HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, OR REPUBLIC OF AMERICA CONTINUED TO THE CLOSE OF THE MEXICAN WAR BY EMMA WILLARD, NEW YORK: PUBLISHED BY A. S. BARNES & CO., No. 51 JOHN-STREET. CINCINNATI: H. W. DERBY & CO. 1849. Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1849, BY A. S. BARNES & CO., In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York. C. A. ALVORD, Printer, Corner of John and Dutch streets. Bancroft PREFACE AT a time when the accumulated mass of knowledge is great, beyond the human capacity, service is done to science, by clear ar- rangement and devices addressed to the eye. If the faculties are en- abled to seize and hold fast the frame-work of an important subject, future facts will naturally find and keep their own place in the mind, and the whole subject rest there in philosophical order. Not only is this important, as respects the particular study thus ac- quired; but as regards intellectual habits and general improvement. To accomplish these ends, with regard to the history of the Uni- ted States, is one of the main objects of the present work. Its plan is chronographically exhibited in front of the title page. The maps, included between the periods of the work, coincide in time with the branches of the subject ; and the sketches on the maps picture the events there expressed in words. But most minds find it difficult to remember dates, though ever so well arranged ; and hence experienced educationists recommend that the memory should not in this respect be overtaxed ; but that dates should rather be kept at hand in books, to be consulted as occasion requires. Hence, the importance of arrangements in printed works, by which dates may stand prominent, and be easily found. A cur- sory glance at the chronological table, and along the margin of this work, may satisfy the observer that this task has been executed with faithfulness. Every student or reader of history should begin with that of his own country ; and the history of the United States is on some ac- counts, a more safe and profitable study than that of any other nation. When the course of events is studied, for the purpose of gaining IV PREFACE. general information, the natural order of the thoughts must be regard ed, if we expect that memory will treasure up the objects of attention Each individual is to himself the centre of his own world ; and the more intimately he connects his knowledge with himself, the better will it be remembered, and the more effectually can it be rendered, in after-life, subservient to his purposes. Hence, in geography, he should begin with his own town, and pass from thence to his country, and the world at large ; in history, with the year in which he was born, and the record of the family Bible. With its dates the mother might easily connect and teach to her child some of the epochas of his coun- try. Your grandfather or your father, she might say, was born so much before or after the declaration of independence your own birth was during the administration of such a president. This would constitute the foundation of his knowledge of history and chronolo- gy; and, if well laid, it would be as enduring as the mind. Some r thing of this kind is incidentally, if not systematically, done in every family. At the period of receiving school education, the pupil having learned the epochas of his family, wants those of his country ; and these should in like manner, be connected with the leading events in the history of cotemporary nations. History and geography mutually aid each other ; and the student will naturally be earlier acquainted with the localities of his own coun- try, than with those of any other ; and the history of our Republic, pursued, as here laid down, will give a knowledge of our geogra- phy in its various stages of progression. An attention to the events of American history, in connection with geography, not only makes each better understood, and by association better remembered ; but the tendency will be to produce an improve ment in our national literature, and thus aid the growth of wholesome national feeling. From foreign novels and poems, the American too often locates the imaged excellence, which warms his heart, in the old world. But if our youth learn to connect the mental sublime of the character of their fathers, with the natural grandeur of Ameri- can scenery, some among them, will, in future life, be moved to sup- ply the deficiencies of our literature, by filling up the chasms of truth with new discoveries, or with the glowing tracery of imagination. PREFACE. History, it is said, is the school of politics. It is not, however, the mere knowledge of events j in which the student sees little con- nection, which lays a foundation for his political knowledge. It is only when he is led to perceive how one state of things, operating on human passions, leads to another, that he is prepared, when he comes into life, to look over the moving scene of the world predict the changes which are to succeed and should his be the hand of power, to reach it forth to accelerate or stop the springs of change, as he finds their tendency to be good or evil. There is no history like that of America for producing this effect ; and the young poli- tician of other countries, might begin with this, as the most easily comprehensible subject in the whole field, and that, in which effects, may with most certainty, be traced to their proper causes. The most important advantage of the study of history, is improve- ment in individual and national virtue In this respect, we come boldly forward to advocate a preference for the history of the Ameri- can Republic. Here are no tales of hereditary power and splendor to inflame the imaginations of youth with desires for adventitious distinction. Here are no examples of profligate females, where the trappings of royalty or nobility give to vice an elegant costume; or, as with the Queen of Scots, where beauty and misfortune make sin commiserated, till it is half loved. Here are no demoralizing ex- amples of bold and criminal ambition, which have " waded through blood to empire." The only desire of greatness, which our children can draw from the history of their ancestors, is to be greatly good. It is not in the formal lesson of virtue, that her principles are most deeply imbibed. It is in moments when her approach is not suspect- ed, that she is fixing her healing empire in the heart of youth. When his indignation rises against the oppressor when his heart glows with the admiration of suffering virtue it is then that he resolves never to be an oppressor himself ; and he half wishes to suffer, that he toe may be virtuous. No country, ancient or modern, affords examples more fitted to raise these ennobling emotions, than America in her early settlement, and at the period of her revolution. And may not these generous feelings of virtue arise, as well re- specting nations as individuals ; and the resolution which the youth VI PREFACE. makes, with regard to himself, be made also with respect to his country, so far as his own future influence may extend ? Would the teacher excite these emotions in his pupil, let him put into his hands the history of the struggle of the United States for their independence. Though, doubtless, there were bad men in America, and those of great virtue, in England, yet, as nations, how great is the disparity in the characters delineated. Eng- land, seeking to make a filial child a slave, refuses to listen to her duteous pleadings. She deigns not even the privileges of civil- ized warfare ; but sends forth the brand, which lights the midnight fire over the heads of the sleeping family, and the tomahawk, which cleaves the head of the infant, in the presence of the mother. Eng land also descends to bribe, to flatter, to sow dissension, to purchase treason, and to counterfeit money. France, unlike her La Fayette, declared for America in success, not in misfortune ; and if at length she fought her battles, it was, that she feared and hated her enemy. Could the policy of France have prevailed, America would have found in her embrace of friendship, the pressure of death. In com parison with these old and wily nations, the character of America is that of youthful simplicity, of maiden purity ; and her future states men will say, as he reads the story, my country was the most virtu ous among the nations : this is her pride not the extent of her do- mains, or the wealth of her revenue. This is the source of that greatness, which it becomes her sons to preserve ; and when man hood shall have placed me among her guardians, I will watch that purity with jealous tenderness ; and sooner part with existence, than be made the instrument of her degradation. Hartford, May 20th 1842. CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE 1492. Sove- Soo- A. D. Paire Sove- retgns of Spain. reigns of France. 1492. COLUMBUS DISCOVERS AMERICA, . . 10 1497. The Cabots discover the continent at La- reigns of England. - o brador, 12 a 5 ^p 1498. Columbus discovers the continent in South HH H > Pi America. Americus Vespucius receives * Sal M the honor belonging to Columbus, of giving 9 P Oi name to the country, . . . .11 bault, settle in Florida, . . . .14 ' 2 00 1565. St. Augustine founded by Pedro Melendez, . 16 " The Spaniards destroy the French colony, g and possess the country, . . .16 *d 1567. 200 Spaniards massacred by the French, . 16 H S tr 1 H s g j~j w i i P 1578. ^ 1578. PATENT GRANTED BY QUEEN ELIZABETH TO w SIR H. GILBERT, 17 H 1583. Sir H. Gilbert takes possession of New- Ed foundland, ...... 17 ^ 1584. Sir W. Raleigh obtains a patent, and sends hH HH HH two vessels to the American coast, which receives the name of Virginia, . . 18 Vlll CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. Sove- Save- \Engl A. D Page! Save- 1585. Raleigh sends Sir Richard Grenville, who leaves a colony on the island of Roanoke, 19 1586. They return to England, . . . .19 1587. Raleigh sends a colony by Captain White, which is lost, . . . . .19 1589. Raleigh sells his patent to the London com- pany, 19 1602. Bartholomew Gosnold sails in a direct course for America, and discovers Cape Cod, .... .19 1608. 1C 1609. 1603. Henry IV. of France, grants Acadia to de Monts, 20 1604. De Monts discovers and explores the bay of Fundy, and founds Port Royal, . . 20 1606. London and Plymouth companies established, 20 1607. The Plymouth company make an ineffectu- al attempt to plant a colony at Kennebec, . 20 " The London company send a colony who discover Chesapeake Bay, and make the first effectual settlement at Jamestown, . 21 " Captain John Smith made prisoner by the Indians, and rescued by Pocahontas, . 23 The city of Quebec founded by Champlain, . 28 John Robinson and his congregation emigrate to Holland, 32 A new charter granted to the London com- pany. Lord Delaware is appointed gover- nor, 24 " The colony is reduced by famine and distress, 25 " Hudson River and Lake Champlain dis- covered, 27 1613. Pocahontas marries John Rolfe, an English- man, 26 1614. Captain Smith explores the coast from Pe- nobscot to Cape Cod, . . . .28 " A fort erected by the Dutch on the site of New York, . .... 66 1615. Fort Orange built near the site of Albany, . 66 1619. The first general assembly is called in Vir- ginia, ....... 27 1620. Convicts are sent to the colony, negroes in- troduced, and slavery commenced, . . 27 " Sept. 6, The Pilgrims sail from Plymouth (Eng.,) . 34 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. Sove- 1620. A. D. Page 1620. Dec- 14, THE PILGRIMS LAND ON PLYMOUTH ROCK, 36 " James I. grants a charter to the grand coun- cil of Plymouth for governing New Eng- land, 39 1621. A district called Mariana granted to John Mason, 39 " Treaty with Massasoit, . . . .37 " Cotton first planted in Virginia, . . 56 1622. Gorges and Mason obtain a charter of Maine and New Hampshire. They send a colo- ny to the river Piscataqua, . . .40 " Indian conspiracy, which nearly proves fatal to the colony of Virginia, . . .56 1624. London company dissolved, and Virginia be- comes a royal province, . . .57 1625. Death of Robinson, 38 1627. Swedes and Fins colonize the west side of the Delaware river, . . . .54 1628. Patent of Massachusetts obtained, and the first permanent settlement of that colony commenced at Salem by John Endicot and others, ...... 40 1629. A royal charter is granted to the Massachu- setts company, . . . . .40 " Charlestown, (Mrss.,) founded, . . 41 " The Dutch colonize the west side of the Delaware river, 54 1630. Carolina granted to Sir Robert Heath, . 94 1631. Clayborne plants a colony on Kent Island, . 54 " The Dutch erect a trading fort at Hartford, 46 1632. Maryland granted to Lord Baltimore, . 55 1633. First house built in Connecticut at Windsor, 46 " Patent of Connecticut granted to English noblemen, ...... 46 1636. Roger Williams founds Providence, . . 45 1634. Settlement of Maryland begun, . . 55 Jesuit missionaries preach to the Hurons, . 90 1635. Three thousand persons emigrate to New England, 43 1 Henry Vane chosen governor, . . .43 Grand council of Plymouth surrender their charter to the crown, . . . .58 Fort Saybrook erected, . . . .47 1636. Hooker, Haynes, and others, settle Hartford, 48 1637. Pequod war, 49 Sove- reigns of England CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. Sove- reigns oj France. A. D. Page 1638. Rhode Island settled by Clarke, Coddington, and others, ...... 54 1638. Harvard college founded, . . .53 " Exeter in New Hampshire founded by Wheetright, 54 1639. New Haven settled by Eaton, Davenport, and others, 52 " Mrs. Hutehinson's theological "disturbance" in Massachusetts, . . . .53 1640. Montreal founded, 90 1641. New Hampshire and Massachusetts unite, . 54 1643. 1643. THE CONFEDERACY BEGUN BY THE UNION OF PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS, CONNECTI- CUT, AND NEW HAVEN, . . .60 " Indians make war on the Dutch, . . 67 " Battle of Strickland's Plain, . . .68 1644. Roger Williams obtains a charter for the Rhode Island and Providence plantations, 75 1645. Clayborne occasions an insurrection in Mary- land, 64 " Peace established between the Dutch and Algonquins, through the mediation of the Mohawks, 68 " Superstition respecting witchcraft com- mences, 99 1646. John Elliot teaches the Indians at Nonan- tum, 78 1649. A part of Virginia granted to Lord Culpepper, and others, 62 " Indian massacres at St. Louis, and St. Ig- natius, . . . . . .91 1651. Navigation act oppresses the colonies, . 61 " The general court at Hartford pass excellent laws respecting common schools, . . 101 1651. Civil war in Maryland, and subversion of the proprietary government, . . .65 " The Puritans persecute the Quakers, . 89 1657. Elliot translates the Bible into the Indian language, 78 1662. Winthrop obtains a liberal charter for Con- necticut and New Haven, . . .77 1663. Carolina granted to Lord Clarendon and others, 94 1664 Dutch conquer the Swedes on the Delaware, 68 reigns of England. CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. XI reigns ofireigns Spam. France. A. D. Pag 1664. Patent granted to the Duke of York. He sends Colonel Nichols, who takes New Amsterdam, which is named New York, . " New Jersey granted to Berkeley and Carteret, 73 1665. Lake Superior discovered by Father Al- louez, 91 1667. The patent of Carolina extended to the 36, 9^ 1668. St. Mary's founded, also a mission at Green Bay, ....... 92 1673. The Mississippi discovered by Marquette, . 92 1670. An attempt to introduce Mr. Locke's consti- tution, 95 1675-76. King Philip's war, .... 79 Three of the Regicides come to America, . 83 1675. John Washington provokes the Indians to war, 62 1676. New Jersey divided into East and West Jersey, 74 Bacon's rebellion, 63 1677. Virginia obtains a new charter, . . 64 Massachusetts purchases Maine, . . 83 ? 1678. Andross usurps the government of the Jer- seys, 74 ( 1679. New Hampshire becomes a royal province, . 83 Randolph sent as inspector of customs in New England, 84 1680. Charleston (S. C.,) founded, ... 95 1681. Penn receives from Charles II. a grant of Pennsylvania, 71 Penn reclaims the Jerseys for the proprietors, 74 L682. He receives a grant of the territories, . 71. " He arrives in America, . . . .71 " Philadelphia founded, . . . .72 " East Jersey purchased by the Quakers, and managed by Penn, 74 " The charter of Massachusetts annulled, . 84 1684. La Salle visits and names Louisiana, . 93 1686. Sir E. Andros made governor-general. Tyrannizes over New England, . . 84 1687. Andros attempts to deprive Connecticut of her charter, 83 1688. New York and New Jersey under the juris- diction of Andros, 85 " English revolution, 85 " King William's war, . . . .96 1689. Andros and Randolph imprisoned, . . 85 " Connecticut and Rhode Island resume their charters, 86 "< Xll CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. Sovc- | Sove- ' reigns o, France. 'agns < Spain. A. D. Page 1689. The government of New York seized by Jacob Leisler, 87 1690. Governor Frontenac sends three parties which destroy Schenectady, (N. Y.,) Salmon Falls, (N. H.) and Casco, (Maine,) 97 " A Congress meets at Albany, . . .97 '* Sir William Phipps' unsuccessful invasion of Canada, 98 " French Protestants settle in Virginia and Carolina, 96 1691. Sloughter governor of New York. Leisler executed, 88 1692. 1692. MASSACHUSETTS OBTAINS A NEW CHARTER WITH EXTENDED LIMITS, BUT RESTRICTED PRIVILEGES, 99 " Bexar, in Texas, founded by the Spaniards, 397 " Delusion respecting witchcraft, .... 99 " Penn deprived of the government of Penn- sylvania for two years, .... 108 1693. Mr. Locke's celebrated constitution for Carolina abrogated, .... 95 " Governor Fletcher introduces episcopacy into New York, . . . .106 1695. Rice brought into Carolina from Africa, 109 1C97. Peace of Ryswick terminates King Wil- liam's war, ..... 103 1698. Piracies of Kid, 106 1699. Pensacola settled by the Spaniards, . .112 1701. Penn grants a new charter to Pennsylvania, 108 1702. The Jerseys united and joined to N. Y., . 107 " England at war with France and Spain, 103 " In America, Queen Anne's war, . .103 " Governor Moore of South Carolina makes an unsuccessful attempt on St. Augustine, 109 " Mobile founded by d'Iberville, with a colo- ny of Canadian French, . . .112 " Controversies in Massachusetts between the governor and the assembly, . .114 1703. Appalachian Indians are subdued, . .110 " The territories separate from Pennsylvania, and are called Delaware, . . .108 1704. Deerfield destroyed, . . . .103 1706. Episcopacy introduced into Connecticut, . 102 Sove- reigns of England. CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. Xlll Sove- reigns o Spain. A. D. Page 1706. French and Spaniards invade Carolina, . 110 1707. A French colony settle at Detroit, . . 113 1708. Saybrook Platform, . . . . . 103 1710. German palatines settle in the colonies, . 104 1712. Indian war in North Carolina. The Tus- caroras defeated ; unite with the Iroquois, 110 1713. Fortresses of Crown Point and Niagara built by the French, . . . .113 " Peace of Utrecht closes Queen Anne's war, 104 1715. Indian war in South Carolina. The Ya- massees expelled ; settle in Florida, . Ill 1716. Natchez founded 112 1717-20. Father Railed war, . . . .105 1718. New Orleans founded, . . . .112 1719-20. Carolina revolts, and a royal government is established, .... " Irish emigrants settle at Londonderry, (N.H.) 1723. First settlement made in Vermont, 1729. North and South Carolina erected into sepa- rate governments, . . . .112 1732. Company formed in England for the settle- ment of Georgia, 116 1733. 1733. BY FlRST SETTLEMENT OF GEORGIA MADE OGLETHORPE, 1736. Scotch and Germans settle in Georgia, 1738. Insurrection of the blacks in Carolina, 1740. Oglethorpe invades Florida, and makes an unsuccessful attempt on St. Augustine, . 1740. The Moravians settle in Pennsylvania, 1742. A Spanish fleet invades Georgia, but re- tires with loss, . 1744. War between England and France, . " Old French war, 1745. The colonists under Colonel Pepperell take Louisburg and Cape Breton from the French, 1748. Peace restored by the treaty of Aix la Cha- pelle, .'..... 1750. Conflicting claims of the French and Eng- lish. Ohio company 1753. Washington sent by Dinwiddie as an envoy to the French, 1754. THe French erect Fort du Quesne. Wash- ington defeats a French party headed by de Jumonville, 117 118 118 118 143 118 121 121 122 122 122 125 127 Sove- rigiu of XIV CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. A. D. 1754. 1755. 1756. 1757. 1758. 1759 Washington capitulates at Fort Necessity, Delegates from seven provinces meet at Albany. They propose a plan of union for the colonies which is rejected by Conn., July, Braddock's defeat, .... War with the Cherokees, The French, under Dieskau, totally de- feated at Lake George, Formal declaration of war between France and England, . The massacre of Fort William Henry, July 6, Louisburg taken by the English un- der General Amherst, .... July 5, Abercrombie repulsed at Ticonde- roga, and death of Lord Howe, Aug. 27, Fort Frontenac taken by Colonel Bradstreet, Nov. 25, Fort Duquesne taken by the English, Sept. 13, Wolfe wins the battle on the Heights of Abraham, and loses his life, . Page 127 128 130 131 132 132 134 136 136 136 137 140 141 Save- eigns of England. 1760. Sept. 8, Canada surrenders to Great Britain, " Massachusetts opposes the issuing of writs of assistance, 147 1761. Cherokees subdued, 142 1763. 1763. THE PEACE OF PARIS, . 144 " Pontiac's war, 142 1764. Duties laid on sugar, molasses, &c. violent- ly opposed in the colonies, . . .148 1765. Parliament passes the stamp act, . .149 " May 29, Patrick Henry's five resolutions, . 150 " October, First continental congress meet at New York, 151 1766. Stamp act repealed ; but parliament claims a right to bind the colonies, . . .152 1767. Duties laid on tea, painter's colors, &c. . 154 1768. Non-importation agreements extensively adopted, 154 " Sept. 22, A convention held at Boston, . 155 " Sept. 28, British troops stationed at Boston, 155 1770. March 5, Affray with British troops at Boston, 156 " Parliament removes duties before imposed, except those on tea, . . . .156 " War between the Senecas and Cherokees, 277 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. IV rngns oj Spain. Sove- reigns of France Sove- A. D. Page reigns of 1773. Attempts of the British to import tea into the colonies ; the cargoes of three ships are thrown overboard at Boston, . .157 1774. Parliament shuts the port of Boston, , . 157 " Sept. 4, A congress assemble at Philadel- phia. They promulgate "The Bill of Rights," and petition the king. . .159 1775. April 18, The war commences. Battle of Lexington, 165 " May 10, Ticonderoga and Crown Point taken by the Americans, . . .167 " Congress again meet at Philadelphia, . 167 " Royal governments laid aside in the south- ern colonies, 167 " Large reinforcements of British troops ar- rive in Boston, ..... 168 " June 15, Washington made commander-in- chief, 169 " June 17, Battle of Bunker's Hill, . . 168 " Dr. Franklin the first postmaster-general, 171 " Nov. 13, Arnold appears before Quebec, but is forced to retire, . . . .172 u Dec. 31, Americans defeated at Quebec, and Montgomery killed, . . .173 " The Delaware Indians determine to receive the gospel from the Moravians, . . 278 1776. Jan. 1, Norfolk, Virginia, burned by the royalists, 175 United States. O 8i March 17, British evacuate Boston, June, Americans leave Canada, June 28, British repulsed at Fort Moultrie, Washington fixes his head-quarters at New York 176 177 178 178 777. 1776. July 4, THE DECLARATION OF INDEPEN- DENCE, 179 Aug. 27, Battle of Long Island. The Americans defeated, . . . .183 Sept. 15, British enter New York, . .185 Oct. 28, Skirmish at White Plains, . .186 Nov. 16, Fort Washington taken by the British, . . . . '-. .187 Washington retreats across New Jersey, . 187 Dec. 26, He defeats the British at Trenton, 189 Jan. 3, At Princeton, .... 190 April 26, Danbury, Connecticut, burned, and stores taken by the British, . . 193 XVI CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. Sove- r*gn* o/l France A. D. 1777. GO 1778. 1777. 1778. 1779. Page La Fayette espouses the American cause, . 194 July 5, Americans evacuate Ticonderoga ; July 7, are defeated at Hubbardton, . 197 Aug. 3, St. Leger invests Fort Stanwix ; Aug. 6, General Herkimer is defeated, . 196 Aug. 16, Battle of Bennington, . . 198 Sept. 11, Battle of Brandy wine, . . 203 Sept. 10, Battle of Stillwater, . . .200 Sept. 26, British enter Philadelphia, . . 205 Oct. 4, Battle of Germantown, . . 205 Oct. 7, Battle of Saratoga, . . .200 Oct. 17, Burgoyne surrenders his army, . 201 Oct. 22, British repulsed at Red Bank, . 206 Nov. 16, Americans abandon Mud Island, and on the 18th Fort Mercer, . .206 Dec. 11, Washington retires to winter-quar- ters at Valley Forge, .... 207 Intrigues against Washington by Conway and others, 208 Vermont declares itself independent, . . 257 Feb. 6, Treaty of alliance with France, . 211 Parliament sends three commissioners to bribe and corrupt the Americans, . .212 June 18, British evacuate Philadelphia, . 213 June 28, Battle of Monmouth, . . .213 A French fleet, under d'Estaing, arrives, . 214 Aug. 9, Sullivan invades Rhode Island. Is disappointed in not receiving the co-ope- ration of the French fleet evacuates the Island, 214 Dec. 29, Savannah taken by the British, . 217 Sunbury taken by the British, which com- pletes the subjugation of Georgia, . 217 Port Royal unsuccessfully attacked by the British, 217 March 3, General Prevost surprises the Americans, under Ashe, at Briar Creek, 219 May 12, Prevost attempts to take Charles- ton, 219 June 1, Clinton takes Stony and Verplank's Points, 220 June 20, Indecisive engagements between the armies of Lincoln and Prevost at Stono Ferry, 219 July, The British make a descent upon Connecticut, 220 July, War of the French and English in the West Indies, 222 July 2, French capture Grenada, . . 223 Sove- reign, of England. CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. XV11 Sove- reigns France. United States. A. D. 1779, 1780. 1781. Page July 15, The Americans, under Wayne, take Stony Point, 221 Unsuccessful expedition against the British at Penobscot, ... .221 Aug. 29, Sullivan defeats the Indians*, and desolates their country, . . 222 Sept. 23, Paul Jones' naval battle, . . 225 Oct. 9, The French and Americans repulsed from Savannah, 224 Congress beset by the intrigues of France and Spain, 227 May 7, Fort Moultrie surrenders to the British, .229 May 12, Charleston surrenders to the British, 230 May 28, Tarleton surprises Buford atWac- saw, 230 Clinton establishes a royal government in South Carolina, 230 June 23, Skirmish at Springfield, N. J. be- tween Greene and Knyphausen, . .231 Congress sanctions the depreciation of pa- per currency, 231 July 10, A French squadron, under the Count de Rochambeau, arrives at Rhode Island, 233 Aug. 6, Sumpter defeats the British at Hanging Rock, 334 Aug. 16, Gates defeated by Cornwallis near Camden, S. C 235 Aug. 18, Tarleton surprises and defeats Sumpter at Fishing Creek, . . . 236 Sept. Arnold's treason discovered at West Point, 238 Oct. 2, Andre" executed as a spy, . . 239 Oct. 7, Tories defeated at King's Mountain, N. C 240 Revolt of the Pennsylvania troops, . . 243 Jan. 4, Arnold devastates Virginia, . . 250 Robert Morris made treasurer. Congress raise money by borrowing from France and Holland, 343 Jan. 17, Tarleton defeated by Morgan at Cowpens, S. C 244 Cornwallis pursues the Americans across the Carolinas, 245 March 15, Battle of Guilford C. H. (Greene and Cornwallis,) 246 Lafayette opposes the British in Virginia, . 251 April 25, Americans surprised and defeated at Hobkirk's Hill, (Greene and Rawdon,) 247 May 10, Camden evacuated by the British, 248 Sove- reign* XV111 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. United States. A. D. 1781. CO 10 O ffi H C 1782. 1783. u 1784. 1786. 1787. 1789. Forts Watson, Georgetown, and Motte ca- pitulate to the Americans, June 5, Augusta taken by the Americans, Aug. 4, Execution of Colonel Hayne, Aug. 23, Cornwallis enters Yorktown, Sept. 5, Partial action between the English and French fleets off the Capes of the Chesapeake, Sept. 6, Forts Trumbull and Griswold taken by ihe British, and New London burned, Sept. 8, Battle of Eutaw Springs, S. C. (Greene and Stuart,) . Oct. 6, Yorktown besieged, Oct. 19, Cornwallis surrenders to the allies, April 19, Treaty with the states of Holland, Newourg address and meeting of officers, . Inhuman massacre of the Indian converts of the Moravian brethren Unsuccessful attempt to persuade Washing- ington to become a king, Jan. 20, Preliminary articles of peace signed at Versailles, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, and Russia ac- knowledge the independence of the U. S. Sept. 3, Definitive treaty of peace signed, . Nov. 3, American army disbanded, Nov. 25, British evacuate New York, Dec. 23, Washington resigns, The U. States are encumbered with a heavy debt, which occasions great distress, Delegates from five of the middle states meet at Annapolis to concert measures for amending the government, Shays' rebellion, A convention at Philadelphia frame the con- stitution of the United States, Eleven states adopt the federal constitution, Page 248 248 249 252 253 254 250 255 256 259 261 279 261 260 263 260 263 263 263 264 265 265 265 267 1789. " THE FINAL ADOPTION OF THE FEDERAL CON- STITUTION, 269 " April 30, Washington's first inauguration, . 270 " The president visits New England, . . 272 " Nov. North Carolina accedes to the con- stitution, 272 1790. Mr. Hamilton's system for funding the national debt adopted, .... 273 " May, Rhode Island accedes to the constitu- tion, . ... 274 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. xii Save gns of Prm- de/rfs of A. D. 1790. Aug. 7, Treaty with the Creek Indians, . Page 275 Sove- reign* ranee. the U. S. (i Dec. 6, Kentucky an independent govern't, 275 Lnglam *V^- / wv^ 1791. Duties laid on distilled spirits, . 274 '^^v^ a f B O U General Harmar defeated by the Indians, . 280 a ej (( A National Bank established, . 275 S*^ (( Vermont admitted to the Union, 276 P3 1792. Kentucky admitted to the Union, 281 CM <( Capt. Grey discovers the Columbia river, . 403 s " A mint established by congress, 281 w ,_. 5 o 1793. Washington's second inauguration, . 281 H-* ' April, M. Genet, the French minister, in- o A fl en . sults the American government, 282 gM ? (4 April 22, Washington issues a proclamation o M GO of neutrality, ..... 281 f ' S 1794. Insurrection in Pennsylvania on account of 3 duties on distilled spirits, 283 U General Wayne defeats the Indians in Ohio, 284 e 1794. Nov. 19, A treaty of amity and commerce 70 concluded with Great Britain by Mr. Jay, 285 1795 Treaty with Algiers, . . 286 o " Oct. 27, Treaty with Spain, 286 ^ 1796. Tennessee admitted to the Union, 286 i " Washington publishes his " Farewell Ad- 3 dress," 287 O a 9 1797. March 4, John Adams inaugurated, . 288 o H it Mission to France, .... 289 a 1 o 1798. Congress prepare for war with France, 289 5 hrl W n Feb. 10, French frigate, 1'Insurgente, cap- LrJ ^ tured by the U. S. frigate Constellation, . 289 t f> 44 Sept. 30, Treaty with France, 289 5 1799. Dec. 14, Death of Washington, 290 g 1800. Seat of government transferred to the Dis- CO trict of Columbia, .... 290 " Mississippi and Indiana erected into terri- WO 291 11 1801. March 4, Mr. Jefferson's first inauguration, 293 ^r War with Tripoli, 295 H H 1802. Ohio admitted to the Union, 293 H? hH HH " Difficulty with the Spanish government 3^ O g respecting the right of deposit at New S 2 293 Hg CO Is ^ % o S 1803. pto H 1803. THE PURCHASE OF LOUISIANA, . 294 CO United States' frigate Philadelphia cap- o tured by the Tripolitans, 295 ? 1804. Decatur recaptures and burns the Phila- delphia at Tripoli, .... 295 U Commodore Preble bombards Tripoli, 296 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. Sove- I Presi- A. D. reigns of dents of 1804. A France. Me U. S.I >^NfW ^^^ 1805. J " 'I 1806. C 2 " A t> Hi " I 3 ^ 1807. A *i w " T B j " A 3 i " H " 1 25 1809. H " I J> // "I s 1 " 1 F 1810. B s; w gj " "fi TJ r H 1811. J C H S?0 ^^ " IS g J/ CO " C & 1812. g a % " 1 ^ " J " J " J " J u " 1 u u H Alexander Hamilton killed in a duel with Aaron Burr, . . 296 Jefferson's second inauguration, -; ki . 397 The Americans, under Eaton, aid the ex bashaw of Tripoli. They take Derne. . 296 Great Britain searches American vessels, and impresses American seamen, . . 298 May, The British blockade the French coast, 298 Nov. 21, French decree issued at Berlin; blackading the British isles, . . . 298 Aaron Burr tried for conspiracy and ac- quitted, 298 June 22, Outrage committed upon the United States' frigate Chesapeake, . . .299 Nov. 11, British orders in council issued, . 299 Milan decree, 300 Dec. 22, American government lay an em- bargo, 300 March 4, Mr. Madison inaugurated, . . 300 Embargo repealed, and non-intercourse law substituted, 300 Decree of Rambouillet issued, . . . 300 April, Arrangement with Mr. Erskine, . 300 May, Act of congress renewing the inter- course with Great Britain and France whenever either should repeal their de- crees, 301 French decrees repealed, .... 301 May 16, Attack on the United States' frigate President, 301 Nov. 7, Battle of Tippecanoe (Harrison and the Indian Prophet,) .... 302 Congress prepare for war with England, . 303 Secret mission of Great Britain to divide the Union disclosed by John Henry, the agent, 303 April, embargo laid, 304 June 18, War declared against Great Britain, 304 June 23, Orders in council revoked, . .317 June 26, America makes overtures for peace, 317 July 12, General Hull invades Canada, . 308 July 17, Mackinaw taken by the British, . 308 Aug. 9, Battle of Maguaga, (Miller and Te- cumseh,) ...... 309 Aug. 15, Chicago abandoned ; the garrison killed or taken by the Indians, . . 309 Aug. 16, Hull surrenders Detroit to the British, 310 Aug. 19, United States' frigate Constitution captures the British frigate Guerriere, . 311 Save- 28EJ CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. XXI Sove- France' A. D. 1812. Sept. 4, The savages are defeated at Fort Harrison, ...... " Sept. 7, The United States' frigate Essex captures the British sloop of war Alert, . " Oct. 2, Hopkins' expedition against the Kickapoos, ...... " Oct. 18, United States' ship Wasp captures the British ship Frolic, and both are afterwards taken by the Poictiers, " Oct. 25, The frigate United States captures the British Macedonian, " Unsuccessful attempt of General Smyth to invade Canada, ..... " Dec. 29, The United States' frigate Consti- tution captures the Java, 1813. Jan. 22, Battle and massacre of French- town, (Winchester and Proctor,) . " The British destroy stores at Ogdensburg, New York, " Feb. 23, The Hornet captures the British sloop-of-war Peacock, .... " Delaware and Chesapeake bays blockaded, " March 4, Madison's second inauguration, . " April 10, Attack on Lewiston, Delaware, . " April 27, Americans take York, U. C. ; General Pike killed, .... " May 1, Fort Meigs besieged, . " British ravage the coast of the Chesapeake, " May 27, Fort George surrenders to the Americans, ...... " May 28, Fort Erie surrenders to the Ameri- Page 314 312 314 315 315 315 316 320 323 328 327 320 327 324 321 327 324 324 324 1812. 1813. The British are repulsed at Sackett's Harbor, June 1, The United States' frigate Chesa- peake captured by the Shannon, . . 329 British, under St. Vincent, take Generals Winder and Chandler at Stony Creek, . 325 British attack Craney's Island, . . 327 June 24, Colonel Bcerstler's detachment taken by the British army at Beaver Dams, U. C 325 Aug. 1, British repulsed by Croghan at Fort Stephenson, 322 Aug. 14, United States' brig Argus taken by the Pelican, 329 Aug. 30, Indian massacre at Fort Mims, (Alabama,) 330 Sept. 4, The Enterprise captures the Brit- ish ship Boxer, 329 Sept. 10, Perry's victory on Lake Erie, 325 Sove- reigns aj England XX11 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. Sove- reigns of France. A. D 1813. 1812. 1813. 1812. 1813. 1814. Page Sept. 23, General Harrison takes possession of Maiden, Sept. 29, of Detroit, . . 326 Oct. 5, Battle of the Thames, (Harrison and Proctor); Tecumseh killed, . . 326 Commodore Chauncey captures a British flotilla on Lake Ontario, . .327 Nov. 7, Creeks defeated at Talladega, * , 331 Nov. 11, Battle of Williamsburg, U. C. . 328 Nov. 29, Creeks defeated at Autossee, Dec. 23, at Eccanachaca, . . .331 Dec. 10, Fort George evacuated by the Americans, and Newark burned, . . 328 Dec. 19, Fort Niagara taken by the British ; they destroy the towns on the Niagara frontier, 328 Feb. 21, Stores at Malone destroyed, . 334 Affair at La Colle, (General Wilkinson and Major Hancock,) 334 March 28, United States' frigate Essex taken by the British frigate Phebe, . 349 April 21, United States' ship Frolic cap- tured by a British frigate, . . 349 July 3, Americans take Fort Erie, . . 336 July 5, Battle of Chippewa, . . . 337 July 11, Commodore Hardy makes a de- scent upon the coast of Maine, . . 345 July 25, The battle of Bridgewater, . . 337 Aug. 4, The British besiege Fort Erie, . 340 Aug. 9, The British are repulsed from Stonington, 346 Aug. 15, The British are repulsed from Fort Erie, 340 Aug. 24, The battle of JJladensburg ; Washington entered and plundered by the British, 344 Aug. 27, Alexandria capitulates to the Brit- ish, 344 Sept. 11, British fleet on Lake Champlain captured by the Americans, . . . 347 Sept. 11, The battle of Plattsburg, . . 347 Sept. 12, The British are defeated near Baltimore, 345 Sept. 13, The British are repulsed from FortM'Henry, 345 Sept. 17, Sortie from Fort Erie, in which the British works are destroyed, . . 340 Nov. 7, General Jackson takes Pensacola, 353 Dec. 13, The British capture an American flotilla on Lake Borgne, . . . 354 j Dec. 15, Meeting of the Hartford Convention, 350 1 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. xxiii Sove- reigns oj France. Presi- dents oj g A. D. Page 1814. Dec. 22, The British land below New Or- leans. They repulse the Americans, . 354 1815. Jan. 8, The Battle of New Orleans, 355 " Jan. 15, United States' frigate President captured by a British fleet, . . . 357 " Feb. 1 7, Treaty of peace with Great Britain, 356 " Feb. 20, The United States' frigate Con- stitution captures the Cyane and Levant, 357 Sove- reigns England NAPOLEON June 18, 181S returns from BATTLE OF WATI Elba. The NAPOLEON AT 100 days HELENA ES MADISON. " Fort Bowyer surrenders to the British, . 356 " April 6, Massacre of the American prison- ers at Dartmoor, England, . . . 357 " War with Algiers, . . . .357 " Sept. 6, Treaties with the Indians, . . 358 1816. A National Bank established by congress, . 358 " Sept. Treaties with the Chickasaws, Choc- taws, and Cherokees, .... 358 " A new tariff is formed to encourage cotton Q ^s' " Colonization society formed, . . . 359 " Dec. Indiana admitted to the Union, . . 358 ts s K 1817. Monroe's inauguration, .... 359 " Indians cede their lands in Ohio to the U. S. 359 " The U. S. take possession of Amelia Island, 360 " General Jackson takes possession of St. Marks and Pensacola, .... 362 " War with the Seminole Indians, . .361 1818. Illinois admitted to the Union, . . .362 " Treaties concluded with Great Britain and Sweden, 362 " Chickasaws cede their lands to the U. S. . 362 1819. Alabama admitted to the Union, . . 362 " Arkansas territory erected, . . . 362 f-H 02 tH HH t ( ]S MONRO 119 " CESSION OF FLORIDA, .... 363 " The legislature of New York pass an act providing for the education of women, . 363 ra 1820. Maine becomes an independent state, . 366 1821. Missouri admitted to the Union, . . 366 " Monroe's second inauguration, . . . 366 " Anglo-American Texas founded by Stephen F. Austin and his party, . . . 398 1822. Commercial treaty with France, . . 367 " Depredations of the pirates in the W. Indies, 367 1823. Commodore Porter subdues them, . . 367 " The government of the U. States recognises the independence of the South America republics 368 1824. A new tariff formed, . . . .369 " Aug. 15, General Lafayette visits America, and is received with distinguished honors, 369 GEORGE IV., PRINCE REGENT. JLXIV CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. Sove- reigns of France. H OQ Presi- dents of the U. S. 1 A. D. Page 1825. John Quincy Adams inaugurated, . . 372 " Treaty with Colombia, . . . .372 1826. July 4, Deaths of Adams and Jefferson, . 372 " Morgan's abduction and great excitement respecting free-masonry, . . . 372 1827. July 4, Death of James Monroe, . . 372 1828. Tariff bill amended,woollens, &c. protected, 374 Sove- reigns of O H Q 1829. General Jackson's first inauguration, . 374 H = If? 01 O "d hH S H ANDREW JACKSON. 1831. Mr. Rives' treaty with France, . . 387 1832. Cholera breaks out, .... 374 " Black Hawk's war, .... 374 " The Seminoles make a treaty with the U. S. 38 1 " Nov. 19, A Convention at Columbia, S. C., issue the nullification ordinance, . . 385 " President Jackson's proclamation, . . 378 " The president vetoes the bill for a renewal of the bank charter, . . . .388 1833. Jackson's second inauguration, . . 378 " May 20, Death of General Lafayette, . 378 " Removal of the government deposites from the U. States Bank to the State Banks, . 388 " The Chickasaws and Choctaws emigrate, . 379 1835. Specie circular, 389 " Sept., Wisconsin made a territory, and Ar- kansas admitted to the Union, . . 388 " Great fire in New York, . . . .390 1835-7. Mania for land speculation, . . . 389 1835. Major Dade, General Thompson, and oth- ers, destroyed by the Indians, . . 383 " Dec. 31, General Clinch's battle of the Withlacoochee, . . . 384 h- 1 E FRENCH. 1836. Feb. 29, General Gaines' battle, . . 385 " March 2, Independence of Texas declared, 400 " March 6 and 27, Massacres of the Alamo andGoliad, 400 " April 21, Battle of SAN JACINTO, . . 400 " May ,The Creeks make war upon the whites, 387 1837. Michigan admitted to the Union, . . 388 " March 3, Independence of Texas recognised by the congress of the U. S. . . 401 2 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. XXY Presi- A. D. 1838. 1840. sp 2 a 1841 1842. 1843. r r 1844. M 1845. < <( > u (( & SJ 0) 1846. W 3 <{ R c( Page Dec. 25, Battle of Okee Chobee . . 386 Death of Stephen Van Rensselaer, and be- ginning of Anti-rent troubles in N.York, 395 March 4, Inauguration of William Henry Harrison, 391 March 11, Steamer President sails from New York, and is lost at sea, . . 392 April 4, Death of President Harrison, . 391 July 6, A bill passed to distribute the pro- ceeds of the public lands to the different states, 392 Aug. 16, President Tyler's first veto of a National Fiscal Bank, .... 392 Aug. 18, Bankrupt law passed, . . 393 Aug. 30, A tariff bill passed, . . .393 Sept. 9, Mr. Tyler's second veto of a Na- tional Fiscal Corporation, . . . 392 Sept. 12, Mr. Tyler's cabinet all resign ex- cept Mr. Webster, .... 393 Oct. 11, Failure of the old U. States Bank, 393 August 20, Ratification of the treaty with England settling the North-East boun- dary, 393| May 18, Dorr's forcible seizure of the state arsenal in Rhode Island, . . . 394 Feb. 28, Explosion on board the Princeton kills Messrs. Upshur, Gilmer, &c., . 394 May 6-June 7, Riots in Philadelphia, . 394 Anti-renters keep armed bands disguised as Indians, 395 July 7, Joe Smith, the Mormon prophet, killed at Carthage, Illinois, . . . 396 Jan. 16, Ratification of Treaty with China, 403 Feb. 28, Congress pass the joint resolution to annex Texas, ..... 402 March 3, Congress admits into the Union two states Iowa and Florida, . . 396 March 4, Inauguration of James K. Polk and George M. Dallas, . . . .401 July 30, General Taylor ordered into Texas with an armed force, .... 402 Jan. 13, General Taylor ordered to the mouth of the Rio Grande, . . . 404 March 12, Senor Lanzas writes to Mr. Sli- dell that the " casus belli" was given, . 407 April 23, Mexico declares war against the United States, 407 XXVI CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. Sove- reigns of France. Presi- dents of the U. S. A. D. 846. S^v-^ ^^^ u u U tc (( ( s cj 1C GQ S u HH fS (( E El 1C Q w u H H o W (( H 1847. 3 (c l a u (( (( u it u u u April 24, MEXICAN WAR BEGINS by Thorn- ton's capture, ;,; ;.:...., .VV i % May 8, Victory of PALO ALTO, May 9, Victory of RESACA DE LA PALMA, . May 11, President's extra message informs congress that the Mexican war had be- gun, May 13, Act of congress to raise men and money, ...... June 16, Treaty settling the northern boun- dary of Oregon, June 26, Army of the West, under General Kearny, march from Fort Leaven worth, July 6, American Californians under Fre- mont declare independence, . July 7, Monterey, in California, taken by Com. Sloat, Aug. 18, Gen. Kearny takes possession of Santa Fe, Sept. 20, Army of the Centre, under Gen- eral Wool, begins its march from Bexar, Sept. 21-2-3, THE TAKING OF MONTEREY, Armistice of Monterey, Oct. 21, General Wool takes possession of Monclova Dec. 5. of Parras, Nov. 22, Doniphan's treaty with the Nava- f jo Indians, ...... Dec. 6, Battle of SAN PASCAL, Dec. 25, Battle of Bracito, Jan. 8, Battle of SAN GABRIEL, Jan. 19, Revolt in New Mexico, and mas- sacre of Gov. Bent and others, Jan. 24-Feb. 5, Colonel Price's victories at Canada, Embudo, and Puebla de Taos, . Feb. 22-3, Battle of BUENA VISTA, . Feb. 26, Battle of Agua Frio, . Feb. 28, Battle of SACRAMENTO, March 7, Battle of Ceralvo, ". March 27, VERA CRUZ surrenders to the American army under General Scott, . March 28, Sloop-of-war Jamestown sent with provisions to Ireland, which was suffering from famine, . . . April 18, Battle of CERRO GORDO, . April 19, American army enters Jalapa 22, they enter Perote May 15, enter Puebla, 407 409 409 407 407 404 422 421 421 423 415 411 415 426 424 427 424 428 428 420 420 427 420 430 443 430 431 Sove- eigns of England CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. XXVII Sove- Presi- A. D. Page Sove- reigns of France. dent of 1847. Aug. 20, Battles of CONTRERAS and CHU- reigns of England. >^ v ^/ v^^V^^ 1 RUBUSCO, 434 S ^^V^^ / g Sept. 8, Battle of MOLINOS DEL REY, 436 Wr Sept. 13, Battle of CHAPULTEPEC, . 436 S3 (t Sept. 14, MEXICO TAKEN, 437 >-a > i< Oct. 9, Battle of Huamantla 18, of Atlisco, 441 a M 1848. Feb. 2, Treaty of peace with Mexico is ^ 5 Ul signed at Guadalupe 22, laid by Presi- O r w dent Polk before the senate of the Uni- Q * ted States, 441 Feb. 23, Death of Ex-president J. Q. Ad- > tr 1 ams, 441 * March 16, Battle of Santa Cruz de Rozales, 442 u May 29, Wisconsin admitted into the Union, 442 (1 July 4, PEACE PROCLAIMED AT WASHINGTON, 443 * Louis Philip ceased to reign February 22, 1848. France since that time declares herself a republic. according to tradition, descended from the Lenni Lenape, spoke, though in various dialects, one primitive lan- guage, called by the French the Algonquin. Hence this term in nearly its whole extension, has been applied to that race, which has since received, also, the name of Delawares. The Indians possessed no books, or written manuscripts. All their literature consisted of traditionary tales, and a few war songs. According to these, the great nation of the Lenni Lenape Lenape, once dwelling far to the west, moved eastward, and and after travelling a great distance, arrived on the borders Mengwe Q f ^ Mississippi. Here they met with the Mengwe or Iro- quois, another powerful people, who with similar objects had also emigrated from a far distant western country, and had reached the same river somewhat nearer its source. The territory east of the Mississippi was inhabited by the Allege wi, a powerful nation, who had many large cities, and whose warriors, says the tradition, were of gigantic sta- ture. The Lenape requested permission to settle in their country, but were refused. Determined to force their way, subdue the they entered into an alliance with the Mengwe. The Allege wi Allegewi, f ort jfi ec i ^1,. towns, and made a brave resistance. Many great battles were fought, and the slain laid in heaps, and covered with mounds of earth. The Allegewi, at length, totally over- come, fled down the Mississippi, and never returned, and divide The two victorious nations now divided the country be- theterritory. tween them. The Iroquois took possession of that along the FROM THE WEST TO THE EAST. 3 lakes, and the St. Lawrence, and extended themselves by CHAP. i. degrees through the valleys of their tributary streams ; while ^^->j^-/ the Lenape sent forth some of their more enterprising hunts- men, who crossed the mountains, and discovered noble streams running to the south and east. These they traced to the At- lantic, or Salt Water Lake. To the Delaware they gave the name of Lenapehittuck, or the rapid river of the Lenape. Locations Making this their centre of communication, they extended of the themselves to the Potomac, Susquehannah, and Hudson. Lenape - In process of time, they divided into three tribes, the Turtle, Turkey, and Wolf. The two former occupied the ground be- tween the sea-coast and the mountains, while the Wolf or Minsi tribe, held their council-lire at Miriisink, about twenty- five miles west of Newburgh on the Hudson. But when those regions became peopled by Europeans, the Delawares gradually drew off towards the west, and about 1770 their seat of empire was in the eastern parts of Ohio. With these confederacies others were allied : as the Mohi- canni or Mohegans, who spread themselves east of the Hud- ~ ft , . .. , i-i T i i i i <-)t the tnbes son, arid those branches which extended to the southern and W h styled eastern shores of New England, who were all styled the grand- themselves children of the original Lenape. This nation also extended its tribes southerly, and gave rise to the powerful confedera- cies which occupied the country bordering on the Chesa- peake. In the meantime the Mengwe, or Iroquoi~ who at first settled along the lakes, had extended their borders until they j roquo i s> approached in many points near to the Lenape. They con- quered a powerful nation called Hurons, Adarondacks, or Conquerrhe Wyandots, which are the only people on the eastern coast, Hurons. says the Indian tradition, who were not descendants of the Mengwe and Lenape. Disputes at length arose between the Delawares and Iro- quois, and a war ensued, of which different accounts are giv- en by the two nations. This singular fact appears in authen- tic history, that the Delawares, though greatly respected and Iroquois in- honored with the appellation of grandfather by many tribes, awarestobe were yet, by their own acknowledgment, reduced, in regard the Women, to making war, to the condition of women. The Iroquois tlxat the y boasted that their prowess had obliged the Delawares to as- serve peace, surne this feminine state. But the Delawares gave a relation, which seems more in accordance with the respect voluntarily granted them, and the weight given to their counsels. GrieV' ous wars, say they, had wasted both nations, and the Iroquois sent them this message : " It is not profitable that all the nations should be at war with each other, for this will at length be the ruin of the whole Indian race. We have there- fore considered a remedy. One nation shall be the WOMAN. We will all defend the woman. She shall make no war, but she shall speak words of peace, to heal the disputes of those 4 TRADITION AND HISTORY COINCIDENT. CHAP. i. who are walking in foolish ways. The men shall then heai, v-^^^-' and obey the woman." Dewares The Delawares consented ; a counsel followed, in which the Iroquois declared in their figurative style, " we dress you in a woman's long habit, we give you oil, and medicines ; and a plant of Indian corn, with a hoe. To your care we commit the great belt of peace, and chain of friendship." Perhaps we may refer to this period the date of that great and good traditionary chieftain of the Delawares, who, under Tamenend. the name of Tamenend, has had his festivals, even recently, celebrated in " Tammany" Halls, with his emblem, the tail of the buck, worn as a badge of party distinction. Thus far we follow the traditions of the Indians. Like those of other barbarous nations they probably contain a mixture of error and truth ; yet there is a simplicity in the Coincidence story which favors its probability, and in its main features it of tradition coincides, as we have seen, with the most probable hypothe- Wehisto'*" s * s concermn g the first peopling of America : the Allegewi being supposed a former, and more civilized race, who came in early ages through Tartary, Bhering's Straits and the north- ern part of this continent to the Mississippi and its waters ; and the Lenape and Mengwe, those more barbarous hordes who following in their train, dispossessed and drove them south, probably to Mexico, Central America, and Peru. This argument is strengthened by the discovery that the lan- guages spoken throughout the country were traceable to three primitive stocks, the Algonquin, Iroquois andMobilian. A por- tion of this earlier race may have rested on the vales of the 154O. Mobile : for De Soto, in 1540, found there a people who dwelt in cities, and who were more cultivated than the sur- rounding savages. And while attempts to civilize the de- scendants of the Lenape and Mengwe have been compara- tively ineffectual, the Mobilian tribes have received Chris- Mobilian tianity and the elements of modern civilization. But our own tribes. na tion, which has imparted them, has done what the barbarian Lenape failed to accomplish, expelled this earlier race from the homes of their childhood, and from the cherished graves of ancestors more remote perhaps than those of any people east of the Mississippi. Nor are we entitled to assert with confidence that the Algonquins might not have been Chris- tianized, had the efforts of the apostle Elliot, and those, not less devoted, of the Moravian missionaries, been properly seconded, instead of having been rendered abortive, by cruel treatment to the unoffending Indian converts. Yet before the Indians are entitled to complain, they must stop their own barbarous practices ; particularly that of making war without declaring it. ABORIGINES OF VIRGINIA. 5 I CHAPTER II. The Principal Indian Confederacies as found by European Discoverers. THE Lenni Lenape, Delawares, or Algonquins, claimed CHAP. n. to be the head of all the northern nations east of the Missis- ^-v~*^ sippi, except the Mengwe or Iroquois, since called the Five Nations, and one other great family, at the head of which Algonquina stood the Hurons or Wyandots. They were, it appears, that and savage race, which our fathers found upon the shores of the Irtx l u()is Atlantic ; whose hospitality sometimes fed them, whose sub- tlety and vindictive courage kept them long in continual alarm, and more than once threatened them with extirpation. The Indians earliest known to the English were those of Virginia. When the first effectual settlement of that colony was made in 1607, the country from the sea-coast to the 16O7 mountains, and from the Potomac to the most southern waters of James river, was occupied by more than forty different tribes. Those on the lowlands between the sea-coast and the falls of the rivers, formed one confederacy, and were attached Powhatans to the Powhatan nation, as their bond of union. This con- on tne federacy consisted of thirty tribes, and the whole number is th^James calculated at 8,000, of whom three tenths were, warriors. The territory over which they were spread contained 8000 square miles. Thus, in this region, which appears to have been one of the most populous parts of the Indian territory, there was only one person to every square mile. Powhatan was the great sachem of a confederacy which was kept to- gether by the force of his genius, and which bore his name. The seat of his hereditary dominions, called by the English Nonesuch, was on the Powhatan, afterwards James river, below the falls and near the beautiful spot where Richmond now stands. This was the native land of Pochahontas, the most distinguished woman of aboriginal America. Soon after the settlement of Jamestown, the Indians, who dwelt on the highlands, between the falls of the rivers and the mountains, were divided into two confederacies, the .Their foes Monahoacks, consisting of eight tribes, on the north, and the ^deTacSs! Monacans, of five, stretching southerly into Carolina. After- wards, under the name of Tuscaroras, the latter removed northerly and joined the Iroquois. These thirteen tribes were combined against the Powhatans. Not less prominent in the early history of our country, are the five principal New England tribes. Of these, the first known was that of the Wampanoags or Pokanokets, which Wampano produced the two most remarkable savage chiefs of New gs England, father and son ; Massasoit, distinguished for wisdom 1* ABORIGINES OF NEW ENGLAND. their country. Seat of their sachems. 1614. Hunt, who commands a vessel of Captain Smith's squadron, kidnaps 27 of the na- tives. Dermer re- stores one. 1619. Plague among the aborigines. The Paw- tuckets. The Massa- chusetts. and goodness, and Metacom or Philip, for heroic valor. Their subjects inhabited the country around Cape Cod, stretching along the sea-coast and including what is now the southern part of Massachusetts, and the eastern part of Rhode Island. Several tribes living upon the adjacent isl- ands, and some others, whose long, uncouth names are sel- dom met in history, were tributary to the grand sachem of the Pokanokets. On the arrival of the English, this dignity was held by Massasoit, whose residence, and afterwards that of his son, was at Montaup, or Mount Hope, near Bristol in Rhode Island. In 1614 an English captain by the name of Hunt, touched upon this coast, and wickedly kidnapped twenty-seven of the unoffending inhabitants, carried them to Malaga, and sold them as slaves. Some benevolent monks rescued a part of them, and one of the number, Tisquantum went to Eng- land, and was there kindly treated. The baseness of Hunt was discovered and he was condemned and punished. Tisquan- tum, after he had learned the English language, and become attached to the people, was, by a captain Dermer, carried back in 1619. The captain, in a letter, said that when he first arrived at the native country of his savage, though he travelled a day's journey, " he found all dead." Afterwards he went to Pokanoket, where he was met by two kings, sup- posed to have been Massasoit and his brother, with a guard of fifty armed men. These, satisfied with what the savage " discoursed unto them," gave to the captain ." content in whatsoever he desired." The Pokanokets, with the other New England tribes, had suffered a plague of unexampled mortality, probably the yellow fever ; for we are told that its victims, both before and after death, "were of the color of a yellow garment." Not less than nine tenths of the inhabitants seem, in some parts of the country, to have been destroyed ; divine Provi- dence thus preparing the way, for another and more civilized race. Besides the Pokanokets, the other principal tribes of New England were the Pawtuckets, the Massachusetts, the Nar- ragansetts and the Pequods. The Pawtuckets made their principal seat upon the Merri mack, near its mouth, and extended themselves south until they met the territories of the Massachusetts. Their num- ber, as is supposed, was once 3,000 ; but the fatal epidemic had reduced them to as many hundreds. The Massachusetts were scattered about the bay which bears their name. The word signified in their language, a hill in the form of an arrow. Their territories extended to the Pawtuckets on the north, and the Pokanokets on the south. The authority of their chief sachem was acknow- ledged by several minor tribes, among which were the ABORIGINES OF NEW ENGLAND. Neponsetts, the Nashuas, and the Pocumtucks of Deerfield. This nation also suffered by the fatal epidemic in an equal or greater degree than the Pawtuckets. The principal per- son of this confederacy, as found by the English, was the squaw sachem or " Massachusetts Queen." She was the widow of a powerful chief who died in 1619. The royal residence, a wigwam on a platform, was visited in 1621 by a party of the pilgrims from Plymouth, and is sup- posed to have been located on a hill in Milton. The good soil, the fine harbors and the picturesque islands at their en- trance, made the pilgrims regret that they had not settled in this territory, which now contains the capital of New England, and the most beautifully cultured grounds in America. The Narragansetts held their chief seat and the residence of their grand sachem on the island of Canonicut, in the bay which still bears their name. Westerly, they extended to within four or five miles of the Paucatuck river, where their territories met those of the Pequods. On the east they joined the Pokanokets. By the epidemical disease their number of warriors had been diminished from five to one thousand. Their country was well adapted to the Indian mode of life. Alternate woods and waters afforded plenty of game and fish, and allowed them their favorite mode of travelling, by the canoe. Possessing, in a greater degree than many of the other tribes, the means of happiness, they appeared less fero- cious in their character. Their aged sachem Canonicus, the benefactor of Rhode Island, was, in one respect, a personage of greater dignity than any other among the savages, being the only Indian chief who had any claims to a pedigree. His grandfather, it was said, not being able to find equal matches for his only two children, a son and a daughter, married them together. From this couple sprung Canonicus, and also the father of the princely Mian- tonomoh. The latter was the associate of Canonicus, and the commander of his warriors. The more barbarous Pequods occupied the eastern portion of Connecticut, their lands meeting those of the Narragansetts. The residence of their grand sachem, Sassacus, was on the heights of Groton, near the river then called the Pequod, since, the Thames. The Mohegans, under Uncas, whose seat was where Norwich now stands, were subject to the haughty chief of the Pequods ; but they bore his yoke with impatience, and when he made war upon the whites, Uncas took part against him. The Indians of northern New England, under various names often preserved in those of rivers and lakes, had yet the general appellation of Tarenteens or Abenakis. They stretched along the coast of Maine, and extended into New- Hampshire, and were peculiarly ruthless in character. Their bloody night attacks were long the terror of New England, CHAP. n. 1621. Visited by the pilgrims. TheNana gansetts. Their beauti- ful location. Their great sachem, Canonicus. Pequods. Sasaacua Abenakis. ABORIGINES OF NEW YORK AND THE SOUTH. Pennicooks. Iroquois become the Five Na- tions. Settle in northern New York. They become the most power- ful of all the savage tribes. Creeks, Cherokees, &c. Natchez. Skawanese. Tecumsek particularly during their alliance with the French in Canada. Among the tribes of New Hampshire, the Pennicooks became noted, from their grand sachem Passaconaway, who was held in great fear on account of his supposed powers of sorcery. The Iroquois, Mengwe or Mingoes, were found by their earliest discoverers, the pioneers of the settlements in Canada, inhabiting the shores of the St. Lawrence. At first they ap- pear to have been less warlike than the confederacy by which they were surrounded, and by whom they were attacked. These tribes were called by the various appellations of Hu- rons, Wyandots, and Adarondacks. The Iroquois, pressed by them, receded from the banks of the St. Lawrence, and divi- ding into five tribes, the Senecas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Onei- das and Mohawks, they spread themselves by degrees east of Lake Erie, and south of Ontario, along the romantic waters of northern New York, to which they have left their bold and harmonious names. Here they made a stand, and becoming the most fear- less, subtle, and powerful of savages, they overcame the Hurons, fought the Delawares, put in fear all the surrounding tribes, and finally in the contests between France and England, they were courted by both parties as allies, and dreaded by both as foes. Of the Five Nations, the Mohawks were the most warlike. Their chief seat was at Johnstown, on the beautiful river which still bears their name. From this region they sent out their tribute gatherers far east, and south ; and when among the more peaceful Indians on the Connecticut river, one or two of their old warriors appeared shouting, " we are come to suck your blood!" there was a fearful cry, " The Mohawks, the Mohawks !" and all fled, or submitted. Of the southern Indians, the most extensive and powerful confederacies were the Creeks, situated mostly in Georgia ; the Cherokees in the mountainous region north and west ; and the Choctaws and Chickasaws, nearer to the Mississippi. The Natchez have excited much interest on account of the difference of their language from that of the surrounding tribes. Their chief was called " the Great Sun ;" and like the Peruvians, they had fire which they regarded as sacred, and perpetually watched. Natchez, on the Mississippi, marks their location. The Shawanese, the native tribe of Tecumseh, once re- sided on the banks of the Suwaney river in Florida, and from thence migrated northward, first to Pennsylvania, and after- wards to Ohio. PART I. FROM 1492 TO 1643 PERIOD I . FROM THE DISCOVERY OF 1 492 AMERICA BY COLUMBUS. THE FIRST PATENT GRANTED BY AN ENGLISH SOVEREIGN TO LANDS IN AMERICA GIVEN BY . ELIZABETH TO SIR H. GILBERT. CHAPTER I. First Discovery Columbus, &c. WE have now taken a brief view of the country as occu- pied by its aboriginal proprietors. We are soon to behold it usurped by the sovereigns of Europe, from the mere circum- stance, that vessels sailing under their protection discovered it. That human arrogance should ever have risen to such a pitch, is astonishing. There is, however, a consoling reflec- tion. The hand of a wise Providence is, in these events, clear- ly discernible, overruling even the injustice of man to the ful- fillment of its designs, for the progressive improvement of the world. To this benevolent intent, it was doubtless necessary that the western continent should, in the fullness of time, be discovered and settled by a civilized people ; and these would not have braved the dangers of the ocean, and the hardships of a savage country, unless, from a previous belief, that they had a right to the territory which they should discover and settle. Many thousand years had elapsed since the creation of the world, and the inhabitants of the eastern hemisphere were yet ignorant, that, on the face of the planet which they inhabited, was another continent of nearly equal extent. Nor did they , . , , . - J \ ~ -i become acquainted with this fact by any fortunate accident ; but they owed its proof to the penetration and persevering efforts of a man, as extraordinary, as the discovery which he made. This was Christopher Columbus, a natue of Genoa, born in 1437. In him were united a rare combination of extraor- dinary qualities. He possessed a teeming imagination, an ardent courage, a glowing zeal, and all those energetic impulses of the soul which lead to high achievement ; and, with these noble qualities, he combined judgment the most grave and solid, prudence and patience the most steady and unoffending, piety the most devout, and, what chiefly ensured his success, the most untiring perseverance ever manifested by man. PART. I. Supposec J*& ^ ew -World not Discovered jy accideiik Birth and rare tnlem* f C lum 1U *- JO COLUMBUS. PART I. Science was beginning to arouse from the long slumber of PERIOD I. the middle ages. The magnetic needle had been invented, and CHAP. i. the mariner no longer kept cautiously along the shore; but ^-^-v~^ trusting to this guide, he boldly steered his bark through The spirit of trackless oceans, in search of unknown countries, the times. Columbus had married the daughter of one of the Portu- guese discoverers, then deceased ; whose widow, finding with what avidity her son-in-law sought such sources of informa- tion, gave to him all the maps, charts, and nautical papers, Columbus which had belonged to her husband. Marco Polo, a Venetian, believes the had travelled to the east, and returned with glowing descrip- earth is ^ tions of Cathay and the island of Cipango, called, generally, expects to the East Indies, and now known to be China and Japan. The find the East rotundity of the earth was a fact admitted by a few of the l earne d, an ^ fully believed by Columbus, on the evidence of its figure, exhibited in eclipses of the moon. Hence, he be- lieved that those rich countries, concerning which Marco Polo had inflamed his imagination, might be found by sailing west ; and by a false estimate of their situation, he supposed they would be reached by sailing one half the real distance. Columbus believed that great advantages would accrue to the nation who should patronize his undertaking ; and, with Offers his filial respect, he first offered his services to his native state, services to but jj a( j fa e mortification to find them rejected. He then ap- plied successively, to John II. of Portugal; through his brother Bartholomew, to Henry VII. of England ; and personally to Ferdinand and Isabella, king and queen of Spain. But none of these monarchs manifested, at first, sufficient reach of thought to comprehend his schemes, or generosity to encourage them. At the court of Spain, he had spent two years in a succes- sion of mortifying repulses ; and at length, quite discouraged, They he was preparing to follow his brother to England, when he *?* * c * e ?f e " was recalled by a mandate from Isabella. Of all the sove- DV iSfilDCllcl. ^ _ - reigns of Europe, this woman was the only one whom he could move to friendship, and confidence in the success of his plan ; and to the latest day of his life, he regarded her as the first and best of his friends. Not knowing how to raise the sum of money requisite for Sne offer* defraying the expenses of the voyage, the queen determined her jewels. to sacrifice her jewels ; but this was prevented by the extra- ordinary exertions of her ministers. Columbus made his first voyage, the most interesting of any Columbus i n t ^ ie anna l s f navigation, in 1 492 ; and discovered the first discovers the found land of the New World, on the eleventh of October. New World. j t was an {gland called by the natives Guanahani ; but to which he piously gave the name of San Salvador, the Holy Saviour. In his third voyage he discovered the continent on the coast of South America, fourteen months after the Cabots had reached its shores in the north-east. By the ingratitude oi HIS ILL-TREATMENT. DISCOVERIES OF OTHERS, 11 Ferdinand, he was, like a malefactor, sent home in chains, from the world which his genius had given to the Spanish Monarchy. Americus Vesputius, an ambitious Florentine, having followed him in the career of discovery, received from the public, an honor which belonged to Columbus, that of giving a name to the continent. In 1502, the great discoverer made his fourth and last voyage, when having returned to Spain, his patroness dead, his just claims disregarded, and himself neglected, he sank beneath his sufferings, and died, in the 69th year of his age His history affords one proof among many, that the divine plan of retributive justice is not fully carried out here, but is to be completed hereafter. Other individuals now became desirous to share with Co- lumbus the honor, and other nations to divide with Spain the profit of the great discovery. Many attempts were made to show that the country had been previously discovered. The Welsh brought forward the story of Madoc, son of Owen Gwyneth, who, in the twelfth century, had sailed west, dis- covered a country, and afterwards conducted a colony thither, which was heard of no more. If this story be true, there exists no proof that the region found was America. The Norwegians discovered Iceland and Greenland, during the ninth century, and there established colonies. Biorn, or Biron, an Icelander, in a voyage to Greenland, during the eleventh century, was driven south-west in a storm, and found a region which, from its great number of vines, he called Vineland ; but here, also, proof fails, that the place found had its locality on the American coast. PART I. Unjustly deprived of the honor of naming the country. He dies at Valladolidin Spain. 1506. Twelitn century. Welsh story of Madoc. Norwegian claims on account of Vineland. CHAPTER II. English Discoveries French. THE principal European nations who first discovered and colonized our country, are, I. The English, II. The French, III. The Spanish, IV. The Dutch. It was under the reign of the politic, though cruel Henry VII. of England, that the shores of the United States were discov- ered. The names of the Cabots, should be remembered by American citizens, with that of Columbus ; for they equally form connecting links between our history and that of Europe. John Cabot, a native of Venice, had, with his family, settled in England. He and his renowned son, Sebastian, were men of great learning, enterprise, and ability. By a commission of Henry VII., dated March 5th, 1496, (the oldest American o John and Sebastian Cabot 1496 Receive a commission from Henw VII. 12 THE CABOTS. VERRAZANI. CARTIER. PART I. Cabots discover the Continent. 1497. Sebastian Cabot the supposed discoverer of our coast. 1498. Francis I. sends out Verrazani. 1524. His description of the natives on the coast of North Carolina. Visits the harbor of Newport. 1534. James Carder discovers hegulfofSt. Lawrence. state paper of England,) they had authority to discover any heathen countries not before known to Christians. They, de- fraying the expenses of the voyage, were to possess these countries as the king's lieutenants, paying him one-fifth of all gains. They sailed from England in May, 1497, and in June, dis- covered the Island of Newfoundland, which they called Prima Vista. Steering northward, they made the first discov- ery of the continent, on the coast of Labrador, in latitude about 55. On their return they pursued a southerly direc- tion to an uncertain distance. Sebastian Cabot sailed a second time, reached Labrador in latitude 58, thence turning southerly, he became the dis- coverer of the coast of the United States ; along which, he proceeded as far as to the southern latitude of Maryland. It is much to be regretted that so few particulars remain on record, of these two voyages, which form so fundamental a portion of our history. Smitten by the common passion of the sovereigns of Europe, for American discovery, Francis I. of France turned aside atyke from his elegant and his warlike pursuits, and one year before his defeat at Pavia, he found for his service another Italian discoverer. This was John Verrazani, a Florentine, who reached the continent in the latitude of Wilmington, North Carolina. He then sailed fifty leagues south, but find- ing no convenient harbor, he returned and cast anchor ; being the first European who had afforded the astonished natives the spectacle of the white race. They were received with rude, but fearless hospitality. The color of the Indians, the French compared to that of the Saracens. They looked with wonder upon their wild costume, made of the skins of ani- mals, and set off by necklaces of coral and garlands of feath- ers. As they again sailed northward along the coast, theii senses were regaled by the verdure of the forests, and th* perfume of the flowers which they scented from the shores. At a fine harbor, supposed to be that of Newport in Rhode Island, Verrazani remained fifteen days, and there found "the goodliest people he had seen." From thence he followed the north-eastern shore of New England, finding the inhabitants jealous and hostile. From the peninsula of Nova Scotia, he returned to France, and wrote a narrative of his voyage, which is the earliest original account of the coast of the United States. James Cartier was, however, the mariner to whose discov- eries the French trace the extensive empire which they pos- sessed in North America. Cartier, after a prosperous voyage of twenty days, made Cape Bonavista, the most easterly point of Newfoundland. Sailing around the north-eastern extrem- ity of the island, he encountered severe weather and icy seas. Then stretching to the south-west, he discovered, on St. Lawrence's day, the noble gulf which bears the name of tha* ROBERVAL. -COLIGNI SENDS RIBAULT. 13 saint. In July, he entered a bay which, from the heats of the rapidly changing season, he named Des Chaleurs. Coasting thence to the small bay of Gaspe, he there landed and reared a cross, upon which he hung a shield bearing the arms of France, in token that the country was thenceforth a part of its domain. Boisterous weather soon obliged him to return. In 1535, he sailed on a second voyage, entered the gulf of St. Lawrence, proceeded up the river, to which he gave the same name, and anchored at an island, which, abounding in grapes, he named Bacchus Isle, now the Isle of Orleans. He continued his voyage to the island of Hochelaga ; when mount- ing on an eminence where his spirit was gladdened by the actual view of a beautiful region, he hud before seen in vision, he gave it the name of Mont Real. It was then the resort of native tribes, whose language proved them tb'be Hurons. He returned to isle Bacchus, built a fort, and there suffered not only the unwonted rigors of winter, but the attacks of the scurvy, a terrible malady, to which many of his company fell victims. He returned in the spring with dreary accounts of the country, which, however, he named New France. It was also called Canada, but at what time, or whether from any significancy in the word, is not known. France now possessed a country in the New World, through which flowed a river, more majestic than any in Europe. To hold sway over so extensive a region, though a wilderness, seemed to Francis De La Roque, of Roberval, more honorable than to govern a small and cultured domain in Picardy ; and he obtained from the king full authority to rule, as viceroy, the vast territory around the Bay and river of St. Lawrence. Cartier was necessary to him, and received the title of chief pilot and captain-general of the enterprise. The prisons were thrown open to find persons willing to become their colonists. Nothing good could be expected from such beginnings. Cartier sailed up the St. Lawrence, built a fort near the site of Quebec, and there spent a winter, in which he had occa- sion to hang one of his company, put several in irons, and " whip divers women as well as men." In the spring he took them back to France, just as . Roberval arrived with supplies and fresh emigrants. By him, however, nothing permanent was effected ; and after a year, he abandoned his viceroyalty, and, cured, at least for a time, of his inordinate ambition, he returned to Picardy. France was now approaching the terrible crisis of the mas- sacre of St. Bartholomew. The feeble Charles IX. was the nominal sovereign, while his perfidious mother, Catharine De Medicis, possessed the real authority. Coligni, the distin- guished high admiral of the realm, was the friend of the Huguenots, a name given to the French Protestants. These were objects of hatred and fear to the monarchs ; and when a project was formed by the admiral to plant with them a colony in 1535. Discovers St. Lawrence river. Builds a fort on Isle Bacchus. The lord of Roberval made .viceroy of N. France. May, 1541. Cartier builds a fort near the site of Quebec. 1562. Catharine founders of our first settled state and gave a better seed. The colony again became comparatively flourishing, but in March, 1611, the governor's health unfortunately declined, and he was obliged to leave the country. On the departure 1611. of Lord Delaware, Percy was again at the head of the ad- May 10. ministration, until the arrival of Sir Thomas Dale, in May. Dale arrives* ^ a ^ e na d received from the company, power to rule with mar- tial law, which he exercised, but with such moderation, that good order and industry prevailed. The state of the colony, however, was not flourishing, and Dale immediately wrote to England for aid. In less than four months, Sir Thomas Gates arrived, with six ships and three hundred emigrants. After Captain Smith's departure, Captain Argall, at the head of a foraging party, learned that Pocahontas was for a season with the family of Japazaws, the chief of the Poto- macs. Him, Argall bribed, with a kettle of shining copper, to betray the Indian princess, whom for interested motives he wished to make prisoner. Japazaws concerted with his wife, that she should appear to be seized with an invincible desire to visit Argall's vessel lying in the river. He was to affect anger, and threaten, but at length so far to relent, as to en- Ppcahontas gage to take her to the vessel, if her friend Pocahontas would is made accompany her. The plot succeeded, and thus the English, prisoner. -, ^ J , ri , i j T i by the goodness of her heart, ensnared and made prisoner their benefactress. When she was taken to Jamestown, an unceremonious message was sent to Powhatan, that he must ransom her with certain men and articles, which he was accused with having taken. To this the dignified old chieftain made rfo reply for three months. In the meantime an English youth of the 1613. colony, John Rolfe, wooed the Indian maiden, and obtained She marries her consent to marriage. All were pleased, and the connex Pwolfe. j on p rovc( i a bond of union during the life of Powhatan. Pocahontas received Christian baptism under the name of Rebecca ; after which she went with her husband to England, Ba tism of wnere special attention was paid her by the king and queen, at Pocahontas. the instigation of Smith. She had been told that he was dead, and when he came to see her she turned away, and for a time could not or would not speak. He kindly soothed her, and at length she addressed him as her father, and endearingly re- called the scenes of their early acquaintance. Having given birth to a son, she was about to return, when she sickened and died, at the age of twenty-two. Her son survived and reared an offspring, which being perpetuated in some of the best families of Virginia, they boast their descent from one who ranks high, not merely on the roll of savages and of women, but of humanity itself. THE FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF VIRGINIA. 27 In 1617, Captain Argall was made acting governor of Virginia. Lord Delaware having attempted to reach the settlement, died on the passage. Argall governed with so much rigor as to excite universal discontent, and the first com- plaint of maladministration ever sent to England, was by a man whom he had unjustly condemned. Not only did he play the tyrant over the colonists, but he who had not hesi- tated to make Pocahontas prisoner for the advantage of the company, did not now scruple to cheat them for his own. The rumor of his oppressions made emigration unpopular. By the influence of the good Sir Edwin Sandys, the benevo- lent Yeardly was sent over to take his place. The same year, Governor Yeardly called the first general assembly which was held in Virginia, consisting of represen- tatives, chosen from among the people, who were to act con- jointly with the governor and council appointed by the com- pany, in all matters of importance. The colonists, who, till then, had been nothing more than the servants of the company, were thus raised to the distinction and privileges of freemen. In this assembly, which met at Jamestown, eleven boroughs were each represented by two burgesses. For this cheering dawn of civil liberty, the colonists expressed to the company " the greatest possible thanks," and forthwith " fell to build- ing houses and planting corn." In order to attach the colonists more entirely to their new settlements, about this time there was sent out, by the advice of Sandys, a considerable number of young women of humble birth, but of unexceptionable character, who were sold to the young planters as wives. The price was at first one hundred, and afterwards, one hundred and fifty pounds of tobacco. To fail of discharging debts so incurred, was esteemed particu- larly dishonorable. About this time were introduced also into the colony, by order of King James, many idle and dissolute persons, then in custody for their offences. They were dispersed through the colony, and employed as laborers. A Dutch ship from Africa arriving at Jamestown, a part of her cargo of negroes was purchased by the colony. This is the commencement of negro slavery in the United States, PART I. 1617". ArgalPs con- duot - 1619. mby n Virginia. 162O. Convicts Slavery commences CHAPTER IV. Discovery of the Hudson. Smith and Argall at the North. IN 1609, occurred the discovery of the Hudson river, which 1609 has proved the finest for navigation of any in republican Amer- ica ; and under circumstances which, giving to two nations 28 HENRY HUDSON. CHAMPLAIN FOUNDS QUEBEC. PART L claims to its waters, and their adjoining country, became PERIOD ii. the occasion of subsequent wars. Henry Hudson, the dis- OHAP. iv. coverer, was an Englishman by birth, but was in the service ^^-v~^s of the Dutch East India Company. The next year, the Dutch sent ships to this river, to open a trade with the natives, but the Court of England disowned their claim to the country. The Dutch, however, followed up their good fortune, and soon erected forts Orange and Manhattan, near the sites of Albany and New York. 160 In 1608, Champlairi, under De Monts, conducted a colony foands P Que- to America, and founded Quebec. Wishing to secure the bee. friendship of the adjacent natives, he consented, the next year, to accompany them on an expedition against the Iro- 16O9 quois, with whom they were at war. They entered upon the Latcham ^ a ^ e Wfl i cn now bears, in honor of its discoverer, the name plain. of Champlain, and traversed it until they approached its junc- tion with Lake St. Sacrament, now Lake George. Here, in the vicinity of Ticonderoga, a bloody engagement took place, in which Champlain and his allies were victorious. The Plymouth Company, after the Sagadahoc settlement was relinquished, attempted nothing further for some time, except a few fishing voyages to Cape Cod, or a small traffic with the natives for oil and peltry. At length Captain Smith, after his return from Virginia, being desirous to explore the north-eastern coast, engaged himself as a partner, with four other private adventurers, who fitted out a trading squadron of 1614. two ships. Smith sailed in the largest, and the other N s lth m was commanded by Captain Hunt, before mentioned. He, ' while Smith was exploring the coast, made a descent upon the country of tire Pokanokets, and kidnapped morer than twenty of the subjects of Massasoit. Smith accurately exam- ined the shore, with its bays and rivers, from the mouth of the Penobscot to Cape Cod, and having drawn a map, he laid it, on his return, before Prince Charles, with a hint, that so beautiful and excellent a country deserved to bear an honora- ble name. The Prince listened to his suggestion, and de- clared that it should thereafter be called New England. The French having established themselves within the lim- Argall sub- i ts f tne northern colony of Virginia, Captain Argall was dues the sent from Jamestown to dispossess them. He destroyed Port Dutch Royal, and all the French settlements in Acadia. On his return he visited the Dutch at Manhattan, and demanded pos- session of the country, in the name of the British sovereign. The Dutch traders made no scruple to acknowledge the supremacy of King James, and, under him, that of the gov ernor of Virginia. Granted l>otfvto th London, \ PERIOD III. FROM THE LANDING j 162O | OF THE PILGRIMS, TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF ) fft - ( BY THE UNION OP THE THE CONFEDERACY, J AO4J. ^ NEW KNGLAND COLONIES. CHAPTER I. AncientCivilization Christianity Puritanism Robinson and his Church. PART I WE have now arrived at a period in our history, when the - Pilgrim Fathers of New England, moved by religious devotion, PERIOD in and sustained by Providence, planted themselves upon the CHAP - l - desert shores of Massachusetts. ^v-^/ At a period when ancient civilization had attained its full growth, Christianity arose, and introduced a moral element j^ nc i ent wholly at variance with its principles. For while the Empe- civilization, ror of Rome, its head, was dwelling in splendid palaces, commanding armies, avenging himself of his foes, and extend- ing his bloody conquests over the unoffending, Immanuel, with the moral glory of divine, but suffering virtue, made his advent in a manger, and his exit on a cross. As long as the followers of Christ were a persecuted and afflicted band, they preserved his religion in its purity. But Christianity when an attempt was made to blend the heavenly with the human principle, and the Roman Constantine placed Chris- tianity upon an earthly throne, then its primeval lustre became obscured. After this period, ancient civilization was broken up. The barbarians of Sarmatia and Scandinavia came 2d 3d and down upon the Roman empire, wrested it from its masters, and 4th rent it into fragments. National authority was annihilated, centuries - and, in the anarchy that prevailed, brute force, the lowest of all appeals, stood chief umpire. Then arose forms of political power, which, though bad, ^he feudal were yet improvements. The chieftain who had an organized system, band, perpetuated his military arrangements. He gave out his conquered lands to his great captains, and they divided them into lesser portions, to their own retainers. But all held their territories, on condition of military service. Thus cen- tral and southern Europe was owned by chiefs, whose power, the 4th cen nay, whose very existence, depended upon a state of war ; tur [ 5 th the and the blood of the people dyed the earth, as those steel-clad giants of the dark ages strode over its surface, crushing whatever carne in their way. The course of this feudal tyranny was arrested by another, 30 HENRY VIII. EDWARD VI. MARY. PART I. which, injurious as it became, yet did service in its day. This PERIOD in. was popery, which carried human authority to an extent CHAP. i. altogether unexampled ; for it assumed the power of God v - - *" v ~^- / and de'-mnri^d the full obedience of the mental and moral, as well as the physical man. Secret, efficient, and unscrupu lous in its measures, it awed to submission the proud and the Popery, violent ; and the comparative calm of despotism succeeded to the depopulating storm of anarchy. Profiting by repose and leisure, the monks now sought out The the remnants of ancient literature ; and men soon began to iif thi5th n exarnme tne position which they occupied in the natural, the and 16th moral, and the political world. Light broke in upon the dark- centuries. ness O f a g es> r jp ne discovery of the magnetic needle led the way to that of new continents ; and the invention of printing to the Reformation. ^ ^^ however, little influence in England, until the reign of Henry VIII. , the monarch under whom Sebastian reformation Cabot discovered our coast. He made a righteous oppo- in England. 8 j t j on to t jje SU p re macy of the Pope, but from the unright- eous motive, that he might be divorced from a virtuous wife. to wed another, more young and beautiful. The Pope refused 1534 to o rant nmi hi s wish '> an d he, after keeping Europe in a broil Henry VIII. f r several years, declared the English Church to be inde- nead of the pendent of Rome, and himself its head ; thus becoming a C EnSmd n l esser pop 6 in his own dominions. But the minds of his sub- jects had received an impulse. Free inquiry was at work on the continent. Tyndal and Coverdale translated the Bible into English, and in spite of the tyrant, the Reformation was making 1553. progress. As soon as his death relieved the realm, and under Edward VI. his young son, Edward VI., the English church, as it now English exists, took its form. Its liturgy was completed ; having been Liturgy, compiled by some of the purest and best of the reformers. Unhappily Edward's reign was short ; and Mary, his suc- Ma-ry per- < cessor > was ^ u ^ f bitter prejudices against Protestantism, re- secutes the garding it as the author of her mother's miseries, and her protestants own ear ly degradation. She idolized her bigoted and cruel English husband, Philip II. of Spain; and thus she naturally became churches, a bloody persecutor. The protestants fled on all hands ; and at Geneva with Calvin, at Zurich, at Frankfort, and in Hol- land, they strengthened their faith by the use of the printed scriptures, by the free worship of God, and by communion divSe'from w kindred spirits among men. the English The exiled protestants were of two parties. The one be- Church. Heved that the English reformers, having rejected all of Ro- manism that was meretricous, had returned to primitive Chris- tianity. Another party, who were called Puritans, believed that the church of England had stopped short in the Reforma- Deathof t j on an( j i e f t remains of popery; such as the priests' vest- Mary, and .. . r r J . . r accessor of ments, the ring in marriage, sponsors in baptism, and sundry Elizabeth, uncommanded ceremonies. At Frankfort the two parties had ELIZABETH. - INTOLERANCE AND PERSECUTION. 31 a public quarrel ; and when the death of Mary allowed the PART I. English protestants to return to their country, they brought PERIOD m home the contention. CHAP.- i. Elizabeth was friendly to popery, but she found on her ^<*~^^~' accession, that her people were, in the mass, protestants ; and hence she chose that form of protestantism which she could bring the nearest to papacy ; she being herself head of the Arbitrary church. Her obsequious parliament by several acts declared EHzabeth her supremacy, enjoined under severe penalties strict con- formity to all rites and ceremonies of the English Church ; Obsequious and finally they created a new ecclesiastical tribunal, to try ness u jjf- c t}ie offenses against these and other arbitrary acts, with powers authorities. as much at variance with the natural rights of man as those of the Spanish Inquisition. This was denominated the Court of High Commission. Examples show the spirit of the times. Before this in- quisitorial tribunal was brought, on one occasion, Robert Haw- kins, who, with about twenty others, men and women, had been found guilty of meeting to worship secretly, contrary to the law against " private assemblies," and had been dragged to prison by the sheriff. Bishop Grindall, who presided, dis- liked the work of persecution, to which dependence on the T ? ob , e . rt r\ 11 j lu- 3 u Hawkins Queen compelled him, and he sought to convince the com- an d Bishop pany of the error of their opposition ; while he bore with Grindall. great patience the unmannerly plainness with which the puritans were in the habit of reproving persons in power, calling it " the right of prophecying." " You should not, said the bishop, " trouble the state about such matters as the spirit surplices and ceremonies. In these indifferent things, you of the should quietly obey the civil power, and submit yourselves to C( the prince. They are riot commanded as necessary in the church." "You," said Hawkins, " have made them necessary, as many a poor man doth feel." He was himself imprisoned two years ; and it was this tyrannical assumption of making indifferent things necessary, which the puritans resisted, often to the death. Nor was this all. Others held that in church affairs it was as absolutely sinful to go farther than the word of God war- ranted. as to stop short of all which it required. Those were Separatist* opposed to uniting in any degree with the church of England, and hence were called Separatists. Although the puritans had not yet arrived at an enlightened religious toleration, yet they struck out its principles. In 1 564, 1564. Sampson and Humphrey, two eminent non-conforming min- isters, explicitly plead, before the Court of High Commission, ^"J^f 18 the rights of conscience. " Because," say they, " these religious things do not seem so to you, you are not to be condemned by toleration. us, and because they do not seem so to us, we are not to be condemned by you." But the Puritans were condemned. The clergy by him- 32 SUFFERINGS OF ROBINSON AND HIS CHURCH. PART I. dreds, to the loss of their places ; the laity with them to PERIOD in. fi neSj imprisonment and mutilation, to loss of country, and CHAP. ii. of Ufe> CHAPTER II. Robinson and his Church remove to Holland. 1592. J N 1592, a law was passed requiring all persons to attend the established worship, under penalty of banishment, and if they returned, of death. Among those who could not con- scientiously comply with these exactions, were JOHN ROBIN- SON and his congregation, of the sect of Separatists, in the north of England. To enjoy their religion, the pastor and his whole flock de- termined to exile themselves to Holland. But this was a difficult undertaking. Once they embarked with their fam- ilies and goods at Boston, in Lincolnshire. But the treach- erous captain had plotted with English officers, who came , r , , . . 6 i i i on board the vessel, took their effects, searched the persons of the whole company for money, and then, in presence of a gazing multitude, led them on shore and to prison. They were soon released, except seven of the principal men, who were detained and brought to trial, but at length freed. Again they bargained with a Dutch ship-master at Hull, who was to take them in, from a common hard by. At the t j me a pp O i n t e d, the women and children sailed to the place of rendezvous in a small bark, and the men came by land. The bark had grounded ; but the Dutch captain sent his boat and took the men from the strand. But the authorities of Hull had in the meantime got notice ; and the Dutch commander, at the sight of a large armed company, having a fair wind, with oaths " hoisted anchor and away ;" though the pilgrims even wept, thus to leave their wives and children. Behold these women, desolate women, the mothers of a future nation, their hus- bands forcibly carried off to sea, while on land an armed multitude are approaching ! They are taken, and dragged from one magistrate to another, while their children, cold and hungry and affrighted, are weeping arid clinging around them. But their piteous condition and Christian demeanor, softened, at length, the hearts of their persecutors, and even gained friends to their cause. The men, in the meantime, encountered one of the most terrific sea-storms ever known, continuing fourteen days, du- ring seven of which they saw neither sun, moon, or stars. At length they all arrived in Holland. They settled at first in Amsterdam. They did not, however, find cause to be satis- congrega- tion - Attempt to leave England for Holland. 16O8. Second attempt. CHARACTER OF THE PILGRIMS. 33 fied, and they removed to Leyden. Here, by hard labor and PART 1. frugal honesty, they lived highly respected ; but after a few PERIOD in. years they experienced evils which made them think of CHAP. n. another removal. Not only were their own toils constant and v-^-v^<^ severe, but they were obliged to employ their children, so that these were necessarily deprived of education. And the Reasons for health of the young often fell a sacrifice to the length of ^on^nd time and confined positions in which they labored. Some died, and some became deformed. Their morals also were likely to suffer from the habitual profanation of the sabbath, which they must necessarily witness, and especially from con- tact with a disbanded soldiery, at this time residing at Ley- den. The Pilgrims had heard of America, and in its wil- derness they believed they might serve God unmolested, and found a church, where not only the oppressed in England, but unborn generations, might enjoy a pure worship. The Dutch wished them to colonize under their govern- ment. But they loved their country, though she had shaken them from her lap ; and they sent agents to England, to procure, by the influence of Sir Edwin Sandys, a patent under the Vir- ginia Company. For the encouragement of this company, almost disheart- ened by the repeated failures at Chesapeake Bay, Robinson, and Brewster, the ruling elder of his church, wrote to Sir Edwin, showing, in five particulars, the difference of their motives, their circumstances and characters, from those of Substance other adventurers. 1 . " We verily believe the Lord is with us, of . a le er to to whose service we have given ourselves, and that he will Sandys"* graciously prosper our endeavors, according to the simplicity showing the of our hearts therein. 2. We are all well weaned from the {JjjSjJ of delicate milk of our mother country, and inured to a strange and hard land, where we have learned patience. 3. The people are as industrious and frugal as any in the world. 4. We are knit together in a sacred bond of the Lord, whereof we make great conscience, holding ourselves tied to all care of each other's good, and of the whole by every, and so mutual. 5. It is not with us as with other men, whom small discontentments can discourage, and cause to wish themselves at home again. We have nothing to hope for from England or Holland, and our lives are drawing towards their period." By the aid of Sandys, the petitioners obtained the patent. But they needed money. To provide this, their agents formed Business a stock company, jointly, with some men of business in Lon- contract don, of whom Mr. Thomas Weston was the principal ; they to furnish the capital, the emigrants to pledge their labor for seven years, at ten pounds per man ; and the profits of the enterprise, all houses, lands, gardens, and fields, to be divided at the end of that time among the stockholders, according to their respective shares. August 3d. They then prepared two small vessels, the May-Flower 162O. 34 PILGRIMS LEAVE HOLLAND. ARRIVE AT CAPE COD. PART I. 1620. The parting at Delft- Haven. Leave Holland. July 21. Their leading men. Sept. 6. Final departure from England. Arrival off Cape Cod. Nov. 9th. Political compact signed in the cabin of the May Flower. and the Speedwell ; but these would hold only a part of the company, and it was decided that the younger and more ac- tive should go, while the older, among whom was the pastor, should remain. If they were successful, they were to send for those behind ; if unsuccessful, to return, though poor, to them. Previous to their separation, this memorable church wor- shipped together for the last time, on an appointed day, when they humbled themselves by fasting, and " sought of the Lord a right way for themselves and their children." When they must no longer tarry, their brethren accompanied them from Leyden to the shore at Delft-Haven. Here the ven- erable pastor knelt with his flock upon the ground ; and the wanderers, while tears flowed down their cheeks, heard for the last time, his beloved voice in exhortation and in prayer for them. " But they knew they were PILGRIMS, and lifted up their eyes to heaven, their dearest country, and quieted their spirits." From Delft-Haven they sailed to Southamp- ton in England. Among the leaders of the party was Elder Brewster, who at this time was fifty-six, but sound in body, as in spirit. Of the seven who were taken at Boston, it was Brewster who was most severely dealt with. John Carver was near his age, beloved and trusted, as he was good and wise. William Brad- ford, was strong, bold, and enduring; but withal, a meek and prudent Christian. Next these, in honor, superior in native endowments, as in estate and family descent, was Edward Winslow. He was at this time twenty-six Bradford was thirty-two. Allerton and Hopkins were also leading men. Miles Standish had been an officer in an army, sent by Eliza- beth to aid the Dutch against the Spaniards ; and he, as was the case with Winslow, falling in with Robinson's people, about three years before their removal from Holland, accom- panied them to America. After remaining in Southampton a fortnight, the Pilgrims put to sea. But misfortunes befalling, they returned, left the Speedwell, and finally, to the number of one hundred, they set sail from Plymouth, in the solitary May-Flower. On the 6th of Sep- tember, they took their last, sad look of their native shore. After a stormy and perilous passage, they made land, on the 9th of November, at Cape Cod. The mouth of the Hudson had been selected as the place of their settlement, and they accord- ingly steered southerly ; but soon falling in with dangerous breakers, and all, especially the women, being impatient to leave the ship, they determined to return and settle on or near the Cape. The next day they turned the point of that singular projection, and entered the harbor now called Provincetown. They fell on their knees to thank the kind Power who had preserved them amidst so many dangers, and then " they did," says Cotton Mather, " as the light of nature itself directed them, immediately, in the harbor sign an instrument as the POLITICAL COMPACT. EXPOSURES AND EXERTIONS. 35 foundation of their future and needful government ;" solemnly PART I. combining themselves in a civil body politic, to enact all such PERIOD ra. ordinances, and frame all such constitutions and offices, as CHAP. n. from time to time should be thought most meet and convenient v-^v^J for the general good; all which they bound themselves to obey. 162O. This simple, but august compact, was the first of a series Importance by which the fetters of a vast system of political oppression action toTta have been broken. Upon some parts of the old continent rights of that system still remains ; building upon the fiction, that sove- man - reigns own the world and its inhabitants," having derived all from God ; and that the people are' to have only such a measure of personal freedom, ano\sfich possessions as kings may choose to bestow. Here was assumed for the first time the grand principle of a voluntary confederacy of independent men ; instituting government, for the good, not of the gov- ernors, but of the governed. There were the same number of persons on board the May- ~ 01 i- j i r n i j L i j j- j j One hundred r lower as had left England ; but one, a servant, had died, and O f tne one, a male child, Peregrine White, was born on the passage. Pilgrims. Carver was immediately chosen governor, and Standish captain. No comfortable home, or smiling friends, awaited the Pil- "^jj 1 ^ grims. They who went on shore waded through the cold surf go on shore. to a homeless desert. But a place to settle must be found, and no time was to be lost. The shallop unfortunately needed repairs, and in the meantime a party set out to make discov- eries by land. They found " a little corn, and many graves ;" Shallop and in a second excursion they encountered the chilling ^xcurskms blasts of a November snow storm, which laid in some the made, foundation of mortal disease. The country was wooded, and tolerably stocked with game. When the shallop was finished, Carver, Bradford and Wins- p^'g^n'm low, with a party of eighteen, manned the feeble bark, and the shallop, set forth. Steering along the western shore of Cape Cod, they made, in three days, the inner circuit of the bay. " It was," says one of the number, " very cold ; for the water froze our clothes, and made them many times like coats of iron." They landed occasionally to explore ; and at night, inclosed with only a slight barricado of boughs, they stretched themselves upon the hard ground. On the second morning, as their devotions closed, they received a shower of Indian Attacked by arrows ; when, sallying out, they discharged their guns, and fJJians 61 the savages fled. Again they offered prayers with thanks- Dec. 8. giving ; and proceeding on their way, their shallop was nearly wrecked by a wintry storm of terrible violence. Af- Stormy 1111 111 11 i 11 evening of ter unspeakable dangers, they sheltered themselves under the the 9th, land lee of a small island, where, amidst darkness and rain, they on Clark's land, and with difficulty make a fire. In the morning they find themselves at the entrance of a harbor. The next day was the Sabbath. They rested, and kept it holy, though all that was dear tr them depended on their promptness. THE LANDING AT PLYMOUTH. PART I Dec. 14th. Pilgrims land on Plymouth rock. Dec. 25th, begin to build. The pilgrims suffer much, but repine April 5th. 1621. The next day, a day ever to be observed in the annals of New England, the Pilgrims landed on the rock of Plymouth. Finding the harbor good, springs abundant, and the land prom- ising for tillage, they decided to settle here, and named the place from that which they last left in England. In a few days they brought the May-Flower to the harbor ; and on the 25th of December they began building, having first di- vided the whole company into nineteen families, and assigned them contiguous lots, of size according to that of the family, about eight feet front and fifty deep to each person. Each man was to build his own house. Besides this, the company were to make a building of twenty feet square, as a common receptacle. This was soonest completed, but was unfortu- nately destroyed by fire. Their huts went up but slowly, for though their hearts were strong, yet their hands had grown feeble, through fatigue, hardship and scanty fare ; and many were wasting with con- sumptions. Daily some yielded to sickness, and daily some sunk to the grave. Before spring, half of their number, among whom were the governor and his wife, lay buried on the shore. Yet they never repined, or repented of the step they had taken ; and when, on the 5th of April, the May-Flower left them, not one so much as spoke of returning to England ; but they rather confessed the continual mercies of a " won- der-working Providence," which had carried them through so many dangers, and was making them the honored instruments of so great a work. March 16. Visits of Samoset, nnd M assasoit. CHAPTER III. The Savages Massasoit's Alliance Winslow's Visit to the Pokanokets THE removal of the savages by the plague, before the ai- rival of the Pilgrims was regarded as a special interposition of Providence in their favor. They had as yet seen but few of the natives, and those hostile, when Samoset, an Indian, who had learned a little English at Penobscot, boldly entered their village, with a cheerful " Welcome Englishmen." He soon came again, with four others, among whom was Tisquantum, who had spread favorable reports of the English among his countrymen, and was afterwards of great service as an inter- preter. They gave notice that Massasoit, the sachem of the Pokanokets. was hard by. Appearing on a hill, with a body of attendants, armed, and painted with gaudy colors, the chief desired that some one should be sent to confer with him. Edward Winslow, famed for the sweetness of his disposi- tion and behavior, as well as for talents, courage, and WINSLOW'S EMBASSY. 37 / efficiency, *was wisely chosen. Captain Standish found PART I. means, (for neither civil or military organization had been neg- PERIOD m. fected,) to make a martial show, with drums and trumpets, CHAP - In - which gave the savages wonderful delight. *^^-v~^/ The 'sachem, on coming into the village, was so well pleased piwi ms en . with the attentions paid him, that he acknowledged the au- ter into alli- thority of the king of England, and entered into an alliance, ?j? ce wi !^ offensive and defensive, with the colonists, which remained inviolate for more than fifty years. In July, Edward Winslow and Stephen Hopkins went on *??*' an embassy to Massasoit, at Montaup. Their object was to Embassy to negotiate a traffic in furs, and to preserve amity with the na- Massasoit lives. Much to his delight, they gave the sachem a red coat, from Governor Bradford, who had succeeded Carver. They hinted that his subjects were somewhat too free with their presence at Plymouth, though himself and his particular friends should always be welcome. They mentioned that on their first arrival they had found a small quantity of buried corn, which in their necessity they had appropriated, but they now wished to discover and remunerate the owners ; and finally, they requested that the Pokanokets would sell their furs to the colony. Massasoit gathered his couneil. " Am I not," said he, Massasoit " commander of the country ? Is not such a town mine ? consults his and such an one T going on to the number of thirty, and ^ 1 t ! d finally, should not all bring their furs to him if he wished it ?" Indian trade. The Sannops ejaculated a hearty affirmative to each succes- sive proposition, and the matter was happily adjusted. The trade, thus secured to the colony, proved of great consequence. The ship Fortune arrived in November, and brought over Nov -. thirty-five persons to join the settlers. The corn which they F ort un e ar had found in their excursions from Cape Cod providentially rives, preserved them ; for they had planted it, and the crop was their dependence, scanty though it proved, for their second winter. Massasoit feared the Narragansetts, and was doubtless on that account desirous of cultivating the friendship of the Eng- lish. Canonicus, the old hereditary chieftain of that confede- racy, perhaps offended at this intimacy, or regarding the Narragan- whites as intruders, meditated a war against them which he setts threat- openly intimated by sending to Governor Bradford a bunch of en j a ^ ar ' arrows tied with the skin of a rattlesnake. Bradford stuffed iG2 the skin with powder and ball and sent it back ; and nothing more was heard, at that time, of war. . News came to Plymouth that Massasoit was sick. Accom- 1623. panied by " one Master John Hampden," believed by some March 1st. to be the celebrated Englishman of that name, then on a visit ^^MaMa- to the colony, Winslow taking suitable articles, went to Mon- S oit in his taup. He found the Indians bewailing, arid practicing their sickness noisy powows or incantations around the sightless chieftain. 38 FAVORABLE CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COLONY. PARTI. Affectionately he extended his hand and exclaimed, "Art PERIOD in. thou Winsiiow ?" (He could not articulate the liquid 1.) " Art CHAP. in. thou Winsnow ? But, O, Winsnow ! I shall never see thee v^-v^^ more." Winslow administered cordials, and he recovered. He recovers He then revealed a conspiracy which the Indians had formed and reveals an( j re q ues t e d him to join. " But now," said he, " I know that the English love me." Agreeably to Massasoit's advice, that a bold stroke should be struck, and the heads of the plot taken off, the intrepid Standish, with a party of only eight, went into the hostile The conspi- country, attacked a house where the principal conspirators raters cut off. j^ metj an( j p ut tnem to death. In justice to the Indians, it should be stated that they were provoked to this conspiracy MasterWes- ^V tne lawless aggressions of " Master Weston's men." ton's men. These were a colony 6f sixty Englishmen, sent over in June, 1622. by Thomas Weston. Though hospitably received at [Weston Plymouth, they stole the young corn from the stalk, and thus was a Lou- ,', -IT " i i i don mer- brought want and distress upon the settlers, the ensuing win- chant, once ter and spring. They then made a short-lived and pernicious th th f e ie pu- f sett l ement at Weymouth. The pilgrims had been more grims.] alarmed at this Indian conspiracy, on account of the horrible news from Virginia, of the great Indian massacre there. 1624. Notwithstanding all the hardships all thewisdom and con- to stancy, of the colonists, the partners of the concern in London 1626. complained of small returns ; and even had the meanness to The proper- send a vessel to rival them in their trade with the Indians, ty of the co- Winslow went to England and negotiated a purchase for him- i^WirSow se ^ an( ^ seven ^ ^ s associates in the colony, by which the and others, property was vested in them ; and they sold out to the colony then in the at large, for the consideration of a monopoly of the trade with whole, the Indians for six years. New Plymouth now began to flourish. For the land being divided, each man labored for himself and his family, and not for the public, or for distant usurers. Their government was ineirgov- a p ure democracy, resembling that now exercised in a town meeting. Each male inhabitant had a vote ; the governor had two. At first some delicacy was felt, as they had no charter, being north of the bounds of the Virginia company, but at length they proceeded to the exercise of all the powers of self-government. After the establishment of the Grand Coun- cil of Plymouth, of which mention will soon be made, Newcharter. they received from it a charter, by which they exercised these rights, under the authority of England. Numbers of their brethren of the church at Leyden came over within the first few years to join the settlement ; and Winslow relates that the people of Plymouth gave a thousand pounds to assist them to emigrate. But the good Robinson Death of was not P erm i tte d to enter the land of his hopes and affections. Robinson. He died in Leyden, 1 625, to the great grief of the Pilgrims, who had kept then church without a pastor, Eldei B/ewste?. SIR FERDINANDO GORGES AND HIS ASSOCIATES- 39 officiating, in hopes, until they heard of his death, again to PART I. enjoy his ministrations. PERIOD ra. Ten years after its first settlement, New Plymouth had CHAP. iv. three hundred inhabitants ; and had no other colony followed, there is every reason to believe they would have sustained themselves. Their history forms a striking contrast with that of colonies where men were sent by others to labor in distant N.Plymoutk lands, or induced by worldly motives to enlist under am- bitious leaders. Like the Captain of their Salvation, the Pil- grims were self-devoted. No man took from them, but they voluntarily laid down what pertained to this life, in the cheer- ful and assured hope of a better. Faithfulness they regarded as their concern ; reward, as that of their Heavenly Master. CHAPTER IV. Grand Council of Plymouth. New Hampshire. IN November, 1620, the same month in which the Pilgrims arrived on the American coast, James I. issued a charter to Grand coun- the duke of Lenox, the marquisses of Buckingham and Ham- cil of Plym- ilton, the earls of Arundel and Warwick, Sir Ferdinando <* ^ve Gorges, and thirty-four associates, styling them the " Grand i. a sweeping Council of Plymouth, for planting and governing New Eng- patent of land, in America." This patent granted them the territory land e ^ lled between the " fortieth and forty-eighth degrees of north lat- England. itude, and extending throughout the main land from sea to sea." This territory, which had been previously called North Virginia, now received the name of New England, by royal authority. From this patent were derived all the subsequent grants, under which the New England colonies were settled. But either from sinister motives, sheer ignorance of the geogra- phy of the country, or reckless disregard to consequences, the affairs of this corporation were transacted in a manner so confused, that endless disputes and difficulties were occasioned. Sir Ferdinando Gorges had been an officer in the navy of v $ ir F - Elizabeth, and a companion of Sir Walter Raleigh. Various obtain ~ circumstances had bent his mind strongly to the ambition of Mason founding a colony in America. Perhaps he imagined it would become a principality or a dukedom. He was hence the prime mover in getting up the Grand Council of Plymouth ; and was made its President. Similar motives actuated Cap- tain Mason, and he became its Secretary. 1621. Mason procured from the Grand Council the absurd grant March 9tb. of " all the land from the river of Naumkeag, (Salem,) round pa tent called Cape Ann to the mouth of the Merrimack, and all the country Mariana. 1622 Gorges and Mason obtain a charter of Maine and N. H. ENDICOT BEGINS A SETTLEMENT AT SALEM. lying between the two rivers, and all islands within three miles of the coast." The district was to be called Mariana. The next year, Gorges and Mason jointly obtained of the Council another patent of " all the lands between the Mer- rimack and Kennebec rivers, extending back to the great lakes, and river of Canada." This tract received the name of Lacaonia. Under this grant some feeble settlements were made at the mouth of the Piscataqua, and as far up the river as the present town of Dover. CHAPTER V. From 16O3 to 1625 Mr. White, of Dorches- ter, England, the active patron of the Massa- chusetts settlement. 162 Patent for Massachu- setts. June. John Endi- cot pioneer of Salem, finds Roger Conant al- ready there. 1629 Royal char ter to the Massachu- setts Bay Company. Colony of Massachusetts Bay. THE persecution of the Puritans continued unabated during the reign of James I., the successor of Elizabeth, and many of the ablest divines of England, obliged to feel the rigor of the law or violate their consciences, were wandering in for- eign lands, or meditating a removal. Among the latter was Mr. White, a minister of Dorchester, in the south of England a puritan, though not a separatist. Having learned what godly quietness his brethren of New Plymouth enjoyed, he turned his eyes in that direction, and projected another colony to America. Encouraged by him, as early as 1624, a few persons established themselves, first at Cape Ann, and afterwards on the site of Salem. Their representations of the country, together with the so- licitation of White, induced several gentlemen of Dorchester to purchase of the Grand Council of Plymouth, in 1628, a patent " of that part of New England which lies between three miles north of the Merrimack river, and three miles to the south of Charles river, and extending from the Atlantic to the South Sea." Thus the avaricious Council covered by a second grant, lands which they had already conveyed by a former one to Mason. John Endicot, a rugged puritan, was the leader; and in Salem, began the " wilderness-work for the" colony of Mas- sachusetts." He brought over his family, and other emigrants to the number of one hundred. Roger Conant and two oth- ers, from New Plymouth, had selected for him this spot, then called Naumkeag, for their settlement, and Conant was there to give to Endicot and his party such welcome to the New World as the desert forest could afford. The next year, the proprietors obtained of King Charles a charter, confirming the patent of the Council of Plymouth, and conveying to them powers of government. They were incorporated by the name of the " Governor and Company of THE ELDER WINTHROP. WILSON. SEVEN CHURCHES. 41 Massachusetts Bay, in New England." The first general PART I. court of the company was held in England, when they fixed PERIOD m upon a form of government for the colony, and appointed En- CHAP. v. dicot governor. ^^-v^*s About three hundred persons sailed for America during 1629 this year, a part of whom joined Mr. Endicot at Salem, and Charlestowa the remainder, exploring the coast for a better station, laid founded, the foundation of Charlestown. In the meantime other pious puritans, with similar views nobUk f and to those of White, were meditating similar projects in other gentry favor and opposite parts of England. The pious family of the " Eng 1 ^. Earl of Lincoln, in the North-East, regarded the religious enterprise with enthusiastic admiration ; as did also John Winthrop, a native of the county of Suffolk, and others of rank and fortune. A large A more extensive emigration was now thought of than emigration had been before attempted. But an objection arose ; the col- ony was to be governed by a council residing in England. To obviate this hindrance, the company agreed to form a coun- cil of those who should emigrate, and who might hold their sessions thereafter in the new settlement. On the election, the excellent John Winthrop was chosen governor. He had afterwards for his eulogy, a praise be- yond that of any other person in the colony. " He was," say they, " unto us as a mother, parent-like distributing his goods, Sails and gladly bearing our infirmities, yet did he ever maintain A P ril 16 > the figure and honor of his place with the spirit of a true pJ^P" gentleman." The company had determined to colonize only hundred their " best." Eight hundred accompanied W r inthrop, and du- persons ring the season, seventeen vessels were employed, bringing over, in all, fifteen hundred persons. Winthrop and his friends found no luxurious table spread for them in the wilderness ; but they freely imparted the stores which they brought, to the famished and enfeebled sufferers Arrival of whom they met. Regarding Salem as sufficiently peopled, ^ Safem the newly-arrived located themselves without delay beyond its June 21." limits. Their first care, wherever they went, was to provide for the ministration of the gospel. In August, Charlestown had a church, at the head of which was the ardent, eccentric, and benevolent Wilson, ever ready to encourage the despond- churches of ing, either in poetry or prose. Dorchester soon after had a church, gathered by Mr. Warham, who afterwards emigrated to Windsor, Connecticut. Boston, Roxbury, Lynn, and Wa- tertown, followed in their order; so that at the end of two years, Massachusetts had seven churches, supplied with de- vout and learned ministers. Unused, as many of this company of settlers were, to aught but plenty and ease, the hardships before them, though borne Death uf with a willing mind, were too much for the body, especially Arl) fJ* ac * n in the case of women. Many died, though in the joy arid Johnson. 5 42 MASSACHUSETTS REQUIRES RELIGIOUS CONFORMITY. PART. I. peace of believing. Among these, was the beloved Arbella PERIOD in. Johnson, of the noble house of Lincoln. Her husband, Isaac CHAP. v. Johnson, the principal of the emigrants in respect to wealth. ^-*~v^*-' felt her loss so severely, that he soon followed her to the grave. He made a liberal bequest to the colony, and died " i sweet peace." By the royal charter, the colonists were empowered to elecf from among themselves, annually, a governor, deputy-governor Affairs of an{ j eighteen assistants ; and to hold general courts everv Bnt ' year, for the purpose of choosing officers, and making all such necessary ordinances as were not repugnant to the laws o* England. It was agreed that important regulations were to be enacted in an assembly of all the freemen, and a meeting was convened at Boston, in October, when Winthrop was re-elected governor, and Thomas Dudley, who had been a faithful steward to the earl of Lincoln, was chosen deputy- governor. 1631. At first, those not members of any church were allowed Church to vote. But in May, 1631, the general court decided that accessary to church-membership should be a necessary qualification. For aroter. this, Massachusetts has been censured. But why, it was asked, should those who left their homes for the express rea- son that they wished to live in a community constituted in a certain manner, be bound to admit among them the very causes of disturbance which they had ventured their lives and wasted their fortunes to avoid ? They had purchased and taken to themselves a desolate corner of the earth, and felt that they Reasoning had a right to enjoy it unmolested. Although this reasoning plausible but j s plausible, yet when they afterwards attempted to carry out their principles by force, they were led to such unjustifi- able acts, as proved it to be unsound. To believe strongly in the immutability of truth, and of right, is a chief element of moral greatness, and one to which 1631 our ear ^ est f at ^ ers owed their elevation of character and ', action. They assumed not to judge for others in things in- liamsffirst to different, but they insisted that all must believe the true, and teach do the right, not considering that we may not on certain freedom SUD J ects assume to judge for others what these are. But it was not until the doctrines of Roger Williams were promul- gated, that religious toleration was understood. That remark- able man joined the settlement in 1631, and was soon loca- ted at Salem. This year, also, some of the most renowned of the Indian chiefs visited Boston to tender their allegiance. From the country of the Narragansetts came the grand warrior Mian- tonomoh, associate sagamore, and nephew to Canonicus ; and Uncas. from the river of the Pequods, appeared the subtle Uncas, 1632. who declared to the authorities that "his heart was riot his own, but theirs." To cultivate friendship with the pilgrims, the governor, GREAT INCREASE BY EMIGRATION. 43 with the excellent Wilson, now become pastor of the church PART. I. of Boston, went on foot to visit New Plymouth. Bradford, PERIOD m. still the governor, and Brewster, the ruling elder, met and CHAP. r. conducted them to their homes. Though but little of the * ^v^*/ cheer of earth could be furnished, yet they partook together October 28. on the Sabbath, of " the heavenly feast;" and each of the p^J^ parties spoke in turn of the glorious things pertaining to the inheritance of the saints in light. The northern colonies had a good understanding with the Virginians, receiving from them supplies of corn. They also had a friendly traffic with the Dutch, who had settled at the Hudson river. These signs of prosperity were reported 1033 in England, where persecution was as yet unrelenting ; and Jul " the consequence was, a fresh emigration. The Griffin brought August, tha over a noble freight of three hundred, among whom were the Griffin fathers of Connecticut, Hooker and Haynes ; and the pious e S[!^JJ and learned Cotton. The latter was settled in Boston, and there became influential in the organization of the churches. As the settlements in Massachusetts had now become nu- merous, and had already extended more than thirty miles from i<}34 Boston, it became impracticable for all the freemen to attend ,, ,, , , . . i T i i Massachu- the general court. This led to an innovation, which altered setts be- the constitution of the government from a simple to a repre- comes a rep- sentative democracy. It was made lawful for " the freemen of democracy every town to choose two or three of their own number, to confer of, and prepare such public business as by them shall be thought fit to consider of at the next general court ;" and it was ordained, that these persons should have the full power and voices of all the freemen, for whom they were chosen to but elections act. An exception was, however, made in the case of elec- stl11 ^ ld by tion to offices, in which every freeman was, as heretofore, to give his own vote. For this purpose, the whole body met once a year, to hold the court of election. Besides this, three other general courts were holden each year by the repre- sentatives, which number was, however, soon limited. The Mosaic laws were made the basis of their criminal code. 1625. Charles I., the son and successor of James I., was no less James I. violent in his religious and political despotism ; and emigrants continued to flock to New England. In the year 1635 not less than three thousand arrived, among whom was Hugh 3000 em 'j. Peters, and also the younger Henry Vane, much known in the grate to New subsequent history of England for his high political career, England. for his able and consistent defense of the principles of free- Henry Vaoe" dom, and for the violent death which, after the accession of Charles II., he suffered with such unexampled Christian tri- umph. The lofty bearing of the high born stranger, his pro- Vane found religious feeling, and his great knowledge, so wrought in is chosen his favor, that, disregarding his youth, the people rashly with- drew their suffrages from the good Winthrop, and chose Vane governor, the year after his arrival. 44 ROGER WILLIAMS EXPELLED FROM MASSACHUSETTS. CHAPTER VI. Rhode Island and its first Founder. PART 1. ROGER WILLIAMS possessed one of those rare minds, which PERIOD in. lookg upon truth with an eagle gaze ; and what he saw clearly, CHAP. vi. t k at ne raa j n t a i n ed with invincible courage. But the war he v- *^ v "^ waged, was with " soul-oppression." Having been a puritan wmfams. minister, he had been driven from England by those perse- cutions for opinion, which, like the confusion of languages at His arrival, Babel, drove men asunder, and peopled the earth. When 1631 5> Williams arrived in Massachusetts, he proclaimed, that the His views* of only business of the human legislator is with the actions religious o f man as they affect his fellow-man ; but as for the to eration. tnO ughts an d feelings of his mind, and the acts or omissions of his life, as respects religious worship, the only lawgiver is God ; and the only human tribunal, a man's own con- science. Hence he condemned as unjust the church-membership restriction of the right of suffrage, all laws to compel atten- authorities dance on devotional exercises, and all taxation to support pub- y u Massa ~ lie worship Great was the astonishment caused, and the disturbance made, by what was called this " ill egg of tolera- 1635. ti on -" Williams, the eloquent young divine, frank and affec- He is settled tionate, had, however, won the hearts of the people of at Salem. Salem, and they invited him to settle with them as their pas- tor. The general court forbade it. Williams withdrew to - Pty mout h> where he remained as pastor for two years, and court, then returned to Salem, where he was again gladly received by the people. The court punished the town for this offense by withhold- ing a tract of land to which they had a claim. Williams wrote to the churches, endeavoring to show the injustice of this proceeding ; whereupon the court ordered, that until am- Salem dis- P^ e a Pl o gy was made for the letter, Salem should be disfran- franchised. chised. Then all, even his wife, yielded to the clamor against him ; but he declared to the court before whom he was arraigned, that he was ready to be bound, or if need were, to attest with his life, his devotion to his principles. Williams is The court, influenced by Mr. Cotton, pronounced against him the sentence of exile. Winter was approaching, and he ob- tained permission to remain till spring. The affections of his people revived, and throngs collected to hear the beloved itfsoia voice, soon to cease from among them. The authorities be- J.Ot>O. ii! - i nil . came alarmed, and sent a pinnace to convey him to England ; unsheltered Dut ne na ^ disappeared, wanderer. Now a wanderer in the wilderness, he had not, upon many THE NARRAGANSETTS THE BENEFACTORS OF RHODE ISLAND. 45 a stormy night, either " food, or fire, or company," or bet- PART I. ter lodging than the hollow of a tree. At last, a few follow- PER1OD In ers having joined him, he fixed at Seckonk, since Rehoboth, CHAP Tn within the limits of the colony of Plymouth. Winslow was ^^^^^ now governor there ; and he felt himself obliged to commu- nicate to Williams that his remaining would breed disturb- He to ance between the two colonies ; and he added his advice to the Narra- that privately conveyed to Williams by a letter from Winthrop, gansetts. '* to steer his course to Narragansett Bay." Williams now threw himself upon the mercy of Canonicus. At first, the sachem was ungracious. The English, he said, had sought to kill him, and had sent the plague among his {ioiTby*" people. But Williams won upon him by degrees, and he Canonicus. extended his hospitality to him and his suffering company. He would not, he said, sell his land, but he freely gave to Williams, whose neighborhood he now coveted, and who was favored by his nephew, Miantonomoh, all the neck of land between the Pawtucket and Moshasuck rivers, " that his people Jf^jM might sit down in peace and enjoy it forever." Thither they g andfound* went, and with pious thanksgiving named the goodly place Providence. PROVIDENCE. 1636. The acquaintance of Williams with the Narragansetts was opportune ; for by its means he learned that a conspiracy was forming to cut off the English, headed by Sassacus, the powerful chief of the Pequods. The Narragansetts had been strongly moved by the eloquence of Mononotto, asso- ciate chief with Sassacus, to join in the plot. They wavered, but Williams, by making a perilous journey to their country, perilous * persuaded them rather to unite with the English against their journey to ancient enemies. He wrote to Governor Winthrop, who im- ^n^ettsT mediately invited Miantonomoh to visit him at Boston. That to serve his chieftain went, and there entered into a treaty of peace and persecutors, alliance with the English ; engaging to them the assistance of the Narragansetts against the Pequods, should they per- sist in hostility. Roger Williams became a Baptist; and founded, in Provi- dence, the first Baptist church in America. CHAPTER VII. Connecticut and its Founders. THE Dutch and English both claimed to be the original The discoverers of Connecticut river, but the former had probably the probable the juster claim. The natives along its valley were kept in ^ fear by the more warlike Pequods on the east, and the terri- ble Mohawk? in the west ; and hence they desired the pres- ence of the English, as defenders. As early as 1631, Wah- quimacut, one of their sachems, being pressed by the Pequods, 46 VALLEY OF THE CONNECTICUT. ITS DIFFERENT SETTLER& PART I. went to Boston and afterwards to Plymouth, earnestly re- PERIOD in questing that an English colony might be sent to his country, CHAP. vii. which he truly described as a delightful region. Governor v -**" v ^'^~' Winthrop declined his proposal ; but Edward Winslow, then 1631. governor of Plymouth, favored the project, and visited and examined the valley. The Plymouth people had been, some time previous, ad- vised by the Dutch to settle on Connecticut river ; and they now determined to pursue the enterprise. They fixed on the site of Windsor, as the place to erect a trading-house. But delays occurred, and the Dutch having repented of their for- mer moderation, and now anxious to secure the territory for Dutch fix at themselves, erected a small trading fort, called the house of Hartford. Good Hope, on a point of land in Sukeag, since Hartford, at the junction of the Little river with the Connecticut. 1633* The materials for the Plymouth trading-house being put on Plymouth Doar d a vessel, Captain Holmes, who commanded, soon ap- n^ople at peared sailing up the river. When opposite to the Dutch Windsor, f ort j^ was commanded to stop, or he would be fired upon ; erect the first , , , , , , TTr . , , " , house in the but he resolutely kept his course, and the Windsor house, the State. first in Connecticut, was erected and fortified before winter. Such was the condition of the puritans in England, and such the reputation of their success in America, that even some of the nobility belonging to the sect, meditated emigra- Connecticut tion - ^ ne Grand Council patented Connecticut to the Earl of granted to Warwick, a friend and frequent hearer of Thomas Hooker. English That nobleman subsequently transferred his patent to Lord Say and Seal, and Lord Brooke, with others. John Winthrop, a son of the worthy governor of Massachusetts, a man in The younger whom high natural endowments had received the teachings Winthrop of science and religion, having been sent to England on busi- their agent. negg ^ or ]y[ assac husetts, took an agency for the two Lords patentees, and was directed by them to build a fort at the mouth of the Connecticut river, and within it, houses proper for persons of rank, as well as those for laborers. 1631 patent granted all that part of New England which ex- Extent o'f tends " from Narragansett river one hundred and twenty miles the patent, on a straight line, near the shore, towards the south-west, as the coast lies toward Virginia, and within that breadth, from . the Atlantic ocean to the South Sea." 1633. Before Mr. Winthrop's commission was known, Thomas 1635 Hooker and his church had determined to leave Newtown, Thomas since Cambridge, and plant themselves upon Connecticut river ; Hooker and having obtained for that object a reluctant permission from f he thers of the G , c A/r i ^ Bay deter- general court ot Massachusetts. mine to Other parties around the Bay were also in motion. In remove. August, a few pioneers from Dorchester selected a place at . . Windsor near the Plymouth trading-house ; and others from advance 1 * Watertown fixed on Pyquag, now Wethersfield. of Hooker. Having made such preparations as they were able, a party FIRST WINTERS HARDSHIP. THOMAS HOOKER. 47 intending to be in advance of Hooker, set out in October, with their families, amounting in all to sixty persons, men, women and children. To proceed rapidly across a trackless wilderness, through swamps and over mountains, was impos- sible, and when the tedious journey was accomplished, win- ter was at hand ; and it set in earlier than usual, and was uncommonly severe. They not only lacked comfortable dwellings, but having sent their furniture and provisions round by shipping, storms had delayed or wrecked their vessels. After enduring such hardships as human nature shudders to contemplate, most of the party, to save life, got on board a vessel, and at length reached Massachusetts. A few re- mained, who lived on malt and acorns. Their cattle, too, fared hardly, browsing in the \voods ; and numbers of them died from starvation. The resolute puritans were not however discouraged, but most of those who left the settlement in the winter, returned in the spring with Hooker and his company. Winthrop in the meantime arrived with his commission, and commenced building the projected fort. A few days af- terwards, a Dutch vessel, which was sent from New Neth- erlands, appeared off the harbor to take possession of its entrance. The English having by this time mounted two pieces of cannon, prevented their landing; and proceeded to complete the fort, which was named after the two Lords pat- entees, Say-Brook. Engaged as were all parties concerned, in planting the wilderness for the same object the unmolested enjoyment of a common religion the ample subjects of contention, now opened by conflicting claims, were all, though not without dif- ficulty, peaceably adjusted. The Pilgrims, in the exercise of their wonted virtues, sold their claim to lands at Windsor, to the people of Dorchester ; and the patentees were content that the Massachusetts settlement should proceed. Thomas Hooker is regarded as the principal founder of Connecticut. In him a natural "grandeur of mind" was cul- tivated by education, and chastened by religion and adver- sity. Although commanding and dignified in his ministerial office, he was in policy, an overmatch for the crafty. In pri- vate life he was generous, compassionate, and tender. So attractive was his pulpit eloquence, from " the fervor with which he breathed out his holy soul," and from the great flex- ibility of his manner, tones, and copious imagery, by which he adapted himself to all subjects and all occasions, that in England he drew crowds, often from great distances, of 110- ble, as well as plebeian hearers. And when for his conscien- tious non-conformity, not to the doctrines of the English church, but to the legal imposition of its rites and ceremonies, the ecclesiastical authorities silenced him, no less than forty- seven of the regular clergy remonstrated ; and plead, though vainly, for his restoration. PART I. Hardship* endurei R etum to the Bay. Dutch attack Differences Thoma* Hoo * er ' ter and P ul P il 48 JOHN HAYNES. WISDOM, UNION, AND LABOR. PART I. His congregation in England esteemed his ministry as so PERIOD in. great a blessing, that when persecution drove him from his CHAP. vin. native land, they desired still to be with him, although in these >-**~v~^_' it ends O f the earth." A portion of his people had preceded 1633. him, and were already settled at Newtown, since Cambridge. ^withS" 8 ^ S ^ ie l an d e d. t ^ le y met n * m on the snore - With streaming church at eyes he pressed them to his bosom, crying out, " Now I live, Boston, if y e s tand fast in the Lord !" His pervading mind had been active in planning the opera- tions of the preceding year, for he had determined, soon after his arrival, on taking his flock to a separate ground There far* ifemovaT remained persecuted friends in England, who were yet to join them ; and for their sake, he deemed it wise to make more extensive room ; and he was attracted by the locality ot the broad and beautiful valley of the Connecticut. Associated with Hooker, both in counsel and action, was John John Haynes, a gentleman of excellent endowments, of un- Haynes. affected meekness, and possessed of a very considerable es- tate. So desirous were the people of Massachusetts to detain him, that they made him their governor ; but he would not lit" A separate himself from his friend and pastor. Hooker and Warned by the calamities of the preceding autumn, Hooker his church would not delay, although his wife was so ill as to be carried journey on a j^ter ; but the company departed from Newtown carry in wilderness. June, driving their flocks and herds. Many of them were accustomed to affluence ; but now, they all, men, women and little children, travelled on foot, through thickets, across sti earns and over mountains, lodging at night upon the unshel- tered ground. But they put their cheerful trust in (jJod, and we doubt not the ancient forest wa^s, night and morning, made vocal with His praise. At length they reached their destined location, which they named Hartford. The excellent Haynes was chosen chief magistrate ; and the soil was purchased of the natives. The succeeding summer was one of the utmost exertion. Houses Settle at were to De built, lands cleared, food provided for the coming Hartford and winter, roads made, the cunning and terrible savage to be by good con- guarded against, and, chiefly, a church and state to be or- ouct, insure . i i i in TIII success, gamzed. All was to be done, and q,ll was accomplished by wisdom, union, and labor. CHAPTER VIII. Connecticut. The Pequod War. How firmly the little state had become established in a short time, is shown from the shock which it now met and THE DESTRUCTION OF THE PEQUODS BECOMES NECESSARY. 49 repelled. The Pequods were endeavoring to unite the Indian PART I. tribes in a plot to exterminate the English, especially those of PERIOD HI this colony, named from its river, Connecticut. They had CHAP. vm. sought, as we have seen, the alliance of their former enemies, ^*-v~+^ the Narragansetts, but through the influence of Roger Wil- 1636. Hams, Miantonomoh, the war-chief of that ricuion, remained ThePequods true to the whites. Uncas, the Mohegan sagamore, formerly se t ^ e jSj^" 1 a vassal, and of the same family with Sassacus, was now his gansetts inveterate foe. The Pequods murdered Captain John Oldham, near Block H ^J*' Island. They made other attacks, and carried away some the Pequods. prisoners. They cut off stragglers from Saybrook, and had become so bold as to assault the fort, and use impudent, and threatening language. Every where they were, or seemed to be, lurking, with purposes of murder. The whole settle- Distress of ment, men, women and children, were in the feverish condition the settlers - of intense and continual fear. They neither ate, slept, or la- bored, or even worshipped God in the sanctuary, without arms and ammunition at hand. 1637. A general court was called on the last of May, at Hartford, The 'court Thirty persons had already been killed, and the evidence was declare war conclusive that the savages designed a general massacre. a p a e m uo j^ e The court, therefore, righteously declared war. Thfe quota of troops from the three towns now settled, shows the rapid progress of the settlement. Hartford was to furnish ninety men, Windsor forty-two, and Wethersfield Route of th eighteen, making one hundred and fifty. John Mason was cho- troops under sen captain The troops embarked at Hartford, sailed down ason * the river, and along the coast, to Narragansett Bay. Miantono- moh furnished them two hundred warriors, Uncas sixty. There were actually embodied of the English, only seventy-seven, of whom twenty, commanded by Captain Underhill, were from Massachusetts. Guided by a Pequod deserter, they reached -, Mystic, one of the two forts of Sassacus, at dawn of day. The Pequod Their Indian allies showed signs of fear, and Mason arranging frt at Mys- them at a distance around the fort, advanced with his own little tlc attacked - army. If they fell, there was no second force to defend their state, their wives and helpless children. As they approach, a dog barks, and an Indian sentinel cries out, " Owannox, Owan- nox !" the English '.the English! They leap within the fort. The Indians fight desperately, and victory is doubtful. Mason then seizes and throws a flaming brand, shouting, " we must burn them." The light materials of their wigwams were in- Is burnt with stantly in a blaze. Hemmed in as the Indians now were, escape was impossible ; and six hundred, all who were within the fort, of every sex and age, in one hour perished. Three hundred Pequods issuing from the other and royal fortress of Sassacus, pursued Mason with infuriated rage, as he retreated to the Pequod river, where he embarked on 50 PART I. board his vessels which met him there. Two of the English PERIOD in. were killed, and twenty wounded. CHAP. vin. r f ne subjects of Sassacus now reproached him as the au- v -^~ v ~" lfc ~' thor of their misfortunes- and to escape destruction, he with 1637. his chief captains fled to the Mohawks : but he was after- Sassacus wards slain by a revengeful subject. Three hundred of his killed warriors, having burned his remaining fort, fled along the sea coast. Massachusetts had raised a body of men to aid in the war, which on account of the theological disturbance, arrived to late for tne Dattle - These, under Captain Patrick, now defeated at joined with forty men under Mason, pursued the fugitive Fairfield. savages, traced them to a swamp in Fairfield, and there fought and defeated them. Nearly one thousand of the Pequods were destroyed ; many fled, and two hundred, besides women and children, remained as captives. Of these, some, we are grieved to relate, were sent to the West Indies and sold into slavery ; and the re- mainder divided between the Narragansetts and the Mohe- Th j Pe ~ ffans. The two Sachems, Uncas and Miantonomoh, between OU.OQS US 3,o 111 i i mi tribe extinct, whom was mutual hatred, now engaged to live in peace. 1 he lands of the Pequods were regarded as conquered territory, and the name of the tribe was declared extinct. The prowess of the English had thus put the natives in First public ^ ear ' an< ^ a ^ on P eace ensued. All the churches in, New thanks- England commemorated this deliverance, by keeping a day of giving. common and devout thanksgiving. The war had f-illen heavily upon the colony. Their farm- 1639. ing and their finances were deranged; but order and industry Constitution restored them. In 1639, they formally conjoined themselves and civil to be one state or commonwealth, " to maintain the purity of government. foe gospel, the discipline of the churches, and in all civil af- fairs, to be governed by the constitution which should be adopted." This constitution ordained two annual general courts, one Their civil to be held in May, at which the whole body of freemen should order and choose a governor, deputy-governor, six magistrates, and other necessary officers. Church membership was not made a ne- cessary qualification for a voter, or even for a magistrate, al- though it was for the office of governor. The towns were to send deputies to the general assembly, for the transaction of all business, except the election of officers. All taxes were to be apportioned by a special committee, consisting of dele- gates from the several towns. The governor and four magis- trates might constitute a general assembly, at which the for- mer had a casing vote. So wisely was the " foundation- m nent P than work" of a public organization performed by the fathers of in the other Connecticut, that less has been found to alter here than in any states. otner gtate . an( j j t ^ j ience b een ca n e( i throughout the union, " the land of steady habits." DAVENPORT AND EATON. THEIR FRIENDSHIP. CHAPTER IX. New Haven and its Founders. p 4 -pnp w THEOPHILUS EATON and John Davenport, puritans of much distinction in England, were regarded as the Moses and Aaron P of the colony of New Haven. Eaton had been deputy-governor of a company for trade to the Baltic, and a public functionary at the court of Denmark ; he had married a daughter of the Bishop of Chester, and was possessed of a large estate. Da- venport, the son of an English lawyer, was early pious- and entering the ministry, he became eminent in London as a preacher. In attempting to dissuade Cotton from puritanism, Daven- John Daven . port had become its disciple, and thus exposed himself to per- po rt a n emi- secution. He believed that the reformation in England had nent divine, stopped short; and that "the ark might as well be got off from the mountains when it had once rested, as a reformation to be reformed where it had once stopped :" and hence he was seized with an ardent desire to realize his visions of perfec- tion in church organization, which he thought could only be His views of where 'a church should be constituted "in the first assay," in entire accordance with the scriptures ; and Cotton had written to him from America, that the order there settled " brought to w his mind the new heavens and the new earth, wherein dwell- eth righteousness." Among the serious virtues of that soul-expanding day, was one little known in times when a paltry spirit of levity prevails: that of high and devoted friendship. Such existed between ton and Davenport and Eaton, and appears to have been the main- Davenport, spring in producing Eaton's emigration. The two friends collected their associates, and arrived at - I ^ 3 L*>' Boston, July 26th, 1637. Massachusetts was desirous of se- Th * anive curing such settlers, but they preferred a separate establish- a t Boston, ment ; and seeking a commercial station, they explored the 1638. coast, fixed on Quinnipiac, and in 1638, they moored their They reach vessels in its harbor. The company had made some little Quinnipiac. preparation for the settlement the preceding summer, yet many sufferings were to be endured. The spring was uncommonly backward ; their planted corn perished repeatedly in the ground, and they dreaded the utter failure of the crop ; but at length they were cheered by warm weather, and surprised by the rapid progress of vegetation. The first Sunday after they arrived, they met and worship- . ., .* ped under a large tree, when Mr. Davenport preached to them concerning the temptations of the wilderness. On the 4th of 52 THEOLOGICAL DISTURBANCE IN MASSACHUSETTS. PART I. June, 1639, they met in a large barn belonging to Mr. New- pERiob~nT. man, when they formed themselves into a body politic, and CHAP. x. established a form of government, blending the church with **r**s^s the state. Each church was to be begun by seven of their 1639. best and most pious men, called " the seven pillars " of the June 4. church, who were to be selected by twelve chosen by the ^r^'o"? P e pl e at large for the purpose. The governor and magistrates government were to be elected by such of their number as were church established, members ; and were to hold annually a general court to regu- The seven ^ ate tne affairs of the colony. The planters solemnly bound pillars of themselves, " until otherwise ordered, to be governed in all tnm g s f civil a s well as religious concerns, by the rules which the Scriptures held forth to them." Eaton was chosen go- vernor * To the place, which they held by purchase from the natives, they gave the name of New Haven. CHAPTER X. Massachusetts. Antinomianism and Intolerance. As long as the Puritan fathers consisted of only a few united brethren, who accorded in religious views, all was har- * monious ; and the error which afterwards led to intolerance, remained latent. But human opinion flows on like a river, and its course cannot be stayed by human means. Already had Mrs. Hutch- the theology of Geneva, the head-quarters of puritanism, un- dergone a change ; and Vane, recently there, had come over with newer lights ; and at this time, " a master-piece of wo- men's wit," Anne Hutchinsoh. of Boston, had, by her powers of reasoning, and eloquence of expression, promulgated opin- ions unthought of before, and highly offensive. She began in meetings of her own sex, with the simple opinions, scriptural proposition, that justification is of faith, and not of works the divine life formed in the soul, and not in outward observances. She was regarded as aiming a reproach at the sanctity of manners, then so carefully cultivated, especially SSuredT* amon tne c l er gy- These censured, but failing to silence her, the clergy, a bitter controversy ensued. At last, she went the length of denying the necessity of good works, even as an evidence of faith. This was Antinomianism, and it was regarded as i most alarming heresy; and so many had embraced it that the utmost distress pervaded the minds of the puritans; who seemed now destined to lose that great blessing of gospel pu- VanJukes "tyi ^ or which they had sacrificed so much, her part Governor Vane, believing Mrs. Hutchinson to have been FIRST UNIVERSITY IN THE COLONIES. 53 wronged, sought to defend her, by pleading the just principles PART I. of religious toleration. Mr. Cotton, it is believed, was PERIOD in. touched on the side of his personal vanity, by the preference CHAP. x. which the eloquent lady gave to him over his clerical breth- ^ *~v~^ ren. It is certain that he was her advocate, as was also her Mr. Cotton, brother-in-law, Mr. Wheelright, who was a minister, and Mr. Mr ' n ^JJ eeI Coddington, a respectable magistrate, and many others. The wrath of the opposition was especially kindled against Mr. Vane ; and although he was the idol of yesterday, to-day 1637. he was denounced as a heretic and a hypocrite. Such ex- Great ex- citement prevailed at the ensuing election, at which Winthrop citement. was reinstated as governor, that the zealous Wilson climbed a tree to harangue the people. Even the call made by Con- necticut in her distress, for assistance against the Pequods, who would, if they destroyed the sister colony, be next with the midnight tomahawk at their own doors, was regarded with less interest than this controversy ; and hence the Massachu- setts troops, whom Wilson was to accompany as chaplain, did not arrive until the little army of Mason had accomplished, against fearful odds, the reduction of the Pequod fort. A synod In this extremity, a synod of ministers was assembled, condemn the Mr. Davenport had opportunely arrived from London, and Mr. Hooker, desirous to prepare minds for political as well as reli- gious union, recrossed the wilderness from Hartford. Vane had returned to England to be a leader and champion of lib- erty in the long parliament, and Cotton, as he now expressed She is ban- to the synod his views of the controversy, seemed scarcely lshe jjJ"' lUl to differ from his brethren. The opinions of the heresiarch adherents, were unanimously condemned by the synod, and herself and the most determined of her adherents banished. 163 Mrs. 'Hutchinson, excommunicated from the church, an t o outcast from a society which had but now followed and flat- 1643. tered her, went first to Rhode Island, to join the settlement Mrs. Hmch- which her followers had there made ; thence she removed with st^ed^" her family to the state of New York, where she met death in Indians in its most appalling form that of an Indian midnight massacre. New York - Some of the first fathers of New England, especially the clergy, were men of extensive learning. The greater num- ber of these had been educated at the university of Cam- bridge ; but all, of every rank and occupation, held learning in profound esteem. Hence some of their earliest cares were to provide the means of instruction for their children. At the general court in September, 1630, the sum of four four hundred hundred pounds was voted to commence a college building, ^"f* a to and Newtown, which had been fixed on as its location, re- college, ceived the name of Cambridge. In 1638, Mr. John Harvard, 1638. a pious divine from England, dying at Charlestown, left to the Mr. John college a bequest of nearly eight hundred pounds ; and grati- tude perpetuated his name in that of the institution. All the several colonies cherished the infant seminary by contributions ; 54 CODDINGTON AND CLARKE. WHEELRIGHT. PART I. regarding it as a nursery, from which the church and state PERIOD in. were to be replenished with qualified leaders. CHAP. xi. RHODE ISLAND. The most respectable of the banished v-rf^-v^*^ followers of Mrs. Hutchinson went south, headed by William 163. Coddington and John Clarke, who, as a baptist, had also been Followers of persecuted ; and by the influence of Roger Williams, they Mrs. Hutch- obtained from Miantonomoh the noble gift of the island of - A( l uetneck > called Rhode Island, on account of its beauty and and. fertility. Here they established a government, on the princi- ples of political equality and religious toleration ; and Cod- dington was made chief magistrate. NEW HAMPSHIRE. Another portion of the disciples of Mrs - Hutchinson, headed by her brother-in-law, Mr. Wheel- others found right, went north ; and in the valley of the Piscataqua founded Exeter. Exeter. It was within a tract of country lying between that river and the Merrimac, which Wheelright claimed by virtue 1629 * a P urcnase made of the celebrated Indian sorcerer, Passa- Wheelri ht's conaway, the chief sachem of the Pennicooks ; and of less Indian pa- powerful chiefs of smaller tribes. This claim interfered with tent - that conveyed by the patent to Mason and Gorges, and was accordingly disputed. In the meantime small independent settlements were made along the water courses, by emigrants from Massachusetts and the other colonies ; but they did not flourish, for they 1641 imprudently neglected the culture of their lands, present ne- New Hump- cessities being scantily supplied by fish and game. shire settle- i n 1641 ? these settlements, induced by a sense of their become' a weakness, petitioned Massachusetts to receive them under its tart of Mas- jurisdiction. The general court granted their request, and sachusetts. fa e y were incorporated with that colony. CHAPTER XI. Delaware Maryland Virginia . GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS, the hero of his age, projected, in 162T. * n 1^27, a colony of his subjects from Sweden and Finland. Swedes and About ten years afterwards they came over headed by Peter Fins. They Minuets, and settled at Christina Creek, on the west side of Delaware. * tne Delaware, calling that river Swedeland-strearn, and the 1638. country, New Sweden. Though this was the first effectual settlement, yet the Dutch had in 1629 purchased of the natives a tract of land 1639. extending from Cape Henlopen to the mouth of the Delaware clafm origi- r i ver - A. small colony conducted by De Vries, came from nates. ' Holland, and settled near Lewiston. They perished by the 1631. savages ; but the Dutch continuing to claim the country, dis- Clayborne sensioris arose between them and the Swedish emigrants. plants a col- MARYLAND. In 1631, William Clayborne obtained from ony on Kent ,, T .. rr> i r A r Island. Charles I. a license to tramc in those parts of America lor GEORGE CALVERT, THE FIRST LORD BALTIMORE. 55 which there was not already a patent granted. Clayborne planted a small colony on Kent island, in Chesapeake bay, opposite to the spot where Annapolis now stands. George Calvert, afterwards Lord Baltimore, had repre- sented in the English Parliament his native district of York- shire. The favor of the monarch and the principal ministers had been manifested by influential appointments at court ; but these he resigned to make a public profession of the Roman catholic faith. To enjoy his religion unmolested, he wished to emigrate to some vacant tract in America. He had fixed on Virginia as a desirable location, and accordingly made a visit to that colony. The people there would not en- courage a settlement, unless an oath was taken, to which he could not in conscience subscribe. Finding he must seek an asylum elsewhere, he explored the country to the north, and then returned to England. The Queen, Henrietta Maria, daughter to Henry IV. of France, gave to the territory the name of Maryland, and Lord Baltimore obtained it by a royal patent. He died at London in 1632, before his patent passed to a legal form ; but his son, Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Bal- timore, by the influence of Sir Robert Cecil, obtained the grant intended for his father. By this patent he held the country from the Potomac to the 40th degree of north latitude ; and thus, by a mere act of the crown, what had long before been granted to Virginia, Rvas now taken away ; as what was now granted was subse- quently given to Penn, to the extent of a degree. Hence long and obstinate altercations ensued. Lord Baltimore appointed as governor his brother, Leonard Calvert, who, with two hundred emigrants, sailed for Amer- ica near the close of 1633, and arrived at the Potomac early in 1634. Here they purchased of the natives, Yamaco, one of their settlements, to which was given the name of St. Mary. Calvert thus secured by a pacific course, comfortable hab- itations, some improved lands, and the friendship of the na- tives. Other circumstances served to increase the prosperity of the colony. The country was pleasant, great religious freedom existed, and a liberal charter had been granted, which allowed the proprietor, aided by the freemen, to pass laws, without reserving to the crown the right of rejecting them. Emigrants accordingly soon flocked to the province from the other colonies and from England. Thus had the earliest settlers of this beautiful portion of our country established themselves, without the sufferings en- dured by the pioneers of former settlements. The proprie- tary government, generally so detrimental, proved here a nurs- ing mother. Lord Baltimore expended for the colonists, within a few years, forty thousand pounds ; and they, " out of desire to return some testimony of gratitude," voted ic their PART I. George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore. 1628. Visits Virginia. Fixes on Maryland, and obtains a patent. April 15. 1632. Cecil Cal- vert the sec- ond Lord Baltimore, obtains the same patent. Its limits. Leonard Calvert sails. Nor. 1633. Arrives at the Chesa- peake. February, 1634. Commences a flourishing settlement on the Potomac. Generosity of the pro- prietary, and gratitude of the colony. 66 CECIL CALVERT, THE SECOND LORD BALTIMORE. 1642. Lord Balti- more invites the puritans. Clayhorne, the evil ge- nius of Mary- land. 1635. to 1643. 1562. The slave- trade begun and upheld by the English. 1620. Introduced into V a. 1621. Sir Francis Wyatt. Improved constitution. Cotton first planted. 1622. Indian Three hun- dred persons cruelly murdered. assembly, " such a subsidy as the low and poor estate of che colony could bear." Lord Baltimore invited the puritans of Massachusetts to emigrate to Maryland, offering them " free liberty of religion." They rejected this, as they did a similar proposition from Cromwell, to remove to the West Indies. The restless, intriguing Clayborne, the evil genius of Ma- ryland, had been constantly on the alert to establish a claim to the country, and to subvert the government of the good proprietary. In his traffic with the natives he had learned their dispositions, and he wrought them to jealous hostility. In England, the authority of the long Parliament now super- seded that of the king, and those who derived their authority from him ; and of this, not only Clayborne, but other disor- derly subjects of Lord Baltimore, were inclined to take undue advantage. Thus the fair dawn of this rising settlement was early overcast. VIRGINIA. England was interested in the slave-trade as early as 1562, when Sir John Hawkins took by fraud a cargo of negroes from Africa, and sold them in Hispaniola. So de- praved at that time was the public sentiment, that numbers of the most consequential persons engaged in it ; and even the Queen herself became afterwards a party to this atrocious merchandize. In August, 1620, a Dutch ship brought into James river twenty negroes, and sold them as slaves. Thus, and on so small a scale, began an evil so vast in its consequences, and so difficult now to eradicate. In 1621, Sir Francis Wyatt arrived as governor, bringing from the company in England a more perfect and permanent constitution for the colony. The power of making laws was vested in the general assembly. No regulations however could be enforced, until they had received the sanction of the general court of the company in England. At the same time, the orders of the company were not binding upon the colony, without the sanction of their assembly. These liberal con- cessions not only gratified the settlers, but encouraged emi- grants ; and a large number accordingly accompanied Gov- ernor Wyatt to the province. This year, cotton was first planted in Virginia, and " the plentiful coming up of the seeds," was regarded by the plant- ers with curiosity and interest. Opechancanough, the brother and successor of Powhatan, had determined to extirpate the whites, and regain the country for its savage lords. For this purpose he formed a conspiracy to massacre all the English ; and during four years, he was, with impenetrable secrecy, concerting his plan. To each tribe its station was allotted, and the part it was to act pre- scribed. On the 22d of March, 1622, at mid-day, they rushed upon the English, in all their settlements, and butchered men, HARVEY. WEST. WYATT. SIR WILLIAM BERKELEY. 57 women, and children, without pity or remorse. In one hour, PART I. nearly a fourth part of the whole colony was cut off. The PERIOD ra. slaughter would have been universal, if compassion, or a sense CHAP - ** of duty, had not moved a converted Indian, to whom the se- v -*"^^ l ^- / cret was communicated, to reveal it to his master, on the night before the massacre. This was done in time to save James- town and the adjacent settlements. A bloody war ensued. The English, by their arms and Retaliation discipline, were more than a match for the Indians, and they of the retaliated in such a manner as left the colonists for a long time free from savage molestation. They also received con- siderable accessions of lands by appropriating those of the conquered natives. Londoncom- In 1624 the London company, which had settled Virginia, pan y dis- was dissolved by King James, and its rights and privileges re- solved, and turned to the crown. The pretext for this unjust stretch of cJX^roy- royal authority, was the calamities which had befallen the al province. province, and the dissentions which had agitated the company. James now appointed commissioners to inquire into affairs in Virginia, that he might frame proper regulations for the a code for permanent government of the colony. Pleased with such an Virginia. ,, ..,.,' 1-1 11 -He dies. opportunity of exercising his talents as a legislator, he began 1625 his task, but death prevented its completion. The Virginians, however, continued under the special power gir of his successor, Charles I. His arbitrary measures were Harvey dis- particularly felt during the administration of Sir John Harvey, placed by whom in 1636 he sent over. The colonists rose in opposi- the P e P le - tion to his authority, and appointed John West as their gov- jj ep i ace( j \> v ernor ; but the king, highly offended at their conduct, restored the king. " Harvey to his office, with powers more ample than before. Sir Francis Wyatt superseded Harvey in 1639. In conse- 1639. quence of English laws restricting the culture of tobacco, SirFranca which was not only the staple commodity, but the circulating p ya " medium of the colony, it was now much raised in price : and nar y \ aw to the legislature passed a law that no man need " pay more regulate the than two thirds of his debt during the stint," currency. After two years, Sir William Berkeley was sent over to sue- Sir vviuiam ceed Wyatt. The colonists were now confirmed in their en- Berkeley. joyment of the elective franchise. Great harmony prevailed, The colony notwithstanding the assembly took^a high tone in respect to fntem^ifnot their political rights ; boldly declaring " that they expected to be taxed no taxes or impositions, except such as should be freely vo- but b y ted for their own wants." 6 LAUD. GRAND COUNCIL AT AN END. CHAPTER XII. PART. I. 1630, to 1633. Large emigrations English court dis- pleased with Massachu- setts. April 10th, 1634. Appoint commission- ers with arbi- trary powers. Singular temerity. January, 1635 Massachu- setts arraign- ed on a writ of quo warranto. Charles I. The Long Parliament. The New England Confederacy. WHILE the first settlement of New England was yet strug- gling for existence, it was regarded as too feeble to excite among the ruling party of England, other feelings than those of pity. But the persecuted opponents of the government looked upon the pilgrims as Christian heroes, adventuring all to open a way 'of escape for the oppressed ; and at the recep- tion of good news from New England, their hearts burned within them, and the precious papers were carried from town to town, and listened to as prophetic messages of hope. Then followed the emigration of numbers among them of the most worthy, and the consequent withdrawal of their substance. The government perceived in these movements a spirit of condemnation of their own proceedings, and of approval and honor, of a religion which they hated. And they were truly in- formed by some, who returned dissatisfied from Massachu- setts, that not only was this religion established by its laws, but the use of the English liturgy was prohibited. Various other charges were made against the province, showing that it was casting off dependence upon the English crown, and as- suming sovereign powers to itself. Much displeased, the king determined that the audacious colonies should be brought to submission, both in church and state ; and he made archbishop Laud himself chief of a coun- cil, which was appointed with full powers to govern the colo- nies in all cases whatever. This council decreed that a governor general should be sent over, and Sir Ferdinando Gorges was accordingly ap- pointed. He was, however, prevented from leaving England by untoward accidents. The arbitrary measures of Laud and his coadjutors pointed with peculiar hostility at the liberties of Massachusetts. These the people valued more than life, and few and poor as they were, they determined to resist ; and the general court voted six hundred pounds for fortifications. The Grand Council of Plymouth, as it had its beginning and course, so also it had its end in little better than knavery We have seen that its individual members, Gorges and Mason, had been its patentees. These persons, wishing to make good certain claims to territory in Massachusetts, now gave up their patent to the crown ; petitioning for redress against that colony, which they averred had forfeited its charter, by exceeding its powers and territorial limits. Willing to hum- ble their " unbridled spirits," the court of king's bench issued REIGN OF PERSECUTION IN ENGLAND IS BROKEN. 59 a writ against the individuals of the corporation of Massachu- PART. I. setts Bay, accusing them with certain acts, by which they had PERIOD in forfeited their charter, and requiring them to show warrant for CHAP. xrt. their proceedings. At a subsequent term, the court proHoun- ^-^*~\^^-' ced sentence against them. December, The rapid emigration to the colonies had attracted the at- E *^**^' tention of the council, and they had passed laws, prohibiting foJiSen, any person above the rank of a servant from leaving the king- but dom without express permission ; and vessels already freighted increases^, with emigrants had been detained. But these prohibitions 3000 come to * were in vain ; for persecution, conducted by the merciless N. England Laud, grew more and more cruel, and in one year, three 1 ^ s thousand persons left England for America. Among others, several of the puritan nobility thought of emigrating, particularly the Earl of Warwick, Lord Brook, and Lord Say and Seal. They endeavored to procure reso- lutions to be passed in the colonies, establishing hereditary no- bility, and making the magistracy perpetual in certain families. To this, Mr. Cotton, in the name of the court of Massachu- setts, replied, " When God blesseth any branch of a noble or generous family with a spirit and gifts fit for government, it Puritan no- would be a taking God's name in vain to put such a talent un- bllity wlsh to , 111 -I 11 r /. i . emigrate as a der a bushel, and a sm against the honor of the magistracy to privileged neglect such in our public elections. But if God should not order. Re- delight to furnish some of their posterity with gifts fit for ma- ^J c h U setts" gistracy, we should expose them rather to reproach and preju- 1636. dice, and the commonwealth with them, than exalt them to honor, if we should call them forth when God doth not, to pub- lic authority." For these sound reasons, the plan for heredi- tary nobility was set aside in New England, and these noblemen remained at home, where they belonged to a privileged order. Still determined to humble Massachusetts, the lords of the council now sent a threatening letter to Governor Winthrop, j]goe' requiring him, on account of the legal proceedings, to send back Threatening the charter of that province. To procrastinate, the governor letter to plead that no fair trial had passed ; and with great meekness of manner, he made excuses and suggestions, which in fact, contained a counter-menace. Imminent was now the danger of the colonies ; but that Providence which had so often interposed its shield, saved them from ruin, by giving to the cruel Laud and his royal master, subjects of attention at home. Oppression, and per- of England, haps the successful escape and resistance of their brethren in America, had so wrought upon the public mind in England, that matters had now come to the test of open opposition to the government. In Scotland, Charles had attempted to en- force the use of the English liturgy. Riots had followed, and Laudrumed. the "Solemn League and Covenant" been made, by which the ***^' Scottish people bound themselves to oppose all similar at- ^eli^' tempts. The tide of popular opinion became resistless, civil war. 60 THE FEDERAL UNION BEGUN. PART I. Laud's party was ruined, and himself imprisoned ; while the PERIOD in. king was engaged in a bloody civil war with his revolted CHAP. xii. sublets. v-rf^-v^*^' ftritanism now reigned triumphant in England, and its dis- r P r ciples had no inducement to emigrate. Nay, some, as Vane meX favors and Hugh Peters, returned. The Long Parliament had begun N. England, its rule ; and its leaders were desirous to honor, rather than humble New England. But so jealous were the colonies of their liberty, that they declined all interference of a British 1642. parliament in their affairs, even if it were to do them good. Erf"land W And when to the Westminster assembly of divines, Cotton, ministers in- Hooker and Davenport were invited, they, especially Hooker, "assembler saw no sun ^ c ^ ent cause to leave their flocks in the wilderness. dlvfnes" ^but England was no longer their country ; but that for which they decline, had suffered, though recent, was already dear to these noble f patriots, as the infant to the mother. A UNION was meditated. Dangers from without as obvi- ously taught these small republics to confederate for mutual Safety with- protection, as it did the independent men on board the May- peace with- Flower. Internal peace was to be secured, as well as exter- in, to be nal safety ; and an essential part of both these compacts, was BUNION t ^ ie s l emn promise of their framers to yield a conscientious obedience to the powers they created. Two commissioners having been appointed by each of the Two com- f our colonies, Plymouth, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New from 10 each Haven, they met at Boston, May, 1643, where they drew up colony, the Articles of Confederation ; and all signed them immedi- Articles of ate ty> except tne Plymouth delegation. They had not at first confederacy been empowered to sign, but soon receiving the requisite au- signed at thority, the instrument was completed. Rhode Island was Blind T i not P errmtte d to become a member of the confederacy, un- and rejected ^ ess ^ became an appendage to Plymouth, which that colony very properly refused. The style adopted was that of the United Colonies of New England. Their little congress, the first of the New World, was to be composed of eight mem- bers, two from each colony. They were to assemble yearly Commis- j n the different colonies by rotation, Massachusetts having, in ""meet this respect, a double privilege. They were to consult to- annually. gether on all matters of mutual defense and protection ; and for their general well-being as a moral, and especially as a religious community : yet they were not empowered to legis- late in such a manner as to abridge the independent action of the separate colonial assemblies. Although this confederacy was nominally discontinued af- ter about forty years, yet its spirit remained. The colonies Why this is na d learned to act together, and when common injuries and regarded as dangers again required united action, modes and precedents the Serai were at nan( l. Hence we regard the Confederacy of the foul Union. New England provinces, as the germ of the Federal Union. PART II. FROM 1643 TO 1763. PERIOD I. FROM HE CONFEDERACY OF j 1643 j THE FOUR N. B. COLONI1 T O THE NEW CHARTER i 1692.] OF MASSACHUSETTS. CHAPTER I. Virginia Prospers. Second Indian Massacre. Navigation Act. Bacon's Rebellion. DURING the first years of the administration of the cavalier Sir William Berkeley, the Virginians asserted and enjoyed great political liberty, ^ind consequent prosperity. Nor was this checked by the ascendancy of puritanism in England. In 1644, the aged Opechancanough once more struck for the inheritance of his forests, by another attempt to cut off, simultaneously, the scattered colonial population. Scarcely had the warfare begun, and the English aroused to resistance, when the Indians were struck with panic and fled. The Vir- ginians pursued them vigorously, and killed three hundred. The chief was taken prisoner, then inhumanly wounded. His proud spirit suffered from his being kept as a public spec- tacle, and he welcomed relief by death. Charles I. had perished on the scaffold ; arid the powerful mind of Cromwell led the policy of England. To promote her commercial prosperity, he continued, and perfected a system of colonial oppression in respect to trade, by the celebrated " Navigation Act." By this the colonies were not allowed to find a market for themselves, and sell their produce to the highest bidder, but were obliged to carry it direct to the mother country. The English merchants bought it at their own price ; and thus they, and not the colonist, made the profit on the fruits of his industry. At the same time the act pro- hibited any but English vessels from conveying merchandise to the colonies ; thus compelling them to obtain their supplies of the English merchant, of course at such prices as he chose to fix upon his goods. Even free traffic among the colonists was prohibited. Charles II. was restored in 1660. Berkeley, after various changes, was at the moment exercising the office of governor PART IL 1644. April 18. Second Indian massacre. Death of Opechanca- nough. 1649. Charles I. beheaded. CromwelL 1651. The " navi- gation act " oppresses the colonies. Restoration of Charles II. 62 THE ARISTOCRACY OPPRESSIVE. THE PEOPLE REVOLT PART II. It operates against Virginia. Aristocrati- cal and plebeian classes. The people stripped of their rights. 1660. Grant of lands be- tween the Rappahan- noc and Potomac. Charles gives away all Virginia for 31 years. 1673. 1675 John Wash- ington kills six Indian chiefs and brings on war. under the authority of the assembly of Virginia, by whom he had been elected. The fires of rejoicing were kindled in the province, and Berkeley changed his style, and issued his man- dates in the name of Charles. The monarch afterwards con- firmed him in his office. But prospects grew dark. Notwithstanding the loyalty oi Virginia, to none of the colonies had the suppression of the English monarchy wrought more good ; and on none did the restoration operate more disastrously. The Virginians were divided into two classes. The first comprised the few persons highly educated, and possessed of extensive domains. These looked down from an aristocrati- cal eminence, upon the second and more numerous class of servants and laborers ; among whom were some that for crimes in England, had been sent to America. A blind admiration of English usages pervaded the aristocracy ; and Berkeley was now placed in a position, where the aspiring prejudices of a weak understanding, carried him far from the track of a sound and benevolent policy. The rights of the people were on all hands restricted. Episcopacy was made a yoke of oppression. The affairs of the church were placed in the hands of vestries, corporations who held, and often severely used, the*right to tax the whole community. The assembly, composed of aristocrats, made themselves permanent, and their salaries large ; while the nav- igation act crippled commerce, and deprived agriculture of its natural stimulus. The right of suffrage was unrestrained, but the power of electing the burgesses being taken away, the meetings of the freemen were of little avail ; for their only remaining right was that of petition. A shock was now given by which even the aristocracy were aroused. Charles, with his wonted profligacy, gave away Virginia for the space of thirty-one years. He had, immedi- ately on his accession, granted to Sir William Berkeley, Lord Culpepper and others, that portion of the colony lying be- tween the Rappahannoc and Potomac ; and now, to the cov- etous Lord Culpepper, and to Lord Arlington, another needy favorite, he gave the whole province ; nor, though his loyal subjects sent over agents to entreat him, would he be persua- ded to revoke the grant. On the north, the Susquehannah Indians, driven by the Sen- ecas from the head of the Chesapeake, had come down, and having had provocation, were committing depredations upon the banks of the Potomac. John Washington, the great grand- father of the hero of the revolution, with a brother, Lawrence Washington, had emigrated from England, and was living in the county of Westmoreland. Six of the Indian chiefs came to him to treat of peace, he having been appointed Colonel. He wrongfully put them to death. " They came in peace," said Berkeley, " and I would have sent them in peace. THE DEATH OF BACON RUINS HIS PARTY. 63 tkough they had killed my father and mother." Revenge in- PART II. flamed the minds of the savages, and the midnight war-whoop PERIOD I often summoned to speedy death the defenseless families of the CHAP. i. frontier. v-^-v~^/ The people awoke in their might. They desired to organ- 1676. ize for self defense, and in a peremptory manner demanded The people for their leader Nathaniel Bacon, a popular young lawyer. Berkeley refused to grant him a commission. New murders occurring, Bacon assumed command, and with his followers departed for the Indian war. Instigated by the aristocracy, Berkeley declared him and his adherents rebels. The people, in a fresh insurrection, required of the gov- ernor the election of a new house of burgesses ; and he was forced to submit. Bacon having returned from his expedition, was elected a member for Henrico county. Popular liberty now prevailed, and laws were passed with which Berkeley was highly displeased. Bacon, fearing treachery, withdrew to the country. The people rallied around him, and he re- turned to Jamestown at the head of five hundred armed men. Berkeley met them, and baring his breast, exclaimed, " a _. . fair mark, shoot." Bacon declared that he had come only for between the a commission, their lives being in danger from the savages, governorand The commission was issued, and Bacon again departed for p ^?y s the Indian warfare. Berkeley in the meantime withdrew to the sea-shore, and there collecting numbers of seamen and loyalists, he came up the river with a fleet, landed his army at Jamestown, and again proclaimed Bacon and his party rebels and traitors. Bacon having quelled the Indians, only a small band of his Jamestown followers remained in arms. With these he hastened to burnt by Ba Jamestown, and Berkeley fled at his approach. In order that cons P art y- its few dwellings should no more shelter their oppressors, the inhabitants set them on fire, the owners of the best houses applying the match with their own hands. Then leaving that, endeared and now desolated spot, Bacon pursued the royalists to the Rappahannoc, where the Virginians, hitherto of Berkeley's party, deserted and joined his standard. His enemies were at his mercy ; but his exposure to the night air had induced disease, and he died. The party of Bacon, now without a leader, broke into frag- ments, and the royalists were again in the ascendant. As the principal adherents of Bacon, hunted and made prisoners, were one by one brought before Berkeley, he adjudged them, with insulting taunts, to instant and ignominious death. Thus per- ished twenty of the best citizens of Virginia. " The old fool," said Charles II., who when he learned these transactions sent him orders to desist, " the old fool has shed more blood than I did for the murder of my father." The government of England had become sensible of the grievances sustained by Virginia, and was about to grant her 64 LORD CULPEPPER. - HIS AVARICE. - LORD HOWARD. PART II. a n ew charter with extensive privileges ; but the news of Ba- PERIOD i. con's rebellion reaching them, it was withheld. After the CHAP. ii. restoration of tranquillity, a charter was, however, granted, but ^-^~v-^^ with restricted powers; the one suppressed having secured 1677. the people from British taxation, and that granted, expressly Virginia re- ceivesanew ... . charter. Lord Lulpepper was made governor lor lile. His admin- Lord ? Cul- istration was one of grinding oppression ; his only spring of 1 Sministra- act i n being the love of money. His power was great, as he tion. was one of the two who had received from the monarch the grant of the province, and he bought the remaining right of lord Arlington. But Charles II. took occasion to annul his charter, on a report of the discontents of the people, and Vir- ginia again became a royal province. 163. Lord Howard, the next governor, was also actuated by the 18 by C Lord usual sor did motives of the needy nobility who sought of- Howard of fice in America. The colonies were oppressed, and the rights Effingham. o f t ^ e p eO pl e were taken away ; but a spirit to resist was left. A common source of fear to all the English colonies was now found in the position of the Indians of the Five Nations. They had subjugated the Hurons, and the smaller tribes in **' their immediate vicinity, and had stretched their conquests west- Coanclfat war ^ toward the Mississippi. They had attacked the Indians Albany, of the Alleghanies ; and by occasional depredations had spread terror along the frontiers of the English settlements, from Northampton on the Connecticut, to the western boundaries of Maryland and Virginia. This produced a grand council at Albany, in which Lord Howard, and Colonel Dongan,now The colonies governor of New York, together with delegates from the makepeace northern provinces, met the sachems of the Five Nations. ^he negotiations were friendly. A great tree of peace was planted, whose branches "should reach the sun," and extend their broad shelter alike to the red man and the white. CHAPTER II. Maryland. Clayborne's Insurrection. Civil war. Restoration of Lord Baltimore. 1645 WHEN the civil war between the kino; and parliament began, Insurrection Clayborne espoused the cause of the latter ; and in 1 645 he m Maryland, returned to Maryland, where he had sufficient influence to raise an insurrection, and compel Governor Calvert to fly to Virginia for safety. The rebellion was, however, quelled. The next year, Cal- vert returned, and quiet was restored. The conflict between the king and parliament, which shook CATHOLICS OUTLAWED IN THEIR OWN PROVINCE. 65 the government of England, had its various influence on her PART II. colonies, according to their religious and political sentiments. PERIOD i. Parliament having obtained the supremacy, the New England CHAP - " colonies, which during the contest had espoused its cause, were ^-^~v^^^ favored in return ; while the southern colonies were viewed The Long with suspicion. Commissioners were consequently appointed in 1651, for the purpose of " reducing and governing the col- onies within the Bay of Chesapeake." This gave rise to a 1651. civil war between the catholics of Maryland, who adhered to PJY' 1 war in the proprietor ; and the protestants, who espoused the cause of parliament. Calvert, the proprietary governor, was at first allowed to retain his station, on consenting to acknowledge the authority of parliament; but he was unable to preserve peace. He and his party were obliged, in 1652, to surrender Government the government. In an assembly under the victorious party, surrendered it was declared that no catholic should have the protection of p a j-* the laws. Quakers^ and Episcopalians were also persecuted. Cromwell respected the rights of the proprietors of Mary- land, but he would not make himself unpopular with the pu- ritans, who were their opponents. Hence during the whole protectorate, Maryland remained in an unsettled condition. Clayborne with the puritans possessed the actual power, while Lord Baltimore, with only the apparent sanction of Cromwell, Maryland. appointed Josias Fendall to act as his lieutenant. Yet the 1657. same Fendall was the year before engaged in making the fa- Josias Fen- mous "disturbance" in Maryland : of which little is known, dall ' s " dl f ,..,,, '.., if turbance. except that it involved the province in heavy expenses. After delays and difficulties, the whole colony submitted to Fendall as the agent of Lord Baltimore. The representatives of the province convened, and encouraged by Fendall, voted them- selves a lawful assembly, without dependence on any power but tjiat of the sovereign of England. Charles II. re-established the proprietary government, and made George Calvert, the eldest son of Lord Baltimore, gov- ** ernor of the province. On the death of his father, he wentD eat: h ofCe- to England. During his absence the people had made laws cil, Lord extending the right of suffrage. On his return he annulled them. This was displeasing to the people. The clergy of the church of England charged the fault to the predominance of papacy, and the English ministry forbade any Roman catholic to hold an office in the colony. Nor did the accession of a catholic king produce any happy results to Lord Baltimore, for James had resolved that all James IL charters should be annulled, and a quo warranto was issued lfisfi against that of Maryland. But the regal tyranny of the mon- The Revo _ arch was short-lived. His own family united in the conspi- lution. racy against him, and " the Revolution" placed his daughter William and her husband upon the throne. and Mai y The agent now appointed by Lord Baltimore convened an assembly, in which he asserted, that the power of the pro- 66 NEW YORK AND ALBANY FOUNDED. GROTIUS PART II. prietary over them was derived from the Almighty, through the king ; and he demanded that they should acknowledge in. this divine right of kings and lords, by a special oath of alle- *^ giance. This the people refused, and the usual vexations of such disagreements succeeded. PERIOD I. CHAP. CHAPTER III. In what re- spects New York is pre-eminent. 1609, HoUand In- dependent of Spain. Sept. 12. Hudson river discovered. 1614 Emigrants found New York. Foundation of the Dutch claim to Con- necticut. 1615. Fort Orange, i. e. Albany, founded. 1619 to 1621 Disciples of Grotius emigrate. New York settled by the Dutch Taken by the English. WE here commence with the early colonization of a state which ranks first in the union, in respect to wealth and popu- lation. It contains the finest river for navigation, possesses the commercial capital, and holds a position, which alone connects New England with the South and West. To give an unbroken sketch of its early history, we shall go back in time, deviating from our general plan. Holland was one of those kingdoms which the early Fa- thers of New England were wont to say, " the Lord had sifted for good seed to sow the wilderness." It was just after this nation had succeeded in its struggle against the bloody ty- ranny of Philip II. of Spain, and established an independent federal government, that Henry Hudson, an Englishman by birth, but. in the service of the Dutch East India Company, sailed from the Texel for the purpose of discovering a north- west passage to India ; but being unsuccessful, he coasted along the shores of Newfoundland, proceeded south as far as Delaware and Chesapeake Bays, then returning northward, he became the discoverer of the noble river which bears his name. In 1614, a company of merchants having received permis- sion from the State's General, fitted out a squadron of several ships, and sent them to trade to the country which Hudson had discovered. A rude fort was constructed on Manhattan Island. One of the captains of the squadron, Adrian Blok, sailed through the East river and determined the insulated position of Long Island. He probably entered Connecticut river, and it is fully believed that he examined the coast as far as Cape Cod. The next year the adventurers sailed up the Hudson, and on a little island, just below the present position of Albany, they built a small fort, naming it fort Orange. But no families had emigrated. The Dutch were then merely traders. Af- terwards they changed their location, and fixed where Albany now stands. Holland was torn by factions. Grotius, the most enlight- ened of her sons, was sentenced to imprisonment for life, and MINUETS. - VAN TWILLER. - KEIFT. HIS CRUELTY. 67 the disciples of his school were now ready to emigrate. To FART II. promote trade, the " West India Company " was formed, with PERIOD I. full powers. The willing settlers were sent over. Cotta- CHAP. m. ges clustered around Manhattan fort, now called New Amster- *~*~*~**s dam, and Peter Minuets was made its first governor. 1621 In 1627, an envoy was sent from New Netherlands to New Treaty with Plymouth ; friendly civilities were interchanged, and a treaty the Pilgiims of peace and commerce made with the Pilgrims. The State's General interposed, and made a new com- 1^39 pariy, styled " the College of Nineteen." They decreed that c u eo . e of whoever should conduct fifty families to New Netherlands, Nineteen the name now given by the Dutch to the whole country be- grant manors /^TJ^I HT i_ u i_ i, and soon dis- tween Cape Cod and Cape May, should become the patroon, pose O f t h e or lord of the manor, with absolute property in the lands he best lands. should colonize, to the extent of eight miles on each side of the river on which he should settle ; and as far interior as the situation might require. The soil however must be purchased of the Indians. " The company," it was stipulated, " would furnish the manor with negroes, if the traffic should prove lucrative." Many settlements were now made, and a great part of the j AIII settle on the and others ; and also, by the subjects of Irustavus Adolpnus Delaware. led by Minuets, of that on the banks of the Delaware. Difficulties also arose with the savages. Governor Keift, Kejft guc _ who had succeeded Van Twiller, had an inconsiderable quar- ceeds Van rel with the Manhattan Indians. Notwithstanding, when the T wilier* Mohawks came down upon them, they collected in groups, 1643. and begged him to shelter and assist them. Instead of this, His i>arbar- the barbarous Keift sent his troops, and at night murdered them ^{f^ all men, women and helpless babes to the number of a hun- dred ! Indian vengeance awoke, as well it might, and its to- kens sped quickly from tribe to tribe. No English family within reach of the Algonquins was safe. The Dutch villages were in flames around, and the Vengeance people fleeing to Holland. Near New York, the family of of the Anne Hutchinson, and many others, were massacred ; and 'S NEW SWEDEN CONQUERED BY THE DUTCH. PART H^ in New England, all was jeopardy and alarm. The Dutch PERIOD i. troops defended themselves, having placed at their head Cap- CHAP. in. t a i n Underhill, who had been expelled from Massachusetts. At ^^v^ ' this time is supposed to have occurred a bloody battle at Battle of Strickland's plain, in Greenwich, Connecticut ; of which, plain" 1 S however, the details seem strangely lost. 1645 The Mohawks who were friendly to the Dutch, at length in- Peace made terfered, and the congregated Indian sachems met in council by the w ith the whites, on the ground of the battery in New York. of the "The tree of peace was planted, and the tomahawk buried be- Mohawks. neath its shade." 164. Keift, execrated by all the colonies, was remanded to Hol- Keift * anc ^ ' an 4' on Q i s return > perished by shipwreck on the coast of Wales. 165O. Stuyvesant had succeeded to his office before his departure. Governor He went to Hartford, and there entered into negotiations. StU v^sits ant ^e ^ utcn claims to Connecticut were relinquished, and Long Hartford. Island was divided between the two parties. 1664. The Dutch had built fort Casimir on the site of Newcas- Contest tie, in Delaware. The Swedes conceiving this to be an en- bet Sw 6 d the croac hment on their territory, Rising, their governor, by an and Dutch, unworthy stratagem, made himself its master. In 1655, Stuy- vesant, acting by orders received from Holland, embarked at Swedes con- ^ ew Amsterdam with six hundred men, and sailing up the quered, and Delaware, he subjugated the Swedes. New Sweden was 1 jj name of heard of no more ; but the settlers were secured in their den lost 6 " r ig nts of private property, and their descendants are among the best of our citizens. 1654 Many emigrants now came to New Netherlands, from among The people the oppressed, the discontented, and the enterprising of other claim civil colonies, and of European nations. At length the inhabitants sought a share of political power. They assembled, and by their delegates demanded that no laws should be passed, ex- cept with the consent of the people. Stuyvesant very un- Their oeti- ceremon i us ^y let them know that he was not to be directed tion rudely " by a few ignorant subjects ;" and he forthwith dissolved the rejected by assembly. The " Nineteen" highly approved his course ; and charged him not " to allow the people to indulge such vision- ary dreams, as that taxes should not be imposed without their consent." But popular liberty, though checked here, prevailed in the adjoining provinces ; and they consequently grew more rap- New Neth- idly, an ^[ cr owded upon the Dutch. The Indians made war erlands in J c , . { n -n TT-- trouble, upon some ot their villages, especially hisopus, now Kingston ; and New Netherlands could not obtain aid from Holland. March 12 The States General had given the whole concern into the 1664.' hands of the Nineteen, they to pay all expenses ; and this coun- Charles II. c il refused to make needful advances, ^orlfto his ^ n tne meantime, Charles II. had granted to his brother brother. James, then Duke of York and Albany, the territory from the WM. PENN. HIS EARLY EDUCATION. HIS CONVERSION. 69 banks of the Connecticut to those of the Delaware. Sir PART II. Robert Nichols, a confidential officer of his household, was PERIOD i. dispatched with a fleet to take possession. Nichols brought CHAP - Iv - over commissioners to New England, and landed them at ^-^v-^^ Boston. Taking in from Long Island the younger Winthrop, Se , n ^ Co1 now governor of Connecticut, he sailed to New Amsterdam, r and suddenly demanded of the astonished Stuyvesant to give up the place. Winthrop advised him to do so, but the faithful s terdLi sir. Dutchman replied that a tame surrender " would be reproved rendered to in the father-land ;" and he would have defended his post if the g( f f!j sh - he could. But the body of the people preferred the English 1664'. rule to that of the Dutch, the privileges of Englishmen hav- ing been promised them. Nichols therefore entered, took possession in the name of his master, and called the place New York. A part of the English fleet, under Sir George Carteret, sailed up the Hudson to fort Orange, which surrendered and Sept-nhn. was named Albany. The Dutch fort on the Delaware was Fort Orange also taken by the English. The rights of property were re- f J on t ne spected, and a treaty was made with the Five Nations. The Delaware whole line of coast from Acadia to Florida, was now in pos- surren dered. session of the English. CHAPTER IV. Pennsylvania and its Founder. THE great and good man, to whom Pennsylvania owes its origin, was the son of Vice Admiral, Sir William Penn ; and 1044 was born in London in 1644. He was regarded as a child of Birth of great promise. At eleven years of age, being, as he relates, Penn. at Oxford school, he was suddenly surprised " with an inward comfort, and an external glory in the belief of God, and his His communion with his soul." Nothing, through a long life, ever conversion - shook his faith in the reality of this divinely communicated " inner light." At fifteen he entered Oxford College ; but though an ex- 1659 cellent scholar his religious sensibilities having been far- He enter* ther excited by the preaching of Thomas Loe, a Quaker, he College was led to some irregularities as a student, involving a con- tempt of the authority, which caused his expulsion. His father, disappointed in the ambitious hopes which the uncom- mon talents of his son had raised, used every means, not except- ing fatherly chastisement, to cure him of what he considered his whimsical obstinacy. All his efforts failing, he turned him from his door. But a generous nature, with the persua 70 PENN IN IRELAND. HE SUFFERS FOR HIS PRINCIPLES. j>ART II. PERIOD I. CHAP. IV. 1662. Perm travels on the continent. 1666 His father sends him to Ireland. He asrain hears Thom- as Loe. 1667. His father recalls him. Again vainly attempts to influence him to re- nounce quakerism. 1670. Penn a preacher and author. Example of English trial by jury m the 17th century. Recall of Penn. Death of his father. sions of his wife, soon made him relent, and restore his son to his favor. William was next sent to travel in France and Italy, where he spent two years. He returned with an elegant polish of manners, which delighted his father. But the admiral soon found, that wherever his religion was concerned, his son had the same peculiar views, and the same unbending spirit as before. His father next sent him to Ireland, in hopes that the splen- did court of his friend, the Earl of Ormond, now Lord Lieu- tenant of that kingdom, would make him a man of the world. Having the agency of his father's large estates in Ireland, William applied himself to business with so much ability, that his father was delighted with his success. But he again heard the preacher, Thomas Loe, and became a decided mem- ber of the Quaker Society, and as such, he was persecuted and imprisoned. His father hearing of this, recalled him to England. Mortified at his oddities, but proud of his tal- ents, the impassioned father entreats and beseeches, even with tears. The affectionate son struggles between his love for his earthly, and that for his Heavenly Parent ; and decides that he must, at whatever cost, be in subjection to the Father of his spirit. The admiral is willing to endure much, and finally proposes to compromise, and allow his son's peculiarities, provided he will consent partially to wave the Quaker custom of wearing the hat in every human presence ; and uncover his head be- fore the King, the Duke of York, and himself. Penn reflected that his spiritual strength and comfort depended upon obedi- ence to his inward monitor. Christianity taught that the out- ward act should never belie the heart ; and " hat- worship," he believed could not otherwise be practiced. He therefore re- fused his father's proffer, and was again excluded from the shelter of his roof. Penn now became a preacher and an author ; and was ere long cast into prison for his violation of the severe laws re- specting public worship ; and though released by his father's mediation, he was soon re-committed. His fearless eloquence on one occasion, gained the jury to his cause. He was ac- cused before the Mayor and Recorder of London, of holding a private meeting with his brethren, for religious worship ; and though the court directed, threatened, and kept the jury two days without " meat, drink, fire or tobacco," these twelve bold jurors would not find a bill against the prisoner. For this the court fined them, and cast them into prison for their fine. Such was the spirit of the times. Admiral Penn, when his health failed, recalled his beloved son. He gave a charge on his death-bed to his friend, the Duke of York, who accepted the office, to watch the fate of HE PURCHASES, SETTLES, AND GOVERNS PENNSYLVANIA. 71 William, and, as far as possible, shield him from the evils to which his peculiar tenets must expose him. Soon after his father's death, Penn is again in prison. But notwithstanding this, we soon find him allying himself in mar- riage to a family of high respectability, and to a woman of extraordinary i/itelligence, beauty and goodness. That he had now the public confidence, also appears from the trust re- posed in him by the assignees of Edward Billinge, while the high order of his talents was manifested by his legislation for the two Jerseys. His thoughts were by this turned to America ; and the suf- ferings of his dear persecuted brethren, led him to plans of colo- nizing there, which he proceeded to put into operation. His father had left claims to the amount of sixteen thousand pounds against the crown; and Penn, finding that there was a tract yet ungranted, north of Lord Baltimore's patent, solicited and ob- tained of Charles II., a charter of the country, " which was bounded on the east by the river Delaware, extending west- ward through five degrees of longitude, and stretching from twelve miles northward of Newcastle, to the forty-third de- gree of latitude, and was limited on the south by a circle of twelve miles drawn around Newcastle, to the beginning of the fortieth degree of north latitude." It was called by the king, Pennsylvania. Soon after the date of this grant, two other conveyances were made to Penn by the Duke of York ; one of which em- braced the present state of Delaware, and was called the " Ter- ritories." The other was a release from the Duke, of any claims to Pennsylvania. He next prepared a liberal constitution of civil government, for those who should become his colonists. Having sent out three ships, loaded with emigrants, and consigned to the care of his nephew, Colonel Markham, he left Chester on board the Welcome, and with one hundred settlers, sailed for his province, his benevolent heart full of hope and courage. He landed at Newcastle, and was joyfully received by the Swedes and Dutch, now amounting to two or three thousand. The next day, at their court-house, he received from the agent of the Duke of York, the surrender of The Territories. He then, with blended dignity and affection, assured the delighted throngs, that their rights should be respected, and their happi- ness regarded. In honor of his friend, the Duke, he next visited New York ; but immediately returning, he went to Upland, which he named Chester. Here a part of the pioneers, with Markham, had begun a settlement, and here Penn called the first assembly. It consisted of an equal number from the province and The Territories. By its first act, all the inhabitants, of what- evnr extraction, were naturalized. Religious freedom was established among the people, but all officers and electors PART IL PERIOD I CHAP. iv. 1672. He marries augt Sir William s P rm sett. I OS I March 4. ce f v n e ^ r ^ e grant of obtains Delaware. Se P l - 9 , Arrives at October 28. Visits New x-m' Chester Decemoer 4. The fi rst business. 72 PENN HOLDS A COUNCIL WITH THE INDIANS. PART II. mus t be believers in Jesus Christ. Penn was the first legis- lator, whose criminal code admitted the humane principle, that the object of punishment is not merely to prevent crime, but to reform the offender. Hence, his code seldom punished with death. The assembly sat three days, and passed fifty- nine laws ; an evidence that the time which (belonged to the nine laws, public, was not here consumed either in personal abuse or pompous declamation. Penn visits Penn next paid a visit of friendship and business to Lord Lord Baltimore at West River. Though they differed on the ques- tion of boundaries, yet friendly feeling pervaded the interview. Directions had been given to Colonel Markham, who pre- ceded Penn, that the natives should be treated kindly and fairly ; and accordingly no land had been entered upon but by their consent. They had also been notified that Penn, to whom they gave the name of Onas, was to kindle a council fire at a certain time, in order to meet and establish with them a treaty of perpetual peace. On the morning of the appointed Holds his day, under a huge elm at Shackamaxon, now a suburb of Phil- counciTwith a( ^elphia, William Penn, majestic in person, beautiful in coun- the Indians, tenance, graceful, though plain in manner and attire, his only ornament being a sash of pale blue, stood and held in his hand the roll of peace. Sending around his loving glance, he sees " far as his eyes can carry," among the trees of the forest, its painted and plumed children gathering towards him. The chiefs come forward and half encircle him. The principal Indian cer- sachem puts upon his own head a horned chaplet, the symbol emonies. o f n j s power. At once every warrior lays down his bow and tomahawk, and seats himself upon the ground. The grand chief then announces to Onas that the nations are ready to hear his words, believing him to be an angel sent to them by the Great Spirit. Protesta- Penn gave them instructions, and solemnly appealed to the tions which Almighty who knew his inmost thoughts, that it was the ardent were proved desire of his heart to do them good. " He would not call actions^ them brothers or children, but they should be to him and his, as half of the same body." The chiefs then gave their pledge for themselves, and for their tribes, " to live in love with The treaty him and his children, as long as the sun and moon should completed, endure." The treaty was then executed, the chiefs marking down the emblems of their several tribes. The purchases of Markham were confirmed, and others made. After this, Penn went to a villa which his nephew had built for his residence, opposite the site of Burlington, and called and 8 P ennsDUr y- Here he gave directions for laying out towns and names Phil- counties, and in conjunction with the surveyor, Holme, drew adelphia. tne pi an o f his capital, and in the spirit of "brotherly love, 1 named it Philadelphia. Thrones of Vessels came fast with new settlers, until twenty-two, ettlers. bearing two thousand persons, had arrived. Some came s n PENN'S DEPARTURE. BERKELEY AND CARTERET. 73 late in the fall, that they could not be provided with house- PART II. room in the rude dwellings of the new city; and "the caves" PERIOD I. were dug in the banks of the river to receive them. Provi- CHAP - v - dence fed them by flocks of pigeons, and the fish of the riv- v *~^"^' ers ; and the Indians, regarding them as the children of Onas, hunted to bring them game. ,, , . T- 11-1 i T March 10, Penn again met the legislature, and gave them legal as- 163. surances that they should have liberty " to amend or add to A second their charter," (the fundamental compact between himself and asserabl y- them,) "whenever the public good required." The boundaries between Pennsylvania and Maryland had Lord Balti- not yet been adjusted by the two proprietors ; and Lord Bal- more t claims timore attempted to possess himself of The Territories by Territories, ejecting the settlers on their refusal to pay him quit-rent. Penn remonstrated. The general court of Pennsylvania strongly asserted his claim, and The Territories remained un- der his jurisdiction Penn had left beyond the ocean his beloved family. Let- August 4. ters from England spoke of the sufferings of his quaker 164. brethren, and he believed that he might exercise an influence Pen J m there to check persecution. He embarked on the fourth of England. August, and wrote on board the ship an affectionate adieu to his province, which he sent on shore before he sailed. He His farewell said, " And thou, Philadelphia, virgin of the province ! my to soul prays for thee ; that, faithful to the God of thy mercies, in the life of righteousness, thou mayest be preserved unto the end !" CHAPTER V. New Jersey its Settlement, and various Claimants. PREVIOUS to the surrender of the Dutch, the Duke of York 1664. made a grant of that part of his patent lying between the Hudson and Delaware, to Lord Berkeley and Sir George Car- Berkeley teret. This tract was called New Jersey, in compliment to and Carteret Sir George, who had been governor of the isle of Jersey. In 1664, before the grant to Berkeley and Carteret was known, * three persons from Long Island purchased of the natives a tract of the country, which was called Elizabethtown, where a settlement was commenced. Other towns were soon set- Elizabeth- tied by emigrants from the colonies, and from Europe. Thus tov P revi ; 7 , 6 . ii-i i i. v i ously settled. opposite claims were created, which caused much discord between the proprietors and inhabitants. In 1665, Berkeley and Carteret formed a constitution for the colony, and ap- pointed Philip Carteret governor. He made Elizabethtown the seat of government. 7 74 THE JERSEYS. PENN*S WISE LEGISLATION. PART II. I n 1672, the disputes of the settlers became violent. The PERIOD L inhabitants of Elizabethtown, who had purchased the soil of CHAP. v. tne na tives, refused to pay rent to the proprietors, and carried ^*~v~^s their opposition so far, as to expel the governor and substi- 1672. tute his son. The father returned to England, and obtained ^tween^the ~ ^ rom t ^ ie P r P r i etors sucn conditions as quieted the colonists ; settlers and and thus the proprietary government was restored, proprietors. Berkeley and Carteret had heretofore held the province as joint property, but the former becoming weary with the care of an estate which yielded him neither honor nor profit, sold ley sells his" ^ s share to Edward Byllinge. That gentleman, becoming in- right, volved in debt, found it necessary to assign over his property for the benefit of his creditors ; and William Penn was one of his assignees. New Jersey was now jointly held by Sir George Carteret, and Penn, as agent for the assignees of Bvllinge. But Penn Penn causes perceiving the inconvenience of holding joint property, it was New Jersey mutually agreed to separate the country into East and West t if7 ed ' Jersey; Carteret receiving the sole proprietorship of East Jersey, and Penn and his associates, that of West Jersey. Penn in the first place divided West Jersey into one hun- dred shares, which were separately disposed of, and then, in that spirit of righteousness whereby he won the confidence cessions? f a1 ^ ne drew U P tne articles called the concessions ;" by which the proprietors ceded to the planters the privileges of free civil government, expressly declaring " we put the power in the people." He examined Indian claims, and by fair pur- chase extinguished them. Religion was left free, and impris- onment for debt prohibited. Such was his influence, that in two years he sent over eight hundred new settlers, mostly qua- kers, persons of excellent character, and good condition. East Jerse ^- n 1^82, East Jersey, the property of Carteret, being ex- purchased in posed to sale, it was purchased by twelve quakers, under the 1683, auspices of Penn. In 1683, the proprietors doubled their 'four^uaT num ^ er ' an d obtained a new patent from the Duke of York. kers. East Jersey was now free from religious intolerance. This The perse- was the era of those civil wars of Great Britain in which cuted find Graham of Claverhouse, and other royal officers, hunted the East Jersey Cameronian Scots like wild beasts. Hundreds of the suf- ferers now came to East Jersey, and there, bringing their in- dustrious and frugal habits, they were blessed with security, 167". abundance, and content. Andross g{ r Edmund Andros, when governor of New York, under government pretence of the claims of the Duke of York, usurped the gov- of the ernment both in East and West Jersey, and laid a tax upon Jerseys. a |j g OOC [ s imported, and upon the property of all who came Penn re- to settle in the counlry. stores it, Perm received complaints of these abuses, and with such Vuhe*' stren tn of argument opposed the claims of the cluke, that the proprietors, commissioners to whom the case was referred adjudged the INDIAN AFFAIRS. CHARTER OF RHODE ISLAND. 75 duties to be illegal and oppressive, in consequence of which, PART. II. in 1680 they were removed, and the proprietors reinstated in PERIOD I. the government. Edward Byllinge was appointed their gov- CHAP, vi, ernor ; and the next year, 1681, he summoned the first gen- v-^v^^/ eral assembly held in West Jersey. In 1682, the people, by 161. the advice of Penn, amended their government. Contrary to r F . lrst en f' the wishes of the proprietor, the next year they proceeded to elect their own governor. CHAPTER VI. Miantonomoh. Rhode Island and Connecticut obtain Charters. Elliot, the Apostle of the Indians. MIANTONOMOH sought the life of Uncas, because he was aware that he could not make him unite in a conspiracy, which he was exciting against the whites. A Pequod whom he hired, wounded the Mohegan chief, and then fled to him for protection. He refused to surrender the assassin to the de- mand of the court at Hartford, but dispatched him with his own hand. Again he practiced to take the life of Uncas by means of assassination, and again failed. Miantonomoh then drew out his warriors openly against him, in violation of a treaty to which the authorities of Con- necticut were a party. Uncas met and vanquished him by a stratagem, and took him prisoner ; but he resigned him to the court. They deliberated, and then returned the noble savage to his captor. Uncas killed him, without torture, but with cir- cumstances of cannibal barbarity. During the supremacy of the Long Parliament, puritanism was favored, and the New England colonies enjoyed a happy season of liberty and peace. In 1643, Roger Williams was sent to England as agent for the Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, to obtain a charter of civil government. He found the affairs of the col- onies in the hands of the earl of Warwick, and seventeen commissioners, who had been appointed by parliament, with much the same powers as had been given to those appointed by the king, in 1634. By the assistance of Vane, now one of the commissioners, he obtained from them a free charter of incorporation, dated March, 1644. The form of govern- ment provided by this incorporation, was essentially similar to that established in the adjacent colonies. Yet the state was unsettled. Coddington had received from England power to govern the Islands. Williams, in conjunction with John Clarke, recrossed the ocean, and find- ing a "sheet anchor" in Vane, he procured an extended 7* 1643. Miantono- moh seeks the life of Uncas, but loses his own. 1643. Rhode Isl- and obtains a charter by the help of Vane. 1551. John Clarke and Wil- liams pro- cure another. 76 THE LONG PARLIAMENT. CROMWELL. CHARLES II. PART II. charter including the islands, and confirming the limits of the state as they now exist. Rhode Island, if not great in territory, is rich in the fame of having been the first to set the example, since followed by t ^ ie nat i n at l ar o e f entire " soul-liberty " in matters of re- religious ligion. freedom. Williams lived to old age, honored and beloved. Yet did he meet, at times, the ingratitude which has almost invariably Difference followed the benefactors of mankind. The people who owed kobhTandthe tne i r a ^ to hi m became on one occasion his foes, and abused base m mind, him for being too generous, themselves in this case not being the recipients. Williams wisely and cheerfully took his own part, and plainly told them, that they were but finding " a sponge wherewith to wipe out their own obligations." If the sun shines upon the planets, we cannot therefore expect those opaque bodies will shine back in the same manner upon the sun. Those people, doubtless, considered that it was the part of Williams to shine, and theirs to be shone upon. The Long Parliament had done evil by assuming to make their own places permanent ; and the good which they effected, 165O. could not save them from political destruction. After bring- Cromwell ing Charles I. to the block, they were themselves superseded succeeds the ^ Cromwell's single authority. The restrictions on colonial i*onr rarlia- * -> -, -, 11 ^i ment. commerce, which so unjustly oppressed the provinces for the 1051. benefit of the parent country, were, as has been seen, em- Xavigation bodied by his master-mind in the celebrated " Navigation Act." Ct ^ By this, be it remembered, the colonies were obliged to sell all their productions to English merchants, and purchase from them all needed supplies ; so that the colonist not only was prohibited from finding his own market, and selling to the highest bidder, what his own industry had produced, but he was also forbidden to supply his wants, where he could find the most favorable terms. The commerce of the colonies was thus " cut with a double edge ;" and these restrictive laws were passed one after another, to the number of nineteen. 1663 The one of 1663, did not allow the provincials to be the car- FU ressTve P ~ " ers ^ t ^ ie ^ r own produce, but required them to employ Brit- restrictions, ish shipping; another, in 1672, forbade the free trade of the colonies with each other. The provinces, especially those of New England, considering these laws as wholly unjust, and also objecting on the ground that they were passed in a par- liament where the colonies were not represented, they evaded them, and as far as possible, chartered their own vessels, and traded wherever they pleased. When Charles II. was restored, his power was acknow- 1662. ledged in New England ; but the colonies had melancholy seTdsWhi- 1 forebodings. Yet the authorities of Connecticut, by the throptoEng- eminent Winthrop, even at this difficult period, success- Sin^a full y a PP lied to tne court of England for a charter. They charter, plead, that they had obtained their lands by purchase from the CONNECTICUT OBTAINS A LIBERAL CHARTER.- -ELLIOT. 77 natives, and by conquest from the Pequods, who made on them PART IL a war of extermination; and they had mingled their labor with PERIOD L the soil. The aged Lord Say and Seal, moved the Earl of CHAP. vi. Manchester in their behalf. Winthrop appeared before the v-^~v-**^ king with such a gentle dignity of carriage, and such appro- T jj e priate conversation, as won the royal favor. It is said he brought to the mind of Charles some interesting recollections, by the present of a ring, which had been given to his grand- father as a pledge, by an ancestor of the monarch. The charter which Winthrop obtained, granting privile- 1662. ges greater than any other which the government of Eng- Great privi- land had given, was worded in Connecticut. The wise fa- leges of Con- thers there, did not send their agent without his business being charter, thoroughly prepared.* Union of The liberal charter, granted by the king, included New Ha- New Haven ven. That province, however, had not been consulted, and Connecticut, justly felt aggrieved ; as a relinquishment of its separate ex- 1665. istence was thereby required. But at length, the great ex- pediency of the measure becoming fully apparent, the union of New Haven with Connecticut was completed. Winthrop Winthrop was chosen governor, and received seventeen successive an- governor, nual elections. Colonel Nichols, who was sent over to command the expe- 1664. dition against New Netherlands, was one of four commission- Four com " ers, who had been appointed by the king, not only for the re- duction of the Dutch, but for humbling the colonies. For this purpose, they were empowered to hear and determine all matters of complaint, and to examine and regulate them, as seemed for the good of the king's service. The colonists considered this appointment an invasion of their chartered rights ; yet no direct opposition was made to the proceedings of the commissioners, except by Massachu- setts, whose firmness in resisting every exercise of their power, deeply offended them ; and two of their number, Carr and Maverick, Cartwright, left the country in high displeasure. Cartwright Can- and* was taken prisoner by the Dutch on his passage home, and ^f^ 1 ^ 1 Carr died the next day after his arrival, or immediate meas- the colonies, ures would probably have been taken against that colony. This was the period of the labors of John Elliot. When Hooker, in the days of his persecution, had kept a school at John Eliot. Little Baddow, in England, the youthful Elliot had been his usher, and a resident in his family ; and to this blessed pe- *From Hooker's management, may have originated a system o r an written pears past become incorporated tnown as the " caucus system." ch," the business for which the many were to be called together, first digested and prepared by the few. Mr. Stone, who was Mr. Hooker's colleague in the ministry, had an expression for the same plan, when, in an advanced state of progress, the matter in question had come before the full assembly of the persons who were to decide it. His idea of perfection was, " a speaking aristocracy in the face of a silent democracy." missioners * r rom Hooker s management, may nave ongma law, which, whether good or bad, has for many years with the political usages of this country ; and is know Hooker's maxim was, " a church within a church," 78 CHRISTIANITY OPPOSED BY THE SACHEMS. PART II. 1631 Arrives in Boston. 1646. His first meeting with the Indians at Noriantum, orNewtown. Many Indians converted. N a tick. 1654. 1657. Elliot com- pletes his translation of the Bible. Number of praying Indians. 1674. Christianity hated by the great sa- chems. riod, the "apostle of the Indians" traced the spiritual light which shone so brightly upon his missionary career. i He came to Boston in his twenty-seventh year. He was settled at Roxbury in 1632, having been previously married to a lady well suited by the excellence of her Christian spirit, to sympathize in his devout aspirings, and by a wise pru- dence, to supply his lack of care for the physical wants of himself and family. Elliot had beheld with pity the ignorance and spiritual darkness of the savages, and his fixed determination was to devote himself to their conversion. He first spent some years in the study of their language. The General Court of the province had passed an order requesting the clergy to report concerning the best means of spreading the gospel among the natives ; and Elliot took this time to meet with the Indians at Nonantum, a few miles west of Boston. His meetings for religious worship and discourse were frequent, and in dif- ferent places, as favorable opportunities could be found, or made. His efforts to teach the natives the arts and usages of civilized life, were also unremitted and arduous ; "for civility," it was said, "must, go hand in hand with Christianity." These efforts and their effects, exhibit the children of the forest in a most interesting point of view, and show the transforming power of the gospel. Their dispositions and lives underwent a real change. Some of their numbers became teachers, and aided in the conversion of others. In 1654, an Indian church was collected at Natick, a town having been previously built. In 1655, Elliot had completed his translation of the New Testament into the Indian language, and in two years more the old was added. Thus the mighty labor of learning the difficult tongue of the Indians, of making from its oral ele- ments a written language, and that of translating the whole Bible, was, by zeal and persevering labor, accomplished. It was the first Bible printed in America. But both the Indian and his language are now extinct, and Elliot's Bible is a mere lite- rary curiosity. In the expense, he had been much assisted by an English "Society for the Propagation of the Gospel." In 1674, there were fourteen towns of " praying Indians," and six gathered churches. The Indian converts had much to encounter. Their great chiefs hated Christianity ; for al- though it made their subjects willing to do the right, yet it set them to reflect, arid thus to find out that there was a right for them to have, as well as to do ; and this tended to subvert the absolute arbitrary sway, which the sachem, however he might allow it to slumber, did actually possess ; and which he naturally felt unwilling to relinquish. Of these chiefs, Philip of Pokanoket was peculiarly the foe of the Christian religion. If he had embraced it, the fortunes of his famil) and his race might have been changed. HOSTILE SPIRIT OF THE INDIANS. - CONANCHET. 79 King Philip's War, CHAPTER VII. Its dreadful consequences. Destruction of the Narragan- setts and Pokanokets. PHILIP was the younger of the two sons of Massasoit. He had become embittered against the English by circumstances attending the death of his brother, which he ascribed to them ; and though he was thus left sole chieftain of the Pokanokets, yet he deeply felt his loss, and bitterly resented it. The extension of the whites had now alarmed the savage nations. They remembered that their ancestors had reigned sole lords of the forest. Now, their hunting-grounds were abridged ; and the deer, the bear, and other animals on which they depended for subsistence, were frightened away by the hum of civilization. The new race, whom their fathers re- ceived when a poor and feeble band, were now gradually spreading themselves over the land, and assuming to be its sovereigns. Nothing remained to the native savage, but to be driven by degrees from the occupations and possessions of his forefathers ; or to arouse, and by a mighty effort, extirpate the intruders. This was the spirit which, emanating from Philip, spread itself throughout the various Indian tribes. The Narragan- setts, so long friendly, were now under the rule of Conanchet, the son of Miantonomoh, and doubtless he remembered the benefactions which his father had bestowed upon the whites, and their refusal to hear his last plea for mercy. Philip had not proceeded farther than to work upon the minds of the Indians by secret machinations, when Sausa- man, one of the natives whom Elliot had instructed in Chris- tianity, gave to the English intimations of his designs. Sau- saman was soon after murdered. On investigation, the Plym- outh court found that the murder was committed by three of Philip's most intimate friends ; and forthwith they caused them to be executed. The savages no longer delayed ; but on the 20th of June, Philip's warriors began by attacking Swansey, in New Plym- outh. The colonists appeared in defense of the town, and the Indians fled. Receiving fresh troops from Boston, the united English force marched into the Indian towns, which on their approach were deserted. But the route of the sava- ges was marked by the ruin of buildings which had been burned, and by the heads and hands of the English, which were fixed upon poles by the way-side. The troops finding that they could not overtake them, returned to Swansey. The commissioners of the colonies meeting at Boston, were FART Indians generally Narragan Sausaman's ' 80 SUFFERINGS OF NEW ENGLAND BY THE SAVAGES. 1675. July 5. Congress raise an army. They compel the Narra- gansetts to make peace. Philip at- tacked at Pocasset. Battle at Brookfield. Sept. 18. Battle of Bloody Brook. October. Springfield burned. Dreadful condition of the Colonies. The Ameri- can savage a terrible foe. unanimous in deciding that the war must be prosecuted with vigor, and each colony furnish means, according to its ability. Of the thousand men which they determined to send immedi- ately into the field, Massachusetts was to furnish five hundred and twenty-seven, Connecticut three hundred and fifteen, and Plymouth one hundred and fifty-eight. Subsequently the commissioners voted to raise double this number. The army was sent from Swansey into the country of the Narragansetts, and negotiating, sword in hand, with that con- federacy, on the 15th of July, a treaty of peace was conclu- ded. The commissioners, among other stipulations, agreed to give forty coats to any of the Narragansetts who should bring Philip alive, twenty for his head, and two for each of his subjects, delivered as prisoners. The Indian king retreated with his warriors to a swamp at Pocasset, near Montaup. There, on the 18th, the colonists attacked them, but gained no decisive advantage. Philip then made his head-quarters with the Nipmucks ; but by the spirit of his destructive movements, he seemed to be everywhere pres- ent. Captain Hutchinson, with a company of horse, was sent to treat with those Indians, but being drawn into an ambush, near Brookfield, he was mortally wounded, and six- teen of his company were killed. The enemy then burned the town. Intending to collect a magazine and garrison at Hadley, Captain Lathrop, with a corps of the choicest young men, se- lected from the vicinity of Boston, was sent to transport a quantity of corn from Deerfield to that place. They wer^ suddenly attacked by the Indians, and though they fought with great bravery, they were almost all cut off. The brook, by which they fought, flowed red, and to this day is called " Bloody Brook." In October, the Springfield Indians, who had previously been friendly, concerted with the hostile tribes, and set fire to that town. While its flames were raging, they attacked Hadley. Dreadful beyond description was now the condition of the colonists. The object of the Indians was totally to extermi- nate them, and aimed equally at the lives of the armed and the defenseless. They were withheld by no restraints of reli- gion, and their customs of war led them to the most shock- ing barbarities. The previous state of peace and security, in he course of which, the whites had spread themselves over a large extent of country, and mingled their dwellings with those of the Indians, rendered their situation more perilous. The Indians, thus acquainted with their haunts and habits, am- bushed the private path, rushed with the dreadful war-whoop upon the worshiping assembly ; and during the silence of' midnight, set fire to the lonely dwelling, and butchered its inhabitants. When the father of the family was to go forth b THE COLONISTS DESTROY THE NARRAGANSETTS. &1 the morning, he knew he might meet his death-shot as he PART II. opened his door, from some foe concealed behind his fences, PERIOD i or in his barn : or he might go, and return to find his children CHAP. vn. murdered during his absence. When the mother lay down at ^-^-v^-w-x night, with her infant cradled on her arm, she knew that be- 1675. fore morning it might be plucked from her bosom, and its brains dashed out before her eyes. Such were ever the consequences of savage warfare ; but at no time during the settlement of the country, were they so extensively felt as during the year through which this war continued. Couanchet again manifested hostility. In violation of the treaty, he not only received Philip's warriors, but aided their Conanchet operations against the English. On the 18th of December, V1 lates the one thousand troops were collected from the different colonies. Captain Church commanded the division from Massachusetts, Major Treat that from Connecticut, and Josiah Winslow, of Plymouth, was in supreme command. After a stormy night H ! s fort passed in the open air, they waded through the snow sixteen miles ; and about one o'clock on the afternoon of the 19th, they arrrived near the enemy's fortress. Dec 19 It was on a rising ground in the midst of a swamp, and was is destroyed. so fortified with palisades and thick hedges, that only by crossing a log which lay over a ravine, could it be approached. The snow was deep, but the footsteps of the whites were providentially directed to this entrance, and though com- manded by a block-house fortified and manned, the officers led the men directly across the narrow and dangerous bridge. T^he first were killed, but others pressed on, and the fort was The English entered. Conanchet and his warriors fought with despera- lo se 230 in tion, and forced the English to retire ; but they continued the l fight, defeated the savages, and again entering the fort, they Sufferings of set fire to the Indian dwellings. One thousand warriors were the Indians killed ; three hundred, and as many women and children, by s f ^ r *j nd were made prisoners. About six hundred of their wigwams were burnt, and many helpless sufferers perished in the flames. The wretched remains of the tribe took shelter in the re- cesses of a cedar swamp, covering themselves with boughs, by famine or burrowing in the ground, and feeding on acorns or nuts, and cold - dug out with their hands from the snow. Many who escaped a sudden, thus died a lingering death. Conanchet was made Conanchet's prisoner in April, and was offered his freedom if he would enter into a treaty of peace. The chieftain indignantly re- fused, and was put to death. The English pursued the war with energy. In the spring of 1676, the colonial troops were almost universally victorious. Jealousies arose among the different tribes of savages, and gain the Mo- while great numbers were slain, many deserted the common hawks, cause. Philip had attempted to rouse the Mohawks against the English, and had, for this purpose, killed a number of the 82 PHILIP'S DEATH. GOFFE, WHALLEY, AND DIXWELL PART II. tribe, and attributed their death to the whites. His perfidy PERIOD I. was detected, and he fled to Montaup, whither he was pursued CHAP. viii. by Captain Church. v-^v"^*' In the midst of these reverses, Philip remained unshaken in his enmity. His chief men, as also his wife and family, were killed or made prisoners ; and while he wept at these domestic bereavements, with a bitterness that evinced the finest feelings of human nature, so averse was he to sub- Aug. 12. mission, that he even shot one of his men who proposed it. 1676. After being driven from swamp to swamp, he was at last shot near Montaup, by the brother of the Indian whom he had thus killed. Of the scattered parties which remained, many were captured. Some sought refuge at the north. These after- wards served as guides, to those parties of hostile French and Indians, who came down and desolated the provinces. In this dreadful contest, New England lost six hundred inhabitants. Fourteen towns had been destroyed, and a heavy debt incurred. Yet the colonies received no assist- ance from England ; and they asked none. The humane Irish sent the sufferers some relief. Disastrous If Philip's war was to the whites disastrous, to the savage conse- tribes it was ruinous. The Pokanokets and the Narragan- setts henceforth disappear from history. The praying Indians were mostly of the Massachusetts confederacy ; and although Destruction they suffered much, being suspected by the red men because f ST towns tnev were Christians, and by the whites because they were ing Indians. Indians, they yet had a remnant left. Elliot watched his flocks of the wilderness, and exposed himself to many dangers on their account; and the wreck of four towns remained from the fourteen, which the converts numbered before the war. CHAPTER VIII. The Regicides. New Hampshire and Maine. Charter of Massachusetts annulled. THE regicides, a term, which in English and American history refers especially to those men who signed the death warrant of Charles I., were, after the restoration of his son, The three proscribed. Three of their number, Goffe, Whalley, and regicides. Dixwell, came to America. They were at Boston and Cam- bridge, and under romantic circumstances were shielded from their pursuers at New Haven. At, length, Whalley and Goffe found refuge in the house of Mr. Russel, minister of Hadley, where they lived in profound concealment. Goffe had been a military commander. Looking from the window of Ins hiding place, he saw, on a Sabbath day, as the people were TROUBLES AND CONSTANCY OF THE GRANITE STATE. 83 collecting for public worship, a body of ambushed Indians PART II. stealing upon them. Suddenly he left his confinement and PERIOD I. appeared among the gathering worshippers, his white hair CHAP. vm. and beard, and loose garments streaming to* the winds of *-v^^y autumn. He gives the alarm and the word of command, and Oct. 1. the men, already armed, are at once formed in proper order, iV^' and bearing down upon the foe. When they had conquered, Hadfey. they looked around for their preserver. He had vanished during the fray ; and they fully believed that he had been an angel sent from heaven for their deliverance. Of the three judges who cast themselves upon the Ameri- cans, not one was betrayed. The meanest of the people could not be induced by the price set upon their heads to give them up ; and they now rest, in peaceful graves, upon our soil. In 1677, a controversy, which had subsisted for some time between the government of Massachusetts and the heirs of 1^77 Sir Ferdinando Gorges, relative to the province of Maine, was Massachu- settled in England, and the province assigned to the latter, setts pur- Upon this, Massachusetts purchased the title, and Maine be- Maine came a province of that colony. In 1675, the claims of Mason in New Hampshire were re- vived. From the time that the settlements there had formally 1675. submitted to the government of Massachusetts, thesn claims Mason sue- had lain dormant ; but upon a hearing of the parties, it ^ cessful - was determined by the judges in England, that the towns on the Piscataqua were not within Cne limits of Massa- chusetts. In 1679, a commission was made out by order of Charles II. for the separation of New Hampshire from the jurisdiction of 1679 Massachusetts, and its erection into a royal province. The New Hainp- assembly was to be chosen by the people, the president s *" re a . royal and council to be appointed by the crown. This colony now manifested energies worthy of the later patriotic and inde- pendent spirit of a state, which, from its firmness of character, no less than its sublime piles of mountains, is called "the Granite State." The people first thanked Massachusetts for the care she had taken of their infant condition ; and next de- termined " that no law should be valid, unless made by the assembly, and approved by the people." Mason was authorized to select, and he chose Edward Cranfield, a needy speculator, and sent him from England to Mason sends be the governor of New Hampshire. But Cranfield's visions Cranfield to of wealth were short-lived. He could neither out-wit, nor Hampshire, over-awe the rugged patriots ; nor could Mason, with all the advantages of law, eject them from their lands, though for many years his agent, Cranfield, gave them great annoy- ance. Notwithstanding the northern colonies had suffered so se- verely from Philip's war, and had never petitioned for, or 84 CHARTER OF MASSACHUSETTS ANNULLED. PART II. PERIOD i. CHAP. vin. Proceedings againSas- sachusetts. 16S2. Massaciiu- setts an- nulled, chusetts. Charles II. succeeded Attempts to deprive Con- of their char- ters - 1686. dros ^n * England, received any aid from the mother country, while they were yet mourning their slaughtered sons and rebuilding their ruined habitations, England was planning their humiliation. The people df Massachusetts, though often called to account, had continued to disregard the navigation acts, and had refused to send a g ents to tne court of England, to answer for the charges of neglect brought against them. Edward Randolph was tnere f re sent from Great. Britain, in 1679, as inspector f customs in New England. He being resolutely opposed in the execution of the duties of his office, soon returned, and made statements in England which caused still more violent measures against the colonies. In 1682, he came again to Boston, bringing a letter of com- plaint from the committee of plantations in England, who again directed that agents should repair to the court of Lon- don, fully empowered to act for the colonies. It was under- stood to be the intention of the king, to procure from these agents a surrender of the charter of Massachusetts, or to annul it by a suit in his courts, in order that he might appoint officers who would be subservient to his views. Agents were sent, but were instructed to make no concessions of chartered privileges, but to defend them as rights ; of which the king being informed, he proceeded according to modes of law to cancel the charter. Massachusetts was, however, assured that in case of peaceable submission, the government should be regulated for her good. The representatives of the people in the general court considered that it was better " to trust in the Lord, than to put any confidence in princes." On the other hand, the governor and his associates were in favor of humble submis- o. i i i TT i sion to the king s pleasure. Here was the commencement of two parties in this province ; the patriots, who defended the rights of the colonies ; and the prerogative men, who were in favor of complete submission to the royal authority. Agents were sent by the former to make defense of their rights, but, before they arrived in England, the charter was annulled. Charles II. died in 1685, and was succeeded by the Duke of York, under the title of James II. He declared that there should be no free governments in his dominions ; and ac- cor dingly ordered writs to be issued against the charters of Connecticut and Rhode Island. These colonies presented letters and addresses, which, containing expressions of hum- ble duty, the king construed them into an actual surrender of t ^ ie ^ r cnarters ; an( i, affecting to believe that all impediments to the royal will were removed, he proceeded to establish a temporary government over New England. Sir Joseph Dud- ley was appointed president in 1686; but in December, of the same year, he was succeeded by Sir Edmund Andros, as g overnor general, in whom, with a council, was vested all the powers of government. iANDROS. HIS OPPRESSIONS. BRITISH REVOLUTION. 85 167. on Wyllis Hill 16S. to 169. Sir Edmund began his career with the most flattering PART II. professions of his regard to the public safety and happiness. PERIOD I. It was, however, well observed, that " Nero concealed his CHAP. vm. tyrannical disposition more years than Sir Edmund did v -~v-*^/ months." He assumed control over the press, and appointed the detested Randolph, licenser. Soon after the arrival of Andros, he sent to Connecti- cut, demanding the surrender of her charter. This being re- fused, in 1687, he came with a guard to Hartford, during the session of the general assembly, and in person required its delivery. After debating until evening, the charter was pro- Charter Oak duced, and laid on the table where the assembly were sitting. The lights were extinguished, and one of the members privately conveyed it away, and hid it in a cavity of a large oak tree. The candles were officiously relighted, but the charter was gone ; and no discovery could be made of it, or, at that time, of the person who carried it away. The government of the colony was, however, surrendered to Andros. Massachusetts, where Sir Edmund resided, was the princi- pal seat of despotism and suffering. In 1688, New York and New Jersey were added to his jurisdiction ; and for more than two years, there was a general suppression of charter governments throughout the colonies, and a perpetual series of tyrannical exactions. But retribution was at hand. The monarch made himself detested at home, and his governor, by carrying out his meas- ures, incurred the hatred of the colonies. His subjects, and even his own family, conspired against James. The British nation, putting aside the fiction of the divine right of legitimate sovereigns, asserted that of human nature, by declaring that an oppressed people may change their rulers. They forced the king to abdicate, and consummated "the Revolution" by placing his daughter Mary, with her husband William, the ablest statesman of Europe, as sovereigns on the throne of England. Great was the joy of New England. Even on the first rumor of the British Revolution, the authorities of Boston seized and imprisoned Andros and Randolph. As a tempo- imprisoned. rary government, they organized a committee of safety, of 169 which the aged governor Bradstreet accepted the presidency ; though he knew that, if the intelligence proved false, it might cost him his life. The change of government, produced by the removal of Andross, left New Hampshire in an unsettled state. Mason had died in 1685, leaving his two sons heirs to his claims. The people earnestly petitioned to be again united with Massa- 1685. chusetts, but their attempts were frustrated by Samuel Allen, Mason dies. who had purchased of the heirs of Mason, their title to New 16 The Revo- lution" in England. 86 NICHOLS. LOVELACE. ANDROS. DONGAN. PART II. Hampshire. Allen received a commission as governor of the PERIOD i. colony, and assumed the government in 1692. CHAP. ix. When the intelligence was confirmed, that William and ^*~^^s Mary were seated on the throne, Rhode Island and Connecti- Connecticut cut resumed their charters ; but, on the application of Massa- TskSfre- 6 chusetts, the king resolutely refused to restore her former sume their system of government. Andros, Randolph, and others, were, charters, however, ordered to England for trial. Massachu- setts denied hers. CHAPTER IX, New York. Its Governors. Effects of the Revolution in England. Good admin- AFTER the surrender of the Dutch, Colonel Nichols en istration of tered upon the administration of the government of New Nichols. York, which he conducted with great prudence, integrity, and Lovelace moderation. The people, however, continued without civil 1667. rights, all authority being vested in the royal governor and council. Nichols returned to England, and was succeeded by Lord Lovelace. In 1673, England and Holland were again involved in war, and Holland sent over a small fleet to regain her American 1673. possessions. This force arrived at New York, and demanded Dutch take a surrender, which was made without resistance. The Dutch New York. too j c immediate possession of the fort and city, and soon after of the whole province. The next year, 1674, the war terminated, and New York New York was restored to the English. The Duke of York, to prevent restored to controversy about his title to the territory, took out a new the English, patent, and the same year appointed Sir Edmund Andros governor. In the year of Philip's war, Andros conducted an expe- dition against Connecticut. He claimed jurisdiction over that part of the colony west of the river, by virtue of its having been included in the grant to the Duke of York. This territory had, however, long before, been granted by the 1675. original patentees to the colony of Connecticut. Andros, ^H 08 ! L S f with an armed force, arrived off Saybrook fort. The govern- repuiseu at .' ; . Saybrook. or and council, being apprised of his design, sent a few troops under Captain Bull, who conducted himself with such spirit, that Andros, jocosely declaring his horns should be " tipped with gold," made no further attempt. Dou^m ^ n 1682' Andros, was removed from the government of 1681 New York. The succeeding year was a happy era in the First general history of this colony. The excellent Colonel Dongan ar- assembly. rived as governor, and the desires of the people, for a popular LEISLER AND MILBORNE USURP THE GOVERNMENT. 87 government, were now gratified. The first general assembly PART II. was convoked, consisting of a council and eighteen repre- PERIOD I. sentatives. By the declaration of the governor, they were CHAP. ix. invested with the sole power of enacting laws and levying v^~v^^/ taxes ; but the laws could have no force, until ratified by the proprietor. Governor Dongan surpassed all his predecessors, in attention to affairs with the Indians, by whom he was highly esteemed. is* When the Duke of York became sovereign of England, it j) uke O f might have been hoped that he would have favored his own York sue- province, but his government was no where more tyrannical ceeds to tne , , J crown as and unpopular. j araes n. The news from Europe, that the inhabitants of England had resolved to dethrone him, and offer the crown to William, 16. of Orange, elevated the hopes of the disaffected. But no T e English i * . * i -n Revolution active measures were taken till after the rupture at Boston, agreeable u> when several captains of the militia convened to concert New Yoriu measures in favor of the prince of Orange. Among these was Jacob Leisler, an active militia captain, and a favorite of the people. He was not, however, a man of talents, but receiveH the guiding impulses of his conduct from the superior energies of his son-in-law, Jacob Milborne. By the counsel of this intriguing Englishman, Leisler, at the head of forty-nine men, took possession of the fort of New Leisler as \T i 111 i r c TTfiT i 1-11 sumes to act York, and declared m favor of William, but this declaration, as king WU- opposed by the authority of the city, at first had few adhe- Ham's agent, rents, until a report got footing, that three ships were ap- 1689 proaching, with orders from king William, when his party was augmented by the addition of six captains and four hun- dred men from New York, and seventy men from East Chester. Dongan, who was about to leave the province, then lay embarked in the harbor, having, a short time previous, resigned his government to Francis Nicholson, the lieutenant governor. Governor He,beintf unable to contend with Leisler's party, soon joined and lieute &- ri -rk r i c i c ant governor Governor Dongan. Leisler, now in pi ^session ol the fort, d&part. sent an address to William r ;i' 1 Mary as soon as he received the news of their accession to the throne. The magistrates, at the head of whom were Colonel Bayard T ne magis- and Mr. Courtland, the mayor, opposed Leisler; but finding tracy of New it impossible to raise a party against him in New York, they Y Leis!er 8e retired to Albany. In the month of December, a packet arrived, directed " to Francis Nicholson, Esq., or, in his absence, to such, as for December. the time being, take care for preserving the peace, and ad- England! ministering the laws, in their Majesties' province of New York, in America." Leisler considered this packet as di- rected to himself, and, from this time, issued his commissions as lieutenant governor. The people of Albany, in the meantime, were determined SLOUGHTER. QUAKERS COME TO NEW ENGLAND. PART II. to hold the garrison and city for king William, independent PERIOD I. of Leisler ; and on the 26th of October they formed them- CHAP. x. selves into a convention for that purpose ; but Milborne v^-v^/ undertook its reduction. The distress of the country, in 1690. consequence of an Indian irruption, gave him at length, * J^T , the desired success. takes the fort ., r .,,. -, i -, -, , at Albany. King William now turned his attention to the colonies, and 1691 commissioned Henry Sloughter as governor of New York. Sloughter Never was a governor more needed, and never was one more Destitute f ever 7 qualification for the office. He refused to treat with Leisler ; but put him and several of his adherents to prison. Finally, that unfortunate man, together with his Leisler and son-in-law, perished upon the gallows. Their execution was eiecuted disapproved by the people ; and their property, which was confiscated, was afterwards restored to their descendants. This was the period of king William's war, in which New A Congress York suffered with the other provinces. It was in May, Ne^Yo^k 1691, that a general convention met in New York ; thus ex- May tending the system begun by the four New England colonies 1691. an d preparing the way for the grand American Confederacy. CHAPTER X. Persecution of the Quakers in Massachusetts. THE Puritans of New England had now redeemed from the wilderness a home ; and they believed, that they had, col- lectively, the right of any single householder, to exclude from it whoever they regarded as dangerous to its peace. But a father, who should exclude his children on account of opinion, would violate the rights of conscience. A Christian Proceed- sect had arisen in England, called in derision Quakers, who, Quaker8 h m acknowledging the inward guidance of the Holy Spirit^ went England. 1 " forth, as they believed, under its direction, to bear testimony against a ceremonious worship, outward ordinances, a minis- try depending upon man for its call and support, and the cus- tomary compliments and fashions of the world. At places of public worship, where by penal laws their attendance was sought to be enforced, they sometimes spoke against the doc- trines and practices of the ministers who officiated. For If 4^ this, and for their boldness in spreading opinions deemed dan- Geo. Fox. erous to the existing profession of religion, George Fox. who was considered their founder, and many of his fellow labourers, were imprisoned and cruelly used. The founders of New England knew the Quakers by report July 11, of their enemies ; and might never have heard how pure and 1656. holy were their morals, and how benevolent their intentions ; "and Mar 11 " ant * w ^ en two Q ua ^er women, Ann Austin and Mary Fisher, Fisher^T- arrived at Boston with the avowed purpose of propagating rive. their opinions, they were rigorously imprisoned by the autho- QUAKERS SUFFER IN MASSACHUSETTS. 89 nties, and their books burned. Eight other Quakers soon after PART II. came and were treated in like manner. The commissioners PERIOD i. sitting at Boston, recommended that the several United Colo- nies, make laws prohibiting the ingress of Quakers and other notorious heretics ; and should any come, that they be secured and removed. The four colonies made laws accordingly. But it was Massachusetts, that the Quakers regarded as the seat of a persecuting spirit, which they felt moved to attack ; as also the established religion, which they denounced as sioners of mere outward observance, and unspi ritual formality. Yet this the U. C. at religion was what the Puritans had sacrificed every thing to Bosi0n -> enjoy, and was in their eyes the model of perfection, and to Puritans their hearts dearer than life. But all their vigilance and severity battled by failed to keep out the determined Quakers. ^kere* 1 *" William Robinson and Marmaduke Stevenson were the first executed ; Mary Dyer stood on the gallows with them joy- 166O. fully waiting her turn, when she was reprieved and carried away , * hre *r But soon, supposing herself again called by the Holy Spirit, she came back and was hanged, bearing a bold testimony. William 16G1. Leddra was also executed ; but the people of Massachusetts Lendra began to revolt at these cruelties. Wenlock Christison was han s ed - condemned to die. He told the tribunal at which Gov. Endi- Christison cot presided, that they had no right to put him to death. They condemned, violated the laws of England, whose vengeance they would experience, and finally everlasting punishment for^heir sins ; His severe and, said he, " it is all in vain, for every one you put to death rebuke to five more will come. Ten will rise up in my place, that you may have torment upon torment ; this is your portion, for there is no peace to the wicked." Whether pricked in con- science, or put in fear, the authorities soon afterwards opened He is re- their prison doors, and released Christison with 27 others; 2 Tcrh-ra h whipping through the streets of Boston, one man and one woman. Charles II. soon after interfered for the Quakers, and by letter to the governor, forbade further violent proceedings. CHAPTER XI. Jesuit Missionaries of France. Their Discoveries. FROM the devotion of the Puritans and the Quakers, we turn to that of the Jesuit Missionaries of France : and in all, we perceive " the operation of that common law of our nature, which binds the heart of man to the Author of his being," and which ift its noblest impulses, sends him forth with ardent Religious desires to toil, to suffer, and to die, in any cause, which he some kinda believes divine. The Jesuit Missionaries possessed this de- natural nria sire to extend the benefits of Christian redemption to the C)plfc< heathen; yet they unfortunately mingled worldly policy with re- ligious enthusiasm; and sought not only to win souls to Christ, but subjects to the king of France and the papal dominion. The Catholics, already in Canada, seconded their efforts. 8 90 JESUIT MISSIONARIES CONVERT THE HURONS. PART II. 1634. Brebeuf and Daniel ac- company the Hurons, and make many converts. Ahasistari. 1640. Montreal founded. 1634. to 1649. Sixty mis- sionaries. Death of Ahasistari. 1645. Peace be- tween the French and Five Na- tions. 1646. Father Jougcs put to death at the fort of Johns- 1648 The Iroquois destroy St. Josephs. In 1634, two missionaries, Brebeuf and Daniel, left Quebec, in company with a party of wild Hurons ; and endured the toil and hardship of a journey of some hundred miles up the Oltawas and along its waters. The wilderness east of Lake Huron, was the country of these savages, and there they erected the chapel of St. Joseph. Throngs of the native Hurons came to be instructed, and were soon numbered as converts to Christianity. The Christinn villages of St. Louis and St. Ignatius soon arose amidst the forest. " Let us strive," said one of their chiefs, " to make the whole world embrace the faith in Jesus." In 1640, Montreal was founded, to give the missionaries a starting point nearer the scene of their operations. Within thirteen years, the wilderness of the Hurons was visited by sixty missionaries, mostly Jesuits. Making the Huron settlement their central station, they carried the gospel to the surrounding tribes ; and thus visited and became the first European explorers of the southern portion of Upper Canada, of which they took possession for the French king. One of these missionaries, Isaac Jouges, undaunted by the terrors of the Mohawk name, went, accompanied by the pious chief, into their country, and was made their prisoner. The noble Huron might have escaped. " My brother," he ex- claimed to the missionary, " I made an oath to thee that I would share thy fortune, whether death or life. Here am I to keep my vow." He met the flames as a Christian martyr. Jouges, though cruelly treated, survived, and was ransomed by the Dutch. At Three Rivers, a peace was concluded between the French and the Five Nations, whose orators declared that they " had thrown the hatchet so high into the air, and beyond the sky, that no arm was long enough to reach and bring it down." The savages also made peace among themselves. Father Jouges, in the spirit of martyrdom, attempted a per- manent mission among the Five Nations. Arriving at the Mohawk castle, he was accused of blighting the corn of the Indians by spells of sorcery. Being condemned, he received his death blow with composure. His head was hung on the palisades of the fort, and his body thrown into the placid stream. War was resumed. The fierce Mohawks scattered the Wyandots, \triumphed over the Hurons, and markec^ for de- struction the missionary stations of the Jesuits. In the rude chapel of St. Joseph, while the village is blazing around, the venerable Father Daniel is hastening to adminis- ter baptism to those who had too long delayed. The barba- rians approach, reeking with the blood of the helpless, and the missionary goes calmly to meet them. Awe-struck, they hesitate, then discharge a shower of arrows. Their vie tim bled from many wounds ; but he lifted up his hands POWER AND BARBARITY OF THE IROQUOIS. 9] and voice, and preached Jesus, until his death-stroke was PART II. given. PERIOD I. The next winter a thousand warriors of the Iroquois made CHAP. xi. a night attack on the village of St. Ignatius, and surprised and v "~v~^/ slew its four hundred sleeping inhabitants. March 16. St Louis shared a similar fate. The missionaries Brebeuf fg^^' and Lallemand were taken prisoners and tortured, the first for s* S Ignatius three, the last for seventeen hours. They died rejoicing in an(1 fire ; and the zeal of their brethren was unabated. St ' ^ OUIS ' The pride of the Mohawks grew with their conquests ; and Mohawks they now menaced and insulted the French, carrying off the menace the governor from Three Rivers, and a priest from Quebec. French According to the Indian custom, some of the vanquished Hurons had been adopted into the families of the conquerors. And when at length the Iroquois, tired of war, received a messenger of peace, it was the Jesuit, Le Moyne, who had L e been with the Hurons, that was the envoy. The Father found and other among them numbers of his affectionate Huron converts. Fr( r nch . mis - The hope revived in his bosom, that the whole west might yet among the receive Christianity, and become subjected to the French. Iroquois. Le Moyne settled on the Mohawk river. Other missionaries, Chaumont and Dablon, went and received a welcome among ^ chapel at the Onondagas. A rude chapel was there constructed in a Onondaga, day ; and the services of the Romish church, chanted by native worshippers. They were soon too numerous to be contained within its walls. The Cayugas now desired a missionary, and received the fearless Mesnard. The Onei- das and the Senecas also listened to the gospel of peace. But their natures were averse to its dictates, and they soon broke through its unaccustomed restraints. Their warriors sought the extermination of the neighboring Eries, and often Missionaries brought to the villages captives, whom they tortured, though & War ^ith of tender sex and years. The missionaries opposed their France en- cruelties and incurred their displeasure ; and after vainly so- ^J^Q liciting aid from Canada, they abandoned their missions. Their return was but the signal for a renewed war between the French and the Five Nations. So ended the attempts of the French to colonize New York. Father Claude Allouez, bent on a voyage of discovery, 1665. early in September, passed Mackinaw into Lake Superior ; co ^^ t ^' and sailing along the high banks and pictured rocks of its southern southern shore, he rested, beyond the bay of Keweena, on shores of ,,.,.' T ' J J . ,,-*' , Lake Supe- mat of Chegoimegon. Here was the great village ot the r j or . Chippewas. A grand council of ten or twelve tribes was, at the mo- ment, assembled to prevent the young braves of the Chippe- was and Sioux from taking up the tomahawk against each An i^^ other. In this assembly came forward the missionary, and council, stood and commanded in the name of his heavenly, and of his earthly master, that there should be peace. 8* 92 JAMES MARQUETTE DISCOVERS THE MISSISSIPPI. PART II. The Indians listened with reverence. They had never PERIOD I. before seen a white man. Soon a chapel was built, and there CHAP. xi. f^y devoutly chanted their vesper and matin hymns ; and v^-v~^/ the mission of St. Esprit was founded. The scattered Hurons mission ^f an( * ^ ttawas ^ ere collected around the missionary. He St. Esprit, preached to the Pottawotamies, the Sacs and Foxes, the Illi- and preaches nois and the Sioux. From each, he gained descriptions of their country, their lakes and rivers, of which he made re- ports to his government. He especially dwelt on what he had heard of the great river " Mesipi." He urged the sending of small colonies of French emigrants, to make per- manent settlements in the west, A small company, headed by two missionaries, Claude St. Mary's Dablon and James Marquette, founded the first French settle- founded. ment within the limits of the United States. It is at St. Mary's, on the falls between the Lakes Superior and Huron. r- n Allouez founded a mission at Green Bay. (jreen bay. . J . . . Marquette selected a young Illinois as his companion, and learned from him the language of his nation. He collected the remains of the Hurons at the point St. Ignace, north of Mackinaw ; built a chapel, and established a mission ; and 10 Sons" 1668 1671. Marquette sissippi. collects the fr om thence visited the adjacent tribes. These heard with St. Ignace. astonishment, that he had formed the bold design of exploring the great river of the west, notwithstanding their assertions, that its monsters devoured men and canoes, its warriors never spared the stranger, and its climate was rife with death. Marquette walked from Green Bay, followed the Fox 1673 river, and crossed the Portage from its head waters to Follows the those of the Wisconsin, when, with no companion but the Wisconsin missionary Joliet, he embarked upon its bosom, and followed to the Mis- j tg course? unknowing whither it would lead. Solitary they floated along, till, in seven days, they entered with inexpressi- ble joy, the broad Mississippi. They continued to float with its lonely current, until, near the mouth of the Moingona, they perceived the marks of population. Disembarking, they found, at fourteen miles from the river, a village of the na- tives. Old men met them with the calumet, told them they were expected, and bade them enter their dwellings in peace. The missionaries declared, by the council-fire, the claims of the I Christian religion, and the right of the king of France to their l tesy C Ur territory. The Indians feasted them, and sent them away with the gift of a peace-pipe, embellished with the various colored heads and necks of bright and beautiful birds. -P.. Sailing on their solitary way, the discoverers heard afar a Discovers in / i i i A/T- the mouth of rush of waters trom the west ; and soon the vast Missouri theMissouri. came down with its fiercer current to hasten on the more sluggish Mississippi. They saw, and passed the mouth of the Ohio, nor stopped, till they had gone beyond that of the DISCOVERIES OF LA SALLE AND HENNEPIN. 93 Arkansas. There they found savages who spoke a new PART. Fl^ tongue. They were armed with guns, a proof that they PERIOD i. had trafficked with the Spaniards, or with the English in Vir- CHAP - *i. ginia. They showed hostile dispositions, but respected the v-^v^*/ peace-pipe, the white flag of the desert. Marquette now retraced his course to the Illinois, entered \MM and ascended that river, and beheld the beautiful fertility of Returns to its summer prairies, abounding in game. He visited Chicago, Green Bay. and in September was again at Green Bay. The next year, on the banks of the little stream now called by his name, Marquette retired for devotion, from the company with which he was journeying, to pray, by a rude altar of stones, beneath the silent shade. There, half an Lake Michi hour afterwards, his dead body was found. He was buried on gan- the shore of the lake, and the Indian fancies that his spirit still controls its storms. As Joliet, the companion of Marquette, was returning from the west, to carry the tidings of their discovery, he met at Frontenac, now Kingston, the governor of the place, the energetic and highly gifted La Salle. His genius kindled by the description of the missionary, into all the enthusiasm of fresh discovery. La Salle repaired to France, and was com- missioned to complete the survey of the great river. He returned to Frontenac, built a wooden canoe of ten tons, and carrying a part of his company to the mouth of Tonne- wanta Creek, he there built the first sailing vessel which ever vessel on navigated Lake Erie. On his way across the lakes he marked Lake Erie * Detroit as a suitable place for a colony, gave name to Lake Founds St. Clair, planted a trading house at Mackinaw, and finally Mackinaw cast anchor at Green Bay. Here, to mend his fortunes, he collected a rich cargo of furs, and sent back his brig to carry them to Niagara. Then, in bark canoes, he moved his party south, to the head of the lake; and'there constructed the Fort of the Miamis. His brig was unfortunately lost ; but, with a small company, he steered resolutely west, accompanied by the Jesuit Hen- nepin. They reached, through many discouragements by 1679. disaster, treachery, and climate, t^e river Illinois ; and follow- Hennepin ing its waters four days' journey below Lake Peoria, La Salle '^Sajk there built a fort, which, in the bitterness of his spirit, he called Creve-coeur. Here he sent out a party under Henne- pin to explore the sources of the Mississippi, and himself set forth on foot to return to Frontenac. Hennepin followed the Illinois to its junction with the parent stream, ascended that river above the falls, to which 16O. he gave the name of St. Anthony. He afterwards reported, P e . ex A pl f ei i -I / i i i i i -i T 11 n . to bt. Antno though falsely, that he had discovered the sources of the Mis- n y s Falla sissippi. La Salle returned to his fort on the Illinois, built a small vessel, and the next year, he, with his company, sailed down 94 PATENT OF ALL THE U. S. SOUTH OF VIRGINIA. 1681. La Salle passes Irom the Upper Mississippi cean ' 1685. his way and discovers 1687. that tributary till he reached the " Father of Rivers ;" and still floating with the current, now landing to erect a cabin, n ow to raise the cross and proclaim the French king lord of the country, La Salle passed on till he reached the mouth of the Mississippi. To the country he gave the name of Louisi- ana j n honor of his sovereign, Louis XIV. * . . ''- Returning to France, the government sent him to colonize the country which he had visited ; but his fleet took a wrong direction, and he was carried, with his party, to Texas, where ne ma( i e the settlement of St. Louis. Attempting to go to Louisiana on foot, a discontented soldier of his party gave him his death-shot. Texas was regarded as an appendage to Louisiana. CHAPTER XII. North and Sooth Carolina. The Great Patent, Mr. Locke's Constitution. Patent of 1663. loLordClar- 163O Heath's pat- ent from 30 ^The nT extended, 1665. em part of the United Settlement at Albe- marie proves of N. C. AFTER Charles II. was restored, his rapacious courtiers, taking advantage of his improvident good nature, obtained for their services real or pretended, from him who had little else to &* ve > l ar g e tracts of American territory. Nor was thai monarch, as we have already seen, at all scrupulous when a favorite was to be gratified,, if what he gave had before been g^ted, or if il belonged to other nations. Thus, in 1663, he gave Carolina which was claimed by Spain, to Lord Claren- don the historian, Lord Ashley Cooper Earl of Shaftsbury, General Monk afterwards Duke of Albemarle, Lord Craven, the two Berkeleys, Sir John Colleton, and Sir George Car- teret. They first received a tract which had, in 1630, been granted to Sir Robert Heath. Their ambition rising with th e occasion, they now stretched their thoughts to the l rv ^ founding a sovereignty, which should not only yield them money, but the fame of legislators ; and in 1667, Charles granted them the whole of the country, from the mouth of the river St Joh . ns to 36 33/ nortl1 lat itude, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. To frame a government for the future empire, was a task assigned by the company to the aristocratic philosopher, Shaftsbury ; and to aid him in the important labor, he engaged the services of his friend, the well-known John Locke. In the mean time, the younger Berkeley, who was governor of Virginia, was to extend his ru ^ e over ^ e wn l e territory. But settlers were wanted, and to procure these, various in- ducements were held out by the company. Two settlements had already been formed within their precincts. One of these, NOBILITY DOES NOT FLOURISH IN CAROLINA. 95 near the Sound, called, from the title given to the restorer of PART II. Charles II., Albemarle, was begun at an early day by enter- PERIOD I. prising planters from Virginia ; and enjoying entire liberty, it CHAP. xn. had been augmented from that and other colonies, whenever religious or political oppression had scattered their people. About the time in which the great patent was granted, this settlement had so increased as to form, for convenience, a simple democratic government. The other colony was to the south of this, on Cape Fear or Clarendon river ; and had been originally made by a little band r of adventurers from New England. They, as well as the for- united to ' mer colony, had purchased their land of the natives ; they had JhaAeston, occupied it, and they claimed, as a law of nature, the right of begin s. c self-government. In the meantime, a number of planters from Barbadoes, desiring to re-establish themselves in inde- pendence, purchased lands of the sachems, and settled on Cape Fear river, near the territory of the New Englanders. The two parties united. In 1667, they were in danger of famine, and Massachusetts sent them relief. They requested of the proprietors a confirmation of the purchase they had made of the Indians, and of the power which they had assumed to govern themselves. As a state must have inhabitants, their request was partially granted ; and mans\vas one of their number, Sir John Yeamans, was appointed their the leadi | governor. The settlement, in 1666, contained 800 persons. Barbadoes Thus the germs of liberty had, in the Carolinas, begun to P art y- vegetate strongly in a virgin soil. And when the great aristo- cratical constitution of Locke and Shaftsbury, constituting three orders of nobility, was sent over, in 1670, the ground ]070 was already preoccupied. These dwellers in scattered log The cons 1 1- cabins in the woods, could not be noblemen, and would not be tu 10 r f n , serfs : and the succeeding years in these colonies present a fruit- unsuitable, less struggle, in which the agents of the proprietors attempt to organize a system, incompatible with the condition and wishes of the settlers already there, and equally uninviting to such emigrants as they needed ; emigrants who could clear the forest, and contend with savage nature. Eventually, the J693. interest of the proprietors prevailed over their pride. The in- It is abro- habitants took their own way in regard to government, and in g ated - 1693, the constitution of Locke arid Shaftsbury was formally abrogated. Its impolicy is now a by-word. William Sayle, the first proprietary governor of Carolina, 167O brought over a colony, with which he founded old Charleston. Dying in 1671, his colony was annexed to that of governor Yeamans. In 1680. the city was removed to the point of land between the two rivers, which received, in compliment to Lord Charleston Shaftsbury, the names of Ashley and Cooper The founda- founded. tion of the present capital of the south was laid, and the name of the king perpetuated in that of Charleston. During the year 1690, king William sent out a large body 96 CHRISTIAN NATIONS AGAIN AT WAR. PART II. O f French Protestants, who had been compelled to leave their PERIOD i. country by the arbitrary measures of Louis XIV. To a part HAP. xm. of these, lands were allotted in Virginia on James river, and v^^v"x^> others settled in Carolina on the banks of the Santee, and in 169O. Charleston. They introduced the culture of the vine, and Fr festants r were among the most useful settlers of the province. The Cape Fear, or Clarendon colony, having under Gover- nor Yeamans migrated south, probably to aid in the founding of Charleston, the unfruitful country which they first occupied reverted to the natives. 1729. In 1729, the present line of division between North and Presentdivi- South Carolina was adopted ; and then that country, with the sion of North ., _. ' ir/^i m and South land extending to twenty miles south oi Cape r ear river, was Carolina. thrown into North Carolina. CHAPTER XIII. French and Indian War. 168. JAMES II. of England, and Louis XIV. of France, were The English common descendants of the Gallic sovereign, Henry IV : and Revolution . i 1-1 ! i i- i 11 i St. Louis * St. Ignatius Diifcoverie 1692 < OF MASSACHUSETTS. ) < i^A^''*^ #' T - I.*-::-* *-* 'V ' ' : ' V f* r "' THE FIRST SETTLEMENT | 17ft3. | OF GEORGIA BY OGLETHOEP*. . . Vv. * ' "'^- . * ' " - **i '.*.' CHAPTER I. /'/r~C *'- . ,-, ' r Sir William Phipps. Cotton Mather. Salem Witchcraft. Schools. Yale College. . y;' ; THE new charter was received at Boston, May 14th, 1692. PART y The officers to be appointed under it, were nominated by In- PERIOD "n. crease Mather, a minister of Boston, sent to England as agent CHAP. i. for the colony. He gave the nomination for governor to Sir ^~~^*^> William Phipps, a favorite parishioner of his son, the learned May 14th. Cotton Mather, also a minister of Boston, and the eccentric Ne ^ 6 c ^ er historian of the New England churches. Phipps was a na- brought over tive of Pemaquid in Maine, and his boyhood was spent in by Sir WU- tending sheep. He was then made apprentice to a trade; ham phl PP s - but being active and enterprising, he went to England, and at length acquired riches and a title, by his success in raising, by means of a diving bell, the treasures of a Spanish wreck. He, as well as the lieutenant-governor, and the twenty-eight assistants now appointed for Massachusetts, were all, such men as readily took advice from the clergy. Amidst the difficulties under which the northern colonies labored, from the war with the French and Indians, and with thawaror the new and disagreeable aspect of political affairs, others of tyranny, a different, though not less disagreeable nature, opened upon the people of Massachusetts. The delusion, with respect to the supposed intercourse with 1645. evil spirits, was now at its height. The first settlers brought The delusion it with them from the mother country. Laws, making witch- ^tchcraff. craft a capital crime, existed in England, and were early en- begins in acted in Massachusetts. The mania began, m Springfield in 1645, when some individuals were accused and tried, but ac- quitted. Some few years after, persons at Boston, Charles- town, Dorchester, and Cambridge, were arraigned, and some actually executed for the supposed oflense. But Salem was the devoted place where this superstition was converted into a phrenzy. Some young women, perhaps Prevails in in part deluded by their own imaginations, complained of being Salem, strangely affected. Their complaints, attributed to this alarm- ing cause, were reported and magnified ; at length they became prime heroines in a gossiping and credulous neigh- 100 THE THREE SISTERS. TWENTY EXECUTIONS. PART II. borhood. This encouraged others to set up for the same PERIOD ii. distinction ; and witches, of course, increased with the number CHAP. i. bewitched. v- *-*-*+*; At first, it was old women only, who were suspected of Convictions having leagued with the devil, to inflict upon the diseased the and U insu?- er var> i us torments which they asserted that they felt, and ficieiit which they often appeared to the spectators actually to feel, grounds, T ne magistrates of the people's choice, had, with Bradstreet, their governor, previous to the arrival of Phipps, discounten- anced these persecutions ; but the new authorities, under the influence of the clergy, of whom, in this particular, Cotton Mather was the leader, pursued a course which placed the accused in situations where " they had need to be magicians not to be convicted of magic." The unhappy persons were confronted with those who accused them, and asked, " Why And by in- d o y OU afflict these children ?" If they denied the fact, they 'witnesses'. were commanded to look upon the children, who would in- stantly fall into fits, and afterwards declaim that they were , thus troubled by the persons apprehended. On evidence no 20 executed. , , , . j better than this, were twenty persons executed. Malice and revenge carried on the work which superstition began. Private resentment was never more fiendish in its Three sis- measures, than in the accusations which were got up and ^helnT brought to fatal issues, by Samuel Parris, the minister of Sa- mosityof the lem. He had bitter animosities against several of his parish- m g ust ^ f at ioners. Rebecca Nurse, amiable but reflective, opposed this tyrant of his church. Two children, his daughter and his niece, accused her, and she was committed to prison. Parris also denounced her publicly as a "devil." Her sister, Sarah Cloyce, rose and left the meeting-house. She was herself soon the tenant of a prison. Yet another victim was taken from the same family. Mary Easty, knowing the worth and innocence of her dear imprisoned sisters, spake, yet with mildness, against the injustice which condemned them. She was soon forced from her children and her home, herself ac- cused of intercourse with evil spirits, and made a prisoner ; with the horrible expectation that, she must close a virtuous Twenty exe- ^ G by the violent death of a malefactor her only crime, that cutions in she was unreconciled to the legal murder of her beloved an^st^S s ^ sters ' tne f ate sne was now to share. Beside these innocent her. persons, seventeen others were hung at Salem. Among them was Mr. Burroughs, a worthy clergyman. The prisons were full of those committed for trial. The general court, on assembling, took ground against October, these proceedings. They perceived that none were safe; but The General t na t the best of the community were at the mercy of the worst, ground 6 They abolished the special court organized by Phipps, and against the presided over by Stoughton, the lieutenant governor, by which these executions had been sanctioned. The public were ad- dressed on the subject through the press by the independent LAWS AGAINST THE BARBARISM OF IGNORANCE. 101 Calef, of Boston ; and the eyes of men were at length opened. PART II. The prisoners were set free ; and the memory of the transac- PERIOD n. tion soon became, what it still continues to be, a source of CHAP. i. national'sorrow and humiliation. ^ ~-^+*~s We have already seen that Massachusetts led the way in Massachu- the establishment of a university. Laws were also enacted, p^sLTa^s which showed that the rulers felt the importance of rightly to establish instructing all their youth in the rudiments of learning, human and divine. But not one of the colonies enjoyed a repose so uninter- ^ 64(5. rupted as Connecticut ; and therefore none had in this respect The court* at so great advantages to show the bent of the puritan mind in Hartford or- regard to the improvement of the human race by the right i a w s for corn- training of the young. As early as 1646, the general court mon educa ordered Mr. Ludlow to compile a body of laws to regulate the education of children. This he brought forward, and enactments were made, whose 165O. liberality, considering the straitened means of these early ^"^Tre-" fathers, should make their descendants of this day blush for specting their degeneracy. " Forasmuch," says the statute, " as the common good education of children is of singular behoof and benefit sc I/" 1 * to any commonwealth, and whereas many parents and masters are too indulgent and negligent of their duty in that kind," The court therefore order " that the selectmen of every town, in the several quarters where they dwell, shall have a The "barba vigilant eye over their brethren and neighbors, to see that ris ^ " ai ^ e ig " none of them shall suffer so much barbarism in any of their treated se- families as not to endeavor to teach, by themselves or others, verely. their children and apprentices, so much learning as to enable them to read the English tongue," in order that they may be acquainted, first with the laws of God in the Scriptures, and second with the laws of the commonwealth which they are required to obey. And if any parent or master should be parents who found guilty of this "barbarism," he was, in the first place, to be fined, and if, after due admonition of this kind, he still neglect- ed his duty, the youth of his family were to be taken out of learning. the hands 'of such unfaithful guardians, and placed under the especial charge of the magistrates, who were to see that they were duly instructed. But to make more certain the important object of educating the young, and to the end say they, " that learning be not tablished buried in the grave of our forefathers," the Lord assisting our where there endeavors, it is ordered, " that all the townships with fifty fJQ- JJJ householders shall keep a school, and pay for the same in Grammar such way as they see fit. And further, that if any town has ^e^where one hundred householders, they shall keep and maintain a we re 100. grammar school, where young men can be fitted for a uni- versity. M 16 if 4 ' New Haven had also provided by law for common schools ; po / tp r a p v e s r ea and in 1654, Mr. Davenport proposed the institution of a col- a college. commor 102 THE UNIVERSITY OF YALE. GOV. FLETCHER OUTWITTED PART. _IL_ lege, and the town gave lands for the object. Governor Hop- FERIODII. kins of Connecticut, who for several years was alternately CHAP. i. w ith Haynes the chief magistrate of that colony, % dying in ^-^~v~^/ London, bequeathed, for such an institution, four or five 1656. hundred pounds. The school was located at Saybrook. Governor 'j^e c i er p-y of Connecticut, feeling the need of a college Hopkins do- /-,i-i f i i i nation, nearer than at Cambridge, to mrnisn learned men as ministers, 17O1. ten of their number obtained from the general assembly a m^rToSrf a cnarter ^ incorporation, together with an annual grant of Sfarter aid a 120. Thus constituted as trustees, they held their first smallendow- meeting at Saybrook ; chose officers, and made laws for the ent> infant university. 1717 '^ ne l cat i ri was inconvenient, and more money being The college subscribed to fix the college at New Haven than at rival removed to places, it was removed thither, and received at the same time New Haven. access i ons o f books in its library, already begun, and in its funds. The most liberal of the donors was Elihu Yale, a na- ^ ve ^ New Haven, who had made a fortune in India. His The college name has in that institution a nobler monument, than the silent receives his column which rises over the grave of the warrior, or the mau- soleum of the prince, whose adorning figures are those of marble, not of living and improving youth. It is remarkable that the two earliest universities of the Ha Yale and United States continue to enjoy the highest celebrity, although many others now exist. Early in this period a political event is recorded, which, as N. England it passed away without leaving any result, would be omitted manage- by historians, but that it is a pleasant as well as striking in- stance of New England management; less dignified, but some- times less troublesome, than more direct methods of refusal to yield to powers regarded as usurped. Gov Fletch- Colonel Fletcher, governor of New York, was empowered er attempts to take command of the militia of Connecticut. The colony to take com- immediately dispatched General Winthrop as an agent to re- mand or the -ill- i -i -i T Connecticut monstrate with the king and council against this extraordinary militia power. Colonel Fletcher, however, went to Hartford in 1693, and, in his majesty's name, demanded the surrender of the militia to his command. Captain William Wadsworth, the ft man by whom the charter was hid, paraded his company ; but October 26 as an atten dant of Fletcher began to read his commission, the He is foiled captain gave command to " drum ;" and when Fletcher called by Captain out silence !" the captain raised his voice higher in a second order, " drum, drum, I say." At length Fletcher gave up in despair, perhaps fearing, if he persisted, that Wadsworth would, in good earnest, fulfil his threat, and " make daylight shine through him." 1706 In 1706, the first Episcopal church in Connecticut was es- tablished at Stratford. Agreeable to the recommendations of the general assembly of Connecticut, in 1708 delegates from the churches of Con- QUEEN ANNE S WAR. MASSACRE AT DEERFIELD. 103 necticut met at Saybrook and framed the ecclesiastical con- PART ** stitution called the " Saybrook Platform." By this the minis- PERIOD n. ters of the churches in the several counties were to hold CHAP. n. annual associations. All the clergy in the state were to meet v-^v^*/ in each county by rotation, and their meeting was termed a 170. general association. CHAPTER II. European Politics. Peace of Ryswic, which closes King William's War. Queen Anne's War soon begins. KING William's war had been feebly pursued. Settlements on Oyster river were, however, destroyed by the French and Indians, and the fort at Pemaquid, which Sir William Phipps had rebuilt by the special direction of the sovereigns, had been taken. In 1 697, peace was made at Ryswick, in Germany, by which it was stipulated that all places captured during the war should be restored. Thus again had the barbarous appeal to arms been to no other purpose but that of multiplying human woes. But the parties profited little by the lesson, and war was soon renewed. Louis XIV. of France, had violated former treaties by placing his grandson, the Duke of Anjou, on the throne of Spain, and proclaiming, as king of England, James, the son of James II. In America he had given orders to Villeborne, his governor, to extend Acadia to the Kennebec, to claim the exclusive right to the fisheries on the coast, and to seize all English vessels which should be found fishing upon them. In May, 1702, England, now under Queen Anne, declared war against both France and Spain ; and the contests of the parent states again involved their American colonies. Notwithstanding the eastern Indians had given a solemn assurance of peace with New England, yet they now devas- tated Maine from Ca^co to Wells. Deerfield, in Massachu- setts, was surprised at midnight, February, 1704, by a party of French and Indians, under Heurtel de Rouville. The sentinel of the fort being asleep, and the snow of such a depth as to allow them to pass over the palisades, they silently en- tered, and scalped and murdered, or secured as prisoners, the wretched inhabitants. Only a small number escaped by flight. Forty-seven were killed, and one hundred and twenty carried captivo to Canada. Early in the assault, the house of the Rev. John Williams, the minister of the place, was attacked by about twenty In- dians, who, after murdering two of his children, secured as 1697. Peace of Ryswic. 1702. England de- clares war against France and Spam. 1704. Deerfield surprised If French anJ Indians. 104 PEACE OF UTRECHT. DEPRESSION CAUSED BY WAR. 1704. Colonel Church de- stroys their settlements. 1705. Prisoners exchanged. 1710. English take Port Royal. The Dutch encourage Indian out- rages. Peter Schuy- ler befriends the N. Eng land people. 1713. Peace of Utrecht iloses Queen. Anne's war. Its disas- trous effects. 1710. Palatines settle in the provinces. prisoners, himself, his wife, and his five remaining children. Mrs. Williams, on the second day, faltered in the march, and, according to the Indian custom, was cruelly put to death. Roused by these inhumanities, the veteran warrior, Benja- min Church, mounted on horseback and rode seventy miles to offer his services to Dudley, now governor of Massachu- setts, in behalf of his distressed fellow citizens. He was sent with five hundred soldiers to the eastern coast of New England, to attack the enemy in their own settlements ; and, ascending the Penobscot and St. Croix rivers, he destroyed several of their towns, and took a considerable number of prisoneirs. In 1705, Vaudreiu'l, now governor of Canada, proposed to Governor Dudley, a treaty of neutrality. Arrangements were accordingly made for an exchange of prisoners, and thus a large proportion of those taken at Deerfield were finally re- leased. Among the number was Mr. Williams and some of his children One young daughter remained, married, and raised a family in the tribe which adopted her. In the years 1706 and 1707, small parties of French and Indians hovered about the frontiers, burning, scalping, and making prisoners of the wretched inhabitants. In 1710, Colonel Nicholson sailed from Boston in a fleet, part of which he had brought from England, and besieged Port Royal ; which, after a few days' resistance, surrendered, and its name, in honor of the queen, was changed to Anna- polis. New York being protected by the Five Nations, a lucrative trade was carried on with these Indians ; and the Dutch tra- ders fit Albany and Schenectady sometimes permitted preda- tory parties from Canada to pass from the northern parts of the province, in their attacks on the frontiers of New England, that they might enjoy the benefit of their plunder. Colonel Schuyler, whom the Iroquois called Quider, having great influence over these savages, thus had frequent know- ledge of their designs, and notified the people of Massachu- setts of the places marked for destruction. Queen Anne's war was closed by the treaty of Utrecht, by which Acadia was ceded to the English, For more than ten years this war had exposed the frontiers to continued attacks from a savage foe, checked the prosperity of New England, and effectually prevented the progress of settlements to the north and east. The inhabitants had been constantly harassed with calls for military service, and were obliged to watch day and night lest they should be surprised and mur- dered, or what was not less dreaded, doomed to savage cap- tivity. Agriculture was necessarily neglected, a heavy public debt incurred, and a state of general depression ensued. The Palatines of Germany, having been reduced to great indigence by the wars in that country, sent to England to FATHER RASLES. PEACE. - EASTERN BOUNDARY SETTLED. 105 solicit charity of Queen Anne. This princess having obtained tor them grants of land in America, about six or seven thousand arrived during the year 1710, and planted themselves in the provinces of New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Carolina. In 1714, Queen Anne dying, George I., of the house of Brunswick, ascended the throne of England. After the treaty of Utrecht, by which France ceded to England th,e whole of Acadia, the general court of Mas- sachusetts extended its jurisdiction to the utmost bounds of the province of Maine ; and enterprising fishermen and tra- ders not only revived the desolated villages, but on the eastern bank of the Kennebec erected new forts, and planted new settlements around them. Father Rasles, a Jesuit missionary of France, had for many years ministered in a rude chapel at Norridgewock on the Kennebec, among his savage converts of the Abenakies. Some of these now crossed the desert to Quebec, and consulted with Vaudreuil, the governor of Canada. Returning, they deter- mined to resist the English occupancy, and maintain by war their own right to the country, hoping that the French would ultimately assist them. The Indians began hostilities by burning Brunswick. The general court of Massachusetts then offered a bounty on In- dian scalps. They had ascertained, by getting possession of the papers of Father Rasles, that both he and the governor of Canada were in the counsel of the savages, and were the in- stigators of their depredations. A party from New England, in August, 1724, destroyed Norridgewock, and exercised a cruel and fatal vengeance upon the aged Jesuit. He was the last of that devoted order, who, in the wilds of America, had labored to attain, simultaneously, two incompatible objects, a spiritual kingdom for a heavenly Master, and a temporal one for an earthly sovereign. The Indians now found, that though instigated by the French, they were not supported by them, and their sachems at St. John's 'concluded a peace with the colonists, which, as French missions were now at an end, proved durable. Eng- lish trading houses flourished, and the eastern boundary of New England remained undisputed. 9 PART 1L 1714. George I. takes in all IT 17 Brunswick burned. stroyed. He is the last 1726. August 6. Indians. 106 INTRODUCTION OF EPISCOPACY INTO NEW YORK. CHAPTER III. PART II. 1692. Colonel Fletcher suc- ceeds Sloughter. 1693. He causes Episcopal ministers to be settled, and intro- duces Epis- copacy. 1698 Bellamont succeeds Fletcher. Bends out Kid to stop piracy, who turns pirate. 1699. Fletcher introduces Episcopacy into New York. Piracy. The Jerseys united and joined with New York. GOVERNOR Sloughter of New York died in 1691, and in 1692, Colonel Fletcher arrived with the commission of governor. Fletcher was a good soldier, and having fortu- nately secured the friendship of Major Schuyler, he was, by his advice, enabled to conduct the Indian affairs of the colony, to the acceptance of the people. He was, however, ava- ricious, irascible, and a bigot, to his own mode of faith, which was that of the church of England. Under pretence of introducing uniformity into the language and literature, as well as the religion of the colony, the inhab- itants of which were a heterogeneous mixture of Dutch and English, he brought into the assembly, a bill for the settlement, throughout the province, of Episcopalian ministers, such as should be by himself selected. The assembly, after much debate, agreed that the ministers should be settled in certain parishes, but left the choice to the people. This was very offensive to the governor, who, after an angry speech, dis- solved the assembly. Episcopalian ministers were, however, settled in several parishes ; and thus was introduced, a relig- ious order, which, at this day, forms so respectable a portion of the population of the state. In 1698, Richard, earl of Bellamont, an Irish peer, suc- ceeded governor Fletcher. During the late wars, the seas were infested with English pirates, some of which had sailed from New York, and Fletcher was suspected of having coun- tenanced them. Bellamont was particularly instructed " to put a stop to the growth of piracy," and, for this purpose, was promoted to the command, not of New York only, but of Massachusetts Bay and New Hampshire. As no appropria- tions were made by the colonial governments for this purpose, a private adventure against the pirates was agreed on, and one William Kid was recommended to the earl as a man of integrity and courage, who well knew the pirates and their places of rendezvous. Kid undertook the expedition, and sailed from New York ; but he soon turned pirate himself. After some time, he burnt his ship and returned to the colo- nies. There is a vague tradition still existing, that he brought large quantities of money, which he caused to be concealed in the earth. He was apprehended at Boston, sent to Eng- land for his trial, and there condemned and executed. The increase of the number of proprietors in West Jersey, had introduced great confusion into that province ; disputes E. AND W. JERSEY UNITED, AND CALLED NEW JERSEY. 107 169. to 1692. No govern- ment in WestJersey. constantly arising, not only among the settlers, but between _ PA RT H._ the proprietors themselves ; so that for three years it might PERIOD H. be said that West Jersey had no regular authority what- CH AP. in. ever. On this account, in 1698, the proprietors surrendered v ^~v^~' the right of government to the crown. Queen Anne united it with the east .province, and New Jersey, as the whole was now called, was to be ruled jointly with New York by a royal governor, having a separate council and assembly of representatives. The Queen appointed, as governor of the two provinces, the [17O2. worthless Lord Cornbury, who, as well as herself, was a Tlle Jerseys grandchild of Lord Clarendon. He rendered himself odious "jofSeiuo' to the people, squandering, for his own use, large sums of New York.] money, which had been appropriated for public purposes, and 169. left to his disposal as governor. In 1708, the assemblies of Ij0rd , c Y New York and New Jersey, no longer willing to submit to his government, drew up a complaint against him, and sent it to the queen. She removed him, and appointed Lord Love- lace in his room. After a short administration, Lovelace was succeeded by Sir Robert Hunter, known as the friend of Dean Swift, and he, in 1719, by Peter Schuyler, so often mentioned as the mediator between the whites and Indians, he being the gchuyler oldest member of .the council. Commissioners were, at this time, appointed to draw the line of partition between the provinces of New York, New Jersey, arid Connecticut. In 1720, Mr. Burnet succeeded Schuyler. In order to de- prive the French of their supplies for the Indians, he instituted measures to stop the trade between New York and Canada ; and by this means displeased the merchants. They being thus prohibited from a direct traffic with Canada, built a trading house at Oswego, which, in defiance of the protest of the French, and the displeasure of the Iroquois, was, in 1727, Fortified. converted into a fortress. At length Burnet became so un- 1727. popular with the merchants, that, though generally acceptable to the people, he was superseded in the government by Colonel Montgome- Montgomery. ry- On his death, the command devolved on Rip Van Dam, he Van Dam. being the oldest member of the council, and an eminent mer- chant. He passively permitted the encroachments of the French, and during his administration, they erected a fort at Crown Point, which commanded Lake Champlain, and which was within the acknowledged limits of New York. George I. died in 1727, arid was succeeded by his son, George II. 9* tion. 17O8. Lovelace. 1710. Hunter. 1719. 1720. Burnet. Oswego 1727. George II 108 THE TERRITORIES SEPARATED FROM PENNSYLVANIA. 1692. William CHAPTER IV. Pennsylvania. Penn's second visit. Maryland restored PART II. AFTER William Penn's arrival in England, he became one PERIOD n. of the most influential persons in the kingdom ; for when the Duke of York was made king, under the title of James II., he manifested for him much confidence and affection. The in- fluence thus possessed at court was never -used for selfish purposes, hut mainly to obtain benefits for distressed Quakers, and laws in favor of general toleration. When JameS 'became an exile in France, Penn was sus- pected, by his successor, of holding with him a treasonable nrived d for corres P n dence 5 an( l upon vague charges to this effect, he two years, of was a number of times imprisoned. In 1692, the government the govern- o f Pennsylvania was taken from him, and Fletcher, governor Pennsylva- f New York, appointed by the crown to rule his province. nia. After strict scrutiny, the conduct of Penn was found to be irreproachable ; and in 1694, he was restored to the favor of the king, and reinstated in his government ; but not immedi- ately returning to Pennsylvania, he appointed the worthy Thomas Lloyd his deputy governor. 1699 ^ n 1^99, Penn again visited his colony. Finding great He visits it. complaint and disaffection respecting the government, he granted, in 1701, a new arid liberal charter. To the assem- bly it gave the right of originating bills ; to the governor the r ^ nt ^ re j ect i n g l aws passed by the assembly, of appoint- ing his own council, arid of exercising the whole executive power. This charter was accepted by the assembly, although it did not satisfy the discontents of the people. The Territories rejected it altogether; and in 1703, they rnunn -I were allowed to form a separate assembly, Penn still ap- I he 1 emto- .., ,. . ' ' T T? ries separate pointing the same governor over both provinces. Immediately from Penn- after this third charter was granted, Penn, having settled a government which has given him the glory of being one of the greatest of lawgivers, went to England, no more to visit his beloved province ; and the executive authority was adminis- tered by deputy governors appointed by himself. In the year 1716, the government of Maryland, which, since the accession of William and Mary, had been held by ^ e crown was restored to Lord Baltimore, the proprietor. It continued in his hands and those of his successors until the American Revolution. 17O1. ma ' Maryland. 1716. more rein-" stated. CHARACTER OF THE PERSECUTED HUGUENOTS. 109 CHAPTER V. The Huguenots. War with the Spaniards. Tuscaroras and Yamassees. A DISSENSION arose in Carolina between the proprietary PART II. governors and the inhabitants, on account of the unwillingness PERIOD n7 of the English Episcopalians to admit the French Protestants CHAP. v. who had settled in the colony to a seat in the assembly. Con- <^*~v~^s sidering the French as their hereditary enemies, and regard- Dissensions ing their difference of religion with all the bitterness of the in Carolina, times, they could not be reconciled to their participating in the rights of freemen. They affected to consider them as foreigners, and proceeded to enforce the laws of England against them as such. They even declared that marriages, solemnized by French ministers, were void ; and that the estates of those thus married should not descend to their Meekness of children. The Huguenots, countenanced by the proprietary Protestants, governor, peacefully submitted for a time to the discourage- ments of such a situation ; and remained in the province, hoping for a favorable change. The people, still complaining, John Archdale, one of the pro- prietors, was sent, in 1695, as governor of North arid South Carolina, with full power to redress grievances. Having re- stored order, he left the country the next year, but without 1695. giving to the French their civil rights. In a short time, how- ever, their correct deportment overcame all prejudices, and order, they were admitted to the privileges of citizens and freemen. About this time a vessel from Madagascar, touching at Carolina, the captain' presented Governor Archdale with a bag of seed rice, giving him, at the same time, instructions as Rice mt-ro to the manner of its culture. The seed was divided among several planters. From this accident arose the cultivation of this staple commodity of Carolina. The proprietary governor, invested with arbitrary powers, resided in the southern province, and governed the northern by his deputy. In that land of rivers and vine-clad forests, liberty roamed at large. The settlers had been early visited by George Fox, who found them "a tender people" to receive O f thesectof the doctrines of inner light and outward nonconformity ; but Quakers, the deputy governor, though his powers were ample, could ^aroU^a never execute them, quarrel as he might, beyond the limits of the peoples' will. On the breaking out of Queen Anne's war, an attempt was May, immediately made by Governor Moore, of South Carolina, against the Spanish province of St. Augustine. The expe- dition was unsuccessful, and so heavy was the expense, that, to pay the debt incurred, the assembly, for the first time, re- sorted to the expedient of a paper currency. of S. C. 110 DESTRUCTIVE INDIAN WARS IN CAROLINA. PARTJI. In 1703, Governor Moore proceeded against the Appala PERIOD ii. chian Indians, whom the Spaniards had instigated to hostility. CHAP. v. He marched into the heart of their settlements, and laid in v-^v^^/ ashes their towns between the Altamaha and Savannah. 1703. Some of the captives who were taken, the avaricious gov- Moore sub- ernor employed in cultivating his own fields, while others were dues the Ap- i /. i i palachian sold for his personal emolument. Indians. The Spaniards, aided by the French, took their turn for invasion ; and Charleston was justly alarmed at the. approach 1706. Q f ve h ost ii e ships, commanded by Le Feboure. Land vasimTre 1 - forces were also on the march from St. Augustine. But the pelled. summons of the invaders to surrender, and their consequent attack, was met by the people with a spirit kindred to that manifested by Charleston in the days of the revolution ; and Le Feboure and his party retired with loss. 1707. In 1707, another colony of French Protestants settled on a branch of the Neuse river. 1712. I n 1^12, the Tuscaroras, and other Indians of North Caro- War with Una, formed, with all the cruel subtlety of the savage charac- the Tuscaro- ier ^ a pj ot f or exterminating the entire white population. Having kept their design profoundly secret until the night fixed for its execution, they then entered the houses of the poor Palatines of Germany who had recently settled on the Roanoke, and murdered men, women, and children. A few who escaped gave the alarm, and the remaining inhabitants, collecting into a camp, kept guard night and day, until aid could be received from South Carolina. That colony sent to their relief six hundred militia, and three hundred and sixty Indians, under Captain Barnwell. Although a wilderness at this time separated the northern fro.m the southern settle- They are ments, yet Barnwell penetrated it, boldly attacked the Indians, p j^ sue ( f s} n(i Billed three hundred, and took one hundred prisoners. Those tracked by wno survived, fled to the chief town of the Tuscaroras, where Barnwell. they had erected a wooden breastwork for their security ; but here Barnwell's troops surrounded them, and they at last sued Being de- for peace. The Tuscaroras had lost one thousand men in the unite with course f ^is war, and they soon after left their country and the Iroquois. united with the Iroquois, making the sixth nation of that con- federacy. In 1715, the Yamasees, who resided northeast of the Sa- vannah river, secretly instigated a combination of all the Indians from Florida to Cape Fear against South Carolina. War of* the ^e Creeks, Apalachians, Cherokees, Catawbas, and Con- Yamassees garees, engaged in the enterprise, and it was computed in S. C. that their whole force exceeded six thousand fighting men The southern tribes fell suddenly on the traders settled among them, and, in a few hours, ninety persons were massacred. Some of the inhabitants fled precipitately to Charleston and gave the alarm. Formidable parties were also penetrating the northern fron- A REVOLUTION IN THE GOVERNMENT OF CAROLINA. Ill tier, and approaching Charleston. ' They were repulsed by PART II. the militia, but their route was marked by devastation. Govern- PERIOD IL or Craven adopted the most energetic and judicious measures. CH AP. v. At the head of twelve hundred men he marched towards the ^^-v^^ southern frontier, and overtook the strongest body of the enemy Battle of at a place called Saltcatchers, where an obstinate and bloody d f ers atC battle was fought. The Indians were totally defeated, and the governor, pressing upon them, drove them from their terri- rp, , r ' " . , & * The Yamas tory, and. pursued them over the savannah river. Here they sees settle hi were hospitably received by the Spaniards of Florida, and, Florida, long afterwards, they made incursions into Carolina. Nearly four hundred of the Carolinians were slain in this war. These events, in their consequences, had heightened the dissensions, already existing between the people of the pro- vince and the proprietors. The legislature had applied to the company for aid and protection, which was denied. For tem- porary relief, large emissions of paper money were next re- sorted to. Directions were given by the proprietors to the Evils . of tne i mi i i proprietary governor, to reduce the quantity in circulation. 1 he assembly government. then resolved to appropriate the lands, from which the Indians had been driven ; but the proprietors refused to sanc- tion this necessary proceeding. A memorial was presented against their chief justice, Trott,andthereceiver-general,Rhett, who, for tyrannical measures, had become extremely obnox- people. ious to the colony ; and a request was made that they might be removed from office. They were, however, not only re- tained, but thanked for their services. A general combination was now formed throughout the colo- ny, to subvert the proprietary government ; and the inhabitants bound themselves to stand by each other, in defense of their lives and liberties. This was done with such secrecy and despatch, that, before the governor was informed, almost every revolt and inhabitant of the province was engaged in the combination, choose a A letter was despatched to Mr. Johnson, then the governor, gov< from a committee of the representatives of the people, inform- ing him that they were to wait on him for the purpose of offering him the government of the province, under the king ; as they were resolved no longer to submit to that of the pro- prietors. Johnson refused, and endeavored to suppress the spirit of revolt ; but it had diffused itself beyond his con- trol : and, at last, the people elected Moore governor of the province. The colonists stated their situation to the crown, when it was decided that the proprietors had forfeited their charter ; J^J e g'J"^ and that both the Carolinas should be taken under the royal government, protection. Nicholson, known in the history of the northern an .d appoints provinces, was, in 1 720, appointed governor, and, early the fol- x ^ lowing year, he arrived at Charleston, where he was received with every demonstration of joy. Peace having been made between Great Britain and Spain, he had been instructed to 112 EARLIEST SETTLEMENTS ON THE MISSISSIPPI. PART II. 1729. North and South Caro- lina sepa- rated. cultivate the friendship of the Indians, and also of the Spaniards of Florida. He accordingly held treaties with the Cherokees and Creeks, in which houndaries were settled and other ne- cessary regulations made. Having thus secured the province from assaults without, Governor Nicholson, by the encourage- ment and support which he gave to literary and religious institutions, soon caused its internal affairs to assume a new- aspect. The revolution was completed in 1729, by an agreement between the crown and seven of the proprietors, whereby, for a valuable consideration, they surrendered their right and interest, not only in the government of these provinces, but also in the soil. North and South Carolina were at the same time erected into separate governments. CHAPTER VI. 1699. Pensacola settled. February 3. d'Ibberville enters the Mississippi. 1702. Mobile founded. 1716. Natchez founded. 1718. New Or- found- ed. Extension of the French Empire. New France. IN 1699, Pensacola was settled by three hundred Spaniards from Vera Cruz. Scarcely were they established when a fleet under Le Moine d'lberville, a Canadian Frenchman, who had been distinguished as a discoverer and a warrior, ap- peared along their coast, carrying several hundred persons, mostly from Canada. The company at first erected their huts on Ship Island, near the entrance of Lake Borgne. After three weeks, d'Ibberville proceeded with forty men, and stemming the tur- bid current, he entered the mouth of the Mississippi, and sailed up the stream, probably to Red River. Then, on his return, he passed through the bay which bears his name, and the lakes which he called Maurepas and Pontchartrain, to the bay of St. Louis. On the small bay of Biloxi he erected a fort, and around it his few emigrants were planted. Leaving them under the command of his brother, Bienville, he went to France. The climate proved fatal to numbers, and in 1703, the chief fortress was transferred to the western bank of the Mobile, where was made the first European settle- ment in Alabama. In 1716, Bienville went up the Mississippi and built fort Rosalie, on the site of Natchez, the oldest European settle- ment of the grand valley south of the Illinois. False ideas of the wealth of Louisiana had been spread in France for purposes of land speculation: and in 1718, three ships came over, bearing eight hundred emigrants, who founded a city, and in honor of the regent of France, name;! it New Orleans. By this occupancy, as well as by her OPERATION OF THE NEW CHARTER IN MASS. 113 discoveries, France laid claims to the extensive territory of PART II. Louisiana. PERIOD n The French claimed also, in virtue of the discovery of CHAP. vn. Champlain, the basin of the lake which bears his name, and ^*-v~*^s in 1713, they erected on its banks the fort at Crown Point. 1713. Soon after the treaty of Utrecht, they reared the fortress of Cro ^ ] I | 1 f oinl Niagara. A colony of one hundred was led to Detroit as Ni a3 . anL early as 1707, by De La Motte Cadillac, and another in 1712, D e troi t by Anthony Crozat, who had obtained from Louis XIV. a 1707! patent for the exclusive trade of Louisiana. A few years after, to a French interpreter, having obtained leave of the Iroquois to build his dwelling among them, made a small settlement at Lewistown. Since the discoveries of the Jesuits, the French had been in possession of the various western routes from the St. Law- rence to the Mississippi ; and Chicago, Vincennes, and Kas- kaskia were, at the close of this period, growing settlements. De Lisle, the royal geographer of France, represented New France as extending to the remotest waters, which flowed N CW Franc* west to the Mississippi, south to the Mobile, and north to the as represent St. Lawrence ; and it was the aim of the government to con- nect this vast territory by a line of military posts. The Eng- lish in America had viewed their claims and their operations with alarm, but had been tardy in counter-movements. Large tracts, inhabited by savage nations, yet intervened between the fortresses of the two nations ; but the period drew nigh when their conflicting claims were to be decided by an appeal to arms. CHAPTER VII. New England. Controversy in Massachusetts respecting a fixed salary for the royal governor. THE fears of England that her American colonies would finally throw off her yoke, and erect an independent govern- A f: i i i 141-Mi-ii Attempt to merit, increased with their growing strength. A bill had been unite the brought into the house of commons to unite all the charter charter gor- governments to the crown, but it was defeated ; agents of the colonies being present in the house of lords to defend their rights. The governors appointed by the crown h^d hitherto been 17O2. supported by the voluntary appropriations of the colonial as- Royal goyer semblies. The government of England perceived, that, by "n^Massa- leaving them dependent for their salaries on the pleasure of chusetts a those they governed, they would be likely to subserve their fixed Saiai 7 interest rather than that of the crown : and in 1702, the gov- 114 EMBARRASSMENTS IN MASSACHUSETTS. Embarrass- ments in the currency. A bank. 1706. Shute suc- ceeds Dad- ley. The " patriot Cooke " Assembly dissolved. 1707. The same members ' echosen. ernor of Massachusetts, then Sir Joseph Dudley, a native of the colony, but a tool of royalty, laid before the assembly his instructions from the queen, to demand for himself, and the other officers of the crown, a settled and permanent salary The assembly declined complying with this request. In the other colonies, the same attempt was made by the royal gov ernors, but notwithstanding their demands met with opposition, they were finally successful. In Massachusetts this was but the commencement of a series of controversies between the representatives of the crown and those of the people, which were continued through many succeeding years. Massachusetts, to defray the expenses of the late war, had made such large emissions of paper money, that gold and sil- ver were banished from the province. The paper depreciated, and the usual commercial evils ensued. The attention of the colony was directed to remedy these, and three parties were formed " the first," says Marshall, " a very small one, actu- ated by the principle which ought always to govern that hon- esty is the best policy, were in favor of calling in the paper money, and relying on the industry of the people to replace it with a circulating medium of greater stability." The second, which was numerous, were in favor of a private bank, the bills not redeemable in specie, but landed security to be given. The third party were for a public bank, the faith of the government to be pledged for the value of the notes, and the profits accru- ing from the bank to be applied for its support. This party prevailed, and fifty thousand pounds, in bills of credit, were issued. The bank, however, failed of its desired effect. Governor Shute succeeded Dudley, and, by his recommenda- tion, another emission of bills of credit was made to the amount of one hundred thousand pounds. The consequence of this was, rather to heighten than allay the existing difficul- ties ; as it was found, that the greater the quantity of this fac- titious substitute for money, the less was its value. The commercial evils of the times, being, by the people, ascribed to the operation of the public bank, its friends, among whom was the governor, were unpopular ; and those who had favored a private bank, at the head of whom was a Mr. Cooke, became the dominant party. A majority of the general court were also of this party ; and they refused to raise the salary of the governor, notwithstanding the depreciation of the cur- rency. They also elected Mr. Cooke their speaker ; the governor objected, alleging that he had a right to negative their choice. The house denied this right, persisted in their choice, and wen , by the governor, dissolved. The irritated people, in almost every instance, rhose the same representatives, and when the next session commence ', much ill-temper was shown on their part. Amon*' other pro- ceedings, justly displeasing to the governor, was t r ie omission of the customary vote, at the commencement of the session. VEXATIONS OF THE ROYAL GOVERNORS. 115 for a fixed salary. . *a<> Charter* liberties still 1728. Burnetgv- for the payment of half his yearly salary ; and when the tardy PART II. appropriation was made, it was reduced from six to five hun- dred pounds. At the next meeting, the governor, in the name of the crown, again demanded a fixed and adequate salary. This subject was insisted on, and caused more violent disputes than any which had yet occurred. In the course of the contest, the people repeatedly asserted the principle, to maintain which, they eventually took up arms, that none but them- selves or their representatives had a right to control their property. Governor Shute, wearied with contention, left the province in 1 722, went privately to England, and preferred complaints against Massachusetts, in consequence of which, two clauses, additional to her charter, were sent out, and, at length, re- luctantly submitted to, from the fear of something wors ; the one affirming the right of the governor to negative the choice of speaker ; and the other, denying to the house of repre- sentatives the right of adjourning itself for any period longer than two days. In 1728, Mr. Burnet, who had been removed from the magistracy of New York, was appointed to that of Massachu- setts and New Hampshire. He was instructed by his sove- reign to insist on a fixed salary. The general court were no longer as in the administration of Shute, violent and provoking / in their measures, but resisted with calmness and caution, endeavoring to evade and postpone a decisive answer. They voted Governor Burnet the unusual sum of one thousand seven hundred pounds ; three hundred for his travelling expenses, and fourteen hundred for his salary. He accepted the ap- propriation for his expenses, but rejected that for his salary. The people of Boston took a lively interest in the dispute, and the governor, believing that the general court were thus unduly influenced, removed them to Salem. Continuing firm to their purpose, he kept the court in session several months beyond the usual time, and refused to sign a warrant on the treasurer for the payment of the members. In April, 1729, after a recess of about three months, the general court again convened at Salem, but proving refractory on the subject of the salary, the governor adjourned them, and they met at Cambridge in August. Unable to make any im- pression, Burnet felt so severely the difficulties of his po- sition, that he sickened with a fever, and died on the 17th of September. His successor, Mr. Belcher, who arrived at Boston in Au- gust, 1730, renewe I the controversy ; but the court, after two or three sessions, succeeded with him, (and by consent of the crown,) in a policy which they had vainly attempted with carries her Burnet, that of paying him a liberal sum for present use, with- P mt> out binding themselves for the future. and New Ham P shire - moves the court from 1729. Burnet die8 - 173O. Belcher u 116 FIRST AURORA BOREALIS. PART II. In 1719, more than one hundred families emigrated from PERIOD n. the north of Ireland, and settled in the town of Londonderry, CHAP. vn. j n ]\j ew Hampshire. They introduced the foot spinning-wheel, <**~v**~' the manufacture of linen, and the culture of potatoes. 1719. A phenomenon, singular at the time, and not yet satisfactorily Denied' explained, alarmed the people of New England in 1719. This Aurora Bo was ^ e Aurora Boreahs, first noticed in the country on the realis. night of the 17th of December. Its appearance, according to the writers of the day, was more calculated to excite terror than later appearances of the same kind. In 1723, a fort was built on Connecticut river, in the pre- 1723, sent town of Brattleborough, under the direction of lieutenant First settle- governor Dummer, of Massachusetts, and hence it was called ^rnont. 6r Fort Dummer. Around this fort was commenced the first settlement in Vermont. About this period, a new colony was projected in England. The country, between the Savannah and Altamaha rivers, al- though within the limits of the Carolina grant, was still un- occupied by European settlers. The patriotic deemed it important that this region should be planted by a British colo- ny, otherwise, it was feared, it would be seized by the Span- iards from Florida, or the French from the Mississippi. At the same time, a spirit of philanthropy was abroad in England, to notice the distresses of the poor, especially those shut up in prisons, and to provide for their relief. Actuated by these generous considerations, a number of Oglethorpe gentlemen in England, of whom James Oglethorpe was the pSjfasettie- most zea l us > formed a project to settle this tract by such of ment. the suffering poor as might be willing to seek, in the new world, the means of subsistence. To this company, the territory between the Savannah and Altamaha, now, in honor of the king, denominated Georgia, was & rante d 5 an( ^ w i tn * ts settlement was completed that of granted to a the thirteen veteran colonies, which fought the war of the re- company in volution, and whose emblematic stars and stripes still decorate 118 M ' the banner of American Independence. ^ Vest from \T. ^ "E \ 77^ ffcrfl^ - ,. ^ |M^-'.: "~"" x PERIOD III FROM THB FIRST SETTLEMENT j 1733 j OF GEORGIA BY OGLETHORP*. TO THE PEACE OF PARIS, | 1763. j ^F^N^H ^R CHAPTER I. Georgia and Carolina engaged in war with the Spaniards of Florida. The Slave Trade. War of the French with the Chickasaws. OGLETHORPE having prepared for the settlement of Georgia, PART II. by the assistance of a corporation consisting of twenty-one PERIOD lit persons, who were called " Trustees for settling and estab- CHAP. i. lishingthe colony of Georgia," embarked in November, 1732, ^*-v-^y with, one hundred and sixteen emigrants for America. Oglethorpe Large sums of money had been subscribed, which were f" ls . for applied to the purchase of clothing, food, arms, agricultural utensils and transportation, for such indigent persons as ^sEeTfor should be willing to cross the Atlantic and begin a new the colony settlement. They arrived at Charleston, January 1 5th, 1 733. Governor Johnson, sensible of the importance of having a barrier be- tween his people and the southern Indians, gave them all the First settle- aid in his power, and accompanied tbem to the place of mentmade their destination. This was Yamacraw Bluff, since called atSavannah - Savannah, which they reached on the first of February, and Oglethorpe immediately commenced a fort. His next care was to propitiate the Indians. The tribe settled at Yamacraw was considerable. The Creeks, at this period, could muster 2,500 warriors ; the Cherokees, 6,000 ; tribes""* the Choctaws, 5,000 ; and the Chickasaws, 700 ; amounting in the whole to 14,200. Aware, that without the friendship of these nations, his colony could not even exist, much less pros- per, Oglethorpe summoned a general meeting of the chiefs, fifty of whom met him in council at Savannah. By means of Enters into an interpreter, he made them the most friendly professions, f" endl y re which they reciprocated ; and these amicable dispositions passed into a solemn treaty. Soon after these occurrences, Georgia was increased by five or six hundred emigrants ; but most of them were idle, and many of them vicious. In order to procure a more efficient population, eleven townships of 20,000 acres each, were laid Fifty acres out on the Savannah, Altamaha, and Santee rivers, and divided to be & v * n into lots of fifty acres each ; one of which was to be given to settler V.8 INVASION OF FLORIDA. PART II. every actual settler. This arrangement proved so attractive, PERIOD in. that a large number of emigrants soon arrived. Highlanders CHAP. i. from Scotland built the town of Inverness, afterwards Darien, v-"*-v~**~/ on the Altamaha ; and Germans, a town which they called 1736. Ebenezer, on the Savannah. Scotch, and 'j; ne c h arte r granted to the trustees of Georgia, vested in Germans . r i i r i i_ settle in them powers of legislation for twenty-one years, and they now Georgia, proceeded to establish regulations for the government of the Civil govern- province, in which the interests of humanity were regarded ment. mO re than those of trade. 1736. I" 1736, Oglethorpe erected three forts, one on the Savan- Oglethorpe nah, at Augusta ; another called Frederica, in the vicinity of forts d on h ter- t ^ ie Scotch settlement, on the island of St. Simons ; and a ritory claim- third, named Fort William, on Cumberland island. The ed by the Spaniards remonstrated, and insisted on the evacuation of the r s< country as far as the thirty-third degree of north latitude. Oglethorpe about this time returned to England. That na- mzmde^in" 1 " ^ on being determined to maintain their claim to the disputed chief in territory, appointed him commander-in-chief of the British Carolina and forces in Carolina and Georgia, and sent him back with a regiment of six hundred men. On his arrival in America, he established his head-quarters at Frederica. 173. About this time, a number of slaves near Charleston, influ- Insurrection enced by the Spaniards, rose in a body, armed themselves by of slaves at c J . J , , ,. * Stono, near forcing open a magazine at Stono, and thence proceeding Charleston, south twelve miles, they killed all the whites they met, and b the C S U an5 corn P e ^ e( i tne negroes to join them. At length, becoming iards. intoxicated, they were attacked and overcome by the men of a worshipping assembly, who, according to law, went armed. t Most of them were put to death. ^S^ta 23 ' England had now declared war against Spain ; Oglethorpe Oglethorpe invaded Florida, and invested Diego, a small fort, about invades twenty-five miles from St. Augustine. After a feeble resist- Flottda, ancej jt capitulated, and he returned. A short time after, he 174O. blockaded St. Augustine with 2,000 men. But this expe- His attempt dition proved unsuccessful, and produced the unfortunate re- unsuccess- su \i s o f an increase of the public debt, and a temporary dis fill, and dis- f . . J asters ensue. trust between the people and their general. The same year, Charleston, in South Carolina, was de Charleston stroyed by fire. To relieve the sufferers, the British parlia bumed. ment generously voted 20,000. -m~mn I n May, 1742, a fleet was sent from Havanna, from which, June. l ate * n J une > debarked a Spanish army at St. Simons. Ogle- Georgia in- thorpe, with his wonted energy, had collected troops and Yadedby the p OS t e d himself at Frederica. He was not in sufficient force Spaniards. * , , , . .., , Bravery of openly to attack the enemy, but was himself attacked by a the Scotch party of Spaniards. His troops, particularly the Highlanders, Un imosh' C ~ UI1 der Captain M'c Intosh, fought bravely, repulsed, and slew two Hundred of the enemy at " the Bloody Marsh." Oglethorpe, on being informed of a division in their camp, THE SLAVE SHIP. 119 next determined on a surprise, and marched his army, during the night, within two miles of their entrenchments, when a French soldier of his party discharged his musket and ran into their lines. Discovery defeated every hope of success, and Oglethorpe returned to his camp. He then adroitly planned to make the Spaniards believe that the deserter was a spy, arid was giving them information to mislead them. He wrote him a letter, urging him to give the Spaniards such an account of the situation of his army as should induce them to attack him, or would, at any rate, serve to detain them in their ., , J 1-11 i , , , own camp, until the succours which he expected should arrive. This letter, as Oglethope had contrived, fell into the hands of the Spaniards ; who, having loaded the deserter with irons, were deliberating upon its contents, when they per- ceived off the coast some ships of war, which South Carolina had sent to Oglethorpe without his knowledge. Panic-struck, the Spaniards embarked, and left the coast in such haste that their artillery, provisions, and military stores, fell into the hands of the Georgians. Georgia, in its early settlement, was distinguished by the peculiar humanity in which it was founded. The chivalric Oglethorpe " sought not himself, but others ;" and for ten years he gave his disinterested services, without claiming so much as a cottage or a farm. Though a brave warrior, com- passion was the leading trait of his mind. Hence the im- prisoned debtors of England, the unfortunate adherents of the Scottish Stewarts, and those holy persecuted men, the mis- sionary Moravians of Germany, each found in him a father. His mercy was also extended to the African ; and he would not, at first, allow a slave in his colony. But at that day, the nations of Europe, especially England, were permitting their ships to go to Africa, and there, for a trifle, they purchased of victors, their captives of parents, their children and of slave-breeders, their young negroes : and where their shipmasters could not buy, they could steal. As the African youth walk abroad in the twilight, they are seized, and hurried to the slave-ship. It is crowded, and they are manacled. Water and food fail ; disease agonizes their frames. They shriek, they seek to burst their chains, that they may plunge into the deep. But youth and life are strong within them, and perhaps they survive to be carried to different marts sold like cattle and bought to labor be- neath burning suns, till they die ! Such is the history of annual tens of thousands which were, at that period, carried wherever the slave-dealer could find, or make a market. Before the American Revolution, nine millions had thus been taken from Africa. Some hundreds of thou- sands were brought to this country. But when they were once bought by the Anglo-American colonists, their condition, in Jar the greater proportion of cases, became better than it PART II. Makes ad- his discom- fiture to pun- ish a desert. ^ country of the Span- Oglethorpe ed^for^co passionat kindness. Computed tnat England number ll other nations. ship. N* ne Authority Abhe Ray Bancroft 120 LOUISIANA REVERTS TO FRANCE. PART II. was elsewhere ; incomparably better than it had been in their PERIOD m. own country, where scarce a gleam of moral light illumined CHAP. i. the darkness of their minds. v-*"-v~^~/ The refusal of Oglethorpe to allow the Georgians to pos- Slaves at sess slaves, when the adjoining colonies carried on their matted* into pl antat i ns by their labor, was greatly injurious to its pecu- Georgia. niary prosperity ; and at length, even the pious Moravians, a party of whom were, for a time, in Georgia, agreed, that if ne Moravi- their salvation was regarded, it was, under the circumstances, field,' and the proper to own and employ them. This opinion at length pre- two West- vailed, it being also justified by the ardent and eloquent Whit- Gta>%ia fi e ld, who, with the two Wesleys, the three founders of the 1734 sect of Methodists, sympathized with Oglethorpe in his to benevolence ; and each spent some time in America, assisting 174O. him i n his enterprise. VVhitfield founded, near Savannah, a house for orphans. 1752. In 1752, the trustees, wearied with a troublesome and profit- Georgia a j ess charge, resigned their office, and Georgia became a royal r vince. r " province. April. Louisiana, after having been for fourteen years under a com- 1732. pany of avaricious speculators formed at Paris, reverted to the Louisiana. French crown ; and Bienville was appointed governor. The governor. Chickasaws were the dread of the Louisianians They had 1735. incited the Natchez to commit cruel murders upon the whites, The Chicka- which had ended in the entire destruction of that peculiai nation ; the Great Sun himself, with four hundred of his sub- jects, having been sold into slavery. The Chickasaws occu- P* e( ^ a ^ ar e anc ^ beautiful tract, east of the Mississippi, and on the head of the Tombecbee. This they would not allow the French to occupy, but maintained their own indepen- dence. Between the two rivals, they favored the English rather than the French. 1736. It was concerted, in France, that a force, under Bienville, The French should ascend the Tombecbee to meet an army collected from "with the* the region of the Illinois, under the young and valorous d'Ar- Chickasaws. taguette. At the time appointed, the ardent young warrior, with his small army, was in the country of the hostile savages ; but the laggards from the south had not seasonably arrived. After a brave effort to subdue the Chickasaws, he was over- d'Arta- come. Bienville at length arrived, but the Indians, aware of guette and his approach, and aided by English traders, received their his party de- "f , ' i i , , strayed by army in such a manner that they threw their artillery into the the dilatory Tombecbee, and, crest-fallen, returned down its stream. The oTSfenvSie Chickasaws compelled the brave d'Artaguette to witness the torture and death of his companions, one of whom was th same Vincennes who had given his name to the capital of Illinois. The young warrior was then dismissed to go and relate to the whites the deeds of the Chickasaws. Four years afterwards, a larger French and Indian force, aided by troops from Canada, invaded the country of the Chick- WAR WITH FRANCE. 121 asaws ; but sickness wasted them, and at length Bienville, who PART. II. led them, was glad to treat with the Indians on their own terms. PERIOD in. On his return he talked largely of having subdued them ; but CHA.P. u. he left the country in their possession. They guarded it from * **v^^ the occupancy of the French ; and as the event proved, kept 174O. it for the English. CHAPTER II. Old French War. Capture of Louisburg. French and English claims to the Basin ot the Mississippi. As France- and Spain were at this time governed by differ- ent branches of the house of Bourbon, it was not to be expected that the former nation would long continue at peace, while the latter was at war with Great Britain. Accordingly, in 1744, war was proclaimed between England and France. Louisburg, the capital of the island of Cape Breton, had been fortified with great care and expense, and was now called, from its strength, the Dunkirk of America ; while, from its position, it commanded the navigation of the St. Lawrence, and the fisheries of the adjoining seas. On this fortress, Governor Shirley of Massachusetts, now meditated an attack. He first applied to the British ministry for naval assistance ; but, without waiting for returns, he laid open his designs to the general court of the colony, having previously required of the members an oath of secrecy. The plan being thought too great, too hazardous, and too expensive, it was apparently abandoned ; but an honest member, who performed the family devotions at his lodgings, inadvertently discovered the secret by praying for the divine blessing on the attempt. The people approving the project, with which they became thus accidentally acquainted, were clamorous in its support. It was revived by the court, and after a long deliber- ation, the vote in its favor was carried by a single voice. Troops were immediately raised by Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, to aid those of Massachusetts. The command of these forces was given to Colonel William Pepperell, a merchant of Maine, who sailed on the 25th of March, and arrived at Canso on the 4th of April. The day before leaving Boston, an express-boat, which had been sent to the West Indies to ask the assistance of Commo- dore Warren, returned with the intelligence that he had de- clined to furnish the aid required. The resolute colonists rashly determined to proceed without his co-operation ; but subsequently he received orders from England, and hastened with his squadron to join the colonial armament. The whole 10 .. ^ , . War be tween Eng- ^ Shirley i s opposed, then sane tlo ^ urt of * Mass. 1745 Forces com manded by p e "eii. ep British nava force under 122 LOUISBURG TAKEN April 3d. Arrive at Louisburg. Hardihood and resolu- tion of the besiegers. Commodore Warren .akes the Vi- gilant. June 16. Louisburg surrenders. 1746. Colonies riightenedby a great French fleet. 1748. Peace of Aix la Chapelle. A war with- out results, and a peace without se- curity. Extent of New France as stated by French ge- ographers. fleet arrived at Chapeau Rouge bay, on the 30th of April. Its appearance brought to the French the first intelligence of the meditated attack. The army effected their landing in the vicinity of the for- tress, though not without opposition. Colonel Vaughan, of New Hampshire, conducted a detachment through the woods, and against all sober calculation, succeeded in possessing himself of a battery which commanded the place. The siege was now commenced. For fourteen nights successively did these hardy veterans perform a drudgery, which, from the want of roads, would have been impossible for oxen, by drawing to the battery the cannon from the landing-place, two miles through a deep morass. Commodore Warren now captured the Vigi- lant, an expected ship, having on board five hundred and sixty men, and stores for the garrison. Preparations were immedi- ately made for an assault upon the fort by sea and land. A mutiny had occurred in the French garrison before the arrival of the English ; which, giving to the soldiers a disposition to desert, rendered a sortie from the fort impracticable. In view of these discouraging circumstances, the governor, on the forty-ninth day of the siege, surrendered Louisburg, and the island of Cape Breton. When the New England men entered the place as conquerors, and beheld the strength of the works, some of them were half frightened at what they had attempted, and quite astonished at what they had achieved. The French, exasperated at their loss, sent a powerful armament, under d'Anville, with orders to ravage the whole coast of North America. Tempest, disease, and other disas- ters attended this force, and the fleet returned to France with- out having effected any other object than that of alarming the colonies. Peace was proclaimed in 1748, and a treaty signed at Aix la Chapelle, by commissioners from England, France, and Spain, the basis of which was the mutual restoration of all places taken during the war : and Louisburg, to the grief and mortification of the colonies reverted to the French. Its capture, had, however, done credit to their military prowess, as it had been by far the most brilliant exploit of the entire war ; a war which showed the wretched condition to which the European people were reduced by a knavish policy on the part of their rulers, the miserable counterfeit of wisdom. The blood and* treasure of the many had been spent without result, for the gratification of the few ; and peace was now concluded without any settlement of differences, which were still existing, and which were ready at any moment to break out again into open hostility. This was especially the case in regard to the American claims of the contracting powers. The French, in virtue of the discoveries of Champlain, Marquette, La Salle, and others, claimed all the lands occu- pied by the waters flowing into the St. Lawrence and the RIVAL CLAIMS OP ENGLAND AND FUAMO^. 123 Lakes ; and all watered by the Mississippi and its branches. PART II. In fact, our whole country, according to their geographers, PERIOD m. was New France, except that east of the great ranges of CHAP - " mountains, whose streams flow into the Atlantic ; and of this ^ ^"v~^^ portion they claimed the basin of the Kennebec, and all Maine to the east of that valley. The British, on the other hand, asserted a right to the en- tire country, on account of the discovery of Cabot, as may be British seen by their early patents, to which they gave an extension fam^ten from the Atlantic to the Pacific. This title they had sought tory. to strengthen. The chiefs of the confederate Iroquois had set up a claim, that their nations had, at some indefinite period, conquered the country of the Mississippi ; and this title, such as it was, the English had bought. But in this contest for the right, which was rather with the savage occupants of the soil, than with either of the disputants, Anapproach- one thing was evident ; the question would ultimately be settled lng contest - between them, by an appeal to arms ; and the crisis ap- proached. The French had formed the vast plan of a chain of forts to Chain O f connect their settlements, recently made at the mouth of the forts from Mississippi, with their earlier colonies on the St. Lawrence. ^ e St. Law They had accomplished their purpose in part, having for- Mississippi.* tresses along the lakes as far as the southern shore of Lake Erie, where they had two forts, one at Presque Isle, and another on French creek, twelve miles south. On the Mis- sissippi, and on the Ohio and its branches, they had also their fortifications. A number of gentlemen, mostly in Virginia, of whom Law- rence Washington was one, procured, in 1750, an act of the British parliament, constituting them " the Ohio Company," and granting them six hundred thousand acres of land on or near the Ohio river. They caused the tract to be surveyed, and opened a trade with the Indians in the vicinity. This 175O. becoming known to the French, the governor of Canada com- ^ c plained to the authorities of New York and Pennsylvania, complained threatening to seize their traders if they did not quit their ter- of> t pin- ritory ; and several of their number were accordingly taken and carried to the fort at Presque Isle. The governor of Virginia, the zealous and active Dinwiddie, alarmed at these movements on the part of the French, had sent a trader among them as a spy, who returning, increased his fears by vague accounts of the French posts near Lake Erie, without gratifying his curiosity as to the number or ob- ject of their forces. Dinwiddie determined, although the season was advanced, to send immediately a trusty person to require the French commandant to quit the territory ; and also He selec [ s to bring back such an account of his strength and position, Washington that if he refused peaceably to retreat, some feasible method ashisenvc: of ejectment might be adopted. A young man of twenty-two. 10* 124 WASHINGTON. PART. II. an officer of the militia, was chosen. His figure was command PERIOD in. ing, his air inspired respect and confidence. His name was CHAP. in. GEORGE WASHINGTON. CHAPTER III. George Washington. His birth, parentage, and education. His conduct in places of trust, private, and public. The Ameri- LAWRENCE WASHINGTON, the grandfather of George, and can Wash- Augustine Washington his father, had continued the family 1 John 8 residence in Westmoreland county, where his great grand- Lawrence ; father, John, already mentioned, had fixed his seat : arid there, Augustine, ne wno ^ s now regarded as the Father of his Country, was WASHING- bc-m on the 22nd of February, 1732, one year before the last TON, of the old thirteen colonies was settled by Oglethorpe. In W^strnore- 1734, his father removed, with his family, to Stafford county, land, Vir- opposite to Freclericksburg, on the Rappahannock ; little think- ginia. m r that his playful bov, then but two years old, was marked February 22, . & ^ . , v J r " / 1732 by P rovl dence for a career so elevated. In 1 743, Augustine Washington died, and left to each of his rST.^:?' sons valuable landed estates. To Lawrence, his oldest, he bequeathed a beautiful tract on the bank of the Potomac ; and to George, the lands and mansion where he died. George was the oldest offspring of a second marriage; and his mother, His excel- Mary Washington, was, by his father's will, his sole guardian. i!fJ!! mother She was a rare woman, affectionate, judicious, firm and ener- getic : and it was under her maternal guidance, and in the common school, that Washington developed those physical, intellectual, and moral elements, which formed his greatness. When in school he was assiduous, pains-taking, and exact in His Dearly the performance of his exercises ; and he was, at the same time, so true in his words, so righteous in his actions, and so just in his judgment, that his school-mates were wont to bring their differences before him for decision. Superior also ic His activity, bodily health and vigor, he excelled in athletic sports, and adventurous exploits. He loved the military ; and traditioi reports that the first battles in which he commanded, were the mimic engagements, which he taught to his school-fellows. He learned to read and to write well, and he thoroughly mas- tered arithmetic. This was all which the school helped him to His limited acquire. Of himself he practiced composition; and he happily advantages formed a style suited to the lofty tone of his moral sentiments, imced'by atl( ^ t ^ ie directness an d energy of his character. The higher great self- mathematics he learned with pleasure and mental profit, his exertion, object being to prepare himself for the occupation of surveyor HIS EARLY LIFE. 125 He set every thing down in his books, his diagrams, his ob- PART II. servations on manners, and his rules of behavior. Nothing PERIOD m was too laborious, or too tedious for his determined mind. CHAP, in His brother Lawrence was early an officer in the British ^^v~***s navy. He was under that Admiral Vernon in 1 740, who brought 174O. over in thirty sail of the line 27,000 men ; and who, in attempt-. AdmiralVer- ing to take Carthagena, witnessed such great sufferings from , disease and death in his army. It was in commemoration of Washington his beloved commander, that Lawrence Washington gave the wishes to name of Mount Vernon to his estate. Noticing the military Bother 8 turn of his young brother, he procured for him a midshipman's George a warrant in the British navy ; but his mother interfered and Bri tjsh mid- prevented his acceptance. Lawrence Washington had married a relative of Lord Fairfax; and through this connection, George became ac- March, quainted with that family, by whose elevated society he de- 174. rived various advantages. To survey the great estates of He becomes Lord Fairfax, now residing in Virginia, he first began his amongThe career of active life. Though a boy of just sixteen, he was mountains, intrusted with what would have been responsible, arduous, and difficult duty, to a sound and able man. Among the forest wilds of the Alleghanies, the young surveyor frequently ranged alone ; but on the summits he rejoiced in the beauty of the earth and sky ; and in the valleys he examined well Cheerfully all rare and curious things. He had often no bed to lodge in, and no roof to shelter him; and with his own hands he dressed the game which his musket had procured. Sometimes, how- ever, he shared the wigwam, and the unpalatable fare of the native. But these hardships were an important preparation for the service he had afterwards to perform. His employ- He gams ment also was lucrative ; and he discharged its duties in a P r P ert y an(J , -. -. , . i r T honor. manner that made men regard mm as a youth of extraordinary promise. He was only nineteen when he was made an adjutant gen- 1751 eral of the Virginia militia, with the rank of Major. About Made Adju- this time he accompanied to the West Indies hie brother Law- tantwithtitle rence, now declining with a pulmonary disease. His voyage was advantageous to himself, from his great observation and R *^^' industry ; but his brother's disease remained, and he died du- titleVo the* ring the next year. By his will he left George his executor ; Mount Ver- iind gave him a reversionary title to the Mount Vernon estate. non estate - Major Washington was now placed over one of the four di- ^ e com ~ . . ' . , ., T^.. i T i i 11 -T- r mands the visions into which Dmwiddie had portioned the militia of nor thern di- "the Dominion" the style then given to Virginia. He intro- vision of the duced a uniform discipline, and infused throughout his com- Va ' milltla - mand, his own military spirit. It was at this period that he ^bear- 5 Din- was chosen by the governor as his envoy to the French. The widdie's let- seat of government for Virginia was Williamsburg. Thither ter across the Tir v< j f \- i i. wilderness, Washington repaired, and was furnished with instructions, and dispatches ; the most important of which was a letter 126 PART II. from Dinwiddie, to St. Pierre the French commandant, reqmr PERIOD in. ing him with threats, to withdraw from the territory belong- CHAP. in. j n g to the English sovereign. ^ "v-^/ Washington departed on the 31st of October, to traverse o^ 31 more than five hundred miles, much of the way a pathless. His rout as well as a wintry desert. His route lay through Fredericks- from Wil- burg, Alexandria, and Winchester, to Will's Creek, since Cumberland! Cumberland. Here, taking leave of every vestige of civiliza- tion, and having procured Mr. Gist, agent of the Ohio compa- ny, as interpreter and snide, his party of eiffht plunged into Nov. 14. / ' r i -II rru i i T. Leaves the recesses of the wilderness. 1 hey passed through snow Cumberland anc [ storms, over mountain precipices, arid down among trackless * thickets into flooded valleys, to ford unbridged and swollen wilderness, rivers, on frail and dangerous rafts. Coming upon the Yough- iogeny they followed it to the Monongahela and that to its junction with the Alleghany. " The Fork," as the site of Pittsburg was called, was then a desert, but Washington notic- ed, and afterwards reported it, as a suitable place for a fort. From the Fork, he went down the river twenty miles to Nov. 24. T , a i* i> 11 r AtLogstown Logstown, where he was to deliver friendly greetings from on the Ohio, Dinwiddie to the great chief of the Southern Hurons, Tana- charison, or the Half-king ; whose friendship was courted both by French and English. The chief received him with kindness. He had been, he told Washington, to the French camp and had there made a set speech, in which he declared to ^ ie ^ icers ' tnat tne ^ an( ^ m question* belonged neither to the speech he the English nor the French ; but the Great Spirit had given it had made to the Indians, and allowed them to make it their residence, the French. i Desire you therefore," said he, "to withdraw, as I have our brothers, the English ; for I will keep you at arm's length." After Major Washington had attended a friendly council with Goes with the Indians, Tanacharison and three of his principal men, ac- Washmgton companied him north, more than a hundred miles to the en- French campment at French Creek. Here St. Pierre, who had been camp. but a few days in command of the post, received him with the courteous bearing and hospitable attentions of the French gentleman. But to Dinwiddie's request, that he would leave St Pierre's tne territory which belonged to the British, he replied, after gentlemanly two days consultation with his officers, that it did not become of " him to discuss treaties ; such questions should rather be ad- f 011 dressed to the governor-general, the Marquis du Quesne ; he dierly reply acted under his orders, and those he should be careful to to D di n e wld ~ obe y- Washington and his party, by previous concert, had been making every possible observation on the state of the forces and camp, and now receiving the reply of St. Pierre, he was Tanacha- desirous to depart ; but the French were tampering with the constancy. Indians, and unwilling to dismiss the Half-king, until they had corrupted his fidelity ; but in this they failed. The return of Washington in the dead of winter, was full of n DEFEAT AND DEATH OF DE JUMONVILLE. 127 startling and perilous adventure. Once a treacherous guide PART Ii. aimed his musket, at him, but it missed fire ; and once, on the PERIOD in Alleghany river, he and his guide, having made in a day, with CHAP - m - one poor hatchet, a miserable raft, they at sunset, trusted them- ^-*~v~**~/ selves upon it, to cross the swollen river, amidst large masses The P er ! ls - of floating ice. It came down upon them, and threw them ton's^tura, from their raft into ten feet water. But they saved themselves by swimming to an island. Major Washington arrived at VVilliamsburg on the 16th of Returns January, having been absent only eleven weeks. The bold- J ai1 - ness, energy, and prudence, with which he had met and over- come dangers, and the ability which he had manifested in the weeks discharge of his trust, sunk deep into the minds of his coun- absence. trymen ; arid his written reports were published with applause, * s f^ded not only through the colonies, but in England. Troops were now raised in Virginia ; and Washington was 1754. made lieutenant colonel and intrusted with the command. In He is agai April, 1754, he marched into the disputed territory, and, en- ^forcTto camping at the Great Meadows, he there learned that the maintain the French had dispossessed the Virginians of a fort, which in English consequence of his recommendation they were erecting at the Fork, and which the French finished, and named Fort du French build Quesne. He was also informed that a detachment of French Fort troops, had been sent against him, and were encamped but a du Q uesne - few miles west of the Great Meadows. Surrounding their encampment, he surprised, and defeated Washington them. The commander de Jumonville* was killed with ten of surprises his party. On his return to the Great Meadows, he was re- an inforced by regulars from New York and South Carolina, and 10 ki erected there a small stockade called Fort Necessity. With less than 400 men, Washington now marched to 28. dislodge the enemy from Fort du Quesne ; but after proceeding thirteen miles he received the intelligence that they had been reinforced from Canada, when he reluctantly relinquished the French rein- enterprise and retired. Unable to continue his retreat, from Washington a failure of expected munitions, he entrenched his little army disappointed within Fort Necessity. A party of 1,500 French, under Mon- of supplies. sieur de Villiers, soon followed and assaulted the fort ; the Americans bravely resisted, from ten in the morning until dark. T ,,. __. , . !< T i I s obliged to Washington deeming it folly longer to contend with so un- capitulate at equal a force, signed, in the course of the night, articles of ca- Ft. Necessi- pitulation,f by which the fort was surrendered ; but the garri- ty ' uy * Washington has been unjustly censured in this affair. It has been repre- sented that de Jumonville came as an envoy and was murdered. But he came in arms, with a warlike party, and they were lurking and concealing themselves in the woods, and had been so concealed for three days. The French had forcibly dispossessed the English at Fort du Quesne. Washington followed the orders he had received from Dinwiddie, and the house of burgesses approved his con- duct. t Washington not understanding the French language, a Dutch captain by the name of Vanbraam, translated to him and his officers, the articles of capitu- lation. It was afterwards found that Washington had signed what he knew i23 COLONIES UNITE FOR MUTUAL DEFENSE. PART II. S on permitted to march out with the honors of war, and return PERIOD m. unmolested to their homes. CHAPTER IV. Congress at Albany. Convention of governors meet Braddock in Virginia. THE British cabinet had perceived that a war was inevitable. Accordingly, in their instructions to the colonies, in 1753, British pro- tne y directed them to cultivate the friendship of the Six Na- P among N the N tions ; and recommended what they had at a former period colonies, proposed, though not formally, that a union be formed among the colonies for their mutual protection and defense. Agree- ably to these instructions, a congress was held at Albany, 1754. j une 14^ 1754,10 which delegates were sent from Massachu- cSonie's 7 setts ' ^ ew Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, send dele- Pennsylvania, and Maryland. About one hundred and fifty gate ban A1 Indians of the Six Nations were present, with whom the con- vention concluded an explanatory and pacific treaty ; and then proceeded to consider the 'subject of the proposed union. Their situation, with regard to the French, called for imme- diate and effectual measures ; and it was unanimously resol- ved " that a union of the colonies was absolutely necessary for their preservation/' Desiring that their counsels, treasure, Articles of and strength might be employed in due proportion against the by BeiVa^pin common enemy, a committee, consisting of one member from Franklin, each colony represented, was appointed to draw a plan of July 4. union. That which was drawn by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, of Pennsylvania, was substantially adopted and signed on the 4th of July, twenty -two years before this great statesman sign- ed that more important instrument, which he also assisted in forming the Declaration of Independence. g The delegates from Connecticut alone refused their con- fronton*- sent to tn i plan, and on the ground, that it gave too much necticut power to the presiding general, who was to be appointed over the colonies by the crown. It was presented to the colonial legislatures and the British parliament for their sanction ; but it was rejected by both ; by the colonies, because it gave too much power to the crown ; and by the crown, because it gave too much power to the people : thus showing how wide- ly different, even at this period, were the views of Great Brit- ain and her colonies, respecting the rights of the latter ; and foreboding the contest and separation which afterwards fol- lowed. nothing of, in, at least, two respects. One was a promise, not to bear arms for a year against the French; and another, an expression which made him a party to the slander against himself, as the murderer of de Jumonville, a peaceful en voy. Vanbraam was suspected of treachery. FRENCH EXPEDITION. 129 The ministry, having rejected this scheme of union, propo- PART IL sed to Gov. Shirley and others, that the governors of the colo- PERIOD in nies, (most of whom were appointed by the crown,) attended CHAP, iv by one or more of their council, should meet, from time to ^--^v-*^ time, to concert measures for the general defense, with power Artful plan to draw on the British treasury for such sums of money as coloniescon* they needed ; which sums were, however, to be reimbursed sent to taxa- by a tax, to be imposed on the colonies. But the colonies tion rejected, were not so to be drawn into a consent to submit to taxa- tion, by Great Britain, and they rejected the plan. As the only alternative, the crown then resolved to carry on the war with British troops, and such auxiliary forces as the co- lonial assemblies might voluntary furnish ; and to this the Americans cheerfully assented. The establishment of French posts on the Ohio, and the 1755. attack upon Col. Washington, were stated by the British gov- Braddock ernment, as the commencement of hostilities ; and 1,500 troops, under Gen. Braddock, were dispatched from England. On his arrival in America, he requested a convention of the colonial Assembles governors to assemble in Virginia, to concert with him a plan the gov- of military operations. ernors. Four expeditions were here resqlved upon. General Brad- dock was to attack Fort du Quesne ; Gov. Shirley was to Plan of the lead the American regulars and Indians against Niagara ; the militia of the northern colonies were to be directed against Crown Point ; and Nova Scotia was to be invaded. Early in the spring, the French sent out a powerful fleet, carrying a large body of troops, under the Baron Dieskau, to reinforce the army in Canada. For the expedition against Nova Scotia, three thousand men, under generals Monckton and Winslow, sailed from Boston on the 20th of May. They arrived at Chignecto, on the Bay of Fundy, the first of June. Here they were joined by 300 British troops, and proceeding against Beau Sejour, now the principal post of the French in that country, invested "l and took possession of it, after a bombardment of five days. French m The fleet appearing in the river St. Johns, the French set fire NovaScotia - to their works, and evacuated tbe country. Thus, with the loss of only three men, the English found themselves in pos- session of the whole of Nova Scotia. Col. Washino-ton, on his return from the Great Meadows, Washington had public thanks voted him by the house of burgesses. He receives -an rejoined his regiment at Alexandria, and was ordered by the ah t *"m a ch governor to fill up his companies by enlistments go back back in the immediately conquer the French, and build a fort beyond winter. the mountains. He wrote to a member of the council, snow- ing the folly and impracticability of the scheme ; and it was given up. Dmwiddie had new plans. He reorganized the militia into Is deprived independent companies, so that there was now no higher oflice ' nis ranK 130 BATTLE ON THE MONONGAHELA. PART II. than captain. Washington promptly offered his resignation- PERIOD in. but his services being needed, he was warmly solicited to re- CHAP. iv. ml j nj anc [ i t was hinted that he might keep his commission. ^*~v~^~s This he indignantly rejected, as neither rank or emolument festsa^nTer W6r6 fl* ere( l w ^ 1 il 5 anc ^ ne wrote > tnat those who Supposed e& spirit ** r he would accept it on such terms must think him "more empty than the commission itself." Braddock, when he arrived, requested Col. Washington to Becomes aid become one of his military family, preserving his rank. This to Braddock. Washington did not hesitate to accept, because he knew his own value to his country, and wished to improve in military Braddock's skill. Gen. Braddock marched from Virginia on the 10th of army begin June ; but such were the delays occasioned by the difficulty their march. Q f p rocur i n g horses, wagons, and provisions, that, by the ad- vice of Washington, he left the heavy baggage behind, under the care of Col. Dunbar, with an escort of 600 men, and placing himself at the head of 1,200 select troops, he pro- ceeded by more rapid marches, towards Fort du Quesne. Braddock was not deficient in courage, or military skill ; but he was wholly ignorant of the mode of conducting warfare in American woods and morasses, and at the same time he held the opinions of the colonial officers in contempt. Never- theless, Washington had ventured to suggest the expediency Smtemns ^ employing the Indians, who, under the Half-king, had offered and disre- their services, as scouting, and advanced parties. Braddock gards advice. not on }y disdained the advice, but offended the Indians by the rudeness of his manner. Thus he rashly pushed on, without knowing the dangers near. Washington had, the day before, rejoined the army, from which he had been for a short time detained by severe illness. It was noon, on the ninth of July, when from the height above the right bank of the Monongahela, he looked back upon the ascending army, which, ten miles from Fort du Quesne, had just crossed the stream for the second time. Every thing july 9. looked more bright and beautiful than aught he had ever wit- Fine a PP ea F- nessed before. The companies, in their crimson uniform, dock's army] with burnished arms and floating banners, were marching gaily to cheerful music as they entered the forest. Suddenly there burst upon them the Indian war-whoop, They fall and a deadly fire, from opposite quarters, and from unseen dian ambus- foes - Man y felL Panic-stricken, their ranks broke, and cade, and by they would have fled, but Braddock rallied them ; and, a Braddock's bigot to the rules of European warfare, he constantly sought u/anTde^ to preserve a regular order of battle. Thus he kept his men feated. like sheep penned in a fold, fair marks for a foe beyond their reach, and whose numbers were so much inferior to their own, that they had not dreamed of defeating, but only ex- pected to annoy and delay the British army. Their places of concealment were two ravines on each side of the road ; bul Braddock would neither retreat, or pass beyond that fatal spot BRADDOCK DEFEATED AND SLAIN. 131 The Indians, singling out. the officers, shot down every one PART II. on horseback, Washington alone excepted. He, as the sole PERIOD IIL remaining aid of the general, rode by turns over every part of CHAP. v. the field, to carry his orders. The Indians afterwards averred ^-*-v-^> that they had specially noticed his bearing, and conspicuous The officers figure, and repeatedly shot at him ; but at length they became shot dow n, convinced that he was protected by an Invisible Power, and Washington. that no bullet could harm him. After the battle was over, His wonder- four were found lodged in his coat, and two horses had been ful preserva- killed under him ; but the appointed guardian of his country, tlon ' escaped without a wound. Braddock, who had been undismayed amidst continued Braddock showers of bullets, at length received a mortal wound. Upon his fall, the regular troops fled in confusion. Wash- ington formed, and covered their retreat with the provincials, 60 privates. whom Braddock in his contempt had kept in the rear. The Enemy's defeat was total ; sixty-four officers out of eighty-five, and but S ;not ' nearly half the privates, were killed or wounded. known. The flight of the army was so precipitate, that it made no halt till it met the division under Dunbar, then about forty Th fl e array miles in the rear, where Braddock died. To this division was communicated the same spirit of flight, and they con- Dunbar .n tinued to retreat till they reached Fort Cumberland, one com mand. hundred and twenty miles from the place of action. The command now devolved on Colonel Dunbar, who withdrew the regulars to Philadelphia, leaving the whole frontier of fenseless. Virginia open to the depredations of the French and Indians. The French at Fort du Quesne attempted to seduce the Cherokees from the English interest. Some of their tribe gave notice of this to the governor of South Carolina, who, at their suggestion, met a council of the Cherokee chiefs in T [ ea & i i T i i i n the Chero- tneir own country, and concluded with them a treaty of peace kees. and amity, in which they ceded to Great Britain a large tract of land in South Carolina. CHAPTER V. Remainder of the campaign of 1755. Campaign of 1756. THE troops destined for Crown Point, amounting to more June. than 4,000, arrived at Albany the last of June. They were under the command of Gen. William Johnson, and Gen. Ltman. Here they were joined by a body of Mohawks, under their sachem, Hendrick. Lyman advanced with the main body of the army, and Erect Fort erected Fort Edward on the Hudson, for the security of the yman Edward - , 1 " 1 132 FRENCH BEATEN AT LAKE GEORGE. PART II. batteaux, provisions, artillery, and other necessaries, requisite PERIOD in. for the expedition, which were forwarded from Albany by CHAP. v. Johnson. The army were thus employed for six weeks. v^*-v*^ Towards the last of August, Johnson removed his force, 1755. an( j encamped at the south end of Lake George. Here he Move to was engaged in preparing to cross the lakes. George. ^ n tne mean ^ me tne Baron Dieskau led an army from Montreal for the defense of Crown Point. Not finding there Baron Dies- his foe, he proceeded south to seek him, till within three kau attacks m ii e s of the American camp he fell in with a detachment detchm a ent a under Hendrick and Col. Williams. He fought and con- under Wil- quered them; killed the leaders, and followed the flying to hams and ^ camp. Johnson, now aware of his approach, was pre- riendnck.. t t i T^- i 11 i i -i pared ; and when Dieskau made the attack, he was repulsed, and his army in turn sought safety by flight. He was pur- Is defeated sued by the Americans, who, as Johnson had been wounded by the main early in the action, were led by Gen. Lyman. Dieskau was 30 y ' found alone in the woods, seated on the ground, reclining against a tree, pale and bleeding. His wounds proved mortal. Johnson, in representing this affair to the British, made no mention of Gen. Lyman, but obtained for himself .5,000 and Johnson's a b arone tcy. The public impression was, that the reward honors tar- . , , J , ' , nish his char- belonged at least equally to Lyman. But the success was acter. important, and Johnson, afterward Sir William, was the com- mander. The poor dispirited remains of Dieskau's army halted at French Mountain, where they were the next day cut off by a The remains detachment from Fort Edward. Their dead bodies were of the French thrown into a small lake, since called "the Bloody Pond." destroyed. ]yj a y tne t j me soon CO me, when the pure waters of our mother earth shall no longer be dyed by the blood of her children, barbarously shed by each other's hands ! The success at Lake George revived the spirits of the colonies; but Sir William Johnson, instead of proceeding with his army to reduce Crown Point, employed the remain- Johnson 111 ^ er ^ ^ le cam P a ig n m strengthening the works at Fort wastes the Edward, and erecting, at the scene of his achievements on campaign m t ne southern shore of Lake George, a fort, which he called U Wilffam 0r William Henry. On the last of November, the troops, except Henry, six hundred who were left to garrison these forts, returned to their respective colonies. The enterprise against Niagara was undertaken by Gov. Au 'st2l Shirley in person. He did not arrive at Oswego until the Shirley loses 2 1st of August, and he there waited for supplies until the the campaign season was too far advanced for crossing Lake Ontario. f sup V plies f -Leaving 700 men, under Col. Mercer, to garrison the fort, he returned to Albany. ^y 1J. I n 1756, war, after having actually existed for two years, clared. was formally proclaimed between France and England. By the destruction of Braddock's army, the frontiers of CAMPAIGN OF 1756 BADLY CONDUCTED. 133 Pennsylvania and Virginia were left to the mercy of the PART II savages. Washington, at the head of his regiment, did his PERIOD in utmost to oppose them ; and he strenuously urged that offen- CHAP - v - sive measures should be again adopted, and especially against ^-""v^^ Fort du Quesne, which he knew was their starting point. In common with the other colonial officers, Washington The mortifi- was subject to mortifications which he keenly felt, from the cations and f f a* i difficulties of assuming manners of inferior officers bearing royal commis- tne colonial sions : and not only this, but his whole force was, on one officers ex- occasion, in danger of falling into confusion, by the conduct e Wafhin , y of a company of regulars stationed within his precincts, under ton's affair one Dagworthy, who held the king's commission as captain. with Du s* To prevent general insubordination, Washington appealed to Dinwiddie. He gave him advice which, either through weakness or treachery, was calculated to mislead ; but he Shirley took not the responsibility of directing Dagworthy to obey ma nder-m- Col. Washington as his superior. In the mean time, Shirley chief. having been made commander-in-chief, Washington mounted 1756 his horse, and though in winter, rode five hundred miles, February' 4. to Boston, where, laying the case before that amiable patriot, Washington he received the requisite order, and returning, he soon reduced S es t0 n. C Capt. Dagworthy and his men to due subjection. The campaign of 1756 had been, during the preceding autumn, provided for by the colonists ; but the bad arrange- ments of the British cabinet palsied their efforts. Although in England. Shirley had been appointed by the crown, commander-in-chief of the forces, yet Winslow, in consequence of his success in Shirley's Nova Scotia, had the confidence of the people, without which ma ^ nm troops could not be raised. The generous Shirley ceded his claim, and the unfinished plans of the preceding campaign were to be again attempted. Gen. Abercrombie was in the spring: sent from England to . . June - , . ,, i t A t T t T 3 Abercrombie take the supreme command ; and after him Lord Loudon sen t out gov- came over as commander-in-chief of all the forces, and gover- ernor of Vir- nor of Virginia. The British officers still paraded their c ^^^ r . authority, and assumed offensive airs of superiority over in-chief. those of the colonies ; but, though considerable bodies of July 29. British troops were in the field, thousands of the colonists , Lord Lou ^ called from their homes, and heavy expenses were going on, hj m> yet nothing of consequence was effected, during the whole campaign. 134 MASSACRE AT FORT WILLIAM HENRY. CHAPTER VI. Campaigns of 1757 and 1758. PART II. THE campaign of 1757 was made no less disgraceful to the PERK>iTn7 English, than the former, by the futile schemes, and ineffi- CHAP. vi. cient measures of Lord Loudon. It is chiefly memorable in v^-v-%^ our annals, for the dreadful " massacre at Fort William Hen- 1757 r 7-" Montcalm, the French commander, had early concen- Montcalm trated his forces, amounting to 9,000 regulars, Canadians and besieges Indians, on the shores of the Champlain, at Ticonderoga. liarn rt Henry. Passing up Lake George, he laid siege to Fort William Hen- ry, which was commanded by Col. Monroe, a British officer. Gen. Webb was at the time lying at Fort Edward, with the main British army, four or five thousand strong. Monroe, August 2. being vigorously pressed, while he defended himself with spir- Monroecom- ^ earnestly entreated Gen. Webb for aid. But he entreated Pe render. Ur " in vain, arid necessity compelled him, on the 2d of August, to surrender. By the articles of capitulation, Montcalm enga- Stipulates g e d that the English should be allowed to leave the fort with f of wa^and^ 6 nonors f war J an d, m order to protect them from the In- protection. dians, that an escort should be provided to conduct them to Fort Edward. Soon after, a detachment of the French took possession of Indians kill t ^ e wor k s> At the same moment, the Indians, who had en- ^"ers? 8011 " g a g e d to serve in the war on the promise of plunder, irritated at the terms of the surrender, rushed over the parapet, and began their outrages. Monroe, feeling the horrors of his sit- uation, with his troops exposed at midnight, within the camp, to the cruelty of the savages, vainly attempted to conduct them forth ; but no sooner had he put them in motion, than he found, fiSsof'his ^ at ' as was tne i r position within, it was worse without ; engagement, for the woods were infested with ferocious Indians, thirsting and the s In- f or blood and plunder. He complained to Montcalm, and, de- murier with- nianding the promised escort, left the camp at morning, to be- out restraint, gin his march for Fort Edward. The French, themselves intimidated, gave them only the poor meed of advice, to yield up their private property as a means of appeasing the furious savages, and saving life. They attempted this, and threw them their money and effects ; but their rapacity increasing with this partial gratification, they rushed, tomahawk in hand, upon the English, now a band of desperate fugitives, who, stripping off their clothes, were glad to escape naked, with their lives. The sick, the wounded, the women, and the chil- dren unable to escape, were murdered. Webb, on receiving intelligence of the capitulation, ordered five hundred men to meet the captured troops, and conduct them to his camp. WILMAM PITT PRIME MINISTER. 135 The few who survived were discovered flying through the PART II. woods, singly or in small parties some distracted, and many PERIOD m. bleeding with the horrid cuts of the tomahawk faint, and CHAP. vi. nearly exhausted. v^^-v-^x There is little in the separate civil history of the colonies, during this period, which deserves particular attention. In The British n i * i T_ i n careful of all their proceedings with the royal governors, as well as m offending tne their direct intercourse with Great Britain, the colonists evin- Americans ced that jealousy of their liberties, which prevented any bold dur ^ r the attempt, on the part of Great Britain, to enforce restrictive measures, especially during the war. In Pennsylvania, a dispute arose between the proprietary 1757. governor and the assembly, respecting the right of the pro- Dispute be- prietors to exempt their own lands in the province from a tax- tween the p - i ^ i i , ^i proprietors ation, the object of which was to pay lor the defense of those and inhabit- lands. To adjust this dispute, Benjamin Franklin was sent ants of Pa. to England, and the business was soon closed, by the propri- Franklin etors submitting their property to be taxed, provided the as- se iandfrom g ~ sessmeiits were fair and equitable. Pa. The languid and spiritless manner in which the war had been conducted, and its consequent ill success, aroused both England and America, and produced a reaction which brought forward as prime minister, the greatest statesman of the Brit- Thg , , ish annals, William Pitt, afterwards Earl of Chatham. So William powerful was his eloquence and so austere his patriotism, that Pitt. he controlled at length the energies of the government, and the spirit of the people. His dreaded voice fearlessly de- nounced the selfishness and pusillanimity of the public agents. With intense search he found out worth, and resolutely brought ^J^ ~ a _ it forward for public employment. His perseverance was triotism' and equal to his energy ; and his efforts were guided by a judg- energy. ment, which while it was rapid, was, at the same time, pro- found and comprehensive. Aware that the colonies were in danger of becoming dis- couraged by the inefficiency of the parent country, the minis- D .J ,, /, . * , . /, ,, V , Pitt call-; on ter assured them, m a circular which he addressed to the gov- the colonies, ernors of the provinces, that an effectual force should be sent promising to against the French ; and he exhorted them to use their utmost exertions to raise men in their respective colonies, pledging himself that their own choice should direct by what officers their troops should be commanded ; and that those of the colo- nies should no longer be made inferior to British officers of the same rank. Reassured and animated by this call, the colo- renew their nists renewed their efforts, and increased their army to twenty exertJODS - thousand. Gen. Abercrombie was appointed to succeed the earl of Lou- ^ (xxHn^ don in the command of all the British forces in America. An America, armament was sent out under Admiral Boscawen, conveying From 12,000 British troops commanded by General Amherst, which, c^nn! 5]ooo' with the British forces previously in America, and the provin- N. H. si 136 LOUISBURG AGAIN TAKEN. PART II. 1758. Plan of ope- rations. A large ar- mament sails to attack Louisburg. July 26. Louisburg surrenders. James Wolfe the master- spirit of the military. 6,000 prison- ers sent across the Atlantic. July 5. Abercrombie proceeds against Ti- conderoga. Lord Howe killed. The Britisn repulsed with a loss of 2,000. August 27. Colonel Bradstreet takes Fort Frontenac. cials, made up an army far greater than had ever before existed in America. These troops were all in readiness for action early in the spring. Nor were they delayed by irresolution as to the objects to be attempted. These having been well con- sidered the preceding winter, three expeditions were resolved on, against Louisburg, Crown Point, and Fort du Quesne. The possession of Louisburg was deemed important, prin- cipally, because it would, by opening the gulf of St Lawrence to the English, facilitate the seizure of the capital of Canada : the grand project of the British minister having in view the absolute destruction of the French power in America. The enterprise against this fortress was conducted by the land and naval commanders, Amherst and Boscawen, with 20 ships of the line, and 14,000 men. The armament left Halifax on the 24th of May, and arrived before Louisburg on the 2d of June. A regular siege, the best conducted of any which had ever been laid in America, placed, on the 6th of July, this fortress in the hands of the British. It was by his gallant conduct du- ring this siege, that JAMES WOLFE began his high career of military renown. The loss of Louisburg was deeply felt by France, and its gain by England and her rejoicing colonies. The garrison and mariners, to the amount of nearly 6,000, were sent prisoners to England, and the inhabitants of the place were transported to France. With Louisburg the whole island of Cape Breton, and that of St. John's, fell under the power of the British. Gen. Abercrombie at the head of 16,000 men, proceeded against Ticonderoga and Crown Point. On the 5th of July he crossed Lake George, and debarking at its northern ex- tremity, he attempted, with unskillful guides, to pass the three miles of dense woods which lay between his army and Ticon- deroga. As he approached that fort, a detachment of the French fell upon him, and an engagement ensued in which the assailants lost 300 men ; but of the British, fell the amiable Lord Howe ; a young officer of great promise, and much be- loved both in England and America. Abercrombie, learning that reinforcements were daily ex- pected by the French, without waiting for his artillery, made a brave but imprudent assault upon the fort, and was repulsed with the heavy loss of nearly 2,000 killed and wounded. He then retired to his former quarters, on the south side of Lake George. Here he consented, at the solicitation of Col. Bradstreet, to detach him with 3,000 men, against Fort Fron- tenac. With these troops, who were mostly provincials, he marched to Oswego, embarked on Lake Ontario, and landed on the 25th of August within a mile of the fort, opened his batteries, and in two days forced this important fortress to sur- render. As this fort, afterwards named Kingston, contained the military stores which were intended for the Indians, and FORT PITT ERECTED. ] 37 for the supply of the south-western troops, its demolition con- PART IL tributed to the success of the expedition against Fort du PERIOD ra. Quesne. CHAP. vi. To Gen. Forbes, with an army of 8,000 men, was assigned ^-^-v^*^ the capture of this fort. Early in July the army marched from General Philadelphia to Ray's Town. Washington, gratified that the c l^ d b e " expedition was at length to be undertaken, was at Cumber- interested land with the Virginia militia, whom he commanded, and who persons int were in readiness to join the main army. Here he learned to me^suire'rf his surprise, that Gen. Forbes, induced by the citizens of Phil- opening a adelphia, had decided to open a new road from Ray's Town ne ^tdu- ** to the Ohio. In vain Washington remonstrated. The new Quesne. road was made, and he, as became his duty, rendered every possible assistance. But before the army had arrived, the weather became so cold and the men endured such severe sufferings, that a council of officers decided that they must abandon their object and return. This they were about to do, when they received such intelligence of the weakness of the T . F French garrison, that they roused to fresh effort, and on the burn the 25th of November reached du Quesne. But it was only a works and solitary pile of ruins which they found. On the preceding piJ^^o^Sm night the French had set fire to the fort, and embarked to go English, down the Ohio. Nov - 25 While the army were engaged in making the new road, ,, . Major Grant with a detachment had been suffered to throw capture of himself forward, so as to encounter the full force of the French Major Gram garrison. He was totally defeated and made prisoner, with ^^n 00 eighteen of his officers. Three hundred of his party were either killed or taken by the enemy. New works were erected on the site of du Quesne, and named Fort Pitt. Now, under the appellation of Pittsburg, this place is the Manchester of America. The neighboring Indians were invited to the fort, and peace was re-established with their chiefs. Gen. Forbes, exhausted with fatigue, died on his way to Philadelphia. More distant Indian tribes also felt that their safety, since c iPat Eastoa. the capture of Fort du Quesne, was best consulted by peace with the English, and at a grand council held in Easton, Penn., deputies from the Six Nations met with those from New Eng- land, and from the tribes ranging along the eastern Allegha- nies, as far south as North Carolina. On the part of the Eng- lish, Sir William Johnson and the governors of New York and New Jersey, entored with them into friendly relations, and the calumet sent up to heaven a far more grateful odor than the steam of reeking battle-fields. 11 138 GENERAL WOLFE IN COMMAND " ' '', ****> CHAPTER VII. The Campaign of 1759. PART II. THE campaign of 1759, had for its object the entire reduc- PERIOD in. tion of Canada. After the disaster of Ticonderoga, the chief CHAP. vii. command of the British forces was given to Gen. Amherst. \^^v-^s The army was divided into three parts, exhibiting the follow- 1759. m g order. The first division, under Wolfe, was to make a The plan of direct attempt upon Quebec. The second, under Amherst, Ul em5ces gn was or ^ ere< ^ to talle Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and then three ob- proceed northerly; and the third, under Gen. Prideaux, con- jects ; sisting of provincials and Indians, was to reduce Niagara, then ture Ticon"- to g down the St. Lawrence, and, jointly with the second de- deroga and tachment, attack Montreal. Thus the several divisions were Point* to enter Canada by different routes, but were all destined, eventually, to meet before Quebec, and it was against that key- 2. To take stone of the arch, which sustained the French power in Ameri- M^ntTeaT 1 ca ' tnat tne grand, final effort was to be made. Prideaux besieged Niagara on the 6th of July. He was kil- 3. To cap- j e( j by t h e Durs ting of a shell, and the command devolved up- ture Quebec. +.? ,-.. , ? rril TA , , -, i n on oir Willidm Johnson. 1 he r rench gave battle to the Lng- lish, but the Indians in their alliance deserted them in the heat July 6. of the engagement, and victory declared in favor of the killed I in be- English. The garrison, consisting of 600 men, fell into the sieging Ni- hands of the British, who now possessing this important post, Th ag ? ra " all communication between the northern and southern posses- surrenders. 8 sions of the French was barred, and the quiet behavior of the Indians secured. After the taking of Louisburg, Wolfe returned to England. Pitt sustains ^ tt > w ^ ^ a( ^ discerned his extraordinary qualities while he Wolfe, was yet obscure, and had brought him forward against the prejudices of the King, and resolutely sustained him, confided to him the command against Quebec. His subordinate officers Prov jj es were carefulry chosen. He was provided with a choice army "army 0106 of 8,000 men, and a heavy train of artillery. Admirals Saun- ders and Holmes, seamen of great merit, commanded the fleet. , It was late in June when the army debarked upon the Isl- and of Orleans. From this spot Wolfe reconnoitered the po- June. sition of his enemy, and saw the full magnitude of the diificul- He lands his t j es which surrounded him. The city of Quebec rose before troops on the , . , . , ,, , T J Isle of Or- him, upon the north side of the St. Lawrence ; its upper town leans. and strong fortifications, situated on a rock, whose bold and steep front continued far westward, parallel with the river, its i base near to the shore ; thus presenting a wall, which it seem- ed impossible to scale. From the northwest came down the HE PREPARES TO ATTACK QUEBEC. 139 St. Charles, entering the St. Lawrence just below the town ; PART II. its banks high and uneven, and cut by deep ravines ; while PERIOD m. armed vessels were borne upon its waters, and floating batte- OF INDEPENDENCE. CHAPTR I. Causes of the Revolutionary War. WE come now to trace the causes by which England lost PART f II. her colonies, and America gained her independence. PERIOD l If we look back upon the general current of events, we CHAP. i. shall find, that the determination which was made by Eng- v^v-^^/ land, soon after the peace of Paris, to tax her American colo- nies, and their subsequent resistance, to which the revolution Honest, pa- is often solely referred, were themselves events naturally tn 1 ots " 1 Eng- p 1 T i O t 1 1 f 1 land an " arising from the wide diversity of public sentiment and feel- America dif- in^, on certain subjects; so intimately connected with their fer . widely in mutual relations, that, in one way or another, the discontents ^ern?ng the" thence arising, must, sooner or later, have come to the test of right. open and determined opposition. If a father fully believes himself justly possessed of power over his son, or an elder brother over a younger, which the son, or younger brother, solemnly considers as a mere tyrannical assumption, to which he cannot submit, without degrading himself to a state of sla- very, it is not difficult to predict, that, without a change of opinion, on one side or the other, a contest must arise ; and, if the power of the elder party cannot force submission from the younger, a separation must ensue. Perhaps, the figurative language, by which England was called the mother country, had no inconsiderable share in motto giving to the nation, to which all allowed a parental name, country the idea that she had rights similar to those which a parent misunder- has o^er a child ; whereas, to the English then on the stage, sto ' that old England, which our forefathers left, was as much a parent land, as to the Americans. Had the epithet been used in common, and the language of the parties such as showed them to be, what they really were, fellow subjects of the same 146 COLONIES DETERMINE TO RESIST INTERNAL TAXATION. PART III. laws, and brethren of the same blood, England might not have "PERIOD i. been unjust, nor her colonies driven to revolt. CHAP. i. England believed, contrary to the opinion of the colonies, v^^-v^^y that she had a right to change their governments, although Subjects of established by royal charters. She maintained that she could disagree- at h er pleasure, regulate and restrict their commerce ; and to tween the this opinion the colonies did not in general object ; but, in two parties, particular cases, they believed she carried this power to an oppressive extent. Finally, she claimed a right to collect from the provinces, a revenue, either by external duties imposed for the regulation of trade, or by internal taxes, on articles to be consumed by the colonists. It was the subject Internal of internal taxation, on which the most decided opposition of taxation opinions prevailed. The Americans did not dispute the right Americans ^ ^ e British, in respect to external taxes, except when car- the ground ried to a vexatious extent, as in the case of the law, called the of resist- Sugar Act ; but the subject of internal taxes, having been deeply considered, they deliberately determined not to submit to their imposition in any manner, or by any assembly, except by one composed of their own representatives. It has been already seen in. how many instances, the Bri- tish, acting consistently with these views, had attempted what the colonists considered encroachments upon their rights ; and that they had reluctantly submitted, evaded, or resisted, as the circumstances of the occasion, or the apprehended im- ? e * irst conti- delegates assembled at New York. 1 heir first measure was nental con- to draw up a declaration, in which they asserted that the col- g ress - Their onists were entitled to all the rights and privileges of natural j? rights' 1 born subjects of Great Britain ; that the most essential of these were an exclusive right to tax themselves, and the privi- lege of trial by jury ; and that the late acts of parliament, im- posing taxes on the inhabitants without their consent, and ex- tending the jurisdiction of the courts of admiralty, had a manifest tendency to subvert these rights and liberties. The petitions to congress then prepared an address to the king, and petitions the king and to both houses of parliament. The colonies which were not P arllam ent. represented in this congress, also forwarded to England simi- lar petitions. As the day approached on which the stamp act was to take n ,. , J .. . . . r , rill- Udious rea- effect, the popular feeling against it increased. Had duties tures 6f the been laid on articles of convenience or luxury, these might stamp act. have been dispensed with ; but this law was so framed, that the evil intended as a penalty for disobedience, was no less | )e y^d or than the suspension of the whole machinery of the social or- civil govern, der, and the creation of a state of anarchy. Neither trade nor ment ^ s ' navigation could proceed ; no contract could be legally made, no process against an offender could be instituted, no appren- tice could be indented, no student could receive a diploma, nor even could the estates of the dead be legally settled, until the stamp duty was paid. Measures were taken to make the situation of all concerned Colonists de- in its collection so unpleasant, that no one might be found ^"make^t* hardy enough to engage as an officer. At Boston, in the impossible month of August, the populace, after burning the effigy of Mr. for any offi- Andrew Oliver, the proposed distributer of stamps, assembled ^ribttte at his house, broke his windows, and destroyed his furniture. stamps. Mr. Oliver then formally pledged himself to have no concern in the execution of the obnoxious statute. The houses of an officer of the court of admiralty, and of one of the custom- house officers, were entered, and their effects purloined. But ,A u ^- st< , ^ f T /->. Mr. Oliver, the greatest damage was done in the mansion of Lieut. Gov. O f Boston, Hutchinson, whose loss in furniture, plate, pictures, and mon- roughlyused, ey, was very considerable ; and was a chief item in a claim ^^"chln- which Great Britain afterwards made against Massachusetts, son, and In New Haven, Mr. Ingersol. like Mr. Oliver, was obliged to M . r - i n er ' . i i- , . & T , r-,. -i sol of Ne-vi declare his resolution not to become a distributer. Similar Haven. scenes occurred in other places. The first of November, the day on which the act was to 152 AMERICA WILL NOT PEACEABLY SUBMIT. PART III, take effect, was ushered in by the tolling of bells, as for a fu- PERIOD i. neral procession, and signs of mourning and sorrow appeared CHAP. in. i n a ll the colonies. In New York, the stamp act was hawk- v--*-v^~' ed about with a death's head attached to it, under the title of Nov - 1- the " Folly of England and the ruin of America." " In Ports- stamp act! mouth, New Hampshire," says Dr. Holmes, " a coffin, neatly Singular de- ornamented, and inscribed with ' LIBERTY, aged CXLV years,' "uoua" was P re P are d f r tne funeral procession, which began from the state house, attended with two unbraced drums. Minute In Ports- guns were fired until the corpse arrived at the grave, when mouth, N. H. an oration was pronounced, in honor of the deceased. Scarce- 'Liberty's ty was t ^ ie oration concluded, when, some remains of life hav- death, bu- ing been discovered, the corpse was taken up. The inscrip- rial and re- t j on on fa e j^ o f t ^ e co ffi n was changed to LIBERTY REVIVED ! surrection. rrn . , , , . , ,, , , . 1 he bells suddenly struck a cneeriul sound, and joy again ap- peared in every countenance." In fine, the opposition to the law was general and systema- 1765 ti c - Even the women, animated by the same spirit, united The women with the men in their exertions to prevent the importation of unite to pre- British goods ; and cheerfully relinquished every species of ^ofBritisif 6 ornament, which was manufactured in England. The pro- goods, ceedings of the courts of justice were suspended, in order that no stamps might be used ; and those engaged in disputes were earnestly and effectually exhorted, by the leading men, to terminate them by reference. In the mean time, a change had taken place in the British ministry ; the authors of the stamp act had been removed, and Lord Gren- their places supplied by those who were supposed to be more ceSecTb" favorable to the interests of the colonies. The Marquis of the Duke of Rockiiigham was made lord of the treasury, and the Duke of Grafton. Grafton and General Con way, secretaries of state. They were now at a loss how to proceed, for they perceived that measures must be taken, either to repeal the obnoxious statute, or oblige the Americans to submit to it, by force of arms. In 1766. January, 1766, the petitions of congress, and other papers re- January, lating to the affairs of America, were laid before the house of declareTits commons ' After their examination, a resolution was introdu- rightto bind ced by General Conway, declaring that parliament "had full the colonies, power to bind the colonies, and people of America, in all cases F b 10 whatsoever ;" which, after an animated debate, was adopted. Dr. Frank- The next day, the ministry, now bent on a repeal of the lin examined stamp act, instituted inquiries upon the subject, and among other b house of 6 P ersons > Dr. Franklin was examined before the house of corn- commons ; moris. He gave it as his opinion, that the acts of parliament declares the f or taxing America, had alienated the affections of the people 'not^ubmit. ^ rom tne m other country, and that they would never submit to Bill to repeal tne stam P duty, unless compelled. the stamp The resolution to repeal that act, was opposed by Lord Mr Grenville an( ^ n ^ s adherents, who were answered by Mr. Pitt. Put. ' That great statesman maintained, that taxation was no part of LORD CHATHAM IN THE MINISTRY. 153 the governing or legislative power which parliament had a right to exert over the colonies ; and concluded with a motion, " that the stamp act be repealed, totally, absolutely, and immedi- The bill for its repeal, at length passed the commons, and was sent to the house of lords, where it met with much op- position. But the cause of the colonies was ably advocated by Lord Camden. " My position," said he, " is this ; I re- peat it, I will maintain it to my last hour taxation and repre- sentation are inseparable. This position is founded on the laws of nature ; it is more it is itself an eternal law of na- ture : for whatever is a man's own is absolutely his own ; no man has a right to take it from him without his consent. Whoever attempts to do it, attempts an injury ; whoever does it, commits a robbery." The bill for repeal at length passed the house of Lords, but with it was another, called the " de- claratory bill," in which the resolution was repeated, that u parliament had a right to bind the colonies in all cases what- soever. PART III. Passes the house of lords by March 18. Passes the salutary ^ ffect J" ' roye CHAPTER IV. Second attempt to tax America. Opposition. ALTHOUGH the repeal of the stamp act gave joy to the col- onists, yet, while a principle was at the same time asserted, upon which, any future ministry, with the sanction of parlia- mentary authority, might oppress them, they continued a jeal- ous watch over the British government. General Conway recommended to the colonies, to make compensation, to those who had suffered in attempting to en- force the stamp act. Governor Bernard laid this recommend- ation before the assembly of Massachusetts, as a requisition with which they must of necessity comply. With this they were offended, as it disabled them, they said, from voluntarily granting to the king such favors as he requested. At first they refused to make any compensation to the sufferers, but they finally consented, though in a manner highly displeasing to the British government, for the same act which made the ap- propriation for the damage, expressed a pardon to those by whom it was done. In July, another change took place in the British ministry, and a cabinet was formed under the direction of Mr. Pitt, now Earl of Chatham. The proceedings of the Americans had re i TI ^ n given great offense to the British, and they were con- demned by many who had heretofore espoused their cause. 12 colonies jealous and Malsachu- setts con- but pardoiis the rioters. July Pitt a* the ^ ead , of th British caui net. 154 MASS. AGAIN PROMINENT IN THE GENERAL CAUSE. 1767. Parliament imposes new taxes. 176. Massachu- setts re- quests the co-operation of the other colonies. Displeasure of the Brit- ish ministry. Bernard dis- solves the assembly. June 10. Seizure of Hancock's sloop re- sented. Non-impor- tation agree- ments. Bosf5n vain- ly petitions the governor to call an as- sembly. In May, 1767, Charles Townshend, then chancellor of the exchequer, influenced by Lord Grenville, brought into parlia- ment a second plan for taxing America, by imposing duties on all tea, glass, paper, and painter's colors, which should be im- ported into the colonies. This bill passed both houses oi parliament without much opposition. And during the same session an act was passed, suspending the authority of the assembly of New York, until they should comply with the requisition to quarter troops, which they had refused ; and another, appointing the officers of the navy, as custom-house officers, to enforce the acts of trade and navigation. These three acts following each other in quick succession, caused, throughout America, a revival of the same feelings which the passage of the stamp act had produced. In Janu- ary, 1768, the assembly of iMassachusetts prepared a petition to the king, and sent letters to those persons in Great Britain, who had been most active in defending the cause of America, again asserting what they considered their rights, and claim- ing deliverance from those unjust and oppressive taxes, which had been imposed by the recent acts of parliament. They also addressed circulars to the other colonial assemblies, en- treating their co-operation, in obtaining the redress of their grievances. The British ministry viewed this measure as an attempt to convene another congress ; and as they had always dreaded the effects of voluntary colonial union, independent of the crown, they instructed Gov. Bernard, to require the assembly to rescind the vote by which the circulars were sent to the oth- er colonies ; and, in case of their refusal, to dissolve them ; at the same time, addressing letters to the other colonial governors, to prevent, if possible, their compliance with the request of Massachusetts. In the assembly of that province, ninety-two, out of one hundred and nine representatives, refu- sed to rescind the vote, or disapprove of their former proceed- ings, and the governor, in consequence, dissolved the assembly. But instead of intimidating, these measures did but exasperate the people. In June, the custom-house officers seized a sloop belonging to John Hancock, a merchant of eminence, and a patriot much beloved by the people of Boston. They assembled in crowds, insulted and beat the officers, and compelled them to leave the town. Non-importation agreements, with regard to all ar- ticles on which duties had been laid, were now extensively adopted. The assembly of Massachusetts had not convened, since its dissolution by Gov. Bernard. A report was circulated, that troops were ordered to march into Boston. A town meeting was called, and the governor was earnestly entreated to con- voke the assembly. His reply was " that he could not call FIRST ACT OF A FREE ASSEMBLY IN VA. BY WASHINGTON. 155 another assembly this year, without further commands from PART III. the king." PERIOD I. A convention was then proposed, and accordingly held, on CHA1> - IV - the 22d of September. The members petitioned the govern- v-^-v^^/ or, that an assembly might be called ; but he refused, calling 6e i' t 22> them rebels. They transmitted to the king a respectful ac- tion^omthe count of their proceedings, and then dissolved, after a session several of five days. ^, wns does s\ i /-i i f>. i -I t " e same Orders were given to General Gage, the commander-m- chief of the British troops in the colonies, to station a force in Boston, to overawe the citizens, and protect the custom-house officers in the discharge of their duty. Two regiments were accordingly ordered from Halifax, and escorted by seven arm- Sept. 28. ed vessels, they arrived at Boston on the 28th of September. Two re gi The fleet took a station which commanded the town, and the from^SSa* troops having landed under the cover of their guns, marched to Boston, into Boston without any resistance on the part of the inhabit- ants. The select men of the town refusing to provide them uartere( i with quarters, the governor commanded the state house to be in the opened for their reception. The presence of the soldiers, had state house. great influence in restraining outward violence, yet so offen- sive was the measure, that it greatly increased hostile dispo- sitions. Early in the succeeding year, news was received that the late proceedings in Massachusetts were delared by parliament to be " illegal, unconstitutional, and derogatory to the rights of the crown and parliament." Both houses, in a joint address 1769 to the king, had recommended vigorous measures, and had Threatening even gone so far as to beseech him to direct the governor of Massachusetts Bay, to make strict inquiries, as to all treasons committed in that province since the year 1 767 ; in order that the persons most active in committing them, might be sent to England for trial. The house of burgesses in Virginia met a few days after this address was received in the colonies. They passed reso- lutions, in which they boldly denied the right of the king to remove an offender out of the colony for trial ; and voted an ginia. address to the crown, which, though in a style of loyalty, stated their deep conviction that the complaints, of the colo- nists were well founded. When the intelligence of these proceedings reached the ayt governor, he suddenly dissolved the assembly. But the cur- Lord Bote rent of opposition was too strong to be stayed. The members assembled at a private house ; elected their speaker, Peyton solves' the Randolph, Esq., moderator : and proceeded to pass some deci- , house of j i i Y i_ i rra burgesses. ded resolutions against importing British goods. These were T ne y ma k e introduced by Colonel Washington, who had been a member themselves of the house since his resignation. This example was fol- J"nt assem- lowed by other colonies ; and non -importation agreements, bly. which had before been entered into by Boston, Salem, the citv 12* * 156 AFFRAY WITH THE MILITARY AT BOSTON. PART III, of New York, and the colony of Connecticut, now became PERIOD i. general. CHAP. iv. j n May, the assembly of Massachusetts convened. They v -^^* k -' re f use( j to proceed with business while the state house was 177O. surrounded by an armed force. The governor would not re- M * y / ,. move it, but adjourned them to Cambridge. Here they ex- Assembly OI 11 ,, 11 i-fi i FT -i t, J Massachu- pressed their decided belief, that the establishment of a stand- setts con- i n g army in the colony in time of peace, was an invasion of isTdjourned tne i r natura l rights. They refused to make any of the appro- to Cam- priations of money which the governor proposed, and he again bridge, prorogued them. In August, Governor Bernard was recalled, and the government left in the hands of Lieutenant Governor Hutchinson. On the 5th of March, 1770, some of the inhabitants of Boston insulted the military, while under arms ; and an affray March 5. took place, in which four persons were killed. The bells Affray with were instantly rung ; the people rushed from the country to troops. 8 tne a id f tne c iti zens ; and the soldiers were obliged to retire to Castle William, in order to avoid the fury of the enraged multitude. A trial was instituted : the soldiers arraigned were all acquitted, except two, who were found guilty of manslaugh- T , ter. The moderation of the jury, and the ability with which tried for mur- tne y were defended by two of the leading opposers of British der, and ably aggression, John Adams and Josiah Quincy, were honorable Joh^Adams 7 to tne individuals, and to their country. This event, however, and Josiah increased the detestation in which the stationing of a soldiery Quincy. among the people, was held. In England Lord North was appointed to the ministry. He Janua introduced a bill into parliament, which passed on the 12th of Lord North April, removing the duties which had been laid in 1 767, ex- vainly pur- cepting those on tea. But, as had been predicted by those porfzing e po- wno opposed this partial removal, the people of America were licy. not satisfied, while the system was adhered to and parliament claimed the right of taxing the colonies. 1772. j n 1772, meetings were held in the towns throughout Mas- of theTpeo- sachusetts, where committees were appointed to maintain a pie turned to correspondence with each other. These meetings, which the subject p rov ed the nurseries of independence, were censured by Great oi their *L . iiii/i i i ii wrongs. Britain as being the hot beds of treason and rebellion. June. In Rhode Island, a daring resistance was made to the cus- The Gaspee torn-house officers ; and the Gaspee, an armed schooner which . at na( ^ Deen stationed in that colony for the purpose of enforcing the acts of trade was destroyed. THE BOSTON "TEA PARTY. 157 CHAPTER V. Seizure of Tea. Boston Port Bill. Arrival of British Troops. THE non-importation agreements, rigidly observed in re- PART III. spect to the article of tea, now began to effect the commercial PERIOD I. interest of Great Britain, Parliament passed an act allowing CHAP. v. the East India Company to export to America its teas, free of all duties in England, thus enabling them to reduce its price in the colonies. Tea was accordingly shipped in large quan- tites. The colonists foresaw, that if it should be landed, the duty would probably be paid. Resolutions were therefore extensively adopted, that the tea should not be received on , , J i i T* i j shore, but sent back to England. At Philadelphia the pilots were enjoined not to conduct the ships into the river. At New York the governor ordered The corn- some of the tea to be landed, under the protection of an armed m i| tee of vi- ship, but the people took it into custody, and allowed none of determined it to be sold. In Boston it was apprehended that as the that no tea loaded vessels lay in the harbor, the tea would be landed in ^g^ 6 small quantities : and several men, disguised as Indians, . , t i i i i i 11 , Bostonians boarded the ships during the night, and threw their cargoes destroy 342 into the water. Three hundred and forty-two chests of tea chests of tea. were thus broken open and their contents thrown overboard. When the news of these transactions reached the parlia- ment of England, they resolved " to make such provisions as should secure the just dependence of the colonies, and a due obedience to the laws, throughout all the British dominions." 1774. In order to punish the inhabitants of Boston, in an exemplary Parliament manner, and oblige them to restore the value of the tea which j^of I BOS- had been destroyed, a bill was passed in March, 1774, " in- ton. terdicting all commercial intercourse with the port of Boston, and prohibiting the landing and shipping of any goods at that place," until these ends should be accomplished. Parliament also passed an act, giving to the crown the Q- lve tne power previously residing in the General Court, of appointing crown the counselors ; and they prohibited meetings in the several a PP mtme ^ towns except, for the purpose of electing officers. In order O rs. to secure the execution of these obnoxious laws, they provided Forbid town that any person indicted for murder, or any capital offense, meetings. committed in aiding the magistracy, might be sent to another Abolish trial colony, or to Great Britain for trial. by jury, An act was also passed, extending the province of Quebec to the river Ohio ; and, in order more effectually to provide for its government, a legislative council was formed, who in opprei were to be appointed by the crown, and trials without a jury sionfromth* were also to be permitted. The object of this act, which thus 158 MASSACHUSETTS PROPOSES A GENERAL CONGRESS. PART III, in that province abolished the free system of English laws PERIOD I. and extended its boundaries, was " at once to render it an ex- CHAP. v. ample, and a fit instrument for introducing the same absolute v-^v-^- rule into the other colonies." 1774. General Gage was made governor of Massachusetts in the Exposure of pi ace o f Hutchinson, who had been removed from his office son'sTetters. in consequence of unpopularity occasioned by the exposure of letters which had been written by him, during the years 1767 Gage sue- and 1768, to the leading men of Great Britain, which had ceeds him. ten( j e( j greatly to increase the prejudice of parliament against the colonies, and widen the breach already existing between them. Ma 10 ^ n tne arr * va l f ^ e P rt b*N m Boston, a meeting of the Boston port inhabitants was held, who declared that the " impolicy, irijus- bill causes tice, and inhumanity of the act exceeded their powers of ex- Passion !" The assembly convened at this place, but was removed by the governor to Salem. It was here resolved, that the present state of the colonies made it necessary that a congress, composed of delegates from all the colonies, should The assem- assemble, to take their affairs into the most serious considera- bly proposes t j on They nominated James Bowdoin, Thomas Gushing, con^ressand Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, men cele- chooses brated for their talents and patriotism, as their representatives members. to suc h a congress ; and directed the speaker of the house, to inform the other colonies of their resolution. IJ>U , The governor, having learned these proceedings, sent an ,. , officer to dissolve the assembly, in the king's name. Being the royal^u- unable to obtain admittance, he read the order aloud on the thority. staircase ; but it was not obeyed, until the members had finished their most important business. Governor Gage had believed that the advantages arising to the trade of Salem, from shutting up the port of Boston, would render its inhabitants more favorable to the royal government ; but the people of that town declared, " that nature, in forming Noblecon- t h e i r harbor, had prevented their becoming rivals in trade , duct of the . . ' . ., . r . , , & , , , , people of and that even it it were otherwise, they should regard them- Salem. selves lost to every idea of justice, and all feelings of human- ity, could they indulge one thought of seizing upon the wealth of their neighbors, or raising their fortunes upon the ruins of their countrymen." The cause of the people of Boston was espoused by all the colonies, arid their wants were supplied by their contributions. The B ?sto- TJ^ p e0 pi e O f Marblehead, in accordance with the general by the whole feeling, instead of taking advantage of their distress, offered country, them the use of their harbor, their wharves, and warehouses, free of all expense. In Virginia, Lord Dunmore, who had been made governor, on the death of Lord Botetourt, had prorogued the refractory burgesses from time to time until March, 1773. When, in May, 1774, they received the news of the Boston port bill, FIRST CONTINENTAL CONGRESS AT PHILADELPHIA. 159 they proclaimed a fast. Lord Dunmore at once prorogued PART III. them. They however formed an association, and voted to PERIOD i. recommend to the colonies a general congress. CHAP. vi. The first of June, the day on which the port bill was to take ^~~^-^s effect, was devoutly observed, in Virginia, as a day of fasting, The Virgin! humiliation and prayer, to implore that God would avert the day of 6 fu evils which threatened them, and " give them one heart, and ing. one mind, firmly to oppose, by a l l just and proper means, every injury to the American rights." CHAPTER VI. Congress at Philadelphia, THE resolutions adopted by the assembly of Massachusetts, 1774. with respect to a general congress, were approved by the other Sept. 4. colonies; and on the 4th of September, 1774, the congress Acontinen - i Tii Mill* T i * i i i -t *"*" congress convened at Philadelphia. In this body, the most august and assembles at important which had ever assembled upon the American Philadel- shores, all the colonies, except Georgia, were represented ; p ia ' and all parties, struck with the array of splendid talents and i^ e e s lv r e We- stern patriotism, which a view of the catalogue of its mem- sented. bers presented, looked forward to the result of their delibera- tions with deep interest and great expectation ; the people with hope but the officers and dependents of the crown, with alarm and apprehension. Their first measure was to choose, by a unanimous vote, Peyton Ran- Peyton Randolph, Esq. of Virginia, as president. They next dol P h chosen i-iii i 11 i i president. decided, that, as they could not ascertain the relative impor- Each colon tance of each colony, each should have one vote ; they deter- has one vote, mined that their deliberations should proceed with closed doors ; they chose a committee of two from each province, to state the rights of the colonies in general, the several instances in which these rights had been infringed, and the means of obtaining redress. They expressed their approbation of the conduct of the people of Massachusetts, exhorted them to per- A c p nXct of severe in the cause of freedom, with decision, yet with tern- Massachu- perance ; and voted the continuance of contributions for their s< ? tts ' and relief. Being informed that General Gage was erecting forti- uresforre" fications around Boston, and prohibiting the citizens from a lief. free communication, they addressed a letter to that officer, entreating him to desist from military operations ; lest a dif- ference, altogether irreconcilable, should arise between the colonies and the parent state. The committee chosen, next reported an able instrument, They draw setting forth the rights of the colonies, in the form of resolu- a d tions, which being accepted, was addressed to the people, and rights 160 CONGRESS SEEK PEACE, BUT PREPARF FOR WAR. PART III, is now commonly quoted by the title of the " Bill of Rights." PERIOD i. The last of these resolutions stated the result of the best wis- CHAP. vi. d orn O f congress, as to the means most likely to obtain the ^~v^~/ peaceable redress of grievances. First, to enter into a non- Concert importation association, second, to prepare an address to the TbSre- 10 people of Great Britain, and a memorial to the inhabitants of dress. British America, and third, to prepare a loyal address to the king. VVA ^ ^ e non "i m P ortat i n compact, they agreed and associa- Sanction te( ^' ^ or themselves and their constituents, " under the sacred non-importa- ties of virtue, honor, and love of liberty," not to import, or use ti acts m ~ ^ British goods, after the first of December, 1774, particu- larly the articles of tea and molasses. At the same time, they Encourage agreed to encourage agriculture, arts, and manufactures in arts which America. Committees were to be appointed in every place, to see tnat ^is agreement was observed ; and those who violated it were to be denounced as enemies to the rights of their country. It is worthy of remark, that these great men, in the pressure Resolve of their own peculiar difficulties, did not forget the cause of against the suffering humanity, but made, with the other resolutions, one by which they bound themselves not to be, in any way, con- cerned in the slave-trade. Finally, they determined to continue the congressional Resolve to union, until the repeal by parliament, of oppressive duties ; continue the of the laws restricting their rights of trial by jury ; of the colonial actgj a g ams t the people of Massachusetts ; and of that for ex- tending the limits of the province of Quebec. In the several addresses which, conformably to their reso- lutions, were drawn up and promulgated, congress fully met the high expectations which were entertained of that assem- High char- blage, of whom Lord Chatham declared, " that, though he had first Ameri- stu died and admired the free states of antiquity, the master can con- spirits of the world, yet, for solidity of reasoning, force of gress. sagacity, and wisdom of conclusion, no body of men could stand in preference to this congress." The addresses were couched in terms, which, though strongly calculated to awa- ken the sympathy, were, at the same time, powerful to con- vince the reason. They were not the whining complaints of beaten children, who murmur and submit, but the firm remon- strances of injured and indignant men, willing to ask for their rights, but determined to have them. The petition to the king entreated him, in language the most respectful and affectionate, to restore their violated They make j-jghts. Their grievances, they said, were the more intolera- an able ap- , , & , . '. J , ' 111 i peal to the ble, as they were born heirs of freedom, and had enjoyed it under the auspices of his royal ancestors. " The apprehen- sion," say they, " of being degraded into a state of servitude, from the pre-eminent rank of English free-men, while our minds retain the strongest love of liberty, and clearly foresee DICTATES OF CONGRESS APPROVED AND FOLLOWED. 161 the miseries preparing for us and our posterity, excites emo- PART III. tions iu our breasts which we cannot describe." They PERIOD ! express a hope, that the royal indignation will fall on those CHAP> VL designing and dangerous men, who, by their misrepresenta- V 7*"~ v "^~ / tions of his American subjects, had, at length, compelled ^[j 1 J 8 " them, by the force of accumulated injuries, too severe to be draughted by longer borne, thus to disturb his majesty's repose ; a conduct Mr. Dicken- extorted from those who would much more willingly bleed in his service. " We ask," say they, " for peace, liberty, and safety. We wish not a diminution of the royal prerogative, nor do we solicit the grant of any new right in our favor." The petition concludes with an earnest prayer, that his IT 1 ? 4. majesty, as the father of his whole people, would not permit the ties of blood, of law, and loyalty, to be broken, " in uncer- tain expectation of effects, that, if obtained, never can compen- sate for the calamities through which they must be gained." In their address to the people of England, they claim the rights of fellow subjects. " Be not surprised," they say, Messrs. Lee, "that we, whose forefathers participated in the rights, the Livingston, liberties, and the constitution, of which you so justly boast, ^.^n a Chatham, with all the energies of his gigantic mind, took the Lord Chat- field of debate, in favor of America. " The way," he said, h f n m ^ r ee f b " must be immediately opened for reconciliation. It will soon America, be too late. His majesty may indeed wear his crown ; but, the American jewel out of it, it will not be worth the wearing. He declares They say, you have no right to tax them, without their con- c^TbVta'ken sent. They say truly. Representation and taxation must go without the together they are inseparable. * Our American subjects,' is owner ' s con sent ceases a common phrase in the mouths of the lowest orders of our to be proper citizens : but property, my lords, is the sole and entire domi- ty- nion of the owner : it excludes all the world besides. It is an atom ; untangible by any but the proprietor. Touch it, and the touch contaminates the whole mass ; the whole pro- perty vanishes. This wise people speak out. They do not hold the language of slaves ; they tell you what they mean. They do not ask you to repeal your laws, as a favor ; they claim it as a right they demand it. They tell you, they will not submit to them ; and I tell you, the acts must be repealed. Repeal, therefore, my lords, I say. But bare repeal will not satisfy this enlightened and spirited people. You must go through the work ; you must declare you have no right to tax then they may trust you then they will have some confidence in you." But such were the prejudices then existing, that, notwith- 1?7<>. standing the force of Lord Chatham's arguments, and the Conciliatory weight of his name, a plan, which he brought before parlia- proposecTby ment, for conciliatory measures, was negatived by a large Lord Chat- majority ; while the petitions from the merchants of London, ha e cted fe * and other commercial places, in favor of America, were refer- ,red, not to the regular committee, but to one, called by the Colonies re- friends of the colonies, "the committee of oblivion," whose fjj se ^ a h ^ r ' meeting was deferred to a distant day. Dr. Franklin, and "^men"* the other colonial agents, were refused a hearing before the house, on the plea, that they were appointed by an illegal assembly ; and thus was put to silence the voice of three mil- lions of people, yet in the attitude of humble suppliants. Both houses of parliament concurred, by a large majority, in an address to the king, in which they declare, " that the Americans had long wished to become independent, and only waited for ability and opportunity, to accomplish their design. To prevent this," they said, " and to crush the monster in its birth, was the duty of every Englishman ; and that this must be done, at any price, and at every hazard." On the 10th of February, a bill was passed, by which the F< j b - 10 - colonies of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and attempTS Rhode Island, were restricted in their trade to Great Britain divide the 164 FUTILE ATTEMPTS AT RECONCILIATION. PART III. PERIOD I. CHAP. VIII. colonies by showing fa- vors to some, and severity j others. Parliament makes a second fail- ure in an- other at- tempt to blind and di- vide the co- lonies. Secret nego- tiations be- tween Lord Howe and Dr. Frank- lin. and its West India possessions, and were also prohibited from fishing on the banks of Newfoundland. The same restrictions were soon after extended to all the colonies, excepting New York and North Carolina. It was expected that these prohi- bitions would prove particularly distressing to the inhabitants of New England, as an idea prevailed, that they depended on the fisheries for their subsistence, and must, if deprived of them, be starved into obedience. s While parliament were engaged in augmenting the naval and military force, from the avowed cause, that there was a state of rebellion, Lord North brought in an artful bill, which he called a conciliatory plan, and which, after consi- derable debate, was adopted. Its purport was, that Great Britain should forbear to tax the colonies, on their agreeing to tax themselves ; the money thus raised, to be at the dispo- sal of the British parliament. This project, when brought before the colonial assemblies, and finally referred by them to congress, was pronounced, not only insidious, but unreason- able and unsatisfactory; for it was, in effect, to oblige them- selves to give the thing over which they claimed a right, to purchase the mere name of possessing that right ; in fine, to give the substance for the shadow. While these measures were in progress, Lord Howe sought an introduction to Dr. Franklin, through his sister, Mrs. Howe, the friend of the latter, and an honest endeavor was made, on both sides, to fall upon some plan, to which the parties would consent. But the result of these secret and unofficial nego- tiations shows clearly, that so wide was the difference of opinion in England and America, that a war was inevitable ; as no scheme of adjustment could be devised, to which even good men of both parties would agree. CHAPTER VIII. 75 Feb. 26*. Gage at- rostore atSalem. The War begins by the Battle of Lexington. IN the mean time, affairs in America were tending to a crisis, which would preclude all hope of reconciliation. A second provincial congress having assembled in Massachu- setts, had ordered military stores to be collected, and encou- raged the militia and minute-men to perfect themselves in the use of arms. General Gage having learned that a number of field pieces were collected at Salem, dispatched a party of soldiers, to ta ^ e P ossess i n f them, in the name of the king. The peo- pie of Salem assembled in great numbers, and, by pulling up THE FIRST BLOOD IS SHED AT LEXINGTON. 165 a drawbridge, prevented their entering the town, and thus de- PART III feated their object. 1 1 ^IOB I A large quantity of ammunition and stores was also depo- CHAP - VIII> sited at Concord, about twenty miles from Boston ; these ^~*^**^ General Gage resolved to seize, or destroy; and, with that G ^ pnl 18 j view, he sent a detachment of 800 men, under the command eolTmen to of Colonel Smith and Major Pitcairn, ordering them to pro- se e the ceed with expedition and secrecy. Concord 1 The provincials had notice of the design ; and when the British troops arrived at Lexington, within five miles of Con- 1775. cord, the militia of the place were drawn up, and ready to April 18. receive them. The advanced body of the regulars approached i^riiinon. within musket shot, when Major Pitcairn, riding forward, ex- claimed, " Disperse, you rebels ! throw down your arms and The corn- disperse." Not being instantly obeyed, he discharged his pistol, and ordered his men to fire. They fired, and killed eight men. The militia dispersed, but the firing continued. The detachment then proceeded to Concord, and destroyed or took possession of the stores. They then began their retreat ; but the colonists pressing upon them on all sides, they went to Lexington, where they met Lord Percy, with a reinforcement of 900 men, without Retreat of which, it is doubtful whether they could have reached Boston ; the British * for the Americans, better acquainted with the grounds, con- Harassed by tinually harassed their march. From every place of conceal- the c ^ eri " ment a stone fence, a cluster of bushes, or a barn, the con- British j oss cealed provincials poured upon them a destructive fire. At 273. sunset, the regulars, almost overcome with fatigue, passed A mer j C an Charlestown Neck, and found, on Bunker's Hill, a resting loss, 88. place for the night ; and the next morning, under the protec- tion of a man of war, they entered Boston. Blood had now flowed, and no language can portray the feelings which the event excited. Couriers were dispatched Great excite- in every direction, who gave, as they rode at full speed, their ment ' news, to be taken up and carried in like manner to other riSs'spread places ; and thus, in an increasing circle, it spread like elec- the news. trie fluid throughout the land. The messenger, if he arrived The people on Sunday, at once entered the church, and proclaimed to the take up breathless assembly war has begun ! Every where the cry was repeated, " war has begun !" and the universal response was, "to arms, then! liberty or death!" The legislatures of the several colonies convened, appointed officers, and gave orders to raise troops. Every where, fathers were leaving their children, and mothers sending their sons to the field ; and an army of 20,000 was soon collected in the neighborhood of Boston. Thus war was beginning in earnest. But our fathers had contended 8 a righteous cause ; and the contest was important, not only to righteously themselves and their posterity, but to human rights. They Jj r J][dtai. had done all that was possible, and what none but great men ma n rights 166 BENEDICT ARNOLD AND THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS. PART III, could have done, to secure an honorable peace. What our PERIOD I. country now is, and what it must have been, had they shrunk CHAP. ix. f rom the conflict, and tamely submitted to the yoke of servi- -^*v^^/ tude, speaks for their virtue and wisdom, in resolving to con- Obligations tend. The God of justice, in whom they trusted, proved their s^nt^the Deliverer. They were, to the death, true to us, their pos- aominggene- terity. Let not us be false to them ; but let us transmit the rations, liberty and the noble institutions of our country, the inheritance earned by their blood, uncontaminated, to our descendants. The colonists ^itfshdn 6 Boston. 1775. Their pro- scarce, Plans for taking Ti- and Crown Point origi- Massachu- setts. Green oy defend the Hants' from N. Y. Ethan Allen and Seth Benedict Arnold, CHAPTER IX. Ticonderoga taken. Royal Governors retire. GENERAL GAGE was now closely besieged in Boston by an army of twenty thousand. He had made his fortifications so stron g> that the provincials did not attempt the place by as- sault ; nor would they have taken any such measures to annoy the enemy, as would have exposed the inhabitants. But so closely were the British invested, that, although they had the comm and O f the sea, their provisions became scarce. Great vigilance, to prevent their obtaining supplies, was used along the coast, the inhabitants, for this purpose, often driving their cattle into the interior. The possession of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, on which depended the command of lakes George and Champlain, was an object of essential importance. Without waiting for the action of congress, individuals in Connecticut, at the head of wnom were Dean, Wooster, and Parsons, determined to un- dertake it on their own responsibility ; and accordingly they borrowed of the legislature of that colony, eighteen hundred dollars. They then proceeded to Bermington, confident of the co-operation of the hardy freemen who had settled in that vi- cinity by the authority of New Hampshire, and who had, un- ( ^ er ^ name f tne " Green Mountain corps," manifested their resolution in defense of their lands from the sheriffs of New York ; that state claiming over them a jurisdiction, which they would not allow. At the head of these veterans were Colonels Ethan Allen, and Seth Warner. They gladly en- gaged in the enterprise. Troops were soon raised, and the command was intrusted to Allen. In the meantime, Benedict Arnold, with the intrepid bold- ness of his character, had, in Boston, formed and matured the same design, and was on the march to execute it, when he found, with astonishment, that he had been anticipated. Be- coming second in command to Allen, they marched together, AMERICAN SUCCESSES ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN. 167 at the head of three hundred men, from Castleton, and reach- PART III. ed lake Champlain, opposite Ticonderoga, on the 9th of May. PERIOD I. On the morning of the 10th they embarked with eighty-three CHAP - Ix - men, landed at dawn of day, and completely surprised the for- tress. The approach of a hostile force was so unexpected to De La Place, the commander, that he knew not from what quarter they were ; and when summoned to surrender, he de- manded by what authority : " In the name of the great Je- capture Ti hovah and the Continental Congress," said Allen. De La conder S a - Place, incapable of making any resistance, delivered up the garrison, which consisted of only three officers and forty-four privates. The remainder of the troops having landed, Colonel War- Colonel ner was dispatched with a small party against Crown Point, . , w *"^ r i i i i 11 111- takes Crown ot which he took peaceable possession. Arnold, having man- Point, ned and armed a small schooner found in South Bay, captured . a sloop-of-war lying at St. Johns. The pass of Skeensbo- seizes a rough was seized at the same time, by a detachment of vol- sloop-of-war. unteers from Connecticut. Thus were obtained, without bloodshed, these important posts ; and the command of the lakes on which they stood, ^ans^com? together with one hundred pieces of cannon, and other muni- mand Lakes tions of war. The success with which this expedition was George and crowned, greatly tended to raise the confidence which the Americans felt in themselves. The continental congress again assembled at Philadelphia May 10. on the 10th of May, and Mr. Hancock was chosen President, m^^p 8 ^. Bills of credit to the amount of three millions of dollars were adelphia. issued for defraying the expenses of the war ; and the faith Issue three of the "Twelve United Colonies" pledged for their re- "ndnental demption. paper money Lord Dunmore, the governor of Virginia, on plea of insur- rection in a neighboring county, caused some powder to be Lord Dun seized, by night, from the magazine belonging to the colony more forced at Williamsburgh, and conveyed on board an armed schooner, fj e f atn ^o then lying in James river. Patrick Henry assembled an in- make resti- dependent company, and was marching towards the capital, to tution for obtain it by force, when he was met by a messenger from the pov governor, who paid him the full value in money. Henry and his party returned. Lord Dunmore, having fortified his palace, p roc iaims issued a proclamation, and declared them rebels. This highly him and his incensed the people, with whom Henry was the favorite leader. party rel)els About the same time, letters of Dunmore to England were in- Hjg lettera tercepted, which were considered as gross slanders against intercepted. the colony. Thus situated, he became apprehensive of per- He q uits his sonal danger, abandoned his government, and went on board ^^S^he*' the Fowey, a man-of-war, then lying at Yorktown. In North governors of Carolina, Governor Martin took" refuge on board a national ship in Cape Fear river ; and in South Carolina, Lord Wil- liam Campbell abandoned his government and retired. 168 BATTLE OF BUNKER-HILL. PART III. Tryon, the artful and intriguing governor of New York, was PERIOD i. still in, or near the province, and no delegates to congress CHAP. x. W ere chosen at the proper time ; but after the battle of Lex- v-^v^^ ington, a convention was held for the sole purpose, and mem- bers were elected. CHAPTER X. 1T75. May 25. Howe, Clin- ton, and Bur- goyne. June 12. General Gage's proc- lamation. General Gage vio- lates his promise. Night of June 16, Americans fortify Breed's Hill. June 17. British army crosses from Boston. Lands at Morton's Point. They burn Charles. town. Battle of Bunker Hill. Washington. IN May, the British army in Boston received a powerful re- inforcement from England, under Generals Howe, Clinton, and Burgoyne. General Gage, thus reinforced, proceeded to bold measures. He proclaimed martial law throughout Massachusetts. He however offered pardon to all rebels who would return to their allegiance, except Samuel Adams and John Hancock. General Gage had, in the meantime, agreed to permit the people ef Boston to depart ; but after a portion had gone, he changed his policy and kept the remainder. Learning that the British threatened to penetrate into the country, congress recommended to the council of war to take such measures as would put them on the defensive, and for this purpose, a detachment of one thousand men, under Colonel Prescott, was ordered, on the night of the 16th of June, to throw up a breastwork on Bunker's Hill, near Charlestown. By some mistake, the troops entrenched them- selves on Breed's Hill, nearer to Boston. They labored with such silence and activity, that by return of light they had nearly completed a strong redoubt, without being observed. At dawn, however, the British, discovering the advance of the Americans, commenced a severe cannonade from the ships in the river ; but this not interrupting them, General Gage sent a body of about three thousand men, under Generals Howe and Pigot. They left Boston in boats, and landed under the protection of the shipping in Charlestown, at the extreme point of the peninsula, and advanced against the Americans. Generals Clinton and Burgoyne took their sta- tion on an eminence in Boston, commanding a distinct view of the hill. The spires of the churches, the roofs of the houses, and every height which commanded a view of the battle ground, were covered with spectators, taking deep and opposite interests in the conflict. The British set fire to Charlestown; and amidst the glare of its flames glittering upon their burnished arms, they advance to the attack. The Americans wait their approach in silence, until they are within ten rods of the redoubt then taking a WASHINGTON ELECTED COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. 169 steady aim, and having advantage of the ground, they pour PART III, upon the British a deadly fire. They are thrown into confu- PERIOD i. sion, and many of their officers fall. They are thus twice repulsed. Clinton now arrives ; his men again rally ; ad- vance towards the fortifications, and attack the redoubt on three sides at once. The ammunition of the colonists failed. Courage was no longer of any avail, and Colonel Prescott, who commanded the redoubt, ordered a retreat. The Amer- icans were obliged to pass Charlestown neck, where they were exposed to a galling fire from the ships in the harbor. JbligecTfo Here fell General Joseph Warren, whose death was a severe quit the field. blow to his mourning country. In this engagement three thousand men, composing the British loss, flower of the British army, were engaged. Their killed and ^riJian, wounded were more than a thousand, while the loss of the 453. Americans was less than half that number. Although the ground was lost, the Americans regarded this as a victory, and the British as a defeat. Or if they pretended otherwise, it was tauntingly asked, how many more such triumphs their army could afford ? The boldness with which the undisci- plined troops of the colonies so long withstood the charges of the regulars, increased their confidence, and convinced the English that they had to contend with a resolute foe. On the fifteenth of June, congress, still in session, elected, '?*& 15> , . /-> TT7 T_ i Washmgtoa by a unanimous vote, George Washington, who was then elected comr present, and had from their first meeting at Philadelphia, been mander-in- a delegate from Virginia, to the high office of general and commander-in-chief of the army of the United Colonies. The members from the north had generously resolved, in or- der to attach the south more firmly to the confederacy, to fix upon a southern commander ; but in their selection, they ap- pear to have been guided by a wisdom which seemed, as far as human foresight can go, to penetrate into futurity. When w , . his appointment was signified to him by the president of con- f ea ^s that to gress, he was deeply penetrated with a mingled sense of the capacity is high honor which he had received, and the responsibility of "^ ^JSJ^ the station to which he was raised. In attempting to fill it, he acted not from the dictates of his own judgment, which led him to fear that his talents and military experience might not be adequate to the discharge of his duty ; yet, such as they Washing- were, he felt bound, he said, to devote them to his country in ton received whatever manner the public will directed. He declined all no P ecuni - compensation for his services, for as money could not buy "fo/eight him from his endeared home, and as he served his country years ar- fur justice, arid the love he bore to her cause, he would not allow his motives to be misconstrued. He should keep an exact account of his expenses and those, congress, he doubt- ed not, would discharge. Artemas Ward, of Massachusetts, Colonel Lee formerly a British officer, Philip Schuyler of New York, and Israel 13 170 WASHINGTON JOINS THE ARMY AT CAMBRIDGE. jfART III. Putnam, of Connecticut then before Boston, were at the same PERIOD i. time appointed to the rank of major generals ; and Horatio CHAP. x. Gates to that of adjutant general. ^-**-v^^ Soon after his election, Washington set out for the camp at He joins the Cambridge. He found the British army strongly posted on CanTbndge. Bunker's and Breed's hill, and Boston neck. The American, consisting of 14,000 men, were entrenched on the heights around Boston, forming a line which extended from Roxbury on the right, to the river Mystic on the left, a distance of twelve miles. This disposition of the troops greatly distress- ed the British, who were confined to Boston, and often obliged to risk their lives to obtain the means of sustenance. American Washington perceived, that although the people were ar- eMmed^in- ^ ent * n tne cause f liberty, and ready to engage in the most subordinate, desperate enterprises, yet there was a want of discipline and without en- m iijt a ry subordination among the troops. The officers, in aira^sT'wtth- many instances, were chosen by the soldiers from among out ammu- their own number, and hence were not considered their supe- mtion. r iors. The army was scantily supplied with arms and am- munition, and their operations retarded, by a want of skillful Washin - en g meers - He set himself with alacrity to the labor of bring- ton's judi- ing order out of confusion, making judicious arrangements and cious ar- divisions in the army, disciplining the troops, and employing some of the most active in the duties of artillerists ; and such Heorganizes were his exertions, that in a short time the army was organ- the army. ^ fit Congress now published a solemn and dignified declaration, July 6. m t h e f orm O f a manifesto, setting forth the imperative reasons show'fust which led the nation to take up arms. This instrument, reasons for which was to be published from the pulpit, and in " orders" to ta arm| UP l ^ e arm y declared, " we are reduced to the alternative orf choosing an unconditional submission to the tyranny of irrita- Their hope ted ministers, or resistance by force. The latter is our choice. and courage. \\r e nave counted the cost of this contest, and find nothing so dreadful as voluntary slavery. Honor, justice, and humanity forbid us tamely to surrender that freedom which we received from our gallant ancestors, arid which our innocent posterity have a right to receive from us. Our cause is just, our union is perfect, our internal resources are great ; and, if necessary, foreign assistance is undoubtedly attainable." " With hearts fortified with these animating reflections, we most solemnly, before God and the world, declare, that, ex- 1 JSJJ > r J[J3 ) " erting the utmost energy of those powers, which our benefi- solemn de- cent Creator hath graciously bestowed on us, the arms we termination, have been compelled by our enemies to assume, we will, in defiance of every hazard, with unabating firmness and perse- verance, employ for.the preservation of our liberties ; being with one mind resolved, to die freemen, rather than to live slaves." Georgia now entered into the opposition made to the claims INVASION OF CANADA. 171 of the British parliament to tax America, and chose delegates PART III. to congress ; after which, the style of " the Thirteen United PERIOD l. Colonies" was assumed, and by that title the English provin- CHAP - XI - ces were thenceforth designated. v-^-v-^~ During this session of congress, also, the first line of posts 1775. for the communication of intelligence through the United Dr Franklin States, was established. Benjamin Franklin was appointed, th ' p -^? 08t " by a unanimous vote, postmaster-general, with power to ap- general. point as many deputies as he might deem proper and necessa- J?, st * ^? m f \ c i -i r T-fi i . Fahaoutii :o ry, lor the conveyance of the mail from Falmouth, m Maine, S to Savannah, in Georgia. CHAPTER XI. Invasion of Canada. Death of Montgomery. WHILE the British army was closely blockaded in Boston, congress conceived the design of sending a force into Can- ada ; as the movements of Sir Guy Carleton, the governor of that province, seemed to threaten an invasion of the north- western frontier. Two expeditions were accordingly organ- against Can- ized and dispatched, one by the way of Champlain, under Generals Schuyler and Montgomery, the other by the way of the river Kennebec, under the command of Arnold. General Lee, with 1,200 volunteers from Connecticut, was Gene ' parties, intending to assail the city at opposite points. Allen crossed the river in the night, as had been proposed ; and al- though Brown and his party failed, he, with only eighty men, Is taken by desperate valor attempted to maintain his ground though * ri ?roM?and attacked ty Carleton, at the head of several hundreds. Com- tnt to Eng- pelled to yield, he and his brave associates were loaded with land. i ronS) and S ent to England. Americans ^ n ^ e * ^ ^ October, a small fort at Chamble, which was kake 6 Cham- but slightly guarded, was taken by the Americans. Several bleandob- pieces of artillery, and about 120 barrels of gunpowder, were tai dea? W ~ the fruits of the victory. This enabled Montgomery to pro- ceed with vigor against St. John's. Carleton, on learning the situation of that fort, raised a force Carleton re- of 800 men for its relief, and embarked them in boats to cross Lowell & b the St. Lawrence to Longueil. Colonel Warner, who was Warner, stationed there with 300 mountaineers, and a small piece of artillery, received him with a brisk fire; prevented his landing, and compelled him to return to Montreal. When the news of this repulse reached Montgomery, he Nov. 3.^ sent a flag to Major Preston, who commanded the besieged wmndera f rtress summoning him to surrender. The summons was obeyed on the 3d of November, and the fort entered by the Americans. Carleton now abandoned Montreal to its fate, and made his Carleton escape down the river in the night, in a small canoe with flees, and muffled oars. The next day, Montgomery, after engaging to enters MonJ allow the inhabitants their own laws, the free exercise of their real. religion, and the privilege of governing themselves, entered the town. His benevolent conduct induced many Canadians ^oinhim 8 to J* n his standard : yet some of his own troops deserted, from severity of climate, and many, whose time of enlistment had nearly expired, insisted on returning home. With the remnant of his army, consisting of only 300 men, he marched towards Quebec, expecting to meet there troops under Arnold, who were to penetrate by the way of the rivers Kenebec and Chaudiere. Arnold commenced his march with 1 ,000 men, about the Nor. 13. middle of September. After sustaining almost incredible Arnold ap- hardships in the trackless forests of Maine, he arrived at Point SueLlT f but Levi ' PP site Quebec, on the 9th of November. On the i* compelled night of the 13th, he crossed the St. Lawrence, and climbing to retire, the same precipice which Wolfe had ascended, he formed his army, now reduced to 700 men, on the heights near the mem- orable plains of Abraham, and advanced in the hope of sur- prising the city. Being convinced, by a cannon shot from the wall, that the garrison had obtained knowledge of his ap- proach, and were ready to receive him, and feeling his forco FAILURE OF THE ATTEMPT ON QUEBEC. 173 to be insufficient, either to carry on a regular siege, or hazard a battle, he retired on the 18th, to Point aux Trembles, there to await the arrival of Montgomery. General Carleton, on retiring from Montreal, had proceed- ed to Quebec, and now had a garrison of 1,500 men. Mont- gomery joined Arnold on the first of December. The united forces of the Americans amounted to less than 1,000 effective men. On the 5th, Montgomery sent a flag to the governor, with a summons to surrender. Carleton ordered his troops to fire upon the bearer, and forbade all communication. The American general attempted to batter the walls, and harass the city, by repeated attacks. During one night, he construct- ed a battery of ice, where he planted his cannon ; but they were not of sufficient force to make any material impression, or to alarm the garrison. Montgomery now found himself under circumstances even more critical and embarassing, than those which had, sixteen years before, environed Wolfe at the same place. The severe Canadian winter had set in, and several feet of snow covered the ground, and his troops had suffered much already. Yet to abandon the enterprise, was to relinquish fame, and disap- point the expectations, however unreasonable they might be, of his too sanguine countrymen. He, therefore, with the unanimous approbation of his officers, came to the desperate determination of storming the city. Just at the dawn of the last day of the year, and during a violent snow storm, the troops marched from the camp, in four divisions, commanded by Montgomery, Arnold, Brown, and Livingston. The two latter were to make feigned attacks ; but, impeded by the snow, they did not arrive in season to ex- ecute their orders. Arnold and Montgomery were to make an assault at opposite points. Montgomery, at the head of his valiant band, was obliged to advance through a narrow path, leading under the projecting rocks of a precipice. When they reached a blockhouse and picket, he assisted with his own hands to open a passage for his troops, encouraging, by his voice and his example, his brave companions. They ad- vanced boldly and rapidly to force the barrier, when, a single and accidental discharge from a cannon, proved fatal to this brave and excellent officer, and thus destroyed the hopes of the enterprise. Several of Montgomery's best officers shared his fate ; and Colonel Campbell, on whom the command de- volved, found it impossible to pursue the advantages already gained. In the meantime, Arnold, at the head of his detachment, was intrepidly advancing, when he received a musket ball in the leg, and was carried from the field. Colonel Morgan, who succeeded him, led on the troops with vigor, and soon made himself master of the second barrier. But the British, freed from their apprehension of attack at any other point, turned PART III. Carleton t Q uebec * Dec. l. Tremble's. jj e erects a battery of Boldly de- stonrTthe city. Dec 31. American troops. and death Arnold's in- trepidity. >, He is His rt ^ first succes- 174 FIRST AMERICAN NAVY. PART HI. Arnold blockades Quebec. their undivided force upon his party. Three hours did this resolute band resist, although attacked both in front and in rear ; but at length were compelled to surrender themselves prisoners of war. The Americans lost 400 men in this dis- astrous attempt. The treatment of Carleton to his prisoners, did honor to his humanity. Arnold, wounded as he was, retired with the re- mainder of his army, to the distance of three miles below Quebec ; where, though inferior in numbers to the garrison, they kept the place in a state of blockade, and in the course of the winter, reduced it to distress for want of provisions. CHAPTER XIL American Villages burned. Privateers. Lord Dunmore. The Olive Branch. 1775. Oct. 18. Falmouth burned. Efforts of an exasperated people. Dec. 13. Congress fit out thir- teen ships. Tryon em- ployed to bribe New York. Law made which reach- ed his case. WHILE these events were transacting in the north, the roy- al force, both by sea and land, was turned against New Eng- land. Orders were given to lay waste and destroy all such sea-ports, as had taken part against Great Britain. In conse- quence, Falmouth, now Portland, was burned by the or- ders of Captain Mowatt of the British navy. Its flames ceased to the eye with the destruction of its buildings, but they burned long in the hearts of an exasperated people, who now put forth all their efforts. They collected military stores ; they purchased powder in all foreign ports where it was prac- ticable, and, in many colonies, commenced its manufacture. They also began more seriously to turn their attention to their armed vessels. Massachusetts granted letters of marque and reprisal. Congress resolved to fit out thirteen ships, and raise two battalions of marines. They framed articles of war for the government of the little navy, and established regular courts of admiralty, for the adjudication of prizes. The American privateers swarmed forth. Alert and bold, they visited every sea, and annoyed the British c.ommerce, even m the ver) waters of their own island. Efforts were still m... Je by the ministry, to retain the colony of New York. They restored Tryon to the government, who was greatly beloved by the people, and empowered him to bribe and corrupt, if possible, the influential citizens. Con- gress, alarmed for the safety of a colony, whose loss must cut asunder the north from the south, recommended that " all persons, whose going at large would endanger the liberty of Amonca. should be arrested and secured ;" and Tryon con- sulted his safety, by taking refuge on board a ship in the harbor. 175 The government of Virginia was now in the hands of the PART III. colonial assembly ; but Lord Dunmore, still on board the king's PERIOD i. ship, did not abandon all hopes of regaining it. In Novem- CHAP. xn. ber, he issued a proclamation declaring martial law, and pro- '^*-^-*+*s mising freedom to such slaves as would leave their masters, November. and join his party. Several hundred negroes and royalists L m o d re D ^ obeyed the call, when, leaving his ships, he occupied a strong tempts to re- position near Norfolk. The assembly sent 800 militia to op- ^orit* 'T* pose his movements. On the 7th of December they were a.t- V^rgmia! tacked by the royalists and negroes, but they repelled the rj e c. 7 assailants, and gained a decisive victory ; after which, they The militia occupied the town of Norfolk. Lord Dunmore, with his re- /T irglI }! a maining forces, again repaired to the ships, where, in conse- royalists. quence of the many royalists who joined him, he became reduced to great distress, for want of provisions. In this sit- 1776. uation, he sent a flag to Norfolk, demanding a supply. The Jan. 1. commander of the provincials refusing to comply, he set fire JjJJjJ JJjjJj to the town, and destroyed it. This availed him little. As- Norfolk, and sailed at once by tempest, famine, and disease, he with his M abandons followers, sought refuge in the West Indies. * ^on!"" 1 " The last hope of the colonies for reconciliation, rested in the petition of congress to the king, which had been emphat- 1775. ically styled " The Olive Branch," and was sent over by Mr. Mr : Penn Penn, a descendant of the proprietor of Pennsylvania, and a ^bTpTtition' former governor of that colony ; but the earliest information called the received from him, after the meeting of parliament, dissolved p' 011 !, 6 * / i mi i i i i branch. every vestige of hope. The king, in his speech at the open- ing of the session, accused the Americans of hostility and rebellion ; and declared that the object of their taking up arms, was to establish an independent empire. To prevent this, he recommended that vigorous measures should be taken to subdue them ; not forgetting such as were The king'g likely to weaken them, by division. This speech developed speech and the ministerial views, and large majorities in both houses, not- l " e P ariia ^ withstanding the eloquence of Mr. Burke and others, answer- anThostile^ ed the king's speech, by responding the same sentiments of accusation against the colonies, and the same determination to reduce them to obedience, by measures of coercion and distress. The friends of America obtained a reluctant vote of the M F p enn peers to examine Mr. Penn. This gentlemen affirmed, that declares, be- the colonies would still allow the royal authority of Great ^ * th at Britain, but not its right of taxation ; that the rejection of the America, present offer would certainly prove an insuperable bar to re- though loyal concilement ; but that the prevailing wish in America still was, ^taxed. restoration of friendship with Great Britain. About the last of December, an act was passed prohibiting December all trade and commerce with the colonies ; and authorizing Severe laws the capture and condemnation of all American vessels, with ^radTa 11 ! theii cargoes, and all others found trading in any port or place shipping. 176 Ht ,*. LEAVES AND WASHINGTON ENTERS BOSTON. PART III. i n the colonies, as if the same were the vessels and effect PERIOD i. of open enemies ; and the vessels and property thus taken CHAP. xin. were vested in their captors, and the crews were to be treat- v- *"" v ~^- / ed, not as prisoners, but as slaves. About the same time, England made treaties with the land- grave of Hesse Cassel, and other German princes, hiring of England t ^ em 17^000 men, to be employed against the Americans ; naries. and it was determined to send over, in addition to these, 25,000 English troops. Parliament The petition carried by Mr. Penn, had been laid before par- owthepe- lament ; but both houses refused to hear it, alledging, that tition of the they could not treat upon any proposition coming from an un- colonies. j aw f u i assembly. By the passage of these acts, the hiring of foreign mercenaries, and the rejection of this last petition, Great Britain filled up the measure of her wrongs to America, and sealed the final alienation of her colonies. CHAPTER XIII. Washington enters Boston. Disasters in Canada. ALTHOUGH Britain was preparing so formidable a force, yet the American army was not only reduced in numbers, but at the close of the year 1775, was almost destitute of neces- The army sary supplies. The terms of enlistment of all the troops had mTmberaand ex pi re( i i n December ; and although measures had been taken ill-appoint- for recruiting the army, yet on the last day of December, ed - there were but 9,650 men enlisted for the ensuing year. Gen. Washington, finding how slowly the army was recruited, pro- given! y posed to congress to try the influence of a bounty ; but his proposal was not acceded to until late in January, and it was not until the middle of February, that the regular army amounted to 14,000. In addition to these, the commander-in- Militia call- chief, being vested by congress with the power to call out the ed out. militia, made a requisition on the authorities of Massachusetts, for 6,000, which were furnished. 1776. Washington had continued the blockade of Boston during March 4. t h e w inter of 1775-6, and at last resolved to bring the enemy fortffy C Dor- tQ action, or drive them from the town. On the night of the Chester 4th of March, a detachment, under the command of General Heights. Thomas, silently reached Dorchester Heights, and there con- ^vac^ate 8 * 1 stmcte( ^' * n a single night, a redoubt which menaced the Brit- Boston, ish shipping with destruction. When the light of the morn- March 17. ing discovered to General Howe the advantage the Americans had gained, he perceived, that no alternative remained for him. but to dislodge them, or evacuate the place. He immediately UNFORTUNATE RETREAT FROM CANADA. 177 dispatched a few regiments to attempt the former, but a vio- ent tempest of wind and rain rendered their efforts ineffect- ual. The Americans had, however, continued with unremit- ting industry, to strengthen and improve their works, until they were now too dangerous to be neglected, and too secure to be forced, and it was determined in a council of war, to evacuate the town. Accordingly, on the morning of the 17th, the whole British force, with such of the loyalists as chose to follow their fortunes, set sail for Halifax. As the rear of the British troops were embarking, Washington entered the town in triumph. The plans of the British cabinet embraced, for the cam- paign of 1776, the recovery of Canada, the reduction of the southern colonies, and the possession of New York. This last service was intrusted to Admiral Howe, and his brother, General Howe ; the latter of whom succeeded General Gage, m the command of the British troops. Arnold had continued the siege of Quebec, and had greatly annoyed the garrison ; but he found himself oppressed with many difficulties. His army had suffered extremely from the inclemency of the season, and from the breaking out of the small-pox. Notwithstanding the garrison of Montreal had been sent to reinforce him, he had, at this time, scarcely 1,000 effective men. The reinforcements ordered by congress, were slow in arriving, and when they reached Quebec, great- ly reduced in numbers by disease. Added to this, the river was now clear of ice, and the British fleet was daily ex- pected. General Thomas, who now arrived with troops, superseded Arnold. He made attempts to reduce Quebec, but the sudden appearance of the British fleet obliged him to flee, with such precipitation, that he left his baggage and military stores. Many of the sick also fell into the hands of Carleton, by whom they were treated with honorable humanity. One after another, the posts which had been conquered by the Americans, fell into the hands of the British, and before the close of June, they had recovered all Canada. The Amer- icans lost, in this unfortunate retreat, about 1 ,000 men, who were mostly taken prisoners. PART III. Washing- ton's army enter the town. British have three objects for the cam- Arnold still before Que- bec. Is badly situ ated. Thomas succeeds him, and makes a precipitate retreat, May 5. June. Americans evacuate Canada. CHAPTER XIV. British repulsed at Charleston. Independence declared. THE British fleet, destined to the reduction of the southern j une , * colonies, sailed, under Sir Peter Parker, to attack Charleston, Sir Peter where they arrived early in June. The marines were com- manded by General Clinton. Charleston. 178 BRITISH ATTACK SULLIVAN S ISLAND. PART III. The Caro- linians forti- fy Sullivan's Island, and Cill out the militia. June 28. The British attack the fort on Sulli- van's Island, and are re- pulsed. Jasper re- covers the flag. British sail for New York. Washington fixes his head-quar- ters at New York. June 7. Indepen- dence pro- posed in con- gress. An intercepted official letter had given the Carolinians such information of the enemy's movements, that they were not unprepared for their reception. On Sullivan's island, at the entrance of Charleston harbor, they had constructed a fort of the palmetto tree, which resembles the cork. The militia had been called out, under the command of General Lee, now exceedingly popular ; and they formed a force five or six thousand strong, for the defense of the menaced capital. The general was ably seconded by Colonels Gadsden, Moul- trie, and Thompson. The palmetto fort was garrisoned by about 400 men, com- manded by Colonel Moultrie. On the morning of the 28th of June, the British ships opened their several broadsides upon it. The discharge of artillery upon the little fort was incessant, but the balls were received by the palmetto wood, and buried as in earth ; while Moultrie and the brave Caroli- nians under his command returned the fire, and defended the fortification with such spirit, that it has ever since been called by the name of Moultrie. Once during the day, after a thundering discharge from the British cannon, the flag of the fort was no longer seen to wave ; and the Americans, who watched the battle from the opposite shore, were, every moment, expecting to see the British troops mount the parapets in triumph. But none appeared ; and, in a few moments, the striped banner of America was once more unfurled to their view. The staff had been carried away by a shot, and the flag had fallen upon the outside of the fort. A brave Serjeant, by the name of Jasper, jumped over the wall, and, amidst a shower of bul- lets, recovered and fastened it in its place. At evening, the British, completely foiled, drew ofT their ships, with the loss of two hundred men ; and, a few days after, they set sail, with the troops on board, for the vicinity of New York, where the whole British force had been ordered to assemble. It had early occurred to Washington, that the central situa- tion of New York, with the numerous advantages attending the possession of that city, would render it an object of great importance to the British. Under this impression, before the enemy left Boston, General Lee had been detached from Cambridge, to put Long Island and New York in a posture of defense. Soon after the evacuation of Boston, the com- mander-in-chief followed, and, with the greater part of his army, fixed his head-quarters in the city of New York. On the 7th of June, Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, made a motion in congress, for declaring the colonies FREE AN" INDEPENDENT STATES. The most vigorous exertions had been made by the friends of independence, to prepare the minds of the people for this bold measure. Among the numerous writers on the momei* DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 179 tons question, the most luminous and forcible was Thomas J* ART III. _ Paine. His pamphlet entitled " Common Sense," was read PERIOD i. and understood by all. While it demonstrated the necessity, CHAP - X1V - the advantage, and the practicability of independence, it v -**~ v ~**~ / treated kingly government and hereditary succession with Thomas 1-1 j i m f i-i7- Paine, and ridicule and opprobrium. Two years before, the inhabitants other writ- of the colonies were the loyal subjects of the king of England, ers > prepare and wished not for independence, but for the constitutional !hei r W prmted liberty of the British subject. But the crown of England had, appeals. for their assertion of this right, declared them out of its pro- tection, rejected their petitions, shackled their commerce, -m~~a and finally employed foreign mercenaries to destroy them. The offenses Such were the exciting causes, which, being stirred up and by which directed by the master spirits of the times, had, in the space of two years, changed the tide of public feeling in America, and throughout her extensive regions produced the general Voice WE WILL BE FREE. Satisfied by indubitable signs, that such was the resolution of the people, congress deliberately and solemnly decided to declare it to the world; and the DECLARATION OF INDEPEN- emnly de- DENCE was agreed to in congress, on the 4th of July, 1776.* clared. A long enumeration of the oppressions of the British Th government is therein made, and closed with the assertion, that O f separa- " a prince, whose character is thus marked by every act tion. which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people." The fruitless appeals which had been made to the people of Great Britain are then recounted; but "they too," con- The ppres- cludes this declaration, " have been deaf to the voice of jus- ^^J ^f tice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in eminent, the necessity, which denounces our separation ; arid hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends." "We, therefore, the representatives of the United States The nation of America, in general congress assembled, appealing to the c , asts . . ff th ? o i i r i 11 c i j f 6 dominion of Supreme Judge of the world, for the rectitude of our inten- the British, tions, do, in the name, and by the authority of the good people ?"d depend- of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these in jy n t ^^ e United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and inde- their affairs pendent states ; that they are absolved from all allegiance to w hojly into the British crown ; and that all political connection between hands them and the state of Great Britain, is, and ought to be, totally * Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and R. R.. Livingston, had been appointed, on the llth of June, to prepare a declara- tion of independence. It was agreed by this committee, that each one should make such a draft as his judgment and feelings should dictate ; and that, upon comparing them together, the one should lie chosen as the report of the commit- tee, which should prove most conformable to the wishes of the whole. Mr. Jef- ferson's paper was the first read ; and every member of the committee determined, spontaneously, to suppress his own production ; observing, that it was unworthy k> bear a competition with that which they had just heard. 180 PROMINENT FEATURES OF THE DECLARATION. PART III, dissolved ; and that, as free and independent states, they have PERIOD i. full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, CHAP. xiv. establish commerce, and do all other acts and things, which ^^*~*~s independent states may of right do. And, for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." PERIO D II. THB DECLARATION j 1776 j OF INDEPENDENCE, COMMENCEMENT OF { 1789. ) THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT claratton: CHAPTER I. Lord Howe attempts Pacification. American Disasters at Long Island. CONSIDERED as a step in the great march of human society, PART IIL perhaps no one can be fixed upon of more importance, than PERIOD n. the solemn promulgation of the writing, which contained CHAP. i. a catalogue of the grievances of America, and declared her v-^-^-^^ freedom. It embodied and held up to the view of the world 1776. the universal wrongs of the oppressed ; sent forth a warning Importance voice to the oppressor ; and declared the common rights of f the all mankind. As it more particularly concerned the condition of the Americans, the signing of this declaration by the American congress, was a momentous procedure. That firm band of patriots well knew, that, in affixing their signatures, they were, in the eyes of England, committing the very fact of treason and rebellion; and that in case of her ultimate sue- people it was cess, it was their own death-warrant which they signed. Recasting Their countrymen felt that there was now no receding from t h ey must the contest, without devoting to de*ath these their political f now look fathers, who had thus fearlessly made themselves the organs *~ of declaring, what was equally the determination of all, Thus it was now the general feeling, that the die was cast, and nothing remained but " liberty or death" ! The troops from Halifax, under the command of General Howe, after touching at Sandy Hook, took possession of Sta- F rom j u i y 2, ten Island on the 2d of July; and those from England, com- to July 12. manded by Admiral Howe, landed at the same place on the 12th. About the same time, Clinton arrived, with the troops which he had reconducted from the expedition against Charles- ton ; and Commodore Hotham, with the expected reinforce- ments trom England. These, with several Hessian regiments, which were daily expected, would make up an army of 35,000 of the best troops of Europe. With the hope that this powerful force might hare awakened the fears of the Americans, and thus disposed them to submis- pardon to alj sion, Lord Howe, before commencing active operations, made an attempt at pacification. He had, in the month of June, British. forward and not back. Howe, a powerful force at Staten Island. June. Lord Howe 182 PLANS OF RECONCILIATION. PART III, announced, by proclamation, that he was empowered to grant i ERIOD ii. pardon to any person, or to the inhabitants of any city or pro- CHAP. i. vince, who should return to their allegiance : and he promised v -**~ v ~^- / large recompense to any who should contribute to re-establish 1776. the royal authority. Congress, instead of endeavoring to sup- Congress p ress this proclamation, took the wiser course of causing it to publish a f . i . i . i /* i i -i leply to his be printed m the journals of the day, with accompanying re- proclama- marks, explaining to the people its insidious nature ; while the lon ' declaration of independence, made soon after by congress, showed to General Howe, in what light these promises were viewed by that body. He attempts He next addressed himself to the commander-in-chief, in a ^atTS"" letter directed to " George Washington, Esq." With a spirit Washington which the whole nation applauded, Washington returned the by letter, but letter unopened ; alleging, that it had not expressed his public u s ' station; and that, as a private individual, he neither could, nor would, hold any communication with the agents of the king. Message by Howe, not yet discouraged, sent another communication by Patterson Adjutant-General Patterson. The reply which Washington ais j es 5 j ruit ~ made to the smooth and conciliatory address of this gentle man, was an expression of that common feeling of his coun- trymen, which was the true source of a union, that both the threats and promises of Great Britain, failed to divide. The sentiment was, that Great Britain did not offer the Americans the enjoyment of their rights ; she offered nothing but forgive- ness of offenses : America had committed no offenses, and asked no forgiveness. The British ^ ne officers in command, General and Admiral Howe, no plan of the longer hesitated to direct their efforts against New York. ampaign. r p ne possession of this important post would give to the Eng- Their grand ^ s ^ a ^ rm f otm g m America, from which their army could point to cut turn to the right, and carry the war into N ew England ; or to i^jT^S; the left, to scour New Jersey, and menace Philadelphia: and land from the , T , -, ,. TVT tr i i i i South, Long Island, adjacent to JNew York, being abundant in gram through and cattle, offered subsistence to their army. But the grand andthe P Hud- sc h eme of the British was, to divide New England from the son. south. Carleton, with 13,000 men, was to make a descent from Canada, by the way of Lake Champlain, and form a junction with Howe, who was to ascend the Hudson. Admiral Howe, retarded by contrary winds, did not arrive This they un til the expedition against Charleston had failed. The army *o" e ( lefeJ g till f Canada encountered so many obstacles, that it was not able, next year, this year, to make its way to the Hudson. Hence, Washing- ton was not compelled to weaken his army upon the coast to send succors into South Carolina, or towards Canada. Marine de- 'j^ American congress had ordered the construction of tenses of . ,, -, i * i > tr i New York, gunboats, galleys, and floating batteries, to defend New York and the mouth of the Hudson. Thirteen thousand of the Washing- militia were ordered to join the army of Washington, which, ton's army, thus increased, amounted to twenty-seven thousand ; but a DISASTROUS BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 183 fourth of these were invalids, and another fourth were poorly PART HI. provided with arms. From these and other causes, the force PERIOD n. fit for duty did not exceed ten thousand ; and of this number, CHAP. i. the greater part was without order or discipline. These in- v^-\<-^y conveniences proceeded, in part, from want of money, which 1776. prevented congress from paying regular troops, and providing Its inferior! for their equipments ; and partly from parsimonious habits, BntSh^u contracted during peace, which withheld them from incurring numbers, with promptitude the expenses necessary to a state of war ; discipline, while their jealousy of standing armies inspired the hope, a " n!ents! nt " that they could each year organize for the occasion, an army sufficient to resist the enemy. The American army occupied the island of New York. The Ameri- Two detachments guarded Governor's Island and Paulus can army Hook. The militia, under the American Clinton, were sta- Manhattan 1 tioned at East and West Chester, and New Rochelle, to r^re- Island, Go- vent the British landing in force on the north shore, penetra- ting to Kingsbridge, and thus inclosing the Americans in the island. A considerable part of the army, under General Put- nam, encamped at Brooklyn, on a part of Long Island which forms a sort of peninsula. The entrance was fortified with Putnam's di- moats and entrenchments. Putnam's ,left wing rested upon ^nds'from Wallabout bay, his right was covered by a marsh adjacent to Wallabout Gawanus' Cove. Behind was Governor's Island, and the arm G BHy to , of the sea between Long Island and New York, which gave Cove, him direct communication with the city, where Washington was with the main army. On the 22d of August, the English landed without opposi- August 22. tion on Long Island, between the villages of New Utrecht and Br ' tlsn land Gravesend. They extended themselves to Flatlands, distant a" th^west^ four miles from the Americans, and separated from them by a em point of range of wood-covered hills, called the heights of Gawanus, Long lsland " which, running to the north-east, divide the island. The hills Heights of were passable only in three places; one, the road near the G ^2Jg' Narrows, on the left of the English ; one the road leading to onl> by three the centre, by Flatbush ; the other, and most eastern, that on roads - the right of the British, by Flatlands. Upon the summits of these hills, is a road the length of the range from Bedford to Jamaica, intersected by the Flatlands and Flatbush roads. Washington, wishing to arrest the enemy on these heights, had guarded them with his best troops, and made such ar- rangements as, with proper vigilance, would have rendered the passage one of extreme difficulty and danger. About midnight of the 26th, the English, under General Grant, attacked the Americans from the left, thus inducing the J^" 81 ??.??*. , /. , . , . , . * t T i * > l(> British beliet, that against this post the main strength ot the British an j Hes- would be directed. At daybreak on the 27th, the Hessians, siaus attack under General de Heister, attacked from the centre, and c l a h n e ^STand General Sullivan, who commanded the forces in front of the centre. American camp, led them to repel the assailants ; little think- 184 WASHINGTON WITHDRAWS HIS ARMY TO HARLAEM. PART 111, Their true point of at- they sur- prise the ms ' defeat "the Americans slau iter* 1776. Washington the battle, ... dence^and self-posses S10IU August 28. from Long Island, and bi"army W to Harlaem Heights. ing that their attack was merely a stratagem to divert his at- tention from the real point of danger. The ships also made much noise by a show of cannonading. Colonel Miles was to guard the Flatlands road, and to scour that arid the Jamaica road continually, in order to reconnoitre ^ ie movements of the enemy. This service, as events proved, was the most important, and the worst performed, of any on ^ S ^ e ^ t ^ le Americans. It was here that the British gen- erals made their grand effort, and here that the Americans suffered a fatal surprise. The left wing of the English, which was the most numerous, and entirely composed of se- lect troops, under Generals Clinton, Percy, and Cornwallis, proceeded by Flatlands, and before Miles perceived their ap- proach, obtained possession of the Jamaica road, upon the heights. A scout sent out by Sullivan was captured ; and he was thus left in ignorance of the enemy's approach, until his flank was attacked by their infantry. He instantly ordered a retreat ; but he was intercepted by the English, who, occupy- * n ^ P^ ams ^ rom Bedford, now attacked him in the rear and compelled his troops to throw themselves into the neighbor- ing woods. There they were met by the Hessians, who drove them back upon the English. Thus were the distress- ed Americans alternately chased and intercepted, until, at length, several regiments cut their way, with desperate valor, through the midst of the enemy, and gained the camp of Putnam ; but a great part of the detachment were killed, or taken prisoners. The loss of the Americans was variously estimated from one to four thousand. The British lost, in killed and wounded, four hundred. In the height of the engagement, General Washington crossed to Brooklyn from New York. He saw his best troops slaughtered or taken prisoners, and with a glance which searched the future, he viewed in its consequences the terrible magnitude of the disaster, and he uttered an exclamation of anguish. But his prudence and wisdom remained unshaken. He might, at this moment, have drawn all his troops from the encampment ; and also called over all the forces in New York, to take part in the conflict : but victory having declared in favor of the English, the courage with which it inspired them, and the superiority of their discipline, destroyed all hope of recovering the battle ; and, with true heroism, he " preserved himself and his army, for a happier future." On the night of the 28th, Washington cautiously withdrew t ^ le remamcl er of his troops from Brooklyn to New York ; to which place the detachment from Governor's Island, also re tired. Finding, however, a disposition in the British to at- tac ^ t ^ ie c tyt an( i knowing that it would be impossible to defend it, he removed his forces to the heights of Harlaenu BRITISH TAKE POSSESSION OF NEW YORK. 165 CHAPTER II. Disasters following the Defeat on Long Island ABOUT this time, Captain Hale, a highly interesting young PART 111 officer from Connecticut, learning that Washington wished to PERIOD n ascertain the state of the British army on Long Island, volun- CHAP- n . leered for the dangerous service of a spy. He entered the .^^v-^, British army in disguise, and obtained the desired information ; Captain but being apprehended in his attempt to return, he was carried Hale volun- before Sir William Howe, and by his orders was executed the teers ^ a next morning. At the place of execution, he exclaimed, " I He is exe- lament that 1 have but one life to lay down for my country." cuted. On the 15th of September, the British army entered, and Sept 15 took possession of the city of New ifork. A few days after, British enter a fire broke out, which consumed nearly one-fourth part of the York, buildings. It is said that the fire was discovered in many Fireg occu different places at once ; and hence some have supposed that probably by it was fired by the citizens, as Moscow has more recently design. been, to deprive its enemies of its hospitable shelter. General Howe again made overtures for reconciliation. The Amer j Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and Edward Rutledge, cans will not were accordingly appointed to meet the British commissioners treat but OB at Staten Island. But as they utterly refused to treat on any independ- other basis than the acknowledgment of American indepen- ence. dence, nothing was effected. The situation in which the American commander now saw the momentous contest, could not but have filled him with alarming apprehensions for the fate of his country. Until the ,A me T ' ca . n . 8 i -i i-f i i i 11/1 in i dispirited by check at Brooklyn, the Americans had nattered themselves defeat. that Heaven would constantly favor their arms. From the in- toxicating confidence of prosperity, they now fell into a state of dejection. At first, they had believed that courage, without discipline, could do all ; they now thought it could do nothing. At every moment, they were apprehensive of some new sur- prise, and at every step, fearful of falling into an ambuscade. Thus discouraged, the militia abandoned their colors by 17"76. hundreds, and entire regiments deserted, and returned to their Militia ie- homes. In the regular army, also, subordination diminished, and desertions were common. Their engagements were but The regular for a year, or a few weeks ; and the hope of soon returning to army insub- their families induced them to avoid dangers. The fidelity of the officers was not suspected ; but their talents were dis- Officers not trusted ; and every thing appeared to threaten a total dissolu- c< tion of the army. Washington strove earnestly, with exhortations, persuasions, and Dromises, to arrest this spirit of disorganization. If h& 14 1 86 WASHINGTON AVOIDS A GENERAL ENGAGEMENT. PART ill, did not succeed according to his desires, he obtained more PERIOD ii. than his hopes. To congress he addressed an energetic pic- CHAP. ii. ture of the deplorable state of the forces, and assured them v-^-v^w* that he must despair of success, unless furnished with an Congress, by army that should stand by him till the conclusion of the strug- to!X S ent?ea- ^ e> ^ e ^ ecl ^ 8 > a bounty of twenty dollars was offered ties, offer a at the time of engagement, and portions of unoccupied lands bounty to the were promised to the officers and soldiers. But although Washington hoped ultimately to reap the benefit of these arrangements, yet time must intervene ; and his present prospect was that of a handful of dispirited and ill-found troops, to contend against a large and victorious army. ^ n l ^ ls s i tuat i n ue adopted the policy by which Fabius Maxi- Fabian poll- mus had, two thousand years before, preserved Italy, when c y- invaded by Hannibal ; and, like him, saved his country. Hence he has been called the American Fabius. This policy was to risk no general engagement, but to harass and wear out the enemy, by keej5!ng them in motion ; while by skir- mishes, where success was probable, he would, by degrees, diminish their number, and inspirit his own troops. On the 16th of September, the day after the British took The P Ameri- P ossess i n of New York, a considerable body of their troops cans gain an appeared in the plain between the two armies. Washington advantage, ordered Colonel Knowlton and Major Leech, with a detach- ment, to get in their rear, while he amused them with prepa- rations to attack them in front. The plan succeeded ; and although the brave Knowlton was killed, the rencontre was favorable to the Americans, as it served, in some degree, to restore that confidence in themselves, which their preceding misfortunes had destroyed. The British commander manoeuvered with great address to bring Washington to a general engagement ; but not succe x ed- ing, he endeavored to destroy his communication with the eastern states, and prevent his supply of provisions from that quarter. To effect this, it was necessary to occupy the two roads leading east. The one on the coast, the British secured with little difficulty ; but to occupy the more inland road, they must get possession of that post of the highlands called White Plains. Washington, aware of their object, removed his own Skirmi^h'at * rce to l ^ at pl ace > where, on the 28th of October, he was at- White tacked by the British and Hessians, under Generals Howe, Plains. Clinton, Knyphausen, and de Heister. A partial engagement ensued, in which the loss on both sides was considerable. Howe could not, however, draw Washington from his posi- tion ; which he maintained, until a strong British reinforce- ment arriving under Lord Percy, he dared not any longer risk his army, but, on the night of the 30th, he withdrew his forces to North Castle. Leaving here 7,500 men, under General Lee, he crossed the Hudson, and took post near Fort Lee. WASHINGTON RETREATS ACROSS THE DELAWARE. 187 General Howe next turned his attention towards the forts, PART III. Washington and Lee. They had been garrisoned, with the PERIOD n. hope of preserving the command of the Hudson river, but the CHAP - n. British had already, on two occasions, sent their ships past ^-"-v**^ them. General Washington, foreseeing their danger, had 1776. written to General Greene, who commanded in that quarter, ^J^J h the that if he should find fort Washington not in a situation to sus- Americans tain an assault, to cause it instantly to be evacuated. General in leaving GL i- -T-L IT/-- i u garrisons in reene, believing it might be maintained, left it under the f orts Wash- command of the brave Colonel Magaw, with a force of 2,700 ington and men. On the 16th of November, the British attacked the fort Lee> in four different quarters. The Americans repelled them with NQV ]6 such spirit, that, in the course of the day, about 1 ,200 of Fort Wash- the assailants were killed or wounded. At length, the Ameri- ington sur- cans were forced to capitulate ; but not without securing to themselves honorable terms. The prisoners taken by the British, at this time, amounted to about 2,000, a greater num- ber than had, on any previous occasion, fallen into their hands, and a most disastrous loss to their country. The British army immediately crossed the Hudson, to at- ^ ov 18 tack fort Lee ; but the garrison, apprised of their approach, Fort Lee evacuated the fort, and, under the guidance of General Greene, evacuated - joined the main army now at Newark. The acquisition of these two forts, and the diminution of the Washington . i i T ^i IT i retreats American army, by the departure or those soldiers whose across New term of service had expired, encouraged the British to hope, Jersey, that they should be able to annihilate, with ease, the remain- Is c \ ose i y ing force of the republicans. Washington, still undismayed, pursued. pursued the policy of avoiding an engagement, as the only hope of preserving his little army, which, at this time, amount- ed to only three thousand. Finding himself, in the post which he had taken at Newark, too near his triumphant foe, he re- moved to Brunswick. The same day, Cornwallis, with a part of the British army, entered Newark. Washington again retreated from Brunswick to Princeton, and thence to Trenton. Crosses the The British still pursuing, he finally crossed the Delaware, Delaware. into Pennsylvania. General, now Sir William Howe, (he having been knighted H 7n does r i i i c T V i i\ i not follow up for his success at the battle ol Long Island,) was, on this occa- his succes- sion, deficient in energy and promptitude. With an army of ses to the at- sixfold numerical force, and tenfold efficient strength, com- Subject? prised of disciplined troops, in health and vigor, ably com- manded, completely equipped and furnished, and elated with Stations his success, he did not commence the pursuit till four days after arm y a l n s , ,, ,, , T , , . . J c the eastern the capture of forts Washington and Lee. At any time alter bank of the the 28th, until Washington crossed the Delaware, a single Delaware, forced march might have overtaken, and destroyed his army. But such was not ordered by Howe ; and when he arrived at the Delaware, where he had hoped to overtake the Ameri- cans, the last boat, with the baggage, was crossing the river. 14* 188 THE DARKEST PERIOD OP THE REVOLUTION. 1776. The British general, not choosing, however, to take the trou- ble of constructing flat-bottomed boats, for carrying over his troops, and the Americans having been careful not to leave theirs for his accommodation, he arranged his German troops, to the number of 4,000, along the Delaware, from Mount Holly to Trenton ; placed a strong detachment at Princeton ; stationed his main army at New Brunswick, and retired himself to New York, to wait for the river to freeze, that thus he might be furnished with a convenient bridge; not doubting, as it would seem, that the Americans would quietly wait until he was ready to pass over and destroy them. CHAPTER III. American successes at Trenton and Princeton. 1776. December. Distress of Washing- ton's army. He becomes truly the " Father of his country." The time that "tried men's souls." Washington orders in his detach- mente. WASHINGTON showed how well he deserved the confidence reposed in him, by making every exertion to increase his ar- my, which, feeble as it was when he commenced his retreat, had hourly diminished. His troops were unfed amidst fatigue ; unshod, while their bleeding feet were forced rapidly over the sharp projections of frozen ground ; and they endured the keen December air, almost without clothes or tents. In such a situation, the wonder is not, that many died and many de- serted, but that enough remained to keep up the show of op- position. In this distressing situation, Washington manifest- ed to his troops all the firmness of the commander, while he showed all the tenderness of the father. He visited the sick, paid every attention in his power to the wants of the army praised their constancy, represented their sufferings to con- gress, and encouraged their despairing minds, by holding out the prospects of a better future ; while the serene and benig- nant countenance with which he covered his aching heart, made them believe, that their beloved and sagacious comman- der, was himself animated with the prospects which he por- trayed to them. The distresses of the Americans were increased by the desertion of many of the supposed friends of their cause. Howe, taking advantage of what he considered their van- quished and hopeless condition, offered free pardon to all who should now declare for the royal authority. Of the extremes of society the very rich and the very poor, numbers now sued for the royal clemency ; but few of the middle classes desert- ed their country in its hour of peril. General Lee, as has been before stated, was, by the orders of Washington, separated from the main body of the army, soon after the battle of White Plains. He was sent north- WASHINGTON BOLD AND SUCCESSFUL. 180 erly, to be at hand to succor the troops which were opposed PART IIL to Carleton, upon the lakes. But when Washington found PERIOD n. the main army in danger of annihilation, he ordered Lee to CHAP. in. join him with all possible expedition. Geneial Mercer, who v-^v^^/ commanded a corps of light infantry at Bergen, and General Mercer and Gates, who commanded on the northern frontier, received p romptly y similar orders, and promptly obeyed them. Washington had Mifflin also sent in various directions to arouse the militia. General brin s s i n mi - Mifflin, from Pennsylvania, had now joined him with a body p en nsylva of 1,500. nia. General Lee, ambitious, eccentric, and opinionated, thought he might make a better use of the men under his command, and therefore he did not promptly execute the order of Wash- ington ; but lingered along the northern mountains of New Jersey; where, having taken up his quarters at a house dis- r , Dec< 1 1 ?- ^ , ' . , & , ,, , . r , , General Lee tant trom the main body of his army, he was surprised, and ma de prison- carried prisoner to New York, by a party of British cavalry j when General Sullivan conducted his forces to Washington's camp. With these reinforcements, the American army amounted to about 7,000 effective men. A few days, however, would close the year/ and the period of enlistment for a considerable *T^* portion of the soldiers would expire with it. The cause of moment America demanded that important use should be made of the seized and short space which intervened. At this critical moment, Wash- im P rove* ^^ Sullivan's division took the upper road, and Greene's, where brilHant'swv was Washington in person, the Pennington road. They arri- cessatTren- ved at Trenton at the same moment. The Hessians, under Colonel Rahl, were surprised, and their commander slain. Prisoners, to the amount of 1,000, were taken by the Ameri- cans, who immediately re-crossed the Delaware. The joy, caused by this success, was great ; and it was almost unalloy- ed by that sorrow, which even victory brings. The Ameri- cans had lost but four men, two killed, and two, such was the seventy of the weather, were frozen to death. Many were induced, by this success, to serve six weeks longer. Two days after the action, Washington crossed his whole army over the Delaware, and took quarters at Trenton. Howe was thunderstruck by this astonishing reverse. Lord 190 CLOSE OF THE CAMPAIGN OF '76. PART III. Jan. 1. Movement of Corn- wallis. Jan. 3. Washington strikes an- other bold stroka and, ;u Princeton is again uccessful. Jan. 6. Washington retires to Morristown. Washing- ton's great merits as a commander. Cornwallis was in New York, on the point of embarking to* England ; but the commander ordered him instantly to New Jersey, where he joiried the British forces, now assembled at Princeton. Leaving a part of his troops at this place, he im- mediately proceeded towards Trenton, with the intention of giving battle to the Americans, and arrived, with his vanguard, on the first of January. Washington, knowing the inferiority of his force, sensible, too, that flight would be almost as fatal as defeat, conceived the project of marching to Princeton, and attacking the troops left in that place. About midnight, leaving Kis fires burning briskly, that his army should not be missed, he silently de camped, and gained, by a circuitous route, the rear of the enemy. At sunrise, the van of the American forces met, unexpectedly, two British regiments, which were on the march to join Cornwallis. A conflict ensued : the Americans gave way : all was at stake : Washington himself, at this decisive moment, led on the main body. The enemy were routed, and fled. YVashington pressed forward towards Princeton, where one regiment of the enemy yet remained. A part of these saved themselves by flight ; the remainder, about 300 in num- ber, were made prisoners. The number killed on the side of the British, was upwards of one hundred ; that of the Amer- icans, was less ; but, among them, was the excellent General Mercer, with several other valuable officers. Thrilling were the emotions with which these successes were hailed by a disheartened nation. Even to this day, when an unexpected and thrilling event is to be related, the speaker, who perchance knows not the origin of the proverb, joyfully exclaims, " Great news from the Jerseys !" On hearing the cannonade from Princeton, Cornwallis, ap- prehensive for the safety of his Brunswick stores, immediate- ly put his army in motion for that place. Washington, on his approach, retired to Morristown. When somewhat refreshed, he again took the field ; and having gained possession of New- ark, Woodbndge, Elizabethtown, and indeed of all the ene- my's posts in New Jersey, except New Brunswick and Am- boy, he retired to secure winter-quarters at Morristown. Washington's military glory now rose to its meridian. In deed, nothing in the history of war, shows a leader in a more advantageous point of light, than the last events of this cam- paign, did the commanding general. Where can we find a passage, in the life of Hannibal, of Julius Caesar, or Napole- on, in which the soldier's fearless daring and contempt of per- sonal danger, more strikingly blends, with the commander's fertility of resource, promptness to decide and act, vigor to follow up success, and moderation to stop at the precise poin between bravery and rashness ? But Hannibal made war for re- venge ; Caesar and Napoleon, for personal ambition ; Washing- ton for justice, for the rights of his country, and of nankind. ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION ADOPTED. 191 A new face was put upon the contest. In America, the PART III, palsying influence of despair gave place to the invigorating PERIOD n counsels of hope ; while in England, exultation was exchan- CHAP - *" ged for alarm, and in France, pity for respect. v^^-v^^y The northern American force, under General Arnold, and ITT" 6. the British army under Carleton, met on Lake Champlain, Arnold* ^e- near the island of Valcour. The American armament was feated on entirely destroyed ; and General Carleton, after proceeding Lak( j 9 ham to Crown Point, reconnoitered the posts at Ticonderoga pdin * and Mount Independence, and returned to winter-quarters in Canada. On the same day on which General Washington retreated Dec. 8. over the Delaware, the British took possession of Rhode Isl- B ^geMi Perhaps it is equally to these qualities in Franklin, as to the Franklin, graver wisdom and more heroic valor of Washington, that a g reeab"e* America owes her existence as a nation ; for it must ever witty and remain problematical, whether, without the aid of France, it wise, shifts cou \^ have achieved its independence; and although politi- ures^but cal reasons might have operated to make that nation wish gains his evil to England, yet without the interest, which Franklin ends< found means to excite for America, the government might never have effectually interfered. This interest was so lively, that several individuals of dis- La Fa ette tmct i n to0 ^ tne generous resolution of embarking in the cause at the age of of America, and combating in her armies. The most cfistin- nineteen, es- g u i s hed of these, was the young Marquis de la Fayette. P cause of 6 With every thing to attach him to his country, rank, wealth, American a deserving and beloved bride, he was yet moved by compas- liberty. s j on to su flf erm g virtue, and by indignation against oppression, to leave all that was individually dear, to expose his life, and impair his fortune in the cause of American liberty, and the rights of man. He had early communicated his resolution to the commissioners. After hearing of the disasters which fol- Comes to the lowed the battle of Long Island, they felt bound to make he^adversi- known to him the despairing state of their country ; and to say ty. that such was its extreme poverty, that they could not even provide him with a vessel for his conveyance. " Then," said withdistinc- ^ a F a y ette > " ^ y our country is indeed reduced to this extre- tion. mity, this is the moment that my departure to join its armies, will render it the most essential service." His arrival caused a deep sensation of joy among the people. Congress soon July 31. appointed him a major general in the army; and Washington General received him into his family, and regarded him through life with parental affection. The American commander, in forming such a probable cal- culation on the movements of his enemy at New York, as would enable him to make a judicious disposition of his own army, which now amounted to 8,000 effective men, was well the J British. aware tna t there were with the British cabinet two objects. The one was, to get possession of Philadelphia ; and the other, to proceed up the Hudson, form a junction with their northern army, and thus cut off the communication between the eastern and southern states. His sagacious mind com prehended that the latter was the more important enterprise , and he knew that it best coincided with the orders which May. Howe had received from England ; but he also knew, that it Washington was a favorite project with him, to draw the Americans into fron^Morris- a g enera l engagement, not doubting that it would issue in their town to Mid- final discomfiture. Washington, therefore, sought to make dlebrook. suc h a disposition of his forces, as should best enable him to INVASION FROM CANADA BY BURGOYNE. 195 concentrate them in opposition, whichever way his enemy should turn. He removed the main army from Morristown, to a strong position on the heights of Middlebrook ; and sta- tioned the troops, raised in the northern provinces, at Peeks- kill and Ticonderoga, and those from the middle and southern, in New Jersey. Howe commenced his operations by an attempt to draw the American commander into a general engagement. For this purpose, he crossed the Hudson, and marched to Middle- brook ; but finding the American camp too strong to attack, he remained several days before it, vainly offering battle, On the 19th of June he ordered a precipitate retreat from Jersey. Having arrived at Amboy, a bridge was thrown hastily over to Staten Island, and all the heavy baggage, and many of the troops passed it. Washington, now deceived, ordered his army to the pursuit. Howe recrossed with his troops, but Washington eluded him, and regained his camp, though not without a skirmish, in which the British, under Lord Cornwallis, had the advantage over a corps of American riflemen, PART III. CHAP - v - 1777. tempts to daw Wash- ment. feint of re- treating. but regains his P sitlon - CHAPTER V. Campaign of 1777, continued. ON the night of July 10th occurred the capture of the Bri- tish General Prescott, then in command on Rhode Island. Colonel Barton, with forty country militia, from Warwick, under his command, proceeded ten miles in whale boats, landed between Newport and Bristol, marched a mile, to Prescott's quarters, took the general from his bed, and con- ducted him with dispatch to a place of safety on the main land. Meantime great preparations were making for a descent upon the United States from Canada. The plan of dividing the siates, by effecting a junction of the British army through Lake Champlain and the Hudson, was, at the beginning of this year, looked to, by the whole British nation, as the cer- tain means of effecting the reduction of America. This scheme had gained new favor in England, by the representations of General Burgoyne, an officer who had served under Carleton, and whose knowledge of American affairs was therefore un- disputed. Burgoyne, by his importunities with the British ministry, obtained the object for which he had made a voyage to England. He was appointed to the command of all the troops in Canada, to the prejudice of Governor Carleton, and was furnished with an army and military stores. With these he arrived at Quebec in May. 1777. ojfj e ^" Prescott t0 n. states> * hr u s h the , champlain. Burgoyne ar- rives with a 196 ST. LEGER'S ABORTIVE EXPEDITION. PART III. General Carleton exhibited an honorable example of mode- PERIOD ii. ration arid patriotism, by seconding Burgoyne in his prepara- CHAP. v. tions, with great diligence and energy. To increase the army, ^^~^~^ / he exerted, not only his authority as governor, but also his 1777. influence among his numerous friends and partisans. Though Sir Guy himself averse to using the savages, yet such being the dignified be- orders of the British government, he aided in bringing to the havior. field even a greater number than could be employed. Burgoyne's army was provided with a formidable train of Officers 6 S artillery. The principal officers who were to accompany His whole him were, General Philips, who had distinguished himself in t ^ ie German wars Brigadiers Frazer and Powel, the Bruns- wick Major General Baron Reidesel, and Brigadier General Specht. The army consisted of 7,173 British and German troops, besides several thousands of Canadians and Indians. Burgoyne's plan of operation was, that Colonel St. Leger His plan of should proceed with a detachment by the St. Lawrence, operation. Qswego, and Fort Stanwix, to Albany. Burgoyne, proceed- ing by Champlain and the Hudson, was to meet St. Leger at Albany, and both join General Clinton at New York. June 20. His preparations completed, Burgoyne moved forward with Burgoyne his army, and made his first encampment on the western shore the'Sve^Bo- ^ Lake Champlam, at the river Boquet. Here, in two in- quet, and is- stances, he betrayed that vanity which was his characteristic sues a proc- wea kness. He made a speech to his Indian allies, in which. lamatioD. . ,, . , , . , , in terms of singular energy, and with an imposing manner, he endeavored to persuade them to change their savage mode of warfare. He also published a proclamation, in which, by arguments, promises, and threats, (threats of savage extermi- nation!) he seemed to expect that he should bring the repub- licans to the royal standard : as if words which he should speak could change the natural character and established manners of a nation ; or those which he could write, could have power to subvert the purposes of men, whom all the pre- vious measures of his government had failed to intimidate. Aug. 3. St. Leger had united with Sir John Johnson, and having St. Leger ne arly 2,000 troops, including savages, they invested Fort Stanwix. Stanwix, then commanded by Colonel Gansevoort. General Herkimer, having collected the militia, marched to the relief Aug. 6. of Gansevoort. He fell into an Indian ambuscade on the Sirnef is 6th of August, and was defeated and slain, with 400 of his defeated troops. St. Leger, wishing to profit by his victory, pressed U ? n *^ e ^ Ort< * n ^ S P er ^ ous moment, Colonel VVillet and Lieutenant Stockton left the fort, fighting their way through the English camp ; and, eluding the Indians, they arrived at German Flats, and proceeded to Albany, to alarm the country, and gain assistance. St A Le' ef're- General Schuyler, on hearing the danger of the fort, dis- turns to patched Arnold to its relief. On hearing of his approach, the Montreal. Indians, having previously become dissatisfied, mutinied, and DISASTERS OF THE GARRISON OF TICONDEROGA. 197 compelled St. Leger to return to Montreal. On the way, PART III. they committed such depredations on the British troops, as to PERIOD IL leave the impression, that they were no less dangerous as CH *P. v. allies, than as enemies. v-^-v^^/ To preserve a connected view of the expedition of St. Leger, we have gone nearly two months ahead of the operations of if??. Burgoyne. On the 30th of June, that general advanced to June 30. Crown Point, from whence he proceeded to invest Ticonde- Bu |5JJJJJ|j "* roga, which was garrisoned by 3,000 men, under the com- Point, mand -of General St. Clair. This was a place of great natural strength, and much expense and labor had been bestowed July 5. upon its fortifications ; but, up to this period, a circumstance Ticondero! respecting it seems to have been strangely overlooked. It ga, which is is commanded by an eminence in its neighborhood, called ev ^ cu t jg d Mount Defiance.* The troops of Burgoyne got possession of Americans this height on the 5th of July, and St. Clair, finding the post no longer tenable, evacuated it on the same night. The gar- rison separated into two divisions, were to proceed through Hubbardton to Skeenesborough. The first, under St. Clair, left the fort in the night, two hours earlier than the second, under Colonel Francis. The stores and baggage, placed on board 200 batteaux, and conveyed by five armed gallies, were to meet the army at Skeenesborough. General Frazer, with 850 of the British, pursued and attacked the division at Hubbardton, under Colonel Francis, whose rear was commanded by Colonel Warner. The j u iy7. Americans made a brave resistance, during which 130 of the Disaster at enemy were killed ; but the British, in the heat of the action, Hubba r dton - receiving a reinforcement under Reidesel, the republicans were forced to give way. They fled in every direction, spreading through the country the terror of the British arms. In this unfortunate action, the Americans lost in killed, wounded, and prisoners, nearly 1,000 men. Many of the wounded perished in the woods. Colonel Francis was among the slain. A part of the stores and armed galleys, which had been sent up the lake, fell into the hands of the British. St. Clair, July 12. on hearing of these disasters, did not pursue his intended w ^' ^JJJ^ route, but struck into the woods on his left. At Manchester, nant of the he was joined by the remnant of the vanquished division, garrison, conducted by Colonel Warner. After a distressing march, he ^Edw^rd? reached the camp of General Schuyler, then at Fort Edward. Warner remained in Manchester, with a detachment, which Warner at proved of great importance in the affair which shortly after Manchester - occurred at Bennington. * From the memoirs of Colonel John Trumbull, now (1841,) just out of the press, we learn, that Gates was informed, during the preceding summer, by Colonel Trumbull, of the fact discovered and demonstrated by him, that the fort of Ticonderoga was commanded by Mount Defiance. But it seems the discovery was not communicated to Washington, nor acted on, till too late. 198 BURGOYNE'S SUCCESS, FIRST CHECKED AT BENNINGTON. PART III. Burgoyne, meanwhile, took possession of Skeenesborough ; PERIOD ii. and the American army, under Schuyler, retired from Fort CHAP. v. Ed W ard to Saratoga, and, on the 13th of August, to the islands v "^^^^ at the mouth of the Mohawk. 1777. This period of the history was gloomy to America, and Gloomy fore- t r i ump h a nt to England. When the news of Burgoyne's suc- bomn";, but 111 t -i energetic ac- cesses reached that country, the ministers were every where tion. felicitated on the success of their plans ; and rejoicings were made, as though their object was already attained. On the other hand, the Americans saw that the juncture was critical and alarming ; but their spirit rose with the occasion, and their exertions increased with their danger. General General Schuyler, before leaving the northern positions, Schuyler obstructed the roads, by breaking the bridges, and, in the obstructs i i j /M i/ i i i Burgoyne's on iy passable defiles, by cutting great trees on both sides way. of the way, to fall cross and lengthwise. These, with their branches interwoven, presented to the enemy an almost impas- sable barrier. Congress was aware of the great merits and exertions of l General Schuyler ; yet they found that the misfortunes of the ~ army had, though undeservedly, made him unpopular ; and, Schuyler. therefore, it was necessary to supersede him, in order to make way for a leader, who should inspire a confidence that nofd, Mor- f ~ w uld draw volunteers to the service. Accordingly, General gan, kosci- Gates was appointed to the command, but did not arrive at the usko, join camp unt ij tne 2ist of August. Lincoln also was ordered to the northern , r , i -i i i army. the north, as were Arnold and Morgan, whose active spirits and brilliant achievements, it was hoped, would reanimate the dispirited troops . The celebrated patriot of Poland, Kosciusko, was also in the army, as its chief engineer. July 30 Burgoyne, having, with great expense of labor and time, Burgoyne opened a way for his army, from Skeenesborough to the Hud- scm ' arrived at Fort Edward, on the 30th July. But being in a -hostile country, he could obtain no supplies except from He sends Ticonderoga : and these he was compelled to transport by the Colonel way of lake George. Learning that there was a large depot f provisions at Bennington, he sent 500 men, under Lieut. Col. Baujn, a trusty German officer, to seize them. General Bennington. Stark, with a body of New Hampshire militia, was on his march to join General Schuyler, when hearing of Baurn's ap- Stark, with p rO ach, he recruited his forces from the neighboring militia, shire mifftia, an d, w i tn 1,600 men, met him four miles from Bennington. defeats him, After a sharp conflict, Baum was killed, and his party defeat- ed. The militia had dispersed, to seek for plunder, when a Aug. 16. British reinforcement of 500 men, under Colonel Breymann, B feated") de " ar " ve ^- Fortunately for the Americans, the Green Mountain Warner. Boys, under Colonel Warner, appeared at the same time, and the British were again defeated, and compelled to retreat. Their loss in both engagements was 600, the greater part of MURDER OF MISS M*CREA BY SAVAGES. 199 whom were taken prisoners.* The republican loss was incon- PART III. siderable. PERIOD n. The victory at Bennington was important in its consequen- ' ces, as it proved the turning of that tide of fortune which had ^*~v*~' set so strongly in favor of the British arms. It embarrassed, l'""9 f . weakened, and dispirited them; and was the first step in defeating their grand scheme of dividing the north from the south, while it revived the drooping hearts of the Americans, and gave the impulse of hope to their exertions. This was strengthened by an impulse of another kind, but operating in the same direction. A cry of vengeance for murder was raised against the British, on account of an atrocious act, committed by their Indian allies. Miss M'Crea, an interesting young lady of fort Edward, was betrothed to Captain Jones, then in the army of Burgoyne, which had now approached near to that place. Impatient for his marriage, the lover sent a party of Indians, as the safest convoy he could procure for his bride across the woods to the British camp ; having secured, as he thought, their fidelity, The mur( i er by promise of reward. Confiding love prevailed in her mind of Miss over her strong fears of these terrible guides ; and the unfor- M ' Crea - tunate girl left, by stealth, the kind shelter of her paternal roof. Meantime, her anxious lover, to make her safety more sure, sent out another party, with like promises. The two met ; and the last demanded that the lady should be commit- ted to them. Rather than give her up, and thus, as they sup- posed, lose their reward, the barbarians tied to a tree, their innocent and helpless victim, and shot her dead. Instead of his bride, the bridegroom received the bloody tresses, which the murderers had cut from her dying head. The sight with- ered and blasted him ; and, after lingering awhile, he died. The complicated miseries of a battle scene crowd the pic- ture, and confuse the mind ; and thus often produce less sym- pathy, than a single case of distress. In the present instance, every man could feel, what it would have been, or would be ^effects on . / , . . the public to him, to have his bride torn, as it were, from his arms, m ind. shrieking, and murdered in the hour of his love and expecta- tion ; and every pains was used to awaken these sympathies to their utmost extent, and turn them against the British * After the Battle of Bennington, the Hessian prisoners were carried into the village, and distributed into public buildings and out-houses. The meeting- house was filled to crowding. The next day, an alarm was suddenly given to the women of the village, to take their children and flee. The Hessians, it was said, were rising on their guard. They were rushing in all directions out of the meeting-house. The guard fired, and killed five of them. But the fears of the inhabitants were suddenly changed to compassion. The galleries were giving way. In danger of being crushed to death, the unfortunate men rushed out, and met the fire of a guard, who could not at first understand from their foreign speech, their explanation of the disorder. This anecdote was related to me by a venerable matron, then a young lady, and an inhabitant of Bennington. The speech attributed to General Stark, as he was about to lead his men to battle, is worthy of being remembered. " Now, my boys," said he, " we must beat them, or Molly Stark is a widow to-night." 200 BATTLES OF STILLWATER AND SARATOGA. PART III. PERIOD II. CHAP. V. 1777. Sept. 8. Gates en- camps at Stillwater. Sept. 14. Burgoyne encamps at Saratoga. Sept. 19. Battle of Stillwater. Oct. 7. Battle of Saratoga. Position of Gates. Position of Burgoyne. His officers. who had let loose such bloodhounds upon the land. There was a general rising in the northern region, and it seemed as if every man, who could bear arms, was rushing to the camp of Gates, to avenge the death of iMiss M'Crea, no less than to deliver his country. The army at the islands, having been thus reinforced, and now amounting to 5,000, Gates left that encampment, the 8th of September, and proceeding to Stillwater, occupied Bemus heights. On the 12th, Burgoyne crossed the Hudson, and on the 14th, encamped at Saratoga, about three miles distant from the American army. An obstinate and bloody battle occurred at Stillwater, on the 19th. At first it was partial, commencing with a skirmish between advanced parties. Each side sent successive reinforcements to their own combatants, until nearly the whole were in action. The American troops took advantage of a wood which lay between the two camps, and poured from it a fire too deadly to be withstood. The Bri- tish lines broke ; and the Americans, rushing from their cov- erts, pursued them to an eminence, where their flanks being supported, they rallied. Charging in their turn, they drove the Americans into the woods, from which they again poured a deadly fire, and again the British fell back. At every charge, the British artillery fell into the hands of the Ameri- cans, who could neither carry it off, or turn it on the enemy. At length night came on, and to fight longer, would be to attack indiscriminately friend and foe. The Americans retired to their camp, having lost between three and four hundred men. The loss of the British was five hundred. Both sides claimed the victory ; but the advantage was clearly on the side of the Americans. Skirmishes, frequent and animated, occurred between this and the 7th of October, when a general battle was fought at Saratoga. At this time, the right wing of General Gates oc- cupied the brow of the hill, near the river, his camp being in the form of the segment of a large circle, the convex side towards the enemy. General Burgoyne's left was on the river, his right extend- ing at right-angles to it, across the low grounds, about two hundred yards, to a range of steep heights, occupied by his choicest troops. The guard of his camp upon the high grounds, was given to Brigadiers Hamilton and Specht ; that of the redoubts and plain, near the river, to Brigadier Gole. Burgoyne commanded in person the centre, composed of 1,500 men, and was seconded by Philips, Reidesel, and Fra- zer. His left flank, composed of grenadiers, was commanded by Major Ackland ; his right, consisting of infantry, by the earl of Balcarras. The Americans, under General Poor, attacked the left flank and front of the British ; and, at the same time, Colonel Mor- SURRENDER OF BURGOYNE. 201 gan assailed their right. The action became general. The PART III. efforts of the combatants were desperate. Burgoyne, aud his PERIOD n. officers, fought like men who were defending, at the last cast, CHAP - T their military reputation ; Gates and his army, like those who ^~^~v~*+~' were deciding whether themselves and their children should 1777. be freemen or slaves. The invading army gave way, in the f battle is short space of fifty-two minutes. The defenders of the soil fought* pursued them to their entrenchments, forced the guard, and The British killed Colonel Breyman, its commander. Arnold, the tiger of the American army, whose track was marked by carnage, headed a small band, stormed their works, and followed them into their camp. But his horse was killed under him ; he was himself wounded ; and darkness was coming on. Here- tired ; and thus was reserved to another day, the utter ruin of the British army. The loss in killed and wounded, was great on both sides, but especially on the part of the British, of whom a considera- ble number were made prisoners. General Frazer, whose killed* character was as elevated as his rank, received a mortal wound. The American? had now an opening into the British camp. They rested on their arms the night after the battle, upon the Burgoyne field which they had so bravely won ; determined to pursue changes his their victory with returning light. But Burgoyne, aware of the advantage which they had gained, effected, with admira- ble order, a change of his ground. The artillery, the camp, and its appurtenances, were all removed before morning, to the heights. The British army, in this position, had the river in its rear, and its two wings displayed along the hills upon its right bank. Gates was too wise to attack his enemy in this position, and expose to another risk, what now wanted nothing but vigilance to make certain. He made arrangements to inclose *~ : s enemy, which Burgoyne perceiving, put his army in motion at nine o'clock at night, and removed to Sara- toga, six miles up the river. He was obliged to abandon his hospital, with three hundred sick and wounded, to the hu- manity of the Americans. Burgoyne now made efforts in various directions, to effect He endeav- a retreat ; but in every way he had been anticipated. He ors to retreat, found himself in a foreign and hostile country, hemmed in by impossible. a foe, whose army constantly increasing, already amounted to four times his own wasting numbers. His boats, laden with Receives w> his supplies, were taken, and his provisions were failing. He succors - had early communicated with Sir Henry Clinton at New York, and had urged his co-operation. More recently, when his fortune began to darken, he had entreated him for speedy aid ; stating, that, at the farthest, his army could not hold out beyond the 12th of October. The 12th arrived, without the expected TT ct - I 7 - TT . . T ,. in " e fia succor. His army was in the utmost distress, and Burgoyne capitulated on the 17th. 15 202 THE BRITISH RAVAGE THE BANKS OF THE HUDSON Kind treat- ment of prisoners. Garrison of Ticonderoga retreat to Canada. Forts Clin- ton and British. Oct. 15. burned. The whole number surrendered amounted to 5,752 men, which, together with the troops lost before, by various disas- ters, made up the whole British loss to nine thousand two hundred and thirteen. There also fell into the hands of the Americans, thirty-five brass field pieces, and 5,000 musliets. It was stipulated that the British should pile their arms at the word of command, given by their own officers, march out of their camp with the honors of war, and have free passage across the Atlantic ; they, on their part, agreeing not to serve again in North America, during the war. They were treated with delicacy by the Americans. Their officers, especially their commander, received many kind attentions. The wor- thy General Schuyler hospitably entertained Burgoyne, at his own house ; although much of his private property, especially an elegant villa, had been destroyed by his command. On hearing of the defeat of Burgoyne, the British garrison at Ticorideroga returned to Canada, and not a foe remained in the northern section of the Union. Thus ended an expedition from which the British had hoped, and the Americans had feared so much. The effects of their success were highly propitious to the cause of the republicans. It not only weakened and discour- aged the enemy, but gave them a supply of artillery and stores^ and, what was still more important, raised them in their own estimation, and in that of foreign nations. Connected with Burgoyne's invasion, was the predatory ex- cursion up the North River, in which the British took forts Clinton and Montgomery, and burned the village of Esopus, now Kingston. This excursion, commanded by Sir Henry Clinton, who was accompanied by Tryon and Vaughan, had the double object of opening a free navigation for the British vessels up the river to Albany, and of making a division of the American forces, which were now concentrating in oppo- sition to Burgoyne, and thus giving him an opportunity to es- cape. Had Clinton taken this step earlier, he might possibly have effected the latter object. As it was. Burgoyne had no- tice of the taking of the forts, and the advance of Clinton, just after he had made a verbal agreement to sign the articles of capitulation ; when neither his honor, nor his humanity, would permit him longer to await the expected succor. Clinton, on hearing that Burgoyne had surrendered, and that Gates was advancing to attack him, evacuated and dis- mantled the forts which he had taken, and retreated to New York ; experiencing no other permanent result of his expedi tion, than the execrations of a plundered people, and the character of having revived, in a civilized age, barbariai atrocities. PHILADEPHIA MENACED AND DEFENDED. CHAPTER VI. Campaign of 1777 Continued. HAVING now given a connected view of the momentous op- PART III. erations at the north, we go back nearly three months, in the PERIOD II order of time, to take a brief sketch of the less decisive trans- CHAP. vi. actions in the middle states. v^~v-^^ Admiral arid General Howe, intent on the capture of Phila- 1777. delphia, left Sandy Hook on the 23d of July. They were so Howe sails long at sea, that Washington was ready to conclude that they apedM? C aSi had gone to Charleston. At length they were heard of, as lands at Elk- sailing up Chesapeake bay. They disembarked their troops, ton< amounting to 18,000, on the 25th of August, at the head of the . Elk river, fifty miles southwest of Philadelphia. Washing- Washington ton crossed the Delaware and marched to oppose them ; not- marches to withstanding his army, never equal to that of the British, was meet ' now greatly diminished by the powerful detachments he had sent to check the alarming progress of Burgoyne. Accompanied by Generals Greene, Sullivan, Wayne, and Stirling, he approached the enemy, until he reached Gray's The mam Hill, in front of the British commander, with whom were armies pre- Generals Knyphausen and Cornwallis. He then retreated pare t i r across the Brandywine, and encamped on the rising grounds which extend from Chad's Ford, in a direction from northwest to southeast ; and here, (the shallow stream of the Brandy- wine being between the armies,) he awaited an attack from the British ; well knowing that nothing but a victory could now save Philadelphia. Early in the morning, on the 1 1th of September, the whole Sept. 11. British army, drawn up in two divisions, commenced the B Bat d tle ?* expected assault. Agreeably to the plan of Howe, the right wing, commanded by Knyphausen, made a feint of crossing the Brandy wine, at Chad's Ford; while the left, commanded by Cornwallis, took a circuitous route up the Brandywine, and British army crossed, though not without opposition, at the forks. Knyp- in two di- hausen, with some fighting and much noise, had occupied the ^^f^fb" 1 attention of the Americans. Washington, hearing that Corn- Cornwallis wallis was approaching, determined to press forward in the andKnyp- centre and on the left ; and if possible, divide the army, arid cut off Knyphausen. A false counter intelligence prevented his executing this bold design, which might have changed the fate of the day. He had already dispatched some of his troops, whom, by this false intelligence, he was induced to recall. Thus time was consumed, and Cornwallis fell upon the; Americans while they were in some measure unprepared to receive him. They, however, defended themselves with 15* 204 THE BRITISH FORCE THEIR WAY TO PHILADELPHIA. PART III, great valor. The carnage was terrible. The Americans, at PERIOD IL length, were forced to give way. CHAP. vi. Washington ordered to their aid, the reserve commanded *-^-v^*^ by Greene ; but it was too late, and the most it could perform, was to cover the retreat of the fugitives. Knyphausen now began in earnest to effect his passage at Chad's Ford. The Americans withstood bravely ; but finding the remainder of the army vanquished, they fled in confusion, and abandoned to the enemy their artillery and ammunition. These found also a shelter within the lines of Greene, who was the last to quit the field. ITTT". The Americans lost 300 killed, 600 wounded, and 400 taken Americans prisoners. The British loss, in killed and wounded, was less wftlfthefo'ss than 500 ' Tkis batt * e was distinguished by the exertions of of 1,300. foreign officers. The heroic La Fayette, while endeavoring British loss to ra ^y the fugitives, was wounded in the leg. Another near 500. ' French officer of distinction, the Baron St. Ovary, was made La Fayette prisoner ; and Count Pulaski, a celebrated Polander, displayed wounded. a coura ge which congress afterwards rewarded with the rank of brigadier general. Americans Qn the night succeeding the battle, the Americans retreated PhilSe? to Chester, and the next day to Philadelphia. The following phia. day, a detachment of British troops proceeded to Wilmington, B ed7o WH anc ^ to k P r i soner the governor of Delaware. They seized mington. considerable property, public and private- ; among which, was a quantity of coined money. Washington Washington had engaged his foe with inferior numbers, ^his foe kS countm g on the possibility of defeat, and believing that, even at that hazard, it was necessary, on account of public opinion, to fight. He was not, therefore, disheartened by his defeat, but determined to risk another battle for the defense of the capital. He accordingly repassed the Schuylkill, to meet the enemy at Goshen ; but a violent shower of rain wet the powder in the ill-constructed cartridge boxes of the Americans, and compelled the commander to defer the engagement. The General republicans were unfortunate in another attempt to annoy the Wayne is enemy. Washington had ordered Wayne, with a detachment ^ 1' 5 ^0 men, into the rear of the British. This detachment was surprised ; and a night scene of shocking slaughter en- sued, in which 300 of the Americans were cut oflf. Howe now made a movement, which placed Washington in a situation where he could not interpose his army between t ^ le enem y anc ^ tne capital, without exposing to destruction capital to the extensive magazine of provisions and military stores, protect his which had been established at Reading. Notwithstanding the clamors of the populace, he prudently abandoned the city ; rather than sacrifice the stores, or risk another battle, while the odds were so much against him. Congress ad- Congress, finding themselves insecure in Philadelphia, ad- journ to Lian- . i -i i i i i i caster. joumed to Lancaster, to which place the public archives and BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN. 205 magazines were removed. They again invested Washington PART III. with the same dictatorial powers which were intrusted to him PERIOD IL after the reverses in New Jersey. CHAP. vi. On the 23d of September, Sir William Howe crossed the Schuylkill, and proceeded to Germantown. On the 26th, a detachment of the British army, under Cornwallis, entered the American capital, while the main body rested at German- enter Phila- town. The American army, consisting of eleven thousand men, were conducted by Washington along the left bank of the Schuylkill, and lay encamped eleven miles from German- town, at Schippack creek. Lord Howe had now consummated an event to which he had looked as decisive of the contest. But far from being The Ameri- subdued, the Americans, encouraged by the capture of Bur- cans endear goyne, were not even disheartened. They knew that the BritisiTsup- army of Washington, when it should have received its rein- plies by sea. forcements, could cut off the enemy's supplies on the side of Pennsylvania. If, therefore, they could prevent their receiv- ing them by water, they would soon be compelled to evacuate the city. For this object, they had created batteries on Mud Island, and also at Red Bank and Billingsport, on the Jer- sey shore ; along which places they had sunk ranges of frames, to impede the navigation of the river. The British, sensible of the importance of a free communication with the sea, by means of the Delaware, sent Colonel Stirling, with a detachment, to attack Billingsport, and clear away the ob- structions which the Americans had placed in the river ; in which enterprise, he was ultimately successful. The American commander, knowing that the army of Howe was weakened by the detachments under Cornwallis and Stirling, determined, if possible, to surprise him. He accordingly left his camp at Schippack creek, at seven in the Oct 4 evening, arid at dawn succeeded in giving the British a com- Washington plete surprise. - They at first retreated in disorder. Several surprises companies having thrown themselves into a stone house, German- annoyed the Americans. A part of the Pennsylvania militia town. did not perform the duty assigned them. A thick fog came on, and unable to distinguish friend from foe, confusion arose in the American ranks. The British, thus enabled to recover from the first attack, aroused to fresh exertions ; and the H ^ a pros- Americans were defeated. Their loss was two hundred ^ess! but * killed ; (among whom was General Nash, of North Carolina;) meets a de- six hundred wounded, and four hundred taken prisoners, lossof^oo The British loss was five hundred. The American army, with all its artillery, now retreated twenty miles, to Perkiomen creek ; and from thence, having received a reinforcement of five hundred militia, Washington Washington advanced to his old camp, at Schippack creek. Although g^ rns a ^ the army had riot effected what its commander had hoped, Creek. 206 BRITISH OPEN THE NAVIGATION OF THE DELAWARE. PART III. y e t go rauc h skill and bravery had been displayed, that its PERIOD ii. reputation was enhanced. CHAP. vi. Congress voted their thanks to the commander, and to his *~^~*^s O ffi cers an( i soldiers, except General Stevens, who was cashiered for misconduct on the retreat. 1777. A few days after the battle, the royal army removed from Howe in Germantown to Philadelphia. Scarcity of provisions pre- phta, 61 " vente d Howe from following the Americans, and he wished traightened to co-operate in the design of opening the navigation of the for supplies. j) e i aware Indeed, this measure became necessary to the preservation of his army, which could not draw subsistence from the adjacent country; so effectually did the menacing attitude of Washington's army operate, and also the edict of congress, which pronounced the penalty of death upon any citizen who should dare to afford him supplies. Thus situated, the British general found, as Dr. Franklin wittily remarked, that, " instead of taking Philadelphia, Philadelphia had taken him." To succeed in opening a communication with their fleet, which had sailed from the Chesapeake to the Delaware, it was necessary that the British should possess themselves of Atfacjpon Mud Island, which was defended by Fort Mifflin, and Fort Red Bank. Mercer, on Red Bank. Accordingly, a body of Hessians, under Colonel Donop, marched down the Jersey shore, and attacked Fort Mercer with great impetuosity. It was defended by 400 men, under Colonel Greene. The Americans with- drew within the fort, and made there a vigorous defense. The Hessian commander was mortally wounded, and his troops were repulsed with the loss of 500 men. Nov. 16. Their next attack was made upon Mud Island, by their Attack on shipping. This proved, at first, no more successful ; and the ' British lost two warlike vessels in the attempt. The Ameri- cans were, however, at length dislodged by an attack from a battery which the British had found means to erect on Pro- vince Island, a little above Mud Island, which commanded Fort Mifflin. Their post thus becoming untenable, they with- drew in the night to Fort Mercer. To attack this fort, the British commander dispatched Cornwallis with a strong detachment. In obedience to his orders, that general crossed the Schuylkill, followed down the Delaware to Chester, below the fort, then crossing to . . Billing's Point, and receiving a reinforcement from New * he thence ascended the river to attack it in the rear. open the The Americans, apprised of his approach, evacuated the fort. "andfthdr' The American shipping, deprived of protection, was now in fleet come great danger. Some vessels, under cover of night, passed the up the Dela- battery of Philadelphia, and sought safety further up the river ; but seventeen were abandoned, and burned by their crews Lord Howe had now opened the navigation of the Delaware so that he could communicate with his brother, the admiral PATIENT SUFFERING OF THE AMERICAN ARMY. 207 In the meanwhile, the victorious troops of the north had _ reinforced the main army of the republicans, and Washington PERIOD n. advanced within fourteen miles of Philadelphia, to White CHAP - VI - Marsh, his army consisting of 12,000 regulars arid 3,000 militia. Howe marched his army within three miles of his lines, and manoeuvred, to draw him from his entrenchments ; hut Washington, though he did riot shun the battle, chose to British amiy receive it within his entrenchments. Howe, finding him too 6 mto win cautious to be drawn out of his camp, and too strong to be a^pMadei* attacked in it, withdrew his army, arid retired to winter-quar- phia ters at Philadelphia. Washington, on the llth of December, left White Marsh, Dec. 11. and retired to Valley Forge, on the Schuylkill, twenty miles W* 8 } 1 " 1 ? 1011 ri -i i i i TT j !_ i_ 11 retires to above Philadelphia. Here, in a wood on a high ground, he winter-quar- laid out his camp, and employed his army in building huts for ters at Val * winter-quarters. This work was not completed, when the ley Forge> magazines were found to contain scarcely a single day's pro- vision. As to tjieir clothing, some few of the soldiers had one shirt, some the remnant of one, the greater part none at all. Barefooted, on the frozen ground, their feet cut by ice, they left their tracks in blood. A few only had the luxury of a blanket at night. More than 3,000 were excused from duty, D istress of on account of cold and nakedness. Straw could not be ob- the Ameri tained ; and the soldiers, \vho, during the day, were benumbed can arm y- with cold, and enfeebled by hunger, had at night no other bed than the humid ground. Diseases attacked them ; and the hospitals were replenished as rapidly as the dead were car- ried out. The unsuitableness of the buildings, and the multi- tude of sick thaf crowded them, caused an insupportable fetor. Hospital fever ensued. It could not be remedied by change of linen, for none could be had ; nor by salubrious diet, as even the coarsest was not attainable ; nor by medicines, as even the worst were wholly wanting. The hospitals resem- bled more, receptacles for the dying, than places of refuge for the diseased. The patience with which these patriotic votaries of freedom endured such complicated evils, is, we believe, without a ^Jj 611 ^^ parallel in history. To go to battle, cheered by the trumpet JjJJ, 1 ^ mom' and the drum, with victory or the speedy bed of honor before heroic than the soldier, requires a heroic effort ; much more to starve, to freeze, and to lie down and die, in silent obscurity. Sparta knew the names of the individuals who fell in her cause at the pass of Thermopylae ; but America scarcely knows how many hundreds, perished for her in the camp at Valley Forge. 208 THE CABAL AGAINST WASHINGTON. * ? t * '. < ' CHAPTER VII. Campaign of 1778. PART III. THE melancholy state to which the army was reduced, was PE RIO oil. owing to several causes. The hills of credit had diminished CHAP. vii. to one-fourth their nominal value. A scarcity of linen cloth vw^p-v^^y and leather prevailing throughout the country, the commissa- 1778. r i es na d contracted for supplies at ten per cent, above the Causes of current price. This proceeding, congress refused to sanc- of h the 1S army tion ' but ret l mre( l tnat supplies should be furnished, and the ' bills received as specie. The consequence was, that these articles could not be procured. This depreciation of paper money, and advanced price of all articles of consumption, produced yet another evil. The officers, far from being able to live as became their rank, had not even the means of providing for their subsistence ; and many had already expended their private fortunes, to maintain Many offi- a respectable appearance. Those* who now handed in their cers dis resignations. wore not the most worthless, but the bravest, most r'esfgrL ' distinguished, and most spirited ; who, disdaining the degraded situation in which they were placed, left the army to escape it. This example of defection, set by his beloved officers, more than any of the other disasters of the army, wounded the pa- rental heart of Washington; In the midst of these anxieties, that great man was called to suffer from those common foes Intrigues o f distinguished merit envy and calumny. Intrigues were Washington. se ^ in motion against him, the object of which was to give him so many occasions of disgust, that he should of himself retire from the head of the army; and thus make room for the promotion of Gates, whose success in the affair of Burgoyne had raised his reputation to the highest pitch. Generals Among the leaders of this cabal was General Gonway, a Gates, Miff- w iiy an( j restless intriguer. He besieged all the members of way, the congress with insinuations that there was no order in the chief in- American camp; and that body, at length, appointed him in- triguers, spector-general. Pennsylvania addressed a remonstrance to congress, censuring the measures of the commander-in-chief. The same was done by the members from Massachusetts, among whom was Samuel Adams. They were not pleased that the whole command devolved on a Virginian, to the ex- clusion of their generals, who were, in their opinion, equal, if not superior, to Washington. A board of war was created, under Gates and Mifflin, who were prime movers of the coin- Expedition bination. With the advice of this board, congress planned an a P inst n cLn- expedition agains.t Ganada. Washington was not consulted, ada. but he was ordered to detach La Fayette, with certain regi- NEITHER PARTY READY FOR AN EARLY CAMPAIGN. 209 ments, to perform the service. That officer was indignant at PART IIL the neglect and injustice on this occasion manifested towards PERIOD n. his revered commander, and would have declined the service, CHAP. vn. which he was aware was given him as a lure to draw him ^---v~^y into the cabal. But Washington advised him to accept the command, and did all in his power to forward the expedition. What he did, was all that was done. La Fayette was recalled from Albany, and the expedition was abandoned. 177 It is impossible to express, with what indignation the whole Public indig- army and the best citizens were filled, on hearing the machi- nation nations, that were agitated against their honored chief. A "B*" 1 ? 1 ^ , . -, . . ,->, enemies 01 universal cry arose against the intriguers. Conway, super- Washington. seded by Baron Steuben, a Prussian officer, dared not show himself among the exasperated soldiers and Samuel Adams deemed it prudent to keep aloof from the army. Congress, thus made to see how deeply rooted the commander was in the affections of the army and people, and knowing also that he ranked high at foreign courts, became at length sensible of their error, and restored to Washington a confidence which he had so hardly earned, and to which he was so justly entitled. Conway was wounded in a duel, and believing himself at the point of death, he became penitent, and wrote to Wash- ington, confessing his wrong and declaring his contrition. Washington never once turned aside from his high career of suffering virtue, to notice his personal enemies. He had been indefatigable in urging congress to stop the defection of the officers, by securing to them some reward for their services. In accordance with his advice, a law was passed, allowing Congress them half pay for seven years after the close of the war. allowing *he He also urged congress, and the different state governments, officers half to make early preparations for the ensuing campaign, that it P a y f seven might be commenced at the opening of the spring, before the British reinforcements could arrive. But decisions are of necessity tardily made in popular governments ; hence, what ought to have been ready in the beginning of the spring, was but scantily provided during the summer. These delays might have been fatal to the army, had the Predatory British been in a condition to take the field early in the sea- e ^ c rs i ns . i , , . , J , . of the Brit- so.i. As it was, they contented themselves with sending out ish. their light troops to scour the country in the neighborhood of Philadelphia. In March, a party of these troops massacred, in cool blood, while crying for quarter, the soldiers who were stationed at the bridges of Quinton and Hancock. Near the same time, another party undertook an expedition up the Delaware. They destroyed the magazines at Bordentown, and the vessels which the Americans had drawn up the river, between Philadelphia and Trenton. In May, 2,000 men, under La Fayette, were posted at M Baron Hill, about eight or ten miles in front of the army, at 210 BURGOYNE'S CAPTURE AFFECTS EUROPEAN POLITICS. PART III. Valley Forge, to form an advanced guard, and be in readiness PERIOD n. to annoy the British rear, in case they attempted to retreat to CHAP. vn. New York. The whole British army came out of Philadel- **~v^~' phia, and a detachment of 5,000 men, under General Grant, was sent to surprise and destroy the force under La Fayette. In the beginning of the engagement, Grant obtained some advantage ; but at length La Fayette, by skill and activity, baffled his enemy, and Avithdrew his detachment to the main 177g army. Success of The Americans were no where more successful than in the American depredations which their swift-sailing privateers made upon privateers. ^ e J3 r iti s h commerce. With these they infested every sea, even those about the British islands ; and often performed deeds of almost incredible boldness. Since 1776, they had already captured 500 of the British vessels. Early in the season, Sir Henry Clinton arrived in Philadel- phia, to supersede Sir William Howe in the command of the British forces ; that general having resigned his commission and returned to England. The news of the capture of Burgoyne caused a deep sen- sation throughout Europe, and effected the politics of several of its cabinets. The English people were astonished and afflicted ; their England is sanguine calculations were defeated; their boastful predic- perplexed by tions had failed ; and mortified and perplexed, they knew not the capture wnat course to pursue. The generals and soldiers who had of Burgoyne. c , . f c - *i_ * -fri i j fought in America, were not inferior to any that England or Europe could produce. These the Americans had vanquish- ed. Of what, then, might they not be capable in future, when they should have derived new confidence from successes, and consolidated their state by practice and experience. The gar- risons of Canada were weak, and the Americans might turn their victorious army against them. The Canadians, follow- ing the example of the Americans, might also revolt from Britain. Enlistments, both in America and England, became daily more difficult, and the Germans would only furnish troops to fulfil the engagement already made ; and for the few re- cruits which they could raise, several of the German princes refused a passage through their dominions. France, they be- lieved, would soon openly avow herself the friend of Ameri- ca ; and thus her ancient and inveterate foe be joined in the contest with her alienated colonies. Policy of France, jealous of her rival, viewed the discontents in Amer- France in i ca with pleasure. She did not at first espouse the quarrel, America. 10 knowing that at the moment she should declare herself, the British ministry, by acquiescing in the concessions demanded by the Americans, might instantly disarm them j and France would then find herself alone, burdened with a war without motive or object. The declaration of independence removed this objection ; yet, though France would rather see America AN ALLIANCE FORMED WITH FRANCE. 211 independent, than reconciled with her parent state, she relish- ed better than either, a long war between them, which should waste both England and her colonies. This being her policy, she amused the British ministers with protestations of friend- ship ; encouraged the Americans with secret, but scanty and uncertain succors ; and excited their hopes by promises of future co-operation. These promises, however, as they were vague and unofficial might at any time have been disowned by the government. Wearied out and disgusted, the agents of congress at the court of Versailles, urged the cabinet to come to a final decis- , T ' , & . n r TT ion ; but they avoided it, alleging a variety of excuses. Un- able to accomplish their views with France, and discovering no other prospect of success, the negotiators proposed to Eng- land the recognition of their independence. This point con- ceded, they would have yielded in all others, to such condi- tions as should tend to save the honor of the mother country ; but this proposition was rejected. The capture of Burgoyne changed the face of affairs, and gave new ardor to these patriots, who aroused the jeal- ousy of the French cabinet, by their disposition to form an alliance with England. The French ministers now declared themselves openly, and they were warmly seconded by every class of French citizens. On the Gth of February, a treaty was formed, and France acknowledged the independence of America. In this treaty it was declared, that "if war should break out between France and England during the existence of that with the United States, it should be made a common cause ; and that neither of the contracting parties should con- clude either truce or peace with Great Britain, without the formal consent of the other ; and they mutually engaged not to lay down their arms until the independence of the United States should have been formally or tacitly assured, by the treaty or treaties, which should terminate the war." The treaty was signed, on behalf of France, by M. Gerard ; and on the part of the United States, by Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee. On the 20th of March, the American commissioners were received at the court of France, as the representatives of a sister nation ; an event, which was considered in Europe as the most important which had occurred in the annals of Amer- ica, since its discovery by Columbus. The British parliament foresaw the probable alliance of France with America, and a proposal was brought forward by the ministers, to send over commissioners, empowered to grant all that its colonies had asked before the war, on condition of their returning to their former allegiance. This measure was warmly opposed, and its ill success foretold. It is, said its op- posers, either too little or too much ; too little, if we wish to make peace in earnest ; too much, if we expect to continue / . Course of Dr. Franklin and the Feb. 6. its stipula- tions - March 20. Amenc *n "ceived at" court. January. r ecdncilia- tion in Eng. 212 THREE COMMISSIONERS SENT FROM ENGLAND. PART III, the war. If the Americans refused any other conditions, than PERIOD- n. independence, when they were single-handed and depressed CHAP. vii. by misfortunes, surely all others will now be rejected. Why v -** p ~v~^> not at once concede that independence which America has already acquired, and is able to maintain. She will then doubtless prefer our alliance to that of France ; and in our coming contest with that wily nation, we shall have her as- sistance instead of her hostility. Such in substance was the language of the opposition ; but the counsels of the ministry 177. prevailed. The earl of Carlisle, Governor Johnstone, and Paihament TT--II- r< i i mi. sends three William hden were appointed commissioners. 1 he ministry, commission- as the result sufficiently proves, had other than the ostensible ersto c ^ men " objects in view, in sending these men to America. They were to make an attempt to bribe, corrupt, and divide the people. When the news of the French treaty reached the island, En-land and ^ e ^"tish-j m g n ty exasperated against the French, immedi- France pre- ately prepared to attack them at sea. To their astonishment pare for na- ^ was f oun j that France, by great exertions to increase her val warfare. , . , J 6 navy, and improve her seamen, was now fully able to cope with her rival on that element. ^ May 2. On the second of May, arrived the long expected treaty ^Trriver" witil France. It was brought over by the French frigate Le Sensible, which also brought over Silas Deane, who had been recalled, and M. Gerard, who had been appointed minister to the United States. Carlisle, Eden, and Johnstone arrived at Philadelphia on june 9. the 9th of June, a few days before the British troops evacua- th^British t<;d the ciry. The concessions offered, were, as was predic- commission- ted, too late ; and congress refused to negotiate on any other ers- terms, than the recognition of their independence, and the re- moval of all the British forces. The commissioners next Their in- resorted to the expedient of disseminating in the country a aes ' multitude of writings, in which they censured congress as re- quiring what was unjust, and injurious to America. They represented the alliance with France, as associated with mean- ness ; while they extolled the generosity and magnanimity of England. Johnstone had formerly resided in the colonies ; and after- wards, as a member of parliament, he had espoused the Amer- ican cause. Availing himself of the influence which these circumstances had given him, he approached many influential republicans ; and while he flattered them for their abilities Johnstone an< ^ concm ct, ^ e adroitly insinuated that, if the royal authority attempts bri- could again be established, their merits would be rewarded bery. by wealth, titles, and honors. In some cases attempts at di- rect bribery were discovered : a lady was employed by Johnstone, to ofler to General Reed, if he would aid the roy- rej>ly of a ^ cause, ten thousand pounds sterling, arid any office in the Reed, colonies within the king's gift. " I am riot," said Reed BRITISH EVACUATE PHILADELPHIA 213 f worth purchasing ; but, such as I am, the king of England PART III, is not rich enough to buy me." PERIOD n. In some instances, Johnstone had the indiscretion to write. CHAP. vin. The indignant patriots brought forward his letters, which con- v-^^v-^^ taincd the evidence of his base intrigues, and laid them before 177. congress. That body indignantly forbade all farther commu- . c a s ress . 6 . -L i J mi r i forbid fur- mcation with the commissioners. 1 he popular writers 01 the t h er commu times, among whom were Drayton, of South Carolina, and nications. Thomas Paine, met, and confuted their insinuations. Public opinion overwhelmed them with opprobrium ; and this abortive attempt, like former similar ones, served only to show to the British ministry, the stability of that union which they thus vainly endeavored to shake. CHAPTER VIII. Campaign of 1778, continued. ABOUT the 5th of June, the British took measures to evacu- June 18 ate Philadelphia. This they accomplished on the morning ^va^ate" of the 18th, their army proceeding through New Jersey Philadel- towards New York. P hia - Washington immediately put his camp, at Valley Forge, in motion, and sent out a detachment to collect the New Jersey militia, in order to harass their rear. He thought it would be wise to bring the British to a general engagement ; but this opinion was contrary to that of the majority of his officers. He, however, persisted, and, following with his whole army, an engagement was brought about at Monmouth, or Freehold, Monmouth. on the 28th, in which the Americans had the advantage. The loss of the English was 700, that of the Americans, much less. Though both sides claimed the victory, yet historians agree in awarding it to the republicans, as they remained masters of the field of battle. General Lee* by own request, had in the commencement of the action, been associated with General La Fayette, in the command of the van. After he had attacked the British, he thought the ground in his rear more favorable to the forma- General tion of his lines ; and he made, in some haste, a retrograde Lee's con- motion. Washington met the retreating troops ; and finding duct that Lee was abandoning a ground which he had commanded him to take, and endangering the army by an appearance of flight, he inquired with sternness, what he meant ; and gave orders himself for forming the battalion. Lee, during the re- mainder of this hard fought battle, displayed such courage His trial and and military conduct, that, had he not thought proper after- suspension. 214 ARRIVAL OF A FRENCH FLEET. PART III. 1778. Clinton shuns fur- ther conflict. Crosses to New York. Washington proceeds to the Hudson. French fleet arrives un- der d'Es- taing. Franklin ap- pointed min- ister to France. Expedition against Rhode Island. Sullivan's arrange- ment. 4ug. Aug. 9 and 10. wards to write to the commander disrespectful letters, on the events of the battle, no further notice would have been taken of his irregular behavior. But on this occasion, Washington brought him to trial by a court martial, which censured and suspended him one year from his command. He never re- joined the army. Night separated the combatants ; and Washington and his soldiers rested upon their arms, intending to renew the con- flict the succeeding day ; but Clinton silently decamped in the night. In the morning, he was several miles distant ; and moving through Middletown to Sandy Hook, he finally cross- ed over to New York. On the 1 st of July, the American commander, leaving Mor- gan's dragoons in lower Jersey*, proceeded with his army towards the Hudson. A French fleet, consisting of twelve ships of the line, and six frigates, was now sent to the aid of America, commanded by the Count d'Estaing. The admiral left Toulon on the 18th of April, with the intention of blockading the British in the Delaware. He entered the mouth of the river, on the 8th of June ; but finding that Admiral Howe had left Philadelphia for New York, he proceeded to that place, designing to en- gage him there ; but the large size of his ships prevented. On the 14th of September, Benjamin Franklin, still in France, was invested with the dignity and powers of minister plenipotentiary to that court. Washington, in order to derive the utmost advantage from the presence of the French fleet, directed an expedition against Rhode Island, for which he detached a force of 10,000 troops, under the command of General Sullivan, with whom he after- wards associated generals Greene and La Fayette. The force to which this army was opposed, consisted of 6,000 troops, which were stationed at Newport, and commanded by General Pigot. Sullivan had, with the advice of Washington, concerted a plan of operations with the French admiral d'Estaing, who arrived off Newport, on the 25th of July. His army had ta- ken post near Providence, and he had a reasonable expecta- tion, that, with the aid of the French, he should be able to mako himself master of the whole force under Pigot. The flftf-jt was to enter the harbor of Newport, and land the French 'roops on the north part of the island, while the Americans were to land at the same time, on the opposite coast. On the 8th of August, General Sullivan joined General Greene at Tiverton, and the descent was to be made the next day. The fleet presented itself. Some militia, who were to join the army, failed to come at the expected hour, and Sulli- van represented to the French admiral, the necessity of a short delay. On the morning of the ninth, he crossed the east passage, and landed on the north end of Rhode Island. On THE AMERICANS DISAPPOINTED BY THE FRENCH. 215 1778. A ! lg 15 - P ort - g. lli Sulvan raises the an action with the British, the tenth, the fleet of Lord Howe appeared in sight, and PART IIL d'Estaing left Sullivan to give chase to the British admiral, PERIOD IL promising to return to his assistance. The crafty Howe led CHAP - vni - him op, and both fleets were soon out of sight. v^^-v-^^/ On the 15th, Sullivan commenced the siege of Newport. still believing that he should have the promised aid of the French fleet. Great was his chagrin and disappointment, when d'Estaing, having returned in a shattered condition, no entreaties could prevail on him to remain, but on the 22d he sailed to Boston to refit. Thus deserted by his allies, one half of his army, which consisted of militia, refused to remain, sails for Bo and encounter the danger, to which he was now exposed, of ton< an attack from the British at New York. Thus weakened, he raised the siege of Newport, on the 28th, and retired to a commanding situation on the north part of the island. The enemy followed, and, on the 29th attacked his siege, and, army. After a sharp conflict of half an hour, in which Sulli- A h j s 29 van lost 211 of his troops, and Pigot 260, the British gave way, and retired to Quaker Hill. The next day, a letter from Washington informed him, that Sir Henry Clinton, with a large body of troops, had put out to sea from New York. His prospects were now completely reversed, and instead of ho- ping to conquer the British forces, his own were in imminent danger. By a skill that has been much commended, he suc- ceeded in drawing off his army to the main land. The very next day, Clinton, who had been detained by adverse winds, arrived at the island, with 4,000 men. This affair was unhappy in its effects. D'Estaing had left Sullivan to his fate, not only against his entreaties, but against the warm remonstrances of generals Greere and La Fayette. The resentment excited in the breast of Sullivan, and the dis- approbation of many others, gave to Washington the greatest uneasiness; and called forth all his address to soothe their ruf- fled spirits, and prevent an open rupture with the French admiral. Sir Henry Clinton, disappointed of his expected prize, bent his course towards New York. He left the command of the troops on board the transports, to General Gray, with orders to destroy, if possible, the American privateers, which resort- ed to Buzzard's bay, and the adjacent rivers. This order was executed upon sixty larger vessels, and some small craft. Proceeding to New Bedford and Fair Haven, he destroyed many mills, warehouses, and much private property. In the campaign of this year, the depredations committed by the savages, were frequent and inhuman. The ruthless chiefs who guided them in their sanguinary expeditions, were Colonel John Butler, a tory refugee, and Brandt, a half-blooded The valley Indian. The settlement of Wyoming, which consisted of ofw y mm 8- sight towns on the banks of the Susquehannah, was one of the root nourishing and delightful in America. The majority 16* Sept. 5. Genera. Gray's ex- cursion. 216 THE MASSACRE OF WYOMING. JPART III^ of its inhabitants were eminently devoted to the cause of their PERIOD n. country, and although from their frontier position, they were CHAP. viii. themselves exposed, yet they had sent their young and able- v^^v-^-' bodied men, to fill the ranks of the army. But tories were numerous among them. Several had been arrested, and sent to the proper authorities for trial. This excited the indigna- tion of the party, who now united with the Indians. Resort- ing to artifice, they pretended a desire to cultivate peace, while; they were preparing for a bloody revenge. 177. The patriots had constructed several forts for the security June. of the inhabitants. In June, a formidable force of Indians Brand? vvith an( ^ tor i es > under the command of Butler and Brandt appeared Indians and on the banks of the Susquehannah. They soon took all the ^c^'he de ^ orts ' exce P t tnat of Wilkesbarre butchering men, women, and fenders and children, laying waste the country, and burning the houses. defenseless. The tories were more sanguinary than the savages themselves. Fathers and sons were arrayed against each other, and in one case a brother slew a brother, while he was beseeching him for mercy. At Wilkesbarre was collected all the remaining military force of the valley, under the patriot Colonel Zebulon Butler. It consisted of about fifty regular troops, and volunteers to the number of three hundred. Their foe, one thousand strong, and flushed with success, was but a few miles distant. They had no alternative but to attack or be attacked ; and early on the 3d of July, this little devoted band left their women and children in the fort, and at a few miles distance, met and gave battle to a force nearly treble their own. They fought with desperation ; but their foe out-flanked and surrounded, and then barbarously massacred them. Only sixteen escaped. The enemy next marched to the fort, which there was none to defend. It was surrendered, under promise of the protection of life. But the engagement was violated, and many of the helpless and unresisting, fell by the hands of those, who had but just murdered their husbands and fathers. Sept. Disputes occurred about this time, between the French and Quarrels Americans at Boston, and also at Charleston, South Caro- French. li na - In both these places some of the French were killed. At Boston, the Chevalier de St. Sauveur lost his life. Con- gress attributed these unfortunate affairs to British machina- tions ; and the French admiral forebore to inquire further. The Marquis La Fayette, hoping to serve the United States by his representations in France, requested and obtained per- mission to repass the Atlantic. French and Admiral d'Estaing left Boston for the West Indies, on the fleefcSauVor 3( * *" November. The same day the British Commodore Ho- the West tham left Sandy Hook, having on board 5,000 land troops, un- Indies. d er Major General Grant, to sustain the English garrisons in those islands. He was followed, on the 14th of December, by Admiral Byron (who had superseded Admiral Howe) with GEORGIA RECOVERED BY THE BRITISH. 217 the whole English fleet. The French took Dominica from the English ; and the English, St. Lucia from the French. In planning the campaign for this year, the enemy had pla- ced their principal hope of success in conquering the southern states'. It was not, however, until a late period of the cam- paign, that Sir Henry Clinton was prepared to attempt, the execution of this design. He then sent to Georgia, under con- voy of Admiral Hyde Parker, 2,500 men, English, Hessians, and refugees. This army was commanded by Colonel Camp- bell, who, on the 27th of December, arrived before Savannah. The place being unprepared for defense, he defeated the Americans under Major General Robert Howe, and killed up- wards of one hundred of his troops, and then took possession of the city. Four hundred and fifty American troops, and a large quantity of artillery and ammunition fell into his hands. That part of the American army which escaped, retreated into South Carolina. Late in the autumn of 1778, Washington took winter-quar- ters at Middlebrook. PART HI. 1778. Nov. 27. British forces sail for Georgia. Dec. 29. Savannah is taken. Washington in winter- quarters. CHAPTER IX Campaign of 1779. THE plan of Sir Henry Clinton was to subjugate, at the outset of this campaign, the whole state of Georgia to the royal authority. The capital being already in possession of the British, they soon overran the adjacent country. Sunbury still held out for congress. General Prevost, commander of the troops at St. Augustine, pursuant to the orders of Clinton, left Florida, and, after a march of excessive fatigue and hard- "ship, attacked the garrison at Sunbury. They made a show of resistance ; but the country being now in the hands of the enemy, they were compelled to surrender at discretion. Prevost then proceeded to Savannah, where he took com- mand of all the British forces. The whole of Georgia was now under the authority of the royalists ; and Clinton had accomplished all that he had expected to effect, before he should be joined by recruits from England. He did not con- sider himself in sufficient force to attack Charleston ; but, aware that if he did not proceed with offensive operations, his army would languish, and his enemy soon put him on the de- fensive, he planned an expedition against Port Royal, giving the command to General Gardner. The English were, how- ever, so valiantly received by the Carolinians, that they were obliged to return, after having experienced a severe loss. 16 1779. Georgia Unsucces- ful attempt 218 SOUTH CAROLINA THE SEAT OF THE WAR. PART III. Q ne O f the motives of the British ministry, in transferring PERIOD ii. the war into the southern states, was the opinion, that a great OHAP. ix. p r0 portion of the inhabitants were, at heart, in favor of the v ^^ v ^"*^' mother country; and that, if an opportunity presented, they 1779. would flock to her standard. They were not mistaken in the ^ieve^the 6 " belie ^ ^ lat t ^ lere were royalists ; but they were deceived as people favor- to their number and efficient strength. able to them. of these royaHsts, there were several kinds. Some of the least violent, concealing their sentiments, resided in the midst Barbarity of of tne republicans ; some lived solitary, and watched a favora- the tones, ble opportunity to declare themselves ; while others were so rancorous as even to unite with the Indians ; and, assisting in their nocturnal massacres, their conduct was more barbarous than that of the savages themselves. To support and encourage these friends to the royal cause, the British generals moved up the river to Augusta. They Representa- sent out numerous emissaries, who represented to them that now was *ke ^ me to J om ^ e r y a l standard. They were told that they wanted nothing but union, to become incomparably the stronger party ; to be enabled to take vengeance on those who had so long loaded them with indignities, and to entitle them to the high rewards, which await those who are found faithful among the faithless. The royalists rose in arms, put themselves under the com- mand of Colonel Boyd, one of their chiefs ; and, moving towards the British army, pillaged, burnt, and murdered on Colonel their way. Meantime, the Carolinians collected a force, Pickensde- which, under the command of Colonel Pickens, met them, feats a party j ust as faey had nearly reached their destination. A furious of royalists J n . J , , / , ,. , ? , t near Au-ms- connict ensued, and the republicans totally deleated me party, ta. Seventy-six of the prisoners were condemned to death as criminals ; but mercy was extended to the whole number, except five. Towards the close of the preceding year, General Lincoln takes'com- was appointed, at the request of the Carolinians, to take the mandofthe command of the southern forces. He arrived, on the 4th of December, at Charleston ; and, on the 1 7th of January, took south. post at Purysburg. As the enemy extended their posts up the Savannah, on the southern side, Lincoln extended his on the northern bank. He fixed one encampment at Black Swamp, and another nearly opposite Augusta ; intending, as soon as he should be able to collect a sufficient force, to cross the Sa- vannah, and oblige the enemy to evacuate the upper parts of Georgia. Meantime, Prevost fell down the river to Hudson's ferry. Lincoln, whose army amounted to 4,000, intended to re- take the upper part of Georgia, and restrict him to the coast. H stations He detached General Ashe, with 2,000 men, of the North Ashe at Carolina militia, to take post at a strong- position, on Briar creek. Briar ureeK. _ , V - j j i i Provost took measures, by judicious feints, to keep the atteri- COLONIAL GOVERNMENT ORGANIZED IN GEORGIA. 219 lion of Lincoln diverted, while he marched. to surprise the un- PART III. guarded Ashe. He was so completely successful, that he had PERIOD n. entered the camp of the Americans before they were aware CHAP. ix. of his approach. Panic-struck, the militia fled, without firing v-^-v-^/ a shot ; but many of them being drowned in the river, and March 3. swallowed up in the marshes, met with a death, which they 5ed 8 and might possibly have escaped by a gallant resistance. his army de- Trie regular troops of Carolina and Georgia, animated by u tro ^ e 7 the example of their commander, the brave General Elbert, made a vigorous resistance ; but, deserted by their friends, and . 770 outnumbered by their enemies, they were compelled to yield. American By this disastrous affair, General Lincoln must have been de- loss, 1,600 prived of 1 ,600 of his troops ; as only four hundred returned to his camp. Again the British were masters of all Georgia. They had Prevost or- free communication with the encouraged loyalists, not only in ganizes a co- the back parts of this state, but also in those of the Carolinas ; vg^ment and General Prevost now proceeded to organize a colonial government. Alarmed, but not dismayed, the Carolinians made the most vigorous exertions to draw out their militia. John Rutledge, in whom all classes confided, was chosen governor. By the middle of April, Lincoln found himself at the head of 5,000 fighting men. On the 23d, he resumed his intention of occu- pying Georgia ; and, leaving 1 ,000 of his troops under Gene- ral Moultrie, to garrison Purysburg and Black Swamp, he marched with the remainder up the Savannah. Meantime, the army of Prevost, which was increased by the royalists, Moultrie ue- crossed the river, near its mouth, and defeated General Moul- treats beffie trie, who, finding Purysburg and Black Swamp untenable, had Prevost. retired towards Charleston. On the llth of May, the enemy appeared before that city. M& The garrison was small, although it had been the day before Charleston reinforced by 500 militia, under Governor Rutledge, arid by invested. the "American Legion," under the Count Pulaski. Their Rutledge. only hope of relief was from the hourly expected presence of Count Pu- Lincoln. When, therefore, they were, on the morning of the laskip 12th, summoned to surrender, they sent out commissioners to negotiate, who contrived, by requiring certain conditions, to bring on a long dispute. In the meantime, they were making vigorous preparations for real defense, and a great show, as General Lin- if well prepared for resistance. The fears of Prevost began coin arrives, to operate, and he drew ofT his troops some miles from the town. While he hesitated, and delayed to attack the city, the army of Lincoln appeared. Provost now retired to St. James and St. John's, southward of Charleston ; his design being to pass along these fertile enemeni islands, and the others which line the coast. Lincoln fol- at Stono lowed him upon the main land, and an indecisive engagement Ferr y* of some regiments occurred at Stono Ferry. General Prevost 16* 220 BRITISH TAKE THE FORTS ON THE HUDSON. PART III. i e ft a garrison in Beaufort, on Port Royal island, under com PERIOD H. m and of Colonel Maitland, and then retired with the British CHAP. ix. ma i n army to Savannah ; while General Lincoln, with the ^~-v^+~s American forces, took post at Sheldon. 1779. In May, General Clinton sent out from New York a fleet, . M *y- under the command of Commodore Collier, with a corps of British make n ~ n i /--, i /r i i i a descent 2,000 men, under General Matthews, to make a descent upon upon Vir- Virginia, and, by devastating the country, to keep the inhabit- bum 1 several ants m a continual state of alarm. He had hopes, that, by towns, the aid of the loyalists, this force would be able to overawe and effect a revolt of the state. The fleet proceeded to the Chesapeake, and blocked up the entrances of James river and Hampton Roads. A part of the troops landed on the banks of Elizabeth river : then proceeded to Portsmouth, Norfolk, Suf- folk, and Gosport, burned those places, and spread devastation through the country. They demolished magazines, and took great quantities of provisions, which had been prepared for the American army, and burned or removed all the stores and shipping. Failing, however, in the grand object of producing a revolt, Clinton recalled them to New York. Stony Point. He next resolved to attack the American works at Stony Ve $>int k ' S anc ^ Verplank's Points, two opposite projections of land on the Hudson river. The Americans had constructed these works at great labor and expense. They were important, as they commanded King's Ferry, and if they fell into the hands of the British, the Americans would be obliged to take a circuit of ninety miles up the river, to communicate, by land, between the eastern and southern provinces. June l. General Clinton, commanding this expedition in person, Taken by j e f t N CW York on the last of May. He first proceeded the British o, T- i i i i ander Sir H. against btony Point ; and the Americans, being unprepared Clinton, for defense, evacuated the place. At Verplank's Point, the fort named La Fayette had just been completed. Unfortu- nately, however, this fort was commanded by the heights of Stony Point, upon which the British had, during the night, planted a battery of heavy cannon, and another of mortars. Early in the morning, this artillery was turned against Fort La Fayette ; and the enemy having invested it, all probability of relief was cut off, and the garrison surrendered. General Clinton gave orders for completing the works of Stony Point ; and, on the 2d of June, he encamped his army at Philipsburg, half way between Verplank's Point and New York. At this period, the commerce .of the British on Long Island sound was nearly destroyed by the Connecticut privateers. They intercepted whatever made its appearance on their Ju j waters, and by this means distressed the British army in Governor New York, which had been accustomed to receive its sup- Tryon plies from this quarter. Governor Tryon, by the orders of cent upon Clinton, embarked with a strong detachment, proceeded to Connecticut New Haven and destroyed all the shipping which he found 221 in that port. He then advanced to Fairfield, Norwalk, and PART III. Greenwich, all of which places he barbarously consigned to PERIOD 11. the flames. Besides the loss of a great quantity of shipping and CHAP - ** whale-boats, the destruction of private property was great. ^^~*~+-s While the British were thus desolating the coast of Con- necticut, Washington undertook the recovery of Verplank's and Stony Points. He charged General Wayne with the attack of Stony Point, and General Howe with that of Ver- plank's. The troops commanded by Wayne arrived under the walls of the fort about midnight. Divided into two columns, they attacked the fort from opposite positions. The English opened a tremendous fire upon them ; but they rushed impe- tuousiy onward, opening their way with the bayonet. They 7 , Jy i i / 11 i i **Uiy ID. scaied the fort, and the two victorious columns met in the Americans, centie ol the works. The loss of the British, in killed, under ^ wounded, and prisoners, amounted to six hundred : the Ame- stony 6 poin* ricans lost but one hundred. This was one of the most bril- liant exploits of the whole war. The attack upon Verplank's Point proved unsuccessful. When Clinton received intelligence of the capture of Stony Point, he determined not to suffer the Americans to remain in possession, and dispatched a corps of troops to dislodge them. Washington, unwilling to hazard a battle, ordered General Wayne to retire, having dismantled the fort, and removed the artillery and stores ; which were valuable and important. Garrison at On the 19th, Major Lee, with three hundred men, completely PaulusHook surprised the British garrison at Paulus Hook, killed thirty surpns of the enemy, and took 159 prisoners. At the east, the British obtained some advantages over the TJ jjjjj' Americans. Colonel M'Lean had embarked from Halifax, f u i e xpe- with a detachment, and at the mouth of the Penobscot river dition of the he was strongly posted. His object was to annoy the eastern jJSJ'SJc frontier, and to prevent the inhabitants of Massachusetts from British at sending reinforcements to the army of Washington. The Bostonians, in great alarm, fitted out, under the command of Commodore Saltonstall, an armament with which they dis- patched a portion of land troops, under the command of Gen- eral Lovell. On their arrival at Penobscot, instead of attack- ing the enemy immediately, which would have insured them success, they delayed fifteen days, in order to entrench them- selves. On the day of the intended attack, Commodore Col- liei, whom Clinton, on hearing of the situation of M'Lean, had sent from Sandy Hook to his relief, appeared with his fleet, at the mouth of the Penobscot. The Americans re- embarked, but Collier attacked their flotilla, and entirely des- troyed it. The soldiers and sailors, in order to effect their escape, were obliged to land, and hide themselves in the for- ests ; through which they found their way to their homes. The failure of this enterprise was a severe mortification, as well as a serious loss, to the Americans. 222 SULLIVAN CHASTISES THE INDIANS AND TORIES. PART III. In the meantime, the massacre of Wyoming, another at PERIOD II. Cherry Valley, and other Indian enormities, had called so CHAP. x. i ou( jiy for punishment, that in July, congress sent General s -*^ v "^"-' / Sullivan, with 3,000 troops, to repress the incursions of the savages. He proceeded up the Susquehannah ; and at Wy- oming was joined by a reinforcement of 1 ,600 men, under the command of James Clinton, of New York. 1779. The Indians and royalists had assembled in great numbers, Suilivan^e un( ^ er t ^ ie direction of their ferocious leaders, Johnson, But- feats the to- ler, and Brandt. Confident in their strength, they had ad- ries and vanced to Newtown ; and, while awaiting Sullivan's approach, had thrown up an extensive entrenchment, strengthened by a palisade and redoubts, after the European manner. General Sullivan, on his arrival, immediately attacked the place ; and the Indians, after defending it two hours, fled' in disorder. Few however were killed, and none made prisoners. Sulli- van took possession of Newtown, from whence he made in- cursions into the other parts of their country. The terrified savages made no further resistance, but escaped to the forests. A great quantity of grain was burned, forty Indian villages were utterly destroyed, and no trace of vegetation left. General Sullivan, after having accomplished this severe ret- ribution, went with his army to Easton, in Pennsylvania. savages. CHAPTER X. 1779. War of the French and English in the West Indies. French con quer St. Vincent. Campaign of 1779. Continued. To understand the history of the war, it is necessary to keep in view, not only the movements of the forces of Amer- ica, but also those of its ally and its enemy. The commence- ment of the present year found the Count d'Estaing and Lord Byron, with their respective fleets, in the West Indies. The former was reinforced by a squadron, under the Count de Grasse, and the latter by an armament under Commodore Rowley. Their fleets were now nearly equal, and the English were desirous of a naval battle ; but the French had in view the conquest of the neighboring English islands ; and for that purpose, had on board a considerable land force, which must, in the event of a battle, be exposed, and could afford no as- sistance. D'Estaing was therefore averse to an engagement, and lay quietly at anchor, at Martinico. Meantime, Lord Byron sailed towards England, to convoy a fleet of merchantmen. No sooner had he left the West Indies, than the French admiral sent a detached squadron tr THE AMERICANS COMPLAIN OF THE FRENCH. 223 St. Vincent, which succeeded in capturing that valuable PAR Till. island. PERIOD n. On the 30th of June, d'Estaing, who had received a rein- CHAP - x - forcement from France, left Martinico, his fleet consisting of v -^~v^*-' twenty-five sail of the line, and on the 2d of July, came to 1779. anchor in a harbor of Grenada. On this island he landed Jul y 2 - 2,500 men, and attacked and carried, by a bloody and de- structive assault, St. George, its principal fortress, when the whole island submitted to France. Shortly after these events, d'Estaing received letters from General Lincoln, President Lowndes, of South Carolina, and Mr. Plornbard, consul of France, from which he learned the French ad- dissatisfaction which existed in America. The republicans miral re- complained, that the alliance with France had produced P roacne(1 ty >. 1-1 11-1 i / i the Amen- notnmg which corresponded either to the greatness ol their cans. ally, or the general expectations of the Americans. It was said, that the sums expended upon Rhode Island were worse than fruitless ; and that the zeal with which the Bostonians had victualled and equipped the French fleet, produced no better effect than its immediate desertion of their coasts, on distant expeditions. The loss of Savannah and Georgia, which opened to the British an easy entrance to the Caroli- nas, was attributed to this cause ; and finally it was said, that while the French were enriching themselves in distant seas, with the conquests of the British possessions, they left the Americans, contrary to the stipulations of the treaty, to sus- tain the burden of the war. These complaints were followed by earnest entreaties, that d'Estaing would immediately re- store the confidence of the Americans, by hastening to their succor. Count d'Estaing had received instructions to return imme- Sept. i. diately to Europe, but moved by these representations he ven- ^^^JJ- tured to disobey the summons ; and directing his course the coast of to Georgia, he appeared off the coast on the 1st of Sep- Georgia, tember. He believed that there were two plans, which, if America could successfully execute, the war must, of necessity, come to a conclusion. One of these, was the destruction of the army under General Prevost, at Savannah ; and the other, Concerts and more difficult, was to attack by sea and land, conjointly measures with Washington, the British forces in the city of New York. W Linco?n? It was determined to attempt the former ; and the Count d'Estaing and General Lincoln lost no time in commencing their joint operations. The French admiral had sent ships to Charleston with the joyful news of his arrival in those waters. They surprised and captured some British vessels loaded with provisions. British gen- General Prevost, alarmed at his danger, sent expresses, di- eral at Sa- recting the forces under Maitland, and those at Sunbury, to T f " repair with soeed to Savannah. He removed the shipping 224 UNFORTUNATE SIEGE OF SAVANNAH. PART III 1779. Sept. 24. invested by the French, ed Americans, Oct. 3. ment of Sa- rannah. Oct. 9. The com- '" Woody as- arere'ulsed Pulaski slain. Oct. 18. raised 66 farther up the river, destroyed the batteries on the island of Tybee, and pressed the completion of the works at Savannah. Meantime, Gen. Lincoln marched towards Savannah, leav- ing orders for the militia to collect from all quarters, and join his army. Before he had arrived, d'Estaing had invested tne pi acej and demanded of Prevost to surrender to the arms of France ; a measure which was displeasing to the republi- cans. The expected reinforcements of Prevost had not yet arrived ; and he amused the French admiral by a protracted negotiation. D'Estaing even went so far as to give him a truce of twenty-four hours. In the meantime, Maitland ar- rived, with eight hundred men ; and there was then no fur- ther talk of surrendering. Pulaski, with his legion, and Lin- coln, with 3,000 troops, had also arrived before Savannah Works were erected, and a regular siege was commenced on the 24th of September. On the 3d of October the trenches were completed, the batteries armed, and a bombardment commenced. Fifty- three pieces of cannon, and nine mortars, sent an incessant shower of balls and shells. The city was on fire in many places. The burning roofs fell upon the women, the children anc ^ ^ e unarme d multitude ; and every where were seen the crippled, the dying, and the dead. Five days this firing con- tinned, and although so dreadful to the town, it was nearly harmless to the fort. Touched with the sufferings which he witnessed, Prevost requested permission that the women and children should be sent down the river, on board of vessels intrusted to the care of the French, to await there the issue of the siege. d'Estaing, fearing to be again entrapped, refu- sed this humane request. In the meantime, the French fleet would be exposed to dangers, and himself to disgrace, should the admiral longer detain it. And although the allies knew that they were put- ting to great hazard that which delay would make certain, yet the exigency of the case seemed to demand it ; and it was resolved to assault the town. The flower of the combined armies were led to the attack by the two commanders, d'Es- tam & an ^ Lincoln. They met with many disasters, and a final repulse. The number of the slain and the wounded shows that the battle must have been bloody. The French loss was 700 ; the American, four hundred. The Count d'Estaing was wounded, but recovered ; the Count Pulaski, while bravely charging at the head of 200 horse, received a wound which caused his death, and deprived America of one of her most valiant and disinterested defenders. On the 1 8th, the allies raised the siege of Savannah. Lincoln crossed the r ^ ver w i tn n ^ s regular troops ; the militia disbanded, and re- turned to their homes ; and d'Estaing set sail for Europe. Sir Henry Clinton, fearing an attack from the French, with- drew his troops from Rhode Island precipitately, with the loss PAUL JONES. A HORRIBLE NIGHT-SCENE. 225 of his munitions ; leaving that state to revert peaceably to the PART IIL union. PERIOD n. Near the close of this year occurred, on the coast of Eng- CHAP. x. land, that unexampled sea-fight, which gave to The object of the last was to disperse a corps under Colonel Buford, who were retiring, by forced marches, in hopes to meet another body of Americans, who were on the march from Ma 28 Salisbury to Charlotte. Buford retreated with great celerity. Colonel But Colonel Tarleton, the most active of Clinton's officers, Tarleton commanded the pursuit, and after marching one hundred and anTSats fi ye miles in fifty-four hours, on the 28th of May, he came up Colonel Bu- with Buford, at Wacsaw. The English victory was com- fo*d a* w *c- p} ete ^ b ut j t was stained with cruelty. They massacred many of those who offered to surrender, and from this time the pro- verbial mode of expressing the barbarous act of killing those who surrender, was, " Tarleton's quarter." Thus the cavalry, which Clinton had brought with him, had proved of essential service to his arms ; and the alert, yet sanguinary Tarleton, at that period, seemed, to the terrified inhabitants, to be every where present. There no longer remained, in South Carolina, a force capa- ble of withstanding the British. The inhabitants flocked from Clinton mas- a ^ P arts to meet tne ro y al tro P s an( ^ declare their desire of ter of South resuming their ancient allegiance. Clinton wrote to England, Carolina. t nat u South Carolina was English again." But he was aware that his conquests could not be preserved, but by re- establishing the civil administration. He published a full establish 8 the P ar don to all who should immediately return to their duty, royalgovern- But they must consider themselves established in the duties, ment ~ as well as the rights of British subjects ; that is, they must take up arms in support of the royal government. Those who had families, were required to form a militia for home defense ; those who had not, to serve with the royal forces, for any six months of the ensuing twelve. Thus citizens became armed against citizens ; and brothers "against brothers. General Clinton, seeing the affairs of the south in apparent tranquillity, distributed his army, amounting to about 4,000 troops, into the most important garrisons ; and leaving Lord June 10. Cornwallis in the command of the southern department, he New Yo? returne d to New York. That city had been exposed to dan- ger. The garrison was weak ; and such had been the un- DEPRECIATION OF THE CONTINENTAL MONEY. 231 paralleled severity of the winter, that Washington might have marched his army, with all his artillery and baggage, across any of its surrounding, and now solid waters. But the mis- erable condition of the American army, would not allow the commander to take advantage of this unexpected circumstance. Previous to the return of Clinton, General Knyphausen, who had been left in command, had, with 5,000 men, made an excursion into New Jersey, and for a time occupied Eliza- bethtown. He had manoeuvred to draw Washington from the heights of Morristown, intending to occupy that strong post himself, and thus force the American army into the open country ; but his plan was penetrated, and his expedition proved fruitless. Before his return, an affair occurred near Springfield, in which General Greene, who was sent by Wash- ington, to watch the motions of Knyphausen, lost about eighty men, and the British, as was supposed, somewhat more. Springfield, which consisted of fifty houses, was set on fire. At sight of the flames, the inhabitants aroused. The spirit of the early days of the revolution rekindled. They collect- ed in such numbers, and pursued the British with such vio- lence, that their general was glad to take advantage of the night, to withdraw his army from the open country of Jersey to the defenses of New York. 1780. June 23. Skirmish at Springfield. New Jersey patriotism rekindles. CHAPTER XII. Campaign of 1780 continued. UP to this period, congress had maintained their bills at their nominal value, and had often declared, that a dollar in paper should always be given arid received for a dollar in sil- ver. But compelled to yield to the pressure of circumstances, they now decided, that, in future, the bills should pass, not at their nominal, but at their conventional value. The govern- ment, which Sir Henry Clinton established in South Caro- lina, had first made such a decree ; and had caused a table to be constructed, showing what had been the rate of deprecia- tion, and the actual value of the bills, in years, and even in months past. The object of this calculation was to obtain a rule, by which the payment of debts might be regulated. This example congress found it expedient to follow. In Carolina and Georgia, the British saw, with chagrin, that there were still those who were devoted to the cause of independence ; and their resentment dictated measures of ex- traordinary rigor. Their possessions were sequestrated, their families jealously watched, and subjected as rebels, to con- 17O. Congress obliged to sanction the depreciation oi their pa- per curren- cy. Ill-treatment of the south ern patriots by the British. 232 THE HEROINES OF SOUTH CAROLINA. PART III, tinual vexations. Within the city, they were refused access PERIOD II. to the tribunals, if they had suits to bring against a debtor ; CHAP. xn. while, on the other hand, they were abandoned to all the pro- v -^ p ~ v ~^- / secutions which those who had, or pretended to have, claims against them, chose to institute. But there was still another more grievous injury, and one which stung the Carolinians to madness. This was the pro- clamation by which the British commanders had absolved the prisoners of war from their parole, and restored them to the condition of British subjects, in order to compel them to fight under the royal banner. Had they been suffered to remain 17O. a t home, they would, by degrees, have become reconciled to They are what they could not but feel to be the degradation of their take e< u t0 countr y- But with the requirement to take up arms, their arms. wrath rekindled. " If we must fight," said they, "it shall be for America and our friends, not for England and strangers." Heroism of The heroism of the women of Carolina gives them a rank ^f Sooth" w ^ t ^ ie n blest patriots of the revolution. They gloried in Carolina, being called " rebel ladies." They refused their presence at every scene of gayety. Like the daughters of captive Zion, they would not amuse their conquerors. But, at every hazard, they honored, with their attention, the brave defenders of their country. They sought out and relieved the suffering soldiers, visited prison ships, and descended into loathsome dungeons. Sisters encouraged their brothers to fight the oppressor ; the mother her son, and the wife her husband ; and their parting advice was, " prefer prisons to infamy, and death to servitude." Where important national affairs are concerned, there is a certain degree of warmth and animation, which, pervading the public mind, marks the healthy state of a nation. When General i\i[ s nas risen t o an unnatural heat, a period of lassitude and progress of inertness succeeds, before the national pulse again recovers public semi- its healthful beat. Such a preternatural state of public feeling ient> was excited in America, by the wrongs of Britain, and pro- duced the noble efforts of '76. But it is not in human na- ture to keep long strained to a high pitch. A period of lassi- tude succeeded, and in '79, the nation was asleep. But its sleep recruited its vital energies. The enemy, contemning its apparent weakness, had applied the scourge of a barbarian warfare. Its effects, though cruel to individuals, were whole- some to the body politic : and America aroused from her slumbers, and awoke to better deeds. '/'he leading patriots saw with delight, the rising enthusi- asm of the people, and neglected no means which could cher- ish and propagate it. Congress sent circular letters to all the states, earnestly exhorting them to complete their regiments, Exertions to and raise and send recruits to the army. The militia obeyed Jbt'the^sup*- the call with alacrity. The capitalists subscribed large sums port of the to replenish the exhausted treasury. A bank was instituted at Philadelphia, on which congress could draw for the neces- MRS. WASHINGTON. - LA FAYETTE*S RETURN. 233 CHAP - XIH - 17O. Society si.ies of the army. With generous patriotism, commercial FART II f. h< ises arid wealthy individuals stepped forward to support the PERIOD n. public credit, by their personal responsibility ; although the situation of affairs still offered too many motives of doubt and distrust. Nor was this patriotic zeal to provide for the wants of the sol iiers, confined to the men. The women in all parts of the couitry, displayed great activity, in collecting materials and p ^paring clothes for the soldiers. In Philadelphia, they formed a society, at the head of which was Martha Washing-- r r i i i i> mi i ' i 8 ladies ; and mgton, wile ol the commander-m-chief. 1 his lady was as character oi prudent in private, as her husband was in public affairs. Par- Mrs - Waafa taking of his complacent dignity and even temperament, she had no caprices to disturb his affections, and withdraw his attention from public affairs ; and thus it was owing, in no in- considerable degree, to the talents and virtues of his wife, that Washington could give himself wholly to the dictates of that patriotism, which this virtuous pair mutually shared, and reciprocally invigorated. Mrs. Washington, with the ladies who had formed the society, themselves subscribed considera- ble sums for the public ; and having exhausted their own n<,ans, they exerted their influence, and went from house to house, to stimulate the liberality of .others. CHAPTER XIII. Campaign of 1780 continued. AT this period, La Fayette returned with the cheering in- 17O. teiligence, that a body of French troops had, at the time of La Fayotte his departure, already embarked in a fleet destined for Amer- ^""''V^ ica. His exertions had accelerated their departure, and he had again come, self-devoted to the generous cause of free- dom. He was received by all classes, with the ardent affec- tion, which his bland manners and social as well as public vrtues excited, and which his services and talents commanded. The expected succors soon arrived at Rhode Island. They consisted of a squadron of seven sail of the line, five frigates, and two corvettes, commanded by M. de Ternay, bearing 6,000 soldiers, under the command of the Count de Rocham- beau. To prevent the operation of that jealousy of the French troops, which was felt in America, the prudent arrangement had been made between congress and the court of Versailles, that General Washington should be the commander-in-chief of all the forces, both French and American ; and that Ame- rican officers should take rank of French officers of the same grade. The Americans welcomed their allies with every de- 17 July ;0 A Frv: icn quadron ur- rives witu troops. A spirit of . true polite ness ser- viceable to nations. 234 SUMPTER AND MARION. BARON DE KALB. PART III, monstration of gratitude, and put them in immediate posses PERIOD n. sion of the forts on Rhode Island. Washington, in order to CHAP. xin. cement more firmly the union between the two nations, ordered v-^v*^^ the distinctive colors of the national flags, to be blended in the banners of his army. At New York, Admiral Arbuthnot, whose squadron had con- sisted of four ships of the line, was now reinforced by the arrival of six ships, under Admiral Graves. General Clinton 17O determined on attacking the French immediately. He Clinton sails . . . .9 medby 1S of the Baron de Kalb, had been sent from Maryland to I lie Gen. Gates, defense of Carolina. Owing to the excessive heat of the GATES DEFEATED AT CAMDEN. 235 season, and the difficulty of procuring provisions, they pro- PART HI. ceeded by slow marches. On their way they were reinforced PERIOD n. by the Virginia militia, and the troops of North Carolina, com- CHAP - xin - manded by General Caswell. At Deep River they were ^^^s^s joined, on the 25th of July, by General Gates, who had been appointed to the command of the southern army. He imme- diately advanced towards South Carolina with a force now amounting to about 4,000 men. When he arrived on the frontiers of the state, he issued a 17 SO. proclamation, inviting the inhabitants to join him, and promis- Gates' proe- ing pardon to all, from whom oaths had been extorted by the amatlon - English, excepting those who had committed depredations against the persons and property of their fellow-citizens. He is joined Multitudes flocked to him, and even whole companies, which ^y many, had been levied in the provinces for the service of the king, deserted. Lord Rawdon, who had now the command of the British forces on the frontiers of Carolina, had concentrated them at Camden. On learning the approach of Gates, he gave imme- diate notice to Cornwallis, who soon after joined him. At Au 15 ten, on the night of the 1 5th of August, the whole British British and force, amounting to 2,000 men, marched from Camden to at- American ar- tack the Americans in their camp at Clermont. Gates had p^sumr- also commenced his march from Clermont, with the view of prise, and surprising the British camp. About two in the morning, the advanced guards of the armies met and fired upon each other. From prisoners made on both sides, the commanders learned each other's movements. The two generals suspend- ed their fire, waiting for the light of day, and the armies having halted, were formed in the order of battle. The ground on which they had met was exceedingly unfavorable to Gates; he could not advance to the attack but through a narrow way, bordered by a deep swamp, and the situation rendered the superiority of the American numbers of no avail. In the morning a severe and general action was fought. R Au $- lfl - The Virginia and North Carolina militia fled in the commence- t leof Canv ment of the battle, and General Gates in vain attempted to den and de- rally them. The continentals were thus left to maintain the jjj^J-cans contest, and though they defended themselves with great bravery, and several times gained ground, yet they were una- ble to restore the fortune of the day. The rout became gene- ral, the Americans fled in the greatest disorder. They were pursued by the British twenty-three miles. The whole loss of the Americans in killed, wounded, and prisoners, was about two thousand. General Gregory was killed ; the Baron de Kalb, who was wounded, and General Rutherford were taken prisoners. All the artillery, baggage, and stores, fell into the Deat h of ^ hands of the enemy. The loss of the British amounted to Kalb. 17* 236 ARNOLD PROCLAIMED A TRAITOR. 1780. Aug. 18. Tarleton surprises and defeats Sumpter. General Ma- rion. only three hundred and twenty-four. The Baron de Kalb died of his wounds three days after the battle.* General Gates retreated to North Carolina, leaving the British triumphant in the south. Colonel Sumpter continued to show himself on the banks of the Wateree ; but on learning the defeat of Gates, he re- tired with 300 men, and two field pieces, to North Carolina. Tarleton, with his legion, was sent in pursuit of him, and surprised him on the banks of Fishing Creek. Sumpter with a few of his men, escaped ; but most of them were taken by Tarleton, and put to the sword. Marion, who about this time was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general, still kept the field. Sheltering himself in the fastnesses of the mountains, he occasionally sallied out upon the British and tories, and seldom failed of surprising and capturing such parties, as with his small force it was prudent for him to attack. CHAPTER XIV. Campaign of 1780. Arnold's Treason. 1780. Arnold a traitor. Arnold's ca- reer of de- generacy. He is cen- sured by congress. WHILE these affairs were transacting at the south, an un- expected event occurred at the north, which arrested the gen- eral attention. A design which had for fifteen months been maturing in darkness was now brought to light. Arnold, the loudest to proclaim, and the fiercest to fight for his patriot- ism, had bargained to sell himself and his country for gold. Arnold was dear to the American people ; he had been val- iant in their service, and his maimed person bore the marks of the field of Saratoga. On account of his wounds he was obliged to retire from active service. He solicited and ob- tained from congress, the post of commandant of Philadel- phia. Here he lived in princely magnificence. Inhabiting the house of Gov. Penn,he gave it a splendid furnishing, and it became a scene of high play, sumptuous banquets, and ex- pensive balls. To support this pageantry, he resorted to com- merce and privateering. Unfortunate in these, his next re source was the public treasure, to which, as an officer of the government, he had access. He presented accounts unwor thy of a general. Congress indignant, caused them to be in * Of the monument, which has been erected in Camden, to the memory of dc Kalb, La Fayette, in his latest visit to America, helped to lay the corner-stone But where has America placed a memento of him ? 237 vestigated. The commissioners whom they appointed, redu- PART III. ced them to one half. Arnold stormed ; but on a reinvesti- PERIOD n. gation, his accounts appeared even worse than the first report C HAP. xiv. had stated them. Arnold now wreaked his vengeance, by the -^"-v~^-/ most shameless invectives against congress. The state of 17O. Pennsylvania took up the quarrel, and brought him before a He is n r fP *.- i n i_ f i_- manded by court-martial. By the sentence of this court he was repri- Washington, manded by Washington. From what other quarter could he obtain the money to sup- port his extravagance, since the last resource had failed? The coffers of England he knew, might be opened to supply him. He should also obtain revenge on the objects of his wrath: and for these motives he resolved to baiter his conscience. He developed his intention in a letter which he addressed to Col. Robinson, by whom it was communicated to Sir Henry Clinton. Determined to make the most of his new ally, Clinton revolved in his mind what was the most important service which could be rendered, while Arnold's ** e ne -. treachery remained concealed. The foe within the fortress, ^kHenr? 1 is employed by its enemy to open the gates. This was the Clinton, and nature of the service which Arnold was to perform ; and, in- see s ' byhia stigated by Clinton, he sought and obtained of Washington, command at the command of the fortress at West Point. As Arnold West Point, passed up the river to assume his command, how must those guardian mountains, whose rugged passes had so often shel- tered the little army of his country, have seemed to frown upon the traitor, who was about to deliver it up to the enemy ! His first measure was to scatter the army at different points, so that it might be easily cut off by the British. All was ready, and a few days would have consummated the treason, but for a providential disclosure. Major Andre, the aid-de- Major An- camp of General Clinton, had been by him intrusted with the dr6 ' negotiation. This young officer was, both in person and Hecorres- mind, one of the most perfect specimens of human nature ; ponds with concentrating all the qualities which the writer of romance is Arnoli fond of attributing to his hero. Sir Henry Clinton's partiality had however invested its object with a false light ; or he would not have fixed on one so ingenuous, to conduct a plot requiring such art and subtlety. Arnold and Andre had corresponded under the feigned names of Gustavus and Anderson. As the crisis approached, Sept. 21. they conceived that a personal interview was necessary, in J e h r sJ n aTiJ! order to concert their last measures. On the night of the terview. 21st of September, Andre landed from the British sloop of war Vulture, a little below Stony Point, where he met Ar- nold. They spent the whole night in conference ; and when the day dawned, their dispositions were not all concluded. Andre was kept in close concealment through the day, and at night he prepared to return. By the entreaties of Arnold, he was prevailed upon to change his uniform for a common MAJOR ANDRE S ARREST. PART III. 1780. Andr<5 is taken by three soldiers. They take him to the nearest American fort. A court-mar- tial appoint- ed to try Andre". Sir H. Clin- ton urges his acquittal. dress, instead of concealing it as he had formerly done by a cloak. As the Vulture had in consequence of an attack from the shore, dropped farther down the river, it became neces- sary for him to proceed towards New York by land. He took a horse from Arnold, and a passport, under the name oi John Anderson. Having safely passed the American guard, and reached Tarrytown, near the British posts, three soldiers of the militia crossed his way, and he passed on. One of them thought the traveller had something peculiar in his ap- pearance, and called him back. Andre inquired, " where are you from ?" " From below," (intending to be understood from New- York,) replied the soldier. " So am I," said the self-betrayed Andre. He did not attempt to conceal his connection with the Brit- ish, but he offered every bribe which he thought could tempt men like them. He pleaded with all the energy inspired by the love of life, and by the momentous concerns that his preservation then involved. But the humble patriots spurned the bribe, and were deaf to the entreaty. Their names were John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wert. They searched his person, and found papers in his boots, in the hand-writing of Arnold, which disclosed the treason. They immediately conducted Andre to Colonel Jameson, the officer who commanded the advanced guard near Peekskill. This officer hesitated. He could not be persuaded that his gene- ral would betray that country for which he had shed his blood ; and he indiscreetly permitted Andre to write to him. Arnold thus learned that 'he was arrested; and, seizing a boat, he escaped on board the Vulture. Washington, during these transactions, had been to meet and confer with the French officers at Hartford, in Connecti- cut, but he had nearly reached his camp when the news met him. His first care was to learn whether Arnold had accom- plices. Convinced by a strict scrutiny that none of his other officers were guilty, his next was the painful duty of bring- ing to trial and execution, the interesting young Andre. Although from the usages of war, Washington might have given his prisoner, found as he was in disguise, the same hasty execution as that to which Howe had some years be- fore sent the equally interesting Hale ; yet he was aware, that in this transaction the eyes of Europe and America would be upon him, and his heart inclined him to mercy. He therefore summoned a court martial ; and was careful to ap- point a tribunal of whom none could complain, and who would be as merciful as public safety would allow. La Fay- ette and Greene were among its members ; and who could doubt, if such men, with alF the kindness of their nature gave sentence of death, that such must have been the sterr dictate of their military duty. From this fate, Sir Henry Clinton strove, with all the EFFORTS OF THE BRITISH TO SAVE ANDRE*. 239 earnestness of a tender father, to shield his favourite. He PART in. wrote to Washington, urging, that whatever Andre had done, PERIOD n. especially the change of his dress, was by the direction of CHAP - MT * Arnold, an American general ; and that his detention was a ^~~v-***s violation of the sanctity of flags, and the usages of nations. 178O. Arnold also wrote in his favor, endeavouring to charge him- Writes self with the blame of the transaction ; and alledging, that in his character, as an American general, he had a right to grant to Andre the usual privilege of a flag, for the purpose of conferring with him, and to provide for his safe return in any manner he should choose. Andre appeared before his judges with a noble frankness. He was calm and composed, as to his own fate, but anxious to screen his friends, especially Sir Henry Clinton. He dis- guised no fact, arid resorted to no subterfuge. He ingenu- ously disavowed what Clinton and Arnold had mainly urged in his defense, that he had come under the protection of a Andre" <* flag ; and the fact was unquestioned that he was in disguise. death. Grieving at the sentence they were compelled to pronounce, his judges condemned him to death as a spy. Clinton, smitten with anguish, again sought to negotiate his release ; and Washington, at his request, sent General Greene down the river to meet and confer with General Robinson, release by This friend of Andre exerted all the powers of reasoning to promises convince Greene that the sentence was unjust. Failing in that, he urged his release on the score of interest ; he prom- ised, that any American, charged with whatever crime, should be exchanged for Andre ; and he hinted that the sparing of his favourite, would do much in the mind of the British com- mander in favor of the Americans. Finding all these efforts unavailing, he resorted to threats. He delivered a letter from Arnold, which contained the declaration, that if Andre was executed, the rebels of Carolina, hitherto spared by Clinton, should all be put to instant death. This interference of Ar- nold would have injured the cause it designed to serve, had not that cause been already hopeless. Andre prepared to meet his approaching fate. Life, and He prepares its fair prospects, he could relinquish : but there were cir- for deatk cumstances relating to his domestic affections, and his honor, which touched his heart. His widowed mother and his sisters, on the far shore of an intervening ocean, were watching for every vessel that might bring them news of him. One would reach them in a few weeks ; and who would console them for its tidings ! and must they learn not only that he was dead, but that he died upon the gallows ! There was the bitterness of death ; and he besought Washington, that he might be al- lowed to die by the musket, and not by the halter. The cruel rules of that sanguinary science, which philanthropy hopes may, in some future age, cease to exist, compelled Washing- o ct 2 ton to deny even this poor request. Andre then asked per- Is executed. 240 CORNWALLIS IN NORTH CAROLINA. The captors wardedand konored. Cornwallis arrives at Charlotte- wn ' PART III, mission to write to Sir Henry Clinton, which was granted , and to the care of this general, he commended his widowed mother, and afflicted sisters. Brought to the gallows, he said, " And must 1 die thus ?" The burst of grief was calmed by devotion, when he said, with composure, " bear me witness 1T8O. that 1 die as a brave man should die ;" and the scene closed. Arnold re- Arnold received from the British 1 0.000, and the rank of brigadier-general. For this he bartered his honor, his peace, and his fame ; changing the high esteem of the public into general detestation. The English, although they stooped to purchase the treason, could not but despise the traitor. Even his innocent children could not defend their little rights among their playmates ; but the finger of scorn was pointed at them, and they were hissed with " traitor," " traitor."* ^ ^ e tnree c a pU>rs of Andre were honored as benefactors to their country. They received the thanks of congress, a silver medal, and a pension for life. Cornwallis, after the battle of Camden, directed his efforts to the subjugation of North Carolina ; and with that view, he commenced his march from Camden towards Charlottetown. But, in order to maintain the royal cause in South Carolina, he distributed detachments of troops upon different parts of the fron- tier. He arrived at Charlottetown about the last of September. In the meantime, Colonel Ferguson, who had been previ- ously sent into the province by Lord Cornwallis, had commit- ted acts of so barbarous a nature, as to awaken the highest indignation. Wherever he went, devastation marked his pro- gress, and the people determined no longer to submit to his atrocities. The mountaineers collected in great numbers, under several commanders, the principal of whom were Col. Campbell and Col. Shelby ; and arming themselves with suc h weapons as they could obtain, they attacked Ferguson on a woody eminence, called King's Mountain. He fell, after a vigorous contest, and three hundred of his party were killed and wounded. His successor in command surrendered. This defeat was a severe blow to Cornwallis, and rendered his situation in North Carolina precarious. The loyalists, in- timidated, no longer evinced an eagerness to espouse his cause. The republicans assembling under Colonels Sumpter and Marion, made every effort to annoy him ; and the royal troops were in continual danger of being surprised by these active Cornwallis leaders. Under these circumstances, he found it prudent to retire to South Carolina, and await the reinforcements which lina. he there expected. He accordingly repassed the Catawba, and stationed his army at Winnsborough, where tie could con- * I had this little fact from a lady, who was herself a schoolmate of Arnold's children. It was hard upon these innocent beings ; but it may be usefully re- lated. Perhaps, could Arnold have known the insults to which his conduct would have exposed his children, he would have paused, before it was too late ; and the same reflection may save some future father, when tempted to a deed of dishonor. Oct. 7. Befeat of Mountain, ARNOLD RAVAGES VIRGINIA. 241 veniently hold communication with the forces at Camden and Ninety-Six. In order to co-operate with Lord Cornwallis, Sir Henry Clinton had detached General Leslie, with a corps of 3,000 men, to Virginia. They landed at Portsmouth, and ravaged the adjacent country. In consequence of the defeat of Fer- guson, Cornwallis ordered Leslie to embark for Charleston. Colonel Sumpter continued to harass the British on all sides. He had surprised some small detachments, and made many prisoners. Tarleton was now sent by Cornwallis, to surprise this formidable officer. He found him posted at Blackstocks, near Tiger river. Tarleton attacked with great impetuosity, but was soon compelled to retreat. But Sumpter being dan- gerously wounded, and unable to retain the command of his forces, they were disbanded. General Gates had, during the period of these transactions, exerted himself to collect new troops, and had greatly im- proved the condition of his army. He had not, however, been successful in the southern war ; and Washington, in conse- quence of a request from the south, nominated Greene to su- persede him. This officer found the army at Charlottetown ; and, notwithstanding the exertions of Gates, it was still feeble, and unable to cope with Cornwallis. He therefore deter- mined, by the advice of the comrnander-in-chief, not to hazard a general action, but to harass, if possible, the British army, and reduce it by degrees. General Leslie, with a reinforcement of 1,500 men, now joined Cornwallis, at Winnsborough. This accession of troops renewed his hopes of reducing North Carolina and Virginia. To render the success of the enterprise more certain, by pre- venting the Virginians from sending succors to Greene, Arnold had been sent to the Chesapeake, with fifty transports and 1,600 men. He landed his troops in Virginia, and commen- ced, what now seemed his favorite employment, the devasta- tion of his country. 178O. Sumpter and Tarleton. Dec. 2. Sl f ^Jeded by Greene. Arnold enfupon Virginia. CHAPTER XV. Campaign of 1731. European Politics. American Affairs. ENGLAND, during the past year, though alone in arms, against both hemispheres, had remained unshaken. Spain had, at immense expense, laid and continued the sie^e of Gibraltar, which, under its commander, Elliot, had made the most obstinate defense found in the annals of modern history. That nation had also sent out immense fleets, which, uniting with those of France and Holland, had twice threatened Eng- I7O-1. Oprratkm* 242 AMERICA EXHAUSTED. CONGRESS ACT WITH VIGuR. PART ill, land itself with invasion ; but unto ward circumstances prevent- PERIOD ii. ed the attempt. CHAP. xv. The naval operations of the belligerent powers were, v-^v-^/ during these years, of astonishing magnitude. Great battle* were fought in the West Indian and European seas ; in which the allies and the English were each, alternately, the conquer- ors and the conquered. Each also took from the other, on various occasions, large fleets of merchant vessels. But, in these captures, the advantage had been more frequently with the English. Several of the West India islands changed mas- ters during these contests. Pensacola was, in May, taken by the Spaniards, who thence extended their conquests over the whole province of Florida. 178O-1 Amidst these contests, neither England nor France forgot De Grasse America. France, in addition to the force under Rochambeau, to be sent determined to send out a large fleet, under the Count de with a^fleeT Grasse, which, after performing certain services in the West Indies, was 10 repair to the coast of America, and co-operate with de Rochambeau and Washington. This measure proved of the highest importance to America. English ^ ie -E n gli sn equipped a fleet, by which Lord Cornwallis send rein- was to receive a reinforcement of several regiments of Eng- forcements. }j sn troops, and 3,000 Hessians. The situation of America at this period was such as to give hope to her enemy, and alarm to her friends. The efforts . . made, during the preceding year, and the successes experi- an exhaust- enced at the south, had produced the happy effect of reviving ed condition, public spirit. But although temporary relief had been afforded, no permanent means of supplying the returning and increas- ing wants of the army, had been provided ; and from this cause, the country seemed standing on the verge of ruin. It is scarcely possible to conceive a situation more trying than that of the American congress. They were striving, not Perplexities f or CO nquest ; but for existence ; their powerful foe was in full strength, in the heart of their country ; they had great military operations to carry on, but were almost without an army, and wholly without money. Their bills of credit had ceased to be of any worth ; and they were reduced to the mortifying ne- cessity of declaring, by their own acts, that this was the fact ; as they no longer made them a legal tender, or received them in payment of taxes. Without money of some kind, an army could neither be raised, nor maintained. But the greater the exigency, the greater were the exertions of this determined band of patriots. They directed their agents abroad to borrow, if possible, They lay a ^ rom France, Spain, and Holland. They resorted to taxation ; direct tax to although they knew that the measure would be unpopular ; -also money. anc [ tnat t h ev had not tne p 0wer to enforce their decree. The tax laid was apportioned among the several state governments, by whose authority it was to be collected. Perceiving that THE PATRIOT MORRIS. MONEY BORROWED. 243 there was disorder, waste, and peculation in the management PART Hi. of the fiscal concerns, they determined on introducing thorough PERIOD IL reform and strict economy. They accordingly appointed as CHAP. xv. treasurer, Robert Morris, of Philadelphia ; a man whose pure ^v^^^ morals, ardent patriotism, and great knowledge of financial Appoint concerns, eminently fitted him for this important station. ris treasurer" The zeal and genius of Morris soon produced the most fa- vorable results. By a national bank, to which he obtained 1T8O-1. the approbation of congress, he contrived to draw out the The genius funds of wealthy individuals, and by borrowing, in the name of of Morris - the government, from this bank, and pledging for payment the taxes not yet collected, he was enabled to anticipate them, / ound sthe , J ! i TT i IT- first national and command a ready supply, lie also used his own private bank. credit, which was good, though that of his government had failed ; and, at one time, bills, signed by him individually, were in circulation, to the amount of five hundred and eighty- one thousand dollars. While America received this great service from the zeal Franklin and ability of one of her patriots at home, she owed not less mo^'fro to the exertions of another abroad. Franklin, at the court of France and France, obtained from Louis XVI. a gift of six millions of Holland, livres ; and as Holland refused to lend to the United States, on their own credit, the French monarch granted at the soli- citations of the minister, his guarantee to the States General ; who, on this security, lent to congress the sum of ten millions of livres. Spain refused to furnish money to the United States, unless they would renounce the navigation of the Mis- sissippi, which was steadily refused. The funds raised from abroad and at home, were expended with the utmost prudence. All who furnished supplies, were J^unT paid by the treasurer, with the strictest punctuality ; and pub- restore confi- lie confidence, by degrees, sprang up in the place of distrust ; dence. order and economy in the room of confusion and waste. Before these measures had imparted vigor to the fainting republic, an event occurred which threatened its subversion : in fact, it was one of the causes which led to the reformation in the finance, and the establishment of the new system. The Jan j whole Pennsylvania line, amounting to near 1,500 men, re- Revolt of the volted. They were suffering- the extremity of want. They Penn fylva- Lii-iri i i. j i_ nia ne. had enlisted for three years, or during the war ; and as the three years expired at the close of 1780, they contended that they had now a right to be discharged, and to return to their homes. The government, however, maintained that they had a claim to their services until the close of the war. From these causes a violent tumult broke out on the night of the 1st of January. The soldiers declared that they would march, with arms in their hands, to the hall of con- gress, and demand justice. It was in vain that their officers attempted to appease them. Their most popular leaders, La Fayette, and others, were constrained to quit the camp. Gen- 244 MUTINY IN THE AMERICAN ARMY. PART III, eral Wayne presented himself boldly among them, with a PERIOD ii. pistol in his hand ; but they menaced his life, and pointed CHAP. xv. their bayonets, as if to execute their threats. Marching to- *-^v-^^ wards Philadelphia, they had already advanced from Middle- brook to Princeton, when they were met by Generals Reed and Sullivan, who were commissioners appointed by congress to investigate facts, arid take measures for the restoration of public tranquillity. 1781. In the meantime, Sir Henry Clinton, informed of these af- A pacific fair^ made every disposition to draw the mutineers into the 'vised' by ~ serv "i ce f tne British. He passed with his forces into Staten Washington, Island, and sent three American loyalists, to make them the and adopted most tem p t i n g offers. These the insurgents declined. Mean- uy congress. i i i * / 1*1 1*11 while, the commissioners 01 congress, having been advised by Washington to pursue a pacific course, offered to grant dis- charges to those who had enlisted for three years, or during the war. They promised remuneration for what they had lost by the depreciation of paper securities, the earliest possible payment of arrears, an immediate supply of necessary clothing, and an oblivion of their past conduct. The mutineers accept- Clinton's ec ^ t ^ ie P r P sa l s ; an d congress, in due time, fulfilled the con- emissaries ditions. The Pennsylvanians then delivered to congress, the hanged, emissaries of Clinton, who were immediately hanged. New Jersey A few days after this affair, the troops of New Jersey also troops revolt, erected the standard of revolt. Washington, prepared to ex- P ect some movement of the kind, instantly marched against them with so powerful a force, that he compelled them to submit ; and chastising their leaders with severity, the army was no longer disturbed by sedition. In the meantime, the war was vigorously carried on at the Greene se- south, by both the contending parties. General Greene sepa- parates the rated his army, which consisted of 2,000 men, into two parts, my^nuTtwo" an{ ^ at tne nea( i of one division he encamped at the confluence divisions, of Hicks' creek with the Pedee ; while Colonel Morgan, at the head of the other, moved by his direction into the western part of the state, to guard the passages of the Pacolet. Cornwallis, unwilling to advance into North Carolina, while Jan. 17. Morgan was in his rear, detached Tarleton to oppose him with Cowpens a cor P s f eleven hundred men, and two field pieces. Tarle- ton finding Morgan at a place called the Cowpens, attacked Morgan de- with his usual impetuosity. After one of the severest and ^ est f u &ht engagements of the whole war, the British were defeated. The disparity of loss in this engagement was sur- prising ; that of the British being three hundred killed and wounded, while that of the Americans was only twelve killed, and sixty wounded. Colonel Morgan took five hundred pris- oners, and all the artillery and baggage of the enemy. Colo- nels Washington, Howard, and Pickens, distinguished them- selves in this action. Colonel Morgan now directed his march towards Virginia THE FAMOUS RACE THROUGH THE CAROLINAS. 245 Cornwallis, mortified at the defeat of his favorite officer, pre- PART III. pared to pursue him with vigour. He intended to intercept PERIOD 11. him on his route, retake the prisoners, and prevent his June- CHAP. xv. tion with Greene. Both Morgan and Cornwallis now proceeded - *~v-^/ by forced marches towards the Catawba, each army exerting 1781. themselves to reach the fords before the other. Morgan had Morgan is the advantage. He had crossed the river two hours only when fiomwallls the British appeared on the opposite bank. Night came on, and but is saved Cornwallis was obliged to delay crossing until daylight. A b the nse -L . - i-i r t i T f waters, heavy ram fell, and in the morning the lord was impassable, and the impatient Cornwallis was obliged to wait three days before the subsiding waters allowed him to pass. In the meantime, Greene, anxious for the fate of the pur- sued troops, had left his army under the command of General Huger, to make their way toward the sources of the rivers, where they were fordable, and had himself proceeded with Another only a few attendants, to join Morgan. It was at this June- race from ture, that he arrived at the camp, and took upon himself the i>a to the command. Another race now commenced. The British Yadkin. came up with the Americans at the ford of the Yadkin. The republican army had crossed over, and only a quantity of bag- gage remained on the right bank of the river when the foe ap- peared in sight. Again the waters suddenly rose, and Corn- wallis was once more obliged to stop, and look inactively on, while the expected fruit of toilsome marches was snatched from him. And it was done by no human hand. At this sig- nal deliverance every pious feeling of the American bosom rose in gratitude to Him, who had made to them, as to his people of old, a way through the waters, while he had closed it to their enemies. General Greene directed his course towards Guilford, where Feb. 9. he was to be joined by General Huger. On the 9th of Feb- v ^ s di ^ f ruary, the two detachments of the American army reached theAmeri- that place, and effected their junction in safety. Cornwallis can army now proceeded to the Dan ; intending, by reaching these fords before the Americans, to prevent their communication with They reach Virginia. In this also, he was disappointed : the Americans, gJ-J ~^j. on the 14th, crossed the Dan, with all their artillery, baggage, vance of and stores, leaving the British yet in their rear. Cornwallis. Cornwallis now repaired to Hillsborough. where he en- deavored to prevail upon the inhabitants of North Carolina, to espouse the royal cause. But the people generally consider- ed it to be declining, and few listened to the call. He how- ever sent. Tarleton, with his legion, to the district between the Haw and Deep Rivers, to encourage the rising of the loyal- ists, whom he had understood to be numerous in that quarter. General Greene had sent Col. Lee, with a body of cavalry . to attack a company of loyalists, marching to Cornwallis, feafof two under the command of Colonel Pyle. The Americans char- parties of ged them with vigor, and the tories, supposing them to be 240 ENCOUNTER OF THE SOUTHERN ARMIES. PART III. Tarleton's legion, and themselves mistaken for republicans, PERIOD n. declared their attachment to the royal cause, and vociferated CHAP. xv. tne crV) i on g ii ve the king." Between two and three hun- ^-^v^~' dred were killed by their enraged assailants, and the survi- vors compelled to surrender. Tarleton, by a singular coin- cidence, soon after met another small body of royalists, col- lected for a similar purpose, and slaughtered them, believing them to be republicans. While advancing to encounter Lee, Tarleton was called back, by Cornwallis, to Hillsborough. Greene had now received a reinforcement of continental troops, and several bodies of militia, which augmented his army to, 4,400 ; and he no longer wished to avoid an engage- 1781. ment with the British. Having made every preparation March 15. j n fas power, he marched, and took post at Ouilford court- Guilford house, about eight miles from the grounds occupied by the court-house. British general. The armies met on the 15th of March, cans retreat Early in the battle, some companies of the militia fled, and the American regulars were thus left to maintain the conflict alone. They fought for an hour and a half, with great brave- ry, and in some instances forced the British to give way. They were, however, at length compelled to retreat, but it was only step by step, and without breaking their ranks. The loss of the Americans in this engagement, was estimated at 1,300 ; that of the British in proportion to their number, was more considerable. Greene now retreated to Speedwell's iron works, ten miles from the field of battle. Cornwallis, although he had the re- putation of a victor, found himself, in consequence of his losses, obliged to retreat, while Greene was in a condition to The van- pursue ; thus affording the singular spectacle of a vanquished, eraf puraues pursuing a victorious army. Cornwallis retired to Bell's mills, the victo- and after a few days' repose, marched towards Wilmington, rious. Greene, having collected the fugitives of his army, followed the British, and, with his light infantry, continually infested their rear. He, however, soon altered his course, and pro- ceeded, by forced marches, towards Camden in South Ca- rolina. On Cornwallis' arrival at Wilmington, he was undetermined whether to return to the relief of South Carolina, or to march into Virginia, and join the forces under Arnold. A council proceeds to f war was called, which decided upon the last measure, and Virginia, the British general, after having remained in Wilmington a few days, to refresh his troops, proceeded towards Petersburg; leaving the command of the forces in the Carolinas, to Lord Rawdon, whose talent and military ardor would, he hoped, be able to hold the army of Greene in check, keep possession of the province, and establish the British authority. RAWDO\ ATTACKS GREENE AT HOBKIRK's HILL. 247 CHAPTER XVI. Campaign of 1781, continued. LORD RAWDON having fixed his head-quarters at Camden, PART IIL fortified the place with great care. The other principal posts PERIOD II of the British in this region, were Charleston, Ninety-six, and CHAP. xvi. Augusta. They had, however, garrisoned several others of ^^^^^^ minor importance. The disaffection of the inhabitants to the British cause, compelled them thus to divide their troops, in order to maintain points, whose communication with each other was necessary to their subsistence. The retreat of Corn- wallis gave the republicans new hopes. Sumpter and Marion, by their bold but prudent movements, were continually gain- noy the Brit- ing advantages over the royalists. Regarded as leaders who w would conduct their followers to success and glory, hundreds flocked to their standards, whom they organized into regular companies. Thus they became so powerful, that they were able to -hold in check the whole of lower Carolina, while Greene, with his army, faced Lord Rawdon in the highlands. This officer, finding that his position was becoming danger- ous, strengthened his army by calling in several of his out- posts. General Greene, at this time, appeared in view of Camden, at the head of his army. He intrenched himself within a mile's distance, at Hobkirk's Hill. Rawdon would have re- treated towards Charleston ; but the way was occupied by the light troops of Sumpter and Marion. He perceived that the Americans trusted to the strength of their post, and guard- ed it with negligence. Leaving Camden in the care of the convalescents, he marched, on the night of the 25th of April, with every man in his army capable of carrying a firelock, and taking a circuitous route, he fell, by surprise, on the left April 25. flank of the Americans. Greene, perceiving that the British ^ en - ca ^ s moved in a solid, but not extended column, immediately caused and defeated them to be attacked, at the same time, on both flanks, and in a * Hobkirk's front. The battle became general and fierce. The royalists gave way. Rawdon pushed forward his reserve. The Ame- ricans, in their turn, retreated, and the efforts of Greene and his officers, to rally them, were ineffectual. The loss of the Americans, in killed, wounded, and missing, was 268 ; that of the British, nearly equal. The American general, after this affair, retired from Hob- kirk's Hill, and encamped about five miles from his former position, to re-organize his army. Rawdon, like Cornwallis at Guilford, found the effects of the battle to be rather those of a defeat than a victory. He was inferior to his enemy in 248 BRITISH FORTS IN SOUTH COROLINA CAPTURED. 1781. May 10. Rawdon evacuates Camden. British forts taken by the Americans. May 22. Greene in- vests Nine- ty-Six. June 5. Augusta ca- pitulates to the Ameri- June 18. Greene makes an un- successful attack upon Ninety-Six, and retires. Hostilities suspended. Colonel Isaac Hayne. cavalry, and could not pursue him. With his army weakened, the inhabitants in every direction, were rising against him ; and he hnd reason to tremble for several of his posts, which, as he was informed, were besieged by the Americans. On the 10th of May he evacuated Camden, razed its fortifications, and retreated towards Charleston. On the 13th, he arrived at Nelson's ferry ; where he learned, that Forts Watson and Georgetown had capitulated to Marion and Lee ; and Motte, to Sumpter. The prisoners, taken in these forts, amounted to nearly 800, besides a considerable quantity of military stores. From Nelson's ferry, Rawdon moved to Eutaw Springs. Ninety-Six and Augusta were now the only posts which re- mained to the British in the upper country, and these were already invested by militia, under colonels Clarke and Pick- ens. General Greene now directed his army against Ninety- Six, which was the strong hold of the royalists ; and, on the 22d of May, began a regular siege. Meantime, Rawdon, whose army had been reinforced by three regiments from Ireland, put himself in motion to oppose the Americans and preserve his fortresses, particularly that of Ninety-Six. On his march, he learned that Augusta, had capitulated to the militia, commanded by the gallant colonel Pickens. Greene believed that his troops were in no condition to contend against the augmented army of Rawdon, combined with the garrison of Ninety-Six. Unwilling, however, to leave the place without an effort, which should, at least, vin- dicate the honor of the American arms, he made a vigorous assault upon the fort, and gained a considerable advantage, though he did not succeed in capturing it. He then removed his army beyond the Tiger and Broad rivers. Rawdon ap- proached, and made some unavailing attempts to draw Greene into an engagement. After this, he entered and examined Ninety-Six ; and finding the place not capable of withstanding a regular attack, he abandoned it, and directed his march towards Orangeburg ; where, on the ] 2th of July, he estab- lished his head-quarters. Greene followed him ; but, finding his position covered by the windings of the Edisto, he bent his march, on the 16th, to the heights which border the San- tee. The season proving uncommonly hot and sickly, the contending armies, by tacit consent suspended their ope- rations. During this period, occurred the last scene of a memorable tragedy. At the commencement of the war, none could have been found more the subject of envy, than Isaac Hayne. Blessed with the goods of fortune, he was eminently endow- ed with those qualities which gain the love of men, and he possessed all the finer sensibilities which ennoble our nature, and glow in the breast of the husband, the father, the friend and the patriot. At the commencement of the war, he enter- ROYAL CAUSE SUFFERS BY THE DEATH OF HAYNE. 249 ed with ardor into the views of the republicans, and assisted in person at the defense of Charleston. On the surrender of that city, Colonel Hayne, whose consequence, as a leader, was appreciated by the British, was offered the alternative of becoming a British subject, or going into rigorous confinement. For himself, he would not have hesitated a moment to choose captivity. But his wife and children wera at his plantation languishing with the small-pox. And not only did he feel it agony, at such a time, to be separated from them, but he knew, that should he refuse the offer of the British, a lawless sol- diery would violate and lay waste the retreat of his suffering family. Torn by conflicting duties, who could blame him, if, in such a situation, the husband and the father triumphed over the patriot. He consented to invest himself with the condition of a British subject, on the solemn assurances of General Patterson, that he should riot be called on to bear arms against his countrymen. Meanwhile, the republicans had found means to change the fortune of the war. The British obliged to act on the defen- sive, no longer regarded their engagements as sacred, but called on Hayne, with others, to repair to the royal army. Feeling now released from an obligation which the British themselves had violated, he left a home which had been deso- lated by the loss of his wife and two of his children, and once more took arms in the cause, which he had ever held dear. Engaged as a colonel commanding a corps in the partisan warfare, he was taken prisoner, and confined in a deep dun- geon in Charleston. Without even the form of a trial, Lord Kawdon, with Colonel Balfour, the commandant of Charles- ton, contrary to the usages of war, sentenced him to death. The royalists, with the governor at their head, petitioned for the prisoner, and declared the impolicy of the act. The most distinguished women of Charleston, touched with his virtues, plead for him with feeling and eloquence. But more than all, his children, clad in mourning for their mother, ap- peared before the judges, and stretching out their little hands, entreated with tears, for the life of their surviving parent. But it was all in vain, and Hayne was led to execution. Amidst the execrations, which Rawdon's unrelenting cru- elty had, in this instance, drawn, not only upon himself, but upon the cause which he had thought proper to use such means in vindicating, that general left the capital of Carolina, and returning to England, the command of the army devolved on Colonel Stuart. \8 PART 111. 1781. Virtues and sufferings ol Colonel Hayne General sympathy excited. Aug. 4. Execution of Colonel Hayne. Rawdon su- perseded by Colonel Stuart 250 THE LAST BATTLE AT THE SOUTH. 1T81. Sept. 8. Battle of Eu- taw Springs. Jan. 4. Arnold rava- ges Virginia. CHAPTER XVII Campaign of 1781 continued. GENERAL GREENE, still in his camp, at the High Hills of the Santee, had made the best use in his power, of the time al- lowed him by the suspension of arms. It was now the be- ginning of September ; the sultriness of the season had abated, and he determined, if possible, to dispossess the British of the remaining posts in the upper country. He crossed the Wateree, and marched, circuitously, to the Congaree ; passed it with all his army, and descended along its right bank, in- tending to attack Colonel Stuart, who, at this time, occupied a post at M'Cord's Ferry. He fell back upon Eutaw Springs, and thither General Greene pursued him. The armies engaged on the 8th. The battle of Eutaw Springs, is memorable as being one of the most bloody, and valiantly contested fields of the war ; and also for being the last of any note that occurred at the south. General Greene drew up his forces with great skill, and made the attack. His soldiers resorted promptly to the use of the bayonet, which they had formerly appeared to dread. The British were rout- ed and fled ; but finding, in their flight, a large house and some other objects, affording shelter, they rallied, and repulsed their assailants with heavy loss. Greene, finding it impossible to dislodge them, retreated to his camp, bearing 500 prisoners. The whole loss of the British, in killed, wounded, and pris- oners, was about 1,000, that of the Americans, 600. Con- gress voted their thanks to General Greene, and presented him with a conquered standard and a medal. Greene was ably seconded by his officers, among whom were colonels Lee and Washington, the latter of whom was wounded and taken prisoner. Greene's army having been reinforced, the British no lon- ger dared to keep the open country, but retired to Charleston. Thus had the Americans, in a few months, recovered the whole of South Carolina and Georgia, except their capitals. The skill and valor manifested by Greene, in their defense, have given him a rank among the heroes of the revolution, second to none but the commander-in-chief. It will be recollected, that we left both Cornwallis and the traitor Arnold in Virginia. The latter had landed on the 4th of January, with a force of 1,600 men, in the vicinity of Richmond, where he destroyed the public stores. He then sent detachments to different places, and not only public stores were wasted, but Arnold and his officers committed the most wanton depredations on private property. LA FAYETTE DEFENDS VIRGINIA. 251 Washington, although perplexed with the recent mutiny of PART III. the troops, and the deranged state of the finances, concerted PERIOD it measures with the French, by means of which, he hoped to CHAP. XVH relieve Virginia, and obtain possession of the traitor and his v-*^v-^^/ force. La Fayette, at the head of 1,200 light infantry, was 1781. sent towards Virginia, while the commander of the French La Fayette fleet, at Rhode Island, dispatched a squadron of eight sail of sen ^j a Vlr " the line to cut off the retreat of Arnold from the Chesapeake. But Clinton, gaining intelligence of the plan, sent Admiral ^J[j J Arbuthnot to the relief of Arnold, with a squadron of equal tween the force. These two fleets met, and fought off Cape Henry, F pJJ c [ 1 is ^ nd on the 16th of March, arid suffered equal, though not very fleets off considerable loss. But the French were constrained to re- Cape Henry, linquish their design, and return to Rhode Island. Upon hearing this, La Fayette, who had arrived at Annapolis, retreat- ed to the head of Elk. Clinton, finding how narrowly Arnold had escaped, sent to his assistance General Philips, with 2,000 men. Thus rein- forced, he resumed the work of pillage and destruction. La Fayette arrived in time to save Richmond; but he witnessed from that place, the conflagration of Manchester, on the op- posite bank of the James. About this time, both parties Ma X 20> learned the approach of Cornwallis, and it became the object British" 1 ^ of Philips and Arnold, to form a junction with him. They mies at Pe- marched to Petersburg to await his arrival. They arrived be- tersbur s- fore Cornwallis. General Philips sickened and died on the 13th of May, and, on the 20th, Cornwallis reached the place. After remaining a few days at Petersburg, Cornwallis, now in command of the combined forces, directed their march into the interior of Virginia, supposing as was the fact, that the Americans were too weak, and too much dispersed, to offer any effectual opposition. There were, however, three sepa- rate corps of republican troops in Virginia ; one, under Gen- eral La Fayette ; another, and a smaller one, under the Baron Steuben ; and the Pennsylvania line under General Wayne. Had they been united, they were by no means a match for the army of Cornwallis. But La Fayette, who had the chief command, showed how well he had profited by the lessons of Washington. Prudent and brave, understanding better than La Fayette the British, the ground over which the armies moved, he harasses harassed them, and restrained their motions ; without once Cornwallis - suffering himself to be led into a snare, or his army to be en- dangered. When Cornwallis pursued, he retreated ; when, intent upon some other object, his foe held another direction, immediately La Fayette pursued in his turn, hanging upon his rear, and embarrassing his movements. While at Westover, Cornwallis detached Colonel Tarleton Tarleton to Charlotteville, where the legislature of Virginia were in ^harlotS. session, and, at the same time, sent a detachment to the Point ville. of Fork, at the junction of the two rivers, which form the 18* 252 WASHINGTON GAINS AN IMPORTANT MARCH. PART III. James, to seize some stores at that place. Both these expe- PERIOD II. ditions were, in a measure, successful ; but Tarleton was CHAP. xvii. disappointed of the prize on which he most calculated. This v-*-v^^ was the capture of Gov. Jefferson, who, after having provided for the safety of a considerable quantity of arms and ammuni- tion, found means to elude the vigilance of his pursuers. 17*1 Cornwallis, while thus ranging the interior of Virginia, Sir H. Clin- constantly checked, however, by La Fayette, was suddenly ton orders reca lled to the sea-coast, by an order from Sir Henry Clinton, to the coast, who being apprehensive that the Americans and French meditated an attack on New York, and fearing that he was not in sufficient force to resist them, had directed Cornwallis to embark 3,000 of his troops, to join his garrison. That general, intent on obeying the mandate, marched with his army to Ports- mouth; where he received orders to retain the troops. Clin- ton, having received a reinforcement of 3,000 Germans, now be- lieved he could dispense with further aid ; and ordered Corn- wallis to proceed to Point Comfort, and there fortify, in order that the British might have, in any event, a secure retreat. Cornwallis found reasons for disliking this post, and obtained, of Clinton, permission to select another. He fixed on York- town, a village, which is situated on the right bank of York Cornwallis river. Upon the opposite side of the stream, on a projecting waters York- point, which narrows arid deepens its channel, is the smaller town. village of Gloucester. Cornwallis entered Yorktown, August 23d, and proceeded to erect fortifications. Washington, anxious to avail himself of the naval superi- ,, ority, which the expected French fleet under de Grasse would Washington afford, had a meeting with Count Rochambeau, at Wethers- meditates an field, in Connecticut. Here it was proposed to attack New Y r k- Clinton, apprised of this, determined, as we have seen, to recall a part of the forces of Cornwallis, but was prevented by the arrival of 3,000 German troops, which in- creased his garrison to upwards of 10,000. In the meantime, Washington was disappointed in his ex- pected recruits. Instead of 12,000 regular troops, which he hoped to have, he could hardly muster 5,000, a number, by no means adequate to the projected siege. He learned that the Count de Grasse, could not remain on the American coast longer than October, and finally, that his destination was the August Chesapeake. From these considerations, Washington sud- Changes his denly changed his plan, and bent all his energies to take plan. Cornwallis in the snare which he seemed laying for himself. Success depended upon secrecy ; for had Sir Henry Clin ton been apprised of his object, he might, at first have defeated it. But it may reasonably be supposed, that few. at this time were in the counsels of the commander-in-chief ; for nevei was a secret better kept, or an enemy more completely de ceived. Washington made every show of preparation to at tack New York. He broke up his camp at New Windsor DE GRASSE BLOCKS UP THE CHESAPEAKE. 253 and advanced down the river to Kingsbridge. The French PART III. army, consisting of 5,000 men, under Rochambeau, had PERIOD TL marched from Rhode Island, and joined him early in July. CHIP. xvn. They appeared daily to expect the arrival of de Grasse at ^ *-v-^^ New York. Suddenly Washington crossed the Hudson, arid 171. directed the rapid march of the allied armies across New Jersey. But he had caused a report to be spread, that this was merely a feint, to draw Clinton from his fortifications, that he might fight him in the open field. Clinton deceived, remained within his fortress. Washington, now learning that de Grasse was near the Chesapeake, no longer delayed cross- ing the Delaware ; but steered direct for his object, well sat- isfied, that the time for his foe to prevent its accomplishment Au g* was past. He arrived, after a rapid march, at the head of Arrives at Elk, on the 25th of August ; and having made the necessary the hjjd * arrangements for the transportation of his army, he went, at- tended by Count Rochambeau, to Philadelphia, and Baltimore. Leaving there the French commander, Washington made a short visit to Mount Vernon. This was the first time he had crossed the threshhold of his beloved home for six years and five months : so entirely had he been devoted to his public duties. On the 14th of September, the two commanders joined La Fayette at Williamsburg. The Count de Grasse, with twenty-five sail of the line, De Grasse entered the mouth of the Chesapeake, only one hour before blocks up the Washington arrived at the head of Elk, and immediately per- Chesapeake formed the part assigned to him, by blocking up the mouths of the York and James rivers ; thus cutting off all communi- cation between the British at Yorktown and New York. He also opened a communication with La Fayette, who, when Cornwallis first took post at Yorktown, had occupied a posi- tion higher up the river, but had now descended as far as Williamsburg. The allies feared that Cornwallis, seeing the toils into which he was falling, would turn upon La Fay- ette, who was his inferior in force. To prevent this, 3,000 light troops, under the Marquis de St. Simon, were sent up the river in boats to join him at Williamsburg. Cornwallis had strengthened his works, and could only be overcome by a regular siege. The allies needed artillery, and other preparations for besieging Yorktown. These they expected from Rhode Island, to be brought by a French squadron, commanded by the Count de Barras, who had made sail three days before the arrival of de Grasse in the Ches- apeake. To prevent falling in with the British fleet, Barras had stood far out to sea. While expecting him, de Grasse, on the 5th of September, saw, off the capes, a British g t 5 fleet of nineteen sail, under Admiral Graves. The French Partial ac- admiral, advised by Washington, behaved with great skill tion between and prudence. He engaged the British partially, to draw ^ French them from their anchorage ground : by which means, the fleets 254 THE COMBINED ARMIES INVEST YORKTOWN. PART III. Count de Barras, as he expected, was enabled to pass by PERIOD ii. them into the bay, but refused a general engagement, which OHAP. XVIH. would have been putting at hazard a game, which, with pru- dence, was already in the hands of the allies. CHAPTER XVIII. Campaign of 1781. Continued. CORNWALLIS had now little hope of escape, but from din ton. To him he had found means to represent his situation ^ and closely invested as he was, he received an answer to hia communication. By this he was informed, that troops would, if possible, embark from New York for his relief, by the 5th of October. Clinton, hoping to make a diversion in his favor, project- ed an expedition against New London, in Connecticut, the command of which he gave to Arnold, lately returned from 1781. Virginia. The access to the port of New London, was Sept. 6. guarded by forts Trumbull and Griswold, erected on the op- bu?Uakenby P os i te banks of the Thames. Fort Trumbull was easily cap- the British, tured. The garrison of fort Griswold was composed of mili- tia, hastily collected in the vicinity ; and, under the command of the estimable Colonel Ledyard. They made a resolute wold Sen defense, and killed numbers of the assailants. At length and the gar- they were overpowered, and ceased to resist. As the Brit- rison butch- j s h entered, an officer inquired, " who commands this fort ?" " I did," said Colonel Ledyard, " but you do now ;" and pre- sented his sword. The monster took it, and plunged it in his bosom. This was the signal for slaughter. Forty, out of one hundred and sixty, were all that escaped. Scarcely was there a father of a family, in this little town of Groton, but was that night butchered, and almost its entire population were made widows and orphans. Arnold burns New London was next laid in ashes, and a great number of vessels richly laden, fell into the hands of Arnold. Wash- ington was not, however, moved to quit his post at the south. The people of Connecticut showed ominous signs of resist- ance, and Arnold judged it prudent to return to New York. Cornwallis Cornwallis, in the belief that he should receive succor calls in his from Clinton, abandoned his outposts, and withdrew his and tp with- arm 7 entirely within the fortifications of Yorktown. Many draws with- of his own officers considered this as a great error. They ^ad urged him to attempt crossing the river, and regaining the open country, through which they might, as they believed, proceed by rapid marches, to New York. While he delayed CORNWALLIS ATTEMPTS TO ESCAPE. 255 and deliberated, the small chance that was left him of esca- PART III, ping in this way, was destroyed. PERIOD n. The combined armies moved from Williamsburg, on the CHAP. xvm. 25th of September, and in five days were collected in the vi- v-^-v^^x cinity of Yorktown. Their whole force amounted to 16,000 ; 17S1. 7,000 of whom were French. They commenced their works YolSown on the night of the 6th of October, in which they made rapid besieged. advances, notwithstanding a heavy fire from the fort. On the 9th, several batteries were completed, and a destructive cannonade commenced. On the llth, they began their second parallel, which was only three hundred yards from the fort. In order to complete their trenches, it was necessary to dislodge the English from two redoubts which were in ad- vance of their main works. Washington determined on at- tempting them by assault, and aware of the emulation be- T W Q re- tween the two armies, assigned to the French, under Baron doubts at- de Viomesnil, the taking of one ; while, to the Americans, under the Marquis La Fayette and Colonel Hamilton, he as- signed the capture of the other. The ardour and eloquence of the officers were equalled by the valor of their troops. Their onset was so furious, that the British, though they bravely resisted, could not long withstand. Both the redoubts were taken, not, however, without loss fa the allies, of which the French suffered the greatest share. On the night of the 1 6th, the British, under General Aber- . crombie, made a vigorous sortie, took two batteries, and under Abei- spiked eleven cannon. They were charged furiously by the crombie, French, under De Noailles, and driven back to their entrench- ma ^ ie a 9 ments. The British general made one more effort, which had he, as advised, sooner attempted, might perhaps have saved his army. This was to cross the river in the night, to Glouces- ter Point, where a small garrison of the British, commanded by Tarleton, were watched by the French, under De Choiseul. He intended to leave the sick and wounded ; whom, in a let- ter to Washington, he recommended to his generosity. His army were to embark in three divisions. A part had already crossed, and landed at Gloucester Point ; a part were upon Cornwallis the river ; the third division alone had not embarked. The attempts to air and the water were calm, and his hopes of escape were high. In a moment, the sky was overcast, and a tempest arose. The very elements seemed armed against him, as if he was checked by an invisible power which watched over the destiny of the? American people, and which before, by the swelling of the waters, had saved their army from his grasp. The wind and rain were violent, and his boats were driven down the river. The day appeared, and the besiegers dis- covering their situation, opened a destructive fire upon the scattered and weakened army ; and they were glad, when the 256 CAPITULATION OF CORNWALLIS. JPARTJII^ abating tempest allowed, to return to their almost dismantled PERIOD n. fortifications. CHAP. xviu. Seeing no hope of escape, his army incessantly wasting by v-^v^-> the destructive fire of the American works, Cornwallis no 1781. longer delayed to treat for a surrender. Before noon, on the C Ct waliis 17 tn ne sent a ^ a to Washington, requesting a cessation of negotiates, arms for twenty-four hours, and the appointment of commis- sioners to settle the terms of surrender. Washington, fearing the arrival of British troops, refused to grant a truce longer than two hours ; arid signified, that within that time, he should expect propositions. Cornwallis wished to obtain liberty for Terms of ca- t j ie European troops to return to their homes, upon their pa- pitulation. ,, r . i . role of not again serving in the American war : and also to make terms for the Americans who had followed his fortunes. Both these conditions Washington refused, as the European soldiers would be at liberty to serve in garrisons at home ; and the case of the citizens belonged to the civil authority. All that the most earnest persuasion could obtain from Wash- ington on this point, was permission for a sloop, laden with such persons as Cornwallis selected, to be allowed to pass, without search or visit, to New York ; he being accountable for the number of persons it carried, as prisoners of war. The whole remaining British force was to be surrendered to the allies ; the land army, with its munitions, to the Americans ; the marine, to the French. Oct. 19. Agreeably to the articles of capitulation, the posts of York- British land- t own and Gloucester were surrendered, on the 19th of Octo- rendertothe her. The prisoners, exclusive of seamen, amounted to more Americans, than 7,000, of whom 2,000 were sick or wounded. Five hun- d to" h the fleet dred and fi ft y- two of tne British had fallen during the siege. French. Sixty pieces of cannon, also, principally of brass, fell into the hands of the Americans, two frigates and twenty transports, with their crews, into those of the French. General Lincoln, who had suffered the mortification of surrendering an Ameri- can army, at Charleston, was, with peculiar delicacy, selected by the commander-in-chief, to receive the submission of the British. The French and Americans added, on this occasion, the praise of generosity and humanity, to that of wisdom and valor. Their leaders vied with each other, in acts of kindness to the conquered officers, and every possible attention was paid to the accommodation of the soldiers. On the day in which the capitulation was signed, Clinton Oct. 24. passed Sandy Hook, with a powerful force, to go to the succor Clinton at of Cornwallis ; he appeared off the capes of Virginia on the ^oo ^ate 68 24th ' wnere > hearing of the surrender of the army, he imme- diately returned to New York. This event caused a burst of joy and exultation throughout miiuc'and America. Nor did the people, or the civil rulers, amidst the devout, honors which were showered upon the American and French VERMONT AN INDEPENDENT NATION. 257 commanders, forget to acknowledge their supreme obligation to the GREAT COMMANDER and RULER of armies and of na- tions. Washington would gladly have detained the French fleet to co-operate in a descent upon Charleston ; but de Grasse be- ing under orders from the French court, to be in the West Indies on a certain day, dared not hazard the detention of his fleet ; and made sail for those islands without delay. General La Fayette, who had sought America in her adver- sity, left her as soon as prosperity dawned upon her fortunes. He embarked about this time for France, leaving deep, in the hearts of a grateful people, the remembrance of his virtues and his services. 1781. e Grass e dies. La Fayette r ^ ums to CHAPTER XIX. Vermont. Measures of Peace. Fears and discontents of the Army happily quieted. VERMONT was. at this period, an independent nation. That 1781. its territory was first settled by grants from New Hampshire, Situation of and afterwards decided, by the English government, to belong to New York, are facts which have already been stated. Had New York, at the time of this decision, given quiet possession of the soil to those individuals who had purchased, and culti- vated farms under New Hampshire, Vermont would now have been a portion of that state. But it being attempted to eject those settlers by force, they forcibly resisted. In this situation, the inhabitants applied to congress for its interference, and were, by this body, recommended to submit, for a time, to the authority of New York ; but, being resolutely opposed to this step, they met in convention, in 1777, and declared the New Hampshire grants to be an independent state, under the title of " New Connecticut, alias Vermont ;" the first appellation, and the ungrateful " alias," being after- wards dropped. Their affairs were, at first, managed by several of the lead- ing men, called " a Council of Safety." Their first legisla- ture met at Windsor, in March, 1778. In the same month, a portion of the towns east of Connecticut river, petitioned to unite with Vermont. To this request the Vermontese acce- ded ; but, in consequence of the complaints of New Hamp- shire, the union was, the following year, dissolved. Application was next made to congress for admission into the confederacy, but New York presented a counter-memorial ; and, in consequence, the s'eparate existence of Vermont as a state, was not acknowledged. selfinde- pendent. THE AMERICANS EXHAUSTED BY WAR. PART III. In the summer of 1781, the situation of Vermont was singu- PERIOD II. lar in the extreme. The politicians of that settlement, at the CHAP. xix. h eat [ o f w hom were Governor Chittenden, and the brothers, ^~~v^s j] tnan an( j j ra Allen, while they had boldly, but warily, main- tained its rights against the claims of New York, New Hamp- shire, and the decisions of congress, had, at the same time, defended the territory, frontier as it was, against the British, Vermont ne- ^Y secret negotiations, which had, for their apparent object, gotiates with that Vermont should place itself under British protection, the British. g u ^ ^he p eO ple, warm with enthusiasm for the American cause, would have risen in vengeance against the rulers who thus preserved them, had they known the means by which their protection was effected. Affairs were, however, coming to a crisis, and but for the fortunate capture of Cornwallis, it is im- possible to foresee what would have been the situation of those patriotic men, who ran such personal hazards to save the people, against their own will ; and play a political game for their advantage. Poverty of The great effort made by congress in the winter of 1780 can govern- 81 > k a( * enabled them to provide for the campaign of the en- ment. suing season. It was most fortunate for America that the re- sult was favorable ; for such was the extreme poverty of the government, that it seems impossible that another active and expensive campaign could have been sustained. There was no fault in the arrangments of congress ; no remission of ac- tivity, prudence, and patriotism, on the part of the treasurer. On the contrary, congress had made the most judicious ar- rangements early in the winter of 1781. They were aided in C J|f s re n S d their deliberations by Washington, who, at their request, had by Washing- stopped at Philadelphia, on his way from Yorktown to his ac- ton, do all in ciistomed winter-quarters. They laid taxes, and apportioned ir power. fa em amon g tne several states ; and made such other regula- tions, that the commander-in-chief had sanguine hopes that every thing would be in readiness for an early campaign, as he had strenuously urged that the way to obtain an honorable peace, was to be in readiness for war. But the several state governments wholly failed of paying their quotas ; alledging the utter inability of their constituents to support further taxation. Although, by the judicious arrangements of Morris, the pub- lic expenses were much diminished, yet they were still neces- sarily great, and must so continue, although the means of Trials and meeting them thus unexpectedly failed. At the commence- - ment of 1782 not a dollar remained in the treasury. " Yet to the financier," says Marshall, " every eye was turned ; to him was stretched forth the empty hand of every public cred- itor, and against him, instead of the state authorities, were the complaints and imprecations of every unsatisfied claimant di- rected." The people of England had also felt severely the expenses of the war, and on hearing the disasters which had attended THE WAR BECOMES UNPOPULAR IN ENGLAND. 259 their armies, particularly that of Cornwallis, they no longer PART III. suppressed their discontent. When they saw that, notwith- PERIOD n. standing all their sacrifice of life and property, nothing re- CHAP. xix. mained to them on the American shores but New York, Charleston, and Savannah ; and that these posts could only he maintained by strong fleets and garrisons, all hope of re- ducing the Americans to subjection vanished, and to close a w ish g for useless and ruinous war, was the decided wish of the people, peace with Still the king, in his speech at the opening of parliament, America - showed his unwillingness to relinquish his sway over what he had, during his life, considered his patrimony. The peo- ple, however, persisted in their desire for peace, and loudly demanded the removal of ministers, who advised the king to measures so much against the public interest. The house of commons, moved by this expression of feeling, as well as by the eloquent speeches of General Conway, and F , others, voted, " that they should consider as enemies to his parliament majesty and their country, all who should advise, or attempt, takes meas a further prosecution of offensive war on the continent of U pea Ce r America." This vote was followed by the resignation of the office of prime minister, by Lord North, and the appointment of an administration favorable to peace. Sir Henry Clinton was now superseded in command by Sir Sir Guy Guy Carleton ; whose conciliating conduct as governor of Can- Carlet i' s i J i , . , . . , r t mi persedes ada, had gained him the esteem or the Americans. 1 he gen- Clinton. eral sentiment of all parties was favorable to peace ; and after this, there were no hostile operations, except a few of inconsiderable importance in South Carolina. In one of these, fell the young and gallant Colonel Laurens, lamented by Washington and the whole army. Admiral Digby, who the summer before had arrived in New York, with reinforcements, was appointed, with Carle- ton, by the British ministry, to treat with the Americans for Fruitless peace, on the ground of acknowledging their independence; plan of the but congress, finding that parliament had not sanctioned this ministry to step of the ministry, refused to negotiate with their agents, vantage Ver Neither could the ministry succeed in an effort to destroy congress, their alliance with France, by procuring the American govern- ment to treat separately from its ally. Congress were, however, careful to be ready for the first honorable overtures which they should receive. They ap- pointed four distinguished men, already in Europe, as their franklin, agents. These were Dr. Franklin, John Adams their minis- an dTaurens' ter at the Hague, John Jay their envoy at the court of Spain, commission- and Henry Laurens first appointed to the post now filled by e f ^ t g j ^g t Mr. Adams, but taken on his passage by an English frigate, and confined in the Tower of London. April 19. Mr. Adams procured, from the states of Holland, on the 19th ^^ e ^ ^ of April, the recognition of American independence. On the C bdepen- * 8th of October, he obtained a treaty of amity and commerce ; dence. 260 TREATY OF PEACE. PART III, and, not'long after, a loan of money, to the great relief of his PERIOD n. exhausted country. CHAP. xix. T mee t the American commissioners at Paris, the court of s-^v-^> St. James sent Mr. Fitzherbert and Mr. Oswald. On the 20th of January, 1783, preliminary articles of peace were signed at Versailles. Sept. 3. The definitive treaty was deferred until the adjustment of Definitive affairs between England and France, the ally of America, and 'signed* was not si g ned until the 3d of September, 1783. The terms granted to America by this treaty, in respect to The con- extent f territory, and right to the fisheries, were equal to ditionsofthe the most sanguine expectations. The English ministers then treaty advan- m p OW er, seemed to be aware of the policy of making Ame- America. r i ca independent in fact, as well as in name : probably the more so, as a contrary disposition was manifested by France. Both powers believed that if she remained in a state of de- pendence, it must, from the posture of affairs, be upon France, rather than upon England. The American negotiators were men of great ability and ardent patriotism, and well knew how to turn this state of things to the advantage of their country. But in the general pacification, and amidst the protracted S neutral f negotiations of the several parties, nothing was stipulated on rights the subject of neutral rights, which had been the moving cause omitted. o f the coalition against England ; and thus a door was left open for future contention and bloodshed. The situation of the rising Republic of America, was, du- ring these long negotiations, extremely critical. Had the go- vernment possessed the means of paying their officers and soldiers, there would have been nothing to apprehend from Discontents ,. , ' . . ^ P ~ rr f and fears of disbanding so patriotic an army. But the officers, aware ol the officers, the poverty of the treasury, doubted whether it would be in the power of congress to fulfill the stipulation made in Octo- ber, 1780, granting to them half-pay for life. While the inde- pendence of their country was uncertain, they had pressed forward to the attainment of that object ; and regardless of themselves, had sacrificed their fortunes, and their health Now, that great object was attained, they began to brood over their own situation ; and fears arose, that should they disband before their country had done them justice, and lose their consequence as a body, they and their services might be forgotten. Nor were there wanting officers, whose personal ambition carried them beyond the mark of right and justice ; and brought up the reflection, that if the army could remain entire under Al ro ect US * ts head, fr "right now subdue the country which it had de- fended : and although, if a monarchical government were es- tablished, the commander-in-chief must be the sovereign ; yet the officers coming in for the next share of power and conse- quence, would become the aristocracy. TEMPTATION AND STERN REBUKE. 261 To tempt Washington to countenance these views, one of PART III, the older colonels of the army,* was fixed upon, who wrote PERIOD 11. him a letter in a smooth and artful strain. He commented on CHAP - XIX - the weakness of republics, and the benefits of mixed govern- ments. He insinuated that the same abilities which had gui- ded the country so gloriously through the storm, must now be the most suitable to conduct it through the gentler paths of become a peace. There was a prejudice existing which confounded monarchy with tyranny, and it might be necessary to choose, with a monarchical government, some title, apparently more moderate, but the writer believed, "that strong arguments might be produced for admitting the title of KING," which, he conceived, " would be attended with some material advan- tages." Washington was astonished, displeased, and grieved. He replied, that no occurrence during the war, had given him more painful sensations, than to learn that such ideas existed in the His stem re army ideas which he " must view with abhorrence, and re- buke to thc prehend with severity." "I am at a loss," said he, " to conceive what part of my conduct could have given encouragement to an address, which to me, seems big with the greatest mis- chiefs which could befall my country. If I am not deceived in the knowledge of myself, you could not have found a per- son, to whom your schemes are more disagreeable. At the same time, in justice to my own feelings, I must add, that no man possesses a more sincere wish to see ample justice done to the army, than I do ; and, as far as my powers and influence, in a constitutional way, extend, they shall be employed to the utmost of my abilities to effect it, should there be any occasion. Let me conjure you, then, if you have any regard for your country, concern for yourself or posterity, or respect for me, to banish these thoughts from your mind, and never commu- nicate, as from yourself or any one else, a sentiment of the like nature." Thus nipped in the bud, nothing more was heard of the pro- ject of making Washington a king. But the causes of the army's discontent remained, although congress had taken some steps towards their removal. Washington repeatedly urged the subject upon their attention ; yet the designing among the March 10. officers insinuated, that he had not advocated their cause with The famou* sufficient zeal. The answer to a memorial, which they had Address 1 "' presented to congress, had not fully met their wishes. It was on this occasion that an anonymous paper was circulated, now known to have been written by Major John Armstrong, then an aid-de-camp to General Gates. It was composed with great ability. Never was a wri- O f language ting more calculated to become a firebrand of discord. There and se- was truth in its representations of the toils, and yet unrequi- ^cter **'" * This is related on the authority of Mr. Sparks, by whom the name of this officer is not given. See "Sparks' life of Washington." 262 THE FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY. PART III, ted dangers and sufferings of the officers : but the country PERIOD ii. had not deserved the insinuation, of being so far from doing CHAP. xix. justice to her defenders, that " she trampled on their rights, ^ ^-v-^' disdained their cries, and insulted their distresses." Yet such was the language of the address. It advised the officers "to change the milk-and-water style" of their memorial to con- gress, and no longer appeal to their justice, but keep arms in their hands, and appeal to their fears. 1782 This paper proposed a meeting of the officers on the ensu- Washing- i n g d a y Washington, aware of the feelings of the army, position CU l na d not availed himself of the suspension of hostilities, to seek the pleasures of home, but had remained in the camp. He now saw that the dreaded crisis had arrived. Intent on His noble guiding deliberations which he could not suppress, he called officers to a meeting somewhat later than the one appoint- ed in the anonymous appeal, to which, in his orders, he allu- ded with disapprobation. In the interim, he prepared a written address. The offi- cers met. The Father of his Country rose, to read the manu- script which he held in his hand. Not being able to distin- He meets guish its characters, he took off his spectacles to wipe them and u ddr s " with his handkerchief. " My eyes," said he, " have grown es the offi- ,.., . J J ' T ,11 rerSt dim in the service of my country, but I never doubted her justice." This was a preface, worthy of the paper which he read. He alluded in the most touching manner, to the suf- ferings and services of the army, in which he too had borne his share. He treated with becoming severity, the proposi- tion, made in the anonymous paper, to seek by unlawful means, the redress of their grievances. He assured them that congress, though slow in their deliberations, were favorable to the interests of the army ; and he conjured them not to tarnish the renown of their brilliant deeds, by an irreparable act of rashness and folly ; and finally, he pledged them his utmost exertions to assist in procuring from congress the just reward of their meritorious services. The officers listened to the voice which they had so long been accustomed to respect and obey ; and the storm of pas- sion was hushed. His pledge of using his influence with . congress, in behalf of the army, was performed in a manner rle writes to , . , , , , , ,1111. i T /. congress in which showed how deeply he had their cause at heart. " If," their behalf, said he, in a letter to that body, " the whole army have not merited whatever a grateful people can bestow, then have I been beguiled by prejudice, and built opinion on the ba>sis of error. If this country should not, in the event, perform every thing which has been requested in the late memorial to congress, then will my belief become vain, and the hope that has been excited, void of foundation. And if, (as has been suggested, for the purpose of inflaming their passions,) the officers of the army are to be the only sufferers by this revolution ; if retiring from the field, they are to grow old in FINAL CLOSE OF THE WAR. 26'.l poverty, wretchedness, and contempt ; if they are to wade PART III. through the vile mire of dependency, and owe the miserable PERIOD n. remnant of that life to charity, which has hitherto been spent CHAP. xix. in honor ; then shall I have learned what ingratitude is ; ^-*^v^^ then shall I have realized a tale which will embitter every moment of my future life." Congress used their utmost exertions to meet the exigen- cy. They commuted the half-pay which had been pledged to the officers for a sum equal to five years' full pay. The news that the preliminaries of peace were signed, was 1783. first received in a letter from La Fayette. Sir Guy Carleton April 19. soon communicated it officially; and on the 19th of April, ^fo r C j s s s just eight years from the battle of Lexington the beginning eight years of the war, the joyful certainty of its close was proclaimed from its com ' c i j i* mencement. from head-quarters to the American army. The officers now satisfied, the army was disbanded with- Nov. 3. out tumult, November, 1783. They mingled with their fel- arnfy'di?- low-citizens, ever through future years to be honored for be- banded, longing to that patriotic band. It is now nearly sixty years since its existence, and still there remains here and there a silver-headed veteran of whom it is said, " he was a revolu- tionary soldier." It is the pass-word to honour. At all pat- riotic meetings, the first place is assigned him ; and a grate- ful country has liberally provided for his wants. The Americans soon had the gratification of seeing their American independence, acknowledged by most of the European pow- indepen- TT 11 i i -n 11-1 dence ac- ers. Holland was the only nation, except France, by which knowledged it had been acknowledged, previous to its recognition by by Sweden, Great Britain, in 1782. The acknowledgment was made by Sweden, on the 5th of February, 1783 ; by Denmark, on the Ru 25th of February ; by Spain, on the 24th of March ; and by Russia, in July. Treaties of amity and commerce were, about the same periods, concluded with each of these powers Prussia did not come into these measures until 1785. On the 25th of November, the British troops evacuated New York, and a detachment from the American army en- O f New tered it. York. On the 4th of December, the separation of Washington from his officers took place at New York. The long and ?* arti j g of eventful period which they had passed together ; the dangers ^iSi the they had mutually shared ; the reflection that they parted to commander meet no more ; and, above all, the thought that they might never again behold the face of their beloved commander, filled their hearts with sorrow. From New York, Washington hastened to Annapolis, where t0 nVa-^"v"^-/ ties were compromised, holds up this convention, as an ex- ample to future times, of the triumph of strong patriotism and honest zeal for the public welfare, over party feeling and sec- tional prejudice. It was not without a struggle, that the new constitution was 179. adopted. Eleven of the states were, however, early in the Federal con- year 1789, brought to decide in favor of its ratification. Copied! Rhode Island, which sent no members to the convention, and North Carolina, refused to accept it. The supreme authority in whose name the constitution is promulgated, is that of " the people of the United States;" the Its mandate* objects for which they ordain and establish, and bind them- fro e J^lj 8 selves to obey its precepts, are "to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, promote the its objects, general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to them- selves and their posterity." The legislative power of the Federal Union, is vested in a senate and house of representatives, the latter to be chosen The popular for two years by electors qualified to choose representatives branc hofthe i " i . i ii r national le to the state legislatures ; each to have been tor seven years gislature. an inhabitant of the United States, and at least twenty-five years of age. Representatives are to be appointed in each state, according to the number of the inhabitants, and lest the congress should become too numerous, the apportionment is varied, once in ten years after the taking of the census. The senate is composed of two members from each state, to be chosen by the state legislatures. The term of service The states is six years ; but the first senate was to be so chosen, that represented one third of the members had two years to remain in office, ^^te another four, and another six ; so that thereafter no more pacity by the than one third of the senate should be composed of new mem- bers. A senator must have been an inhabitant of the country nine years, and not less than thirty years of age. The house of representatives 'choose their presiding officer, Presiding who is called the speaker. The senate are presided over by officers - the vice-president of the United States. These two houses are called the Congress. They must Time of sea- sit at least as often as once a year, and their ordinary sessions sion commenro on the first Monday in December. All hills for raising a revenue must originate in the house of representatives ; the whole spirit of the constitution mmi- se/ ^;Iti?e~ ring that the branch of the legislature nearest the people intrusted should have the care of the people's money; that is the na- ^Jjge* tional treasury. The executive bears the public sword, and , i 111 -i rm he execu- the popular branch carries the purse. 1 he executive power t j ve power. is vested in a president and vice-president ; each chosen for a 19* 268 THE AMEIVFCAN CONSTITUTION NOW VENERATED The judicial power. Impeach- ment. Fears res- pecting the constitution. term of four years ; each to be a native born citizen, and to have attained the age of thirty-five. The president is the commander-in-chief of the army and navy when in actual service. With the consent of two-thirds of the senate, he is vested with the power to make treaties, to appoint ambassa- dors, judges of the supreme court, and many other, "officers. The judicial power of the United States is vested in one supreme court, and such other courts as congress may from time to time establish. The judges retain their offices during good behavior. They as well as the president and vice-pres- ident-may be impeached. This form of accusation can only be brought forward by the house of representatives. The senate is vested with thm sole power to try impeachments, and two-thirds must concur to convict the accused; nor can the penalty in such case be greater than the loss of office, and disqualification for holding it in future.. The federal constitution, at the time of its adoption, was far from receiving the entire confidence which it now^omr mands. It made the government too strong to please one party, and too weak to satisfy the other ; and while, on the one nand, it was believed, that it would, in its operation, even- tually overturn the liberties of America, on the other, it was pronounced to be a " rope of sand," and the date of its dis- solution was augured to be near. Now, the constitution of the United States of America, after fifty years of trial, is regarded, by the friends of the rights of man, in both hem- isph&fes, as the palladium of civil liberty. PART IV. >- ' FROM 1789 TO 1848. PERIOD I. FROM THK FINAL ADOPTION OF J179, j THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION! TO THK PURCHASE j 1 4. ^ OF LOUISIANA. CHAPTER I. Organization of the new Government. The Funding System. Party lines strongly drawn. - ,i * '* * ' "''ii'.'t THE fourth of March, 1789, was the day on which the new PART IT. government was to commence its operations. But from ne- PERIOD i cessary delays, the inauguration of~the president did not take CHAP< L place until the 30th of April. v-^-v-*^ When Washington retired a* *he close of the war, he had fully intended to pass the residue of his days in domestic pri- vacy ; and this intention he had publicly announced. Yet the habit of ruminating on the condition of his country did not 17 4 leave him ; nor did his great fame allow him repose from the Washington visits of friends, the intrusions of the curious, and the solici- in.retire- tations of the interested. He employed his pen continually, in urging upon the influential, the necessity of remodeling the government. He made a journey of 600 miles, to visit his lands, on the waters of the Ohio ; and, by actual inspection, September became convinced of the practicability, as he had long been of the importance, of uniting the west to the east, by intercom- . ;',#",, munication between the head waters of the Atlantic streams, and the western rivers. He wrote a memorial on the sub- ject to the government of Virginia, which gave rise to two companies; the "Potomac Company," and the " Kanhawa and James River Company ;" and thus he became the author of the first efficient movement, in the great series of internal improvements. Pennsvlva- Eflbrts were made, particularly by the states of Pennsylva- nia and V:> nia and Virginia, to devise some delicate method of placing fr^uiess^f- pecuniary rewards at his disposal; but he steadily refused forts to in- them ; although his affairs had fallen into some disorder, in an ^Gce^^e* absence of eight years and a half ; while his hospitality was & ward/ 270 WASHINGTON CALLED FROM RETIREMENT. PART IV. expensively taxed, on account of his former public character. Among others, his faithful and beloved friend La Fayette came, during this period, to visit him at Mount Vernon. Washing- ton accompanied him on his return, as far as Annapolis. 17 3. When they parted, he had a sorrowful and just foreboding, Visit frorn^ t h at they should never meet again. Not only to retrieve his affairs, but to indulge his taste and Washington to advance the interest of the country, he devoted himself to anagricul- agriculture in the personal direction of his estates. He cor- turahst. responded with scientific agriculturalists in Europe and Ame- rica ; and the theories which he formed or learned from them, he put in practice ; ordering in advance, a rotation of crops to suit the several soils. His skill in landscape gardening is e-"v , .IO-M- -r.Trmfest, in the beautiful arrangement of his grounds at i\ioui; v ernon ; where every shrub and tree was planted beneath his eye, and pruned by his own hand. The first Huriiinons which he received to quit this delightful He is sum- retreat was when the legislature of Virginia chose him first moned to be- delegate to the convention, which framed the constitution, come a mem- With ~<*H'*'Rj"'. he consented to the pleas of friendship, and convention. l ^ e Cd ^ s f puntic duty. He prepared himself to lay po- litical foundations, by the study, not, only of present cir- 17a>7 cu.nstances, but of confederated governments, ancient and Is made modern. Made president of the convention, by a unanimous vr e >hi*> wisdom, no less than his influence, was felt through- out that august body ; and at no time did he serve his country with more efficiency. If unani- The constitution being adopted, the universal voice of *he ^'jmsident nation called him forth, to organize the government he had of the United thus helped to devise. He was pained that he must again, at * tne a e ^ fifty-seven, leave his long-coveted retirement, and embark, with all his honors, upon an untried and tempestuous 17SS>. sea. But he knew there was no other man on whom the peo- April 14. pie would unite, and that his refusal, at such a crisis, would arrives^ ^ e f rau g nt with danger to his country. A special messenger Mount Ver- from the president of congress, brought him the official intel- non, an- lig ence of his election, and two days from the time of notice, election. ne se ^ out for New York, where congress first convened. In his progress, he was met by numerous bodies of the peo- ple, of both sexes, who hailed him as the Father of his Coun- His journey try ; and triumphal arches were erected, to commemorate his t< York W achievements. He was attended by a deputation from con- gress, and was received by trie governor, as he landed, amidst the firing of artillery, and the acclamations of the people. 1789. The ceremony of his inauguration was witnessed, with in April 30. expressible joy, by a great multitude of spectators. The daTew n^^ty an( ^ importance of the transaction, the benign dignity York. of Washington's character and manners, the remembance of the sufferings, by which America had won the right to go- vern itself, and which, with a father's anxious solicitude, he THE FIRST INAUGURATION. 271 had shared ; all conspired to render the pageant solemn and PART IV. affecting. In an address to both houses of congress, he modestly de- clared his incapacity for " the weighty and untried cares be- fore him," and offered his " fervent supplications to that Al- 179. mighty Being, whose providential aid can supply every human toI JJ jj^. defect, that his benediction would consecrate to the liberties gural ad- and happiness of the people of the United States, a govern- dress - merit instituted by themselves for essential purposes ; and would enable every instrument, employed in its administra- tion, to execute with success the functions allotted to his charge." He remarked, that "the foundation of our national policy should be laid in the pure principles of private morality ; and that no truth was more thoroughly established, than that there exists an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness ; The maxun8 between duty and advantage ; between the genuine maxims of an of wisdom honest and magnanimous policy, and the solid rewards of public enforced by prosperity and felicity." These considerations he enforced by and^hilan- the weighty reasons, " that the success of the republican form thropy. of government is justly considered, as deeply, perhaps finally, staked on the experiment intrusted to the American people ; and that the propitious smiles of heaven could never be ex- pected on a nation, that disregarded the eternal rules of order and right, which heaven itself had ordained." Congress made it their first object to establish a revenue Congress lay sufficient for the support of government, and for the discharge duties n .... 11-1 i T-I i merchandise of the debt, contracted during the revolutionary war. For this an d tonnage. purpose, they laid duties on the importation of merchandise, and on the tonnage of vessels ; thus drawing into the public treasury, funds which had before been collected and appro- priated by individual states. To counteract the commercial regulations of foreign nations, and encourage American ship- ping, higher tonnage duties were imposed on foreign, than on American vessels, and ten per cent, less duty on goods im- ported in vessels owned by Americans, than in those belonging to foreigners. Those first appointed under the constitution as heads of de- partments, were, Thomas Jefferson, secretary of state, Alex- T ' ie ^ r ? 1 ander Hamilton of the treasury, and General Knox of the de- Jefferson, 8 ' partment of war. The small navy was assigned to the care Hamilton, of the latter. These officers were subject to the inspection and Knox - and control of the president, to whom they were required to make elaborate reports in writing. They were constitution- ally removable by him. During this session, it was proposed to amend the constitu- Constitution tion. Congress, after a long and animated debate, agreed amended upon twelve new articles, which were submitted to the respec- tive state legislatures ; ten of which being approved by three- fourths of these bodies, they became a part of that instrument. It was during this session also, that the important work .,cuiti- posaq of three grades, distridt, cir- cuit, and su- preme courts. Salaries fixed. Public thanksgiv- ing- Sept. 29. Close of the session of the first con- gress. Washing- ton's pater- nal visr to New Eng- land. November. 1790. January 6. Second session. THE JUDICURY ORGANIZED was completed of establishing a national judiciary, to take cog- nizance of all cases, occurring under the constitution and laws of the United States ; of all disputes, arising with foreigners^ and between the inhabitants of different states. It was .to consist of a supreme court, circuit and district courts. Qt these, the district court, which was to consist of one judge for &ach separate district, was considered the lowest ; and causes wegs, appealable from this to the circuit court, which was tp be coojgosed of one of the five associate judges of the supreme courj;, aricLjth^e district judge of the state in which the court was held. Causes were appealable from this tribunal to the supreme court^ which was to consist of a chief-justice, and five associate judges ; and was to hold two sessions, annually, at the seat of government. John Jay was appointed chief-jus- tice, and Edmund Randolph, attorney-general. The salary of the president-was fixed at twenty-five thou- sand dollars a year, that of the vice president at five thou- sand, and those of the heads of department at three thousand and five hundred. The representatives received six dollars per day, and six dollars for every twenty miles' travel ; the senate seven dollars per day, and the same for travel. The chief-justice of the supreme court was allowed four thousand dollars, and the associate judges three thousand five hundred per annum. Before their adjournment, congress, with becoming piety, requested the president to recommend to the people a day of public prayer and thanksgiving ; in which they should uni- tedly acknowledge, " with grateful hearts, the many and sig- nal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a constitution of govern- ment for their safety and happiness." On the 29th of September, the first session of congress closed ; the secretary of the treasury being previously direct- ed, by a resolution of the house of representatives, to prepare a plan to provide for the adequate support of the public credit, and to report the same at the next meeting of congress. After the adjournment of congress, the president made a tour through New England, where he was received by the inhabitants with demonstrations of the most devoted affection. They crowded around him. They vied with each other in the display of hospitable attentions. Parents brought their children, that they might view in him the living model of ex-- cellence, and that they might have, in after life, the satisfac- tion of reflecting that they had, with their own eyes, beheld the man whom the history of their country ranked as the first of her citizens. In November, North Carolina acceded to the new constitu- tion. The second session of the first congress began on the 6th of January, 1790. Mr Hamilton early complied with the di- TWO POLITICAL PARTIES FORMED. 273 rections given him at the close of the former session, and PART IV. brought forward his celebrated report, which was drawn up PERIOD i. with a masterly hand. He showed the importance of public CHAP. i. credit, and proposed, as the means of supporting that of the v-^v^"*^ United States, a system of assuming or funding, not only the 1T9O. public debt, amounting to fifty-four millions of dollars, but also ^^"a't the state debts, estimated at twenty-five millions; and of on funding making permanent provision for the payment of the interest, lne nntimml by imposing^asKes on certain articles of luxury, and on spirits distilled within the United States. * The debates on this report produced an irritation of feel- ing, which, in the event, shook the foundation of the govern- Heated de- ,, . , . . , , -, . . - -r bates engen mertt, as they may fairly be said, to be the origin of that vio- der danger- lent party-spirit, which, under the names of federalists and ous P art y republicans, for thirty years arrayed one part of the American a community against the other. There were in the funding sys- tem two grand points of difference between the opposing par- ties. That concerning the assumption of the state debts, which was last debated, caused the most serious collision: The northern members, who were mostly federalists, advoca- ted the measure ; while the majority of those from the south, belonged to the other party, and opposed it. The other point of difference was, whether in the case of funding the domestic debt, there should be any discrimination between the present holders of public securities, and those to whom the debt was originally due. The federalists, who looked with great confidence to the talents and integrity of ist * support Mr. Hamilton, were, with him, in favor of making no differ- the treas- enco bei ween the present and the original holder of the conti- , nrf>r- , , , , .,, . r . . , . The repunli- nental bills, maintaining that government ought not to inter- Cans O pj>os fere in transfers. The republican party advocated the dis- hi' n - crimination ; contending, that it was unjust to the veterans of the revolution, who had been obliged to receive this paper in lieu of gold and silver, and were afterwards compelled to part with it at a small part of its nominal value, now to be con- demned to poverty ; while the speculator was receiving the reward of their blood and services. After much debate, Mr. Madison proposed, that the present holder of assignable paper should receive the highest price such paper had borne in market, and the original holder the M f- ^ adi - residue. These propositions were finally rejected ; the friends ^"mee'tiTa of the secretary contending that they could not be carried into grand diffi effect, so as to prevent the results apprehended; as many of c\\hy. the original certificates were issued to persons, who, in fact, had no interest in them, as they were for the benefit of others, to whom it was understood they were to be transferred. They had depreciated gradually, thus probably dividing among many individuals the loss sustained by each. The subject of assuming the state debts, recalled former points of animosity, and brought forward new matter of dissen- 274 THE FUNDING SYSTEM IS CARRIED. PERIOD I. CHAP. i. 1T9O. Assumption debts a source of contention. against it. Strong argu- "vorof "he*" assumption, It is reject- ed. The location of govern- ment a treasurer's plans. Rhode Isiandadqpts the constitu- tion. Duties are American distilled pints, sion. Mr. Hamilton was suspected of monarchical views Having been in a situation to observe the evils arising from a want of power in the continental congress, he had in the con- vention, been an advocate for strength in the new constitution, and was at the time, accused of wishing so to arrange it, that j n j ts operations, it would break down, and subject to itself, the state governments. Those whose suspicions were thus excited, now believed that the funding system, in its essential f eatures an( j especially the assumption of the state debts, was * _ rrn J J T_ * i but a part of the same plan. J hey contended that its design was to strengthen the general government, by making the state creditors, and other capitalists, dependent upon it ; and thus- engaging the greai moneyed interests of the country to defend Us measures, whether right or wrong. Those in favor of the assumption, contended, that the debts incurred by the states were not for their own beuerit, but for tne promotion of the common cause ; and that, therefore, it was right the whole nation should be responsible. The debts of the states most active in the war were greatest ; those of Massachusetts and Carolina amounting to ten millions and a half, while those of all the other states were not more than fifteen millions. Should each be left to provide for the pay- ment of its own debts, these states must, in some way, lay unusual burdens upon their inhabitants ; thus obliging them a second time to be the greatest sufTerers in the common cause - ^ n taking the vote in the house of representatives, the plans of the secretary were rejected by a majority of two. In the meantime, disputes had taken place with respect to the temporary, as well as the permanent seat of government. ^ was understood that should it be fixed for ten years at Phi- ladelphia, and afterwards at a place to be selected on the Po- tomac that some of the members of the house of rep'esenta- tives, from that quarter, would withdraw their opposition to ]yf r Hamilton. This was accordingly done, and his plans were adopted. The debt funded amounted to a little more than seventy-five millions of dollars, upon a part of which an interest of three per cent, was paid, and on the remainder, six per cent. In May, 1790, Rhode Island acceded to the new constitu- t i on . tnus completing the union of the Thirteen United States, , under one government. Soon after the commencement of the third session of con- gress, a bill was introduced for laying the taxes which the secretary had proposed for the payment of the interest on the assume d debt of the states. That for laying duties on distilled spirits, was urged on the ground, that the inhabitants beyond the Alleghany mountains, where no other were consumed, would not otherwise bear an equal burden with those on the sea-coast, who consumed most of the articles on which an WASHINGTON'S CABINET DIVIDED. 275 impost duty was laid. The bill, after much debate, was carried. PART IV. An act was passed, accepting the cession of the claims of PERIOD i. North Carolina to a district, west of that state, and a territo- CHAP - ' rial government was established by congress, under the title ^*-v~^' of " The Territory of the United States, south of the Ohio." In 1780, James Robertson, with forty families travelled through Tennessee. a wilderness of 300 miles and founded Nashville. Many of the 179O. officers and soldiers of the revolutionary war settled on Cum- Au e- 7 \ berland river ; a tract having been there laid off, for the dis- tjw Greeks, charge of military bounties. A treaty was concluded between the United States and the Creek Indians ; thus putting a period to the fears of a Creek war. A national bank was, during this session, recommended by Mr. Hamilton. It met with a violent opposition from the re- publican party. They considered all banking institutions as useless, the present bill defective, and the power of establish- ing a bank not granted to congress. The supporters of the bill maintained that a national bank was not only constitu- tional and useful, but necessary for the operations of govern- ment. The president required the opinions of the cabinet in 791 writing. Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Randolph opposed, while Mr. A national Hamilton and General Knox advocated the bill. After de- bank es tab- liberate investigation, the president was convinced of its con- stitutionality and utility, and gave it his signature. The bank was established at Philadelphia, with a capital of ten millions of dollars. The dissensions on the subject of the funding and banking Party dw- systems, thus originating in the heart of the republic, spread J^*^* themselves to its extremities, and were every where the the f country signal for the people to range themselves, each under one and i. n tn of the two parties. The secretary of state was active and ca inet ' determined in his opposition to the measures of Mr. Hamilton. He doubtless belieyed them prejudicial to the interests of his country ; but it appears problematical, whether, as a member of the cabinet, it was right for him to spread through the country, a spirit of disaffection* to measures taken by another member of the same cabinet, acting in the legitimate exercise of his proper functions. As an individual patriot, Mr. Jefferson would certainly have been correct in persuading his country- men to oppose what he believed would tend to subvert their liberties ; but it would seem that, by the resignation of his office, he should have become merely an actor in an Individ- * Mr. Jefferson, it is said, patronized a paper which vilified the conduct and measures of the secretary of the treasury. Of this, Marshall gives the following account ; "Other papers enlisted themselves under the banners of the opposi- tion. Conspicuous among these, was the National Gazette, a paper edited by a clerk in the department of state. The avowed purpose for which the secre- tary patronized this paper, was to present to the eye of the American people, European intelligence derived from the Leyden Gazette, instead of the English papers; but it soon became the vehicle of calumny against the funding and banking systems ; against the duty on home spirits, which was denominated an excise, and against the men who had'proposed and supported those measures." 276 THE MORAVIANS AND INDIANS. PART IV. U al capacity, before he took any measures of hostility against PERIOD r. Mr. Hamilton. A& it was, the venerable Washington had the CHAP. ii. unhappiness to witness his two principal secretaries, both v - - * p ~ v ^*^' men of vast abilities, in determined hostility to each other; and the mortification to find his affectionate remonstrances and exhortations, ineffectual to their reconcilement. 1791. New York having relinquished its claims to jurisdiction in ^Feb. 18. Vermont, and this state agreeing to the federal constitution, it mitted to ihe was > on l ^e application of its principal citizens, this year ad- Union, mitted into the Union. In 1791, the first census of the United States was comple- ted. The number of inhabitants was 3,929,000, of whom, 695,000 were slaves. The revenue amounted to 4,771,000 dollars, the exports to 19,000,000, and the imports to about 20,000,000. Octobei. j n October, the second congress commenced its first session. congress! ^ ne ^ ^ ts earliest acts was that of apportioning the number of Number of representatives according to the census. After much disa- tm^Tto g reem ^ nt a biH passed fixing the ratio at one for every thirty- 33,6oo. three thousand inhabitants. While co v ngress was thus agitated by party strife, an Indian war was opening on the northwestern frontier. CHAPTER II. The Moravians. The Indians of ihe North West. .rv> *. "-= THE aborigines of America, are regarded with great and increasing interest. . Of all the sources of information con- cerning their character and internal arrangements, perhaps the History of most valuable, are those derived from the Moravians. Elliot, -ians throws a ^ ou g^ l n g engaged -in their conversion, yet had his home tight on that and family among the pedple of Roxbury. David Brainerd oftheabo- f r om 1 742 to 1746, was wholly devoted to the same object, among the Mohicanni west of the Hudson, and the Delaware^ in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. But his career though successful, was short. The Moravian brethren lived for forty years among the Indians. Their society had many intelligent men, (and women also,) scattered widely among them. They adopted their converts as brothers and sisters, some- times intermarrying among them. Their observations were written down ; and they remain in the pages of Heckewelder, and in the letters of Zeisberger, arranged into narrative by Loskiel. For the sake of this information, no less than on their own account, the history of the Moravian mis- sions should be studied. To give a connected view of the THE BRETHREN AMONG THE PELAWARES. 277 'evolution, we have suspended it from its proper chronological PART IV. place. After Pontiac's treacheries, the Moravian converts, in dan- ger of perishing from the indiscriminate fury of the whites, went in a body to Philadelphia, and were sheltered by the governor in a prison ; yet, even here, some of them were mur- dered. Soon after this, Zeisberger was the leader of a party of the 1767. missionaries, who emigrated with a portion of their Indian A mission on brethren, and fixed, for a time, on the Alleghany river, near l riv ^ *" the mouth of French creek. Here the Indians came in throngs to attend their preaching ; and the chapel which they had erected, was filled with warriors, whose faces were painted with black and vermilion, and their heads decorated with clusters of feathers and fox-tails. Some of them became pen- itent believers, and joined the brethren. ~ At this time a war occurred between the Senecas and Cher- 1770. bkees. Some provocation had been given by the former, when War be- a small party of their braves were taken by the latter, who, Se^ecas'and having cut off their fingers, told them to go home and show Cherokees. the Senecas how the Cherokees treated those " who would not MM on to the chain of friendship." The war which ensued, made the location of the Moravians May 3. uncomfortable. Chiefs in the neighborhood proved treache- The Moravi- rous ; and, Zeisberger again leading the way, the brethren re- F^edenstadt moved to the banks ofthe Ohio, near the mouth of Beaver creek, at the mouth Here they founded Friedenstadt, " The Town of Peace." The of c f e e e a ^ er settlements on the great bend of the Susquehannah, were about this time broken up, and a part of the inhabitants, led by Heckewelder, joined this settlement. Zeisberger soon removed, having been invited by the 1771 Delaware chiefs, and presented by them with a beautiful tract March 5. of land on the Muskingum, near the confluence of the Tusca- rawas with White woman's creek. Here, with a party of five families twenty-eight persons, from Friedenstadt, he fixed 1772. and built Schoonbrun, " the Beautiful Spring." They were s^jj. 1 ^ soon joined by 241 persons from the Susquehannah. Several begun on the new towns were founded, the most considerable of which were Muskingum. called Lichteriau, Friedenheuten, and Salem. Feuds arose among the Indians, by which the missionaries were in continual danger. The jealousy of the chiefs also op- erated now, as in the time of Elliot, against the preaching of the gospel. But the most powerful man of the Delawares, 1774. Captain White-Eyes, a person of great and good qualities, was Theexcel- convinced of the importance of civilization. He saw how lent chief, much better off were the Europeans, and even the Christian ^JJJB a*n? Indians, than were his own people. Christianity, he regarded ble stand, as the principal cause of the great difference. And when the aged chief Netawatwees, with Captain Pipe, a noted war-chief, and others, joined in determining to expel the religious teachers 278 BRIGHT PROSPECTS OVERCAST. PART IV. 1775. The Dela- wares, as a nation, de- termine to receive the gospel. 1776. April. Zeisberger's Delaware spelling- book com- pleted. Revolution- ary war changes their pros- pects. 1777. August. The= Half- king visits. The Indian tribes deter- mine to root out the Mo- ravians. August. 1781. Oblige them to break at the Mus- kingum. October. Cruel hard- ships on the Sandusky. 1782. March 14. Hear sad news. whom they had invited, White-Eyes addressed the council, even with tears, in their behalf. But unable to move them, he withdrew in silent offended dignity. The nation could not dispense with his talents and services, and were forced to come into his measures. At length N eta wat wees was con- verted. Glikkikan, one of their most eloquent and warlike captains, had before become a sincere and consistent Christian. He received baptism under the name of Isaac, arid assisted the brethren as a teacher, and finally sealed his faith with his blood. The chiefs now solemnly determined in council, and promulgated the decree, that the Dela wares, as a nation, would receive the word of God. " Let us," said Netawatwees to Pakanke, another aged chief, " do a good work before we de- part, and leave a testimony to our children." Great prosperity followed. Zeisberger had made a spelling- book of the Delaware tongue, and was gathering the children into schools. The war of the revolution came on, and the afflicted bretheren were now placed between three fires. The English and Americans each sent to them to be quiet, but each sought to draw them into such correspondencies as would have made them suspected by the other ; while the Indian tribes around, wished to take part in the fray. Still, the Delawares, under White-Eyes, acted in their character of peacemakers, and called on the tribes to maintain a neutrality. About this time, the Half-king came with 200 of his Hu- rons, or Wyandots, bent on the destruction of the Moravians ; but they prepared a feast, and received him in such a manner, that he relented and promised them his friendship. At length the two belligerents called on the Indians to take up arms, and they could no longer be restrained. But the young men among their converts refused. Their refusal was at- tributed to their teachers, and the fierce Iroquois employed the Chippewas and Ottawas, to take the lives of the missiona- ries, or cause their removal. Their friend White-Eyes was now dead. They were plundered, and their cattle shot in such numbers, that the air became insupportable ; and while their corn was yet unharvested, they were obliged to break up their beautiful settlements on the Muskingum. Some of their converts forsook them, while hundreds fol- lowed them to a barren spot on the Sandusky river. Winter came on, and they suffered from hunger and cold. Notwith- standing the missionaries had thus sacrificed every thing, rather than to abandon their converts, who loved them as fa- thers, they were now seized, by British authority, and carried to Detroit. The very day they were torn from their families arid converts, they learned the dreadful fate of a party of their Indian brethren and sisters, who had gone back to the Musk- ingum, to gather the corn from their deserted fields. This party consisted of ninety-eight persons. They were at Lichtenau and Salem, expecting soon to carry the gathered A DARK PAGE. 279 corn to their famishing friends, when an armed party of Ameri- can marauders, possessed with the superstitious belief, that the Indians, like the Canaanites of old, were all to be destroyed by the chosen race, which, in their opinion, were themselves, hearing of this party, came upon them unawares ; and, by fraud and false pretenses, disarmed and made them pris- oners. They then informed them that they must die. Reli- gion had taught them how Christians should die, and all they asked was a little time to prepare. The wretches gave them till the next day, and then confined the men in one house, the women and children in another. All night did these de- voted innocents send up to heaven the voice of prayer, with hymns of praise. In the morning, they were led forth by two and two, and in separate houses set apart for the men and women, they were scalped and murdered ; meeting their death with Christian composure. Thus ninety-six converted Indians were foully slaughtered in cool-blood, by white men pretend- ing to be Christians. Two lads alone escaped to give these particulars. Colonel Gibson, the American commandant at Pittsburg, had sent to apprise the Moravian Indians of the danger they were in, from these human fiends ; but too late. The missionaries, who were carried to Detroit, had already been there before on the accusation of Captain Pipe, that they had been in correspondence with the Americans. They denied the fact, and demanded of the governor a trial. When con- fronted with their accuser, the governor asked him if his charge was true. Captain Pipe shuffled and evaded, and whispered with his counsellors, who hung their heads. At length he raised himself, like a man who suddenly makes a great and good resolve. " I will," said he, " tell the plain truth. The missionaries are good men." Then striking his breast, he exclaimed, " it is I who am to blame : they did nothing but what the Delaware chiefs obliged them to do." On this declaration they were acquitted. On their second visit, the governor, who was a worthy man, told them that he had them brought to Detroit to save their lives, which the savages were determined to take. Encou- raged by him, the missionaries again gathered their scattered flock, for a time, on the Huron river. At length the news of peace between England and America arrived, and they re- turned to the United States. The savage tribes remaining, hostile, they went towards their settlements in Pennsylvania, where their society was incorporated, and was flourishing. From the beginning of the Moravian mission to the year 1782, the brethren had baptized 720 of the Indians. After the treaty with Great Britain, that nation refused to de- liver up Detroit and other posts in the western country, within the ceded limits of the United States ; alledging that the Ameri- cans had not fulfilled certain stipulations of the treaty. These posts became the rallying points of the now hostile savages. PART IT. 1782. A party go back to the Muskingum to gather their stand ing corn. March 6. Americans make them prisoners. March 7 Inhumanly murder them. 17*1 November. The mis- sionaries at Detroit are tried by de Peyster, the British go- vernor. Captain Pipe's avow- al. March 14. 1782. Mission on the Huron river. They return to the United States 1786. 260 THE MASSACRE OF THE INDIAN CONVERTS AVENGED TheMiamis. The Little Turtle. General Harmar. His defeat. 1792 October. St. Glair suffers the Little Turtle to surpuse his force, which is wholly de- feated. Congress re- solve to car- ry on the war, but soldiers are wanting. A flag of truce vio- lated. 1793. Partial ces- sation of hos- tilities. The Miamies were at this time the most prominent of the western tribes. Their chief, Michikiniqua, (the Little Turtle,) possessed more talents than any savage warrior of his time. Like Pontiac, he appears to have thought that a juncture, when the country was to change its white masters, might be made fa- vorable to their utter expulsion, and the re-establisment of the Indian power. By the force of native abilities and great ex- ertions, he raised himself to be the military leader of the con- federated Wyandots, Dela wares, Pottawatamies, Shawariese, Chippewas, Ottawasj and other tribes. With purposes of extermination, they now ravaged the frontiers of the United States, committing their usual midnight atrocities. Pacific arrangements were attempted by the president, but without effect. On their failure, General Harmar was sent from Fort Washington on the site, of Cincinnati, with a force amounting to 1,400 men, to reduce them to terms. He was successful in destroying Indian villages, and the produce of their fields ; but in an engagement near Chillicothe, he was de- feated with considerable loss. Upon the failure of General Harmar, Major General St. Clair, governor of the Northwest Territory, was appointed to succeed him. He hastened, with an army of 2,000, to pro- tect the suffering inhabitants. In October of the following year, he marched into the wil- derness to seek his foe, and encamped with 1,400 men, near the Miami villages. Regardless of the rules of savage war- fare, and of the well known talent and subtilty of the Little Turtle, he and his officers were asleep, while at dead of night the savage chieftians assembled in council. At dawn, the terrified Americans were roused with the war-whoop sounding in their ears, from every quarter. The carnage was indescri- bable. Not more than one-fourth of the Americans escaped, and their whole camp and artillery, fell into the hands of the savages. On receiving information of this horrible disaster, congress resolved to prosecute the war with increased vigor ; to aug- ment the army, and to place the frontiers in a state of defense. In pursuance of these resolutions, Washington endeavored to organize a force, sufficient for a vigorous prosecution of the war ; but the defeats of Harmar and St. Clair produced such a dread of the Indians, that a sufficient number of recruits could not be enlisted, to authorize another expedition. A clamor was raised against the war, and the president once more attempting to negotiate, sent Colonel Harden and Major Trueman, with a flag of truce. They were both mirdered by the savages, though against the will of the chief. The Six Nations, at the instigation of Washington, row in- terfered, and persuaded the tribes on the Wabash, to withdraw from the alliance, and make peace with the United St- 1 * FOREBODINGS OF THE TWO PARTIES. 281 The Miamies consented to something like a triice, agreeing PART IV. to hold a conference the ensuing spring. In 1792, a mint was established, by order of congress, and located at Philadelphia; and the division and value of the money, to be used throughout the country, was regulated by statute and it was called "-Federal money." 1793 General Washington was again elected president, and in WashinK- March, 1793, was inaugurated. John Adams was also re-elect- ton's second ed vice-president. ^on About this time, the French revolution, which had commen- ced in 1789, began seriously to affect the politics of the Uni- 17 9. ted States. A new government was at first established in The France, which had for its fundamental principle, the universal equality of man. Hopes were entertained, that France would now enjoy the blessings of a free government ; but the leaders of the revolution were selfish and unprincipled, and their san- guinary measures soon blasted these hopes. Louis XVI. was executed, his family murdered or imprisoned, and all who 179SI. were suspected of hostility to the revolutionists, suffered de- LOU^S?!^ capitation by the guillotine. guillotined. The party-spirit which had already agitated the whole Union, raged with increased violence. The democratic or republi- Effect of the can party, viewing France as in the same situation with Ame- \J^ orTthe rica, when contending for her rights against the tyranny of United Great Britain, beheld with pleasure the downfall of kings, and States - the dissemination of their own principles ; and though they Viewg of ^ disapproved the ferocity and cruelty exhibited, yet they trust- democratic ed that good order would eventually be restored, and a repub- party. lie of the most perfect kind established. The federalists, regarding their country as connected with Britain by identity of origin, by the various ties of commercial interest, by resemblance of institutions, and by similarity of language, literature, and religion ; shocked with the crimes of the French rulers, and alarmed at the system of disorgani- zation which they had introduced, were led to doubt whether, amidst such a state of things, a republican form of government could permanently be maintained. They charged the demo- cratic party with espousing the cause of France, and thus fostering a spirit of disorganization. Their public prints teemed with the most terrific visions of the future condition of the country, should the republican party gain the ascen- dency. Law, religion, and good order, they foretold, would all be subverted ; the churches sacrilegiously demolished, and the written word of God committed to the flames. The re- publican prints retorted with equal asperity, charging their political opponents with hostility to republican institutions, and mean subserviency to Great Britain. April 22. In April, 1793, information was received of the declaration Washington of war by France, against Great Britain and Holland. Wash- pr ^amation 'ngton was an American, and he did not choose to involve his oi neutrality! 20 282 PRESUMPTION OF THE FRENCH MINISTER PART IV. 1793. April. Arrival of Genet. His pre- sumptuous behavior. His threats. Congress sustain the executive. Feb 1. 1194. Mr. Fauchet supersedes him. 1792. Kentucky admitted as a state Col. Boone 'begins a set- tlement. 11SO. 'The settlers in distress. They are country in the contests of Europe. He accordingly, with the. unanimous advice of his cabinet, issued a proclamation of neutrality. This measure contributed, in a great degree, to the prosperity of America. Its adoption was the more hono- rable to the president, as the general sympathy was in favor of the sister republic, against whom, it was said, Great Bri- tain had commenced a war for the sole purpose of imposing upon her a monarchical form of government ; but he preferred the welfare of his country to the breath of popular applause. The French minister, who had been sent over by the king, was about this time recalled ; and in April, Mr. Genet, who was appointed by the republic, arrived in Charleston, S. C. The flattering reception he met with, induced him to believe, that he could easily persuade the American people to embark in the cause* of France, whatever might be the determination of their government. This opinion was followed by the pre- sumptuous procedure of fitting out privateers from the port of Charleston, to cruise against the vessels of the enemies of France, nations at peace with the United States. Nor was this the only act of sovereignty which he attempted. He projected hostile expeditions against Florida, from South Car- olina and Georgia , and against New Orleans and Louisiana, from the state of Kentucky, put them in a train of execution and did not finally relinquish them until disavowed by the minister who succeeded him. Notwithstanding these illegal assumptions, he was welcomed at Philadelphia by the most extravagant marks of joy. Mr. Hammond, the British minister justly complained. The cab- inet disapproved his course, and determined to enforce the laws. Genet went so far as to accuse the executive, and threaten an appeal from the government to the people. This measure turned many against him; and rendered the cause of France less popular in America. Congress approved the con- duct of the administration towards Mr. Genet, and France annulled his powers. He was succeeded by Mr. Fauchet. Kentucky was separated from Virginia, in 1790, and was admitted to the union, as a separate state, in 1792. The first English settlement was made by Col. Daniel Boone. He, with his family and forty men, settled, in 1775, on the banks of the Kentucky. Boone had himself, visited the region, four years earlier. Admiring the beauty and grandeur of the scenery, and the wild fertility of the soil, he remained upon it; a solitary dweller in the woods. The Indians were fierce and dangerous; and the wild beasts threatened his lonely habitation. But Boone delighted in such scenes. He trapped the bears, and eluded, or made friends of the Indians. Subsequently, the legislature of Virginia, granted 400 acres of land, to any man who would make a clearing, build a cabin, and raise a crop of corn. This attracted settlers The In- dians were hostile, and severe winters brought famine. But fresh bodies of emigrants furnished supplies; and Kentucky became prosperous. THE WHISKEY INSURRECTION. 283 i;''iP ; 'M I ; I j4M f- r - V! '{'$'/> CHAPTER III. Consequences of war. ON the 1st of January, 1794, Mr. Jefferson resigned his PART IV. office of secretary of state, and was succeeded by Mr. Ran- PERIOD i. dolph. The office of attorney-general was filled by Mr. Wil- CHAP m liam Bradford. V^-N^^/ The duties which had been laid by congress on distilled Mr. Jeffer- spirits, created great dissatisfaction. In the western coun- son resigns ties of Pennsylvania, it soon assumed the appearance of a ** office, regularly progressive system of resistance. Combinations were 1791. formed to prevent the operation of the laws, by exciting the ^e duties resentment of the people against those concerned in their ex- sph-its^dcca- ecution ; and -for this purpose, in 1791, a general meeting of sion disturb - the malcontents was held at Pittsburg, and correspondencies, established among them. This state of things called for vig- orous measures on the part of government. Officers of in- spection were appointed, and a proclamation issued by the president, exhorting and admonishing all persons to desist from any combinations to resist the execution of the laws. The insurgents, not checked, proceeded to violent outrages. The marshal of the district, while serving processes against offenders, was seized by a body of armed men, and compelled to enter into an engagement to refrain from executing the du- ties of his office. The inspector, apprehensive of danger, af- ter applying in vain for protection from the civil authority, procured a small number of soldiers, to guard his house. It was attacked by five hundred of the rioters, who, by setting- fire to the surrounding buildings, compelled those within to surrender themselves, and deliver up the papers of the in- spector, and both this officer and the marshal were obliged to withdraw. The avowed motives of these outrages, were to compel the resignation of the officers, and to procure a repeal of the of- fensive laws. The number of the insurgents was calculated at seven thousand. Washington, having vainly attempted persuasive measures now found himself compelled to resort to force. A requisi- tion was made on the governors of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, for fifteen thousand militia. These were placed under the command of Governor Lee, of Vir- Lee sent ginia, who marched at their head into the revolted district, against the This had the intended effect. Such salutary terror was in- " spired, that no farther opposition was attempted. Several of the most active leaders were detained for legal prosecution, but afterwards pardoned ; as were also two, who were tried and convicted of treason. In the management of this diffi- cult affair, the energy and wisdom of Washington were again conspicuous, at once awing the disaffected by force, and them by lenity. 20* 284 PART IV. At this session of congress, an act was passed to raise a PERIOD I. naval force, consisting of six frigates, for the purpose of pn>- CHAP. in. tecting the American commerce against the Algerines ; eleven v-^-v^-x merchant vessels, and upwards of one hundred citizens, having been captured by these barbarians. A war with England was, at this time apprehended. Since the peace of 1 783, mutual complaints were made by the Uni- ted States and Great Britain for violating the stipulations of 1794. the treaty. The former were accused of preventing the loy- compkints alists from regaining possession of their estates, and British of the Bht- subjects from recovering debts, contracted before the com- Amerfcans m encement of hostilities. The Americans complained, that the military posts, of the western wilderness, were still re- tained ; that the Indians were incited to make incursions up- on the frontier settlements ; and that injurious commercial re- strictions had been imposed, by which American vessels, trading to the ports of France, might be seized by English cruisers, carried into England and there condemned. Congress ap- i n this situation of affairs, congress assembled. A bill prehen war. p asse( ^ laying an embargo for thirty days, one for erecting April. fortifications, one for raising a provisional army, and another Mr. Jay ap- f or organizing the militia. To avert, however, if possible, pointed en- , ? /i i T\/TT r i j voy to Eng- the calamity of another war, Mr. Jay was sent to England, to land. negotiate with the British government. The Indians of Ohio had continued hostile and refused to negotiate, although several of the associated tribes had with- drawn. General St. Clair, after, his defeat, resigned his com- mand, and was succeeded by General Wayne, to whom the re I^ians g ave ti 16 name of the Black-Snake. So many had for- opinion of saken the alliance, that the Little Turtle now believing that Wayne. tne Indians would be defeated, sought to persuade them to peace. " We shall not surprise them," said he, " for they have now a chief who never sleeps." But the council over- ruled his opinion, and the Indians prepared for war. Wayne marched into their country, and encamped for the winter, at Greenville. He occupied the ground where Wa ^^ the battle had been fought in 1791 ; and there erected fort march^into Recovery. Early in August, he reached the confluence of the Miami the Au Glaize and Miami rivers, about thirty miles from a country. British post, where the whole strength of the enemy, estima- ted at 2,000, was collected. His own force amounted to three thousand. After sending a messenger, with the vain endeavor of negotiating a peace, on the 15th of August, he proceeded against the Indians, and found them advantageously A 20 po ste d, behind the British fort. On the morning of the 20th, H defeats the Americans advanced in columns, and at the first charge, the Indians, broke the enemy's lines. The Indians retreated, and for two hours were pursued at the point of the bayonet. x Two companies of British soldiers were in the fight ; but when the Indians fleeing in their distress, applied for shelter JAY'S TREATY. 285 to the commandant of the fort, they were refused admission. PART IV. This treatment, after they had been incited to the war, was PERIOD!. never forgotten or forgiven. The principal chief of the Del- CHAP. in. awares, Buckongahelas, immediately made peace with the ^^~*~*^s Americans. The British power over the savages was bro- ken, and the confederacy dissolved. Their whole country had been laid ' waste, and American forts erected in the conquered territory. These decisive measures disposed to peace, all the tribes northwest of Ohio, and also the Six Nations. January 1st, Mr. Hamilton resigned his office of secretary jtyg* of the treasury, and was succeeded by Oliver Wolcott of Con- Change ' ( necticut. At the close of this session, General Knox also secretaries, resigned his office of secretary of war, and was succeeded by Timothy Pickering of Massachusetts, Mr. Jay, having negotiated a treaty with Great Britian, re- Nov 19 turned in the spring of 1795. His treaty, having been laid 1794. before the senate, was, after much debate, ratified by that Jay's treaty body. It provided that the posts, which the British had re- wi g h rit ^ at tained, should be given up to the Americans, and compensa- tion made for illegal captures ; arid that the American govern- 1795. ment should hold 600,000, in trust for the subjects of Great popular Britain to whom American citizens were indebted. But it clamor did not prohibit the right of searching merchant vessels, a s ams claimed by the British ; and was thus an abandonment of the favorite principle of the Americans, that " free ships make free goods." While the senate were debating it with closed doors, a member had given an incorrect copy to a printer, This was circulated with rapidity, and produced much irrita- tion. The president received addresses from every part of the Passes the Union, praying him to withhold his signature ; but Washington, senate, and believing the conditions to be the best which, under existing is signed by circumstances, could be obtained, signed it in defiance of pop- ular clamor. At the next session of congress, an attempt was made by the republican party, to hinder the treaty from going into ef- Debates on feet, by refusing to vote for the necessary funds. After a the provis- long debate, in which several members, particularly Fisher lon ^[ n t|J r Ames, of Massachusetts, displayed much eloquence, and the effect Jay's parties generally much heat and irritation, the appopriation treaty, was carried by a majority of three, and the treaty went into effect. The republican party, although, in general, confiding in their beloved president, considered that, his sanction to this instrument was a proof that his judgment partook in some small degree of human fallibility. They believed the peace which it purchased, while the odious right of search was granted to England, would be short-lived and inglorious. Washington knew that it was better than war; and that should war ultimately arise from the insulting and injurious exercise of that power, it were better deferred, until the state had 286 FRENCH DIPLOMACY. PART IV. gained the strength and vigor of a few more years' con PERIOD i. solidation. CHAP. in. A treaty was also made this season with Algiers ; the com- ^ ~^<~^s merce of the Mediterranean was opened, and the American 1795. captives were restored. A treaty was also concluded with Tl TJ t |^ Ith tne Indians in the west; thus securing the frontiers from sav- age invasion. Oct. 27. A treaty with Spain soon after followed. That power had h endeavored to cause the western boundary of the new repub- lic to be fixed three hundred miles east of the Mississippi. She denied the inhabitants beyond the Alleghany mountains, access to the ocean through that river, the mouth of which was in her province of Louisiana. To adjust these differen- ces, Thomas Pinkney was appointed envoy extraordinary to the court of Madrid. In October, a treaty was signed, allow- ing the claims of the republic, as to the western boundary ; securing to the United States free navigation from the Missis- sippi to the ocean, and the privilege of landing and depositing cargoes at New Orleans. In 1796, Tennessee was admitted to the Union. The treaties of the last year met with no opposition in con- 1796. gress. The conduct of France had continued to be a source Mr. Fau- of disquiet. Mr. Fauchet, believing himself supported by a chefs mso- numerO us party in America, gradually assumed an authorita- lent proceed- . r J ,, . , ,' 9 r , Ings. tive manner. He insulted the administration by accusing them of partiality to their former foes, enmity to their friends, and indifference to the cause of liberty. Mr. Morris, who had been sent minister to France, failing to secure the confidence of those in power, was, at their re- American quest, recalled, in 1794. He was succeeded by Mr. Monroe, ministers to a gentleman who possessed the ardor for liberty and the rights Morris 'and' ^ man> common to tne republican party; and who, with them, Mr. Monroe, hoped that the French revolution would eventually lead to the establishment of a free government, on the ruins of the an- cient despotism. He was received in the most flattering manner and the flags of the two republics were entwined and suspended in the legislative hall, as a symbol of friendship and union. Mr. Fauchet Mr. Adet soon after succeeded Mr. Fauchet, and brought ^su^erse^ed^ w j tn fa m the colors of France, which, with much ceremony, ' were deposited with the archives of the United States, as an honorable testimony of the existing sympathies and affec- tions of the sister republics. These flatteries on the part ol Unjust pro- France, proved to be nothing but tricks to cajole America to ceedings of take part in her European wars ; but finding a steady system France, of neutrality maintained, she adopted measures injurious to American commerce. Her cruisers were allowed, in certain cases, to capture vessels of the United States ; and while prosecuting a lawful trade, many hundreds of American ves- sels were taken and confiscated. WASHINGTON S FAREWELL ADDRESS. 287 Mr. Monroe at this time, was suspected, by the president, of not asserting and vindicating the rights of the nation with proper energy. These suspicions were attributed, by the re- publican party, to the false insinuations of his political oppo- nents. Washington, however, recalled him, and appointed Charles C. Pinkney, of South Carolina, in his stead. As the period for a new election of the president of the Uni- ted States approached, General Washington publicly signified his unalterable determination to retire to the shades of private life. On this occasion he received addresses from various quarters of the Union, which, while they deplored the loss of his great public services, contained many subjects of congrat- ulation. He was reminded that during the short period of his administration, the prosperity of the country had increased be- yond example. In regard to foreign affairs, he had witnessed the peaceful termination of all disputes with other nations, ex- cepting France ; while with respect to domestic, he had be- held the restoration of public credit, and provision of ample security for the ultimate payment of the public debt. The prosperity of American commerce had exceeded the most sanguine expectations, tonnage having nearly doubled. The productions of the soil had found a ready market ; the exports had increased from nineteen millions to more than fifty-six millions of dollars ; the imports in about the same proportion ; and the amount of revenue, from import duties, had exceeded all calculation. In 1796, the Father of his Country published his farewell ad- dress to the people of America. In the most earnest and af- fectionate manner he called upon them to cherish an immova- ble attachment to the national union, to watch for its preser- vation with jealous anxiety, to discountenance even the sug- gestion that it could, in any event, be abandoned ; and " in- dignantly frown upon the first dawnings of an attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest." Overgrown military establishments he represented as particularly hostile to republican liberty. While he recommended the most im- plicit obedience to the acts of the established government, and reprobated all obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations and associations, under whatsoever plausible character, with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or overawe the general deliberations and actions of the consti- tuted authorities ; he wished also to guard against the spirit of innovation upon the principles of the constitution. Aware that the energy of the system might, be enfeebled by altera- tions, he thought no change should be made without an evi- dent necessity ; and that in so extensive a country, as much vigor as is consistent with liberty, is indispensable. On the other hand, he pointed out the dangers of real despotism, by breaking down the partitions between the several departments From 179. to 1706. Growing prosperity of the country. 1796. Washing- ton's fare- well address He warns his countrymen against dis- Great mili- tary estab- lishments, A lawless spirit of dis- regard to au- thorities ; against un necessary changes. 288 JOHN ADAMS MADE PRESIDENT. _PART IV. o f government, by destroying the reciprocal checks, and con- PERIOD i. solidating the different powers. CHAP. iv. Against the spirit of party, so particularly baneful in an elec- *~^~^**^ tive government, he uttered his solemn remonstrance, as well as against inveterate antipathies, or passionate attachments, in respect to foreign nations. While, he thought that the 1?96. jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, against strates" l ^ ie insidious wiles of foreign influence, he wished that good against par- faith and equal justice should be observed towards all nations, ty spirit, anc j p eace an d harmony cultivated. In his opinion, honesty, foreign mflu- , r . ii-i- /r u u i- ence, dis- no less in public than in private aitairs, is the best policy, honesty, and Other subjects to which he alluded, were the importance of credit, of economy, of a reduction of the public debt, and of literary institutions ; above all, he recommended religion and morality as indispensably necessary to political prosperity. " In vain," says he, " would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who would labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens." CHAPTER IV. America resents the indignities of France. To fill the station which Washington had so eminently dig- nified, the two great political parties presented their leaders. Adams and The federalists, claiming to be the sole adherents of the policy p^ngcan-~ * Washington, and charging the opposite party with acting didates. under French influence, and having imbibed French principles, 9 zealously endeavored to elect John Adams. The republicans, March 4. settin g themselves up as the exclusive friends of liberty, and Mr. Adams, accusing their opponents with undue attachment to Britain and Sr "ieffer- ^ is ^ nstitutions exerted their influence for Thomas Jefferson, son, vice*" On opening the votes it was found that Mr. Adams was president, elected president, and Mr. Jefferson vice-president. Immediately on succeeding to the presidency, Mr. Adams France* receive d intelligence of an open indignity on the part of the French government now in the hands of the directory. They had refused to accept Mr. Pinkney in exchange for Mr. Mon- roe, and directing him to quit France, determined not to re- Con ress C6 .* Ve anotller minister, until the United States had complied convened. w ^ t ^ eir . demands. Congress was immediately convened, and the dispatches containing this intelligence, submitted to Put 80,ooo their consideration. They passed laws increasing the navy, "calUf^the 6 au g m enting tne revenue, and authorizing the president to de- president, tach, at his discretion, eighty thousand men from the militia. To manifest, at the same time, his sincere desire of peace, TREATY WITH FRANCE. 289 Mr. Adams appointed three envoys extraordinary to the French PART IV. republic, Mr. Pinkney, then at Amsterdam, whither he had PERIOD I. retired on leaving France, Mr. Marshall, and Mr. Gerry. CHAP - IV - These, also, the directory refused to receive ; but an indirect <-*~v^>' intercourse was held with them, through the medium of unof- ficial persons, who were instructed by M. Talleyrand, the minister of foreign relations, to make them proposals. These persons demanded, before any negotiation could be opened with the directory, that a considerable amount of money should be given to Talleyrand. This insulting proposal was indig- nantly rejected. It was, however, repeated, and letters were received upon the subject, signed X Y & Z. Hence this has been called the X Y & Z mission. The envoys at length succeeded in putting an end to so degrading an intercourse. After spending several months at Paris, Mr. Marshall and Mr. Pinkney were ordered to leave France, while Mr. Gerry was permitted to remain, and repeatedly importuned singly to enter into a negotiation. This he declined, and was soon after recalled by his government. This treatment of the envoys induced Mr. Adams to declare, " that he would make no fur- ther overtures, until assured that American ministers would be received in a manner suited to the dignity of a great and in- dependent nation." These events were followed by such French depredations, on the American commerce, as excited universal indignation ; and the general motto was, " Millions for defense, not a cent for tribute." A regular provisional army was established by congress, taxes were raised, and additional internal duties laid. Washington General Washington, at the call of congress, left his peaceful once mo , j i i /!_ commands abode once more, to command the armies of his country. t h e army. General Hamilton was made second in command. The navy was increased, and reprisals were made at sea. The French 179S. frigate L'lnsurgente, of forty guns, was captured, after a des- Th Feb v 10 ' h perate action, by the frigate Constellation, of thirty-eight guns, f r i g lte L'b>- commanded by Commodore Truxton- a victory which gave surgente great satisfaction to both political parties in America. captured. The French government now became convinced that, al- though the Americans might choose to quarrel among them- selves, yet they would riot suffer foreign interference ; and they made indirect overtures for a renewal of negotiations, je/w) Mr. Adams promptly met them by appointing Oliver Ellsworth Buonaparte chief-justice of the United States, Patrick Henry late governor at the head of Virginia, and William Van Murray minister at the Hague, ^ejj^jj envoys to Paris, for concluding an honorable peace. They found the directory overthrown, and the government i n ^ ie Ame . rlc . an j - T i -n 111 r- i commission hands ot JNapoleon Buonaparte, who had not partaken of the ers. transactions which had embroiled the two countries. With Sept. 30. him they amicably adjusted all disputes, by a treaty, concluded Conclude a at Paris, on the 30th of September. The provisional army treat y was soon after disbanded by order of congress. 290 THE DEATH OF WASHINGTON. America was now called to mourn the death of Wash- ington. He calmly and peacefully expired at Mount Vernon, after an illness of twenty-four hours. The newspaper, in its blackened columns announced to the people, " the Father of 1799. hj s Country is no more !" The bells of the nation tolled forth Death of ^ s requiem, a ^d one general burst of grief broke from the Washington, filial hearts of the American people. Clad in black, they as- The people sembled in their churches, to hear his funeral praises froni mourr. the orator, and from the minister of God. The poet wrote his elegy, and the choir sung the solemn and pathetic dirge. The government mourned, with more of the parade of grief, but with an equal share of its sincerity. In the house of representatives, the speaker's chair was shrouded in black ; and the members were clad in the vest- The govern- ments of sorrow. A joint committee of both houses were ap- honon tohls pointed, who devised in what manner they should pay honor memory, to the memory of " the man first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." Washington died in the sixty-eighth year of his age. His history is that of his country, during the period of his public services. Commanding her armies, and presiding in her councils, during the most interesting period of her existence, her story can never be delineated, but he must stand the most prominent figure on the foreground. What may be said of many of the worthies of the revolution, may be eminently said of him. In no instance has he rendered his country a more His great important service, than in leaving to her future sons, his great example an and good example. Other heroes have been praised for their "legacy * ^ ove ^ ^ or y- Washington soared in the pure atmosphere of virtue, above its reach. Never did he rashly adventure the cause of his country, lest he should suffer in his personal reputation. He was above all other approbation and fear, but that of God. CHAPTER V. Operations of the two political parties. 1SOO. DURING the year 1800, the seat of government, agreeably Seat of go- to the law passed by congress in 1790, was transferred from transfen-ed 8 P^ lac ^ e ^P nia to the city of Washington. A territory, ten miles to Washing- square, in which it was to be permanently located, had been ton. ceded to the general government, by the states of Virginia and Maryland ; and received the name of " the District of Co- lumbia." Public buildings had been erected ; and, in No- vember of this year, congress, for the first time, held theij session in that place. 291 Mississippi, and a part of the northwest territory, called In- PART IV. diana, were this year made territories with separate govern- PERIOD i. ments. CHAP - v - The time had now arrived for electing a president. It was ^-*-v^>' about this period, that the feuds and animosities of the federal 18OO. and republican parties were at their greatest height. When Pr gr uf a s r f Mr. Adams was first made the opposing candidate to Mr. Jef- opinion in ferson, he was, by no means, obnoxious to the great body of regard to Mr the republican party, who voted against him. They recog- ams ' nized in him a patriot of the revolution, and they liked him well, although they liked Mr. Jefferson better. It was Mr. Hamilton, not Mr. Adams, who was the chief object of party aversion ; and although a clamor was raised, to serve party purposes, accusing him of being too much in favor of the Bri- tish form of government, yet the real cause of dissatisfaction was, that he was supported by those, who, they were persua- ded, had monarchical views. After the lapse of four years, when Mr. Adams was again a candidate for the presidency, he was opposed with far more bitterness. In some of his measures he had been unfortunate, and the vigilant spirit of party was awake, to make the most of the real, or supposed errors of the nominal head of their oppo- Mr Adams nents. In the early part of his administration, the acts, by administra which the army and navy were strengthened, and eighty thou- tion - sand of the militia subjected to his order, were represented, by the democratic party, as proofs that, however he might have been a friend to the constitution of his country, he now either wished to subvert it, or was led blindfold into the views of those who did. The republicans scrupled the policy of a war with France, and denied the necessity, even in case of such a war, of a great land force against an enemy, totally unassailable, except by water. They believed that spirits were at work to produce this war, or to make the most of the prospect of a disturbance, in order to lull the people; while they raised an army, which they intended as the instrument of subverting the republican, and establishing a monarchical government. Mr. Adams was stung by such unreasonable clamors. At- tributing the evil to French emissaries, and moreover ascribing to too much liberty, the horrible excesses of the French revo- lution, he gave his signature to two acts, which were consid- ered by the body of the people as dangerous to the constitu- Sedition and tional liberty of America. One of these, called the Alien alien laws Law, authorized the president to order any alien, whom he should judge dangerous to the peace and liberty of the couii- try, to depart from the United States, on pain of imprisonment. The other, called the Sedition Law, imposed a heavy fine, and imprisonment for years, upon such as should " combine, or conspire together to oppose any measure of the govern- ment ;" and " write, print, utter, publish, &c. any false, scan- 2'92 PARTY SPIRIT DESTITUTE OF PATRIOTISM. PART IV. dalous, and malicious writing against the government of the PERIOD i. United States, or either house of the congress of the United CHAP. v. States, or the president, &c." Under the sedition law, seve- v -^~ v ""**~ / ral persons were actually imprisoned. The sympathies of the 1OO. people were awakened in their behalf, and their indignation Their great rO used against those, by whose means they were confined. npo^pu an rpj^^ were fa e principal causes why Mr. Adams was, at this period, unpopular, and that the federal party, as appeared by the election, had become the minority. Immediately preceding his retirement from office, Mr. Ad- ams appointed, in pursuance of a law made by congress, nieht"!^ ' twelve new judges. These were called his midnight judi- diciary. ciary, from the alleged fact that they were appointed at twelve o'clock on the last night of his presidential authority. By the constitution, as it then existed, each elector voted for two men, without designating which was to be president ; and he who was found to have the greatest number of votes, Mr Jeffer- was to be president; and the second on the list, vice- presi- on and Mr. dent. ft An unlocked for case now occurred. The republican Burr re- electors, who had a very considerable majority over the fede- the 1V electors, ra ^ g ave their votes, to a man, for Thomas Jefferson and Aaron an equal Burr ; intending, that Jefferson, the leader of the party, should ""votes of be president, and Burr, vice president. These two men had thus an equal number of votes ; and the election must, accor- ding to the constitution, be decided by the house of repre- sentatives. The federal party were defeated, but they considered that they might yet defeat their opponents ; and probably believing that they might find a grateful friend in Colonel Burr, while they knew that they had nothing to expect from Mr. Jefferson, they determined, if possible, to raise him to the presidential chair. On counting the votes in the house, another singular They re- event occurred ; Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Burr had an equal ceivean number of votes. Again and again the voting went round, qualvote m an d the votes remained the same ; until the time had nearly representa- arrived when, by the constitution, the president must be elect- lives. ed, or otherwise, the machine of government would be run down ; arid the constitution contained no machinery by which it could be wound up. At length, after the members had voted thirty-five times, it was found on the thirty-sixth balloting, that Mr. Jefferson had a majority of one state. This transaction must, go down to posterity as a dark pas sage in American history. Whether or not the republi Evil conse- cans would have continued to vote until the constitution was ever "oYe destroyed, rather than yield to their opponents a short lived apprehended triumph, and take for four years as president, the man them- from violent se i v es had selected as vice president, can never be known; but if such had been the fact, posterity would have had cause to execrate their memories. Had such a catastrophe ensued, still less would America have had occasion of gratitude to the TRIPOLITAN WAR. 293 other party. The republicans might alledge, that they voted PART IV. in obedience to the will of the people ; but no one pretended, PERIOD i. that any freeman, in voting for an elector, or any elector in CHAP. v. voting for Mr. Burr, expected or wished that he should be *~^~ four hundred thousand in ten years. In the same time, the ^ i n . J . r .. , Jbxports and exports increased from nineteen to ninety-four millions, and revenue. the revenue, from 4,771,000 to 12,945,000 dollars. This ra- pid advance in the career of prosperity, is unparalleled in the history of nations ; and it is to be attributed to the industrious and enterprising habits of the people, and their excellent laws and political institutions. During this year, congress declared war against Tripoli. In 1802, Ohio was admitted as an independent state into 1O3. the Union. The territory of this state was originally claimed Ohl ad : i IT- j /-. i iiiT- -U mittedtotha by Virginia and Connecticut, and was ceded by them to the Union. United States, at different times, after the year 1781 . From this extensive and fertile tract of country, slavery was entirely excluded. In 1802, the port of New Orleans was closed against the Louisiana United States. The king of Spain having ceded Louisiana g 6 ^ Jj to the French, the Spanish intendant was commanded to make France, arrangements to deliver the country to the French commis- sioners. In consequence of this order, the intendant an- nounced that the citizens of the United States could no Ion- ger be permitted to deposit their merchandise and effects in the port of New Orleans. By this prohibition, the western states were in danger of suffering the ruin of their commerce ; and great agitation was excited in the public mind. Congress caused friendly and reasonable representations of the griev- ances sustained, to be made to the court of Spain, and the right of deposit was restored. * See Article XII. of the Amendments, p. 407. 294 PURCHASE OF LOUISIANA. PART IV. Aware of the difficulties and danger to which the United PERIOD i. States would be exposed, while Louisiana remained in the CHAP. v. ^possession of a foreign power, propositions had been made for ^--v^^ procuring it by purchase. This was a subject of much dis- 18O3. cussion and feeling. But, by a treaty concluded at Paris, in Louisiana 1803, Louisiana, comprising all that immense region of coun- try, extending from the Mississippi to the Pacific ocean, was acquired by the United States, as well as the free and exclu- sive navigation of the river. The sum of fifteen millions of dollars was the sole price given for these newly acquired rights, which thus in a peaceful manner, nearly doubled the geographical importance of the nation, and therefore forms an important era in our history. PERIOD II. FROM THE PURCHASE J18O3J OF LOUISIANA TO THE CESSION | 182O* 1 OF FLORIDA. CHAPTER I. European affairs. War with Tripoli. Troubles with England and Frar.ce. THE semi-barbarous nations, which inhabit the southern fhores of the Mediterranean, had made depredations on the American commerce, and had taken and held in bondage, American citizens. On remonstrance, Tripoli intimated to the government, that their only method of securing themselves, was the payment of tribute. In prosecution of the war which ensued, Commodore Dale, with a squadron of two frigates and a sloop of war, was sent to the Mediterranean, where, blockading the harbor of Tripoli, he prevented the piratical cruisers from leaving it, and thus afforded protection to the American commerce. Early in the year 1803, congress sent out Commodore Preble, with a squadron of seven sail. In October, one of his ships, the Philadelphia, Captain Bainbridge, was sent into the harbor of Tripoli, to reconnoitre ; and while in pursuit of a small vessel, he unfortunately proceeded so far, that the frigate grounded, and fell into the hands of the enemy. The officers were imprisoned, and the crew treated as slaves. Stephen Decatur, a lieutenant under Preble, conceived the bold design of re-capturing, or destroying the Philadelphia. Arming a small ketch, the Intrepid, he sailed from Syracuse, with seventy-six men, entered the harbor of Tripoli, and ad- vancing secretly, took a station alongside of the frigate, which was moored within gunshot of the bashaw's castle, and of the principal battery. Some of the enemy's cruisers lay within two cable's length, and all the guns of the frigate were mount- ed and loaded. Decatur sprang on board. His crew fol- lowed, and rushing, sword in hand, upon the astonished and terrified Tripolitans, killed and drove them into the sea, and were soon masters of the frigate. The guns of the battery opened upon them, and the corsairs in the harbor were ap- proaching. They set fire to the Philadelphia, left her, and were soon out of the reach of their pursuers; having ac- complished this daring enterprise without the loss of a single man. PART IV. 1801. War with Tripoli 18O3. Frigate Phil- adelphia captured. 1804. February. Decatur re- captures and burns th Philadel- phia. 296 GEN. EATON S EXPEDITION AGAINST DERNE. PART IV. 1O4. C preble d it> tempts to destroy the fortincations at Tripoli. Eaton ob- tains permis- sion to un- dertake a bold enter- 1805. April 27. He captures , Derne. Victorious June 3. Peace with npo L 180 1. Hamilton Burr. In the month of August, Commodore Preble went three times into the harbor of Tripoli, and opened the broadsides O f hj s fl eP t. Although some of the Tripolitan shipping was thus destroyed, yet no material impression was made upon the fortifications. Meantime, the barbarians treated the Ame- r i can prisoners, among whom were Captain Bainbridge and his crew, with such cruel indignities, that their country deeply commisseratinp- their distresses, was ready to adopt any meas- , . , /T - -. j , { r v / ure > which afforded a reasonable prospect or relief. In 1803, Captain William Eaton, on his return from Tunis, where he had been as consul, requested the government to permit his union with Hamet an elder and expelled brothei of the reigning bashaw of Tripoli. Permission was given, suc } i supplies granted him as could be afforded, and the co- *" first fire. His death caused a deep sensation throughout the country. In the meantime, Mr. Jefferson received his second presi- 18O5 dential election ; and such was his popularity, that out of 1 76 ^^elect- vote*, he received 162. George Clinton, of New York, was ed g president. chosen vice-president. The wise policy of America had been eminently conspic- Neutrality nous in maintaining a steady system of neutrality, during the Curing 'the whole of those wars which broke out in consequence of the warsoftto French revolution. This neutrality enabled her to profit by French rev- L I 1 p-n 1 o, lit lUtlOn. the colonial commerce ol r ranee and Spam, as also by the whole of that branch of European trade, which, in conse- quence of the general war, could not be transported in native ships. France, in the meantime, had become a nation of Neutrals soldiers. She had repelled her invaders, and placed at the unjustly head of her republic a man whose vast mental powers and re- sources had acquired control over most of the European king- rents. doms. Napoleon had made a stand against the maritime tyranny of Britain, while that nation, with equal vigor, re- sisted his usurpations on land. Each party was intent on re- paying blow for blow ; and each was regardless how great a part of the shock might fall on unoffending neutrals, so that any part of it should reach his antagonist. Nor was this all ; each belligerent, resolutely bent that other nations should make common cause, made it understsood, that whatever nation should fail of resenting the injuries of his enemy, should be injured by him. On two subjects Britain and America were at issue. One Disputes be was respecting what the former power denominated " the right l )J' en . Gre * t f UIT--T_ T--LJ i Britain and of search ; by which on various pretences, she had so long America. haughtily assumed, and exercised an authority to search the rpj ie u . , vessels of other nations. Another subject in dispute was, that of search." of expatriation. England maintained, that a man, once a sub- ject, was always a subject ; and that no act of his could change his allegiance to the government under which he was born. America, with a more liberal policy, held that man was born free ; and if, when he arrived at years of reflection, he preferred some other government to that of his native land, he had a right to withdraw himself, and break the bonds im- posed by his birth. In pursuance of these different princi- ples, America received and adopted as her sons, all who, in compliance with the forms of her laws, sought her hospita- ble protection. .Hence, there were those, who being born in Great Britain, were claimed by that government as her subjects ; while at the same time, having resided in America, and become naturalized, they were as much regarded as 21 ENGLISH AND FRENCH ORDERS AND DECREES. her citizens, as if they had drawn their first breath upon PERIOD ii. her soil. CHAP. i. These opinions were convenient to the British statesmen v^^v^^ in defending the impressment of American seamen. Officers of British ships, in the exercise of the pretended right of search, entered American vessels, and impressed from thence certain seamen, whom they claimed as subjects, because they 1O6. were born in Great Britain ; while the same men, having be- Iin pressment come naturalized in America, were there regarded as citizens. seamen. ^ ne practice of impressment, thus begun, did not however end here, but proceeded to extremes that were unjustifiable on any principles. The native citizens of America were wantonly confounded with her adopted ones, by the domineer- ing officers of the British navy ; and a cry was heard through- out the land, of American families who mourned for their rel- atives, thus forcibly seized and detained in the worst of bond- age. trench and America, thus harassed, was meditating measures for the defense of her commerce, when she received, from both the belligerents, fresh cause of provocation. Great Britain, un- der the administration of Charles Fox, issued a proclamation, May, 1 806, blockading the coast of the continent, from Elbe to Brest. The French government, exasperated at this meas- ure, retaliated by the decree issued at Berlin, November, 21st, declaring the British Isles, in a state of blockade. Thus each nation declared, in effect, that no neutral should trade with the other. In 1807, the public attention was again directed to Colonel Burr. He had lost the confidence of the republican party, by his supposed intrigues against Mr. Jefferson, for the office of P res ident ; and he had excited the indignation of the whole Colonel federal party, by his encounter with Hamilton. Thus situa- Burr. t ec ^ ne h a d retired as a private citizen into the western states. It was at length, understood, that he was at the head of a great number of individuals, who were arming and organizing themselves ; purchasing and building boats on the Ohio. Their ostensible object, peaceful and agricultural, was to form a settlement on the banks of the Washita, in Louisiana. 1 8O7 ^ ut th^ 1 " movements indicated other designs. At length, Burr Burr is ap- was apprehended on the Tombigbee river, in February, 1807, prehended, brought to Richmond, under military escort, and committed, tn quitted. aC " * n or( ^er to take his trial upon two charges exhibited against him, on the part of the United States. First, for a high mis- demeanor, in setting on foot, within the United States, a mili- tary expedition against the king of Spain, with whom the republic was at peace ; second, for treason in assembling an armed force, with a design to seize the city of New Orleans to revolutionize the territory attached to it, and to separate the Atlantic states from the western. In August, after a trial be- AFFAIR OF THE CHESAPEAKE. fore Judge Marshall, the chief-justice of the United States, PART IV. sufficient evidence of his guilt not being presented, he was PERIOD H acquitted by the jury. CHAPTER II. War with England. THE frigate Chesapeake, commanded by Com. Barron, hav- 18O7. ing been ordered on a cruise, sailed from Hampton Roads on ^ u ^* the 22d of June. She had proceeded but a few leagues from Chesapeake the coast, when she was overtaken by the British ship-of-war, Leopard. A British officer came on board, with an order from Vice-Admiral Berkely, to take from the Chesapeake three men, alledged to be deserters from the Melampus frigate. These men, were American citizens, who had been impressed by the British, but had deserted, and enlisted in the service of their country. Commodore Barron replied in terms of polite- ness, but refused to have his crew mustered for examination. The American commodore was not prepared for an at- tack so near the Capes ; but, during this interview, he noticed hostile movements on board the Leopard, and gave imme- diate orders to prepare for action. But before efficient pre- June 22. paration could be made, the Leopard opened her broadside. Commodore After receiving her fire about thirty minutes, during which, strikes to the the Americans had three men killed, and eighteen wound- Leopard, ed, Commodore Barron ordered his colors to be struck. An officer from the Leopard came on board, and took four men, the three who had been previously demanded, and another, who they affirmed, had deserted from a merchant vessel. Com- modore Barron observed, that he considered the Chesapeake a prize to the Leopard. The officer replied " No," he had obeyed his orders in taking out the men, and had nothing fur- ther to do with her. This event produced great excitement. That rancor of party which had so long embittered all the intercourse of social life, was lost in the general desire to avenge a common wrong. The president, by proclamation, commanded all British armed vessels within the harbors or waters of the United States, to depart from the same without delay, and prohibited others from entering. Mr. Monroe, the American minister in London, was instructed to demand rep- aration ; and a special congress was called. In November, Great Britain issued her orders in council, a Nor. ll. measure declared to be in retaliation of the French decree of C0 u n ^ iJJ. November, 1806. These prohibited all neutral nations from sued, trading with France, or her allies, except upon the condition 21* 300 PART IV. of paying tribute to England. This was immediately follow PERIOD ii. e d by a decree of Napoleon, at Milan, which declared that CHAP. ii. e very vessel which should submit to be searched, or pay trib- v -^~ v ~^ / ute to the English, should be confiscated if found within his ports. Thus was the commerce of America subjected to utter ruin, 1SO7 as amiost a ^ h r vessels were, on some of these pretences, Dec. 22. liable to capture. Congress after warm debates, resorted to Embargo an embargo on their own vessels, as a measure best fitted to the crisis. It would effectually secure the mercantile prop- erty, and the mariners now at home, and also those who were daily arriving ; and at the same time it would not be a meas- ure of war, or a just cause of hostility. Mr. Monroe was instructed not only to demand satisfaction for the Chesapeake, but to obtain security against future im- Mr. Can- pressments from American ships. Mr. Canning, the British tun ^ minister, objected to uniting these subjects, and Mr. Monroe Mr. Rose, was not authorized to treat them separately. Mr. Rose was sent out envoy-extraordinary to the United States, to adjust the difficulty which had arisen on account of the Chesapeake. In 1808, Commodore Barron was tried for prematurely sur- rendering that frigate, and suspended for five years. 1.809. In 1809, Mr. Jefferson's second term of office having ex- Mr. Madison pired, he declared his wish to retire from public life. Mr. president. Madison, was elected president, and Mr. George Clinton of New York was re-elected vice-president. In the meantime the embargo met the most violent opposi- tion, throughout the country. The commercial states inveigh- ed against it as ruinous ; bringing in its train poverty and distress. Opportunities of infringing it were seized ; and its March, restrictions could not be enforced, in the eastern states, with- Embargo re- out the aid of a military force. Thus circumstanced, the pealed government repealed the embargo law, arid sustituted another, Non-inter- prohibiting for one year all intercourse with France or Great course sub- Britain, with a proviso, that should either of the hostile na- tions revoke her edicts, so that the neutral commerce of the United States should be no longer violated, the president should immediately make it known by proclamation, and from that time the non-intercourse law should cease to be enforced, as it regarded that nation. March 23. On pretence of retaliating upon America for submitting to lUmbouillet ^ e outra g es of England, Napoleon issued his decree ot Rambouillet, which authorized the seizure and confiscation ot American vessels which were then in the ports of France, or might afterwards enter, excepting those charged with des- patches to the government. Arrange- In April, a treaty was concluded with Mr. Erskine, the n^nt with British minister at Washington, which engaged on the part Oi me " Great Britain, that the orders in council, so far as they affected the United States, should be withdrawn. The British miri- THE TWIN BROTHERS. 301 istry refused their sanction, alledging that their minister,(whora PART IV. they recalled,) had exceeded his powers. His successor, Mr. PERIOD n. Jackson, insinuated in a correspondence with the secretary of' CHAP - " state, that the American government knew that Mr. Erskine ^ * B v~^-> was not authorized to make the arrangement. This was dis- tinctly denied by the secretary, but being repeated by Mr. Jackson, the president declined further intercourse. In May, 1810, the non-intercourse law expired, and gov- ernment made proposals to both the belligerents, that, if either would revoke its hostile edicts, this law should only be re- 181O. vived and enforced against the other nation. France repealed French de ,, i i i j i- i_ crees repeal her decrees, and the president issued a proclamation on the e & r 2d of November, in which he declared that all the restric- tions imposed by the non-intercourse law should cease in re- lation to France and her dependencies. The population of the United States, by the census of 1810, was 7,239,903. Among the occurrences produced at that period of excite- 1H. ment by British ships hoverirg on our coasts, was an encoun- May 16. ter off Cape Charles, between the American frigate President, t te United commanded by Commodore Rogers, and the British sloop of States war, Little Belt, commanded by Captain Bingham. The at- fri e?* e Pre " tack was commenced by the Little Belt, but she was soon disabled, and thirty -two of her men either killed or wounded. The appearance of a hostile confederacy and menacing Indians com- preparations had been discovered among the Indians on the me "?? ho8 ' western frontier. At its head was the great chief Tecumseh and his twin brother Elskwatawa. It seems probable that in boyhood these two remarkable savages laid a scheme for di- viding betv-een them, not only the sovereignty of their own warlike nation the Shawanese,but that of all the border con- federacies. Tecumseh, who appears to have been the mas- Tecumseh ter-spirit, took upon himself the departments of war and elo- quence, success in these being the road to eminence arid chieftainship ; but in order to hold enslaved the minds of his countrymen by their strong bent to superstition, Elskwatawa was to invest himself with the sacred and mysterious charac- ter, and to bear the name of " the Prophet." Pretending to be favored with direct and frequent communications from the Great Spirit, he by tricks and austerities, gained belief, and drew around him the awe-struck Indians from great distan- ces. He then began a species of drill, whose object seems to have been to discipline them to obedience and union. He ordered them to kill their dogs, and these faithful animals Specimen were instantly sacrificed. They must not, he said, permit theii fires to go out ; and at once the fire of every wigwam was watched as by vestals. Then, to make them independent of the whites, the Prophet commanded, that even the blanket should be laid aside, and the Indians dress only in skins. While the Prophet thus manifested, that priestcraft in its 302 HARRISON AT TIPPECANOE. PART IV. worst form, may inhabit the desert as well as the city, Te- PERIOD II. cumseh was going from one Indian confederacy to another, CHAP. ii. and by his eloquence inflaming their minds against the whites. N-^V-*^ They were intruders, he said, upon a soil, which as it had formerly belonged to their fathers, (not to any one tribe or in- dividual, but to "all, therefore none had a right to alienate it,) so it still belonged to the descendants by right of inheritance. He did not, like Philip, believe it possible to exterminate the entire white population, but he thought the combined Indian T mseh's P ower n^gbt suffice to set them their bounds. He wished arguments the principle to be acknowledged by all the Indians, that their and exer- collective right to the soil was unalienable, and that as such Indi- li was to be defended to the last extremity. So bold a plan . could not but meet opposition, and especially from some of the more independent and virtuous of the chiefs, who rebelled against the double tyranny to which these two brothers were gradually subjugating their tribes. To be rid of these trouble- some men, Elskwatawa pretended a gift from the Great Spirit of discerning wizards ; and immediately some of the oldest and best of the surrounding chiefs were denounced and mur- dered by order of the brothers. Thus was taken off Tetaboxti, a Delaware chief of eighty, and Tahre " The Crane," the oldest Indian in the western coun- try. But none of these executions is more striking than that of the exemplary Wyandot chief, called the Leather-Lips, The cruel- aged sixty-three. The Prophet had declared him a wizard, ties exer- and forthwith sent a neighboring chief with four warriors to *Pro het orf dispatch him. They found him at his home, and announced the chiefs, their bloody errand. He expostulated and entreated, but in vain. His grave is dug by the side of his wigwam, and be- fore his eyes. He is allowed time to attire himself as be- came a chieftain about to depart on his last journey. Then the two chiefs kneeling beside the open grave, the messen- ger offers up a prayer to the Great Spirit. The victim then bent over his grave, and was tomahawked by the young war- riors behind him. Indian war- The brothers watching the attitude of Great Britain and the "w ah " 1 ** 6 United States, and believing that an opportunity for them to attack would soon occur, were collecting their followers on 1811 Governor Governor Harrison, of the Indiana territory, was directed to Harrison march against them with a military force, consisting of regu- * ars ' uncler tne command of Colonel Boyd, united with the militia of the territory. On the 7th of November, he met a number of the Prophet's messengers at Tippecanoe, and a sus- pension of hostilities was agreed upon until the next day, Nov. 7. when an interview was to be had with him and his chiefs. Battle of Warned by the sad fate of so many American armies, l FnSans e General Harrison formed his men in order of battle ; and they defeated, thus reposed upon their arms. Just before day, the faithless INSIDIOUS ATTEMPT TO DIVIDE THE UNION. 303 savages rushed upon them. But the war-whoop was not un- PART IV. expected. The Americans stood, repelled the shock, and re- PERIOD IL pulsed the assailants, CHAP - " Their loss was, however, severe, being about 180 in killed v ~ - p " v ~*^ and wounded. That of the Indians was 170 killed, and 100 wounded. Tecumseh was not in this battle, but was still among distant tribes inciting them to war. He had not ex- pected that the whites would strike the first blow. Mr. Foster, succeeded Mr. Jackson, and during the sum- mer, the controversy respecting the Chesapeake was adjusted ; attack on the the British government agreeing to make provision for those ' esape * seamen who were disabled in the engagement, and for the families of those who were killed. The two surviving sailors, who were taken from the Chesapeake, were to be restored, But the British right to search American vessels and to impress American seamen, if native-born Britons, was still maintained; and the orders in council were enforced with the greatest rigor British vessels were, for this purpose, stationed before many of the principal harbors in the United States. The French decrees being annulled, commerce had begun with France, and American vessels, richly laden, were cap- JjJJri^JJ tnred by the British. Not less than nin hundred had thus losses, fallen into their hands, since the year 1803, Further forbearance, under such great and repeated inju- ries, seemed but to invite further insult and aggression, and when congress assembled in November, the president, in laying before them the state of foreign relations, recommended that the United States should be placed in an attitude of de- fense. The representatives acted in accordance with these views. Provision was made for the increase of the regular army to 35,000 men, and for the enlargement of the navy. A law was enacted, empowering the president to borrow eleven millions of dollars ; the duties on imported goods were doubled, and taxes were subsequently laid on domestic manufactures, and nearly all descriptions of property. On the 25th of February, Mr. Madison laid before congress, copies of certain documents, which proved, that on the 6th of Feb. 25. February, 1809, the British government, by its agent, Sir Jo \^ c e James Craig, governor of Canada, had sent John Henry as an ** 8 sur e? emissary to the United States, for the express purpose of in- sidiously destroying its government, by effecting, if possible, the disunion of its parts. The service for which Henry was employed, was to intrigue with the leading members of the federal party, draw them into direct communication with the governor of Canada, and lead them, if possible, to form the eastern part of the union into a nation, or province, dependent on Great Britain. Henry proceeded through Vermont and New Hampshire to Henry's se- Boston, which was his ultimate, destination ; but he returned cret mission, without effecting, in any degree, his purpose. This failure he 304 DECLARATION OF WAR. PART IV. attributed solely to the readiness which Mr. Madison had PERIOD ii. manifested to meet the conciliatory propositions of Mr. Ers- CHAP. in. ki ne? which took from its opponents the power of making him v -**~ v ~*^ and his administration odious to the people, by representing to them that he was in the interest of France. Henry having vainly sought from Great Britain, remuneration for this dis- honorable service, disclosed the whole transaction to the IS 11 American government, for which he was paid fifty thousand jt is wholly dollars, out of the contingent fund for foreign intercourse. unsuccess- This treacherous attempt, made by England in time of peace, was regarded with abhorrence, by the virtuous of both parties, and was among the causes which led to the war, which soon ensued. CHAPTER III. War of 1812. Condition of the Country. 1812. I N April, congress laid an embargo for ninety days upon all April. vessels within the jurisdiction of the United States. Although laid rg0 P r ep arat i ns were making for war, a hope was yet cherished, that some change of policy in the British cabinet would render June 18 them unnecessary; but no such occurring, on the 18th of Warde- June, 1812, war with Great Britain was formally declared. against The reasons of the war were stated by the president, in an Great Brit- able manifesto. They were, British excesses, in violating the ain - American flag on the great highway of nations, the impress- _ ment of American seamen ; harassing American vessels as The presi- . , . , , ,, , dent's mani- they were entering their own harbors, or departing irom them, festo de- an d wantonly spilling the blood of the citizens of America, shows just within tne limits of her territorial jurisdiction ; issuing or- reasons for ders, by which the ports of the enemies of Great Britain were war< blockaded, and not supporting these blockades by the ade- quate application of fleets to render them legal, and enforcing them from the date of their proclamation ; in consequence of which American commerce had been plundered on every sea, and her products cut off from their legitimate markets ; em- ploying secret agents to subvert the government, and dismem- ber the union ; and finally encouraging the Indian tribes to hostility. Against this declaration, the representatives of the federal party, constituting a small minority in congress, en- tered their solemn protest. Altered con- ^he circumstances of the country at the beginning of this dition of war, were, however, far different from those which attended America t ^ at o f t ne revolution. A government had been established, involution, which, unlike the congress of that period, could not only re commend, but enforce. The number of inhabitants had in THE NATION NOT PREPARED FOR WAR. 305 creased from about three millions to nearly eight, and the pe- PART IV. cuniary resources of the republic had advanced in a ratio yet PERIOD n greater. CHAP - In - But there were points, in which our fathers of the revolu- ^-* p ~v~**-' tion were in a more advantageous situation for war, than that of their descendants, thirty-seven years afterwards. In 1775, 1S |o the Americans were comparatively a warlike people. They p rov identiai had been obliged to he constantly on the alert, to defend them- circumstan- selves from savage foes ; and they had just emerged from a ^fe^the" contest, which had given practical experience of the diflicul- American ties and hardships of war, and the consequent ability to face revolution- its dangers, and endure its fatigues. That war had moreover been eminently calculated, both by its misfortunes and suc- cesses, to impart sound maxims in the military art ; both by the shameful inertness and disasters of its first campaigns, and the energy and brilliant successes of the last. The disgrace of Braddock, and the glory of Wolfe, were still fresh and in- spiring ; and it was amidst the scenes of that war that the military character of the leader of the revolutionary army, and that of many of his officers, were formed. On the contrary, in 1812, a season of thirty years of peace A mis- and prosperity had enervated the nation. Most, of the officers tak ^ m the c ^ i i i. j j i_ f appointment of the revolution slept in honored graves; and that a few re- O f old men mained, (not of those most distinguished) proved a source of to take the misfortune ; for they had their pretensions, and were prefer- ^antf fiTtho red to younger and abler men. army. During Mr. Jefferson's administration, economy was the order of the day. Every possible retrenchment of national expenditure was adopted ; and ajnong other measures of this nature, was the curtailing of the army and navy. Although a spirit of prudence in money affairs is highly commendable, and though it was at that period popular, and in many respects p enny . wls . useful to the country, yet. it may now be doubted, whether, in dom and this instance, it did not degenerate into that penny- wisdom pound-fool- and pound-foolishness, which is as little consistent with the best interests of a nation, as with those of an individual. The national debt, it is true, was by these measures reduced from $75,000,000 to $36,000,000 ; but by the increased expendi- tures of the war of 1812, '13, and '14, it amounted, in 1816, to $123,000,000 ; a sum exceeding by $47,000,000, its ori- ginal amount. It is probable, that many of the misfortunes of the country might have been spared, by maintaining, during peace, a better state of preparation for war, and a sum of money eventually saved, far greater than the amount of the retrenchment. In 1 808, the regular army consisted of only 3,000 men ; Military but during that year, the government, alarmed by the. increas- force of th ing aggressions of the European powers, increased it to nine thousand. The act to raise an additional force of 25,000, was passed so short a time previous to the declaration of war, 306 WEAK STATE OF THE ARMY AND NAVY. PART IV. PERIOD ii. CHAP. in. 1812. The admin- moment for declaring State of the revenue\ The navy in a better con- d thearmy n General Dearborn, that not more than one-fourth of the number were enlisted at that time ; and those were, of course, raw and undisciplined. j n addition to the regular army, the president was authorized to call on the governors of the states for detachments of mili- tia, to an amount not exceeding 100,000, and to accept the services of any number of volunteers, not exceeding 50,000. But the actual force, at the commencement of the war in 1812, was small, and the troops were wholly inexperienced. This army had not that high tone of public feeling, which made the soldiers of the revolution a band of heroes. The occasion, though important, was not so awfully momentous. Indeed, the administration, reluctant to change its pacific and economical policy, had unwisely suffered the highest state of public excitement for the injuries of Britain to pass away, be- f ore t he declaration of war. The nation felt so keenly wounded by the outrage upon the Chesapeake, that it would on that occasion have moved in its united majesty, to the vindication of its rights. But while they temporized, Eng- land had shrewdly allayed that feeling; and the money- loving spirit, which the administration had formerly too much courted, was now otfended by the operation of its restrictive system. Its political enemies took advantage of every subject of discontent- and sucli u^-pcrnion to its measures was excited, as, in a degree, paralized its exertions . The state of the revenue in 1812, was extremely unfavora- ble to the prosecution of an expensive war. Derived almost solely from duties on merchandise imported, it was abundant in a state of commercial prosperity ; but in time of war and trouble, the aggressions of foreign powers, while they produ- ced an increase of public expenditure, almost destroyed the means of defraying it. The condition of the navy was better than that of the army. The situation of the United States, as a maritime and com- merc i a l nation, had kept it provided with seamen, who, in time of war, being transferred from merchant to warlike ves- sels, were already disciplined to naval operations. The re- cent contest with the Barbary states, had given to the officers and men, some experience in war ; and their successes had inspired them with confidence in themselves. The navy was, however, very small. Many enterprising individuals of the republic, did, in the course of the war, convert their mer- chant ships into privateers ; but, at its beginning, ten frigates, ten sloops, and one hundred and sixty-five gunboats, was all the public naval force which America could oppose to the thou- sand ships of the mistress of the ocean. Among the few surviving officers of the revolutionary wai, was Henry Dearborn, of Massachusetts, who was appointed major-general and commander-in-chief of the American ariny. His head-quarters were at Greenbush, on the Hudson river, opposite Albany. MISTAKES IN THE CHOICE OF OFFICERS. 307 CHAPTER IV. Hull's unfortunate invasion and surrender. THE plan of the campaign, which was formed at Washing- PART IV. ton, had, for its ultimate object, the invasion of Montreal. It PERIOD IL was intended to invade, simultaneously, at Detroit and Ni- CHAP. iv. agara, and that the armies from these places should be joined, ^ -N^^-X on the way, by a force stationed at Plattsburg. The army destined for Detroit, was collected at Dayton, in - 812 Ohio, some time before the declaration of war. The presi- Ar ^* * f t ' he dent of the United States had made a requisition for 1,200 north-west, men on the governor of that state. The number was imme- their num- diately filled by volunteers, who were divided into three regi- C0 mmanded ments, commanded by colonels M' Arthur, Cass, and Findlay. by Hull. These troops were joined by 300 regulars under Colonel Miller. The command of this army was given to General Hull, a captain during the revolution, now governor of Michigan. He, proceeding to Detroit to await further orders, moved his forces from Dayton about the middle of June. Traversing an unculti- H ^fj^^ vated region, they were obliged to remove obstructions, and it Maumee, was not till the 30th, that they reached the rapids of the June 30. Maumee. Four days previous, Hull had received, by express, a letter from Mr. Eustis, secretary of war, written on the na^fact morning of the 18th, the day on which war was declared, not yet ac- Strange as it may seem, this letter merely reiterated former counted for - orders, and contained expressions which indicated that the declaration would soon be made. Expecting to be informed, by express, whenever this should actually occur, and not dreaming that the British could be in possession of such important intelligence, from the American government, earlier than himself; Hull, for the purpose of dis- encumbering his army, and facilitating their march, hired a vessel to convey to Detroit his sick, his hospital stores, and a considerable part of his baggage. This vessel, which sailed on the 1st of July, fell into the hands of the British, who had been two or three days in possession of the information that war was declared. With Hull's private baggage, had been placed on board the vessel, what he should have better n g s a s r brin^s guarded, his trunk of papers ; by means of which the enemy trouble, became possessed of his confidential correspondence with.the government, and the returns of his officers, showing the num- ber and condition of his troops. The intelligence of the declaration of war, General Hull re- July 2. ceived on the 2d of July, in a second letter from Mr. Eustis, of June 18th, which was not sent by express, but by mail. 308 HULL S INVASION. PART IV. Hull ad- vances, and leaves the enemy's for- tress of Mai- den in his rear. July 9. Hull re- ceives dis- cretionary orders to in- vade. July 12. Hull invades Canada, and issues a proclama- tion. July 15. Colonel Cass at the river aux Canards. Van Home's party de- feated. July 17. Mackinaw taken by British and Indians. The fortress of Maiden, or Amherstburg, on the British side of Detroit river near its entrance into lake Erie, was gar- risoned by six hundred men, and commanded by Colonel St. George. It was the strong hold of the British, and their In* dian allies, for the province of Upper Canada. On the oppo- site American shore, the road through which Hull must receive his supplies, passed through the Indian village of Brownstown. But they would be liable to be cut off, as the British, having command of the waters, could, at any time land detachments from Maiden, on the opposite side. Thus, for Hull to proceed from the Rapids to Detroit, was to advance and leave an enemy's fortress in his rear. The orders of the secretary of war, that he should proceed, were, however, ex- plicit ; and, pursuant thereto, he continued his march, and reached Detroit on the 5th of July. On the 9th, General Hull received a letter from Mr. Eustis, saying that " should the force under your command be equal to the enterprise, and consistent with the safety of your own posts, you will take possession of Maiden, and extend your conquests as circumstances will allow." The general replied that he did not think his force equal to the reduction of Mai- den ; that the British commanded the water and the savages ; yet he said he should pass the river in a few days. General Hall crossed into Canada on the 12th of July, and directing his march southerly, took post at Sandwich, from whence he issued a bold and imposing proclamation, which backed by the presence of an army, had the desired effect. The Indians were awed into neutrality, and the Canadians generally favorable to the American cause, either remained quietly at home, or joined their ranks. The troops continued inactive at Sandwich, awaiting some heavy artillery, which was in preparation at Detroit. On the 15th, Colonel Cass, with colonels Miller and M' Arthur, and a detachment of 280 men, attacked and defeated a British guard at the river aux Canards, four miles from Maiden, and obtained possession of a bridge, highly important to the Ame- ricans, as securing their access to the enemy's fortress. But no persuasion would induce the general to sanction their guar- ding and retaining it. Governor Meigs apprised General Hull that he had sent Captain Brush, by the way of the river Raisin, with provis- ions for the army. The general detached Major Van Home, with 200 men, to hold in check a party of British and In- dians, which had been sent from Maiden, to intercept the sup- plies. Tecumseh, at the head of his Indians, ambushed his path, and fell upon the Americans with such violence, that thirty were either killed or wounded, and the remainder fled to Detroit. The important fortress of Mackinaw had been left unheed- ed by the government, with a garrison of only fifty-seven men. HULLS INDECISION. 309 Lieutenant Hanks, its commander, yet uninformed of the de- claration of war, was, on the 17th, summoned, by a party of one thousand British and Indians, to surrender : and he con- sidered himself fortunate, while he gave up the fort, to obtain for his little corps the honors of war. Hull received intelligence of this disaster, and belieVed that hordes of savages, stirred up by Tecumseh, and by other British agents, were coming down upon him. Unexpected news of the American cabinet, yet not from it, filled him with entire dismay. A partial armistice had been made, which affected the north-eastern frontier, but in which his army was not included ; and now, instead of the promised diversion in his favor by an attack on the Niagara frontier, the whole British force in Lower Canada would doubtless be concentrated against him, with those in the upper province. The artillery was ready for the attack of Maiden, but the heart of the general had failed. The eyes of the patriot and soldier, were closed, while those of the father, and the pater- nal governor, saw in fancied vision, his beloved daughter and grandchildren at Detroit, already bleeding, the victims of sav- age barbarity. With deep chagrin, and even mutinous dis- satisfaction, his officers and soldiers received his peremp- tory order to retreat from Maiden, and return to Detroit ; where on the 8th of August, the army arrived. General Hull, on the same day, sent 600 of his best troops, under Colonel Miller, to meet and escort Captain Brush, with his provisions. In the woods of Maguaga, a British, united with an Indian force, both under Tecumseh, was drawn up to meet him. The fight was severe. The British fled, while Tecumseh, with his Indians, still kept the ground, but at length the whole force was routed. The enemy returned in their vessels to Maiden ; and Miller, having lost eighty men, was recalled by Hull to Detroit, he having learned that Captain Brush had taken a different route. Hull now proposed to retreat with his army, to some place near the rapids of the Maumee, but to this his officers, already so much dissatisfied with his ill-timed retreat, as to be on the eve of a mutiny, utterly dissented. To insure the safe arrival of the provisions, another party of 350, under colonels Cass and M'Arthur, were sent out. Fearing for the safety of his fort, General Hull had, on the 9th, sent orders to Captain Heald, the commander at Chicago, to evacuate that place, and conduct the garrison to Detroit. Accordingly, on the morning of the 1 5th, he set out with about seventy Americans, and fifty friendly Indians, escorting seve- ral women and children. At a small distance from the fort, they were attacked by a party of between four and five hun- dred savages. The little band made a desperate resistance, but they were overpowered by numbers, and thirty-six of the men, two women, and twelve children were slain during the Hull is alarmed not Wltnout Hull U fetum to Detroit. feats Te- cu mseh a * Hull pro- P oses to "- Au 13 Cass and M'Arthnr Mcagosu rendered, Indian* 310 .DISGRACEFUL SURRENDER OF DETROIT. PART IV. engagement. The remainder surrendered, under promise of PERIOD ii. protection from " Blackbird," an Indian chief of the Potta- CHAP. iv. wa ttamie nation. Captain Heald, with his wife and child, after- v -**" v ~**- / wards escaped from the savages, and were protected by the English. J12. R tne ^3th, five days after the armistice on the Niagara Aug. 13 frontier was to take effect, General Brock, the most active and Brock ar- a ^j e o f t ^ e B r iti sn commanders in Canada, arrived at Maiden rives at the , ,, , . . , ,, v? i British to take command of the British torces. Previous to his arri- camp. val, a party under Colonel Proctor, who had succeeded Colonel St. George, in the command at Maiden, had taken a position on the river opposite Detroit, and proceeded to fortify the bank, without interruption from the Americans. On the 14th, Gen- eral Brock arrived at Sandwich, and on the 15th, he sent a flag, bearing a summons to the American general to surren- der ; in which he says, " it is far from my intention to join in He summons a war of extermination, but you must be aware that the nu- HuU de SUr ~ merous DO( ty of Indians, who have attached themselves to my troops, will be beyond my control, the moment the contest commences." To this General Hull answered, " I have no other reply to make, than that I am prepared to meet any force which may be at your disposal." General Brock immedi- ately opened his batteries upon the town and fort, and several persons within were killed. The fire was returned with some effect by the Americans. Their general greatly alarm- ed, now sent out an express, commanding the immediate re- turn of the detachment under M'Arthur and Cass. Early in the morning of the 1 6th, the British crossed the river, landed at Spring Wells, three miles below Detroit, and Perplexity, immediately marched towards the fort. Hull was perplexed an ^ a gi tate( l. He believed that resistance would be vain, and ultimately lead to the barbarities of an Indian massacre. Yet he was not insensible to the disgrace of surrendering without an effort, and even at this critical moment, he was wavering and indecisive in his operations. At first his troops were drawn up in order of battle without the fort, his artillery was advan- tageously planted, and his army waited the approach of the enemy, full of the confidence of victory. The British were within five hundred yards of their lines, when suddenly Hull gave the order to retire immediately to the fort. The indigna tion of the army broke forth, and all subordination ceased. They crowded in, and without any order from the general, stacked their arms, some dashing them with violence upon the ground. Many of the soldiers wept. Even the spirit of the women rose indignant, and they declared, in impotent wrath, Aug 16 ^at the fort should not be surrendered. Hull, perceiving that Hull sun-en- he had no longer any authority, and believing that the Indians iere Detroit. were ready to fall upon the inhabitants, was anxious to put the place under the protection of the British. A white flag was hung out upon the walls of the fort. Two British offi- THE CONSTITUTION CAPTURES A BRITISH FRJGATE. 311 cers rode up, and a capitulation was concluded by Hull with PART IV. the must unbecoming haste. His officers were not consulted ; PERIOD 11. he made no stipulations for the honors of war for his army, CHAP. v. nor any provision for the safety of his Canadian allies. All ^*^s^s the public property was given up ; the regular troops were surrendered as prisoners of war ; the militia were to return to their homes, and not to serve again during the war, unless exchanged. Cass and M* Arthur arrived immediately after the capitula- tion, and surrendered agreeably to its conditions. Captain Brush took the resolution not to regard the stipulation which had included him, and marched his party back to Ohio. The number of effective men at Detroit, at the time of its surrender, is stated by General Hull in his official report, not to have exceeded 800 ; while the force of the enemy is said to have been at least double the number. General Brock, in his report to Sir George Prevost, states his force to have been 1,300, of whom 700 were Indians. General Hull being exchanged, was prosecuted by the go- vernment of the United States, and arraigned before a tribunal, of which General Dearborn was president. He was acquit- Hull re * ted of treason, but sentenced to death for cowardice and ceives sen- unofficer-like conduct. The criminal under sentence of death ^ was not, however, imprisoned, but sent without a guard from pardoned. Albany, where the court-martial assembled, to his residence in the vicinity of Boston, to await there the decision of the president of the United States ; to whose mercy the court, in consequence of his revolutionary services, recommended him. The president remitted the punishment of death, but deprived Mm of all military command. CHAPTER V. Naval successes. ON the 19th of August, three days after the disgraceful sur- Aug. 19. render of Detroit, an event occurred, which, in a measure, ^JJ^jJ 11 healed the wounded pride of the Americans. This was the Guerriere. capture of the British frigate Guerriere, under the command of Captain Dacres, by the American frigate Constitution, com- manded by Captain Hull, which took place off the Grand Bank of Newfoundland. The captain of the British frigate, previous to the rencounter, had challenged any American ves- sel of her class, and the officers, in various ways, manifested their contempt of " the Yankees." On the approach of the Guerriere, Captain Hull gave orders to receive her occasional broadsides without returning the fire, and his crew calmly 312 BATTLE OF QUEENSTOWN. PART IV. obeyed his orders, although some of their companions were PERIOD ii. falling at their guns. Having his enemy near, and his posi- CHAP. v. t j on favorable, Hull commanded his men to fire broadside after *~*'~v-*+~' broadside, in quick succession. This was done, and with such precision and effect, that in thirty minutes, the Guerriere had her masts and rigging shot away, and her hulk so injured that she was in danger of sinking. Sixty-five of her men were killed, and sixty-three wounded, when Captain Dacres struck his colors. The Constitution had but seven killed, and seven wounded. The captured vessel was so much injured, that she could not be got into port, and was burned. Several of the officers were promoted by congress, and fifty thousand dollars were distributed among the crew, as a recompense for the loss of their prize. Captain Porter, of the United States frigate Essex, captured g t off the Grand Bank of Newfoundland, the British sloop of war Alert, after an action of only eight minutes. The militia of the state of New York now in the service of the United States, amounted to about 5,000, and were Army of the mostly stationed on the Niagara frontier, under the command Lewiston. of General Van Rensselaer whose head-quarters were at Lewiston. Here operations, which had they been earlier set on foot might have saved the army of Hull, were at this time, without any good reason, attempted. The militia being flat- tered into self-consequence by demagogues, and valiant in words, beset their general for permission to perform the bold deed of crossing over the Niagara and invading Canada. Accordingly, on the llth of October, General Van Rens- A part of the selaer gave orders for a detachment to cross, but the weather from Lewis- being tempestuous, the attempt was defeated. In the evening ton to of the 12th, the army was reinforced by 300 regulars, under ^town* 8 t ^ le comman d of Colonel Christie. On the 13th, a party crossed over, headed by Colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer. Oct. 13. The troops were formed upon the shore. The enemy at- Are exposed 111 c i i ,M i i i i to a galling tacked them from a position which enfiladed their ranks, cut fire. down many, especially officers, and threatened entire destruc- tion. Colonel Van Rensselaer was wounded severely. Captain Wool, on whom, as then senior officer of the regular troops, the command devolved, was also bleeding with his at Queens^ woun ds. Seeking Van Rensselaer, he represented the criti- town taken cal situation of the troops ; and volunteered for any service by a party w hi c h might relieve them. Col. Van Rensselaer directed the measure of storming the British battery upon the heights. Wool conducted his force silently and circuitously, leaving the battery to his right, until he had passed it, arid attained an eminence which commanded it. The British abandoned their position and retreated down the heights to Queen stown. Elated with their success, the Americans had fallen into Disorder, w ^ en they again beheld 300 of their foe, advancing Brock, under the intrepid Brock. An officer raised a white flag in HARRISON COMMANDS THE WESTERN ARMY. 313 token of surrender ; Wool indignantly pulled it down. The PART IV. British now drove the Americans to the brink of the precipice. PERIOD IL One soldier was about to descend. Wool ordered him to be I'HAP. v. shot ; but as the musket was leveled, he returned. Thus pro- ^^-v^*^ hibiting either surrenderor retreat, and being ably seconded 112. by his officers, he rallied and led on his troops to the attack. Th( ? v * re "*' The British in their turn, gave way, and retreated down the Brock killed hill. Brock, attempting to rally them amidst a galling fire, was mortally wounded. His party no longer attempted re- sistance, but fled in disorder. Soon a scattering fire was heard from the southern side of the heights. Some militia, attacked by Indians, were fleeing before them, and communi- pulses the eating their own panic. Colonel Scott, now in the field, with savages. a few troops, met and repulsed the savages. But another and more formidable foe was approaching. General Sheaffe, gheaffe ap at the head of ] ,000 British and Indians had followed Brock at pears with a slow pace from fort George. The number of the Americans large force on the British shore was not such as to warrant their enga- ging these fresh troops without aid, arid urgent entreaties were sent over for the militia yet on the American side, to come to The mi ] iti their assistance ; but they now declared that constitutional refusing to scruples had arisen in their minds about crossing the national cross, the in- boundary. With this excuse for cowardice, they absolutely \achment~ refused to go to the aid of their brethren, although it was are in great at their request that the invasion was made. danger. General Van Rensselaer sent discretionary orders to the officer in command to retreat and recross the river. This or- der it was impossible to obey, so deadly was the fire which was opened upon them. In this emergency, Colonel Scott rei X r S as and Captain Totten at eminent risk, bore a flag to General prisoners. SheafTe, and saved the remainder of the invading troops, by surrend* ring as prisoners of war, themselves and all the Americans remaining on the Canada side. Sixty of the Americans were killed, 100 wounded, and 700 made prisoners. Ohio and Kentucky, had aroused at the call of Hull for as- Exertions sistance, and an army on its march for Detroit was in the troops. southern part of Ohio, when the news met them of the sur- render of that post. This rather stimulated than repressed the ardor of the brave and patriotic inhabitants of the west. Ken- tucky put on foot 7,000 volunteers, Ohio nearly half that number. On the 24th of September, William Henry Harrison, gov- Sept. 24. ernor of the Indiana territory, and brigadier-general in the ^esTom. army, who possessed more than any other man, the confi- mand of t>* dence of the western citizens, was appointed by congress, to- northwest - the command of the whole of these forces. They advanced to the northwestern part of Ohio, to protect the country against the incursions of the hostile savages, and to regain the ground lost by Hull's surrender. Sept. 4. In the meantime, Fort Harrison, on the Wabash, was at- Ma ^^ '"* tacked by several hundred Indians. Captain Taylor, with R, V er. 22 314 FREEMAN S MEETING IN CAMP. PART IV. 1812. October 2. Hopkins' expedition against the Kickapoos. It ends with- out use or honor; owing to insubordi- nation. Nov. 19. Hopkins' second expe- dition more successful. Colonel Russel. Colonel Campbell. Nov. 17. The north- ern army. Oct. 2. British at- :ack Ogdens- burg. only fifteen effective men, bravely repelled the assailants. The savages, irritated at their defeat, surprised and murdered twenty-one persons at the mouth of White River. Governor Shelby, of Kentucky, issued an address, calling for an additional number of mounted volunteers, for the de- fense of the territories of Indiana and Illinois. On the sec- ond of October, more than 2,000 had assembled at Vincennes, where they were placed under the command of General Hop- kins. On the 1 Oth, they arrived at fort Harrison. Here the destruction of the Kickapoo and Peoria towns was proposed. The troops approving the plan, set forward for its execution. On the fourth day, the army perceived alarming vollies of smoke and flame advancing with the wind. The Indians had set fire to the long thick grass of the prairie over which they were travelling. They, however, saved themselves in the or- dinary manner of setting a back fire. But the militia became mutinous, and a major, named Sin- gleton, rode up to the general, as the troops were resting, and ordered him in a peremptory manner, to take up his line of march, and return; or his battalion would instantly leave him. Hopkins called a council of his officers, who agreed to take the sense of the army as to the propriety of returning. The majority were in favor of that measure ; but Hopkins, who entirely disapproved the vote, commanded the troops to follow him, promising to lead them in one day more, to the accom- plishment of their object. But they turned their horses' heads in the opposite direction, and rode towards home, the general following in the rear. Another expedition, conducted by the same officer, was at- tended with better success. With a force of one thousand men, regulars arid militia, he marched from fort Harrison, and, on the 19th of November, destroyed the Prophet's town, and a Kickapoo village, four miles distant. A skirmish took place between a party of the militia and an ambuscade of Indians, in which eighteen of the militia were killed. Colonel Russel, in a similar incursion, with three hundred regulars, surprised and destroyed a town called the Pimer- tams. He drove the savages into a swamp, and killed twenty of them. About the same time, Colonel Campbell, of the regular army, with 600 men, marched against the towns of the Mississineway, destroyed them, and overawed the Indians. No operations of importance were undertaken by the north- ern army, during this campaign. In September, a detachment of militia from Ogdensburg, attacked a party of the British, who were moving down the St. Lawrence, and defeated them. They were reinforced, and, in their turn, compelled the militia to retire. In retaliation, the British attempted the destruction of Ogdensburg, but were repulsed by General Brown, the en- ergetic commander at that station. Major Young, who commanded a detachment of the New DISGRACE ON LAND, HONOR AT bEA. 315 York Militia, at French Mills, made an attack upon the British PART IV. at the Indian village of St. Regis, and without loss, killed five PERIOD n. of the British, and took forty prisoners. CHAP. v. The army at Plattsburgh moved towards the Canada fron- ^-^"v^^ tier, and encamped at Champlain. On the 18th, General 1812. Dearborn took the command. Soon after, Colonel Pike, with N ? r ' 1 ^ V , . .. i . r , .Northern ar his regiment, made an incursion into the territory of the enemy, myat Cham surprised a party of British and Indians, and destroyed a con- plain, siderable quantity of public stores. The army went into winter-quarters at Plattsburg on the n 23d of December. General Smyth succeeded General Van Rensselaer in the command of the central army. His operations added nothing to the advantage or glory of the American arms. They con- General sisted of another abortive attempt to invade Canada after an Smyth and inflated address to the Canadians, with a scene of dangerous ^atSrTt riot and confusion in his own camp. Captain King, in the course of this affair, performed a gallant and successful action, Gallant in storming a battery opposite Black Rock, by which the way conduct O f was opened for the enterprise in hand, but there was not valor King" 1 enough in the remaining force even to sustain him, and having sent back part of his corps, he, with the remainder, surren- dered as prisoners of war. The American sloop-of-war Wasp, commanded by Captain Oct. 18. Jones, had an encounter with the British sloop-of-war Frolic, T |i e Was P the British ship being superior in weight of metal. The jo^ Takes American at first received the fire of her enemy, at the dis- the Frolic, tance of fifty or sixty yards, but gradually lessening this dis- tance, she fired her last broadside so near, that her rammers, while loading, were shoved against the side of the Frolic. Captain Jones then boarded her, but he trod her deck amidst the dead and dying, without finding a private in arms to op- pose him. Three officers and the seamen at the wheel were all that were found alive on deck Of the brave crew, con- sisting originally of one hundred and twenty, one hundred were either killed or wounded. The Americans had five killed and five wounded. Captain Jones did not long enjoy his bloody triumph. Two hours after the battle, a British seventy-four, the Poictiers, took both the victor and his prize, and carried them into Bermuda. On the return of Captain Jones and his officers, they were hailed by their countrymen with distinguished marks of honor. His crew received twenty- five thousand dollars, and himself the command of the Mace- donian frigate. Again the Americans triumphed on the ocean, and under Oct 2& circumstances which forced the English to the humiliating Decatur, in concession, which, for many years they had not made, that g^J^"^ there existed a nation which was their equal in naval tactics ; tures'the the Americans, not satisfied with this, claimed to be their supe- Macedonian, riors. The frigate United States, commanded by Commodore 22* 316 THE FORTUNATE FRIGATE CONSTITUTION. PART IV. Decatur, encountered the British frigate Macedonian, com- PBRIODII. manded by Captain Garden. When the two ships came to CHAP. v. close action, the rapid and well-directed fire of the United ^^^^^ States swept the masts and spars of the British frigate, and left her an " unmanageable log ;" and her captain reluctantly ordered the flag of his nation to be furled. When he offered his sword, Decatur, with a magnanimity equal to his valor, re- fused to take it, " from one who knew so well how to use it," but asked to receive the friendly grasp of his hand. The loss in killed and wounded, on the side of the Americans, was only twelve, while that of the British was one hundred and four. The naval campaign closed with another brilliant victory. 1812. The fortunate Constitution, now commanded by Commodore Dea29. Bainbridge, descried, off the coast of Brazil, the British frig- tution, Cap- ate Java, of forty-nine guns, and four hundred men, command- tain Bain- ed by Captain Lambert. An action commenced, and contin- b toS f the > " ue< ^ nearly two hours. The Constitution had nineteen men Java. killed, and twenty-five wounded; but she had shot away the masts of the Java, killed sixty of her men and wounded one hundred and one. The British colors, which, after every spar was gone, had been nailed to the stump of a mast, were at length torn down, and the British lion once more quailed be- fore the American eagle. Success of Nor were these successes on the ocean confined to armed vesse ^ s - The swift-sailing privateers, which issued from every American port, captured vessels of superior force, and harassed and destroyed the enemy's commerce. Nearly 250 British vessels, and 3,000 prisoners were taken by American privateers, while few of these fell into the hands of their enemies; In viewing the results of the campaign of 1812, we find on land a series of disgraceful failures, altogether unparalleled in Americans . . . ,, , 9 , , , ' e / , , . r . , mortified by the history of America. The darkness of the picture is, how- thcirdefeats ever, relieved by occasional flashes of valor. These failures on land. were foe more mortifying, because the superiority of the Americans in numbers, over the small British force in Canada., was known to be great ; and it was confidently expected by many, that Canada would have fallen during the first cam- paign. But the ill-success of the Americans on land, was counter- balanced by a series of naval triumphs, equally unexpected, and more mortifying to their enemy, than even their land de- The British f eats were to the United States. Great Britain regarded her superiority at sea as the vital part of her power ; and the most melancholy apprehensions were, on this occasion, indulged by some of her politicians, who predicted " the total annihilation in the breasts of her seamen, of that proud confidence, which had been so eminently serviceable in leading them to victory." ORDERS IN COUNCIL REPEALED. 3J7 CHAPTER VI. Political affairs. ON the 23d of June, five days after the declaration of war, PART IV. the British government repealed the orders in council. PERIOD n. No sooner had the United States declared war against Great CHAP - T *- Britain, than Mr. Monroe, the secretary of state, directed Mr. ^*~*~*+s Russell, charge-des-affaires at the court of St. James, to state 18 12. to the British government, that America had entered upon J nne . 26 - , . . P , , , American this contest with reluctance, and was ready to make peace, as government soon as the wrongs, of which she justly complained, were re- make over- dressed. Mr. Russell was authorized to negotiate an armis- tice by sea and land, on the condition, that the orders in coun- cil should be repealed ; the impressment of American seamen discontinued, and those already impressed restored ; and as an inducement to discontinue their practice of impressment, the American government pledged themselves, to pass a law, prohibiting the employment of British seanten, either in the public or commercial service of the United States. These propositions being made by Mr. Russell, Lord Cas- tlereagh, the British minister, on the 29th of August, commu- nicated to him their rejection by his government ; at the same time, informing him that measures had been taken to author- ize Sir John Borlase Warren, the British admiral on the American station, to propose to the United States an immedi- y . ate and reciprocal cessation of hostilities ; and in that event, Lord Castle- to assure them, that full effect should be given to the provis- reagh, the ions for repealing the orders in council. On the subject of "jJJjL 10118 " impressment, Lord Castlereagh said the British government were ready, as heretofore, to receive from the government of the United States, any proposition which might check the abuse of the practice, but they could not consent to suspend the exercise of a right, upon which the naval strength of the empire materially depended, until they were fully convinced that other means could be devised and adopted, by which the object to be obtained by impressment could be secured. While this correspondence was going on in England, nego- tiations were also carried on in America. The advantage Advantage which was taken by Sir George Provost, of the intelligence, ^G^neraT* that the British had repealed their orders in council, in procu- Dearborn, ring of General Dearborn, the partial and temporary armistice of the 8th of August, has already been noticed in treating of Sept 3 equate number of troops, was directed against the maritime frontier of the United States, to maintain a strict blockade, and ravage the whole coast from Maine to Georgia. The northern sea-coast experienced little molestation, until the spring of 1814, when the British ascended the Connecti- cut river to Essex, where they destroyed shipping, to the val- (/shipping ue of two hundred thousand dollars. The reason of the dis- at Essex, tinction, which was thus made between the north and the south, is expressed by a British historian, in the concluding senti- ment of the following paragraph. " After the fall of Napoleon, it was held in this country," says Baines, " with a lamentable ignorance of the real state of the feelings and energies of the United States, that Britain, so long the undisputed mistress of the ocean, would soon be Baines' ac- able to sweep from the seas the ships of America ; and that ^c^pbfi* those troops, which had acquired so much glory when con- in England tending with the veteran armies of Europe, would no sooner respecting show themselves on the western side of the Atlantic, than the panic-struck soldiers of the United States would be driven far within their own frontiers. These pleasing illusions were heightened by the hope, that England would soon be able to dictate peace in the capital of the republic ; or at least, that 336 BATTLE OF CHIPPEWA. PART IV the splendor of British triumphs, and the pressure of Ameri- PERIOD ii can embarrassments, would induce and encourage the inhabi- CHAP. xin. tants of the northern states, to form a separate government, v-^-v^^ under the protection of the crown of Great Britain, if not ac- tually under the sway of her sceptre." 1814. July 2 and 3. General Brown crosses the Niagara, and CHAPTER XIII. The Niagara Frontier. GENERAL BROWN, in conducting, as has been related, 2,000 of the army of General Wilkinson, from French Mills towards the Niagara frontier, stopped at Sackett's Harbor. Here his force consisted of two brigades , the first under General Scott, the second, under General Ripley. These able officers were diligently occupied, during the first part of the campaign, in disciplining their troops, and preparing them for action. In June, General Brown marched his army to Buffalo, ex- pecting to invade Canada. Here were added to his army, Towson's artillery, and a corps of volunteers, commanded by General Porter, making, in the whole, about 3,500 men. On ^ e secon( ^ an( ^ tn iril of July, they crossed the Niagara, and takes Fort invested Fort Erie, where the garrison, amounting to 100 men, Erie. surrendered without resistance. On the 4th, the brigade under General Scott, with Towson's ranee" upon arti ^ er y> advanced from Fort Erie along the bank of the Ni- the enemy, agara, to Street's Creek, which falls into the river from the southwest, and here, being within a mile and a half of the ene- my, he halted. General Brown, with the remaining brigade, arrived at the same place at midnight, and General Porter, with the volunteers, at sunrise. The British army, 3,000 strong, and commanded by General Riall, occupied a position at the mouth of the Chippewa. The battle of the 5th commenced with a skirmish, in which a detachment, under General Porter, surprised and defeated a body of Indians ; but they being reinforced, in their turn drove the Americans, who retreated, bravely fight- ing. The main body of the British advanced ; and General Brown put his whole camp in motion. General Ripley was sent to the left, to the aid of Porter, while General Scott, crossing the creek, drew up his brigade in order of battle, to receive the charge of the king's regiment, and that of the royal Scots. They outnumbered the republican troops in the field by more than one-third, and were the veterans who had troo f f u nt an d conquered by the side of Wellington, and of whom engaged PS many of the English had predicted, that they would re-colo- July 5. Battle of Chippewa. APPROACH OF A BATTLE. 337 nize America. The officers and soldiers of the republic had, at the most, but two years experience ; and many of them had never before been in battle. Here then they met in fair and open fight, arm to arm, and breast to breast. General Scott led on his men, while his officers nobly sec- onded his exertions. The conflict was bloody ; but the val- or of America prevailed. The veterans gave way, and re- treated, while the Americans pursued, defeating them at every point, until at length their retreat being changed to a rout, they sought the shelter of their entrenchments. So decisive had been the movements of General Scott, that the enemy were totally defeated before the brigade of General Ripley was brought into action. General Brown now ordered up the artillery to batter their works ; but the day was spent, and their batteries so strongly fortified, that he desisted from the attempt, drew off his forces, and returned to his camp. In this engagement, Colonel Gordon, of the royal Scots, and Colonel the Marquis of Tweedale, late aid-de-camp to the Duke of Wellington, were both severely wounded. The loss of the enemy in killed, wounded, and prisoners, was 514; that of the Americans, 328. In the meantime, a large body of British troops, commanded by General Drummond, were at the head of lake Ontario, near Burlington Heights, and at York. Soon after the battle of Chippewa, General Riall fell back to fort George, where in a few days he was joined by Drummond, when his army amounted to 5,000, of whom 1,500 were militia and Indians. On the 10th of July, the American camp was removed from Street's Creek to Queenstown, and from thence Gene- ral Brown marched to invest fort George ; but finding unex- pected difficulties, he retired from that position, and on the 23d, took post at Chippewa. He had, however, previously sent his wounded and heavy baggage across the strait to Schlosser, near the Falls, intending at the time, to advance upon the enemy. On the morning of the 25th, General Brown received in- formation from General Swift, who had the care of the wound- ed, that the enemy were at Queenstown, and that a detach- ment threatened his stores at Schlosser. At this intelligence, General Brown detached General Scott, with his brigade and Captain Towson's artillery, to make a movement on the Queenstown road, as if to attack the enemy, and thus divert their attention from his stores. Scott left the camp at four in the afternoon, moved along the river, and passed the grand cataract, in ignorance that the enemy were near. Having proceeded a short distance beyond the Falls, he learned that the British army, in great force, were encamped behind a wood, only a few hundred yards to the north, and that they intended to attack the Americans the next day. Scott imme- diately transmitted this intelligence to his commander, and PART IV. 1814 The British defeated. General Riall re- ceives rein- forcements by Drum- mond. General Brown falls back to Chippewa. July 25. Scott's de- tachment falls in with the British army at Lundy's Lane. 338 A NIGHT-SCENE. 1814. The Ameri- cans in a dangerous position ; fight with desperate valor. Ripley rein- forces Scott. Miller "tries" to take the bat- tery and suc- ceeds. Terrible night en- co inter. moved rapidly forward through the wood, till he perceived the British strongly posted on an eminence, defended by nine pieces of artillery. He halted and drew up his men in order of of battle, on a level ground near Lundy's lane, and in front of the British position. The artillery under Towson commenced a brisk cannonade, which was returned by the British battery. The American combatants stood for more than an hour and maintained a contest against a force seven times their number. It was late in the afternoon when the engagement commen- ced. The sun had now gone down, and darkness came on. No reinforcement appeared. But the gallant band still main- tained the battle, although an officer reminded the general, that the rule for retiring was accomplished, since more than one -fourth of his number were killed or wounded, among whom were many of his officers. The brave Colonel Brady had been the first to form his regiment, and on that the loss fell heaviest. Himself twice wounded, he was entreated by those who observed him pale from the loss of blood, to quit the field. "Not while I can stand," was the reply, worthy of Leonidas. At that critical moment, a reinforcement appeared. Gene- ral Ripley, by whom it was commanded, had been ordered to form his brigade, on the skirt of a wood to the right of Gene- ral Scott. But, finding that this position was not favorable, he took the responsibility of first moving nearer to the Brit- ish. For this purpose, he was about to pass the brigade of Scott, but coming between him and the enemy, he found that he was suffering severely from their cannon. Ripley then conceived the bold thought of storming the formidable battery. " Colonel Miller," said he, " will you take yonder battery ?" " I'll try," said that heart of oak, and at the head of the twenty-first regiment, he calmly took his course, march- ed up to the mouth of the blazing cannon, around which the enemy had rallied, bayoneted the men while firing, and pos- sessed himself of their guns. Ripley had moved at the same time, at the head of the 23d regiment, to the attack of the in- fantry, and drove them from the eminence, which was the key of their position. Here Ripley formed his brigade. General Porter, with his volunteers, was on the right, and the artillery of Towson in the centre. The enemy, rallied in their might, and advanced to regain their position and artillery. The Americans per- ceived that the foe was coming on, but could not distinctly as- certain from what point. The moon had risen, but dark clouds were in the heavens, and her light was fitful. Sounds came indistinctly mingled from every quarter. The roar of the cataract, the shrieks and groans of the wounded and dying, the discharge of artillery, were all heard, as well as the rush of the enemy's attack. In this situation, Ripley gave his troops the order to wait till the enemy's bayonets touched are victori- ous. THE BAT1JE JF BRIDGEWATER WON. 339 their own, and take aim by the light from the discharge of PART IV. their muskets. The aim of the Americans was good, and PERIOD n. numbers of their brave enemy fell. They closed up their CHAP. zm. ranks, and came on with the bayonet. The republicans stood v-^"v^^ the charge, and sturdily pushed back the thrust. For twenty minutes this deadly strife continued, when the veterans of Wellington retreated in disorder. But they renewed the at- tack till they were four times repulsed. At length, about Americans midnight, they ceased to contend, and left their position and artillery to the Americans. Although the brunt of the battle was on the eminence, other efforts were making in different parts of the field. The brig- ade of Scott, shattered as it was, having formed anew, was not content to look idly on, while their brethren, who had stepped between them and death, were now bleeding in their turn. General Scott charged at their head, through an open- ing in Ripley's line ; but in the confusion and darkness of the scene, he passed between the fires of the combatants. He afterwards engaged in the fight, taking his post on Ripley's left. In another quarter, Colonel Jessup, with only two hun- dred men, advanced upon the enemy, brought them to close action, drove them from the ground, and captured General Riall, with other officers and soldiers, to a number almost equal to his own. In this sanguinary contest, the total loss of the British was eight hundred and seventy-eight. Generals Drummond and Riall were among the wounded. The Americans lost, in kill- ed, wounded, and missing, eight hundred and sixty. Of these, eleven officers were killed, among whom were Major M'Far- land and Captain Ritchie. Fifty-six officers were wounded, among whom were generals Brown and Scott ; it was not, however, until towards the close of the action, that the two generals, highest in command, were disabled. General Brown, on receiving his wound, gave notice to General Ripley, that he was left in command, but ordered him to collect the wound- ed, remove the artillery, and retire to the camp at Chippewa. Amencang Unfortunately, the Americans lost the trophies of their hard- unfortunate- earned victory, as no means of removing the captured artillery ly lose the were at hand ; and General Ripley was obliged to leave it on t S victory, the field of battle. The British, on learning that the Ameri- cans had abandoned the field, re-occupied it immediately; and taking advantage of this circumstance, their officers, in their dispatches to their government, claimed the victory. The American army now reduced to 1,600, retired to fort Erie, and proceeded to entrench themselves strongly in that position. The enemy, to the number of 5,000, followed them ; and on the 4th of August, commenced a regular siege. On Aug> 4> the 5th, General Gaines arrived at Erie from Sackett's Har- American bor, and took the command. Anticipating an attack, the ^iegedm Amerk ans prepared themselves to receive it. Fort Erie. 340 SORTIE OF FORT ERIE. PART IV. 1814. Drummond assaults the fort, a 1 , 18 repu e . General Brown in General J^aido Brown, Sept. 17. The Ameri- dislodge the On the morning of the 1 5th, the enemy advanced in three columns, commanded by Colonels Drummond, Fischer, and Scott. The columns to the right and left repeatedly attacked, and were as often repulsed. The centre column, under Drummond, after a sanguinary conflict, succeeded in scaling ^ e wa ^ s > an( ^ ta ^ing possession of a bastion. While this savage man was denying mercy to the conquered Americans, a barrel of powder beneath him became ignited. There was a sudden crash, and bastion, assailants, and assailed, were blown together into the air. Those of the British who sur- vived, fled in dismay. Their numbers were thinned as they passed the American artillery. According to the British offi- cial report, their loss on this day was 57 killed, of whom were Colonels Scott and Drummond, 319 wounded, and 539 missing. The total loss of the Americans was but eighty- four. After this repulse, both armies remained in a state of inac- tivity for some time. General Gaines had been wounded by the bursting of a shell, and the command again devolved on General Ripley ; it was exercised, however, but a short time, as General Brown, now recovered from his wounds, entered the fort, and resumed his functions. The American public had become anxious for the fate of tlieir brave defenders, and General Izard, by the order of the secretary of war, abandoning a post, which, from the arrival of the British troops at Montreal, it was hazardous to leave, marched from Plattsburg, with 5,000 men for their relief. The enemy were daily receiving reinforcements, and their works, upon which they labored with great assiduity, grew more and more formidable. General Brown, learning that of the three parts into which the British army was divided, two were kept at the camp, while the third manned the batteries, determined to make a sortie, with a view of destroying the batteries, and cutting off the brigade on duty. On the 17th of September, at twelve o'clock, General Por- t er j e f t the camp at the head of a detachment, to penetrate by a passage through the wood. Being perfectly acquainted with the ground, he with his men, trod silently and circuit- ous ty a l n g> when, arriving at their destined point, they rush- ed upon the enemy, whom they completely surprised. In thirty minutes they had taken a blockhouse and two bastions, spiked their guns, blown up their magazine, and made pris- oners of their garrison ; but the brave colonels Gibson and Wood had fallen at the head of their columns. General Rip- ley arrived in season to share the danger and the honor of this well -planned and well-conducted enterprise. Thus in a few hours were the enemy deprived of the fruit of forty-seven days' labor, of a great quantity of artillery and ammunition, and of 1,000 men, which was their number of WASHINGTON THREATENED. 341 killed, wounded, and prisoners. General Miller, on whom the command devolved, secured the prisoners and the trophies of the victory, and re-conducted the army to the fort in perfect order. The killed and wounded were 300. Several more were missing, so that their loss was not much less than one-third of their whole number. After the destruction of his works before Fort Erie, Gene- ral Drummond broke up his camp, and retired on the night of the 21st, to his entrenchments behind Chippewa. Soon after this, the arrival of General Izard placed the Americans on a footing which enabled them once more to commence offensive operations ; and leaving Erie in command of Colonel Hindman, General Brown again advanced towards Chippewa. Near this place, an affair occurred on the 20th of October, in which Colonel Bissell, with a detachment of 1,000 men, obtained an advantage over a detachment of 1,200, under the Marquis of Tweedale. During the summer of this year, an expedition was set on foot, to recover Mackinaw. It was conducted by Major Cro- ghan, with the co-operation of part of the fleet of Lake Erie, which was for that purpose taken through the straits into Lake Huron. The attempt was unsuccessful, and several brave men were lost, among whom was Captain Holmes. The British warlike establishments at St. Josephs, and the Sault de St. Marie, were, however, destroyed. PART IV. 1814. The British army retires. Oct. 20. Colonel Bis- sell defeats the Marquis of Twee dale. Unsuccess- ful attempt to recover Mackinaw, CHAPTER XIV. Washington taken by the British Baltimore threatened. IN the early part of the year 1814, while Admiral Cock- burn was engaged in predatory warfare upon the shores of the Chesapeake, the main protection of the inhabitants was a fleet of gunboats and smaller vessels, commanded by Commo- dore Barney. Early in June, several skirmishes took place between this flotilla and a part of the enemy's vessels ; but Commodore not being able to cope with the superior force of the British, Barney took refuge in the Patuxent, and was there blockaded by the British admiral. Now that the armies which had been employed in Europe, were, by the pacification, left at liberty to be brought over by the great navy of Britain, the nation supposed that they might probably soon dictate a peace in the capital of the United States ; and an expedition was accordingly planned, whose cbject was the capture of Washington. The administration were not entirely inattentive to its de- ent. J42 PART IV. fense, and that of the adjacent city of Baltimore ; but their PERIOD ii. measures were inefficient. The national territory had been CHAP. xiv. previously divided into nine military districts. A tenth was .^v^^ now formed, embracing Maryland, the District of Columbia, and a part of Virginia. On the 4th of July, a requisition was made by the president, upon the governors of these states for ninety-three thousand militia. Of these, fifteen thousand were within the limits of the new military district. One thousand regulars were also to be added, and thus there was, numeri- cally, a force of sixteen thousand men at the disposal of Gen- eral Winder, who was appointed to the command. But it was IS 14. only a fortnight previous to the invasion, that the order, au- force for the tnor m n g that general to call for these forces, was received, defense of Time is necessarily consumed in the tardy operations of re- Washington, publican governments, unused to war ; and when, on the 20th of August, news arrived that the enemy had landed at Bene- dict, General Winder had not collected more than 3,000 men, and these were undisciplined and unacquainted with each other. Aug. 17. O R d 16 17t h f August, the British fleet in the Chesapeake Cochrane ar- was augmented by the arrival of Admiral Cochrane, who had rives with an oeen sent out W j t j 1 a j ar g e i an( } force, commanded by Major- General Ross, in pursuance of the resolution which had been taken by the British government, " to destroy and lay waste such towns and districts upon the coast, as might be found assailable." This formidable fleet was divided into three parts, one of which, carrying General Ross, and commanded by Admiral Cochrane, proceeded up the Patuxent ; one, under Captain Gordon, ascended the Potomac ; and the third, under Sir Peter Parker, went further up the Chesapeake, as if to threaten Baltimore. On the 19th, General Ross landed at Benedict with 5,000 infantry : on the 20th, he began his march to Washington, distant twenty-seven miles, keeping along the right bank of ent. the Patuxent. His object was, in the first instance, to co- operate with Admiral Cockburn, in the destruction of Commo- dore Barney's squadron, which he had for some time been Aug. 22. blockading. On the 22d, the expedition reached Pig Point, modore Bar- an d descried the pendant of the American flotilla. On their neytode- approach, the Americans abandoned their fleet, and sixteen 8tr tilla? out ^ seventeen boats were blown up to prevent their falling into the hands of the enemy. The British were now distant only sixteen miles from Washington. Aug. 20. On the afternoon of the 20th, General Winder, apprised of American o f the danger of the capital, advanced from it towards the Wmdc ad- enemy, and on the 22d encamped near Maryborough. Com- vances from modore Barney here united his marines with Winder's army. Washington. Tne p res ident of the United States, with General Armstrong, Aug. 22. w ho had succeeded Mr. Eustis as secretary of war, and somo marines'! f tne other heads of department, here visited the camp. BATTLE OF BLADENSBURG. 348 It was resolved to fall back nearer to the capital. The same retreating policy was pursued, until General Winder had re- crossed the eastern branch of the Potomac. Here he made provisions for guarding the bridge, it being supposed the enemy would attempt the capital from this point. In the meantime, the militia from Baltimore, under General Stansbury, advanced to the relief of Washington. These, to the number of 2,200, including a company of artillery, rested, on the night of the 23d, near Bladensburg. Being under orders to join General Winder, they commenced their march on the morning of the 24th. But it was now discovered, that, al- though that general, or those under whose direction he acted, had carefully set a trap at the great bridge on the east branch, the British commander did not choose to fall into it ; but had taken for safety a more circuitous route, and was march- ing past Washington, to gain the Bladensburg road, on the north. General Stansbury now met an order from Winder to re- trace his steps to Bladensburg, and there give battle to the enemy. Although exhausted by fatigue, and the heat of the season, he obeyed. On his march he was met by Colonel Monroe, secretary of state, who had been scouring the adja- cent country for volunteers. He proposed to Stansbury to make a movement in order to get in the enemy's rear ; but that general being under orders to the contrary, did not feel at liberty to follow this judicious counsel. About noon he met the enemy near Bladensburg. General Winder soon came up with the main body. The president and heads of depart- ment were on the field, but as the event of the day was doubtful, and they had documents of importance to secure, all left it about the time the battle began, except Colonel Mon- roe, who was active in forming and bringing forward the caval- ry of General Stansbury. The contest which ensued, termina- ted as might have been expected from the condition of the American troops. Many of the militia fled. Commodore Bar- ney, with his 400 marines and a small battery, fought valiantly, and for some time held the enemy in check ; but he was at length wounded and made prisoner. The regulars and mili- tia of the district of Columbia stood their ground for a time, but at length they left the field and retreated towards Wash- ington. They wore now joined by fresh militia from Virginia, and upon the heights they formed again, and once more interposed a barrier between Washington and its invaders. But on sur- veying their numbers, wasted by the flight of the timid, and the fall of the brave, they were found inadequate to the task of its defense. General Ross entered Washington at eight in the evening, and with that barbarism which distinguished the Goths and Vandals of the middle ages, but which is unknown to civili- 114. Enemy chooses his own road. General Stansbury. Mr. Monroe. Aug. 24. Americans defeated at Bladens- burg. They rally near Wash- ington ; are defeated. General Ross enter* Washington. 344 THE BRITISH IN WASHINGTON. PART IV. 1814. General Ross enters Washing- ton ; burns and plun- ders. American aud British loss. British bar- barism de- feats British policy. Aug. 27. Alexandria capitulates. British re- pulsed at Bellair. Sept. 11. The British proceed to Baltimore. zed warfare, his troops burnt, not only the capital, which was in an unfinished state, but its extensive library, records, and other collections, appertaining not to war, but to peace and civilization. The public offices and the president's house were wantonly sacrificed, together with many private dwel- lings. The public stores at the navy-yard, and the vessels oil the stocks had been burned by order of the president, to pre- vent their falling into the hands of the invaders. The expen- sive bridge across the Potomac was also destroyed. The loss of public property alone, amounted to one million of dollars. The British, though they had entered the capital, had learn- ed enough of the people, to satisfy them that it would not be wise to attempt keeping possession. General Ross left it on the evening of the 25th, and reached the fleet, still in the Pa- tuxent, on the evening of the 27th. The loss of the Americans, in the battle of Bladensburg, was eighty in killed and wounded ; that of the enemy, 249. Their loss during this expedition, amounted to 400 killed and wounded, and 500 either taken prisoners or deserted. Had the British confined themselves to the capture and de- struction of public property appropriated to warlike purposes, the Americans would have felt deeply their humiliation, and the resentment of the nation might, as was expected in Eng- land, have fallen upon the public servants ; but the manner- in which the advantage was used, produced, in the minds of the people, a vindictive feeling against the conquerors, which swallowed up all minor resentments, and united the nation., not in a wish for peace, but in high resolves for war. In the meantime, the squadron, under Captain Gordon, passed up the Potomac without opposition, and appeared be- fore Alexandria, on the 27th of August. The inhabitants en- entered into a capitulation, by which they delivered up their merchandise and shipping to the enemy ; who, aden with a rich booty, returned to the ocean, though not without being much annoyed from the shore as they passed. The squadron which had sailed up the Chesapeake, under Sir Peter Parker, landed about 250 marines, for the purpose of surprising 200 militia, who were encamped near Bellair, under Colonel Reed. They were repulsed with the los* of forty-one killed and wounded ; Sir Peter Parker himself being among the latter. Admiral Cochrane having received on board his fleet the elated conquerors of Washington, the combined land and sea forces moved on, in the confidence of victory, to the attack of Baltimore. After passing down the Patuxent, they as- cended the Chesapeake, and on the 1 1 th of September, ap- peared at the mouth of the Patapsco, fourteen miles from Baltimore. On the morning of the 12th, General Ross, with an 9 -my THE ENEMY REPULSED AT BALTIMORE. 345 amounting to about 5,000, debarked at North Point, and com- menced his march towards the city. General Smith commanded the whole force of the defend- ers. Watching the movements of the enemy, he dispatched about 2,300 men, under General Strieker, who, on the llth, marched towards North Point. They halted at night seven miles from the city. On the morning of the 12th, informa- tion was received of the landing of the enemy, and General Strieker advanced to meet them. A skirmish between the advanced parties ensued, in which General Ross was killed. The command then devolved on Colonel Brooke, who, having the instructions of General Ross, continued to move forward. An action commenced at about half past three, by a discharge of cannon on both sides. After maintaining the contest for some time, the Americans gave way, and General Strieker retired behind an entrenchment on the heights, where General Smith was stationed with the main army. On the morning of the 1 3th, the British advanced within a mile and a half of the camp, and manoeuvred to draw forth the Americans ; but General Smith had the advantage of ground and position, and wisely maintained it. Colonel Brooke was aware that the republicans were superior to him in numbers as well as position ; he therefore made no attempt upon them du- ring the day, but disposed his troops for a night attack. In the evening, he received a communication from Admiral Cochrane, the commander of the naval forces, informing him that Fort M' Henry had resisted all his efforts, and that the entrance of the harbor was blocked up by vessels sunk for that purpose, and that a naval co-operation against the town and camp, was impracticable. Colonel Brooke not choosing, therefore, to hazard an attack, moved off in the night ; and, on the 15th, re-embarked at North Point. Great was the joy at Baltimore, when, on the morning of the 15th, the " star-spangled banner" was still seen to wave over Fort M'Henry, and the city was no longer threatened with destruction. PART IV 1814. 5^*' near Baltimore. Death of oss ' General Strieker re- tlres - g ept 13 General duct. Cochran*? and is r*- P ulsed - British aban- don the e- CHAPTER XV. Maine. Invasion of Plattshurg. Macdonough's victory. ON the llth of July, Commodore Hardy, with eight ships Ju 'y and 2,000 men, made a descent upon the coast of Maine, and Co {?dy 0re without resistance, took possession of Eastport and all the makes a do- towns on the west side of Passamaquoddy bay. Many of the ^ cent U P" f . , , . -it iiT J T tne coast of inhabitants remained, but it was on the degrading condition Maine. of acknowledging themselves the subjects of Great Britain. 24 346 INVASION OF PLATTSBURG. PART IV. Aug. 9. British at- tack Sto- nington, but are repulsed. July and Augusf. Sir George Provost is reinforced. He medi- tutes an in- Sept. 3. He invades at Cham- plain. His procla- mation arouses the people with- out distinc- tion of party. In August, the governor of New Brunswick, with the aid of Admiral Griffith, invaded Maine, took possession of Gas- tine, which had been previously evacuated, and proceeded up the Penobscot river to Hamden, where the frigate John Ad- ams had been placed for preservation. The militia who had been stationed for its defense, fled on their approach, and the frigate was blown up, to prevent its falling into the hands of the British. A proclamation was issued by the council of New Brunswick, declaring the country east of the Penobscot in possession of the king of Great Britain ; and a direct commu- nication was opened through it, between New Brunswick and Canada. The British continued to occupy this section of Maine until the close of the war. A British fleet under Commodore Hardy appeared before Stonington. They landed and attacked at different points. So far were they from finding that Connecticut was attached to the British cause, that no where had their predatory excur- sions been met, by the militia, with more spirit. Even the women shared the zeal for the common cause. After bom- barding the place for three days, Commodore Hardy drew ofl his fleet. During the months of July and August, the British army in Canada was augmented by another considerable body of those troops, who had, under Lord Wellington, acquired experience and reputation in the war of the Spanish peninsula. With these Sir George Provost determined to invade America, by the same route that Burgoyne had formerly pursued, and per- haps, with the same expectation of penetrating, by the way of Lake Champlain and the Hudson, to New York. A part of his baggage, like that of Burgoyne, consisted of arms and clothing, for those whom he expected would flock to his stand- ard. Such a belief had been excited by the smugglers from the United States, who wished to court favor with the British in Canada, and by the republican party who had too freely ac- cused their opponents with being the friends of the British. The army at Plattsburg having been reduced by the depar- ture of General Izard for Fort Erie, Sir George Provost con- centrated his force on the frontier, and entered the American territory on the 3d of September. From Champlain, he issued a proclamation, giving the assurance that his arms would on- ly be directed against the government, arid those who support- ed it ; while no injury should be done to the peaceful and unoffending inhabitants. The fire of genuine patriotism rekindled in the breasts of the Americans, when they heard that an invading enemy had dared to call on the people to separate themselves from their government. The inhabitants of the northern part of New York, and the hardy sons of the Green Mountains, without distinction of party, rose in arms, and hastened towards the scene of action. 347 Sir George Provost, at the head of 14,000 troops, march- PART IV. ing in two columns, now advanced upon Plattsburg. One PERIOD n. column, with all the baggage and artillery, proceeded by the CHAP - XT - lake road, and the other, under the command of General Bris- ^-^v^^ bane, by Beekmantown. Parties of the Americans were detached, who obstructed 114. their way, by breaking down bridges and felling trees. On c,,^ 6 ^', 6 ; * i ^i>r i*r i -.-L ii & r Skirmishbe- the morning of the 6th, Major Wool, with a small corps of reg- tween the ulars, met General Brisbane seven miles from Plattsburg, advance of where a smart skirmish ensued. From the superior force of J^ aJJJthe the British, the Americans were compelled to retreat, not, British, however, without disputing the ground, and killing or wound- ing 200 of the enemy ; among whom was Lieutenant Colonel Wellington. The Americans lost forty-five in killed and wounded. Sir George arrived in the course of the morning, BrittshjJree with the main column, and encamped his whole army before before Plattsburg. Plattsburg. The situation of General Macomb, who had succeeded Gen- situation of eral Izard in command, was critical in the extreme. His the Ameri- whole regular force did not exceed 2,000, and his fortifica- tions were merely a show of defense. Had Sir George pursued Major Wool across the Saranac, on the morning of the 6th, he could have taken with ease, the works occupied by Macomb and his army, but he preferred to wait until the two fleets should have settled the supremacy of the lake. On the morning of the llth of September, Sir George Sept.]]. formed his army in two columns, preparatory to an assault. P a la ^ tsb ^ rg One column passed the Saranac, and placed itself in the rear American of the American position, while the other was in the village army me- in front, ready to advance whenever the order might be given, f a r ce d su'pe- or circumstances might justify. Such was the threatening rior to their position of the army, when the British fleet made its appear- own - ance in the bay of Plattsburg. It was commanded by Com- modore Downie, and was composed of the Confiance, a frigate of thirty-nine guns, a brig of sixteen, two sloops of eleven, and several galleys, mounting, in the whole, ninety-five guns, and having 1 ,000 men. The American squadron, under Commo- dore Macdonough, which was anchored in the bay, mounted no more than eighty-six guns, and had only 820 men. It con- sisted of the Saratoga of twenty-six guns ; the Eagle of twenty ; the Ticonderoga of seventeen ; the Preble, of severi, and ten galleys. The enemy, having the advantage in choice of position, an- Macdon- chored within three hundred yards of the American line, and ough's skill at 9 o'clock began the fight. The surface of the lake was un- and braTery ruffled, and for an hour and a half, the Saratoga and Confiance poured upon each other a destructive fire, while the smaller vessels commenced a close and spirited action. The Eagle then cut her cable, and passing between the Ticonderoga and fl et j de Saratoga, increased the danger of the American commodore, ed. 24* 348 RETREAT OF SIR GEORGE PROVOST. PART IV. by leaving him exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy's brig. PERIOD II. His guns were dismounted, or had become unmanageable ; CHAP. xvi. when, by the skillful manoeuvre of waring his ship, which v-^v-^wx Commodore Downie vainly attempted, he brought a fresh broadside to bear upon the Confiance, which soon compelled her to surrender. The smaller vessels were of course obliged to follow her example, and the whole British fleet on the lake remained with the Americans, as trophies of their victory. The British loss was eighty-four killed, and one hundred and ten wounded ; among the former was Commodore Downie. The loss of the Americans was fifty -two killed and fifty-eight wounded. When the engagement between the fleets began, the British land army opened their batteries upon the American works ; but they soon ceased ; for the moment Sir George perceived that his fleet was captured, he recalled his columns from the Sh- Geor e contem pl ate d assault, and, leaving behind him large quantities Provost re- of ammunition and military stores, he retreated in great haste treats ingreat towards Canada. The column placed in the rear of the Ame- ste ' ricans, was pursued by General Strong, of Vermont, who commanded the volunteers. The soldiers of one of the re- treating companies, were either killed, wounded, or captured. CHAPTER XVI. Bloody Sea-fight. The Hartford Convention. Commodore COMMODORE PORTER, who had sailed in the frigate Essex, Porter with had cruised in the Pacific ocean, and had greatly annoyed the the Essex in , , i i i T_ i i the Pacific, enemy s commerce, having captured twelve armed whale ships, whose aggregate force amounted to 107 guns, and 302 men. One of these prizes was equipped, named the Essex Junior, and given in command to Lieutenant Dowries, by whom it was employed to conduct the prizes, made by Porter, to the neu- tral port of Valparaiso. Commodore To meet the Essex, the British admiralty had sent out Com- out^Mnee? m d re Hillyar, with the Phebe frigate, carrying fifty-three Porter, guns and 320 men, accompanied by Captain Tucker, with the Cherub sloop of war, mounting twenty-eight guns, and having 180 men. The Essex carried forty-six guns and 250 men, and her consort twenty guns and sixty men. Commodore ^ n ^ earmn g tne vicinity of his enemy, Commodore Porter Porter at the steered for the island of Noaheevah, to refit. Of this island S Sand! C k he took possession, in the name of the American government, calling it, in honor of the president, Madison's Island, at Valparai- Leaving three of his vessels under the charge of Lieuten- o. ant Gamble, he proceeded to Valparaiso, and there, as he ex- THE ESSEX CAPTURED. 349 pected met with Commodore Hillyar, who, for several months, PART IV. had sought him. Finding, to his regret, that his adversary's PERIOD IL force was greatly superior to his own, Porter remained block- CHAP. aded at Valparaiso, for six weeks. Determining at length to attempt an escape, he set sail with . a fair wind, but on rounding the point at the entrance of the March 28. harbor, a sudden squall carried away his maintopmast. Thus , Accid e?* ,.,,,, r j n i 11 i throws Por- disabled, he anchored in a small bay near the shore, hoping t er in con- that the neutrality of the place would protect him. But the tact with the British frigate pressed on. Porter met her assault so warm- enem y- ly, that in half an hour, the Phebe was obliged to retire and repair her damages. She however soon returned, and being able to choose her distance, she placed herself out of the shot of the guns of her antagonist, but where her own of a longer reach poured upon the Essex a destructive fire. As the Ame- The battle ol rican sailors fell at the guns, others stepped into their places, ^J Phebe: till in this way, one gun was manned the third time. Porter attempted to board, but his masts were shot away, and his ship was unmanageable. He next endeavored to run ashore, but the wind, shifting, blew him upon the raking fire of his enemy. The Essex now burst into flames, and before they could be extinguished, a quantity of gunpowder exploded. Still the Americans kept up the fight. At length the commo- dore thought of consulting his officers on the subject of sur- render. Only one, Lieutentant M' Knight, remained. Porter then struck his colors ; but the enemy's firing continued ten minutes afterwards. Seventy-five were all that remained of the crew of the Essex. Commodore Porter was sent on parole, in the Essex Junior, p or ter re- to the United States, where he was received at New York turns in the with distinguished honors. The desperate valor which he Essex> Jr> displayed in this, the most bloody naval action of the war, will give his memory to future ages, as a hero of the same class as Paul Jones. On the 2 1st of April, the United States' sloop of war Frolic, Frolic cao- commanded by Commodore Bainbridge, was captured by the '"3^^ . Orpheus frigate. On the 29th of the same month, the United Epervierby States' sloop, the Peacock, of which Captain Warrington was tne Amcri- the commander, captured the British brig Epervier, command- ed by Captain Wales. The Wasp, commanded by Captain Blakely, left Portsmouth, (N. H.) on the 18th of May. On the 28th of June, near the TheWasr entrance to St. George's channel, she fell in with the Eng- leaves Ports lish brig Reindeer, commanded by Captain Manners. After mout h. an action of nineteen minutes, the Reindeer lost her com- June 28. mander and purser, twenty-seven men killed and forty-two t ^ e R e j n _ wounded, and having made two unsuccessful attempts to board deer, the Wasp, she was herself boarded by the American vessel, and taken, but in a condition so shattered that she was burned. The Wasp continued her cruise, and after making several 350 THE OPPOSITION IN NEW ENGLAND. PART IV. captures put into the port of 1'Orient, in France, on the 8th of PERIOD ii. July. She remained there until the 27th of August, and when CHAP. xvi. four days at sea, she met the brig Avon, commanded by Cap- ^-^-v~^s tain Arbuthnot. After a severe action of forty-five minutes, IS 14. and after orders were given to board her, three British vessels Aug. 31. appeared in sight, and Captain Blakely was compelled to countersTthe abandon the contest. The Avon sunk soon after he left her. Avon. During the remainder of the cruise, Captain Blakely captured ^^ een merchant vessels ; but he never returned to port ; nor is it known what was the fate of the vessel and her gallant crew. In October, communications were received from the Ameri- can commissioners in Europe, from which it appeared that Great Britain demanded such terms as extinguished the hopes Difficult f a s P ee( ly reconciliation. In the meantime the situation of situation of affairs in the United States, was such as to alarm the friends the Ameri- o f ^g country. The expenditure of the nation greatly ex- Cai me ( nt? m ceeded its income, its credit was low, its finances disordered, and the opposition of the federal party to the administration was unremitted. Congress, however, shrunk not from the du- ties which the crisis imposed. New loans were authorized, taxes augmented, and vigorous preparations made for prosecu- ting the war. Mr. Monroe was appointed secretary of the war department, in the place of General Armstrong. The affair of Washington had injured the popularity of Armstrong, and much increased that of Monroe. The opposition had, at this time, assumed a bold attitude. Some of the New England states had not only refused to call out their militia, but Massachusetts even proposed to withhold the revenue of the state from the general government. Legislatures A convention of delegates from the New England states was chvfsetts proposed, the object of which was, to take into consideration Connecticut, the situation of the country, and to decide upon such measures *"? i Rh j de as might lead to a redress of supposed grievances. Members choo S se n dele- were appointed by the legislatures of Massachusetts, Con- gates, necticut, and Rhode Island, Two members from New Hamp- shire, and one from Vermont, were appointed at county meetings. The convention assembled at Hartford, in Connecticut, on Dec. 15. the 15th of December, and sat nearly three weeks with closed Meeting of ^ors. After their adjournment, they published an address, the conven- . . . . J J . f tion at Hart- charging the national government with pursuing measures ford. hostile to the interests of New England, and recommending amendments of the federal constitution. Among these dress' and amendments, it was proposed that congress should have no proposed power to lay an embargo for more than sixty days, that they amendments sriou ic[ Ilo t interdict commercial intercourse, or declare war ititut?on! without the concurrence of two-thirds of both houses ; that no person, who shall be hereafter naturalized, shall be eligi- ble to a seat in the senate or house of representatives, or hold DELEGATES CONVENE AT HARTFORD. 351 any civil office under the government of the United States ; PART IV. and that the same person shall not be twice elected to the PERIOD n. office of president of the United States, nor the president CHAP - xvn - elected from the same state for two successive terms. Ares- ^^~*^*s olution was passed, which provided for the calling of another convention, if the United States " should refuse their consent to arrangements, whereby the New England states, separately, or in concert, might be empowered to assume upon themselves, the defense of their territory against the enemy, and appro- priate therefor, such part of the revenue raised in those states as might be necessary." The committee appointed by the convention to communicate these resolves to the government proceeded to Washington; having met on the way, the news of peace. The proposed amendments of the constitu- tion were submitted to the several states, and rejected by all, 1*11 except Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Prob- Public prejn ably there had been no measure taken since America was a dice ' nation, which subjected the agents to more severe personal, as well as political censure. But party heat having subsided, candid minds are now ready to allow, that their views were in a degree misunderstood, and their actions misrepresented.* CHAPTER XVII. British invasion and defeat at New Orleans. AFTER the peace with the Creeks, General Jackson had Aug 1& fixed his head-quarters at Mobile. Here he learned that three Jackson at British ships had entered the harbor of Pensacola, and landed Mobile * * The following is an extract from a letter of Harrison Gray Otis, Esq, one of the most distinguished citizens of Massachusetts, and regarded as the lead- ing member of this convention, to the author of this work, who had requested him to give a brief view of the motives of those engaged in promoting the measure. " The Hartford Convention, far from being the original contrivance of a cabal, for any purpose of faction or disunion, was a result, growing by natural con- sequences out of existing circumstances. More than a year previous to its in- stitution, a conven'ion was simultaneously called for by the people, in their town meetings, in all parts of Massachusetts. Petitions to that effect were ac- cumulated on the Uoles of the legislative chamber. They were postponed for twelve months, by the influence of those who now sustain the odium of the measure. The adoption of it was the consequence, not the source of a popular sentiment ; and it was intended, by those who voted for it, as a safety-valve by which the steam arising from the fermentation of the times might escape, not as a boiler in which it should be generated. Whether good or ill, it was a meas- ure of the people, of states, of legislatures. How unjust to brand the unwil- ling agents, the mere committee of legislative bodies, with the stigma of facts which were first authorized, and then sanctioned by their constituted assem- blies !" In addition to the remarks of Mr. Otis, the fact may be mentioned, that in some parts of New England, the people of the federal party were so much ex- cited, that they had a military organization. What were its definite objects, or how far it extended, is unknown 352 THE BARRATARIANS. PART IV. 1811. Colonel Nicholls at Pensacola. Colonel Nicholls' proclama- tion. The Barra- tarians. La Fitte re oeives dis- closures from Nicholls. He informs governor Claiborne, and is par- doned. Oct. 30. Jackson leaves Mo- bile, and, about 300 men, under Colonel Nicholls, together with a large quantity of guns arid ammunition, to arm the Indians. He also learned that the British meditated a descent, with a large force, upon the southern shores of the United States. He immediately made a call for the militia of Tennessee, and was promptly furnished with two thousand men by that patri- otic state. Colonel Nicholls issued a proclamation, which was address- ed to the inhabitants of Louisiana, Kentucky, or Tennessee, inviting them to return to their allegiance to the British gov- ernment, and help to restore the country to its rightful owner. This proclamation produced no excitement among the people, except upon their risibles. If this attempt manifested Nich- olls to be weak and ignorant, another showed him to be wicked. West of the mouth of the Mississippi, the island of Barra- iaria was the resort of a band of marauders, who, by their daring courage, the celerity and mysterious secrecy of their movements, kept the country in a state of perpetual alarm ; now appearing, to strike some unexpected blow of robbery, perhaps of murder, sometimes by sea, sometimes by land ; then suddenly disappearing, and constantly eluding pursuit. Their numbers were formidable, amounting to five or six hundred. Their leader, La Fitte, was subtle and courageous, and though unprincipled, yet possessing traits of magnanim- ity. They had made pretence of sailing under the Cartha- genian flag, as privateers, but their prizes were condemned in their own ports. In short, they were by land, robbers ; by sea, pirates. The American authorities, by whom they were outlawed, having endeavored to root them out, applied to the British to lend their assistance. Instead of this, Nicholls, disclosing to La Fitte that a powerful attempt was to be made on New Orleans, offered him a large reward, if, by his knowl- edge of the passes, he would aid the British in their approach to the threatened city. La Fitte drew from him important facts, and then, dismis- sing his propositions with -disdain, disclosed the whole to Claiborne, governor of Louisiana. Struck with this act of the bandit's generosity for a country which had set a price upon his head, and perceiving how valuable would be the ser- vices of the Barratarians in the crisis which was approach- ing, Governor Claiborne, by a proclamation, offered pardon to the whole band, if they would come forward in defense of the country, They joyfully accepted the proposition, and af- terwards rendered essential services. General Jackson had represented to the government, that the Spanish had violated their neutrality by suffering the Brit- ish to use the port of Pensacola for annoying the Americans, and he therefore urged the propriety of taking it into posses- sion during the war. Not having received an answer, he de- PREPARATIONS FOR DEFENSE AT NEW ORLEANS. 353 termined to hazard the responsibility of the measure. Ac- PART IV. cordingly, he marched from Mobile, at the head of nearly PERIOD n two thousand men, and arrived in the neighborhood of Pensa- CHAP. xvn. cola on the 6th of November. He sent a flag to the gover- ^^-*~**s nor, for the purpose of conference, but his messenger was 1814. fired upon. On the seventh, he entered the town, carrying N ? v - J- at the point of the bayonet a battery which had been placed ^sacola, 61 * in the street to oppose him. The governor then capitulated, which he The British troops destroyed the forts at the entrance of the takes * harbor, and with their shipping evacuated the bay. Jackson was there informed that Admiral Cochrane had been reinforced at Bermuda, and that thirteen ships of the line, Dec. i. with transports and an army of ten thousand men, were ad- Jackson vancing. Believing New Orleans to be their destination, re orleansf W he marched for that place, and reached it on the 1st of De- cember. Early in the month of September, the inhabitants of Lou- New Or- isiana believed that the British were about to invade them with a powerful force. Their principal citizens, among whom were Governor Claiborne and Edward Livingston, beheld the prospect with well-grounded alarm. This part of the union having been but recently annexed, its yeomanry might not feel the same pride of country as those of older states- and New Orleans being assailable from so many points, it was difficult to secure it in all. Yet, far from being discouraged hy difficulties, the exigency proved only a stimulant to great- er exertions. Governor Claiborne immediately issued his proclamation, calling on the people to arm for the defense of Sept. 16. Mr. Livinj ston's ad >ept their country and their homes. Mr. Livingston, at a meet- Mr - L ing of the citizens, who convened on the 16th of September, dress to devise measures in co-operation with the government of the state, made an eloquent and moving appeal, calling on the ^lled onf inhabitants to prove the assertion a slander, that they were not attached to the American government. The people arous- ed ; defenses were begun, to guard the principal passes, and j ^ volunteer corps organized. In the meantime, General Jack- rives, and is son arrived, and the citizens believing that he would preserve invested them in safety, or lead them to victory, were content to put rial^wers" all their strength, pecuniary and physical, at his disposal. Confident in his own energies, he took, with a firm and un- wavering step, the perilous post assigned him. At length it was ascertained that the enemy, with sixty sail, The British were oft' Ship Island. Jackson forgot no measure to increase are off Ship his military force, or make it more effective ; or to put at his disposal more laboring hands, in the building of defenses. The motley population of New Orleans, the slaves, the free people of color, Frenchmen, Spaniards, and Americans, all were employed. The enemy had passed into lake Borgne. A naval force, ^ y j^J consisting of several small vessels, under Lieutenant Jones, Borgne 354 ENERGY AND ACTIVITY. PART IV. 1814. American flotilla, Dec. 13. The extre- mity of dan- ger in New Orleans au- thorizes Jackson to proclaim martial law. Dec. 22. The British land below New Or- leans, where they repulse the Ameri- The Ameri- cans fortify themselves nearer the city. Jackson's fortifications on the left bank. met them at one of the straits which connect that lake with Ponchartrain. The British, being provided with a great num- ber of boats, sent forty-three, with twelve hundred men, against the American flotilla, which was manned with only one hundred and eighty men. After a spirited defense in which Lieutenant Jones killed a considerable number of the enemy and took several of their barges, he was compelled by their superior force to surrender. The loss of this flotilla, which had been supposed adequate to defend the passes, in- creased the danger which threatened New Orleans. Having reason to believe that there were persons in the city, who carried intelligence to the enemy, an embargo was laid for three days. That not an idle hand might be found, the prisons were disgorged, on condition that the prisoners should labor in the ranks, where already La Fitte and the Barratarians were employed. To keep in order and direct the energies of such a mass, General Jackson judged thai the strong arm of military control could alone be effectual. The danger of the time was extreme. A few days must de- cide the fate of the city. The general therefore took the daring responsibility of proclaiming martial law. On the morning of the 22d of December, three thousand British troops, under General Kean, landed at the head of lake Borgne, and at two o'clock, after making prisoners of a small advanced party of Americans, they posted themselves on the Mississippi, about nine miles below New Orleans. Apprehending that the fleet would pass the strait from Borgne to Ponchartrain, and that thus they would make a double at- tack, Jackson posted a part of his force, under General Car- roll, so as to intercept their approach in that direction. At five on the afternoon of the 23d, General Jackson, ac- companied by General Coffee, having the co-operation of the Caroline, an armed vessel, attacked the enemy in their posi- tion on the bank of the river. The charge of the Americans was bravely made, but the British troops maintained their po- sition. A thick fog coming on, General Jackson deemed it prudent to draw off his army. Having rested on the field, he withdrew on the morning of the 24th, to a stronger position, two miles nearer the city. The loss of the Americans was about one hundred in killed, wounded, and missing ; that of the British, two hundred and twenty-four killed, besides a large number of wounded. In the discretion with which General Jackson now took his post, and the diligence, care, and activity with which he for- tified it, consists much of the merit of his defense of New Orleans. His camp occupied both banks of the Mississippi - On the left bank was a parapet of a thousand yards in length in the construction of which bags of cotton were used, with a ditch in front, containing five feet of water. The right wing of the division here posted, rested on the river, and BATTLE OF THE EIGHTH OF JANUARY. 355 the left, on a wood which nature and art had rendered im- PART IV. pervious. PERIOD n. On the right bank of the river, a heavy battery enfiladed CHAP - xvni - the whole front of the position on the left. The entire army ^-^-v-*^' were vigorously occupied in strengthening these lines. Rl & ht bank - In the meantime, the British, who had been greatly annoyed by the fire of the Caroline, constructed a battery, which, by Caroline j e _ means of hot shot set fire to the vessel, and blew her up ; strayed she having been one hour before abandoned by her crew. On the 25th, Sir Edward Packenham, the commander-in- chief of the British force, accompanied by Major General British at- Gibbs, arrived at the British encampment with the main army, tempt to and a large body of artillery. On the 28th, Sir Edward ad- /^ans vanced with his army and artillery, intending to force Jack- from their son from his position. At the distance of half a mile from the American camp, he opened upon their yet unfinished works a heavy cannonade. This was met on the part of the Americans, by the broadsides of the Louisiana, then lying in the river, and by the fire of their batteries. After maintain- ing the contest for seven hours, the British commander re- tired with the loss of one hundred and twenty men. The loss of the Americans was inconsiderable, being only six killed and twelve wounded. While engaged in the conflict of the 28th, General Jackson was informed that plans for entering into negotiations with the enemy, were forming in the legislature of Louisiana, which was then in session. In the moment of irritation, he sent an order to Governor Claiborne, to watch their conduct, and if such a project was disclosed, to place a military guard at the door, and confine them to their chamber. Governor Claiborne misconstrued the order, and placed a guard -which prevented their assembling. On the morning of the first of January, the enemy having 1815. constructed batteries near the American lines, opened a heavy .^. a V' *' . / i i i i tJntisn again fire upon them, and at the same time made an attempt to turn repulsed their left flank. They were repulsed, and in the evening abandoned their position. The loss of the Americans was 30 in killed and wounded. The British had 120 men killed. On the 4th of January, General Jackson received a re-in- forcement of twenty-five hundred Kentucky militia, under General Adair. On the 6th, the British army was augmented by four thousand troops, under General Lambert. Their army amounted, at this time, to fourteen thousand, while that of General Jackson did not exceed six thousand. On the 7th, the British commanders were vigorously pre- paring to attack. With immense labour they had widened and deepened the canal from lake Borgne to the Mississippi, so that on the night of the seventh, they succeeded in getting their boats through this passage frou. the lake to the river. Early on the morning of the 8th, the Amen n army was as- Jan. 8. 356 LAST SCENES OF THE WAR. J? ART _1 V - sailed by a shower of bullets and corigreve rockets. The PERIOD n. British army, under generals Gibbs and Kean, the whole CHAP. xvni. commanded by Sir Edward Packenham, had marched in two ^^~^^-' divisions, to storm the American entrenchments. The batte- ries of General Jackson opened a brisk fire upon them, but the British soldiers advanced slowly, though firmly, carrying fascines and scaling ladders. The keen and practiced eyes Jan 8 ^ t ^ le western marksmen were, as they advanced, selecting Battle of their victims. When the enemy were within reach of their New Or- rifles, the advanced line fired, and each brought down his Mfeat 'ofthe man - Those behind handed a second loaded rifle as soon as British, the first was discharged. The plain was soon strewed with the dead, and the brave foe faltered, and retreated in confu- sion. Sir Edward appeared among his men, encouraging them to renew the assault, when two balls struck him, and he fell mortally wounded. A second time the British columns advanced, and a second time retreated before the deadly fire of the Americans. , Again their thinned ranks were closed, and they moved forward with desperate resolution. Gene- rals Kean and Gibbs were now both wounded, and carried from the field, and their troops fell back. At this time, Gen- eral Lambert, who commanded the reserve, attempted to bring them up, but the day was irretrievably lost. The retreating columns had fallen back in disorder upon the reserve, and all his attempts to rally them were in vain. The British had also attacked the opposite bank of the river, and there they were successful ; but after their defeat R^Vh on t ^ le r ^& nt > ^ ie y abandoned the position. The disparity of don the ex-' l ss on tms occasion is utterly astonishing. While that of pedition and the enemy was twenty-six hundred, that of the Americans retire. was y ut seven killed anc i s i x wounded. Completely dis- heartened, the British abandoned the expedition on the night of the 18th, leaving behind, their wounded and artillery. CHAPTER XVIII. Peace with England. Naval combats. War with Algiers. Feb. 18. ON the 18th of February, Fort Bowyer, commanded by Fort Bow- Major Lawrence, with a garrison amounting to three hundred ders. ari{ ^ seventy, was invested by a British force, six thousand strong; and on the llth of March, Lawrence surrendered his garrison as prisoners of war. Feb. 17. On the 17th of February, while the Americans were yet ckhned rejoicing for the victory at New Orleans, a special messenger arrived from Europe cringing a treaty of peace, which the commissioners h u concluded in the month of December, at TREATY OF PEACE 357 Ghent. This treaty, which was immediately ratified by the PART IV. president and senate, stipulated that all places taken during PERIOD n. the war should be restored, and the boundaries between the CHAP - xvm American and British dominions revised. Yet it contained ^-"""v^^ no express provision against those maritime outrages on the part of Great Britain, which were the chief causes of the war. But as the orders in council had been repealed, and the motives for the impressment of seamen had ceased with the wars in Europe, these causes no longer existed in fact ; although America had failed, as Europe, combined under the name of the armed neutrality, had formerly done, to com- pel England to the formal relinquishment of the principles on which she founds her arrogant claims. The warlike ships of the two nations were many of them at sea when the treaty of peace was promulgated, and some fighting occurred about the time and soon after. On the 15th of January, the frigate President, Commodore IS 15. Decatur, attempted to put out to sea from New York, although ^ an - 15 - the harbor was blockaded by four British frigates. He was strikes to the discovered, chased, and brought to an engagement. He lost Endymion. one-fifth of his crew, killed or wounded, and finally sur- rendered. On the 20th of February, the Constitution, then under the Cyane, Le- command of Captain Stewart, off the island of Madeira, cap- ^Penguin tured the Cyane and Levant ; and on the 23d of March, off captured, the coast of Brazil, the sloop Hornet, Captain Biddle captured the British brig Penguin. On the 6th of April, a barbarous massacre was committed M ^ pril 6 ' by the garrison at Dartmoor prison, in England, upon the Dartmoor. Americans who were there confined. The attack was made upon these defenseless men, without any provocation ; and the lives of sixty-three most wantonly and inhumanly sacrificeji. The British government were not. however, implicated in the transaction. Soon after the ratification of peace with Great Britain, the United States declared war against Algiers. The Algerine War with government had violated the treaty of 1795, and committed Algiers, depredations upon the commerce of the United States. These outrages were not chastised at the time, on account of the war with Great Britain. Two squadrons were fitted out, under Commodores Decatur May. and Bainbridge. The former sailed from New York in May, D gfo Ur and proceeding up the Mediterranean, captured, on the 17th June! of June, an Algerine frigate ; and on the 19th, off Cape Palos, 9* ptu -^f an Algerine brig, carrying twenty-two guns. vessel" 6 From Palos he sailed for Algiers. The Dey, intimidated, At A j g i ers signed a treaty of peace, which was highly honorable and dictates a advantageous to the Americans. peace. Decatur then proceeded to Tunis and Tripoli, where he ^g^JJ 8 " obtained satisfaction for the unprovoked aggressions in viola- and Tripoli 358 NATIONAL BANK. TREATIES. MANUFACTURES. PART IV. tion of the treaties subsisting between those governments and PERIOD ii. the United States. On his arrival at Gibraltar, he joined the CHAP. xvin. squadron under Commodore Bainb ridge, to whom he resigned * -"-v-*^ the command. 1 15. Bainbridge made a formidable appearance before Algiers, The Barba- Tunis, and Tripoli, but seeing no disposition to violate the ry States treaties, he returned to the United States. In this war, the humiliated. T , . , ' . ' . united States set the powers of Europe a worthy example in chastising and humbling a lawless band of pirates, who had exacted and received tribute from all Christian nations. Ex- pressions of submission were obtained from these powers by the United States, such as had never been obtained by any other nation. With a view to the tranquillity of the western and north- western frontiers, measures were taken to obtain a peace with wi'Khe'iTi- severa l tribes of Indians who had been hostile to the United dians. States. Some of their chiefs met at Detroit, on the 6th of September, and readily acceded to a renewal of the former treaties of friendship. At the close of the war, the regular army of the United States was reduced to 10, 000 men. For the better protection of the country in case of another war, congress appropriated a large sum for fortifying the sea-coast and inland frontiers, and for the increase of the navy. 1816. i n April, 1816, an act was passed by congress, to establish bank a national bank, with a capital of thirty-five millions of dollars. Fort Apa- I* 1 August, Fort Apalachicola, which was occupied by lachicola de- runaway negroes and hostile Indians, was destroyed by a de- stroyed, tachment of American troops. More than one hundred were killed, and the remainder were taken prisoners. Treaty with In September, General Jackson held a treaty with the saws Ifcc* Qhickasaws, Choctaws, and Cherokees. He made purchases of their lands particularly favorable to the wishes and security of the frontier settlements. Tranquillity was restored among the Indians, and civilization, seemed again making progress. , ,. In December, the Indiana territory was admitted into the admitted. Union as a state. Progress of As ear ^ as t ^ ie y ear 1790 > establishments for spinning cot- manufacto- ton, and for manufacturing coarse cotton cloths, were attempt- ries for cot- e( j j n t he state of Rhode Island. They were at first on a ot ' small scale ; but as the cloths found a ready market, their number and extent gradually increased. The embarrassments to which commerce was subjected previous to the war, had increased the demand for American goods, and led the people to reflect upon the importance of rendering themselves inde- pendent of the manufactures of foreign nations. During the war, large capitals were vested in manufacturing establish- ments, from which the capitalists realized a handsome profit. But at its close, the English having made great improvements in labor-saving machines, and being able to sell their goods at THE TARIFF QUESTION FIRST AGITATED. 359 a much lower rate than the American manufacturers could PART IV. afford, the country was immediately filled by importations from PERIOD n England. The American manufactures being in their infancy, CHAP - xvm - could not stand the shock, and many failed. v^^-v^^ The manufacturers then petitioned government for protec- tion, to enable them to withstand the competition ; and in con- sequence of this petition, the committee on commerce and manufactures, in 1816, recommended that an additional duty should be laid on imported goods. A new tariff was accord- Manufac- ingly formed, by which the double imposts which had been tures en laid during the war, were removed, and a small increase of anew tariff! duty was laid upon some fabrics, such as coarse cotton goods. The opposition to the tariff, from the commercial interest, and in some sections of the country, from the agricultural, was so great that nothing effectual was at that time done for the en- couragement of manufactures, but the question of its expedi- ency was regarded as of the first importance. A society for colonizing the free blacks of the United States, Colonization was first proposed in 1816, and was soon after formed, jt society form- was not under the direction of government, but was patron- ized by many of the first citizens in all parts of the Union. The society purchased land in Africa where they yearly re- moved considerable numbers of the free blacks from America. Their object was, by removing the free negroes, to diminish the black population of the United States ; and by establish- ing a colony in Africa, to prevent the traffic in slaves which then existed, and to afford facilities to the inland Africans to advance in civilization. Mr. Madison's second term of office having expired, he followed the example of his predecessors, and declined a re- election. James Monroe was elected president, and Daniel Mr Monroe D. Tornpkins, vice-president. On the 4th of March, 1817, they inaugurated, entered upon their official duties. During the summer of this year, Mr. Monroe visited all the northern and eastern states, and was received with every demonstration of affection and respect. ^ A treaty was, this year, concluded by commissioners ap- Indians cede pointed by the president of the United States, with the chiefs ^oto the* of the Wyandot, Delaware, Shawanese, Seneca, Ottowas, United Chippewa, and Potto wattamie Indians. Each of these tribes States, ceded to the United States, all lands to which they had any title within the limits of Ohio. The Indians were, at their option, to remain on the ceded lands, subject to the laws of the state and country. The territory of Mississippi was, this year, admitted into the Union. About this period, a band of adventurers, who pretended to act under the authority of the South American states, took Amelia possession of Amelia island, near the boundary of Georgia, d ezvous f or " with the avowed design of invading Florida. This island illegal traffic. 360 THE GREAT WESTERN CANAL. PART IV. having been the subject of negotiation with the government PERIOD ii. of Spain, as an indemnity for losses by spoliations, or in ex- CHAP. xix. change for lands of equal value beyond the Mississippi, the v -^ v ^--' measure excited a sentiment of surprise and disapprobation , which was increased, when it was found that the island was made a channel for the illicit introduction of slaves from Afri- ca into the Republic, an asylum for fugitive slaves from the 1811 neighboring states, and a port for smuggling of every kind. Also, an An island upon the coast of Texas was also a rendezvous for island of smugglers, and for equipping vessels, which gave great annoy- exas< ance to the commerce of the United States. These marau- ders were found, however, to be merely private adventurers, The govern- unautnc m ze cl by any government ; and the United States sent ment reduce out a force, which took possession of the islands, and put a them. St0 p to their illicit trade. CHAPTER XIX. Internal Improvements. Seminole War. THE political feuds which had, since the revolution, occa- sioned so much animosity, were now gradually subsiding; and it was an object with the administration, to remove old party prejudices, and promote union among the people. Internal im- A. spirit of improvement was also spreading over the coun- provements. try ; roads and canals were constructed in almost all parts of the Union ; and the facilities for travelling and conveying mer- chandise and produce, were continually increasing. These improvements were, however, made by the state governments ; among which, the wealthy state of New York, at whose head De Witt was the illustrious De Witt Clinton, took the lead. The great ' western canal, connecting Lake Erie with the waters of the cknafi^of Hudson ; and the northern canal, bringing to the same river New York, the waters of Lake Champlain, were brought to full com- pletion. Congress caught the spirit of the times, and manifested a desire to employ the resources of the nation for these objects ; and though no doubt arose as to the expediency of such a Question of course, yet the power of that body for carrying on such a sys- provemrnts. tem f internal improvement, was questioned and debated. It was the opinion of President Monroe, that the general gov- ernment had not this power, and could not obtain it, except by an amendment of the constitution. After much debate, con- gress adopted the president's opinion. Congress had, however, caused the great Cumberland road to be made, connecting, through the seat of government, the THE CUMBERLAND ROAD. 361 eastern with the western states, and passing over some of the highest mountains in the Union. But this undertaking was not decisive of the great question respecting the right of con- gress ; as it was made under peculiar circumstances. An ar- ticle of compact between the United States and the state of Ohio, under which that state came into the Union, provided that such a road should be made ; the expense being defrayed by money arising from the sale of public lands within that state. As the road passed through Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Vir- ginia, it was thought necessary to obtain the sanction of those several states. Accordingly, the subject was brought before their legislatures, and an act passed, approving the route, arid providing for the purchase of the land. Military roads had been opened during the late war, but it was by order of the war department. One of these extended from Plattsburg to Sackett's Harbor ; another from Detroit to the foot of the Maumee rapids. The extra pay to the soldiers, en- gaged in these works, was provided for by congress, in a spe- cific appropriation. In the first year of Mr. Monroe's administration, an arrange- ment was concluded with the British government, for the re- duction of the naval force of Great Britain and the United States, on the lakes ; arid it was provided, that neither party should keep in service on Lake Ontario or Champlain, more than one armed vessel, and on Lake Erie, or any of the upper lakes, more than two, to be armed with one gun only. For the security of the inland frontiers, military posts were established, at the mouth of the St. Peter's, on the Mississippi, and at the mouth of the Yellow Stone river, on the Missouri, above eighteen hundred miles above its junction with the Mis- sissippi. During the year 1817, the United States became engaged in a war with the Seminole Indians, a confederacy, who oc- cupied the lands lying on the confines of the United States JT-M-l 1 1 ' 1 ' I 1 and r lorida ; the greater part, however, lying within the do- minions of the king of Spain. Outlaws from the Creek na- tion, and negroes, who had fled from their masters in the United States, had united with these Indians ; and massacres had become so frequent, that the inhabitants were obliged to flee from their homes for security. The hostile spirit of the Indians was further incited by an Indian prophet, and by Arbuthnot and Ambrister, two English emissaries, who had taken up their residence among them, for the purposes of trade. In December, 1817, a detachment of forty men, under the command of Lieutenant Scott, was sent to the mouth of the river Apalachicola, to assist in removing some military stores to Fort Scott. The party in returning, were fired upon by a body of Indians, who lay in ambush, and the lieutenant and all his party, except six, were killed. The offenders were 25 PART IV. PERIOD n C ' HAP ' XIX 1816. a special Military roads * Nava j on the lakes reduced. far west. 1817. The com- nience en * ' tne I* 61 ' nole war. Arbuthnot and Ambri- ter * Scott and thirty-four noles. 362 NEW STATES. TREATIES. PENSIONS. PART IV. 117. General Jackson makes a short cam- paign. Trial of Ar- buthnot and Ambrister. They are condemned and exe- cuted. 1818. Illinois. Treaties with Great Britain and Sweden. Indigent officers and soldiers of the revolu- tion provided for. The Chicka- saws cede their lands to the United States. 1819. Alabama. 1818. De Witt Clinton re- commends to the legisla- ture of demanded by General Gaines, the commanding officer on tha frontier, but the chiefs refused to give them up. General Jackson, with a body of Tennesseeans, was order ed to the spot. He soon defeated and dispersed them. Per- suaded that the Spaniards furnished the Indians with supplies, and were active in fomenting disturbances, he entered Florida, took possession of forts, St. Marks, and Pensacola, and made prisoners of Arbuthnot, Ambrister, and the prophet. A court-martial was called for the trial of Arbuthnot and Ambrister, at which General Gaines presided. Arbuthnot was tried on the following charges : " for exciting and stirring up the Creek Indians to war against the United States and her citizens, he being a subject of Great Britain, with whom the United States are at peace." Second, " for acting as a spy, aiding, abetting, and comforting the enemy, and supplying them with the means of war." He was found guilty of these charges, omitting the words, " acting as a spy," and sentenced to be hung. Ambrister was tried on similar charges, and sen- tenced to be shot. Both were executed Congress passed a bill to admit Illinois territory into the Union. Treaties of commerce were, this year, concluded with Great Britain and Sweden. In the treaty with the former, the northern boundary of the United States, from the Lake of the Woods to the 8 tony Mountains, was fixed. Congress passed a law, abolishing internal duties. The indigent officers and soldiers of the revolution, had al- ready been partially provided for. A more ample provision was now made, by which every officer, who had served nine months at, any period of the revolutionary war, and whose annual in- come did not exceed one hundred dollars, received a pension of twenty dollars a month ; and every needy private soldier who had served that length of time, received eight. This year the Chickasaws ceded to the government of the United States, all their lands, west of the Tennessee river, in the states of Kentucky and Tennessee. The condition of those tribes living within the territories of the United States, now attracted the attention of the govern- ment, and a humane policy dictated its measures. The sum of 1 0,000 dollars annually, was appropriated for the purpose of establishing schools among them, and to promote, in other ways, their civilization. By means of the missionary socie- ties, already established in the United States, missionaries were supported among the Indians, and success, in many in- stances, crowned their efforts. Alabama territory was this year admitted into the union of the states, and the territory of Arkansaw separated from Mis- souri territory. In December, 1818, De Witt Clinton, then governor of New York, recommended in his message to the legislature of that state, some special attention to the education of females. His SPANISH NEGOTIATION. 363 recommendation was based upon the principle long acknowl- PART IV. edged, that, as mothers, the female sex have great influence, PERIOD IL in forming the minds and characters of all individuals compo- CHAP. xix. sing the community at large ; and it was apparent that no good ^*^~+* f reason could be shown, why they, being endued with the high 18 18. attributes of mind in common with the other sex, should be att e^ t ion r to denied the enjoyment and added means of usefulness, attend- female edu- ant on mental cultivation. cation. The legislature passed an act, which is probably the first 49 law existing which makes public provision for the education February. of women. It provides that academies, for their instruction The legisla- in the higher branches of learning, shall be privileged to ^ aSord? receive a share of the literature fund. ingly. Since that time, several of the states, especially among those recently admitted, have made provision for the same object. Religious denominations and wealthy parents of daughters, have also favored it ; and throughout the country, female schools have sprung up. Large and handsome edifi- ces are erected ; and adequate teachers, libraries and appara- tus, are provided for the use of the students. The consequences of this change are becoming manifest, in the increasing num- ber of competent female teachers, and in other respects. On the 23d of February, 1819, a treaty was negotiated at Feb. 23. Washington, between John Quincy Adams, secretary of state, ^|^ and Don Onis, the Spanish minister, by which Spain ceded tween John to the United States, East and West Florida, and the adjacent Adams and islands. The government of the United States agreed to ex- onerate Spain from the demands which their citizens had against that nation, on account of injuries and spoliations ; and it was stipulated that congress should satisfy these claims, to an amount not exceeding five millions of dollars. The con- tracting parties renounced all claims to indemnities for any of the recent acts of their respective officers in Florida. Trgat .^ This treaty was ratified by the president and senate'' of the Spain reject- United States, and sent to Spain, but the king very unexpect- ed by the edly refused to sanction it. Don Onis was recalled, and Don Vives sent out. Instead of coining directly over, he went to Paris and London, to as- certain whether, in case of a war between Spain and the Uni- ted States, the former party would be aided and abetted. But American valor stood high in Europe since the close of the Mission of last war, and Don Vives obtained no encouragement for Spain Don Vires, to quarrel with the republic. He, however, on his arrival at Washington, undertook to open a diplomatic campaign, but was soon put to silence by Mr. Adams ; the American sec- retary steadily demanding the ratification of the engagement already entered into by an authorized agent of Spain. Flori- da had ceased to be of any political value to that nation, and the just claim of the citizens of the United States, she knew not how else to cancel. 25* 364 120. Treaty rati- fied and Florida ceded. TREATY WITH SPAIN RATIFIED. The treaty was therefore ratified by the Spanish govern- ment in October, 1820, and possession of the Floridas given the following year. Although the addition of this peninsula, which completes the ocean boundary of the United States, made no great sen- sation, and seemed little to affect the politics of the country, yet the event was important, and fraught with consequences. The historian of the American Republic must now look back, and give the history of Florida as a part of his plan, and look- ing forward from its cession, we already find a bloody war following this increase of territory. Showmp th&Dates' of tfi& first Settlement ofth& olclWiirteenU. States ctrut the acbnifificrrt into flre^rdon of tire ^ remcvindei". SEJ^X: />ORTHCftJ w &>M* low .-\ma4e- /....-; :z:^r- \,^JKI>. PERIOD III /,; *. . ,' ,', ..; / FROM THE CESSION ( 120 j OF FLORIDA. "^Ih.,. ,. '- ' { "i?" TO . , THE CLOSE OF j 1848. j THE MEXICAN WAR. CHAPTER I. The Missouri question. A PETITION was presented to congress this year, from the PART IV. territory of Missouri, praying for authority to form a state PERIOD in. government, and to be admitted into the Union. A bill was CHAP. i. accordingly introduced for that purpose, which with an amend- ^-^-v-*~> ment, prohibiting slavery within the new state, parsed the house of representatives, but was arrested in, the senate. The district of Maine also presented a memorial to con- 182O. gress, praying o be separated from Massachusetts, to be au- Maine pe- thorized to form its own constitution, and to be admitted into ^admitted. the Union, on an equal footing with the other states. The two bills for the admission of Maine and Missouri were joined, but not without much opposition from the advocates of the re- striction in the Missouri bill. Upon this subject, the mem- bers of congress were divided into two parties ; those from the non-slaveholding states were in favor of the restriction, while those from the south warmly opposed it. Much debate took place, and at no time had the parties in the congress of Heated am the United States been so marked by a geographical division, or so much actuated by feelings dangerous to the union of the states Nor was the seat of government the only place where this subject was discussed ; but in all parts of the country it attracted the attention of the people. Many of the northern states called meetings, and published spirited reso- lutions, expressive of their fears of perpetuating slavery. The members from the south opposed the restriction, partly on the ground of self-defense. They did not consider that the unqualified admission of Missouri, would tend, in any de- gree, to perpetuate slavery. It would not, they contended, be the means of increasing the number of slaves within the states, but of removing some of those that already existed, from one state to another. They maintained, that it would be a dangerous and despotic measure of the general government, and one that would infringe upon the sovereignties of the Pleaofthow states ; that such a condition was inconsistent with the treaty thtfrUtric- by which the territory was ceded to the United States ; and, tion. 366 MR. MONROE RE-ELECTED. PART IV. finally, they insinuated the danger of a dissolution of the PERIOD in. U n i n, if the friends of the measure persisted. Q U tne 0!.].^ hand ^ wag ma i n tained that the constitution g ave to COI1 gress the right of admitting states with or without n restrictions, and that no state had ever yet been admitted opponents! 8 w i tnout an y I" proof of this it was urged, that when North Carolina ceded to the United States that part of her territory which now includes the state of Tennessee, she made the grant upon the express condition that congress should make no regulation tending to the emancipation of slaves. When Georgia ceded the Mississippi territory, the articles of agree- ment which provided for its admission as a state, on the con- ditions of the ordinance of 1787, expressly excepted that ar- ticle which forbids slavery. It was also maintained that to strike out the restriction from this bill, would inevitably tend to perpetuate slavery, and to entail this greatest of evils upon the new state, besides increasing to the Union the mischiefs arising from unequal representation. After much discussion, Missouri ad- a compromise was agreed on, and a bill passed for the admis- 'ouf restri?" s * on Missouri without any restriction, but with the inhibi- tit a. tion of slavery throughout the territories of the United States, 36i the north of 36 30' north latitude. Thus was the most danger- limit of sla- ous question ever agitated in congress, at length disposed of by friendly compromise. Maine be- The long connection of Maine with Massachusetts was now comes a se- dissolved by its final admission as one of the states of the parate state Fedend Union 1821. Missouri was not declared independent until August, 1821. The Missou- Previously to the passage of the bill for its admission, the raujTag^ P e pl e na( l formed a state constitution ; a provision of which tated. required the legislature lo pass a law " to prevent free negroes and mulattoes from coming to, and settling in the state." When the constitution was presented to congress, this provis- ion was strenuously opposed. The contest occupied a greai Missouri ad- p art O f the session, but Missouri was finally admitted, on the condition that no laws should be passed, by which any free citizens of the United States should be prevented from enjoy- ing those rights within that state, to which they were entitled by the constitution of the United States. Mr. Monroe This year, Mr. Monroe entered upon his second term of re-elected, office, having been re-elected to the presidency by nearly a unanimous vote. Mr. Tompkins was also continued in the vice-presidency. The census. By the fourth census the number of inhabitants in 1820 was found to be 9,625,734, of whom 1,531,436 were slaves. u> oY ^ n l ^ e 7t ^ ^ March, president Monroe appointed General Florida. Jackson governor of Florida, and Elijeus Fromentin, chief- Aug 22. justice. But it was not until the 22d of August that the reluctant Spanish officers yielded up their posts. They showed a disposition to embarrass the operations of the GENERAL JACKSON IN FLORIDA. 367 new authorities by refusing to give up all the archives, ac- PART IV. cording to the treaty. Don Cavalla, the Spanish governor, PERIOD in. withheld four documents relating to the rights of property. Governor Jackson, after a specific demand, sent an armed force to take the papers, and bring Cavalla himself before him. He refusing; Jackson sent a second time, had him taken from his bed, and carried to prison, and the papers seized, take to em- Cavalla applied to Judge Fromentin, who granted a writ of ban-ass him habeas corpus for his relief. Jackson did not suffer it to be He proceeds executed until his own purpose of securing all the missing papers was effected ; when he discharged Cavalla. This af- fair caused much controversy. manner. Seven of the Spanish officers, published in "'The Floridian," a newspaper issued from Pensacola, severe strictures on the Banishes new government. Jackson issued a proclamation which ban- . seven Span- , 6 , , . ,, " , ish officers isned them from the territory after five days. Florida was now for the purposes of government divided Florida di- into two counties, one east of the Suwaney river, called St. John's, and one west, called Escambia. At the next session of congress an act was passed, pro- viding that Florida should be governed in the same manner, and by the same laws as the other territories. General Jack- son's powers which he had used so liberally, and which he declared, in defending his bold measures, were unconstitu- tionally great, terminated according to the terms of his com- mission, at the rising of congress ; and he declined a re-ap- pointment. In June, a convention of navigation and commerce, on terms of reciprocal and equal advantage, was concluded be- Treaty with tween France and the United States. France. The ports of the West India Islands were about this time opened to the American republic, by act of the British par- liament. The American commerce, in the West Indian seas, had, Alarming m- for several years, suffered severely from depredations com- crease of P 1 ' milled by pirates. The Alligator, a United States' schooner, having received information of their vicinity to Matanzas, sought and engaged the pirates, and recaptured five American vessels. She also took one piratical schooner; but Allen, Allen's brave the brave commander of the Alligator, was mortally wounded J^jf Xath in the engagement. The pirates continued their lawless aggressions, and con- gress the next year appropriated a sum of money to fit out 1823. an expedition to suppress piracy. Commodore Porter, to ^"J^g^ whom was given the command, sailed for the West Indies, and against the cruising with his squadron in the Caribbean seas, the free- pirates, booters dared not appear, but depredated on the inhabitants of the West India Islands. In the message of President Monroe to congress, he invi- *ed their attention to the question of recognizing the indepen- 368 SOUTH AMERICAN REPUBLICS. 124. The tariff question again agi- tated. PART IV. dence of the South American republics. He stated, that PERIOD in. throughout the contest between those colonies and the parent CHAP. i. country, the United States had remained neutral, and had ful- v -**~v^-' filled, with the utmost impartiality, all the obligations incident 1823. to that character. Some time had elapsed since the provin- Th f mde " ces had declared themselves independent nations, and had penaence oi . , , . . /, / . the South enjoyed that independence, free from invasion. Nor was it American now contemplated to change the friendly relations with either S^-leTgeT ^ t ^ ie P arti es which had been belligerent ; but to observe in Ministers all respects as heretofore, should the war be renewed, the sent to Mex- mos t perfect neutrality between them. The measure was ico. Buenos i i i * . Ayres, and sanctioned, and ministers were appointed to Mexico, Beunos Chili. Ayres, Colombia, and Chili. Slave-trade Articles of convention for the suppression of the African prohibited. s i ave . tr ade, were, this year, subscribed at London, by pleni- potentiaries appointed for this purpose, from the United States and Great Britain. These articles authorized the commis- sioned officers of each nation, to capture and condemn the ships of the other, which should be concerned in the illicit traffic of slaves. Ever since the year 1816, the tariff had attracted the atten- tion of the people throughout the Union, and from time to time the subject had been brought before congress ; but with the exception of the small protection afforded to coarse cot- ton cloths, nothing had yet been done for the encouragement of American manufactures. Notwithstanding the depression which succeeded the war, the manufacturers of cotton, after they recovered from the first shock, had proved successful. Excepting fine fabrics, which were not manufactured to any extent in America, domestic cottons almost supplied the coun- try, and considerable quantities were exported to South Amer- ica. Factories for printing calicoes had been erected in a few places, and in some instances the manufacture of lace had been attempted. In supporting extensive manufactories independent of the protection of government, great energy and perseverance were displayed. The friends of manufactures had increased in The tariff num ' :) ers, > and in zeal for the cause. This year the subject of bill opposed, a new tariff was again brought before congress, but was ve- Grounds of hemently opposed. The grounds of opposition were, that it opposition, would injure the commerce and agriculture of the country, and by lessening the public revenue, compel a resort to a system of excise and taxation. That it would dimmish the exports of the country, as other nations would not purchase articles of any kind from us, unless the produce of their in- dustry was received in exchange. That the country was not prepared for the successful establishment of manufactures, on account of the high price of labor ; and that manufactures would, under a favorable concurrence of circumstances, flour- ish without the protection of government. THE TARIFF. 369 The friends of a new tariff replied, that a dependence upon PART IV. the internal resources of the country was the only true policy PERIOD m of our government ; and that the protection desired for man- ufactures, far from injuring, would prove beneficial both to commerce and agriculture. It would bring into existence new and extensive establishments, and thus create a home market, without which the agriculturist would not receive of the protec- with constancy, the just reward of his labors, and which tive,o^r, tariff would tend to keep the resources of the country at home. It would not diminish the exportations, unless to Europe, where little besides the raw materials are carried ; and by the ap- plications of industry, new articles of exportation might be multiplied, more valuable than the raw materials, and by which we should be indemnified for any losses thus incurred. They considered it by no means certain that it would lessen the public revenue ; the augmentation of duty would compen- sate for the diminution in the quantity of goods imported. Experience proved that manufactures needed protection, and that such had ever been the policy of those governments where the manufacturing interest flourished ; and in proof of this, they pointed to the steady course of England. Many of the friends of the tariff, however, conceded, that if all nations would unite in a system of free, unshackled trade, it would probably produce the best possible state of things ; but they contended, that as the United States must surfer from laws made by other nations to protect and favor their own manufactures, it was but just that the citizens of the United States should receive a like protection and prefer- ence from their own government. After much discussion, formed, the bill, with some amendments, passed. It proved effectual in affording the desired protection to cotton goods ; but the question was still agitated in favor of manufactures of other kinds, and the manufacturers of wool zealously endeavored to obtain a similar protection. CHAPTER II. Lafayette invited to America. ON the 15th of August, 1824, General Lafayette* arrived 124. in the harbor of New York, in consequence of a special in- , A 4- 15- ,. i . . . ^ . , ft- Lafayette vitation, which congress, participating in the warm feeling arr iv< s . which pervaded the whole nation, had given him to visit America. * In the days of the revolution, The Marquis de la Fayette, was the style by which the hereditary nobleman was known. Subsequently he renounced all distinctions of this kind, and would receive no other title than that given by his military rank. His address was then, General Lafayette. 370 THE NATION S GUEST. 125. on^N York. Lafayette goes to Bos September. New York north, and 8outh - When information was received in the city of New York of his arrival, a committee of the corporation, and a great number of distinguished citizens, immediately proceeded to Staten Island, to behold and welcome the former benefactor of their country, now its illustrious guest. Arrangements were made, by the committee, for his visit to New York, which was to take place the following day. A splendid es- cort of steamboats, gaily decorated with the flags of every na tion, and bearing thousands of citizens, brought him to the view of the assembled crowds at New York. His feelings at revisiting again, in prosperity, the country which he had sought and made his own in adversity, were at times overpow- ering, and melted him to tears. Esteemed, as he was, for his virtues, and consecrated by his sufferings and constancy, the philanthropist of any country could not view him without an awe mingled with tenderness ; but to Americans there was besides, a deep feeling of gratitude for his services, and an associated remembrance of those worthies of our revolution with whom he had lived. The thousands assembled to meet Lafayette at New York, manifested their joy at beholding him, by shouts, acclama- tions, and tears. He rode uncovered from the battery to the City Hall, receiving and returning the affectionate gratulations of the multitude. At the City Hall, magistrates, and citizens, were presented to him, and he was welcomed by an address from the mayor. He then met with a few gray-headed vete- rans of the revolution, his old companions in arms, and though nearly half a century had passed since they parted, his faith- ful memory had kept their countenances and names. Deputations from Philadelphia, Baltimore, New Haven, and many other cities, arrived at New York, with invitations for him to honor those places with his presence. After re- maining a few days in New York, he proceeded through Connecticut and Rhode Island on his way to Boston. An escort of eight hundred citizens, from that place met him, and the mayor arid corporation awaited his arrival at the city lines. The pupils of the public schools, both male and female, were arranged in two lines on the side of the common, under the care of their respective teachers, and through these beautiful lines the procession passed. From Boston he proceeded to Portsmouth, to visit the navy- yard. Orders had been issued by the president to all the military posts, to receive him with the honor due to the high- est officer in the American service. On his return to New York, a splendid fete was given at Castle Gard en. From that city he proceeded to Albany and Troy, calling at West Point, and several other places on the river. He next passed through New Jersey, and visited Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Yorktown, and Richmond. These THE ERA OF GOOD FEELING 371 1825. liberal dona tlon ' tour of the southern states. July 4. At New York. places vied with New York and Boston in the splendor with PART IV. which they received the beloved defender of their country. PERIOD ra. He returned to Washington during the session of congress, CHAP. n. and remained there several weeks. Congress voted him the v^-v~^/ sum of two hundred thousand dollars, and a township of land which was located in Florida, as a remuneration, in part, of his services during the revolutionary war, and as a testimony of their gratitude. About the last of February he proceeded from Washington to Richmond, thence through North and South Carolina, to From Wash Savannah. He then travelled through Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, to New Orleans. Proceeding up the Missis- sippi as far as St. Louis, he visited the principal places on both sides of the river. He then returned to the Ohio, pass- ed through Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York; and arrived in Boston to participate in the ceremony of laying the corner-stone of the monument, to commemorate the battle of Bunker's Hill. Leaving Boston, he proceeded to Portland, in Maine ; Visits the from thence, through New Hampshire, to Burlington in Ver- mont. Passing down lake Champlain and the Hudson, he arrived again in New York, where he united in the celebra- tion of American independence. Then taking his leave of the eastern and northern states, he returned to the seat of government. He then paid an af- fecting visit to the honored tomb of Washington. On his departure from the seat of government, the presi- dent in behalf of the nation, bade him an affectionate adieu ; and in a new frigate, named the Brandywine, in memory of He takes hia the battle in which he was wounded, he was safely conveyed departure, to his native land. Lafayette's whole progress through the United States had been one continued triumph, the most illustrious of any which history records. The captives chained to his triumphal car, were the affections of the people ; his glory, the prosperity and happiness of his adopted country. During Mr. Monroe's administration, America enjoyed pro- found peace. Sixty millions of her national debt were dis- charged. The Floridas were peaceably acquired, and the western limits fixed at the Pacific ocean. Internal taxes were repealed, the military establishment reduced to its nar- rowest limits of efficiency, the organization of the army im- proved, the independence of the South American nations re- cognized, progress made in the suppression of the slave-trade, and the civilization of the Indians advanced. The voice of party spirit had died away, and the period is still spoken of, as the " era of good feeling." Mr. Monroe's second term of office having expired, four Fourcandi- among the principal citizens of the republic were set up as can- didates for the pre-sidency, and voted for by the electoral col- ' 117. to 125. National prosperity and peace. 372 ELECTION OF JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. PART IV. lege. These were John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson PERIOD HI. Henry Clay, and William H. Crawford. The electors were OHAP. n. divided, and no choice being made by them, a president, ac- v-**-v^w/ cording to the constitution, was to be chosen by the house of 1825. representatives, from the three candidates whose number of b* h h c C f votes stood highest. These were Messrs. Adams, Jackson, and iege of elec- Crawford. Mr. Adams was chosen. This was the first elec- tors. tion by the house of representatives, in the case contempla- tives^hoose te( ^ by the constitution, where there was no one of the can- Mr, Adams, didates preferred by a majority of the electors. Many fears had been expressed, that whenever such a case could occur, it would be attended with a dangerous excitement ; but the event of fixing on a first magistrate was passed over by the American congress in a manner which showed their just sense of the solemnity of the obligation, which bound them to preserve inviolate the constitution of their country. Mr. Adams, in his inaugural address, declared that the course he should pursue, was that marked out by his prede- cessor : there remained, however, he remarked, one effort of dressofJolli ma g nan i m ity to be made by the individuals throughout the na- Quincy tion, who had heretofore followed the standards of political Adams. party ; it was that of discarding every remnant of rancour .>' against each other, of embracing as countrymen and friends, and of yielding to talents and virtue alone, that confidence, which, in times of contention for principle, was bestowed only upon those who bore the badge of party communion. A treaty of commerce and navigation, with the republic of Treaty with Colombia, was ratified in 1825, on the basis of the mutual ob- Colombia. }jg at j on o f fa e parties to place each other on the footing of the most favored nation. 1820. On the 4th of July, 1826, died, John Adams and Thomas July 4. Jefferson. That these two political fathers, who had con- ous^etuh'of tributed more than any other Americans living, to the estab- presidents lishment of independence, should thus depart together, amidst Jefferson"* ^ e re ji cm g s f i ts fiftieth anniversary, struck to the hearts of the American people an indescribable feeling of awe and 1 00 I . , lew i. astonishment. Deiath^of Mr. Another anniversary witnessed the death of another ex- Monroe, president, James Monroe. His history is his praise. Free-masonry claims to be an ancient institution. Towards the close of the last century it became popular in this coun- try ; and many of our best men, among whom were Washing- Free-mason ton and De Witt Clinton, were " free and accepted masons." But a change took place in the tone of society. Sunday schools and temperance meetings were more congenial to public sentiment, than the midnight festivities of the Masonic lodge. Free-masonry has now in this country but few ad- vocates. This result has yet another cause. A man by the name of William Morgan, who was preparing to publish a book, purporting to disclose the secrets of Free- MORGAN'S ABDUCTION. 373 masonry, was taken, on the llth of September, under color PART IV. of a criminal process, from Batavia, in Genessee county PERIOD in. New York, to Canandaigua, in Ontario county, examined arid CHAP- " discharged ; but on the same day he was arrested for debt, < -^*" v ""***-' and confined in the county jail, by the persons who brought 126 the first charge against him. They discharged the debt them- ^J^' selves, and on his leaving the prison, in the evening, he was Morgan for- seized, and forced into a carriage, which was rapidly driven cibl y carried out of the village, and he was never seen by his friends, ter'icuslyd again. posed of. The indignation of the community was roused, by this out- rage, to an intense degree ; particularly in the section of the Public mdi ' , i T- it i nation caus- country where it occurred. Rumor was continually harrow- e d by Mor- ing up the feelings of his family and friends, by false stories s an ' s . abduc calculated to mislead inquiry, of his having been seen, dis- guised, and under fictitious names, in foreign countries, or in remote parts of the Union. Notwithstanding that those who belonged to Masonic societies, were attempting in these and other ways to throw discredit on the story of his abduction ; yet there was from among the people a voice not to be disre- garded by the rulers, which pronounced that Morgan had been foully murdered. _ The Legislature of New York appointed a committee of committee investigation, of which John C. Spencer was chairman. of investiga- They reported that William Morgan had been put to death. tion - The years that have elapsed since his mysterious disappear- -37 ance have confirmed their decision. The persons, who were Their re- suspected of being the principal actors in the tragedy, fled pot- from their homes and took refuge under fictitious names, in distant places, and all are said to have been cut off from the land of the living, by disaster or violence. Morgan's abduction excited a strong prejudice against all Masonic societies ; and a political party was formed, called Anti-ma Anti-masonic, whose avowed object was to abolish Free-ma- somc party * sonry throughout the United States, on the ground that secret Oppose all societies in a free government, were not only unnecessary, masonic so- but even dangerous to its existence. They averred that ma- cieties. sonry, as was shown by the case of Morgan, claimed a right . over the lives of its members ; and as taking human life g rou nd8 of with intention, and without the sanction of civil authority is opposition, murder ; therefore, this society must be regarded as especially at variance with law, human and divine. The Anti-masonic party once organized, was by its leaders made to subserve, not only its original purpose, but others, such as electioneering for favorite candidates to office ; and is a fair example of what the politicians of the day under- stand by " making political capital" of any subject of popular excitement. The Anti-slavery party, which, as a political Anti-sla- . union, arose about the time that the Anti-masonic party de- clined, had its origin, in feelings equally honorable to human 374 BLACK HAWK S WAR. THE CHOLERA. PART IV. 1838. The tariff bill amend- The north pleased. The south offended. 1839. March 4. Jackson's first inaugu- ration. Origin of the state rights, or nullifica- tion party. Webster's great speech against nulli- fication. 1833. April. Commence- ment of Black Hawk's war. June 9. Cholera at Quebec. June 26. At New York. nature ; and there is reason to apprehend that it will in a sim ilar manner be perverted. The tariff question again agitated congress, and the debates terminated in the passage of a law laying protective duties on such articles of import as competed with certain manufactured and agricultural productions of the United States. By this tariff bill, additional duties were laid on wool and wool- ens, iron, hemp and its fabrics, lead, distilled spirits, silk stuffs, window-glass and cottons. The manufacturing states received the law with warm approbation, while the southern states regarded it as highly prejudicial to the interests of the cotton planters ; and in Charleston, South Carolina, the flags on the shipping were displayed at half-mast, and a state con- vention was demanded. The presidential election having been decided by the col- lege of electors, General Andrew Jackson, of Tennessee, was inaugurated president, and John C. Calhoun, of South Caro- lina, vice-president of the United States. Though the tariff bill found but few friends in the south- ern states, the citizens of most of them were in favor of seeking for its repeal by constitutional measures. Even in South Carolina, the head-quarters of the opposition, was a powerful party, who were styled the Friends of the Union, and were hostile to any disorganizing measures. A small majority, however, now first styled the " state rights" party, and afterwards, the " nullifiers, were working themselves up to that high pressure of exasperation, which is ever followed by rashness of conduct. In congress, their doctrines were ably set forth by Mr. Hayne of the senate, but they were met and confuted by Daniel Webster, in a speech which convinced the understanding, and thrilled through the heart of every patriot in the Union. Since the war with the Seminoles in 1818, the Indian tribes had remained in peace. In April, of this year, the Winnebagoes, Sacs, and Foxes, inhabiting the upper Missis- sippi, recrossed that river under their chief, Black Hawk, and entered upon the lands which they had sold to the United States, and which were occupied by citizens of Illinois. These Indians being well mounted and armed, scattered rap- idly their war parties over that defenseless country, breaking up settlements, killing whole families, and burning their dwel- lings. Generals Atkinson and Scott, were charged with the defense of the frontier. The disease, known by the name of the Asiatic cholera, made its appearance in Canada, on the 9th of June, among some newly arrived Irish emigrants. It followed apparently along the valleys of the St. Lawrence, Champlain and Hud- son, and on the 26th, several cases occurred in the city of New York. A great proportion of the inhabitants left the place in dismay, but notwithstanding the reduction of numbers, STATE RIGHTS OR NULLIFICATION PARTY. 375 the ravages of the disease were appalling. It spread with PART IV. great rapidity throughout the states of New York and Michi- PERIOD ra. gan ; and along the valleys of the Ohio and Mississippi, to the CHAP - " Gulph of Mexico. From New York it went south through ^^^^^ the Atlantic states, as far as North Carolina. It was a sin- 13S5. gular characteristic of this excruciating and quickly fatal mal- ^cholera ady, that, though not apparently contagious, it followed the through the great routes of travel, both on the land and water. New Union. England, with a few exceptions, escaped the scourge. In obedience to orders from the War Department, the gar- risons on the seaboard, from Fort Monroe, in Virginia, to New York harbor, were withdrawn and placed under the command j u ly. of General Scott, to be employed in the Indian war. Pro- General ceeding with haste, as the case was urgent, the general em- S iectsthe barked his troops in steamboats at Buffalo. The season was troops for the hot, and the boats were crowded. The cholera broke out Indian war - among the troops. Language cannot depict the* distress that The cholera ensued, both before and after their landing. Many died ; breaks out in many deserted, from dread of the disease, and perished in the army ' woods either from cholera or starvation. The exertions, suf- ferings, and danger, of General Scott, during this period, were greater than they ever were on the field of battle ; and it thus became impossible for him to reach the seat of war at the Aug. 2. time intended. General Atkinson, by forced marches, came Atkinson de- up with Black Hawk's army on the second of August, near feats the In- the mouth of the Upper Iowa. The Indians were routed and diar ' s> dispersed, and Black Hawk, his son, and several warriors of note made prisoners. After having been detained at fortress Monroe for several months, the chief and his son were carried through the prin- Black Hawk cipal cities of the United States, and the next year sent back and hls " OIL to their people, convinced of the folly of further resistance against so powerful a nation. Charles Carroll of Carrollton, near Baltimore, the last sur- viving signer of the Declaration of Independence, died on the 14th of November, in the ninety -sixth year of his age. So deep was the reverence felt for this relic of the revolution that many a pilgrimage is even now, made to the mansion house where he spent his virtuous life. The state rights, or nullification party, having a majority in South Carolina, held a convention at Columbia, from whence Nov. 19. they issued an ordinance in the name of the people, in which A , * , .,. -i-ii tion meet at they declared that congress, m laying protective duties, had Columbia, exceeded its just powers ; and that the several acts alluded South Caro- to, should, from that time, be utterly null and void ; that it ^ a ' tn " d should be the duty of the legislature of South Carolina, to mous nullifi- adopt measures to arrest their operation, from and after the cation ordi- 1st of February, 1833 ; that the courts of that state should not question the validity of that ordinance, nor suffer an ap- peal to the courts of the United States : that any one hold- 376 THE ORDINANCE. JACKSON S PROCLAMATION. PART IV. PERIOD III. CHAP. II. Ordinance declares that the United States shall not use force, on penalty of the with- drawal of South Caro- lina. The conven- tion call on the members df the Union Nov. 24. The Union- ists in South Carolina meet and protest. Nov. 27. State au- thorities ap- prove the nullification ordinance. Dec. 10. President Jackson's proclama- tion. First, he fehows the nullifies. their error. ing an office under the state, should take an oath to obey that ordinance ; or if otherwise, the office should be filled up as if the incumbent were dead ; that no person thereafter, should be elected to any office whatever, either civil or military, un- til he had taken the oath not only to obey the ordinance, but such acts as the legislature might thereafter pass to carry the same into operation. Finally, the instrument declared, that the people of South Carolina would not submit to force, on the part of the United States, but that they should consider any act of congress, au- thorizing the employment of a naval or military force against the state, as null and void ; and in that case, the people would hold themselves absolved from all political connection with the other states, and would forthwith proceed to organize a separate government, and do all other acts and things, which sovereign and independent states have a right to do. The convention also put forth an " Address to the people of the United States," in which the doctrines of nullification were avowed, and the hope expressed, that the other states would give up the protective system, as the secession of South Carolina would inevitably produce a dissolution of the Union. The friends of the Union in South Carolina, also, held a convention at Columbia, on the 24th of November. They adopted, and published, a solemn protest against the ordinance. Meetings were held in almost every part of the United States, and resolutions passed, expressive of entire reprobation of the principles avowed by the nullifiers. The legislature of South Carolina convened at Columbia, on the 27th of November. Governor Hamilton, in his open- ing message, expressed his approval of the ordinance. He recommended that the authorities of the state, and of the city of Charleston, should unite in requesting the president to withdraw, from the arsenal at Charleston, the United States' soldiers, who, for several years, had been stationed there, by request of those authorities, to defend their arms and ammu- nition, in case of a slave insurrection. He recommended, also, that the militia should be re-organized ; that the executive should be authorized to accept of the services of 12,000 volun- teers ; and that provision should be made for procuring heavy ordnance, and other munitions of war. On the 10th of December, President Jackson published a proclamation, warning the nullification party of the consequen- ces which would ensue, if they persisted in the course they had commenced. After a series of reasoning to convince them of their error, he added, " I consider, then, the power to annul a law of the United States, assumed by one state, in- compatible with the existence of the Union, contradicted expressly by the constitution, unauthorized by its spirit, inconsistent with every principle on which it was founded, and destructive of the great object for which it was formed." AN AMERICAN PRESIDENT MEETS A CRISIS. 377 hi conclusion, the president told them, that the laws of the PART IV. United States must be executed, that he had no discretionary PERIOD ra power on the subject; that those who told them they might CHAP - " peaceably prevent their execution, deceived them ; that nothing '- *~v~**^ but a forcible opposition could prevent their execution, and 1832. that such opposition must be repelled, for " disunion by armed Second, he c i > rt' 11 i 111 shows them force, he said, " is treason. rmally, he appealed to the their dange.. patriotism of South Carolina, to retrace her steps, and, to the Appeals to country, to rally in defense of the Union. ^tVraUy! 7 No act of General Jackson was ever more popular than this proclamation. There was a party strongly opposed to Pllhlic a P- i " 111111-1 6 i ",, proval of the ms measures, who held that his talents were rather for war president's than peace ; and that, in the indomitable energies of his will, conduct, he pursued his objects as the keen sportsman his game, heed- less what fences he broke down in his way ; but on this oc- casion, this party vied, in commendation, with the larger and ruling party, by whom his administration was uniformly ap- proved ; and from every quarter he received from the people, proffers of military service. Governor Hamilton being appointed to the command of the South Carolinian army, Colonel Hayne succeeded him. He issued a proclamation, counter to that of General Jackson, in j) ec 2 o which he put forth the doctrines of disunion, in their most Colonel offensive form ; calling on the people to disregard the " vain menaces" of the president, and " protect the liberties of the state." The legislature also continued to authorize the em- ployment of volunteers, who were " to hold themselves in readiness to take the field, at a minute's warning." The unionists, feeling how unhapjw must be a contest, which would separate families, where the son might be called on to shed the blood of the father, and the brother that of the brother, now aroused, and, encouraged by the decided tone of the president, they took one equally decided ; and held meet- i s t s . ings in various parts of the state, in which they declared, " we will not be forced to bear arms against the United States, be the consequences what they may." General Jackson followed his word with his deed. He Jackson pre- causecl Castle Pirickney, a fortress which commands the inner harbor of Charleston, as well as the town itself, to be put in complete order for offensive or defensive operations. Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan's island, was likewise strongly garrison- Ou |i na . a ed, and General Scott placed in command; while several ships of war, under the orders of Commodore Elliot, were anchored in the bay : and it is said that he sent private assu- rances to the leading nullifiers, that unless they desisted, he should take the field in person, and appear in South Carolina, at the head of a large army. The nullification party did not decide to meet the nation in arms, with General Jackson at its head. The crisis which A change had caused so many forebodings, was adjourned, and the an- tone * 26 378 THE INDIAN QUESTION. PART IV. PERIOD III CHAP. III. 1838. Feb. 12. Mr. Clay's compromise, Tariff bill. Inaugura- tion, March 4th. thorities agreed not to oppose the collection of duties until the 1 st of March, and before that period arrived, measures were taken which restored tranquillity. On the 12th of February, Mr. Clay introduced a bill into the senate, which had for its object, a compromise between the manufacturing interests of the north, and the cotton plant- ers of the south. It reduced the duties on certain articles, and limited the operation of the tariff, to the 30th of Septem- ber, 1842. It being considered a bill for revenue, it was not acted upon in the senate, until after the house of representa- tives had adopted it, when it passed rapidly through that body, was signed by the president, and became a law on the 3d of March. It gave general content to the citizens of the United States, with whom the union is so dear, that whatever or who- ever endangers it, is looked upon with suspicion and displea- sure ; and on the other hand, whatever nourishes and consoli- dates it, is regarded with approbation and complacency. Gen. Jackson was re-elected, and Martin Van Buren of New York, made Vice-president. May 20. Death of La- fayette. Extreme difficulty of the Indian question It arises from their mode of war- fare. CHAPTER III. Lafayette. The tribes east of the Mississippi go to the far west. GENERAL LAFAYETTE, full of years and honors, died on the 20th of May, 1833, and was mourned as the common father of his native and his adopted country. The position of the remaining aboriginal tribes gave the rulers great uneasiness. If the Indians would subject them- selves to the laws of civilized society, at least so far as to declare war before they made it, and then to make it only with those in arms, they might have their reservations, and enjoy them within the limits of the states. But so long as ithey were subtly contriving war, when they were seemingly imost bent on peace, their declaration made only by the war- whoop, and signed by the scalping-knife so long, it would be vain to expect that their neighborhood could be tolerated by civilized man : for the father and the husband would look be- yond treaties written ^ on parchment, to the law of nature, which bids him protect and defend his helpless ones. If the ^government in good faith, sought to preserve the Indian tribes, they refusing to change their mode of warfare, the only consequence would be, that they would at length, by their murderous atrocities, oblige the rulers, in defense of the lives of their own people, to send their armies and destroy them. Such had been the fate of former tribes, and such, un- less something was done to avert the catastrophe, was likely to be that of those still remaining. To devise some expedi- THE SOUTH-WESTERN INDIANS. 379 ent to save them, and protect their own people, was the diffi- PART IV. cult problem which the government had to solve. PERIOD in That General Jackson saw the subject much in this light, is CHAP - ni. apparent from his earliest message to congress. He remarked v -^ p ~v^-' that the fate of the Mohegan, the Narragansett and the Dela- 13O. ware was fast and inevitably approaching the Choctaw, the December. .~ J t rr . 1 . , . , ' . Jackson's Cherokee, and the Creek, if they remained within the limits message of the states. He said that regard to our national honor respecting brought forward the question whether something could not. be l done to preserve the race. As a means to this end, he sug- gested that an ample district west of the Mississippi, and without the limits of any state or territory, might be set apart and guarantied to the Indian tribes, each to have distinct jurisdiction over the part designated for its use, and free from any control of the United States, other than might be neces- theirremo!3 sary to preserve peace on the frontier. There the benevo- to the west, lent might teach them ; and there they might form a nation which would perpetuate their race, and attest the humanity of the American government. But the grand difficulty of the project, which would have appalled a more timid mind, President Jackson met in a man- ner altogether characteristic. " The emigration," said he, " should be voluntary, for it would be as cruel as unjust to Ttie i n< j ian8 compel the aborigines to abandon the graves of their fathers, must go, but and seek a home in a distant land." Congress sanctioned the they must go project which former able statesmen had advocated, and em- powered the president to carry it out ; and he fearlessly under- took, what, perhaps, no human ruler ever did before, and what none but the Almighty can effect, to combine freewill with necessity. To oblige the Indians to emigrate voluntarily for their own good, became thenceforth his settled policy. With the Chickasaws and Choctaws, however, treaties 1831, were made by which they exchanged lands, and quietly emi- 2 & 3. grated to the country fixed on, which was the territory next The v ^ hi j a " to Arkansas. The United States paid the expenses of their Choctaws removal, and supplied them with food for the first year. remove. When Georgia ceded to the United States, April 2, 1802, I 02. all that tract of country lying south of Tennessee, and west Georgia i^ of the Chatahouchee river, the government paid in hand to ce united that state $1,250,000, and further agreed, "at their own ex- States the pense, to extinguish, for the use of Georgia, as early as the same could be peaceably obtained upon reasonable terms, the Indian title to the lands lying within the limits of that state." Under this contract, the United States had, by sundry trea- ties with the Creek and Cherokee tribes of Indians, who oc- Govemmen cupied the territory, extinguished the Indian title to 25,980,000 fulfill the acres, and delivered the peaceable possession of it to Geor- gia. Of the Indians who inhabited the purchased territory, some of them removed westward of the Mississippi, some of them took refuge with the brethren of the same tribes in Ala- 26* 380 THE CHEROKEES REMOVED. PART IV. bama ; but the great masses of Indian population, on leaving PERIOD in. the territories they had given up, only condensed themselves OHAP. iv. closer on the large and fertile domain within the state of v -^~ v *^-' Georgia, which they had reserved to themselves ; and from thenceforward they refused to sell, cede to the government of the United States, or give up, on any consideration, any more of their land. In the meantime, the constantly increasing white popula- tion was pressing nearer and nearer upon the Indian reserva- Indians ^ on t within which, the tribes exercised a sort of independent within Geor- dominion, by which a retreat was furnished for runaway *** ^dent^" s ^ aves an ^ fugitives from justice, a set of vagabonds ever state. ready for violence. This condition of their state was viewed by the people of Georgia as intolerable ; and the legislature, in The Geor- due time, extended its laws and jurisprudence over the whole ^JSne Jfbe" Indian territory. The Cherokees considered this measure as rid of them, an infringement of their ancient rights, and a violation of re- cent treaties ; and they appealed to the general government for redress. The well-known policy of President Jackson was to remove 1831-2 them ; and the Georgians, thus encouraged, sought, by a Discredita- course of proceeding, contrary to law and right, to make their the mission*" P os i tion untenable. They put in prison two missionaries aries. whom they suspected of dissuading the Indians against the removal. President Jackson would do nothing to check these discreditable proceedings, from a tenderness to state-rights ; which, fortunately for the union, he did not feel in the case of South Carolina. Thus annoyed by the state government, and beset by agents from Washington, a treaty was obtained from a few of the chiefs by which the removal of the tribe was to take place. The fairness of this treaty was denied, and the Indians were auerse to leaving their own and their fathers' pleasant land. The difficult and perilous task of bringing the Cherokees to 13. consent to this arrangement was intrusted to General Scott. T tees h at r His firm and conciliatory measures, effected their removal length without bloodshed. Much had, however, been previously removed done to gain the confidence and allay the animosity of the Indians, by the able officers who had preceded General Scot/ in this important service. CHAPTER IV. The Florida War. Atreat' MEASURES equally wise were not pursued with the Semi- made with no i es inhabiting East Florida. In September, 1823, SOOP after the occupation of the peninsula, a treaty was made al THE SEMINOLES UNWILLING TO REMOVE. 38V Fort Moultrie, South Carolina, between the United States PART IV. and the Seminoles, by which those Indians relinquished PERIOD in their claims to large tracts of land in Florida, reserving to CHAP - 1T - themselves a portion for a residence. Subsequently disputes ^-""v-^y arose respecting the construction of this treaty ; the Indi- ans claiming that it gave them undisturbed possession of their reservation for twenty years. Colonel Gadsden, as agent for the United States, made another treaty with the Seminoles, at Psfyne's Landing in 132. Florida, when it was stipulated that they should cede their May 9 - reservation, and remove beyond the Mississippi. A delegation Jf Payee's of their chiefs, appointed by the treaty, was sent at the ex- Landing pense of the United States, to examine the country assigned f they a s ree . I 11 i ^>. i i , -. t a removal them, and also to ascertain whether the Creeks, who had condition- already emigrated, would unite with them, as one people. If all 7- the Seminoles were satisfied on these points, then the treaty was to be binding. The Indian delegation, after examining, took it upon them to conclude a treaty with the American commissioners, ren- dering absolute the one made at Payne's Landing. To this transaction the nation at large objected, and averred Treaty of that the delegation had exceeded their powers, and that they co ^^ i A volley was fired at the moment from hundreds of unseen He ig kille ^ muskets. The speaker, and those he addressed, fell dead, withthree- The whole advance was killed on the first fire ; at the second, ^J^JJ of Captain Fraser and many others. So entirely was the foe concealed that many rounds were fired at them by the survi- vors before an Indian was seen. The savages then rose, and surrounding the Americans, came in close contact, using knives and bayonets. A field-piece, which Major Dade had ordered, was now brought into the action, and the Indians drew off. Thirty were all that remained of Dade's army. They im- proved the respite afforded them to construct a triangular breastwork of trees, which they felled. While they were thus engaged, where was Osceola, who had, doubtless, led the attack? It is supposed that he went Camp* King, the twenty miles from Dade's battle field to Camp King, to perform a work there. On that day. General Wiley Thompson, with a convivial party/ were dining at a house within sight of the garrison. As they sat -at table, a volley from a hundred muskets was poured through the doors and windows. General Thompson Death of fell dead, pierced by fifteen bullets. Of the others, some were Thompson, killed at the first fire, others, attempting to escape, were mur- dered without the house. Osceola, at the head of the Indi- ans, had rushed in, and himself scalped the man who had once placed fetters upon the limbs of the Seminole chief. The Indians then retreated, unmolested by the garrison. In the afternoon, a mounted company of one hundred Indi- ans, (doubtless, Osceola and his party, now returning triumphant from the massacre at Camp King) attacked, with whoop and yell, the inclosure of the thirty survivors. The Indians charged only once, for they were repulsed by the cool bravery scene O f ^ of the devoted men. Many of the Indians fell, but fresh tragedy, numbers continually appeared ; and one by one, bravely fight- ing, the officers and soldiers fell, till there was none to resist. The narrator, Ransom Clarke, was wounded, and that soldier only escaped death by feigning it; and then, almost by mira- cle, working his way through the woods. He eventually died PART IV. o f hi s wounds ; arid thus every one of Dade's army was PERIOD in. killed in that battle. CHAP. iv. A deep sensation pervaded the country at the news of this v ^v"^-' massacre. At Fort Brooke, the garrison labored to improve 135. their fortifications, the elated Seminoles having threatened The garrison t h em with extermination. The terrified inhabitants flocked at Fort c f , c Brooke >r refuge to the torts. alarmed. The head-quaters of General Clinch were at Fort Drane, a few miles north of Camp King. Three companies of regulars under Major Fanning, and a body of volunteers from the neighboring country under General Call, constituted his force. Dec. 29. With these he set out on the day succeeding the massacre, for Clinch sets tne Withlacoochee river ; Osceola's principal settlement, being out to seek to the south of that stream. Their guide who had promised Osceola. to b r j n g them to a point where the fording was good, deceived them. They found a deep and rapid stream, with no means of crossing but one canoe. Colonel Fanning had, however, D succeeded in getting the regular troops across, and General Reaches the Call had begun to bring over the volunteers. Osceola and the Withlacoo- Seminoles, with whom the guide was, doubtless, in league, chee ' were posted in the swamps and underbrush around. An en- Is attacked counter ensued, in which the regulars with a few volunteers, by Osceola. c h ar g e d, and drove the Indians three times. After the battle began, the volunteers upon the opposite bank would not cross the river, notwithstanding the earnest entreaties of General Call and the other officers, who themselves crossed over, and rendered efficient service. 1836. After the battle, General Clinch recrossed the river and re- General turned to Fort Drane, having lost four men killed, and sixty Clinch re- wounded. The volunteers returned to their abodes, leaving tlM Drane' 0rt ' ener *l Clinch to guard their homes, and protect the country with very inadequate means. Emboldened by success, and united in their plans, the Seminoles now appeared simultaneously in the neighborhood of almost every settlement in Florida. Houses were burned, crops destroyed, negroes carried off, and families murdered in every direction. Feb. 7. General Scott was now invested with the chief command Scottarrives m ^ e peninsula, and he arrived on the 7th of February at at St. Au- St. Augustine. The inhabitants were not strong enough to gustme. keep a communication open with the other settlements ; and reconnoitering parties of fifty or sixty were attacked and driven back with loss. Feb. 11. A letter from St. Augustine, dated the eleventh of the month, A letter of fa us d escr ibes the situation of the inhabitants. " The whole of fconfs?. Au- the country south of this place has been laid waste during the gustine. p as t week, not a building of any value is left standing. There is not a single house remaining between this city and Cape Florida, a distance of two hundred and fifty miles; all, all, have been burned to the ground." MOVEMENTS OF GENERAL GAINES. 385 In the meantime General Clinch was hardly pressed by PART IV. the savages at Fort Drane, and General Scott learning his PERIOD HI critical situation, immediately ordered all the regular troops CHAP. iv. under his command, except one company left for the defense ~v^w/ of St Augustine, to march to his relief. A simultaneous movement occurred on the opposite side of 1836. the peninsula. General Gaines, the commander of the south- Movement western division of the United States army, hearing of the Gaines. massacre, and conceiving Florida to belong to his military department, hastened to the scene of action, with such of the regular troops as he could bring together, and seven hundred Louisiana volunteers under Colonel Persifor Smith. They p e ^ j, landed at Tampa Bay, on the 1 1th of February, and took up Army at their line of march on the 13th for Fort King. General Gaines Tampa Bay. 1 eached it without being molested by the Indians, and taking Begins ita eight days provisions from Fort Urane, set out on the morning march, of the 26th for the banks of the Withlacoochee in search of the Seminoles. He reached that river near General Clinch's ^ e ^ t '^ battle-ground, and while reconnoitering, was h'red upon from Withlacoo- the opposite bank. Thus admonished of the presence of his chee - enemy, he employed his men in preparing a small breastwork to command the crossing place. On the 29th, he was attacked ,, , at ten in the morning, on three sides of his camp at once. General General Games' force was between ten and eleven hundred, Gaines' ba- and the Indians were supposed to number about fifteen hun- dred. The engagement lasted two hours, and ended in the repulse of the assailants with considerable loss. But General Gaines had little the air of a victor, for he re- mained surrounded by the savages, arid in danger of starvation. A courier from him had the good luck to reach General Clinch with the intelligence ; arid that officer, in the ex- G^ 1 f ,.. T . P , i r i Clinch sets ercise or a liberal spirit, procured a supply from his own out to go to plantation. On further information, he set off at the head of Games' re- six hundred men, and a body of militia, who seemed happily to have changed the timid character manifested in the early part of the war. On the 5th and 6th of March, Osceola amused General March 5th Gaines with pretences of desiring to treat for a cessation of *jj 6th - hostilities. He came to his camp with a flag, and told him that holds apa* he would furnish him with provisions of which he knew he was ley. in want. This was too true, for his army was living at the time on no better food than horses and dogs, and these in great scarcity. Osceola said, however, that General Clinch was approaching with a large force ; and that the Seminoles wished the war to close ; but on being desired to embark for : . the west, he refused. While he thus held the general in t h e mean- parley, his warriors had been moving their women and chil- time with- dren, and the tribe were already on their way to the south ; draw> where among the everglades and hammocks, the officers and soldiers have sought them through bogs and fens, in danger 386 BATTLE OF OKEE-CHOBEE. PART IV. 1836. Change of commander. 1837. Oct. 21. Seizure of Osceola. His death, January, 1838. Dec. 20. Dec. 25. Battle of Okee-Cho- bee. Death of Colonel Thompson and Colonel Gentry. Killed and wounded, 138. from serpents, and other venomous reptiles, tortured by poi- sonous insects, and often the victims of the climate. General Clinch arrived at the camp, and relieved the army of Gaines from the danger of starvation. General Scott was about to put a plan in operation, by which, Osceola, in his first position, would have been surrounded ; but, like startled birds, the Indians had flown. General Gaines returned to New Orleans. General Scott left St. Augustine on the third of May, having been ordered to the country of the Creeks, leaving General Call in command, General Clinch having resigned. General Jesup arrived to take the command soon after the departure of General Scott. In October, Osceola, under pro- tection of a flag with about seventy of his warriors, came to the American camp. General Jesup believed him to be treacherous, and caused him, with his escort, to be forcibly detained, and subsequently placed in a prison at Fort Moul- trie, S. C., where, a few months after, he died of a complaint in the throat. The head of the confederacy thus taken away, General Jesup believed that the war would soon be brought to a close. A delegation of Cherokees was sent to the Seminoles to per- suade them to peaceable arrangements. But in December, Colonel Taylor, the commanding officer of Fort Gardner, south of the Withlacoochee, received from General Jesup, the intelligence that the Seminoles would not negotiate, but were determined " to fight it out ;" and consequently the commanding general directed Colonel Taylor, forthwith, to act offensively. He immediately set out with a thousand resolute men, well officered and equipped. They marched four days through wet swampy grounds, covered with long saw-grass, and occasionally diversified with hammocks or island-spots of luxuriant and tangled vegetation. On the fifth day, the Indians, whom they sought, attacked them at the entrance of the Kissimmee river, into lake Okee-Cho- bee. Notwithstanding their fatiguing march, the troops en- gaged them with perfect coolness. The brunt of the battle fell at first on the sixth regiment. Colonel Thompson, their commander, with many others, was wounded, but he kept the field until pierced by the third bullet, he said, " keep steady boys charge the hammock, remember what regiment you belong to," and then fell dead. Colonel Gentry, of the Mis- souri volunteers, was also killed, with three other valuable officers and twenty-two privates. One hundred and eleven officers and soldiers were wounded. The Indian loss could not be ascertained. They were, however, routed and dis persed, and about a hundred afterwards gave themselves up to be carried to the west. In the whole history of the United States, no warfare is related, which on the whole, is comparable with the Florida war, for danger and difficulty ; and no military services are record- ed which required, on the whole, such Spartan self-devotion. SUFFERINGS AND DANGERS OF THE FLORIDA WAR. 387 Colonel Worth, one of the most active, daring, and en- ergetic officers in the army, has been in Florida more than a year, and there seems at present a prospect that the war will soon close. At different times, parties of the Indians have surrendered themselves to the American officers, and have been sent to the west ; but the number of these is perhaps not much greater, than those of the brave, the patient, and faithful of our own army, who have perished on the battle-fields, or in the swamps of Florida.* The occasion on which General Scott was sent to the Creek country, was an outbreak among the Indians of that nation, in the vicinity of the Seminoles. Osceola had sent the war- belt to all the red men as far as the Winnebagoes, in the coun- try of the upper Mississippi ; and it was not surprising that even the influence of the head-chiefs among the Creeks, should fail to repress the strong sympathy which the body of the tribe felt for the kindred race. Early in May, they opened their horrible warfare upon the defenseless and unsuspecting inhabitants, near the Chatahou- T. * i i f -t -i i i* chee in Alabama, setting fire to houses, and murdering farm- lies. The survivors fled in terror to Columbus, on the Georgia side of that river. On the 15th of May, the Indians attacked a steamboat which was ascending the Chatahouchee, eight miles below Columbus, killed her pilot and wounded several others. She was run ashore, and the. passengers had the good fortune to escape with their lives, while the Indians burned the boat, The passengers of another steamboat, which the savages attacked and fired at the wharf of Roanoke, had not the same fortunate escape. They were all, save the engineer, consumed in the flames of the burning vessel. The barbarians then set fire to the town, and destroyed it. The governor of Georgia raised troops and took the field in person: General Scott arrived on the 30th of May. 'Their combined efforts quelled the Creek hostilities, and peace was restored early in the summer. But the feeling of desperation which pervaded the minds of the Indians, and the reluctance with which they submitted, appeared from a fact remarkable in the history of the natives. The Indian mother loves her children with the utmost tenderness. Yet in several instances the Creek mothers put their offspring to death, rather than that they should become prisoners to the pale-faces. In 1831, Mr. Rives negotiated with the minister of Louis Philip, king of the French, a treaty by which that nation agreed to give 25,000,000 of francs to indemnify the United States for spoliations on American commerce, made under the operation of the decrees of Napoleon. The French, however, had neglected to pay the money ; but General Jackson took such * 1^42. The government have now proclaimed that the Florida war is closed. It is believed that the whites who wish to make money by sup- plying the army, have basely practised to prevent peace. PART. IV. PERIOD in. CHA.P. iv. 1841. The Creeks m the south- become hos- * J |5' May i. They mur- habitants. They attack and burn two steamboats ed. 1831. 1836. General fulfillment. 388 THE PRESIDENTIAL VETO. PART IV. prompt measures and so decided a tone, that in 1836 the de- PERIOD in. niand was liquidated agreeably to the treaty. CHAP. iv. t n September, 1835, Wisconsin was made a territory, and ^^~v~*^ Arkansas, a state. Congress also passed a law admitting Michigan to the Union, provided a convention of delegates should agree to relinquish 1837. certain lands in dispute, between that territory and Ohio. The JlSii^ a delegates refused the condition ; but another convention being state. called, accepted it, and Michigan was admitted to the Union, the twenty sixth state ; the original number, thirteen, being now exactly doubled. "The boundaries were extended on the north. The old parties were, during Mr. Monroe's administration, broken up. From the peculiar character of Mr. Jackson, it was to have been expected that he would have warm friends T and J Anti? n an ^ Bitter enermes > an d at $iis time, there are those who re- Jackson par- gard him in his civil capacity as a second Washington, to ties. whom the country is scarcely less indebted than to the first ; while his opponents have pronounced his administration " a calamity greater than war, famine, and pestilence combined." 13O. The latter attribute the revulsion of 1837, from which the The presi- coun try has not yet recovered, to the overthrow of the nation- festsf ho'stiii- al bank, caused by the hostility of General Jackson. This ties to the wa s manifested in his first message to congress in 1830. U '| S S oo nk ' In 1 832, the directors of the bank applied for a renewal of He vetoes i ts charter. After much debate, congress passed, by a con- the bill for siderable majority, a bill granting their petition. This bill, ^f itTS- al General Jackson defeated by the presidential veto. ter'. The funds of the goverment had been deposited in the na- 1833. tional bank. In 1833, General Jackson signified his pleasure Mr Duaneto that ^y s h ulcl be withdrawn. Mr. Duane, the secretary of withdraw the the treasury, considering it as his duty to keep the public purse deposites. according to the wishes of congress, and deeming the national M reiu^es. ne bank > tlle safest P lace of> deposit, refused to withdraw the Mr. Jackson money. Mr. Jackson dismissed him from office, and appoint- ap ^rane Mr e( ^ ^ r> Taney, w ^ immediately withdrew the deposites. The public treasure, was, by an act of congress passed in 1835, 1835. placed in certain selected state banks, known at the time as The " pet the " pet banks." These were encouraged to discount freely, banks." as j t m igh t accommodate the people. It was during the recess of the senate, that Mr. Taney was appointed to the office of secretary of the treasury, and it was not till the close of a seven months session, that the president, brought his nomination before that body, who then rejected it. 1833. The government at this period, presented the spectacle of to violent hostility between the executive and the majority of O sltion t ^ ie senate > headed by such powerful and eloquent men as in the senate. Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, Mr. Preston, and others. On The elo- fa e par t o f President Jackson, Silas Wright of New York, met ^senate. & them with ingenious argument, and gentlemanly coolness; while on the same side Mr. Benton, of Missouri, was loud and ADMINISTRATION OF VAN BUREN. 399 boisterous. The debates in the senate at that period, were PART IV. exciting and attractive to such a degree, that the room for spec- PERIOD m. tators was crowded at an early hour. Ladies, who assembled CHAP - IV - from every part of the Union, were so much fascinated, that ^*~v~+^' they were often in waiting three hours, in order to secure seats. On the 26th of December, 1833, Mr. Clay introduced into the 133. senate, two resolutions inpugning the conduct of General Jack- J^J^ son, in reference to Mr. Duane's removal, as assuming to the tions,blam- executive, the direction of the public purse, and thus subvert- ing the preen- ing the constitution. After much powerful and angry debate, ^nate. the resolutions passed, and were inserted in the records of the *$%? senate. Subsequently, the majority changed, and these reso- They are ex lutions were by vote expunged. punged. Mr. Jackson's second term being about to close, he ex- pressed his determination to retire. He was succeeded by Martin Van Buren, who, during the last four years, had, as M ^Jin Van vice-president, presided with great ability in the senate ; Buren and where, as a leader of the Jackson party, he had sat in si- Richard M. lence, and borne the accusations and sneers of the opposition augura t e d. with unexampled self-possession. Richard M. Johnson was made vice-president. After the public money went into the state banks, facilities too great before, were increased, whereby men might, by 1S . pledging their credit, possess themselves of money. A per- fect madness of speculation was now rife throughout the 1837. land. The good old roads of honest industry were grass- Mania of grown, while men were hurrying into fortunes on the steam- cars of speculation. City lots were the rage. The old cities were extended on paper to limits that they will not reach in centuries ; and new ones were surveyed, and some, where deep waters flowed, or rocky mountains rose. Yet they were mapped out, laid down in regular city lots, and duly numbered. And such were bought and sold. Fortunes were made in an hour, and by a single bargain. This alarming state of things, must, as was well foreseen, have its crisis. It came in 1837. Before this crisis, every one was making money. Now all The revul- were losing. Like a routed army, one fell back upon another till there was an universal dismay. A delegation of mer- chants from New York went to Washington in behalf of the city. They presented to the president a memorial in which O i" merchants they represented, with force and eloquence, the miseries in apply to Mr. which their population were involved; and begged the president an uren " immediately to remit the regulations contained in the " specie circular/' and to convene the national legislature. Mr. Van Buren did not regard the occasion as warranting either meas- ure, and rejected the petition. The " specie circular" was a treasury order issued in 1835, whose object was to secure the public in the sale of 390 PECUNIARY DISTRESS. circular" 16 Ma 10 Tlwfbanks stop specie payment. renconvenes a special session, Congress meet. 1836. Law respect- mg the sur- plus reve- nue 1837. Aninstal- claimed, 1835. Destructive lands, from the effects of the speculating mania; and it required, that specie should be paid for the government dues. This j la( j p r0( j uce( i an effect to take the gold and silver from the vaults of the banks, and carry it to the west, where specula- tors paid it for public lands. Merchants were obliged to pay t ^ le duties on their imports in specie ; but where was it to be obtained ? The government would not pay it out to i^s credi- tors; and a man who had an authenticated demand against the treasury of the United States could not get specie, while, if he owed, he was obliged to pay in gold and silver. This caused a state of even dangerous exasperation in the cities. The banks had been pressed to sustain their friends and su PP OI> ters till they had gone beyond the limits of prudence * n their issues, and those of the city of New York only held out till the hope was gone that something would be done by g 0vernment) an( j t h en stopped specie payment. Their ex- ample was of necessity followed in every part of the Union. r ^ e Dan ks, where the public funds were deposited, shared the common fate, and the questions now arose how was the government to meet its current expenses, and what next should be done with the public purse ? To decide these questions Mr. Van Buren issued his proclamation, convening congress, which accordingly met on the 4th of September. In his message, the president recommended a mode of keeping the public money, which was eventually brought Before congress, in what has been called the "sub-treasury bill." It did not pass, being by its opponents regarded as putting the public treasure wholly in the 'power of the execu- tive. Its unpopularity was probably the principal cause of M r Van Buren's losing the next presidential election. An , /., , 1-11 /. instalment ol the surplus revenue, which, by an act of con- gress, 1 836, was to have been distributed among the several stat es, was reserved for the exigences of the government, and treasury notes were to be issued. But no measure of relief t0 t ^ le P e P le was att empted ; and the friends of the adminis- tration contended that the case did not call for the interference of government, but for a reformation in the individual extrava gance which had prevailed, and a return to the neglected ways of industry. Among the causes of pecuniary distress, was a destructive fi re > with which, in 1835, the commercial capital had been v ^ tec ^ ^ ve hundred and twenty-nine buildings were burned. The loss was estimated at seventeen millions of dollars. The mercantile houses, on whom with the insurance offices, it chief- ly fell, did not generally fail at the time ; for they were, with commendable humanity, sustained by the others ; but the property was gone ; and the loss, though in a measure equal- ized at the time, at length fell heavily on all. On the 13th of August, the banks resumed specie payment. The specie circular had been virtually repealed. HARRISON'S ELEVATION AND DEATH. 391 Although England had governed the Canadas with great FART IV - moderation, yet in 1837 a party arose, who, claiming indepen- PERIOD in. dence, passed from sedition to armed revolt. A portion of CHAP - IV the American population regarded the cause of the revolters, as that of liberty and human rights ; and, on the frontier, se- cret associations were formed to aid them in warlike measures. A daring party of 700, headed by Van Rensselaer of New York, took possession of Navy Island on the British side of Niagara river, two miles above the falls, and fortified it so Nay y lsland - strongly, as to resist an attack of Sir Francis Head, the British commander. They also hired the small steamboat Caroline, J~, Jg" to bring munitions from the American shore. The evening of Affair of the the day on which she began to ply, 150 armed men from the CaroUne - Canada side, in five boats with muffled oars, proceeded to Schlosser, cut the Caroline loose from her moorings, and set- ting her on fire, let her drift over the falls. A man named Durfee was killed ; and it was rumored, causing much excite- ment, that two more were in the boat when she went over the falls. The president of the U. S. and the governor of the state of i $3$. New York both issued proclamations enjoining strict neutrality. Mes g a " - Van Navy Island was evacuated ; and Van Rensselaer arrested at Buren and the suit of the United States. A Mr. M'Leod was also arrested ^"^jJJaJ. 6 and tried by a United States court, for the murder of Durfee, tions. but was acquitted. The census of 1840, gave as the number of inhabitants in 14O. the United States, 17,068,666. In the presidential election of 1840, a large majority was given to William Henry Harrison of Ohio, whose social and public virtues had been rendered conspicuous by the various (tseepre- official stations of a long and useful life.f The good man tory, isn to loved his country, and was pleased that his country loved him 1815 in return. On the 4th of March he was inaugurated as pres- 1841. ident of the United States. John Tyler, of Virginia, was i?faugura- made vice-president at the same time. Gen. Harrison's inau- ti( s ^ ^~ gural speech was long, and characteristic of the uprightness Tyler, of his mind, and the reverential trust, with which he reposed himself and his country upon the Great Supreme. From the capitol he went to the presidential mansion. Thousands flocked around him with congratulations and proffers of service, whose sincerity he was not prone to doubt, for he was himself sin- cere. The sunshine of public favor thus fell too brightly upon a head, white with the frosts of age. His health failed, and April 4. he expired just a month from the day of his inauguration. Han-Son. Mr. Tyler, by the constitution, became president on the de- Mr _ Tyler cease of the incumbent. He repaired to Washington, took succeeds, the oath of office, and issued an address, as agreeable to the patriotic sentiments of the people, as the appointment of a National day of public fasting, subsequently made, was to their reli- fast, gious feelings. PERIOD III CHAP. V. 392 THE PROPOSED FISCAL BANK. CHAPTER V. Mr. Tyler's Administration. Mobs. Disturbance in Rhode Island. Anti-Rentism. Mormonism, &c. PART iv. MONETARY affairs were at this period, the all-exciting topic. 7 The Whig party were opposed to Mr. Van Buren's Inde- pendent Treasury, and in favor of a National Bank, modified, however, to suit the purposes of the public revenue. They 1841. believed that such a bank would be more convenient and Ban! ti( o l hi- more economical to the government, and that it would at the ions of the same time, facilitate the business, and promote the prosperity Whigs. Q t j ie coun t rV) O ver which, it was the government's duty, as they maintained, to exercise a parental care ; and they as * serted that the attempt to bring back a specie circulation was a dangerous experiment upon the currency. The Democratic party, on the other hand, maintained that Opinions of any connection of government with banks, or with the mone- ^cratk? 10 tarv an a i rs f individuals, was foreign to its purposes, and party, embarrassing to its operations ; and that experience had shown it to be a fruitful source of bribery and corruption. To avoid these evils, they believed that the government should keep its (March ii. own money, maintaining its value, by operating with specie Nell 8 TO ' li&e ^> not w * th ' ts representative. the steamer The majority of the voters at that time adopted the views of i?9 re pas8en- tne Whigs ; and at the presidential election chose Messrs. Har- gers- *[ ev f er rison and Tyler, with an understanding that they would favor moreo a National Bank. General Harrison, aware of the point on which his election had turned, issued, March 17th, his procla- mation, calling an extra session of Congress to convene on Congress tne 31st of May, to consider "sundry weighty and important convene, matters, chiefly growing out of the revenue and finances of the country." When this Congress met, Mr. Tyler was president. A jj[jj ly a gg ed He had formerly been opposed to a National Bank, but. he to distribute had professed himself a Whig, and accepted his nomination, pubUc e iands knowing the views and expectations of the voters, to the seve- Congress repealed the Sub-Treasury law on the 6th of } August. Three days earlier, the House of Representatives had passed an act, establishing a National Bank for fiscal operations, the scheme of which, was understood to emanate from Henry Clay, the leader of the Whig party. Mr. Tyler, to the deep chagrin of that party, defeated the measure August 16. by the presidential veto. Endeavoring to make a compromise vetlfof Na- witn tne president, the mortified Whigs got up another tionai Bank, scheme for a bank, and passed it through Congress under the Sept. 9. name of a "Fiscal Corporation of the United States." A secon( * ti me Mr - Tyler defeated them by his veto. From this period to the close of his administration, he stood in the NORTH-EASTERN BOUNDARY. 393 anomalous position of having the two great political parties PART IV both against him. By a third veto, he hindered the passage of PERIOD m. a Tariff Bill. A law to modify the existing Tariff was, however, CHAP - v passed on the 30th of August. The able cabinet selected by N -^~v^' Harrison had all remained in office up to the period of the j^J. 8 * | e * r second veto, when all resigned except Mr. Webster, the make a third secretary of state. His country needed him in the office, Au J5S5Cso. and remaining, he found occasion to render her essential ser- A Tariff ML vice. In consequence of the pecuniary distresses of former years, many merchants had been obliged to fail in business. Con- gress now passed a Bankrupt Law, uniform in its action throughout the states, by which, on the surrender of their Law. property to their creditors! bankrupts could be free from the legal disabilities of past debt. This act having served its temporary purpose, and no doubt given rise to many frauds, was afterwards repealed. In the unwarrantable stretch of credit which had existed, states over-zealous for internal improvement had partici- pated ; and when the revulsion came, some of these found themselves unable, without direct taxation, (to which the rulers dared not promptly resort,) to meet their engagements ; and the holders of their bonds, many of whom were foreigners, could not obtain the interest when due. These states were said to have repudiated their bonds, and this repudiation for Repudia- a time cast great obloquy upon the whole nation. With re- turning prosperity, however, these states resume payment ; and it is believed, that no such thing as an actual repudiation of a just debt will be permanently made by any state. The old United States Bank, after having been refused a charter by the general government, received one from the state of Pennsylvania. The president, Nicholas Biddle, the Napoleon of finance, did much to sustain the struggling mer- Failure' of chants of the cities, by great foreign operations; but at ^gj^- length going beyond his depth, he and his bank failed. Many banks and commercial houses were involved in the ruin ; and many widows, orphans, and others, lost their whole fortunes. A disagreement between the United States and England had long existed in regard to the North-Eastern boundary. Much excitement prevailed between the inhabitants of Maine and New Brunswick, regions adjoining the disputed line, and the United measures were taken on each side, which threatened war. Lord Ashburton was sent from England as a special envoy to settle this dispute ; and Mr. Webster, with great diplomatic t ability, arranged with him the terms of a treaty, by which ' I oct ng i4.) K the important question of the North-Eastern boundary is finally and amicably settled. Serious riots occurred in the spring of 1844 in Philadelphia. They grew out of a jealousy on the part of native Ameri- 394 ALARMING DISORDERS. PART iv. can Protestants, that the foreign Roman Catholic population PERIOD in. intended to gain the control of the common schools, and change CHAP. v. the established order of instruction, especially in regard to ^*~^**-s the use of the scriptures. The Native American party at- 144. tempted to hold a meeting for debate in Kensington, a suburb Riot m Phil- f Philadelphia, inhabited by Irish Catholics. These assaulted adeiphia. the Natives with brickbats and other missiles, thus beginning that violation of law, by which eventually they suffered so severely. Law once violated, confusion and anarchy prevailed. Fire- arms were used on both sides. The governor repaired to the scene of action, and bodies of the military, with field-pieces, "burned 1 ! 88 were stationed in the streets. It was not until the third day Killed H ^at orc ^ er was restored. Thirty dwelling-houses, a convent, wounded 40. and three churches were burned. Fourteen persons had been killed and forty wounded. These disgraceful scenes were re- June?, newed on the 7th of June. The governor called out 5,000 of S KUied aid 1 ' the military, and at this time 50 persons were either killed or wounded so. wounded. Rhode Island now became the theatre of an attempt to set aside existing authorities. The " suffrage party," by whom it was made, did not, however, regard the matter in this light. They formed, though by illegal assemblies, what they consid- ered a constitution for the state ; and then proceeded to elect Aprif il" un der it a governor (Mr. Dorr) and members for a legislature. Dorr's at- Their opponents, called the " law and order" party, acting tempt. un( jer existing authorities, elected state officers, Mr. King being made governor. It was the intention of Mr. Dorr, and his more violent ad- herents, to get forcible possession of the state buildings ; and on the 18th of May, he went with an armed force, and took the state arsenal. No lives were lost, as his directions to fire on those who opposed his progress were not obeyed. Gov. King meantime put himself at the head of the military. Sev- June 25. eral persons were arrested, and Dorr fled. He afterwards ap- Chepa r cn t et. peared at Chepachet with some two or three hundred men ; but a superior government force being sent, they dispersed. Dor? *nt to D rr afterwards returned, was tried, convicted of treason, and the state's sentenced to the state's prison. Meantime a new constitution was by legal measures adopted. In 1845, Dorr was released from prison, but he was not restored to his civil rights, on ac- is released, count of his refusal to take the oath of allegiance to the new- constitution. The war steamer Princeton, lying, Feb. 28, 1844, in the 1844. Potomac, C apt. Stockton, the commander, having on board, ExSioSon as invited guests, the president of the United States, heads Princeton of department, ladies, and others a wrought-iron gun, whose great size made it a curiosity, on being fired the third time, kmSu' burst; and the horrible explosion instantly killed Messrs. wounded '12. Upshur and Gilmer, secretaries of state and the navy, THE ANTI-RENTERS. 395 three distinguished gentlemen Com. Kennon, David Gardiner, PART iv. Esq., and the Hon. Virgil Maxcy, besides several of the crew. PERIOD m. An alarming tendency to anarchy has been experienced in the CHAP - v - anti-rent disturbances in the state of New York. In the early -^"-v-w history of this state we have seen, that under the Dutch gov- ernment, certain settlers received patents of considerable por- tions of land, of which that of Van Rensselaer was the most (Rensselaer extensive, comprehending the greater part of Albany and wyck48m. Rensselaer counties. These lands were divided into farms containing from 160 to 100 acres, and leased in perpetuity, on the following conditions. The tenant must each year pay to the landlord a quantity of wheat, from 22 bushels to 10, with four fat fowls and a day's service with horses and wagon. If the tenant sold his lease, the landlord was entitled to one- quarter of the purchase-money. The " patroon" was also en- titled to certain privileges on all water-power, and a right to all mines. In process of time, the tenants began to consider these legal conditions as anti-republican, a relic of feudal tyranny. The excellent Stephen Van Rensselaer, who came into posses- sion of the patent in 1785, had, in the kindness of his nature, omitted to exact his legal rights ; and $200,000 back rent had Stephen Van accrued, which he, dying in 1840, appropriated by will. The Re 5f|| laer tenants, murmured when called on to pay it, and sheriffs, in June 26. attempting to execute legal precepts, were forcibly resisted. An ineffectual attempt to put down these disorders was made 1811. on the part of the state authorities, by a military movement, " Tdebe-rg 1 " called in derision " the Heldeberg war." War." In the summer of 1844, the anti-rent disturbances broke out with great violence in the eastern towns of Rensselaer, and on 144 the Livingston manor, in Columbia county. Extensive associ- ^sguisecTas ations were formed by the anti-renters to resist the laws. They Indians, kept armed and mounted bands, disguised as Indians, scouring the country ; and the traveller as he met them, issuing from some dark wood, with their hideous masks and gaudy calicoes, was required, on penalty of insult, to say, " Down with the rent." These lawless rangers forcibly entered houses, took men from their homes, and tarred and feathered, or otherwise maltreated them. In Rensselaer county, at noonday, a man smtthJWUed was killed where about 50 "Indians" were present, some of u whom were afterwards arraigned, when they swore that they knew nothing of the murder. Sometimes 1,000 of these dis- guised anarchists were assembled in one body. Similar dis- turbances occurred in Delaware county. At length Steele, a steeie killed deputy- sheriff, was murdered in the execution of his official in ^^ duty, and his murderers were apprehended. Meanwhile SILAS WRIGHT was chosen governor of the state. i 16. Much does his country owe him for the wisdom and firmness Governor of the measures by which public order was restored. On the measures. 27th of August he proclaimed the county of Delaware in a 396 THE MORMONS. PART iv. s tate of insurrection. Resolute men were made sheriffs, and PERIOD in. competent military aid afforded them. Leading anti-renters CHAP. v. were taken, brought to trial, and imprisoned. The murderers v - x ^"~x^ O f gteele were condemned to death, but their punishment was 147. commuted to that of perpetual confinement. swri|ht On the 27th of Jan. 1847, Gov. Young, the successor of died.) Mr. Wright, by his proclamation, released from the state's Anti-rent prison the whole number, eighteen, who had been committed the tr p!rson ^ or anti-rent offences. There has been a fresh outbreak of of Peter these troubles in Columbia county. In congress, March 3d, 1845, an act was passed admitting 1815. two states into the Union, Iowa, its western boundary the lowland river Des Moines, and Florida, comprising the east and west Florida, parts, as defined by the treaty of cession. One of the most extraordinary impostures of the age is that Deck's ca M e d " Mormonism." The leader, Joseph Smith, was an ob- Jo. Smith scure, uneducated man, of New England origin. Under pre- ron/vt.lsfs tence of special revelation, he, somewhat after the fashion of removed Mahomet, produced the stereotype plates of the "Book of N. Y.,"i827' Mormon," by which he persuaded numbers, that he was the the r iats S i ns pi re d founder of a new religion, which was to give to his andpre-' followers the same pre-eminence over all other people, as the ^ ews had over the Gentiles. His peculiar code is as yet ill understood, but there is little room to doubt, that it gives his followers liberty to commit every crime. Like the systems of socialism which prevail in France, and have been attempted in this country, Mormonism degrades and demoralizes women. Yet such numbers of both sexes were found to join and aid this delusion throwing their property into common stock Mormons at ^at, on tn eir arrival at the Far West in Missouri, the Mor- FarWest. mons numbered 5,000, of whom 700 were armed men. Charged with various crimes, among others an attempt to assassinate Gov. Boggs, they were expelled the state by a military force commanded by Gen. Atkinson. They then purchased a large tract of land in Illinois, on the eastern bank of the Mississippi. There, on a beautiful slope, they built Mormons at " Nauvoo," where, amidst their dwellings, arose a pompous tem- Nauvoo. pie, decorated and furnished according to directions found in the "Book of Mormon." Robberies and assassinations be- came frequent in their vicinity ; and although secrecy and mys- tery accompanied them, the neighboring people were con- vinced, that the Mormons were the perpetrators. Yet so had they spread, using bribery and intimidation, that, in the county courts, no cause could be obtained against a Mormon. 1844- Popular fury was aroused, nor could the state authorities re- jo Ul Srnith sfcra i n ^ ts current. The chief of the Mormons, with his brother, and 'his bro- had been arrested by Gov. Ford, of Illinois, and lodged in jail at h cartha e ge, at Carthage. A hundred men in disguise broke into their ill. ' prison and murdered them. In 1845, so formidable a combi- nation existed against them, that the Mormons sold their pos- MEXICAN HOSTILITY. 397 sessions in Illinois, and their city, which had contained not less than 10,000 inhabitants, was deserted, and they were wending their way to a region beyond the Rocky Mountains. Yet their numbers were still such, that they furnished, in the spring of 1846, 500 volunteers, who were conducted by Col. Allen and Lieut. Smith to Santa Fe, and afterwards joined Gen. Kear- ney. The Mormons are now settled in the great valley of Upper California, near the Salt Lake ; and it is to be hoped that the evils which they have suffered, will lead them to abandon their errors. Theirs is the Anglo-Saxon blood. They claim that their religion has its foundation in Christianity ; and they may hereafter be led to examine and conform to its precepts. PART IV. 1845-6. The Mor- mons leave Nauvoo. 1*16-8. Remove to California. CHAPTER VI. Texas. Mexico. Causes of Annexation and the Mexican War. WE have already seen that the French adventurer La Salle discovered Texas. On account of his discovery, the French claimed the country to the Rio Grande, as forming a part of Louisiana. The Spaniards of Mexico remonstrated, and sent thither an armed force, but the French had already dispersed. The first effectual settlement in Texas was that of San Antonio de Bexar, made by the Spaniards in 1692. A few missionary stations were subsequently established. But the Mexican authorities seemed not so desirous to oc- cupy this country, as to keep it a desolate waste, that thus an impassable barrier might be maintained between them and their Anglo-American neighbors. This desire to avoid con- tact by means of an intervening desert, was so strongly felt by the Mexicans, even in 1847, as to break off negotiations for peace, when Gen. Scott was at the gates of their capital with a victorious army. The aversion thus manifested, the Mexicans at first derived from their mother country. At the time when Mex- ico was colonized, Spain stood at the head of Roman Catholic countries, regarding all heretics in exterminating abhorrence, and cutting them off by the inquisition and the sword. As the Reformation proceeded, England, the land of our forefathers, took the lead of Protestant nations. But while we, mingling with the world, changed, Mexico, shut up, retained her native aversions ; and these, coupled with the national pride and jeal- ousy of the Spanish character, may be marked as the first and predisposing cause of the late Mexican war. Mexico as a colony belonged not so much to the Spanish nation, as to the Spanish kings ; and they governed and man- aged it by their viceroys, regardless of the well-being of the people, but merely as an estate to bring them money ; yet, 1685. La Salle dis- covered Texas. 1692. Bexar founded. 16th cen- tury. 17th cen- tury. Tyranny ot the Spanish in Mexico. SANTA ANNA. STEPHEN F. AUSTIN. PART IV. no t by any methods by which the mother country might be ri- PERIOD in. vailed. Hence, while the mines were industriously wrought, no CHAP. vi. commerce was permitted to the Mexicans ; nor might they ^-v^v^ rear the silkworm, or plant the olive or the vine. But after 1T78-9. Spain saw that the English colonies, less oppressed than her own, had revolted, and were likely to establish their independence, she moderated her rigor, so as to allow some Mexico, trade with foreign nations, but under severe duties and re- strictions. Thus, kept from the means of improvement, Mex- 181O. ico remained unchanged. After Ferdinand VII. had, in 1810, ^ a ^ en w i tn * ne Spanish nation under the power of Napo- leon, the Mexicans revolted. But the people were n$t uni- 181 * ec ^' an ^ a ^ ter t ^ ie Bloody war of eight years, called the first Loyalists revolution,, the royalists prevailed. The second revolution prevail. was begun in 1821, by the Mexican general ITURBIDE. Un- der him the Mexicans threw off the Spanish yoke. But he ma( ^ e himself a monarch. The people wished for a republic ; (He is shot and they deposed Iturbide, banished, and on his return con- at padiiio.) demned and executed him. Another leader arose, SANTA ANNA, who has proved him- 182 1. se ^ one f tne most remarkable men of the present day. In Federal 1824, a federal constitution was formed under his auspices, by ofMexico! 1 which Mexico, like our republic, was divided into states, with each a legislature, and over the whole a general government. In 1803, the United States, in purchasing Louisiana of 1 Kl 9 France, obtained with it the disputed claim to Texas ; but in Texas ce- 1819, they ceded it by treaty to Spain as a part of Mexico, ded to Florida being then granted by that power to the United States. 18*jl Two years thereafter STEPHEN F. AUSTIN led a colony from Angio-Ame- the United States to Texas, and made a settlement between ri founde e d aS the rivers Brazos and Colorado. The Spanish authorities in Mexico, desirous of defence against the destructive incursions of the fierce and hostile Comanches, had, contrary to their ordinary policy, made laws favoring American immigration, yet only under the condition that the immigrants merged their religion and their language into those of Mexico. MOSES AUSTIN, a native of Durham, Connecticut, applied for, and received, in 1819, a grant of land with permission from the Mexican authorities to plant a colony. He dying, Stephen F. Austin, his son, according to his parting request, carried out his plans, and thus became the leader of Attierican coloniza- tion in Texas. Austin's enterprise being joined by others, who Mexican ^ke himself sought to better their fortunes, his colony soon clergy flourished to such an extent, that it attracted the attention of aiarme . ^ Mexican clergy. They found that the law, which re- quired the settlers to make oath that they were Catholics, and to establish Spanish schools, had been regarded by them, but as an unmeaning formality ; and they felt the utmost alarm that a colony of foreign heretics was planted among them, and of course a desire that they should either submit to their na- TEXAN REVOLUTION. 399 tional laws or be rooted out. Here were sown the seeds o/' PART IV future war ; for these heretics were the brothers of American PERIOD in citizens, and, though expatriated, they were children-born of the CHAP - VI - republic. Farther jealousies arose from futile attempts at in- dependence, which were made by a few of the settlers in the neighborhood of Nacogdoches, and from propositions made on donian the part of the United States government to purchase Texas. war -" In whatever was done the Mexicans fancied some plot against them, in which the American nation at large was concerned. They even surmised that the settlers in Texas were sent but as a cover to a concealed purpose of the American authorities to take their territory, and destroy their nationality. Texas, under the constitution of 1824, was united in one state with the neighboring province of Coahuila. The Spanish Mexicans of this province outvoted and pursued an oppressive There were policy against the Texans. Stephen F. Austin was sent by about 10,000 *\ J o, . , . ". . . , . J Americans them to the city of Mexico to petition against these grievances, in Texas at and for the privilege of forming Texas into a separate state. ^g^/Se" The Mexican congress treated him with neglect. He wiote a Revolution.) letter to the Texans advising them at all events to proceed in forming a separate state government. The party in Texas opposed to Austin, sent back his letter to the Mexican authori- ties, who made him prisoner as he was returning, sent him Saitiiio.) back to Mexico, and threw him into a dungeon. Meanwhile Santa Anna, ambitious and crafty, though with seeming simplicity, subverted the constitution of 1824, and in the name of liberty, made himself the military tyrant of the Mexicans. They would better bear this, if he employed their force against the Anglo-Americans ; and he sent General Cos into Texas, to place the civil rulers there in subjection to the military. Meantime Austin returned, and was placed at the 1835. head of a central committee of safety. Appeals were made ^JjJ^J^" through the press to the Texan people, and arrangements set U gSs. on foot to raise men and money. Adventurers from the American states came to their aid. The object of the Texans at this time in preparing for war, was, to join a Mexican party now in arms against the military usurpation of Santa Anna, and thus to maintain the constitution of 1824. The Lexington of the Texan revolution, was Gonzalez. ^^[^ of Mexican forces had been sent to that place to demand a field- Gonzalez, piece. The Texans attacked and drdve them from the ground f^ceTooo, with loss. Santa Anna had now caused the fortresses of Texan 506 Goliad, and the Alamo, or citadel of Bexar, to be strongly for- tified ; the latter being the headquarters of General Cos. The Texans on the 8th of October, took Goliad with valuable Texan i munitions. On the 28th, they obtained a victory near Bexar. *uied. Texan delegates, November 22d, met in convention at St. Felipe, and established a provisional government. On the llth of December, their forces, under General Bur- leson took, after a bloody siege and a violent struggle, the 400 TEXAN INDEPENDENCE. PART IV. strong fortress of the Alamo, and the city of Bexar ; General PEHIOD ni. Cos and his army were made prisoners, and not a Mexican CHAP. vi. in arms remained. But Santa Anna, ever active and alert, was ^X-N^S^ gathering his forces ; and in February, 1836, was approaching with 8000 men. Unhappily, divisions now prevailed in the Texan counsels, 136. w hile the small and insufficient garrison of the Alamo was Massacre of attacked by this powerful army, headed by a man who a dded to the smoothness of the tiger his fierceness and cru- elty. Travis, who commanded, had only 150 men. They war into Mexico. After various disappointments, and the re- turn of most of their volunteers, a party of 300 crossed the Rio Grande, and proceeding to Mier, they attacked it ; and al- though opposed by five times their force, they fought their way into the heart of the place. They killed and wounded double their whole number, when, although they had lost only 35 men, they capitulated.* Although these prisoners were treated badly, yet their romantic history shows that the Mex- ican character and feelings had somewhat improved since the massacres of the Alamo and Goliad. Texas early made application to be received into the Amer- ican Union. Gen. Jackson objected, and afterwards Mr. Van Buren, on the ground of existing peaceful relations with Mexico, and the unsettled boundary of Texas. Mr. Tyler brought forward the proposition. It was lost in congress. But the mass of the American people were in favor of Annexation, as was made manifest when it became the test question at the 1844. presidential election in 1844. The Whig candidates for presi- ^eSden^ dent and vice-president were Henry Clay and Theodore Fre- J - K - Pol k> vi , r , , . J j J . , ,. j ofTenn. hnghuysen, who were opposed to immediate annexation ; and vice-P., G. the Democratic were James K. Polk and George M. Dallas, M ' } ) pa as ' who were pledged in its favor. The latter were elected ; and 1845. on the 4th of March, 1844, they were duly inaugurated. Af- ter the election, and before the inauguration, Texas was an- * They were, says Gen. Green, in his Journal of the Expedition, be- trayed into the surrender by Fisher, their leader, who had lost his mind by a gunshot wound. Green says this party of 300 killed and wounded 800 of the Mexicans at Mier. 402 ANNEXATION OF TEXAS. PART iv. nexed ; Mr. Calhoun, the secretary of state, and Messrs. Van PERIOD in. Zandt and Henderson, on the part of Texas, having previous- cm.?. vi. jy negotiated the treaty at Washington. Mr. Calhoun was v -^~v~*~ / especially moved by fears that England was about to gain con- 1^45, trol of Texas for the purpose of excluding slavery. Joim'Reso- On the 28th of February, congress passed the^'om^ resolution nSng Tex- to annex Texas, her authorities and people consenting, and the as. following conditions observed : 1st. All questions of boundary to be settled by the United States ; 2d. Texas to give up her (March i. harbors, magazines, -^~v^-' Isabel, a small Mexican seaport, sometimes called, from the ^ 46. bay on which it stands, Brazos St. lago. The Mexican au- (March 12. thorities in leaving this place had set it on fire ; but Taylor ^"writesTto with exertion saved most of the buildings. The place was Mr. sudeii important to him, as, from the nature of the coast, this must be Sf jj/w was the depot for his stores. Leaving them here, with 450 men j ve "^JJU" under Major Munroe, he advanced, and took post at the mouth ecftmt war.) of the Rio Grande opposite to Matamoras. Here batteries were soon erected by the Mexicans, pointing at his camp. This March 28. he intrenched, and immediately commenced a fort, whose guns G eScamps r threatened the heart of the city. Yet Gen. Taylor was strictly opposite n TT i. j i j x A j. Matamoras. courteous to all. He had come, in peace, he said, to protect Texas, not to invade Mexico ; but if attacked, he should know how to defend himself. This attack he had hourly reason to expect. Paredes had put in requisition the best troops of Mexico, headed by her < A P r ji 10 - ablest generals, and they were gathering towards the Rio ^odeouT Grande. On both sides of the river, all was warlike action ; c /50ne here, mounting or relieving guards, and there, planting artil- and was lery. Gen. Arista now arrived, and took the command at Mexican Matamoras. The Mexican government made a formal declar- rancheros.)' ation of war on the 23d of May. Gen. Arista informed Gen. Taylor by a polite note, dated the 24th, that he regarded hos- ^ PJ^a tilities as having already commenced ; and on that day the commence flow of blood really began. Capt. Thornton with 63 dra- ^uK? goons was sent by Gen. Taylor a few miles up the river to ture. Am. reconnoitre. They fell into an ambuscade, and finding them- OS ,J. selves surrounded by a far superior force, they attempted to retreat, cutting their way. But they were obliged to surrender, with the loss of 16 killed and wounded. The American congress and people were astonished and agitated, when Gen. Taylor's dispatch was received. Their army was surrounded, and in danger, from the soldiers who anxiety had committed the massacres of Goliad and the Alamo ! A kind of monomania pervaded the nation. The President an- pJJSdeit's nounced to congress that the Mexicans had " invaded our extra mes- territory, and shed the blood of our citizens upon our own sage< soil." Congress responded, that " war existed by the act of Mexico," and in two days passed a law authorizing 50,000 Act^f con- volunteers to be raised for twelve months ; and appropriating towards the carrying on of the war, ten millions of dollars, Thus were the means at once provided. Did the administra- tion calculate on this, and therefore forbear to agitate in con- gress the subject of the "war, which, with an army of less than 10,000, it had daily* reason to expect? or was it one of those providential occurrences, of which this war has been so fruitful, 28* 408 DECLARED WAR. PART IV. 1846. Plan of the Executive. May 15 & 16. (See Mans- field's " Mexican War," p. 48.) Vast plan of a campaign. Mexican and Ameri- can mani- festoes. April 28. Walker's battle. and by which we learn, that Mexico was to be chastised, and that the Almighty made this nation his instrument ? Declared war being upon the hands of the Executive, the plan for its prosecution and results appears to have been, to take for indemnity and as a permanent acquisition, that part of the Mexican territory lying between the old United States and the Pacific ; and so to carry the war into the more vital and richer parts of the enemy's country, that he would be willing to re- ceive peace, and some needful funds, though at the sacrifice of this territory, and the relinquishment of Texas to the Rio Grande. The American Executive, aided by the head of the war department, and by General Scott, now sketched out, in two days' time, a plan of a campaign, exceeding, in the vastness of the spaces, over which it swept by sea and land, any thing of the kind known in history. This passed at once into the or- ders given by Mr. Marcy, secretary of war, and Mr. Bancroft, secretary of the navy. Under these orders vessels were to pass round Cape Horn to the coast of California, to aid those already there in conquering that country. An " Army of the West" was to be assembled at Fort Leavenworth on the -Mis- souri, and under command of Gen. Kearney, to take New Mexico, and then proceed westward to the Pacific, to co-operate with the fleet. An " Army of the Centre," to be collected by Gen. Wool, from different and distant parts of the Union, was to rendezvous at San Antonio de Bexar, and thence to invade Coa- huila and Chihuahua. These armies were not merely to be ordered forth. They were mostly to be created from the raw material. The existing regular force of the United States, officers and men, did not much exceed nine thousand. Gen. Taylor, whose force was called the " Army of Occu- pation," on finding that about 8,000 Mexican troops were already collected to oppose him, not only sent dispatches to the war department for aid, but, as in this case directed, to the governors of the nearest states. The generals on both sides published proclamations ; Arista calling on the Mexicans to defend their invaded homes and altars, and on the Ameri- can soldiers to desert, and accept ample rewards ; Taylor exhorting the Mexicans to embrace the opportunity of freeing themselves from tyrants who had subverted their constitution, and left them a prey to the mingled evils of despotism and anarchy ; and who were now seeking to make them believe the Americans to be their foes, thousands of whom had shed their blood in the defence of Mexico against Spain. Gen. Taylor now received intelligence by Capt. Walker that a large Mexican force in his rear, was interposed between him and his stores at Point Isabel. Walker had there been stationed by Major Munroe to keep open the communication ; and he had fought fifteen minutes with bis one company of Texan rangers, (armed with revolving pistols,) with 1500 Mex- VICTORIES OF THE RIO GRANDE. 409 ican cavalry, killed thirty and escaped ; and subsequently he FART 1V had found his way with six men through the Mexican army PERIOD in. to bring this information. CHAP - vn Taylor did not hesitate. Leaving his camp at Matamoras N -*'~vv- / with a garrison in command of the trusty veteran Major Brown, l46. he marched with the main army, and reached Point Isabel unmolested. The Mexicans affected to believe that he had abandoned his works and fled. They attacked the camp with Ma j their batteries soon after he left it ; and Major Brown opened Taylor sets his guns upon the city. The firing was anxiously heard by u isabei 0inl Taylor, and a messenger for aid reached him from Major Brown. The garrison at Point Isabel being reinforced by 500 men, which May 3 to 9. had been supplied by Commodore Conner from the navy, C o" n Fort de Gen. Taylor announced to the war department, " I shall march Brown, this day with the main body of the army, to open a commu- leaves*?"* nication with Major Brown, and throw forward supplies of Isabel, ordnance and provision. If the enemy opposes my march, in whatever force, I shall fight him." The same evening he marched. The next day at noon he came in full sight of the May 8. Mexican army, drawn up in order of battle, and extending a mile across his way. Taylor halted his men, bade them MOO. refresh themselves at the pools then formed his line. Col. m _L Twiggs commanded the right, and Col. Belknap the left. On k M ^ lo 2Ji, either wing were batteries with companies of light-artillery. Am. k. 4, w. At two o'clock the Mexicans opened their fire. The light- artillery, commanded by Ringgold arid Duncan, did great exe- cution. Ringgold, much lamented, fell mortally wounded. The Mexicans, although with choice of the ground, and more than double numbers, were forced, after five hours, to yield to the Americans the victory of Palo Alto. At two o'clock the next day the army resumed its march. Having advanced about three miles, the Mexicans were dis- covered, skilfully posted, with artillery, at Resaca de la Palma. R Ma 7 9 - A shallow ravine crossing the road, its margins closely wood- i a e paima e ed by matted shrubs of a prickly evergreen, called chapparal, Jjjjft JoS? afforded them shelter. At four o'clock the Americans came Am. 2,222. up. The field was fiercely contested. On account of the MelcTToss irregularity of the ground, the history of this battle is full 6 oo. of thrilling incident. It was here, that Capt. May, with his mortally** dragoons rode up to a Mexican battery, cut down the men, and took Gen. La Vega as he was applying a match to one of the guns. Young Randolph Ridgely and many others here won fame for themselves and their country. The Mexicans were wholly routed. Their camp its stores, equipage, and Gen. Arista's private papers, fell into the hands of the Ameri- cans. Two hundred Mexicans lay dead upon the field. The flying were pursued ; and numbers were drowned in attempt- ing to cross the Rio Grande. On arriving at the camp, Taylor and his victorious army carried joy to the wearied combatants. But the valued com- 410 THE WAR SPIRIT. PART iv. man der of the fort had been killed. Gen. Taylor named the PERIOD in. place where he fought and fell, Fort Brown. CHAP. vii. Great were the rejoicings and illuminations in the United v ~^~v^- / States for these victories. Taylor was forthwith made a ma- jor-general, and several of his officers promoted. 1846 ^ en ' ^ r * sta now proposed an armistice, which Gen. Taylor May is.* rejected, not choosing longer to keep his bad position. He cu^esMat- mten ^ e( ^ on tne arrival of heavy mortars to attack Matamoras. amoras. But the military deserted it ; and the civil authorities, receiv- ing assurances that private rights would be respected, suffered the Americans to take quiet possession. These successes having been obtained, the President of the United States made another attempt to treat for peace. His overtures were not promptly met by Senor Lanzas, the sec- retary of Paiedes, but referred to a Mexican congress to be held in December. While the news, of the imminent danger of the army of the Rio Grande, thrilled through the heart of the American na- Juiy. tion, Gen. Gaines, the commander of the southern division, full iJed b f the ^ P at "^ c feeling, called out a large number of volunteers, press of un- additional to those asked for by Gen. Taylor. Everywhere volunteers. tne y oun g men f tne nation were ready, nay, in haste, to go forth to defend their brethren, fight the Mexicans, and push for the " Halls of the Montezumas."* Gen. Taylor was soon embarrassed by the numbers who came. They were ill pro- vided with munitions ; and he not being ready to move, they were but consuming his stores. The war department decided that those of the volunteers, not regularly enlisted, must be dis- missed. This caused heartburnings and delay ; and although great energy pervaded the quartermaster's department, under Gen. Jesup, yet so much was to be provided in this sudden extension of the army, that it was three months before Gen. Taylor could move upon the interior. Meantime, the towns on the lower Rio Grande, were taken and occupied by the Americans. Camargo, made the depot of provisions and stores, was garrisoned with 2,000 men under Gen. Patterson. The army being now 6,000 strong, its first division, under Gen. Sept. 5. Worth, began its march on the 20th of August. Gen. Taylor *a?Marm y w ^ ^ ie rear c l umn soon followed. On the 5th of September, 9th, at Wai- the several divisions were concentrated at Marin. Moving on, t Springs. they Damped, on the 9th, at Walnut Springs, three miles from Monterey. Here, on the south and west towered the high peaks of the Sierra Madre, while before them stood the walls of Monterey bristling with cannon, and surrounded by fortresses ; and around them an unknown region an in- vaded country, with thousands of embittered foes. Most of their troops were untried volunteers. But they had officers Mr. Prescott's very popular " History of the Conquest of Mexico," no doubt increased the war spirit so rife at this time. THE TAKING OF MONTEREY. 411 educated either directly or indirectly at West Point, who, in PART iv. all the complicated acquirements belonging to military science, PERIOD m had no superiors. Especially had they a commander, cool CH * p - v - and deliberate, judicious to plan, and energetic to act. He v ^"V"w looked upon the mountains, and perceived towards the south- west, that they were cleft by the small stream of the San Juan, along which, was the road from Saltillo to Monterey. He thought if a new way could be made by which the Saltillo road should be reached, the enemy's line of supplies would be Worth's cut, and probably less formidable defences intervene. The skill of the American engineers, under Capt. Mansfield, found out such a way ; and Gen. Worth being selected for the im- portant service, led a column of 650 men on the 20th and 21st, by a difficult detour round to the Saltillo road. But they did not gain this advantage without loss. On the morning of the 21st they successfully fought a battle, in which Col. Hay and rey. Mex. his Texan rangers were distinguished. The Saltillo road being gained, the first obstacles to be overcome in approaching the city, were two batteries on a ration and hill. Up to these, in face of their fire, the soldiers marched. Soidadocar- They were taken, and their guns turned on the third and principal battery, a fortified, unfinished stone building, called the Bishop's Palace, situated on the steep hill Independ- ence. Night came on, and the weary and hungry soldiers had to bide the pelting of a storm. At three a party headed by ^JJJJ'J^ Col. Childs, and conducted by engineers Saunders and Meade, A. M. Bish- mounted the hill. A vigorous sortie from the fort was repel- led. The Americans entered it with the flying Mexicans, and it was theirs. After having taken this battery, and turned it against the city, the war-worn troops, now three days from the camp, their numbers thinned by death, stood close upon the rear of Monterey. Meantime, Taylor had sought to direct the attention of the enemy from this, his real point of attack, by making a feigned one in front. But so fiercely was this movement conducted by Gen. Butler, Capt. Backus, and others, that the city was entered, though with great sacrifice of life ; for Monterey in every street was barricadoed, and guns pointed from every wall. The second day, a part of the defences were aban- doned by the garrison, the Americans getting within the houses, and breaking through the walls. Gen. Quitman, who headed this party, advanced to the Plaza. On the morning of f Santa the 23d, the defences of the opposite side were assaulted and Pa ^ n "?'| carried by the division of Gen. Worth. Gen. Taylor now passed tecfXay is, over to Worth's quarters, where he received the Mexican com- (Con f* 4 con- mander, Gen. Ampudia. He came with a flag to propose ca- ner permits pitulation and an armistice, on the ground that peace might th wh1chhe n shortly be expected, Paredes being displaced, and Gen. Santa sails, to pass Anna now in power. Gen. Taylor knewf that in consequence speaking of President Folk's hope of that wily Mexican's favorable dis- her -> 412 MUSTERING THE VOLUNTEERS. PART iv. position, he had given an order to the fleet, which Cora. Con- PERIOD in. ner obeying, Santa Anna had passed unmolested on his return CHAP. vin. f rom Cuba. Taylor had not men sufficient to guard the Mex- > >^~v^-' ican soldiers if he kept them as prisoners ; and his own unsup- 1816. plied army needed all the provisions to be found in Monterey. The P arrSs Without the parade of compassion, he had its reality, and he tice. wished to spare, especially " non-combatants." With the ad- vice of his officers, he therefore agreed to an armistice of eight weeks, on condition of the approval of the American govern- its rejection merit. This, on correspondence, was withheld ; and the war was by Mr. Polk, renewed ; not, however, until nearly six weeks had efapsed ; and not sooner would Taylor have been prepared to act, had he been at liberty. CHAPTER VIII. Army of the Centre. Gen. Wool's march. Battle of Buena Vista. To GEN. WOOL, who had been twenty-five years an inspector- general in the army, the administration wisely confided the prin- cipal share in mustering and preparing for the service, the vol- unteers, on whom, for want of regular troops, the military honor and interest of the republic, must in this emergency depend. Gen. a Wool's ^* S or( * ers > dated May 29th, he received at Washington. e orders S From thence he immediately moved through the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi ; July 16. meeting the enlisted volunteers at designated places of ren a^ooo^iies dezvous, and inspecting and admitting them, if suitable men, traversed, into the army. These distances were accomplished, and twelve rcienmus- and a half regiments, (two of cavalry,) making about 12,000 tered. men, were inspected, mustered into the service, and sent to- wards their destined places, by the 16th of July. About 9,000 of these recruits, went to the Rio Grande to reinforce the army of Gen. Taylor. Those to form the " Army of the Centre" were by different routes to rendezvous at Bexar ; some going the far circuit of Little Rock, in Arkansas, and some by sea and through La Vaea. Gen. Wool, after making necessary arrange- ments in New Orleans for the comfort and efficiency of his August i. troops, moved to La Vaea on the 1st of August. From thence, LaVaea (on a ^ ter sen ding his wagon-trains, he accompanied volunteers to Matagorda Bexar, whose march for 40 miles lay through a country sub- merged four inches by recent rains. At Bexar began that drill and strict discipline of the volunteers which made Gen. Wool's corps, whether resting or moving, a camp of instruction ; discipline an( * w ^ich, together with his great care that every article ne- (unpopuiar cessary to health and efficiency should always be prepared and She time. 1 ) ready, gave to it the praise of being " a model army." Gen. Wool's destination was Chihuahua, the heart of one PLAN OF THE BATTLE OP Morning 23 d FeU847. Mexican =* Infantry, fi Cavalry, t Artillery, moying to the attack. United States = Infantry, 3 Cavalry, f Artillery, receiving the attack. Ky Lieut. Col. Mansfield, Corp. Engineers. GEN. WOOL'S MARCH. 415 of the richest provinces of Mexico. He began his march from PART iv. Bexar on the 20th of September, his force amounting to 500 PERIOD in. regulars and 2, 440 volunteers. At Presidio the troops crossed CHAP. vm. the Rio Grande on a flying bridge prepared for the purpose. v -^v~^- / From this fertile spot they marched westward 26 miles, to 140. Nava, over a dead level. without finding; a drop of water or s^iHK , , , . m , . . i cc e Gen. Wool a human habitation. I he troops, in crossing the bierras ot leaves Bex- San Jose and Santa Rosa, encountered steep rocky ascents and ar { ^j^ e ' deep mountain gorges ; and often, before their 300 heavy-la- den wagons could pass, roads must be repaired or made. In (Nava> 12 oo the valley between, they found the unbridged torrent-rivers of inhabitants Alamos and Sabino ; and at every turn their flesh was wound- o7 Odob^or ed by the prickly-pear, or the thorn-leaved agave. Sometimes, br -^ b ^g h as the army appeared, the ignorant people of the country, are nearly taken by surprise, believed that the robber-bands of Mexico ^mcesT* were upon them. The shrieking women would run from their houses, and embrace the crosses by the wayside, probably where some friend had been killed, whose fate they expected to share. But by the better-informed, Gen. Wool's approach was hailed with joy. He protected the quiet and the weak against the strong and the lawless. Before crossing the Rio Grande, he had rescued the children of a Mexican family from the Le- pan Indians, and restored them to their parents. " His army," says Mr. Mansfield, " were the armed watchmen of Coahuila ;" _ arid as he passed on through San Fernando and Santa Rosa, Gen. Wool to Monclova, his advance was heralded as that of a friend ; and he there peacefully unfurled the American flag over the government- house of the province. At Monclova, Gen. Taylor communicated to him the cap- QQ ture and armistice of Monterey. Here also he learned that the der dr m du- projected route to Chihuahua, continuing along the base of the "^JSJe"" Sierra Madre, was impracticable for his train ; and he could they are ai only reach that place with artillery by a circuitous road lead- Damped ing through Parras. Both he and Gen. Taylor believed that ^esand* it would be unwise thus to withdraw his force from the seat villages.) of war ; since the conquest of New Leon and Coahuila, already achieved, gave to the Americans the command of Chihuahua. On the 25th of November, Gen. Wool marched upon Par- Nov- 2 8 to ras. Gen. Taylor advising him to establish a post in that fertile Dec - 5< i ,, . P / i i i_- j March region, and collect provisions, of which his army were m need, from Mon- and which the country about Monterey could not supply. On this march the army encountered a region of calcareous marl, which, for many miles, was like dry ashes, filling their eyes and covering their garments. At Parras, General Wool was received with all the cour- tesy due to a distinguished guest. The strictness of his dis- cipline was not only improving his army, but, by giving the new feeling of security to a people, so long the victims of an- archy, he was winning their affections, and giving them de- 416 THE WOMEN OF PARRAS. PART iv. s i res f or a better government,* Stores came in abundantly, PERIOD in. and the necessities of the two armies were fully supplied. CHAP. vin. In the mean time Gen. Taylor had proceeded to Victoria, v-^v-%.' the capital of Tamaulipas, expecting to co-operate with Gen. 1846. Patterson and a naval force in the reduction of Tampico. But Nov. 24. that place had surrendered to Commodore Conner on the 14th suTreHSered. of November. Gen. Butler was left in command at Monterey. Saltillo, tiie capital of Coahuila, of which the Americans had taken peaceable possession on the 17th, was garrisoned, and 1?ates f of e commanded by Gen. Worth. Coahuila, The changeful Mexicans having now displaced Paredes, and and^Tamau'- given full power to Santa Anna, he had concentrated a force lipas.) O f 22,000 at San Luis Potosi. Gen. Worth, 60 miles in advance of Monterey, and 200 from Taylor at Victoria, now received the startling intelligence, that this army was imme- Dec 17. diately to be brought down upon him ; he having but 900 fromTjen? men - He sent a rapid express, entreating Wool to hasten Worth, to his aid with his whole force. In two hours Gen. Wool was lea ves Par- in motion with his entire column, and his long train of wagons ; HisTapid an( * sucn was t ^ ie condition of his soldiers, that only fourteen movement, were unable, on account of ill health, to move. And now the gratitude of the protected people was singularly manifested. The ladies of Parras came forward, and vied with each other in offers to take the charge of these fourteen sick soldiers ! The best mansions of the place received them, the first women were their nurses, and in due time they were all restored.f In four days the army marched 120 miles ; when resting at Agua Nueva, it was twenty-one miles in advance of Saltillo, interposed between Gen. Worth and Santa Anna. It had now completed a march of 900 miles through an enemy's country, without a gun fired, or a man lost. Gen. Taylor, while at Victoria, learned that the city of Mex- Scott super- ico was to be approached by Vera Cruz ; and that Gen. Scott, 6ed fo r Tay appointed to conduct this invasion, would, as his senior, super- sede him in the Mexican command. Nor was this all. It was from Taylor's army, that Scott's force was to be drawn. Gen. * Already are rumors abroad that this part of Mexico has invited an American general to lead them in an attempt to establish an independent government. But as much the same effect has been produced by the American army in other parts of Mexico, we hope that no such move- ment will be made ; but that all Mexico, united by language and reli- gion, will have learned how much better is security than anarchy ; and also, we hope, that republican America will learn, on her part, from Mexico, how wretched a condition is that of anarchy ; so that she may avoid it by repressing, while yet in her power, all lawless outrages. t The Americans manifested afterwards their gratitude to these kind Mexicans. They applying to Gen. Wool for aid on an incursion of savages, he sent to Donaphan, then in the region and under his command, a request which the troops of that gallant chieftain fulfilled by doing battle with the Comanches at El Poso, where Capt. Reid and Lieut. Gordon, with about 30 men, killed and wounded 40 Indians, liberated 19 boys and girls, and restored them to their parents at Parras. PERILOUS POSITION. 417 Scott therefore ordered from Gen. Taylor most of his efficient PART IT. troops, leaving him, till more could be sent by government, PERIOD in. " to stand on the defensive." Taylor, whatever might have been his feelings, promptly obeyed the order ; and dispatched to Vera Cruz the greater part of his regular troops, and vol- unteers, with generals Worth, Patterson, Quitman, Twiggs, (Gen.Scott's and others, who had fought so bravely by his side. This or- Gen. Taylor, der reached the forces of Gen. Wool also ; and to his great date 2 ^ ** ov - grief deprived him of most of his efficient staff-officers and (Dec. regular infantry, those whom he had as soldiers " brought up," beared*?-' and with whom he had thought to win glory, the soldier's spatches to meed. But this deprivation proved to the two generals the iTmassa r> source of their highest fame. For with the remains of their c g e ^J l ^ e force, they met and bore back, the shock of the most formida- ami'santa ble army, which Mexico had ever sent to the field. ^"ou'sln- 8 Gen. Taylor on the way from Victoria to Monterey learned tended that Santa Anna, by decided demonstrations, was threatening nients!) him. Leaving a small garrison at Monterey, he advanced south with about 700 men to the camp of Wool at Agua Nueva. Their l47. whole force, officers and men, was 4,690, and Santa Anna was Sant Anna approaching with more than four times that number, besides ^eaUne- 3,000 regular cavalry under Gen. Minon, and 1,000 under Gen. qu f jjjjj of Urrea, sent in advance, to turn the American position, destroy their stores, and cut off their retreat. This perilous situation became known to their distant country to the friends and fam- ilies of these Spartan officers and soldiers. We knew that they would have fought but could they have conquered ? Were they victors, or had they died for their country's honor? And were the garrisons of the Rio Grande to be slaughtered, and Scott to be intercepted by a victorious foe ? Gen. Wool had remarked that the road from San Luis Po- tosi, seven miles south of Saltillo, and thirteen north of Agua Nueva, passed through a mountain gorge called Angostura, south of the small village of Buena Vista. On the west, a net- work of deep impassable ravines came close to the road, while on the east, the mountain sent off a succession of spurs, some of which came at this point close to the road. " Here," he said, field Gen. " is the place which I would select, if obliged to fight a large ^roves^tt force with a small one." Gen. Taylor approved. The army remained encamped at Agua Nueva until the afternoon of the 21st of February. Santa Anna was approaching. Gen. Minon (tCassius had already captured Majors Borland and Gaines with a recon- M. ciay is noitering party .f The camp at Agua Nueva was broken up, and tSred party) Santa Anna, believing that his foes were flying in dismay, ea- gerly pursued, till he was drawn to their chosen position. Gen. Santa Anna Wool was left by Taylor the active commander at Buena ^/jjjjf&j Vista ; while he, anxious for his stores menaced by Minon, bad position, went to Saltillo. On the morning of the 22d, Gen. Wool drew up the army for battle. The gorge was the key of the position. Here was 418 WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY PART IV. placed Capt. Washington's battery. THIS WAS THE BIRTHDAY PERIOD in. OF THE GREAT WASHINGTON, and the battle-cry was to be, CHAP. vni. To the memory of Washington !" On a height opposite the v -^~v~^-' deep ravines, and contiguous to the gorge, were placed the 1847. volunteers of Illinois and Kentucky, under colonels Hardin, Feb. 2^ Bissell, and M'Kee. Bragg's battery was beyond the ravines UK TA. " on the right ; while on the left, O'Brien's battery, with most of my X appears tne remamm g regiments were on plateau-elevations between the mountain and the road. From their positions the troops looked out through the gorge to the south, and beheld, issuing from clouds of dust, the long array of the Mexican host, glittering with burnished arms, and gorgeous with many-colored drape- ries. As they come nearer, their delicious music charms for a moment even the stern ear of war ! But the shouts of the Americans rise louder, as Gen. Taylor, whom they regard as invincible, appears upon the field. At eleven o'clock, Santa Anna sent to Taylor a useless sum- 3 o'clock mons of surrender. About noon the Mexicans pushed for- ' begins, ward a party to the heights on the east, or American left. At cSetoSs tnree o'clock began the battle. Volunteer riflemen, under Col. Battle " Bu- Marshall, met the advanced Mexicans. They made no im- 6 Mex[ 1 foM? pression upon the American lines, while they suffered loss, k.&w. more Night came. The Americans remained under arms. Santa Am. n w. 4, Anna's arrangements were those of an able commander. A k - - strong column, headed by Gen. Mora y Villamil, he directed to attack the gorge defended by Washington's battery. This charge was in the morning made, met, and repulsed. Gen- erals Pacheco and Lombardini, with" their thousands, were early in the night climbing the heights on the east. Two hours after midnight they drove in the American pickets. Major Mansfield discovers their approach, and the watchful Col. Churchill is near to give information to Gen. Lane, then in Feb. 23. command of the American left. Gen. Taylor was not upon the 2 A C M field, for his night had again been spent in providing for the Mexicans safety of his stores at Saltillo ; and Gen. Wool had just left Am left, the plateau, and gone to the gorge to see if all was right there. ( taneousLy" ^ en< ^ane ordered forward the battery of O'Brien, with a Washing- supporting regiment of Indiana volunteers under Col. Bowles, 'ihe'gorge** ^ ne Mexicans advanced, their arms and standards glittering where they gorgeously to the sun. They gain the heights and plant their pulsed.) heavy batteries. Impetuously they now attack the Americans, and with a tenfold force. The volunteers stand, give back the fire, and drive the enemy. Col. Bowles orders a retreat. It became a rout which could not be stopped, though Capt. Lin- coln, the aid of Wool, lost his precious life in attempting the rally. O'Brien stood, with Bryan his associate, and checked their progress, until men and horses were killed ; and when he retreated, one gun could not be removed. The Mexicans were gaining ground. Their right was turn- ing the American left. Gen. Taylor arrives. Col. Jefferson Davis, with his Mississippians, comes forward, calling to the BUENA VISTA. 419 Davis with his Mississippians, comes forward, and calls to the PART iv. retreating, to form in the shelter of his column. Col. Bowles, PERIOD m. unable to rally his men, seizes the rifle of a private, and enters CHAP - vni - the ranks. Forward press the few against the many ; nor pause v^-vw/ for danger or death, until, close to the foe, their rifles give 1847. the unerring fatal fire. A yell and a rush, and the volunteers ^ti^Mte- have crossed a ravine, and stand close to the Mexicans, for- sissippians, cing them to retreat. Thousands of the foe are ready to fill tatte B ry!re- s the places of the slain. But the batteries of Bragg and cover the Sherman have now arrived. They pour a fire too rapid and g fh??eft n deadly to be resisted, and the ground is regained. Meantime, bodies of the Mexican cavalry had passed be- tween the combatants and the mountains, and gone towards the The camp rear, where they menaced the camp at Buena Vista. Gen. attacked Taylor ordered Col. May, with his dragoons and other cavalry, and ^ en to follow and attack them. Col. Yell of the Arkansas volun- teers here fell bravely fighting. Major Dix, a paymaster, seized the standard of the flying Indianians called on them to fol- low, and never suffer the flag of their state to leave the battle- field but in triumph. Many turned and fought. The Mex- icaus, thus resolutely met, veered about, and being joined by storm rise? i i i i ,1- A i ' j r at this pen- a fresh brigade, they now attempted to gain the road, from odofthe whence they might attack from the rear. The Mississippians battle.) were drawn up. The Mexican cavalry came gallantly on. The Mississippians stood and fired not. Surprised, the horsemen check their career ;md, for one suicidal moment, they halt. The next each unerring rifle had brought down its man. Sher- man's battery had arrived, and the foe were unable to rally. Other American troops with artillery pressed closer and closer ; and now some thousands of Mexicans are in danger of being y^poJSuct cut off from the main body. Santa Anna dispatches a flag of of Santa An- truce to Taylor, desiring to know what he wants. Gen. Wool, " attempting to go with a reply, perceives the treachery of Santa Anna, and declares the truce at an end. The American firing having been suspended by order, the endangered Mexicans escaped ; while, not only did two of the Mexican .batteries continue their fire, but Santa Anna used the time to change the position of another, in preparation for his final desperate struggle. This was made against the centre, where Gen. Taylor commanded in person; and by Santa Anna himself, with his entire reserve. O'Brien with his battery again stood foremost, and colonels Hardin, Bissell, Clay, and M'Kee were in the hottest of the battle. But the odds against them is overwhelming. Again O'Brien, Fl "eof thi g " now with Lieut. Thomas, stands and checks the foe, till men and whole ar- horses are slain, and now, as he retreats, he leaves two of his m jhe two" guns. Mexican lancers drive the infantry into a ravine. M'Kee, comman- Hardin, Clay, and many others fall. Bragg and Sherman, straining every nerve, advance with their batteries, and in the face of death, maintain their ground, and save the battle. Wash- 420 VICTORY. PART iv. ington's battery too, often attacked through the day, now by PERIOD in. turning on the Mexican lancers, and protecting the American CHAP. vin. infantry, saved a field, in which, with such disparity of force, N -^"N^^' there were many chances to lose, where there was one to win. 1847. Santa Anna was obliged to draw back his much diminished forces. The second night came on. Officers and men were on the alert, and horses in harness. The field was strewed with Battle field ^ e ^^ e ^ ess v i ctmis of war. The American surgeons and their of BUENA assistants administered to the wounded, whether friend or foe. VISTA. Mexican women were there, to soothe the dying, or wail the dead. Feb. 23-4. The Americans were prepared to renew the contest. Out- Santa Anna posts had made astonishing marches, and had reached the Am loss, camp. Gen. Marshall, with his mounted Kentuckians, and -264. Capt. Prentiss with his artillery, had travelled from the Pass Mex. loss, of Rinconada, 35 miles of bad road, on this one night. mi?s'g'40oo' Witn tne earliest dawn of the morning Gen. Wool, abroad to reconnoitre, discovered that the enemy were in full retreat. Hastening with the news to the tent of Taylor, they embraced and wept, while the glad shouts of victory, rang over the battle-field. Presuming that he should conquer, Santa Anna had de- tached regular forces under Minon and Urrea, to cut off the Santa An- retreat of the Americans ; while hordes of rancheros were sent Cations K to ^ e mounta ^ n passes to kill every straggler. General cut off the Urrea, with 1,000 cavalry, went into the vicinity of Monterey, rican e army e ~ wnere at Ramas a wagon-train was captured, and forty-five wagoners barbarously murdered. Both these generals from the 22d to the 26th menaced the- weakened outposts of Taylor's army; and both were attacked and defeated. Gen. Minon, on the 23d, interposed a body of 1,800 cavalry between Buena Vista and Saltillo, threatening the rear of the army. He was gallantly driven away, with the loss of 60 of his men, by Capt. Agua^rio Webster, aided by Lieut. Shover. Gen. Urrea was defeated Mex. loss, by Colonels Morgan and Irvin on the 26th, at Agua Frio, near k ' Am?6 6 ' Monterey. On the 7th of March, Major Giddings with 260 men, having a train of wagons in convoy, was attacked near ceraivo! Ceralvo by 1,600 Mexicans ; the party of Urrea combined with Me i X 6oo rce tnat ^ ^ en> R mera - The Americans bravely defended them- Am. 260. selves, and compelled the enemy to retreat. MexTloss, The victory of Buena Vista, without which the guerilla k. & w. 45. warfare would have borne a different aspect, left the Ameri- cans after these affairs in quiet possession of the northern prov- inces of Mexico proper. Active operations being here at an end, Gen. Taylor, after a few months, returned to receive high honors from his country; and Gen. Wool, " without fear and without reproach," was left to govern and protect the con- quered region. CALIFORNIA. 421 CHAPTER IX. Army of the West. Conquest of New Mexico and California. A FLEET consisting of one frigate and nine smaller vessels, PART iv. was already on the coast of California, when the war com- PERIOD in. raenced. Commodore Sloat, the commander, was advised by CHAP. ix. the navy department, that Avar with Mexico might occur,f ^~v-**s that he must be careful to observe the relations of peace, un- 184:6. less they were violated by the opposing party ; but if this Bancroft's should take place, he was, without further notice, to employ order to his fleet for hostile purposes. Being led to suppose that Julie a?*' war existed, Com. Sloat took Monterey on the 7th of July, 1845i) 1846 ; and raised the American flag without opposition. On the July 7. 9th, Francisco, north of Monterey, was taken by a part of the JJcSor- squadron, acting under the orders of Capt. Montgomery. On nia, taken the 15th, arrived a second frigate under Com. Stockton. On b> sioat m ' the 17th, Com. Sloat dispatched a party to the mission of St. John, to recover cannon and other munitions which the enemy ' of Com. had there deposited. At this place the American flag had already been planted by Col. Fremont, who, with 63 men, had been sent out in 1845 by the government, with the osten- sible object of making peaceful explorations. He had, as an officer of the corps of topographical engineers, been employed mont's ex- in the years 1842-3, in exploring the great rivers, valleys, ptorations. prairies, lakes, and mountain-passes on the grand route to Or- egon ; and he had manifested, by his keen observation, his hardy endurance, untiring activity, courage and conduct among the Indian tribes the incipient germ of the great military com- mander. He was opportunely on the ground at the breaking out of the war. The Mexicans menaced him, although he had (t Fremont obtained leave of Gen. Castro, the military commandant, to Am! flag! but winter near the San Joaquin.f Subsequently all Americans JjJ t s J2 a ci? were threatened with destruction. Fremont went and aroused He then ' the American settlers on the Sacramento. They added to his tS^the force, and he swept out the Mexican authorities from . the south part of northern interior of California. The American Californians, July 6, declared their independence, and placed Fremont at the head of their government. A few days after, news came that war existed between the United States and Mexico ; when the Californian colorsf were joyfully pulled down, and the figure of a A i * j Bear.) American hoisted. Com. Stocktonf constituted the 160 men under Fremont, a (tNowin "navy battalion." This force sailed to San Diego; where, fuiiconv united to the marines, their leaders marched upon, and occu- afte I J 1 c n om. pied Los Angeles, the seat of government. Here Com. Stock- sioat left for ton proclaimed himself governor, and established civil govern- ^anVaS) ment. Leaving a small garrison, the commanders went north. In September, a Mexican force under Gen. Flores and Don Pico led in a revolt, and attacked Angeles. Captain Gillespie 422 VOLUNTEERS OF THE WEST. PART iv. t] ie American commandant capitulated. Capt. Mervine, with PERIOD in. marines from the Savannah, attempting to relieve the garrison, CHAP. ix. was driven back to his ship. Com. Stockton sailed for the v ~^~v~^-' southern ports. Col. Fremont, after recruiting his battalion, marched south to co-operate in reconquering the country. 146 Immediately after the opening of the war, orders were (Armyof the issued by the Executive for organizing an " Army of the U5j*Jmd West," to be commanded by Gen. Kearny ; for the object of Doniphan, taking, and placing under American laws, New Mexico and infantry 145, California. This army was to be composed of mounted vol- ^'ra'^oons ' unteers ^ rom tne state f Missouri, with one battalion of in- 407. fantry, one of light-artillery, and one of dragoons, ^rfianceo They began, June 5th, to appear at the rendezvous, which was Fort Leavenworth. The choice of field-officers for the first Missouri regiment was regarded by the volunteers as pe- culiarly important ; because, in the event of the death of Gen. Kearny, on the colonel of this regiment, would devolve the June is command of the army. The men elected by the volunteers Doniphan had entered their ranks as privates. Doniphan was chosen chosen. co ] one ] . RufF, lieutenant-colonel ; and Gilpin, major.* All were for twenty days instructed by such of their officers of "Liber- as had been West-Point students; and thus, the military ^ie^oiun- 1 s i ence infused into this celebrated school, by COL. SYLVANUS teer officers TiiAYER and his associates and successors, now became as see h " fl Doni- rapidly transfused into the quick minds of the volunteers of ph d" oif "" ^ e ^ est ' as were tue military arts into the well-formed, ac- byVugb^s.) tive frames of this remarkable body of recruits.f General Kearny, having sent forward his baggage, and taken in convoy the annual train of merchants' wagons, now June 26-29 numbering 414, (going to trade at Santa Fe and Chihuahua,) Army begin set out with his army on the last of June. They moved south- 3whReach westerly across the river Platte, the branches of the Kansas, ^ju^ir 8 ' ~ a l n o tne Arkansas to Bent's Fort ; thence south and Reach the southwesterly to Santa Fe. Arkansas. ^ great portion of the region moved over was prairie ; one wide, wild, unmeasured level, or gently undulating field ; sometimes green, as far as the eye could reach, with tall, rank grass, and sometimes gay with unnumbered flowers, perhaps * There was some difficulty about officering the volunteers the gov- ernment preferring to select the high officers. Subsequently the Execu- tive of the United States appointed Col. Sterling Price to the command of a regiment of volunteers, which were to follow and reinforce Kearny. The volunteer regiment, however, held an election, in which they very wisely elected Col. Sterling Price, to the place previously assigned him by government. t Willard P. Hall was chosen from their ranks, as a member to con- gress, and received at Santa F6 news of his election. But he proceeded as a private to California, from whence he returned with Kearny by the South Pass, then went to Washington, and took his seat in congress. An- other from the ranks of these volunteers was chosen into the state legis- lature of Missouri. KEARNY'S MARCH. 423 blushing, far round with the varieties of the prairie rose, PART iv. or tinged orange with the wild lily ; and sometimes showing PERIOD in. the pale green and delicate white and red of the moccasin CHAP. . flower, the " belle of the prairie." Along the Arkansas the v ^~v"^.>' troops found great herds of buffalo ; and cheerily joined the hunt, i46. and enjoyed the feast. But they had many hardships. The From J e ground was often so soft and spongy, that the wagons sunk ; praffie and the strength of the men must be added to that of the scenes, horses to drag them forth. Again chasms must be filled, and torrents bridged ; and sometimes the volunteers must lie down (t prom Ju- at night in places infested with serpents, horned-frogs, lizards, ly 8 rations and musquitoes. Often they made long marches without wa- do^n^ ter, and sometimes with scarcely any food.f Twice occurred one half i i i 111 ii i it* and after- among their horses that singular outbreak, called " estampeda. wards to The first was a few miles below Bent's Fort. Here the ani- one thlrd - } mals were turned loose ; and while feeding in the prairie, a few of them took fright at an Indian. The panic was commu- July 2 g. nicated. The keepers tried to stop the flight, but " a thousand Estampeda horses were dashing over the plain, enraged and driven to Fort, madness by the iron pickets and the lariats which goaded and lashed them at every step." About sixty-five of the best were irrecoverably lost.f (t See As Gen. Kearny approached the capital of New Mexico, Hughes' he heard rumors of a formidable military force which the gov- ernor, Don Manual Armijo, had collected to oppose his pro- gress ; and he put his army in battle array to meet them at the canon or pass of Galisteo, fifteen miles from Santa Fe. But the governor's own heart, or that of his troops, had failed. Kearny peacefully entered the city, containing 6,000 inhabit- August 18. ants, and, occupying the governor's palace, he planted above it, Gen - Kear- August 18th, the standard eagle of Republican America. Thus Santa pi! had the army in fifty days accomplished this desert march of nearly 900 miles. Neither Santa Fe nor the surrounding country, offered any cogent objections to receiving the government, which Gen. Kearny next proceeded to establish ; according to his under- standing of directions, which he had received from the war f 16 esta . l> - department. On the day after his entrance, he proclaimed government, himself governor of New Mexico. " You are now," said he, " American citizens ; you no longer owe allegiance to the Mexican government." The principal men then took the oath required ; swearing in the name of the Trinity to bear true allegiance to the laws and government of the United States. Whoever was false to this allegiance, the people were told, would be regarded and punished as a traitor. These measures gave rijr; to much discussion in the Amer- ican capitol when they became known ; the question being, whether the administration had or had not transcended its constitutional powers, in thus annexing, without any action of congress, a territory to the American Union. 29* 424 SAN PASCAL. PART iv. Q. en> Kearny having now taken possession of New Mexico, PERIOD in. and organized a government, of which he made CHARLES CHAP. ix. BENT the chief executive, it next became his duty to proceed ^^~v~**> to California. He appointed COL. DONIPHAN to succeed him 146. in the province ; with orders, however, that on the arrival of Sept. 25. volunteers under Col. Price, Doniphan should leave him in leaves Santa command, proceed with his regiment and some additional F6 - forces to Chihuahua, and there report to Gen. Wool. Proceeding down the Rio Grande, Kearny was met by an express from Col. Fremont, by which he learned that Califor- nia was already conquered. Selecting 100 men as his escort, he ordered the return of his main force to Santa Fe. Cross- ing the Rio Grande in latitude 33, he reached the river Gila, at the copper mines, on the 20th of October ; and following its course, he arrived at its mouth on the 22d of November, in Nov. 22. lat. 32. From this point he kept along, or near the Colora- thelStfof do, fort 7 m ^ es ' thence westerly sixty miles, through an arid the Gila. desert. On the 2d of December, Gen. Kearny reached Wamas' village, the frontier settlement of California. Pursu- ing his way, he was met on the 5th, near San Diego, by Capt. Gillespie, sent to him with 20 men, by Com. Stockton, now acting governor of California. A corps of the enemy were near. The next morning the general, expecting an encounter, mounted his little party on the jaded beasts they had ridden SCAL, from Santa Fe, 1050 miles, and at day-dawn went forth to San e i60 rce Pascal, where he engaged 160 mounted Califoruians. The Americans were victorious ; but these more northern troops sold victory at a dearer rate, than the southern Mexicans. Kearny was twice wounded. Captains Johnson and Moore and Lieut. Hammond were killed ; indeed, more than half the officers were either killed or wounded, with 19 of the men. When the surgeon appeared, the commander directed, " first dress the wounds of the soldiers ;" and then fell, fainting with exhaustion. Happily his wounds were not dangerous. He reached San Diego on the 12th of December. On the 29th of that month, by Com. Stockton's request, 147. Gen. Kearny took the command of 500 marines with the J Batt?ef o 9 f l an d f rces ; an d marched to the vicinity of Ciudad los Ange- SAN GA- Jos, to quell a rising of the inhabitants,* backed by a Mexican the* Me a sa d army of 600, under generals Flores and Pico. These forces about 1 so' he met and defeated at San Gabriel, on the 8th of January ; Mex. loss and on the 9th, he again fought and routed them at Mesa. 70 or so. Q. en K earnVj according to his orders and military rank, assumed the full command, and took the style of governor of California.f Com. Shubrick, now in command of the navy, # Col. Mason, who succeeded Kearny, writes thus to Adjutant-general Jones " The people, whatever may be said or written to the contrary, dislike the change of flags." t At Fort Leavenworth Gen. Kearny arrested Col. Fremont, who was tried, and condemned to lose his commission. The President, however, KEARNY'S RETURN. 425 co-operated with him ; and quiet and order were re-established. PART iv. His military force was augmented about the last of January PERIOD m. by the arrival of Col. Cooke, with the Mormon battalion, which CHAP - * had been conducted by Col. Allen,* from Council Bluffs to Santa Fe. From thence Col. Cooke first proceeded down the Del Norte ; then sending back his sick to the Arkansas, where Oct. is. were 900 Mormon families on their way to California, he here took a route, which deviated to the south from that of ion leave Kearney, and led him through a better road and a more inter- esting region. By direction of the war department, Gen. Kearny placed Col. Mason in the office of chief magistrate of California ; J^J' and, on the last day of May, 1847, he took his way homeward Kearny' across the Rocky Mountains, by the South Pass ; being accom- lea f on^ ali " panied by colonels Fremont and Cooke, Hon. Willard P. Hall, (who had been elected to congress,) with other officers and pri- vates, to the number of forty. On the 22d of August, the Augusts. , T, T J ,, , n TT 3 At Fort Lea party were at t ort Leavenworth ; whence Gen. Kearny imme- venworth. diately repaired to Washington, having twice crossed the con- tinent in little more than a year. CHAPTER X. Doniphan's Expedition to Chihuahua. Revolt in New Mexico THREE days after Gen. Kearny's departure from Santa Fe, 1846. Col. Price arrived with his recruits. Col. Doniphan was await- ing this event to commence his march upon Chihuahua. But on the llth of October he received an order from Gen. Kear- ny, dated " near La Joya," to march with his regiment against Oct H the Navajo Indians, their chiefs not having come to Santa Doniphan Fe to hold a peace-council with those of other Indian nations, against the as they had been invited, and as they had promised to do ; but instead of this, they had made war on " the inhabitants of New Mexico, now forming a part and under the protection of the United States." ed seven Winter was approaching, and the abodes of the power- ful Navajoes, the " mountain-lords" of unknown regions, extended far to the west. The more thoroughly to scour their ny women country, Col. Doniphan divided his regiment into three par- ties, one under Major Gilpin, to take a northern route ; one under Col. Jackson, a southern, while Doniphan himself was to take a central range. All were to meet at Ojo Oso, or the Bear pronounced his pardon; but Fremont (June, 1848) resigned; maintain- ing that he had done no wrong, and desired no clemency. * Col. A. died on the route, and Lieut. Smith took his place. 426 THE NAVAJOES. TART iv. Sp nngs, bringing in the chiefs, there to hold a council. At fERioD in. the same time a detachment under Capt. Walton, went down CHAP. x. the Del Norte to Valverde, to convey the train of merchant- ^-^~v - ^' / wagons for the Chihuahua trade. Here they were menaced I 46. by a Mexican force ; but fortunately 200 men, under Capt* (Major Gil- Burguin, whom Gen. Kearny had sent back, now came up, and joining the escort, they were too strong to be attacked. ^ e three parties of Doniphan's regiment, after incredible hard- ships, thrilling adventures among strange savages, in cross- (CoiD 2 ieft m g the height and chasms of unexplored mountains, where the bei one false step would precipitate man and ho se into unfath- Dec rt< i2. omed abysses after losing several lives of their men by frost, j P oor ty cl^d, as they were, among snows and mountain-storms, they finally accomplished their object. Capt. Reid, of Jackson's division, with thirty young men, had volunteered to accompany Sandoval, a Navajo chief, five days through mountain-heights, to a grand gathering of the men and women of the tribe. They were completely in the power of the Indians ; but they won their hearts by gayety and confidence. Most of the five hundred whom they met at the feast, had never seen a white man. Reid and his companions joined the dance, sung their country's songs and what pleased the Navajoes most, interchanged with them their costume. The head chief, NARBONA, though sick and aged, came to the camp of the strangers, lodged with them, and favored their mission. Nov 21 Thus were the savages persuaded to agree to what would (Present at please those whom they liked : although, as spoken by Sarcilla Springs 189 Largo, a Navajo chief, it struck them as very singular, that Americans, fa e Americans coming to fight the New Mexicans, who had joes d ) never injured them, should make a point of preventing the Navajoes from doing the same thing, though the New Mex- icans had long been their enemies. Nevertheless, if their new friends really did possess New Mexico, they would, they said, cease their depredations. Accordingly at Bear Springs, on the Nov. 22. 22d of November, a treaty was made in form, Doniphan being "Jjacie 7 present ; and the three parties, Americans, New Mexicans, and Navajoes, were, by its conditions, to live in perpetual peace. Col. Doniphan made the camp at Valverde the place of rendezvous for the troops who were to accompany him. Some regulars of the light-artillery, with ten pieces of cannon, were Dec. 14-19. Dv hi s direction to be sent from S inta Fe. In the middle of armymove December he moved his army in three divisions south, with his fr vTrde al " baggage-wagons, and merchant-trains in convoy. He now crossed a dreary desert of ninety miles, called the " Journey Dec. 22. of the Dead," where there was little of either water, food, or At Donanna f ue i. At Donanna the army found refreshment. Proceeding Ei m paso m in the direction of El Paso at Bracito, on the Del Norte, they encountered a Mexican force, commanded by Gen. Ponce de Leon. He dispatched an officer with a black flag, demanding of the American commander to appear before him. On refusal. THE PASS OF SACRAMENTO. 427 he said in haughty defiance, "We neither ask quarter, nor PART iv. give it." The Mexicans advanced, firing three rounds. The PERIOD m. Missourians, falling on their faces, were supposed to be dead, CHAP - * but suddenly rising, they delivered a fire so fatal that the ^-^v* 1 ^ foe fled in confusion, leaving about 200 killed and wounded. IN 16. The Americans had but seven wounded, and none killed. Bauieof In the delightful valley of El Paso del Norte, the troops BRACITO. were fully recruited ; and they were joined here by the artillery Me 2 j c * companies from Santa Fe, under Clarke and Weightman. Their Me*. Joss march from El Paso was forth into unknown hostile regions. ' w. !^) 00 ' And now they had learned that Gen.Wool was not at Chihuahua. e A - JjfJjQ No army was there for their defence. Missouri became anxious w. 7, k. o. ' for the fate of her sons. But fearlessly they pressed on. They 1347. encountered as they went from the Del Norte a desert of sixty- (El Paso five miles in extent, in which their sufferings became so intense JJjJJ^JjJJ from thirst, that the whole army were in danger of perishing, wines.) Many animals, and some men gave out, and lay down to die. Feb 8 Many officers and soldiers threw all aside, and were running with Army leave their last strength to reach a lake ten miles distant. But that jeth. ' Providence which so often saved our armies during this war, {JjJJ'frjjJj relieved their sufferings by a shower so copious, that the tor- thirst, rent-streams came dashing from the rocks, to refresh and save them. Having at length reached the lake, (Laguna de los Patos,)they remained to recruit, one day only, and on the 18th resumed their march. Col. Doniphan, as he approached Chihuahua, learned that an Feb. as. army of 4,000 men had been raised to oppose him by Don An- SA*RAMEN- gel Trias, governor of the province; and he met this formidable Mex T f ;, rce force strongly posted, and fortified with heavy ordnance, at the 4,120. Pass of Sacramento, eighteen miles from the capital. No more Am y/^ rce daring deeds were done during the war, than those which now distinguished this little army of about a thousand brave men. k . 3oo.wm Capt. Reid's charge, when at the head of the cavalry he outrode ^"J 1 *^ ^ all his fellows in the storming of the enemy's battery, is a speci- men of the manner in which the Americans here defeated quad- ruple numbers of their enemies, fighting on ground of their own selection, under the eye of Trias their governor, of Gen. Heredia their military commander, and of Gen. Conde, former minister of war, a scientific man, who, says Col. Doniphan, " planned their whole field of defence." Having completely routed the army, the city and province of Chihuahua were at the mercy of the conqueror. Captains Reid and Weightman, both distinguished in the battle, were March 2. sent the following day to take military possession of the cap- enters c- ital. Col. Doniphan having collected the trophies of his vie- tory, entered the succeeding day, March 2d, with the main army ; and planted the colors of his country, over a city con- taining 40,000 inhabitants, and having in its vicinity some of the richest mines in Mexico. In this salubrious climate, his soldiers enjoyed six weeks of the opening spring ; then marched 428 REVOLT IN NEW MEXICO. PART iv. by Parras to Saltillo, where at length they met Gen. Wool. wtiioD in. But Buena Vista was past, and their term of service expired CHAP. x. on the last of May. By Comargo and the Rio Grande, they v-^v-^' arrived at New Orleans, on the 15th of June ; having marched 1847. 5,000 miles since they left the Mississippi. At'sauuio. I* 1 * ne mean time the New Mexicans had secretly conspired to throw off the American yoke. Simultaneously, on the 1 9th Jan. 19. of January, massacres occurred at Fernando de Taos, where 'c^Bent f were cruelly murdered Gov. Charles Bent, Sheriff Lee, and and is four others, at Arroya Honda, where seven Americans were others. kin e( | > _ a t Rio Colorado two, and at Mora four. Col. Price, the military commander of Santa Fe, received the startling in- telligence on the 20th ; when he learned that a force, hourly Victories of mcreasm g approached him. He sent expresses to call in his Col. Price, outposts, and on the 23d marched with 350 men, met the CANADA f e on tne 24th, near the small town of Canada, attacked and defeated him. On the 29th, Col. Price, now reinforced Jan. 28. by Capt. Burguin from Albuquerque, again encountered the en- ife? force em y' an( ^ defeated him at the mountain-gorge called the Pass about 1,500 ; of Embudo. The Americans next had a march over the Taos Am. 479. moun t am) through snows two feet in depth, with a degree of cold so intense, that many had their limbs frozen. They pass- PuEBLA 5 i>E ed unmolested through Fernando de Taos ; but at Puebla, they TAOS. met t} ie enemy, stormed his fortifications, and drove him from his position. The valuable lives of Capt. Burguin and other Jan 22 officers, were here lost. Capt. Hendley was killed on the 22d MORA of January, in an attack on Mora. That village was destroyed on the 3d of February, by a detachment under Capt. Morin. The loss of the Mexicans in all these engagements is supposed to have been about 300 killed ; the number of wounded un- known. The Americans lost in killed and wounded about sixty. Fifteen Mexicans were executed as conspirators. But although the Americans had conquered, they now lived in fear of secret conspiracy. The Indians also, especially the Camanches, showed themselves hostile. Along the far line of communication from the settlements on the Missouri to Santa Fe, California, and Oregon, robberies and murders were com- ^in^om- 11 routed by savages, on travelling parties. The government mand on the therefore increased the number of troops to be stationed in these road^Ckli. regions. One extra battalion has been sent to New Mexico. the 0re n on ^ ne * s em pl ve d on tne Santa Fe and one on the Oregon road. Colonel, now General Price, leaving in command Col. Walker, luftunfof reacn ed Missouri, Sept. 25th ; having lost in battle and other- Gen. Price, wise, more than four hundred of his men. TAKING OF VERA CRUZ CHAPTER XL ..If Mi Scott's Invasion. Vera Cruz. Cerro Gordo SINCE Mexico refused to treat for peace, the American Ex- PART iv. ecutive determined to strike at her capital through Vera Cruz. PERIOD in. Gen. Scott, the first officer in the American army, was prop- CHAP. xi. erly selected to conduct this perilous enterprise. He was no- v-x~v~^x tified by Secretary Marcy of his appointment, on the 18th of i46. November; and he was directed to draw his force chiefly from NOV. is. Taylor ; that general having received notice, that troops would, C y*s?etter to for this invasion, be. withdrawn from his army by the war Scott.) department. On the 25th of November, Gen. Scott gave, with reluctance, the order already noticed, by which the gen- erals Taylor and Wool were deprived of the greater portion of their armies. With a smaller force than that, with which Gen. Scott was furnished, it would have been madness to undertake such an invasion ;f nor would the nature of the service brook the delay of raising and disciplining new troops. The deadly summer climate of Vera Cruz required immediate action. Santa Anna was lying with 22,000 men at San Luis Potosi. It would have seemed probable that he would have turned "Mexican towards Vera Cruz, and uniting with forces in that vicinity, oppose, as he might have done, with an army of 30,000, the 1847. landing of Gen. Scott ; rather than to march against Gen. Tay- e Bat 2 Ue & of ' lor. But (as Scott learned after landing) Santa Anna chose Buena vista, the latter, and was defeated at Buena Vista. To make the preparations, necessary for a foreign siege, Gen. Jesup, the quartermaster-general, proceeded to New Orleans, to arrange with Gen. Scott the details of this important ser- vice ; the magnitude of whose operations, appears from the fact that 163 vessels were employed as transports. The gen- eral rendezvous of the several corps, which were to compose the invading army, was the island of Lobos, 125 miles from Vera Cruz. Necessary delays, however, occurred ; and it was s ^o t r t c ^m- not until the 7th of March, that Gen. Scott embarked with his barks his troops on board the transporting squadron, which was com- manded by Com. Conner. Reaching Vera Cruz on the 9th, gth _ lands he, with admirable order, debarked his whole army on the . at Sacrifi- west side of the island of Sacrificios. Having vainly sum- moned the garrison to surrender, Gen. Scott, with the aid of his able engineers, of whom Col. Totten was chief, planted his batteries; and commenced, on the night of the 18th, a tremendous bombardment of the city. The fleet lent its aid, a de. although exposed to the fire of the castle. On the morning of the 26th, Gen. Landera, then in command of Vera Cruz, made overtures for capitulation. Generals Worth and Pillow, 430 PART 17. an( j Q o i Totten, arranged with him the articles ; and on the PERIOD in. night of the 27th, Vera Cruz, with the strong castle of San CHAP. xi. Juan d'Ulloa, the principal commercial port and the strongest v^vw fortress in Mexico, were surrendered, with 5,000 prisoners, 147. (dismissed on parole,) and 500 pieces of artillery. Two men- March 26-7. torious American officers, Captains Alburtis and Vinton, with surrenders, ten privates, were killed. Capt. Swift, one of the brightest ornaments of the service, who had organized a company of sappers and miners, too eager in duty for his impaired health, fainted at the head of his corps, from over-exertion ; and died in the hospital. The discipline of Gen. Scott's army was strict, and no invasion of private rights was permitted. Com. Perry, who succeeded Conner in command of the Gulf squadron, extended his operations after the fall of Vera (Capt Hun- ^ ruz - Alvarado on the south, was captured, and Tuspan on ter.withvai- the north. The American government about this time adopt- < respect d to e d tne policy of drawing a revenue from the conquered ; lest his superior, by too much lenity, in paying for all needed supplies, the war t0 rado.) Ta should become a pecuniary advantage to certain classes of the Mexicans, and thus peace be deferred. Having now the best harbors of Mexico in possession, American revenue officers were appointed, and impost duties collected. On the 8th of April, Gen. Scott, leaving a garrison in Vera April 8. Cruz, sent forward the advance of his army under Gen. Twiggs, Army leaves on the roac l to Jalapa. At the base of the grand eastern chain of the Cordilleras, the other divisions of the army came up, and the commander established a camp at Plan del Rio. Then lay before him an arduous and difficult ascent through a moun- tain-gorge. Across this way, and on the heights which com- manded it, bristled the artillery of the invaded foe, 12,000 strong, commanded by Santa Anna. He had made great efforts to keep up his army ; and he here declared that he would die fighting rather than " the American hosts should proudly tread the imperial capital of Azteca." Scott found by reconnaissance, that the Mexican position was so strongly fortified, and so commanded by the batteries of the lofty height of Cerro Gordo, that approach in front was impracticable. But, aided by the skill of the engineers, Lee and Beaure- gard, he turned to the left, causing to be made a new road, by which, ascending along difficult slopes, and over deep chasms, his army might reach the rear of the enemy's camp. BaftiVof After tnree days of secret labor, the road was made. On the CBRBO GOB- 17th of April, the commander published in a general order Mex D force tn e detailed plan of a battle for the ne-xt day, showing how 12,000. t ne victory was to be obtained, how the flying were to be m _f ' pursued, and how the greatest advantage -was to be reaped. klfw about AH was ^ one as ne commanded. 1,100, About noon the steep ascent was gained. The heights of a!'k.' and Cerro Gordo were stormed by Twiggs' brigade, -and the ene- w'. 430. m y's camp, by a party led by Col. Harney, Gen. Shields, VICTORY OF CERRO GORDO. 431 (severely wounded,) and by Col. Riley. At two o'clock, P. M., PART IT - the enemy were put to flight, more than a thousand had PERIOD HI. fallen, either killed or wounded. Santa Anna and a part of his CHAP - * army had fled, and the eager pursuit had commenced. Scott ^*^~*^s in his orders, given before the battle, had directed that the l47. pursuers should each take two days' subsistence, and that wagons with stores should immediately follow, so that they need not return. On the 19th, the pursuing squadrons en- tered and took possession of Jalapa. On the 20th, they found the strong post of La Hoya abandoned. On the 22d, having now attained the summit of the eastern Cordilleras, General the town Worth displayed the American banner from the unresisting O f Peroie. castle of Perote, the strongest fortress in Mexico, next to San Juan d'CJlloa. Thus by vigorously following up this remark- able victory, the enemy were unable to recover in time to make a stand in this, their strongest inland post ; and thus, other battles were saved. Th ee thousand prisoners were taken atCerro Gordo, among whom were four generals. Gen. Scott dismissed them all upon parole, having neither food to sustain, nor men to guard them. Santa Auna's equipage and papers were secured. Both here and at Perote were captured many large pieces of bronze ar- tillery. From Perote onwards, through that great table val- (54 pieces of ley between the grand chains of the Cordilleras, called the c JSltar ta- " Terras Frias," or the cold country, the American army had now no cause to apprehend serious resistance. On the morn- ing of the 15th of May, the advance under Worth entered Puebla, the second city of Mexico, containing 80,000 inhabit- ants. E igerly did the Mexican men and women look out from their balconies, and from the roofs of their houses, to see these mighty conquerors. War-worn, and habited in the sober gray of the American army, the Mexicans accustomed to a gaudy uniform, looked upon them with disappointment ; and could find no reason but one for their success. " Their leaders," said they, " are gray-headed men." CHAPTER XII. State of the Army. Its March. Coutreras. Churubusco. THE American army having now overrun the northern por- tion of the country, and made a successful inroad which threatened the capital, the Executive sent Nicholas P. Trist, as an agent to make the experiment, whether Mexico would now treat for peace. But the olive-branch was again rejected. The interruption of the army's activity caused by these unavailing efforts for peace, was opportune. Its numbers 432 THE VALLEY OF MEXICO. PART iv. were lessened by sickness ; for the climate though pleasant PERIOD in. proved so unhealthy, that hundreds were in hospitals, and CHAP. xii. many died. The time for which large numbers of the volun- ^-^~v~v*> teers were enlisted, expired ; and many had deserted. Con- 1847. gress had, however, passed a law, February 1 1th, 1847, author- izing ten new regiments; and these being raised, reinforce- (7oo died at ments were sent by the way of Vera Cruz ; and although not were^aVone m sufficient numbers to admit of leaving such garrisons be- time in hos- hind as would keep open his line of supplies, yet Gen. Scott ^ebiafand 1 " determined to move forward. ^jo desert- Qn the 7th of August he marched from Puebla with 10,728 more than a men, leaving more than 3,000 in hospitals, and as a garrison year.) un d e r Col. Childs. Keeping the several columns into which he had divided the army, within supporting distance, and him- self accompanying the van, Gen. Scott moved forth with his little army ; like a second Cortez, to encounter the unknown numbers, which would be brought against him at the coming death-struggle of an infuriated nation. The march of the Americans was now through a beautiful and cultivated region, whose abundant waters flowed pure and cool. Soon they be- gan to ascend the gradual slope of the great Cordilleras of Anahuac, central between the east and western oceans. On the third day, their toilsome march wound up through steep acclivities. At length they reached the summit ; and three miles beyond Rio Frio, burst upon their gaze, all the glories of the grand valley of Mexico. Spreading far round and beneath, were its mingled lakes, plains, cities, and cloud-capped moun- tains. The giant peak of Popocatapetl was far to their left ; before them lay the lake Tezcuco ; and beyond it, the domes and towers of the city of the Montezumas. Many a brave American, that day, rejoiced to behold those towers who ne- ver reached them. The mountain-passes were here unguarded ; and the army marched on, until, on the llth, the advance commanded b August 11. Q en Twiersfs, rested at Avotla, north of lake Chalco, and fi Advance at ., & ' . . J , ' , . . Ayotia. teen miles from the capital, ihe remaining corps were soon concentrated at small distances ; some on the lake's eastern border. The first step was to learn and consider well the po- sition of the city, and every thing respecting its defences. Its ground plot had formerly been an island. What was once the lake on which it stood, was now an oozy marsh. Long straight causeways, easily raked by artillery, led through this marsh to the several gates, from the great roads by which the city was approached ; and much the longest was that con- nected with the road from Vera Cruz. But before reaching the causeways was an exterior system of strong defences. A bold reconnaissance was made. By the Vera Cruz road, on which the army were, the city could not. be ap- proached, without first encountering the strongest of the ex- terior fortifications, that of El Penon. "No doubt," says I ENERGY AND COURAGE. 433 Gen. Scott, " it might have been carried, but at a great and PART iv. disproportionate loss, and I was anxious to spare the lives of PERIOD in. this gallant army for a general battle, which I knew we had CHAP - * to win before capturing the city, or obtaining the great object ^-X-V-N./ of the campaign a just and honorable peace." 184T. The commander then moved his troops 27 miles; they ma- Aug. 15-18. king a new road, directed by the engineers, over such sharp vol- marches canic rocks and deep chasms, as the foe had not dreamed ^"t^SS* could be passed; when, having turned the lakes Chalco and- gustine. Jochamileho, they encamped at St. Augustine, on the Acapulco road, eight miles south of Mexico. From the camp, looking towards the city, the first defences on this road, were the fort- ress of Antonia ; and a mile and a half further north the strongly fortified hill of Churubusco. These could be ap- proached in front only by a dangerous causeway. By making ]^ ^JJJ 1 - a detour to the west, where lay yet other dangers, they might makes a be reached from the left. Two movements, ordered by the roa eras n " commander, were simultaneously made. Worth with Harney's cavalry went to menace Antonia in front ; while to the left, Gen. Pillow's division, consisting of the brigades of Pierce and Cadwallader, conducted by the engineers, Lee, Beaure- gard, and others, made a road through craggy rocks of an- cient lava, whose crevices shot up the thorn-armed maguey, and whose deep chasms were filled with water. To cover and support the working party, was sent Gen. Twiggs' division, made up of the brigades of Riley and Percifer Smith. In the afternoon of the second day, after accomplishing nearly three miles of this difficult road, the troops found them- selves within cannon-range of the enemy's fortified camp at Contreras, commanded by Gen. Valencia, with 6,000 men, surmounted by 22 heavy guns, and communicating by a good road with Mexico, and also with the main camp of Santa Anna, which was lying two miles nearer. Upon this road they saw the Mexicans hurrying on to the scene of action. Fighting now begins, in which the divisions of generals Twiggs and Pil- low, especially Riley's brigade, are engaged. They advance, Thig vil though suffering from the enemy's fire; aided by the small lage is some- batteries of Magruder and Callender, which are with difficulty ^account? brought into action. About sunset, the commander, now on the of this battle field with fresh troops, gives to Col. Morgan of the regular in- ' fantry, an order, which, aided by Gen. Shields of the volun- s ^[Jj| s ^' e teers, he executes ; taking the village of Contreras, or Ansal- Scott's Re- da,! which lay on the road from the fortified camp, to that of port \ g^ st Santa Anna. The enemy's line of reinforcements was now cut. (f of geven Night, cold, dark, and rainy closed in. Comfortless officers sent was the condition of the troops, remaining without food or t / r sundown sleep, upon the ground. The officers at Ansalda, in their per- to carry or- i .L j i f i j ders , not ilous position, separated as they were from their commander one sue- by the almost impassablef lava-field, whose crags, on account Caching 1 of the rain-flood, were interspersed by torrents, now found Ansalda.) 434 CONTRERAS. PART iv. resources in their own genius, courage, and union. Gen. Per- PERIOD in. cifer Smith proposed to set out at midnight, surprise and storm CHAP. in. t h e carn p a t Contreras. From that moment, dark forebodings ***~v~**s passed from the army, and each officer and man, as by spon- 147. taneous movement, fell into his proper place. Gen. Shields ex- MorSif'of ten di n g n * s 600 men into a long line, and keeping up fires, was the2ofh interposed between the storming party and the camp of Santa Anna, with his 12,000 reserve. One messenger alone Lee, the engineer found his dark and watery way over the lava- rocks, and carried to the gratified commander the tidings of the gallant attitude of his troops, and also, a request of Gen. Smith, for co-operation. Gen. Scott complied, by sending CONTRERAS w ^ ^ e messen g er tne force under Twiggs, to Contreras Mex. force, at five in the morning, to aid the storming party approach- gaged?i!!ooo m g tne enemy's rear, by making a diversion in their front, more in A little past midnight, Gen. Smith sets forward, conducted Am? force by engineer Smith, Col. Riley leading the van. The rain con- e 4 g 5 a (H> ed tmues to fall in torrents, and their progress is slow. So profound is the darkness, that the men must touch each k^Too/pS- other as they move, lest they divide, and some be lost. At oners 813, sunrise, they storm the intrenchments, and precipitate them- &8 officers. , J ., . , ,, . T\> i 4 generals, selves upon the surprised Mexicans. Dismay and carnage Arn - {jg & w - prevail for seventeen minutes ; when the camp is carried. Capt. kan- Eighty-eight officers and 3,000 men are made prisoners. as n brsfve Thirty-three pieces of artillery are captured ; among which W k1i h d re are ^ oun( ^ two ^ tnose so honorably lost by O'Brien at Buena Vista ; and they are taken by Capt. Drum with a part of the regiment to which they had in that battle belonged. They are received with shouts of joy by the victors of Contreras ; in which the commander, now present, and proud of his " gal- lant army," heartily participates. Gen. Scott next directed a grand movement upon Churu- busco, to which the victory already achieved, opened the way. Moving northeasterly by the road through St. Angel, he keeps the centre of the extended field, while Gen. Worth on his extreme left, is driving the now terrified garrison from Antonia. Gen. Shields, who at Contreras, had kept for hours the whole army of Santa Anna in check, was in command of the extreme left ; still charged with the dangerous duty of keeping off the grand Mexican army from the immediate object of at- tack. In the centre, Gen. Twiggs presses forward to Churu- busco, and entering it from the west, attacks one of its two strong defences, the fortified church of Sari Pablo. In the mean time, Worth, joined by Pillow and Cadwallader, comes August 20. in from Antonia, and furiously carrying the stronger fortress, CHURUBUS- ca j] e( j p^ ^ u j^ e> or Bridge's Head, he turns its guns upon the citadel-church, which now surrenders. Shields, Pierce, and others, are meantime fighting a bloody battle with Santa Anna, with fearful odds against them. Scott sent successive regiments to their aid. Churubusco was now taken, the brave old Gen. ARMISTICE OF MEXICO. 435 Rincon, its commander, having surrendered. Santa Anna aban- PART iv. doned the field. Worth and Shields pursued. Col. Harney PERIOD IK. with his dragoons dashed by them, and one of his officers, CHAP - x Capt. Kearney, not hairing the call to return, followed the flying Mexicans to the very gate of the capital. f CHAPTER XIII. Armistice. Molinos del Rey. Chapultepec. Mexico. THE commander, following up his victory, might now have entered Mexico. But he was not sent to conquer the country, but to " conquer a peace," and he believed that the reduction of the capital would delay, rather than accelerate this result. Generous He did not wish to diive the government away from the city proceeding 8 i rni c- i J' Of Scott. dishonored. " ihe army, says Scott in his dispatches, "are willing to leave to this republic something on which to rest her pride, and they cheerfully sacrifice to patriotism the eclat that would have followed an entrance, sword in hand, into a great c;>pit;il." Tacub iva now became the headquarters of the American Au ust 21 army. The general-in-chief occupied the archbishop's palace, with i:s beautiful gardens. He.e he negotiated with Mexican Ar JJ|J' ice commissioners an armistice, as a step preparatory, to a final concluded peace. On Mr. Trist, the agent of the American executive, it devolved, to settle with the Mexican authorities the terms. They wanted, among other conditions, that regions should be left as desolate wastes between the two republics ; and, humbled as they were, they could not yet brook the relinquishment of the territory demanded. Negotiations were broken off, and the spirit of the Mexican government rose once more to meet a final struggle. They violated the armistice by strengthening their defences. Taking down the bells of their churches, they made a foundry at the " King's Mills," where they converted the Mexi- them into cannon. They called on the provinces to come to cans - their aid in mass ; and by fire or poison, by any weapon, in any manner, to injure and destroy the invader. From Tacubaya, Mexico was in full view northeast, and dis- tant three miles. North bearing a little east distant a mile rose, in beautiful prospect, -the fortified hill of Chapultepec ; its porphyiitic rocks abruptly descending on its southern and east- ern sides, while to the west, the hill fell gradually, with a gen- tle, wooded slope, till it met the fortified building of stone, call- ed El Molinos del Rey, or the King's Mills. A quarter of a mile Scott , g pos ,_ west of the fortified mills stood another stone fortress called tioninre- Casa Mata. These were the obstacles which now barred the Mexico and way of the Americans to the capital ; and they constituted the its defences 436 MOLINOS DEL KEY. PART iv. supporting points of the Mexican army ranged behind them, PERIOD in. headed by Santa Anna, and amounting to fourteen thousand. CHAP. xin. r p ne generals, Scott and Worth, went forth in person to re- v - x ~v~ x ~ / connoitre, and they sent out their skilful engineers. Scott then 147. g ay e the order for an assault on Molinos del Rey, committing MOWINGS * ts execu ti n to Worth. A terrible battle was fought, the DEL KEY. fortresses of Molinos del Rey and Casa Mata were taken, and M6 H oo() rce an i m p r tant victory was won. But the very tone was mel- Am. 3,260. ancholy, in which the commanding-officer praised the vic- MexTioss tors, " the gallant dead, the wounded, and the few unscathed." e comman( ^ ers m their reconnaissance before the battle had Pris. 8oo,' been somewhat deceived as to the enemy's strength; they 5 A.m ffi ic5s S ' mas king their batteries, and concealing their men, which were k.ii6'w. lies, perhaps fivefold the numbers of their assailants. In the heat '"officers. 49 f the action, Major Wright, assisted by Mason of, the engi- neers, fell upon the enemy's centre, and took his main field- battery ; when so furiously did he charge to regain it, that of fourteen American officers, eleven fell. Among the number were Wright and Mason. One brigade lost its three senior officers, Col. M'Intosh and Major Waite wounded, and Col. Martin Scott killed. Casa Mata was bloAvn up, and El Mo- linos dismantled. It was at the beautiful hill of Chapuliepec, where once arose the veritable " Halls of the Montezumas." Here was now the military school of Mexico, and the last exterior defence of the successors of Cortez, to that capital which he had so iniquitously taken, shedding seas of blood, because " the Span- birds had a disease of the heart, which nothing could assuage ^cofvsCon- but gold."f The God of battles, who had so signally made quest of t, ne American armies the means of chastising the Spanish Mex- icans, for national cruelties early begun and long continued, again led them to victory. On the night of the llth of September, Gen. Scott caused 4 batteries, to be erected, from the cannon taken in former victories, four heavy batteries, bearing on Chapultepec. Before night, on the 12th, the outworks of that fortress, skilfully assailed by a can- nonade directed by the American engineers, began to give way. CHAPULTE- ^ n tne 13tn was tne battle. The officers and men, by whom PEC. such an unbroken series of victories had been achieved, were all promptly in the places assigned them, by eight o'clock in the morning. The fortification which they were to storm was a nation's last hope. The roar of the American cannon ceases for a moment. It is the preconcerted signal for the assault. In an instant the assailants are in rapid motion. The fortress Q en> Quitman hastens from the south, Gen. Percifer Smith from the southeast, and Gen. Pillow, with Col. Clark, from the wooded slope on the west. The batteries throw shells into the fort over the heads of their friends, as they begin the furious attack. The garrison, though they fought with des- peration, were overpowered. Some yield, and others attempt THE CAPITAL TAKEN. 437 to retire. At the moment of their retreat, the supporting PART IV force under Santa Anna, in the rear of Chapultepec, is at- PERIOD in. tacked and defeated by Gen. Worth, who for this purpose CHAP - had passed the batteries. Directed by the commander, he v -*~v~^' pursues the enemy as he flies to the city, pressing forward to 1847. enter, by a circuitous road, the San Cosme gate on the north- Battles of west. Gen. Quitman, in the mean time, follows the flying foe M ^ X force to the city, by a route direct from Chapultepec ; he being in- more than structed to make a feint of storming the southwestern or Belen A m '7i80. gate, near to the formidable citadel within, in order to make a diversion from the real point of attack at San Cosme. the X whoie Gen. Scott meantime advanced with Worth into the suburb g rn j y a ' b ex ~ of San Cosme, where opposing batteries were taken; but he 6,000, k.w., returned at night to Chapultepec, to look with a father's care ^^loss^' to the condition of all, the living, the wounded, and the dead. Sept. 12-14, Worth, as instructed, remained in the suburb until morning, officers" 1 *^. But Gen. Quitman, accompanied by Shields and Smith, rested 70368 of. that night within the city ; having changed the feint which the commander ordered, into a real attack, by which they en- tered (though with considerable loss) the Belen gate. They had not yet passed the formidable citadel. A four o'clock on the morning of the 14th, Gen. Scott hav- ing returned to San Cosme, the Mexican authorities sent him sept. 14. a deputation, desiring of him terms of capitulation ; their army MEX j[g TA " having fled a little after midnight. Gen. Scott replied, that the American army would come under no terms, but such as c [J h r g ^' re were self-imposed, and demanded by honor, by the spirit of hoisted at 7 the age, and the dignity of the American character. Worth ' and Quitman, as directed, moved cautiously forward, Worth to the Alameda, and Quitman to the Grand Plaza, where the victorious army reared above the National Palace of Mexico, the stars and stripes of the Republic of America. Three hours before noon, Gen. Scott made his entrance, 10 A. M. with escort of cavalry, and flourish of trumpets into the entrance, conquered city of the Aztecs ; and as he approached the grand plaza his towering figure, conspicuous as his fame, loudly and warmly was he cheered, by shouts, which arose from the hearts of his companions in arms. The troops for twenty-four hours now suffered from the an- Convicts archy of Mexico, more than her prowess had been able to destroy! inflict. Two thousand convicts, let loose from the prisons, attacked them from the house-tops ; at the same time, enter- ing houses and committing robberies. The Mexicans assisting, these felons were quelled by the morning of the 15th. Gen. Scott gave to his army, on the day of their entrance into Mexico, memorable orders concerning their discipline and behavior. After directing that companies and regiments be kept together, he says, " Let there be no disoideis, no straggling, scott en- no drunkenness. Marauders shall be punished by courts mar- J in s order, tial. All the rules so honorably observed by this glorious and mercy. 438 COL. CHILDS' DEFENCE AT PUEBLA. PART iv. arm y j n p u ebla, must be observed here. The honor of the PERIOD HI. army, the honor of our country, call for the best behavior from CHAP. xiv. all. The valiant must, to win the approbation of God and ^~v~ " This is the last of earth." Adams. In March, Gen. Sterling Price moved with a force from March 16. ^ ew Mexico to Chihuahua ; and from that city, sixty miles Force tm n tiie roa( * to ^urango > where he conquered, at Santa Cruz known, de Rozales, a Mexican army, making prisoners the command- k M & X w. 10 238. m # g enera l> Angel Frias, and forty-two other officers. Am. k. & w. Peace was declared to the American army in Mexico, on the 20 - 29th of May, by Gen. Butler, who was, by order of the gov- M & y 29. eminent, left in command of the army by Gen. Scott, he being cil?med r by about to return to the United States. ?n e Mex U ico r The treat 7 stipulated that all Mexico should be evacuated by the American armies within three months. Prisoners on each side were to be released ; and Mexican captives, made by In- dians within the limits of the United States, were to be restored. These limits, as they affect Mexico, are to begin at the mouth of the Rio Grande thence to proceed along the deepest chan- nel of that river to the southern boundary of New Mexico. From thence to the Pacific, they are to follow the river Gila, and the southern boundary of Upper California. The United substance of ^tes may, however, use the Colorado, for purposes of navi- the Treaty gation, below the entrance of its affluent, the Gila. If it f iupe ada S ^ 10U ^ De f un( l practicable, and judged expedient, to con- struct a canal, road, or railway, along the Gila, then both na- tions are to unite in its construction and use. The navigation of that river is to be free to both nations ; and interrupted by neither. Mexican citizens within the limits of the relinquished territories of New Mexico and Upper California, are allowed a year to make their election whether they will continue Mex- ican citizens, and remove their property, (in which case they are to receive every facility,) or whether they will remain and become citizens of the United States. This nation agrees to restrain the incursions of all the Indian tribes within its limits, against the Mexicans ; and to return all Mexican captives hereafter made by these savages. In consideration of ter- ritory gained, the American government is to pay to Mexico fifteen millions of dollars ; and also to assume her debts to American citizens, to the amount of three millions and a half more. Three millions were paid to Mexico in hand ; congress hav- ing the preceding winter placed that sum with the president, in anticipation of such an event ; the remaining twelve mil- lions to be paid in instalments. The territory of Wisconsin was admitted into the American Union as a state, on the 29th of May, 1848. " CONSEQUENCES OF WAR. 443 The Mexican treaty was brought home by Mr. Sevie:- ; PART iv. Mr. Clifford remaining in Mexico as American envoy. Pres- PERIOD in. ident Polk made his proclamation of peace between the two CHAP - XIV - republics, on the 4th of July, 1848 ; the first day of our sev- ^*^^s enty- third national year. 184. The American armies have evacuated Mexico. Distin- p^J 4 ^ guished generals, and other officers, have been received by claimed, their country with the honors due to those who have so well sustained the national character, >not only for courage, activity, endurance, discipline, and military science, but for the nobler virtues of humanity. The remains of other officers, who died in the service of their country, have been brought home to be honored, in death ; and to find their last repose among their friends. And the soldiers too they who fought so bravely for their native land, they have returned. Regiments that went forth full and fresh, have returned, smitten and scathed. Many is the desolate hearth, to which the son, the husband, the father, shall return no more. No kindred eye shall weep at his grave. He is buried with the undistinguishable dead, who fell in the foreign battle-field, or died in the hos- pital. Thirty thousand American lives, it is calculated, have been sacrificed in this war ; and about seventy-five mil- lions of money expended. f And we know that the sacrifice of (t See Mans- Mexican life and property has been still greater. The num- toryofthe ber of Mexican soldiers, who fell in battle, greatly exceeded ^JJ?,"" that of the American ; and who can tell how many of their women and children were killed in the bombardment of their cities ? Let the value of money be estimated by the good it may be made to do, and we shall then see the magnitude of the evils which, in a pecuniary way, war inflicts. Ireland was visit- ed with famine in the winter of 1846-7 from the failure of crops, especially that of the potato. The benevolent among us were moved with compassion, and contributed money and food to her relief. The government in one instance sent a public ship to carry provisions thus contributed.! The very (t March as. heart of affectionate Ireland overflowed with gratitude ; and ^ston'the England and Scotland, themselves sufferers in a less degree sioop-of-war from the same cause, felt and praised our liberality. Thus, J T4>tain n ' we blessed others, and were ourselves blessed in return ; and Sh Forbe f: the money which it cost us, was about half a million of dollars ; ed at Cork, whereas, we paid seventy-five millions, to kill and distress the Apnl 22i) Mexicans. The time to act for the prevention of war, as of incendiary, is when none is raging ; and those to move first in the cause Time > and of peace, should be nations and men, of undoubted courage and ability in war. The Mexican contest has placed our Re- public, for the present time, eminently in that position. No country has at any period shown braver soldiers, or better officers. Our ^government, from respect to the moral feel- 444 CONCLUSION. PART iv. m g o f the nation, which wishes no territory gained by force, PERIOD in. pays to conquered Mexico the full price of the lands acquired CHAP. xiv. f rom her ; yet is it none the less true, that these territories v -^" > v~^ / were won by the valor of our armies, and without conquest 184. would not have been ours. They extend from ocean to ocean the full breadth of the grand platform on which stands the American nation; and the 250,000 emigrants, which come yearly to her shores, will soon people her waste places. Some among the very first of our veteran officers are avow- edly in favor of UNIVERSAL PEACE, as soon as means can be devised by which it may ensue, consistently with the existence of national law ; which, in its violation, has at present no other penalty than that of war. Why then should not our govern- ment while yet the bereaved among us are sorrowing for the miseries which even a successful war has inflicted upon our- selves, and the benevolent are grieving for those which our armies have been obliged to inflict upon others, send some one of those veteran generals, while his laurels are yet fresh upon his brows, as a special envoy, to negotiate with Great Britain and other Christian powers, the immediate formation of COUNCIL OF a COUNCIL OF PEACE? Such a Council, having its constitution PEACE, founded in the law of nations, sitting alternately in the differ- ent countries, whose governments shall have sent delegates and sanctioned its special arrangements, has nothing visionary or impracticable in its scheme, now, when men move by steam, and send their thoughts by electricity. Could this great er- rand of " PEACE ON EARTH" be accomplished, and that by the instrumentality of this nation, then, with peculiar emphasis, might PROGRESS be made, the watchword of the nineteenth century, and of the Republic of America. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Framed during the year 1787, by a convention of delegates, who met at Philadelphia, from the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Penn- sylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia. WE the people of the United States, in order to form a more per- fect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the Preambis blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. ARTICLE I. SECTION I. ALL legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a congress Legislative of the United States, which shall consist of a senate and nonse of powers, representatives. SECTION II. I. The house of representatives shall be composed of members, chosen every second year by the people of the several states, and the Itg WVircn electors in each state shall have the qualifications requisite for elec- tors of the most numerous branch of the state legislature. II. No person shall be a representative, who shall not have attained to the age of twenty-five years, and been seven years a Eligibility of citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an rep t i v eg nt!l inhabitant of that state in which he shall be chosen. III. Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several states which may be included within this Union, accord- jyi anner an j ing to their respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding ratio of to the whole number of free persons, including those bound to servi- 446 CONSTITUTION- tude for a term of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other persons. The actual enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the congress of the United States, and within every subsequent term of ten years, in such man- tion and tax- ner as they shall by law direct. The number of representatives ation. shall not exceed one for every thirty thousand, but each state shall have at least one representative : and, until such enumeration shall be made, the state of New Hampshire shall be entitled to choose three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode Island and Providence Planta- tions one, Connecticut five, New York six, New Jersey four, Penn- sylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three. IV. When vacancies happen in the representation from any state, Vacancies, the executive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies. Speaker and V. The house of representatives shall choose their speaker, and impeach- ments. ot her officers ; and shall have the sole power of impeachment. Senators two from each state, nmnTfor a choice of one-third l officef Presiding officer. Power of e^chme^s and , SECTION III. I- The senate of the United States shall be composed of two senators from each state, chosen by the legislature thereof, for six years : and each senator shall have one vote. II. Immediately after they shall be assembled, in consequence of the first election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes. The seats of the senators of the first class shall be vacate ^ at tne expiration of the second year ; of the second class, at the expiration of the fourth year ; and of the third class, at the expiration of the sixth year, so that one-third may be chosen every secon( l year ; and if vacancies happen by resignation, or otherwise, during the recess of the legislature of any state, the executive there- of may make temporary appointments, until the next meeting of the legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies. III. No person shall be a senator who shall not have attained to the age of thirty years, and been nine years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state for which he shall be chosen. ^- ^he vice-president of the United States shall be president of the senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided. V. The senate shall choose their other officers, and also a presi- dent pro tempore, in the absence of the vice-president, or when he shall exercise the office of president of the United States. VI. The senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. "When sitting for that purpose, they shall be on oath, or affirmation. W* 1611 the president of the United States is tried, the chief-justice shall preside : and no person shall be convicted without the con- currence of two-thirds of the members present. VII. Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States ; but the CONSTITUTION. 447 party convicted shall, nevertheless, be liable and subject to indict- ment, trial, judgment, and punishment, according to law. SECTION IV. I. The times, places, and manner of holding elections for senators and representatives, shall be prescribed in each state by the legisla- Elections, ture thereof; but the congress may, at any time by law, make or alter such regulations, except as to the places of choosing senators. II. The congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and , . , such meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall, by law, appoint a different day. SECTION v. I. Each house shall be the judge of the elections, returns, and qualifications of its own members, and a majority of each shall con- stitute a quorum to do business ; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner and under such penalties as each house may provide. II. Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member. III. Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such parts as may, in their judgment, require secrecy ; and the yeas and nays of the members of either house, on any question, shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those present, be entered on the journals. IV. Neither house, during the session of congress, shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which the two houses shall be sitting SECTION VI. I. The senators and representatives shall receive a compensation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the treasury of the United States. They shall, in all cases except trea- Compensa- son, felony, and breach of peace, be privileged from arrest during ^?. their attendance at the session of their respective houses, and in going to and returning from the same ; and for any speech or de- bate in either house, they shall not be questioned in any other place. II. No senator or representative shall, during the time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil office under the authority p . .. . of the United States, which shall have been created, or the emolu- offices, ments whereof shall have been increased during such time ; and no person, holding any office under the United States, shall be a member of either house during his continuance in office. 448 CONSTITUTION SECTION VII. I. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the house of bTi n - f re P resentat i y es ; but the senate may propose or concur with amend- ments, as on other bills. II. Every bill which shall have passed the house of representa- tives and the senate shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the president of the United States ; if he approve, he shall sign it, but if not, he shall return it, with his objections, to that house in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the objections at large their course n t * ie " : J ourna ^ an d proceed to reconsider it. If, after such re- in becoming consideration, two-thirds of that house shall agree to pass the bill, it laws. Approval and veto powers. shall be sent, together with the objections, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two- thirds of that house, it shall become a law. But in all such cases the votes of both houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the persons voting for and against the bill shall be entered on the journal of each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned by the president within ten days, (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a law, in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the congress, by their adjourn- ment, prevent its return, in which case it shall not be a law. III. Every order, resolution, or vote, to which the concurrence of the senate and house of representatives may be necessary (except on a question of adjournment,) shall be presented to the president of the United States ; and before the same shall take effect, shall be ap- proved by him ; or, being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two-thirds of the senate and house of representatives, according to the rules and limitations prescribed in the case of a bill. Of the du- ties and power of congress. SECTION VIII. The congress shall have power I. To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises ; to pay the debts, and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States ; but all duties, imposts, and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States. II. To borrow money on the credit of the United States. III. To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes. IV. To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States. V. To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and measures. VI. To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current coin of the United States. VII. To establish post-offices and post-roads. VIII. To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing, for limited times, to authors and inventors, the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries. CONSTITUTION. 449 IX. To constitute tribunals inferior to the supreme court. X. To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the nigh seas, and offenses against the law of nations. XI. To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land, or water. XII. To raise and support armies ; but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer term than two years. XIII. To provide and maintain a navy. XIV. To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces. XV. To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions. XVI. To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the mi- litia, and for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the United States, reserving to the states respectively, the appointment of the officers, and the authority of training the militia, according to the discipline prescribed by congress. XVII. To exercise exclusive legislation, in all cases whatsoever, over such district, (not exceeding ten miles square,) as may, by ces- sion of particular states, and the acceptance of congress, become the seat of the government of the United States, and to exercise like authority over all places purchased by the consent of the legislature of the state in which the same shall be, for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock-yards, and other needful buildings : and XVIII. To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department, or office thereof. SECTION IX. I. The migration or importation of such persons as any of the states now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the congress, prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation, not ex- ceeding ten dollars for each person. II. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be sus- pended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it. III. No bill of attainder, or ex post facto law, shall be passed. IV. No capitation, or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to the census, or enumeration, herein before directed to /a ^' a be taken. V. No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any state. No preference shall be given, by any regulation of commerce or Conuwm:. revenue, to the ports of one state over those of another : nor shall reveiiuc - vessels, bound to or from one state, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in another. VI. No money shall be drawn from the treasury, but in conse- T quence of appropriations made by law ; and a regular statement and Personal taxes. Right of trial. Attainder. 450 CONSTITUTION. account of the receipts and expenditures of all public money shall be published from time to time. VII. No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States : Interdiction and no person holding any office of profit or trust under them, shall, of titles, without the consent of congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state. SECTION x. I. No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation ; Conserva- grant letters of marque and reprisal ; coin money ; emit bills of credit ; ersVested Tn ma ke any thing but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts ; the Union, pass any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts, or grant any title of nobility. II. No state shall, without the consent of congress, lay any imposts or duties on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely ne- cessary for executing its inspection laws : and the net produce of all Further de- duties and imposts, laid by any state on imports and exports, shall fined. be for the use of the treasury of the United States, and all such laws shall be subject to the revision and control of congress. No state shall, without the consent of congress, lay any duty of tonnage, keep troops^ or ships of war, in time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact with another state, or with a foreign power, or engage in war, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent danger as will not admit of delay. ARTICLE II. SECTION I. I. The executive power shall be vested in a president of the United The chief States of America. He shall hold his office during the term of four magistrate. y ea rs, and, together with the vice-president, chosen for the same term, be elected as follows : II. Each state shall appoint, in such manner as the legislature thereof may direct, a number of electors, equal to the whole number of his elec- f senators and representatives to which the state may be entitled in tion the congress ; but no senator or representative, or person holding an office of trust or profit under the United States, shall be appointed an elector. III. The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabit- ant of the same state with themselves. And they shall make a list ot all the persons voted for, and of the number of votes for each ; which list they shall sign and certify, and transmit, sealed, to the seat ot government of the United States, directed to the president of the senate. The president of the senate shall, in the presence of the by the house senate and house of representatives, open all the certificates, and of represen- the votes shall then be counted. The person having the greatest tatives, num b er of votes shall be the president, if such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed ; and if there be more thar CONSTITUTION. 451 one who have such majority, and have an equal number of votes, then the house of representatives shall immediately choose, by ballot, one of them for president : and if no person have a majority, then from the five highest on the list, the said house shall, in like manner, choose the president. But in choosing 'the president, the votes shall be taken by states, the representation from each state having one vote ; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or mem- bers from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to a choice. In every case, after the choice of and O f the the president, the person having the greatest number of votes of the vice-presi- electors, shall be the vice-president. But if there should remain two dent ' or more who have equal votes, the senate shall choose from them by ballot, the vice-president. IV. The congress may determine the time of choosing the elec- tors, and the day on which they shall give their votes : which day shall be the same throughout the United States. V. No person, except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States at the time of the adoption of this constitution, shall Require- be eligible to the office of president, neither shall any person be eligi- ment for of- ble to that office, who shall not have attained to the age of thirty-five fice- years, and been fourteen years a resident within the United States. VI. In case of the removal of the president from office, or of his death, resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said office, the same shall devolve on the vice-president, and the Proviso m congress may, by law, provide for the case of removal, death, resig- case of death nation, or inability, both of the president and vice-president, declaring what officer shall then act as president, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the disability be removed, or a president shall be elected. VII. The president shall, at stated times, receive for his services, a compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished Compensa- during the period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive, within that period, any other emolument from the United States, or any of them. VIII. Before he enters on the execution of his office, he shall take the following oath, or affirmation : " I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States, and will, to the best of my at g c f *~ ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." SECTION II. I. The president shall be commander-in-chief of the army and navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states, when called into the actual service of the United States ; he HIS duties, may require the opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the executive departments, upon any subject relating to the du- ties of their respective offices, and he shall have power to grant re- prieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment. 452 CONSTITUTION. II. He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, to make treaties, provided two-thirds of the senators present concur ; and he shall nominate, and by and with the advice d were an( * consent f t ^ ie senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other public in making ministers, and consuls, judges of the supreme court, and all other treaties, officers of the United States, whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by law. But the congress may, by law, vest the appointment of such inferior offi- cers as they think proper in the president alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of departments. III. The president shall have power to fill up all vacancies that m *? ^ a PP en during the recess of the senate, by granting commissions, which shall expire at the end of their next session. SECTION III. He shall, from time to time, give to the congress information of the state of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient ; he may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both houses, or either of them, and * n case f disagreement between them, with respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper ; he shall receive ambassadors and other public ministers ; he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, and shall com- mission all the officers of the United States. SECTION IV. The president, vice-president, and all civil officers of the United Removal States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and con- ce> viction of treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. ARTICLE III. SECTION I. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one su- preme court, and in such inferior courts as the congress may, from tmie * tmie > ordain and establish. The judges, both of the supreme method of and inferior courts, shall hold their offices during good behavior, and investiture, shall, at stated times, receive for their services a compensation, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office. SECTION II. I. The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and equity, arising under this constitution, the laws of the United States, and Their pow- treaties made, or which shall be made, under their authority ; to all **" cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls ; to all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction ; to controversies to which the United States shall be a party ; to controversies between CONSTITUTION. 453 two or more states, between a state and citizens of another state, between citizens of different states, between citizens of the same state claiming lands under grants of different states, and between a state, or the citizens thereof, and foreign states, citizens, or subjects. II. In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls, and those in which a state shall be a party, the supreme Rules of pro- court shall have original jurisdiction. In all other cases before men- tioned, the supreme court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions, and under such regulations as the congress shall make. III. The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by jury ; and such trials shall be held in the state where the said crime shall have been committed ; but when not committed within any state, the trial shall be at such place or places as the congress may, by law, have directed. SECTION III. I. Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid Nature O f and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the treason, an< testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open, court. II. The congress shall have power to declare the punishment how _ of treason, but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of ished. blood, or forfeiture except during the life of the person attainted. ARTICLE IV. SECTION I. Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. And the con- Guaranty of gress may, by general laws, prescribe the manner in which such state acts, records, and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof. SECTION II. I. The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all the privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states. II. A person, charged in any state with treason, felony, or other crime, who shall flee from justice, and be found in another state, shall, on demand of the executive authority of the state from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the state having the juris- diction of the crime. III. No person, held to service or labor in one state, under the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law, or _. . - ii i * e regulation therein, be discharged from such service or labor, but der. shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due. 454 CONSTITUTION. SECTION III. I. New states may be admitted by the congress into this Union, New ttates, ^ ut no new state s ^ a ^ De forced or erected within the jurisdiction of any other state ; nor any state be formed by the junction of two or more states, or parts of states, without the consent of the legisla- tures of the states concerned, as well as of the congress. II. The congress shall have power to dispose of and make all and public ne edful rules and regulations respecting the territory, or other pro- lands, perty, belonging to the United States ; and nothing in this constitu- tion shall be so construed as to prejudice any claims of the United States, or of any particular state. SECTION IV. The United States shall guarantee to every state in this Union, a re P u blican f rm of government, and shall protect each of them against vemment. invasion ; and on application of the legislature, or of the executive, (when the legislature cannot be convened) against domestic violence. ARTICLE V. The congress, whenever two-thirds of both houses shall deem it menteTf the necessary, shall propose amendments to this constitution, or, on the constitution, application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be valid, to all intents and purposes, as part of this consti- tution, when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several states, or by conventions in three-fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the congress : Pro- vided, that no amendment, which may be made prior to the year one with provi- thousand eight hundred and eight, shall, in any manner, affect the Bos ' first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article ; and that no state, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suf- frages in the senate. ARTICLE VI. Recognition I- All debts contracted, and engagements entered into, before the of antece- adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United dent claims States under this constitution, as under the confederation. II. This Constitution and the laws of the United States, which R . . shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made, or venunenf which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall consoli- be the supreme law of the land ; and the judges in every state shall dated, be boun( j thereby, any thing in the constitution or laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding. III. The senators and representatives before mentioned, and the and obliga- members of the several state legislatures, and all executive and ju- tion of its dicial officers, both of the United States and of the several states, officers. gha]] be bound by ^t}\, or affirmation, to support this Constitution ; CONSTITUTION. 455 Constitu- tion. and no religious test shall ever be required, as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States. ARTICLE VII. The ratification of the conventions of nine states, shall be suf- ficient for the establishment of this Constitution, between the states so ratifying the same. Done in convention by the unanimous consent of the states present, the seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord, one thou- sand seven hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Indpendence of of the United States of America, the twelfth. In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names. The Constitution, although formed in 1787, was not adopted until 1788, and did not commence its operations until 1789. The number Time of of delegates chosen to this convention was sixty-five, of whom ten adoption, did not attend, and sixteen refused to sign the Constitution. The following thirty-nine signed the Constitution : New Hampshire, John Langdon, Nicholas Gelman. Massachusetts. Nathaniel Gorham, Rufus King. Connecticut. William Samuel Johnson, Roger Sherman. New York. Alexander Hamilton. New Jersey. William Livingston, David Brearley, William Pat- terson, Jonathan Dayton. Pennsylvania. Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Mifflin, Robert Mor- - . f . ris, George Clymer, Thomas Fitzsimons, Jared Ingersoll, James e . Wilson, Gouvernenr Morris. Delaware. George Head, Gunning Bedford, jr., John Dickinson, Richard Bassett, Jacob Broom. Maryland. James M'Henry, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Daniel Carroll. Virginia. John Blair, James Madison, jr. North Carolina. William Blount, Richard Dobbs Spaight, Hugh Williamson. South Carolina. John Rutledge, Charles C. Pinkney, Charles Pinkney, Pierce Butler. Georgia. William Few, Abraham Baldwin. GEORGE WASHINGTON, President WILLIAM JACKSON, Secretary. Si 1 456 CONSTITUTION. AMENDMENTS To the Constitution of the United States, ratified according to the Pro- visions of the Fifth Article of the foregoing Constitution. [Congress, at their first session under the Constitution, held in the city of New York, in 1789, proposed to the legislatures of the several States twelve amendments, ten of which only were adopted. They are the first ten of the following amendments ; and they were ratified by three-fourths, the constitutional number, of the Statesmen the 15th of December, 1791. The eleventh amendment was proposed at the first session of the third Con- gress, and was declared in a message from the President of the United States to both Houses of Congress, dated the 8th of January, 1798, to have been adopted by the constitutional number of States. The twelfth amendment, which was proposed at the first session of the eighth Congress, was adopted by the constitutional number of States in the year 1804, according to a public notice by the Secretary of State, dated the 25th of September, 1804.] ARTICLE I. Religious Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, Rights of tfie or P r hibiting tne free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom ot press ; and speech, or of the press ; or the rights of the people peaceably to as- petition. semble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. ARTICLE II. A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free The militia, state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be in- fringed. ARTICLE III. No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house with- out the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. ARTICLE IV. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, pa- Search war- P ers an( * effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall rants and not be violated ; and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, seizures. SU pp O rted by oath, or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. ARTICLE V. o^rancMi- ^ P erson sna ^ l)e ^ e ^ to answer f r a capital, or otherwise infa- ries. mous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a p'-ind jury. CONSTITUTION. 457 except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service, in time of war, or public danger ; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb ; nor shall be compelled, in any criminal case, to be a Judicial witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, safeguards without due process of law ; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation. ARTICLE VI. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a Trial by speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district J urv wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation ; to be confronted with the wit- nesses against him ; to have compulsory process for obtaining wit- nesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense. ARTICLE VII. In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall ex- ceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and regulated by . , , , , , . ,. -commonlaw. no fact, tried by jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law. ARTICLE VIII. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, Bail, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. ARTICLE IX. The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not Line be- be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. stitutional ARTICLE X. The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, an d state nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respect- rights drawn. ively, or to the people. ARTICLE XI. The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to Li m i ta tion extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against O f judicial one of the United States, by citizens of another state, or by citizens power. or subjects of any foreign state. ARTICLE XII. The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote ' y ballot, for president and vice-president, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves ; they shall name, in their ballots, the person voted for as president, and, in Sect. IV.* distinct ballots, the person voted for as vice-president ; and they respecting shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for as president, and of e ' ectlons 458 CONSTITUTION. all persons voted for as vice-president, and of the number of votea for each, which lists they shall sign and certify, and transmit, sealed, to the seat of the government of the United States, directed to the pre- sident of the senate. The president of the senate shall, in the presence of the senate and house of representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. The person having the greatest number of votes for president, shall be the president, if such a num- ber be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed ; and if no person have such a majority, then from the persons having the highest numbers, not exceeding three on the list of those voted for as president, the house of representatives shall choose immediately, by ballot, the president. But, in choosing the president, the votes shall be taken by states, the representation from each state having one vote ; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to a choice. And if the house of represen- tatives shall not choose a president, whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the fourth day of March next follow- ing, then the vice-president shall act as president, as in the case of the death, or other constitutional disability of the president. The person having the greatest number of votes as vice-president, shall be the vice-president, if such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed ; and if no person have a majority, then, from the two highest numbers on the list, the senate shall choose the vice-president a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the whole number of senators, and a majority of the whole number shall be necessary to a choice. But no person, constitutionally ineligible to the office of president, snail be eligible to that of vice-president of the United States. QUESTIONS. CHRONOGRAPHICAL PLAN. AT what epoch of time does the History begin ? Into how many parts is it divided ? PART I. In what year does the first part begin ? In what year does it close ? On what subject does it treat ? Into how many periods is it divided ? When does the first period begin ? What event marks it ? When does the first period terminate ? What event marks that time ? When does the second period begin ? When does it terminate ? What event marks the termination ? When does the third period begin? When does it terminate? What marks its termina- tion? PART II. At what time does the second part begin? What event marks this point of time ? In what year does it terminate ? What event marks the termination ? WTiat are the subjects of the second part ? Into how many periods is it divided? When does the first period begin ? When does it terminate ? What event marks the commencement of the period ? What its termination ? At what time does the second period begin ? When does it terminate? What marks its com- mencement? What its close ? At what time does the third period begin ? When does it end ? What event marks the commencement ? What the close ? PART III. At what time does the third part begin ? When does it close f What event marks its commencement? What its termi- nation? On what subject does it treat ? Into how many periods is it divided ? When does the first period begin ? When does it close ? What marks the beginning of the first period ? What its termination ? When does the sec- ond period begin? When does it close? What marks its commencement ? What its termination ? PART IV. At what time does the fourth part begin ? At what time does it terminate ? On what subject does it treat? Into how many periods is it divided? At what time does the first period begin? When does it terminate ? What event marks its commence- ment ? What its end ? At what time does the second period begin ? At what time does it close ? What event marks its beginning ? What its conclusion ? At what time does the third period begin ? When does it terminate? What event marks the commencement? What the close ? What centuries does the entire History em- brace ? How many years of each century ? How many years are embraced in the whole time ? Name the events which fall in the fif- teenth century those which fall in the six- teenth those in the seventeenth those in the eighteenth and those in the nineteenth. INTRODUCTION. CHAPTER I What are the limits of the country of which the history treats ? By what other name is it called ? Why is the latter name a proper one ? Was the country inhabited when first known to the Europeans? Were the inhabitants civilized or savage ? How far back can we trace their authentic history ? On what can we form conjectures in relation to it? Who was the second father of the human family ? In what part of the world was he found after the deluge ? At what place do the eastern and western continents most nearly approach? Who were the early in- aabitants of this region found to resemble ? What is inferred from this fact ? Why is it supposed that a more civilized race had pre- ceded the inhabitants found by the Europe- ans ? How then is it supposed that America was peopled ? Where did the more civilized inhabitants settle after being expelled from the north? What nations did not migrate? Did the Indians possess any books on manuscripts f What supplied their place? According to tradition, where did the Lenni Lenape dwell ? When they came east to the Mississippi, what tribe did they meet with? By whom was the country east of the Mississippi inhabited ? What is said of the Allegewi ? What did 459 PART I.J QUESTIONS. [PERIOD i. the Lenape ask ? What did they then do ? What course did the Allege wi adopt ? What was the consequence ? What became of the Allege wi ? What did the victorious nations then do ? Which part did the Iroquois take ? Which pan did the Lenape occupy ? What became the centre of their territory ? Into how many tribes did they divide themselves, and what were they called ? What country was occu- pied by the Turtle and Turkey, and what by the Wolf? When the country became peo- pled by the Europeans, what became of the Lenape or Delawares ? What country did the Mohegans occupy? From whom were they supposed to descend ? Where did the Jroquois first settle ? Did they afterwards en- croach on the Lenape or Delawares ? What nation did they conquer ? Did this nation de- scend from the Lenape or the Iroquois ? Did difficulty at length arise between the Delawares and Iroquois ? What singular fact appears in regard to the Delawares ? What reason did the Iroquois give for this ? What reason did the Delawares give ? What did the Iroquois declare in council ? What was the name of the distinguished Delaware chief? Does the tradition of the Indians appear to coincide with the most pro- bable hypothesis concerning them ? Which nice is supposed to have come first from across Bhering's Straits ? Where did they first set- tle ? What hordes afterwards followed and expelled them? Where is it supposed that the Allegewi fled to ? To what three primi- tive stocks may the languages of the aborigi- nes be traced ? Why is it supposed that a portion of the primitive race may have settled in the vales of the Mobile ? Which tribes have resisted the influence of civilization ? Which have made some ad- vances in it, and received Christianity ? What has our own nation done in regard to the Indians ? CHAPTER II. By what other names were the Lenni Le- nape known ? By what other name were the Mengwe known? What were they after- | wards called ? Of what did the Delawares claim to be the head ? What nations did our forefathers find on the shores of the Atlantic ? What Indians were earliest known to the English ? When was the first settlement of the colony of Virginia made ? What was then observed in regard to the Indians ? Un- der whom were the tribes in the lowlands united ? How many tribes did the confede- racy contain? How many persons? Who was the great sachem of the confederacy? Where was the seat of his hereditary do- mains 1 Of what distinguished person was this the native land? What occurred soon after the settlement of Jamestown ? Against whom were the tribes combined ? How many principal tribes were there in New England? Which was the first known? What distinguished chiefs did it produce ? What part of the country did they occupy ? Where was the seat of their sa- chems ? What occurred in 1614 ? With what were the Pokanokets and the other New Eng- land tribes afflicted ? What were the remain- ing four tribes in New England ? Where was the principal seat of the Pawtuckets ? What was their number ? What part did the Massa- chusetts occupy ? Who was the principal person of this confederacy found by the English ? Who was she ? What occurred in 1621 ? Where was the seat of the Narragansetts ? What is observed of their location ? What of the character of the tribe? What is said of Canonicus? What country did the Pe- quods occupy? Who was their grand sa- chem? Where was his residence? What tribe was subject to the Pequods ? What the name of its chief? Where his residence ? What names were given to the Indians of northern New England? What is said of them ? What tribes were found by the first settlers on the St. Lawrence? What do the Iroquois become? Where do they set- tle ? What is said of the Five Nations ? Which of them was the most warlike ? Name the principal tribes of the southern Indians and their locations? What is said of the Natchez ? What of the Shawanese ? PART I. PERIOD 1. At what time does the first Period begin ? What event marks that time ? To what time does it extend ? What event marks the close of the Period? By whom were the lands granted ? To whom? CHAPTER I. On what ground did the European sove- vereigns claim the country? Was the new world discovered by accident ? In what year was Columbus born ? At what place ? What was his character ? What is said of the spirit of the times ? 460 What first stimulated the mind of Columbus ? What form did he attribute to the earth ? To whom did he first offer his services, and with what result? What did he then do ? What oc- curred at the court of Spain? Who finally offered him aid ? How did she offer to raise the money ? In what year did Columbus make his first voyage ? On what day did he dis- cover land? Where was it, and what was it called ? What occurred in his third voyage ? Who gave name to the continent? In what year did Columbus make his fourth voyage ? What occurred on his return? What preten- sion is set up by the Welsh ? What by the Norwegians ? PART I.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD n. CHAPTER II. What are the principal European nations who first discovered and settled America ? Under whose reign was the continent dis- covered? by whom? in what year? and where did they first land ? Who first explored the coast ? and when? Whom did Francis I. send out? Describe his voyage and discoveries ? Who was the great discoverer under the French govern- ment ? In what year did he make his first voyage ? Describe his voyage. In what year make his second voyage ? Describe that voyage. What name was given to the ne wly discovered country ? Who was appointed its viceroy ? What was the character of the colonists ? Who founded Quebec ? In what year ? What was the re- sult ? What were the French protestants called ? What admiral befriended them ? Who did he send out to colonize them ? In what year? Where did they land? What became of the colony '( What did Coligni then do ? CHAPTER III. What were the objects of Ponce de Leon ? What country did he discover? In what year ? Who visited the coast of South Caro- lina? In what year ? What did he do ? Who at- tempted the conquest of Florida? In what year? What was the result? Who after- wards attempted it ? In what year ? What was the result ? What animated the hope of De Soto ? What became of him ? Of the remnant of his army? What expedition was sent out by Philip II. of Spain ? Who com- manded the expedition ? What place did Vie discover? In what year? What is said of this settlement? Describe the proceedings of Melendez ? When the news of the massacre reached France, did the French government avenge it ? Who attempted to punish the Spaniards for it ? Which proved to be the first perma- nent settlement in the limits of the United States ? PERIOD II. At what time does this period begin ? At what time does it end ? What event distin- guishes the beginning of the period ? What event marks its end ? CHAPTER I. By what right did the English monarchy claim the country ? To whom did Queen Elizabeth grant a patent ? What rights did the patent confer ? What did it require ? What was the result of Gilbert's first voyage ? Give an account of the second. In what year did he die, and how? Who pursued his plans ? Who did he first send out ? In what year, and where did they land ? By whom were they received, and how? Who named Virginia, and why ? Who commanded the expedition sent out in 1585 ? Of how many ships did it consist ? Where was a colony left ? Under whom ? What became of it ? When was the second colony planted ? Under whom ? Of how many did it consist ? What became of the colony? What did Raleigh do with his pa- tent ? In what year? In what year did Gos- nold visit iVew England ? Give an account of his voyage where he first landed, &<:. How did he find the natives ? What did he carry back to England ? To whom did Henry IV. grant a patent ? Of what country ? in what year ? Give an account of the voyage of De Monts. Between whom did James I. divide the country ? Which part did he grant to the London, and which to the Plymouth company ? What did he authorize the com- panies to do? When did the Plymoutii com- pany send out the first vessel? What became of her 1 ? Whom did they send out in 1607? What was the result ? How long from the discovery of North Ame- rica to this period? Was this then an English settlement ? CHAPTER II. Who commanded the expedition sent out by the London company in 1607? Of how many ships and men did it consist ? What distinguished man came with it? Give a sketch of his early life and character. What bay did the fleet, under Newport, enter? What river did they explore ? What did they call it? Where did they fix the first settle- ment? At what time ? What is said of the government of the colony? Who was the first president ? What is said of him ? Who succeeded him ? What course did the neighboring Indians take ? What was the condition of the colonists ? What did the London company direct ? What did Smith do? Who was the principal chief of the neighboring savages ? Where was his resi- dence ? What was the result of Smith's ex pedition ? When captured, how did he interest the Indians ? What impression did he make on them ? How was he treated by them ? Who finally decided his fate ? State the circum- stances attending it. By whom was he res- cued ? Was his captivity of advantage to the colo- ny ? What was the state of the colony on his return ? What part of the country did he ex- plore ? Of what tribe did he hear of? What happened on his return ? CHAPTER III. What change was now effected in the char- ter of the company ? How many new adventurers were sent out? What was their character? Who was ap pointed governor? What happened to the fleet ? How many reached Jamestown ? In what situation did Smith find himself? How did Pocahontas conduct toward the colony? How did she save Smith's life a second time? What happened to Smith soon aftor? What did he do ? What happened after his depar- ture ? How many colonists did Smith leave f How many remained after six months ? How 461 PART I.I QUESTIONS. [PERIOD m. did Sir Thomas Gates and his companions reach the colony? In what condition did they find the colonists ? What plan did they adopt? What prevented its execution? At what time did Lord Delaware leave the colony ? By whom was he succeeded ? Who joined the colony soon after ? By whom, and in what manner was Pocahontas betrayed and made prisoner ? Whom did she marry ? At what time ? What were the consequences to the colony ? Whence did she go after marriage? What are the incidents of her history after reaching England? Who suc- ceeded Dale as governor? In what year? What is said of his administration? Who succeeded him ? In what year ? When was the first general assembly called, and by whom? How many boroughs were repre- sented? Was this measure agreeable to the colonists ? What expedient was adopted to augment the colony ? Whom did King James introduce into the colony ? At what period did slavery begin, and how ? CHAPTER IV. In what year was the Hudson river dis- covered ? By whom ? In whose service was he ? In what year was Quebec founded ? By whom ? What expedition did he under- take ? What lake did they traverse ? Where was the main battle fought ? What became of the Plymouth company 1 What occurred in the voyage of Smith and Hunt to the north ? Why the name New England? What expe- dition did Argall undertake? With what success ? PERIOD III. IN what year does this Period commence ? In what year does it end ? What event marks the commencement? What its termination? CHAPTER I. At what period of the history have we now arrived? What event in the history of the world most affected social institutions ? What tended to the corruption of Christianity? Who overran the Roman Empire ? In what centuries ? What changes in the social sys- tem followed ? What arrested the course of the feudal tyranny? What is its character ? What im- portant events transpired in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries ? W T hat monarch of Eng- iand favored the reformation? Why did he so favor it? Who translated the Bible into English ? In what year ? Who succeeded Ilenry ? What was done in his reign ? Who succeeded Edward VI.? In what year? What was her character, and consequences of her conduct ? Into how many parts were the Protestants divided ? What distinguished one from the other ? In what year did Mary die ? The consequences ? Who succeeded Mary? What were her private feelings ? How did she find the peo- ple ? What was done by the parliament ? What court did they create ? Who was tried before the court? Who presided? What 462 were the points of difference ? Who were the Separatists ? Who plead the rights of conscience before the Court of High Com mission ? To what sect did they belong 7 What was the condition of the Puritans ? CHAPTER II. What law was passed in 1592? Who did not comply with the law? Where did they decide to emigrate ? What was the result of the first attempt? When was the second attempt made ? Under what circumstances, and with what success ? What occurred on the passage ? Where did they settle ? To what place did they afterwards remove ? What induced them to remove from Holland? To what country did they wish to emigrate ? What measures did they adopt ? Who were their leading men ? What reasons did they give why they should succeed? By whose aid was the patent obtained ? How did they raise money for the enterprise ? How many vessels were prepared ? What were their names? Did they accommodate all ? What transpired previous to their sepa- ration ? From what place did they depart f To what part did they sail ? Who were theit leading men? What occurred after sailing from Southampton ? From whence did they finally sail ? On what day ? In what vessel ? At what place in the United States did they first land ? On what day ? What place had been selected ? Why a change ? Where did they finally land ? What was the first act on arriving in the harbor ? What covenant did they sign ? What great principle of government did this compact set forth ? How many persons arrived in the May Flower? Who was cho- sen governor? Who captain? On what day did they land? In what condition did they find themselves ? What was undertaken by some of the number? What dangers did they encounter from the savages? What from the elements ? On what day did they land on the rock of Plymouth ? From what did they name the place ? What time did they begin to build ? Into how many families did they divide the company ? What transpired during the win- ter ? How many of the company perished ? Were they disheartened ? Did they wish to return in the spring ? CHAPTER III. How did the pilgrims regard the destruc- tion of the savages by the plague ? Who first welcomed them ? Whom did he afterwards bring with him ? Who was the sachem of the Pokanokets ? Who went out to confer with him? What was the result of the embassy ? Who went on an embassy to Massasoit ? To what place did they go ? What was their object ? What present did they make ? What was the reply of Massasoit? What the advan- tage of the traffic? What vessel arrived in November ? How many persons did she bring over ? Why did Massasoit cultivate the PART I.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD in. friendship of the English? Who was the great chief of the Narragansetts ? What did he send to Governor Bradford? For what object ? What did the governor send in re- turn ? At what time does Winslow visit Massasoit .' For what reason ? Who accom- panied him ? How did he find the chief? How did Massasoit receive Winslow ? What did Winslow do for him? What im- portant fact was communicated ? What meas- ures were taken to arrest the conspiracy? Was the conspiracy provoked ? By whom ? Why did it particularly alarm the pilgrims ? What was said by the company in London ? What measures did they adopt ? What did the colonists do ? What did the company re- ceive for their interest ? Why did the colony now begin to flourish ? What was the form of their government ? What form did it after- wards assume ? By whom were the pilgrims joined. Did Robinson join the colony ? In what year did he die ? At what place ? How many inhabitants were there in the colony ten years after its settlement ? Did the colony now flourish? What was the character of the pilgrims ? CHAPTER IV. By whom was the charter granted to the Plymouth council ? At what time ? For what was it granted ? What territory did it cover? What had the territory previously been called ? What was it afterwards called ? From what patent were the other grants in New England derived? How were the af- fairs of the corporation managed ? Who was made president of the grand council of Ply- mouth ? What was his character and proba- ble motives ? What patent did Mason pro- cure ? What patent did Gorges and Mason procure in the next year ? What name was given to the tract ? What settlements were made under this grant ? CHAPTER V. How were the Puritans treated under James I.? What were the consequences ? Who patronized the Massachusetts settle- ment ? In what year was Cape Ann settled ? From whom was the patent for Massachu- setts obtained ? Who became the pioneer of the Salem settlement? In what year? Who had selected the site ? What did the proprie- tors do in 1629? What was the company called ? When was the first general court held in England ? Who was made go- vernor ? When was Charlestown founded? How many persons sailed for America this year ? What feelings did the new settlements pro- duce in England? What enterprise was started ? What objection was raised ? How was it obviated ? Who was chosen governor? What is said of Winthrop? Whom only did the company wish to colonize ? How many persons- emigrated? Where did they land ? How do they find the settlers ? What do they decide upon ? How many churches are established in Massachusetts at the close of 1632? What were the consequences of the hardships of the colonists ? For what did the royal charter provide? What regulations were agreed upon ? Who was chosen governor? Who deputy gover- nor? Who were allowed to vote at first? What was decided in May, 1631? What reason was given for this ? To * & did the early settlers owe their elevation oi charac- ter ? Who first inculcated liberal doctrines ? Where did he first settle? In what year? What Indian chiefs came this year to Boston? What did Uncas say ? Who visited the pilgrims at Plymouth ? For what object ? Who received them ? With whom had the northern colonies intercourse ? What effect had the prosperity of the colonies in England ? How many came out in August, 1633? What was the early government of Massachusetts ? What did it become ? In what year ? Were the representatives elect- ed by all the people ? When the representa- tives met, what was the body called ? How many courts were holden in each year? What was made the basis of the criminal code ? Who succeeded James I. ? In what year ? What was his character ? How many emigrants came out in 1635? What distin- guished person came out at this time ? What honor was conferred upon him by the colony? In what year ? CHAPTER VI. What was the character of Roger Williams ? When did he arrive ? What did he declare to be the only subjects of human laws ? What did he say of interference with religious feel- ings ? What did he condemn ? What was he called ? Where was he invited to settle ? Who forbade it ? What did Williams do ? What proceeding did the court take ? What sentence did the court finally pronounce ? Did the people favor Williams ? What did the authorities finally do? Where did Williams take refuge ? How did Gover- nor Winslow receive him ? To what did he advise him? To whom did Williams then appeal ? With what success ? What land was ceded to him ? What did they name the place ? What service did Williams after- wards render to the Massachusetts colony ? CHAPTER VII. Who claimed to be the discoverers of Con- necticut river ? Who probably discovered it? Why did the Indians of the valley desire the presence of the English ? In what year did the sachem Wahquimacut visit Boston to invite the English ? Did go- vernor Winthrop accept the offer ? Who did ? Who first advised the Plymouth colony to settle in the valley of the Connecticut? What did the Dutch afterwards do ? Where did they erect the first trading-house ? What did they call it ? In what year did the Plymouth colony settle at Windsor ? Who commanded the expedition ? What occurred on his pas- sage up the Connecticut river? To whom did the grand council patent Connecticut? 463 QUESTIONS. [PERIOD in Who bee arne agent for the patentee ? What was he ordered to do ? What territory did the patent cover ? Who emigrated from Mas- sachusetts bay in 1633, to settle on the Con- necticut river? What places were first set- tled? What was the result of the first attempt ? Did they abandon the enterprise, or persevere ? Where did Winthrop make a settlement? What obstacle did he meet with ? What did he call the place? And why? Did differ- ences arise in the first settlements ? How were they adjusted ? Who is regarded as the principal founder of Connecticut? What was his character ? Why did he leave Eng- land? After he left England, did his congregation follow him? What occurred at Cambridge when he again met part of them ? What were his motives for leaving the Massachusetts co- lony? Who was associated with Hooker? At what time did the company leave New- town ? Where did their route lie ? Was it attended with difficulties? At what place did they locate ? What was to be done ? How was it accomplished ? CHAPTER VIII. What is the conduct of the Pequods? Whom do they murder? Where? What depredations do they commit? In what year was war declared? By whom? How many towns were now settled? How many troops was each to furnish? Who was chosen to command them ? What route did the troops take ? How many warriors were furnished by Miantonomoh? How many by Uncas? How many English were actually embodied ? Who guided them to the fort? On what day was the battle fought? Describe the battle. How many perished? What occurred as Mason was retreating to the river? What was done by the subjects of Sassa- cus? What became of the chief? Who joined Mason? What was effected by the united force ? How many Pequods were de- stroyed ? What was done with the captives ? How was the land of the Pequods regarded? And their tribe ? How was the event com- memorated in New England ? What effect had the war on the colonies ? In what year did the colonies of Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield unite ? What did their consti- tution ordain ? Was church-membership made necessary to vote? How were taxes to be laid ? Why has Connecticut been called the land of steady habits ? CHAPTER IX. Wh were the founders of the colony of New Haven? How did Davenport become favorable to the reformation? What were his views of theology? Who was his near friend ? In what year did they arrive in Bos- ton ? In what year did they reach Quinnipi- ac? What difficulties did they encounter? Where did they worship on the first Sabbath? Where did they afterwards meet ? What did they form ? To what did they bind them- 464 selves? What was done in the succeeding, year? How were the governor and magis trates to be elected ? Who was elected the first governor ? What did they finally call the place ? CHAPTER X. Who appeared to sow discord in the colony 7 What principles did she first lay down ? With what was she charged? Who censured her' What doctrine did she finally hold ? What is this doctrine called ? Who defended her? Against whom was the opposition most violent ? Who succeeded Vane as governor ' What prevented the departure of the troops for the Pequod war ? What was done in this extremity ? To what colony did she flee ? Where, and how did she finally meet her death ? At what English university were the learned men of New England educated ? In what year did they found a college at New- town ? What was the place afterwards called ? Who made a bequest to the college ? In what year? Where do the followers of Mrs. Hutchinson settle ? From w horn do they obtain the grant ? By whose influence? On what principles did they establish the government? Where did another portion of Mrs. Hutchinson's fol- lowers settle ? In what year were the scat- tering settlements of New Hampshire united with the colony of Massachusetts? CHAPTER XI From what country was Delaware settled ? In what year ? Who settled near Cape Hen- lopen? In what year? In what year was Maryland settled? By whom? At what place ? Give the history of George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore. After his death, who obtained the revival of his patent ? What country did it embrace ? Who was appointed governor? In what year was the settlement made? At what place? What policy does Calvert adopt? What effect had this on the prosperity of the colony? What was Lord Baltimore's conduct towards the colony? How was it appreciated ? What did Lord Baltimore offer to emigrants from other colonies ? Who interfered to check the prosperity of the colony? How was it done ? How early were the English engaged in the slave-trade? What was the state of public sentiment at that time ? In what year were slaves first brought to Virginia? By whom? In what year did Sir Francis Wyat f arrive ? What did he bring with him ? What were its general provisions? What effect had this on the colony ? In what year was the first cotton planted in Virginia? Who was Opechancanough ? What plan did he form ? How long was he w maturing it ? At what time was it to be executed? What was the success of it ? What partially defeated it ? What consequences flowed from this at- tempt ? When was the London company dissolved ? By whom ? What reasons were given for this act? Who attempted to frame a code of laws PART II.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD I. for the colony ? What prevented ? In what year did James die ? Under whose authority did the Virginians fall ? What was the char- acter of his measures ? Whom did he send over to govern ? What did the colonists do ? What measures did the king then adopt? Who superseded Harvey? In what year? What was done in consequence of the short tobacco crop ? Who succeeded Wyatt ? In what year? What great principle did the colonists now assert ? CHAPTER XII How was the settlement of New England in its infancy ? How was it regarded by the Puritans in England ? What was the conse- quence ? How did the government view these proceedings? What information was com- municated by those who returned from Mas- sachusetts ? What measures did the king take to bring the colonies into subjection? What did this council decree ? Whom did it appoint governor-general? Did he leave Eng- land ? Against which colony were the meas- ures of Land first directed ? What measures did the colony adopt ? What were the char- acters of Gorges and Mason ? What their proceedings against the colony of Massachu- setts ' What was the result ? What measures did the council adopt to prevent emigration ? Were they effectual ? What tended to increase emigration ? How many came over to New England in 1638? Did the nobility wish to emigrate? What laws did they wish made in the colonies '. What reply did Mr. Cotton make in the name of the court of Massachusetts ? Was the plan for hereditary nobility adopted? What de- mand did the council in England make on Governor Winthrop ? What reply did he make ? What wrought a favorable change for the colonies ? What did King Charles at- tempt in Scotland? What was the result? What was the fate of Laud ? Did the long parliament favor, or oppose the Puritans ? Did the colonists seek the support and aid of England? Whom did the West- minster assembly of divines invite to join them? Did they accept? What measures was now adopted by the colonies for their mu- tual safety? What colonies appointed com- missioners? In what year did they meet? At what place ? Why did not Rhode Island join ? What was the name, or style adopted ? Of how many members was the first congress composed? How often was it to assemble? What were its powers ? After what time was the assembly nominally discontinued ? Of what may it be considered the germ ? PART II. PERIOD 1. AT what time does Part II. begin ? To what year does it extend? At what, time does Pe- riod I. begin ? At what time does it end ? What event marks the beginning of the, Pe- riod? What its termination? CHAPTER I. In whose administration did the Virginians enjoy liberty and prosperity ? What occurred in the Virginia colony in 1644? How many Indians perished? What was the fate of Opechancanough ? In what year was Charles I. beheaded ? Who assumed the management of affairs in England? What measure did he devise to oppress the colonies ? What did this act require ? What did it prohibit ? In what year was Charles II. restored? Under whom was Berkeley exercising the authority of governor of Virginia ? What did he do ? How did the restoration affect the interests of the Virginia colony? Into what classes were the colonists of Virginia divided? Which side did Berkeley espouse ? In what way were the rights of the people abridged? What did the assembly do? What did this take from the people ? What right alone re- mained ? What grant did Charles II. make on his accession in 1660? What grants did Vie make afterwards in the colony of Virginia? Wnat Ir,li;in hostilities began in 1675 ? What was the conduct of John Washington ? What was the sentiment of Berkeley ? What was the conduct of the Indians ? What was the desire of the people ? Whom did they wish for their leader ? Did Berkeley sanction it ? What did he do ? What did the people demand ? Did they prevail ? Under whom did the people rally in arms? What was the conduct of Berkeley ? And what the reply of Bacon? How was the matter ar- ranged ? What was afterwards the conduct of Berkeley ? What the fate of Bacon and his party? What did Charles II. say of Berkeley ? Who was appointed governor of Virginia under the new charter ? What was the char- acter of his government ? How did the colo- ny escape from his oppression? Who suc- ceeded Lord Culpepper? In what year? What was the ruling motive of his conduct ? What cause of alarm now disturbed the colo- nies? Where was the grand council held? What was the result of the negotiations ? t CHAPTER II. Who came to Maryland and produced an insurrection? Where did Governor Calvert take refuge? How long before he returned ? In the contest between the king and the pai- liament, which side did the colonies of New England espouse ? Which sido did the south. 465 PART II.] QUESTIONS. [PER on i ern colonies take? For what were com- missioners appointed? To what did this give rise? Which side adhered to the pro- prietor? In what year did he surrender the government? What was declared by the as- sembly of the victorious party ? What other sects were persecuted? What course did Cromwell take ? Who possessed the actual power ? Whom did Lord Baltimore appoint to act as his successor? To whom did the olony ; finally submit? What did the repre- g-Mitatives of the colony finally declare? Wha step was taken by Charles II. ? Whom did Charles make governor of the province ? In what year? In what year did Cecil Gal- vert, the second Lord Baltimore, die ? What steps were taken by the people ? What was forbidden by the English ministry? What was the determination of James II. ? And what measures did he adopt ? In what year did the revolution occur? Who succeeded James II. ? What did the agent of Lord Bal- timore now demand ? Did the people acqui- CHAPTER III. What is the geographical position of New York? Who discovered the Hudson river? In what year ? In whose service was he at the time ? In what year was a company of merchants fitted out to trade with the newly discovered regions ? Where was the first fort constructed? Who discovered that Long Island is not connected with the mam land ? In what year did the Dutch sail up the Hud- son? Where did they first build a fort? Where did they finally locate ? What name was given to the settlement on Manhatten Island? Who was its first gover- nor ? To whom did the Dutch send an en- voy ? What was the result ? What was the name of the new company created by the states' general ? What did the states' gener- al decree ? To whom was the manor, em- bracing Fort Orange, conveyed? In what year? How much was it afterwards extend- ed? Who settled Lewistown, near the Dela- ware ? Why did Governor Minuets leave the colony ? Who succeeded him ? Who inter- fered with the Dutch on the Connecticut river? Who on the banks of the Delaware? Who succeeded Van T wilier ? What was his conduct to the Indians ? What were the con- sequences ? What tribe friendly to the Dutch inter- fered ? With what success ? In what year ? What was the feeling towards Governor Keift ? what his fate ? Who succeeded him ? In what year does he relinquish the territory at Hartford ? What was divided between the two parties? Who settled Newcastle in Delaware ? What occurred between the Swedes and the Dutch? In what year did Governor Stuyvesant sail from New Am- sterdam to conquer the Swedes? Was he successful ? As the colony increased, what feeling in regard to political rights grew up among them? What did the people demand ? What course did the governor pursue ? What 466 was the decision of the " Nineteen." What were some of the causes which retarded the prosperity of the Dutch settlements ? What grant does Charles II. make to his brother, Duke of York ? In what year ? Who was dispatched to take possession ? Where were the commissioners landed ? What did he next do ? When asked to surrender, what was the reply of the Dutch governor ? What was the result? What was New Amsterdam then called? What settlement under the Dutch finally surrendered ? What coast was now in the possession of the English ? CHAPTER IV. After whom was Pennsylvania named ? In what year was Penn born ? What occurred while he was at Oxford school ? At what age did he enter Oxford college ? Under whose preaching was his religious character formed ? What were the feelings of his father? In what year did he travel abroad? In what countries ? With what result ? Where does his father next send him? What were the incidents of his life while in Ireland, and im- mediately on his return ? What compromise did his father propose to him, and what his reply? What happened to him in the year 1 670 ? On the death of the father, who was appointed guardian of the son ? In what year, and whom does he marry ? From whom does Penn obtain a grant of Penn- sylvania ? What are the boundaries of the grant? In what year is it made ? What other grants are made soon after ? In what year did Penn sail for his new province ? Where did he land ? How was he received ? What was his assurance? What place did he next visit? Where did Penn call the first assembly? In what year? What was required of each member as a religious test ? What new principle did Penn introduce into the criminal code ? How long did the assembly sit ? How many laws did they pass? What directions were given to Colonel Markham? Give an account of the council held by Penn with the Indians. What did Penn declare to the Indians ? What did the chiefs then promise? After this, where did Penn reside ? In what year does Penn call a second assembly? What as- surances did he give them? What claims are set up by Lord Baltimore ? Are they al- lowed? In what year does Penn return to England? CHAPTER V. Who made a grant of New Jersey? To whom was it granted? In what year .' Why was it called New Jersey? In what year was the constitution framed ? Who was made governor ? Where was the seat of go- vernment ? What difficulties occurred in 1672? In what way did William Penn become inter- ested in New Jersey ? What course of policy did he adopt? With what success? Who purchased East Jersey ?, In what year? Of whom did the purchasers obtain a new patent ? PART II.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD What in England tended to the settlement of East Jersey '{ Who usurped the government of the Jerseys? in what year? How did he oppress the people ? What was the course of Penn ? In what year was Billinge made governor ? When did he call the first assem- bly ? What did the people do ? CHAPTER VI. How does Miantonomoh seek the life of Uncas ? Failing in his attempt, what does he next do? After Uncas captures him, how does he dispose of him ? What does the court do with him ? What is his fate ? Who obtained the charter for Rhode Island and Providence Plantations ? In what year? By whose aid was it obtained ? Did this settle the afliiirs of the colony ? Why not ? Who again went over to obtain a new charter ? In what year ? What noble example did Rhode Island set ? Give the character of Williams and some of the incidents of his life. Who succeeded the long parliament in Eng- land ? In what year ? In what way did he injure the interests of the colonies ? What were the promient provisions of the navigation act ? What further acts were passed in 1663 ? In what year did Connecticut apply for a charter ? Whom did she send to England for this purpose ? What was the result of Winthrop's mis- sion ? What was the date of the charter granted by Charles II. ? What colony besides Hartford was included ? Did the New Ha- ven colony at first object? In what year was the union effected? Who was elected the first governor ? For how many successive years Was he chosen ? Who was sent over to command the expedition against the New Netherlands ? In what year"? What was the nature of the commission of which he was the head ? How did the colonists regard this commission? Which colony most strenuous- ly opposed it ? What finally became of the commission? Under whom did Elliot re- ceive his first religious impressions ? In what year did he come to Boston? At what age ? What were his objects, and what his first efforts for the conversion of the Indians ? What had he accomplished in 1655? Were there many converts in 1674? With what feelings did the chiefs regard Christianity ? CHAPTER VII What was the parentage of King Philip ? What embittered him against the English ? Of what tribe did he become the chief? What alarmed and united the savage tribes ? What tribe unites with Philip ? Who was its chief? Who betrayed the designs of Philip to the English? What was his fate? By whom was the murder committed ? What town was first attacked by Philip ? In what year ? What was the result? What did the commissioners who met at Boston decide ? How many men were to be raised ? What was the first movement made by the troops ? What did the commissioners offer for the head of Philip ? To what place did the Indian king retreat ? What befel Cap- tain Hutchinson ? How many men were slain ? Give an account of the battle of Bloody Brook. At what time was it fought ? What was done by the Springfield Indians? What was now the condition of the colbnies ? What was the object of the Indians ? What was the conduct of Conanchet in 1675 ? How many men proceeded to attack him? By whom were they commanded? Where was his fort located ? Describe the position of the fort, and the way it was ap- proached. Also, the battle and the number slain on either side. What became of the tribe, and what was the fate of Conanchet ? What was the state of the war in the spring of 1676 ? How did Philip attempt to arouse the Mohawks ? Did Philip's enmity subside ? By whom was he finally killed ? At what place ? How many inhabitants of New Eng- land were slain in this war? How many towns destroyed ? What were the consequen- ces of Philip's war to the whites? What to the savages ? What was the fate of the con- verted Indians ? How many towns did they lose ? Who adhered to them ? CHAPTER VIII, To whom does the term " regicides" apply ? How many of the regicides came to this country ? What were their names ? Where did they find refuge ? What remarkable ser- vice was rendered to the inhabitants by Goffe ? Were either of the judges betrayed by the colonists ? What occurred between the government of Massachusetts and Gorges in the year 1677? What claims of Mason were revived in 1675? When was New Hampshire made a royal pro- vince ? By whom ? What were the condi- tions of the charter ? What did the colony declare ? Whom did Mason select as govern- or of the colony ? In what year was he sent ? Did he carry out his schemes ? Did Massachusetts regard the navigation acts ? What was she summoned to do ? Who was sent over to enforce the acts ? In what year ? With what success ? In what year was he again sent ? What was demanded of the colony ? What instructions were given to the agents ? What was the origin of the two parties which sprung up in Massachu- setts ? What were they called ? Was the charter finally annulled ? In what year did Charles die? Who succeeded him ? What did he declare? What did he do? What was the conduct of the colonists ? Wno was the first governor-general of New England? By whom was he succeeded? In what year? What were Andross' professions ? What was said of him? What did he do in regard to the press ? What did he demand of the colony of Connecticut? In what year? What occurred in regard to the charter ? Where was the principal seat of his tyranny? What col- onies were added to his jurisdiction ? What transpired in England in the year 1688* What measures were taken at Boston on 467 II.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD hearing of the revolution in England? How did the removal of Andross affect New Hamp- shire ? What did the people desire on the death of Mason ? How were their wishes frustrated? In what year was Alien made governor ? After the revolution what colonies resumed their charters ? To what colonies were the old charters denied ? CHAPTER IX. Who was the first governor of New York after the surrender of the Dutch ? Who suc- ceeded him ? In what year ? In what year did the Dutch re-take New York ? In what year was it restored to the English ? What steps did the Duke of York take to confirm his title ? Whom did he appoint governor ? What territory did he claim ? Where is he repulsed ? In what year was Andross remo- ved ? Who succeeded him ? What was his policy towards the colony ? When the Duke of York succeeded to the crown of England, did he favor his own colo- ny ? What effects did the revolution produce in the colony ? What was the conduct of Captain Leisler ? Did the magistrates of New York oppose or favor him ? What dis- patches fell into his hands ? What course did the people at Albany adopt ? Who subdued them ? Whom did King William commission as governor of New York? In what year? What, was his character ? What was the fate of Leislor and his son-in-law ? In what year dul congress meet in New York? CHAPTER X. What right did the Puritans believe them- selves i.o have? What new sect in England came over! Who was their founder'} How was lie treated? What Quaker women ar- ru^cJ tn Boston) What treatment did they K'CttUv? How many came soon after? What sieps were taken by the commissioners'* Did tht; Quakers persevere ? What was the result ? What did Christison tell the tribunal? Was he finally released? Who soon after inter- fered 'i CHAPTER XI. What missionaries came over from France ? What two objects Hid thry attempt to unite ? By whom were their efforts seconded ? Who went to the country of the Hurons in 1634 ? With what success ? What places were then settled ? In what year was Montreal found- ed ? Between what years were the Hurons visited by the missionaries ? How many mis- sionaries visited them ? Who went on a mis- sion to the Mohawks ? With what success ? In what year was peace made with the Five Nations? What did they declare ? In what year did Jouges go on a mission to the five nations? What was the result? What na- tion makes war ? What nation destroyed St. Josephs ? In what year ? In what year was the massacre of St. Igna- tius ? What was the fate of St. Louis ? Of the two missionaries? What was the bearing of the Mohawks ? What outrages did they com- mit? By what means did the missionaries gain access to the Iroquois ? Where did Le 468 Moyne finally settle ? What nations received the missionaries at this time ? How did the attempt of the French to colonize New York terminate ? In what year ? What voyage of discovery was made by father Allouez in 1665? What occurred at the great village of the Chippewas ? How was he received by the Indians? What mission did he found ! What informa- tion did he collect concerning the country ? Of what river did he hear ? What did he recommend ? Who founded the first French settlement within the limits of the United States ? At what place ? In what year ? What was done by Marquette in 1671 ? What country does he explore in 1673 ? How was he received by the natives on the Mississippi ? What other rivers do they discover ? How far down does he descend ? By what route does he return to Green Bay? In what year ? Where did Marquette die ? How ? In what year ? What is now belie- ved by the Indians ? Who accompanied Mar- quette ? To whom did Joliet communicate an account of their discoveries ? At what place ? To what resolution did the informa- tion give rise ? What did La Salte do after his return from France ? What route did he take up the lakes, and what settlements did he found ? After sending back his furs, what further enterprises did he prosecute ? What Jesuit accompanied him ? Where did he part with Hennepin ? For what purpose ? What did Hennepin explore? On the return of La Salle to the Illinois river, what further enter- prises did he pursue? What did he call the new country? On his return to France, what undertaking was confided to him? Where was he landed ? What was the manner of his death? In what year? CHAPTER XII. Was Charles II. scrupulous in his grants of land-? In what year did he grant Carolina ? To whom was it given? What additional trust did the company receive ? What fur- ther grant did King Charles make in 1667? To whom was the task of framing the govern ment assigned ? Who was invited to assist 1 Where was the first settlement made ? By whom? In what year? Where was the oth er colony located ? From whence did it come ! What was its success ? By whom was the settlement continued? Who was their first governor 7 How many inhabitants did the colony contain in 1666? How did the con^ stitution of Locke and Shaftsbury succeed ? In what year was it abrogated? Who was the first proprietary governor of Carolina ? In what year was Charleston founded ? What settlers were sent out by King William ? In what year ? Where did they settle ? CHAPTER XIII. What gave rise to King William's war? In what part of the country did the French establish themselves in 1686? In what yeai did the Iroquois surprise Montreal? How many of the inhabitants were slain ? What was said of the Five Nations at this time ? PART n.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD II. What tribe of Indians attacked Dover, in New Hampshire ? Give an account of the death of Major Waldron? What expedition was sent out from Quebec by Governor Fron- tenac ? In what year? What was its suc- cess ? How many prisoners perished ? Who was a distinguished leader of this expedition ? What place was destroyed by the second par- ty sent from Quebec ? What by the third ? What means did the colonies adopt for de- fonse ? Where did congress assemble ? What was the first measure adopted for protection ? What defeated it ? What was the second ? What success attended it ? What means did Massachusetts adopt to relieve the treasury ? What were the conse- quences of failure ? What was done to pre- serve the friendship of the Indians? In what year did Massachusetts receive a new char- ter? What territory was embraced in the new charter? What privileges did it grant to the people ? What rights did it reserve to the sovereign ? PERIOD II. AT what time does this Period begin ? At what time does it close ? What event marks its commencement? What its conclusion. CHAPTER I. At what time was the new charter of Mas- sachusetts received at Boston? By whom were the officers under it nominated ? Who was nominated for governor ? Of what place was he a native ? How did he acquire fame and wealth ? What singular delusion appear- ed in Massachusetts about 1645? Where did it begin ? In what year did it prevail ex- tensively in Salem ? Who were at first supposed to be witches ? Did governor Phipps and the clergy give countenance to the belief in witches ? " What was the common method of proceeding on the trials ? What were the proceedings of Samu- el Parris ? How many were executed in Sa- lem? What ground did the general court take in these matters ? With what effect ? What steps did Massachusetts take on the subject of general education? What was done by Connecticut ? In what year ? In what year was the general law passed on the subject ? What did that law ordain for com- mon schools? What for grammar schools? Who proposed the establishment of a college in Connecticut in 1654? Who left a legacy for the establishment of the college ? In w,hat year ? Where was the school located ? How was the charter of incorporation ob- tained ? In what year ? Who were made the trustees? Where did they first meet? What did they do ? In what year was the lo- cation changed to New Haven? Why was the present name adopted ? Which are now the most flourishing institutions in the United States ? What is said of Colonel Fletcher's attempt to take command of the Connecticut militia ? In what year was the first Episco- pal church established in Connecticut ? At 32 what place ? In what year did the clergy of Connecticut meet at Saybrook? What did they call the constitution which they formed ? CHAPTER II. In what year did King William's war ter minate ? What was the peace called ? What was. stipulated ? What did Louis XIV do in Europe to provoke a new war ? What did he do in America ? In what year was war de- clared by Queen Anne ? What did the Indi- ans effect in Maine ? What at Deerfield in Massachusetts ? What clergyman was taken prisoner ? What was the fate of his wife ? What was the conduct of Benjamin Church? What did he accomplish? In what year? What was proposed by Governor Vaudreuil in 1705 ? What was the consequence ? De- scribe the expedition of Colonel Nicholson in 1710. In what manner were the settlements in New York protected? Who among the settlers exercised great influence over the Indians? In what year was Queen Anne's war closed? By what treaty? What was ceded to the English by the treaty? What were the consequences of this war? What new settlers came ovei from Germany in 1710? In what year did Queen Anne die ? Who succeeded her ? What step is taken by Mas- sachusetts to enlarge her boundaries ? What plan was adopted by Fathei Rasles to escape from the English authority ? What depreda - tions did the Indians commit? What was the consequence ? Between what years did these events occur ? Who was the last of the Jesuit missionaries ? In what year was peace concluded with the Eastern Indians ? CHAPTER HI. In what year did Governor Sloughter, of New York, die? Who succeeded him ? What was the character of Fletcher ? What course did he take on the subject of religion ? Who succeeded Fletcher? In what year? To what particular subject was his attention di- rected ? Who was appointed to command the expedition against the pirates ? What did he do? What was his fate ? What occasioned difficulties in the Jerseys ? In what years ? What did Queen Anne then do? Whom did Queen Anne appoint gover- nor of the Jerseys ? What was his conduct and his character? Who succeeded him? In what year? Who succeeded Lovelace? In what year? Who succeeded Schuyler as governor of New York ? What policy did he adopt in regard to trade ? Whom did it dis- please ? Where was a trading-house estab- lished? What did it afterwards become? W T ho succeeded Burnet? After the death of Montgomery, who assumed the reins of government? What did he permit to the French ? In what year did George I. die ? Who succeeded him ? CHAPTER IV. How was Penn treated by James II. ? For 469 PART II.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD HI. what ends did he use his influence ? After James was deposed, of what was Penn sus- pected ? What measures were adopted against him ? When was he restored ? In what year did Penn again visit, the colony ? How did he find it ? What did he do ? What were the provisions of the new charter? Were they acceptable ? What course did The Terri- tories adopt ? In what year did Penn return to England? In what year was Maryland restored to Lord Baltimore ? CHAPTER V. What cause gave rise to a division among I the people of Carolina ? What was declared j in regard to marriages? What was the con- ! Juct of the Huguenots ? Who was sent out as governor to reconcile differences ? With what success? How were the difficulties finally adjusted? How was rice introduced into Carolina? Where did the proprietary governor reside ? How did he govern the north- ern province ? Who introduced the Quaker doctrines into North Carolina ? What expe- dition was undertaken on the breaking out of Queen Anne's war? In what year? With what success ? What consequences fol- lowed What expedition did the governor next un- dertake ? With what success ? In what year ? Who attacked Charleston ? In what year ? With what success ? What plan was formed in 1712? How far was it executed? How was succor afforded? What was the result of the war? What combination was formed against South Carolina in the year 1715? How many warriors did it embrace ? What was the conduct of Governor Cra- ven ? What was the result of the war ? How did this war give rise to dissensions between the proprietors and the assembly? What measures of relief did the inhabitants adopt ? Whom did they first name as governor? Whom did they finally elect ( Were the pro- ceedings of the people confirmed by the crown ? Who was appointed the first gover- nor? In what year? What desirable object did he effect ? In what year were the diffi- culties finally arranged ? Were the Carolinas then separated? CHAPTER VI. In what year was Pensacola settled ? What French discoverer soon appeared on the coast ? What rivers and lakes did he visit ? Where did he finally plant his colony ? In what year was Mobile founded ? In what year was a settlement made at Natchez? By whom? In what year was New Orleans founded ? By what nation ? Who claimed Louisiana ? Who claimed Lake Champlain ? In what year was a fort erected at Crown Point ? Be- tween what years were Niagara and Detroit founded ? What were the boundaries of New France, as claimed by the French geogra- pheis ? CHAPTER VII What attempt was made in 1701 to destroy 470 the independence of the colonies ? How was the salary of the governors in the colonies paid ? What change was attempted in 1702 in Massachusetts ? What course did the as- sembly adopt ? How was it in the other co- lonies ? What effect had the issuing of paper money by Massachusetts on the coin ? How many different parties proposed remedies ? Name the plan of each. What was finally the re- sult ? What were the views of Cooke ? How did the general court attempt to punish the governor? How did the governor treat the assembly ? What course did the people pur- sue ? What did the governor demand ? Did the people yield? What principle did they as- sert ? What amendments to the charter did the governor procure ? Who succeeded Go- vernor Shute ? In what year ? What was the subject of his controversy with the general court ? Was he successful ? In what year did he die ? Who succeeded him ? In what year ? Was the old controversy again re- newed ? How finally settled ? What settlement was made from Ireland in 1719? What remarkable appearance of the heavens was exhibited in 1719? In what year was Vermont settled ? By whom, and at what place ? What political considerations led to the settlement of Georgia? What philanthropic measures aided it? Under whose guidance was it made ? In what year ? What number, and which of the present United States was now settled ? PERIOD III. At what time does this Period commence ? At what time does it terminate ? What event marks its commencement ? What its conclu sion? CHAPTER I. By what assistance did Oglethorpe com- mence the settlement of Georgia ? At what time did he embark ? With how many emi- grants ? How were supplies furnished to the colonists ? At what time did they arrive at Charleston ? What were the motives of Gov- ernor Johnson in assisting them ? At what place did they settle ? What were the prin- cipal Indian tribes of the neighborhood ? How many warriors could they muster? What measures did Oglethorpe adopt to secure their friendship ? What was the character of the population ? W hat steps were taken to ob- tain a better ? With what success ? What predominant interest regulated the laws ? What measures did Oglethorpe adopt to protect the country against the Spaniards ? In what year ? In what year does he go to England ? Who is appointed commander-in- chief? Where does he establish his head quarters ? In what year did the slaves rise at Stono ? By whom were they instigated ? What was the result ? In what year d>d Ogle- Thorpe invade Florida? What calamky visiu Charleston about this time ? In what year is PART II.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD in. Georgia invaded from Havanna ? With what result ? What measures are adopted by Oglethorpe to capture them ? How are they thwarted ? What device does he then resort to ? With what success ? What was the character of Oglethorpe? Who upheld the slave-trade? How many negroes were brought from Africa before the American revolution ? Were slaves at first admitted into Georgia ? What was the consequence ? What were the reasons given for their admission? Who ad- vocated the employment of slave labor? In what year did Georgia become a royal prov- ince ? In what year did Louisiana become a French province ? Who was appointed its first governor '. What Indians threatened the people ? Whom did the Indians favor ? In what year do the French make war upon the Chickasaws ? What expedition was planned in France ? What was its success, and the consequences to those engaged in it ? CHAPTER II. In what year was war declared between England and France ? Where is Louisburg situated ? Who planned an attack on Louis- burg? How was the plan received by the general court? By what vote was it finally carried ? Who raised troops for the expedi- tion? To whom was the command given? At what time did he sail ? Who commanded the naval forces ? At what time did the army effect a landing ? At what time did the fort surrender ? What effect did this surrender produce in France ? What was the result of the expedition ? In what year was peace concluded? At what place ? What was stipulated ? What claims to territory were set up by the French ? What was claimed by the British ? By what right ? How was the question to be settled ? What chain of forts did the French intend to establish ? Who obtained a patent of lands in 1750 ? How did the French re- gard this grant ? What were the resolutions of Governor Dinwiddie ? Whom does he se- lect as his agent? CHAPTER III. Who were the ancestors of George Wash- ington ? In what county in Virginia did they reside ? In what year was Washington born ? In what year did his father die ? Under whose care did he then fall ? What were the early indications which foretold his future great- ness ? How was the want of early advanta- ges supplied? Under whom did Lawrence Washington serve ? After whom was Mount Vernon na- med? What appointment was tendered to George Washington ? What prevented him from accepting it ? What employment did he afterwards engage in ? What was his first military appointment? At what age? For what object d'd he go to the West Indies? On the death of the brother, what was left to George Washington ? What appointment did 32* he receive from Governor Dinwiddie? In what year was he sent envoy to the French ? Describe his route. What Indian tribe did he visit ? What did the principal chief de- clare to him? What further - >es the chief do? Who commanded the French camp? When Washington delivered Dinwiddie's or- ders, what reply was given ? What did the French attempt in regard to the Indian chief? Was it successful ? What perils did he encounter on his jour- ney home ? At what time did he arrive at Williamsburg ? How long had he been ab- sent ? What were the impressions produced by the manner in which he accomplished the enterprise ? What appointment was confer- red upon him in 1754 '.' To what place did he march ? What place had the French taken from the English ? What fort do they build ? Who comes to attack Washington at the great Meadows? What did Washington do ? What was the result ? Does Washington march to attack Fort du Quesne ? Why does he aban don the enterprise ? Where did he afterwards entrench himself? Why does he capitulate ? What were the conditions ? CHAPTER IV. What did the English propose to the colo- nies in 1753 ? At what place did congress meet ? In what year ? What colonies were represented? With whom did the colonists form a union ? What did the colonists resolve upon ? Who drew the articles of union ? In what year and on what day were they signed? Did the delegates from either of the colonies decline to sign the articles ? How were the articles received by the colonial legislatures? Were they acceptable to the crown of Eng- land? Why were they rejected by both pai- ties? What plan did the ministry propose to Gov- ernor Shirley for taxing the colonies ? Did the colonies assent ? How then did the Brit- ish government propose to carry on the war ? What troops arrive from Europe ? By whom commanded ? Whom does General Braddock call to advise him ? What was the plan adopted ? Do the French send out re-inforce- ments ? How many men attacked Nova Sco- tia ? By whom were they commanded ? What was the result of the expedition ? After Wash- ington's return, what notice was taken of his services ? What orders did he receive ? In the re-organization of the militia by Gov ernor Dinwiddie, what change was made in the grades? What was Washington's con- duct ? What place does he finally accept ? At what time does Braddock commence his march for Fort du Quesne ? What arrange- ment, under the advice of Washington, does he make ? With how many men does he ad- vance? What is his conduct towards the friendly Indians ? His opinion of the coloni- al officers? His acquaintance with Indian warfare? On what day was Braddock at- tacked by the Indians? How was the attack made ? How were the Indians posted ? What was the conduct of Braddock ? 471 PART II.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD m. Which one of the mounted officers escaped ? What was the impression of the Indians in regard to him ? What occurred when Brad- dock was wounded ? How many officers were wounded or slain? How many pri- vates ? Who conducted the retreat ? How far did the army retreat before it halted ? Af- ter meeting Colonel Dunbar do they still re- treat ? Do the Cherokees remain faithful to t .e English ? CHAPTER V. How many troops were destined for the at- tack on Crown Point? By whom were they commanded? At what time did they reach Albany ? Where did General Johnson estab- lish a fort? At what time did he reach Lake George ? When Dieskau reached Crown Point, what measures did he adopt ? Whom does he first meet and defeat ? When he encounters the army under Johnson, what is the result? What is the fate of Dieskau ? In what under- taking does General Johnson waste the re- mainder of the season ? At what time do most of the troops return to their colonies ? Who commanded the expedition against Niagara ? At what time did he reach Os*vego? What is the result of the campaign ? In what year is war declared between England and France ? What difficulties did Washington experi- ence in the execution of his duties ? What was the conduct of Dinwiddie? Who was appointed commander-in-chief? On what business did Washington visit Boston ? How was the matter decided ? Who had provided for the campaign of 1756 ? By whom were their plans defeated? What was Shirley's conduct? Who was appointed to succeed Shirley ? To what station was Lord Loudon afterwards appointed? Was the campaign generally successful or otherwise ? CHAPTER VI. For what is the campaign of 1757 memora- ble ? What was the force of Montcalm ? Who commanded Fort William Henry ? Who com- manded at Fort Edward ? How large was his army ? When Monroe surrendered, what were the terms of the capitulation ? What was the fate of the garrison ? What dispute arose in Pennsylvania this year ? Who went to England to adjust the difficulty? What was the result? In what year was William Pitt, afterwards Earl of Chatham, made prime minister? What was his character ? What did the minister prom- ise the colonies in his circular? To what did he exhort them ? What was the consequence ? Who was appointed commander-in-chief? What armament came out under Admiral Bos- cawen ? What army was thus raised in the colonies ? What was the plan of the campaign for 1758? Why was Louishurg desired? Who conducted the expedition? On what day did it surrender ? What was the number of the garrison ? What was done with the prison- 472 ers ? What with the inhabitants ? What fell into the hands of the British with Louisburg ? What expedition was undertaken by Genera! Abercrombie? With how large an army? What was the result ? What promising offi cer was killed ? Was Abercrombie success ful in his assault ? v What was his loss ? To what nlaee did he then retreat ? What was the enterprise undertaken by Colonel Brad- street ? What enterprise was entrusted to General Forbes ? What army was assigned to this service ? What new route was chosen ? What was the consequence ? On reaching Fort Du Quesne in what condition was it found? How was Major Grant surprised and defeated? What was the fate of General Forbes ? What was the new fort named ? What is the town occupying the site now called ? Where was the great Indian council held ? What tribes sent delegates to it ? Who attended on the part of the English ? What was the result ? CHAPTER VII. What was the object of the campaign of 1759? Who commanded the British forces? What was the plan of the campaign ? At what time did Prideaux besiege Niagara ? What was the result? Of what number did the garrison consist ? Who is selected to com- mand the expedition against Quebec? How large an army is detailed? What admirals are sent ? Where does Wolfe make a land- ing ? In what month ? How is Quebec situ- ated ? Who commands the French army ? What place does Wolfe first capture ? Where does he next attack Montcalm ? With what result ? What was the success of Generai Amherst, and what his plans? What were Wolfe's prospects of aid from the co-operation of the two other armies ? What plan of attack was resolved upon ? What device was adopted to deceive the enemy? Describe the difficulties of landing and ascending the heights. What did the morning exhibit? What were the measures adopted by Montcalm ? What were the results of the battle ? What the gallant declarations of Wolfe ? What the exclama- tions of Montcalm ? Who succeeded General Wolfe in the com- mand ? Who General Montcalm ? Does Que- bec capitulate ? Who attacks Quebec in the spring of 1760? With what force? With what success ? What took place in Septem- ber of this year ? CHAPTER VIII. Where did the French retreat to when they left Fort du Quesne ? What did they effect with the Cherokee Indians ? Who was sent to subdue them ? With what success ? What occurred in the following year ? What was the expedition planned by General Am- herst? What its results? What were the feelings of the Indians towards the French ? What did they say of them ? Who sought to unite the north western Indians against the English ? What were his objects and plans ? PART III.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD What his character ? At what time did he commence the execution of his plans ? By what stratagem was Maumee captured ? How was Mackinaw taken ? What was the con- duct of the Indians ? What post did Pontiac invest in person? How are his plans betrayed, and his designs thwarted? Does he afterwards besiege the garrison? At what time did the United Brethren, or Moravians plant themselves in America ? What was their previous history? Where do they finally settle? Where else . What was wige of thf net ? How many voted against it? 1 the result in the commons ? Did it meet with 473 PART III.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD i opposition in the house of lords? Who ad- vocated it there? What was the result? What declaratory act also passed with it ? CHAPTER IV. Why did the colonists continue jealous of the British government? What measures were recommended to the colonies by Gene- ral Conway ? What did Governor Bernard recommend to the assembly of Massachusetts ? What did the assembly do ? Who was placed at the head of the new ministry ? At what time was it formed ? Who was chancellor of the exchequer in May, 1707 ? What measures did he propose ? With what result ? What was enacted in re- gard to New York ? What other means were adopted to collect the taxes ? What were the three acts which followed each other ? What feelings did they inspire in the colonies? What measures were adopted by the assem- bly of Massachusetts in 1768 ? How was the recommendation for union viewed by the British ministry ? What measures did they take to prevent it ? What was done by the custom-house officers in June, 1768? What measures were adopted by the people of Bos- ton ? WTiat did they solicit of the governor ? What was his reply ? After the governor's refusal, what did the people do ? When did the convention assem- ble ? What were their proceedings ? What orders were given to General Gage ? How many regiments were ordered from Halifax ? Did they meet with resistance from the inhab* itants ? Where were they quartered ? WTiat effect did their presence produce ? In what month did they arrive ? What news was received in Massachusetts early in 1769 ? What resolutions were adopt- ed by the two houses of parliament ? On the receipt of the address, what measures were adopted by the house of burgesses in Virgin- ia? What retaliatory steps were taken by the governor? What did the members of the house then do ? By whom were the resolu- tions introduced? ' What agreements were entered into in the other colonies? At what time in 1770 did the assembly of Massachusetts convene ? Why did they not proceed to business ? To what place did the governor adjourn them ? What resolves did they then pass ? What did they refuse to do ? When was the governor recalled? In whose hands was the government left? At what time did the affray between the soldiers and citizens of Boston take place? What was the result of it? Were the soldiers tried? Who defended them ? Who was appointed to the head of the ministry in January, 1771 ? What bill did he introduce into parliament ? Did this satisfy the colonists? Why not? What was done in 1772? How did Great Britain regard these meetings ? What occur- red in Rhode Island during this year ? CHAPTER V. What, measures did Great Britain adopt to Introduce her teas ? How was the measure 474 resisted by the colonists ? What was done at Philadelphia? What at New York? What in Boston ? How many chests were destroy- ed? When the news reached England, what did the parliament resolve ? What bill was passed in regard to Boston ? At what time ? How did parliament enlarge the powers of the crown? How did they attempt to secure the execution of the obnoxious laws ? How far did they extend the province of Quebec ? What was the object of this act ? In what year was Governor Hutchinson re- called ? For what reasons ? Who succeeded him ? When the bill shutting up the port of Boston was received, what measures were adopted by the inhabitants ? To what place was the assembly removed ? What did the assembly here propose ? What did the gov- ernor attempt ? What advantage did the gov- ernor expect by shutting up the port of Bos- ton ? What reply was made by the inhabit- ants of Salem? What feeling was exhibited towards Boston by the colonies ? Who suc- ceeded Botetourt as governor of Virginia? When the assembly heard of the Boston port bill, what measures did they adopt ? CHAPTER VI. At what time did the general congress con- vene at Philadelphia ? How many of the col- onies were represented ? Which were not ? Who was chosen president ? How did they decide the relative weight of each colony? What were their first measures ? What did the committee report? What was deemed the most likely means of obtaining redress ? What was the nature of the non-importation compact ? What reso- lution did they pass in regard to the slave- trade ? How long was the congressional un- ion to continue ? What did Lord Chatham say of this congress ? What did the petition to the king state ? By whom was it drafted ? What do they claim in their address to the people of England ? By whom was it prepar ed ? By whom drafted ? What was the na- ture of their address to their constituents ? At what time did the congress adjourn ? Were the proceedings generally approved by the people ? CHAPTER VII. Were the colonists unanimous ? What was the party called which adhered to the cause of the colonies ? What that which espoused the cause of England? What seizures were made by order of General Gage ? How was the assembly of Massachusetts interfered with? What did they then do? Whom did they elect president ? What measures were adopted ? How many men was it proposed tc raise ? What feelings were manifested in the southern colonies ? At what time in 1774 did the British parliament convene '. What were the sentiments of the king's speech ? What the reply of the house of commons ? Who was at that time the general agent of the colo- nies ? What did he write home ? When the measures were brought forward, PART III.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD i who espoused the cause of the colonists? What were the arguments and sentiments of his speech ? What the fate of Lord Chat- ham's conciliatory measures ? Why were the agents of the colonies refused a hearing? What resolutions were passed by both houses oi parliament? What measures wen adopt- ed on the 10th of February ? To what other colonies were the prohibitions afterwards ex- tended ? What results were anticipated from these measures ? What plan of conciliation Whom would he not pardon ? How am DM violate his promise to the people of Boston f What measures were adopted to prevent the British from penetrating into the country? Where did the Americans entrench them- selves ? W T hen were they discovered by the British ? How many men did General Gage send to dislodge them? How did they land? Where ? What was done by the British be- fore advancing to the attack? How were they received by the Americans ? was proposed by Lord North? What was its What was the effect? How often are the Why are the Americans ? How many British true character ?' Who attempted privately settle the difficulties ? w ' tVl ' v " lt >nlt.? CHAPTER VIII. To what were things tending in America ? What was recommended by the provincial congress ? What attempt was made by Gen- eral Gage on the 26th of February? How was it frustrated ? What was the object of the expedition to Concord ? Who command- ed it? How many troops were sent? At what place was the first blood shed ? On what day? Were the stores destroyed? What was the loss of the British during the day ? What that of the Americans ? What feelings did this event produce ? What means were taken to arouse the colonists ? What meas- ures were adopted by the legislatures ? How many men were soon collected in the neigh- borhood of Boston 'i CHAPTER IX. What was the situation of General Gage and his army ? What measures were adopted to cut off his supplies ? What posts at the north were deemed of essential importance ? Who originated the plan of taking them? What co-operation was expected from Ver- mont? To whom was the command of the troops intrusted ? Who at Boston had matu- red the same plan ? At what time did the force reach Lake Champlain? Who commanded Fort Ticonderoga? When asked by what authority the surrender was demanded, what was Allen's reply ? On what day was it captured? Of what number did the garrison consist ? Who captured Crown Point? What was accomplished by Arnold " Who took Skeensborough ? Now called by what name ? Why was this success import- ant ? At what time did the congress meet in Philadelphia ? Who was chosen president 1 What was done ? What wa<* done by Lord Dunmore of Virginia? Who aroused the people? What induced them to disperse ? What incensed the people of Virginia against Lord Dunmore ? How does he es cape from them ? What other governors fol towed his example ? Who prevented dele gates being elected in season from New York ? What event hastened an election ? CHAPTER X. When was the army in Boston reinforced What generals joined at this time ? Wha measures were adopted by General Gage Jritish repulsed? bliged to quit the field ?" vere engaged? What number was killed or ounded? How many of the Americans? Whom did congress elect commander-in- hief ? At what time ? What were his feel- ings ? What course did he adopt in regard to compensation ? Where did Washington join the army ? How was it stationed and of how many men was t composed ? In what condition did he find them ? Towards what objects were his efforts directed ? What measures w^ere adopted by congress to arouse and unite the people ? What did they say in their manifesto ? What colony came into the confederacy at this time ? What title was now assumed ? When was the post-office establishment organized ? Who was the first postmaster general ? CHAPTER XI. What expedition was contemplated by con- gress ? To avert what danger ? Who were ;o command ? Who was charged with fortify- ing New York? What movements were made by generals Schuyler and Montgomery? Why was Montgomery delayed at St. Johns ? What rash expedition was undertaken by Colonel Allen and Major Brown ? What was the result? When was Chamble taken? What advantages were derived from it ? What measures were adopted by Carleton for the relief of St. Johns? With what result? What followed immediately after? After the surrender of St. Johns, what was the conduct of Carleton? After Montgomery entered Montreal, what difficulties did he encounter ? Describe the march of Arnold, and his ap- pearance before Quebec. To what place did he retire and for what reason ? What was the Jbrce of General Carleton? What that of the Americans ? What does General Montgomery attempt ? What does he finally resolve upon ? How was the at- tack conducted ? What was the fate of Mont- gomery ? And what the result of the assault? What was the conduct of Arnold, and that of his men ? What was the loss of the Ameri cans ? What was the conduct of Arnold, af- ter the battle ? CHAPTER XII. What orders were issued in regard tc the sea-ports of New England ? What town waa burnt? What effect was produced? What did congress resolve upon in DecemDerT What efforts did the ministry make to retain 475 PART HI.J QUESTIONS. [PERIOD n. New York ? What law was passed to pre- vent it? What did Lord Dunmore calculate on as regarded Virginia ? How did he attempt to effect it ? What was the result of the first conflict ? What did Lord Dunmore then do ? How did he afterwards attempt to supply his wants ? To what was he finally obliged to re- sort ? What last step was taken by congress for the purpose of producing a reconciliation ? In what year ? Who was the agent employ- ed? What was evident on the meeting of parliament ? What was the purport of the king's speech ? Before whom was Penn ex- amined? What did he declare? What act was passed in December ? What arrange- ments did England make with the German States? What disposition did parliament make of the petition of the colonies? What measures closed the door to reconciliation ? CHAPTER XIII. At what time did the enlistment of the troops expire ? What measure did Washing- ton propose to increase the army ? What was the number of the army in February, 1776? How was the army employed in the winter of 1776-6 ? What measures did General Wash- ington adopt to gain possession of Boston? On what day did the British evacuate it? What objects did the British propose in the campaign of 1776 ? Who was to regain New York ? What difficulties surrounded Arnold at Quebec? Who superseded him? What was the consequence ? At what time do the Americans evacuate Canada ? CHAPTER XIV. Who commanded the expedition against Charleston? At what time did it arrive? Were the Carolinians unprepared? Where had they constructed a fort ? Who command- ed the militia ? Of what number did they consist ? Of what material was the fort con- structed ? What was the result of the attack ? What interesting incident occurred during the battle ? Upon what point did the British re- treat ? After the evacuation of Boston where did the commander-in-chief fix his head-quar- ters ? Who made the motion in congress for declaring the colonies independent ? On what day ? Who was one of the most powerful writers in favor of indepihdence ? On what day was the declaration of independence agreed to ? Who were the committee ap- pointed to prepare it ? Who drafted the one adopted ? What were the causes for separa- tion ? What did the instrument set forth ? PERIOD II CHAPTER I. How is the declaration of independence to be regarded ? How was it to affect the inter- ests of America ? At what time did the troops under Howe take possession of Staten Island ? When did those from England, under Admi- ral Howe, arrive ? What others joined them ? What was the whole number destined for 476 New York ? What were the expectations of Lord Howe ? What did he attempt by proclamation ? In what light did congress view the proceeding '. How did he address the commander-in-chief? What was the course of Washington ? Whom did Lord Howe then send? What was the reply of Washington? What was the plan of the campaign? What advantages were offered by the possession of New York ? What incidents prevented? What measures were taken for the defense of New York ? How many men were assembled there ? In what condition ? How much efficient force ? What causes had produced these results ? Describe the position of the American army in New York. Where did the British land I On what day ? Describe the position of theii army. Where did Washington intend to ar- rest their progress? How did the British commence the attack ? Where was the true point of attack? By what stratagem was it rendered successful ' Who commanded the American troops in that quarter? Who conducted the British ? What was the loss of the Americans? Of the Brit- ish? Did General Washington visit the field of battle ? What was his determination 7 What orders did he issue to his troops? Where did they finally assemble ? CHAPTER II. Who was sent by General Washington as a spy to Long Island ? What was his fate ? What were his last words ? On what day did the British take possession of New York ? Were overtures of reconciliation again made ! Who was appointed to treat on the part of the Americans ? What basis did they insist up- on ? What were the consequences of the surrender of New York ? To what were the efforts of Washington directed? What did he represent to congress ? What inducements were offered ? What policy did Washington adopt? What occurred on the 16th of September? With what result! What was the wish of the British command- er ? Failing in this, what plan did he adopt ? To what place did Washington remove his forces ? By whom was he attacked at White Plains ? With what result ? To what place did he then remove the army ? At what time did he cross the Hudson ? On what points did General Howe now turn his attention? What instructions had General Washington given to General Green ? Who commanded at Fort Washington ? How many men were in the garrison ? On what day was it attacked? With what result? How many British were killed ? How many Americans surrendered? What did the Brit- ish next attempt ? When was Fort Lee evac- uated? What policy does Washington still pursue ? Of what number was his army still composed ? Through what places does Wash- ington retreat ? In what did General Howe make a mistake? Where did he finally post his army? Why did he not itnnwsrtuitplv cross the Delaware? What did he make ? PART III.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD u. CHAPTER III. What was the condition of Washington's army in December 1776? How does he soothe and encourage them ? What measures did Howe adopt to bring back the people to the royal cause ? With what effect ? What measures did Washington take to in- crease his army ? What was the conduct of General Lee ? Wliat was the consequence to himself? After the reinforcements had arrived, to what number was the army aug- mented ? What bold plan does Washington form ? Give an account of the manner in which it was executed. How many prisoners were taken ? At what time did Cornwallis reach the neighborhood of Trenton ? What movement did General Washington then make ? Give a particular account of it, and the result. What distinguished officer fell at Trenton ? What emotions did these successes give rise to in the country ? To what place did Washington retire ? What posts did he afterwards cap- ture ? Where did he finally take up his win- ter-quarters ? With whom is Washington compared as a commander ? What new feelings prevail in regard to the contest? What defeat did the Americans suffer on Lake Champlain ? At what time was Rhode Island taken ? At what time were the articles of confederation adopted ? What did they ordain ? What name did they give to the colonies ? What was the character of the congress of 1776 ? What difficulties sur- rounded them ? What means did they adopt to raise money? Whom did they send to France? For what object? What were their special instructions ? What powers did congress grant to General Washington ? What specific objects was he authorized to accom- plish ? j Washington adopt to prevent them ? What I stratagem did General Howe resort to ? With what success ? CHAPTER IV. What was the conduct of the English and German troops in New Jersey ? What was said of them in England ? Who were called tories ? Where did they threaten to join the British standard? With what disease was the army threatened? What precautions were taken by Washington ? What were the first movements of the British in 1777? By whom was Peekskill taken ? At what time ? Who attacked Danbury ? With what force? What was the fate of the town ? What oc- curred in the retreat of the army ? What was the loss of each party ? Describe the expe- dition of Colonel Meigs to Sag Harbor. Who was the most prominent of the commission- ers sent to France ? What was his character ? What may be said of the value of his ser- vices ? What distinguished Frenchman espoused the American cause at this time ? What was his reply when told the colonies were in great distress ? What appointment did he receive from congress ? What were his relations with General Washington ? What two ob- jects diil the British propose to accomplish in the campaign of 1777 ? What measures did CHAPTER V. By whom was General Prescott captured ? In what mariner ? At what time ? What plan had the British formed to reduce America ? | To whom was the command of the expedition given? To whose prejudice? What was the conduct of Governor Carleton? Who were the principal officers to accompany Bur- goyne ? What was the strength of his army ? What was his plan of operations ? At what time does the army advance ? What means did Burgoyne use to operate on the Indians and on the Americans ? What was the force of St. Leger ? What fort did he invest ? By whom was it commanded ? Who went to its relief ? What was the result ? Who retreat ed from the fort ? For what purpose ? Who was sent to the relief of the fort ? What was done by St. Leger ? What was the conduct of the Indians ? What place did Burgoyne first invest ? On what day ? How many troops garrisoned it ? By whom commanded? What circumstance connected with its defense had been overlook- ed? After the British had gained Mount De- fiance, what course did the Americans adopt ? Who pursued the Americans? With what force ? Where did he overtake them ? What was the result ? What effect had this on the movements of St. Glair ? What post of safe- ty did he finally reach ? Where is Fort Ed- ward? Of what place did Burgoyne take posses- sion? Where is Skeenesborough situated? What measures were adopted by General Schuyler? What effect was produced in England by these partial successes ? What in America? What means did General Schuyler adopt to impede the progress of the British ? Why was he superseded ? Who was appointed to the command ? What other officers joined the northern army ? At what time did Burgoyne reach Fort Edward ? How did he obtain supplies ? How many men did he send to seize the provisions at Bennington? Who commanded them ? Who commanded the Americans ? What was the result ? Who was sent with a re-inforcement ? By whom was he met ? With what result. ? What was the loss of the British in both engagements ? In what point of view was the battle of Bennington particularly important? Relate the tragical story of Miss M'Crea. What were its effects on the inhabitants of the ad- jacent country ? At what time did Burgoyne cross the Hud- son ? At what time did the first battle occur? At what place ? With what result ? What was the loss of the British? Who claimed the victory ? Who had it ? When was the general battle fought ? Describe the position of the British army. What distinguished gen- erals belonged to it ? Describe the manner in which the attack was made. What is said of tho liattle? What was the result ? What British colonel wai 477 PART HI.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD n killed? What general officer was mortally wounded ? What was now the situation of the British army ? What move does General Burgoyne make ? What does he next attempt ? From whom had he expected supplies ? On what day did he finally capitulate? How many men were surrendered ? How many had been previously lost ? What were the stipulations of the capitulation? How were they treated by the Americans ? What consequence followed the surrender? How did it affect the great cause of America? What expedition was planned from New York? By whom commanded? What did it effect ? When did Burgoyne learn that aid was at hand ? When the news of Burgoyne's surrender reached Clinton, what course did he adopt ? What the character of the expe- dition ? CHAPTER VI. What expedition was undertaken by Admi- ral and General Howe ? On what day did they leave Sandy Hook ? Where did they disembark their troops ? How many in num- ber? What movement was made by General Washington? What generals accompanied Washington ? What position did the two ar- mies assume ? On what day did the battle of the Brandywine take place ? Describe the battle. What was the loss of the Americans ? What the loss of the British ? What officers par- ticularly distinguished themselves ? After the battle, to what place did the Americans re- treat ? What move did Washington make to recover his loss ? What defeated his plans ? What move is now made by Howe ? What does Washington do ? Where does congress adjourn to ? Whi Washington ? adjourn to ? What powers do they confer on At what time did Howe cross the Schuyl- kill ? Where did his army halt ? Who com- manded the detachment which entered Phila- delphia ? How large was the American ar- my? Where was it encamped? How did Howe regard the capture of Philadelphia? What measures did the Americans adopt to cut off the supplies of the British army ? Did the British endeavor to prevent it? Were they successful ? What induced Washington to attack the British at Germantown ? De- scribe the battle and its results. What move did the American army then make ? In what light did congress view the affair at Germantown ? What move was soon made by the British army ? Why was this move necessary ? What was said by Dr. Franklin ? Why did the British wish to keep open the navigation of the Delaware ? Describe their attack on Red Bank. What was the result. ? What place did they next attack ? What was the result ? What mode did Cornwallis adopt of attacking Fort Mercer? With what suc- cess ? What was the consequence ? By what troops was Washington now re- inforced? What was the number of his ar- my? To what place did he advance ? What transpired there ? At what time does Wash- 478 ington go into winter-quarters ? What was the condition of his army ? How did they bear their sufferings ? What are the reflec- tions of the authoress ? CHAPTER VII. What were the causes of the distress of the army ? What did congress insist on, in re- gard to the bills of credit? Would they pur- chase necessaries for the army ? What course were the officers forced to adopt ? What feel- ings stimulated the intrigues against Wash- ington ? What was their object ? Who was prominent among the leaders ? What states addressed congress on the subject? What measures did congress adopt to reflect on General Washington ? Who was placed at the head of the board of war ? What expedi- tion did they plan ? Who was invited to join the expedition ? Did the enterprise succeed ? What was the public sentiment in regard to the intrigues against Washington ? Who superseded Conway? What was the final sentiment in congress? On what occasion did General Conway make suitable acknowl- edgements? What provision does congress make for the officers, to quiet discontents ? What does he urge with regard to the ap- proaching campaign ? Are the British ready to open the campaign early ? To what are their efforts limited ? What position did La Fayette occupy in May ? What attempt was made to surprise him ? With what success ? What is said of the A merican privateers ? How many British vessels had they captured ? What effect had the capture of Burgoyne in Europe ? What were the feelings of the English people? What were the calamities which they foresaw might happen ? With what feelings did France view the discontents in America ? Why did she not at first espouse her cause? What was her wish ? What her general policy ? What was the course of Dr. Franklin ? What proposition did he make to England ? What effect had the capture of Burgoyne ? What did the French ministry immediately declare ? On what day was the treaty made ? Did it recognize the independence of the United States ? What was agreed to in the treaty ? Who signed it on the part of France ? Who on the part of the 6 States ? On what day were the commissioners received at the court of France ? How were they received? Was the event important? What measures were adopted by the British parliament? What was foretold of these measures ? Which counsels prevailed? Who were appointed commissioners ? What were their secret ob- jects? When the news of the alliance reached England, what effect did it produce ? What did the English resolve upon ? How was France found to be prepared ? At what time did the treaty reach the United States ? By what vessel was it brought? When did tho British commissioners arrive? Who were they ? Were their terms acceptable ? What did congress demand ? What did the commis- PART HI.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD n sioners then attempt ? Which labored with the greatest ability and zeal ? What means did he use ? What was offered to General Reed? What was his reply? How was Johnstone exposed ? What measures did congress adopt ? What writers exposed the baseness of his attempts? How was public opinion at the time ? CHAPTER VIII. At what time did the British prepare to evacuate Philadelphia? On what day did they march out of the city ? What are the movements of Washington ? What his views of a general engagement ? What those of his officers ? Where did the battle take place ? On what day ? What was the conduct of General Lee ? What punishment did he af- terwards suffer? Which party retained the possession of the field ? What move was made in the night by the British army ? On what place do they retreat ? What disposition is made of the American army ? Who commanded the French fleet? Of how many ships did it consist ? From what French port did it sail ? On what day ? What was its destination ? Disappointed in that plan, what did it next undertake ? Who was made minister to Franre? On what day? What expedition did Washington plan in con- junction with the French fleet? To whom was it intrusted ? What was the force to be employed ? What that of the British ? At what time did the French fleet arrive off New- port? What were the arrangements for cap- turing the place ? At what time was the de- scent to be made? What delayed it? What caused the French fleet to depart ? At what time does Sullivan besiege Newport? What is done by d'Estaing? Why is the siege raised ? On what day ? To what point does the American army retreat ? Are they pursued ? Where does the action take place ? With what result ? Who arrives from New York ? With what force ? What were some of the consequences of d'Estaing's conduct? To whom did Clinton leave the command of the transports ? With what orders? What injury was done to the American ships ? Was private property respected? Was the campaign of this year distinguish- ed for savage depredations ? Where is Wyo- ming situated ? Who commanded the Indians that attacked it? Were the people in favor of the colonists ? What stimulated the Brit- ish and Indians to attack the Wyoming settle- ments ? At what time is the attack made ? Who commanded the Americans at Wilks- barre ? How did he determine to resist the savages ? What was the result ? What gave rise to difficulties between the French and Americans ? To what did congress attribute them? For what place does the French fleet sail ? On what day ? Do the English also send for- I'ffS to the West Indies ? How many troops depart? What results are accomplished in the West Indies ? What was one of the leading objects of the campaign of 1778 ? How many troops sail.for Georgia? What city is captured? How many men are lost on the part of the Americans ? At what place does General Washington retire to winter quarters ? CHAPTER IX. What was the plan of Sir Henry Clinton ? What place alone held out ? Who command- ed the troops at St. Augustine ? What did he do ? Who took command of the British forces in Georgia ? Was the whole country now subdued ? Why did not Prevost attack Charleston ? Against what place did he plan an expedition ? Who commanded it ? What was the result ? Why did the British transfer the war to the southern states? How were the royalists classed ? What was intended by the move- ment to Augusta? What other means did the British employ ? Did the royalists col- lect and embody themselves ? Under whom ? Under whom did the Carolinians rally? Where did the hostile parties meet ? What was the result? How many of the royalists were executed ? Who was appointed to command the southern forces ? At what time did he reach Charleston ? When did he take com- mand ? At what place ? What was Lincoln's plan ? What was the strength of his army ? To what point does he dispatch General Ashe ? With what force ? What stratagem did Prevost use ? Was it successful? What troops resisted? What was the loss of the Americans ? What was the consequence of this defeat ? What gov- ernment was organized in Georgia? What was the conduct of the Carolinians ? Who was chosen governor ? How many men were raised by the middle of April ? What were Lincoln's plans ? What movement was made by the British army ? With what success T On what point did General Moultrie retreat ? On what day did the English appear before Charleston ? By what corps had the garri- son been reinforced ? What reinforcements were expected ? How was delay produced ? What did Prevost do ? Does Lincoln arrive ? To what place does Prevost retire? What are his objects? What the movements of Lincoln ? What expedition was sent out from New York in May? Who commanded it? Of what force did it consist 7 What objects did it propose to accomplish? To what point did the fleet proceed ? What was accomplish- ed ? And what the result ? What places did Clinton next attack ? Why were these pla- ces important ? At what time did he leave New York ? Which place did he first attack ? W T ith what result? How was Verplank Point taken? Where did General Clinton finally encamp ? What was accomplished by the. Connecticut privateers ? What measures did General Clinton take to destroy them ? What towns were sacked and burnt? What measures did Washington take to recover Stony Point ? Who commanded the 479 PART HI.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD expedition? How was it conducted, and what was the result ? Wre the Americans equally successful at Verplank's Point ? What measures did Clinton adopt when he learned the news? What did General Washington deem it prudent to do ? What exploit was perform- ed by Major Lee on the 19th of July ? Who had come from Halifax and taken post at the mouth of the Penobscot river? What was his object ? Who commanded the naval and land armament sent to the Penobscot ? What did they do on reaching the Penobscot ? What occasioned the failure of the enterprise? How did the men escape? What feelings did this disaster occasion in Massachusetts ? What expedition was planned against the In- dians l . Who commanded ? What did it ef- fect ? To what place did the army retire, after accomplishing their object? CHAPTER X. What events were transpiring in the West Indies ? Who commanded the English fleet ? Who the French ? What did the English de- sire ? What had the French in view ? Why did they not wish a general battle ? What island is captured by the French ? After d'Es- taing had received reinforcements, what place does he assail ? Give the particulars. What complaints are made by the Americans ? What reasons do they give why d'Eslaing should return? Does he listen to their en- treaties ? What two measures does Count d'Estaing propose? Which was adopted? What measures of defense are adopted by General Prevost? What steps are taken by General Lincoln ? What was prematurely done by d'Estaing? How did the commandant effect delay ? What truce was granted ? What reinforcements did the British receive? Who joined the Americans ? With what force ? On what day was the place besieged? When was the bombardment commenced ? Give a general account of the battle, and the final result. Why does Clinton withdraw from Rhode Island ? What fleet was commanded by Paul Jones ? Describe the battle which occurred on the 23d of September. Who was the vic- tor ? At what cost ? What were some of the disadvantages .of the French alliance ? What considerations did the patriots address to the people ? What evils were experienced from the avaricious and selfish ? What added to this general de- cline of morality ? What amount of paper had been issued by congress ? What mean device did England resort to, to depreciate the currency ? What selfish considerations influenced the French cabinet ? What did Mr. Gerard de- mand for France ? What did he ask for Spain ? What did Spain seek to obtain from the United States ? What course did she finally adopt on her own account ? W ho was sent out to reinforce General Clinton ? What move did Clinton then make? Who com- manded at the south ? Where did Washing- ton go into winter-quarters ? 480 CHAPTER XI. What feelings were manifested in Russia towards England 1 What did England claim ? Who was foremost in opposition to her pre- tensions ? What proposition was made by Catharine II. ? What powers acceded to the proposal ? What were the provisions of the treaty ? What agreement was made to en- sure its observance ? To what courts were these articles of agreement communicated ? What powers adopted them? What policy did England pursue ? What course did Por- tugal take ? Why ? What course did Hol- land adopt? What was now the policy of the British ? To what point did Clinton sail? By whom is he reinforced? On what point does he concentrate his forces? What are the move- ments of General Lincoln ? Who aids him ? What were the discouragements attending the defense of Charleston ? At what time did the siege commence? Where was General Huger stationed ? Did he retain his position ? What was the consequence? What rein forcements did the British receive? How was Fort Moultrie passed ? With what loss ? How was Charleston then menaced? On what day was Fort Moultrie abandoned? On what day was Charleston surrendered ? How many men capitulated? How many cannon were given up? To whom do his- torians attribute the success at Savannah and Charleston? What expeditions did Clinton plan ? Were they successful ? Whom did Tarleton pursue? Where did he overtake Burford ? How did he tarnish the honors of his success? Into whose possession had South Carolina now fallen ? What did Gene- ral Clinton say of it ? What does he proceed to do ? What does he require of the citizens ? What arrangements does he now make ? What is remarked of the winter of 1779-80? What movement had been made by Knyphau- son during Clinton's absence? What was his object? What engagement took place? With what result ? What aroused the people ? What was the consequence ? CHAPTER XII. What measures did congress adopt in re- gard to their currency ? What had been pre- viously done by Clinton in South Carolina ''. What was the conduct of the British towards the republicans of the south ? To what vexa- tions were they subject? What especially excited the opposition of the Carolinians ? What did the British require of them ? What did they reply ? Wliat is said of the women ot Carolina? What was their parting ad- vic-: f What general remarks are made in regard to the causes which produced the tor- por of 1779 ? What state of feeling succeed- ed this? Was it shared and stimulated by the ladies? What society was formed in Philadelphia? Who was at its head ? YV'lul was the character of Mr. Washington? CHAPTER XIII. What news did La Fayette bring on his re- PART III.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD 11. turn from France ? How was he received ? When did the squadron arrive .' What rein- forcements did it bring ? What arrangements were made in regard to the rank -of the offi- cers ? How were the French received ? What reinforcements reached New York? What expedition was determined on by Gen- eral Clinton? What measures were adopted by Washington ? What was the final action of General Clinton ? What events transpired at the south? What officers distinguished themselves in partisan warfare ? What was effected by Colonel Sumpter? Where did he defeat the British? Who is sent with regular troops to defend South Carolina? Who was appointed to the command of the southern army ? On what point did he ad- vance ? With what force ? What proclama- tion did he issue ? What influence had it on the people? Who commanded the British army ? What plans did he form to attack the Americans ? What was done by General Gates ? How did the armies meet ? Near what place ? What was the result of the bat- tle ? What was the loss of the Americans ? What that of the British ? What general offi- cer was mortally wounded ? On what point did General Gates retreat ? What officer still remained in South Carolina ? Where is he finally defeated ? By whom? Who still continued to harass the British ? CHAPTER XIV. What thrilling event occurred at the north? What was Arnold's standing with the people at this time ? What caused his first indebted- ness ? What excited him against congress ? What punishment was inflicted by the court- martial ? Why does he determine to sell his country ? With whom does he negotiate ? What plan is agreed upon? How did he dis- pose of the forces? Who was appointed to confer with him? At what time do they have a personal interview ? Why does Andre re- main on shore ? Why does he not again go on board the Vul- ture ? What route does he take for New York ? Where is he met and arrested ? By whom ? What conversation passed ? To what post is he taken? What does Colonel Jameson permit ? Where had General Wash- ington been employed ? What was his first care? Had Arnold accomplices? How might Andre have been disposed of? What course did General Washington adopt ? Who were prominent members of the court-martial ? Who interfered to save Andre ? What ar- guments were used to excuse him ? How did he appear before the court ? What was his sentence ? Does Clinton still urge his re- lease ? Who were appointed to negotiate in the matter? What were the arguments of Robinson? What the reply of Greene ? What circumstances increased his desire of life ? What does he solicit of Washington ? When is he finally executed? What are his last words at the gallows ? What did Arnold receive from the British trovernrnent ? What did he sacrifice ? How , were the captors of Andre rewarded ? After | the battle of Camden, what enterprise did j Cornwallis undertake ? To what place did ; he march ? What time did he reach it? Who I had committed acts of barbarity in North ! Carolina? What spirit did they arouse in the people ? Who were the principal lead- ers ? At what place was the principal battle fought? With what result? How did this affect the situation of Cornwallis ? Who were the principal leaders of the republicans? What does Cornwallis finally decide upon? Where does he encamp his army ? W ho was sent to V irginia ? For what pur- pose ? With what force ? What rencounter took place between the partisan chiefs ? With what result? Who superseded Gates? In what condition did he find the army ? What line of policy was determined on ? Who was sent to reinforce Cornwallis? With what force? Who makes a descent on Virginia? In what spirit ? CHAPTER XV. What events were transpiring in Europe ? Were the naval operations extensive ? W ho captured Pensacola, and subsequently Flori- da ? W'hat reinforcements did France de- termine on sending to America? What force was to be sent to Cornwallis ? What was the situation of American affairs ? What were the difficulties which surroundsd the American congress? W r hat means did thej adopt to raise money ? Who was appointed treasurer ? What was his character ? What means did he adopt to raise the credit of the country ? What was done, in the me an time, abroad ? Who watch- ed over the interests of America there ? What moneys were raised by loan? What results were to be produced ? What insubordination showed itself at this time? What were the alledged grounds of it? To what extent did it reach? Who were the commissioners ap- pointed by congress to examine into the facts? What measures were taken by Clinton to seduce the mutineers? With what result? What measures were recommended by Wash- ington ? How was the matter finally adopt- ed? What was done with Clinton's emissa- ries ? W T hat other troops revolt ? What steps were taken by Washington? What plan of operations was adopted by General Greene I Describe the battle of the Cowpens? What loss did each party sustain ? What does Cornwallis decide upon ? What favorable incident saved Colonel Morgan? Who arrives and assumes the command ? Do the British still pursue? Where are the Americans again overtaken? By what inci- dent are they again preserved? To what point does General Greene march ? Who is to join him ? What are the intentions of Corn- wallis? To what place does he go? For what purpose ? What accidents caused the defeat of two parties of loyalists? What terminated the Tarleton expedition ? At what place does General Greene conceu 481 PART III.J QUESTIONS. [PERIOD n. trate his army ? How strong is it ? De- scribe the battle of Guilford Court House ? To what place does Greene retreat ? What meas- ures does Cornwallis now decide upon? What movements are made by Greene ? When Cornwallis reached Wilmington, what plans does he consider ? What does he finally de- cide upon ? Who is left in command of the troops remaining in Carolina? With what opes? CHAPTER XVI. Where were the head-quarters of Lord Rawdon? What were the other principal posts of the British ? What compelled the British to divide their troops ? What effect was produced by the retreat of Cornwallis ? What partisan officers annoyed the British in the southern part of Carolina? Who held Lord Rawdon in check in the northern part ? Where does Greene intrench his army? By whom are they nttacked? At what time? Describe the batlle. What is the loss on either side ? Wb it movement is made by Greene ? Is he pursued ? At what time does Lord Rawdon evacuate Camden ? Towards what place does he re- treat? What forts are captured by Marion and Lee ? What by Sumpter ? How many prisoners are made ? What posts now re- mained to the British in upper Carolina? What post does Greene beseige ? Who flies to its succor ? What post capitulates to the Americans ? Why does Greene assault the post of Ninety-Six? Is he successful ? To what place does he then retire ? Sketch the history o 1 Isaac Hayne. What is said of Lord Rawdon ? field, between Washington and Count Ro chambeau ? What change was made in his plans ? What stratagem was practiced ? At what place did the French join General Washington ? When he crossed the Hudson, what report did he cause to be spread ? De- scribe his route to the south. At what time did he join La Fayette ? At what place ? At what time did Count de Grasse enter the Chesapeake ? What end did it accomplish ? What was feared in regard to General La Fayette? How was the artillery to be ob- tained for the siege ? What was the advice of Washington ? What was the conduct of the French admiral ? Was it successful ? CHAPTER XVII. What were the determinations of Greene? What route did he pursue to meet the enemy ? Who commanded the British forces ? Where was the decisive battle fought ? With what result ? What was the loss of the British ? What that of the Americans ? After Greene's army was reinforced, to what places did the British retreat ? What is said of Greene's military character? Where did Arnold land in Virginia ? With what force ? What was his conduct ? What plan is formed for the capture of Ar- nold ? Who is dispatched to Virginia ? With what force ? What naval force is dispatched from Rhode Island ? What prevents the cap- ture of Arnold? What force does Clinton send to Virginia? What town is burnt by Arnold? To what place do Philip and Ar- nold retreat ? For what object ? After Corn- wallis took command, what plans does he form ? Who commanded the corps of Ameri- cans in Virginia? What policy did La Fa- yette adopt ? What expedition was confided to Tarleton ? With what result ? What orders are sent to Cornwallis by Clinton? What is finally decided upon? Where does CornwalUa conclude to fortify j himself? What was agreed upon at Wethers' 482 CHAPTER XVIII. What is the situation of Cornwallis ? What information does he receive from Clinton? What diversion does Clinton attempt ? Who commanded the expedition against New Lon- don? What forts defended it? What was the conduct of the British? What distin- guished officer was slain by his own sword ? What was the fate of New London? Did Arnold penetrate into the country? What measures of defense are adopted by Corn- wallis ? How does he lose his only chance of escape? What is the strength of the combined ar- mies which move from Williamsburg ? What portion were French? At what time do they commence the seige ? What portions ol the works are carried by assault? How did General Washington divide the service ? Who commanded the sortie ? What was its success ? What effort does Cornwallis make to save his army ? How is he, prevented ? At what time does he propose to negoti- ate? What terms does he ask? What are granted ? What were the articles of capitula- tion ? How many troops were surrendered ? What arrangements were made between the French and Americans? How were the prisoners treated ? Was any aid on its way from New York? What feelings did the event occasion in New York ? What allies leave America ? CHAPTER XIX. What has already been stated in regard to Vermont ? What did New York attempt in regard to the settlers in Vermont ? What was the consequence? What measures are taken by the inhabitants of Vermont ? What name do they give to the state? What do they ask of congress ? What was the situation of Vermont in 1781 ? By what system of management had its territory been protected ? What fortunate event avoided a crisis ? What was the con- dition of the country in 1781 ? What means of relief had congress ? Did the states pay their quotas ? Whom did the people blame ? What was now the feeling in England in regard to the war? What posts did the Brit- ish now hold in America ? What resolution wa.s passed in the house of commons? Who succeeds Sir Henry Clinton? What was the PART IV.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD i. general feeling on both sides? Who were appointed by the British to negotiate for peace ? Why were they unsuccessful ? Who were appointed by congress ? What power recognizes the independence of the United States "I Who were appointed commissioners on the part of Great Britain ? When were the pre- liminary articles signed? When was the final treaty completed ? What circumstances made the treaty more favorable to America ? What subject was left unsettled ? What were the causes of discontent in the army? What were the fears of the officers ? What am- bitious feelings had weight ? What means were taken to bring Washing- ton into these views ? What sentiments were expressed in the letter to Washington ? What feelings did the communication produce ? What did he reply ? What gave rise to the Newburg letter? Who was its author? What was its character and tenor? What did it advise ? What did it propose ? What course did Washington adopt ? What address did he make in the meeting? What did he declare and what promise ? What effect was produced upon the officers ? What did he write to congress in their behalf? What, act did congress pass ? Who first communicated the intelligence of peace? At what time was it officially an- nounced? How long had the war lasted? When was the army disbanded ? What is said of those who still survive ? What Eu- ropean powers acknowledge the independence of the United States ? At what periods ? When did Prussia come in ? On what day did the British evacuate New York? At what time did Washington take leave of the army ? At what place ? Whence did Wash- ington proceed I For what purpose ? On what day did he resign his commission ? To what place does he retire ? Where is Mount Vernon situated ? CHAPTER XX. What was the condition of the country at the close of the war? What augmented the discontent ? What expedient was resorted to by Rhode Island? What disorders grew out of these distresses ? Who was the leader of the malcontents in Massachusetts ? What did he do at Springfield ? What force was ordered out to suppress the insurrection ? Who commanded it ? Who was appointed to take possession of Spring- field? How did he accomplish it? How many rioters were killed? How were the malcontents finally disposed of? What was discovered in regard to the government? What remedy was proposed? What evils existed? How alone could they have a reme- dy ? Who suggested the idea of strengthen- ing the general government ? Which state first recommended a convention to form a constitution? On whose motion? In what year? How was the proposition received by congress ? When did the convention meet ? What did they proceed to do ? What two opposite views presented them- selves ? What did one class of politicians believe ? Where did they look for an exam- ple? What did others believe? Where is the true line ? On what basis was the con- stitution formed ? What different views were entertained by the two parties ? What were those called who leaned towards strengthen- ing the general government ? What were their opponents called ? What other difficul- ties arose ? How were the slaves finally al- lowed to be reckoned ? Was there any opposition to the adoption of the new constitution? How many states adopted it in 1789? What states had not? What is the supreme authority in which the constitution is promulgated? What are the objects for which it was established? In what is the legislative power vested ? How are representatives chosen and for what time ? By whom ? How are they appor- tioned ? Of how many members is the senate composed? What their term of service? Who chooses the presiding officer of the house of representatives ? What is he called? Who is the presiding officer of the senate ? What are the two houses called ? How often must they sit ? What bills must originate in the house of representatives? Who has the care of the peoples' money ? Who bears the sword ? Who the purse ? Where is the executive power vested ? What is requisite to make a person eligible ? What power has the presi- dent? How are treaties made? Where is the judicial power vested? How are im- peachments made ? Who tries them ? What was feared by both parties, when the consti- tution was adopted? How is it now re- garded ? PART IV. PERIOD I. AT what time does Part IV. begin? what time does it close ? At AT what time does this Period begin ? W hat event marks its commencement ? At what time does it close ? its close ? What event marKS CHAPTER I. On what day was the new government to go into operation ? What were Washington's wishes at the close of the war? To what 483 PART IV.J QUESTIONS. [PERIOD i. place did he make a visit ? What important idea did he suggest ? Whom did he memo- rialize on the subject? What was offered by the states of Pennsylvania and Virginia ? What added to Washington's expenses? To what does Washington give his attention in retirement ? What remains has he left of his taste ? To what place was he first called from his retirement ? What office did he re- ceive from the convention ? After the adop- tion of the constitution, to what office was We chosen ? How long after he received notice of his election, before his departure for New York ? How was he received by the people on his journey ? On what day was he in- augurated ? At what place ? What did he declare in his inaugural ad- dress in regard to himself? What maxims of wisdom and patriotism did he lay down ? What was the first object of congress ? On what did they lay duties ? What distinction did they make between American and foreign vessels ? Who were the first secretaries ap- pointed under the constitution ? Under whose care was the navy placed? To whom were the secretaries made responsible ? By whom removable ? What changes were made in the constitution in this session ? Describe the organization of the judiciary. By what congress was it made ? What sala- ries were given to the various officers ? What did congress recommend before adjournment ? At wfeut time did congress adjourn ? What did they require of the secretary of the treas- ury ? How is General Washington received in New England? When did North Carolina come into the Union ? At what time did the second session of con- gress begin ? What important report was made by Hamilton ? What debts did he pro- pose to assume ? What gave rise to the two great parties? What were the points of dif- ference between the opposing parties ? Which side did the federalists espouse ? From what section of the country were they ? What did the federalists contend for in the assumption of the state debts ? What principle was ad- vocated by the republicans ? What were the arguments used on each side ? What was proposed by Mr. Madison ? How was it re- ceived ? What motives were attributed to Mr. Hamil- ton? What were the proofs relied upon? What were the arguments in favor of assum- ing the state debts ? What was decided in the matter ? What means were used to carry out the plans of Mr. Hamilton ? In what year did Rhode Island come into the Union ? What was the argument in favor of a duty on distilled spirits ? Was the duty laid ? What cession was made by North Caroli- na? By whom was Nashville founded? In what year ? What treaty was made in 1790? What were the arguments for and against a national bank? What was the re- sult of the deliberations? Where was the bank located ? With what^ capital ? Who were the leaders of the two great parties? What grounds of complaint were urged asairist the course of Mr. Jefferson ' Could the dif- 484 ferences be healed ? At what time was Ver- mont admitted into the Union ? When was the first census taken ? W T hat was the population ? When was the first apportionment made? What was the ratio of representation adopted ? CHAPTER II. What is said of the connection between the Moravian missionaries and the early his- tory of the aborigines ? How did the Mora- vians treat their converts? What excited the people against the Moravian converts? Who established a mission on the Alleghany river? In what year? With what success? What Indian war occurred in 1770? What gave rise to it? Where do the Moravian missionaries locate themselves ? Under whom ? What settlements are broken up ? To what place did Zeisberger remove ? How many persons afterwards joined him from the Susquehannah ? What obstacles opposed the influence of the chiefs? Who among the Delawares favored civilization ? What reso- lution was finally adopted by the Delawares ? What difficulties did the revolution raise to the work of the missionaries? Who visits the missionaries ? With what intent ? How is he appeased ? What finally do the Indian tribes determine on ? What are the Moravi- ans obliged to do? Whence do they flee? What befalls them ? How many of the converts returned to the Muskingum to gather the corn? Describe the manner in which they were murdered? What happened to the missionaries who were taken to Detroit ? What was the declaration of Captain Pipe? What did the governor state to the missionaries ? Where did they again settle? After the peace, where did they again locate themselves ? Which was the most powerful of the west- ern tribes of Indians ? Who was their chief? What was his character ? Whom did he in cite to join against the United States ? What were his views and intentions ? What gene- ral was first sent against the savages ? With what force ? Near what place is he defeated? Who was next sent against them? With what force? What was the result? What did congress resolve upon? What wr*- the difficulties in the way ? Who were sent to negotiate ? What was their fate ? What did the Six Nations effect? When was Kentucky admitted into the Union? What was the currency of the country called after the establishment of the mint? When was Washington re-elected president? Who was re-elected vice-presi- dent? What events in France now affected American politics? What were the argu- ments and feelings of the democratic party ? What those of the federalists ? What course did Washington adopt ? Was this in accordance with public sympathy ? By whom was Genet sent out as a minister ? Where did he land ? What did he infer from his reception ? What were his proceedings at Charleston? How was he received in Philadelphia ? Who complained of his acts ? What course did General Washington adopt ? PART IV.J QUESTIONS. [PERIOD n. Who succeeded Genet? When was Kentucky admitted to the Union 1 By whom and when was the first English settlement made in this state? Whit inducements were held out hy Virginia for new settlors? CHAPTER III. What office did Mr. Jefferson resign in 17941 What excitement did congress create in western Pennsylvania ? What measures did Washing- ton adopt to vindicate the laws ? How many men were raised ? By whom were they com- manded? What effect was produced? What naval armament was ordered at this time ? For what particular object ? With what power was a war apprehended ? What complaints did Great Britain make against the Americans? Of what did the Americans complain? What measures did congress adopt ? Who was sent to England to negoti- ate ? Who was appointed to succeed Gene- ral St. Clair ? What name did the Indians give to General Wayne ? What was the ad- vice of Little Turtle? Describe General Wayne's campaign against the Indians. Where did he attack and defeat them ? On what day? Were any British soldiers in the fight ? How did the British treat the Indians ? What was the consequence ? What was af- terwards done by the Americans ? At what time did General Hamilton resign ? Who succeeded him ? When was Jay's trea- ty completed ? Was it ratified ? What were its provisions ? What objections were raised to it ? What breach of faith was committed by a senator? What effect did it produce? What was attempted at the next session of congress, by the house of representatives ? What was the final result ? What other treaties were made this year? What was insisted on by Spain, after the revolution ? Who was appointed to make a treaty? What did the treaty guaranty? When was Tennessee admitted into the Union? Were the treaties of 1795 opposed? What was the conduct of the French minister? Who succeeded Mr. Morris, as minister to France ? How was he received there ? Who succeeded Mr. Fauchet ? What sinister mo- tives had France ? How did she finally con- duct towards America ? Why was Mr. Monroe recalled? Who succeeded him ? What is said of the admin- istration of General' Washington ? At what time did he publish his farewell address ? What were the principal subjects to which he drew the attention of the American peo- ple ? What did he say of the spirit of party ? CHAPTER IV. Who were the candidates for the presiden- cy to succeed General Washington ? What were the points of difference between them ? With what did each party charge the other? What intelligence did Mr. Adams receive up- on entering upon his duties ? What measures did congress adopt? What army did they place at the command of the president? How die 1 Mr. Adams manifest his desire 33 for peace ? Who composed the new embassy " Were they received ? How were the nego tiations carried on ? What was demanded by the persons acting under Talleyrand ? What was the mission called ? Why ? Who were first recalled? What did Mr. Adams declare ? What was the conduct of the French ? What became the motto of the country? Who was appointed to command the army ? Who was made second in com- mand ? What naval battle was fought ? Who composed the new embassy? Whom did they find at the head of the French govern- ment? Did they negotiate a treaty? At what time? At what time did the death of General Washington occur? What feelings did it produce in the country? What notice did congress take of his death ? What was his age ? What is said of him? CHAPTER V. In what year was the seat of government transferred to Washington ? From what states was the territory ceded ? How large is it? What is it called? What new territories were made in the year 1800 ? What is said of the feelings of the re- publican party towards Mr. Adams at his first election ? To whom was the party particu- larly opposed ? What measures of President Adams were made the means of assailing his administration ? What was charged on him by his opponents ? What acts of Mr. Adams' administration were especially unpopular? What was the nature of the alien law? What that of the sedition law ? How were the president and vice-presi- dent elected in 1800? Who were the candi- dates of the democratic party ? What diffi- culty occurred ? Whom did the federal party support for the presidency ? What difficulty occurred in the ballot? Who was finally chosen ? After how many ballotings ? When was Mr. Jefferson inaugurated? What custom did he introduce in regard to the message ? Who was made secretary of state ? What bills were immediately passed by congress? What was the population of the United States in the second census? How much increase in the last ten years? What had been the increase in the revenue ? What war was declared in 1801 ? What new state was admitted into the Union in 1802? From what states had the United States de- rived this territory ? What steps were taken on the subject of slavery ? In what year was Louisiana ceded to the French ? What order was made in regard to the port of New Or- leans ? What measures did congress adopt ? With what success ? What propositions were made in regard to Louisiana? How much was paid for it ? By what treaty was it trans- ferred ? PERIOD II. AT what time does this Period begin ? At what time does it close ? What event marks its commencement ? What its termination T 485 PART iv.J QUESTIONS. [PERIOD n CHAPTER I. What was the custom of the nations inhabit- ing the southern shores of the Mediterranean ? What was intimated by Tripoli ? Who was ordered to the Mediterranean? With what force? What did he do? Who was ordered out with a larger squadron ? What happened to the Philadelphia ? What daring enterprise was accomplished by Lieut. Decatur? Is Commodore PrebJe successful in his at- tempt to destroy Tripoli? How are the American prisoners treated? What plan is proposed by Captain Eaton ? In what year? In what year were the forces organized? Miat place do they attack and capture ? Are they left without annoyance ? W T hat are the conditions of the peace ? When was it con- cluded? What painful occurrence took place in 1804? What caused the difficulty? What was the vote in favor of Mr. Jefferson in his second election ? What had been the policy of the United States ? How had they profited by it ? What was the policy of France and Great Britain ? What two subjects were in dispute between America and Great Britain ? What was the right of search claimed by England? What was the other subject of difference? What did England claim? What did America claim ? What did America do in pursuance of her principles? How did this give rise to difficulties ? Why were the principles of the English convenient to them ? How far did they carry the claimed right of impressment? What measures were adopted by Great Britain in the administration of Charles Fox? What counter measures were adopted by France ? What was this equivalent to ? What was the standing of Aaron Burr after his duel with Hamilton? What expedition was he sup- posed to have organized ? Where is he ap- prehended ? Where tried ? , On what charges ? Before whom was he tried? With what re- sult? CHAPTER II. At what time did the Chesapeake leave Hampton Road? By whom was she com- manded ? What was demanded by the com- mander of the British frigate Leopard ? What outrage was then committed on her? What feeling did this event excite in the country? What measures did the president adopt ? What were the orders in council issued by- Great Britain? What reasons were given for them ? What counteracting orders were issued by Napoleon ? What effect had these measures on American commerce ? What expedient did congress adopt to protect our commerce ? What were the instructions is- sued to Mr. Monroe ? What was the propo- sition of Mr. Canning? Who was sent to the United States to adjust the difficulties ? What was done with Commodore Barren? Who succeeded Mr. Jefferson? In what year? What substitute was adopted for the embar- go ? What orders were issued by Buonaparte, in regard to American vessels ? Who agreed 486 to a treaty with the United States? Was the arrangement sanctioned by the British government ? When did the non-intercourse law expire ? What proposition did the United States then make to the belligerents? By whom was it accepted ? What was the population of the United States at the third census ? What occurrence took place between the frigate President and the Little Belt ? What indica- tions are observed among the Indian tribes ? Who are the moving spirits among the savages ? What part does each perform ? How does the Prophet discipline his tribes ? What were the arguments of Tecumseh by which he excited the Indians ? What expe- dient was adopted to get rid of the opposing chiefs ? Describe the death of the Wyandot chief, Leather-Lips. Where did the Indians collect their forces? Who commanded the forces which marched against the Indians? Where did he meet the Indians ? What was agreed upon? WUt was the plan of the In- dians ? What was the result? What was the loss on either side ? Who succeeded Mr. Jackson as minister ? What difficulty did he adjust ? In what way ? What did the British still claim as a right ? How many American vessels fell into the hands of the British between 1803 and 18] 1 ? What was finally resolved upon by the presi- dent ? What preparations were made for war? What conspiracy was developed in February, 1812? Who was the agent se- lected by the British government? Was he successful ? To what cause did he attribute his failure ? Why did he disclose the facts to the president? What reward did he re- CHAPTER III. What act was passed in April, 1812 ? When was war declared ? What reasons were given by the president for the war ? What party protested? What difference existed in the condition of the country at this period and at the revolution ? In what respects was the country better prepared at the period of the revolution ? What war had just closed pre- vious to the revolution? What mistake was made in appointing the generals ? What mis- take was made in the administration of Mr. Jefferson ? What was the amount of the na- tional debt at the commencement of the war? What was the strength of the army in 1808 ? To what number was it increased on the eve of the war ? What was the condition of the army? What causes operated to suppress national feeling? What more favorable moment for war had gone by ? What was the condition of the revenue ? What was the condition of the navy ? What had given it confidence and efficiency ? Who was appointed commander- in-chief ? Where did he establish his head- quarters ? CHAPTER IV. What was the plan of the first campaign 7 PART IV.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD H. Who was appointed to command the north- western army ? How many regiments of mi- litia were raised in Ohio? Who commanded them ? From what place does he move the troops ? At what time ? What extraordinary omission was made in the letter of the secre- tary of war ? What was the consequence of this mistake ? On what day did General Hull receive the intelligence that war was de- clared ? In what way ? Where was the strong hold of the British ? What impediments were offered to the ad- vance of General Hull ? What were his or- ders ? At what time did he reach Detroit ? What orders did Mr. Eustis issue to General Hull ? At what time did General Hull cross into Canada? W T here did he take post? What measures did he adopt? Why were the troops inactive at Sandwich? What skirmish ensued? What supplies were ex- pected ? Who was sent out to protect them ? What followed ? What signal neglect of the government caused the loss of Mackinaw ? On what day did it surrender? What were now the im- pressions of General Hull? What arrange- ment permitted all the British force to be brought against him? What resolution did he adopt ? How did it affect the army ? On what day did he reach Detroit ? What battle was fought on the 9th of August ? Who com- manded on either side? What was the re- sult? What did Hull now propose? Who are now sent out to protect the expected sup- plies ? What occurred at Chicago ? Who arrives to take command of Fort Mai- den ? On what day does he reach Sandwich ? What reason does he give why the Americans should surrender? What is Hull's reply? What measures does Brock then adopt ? On what day do the British cross the river ? Where do they land? What is Hull's con- duct ? How are the garrisons first formed for battle ? When withdrawn, what feelings are manifested by the officers and men ? What is the final result? What was the force on each side ? What disposition was made of General Hull ? How was he treated by the government ? What was his sentence ? Was it executed ? CHAPTER V. What naval battle was fought on the 19th of August ? Who commanded on each side ? What were the names of the vessels ? What was the loss on each side ? How much was paid by congress to the captors ? WTiat other naval battle was fought soon after ? Where were the militia quartered? Under whose command ? What did they desire to do ? At what time is the crossing first attempted? On what day is the crossing effected ? Under whose command ? What befalls him ? Who then assumes the command? What does he accomplish? What British general now advances? What is the result of his onset ? What Brit- ish general now appears ? With what force ? What was the conduct of the militia on the 33* American side ? To what are the American, troops now obliged to submit? Who bears the fag of truce ? What is the loss of the Americans ? What movements are made in Kentucky and Ohio? How many men are advancing? Under whose command? What fort is attacked on the Wabash? Under whose command was it ? What was the result ? What measures of defense are adopted by Governor Shelby? Where do the troops concentrate ? What incidents oc- cur to them on their march? What meas- ures are adopted by the militia? What is the conduct of their general ? What new expe- dition is undertaken by Hopkins? What other enterprises are undertaken against the Indians? What transpired in the northern army ? What happened at Ogdensburg ? What was accomplished by Major Young? Who commanded the northern army at Cham- plain ? When and where did they go into winter-quarters ? Who succeeded General Van Rensselaer in the command of the central army ? What is his general conduct ? W T hat officer performs a gallant enterprise ? What befalls him ? What naval engagement occurred on the 18th of October? Describe it. What afterwards oc- curred to Captain Jones ? How was he re- ceived on his return home ? How rewarded by congress I What other naval victory was the cause of just pride to the Americans ? What was the reply of Commodore Decatur to Captain Car- den ? What other victory closed the naval successes of this year ? What was effected by privateers ? What is said of the campaign by land of 1812? What of the American successes at sea? What was feared by the British ? CHAPTER VI. When were the orders in council repealed? What overtures for peace were made by di- rection of Mr. Monroe? What reply was made by the British minister, Lord Castle- reagh? What advantage did Sir George Pro- vost take of General Dearborn ? What was the consequence of this measure ? What is proposed by Admiral Warren ? What does he threaten ? What fact had the American government learned ? What was the reply of Mr. Monroe to Admiral Warren ? Did the negotiation progress ? Why not ? What was the state of feeling in the country? What causes con- tributed to the public disasters ? What states arrayed themselves against the government? With what powers does the constitution invest the president ? What ground was assumed by Massachusetts and Connecticut ? What was feared ? What ef- fect had these measures on popular feeling ? Was the administration fully sustained ? At what time did congress meet ? What means did they take to increase the army ? What measures were adopted for the increase of the navy? What means were taken to supply the treasury ? What law was passed in re 487 PART iv.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD n gard to seamen ? When was it to be carried into effect ? What was the force of the regu- lar army ? What additions were made to it ? What was the result of the late election ' CHAPTER VII. Where was the scene of the campaign of of 1813 ? Who commanded the three armies ? Where was their several stations ? Who was governor of Canada ? Who was charged with the defenses of Upper Canada ? Who with that of Lower Canada? Where were now the head-quarters of General Harrison ? Where was General Winchester quartered ? When was he attacked by the British force ? Who commanded it ? What was the result ? What were the stipulations of the sur- render? What was the conduct of the sav- ages? What the fate of the prisoners? On what day did the massacre take place ? To what place does General Harrison now re- move his head-quarters? By what force is he here besieged? Who commanded it? Who comes to his succor? What orders does Harrison give? How are the advan- tages partially lost? What is the fate of Colonel Dudley and his party ? What is the result of Proctor's attack on Fort Meigs ? What allies join the Americans in July ? WTiat were the views of the Ameri- can government at the beginning of the war ? What were finally their determination ? What new enterprise did Proctor undertake ? Who commanded Fort Stephenson? With what force ? What force invested it ? With what result ? CHAPTER VIII. What enterprise was accomplished on the 8th of October by Captain Elliot ? What by Major Forsyth ? What attack was ordered by Sir George Provost? With what result? What was the condition of the American flo- tilla on the lakes ? What expedition is under- taken from Sackett's Harbor by General Dearborn ? What force is employed ? With what result ? How many men were slain by the explo- sion of the magazines ? What general officer ? How did he die ? What was the loss of the British? What that of the Americans? When was York evacuated? What expe- dition was next undertaken? Who com- manded the British at Fort George? What was the loss of the British? What that of the Americans? What expedition was or- dered by Sir George Prevost ? Who com- manded ? Who commanded the American troops ? With what result ? To what place did Colonel Vincent retreat? Who were detached to pursue him? What calamity befel the American force? What was then done by Colonel Burns ? What ex- pedition was undertaken by Colonel Bcerst- ier? With what result? What important naval battle was fought on Lake Erie? Who were the commanders? How was it con- ducted? What was the result? What did Perry say in his dispatch ? 488 To what place is the war now transferred ? What place is taken ? In what condition does Harrison find Fort Maiden ? To what place does Proctor retreat ? Where does he finally make a stand ? How does he post his army for battle ? How is the successful attack made ? What is the result ? What trophies were taken ? What agreement was now made with the Indians? What events transpired in the Chesapeake and Delaware bays ? CHAPTER IX. What was the condition of the naval arma ment on Lake Ontario ? Who was appointed to command the central army ? At what place were his head-quarters? What expedition did he plan ? What corps of observation was appointed to observe his movements ? Where was a battle fought ? With what result ? Who was to join General Wilkinson's army ? With what force ? Was the junction effected ? Where did each army go into winter-quarters ? What measures were adopted by General Pro- vost? Who commanded the Americans at Fort George ? What mistake did he make ? What retaliatory measures were adopted ? What naval engagement took place in Feb- ruary of this year ? Who were found among the crew ? Describe the circumstances at- tending the capture of the Chesapeake ? What were the last words of Lawrence ? To what place was the prize carried? What other naval disaster soon followed? What naval victory was achieved on the 4th of Septem- ber ? What was the last request of Lieuten- ant Burrows? What common honor was shown to the remains of the two commanders ! What American commodore returned from a long and important cruise ? CHAPTER X. What efforts had been made to civilize the Creeks ? Who appeared among them to urge them to throw off the restraints of civilization ? What arguments did he use ? On what did they finally resolve ? Describe the massacre of Fort Mims. How many perished? What troops were immediately sent out against the Indians? By whom were they commanded? At what place did General Jackson defeat the Indians? What towns were also destroyed? Who commanded at Autosse ? What was the result of the con- flict? What victory was obtained by General Claiborne ? What was the last rallying place of the Indians ? How was the place situated ? Describe the battle? What distinguished chief submitted ? What did he say to General Jackson ? When was the treaty made with the Creeks ? To what command was General Jackson appointed? CHAPTER XI. Who offered to mediate between Great Britain and America ? Who were appointed commissioners on the part of the United States ? What did the English propos* ? Where did the commissioners meet ? Who PABT IT.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD n. were appointed on the part of Great Britain ? Who were added on the part of America? At what time did congress assemble in 1813? For what object? What did they proceed to do? What subject of interest came up at the regular session of congress ? What was insisted on by the Americans? How was the matter finally arranged ? What important measure was adopted by congress ? What did the opposition say to it? What events produced the repeal of those laws ? What acts were passed for the relief of the army? CHAPTER XII. At what time did the army move from French Mills ? Who was sent to the Niagara frontier ? With what force ? What success- ful movement is made by the British ? What attempt is made by General Wilkinson to in- vade Canada? With what result? What notice do the government take of Wilkin- son's conduct ? What movement is made by the British army? Who had superintended the preparation of an armament on Lake Champlain ? At what place was it ? What attempt was made by the British ? With what success ? What enterprise was undertaken by Cap- tain Holmes ? With what result ? What 6'ans were formed by the British cabinet? ow were they to be executed? At what place on the northern coast was the shipping destroyed ? To what amount ? W T hat reason is given by a British historian for the distinc- tion that had been made in favor of New England * CHAPTER XIII. At what place does General Brown halt to recruit his army ? What general officers com- manded the brigades? At what time did General Brown reach Buffalo ? When does he cross into Canada? What is the first place which surrenders ? At what time does the army advance on the enemy ? What is the strength of each army ? On what day is the battle fought? At what place? Who particularly distinguish themselves ? What is said of this battle? What British officers are severely wounded? What position is assumed by General Rial? By whom is he joined? What movements are made by General Brown ? What informa- tion caused the movement which resulted in the battle of Bridgewater? Describe the manner in which the battle was brought on. Describe the battle. Who ordered Colonel Miller to storm the height ? What was his reply ? What were some of the stirring in- cidents of the battle ? What was the loss of the British ? What that of the Americans ? What officers were wounded ? What orders did General Brown leave for General Ripley ? Why were the cannon not removed ? Who claimed the victory? To what post do the Americans retire ? What force besieges them ? Who arrives and takes command of the Ameri- can army ? On what day was the assault made on Fort Erie? What part of the fort was taken What accident saved it from the enemy? What was the loss of the British? Whal that of the Americans ? Who again assumed the command of the fort ? Who is ordered to reinforce General Brown? With what force ? What plan does he form for the relief of his army ? How was the sortie conducted ? What were its fruits? What movement wax then made by the British army ? What skir mish took place on the 20th of October* What expedition was undertaken on the up- per lakes ? CHAPTER XIV. What was the main defense of the Chesa- peake bay? Where was this flotilla block- aded ? What plan was formed by the Britisk for earring on the war at the south ? What measures were taken to defend Washington ? What reinforcements did the British army re- ceive ? How was the fleet divided ? What duty was each part to perform ? What was accomplished by General Ross ? What move- ment is made by General Winder ? Who wag secretary of war ? What policy was resolved upon ? Who advances to the relief of Washington ? What order does he receive from General Winder? Which member of the cabinet labors to rally volunteers? What does he propose to Gen- eral Stanbury ? Where are the enemy met ? What is the result? Where do they again rally ? What do they finally decide on ? At what time does Ross reach Washington? What is his conduct? What is the loss on either side ? What was the general conduct of the Brit- ish in Washington? What other places d they capture ? Is the booty large ? What expedition is next undertaken ? What route do they take ? Who commanded the land force? Where did they land? Who com- manded the Americans? Who is detached with an advanced force? What important event occurs in the first skirmish? Who then took command of the British? What manoeuvre is made by Colonel Brooke ? What (is General Smith's determination? What news came from Admiral Cochrane ? What did Brooke decide upon? What was the condition of things on the following day ? CHAPTER XV. Which of the eastern states is invaded ? With what force ? What degrading condition is imposed on the inhabitants ? What inva- sion was made in August ? Under whom / With what result? What occurred at Sto- nington ? What expedition is planned by Sir George Prevost ? With what hopes ? What proclamation did he issue ? What effect did it produce ? What force was employed in the expe- dition? How did it approach Plattsburg .' What skirmish took place on the route " What was the situation of the American army at Plattsburg ? What mistake did Sir Georg*- 489 PART IV.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD n. Provost make? How did he dispose his force ? What was the strength of the respect- ive fleets ? Who commanded each ? What movements were executed during the battle ? What was the result? How many were killed on either side ? What movement was made by the British army ? CHAPTER XVI. What enterprise was carried on in the Pa- cific Ocean? With what success? What force was sent out to capture Commodore Porter? What was his first step ? Where did he meet Commodore Hillyar? How long was he blockaded? What does he then attempt ? How is he baffled ? De- scribe the battle. How many of the crew of the Essex survive ? What is done with Com- modore Porter ? How is he received in New York ? What other naval engagements took place in April? Describe the cruise of the Wasp? What difficulties surround the country? Who is made secretary of war ? What con- vention is proposed by the New England states? What states send delegates? Where does the convention assemble ? How long was it in session? Were the deliberations public? What amendments were proposed to the constitution? What was demanded of the United States ? What did the commis- sioners learn on reaching Washington ? What was the feeling of the country in regard to this convention ? CHAPTER XVII. Where did General Jackson establish his aead-quarters ? Where did the British land arms and ammunition ? Under whom ? What foolish proclamation did he issue ? Describe the situation of the Barratarians, and the gen- erous conduct of their commander. What did General Jackson recommend in regard to Pensacola ? What did he do ? On what day does he enter it ? What decides him to go to New Orleans? What is the situation of New Orleans? What the spirit which prevails ? Who are the distinguished persons who arouse the peo- ple ? In whom do they confide ? Who are employed in the defenses ? Who commanded the force appointed to defend the passes? By whom was it at- tacked ? What was the result? What meas- ures were adopted to prevent intelligence from being carried to the enemy ? What movement is made by General Kean ? What is appre- hended by General Jackson? What meas- ures does he adopt to prevent it? On what day did General Jackson attack the British ? With what result? What were the dispo- sitions made by General Jackson for the de- fense of the city ? What befel the Caroline ? When did Sir Edward Packenham arrive ? What was his first attempt ? With what loss ? What was upposed to be the feeling of the legislature ? What measures did General Jackson adopt ? What took place on the first of January? 490 What reinforcements arrived to General Jack son ? What to the British army ? What was now the relative strength of the two armies ? On what day was the final attack made ? De- scribe the battle. What British generals were wounded or slain? What was the loss on either side ? When did the British evacuate the country ? CHAPTER XVIII. Where was Fort Bowyer situated ? When did it surrender? To whom ? At what time did the news of peace reach America ? Was the treaty ratified? What did it stipulate? What points of difference remained unsettled ? What loss occurred at the mouth of New York harbor? What captures were made by the Americans ? What occurred at the Dartmoor prison ? What other war is immediately un dertaken? For what reasons? How many squadrons are fitted out? By whom com manded ? What do they accomplish ? What example was thus set to other nations ? What measures were taken to secure the friendship of the Indians ? To what force was the regular army reduced ? When was the National Bank established ? With what capital ? What treaties did General Jackson form with the Indians ? When was Indiana admitted into the Union ? When were manu- factories first undertaken in the United States ? What was their condition before the war? What during the war? What soon after? What did the manufacturers ask of con gress ? What was the feeling on the subject in congress? When was the colonization society formed? What were its objects? Who succeeded Mr. Madison ? On what day was he inaugurated ? What Indian treaties were made this year? What state admitted into the Union ? What rendezvous were es- tablished for smuggling and illegal traffic? How were they suppressed? CHAPTER XIX. What was now the object of the adminis- tration ? What spirit animated the states ? Which state took the lead in internal improve- ments ? What did New York accomplish ? Under whose auspices ? What was the wish of congress ? What the opinion of Mr. Mon- roe ? What the final decision ? What improvement had congress caused to be made ? Was this decisive of the right of congress ? Why not ? What states had con- curred in this improvement ? What is said of military roads ? What arrangemenc was made with Great Britain in regard to the ar- mament on the lakes ? What measures were taken to secure the repose on the frontiers ? What gave rise to the war with the Seroinoles ? What further incited the Indians? What act of hostility was committed on the Americans ? What reparation was demanded ? Who was ordered to the scene of action ? What measures did he adopt? What was done with Arbuthnot and Ambrister? On what charges were they tried? What wan PART IV.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD in. their sentence ? When was Illinois admitted into the Union? What commercial treaties were formed ? What provision was made for the officers of the revolution ? What lands were ceded by the Chickasaws ? What means were adopted to civilize the Indians? When was Alabama admitted into the Union ? What other changes were made among the territo- ries? What measure was recommended by De Witt Clinton in 1818? On what was his recommendation based? What action was had by the legislature ? What has since been done by other states? What treaty was ">rmed with the Spanish minister? What were its provisions ? By which of the go- vernments was it ratified? Who succeeded Don Onis ? By what route did he come to America? On his arrival, what did he at- tempt? What was steadily demanded by Mr. Adams? When was the treaty finally ratified ? PERIOD III. AT what time does this Period begin ? When does it terminate ? What event marks its commencement ? What its conclusion ? CHAPTER I. What south-western territory petitioned for admission into the Union ? What restriction was proposed in the bill ? What other terri- tory asked to be admitted ? Were the ques- tions considered separately ? How were the parties formed on this question ? What were the arguments against the restriction? What in favor of it ? What compromise was finally agieed to? Was Maine admitted? What again revived the question of restriction? How was the matter finally disposed of? In what year was Mr. Monroe re-elected ? What was the number of inhabitants in 1820? How many were slaves ? Who was appointed governor of Florida? Who chief-justice? Who was the Spanish governor? What caused a difference between him and Governor Jackson ? What measures does Governor Jackson adopt ? What meas- ures against the press ? How is Florida di- vided ? What act did congress pass ? Was Governor Jackson re-appointed ? What treaty of commerce was made in 1822 ? What troubled the commerce of the West Indies ? What was done to protect it? Who was appointed to command the American squad- ron? To what did President Monroe invite the attention of the American congress? What facts did he state ? What action was had ? To what governments were ministers appoint- ed? In what year? What articles were signed in regard to the slave-trade ? What did they authorize? What is said of the con- dition of the manufactures from 1816to 1824? On what ground was the tariff bill opposed ? On what ground was it advocated '. What fact was conceded ? What measure was finally adopted ? CHAPTER II. By whom was General La Fayette invited to visit America ? On what day did he ar- rive in New York? How was he received? What demonstrations were made of respect and regard ? How was he received at Bos- ton ? What other sections of the country did he visit ? What act of congress testified the national gratitude ? What route did he take from Washington, and what portions of the country did he visit ? In what ship did he return to France ? What is said of Mr Monroe's ad- ministration ? What important events cha- racterized it ? How many candidates appeared in the field for the presidency ? Who were they ? Was either of them chosen by the people ? What does the constitution provide in such an event ? Who was elected by the house of representatives ? What course of policy did Mr. Adams mark out in his inaugural address? What treaty of commerce was formed in 1825 ? What remarkable event occurred on the 4th of July, 1826 ? What on the 4th of July, 1827? ' What is said of free-masonry? What caused the excitement against Morgan? What outrages were committed on him ? What effect did they produce on the public mind ? What committee of investigation was appointed by the legislature ? What did they report? To what political organization did the abduction of Morgan give rise ? What is said of " making political capital ?" What national question again agitated the public mind ? Was a new tariff law finally passed ? What effect did it produce in dif- ferent parts of the country ? To what par- ties did it give rise in South Carolina ? To what celebrated speeches in congress ? What Indian war broke out in 1832 ? What new disease made its appearance this year ? Where did it first show itself? What was its pro- gress and character ? Who was ordered to collect the troops on the sea-coast, and conduct the Black Hawk war ? What sufferings afflict the army ? At what time is the Black Hawk war closed? What is done with Black Hawk and his son? When did the second inauguration of General Jackson take place? What convention was held at Columbia, South Carolina, in November, 1832? What ordinance did this convention pass? Waat did it declare in regard to the tariff laws? What in regard to its own officers ? What did it declare in regard to force to be used by the United States? What to the people of the United States? When and where did the friends of the Union hold a convention ? What manifesto did they issue ? When did the legislature assemble at Columbia ? What measures did General Hamilton recommend? What counteracting measure was adopted by President Jackson ? What was the purport of his proclamation ? How was this procla- mation received by the public ? Who succeeded General Hamilton as gov 491 FAKT I V.I QUESTIONS. [PERIOD in emor of South Carolina? What did he re- commend ? What were the feelings of the Unionists ? What preparations were made by President Jackson ? What was now done by the Nullifiers ? What measure restored tran- quillity ? Who proposed and advocated it? How was the measure received by the coun- try? CHAPTER III. What distinguished person died on the 20th of May, 1833? What difficulties attended the condition of the Indian tribes? Why could they not exist in the vicinity of civiliza- tion ? What were General Jackson's opinions in regard to them ? What does he propose to congress ? What does he declare in regard to the emigration ? How was the plan received by congress ? What tribes remove ? In what years? What agreement did the United States make with Georgia in 1802 ? Had the government fulfilled its obligations? What became of the Indians who emigrated ? What was the feeling of those who remained ? What were some of the results of the in- crease of population ? What were the evils of the proximity of the Indians ? What did Georgia finally decide upon ? How did they proceed? What restrained President Jack- son? What was done in regard to the mis- sionaries ? How were the Cherokees finally removed ? CHAPTER IV. With what tribes of Indians was the great- est difficulty experienced ? What treaty had been made with the Seminoles ? What did they claim under this treaty ? What treaty was made by Colonel Gadsden? What did .this treaty provide ? W T hat did the Indians, sent out for examination, do ? How was this received by the nation ? How soon were the Indians to remove ? On what did General Jackson decide ? Who was appointed agent and sent out to Florida? What did he soon discover ? What decision was made by the war department ? What talk was held with the Indians? How did they appear disposed ? Were they sincere ? What did General Clinch advise ? What was the answer ? Do the Indians ac- knowledge the treaty of Payne's Landing? Who was their principal chief? To what did he owe his elevation ? What was his ap- pearance and character ? What occurred at the conference with General Thompson? How did he afterwards deport himself ? How did the opposition of the Indians first show itself? What effect had this on the friendly Indians? What measures were adopted .by the government ? What expedition was fitted out at Tampa Bay ? What officers belonged to the expe- dition ? Of how many men was it composed ? How far from Tampa Bay before they en- countered the Indians? Describe the scene which occurred. After the first attack, what was to have been done by Osceola? What took place in the afternoon ? Who escaped 492 to tell the story ? By what means ? What sensation did the battle produce ? What did the Seminoles threaten ? Where were the head-quarters of General Clinch ? What force had he ? What march does he undertake? What battle ensued T How was it brought on? Who refused to engage in it? What measures did General Clinch adopt after the battle ? Who was novr appointed to the chief command ? What was the condition of the country ? How is it described in a letter from St. Augustine ? In what service did General Scott first em- ploy the army? What enterprise is under taken by General Gaines ? Describe the route which he took, and the battle which he fought. To what strait is he reduced ? By whom re- lieved ? In what way does Osceola deceive General Gaines? What did he accomplish by this manoeuvre ? When does General Scott leave the command? Who succeeds him? Who is appointed to the permanent com- mand ? How is Osceola captured ? Where does he die? When? What did General Jesup now suppose ? What orders does he soon issue to Colonel Taylor? Through what country do they pass ? Where did they meet the Indians ? What distinguished offi- cer fell in the engagement ? What were his last words ? What was the result of the bat- tle ? What is said of the service in Florida? Who finally takes command to close the war ? On what occasion is General Scott sent to the Creeks ? What had been done by Osceola ? At what time did they begin hos- tilities ? What acts of outrage do they per- petrate ? By whom are they finally subdued? What striking proofs are furnished of their reluctance to surrender to the white man? What treaty was negotiated by Mr. Rives in 1831 ? Who required its punctual fulfillment ? When was Arkansas made a state ? When was Michigan admitted ? What num- ber did this make ? How does it compare with the original number? What opinions are entertained in regard to President Jack- son's administration ? To what do his op- ponents trace the causes of distress? Why ? What bill does he veto ? What did he next do in regard to the deposits in the United States Bank ? Where was the money after- wards placed ? Where was the principal op- position made to these measures ? Who were the leaders of the different parties ? What resolutions were introduced into the senate by Mr. Clay? What subsequent de- cision w;ts made on them ? In what year ? Who succeeded President Jackson? What is said of Mr. Van Buren as vice-president ? What infatuation seized the public mind from 1335 to 1837? What petition was made to Mr. Van Buren? How did he receive it? What was the specie circular? How did it operate? What effects were produced by it 7 What effect had these measures on the pub- lic funds ? How did the president attempt to repair them? What, measures did he recom- mend to congress ? How was it received by PART IV.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD in the people ? What other expedients did the president recommend 1 What was contended for by the adiuunsinuiun us necessary to ensure wonted prosperity ? What was one of the causes of pecuniary distress in New York 1 When did the fire occur? What number of buildings and how much property were con- sumed ? At what time did the banks resume specie payments? What important movement took place in Canada? What force was collected at Navy Island '.' Describe the attack on the Caroline. What was done by the president and the gov- ernor of New York? Who was tried for the murder of Durfee, and with what result? What was the population of the United States in 1840? Who was elected president of the United States ? When was he inaugurated ? How long did he survive ? Who succeeded to the presidency ? CHAPTER V. What was the exciting topic at this time ? What were the opinions of the Whig party ? What reasons did they assign for (hem? What views did the Democratic party take ? What was the object of General Harrison's procla- mation ? Why v did he issue it? When was the Sub-Treasury law repealed ? What bill did the House of Representatives pass ? How did Mr. Tyler act upon if What other bill was then passed ? What was again Mr. Ty- ler's course ? What did the cabinet do ? What was the main feature of the Bankrupt Law? What was the cause of repudiation? How was it regarded by foreigners? From what state did the old United States' Bank re- ceive a charter? Who was the president of this bank? What effects did its failure pro- duce ? What cause of dispute existed between the United States and England? What results were apprehended ? How was the question finally settled ? When did the Philadelphia riots occur? From what causes did they spring ? Give an account of the first outbreak. How many da.ys did the riots continue? What property was destroyed? How many persons were killed and wounded? When were the riots re- newed? What party appeared in Rhode Is- land ? What did they do? What state build- ing did they capture ? How did their conflict with the state authorities result ? What was done with Mr. Dorr? What accident happen- ed on board the Princeton ? What distinguished persons were killed ? How had the large manors in New York been granted? Which was the most exten- sive ? How were they divided ? On what con- ditions were the farms leased ? How did these come to be regarded by the tenants? What first occasioned resistance v on their part ? When and where did serious disturbances breakout? How were the rioters disguised? Give an account of some of their acts. What murder was committed? Who was elected governor? What measures did he take? What was done with the murderers of Steele ? What course did Governor Young pursue with regard to the condemned Anti- Renters? What two states were admitted into the Union ? When ? Who was the founder of Mormonisrn ? What evidence did he give of divine authority ? What is said of his doctrines ? To what state did the Mormons migrate ? What were their numbers? By whom were they expelled ? For what reasons '? Where did they then go? De- scribe their city. What occurred in their neigh- borhood ? How was their leader killed ? Where are they now settled ? CHAPTER VI. What is the subject of this chapter ? Who discovered Texas? When? What nation in consequence claimed the country ? By whom were they opposed ? What was the first set tlement? What seems to have been the wish of the Mexican government? What may be considered the first cause of the Mexican war ? How was Mexico governed by the Spanish kings? What caused them to relax their op- pressions ? When did the first revolution be- gin? Which party was successful? Who was the leader in the second revolution ? What was his fate ? What distinguished person next appeared ? What aspect did he give to the new govern- ment? What arrangement had the United States made with Spain? Where did Stephen Austin settle with his colony ? On what con- dition did the Mexican government admit emi- grants into Texas? Who was the leader of American colonization there? What feelings had the Mexican clergy respecting the emi- grants ? Why was this one of the causes -of our Mexican war? What did the Mexicans believe of the Americans ? With what province was Texas united ? What were the effects of this union ? What was the object of Austin's mission? What was its result ? What did Santa Anna do ? Whom send into Texas? What was the ob- ject of the Texans in arming at this time ? What battle was fought? What fortresses were occupied by the Mexicans ? Which of these did the Texans first capture? Which next ? With what result ? How large was the garrison at the Alamo ? By whom was it attacked ? When did the Texans declare independence? Who com- manded at Goliad ? On what condition did he surrender ? Give an account of the massacre. What followed, at length, from this? What great battle was next fought ? Who was taken prisoner ? What treaty did he make ? Was this treaty allowed by Mexico ? What powers acknowledged the independence of Texas ? What expedition was sent out in 1841 ? What happened to it ? Whose favor did Santa Anna gain? How did he keep his promises ? What place did the Texans attack ? Give an account of the con- flict and the treatment of the prisoners. What presidents objected to the admission of Texas ? On what grounds? By whom was the ques- tion revived ? How did the presidential elec- tion of 1844 result ? Who negotiated the treaty admitting Texas ? What fears had the Ameri- can Secretary of State ? What resolution did congress pass? On what conditions was Texas admitted ? What course did the Mexican minister take ? What had been the conduct of Mexico towards the United States? What treaties were made? What American commander was sent into Texas? Where did he encamp 7 What in- structions were given him ? Who was now president of Mexico ? What measures did he take to prevent war ? What answer was given to Mr. Slidell ? Who displaced Hen-era 1 ? What treaty was ratified by the Senate ? What Was claimed by America and England in Oregon ? On what grounds did the Americans claim the Columbia river? What is remarkable in the Rocky Mountains? What act did Congress pass? How was the difficulty with England settled '. CHAPTER VII. Where was General Taylor ordered ? \Vhat 493 PART IV.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD in. was Mr. Slidell's opinion ? What the opinion of many Americans? What had Congress left undefined ? What might the president infer from this ? When did Gen. Taylor leave Cor- pus Christi 1 When arrive at Point Isabel ? Whom did he leave here ? For what object ? To what point did he now march? Where build a fort ? When did the Mexican government declare war? Was this before or after the first bat- tles ? Who commanded at Matamoras ? De- scribe the attack on Thornton's command. What effect had Taylor's despatch on the na- tion ? What declaration did the president make ? How did Congress respond 7 What plan of indemnity did the president decide upon ? What is said of the extent of the plan of campaign 1 To what place were ships to be sent ? What was the destination of the " Army of the West ?" Of the " Army of the Centre ?" What was the title of Gen. Taylor's force ? To whom did he send for aid ? What was the purpose of Arista's proclamation ? Of Gen. Taylor's ? What intelligence did Taylor receive ? Who brought it ? Give an account of his adventures. What course was adopted by Taylor ? What place did the Mexicans attack ? What was Gen. Taylor's object in marching to Point Isabel? On returning, how did he find the Mexicans posted to oppose him ? How did he dispose his troops for the battle ? What was the result of the conflict ? What distinguished officer was killed? Where did the Mexicans next take their position ? Describe the ground. What gallant action did May's dragoons per- form ? Whom take prisoner ? What valuable captures did the Americans make ? What name was given to the fort opposite Mata- moras ? Why ? How were the news of the victories received in the United States? What did Arista now propose ? Of what place did Taylor take pos- session ? What offer did the president make to Mexico ? To what body was it referred ? In what way was Taylor embarrassed ? What did the War Department order ? What was done at Camargo ? What was the strength of the first division of the army ? When did it march? Describe the country around Mon- terey. Of what was the American force composed? What measures were taken to cut off the Mexican supplies? Who com- manded the attack on the new road thus opened ? What places were first carried ? De- scribe the attack on the Bishop's palace. What attack had Taylor directed ? How were the Mexicans defended ? What place did the Americans succeed in reaching? What did Ampudia DOW propose? What course did Taylor decide upon ? For what reasons ? What action did the president take in the case ? CHAPTER VIII. To what distinguished officer was assigned the duty of mustering the volunteers ? What route did he take? How many recruits were sent to Gen. Taylor? Where were those des- tined for the " army of the centre" concentra- ted ? What is said of Gen. Wool's discipline ? What was his destination? His force? At what place did he cross the Rio Grande ? Describe the difficulties of the march. How was the army regarded by some of the inhabi- tants ? By others ? Of what provinr e was Monclova the capital ? Wlmt tidings did Gen. Wool receive there? What was Gen. Tay- lor's opinion ? His ad vice to Gen. Wool? How was the army received at Parras ? 494 To what place did General Taylor go ? Who captured Tampico ? What general was left at Monterey? What at Saltillo ? Who was now ruler in Mexico? What information was re- ceived by Gen. Worth 7 What message did he send to Gen. Wool ? At what place did Wool's army arrive? What new plan of campaign was communicated to Gen. Taylor? What able officer was to take the command ? What troops were withdrawn from Taylor ? How were Scott's plans made known to Santa Anna? (See side note.) What was Taylor's force ? What was the position of the field of Bueria Vista ? What party had been captured by Minon ? On what day did the battle begin ? Describe the positions of the Americans. When was the first attack made ? The at- tack on Washington's battery ? On O'Brien's battery and the Indiana regiment? What caused the capture of one of O'Brien's guns ? Describe the attack of the Mississippians. By what batteries were they aided ? On what service was Col. May dispatched ? What gallant action did the Mississippi regi- ment again perform ? What was the object of Santa Anna's flag of truce? What warlike movements did he make while secured by this flag ? Against what regiments was the attack now directed? What distinguished officers were killed ? How was the night after the battle spent ? What reinforcements made a remarkable march? What was discovered in the morn- ing ? What measures had Santa Anna taken ? W'hat cruelty was committed on a wagon- train? Who defeated Gen. Minon? Who Gen. Urrea ? What was the effect of the bat- tle of Buena Vista ? Who was left in com- mand on Taylor's return home ? CHAPTER IX. What fleet lay off California ? What direc- tions were given to its commander ? W hat places were taken by Commodore Sloat ? What army officer had arrived at St. John? What had been his employment ? What was his character ? How did the Spanish governor act towards him ? What was Fremont's course ? What did De Castro attempt ? W T ho was ap- pointed governor of California ? Who left in command of the fleet ? What was the object of the " Army of the West ?" Under whose command was it placed ? Of what different bodies was it composed ? Where did the troops assemble ? W T hy was the choice of officers regarded as important ? Who were elected ? By whom were the vol- unteers instructed ? When did the army begin its march ? What rivers cross, and at what place arrive ? Describe the prairies over which the troops moved. The hardships of the soldiers. The fright of their horses. W T hat tidings did Kearny receive? Of what place did he take posses- sion ? How long a march had the army ac- complished ? In what time ? What was Kearny's proclamation ? What oath was taken ? What question was debated at Washington ? Where did Kearny now go ? Who was left governor of New Mexico ? What orders were given to Col. I oniphan ? Mention Kearny's route to the Pacific. How many of the enemy did he encounter? At what place ? W r hat was his loss ? What generous order did he give ? Of what force did he now take com- mand ? U here meet the enemy ? What title did he assume ? By whom was he reinforced ? Describe his route homeward. By whom was he accompanied? What remarkable journeys had he performed ? In what time 1 TART IV.] QUESTIONS. PERIOD III. CHAPTER X. Who arrived at Santa Fe ? At what time 7 What order did Doniphar receive ? What In- dians had shown hostile dispositions 1 Against whom ? How did Doniphan divide his force ? What was the object of Walton's detachment? Describe the sufferings of Doniphan's com- mand. How were Captain Reid and his party re- ceived by the Navajos ? What treaty was made with them 1 In what direction did Doni- phan move ? What desert cross T Where en- counter the Mexicans? What message did they send ? What was the result of the con- flict? What reinforcements reached the expedi- tion ? At what place ? What news did they receive from Chihuahua ? What desert cross ? tiow were their sufferings from thirst relieved T By what force was Doniphan opposed ? Where was it stationed ? Describe the action. What distinguished persons commanded the Mexi- cans ? When did Doniphan enter Chihuahua ? Who preceded him in order to take posses- sion ? How long did the regiment remain here ? By what route did they return home ? What conspiracy was organized in New Mexico? At what places did it break out? What course did Col. Price pursue on receiv- ing the tidings? At what places did he en- counter the enemy? What was the loss on both sides? What Indians showed a hostile disposition? What measures did the govern- ment adopt ? Where send reinforcements ? CHAPTER XL What is the subject of this chapter ? What expedition was resolved upon? Who was selected to command it ? What direction did lie receive ? Why was this necessary ? What was Santa Anna's force ? At what place was his army ? What course might he have taken? What plan did he actually adopt ? What was done by Gen. Jesup ? How many transports were employed? Where was the general rendezvous ? When was the army landed at Vera Cruz? Who was the American chief engineer? When did the bombardment com mence? The surrender take place? What was the American loss in officers ? In men ? Who succeeded Commodore Conner ? What places were captured ? What policy did our government now adopt ? What officers were appointed ? Who commanded the advance ol Scott's army ? At what place was the genera 1 encampment ? How was Santa Anna sta- tioned ? What did Scott's reconnaissance show ? How was this difficulty overcome ? What remarkable order did General Scott publish ? What distinguished officers led the attack What was the Mexican loss? What did Scott's orders direct ? When was Jalapa en- tered? What strong fortress was captured By whom ? What number of prisoners were captured at Cerro Gordo ? When was Puebla entered ? What were the Mexican opinions o the American army ? what place did the advance division proceed 1 What was the condition of the ground on which Mexico was built ? How was the city pproached? What was the result of the econnaissance ? What did General Scott say >f El Pinon ? Over what ground was a new road made ? Vhat lakes were turned ? What two fortifica- ions were in front ? In what direction was a oad now made ? With what object ? What vas the position of Contreras ? Its strength ? What divisions attacked it ? What order was given ? What village captured ? What descrip- ,ion of night succeeded ? What did Persifor F. Smith propose ? Who brought tidings to General Scott ? What aid did he send ? How was the march conducted in he storm and darkness ? Describe the assault. What number of prisoners and guns were taken? What particular pieces of artillery? To what place did the army now move ? What mportant capture had Worth made? What was General Shields' position and duties? What point did Worth attack ? What Twiggs ? By whom were the Mexicans pursued ? How "ar? CHAPTER XIII. What might General Scott now have done ? Give his reasons. At what place were ne- gotiations for peace carried on? What did ;he Mexican government demand"! How did they violate the armistice ? In what direc- tion was Mexico from the American head- quarters 7 Chapultepec ? How were the King's Mills situated? Casa Mata? What was the strength of the Mexican army ? To whom was assigned the direction of the attack on Molinos del Rey? How did the enemy conceal his strength ? Who assaulted the centre of his defences ? What loss did the Americans sustain here? What was done with the enemy's works ? What is the actual position of the " Halls of the Montezumas ?" For what was it now used ? What was the first measure of assault ? When did the bat- tle begin ? What was the signal of attack ? By what divisions was it conducted ? Where did each operate ? How were they aided by the batteries 1 What was Worth's position ? What force did he defeat 1 In what direction pursue the retreat? What orders were given to General Quitman ? What division did Scott accompany ? Why return to < hapultepec ? What had Quitmun's division effected? What did the Mexicans now desire ? What answer did General Scott return ? When was the American flag hoisted over the National Palace ? When did Scott appear on the Grand Plaza ? How was he re- ceived by the troops ? What troubles did the army encounter in the city ? What did Scott's orders enjoin ? What proclamation was made on the 16th ? On- the 19th ? CHAPTER XII. Who was sent by the president as peac< commissioner? Was he successful? Wha was the condition of the army ? What lavs w;is passed by Congress ? When did the army leave Puebla ' What was its strength? Wha force was left behind? How did the army move ? What mountains ascend ? What mag- nificent prospect stretched before them ? To CHAPTER XIV. What was the American force at the entry into the capital ? What probably would have been the result had Scott's army been de- feated? What was now the desire of the Americans ? Where was Colonel Childs besieged ? What force had he ? By whom was Santa Anna en- countered ? What battle did General Lane again fight ? What became of Santa Anna ? Who became president of Mexico ? What did he do? What did the congress appoint? Where was the treaty signed? By whom? 495 PART IV.] QUESTIONS. [PERIOD HI. What course did the United States Fejiate adopt? By what body was the treaty finally ratified ? Give an account of the death of Ex President Adams. Where did General Price encounter a Mexi- can force ? By whom was peace proclaimed at Mexico? What was the first stipulation of the treaty? What was the new bound- ary line ? What was agreed to with regard to the Colorado river ? The Gila ? What choice was left to Mexicans living in the ceded ter- ritory ? What did the United States promise with regard to the Indians ? What price agree to pay for the new territory ? How was it to 496 be paid? What state was admitted into the Union ? When ? When was peace proclaim- ed by President Polk ? What can you say of the return of the army ? Of the loss of life in the war 7 How should the value of money be estimated ? What did it cost to send food to Ireland ? What for the Mexican war? At what time should a nation endeavor to promote universal peace ? Who should be leaders in such a cause ? How has our country acted towards Mexico ? Was such a course necessary ? What method is recom- mended as a means of obtaining UNIVERSAL PEACK