LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 0000^=307531 ,1 'i/ FIRST KESSOMS . HIST IBY OB THE- COMPILED FOR THE TTSE OF THE JUNIOR CLASSES IN JOSEPH HOXIB'S ACADE3MET. BY MKS. C. M THAYER, LATE SUPERINTEND T^NT OP THE FEIMCAZjE DEPAHT3VIENT, PUBLISHED BY JOHN F. SIBELt, 264 Pearl-Street WILLIAM A MERCEIN, PRINTER, 13 Burling-Slip; 1828. ^Southern District of New- York, ss. BE IT REMEMBERED, Tiiat on the r^-^^^-^^~r^^ third day of June, in tiie 47tli- S S year of the Independence of the S S United States of America, Joseph ^ » ^ c ^°^'6i of ^he said district, hath ^ **■ **■ 1^ deposited in this office the title of ^ C ^ Book, the right wheieof he S > claims as proprietoi, in th;: words ^^-r^^j ^^-^ following, to wit : * First Lessons in the H'story of tne Utjited States; ** compiled for the use of the Junior Classes in Joseph '' Hbxie's Academy. By xVIrs. C. M. Thayer, late "Superintendent of the Female Department." 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 ;'"■ and also lo an Act, en- titled, '' an Act, supplementary to an Act, entitled, an Act for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprie- tors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned, and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing,, siigiaving, and etching historical and other prints." ^ JAMES DILL, Clerk of the Southern District of New-York. .) ADVERTXSSMESNT TO THE THIRD EDITION. The approbation which an intelligent and gene- rous publick have bestowed upon this little work, not only encourages the Proprietor to publish a third edition, but induces him to believe it is becoming a very useful school book. Without any puffing, or «ven advertising, vvithout even throwing it into the market, two large editions of this truly American work have been sold. And indeed what work can be fount! more adapted to the capacities and circumstances of the youth of our country? Can a son6r daughter in the United States find any other really well fitted to youthful cap.icity, and yet so subsidiary to the pro- motion of all those sublime, patriotick, extensive and benevolent view s :>nd f«^e!ings, that make up the truly great and useful man ' When a youth in the follow- ing pages contemplates the circumstances that led to the discovery and settlement of this coutineni ; the toils of our ancestors in the wilderness ; their he- roick and successfnlresistance of foreign tyranny, he cannot fail of becoming a better citizen and a better man. The contemplation of such an event as the American revolution is better calculated to elevate and rejoice the heb't than the contemplation of the siege of Troy ; and a perusal of the deeds of a Washington, a Franklin, a Hamilton, a La Fayette, a Hancock, an Adams, and others the patriot sages and heroes of our Revolution, has a much more salutary ten- dency than the study of the far famed characters presented to the world in thewritinesof Homer arid yirfil. ^^ The ProprietorVill only add, that, as no labour ar expense has been spared to render this edi- tion of •' First Lessons in the History of the United States," interesting and profitable to tl)e rising gen- eration, he hopes it will, as an elementary bo k. or a hoJiday present find its way into the hands of eve- ry child in the counirj. RISCOMM^PHBATSOHS, To Mr. Joseph Hoxie, Principal of the Academy at Str Mattiiews, New- York. New-York, July 17, 1823. Dear Sir— As an American and as a fathtr. I feel greatly indebted io Mrs. Thayer for the admirabh' little volume on American History, with which she has favour- ed your young pupils, and the public. But as a Chris- tian also, I tender her my special thanks for the sound principles which she endeavours to inculcate on the ju- venile mind, by means of that publication. Independent of the authentic character, the suitable se- lections, the impressive detail, and the judicious form of the " First Lessons," their tendency is obvious, from the brief concluding addiess, to subserve the true interests of our country ; for " no nation can long continue free, un- less her childien are instructed to fear God and practice virtue." Very respectfully, your sincere friend and ser- vant, F C SCHAEFFER. Pastor of the Lutheran Church, J^ew-York. Mr. J. Hoxie — Sir : I have given the little volume by Mrs. Thayer ti thorough perusal ; and it affords me plea- sure to state, as my opinion of its merits, that the author- ess has happily succeede** in adapting the interesting and important study of the history of our country to the capa- city of childhood. History has seldom been effectually/ taught in our schools : not, however, for want ol the strictest attention of scholars non of the most laborious exertions on the part of the teachers, but it is chiefly to be attributed to the diffuse and inappropriate arrangement of the histories said to be '' written for the use of Schools'' \ In executing the " First Lessons in the History of the United States," Mrs. Thayer has not been misled by that false pride of 4» BECOMMEKDATIOlfS. authorship which has occasioned so many writers for yoiifb lo '< forget the day of small things." The L."-sons have been arranged with a particular view to thp (int x- panded understanding of children, and ^iressed in a style, which, though simple, is by uo means characte: ized by stenlity of expression. As an Anierictn, I shall be par- doned for clr'ssing, amongst its must p ominent merits, that spirit of patriotism breathing through its pages, which I consider admirably calculated to inspiie an ar- alent love of our native country, eveit ^t an early age. Yours, &,c. Joseph C. Hart, Late Principal of the Mechanic s School, JVewYork. (A similar recommendation has been received from Mr. .f.ohn Coats, Principal of the Philom Academy, No. 208 VVilpam-Street, which has been mislaid.) New. York, July 28. 1824. M^s. Thayer — Madam, 1 have perused with g eat sa- tisfaction, your work entitled, "First Lessons in the His- tory of the United States," and since. ely hope it was not intended exclusively "for the Junior Classes in Mr. Hoxie's Academy." We have long felt the want of a work of this kind adapled to the capacities of children ; but, afte^ the suc» cessful manner wi^h which you have treated the s .ijject, 1 think our necessities are supplied, and trust the minds of the children entrusted to our care, will (after rea ing it) bf generally incited to know moieof the interesting history of our highly favoured country ; a count y not only the " land of the olive and the i^rape, " but the nur- sery of liberty, and the asylum of the oppressed May it also become (through the exertions of enlight- ened instructers and the continuance of the blessiUg^of that providence which has done so much foi U'^,^ a na- tion whose virtues shall be equal to its privileges. With my best wishes for the successful eflfects ot your "abours in the culture of the youthful mind, I remain, Madam, yours, &c. E.Oram, Principal of a Select Female School, Broadway. RECOMMFITDATIODrs. 7 Mr Hoxie — Dear Sir ; The little volume of American History, which you had the politeness to s iid me, I have exa:uined. and highly ripprove of tlie p .n of qu.^Ntion and answer; andfiOiH the cursoiy pemsa; which 1 iiave given it, It appeal s to be judiciously coinpliii. At piesent I have no juvenile classes o.i the subject in question ; when [ shall have, ( will intioduce your b«ok with plea- sure. Yours, with -espect, sic R Lockwood, Principal oj an Acaiitiaij in Chamber street. The History of the United States of America, in 24 les- sons, and 144 pages, 18 mo by Caiolint Matilda Thayer, of (New York, appeais to be a compilation bette. calcu- lated for small scliolais then the much larger and excel- lent work of a similar kin-i, by Rev. C. A. Goo'iricb. Corns. C Blatchly, M. D. 27 of 7 .no. 1823. From Rev M. M- Carll. Principal of an .Academy in Phii'ddelphia " Fust Leesons in the Hist >ry of the Umted States," appears to me to be d book well calculated to einswer the pu poiie foi which it was designed. Its arrangeiiients bein^ divided into short Lessons, folioned by a series of Qui-stioi s on the leading lacth, will have a tendency not only to lessen the labours oi me teache., hut cannot fail to make a leep and lasting impression on liie mind ot ine pupil It would give me pie-'Sure to see the histories of Greece, Romr , and England, thrown into the same form. Philadelphia, J my 31. 1822. Mrs. C. M. Thayek. New- York, July 22, 1822, I have examined an abridged History of the United States, designed for the pupils in Mr. Hoxie's scheeL 8 REGOMMENDATIONS. by Mrs. CM. Thayer. It comprises the most inter- esting facts respecting the settlement, progress, and institutions of our country, as recorded by the best writers, and is better adapted to the wants ofyoung learners than any other work of its kind which I have seen. W S.Cardell, Principal of the Cornelia Institution, JVo 9 Murray-St . From B M'Gowan, Teacher, Cherry-st New York, July 14,1823 Mr. M Gowan ret:irns Mr Hoxie thanks, for the little book ''First Lessons ' He cousiHeis the plan very good, and the arrangement jiuiicious, making the exeicise for each, inore a pleasant study tnan a tedious and difficult task, having the most essential part of " Grimshaw's" history reduced to a small compendium The questions at the end of each chapter are a valuable acquisition, and no doubt will force its way into the different schools in a short time. New-York, July 22, 1823. I am convinced that Mrs. Thayer's Fiitt Lessons in the History of the United States, is much better adapted to the capacities of children than any other I i)ave read. I remain, d^ar sir, jours, A:c.\Vm Fob EST, A M. Teacher of an English and Mathematical School f War- ren-street Joseph Hoxie, Esq. To Joseph Hoxie, Esq. Principal of an Academy, &c. White street, July 12, 3 P. M 1823 Samuel L. Mitchel has read with as nuich attention as he could, Mrs. I'hayer's First Lessons of Fredonian History, fowarded a few days ago. He rejoices to find in the intelligent author a person who gives credit to the navigators of the North, the RECOMMENDATIONS. 9 Ericksons, and others, worthy of higher praise than they have generally received ; and who may. without extrava- gance, be conjectured to have pushed tfteir discoveries t» Cap.- Cod, if not to Montauk Point, four hundred years •t least befo,e rol.nnbus was hoin All) he is gratified in the pei>isal of such an epitome as seems calculated to make stmng and jus^t impressions on the yo thfi/l mind, and to p.epHre the pcipils of her •are to .itiderstrtnd how the several B.n.sh plantations, colonies, anl p ovinces, g.evvinio mrlependent st ites, and lonned that political associiiiion or pa tnership which distinguishes them from all the govennents of an- cient and modern times. Warren Academy. July 23, 1823. D«v.R SiR-I hare examined Mrs. Thaye' s ' First Lessons m the History of the United Stales/ and think it a valuable little compendium, well calculated to intro- duce the juveniit* mmd to an acquaintance with the his- tory of our own countrv It will be read with interest by all classes. The topics are judiciously selected, and exp. eased with that clearness antJ elegance which make the perusal of the wok highly interesting As a text book, the questions annexed to the end of each chapter are a valuable appendage. Wishing the work its merited patronage, I ara, witk great esteem, yours, fee. Charles Beldew, Prineijial of Warrea Academy. Mr. Josepii Hoxie. PREFACE. The compiler of the following- pages is far from supposmg she has added any tiling to the stock of historical knowledge already before the public. Her only aim has been to present the outhnes of the histor) of our own country in such a form as to be easily remembered by children. The want ol some such book for the use of the Junior Classes in the Seminary where she has the happiness to teach, has been her principal inducement to the undertaking, in which she has been encouraged by her respected friend, the prin- cipal ; to whose zealous exertions for the improvement of nis pupils, the public is in- debted for the publication of what was at first designed only to be used in manuscript. It is hardly necessary to add, that this little book is not intended to preclude the use of a more extensive work. The history of the United States, by Grim- shaw, is written in a style which cannot fail to please, and combines much useful infor- mation ; but it is believed that a portion of PREFACE. II the leisure hours of children may be profita- bly devoted to reading the history of our own country, before they are old enough to comprehend the whole of that interesting vo- lume. This little work may serve as an in- troduction to that or any other history of the United States. Questions are added to each lesson, because the writer has found, from experience, that children will study with more pleasure, and, consequently, with great- er improvement, when their minds are di- rected to particular facts. It is not neces- sary, however, that teachers should be con- fined to these questions, v\ hatever may be ehcited by genms, or added by industry, may be brought into requisition, and subserve the important purpose ot cultivating the immor- tal mind, in the early stage of its progress to« wards the perfection for which it has been designed by the beneficent Creator. FIRST LESSONS IN TTIE KZSTOaY OP TUn UJflTED STATES. ZiESSO!^ I. DISCOVERY. The first discovery of the American Con- tinent has been generally ascribed to Christo- pher Columbus ; but as it is now universally admitted that Greenland is a part ot the American Continent, the date of the discovery must be carried back to the year 982, when the Norweij^ians first visited that country. In the \eai 1003, they also discoveied a country, which the} called Vineland, where the} plant- ed a colony. This is supposed to have been the coast of Labrador ; but their attempts to colonize the country were unsuccessful, and the partial knowledge they had obtained of this cold and dreary resrion was soon lost. These partial discoveries of the Norwe- gians do not lessen the merits of Colun.ibus, because they were wholly unknown to him, and not found in the Geographies of that Less. 1 ] DISCOVERY OP AMERICA. 13 period. He has, therefore, a fair claim to the honour of havina: discovered the NEW WORLD. Colurnl'us was a native of Ge- noa, but a' the time of ma?un^ this great dis- covery, resided in Spain. From a long and close aij: '.!cati')H to ^ieogiaphy, he had ob- tamed a .uiowledge of the true figure of the earth, much superior to the general opinions of the aj-e in winch he lived. That the globe niight be properly balanced, witii a due proportion of land and water, he conceived , that another continent must necessarily exist, whi.':. iie su[jp')sed to be conne'ted with the Last Indies After many tiuiriess a[)p ica- tions to diftrrent Eu'opean powers for pa- tronage and assistance, to enable him to prove the truth ot' lis theory, he at length obtained three small vessels, under the pat onage of Ferdinand and Isabella, who governed the united kingdom«< of Arragon and Cas- tile On this occasion. Queen Isabella disjdayed an enterprising and generous mind, worthy of the imitation of her sex ; for when it was urged that the ('ourt of Spain was deficient in funds to enable them to undertake so ex- pensive a naval enterprise, she offered to pledge her jewels to obtain money, generous- ly preferring the public good to the decora- ;/ tioas of her person. I 1^ OF [Less. 1. , els were manned -.>, -m' .i .ailed for one year. The largest, named the Santa Martha, was commanded by Columbus in person and he was made Admiral of the fleet V^ ith this small fleet, he sailed from J^alos, in Spam, on the 3d of August 1492, and steered dnectly for the Canary Islands. Here he stO| ped, and refitted, as well as he could, his little fleet , and, on the 6th of September, sailed a due western course into an unknown ocean. He had many hardships and difii. ulties to encounter, both from the natu e of the un- dertaking, and the ignoranct and timidity ot the persons under his command. Ou tne 14th ot September, he found that the magnetic needle did not point exactly to the north, but varied towards the west, and as they pro- ceeded, this variation increased. This htm§ the first tin.e that phenomenon was observed, the sailors were filled with terror, and at length threatened, if ( olumbus did not im- mediately return to Spain, they would tirow him into the sea, and etreat lvom a trac^ less ocean, before their only sure guide should entirelv fail. • , .. i „ On tids trying occasion Columbus display- ed that fortitude and vigour of mmd for w. ich he was distinguished, and at length obtained the consent of his men to proceed, three (Jays lono^er. iiappilv for mankind, on the moinmg Less. 1.] AMERICA. 1^ of the third day, land was discovered. This ^reat event too< place on the 1 2th of Octo- btr, 1 492. rhe land proved to be an island, one' o the cluster calle . Bahama, or Lu( aya Islands, to which Columbus i(avp the name of St Salvador. Steering soutl.waril he also discovered the islan.ls ot ( u a and Mi.pan- iola. (now Mayti,)inhabited by a iiuu.ane and hos Mta >le people He returned to -\mm, and arrived at Palos the Idu of laroh, 1 49 J. He made three other voya^^es to America, and in nis tiiird vo aire, .liscov red t e con- tinent, at the moutii of tue river Oronoco ; then coasted w.>stward 600 miles to Cape Vela, where he c ossed over to Hispaniola. In I503ne made his fourth voyage, and discovered the harbour of Porto Bello and the Gull of Oarien This great man was not destitute of ene- mies, who, envying his suc-.ess, embittered his declining life, ^ His friend and patroness, Isa- bella, was dead ; and Ferdinand, fory^etlul of the services of his illustrious subject, sulfered him to languish under the persecutions of his enemies He died at Valadolid, on the 25th of May, 1506, in the 59th vear of his age. In 1499, \mericus Vespucius, a native of Florence, accompanied Ojeda, an enterpris- ing Spaniard, to America. On his return he published an account of his voyage, and a description of the new continent. His book circulated rapidly, and was read with admira- 16 AMERICA. [Less. 1. tion. In this narrative Americus insinuated that the glory of having discovered the new world heloiiged to him, and hy some un- accountable caprice, the error was perpetua- ted, ,so that by universal cf nsent this great continent is now called America. QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. To whom has been ascribed the honour of discovering tliC continent of America ? Is Greenland a part of the continent ? By whom was it discove )d ? In what year ? W hat other countr} did the Norwegians discover ? Do these discoveries lessen the merit of Columbus ? Of what country was Columbus a native ? ^ hat led him to suppose there -was a new continent to discover ? Who assisted ! im in the undertaking ? What is sajd of Isabella ? Describe the fleet of Columbus ? From what I ort did he sail ? When ? What course did he steer ? What difhculties did he encounter on the yoyage ? When was land discovered ? ^ Less. 2. J DISCOVERY OF NORTH AMERICA 17 What island was first discovered ? How many voyages did Columbus make to the new world ? In which ol" them did he discover the con- tinent ? Where ? What discoveries did he make in his fourth voyage ? How was the latter part of his hfe embit- tered ? ^^ hen and where did he die ? Why was the country called America ? DISCOVERY AND SETTLEMENT OF NORTH AMERICA. The discoveries of Columbus were limited to South America and the VVest India Isl- ands. The shores of North America were first explored by John Cabot, who obtained a grant from Henry VIl. of England, to disco- ver unknown lands and annex them to the crown of Great Britain. In 1 496 he explo- red the coast of La'-rador, and 1497 discov- ered Newfoundland, and t aversed the coast from thence to Cape Florida. Nearly eighty years elapsed before any attempts were made by the English to colonize the country, and B2 18 DISCOVERY AND SETTLEMENT [LcSS. 2. more then a hundred before any permanent settlement was made. In the reign of Queen Elizabeth, the open- ing of a direct intercourse with India was again attempted This had been the favourite project of naviiratorF for more than two cen- turies, and a route wa;^ now iiiiiri eu out dif- ferent from any which had ! een pursued. As every arte Kipt to find a passage b) the north east had tailed, a schen^e was now lormed to hold an opjiosite course by the north-west, the 'onduct of which was entrusted to iMar- tiii Frobisher. In three successive vn}ages he explored the coast of Labrador, * ut with- out discovei ing any rational appearance oi a passage. About this time Sir Francis Drake accom- plished his celebrated voyage round the world, an exploit which impressed the English with a just sense of their own abilities and courage, as equal to any undertaking They now be- gan to form plans for settling colonies in those countries which hitherto they had only visited. Among the first adventurers was Sir Hum- phrey Gi'bert, a brave and experienced offi- cer. But two expeditions which he conduct- ed were unfortunate, and the last awfully dis- astrous ; while returning to England without having performed any thing more important than the ceremony of taking possession of Less. 2.] OP NORTH AMERICA. 19 Newfoundland, the frigate in which he sailed was lost at sea. and all on board perished. This disaster did n(>t discouras^e Sir Wal- ter Raleigh, the relative of Sir Humphrey Gilbert. In 1584 Raleigh dispatched two small vessels, under the command of Philip Ama uis and Arthur Barlow, which reached the coast of Virginia in sixty-seven days. They touciieJ fi) st at a island called V\ oco- ken, (probably Ocaco e,) then at Roanoke, near the entrance of Albemarle Sound. On their return to England, [ liza)>eth was so well pleased with their description ot the country, that she gave h the name of Virgi- nia, as a memorial that this happy disco- very was made in the reign of a maiden Queen. The next year Raleigh fitted out a squad- ron of seven small lessels, and one hundred and eighty adventurers This colony was left on the island of Roanoke, where they were soon reduced to great distress by fa- mine, and the hostility of the Indians, and they all returned to England with Sir Francis Drake, on his return from the West-Indies. The following year another expedition was fitted out under the command of captain White, which was equally unfortunate, and no permanent English settlement was made until the year 1607. This settlement was called Jamestown, in honour of James 1. then King of England. 20 DISCOVERY AND SETTLEMENT [LeSS. S'. Previous to this period the Spaniards had made considerahle settlements in '^Jexico, and the Prench had planted a colony in (/anada. Mexico, the oldest city in America- wa> built in 1521, and Qu^^ )ec rounded in 1608. A particular account of these settlements does not come within the limits of our plan, as this is designed to -e a history of the Lnited States, or independent America. QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. How were the discoveries of Columbus limited ? Who explored the shores of North Ameri- ca ? VVh.n? How long after the discovery of America was the tirst English settlement ? What had been a favourite proji ct with navi<^ators ? What =oute h^d been pursued ? What couse was now marked out ? Who conducted tiie enterprise ? What country did Frobisher explore ? Who first sailed lound the world ? What effect had this enterprise on the En- glish nal ion ? What plans did they now begin to form ^ Less. 2.] OP NORTH AMERICA. 21 What distinguished officer was among the first adventurers ? Describe his expeditions ? What other attempt was made to form a settlement ? How did it terminate ? Why was the country called Virginia ? What was the fate ot the second colony ? Of the third, under Capt. White ? When and where was the first permanent settlement made ? What was it called ? Where had the Spaniards and French made settlements ? Which is the oldest cit; in America ? When was it built ? W'hen was Quebec founded ? IiEsSOi^ 111. HISTORY OF THs SKTTLF.MENT AT JAMESTOWN. The first settlers of all new countries have many difficulties to encounter, and many of the emigrants to America were ill calculated ic\ Wnnrove au Uncultivated country. They ssipated and profligate, and destitute industry and economy which their n required. 22 HISTORY OP THE [LcSS. 3. Dijsentions broke out among their leaders, and they were involved in a war with the na- tives ; they suffered from famine and disease, and in six months one halt" of their number died. The energy and talents of ('apt. Smith saved the coltmy from utter ruin. This dis- tinguished person seems to have been peculiarly fitted, by former sufferings, priva- tions, iind uchievemeiits. as well as by his great courage and personal avery, to go- vern such men as composed the colony of Virii^inia. Hein eii::hteen hundred re- mained at the dissolution of the company Q,UESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. What was the character of the first settlers in Virginia ? In what were they involved ? What occasioned thei sutferinofs ? How many died in the first six mouths ? What celebrated commander is mentioned ? What is said of him ? To what was he advanced ? By whom was he taken prisoner ? How was his life preserved ? How was he regarded by the savages ? How was he saved the second time ? W hat other services did Pocahontas render the colony ? What effect had the absence of Smith on the affairs of the colony ? How was Pocahontas induced to visit Jamestown ? Less. 3.] SETTLEMENT AT JAMEST©WN. 27 How was she treated ? What effect had her imprisonment on Pow- hattan ? To whom was she married ? Where wds she taken ? How was she received in England ? In what was she instructed ? Wiiere did she die ? What family did she leave ? When was the cultivation of tobacco intro- duced ? How wa'? slavery introduced ? How Ji I the planters procure wives ? How did they jjay their passage ? What oiought the colony to the brink of ruin ? What ensued ? When was the charter forfeited ? How njaoy [)ersons had emigrated ? How many remained ? -^§^^ I.^5SCJJ^' IV. SETTLEMENT >F THE NORTHERN COLONIES. NEW- YORK. In 1614 the Dutch settled New-York anc New-Jersey, and called the country New- Netherlands. 4 2S SETTLEMENT OF THE [LcSS. 4. A few years afterwards the Swedes settled on several parts east and west of Delaware river, and kept possession till 1654, when thty were overpowered by the Dutch. Charles il. resolvin.2^ to assert his right to this territory, orpanted to his hiot.ier, the Duke oi York, the region extending- Irom the west bank of the Conin cticut river to the eastern shore of tiie Delaware This h.ap- pened in 1664 Colonel ^icho!s was sent with four hisates am' thiee hundred soldiers, to reduce tne country » I'he Dutch governor being unable to make resistance, the New- Netherlands submitted to the British crown, and Nichols immediately entered upon the exercise of his power as Deputy-goveriiu^- of New- ■ ork, for the Duke of York, afterwards James II. MASSACHUSETTS. The particular cause of the settlement of Massachusetts was the persecution carried on in England, on account of religious ©pinions. The principles of tolerati. n, now so generally practised, were then imperfectly "dp^^^ood ; and since the genuine principles C htistlf'.nity are now more fully Unown, ;s to be hoped that such transactions will t be repeated. The government of England required a ^ nitki observance of the rites established, and Less. 4.] NORTHERN COLGNIEf enacted severe laws against non-( nibrmitj. The Puritans and Brownists, or Indepen- dents, were the most obnoxious, and these sects were often punished with rigour. — About 1608 a body of these people fled to Holland, and settled under Mr. Robinson, th ir pastor. The circumstances of their embarUation for Holland are exceedingly affecting. The captain of a Dutch ship had . been engaged to Vakq them away privately. [t was a cold and rainy night when they assembled on the beach, where men, women, and children, were forced to suffer the " pelt- ings of the piti ess storm" for two hours, be- fore the ti'ie woidd permit the Dutch captain to send a l)oat on shore for tht- m. At length the tide served, the boat was sent ashore, and deeply laden, but in the hurry of embarka- tion, care had not been taken to prevent the separation of families, and before these were safely on board the ship, the officers of government came down and arrested the re- mainder. Husbands and wives, parents and chiiiiren, were separated — some were drag- ged to prison, many did not meet for years ensuing, and some never met again.* After some years these unfortunate people became dissatisfied with their residence in Holland, and resolved to remove to the wxlds * Webster's Di?c'cti.iv«f^ so SETTLEiMENT OP THE [LcSS. 4, of America. Their first object was to obtain the free exercise of their religion. Though king James refused so reasonable a request, he pronii ed not to molest them while they remained peaceable subjects. ' hi this blen- der security, they a.; plied to the ? ondon Company for a tract of land, which was readily obtained They intended to settle on Hudson river, but the captain of thf vessel, !>ribed, it is said by the Dutch, carried them so far to the north that the first land they saw was ('ape Cod. To proceed farther was impossible ; the winter had already commenced, and they were worn down with the fatigue and hardships incident to a long voyage. They chose for their station a place called by the Indians Patuxet, to which they gave t:-e name of New-Ply- mouth. Before spring one half of their num- ber were cut off by famine and disease. On the 22d of December, 1620, these pil- gruns, to the number of 101, landed in the new world. The anniversary of their landing is still observed by their descendants, and a discourse delivered on the occasion. The government of England, growing still itiore oppressive, under the counsels of Arch- bishop r.p.ud, and the number and zeal of the Puritans mcreasing, many began to look to- wiirds New-England as a place of refuge cm perse Gtiti©nv An association was form- Less. 4.] NORTHERN COLONIES. 31 ed for settling a colony near Massachusetts Bay. A tract of land was purchased f-'om the P' mouth Council in 1627, and a charter graiitid by <%ing (''varies tlse followinsr year. In 1629. nearly 300 Puritans landed in Salem Their first care was to form them- selves into a chuv'Ch, on the r-on^retr tional jDlan. Amon^ the emi^^rants there were a few who preierred the rituals "f the church of England ; and with an inconsistency not uncommon to imps *ect hunjan jtanire, the Independents denied to others the privileges for which they had braved the perils of the ocean, and established themselves in a distant and barbarous land. Theological controversies arose, and many persons deemed heretical were banished the territory. QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. When, and by whom, was New- York settled ? Where had the Swedes a settlement ? How lona: did they keep possession ? What grant was made to the Dul-e of York ? Who was Sf nt to reduce the country ? What was the cause of the settlement of Massachusetts ? 32 SETTLEMENT OF THE [LcSS. 5. What did the government of England re- quire ? How were the Puritans treated ? Relate tiu: circuustaiices of their embark- ation ior : iollaud ? VV hv did t iiey resolve to re move to America? What was tfiei • tirst obji*;*t ? What promise was made to them by king James ? Where did they intend to land 1 Why were taey carried iartiier to the north ? VV hat land was first seen ? Where did tiiey land ? How many were they in number ? What occasioned their sufferings ? How man) died during the winter ? What occasioned the settlement of the colo!;v of iassachusetts Bay ? W'tk-.iLi was a tra^'t of land purchased ? When was a charter obtained ? How many Puritans landed at Salem ? In wiiat year ? What gave rise to religious controversies ? E NORTHRKN COL NIES CON^ TllNUED. RHODE-ISLAND. . 3ger Williams, a clergyman, beinsr oMig- leave Massachusetts on account of hh Less. 5.] NORTHERN COLONIES. 33 religious opinions, trayelled southward, with several of his adherents In 1634 he re- ceived a arrant of land from the Indians, which from a sense of the protecting rare of God, he called Providence. t)ther emi- grants afterwards settled on Rhode-Island i and i'i 16 Providence and Rhode-Island were incorporated as one government by Charles 11 Thus was laid the foundation of another state. CONNECTICUT. To similar causes is owing the settle- ment of Connecticut. About 100 families, with their favourite minister, Mr. Hooker, of Massachusetts, after a fatiguing march through the woods and swamps, settled on the east side of Connecticut river, and laid the foundation of * artford, Springfield, and Weathersfield Two distinct claims were made upon this territory, one by the Dutch, and t!ie other by Lord Say and Seal, and Lord Brook. These noblemen had ta- ken possession by building a fort, which, from their united names, they called Say- brook. NEW-HAMPSHIRE AND MAINE. Mr. Wheelwright, a clergyman of some note, having by his opposition to tne church 34 SETTLEMENT OF THE [LcSS. 5. g'overnment of Massachusetts, been banished the colony, took a route different from that of the other exiles, and founded the town of Exeter, on a small river which flow- into Piscataqua bay. Trjus commenced the set- tlement of New- Hampshire. Attempts w.-re made to colonize VJaine as earlv as 1607, hut no peraiajit^nt settlejuent was etfecte«J until 1635, when Sir Ferdinand Gorges obtained a .ij;Tant of this territory. — Upon the death of Gorges, the peopie com- bined, and formed a constitution upon libv ral principles, by which they were govcin^d until the) submitted to Massachusetts, in 1652. Maine then took the name of Yorkshire, having liberty to send deputies to the general court at Boston, By extending their settlements, the Eng- lish became exposed to serious dangers. — The Indians round Massachusetts' Bay hav- ing received what r f^} considr>ied du tqui- valent for thei'- lands, gave no indications of hostility's ; but Rhode- Island and Connecti- cut soon had to encounter a numerous and powerful foe. The native inhabitants, by us improperly called Indians, were divided into many dis- tinct nations or tribes. Among the most powerful were the Narragan^ets and the Pe- quods. The latter alone were able to bring in- Less. 5.] NORTHERN COLONIES. 35 to the field a thousand warriors. These had long been at war with the Narragan- sets ; but foreseeing the extinction of their race, it the Kuropeans were suffered to spread over the country, they applied to the Nar- rauansets, requesting them to forget old ani- mosities, ajid unite to expel the common enemy. The Narragansets perceiving in this an opportunity to cru>h a powerful rival, instead of accepting the offer of fuendship, discovered the design of the Pequodj^ to tlie governor of Ma'.sachusett>, and jojnea in alliance with the English Long and bU^ody wars ensued, but as the colonies increased in numi er, and extended in territory, the uncivilized savage fell before the superior skill of their inva- ders, and in a few years many powerful na- tions were totally extirpated. While the settlers were thus lessening the number of the ancient inhabitants, they were daily receiv. - an addition to their own. In the year L.38 nearly 3,000 people embarked for New- England ; but on a revo- lution taking place in the government of England, the motives to emigration which actuated the early settlers entirely ceased. At this period upwards of twenty-one thou- sand British subjects had settled in New- England. 36 SOUTHERN AND [LcSS. 5. QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. Who was the founder of Rhode- Island ? On what account did he leave Massachu- setts ? From whom did he receive a grant of land r What did he call, the town ? When were Providence and Rhode-Island incorporated ? Describe the settlen^ient of C-onnecticut. What towns were founded ? What claims were made upon the terri- tory ? Where did Mr. Wheelright settle ? Why.? When was Maine settled i Under whom ? When united to Massachusetts ? Under what name ? With what privilege ? What principal Indian nations are men- tioned ? What is said of them ? What ensued ? How did the colonies increase ? How many persons embarked in 1638 ? What effect had the revolution in Eng- land .'^ How many British subjects had settled in America ? r Less. 6.] MIDDLE eTATEjI. 57 LESSON VX. SOUTHERN AND MIDDLE STATES. Many remarks of the New-England colo- nies will appls to the middle and southern ter- ritories ; our notice of them, therefore, will -^ be brief Virginia and New- York have been already mentioned : these were the oldest settlements, and together with Massachusetts, have continued to hold an iiiipoitant rank in the Union. Maryland began to be settled in 1633, b}^ a colony of Roman Catholics, under Lord Baltnnore. Governor ( alvert, brother to Baltimore, purchased the land of the Indians, anti, with their consent, took possession of the town, which he called St. Mary's. The country was settled with ease. The plan of the government was liberal, and free toleration was established The settlers ap- plied themselves to the cultivation of tobacco, and the country soon became flourishing and populous. Carolina was taken possession of by a company of French Protestants, who fled from persecution, and settled themselves near Albemarle river. This colony was soon ex- tirpated bvthe Spaniards. In 1662, Charles 7> •>S SOUTHER.X AliD [LcSS. 6. II. grantecl the country to Earl Clarendon- and seven other noblemen ; and in 1669 the proprietors sent over a number of settlers, who fixed their residence at the place where Charleston now stands. A constitution was formed for this settle- ment by the celebrated Mr. l.ocke ; hut, though ingenious in theory, it was found in- applicable to the state of the countr}, and at last totally chanued. This colony was long- in an unsettled and unprosperous state ; the people were harrassed by the Indians, and in- vaded by the Spaniards and French. They suffered mi:ch by famine and disease ; and in 1719 tiie proprietors gave up their claim, and the colony became a royal government In 1728 the country ^was divided into North and South Carolina. ■ In 1G64, the Duke^f York disposed of New-Jersey to Lord Berkley and Sir George Garter ? The plan of government was libe- ral, and the colony soon became flourishing. The proprietors divided their propert} by a line running north and south : lience the names of East and West Jersey, in 1722 the province became a royal government. Pennsylvania was next settled, ■■y V\ ilham Penn, a Quaker, who obtained a grant of land from Charles II. in 1680. He did not ti/Fit a charter Ijr^^m 4jsy prince could give a Less. 6] MIDDLS STATES. 39 fair title to the laud : he therefore purchased the right of soil from the natives, and intro- duced into his settlement the most liberal plan of goyern'nent. He allowed full liberty of conscience, and granted land to settlers on casv terms. By this means the colony soon became the most flourishing of any in America. The settlement of Delaware commenced in 1627, with a colony of Swedes and Finns. About the time that Pennsylvania was settled by William Penn, he purchased the territory of Delaware from the Duke of York. The proprietary government continued until the commencement of the American Revolution. In 173? i.e ract of land between the Sa- vanna;; hud Altamaha rivers, afterwards cal- Icil <^eo gia, was granted to a number of gei'.tlemen bv .lames II. and the settlement or Geogia was begun under Mr. Oglethorpe. It was long before this colony attained to population or strength, owing to the imprac- ticable system of government established by the proprietors. In 1752 they surrendered their charter to the king ; but it was not until the peace between England and France, in 1763, that the province began to prosper. - Since that time it has rapidly increased. 4(g^ MivMifi Ai\D [Legs. il. We have now taken a brief survey of the thirteen original colonies, which afterwards became independent states. Many others have been successively added to the number, which will be mentioned in their proper places. h ^UESflOWF. FOR EXAMINATiOl^. Why will ournotice of the Southern states be brief ? Which staties have been mentioned ? What is said of them ? When and by whom was Maryland set- tled r What is said of the country ? To what did the settlers apply themselves ? Who first took possession of ( arolina ? What became of this Colony ? T'- -vhom was the country granted f ;n ? ;ji was it settled ? t is said of the constitution ? t iu iaid of the state ol this colony ? Less. 7.3 MIDDLE STATES. 41 How did the Duke of York dispose ©f New-Jersey ? What was the plan of government ? How was it divided 1 What colony was next settled ? How did V\ illiam Penn obtain the land ? By what means did the colony become flou ishin^ ? H hen and by whom was Delavirare set- tled ? How long did the proprietary government continue ? When and by whom was Georgia settled ? What is said of it ? Of vv^hat have v^^e now taken a survey ? Z.SSSGN VII. PROGRESS OF LITERATURE IN THE COLONICS. The early settlers of \merica were not in- attentive to the interests of literature. Many of them were men of learning, and next to the enjoyment of their religious libertv, they B 2 ^ ' * 42 PROGRESS ©P LITERATURE [LeC3.7. seemed to prize their literarv institutions. In 1636, the le^•islature of Massachusetts Toted 400/. for the estahlishmen^ of a public school at Newtovvu. Two years afterward, that sum was nearl= dt.u led. by a bequest of the Rev John Harvard of Charlestown. Thus endowed, the school was e erted info a col- lege, and Newtown, out of respect to the University of England, where many of the emig: ants were eiiucated, was called Cam- bridge. Thus was laid the foundation of Harvard University. Some years afterward, absiilding was rect- ed for an Indian college, in which several of the natives entered, but only one remained long enough to obtain academical honours. As a further compensation for the injuries sus- tained by them from the encroachment on their lands, and consequent diminution of the means of supportina: life, the llev. Mr. Elliot, a r ious minister, of Roxbury, translated the B'ble into their own lani.'-uage, and had it printed at the expense of a society esta tlished for the spreading of religion. He also com- posed for them a primer, a grammar, and a book of psalms, and was the means of open- ing schools in the Indian settlements, where children were instructed, not only in their own language, but in the English, (rree^ , and JfiVdm, TkuS the light oi the blessed gospel Less. 7.] IN THE COtOKIES. and the means of education, were diffused in a heathen land. The education of children seems to have been reco^nizeci from the be^inninij of the respective settlements, as the indispensable duly of parents and masters. Laws were made, in some of the coloniCvS, for the express purpose of compelling all f)arents to have their child en instructed '' so as to be able to read the Scriptures, and other grood and profitable books in the Knglish tongue "^' The neglect of t!)is duly subjected to a penalty of twenty shiliing-s for the first, afterwards higher, or their children were to betaken fro«\^*'theni, and put under the care of others. The f.-op.^ins Grammar School is the old- est literary institution in ( onnecticut. It was ibunded in 1654, with a ' equest from governor Hopkins. ^'" illiam and Mary Col- lege, in Virginia, was founded in 1693, and Yale Colle-e, at vSaybrook, in 1700. Six- teen years afterward it was removed to New- Haven, where it became one of the most flourishiuii institutions in Amerira In 1769, [Dartmouth College, handsomely endowed by the Earl of Dartmouth, was es- tablished on ( onnecticut River, in the town of Hanover In New- Jersey, a college was •'•Laws of Conneeticnt, 1656. 44 PROeHESS OP LITERATURE [LcSS. 7. founded at Princeton in 1738, and another at Brunswick in 1746. Kin 's College (now Columbia) was found- ed ill New-YopK, in 1754, and Providence College, (now Brown University,) in Khode- Islamf, in 1764. These were all respectaMe institutions be- fore the Revolution ; in them a sufficient num- ber of voung men received a classical educa- tion, to fill the learned professions with repu- tation, and to be the instructors of youth. In New- Kn gland, paiticularly, learning was more generally diffiis^^d, and common schools established on a more liberal foundation than in any other country oC the world. The first printing press was established at Cambridge, in Massachusetts, in 1639, and superintended by Stephen Daye, but erected at the expense of Mr. Glover, an English clergyman. The first newspaper was the " Boston J^ewsletter^''^ pu )lished at Boston as early as 1714. In 1729, V\illiam Bradford published the Weekly Macrazine in Philadelphia. The .American Philosophic tl Society was instituted at Philadelphia, in 17^)9, and that rit, also claims the honour of having publisl ed the first edition of the Bible, and the fir-t Greek book printed in merica. Among other emi- nent men whose names e^ive interest to the Less. 7.] IN THE COLONIES. 4S p»ge of American history, we may reckon Dr. Benjamin Franklin. He was born in Boston, of creditable [^arents, but oi' narrow fortune. By the single force of untutored »enius, he rose fo the hia^hest emiinMice in science, arts, and literature. His discoveries i^ electricity alone are sufficient to transmit his name to the latest posterity. No count? y in the world o.nn trace her ori- gin 'v\fb equal certainty as America. The cari) ai.-toi y oi' almost all othe+ nations is in- volved in fa )le, buf here our infancy is too recent to leave room for doubt or speculation* We can look >ac!< to the period when this •milirjtr land, now coveied with plenty, wiiere ag iculture and science walk hand in hand towards pertectioii, was adesolate wilderness, inhabited only b\ wild beasts and rude and savage men. When we trace the progress of improvement, from the landing ol'our pil- grim ancestors to the present J ighly prosper- ous and cultivated state, we mus! gratefully acknowledge the ' ounio company and the French traders in the vicinity of the Ohio river, led to a re- newal of hostilities. It was in this contest that t e talents and virtues of V\ ashington began to be exhibited. The Governor of Virginia v/ished to eniT»loy a proper person to carry a lettei to the French conjuondant on the Ohio, demanding the reasons of his hos- tile coih'iuct. Tiiis ar luous eiittrjirire was intrusted toGeorge Washington, then a youth of little more than 21 years of age. The distance was four hundred miles, two hun- dred of which was through a wilderness, in- habited by hostile savages. On the way his horse failed. On foot, with only on<- com- panion, with a musket in his hand, an«^ a pack upon his shoulders, W reac^td the FVench fort ou tfie river Le P>oenf and gave the let- ter to the commander. He returned in safety, as fatiguing and perilous a journey as ossible to conceive. The next year is j'uished for the disastrous defeat of Gen. lock. He had been sent from Ireland ginia with two regiments of foot He )rave, but imprudent. Despising the Less. 8.] INDIAN AND FRENCH WARS. 51 counsel of Washington, who acted as his aid- de-camp, he rushed forward to attack fort Du Quesiie, till he was suddenly attacked by 400 ludianh, who laid in ambush, ' A total defeat ensued ; and Braddock, mortally wounded, iam*^nted too late, that he had not listtnt d to tije prudt nt advice ol the brave, but sagacious Washington. In this batdt; he had two horses shot under him, and four bul- lets passed throu-h iis coat , but >od iiad desiifned him to oe the future saviour of his country, and he was not sutFered to receive any hurt. The defeat of Braddock was followed by the expedition of Gov. Shirley, of Massachu- setts, wiiich was equally unsuccesstul ; and Oswego was taken by the French, under General Montcalm, In 1739 the British wer^- every ere suc- cessful. The inujortant post of Niuj^ara wa:j taken ny Sir William Johnson, r.u.: rhe reduction of Quebec attempted by General Wolfe T);is illustrious British Officer tell b'fore the walls of* Quebec in tne moment of victory. Stru^-^linij;- m the agonies of death, he lurard a voice cry, '*they run ;" he as esj, wno run ? and, beiniftold the French, he replied, '' i die happy, ' and be spoke no more. Quebec 62 INDIAN AND [LcSf. S. immediately surrendered, and the whole pro- vince of Canada was reduced the following year. After the war had raged nearly eight years, it was concluded in 1763, QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION, At what have we already glanced ? What principal Indian warrior is mention- ed ? What finally became of him and his nation ? Where had the French made settlements? What town wa> burned in 1692 ? What occurred from 1702 to 1613 ? What is the characteristic of savage war- fare ? What was a favourite measure in New- England ? Desciibe the expedition to Cape Breton ? What occasioned a renewal of the war ? When did Washington begin his military career ? On what service was he employed ? Less. 9.] FRENCH WARS. )t63 What was the distance ? How did iiC travel 1 For \^hat is the next year distinguished ? What is ^aid of Braddock ? How was he attacked f What ensued X What did Braddock lament ? What is said of WashinL-ton ? What followed the defeat of Braddock ? When was Niagara taken, aud Quebec at- tempted 1 Who fell before Quebec ? What is said of the death of Wolfe ? What took place the following year ? When was peace concluded ^ LSSSOI^ IX. CAUSES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. The attempts of the British government to encroach upon the rights of the colonies, and E2 54^ CAUSES OP THE [LcSS. 9. particularly to raise a revenue in America without her consent, were the immediate causes of the American Revolution. The colonists had fled to America for the enjoyment of tht^ir civil and religious privi- leges, and the same detemlnecl opposition to arbitral y power, which induced them to brave the pt-rils o: the pathless orean, to seek an asylum lor iiberty, prompted their descend- ants to resist the first invasioiis of then na- tural rights. During their infancy, Great Britain re- garded her colonies as Djcre instruments of commerce, and contented herself with a monopoly of their trade. Kut, when the colonies had grown more capable of resisting impositions, she cbanued the system under which they had lon^ flourished, and rose in her demands, as she multiplied their re- straints. It was in 1761 that the fundamental rights of the American colonies viv^re first openly and boldly proc!\iined, and Massachusetts has the honour of bein^ the first province in which resistance to the British ministry was publicly avowed. * * For a knovvledge of the facts connected with this avovvcii,the compiler is indebted to Tudov'ss Life of James Otis, politely communicated bv the Rev, F. C. Schaeffer. * Less. 9.] AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 5o In 1 760, an order in council arrived from Great Britian, directing the officers of the customs to carry into effect certain acts of trade, which bore hard upon the commerce of the colonies, and to a]»p]y to the Supreme Judicature of Massachusetts for writs of as- sistance. Application was accordingly made to the Supreme < ouitthen sitting- at Salem. Chief Justice ^'iewall expressed great doubts of the legahty of the writ ; but as the application was on the part of the crown, it could not be dismissed without a hearing, which was fixed for the next term. Beibre that period arrived, Chief Justice Sewall died, and was succeeded by Lieut. Governor fiutchinson, thus uniting, in one person, the offices of Lieut. Governor, com- mander of the castle, Judge of Probate, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The officers of the customs called upon James Otis ; as Advocaie-gent^ral, to argue their cause, hut believing the writs to be tyrannical and ii]ea:al, he lelused ; and disdaining to hold an office where he might be called upon to assist in oppressing his countrymen, he resigned his vj^ry lucrative situation as advo- cate-general for the crown. Li February, 1761, the cause was argued in Boston ; and on this occasion James Otis, CAUSBS OF THE [LcSS. 9, forward, without fees, to advocate ghts oi' the merchants, made his the writs of assistance. in an ar?:'i;Tient ol fou ^ or five hours in lenjTth, helaif^ iown the principles of rivil liberty, and especially, that meat maxim, that taxation without representation is tyrauny. " Then and there," says president Adams, " Amf-i! an Independence was horn. 'IK- en and there, was the first scene in the first act of opposition ' » t';e arf itrary clai'ns of Great Britaij! Kvery man, of an inim nse and crowded audience, seemed to uo away as I did, ready to take up arms agamst writs of assistance," Mr Adams adds, in another place, " f do i-ay in the most solemn man- ner, that Mr. * Otis' oration against writs of assistance, breathed into this country the breath of lif^ " In 1765 vvas passed the celebrated Stamp Act. by which the Americans were compelled to use stamped paper for all notes, bonds, and other legal instruments, on which paper a duty w\s to be paid. This act gave g-rtat offence, and raised the spirit ot opposition td a height heretofore unexpected. In the legis- lature ot Virginia, an animated speech was delivered by VI r. Patrici Henry, and a num- ber of patriotic resolutions passed. In Mas- Less, S.] AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 5t sachusetts, the legislature passed a resolution in favour of a continental congress, fixed a day for its meeting in New- York, and sent letters to the speakers of other assemblies, requesting their concurrence. The fi.st continental congress assembled accordingly, and agreed on a declaration of their rights, and a statement ot their grie- vances. The general aversion to the Stamp Act was demonstrated in a variety of ways — asso- ciations were formed against importing or using British goods ; and in order to avoid using stamped paper, the courts of justice were shut up, and people settled their con- troversies by arbitration. The Stnmp Act was repealed in 1 766, but the next year a duty was laid on tea, glass, paper, and majij other articles much used by the Americans. This occasioned so great disturbances, that in 1770 a Parliamcntar) repeal took' place, except three pence pec pound on tea. The duty was still disagreeable to the Americans, who seemed inflexibly resolved to admit no compromise with their rights. In 1773 the people of Boston, who were deter-, mined nor. to pay the taxes, employed aome persons to go in disguise on board some ships belonging to the East India company, and 58 CAUSES OF THE [LcsS 9. throw all the tea over-board. This enkin- dled the resentment of the parliament, which they expressed the next year by shutting the port of Boston, and ruining the trade of that flourishing town. —^OS- QUESTIONS FOE EXAMIN4TI0N. What were the immediate causes of the Revolution ? For what had the colonistsfled to America? How had Great Britain regarded her plan- tations 1 When did she change hei system, and rise ib her dema?ids 1 Whea were the rights of the colonic s first opeiily advocated ? By whom ' On what occasion ? By w!iom was chief justice Sewall suc- ceeded .? \\ hat offices did Hutchinson sustain? "What says President Adams ? Less. 10.] AMERICAN REVOLUTION 59 What does he remark in another place ? When was the Stamp Act passed 1 How was it received by the colonies ? W hen was the first continental Congress convened 1 On what did they agree 1 What associations were formed ? flow was the use ot stamped paper avoid- ed .? When was the act repealed ? V\ hat duty was imposed the next year ? What is .-^aid o! tht- repeal P How did the people ot" Boston express their ii o< tlie liuty on tea ^ \\ i^at effect had this on the British parlia- ment ^ How did they express their resentment ? COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES. Among other aggressions, of which the colonists complained, was the stationing of a military lorce among the inhabitants. This ^0 COMMENCEMENT OP [LcSS. 1^. in some instance** led to Moodshed, particu- larly on the night of the 5th of March, 177Q, when a party of the military firt d upon and killed several of the inhabitants, w!\o had pre- viously insulted, threatened, and attacked them. In times of popular commotion, it is not to be expected but that excesses will be commit- ted on both aides. The mihtary were often insulted by the people they were sent to overawe ; and on this occasion, after an im- partial trial, the actors in this fatal tragedy were acquitted. The event made, nevertheless, a deep im- pression on the minds of the people ; and the anniversary was solemnly observed for many years. After the destruction of the tea, parliament seemed resolved to bring the colonies to sub- jection. The charter of the colony was new modelled, so that the executive government was taken wholly from the hands of the peo- ple, and the nomination of all important offi- ces vested in the crown, it was enacted also, that any person indicted for a capital offence migbt be removed to another colony, or even to England, for trial. Propert}, liberty, and lif(p. wppf» +v.ii^ w,iKio.ntoj iQ the caprice of the id right of trial by jury, , wantonly invaded. Less. 10.] HOSTILITIES. 61 Affairs now approached the crisis, and the awful collision drew near. The apparent disposition of the people, and their military preparations, induced Gen. Gage to fortify the isthmus which joins Boston to the main land, and seize the powder lodged in the arsenal at Charlestown. General Gage had been sent to Boston with the troops to enforce the new laws, and was theretbre particularly obnoxious to the people. The same year, deputies from most of the colonies met at Philadelphia, who approved the conduct of the people of Massachusetts, wrote a letter to General Gage, published a declaration of rights, formed an association not to import or use British goods, sent a petition to the king of Great Britain, an address to the inhabitants of that king*- dom, another to the inhabitants of Canada, and another to the inhabitants of the colo- nies. In the beginning of the next year was passr cd the Fishery Bill, by which the northern colonies were forbidden to fish on the ban^s of Newfoundland for a certain time. This bore hard upon the commerce of thqge colo- nies, which were chiefly siippoiit^l by th- iisherie?. 62 COMMENCEMENT OF [LcSS. 10. Soon after, another bill was passed, which restrained the trade of the southern and middle colonies to Great Britain and the West India Islands, except on certain con- ditions. These repeated acts of oppression on the part of Great Britain, ahenated the affections of the colonies for the parent country, and produced a combined opposition to the system of British taxation. Active prepara- tions were now made to oppose, by force, the execution of these acts ot Parliament. The militia were trained to the use of arms, and great encouragement was given for the man- ufacture of gunpowder, and all kinds of mili^ tary stores. In February, Col. Leslie was sent with a party of British troops, to take posses- sion of some military stores at Salem. But the people had intelligence of the design, took up the draw-bridge, and prevented the troops from passing until the cannon were secured. In April, Col. Smith, and Major Pitcairn, were sent with a body of troops to destroy the military stores which had been collect- ed at Concord, about twenty ti.iles from Boston. At Lexington, the militia were collected to oppose the incursion of the. Less. 10.] HOSTILITIES. 6S British troops, and were fired upon, and eight men killed upon the spot. The militia were dispersed, and the troops proceeded to Concord, and destroyed the stores ; but on their return they were harassed by the Americans, who fired upon them from hou- ses and fences, and pursed them to Boston. The loss of the British was sixty-five killed, and two hunt> BATTLE OF [Less. 11. to the people the alternativ^e of submission or war, by offering pardon to all who would lay down their arms. From this offer of par- don, two distinguished patriots were excep- ted : viz. Samuel Adams and John Han- cock. About this time martial law was proclaimed, and as every appearance indicated open war, the Americans prepared t'oi- the result. A considerable height on the peninsula of Charlestown, named Bunker Hill, was so situated that its possession was of conse- ciupT^of^ Orders were therelore issued by incal commanders, on the 17th of at Col. Prescott, with a detachment men, should intrench ufion its sum- y some mistake in fulfilling the or- fortification was erected on Breed's h and large like the other, but situa- er Boston. VVitnsomuch diligence and silence was the work carried on, that between midnight and the dawn of day on the seventeenth of June, a redoubt was thrown up, forming a square of eight rods. Although the British vessels were lying very near, the troops on board of them had no intimation of the work until the rising sun beamed upon the newlr -drecteii fort. Less. 11.] BUNKER HILL. 67 An incessant firing immediately com- menced, but the provincials continued to labour until they had thrown up a small breast- work, from the east side of the re- doubt to the bottom of the hill. About noon i^enerai Gage detached gen- erals Howe and Pigot, with the flower of the British army, to drive the Americans from the hill. They landed at Morton's Point, and while they were advancing to the attack, orders were issued foi' burning Oharlestown. A few bombs were thrown from Cops Hill, and the town being built chiefl}' of wood, was soon enveloped in flames. A severe engagement ensued, in which the British were twice repulsed with great loss, but finally carried the fortification. Want of anj .lUuition compelled the Americans to re- treat, although they had suffered little loss, incomparisoH with the British. Among those whose loss the Americans deplored, was the biave General Waren, who fell in the action, a martyr to the cause of his country. Find- ing his corps hotl) pursued by the enemy, he despised all dangc, and stood alone before the ranks, endeavouring to rally his troops, and encourasre them by his example He pointed to their ensigns, and reminded them of their cheering mottos; " Fight on, m brave fellows," he exclaimed, " the salvation of your 68 QUESTIONS FOR [LcSS. 11. country depends on this day's action."* searcely were these wordi uttered, when this distinguished patriot received a mus:.et ball in the breast, and fell dead on the spot. The loss of the British, in killed, and wound- ed, amounted to one thousand and titty-tour. The provincials had one hundred and thirty- nine killed and two hundred and twenty-eight wounded. This was the first regular battle fought in the revtjiutionary war. General Putnam, of Connecticut, a brave and distinguished offi- cer, and Gen. Stark, of New- Hampshire, whose names v/ill be long remembered, v/ere both engaged in this action. QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. What was the eftect of the battle of Lex- ington ^ * The compiler's father has repeatedly assured her that these were the last words of Warren ; and his opportunity of knowing, leaves little room for doUbt, as he commanded the company which was then particularly addressed. E.X4MiK*T!0N. '1 i vvnere was Congress m session ? ^ What did they vote ? Whf re was the army paraded ? How large was it ? \ What o-arrisons were seized by the pro- \ vincials ? What pieparations did the Americans j make ? ■{ What Brifish generals arrived in Boston ? I What proclamation was issued ? Who were exempted IVoni the offers of '{ pardon ? Where is Bunker Hill ? ] What orders were issued by the provincial commanders ? What mistake was made ? i How was the work carried on ? < Describe the fortification ? } Who were sent by general Gage ? ? Where (!id they land ? What town wps !>urned ? Describe the battle ? What distinguished officer fell ? Describe the circumstances of liis death ? J What was the loss ol' the British ( , What of the provincials What American officers were cngfaged in :| this action ? ] 70 DECLARATION OF [LcSS. 12. DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. The next important event was the appoint- ment of General George Washington to the commanBJSf©.E;. 73 The British king entered into treaties witliv some of the German princes for about seven- teen thousand men, to be sent to America, to assist in subduing the colonies. The Boston port and fishery bills were repealed, but all Am<^rican property on the high seas was forfeited to the captors. This act induced ( ongress to change the mode of warfare, and measures were taken to annoy the enemy in Hoston. Batteries were erected on several neighbouring hills, from which shot and bombs were thrown into the town The Battery which was opened at Dorchester Point, was the most success> ful, and soon obliged General Howe to aban- don the town. General Howe was now the commander, General Gage having returned to England in September. In March, 1776^, the British troops embarked for Halifax, and General VVashington entered the town in trr- mmph. In the ensuing summer. Sir Peter Parker, with a small squadron of ships, and a body of troops under Generals Clinton and Cornwallis, attempted to take Charleston, the capita! of South Carolina They were repulsed with great loss, and the expeditio^a failed. On the Fourth of July, 1776, Congi-e^; imblished their DECLARATION OF IN:. 74 DECLAHAilON OF INDEPENDENCE. [LeSS. 12. DEPENDENCiC ! This important event took place two hundred and eighty-four years after the first discovery of America by Colum- bus, one hundred and seventy-four from the first permanent settlement in Virginia, and one hundred and fd'ty-six from the landing of ihe Pilgrims in Plymouth. By this act, the thir- teen colonies were declared to be free, SOVEREIGN, AND INDEPENDENT STATES. Thus the political ties between Great Britain and her colonies were forever dissolved, and America assumed a name and a rank among the Nations of the earth. The motion to publish this Declaration, was made by Richard Fenry Lee, of Vir- ginia, and seconded by John Adams, of Mas- sachusetts. The Declaration of Indepen- dence was composed by Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia, and signed in the state house at Philadelphia. Though deficient in every thing necessary for canying on a war, and apparently un- equal to the contest, the American people, relying on the justice of their cause, with a strong confidence in the overruling Provi- dence of God, freely adopted this magnani- mous measure, and pledged to its support, their lives f their Jor'tines. and their sacred h^iuottr. Less. 12.] QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 75 QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. When and where did the continental Con- gress convene ? What measures did they pursue ? What did they pubUsh ? Repeat the extract from that manifesto ^ Who was appointed to the army ? How did he accept the appointment ? What other officers were appointed ? When did General Washington take com- mand of the army ? Of how many men did it consist 1 What is said of it ? How did the Americans procure a supply of ammunition ? What town was burned by the British .' What expedition was undertaken ? When was Montreal captured ? What advantage was this to the Americans,^ By what route did Arnold proceed to Ca- nada ? Was the enterprize successful ? Relate the circumstances of Montgomery's death and burial ? By whom was Norfolk burned ? Where did the British governors retreat '! What treaties were entered into by the British king ? What bills were repealed •' 74» BATTLE dP [Less. IS, TVhat induced Congress t© change the mode of warfare ? What measures were taken to annoy the enemy ? Who was now commander in chiefs When did the British troops leave Boston f What is said of the expedition of Sir Peter Parker ^ When was independence declared ^ How long after the discovery of Cokmbus? From the first «iettiement in Virg^inia ? From the first settlement at Plymouth ? How many colonies were there ? What were they declared to be ! By whom was the motion made and seconded ? Who wrote the declaration of Indepen- tience ? In what were the Americans deficient ? On what did they rely ? What dM they pledge ? z.i^ssoN xxxr BATTLE OF LONG-ISLAND— NEW^ YORK TAKEN— AFFAIRS IN NEW- JERSEY. '• a the declaration of Independence ilished, General Washington was in JiCSS. lo.] LONG-ISLAM). 77 New-York with about thirteen thousand men, encamped in the city, and in the neighbouring fortifications. Soon afterwards, General Howe arrived near New-York with a power- ful army, and landed his troops upon Staten- Island. The Americans had erected fortifi- cations on a neck of land which defended a small peninsula on Long Island. A ridge of hills ran in front of the works, passable only at three places. Of these works, General Sulhvan had the command. Here General Howe resolved to commence his operations. On the 26th of August General Heister took post at Flatbush with aLody of Hessians, while the principal army, under the command of General Clinton, marched to the left of the Americans. On the 27th, at day-break, the attack began. The battle was long and bloody , and the Americans, being attacked by General Heister from Flatbush, and by General Grant from the sea-coast, were com- pelled to retreat. In endeavouring to regain their cam-p, they were interrupted by Gene- ral Clinton. Driven back, they again met the Hessians. In these desperate circum- stances, some regiments forced th< ir way to the camp, through all the dangers with which they were surrounded. Both parties dis- played great valour and bravery ; but the foi>. tune of the day "was decidedhr in favour of G2 ^ ^H^ BATTLE OF [LcSS. IS. the British. General Washington passed over from New-York just in time to witness the destruction to which so many of his best men seemed inevitably exposed ^Vrung with anguish, it is said even to tears, he called a council of war, and it was determined that the troops should cross over to New-York. The retreat commenced in the evening, a little after dark, from the upper and lower ferry, on the East River Never was any movement more skilfully conducted or more highly favoured by Provi- dence. The field baggage and artillery of about nine thousand men were conveyed to New-York over a river upsvards of a mile wide, without the knowledge of the enemy, who were not more than six hundred yards distant. As the day began to dawn, a heavy fog arose, and hung over Long-Island, so that it entirely concealed the movements of the American troops The wind too, which had been adverse, suddenly changed in their favour, so that the whole army were taken over in safety. General Sullivan had been made a prisoner by the British, and he was soon after sent on parole, with a message from. Lord Howe to Congress, purporting that he had full powers to compromise the dispute. Less. V6.] LONG-ISLAND. 79 Doctor Franklin, Edward Rutledge, and John Adams, were appointed to meet him, on Staien Island ; but it appeared he hai' only power to ii:rant pardons on submission Of CO .rse, no approximation was made towards peace. After the battle of Long-Island, the army were dispirited, and the situation of Wash- ington become trying and delicate. The militia went off by companies, the regular troops were discontented, and the people murmured. To hazard another engagament was against all good poHcy, and to retreat was disheartening. Washington pursued a middle course. The public stores were re- moved to Dobb's ferry, twelve thousand men where ordered to the northern extremity of New-York island, and four thousand five hundred remained to defend the city. In September, General Howe attacked New-York, which was evacuated by the Americans, and taken possession of by the British. The Americans took a position on the north end of the island, and a skirmish took place, in which they behaved with great bravery, and came off victorious. This was the first success since the opening of the campaign, and it had a visible effect, in ani- mating the troops. On the 1 2th of October, the British crossed over to Throg's Neck, towards Connecticut, to cut off the commu- ^0 BATTLE 0P [Less. lo. nication between General Washington and the eastern states, upon which the Americans assembled their main force at \\ hite Plains. A severe action took place, in which some hundreds fell on both sides The British lay upon their arms all night, expecting to attack the Americans in the morning, but General Washington, unwilling to risk a formal en- gagement, retired farther up the country, and took a strong position at North Castle. On the 15th of xNovember, the British took fort Washington, the onlj post held by the Americans on New-York island. They then prepared to attack fort Lee, on the Jersey shore, and General Washington crossed to New- Jersey, with part of his army, leaving the remainder at North Castle under the command of General Lee. The campaign had been hitherto unfortu- nate, and great depression of spirits prevailed. Many, from timidity, accepted the pardon offered by Lord Howe , some of whom were men of wealth and respectability, and some had been members ot congress To retreat was now the only expedient As General Washington arrived successively at Newark, Brunswick, Trenton, and Princeton, he was still closely pursued by the British. General Lee, who had orders to join the €ommander-in chief, was taken prisoner at Less. IS.] LON(r-isLAsr&. 81 Baskenridge, by a party of British light horse, a circumstance which, on account of his military talents, was much regretted by the Americans. Gem^ral vVasriington's army, when he crossed the Delaware, consisted of nom<»rethen twenty-two iiundied men, and in a few days they acre reduced to seventeen hundred, dispirited, dejected and in want of all tbings. About this time Rhode-Island was taken possession ot by the British, without resistance. In proportion as the situation of affairs be- came more gloomy, congress redoubled their exertions. They addressed the people in bold and animated language , dispatched men of influence to different parts of the country, to excite the militia to take the field ; recom- mended a day of solemn fasting and prayer, and endeavoured to obtain assistance from foreign powers. These judicious measures in the cabinet were accompanied with proportionate vigour in the field A bold enterprise was underta'ren by Ge- neral VVashington. On the evening of Chirist- mas day, he crossed the Delaware, and sur- prised a lar^e body of Hessian troops at Trenton, and took them without the loss of a man. The detachment consisted of fifteen hundred German infantry, and a troop of British cavalr\'. 82 BATTLE OF [LcSS.lS. History affords few examples superior to this master-stroke in the art. Nothing^ seem- ed more improbable than such an attempt to the commander-in chief of that district, as he had boasted that he could keep the peace of New-Jersey with a corporal's guard. The British had a strong battalion of light infantry at Princeton, and a force yet remain- ing near the Delaware, superior in numbers to the American army. General Washington therefore conceived, it prudent to re-cross into Pennsylvania with his prisoners the night after the victory. These being secured, he returned to Trenton. The enemy did not suffer him to remain long undisturbed. Their detachments assembled at Princeton, and were joined by the army from Brunswick, under Lord Cornwallis. The situation of Washington became critical, but his genius suggested a relief. Soon alter it became darV, he ordered the baggage to be silently removed, when, leaving iiuards, and kindling fires, for the purpose o\ deception, he march- ed by a circuitious rout to Princeton, a dis- tance of ten miles ; and would have com- pletely suprised and took the British there, had not a party on their way to Trenton, descried his troops and given the alarm. The royalists charged the Americans, and the lat- tjpr gave way in disorder : when Washington Less. 13.] LONG-ISLAND. i3i) rushed forward, placed himself between his own troops and the British, with his horse's head to the latter. The Americans made a stand, and rtturned the enemy's fire ; and the General, though exposed to both sides, re- mained unhurt. A paityofthe enemy fled into the college, and surrendered. The American loss in this engagement was numerically small ; but the gallant Ge- neral Mercer, who fell in the action, was deservedly lamented. The astonishment of the British at Tienton, was extreme They had impatiently waited the morning, expecting to find the Ameri- cans an easy conquest ; and when they heard the firing at Trenton, though it was in the depth of winter, they took it to be thunder. So great was their consternation, that they immediatelyretreated to New Brunswick and Amboy. Thus ended the campaign of 1776 ; and brighter prospects ushered in the eventful year 1777. It has been appropriately called the ^Hime that tried men's souls" and will for- ever stand on the page of American history, a memorial of the courage and magnanimity of American soldiers, and of the peculiar Providence which crowned their etforts with success. M ^HBSTitNs FOR [Leas, 1^. QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. Where was General Washington when In- dependence was declared ? What f(3rce had he ? What troops arrived ? Where did they land ? Where had the Americans erected foFtifi- eations ! Who commanded ? Where and how did General Howe com- mence his operations ? How were the troops disposed ? How were the Americans attacked ? Describe the action ? Where wa.s General Washington ? How was he affected ? What step did he take ? Describe the retreat ? What circumstances favoured the retreat ? What Genera was tal en prisoner ? On what messaa:e was he sent f Who were appointed to meet Lord Howe ? What was the resuh ? What is said of the situation of Washings ton^ What course did he pursue ? Less. 13.] EXAMINATION. 85 What disposition was made of his troops and pu'ilic stores ? When was New- York taken ? Where did the Americans take a position ? What took place 1 What effect had it ? What movement did the British make 1 Why ? What took place at VVhite Plains ? What tort was taken by the British X What did they prepare to attack .? What disposition did Washington make of his troops ? What is said of the campaign .? Describe the retreat of iVashing^>ri * Where was General Lee taken r What measures did Congress adopt ■ What enterprize was undertaken bf Wash ington ? Give the particulars ? Describe the retreat to Princeton P What is said of the engagemen* ' Mention the conduct of the Gei; i - What distinguished officer fel' > • I's;- i.c tion ? What is said of the British at T Where did they retreat ? What is said of the end of 17^ G, and he- sinninff of 1777 ? II t^g CAPTURE OF [Less. 14» What has this year been called? Of what is it a monument ! -^^^^ I,13S£0H XXV. CAPTURE OF BURGOYNE. The year 1777 was distinguished by very memoraMe events in favour ot America. C,e- neral -. ashington's winter quarters were at Morristown, in New-Jersey, where most of hi troops were inoculated for the small pox On the ovemn^oithe campaign m the spring, n" tIo^^ was «ent by tl e British to des- w .^-Ai^c military ^tor^s at Jiaiurjiy, a. • Connecticut. The plan was exe^ uted, arui t' tnwn mostly burned ; hut the Bruish .u.. i e i ru their retreat, and the An>encans lost Gtnerdi Wooster, • ■ - • ' . vre- -^-?'* .fncer. , i- - \. May, ^^enerai W HM.nigto!^ Icli ;uj, quar-^ i.-i^ at Morr'^vo^'in and took . 4von;r posi- rca a Midditbraok, ten uiiles nesrf r bmas • ^ick, from tvhencehe cc-M -r-r.,. asl the ^novemcots ot ihe British. Less 14.] SURGOYNE. 8T The first object of General Howe was to get possession oi' Philadelphia ; but he was unwilliniJ^ to cross the Delawaje while Gen- eral VV'ashiiigton was in tbrcf I'ehind him. He, therefore, practised many manoeuvres to draw the Americans from their position but without success ; and, alter some slight skirmishing, the British evacuated New- Jersey altoo:ether. Soon afterwards, the main body of the British army em marked at New-York, sailed up the ( hesapeake, and landed at the head of Elk river, where they began their march for Philadel[)hia. General VV'ashington was determined to oppose them, and for t'lis purpose made a stand near Brand} wine creek. Here the armies engaged ; and the Americans were overpowered with great loss. The enemy pursui^d theii' march, and took possession of Philadelphia towards the close of Sep- tember. At Germantown, also, the two armies were soon afterwards engager^, and both sides suffered considerable loss , but the British had the advantage In October, General Burgoyne, and the whole northern army of the British, were captured. The British had taken Ticonde- roga ; and, crossing Lake George, encamped upon the banks of the Hudson, near Sara- 8b CAPTURE OF [Less. 14. toga. Their progress, however, was check- ed by the defeat of Colonel Baum, near Ben- nington, in which the undisciphned militia of Vermont under General Stark, displayed unexampled bravery, and captured almost the whole detachment. The militia, from all parts of New-Eng- land, assembled to stop the progress of Gen- eral Burgoyne. These, with the regular troops, ibrmed a respectable army, com- manded by Gen. Gates. After two severe actions, in which Gen- erals Lincoln and Arnold behaved with great bravery, General Burgoyne was forced to capitulate. Ten thousand men, with their arms, ammunition, and artillery, fell into the hands ol the Americans. This event excited universal joy in Ame- rica, and laid the foundation for the tieaty witi' France. About the same time, Esopus, a beautiful Dutch village on the iiudson, was burnt, by order of Gen. Vaughan. The same year. General Washington de- feated the Hessians at Red-Bank, which was, however, soon after evacuated. John Adams was appointed Minister to Paris, in the place of Silas Deane, v/ho wa? recalled. Less. 14.] BURGSYNE. 89 More than one thousand American prison- ers were confined in New- York, in the pro- vost,* and in the Jersey prison ship, where they were suffered to perish with hunger and disease. This year Vermont became an indepen- dent state. Several foreigners joined the American cause this year, and distiny;uished ttiemselves for their bravery and prowess. The Mar- quis De La Fayette, of Prance, and Count Pulas i, of Poland, served in the battle of Brandy wine ; and the celebrated Polish Gen- era) Kosciusko, was chief engineer to Gen- eral Gates. These noblemen had joined the American standard from their love of liberty, and conviction of the justice of the cause. And while they severally deserve, as they enjoy, the warm gratitude of the United States, yet this work would fail to be a re- cord of truth, if it did not give an outline at least of the distinguished services rendered this country by the Marquis de La Fayette. At the moment when the then collossal pow- er of the British Em[»ire seemed ready to overwhelm this country, and it was reported that the American army v/as reduced to two * Now the Debtor's Prison. H2 90 THE MARQUIS [LcSS. 14. thousand men, and was flying through New- Jersey before thirty thousand British regular troops ; at the moment when the credit of America in Europe could not procure a sin- gle vessel for ner assi>tance, then it was that the majjiianimous La Fayette said to our commissioners at Paris, "to this moment I have done nothing but admiie }Our cause, but HOW I mean to serve it. The more hope- less it is in the public estimation, the more honour shall I acquire h. espousing its inter- ests Since it is out of you power to pro- cure a vessel, I will purchase and equip one m}seli ; and I take upon niyseli to be the bearerof your despatches to Congress." He accordingly from his own resources fitted up a vessel, and procured for the service of our country, a quantity of military stores, and leaving a young and amiable wife, and all the fascinating sceres which his Court presented to him, he hastened to our relief. — Landing at Charleston, South Carolina, he proceeded to Philadelphia, and presenting himself before (Congress, said, "1 am come to request two favours of this house: the one is, to serve in your army in the capacity of a private volunteer ; the other, to receive no pay " Such was La Fayette at the age of twenty. To recount the services which he rendered Less. 14.] DE LA FAYETTE. 91 to this country, and the honours she has be- stowed upon him — to rehearse all that he has suffered in the cause of liberty — would be to fill volumes. Let every American, to the latest posterity, reiiiember, that he not only poured into the exhausted treasury of the Revolutionary Fathers, the (»roceeds of his princely fortune, but in their service expended his blood. It was the exertion of his power- ful influence that conciliated in favour of the Revolutionary cause the Tourt of Versailles, and brought to our aid at the moment of our " utmost need," a fleet and an army of brave and noble-minded Frenchmen. We do not say that, without this aid, the rising hopes of the friends of liberty would have been for- ever blasted. But is it not possible, not to say probable, that without it, the struggle would, for that time, at least, have proved unsuccessful, and Washington, Adams, Han- cock, and other devoted friends to that noble cause, been executed as rebels and traitors ? Often when the American army was in want of provisions, blankets and clothing, when there was not even a single pair of shoes in that army, has La Fayette, from his own purse, supplied those necessaries. • hen we remember these things, when the follow- ing words of La Fayette sound in our ears, '' Fnjm the moment I first heard the name of America, I began to love her ; from the mo- 92 THE MARQUIS DE LA PAYETTE. [LcSS, 14. ment I understood that she was struggling for her liberties, 1 burned to shed m} oest blood in her glorious cause ; and lae days I shall devote to the service of America, wher- ever and whenever it may be, will covmtute the happiest of my Hie ," when we coar^ider the benign influence which an example like this, and gratitude sucti as these United States observe towards him, must have upon the moral destmies of the world ; when we call to mind the honours the country has awarded to its illustrious Iriend, the bust of enthusiasm with which in his visit to us in 1824, he was received, borne aloft in the affections of the people, as he stands conspi- cuous among all the great and good men that ever liv« d, passing from one end of our hap- py country to the other, through illuminated cities, triumphal a ches, and millions of free- born grateful citizens, where all aihnired and no one envied him ; — we have more reasons than one to rejoice in the fact, that this Hero, Patriot and Philanthropist, was and remains our friend, and that our treatment of him furnisht^s at least oiie example of a GRATEFUL REPUBLIC* * While this work was in the press, a bill grant- ing to Gen. La Fayette $200,000, and atoniiship of 25.000 arres, in testimony of the United States" gratitude towards him. passed both houses of Cor>- ;^ress, almost unanimously. ^eSS.l4.] QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 915 QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. For what was the year 1777 distinguish- ed ? Where were Gen. Washington's winter quarters .? Describe the expedition of Governor Try- on .^ When did Washington leave his quarters? What position did he take ? What was the object of Gen. Howe ? Why was he unwilling to cross the Dela- ware ? What movement was made by the army at New-York ? Where did General Washington make a stand ? What is said of the engagement near Bran- dywine ? When was Philadelphia taken ? Where was another battle fought ? \^'hich had the advantage ? When was Burgoyrie captured ? What ort had the Biitisn taken ? How was their progress checked ? How was the army of Gen. Gates formed ? How many battles were fought between Burgoyne and Gates ? V'v hat was the result ? What American officers were distinsruish- ^d ? ^4 QUESTIONS? FOR EXAMINATION. [LcSS. 14. Of what did the capture of Burgoyne lay the foundation ? How ? Ans. By impressing the French with a favourable opim m of the .flmerican cause. VV hat village was hurned ? Whom did (xen. Washington defeat ? Who was appointed vlinister to Paris ? Where were the American prisoners con- fined ? How w^^e they treated ? What foreifi^ners joined the Americans ? What was the situation of the Americans at the moment La Fa} ette resolved to join them ? His observations to the American Com- missioners at Paris ? In what manner did he first come to America ? What state to congress on presenting him- self be fore it ? What further is stated in relation to his servic s ? What would probably have been the fate of the country, and of Washington, Adams, and Hancock, had La Fayette not come to our aid ? What did he often do for the American army ? V'V hat say in relation to America ? In conclusion of this lesson, what is stated concerning La Fayette ? and in the note ? Less. 15.] ALLIANCE WITH FRANCE. ^0 ALLIANCE WITH FRANCE,TRKACH- ERY OF ARNOLD, &c. The beginning of the year 1 778 was dis- tinguished by a treaty of alliance between France and America, by which the Ameri- cans obtained a p- werf'ul ally. When the EnL'lish Minist)y were informed that the treat} was likely to be concluded, they dis- patched Commissioners to America to at- tempt a reconcili tion , but their offers could not now be accepted. Karl} in the spring, Count de Estaing, with a fleet ot fifteen sail of' the line, was sent by the Court of France to assist Mnerica. General Howe returned to England, leaving the command of the army to Sir Henr^ ( linton. In June the British left Philadelphia, and marched for ^ew-York. At Monmouth tl)ey were repulsed with great loss ; but General Lee, by an ill-timed retreat, lost the victory. For his conduct this day. General Lee was suspended, and never afterwards joined the army. This year Savannah was burnt by the British. In 1779, Norwalk and Fairfield, in Con- necticut, were burned. General V\ avne sur- 96 ALLIANCE WITH FRANCE, AND [LcSS 15. prised and took the British garrison at Stony Point, with small Toss on either side. In Oc- tober, Gen. Lincoln and Count de Estaing made an assault upon Savannah ; hut they were repulsed with great loss, and the celebrat- ed Polish Count Pulaski was mortally wound- ed. In 1780, the British troops left Rhode- Island. Charleston, in South Carolina was taken by Lord Cornwallis, who marched through the southern states, and supposed them entirely subdued. In July, a French fleet, commanded by Monsieur Ternay, with a body of land forces, under the command of Count de Rocham- beau, arrived at Rhode-Island, to the great joy of the Americans. This year was also distinguished by the treacherj of Arnold. General v^ ashington, having some business to transact at Whethers- field, in Connecticut, left the important post of West Point under the command of" Arnold. This post guards a pass in the Hudson river, about sixty miles from New-York. Arnold's conduct the preceding winter, had been cen- sured, and he was determined to take revenge for the treatment he bad received. For this T, u'p c ^i"^. he entered 'Tsmo ." "cgociaticrr^. with ;> Henry Ciintoti ?o deliver West Poinl ^.0 iSfi i,rmy into the. hand.« of the Brjnsb. neral Wasl^jjarton \vas absen . V Less, lo.j TREACHERY OF ARNOLD. 97 dismounted the cannon, and took other steps to render the taking of the post easy to the enemy. Major Andre, a brave and accomplished British oifi er, was sent up the river to confer with Arnold ; but returning to New- York, divested of his uniform, he was intercepted by three American soldiers, John Paulding, Isacc Van Wart, and David Williams. He offered them his purse and a valuable gold watch to release him ; but these inflexible patriots, though poor, were not to be moved from their duty. They searched him, and found a plan of the fort, and other papers in Arnold's own hand writing, concealed in his boot. Arnold escaped on board the Vulture, a British ship which lay in the river ; but An- dre, having forfeited his life by the laws of war, was hanged as a spy. General Washington soon restored order in the garrison; and the exchaiige of one of their best men for a traitor, was all the Britisii gained by this project Major Andre was universally regretted. His iidelity had pointed him out to General Clinton as a suit- able person to undertake this expedition ; buf his candour made him inexpert in those ^tt^ *-^f deception •which is reqtiircd. J) advanced, and ertiticates vveie uiveri fortbe remainder. On the 3d of November the armv were dis- banded. They had sufftrt d much ; h d been in want of all things , and often their footsteps miiiht have been tracked in blood over tiie frozen ground. The lad achieved the In ependence of a nation ; and the} now returned to their homes with onlv three months' pay, in part of the large arrears which were due. The officers, to perpetuate their friend- ship, formed themselves into a Society, which they named ( incinnati, alter Cincin- natus, the celebrated Roman General, who, after having vanquished the enemies of his country, returned to the plough. On the 25th of November New- York was evacuated by the British; and v\ ashington, accompanied by f overnor Clinton, entered the city in grand procession An interesting epoch was now approaching The com- mander-in-chief was to bid adieu to his offi- cers, endeared to him by personal friendship, by common dangers, and by the successful issue of the enterprise in which they had 104 PEACE. [Less. 16. been engaged The officers advanced suc- cessively ; he took an atfectionate leave of each, and then passed through a corps of light infantry to the place of embarkation. He entered the barge, turned to his com- panions, waved his hat, and bade them a si- leni adieu. He next proceeded to Annapolis, then the seat of Congress, to resign his commission.^ This interesting ceremony over, he retir- ed to ^lount Vernon, and the peaceful occu- pations of domestic life. QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. What circumstance called the attention of the French fleet to Virginia .? Where did General Greene remove ? What is said of the battle of * amden ? What soon followed ? What followed the battle of Eutaw Springs? Where did Lord Cornwallis march ? Where fortify himself ? Who was sent to watch his motions ^ What fleet arrived in the Chesapeake P Who coromanded \\\^. British fleet ? Less. 16.] QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. 105 Where did they appear ? What took place ? Where was Gen. Washington ? Whither did he march ? AVhat soon commenced at Yo? ktown ? When did CornwalHs surrender ? How was the news of this received at Consrress ? ' What did Washington order ? What did Congress resolve ? Who arrived at Mew-York the next spring.*' What communication did he make to Congress ? What pAiropean sovereigns were media- tors ? Who were the American Commissioness ^ Who the British ? W hen were articles of peace signed ? What did * Jreat Britain acknowledge ? What did America ohtain ^ When was the Army disbanded ? How were they paid ' What is said of the army ? What took place on the 25th of Novem- ber ? Describe the parting of Washington and his officers ? What Society was instituted ? Whither did VV ashington proceed ? 106 ADOPTION OF THE [LcsS. 17- For what purpose 1 Where did he retire ? Al ^^ nON OF THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. From the conchision of the war to the es- tahlishment of the new constitution, the peo- ple of tlie United States suffered many em- barrassments. The operations of the war had been retarded by the want of funds. There was no oriranized government to levy taxes, and the only resource of congress was to issue bills of credit. As the calls for money weie incessant, Congress continued to emit bills until tiicy iiad issued two hundred millions o' dollars. These bills gradually depreciated, until they became of little value. To keep up the value, a law was passed making thecontiaental money a legal tender. But notwithstanding the law, the depreciation continued, and many persons suffered severe- ly in con -equence. Some, who owed large debts, paid their creditors with a trifle ; the rich became poor, and those who were im- mersed in debt, took advantage of the time* and became rich. Less. 17,] FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. 107 This money was never redeemed by Con- gress, and indeed, it was impossible that it should be At the close of the war, the debt of the United States was estimated at forty millions of dollars. They were not able to pay the interest; public securities depreciated to one tenth of their nominal value, and the late army, and those who had furnished supplies, incurred great losses. Trade languished, bankiuptcies ensued^ and industry was at a stand. The United States seemed to be thirteen distinct sove- reignties, each pursuing its own interest, while the whole was suffering. In 1786, an insunection brol e out in Massachusetts, headed by a Mr. .^hay ; but prudent and concilatory measures being adopted, it was soon quelled. In May, 1787, deputies from each of the states, except Illio^le-Island, assembled at Philadelphia, for the purpose ot forming a Constitution. After four months deliberation, they presented the new Constitution to the several states, and at length, after much dis- cussion, it was adopted. By this constitution, the blessings of civil and religious liberty are guaranteed to the people ; and one of its chief excellencies is, that it contains a provision for future amend- ments, as the exigencies of the states shall 108 ADOPTION OF THE [LeSS. 17. require.* One legislative and judicial power pervades the whoK^ union. I be executive power is vested In a President and Vice-Pre- sident, and the legislative in a Senate a.i.d House of Representatives, all chosen by the people. The ratification of the constitution was celebrated with great joy. On the 3d of March, 1789, the new Congress assembled at New-York, and George W ashington was found to be unanimously elected I'resident oi' the United States, and John Adams, Vice- President. In 1791, Kentucky and Vermont were admitted into the union. The latter had before declared independence, but being claimed both by New- York and New- Hamp- shire, could not be considered an effective link in the chain, until these states relinquish- ed their claim. The same year, the prosperity of the union was menaced by tSie opposition ot the inha- bitants of the western part ol Pennsylvania to the measures of Congrf ss, for raising a revenue by a tax on distilled spirits. The disturbances continued until 1794 when it was found necessary to send an armed force into the country, but happily the insurrection was quelled without bloodshed. '*Several amendments havp- beeti madr. Less. 17.] FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. 109 A remnant of the revolutionary war was still carried on by the Indian tribes, north west of the Ohio river, which had been chiefly directed against the frontiers of Kentucky. In 1791, General St. Clair experienced a disastrous defeat near the Miami villages. The summer of 1792 was spent in ineffectual overtures for peace, and the next year the army advanced as far as the ground where St. Clair had been defeated, and built fort Recovery. In 1794, General Wayne totally defeated the Indians ; and in 1 795 a treaty was con- cluded with all the hostile tribes, on terms mutually satisfactory. QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. How had the operations of the war been retarded ? How did congress supply ^ • - money ? How attempt to keep up the value of th*) bills ? What was the consequence What was the debt of the Ur : « vtir Where they able to pay ? Who incurred losses ? ' . K 110 DIFFICULTIES [LcSS. 18. What did the United States seem to be ? Where did an insurrection break out ? When was the Constitution framed ? What does it guarantee ? For what does it provide ? By whom are the officers of goverment chosen? In whom is the executive power vested ? In whom, the legislative ? Who was the first President ? What new states were admitted ? When ? How was the prosperity of the union me- naced ? How long did disturbances continue ? ,How were they quelled ? Where was war still carried on ? What General was defeated by the In- dians ? What fort was built ? When, and by whom ? Who defeated the Indians ? What occurred in 1793 ? IiSSSOK XVIll. DIFFICULTIES WITH FRANCE. While the administration were thus em- ^Jftf^ M quellinsr the refractory, and re- Less. 18.] WITHFRANCE, 111 straining the inroads of a subtle enemy, they were unexpectedly involved in a foreign war, by the great convulsions of Europe. The people of France, emboldened by the suc- cess of the American revolution, had pro- ceeded in their endeavours to establish a popular government until they had dethroned and beheaded their unhappy king. They were now contending alone against surround- ing states. In this situation, the government turned to America, and demanded, in the friendship and assistance of the emancipated colonies, a return for the aid rendered them by Louis, the deposed king. Mr. Genet was sent over as Minister from the French republic. The prudence of the President led him to issue a proclamation;, expressing the intention of the government to maintain a strict neutrality. The ani- mosities of France and England had often embroiled Europe, and they now threatened to involve America in the contest. The conduct of Genet was such that a request was made to the French government, desir- ing his recall. He had, in defiance of the President's proclamation, enlisted men, and fitted out privateers to cruise against Britain. The French government disavowed his pro- ceedinsrs, and sent Mr. Kaurhet in his plaop 11 ;i liiFPicuLTiEs [Less. lb. The British had given orders to capture all American vessels trading to the French West India Islands, and American seamen were impressed by British vessels. On the other hand, complaints were made of unjust treatment from French vessels and French tribunals ; and at the same time the Algerine cruizers captured American vessels, and carried their crews into slavery. The Pre- sident was unwearied in the execution of his duties. Mr. Jay was sent to Kngland, to claim reparation for British spoliations ; re- monstrances were made to the French go- vernment, and an agent sent to Algiers. In the mean time, the President having been twice unanimously elected, and fulfilled the period of service, now declined a re-election, and John Adams was chosen President, and Thomas Jefferson Vice-President. Mr. Jay negociated a treaty with England, the ratification of which was one of the last official acts of President Washington ; and though much difference of opinion existed as to its utility, all parties have agreed that the President acted from motives of the purest patriotism. Soon after the retirement of Washington, Congress thought it necessary to raise a provisional army, on account of our disputes with France : and General Washington was Less. 18.] WITH PRANCE. US again appointed Commander-in-chief. He accepted the appointment, on condition that he should not be called to service until the army were in actual readiness to take the field. On receiving pacific intelligence from France, the army was disbanded, and the armed vessels mostly laid up. The measures of the administration under Mr. Adams did not meet with that general approbation which had distinguished those of the former administration. In all popular governments, there will be a collision of parties, and the conduct of the rulers will be more or less subject to censure, though their intentions may be pure. Several acts were passed which met with considerable opposition. — Among these were the Alien and Sedition acts, and the act authorising a direct tax on houses and lands. The Alien law empowered the ^resident to seize any alien he might suspect to be inimical, and order him to depart the country. The Sedition law imposed a fine and impri- sonment for writing and publishing any thing to bring the government or its officers into disrepute. The 14th of December, 1799, Gen. Wash- ington died at his seat in Virginia, in the 68th vear of his age. The history of his country U4 (^UESTIONs FOR [Less. 18. is his best eulogium ; his most faithful monu- ment, the love and admiration of the world. He died as he had lived, calm, equable, and resigned ; consigning his spirit, with tranquil confidence, to the Saviour of man- kind, and his fame to a grateful country. QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. In what were the United States involved ? Vv hat is said of the people of France ? What did they look for from America ? Who was sent over to America from France ? What is said of Genefs conduct in Ameri- ca ? How was his conduct viewed by the French government ? What orders had been given by the British ? What complaints were made ? ^Vho was sent to England ? For what purpose ? What measures was pursued toward France and Algiers ? Who was elected President ? What is said of Mr. Jay's treaty ? Was Washington again called to the ser- vice of his country ? Less. IS.] EXAMINATION 115 On what occasion ? Why was the army disbanded I What is said of the measures of ths ad- ministration f What acts of the administration were un- popular ? What power was given to the President by the ahen law ? What did the sedition law impose ? When and where did Washington die ? At what age ? Z.ESSOH XZZ. FOUNDING OF WASHINGTON- WAR WITH TRIPOLI. It had been strongly advised by Washing- ton, that the seat of government should be removed to a more central situation than Philadelphia or New- York : accordingly a territory ten miles square, had been ceded to congress for that purpose, by Virginia and Maryland, and a city bearing the name of the father of his country, was founded on the Maryland side of the Potomac. Hither the public offices were removed in 1800, and congress met herein December, for the first time. The city is four miles square; and is laid out on aw elegant plan. 116 WAR WITH [Less. 19. In 1801, Thomas Jefferson was elected President, and Aaron Burr, Vice-President of the United States. Harmony now existed between the United Stages and the great European powers ; but a new scene of vexations, and eventually of war, arose from the piracies of the Barbary States. The disputes with Tunis, Algiers, and Mo- rocco, had been settled, but Tripoli demands ed a tribute, which the United ^tates deter- mined not to pay. The consequence was, the capture of several vessels ; but these inju- ries were soon avenged. Captain Sterret, of the schooner Enterprise, fell in with and conquered aTripolitan cruizer. The engage- meni was desperate, and lasted several hours. The following year Commodore Dale was sent to the Mediterranean with three frigates and a sloop of war, to blockade the port of Tripoli, and protect American commerce. In 1803, the fdgafe* Philadelphia ran upon a rock near Tripoli, and was compelled to strike her colours, and her officers and men were made prisoners. The following summer Lieut. Stephen Decatur had the address to destroy the cap- tured frigate, which was then lying at anchor in the harbour. For the intrepidity and skill Less. 19.] TRIPOLI. 117 displayed in this bold enterprise, Decatur was made a Post- Captain. In August, Commodore Preble made three attacks upon the Tripolitan batteries, but without success, and the captive Americans were still treated with great barbarity. In 1805, another attempt was made, with the co-operation of Hamet, the ex-bastiaw of Tripoli, who had been driven from the throne by his brother. Mr. William Eaton, of Massachusetts, marched at the head of Hamet's forces from Alexandria to Dc'^e a distance of five hundred miles, over a s > i desart, and summoned the town to surrcndv -. After a combat of two hours and a half, sup- ported by the American squadron, the was carried J^ Two other battles took ] in both of which the barbarians were compel- led to retreat with precipitation, when a trea- ty was concluded with the reigning baf i^- and the American prisoners set at libert . Since we mentioned the establishme : Kentucky, two new states have been a h\q,^ to the Union, Tennessee and Ohio ; ar. ' \ 1803, Louisiana was purchased from French government, for fifteen million dollars. In 1804, Captains Lewis and Clark ^ ' sent to explore the country. They asc« r p.d the Missouri in boats to the falls, a i-^ 118 QUESTIONS FOR [LcSS. 19. tance of three thousand miles ; thence cross- ed the rocky mountains to Columbia river, and thence to the Pacific ocean. They reached St. Louis, on their return, in Sep- tember, 1806. The year 1807 is remarkable for the trial of Aaron Burr, who was accused of an at- tempt to divide the western from the Atlantic states. After several days examination of witnesses, no positive proof appearing;, he was acquitted. A political dispute between him and Alex- ander H amilton, led to a duel, in which the latter'was killed. The practice of impressing American sea- men being continued by the Britkh, caused great uneasiness, and at lengtiT combined with other grievances, led to hostilities. In 1807, American commerce was interrupted both by the measures of the British and the French. — Both governments acknowledged that their interruptions of neutral commerce were unjustifiable ; but both justified them- selves on the ground of retaliation. QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. What had Washington advised ? When was the seat of government remo- ved.'' Less. 20.] EXAMINATION. 119 Who were the nefct executive officers ? What new causes of vexation arose ? T\'hat was demanded by Tripoli ? What was the consequence of a refusal ? How were these injuries avenged ? ^Vho was sent to the Mediterranean ? AVith what force ? Describe the loss of the frigate Philadel- phia ? By whom v.'as she afterwards destroyed ? What success had Commodore Preble ? How were the captive Americans treated ? Describe the expedition of 1805. How many battles were fought ? What was the result ? What Mw states have been added to the [ Q^ w si; Union ^-WL t t^™)i What tlmtory w,^^ purchased ? Describe the expedition of Lewis and Clark. For what is the year 1807 remarkable ? AVfeat ied to hostilities with Britain ? What did the British and French ackno ledge? WAR WITH ENGLAND. Among the immediate causes of the la*' war, was the practice of searching A* {■:'} WAR WITH [Less. 20. .. i ^ ;? _ , and impressing such of the sea- men as were recognized as natives of the kingdom of Great Britain. This custom, in itself at variance with the rights of civilized nations, is also liable to great abuse, from the impossibility of distinguishing between peo- ple speaking the same language. Many na- turalized citizens of America, and even some natives, were impressed, and it was justly as- serted that Great Britain could have no more right to invade the deck of a ship, sailing un- '"ri the r."'ntecrh;i crf the Arnekican :ia§- t.jaii to ■ portfori ol tm American temtorj- , In April J i8u(), s British vessel of war hvpA aj>cn an American <;Oiast'p.r, a*d,kiOed a nsian on board. This eveii^ excidBpoasider dble censatioii.. and ihsjii^Fresfoem issued a 'Tovhixn-j'ion^ agreeable to an act of Con- virfjsj? iv>i bidding any succour tc b>' given to ^ai vessel; in any harbour of the United States. ', On the 22d of Juiie, the British ship Leo- ^ 'd, of fifty guns, atta<;kecl tbo frigate ^lesapeake. carrying 30 ^jik- ; killed 4 UK:;n jnd wottBde«!er '■rr^kj men. whom he claimed as • >rli,. 's. Tbc^ae men had previously Less. 20.] ENGLAND. 121 was hanged as a deserter, one died in prison, and three of the four were proved to be native born Americans. Towards the close of the year 1807, the President recommended a general embargo, and Congress immediately enacted a law to prohibit commercial intercourse with foreign nations. In the United States the embargo met with considerable opposition, and in New England it was with difficulty enforced. For the preservation of domestic peace, the government found it necessary to repeal the embargo law as it respected certain arti- cVes, and they substituted a non-intercourse with France and England. The insulting- behaviour of Mr. Jackson, the minister from England, heightened the resentment of America, and a rencounter between the ships of war, the President and Little Belt, in- creased the unfriendly sentiments of Eng- land. The British government disavowed the at- tack upon the Chesapeake, and made pro- visions to support the families of the killed and wounded ; and the impressed sailors were restored. In the meantime, Mr, Jef- ferson having completed two full periods of service, declined a re-election, and James Madison was chosen President, and George Clinton, Vice-President. All experiments L 122QUESTIONSFOR EXAMINATION. [LeSS.20. having failed to produce a change of the systems practised by Oreat Britain and France against the commerce of the United States, war was declared against England on the 18th of Jun,-, 1812. This result was hastened by the disclosures of John Henry, who had been employed by Governor Craig, of Canada, to promote dissentions in the Eastern states, and withdraw them from the Union. His labours not being rewarded by the British according to his expectation, he disclosed the plot, and obtained §50,000 for the discovery. VVith the wages of treachery, he embarked for France in a public vessel. QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. What was one of the immediate causes of the war ? How is this custom liable to abuse ? What occurred in 1 806 ? What did this event excite ? What occurred on the 22d of June ? What did the President recommend 1 How was the embargo regarded by the people ? Where did it meet with most opposition ? What measure did the government rind necessary ? Less. 21.] SURRENDER OF DETROIT. 123 What heightened the resentment of Ameri- ca ? Did the British government approve the attack on the Chesapeake ? What restitution was made ? Who was the next President ? When was war declared ? What hastened the declaration ? What did Henry receive for his dis- closures Whither did he go ? uit^^-m 2X1. SURRENDFROF DETROIT-BATTLE OF QUEExNSTOVfN. The first military enterprise undertaken, was the invasion of Canada by General Hull, the Governor of Michigan territory On the 12thofJu:yhe crossed over into Canada, and took possession of Sandwich ; issued a proclamation, in which he stated that he had a force what were " ahU to Icok down all op- positiony^^ and offered protection to the inha- bitants who shoud rally round his standard. It was expected he would proceed imme- diately to the conquest of Fort Maiden ; but the davofthe meditated attack, to the inex- 124 SURRENDER OP [Less. 21. pressible astonishment of the brave Ameri- cans, orders were given to cross over to De- troit. By this disgraceful retreat the inhabi- tants of Canada, who had confided in his offers of protection, were abandoned to the mercy of the British. — Shortly after, a party of troops, with supplies for the American camp, were attacked near the river Rasin, and compelled to retreat, with the loss of 19 killed and wounded. Another battle took place at Maguaga, and, after a severe action of three hours, the enemy were compelled to retreat to their boats. On the 15th of August, the British Gene- ral took a position opposite Detroit, and sent over a flag, demanding a surrender of the American garrison. Gen. Hull returned for answer that the fort would be defended to the last extremity. The next day the enemy were discovered crossing the river to attack the fort, when, without the slightest cause, the American commander ordered his troops to abandon their position, and betake themselves to the fort. A white flag was then suspended from the fort ; and the British officer, who rode up to ascertain the cause, could hardly believe that a surrender was intended, until a capi- tulation was made. By this disgraceful surrender, the British were put in possession of" all the public stores Less. 21. j DETROIT. 126 and arms, and the Annerican troops were conveyed to Montreal and fort George, as prisoners of war. General Hull was after- wards tried and condemned to suffer death ; but in consequence of his age, and revolution- ary services, was pardoned. Our disgraces on lane: were compensated by the skiil, gallantry, and brilliant achieve- ments of our naval officers Captain Hull of the Constitution, captured the British frigate Guerriere on the 10th of September ; and from this period to the close of the war, the American newspapers were filled with ac- counts of naval exploits, both in public and private armed vessels. Captain Porter, of the Essex, in a daring attempt, cut out a brig from a convoy, and found on board 14,000 dollars, and 150 soldiers. He afterwards captured the Alert. The President and the Argus were also fortunate ; and the Gallant Commodore Decatur, by the capture of the Macedonian, added another laurel to those which already graced his brow. In a few months the British lost upwards of 230 merchant vessels, two frigates, and several smaller public vessels. During the summer and autumn, a consi- derable force was collected on the N iagara frontier, and on the 1 2th of October the troops crossed over and stormed the ememv'? T. 2 12(> KATTLEOF [LcSS. 21. teries at Queenstown. The attack was at first successful ; the British were three times rout- ed ; but being reinforced, while the volun- teers on the opposite side refused to cross over, the Americans were at last obliged to yield to superior numbers In this action the British lost Gen. Brock. General Wads- worth, Colonels Van Rensselaer, Christie, and Scott, and many other American officers, highly distinguished themselves, and were much applauded. General Smythe soon after^took the com- mand ; and on the 17th of November, an- nounced his intention of crossing into Cana- da. On the 28th two thousand men were embarked in the boats, waiting only for orders, and an equal number paraded the shore to act as a reserve. Suddenly Gener- al Smythe abandoned the enterprise. The troops were indignant, and it was with diffi- culty they could be calmed. On the day following, the troops were again embarked, and the expedition again abandoned. The discontent of the volunteers was not now confined to murmers ; they even threat- ened the life of the General, who was com- pelled to place a guard near his person. After challenging General Porter of the New-York volunteers. Gen. Smythe retired Less. 21.] QUEENSTOWN. 127 to his seat in Virginia, and did not resume the command. At the west, Gen. Harrison was called to the command, and several expeditions were conducted by Generals Hopkins andTupper. General VYinchester commanded abont 1000 men, chiefly volunteers from Kentucky. In an engagement with the British and Indians, he was made prisoner, and his men were bar- barously murdered after they had surren- dered. Above sixty of the wounded were burned in the houses of the inhabitants. The barbarity of this action has disgraced the name of Proctor, the British leader, and ex- cited the strongest indignation in the bosom of Americans. QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. What was the first military enterprise / When did Gen. Hull cross into Canada ! What wa^i§'ned ? Less. 24.] CESSION OP THE FLORIDAS. 13^ >Vhen ratified by the Prince Regent ? ^Vhen by the President ? ^ On what rests security against* future aggression ? liSSSO-^l XK2V. CESSION OF THE FLORIDAS FORMATION OF NEvV STATES. The amicable relations with Great Britain, which had been restored by the treaty of peace, were soon afterwards confirmed by a treaty of commerce. In 1816, Congress voted an annual appro- priation of one million of dollars during eight years, to augment the naval force of the Uni- ted States, and re-established the national bank, the charter of which had expired in 1810. The next subject which engrossed the attention of Congress, was a revision of the duties on imported goods. In forming the tariff, a judicious attention was given to the protection of domestic manufactures. In 1817, Mr. Madison having twice filled the office of President, did not offer himself for a third election, and his place was sup- plied by James Monroe ; the Vice-Presiden- tial office being assigned to Daniel D. Tomp- kins, of New- York. 140 CESSION OK [Less. 24. In 1818, we have to mention the war with the Seminole Indians. Pensacola was taken from the Spaniards by General Andrew Jackson, in consequence of their giving pro- tection to the Indians with whom the United States were at war. Arbuthnot and Ambris- ter, two British subjects, found in arms against the United States, were tried by a court mar- tial, and found guilty. Arbuthnot was sen- tenced to be hanged, and Ambrister to be shot ; but one of the members of the court requesting a re-consideration of his vote, the sentence of Ambrister was commuted for corporeal punishment, and twelve months imprisonment to hard labour. Gen. Jackson disapproving the commutation, the first sentence was executed. On the 8th July, the bones of General Richard Montgomery, having been brought from Canada, pursuant to a resolution of the Legislature of New- York, were interred with funeral honours, under a Monument erected to his memorvin front of St. Paul's church, in the City of New-York. Few events have taken place since the peace of 1815, which require a place on the page of history. The rapid extension of territory which has added several new states to the Union, the progress of agriculture, science, and the arts ; the internal improve. Less. 24.] THE FLORIDAS. 141 ments of roads, bridges, and canals, are all subjects of deep and growing interest ; but from the limits of our plan, can only receive a brief notice. Since the admission of Louisiana into the Union in 1812, six other states have been added ; and the territory of the United States now extends from the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Lakes, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. Indiana was admitted into the Union in 1816; Mississippi in 1817; Illinois in 1818 , Alabama in 1819 ; Maine, and Missouri, in 1820 Much discusssion took place on the admission of Missouri, and it was, at first, only admitted conditionally. Jlut having complied with the act of Con- gress, restricting it from preventing the resi- dence of free 4persons of colour, it was formally declared a state by a proclamation of the President, on the 10th of August, 1821. We have before mentioned the existence of slavery in the United States. This evil is gradually decreasing, provision having been made in the Constitution to prevent the im- portation of slaves after the year 1807. In Indiana and Illinois, slavery is forbidden by a law of Congress to exist ; and it had long ceased in Maine, as adistrict ofMassachuetts. Indiana and Illinois are sections of the terri- 142 CESSION OF [Less. 24. tory north-west of Ohio, part of which form- ed the state of Ohio — Mississippi and Ala- bama formerly belonged to Georgia — Maine was separated from Massachusetts, and Mis- souri from that extensive region ceded to the United States by France, under the name of Louisiana. In February, 1819, a treaty with Spain was concluded at VVashiugton, by which the provinces of East and West Florida wtre ceded to the United States. This treaty was ratified by Ferdinand, King of Spain, in October, 1820, and approved by the Presi- dent and Senate of the United States, in 1821. Five millions of dollars were named as the price of the Floridas ; but this sum is not paid to Spain, but apportioned among American citizens, as an indemnity for illegal seizures of their property in Spanish ports, when un- der the dominion of France. Since the peace of 1815, conventions have been called in several r)f the States, ton vise and amend their Constitutions. In Connec- ticut, the original charter of ( harles the Second had continued to be the Constitution of the State, after the revolution; and though it was remarkably liberal for a colonial go- Less. 24.] THE FLORIDAS. 143 vernment, several alterations were necessary to adapt it to the wishes of a free and enlight- ened people It is a fact cieditable to the American people, that while in monarchial governments, effective alterations are seldom attained without a recurrence to arms, levo- lutions are here effected by peaceable legisla- tion, and the people cheerlully acquiesce in the will of the majority. In New- York, the most important altera- tion of the Constitution regards the elective franchise, which is now extended to all tree citizens, whether rich or poor. In Massa- chusetts, the Convention, after mature deli- beration, returned the Constitution to the people, without any material alteration. QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. How was peace confirmed ? What was voted b> Congress ? What subject next engrossed attention ? Who was the next President 1 What is mentioned ? What city was taken by Gen. Jackson ? What was the crime of Arbuthnot and Am- ])rister '! What sentence was passed upon them ? What occurred on the 8th Julv ? 144 QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION. [LeSS. 24 What new states have been admitted ? When ? ^Vhat is said of Missouri ? What provision was made in the Constitu- tion of the United States, with respect to sla- very ? From what territories were the new States formed ? What territcries was ceded to the United States by Spain ? When? What was the nominal price of the Floridas ? How was it apportioned ? For what have Conventions been called '' What is said of Connecticut ? Of New- York ? Of Massachusetts ^ CONCLUSION. We have now brought our history nearly to the present period ; and it only remains tliat we should briefly note the preceding and present year, and make a few concluding, remarks. In looking over the public journals, though we find much to be interested in, httle has occurred in the two last years which properly comes within the limits of an abridged history of the United States. Manufacturers and agriculture continue to pros- per, and societies for their encouragement have been formed in almost every state and county. The only interruption of our commercial prosperi- ty have been the depredations of pirates. The bays and inlets of the West India Islands, particularly of Cuba, have been their principal resort. Many vessels hare been taken and plundered by them, and sometimes the officers and crews inhumanly murdered. To check their lawless depredations, the vessels of the United States have been ordered to cruise among the West India Islands. In an engagement with a piratical vessel, the brave Lieut. Allen lost his life, deeply regretted by his fellow citizens, — Many of the pirates have been taken, brought to the tfnited States, and have suffered the penalty of the law ; and very lately Commodore Porter has succeeded in capturing a number of pira- tical vessels from the Island ol Cuba, which has quite broken up their rendezvous on that Island, and given a severe check to these lawless marauders. The revolutions in South America, in which the Spanish provinces have thrown oflf their allegiance totb«* parent country, have opened a new field for Ameiicun enterprize ; and it is hoped that i canal vriW be ctit acros' the isthmus of Duiien, opening a direet communication between the Atlantic and Pa- 146 CONCLUSION. cific Oceans. A wise and liberal government, seconded by the exertions of enterprising individuals might soon effect so desirable an object. The cession of the Florid as is important, as ex- tending the boundary of the United States to the gulph of Mexico : and, consequently, removing the inconvenience of having Amelia Island occupied by irregular troops, under commissions from the South American republics and exciting jealousies between the government and territories still belonging to Spain. It will also prevent the inroads of the Sem- inole and other tribes of Indians ; and it designates the boundary on the side of Mexico, which was left undefended in the cession of Louisiana. Literature and Scienceare every year extending in the United States, and no government has more lib- erally encouraged schools for elementary instruction. The government of the United Statest is a repre- sentative republic. The executive power is vested in a President and Vice-President who hold their ofifices during the term of four years. The legisla- tive power is lodged in a Senate and House of Re- presentatives, which, when assembled, are, collec- tively called the Congress. The Representatives are elected every second year ; the Senators are cho- sen for six years. The governments of the several States are elective, and republican, every officer being appointed, either directly or indirectly, by the people. The executive power is vested in a Governor. One distinguish- ing feature of the government is universal tolera- tion. The Constitution recognises no established religion, and all sects are protected in the peaceable enjoyment of their own tenets and rites. Religion thus rests on its proper basis — the protection of its Almighty Author, while the Christian ministry re- ceives an ample support from the voluntary exer- tions of societies and individuals. CONCLUSION. 147 Having completed her assigned task, the compi- ier of this work begs leave to congratulate her little pupils, for whose use it is intended, on the auspi- cious era in which it has pleased Divi le Providence to call them Mpon the stage of action. Born in a land of liberty, in a time when peace and plenty are abun- dantly enjoyed, and when unusual exertions are made to deffuse the hissings of education, on you, dear children, rest a responsibility upon which you cannot too early or too seriously reflect. Our Fathers crossed the pathless ocean — found a new world, and prepared it for the happy resi- dence of liberty; they toiled — they fought — they bled to secure their offspring the blessings which you now enjoy. It remains for the rising hope of America to fulfil the high destinies to which they £?re called; to exalt, by their virtues, the country which gave them birth, and transmit entire to their descendants the glorious legacy of freedom. Wh&n the children who study this History are older, they will read the Histories of ancient nations, many of which exist no more. They will see how the republics of Greece, of Rome, and of Syracuse, gradually lost their freedom and independence, when they declined from those noble virtues which distinguished the days of their glory. They will find that industry and economy are the true wealth of nations ; thai luxury and extravagance are the bane of liberty ; and that no nation can long continue free unless her children are mstructed to fear God and practice virtue. You may boast, in vain, of the freedom you enjoy, if your minds are the slaves of ignorance and vice. Improve, then, the blessings within your reach, and remember that the voice of inspiration has said, " Righteousntss exalttth a na- tion : but sin is a reproach to any people ." lie. a. y^gy^