. New- York, however, claimed the territory as being within her limits ; and the question having been referred to the King of Great Britain, he decided in favour of New- York. The governors of New- York then declared the grants of New-Hampshire to be void, and endeavoured to compel the settlers to purchase their lands anew. This the set- tlers refused to do ; and the dispute growing by degrees warmer and warmer, in 1777 they declared themselves independent of New- York, and formed a distinct govern- ment of their own. In the mean time the revolutionary war had begun. Vermont bore her full share in this war, though through the influence of New- York she was re- fused admittance into the confederacy, and was not even acknowledged as a separate state. But at last, New- York- finding it impossible to maintain her claims, the dispute was settled, and the independence of Vermont acknow- ledged. In 1791, she was admitted into the Union. The area of Vermont is nine thousand four hundred square miles ; it is divided into thirteen counties, which are subdivided into towns ; its population is two hundred and eighty thousand. After the Connecticut, the principal rivers are the Mis-sisque, La Moile, Un-ion River, and Otter Creek, running westerly into Lake Champlain. The Green Mountains extend through the state from north to south, and the land slopes down from these mountains on one side to the Connecticut, and on the other to the lake. The central parts are very high, and the surface of the state in general is hilly, though not rocky. A large proportion of the soil is fertile ; much of the land k 102 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. among the mountains is excellent for grazing. The pro- ductions are similar to those of Massachusetts, except that Vermont is much more favourable to wheat. This state abounds with copperas and with iron ore. The Ver- mont iron is said to have some remarkable good qualities. There is a great abundance of marble and some lead. Vermont has no large towns. The seat of government is Montpelier, near the centre of the state. Burlington, on Lake Champlain, and Middlebury, on Otter Creek, are flourishing towns, with extensive manufactures and considerable trade. The same may be said of Windsor and Brattleborough, on Connecticut River. The trade and general prosperity of Vermont has been greatly increased bv the construction of the Champlain Canal, which provides an outlet for the productions of all that part of the state which borders on the lake. Education is much attended to. Public schools are supported by law ; and there are many academies and private schools. Middlebury College, at Middlebury, is respectable and flourishing; at Burlington is an institution called the University of Vermont, including a respectable medical department. When and where was the first settlement in Vermont made by white men ? By whom was it made ? What early settlements on Lake Cham- plain 1 What event opened Vermont to settlement by New-England people ? By whom was the land granted? By what name was the country known 1 What difficulties took place ? How and by whom were they decided ? What influenced the people of Vermont to declare themselves indepen- dent ? When did they do it ? What part did they take in the revolutionary war ? When was Vermont admitted into the Union ? How large is Vermont 1 How many counties, and how are they subdivided ? How many inhabitants ? What principal rivers 1 Mountains ? Charac- ter of the soil ? Productions 1 What is said of towns ? Where is the seat of government ? What other towns, and for what distinguished ? What is said of education 1 What colleges in Vermont 1 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 103 CHAPTER XXX, KENTUCKY. The country now included in the state of Kentucky was first explored in 1767, by John Finley, of North- Carolina. It was afterward visited by the celebrated Daniel Boone, and the first settlement in Kentucky was begun under his guidance in 1773. For several years Col. Boone on the bank of the great Osage Lake. the settlers were harassed by bloody wars with the Indi- ans, who maintained their ground with obstinacy. Ken- tucky was claimed by Virginia as within the limits of her charter ; the land was granted, and the first settlements made, under her authority. She gave her consent, how- ever, to a separation, whenever the inhabitants should desire it. This separation took place in 1790; and in 1792, Kentucky was admitted into the Union as an inde- pendent state. 104 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. The area of Kentucky is thirty-six thousand square miles. It is divided into eighty-two counties, and has a population of near seven hundred thousand, of w T hora one hundred and sixty-five thousand are slaves. After the Ohio and Missisippi, the principal rivers of the state are the Great Sandy River, Licking, Kentucky, and Green Rivers, all four of which run into the Ohio. The southern borders are»watered by the Cumberland; the Tennessee crosses the south-east corner.* The south-eastern part of the state is mountainous, the central and south-western parts are comparatively level. The country along the Ohio is hilly. The soil is various, but the greater part of it is extremely fertile. Wheat, tobacco, and hemp, are the chief productions. The northern parts of the state are the most populous and pro- ductive. Marble is abundant, iron ore is found, and there are numerous and valuable salt springs, from which great quantities of salt are manufactured. The inhabi- tants, in many places, suffer inconvenience from the scar- city of water. The seat of government is Frankfort, on the Kentucky River. Lexington, on the Elkhorn, is handsomely built, chiefly of brick, and is one of the largest manufacturing towns in the western states. Th^ country around is le- vel, fertile, and much admired for its beautiful scenery. The population is over five thousand. The second town in the state is Louisville, on the Ohio, which has an ex- tensive commerce, and a population over twelve thou- sand The third town is Maysville, on the Ohio ; it has a population of four thousand, and considerable trade and manufactures. There are various other flourishing villages, but none very large. The exports of Ken- tucky are chiefly carried by water to New-Orleans. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 105 Lands have been appropriated by the state for the support of schools; but these appropriations have not always been judiciously managed. Transylvania Univer- sity, at Lexington, is the most extensive and nourishing nstitution of the kind in the western states. It has a Law and a Medical School connected with it. Central College is at Danville, and St. Joseph's College at Bairdstown. When and by whom was the first settlement made in Kentucky 1 By what state was the territory claimed ? When did it become a member of the Union ? How large is the area of Kentucky ? Into how many counties is it di- vided ? What is the amount of population ? How many slaves 1 What are the principal rivers ? What is said of the face of the country ? Of the soil 1 Of productions ? Of ore ? Salt springs and climate '? What town is the seat of government, and where is it situated ? Which is the largest town, and what is said of it and the country around it? What other considerable towns ? To what places are the exports of the state carried 1 What is said in relation to schools and colleges 1 What part of the state is most populous ? CHAPTER XXXI. TENNESSEE. Tennessee was within the original limits of North- Carolina, and was first settled by emigrants from that province. Fort Loudon was built in 1757, but the first permanent settlements were made in 1768 and 1769. These settlements were for a long time much harassed by wars with the Indians. When the Indian wars ceased, the country was distracted for several years by disputes among the settlers ; and several attempts were made by k2 106 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. them to form an independent state by the name of Frank- land. But in 1790, North-Carolina ceded the whole country to the United States, and the same year it was erected into an organized territory. In 1796 it was made a state, and admitted into the Union. The area of Tennessee is forty-three thousand square miles. It is divided into sixty-two counties, and has a population of near seven hundred thousand, of which one hundred and forty thousand are slaves. Besides the Missisippi, the principal rivers are the Cumberland and Tennessee ; in point of size the latter is not very much inferior to the Ohio, into which it runs. The state is divided by the Cumberland Mountains into two divisions, East-Tennessee and West-Tennessee. West-Tennessee is undulating ; some of it, especially to- wards the Missisippi, level, and some of it hilly. East- Tennessee is full of mountains ; many of them are lofty, and form grand and striking scenery. The soil is various ; in the western part of the state it is black, deep, and rich ; iu the middle are great quantities of excellent land ; in the eastern parts, the mountains are barren, but there are many fertile valleys. The great business of the state is agriculture ; the soil produces cotton and tobacco in great abundance, and these, together with flour and corn, are the staple commodities. Grain, grass, and fruit, succeed well ; and in East-Tennessee large herds of cattle are raised for the supply of the market on the Atlantic coast. Iron ore, gypsum,* saltpetre, and beautiful marbles, are abundant. Lead mines and salt springs are likewise found. * Gypsum is the same with Plaister of Paris. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 107 A considerable tract in the south-eastern part of the state is held and occupied by the Cherokee Indians. Nashville, on the Cumberland, in the midst of a fertile and populous country, is the capital of the state. It has an extensive trade, and a population of more than five thousand. Knoxville, in East Tennessee, is the next town in point of population and trade. It has three thousand inhabi- tants. The other towns are small. There are colleges at Nashville, Knoxville, and Marys- ville. To what state or province did Tennessee originally belong 1 When was Fort Loudon built ? When the first permanent settlements made ? By what were they hindered 1 When was Tennessee ceded to the United States ? When was it admitted into the Union as an independent state 1 How large is Tennessee 1 How many counties ? How many people ? How many slaves ? What are the principal rivers ? What mountains 1 What is said of the face of the country ? Of the soil and productions ? Of cattle, ores, and minerals 1 Of principal towns and colleges 1 CHAPTER XXXII. OHIO. The first permanent settlement within the present boundaries of Ohio was made at Marietta, in the year 1788, by General Putnam and a company from Massa- chusetts. The increase of the settlements was for some time prevented by wars with the Indians ; but within the last thirty years, Ohio has increased in population and wealth with unexampled rapidity. A large number of its first inhabitants were emigrants from New-England. Till 1802, Ohio formed a part of the north-western territory; 108 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. in that year it was erected into a state, and admitted into the Union. The area of Ohio is forty thousand square miles ; it is divided into seventy-three counties, and has a population of nearly a million. The principal rivers are the Ohio, which forms the southern boundary, the Muskingum, Scioto, and two Miamies, running southerly through the state into the Ohio, and the Maumee running into lake Erie. This lake forms more than half the northern boundary. The central and northern parts of Ohio are generally level, and in some places marshy. The eastern and south-eastern parts are hilly. In this state extensive prai- ries are to be found. The soil is extremely fertile, es- pecially that of the country on the Miami and Scioto. Wheat is the staple production, but other sorts of grain, various kinds of fruit, grass, hemp, and flax, are exten- sively cultivated. Iron ore is found in great quantities ; coal, especially in the eastern part, is abundant ; and salt springs are numerous. The largest town in the state is Cincinnati, situated on the Ohio, and built partly on the river bottom and partly on the high bank. The streets ctjss each other at right angles; some of them are quite handsome. There are several fine public buildings, and a number of splendid dwelling-houses. Cincinnati is rising rapidly to be a great city. In 1810, its population was little more than two thousand ; it is now nearly thirty thousand. It has ex- tensive manufactures and a very extensive trade ; and in point of wealth, refinement, and social enjoyments, Is the metropolis of the Western States. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 109 Miami Canal extends from Drayton to Cincinnati, a distance of sixty-seven miles. Columbus, on the Scioto, not far from the centre of the state, is the seat of government. It has a population of three thousand people, and extensive manufactures. The other principal towns are Chilicothe, on the Scio- to, Zainsville, on the Muskingum, Marietta, and Steuben- ville, on the Ohio. There are a great number of beau- tiful and nourishing villages scattered over the state, and new ones are springing up every year. The Ohio Canal, now in progress, is to extend across the state from Portsmouth, on the Ohio, to Cleveland, on Lake Erie, a distance of three hundred and twenty- miles. This is a great work, and very creditable to the enterprise of Ohio. Common schools are established in a greater or less degree of perfection in every township of any conse- quence in the state. Several colleges have been incor- porated ; the most flourishing are the Ohio University at Athens, and Kenyon College near Mount Vernon. When was the first settlement made in Ohio, and by whom ? What is said of the progress of settlement ? From what part of the United States did many of the first settlers go ? Of what was Ohio a part previous to its being formed into a state 1 When was it admitted into the Union 1 How large is it ? How many coun- ties 1 How many people ? How are the lands laid out 1 What is said of rivers ? Of Lake Erie 1 Of the face of the country, soil, productions, ore, and minerals 1 Which is the largest town, and what is said of it 1 What other towns and villages? What is said of canals, of common schools, and of colleges ? 110 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. CHAPTER XXXIII. LOUISIANA. Louisiana, including all the extensive territory west of the Missisippi now belonging to the United States, was originally discovered and claimed by the French. The country was first explored by La Sable about 1CS0; he named it Louisiana in honour of Louis XIV. then King of France. The French, under Ibberville, began a settlement near the present site of New-Orleans in 1699. In 1762, the whole country was ceded to Spain; in 1801, it was ceded back again to France ; and in 1803, sold by France to the United States. In 1 804, that part of it which now constitutes the state of Louisiana, was erected into a territory ; in 1812 it was made a state, and admitted into the Union. The area of Louisiana is forty-eight thousand square miles ; its population is two hundred and fifteen thousand. The blacks and whites are about equal in number. The state is watered by the Missisippi, Red River, Pearl River, the Wash-i-ta, and the Sabine. The entire front of Louisiana towards the Gulf of Mexico, is a continued marsh, in most places destitute of timber, traversed by innumerable water courses, and rising very gradually from the water's edge. To the north-west of this tract of marsh, and with an elevation only moderately greater, immense prairies extend, mark- ed in the neighbourhood of streams with lines of trees. Still farther inland are thick forests inundated every year by the overflowing of the Missisippi, except a narrow tract on the borders of the streams. The country, how- VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. Ill ever, gradually rises to a height that protects it from inundation, till at length the surface becomes broken, hills succeed, and except near the water courses, the country is covered with immense pine forests. The Missisippi and all the smaller streams are bordered by a narrow strip, which is rarely inundated, and is extremely fertile. There is a great variety of soil in this state. There are large tracts that never can be cultivated ; and the existing settlements, except in the parishes east of the Missisippi, extends in lines along the streams, or around the margins of the prairies. The crops cultivate^ are sugar and rice in the south- ern parishes, and cotton throughout the state. Fruits are abundant. Apples may be cultivated in the northern parts, peaches, figs, and pomegranates, throughout the state, and the orange and lemon in the southern part The capital of Louisiana, and the largest city of the southern states, is New-Orleans. This city is situated on the east bank of the Missisippi, about one hundred miles from its mouth. It is regularly laid out ; the streets are wide, and cross each other at right angles. Most of the houses in the suburbs have beautiful gardens orna- mented with orange proves. The countrv here is lower than the surface of the river, which is confined within its channel by an artificial embankment called the Levee, raised at great expense, and extending above a hundred miles. It is directly in front of the town, serves the pur- poses of a landing-place, and affords a fine walk. New- Orleans is very advantageously situated for trade. Im- mense quantities of produce from the western states are brought down the Missisippi, and deposited here for ex- ortation. The increase of the city has been rapid and 112 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. steady. The population is now about fifty thousand. It is made up of a medley of people from almost all coun- tries. Formerly the French language was generally spoken, but now the English prevails, New-Orleans often suffers severely from the yellow fever. The other principal towns are Nachitoches,* on Red River, and Baton Rouge and St. Francisville, on the Missisippi. There is a Catholic College at New-Orleans, and academies have been established in various places ; but education thus far has been very much neglected. Who discovered and claimed the territory w%st of the Missisippi 1 When was it explored 1 When was the first settlement made 1 In what year was the whole country ceded to Spain ? When ceded back again ? When purchased by the United States ? When was the state of Louisiana admitted into the Union 1 What is the area of the state 1 The number of people 1 The relative proportions of whites and blacks ? What is said of rivers 1 Of that part of the state bordering on the Gulf of Mexico 1 Of the country farther inland 1 What is said of the soil ? What crops are cultivated ? What important rivers in the state ? Where is New-Orleans, and what is said of its rise ; trade, and increase ? What other considerable towns ? What is said of education ? CHAPTER XXXIV. INDIANA. The French, who were the first explorers of the Missisippi and its branches, made a settlement within the present boundaries of Indiana, at Vincennes, on the Wa- bash, as long ago as about 1700. This settlement, how- ever, always remained of very little consequence. f Set- tlements by the people of the United States began to be * Nak-e-tosh. t The settlers emigrated from Canada. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 113 extensively formed after the peace with the Indians in 1795. This region, including Illinois, was erected into a territory in 1801. Indiana was made a territory by itself in 1809 ; and in 1816 was made a state, and admitted into the Union. The area of Indiana is thirty-four thousand square miles, and it has near three hundred and fifty thousand inhabitants. The principal rivers are the Ohio, forming the southern boundary of the state, and the Wabash with its branches, White River, and East Fork. Near the Ohio there is a range of hills ; but the ge- neral surface of Indiana is extremely level. There is considerable marshy land, and the prairies are more nu- merous and extensive than those of Ohio. A great proportion of the soil, like that of Ohio, is very fertile. Grain and live stock are principally raised. The north- ern part of the state is as yet entirely unsettled, though in the progress of population it will not long remain so. The towns of Indiana are all small. Vincennes, on the Wabash, Vevay and Madison, on the Ohio, and Co- rydon, are the principal. Indianapolis, on White River, near the centre of the state, is the seat of government. There are lands reserved thoughout the state for the support of schools. When and by whom was the first settlement made in Indiana 1 What is said of this settlement ? When did settlements by people of the United States begin ? When did Indiana become a state and a member of the Union ? How large is Indiana ? How many inhabitants 1 What are the principal rivers ? What is said of the face of the country? Of the soil and productions ? Which are the principal towns ? Which is the seat of government ? What provision is made for schools ? 114 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. CHAPTER XXXV. MISSISIPPI. The first settlement of white inhabitants within the present boundaries of Missisippi, was made by the French at Natchez, about 1716. In 1729, this colony was en- tirely cut off by the Indians ; and the Indians in their turn were cut off by the French the following year. Some settlements were afterwards made, but the country remained in great part a wilderness till the year 1763, when it came into the hands of the English. Several settlements were then begun along the river in the neigh- bourhood of Natchez. These settlements were inter- rupted by the revolutionary war, and after the peace by disputes with the Spaniards about the boundaries. In 1800, the country which now composes the states of Mis- sisippi and Alabama, was erected into a territory by the name of Missisippi Territory. After this the population rapidly increased ; and in 1817 the western part of this territory was made a state, and admitted to the Union. The area of Missisippi is about fifty thousand square miles, and has a population of one hundred and fifty thou- sand inhabitants, nearly half of whom are slaves. The principal rivers are the Missisippi, forming the western boundary, the Pascagoula, Pearl River, and Yazoo. The soil and surface of Missisippi are of three distinct kinds : first, the rich alluvial land on the banks of the streams ;* secondly, a border from ten to thirty miles wide of bluff or hilly land, extremely fertile, running along * The soil of alluvial land is soil which has been washed from hills and- mountains, and settled on level places by the overflowing of streams. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 115 the Missisippi through the state ; and thirdly, an inferior sort of soil much more extensive than either of the other kinds, and covered with pine forests. The most im- proved and most populous part of the state is the south- west corner ; here the first settlements were made, and here is the largest extent of good land. Settlements are now extending into the south-eastern and central parts. The northern portion of the state remains in the posses- sion of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Indians. Cotton is much cultivated in the state. The principal town is Natchez, built on several hills about half a mile from the eastern bank of the Missisippi. The population is not over three thousand, but the place is very important, and has an extensive trade, particu- larly in cotton. All the other towns are small, including Jackson, on Pearl River, the seat of government. Two colleges have been incorporated ; but education is not in a flourishing state. When and by whom was the first settlement made in this state ? What became of this settlement 1 What followed 1 When did the country fall into the hands of the English ? Were any settlements made by them ? What interrupted their progress ? When was Missisippi made an independent state, and admitted into the Union 1 What is the area of the state ? Population ? How many slaves ? What is said of the soil ? Who possess the northern part of the state ? What is the principal production 1 Which is the principal town, and what is said of its situation and trade ? What is said of colleges and education 1 CHAPTER XXXVI. ILLINOIS. The country now forming part of the state of Illinois, along the Illinois and Missisippi Rivers, was discovered 116 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. by the French as early as 1673, and some small settle- ments were soon after formed at Kaskaskia and other places along the rivers. These colonies never arrived at any considerable magnitude or consequence*. What is now the state of Illinois was claimed, like the rest of the country north-west of the Ohio, under the charter of Virginia. Virginia, however, ceded her claims to the United States. When the country north-west of the Ohio was erected into a territory in 1787, Illinois was included in it. In 1801, Illinois and Indiana were made a distinct territory; and in 1807, Illinois was made a territory by itself. In 1S18, it was made an independent state, and admitted into the Union. The area of Illinois is fifty-eight thousand square miles, and tiie population is more than one hundred and sixty thousand. The principal rivers are the Missisippi, forming the western boundary, the Wabash, forming the eastern boun- dary, the Illinois, and Kaskaskia. The north-east corner of the state touches lake Michigan. The surface of Illinois resembles that of Indiana and Ohio : hilly along the rivers and level further back, but with less of flat and marshy land than either of those states, and more rich plain than both of them taker* together. More than half the state consists of prairies. Illinois is supposed to have more fertile land than any other state in the Union. The productions are similar to those of Ohio. In the north-west corner of the state is a tract of country very rich in lead ore. Coal is also found, and there are numerous and valuable salt springs. The settlements are yet confined to the southern angle of the state ; all the northern and central parts are still a VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 117 wilderness, but settlements and population are rapidly advancing. Kaskaskia is the largest town ; Vandalia is the seat of government. Land has been reserved throughout the state for the support of schools. When was the first settlement made in Illinois by white men ? Of what nation were they ? What is said of their settlements ? What state claimed the territory 1 What was done with it in 1737 ? When was Illinois made a state, and a member of the Union ? How large is the state ? How many people 1 What are the principal rivers 1 What is said of the face of the country ? What part of the state is prairies ? What is said of the quantity offer- tile soil 1 Of productions ? Of ore ? Coal, and salt springs 1 Which is the largest town, and which the seat of government? CHAPTER XXXVII. ALABAMA. Alabama originally formed part of the Missisippi Ter- ritory. It was made a territory by itself in 1817, and in 1S20 w T as admitted into the Union as an independent state. The settlements in this state are very recent ; the greater part of them have been made within twenty years. The area of Alabama is about fifty thousand square miles ; it has a population of over three hundred thou- sand, above a third of whom are slaves. The northern part of the state is watered by the Ten- nessee, the central and southern parts by the Tombeck- bee, Alabama, and their branches. This state is naturally divided into three very distinct parts. The northern part is in some places mountainous, and in general broken and pleasantly diversified; the middle part gradually assumes a more level surface, but l2 US VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. the soil is very inferior to that of the northern part. The southern division is still less hilly than the middle, and is covered with forests of pine. There is a great diversity of climate. Fruits of various kinds nourish well ; but even the southern section does not admit the successful cultivation of the orange or sugar cane. Cotton is the great staple, though grain, and particularly Indian corn, is much cultivated. The principal town is Mobile, built on a beautiful and extensive plain near the head of Mobile Bay. It has a harbour tolerably convenient, though difficult of access, an extensive trade, and a population of three thousand. Tuscaloosa, on the Tombeckbee, and Huntsville, on the Tennessee, are flourishing towns. The seat of go- vernment is Cahawba, on the Alabama. To what did Alabama originally belong ? When was it made a territory by itself? When admitted into the Union as an independent state 1 What is its area ? Population ? Number of slaves 1 Principal rivers ? How is the state naturally divided in point of surface and soil ? What is said of the climate ? Of productions 1 What is chiefly cultivated 1 Principal town '! What other towns ? CHAPTER XXXVIII. MAINE. One of the earliest attempts to colonize New-England, was made within the present limits of Maine. In 1607, a small English colony was landed near the mouth of the Kennebec ; but the severity of the winter and the suffer- ings of the people, compelled those who survived to return home the next year. About the time that Massachusetts was settled, establishments began to be formed along the VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 119 coast of Maine. These establishments were declared by- Massachusetts to be within her boundaries ; and they accordingly submitted to her jurisdiction. Maine, how- ever, had been granted by the King of England to Sir Ferdinand Gorges, and Massachusetts was finally obliged to purchase in the claims of his heirs. Maine continued a part of Massachusetts till 1820, when it was formed into a separate state, and admitted into the Union. The area of Maine is thirty-two thousand square miles ; it is divided into ten counties, and has a population of four hundred thousand. This population is confined entirely to the southern half of the state. The settle- ments are slowly advancing into the interior, but all the northern part yet remains a forest. The principal rivers are the St. Croix, forming part of the eastern boundary of Maine and of the United States, the Penobscot, the Kennebec, the Androscoggin, and the Saco ; and in the northern part, the St. John's. Education is well attended to 5 public schools, as in the other New- England States, are supported by law. Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, is a respectable and flourishing institution, and has an important medical school connected with it. The coast of Maine is studded with islands and abounds in good harbours. The interior of the country is hilly, with numerous streams and lakes. The land near the coast is not fertile; farther inland it is much better.' There, is, however, a great variety of soil. Many parts are excellent for grazing, and vast numbers of cattle are annually driven from them to market. Grain, grass, and flax, are the principal crops. 120 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. The capital of Maine is Portland, pleasantly situated on Casco Bay, having a fine harbour and extensive commerce. The population is near thirteen thousand. View of Portland. There are many other considerable towns situated along the sea-coast, or on the banks of the rivers. Such are Bath, Hallowell, and Augusta, on the Kennebec ; Belfast, and Castine, on Penobscot Bay ; Bangor, on Penobscot River; Wiscasset, Machias, and Eastport. Augusta is the seat of government, and a beautiful state- house has been erected there. Maine enjoys great facilities for commerce, which are by no means neglect- ed. The principal article of export is lumber. This state is also largely engaged in the fisheries; it has more shipping than any other state, except Massachusetts and New-York. When was the first attempt made to form a settlement in Maine ? In what part of Maine was the colony landed ? What was the issue of this attempt 1 About what time were other settlements made ? To whom was the territory of Maine granted 1 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 121 How did Massachusetts get possession of it 1 When was it separated from Massachusetts, and admitted as an independent state into the Union 1 , What is the area of Maine ? Number of counties ? Of people 1 What part of the state is most settled ? What remains wild ? What are the principal rivers 1 What is said of the sea coast 1 Of the interior ? Of the soil and crops 1 What is the capital of Maine, and what is said of it ? What other towns 1 Where is the seat of government ? What is said of the commerce, fisheries, and navigation of Maine ? What is the state of education 1 What is said of Bowdoin College? CHAPTER XXXIX. MISSOURI. Missouri formed originally part of Louisiana Territory. A settlement was made by the French at St. Louis in 1754 ; but this, like the other French settlements on the Missisippi, never arrived at any considerable magnitude. In 1803, the country came into the possession of the Uni- ted States, and began to be settled by our citizens. It remained under a territorial government till 1820, when it was erected into a state, and admitted into the Union. The area of Missouri is sixty-three thousand square miles ; it contains about one hundred and forty thousand inhabitants, of whom twenty-five thousand are slaves. The rivers are the Missisippi, forming the eastern boundary of the state, the Missouri, and their branches. The population is confined almost entirely to the banks of the two great rivers. Except the rich river bottoms, the surface of Missouri is rolling or hilly, but no where mountainous. The south- east part is in some degree liable to annual inundations. The soil is various, but generally very fertile. The prairies, especially in the western part, are very extensive. 122 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. The crops principally cultivated are wheat and Indian corn. Cotton is raised in the south-eastern counties. This state has become noted for its lead mines, which are among the richest and most extensive in the world. They yield annually many million pounds of lead. There are also vast beds of coal, which in a country so bare of wood, must in time become very valuable. Iron ore is also found in great plenty. The largest town is St. Louis, on the Missisippi. This city is built on alluvial ground which rises gradually from the water. The main streets are nearly parallel to the river. The buildings extend from the water to the high bank of the river, beyond which the country is a level and open prairie. St. Louis has an extensive trade, and increases fast in population, wealth, and importance. It has now about six thousand inhabitants. The other towns are small. Jefferson, on the Mis- souri, is the seat of government. Land has been reserved, throughout the state, for the support of schools. When, where, and by whom, was the first settlement made within the limits of Missouri 1 What is said of it 1 When did the United States get possession of the country 1 When was Missouri admitted into the Union ? How large is Missouri 1 How many people ? What is said of the soil and productions ? What is said of rivers ? Of lead mines ? Of coal and iron ore 1 Which is the principal town, and what is said of its situation, rise, trade. and increase ? Which is the seat of government, and where is it situated ? CHAPTER XL. THE TERRITORIES. Florida was originally discovered and colonized by the Spaniards. They established a colony at St. Augus- VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 123 tine as early as 1665, but the settlement never advanced to much importance. Florida remained in possession of the Spaniards till 1763, when it was ceded to the British, At the close of our revolutionary war, 1783, it passed again into the possession of Spain, and was ceded by her to the United States in 182L The area of Florida is fifty-four thousand square miles, and the population is about thirty-five thousand. Florida, in respect to soil and climate, may be considered as divided into two portions, the northern and southern. The whole country is low, but in the northern part, the surface is more broken, the land better timbered, and the soil supe- rior to that of the southern portion, which is in a great part marshy, flat, and destitute of timber. In all Florida the proportion of good soil to bad is very small ; but the mildness of the climate will make some compensation for the barrenness of the country. In the southern part snow is unknown, and frost, though occasional, is rare. The sugar-cane may be cultivated successfully in all the maritime ports of Florida, where the soil will suit ; as may also the orange, lemon, and lime. Rice, indigo, tobacco, Indian corn, and a great variety of fruits, suc- ceed well. The coast abounds in live oak, a very hard and heavy timber, peculiarly valuable for building ships of war. Florida is as yet mostly uninhabited. Pensacola and St. Augustine are the largest towns. Tallahassee is the seat of government. A part of the interior is occupied by the Seminole Indians. The principal rivers are the St. John's and the Appa- lachicola. There is a great number of smaller streams. 124 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. Arkansas, with the rest of Louisiana, of which it once formed a part, was first explored by the French, and they granted colonies within its present limits as early as 1685. The country of Louisiana having come into the possession of the United States, Arkansas was erected into a territory in 1819. The area of Arkansas is one hundred and twenty thousand square miles ; the population is over thirty thousand. The principal rivers are the Missisippi forming the eastern boundary, the Red River forming the greater part of the southern boundary, and the Arkansas and White River within the territory. The settlements yet made are chiefly on the banks of the two last rivers. The eastern part of the Arkansas is an unbroken plain covered with a thick forest; then succeeds a very gradual ascent, partly forest and partly prairie, rising by degrees into hills. Next are the Ozark Mountains occu- pying the central part of the territory ; and beyond them wide and extensive prairies reaching to the western boundary. The seat of government is Little Rock, on the Ar- kansas. The Peninsula of Michigan was first visited and ex- plored by the French, who founded Detroit about 1 670 ; but it remained a mere trading port, and passed in 1763, with the rest of the French possessions in North- Am erica, into the hands of the English. The territory of Michi- gan was formed in 1805. It includes an area of thirty- four thousand square miles, with a population over thirty thousand. From the lakes, the surface of Michi- gan rises with a very gradual ascent. The interior is VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 125 a wide extended plain, in many places marshy, with nu- merous streams running from it toward the lakes. The soil is deep and strong, well adapted to grasses and grain. In the southern part the climate is mild ; farther north the winters are long and severe. Detroit, which contains three thousand inhabitants, is the seat of government and the principal town. It has considerable trade, and is gradually increasing. The territory of Huron is connected with Michigan. Congress, however, have agreed to make it a territory by itself, though its government is not yet organized. Huron is about one hundred and forty thousand square miles in extent ; its surface is generally flat, and in many places marshy ; it is watered by numerous branches of the Misissippi. It is a fine region for hunters ; in the northern parts the buffalo, elk, bear, and deer, are common. The beaver, otter, and musk rat, are taken for their furs. In many places are immense prairies, in others extensive forests of pine and birch. All the rivers, and ponds, and marshes, abound in wild rice, which constitutes a consi- derable part of the food of the Indian inhabitants. The northern part of Huron is extremely cold. The principal settlement of the whites is on Green Bay, at the mouth of Fox River ; it contains over one thousand inhabitants. Prairie du Chien is a village on the Missisippi, famous for trade with the Indians. In the south-west part of Huron, on Fever River, are extensive and valuable lead mines. The territories of Missouri and Oregon, which are equal in extent to all the rest of the United States, are as yet unsettled by white men, and little known. 126 . VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. How early and by whom was the first settlement made in Florida 1 When was Florida ceded to Great Britain ? When was it ceded back to Spain? When did it come into the possession of the United States ? What is the area and population of Florida ? What is the character of the country as to surface, soil, climate, and productions ? What im- portant timber does it produce ? Which are the principal towns ? Which the seat of government ? What are the principal rivers ? How early and by whom was the first settlement made in Arkansas ? When was it erected into a territorial government ? How large is it, and what the population ? What are the principal rivers ? What the general features of the country ? What is the seat of government ? To what river are the settlements confined ? When , where, and by whom, was the first settlement of white people made in Michigan ? What is said of this settlement ? When was Michigan formed into a territory ? How large is it, and how many people does it contain ? What is the general aspect of the country ? What is said of the soil and climate ? What is the seat of government ? How large is it, and what is said of its trade ? What is said of the extent and surface of Huron 1 Of its animals ? What valuable grain does it produce ? Where is the principal settlement of white people ? What other settle- ment? What is said of lead mines, and where are they found? What is said of the climate ? What notice is taken of the territories of Missouri and Oregon 1 CHAPTER XLI. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The District of Columbia, a tract or territory ten miles square, containing one hundred square miles, was ceded to the United States, in part by Virginia and in part by Maryland. The cession was accepted by the United States in 1790 ; but the Congress did not meet within the district till 1800. The general surface of the District is uneven, but not hilly, with a thin sandy soil. The Potomac crosses it from north-west to south-east. It is divided into two counties, and contains a population of forty thousand inha- bitants, who are for the most part collected in the three cities of Georgetown, Alexandria, and Washington. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 127 Alexandria, on the south bank of the Potomac, in the south-east corner of the district, is a handsome town of eight thousand inhabitants. The streets intersect each other at right angles ; a great part of them are neatly payed, kept clean, and well lighted. The city is favour- ably situated for commerce, and carries on considerable trade, principally in flour and tobacco. Georgetown, farther up the river, at the head of the tide, is of the same size with Alexandria. The situation is very pleasant, commanding a fine view of the city of Washington (from which it is separated by Rock Creek), and of the surrounding country. The houses are princi- pally of brick, and many of them elegant. On the hills near the town are several fine country seats, Georgetown is a place of considerable trade ; and here is a Catholic College, the principal literary institution of the district. Washington, the seat of the United States Government, is situated on a peninsula between the Potomac and a small tributary stream called the East Branch. As the rivers approach each other, the East Branch spreads out into a wide bay, and uniting with the main branch forms a spacious harbour, with water deep enough for the largest vessels. This city was laid out on a very extensive plan, which has been thus far rigorously adhered to. At pre- sent it consists of three distinct settlements, a mile or more asunder, which altogether contain near twenty thou- sand inhabitants. The principal public buildings of the city are the Pre- sident's House and the Capitol ; and it is around these buildings that two of the settlements above mentioned are clustered. The President's House is a neat chaste building, of a 128 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. light grey freestone, painted white. It stands on a pub- lic square, has a garden about it, and is one hundred and seventy feet in length, and eighty-five in breadth. Capitol at Washington. The Capitol is built of the same sort of stone as the President's house, and painted in the same manner. It is placed on the brow of a considerable hill, and commands a noble prospect. It is composed of a centre and two wings, the centre being one hundred and fifty feet in length and of nearly the same breadth, and the wings each a hundred feet long and a hundred feet wide. There is a portico running round the whole building, supported by a noble colonnade. The sessions of Congress are held in the Capitol. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, intended to unite the waters of the Ohio with those of the Chesa- peake, leaves the Potomac at Washington. This canal is now in progress, and it is confidently expected, that when finished it will contribute largely to increase the trade and general prosperity of the District of Columbia, VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 129 How large is the District of Columbia? By what states was it ceded to the United States ? When was it accepted 1 When was the first meeting of Congress within the district 1 What is said of the general surface of the district 1 In what direction does the Potomac cross it ? Into low many counties is it divided? How many cities ? How many people ? What is said of Alexandria ? Of Georgetown ? How is Washington situated ? How is the harbour formed, and what is said of it ? How many inhabitants in Washington ? What are the principal public buildings ? Give a description of the Presi- dent's house. Of the Capitol. What is said of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and of its expected influ- ence upon the prosperity of the district ? CHAPTER XLIL CURIOSITIES.* It is proposed in this chapter to call the pupiPs atten- tion to some of the striking natural curiosities found in the country. These have been reserved as the subject of a separate chapter, in order to excite a livelier inter- est, as well as to assist the memory. In New-Hampshire, the Notch in the White Moun- tains, and what is called the Old Man of the Mountains, are remarkable curiosities. The Notch in the White Mountains presents a grand and picturesque scenery. The mountain range appears to have been cloven down to its base, for the purpose of opening a passage merely wide enough for a road, and for the channel for the head stream of Saco River. The Old Man of the Mountains is situated on a high peak of bare rock, a side view of which presents a complete profile of the human face. In the state of Connecticut, on the Housatonic, are the most considerable falls in New-England. They are formed by a ledge of limstone crossing the river, about * See Worcester's Geography and Sketches. m2 130 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. thirty-five rods in length and sixty feet in perpendicular height. The river rushes down this precipice with ex- quisite beauty and astonishing grandeur. At the bottom is a majestic mass of foam and spray, in which are formed beautiful rainbows. Seventy rods above this cataract, another ledge twenty feet in height crosses the stream, and the river pours over it in a perpendicular sheet. Below this cataract, the river descends with a hasty cur- rent about forty rods, and then has a third fall of ten feet. The whole descent, including the cataracts and rapids, is about one hundred and thirty feet, finely arranged, and exhibiting a remarkable variety of beauty and grandeur. In New- York are many striking natural curiosities , but the most remarkable are the falls on the river which conveys the waters of lake Erie into lake Ontario. These falls, called Niagara Falls, have already been noticed in the chapter on lakes. They are considered the grandest object of the kind in the known world. Other cataracts have a greater perpendicular descent ; but none has been found in which so great a mass of water falls from so great a height. The width of the river at the falls is three quarters of a mile, and the perpendicular descent of the water on the Canada side is one hundred and fifty- one feet, and on the New- York side one hundred and sixty-two feet. The cataract is divided into two [parts by an island. The vapour which rises forms a cloud, that is sometimes seen at the distance of sixty miles. When the sun shines, the most brilliant rainbows appear in the vapour to persons who are near the falls. These falls are much visited by strangers, and cannot be viewed without emotions scarcely conceivable by any but an actual beholder. Beside this astonishing cataract, there VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 131 are several other remarkable falls on different rivers in the state of New-York. What is called the Ridge Road is a great curiosity. It is eighty-seven miles long, extending from Rochester, on Gennesee River, to Lewistown, on Niagara River, and is used as a post road. Its general width is from four to eight rods, and its general elevation above the adjacent land, on each side, is about thirty feet. In the western part of New- York, about fifteen miles from Buffalo, and near the bank of a small stream, there issues from a ledge of slate rock a current of air, which takes fire on the application of a torch. When set on fire, it continues to burn till it is extinguished by the rising of the water of the rivulet. It has been known to burn for several weeks in succession. The flame is about six inches in length, and two and a half inches in diameter. In the same neighbourhood, there is another stream of air issuing from a slate rock, and having similar pro- perties. In the north part of the state, twelve or fifteen miles from Sacket's Harbour, there is an extraordinary cavern. It has been but partially explored, although it is said to have been traversed to the distance of more than one hundred rods. It is of great extent, comprising many spacious rooms, halls, and chambers. " The mouth of the cavern is a small hollow, about five feet below the surrounding surface of the earth. You then descend sixteen and a half feet into a room about sixteen feet wide, twenty long, and eight high. In front of you is a large table rock, twelve or fourteen feet square, two feet thick, and elevated about four feet from the bottom of the cavern. The roof over head is covered with stalactites, 132 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. some of which reach to the rock.* On your left hand is an arched way of a hundred and fifty feet ; and on your right is another arched way, six feet broad at the bottom, and six high, leading into a large room. Passing by this arch about twenty feet, you arrive at another, which leads into a hall ten feet wide and one hundred long, from five to eight feet high, supported by pillars and arches, and the sides bordered with what appears like curtains, plaited in variegated forms as white as snow.f Through another arch you pass into a number of rooms curtained and having stalactites hanging from the roof. You then descend ten feet into a chamber about twenty feet square, curtained in like manner and hung over with stalactites. In one corner of this room is a mound, the top of which is hollow and full of water, from the drip- pings of stalactites above, some of which reach near to the basin. The number and spaciousness of the rooms, curtained and plaited with large plaits, extending along the walls from two to three feet from the roof, of the most perfect whiteness, resembling the most beautiful tapestry ; the large drops of water, which are constantly suspended from the roofs ; the columns of spar resting on pedestals, which in some places seem to be formed to support the arches ; the reflection of the lights, and the great extent and variety of the scenery of this wonderful cavern — form altogether one of the most pleasing and interesting scenes of the kind ever beheld by the eye of man." * Stalactites are produced by water dripping very slowly and for ages From the roofs and sides of caverns. The water, in its passage through the pores or cracks of limestone and marble, dissolves some particles, These particles unite and gradually form a solid and beautiful substance, la shape and appearance resembling an icicle. Some stalactites are nearly transparent. t These curtains are of the same substance as the stalactites 5 the sub- stance is also called spar. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 133 Iii Virginia, the natural bridge over a small stream called Cedar Creek, is regarded as a great curiosity. The stream flows through a chasm two hundred and fifty feet deep, forty-five wide at the bottom, and ninety at the top ; and across the chasm extends a huge rock sixty feet wide in the middle, forming a bridge over the stream- This bridge, of course, is between five and six rods in length. On the top there is a coat of earth, which gives growth to large trees. The bridge is arching, and the thickness of earth and rock of which it is composed, is about forty feet at the highest part of the arch. To a person standing on the bridge, a view of the chasm and stream below is painful and intolerable ; but to a person at the bottom of the chasm, a view of the bridge is de- lightful in an equal extreme. " So beautiful an arch, so elevated, so light, and springing, as it were, up to heaven — the rapture of the spectator is indescribable." The passage of the Potomac through the Blue Ridge is said to present one of the most tremendous scenes in nature ; but the most remarkable cataract in Virginia is the cascade of Falling Spring, so called. This stream falls over a rock two hundred feet high into the valley below. The sheet of water is twelve or fifteen feet wide above, but spreads as it descends. It is broken in breadth by the rock in two or three places, but not at all in height. Between the sheet and the rock at the bottom, one may pass through dry. In Virginia are several remarkable caves, of which the most extraordinary is Wier's Cave. It is about half' a mile in length, and contains several apartments ; and like the cave already described, presents the most beautiful incrustations and stalactites, formed by the dropping of 134 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 'the water. One of the rooms in this cave, called Wash- ington Hall, is about two hundred and seventy feet in length, about thirty-five in width, and between thirty and forty feet high. A visitor speaks of it as the most ele- gant room he ever saw. The roofs and sides are very beautifully adorned by the tinsels, which nature has be- stowed in the greatest profusion, and which sparkle like the diamond when viewed by the light of torches. Near the centre of this room is a white figure of limestone, very much in the shape of a man, which is called Wash- ington's statue. In another room is a noble pillar, called the Tower of Babel. It is about ninety feet in circum- ference, and thirty feet high. It is composed entirely of stalactites of lime, or, as some would judge from its ap- pearance, of icicles. In North-Carolina is mount Ararat, or Pilot Mountain. This mountain rises to the height of several thousand feet in the form of a pyramid, having at the top an area of about one acre. From this a stupendous rock shoots up like a steeple three hundred feet. It is seen at the distance of sixty or seventy miles, and formerly served, it is said, for a beacon or pilot to the Indians. In Georgia, the River Terrora descends three hundred feet in the space of a mile, and has one cataract of sixty feet nearly perpendicular. Toccoa Falls, on a small stream, form a beautiful cascade of one hundred and eighty-six feet. In the Cherokee country is a remarkable cave. As far as it has been explored, it forms a passage for a stream of cool and limpid water. This stream, where it leaves the cave, is sixty feet wide and six feet deep. Some years since a gentleman traced the course of it in a canoe VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 135 for the distance of three miles into the cave. He then came to a fall of water, which prevented him from pro- ceeding farther. He entered the cave in the morning, and returned in the evening, having spent twelve hours in his subterranean voyage. In the south-west part of Kentucky is a cave which has been explored to the distance of ten miles. It contains numerous avenues and apartments. The largest apart- ment yet discovered, or as it may be otherwise called, the chief area, contains more than eight acres, without a single pillar to support the arch, which is entire over the whole. Nothing can be more grand than this place, covered as it is with a solid arch at least one hundred feet high. The number of avenues leading from this area are five. They are from sixty to one hundred feet in width, and forty in height. Pursuing one of these avenues about two miles from the chief area, you enter a second containing six or seven acres, and covered with an arch two hundred feet high. In a third area of about a hundred feet square, is a delightful stream of pure water, which issues from the side of a wall about thirty feet high. A fourth area contains at least six acres, and is ten miles from the mouth of the cave. Here are up- wards of twenty piles of earth on the one side, and broken limestone heaped up on the other, evidently the work of human hands. A fifth area contains upwards of four acres of level ground strewed with limestone, and having fire beds of uncommon size, surrounded with brands of cane. Columns of spar sixty or seventy feet high are found in this cave, and also very rich and brilliant stalactites. One of the avenues is called the haunted chamber, from the echo within; it is more than two 136 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. miles in length, and its arch is very beautifully encrusted with limestone spar: In many places the columns of spar extend from the ceiling to the floor. Near the centre of this arch is a dome, apparently fifty feet high, hung with rich drapery, festooned in the most fanciful manner for six or eight feet from the hangings, and of colours the most rich and brilliant. This drapery, it .will be understood, is all solid rock, and formed in the same manner as the spar or stalactites, by the dropping of the water from the ceiling and sides of the cave. The earth found in this cave, as well as in others in the state of Kentucky, contains large quantities of saltpetre. In the state of Indiana is a very remarkable cave. It has been explored to the distance of about two miles, and besides other curious objects and substances found in caves, it is remarkable for containing vast quantities of the substance commonly called Epsom Salts. There are many caves in Indiana. Throughout the western country, extending from the Allegany to the Rocky Mountains, and from the great lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, are found numerous monu- ments of the ancient inhabitants. They consist of mounds, chiefly of earth, sometimes of stone, of embank- ments or walls, of ditches and excavations, and are supposed to be remains of forts, burying places, temples, altars, camps, towns, he. Similar mounds are found in various other parts of the globe. These monuments indicate great labour, and were evidently the work of a people far more civilized than the Indians, but far less so than the people of the United States. They contain no hewn stone, nor are there any ruins among them, which prove the existence in VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 137 former ages of buildings constructed of imperishable materials. They are found in the valleys of large streams, on elevated plains, sometimes on hills, and chiefly in fertile districts. The origin and history of these remarkable works are entirely unknown. The Indians can give no account of them, and there is no historical record or tradition concerning them. Some have supposed they were built by a people who have long since become extinct ; others, that they were built by the ancestors of the Indians. The subject, however, is still in utter obscurity. In the mounds are found axes and other utensils, orna- ments of stone, idols, potter's ware, mirrors made of isinglass, some silver, copper, and in a very few instances, iron. In Virginia, about fourteen miles below Wheeling, near the Ohio, is a mound three hundred feet in diameter at the bottom, sixty at the top, and seventy feet high. It has been opened far enough to ascertain that it incloses thousands of human skeletons. CHAPTER XLIII. POLITICAL ORGANIZATION OF THE STATES, AND OF THE UNITED STATES. Each of the twenty-four states has a constitution, laws, and government, of its own. By the constitution of a state is meant the written system or frame of go- vernment which the people of such state have adopted. It is a fundamental principle of the governments of the states, and of the United States, that all political authority N 138 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. or power resides originally in the people ; and that the people have a right, of which none may lawfully deprive them, to adopt whatever form of government they may choose ; and to change and alter such form, whenever in their opinion the public good requires it. The constitutions of the several states, with some lesser differ- ences, are very much alike. They all establish what is called a republican form of government ; that is, a government in which the people choose their own ru- lers for limited periods. A government of this kind is also called a representative government, because the per- sons who hold offices in such a government represent the people, or in other words, make use of the authority which the people have given them. The chief magistrate in each of the states is called the Governor. He is usually chosen for one year, though in some of the states he is chosen for a longer time. In each of the states there is a legislature, con- sisting, with one or two exceptions, of two bodies or houses, one called the House of Representatives, Dele- gates, or Assembly, and the other, the Senate. The legislature determines what laws shall be made, but no act of the legislature ordinarily becomes a law, till it is approved by the Governor. Each state also has a Supreme Court of its own, with inferior courts, for the administration of justice according to the constitution and laws. Although the several states are sovereign and inde- pendent, with distinct laws and governments of their own, they are yet closely united together, so as to form in fact one nation. It is on the preservation of this Union, that the safety and prosperity of the country essentially VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 139 depend. Beside the separate state governments, there- fore, there is a general or national government, which is properly the government of the United States. The written instrument, or Articles of Union, by which the duties and powers of the general government are pre- scribed and determined, is called the Constitution of the United States. It is also called the Federal Constitution. The purpose of this constitution is to assign to the general government such duties and powers only as more espe- cially relate to the general welfare, that is, to the welfare of the United States as a nation* The general government, or as it is otherwise called, the federal government, has the power of declaring war and making peace, of raising armies and maintaining a navy, of making treaties with foreign nations, of laying duties on goods and merchandise, of regulating commerce, coining money, establishing post-offices and post-roads, of punishing piracy and other crimes committed on the high seas, with many other important powers. The gene- ral government has the disposal of the vast unsettled territories of the United States, and the sole power of making new states and admitting them into the Union. The forts on the frontiers as well as at the entrances of harbours, and all the light-houses along our shores, are owned and maintained by the United States. The government of the United States, like the govern- ments of the individual states, is divided by the constitu- tion into three principal branches ; viz : the legislative, the executive, and the judiciary. The legislative branch or the Congress, as it is called, consists of a Senate and House of Representatives. To Congress belongs the power of making laws, according to the constitution. 140 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. At the head of the executive branch is the President, whose office corresponds, in many respects, to that of a governor of a particular state. The President has the general oversight and direction of the affairs of the Uni- on, and is by far the most important officer of the gene- ral government. The judiciary comprises the courts of the United States, whose duty it is to interpret the laws of the Union, and to administer justice according to them. But the several branches of government require a more particular consideration. What is meant by the constitution of a state ? On what fundamental principle are our state and national governments founded 1 What is said of the resemblance of the state constitutions to each other? What sort of government do they establish? What do you mean by a republican or representative government ? To which of the United States do you belong? In what manner and for how long a term, is the governor of your state chosen ?* Has he a council, and of what number does it consist ? Of how many branches does the legislature of your state consist? What number of members in each branch, and how are they chosen ? At what time of the year, and in what place, does the legislature meet 1 How are the judges of your state appointed? How long do they hold their office ? How are the military officers chosen or appointed ? Who are legal voters in the state to which you belong ? When did your state become independent, or when was it admitted into the I fnion ? . What do you understand by the constitution of the United States I When was this constitution framed, and for what purpose ? Into how many principal branches is the general government divided, and what are they called? .-,•-» To what does the office of President corre?pond, and what are its duties ? What power belongs to Congress ? What duty is assigned to the courts ? CHAPTER XLIV. LEGISLATURE OR CONGRESS. The legislature of the United States consists of a Se- nate and House of Representatives. Each of these bodies * The answer to this question, and to the eight questions immediately following it, must be sought in some other work. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 141 takes a part in the making of all the laws of the United States, and has other powers and duties. The Senate is composed of two Senators from each of the states, chosen by their respective legislatures for the term of six years. The Vice President of the United States is President of the Senate, and regulates its debates and proceedings; but he has no vote on any question, unless the Senate be equally divided. The Senate must be consulted by the President in the ratifi- cation of treaties, and in the appointment of many officers. The President may nominate persons for office, but the Senate must approve the nomination, before any appoint- ment can be made.* The Senate has the sole power of trying impeachments. That is, if the President, a Judge, or other civil officer, be complained of by the House of Representatives for wrong and unjust practices in office, the Senate is the court by whom it must be tried. If found guilty, he may be removed from his office, and be for ever after incapable of holding any office under the United States. The House of Representatives consists of members, chosen by the people of the several states for the term of two years. Each state has a right to send a number of representatives to Congress, according to the number of its inhabitants ; but in the choice of representatives, five slaves are counted as equal to three persons. The House of Representatives choose their own speaker, and other necessary officers. They have also the sole power of making impeachments ; that is, of bringing civil * The appointment of many inferior officers is regulated by law in a different manner. They are appointed Jby the President alone, or by other officers. The present ratio of representation is one representative for every forty thousand inhabitants. n2 42 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. officers before the Senate to be tried for misconduct in office. Each House, or body, keeps a journal of its pro- ceedings, and has rules established for regulating the transaction of business. Each House appoints standing committees on the most important subjects, such as the revenue, the public lands, commerce, the army, navy, &c. These committees, after considering the subjects referred to them, report to the House to which they re- spectively belong, what in their opinion is best to be done, or what laws it is best to make concerning the subjects they have considered. The general method of making laws is this. A bill or writing, containing the words of the law proposed to be made, is by leave introduced into one of the Houses of Congress, either by a committee to whom the subject has been referred, or by an individual member. This bill is twice read. If the House agree to take the bill into further consideration, it is discussed or debated by such members as choose to speak upon it. Every mem- ber has an opportunity to propose such alterations as he pleases, and to givereasons why the bill ought or ought not to become a law. If, after consideration, the bill, either with or without amendment, be agreed to by a majority of the House, it is sent to the otbea: House to be treated in a similar manner. If it be agreed to by a majority of this other House, it is then sent to the Presi- dent of the United States; and if he approve and sign it, the bill becomes a law. But if he refuse to sign it, he returns it, with objections ; and it cannot become a law, unless after being fully considered again by both Houses of Congress, two-thirds of each House agree to it. In this case it becomes a law, without being signed by the VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 143 President. If the President, however, do not return the bill within ten days (Sunday excepted), it becomes a law the same as if he had signed it, unless he is prevented from returning it by an adjournment of Congress. Congress is obliged to assemble at least once every year, and the meeting must be on the first Monday in December, unless a different day shall be appointed by law. Each House judges of the elections, returns, and qualifications of its own members, and a majority of each must be present in order to do business ; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and compel the attendance of absent members. Of whom is the Senate of the United States composed? In what manner, and for how long a time, are the Senators chosen ? Who presides when the Senate is assembled ? Has he a vote on any question ? On what subjects must the Senate be consulted by the President ? At what trials must the Senate sit as a court ? What punishment can the Senate inflict on persons found guilty? Of whom is the House of Representatives composed? By whom and for how long a period are they chosen ? How many representatives to Congress are chosen in the state to which you belong? What is the general method of making laws ? How may a bill become a law without the President's signature ? Besides taking a part in making laws, what other powers belong to the House of Representatives? How often and at what time is Congress required to assemble ? CHAPTEPv XLV. THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT.— HEADS OF DEPART- MENTS. The President and Vice President of the United States are chosen for the term of four years, and in the following manner. Each state appoints, in such manner is it may determine, a number of electors equal to the whole number of senators and representatives to which it 144 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. is entitled in Congress. These electors meet in their respective states on the same day throughout the Union, and vote by ballot for President and Vice President, one of whom, at least, must not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves. The person who has the greatest number of votes for President is chosen, provided such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed in all the states. But if no person has this majority, the House of Representatives in Congress choose by ballot one of the three who have the highest number of votes, to be the President. At this election, however, the vote is taken by states, the representation from each state having one vote. If no person voted for as Vice President have a majority of all the votes, the Vice President is elected by the Senate of the United States out of the two who have the highest number of votes. If the President be removed by death, or become in any way incapable of discharging the duties of his office, the Vice President is to supply his place. The powers and duties of the President are very va- rious and important. He is commander-in-chief of the army and navy of the United States ; he has power, with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties with foreign nations, provided two-thirds of the Senate concur ; he has the right to nominate, and with the con- sent of the Senate to appoint, ambassadors and other public ministers to foreign countries ; to appoint consuls to reside at foreign cities for the purpose of protecting commerce ; to appoint Judges of the Supreme Court and of the inferior courts of the United States ; to appoint officers of the army and navy, collectors of the customs, and other officers connected with the revenue ; to ap- VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 145 point the governors and judges of the organized territo- ries, and a great number of other officers, who hold their places under the authority of the United States. The President, from time to time, gives Congress in- formation of the state of the Union, and recommends to their consideration such measures as he thinks needful and expedient ; and in extraordinary cases, he can con- vene both houses of Congress, or either of them. To assist the President in carrying on the executive branch of the government, there are four departments, established by law, the officers of which are appointed by him, and called Heads of Departments. The first department is called the Department of State ; it consists of a Secretary of State, a chief clerk, and a number of inferior clerks. The Secretary of State has the keeping of all the acts and resolutions passed by Congress. These he causes to be recorded in books provided for that purpose. He keeps the seal of the United States, and affixes it to the commissions of all officers under the general government. Under the direction of the President, he has the care of all correspondence with foreign nations ; of giving instruc- tions to our ministers and consuls abroad ; and of coi>- ducting negotiations with the public ministers, who are sent hither from foreign governments. These are all very important duties, since questions of peace and war may often depend on skilfully performing them. The next department is that of the Treasury. It consists of a Secretary of the Treasury, two Comptrol- lers, five Auditors, a Registrar, Treasurer, and several inferior officers. This department has the care of the public revenue, the collection and expenditure of the 146 VIEW Or THE UNITED STATES. public money ; but no money can be drawn from the treasury without a previous appropriation by law. Con- nected with this department are the collectors of the customs hroughout the Union, and the agents for the sale of public lands. The Secretary of the Treasury has the particular oversight and inspection of commerce. The third department is called the department of War. The principal officer of this department is the Secretary of War. He has the oversight and manage- ment of the army of the United States; provides the soldiers with supplies ; and under the direction of the President, appoints the places where they shall be sta- tioned. The erection and repairs of fortresses, forts, and arsenals, are under the direction of the Secretary of W T ar. The fourth department is that of the Navy. The Secretary of the Navy has the general oversight, care, and management, of all the ships of war, public vessels, and naval stores, of the United States. The navy yard, the building of new vessels, the repairs of old ones, and the manning, equipping, and employing of these vessels, are under his direction. To assist him in the discharge of these important duties, three experienced officers of the Navy are appointed, called the Board of Commis- sioners for the Navy. The heads of these four departments, together with the Attorney General of the United States,* compose what is commonly called the President's Cabinet. He consults them as he chooses in the discharge of his du- ties, and may require, when he pleases, their opinions in writing upon any subjects relating to the duties of their respective offices. * The Attorney General manages the causes before the Supreme Court, in which the United States are a party. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 147 Besides the four departments already mentioned, there is another, connected with the executive branch of the general government, called the Post Office Department. The person at the head of this department is called the Postmaster General, and, like the other heads of depart- ments, is appointed by the President. The Postmaster General establishes Post Offices wherever he deems it expedient, and appoints postmasters to keep them. He also provides for carrying the mail into all the different parts of the country. The Master of the Mint, who superintends the coining of money, is also appointed by the President. For discharging properly the duties of President of the United States, great knowledge, talents, and experi- ence, are indispensable ; and even these qualifications are not sufficient, without great integrity and virtue. For how long a term are the President and Vice President of the United States chosen ? In what manner are they chosen respectively ? When the choice of President is made by the Representatives in Congress, in what manner do they vote ? When no person has a majority of votes for Vice President, how is the Vice President chosen ? When does he take the President's place ? What are the duties of the President ? What duties are assigned to the Secretary of State ? To the Secretary of the Treasury 1 To the Secretary of War ? To the Secretary of the Navy? Who are the President's cabinet? What duties are assigned to the Postmaster General ? To the Master of the Mint ? What duties are performed by the Attorney General ? CHAPTER XLVI. JUDICIARY.— REM ARKS . The Supreme Court of the United States consists of a ©Miff Justice and six associate Justices, who are ap- 148 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. pointed by the President, with the consent of the Senate, and who hold their offices during good behaviour. It is this august tribunal which binds the Union firmly to- gether, by preventing the general government or the go- vernments of the individual states, from passing the limits prescribed to them by the constitution. Besides the Supreme Court, there are other inferior courts of the United States, called Circuit Courts and District Courts. The United States are divided into districts, a state generally being one district, though some of the largest states comprise two districts. In each of these districts a judge is appointed by the President, for the purpose of holding stated courts, called district courts. The United States are also divided into seven circuits ; each judge of the Supreme Court has one circuit, and holds courts in each district of his circuit, the judge of each district sitting with him as an assistant. All cases in which the United States are a party, are managed before the courts, either by the Attorney Gen- eral of the United States, or by other persons, called district attorneys. The courts which have been de- scribed, have jurisdiction in all cases in law or equity, arising under the constitution and laws of the United States, and under treaties made with foreign nations ; in all controversies to which the United States are a party ; in disputes between two or more states, between citizens of different states, and in other important cases. Per- sons not satisfied with decisions in the District or Circuit Courts, may appeal, except in cases of trials for crime, to the Supreme Court. From the view which has been given of the Constitu- tion of the United States, it appears, that as a nation we VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 149 are placed under a form of government, eminently adapt- ed to promote the general welfare. It is not easy to conceive in what manner more judicious provisions could be made for the passage of good and wholesome laws, and for the prosperous administration of government, than are made bv the Constitution. Both Houses of Congress have a voice in the passage of every law of the United States. The members of the House of Representatives, as has been already stated, are chosen by the people for the term of two years. No person can be a member, unless he is twenly-five years of age, and a citizen of the United States ; that is, either an inhabitant bom in the country, or made a citizen on declaring his approbation ol the constitution, and promis- ing to support it. Thus the people have the liberty of choosing wise and good men to be their representatives in Congress. The people of each state choose persons to make their own state laws ; and these persons choose the Se- nators to Congress for the state to which they belong. Although the Senators are now chosen for the term of six years, yet when the present form of government went into operation, the Senate was divided into three classes in such a manner, as to require a third part of the Se- nate to be chosen anew every two years.* No person can be a Senator of the United States, unless he is thirty years of age, and a citizen. It seems as if very wise and prudent arrangements were made to secure an able and upright Senate in Congress. The legislatures of the several states, or else the peo- * The term of the first class was two years, that of the second four years, that of the third six years. 150 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. pie themselves, choose the persons who are to elect the President, but no person can be President till he is thirty-five years of age, nor unless he is a native-born citizen.* Thus provision is made for placing at the head of the government, if the people choose to do it, the wisest, best, and most suitable person in the country. Moreover, the Judges of the Supreme Court and of the inferior Courts of the United States are appointed by the President, with the consent of the Senate, to hold their office as long as they live, provided their behaviour in office is good. They cannot be turned out of office, unless they are tried and condemned by the Senate. Thus it appears that the best arrangement is made to se- cure the appointment of upright and able Judges, and that the tenure by which they hold their office is such, as to secure in the best manner an independent, impar- tial, and faithful administration of justice. It is not possible, perhaps, for the people of this, or of any other country, to form a better government than the one under which we are living. The powers and duties of the several branches of the government, the rights of the states, and of individual citizens, are so carefully and properly defined, and the whole system is so well pro- vided with checks and balances, as to secure, one would think, if any form of government can secure, the prospe- rity of the nation. But it must never be forgotten, that no form of go- vernment can of itself make a nation prosperous and - i.i ■ — - * The words of the Constitution are these : ". No person except a natu- ral born citizen, or a citizen of the United States at the time of the adop- tion of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President." It is now so long since the Constitution was adopted, that no person except a native citizen has any ehance of being elected. VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 151 happy. It must never be forgotten, that in a free go- vernment like ours, in which the people have all the power, and choose their own rulers, general intelligence and virtue among the people are. absolutely requisite to the general welfare. An ignorant people know not how to make a proper selection of rulers. They are continu- ally liable to be imposed upon by crafty and aspiring men, seeking places of honour, authority, and profit, for their own good, and not for the people's. A people without virtue, will of course choose men without virtue to govern them ; and we have good authority for saying, that " when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn," and are unhappy.* The governments of the individual states, as well as the government of the United States, have all been framed and established on the principle, that they are to be supported and maintained by the intelligence and virtue of the people ; but no people can be intelligent and virtuous, without institutions of knowledge and of religion to make them so. It is' essentially important, therefore, that good schools, the public worship of God, and public instruction in religion and morality, be esta- lished and maintained throughout the United States. It is essential to the preservation of civil liberty, and to a righteous administration of government from age to age, that our youth be early and deeply impressed w T ith the fear of God, with a sense of responsibility to him, with the value of truth, with the conviction that virtue and happiness are connected, that " righteousness exalteth a nation, and that sin is a reproach to any people. "f * Prov.xiix. 2. f Prov. xiv. 34. 152 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. Of whom is the Supreme Court composed ? What is said of the influence of this august tribunal ? What other courts of the United States ? Give an account of each. In what cases have the courts of the United States jurisdiction 1 What remark is made upon the form of government under which we are living ? How old must a person be before he can be chosen a Representative in Congress ? How old before he can be a Senator of the United States 1 How old before he can be a President ? What is said of the provision made for the appointment of Judges, and for the administration of justice ? What besides a good governmentis requisite to make a nation prosperous and happy ? How are the state and national governments to be supported and main- tained ? What is necessary to render the people intelligent and virtuous ? What is essential to the preservation of civil liberty, and to a righteous administration of government from age to age ? CHAPTER XLVIT. CONCLUSION.— ADDRESS TO THE YOUTH OF THE UNITED STATES, In the last chapter some notice was taken of the prin- ciples and virtues, by which the blessings and privileges enjoyed by the people of the United States are to be continued and transmitted from age to age. I propose in this concluding chapter, to call your attention more particularly to the character and duties of a good repub- lican citizen. No youth can read and understand the constitution of the United States, nor the constitution of the particular state to which he belongs, without perceiving that very important duties are assigned to the people. In other words, the people have taken upon themselves very im- portant duties in relation to the government under which they "live. They have determined for themselves what VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 153 the form of this government shall be, and they claim and exercise the sole right to choose persons to administer it, and to make laws under it. The people of this country, under the Providence of God, are the guardians of their own privileges, and consequently of their own happiness. The happiness of the people as a nation is essentially connected with a faithful and wise administration of the government ; but in order to such an administration of the government, faithful and wise men must be chosen into office. Every citizen of the United States, then, enjoying the right of suffrage, has important duties to perform in rela- tion to the votes he gives in the choice of rulers. These duties, like all other duties, should be performed in the spirit of truth and integrity. In giving his vote or ballot, he should consider himself as highly responsible, as un- dertaking to discharge a moral as well as civil duty. If he gives his vote for a person whom he does not believe to be an upright and capable man, he does wrong ; he does wrong to himself and his country ; he puts in jeo- pardy, so far as his own influence goes, his political privi- leges. He neglects to act as a faithful guardian of his own welfare and that of his countrymen. Men under the influence of party spirit, are apt to suppose that their political duties are not moral duties ; that in discharging these duties they may act as they please 5 that their civil liberty gives them the absolute right to vote for such persons as they are inclined to vote for. But it is very important, my young friends, that every person, having the right of suffrage, consider him- self morally bound to exercise this right in an honest and conscientious manner. Whenever, therefore, you shall o2 154 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. come to be of age to vote for persons to fill important stations in the government, you must act as really in the fear of God, as in performing other important duties. You must never give your vote or voice in favour of persons whom you do not believe to be capable and worthy. You must consider it not only as unwise and unsafe, but absolutely immoral, to entrust the public wel- fare to the management of persons to whom you would be unwilling to confide your own private concerns. He who is not faithful in that which is least, certainly will not be faithful in that which is greatest. He that is dis- honourable, selfish, and fraudulent, in private life, will be very unlikely to sustain a different character in public life. But the duties of a good republican citizen are not all, nor chiefly, comprised in an honest and conscientious exercise of the right of suffrage. There are other duties to be performed, and other virtues to be cherished and maintained, beside those which relate to the choice of rulers; duties and virtues which cannot be overlooked and neglected, without putting at hazard all the privileges which render this country peculiarly dear to the friends of liberty. If you would be good republican citizens, you must cherish and maintain good republican principles and habits. In the Declaration of Independence, made and published by the Congress at Philadelphia in 1776, it is stated as a self-evident truth, " that all men are created equal." Our republican government is established upon this truth. No man can exercise an undue influence over another, without violating this principle of liberty ; and all affectation of stateliness and display, which is calculated to render those in humbler circumstances VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 155 discontented with their lot, is anti-republican. A real republican is a right plain man — plain in dress, plain in manners, plain in speech, and plain in all his arrange- ments. Among the most important republican virtues, is eco~ nomy or frugality. It is not to be expected that the great body of the people of any country will be rich. If they are furnished with the means of comfortable subsistence, and at the same time are making a prudent use of these means, they ought to be considered a prosperous and happy people. The general practice of economy would have an obvious tendency to preserve that equality among men which is favourable to the support of free republi- can institutions, and without which they cannot be main- tained mfact, though they may be in form. A man of economy, who is at the same time a friend to republican principles, contrives to husband his resources so as to be master of himself. If his income is small, he is careful not to have an excess of wants. He adapts his mode of living to his means of living, contents himself with a little, and is as truly a freeman as his wealthier neighbour. His opinions are his own, his vote is his own, and he cannot be interrupted by treats, threats, nor promises. He relinquishes nothing of self-respect, nothing of dignity, nothing of honour, nothing of integrity, nothing of true love of country, because he is not rich, or because he is poor. He is thankful that he lives in a land of liberty ; thankful, also, that he is not a slave to artificial wants, and to desires which he cannot answer; thankful that his wants and desires are conformed to his means. Such a man is a republican in the best sense of the word; he knows by experience what liberty is. 156 VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. It is highly important, my young friends, that you early acquire and establish habits of economy in matters of expense. It is important to your own personal welfare — to your success in the world, as well as to the welfare of your country. Young people are apt to entertain extravagant and absurd notions of life — to estimate their enjoyments by the money they cost — to choose enjoy- ments which are expensive and connected with display* But you may depend upon it, the most valuable enjoy- ments are easily obtained ; they cost but little money, and are within the reach of all, of the poor as well as of the rich. If a person's design is to secure such privi- leges and enjoyments only as are connected with virtue, with sobriety, with intellectual improvement, with eleva- tion of character, he may carry his design into operation with very limited funds. It is dissipation, sensual enjoy- ments, enjoyments which have no good moral tendency, it is such enjoyments as these that cost money, and that very often put young persons upon disagreeable and dis- honourable expedients to meet their expenses. The truth is, men's dispensable wants, wants which their own folly has created, or which the absurd customs of society have imposed — these wants are all expensive ; and they do more than a little to prevent young people from rising in the world — to bring on failures, discouragements, habits of intemperance, and crimes. Finally, my young friends, I would have you prize your condition as citizens of the United States, not for the prospects of wealth which the country presents, but for the superior means it furnishes of forming and per- petuating an intelligent, moral, and religious people. I would have it deeply impressed on your minds, that the VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES. 157 same wisdom and virtue which achieved the indepen- dence of the country must preserve it — that " liberty and the pursuit of happiness" cannot be secured to the na- tion, and transmitted from age to age, without a steady pursuit of those moral and intellectual attainments, with which public happiness is essentially connected. I would always have you look upon selfish ambition, prodigality, and vice of every name, not only as wrong in the sight of God, but as injurious to your country ; not only as immoral, but as anti-republican. What duties have the people taken upon themselves in relation to the government ? Of what are they, under Providence, the guardians ? With what is the happiness of the people as a nation connected ? How must a faithful and wise administration of government be secured ? How must the duties of voting be performed ? What views are men apt to have of their political duties ? In what manner is a citizen morally bound to exercise the right of suf- frage ? For whom must you not vote, and for what reason ? On what self-evident truth is our government founded? When is this principle of liberty violated ? What is the character of a real republican ? What is among the most important republican virtues 1 What would be the obvious tendency of the general practice of economy ? How does an economical republican husband his resources 1 What is said of his opinions, his vote, his integrity, &c. ? For what is he thankful 1 What notions are young people apt to entertain ? How are they apt to estimate and choose enjoyments 1 What is said of the most valuable enjoyments ? What enjoyments and wants are most expensive ? What do they prevent, and what tend to bring on ? For what should you prize your condition as citizens of the United States ? QUESTIONS ON THE MAP OE THE UNITED STATES, What states and territory border on the Atlantic ? What on the Gulf of Mexico ? What states and territories border on the great Lakes 1 What is the direc- tion of the coast from Florida to Maine ? How is Maine bounded ? New-Hampshire ? Vermont ? Massachusetts ? Rhode-Island? Connecticut? New- York ? New-Jersey? Pennsylva- nia? Delaware? Maryland? Virginia? North-Carolina? South-Caro- lina? Georgia? the Territory of Florida? Alabama? Missisippi ? Lou- isiana? Tennessee? Kentucky? Ohio? Indiana? Illinois? Missouri? Michigan Territory ? Huron Territory ? Arkansas Territory ? What territory extends farthest west ? How is it bounded 1 Which way is Maine from Louisiana? From Michigan ? Which way is Georgia from Louisiana ? From Illinois ? From Maine ? Which way is Missouri from Georgia ? From Virginia and Maryland ? From Louisiana ? Which way is Tennessee fiom Ohio and Indiana? From the Gulf of Mexico ? Which way is Missisippi from Illinois ? From Georgia ? From New- York ? From Missouri ? Which way is South-Carolina from Ohio ?, From Missisippi ? From Mas- sachusetts ? From Indiana ? Which way is Rhode-Island from New-Hampshire ? From Pennsylvania? From New-York ? From Virginia ? Which way is Connecticut from Vermont ? From Maryland ? From Ohio? Which way is New-York from Virginia and Maryland ? From Michigan ? Which way is New-Jersey from Ohio ? From Maine ? Which way is Delaware from New- York ? Which way is Pennsylvania from Maine ? From Indiana ? From North- Carolina ? From Lake Ontario ? Between what states is the District of Columbia ? CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 1585 Unsuccessful attempt to establish a colony at Roan- oke, on the coast of North-Carolina. 1607 First permanent colony lands in Virginia. Unsuccessful attempt to establish a colony on the coast of Maine, near the mouth of the Kennebeck. 1610 The Dutch build a fort near the mouth of the Hud- son, and found the town of New- Amsterdam, afterwards New- York. 1620 The pilgrims land at Plymouth. 1623 First settlement on the Piscataqua. 1628 Colony of Massachusetts Bay. Salem founded. 1630 Boston founded. 1632 Charter of Maryland granted. 1634 First colony arrives in Maryland. 1635 First settlements in Connecticut. 1636 Colony of Providence founded. Swedes settle on the Delaware. 1638 Settlement of Rhode-Island. Colony of New-Ha- ven planted. 1644 Providence and Rhode-Island united. 1655 The Dutch conquer the Swedish settlements on the Delaware. 1663 Charter of Carolina granted. 1664 The Dutch settlements conquered by the English. Colonies of New- York and New-Jersey. 1677 New-Jersey divided into East and West Jersey. Maine purchased by Massachusetts of the heirs of Gorges. 160 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 1630 City of Charleston founded. New-Hampshire erect- ed into a distinct province. 1681 Charter of Pennsylvania granted. 1682 Penn lands on the Delaware, and founds the city of ■Pennsylvania. 1701 Delaware erected into a distinct jurisdiction. 1702 The Jerseys re-united, and become a royal province. 1717 City of New-Orleans founded by the French. 17*23 Fort Dummer built, the first settlement in Vermont. 1732 Colony of Georgia planted. 1773 First settlements in Kentucky begin. 1776 The United States declare themselves Independent. 1783 Peace with Great Britain. 1788 Settlements begin at Marietta, on the Ohio. 1789 George Washington first President under the new Constitution. 1791 Vermont admitted to the Union. 1792 Kentucky admitted to the Union. 1795 Tennessee admitted to the Union. 1797 John Adams second President. 1801 Thomas Jefferson third President. 1802 Ohio admitted to the Union. 1803 Louisiana purchased by the United States. 1809 James Madison fourth President. 1812 Louisiana admitted to the Union. 1816 Indiana admitted to the Union. 1817 Missisippi admitted to the Union. James Monroe fifth President. 1818 Illinois admitted to the Union. 1819 Alabama admitted to the Union. 1820 Maine admitted to the Union. 1821 Florida ceded to the United States. Missouri admitted to the Union. 1825 John Q,. Adams sixth President. 1829 Andrew Jackson seventh President. - j-' ef *RVOF 3 •