^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^B' t '> ^^' -:s> s>' * tCv^ ^% ifh o ^^V #' "-^ -^' c^. \^^ Ci-^ /- N. .^> :^^\^.* ,> 'A^ \\ \ -^ -^^' ,V ^:^ v^^ ^^^ -^c^. ':^ '^-^y. "-^^ v^ •?- !^ 5> .v^-^^ xOe<, .^^ "<=^ ^^^^ THE FIRST CLASS BOOK OF HISTOEY DESIGNED FOR PUPILS COMMENCING THE STUDY OF HISTORY; WITH QUESTIONS ^traptclt to t!)c use of ^caOemies anti Sc1)ooIs. BY M. J. KERNEY, AUTHOR OF COMPENDIUM OF ANCIENT AND MODERN HISTORY, COLUMBIAN ARITHMETIC, ETC., ETC. '' FIRST EDITION. BALTIMORE: PUBLISHED BY P. J. HEDIAN, NO. 2 NORTH GAY STREET. NEW YORK : EDWARD DUNIGAN & BROTHER, NO. 151 FULTON STREET. SOLD BY BOOKSELLERS GENERALLY THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES. 1850. Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1850^ by M. J. KERNE Y, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Maryland. A ' ) STEREOTYPED AT THE BALTIMORE TYPE AND STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY, FIELDING LUCAS, JR., PROPRIETOR. if^^ PREFACE Ax the earnest request of many, who have used the author's Com- pendium of Ancient and Modern History, he has consented to compile the following little volume. It is chiefly designed for pupils about to enter upon a course of historical study. It will be found to contain an account of the most important events in the history of our own country, so arranged that they can be easily retained. It also embraces the history of several of the most im- portant countries of Europe. In the arrangement of the work, and in the general matter of con- tents, the Author has pursued that course, which his long experi- ence in teaching has pointed out, as the best to facilitate the progress of the pupil in acquiring a knowledge of history. The history of other nations may prove interesting and instructive, but that of our own country possesses peculiar attractions. The author, therefore, has placed the history of the United States first in the order of arrangement, so that it may first claim the atten- tion of the young. He has endeavored to adopt his style to the capacity of that class of learners, for whom the work is designed; at the same time, he has avoided the use of those low expressions and common-place words, too frequently met with in works of this kind. With the hope, that the First Class Book of History may be found useful in that department of literature, for which it is designed, the author freely submits it to the examination of the public. M. J. K. Baltimore, February 11, 1850. CONTENTS. PAGE. Preface, 3 Introduction,. 5 Division of History, 7 Discovery of America, 8 Discoveries made by other navigators, 17 Discovery and Conquest of Mexico, 18 Discovery and Conquest of Peru,. 26 Settlement of Virginia, 28 " New York, 34 " Massachusetts, 36 " New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island, 39 *' Maryland, 41 " Pennsylvania, 43 " the Carolinas and Georgia, 45 The Indian war, 46 The French war, 51 The United States.— The Revolution, 57 Declaration of Independence, 68 Battle of Brandy wine, 70 Surrender of Burgoyne, 72 Destruction of Wyoming,. 73 Gates' Defeat, 74 The Treachery of Arnold, 77 The surrender of Lord CornwalJis, 79 The formation of the Constitution, 80 War with Great Britain, 83 Causes of the War, &c. , 84 Perry's Victory, 86 Battle of the Thames, &c,, 87 The war with Mexico, 90 France, 96 England, 122 Ireland, 154 Italy, 165 Middle ages, 1 70 Monastic Institutions, 171 Crusades, 173 INTKODUCTION. 1. My young friends, you are about to enter on the study of that branch, called History. You are about to enter upon a study, which will unfold to you the secrets of the past, and lay open before you, a wide field for the cultivation and improvement of your minds. 2. From the study of history, you will learn to com- mune with the ages of the past, and to converse with peo- ple, who have long since passed from the theatre of the world : you will learn the manners and customs of king- doms and nations, which have arisen, flourished, and have fallen again to ruin and decay. 3. From the page of history you will learn the sad story of those great cities of the past, whose mouldering ruins at the present day, only attest their former grandeur and power. 4. You will find, moreover, the study of history a pleasing and delightful task. Every step of your pro- gress will open to you something new — something enter- taining. You will find your little history an interesting companion, with whom you can retire and converse on the events of by-gone days. 5. The advantages to be derived from the study of history are numerous, and should always be kept in view. In the first place, it will enable you to converse freely with persons already acquainted with the events of the past, and at the same time, it will render you capable of entertaining others, less informed than yourselves. Questions. — 1. What are you about to study ? what arc you about to enter upon? 2. From the study of history what will you learn? 3. From the pag-cs of history what will you learn ? 4. What will you find ? 5. Wnat is tlic first advantag-e to be derived from history ? b INTRODUCTION. 6. In the second place, from the study of history, you will learn experience, without undergoing the sad reality. When you read of those who have been wicked, and learn the punishment with which they were afflicted for their crimes, learn also to avoid their example, lest per- haps you may share in their misfortunes. 7. On the other hand, let the example of the great and good of whom you read, influence your actions; let their virtues shine before you as a burning light, by which you may direct your course in the stormy sea of life, so that the evening of your days may be as calm and tranquil, as your youth is happy and joyous. 8. In perusing the page of history your hearts will often become sad, and your eyes will grow dim with the tear of sorrow, while viewing the misguided zeal of our ancestors in matters of religion. But, my young friends, when you read of those acts of intolerance, which have been exercised by one religious denomination, against the professors of another, remember that persecution is not the spirit of Christianity. If our ancestors have done wrong, it was their misfortune ; therefore, do not attribute their misdeeds to their religion, much less to the religion of their children. 9. If then, my young readers, you be of different opinions in matters of religion, entertain towards each other the kindest feelings ; and never make use of any expression, that might, in the slightest degree, wound the religious sensibilities of your companions. Remem- ber, that we are all journeying forward to another and a better world, where we hope to meet and dwell together in the bosom of our God. Questions. — 6. In the second place, what is said ? when you read of those who have been wicked, what should you learn ? 7. On the other hand, what is said ? 8. In perusing the page of history, what will your hearts become? But when we read, &c., what should we remember? 9. If then, &c., what should you entertain ? What should we remember ? CHAPTER I. DIVISION OF HISTORY. 1. History is a written account of events that have taken place in the world. It is divided into Ancient and Modern History. 2. Ancient history gives an account of events, that have taken place from the creation of the world to the Christian era. Modern history commences with the Christian era, and extends to the present time. 3. History is also divided into Sacred and Profane, Ecclesiastical and Civil. Sacred history is that which is contained in the Scrip- tures ; it gives us an account of the creation of the world, of our first parents, and of the wars of the Jews, their captivity, and the like. 4. Profane history is the history of the ancient pagan nations. Ecclesiastical history, is the history of the Christian church, from the days of our divine Saviour to the present time. Civil history is the history of the various nations, states and empires of the world; and it exhibits a view of their wars, revolutions and changes. 5. Modern history is chiefly distinguished for the in- vention of gunpowder, the art of printing, the discovery of America and the reformation. A certain period of Modern history is known by the name of Middle Ages, of which we will speak under its proper head. Questions. — l.What is history? How is it divided? 2. What is an- cient history? Modern history? 3. How is history also divided? What is sacred history ? 4. What is profane history ? Ecclesiastical history ? Civil history ? 5. How is modern history distinguished ? By what name is a certain period known ? 8 DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 6. We must now inform our young readers, that the present work will only embrace an account of the most important events of Modern history. When they have carefully studied this little volume, a larger one will be placed in their hands. They will learn many other in- teresting things, which could not be recorded in this introduction. CHAPTER II. DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. Landing of Columbus. Page 14. 1. Before studying the history of other countries, we should become well acquainted with the history of our own. For it would be a great shame for our little readers, if they were able to relate all the events, that have taken place in Greece and Rome, and at the same Questions. — 6. Of what mvist \vc now inform our j^ouno: readers? 1. Before studying' the history of other countries, what is said ? What would be a GTiCat shame? DISCOVKRV or AMIMMCA. 9 time to be ignorant of the history of their own country ; to be able to numerate the battles of Alexander, Coesar and Pompey, and to be ignorant of those fought in their own country, by which our happiness and freedom w^ere secured. We will therefore, commence our study with the his- tory of America. 2. America, the happy country in which you live, was discovered by Christopher Columbus. For many cen- turies, this country was unknown to the people of the old world. There was another very rich country situated to the east of Europe, called the East Indies. The people of Europe frequently went to this country, and obtained silk, gold and many other valuable articles. But the route, by which they used to go to the East Indies, was very long, and at the same time, difficult and expensive ; they therefore, desired to find one shorter and less dangerous. 3. At that time they were obliged to go to the Indies, by crossing Egypt and passing through the Red Sea, and then sailing across the Indian Ocean. In order to obtain an easier route, they were endea- voring to find a passage by sailing along the western coast of Africa, until they reached the southern part, and then sailing directly east. 4. While in pursuit of this object, it entered the mind of Columbus, that a more direct passage might be found by sailing westwardly across the Atlantic ocean. Columbus was a learned man, and well skilled in navi- gation, having been engaged in a sea-faring life from an early age. 5. He made several voyages into the Mediterranean sea, and sailed to the seas north of Europe. There are Questions.— 2. By whom was America discovered? What other country was known? What did the people of Europe do ? What, is said of the route? 3. At that time how did they g-o to the Indies? What were they endeavoring- to do? 4. Wliilc in pursuit of this ob- ject, what entered the mind of Columbus? What is said of Colum- bus? 5. What did he make? 10 DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. many striking incidents in his life, from which we select the following. 6. On one occasion, as he was cruising near the coast of Portugal, the vessel in which he sailed took fire. The blaze spread from sail to sail, and in a few moments the whole vessel was enveloped in flames. To save them- selves from this devouring element, Columbus and his companions were obliged to leap into the sea. They were six miles from land, and they all perished except Columbus. He was an excellent swimmer, and with the assistance of an oar, which he found floating in the wa- ter, he reached the land. 7. After many adventures, he arrived at Lisbon, where he married the daughter of an eminent navigator. He still followed the sea, and made several voyages to the Madeira islands, which were discovered shortly be- fore that time. In the meantime, his mind was actively bent on finding a passage to the East Indies. From the figure of the earth, which was then known to be round, he concluded, that he might reach the In- dies by sailing westwardly from Europe. 8. Being convinced of this theory, he was anxious to test it by experiment. He therefore applied for assist- ance to the senate of Genoa, his native country, but to his great mortification, they regarded his theory as fool- ish, and refused to assist him. 9. He next applied to the king of Portugal, who at- tentively listened to his theory, and then secretly sent a vessel on a voyage of discovery, with the hope of being able to accomplish the great object of Columbus. But the captain of the vessel, was a man of no experience, and soon returned without having made any discovery. Questions. — 6. On one occasion what happened to him? To save himself what did he do? How did Columbxis reach the land? 7. Where did he arrive? What did he follow? In the meantime what is said of his mind ? From the fig'ure of the earth what was con- cluded ? 8. Where did he apply for assistance ? What was the result? 9. Where did he next apply ? What did the king- do ? What is said of the captain ? DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 11 10. Columbus, disgusted with this base artifice, seat his brother to solicit the aid of the king of England; his brother, however, being taken by pirates, did not reach England for several years. In the meantime Columbus applied to Ferdinand and Isabella, the king and queen of Spain. Here he met with a kind reception, and his project at first received a favorable hearing. 11. But the counsellors of the king, were men of no experience in naval science, and they could not under- stand the theory of Columbus. Some maintained, that he could not be wiser than all those, who lived before him ; others concluded that, if the world were round, he would find a constant and rapid descent on the other side, and his vessel would either fall oif, or, at all events, it could never return to Europe. 12. Such were the weak objections to the theory of Columbus ; they were however deemed sufiiciently strong in the mind of the king, as to induce him to reject the pro- posals of Columbus, and to refuse to aid him in his great designs. 13. Columbus remained five years in Spain, during which time, he solicited, but solicited in vain, the patron- age of Spanish sovereigns. He was about to withdraw in despair, when a change took place in his favor. Isabella, the consort of Ferdinand, was an amiable and virtuous woman: she considered the glory, that would arise from the accomplishment of so great an enterprise ; she was moreover desirous of spreading the Christian religion, by converting to Christianity the inhabitants of these distant regions. She, therefore, resolved to assist Columbus. Questions. — 10. Where did he send his brother ? What happened to him? Where did Columbus apply? What did he meet? 11. What is said of the counsellors of the king- ? What did some maintain ? What did others conclude? 12. What is said of objections to the theo- ry of Columbus? 13. How long- did Columbus remain in Spain? What is said of Isabella? What was she desirous of spreading-, and what did she resolve ? 13 DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 14. But the long war, which the Spaniards had pre- vious to that time, carried on with the Moors, left her without the means of accomplishing this noble design. Finding this, she resolved to pledge her crown and jew- els, in order to raise the amount necessary to defray the expenses of the expedition. From this embarrassment, however, she w^as happily relieved by two Spanish no- blemen, who generously advanced the required sum. 15. Without delay, a small fleet of three vessels, was made ready for sea, and Columbus was created comman- der of the expedition. On the 3d of August, in the year 1492, Columbus set sail for Palos, a port in Spain. 16. He directed his course to the Canary Islands, where he remained a short time repairing his vessels, and then, taking a westwardly direction, stretched forth upon the bosom of the unknown deep. In a short time the Spaniards lost sight of land; they could see nothing but water, spread out around them, and the blue sky above their heads. They were at length seized with fear; they thought they would never again see land; and in this state of mind, they entreated Co- lumbus to return to Spain. 17. Columbus at first endeavored to calm their fears and silence their murmurs, by gentle words and promises of great rewards ; but finding that they only increased in their clamors, he assumed a decided step, and told them that the expedition had been sent by the sovereigns of Spain, to find a passage to the Indies, and, with the bless- ing of heaven, he was determined to persevere until he should accomplish the enterprise. 18. In their great anxiety to accomplish the object of Questions. — 14. How did the war leave Isabella .'' What did she resolve ? How was she relieved.'' 15. What was made ready for sea.-* 16. Where did he direct his course .'' What is said of the Spaniards .'' With what were they seized, and what did they entreat.? 17. What did Columbus endeavor .'' Then what did he assume and tell them .' 18. In their anxiety what did they think .? DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 13 ihe voyage, the Spanish mariners often thought they be- held some distant shore, and the joyful sound of land^ land, was frequently heard ; but as they advanced, theii- deluded hopes were dispelled, and the fancied land dis- appeared from their view. 19. Our young readers will remember, that Columbus and his companions were Catholics ; and now, surrounded by a thousand dangers, upon the bosom of the vast At- lantic, and far distant from home and kindred, they placed themselves under the protection of heaven, and sought consolation in the practice of their religion. Every evening the crews of the diiferent vessels aa>sem- bled upon deck, and as the sun disappeared behind the western waters, they chanted forth that beautiful hymn, the Salve Regina, in honor of the Blessed Virgin, under whose patronage they sailed. 20. Columbus was almost constantly on deck oversee- ing every thing himself. He carefully watched every change in the appearance of the sky, and noted every difference in the temperature of the weather. For some days the weather seemed more mild than usual, and the sounding line had touched the bottom. Birds of various plumage were seen flying about the ships, and often rest- ing upon them. Reeds, and different kinds of weeds^ were observed floating in the water. From all these things, Columbus concluded that land was not far distant. 21. One night, while standing in the forecastle of his vessel, he beheld a light carried about from place to place, and shortly after midnight the joyful sound of land was heard from the crew of the Pinta. From this mo- ment until the return of day, all on board were held in Questions. — 18. What sound was often heard ? 19. What must be remembered .-* What is said ? Under whom did they place themselves .> What did they do every evening .? 20. What is said ot Columbus .'' For some days how did the weather seem.-" What is said of birds, reeds, &c.? From these, what did Columbus conclude.? 21. One night what did he behold ? What was heard ^ From this moment, what in said ? 14 DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. the deepest suspense ; but, as the morning dawned, their donbts were removed, a beautiful island presented itself to their view. 22. The crew of the Pinta immediately broke forth into hymns of thanksgiving to God, in which they were joined by those of the other vessels; and as the notes of the anthem were wafted gently upon the morning air, tears of joy gushed from their eyes. This office of gratitude to heaven, was followed by an act of retribution to their commander; they threw themselves at his feet, they kissed his hand, and in the humblest manner, asked his forgiveness for their rashness and disobedience. 23. On the 11th of October, in the year 1492, Colum- bus in a rich dress, and with a drawn sword in his hand, landed upon the shores of the New World. His compan- ions immediately followed, and falling upon their knees, they kissed the ground with tears of joy and gratitude. They next erected a cross, and prostrating themselves before it, they returned solemn thanks to God, whose be- nign hand had guided them safely through a thousand dan- gers, and had conducted their voyage to so happy an issue. 24. They then took possession of the country, in the name of the king and queen of Spain. On the landing of the Spaniards they found the country inhabited by a race of people, differing from any they had ever before seen. They were of a dark copper color, without beards, and their hair flowing loosely upon their shoulders. The natives were equally surprised at the Spaniards, whom they regarded as the children of the sun, their idol; they supposed the ships were species of animals, with eyes of lightning and voices of thunder. 25. The first land discovered by Columbus, was one Questions.— 22. What did the crew of the Pinta do > By what was this othce followed? 23. On the 11th of October what did Columbus do,' What did his companions do .? What did they erect .' 24. How did they take possession of the country ? On landing- what did thev find ? What is said of the natives ? What did they suppose the ships > 25. What land was first discovered ? DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. '15 of the Bahama islands, called by him Saint Salvador, now called Cat island. He afterwards discovered Cuba and Hayti, to which he gave the name of Hispaniola. As Columbus had reached these islands by a western passage, he believed them not far distant from India; he therefore styled them the West Indies, and the inhabi- tants were called Indians, a name which they have re- tained to the present time. 26. Columbus, after spending some time in exploring the country, and having collected a quantity of gold, pre- pared to return to Spain. During the voyage his little fleet encountered many dangers; a violent storm raged for fifteen days, and every moment threatened instant destruction to the vessels. 27. While the storm lasted, Columbus wrote a short account of his voyage and discoveries, and enclosed it in a cake of wax; this he placed in a cask, and cast it into the sea, with a hope that it might fall into the hands of some navigator, and thus preserve to the world the bene- fit of his discoveries. The storm however abated, and he reached the port of Palos, from which he sailed, on the 15th of May, in the year 1493, after an absence of about seven months. 28. He was received with the loudest acclamations by the people, who gazed with astonishment on the gold, and the many curiosities, which he brought from the New World. From Palos he went to Barcelona, where he was kindly received by Ferdinand and Isabella. They listened to his adventures with the deepest interest. They asked many questions concerning the country he had discov- ered, and viewed the treasures he had brought, with de- light and astonishment. Questions. — 25. What did he afterwards discover.'' What did he call it .^ The inhabitants? 26. What did Columbus do? During- the voyao-e what happened ? How Ion"- did it last? 27. While the storm lasted what did Columbus do? What port did he reach? 28. How was he received ? From Palos where did he go ? How did they listen to him, &c.? 16 DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 29. Columbus made three other voyages to the New Worldj during which he visited many of the West India islands, and in his third vogage, he discovered the conti- nent, and touched at several places in the northern part of South America. But his success and the many marks of respect shown him by the king, excited against him the jealousy of the court of Spain. 30. They circulated against him many false and ground- less charges, in consequence of which, he was deprived of the government of Hispaniola, and sent home in chains. The captain of the vessel in which he returned, through respect to his illustrious captive, offered to release him from his confinement. But the venerable Columbus re- plied: "No, I wear these chains in consequence of an order from their majesties, the rulers of Spain. They will find me as obedient in this as in every other injunction. By their command I have been confined, and their com- mand alone shall set me at liberty." 31. On his return to Spain, a prisoner and i-n chains, the voice of indignation was heard from every quarter; even the king himself seemed to feel a momentary re- morse ; he ordered Columbus to be set at liberty, but un- gratefully retained him in Spain, until he had appointed another person governor of Hispaniola. 32. Columbus never forgot this unjust treatment; during the remainder of his life, he carried about with him the chains with which he had been bound, and gave orders that they should be buried with him in his grave. His spirit of enterprise was not subdued : he undertook a fourth voyage to the New World, during which he was Questions. — 29. How many voyag-es did Columbus make ? In which did he discover the continent ? Wiiat is said of his success, &c..'' 30. What did they circulate ? What was the consequence ? What did the captain offer? What did Columbus reply? 31. On his return to Spain, what is said ? What did the king- order? 32. What is said of Columbus ? What did he afterwards undertake ? During- which, what happened? DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. l7 shipwrecked on the isle of Jamaica; and after enduring a variety of dangers and sufferings, he returned to Spain. 31. He died shortly after his return, at Valladolid, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. His last moments were devoted to prayer, and to the reception of the last rites of that religion, which he had cherished and practised during his life ; and his last v/ords Vv" ere those of the Royal Prophet : Into thy hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.' CHAPTER III. Discoveries made by other JS'avigators. 1; Although Columbus discovered the New World, he has been unjustly deprived of the honor of associating his name, with the country he discovered. In the year 1499, Americus Vespucius, a native of Florence, made a voyage to the Western World, and discovered a part of South America. On his return to Spain, he published an account of his voyage, and claimed the honor of hav- ing been the first to discover the main land : and thus from Americus, the continent gradually received the name of America. 2. In the year 1519, Magellan, a Portuguese navigator, then in the service of Spain, sailed to the New World, on a voyage of discovery. He passed around the coast of South America, and sailed through the straits, which now bear his name, and entered the Pacific ocean. Magellan lost his life on one of the Philippine islands, Questions. — 31. Where did he die? What is said of liis last mo- ments.'' What were his last words .'' 1. Of what was Columbus de- prived' In 1499, who made a voyag-e to the western world.' On his return, what did he do .^ From whom did the country receive its name.' 2. What is said of Mag-cllan .' What did he pass.' Where did he lose his life .' 2 18 AMERICA. yet his men proceeded on their voyage, and sailed around the globe. 3. In the year 1497, John Cabot, under a commission from Henry VII. of England, sailed on a voyage of dis- covery, and discovered the continent of North America, a year before the main land of South America had been discovered by Columbus. Cabot sailed southward along the coast as far as Florida, erected crosses at various points as he passed, and took possession of the country in the name of the king of England. CHAPTER IV. The Discovery and Conquest of Mexico by Hernando Cortez. 1. At an early period after the discovery of America, the Spaniards were apprised of the existence of the rich and powerful empire of Mexico. The governor of Cuba, having conceived the design of subjugating it to the power of Spain, fitted out a small fleet for that purpose, and placed it under the command of Hernando Cortez. On the 10th of January, 1519, Cortez sailed from Cuba with eleven small vessels, hav- ing on board six hundred men, sixteen horses, six pieces of artillery and a few muskets. As soon as he reached the continent, he caused himself to be proclaimed inde- pendent of the governor of Cuba, (who had already re- voked the commission entrusted to him,) and accounta- ble to none but the monarch of Spain. Questions. — 3. In 1497 what did Cabot discover ? What did he erect and do? 1. At an early period, of what were the Spaniards ap- prised ? What did Uie Governor of Cuba do ? On the 10th of January, 1519, what did Cortez do ? As soon as he reached the continent, what did he do ? CO.\QUEST OF MEXICO. 19 2. Cortez next laid the foundation of the colony of Vera Cruz, on the site where the present city of that name stands ; and the better to inspire his men in their arduous undertaking, by cutting off all hope of returning, he caused all his vessels to be burnt on the coast. He then directed his march to the city of Mexico, the capita] of the empire, then called TenochtUlan. The country was then under the dominion of Monte- zuma, a sovereign, who ruled with despotism. Man}^ of his subjects were dissatisfied with his govern- ment, and on]y waited for an opportunity to revolt against it. They regarded Cortez, as he passed through the country, as a deliverer, entered into an alliance with him, and supplied him with provisions. 3. Cortez met with but little opposition, until he ar- rived at Tlascala. The inhabitants of this province, who were still true to their allegiance to Montezuma, united to oppose his progress. Several battles were fought, in which many of the Tlascalans were slain ; but at length, finding themselves unable to cope with the superior skill and valor of the Spaniards, they consented to treat wdth them as friends, and from that time they become their most faithful allies. 4. In the meantime, Montezuma was informed that strangers had entered the country, and that they w^ere on their way to the capital. At first, the emperor sent a messenger to Cortez to enquire, why he and his followers had entered his dominions. Cortez replied, that he could only deliver his answer to the monarch himself, and persisted in going to the capital. To this INIontezuma would not consent, and Questions. — 2. What did he next do ? What did he do with his ves- sels ? Wliere did he-, then direct \\\s inarch? Under whose dominion was the country ? What is said of his sulijects ? How did they reg-ard Cortez ? 3. What is said of Cortez? Of the inhabitiints uf this pro- vince? What followed, and what did the Tlascalans do? 4. In the meantime, of wliat was Montezuma informed? What did he first do? What did Cortez reply? What followed? 20 AMERICA. despatched another messenger to forbid hijn to approach any nearer; but at the same time, he sent to Cortez, magnificent presents. 5. After a march of several days, the Spaniards ar- rived at the city of Tezcuco, where they were kindly received by the inhabitants. Leaving this city, Cortez led his little army towards the capital of the Mexican empire. Having crossed a mountainous country, he en- tered a beautiful valley of great extent. In the middle of this valley, stood the vast and populous city of Mexico. It contained at that time, according to some historians, about sixty thousand houses, with a proportionate number of inhabitants. 6. The city was built in the middle of a lake, but connected to the main land by bridges ; it was well forti- fied, and adorned with a number of temples, palaces, and other public buildings. As the Spaniards approached the city, they were met at a distance by hundreds of the inhabitants, who gazed in astonishment on the strangers. Shortly they beheld a company of about two hundred men, richly dressed ; these were the emperor's attendants; and, finally, Montezuma himself appeared. He was seated upon a chair of gold, and carried on the shoulders of four men, while others supported over him a canopy made of colored feathers. He v/as dressed in a robe of fine cotton, richly orna- mented with gold and silver, and wore on his head a crown of gold. 7. Cortez and Montezuma met, and saluted each other with the most profound respect, and, after some ceremo- nies, entered the city together. A large palace was as- QuESTiONs. — 5. Where did the Spaniards arrive ? Having" crossed a mountainous country, what did they enter? What was in this val- ley ? What did it contain at that time ? 6. Where was the city built ? With what was it fortified ? How were the Spaniards met? Shortly what did they beliold ? How was he seated and carried ? How was he dressed? 7. What is said of Cortez and Montezuma ? What Vv' as assif^rned to Cortez ? CONQUEST OF MEXICO. 21 signed to Cortez and his troops, and they were abundantly- supplied with provisions. 8. At the time the Spaniards first visited Mexico, the people were entirely ignorant of the true God, and wor- shipped a multitude of idols or false gods. To these they erected splendid temples, which were attended by a mul- titude of priests. They sacrificed thousands of human victims to their deities. These victims were generally prisoners taken in w^ar; the priests could put them to death at any time, in honor of the gods. 9. The Spaniards had not remained long in the city, before an attack was made, by a Mexican general, on their colony at Vera Cruz. No sooner was Cortez, in- formed of this circumstance, than he took the bold and dangerous design of arresting Montezuma himself. Tak- ing with him a small band of resolute men, he entered the imperial palace, and compelled the monarch to return with him to his residence. 10. While these things were going on in the city of Mexico, Cortez was informed that the governor of Cuba had despatched a fleet of eighteen ships, and nine hundred men to arrest himself and his companions as rebels. This intelligence rendered his situation extremely per- plexing. He knew that if he withdrew his forces entirely from the city, he would lose all the advantages he had gained : on the other hand, if he did not oppose the Spaniards, who were sent against him, he foresaw that his own life, and the lives of his followers, were in the most imminent danger. 11. He, therefore, resolved to adopt a medium course. Leaving one hundred and fifty men in the city, under the command of Alvarado, he set out with two hundred and Questions. — S. At the time the Spaniards visited Mexico, what is said of the people? What did they erect? What did they sacrifice? What is said of these victims? 9. What is said of the Spaniards? What did Cortez do? 10. Wliile these tiling's were g-oinsf on, what was Cortez informed ? What did he know ? On the otherliand what is said? 11. What did he resolve ? 22 AMERICA. fifty others to meet his new opponents. Never was an enterprise more successfully conducted. He surprised the nine hundred Spaniards, and took them prisoners, with their general, Marvaez, and having taken the van- quished into his own service, he returned in triumph to Mexico. 12. On his return, he found that the Mexicans had broken out into open insurrection; they surrounded the palace in which the Spaniards resided, and threatened their destruction. On one of these occasions, Montezuma appeared on the walls, with a view to check the fury of the populace. When the people saw him they were silent, and bowed to the earth with the deepest reverence. He told them that the Spaniards were his friends, and ordered them to re- tire peacefully to their homes. This order was received with indignation by the multitude ; at first a low murmur was heard ; it grew louder and louder, until at length it burst forth into an angry shout; a shower of darts and stones were cast upon the walls, and the monarch fell wounded to the ground. 13. Montezuma was carried into the castle; but, find- ing himself wounded, refused to take nourishment, and died in a few days. Immediately after his death, Quetlavaca succeeded to the throne. Under this monarch, the attack on the Spaniards was renewed with redoubled fury. A large body of Mexicans assembled on the top of a high temple, which overlooked the Spanish castle, and had collected there a large quantity of stones for the purpose of throw- ing them upon their enemies. Cortez, with a small band Questions. — What did he do with regard to the nine hundred Spaniards ? 12. On his return what did he find ? On one of these oc- casions what did Montezuma do ? What is said of the people ? What did he order them ? How was this order received .'' What followed } What was cast upon the walls.'' 13. What is said of Montezuma.'' Under his successor what took place .' Where did a body of Mexicans assemble .•' Wlmt did Cortez do ? CONQUEST OP MEXICO. 23 of the bravest of his men, went to drive the Mexicans from the temple. 14. Here a fearful contest ensued. The Mexicans fought with desperation; and, many of them preferring death, rather than submit to the Spaniards, leaped from the lofty pinnacle of the temple, and were crushed to death in the fall. In this engagement Cortez narrowly escaped with his life. Two of the Mexicans singled him out for destruction, and resolved to perish with him. With this intention, they rushed towards the spot where he stood, and seizing him, they dragged him to the edge of the pinnacle and leaped over the railing, intending to drag him after them. But Cortez, who was a man of great strength, held fast to the railing, while his two an- tagonists fell, and were dashed to pieces upon the earth beneath. 15. Cortez, however, finding his situation growing daily more dangerous, resolved to withdraw for a short time from the city. Accordingly, under the cover of a dark and rainy night, he set out with his army, hoping to escape the vigilance of his enemies. His movements, however, were carefully watched by the Mexicans, who availed themselves of every opportunity of destroying the unwelcome strangers. The Spaniards had crossed the lake unperceived, and were about to enter a breach in the causeway, when they were assailed by a shower of darts, arrows and stones. A dreadful scene of confu- sion followed. The darkness of night was so great, that they were unable to distinguish their friends or foes. Thousands of the Mexicans were slain; while on the other hand, Cortez lost several hundred of his Spanish troops, and more than one thousand of his Tlascalan al- lies, with nearly all his horses, artillery, and baggage. Questions. — 14. What ensued? What is said of the Mexicans? Of Cortez? How did he save himself ? 15. What did Cortez resolve ? What is said of his movements? When the Spaniards had crossed the lake, what took place ? What followed ? What did Cortez lose ? 24 AMERICA* 16. The Spaniards retreated towards Tlascala, through the valley of Olurnba, But, when they came in sight of this valley, they were surprised to find it occupied by an army of several hundred thousand Mexicans. The gene- ral of the empire appeared conspicuous in the midst of this vast multitude. He was borne aloft upon a splendid litter, and carried in his hand the imperial standard, which was never unfurled except on the most important occasions. 17. At the sight of this vast multitude, Cortez was perplexed, but not intimidated. He immediately ar- ranged his infantry in the form of a column, and placed one part of his cavalry in front, to break the ranks of the enemy, and the rest in the rear to prevent them from uniting. In this order they entered the valley. The conflict was long and obstinate, the Mexicans were cut down by thousands ; but, when forced to retire by the superior skill of the Spaniards, they again fearlessly re- turned to the charge. 18. Cortez, at the head of his cavalry, carried death and consternation wherever he directed his course ; at length he grew uneasy, lest the countless number of his enemies, might finally exhaust the strength of his little army. It had been said, that the fate of the battle, was considered by the Mexicans, to depend on the loss, or preservation of the imperial banner. Cortez, therefore, determined to decide the doubtful contest, by seizing or destroying the sacred standard. Accompanied by seve- ral of his bravest officers, he forced his way through his enemies, and in a few moments reached the place where the banner was elevated, attacked the Mexican general who carried it, and with a single stroke of his mace, he brought him to the ground. Questions. — 16. Where did the Spaniards return .? How did the g-eneral appear? How was he borne.'' 17. At this, what is said of Cortez? Describe the conflict .'' 18. What did Cortez do ? What had been said ? What did he determine ? What did he do ? CONQUEST OF MEXICO. 25 19. The loss of the imperial standard decided the con- flict; the Mexicans immediately threw down their arms, and fled precipitately to the woods and mountains. After this victory, the vSpaniards pursued their march to the city of Tlascaia, without meeting with any resistance. Cortez remained at this city for some time, in order that his men might recover from the fatigues of the labors, which they had undergone. In the meantime, having been reinforced by several hundred Spaniards, he marched back to Tezcuco, resolved, if possible, to reduce the capital. 20. With immense labor, he had timber brought from a distance ; a number of vessels were built, and launched on the lake around the city. For several weeks, the city was furiously assaulted by the Spaniards; but they were vigorously repulsed by the Mexicans. At length, the valor of the Spaniards prevailed; the city was taken, and the emperor Guatimozen himself, in attempting to escape, fell into the hands of the captors. 21. The Spaniards were greatly disappointed, in the amount of gold and silver, which they expected to find in the city. In order, therefore, to discover the hidden treasures, they put the monarch and his chief ministers to the most cruel tortures. They placed them upon an instrument, called the rack. The prince endured his sufferings without uttering a word of complaint, and hearing one of his ministers, giving certain signs of im- patience, he turned to him, with a look of compassion, and said: ''And, for myself, am I on a bed of roses?" 22. Cortez, arriving at this moment, was greatly moved by the sufferings of Guatimozen, and immediately ordered him to be set at liberty ; but the unhappy mon- QuESTiONS. — What decided the conflict ? After this victory what did the Spaniards do ? In the meantime what did Cortez resolve ? 20. AVith immense labor what was done? What is said of the city? At leng-th what happened ? 21. What is said of the Spaniards? To dis- cover the treasure, what did they do ? What did the prince say ? 22. What did Cortez order? ' ' 26 AMERICA. arch was shortly afterwards put to death, on a charge of treason and conspiracy. It was in this manner, that the great empire of Mexico was overthrown, and reduced to a Spanish province, in the year 1523, about four years after the first landing of Cortez. 23. Mexico, at the time of its discovery, was one of the most delightful countries of North America. Fruit and fragrant flowers spontaneously abounded; groves of lemon and orange trees might be seen extending for miles ; and the whole face of nature, was covered with luxuriant vegetation. The forests were thronged with birds of various plumage, and the very air was filled with the sweet fragrance, which arose from the groves and meadows. The country, moreover, abounded with mines of gold and silver. 24. Mexico remained a Spanish province, until the year 1808, when the people rebelled against the power of Spain, and after a struggle of twelve years, estab- lished their independence, and the country was declared a republic. In 1823, a new constitution was formed, similar to that of the United States. CHAPTER V. Discovery and Conquest of Peru, by Francis Pizarro, 1. Shortly after the conquest of Mexico, we find that a similar expedition was undertaken against the em- pire of Peru, in South America, by Francis Pizarro. Pizarro sailed from Panama in the year 1525, and ex- plored the shores of the Pacific ocean; and, in 1531, he obtained a commission as governor of the country, and a Questions. — 22. When was Mexico overthrown? 23. What is said of Mexico ? Fruit, &c. .? The forest ? 24. What took place in 1803 > In 1823.? 1. After the conquest of Mexico, what was undertaken.^ What did he obtain ? DISCOVERY AND CONQUEST OF PERU. 27 small force to enable him to subdue it. He continued his adventures, and advanced into the very heart of Peru, then a rich and powerful empire. 2. The country at that time was divided into two hos- tile parties, by the two sons of the late monarch, who dis- puted the succession to the throne. The younger w^as finally successful, having defeated his brother, and having taken him prisoner, he ordered him to be put to death. Both princes had previously endeavored to gain the as- sistance of the Spaniards, and Pizarro, now pretending to be a friend to the successful competitor, marched to meet him, but suddenly attacked his army, and having slain a great many of his followers, took the monarch prisoner. 3. The unfortunate prince made every concession to obtain his liberty. He even agreed to fill the room, in which he was confined, measuring twenty-two feet in length, and seventeen in breadth, with vessels of gold and silver. He did not, however, obtain his release, and was finally put to death. The Peruvian monarchy being thus overthrown, and reduced to a Spanish province, the most violent contentions began to prevail among the con- querors. Almagro, the rival of Pizarro, was condemned and executed, and Pizarro in turn, ended his eventful life by assassination. QUESTIONS. — 1. Where did he adv^ance? 2. What is said of the country? Who was successful? What had both endeavored to g^ain? What did Pizarro do ? 3. What did he aarree to do? Did he obtain his liberty ? After this what prevailed ? What was the end of Alma- gro and Pizarro ? AMERICAN COLONIES. CHAPTER VI. The Settlement of Virginia. 1. About the year 1584, a company was formed in England, under the patronage of Sir Walter Raleigh, for the purpose of making a settlement in America. Raleigh, having obtained a grant of land from Queen Elizabeth, arrived in the New World, entered Pamlico Sound, and took possession of the country in the name of the crown of England. On his return, the account he gave of the fertility of the country, so pleased Elizabeth, that she bestowed on it the name of Virginia. 2. Shortly after this. Sir Walter Raleigh, sent over to Virginia several small vessels, under the command of Richard Granville, carrying one hundred and eighty ad- venturers, who landed on the isle of Roanoke. But the colonists, deluded with the prospect of finding mines of gold and silver, neglected the cultivation of the soil; and, in consequence of this, they were reduced to the utmost distress by famine ; many of them returned to England, while others perished by sickness, or fell by the hands of the natives. 3. The ill success of the first adventurers, naturally weakened the spirit of enterprise, and for a season, with- drew the attention of others, from attempting settlements Questions. — 1. What took place in 1584 ? What is said of Raleisrh ? On his return, what did he g-ive? 2. After this what did Raleig-h do? What is said of the colonists ? What was the consequence ? What did many do ? 3. What is said of the ill sncr-pps ? SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 29 in the New World. In the year 1607, however, another body of one hundred and eight adventurers, under the patronage of the London Company, sailed for the coast of Virginia. After a long and dangerous voyage, they ar- rived at the mouth of the Chesapeake bay, and sailed up a beautiful stream, to which they gave the name of James River. They finally landed on a small island in the river, and commenced a settlement, and laid the founda- tion of a village, to which, in honor of their king, they gave the name of Jamestown. 4. The ruins of this village are still visible. A few traces of decayed houses, the mouldering ruins of a for- tification, and an ancient church-yard, mark the spot, where the first permanent settlement was made upon the shores of North America. 5. Who can describe the sentiments of the traveller, when he visits the site of this ancient town ? This vast country, stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean, novv containing a population of twenty millions of inhabi- tants, was then an extensive wilderness, the vast hunt- ing-grounds of the Indians. They alone dwelt in its valleys, and held undisputed sway over its hills and its mountains, its lakes and its rivers. Extensive cities, towns, and villages are now spread over the plains, where once the humble wigw^ams of the Indians stood. 6. The government of this colony, w^as framed by the London Company, and was administered by a council of seven persons, with a president chosen from their own number. The condition of the colony, at first, w^as far from being prosperous. The provisions, which they brought with them, were soon exhausted; and as they had planted nothing, they were reduced to the utmost Questions. — 3. In 1607, what took place? Where did they arrive? Where did they land ? What town did they coinnience ? 4. What is said of the ruins of this villag-e ? 5. Wliat is said of this vast country? What did they liold ? What is said of cities &c. ? 6. Where was the g-'n'ernment of the colony framed ? What was the condition of the coloiiy ? To what were tticy reduced. so AMERICAN COLONIES. distress for the want of food ; and to add to the misfor- tunes, which surrounded them, sickness broke out among them, and in the course of four months, fifty of their number died. 7. The colony, however, was saved from the brink of ruin, through the energy of one of their number, named Captain John Smith. The life of this extraordinary man, is truly wonderful. Being of a romantic turn of mind, he left England at the age of fifteen, and travelled through Spain, France and Germany. He entered the army of the emperor of Austria, and at length obtained the command of a body of cavalry. It was not long be- fore Smith signalized himself, by deeds of valor. 8. On one occasion, he challenged a Turk to single combat, and the challenge was immediately accepted. They mounted their horses, and met in the open plain. A fierce contest ensued, in which the Turk was slain. He challenged a second ; and the second shared the same fate as the first. A third accepted the challenge, and he, too, fell beneath the deadly lance of Smith. 9. He fought many battles against the Turks, but be- ing at length wounded, he was taken prisoner, and sent as a slave to Constantinople. He finally, obtained his liberty through the kindness of a Turkish lady, and re- turned to England, and, shortly afterwards, joined an expedition, which, at that time, was about to sail to the New World. 10. He often went into the interior, to obtain provi- sions and explore the country. In one of these expedi- tions, he was attacked by a party of Indians, and all his companions killed. Seizing one of the Indians, he held him as a shield between himself and the enemy, and in Questions. — 6. What broke out? 7. How was the colony saved:" "What is said of his life? Where did he travel ? 8. On one occasion, what did he do? Wfiat was the result of the first contest? The se- cond ? The third ? 9. What did he fig-ht ? How did he obtain his liberty? What did he afterwards do? 10. Where did he often go? What happened ? How did he retreat? SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 31 this manner he retreated ; but being unacquainted Avith the country, he sank in a swamp, and was taken prisoner. 11. Smith now preserved his life, by displaying to the savages a pocket compass, and amused and astonished them by explaining its powers. They led him in triumph to Powhattan, their king. A council was held, and it w^as decreed that he should be put to death, as a man, whose valor and o-enius were dan2:erous to the Indians. 12. He was accordingly led forth to execution, and Powhattan himself resolved to be his executioner. His head was placed upon a stone, but just as the king was in the act of raising the fatal club to dispatch his victim, Pocahontas, his youthful daughter, rushed forward and threw herself at the feet of her father, and by her tears and entreaties, besought him to spare the life of Smith. Powhattan gazed for a moment with astonishment upon his daughter; her prayers touched his heart, his club fell harmlessly to the ground ; he gave Smith his liberty, and permitted him to return to Jamestown. 13. On his return, Smith found the colony in the greatest distress. Only forty of the emigrants were living, and they had become so much disheartened, that they were about to return to England. Smith, however, being made president of the council, by his energy and activity, soon restored order and prosperity to the colony. He passed a decree, that those who would not w^ork, should have nothing to eat ; and by this means, he soon rendered them all industrious. 14. In 1609, Powhattan had concerted measures for the destruction of the colony ; but Pocahontas, who had always been friendly to the English, learning the designs Questions. — 10. How was he taken.-' 11. How did he preserve his life? Where was he led? What was decreed? 12. Where was he led -* How was his life saved ? What is said of Powhattan ? 13. On his return, how did he find the colony ? Bein^f made orcsidcnt, what did he do? 14. In 1609, what took place ? Wliat did Pocahontas do? 32 AMERICAN COLONIES. of her father, hastened to Jamestown, on a dark stormy night, and disclosed the plot to Smith. This timely no- tice saved the colony from destruction. Pocahontas, during- another visit to Jamestov/n, vi^as there detained, with a hope that Powhattan, while his daughter was in the hands of the English, would abstain from hostilities. 15. But the noble hearted king, though he loved his daughter, hated treachery and deceit. He indignantly refused to listen to any terms of peace, until his daughter was restored. Pocahontas was deeply interesting in her deportment ; simple, innocent and beautiful. During her stay at Jamestown, she became attached to a young man of respectable parentage, by the name of John liolfe; and, with the consent of her father, they were married. After the celebration of the nuptials, Eolfe and the prin- cess sailed for England, where she was instructed in the Christian religion, and publicly baptized. She died shortly afterwards at Gravesend, in the twenty-second year of her age. 16. About this time, Captain Smith received a severe wound from an explosion of gun-powder, and in conse- quence of this accident, he was obliged to return to England for medical aid. His absence was a severe loss to the colony. They wasted their provisions, and were soon reduced to the utmost distress by famine. So dreadful were its effects, that, in the course of a few months, their number was reduced from five hundred to sixty. They were relieved, however, by the timely arrival of Lord Delaware with provisions, and one hun- dred and fifty emigrants. From this period the colony began to prosper. Questions. — 14. What happened to Pocahontas, during" another visit to Jamestown? 15. What is said of the king-? What did he refuse? What is said of Pocaliontas? To whom was .she married? Where did she sail? In what was she instructed? Where did she die? 16. What happened about this time? What is said of his ab- sence? What did they waste? How were they relieved? SETTLEMENT OF VIRGmiA. 33 17. The year 1620, is rendered memorable, for the introduction of negro slavery into America. A Dutch vessel, from the coast of Guinea, arrived at Jamestown, having on board twenty negroes, who were purchased by the planters. 18. The colony had enjoyed for some time a great degree of prosperity; it was, however, doomed to expe- rience a stroke, that nearly proved fatal to its existence. On the twenty-second of March, during the year 1623, the Indians fell upon the colonists while engaged at work, and in one fatal hour, killed three hundred and forty-seven of their number. 19. We are obliged, in this small work, to omit many things in the history of Virginia, that would be interest- ing to our young readers. Sometimes we find it pros- perous, and at other times, we behold it contending with storms of adversity. When Cromwell usurped the gov- ernment of England, the colony was forced to submit to his authority. At the restoration of Charles XL, it again declared its allegiance to the king. Again we find it distracted with civil w^ar, by Bacon's rebellion, during which Jamestown was burnt to the ground. Bacon was finally defeated and slain, and peace and prosperity were again restored to the colony. Questions. — 17. For what is the year 1620, memorable.'' How many were on board ? 18. What is said of the colony ? On the 22d of March what took place .'' How many were killed .' 19. What hap- pened during- the g-overnment of Cromwell .'' Ag^ain what do we find .'' What was the fate of Bacon.'' CHAPTER VII. The Settlement of JYew York. 1. The territory now forming the State of New York, was first settled by the Dutch. As early as the year 1609, Henry Hudson, an Englishman, then in the ser- vice of the East India Company of Holland, sailed to the New World in search of a passage to India. He touched at Long Island, and sailed up a beautiful stream, which, from his own name, he called the Hudson River. The object of his voyage proving unsuccessful, he returned to Europe. 2. Hudson, shortly after his return, sailed on another voj-age, with a view to discover a western passage to India, in the employment of a company of English mer- chants. He sailed north to the Arctic ocean, but in a mutiny of his crew, he was seized, with his youthful son, and thrown into a small boat, and left to perish. He was never heard of afterwards. 3. About the year 1613, a company of Dutch adven- turers began a settlement on the banks of the Hudson river. They built a fort near the present site of Albany, called Fort Orange, and another with some few trading houses, on Manhattan island, where the city of New York now stands. They styled the latter settlement. New Amsterdam, while the whole territory was called New Netherlands. 4. The State of Delaware was first visited by a colony of Danes, who commenced a settlement near the spot where Wilmington now stands, and called the country Questions. — 1. By whom was New York settled? In 1609, what took place? Where did he touch? 2. What did Hudson do, after his return ? Where did he sail? What was his fate? 3. About the year 1613, what was done? What did they build? What did they style the latter settlement? 4. What is said of Delaware? SETTLEMENT OF NEW YORK. 3.5 New Sweden. The Dutch settlers of New Netherlands, always regarded their Danish neighbors with an eye of jealousy; they claimed the territory of Delaware and sought every opportunity of asserting their rights. 5. At this time the settlement of New Netherlands was governed by Peter Stuyvesant, of whom historians relate many curious incidents. The Sw^edes, ver}'" im- prudently, took possession of a fort built by the Dutch, and made prisoners of the garrison. This conduct gave Stuyvesant a plausible excuse for invading the territory of New Sweden. He immediately collected an army, and marched against the Swedes, and having defeated them in several battles, subdued the settlement, and united it to New Netherlands. 6. We have seen that the first settlements in New York were made by the Dutch ; it remains to be shown how it fell into the hands of the English. After the restoration of Charles II., of England, to the throne of his father, he seemed to be anxious for some pretext on which to rest a dispute with Holland. Among other things, he claimed the colony, possessed by that country in America, and conveyed it to his brother, the Duke of York, with power to subdue it. 7. The Duke immediately sent three ships, under the command of Richard Nichols, to reduce the territory. Nichols arrived in the harbor of New Amsterdam, and demanded a surrender of the place. Stuyvesant, the governor, after some opposition, was compelled to yield to the English; and the whole territory thus became subject to the British crown, and the settlement, in honor of the Duke, w^as called JVew York. Questions. — 4. How did the Dutch settlers regard them? What did they claim ? 5. Who was governor of New Netherlands ? What did the Swedes ? What did Stuyvesant do ? 6. What have we seen, &c. ? After the restoration of Charles what did he do ? What did he claim? To whom did he convey it? 7. What did the Duke do? What did Nichols do? What followed? Why was it called New York ? o6 AMERICAN COLONIES. 8. About this time, the American seas were greatly infested with pirates. These men often attacked ships on the ocean, phmdered them, and murdered the crew, and frequently burned or sunk the vessels. The governor of New York, received orders from England, to expel, if possible, these desperate men from the American coast. Accordingly, a vessel was fitted out for this purpose, and placed under the command of a Robert Kidd. But Kidd, when he got upon the high seas, proved unfaithful to his trust, and resolved to become a pirate himself. He made known his design to his men, who readily consented to it. 9. For several years, the name of Kidd was a terror to all who sailed upon the Atlantic coast, and even in the Indian ocean. He plundered many vessels, and obtained a great quantity of gold and silver. At length, he landed on the American coast, burned his vessel, and proceeded to Boston. Being discovered in that city, he was imme- diately seized, and sent to England, where he w^as tried, condemned, and atoned for his crimes upon the scaffold. CHAPTER VIII. The Settlement of Massachusetts. 1. We have seen in the history of Virgmia, that Captain Smith, so celebrated in that colony, was obliged to return to England in consequence of having received a severe wound from the explosion of gunpowder. As soon as he recovered, he again sailed on an expedition to the New World. He touched at the mouth of the Kennebec river, and examined the coast as far as Cape Questions. — 8. What is said of the American seas ? What did these men do ? What orders did the erovernor receive? Under whom was the vessel placed ? What did Kidd do ? 9. For several years what fol- lowed ? Where did he land ? What was his end ? 1. What have we seen ? What did he ae-ain do ? Where did he touch and examine .•' SETTLEMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS. 37 Cod; and, on his return to Europe, he prepared a map of the country, to Avhich he gave the name of j\''ew England. 2. In the early part of the year, 1620, a patent was granted by King James I., of England, to several per- sons, called the Council of Plymouth, for the purpose of making a settlement in New England. During the same year, in which the patent was obtained, the first perma- nent settlement was commenced in New England, at Plymouth, by a body of persons called Puritans. 3. The Puritans, who had suffered greatly in England on account of their religion, had removed to Holland, but not findino; their situation there ao-reeable, thev re- solved to seek an asylum from oppression, by removing to the wilds of America. On the morning of the 22d of July, 1620, Mr. Robison, their minister, kneeling in prayer on the sea shore at Delfhaven, consecrated the embarcation of the pilgrims. 4. The vessel in which they sailed, was called the Mayflower. They intended to land near the Hudson river, but they were carried much farther to the north, and the first land they came in sight of, was the bleak shores of Cape Cod. After some days spent in search- ing for a suitable place to land, the Mayflower was safely moored in a beautiful harbor, to which they gave the name of Plymouth. 5. Although the pilgrims had landed, their sufferings and distress were only about to commence. If we look at their condition, how dreary is the prospect. After a long and toilsome voyage, they found themselves cast upon an unknown and hostile coast. On the one side, QcESTroNS. — 1. What did he call the country? 2. Irv 1620, what took place? In the same year, what was couimenced? By whom? 3. Where had the Puritans removed? What did they n^solvr ? In July, 1620, what took place? 4. What was the vessel called ? Where did they intend to land ? After some days, where was the Mayflower moored? 5. What is said of the pilgrims? What was on the one side? 38 AMERICAN COLONLES. lay a vast wilderness covered with ice and snow, and on the other, the broad Atlantic separated them from home, and kindred, and native clime. They were exposed to all the rigors of a New England winter, without a roof to shelter them from the storm. Their supply of provi- sions was limited, and to fill up the measure of their calamities, they were visited by a distressing sickness. 6. With a desire of conforming to the simplicity of the early Christians, the pilgrims at first held all their property in common. This was one cause of the scarcity of provisions, that for sometime prevailed in the colony. But in the spring of the year 1623, each family was allowed a piece of ground for its own cultivation, and after the harvest of that year, no general want of pro- visions was experienced. 7. In the spring of 1621, they received a visit from Massasoit, the most powerful Indian chief of that region, and from whom the State of Massachusetts derives its name. He gave them a cordial welcome, and entered into a league of friendship with them, which was strictly observed for more than fifty years. 8. It might be supposed that men, who had bled un- der the lash of persecution for their religious opinions, would have learned to respect these opinions in others. But this was far from being the case. While we com- mend the noble spirit, which enabled them to bid adieu to the land of their fathers, to forsake the scenes of early childhood, that they might enjoy the free exercise of their religion, we cannot but look with feelings of the deepest regret, at the spirit of intolerance, which they exercised among themselves. 9. Many of the colonists retained a high veneration Questions. — 5. On the other? What is said of their provisions, &c.? 6. With a desire to conform, &c. what did they do? What is said of this? In 1623, what was allowed? 7. In 1621, what did they receive ? What did he g-ive them, &c. ? 8. What might be ex- pected ? While we commend, &c., what have we to regret ? 9 What 18 said of many of the colonists ? SETTLEMENT OP NEW HAMPSHIRE, ETC. 39 for the Church of England, and refused to comply with the religious regulations of the Puritans. Endicott, the governor, called before him the principal offenders, and sentenced them to banishment; they were accordingly sent home, by the first vessel returning to England. CHAPTER IX. Settlement of JWw Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island. 1. The colonial history of New Hampshire, is inti- mately connected with that of Massachusetts. In the spring of 1623, the first settlement in this State, was made at Dover and Portsmouth, by a company of persons sent out, under the patronage of Ferdinando Gorges and John Mason. In the year 1641, this settlement was united to Massachusetts, and remained a part of that colony until 1678, when it again obtained a separate government. 2. In the year 1635, the settlement of Connecticut was commenced, by a few families from Massachusetts, under the direction of their favorite minister, the Rev. Thomas Hooker. They set out from Cambridge, and after a fatiguing march through the wilderness, they ar- rived on the west side of the Connecticut river, and laid the foundation of Hartford. The colonists were at first greatly harrassed, by a tribe of warlike Indians called the Pequods. The Pequods were finally defeated with immense slaughter, on the banks of the Mystic river, and their camp destroyed ; after this, the settlement enjoyed peace and prosperity, which continued for many years. Questions. — 9. What did Endicott do ? 1. What is said of the his- tory of New Hampshire? In 1623, what t<.)ok place? And in 1641? 2. In 1635, what was commenced ? Where did they set out from ? By whom were they liarrasbed ? What is said of the Pequods ? 40 AMERICAN COLONIES* 3. The settlement of Rhode Island was commenced by Roger Williams. Williams was the pastor of a church at Salem, in Massachusetts; from which he was banished by the governor, for holding religious opinions, contrary to those of the Puritans. He went forth in the middle of winter, when the ground was covered with a deep snow, and with a few companions, commenced a settle- ment on the spot, where the city of Providence now stands. 4. Not long after this, Mr. Coddington, with one hun- dred and seventy-six others, having been also banished from Massachusetts, for holding religious opinions deemed erroneous by the colonial establishment, followed Roger Williams, and commenced a settlement on a fertile island in Narraganset bay, to which they gave the name of Rhode Island. The whole settlement was afterwards called by this name. 5. Roger "Williams was a man of liberal and generous principles. By the charter, which he obtained from England, for the government of his colony, it was or- dered, that none should be molested for any difference of opinion in matters of religion. It would have been, however, much to the credit of those, who shared with him in the administration of the government, if they had been more liberal in their views ; for, the very first as- sembly convened under the authority of that charter, excluded the Roman Catholics from voting at elections, and from every office in the government. Questions. — 3. By whom was this settlement commenced ? What is said of Williams? When did he g-o forth? Where did he com- mence a settlement ? 4. After this what took place? Where did he commence a settlement ? 5. What is said of Williams ? By the char- ter, what was ordered ? At the first assembly who were excluded ? CHAPTER X. The Settlement of Maryland. 1. The first settlement in Maryland was commenced, under the patronage of Sir George Calvert, whose title was that of Lord Baltimore. Calvert was distinguished as a statesman, and had held, for sometime, the office of secretary of state, in the reign of James I. of England. He was a Roman Catholic, hence the intolerance and persecution, exercised against the Catholics of England at that period, naturally affected his generous and be- nevolent heart. 2. With a view of forming in America an asylum for himself and persecuted brethren, he sailed to Virginia; but not finding a welcome there, on account of his re- ligion, he fixed his attention upon a territory beyond the Potomac, and finding it unoccupied, he immediately re- turned to England, and obtained of Charles I., a grant of the land. From Henrietta Maria, the settlement was called Maryland. 3. Sir George Calvert died, before the grant of the territory was made out, but the right was transferred to his eldest son, Cecil Calvert, who inherited the titles of his father. Preparations were immediately made for the settlement of the colony. On the 22d of November, in the year 1633, about two hundred emigrants set sail from the Isle of Wight, in two small vessels, the Ark and the Dove, and after a tedious voyage arrived in the following year, on the shores of the Chesapeake. Questions. — 1. By whom was this settlement commenced ? What is said of Calvert ? What was he, &c.? 2. With a view of forming-, &c., what did he do ? Where did he fix his attention ? 3. What happened before the patent was made out ? Who inherited his titles? In 1633, what took place ? 43 AMERICAN COLONIES. 4. As soon as they landed, they erected a cross, and returned solemn thanks to God, who had guided their vessels safely through the many dangers of the ocean, and conducted their voyage to so happy an issue ; they then took possession of the country, in the name of their sovereign. They treated the Indians v^ith the greatest kindness and humanity; they paid them for the land, and then commenced a settlement on the Potomac river, at an Indian village, which they purchased from the na- tives, and to which they gave the name of Saint Mary's. 5. The most beautiful feature in the history of this colony, is that of free toleration, which it granted to the professors of every religious denomination. If a stranger entered the colony, no questions were asked about his religion; if he was a Christian, he was welcomed, and permitted to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience. Maryland was, moreover, an asylum from oppression, and merited the name of the land of the sanctuary. 6. While a misguided zeal in matters of religion, had enkindled the flame of persecution in most of the other colonies, the Catholics of Maryland extended their arms, and invited among them the victims of intolerance from every clime. The silent prayer of the Friend, the chant of the Puritan, and the hosannas of the Catholic, were v/afted to heaven on the breeze, that arose from the peaceful shores of the Chesapeake. 7. Even religious controversy and sectarian strife, so destructive to peace and unity, were banished from the colony ; and, whoever called his neighbor, by way of re- proach, a heretic, idolater, Brownist, Puritan, Calvinist, Questions. — 4. After landing", what did they ? How did they treat the Indians? • Where did they commence a settlement? 5. What is the most beautiful feature in the history of this colony ? If a strang-er entered, whnt is said ? What was Maryland moreover ? 6. While misg-uided zeal, &c., had enkindled the flame of persecution, what did tlie Catholics of Maryland do ? What is said of the prayer of the Friend, &c. ? 7. What is said of relig"ious contention ? SETTLEMEi\T OF PEIS-JS'SYLVANIA. 43 Papist, or the like, was subject to a fine of ten shillings, one half to be paid to the party insulted. 8. The tranquillity of the colony, was, for sometime, interrupted by the intrigues of a man by the name of Clayborne, who finally compelled Lord Baltimore to re- tire from the settlement. One of the first acts of those who succeeded, was to abolish religious toleration; and thus the Catholics saw themselves deprived of the exer- cise of their religion, within the limits of the very colo- ny, in which they had labored to establish free toleration, and that too, by those to whom their benevolence had granted an asylum and a home. After several years of disorder, the authority of the proprietor was again re- stored, and the province began to assume its usual prosperity. CHAPTER XI. The Settlement of Pennsylvania. 1. In the year 1681, the settlement of Penns3dvania was commenced under the direction of the celebrated William Penn, from whom the State takes its name. In the early part of his life, Penn embraced the tenets of the Quakers, or Friends, and shared largely in the persecu- tion, carried on against them in England. Roused, at length, by the intolerant spirit of -^ his countrymen at home, he resolved to seek an asylum in the New World, from the oppression of the old. Accordingly, he applied to Charles II., from whom he obtained a grant of a large tract of country, including the present State of Pennsyl- QuESTioNs. — 8. What is said of the tranquillity of the colony ? What was one of the first acts? What is said of the Catholics? 1. When and by whom was this settlement commenced ? What is said of Penn ? What did he resolve and obtain ? 44 AMERICAN COLONIES. vania, in compensation for a debt due from the crown to his father. 2. The first colony arrived in the country in 1681, and commenced a settlement on the banks of the Delaware river. In the following year, Penn arrived in company with about two thousand associates, chiefly of the de- nomination of Friends or Quakers. Soon after his arrival, Penn drew out the plan and laid the foundation of the present city of Philadelphia, or the city of "Brotherly Love." 3. The first care of Penn was to gain the friendship of the Indians. He met a delegation of the various tribes under a large elm tree, and addressed them as follows : "We meet you on the broad pathway of good faith and good will; no advantage shall be taken on either side, but all shall be openness and love." The rude children of the forest were moved by this friendly address, and thus replied: "We will live in love with William Penn, and his children, as long as the sun and moon shall en- dure." He paid them for their lands, and entered into a treaty with them, which was strictly observed for a period of seventy years. 4. The government of this colony was established, on the most humane and liberal principles. Following the example of Lord Baltimore, he made civil and religious liberty the basis of all his institutions, and to these wise regulations may be attributed the rapid advancement of Pennsylvania in population, enterprise, and importance. Penn visited England several times, and at length died at London, in 1718, at the advanced age of seventy- five years. Questions. — 2. When did the first colony arrive ? In the follow- ing- year? Soon after his arrival, what did Penn do? 3. What was his first care ? How did he a-ddress them ? How did they reply For what did he pay them ? 4. What is said of the g-overnment? Whose example did he follow ? When and where did Penn die ? CHAPTER XII. The Settlement of the CaroUnas and Georgia. 1. The settlement of North and South Carolina, was commenced towards the middle of the seventeenth cen- tury by a company of persons from Virginia, who were suffering in that colony, on account of their religious opinions. Leaving their unfriendly neighbors in Vir- ginia, they proceeded towards the south, and commenced a settlement near Albemarle Sound. 2. Shortly after this, another company of adventurers from Massachusetts, settled near Cape Fear. The pro- prietors invited emigration, by establishing a liberal government, and by offering a portion of the land for the first live 3^ears at a half penny per acre. They after- wards extended their settlements to the banks of Atihley and Cooper rivers, and laid the foundation of Charleston. In 1739, the title of the land was invested in the crown, after which the country was divided into North and South Carolina, and a royal governor appointed over each. During the year 1700, the growth of cotton was introduced into the Carolinas, and a few years later, that of rice. 3. The last of the thirteen original States, that revolted against Great Britain, was Georsria. It derives its name from George the Second, at that time King of England. In the year 1732, a company of individuals under General Oglethrope, arrived from England, and made the first settlement in this colony. They touched at Questions. — 1. By whom was this commenced ? Where did they pro- ceed? 2. After this what took place? What did tlie proprietors do? What di(f they extend? In 1739, what took place? When was cotton introduced? 3. Which was the last of the States? From whom does it derive its name ? In 1732, who arrived ? What city did they found ? 46 THE INDIAN WARS. Charleston, and after leaving that city, they proceeded to their destined territory, and laid the foundation of the present city of Savannah. CHAPTER XIII. The Indian Wars. 1. We will now proceed to give our young readers an account of the wars, carried on between the colonists and their Indian neighbors. The cruelties practised by the savages during these wars, almost exceed belief. Towns were attacked at midnight, and often in the midst of winter; the inhabitants were frequently murdered in their beds, or dragged from their homes into a miserable captivity. 2. The Indians in the vicinity of Massachusetts bay were few and peaceful, but those in the Connecticut and Rhode Island were num.erous and warlike. Among these, the Narragansets and Pequods were the most formidable. The latter requested their neighbors to forget their mutual animosity, and unite against the common enemy of their country ; but the Narragansets, thinking this a favorable opportunity for destroying a powerful rival, made known their hostile intentions to the governor of Massachusetts, and formed an alliance with the colonists against them. 3. The Pequods had pitched their camp near the head of Mystic river; but the colonists, and their allies, under Captain Mason, having reached the place unper- QuESTiOTSi^. — 1. To what will we now proceed ? What is said of the cruelties? Towns? The inhabitants? 2. What is said of the In- dians in &c. ? Which were the most powerful tribes? What did the latter request? What did the Na rrag-ansets do ? 3. Where had the Pequods pitched their camp ? Wliat did Captain Masoii do ? THE INDIAN WARS. 47 ceived, attacked the camp and set it on fire. A dreadful carnage ensued. The Indians were asleep at the time; and being roused by the discharge of the muskets, they rushed in consternation from their burning tenements. 4. As they rushed forth, they were met by the swords of the enemy, and if they attempted to leep over the enclosure of the camp, they were received by a shower of balls. Many, who were afraid to venture out perished in the flames ; while others, recoiling from the deadly weapons of the foe, rushed back into the burning ele- ment, and shared the fate of their companions. About six hundred of these poor Indians were slain on this occasion, and those that were taken prisoners, were sold as slaves; so that the whole tribe of the Pequods was entirely destroyed. 5. In the year 1675, the peace, which had existed since the time of the Pequod war, was interrupted, and the colonists found themselves involved in hostilities, with Philip, King of the Wampanoags, whose principal residence was at Mount Hope, in Rhode Island. Philip was a man of great courage, and warlike abilities. He had long viewed the settlements of the English with an eye of jealousy; and believed, that unless the progress of the colonies w^as checked, the Indians w'ould soon disappear from the land ; that their beautiful rivers and lakes, their mountains and valleys, w^hich descended to them from their fathers, would in a few years, cease to be their inheritance; that all would pass into the hands of the strano-ers. 6. Accordingly, he assembled his warriors, and com- menced a war of extermination against the colonists. Many and painful were the deeds of cruelty perpetrated during this w^ar. On one occasion, as a party of eighty Questions. — 3. What followed ? 4. How were they met ? "What is said of many ? Of others ? How many were slain ? 5. In 1675, what took place? What is said of Philip? What did he believe &c. .' 6. Accordingly what did he do ? 4§ THE INDIAN WARS. persons, were travelling from Deerfield to Hadley, they stopped by the way to gather grapes ; while thus en- gaged, they were suddenly surrounded and attacked by the Indians, and only ten of their number escaped the fearful massacre that followed. 7. At Saco, Dover, and Exeter, in Maine, they com- mitted dreadful outrages. Brookfield, in Massachusetts, was attacked, and all the houses in it were burnt, except one in which many of the inhabitants had taken refuge. For two days they assailed this house in vain; and, at last, they resolved to set it on fire ; but just as the flames began to ascend, the}^ were suddenly extinguished by a heavy shower of rain. Shortly after this, assistance ar- rived from a neighboring town, and the inmates of the house were thus saved. 8. After this, the war with Philip was carried on with various success. In the great battle, known by the name of the Swamp fight, two hundred and thirty of the colonists were killed, while one thousand Indians are said to have perished, and five hundred of their wigwams were re- duced to ashes. At length, an end was put to these dis- asters by the death of Philip, who was shot by one of his own men, who had joined a. party of the English, under the famous Captain Benjamin Church. 9. During the winter of 1690, a party of Indians made an attack upon the village of Schenectady, in New York. The foe, with noiseless step, approached the town at the hour of midnight. The inhabitants were asleep, and the stillness of death rested over the place. At a given sig- nal the war-whoop was sounded. In an instant the in- habitants, aroused from their slumbers, started from their Questions. — 6. On one occasion, what happened .' What was their fate.'' 7. What happened at Saco, &c. ? What is said of Brookfield ? At last what did tney resolve .'' How were the flames exting-uished.'' What arrived .-^ 8. After this what is said of the war.-* How many were killed in the battle of the Swamp fig-ht.'' How was an end put to the war ? 9. In 1690, what happened .-' What is said of the in- habitants.? THE INDIAN WARS. 49 beds, but were met at the door, and slaughtered by the savages. 10. The houses were set on fire, and in a few minutes, sixty of the inhabitants were killed, and many others made prisoners. A few attempted to eseape, but they were without clothing, and the weather was extrem.ely cold ; they, therefore, endured incredible suffering, before they reached a place of security. 11. A few years after this, a party of Indians made an attack upon the town of Haverhill, in Massachusetts. Among the inhabitants of the town, there was a Mr. Dunstan, who, at the time, was engaged in the field at work. When the fierce cry of the savages reached his ears, he immediately hastened home to save his family. 12. When he arrived at his dwelling, he saw the In- dians approaching. Unfortunately, at the time, Mrs. Dunstan was sick, and unable to leave the house. In his fright and consternation, Mr. Dunstan knew not what to do; he had seven children; he thought he might be able, at least, to save them; whereas, if he stopped to protect his wife, it would be certain destruction to them all. 13. Therefore, leaving Mrs. Dunstan, with an infant of a few weeks old, together with her nurse, he mounted his horse, and telling his children to run before him, they all hastened off" to a place of safety. Some of the savages pursued him for more than a mile, but having a gun he defended himself and kept them at a distance. 14. No one can describe the trials and sufferings which Mrs. Dunstan was destined to endure. Although very ill, the Indians compelled her, with her nurse and Questions. — 9. By whom were they met ? 10. What is said of the houses .'' How many were killed .'' What is said of those who attempted to escape.'' 11. A few years after this, what took place? Who was among- the inhabitants.-' What did he do.' 12. What is said of Mrs, Dunstan? How many children had he? W^hat did he think? 13. Therefore, what did he do ? What did some of the savages do ? 14. What did the Indians do with Mrs. Dunstan ? 4 50 THE INDIAN WARS. little infant, to go with them to their habitations in the gloomy forest, which were more than one hundred miles from Haverhill. It was winter, and the journey had to be performed on foot through the wilderness. 15. Finding that the infant occupied much of the mother's attention, the savages snatched it from her arms, and killed it before her eyes, by striking its head against a tree. Mrs. Dunstan and her nurse were now almost overcome by fatigue, but the Indians hurried them along, without pity or remorse. It happened, on a cer- tain occasion, that the two prisoners, were left in charge of a few Indians, who, being much fatigued, fell asleep. Mrs. Dunstan, and her companion, thought this a favor- able opportunity, for gaining their liberty. 16. Accordingly, seizing a tomahawk, they killed these Indians, and thus made their escape. After wan- dering for some time through the wilderness, they arrived safely at Haverhill, and Mrs. Dunstan was again restored to her family. Questions. — 14. How did they travel.'* 15. What did they do with the infant .'' What is said of Mrs. Dunstan and her nurse ? What happened.' 16. According-ly, what did they do.' Where did they arrive.' CHAPTER XIV. The French Wax and Conquest of Canada, The Defeat of Braddock. Page 55. 1 At an early period, after the discovery of America, the French had planted colonies in different parts of the country. They had made settlements in Canada, ex- tending from the river Saint Lawrence to Lake Ontario, and had established several forts and trading houses on the shores of that lake, to protect and promote their trade with the Indians. They had also commenced a settle- ment on the Mississippi river, and laid the foundation of the present city of New Orleans ; and having ascended the river, they laid claim to the beautiful and fertile val- ley through which it flows. Questions. — 1, What took place at an early period? Where had they made settlements? Where had they also commenced a settle- ment? 52 THE FRENCH WAR. 2. The French had also built several trading houses and forts on the Ohio river, and were endeavoring to connect their northern and southern possessions, by a chain of forts extending from Lake Ontario, to the Mis- sissippi river. As the boundary between the French and English colonies, had never been settled, it gave rise to frequent disputes. It happened at this time, that a few individuals from Virginia, established themselves on the Ohio river, a short distance from the French settle- ments. As the French claimed this country, they im- mediately seized the settlers and sent them prisoners to Canada. 3. This conduct on the part of the French, alarmed the English, and called forth the most decisive measures. Repeated complaints of violence being made to the gov- ernor of Virginia, he resolved to send a messenger to the commander of the French forces on the Ohio, to de- mand the cause of these hostile proceedings, and to insist that he should evacuate the country. The choice of a person to perform this arduous duty, fell upon George Washington, the future deliverer of his country, a youth at that time in the twenty-first year of his age. Thus early did Washington begin that public career, which has endeared his memory to every American, and rendered his name illustrious in every land. 4. Before proceeding further, we must give our young readers a short sketch of the early history of this illus- trious man. George Washington was born in West- moreland county, Virginia, on the 22d of February, in the year 1732. His father, whose name was Augustin was a native of Virginia ; but his grand-father had emi- grated to this country, from England, in 1657. At an Questions. — 2. Where had the French built trading- houses &c. ? What is said of the boundary ? What happened ? What did the Trench do? 3. What is said of this conduct? What is said of the g-overnor ? On whom did the choice fall ? What is said of Wash- ing-ton? 4. When and where was Washing-ton born? What is said of his father &c. ? THE FRENCH WAR. 53 early age he was sent to a school, kept on his father's farm, and there finished his education, at the age of fifteen, under the direction of a Mr. Williams. He was well acquainted with English Grammar, Arithmetic, Geography and Surveying; but he was not a Greek, or Latin scholar. 5. He was early distinguished for his great love of truth. It is related of him, that on one occasion, his father gave him a small hatchet, with which, in his youth- ful sport, he destroyed a very valuable young apple tree. His father, on seeing the injury done to the tree, with much displeasure, enquired of the servants, who among them had destroyed the tree, but no one could give him any information. Then turning to his son, he said: " George, do you know, who destroyed that tree." George run to his father, and said: "Father, you know that I cannot tell a lie ; I did it with my hatchet." From this beautiful example of the youthful Washington, let our young readers learn the value of Truth ; let them learn to practice that lovely virtue, the brightest gem in the character of youth. 6. Washington having received a letter from the gov- ernor of Virginia, departed on his perilous journey to the French settlement, a distance of about four hundred miles, through a wilderness inhabited by hostile savages. On his way his horse failed, but he proceeded on foot with a gun in his hand, and a pack on his shoulders. On the twelfth of December, he arrived at the French set- tlement, delivered the letter to the commander, and by the middle of January, returned in safety with an answer to the governor of Virginia. QuicsTioxs. — 4. When was he sent to school ? With what was he acquainted? 5. F(ir what was he early disting-uished? What is re- lated of him? Wiiat did his father ask him? What did Gt-orfre ri'ply? From this example, what should we learn &c.? 6. What did Washing-ton do? What was the distance? On the way what hap. p ned ? When did he reach the French settlement ? 54 k "^^^ FRENCH WAR. / 7. The reply not proving satisfactory, the governor of Virginia resplved to organize a regiment to support the claims of Great Britain over the disputed territory. Mr. Frey was appointed Colonel of this regiment, and young Washington Lieutenant Colored, but on the death of Frey, which happened shortly after his appointment, the command devolved on Washington. Without delay, Washington -marched forward at the head of a small force to drive the French from a fort, called Fort Du Quesne, which was situated at the junction of the Alleghany and Monongahela rivers, where Pittsburg now stands. 8. Before he reached the fort, he was informed that the garrison had been reinforced, and that the French general at the head of nine hundred men was advancing against him. He therefore, thought it prudent to fall back to a fort which he had previously thrown up; but before he was able to complete his defence, he was attacked by the French, and after a brave resistance for several hours, he was compelled to yield on honorable terms of capitulation. 9. In the spring of the year 1754, General Braddock was sent from Ireland, with a large force to support the British claims in America. Shortly after his arrival in Virginia, he was joined by the colonial troops under Washington, and it was resolved to attack Fort Du Quesne. General Braddock was a brave man, but pos- sessed no experience in the mode of Indian warfare. Washington, who acted as his aid-de-camp, asked per- mission to go forward with the provincial troops, and scour the woods; but Braddock rejected this prudent measure with contempt, saying, "that it was high QuESTioSis. — 7. What did the g-overnor resolve? Who was appoin- ted colonel? On the death of Frey, what took place? What did Washing-ton do ? Where was the fort ? S. Of what was he informed ? What did he think prudent? What was he compelled to do? 9. In 1754, what happened? By what was he joined? What is said of Braddock? What did Wasliing-ton ask ? What did Braddock reply ? THE FRENCH WAR. 55 time indeed, if he had to learn the science of war, from a young buckskin." 10. He marched uncautiously forward, and wlien within a few miles of Fort Du Quesne, he fell into an ambus- cade of French and Indians. The enemy, concealed behind rocks and trees, poured a heavy discharge of musketry upon the unprotected troops of Braddock; the van was forced back upon the main body, and the whole army was throw^n into disorder. A dreadful slaughter now ensued. Braddock did ail that a brave general could do, but valor Avas unavailing. After an action of three hours, seven hundred of the English were left dead upon the field; Braddock himself, after having three horses shot under him, fell mortally wound- ed. Washington had two horses shot under him, and four bullets passed through his coat, yet he escaped unhurt. 11. The next j'ear the English were more successful *n their operations; they reduced Crown Point, Louis- burg, and several other places ; so that the city of Quebec was the most important, that remained in the hands of the French. Quebec was strongly fortified by nature and defended by a garrison of ten thousand men, under the command of General Montcalm. The arduous dut}^ of reducing this city, was intrusted to the heroic General Wolf. 12. Wolf, having made an unsuccessful assault upon tne city from the river, with incredible labor led his army to an eminence, on the north bank, called the Heights of Abraham. The enterprise was conducted with so much secrecy, that Montcalm had no intimation of it, until Wolf's army was arrayed on the plains above. Questions. — 10. How did he march? What is said of the enemy? Of the van ? What ensued ? What is sfiid of Iii-acl. Americans ? What took place at Wliite Plains? 6. What did the Brilisli do, durinG" tlie war? Where was a detachment of tlicse stationed ? On 25th of Deceuiber, wliat did Washing-ton do ? 7. Wiiat did ho then do ? 70 UNITED STATES. the loss of one hundred men, and compelled the remain- der, about three hundred in number, to surrender them- selves as prisoners of war. In this action, General Mer- cer, of Virginia, was killed. CHAPTER III. The Battle of Brandywine — Surrender of Burgoyne — The Arrival of Aid from France — The Destruction of the Settlement of Wyoming. 1. It had been for some time the object of General Howe, to get possession of Philadelphia. For this pur- pose he left New York, with a fleet carrying about six- teen thousand men, entered the Chesapeake Bay, and having landed his troops near the head of Elk River, commenced his march to Philadelphia. 2. General Washington, who closely watched his movements, hastened to oppose his progress, v^^ith a much inferior force. On the 11th of September, the two armies met on the banks of the river Brandywine ; a severe battle followed, in which the Americans were repulsed with considerable loss. This battle is rendered memorable, for being the first in which the Marquis de Lafayette, and Pulaski, v%^ere engaged; the former of ^whom was wounded. 3. Lafayette was a young French nobleman; he left his country and his home, in order to assist the Ameri- cans, engaged in the defence of their rights and their Questions. — 7. In this action, who was killed ? 1. What had been the object of Howe ? For this purpose, what did he do ? 2. What is said of Washing-ton? What took place on the 11th of Septcmbex- ? For what is this battle memorable? 3. Who was Lafayette? THE REVOLUTIOJV. 71 liberties. He fought bravely and successfully during the war, and returned with honor to his native land. 4. The brave and jiatriotic Pulaski was a native of Poland. Disgusted at the tyrran}^, that weighed upon his native countr^^, he resolved to forsake the land of his fathers, and to devote his life to the cause of liberty in a foreign clime. He accordingly came to America, to as- sist the countrymen of Washington in gaining their in- dependence ; and after spending about two years in this noble cause, he fell a sacrifice to his patriotism at Sa- vannah, when that city was attacked b}^ General Lincoln. 5. After the battle of Brandywine, the British Gene- ral directed his march to Philadelphia, and took posses- sion of that city. While these operations were going on in the middle States, more auspicious events were taking place in the north. General Burgoyne, who commanded the British in that quarter, crossed the Hudson, and en- camped near Saratoga. At this time General Gates, who commanded the American army in the north, resolved, if possible, to intercept the progress of Burgoyne. On the 18th of September, a severe engagement took place at Stillwater, near Saratoga. 6. On the 7th of October, the memorable battle of Saratoga took place. While the battle raged in all its fury, General Gates, who w^as commander-in-chief, is said to have remained quietly in his tent, conversing with a British officer. The victory was obtained, by the courage and intrepidity of General Arnold. Arnold, mounted on a splendid charger, appeared in every part of the contest, almost at the same moment, animating his men to the charge. At length, the gallant horse, Questions. — 3. How did he fig-ht? 4. Who was Pulaski? What is said of him ? What was his fate ? 5. What did the British General do? What was taking- place in the north? What did General Bur- g-oynedo? Who commanded the Americans in the north? On the J8th of September what took place? 6. On the 7th of October, what took place? While the battle rag-ed, what is said of General Gates? I{y whom was the victory g-ained ? What is said of Arnold? T'2 UKITEB STATES. which had bore him safely through scenes of blood and fire, was killed under him, at the same time Arnold fell severely wounded, in the moment of victory. As he was carried bleeding from the field, he exclaimed : " The battle is ours, Saratoga is won." 7. The situation of Burgoyne was now extremely critical. His splendid army of ten thousand men was defeated in several engagements, and reduced to nearly half its number. But still he was too proud to submit to his fate. At length seeing his position growing hourly more critical, he called a council of war, and it was resolved to surrender by capitulations. 8. Accordingly on the 17th of October, he surren- dered his whole army, amounting to nearly six thousand men to General Gates, as prisoners of war. Among the many valuable articles, obtained by this surrender, were forty-two pieces of cannon, seven thousand muskets, a vast supply of shot, shells, tents, and military stores. 9. This event diffused universal joy among the Ameri- cans, and inspired them with renewed ardor in the cause of freedom. During the previous year, three commis- sioners, were sent to Europe to obtain aid, and alliance of foreign powers. At first they were unsuccessful, but at last they obtained the promise of assistance from Louis XVI. king of France; and in July, 1778, to the great joy of the whole American people, a French fleet arrived at the mouth of the Delaware. The fleet, how- ever, effected nothing of importance at present, and towards the close of the season, it sailed to the West Indies. 10. About this time happened an event, which for Questions. — 6. At leng-th, what happened ? What did he exclaim ? 7. What is said of Burgoyne ? Of his army? At leng-th what did he do? 8. On the 17th of October what took place? What were some of the articles obtained by this surrender ? 9. What is said of this event ? During- the previous year, what had been done ? At last what did they obtain ? In July what took place ? What is said of the fleet? 10. What happened about this time ? THE REVOLUTION. 73 cruelty and barbarity, can scarcely find a parallel on the page of history. On the banks of the Susquehanna, in the present county of Luzerne, Pennsylvania, were situa- ted the beautiful settlement and village of Wyoming. Here about one thousand families lived joyful and hap- py ; while industry and frugality added to their pros- perity. 11. A party of Tories, with a band of about four hundred Indians, resolved on the destruction of this beautiful vale. The inhabitants were apprised of the danger, but too late to make any adequate defence. They however threw up a rude fortification with a resolu- tion to defend their homes and their families ; and in this, they might have been successful had it not been for the vile stratagem of their heartless foes, 12. Before arriving at Wyoming, the Tories sent a messenger to the fort, stating that they would not do the inhabitants any injury, but wished to hold a conference with them, a short distance from the village. Without suspecting the treacherous designs of his enemies. Colonel Butler, the commander of the fort, leaving behind him a small force, set out with the main body of his men to meet them. 13. They marched with the messenger, into a thick and gloomy forest; here they were suddenly surrounded by the Tories and Indians, to the number of sixteen hundred, and most inhumanely massacred. Out of four hundred men that left the fort, only sixty escaped. The enemy then, hastened to attack the fortifications, which had been recentl}'- thrown up; and on arriving there they threw over the walls, the bleeding scalps of their murdered friends. Finding resistance useless, those Questions. — 10. Where was Wyominer situated ? What is said of it? 11. What did the Tories &c.,do? The inhabitants .? What did they throw up .'' 12. Before &c., what did the Tories do.'' What did Colonel Butler do ? 13. Where did they march ? Here what happened ? How many escaped. What did the enemy then do .'' What did they ask.-* 74 UNITED STATES. within determined to surrender, and asked the Tory commander, what terms he would give them; he an- swered — the hatchet, 14. A few moments more, and the horrid work was completed. The men were murdered, and the women, with infants in their arms, were locked up in their houses, or enclosed in the fort, and the whole consumed in one awful conflagration. The groans of the dying, and the shrieks of the living, were only answered by the imprecations of the whites, and the deafening war-whoop of the savages. CHAPTER IV. Gates' Defeat — The Treachery of General Arnold — The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown» 1. During the year 1779, the theatre of the war was changed from the north, to the southern provinces of the country. Charleston, the capital of South Carolina, was taken by the British, after a siege of six months ; and having reduced the capital, they began to carry their devastations through the interior of the State. 2. In order to check the progress of the enemy, the Americans formed themselves into small parties, under Generals Sumpter, Marion, and other leaders. The bold and patriotic deeds of these noble men, have always been a theme of admiration. They fought without pay, they wore no uniform, and depended on chance for food to Questions. — 13. What did he reply.'' 14. What happened to the men.'' The women .^ What is said of the groans of tne dying-.' 1. What took place during- the year 1779 .'' What is said of Charleston? 2. What did the Americans form .' What is said of their deeds ? How did they fig-ht .'' ^ THE REVOLUTION. 75 eat. They were often without arms and ammunition, and were obliged to watch, as their companions shot down the enemy, when they would instantly seize their muskets and cartridges. But all this they joyfully en- dured; because they were contending for the rights of their country, the liberty of their children, and those blessings of freedom, which we enjoy. 3. On a certain occasion, a British officer was sent from Georgetown to negotiate an exchange of prisoners, and was conducted to General Marion's quarters. He was kindly received and politely entertained by the General, and having concluded his business, was about to retire, when Marion invited him to dine with him. To this the officer readily consented. Dinner was im- mediately ordered, which consisted of a few roasted sweet potatoes, piled upon a piece of bark; they were placed between Marion and the British officer, whoweie seated upon a log. 4. As the officer took one of the potatoes, he broke forth into a fit of laughter, but immediately apologized, saying: ''Pardon me. General; I was only laughing at what I thought, some of my brother officers would say, if such poor fare was set before them." ''But, Gene- ral," continued the officer, " if your fare is bad, your pay is good." 5. "Pay!" exclaimed Marion; "we receive no pay, and never expect to receive a cent. " The officer was so struck with what he had seen and heard, that on his re- turn to Georgetown, he resigned his commission, and retired from the service, saying, that it was useless to contend with men, who made such sacrifices to maintain their libert3^ Questions. — 5. What were they often oblig'ed to do? Why did they joyfully endure all this? 3. On one occasion, what took place? What did Marion invite him to do? Of what did the dinner consist? 4. What is related of the officer ? AVhat did he say ? What did he add =* 5. What did Marion reply ? What is said of the officer ? 76 UNITED STATES. 6. It happened at this time, that the command of the southern army was intrusted to General Gates, the hero of Saratoga, who was sent into South Carolina. Gates was brave, but imprudent; he led his army through a dreary and barren part of the country, and many of his men died on the route, from disease, fatigue, and want. At length he arrived near Camden, and took up a very unfavorable position between two swamps. 7. In the meantime, Lord Cornwallis, learning his position, hastened to join Lord Rawdon with reinforce- ments, and on the 16th of August, a severe engagement took place. At the first charge of the British, the Vir- ginia troops under General Gates fled, and spread con- fusion and disorder among the North Carolina militia. Gates was struck with consternation ; all his former cour- age seemed to have forsaken him ; and seeing the disor- der of his men, he put spurs to his horse, and fled with the utmost speed for eighty miles, before he stopped. 8. After the flight of Gates, the battle Avas maintained by the illustrious Baron De Kalb, who for some time, bravely repulsed the advancing battalions of the enemy. De Kalb was a distinguished Prussian General, who, like Lafayette, Pulaski, and others, left his home and came to this country to aid the Americans in gaining their in- dependence. 9. In this battle he commanded the regular troops of Maryland and Delaware, and like a true hero, bravely maintained his position, until overpowered by numbers and surrounded by the enemy, he fell pierced with eleven wounds. His soldiers, who tenderly loved him, gathered around their fallen general, and fought with desperation Questions. — 6. What happened at this time ? What is said of Gates? Where did he take up his position ? 7. What is said of Corn- wallis ? At the first charge, what is said ? What is related of Gates ? 8. After the flight of Gates, by whom was the battle maintained ? What is said of De Kalb ? 9. What did he command ? What is said of him? THE REVOLUTION. 77 over his bleeding form, exclaiming in the bitterness of their grief — "Save the Baron De Kalb. " 10. The noble conduct of De Kalb, even elicited the admiration of the enemy. To a British officer, who kindly endeavored to stop the blood, that flowed from his wounds, he said: " I thank you for your generous sympattiy, but I die the death I always prayed for — the death of a soldier, Jighting foj- the rigkts of inan. " 11. During this year the sorrow of the nation was increased, by the treachery of General Arnold. The Americans could hear, with becoming fortitude, the de- feat of their armies, the death of their officers, and the loss of their soldiers : these things were in the nature of events, they were the chances of war. But never for a moment, did they imagine, that there was one among their small number capable of betraying his country. 12. Can it be possible, they asked themselves again and again, can it be possible that he who fought and bled for his country, the hero of Saratoga's bloody field ; that General Arnold is a traitor 1 Alas! the fact was only too true. 13. General Washington being called to Connecticut, left the important fortress of West Point under the com- mand of Arnold. During his absence, Arnold resolved to deliver up the fortress, with all its garrison, into the hands of the British. The British ag-ent, throuo;h whom the negotiation was conducted, was the unfortunate Major Andre. After having an interview with the traitor, Andre was returning to New York, when he was detected by three Americans, and thus the treac]\- erous designs of Arnold were fortunately discovered, before they could be carried into execution. Questions. — 9. What did his soldiers do, and exclaim? 10. To a British officer, what did he say ? 11. During- the year what is said.* What is said of the Americans? What did they never think? 12. What did they ask themselves? 13. What is said of General Wash- ington ? What did Arnold resolve? Who was the British agent? Alter having- an interview &c., what happened to Andre? 78 UNITED STATES. 14. The names of the three Americans, who detec- ted Andre, were John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart. On searching him, they found a drawing of the fort, and other papers in Arnold's own hand-writing, concealed in one of his boots. Andre offered them his gold watch, and a large sum of money if they would let him go ; but they refused his offers, and led him in triumph to the American camp. 15. Andre was tried by a court martial, and being convicted as a spy, his life was forfeited by the laws of war. His youth and many amiable qualities, endeared him to the officers of the British army, while his fate was deeply regretted by all. Arnold escaped to New York, and received, as the reward of his treachery, an appointment to the office of General in the British army. 16. During the summer of 1781, the British forces in the south were greatly weakened, by the loss of several important battles. Colonel Tarleton, the British com- mander, was defeated by the Americans under General Morgan, in the battle of the Cow-pens ; and Colonel Stewart was defeated by General Green and General Marion in the battle at Eutaw Springs. After this battle Lord Cornwallis left South Carolina, and fortified him- self at Yorktown in Virginia. 17. General Washington, learning the position of Cornwallis, secretly left his camp at White Plains, crossed the Hudson with his army, and passing rapidly through New Jersey and Pennsylvania, arrived at the head of Elk River, where he was joined by a consid- erable reinforcement under Marquis De Lafayette. Without losing a moment, Washington embarked his forces and arrived at Yorktown. Questions. — 14. What are the names of the three Americans.'' Where did they find his papers ? What did he offer them .'' 15. What is said of Andre.' His youth &c. .'' What became of Arnold.? 16. What is said of the British forces .? Where and by whom was Tarle- ton and Stewart defeated ? Where did Cornwallis fortify himself? 17. What is said of General Washing-ton ? By whom was he joined.-' THE REVOLUTION. 79 18. Here a close siege was commenced, and carried on with so much vigor, by the united forces of France and America, that Lord Cornwallis, on the 19th of October, was compelled to sign articles of capitulation, by which his whole array, his shipping, and military stores, loere surrendered to General Washino-ton. 19. This event spread universal joy among the Ameri- cans. General Washington ordered divine service to be performed in the different brigades of the army, and the members of Congress went in procession to church, and there publicly offered up thanks to God, for the signal triumph of the American arms. 20. This event may be considered, as the termination of the American struggle for independence. Great Britain, seeing that no rational hope remained of con- quering America, resolved to discontinue a war, which had only reflected discredit upon her arms. Accord- ingly on the 3d of September, 1783, a definite treaty of peace was concluded at Versailles, by which the thirteen United Colonies, were admitted to be, ^^ Free, Sovereign and Independent States.^ ^ 21. After this the patriotic army was disbanded, and General Washins-ton, after taking; an affectionate leave of the soldiers and officers, who had fought by his side, resiorned his commission, and as-ain retired to his estate at Mount Vernon, carrying with him into his retirement of private life, the gratitude of his country and the applause and admiration of the world. Questions. — 18. Here what was commenced? What was Corn- wallis compelled to do ? 19. What is said of this event '^ What did Washing-ton order .? What did Congress do ? 20. What may this event be considered? What is saicf of Great Britain? In Septem- ber, 1783, what took place? 21. What took place, after this? What did General Washington do? When did he retire'' CHAPTER V. The Formation of the Constitution — Washington elected the first President. 1. At the close of the war, it was found that the Articles of Confederation, by which the States were governed, were weak and imperfect : it was therefore determined to establish some general form of govern- ment, better suited to the time, and the growing pros- perity of the country. Accordingly, delegates from all the States except Rhode Island, met at Philadelphia, and after four months' deliberation, they succeeded in forming the present constitution of the United States. 2. By the constitution, all legislative powers are placed in a Congress, consistii^g of a President, a Senate and House of Representatives. According to the pro- visions of the constitution, the several States immedi- ately elected their delegates to Congress ; and by the unanimous vote of the people. General Washington was chosen the first President. 3. When the appointment was made known to him, he yielded to the call of his country, and bidding adieu to his peaceful retirement at Mount Vernon, he proceeded to New York, where the Congress was then assembled. His progress to that city, was marked by every demon- stration of respect ; triumphal arches were erected, to commemorate his achievements ; and he was every where hailed as the Father of his country. Questions. — I. At the close of the war, what was formed? What was determined ? Where did the delegates assemble ? 2. By the constitution, where are the powers placed? Who was chosen the first president ? Washington's administration. 81 4. On the 30th of April in 1789, he was inaugurated as President of the United States, in the City Hall of New York, the oath of office being administered by Mr. Livingston, chancellor of the State of New York. John Adams of Massachusetts, who had borne a distinguished part in the Revolution, was elected the first Vice Presi- dent. 5. At the end of General Washington's second term of office, he declined a re-election, and after delivering a farewell address to the people, he retired again to his residence at Mount Vernon. He was succeeded in the administration by John Adams, who was elected the second President of the United States. 6. During Mr. Adams' administration, the hostile at- titude of France towards the United States, caused the American government to adopt measures of defence. The navy was increased, an army raised and General Washington was appointed commander-in-chief. These decisive measures on the part of the United States, in- duced the French government to listen to an amicable settlement of the dispute. 7. At this time the nation was destined to experience a severe loss by the death of General Washington. On the 14th of December he received a slight sjDrinkle of rain, and was seized in a few hours afterwards, with an inflammation of the throat, attended with a fever; he died on the following day at Mount Vernon, his resi- dence, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. A. D. 1799. 8. Mr. Jeffisrson succeeded Mr. Adams in the office of President. During Mr. Jefferson's administration, dis- putes occurred with Algiers, Tunis, Morocco, and Tripoli. Questions. — 4. What happened on April 30th? Who was the first Vice President ? 5. What ciid General Washington decline ? What did he do? By whom was he succeeded? 6. During- Adams' ad- ministration, what took place? What was done? 7. At this time, what took place ? On the 14th, what happened ? When and where did Washing-ton die? 8. Who succeeded Mr. Adams? During- his administration, what occurred ? 6 §2 UNITED STATES. The difficulty with the three first, was easily settled ; but Tripoli persisted in demanding certain tributes, which the United States refused to pay, and immediately cap- tured several American vessels. 9. In 1803, Commodore Preble, wdth a small squadron, was sent into the Mediterranean, to protect Ameri- can commerce, but shortly after his arrival, the frigate Philadelphia, under the command of Captain Brainbridge, ran upon a rock near Tripoli; she was obliged to strike her colors, and her officers and crew were made prison- ers. The Tripolitans, having released the Philadelphia, drew her into the harbor of Tripoli ; but she was shortly afterwards destroyed by Commodore Decatur, who sailed into the very harbor of Tripoli and set her on fire, and escaped, amidst a terrific shower of balls from the ene- my's batteries, without the loss of a single man. The war was finally terminated by a treaty, in 1805. Questions. — 8. What did Tripoli demand ? 9. In 1803, what took place? What happened the fng-ate Philadelphia? What was she oblig-ed to do ? By whom was she destroyed. WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN. CHAPTER I. The Causes of the War — The Surrender of General Hull — The Capture of the British Frigate Guerriere — The Invasion of Canada, and Death of General Pike. Perry' s Victory on Lake Erie. 1. During the 3-ear of 1806, the British government declared ail the French and German ports to be in a state of blockade, and prohibited all neutral vessels from trading with France and Germany, under the penalty of being seized and condemned. Shortly after this, the Emp^eror of France issued a decree, prohibiting all in- tercourse with the British Islands. While the trade of the United States was thus restricted by the contending ~Qdestions.— 1. During- 1806, what did the British g-overnment do ? What did the Emperor of France do ? While the trade was restricted , &c., what is said ? 84 tNlTED STATES. powers of Europe, another species of insult and injury arose. 2. This was the custom practised by Great Britain, of searching American vessels, and taking from them such seamen, as were supposed to be British deserters. This custom was subject to great abuse, because it was difficult to distinguish between American and British seamen ; but there was, moreover, strong reason to be- lieve, that the British officers did not wish to make this distinction, and that in many instances, American citi- zens were compelled to serve in the British navy. 3. In 1809, Mr. James Madison succeeded Mr. Jef- ferson in the office of President of the United States, The President, during the three first years of his adminis- tration, did every thing in his power to effect an amicable settlement of the difficulties between the United States and Great Britain. But all his endeavors were fruitless ; Great Britain still continued to search American vessels, and to impose restriction on American trade. 4. At length, on the first of June, 1812, Mr. Madison sent a message to Congress, strongly recommending to that body a declaration of war, against Great Britain. The principal grounds for this measure, as stated in the message, were the searching of American vessels by the British ; the blockading of the ports of the enemies, and the suspicions, that the Indians had been instigated to acts of hostilities, by the British agents. 5. The first operation, after the declaration of war, was an expedition against Canada. This expedition was conducted by General Hull, who, on the 16th of August, disgracefully surrendered his whole army into the hands of the British. Hull was afterwards tried, and found Questions. — 2. What was this custom .'' What is said of the cus- tom ? What was there reason to believe? 3. Who succeeded Mr. Jef- ferson ? What did the president do .'' What did the British still con- tinue .'' 4. In 1812, what did Mr. Madison do.-* What were the g-rounds of the war .-* 5. What was the first operation ? What is said of General Hull .'' What was afterwards done with him .'' War with England. 85 guilty of cowardice and neglect of duty, and was con- demned to be shot; but on account of his age, and the services he had rendered during the Revolution, he was recommended to mercy, and the punishment of death was withdrawn by the President. 6. The 19th of August, of this year, is memorable for the action between the American frigate Constitution, and the British frio-ate Guerriere. The Constitution was commanded by Captain Hull, and the Guerriere by Cap- tain Dacres ; and after an action of only twenty minutes, the Guerriere struck her colors, and yielded to Hull. The loss of the Guerriere was fifteen killed and sixty- four wounded; and that of the Constitution was seven killed and seven wounded. 7. In October, the frigate United States, commanded by Captain Decatur, took the British frigate Macedonia, and in the following month, the British sloop Frolic, m as captured by the Wasp commanded by Captain Jones. 8. During the year 1813, the war was attended with various success. In the early part of the year, Canada was again invaded by a detachment of men under Gene- ral Winchester, but they were defeated by the British and Indians, near Frenchtown ; and the greater part of those who surrendered to the enemy, were inhumanely massacred by the savages. 9. In April, another attempt at the reduction of Can- ada was made, under General Pike ; York, the capital of Upper Canada, was taken, but the brave and heroic Pike was killed in the moment of victory, by the explo- sion of a magazine. Questions.— 6. What took place on the 19th of August? Who commanded the Constitution ? The Guerriere? What was the loss on both sides ? 7. What took place in October? 8. In 1813, what is said of the war? By whom was Canada again invaded? What is said of those who surrendered? 9. In April, what was done? What was taken ? Who was killed ? CHAPTER 1 1. Perry^s Victory — Battle of the Thames — Battle of Lundy^s Lane — Battle of Bladenshurg — Battle of JVorth Point ^—Battle of J^ew Orleans. 1. One of the most brilliant achievements of the war was Perry's victory upon Lake Erie. His little fleet consisted of nine small vessels carrying only fifty-four guns ; while the English squadron numbered six ships, carrying sixty-three guns. In the early part of the engagement the flag ship of Perry, suffered severely, and was in a sinking condition, when the gallant Perry, seizing his flag and waving it in the breeze, leaped into an open boat, and passed amidst a shower of balls from the enemy, to another of his vessels. 2. The battle now raged with redoubled fury, but after a tremendous conflict of three hours, victory declared in favor of the Americans ; the stars and the stripes floated in triumph, over the wreck of the British squadron. 3. After this victory General Harrison embarked his forces, and landed on the Canada shore, and on the 5th of October defeated the British under General Proctor, in the battle of the Thames. In this battle, the cele- brated Indian Chief, Tecumseh, was killed by Colonel Johnson. 4. 1814. One of the best contested battles that oc- curred during the war, was that of Lundy's Lane, which took place near Niagara Falls, and on that account is Questions, — 1. What was the most brilliant achievement? In the early part of the action what took place? What did Perry do? 2. What is now said of the battle ? Of the stars and stripes ? 3. What did General Harrison do ? What battle did he g-ain ? Who was killed in this battle? 4. What was one of the best contested battles? 'ST WAR WITH ENGLAND. sometimes called the battle of Niagara. The Americans were commanded by General Brown, and General Scott, the present commander-in-chief of the American forces, who was then second in command. 5. The battle commenced about sundown, and raged with terrific fury until midnight. The British fought with desperation, and often charged the Americans Avith the point of the bayonet; but they were bravely repuls- ed, and finally driven from every position, leaving the Americans in quiet possession of the field. In this battle Generals Brown and Scott were both wounded, and the command devolved on General Ripley. 6. In September of this year, a combined attack was made on Plattsburg, b}'- the British squadron, comm^anded by Commodore Downie and a land force under Sir George Prevost. The naval force was completely de- stroyed by the American fleet commanded by Commodore McDonough. During the engagement of the fleets, the British were eflectually repulsed in their attack on the forts of Plattsburg, by the Americans under the com- mand of General Macomb. 7. The tide of victory, which had attended the Ameri- can army, during this year, met with a momentary check, in the unfortunate battle of Bladensburg. In the month of August, a British fleet entered the Chesapeake, and landed a force of six thousand men under the command of General Ross, on the banks of the Patuxent, about forty miles from the city of Washington. At Bladens- burg they were met by the Americans, under General Winder, but at the commencement of the battle, the militia disgracefully fled, leaving Commodore Barney, and his small band of marines, to sustain the whole weig-ht of the conflict. Questions. — 4. By whom were the Americans commanded ? 5. What is said of the battle? The British? Who were wounded? 6, What was done in September ? What is said of the naval forces ? During- the engag-cment, what took place? 7. What is said of the tide of victor)'? In August what took place? At Bladensburg? UNITED STATES. '88 8. Barney bravely maintained his position, until he was wounded and taken prisoner. After this battle, the British proceeded to Washington, burnt the capitol, the President's house, and other public buildings, and then retired without molestation. 9. A few weeks after this event, a combined attack was made upon the city of Baltimore, by a British fleet of fifty sail under Admiral Cochrane, and a land force of seven thousand men, under the command of General Ross. On the morning of the 12th of Septem- ber, they landed at North Point, where they were met by General Strieker, at the head of three thousand five hundred men. As the British were advancing. General Ross was shot through the breast by one of the American riflemen, and falling in the arms of his aid-de-camp, he expired in a few minutes. 10. The command then devolved on Colonel Brook, who led on the attack. General Strieker, after main- taining his position for an hour and a half, against great superiority of numbers, retired to Worthington Mills. In the meantime, a furious assault was made on Fort McHenry, by the British squadron ; but finding all their attempts fruitless, they abandoned their designs, and the fleet, taking on board the land forces, moved down the bay. 11. The last important event of the war, was the battle of New Orleans. The British under the com- mand of General Packingham sailed up the Mississippi, and landed a short distance below the city, and after enduring incredible fatigue and difiiculties, they reached the main entrenchment of the Americans, who were commanded by the heroic General Andrew Jackson. Questions. — 8. What is said of Barney ? After the battle what did the British do ? 9. After this what was done ? On the 12th of Sep- tember, what did they do ? As they were advancing", what took place ? 10. On whom did the command devolve .'' What is said of General Strieker? What place was assaulted, &c. .^ 11. What was the last important event.' What is said of the British &c. ? 89 War with England. 12. Jackson had made a fortification out of cotton bales; and behind these the Americans, being secure from danger, awaited the approach of the enemy. At length on the 8th of January, 1815, the British advanced to the attack, but were repulsed with immense slaughter. They fled in the utmost confusion, leaving seven hun- dred of their companions dead upon the field of battle, fourteen hundred wounded, and five hundred prisoners in the hands of the Americans. Generals Packingham and Gibbs were both mortally wounded. The loss on the part of the Americans, was only seven killed and six wounded. 13. On the 24th of December, of the previous year, a treaty of peace had been signed at Ghent, between the United States and Great Britain; and the news of this treaty, arriving shortly after the battle of New Orleans, put an end to further hostilities. 14. In 1817, Mr. James Monroe succeeded Mr. Madi- son in the office of President; and in 1825, John Quincy Adams, succeeded Mr. Monroe. During the adminis- tration of Mr. Adams, General Lafayette paid a visit to the United States. In 1829, Mr. Adams was succeeded by General Jackson, who filled the office of President, until 1837, when he was succeeded by Martin Van Buren. 15. In 1841, General Harrison was elected President of the United States, but died on the 4th of April, after his inauguration, leaving the office to the Vice-President, John Tyler. Mr. Tyler was succeeded by James K. Polk, who, after filling the office for four years, was suc- ceeded by the present incumbent. General Zachary Taylor. Questions. — 12. What did Jackson do? On the 8th of January, 1815, what took place.'' How many did they leave dead, &c..'' What was the Americans' loss? 13. On the 24th of December, what took Slace? What is said of the news of this treaty? 14. Who succeeded Ir. Madison, and Mr. Monroe? In 1825, what took place? Who succeeded Mr. Adams? 15. In 1841, what took place? Who suc- ceeded Mr. Tylor ? Who succeeded Mr. Polk? THE WAR WITH MEXICO. CHAPTER I. The Causes of the War — The Battle of Palo Alto — Bat- tle of Resaca de la Pahna — Battle of Monterey — Battle of Buena Vista. 1. The principal cause of the late war with Mexico, was the admission of Texas into the Union, which took place on the 29th of December, 1845. Texas had been a Mexican State, but revolted against the power of Mexico, and in 1836, established her independence. 2. The boundary between the two republics, had never been settled. Texas held the Rio Grande, from its source to its mouth, to be the boundary line between the two countries ; while Mexico regarded the river Nueces, as the boundary, and claimed the territory be- tween the two rivers. Such was the state of things, when Texas was admitted into the Union. 3. The United States having admitted Texas with the Nueces as her southern boundary, claimed the disputed territory, and of necessity, became bound to settle the diffi- culty with the government of Mexico. Mexico still main- tained her right to the territory between the two rivers, and began to make preparations to invade the country. 4. On receiving intelligence of this, Mr. Polk, who had lately been raised to the office of President, directed Questions. — 1. What was the principal cause, &c.? What is said of Texas? 2. What is said of the boundary? What did Texas hold ? What did Mexico reg-ard ? 3. What is said of the United States ? Of Mexico? 4. What did Mr. Polk direct? WAR WITH MEXICO. 91 General Taylor to take up some convenient position be- yond the river Nueces, in order to repel any invasion on the part of Mexico. Accordingly, General Taylor crossed the Nueces, and took up a position at Point Isa- bel; and leaving a garrison at this place, he moved south to the banks of the Rio Grande, and erected a fort, called Fort Brown, opposite Matamoras, a town on the Mexi- can side of the river. 5. In the early part of May, General Taylor, leaving a small force at Fort Brown, returned to Point Isabel. During his absence however, a furious attack was made on Fort Brown by the Mexicans, under General Arista. On receiving intelligence of this. General Taylor im- mediately commenced his march back to Fort Brown, and on the 8th of May, he was met by the enemy drawn up in order of battle, at a point called Palo Alto. 6. A furious battle ensued, in which the Mexicans were defeated, with a loss of nearly four hundred in killed and wounded ; while the loss on the side of the Americans, was nine killed, and forty-two wounded. Among the slain on the part of the Americans, was the brave and lamented Major Ringgold. While Ringgold was advancing furiously to the charge, he was struck by a cannon ball, which killed his horse, and inflicted on himself, a mortal wound. General Taylor and his little army encamped upon the field of battle, surrounded by many of their fallen companions, while the groans of the dying, and shrieks of the wounded of the enemy, broke the stillness of the midnight air. 7. On the following morning General Taylor marched forward towards Fort Brown ; and having arrived within about three miles of the fort, he met with the enem}', who Questions. — 4. What did General Taylor do? Where did he pro- ceed and erect ? 5. In May, what did General Taylor do ? Durin^- his absence, what took place ? On the 8th of May, what did he meet? 6. What ensued ? AVhat was the number of the killed and wounded on both sides ? Who was among- the slain ? What did General Taylor and his army do? 7. Where did he meet the enemy? 92 UNITED STATES. occupied a strong position, at a place called Resaca de la Palma. The battle was commenced on both sides with the most determined bravery, and for some time maintained with equal success. 8. In a few hours, however the contest was decided, the Mexicans were routed, and fled with precipitation to the river, leaving the whole of their artillery, and two thou- sand stand of arms, together with the private papers of General Arista, in the hands of the Americans. The battle is memorable for the desperate charge of Colonel May. May, with his troop, charged up to the very mouth of the enemy's cannon, drove the men from the guns, silenced their battery, and took General La Vega prisoner. 9. A few days after this battle. General Taylor entered Matamoras without opposition. Here he was obliged to remain for a considerable time, for want of troops and supplies, to follow up his success. In the meantime, a large Mexican force had collected at Monterey, the capital of New Leon, under the command of General Ampudia. 10. On the 7th of September the American army of six thousand men left Matamoras, and on the 19th en- camped under the very wall of Monterey, then fortified, and defended by a garrison of ten thousand men. On the morning of the 21st, General Taylor ordered an attack. The Americans were led to the charge by Generals Twiggs, Butler, and Worth, and other distin- guished officers ; and after an obstinate contest of nearly three days, the city yielded to the valor of the Ameri- cans. The battle was attended with a severe loss on both sides. The Americans lost one hundred and twenty- QuESTiONS. — 7. What is said of the battle? 8. What is said of the Mexicans ? What did they leave ? For what is it memorable ? What did May do ? 9. After this battle, what did General Taylor do ? Here what is said ? Where had they collected ? 10. On the 7th of Septem- ber what took place ? On the 21st what did General Taylor order? By whom were the Americans led &c.? What is said of the city? What was the loss on both sides ? THE WAR AVITH MEXICO. 93 six killed and about three hundred and fifty wounded, and among the killed was the lamented Colonel Watson. The Mexican loss was estimated at one thousand men, in killed and wounded. 11. Nothing of importance occurred from this period until the return of the following spring. In the early part of February, General Taylor moved towards the south with a force of about five thousand men, and finally took up a position at a place, called Buena Vista, a few miles from Saltillo. Here on the 22d of February, he was met by a Mexican army of twenty thousand men, under the command of their renowned leader, General Santa Anna, and on the following morning the memorable battle of Buena Vista took place. 12. Long and bloody was the contest ; at one time our little army seemed as if nothing could save it from destruction ; again the tide of victory rolled back the advancing foe ; at length the courage and skill of the Mexicans yielded to the valor of the Americans; the shout of victory re-echoed through the hills and valleys of Buena Vista. The next day the Mexican army retired to San Louis Potosi, leaving behind them hun- dreds of their dead and dying. Questions. — 11. In February what did General Taylor do ? On the 22d by what was he met ? What took place.? 12. What is snid of the contest.'' At one time, what is said of our army.? Ag-ain of the tide of victory.? At length what is said.? What did the Mexicans do? CHAPTER II. The reduction of Vera Cruz — The Battle of Cerro Gordo ■ — The Battle of Contreras — The Surrender of the City of Mexico. 1. On the 23d of November, General Scott received orders from the Secretary of War, to repair to Mexico, and take the command of the troops there assembled. The first operation of General Scott, after reaching Mexico, was the reduction of the city of Vera Cruz. 2. On the 22d of March, 1847, General Scott and his army stood before the city of Vera Cruz; but before commencing operations, he sent a summons to the Mexi- can commander to surrender the city. The summons M^as rejected, and the American batteries immediately opened a destructive fire upon the city. The cannon- ading continued, from this time until the morning of the 26th, when the city, and the famous castle of San Juan de Ulloa, surrendered to General Scott. 3. After the reduction of Vera Cruz, General Scott commenced his march with about six thousand men towards the city of Mexico, the capital of the republic. At Cerro Gordo, he was met by a Mexican force of fifteen thousand men under the command of General Santa Anna. An obstinate battle followed, in which the Mexi- cans were defeated with a loss of one thousand two hundred in killed and wounded, and three thousand prisoners. The American loss was sixty-three killed and three hundred and eighty-six wounded. Questions. — 1. On the 23d of November what took place? What was his first operation ? 21 On 22nd of March, what took place ? But before operations, what did he do ? On the 26th, what took place ? 3. After this, what did General Scott do ? At Cerro Gordo, what did he meet? What followed? What was the American loss ? WAH WITH MEXICO. 95 4. On the 19th of April, General Worth entered the city of Jalapa, and on the 22d took possession of the city and castle of Perote ; and on the following day he oc- cupied the city of Puebla, where General Scott remained for the greater part of the summer. 5. In the early part of August, General Scott resum- ed his march towards the city of Mexico. He met with but little interruption until he reached Contreras, an eminence strongly fortified, about fifteen miles from that city. At this place a furious battle took place,, w^hich terminated in favor of the Americans. 6. After this battle, our forces passed rapidly on towards Churubusco. At this point the main body of the Mexican army, to the number of twenty-seven thou- sand men under the command of Santa Anna, had taken up its position, resolved to make a desperate stand to save the capital. About noon, on the 20th of August, the battle commenced, and after a terrific conflict of three hours, the scale of victory turned in favor of the Americans. 7. After taking Molino del Rey, or the King's Mill, and several other important, and strongly fortified places, General Scott arrived with his armv on the 14th of September at the very gates of the renowned city of the Montezumas. The city surrendered ; and on the follow- ing morning, at 7 o'clock, the star spangled banner, floated in triumph over the capital of the Mexican Republic. A treaty of peace between the United States and Mexico, was shortly afterwards signed, and the hostilities between the two nations, were happily termi- nated. Questions. — 4. On the 19th of April, what took place? On the 22d &c. .'' 5. In Aug-ust, what did Scott do ? What place did he reach ? What took place .'' 6. What did our forces do ? At this point what is related.'' On the 20th of Au^-ust what took place ? 7. After taking- Molino del Rey &c., what did Scott do .'' What is said of the city &c. .' Of the treaty of peace ? FEANCE. CHAPTER I. The Foundation of the French Monarchy — The Reign of Clovis — Pepin — Charlemagne. Surrender of Calais. 1. The early inhabitants of France, were a barbarous race from the northern parts of Germany, called the Franks ; and from them, France derives its name. About the year 481, Clovis, the son of Childeric became King of the Franks, and is generally regarded as the founder of the French Monarchy. 2. Clotilda, the wife of Clovis, was a christian, and through her means Clovis and many of his subjects Questions. — 1. What is said of the inhabitants? About the year 481, what did Clovis become.'' 2. What is said of Clotilda .'' FRANCE. 97 embraced Christianity. He made Paris the seat of his government, and after a long and prosperous reign, he left his kingdom divided between his four sons. A. D, 511. 3. About the middle of the eighth century, a revolu- tion took place, and Pepin, surnamed the Short, was raised to the French throne. It happened at this time, that the Lombards, W'ho w^ere already masters of the greater part of Italy, extended their ravages to the very walls of Rome. In his distress, Pope Stephen applied for assistance to the King of France. 4. Pepin immediately crossed the Alps, defeated the Lombards, and obliged them to submit to humiliating terms of peace. Shortly after this, the Lombards again commenced hostilities, and Pepin a second time defeated them, and solemnly bestow^ed on Pope Stephen and his successors in the pontifical chair, his conquests in Italy; it was by this means, that the head of the Christian Church was raised to the dignity of a temporal prince. 5. Pepin was succeeded by his son Charlemagne, or Charles the Great. Charles is said to have been seven feet in height, of a robust and majestic appearance. He was eminent as a statesman, and as a warrior, he far surpassed all the sovereigns of his age. He was frugal in his diet, and plain in his dress, and took particular delight in appearing ornamented with the productions of his wife and daughters, who were usually employed at their needle. ::■:: ;>:?:; :;;::o;y.\ri irr^V;: 6. He died in 814, in the seventy-first year of his age, and forty-seventh of his reign. His son, Louis the First, succeeded to the throne. The reign of this mon- arch was rendered unhappy, by the unnatural rebellion of his sons. The ungrateful children twice dethroned Questions. — 2. To whom did he leave his king-dom ? 3. In the eig-hth century, what took place ? 5. By whom was Pepin succeeded ? What is said of Charles ? His diet, dress, &c.? 6. When did he die? By whom was he succeeded ? What ia said of his reign ? 7 98 FRANCE, their father ; and again restored him to the throne. Af- ter the death of Louis, which took place in 840, the most bitter contention broke out between his three sons, and thousands of their unhappy subjects were slaughtered, in the ruinous wars that followed. 7. Nothing of any particular interest occurred, until the race of Charlemagne became extinct, and the Cape- tian race of Kings succeeded. A. D. 987. CHAPTER II. The Capetian Race of Kings — From A. D. 987 to 1328. 1. The first king of this name was Hugh Capet. He was an able sovereign, and his administration was di- rected with wisdom and moderation. He never assumed the ensigns of royalty ; and even on great occasions, he appeared in a plain and simple dress. 2. Few events of importance occur in the history of France, from the reign of Hugh Capet, until the reign of Philip the First, who ascended the throne in 1080. During the reign of this prince, France was invaded by William the Conqueror, of England, an event, which laid the foundation of that long continued rivalship, which for several succeeding centuries, existed between England and France. This reign is also distinguished by the preaching of the first Crusade by Peter the Hermit. 3. Philip was succeeded by his son Louis VI., an able and accomplished sovereign, who enjoyed a pros- QuESTiONs. — 6. After his death, what took place? 1, Who was the first king- of this race ? What is said of him ? What did he never assume? 2. What is said of the event, and who succeeded in 1080? By whom was France invaded ? By what was his reig-n, also dis- tinguished ? 3. By whom wa3 Philip succeeded ? FRANCE. 99 perous and useful reign. At the close of his life, when he found that death was approaching, he called his son, who was to succeed him, and addressed him in these words : '' My son, remember that royalty is nothing more than a public charge, of which you must render a strict account to Him, who makes kings and will judge them." 4. Philip the Second, surnamed Augustus, succeeded to the throne in 1180. The reign of Philip was dis- tinguished for military skill and enterprise. He joined Richard the First, of England, in the third Crusade to Palestine. France was invaded by John King of Eng- land, in conjunction with the Emperor of Germany, but their immense army, was entirely defeated by Philip at Bouvines. 5. Philip died in 1223, and was succeeded in the throne by his son Louis VHL, who, after a short reign of three years, left his crown and throne to his son Louis IX. Louis the Ninth, commonly called Saint Louis, was only twelve years of age, when he ascended the throne, and during his minority his mother, Blanche of Castile, filled the office of regent. 6. In the person of Saint Louis were united, all those eminent qualities, that distinguish an illustrious sove- reign, with all the virtues that adorn a christian. Every action of his life was distinguished for benevolence, piety, and purity of intention. His illustrious and pious mo- ther, watched over his infancy and youth, with the most tender solicitude ; and endeavored by word and example, to instil into his youthful mind, sentiments of piety and religion. 7. Frequently she would say to him: "My son, I love you devotedly ; but I would prefer to follow you to Questions. — 3. At the close of his life, how did he address his son ? 4. Who succeeded? How was his reii^n distinsfuished? Who suc- ceeded? What is said of his reig-n? Whom did he join? What is said of France? 5. By whom was he succeeded? To whom did he leave the throne ? 6. What is said of Saint Louis ? What did his mo- ther do ? 7. What would she freqv;cutly say to him ? 100 FRANCE. the silent tomb, rather than hear, that you had com- mitted one mortal sin.'^ O, beautiful example of true christian virtue ! May the mothers of our country, in- culcate the same maxims to their children; and may children, from the example of the youthful Louis, listen with docility to the advice of their parents. 8. In the early part of his reign, France was invaded by Henry the Third of England ; but he was signally de* feated by Saint Louis, near Tailleburg, and finally com- pelled to sign a treaty of peace. The deplorable condi- tion of Palestine deeply afflicted his generous soul, and prompted him to engage in two disastrous Crusades, in the second of which he died of fever, near Tunis, in the fifty-sixth year of his age, and forty-fourth of his reign. A. D. 1270. 9. In 1285, the throne of France was occupied by Philip the Fourth, the grandson of Saint Louis. The reign of this monarch is rendered memorable for the trial of the Knights Templars, and the suppression of their order. The Knights Templars were a military or- der, instituted at Jerusalem, for the purpose of defending the christians of the Holy Land, against the attacks of the infidels. They occupied a building in the city, which stood near the site of Solomon's Temple, from which the order derived its name. 10. Charges of the greatest magnitude were brought against the order, and a committee was appointed at Paris, before which a great number of the knights were examined, and all, with the exception of three, acknow- ledged that they were guilty of the denial of Christ, of sacrilege, and many other enormous crimes. 11. But as the persons accused belonged to an order, Questions. — 8. In the early part of his reig-n, what took place? What afflicted his soul ? How did he die ? 9. Who succeeded ? For what is his reig-n memorable ? Who were the Knig-hts Templars ? From what is their name derived ? 10. What was broug-ht ag-ainst them? Of what did they confess themselves g-uilty? 11. What is said of the persons accused ? FRANCE. 101 which was religious, as well as military, it became neces- sary to refer the affair to the ecclesiastical authorities. Accordingly, a general council was convened at Vienna, before which the investigation of the conduct of the Templars, was laid. The examination into the affair had already occupied nearly five years, and now after a deliberation of four months more, the order was sup- pressed, and the property belonging to it transferred to the order of the Knights Hospitallers, of Saint John. CHAPTER III. Philip the Sixth — John the Second — Charles the Fifth — Charles the Seventh — The Maid of Orleans. 1. In 1328, Philip the Sixth, the grandson of Philip the Third succeeded to the throne. His succession however, was disputed by Edward the Third of England, who claimed the crown of France in right of his mother, the daughter of Philip the Third. But according to the laws of France, females are excluded from the throne ; hence Philip contended, that a mother could not trans- mit to her children, a right which she never possessed. 2. In the meantime Edward invaded France at the head of a powerful army, and gained the famous battle of Cressy, in which his eldest son, the Black Prince, so called from the color of his armor, displayed those mili- tary abilities, which afterwards rendered him so illustri- ous. It was also at the battle of Cressy, that the English Questions. — 11. What was convened? What is said of the exami- nation? 1. In 1323, what took place? By whom was the succession (li:5put(;d ? What is said of the laws of France ? 2. What did Edward do and gain ? Wiiat did the English use for the first time in this battle? 102 FRANCE. first made use of artillery ; they had four or five pieces of cannon, which greatly contributed towards obtaining the victory. 3. Edward, pursuing his good fortune, took the city of Calais, after an obstinate siege of twelve months. Enraged with the resistance he met with, he resolved that the inhabitants should atone for the courage and resolution, with which they defended the city, by the sacrifice of the lives of six of their most illustrious companions. He therefore added to the terms of sur- render, that six of the chief citizens should come forth, with ropes about their necks, to present to him the keys of the city and castle. 4. The news of this decree spread consternation among the inhabitants ; but the fearful gloom was dis- pelled by the noble patriotism of Eustace Saint Pierre, and his five companions, who offered themselves as victims to appease the anger of the British monarch. The six patriots, attended by the governor, and many of the most distinguished citizens of Calais, approached the English camp and delivered the keys to Edward. 5. His Barons, moved at the sight, entreated the monarch to spare the lives of the citizens ; but the King appeared inflexible, and ordered their immediate exe- cution. At this moment Queen Phiiippa, who had just arrived from England, entered his apartment, and threw herself at the feet of her royal husband, and by her tears and supplications prevailed upon him to revoke his sen- tence, and to spare the lives of the unfortunate victims. The city of Calais, remained from this time in pos- session of the British for more than two hundred years. 6. Philip died in 1350, leaving the throne to his son Questions. — 3 What is said of Edward ? What did he resolve ? What did he add &c. ? 4. What is said of the news of this decree? What did the six companions do? 5. What is said of the Barons? The Kin.g- ? Of Queen Phiiippa ? How long- did Calais remain in the hands of ttie British ? 6. W^hcn did Pliilip dis ? »-v FRANCE. 103 John the Second, surnamed the Good. During the reign of this king, France was again invaded by Edward the Third of England. Edward, the Black Prince, son of the English monarch, commanded the British army, and gained over the French, the memorable battle of Poictiers, at which John, the French King, was taken prisoner, and afterAvards led captive to London. 7. After remaining in captivity for some time, John obtained his release on condition, that he should pay the sum of one million five hundred thousand pound ster- ling as the price of his ransom. But on his return to France, finding himself unable to comply with his en- gagement, he returned to England, saying, that: "If honor were banished from every other place, it should find an asylum in the breasts of Kings." He w^as re- ceived with every mark of respect by Edward, and died in captivity. A. D. 1364. 8. On the death of John, Charles the Fifth, surnamed the Wise, succeeded to the throne. He labored to re- trieve the losses, and to remove the evils that had befallen the kingdom, during the preceding reign. In this he was successful ; and in the sjiace of five 3'ears the English were deprived of all their possessions in France, except Calais and a few other places. Besides being an able statesman, Charles w^as a distinguished patron of litera- ture ; his library contained nine hundred volumes, which was a considerable number for the period, when the arl of printing was yet undiscovered. 9. Charles, the Sixth, ascended the throne in 1380. The reign of this prince was very unfortunate. He fell into a state of insanity, which rendered him incapable of attending to the affairs of government. Regents were Questions. — 6. During- his reig-n, what is said of France? What is said of Edward the Black Prince ? Of John ? 7. What did John obtain? What is related, on his return to France? AVhat did he say? 8. Who succeeded John? What is said of him ? Of what was he the patron ? What is said of his library ? 9. Who succeeded to the tlirone ? Wliat is said of his reign ? Into what did he fall ? 104 FRANCE. appointed, whose misconduct threw the kingdom into " civil war. Taking advantage of these calamities, Henry the Fifth, king of England, invaded France, and gained the memorable battle of Agincourt. 10. After this victory a treaty was concluded, by which the succession of Henry to the throne of France was acknowledged, on the death of Charles. Henry and Charles both died shortly after this event. A. D. 1422. 11. Charles the Seventh, surnamed the Victorious, asserted his right to the throne of his father, whilst the infant Henry the Sixth, was proclaimed King of France, under the regency of his uncle, the Duke of Bedford. War ensued between the two nations, and the English invaded the country, and laid siege to the city of Orleans. When the place was reduced to the last extremity and on the point of yielding, it was delivered through the courage of the renowned heroine, Joan of Arc. 12. Joan was a young girl, about seventeen years of age, who had lived an humble life in a village on the borders of Lorraine. When the hope of saving Orleans was almost abandoned, she presented herself to the gov- ernor, and told him, with all the appearance of youthful sincerity, that she had been divinely commissioned to raise the siege of that cit}^, and to procure the corona- tion of Charles in the city of E-heims. 13. After undergoing a rigid examination before a com- mittee, appointed for that purpose, and also before the court and the king himself, it was generally admitted that her mission was supernatural. She accordingly received the armor of a knight, and was intrusted with ' the liberation of Orleans. As she approached the city, her presence inspired the inhabitants with confidence, Questions.— 9. What did Henry the fifth do? 10. After this battle, what took phice? What is said of Henry and Charles ? 11. What did Charles the seventh do.^ What did the Eng-lish do.^ What is said of the place? 12. What is said of Joan ? To whom did she present herself? What did she tell him? 13. Yvhat was admitted? What was intrusted to her ? As she approached, what i.-^ said of her ? FRANCE. 105 while it spread dismay among the English, who hastily abandoned the siege, and retired with precipitation. They were however, pursued by Joan at the head of the French army, and entirely defeated at Patay, with a loss of five thousand men, while the French lost only one of their number. From this event, Joan was called the Maid of Orleans. 14. The second part of her mission, which remained yet to be accomplished, was equally arduous and dan- gerous. The city of Rheims, and all the intermediate provinces, were in the possession of the English and their allies; to gain admission into that city, under these circumstances, seemed almost impossible. Charles how- ever, placing himself under her guidance, commenced his march, and as he advanced every obstacle disap- peared, or were easily overcome ; the citizens of Rheims expelled the garrison, and received him wdth every de- monstration of joy. 15. During the coronation, Joan in her warlike dress, and with her banner unfurled, stood near the altar; and as soon as the ceremony was finished, she threw her- self upon her knees, at the feet of Charles, declared that her mission was accomplished, and with tears in her eyes, begged to be allowed to return to her former hum- ble station; but the king was unwilling to part with her services so soon, and entreated her to remain for some time with the army, with this request, she at length consented. 16. Her courage always remained the same, but her good fortune after this event, seemed to have forsaken her. In attempting to raise the siege of the city of Campiegne, she fell into the hands of the English, who, Questions. — 13. By whom were they pursued ."* From this event what was she called.^ 14. What is said of the second part kc? Of the city of Rheims .^ Of Charles .=• Of the citizens of Rheims. 15 During the coronation what is said of Joan ? What did she declare.^ What did the King entreat ? 16. What is said of her courage .' Wliat happened to her ? 106 FRANCE. to gratify their rage for the many losses they sustained through her valor, condemned her under a charge of many pretended crimes, and caused her to be burned to death in the public square at Rouen. Such was the un- happy fate of the Maid of Orleans. CHAPTER IV. From the accession of Louis XII., to the reign of Henry III., A. D., 1498 to 1589. 1. Louis the Twelfth, was a wise and popular sov- ereign, and gained the title of Father of his people. Being one day urged to punish those, who had been his enemies during the preceding reign, he replied: "It is unworthy of the King of France, to revenge the injuries done to the Duke of Orleans." He reduced Milan and Genoa, and for some time, prosecuted his claim to Naples with success. 2. At his death he was succeeded by his cousin, who assumed the name of Francis the First. When Francis ascended the throne he was in the flower of his age, of a romantic disposition, and fond of military glory. On the death of Maximilian, emperor of Germany, Francis and Charles the Fifth of Spain, became rival candidates for the imperial throne. Charles was the successful candidate; and Francis, deeming himself in- jured, declared war against his rival. 3. Francis unfortunately quarreled with De Bourbon, Questions. — 16. What did they do with her.? 1. What is said of Louis the twelfth? When urg-ed to punish &c., what did he reply? What did he reduce ? 2. By whom was he succeeded? On the death of Maximilian, what took place? What did Francis do? 3. With whom did he quarrel ? FRANCE. 107 one of the ablest of his generals; the latter basely abandoned his country and his sovereign, and offered his services to the emperor Charles. Bourbon command- ed the Spaniards at the battle of Biagrassa, in which the French were defeated, with the loss of their cele- brated general, the illustrious Bayard, surnamed the Knight without fear, and without reproach. Bourbon is said to have wept like a child over the dying hero : ''Weep not for me," exclaimed the magnanimous Bay- ard, " but for yourself. I die in the service of my country, you triumph in the ruin of yours." 4. Francis now took upon himself the command of the army, marched to Italy and laid siege to Pavia, but was there taken prisoner by imperialists under the com- mand of the traitor Bourbon. After a captivity of thirteen months, he regained his liberty, and having crossed the boundary of his own dominions, he mounted his horse, and waving his hat, he exclaimed: " I am yet a King." 5. The conditions on which he obtained his release, were so unreasonable, that Francis refused to comply with them, and this refusal brought on another sanguinary contest between the two rivals. After the war had raged for some time, Avith but little advantage on either side, a truce was concluded, and Charles and Francis were brought to a personal interview, at a village on the bor- ders of France, where the warmest expression of friend- ship passed between them. 6. Francis died in 1547, and was succeeded by his son, Henry the Second. The reign of this monarch was signalized by his wars with Charles the Fifth and his son Philip, the Second of Spain, and by the recovery of Questions. — 3. Whom did Bourbon command ? What is said of Bourbon? What did Bayard exclaim? 4. What did Francis do? How long did he remain in captivity ? Having- crossed &c., what did he exclaim? 5. What is said of the conditions? What followed? What is related of Charles and Francis ? 6. By whom was Francis succeeded ? What is said of his reifirn ? 108 PRANCE. Calais, which was taken by the celebrated Duke of Guise, after it had remained in the possession of the English for two hundred and ten years. His death was occasioned by an accident, that happened to htm at a tournament. 7. He was succeeded by his son Francis the Second, who died after a short reign of one year, and left the throne to his brother Charles the Ninth, then a boy in the tenth year of his age. The reign of this prince was considerably distracted by the civil wars, that were carried on, on account of religion. During these con- tests, the Protestants lost their most distinguished leader, the prince of Conde, who fell in battle. On the other hand, Charles had to lament the loss of the firmest support of his throne, the Duke of Guise, who was cut off by assassination. At length peace was restored, and the Protestants obtained free toleration in religion. 8. The most memorable transaction in the reign of Charles, was the massacre, which took place on Saint Bartholomew's day. So various and contradictory are the accounts given of this event, that it is a very difficult task at the present time, to arrive at the true state of the facts. On the occasion of the marriage of the sister of Charles, Coligni, and other Protestant leaders were in- vited to court. It happened shortly after their arrival at Paris, that Coligni was severely wounded, as he passed through the streets. 9. His wounds were not dangerous ; but his followers crowded to his residence, and their threats of vengeance so terrified the ministers and the mother of Charles, that in a secret council, the king was prevailed upon to give his assent to the destruction of the leaders of the Protes- tant party. It does not appear from the close connection Questions. — 6. How was his death occasioned ? 7. By whom was he succeeded ? What is said of the reig-n of this prince ? Whom did the Protestants lose ? What had Charles to lament ? 8. What is the most memorable transaction of this reig^n ? Who were invited to court ? What happened ? 9. What is said of his followers ? TRANCE. 109 of events which preceded the massacre, that it was a studied, or pre-concerted plan, and that the Protestant leaders were invited to the capital, under a show of friendship, that they might the more easily be de- stroyed. It was rather dictated by fear and the dread of vengeance. 10. The massacre took place during the night of the 23rd of August, and a part of the following day. The residence of Coligni was forced, and he was assassina- ted with several of his friends; the people joined in the work of death, and every Protestant that fell in their way was sacrificed to their fury. Although the massa- cre was only intended for the capital, yet the tragedy of Paris, was imitated in several other cities. 11. With regard to the number of the victims, it is impossible to speak with certainty. Some writers, ex- aggerate the number to sixty thousand, some to thirty, and others to twenty, or fifteen thousand. The reformed martyrologist adopted a means of ascertaining the real number, which may enable us to form a probable con- jecture. He procured from the ministers in the diiferent towns, where the massacre took place, lists of the num- ber of persons who suffered ; he published the list in 1582, and in all France, he could discover the names of no more than seven hundred and eighty-six persons. 12. No sooner was the awful deed committed, than shame and remorse filled the breasts of those, who had been the authors of it. Charles, in order to paliate his conduct, wrote to all the courts of Europe, stating that having detected the Protestants in a horrid plot against his life and his authority, he had cut off the leaders of the party, and thus escaped the imminent danger to which he was exposed. Questions. — 9. What does not appear &c. ? 10. When did the mas- sacre take place? What is said ol the people.' 11. What is said of the number ? Of some writers ? How many, according- to the reformed martyrolog-ist .'' 12. What did Charles do .•' 110 PRANCE. 13. Many of the surrounding princes, deceived by this statement, and being unacquainted with the true na- ture of the facts, congratulated him on his good fortune. Among others, Pope Gregory the Thirteenth, on receiv- ing the account as given by Charles, offered up public thanks, not indeed that he rejoiced in the death of the supposed traitors, but for the preservation, as he thought of the French monarch and his kingdom from ruin. Charles was succeeded by his brother Henry the Third ; a weak and fickle prince. He was assassinated after a short reign by James Clement, a Dominican Friar. A. D. 1588. CHAPTER V. From Henry IV., to the Death of Louis XV. — From A. D. 1589 to 1774. 1. After the death of the late king, Henry the Fourth ascended the throne of France. A powerful faction was formed against him, but he completely defeated his opponents in the famous battle of Ivry. Henry had been educated in the Protestant religion, while the Catholic religion was professed by the great majority of his subjects. 2. The king began seriously to turn his mind to the subject of religion, and asked several Protestant divines, if he could be saved by professing the Catholic doctrine, Questions.— 13. What is said of many princes .=' Of Pope Greo-ory ? By whom was Charles succeeded .? What was his fate.? 1, Who next ascended the throne .=" What was formed ag-ainst him ? In what had Henry been educated .? 2. To what did he turn his mind .? What did he ask ? FRANCE. Ill and being answered in the affirmative, he concluded to embrace that religion. Accordingly, in 1593, he abjured the Protestant religion, and declared himself a Catholic. 3. Henry, having gained quiet possession of the throne, was governed by principles of the wisest policy. By the celebrated Edict of Nantes, he granted free toleration in religion, to all the Protestants within his dominions. Having by his great abilities elevated France to a high state of prosperity and happiness, he was destined to fall a victim to the fanaticism of a monk, named Ra- vaillac. As the king rode through the streets of Paris, his carriage was stopped by some obstruction in the way ; Ravaillac, seizing this favorable opportunity, mounted upon the wheel of the carriage, and plunged a dagger into Henry's breast, before any one could oppose him. A. D. 1610. 4. Henry was succeeded by his son, Louis the Thir- teenth, at the age of nine years. On coming of age, Louis chose for his prime minister, the celebrated Car- dinal Richelieu. The abilities of Richelieu, were con- spicuous in all his undertakings. While he extended the glory of France, he became the zealous patron of literature, and instituted the French Academy. Louis died in the 34th year of his reign. A. D. 1642. 5. Louis the Fourteenth, surnamed the Le Grand, ov the Great, succeeded to the throne at the early age of five years. The reign of this monarch was the most splendid recorded in history. The love of glor}^ was his ruling passion. This he pursued, not only by his mili- tary achievements, and splendid career of victory, which attended the early part of his reign, but also by the patronage, which he extended to literature and science. Questions. — 2. In 1593, what did he do? 3. What did he o-rant by the edict of Nantes ? Relate the manner of his death ? 4. By whom was Henry succeeded? Who was prime minister? What is saiil of his abilities? When did Louis die? 6. Who succeeded to the throne? What is said of his reign ? What was his rulina: passion ? 112 FRANCfi. 6. He also promoted the arts of peace by giving en- couragement to manufactures and commerce. He em- bellished the capital, built the palaces of Versailles and that of Louvre, and other useful works. The reign of Louis the Fourteenth, has been justly styled the Augus- tan Age of French Literature, and is distinguished for the number of eminent men, who flourished during that period. Louis died in the 78th year of his age, and in the 73rd of his reign. A. D. 1715. 7. Louis the Fifteenth, the grandson of the late mon- arch, succeeded to the throne at the age of five years, under the regency of the Duke of Orleans. Louis en- gaged in the war of the Austrian Succession, in which he supported the claims of Charles, the son of the elector of Bavaria, to the throne of Austria in opposition to Maria Theresa, who was supported by Great Britain. 8. In 1755, war broke out between France and Great Britain, respecting their American possessions. This war was terminated hy the peace of Paris, in 1763, by which the most important possessions of France in North America, were ceded to Great Britain. Louis died in 1774, in the 65th year of his age, and the 59th of his reign. The reign of this monarch and that of his pre- decessor, occupied a period of one hundred and thirty- two years. Questions. — 6. What did he promote ? What has his reign been styled, and why? When did he die? 7. Who succeeded? In what did Louis cng-ag-e? 8. In 1755, what took place? How was this war terminated ? When did Louis die ? What is said of his reig-n, &c. ? CHAPTER VI. Louis the Sixteenth — The Revolution — Bonaparte. 1. Louis the Sixteenth, the grandson of the late monarch, succeeded to the throne, in 1774. This vir- tuous and benevolent prince, commenced his reign under difficulties of no ordinary nature. The nation was deeply in debt, and the people groaned under a heavy weight of taxes. 2. In the early part of his reign, he acknowledged the independence of the United States, openly received Franklin and Dean, as her ambassadors, and generously resolved to aid the Americans in securing the liberty of their country. This noble action on the part of Louis the Sixteenth, should endear his memory to every American. 3. Various reasons mig-htbe assio-ned for the orig-in of the French Revolution. The public debt had been in- creased, by the benevolent efforts of Louis in aiding the people of the United States ; a spirit of republican prin- ciples, was spread throughout France, on the return of the French officers and soldiers, after the successful termination of the American Revolution ; a general corruption of morals, and contempt for religion were prevalent among those at the head of the government ; while the principles of atheism and infidelity, were widely diffused by the writings of Voltaire, Rousseau and others. These may be considered as the principal causes that brought about the fearful storm, which spread desolation over France, and convulsed the con- tinent of Europe. Questions. — 1 . Who succeeded to the throne ? What is said of him ? Of the nation? 2. In the early part of his reig-n, what did he do? What is said of this noble action ? 3. What are some of the causes assigned for the French Revolution ? . 8 114 FRANCE. 4. In order to restore the deranged condition of tlie finance, an assembly, called the Notables, was convoked ; and shortly afterwards, a demand was made for the con- vocation of a body called the States General, which was composed of three orders, the nobility, clergy, and com- mons. This body met at Versailles, but it was not long before the members disagreed among themselves; the commons seized upon the legislative authorities, and declared themselves the representatives of the people, and styled themselves, the National Assembly. Of this assembly, Bailly was president, while the Duke of Or- leans and Mirabeau, were the two most prominent members. 5. In the meantime, a violent insurrection broke out in Paris. The Hotel des Invalides, was taken by sur- prise, and thirty thousand muskets were seized ; the prison of Bastile was demolished, the governor was assassinated, and his head carried through the streets amidst the shouts of the infuriated mob. At the news of these proceedings, Louis hastened to the capital, in the hope of being able to allay the tumult. In this he was successful ; he addressed the people with the warmest expressions of affection ; the whole multitude shouted: "Vive le Roi," and the king again returned to Versailles. 6. But scarcely had he departed, when the insurrec- tion was renewed with increased violence. The mob directed their vengeance against all, whom they consid- ered as their oppressors, and the whole city of Paris presented a scene of blood. They finally went in a body to Versailles, and demanded that the king should return to Paris. In compliance with their request, Questions. — 4. In order &c., what assembly was convoked? What demand was made? When did this body meet? What did the com- mons do? Of this assembly, who was president? 5. What broke out? What places were taken, and what was done ? What did Louis do ? f>. What was renewed ? What did the mob do ? Where did they g-o ? FRANCE. 115 Louis, accompanied by the royal family, set out to the capital; he was protected, however, from violence, by Marquis de Lafayette, who commanded a body of troops styled the National Guards. 7. The Revolution now began to make rapid advances ; the States General was styled the National Assembly; the privileges of the nobility and clergy were abolished ; the church lands were confiscated ; the monasteries suppressed, and royal authority nearly destroyed. The National Assembly drew up a new constitution, and was afterwards called the Constituent Assembly. 8. In the meantime, the king and the royal family left the palace of Tuilleries, and endeavored to escape from France ; but they were overtaken near the frontiers, and brought back to Paris. The Constituent Assembly sepa- rated, on the 30th of September, 1791, and another body was convened in October, styled the Legislative Assembly. 9. Previous to this period, several political associations were formed, of which the Jacobin Club, was the most predominant. The members of this factious association, being men of the most abandoned principles, governed the proceedings of the assembly, and long continued to be a source of innumerable evils to the country. Another association, styled the Club of Cordeliers, sur- passed even the Jacobins, in their open contempt of religion, government and law. Of this faction, Marat, Danton, and Herbert, were the leading members. 10. On the 21st of September, 1792, a new body was convened styled the National Convention. At its first meeting, the regal government was abolished, and France Questions. — 6. Where did Louis return ? By whom was he protect- ed ? 7. What is said of the revolution? The privileg-es of the no- bility ? The church lands ? The monasteries ? 8. What did the king' do? What did the constituent assembly do? 9. What were formed ? What is said of the members ? What is said of the club of Cordeliers ? Who were its leading- members? 10. In 1792, what was done ? At its first setting? 116 FRANCE* declared a republic. The next step was to consummate the drama; the king him.self was arraigned before the convention, to answer to various charges. In vain did Louis refute the absurb charges of which he was accused ; his enemies thirsted for his blood, and the sentence of death was pronounced upon him. 11. On the 21st of January, 1793, Louis the Sixteenth, after taking an affectionate leave of his queen, his chil- dren, and his sister, the princess Elizabeth, was led to execution. On reaching the scaffold, he viewed the spectators with calmness, and addressed them saying: "1 die innocent; I pardon all my enemies, and I pray that France may not suffer for the blood she is about to shed." At this moment his voice was drowned by the noise of the drums ; he then calmly placed his head under the guillotine, and as the fatal axe decended, the courageous priest, who attended him, exclaimed: "Son of Saint Louis, ascend to heaven." 12. After the death of the king, his amiable and vir- tuous consort, Queen Marie Antoinette, was led to the scaffold, and executed amidst the furious cries of Viva la Repuhlique. A few months after this, the princess, Elizabeth, shared the fate of the queen, and about a year later, the young dauphin an interesting child, died in prison of a disease, contracted from confinement, and the cruel treatment received. Of all the members of the royal family, the daughter of Louis, was the only one that escaped the fearful storm, that desolated France. 13. After these awful proceedings, the National Con- vention became divided into two factions ; the one called the Mountain Party, headed by Robespierre, Danton, and Questions. — 10 What was the next step ? What sentence was pro- nounced upon him? 11. In January, 1793, what took place? On reaching- the scaffold, what is said of him ? What did he say ? What was done? What did the priest exclaim? 12. Who was next led to execution? Who shared the fate of the Queen? Who escaped ? 13. After these thing-s, what followed ? What were the names of the two parties ? FRANCE. 117 Marat ; the other styled the Girondists, of which Brissot, and Condorcet were the leaders. The Mountain Party prevailed, and Brissot with all the leaders of the Giron- dists, w^as put to death. Among the rest, was that monster of vice and cruelty, the Duke of Orleans, Avho mffered by the hands of those very men, whom lie had aised into power. 14. The dominion of Robespierre is styled: "The reign of terror." The awful cruelties and excesses of this man, almost exceed belief. Hundreds and thou- sands were sacrificed to his vengeance and that of his associates ; many were seized and hurried off to the guillotine, without trial, or without even being informed of charges for which they suffered. Happy for mankind, his bloody career was destined to be of short continuance. His own friends became frightened at his cruelty, and formed a party against him ; being condemned on a charge of tyranny and cruelty, he atoned for his crimes upon the scaftbld. After this a new convention was formed, and the executive power place in five directors. 15. Previous to the death of Hobespierre, the conven- tion had carried its proceedings to the most extravagant excess. On motion of Gobet, Archbishop of Paris, the Christian religion was suppressed, and a decree passed, declaring that the only deities to be worshipped hereafter in France, should be Liheriy, Equity, and Reason; a- republican calendar was formed; the Sunday was abol- ished; and in its place, every tenth day was appointed, as a day of rest. The churches were despoiled of their ornaments and treasures, and the bells cast into cannon. 16. The sovereigns of Europe alarmed at the fearful progress of the French Revolution, entered into a coali- QuESTiONS. — 13. Which prevailed? Who was among- the rest? 14. What was the dominion of Robespierre styled? Whnt is said of hundreds? What was happy for mankind? What was his fate? What followed? 15. On jnotion of G(>bct, what took place? What passed? What was abolished &c. ? What is said of the churches? 16. What is said of the sovcreig'ns of Europe ? 118 FRANCE. tion against France ; but the combined forces of Great Britain, Russia, Holland and Spain, under the command of the Duke of Brunswick, were completely overthrown. The French, elated by this success, carried their arms into the dominions of their enemies, and subdued the Netherlands, Holland, Switzerland, and a part of Ger- many. 17. In 1796, Napoleon Bonaparte, then a young man in the twenty-seventh year of his age, was intrusted with the command of the French army. This extraor- dinary man was a native of the Island of Corsica, and was born in the year 1769. At an early age he gave indications of great military talents ; and while at school, when the season would permit it, his favorite amusement was that of making fortifications of snow, and holding battles with snow-balls. 18. Being now placed at the head of the French forces, Bonaparte soon astonished all Europe by the brilliancy of his victories. He conquered Italy, inva- ded Egypt, defeated the Egyptains in the famous battle of the Pyramids, and took possession of Cairo, and all the Delta. After this he returned to France, abolished the Directory, and caused himself to be elected first consul. He then placed himself at the head of the French army, crossed the Alps, and defeated the Austrians in the cele- brated battle of Marango. By the treaty of Amiens, in 1802, Europe, for the first time since the commence- ment of the Revolution, enjoyed the blessing of peace. 19. During the cessation of hostilities, Bonaparte spent the time in performing various acts of public utility. In compliance with a previous contract with Pope Pius VII, he re-established the Christian religion w^hich had been Questions, — 16. The combined forces &c, ? What did the French do? 17. In 1796, what took place ? What is said of this man? At an early ag'C ? While at school ? 18. Being- now placed &c., what is said of Bonaparte ? What did he conquer, &c. ? After this what did he do ? Where did he defeat the Austrians? By the treaty of Amiens, what took place ? 19, What did he re-establish. PRANCE. 119 suppressed by the order of the convention. He pub- lished a new code of la^vs, oifered great encouragement to commerce, and embellished Paris by erecting several splendid buildings and monuments. About this time, he caused himself to be created consul for life, and in 1804, he assumed the imperial dignity, and was crowned em- peror of France. 20. The peace of Amiens was of short duration. In 1805, another coalition, between England, Austria, Rus- sia, Sweden, and Prussia, was entered into against France. The emperor immediately took the field against the combined forces of the allied powers, and captured the Austrian army of thirty-three thousand men, at Ulm ; and in the memorable battle of Austerlitz, defeated the united forces of Austria and Russia. 21. Elated by his astonishing success, the emperor set no bounds to his ambition. He deposed the king of Naples, and placed his brother, Joseph Bonaparte upon the Neapolitan throne. He then compelled the Dutch, to receive his brother Louis as king of Holland, and obliged Francis the Second to resign his title of Emperor of Germany, and take that of Emperor of Austria; and raised the electors of Bavaria, Wurtemburg and Saxony, to the rank of kings. 22. In 1812, he invaded Russia at the head of four hundred thousand infantry and sixty thousand cavalry, and with one thousand two hundred pieces of artillery. His progress was interrupted by the Russians, whom he defeated at Smolensk, and again at the desperate battle of Borodino, a few miles from Moscow, at which nearly thirty thousand fell on each side. When he arrived at Moscow, the capital of Russia, he found the city Questions. — 19. What did he publish &c. ? About this time, what did he do? And in 1804? 20. In 1805, what took place? AVhat is said of the emperor ? Whom did he capture ? Whom did he defeat ? 21. Whom did he depose &c. ? What did he compel the Dutch to do? Francis ■2nd ? Whom did he raise to king's ? 22. In 1812, what did he ^ do ? Where did he defeat the Russians ? How did he find Moscow? 120 ~ FRANCE. enveloped in flames, and abandoned by its inhabitants. Bonaparte immediately commenced his retreat towards France. The suffering of the French army on its return, is almost incredible ; thirty thousand horses are said to have perished in a single day, and of his immense army, only thirty thousand returned to France. 23. On his return, the emperor raised another army of three hundred thousand men, defeated the allied powers at Bautzen, repulsed them at Dresden, but was ultimately overthrown in the tremendous battle of Leipsic, with a loss of forty thousand men in killed, wounded and prisoners. After this battle, Bonaparte fled to Paris, and abdicated the throne of France ; and after some deliberation, the island of Elba was selected as the place of his future residence. Things being thus ar- ranged, Louis the Eighteenth, was restored to the throne of his ancestors. 24. In a few months after this event, to the astonish- ment of Europe, Bonaparte returned from exile , he marched through France, and was again proclaimed emperor, amidst the loudest acclamations of the people. As soon as this event was made known, a formidable co- alition was formed against him, by nearly all the powers of Europe. The Emperor once more placed himself at the head of his army, but was entirely defeated, by the allies under Wellington and Blucher, in the memorable battle of Waterloo, with a loss of upwards of forty thousand killed and wounded. This battle took place on the 18th of June, 1815. 25. After this battle, Bonaparte fled to Paris, and again resigned the crown ; he then surrendered himself to Captain Maitland, the commander of a British sloop Questions. — 22. What did he immediately do .'' How many horses died .'' How many men returned .'' 23. On his return, what did he do .-* Where was he overtlirown .'' After this, what did he do.-" Where was he sent.'' What followed.' 24. In a few months, what took place.'' What was formed ag-ainst him ? Where and by whom was he de- feated ? With what loss ? 25. What did Bonaparte do.? FRANCE. 121 of war, and asked an asylum in England. But it was ao-reed among: the allied sovereio^ns that he should be sent a prisoner to the Island of Saint Helena, where he died on the 5th of May, 1821, in the sixth year of his captivity. 26. Louis was again restored to the throne of France, and was succeeded in 1824 by his brother under the title of Charles the Tenth. A revolution took place in 1830, which ended in the expulsion of Charles, and the elec- tion of the Duke of Orleans to the throne, who took the name of Louis Philip. During the spring of 1847, another revolution took place when Louis Philip, in his turn, was expelled, and France declared a Republic. A new con- stitution was formed, and Louis Bonaparte, the nephew of Napoleon, was elected the first president, and at pres- ent presides over the French republic. Questions. — 25. What was agreed .-* Where did he die ? 26. By whom was Louis succeeded ? What took place in 1830 ? And 1847 ? Who was elected the first president .'' ENGLAND. CHAPTER I. England from the Conquest by the Romans, A. C. 55 to A.D. 827. The Ancient Britons, 1. Our young readers are now called to take a look at the history of England, at present one of the most pow- erful, and most important nations of Europe. Before Question. — 1. To what are the readers called? ENGLAND. 123 proceeding to the history, it may be found very useful to take a short glance at the geography of the country. England is the southern part of the island of Great Bri- tain, and is about four hundred miles in length, and in some places three hundred miles in breadth. 2. The soil is not naturally fertile, but the art and in- dustry of the inhabitants, have rendered it very produc- tive, hence agriculture is carried to a high degree of perfection. The climate is moist, and the extremes of heat and cold, are less than in other countries in the same latitude. The traveller on visiting England is struck with the appearance of wealth, every Avhere spread over the country. On the right, he will behold an ancient castle, or mouldering abbey, displa3''ing the stately relics of former grandeur, and on the left, the lofty mansion of some nobleman, displaying all the mag- nificence of modern refinement and luxury. 3. There are many large cities in England. London on the river Thames, is the capital of the British domin- ions. This city is the largest in the world; it is about seven miles in length and five in breadth, and contains a population of two millions of inhabitants. Among the public buildings, Saint Paul's Cathedral and Westmin- ster Abbe}^, are the most celebrated. 4. The early inhabitants of this country are said to have been a tribe of Gauls, or Celtee, from the neighbor- ing continent. They had but little knowledge of agricul- ture ; they dwelt in huts in the forest, clothed themselves in the skins of wild beasts, and lived upon the milk and flesh of their herds. Their religion was that of Druidism, a degrading form of superstition ; their priests were Questions. — ]. What will we find useful? What is England? 2. What is said of the soil ? The climate ? With what will the travel- ler be struck? On the right, what will he behold? On the left? 3. What are in England? What is said of London? The population? The public buildings ? 4. What is said of the early inhabitants ? Where did they dwell ? On what did they live ? What is said of their relig-ion ? 124 ENGLAND. called Druids, and possessed great control over the minds of the people. 5. They taught the doctrine of the transmigration of souls, and offered human sacrifices to appease the wrath of their gods. They had moreover some knowledge of the art of war ; their soldiers were armed chiefly with the bow, the shield, and the lance. They had also, a kind of war-chariot, set with scythes, which caused dreadful destruction, when driven among their enemies. 6. Such was the condition of the island, when it was first visited by the Romans. Julius Caesar, who had spread his conquest over Germany and Gaul, determined to invade Britain. With this view, he collected a numerous fleet and embarked with ten thousand men. On reaching the coast, he beheld it covered with the natives prepared to dispute his landing. For some time, the Roman soldiers remained in doubtful suspense; at length the standard-bearer of the tenth legion leaped into the sea, and advanced towards the shore. His ex- ample was immediately followed by his companions; they gained the shore, and obtained an easy victory over the undisciplined Britons. 7. In the reign of the emperor Claudius, the Romans determined to effect a final subjugation of Britain, as the subjugation by Julius Csesar, was rather nominal than real. The illustrious Caractacus, for nine years, defend- ed his dominions against the power of Rome ; but at length he was taken prisoner by Ostorius, and led cap- tive to Rome. As he passed through the streets of the city, and beheld the splendor of the buildings, he ex- claimed : "Alas! how is it possible that a people, pos- QuESTiONs. — 5. What did they teach ? What had they ? What is said of their soldiers? Their war- chariots? 6. What is said of Julius Ccesar ? On reaching- the shore what did he find ? What did the standard-bearer do ? Wnat followed ? 7. In the reig-n of Emperor Claudius, what took place ? What is said of Caractacus ? What did he exclaim ? ENGLAND. 125 sessed of such magnificence at home, should envy Ca- ractacus in his humble cottage in Britain." 8. In passing ov^er the northern part of England, you may meet with the ruins of ancient walls. These walls were built by the Romans, in order to prevent the in- roads of a warlike race of barbarians from Caledonia, or Scotland. About the middle of the fifth century, the Romans withdrew from Britain, leaving the inhabitants to their own resources; then the nothern inhabitants., no longer intimidated by the Roman legions, broke down the walls, and spread destruction over the southern part of the Island. 9. In their distress, the Britons applied for aid to the Saxons-, a warlike people, who inhabited the northern parts of German}^ The Saxons accepted the invitation, and sent over to England, an army under the command of Hingist and Horsa. The Scots and the other northern tribes, were soon compelled to retire to their own native mountains. But the Saxons, having expelled, the inva- ders, turned their arms upon the Britons, and being rein- forced by the Angles and Jutes, they took possession of the country and forced the inhabitants to subjection. From the Angles, the name England is derived. 10. The Britons for a long time resisted the Saxons, but after a contest for nearly one hundred and fifty years, the Saxons prevailed, and established the Hep- tarchy, or seven Saxon kingdoms, which continued for about two hundred years. At length Ethelbert, king of Wessex, united them in one kingdom, under the name of England. 11. Previous to this period, Christianity had been introduced into England. About the close of the sixth Questions. — 8. In the northern part of Eng-land, what may you find? By whom were they built? When the Romans withdrew, what followed ? 9. In their distress what did the Britons do ? What is said of the Saxons ? Having expelled the invaders, what did they do ? 10. What is said of the Britons ? At length, what did Ethelbert do? 11. What had been introduced? 126 ENGLAND century, Pope Gregory the Great, sent Saint Austin from Rome, to carry the glad tidings of salvation to the in- habitants of Britain. Austin, accompanied by several monks, set out upon the holy mission, and having arrived in England, made known to Ethelbert, the object foi which he had come. 12. The king was not entirely ignorant of Christianity, for Bertha, his queen, the daughter of the king of Paris, had previously embraced the Christian religion. He therefore received the missionaries kindly, and gave them an audience under a large oak, in the open air Saint Austin explained to him the doctrines of Chris- tianity, and the king shortly afterwards received baptism publicly, and such was the powerful influence of his ex- ample, that ten thousand of his subjects, are said to have been baptised in a single day. CHAPTER II. From the Foundation of the Monarchy, to the J^^orman Conquest, A. D. 827 to 1066. 1. About this period the coast of Britain was visited by a ferocious people from Denmark, called the Danes, who rejDeatedly plundered and laid waste the country, destroying every thing with fire and sword. When Alfred, surnamed the Great, ascended the throne, he found himself surrounded by these inveterate enemies. He immediately took the field against them, and is said Questions. — 11. About the middle of the sixth century, what took place? 12. What is said of Ethelbert? How did he receive the mis- sionaries? What did St. Austin do? How iTiany were baptised in a day ? 1. By whom was the coast of Britain visited? How did Alfred find himself? What did he immediately do? ENGLAND. 127 to have defeated them in eight different battles in one year, and at length compelled them to retire to their own dominions. 2. It was, however, only for a short time. They re- turned w^ith reinforcements, ravaged the country, and even obliged Alfred to solicit a peace. In his distress the king was compelled to seek a shelter for his safety by retiring into obscurity. He accordingly laid aside all the ensigns of royalty, and disguising himself in the habit of a peasant, he passed several months in the cot- tage of a herdsman. While in this humble abode, the herdsman's wife, who did not know that he was the king, ordered him to take care of some cakes, that were toast- ing by the fire, while she was absent. 3. Alfred, whose mind was otherwise employed, for- got the injunction he had received, and let the cakes burn ; the woman on her return, finding her cakes ruined, scolded the king severely, telling him that he was always ready to eat her cakes, though he was thus care- less in mindino; them. 4. Alfred being desirous of learning the number of the Danish forces, and their mode of discipline, disguised himself as a wandering harper, and entered the camp of the Danes, and played for the amusement of the soldiers. He was even introduced into the tent of Guthrum, the Danish prince, entertained him with his music, and remained with him for several days. Having thus learned in person the unguarded condition of the Danes, he returned, and having assembled his followers, at- tacked the enemy by surprise, and routed them with great slaug-hter. t5 CD 5. Alfred being now freed from these troublsome Questions. — 2. What did they do? What is said of tlie king-? Where did he pass several months ? While here, what was he ordered to do? 3. What is relntcd of Alfred? Wl)at did she tell him? 4. What is related of Alfred ? Where was he introduced ? On his re- turn, what did he do? 5. To what did Alfred turn bis attention ? 128 ENGLAND. enemies, turned his whole attention towards repairing the evils which they had caused, and improving the moral condition of his subjects. He established schools for the instruction of his people, and invited into his kingdom, the most eminent men of Europe. He also founded the University of Oxford, composed a code of laws, and, according to many historians, he established the trial by jury. 6. It is recorded of Alfred, that he put to death forty corrupt judges in one year; and so exact and impartially were laws executed, and so just were the people, that gold ornaments could be hung up in the public roads, and no one would touch them. He usually divided his time into three equal parts ; one of which, he employed in study and in religious devotions; a second, in the dis- charge of business ; and the third, in sleep and in recrea- ting his body by exercise and diet. These divisions he exactly measured by burning tapers of equal length. 7. Alfred was one of the wisest and most illustrious princes, that ever occupied the English throne. His private life was adorned by every Christian virtue, at the same time, he was justly reputed as the greatest wamor, legislator and statesman of his age. He died in the year 901, and left the throne to his son Edward, surnamed the Elder. 8. Edward was a warlike prince, and his reign was almost one continual contest with the Danes and North- umbrians. He was succeeded by his brother Athelstan, who carried on a successful war against the Danes, Scots, and other enemiies. Athelstan was succeeded in his turn by his brother Edmund. The reign of this prince was short and his death tragical. As he was celebrating Questions. — 5. What did he establish ? What did he found ? Corn- pose ? 6. What is recorded of Alfred? How did he divide his time? How did he measure these divisions? 7. What is said of Alfred ? His private life? When did he die? 8. What is said of Edward ? By whom was he succeeded ? ENGLAND. 129 a festival in Gloucester, he was killed by Leolf, a notori- ous robber. 9. Edred next succeeded to the throne. Amono; the chief advisers of the king, was Dunstan, the venerable abbot of Glastonbury. Edred deposited with him all his treasures, and the titles of his lands, and wished to make him bishop of Winchester, which preferment he declined. Edred being of weak constitution, died after a reign of ten years and left the throne to Edwin. 10. Edwin, or Edwy, is generally represented as a prince of a weak and profligate character. He banished Dunstan, the abbot of Glastonbury from the kingdom, because he opposed his amorous affections for Elgiva, a lady of high rank. Edwin Avas succeeded by Edgar, whose reign is memorable for being the period in which England was freed from wolves ; by offering a great reward for each head, he produced such a diligent search for them, that the race shortly disappeared. He recalled the abbot of Glastonbury from banishment, and appointed him bishop of Worcester. 11. Edgar was succeeded by Edward styled the Mar- tyr, because he was assassinated at the instigation of El- frida. his step-mother, who was induced to this crime, for the purpose of procuring the crown for her own son, Eth- elred the Second. During the reign of this prince, the Danes again invaded the country, under Sweyn, their king. Ethelred fled to Normandy, leaving his kingdom in the hands of the invaders; the people, being thus left without a king, quietly acknowledged the Danish sovereign. 12. When Canute the son of Sweyn, ascended the Questions. — 8. What was the fate of Edmund ? 9. Who succeeded ? Who was the chief adviser of the kinff ? Wlien did Edred die? 10. How is Edwin represented ? Whom did he banish ? By whom was he succeeded ? For what is his rcig-n memorable ? Whom did he recai? 11. By whom was he succeeded? During- his reig-n what happened? What did Ethelred do? The people? 12. What did Canute assert ? 9 130 ENGLAND. throne of Denmark, he asserted the claim to the throne of England, and invaded the country at the head of a powerful army, and compelled the British monarch to divide his dominions with him. Shortly after this event, the English king was murdered, and Canute was ac- knowledged sole monarch of England. He was a prince of great ability, and the most powerful sovereign of his age. He died after a reign of eighteen years, much lamented by his subjects. 13. Canute was succeeded by his son Harold, a weak and profligate prince ; he reigned only three years, and left the throne to Hardicanute, the last of the Danish monarchs. As the late king left no children, the Eng- lish availed themselves of this opportunity to shake of the Danish yoke, and to restore the Saxon line in the person of Edward, surnamed the Confessor. Edward was distinguished for the mildness of his disposition, and for the practice of every Christian virtue. 14. At Edward's death, several competitors for the throne appeared. Of these, Harold the son of the Earl of Godwin, and William Duke of Normandy, were the most powerful. But Harold being present at the death of Edward, quietly stepped into the vacant throne; while William resolved to assert his claim to the crown of England, by an appeal to arms, and accordingly land- ed in the island with a powerful army. 15. He was met by Harold, with an army equally numerous. The memorable battle of Hastings decided the fate of the English ; the nation submitted to the sceptre of William, who in consequence was called the Conqueror. Questions. — 12. After this event, what happened.'' What is said of him? When did he die? 13. By whom was Canute succeeded? What did the Eng:lishdo? How was Edward disting-uished ? 14. At his death what happened ? Of these, who were the most powerful ? What is said of Harold? Of William? 15. By whom was he met ? What is said of the battle of Hastinars? CHAPTER III. The King of the JVorma7i Family — From A. D. 1066 io 1154. 1. William, the Conqueror, was a sovereign possessed of great abilities as a statesman and a warrior, yet many of his acts were cruel and oppressive. He was remark- able in his person, being tall and well proportioned, and few persons could be found, who were able to bend his bow or wield his arms. 2. He showed great partiality for his Norman followers, and raised them to all the posts of honor; and he en- deavored to abolish the English language, by causing the youth to learn the French tongue. No other language was used at court, and among the more fashionable society ; and it is owing to this fact, that at present, we find so many French words in the English language, 3. The conduct of his children, gave him much un- happiness. Robert at length openly revolted against his father. William besieged him in a castle in Normandy, where many daring encounters took place. It happened, on one occasion, that Robert engaged the king himself, who was concealed by a helmet; a fierce combat ensued ; at length the young prince, wounded and dismounted his father. The king called out for assistance : Robert hearing his voice, recognized his parent, and struck with remorse, he alighted from his horse, threw himself at the feet of William, and implored his pardon. He then assisted him to mount, and saw him return to his camp. Questions. — 1. What is said of William ? For what was he re- markable ? 2. AVhat did hcshow ? What lang-nasre wasused at court? 3. What is said of his children ? Of Robtirt ? WTiat happened on one occasion ? Describe the contest ? 132 ENGLANli. 4. William the Second, surnamed Rufus, from his red hair^ succeeded his father in the English throne. A. D. 1087. His reign was marked by cruelty and perfidy, and his death was tragical. As he was one day hunting in the forest, he was accidentally killed by one of his attendants, who aimed an arrow at a stag. Robert, the brother of William, was the lawful hear to the crown ; but at the time of William's death he was absent on a crusade to the Holy Land. Henry his younger brother, taking advantage of his absence, seized upon the gov- ernment, and quietly ascended the vacant throne, under the title of Henry the First. 5. Robert on his return made an effort to obtain the crown, but he was defeated and taken prisoner by his brother, who confined him in a castle in Wales during the remainder of his life, which lasted twenty-eight years. Alas ! how feeble are the nearest ties of kindred, when they come in opposition to the raging impulse of ambition. CHAPTER IV. Family of Plantagenet. 1. Henry the Second, ascended the throne in the year 1154. The most important achievement of his reign, was the invasion and subjugation of Ireland, which country has remained, more or less, in a state of subjection to the English crown to the present time. 2. During the early part of his reign, the famous Questions. — 4. Who s-ucceeded to the throne ? What is said of his reig-n? What was his end? What is said of Robert? What did Henry do ? 5. What did Robert do on hie return ? What happened to him ? What is observed ? 1 . Who succeeded to the throne ? What was the most important event ? 2. In the early part of his reig-n, what disting-uished person is mentioned ? ENGLAND. 133 Thomas-a-Becket, a man of great learning and ability, held the first place in the favor of the king, and v;as promoted to the office of high chancellor. It happened about this time that the archbishop of Canterbur}'- died, and Becket was appointed to fill the vacant see. 3. Becket, while he filled the office of high chan- cellor, had displayed great magnificence; but on being elevated to the dignity of archbishop, he laid aside his former promp and worldly display. The train of knights and noblemen, who were accustomed to attend him, were exchanged for a few companions, selected from among the most learned and most virtuous of the clergy. His di^t was abstemious, and his charities were abun- dant ; his time was occupied in prayer, study, and in the discharge of the duties of his station. 4. Shortly after Becket was consecrated bishop, Henry began to make encroachments on the rights of the church and privileges of the clergy. He required that a clergyman, who had been tried for offences in the ecclesiastical court, should be delivered to the custody of the lay officers, to be tried again, and punished by a lay tribunal. He also prohibited the clergy from ap- pealing to the court of Rome without his consent. 5. The archbishop considered it his duty to oppose these measures, so repugnant to the dignity of the church, and repugnant to those libertie3, which Henry had sworn to preserve at his coronation. The king grew indignant at this opposition, and the Archbishop thought it prudent to withdraw for a time from England, and accordingly, he retired to France. 6. After some time a reconciliation was effected be- tween Henry and the primate, and the latter again Questions. — 2. What happened about this time? 3. What is said of Becket? What did he lay aside ? What is said of his diet &c. ? 4. Shortly after this, what d'id Henry do? Require? Prohibit? 5. What did the Archbishop consider? What is said of the king? 6, After some time, what took place '' i 134 ENGLAND. returned to England, carrying with him letters of sus- pension from the pope, against the bishops of Salisbury, London and York. The bishops on receiving these let- ters, burst into violent complaints against the primate, and hastened to the king for redress. Henry in a mo- ment of anger, exclaimed: "Of all the cowards, who eat at my table, is there not one, who will free me from this turbulent priest?" 7. Four of his attendants, taking this for the royal approbation, resolved to murder, or carry off the pri- mate. They immediately repaired to the palace of the archbishop, and accused him of insolence to the king. While they were there the bell rang for vespers, and the undaunted prelate^ arose and went unattended to the cathedral. The assassins followed him, and as he as- cended the choir, they entered the church, and one of their number cried out: "Where is the traitor?" To this no answer was returned. But another asked: "Where is the archbishop?" To this the prelate an- swered: "Here is the archbishop, but no traitor." 8. Upon receiving this reply, they rushed forward, and one of them struck the archbishop a blow upon the head with a battle axe. When he felt the blood trick- ling down his face, the prelate clasped his hands, and bowing down said: " In the name of Christ, and for the defence of his church, I am ready to die." In this posture, he sank, under their repeated blows, to the floor at the foot of Saint Bennet's altar. 9. At the first news of this event, Henry was filled with dread and alarm : he now lamented, when too late, the hasty expression, which led to the commission of so great a crime. A few years after this, he beheld his Questions. — 6. What did the bishops do? What did Henry ex- claim? 7. What did four of his attendants resolve? While they were there, what did the primate do ? What did one of them cry out? What did the prelate answer? 8. What did they do? When he felt the blood &c., what did he say? How did he sink ? 9. What is said of Henry ? AVhat did he behold ? ENGLAiVD. 135 children uniting in rebellion against him, in conjunction with his perfidious nobles. These things, he concluded, were not in the ordinary course of nature ; they could be no other than the effects of the divine wrath, which he had called down upon himself by his persecution of the archbishop. 10. The name of the prelate was, shortly after his death, enrolled in the catalogue of the saints, and the fame of the miracles wrought at his shrine, resounded throughout every part of Europe. Henry, in order to expiate his offence, resolved to make a pilgrimage to the tomb of the martyr. He accordingly went to the cathedral in Canterbury, and prostrated himself before the shrine of Saint Thomas, while the bishop of London addressed the spectators. 11. When the prelate had concluded his discourse, the king arose, and went to the chapter-house of the convent, where the monks, a few bishops and abbots were assembled. In the presence of these the royal penitent confessed his crimes, and received on his shoul- ders, with a knotted cord, a few stripes from each, i^fter this act of humility, he returned again to the shrine, and spent the night in prayer. 12. The latter part of his life was embittered by the unnatural conduct of his sons, who joined in a second rebellion against their father. He asked for a list of the conspirators ; on receiving it, the first name that caught his eye, was that of his favorite son John. He read no more, but returned the paper with a broken heart. He died shortly after this, calling down the heaviest denun- ciations of heaven upon his ungrateful children. 13. Richard the First, surnamed the Lionhearted, Questions. — 9. What did he conclude? 10. What is said of the name of the prelate.'' What did Henry resolve? Relate what fol- lowed? 11. What did the king- do? In the presence of these ? After tins act what did he do? 12. What is said of the latter p;irt of his life ? For what did he ask and what followed ? How did he die ? 13. Who succeeded ? 136 ENGLAND. succeeded to the throne. Richard was a prince of chivalrous and romantic turn of mind. He engaged in the crusades and embarked for the Holy Land, where his personal valor was conspicuous in every action. On his return he was shipwrecked, and while endeavoring to pass in disguise through Germany, he was taken prisoner by the emperor, Henry the Sixth, who obliged him to give the sum of three hundred thousand pounds sterling, for his liberty. He died of a wound he received, while besieging a castle, after a reign of ten years. 14. John the brother of Richard, succeeded to the throne, although Geoffrey, the son of an elder brother, was the lawful heir ; and for fear the young prince, at any future period might assert his claim, he was, by the order of John, basely murdered. The reign of John was one of the most disgraceful in English history. In al- most every action, he trampled upon the rights of his subjects, and infringed upon the privileges of his nobles. 15. At length his nobles, unable to support his tyran- ny, under the direction of Lancton, the archbishop of Canterbury, entered into a confederacy against him. They met at Runnymede, and compelled the king, to sign and seal, the famous document of Magna Charta, which is regarded as the great bulwark of English liberty, even at the present time; and by which the liberty and important privileges, are secured to all ranks of the people. John died after an odious reign of eighteen years. 16. Henry the Third, his son and successor, was a weak and timid prince ; and his long reign was almost a continued series of contest between the king and tur- bulent barons. Henry was at length compelled to QuESTiOKs. — 13. What is said of Riciiard ? In what did he eng-ag-e ? On his return, what happened ? How did he die? 14. What did John do.-* What did he do with the young" prince.'* What is said of his reign.'' 15. At lengtli, what did his nobles do? What was he com' pelled to sign? When did he die? 16. What is said of Henry? What was he compelled to do &c., and what followed ? ENGLAND. 137 resign his crown and was again restored to the throne, after the famous battle of Evesham, in which the rebel- lious barons were defeated. He died in the sixty-fourth yediT of his age, and fifty-sixth of his reign. A. D. 1272. 17. Henry was succeeded by his son Edward the First. Edward was a prince of great military talents ; he subjugated Wales, and created his eldest son, Pi-ince of Wales, a title which at present distinguishes the oldest son of the British sovereign. He also invaded Scotland and defeated the Scots in the battle of Dunbar, and led their king captive to England. The Scots were roused to throw off the English yoke, through the exer- tions of- the renowned hero, Sir William Wallace ; but Wallace, after many brilliant achievements, was betrayed into the hands of Edward, and was put to death with barbarous cruelty. 18. Edward the Second, who succeeded to the throne, possessed but few qualities to distinguish him as a sov- ereign. He was weak and indolent, and allowed him- self to be governed by unworthy favorites. At length a conspiracy was formed against him, by his infamous queen Isabella and Mortimer, a young nobleman. Ed- ward was compelled to resign the crown, and v*^as after- wards barbarously murdered at the instigation of Isabella. A. D. 1323. 19. Edward the Third succeeded to the throne. The reign of this prince w^as one of the most brilliant record- ed in English history. He invaded Scotland, and defeated the Scots in the battle of Hallidon Hill. He then invaded France, and gained the memorable battle of Gressy ; and his son, the Black Prince, afterwards de- QuESTiONS. — 16. When did he die ? 17. By whom was he succeeded .' What did Edward do? What did he invade.'' By whom were Uie Scots roused &c. .'' What was the fate of Wallace.'' IS. What is said of Edward the second.'' What was formed ag-ainst him .'' What was his fate 1 19. Who succeeded .-' What is said of his reign .'' What did he invade and do ■* 138 ENGLAND. feated John, the French king, in the famous battle of Poictiers, and led him captive to England. 20. Edward died in the sixty-fifth year of his age and fifty-first of his reign, and was succeeded by Richard the Second, the son of the Black Prince. The reign of Richard was greatly disturbed by civil dissensions. Wat Tyler, a blacksmith by profession, v^as the leader of the insurgents. He led them to Smithfield, where he invited the king to a conference. Here he behaved with so much disrespect, that he excited the indignation of one of the king's attendants, who struck him dead upon the spot. 21. This rash act created the most violent excitement among the insurgents, and might have proved fatal to the king, had it not been for the presence of mind, he displayed on that occasion. The young prince, riding up to the insurgents, while their bows were bent for exe- cution, exclaimed : " What my people ! will you kill your king! Follow me and you shall have what you desire." 22. While Richard was absent in Ireland, a conspiracy was formed against him ; and on his return, he was com- pelled to resign his crown, and the Duke of Lancaster ascended the throne, under the title of Henry the Fourth. Richard was imprisoned in the castle of Pomfret, and was shortly afterwards, cruelly murdered. A. D. 1399. Questions. — 20. When did he die .'' By whom was he succeeded ? What is said of his reig-n ? Of Tyler? What was his fate.'' 21. What is said of the rash act ? The young prince.'' 22. What is rela- ted of Richard .-' What was his fate ? CHAPTER V. The Lancaster Family— From A. D., 1399 to 1461. 1. Henry having succeeded to the crown by the murder of his lawful sovereign, soon found, that the throne was not a place for the enjoyment of repose ; that the diadem that glitters upon the brow of monarchs, conceals beneath its splendor, a thousand cares, un- known in the humbler walks of life. The early part of his reign was distracted by insurrections, and the latter part of his life was rendered unhappy, by the profligate conduct of his son. Henry died in the forty-sixth year of his age, and fourteenth of his reign. A. D. 1413. 2. He w^as succeeded by his son, Henry the Fifth, whose reign is memorable, for the famous battle of Agin- court, in which the French were defeated wdth a loss of eleven thousand killed and fourteen thousand prisoners, v/hile the English lost only forty slain. His brilliant career of victory w^as cut short by death, in the thirty- fourth year of his age, and the tenth of his reign. A. D. 1422. 3. Henry the Sixth succeeded to the throne, at the early age of ten months, under the regency of his uncle, the Duke of Gloucester. As the young king advanced in years, he exhibited a mild and pleasing disposition. He married Margaret, the daughter of the king of Sicily, a woman of heroic courage. The early part of his reign was disturbed by the insurrection of Jack Cade. Cade, however, was defeated and slain, and the insurrection suppressed. Questions. — 1. What did Henry soon find ? What is said of the early part of his reig-n ? When did he die? 2. For what is the reit^n of Henry the Fifth memorable? What is said of victory? 3. Who succeeded ? What is said of the young king- ? By what was his reisfn disturbed? 140 ENGLAND. 4. Shortly after this, the Duke of York asserted his claim to the crown, and a most sanguinary civil war followed. The red rose was the symbol of the house of Lancaster, and the white rose that of the house of York ; hence this war is often known by the name of the con- test between the two roses. During this war it is said, that more than one hundred thousand persons were slain. 5. In the great battle of St. Albans, the king was defeated and taken prisoner ; but Queen Margaret still kept the field, and gained the battle of Wakefield, in which the Duke of York was defeated and slain. Ed- ward the son of the Duke, took the field in support of the house of York ; he entered London with a numerous army, and was proclaimed king, under the title of Ed- ward the Fourth. A. D. 146L CHAPTER VI. The House of York — Edward IV. — Edward V.-^Richai'd III.— From 1461 to 1485. 1. Scarcely was Edward seated upon the throne, when he found himself opposed by the heroic Margaret, at the head of sixty thousand men. Edward and the Earl of Warwick, hastened to give her battle ; the two armies met at Towton, where the forces of the Queen were completely routed. 2. The situation of the Queen was deplorable in the Questions. — 4, After this what took place ? Of what was the red rose the symbol? The white rose? Hence what is this war called? 6. What happened in the battle of St. Albans ? What is said of the Queen? Of Edward the son of the Duke? 1. What is said of Ed- ward? Where did the two armies meet? 2. What is said of the Queen ? ENGLAND. 141 extreme. With no other attendant than her son, she fled from the field of battle, and entered the gloomy forest of Hexham. Here she fell into the hands of ruffians, "who dispoiled her of her jewels and treated her with the greatest rudeness ; they however disputed about the spoils, and while engaged in the dispute, she made her escape, and fled with her son into the thickest of the forest. When almost overcome with fatigue, and about to sink in despair, she was suddenly roused by the approach of a robber with a drawn sword. 3. Finding it impossible to escape, she resolved to throw herself upon his generosity. She advanced to- wards hini and said: "Friend, here is the son of your king; I commit him to your protection." The man pleased with the confidence placed in him, rendered all the assistance in his power ; and having safely conduct- ed her to the sea-coast, she escaped to Flanders. 4. A few years after this Queen Margaret, having collected another army on the continent, returned to England, and made a second effort to liberate her hus- band, and to replace him upon the throne. In this she was successful; Edward was expelled, and Henry, after being six years in captivity, was again restored. Ed- ward, however, soon returned with a powerful army, and defeated the forces of Henry in the bloody battle of Barnet, and again seized upon the crown. 5. The intrepid Margaret again took the field against him, but was entirely defeated by Edward in the des- perate battle of Tewkesbury, in which she and her son were taken prisoners. The king asked the youthful Edward, why he dared invade his dominions; to which the prince replied: " I have entered the dominions of QuESTioxs. — 2. What did she do? Into whose hands did she fall? What followed ? When almost &e., how was she roused ? 3. AVhat did she resolve? What did she say? What did the man do? 4. After a few years what took plaeo ? What is said of Edward and Henry ? What did Henry do ? 5. What is said of Marg-urct? What did he ask the young prince? What did he reply ? 142 ENGLAND. my father, to avenge his injuries, and to redress my own." The ungenerous king, enraged at this noble reply, struck the prince with his sword ; and his atten- dants, taking this as a signal for further violence, killed the young prince upon the spot. 6. Edward passed the remainder of his reign in acts of tyranny and cruelty. He caused his brother, the Duke of Clarence to be put to death for a trifling offence ; the deposed monarch Henry, terminated his life by assassina- tion in prison. These acts of cruelty w^ere terminated by the death of the king ; he died in the forty-second year of his age. A. D. 1482. 7. Edward left two sons, the elder of which ascended the throne at the age of thirteen, under the title of Ed- ward the Fifth ; but the Duke of York, having caused the death of the youthful king and his brother, seized upon the crown, and ascended the throne, under the title of Richard the Third. But scarcely was Richard seated upon the throne, when he found a powerful rival in the person of Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond. Richard was defeated and slain in the battle of Bosworth, and his victorious rival was crowned upon the field of battle, and assumed the title of Henry the Seventh. CHAPTER VII. Tudor Family — Henry VIL — Henry VHL — Edward VI. — Mary and Elizabeth — From 1485 to 1603. 1. The succession of Henry put an end to the civil wars which had so long devastated the kingdom. The Questions. — 5. What was his fate ? 6. What is said of Edward ? What did he cause!' What was the fate of Henry? When did Edward die? 7. Who ascended the throne? What did the Duke of York do and seize? In whom ciid he find a rival ? Wliat was the fate of Richard ? What is said of his victorious rival? ENGLAND. 143 earl}' part of his reign was disturbed, by the appearance of two pretenders to the throne. The first was Lambert Simnel, the son of a baker, who attempted to counterfeit the Earl of Warwick ; he was defeated and taken pri- soner, and Henry made him a servant in his kitchen. 2. The second was Perkin Warbeck, who endeavored to counterfeit the Duke of York. After a variety of adventures, Warbeck was taken, and hanged at Tyburn. Henry was a prince equally distinguished for his wis- dom in the cabinet, and for his ability in the field ; he passed many useful laws and gave encouragement to industry and commerce. After a prosperous reign of twenty-four years, he left the throne to his son and successor, Henry the Eighth. 3. Henry the Eighth succeeded to the throne, under the most favorable circumstances. He was then in the eighteenth year of his age, and possessed of every quality, that could endear him to his subjects ; but as he advanced in life, all his better qualities degenerated into the most detestable vices, until he became a cruel and rapacious tyrant. The most important events of Henry's reio;n o-rew out of his matrimonial alliances. He had no less than six wives ; two of these he caused to be beheaded, for real or pretended crimes. 4. His first wife was Catherine of Arragon, an amia- ble and virtuous woman. Among the ladies who attend- ed the queen, was Ann, the fair daughter of Sir Thomas Boleyn. This young lady so captivated the king's affections, that he resolved to make her his wife, and for this purpose applied to the Pope for a divorce from Catherine of Arragon. Clement the Seventh re- plied, that as he had been lawfully married to Catherine, Questions. — 1. What is said of the succession of Henry? The early part of his reign ? Who was the first ? 2. Who was the second ? What is said of Henry ? To whom did he leave the throne ? 3. What is said of Henry the Eighth? VVhat did he become? How many wives had he? 4. Who was his first wife ? What is said of Ann Bo- leyn? What did the king resolve and do? What did the Pope reply? 144 ENGLAND. no power on earth could release him from his obligations. The king, enraged at this answer, threw off all restraint, abolished the Pope's authority in England, and by an act of parliament, caused himself to be proclaimed the head of the English church. 5. He now resolved to effect a divorce without the Pope's consent. For this purpose he assembled a court, over which the famous Cranmer, archbishop of Can- terbury, presided. This court readily annulled his mar- riage with Catherine, and the king was immediately married to Ann Boleyn. He caused the venerable bishop Fisher, and the celebrated Sir Thomas More to be beheaded, because they would not acknowledge his supremacy ; he suppressed the monasteries in England, and converted their estates to the use of the crown. 6. In his extravagance, he plundered the rich shrine of Saint Thomas of Canterbury, and despoiled it of its ornaments of silver and gold ; then, ordering the Saint to be tried for treason committed against Henry the Second, he condemned him as a traitor, and caused his relics to be taken out, and scattered to the wind. His wicked career was at length terminated by death, in the fifty-sixth year of his age and the thirty-seventh of his reign. A. D. 1547. Henry was succeeded by his son, Edward the Sixth, in the tenth year of his age. 7. During the reign of the late monarch, the reformation commenced in Germany. Shortly after its commence- ment Henry wrote a book against Luther, on which ac- count he was styled, " The defender of the Faith, '^ a title, which is retained by the British sovereigns to the present day. Martin Luther, the celebrated reformer, was born at Isleben, in Saxony. At an early age, he entered the Questions. — 4. What did the king- do ? 5. What did he resolve ? What did he assemble ? Whom did he cause to be beheaded ? What did he suppress? 6. What did he plunder? What did he order and do? When did he die? By whom was he succeeded ? 7. During- his reig-n what commenced in Germany ? What did Henry write? What is said of Luther ? At an early ag-e ? ENGLAND. 145 order of the Augustine friars, and in the course of time became professor of divinity in the University of Wit- tenburg. In 1517, he threw off his monastic habit, and commenced the reformation. 8. Luther in reprobating the abuses, said to have been committed by certain individuals at that time, attacked several points of Catholic doctrine ; particularly that of indulgences. Catholics believe, that an indulgence is a relaxation of all or a part of the temporal punishment due to sin, after the guilt has been remitted by the sacrament of penance ; not however, that it is pardon for sins, or much less, a license to commit sin. ^ 9. Before the death of Henry, the reformation spread into England, and now during the reign of Edward it became patronized and tolerated. A new liturgy in the English language, and a book of Common Prayer, were compiled by archbishop Cranmer, and by the adoption of these, all the rights and ceremonies of the Catholic Church were abolished, and a form of worship, nearly resembling that of the present Church of England, was established throughout the kingdom. 10. The young king died suddenly in the sixteenth year of his age. Previous to his death, he had been prevailed upon to set aside his sisters Mary and Elizabeth, and to leave the crown to Lady Jane Grey. Accordingly this lady was immediately elevated to the throne, but after wearing the crown for ten days, she retired to a private station, and Mary the lawful heir, was quietly acknowledged. But scarcely was Mary seated on the throne than a second conspiracy was entered into against her. The conspirators were defeated, and several of them, attoned for their rebellion on the scaffold. Amonsr y . Questions. — 7. In 1517, what did he do? 8. What is again said of Luther ? What do Catholics believe of an indulgence? 9. Before the death of Henry what took place? What is said of the new liturgy ? What was abolished? 10. What is said of the king? What is said of Lady Jane Grey ? Who was acknowledged ? What followed ,"* 10 146 ENGLAND. those who suffered on this occasion was the much lament- ed Lady Jane Gray. 11. Mary has been much censured, for consenting to the execution of this unfortunate lady. It is true, that her life had been spared, on a former occasion, still it would have reflected honor on Mary, had she re- fused to visit on the youthful Jane, the guilt of others. Mary in the second year of her reign, married Philip the Second of Spain ; and towards the close of her life, the French took Calais, an event which hastened her death. She died in the forty-sixth year of her age and the sixth of her reign. A. D. 1558. 12. The foulest blot upon the memory of this queen, is the persecution of the Reformers, permitted during her reign. It might however, be observed, not by any means to vindicate her acts, but as an apology for her conduct, that she lived at a period, when religious toler- ation was neither understood nor practised, by either Catholics or Protestants ; when the extirpation of what were deemed erroneous doctrines, was inculcated as a duty by the leaders of every religious denomination. One of her first acts, after she ascended the throne, was to restore the Catholic religion, the public exercise of which had been nearly extinguished, during the reign of her brother. 13. On the death of Mary, Elizabeth succeeded to the throne. One of her first acts, was to re-establish the Protestant faith, as the religion of the realm, and to assume the title of supreme head of the English church. One of the principal events of her reign, was her perse- cution of Mary queen of Scotland. Mary, who was the granddaughter of Henry the Seventh, and after Eliza- beth, the next heir to the English throne, was renowned Questions. — 11. What is said of Mary.' Whom did she marry.' What place did the French take ? 12. What is the foulest blot ? What is observed .'' 13. Who succeeded .? What was one of her nrs^ acts ? What is said of Mary Queen of Scotland ? ENGLAND. 147 throughout Europe for her beauty and accomplishments. She had been educated at the court of France, and had married Francis the Second, who died shortly after the celebration of the nuptials. 14. On the death of Francis, Mary returned to her own dominions. Shortly after her return, she married Lord Darnly, a man of a fickle and jealous disposition. About a year after his marriage, Darnly being unwell, had removed to a house near Edinburg for the benefit of his health ; but the house in which he had taken up his abode, was blown up with gunpowder, and the body of Darnly thrown into an adjacent garden. Shortly after this event, Mary was seized by the Earl of Bothwell, and led captive to the castle of Dunbar, and there com- pelled to marry him. 15. A rebellion soon broke out; Bothwell was expell- ed from the country, and Mary again taken prisoner and confined in the castle of Lochleven. Here she was compelled to resign her crown in favor of her son, and the Earl of Murray was appointed regent. She finally escaped from captivity, and having collected her adherents, she made an effort to regain her crown ; but being defeated in the battle of Langside, she resolved to seek an asylum in England, and to throw herself upon the mercy of her cousin Elizabeth. 16. As soon as she landed in England, Elizabeth or- dered her to be confined in Tutbury castle, under the custody of the Earl of Shrewsbury. The unfortunate Queen of Scots, languished in captivity for nearly twenty years, at last her unnatural cousin. Queen Eliza- beth, issued an order for her execution, under the pre- tence that Mary conspired to deprive her of her crown. Questions. — 13. Where had she been educated ? 14. What did Mary do .'' Who did she marry ? What was his fate .'' After this what followed.'' 15. What is said of Mary .'' What was she com- pelled to do .'' Having- escaped what did she do .'' What did sho resolve ? 16. What did Elizabeth order ? What is said of the unfor- tunate Q,ueen ? 148 ENGLAND. 17. When Mary was led forth to execution, she was exhorted to renounce the religion of her ancestors, and to die in the reformed religion, but she replied, that she had beeii born a Catholic, in that religion she had lived, and in that religion she was resolved to die. She then offered up her prayers for the church, for her son, "and for her coUsin, Queen Elizabeth, and having taken an affectionate farewell of her faithful attendants, she calmly resigned her head to the block, which was sev- ered from her body at the second stroke of the axe. 18. Elizabeth died in the seventieth year of her age, and in the forty-fifth of her reign. A. D. 1603. Eliza- beth possessed eminent qualities as a sovereign, but in principle, she was despotic, cruel, jealous, and revenge- ful ; her conversation vi^as often grossly profane, and in her private life, she was even less to be admired. Her reign was distinguished for men of learning, among these Bacon, Shakspeare and Spencer, were the rhost eminent. The custom of smoking tobacco was introduced by Sir Walter Raleigh; and potatoes were also brought from America to England about this period. CHAPTERVIII. The Stuart Family. 1. On the death of Elizabeth, James the Sixth of Scotland, succeeded to the English throne, under the title of James the First. The most remarkable event of his reign, was the famous Gunpowder Plot, which Questions.— 17. What was Mary exhorted to do.? What did she reply > What did she then do ? 18. When did Elizabeth die ? What did she possess .<* What is said of her reig-n } What custom was in- troduced .' 1. Who succeeded Elizabeth .<* What was the Gunpowder plot.? ENGLAND. 149 was a design of a few daring adventurers to blow up the parliament house, and involve in one common ruin the king, lords and commons. The plot however was dis- covered, and one of the leaders, name Guy Fawkes, was taken with matches in his pocket ready to set fire to the magazine. 2. James died in 1625, and was succeeded by his son Charles the First. The reign of this prince was greatly distracted by civil wars. His parliament revolted against him ; and after the v/ar raged for several years, the royal forces were routed, and the king fell into the hands of his enemies. The unfortunate monarch was brouo-ht to trial, for. levying war against the parliament, and being condemned, he was publicly executed in the twenty- second year of his reign. A. D. 1648. 3. After the death of the king, the royal government and the house of lords were abolished, and a republican form of government established. The parliament, which had been in session for eleven years, and known by the name of the Long Parliament, was at length dissolved by Cromwell, who seized upon the sole authority, and as- sum.ed the title of Protector. His administration was directed with energy and ability, and considerably ad- vanced the military glorj^ of England. He died in the fifty-ninth year of his age. A. D. 1658. 4. Richard Cromwell, his son, was proclaimed Protec- tor, but after holding the office for a few months, he re- signed the title and retired into private life. In 1660, Charles the Second was restored to the throne of his fath- er. During his reign the city of London was visited by a plague, which carried off ninety thousand of its inhabi- tants ; and shortly afterwards, a fire took place by which Questions. — 1. What is said of the plot ? 2. When did Jame.^ die.-' Who succeeded? What is said of his reigri ? What was the fate of this monarch ? 3. What were abolished ^ What is said of the parlia- ment ? By whom was it dissolved &c. .'' What is said of his admin- istration ? When did he die ? 4. Who was proclaimed Protector ? In 1660, what took place? During" his reig-n what took place? 150 ENGLAND. thirteen thousand houses were laid in ruins. To perpet- uate the memory of this calamity, a monument was erected, with an inscription on the base, falsely ascribing it to the Roman Catholics ; but this inscription has been lately erased, by the order of parliament. 5. Charles died in the twenty-fifth year of his reign. A. D. 1685. Shortly before his death, he sent for a Catholic clergyman, and received the last rites of the Catholic church from his hands. On the death of Charles, his brother the Duke of York, ascended the throne under the title of James the Second. The early part of the reign of this prince was disturbed, by the rebellion of the Duke of Monmouth ; the Duke, however, was taken prisoner and beheaded, and the rebellion suppressed. 6. Lord Chief Justice JefFrys, who was appointed to try rebel prisoners, is represented as having been guilty of much cruelty in the discharge of the duty assigned him ; while all the odium of the proceedings fell upon the king. An insurrection broke out which was joined by many of the king's former friends and adherents, and even by several of his own children. William, the Prince of Orange and son-in-law of James, was applied to for aid, and the crown offered to him as the reward of his services. He accepted the invitation, and landed in England with a considerable force ; James fled from the kingdom, and William stepped into the vacant throne. 7. After spending some months, at the court of France, James resolved to make an effort to regain his crown, through the loyalty of the people of Ireland, who still remained faithful to his interest. He landed at Dublin, and after some delay, he met the forces of William on Questions. — 4. What was erected and what is said of it? 5. When did Charles die ? Who ascended the throne ? In the early part of his reig-n what took place ? 6. What is said of Jeffrys? What broke out? What is said of the Prince of Orang-e? What did James do? 7. What did James resolve? Where did he land? ENGLA.\D. 151 the banks of the river Boyne ; here an obstinate battle took place, which, owing to the weakness and cowardice of James, terminated in favor of his rival. He fled again to France where he died, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. A. D. 1701. 8. On the death of William, the crown devolved upon Anne, the second daughter of James. In the early part of her reign, war was declared against France, during which the Duke of Marlborough, gained the cele- brated victory of Blenheim, Ramilles, and others, over the forces of Louis the Fourteenth. The other events of her reign, were the taking of Gibraltar by the Eng- lish, which remains in their possession to the present time ; and the union between England and Scotland, by which the two countries were included in one, under the common title of Great Britain. 9. This period has been styled the Augustan Age of England, and is distinguished for men of genius and learning, such as Pope, Swift, and Addison. The Queen, whose health had been for some time on the decline, at length passed from the turmoil and splendor of the throne to the humble quietude of the tomb, in the fiftieth year of her age. A. D. 1714. CHAPTER IX. House of Brunswick — George I. — George II. — George III. — George IV. — William IV. — Queen Victoria. 1. On the death of Anne, the Elector of Hanover succeeded to the throne of England, under the title of George the First. His reign presents few events of im- Q,UESTiONS. — 7. What took place? What became of James? 8.0a whom did the crown devolve? What is said of the early part of her reig-n ? What were the other events ? 9. What is said of tnis period ? When did the Queen die ? 1. Wlio succeeded to the throne? 152 ENGLAND. portance in history. A rebellion broke out in Scotland, in favor of the son of James the Second ; it was however soon suppressed, and the most exemplary severity exer- cised against the leaders. George died in the sixty- eighth year of his age, and the thirteenth of his reign. A. D. 1727. 2. George the Second, who succeeded to the throne, was a prince of some ability, and fond of martial exer- cises. He espoused the cause of Maria Theresa of Austria, against the Emperor Charles and Louis the Fifteenth, of France; after the war had raged for some time, peace was restored by the treaty of Aix-la- Chapeile, and the claims of Maria Theresa were acknow- ledged. During his absence on the continent, Charles Edward, the eldest son of James the Second, made an- other effort to gain possession of the throne of his father. He landed in Scotland and defeated the royalists in the battle of Preston Pans, but v/as signally defeated in the famous battle of CuUoden. 3. Towards the close of the reign of George, war was again renewed between England and France, on account of their respective possessions in America. The war was finally terminated, by the surrender of all Canada to the English. George died in the seventy- seventh year of his age, and thirty-third of his reign. A. D. 1760. George the Third the grand-son of the late monarch, succeeded to the throne in the eighteenth year of his age. 4. This prince commenced his reign by a course of unjust and oppressive measures towards the British colo- nies in North America : the colonies v/ere at length driv- en into hostilities ; and after a long and expensive war, England was compelled to acknowledge their indepen- QuESTiONs.— 1 . What rebellion broke out ? When did he die ? 2. Who succeeded ? What did he espouse? During- his absence what happened? 3. What war was renewed? When did he die ? Who bvicceeded? 4. What is said of this prince ? The colonics &c.? ENGLAND. 153 dence. The other most important events of his reign, were the rebellion in Ireland, and the long and san- guinary conflicts that grew out of the French revolution. 5. The principal achievements of the British arms, during this period, were the famous victories of the Nile and Trafalgar, by Lord Nelson, and those of Salamanca, Vittoria and Waterloo by Wellington. George died in the seventy-eighth year of his age, after a reign of sixty years, the longest recorded in English history. The reign of George the Fourth, who succeeded to the throne, was distinguished for the passage of the Catholic Relief bill, by which the disabilities of the Roman Catholics in Great Britain and Ireland, were removed. England at this period, also assisted the Greeks in gaining their independence. The British fleet in union with that of France and Russia, gained the celebrated victory over the Turks in the battle of Navarino. 6. George the Fourth died 1830, and was succeeded by his brother, William Duke of Clarence, under the title of William the Fourth. The short reign of this prince was not distinguished for any thing of importance ; at his death he was succeeded by her present majesty, Queen Victoria. Questions. — 4. What were the other events ? 5. What were the principal achievements ? When did he die ? For what was the reig-a of Georg-e the Fourth disting-uished ? What is said of Eng-land ? 6. When (fid George die ? By whom was William the fourth succeeded ? IRELAND. CHAPTER I. The Early Inhabitants — The Introduction of Christianity by St. Patrick. 1. The early inhabitants of this country, according to the best authorities, were of Celtic origin and arrived in Ireland from the western coast of Spain. The early religion of the people, was similar to that of nearly all the eastern nations of Europe. They adored the sun under the name of Baal, and the moon under the title of Re ; and fire was also sacred among them. 2. The country was divided into a number of small kingdoms, each governed by its own king, and the whole subordinate to a supreme monarch. One of the most illus- trious of the Irish monarchs, was Cormac Ulfadah, who reigned about the middle of the third century. He was a man of great learning, and is said to have founded three academies at Tara, the ancient residence of the monarchs of Ireland. In the first, the science of war was taught ; in the second, history ; and in the third, law. Towards the close of his reign, Cormac abdicated the throne in favor of his son, and retired to an humble cottage, where he devoted himself to literary pursuits. 3. Nothing of any particular importance occurred in the history of Ireland, until the introduction of Chris- tianity by the illustrious Apostle, Saint Patrick. This holy man, according to the best authorities, was born in Gaul of respectable parentage, about the year 387. In Questions. — 1. What is said of the early inhabitants ? The relig-ion? What did they adore ? 2. What is said of the country? Of Corruac Ulfadah ? What academies did he form ? 3. By whom was Christi- anity introduced? When and where was he born? IRELAND. 155 his youth he was taken captive to Ireland, and sold to a man named Milcho, by whom he was employed in attending flocks. After six years of captivity, he es- caped to his native country, and after spending some time with his parents, he repaired to the monastery of Saint Martin, at Tours, where it is believed, he was raised to the ecclesiastical state. 4. Shortly after this period, Pope Celestine commis- sioned Saint Patrick, to convert the people of Ireland to Christianity^ The Saint immediately set out to the scene of his labors, and arrived in Ireland during the year 432. The most abundant fruit attended his labors; he travelled from province to province, and by his elo- quence, converted all who heard him to Christianity. He was permitted to explain the sacred truths of Chris- tianity before Lorgerius, the chief monarch of the country at that time, and numbered among his converts many members of the royal family. 5. In a few years, he built a number of churches, and founded several monasteries, designed for the education of persons for the priesthood. He is said to have ban- ished all the vi2:>ers and noxious animals from the island ; be this true or not, one thing is certain, that they will not live in the country at the present time. The Saint died on the seventeenth of March, in the year 465, and in the seventy-eighth year of his age. 6. During the seventh and eighth centuries, Ireland was famed for her literary institutions ; her schools were crowded by thousands from all parts of Europe, and at the same time, Irish scholars were invited to impart instruction in foreign countries. Towards the close of the eighth century, Ireland was invaded by the Danes, Questions. — 3. What happened in his youth ? What is said of him ? 4. What did Pope Celestine do? What is said of the Saint? When did he arrive in Ireland ? What was he permitted? 5. What did he do ? What is he said to have done ? When did he die ? 6. During the seventh and eig-hth centuries, what ia said of Ireland ? When was Ireland viaited by the Danes ? 156 IRELANO. who held possession of certain parts of the country for more than two hundred years, during which time, an almost continual war was carried on between the na- tives and the invaders. 7. In the year 1014, the Danes collected their forces near Dublin, with the intention of subduing the whole country. It happened at this time, that the chief throne of Ireland was occupied by the famous Brian Boru. This illustrious monarch, learning the iutention of the Danes, resolved to intercept their designs ; and placing himself at the head of his army, he marched forward to meet the enemy, who had encamped on the plains of Clontarf. A fierce and obstinate battle followed, which lasted from sunrise until the close of the evening, but terminated in the defeat of the Danes, who were driven from the field with great slaughter. 8. Brian, who is said to have triumphed in fifty bat- tles, was destined to fall in the moment of another vic- tory, by the hand of an assassin. In the midst of the confusion and carnage that followed the retreat of the Danes, a Danish soldier took refuge in a small woods, not far from Brian's tent. At that moment the Irish monarch was prostrate upon his knees, with his hands uplifted to heaven ; the soldier seeing him thus eno:ao:ed, and almost unattended, rushed into the tent, and plung- ed a dagger into the breast of the king. The Danes never recovered from the overthrow at Clontarf; they gradual- ly diminished, until they entirely disappeared from the country. 9. During the invasion of the Daines, and the series of wars that followed, Irish literature naturally decreased. But as the invaders retired, the schools and monasteries, which had been laid in ruins, again arose from their Questions.— 7. In 1014, what took place ? Who occupied the chief throne ? What did this monarch resolve ? What followed ? 8. What is said of Brian? Relate the circumstances of his death? What is said of the Danes? 9. During- the invasion, &c., what decreased? But as they retired, what is said. IRELAND. 157 ashes ; and during the eleventh century, the fame of her literary institutions spread abroad, and her shores were visited by students from all parts of Europe. CHAPTER II. Ireland invaded by Henry 11, , of England. 1. As early as the year 115.5, the English monarch conceived the design of invading Ireland ; but not having any legal right to the country, nor any other grounds to justify an invasion of it, he was compelled to abandon the design for the present. Some years after this an event took place, which favored his ambitious views. Dermot MacMurchad, King of Leinster, being expelled from Ireland, on account of his crimes and cruelty, fled to England, and applied to Henry for aid, promising, if restored to his kingdom, to hold it as a vassal to the English crown. 2. Dermot having received from Henry, permission to raise forces in England, soon succeeded in gaining the assistance of several persons of distinguish rank. Among these, the Earl of Pembroke, surnamed Strongbow, and two brothers, Maurice Fitz-Gerald and Robert Fitz-Ste- phen, were the most prominent. Being thus successful, Dermot returned to Ireland, and was shortly afterwards followed by a strong force of English troops under the command of Robert Fitz-Stephen. A. D. 1169. 3. Dermot immediately joined the invaders, and to- gether they made an attack upon Wexford, which finally yielded to their arms. Previous to the surrender of the Questions. — 1 . What is said of the Eng-lish monarch ? What is said of Dermot &c.? 2. What did Dermot do ? Who were among- these ? What followed ? 3. What did Dermot do ? Who fell into their hands ? 158 IRELAND. city, about seventy of the principal inhabitants were taken prisoners, by the assailants ; every effort was made by their fellow citizens, to obtain their release, but with- out effect; the invaders had determined on their death. The unfortunate prisoners were hurried off to the high rocks near the city, where their limbs were broken, and then cast into the sea. 4. Unfortunately, Ireland at this period was greatly distracted by civil contentions, a circumstance which aided the designs of the English monarch, and led to the easy triumph of his arms. In the year 1171, Henry himself landed in Ireland at the head of a considerable army. His first care seems to have been, to impress upon the minds of the people, that he had come rather to protect them against the oppression of others, than to acquire any advantages for himself. This refined policy will account for the little resistance he met with during his progress through the country. 5. He received the submission of most of the chief- tains, and finally that of Roderic O'Connor, the last chief monarch of Ireland. In 1175, a treaty was concluded between Henry and Roderic, by which it was determined, that all succeeding kings of Ireland, should hold their dominions as tenants or vassals of the English crown. 6. On the death of Roderic, Henry transferred the government of Ireland to his son John, then a youth in his twelfth year ; but the insolent behavior of the young Prince, soon roused the indignation of the Irish chief- tains : they flew to arms, and in a short time had nearly expelled the English from the country. Henry, alarmed at the danger which threatened his power in Ireland, re- called the Prince, and placed the whole power of the government in the hands of De Courcy. Such is a brief Questions. — 3. Relate the manner of their death. 4. What is said of Ireland? In 1171? What was his first care? 5. What did he re- ceive, &c.? In 1175, what took place? 6. On the death of Roderic, what did Henry do ? What is said of the young- Prince ? What did Henry do? IRELAND* 150 outline of the establishment of the power of Great Bri- tain over Ireland ; a power whose foundation rests upon treachery and injustice ; and whose career has been writ- ten in characters of blood, from the days of Henry II., to the reign of her present majesty, Queen Victoria. 7. After the execution of the unfortunate Charles the First of England, the loyalty of the Irish manifested itself in favor of his son, Charles the Second. Oliver Cromwell was sent over to Ireland by the parliament, to reduce the country to subjection. After a protracted siege, he took the city of Drogheda, and ordered the garrison to be put to the sword. Cromw^ell next took the city of -Wexford, where all the horrors of Drogheda, were renewed ; the conquerer strictly forbade his sol- diers to give quarter. 8. At the conclusion of the war, the greater part of the Irish nobility and gentry, had sought an asylum in foreign lands ; their estates were forfeited, and the English parliament prepared an ordinance for settling the deserted districts of Ireland, which declares in its first clause, that it was the intention of the English parliament; "to extirpate the Irish nation." By this ordinance, which went into effect in 1653, a great portion of Ireland "was distributed among the followers of Crom- well, and the supporters of the parliament. 9. Nothing of any particular interest occurred, in the history of Ireland, from this period until the dethrone- ment of James the Second. James, after being expelled from England, retired to France; but on learning, that the Irish were faithful to his cause, he repaired to Ire- land, and proceeding to Dublin, he was received amidst the joyous acclamations of the people. William, who had succeeded to the English throne, hastened to oppose him. Questions. — 6. What is observed? 7. After the execution &:c., what is said-? What is said of Comwell? What cities did he take and what followed ? 8. What took place at the conclusion of the war ? By this order what took place? 9. What is said of Jatrjes? Of William ? 160 IHELAND. 10. On the memorable first of July, in the year 1690, the two monarchs met on the banks of the river Boyne. A fierce and bloody conflict ensued, which was sustained for some time with determined bravery on both sides. William frequently mingled in the thickest of the fight, while James stood upon a distant hill, that he might in safety, view the contest. When he beheld the de- structive charge of the Irish dragoons, we are told that he exclaimed: "Spare, O spare my English subjects." Owing to the weakness and cowardice of James, the scale of victory turned in favor of William. 11. Before the fate of the battle was known, James fled to Dublin, and embarked for France. After his departure, the Irish leaders for some time nobly sus- tained the cause of their country. At length, James having obtained a quantity of military stores, and a small force, from the king of France, sent them over to Ire- land, under the command of Saint Ruth, an experienced French General. Saint Ruth after taking command of the Irish forces, took up a position near the ruins of the castle of Aughrim ; here he was met by the English army, under the command of General Ginckle. 12. An obstinate battle ensued ; the Irish fought with heroic bravery, and the English were repulsed at every charge, and a few moments more must have sealed their destruction. At this critical juncture, Saint Ruth fell by a cannon ball discharged from the enemy's battery. This unfortunate event changed the fortune of the day, and the scale of victory turned in favor of the English. 13. After the battle of Aughrim, the Irish forces un- der the brave and patriotic Sarsfield, retired to the city of Limerick, which was beseiged by the English. The Questions. — 10. What took place in 1690? What ensued.' What is said of William ? Of James ? What did he exclaim ? In whose favor did the victory turn ? 11 . What did James do.!* The Irish lead- ers .-* At length what did James do .'' What is said of Saint Ruth .'' 12. What ensued.? What was the fate of Saint Ruth.? What fol- lowed ? 13. Where did the Irish forces retire f IRELAND. 161 war, however, was soon terminated by a treaty, known by the name of the treaty of Limerick. By this treaty, the Roman Catholics were to enjoy the free exercise of their religion, and were required to take no oath except that of allegiance. Two days after the treaty was signed, a French fleet appeared off the coast, with reinforce- ments, and large supply of military stores. The assist- ance, however, arrived too late ; the honor of the nation was pledged by the treaty of Limerick, and the fleet was dismissed. CHAPTER III. The Insurrection of 1798. 1. For centuries the Irish people had groaned under the weight of oppression and tyranny, which a despotic government exercised over them. Often was the fath- er's heart ready to break within his bosom, as he looked upon the son of his affection, and reflected on the wretch- edness to which that son was born ; often had the tear of sorrow dimmed the mother's eye, as she looked abroad upon the misery that rested on her native land, and taught her child for the first time, to lisp the name Ireland. 2. When ready to sink under the weight of these accumulated evils, they were cheered with the delusive hope, that the future would unfold a brighter prospect, and open to their view a happier era ; but alas ! each Questions. — ^^13. How was the war terminated ? What is said of the treaty of Limerick? What happened two days after? 1. What is said of the Irish people? Of the father? Of the mother? 2. How were they cheered &c. ? What did they still hope? 162 IRELAND. succeeding year only added a new link to the chain of their misery, and rendered more bitter the cup of their sorrow. However, they still hoped to be able to obtain a redress of their grievances, by the force of reason and moral influence. For this purpose an association, styled the United Irishmen, was formed in Dublin during the year 1791. 3. The leading objects of this association, seem to. have been a pure and disinterested love of liberty ; it was formed for the purpose, as they themselves de- clared, of forwarding a brotherhood of affection, a com- munion of rights, and a union of power among Irishmen of every religious denomination, and thereby obtain a complete reform in the legislature, founded on principles of civil, political, and religious liberty. 4. Another association grew into existence about this time, called the Orange Association. The object of this association was to support the measures of government, and to oppose reform. The first Orange Lodge was formed on the 21st of September, 1795, in the village of Loughall. The members pledged themselves by the most solemn oath, to support and defend the king and his heirs, so long as he or they, shall support the Protestant ascendancy. 5. Finding their condition hopeless, and despairing of ever being able to obtain relief of the British government, by a peaceable course, the United Irishmen resolved to appeal to arms, and to the more forcible arguments of the sword. They secretly applied to France for aid ; but before any effectual assistance could arrive, and before their plans could be organized, the people were driven into hostilities by the cruelty of the government. Mar- tial law was proclaimed in several provinces ; a savage Questions. — 2. What association was formed.'' 3. What were the leading- objects of this Association? 4. What other association wsls formed ? What was the object of it ? 5. AVhat did the United Irish- men resolve ? What was proclaimed ? IRELAND. 163 soldiery emulated each other in acts of barbarity ; the torture of whipping, half hanging, and the pitch-cap, were put into active operation, and the most liberal re- Avards were held out to informers. 6. Early in the spring of 1798, the insurrection broke out in the counties of Kildare and Carlow. The first important battle took place at Carlow. The Irish who were armed with clumsy pikes and a few muskets, fought with desperation ; but they were finally defeated, with a loss of four hundred slain, and two hundred taken pri- soners ; the unfortunate prisoners were all executed by martial law. They defeated the British at Oulart Hill, and took the city of Waterford ; but they lost the des- perate battle of Ballynahinch. The Irish after this en- trenched themselves on Vinegar Hill, where they were finally defeated by the royal army, on the 22d of June. This defeat terminated the eventful struggle of Ireland for her national rights, and the redress of her grievances. 7. Shortly after this event, the question of the Union began to be agitated, the object of which was, to destroy the National Parliament of Ireland, and oblige her repre- sentatives to meet in the Parliament of England. The measure, at first, was decidedly unpopular, but by an un- parallel degree of bribery and corruption, the measure was carried towards the close of the year 1800. On the first of January, 1801, the Union standard was, for the first time, mounted on the Bedford tower, in Dublin, while the guns from the royal battery, in the Park, announced to prostrate Ireland, that her national independence was no more. 8. In 1827, Catholic emancipation was obtained chiefly through the exertions of the illustrious O'Connell. By QtrESTioNS. — 5. What were put in operation ? 6. In 1798, what took place ? How were the Irish armed? What was the fate of the prison- ers? Where did they defeat the British? Where did they entrench themselves? 7. What was the object of the Union ? What is said of tlie measure ? In 1801, what took place ? 8. In 1827 ? 164 IRELArfD. this act the disabilities, under which the Catholic's had groaned for centuries were removed ; they were permit- ted to hold office, and allowed the privilege of voting at elections. They are, hov/ever, still excluded from the throne, and from the office of Lord Lieutenant, and Lord Chancellor of Ireland, and that of Lord Chancellor of England. 9. Ireland, though crushed to the earth by the iron despotism of England, has been fruitful in men of genius, and has given to the world, some of the greatest generals, statesmen, orators, and poets of modern times. The elo- quence of the patriotic Daniel O' Council, shook the very throne of England, and obtained for Ireland, what her armies could not achieve. The name of this great man is identified with his country's history. At an early age he engaged in her cause, and for upwards of forty years, he labored in her service ! The last few years of his public career were spent in endeavoring to obtain a re- peal of the legislative union, between Great Britian and Ireland, and thus to restore to Ireland her national parlia- ment. His health, at length, began to decline, and he was advised to travel on the continent. He never re- turned to his native land; he died at Genoa, in Italy, in the seventy-eighth year of his age. 10. Wellington, the hero of Waterloo, and perhaps the greatest general of Europe, is an Irishman, though a traitor to the land of his nativity. Ireland's sons, in foreign lands, have frequently acquired imperishable fame. Dur- ing our own revolutionary contest, our armies were led to battle and to victory, by the brave and patriotic General Montgomery, who finally fell in the noble effort to achieve American liberty. More recently, the names of Gen- QuESTiONs.— 8. What was the effect of this ? From what are they still excluded? 9. What is said of Ireland? What is said of the elo- quence of O'Connell? Of his name? How long- did he labor in her service, &c. ? What did he endeavor to obtain? When did he die? 10. What is said of Welling-ton ? What is said of Ireland's sons in toreisrn lands? ITALY. 165 erals Shields, Reily, and others, have reflected honor upon American arms, and have acquired renoAvn under the banner of their adopted land. I T A L Y. 1. Before concluding, we must go with our young readers to Italy the land of the Caesars, and standing amidst its magnificent and classic ruins, we will view its former greatness, and its present beauty. At an early period, Romulus laid the foundation of Rome, the pres- ent magnificent city, and ruled over it for forty years. After his death, the monarchy continued for upwards of two hundred years ; but at length, the regal govern- ment was abolished, and a republic established. After the republic had continued for several centuries, it was overthrown by Julius Caesar, who seized upon the gov- ernment, and the country became an empire. 2. During the reign of Augustus, the first who assumed the title of Emperor, the Roman empire inclu- ded within its limits, almost the entire known world. It had carried its conquests over a great part of Asia, a portion of Africa, and nearly all of Europe ; Germany was subdued, Spain was conquered, and even Britain had jdelded to its arms. Shorty after the promulgation of Christianity, even before the death of the Apostles, the light of the gospel spread over the empire. Saint Peter established his see at Rome, the capital of the empire, and Saint Paul carried the knowledge of Christ, within the very palace of the Ca3sars. Questions. — 1. What did Romulus do ? What happened? What continued ? By whom was the republic overtlirown ? 2. During- the reig-n of Augustus what is said ? What happened shortly after the promal^'ation of Christianity? 166 ital^. 8. Many of the Roman emperors were wicked and cuel, and raised violent persecutions against the Chris- tians. During the first persecution under the tyrant Nero, Saint Peter and Saint Paul, the two illustrious Apostles suffered death. Saint Peter was crucified with his head downwards, but Saint Paul, being a Roman citizen, had the honor of dying by the sword. During the reign of Constantine the great, an end was put to the persecution of the Christians, and Christianity became the religion of the Roman empire. 4. Constantine built the city of Constantinople, which he called after his own name, and made it the capital of the Roman empire. From this period the empire was generally governed by two emperors, the one residing at Constantinople, and the other at Rome. But, by thus dividing the power, the empire was greatly weakened. A race of people from the north of Germany, called the Goths, emerging from their forests, began to make in- roads upon the fertile plains of Italy, and under Alaric their king, they carried their devastations to the very walls of Rome. 5. This famous city, which for ages had been the mistress of the world and had enriched herself with the spoils of nations, was now besieged and finally taken by a people, who had often trembled at the terror of her name. In 476, another barbarous race, called the Heruli, overran Italy, conquered the country, and com- pelled Romulus Augustus, the last of the Roman emperors, to resign his crown, while Odoacer, their leader, assumed the title of the king of Italy. This event terminated the Roman empire of the west. The city of Rome and a portion of Italy, were wrested from the Goths, during the reign of Justinian, emperor of Con- Questions,— 3. What is said of the Roman emperors? Of St. Peter gind St. Paul ? In the reio-n of Constantine, what took pl^ce ? 4. What did Constantine do ? What did a race from the north do ? 5. What is said of the city ? In 476, what took place ? ITALY. 167 stantlnople. Italy continued .for many years, to be gov- erned by persons appointed by the emperors of Con- stantinople. 6. About the middle of the eighth century, the Lom- bards extended their conquests over a great part of Italy, and carried their ravages to the very walls of Rome. In their distress, the Roman people applied for assistance to the emperor of Constantinople, in whose name the government of Rome was still exercised. The emperor, however, neglected to send them aid, and they were compelled to apply for assistance to Pepin, the king of France. Pepin immediately responded to their call, and having defeated and expelled the Lombards, he bestowed his conquered territories in Italy, on Pope Stephen, and his successors in the pontifical chair. It was in this manner the Pope was raised to the dignity of a temporal prince ; the territory which he governs, is generally called the Ecclesiastical States. 7. The Pope is not only a temporal prince, but also the head of the Catholic Church. The city of Rome has been, with some slight interruptions, the residence of the Popes, from the days of Saint Peter to the present time. Catholics throughout the world, look to Rome as the common centre of unity, and acknowledge the sov- ereign Pontiff as their common father, to whom they owe implicit obedience in all matters of religion. It is dn this account, that they are frequently called Roman Ca- tholics, to denote that they hold communion with the bishop of Rome. Catholics, however, do not hold the doctrine, that the Pope has any authority over them in temporal affairs. 8. During the middle ages, the Popes enjoyed many Questions. — 5. By whom was Italy g-overned ? 6. About the mid- dle of the eighth century, what took place ? What did the people do ? Where were they compelled to apply for assistance? What did Pepin do ? 7. What is said of the Pope ? The city of Rome ? What do Catholics do? What do they not hold ? 8. What is said of the Popea during the middle ages ? 168 ITALY. privileges and extraordinary powers. They were fre- quently applied to, as to a common friend, to settle dis- putes between contending princes, and it was even inculcated by the laws and usages of that period, that the sovereign Pontiff, on some extraordinary occasions, had the power of absolving subjects from their allegiance to their temporal princes. This doctrine, though it may aj^pear strange to us, at the present day, was frequently acknowledged by kings and emperors themselves. 9. During the pontificate of Gregory the Seventh, Henry the Fourth, of Germany, made many encroach- ments upon the rights of the church, and carried on a shameful traffic in ecclesiastical dignities, bestowing them on those, who offered him the largest sums of money. Gregory, at length, in compliance with the repeated re- quest of his oppressed subjects, excommunicated the monarch, and at the same time, absolved the Germans from their oath of allegiance to him. At the news of this event, Henry was alarmed, and hastened foulards Italy to seek a reconciliation with the Pontiff. The em- peror presented himself at the gates of the castle, and with every expression of grief, acknowledged his guilt, and manifested a willingness to make all the satisfaction in his power. 10. Gregory, who had frequently experienced the in- s^cerity of Henry, kept him in suspense for three days, at length he gave him an audience, and absolved him on certain conditions. The repentance of Henry was of short duration. He returned to Germany, and having raised a powerful army, he entered Italy, and taking the city of Rome, he caused the excommunicated bishop of Ravenna, to be declared Pope, under the title of Clement the Third. In the meantime, Gregory retired to the Questions. — 8. What power had they ? What is said of it? 9. Du- ring* the pontificate of Gregory the Seventh, what took place? What did he at leng-th do ? What did Henry do ? 10. What is said of Gre- g-cry ? Of Henry ? Where did Greg-ory retire? Italy* 169 Castle of St. Angelo, where he remained until the ar- rival of Robert Guiscard, the leader of the Normans, who compelled Henry to retire. During the unsettled state of affairs that followed, Gregory, the venerable Pontiff, removed to Salerno, where he shortly afterwards died. A few moments before he expired, the holy man made use of these words: — '' / have loved truth, and hated iniquity ; therefore I die in a strange land.'' A. D. 10S5. 11. The subsequent history of Italy presents few events of importance, until the French Revolution. The French overran the ecclesiastical states, took the city of Rome, and dragged the venerable pontiff, Pius the Sixth, into France, where he died in 1799. During the year 1809, Napoleon, the emperor of France, requested Pope Pius the Seventh, to close his harbors against Bri- tish commerce. To this the Pontiff returned a positive refusal, saying that, — '' being the father of all Christian nations, he could not, consistently with that character, become the enemy of any." 12. This magnanimous reply, so enraged the indigna- tion of the emperor, that he immediately ordered the dominions of the Pope to be annexed to the empire of France. The Pontiff was sent into exile, and remained in captivity until after the first dethronement of Napoleon, when he again returned to Rome. A. D. 1814. Questions. — 10. When and where did he die.' What were his last words.'' 11. What did the French do.'' In 1809, what did Napoleon request .-" What did the Pontiff reply .-• What is said of this reply } What became of the Pontiff.'' THE MIDDLE AGES. 1. The period, from the close of the fifth century to the beginning of the fourteenth, is generally known by the name of the Middle Ages, Some writers, however, only enumerate the ninth, tenth, and eleventh centuries, as the Middle Ages. During the greater part of this period, the different nations of Europe were either en- gaged in foreign wars, or distracted by domestic feuds. 2. The manners and customs of the people, during these ages, were very different from w;hat they are at the present day. They were not so generally educated, as persons at the present time, because they did not enjoy the same facilities of acquiring an education. Before the invention of the art of printing, all books, were tran- scribed, or written with a pen. The labor of transcribing a book was very great, and the process slow ; hence the number of books was very limited. This circumstance tended, in a great degree, to retard the progress of science. 3. It must not, however, be presumed, that the peo- ple were entirely destitute of education, or that universal ignorance, at any time, prevailed. It is true, at certain times, literature was neglected, particularly by the no- bles, who followed almost exclusively the profession of arms ; but at the same time, the most strenuous efforts were made by the clergy and the prelates of the church, to keep alive the sacred flame of science, and to diffuse instruction among the people. In the council of Toul, held in the year 859, the bishops and princes of Europe, Questions. — 1. What period is called the Middle Ages? What do Bome writers enumerate, &c.? 2. What is said of the manners, &c.? Before the art of printing-, what is said of books ? 3. What must not bt» presumed ? By whom was literature neg-lected ? What did the clerg-y do ? What was done in the council of Toul ^ THE MIDDLE AGES. 171 were earnestly recommended to establish public schools, for the purpose^ of teaching sacred science and polite literature. rTV V 4. The monasteries and abbeys, during the Middle Ages, were the asylums of learning. Here, secluded from the splendor of the court, and the turmoil of the camp, the zealous monks and virtuous nuns, taught, without distinction, the children of the rich and the poor. The branches taught to the children of those days, were of the more useful and solid kind. Of these, seven were termed the liberal arts, and were almost universally taught ; namely, grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music. Besides these, the Hebrew, the Greek, Latin, and philosophy were carefully studied. • . • ..,". •',■;-:. -r./ 5. The Middle Ages were jparticularly distinguished by the Monastic Institutions, the rise of Mahometanism, the Crusades QJidi Chivalry. Monastic Institutions. — The monasteries and ab- beys were religious institutions, designed for the recep- tion of those who desired to retire from the world, and to pass their days in prayer, and in works of penance and mortification. Those who inhabited the monasteries were called Monks ; while the occupants of the abbeys were styled JVuns. These institutions were governed by strict rules. The inmates had their A^arious duties assigned them. While some were employed in transcribing books, others were engaged in teaching in the academies, at- tached to their institutions ; others were occupied in manual labor, in attending the duties of the farm, or the garden, or other domestic affairs ; they had at the same time, certain hours set apart for devotional exercises. Questions. — i. What is said of the monasteries ? What did the Monks and Nuns do? What were the branches taug-ht, Sec? 5. By what were the Middle Asrcs disting-uished ? What were the monas- teries? Who were the Monks? The Nuns? What is said of these institutions ? How were the inmates employed ? 172 THE MIDDLE AGES. 6. Mahometanism. — Mahomet, the founder of Ma- homeianism, was. a native of Arabia, and was born at Mecca, in the year 570. He pretended that he had re- ceived a divine commission to restore the Jewish and Christian reli2:ion, which he maintained had fallen from its primitive purity. Being subject to certain fits, he attributed them to the visits of the Archangel Gabriel, by whom he pretended he was taught, but whose presence he could not bear without convulsions. 7. The two leading principles of his religion were, that " there is but one God, and that Mahomet is his prophet." The Koran, or the book which contains his doctrine, was compiled chiefly by a Nestorian Monk, as Mahomet himself could neither read nor write. He pro- pagated his religion by the sword, and stimulated the courage of his followers by the promise of a martyr's crown in paradise, to every one who should fall in battle. He even taught, ''that to fight for the faith was an act of obedience to God." 8. A popular tumult being raised against him, in his native city, Mecca, he fled to Medina. His flight on that occasion is called the Hegira, and forms the Mahometan era, which corresponds with ' the year 622 of our era. Mahomet died at Medina, in the sixty-third year of his age. A. D. 633. His tomb remains there to the present time, around which three hundred lamps are kept con- stantly burning. Questions. — 6. Who was Mahomet? What did he pretend? Be- ing" subject to fits, to what did he ascribe them ? 7. What were the leading- principles of his religion ? By whom was the Koran compiled ? How did he propag-ate his religion? What did he teach ? 8. What is his flight called, &c.? Where did he die ? What is said of his tomb ? THE CHUSADES. 1. The Crusades were military expeditions, under- taken by the Christians of Europe, for the purpose of delivering the Holy Land from the dominion of the Turks. As early as the year 637, the city of Jerusalem fell into the hands of the Saracens, but the Christians were per- mitted, for political reasons, to visit the holy places. In 1065, the city was taken by a wild and ferocious tribe of Tartars ; from this time the Christian inhabitants were exposed to every species of insult. The Christians of Europe, actuated by motives of religion, were accus- tomed to visit the places, hallowed by the footsteps, and sanctified by the tears and sufferings of the Saviour of man. But after reaching the holy city, they were ex- posed, like the other Christian inhabitants, to all the rigors of Mahometan cruelty. 2. Such was the condition of Palestine, when Peter, the Hermit, a native of Amiens, in France, undertook a ^Dilgrimage to Jerusalem. Peter was greatly moved by the sufferings of the Christians in Asia, and prevailed upon Simon, the venerable Patriarch of Jerusalem, to write to the Pope, and to the princes of Europe, for the purpose of soliciting their aid, in arresting the tyranny exercised against the Christians of the East. Peter immediately returned to Europe, and presented himself before Pope Urban the Second. He was kindly received by the pon- tiff", who readily entered into his views, and commissioned him to go forth, and preach in favor of the suffering Christians of Palestine, and the deliverance of Jerusa- lem from the hands of the infidels. Questions. — 1. What were the Crusades? In 637, what took place? And in 1065 ? What is said of the Christians of Europe ? 2. What did Peter the Hermit do? How was he received, &c.? 174 CRUSADES. 3. Peter went forth, and travelled through Italy, France, and other countries, and by his eloquence, induced thousands to engage in the sacred expedition. The sub- ject was finally brought before a council, held at Cler- mont, in France, towards the close of the year 1095. The Pope himself, addressed the assembled bishops and princes, and at the conclusion of his discourse, the whole assembly exclaimed: — ''It is the will of God!'' As a mark of their engagement, it was proposed that a cross of some red material should be worn upon the right shoulder, and from this circumstance, these wars received the name of Crusades. Such were the circumstances that called the Crusades into being. 4. Many of the most distinguished princes of Europe, at that time, engaged in the first Crusade ; among these, Raymond, count of Toulouse ; Robert, brother of the king of England ; Hugh the Great, brother of the king of France, and Godfrey, duke of Lorraine. After many difficulties, they took the city of .Jerusalem, and estab- lished there a Christian kingdom, of which the duke of Lorraine, was chosen the first king. The difficulties that surrounded the new kingdom of Jerusalem, soon obliged the Christians of Palestine to apply for aid to their breth- ren in Europe. This called forth a second Crusade. But before any effectual assistance could be rendered, Jerusalem fell again into the hands of the Turks. 5. Several other Crusades were undertaken to gain possession of the Holy City, but it was never effectually recovered ; and it remains to the pres'ent day under the dominion of the infidels. The Crusades were eight in number; and during their continuance, nearly two mil- lions of Europeans are said to have been buried in the East. Though they failed to accomplish their primary Questions. — 3. Where did he travel? Where was the subject broug-ht? What did the Pope do? From what is the word Crusade derived? 4. Who were some of the princes of Europe, at that time? What did they do? Who was chosen king-? What followed? 5. What were undertaken? What was the number of the Crusades? CHIVALRY. 175 object, they were, however, in many respects beneficial to the people of Europe. By the frequent voyages to Palestine, the arts of navigation and ship building, were rapidly improved; hence, from this period, may be dated the great commercial prosperity of many of the nations of Europe. 6. Chivalry, or Knighthood, was a militaiy institution which prevailed in Europe during the Middle Ages. Its early history is involved in obscurity; but its leading features may be traced to the Gothic nations, among which, the profession of arms alone was deemed honora- ble. Chivalry embraced several orders of knights, some of which remain to the present day. Of these, the Knights Hospitallers, afterwards distinguished as the Knights of Malta, and the Knights Templars, were the most distin- guished. The principal object of these orders, was to protect and defend the Christians of the Holy Land, against the attacks and the insults of the infidels. Questions. — 5. What were some of the benefits of the Crusades ? 6. What was chivalry ? What is said of its early history ? What did it embrace? What wore the most disting-uished orders? What was their object? POPULAR SCHOOL BOOKS. THE COLUMBIAN ARITHMETIC, AND INTRODUCTION TO THE COLUMBIAN ARITHMETIC, BY M. J. KERNEY, PUBLISHED AND FOR SALE BY J. W. BO N D &, CO., No. 44 Baltimore Street; AND p. J. HEDIAN, No. 2 NORTH GAY STREET, BiLZjTIZJ^ORZ:. The publishers are pleased to announce to the public, that the above hig-hly popular works have g-one throug"h several editions within the last few months. From among- the many flattering* testimonials of their merits, receiv^ed from practical teachers, the following- are select- ed. Both works have been carefully revised and corrected by the author, since the above recommendations have been received, and a Key prepared for the Columbian Arithmetic. Alexandria, Va., November \Sth, 1849. An examination of the " Columbian Arithmetic," by M. J. Kerney, has convinced vis of its sterling- utility, and we shall accordincfly make arrangcmcjits for its immediate introduction into our school, (num- bering- at present, eighty pupils.) We believe it to be second to none extant, ancl would therefore recommend it to all tf-achers of Acade- mies, &c. L. WHITTLESEY & SON. IVashingtoii, November I4th, 1849. I have examined the " Columbian Arithmetic," and "Introduction" to it, by M. J. Kerney, and consider thein excellent books ; they are ju- diciously arranged, and practical in their application. The rules are plain, sufficiently concise, and well adapted to the comprehension of 12 178 RECOMMENDATIONS. young- persons. The explanation of the theory of proportion, is sim pie, perspicuous and accurate. We intend to introduce those books into our school. JOHN SLATTERY, Principal of the Washington Seminary. Number of pupils in Washing-ton Seminary, about three hundred. J. SLATTERY. Washington, November \Zth, 1849. I have examined with much care, the " Columbian Arithmetic," by M. J. Kerney. It appears to me, to be a work of considerable merit, and is better calculated for schools of the United States, and for Counting Houses, than any other book on the subject, that I have yet seen. The g-eneral arrang-ement is systematic, and according- to the affinities of different rules. Under the impression that it is an improvement upon every other work of the kind, now before the public, I will immediate- ly adopt it in my school, numbering- at present about ninty pupils. S. B. RITTENHOUSE, Principal of the Washington Institute. Alexandria Institute, November I'ith, 1849. As an evidence of the high opinion I entertain of the " Columbian Arithmetic," by M. J. Kerney, I have superceded the use of Davies', by its immediate introduction. F. KNIGHTON. After a thoroug-h examination of the Columbians, by M. J. Ker- ney, I am fully prepared to g-ive them the preference over all others of the kind, on that branch of education. I have furthermore, as an evidence of my hig-h opinion, caused m;y pupils to procure the " Intro- duction to the Columbian Arithmetic." Washington, November 5th, 1849. F. EL VANS. McLeod's Seminary, Washington, November 1st, 1849. The "Introduction to the Columbian Arithmetic," is so admirably adapted to its purpose, that we have introduced it in the place of others in this seminary. Number of pupils, over one hundred. J. O. WILSON, L. H. CHURCHILL, Associate Principals. I have examined the Arithmetics by M. J. Kerney, and unhesitatino-ly g-ive them the preference over all the various works of the kind which I nave met with. As an evidence of my approval of the work, I shall cause them to be procured by all the pupils over whom I preside. Mrs. J. McLEOD, Washington, November 2d, 1849. Select School. Alexandria, November loth, 1849. Kerney's Arithmetics have been introduced by me, after a careful ex- amination. I believe them better calculated to facilitate the pupils in that branch of education, than any others. ELLEN M. MARK. IlECOMMENDATIONS. 179 I beKeve that the Columbian series of Arithmetics, by M. J. Rerney, better calculated to assist the pupil in attaining- a knowledg-e of that branch of science, than any otner. I shall therefore u'^.e them in my school. Alexandria, Va., November Uth, 1849. A. W. HALL. I am much pleased with Kerney's Arithmetics, and think them much better adapted to the use of pupils g-enerally, than any others I have examined. RICHARD L. CARNE, Jr. St. John's Academy, Alexandria, Va., November 14th, 1S49. I am much pleased with the Arithmetics by M. J. Kerney, and shall introduce them in my school, believing- them to be better calculated to facilitate the progress of the pupil in that branch of science, than any other work on that subject. Georgetown, November ISth, 1S49. J. R. COMPTON. I have' introduced the "Introduction to the Columbian Arithmetic," into iny school, believing" it to be an excellent work for beg^inners. Alexandria, Va., November i'2th, 1849. A. K. EVANS. 1 have examined Kerney's " Columbian Arithmetic," and I consider it such a one as has been much wanted in schools. I decidedly prefer it to any heretofore used, and shall introduce it into my school, as soon as convenient. M. R. SHYNE, ... , .r^ r »,.•--< ' Navy Yard Academy. TVashingion, JD. C., November 5ih, 1849. Washington, D. C, November 6th, 1849. I have examined the " Introduction to the Columbian Arithmetic,' by M. J. Kerney, and have adopted it in preference to others. I shall also use the " Columbian Arithmetic," in my more advanced classes. Boarding and Day School of the 3Iisses HAWLEY. TVashington, D. C, November ISih, 1849. I have examined, as far as my leisure would permit, the " Colum- bian Arithmetic," and am much pleased with many features of the work. I have introduced it into my school. HENRY E. WOODBURY, Principal Washington Select School. Having" examined " Kerney's Introductory Arithmetic," thoroug-hly, I have determined to introduce it in my school, thinking- it admirably adapted to beginners. November Uth, 1849. M. C. McCORMICK. p. J. MEDIAN, PRINTER, PUBLISHER, BOOKSELLER, STATIONER, & c. j No. 2, North Gay Street, Keeps constantly on hand a well selected stock of SCHOOL AND MISCELLANEOUS BOOKS, Blank Books, Paper, Stationery, &c. All of which he is prepared to sell, wholesale and retail, at the very lowest prices and most accommodating terms. School Books and School Requisites. A well selected stock of the most approved works constantly on hand, at the very lowest prices. MISCELLANEOUS BOOKS- Comprising historical and other standard works of merit, kept constantly on hand and sold at very moder- ate prices. Books suitable for premiums, presents, &c., always on hand. PRINTING, BOOK-BINDING, &c. Executed with accuracy, neatness and despatch, at the lowest rates. (Jt^Orders from any part of the United States or Canadas will meet with prompt attention, and the most accommodating terms in ail cases may be relied on. ^496 ^ >^ (. fl. X O ■'z V- 1 6 .7 \ '^^ v^^ <, '-' f^ ° ^N, . .. ,, -i^ * 9 1 A ""' Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide \ Treatment Date: m ay OnfW PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 111 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township, PA 1 6066 (724)779-2111 O -\^ ^OO^ ,x^^' '^/ ss ,\ ^V - -^ d> if r, ^ '^' .0 •/' :i«.^^.. -b^- -■■ .v^ -*■ /A ,0o -/' •>'^ .\ .0 o. >■ ■/' N '^^ ^ •"oo^ ^ .5 -^.^ <^'^ -^^ <- ■^, -^^^